[zinger-uk]

Hi All,

I'm arriving on vaction to Phoenix from England on 26th nov, before i head on up to flagstaff / sedona i've got the 27th to do a ride somewhere in phoenix area

Do your trails get very busy on Sunday's, are there trails best avoided on the weekend ? - I was thinking of going and riding pima & dynamite - but will there be loads of dirt bikes on a sunday ?, 2nd choice would be south mountain to do national->telegraph->desert classic - but is that over run with hikers, horses etc

If any one has any answer's or alternative suggestions please let me know

 

[yetisurly]

My favorite ride, (on a free Sunday anyway) is the Scottsdale Greenbelt south to Tempe. Park bike at Rula Bula and have a pint or two. Ride over to Casey Moores and get another, then bomb to S. Mountain, (National/Morman/Corona Loma/Desert Classic) and then back to Rula Bula and have another pint. Ride back to you car, or take a nap along the greenbelt somewhere..

 

[rockhead]

Trail 100 of course!

 

[Dirdir]

Hi All,

I'm arriving on vaction to Phoenix from England on 26th nov, before i head on up to flagstaff / sedona i've got the 27th to do a ride somewhere in phoenix area

Do your trails get very busy on Sunday's, are there trails best avoided on the weekend ? - I was thinking of going and riding pima & dynamite - but will there be loads of dirt bikes on a sunday ?, 2nd choice would be south mountain to do national->telegraph->desert classic - but is that over run with hikers, horses etc

If any one has any answer's or alternative suggestions please let me know

Here is my take. First, I do not consider myself the best authority on Phoenix trails. I live here, and ride 90% of the time here, but 90% of those rides are at T100. As you probably know, National is the premier Phoenix trail. If I was riding just one day here, I would do National. The loop you suggested is a great ride. There are other great rides that also incorporate National. One coveat that I have learned to give when suggesting National is to warn people that plan to do it for the first time that it is not an easy trail. Also, bring lots of water. National is one of the more crowded trails. However, I don't think it will be too much of an issue. I would not be swayed because of potential crowds.

Pima & Dynamite - I don't really like this area. Granted, I have not riden it too much and I readily admit that I have not given it its fair chance of exploration to have an informed decision. Nonetheless, I hate it. If you go, I would go with a guide/partner that knows the area well. Not because you can get lost easily, although it is possible, but to ensure that you do the best trails available. The area is extensive and you could end up doing sand pit after sand pit of hell.

Pass mountain may be a great choice. Its not a long trail (I think it is an 8 mile loop), but it takes its toll. Good views, not many hikers at all, a nice downhill. Just good fun. Not a beginner ride.

T100 area - this area is my backyard. Many nice side trails and routes. Nothing spectacular, but very central with a large variety of trails. I volunteer to show you around on Sunday, subject to family plans (they are in town, but I have no idea what, if anything, we are doing). Needless to say, I plan on riding at some point on Sunday.

PS: I did a 6 month stint in Wimbledon, so I can speak the language. I also have some very good Limey friends, so I know what to expect from you bunch.

 

[waltaz]

Hi All,

I'm arriving on vaction to Phoenix from England on 26th nov, before i head on up to flagstaff / sedona i've got the 27th to do a ride somewhere in phoenix area

Do your trails get very busy on Sunday's, are there trails best avoided on the weekend ? - I was thinking of going and riding pima & dynamite - but will there be loads of dirt bikes on a sunday ?, 2nd choice would be south mountain to do national->telegraph->desert classic - but is that over run with hikers, horses etc

If any one has any answer's or alternative suggestions please let me know

Hi zinger, and welcome to Arizona.

First of all, forget Pima & Dynamite - it's not worth your one Phoenix area ride. And yetisurly was kidding.

Some questions before suggesting a ride:
- Where will you be staying after you get in and before you head up north? That can help narrow down your choices.
- Are you looking for a nice, get your legs back under you after travelling ride or something harder? The National ride you mentioned is definitely an area classic, but maybe you want something a little mellower to start with.
- Your skill level can handle anything, correct? (I think I recall seeing that, plus the Brits I've ridden with seem to love bashing themselves to pieces on whatever)

Depending on where and when you end up riding on Sunday, I'd be happy to hook up with you and help show you around.

