Registration opened for the 11th Edition of the Queen's Ransom and within 4 minutes it was almost full with 26 of the 30 slots spoken for. I thought I'd have a huge wait-list this year, but things stalled for a few hours. Later that day I reached 30 and eventually only a few folks were on the wait-list.
I had some new stickers made up for this year and they turned out quite nice:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfIJMKcr61rL4kQ6FVPsKvhOm1hull-Y1LeQ0hwpcZMghXQk5l1dEJrXU0J6nlD6TZmWq4cJAVZZoKvui7dARxYE9ArmlyoVBNXWpqtIB6-F0xtsgMyMmOZlHI5DCcWReoYNWUyfjeMxLZEXyqD394KGKowWBV5dkCdPJmm-PfnGRQNKc1VbfCY9Ba42S/w400-h400/QR_Round_2Tone_Logo.jpg) |
I used a similar design last year in black & white. This year I swapped out the '10 Edition' for 'Arizona' |
The pint glasses and mugs were so popular last year I figured I'd keep offering them until they aren't. Katie was happy to oblige again with a stellar crop of custom mugs, check her out at:
helloferncreations.com
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5Dbqgnxbivn3H963ZQ3F2O0T1L6royRscEAEoz9WK8Cba4bXV0BaQZvP5yGVq9FTrM_OctJ1wWIST2wM1sSc0U9rTrxzxF4rkep6B2c9YlGMr17K9_ncqmQzxDMF85nLcAwsZSFPj-jWbDQxQB-oDbT0X1p2UBT-JYTaV-9mcJLR-kjodGHkI_Z70LdL/w400-h400/IMG_20240223_140929_511.jpg) |
So many colors, it was tough for folks to choose!! |
It was shaping up to be a tremendous group representing 11 different states and 3 Canadian Provinces. Not just western states either, Maine, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Illinois and Toronto, Canada were all coming out. Cool!! This was the first time hosting the group ride where I didn't personally know more than half the riders. Word has definitely gotten out.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_C0nO8xyEODH-J9D3FXCCshyphenhyphenOmLBlKeZE-OjW4LqitJ9lFeBy-mUd7XNykq_tdMbf8aF6ydM5CNCpz4lQJGPE8Rmrn7YJYPaDi4rIB-naQPf8_KZmyJHZKgzyX9OD0xFLSDI7NglXoM1Cfm8QPLfdBKmxbcE7PZ8MOYfvCp2c3b77c66Z4Xws6MCBBCk/w400-h225/PXL_20240228_231449621.jpg) |
Jocelyn's extremely small, efficient packing system for air travel. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzXZnooPo0He69JKrGIi1vEKUdKuT9oWxJh0bQ1s8A0tKLYsQTwfFY_UyPxrZJs5MEvQbEZO8oUEbl9wr0y_VawxPBLouXcKke9d7xLS26mnD_UpD0I8loGl0b0Sc6kvhgRQ9afCWwKxiy4TV-DjpgTDtbBaQWev6MNdMI1fscN7sdzdeDaDT6IQTI4ar/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_055204250.jpg) |
The fleet is growing!! |
Unfortunately for me, my battle with a nasty sinus infection reared up again in the week prior. By the time the ride approached, I knew I could ride, but how much? It was going to be a constant 'wait & see' approach, but I wasn't missing out.
I would end up bypassing some of the more difficult sections and this recap is based on what I rode, not the actual full route. For a more in depth look at this year's route, please head over to
Mike S's blog and
Julian's published recap. They are both fantastic and give other lenses to see the route through.
The night before a bunch of riders had arrived, some crashing at our place. I set up a social meet & greet over at
Creekside Taco Shack and I think we had 20 people show up!! It was great to begin to put faces to names and get to know some of the riders we'd be spending the next five days with.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-Bo7KKTCVqxSh43O6piQNs3-IUnB0_wXuChDDgdwG4YYGTi5utSnBY465r-UPqxWSZ_asVYWWMyqzShR8aITAGEiT75aBVQ-7PCqQfBKDi6EbIe75-ocqkQQAUnpX33R-_N_NUKp1lJD5PmEcksnAbqWZYGxRTXxAT88f124wEez55wnmBnV1VPKh58K/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_024411397.jpg) |
What a crew!! |
Speaking of which, this would be the first year I went to a five day / four night format. Still big days, but hopefully this would get everyone to camp in daylight or very close to it and not so wrecked they didn't want to hang out before crashing for the night. I was curious to see how it would all play out. What I ended up doing was essentially split the previous first two days into 3. Shortened day 4 a little bit, reverting to a previous camp location along the AZT which, in theory, would get everyone to the SAG stop closer to midday. The final day would remain the same. I had scouted out two new campsites, the second needed to have vehicle access as my buddies, Kris and Duane, offered to bring food/drinks/shower to camp 2!! Yes, a portable shower if anyone wanted it.
One of the riders, Rick, made a bunch of QR spoke cards for the group. They turned out great and was a nice map/route resource to have at your fingertips. Thanks, Rick!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Qqwt1X0Dxy7YQc6rfbjs07x4kZ1_n7oHxDw2UXTj35cIbzKjOY2NhlR7f2trT_5VW1lHEp319O4MTHJQJhcXqM2h3LuICsrjB570FuohnhZ0dsBsF3t93tPwsow5gpO_rf98gG4cJaoFq5k5pUgkBfUhp7XMxvXFtQYsnt48HEbEOqYfq3x0adG1uMX/w400-h300/PXL_20240308_155932098.jpg) |
Laminated and two-sided. Nothing but high quality here. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3oC2rwFwWUPXEo7tT7MfqMzhEMPrYnghiA2QlK2-Dphhs1zjz1I9IZgEgGL7hvG3Azo4nihuRAUAv-W_KzEEFQRdtCVAxcqXUenIXqixaa7KdwhNS04e2bcCgbP06-maqsQlR6TY3F9Tw4qrmB-V2Eyl4g7zF3hJvmmjgw0JNqY_K-GRJNFRREegUqM3/w400-h225/IMG_8718.jpeg) |
Riders gathering, anticipation building. Photo by Gary. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrSdUeh86AxdF5JbthHJXqqRH6ndgJa7-G8pLiHtS-L0CNFEYktVTyN1W99l9pHRzyxApJUDB-L983B9oziLfhaNbnO_6UsHVEcmZ4QLaBXVh0pZtbIDKgS6HnRxelqoQNDpp7-Dah3v7CkTug8RkDn7BSFKJcdVTFPFIZN5yfEFlSDh0FjEeDzdOXt6z/w400-h266/DSC03333.JPG) |
Giving some last minute tidbits to the group. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoSi7EKG2l0a4vsyB3yJKYFvoos8WGafOS0yXIPyDsRH1AJodrrlEvO03Qv0vzYzzRFtw_SIgo57Gkuu6ji1Jtnb1btnHYvpwndfcAtnqFr-aFl7TRP_k7-DcPdvlbH7nwprp8KgN_D_turTzuGerAhVNyP3eTTbEECfHkHXEPgtdSRZUDEdgvtlasklC/w400-h389/IMG_8730.jpeg) |
Dirt peloton. Photo by Gary. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIFe7Y05TvpBrt-u-R7rKgQRxqtKBBGw6qFsnARnE5zO58r1tNM2cJBy3NfRFpoZeu9PCOc86n5Rt59cV231dzcLJc8Zidpe1Wa-aS6UlM7Jgzy6SMbdgwQltjOrN1N8p6JMh4kJV-4qJr1hBtTU0f_QleEo_Ob89Lzagg38x815GVM5zJTnRp4BcaHX8/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_164523835.jpg) |
Miles of canal riding with Ian to get the legs warmed up. Beautiful morning to be pedaling. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-F_m7XBrYaLMQIhZKElvlT7w0P05dyT61wHYzFEphvoJLynrG1Z4SAsTUH6hYCXgEtJas-qv5aKWu46P_Ol6dzoO5HYVtD1Y_xGzUB8XGXuQg7JbcN15iPjIkjw5CKpNkhu5V6Oj4TEQNR0IAu94l2GNQwnSKwbrrz-FFyb6lRiJjA3vKl4_QOYTjTLYq/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_165632365.jpg) |
A few miles of tarmac, passing under Falcon Field here, before we reach singletrack. |
But first is our re-group at Desert Trails Park for the roll-call photos, a snack and shedding of layers. A couple of riders took off before the photos to hit the bike shop for a last minute repair. I added them in as they arrived to camp 1. To help me keep tabs of people's names, I took these photos in order of their registration timestamp. I had a printout with me. How's that for organization?? I'm learning a thing or three over the years. I've added a link to each person's Instagram account if they provided one.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjh9u82HcAW7ijJrELlyW8VRqIzg143rqOpUn-aM2gTN4j2sy6PuaoE97fMDFKWYB-tLQruH9AGXqS5m7OFpJblvrlIqS39KLhUwxLuHDDpYE7l5R5Ddykum6LdUklbvHA97M_cwr-32aDOVkwiJmLysnP4BobUaapJNLZCR0ik3wZLBLR6vXrKEhcNu1/w400-h400/IMG_20240302_193019_949.jpg) |
Kristen @krissym5 (2023 Triple Crown Challenge Finisher!!) - Denver, CO |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEfeJ7W4YFrhF02YJJOGvRMLlLHFvuiWS3yZcZy2Da1Vpj5OQ0NPXMJn_20Q_Vtaqe-CmVXVXvoJxUtM7i98teBHSIsEZZfS1wVDFakMuuEF22pbHaXRsPu5Fm2f04zj-PIpB5xp1zQBPwFNGQIrEBT_ZIXRpmHNQz7wbNEgohXIK-9eMo787YZOy8-IX/w400-h400/IMG_20240302_194829_223.jpg) |
Randy - Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZidYiys96X3hLiUU3B4BMl8_vDWs_yRaCl3JfvMt-J3rUzH3ma-XWIuJSpfRNZQrl5Umaerh68y9P5Q6frBnpIkWcPCRT_vx5OhHriKnUSh0PRN8MKXFr8F6bR6J3QpMGVa9m-ZHmw6wFhkbF3tuGjqJs8dNA4mP5xchKaF8PwwpolG4E8Vz8b8c1G_U5/w400-h400/IMG_20240302_194829_254.jpg) |
Walter - Miami, FL |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsThVkcnZiaRrHCBIK1R-D_gfHdrGFWMTUlmcdJMb8OeOuQqSjTNfBqZxg3csFExV4MHsoJYRPdYPyViBL6HfFWnDw7zMs9iYEh6EJKyIN9cPyHg9m_nt3LEGaAI7L9YzIbKvuLTaOZQT4NMlP5Joz-b3mFqQOAANH49kGlDkA0zyINSnJ7z-Qd7zyr4U/w400-h400/IMG_20240302_194829_330.jpg) |
Eric - Simi Valley, CA |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagk3mcw2ymDyoRJezWT2rgWo95J6is3s1R1ZbfkSwAC0VZCDZzwmun9rTGtQ-kiO5FPaSmCPaer5QsgIsEOi41X3vClOpV4-knYPiH8KXFehmFYoACaDUv9VW3uJUVpy6VhQt1V5Ba3ToYWYNye7k2EF-tLo-njZcS77Gz_6blM_w3ir8biU1V0evG1bu/w400-h400/IMG_20240302_194829_380.jpg) |
David - Tucson, AZ |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluXLGMoJOhetoQO-1NGMKIxReAW_NulVouXVfBt9qW2ntbIneLl976VQgExYELiyoSernwmAbAvfjldEDt_x71UbIqkUupH7ZGJnEGuMFBeFXf3tiAyteVURA18HDlRnl1DcUi9864ynVp7uvmjAjxm4fy_O7A6d0IBLPGe-KCDBbo9PD9jfCOBN6QNyl/w300-h400/IMG_1956.HEIC) |
Bonus!! Mike Sowers - Chandler, AZ (3-day pace) |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJG_J5Rt5WZLJKE6Oat-_vW_ornZD3_NyTgYcgTIWLpTKMnSdU90VKEs5_23Zfe9hs3hZyKm1SksLAk-aB4RNS9TU8nEM4WfCtQz4J6Cif6uqvOKGIv4vOgiklVJ-5CXvqZ4Vd_lpF43sCB7nNAschwzSh9Y8ybAgYPWok-lSFSxiGi3i6oPkmzrBZkMP/w400-h300/IMG_1958.HEIC) |
Bonus!! Gerritt - Phoenix, AZ (3-day pace) |
In recent years after leaving the bike park we'd make our way to my friend's house in Las Sendas only a couple more miles away, but late last year they moved!! Gah!! Their new place will still be a first day SAG stop in future years, but they were out of town this year. So, from the bike park everyone settled in on their pacing for the day.
