CAPTAIN EHAB
MOAB utah // MARLBORO POINT, captain ahab TRAIL
Nights out: 2 Miles driven: 534 Soundtrack: mac miller - circles
On my own agenda.
Day 1
As of March 1, 2026, the BLM started allowing eMTBs on most trails in the Moab area. It was only fitting that I packed up my Yeti LTe and hit the road. I intentionally wanted to go solo for some time to do whatever the hell I wanted, whenever I wanted. I planned to stay up late, take photos, watch the stars, and ride my bike. On my own agenda.
After peeling off the highway around 2 PM, I didn’t see or hear another human for over 24 hours. With my campsite perched at the edge of a huge cliff, I sat on a rock, read a book, and waited for the warm evening light to scrape across the canyon walls.
Darkness hit, and the reality of being alone in the great outdoors without cell service or another human within earshot sank in. I lit the fire pit, and all was well. I could rest easy with a bit of glow and warmth.
Day 2
At sunrise, I had nowhere to go and nothing to do, so I took my damn time. I read, took photos, cooked breakfast, and made 3 cups of coffee that I enjoyed overlooking my cliff. I packed up camp and went exploring. Looking for the next night’s camping spot. During the search, I stumbled upon an arch, a small slot canyon, and some pictographs. All of which I had driven past without noticing.
It was time to go ride bikes. I cruised through town on my way to Captain Ahab, stopping for some Maverik Ranchero beef and Cheese Tornadoes to fuel up — Helth. I geared up, turned on the e-bike, and hit the trail. I assumed everyone I passed hated that I was on an eMTB. Turns out it was all in my head. I had no bad interactions and thoroughly enjoyed my day on one of my favorite trails in the state.
Stopped at Proper for some nachos and a cheesecake to go. I hadn't eaten all day, and my dinner looked like something a 6-year-old would pack in their lunchbox — cheesecake, nachos, half of a Maverik burrito, 3 beers, and of course a handful of Jelly Bellies. That concoction stayed down for all of about 14 minutes before I frantically fought the tent zipper and stuck my head out for blast off.
Day 3
The day started with a shovel and a rag, cleaning up the previous night’s cuisine. That was followed by bacon, photos, and yet another Maverik pit stop. The solitude had recharged the batteries.