Walt

 

[yetisurly]

[ And yetisurly was kidding.


Not. Remember your "sandbagger" comment. Wuss.

 

[FastrThnU]

Pima and Dynamite

Here is my take. First, I do not consider myself the best authority on Phoenix trails. I live here, and ride 90% of the time here, but 90% of those rides are at T100. As you probably know, National is the premier Phoenix trail. If I was riding just one day here, I would do National. The loop you suggested is a great ride. There are other great rides that also incorporate National. One coveat that I have learned to give when suggesting National is to warn people that plan to do it for the first time that it is not an easy trail. Also, bring lots of water. National is one of the more crowded trails. However, I don't think it will be too much of an issue. I would not be swayed because of potential crowds.

Pima & Dynamite - I don't really like this area. Granted, I have not riden it too much and I readily admit that I have not given it its fair chance of exploration to have an informed decision. Nonetheless, I hate it. If you go, I would go with a guide/partner that knows the area well. Not because you can get lost easily, although it is possible, but to ensure that you do the best trails available. The area is extensive and you could end up doing sand pit after sand pit of hell.

Pass mountain may be a great choice. Its not a long trail (I think it is an 8 mile loop), but it takes its toll. Good views, not many hikers at all, a nice downhill. Just good fun. Not a beginner ride.

T100 area - this area is my backyard. Many nice side trails and routes. Nothing spectacular, but very central with a large variety of trails. I volunteer to show you around on Sunday, subject to family plans (they are in town, but I have no idea what, if anything, we are doing). Needless to say, I plan on riding at some point on Sunday.

PS: I did a 6 month stint in Wimbledon, so I can speak the language. I also have some very good Limey friends, so I know what to expect from you bunch.

I have to agree with Dirdir here, if I was going to only do 1 trail in the Phoenix Area, I would suggest just about anything before Pima and Dynamite.

In order, I would recommend these before P&D.

1. South Mountain - Depending on your ability, either do National, Javalina or Desert Classic.
2. Hawes area
3. Trail 100 - Starting near Dreamy Draw entrance, heading east

And 2 & 3 are both great, not like one is a lot better than the other. I would hate to give either of them up. Hawes is technically not Phoenix, but it's not too far of a drive.

Richard

 

[Dirdir]

Hi zinger, and welcome to Arizona.

First of all, forget Pima & Dynamite - it's not worth your one Phoenix area ride. And yetisurly was kidding.

Some questions before suggesting a ride:
- Where will you be staying after you get in and before you head up north? That can help narrow down your choices.
- Are you looking for a nice, get your legs back under you after travelling ride or something harder? The National ride you mentioned is definitely an area classic, but maybe you want something a little mellower to start with.
- Your skill level can handle anything, correct? (I think I recall seeing that, plus the Brits I've ridden with seem to love bashing themselves to pieces on whatever)

Depending on where and when you end up riding on Sunday, I'd be happy to hook up with you and help show you around.

Walt

Again, since everyone here is bashing Pima & Dynamite, my take on it is based on very little actual riding out there. Moreover, I have heard from several others that there is some really good rides out there. I would be willing to go with an open mind guided by someone that really knows the area.

Some estimated driving times to the rides mentioned from downtown Phoenix. To:

SoMo/National - 15 minutes
T100 - 15 minutes
Hawes - 40 minutes
Pass Mountain - 45 minutes
Pima & Dynamite - 35 minutes
McDowell Park - 45 minutes

I would love to post up a T100 Mafia ride and invite you along as long as Walt does not go. He don't like me.

 

[utahlife]

zinger-uk,

How long will you be in town? I am interviewing in Tuscon and Phoenix for a residency spot on Nov. 29th and 30th. I would love to ride in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Sedona or Tucson in the latter half of the week. Will you still be around?

For those from Arizona, does Tucson's Brown Mountain Trail in the Tucson Mountains compare to any of the trails you are all describing on this and zinger-uk's other thread (mt. elden, south mountain--national)? I ride quite a bit in Moab with favorite trails being Amasa Back (technical out and back) and Porcupine Ridge. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[waltaz]

Let's see how zinger answers my questions first. Then we will all have a better sense of what to recommend.