I dropped back a bit and rode with Mike W. & Mike S. through the neighborhood. As the route began it's steady climb I could tell my legs/lungs weren't quite ready for a full effort. I was struggling to maintain a 5 mph pace on a section of pavement that I typically cruise at 9-10 mph. It was here that I decided it would be in my best interest to cut the route and skip the Hawes trails. I love those trails, but it was the right thing to do. The Mikes peeled off and I continued through the neighborhood over towards Usery Mtn. Regional Park.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxyd4tEQqkcg4bApPI9WePhtYKIgPs3KNnCR6TllJBBEraR2tUDfipBPBYNxa5pealYiT1aC8wq7YC3V0u8T7o93nEn1nVFAjmHbwP75Ay-xOe66FjJN-_c0eegyeQDBanN5b29n3urcU3eblREHFYbDx2sE_DBpfqO10kINdAExevDezpGLcoxaREqxo/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_175043154.jpg) |
Mike W. & Mike S. on a bit of Hawes dirt before climbing the neighborhood roads. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWEl3qBpwClvjwLAXSlnw2EmQ4fAxLI28mVK12hkwnpfBAYyiFKErxj4AgiB5r0lnOojRTS2cjq4G1W4tpo2bVcwHv_-YkLY0qgBGp17pcYJA917QIZ2Ews-1l74f90DYmqD4VdSL7Ixuqzfs8mtU6PB9B4YYOyPbn_LOF-Po8Tgjw3sU1nlXtF6EnQcC/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_182715365.jpg) |
On my own now, taking a snack break at the Las Sendas high point. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8j3TfJ-FAZaj_HP1_PIQ-sWJG-Z1xQSMbJgQfJgRY4TLancuEfq-4Ao7q7ohedvZZxlkevjrkmhP8f7cG-qo_f6ELBIhOHhvmENluZ-qak3R2tJ5rUMwjvbRyc92wroQ2rmlodrTtYV8V9i7HpAV6KtkPZmFTdfVFGObwCkIukpAvIa_r0RmEZoRRJpp/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_184043127.jpg) |
Social connector trail to Usery is quite good. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo64dfkK2atRdJ-xSkrEFGyl9sEALcgzDLC6LnQg-qRuVxT8RtTUyS-9IXm3mypm-eefa5PegMkWh59EY4acbjRawAHQOnWeZfQNHWMyGFZ9p08Gv1a6uvBv0JFsdr62ruwIcsMal76x58InQFB9QCQ2sVYiittI9vES2qe7inFnStaksvyBJcXTRnIDs/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_184257197.jpg) |
<Phoenix - when visual flight rules were in effect. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3ppAOnFW2CXsadkdHB-Rm3286Sp7K3Jhg8_z9JqoGLaw14IPpfSSltQDKKqCaoJ1jCX9mZ1_QWKPn4ud6iVIS8XoyIj3uNmTnE9GJgJEtSbK26Hyy8pai-a98CpZhMPsvz98w_3H1PiNrNJidE14pc7NXwWTDExFobSl08AC653cVdrestevCBbXi9vD/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_190536872.jpg) |
Lush green desert on this 2024 Leap Day. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdp2JLTIgrjnoFI42vkvR6TNaPEYpqXkQSKiJDw8jwVYD08GbXRCkmL_02u-hE3EiLSEycr5Uu0X0x2NH5RjiA0rS9285Hps1e6M6Ic3UyEmuvs73MrNbUPR3B5Af3ESucHOhyCUdKrKPgdGmZbu3Ol8YHa1fpt4cOmZE6lVSYjIJZm1N19MS5bJKLYzz1/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_191033843.jpg) |
Pass Mtn. from the Moon Rock trail. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZQ2vwy92A9VNcNtHSOn6fKZOUyjmvDImP94fEWz7KH0dFC3rT2an3F4Id-3-xi9EVeXe74v5DNznqMGHhnPm9tTKDIEfpJHhuKejojSmcl2b5QXrodOITdwAF15wIG_Kqps23X_w7IY9B__poezq0GW7b0Yfg_kwwgXjjC0Wuoo20wBW3Ou3H0UJRoEO/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_192005261.jpg) |
I took this opportunity to scout the needed route change to my friend's place next year. It started with fast double track. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKBYaNqGXa60HhFitPTzk6pmZ7-4hy0II-0mGcV0hsYLGEhTsKMFHvFgpwUaSG6kKdZ2FSD7Cd5T0CKjexgbydk7M2FpgtynPHlmXGHSNGarlM2gOWjBKplTTd8chmnrTWLHFTpEK_uG9UfQxyspcRF9hQqm7TWseS5IZ39ZXkQA7LwSd96ciGLIl37Fw/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_192344344.jpg) |
Then morphed into tight singletrack. Rippin'. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVtH2zdQpCSPUoQyUhJw91Z49y2sTTQ0ok74wk17eryysjP5qjkWiXBGNfyX3fgs2-rgElKUjkbimIZ3yJAcfEPdzKx1fU1DkqUb2UKCRhEMXbL0NOKhHa2T0e6WYS11CTWa2rFu79802mRZNAFK2I48MDYhgd3v0yuHpmlJKIYcWHgDQEYe1p2DKnarb/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_193553059.jpg) |
The Superstition Mtns. grow closer as I near the exit of Usery Mtn. Park. |
I also made the decision to skip the Goldlink trail as it has a fair amount of hike-a-bike on it. I'd take some horse trails through an unincorporated area leading to an OHV access point.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQriQRxwQwJUhzf31HXEMYIrfZO9Y3hy2f_ReIx62LWE96jfqarzha1fG62UhHZtrRaxa5dwOptLY8C3aNPtoy7cDVIXDW4I4K_TTxqZz-dj5SSwTo4KJeakS_brrQJ8ozvLCO3E8KUq7niv_Jb6_nXaA5-jFES9kUXvZEtkAueL77Knu2T9Rlw_DnGHR/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_195940449.jpg) |
The open horse area was mostly flat, but it would occasionally dip abruptly in/out of a wash and be covered in rubble. Meh. At least Goldlink has wonderful views. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvYYjFvWkSRpve-5gTiGewkUT6xwAYtB3Qr7NsLr61Vs-ljTkY0qRwYN9rLHIu6VrCbjC5JDnnl6MoT7fMazzM6Z3vVbfxmPu25YOYWm2wOr6y7GEIprfwtxSK_uzCwE6INkHI8xZTC8rKWOJ6htjz4qhVP5d6LqbttV1etTm4yY2e1i-EUZix-mlmhkY/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_211056025.jpg) |
At the OHV access area. Not far from camp now and it's barely 1pm. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGEnoD071tIFxwha_y358VZbX4vzB6vgPLXTGstj3B6_uFHOQRN5QIMLxiLnDdO3hFqa83wsQMC2RbuC2qDKc3p2fv-GFnyi8BitJbfTjaKaItuARMwtX-gag8w4wTB45nBbGF3j7nNygt4_fUzpReoGkBwmatOIsPFReK2ZegcnWKCWkGRq663Fy2zPy/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_212501782.jpg) |
Goldfield Mtns. showing off their colors along FS1356. |
I was cruising along the dirt road, minding my own business when I thought I saw the stick in the road move?? Yep, first rattler of the season out getting some sunshine. I stopped after passing by to get a closer look. He wasn't in a rush to get across the road. Good looking fella!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYsbRbZm2D1bxKVQ8-Mcas7NWWC9lGCoJXTxm3ZuHZYpAfz-Od-HKzIbHTvAG3hk4N0Lghgw6sUGCP474pcDvS329Vzh6zyumE0ZYpWV1b5WgegTbb1kdsao73vgLBYyGapTxdtpEg5BJCtr7mV4ZW9ANSdHWjumy4Y8e2jWi5zktiTv0TB3rRA9Qz9fM/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_212838467.jpg) |
Hey, buddy. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hg0jAltm-yCdOjaINNzS6JPOpDKiNSLKdjr0QgI2OfndAU5CFzUgIluoYsr2O2OUBBRWRrq1Uyr194L5JpjR09rFx52xZJjUWKMcisg8ZMP-BDK-Fvahg-KJiLfwwNeDMlNS96jvnsO2OPG51bjhFnhmPx6WGcPTHmYmUEUaOgVoA7_Qby0iUnwtr8s_/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_214004659.jpg) |
My favorite shot from FS1356. Lichen covered rock formations and a distant Four Peaks. |
A fun downhill begins here and then it flattens out, keep an eye peeled for a singletrack entrance on your right. I was a mile or so from the planned camping location, it was a bit after 2pm. The place I had picked had good vehicle access and a nice flat spot, but it wasn't very secluded. I didn't think that would be an issue since it was Thursday.
