Here in Sedona there are the mapped and signed system trails in apps like trailforks so you always know where you are. Then there are the unmapped and unsigned social trails, the same trail might be known with different names. I have been riding a mix of each. Today was House Mountain loop lead by Ian. Ride route was riding from VOC down to Kel Fox trail stopping at Indian inscribed rock
From there we dropped down a basalt strewn narrow single track joining jeep road crossing the dam breast of a cattle tank. We rode connecting 2 track climbing up towards overlook where I sleep. An established cow path enticed us to leave the road which we followed all the way over to the camp spots on the first right road past the overlook, went right thru a camper trailer camp. Then Ian lead us on connecting signed FS jeep roads up onto House Mountain. Ian said he likes to ride this ride 2 times a year, very seldom does he entice repeat riders.
Back in 2015 during shoulder repair recovery I rode these roads as they were deemed less technical which is true but the grunt factor had been omitted.
Up high with incredible panorama views.
Witch’s Tit: yesterday I rode with Ian and Jimmy down mountain in Turkey creek area climbing up to near shoulder of the Tit which is well below picture location.
Several steep lots of loose rock descents passed under our wheels before we arrived at a flat spot where the road quit and the single track descended to Turkey Tank. Just after we started down an abandoned crashed toy SUV was downhill from the trail. Just a nasty single track down to the tank.
5 guys riding different brand bikes, different suspension solutions, 4 on flats, 1 on mechanical attachments, all with dropper posts, prolly over components the same. Each of us rode what we brung as we were able to. Fly we did.
We dropped onto Turkey creek ride. We rode CupCake for me the first time in years as I had forgotten how to get there.
We finished up Turkey Creek down to Verde Valley school then rode the pavement back to the Village. What a day and ride 22 miles pedaling 3 hours climbing 2106′. Dinner at Rotten Johnies then out to crowded MP4 for the night.
Yesterday, Saturday, I joined Ian and Jimmy on a Turkey Creek ride. They are old school Sedona riders meaning that washes are meant to be ridden. We did mix social trails between several wash rides.
Nasty hike a bike up to edge of Witch’s Tit then very attention holding steep single track. Mostly social trails which are more fun to ride than the 1 system trail.
Watched Zags game at PJs then drove out to overlook for the night.
Friday I was invited on Simon’s ride which is an attempt to bring back the Bike and Bean shop rides. It linked system , social, and wash rides. Another go pedaling up Rabbit Ridge. My engine played out several times on the climb necessitating recovery. It’s below grade with lots of small loose rocks. Rode with local legends Simon, Billy Idol, and Jordan. Social trails are undeveloped and rough with sharp and or sharp and grabby plants extending on to the trail I finish the ride with numerous no longer bleeding cuts. I receive one this ride that required bandaging to stop the bleeding.
Ah, Sedona riding. There is nowhere else that I have ridden that compares with this riding. There are so many different rides and locations to ride. So different but some so much the same. To me red rock is way more enjoyable than the black basalt. Today was lots of basalt, yesterday it was red rock.
I am wearing my new glasses.
I have asked the repair shop to bundle up the remaining repair items to fix at once. Full coolant restoration.