Sorry for confusing you, zinger. Also, some tips (you've probably already figured out):
- Ignore Dirdir - he's a lawyer
- Ignore yetisurly - he's an irrelevant iconoclast (and a sandbagger)
- FasterThnU is actually SlowerThnU, but that's a loooong story (right Richard?)
- I clearly am the most credible, some might say IN-credible...

BTW, has anyone told you to buy Paul's book yet?

 

[zinger-uk]

Here is my take. First, I do not consider myself the best authority on Phoenix trails. I live here, and ride 90% of the time here, but 90% of those rides are at T100. As you probably know, National is the premier Phoenix trail. If I was riding just one day here, I would do National. The loop you suggested is a great ride. There are other great rides that also incorporate National. One coveat that I have learned to give when suggesting National is to warn people that plan to do it for the first time that it is not an easy trail. Also, bring lots of water. National is one of the more crowded trails. However, I don't think it will be too much of an issue. I would not be swayed because of potential crowds.

Thanks for the reply , one thing I didn't mention was I have been out to Phoenix before many years ago well at least 5 years any way, last time i was out your way i rode Mcdowell race loops + pemberton, white tanks, trail 100, national trail, desert classic, hawes, and pima & dynamite , and funnily enough out of all of them the one trail i think back on as being the best was the trails around pima and dynamite - i found some great single track out there, which swooped in and out of massive boulders - but as has been said there were a few sand traps out there and i did almost get squashed by motor bikers

I'll have more than 1 day in the phoenix area as what I'm planning on doing is going up to flagstaff , Sedona, Prescott and then return for a final week of warm biking in the phoenix, before I return home to wet and cold miserable hole that is England.

whats the best way to get in touch when i arrive, post a message here ?

 

[waltaz]

whats the best way to get in touch when i arrive, post a message here ?

Post up or PM any of us a few days ahead of time. Let us know the answers to my earlier questions and we'll get a better sense of what to hook you up with on Sunday.

 

[zinger-uk]

Hi zinger, and welcome to Arizona.

First of all, forget Pima & Dynamite - it's not worth your one Phoenix area ride. And yetisurly was kidding.

Some questions before suggesting a ride:
- Where will you be staying after you get in and before you head up north? That can help narrow down your choices.
- Are you looking for a nice, get your legs back under you after travelling ride or something harder? The National ride you mentioned is definitely an area classic, but maybe you want something a little mellower to start with.
- Your skill level can handle anything, correct? (I think I recall seeing that, plus the Brits I've ridden with seem to love bashing themselves to pieces on whatever)

Depending on where and when you end up riding on Sunday, I'd be happy to hook up with you and help show you around.

Walt

Hi Walt,

I'll be staying at a hotel on E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, then driving up to flagstaff, then back to Sedona maybe Prescott and finally ending up back in Phoenix, when I get back I'm going to see if I get a last minute condo rental deal for my final week in the Scottsdale area probably

I won't have ridden a bike for 3 days so I'll be looking for a ride that's a good workout with challenging single-track, but no freeride or mad downhill

I'd say my skill level is strong XC country rider - but not freerider or manic downhiller, in the area where I live in England the biggest drop off you'll encounter is about 1ft, hence I tend to shy away from anything bigger than that due to lack of practice, But I'm not proud and I'll do hike a bike when required

 

[zinger-uk]

Again, since everyone here is bashing Pima & Dynamite, my take on it is based on very little actual riding out there. Moreover, I have heard from several others that there is some really good rides out there. I would be willing to go with an open mind guided by someone that really knows the area.

From what i remember the pima trails were good - is anyone out there that reading this who really knows the area able to get out on sunday and show me and dirdir the best trails ?

 

[Dirdir]

Let us know the answers to my earlier questions and we'll get a better sense of what to hook you up with on Sunday.

Walt, this is the third post relating to your questions. I was going to say nothing after the first two times, but this last time is ridiculous. Your questions are irrelevant.

