Cottonwood: Copper Chief

 The past few weeks I've been meaning to get back north to Cottonwood to check on a newer section of the Copper Chief trail. I had noticed on Trailforks it had been extended since my last ride there a couple years ago. This is a significant project as it will eventually provide a direct singletrack link to the Mingus Black Canyon trail. Lots of trail building activity is happening now all around the Verde Valley.

Today was the day. Temps were looking just about perfect under sunny skies. I'd be on the singlespeed with my 30x22 setup, hopefully it wouldn't be too brutal as it's pretty much all uphill from the get-go.

The main trailhead along Mingus Ave. for the Blowout Wash trails.

I would immediately begin climbing along the Blowout Canyon trail.

Now on Copper Chief, this grade was a bit much early on. Time to take a quick rest break.

Somewhere in here I came upon another group of 6 riders. One fella had taken a tumble off the trail and landed in a giant Prickly Pear cactus!! Ouch!! They said they had been there for 30 minutes already trying to remove spines. Ugh. I wished them well and kept grinding.

Not only does this trail ride great, it is also routed fantastically.

The views don't suck either...the entire way.

Very small trickle of water from a nearby spring.

Humphrey's Peak and Sedona's red rocks on full display.

The climbing grade reminded me of the BCT, with less rocks.

Oooh, a bit of downhill on the way up.

The trail dipped into this lush grotto, full of big trees and shade.

I stopped to take in the scene and heard some rustling up ahead. I first thought it was another trail user, but it moved again and this time I could hear breathing. Whatever it was, it was big. Probably not a mountain lion, rather a deer. I never did get eyes on it.

The singletrack merges with this 2-track for just under 1 mile. At its end, the grade kicked up requiring a short bit of walking.

Based on Trailforks, I was guessing this would be the end of the trail on the opposite hillside.

Came across the trail builders gear.

Absolutely beautiful contouring here.

That far cut doesn't seem so high on the mountain now.

I checked Trailforks again, and I was now beyond where it had shown the trail ending. Yes!! Moar new dirt!! How far would it go?

One place it went was up, continuing to climb at the nice grade.

I didn't want it to end.

Looking back.

The Verde Valley sprawled out below.

Figured this was a good time for a PeakFinder app photo.

I was expecting to see the end after every corner I came around, but it kept going.

Trail crew stuff. Must be nearing the work site.

Crossing each drainage was a breeze.

There it is, the end of the line. For now. It was 9.7 miles from the start to here.

Trailforks screenshot, the blue circle is where the dozer was. It's not long now until it ties into the Mingus Black Canyon trail. Can't wait!!

Here is the final alignment of Copper Chief as it meets Mingus Black Canyon.

A path will cut through here.

Heading back down. I ran into the other bikers, they were still intent on reaching the dozer.

The trail can be seen on the hill behind the foreground.

Couple of rollover gates too.

I opted to add in a Blowout Canyon Loop at the end to get my ride over 20 miles.

Really glad I added it, these trails are a hoot and constructed incredibly well.

I was a tad hungry afterwards, gotta eat. Found a food truck online. Winner!!

Look them up next time you're in Cottonwood.

I can't say enough good things about this ride other than, go ride it yourself. The sooner the better. Yes, it was fairly singlespeed friendly. I don't think I walked more than a 100 feet or so. Only took a couple of rest breaks.

Route:

AES: Gila 100 SS

 The Gila 100 has been on the Arizona Endurance Series, AES, schedule since 2013. It had been held as a southbound 'day' ride, all 93 miles of it. Undoubtedly, one of the toughest routes on the schedule. I DNF'd it in 2014, then got a bit of redemption in 2015, but I sure had my issues out there. It seems after 2015 the route only attracted a rider or two or none at all. Fast forward to 2025 and Gerrit reached out about resurrecting the route, but as a two-day stage bikepack race similar in style to the Coco250 where the clock stops at camp.

Hmmm, this sounded like fun. For 2025 the route would be going northbound from the Tiger Mine trailhead near Oracle finishing at Picketpost trailhead near Superior. I was game for this. I would also be riding my recently converted singlespeed and this, by far, would be my biggest test. I'd be running a 30t oval up front with a 22t cog.