I was rolling along the singletrack and about to come over a rise when I looked right and couldn't believe my eyes. What is this?!? A huge open flat spot covered in grass?? I stopped in my tracks. Welp, I think I found a new camping spot for the group. While it didn't have vehicle access, that didn't matter since Kris and Duane weren't driving out until the next night. Not only was this area big enough to handle the group, it had killer views in every direction. The Superstition Mtns. to the east, the Goldfield Mtns. to the west and hills all around. Since I was first to arrive, I could easily flag everyone down. I'm sure they wouldn't mind being at camp a mile earlier.
I also had a good cell signal, so I contacted Scott to update the camp location on Trackleaders on-the-fly. How's that for service?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjA8Ze1TqyCagLd-_gty7-FMEzfafP4DyFN4XlQ7IUiQTWUishj5J2ceoAoEB5XpQkDEJe71HY_MtFCO_VPBzM9fITjXzJPRtGkjJCHjEB0w_hK_iYEmo0496kw2fibXhHc_yG9poxZZxoCneGidmEwlGCYigbBFqreQukCUmfK7XoszdnY6Zaqmk2TxNv/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_220413849.jpg) |
The grass opens up on the right side of the trail. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8GAG-lVJRRxGeLBPj_CEIs5o7mCGGgi5XJPGYkvtfUJvRs96zG14xnCqpXUo1ARf9AI6aeOqOnR9PL6ECece3vDDtBcykfYywdMzhyphenhyphenqyOgxbmx9WRC9hO3EU56TW7np4NO1nGY0ykIDSC-YSAYseO_HEkEEXgo92j2qRW_vVPQRF9i_OqJlWqnQwRK2q/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_223409175.jpg) |
Goldfield Mtns. make a great camping backdrop. |
I think I was hanging around camp for 30-45 minutes before Ian came rolling in. It was then a steady stream of riders all the way to sunset. I think the last people arrived 15 minutes after sunset, so not too late. I tried to snag a photo of everyone arriving to camp 1:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE7whEhAwWRDD2yb9Wi0dWVUp7o61Pk5xhnHFat8KFoehq20_t4mcRZmCD-S4_dJFa4i7xPRLcEz0TByMgsSXLCVtIztNxthA2uGAJ3CLrtnt2bXil8-wGCWkLD2tQ_u0FNgfpTNY-b_ndL6c7BhetMtu_QqThCSKai97o_AH-t-6zGYmrkXooTgVRXBd/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_225602955.jpg) |
Ian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1xGf5TLlmUFl63MMah03BDY5MWg85lzxhBNebks3w9z3SWNIX7v4Y-gb9efIrSL7ijya-JwPcCEQ2gi1oPzo07xXgS4IC-xxQ0bPjLz2vvRS2FTpg1ge-IvT98Y_UDY95QqM8AyHCTgBwZ3eMHeMzgbneH2gilu2SgYmqoXAAvE2q0WIcwK97R_MEPNb/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_225648254.jpg) |
Doug. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEiA8m2jAV5l0bj4a81yDeeA9ZpQfkCcwS7C0MYV1tiHf0TKmUFaBOapV7GtD1L7hdW9ubZAWcvDHrh30xSYrpPN9JttBOrVJ7zRypMhY8Oh21VE8vAXnl1oCOaPXz84gS72wlBUCuB0XvhCZLK1BTe0M6N8BUh4Ug037oR2DNWh8JmQFYda6Fo14_jKW/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_231154051.jpg) |
Aaron. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71w2yYg6idykAmD8YQ6a1nrEuZ6sqBmY6dKpWj6-CxcL7QR76YcU1ek_7fD1cB0HvNLx_7ngmHO0nGIfDqsHZdsbH0XZBBqV3sr5TtQeFXg6Mzwv3-gQ4_7lsh1FEfB__i7-9FMWS4WdqVXTPR5rohslgJoHFmP5JpG96Yu98hTYitglsiLjSJWR3EyQU/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_231529164.jpg) |
Eric. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwO2jUY5iw5p22ygN1yQsjq4TtSGK0JYEySN40qdaJq7VhX3xRgkpfntPrJ_dRvU9pIMzRU4dVCJuNEAf2rKtUCccomnMKgXY3w9MSQZnnlrRPitAJdXZTGsSKVjhNzHYYMWQkT_221wyuxrRNzlccbaRhnXE6SSTpntizklYiTC_xRgjX84aDFvSbNa-/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_231838437.jpg) |
Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZXWOdosDLStyjU9Ahw0NdsUB3MezcUVkUQKEd-KHYk1dt8t1M-piWQOpbcqJaTVi7cuy-0VOhtvQApdklgZAn9birbX6lkIm5fmXgZOphrddq69Ho5O5EVG83kGNPc2ZGt6Zh8Mt28EpAD1-AITmaIa6oPH5C-rVD_ejEQ_frG_ARFxktX1_G2e_VvWd/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_232417786.jpg) |
David. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B1a_ByIsxJrDwP-ogTrjIX-CPy1SZqk72GML0PI91nt6-8g1vQSjQsCdJCPzWPbiA_rqZVk6lUGQlaNPLfipUCvHjhRxQVB-Hwa1wcshH2KxtoKSlfi6j6BqW2ybp7a-F5dQg54griePkddyZlcS4h7kaq_KEsSY9G6zK3OQoDmtoS0IYaBvGVF9oyiX/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_232530122.jpg) |
Charlie. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXu2mqkJv6215eNMAkvlcdjV_zp4-azthn2M2cXwXrUh9-2OTJIsgl5duAvNz_Cx4azcOZM3xUD0T2TSpWBcWtM-ow-F3xkjegS1gki8egC_RLaoyt6So03nv_qRB9OqlKPZDI1z6TqUXxW5g0RsHngQp6bHzw9CEHlEMhBbLZRVffvFeQhyf4k1VrG8V_/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_232629397.jpg) |
Benjamin. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g6ZCQDtnUbKPssn1F5kzn9mnYTvRlLxcZ8FU7JUbSyS6f5BMJpFWYWZGTsU0AAnQMF-0FivPwBmQMyrILeqBwjc1KVdgRM5pN8beEhpSfd5yff4wA65NTpcZXubRXQGM0RVhhufzHwGdrCxpSBOzGidJg7__LFfqjLGkY6i1mNdvioLk5ALBU7dqq1iD/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_233609182.jpg) |
Joe. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3ZwyKT8nnHUNL3Pnp6Ghk4BL4brXFn95UmpBTiSgbLwV8Is8Ccpippkqhnb0O8Lw9PCIuTyX_lcIrEiL9p67zGdMEQTQp_mB814wFSxoC2Q9B57HaSL67ZgJkCbNxQoRNn6FBzEzIjNE1lKVIBa5ELcjWlGQLsXsSAwbwKfZvUX3-FLGeivPq5nnyx5X/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_233953020.jpg) |
Mike S. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvlIqoUwYHXC7sMAoZWB0l3vfZCI553TcXEH9i4-MnUqPZqBeNxTdzwEQeAui3JSA9qcqBgUDyFEvfYkhsZv04qdsMUHiMF4aZLayX4MGb8zX4C2uFKBO115xBTOnPXPkSnErdzntax-1QIZIIETDjfin-6OdW9tMymKrtpnd37IiytrGS6j42Os5bH6Q/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_235433688.jpg) |
Robert. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPZrtKBKFckssbfNUvqSF74-64QTFPU-xPNBy-O-pTuV3WzHlhXNxQOLR6NJBMthOu2y5v4CGhpHv5LVG_I-MSdlf_zZPgY6ImBovo-LeBhZ9pUrGxalwXyA3oj0HIJ8uKtuiywZZsUFvoXjxILdkc8bqrmnTGB78PxtDf_9kbqiZ95KcvSFpQu6G1Xwk/w400-h225/PXL_20240229_235635724.jpg) |
Kristiina. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLxrhvGhpBZ2FKmI7-SoryaT-zTxhYBdrbY97Br4Jz4uT-ZPd38u_lu0-kQCX7Lj9ib8zeaTX4XLqUaWrXrbF13EXvXkrBBxOYSciJPPpv9j8fbExf_HkzXwJ-PIfwRpw80ZNO7OFWyR1kTgSBxkl8kjG2hJaMY2XuJtRwjsKQiIfXaljBlwXwI5GFroJ/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_001034179.jpg) |
Randy. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJsFih4yJgCmIBcb1EFf16xG8fIU9kqZZ-LiQh3-DHqgl3UP9rDJfhIJbH06debrAxpb7pqIUnmHA7eJZw1EXMQBKLo6FzIyjgKrFPbSBlL4YSi954c6Rr2uKVL3hyphenhyphen-kSVBA4mlCmukA3lcdL8rHWUnUbGLNArF_KonxMwgr-xmoG_kWfyU0bBzxVs1H5/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_001043652.jpg) |
Mike W. & Bret. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26A2EPysvnSbGYuG7_GpKyxuP4UzibOLEBQ5-GZxP63Nh3U93jMJy_aTz3HL3hDxCEdM7eVHiIS-a3_HKjZ1mA5dHrhPbKTfzt_KIUiZFnLK3IP6sRFMkXFY39vW95KgoShP81IyT5muRG8jQYlowFbF4rDpckbPwHG0XiCg0mlWLMhCxoggeDwYWm-v_/w301-h400/PXL_20240301_003909507.MP~2.jpg) |
Nearing camp 1. Photo by Moez. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMzEACK2DCLIKaQ8FMgYsdG6jUQ9W4zP5yCH-KwgOznVBPRgpHAMnwvndCtl0OHTXdHFYLDnK5n5AimCY4xGf-Dcscnl5IgresyFsjAhDwere7sB1jZcvOjPooM5_BymO64iHhjrFJEv-Az8ehF2VwpycJcMgwzcmyAveOVF0PJ98iNmIi1mABTGAVkAP/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_001135136.jpg) |
