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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Mogollon Rim: Tangled up in Blue...Ridge

 Now that summer is in full effect, that means a lot of my riding takes place in higher elevations. A few years ago I did a really fun loop through the Blue Ridge area of the Mogollon Rim. I invited Mike to tag along and he was all in and offered to drive.

We staged our ride where the Arizona Trail, AZT, crosses AZ87 up on the rim. Our loop would be about a 50 mile CCW spin. The first five miles or so would be on the AZT along the Happy Jack passage.

Ahhh, the cool pines.

Mike zipping through the toothpicks.

Crossing over mile 500 along the full Arizona Trail, according to hikers. Photo by Mike.

Down in Jacks Canyon.

We exited the AZT and linked a series of dirt roads together as we made our way to Clints Well.

Some were nicer than others.

Stumbled onto this water source, but we didn't need any.

A bit of chunk arrives.

Remnants of an old fire as the views open up a bit.

Passing by the Clints Well RV resort, water available, but the store is right around the corner.

Short bit of pavement on Lake Mary Rd. out to AZ87.

Nice to have real food options, if needed.

Take note: CLOSED Mondays & Tuesdays.

I don't think the Sinclair dino was amused.

Fella pulled in with this 1971 version. Maiden voyage.

All spruced up inside.

There's also your typical gas station fare here as well. Frozen Snickers bar FTW!!

There's a half mile along AZ87 from Clints Well to FS141, no shoulder. The sketchiest section of the entire route. Ride fast and get outta there.

Snack break...or staring at my bike?? Hmmm. Photo by Mike.

East Clear Creek at Jones Crossing was...bleak.

Some wide open riding up here. Photo by Mike.

Mike finding a good shade spot while waiting for me to catch up!!

Climbing towards the rim and FS300, rumored to be paved??

Interesting place to put a sign about Blue Ridge Reservoir, it's miles away.

Much to our surprise, FS300 is still dirt here and over to the AZT junction.

More history from the area where the AZT tops over the Mogollon Rim.

General Springs Cabin, one of the better preserved ones up here.

Found this guy and a couple of hikers taking refuge inside the cabin. Photo by Mike.

This is usually the beginning of any ride along the Cabin Loop system.

Land of ferns incoming!! The AZT doubles as the Fred Haught trail for the first 3 miles.

Mike cleaning a tight switchback.

I love a good switchback challenge, but I overcompensated on this one and dabbed. Bleh. Photo by Mike.

The first few crossings were dry, but we did eventually find water along the trail.

These few miles of trail are simply spectacular.

Only a couple of down trees too.

Here's your Blue Ridge brochure pic. Photo by Mike.

Scenes like this make you forget it's over 100º back home.

We reached the point where the Fred Haught trail diverges from the AZT. Originally, we had planned to stay on the AZT, instead we called an audible and stayed on the Cabin Loop system. We'd then take dirt roads back to AZ87, overall a bit more rideable, as the AZT has two significant hike-a-bikes.

We still had some bike pushing, just shorter. Then it opened up to this fun downhill.

Singletrack, ferns and tall pines. It doesn't get much better for summer riding in AZ. Photo by Mike.

One more short, steep up.

It's a really fun trail system, but you're gonna work for it.

Kicking up dust on our way down to FS95. Photo by Mike.

We made our way out to FS95 and the washed out road from a few years back.

Hike down, then up to get around. There are no plans to fix this.

The force of nature's result. I'm sure it was quite the sight. Photo by Mike.

I thought we only had about 4 miles remaining until AZ87, then this sign appeared. Oof. I think mentally, I had resigned this ride to only having 4 more miles. Photo by Mike.

Soon after getting on the dirt road up top, I noticed my rear tire was slowly leaking. I pumped it up and figured it was good. A few miles later it was getting low again. We weren't too far from finishing, I guess I'll just keep pumping it up as needed and deal with it later.

I was really starting to feel the accumulation of elevation gain as we neared the descent to Blue Ridge.

Mike had been steadily riding away from me on the climbs as I found myself walking here & there. When I did catch up to him, I suggested he go ahead and finish. I also wouldn't mind if he drove the truck back to pick me up!! He rode away and no sooner did he get out of sight, my rear tire got soft again. Ugh. This time I relented and put more sealant in. It lasted until the bottom the the descent.

East Clear Creek right before it flows into the reservoir.

I started to make the climb out, but I had nothing left in the tank and I could tell my tire was getting low again. I opted to just walk the entire thing and deal with the tire at the top. I assumed Mike would be back to get me before I reached the top.

Up, up, up I go.

I was nearing the top, still no sign of Mike. I crested the climb and began pedaling once more after getting my tire inflated yet again. All of a sudden, I had a second wind. Maybe it was the slightly downhill riding, but I felt great. I noticed I had just gone over 6000' gained for the ride and was rapidly approaching 50 miles for the ride. Now I hoped Mike wouldn't show up, at least until I nabbed 50. He finally came around a bend, but I was now just over a mile from finishing the loop. Might as well stick with it.

Back on AZ87, passing by the Blue Ridge Ranger station.

Somehow, I managed to see it through until the end.

I was definitely feeling it by the end, but man, what a great route. This would make a really nice overnight bikepacking ride. Plenty of water out there and a store/restaurant about 20 miles into the loop make the logistics very simple.

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