Fruita. Sounds delicious just saying it. But when you venture westward, go there and place your feet on the pedals, wheels in the track and ride; when you feel the moisture sucked out of your body; when the dust creeps in and the taste of the trail permeates your entire being; when you find yourself alone at twilight with the western desert on fire before your very eyes and a few miles of beautiful, empty trail still ahead; when you replenish at days’ end in the company of friends old and new AND the next day presents a chance to do it all over again – only then will you realize this place is magical.

I am no gonzo MTBer or gear geek. Sure, full-squishy wonderbikes are de rigueur in Fruita (and the rest of the MTB world for that matter). I suppose they’re nice. Maybe I should ride one sometime. But, you see, I love my 1X1, thank you.

This was my second time in Fruita for the Fat Tire Fest. My first trip out I almost took the bike with its rigid fork and all. Some friends talked me into installing a Reba. I can fully appreciate that slice of technology, but it never crosses my mind to bemoan a single gear. I don't find myself wanting to curse my way up the occasional steep climb I’ve had to hop off and walk. Admittedly, I chuckle to myself a little when a rider is trailside with a geared bike upside down trying to fix some drivetrain snafu. Sure, I help out, but after I gently rub it in that I haven't been experiencing any derailleur problems ...

Some folks I’ve talked to dismiss singlespeeding as a dying fad or an outright exercise in futility. While I’ll admit I pride myself in learning to do well many things others regard as senseless or impractical, I’d argue the Zen-like joy of singlespeeding is neither. But I don’t need to convince you. Even though sometimes it seems to me that most of those left in the singlespeed mountain crowd have moved onto exotic materials and custom frames, I figure they’re still grooving for the same reasons. They’re grinning too when they fly past a geared rider on a climb or ride up on someone’s fully suspended arse on a descent.

Fancy singlespeeds that cost more than all the cars I’ve ever owned sure look purdy and I bet they ride nice, too. But I’ll happily spend my money on beer and more bike bits. The 1X1 rocks – still, after all these years. I was reminded of that yet again in Fruita a couple of weeks ago. If you get the chance to go, do it. Just don’t be afraid to run what you brung.

A view from Rustlers, the perfect casual wind down loop before heading back to the car.

Brother Nick showing us all how it's done aboard the Karate Monkey. On and off the trail, he was on his game all week.

You can check out more photos. (Sorry ... titles coming soon.)

Special thanks to Troy and Sarah, as well as the entire staff and crew at Over the Edge. Your hospitality, friendship and kindness are a big part of what make this grand industry of ours go 'round.