Richard M. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vHHlSwvQrHTcATd1t7vjPtnEMpFhCL8qeHJ3WiitTmwMig6tm2GR0vMtdCO1FOpUL0_fFz-uo3cmx1ldLJvN-mJppwxz2WRYvUvtiNw5RT0CTUff6wMZIiv3WD7mFpVd8NBGzfAMnSXxAgVUS4OfWLrncX38i7Wa_TrQl2SyUoxxqIDep6ecm_IqzVWb/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_002127413.jpg) |
Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kX708xHUI2CWNzJPmE-Xws6zwK7ZxdxcQVG5EAubcjyGDKMUZGFrL39awkMXDrv8V8f3ycfsI4ZZIOCn4ukJ2BhQWodtmNWQzLthOVbnmuBJRqqBeT-tygoIJes5dnTdEmoibNyvKo7T8VTCGjG_Mt2bPV7uJ03KIS8-18qM0MktjT_lLkqEdYv89P0p/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_004031738.jpg) |
Kristen & Joe. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIta0LUNKT-WZKZLJwAhA2WZgsaJLK1k692hapBF_h19jHhCtalYJJDJv4aBa66WXRezfPXFCfDEXyE4SY-j5VGm390ENLz1QbIY55Kv-cCG8jB9ud_bILb1NhA0CsUgLttWod17HMvRu0pDSXoVzugtGJGuNy19SwvFgVFYKeHsiPBgJcb2khwnOVZ3Se/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_010055505.jpg) |
Moez & Rick. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueB6Tk5CXwph2a-MY6nCEQjUucTGzhWrC3cTMZe1DtjbV4F0BnAPSKThBZP6pdWh9K0yB9hyphenhyphenq8GQQAbIr9OPtY7tg5EIVqtei7i1qWLlEK8-6rFg7hM_JvUARHAnC6tGvHQ_LbOJWovqJG11HduYXwzV5r5rkLRqWkKG0inIxaW_XF5DiWP29ofVb2dko/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_011510019.jpg) |
Adam & Walter. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyRDCi2qHWox0jxe_8J-WmblH-cFxXpLP_MIprATv9xpsoETj3gTGSAYAqpjlOqe7Bh0DTWTJHKN9hrMm1VSdQLovJ9mdn9am1FHVeE74E3KIcjiLSQaU72F2dKLqQbtmVwYe7irXYyWoj0HwqmQkBsVMmutQDDoW_MkeFsYo9BTi9hKUyFUd0lElgYT6/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_012401326.jpg) |
Brandon. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiNfhOCRgEYuhgyxzeT5VAEm0za_tooCIDbl0hYwBJ-TYnzh1xkBhfJVVVNqAy9erym9sGTRagw-w3-EN2cyoyPcRJmSlyn_6_GtskG0SD5G2pf2uz-tITEbNs6ivwfA60QXSfXSuv5hmU_fkLFkf_4h5k8tUBnO3pHmg_JadK6BJhRByeVibYodc_dU0/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_012411496.jpg) |
Laura. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgwsNYt5u7JfCS4OtckB3dL6srcbyaMsupN3xk1YWgOX2_Hno5sHqj0ZUlmQCBcjRzhdnGV2frlv9WOvKtDjpmjRr1CLXuPhCX0NILBlK_VEAa3e6KstBpDcfYKVavYldTcu3PiWcmOSLvI-XgQpbKBuZyfJJz2AeY9k364d31tKhZGdW6lE-pjMdMuRu/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_012418867.jpg) |
Samuel. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j4eOksbjgxVEV1PTkHKEoJ4rlccdM-TBdaAd1aoTGptxB1bxWAlk9uBgbwSEvpvCqUHjRTGkR-GUEKzLaPBJyNLPopjeqOtEVE48ZpcosNh1jMltdm17pg29szW4YEOcGONAYrWSm6tEXZihzVG-O3oW6nQTXAaUELfBHqJBLAmTcEqdEjzmHnOieel7/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_012659911.jpg) |
Maciej. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTiKnZvLAMbmLjWrJewLOtigXqsjnau_9bhgMUkaVYOFjkkIHR5rTLWp5cU5E8P1P5-qQfD2YKU8X6JItLYCIeAy1oAEVtneX7LUzEboT20t_RIETwT0vRAGdb0NON3IT0uqHP0CpOn_q_xX_G2tirKl4rIBIVYP1RAd63lFBP9tPYdFMdIIexJcwFcJW/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_013725927.jpg) |
Gary. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY-A8HF92PEn0eOvJooBQqz24uLZDMs_yN9BM8waMAlvANiBUJoKOIQqrjVV5PnssX054Ys2_Zl8t4NXzaUSWcs2A3SzkgghZk0LsutOBtTmPhhVFYnkQbNfmSOKvQ6wkV_hi3zONIlnbnm8_QRasvR9bt1YX12eRe_TAiXp8k09Y5ytO2NUgxePqRnL3/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_014426623.jpg) |
Jack. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHc686cwmiWl1qzfvVLuEPJNLkrqzg9mUuZbPgFXq0aZXxXN6TjSRI1MEqB9eWmftUlGlJJbbGOdeDGBZHgeQsduMVVwrgJfY1qTyXhrUewAWqREeIQQMbAk81rY5p7UDzU8mi7qGtVut7U1m2oXGaM14W3QI45IpMdKbTTf0hmGpIMeOHVkp2hr2Y5Ng/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_014606005.jpg) |
Joshua. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeXJWNCHqakLnjNfMOIgYDN4R0opJMTl-ooHL53BgfyeVy-oCkVxWSAiCEs_xuTZkC-4nuAcDoSR-pr5YORpqOEXtI-QfjN49KRD0PGZq-QzVXol9KOwi9yStY2DEeDeTpW3mRwKU0KdP3E4COLf7VxRM7AysKLjUUDjxT2XpRfsbvAtVhWS1PmOtdwz4/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_020224678.NIGHT.jpg) |
Richard L. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs7zs9p2WAiqhok7uW4DlVPt_cjgR2Kn2lIFdqiF22hu1el9TPjDIoUEnL00toVQ78Prv83G6F2SZ-Swm1XIfsEc6ohNVTf21nSKObe71TsZDuyPbJlAm2Tmjq8V0uz8_iqNxItkeTfXbd8STbdhqkx2vVl8x3N3HhoUvk3A_BAcxxvEsA7CdXOu2WAPK/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_012219397.jpg) |
Campfire going, tents spread out, tales of the day shared. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAo1xlZ-ArUYNfvZk-LnqAjcUsQrfrfKIM1XtzaQd47WnBfnt9UfbrXqScKeXYYxdkoFWy-qyBJcDeoELhAF50FuFW5GHgi85A-WleBq0Zse9hluzfGrmgZ7P1-Mh3086btlSm03Sw2w76UsvoZy5zCzfq0oG5KECSKJ2gax_xwvOjgbGy3SlCSnpeqeJJ/w400-h266/DSC03468.JPG) |
Waning light over the Sonoran Desert. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhGHgE4v7LolL1pVFNdIGf5epwxwPnlr5xFfEbI9ss8oyYTruwdVcLmTNCQ_IHI8-lAAY6YVOCtB-cjdunMARvI0_E9_1HO-Pd1EfAHiI_EKpvvb5af_HLFSwX4FPwasE1d37Y0qvF7Bpuh4-QgZoreiZemiN6luG3hvlEy914WJl-R8n9jsg_j8mbHJX/w300-h400/IMG_2831.jpeg) |
Photo by Rick. |
I think I still notched 44 miles on the day in spite of cutting the route short, but I did a lot less climbing than everyone else. I was ready for a good night's rest.
Much to everyone's surprise, including myself, all of our gear was soaked the next morning. The dew was thick thanks to a storm that passed through a couple days prior.
People got going early and one-by-one left camp. I was somewhere near the back of the early group sharing the trail with Mike S.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-gw9V7BwLfi2Ff6RWiNiWmrhjnofWZwrcyXgW1_9oQmt1o99cN82iwNMfZduugcP0Ha3Mj9GD3TjqI1OEFyVuEuJAam7T1VyyV7IoTz5Y4kEe47k5csw1g7xxSulQK6ywrK8s8kzY28LbR_vwxzsNRDGUn7kpmNP3S0Al_lmLB7uFkwABDP5wckgAhLP/w400-h266/DSC03492.JPG) |
Joe on an early morning ridgeline descent. He later had to scratch due to a failed rear rack. Bummer. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNiegMIkkf8GUt4EiFxt8fPWH9oY9hqUTn_NTh5vCJbETvB8PXQKkavp0or5lYa5U5S8ljxffEV_cOAcqq_wl78fbPQrvcy0q_YTZRiqQU4TdgQ2jV9iiDzgMIGaOu0FKQeH3cKHeq8ps-E_AmrpB-ZvzqetHxhoQdpe0_n3smC8MRCacX2mI3MmOb314/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_153836734.jpg) |
Mike S. cuts through the tall grass on a new portion of the route. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo4V9c8FbOUoKkEp4IdI_hr4PrtLQZsFWS3lmaPPC_ll3p9_vEXo1gZWJqqfh4lcGPaoFOHYIwxzFooJOS3f9dTYYMPg6qk2YQcOMXShdn1cx7QSBwH1L5OoNLikL80B55Wn0xDslNDrAYT7p6YEmS3EDKN-QLIh5V8De8qqMJp-TCOd0cQfwAwBmP5UW/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_155105976.jpg) |
Weaver's Needle comes into view along FS1356. |
A small group of us reached AZ88, Apache Trail, where I had scouted a new connection a couple months earlier to avoid a known squatter camp. Much to my surprise, a fence had sprung up and we were forced over it. I think it was more to keep unwanted long-term campers out of the area.