Gerrit arranged for Homegrown Shuttles to pick us up early on Saturday for the 7:30a start in Oracle. It's always nice to have those logistics squared away for a long point-to-point ride. For me, it was like getting up on any given workday. I was out the door shortly after 4:15a, found a spot up the hill to park and when I arrived at the shuttle I found out I was the last one there!! For the record, I was still early!! Haha.

We arrived at Tiger Mine with about 40 minutes to spare, so it gave everyone plenty of time to double check their setups, snap some photos and mingle a bit.

Classic shot from Tiger Mine TH. Last time I was here, those powerlines weren't there. It's been about 3 years since my last ride through the Black Hills.

Mike S. enjoying the amazing sunrise.

What a group!! 21 pictured, but I think 23 rolled out.

Right out of the gate I spotted a nice water bottle one of the faster people dropped. Lucky for them, I had an open bottle cage. I later decided their finders fee were the contents of the bottle. I also found out it was some extra rich concoction custom made for the ride.

I caught 5 or so fast riders already getting a gap on the first of 5 climbs.

Patrick has been logging more bikepacking miles in recent years.

So great to see Patrick and Karey out on the trail.

Holly cruising over one of the new rollover gates. Nice to see these on the first three gate crossings.

Looking back towards Mt. Lemmon as the elevation begins to pile up.

So far it wasn't going too bad. I was walking about what I thought I would, yet riding a few extended uphills. I guess this was the correct gear ratio. My main goal, aside from finishing, was to try and keep my heart rate in check, but it did peg the upper ranges quickly on those climbs!!

Antelope Peak not seeming to get any closer.

Great trail through here as Holly tops out on a small ridge.

Antelope Peak IS getting closer!! On my way down the long descent to Camp Grant & Bloodsucker Washes.

After Bloodsucker Wash, the route turns to faster jeep roads leading here: Beehive Well. I didn't need water and Freeman Rd. was only 6 miles away.

Cool gate crossing connecting singletrack sections.

The Cholla forest means Antelope Peak is upon you.

I arrived at the Freeman Rd. TH around 1:30p

I found Maxwell & Dave topping off water at the rain collector. I did the same while fending off the bees by the spigot.

It was so nice to be racking up some easy miles on the Boulders segment, the Black Hills took a toll. Nice to see the best gate along the AZT still functioning well, rollovers notwithstanding.

Elephant Butt rock, tell me it's not.

I only had to walk two short segments to get to the top of Cougar Hill. What a view!! The trail here is finally getting bed in thanks in part to the increased foot traffic now that the trail ties together on both ends.

I stopped here, at the gate signaling the descent to Ripsey Wash, for a snack and to peer across at the Big Hill. It was the next obstacle, mental checkpoint, on the day. 

The blue barrel in Ripsey Wash now has a large tub for increased capacity. This was not here in October.

The sand wash at the bottom of the Big Hill was unrideable for me. It's been so dry here, the washes were a bit deeper than normal. At least it's only a quarter mile or so of trudging.

Elevation piling up as I march up the Big Hill. The trail can be seen way down below. I was surprised all afternoon that no one else had passed me as I was definitely walking my share.

Ripsey ridgeline in golden hour. Nope, does not suck.

The smokestacks from Hayden.

Making my way down the long descent, Florence-Kelvin Hwy and upper trailhead are visible. The group camp was at the lower trailhead on the north side of the river.

I always keep track on my dabs on the switchback attack section along the descent. It's a series of 13 relatively tight switchbacks with some penalty for failure. My best is 12/13, but on this day, I was NOT feeling it. I started 1/7, bleh. Finished 6/13, by far my least successful attempt from over the years, but no casualties.

I knew I wouldn't reach camp in daylight, instead I adjusted my goal to reach the upper trailhead without needing lights and I barely made it. 

I got my helmet light out to finish off the remaining couple of miles only to find out I hadn't charged it. Good thing I always have my dynamo light on the forks. I was barely a half mile into the final stretch when I needed a few more calories. By the time I reached the ADOT spigot, a small group of riders were there. It was nice being greeted after spending so many hours alone. I also learned who dropped that bottle way back on the first descent of the ride: Bret!! Thanks for the extra calories.

We cruised over to camp where my day's time was made official, 7:25p. Snuck in just under 12 hours. A trail angel had left their vehicle with us and we used it to go pick up more pizza!! There was also some cold beer too. How cool is that? I didn't have to cook my freezed-dried dinner.

