In the great debate of summer vs. winter, we'd argue that the shoulder seasons are rapidly rising contenders. After all, it's not often that you can combine two of your favorite seasonal sports and shred both white and brown pow in the same day, right? So after conjuring up an epic 3-day, dual-sport adventure that put a unique twist on the Moab classic -- The Whole Enchilada -- duo Adam Craig (a pro biker turned skier) and Josh Dirksen (a pro snowboarder turned biker) set off to experience the rugged beauty of Southern Utah's high desert. What transpired was A Whole Different Enchilada... Read the full behind the scenes story here.
Josh Dirksen
In the world of snowboarding, the name Josh Dirksen conjures up the vision of a perfect heelside turn, and a silky smooth style that riders have sought to replicate for years. Josh’s film segments are timeless, and in recent years his snowboarding adventures have taken him backcountry camping with his splitboard on Central Oregon’s volcanos. After a long, deep winter, Josh, a solid biker, was keen for a trip that wasn’t just about snowboarding.
Adam Craig
One of the most decorated American cyclists, Adam Craig has numerous national titles that date back to his time as a junior cross-country racer. With multiple XC, CX and enduro wins under his belt, Adam has recently stepped away from bike racing into more of a development role with his sponsor, Giant. This move has freed him up to spend time on personal projects and more adamantly chase his second passion: backcountry skiing.
"There's somehow really good flow in this really harsh landscape."
Beginning in the high alpine above the treeline and winding all the way down to the sandstone canyons of the Colorado River at the valley floor, The Whole Enchilada trail system is akin to an amusement park ride. It tells the story of thousands of years of natural activity through its distinguished geology and sprawling, rugged landscapes. Surprisingly rhythmic despite the rough terrain, the trail flowed from winter into summer and yielded a truly magical experience that felt like time traveling.
The spring shoulder season is a perfect time! The temps tend to be moderate and the snowpack more stable. Although Adam and Josh experienced a full range of weather (as seen in the photos above), the weeks before and after their trip were perfect, clear and sunny. In the high desert, it never hurts to be prepared. This time of year, a lot of ski routes are still in and the number of bikers is minimal. This allows you to fully experience the awe, humbling feeling of insignificance and magnificence of Moab. Gear up and get after it!