NOTE: The squatter camp we bypassed has since been cleared out and the route will return to its origins next year. Yay!!![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKVwnijOFrO7l1-C_rnhBhoFK1msq_R3-DAQqFWHxlmghrtTBuQfVHnYvpmQsiUuwDhHt8qwN5JHNZKhocgm0-O86gjBHgBGglc0itepbTO_Py8OdjJIZIxju8oRKkWoEWOK8CeFdMC5nuAurcpR0zzQWRDet-JjH4ISiXGqOd1gDOAKk1zZBXtIBdvon/w400-h266/46228320_Unknown.JPG) |
Two dilemmas here: surprise fencing and a shoe being devoured by Cholla. Photo by Benjamin. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCOvBTtfKRuH-AKju2xFc-MmsWJKCs1bx0OanORUYiztM8a5HRxB025kzRaPhNpXeMszNyNjd75DbMS0pBNOBDdIMqkYn1QpXoCihxIm1gP5P_S5sXq1MYjt9tKfHasRia3Jqd9xSU2hbER8t1e2IiIJpGymEMpSCTVZ8ED1xlix0g3FKvTjJoLE7jrAY/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_161531032.jpg) |
Closing in on the Superstition Mtns. and the infamous Jacob's Crosscut trail. |
The updated routing for this year meant we'd get to ride the full five miles of the Jacob's Crosscut trail. It gets a bad rap, but I love it. It starts out good, actually gets a bit flowy for a while, but after it passes through the hiking trails of the Lost Dutchman State Park things begin to narrow and the rocks get bigger. I like to see how far I can get before putting a foot down. The final miles are quintessential Arizona tech riding, complete with a half mile descent on nothing but babyhead rocks!! Better bring your mental A-game.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJvEoqfJNuKgsf4Rgh1QwlSLHv1k9IKnU5w6xW4ttlSuJ5i8b0pY1JkUJiKVxWmzFDHlGNi_0u6gnUfk9Wi0uiHwSZMuTDDURCFyHeHTmJ8zGs0lvK2V6OVvibQoZSLUgZAkJD30fH2-NhHIsw4kMBdy7szG9JUFu65ittbrRAaKxMdt_MqnyaR5WSNZ1/w400-h266/DSC03520.JPG) |
Saddle up!! Jacob's Crosscut trail awaits. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoXJYwDSFSDxrYUAfNmB96p1JZrjkuv6mOyGgIyRrv9sH-LA5G7lQ8TDTjI2WQR3t0k9a6rZb6BiGGRbyNWAHpVMjGdr_-nhjNLeSRu0YfSVcMq7f2wyD0f8nehULQrUUz12PY4mtcx_B4CNzpR_A7q8LdXwRcfOW4hsank7NvO580-AYEaNYmERcphz1/w301-h400/PXL_20240301_163409837.MP.jpg) |
Jocelyn surveys the chunk. Photo by Moez. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL9bUrsHH_9ZZS9l5n5UJ5vx_0aNTqI1cY3an6iJMQSc9J-ugToaNcaOlBHqnky0BMimrmyqt2_rgFRDvNfgYOW80vHrcbnp5KyKOSMuHIQDGgHihVTqo9qcrYYAd9ooa5ohhMvZkuER5NIiCXqiWt58q_CBDcKPl_ZU9ar6d_dVSlj18bJd5lRZn0kxu/w400-h266/R0006076.JPG) |
The Crosscut is about to get spicy. Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PxKn3J1RtboiLzJsPDvunRKhxj0kJCcIETmi6AmMkLj-PZ21uZPDKinMUCNnTZ0g5Fd9RkpxiW-3uQXQc1gj82YmvR2htgiGvesn0nC2bNERMtkwH6ErvexU_J_QGhBvL5dcqO0OjvxBgyjR_bciWDBBDOlu_INk4gZg6TNTBu4NcqXosDBgnEw8oqrz/w400-h300/IMG_4741.HEIC) |
Somebody is getting the full desert experience!! Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPpxYyuqrKfT09G_CDDOyykesh0FLfnTTqtCx24sihqVVaxsHG3Wnt7J_DMedX63lrGIgaoWFS-evDZ_DlETnMcrPp1HopuB2d0Ol2tToKBqxOzvM0BaK8HVe5ALtp9ihyphenhyphenApYVZFDiXHjU3XsFlexXt1rHU2pvCYsqEqONR6OwuJ1SEMHvGPSlGgpdlPe/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_165000222.jpg) |
Mike S. starting to get into the meat of the Crosscut. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL5SXNbPlihyaMwA4fiCXKoVMRJrHn_SOSzM6lCoFykQi6UHaUXHCrf6j1wiT3mmaGAI1_74CerXpHJMC7zonWVHgh4E2dvr7_k7_sABUnDKPZAdURmiF5dfV-UXo-AicODG39ZRkcGKYBjjLpQ6dxsS0Nuuo1LKk2EhUZ229xDbNNvrWCLoSwbReMTwc/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_170656327.jpg) |
I don't think Richard L. was enjoying it as much on the drop bars. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITIQS9GkUfb4c4ri5aUXl9ZYUsLLdzlKtU1C3lHWDUORctgCTmM4R8ETikMqNcniwZK9hloumETayBM4fvyTpTYcNi5ricoCYPZinVDeXZb4OU8D5yZpqYyHrsCY-MHglpLS1ac7UxRTv7MtPY58X3OxSe7gFRrmdzwfwEjSUwRBAZLzACqoPaOyc74bu/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_171124259.jpg) |
Mike S. for size reference on the boulder. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_h9Wqr_jEEc_2qH7RFsV6yqwaJ2rSfxw7oUVQ6ZNo3-I02npfft3N-AvyjJTAvohcwgFHkidZ1MXbIQfMO8ZNeeJv_9IYMC2kWogQ4eUzFpd48C8OkzscByRP0Fw9QBmC3k481TXKx4TXljpknDmuVdPXAu0_kM-hR74GIM-Sp3UHpy1xYcwUjvyjyoY/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_172235417.jpg) |
A smooth bit among the tech riding. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE9zVCyNTKMSU8ZrM5LlccaO-K7-vpCgEUdruG1zJH0eAhFgeG9gnBox-s1fogWPKVtXPzunVruHuv8cyleXhgR56g3MRC7IoQcSg8Cj9ZA9J8SCQndtlXSUiTzl3pFxoaYM-hz16F79Xwks75dRBG6W3uZNcearbigMfu4VwHKY_SiYDAG29Kv7qUPrA/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_172354483.jpg) |
Rolling by Flat Iron. Photo by Mike S. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FYKAK12a1mtFgMZSey1OEel690l5DRyz242V7xrEDGERq6qrPIztgMxMuwWuQyD4jkBce9cgosEmi9QxnEG1UJA_S41X1ktr7vjC6M2TcbnHnCHkhJCP-5TlIgCVXTO-jia4OSw6mkNm34c7gLUgmOI5nh8JLmXLRGcmE1l6WoHmSuQEUp3OzW5MxXny/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_172945754.jpg) |
Benjamin is diggin' it!! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLk8aaw5EU6TqdD9OrxOGUfmY95X4kFLXpK9rTwFHB4vbRASFrWCwCLd0NHMFoaFmKbI-IOj67e2Vj2TJt04fHoc63vyeptINedmFbHr3KSbZ6t_07U1xKO4lE-ghY7mrJb5matKXmei4j1CJQxY6nILahD5j1ERABA3M6PKhMQ8ufpmjqGjwwLsqKyXxF/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_173038485.jpg) |
Ian's postcard shot. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8R5Dy3iol22e3RAsc37wNfuw6T_cXlF_Cd8c5EdQr1hG9H4_os-wQq1uld0OmS5qyjLhmYkCfjzFvkF5ogiHZDTm67FP1c0ct6RAxDnhHcVFcyzVYIi0n-fin3dnkj1WOcuzsKks4MiNef3tI-ZeUFxJPu5MJPiLejLDy5tdQWcdz83Iuk7CzJDvcEPYg/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_174310483.jpg) |
Brandon reaches the start of the chundery downhill. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAFO0MvlE-KE8todznFAy4m0-qdguo12juH_ikqyggMl6nQq93Hw8BSG3KBSU5u5zaSpMXNG4QTrzwuRaDwkPRRvbUPArW3mKaY1QnFex7pBpcf-UCDT2P_QsluB9vUt5vx5jC4URCT4wXRbKXk59uKnd2RivfaO3A4ayOzlpEANE8Yo_B83AcfpmUOqN/w266-h400/DSC03537.JPG) |
Charlie digs in. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70XJGCoClNahpj_hKwSSxOiVrq8xdeEY-yy89_FGO7BIa5Ylup38QPmMCN-FOvfwG2owC9JvoIAQktNSSNz8HdOp19C-KkkFlWFs5z5Eaq6oL6ClpByi3huk3t5HAOdaCOSSxQ2W-2uPi0e4wG_JQS9jwi9XOXdEx6NRPWqfHnG5R9EWEEnG_9jA4werE/w400-h266/DSC03543.JPG) |
Moez loving the 'flow'!! Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p6Pm71HQPFy6SgYJKmco9WQXJAzcsErUV-MqeUtGKMMV1AvBHiaYwy3NS_eVa_a0ykNvWRt1PKsDwjp64Kwtlv8W-q43-NdR1KliNX37ll6FmjOj3WkW66UJ-FRF5tmtDHAyVTFG5L04VI1n7pVrfjnEVTLEncNm_pxnDhNNzVonUtyAP3z-EnafOmxH/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_174603423.jpg) |
Ian doing some rock surfing. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYILTm9kKinSFju1XcpPXwYEX7aEdO9i9nmu9YCpNxiW6Bf9xp9Og49ZEYoBSsVe4kjkWZnZV6GVwUA8frbuVrep2WtFJdnvWTB9CvfCk1Ko1TrC5FSnxC56ZOUyfd5XR__Ny5GmH2a2p7iFfDTjnINDPPkCaHBDDZ8oRkmZOlv_Pc6GznH1HsgfUlKtb0/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_174616683.jpg) |
Mike S. can't get enough of this stuff!! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoy-HNoNAzgcptX3docBwzUYWRujHw2VYj-mwJmibwUf6TLPsDb2zdGBC6sKbQ-uW-dSbpCibdzZK85DcgpKOQR1sl4fB1QR4TjV204SfDGZ6E6FCoiJL_p40paHMWqG0yh4kOFMrCF-uAiBTCqyIxi9Ikh5AJf6WYi0OqyT1McagKUK6_UBEBE9l6k-Q/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_174628346.jpg) |
Benjamin says: What rocks?? |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_thlYLTXR3MI9amFMByYK1fILdvtfobXUMpPYHgQPI1WjSD_YFo9imWNHFsnw-tCTc6CVx4ImkdlVVUz8bAHA6Zg6Ercxh1N2rF0NlhYpSm9BL5cSo4amyEx1CC9WK1MhKSqPt7W2fqWoSe64m7KymHO6DAP6EioU1uv9TRntixbtlrM0UZAa5s3lxLWZ/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_174702715.jpg) |
