Tom’s Thumb C2C2C
I set out for an epic, and epic is what I got. Since my first climb up Tommy Boy, all I could think about was climbing it again. Last time I opted to ride down East End and hook up with Bell pass for a nice double bypass. Still I wondered what the north side of Tom’s Thumb was like… and how it would feel to do it all in one ride…
Here are the stats from this epic ride:
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14.4 miles
5,420 feet climbing elevation
104 switchbacks (52 one way)
40 climbing switchbacks cleaned
50 descending switchbacks cleaned
Moving time 3:05
Total time 4:03
4 sets of leg cramps (both quads, both hams same time on the very last 1/2 mile climb out to Windgate)
Major Tom, Tommy Boy, Tom Tom, Tommy Burger with Chili, call him what you want, he’s an animal. He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry. He’ll push you to your limit and then further. He’ll give you almost all the climbing of the Quadruple Bypass in only 14 miles!
Vids all shot with the VholdR strapped to my downtube with this makeshift mount. Don’t mind the squeaky monkey on my rear shock. I’m so used Curious George I hardly notice him anymore. But he get’s old fast in the vids.
Something went screwy with the Camera and I missed the entire switchback section coming back down Tom’s Thumb on the South side. It was the funnest downhill spot of the ride, I made some crazy switchbacks…and no one to see them. Better get up there yourself and see it first hand. Bring you legs though, ‘cuz there aint no thumbin’ your way to the top.
Tom’s Thumb C2C2C
Down the north side of Tom’s Thumb. Part 1:Part 2 down North Tom’s. Again don’t mind the squeaky shock. It’s a 2006 Rock Shox MC3R, that needs an overhaul…or better yet replaced with a FOX Float RP 23…Fun Section of North Tom’s coming back to East End. Pimping the LiveStrong Foundation. Donate to my Team Fatty LiveStrong page!
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I will ride the Gnardruple. I will. It sounds to punishing not to. I’m actulaly toying with teh idea of an Octuple Bypass…stupid crazy I know, but a dream nonetheless.
I rode FINS out on the west side as well as another local trail. Didn’t give the Goat a go. I am bummed that they are widening everythign down low. That HAB was fun, challenging indeed, I attempted to ride it everytime. I was making good progress, now it’s gone. As long as they do not touch the Goat Camp downhilll. That would be a serious crime against the trail.
Let me know if you plan a Gnardruple again.
The “Gnarduple Bypass” was awsome! 37 miles – 7400 ft climbing – 7 hours
Did you get to ride Goata Camp? I heard parts of it are being sanitized.
Thanks for the invite, but I’ll be on the West side of Phoenix with family for the holiday weekend. I only get out there twice a year but I bring the bike and get to ride Goat Camp and FINS. I heard there is a new secret trail out by FINS now too, so I’ll be looking for that.
Enjoy the punishment of a Tommy Boy Quad. I can’t wait to give that a go myself.
If you don’t have a ride already planned for saturday (the day after xmas) a friend and I are going to be doing a quad bypass starting with tom’s thumb. You’re welcome to come if your up for some seriouse punishment! Were going to be startin pretty early, like 7:00ish, at Thompson Peak and Bell.
Thanks for the comments Shane. Get your bike here and hit the trails with us soon. The annual spring fling is only a few months away…March 10-14, 2010. Read up on last years event…
Mike
Great video. Arizona mountain biking is the best one earth. I was stationed in Tucson back in the 90s and thats where I fell in love with MBing. I prefer your helmet mounted videos because I can take a break at work and ride a trail. The riding here in West Texas is good, but it is eclipsed by the incredible riding you are blessed with. I’ve ridden in the UK and in Turkey, but AZ is simply the best in my limited opinion. Thanks so much for your website, I’m planning on loading up MB and heading out there to hit those great trails at some point in the future.
The only way up is to climb… but it’s so worth the effort. I really like the chest mount view too. Maybe I can fashion one myself out of household supplies….
I opened up fat tire book and saw the MSP maps. That place has really peaked my imagination. I enjoyed the videos. Do you have to climb all that goodness to be able to roam down it? I have been hearing a lot about those trails in the MBTR forums. I want to hit the trails you were on. Thanks for the videos. Do you have a “chesty” mount for your contour? Thanks Brian
I think it’s a pretty cool angle. More fun rigging things up.
I take movies by strapping my phone to my belly. Kind of more interesting than the same old helmet cam.
Yes, the trick was in the lever. A couple of turns with that bad boy and it is rock solid. Then I needed to secure the lever… the zip tie did the trick, and the duct tape was just a precaution.
The rubberband was also vital, On my last makeshift mount I took a jump and the VholdR fell right out of the Goggle Strap. (saved from destruction by the security connector). One of these days I’ll buy a proper mount.
Angry quail… I guess I should wear a vest during quail hunting season :)
Great videos. Your makeshift mount seems very secure. Is that because you crank down the Pedro’s lever? That shock sounds a little like an angry quail is chasing you down the mountain.
nice photo. Wondered how this trail got it’s name, you answered that question.