We all hung out around the campfire for a while, then slowly peeled off to bed. Somehow, as exhausted as I was, I couldn't sleep. I've become quite good at getting quality rest while not sleeping and this was another one of those nights. Oh well.

Day 2 began a bit before sunrise as folks began to stir. I got going with the idea I'd cook up some oatmeal since I carried my stove. One problem, I forgot to bring my oatmeal. Insert headslap here. I did have a protein drink, so it was some quick, easy calories to get the morning going. 7:30a came upon us and we rolled out, most of us anyway.

Mike catching me on the first climb of the morning. We chatted briefly and I mentioned I hoped to be at the Gila turn before noon, some 16 undulating miles away.

Near the top of the first climb is the AZT Brass cap marking the official completion of the trail way back in Dec. 2011. We put together possibly the first Picketpost to Kelvin shuttle ride two weeks later. Here is an old blog post from that ride, check out how new the trail looks.

Carl, another singlespeeder, topping out on the first climb. Riding down Dale's Demoralizer is so much better than climbing it!!

It's a jungle down there!!

Another classic shot, Gila River and train trestle.

A Diamond Ranch across the way. I met a jogger later who was staying there. Apparently, it's a VRBO and looks really cool. May have to check it out one day.

After a short chunky section of trail, it smooths out leading to the second climb: Electric Avenue.

Saguaro forest.

Every time I ride by this pointed rock I say I should take a photo. Today was the day, and I could see Mike on the far hillside....

...see?? There he is!!

Early morning Coke break as Dave catches me.

Making this loose switchback look easy.

More riders approach!!

Through the early gauntlet of climbs as White Canyon approaches.

Back on singletrack, Ian passes me while I push my bike.

The miles were ticking by and it was only 10:30a. I knew I'd easily make the Gila turn by noon, but maybe 11a??

AZT low point, only in elevation. Mood was high!!

It's a party at the Gila turn!! Made it by 11a too!!

I walked most of the initial jeep road climb, but was able to pedal a good amount of trail. Maxwell making his way up to me. 

The Gila River Canyons are spectacular in every direction. Helps to ease the climbing.

Dale's Butte comes into view after a lengthy hike-a-bike.

Dave topping out on that section.

One of my favorite locations along the entire AZT. Gotta earn this one.

Check it out: rideable trail!! Anything I could ride I viewed as a bonus.

Looks like the Two Thumbs Up Saguaro is getting heavy thumbs.

Slowly putting distance between me and Dale's Butte.

Dave and Maxwell making their way up the final stretch.

Joshua comes by my snack stop.

It took about 3 hours to gain the saddle from the turn, some 7 miles and 2,000' below. I was happy with that. The rain collector was the next goal, two miles away through Martinez Canyon. My 2L of water I left camp with was holding steady.

The views from the saddle are stunning in every direction.

I'll never stop seeing a squirrel gazing out in to the canyon here. 

The ATA rain collector comes into view. Note: DO NOT access this from the initial jeep road crossing. Continue to the gate, then before going through the gate, turn right up the short hill. It's a quicker and much safer way to access it.

Mike was leaving the rain collector as I rode up. I didn't think I'd see him again until the finish.

Surprise!! Ran into a couple out doing the Queen's Ransom Loop. Tori was all smiles here.

I reached the 10 mile overlook at 4p, 'mostly' downhill from here!!

Remnants from the Telegraph Fire in 2020. Scorched Earth.

The 2+ miles to reach Telegraph Canyon Rd. were a hoot!! Trail was in great condition.

Alamo Canyon here, right by the 6 tight switchbacks, cleaned 4 of them this time.

Spectacular late afternoon view of Picketpost Mtn. about 4 miles to go from here.

5:40p finished!!

Nice to see a bunch of riders still hanging around.

Joshua made it in right before needing lights!! Well done!!

Oof. Strava link.

I have to admit, I was a bit unsure how this ride was going to unfold for me. I had been sick for the better part of a month, still had an annoying lingering cough, but otherwise felt fine. Was it hard? Duh. Yeah. But I knew that going in. Even with gears it was going to be hard. I thought the gear ratio was good. I need to really put the time and focus in on strength training and cardio. I need to create a sustainable workout schedule around my work/home life and stick with it. There's 8 months remaining until an October date with the AZT800. No excuses. Time to buckle up.