Brandon cruising through the mine field. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JHhrEUsitQEVPmZypXjF78Pi-dPOAW5iKcvbvwAhUhe-6ux3kIlaqf2SYO89SlOMmYAE1VtX4Dg9YRJjU1V8950hMXafXggR2HkawQndtaVNpPTihEkVr1dn5IgNt7DoW0_74I1BgMjtL2B0Z4KhQSOgN-gxyWMfP7bEp6IlkC07ZdsjYy5-sbX_cIqD/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_180005897.jpg) |
The ensuing horse trails are quite the contrast in riding. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0gOlNPGEhmQw33aYnKE82QSzjiJB7OEFVbMtwwwS691m1wiEN_5Pt2Zti0_PkbYELevJisYvOfilhlkSmohLXTYoWd2iEr8O_6q1JAvc1S9oCKK4D-w6CJgos7FQ3au-dv4Pzpzr4NzYDBIit8mmYVT3rmT5AWJHXq0NPi9ddKjaDJXkLpuKDYCV2tYc/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_180202867.jpg) |
Bret rips along the ribbon of dirt. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFJdkurm-xEmdENIytw62yxrTcDj9Dgy1Gs8mYst_f-cdsfV1jP4_rEhsWjRFFLGZ9MbaAtrYorEDK3rMrh6W6Vs64kzxv6QkonkdZxJHrKnyT2SiIP-RFzdhXJ7DiZ6188tvav3nbutju_nd7EhmlDTUs63DI1NrbYDEC6kn0xDzo4lckaolQfFEJwvZ/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_181917202.jpg) |
It's practically a mandatory photo op. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8agKjsb249oqYDEeqESGDCNraLUxYp9flPkndZTi-Z_cloePZYEXOgoJimFjLp_5MAzPftbDTa-ui_g0oPnepfNhB9CUhrBHw2ZaLu8RWUTXU7Qp22my-ghaBxmZvJZ8D9SP3sMZns0gjVQ312V3Y0bo7GRRUlxnDUwMJsIiQyoYBuqwHjcSRICfelWp0/w400-h300/IMG_4475.HEIC) |
Mike W. photobombing Mike S's shot. |
We made it to the Gold Canyon shopping center where a few other riders had already secured a large patio table at
De La Cruz. We had timed our morning departure to arrive shortly after their 11a opening. For once, that worked to perfection!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnmTJXZBTvqL2wqkPDhnjrCWxDiQP4BGUSFde5R1oN8wRFb7s5f3t7TqABL3NFXaKN00rjAmQUoWdnU4kFX81OfeXoAl_xjWmcGhgPOFEp2oJpul64wtQQDFMSnv0Ysk4zYtH8o1HuSnIUwItsAwiosJCK33dspeUVMIXPd0ZGARdIqA6KAMsB_VmafQ1/w400-h300/IMG_4476.HEIC) |
This is bikepacking. Photo by Mike S. |
It was nice to have a great sit down meal, complete with a margarita, knowing we didn't have a ton of miles to knock out before camp 2. With that said, I also knew I should continue to keep the riding effort on the easier side. So, I opted to beeline my path through the Gold Canyon trails. A quick stop at Basha's and I was off, now on my own.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJus4t4yhkbh4B4Oe5nMQiTAzxyZCDfp2uq9uKx_IecG8Sd_WXcYk9TBzRZLCerB4cj5y6RNGtUDEfTztNkHapp6J3jmF_-ksW9fCf6XWEy3VS7RuRf8cKw83MLh4jHoSBs0U81uixPtCYM2eVectFFKJi2BNL-2S2m7Ys0VibNEZYPkPWc8VFRV1Qqs30/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_212543997.jpg) |
Buff singletrack and lush green desert. It's a beautiful thing. |
Here are a few pics from the others along the route through the Gold Canyon trail network:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ERvdFMUNGcQhLszG4EI2No_dez3LiDeQCeGp3TYjTyeSD17BepNYJmc0U55BKroMOdLXhh24_2Age-MmvpS8XK-if8sxq8Bo6ZZTBmAp76bqROo9CdArbZ6ZTkGhq8zCFmZ0vLmWpuUGf5ij6dzVYXPJfPC5oXgfi1eWsqlT96lrjn61nBNRyZ4lhfdk/w266-h400/DSC03548.JPG) |
Moez clears the wooden bridge along Gila Monster trail. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHRp9el0Ivt8AsAkbSLv_Giu0mOiCdnleywJF_ZtPWsLVN5IvXoRjNfJ-xKD4x4fHID-YZt6DxjIBvJLsqGKEBiNbTSNah_3bPrUVRoIfCaAuIllHZWmvErERBT9_7chSQ_g7ikjQCZ-9fNXRw1-ewvGzbTibFnX9YGWyxopZ4lGmqeVWcvfOqMjSk9VU/w301-h400/PXL_20240301_202535646.MP.jpg) |
Julian along the Diamondback trail. Photo by Moez. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1XEHfZJgU47YbetWd3sys5v4o1NvYxhBIu8Odr_YE182UDt4LlVjFVAOzn-ISC6avGquQNnmdN0JWQ1-e_Yp1Pg4LQSzO4usStV8zzJxvbbrbHO9NJeqqM2VLAhIBRzn9C_MvJLKi_gJLmaYsgLfnnKlnEcLMk0nsLB9vp3C4rFUZYLrzvL_hStmn4UW/w400-h266/R0006098.JPG) |
The Longhorns were out in force this day. Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLk8ReSnu3APV0rjky1ER0Td-W4On3XQGMuc6Sfu6CS_B3_-odheQ8Q2rEjMPByXKsWF4x5xNYty0CKx_KqlMGI6B6zfjvNUbPCv4jfD-qH5N0j2pkdB2nEhwIIILbZPE_Ciunlui1VVEEdxr1XVk9dF_HmcH63C2GQFcea2I7CCoZjnlHtSGH7FZ8akn/w300-h400/IMG_2854.jpeg) |
Ian drops in to one of the many dips along K-trail. Photo by Rick. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dUz82fG0IMiPa_WYZqB9nrVsbeaftQxaUVm0XMUbCDgvFvxHouh2cGLg49ZVaQpQ9j6P4OYy5Tk7FbfaI5FKBZy_IW2HEMMtenkNq3k3-hU2_nGjynwjc3bxU8yQIqba_IgqfkBTfGYcvgumLsQWun6gyxUfxkCyE_I4nWkqLJhT-nDYrJbjM_RiByLa/w300-h400/20240301_144743.jpg) |
Robert taking an alt. line in Micro Moab. Photo by Mike W. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEuGzjABxBqyB2CIx4fzUdxBmrJX1W3RsHuRQxU0eIBKznoqK7gp1b2VzHpYTRmzW-0QfAXLDctYC8TzaydQL6YOFW3j51vKPjVoQASrbQ1EWpY0_CGEFF0WXPLOn-S3l96ahU-_HtDJ6Oi2tahRnJWoSAazieXyPNZlt9Sqm1b57DBEpeh4uo2wX97TS/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_213301958.jpg) |
Exiting the singletrack of Gold Canyon. Now, onto Queen Valley via jeep roads. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA4eEkOkeNUf3_Gum2trF4j1ZhIcA9uoJyYQJ0diM-MvRvhxgjMqc4RLahxcm26h6xyyfaa93cgNS4f2JTPptsOnty5Kz9XxW0N6hmYECk8Kkwg2OJAX2I4mdugZ8_N1KFfSAUqh_KHTLEzptQvCEAFjvjfkpVKT1G_I6r_ahYFd4ve9GIPS28v1fCYV7/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_225554140.jpg) |
Met up with Laura and a few others on the dirt roads. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VFws8aAKrXKKYOTjC5je8h6LBe2Imy6KxnCvQffIedxzAIm9ztkeFaHotE9onivXsUw-u31EcP6xAWaSQzFhk63AcbBuhp1cNApoRPIgR_izt4dNbE4cg1C_KPfG6A9nd6nzkLmI83V2m-gt_sn4qe09F9-xZ5MsFqOh05dw2hPatIc61k3_DnRyJCXy/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_225612133.jpg) |
Brandon and Samuel exit the dirt onto the Queen Valley tarmac. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGFJtvr-pfZ7Mj-jcXkrVN_XislWZfjQSZvAKYKwEwbIIJSwnC8QJ4yWQBXlyBxu6_Go4xLcss7X-ZAIC30aBzURyIZwZb_BgRjcA53y4Xofa11-6sOOduzzBFEt6ybkndO9JHYUtSUpu7ajm7UgVlZhcWkla1XJBzze9Gk-Xllwa8M7vftL8Kf2429Rc/w300-h400/IMG_1964.HEIC) |
Later that evening, Gerritt & Sowers, reach the pavement. Huge first day!! Photo by Gerritt. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_oDOxxZIE09owzR8hv5gOxWIiiTfAcc0poiUQVvinxQ6N4lxCRTNMdgX3vcT15c5L9kEWNaTpRx0yiog4k3rF09Gik-wr1oIHDu0XPVZIObsHNN8N3U3Kn5tePrQcgfWiSQ8BYJQz2oPMbOt30DXIqC6ld4EdHp0KWgO6dE6YushpYYlL7G7D54zv8fP/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_231015658.jpg) |
Queen Valley, a true desert oasis of golf & retirees. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEeS1pjlWaTogao1VDN9gXvmhyphenhyphenfdrj1Ohi-_r5GGZlyED35D6yHyfCThLMiVIV9YkO_XzxNvNo5AnBom8UvjJ5NacEwK9btAZ8TkJ1hsYg74Rik3UdIBtdko4zAUSH850ZQ6Bc7YSX5lDVlDxfxznDxHooaXiFCmLI8cG2pr7xAbv_zAla3-DWpOm3A0z/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_231038361.jpg) |
The QV Country Club Bar & Grill was hopping. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga657KR5maPIUefIt20RhsLtoW-MlPxixLmJsOS5RPbGNXtOjiZYwllpmBtIXXthKDKdZ-w_u6rKttl72e_N8Ipa3sgYP3USIFee8fWmRMFNoYhWGVjhGy37BGLszyVU7Zxt5F3UwyV-KMwWZ9OCc1vueGFFZaFLClfegpoLPWi5sFN4UAMyLNr1MYgyOO/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_231118479.jpg) |
The biker gang opted for the convenience store and El Guapo Burro Cantina. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito03jTui-gVkvihlnIOsGGWHvpQ5RFFP2npowdZ7GahlcdnalHbKEm4SAhsK2tnPeg1qcnz618PlCWVQQk8kCkpSZAsYvwHcYJafqZPZmNv8JQHbSfn8XFthrL77Kv66EYISvd0m5_cK6w9pqc59AQ5z9L0WAaVj9D1NSfe8HiG5ShmX4Mc_RAuMmIs3k/w400-h225/PXL_20240301_232407384.jpg) |
Again, it was great to not be in a rush, hang out and enjoy some refreshments. Only 10 more miles to camp 2. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jai5lUzNnrkcav9U0GVqod5tkx6Jyy0LNAdwD6O48VLytQu5j1ApqMHQjrFt_5ZPcVtixJPpHSerkWhF7K8KLJcJUV3ekcopboUXg34pCvivjWZTYAP02CgOsF6g5MfPxBe98Cyb55JffaD6m-uo9IWGmtXAqsTu0z3kwu73re3WB1i7yZDBMAxvqld5/w225-h400/PXL_20240301_234702093.jpg)
