[Down boy down]

hey,

my wife just offered for us to take a vacation (perhaps in Sedona area) at end of August for me to mtn bike:thumbsup: (we would drive from Cali) Here is the rub. We need to stay in a "resort" type accomodation so she can chill by the pool, spa, etc. while I am hammering it out on the trails for a few hours of the day. She used to ride a bit but not much now since arrival of our first child recently (who will also join in on trip - not ridding ).

Questions
1) any recommendations for hotel/resort (only one I know of is enchantment) willing to spend $$$ to make her happy but we're not made of money
2) what is typical weather/temp around that time - will it be bearable
3) what's up with the fires and any thought on how has/will impact trails conditions and access (yes i know trip is a while off)
4) Suggested trails - I am intermediate/sport rider (some hucking) but riding has been at a premium these days with baby
5) anything else you care to offer

Probably not your typical posting on board but throwing it out there.

Much appreciated.

 

[kinkcrazy]

Keep an eye out

Sedona has got a pretty substantial fire going right now, all of Coconino forest is closed until we get some rain. (hopefully soon)

 

[Guest]

You might be able to score a real good price right now since no one is going up there because of the fire...Just hope the forest is open by the time you go...

 

[zul]

Fire is (nearly) out pending any major set backs.

I suggest viewing this board as there will be no doubt shouts of joy once the forest has reopened. I am guessing and hoping that July monsoons will bring enough rain to have things open in August. Keeping fingers crossed.

August ... Early August has a chance of those monsoon storms which could mean cooler temps and very enjoyable riding. Late August is typically hotter than hell. Plan on super early riding, 6am in the peddals will provide reasonable temps.

Hilton Resort has spa, pools and all of those expensive amenities that your wife will enjoy ... not nearly as expensive as enchantment.

Congrats on the kiddo. There is riding after birth.

 

[Down boy down]

Fire is (nearly) out pending any major set backs.

I suggest viewing this board as there will be no doubt shouts of joy once the forest has reopened. I am guessing and hoping that July monsoons will bring enough rain to have things open in August. Keeping fingers crossed.

August ... Early August has a chance of those monsoon storms which could mean cooler temps and very enjoyable riding. Late August is typically hotter than hell. Plan on super early riding, 6am in the peddals will provide reasonable temps.

Hilton Resort has spa, pools and all of those expensive amenities that your wife will enjoy ... not nearly as expensive as enchantment.

Congrats on the kiddo. There is riding after birth.

Good stuff...thanks for the info

Monsoons??? WTF - was in Sedona only once before and it snowed. Hard to brake when you can't feel your hands. What ever happened to it's a "dry heat"

 

[Dirdir]

Monsoons??? WTF

"Monsoon" is a season that brings with it "monsoon thunderstorms". Monsoon storms range from minor dust storms to violent thunderstorms. They can even spawn tornados, though that is very rare. Typically, Arizona monsoon storms start with heavy winds sometimes resulting in a visible wall of dust hundreds of feet high moving across the Valley. These dust storms are normally accompanied by frequent thunder and lightning often leading to heavy downpours.

 

[Silver_Slug]

...these downpours often lead to flooded streets and washes...these flooded street and washes entice fat and really old people to try to drive through them. This normally leads to dramatic helicopter rescues that entertain us on the local evening news... Man, I can't wait for the Monsoons to hit...

 

[slowrider]

Hot!

It'll probably be 100+ every day in August unless it's raining then it'll be 90*+/90% so plan for early rides. The Radison is a nice looking resort in the Village of Oak creek. Trails; From Bike & Bean ride Bell Rock through 2 housing tracks following the trail signs to Submarine rock/ Chicken Point/down little horse to a hard to see, unsignd Left onto the Llama trail over to Courthouse trail right, to Bell Rock right to Templeton trail left. Ride Templeton to th bottom of the switchbacks and Oak creek then return to and Bike& Bean; great ride around 17 miles.
My other favorite ride starts by parking you're car at the healthfood store at Soldier pass rd and 89a and riding on 89a to hwy 179 turning right then left up Schnebly hill rd to the staging area about 1 mile up the road where you turn left onto Huckaby trail and go to the bottom of Bear Wallow Cyn and ford Oak Creek. Ride up to Migly bridge ( hard to find trail but cross the creek after riding as far as possible to the right after reaching the bottom of the Cyn before crossing will put you very close to the trail to the bridge). Ride away from the road after crossing under the bridge onto Jim Thompson trail, continue on Jordon trail to the sink hole and left onto Soldier pass road and back to you're car; Similar length and fun.
Good food and drink at the Red Planet on 89a and the Brewery and the Sportsbar section of the Steakhouse/Billiard club both in the art village at 89a and 179. Have fun.

 

[rockman]

I hope this isn't against the rules but...

if you want something a little more laid back than the resort gig I have a house 9 miles south of Sedona on Oak Creek that we rent when we're not using it. There's pool access and a park also on the creek nearby. The fishing is good as well. Send me a PM if you're interested.

 

[cycljunkie]

L'Auberge!

We stayed here for a couple of days and loved it! There's dining right down along the creek. The 'cabins' are very nice inside... Located down below "Uptown" Sedona. Worth looking into!

 

[MyBike'sBroken]

I will "second" the L'auberge recommendation. The cabins are very nice, right on the Creek, lots of shade trees. And the food is THE best in Sedona. Do not miss the dessert cart. And if you saw me, you could tell I never do......

 

[dirtybiker]

check out a resort called the Amara
i was in a similar situation a couple years ago and they were cool as hell. They let me take my bike into my room and the service was top notch

and they have a car service that will pick you up at the bar after last call!

 

[Down boy down]

thanks

Thanks to you all for advise. :thumbsup: Hope to make call in next week (or two). Feel free to share/post any other thoughts if remaining.

 

[Down boy down]

We're finally booked for trip:thumbsup:

Arriving Aug 27th, staying ~a week. Let me know if interested in hooking up for ride

 

[TroyWW]

Sedona Trip

Sedona is an awesome place for riding, but it will be HOT all of August. The fires are out now, and minimal damage was done around the immediate town. I also haven't heard of any bike trails being disrupted although I know hiking trails West of Slide Rock were. Enchantment is the primo spot, Hyatt would also be good. I'm sure there are multiple boutique spots if you do some shopping on Orbitz/Travelocity etc. Many many good rides too. I'd recommend picking up Cosmic Ray's book at any bike shop or probably Amazon. Just about any bike shop in town, and there are several, will send you off on the best ride for your type of interest that day. I'd recommend Cathedral Rock loop, or Bell Rock with it's many off shoots, but I don't have experience on all of the trails. I know submarine is popular as are the Llama trails, and airport mesa. Plan on temps above 100 however from about noon to 5. Get the ride in before 10am, or after 7...with a light.

Good luck and have a great time.

Tdub