Reviewed by: Ben , from C-Springs

Summary:
I rode the trail on May 31, 03 (Fairly wet spring compared to the last few years, but probably not a whole lot above average compared to "normal"). I note the date because I'd hold off on riding the trail till mid june and the earliest, probably early july is optimal. The water crossings weren't too deep, but there was a small flow going down the trail above 666. The first few miles were loose with gravel, which probably won't get much better due to the number of motorbikes going uphill. The middle 5 miles or so was pretty darn good but may get even better if it gets dried out. As ntoed by other reviewers there is substantial uphill after the first half-mile of downhill. So substantial, that compared to the route review in _Mtn Biking Colorado Springs_, I had all but convinced myself I had missed a turn. The uphill at the 666/667 junction isn't too trivial either, but fortunately fairly short. I plan on re-riding in a few weeks and hope to find the trail is at least 4 star (due to the length of downhill) Regarding technical level, there is no sustained technical work. I wouldn't bring a beginning rider down the trail, but an intermediate will have a load of fun. If you're shuttling cars, you may investigate putting bigger tires and humping armour up the climbs. (I pondered how fast to ride knowing I was miles away from the nearest Ambulance access)

Recommended Route:
At a minimum, link Jones with Upper Jacks, Lower Jacks, the Chutes and the Open space (new trails are appearing here as the old cutoffs have been blocked).

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Per recommended route, if you're shuttling you might as well hook up the trails clear down to the discovery center. Of note is that Lower Jacks and the chutes (on May 31, 03) were in the best condition i've seen them in years (so get to them in the next week or two before they get too loose and dry). The speed bumps, errr erosion bars, have had dirt piled on the uphill side making them decent launches. The recent addition of gravel has also been ground into the soil (and cleared off the high banks).

Reviewed by: eric da dumbass , from manitou springs

Summary:
best ride in the world.

Recommended Route:
FR 379, to sign, take a left at every intersection until jones park, then follow creek through beautifull aspen groves. when you come to a sign that says "no motor vehicles, take a right and climb uphill for a minuete or so, then follow bradburys down to captain jacks, then the chutes.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
pipeline trail!

Reviewed by: pancho , from manitou springs

Summary:
wether you trudge your way up to the top in XC mode, or shutle your downhill rig to the top, this is the best ride in colorado! there are thousands of fun variations, bring a map, and spend hours in the back country riding fast, catching air, getting lost, or just follow the main trail, making a left at almost every turn. lones park is beutifull, no matter the season. oh, that reminds me, unless your into riding through waist deep snow (it can actually be extremly fun, if the snow is hard enough), wait atleast untill mid june to do this ride. oh, and no it is not ALL down hill, but the only ups are short enough that a downhill bike works fine if you dont mind walking a minute or two. invest in a map

Recommended Route:
point your wheel down the fall line, avoid trees, catch air...
oh, did I mention, go VERRRRRY fast!!!

Other recommended trails in the same area:
"thousands of fun variations" but one of the best is the pipeline trail (similiar to the free ride trails of the north shore) but I won't say where it is since i've been sworn to secracy. like i say, just go explore.