I DNF'd an attempted quad.
We started with a nice roll out onto the Tom Thumb trail that rapidly tested one's climbing mojo.
It is a beautiful climb to see in the distance above. The temps were cool and the weather was beautiful.
I walked a lot and enjoyed the plentiful switchbacks. I also enjoyed riders below my enjoying the same:)
We regrouped at the peak, fueled and set off down the East something trail to connect to Bell Pass. This was a sketchy, steep, loose, switchbacky trail and was a total hoot. Definitely tested the brakes.
Regrouped minus the Specialized race crew and headed up Bell. Nice and short, with a bit of hike a bike.
The photos stop here for me as we bombed down Bell, Paradise, Lost Dog and Ringtail. The latter three were longer, rockier and with more climbing than I remembered.
At the start of the Sunrise climb, Chris's legs locked up and I sent him back to the car via road at the Lost Dog trail head. I continued to attempt Sunrise, but honestly was feeling a bit weak in the legs although everything else felt good.
I probably hike-a-biked 1/2 of Sunrise which was a real disappointment as it is supremely rideable when I'm fresh.
At the top, the lead group was encouraging that I was only 5 minutes behind, but I was the writing on the wall.
I enjoyed the Sunrise descent down the back side, and thought I was in for the loop until I really struggled up a 100 yd rise at the end of the descent. Climbing that made me realize I was done. Not enough long days in the legs to finish this ride.
Called Chris at the bottom of Sunrise: He was at the car. The decision was almost too easy: Coast down Via Linda to the pick up, or turn left and climb up Dixie Mine to Windgate?
Maybe next time. Stopping at this moment was definitely the right call.
Thanks for everyone who guided and encouraged.
5 comments:
I'm going to be in Phoenix at the end of next month with MTB in tow. I'll have time for a longer ride on Saturday and maybe another short one on Sunday morning. What would you recommend?
There is so much good riding, but me recommendations depend on what you like to ride:
Chunky or smooth?
Scary or flowy?
Rigid (aka road bike with big tires)
Or suspension (aka mountain bike:))
It also somewhat depends on where in Phx you are. You can drive over an hour from one side to the other.
I personally love National trail at South Mountain. It is a very fun ride, with very unique, Sonoran terrain and challenging features.
My other favorite if you like steep climbing is one or the other of the passes noted in this post in the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale.
Staying at the Hyatt Place Phoenix North, which I think is pretty close to middle of town. Was thinking of something out in McDowell area. I have a friend in Scottsdale that I was going to try and ride with, so that would be convenient for him. I've also heard good things about National trail.
I'll be on my hardtail 29er. I prefer flowy to scary but don't mind chunky at all.
If you're around and want to meet up/play tour guide, lemme know.
great riding with you again, your enthusiasm was a nice little boost during some of the suffering. good capture of the bigness of the TT climb - who is that red dot?
You will love the Mcdowells. I would love to show you around. email me with the dates. It is unlikely I will get a day off to ride, but one never knows.
I would recommend the new route up Tom's Thumb, then maybe down Bell pass and out. That is a nice 2-3 hour ride. Tons of climbing and super sketchy downhill in one portion. A very nice desert ride.
National is worth a visit if you can get there.
There is also Sunrise which is a very fun 1/2 hour climb to the top.
Email me at enelnelson @ yahoo.com and I can send you some maps.
Jason: I am uploading a couple vids you will like I think.
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