Excitement of another shop ride woke me early. Made it to ride on time.
Mtn Bike Heaven, Roma, the owner leader, Sponge Bob & Amp whom I met @ Fruita, several other riders from last Sunday. Dean bailed early. Larger group today. Soil was “alive” after 2 days of good rain, some mud holes, some places standing h2o. More of same Sedona shop rides: who knows where we were but they do. Enjoyed bike set up.
Out of towner, flew in from Seattle. Told him of my opinion of the riding here that it is unique. It took him awhile but he caught on. Water ran red mud color.
rode 21 miles & 2377′ in 3 1/2 hours riding time but maybe 5 hours out. Not as hot today. Knowledgeable people stop in shade. Here there are junipers a bit taller than head high that offer shade. A favorite trail is a wash w/ rocks, ledges, some small trail away for a problem & then back in. One was maybe 14′ deep and a bit wider than handlebar and it was serpentine w/ a climb thrown in.
I have ridden in 45 states 220 rides, I put Sedona at the top of a special heap, this is just such unique riding. There is a myraid of trails, most not mapped, no sustained climbs, lots of technical challenges, sketchy trails, desert w/ shade, trails are rough hand built, not as well made as Black Canyon, red color, some slick rock, lots of moving rock, drops & roll overs, glad to trust 5.5″ travel up front (Kudos to PUSH who tuned shock so that I get all but 1/8″ of shock travel w/ no bottoming out, front fork likewise). Cactus and slime tubes. Hook up w/ locals for real ride. Could spend more days riding here. Great potential for wintering.
Did wash. Dashed back to camp amid sprinkles & wind to take outside shower before rain. Showered but no rain.
Busy area this eve. Ranger made round trip but didn’t stop. 2 cars are back there tent camping.
Too many tourists. Encountered way many on trails.
Tomorrow is Flagstaff for several days. It is @ 7000′, back in elevation mode form 4000′ here.
Clean body for clean flannel sheets, life’s simple pleasures.
My legs are chewed up from desert pokey things and these little biting gnats that leave welts.