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At the end of October 2005, I did my third White Rim ride.  My brother, Bryan, organized the trip and the whole family traveled to Utah.  Bryan, his wife, Julie, my brother, Kevin, my parents, Joanne and Dennis, and friends, Barry, Topher, and Coy all came along.  It is a 100 mile ride in Canyonlands National Park.  While the riding is not technical, I frequently dismounted just to admire another spectacular view.  The following pictures were expertly taken by my brothers.  If you are planning your own White Rim ride, check out this list of gear to bring.

 

The group gathered for a pre-ride picture at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.  Topher, the Greatest Support Vehicle Driver Ever (one of his lesser-known titles), once again drove his truck packed to the brim with all of our gear.  My mom, who preferred to do more hiking than biking, managed Topher's iPod.  She often started walking in the mornings until Topher caught up with her.
 
The descent from Horsethief Trail down to Mineral Bottom on the Green River.
 
We arrived at Labyrinth in the rain, and even had to hold an umbrella over the post-dinner Scrabble game.  In the morning, we awoke to a gorgeous sunrise and didn't see rain again for the rest of the trip.
 
Megan, Coy, and Barry taking a break.
 
The White Rim trail is relatively flat, save for a few rigorous climbs.  One of the longer climbs is the ascent to the top of Murphy's Hogback.  After we all walked, rode, or drove up there, it was time to open a bottle of wine for our second lunch stop.
 
Our second night was at the coveted White Crack campsite.  Bryan had done this ride four times before and never stayed at this camp so we all felt pretty lucky to have one of the more dramatic views of the ride just steps from our tents.  Here's my Dad approaching the edge of the overlook.
 
While we were snacking at Musselman Arch, Topher wheeled himself to the middle of the arch.  My mom, who is terrified of heights, bravely decided to walk out and offer him some gummy bears.
 
After reaching the top of a small rise, we stopped  to check out the view below.
 
The rain that we had the first night left a fresh snowfall on the La Sal Mountains. 
 
The group (minus our photographer, Bryan) posed for a photo at the Gooseneck Overlook.  This was our last stop before our final climb up the Schafer Trail and back to the visitor center.
 
Unfortunately the trip ended on our fourth day, and we had to divide up the gear and pack the vehicles for everyone's drive to their respective homes.  With the limitless hiking opportunities and beautiful views, this is a trip that I could happily make many times.
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