AES: Ripsey 30 SS

Little did we know, but the AES Ripsey event would be the last group racey thing for quite some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the very brief grouping at the start area, AES events tend to be very socially distant anyway, not that anyone was overly concerned at this time.

The long course, 60 milers, had already been on route for over an hour. I opted for the short course, 30 miler, this year as I was only 6 days removed from the Queen's Ransom bikepack and was already not looking forward to the initial climb up the Florence-Kelvin Hwy. Twice in 6 days just doesn't seem right and one of those was with bikepacking gear. So what was I thinking bringing my singlespeed Voodoo?? Dunno, but for some reason this route appealed to it.

This event is one of the more remote areas we stage from and I love it for that. It's a nice mix of dirt roads and wonderful Arizona Trail singletrack with a bit of obligatory hike-a-bike, but the payoff is worth the effort. It was shaping up to be the last year doing this specific route as the ATA had planned to move forward with a major trail re-routing project. This was due to the neighboring mine dumping tailings in Ripsey Wash in the near future. That project has now been delayed at least a year, so this route looks to be viable for at least one more go.

The start time rolled around and we hopped on the Flo-Kel Hwy for a quick downhill burst before the 4 1/4 mile grind. The nice thing about the climb? It stretches the group out quick.

Igor taking off on his way to the win. Must've been that fancy AZT jersey.

Everyone jockeys for position before the first screamin' downhill.

Bottoming out at A-Diamond Ranch.

Grinding up the Flo-Kel Hwy. No margaritas at the top today. :(

I kept the singlespeed mashing, slowly, but the final pitch approached. Almost done with the grind!!

Signs of the wild west.

Mike S. caught up to me and we shared a bunch of miles together, some on faint 2-track like this.

This is the only part of the route that is vague, a short 1/4 mile connection between Tecolote Rd & the AZT.

I love this section of AZT, so remote and if flows pretty well.

These two fellas went by us here, but I then realized I forgot to update the gpx track to match the recent re-route from the ATA. Oops, Mike & I took the fresh singletrack after fumbling around for a minute trying to figure out what was up. We'd end up leapfogging these guys much to their surprise!! Haha. *Gotta make sure the track is updated for next year!!

Great view of Mt. Lemmon to the south at over 9000'.

Nice singletrack down in Ripsey Wash.

I took a minute to check on the water levels over in the wash, about 1/2 full and clear.

Here's the tank from the trail, visible, but not obvious, ya gotta look for it!!

A short hike-a-bike brings you here, a close-up view of the Big Hill and some nice singletrack leading to it.

Gila River Canyons off in the distance.

The trail drops down into the wash and it's usually rideable. Today was no different. I took a short snack break at the gate which signals things are about to get steep. A fair amount of hike-a-bike follows, but as I approached the flanks of the Big Hill I still had a visual on a couple of riders up ahead, Mike S. being one of them.

Find the rider.

Up, up and up. Lots of walking here.

Mike S. assuming the position a few switchbacks up.

More riders approach from below.

Mike S. topping out on the famed Ripsey ridgeline. One of my favorite spots along the entire trail.

The Voodoo wanted a cameo as well.

Mike S. on the second ridgeline. The riding is so good up here. Thankfully, both of these ridgelines will remain after the re-route project.

What a view!! Gila River Canyons on the distant left, the Flo-Kel Hwy near center and the finish line way down there and the giant Earth scar that is the Ray Mine on the distant right.

Oh yeah, it's still springtime in the desert and the poppies were going off the lower you rode.

Brett caught me near here, but he's kinda hidden behind a Saguaro near center.

Fun swoopy trail near the Kelvin parking lot.

All done. 30 miles of Ripsey sweetness. Having the Singlespeed Arizona 24t cog on sure made things easier!! I may leave it on for a while.

It didn't seem like I had been finished for too long when the leaders of the 60 miler started rolling in. Those dudes are fast!! It ended up being a beautiful day out in the desert, glad we were able to get together for one final event before things would get shut down for a while. If you haven't been to this area, put it on your list and get out there come fall. You'll be glad you did.

Route: