Ride Utah! By Dave Magdiel
Maverick - Jan 8, 2009

Dave Magdiel’s fascination for motorcycles and the open road is apparent in his colorful descriptions of Utah’s many journeys and destinations. He credits his father for teaching him how to ride and instilling “a passion for life on two wheels.”  

The Author’s ability to see things that others may not see is a product of his appreciation for people, places, the open road and adventure. Add to that his military training and experiences which taught him the value of paying attention and you have an author uniquely qualified to present fascinating details about motorcycling in Utah. 

His compelling descriptions are forthright and thoughtful. He weaves his sense of humor into anecdotal stories of people, places, and local history. Although brief, one must pay attention, to his presentation, just like when riding a motorcycle.

Ride Utah! was written primarily for motorcyclists seeking adventures within the Utah landscape. But others, including those who have traveled the great State of Utah and those who have simply entertained the notion of traveling in the State, will also enjoy the “ride.” The Author’s style is engaging and before long you can hear the engine, smell the roses, and visualize the vistas that can only really be experienced from the back of a motorcycle.

Ride Utah! is the Author’s presentation of twenty-six plus rides and alternative routes. Most trips range from a couple hours to a full day. Ride Utah! is broken into three regions: Northern Utah, Central and Eastern Utah, and Southern Utah. Within these regions, adventures are presented as “rides” (a ride with a distinct start and end point) or “loops” (a ride that begins and ends in generally the same place). For each adventure, readers will find a map (including mileage), route description, highlights along the way, reference to and sometimes discussion of historical highlights, lodging including camping, and services including fuel for your scoot and recommended eateries for motorcyclists.

Following is an example of the Author’s literary style…and what you can expect throughout the book.  In describing a portion of Bear Lake Loop, Dave puts it this way:

“A couple of miles past Temple Fork Road (at mile marker 390) you will come to Ricks Springs, an interesting place to stop and poke around. Set back in a small cave just off the highway, water flows from underground into a small, crystal clear pool and runs off into the Logan River. Thought by early pioneers to be a natural artesian spring, it is actually an underground aquifer that draws water from the Logan River through the cave and dumps back into the river on the surface. 

Five or six miles beyond Ricks Springs is the cutoff to Tony Grove Lake. Look for a sign marking the cutoff. If you get to Red Banks campground, you’ve gone too far. Turn around and double back a half-mile or so and you’ll find it. This cutoff is a worthwhile side trip. It’s a seven-mile road, all paved, winding up the mountain to a beautiful glacial lake. You’ll find Tony Grove is a good place to stretch your legs, take pictures, have a picnic or cool your feet.”

The Author’s descriptions provide substantial stimulation for readers to plan and anticipate their own journeys. Detailed routes, geology, terrain and climate characteristics, Utah vistas, recommended stops for fuel, maintenance, rest, and relaxation, history lessons and riding tips co-mingle through out Ride Utah!

As a bonus, readers will benefit from ten brief articles with subjects including: safety, riding responsibly, preparation for riding, facts about Utah, and motorcycle laws. 

After reading Ride Utah!, if the reader has not been to Utah, I have a feeling he or she will not be satisfied until riding Utah is a reality! I have traveled (hiked, bicycled, in a cage and via motorcycle) Utah.   After reading Ride Utah!, the next ride in Utah will be extra special!