1. Where will you be staying after you get in and before you head up north? That can help narrow down your choices?

Not really and largely irrelevant. Zinger said he was going to be in Phoenix. All the rides in Phoenix are, well, here, in Phoenix and within a short driving distance. 20 minutes here or there would not sway me from doing the ride I want, particularly after having come all the way from Great Britain.

2. Are you looking for a nice, get your legs back under you after travelling ride or something harder? The National ride you mentioned is definitely an area classic, but maybe you want something a little mellower to start with.

Dude, the guy wants to go riding, not visit a f'ing shrink.

3. Your skill level can handle anything, correct? (I think I recall seeing that, plus the Brits I've ridden with seem to love bashing themselves to pieces on whatever)

Looks like you answered your own question here. Thanks.

Walt, please. I understand you like order and all. Fine, go ahead, ask your questions. Just don't ask three times. Thanks.

PS: Walt, if you ever need a lawyer, come see me, I would be glad to help. It ain't going to be free though.

 

[waltaz]

Hi Walt,

I'll be staying at a hotel on E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, then driving up to flagstaff, then back to Sedona maybe Prescott and finally ending up back in Phoenix, when I get back I'm going to see if I get a last minute condo rental deal for my final week in the Scottsdale area probably

I won't have ridden a bike for 3 days so I'll be looking for a ride that's a good workout with challenging single-track, but no freeride or mad downhill

I'd say my skill level is strong XC country rider - but not freerider or manic downhiller, in the area where I live in England the biggest drop off you'll encounter is about 1ft, hence I tend to shy away from anything bigger than that due to lack of practice, But I'm not proud and I'll do hike a bike when required

Where on E. Shea? I live by 130th St. & E. Shea.

I could take you back into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is right by there. Can do 2-3 hours of nice desert singletrack with nothing very technical. But fun and a great workout, particularly if we climb the Sunrise Trail.

Otherwise, Pass Mountain (NE Mesa, east of Hawes) is an idea. An 8-mile loop that takes a couple of hours and has a little bit of everything. Killer singletrack, great workout and views.

Just giving some thoughts that will be new to you.

 

[zinger-uk]

zinger-uk,

How long will you be in town? I am interviewing in Tuscon and Phoenix for a residency spot on Nov. 29th and 30th. I would love to ride in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Sedona or Tucson in the latter half of the week. Will you still be around?

For those from Arizona, does Tucson's Brown Mountain Trail in the Tucson Mountains compare to any of the trails you are all describing on this and zinger-uk's other thread (mt. elden, south mountain--national)? I ride quite a bit in Moab with favorite trails being Amasa Back (technical out and back) and Porcupine Ridge. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Hi

No idea about tucson trails, but i will be up sedona / flagstaff way from 28th nov -> 2nd Dec then back to phoenix for 3rd dec -> 9th dec - maybe exploring down tucson way as well

 

[waltaz]

Walt, this is the third post relating to your questions. I was going to say nothing after the first two times, but this last time is ridiculous. Your questions are irrelevant.

Maybe...but I like to think before I respond and prefer to narrow down the response to a very broad question, so I actually provide a helpful response, rather than the typical "BLAH."

 

[zinger-uk]

Where on E. Shea? I live by 130th St. & E. Shea.

I could take you back into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which is right by there. Can do 2-3 hours of nice desert singletrack with nothing very technical. But fun and a great workout, particularly if we climb the Sunrise Trail.

Otherwise, Pass Mountain (NE Mesa, east of Hawes) is an idea. An 8-mile loop that takes a couple of hours and has a little bit of everything. Killer singletrack, great workout and views.

Just giving some thoughts that will be new to you.

The first option sounds good, ive seen people mentioning the sunrise trail on this forum, does that trail end up on pemberton loop ? - or am i thinking of another trail ?
I'm staying Near 42nd st - anyway time for bed now catch you later

 

[Dirdir]

The first option sounds good, ive seen people mentioning the sunrise trail on this forum, does that trail end up on pemberton loop ? - or am i thinking of another trail ?
I'm staying Near 42nd st - anyway time for bed now catch you later

Shea and 42nd Street is within riding distance of the T100 area, should you choose that option.