The AZSF Hairball Night ride is going on right now. I really wanted to ride it with the gang, but without lights I opted for a daytime ride. Glad I did. That trail would be crazy at night! Props to all who adventure down all that gnar with just enough lumens to make out a rock or two.
I started my ride off right with Aunt Chilada’s for lunch. Then over to Trailhead Bike Cafe for some window shopping and a few supplies: Nuun and a Chocolate Chip Muffin to go.
I had Randy’s track from his favorite loop out in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, I figured that would be a great start. I had not ridden the area since 2001, and I stuck to Trail 100 pretty much back then.
All I can say for now is I’ve been missing out not riding that beautiful piece of land. Now on the the Hairball descent. I’ll let the video Speak for itself…I was not afraid to walk a few spots.
Hairball Part One Hairball Part Two
I planned a sweet lunch ride for today to include some new trails out in west South Mountain. DCX, Ruins, National, Mine Drop… had the makings for some sweet blooming singletrack, steep HAB climbing and wicked loose descending.
But as I got closer and closer to the TH the imminent downpour turned to plain downpour. I was riding right into the storm. I called the audible and flipped a U-turn, heading back to the East Valley where it didn’t look to be raining…yet.
In the car, a couple of hours to kill, surrounded by rain…where to ride? The only place that even hinted to be “less wet” was Silly Mountain. I decided to get there, ride the quick 2 mile loop and call it good. Timing was just right, a slow drizzle started as I approached the TH. I geared up inside the car as the drizzle, drizzled out.
The sun popped out and I took the queue, launched off into the forgotten trails at Silly Mountain Park… the system is fun, about 4 miles of loops, some tech, great views. As I reached the mile mark I saw a spur that looked interesting…so I took it. Fun, loose techy descent followed by pristine singletrack up and around the north east part of the mountain. Fun stuff but I think I was out of the park boundaries.
As I started to make my way back into the park, the rain hit hard. If I had only stuck to my two mile loop, I would have avoided the floods. But there is something to be said for the fun you can have getting caught in the rain. The desert just smells so good right now. The flowers are creeping out, ready to pop over the next week or so.
As I write this the sun is out and it’s clearing up. Just in time for AZSF 2010. I’m looking forward to some good rides the rest of the week.
Queen Creek’s only hill. One mile long, 135 feet gain. I’m ready for Alpe d’Huez! It ends at the Skyline lot of San Tan Park. I rode it as far as I could. Then I rode it two more times. It’s the best I have from my door with only a couple of hours to ride. I didn’t feel like riding to Sacaton…
Video made by out of towners who frequent the state of Arizona for its magical riding. I’ve never met or rode with them, but their video captures the essence of South Mountain and the northern country…and is well made. Enjoy.
My insatiable thirst for steep adventure climbing and descending led me to my next West SoMo adventure… This ride would include three more brand new to me trails (Bajada, Ranger, Marker 33) plus three trails ridden in a new direction (DCX, National, Telegraph Pass).
West SoMo Epic
Map your trip with [...]
Only four days to order your AZSF 2010 T-shirt. Get it now or you will regret it!
But plenty of time to plan your trip out to Arizona for some awesome spring riding with the locals. Visit the this thread in the MTBR Arizona forum for all the details.
March 10-14 – Ride Arizona’s finest [...]
Do you have a list of trails you’ve been meaning to ride for a long time? Ones you just never get to because there is always “somewhere else” to ride? I’ve got a nice long list like that… but yesterday I traversed a loop on the west end of South Mountain that checked off 8, [...]
I’d been wanting to get out to the Goldfields for more exploratory riding for a while. I’ve previously been to the Goldfield Mountains a half dozen times or so, but stayed pretty close to the Blue Ridge area west of Packsaddle road. Then last week I dreamed up a loop to connect a few different [...]
