Comments noted. We'll see what we can get done to that section in particular before next spring.

It was great meeting up with you today Neil. I'm still trying to figure out the motivation that all of you endurance racers must gather to perform a feat such as the GL. I like bike riding too much to have ever put myself through that. 200 miles in 33 hrs over that terrain will always be impressive in my book. 

Of the 17 mile reroute, about 4 1/2 miles are single track. That being said, the rest rides alot like singletrack typical of PT trail conditions. Oh, did I mention there are also two hike a bikes in there as well? Enjoy!

The new 17 mile reroute has been completed and signed although a map and gpx track will be handy for this and the entire PT. Data can be downloaded from our new site :  westendtrails.org. You can contact me for more specific info if you wish.  pdkoski@gmail.com

The BLM is saying construction can happen as soon as it starts drying out. The first section we tackle will be the NE segment that connects the Delta-Nucla Rd to the original PT route in Coal Canyon and on up to Pinto Mesa. We will still be at the whim of the BLM staff however as they will want one of their people on the ground during any construction. My best guess is we'll start around mid April. We'll open sections as they become finished and signed.  The last section will be the one north of Nucla as that is where most of the sensitive archeological sites are.  Plan on riding the county roads into town from Third Park.  Stay tuned...

Here's an update on the Paradox Trail Reroute. After six years the BLM last Nov granted us permission to construct the 4 miles of inter connecting single track in five locations that will make up the entire 17 mile reroute.  It looks like the State of Colorado will be funding the construction. Hopefully we can start throwing dirt by April and have most of it completed and signed this year.  The project will  also provide a trailhead, parking area and kiosks within a quarter of a mile of Nucla.  The West End is about to get some single track love!      Here's the map of the project.  Pictures of the reroute can be seen on FB at : Paradox Trail and West End Rides in the picture albums section.

Tank up in Nucla. There's a cold beer waiting for anyone making it to town.

Greetings, i suppose it's time I introduce myself. I first meet Scott Morris more than a few years ago at my home in Nucla of all places. He was looking for some practical supply routes for the Grand Loop Race which he was about to embark on so he and i hopped on our bikes and rode out into the backcountry which makes up most of the West End and the Paradox Trail. That was my introduction to Scott and this great website which I try to keep an eye on with the occasional visit and contribution, mostly concerning West End trail conditions.  My current project (besides the long standing Paradox Trail Reroute) is to write about a cross country bike packing trip I took with my brother years ago in the summer of 1966. I was 15 and he was 17.  It was a journey, which has influenced me to advocate for bicycles and trails ever since. Anyway, when it's done I will post it here as historic trivia just to remind us all of the exuberance and idealism of youth.

It has been persistently cool this spring here in the West End and I suspect the snow is still lingering high up not only on the Uncompahghre but in the la Sals as well. I've had a few inquirers about conditions for late spring rides coming through Nucla on the PT. My advise, don't wait for the long sought after reroute, just do it. Either come through Nucla on the "official" trail for supplies or take the old route which is still there, your choice. 

 Seems the Paradox Trail update is becoming a once a year post. For those following this thread,  SHPO did indeed fund the extra archaeological work and most of the field work was performed before the snow flew in November. Right now I'm waiting on payment from the State so we can pay the archaeologist and hopefully receive the reports for the upcoming EA, which will then go to public comment. I won't even speculate when trail construction can proceed. SO, as I mentioned before, the trail is there, enjoy and if you find yourself in Nucla stop by for a chat and a beer. I'm always ready to hear about your trail experiences.
  

The Paradox Trail reroute project is still lost in the bureaucratic quagmire of the BLM Uncompaghre Field Office. After providing the required cultural and biological studies last year, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) has decided to require addition studies on existing and inventoried routes that we have proposed using. At this time we are trying to find about $4,600 to fund these studies. SHPO may have some grants available which we are pursuing. The BLM also wants to make our singletrack proposal an ATV accessible track since the Paradox Trail is essentially a two track trail.
So to make a long story short. Officially, riders are advised to use the through Nucla route between Pinto Mesa and Tabeguache Creek. In reality, the original Paradox Trail  is still there and the signs are still in place. Riders need to decide for themselves which route is best for them.
For riders who find themselves in Nucla, I try to make myself available for trail information plus I appreciate hearing from all riders in our area. I have also begun to stock some bike parts, and tubes should they be needed. My email is :  pdkoski@gmail.com cell. 970 428-2276 

It must be the weather Gods or something, but since the snow is off the Plateau and the riding conditions are still mild on the Kokopelli, I have had four contacts about riders either doing the entire GL or a modified shorter version. Seems like they're all going to be out there next week too following each others' tracks. We'll see if any make it to Nucla. Ride on!!

Hi Mike,
Your plan sounds very "do-able" except for the Hwy 141 ride to Gateway on mtn bikes will feel like quite a slog on pavement. The scenery is superb and you'll make good time. John Brown is quite a grind up but once you make it to the top, all is good. Nucla has only one market and one restaurant (and a beer store) so you will be most welcome when you hit town.  If you have time stop by my shop downtown and say "hi". Would love to hear about your exploits.
P. Koski
pdkoski@gmail.com

It's hard to say when the new singletrack will be ready to construct. The whole project is back in the hands of the BLM due to a couple archeological site issues (they found too many spearpoints out there north of Nucla) Right now we're waiting on the BLM staff to get out there and re-route the re- reroute in three spots. Most of the proposed reroute is on existing two track and can be ridden. For those of you who have experienced West End two track you can expect much of the same...plus a couple new hike-a-bikes.
By the way, this re-route was very necessary as we were caught between a rock and a hard place, one being a very anal land owner and the other a congressionally designated wilderness that is not. It's enough to make even the most patient man 

I've enjoyed reading all the chatter about this year's GL. I have to admire you all for even attempting it. Here's the official dope on this trespass issue along the Paradox. COPMOBA or BLM cannot promote the trail going onto someone's private property when they have told the Feds they want no one one it. That being said, the official BLM map (Nucla Section 1:100,000) clearly shows the trail/road. Whether it gets onto deeded ground is not the issue. Anyone is free to ride that trail. Will there be a mad cowboy waiting with a shotgun? I doubt it as much as there will be a BLM offical waiting to ticket anyone walking their bike across that 800' of boundary line. That area by the way is a sage brush flat at the bottom of that knarly pitch which I've walked more than once. I'm currently talking with the BLM folks about allowing a boundary hiking trail as an alternate proposal. Barb Sharrows immediate response was, "Do you think anyone will really carry their bikes throught there?" She's willing to consider the idea though... Stay tuned.
The kiosks at Naturita, Uravan and up at Buckeye will post the advisory on this issue but will also explain the 1000' of trespass and where it is. I hope most riders will decide for themselves the most practical course to take.
PK