NoAz: Route Scouting

Kent was the only brave soul to join me on a scouting ride up north. The route in question was a series of dirt roads linking I-17 at Schnebly Hill Rd. over to the Arizona Trail near Happy Jack. We'd then ride the AZT north for about 20 miles before tying more dirt roads together making a loop.

This would also serve as a shakedown ride on an extended demo from Binary Bicycles, George's personal Super B. I was planning to take it bikepacking the following weekend in SW Utah on the Bristlecone 200.

Purple & Green, it's a Hulk bike!!

As soon as we left the I-17 corridor, all was quiet.

It had rained a day or two earlier, the roads were mostly dry, but some puddles hung around. We did encounter a few feet of sticky mud, so beware, this area turns to death mud when wet!! The little bit we found didn't hinder forward progress.

One of the few times we had an open view.

Only short bits of chunky riding too.

Before we knew it, we had reached the AZT without a hitch!! The dirt road route from I-17 was declared a winner, now it was time for some singletrack miles.

Kent's first time on this section of AZT.

So far the bike was riding great, but I knew I'd be swapping out the Ergon paddle grips. They don't cooperate with the screw in my right wrist.

Sublime singletrack on the north end of Happy Jack.

Nearing our crossing of Lake Mary Rd.

Railroad grade riding on the south end of Mormon Lake.

We took a side detour to Navajo Spring to find the water troughs filled with clear agua.

Reaching Double Springs CG, near our AZT exit.

A few miles of forest road would get us over to Munds Park.

But, first we had another trail to explore.

I had seen the Crystal Point trail on Trailforks and it had a few positive reviews, why not give it a test run? We'd be approaching it in the preferred direction, that meant a half mile + chunky climb, then a 2+ mile descent. Sounded good to us.

The climb started off mellow, then more rocks and a few power moves. It kept going, with the challenges increasing. It was a blast. I finally got caught on a tricky move not far from the top. The climb was a real leg/lung burner and one I'd love to try again, just not at mile 57!!

At the top, we began our descent towards Odell Lake. It was fast and mostly free of rocks, what a hoot!! Like the climb, it seemed to go on forever, not that we minded. It ended near the lake, one I never heard of and we rode past a multitude of high end cabins/homes.

Crytal Point singletrack near the top.

Odell Lake. Never knew it existed.

We rolled through Munds Park and hopped on the shoulder of I-17 for the 2 mile spin back to the vehicles. At least there's a wide shoulder.

Caught a nice sunset over Mingus Mtn. on my way home.

It was a great day in the pines and the route was a resounding success!! Thanks for coming out Kent, let's ride again soon!!

Route: