Picketpost Group Ride

Trail crews have been hard at work closing the gap on the Arizona Trail in White Canyon. I put out a call to my riding buds on mtbr to see who wanted to tag along to check on trail construction. We would need to get at least as far as my ride back in May, 15 miles one-way. We had a good turnout for this ride, 9 total at the start. The AZT south from the Picketpost trailhead is in a dead heat with the Black Canyon Trail as being my favorite to ride. One bonus for this ride: it's only 45 mins. from my front door while the BCT is about 1 1/2 hours. The pictures will do most of the talking on this ride, truly spectacular especially after mile 12.

Phil was a brave man, bringing out the SS for this one!

Chris striking the 'pose'.

Everytime Seron gets that burrito out I tell myself that I need to bring one next time!! So good.

Dave leading the Specialized gang.

Brian's ready for some catclaw!! Brent thanks you for paving the way.

Brent & R.J. rolling onto FR4.

Seron leanin' into it.

Looking north on FR4 towards Superior.

This is the overlook at mile 10. The trail drops down into a wash, then climbs back up to the low point on the  horizon at mile 12.

Looking east from mile 10.

Sam at the bottom of the hill.

Mile 12 or so, let the fun begin!!

Seron eating up some sweet lines.

Mile 14 overlook, all downhill to the Gila River from here! That bit of info courtesy of Scott & Lee's ride a week later. Mt. Lemmon off on the distant horizon.

Danger lurks around every turn!

Here's the proof we were looking for!! Back in May the bulldozer was near the bush just left of center, now the  trail goes through to the southern section all the way to the Gila River! Only a short 3.1 mile segment near Kelvin is still under construction. Due to be complete by year's end.

Here's the shot from May, notice the bush to the right of the bulldozer for reference.

Great spot for lunch & our turn around point for the day, 15 miles out.

Lichen. Yes I do.

What's not to like about riding a section of trail like this? Really glad the trail crew kept the trail high on the canyon wall.

Always a good time when Sam is on board!

Picketpost Mtn. in the afternoon sun.

The great thing about this particular ride was being able to share the trail with good company. A few had never been out here, some others had not ventured as far south. There was such a good vibe afterwards that plans are in the works already for a return trip complete with shuttle so we can ride the full passage down to Kelvin. I can't wait! Here's a super video that Sam put together.