[TransitionSenior]

We're heading for Tucson Wed. March 7 and want to ck out A52.
Anybody going to be out there Wed/Thurs Mar 7/8 to ride with? Likely boondock nearby ; and have a Jeep for access. Cheers. TS

 

[clockwork]

Area 52 is near florence. Doubt you will find anyone that just happens to be out there. There is no trails and its a ways off the beaten path. Mainly a freeride playground with big rollers natural drops/spines ect.

 

[TransitionSenior]

thanks; thot I'd try to see if someone who knows the area just might like to meet up with us; looks like a sweet area from the vids I've seen.
cheers.TS

 

[arizonaglider]

You sure get around the state. Looking forward to riding at GC Tuesday

 

[TransitionSenior]

RIGHT; and i'll likley have the new Transition Bandit 29; building it Monday.
cheers
TS
Transition Bicycle Company; Senior Ambassador

 

[azepicriderandrunner]

You will see some tracks...we were just out there. They might help you find your way as going out there without a guide is very, very hard. Do you have a GPX route of the place?

 

[icegeek]

I'm toying with checking out this place as part of AZSF next week. What is the drive time from there to the Tucson & Phoenix area rides?

 

[eatdrinkride]

Just to throw out some info on this place...

Don't go out to Area52 expecting to "ride" your bike like you normally ride your bike. I went out there a few years back and we had a good time, but there are no "trails" to speak of. It's a playground I guess, if you can find the playground areas. Expect lots of scree(sp?), HAB and expect an adventure. If you are the type who is looking for an adventure for a day then you will have a good time. If not then you will likely not have a good time.

Just to make it clear, I am no freerider whatsoever. So I probably didn't find the good stuff b/c I can't ride that kind of stuff. I did find some 2 to 3 footers to flat to play around on but all in all, it was fun but I've never felt I needed to go back. Just some food for thought for those who have never been.

 

[TransitionSenior]

thanks all; i'll do a post on return to AJ.
TS

 

[azepicriderandrunner]

Just to throw out some info on this place...

Don't go out to Area52 expecting to "ride" your bike like you normally ride your bike. I went out there a few years back and we had a good time, but there are no "trails" to speak of. It's a playground I guess, if you can find the playground areas. Expect lots of scree(sp?), HAB and expect an adventure. If you are the type who is looking for an adventure for a day then you will have a good time. If not then you will likely not have a good time.

Just to make it clear, I am no freerider whatsoever. So I probably didn't find the good stuff b/c I can't ride that kind of stuff. I did find some 2 to 3 footers to flat to play around on but all in all, it was fun but I've never felt I needed to go back. Just some food for thought for those who have never been.

Is your profile pic from Area 52?

I love the place, but mostly for the photo side of it. I just got back from a bikepacking trip that covers most of the eastern side of the place. Fun stuff. I should also say I am an XC rider and have been there ~8 times in the past 4 years.

I would not go out there without a guide.

 

[eatdrinkride]

Is your profile pic from Area 52?

I love the place, but mostly for the photo side of it.

Ha! As a matter of fact it was taken out there. Funny I didn't make that connection with this post. I can see how it would be a great photo place. It's unique. You've got the 4 Lane Highway, some rock formations and some pretty good views from up top.

 

[azepicriderandrunner]

thanks all; i'll do a post on return to AJ.
TS

Post up some pics from your ride too. Somewhere on AZMTBR I have posted up a tribute to Area 52 with all my pics from there.

 

[[email protected]]

Hey all I just move here a few months back and Area 52 looks like a super cool place -- I can't seem to find much on where it is other than "East of Florence". Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

[eatdrinkride]

i have a gps file, not sure if it will load on here properly. You'll need Mapsource I believe to open it, or something to open .gpx files. You'll need directions from a regular.

Basically take the Florence Kelvin hwy and take a left up Donnely Wash. It is a wash. 4wd recommended. It can be sandy.

 

[motovita]

Hey all I just move here a few months back and Area 52 looks like a super cool place -- I can't seem to find much on where it is other than "East of Florence". Can someone point me in the right direction?

I'm close by in Florence and frequent the "area". It's mostly beyond my abilities on an MTB, but I could buzz out there on my moto and get you started. It's the kind of place that you need to study for years before you really know it. And it's as much hikin as bikin,
I'm a snowbird and will be leaving in a couple of weeks.

 

[azepicriderandrunner]

From our trip there last weekend with bikepacking gear. :thumbsup:

 

[TransitionSenior]

thanks for the pics; azepic. makes me want to go there even more!
So; we had a foiled attempt to get there last week; stopped at the dam and told we could not use that road. so we headed on to Tucson and rode 50/Milly/Peppersauce....,great time
Planning to return Thursday March 15 if anyone going, pls let me know so we could follow you to get there etc. cheers. TS

 

[azepicriderandrunner]

thanks for the pics; azepic. makes me want to go there even more!
So; we had a foiled attempt to get there last week; stopped at the dam and told we could not use that road. so we headed on to Tucson and rode 50/Milly/Peppersauce....,great time
Planning to return Thursday March 15 if anyone going, pls let me know so we could follow you to get there etc. cheers. TS

Cross the creek from the Box Canyon side. The water is 150cfs right now. :thumbsup: or drive in from the southside if you have a 4x4.