Gila River Scramble II Day 1

A great way to start the first mile of your bikepacking trip with your favorite Arizona bikepacking crew...



Add some record high temperatures and you might just bail. The Florence weather was 98 degrees as we were making our turn on to the Diversion Dam Rd.



The heat did cause a few stumbling blocks, like we had to leave later in the day. That meant less riding. That said, it turned out to be a great decision because we arrived at Area 52 with some of the best lighting ever.











Each time I ride out here, I always mumble the same two things: this place is going to be one day famous and why is that I only visit this place twice a year!?

Next three photos by Scott Morris

We found a good path that I had never taken down the east side of the mesa. While stepping up to a small lip, I encountered this guy ready to strike.



Truth be told, I did scream a little bit when I first saw it. Although it was not really close, it’s rattle was going as I was focusing on the move to get up the lip.

We drifted off to the top of Ripsey to set up camp when some amazing lighting really set the mood. I am not sure what it really is about sunsets, but the more I ride a bike the more I can truly appreciate what the sun does every morning and night.



It’s the kind of things you hope for when you are packing your bags…You often find yourself wishing for fun singletrack, gorgeous sunsets, good company and hot food. I was lacking on the last as I watched Scott cook his food that night.



I really need to think about bringing better food on these trips. Day 2 tomorrow.

Sedona (not so) Big Friggin Loop

There are some great pictures and an interesting read from the SBFL this year on the Mountain Flyer website. Check it out here. The decision to change the course to due waters really shortened the course this year. The results are also up on the AES website. Scott raced the 37 miles in an impossibly fast 3 hours, 40 minutes.



Other things related to the Arizona Endurance Series, check out Mike Curiak's video on the Coconino 250 Race.

Touring the Coconino. from lacemine29 on Vimeo.

Ripsey Revisted

Newly built singletrack beckoned some out-of-town visitors, Ty and I to do the Ripsey Segment of the AZ Trail again. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Bike Testing

A friend from Outside Magazine asked if I wanted to try out some of the 2011 big bikes out at the 50-year. It had been since Interbike 2007 since I sat on a rig that was more expensive than my 5k Subaru and the weather was perfect. How could I pass it up?

We mostly rode short, 1-hour loops on the Upper-50, watching and trying to mimic Louis' lines. The camera did not come out as much as it should have, nevertheless, I did manage to take a few notable pictures to summarize the day.

Ripsey

If you are not familiar with the Ripsey Segment of the Arizona Trail, check out the Antelope Peak Challenge 115 mile course (that happened yesterday).

Sometimes it's just easier to let the pixels do the talking.















You can see why this section was voted "Best Ridgeline in Arizona" by me.
























Max said it best as he was doing the 115-mile ride yesterday.."Even the open pit mine (see above picture, background) looks amazing."






Switchback masters needed during this segment. Steep and unforgiving, this is where you learn how to ride a switchback.



The day ended with a recon on some short (albeit sweet) section of the Arizona Trail. In case you ever wondered where your money is going each time you donate to the Arizona Trail Association, look no farther.