[Douger-1]

Ive been doing quite a bit of night riding out at Hawes lately (mostly solo) and Ive seen a fair amount of people out on the trails after dark. Its sort of eerie seeing lights moving through the desert in odd patterns but its good to know others are out there having as much fun as I am. :thumbsup:
Night riding is a total blast and Im so glad I got into it. My average speeds are about up to where they were during the day now. Max speed on my last ride was 22mph !!! (according to my bike comp) :eekster: What a rush at night.

 

[cycljunkie]

Hawes at night, solo is fun. Was just out there on Tuesday. Rolled from the house at around 8pm.

 

[clockwork]

you forget they test helicopters and such nearby? The new commanche has been up in the air a few times and that bugger can move in so many dirrections I once thought wasn't possible

 

[Douger-1]

you forget they test helicopters and such nearby? The new commanche has been up in the air a few times and that bugger can move in so many dirrections I once thought wasn't possible

Really? I havent seen that yet. Ive see the AH-64's flying over the 202 on my way into work on occation. Its definitly a unique experience to be out in the desert at night.

 

[mtboz]

You wont see a AH-66 or Comanche Army scraped it in 2004 cause it was already obsolete.

 

[Douger-1]

You wont see a AH-66 or Comanche Army scraped it in 2004 cause it was already obsolete.

Yeah I didnt think they had anything other than the Apache for their manned heli programs. I do know that they are starting up the Hummingbird program which is a new UAV helicopter. Not sure if they have anything up and flying yet.

I wonder if they will test the UAV thermal target tracking systems on mountain bikers riding Hawes at night. Small targets moving rapidly thorugh uneven terrian. Sounds about right. Those black helicopter are watching you.

 

[shawnkeeler]

Where is Hawes? I'm a newbie 29er SSer (been riding geared 26" hardtail for a few years), and people are telling me that's a good trail to start out on.

 

[mtboz]

Yeah I didnt think they had anything other than the Apache for their manned heli programs. I do know that they are starting up the Hummingbird program which is a new UAV helicopter. Not sure if they have anything up and flying yet.

I wonder if they will test the UAV thermal target tracking systems on mountain bikers riding Hawes at night. Small targets moving rapidly thorugh uneven terrian. Sounds about right. Those black helicopter are watching you.

AH-64 with MH-6 combo. AH-64 controls the little bird. MH-6 is unmanned. I have seen MH-6 flying very close to the AH-64 on the 87 highway.

 

[CoyoteKis]

Where is Hawes? I'm a newbie 29er SSer (been riding geared 26" hardtail for a few years), and people are telling me that's a good trail to start out on.

People are telling you the truth.

Hawes is at the top of N Power in East Mesa.

With Red Mountain straight ahead in your sights (hard to miss), once you cross the canal there's a dirt parking lot on the left, and the trailhead is by the guardrail, across the street. Don't leave any valuables in your car, there have been smash-n-grabs.

 

[good2go]

even better to park at walgreens(on power rd. 'bout a mile north of 202 )...head across the street turn left just past the canal by the front entrance of the las sendas housing tract,follow path right into hawes . There are plenty of maps on this site showing where to start...arguably the best in AZ esp. if new to area!!!

 

[Grave9]

Rode Hawes this morning and thought that it would be great riding at night, but spooky as hell..............Drew

 

[good2go]

caught the 5 am start time @ Hawes as well today 430 would have been even better sunrise over cardiac ....good stuff!

 

[Grave9]

caught the 5 am start time @ Hawes as well today 430 would have been even better sunrise over cardiac ....good stuff!

Was out there with "Blatant," both on El Guapos. :thumbsup: ...........Drew

 

[tjkm]

I like Hawes, but am amazed how much time goes by between my trips there. Last time was in Feb! Got to get that into the rotation more frequently because it is awesome!

 

[Douger-1]

Rode Hawes this morning and thought that it would be great riding at night, but spooky as hell..............Drew

First couple times out there riding solo had me on edge. All the little rats running across the trail. Rabbits waiting until the last second to move scaring the crap out of you. Strange sounds in the brush just out of view. But now that Ive been out there about 6 times or so Im getting used to the "normal" sounds and behavior of the desert at night.
To be honest I thought Id see more wildlife but I cant say Ive noticed much difference between day and night. Maybe I havent stayed in 1 spot long enough to notice. I do get the strange feeling of being followed sometimes. :eekster: