[ZonaMike]

Hey guys,
Just wondering if I could get some feedback on Usery, not pass mtn trail but the surrounding trails. I live right next to it and have been hitting the Hawes Trail system for about a month now and I am looking for something new and challenging. I was looking into maybe hitting Gold canyon or Mcdowell but Im new to the sport and don't want to go too far over my head. Any feedback is appreciated in advance!

 

[Stumpy29er]

Just rode the Usery lower trails a couple of weekends ago with my wife and son, who are both beginners. For the most part the trails are flatish, a few washes to get in and out of, a few mild techish spots that beginners will have to walk, some spots fairly rocky, but all in all very ride able. It's a nice beginnery area, and you should like it. Moonrock trail is cool, and if you're feeling adventurous there is the Cat Peaks trails, again all ride able.

 

[clockwork]

go out to mcdowell then as everything eles around pass mt. is very tame almost boring. If you can do everything out at hawes then your ready for pass moutain or south mountain or phx mountain preserves.

You could always check out picketpost west of superior

 

[ZonaMike]

Yeah, Ive done pretty much every trail at hawes except mine and they are good and still fun there are def some parts I have to push but overall I do ok I think...I have been watching the videos on here and reading a lot it seems like everyone is riding a FS bike, I just wonder how much of a difference that would make for me.

 

[clockwork]

just cause most of us are on FS bikes doesn't necessarly mean we need them . Its all about the rider. Plus I have seen hardtails on every trail I have ever ridden in this fine state

 

[Douger-1]

Yeah, Ive done pretty much every trail at hawes except mine and they are good and still fun there are def some parts I have to push but overall I do ok I think...I have been watching the videos on here and reading a lot it seems like everyone is riding a FS bike, I just wonder how much of a difference that would make for me.

It all depends on the trails you ride. If you are going to stick with the Hawes, Usery, Lost Goldmine, and McDowells of the area than a hardtail is just fine. Personally I have ridden around Pass Mt on my hardtail with little issue. There are a lot of people who ride single speed too. It really comes down heavily to personal preference.

 

[ZonaMike]

I will probably stick with those trails for awhile, I was watching some videos of SoMo and it looks a lil too challenging to say the least. I was thinking of hitting up Lost Goldmine on Sat.

 

[Javelina]

Make sure to hit up flatiron on the way:thumbsup:

 

[_dragon]

SoMo is not just chunky stuff seen in the videos. IMO - Beverly, Javalina, and Desert Classic are good starter starter trails should not be too difficult.

 

[ZonaMike]

Where is Flatiron at? Lost Goldmine? Sorry I am not really familiar with the trails yet....From the pic, it looks like a lot of climbing lol

 

[kAZ]

If you're riding most of Hawes, you can get a pretty similar ride at Usery tech-wise by starting at Crismon and McKellips and riding as far up the west side of Pass Mtn as you want to or can; then turn around and go back. There are some options to get from the road to Pass Mtn. Just don't take any trail that has "Wash" in it's name.

Starting at the southwest corner of PM, just ride up until you want to turn around. For the most part, it gets gradually more difficult as you go. You can add fun mileage by going around Cat's Peak at some point.

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/pdf/2009_maps/usery-11x17-3d.pdf

 

[ZonaMike]

Sweet Ill try that out, thanks for the tips and the PDF!

 

[SlowbutSure]

Zona, I would not pass up going to Usery. I took my wife who is a beginner and she rides a hardtail bike. We made a loop out of it starting on Blevins trail going clockwise to Cats Peak to Meridian to County Line to Ruidoso to Spillway to Levee to Noso left on Blevin (the furthest north) and back to the starting point. We planned on making a longer loop but the wife got a l little tired. Get a map on line, chart the loop you want and enjoy. Cats Loop was the most challenging but nothing to avoid just remember to walk anything you are not comfortable with.

 

[Maadjurguer]

If the OP has been riding Hawes, Usery will be dangerous as he may hit the ground while falling asleep on the bike.....

 

[clockwork]

lol yup nothing out there compares

 

[surfndav]

Yeah, Ive done pretty much every trail at hawes except mine and they are good and still fun there are def some parts I have to push but overall I do ok I think...I have been watching the videos on here and reading a lot it seems like everyone is riding a FS bike, I just wonder how much of a difference that would make for me.

Why haven't you riden the Mine Trail? There's your new challenge, also Twisted Sister is a small step up from most of Hawes. Really though any trail can be challenging if yo ride it fast enough. In general the lower trails at Ussery are a step down not up when compared to Hawes in the challenge department. Have fun see you on the trails.

 

[ZonaMike]

I have ridden Twisted sister and ended up on Wild Horse trail and it dumped me out on Usery Rd. I haven't tried Mine yet cause I just figured it was too hard from what I read, maybe I'll give that a shot, would I need armor for that trail?

 

[Maadjurguer]

^^^^^no, it's rideable on a HT

 

[Dag Nabbit]

Well, everything that I've ridden on my FS I've done on the rigid SS. Even National wasn't too bad, really. I wouldn't worry about the bike, just your mad skillz. If you've hit Hawes with confidence, most of the valley is open to you. If you go to Gold Canyon, I'd stay away from Lost Goldmine though. Its pretty rubbley and not terribly fun, but if you check out the Crazy Eight loop they've been hitting out there, you'll have fun. Its more swoopy and rolly than tech though. They ride Sun morning at 10, check the thread for info. In SoMo I'd suggest Desert Classic or East Loops to ease yourself in there, McDowells - Lost Dog - Paradise - Taliesen or Sunset if you like climbing or at PMP - the web of trails between Dreamy Draw and 44th, notably 8, 8a, 100 and 1a. Good stuff. Picket Post out near Superior totally kicks booty too.

 

[hatedg]

Zonamike,

I have ridden mine on my bike and I have been doing this for only 5-6 months. I am not crazy or do I want to get hurt or push myself to get hurt..I take my time and get a great workout. If you want to do usery, I can meet you in the afternoon and show you a few things. It isnt too hard but there are challenging thins there.

Tim