Michael Merrifield began mountain biking in 1984 when he borrowed a friend's bike to enter a race in Salida, Colorado. He held his own on the uphill but crashed 3 times on the gnarly, single track descent. He couldn't believe that people actually rode that stuff. But he was hooked. He saved enough to put a down payment on a Stumpjumper Sport from the TuneUp in Gunnison, and took the bike onto the trails around Gunnison and Crested Butte. Today, Michael lives in Colorado Springs. When he isn't teaching choral music, he roams the state looking for prime single track.
"If you live in Colorado, this book is essential. If you are visiting or even thinking about visiting Colorado, it's also essential!"
---Charlie Kelly, -Bicycle Guide Magazine"
"Michael Merrifield has captured the spirit of Colorado's back country in this guide. His trail descriptions are accurate, humorous, and environmentally sound. 'Gonzo' mountain bike riders, with their tree-trunk sized quads will love this book, so will those of us who do a lot of'pushin' and shovin" as we ride Colorado's single track trails."
--Colorado Lt. Governem Michael Callihan
"Michael's book covers some of the best rides in the state. He has taken the rides that are the locals' choice. These are the rides that define the mountain biking possibilities of a given area."
--~Fred Molhay, Editor-at-Large, ~BicyclingMagazine"
"I like the fact that Merrifield's book covers the whole state. It is accurate and detailed. I believe it to be the most complete and informative guide to Colorado's mountain bike trails. In addition to locals, it will appeal to those who are vacationing in Colorado from out of state.
--Ed Burfie, Ph. D.