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Joe was drinking one of these, so I finally tried one after seeing them for years. I have to say, pretty darn good!! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CPUVqCIEmjzOKHrJ3jXIA3Hx_fKHy6PmlVegOHIn3zBYzE6un4jka7ceC0QITS92GzXcoMne373w5RGQdgsi-arYS1zVbFcpd-uctnWdUgsvJZ6OaL7xt6eXzwrQ2gxe80LMd2UkU4XdYlDIDlnCp6SWjliDSm6d__T72-St4gW63RxVVUuwnKrNDK4r/w266-h400/DSC03589.JPG) |
Brandon, Samuel & Laura on the undulating FS172. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqf0A-CR7AOwZKkebRwDHLoEdRp313kqprD7xPTj_-H10JcAPOluFyb4bwWdU9W22kZ7LsTE0bt-kkObEKBoSOg9gFO8wVNhzGg85XVwIQqb6PJUGsgb2BTZCzTj4AqqqvKqLnIMYHLiUzaFgZdMa3jdVg9YbJsccRz2AOI6uatg8jR_Z5sL0HT1YVVte/w400-h266/DSC03591.JPG) |
Samuel in focus. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuQfax1gRgziNpoy2IXwajzWnJW4wh0XJ5TWnEwq3-I5WyNFffvgV1jNJsWQ7BDewpCsZVCDt4SwT5ZSnElZGbCnx4fuucyyhh2PkFRP3Pz-Le3wrTaiOcs4WFzPpJYcE58H1fmc07NcJuJSeJiYJdmqk61fEWVXwYV0bBJ446JPqgrULourPfE0Vv3RU/w266-h400/DSC03597.JPG) |
My turn. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR3mg3f3yQdhzMGQNzzrodRiXWFkrjFpvlIACNKABFnN4bv2VhZySuVEfqAP_Db2LZrajWWUsFh3O0u975oiJ96EF5FJZmOm6OEGUBnIhrBsDR0tu7boEfEpzLH1U7yLjSEnK975ZiZyQCAycNUpm6q0CQJvwliPpp2HJwGlKPUIycD2D7I_T-D4r_h87/w400-h266/DSC03604.JPG) |
Randy mashing the pedals. Photo by Julian. |
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Kristen & Joe vibing. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s-Bu2xLqJK0Xhr0SXlMbTs2_EJ6I4TzoRUtqViDGzVfo3jsbDvFmVaenh4C4dH8Umm34xmKfApW-daDOH2OFCSaKjwFticn_1yxL4TKj5KWC4T_S89tBc6fQ_Bl2ddCKKmRTdRgODiZ1CBw7E_NEUYX5GFt-1nObqosIINa8b1EbMVBWT8QT87aOyVik/w266-h400/DSC03619.JPG) |
Moez: Priorities. Photo by Julian. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w6HA_SyV2GduuVQC8oO7V6tLgaRWwI49WlFQUgwQuXpU7_qY7CsjeerFjiPsqLTOHNjkFruKZ3uurl6iFqcjJqEXNXS1KImHGD2fA21DsRvWLQgOWMVrqUF2eTR4k_sOfvnHRZxASkpe9r3f3ITLIrb7MlhrH2GCt0NbLk8Ny_aE4zy1Oqoon1lMbL-r/w300-h400/IMG_5589.HEIC) |
It was that kind of night...once the gunfire settled down along gunsmoke alley of Hewitt Station Rd. around 11:30p!! Good thing is was way off in the distance. I was very pleased with the camp 2 setting. |
That night, I debated my plan for the next day. K had agreed to come pick me up, if needed. I knew what lie ahead, my favorite part of the route: the
Arizona Trail, but also the most demanding. My compromise was to not get picked up in Superior, but ride with the group back through Arnett Canyon and get picked up at Picketpost trailhead. I could then rejoin the group the following day at the SAG stop. Plus, I could help K get it all organized. As a personal goal, getting to Picketpost would at least put me over 100 miles ridden, which was huge for me after being sick for so long.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8h15hdR1Ouap3D4pIx7g8p4mmy8bLUjGGL3lihc6Ep_epPnVBtqQEjYKKgXKl2DgN-b-uQOeeZ7EXpQeohlEBW9ZpXPOsIp0HsGpgC3B_No4CJM5a0gOshI-tQdMpIIjGeg5HIUnkLor67HFSaYda2Gq3rK0zcBZkLQD3_bNjQCm8elyawz8qmmXt9Qy/w300-h400/IMG_2878.jpeg) |
But first, Kris was cooking breakfast. Photo by Rick. |
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Kristen, Joe and I rolled from camp on day 3. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48nulyCHo3p66LHd2uJNMgKdMi8dkut-CGE-14mY8NtqliOHDQ5yTPvDVFHRmjLV7IyMs_J3wVsq71IllYdCD2SSOUzIv1qeAskXAftN1c9mQtOUAG0W7yuTC6m5Ep4zDchyybkhAYivB2nxYrBJDxqcrcbYzf_utj5iGTtaISObEpEB9VYiw-YhuDP8K/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_160338472.jpg) |
Picketpost Mtn. now dominates the landscape. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFMln4kmBMX2qMfK1pHcwORs7lvxAPzGffJH_LGUIejdF2QtKFeFieXX7UETNboW2GPuhoEMZvplKdKRAx8otnb5irRi-ZSVHnx6YOyKNyeS1e8tCF2XaKKuuXqninRfyYlX_g6t3vvyND_woOIY5nnyZ8FObD2Y22npKdyaZCgseAtYt_n0vZonYW9RB/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_170501296.jpg) |
A short bit of pavement blasts us towards Superior and the rider's final resupply until Florence, not including the SAG stop the next day. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWk5llAvgyduxgiMsGlazTyneUKdb3WwIbI7CZfUvy3TnmdaVc8mTRYfeq3ZMQi6LFMMzZ-qtHer8lg1w6Laufk_rBtDZBEIZSXBE46lX7-OdNbS31XHBpCjcn-f4xAphCpg8PxITYXCtJHWo6sZMN4kaE0uMUt-uWra2S2k9NPp1cSZiNlOffTbR2BBt/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_172759677.jpg) |
The east side of Circle K is where it's at. Sunshine, tables and trash. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYLXRgZ6-S4dw9eFo83pgG3xKEZlmgBD_c4R7YLwfP57jodII-vpEFoUBA0Xa1hPzXazcUDSq6t46REZrA50JcOw8UpwpMAdxmNNKmki2WZyphvmXjzMoV9KEHPvO-KVaDoAy9hMJ8Vv5sUHh_VZlIyWn2loq1yfjxQ5wGvU5nCCtur5NeVw67QGI4nw0Q/w400-h266/R0006135.JPG) |
Others opted for the Buckboard City Cafe. Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWdV8u7iZAcQQRf0afm0zZIYTsVtjxkGTnJAS9z_QlbU5_c0M2qWTrEd-ItIJYoxf_mRS6tnGhFnjiDjGjgshaM7_8-SlYnmG5P9WDuAiHMtyNqkV_NRzAlsV-VYuqgpLEdCiSltRegWvrlkOtSzjsSv9aK76lRwXP4jIB7-Ld_xtGJfBc44rI8rfxqnu/w400-h300/PXL_20240302_171041391.jpg) |
And a little tour... Photo by David. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj423NKWcuYFV_1CquzInlJnQkVpvSDP7Ys0ZedRwdkxWxWOtd3Qbc8Gt6X6UwT90_Q63I_yWq4v14SzWfiG2EzlVhwcbR01PAxXpIAI0lLJ89AapgUqG9G9lXFdJLBAAy21MLBdh3DaWkxew4MeHDSvxWRNVZXRjJt5oVnwVcfJxF5iLd3-ep6H5_zul9Z/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_174906995.jpg) |
Mike W. pushing the envelope!! |
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Maciej rides through under the canopy of Mesquite. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGho4b1k_CNOEX-avqoYaGHXfz2flyEoWqvjNnL8diDiuDMAgL5AkxdjCa3ll16LDyx07AdVd6DpMVyRnwhWYzm1mlEMUF1eat87FnluI3xsUKDfZzWprqgrSllrHigLf-P03b9D1nxW5abs7FccWrZaInrNKw6-7NrvXeeT8CW-XtF__Djnu4zLRW4ac/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_174915664.jpg) |
Mike S. hot on their heels. |
Seems I always get turned around crossing through Queen Creek along the L.O.S.T. even with a track to follow. It's weird. Today was no different. There always seems like an obvious path to follow, which by now I would realizes switches every time I'm out there. That didn't stop us from forging our own path up to the jeep road. We fear no hike-a-bike!!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn_Um3K1Y2mDOp4z9fu1Pf9IWv-OhgYundMPYgTisqkB8witdPbyUjXQejtmxKDn8YjnmLDNpSXJN1afPlf2lNCOioIN1qI51DpD4iKYiOAaKlBHDuGvq2SiWyS6w_QTDzVINkks9z0fEZSt9n1bO3vcqQtDLm7MizM3r3huA-DlmcXyP89T8qPKpV407/w400-h300/20240302_110728.jpg) |
Higher you go, the steeper it gets. Photo by Mike W. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlh9MY8V6j5FUk51TDMJLyEz6FPNg2phgJqa3kPlbcstU7HtlRhhw04GZ-J85lq0s9cxV9dSd3x-pG2ek4jtgstVcnOlzCEcwKhxDVTxKL7giUkemnJEAP3iE4wuIpKHB9RVMHN4M-Du55vft7hsz3_YfJ3RjXmYBv0wfDgyNByto8hg6CwfgTUQCYAaK/w400-h300/20240302_110856.jpg) |
If you're not hike-a-biking, the views probably suck. Photo by Mike W. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MA8_KKsLo-W-uqcKXQBe1mwnNvIV9QCymo2gY-Jnvmo5uXyQ8q5d03j7xJP6b-1DdX8GmZOY2Ta6-UOGXfL_4JvAh6s0eXdgFtmrBy0OrvFPKM0pR4IKQ3Mh_fJf56GiAR32zoBazVZWiSa4MSwZp1XeFxPfppikPf7Gui7nRg8HE4zkctnbQuCciveU/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_182104282.jpg) |
The Mikes dropping into Arnett Canyon. |
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Maciej clears the first switchback. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJepOzEQ40pmE9Uml0PdEabDaVcZbyh22T6BRg6q8DK6pTXCDNDYSisU2KXb_N_Y-29Hlvaso4ctXVgRUEzjicq2RKCZNHAYHWn96cV7pIHoYbfZ_74xQDvnis1E0wOLkuV2KDv3jSKQV9e-Ys2JUhyphenhyphenUO8UpHBDzzS67HeZaBzG4jXUKJhjzgyj2AV6MZH/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_182142092.jpg) |
