CRESTED BUTTE, CO - Mountain biking the 403 trail in Crested Butte.
The 403 Trail was not high on my list of priorities for the Outdoor Gold CO Shred, but a short conversation was a rider at the parking lot for Dr. Park a boom for its stock. At his recommendation, he suggested to ride up Snodgrass, Washinton Gulch Road, and then to 403 and thats what I did.
Unlike Dr. Park, 403 was a much different trail. With dry conditions and weeks without rain, I found 403 to a be black diamond trail with double black diamond conditions. I had to set my speed to match conditions and the very unpredictable nature of this trail. There seemed to be many red herrings on the blind turns and it was hard to plan the next move. I did appreciate the steep and natural challenges this trail presented.
403 is too short, 401 is also too short. You should combine both 403 and 401 in the same ride. It would be a big day, but worth the effort.