Route Scouting: Rye to Payson

 I had some time to dig into the AZT800 route in search of a re-route between the tiny community of Rye and the the climb to Payson. Last year I had to deviate the route, adding more paved shoulder riding on busy AZ87 into Payson due to land access issues. I wasn't too keen on adding more pavement, but didn't really have time to dive into any potential re-routes. The current climbing route has been in use since the AZTR750 debuted in 2010. There really wasn't much of a reason to look for an alternate route until now.

I began poking around the area maps and the Mazatzal Wilderness to the west was just far enough away that there may be a buffer with some accessible dirt roads in there. Would any of them go through? How rideable were there? After some map study, I found what appeared to be viable option, although it would add 8 miles compared to the current route. That didn't really concern me too much, as long as the route was more rideable, then it would make sense to add it.

We'd be starting our ride just off the bottom of the image, then following the red line to Payson.

I reached out to Kara to see if she would be interested in joining along, since she just completed the 800 this past October, she had the current routing fresh in her memory bank. We'd set up a shuttle, leaving a vehicle by the new Ubuntu trail in Payson, then driving back down to Rye. We started off the Barnhardt trail access road.

Still on AZ87, passing over a flowing Rye Creek.

Starting up the hill on the current 800 route.

This is where the routes diverge. We go left at the junction.

Some fast, fun downhill miles get things rolling quick.

Passed by this water source, but doubtful it would be needed if riders topped off at Jake's Corner or the country store in Rye.

So far, the riding surface was great and the views of the Mazatzals were unmatched.

The terrain undulated, which led to faster riding.

Remnants of an old burn scar, but the area appears to be recovering nicely.

We were a bit surprised to be seeing tall pine trees already.

Kara enjoying the terrain.

The Mogollon Rim spread out in front of us.

The routes kicks up every so often, but in shorter spurts. This route really felt 'out there', quiet, only a couple of ATVs on a Sunday.

This one sums it up quite well.

I enjoyed the occasional downhill, it's not all climbing here.

FS414 finally came to an end at FS406, aka Doll Baby Rd. We turned right and immediately were met with a fairly stout climb on pavement. I had to walk a bit on the singlespeed, but Kara rode all of it.

You can see FS414 off in the distance where we just came through.

One more short climb as we near the top.

Never heard of this one.

The deer came out as we passed by the Payson Country Club.

Good sized herd, at least 20 strong just hanging out.

Obviously used to humans as they didn't scamper off as we rode by.

Arriving into Payson via Main St. Passed by a cafe & BBQ joint.

We both really enjoyed the route. Most riders should be able to pedal the entire way. I imagine it's not so great if wet, but that really goes for the entire region. If riding through at night, just be aware of the wash crossings in the dips along the route, they were a bit rocky after the recent storms. Not sure how often the route is maintained, but it appears to be regularly. This will be the new route for the 800 going forward.

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