Bisbee: SSAZ2020

Singlespeed Arizona 2020, SSAZ20, will go down as one of the more memorable non-event, no-route, this-is-not-a-race, bike gatherings I've ever done. It was so organic, fluid, dynamic, however you want to classify it. The head honcho over at Blue Dog Bicycles, Nate, took the reins in hosting this southern Arizona thang. Nate is everything that is good about bikes, love that guy. Now, he had a few hurdles to jump through for SSAZ and believe me, that's a huge understatement. To get a real idea of what went down behind the scenes this year and why the ride took place in Bisbee instead of the Dragoon Mtns. at the eleventh hour, please give Nate's story a read here: The Radavist: SSAZ20

The recommended 24t from Endless Bike Co.

Our story started bright and early on Saturday...or was it 10a?? Yeah, 10a after a delicious breakfast whipped up by Shannon. We eventually made our way over to Bisbee where the one speed bicycle riders had flocked. We had a slight advantage, Beto grew up in Bisbee and helped Nate with some last minute logistics and trail work. Wherever Beto wanted to lead us, we were game.

Rolling through downtown Bisbee. *Note the slight uphill, there are NO flat spots in Bisbee.

What's this?? A van sporting my elevation graphics!! Rad!! 

Our clan picked up two more Phoenician's: Ron & Joe!!

The trusty Voodoo, still going after all these years.

And just like that we were towering above Bisbee!!

The legs & lungs were starting to get heavy, singlespeeders everywhere!!

It's Kaolin from Flat Tire Bike Shop in Cave Creek & Billy from Preskit.

SSAZ O.G.: Dejay.

Mr. Drunkcyclist: Dirty. (Tie dye shirt)

#microJoe

Tis the land of unicorns up here.

Friends who hike-a-bike together are #loco together.

Regrouping at the upper towers.

Kaolin announcing AZ's presence and later awarded SSAZ '21.

The dirt road we climbed earlier can be seen winding up the hillside.

Soaking in the long views to Mexico.

Dax!!

Back down from the towers, the on-mountain party was in full swing!!

Friends were everywhere!!

We made our way to the singletrack, there it is!! Take a right at the blow-up doll!!

The trail began with some steep chunky sections.

But soon the flow opened up as we traversed a long ridgeline.

Joe mashing it.

Shannon was easy to spot all day long, no surprise there!!

The trail was a nice mix of flow, tech, steeps and views. Joe was diggin' it.

Ahh, everyone's favorite, some downhill hike-a-bike!! Cool view into the Queen Mine too.

I came around the corner and saw another rider up ahead, but he had wrecked and was lying in a heap across the trail with his bike on top of him!! I helped get him untangled and he was having trouble moving his arm, then it popped into place. Whoa. Just like that this mofo was back on his bike and riding the trail into town. Right on.

Looks like someone left me a Vegas Strip calling card when I wasn't looking. Hahaha!!

Arturo joining in the downhill HAB fun. Go Team Singlespeed!!

 Heck of a perch over Bisbee.

Beto led a group of riders up to the cross on the hill, we were ready for BBQ & beer.

There was still a bit of singletrack to shred.

Gnome sighting!!

Many local establishments were lined with bikes. It was cool to see.

Not sure who ended up with this bad boy.

Pile-o-singlespeeds.

The party at the Copper City Saloon went well into the night.

We hung out on the porch as Nate handed out boxes of schwag: tees, stickers and Ti camping cups for the ladies. It was quite the riot.

Before we knew it, SSAZ20 was in the books. Bisbee is a really cool town, just know that if you end up there to ride, there are no flats. It's either up or down. Huge kudos and trail karma for life, Nate, you did it. Pulled off one heluva party.

Next year should be fun as it moves north to Cave Creek.