DJI

Trail 100

Distance: Approx. 6
Fellow Riders: Kent Welborn
Notes: First ride of 2010. Kent and I have been trying to hook for a ride for a few months now and finally got something we could both do. We rode Trail 100 from Dreamy Draw to Tatum. Nothing too exciting. But I do want to go out there alone sometime and do some exploring on the other trails.

FINS - Final Ride of 2009

Distance: Approx. 8
Notes: I wanted to get one last ride in for 2009. I faithfully got my work done this morning and then slipped out in the afternoon. It has been awhile since I rode FINS so I figured it would be a good trail to end the year on. Unfortunately it takes me an hour to get there now. I rode Eileen's Entry to Proposal Pass over to the Bone Yard and up over Hurts Donut, back around on the north side of the hill where I played around on a new section of trail they are cutting. Then up over Kylie's Crossing and up Grunt. At Mark's Meander I heard some gunfire and so I headed out on Mark's to make sure I was not going to get shot. I didn't see the shooters but I did find another new section of trail that runs parallel to the west of Mark's Meander. Then I rode backwards on Mark's back to Grunt and up Exposure to NorthStar. I snapped a photo of the sunset then proceeded to bomb down NorthStar. I made it 2/3's of the way down and blew my rear tire. I figured that was an appropriate end to the year as well. I had a bit of trouble fixing the flat because the nut that holds the Presta valve in place would not come off. It kept getting twisted near the bottom. Finally I was able to get it off, but two things are going in my backpack, pliers and a knife. My only spare also had a hole in it, so I patched it and got back on the trail. I finished by going down Harv's Howl. I started 2009 on the mountain bike at Hawes and ended it on the mountain bike at FINS. That's a good way to start and finish a year.

National Trail: Coast-to-Coast

Distance: 16.5
Fellow Riders: Mike, Todd, Russ
Route: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/21329252
Notes: One word can best describe doing National Coast-to-Coast: Epic. It is a brutal trail and those 16.5 miles are very tough miles, even the last 3 on the pavement, because it was basically all uphill.
I was supposed to meet Mike and his brothers-in-law at the Javelina trailhead at 11, but couldn't get out the door till 11:15. They were also running behind. As it was they got started on the trail about 20-25 minutes before me. They took a slower pace for the first part and I busted it as hard as I could. I caught up to them where Mormon Trail hooks up with Mormon Loop. From there we continued on National to the parking lot at Buena Vista Lookout. We stopped for a short nutrition break and then continued on National to the very end.
The mood on the trail grew a little sour toward the end because Russ was supposed to be meeting a friend and going to the BYU basketball game in Tucson tonight. They were supposed to leave at 4 and we didn't even get to the truck until 4:45. As it was he missed the game. But for the last hour of the ride Russ was basically ticked that he was still riding and missing the game. The fact that Russ seemed more exhausted than everyone else further contributed to his sour mood. I enjoyed the ride for the most part. Granted, I was totally exhausted at the end and I could not wait to be done. But I had a good time and I'm glad I did it. However, I don't think I will ever do that ride again. The second half of National just is not good enough to justify the work. I did all that climbing for a descent that was just okay. Whereas, had we turned around at Buena Vista and headed back the way we had come, that is some of the best downhill anywhere.
So I've checked Coast-to-Coast off my list and from now on will be sticking with out-and-back.
Also while we were on the trail Todd managed to ride down Waterfall rock. He picked a good line right against the big rock and made it look easy. Maybe next time, when I'm wearing my knee/shin pads, I'll try it.
This will most likely be my last ride of 2009 on the mountain bike. Mike and I are hoping to hit Hawes on New Years Day. But my bike desperately needs some servicing. Too bad I can't afford it.

Hawes sans breakfast

Distance: 10.5
Fellow Riders: Mike
Notes: Before leaving for the ride this morning I stopped at McDonalds for a sausage and egg McGriddle. I figured the hour drive to the trailhead would be plenty of time to digest the heavy breakfast. Turns out I was fine until Cardiac Hill. I rode all the way to the top of Cardiac without stopping at the flat section 3/4's of the way up. But when I did get to the top I didn't feel so hot. Had I just rested for a minute and then kept riding I probably would have been okay. But instead Mike and I visited for about 3 or 4 minutes and my stomach turning just got worse. I warned Mike who backed up, then I made my way to the edge of the trail and let it fly in three separate bursts. Mike couldn't even watch for fear that his gag reflex would be triggered and he would be joining me.
In my 15 years of mountain biking this is my first time yaking on the trail. It was not a pleasant experience, but I did feel better afterward. And Hawes is always a sweet ride.

Road Ride

Distance: 19.8
Time: 1:03
Average Speed: 19
Notes: Explored the Skunk Creek trail to the west. Rode past Rio Salado Park and then came up the other side. Took a spur out to 91st & Greenway then back and another spur up to Bell & 101 and back. Ultimately crossed bridge back to Rio Salado Park and back home. Felt good after a long break. Now I just need to stretch so I won't be sore tonight and do it again tomorrow.