1. The work to ride early in the fall really starts in the summer months. Whether you hike, mountain bike or dirt bike, these are really good tools for exploring the mountains. I use my dirt bike to scout areas that are rock and stump free. Snap a few photo’s so I don’t forget when it’s covered in snow. I spend quite a few summer evenings and weekends on these recon missions.
2. Pick several locations, not just one. Early storms don’t deliver equal amounts of snow to all areas. Look at zones that receive a lot of snow, typically near a ski resort is a good starting point. I like to find logging roads that lead to the alpine and I can drive my truck up. That way if the snow level is high, I can keep driving until there is enough snow to ride. In Colorado the law is there needs to be at least 12 inches on the road to ride it, so keep it legal!