Wonderful trail routing through here. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNb2h4adhjLlknx5RS2Lgxt6a3gamcwQE1RA2erwJS-BHXAtJoiVoxjZvHOIToyBigqaTdq4s8YA7MWVxaR9-J6El1lr6EaG7dseHGQVD-f-HI4L6-YjsHAXUhCrojwyeXU38fKBDeD_47dh25xjHlb6AKgdqQYljGIja2bB77yVG_hsbDKA4ieSDlvLfl/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_182148863.jpg) |
This section has a similar feel to the Goldfield Mtns. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmx6SkMboZrwaKzdWm7KWLwpWWRiDkLhPLDtHD4-ilNz7c3-dcnY8NWrB6HhpjKDmdtOkzZZWzfzuTRM5ECOBens7_72EMYgk3Cmma8putRhQJz_QAbrSudvNAQBRPPXV6yC7JE5l5ZyddRoHUjRZrKGFpbdyVefM1gKtldG1cObguI6Uz9ZjoEenEovh/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_182157715.jpg) |
Maciej coasts down the grade. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG1iTA9h5SbD301wTlCeHcLaHlYUcisI7Oqrpex3DWXvA_RmKqEp4owRaIeGt1FPGtfZxkbRgNaloodglneuNkZ1bzQG-27udXsnRUHp3iC3eorotAbavYy-OXf5zHqXXzX9l0aqYb2zS_do5LafVE_UNzG233ctWoNAl8ibQkM-ETVURh15QYEg3LCFK/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_182801995.jpg) |
Down in Arnett Canyon proper. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk2J4AI9gEfJ1hnrDfgbVZVL9ZAqb3z5ViGA-tRryijyBF0ZOIOCsYXZvYSJrMHamVZptQVek1zlP90FVAw6JKJwEJYSJhWZsyhFlJ0r9JB2q7dKCFR3_ks-qLv-yEBiv2CRJPjJZ2RmVtTCrI6f8ME1E-r18HVgtnq5AuJz1sHsEmfgxA6vVrdHtKle4/w400-h266/R0006155.JPG) |
Moez & David reach Arnett Creek. Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXVZBuQCN1UmCTqVPbG1uGcyDS6eoBpG0Ut9rMwVbreTV82djK_8N4oMOcMpQ5jTOsT4DKaT_JGjD_9IABq64bgglUXp6zcvTo41bXeGPHhneVkfGTM4502EjNSzf8IPK8d5yyOS8RNnx4SkVje5isqSwupwhK9fftjpXNuAaHKebBfHAhtpWfNXvXVYz/w400-h266/R0006158.JPG) |
Kristen & Joe. Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0PQdcbp8coPBno7paJ94vF4l3dUgO2B_zAJAGyVqC-WP7Z00me586fJbZOF4zyIB8K_5ayeBmdyRp5WnqasxLSRbrhdfVmy67kYWaNJKPtz9J1KYEHlVty4hDIRVZYqkDFD9sMhd8_WSXl6TgE2cp8EmPSG0Jly6upmefU4LRkxZbej3Z6RpDGHQjDd-/w400-h266/R0006161.JPG) |
Get it, Joe!! Photo by Jocelyn. |
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Julian splashes down. Photo by Jocelyn. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGdoEPahhyphenhyphen1mNTKL-z7J0XdrrJfVfPCXJeI8ca_aFzry7ANYrDTqDk4SA8OOuFlxApQqgxuGAKFy9XlUh9jBbM9KPDbhMllmsbHqvgfBuGv0DfnDVoIp0Hoswtf6b5y0iX0SOHB3xI9_yC60NwnF8PD-2eaWoQOdlm6HWetejZQwabLa4-rqe_ZUxWQl6/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_183014477.jpg) |
We caught up with Kristiina and Gary at the first water crossing of Arnett Creek. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotgVLd6nU2YxX-0uezqF7VlBmfRrAqqiLkdqqD2lcZCTxYbIh8x6WFtQ9Z26WD7xpBsBWc-hxfTQHqIe-IJejchoFN6Td42D4_1ly-eueU5PMrHGWpazDrG0cwim2izACtPL0oE2xiq6fSNwQZAvts4jp-hu8H3tYN_1eveOgm3mZqaDdCkRGD5crmZfk/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_183253857.jpg) |
Gary easily won the award for heaviest bike setup. Monster!! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrPSpOrigkSQngHak-q6EkGjyAxIPFurbgKax6U4SDmv2yPmdxXatEeNEzVzfaDL0IF6mkEiQ4iUifsTyUbtyM8_WfdrY5X3J4Y7daKGeG7ndQA2JgBVMS0JWO3ecvKQIWUsK6e97cA2P0MuMRPFSqfSpZ26Ejb0Bvu8zJQa6NZrLUez7N68nlrTevvkD/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_183302171.jpg) |
Kristiina getting her rock groove on. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5duII2JxWjnHY5aMKWevSD2ij_zBW2egrWHwLWxCZWNIEcTa89Zwy0zTqvaZneCzBCXTY7wi9PNHcRMjUbJlqoVF5gpjVAB-FLS7ucOkxmy3uTO6a9SYAv9HDi0z82frhSXDZj-csroKgOpYv_hdX3HrvZlj5riz9jAuSGj404TIUzLPs1yYe3rofHaM/w400-h225/PXL_20240302_183320195.jpg) |
The trail winds back and forth across Arnett Creek, sometimes wet, other times dry. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5ozyG9SzYz2J7url2OPK1pAleduEeW-1f5L_DyMFRMeci19DPCIzKprt-cuM9rYCs1EcvnlXzwLiZQtvOqCboY3FfFkPU2C1XefdTFdcvcm4zXvHBMi-r9kHv_1ptpQcC1AK4v2eSXljuhOyfpwfTAOfyyYeyeKdAQt5xirliyeBIn9ISkmr7VwYoVk7/w400-h300/PXL_20240302_181355882.jpg) |
Arnett Canyon begins to open up for Jocelyn & Moez. Photo by David. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCbkHY8ZRvrPq6hWHrCEhBDolubVIxGxq5QQ-DChAGDCfEvqQAxqYVOthtra4TcN04NcScaNem0OVKKaNRn7_Zu2oY6ik1omC2lkkidNEXd8nldJwZZHd_UwobQU6MT-UbZapv-TzHs90qDgXiq1x5rdRY3w8t0G9bBZuWnvkHYUDSCeS5WPyebXxGv2Z/w400-h266/R0006169.JPG) |
Everyone was out enjoying the trail, we passed four separate groups of equestrians. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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Joshua, Gary, Kristiina and Richard L. on the AZT connector trail. |
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David, Benjamin & Julian exit the Arnett Canyon trail, only 19 AZT miles to camp 3. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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I departed the group as they continued south on the AZT. Here, the infamous AZT300 finish photo at the trailhead. |
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That red van sure looks familiar!! Kris made it over for a spin after packing up camp. |
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Kris & Duane spotted on the AZT!! Photo by Jocelyn. |
K picked me up in short order and home we went. Not gonna lie, having another fantastic plate of Mexican fare for dinner and sleeping my own bed 'during' the Queen's Ransom was kinda nice. Haha.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crew were pedaling along the glorious AZT. They'd be camping near Dale's Butte in lower Martinez Canyon, then ride along the Gila River the following moring. I'd rejoin the group at the SAG stop which was after a 4 1/4 mile grind up the Florence-Kelvin Hwy (graded dirt road).
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David poses with Picketpost Mtn. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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Eric climbing away from Picketpost. Photo by Gerritt. |
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The AZT rain water collector is probably the best thing to happen to the AZT recently. Photo by Gerritt. |
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Kristen & Joe almost to the Gila Saddle. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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Rejoice!! Five mostly downhill miles to camp. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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The poppies were out in force. Photo by Gerritt. |
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Dale's Butte from camp 3. Photo by Gerritt. |
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Saguaro forest on the descent. Photo by Gary. |
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What a place to hang out for the night. Photo by David. |
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Millions of stars out here. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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AZT low point along its entire 800 mile length. Photo by Jocelyn. |
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Gerritt, Sowers, David & Randy forging the Gila. Randy took a spill the previous day, so he took the shortcut to camp 4 while Gerritt, Sowers & David made their push to finish. Photo by Gerritt. |
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Aaron among the giants along the Gila River. Photo by Julian. |
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Unbeknownst to us at the SAG stop, Julian ordered SIX pizzas from Old Time Pizza in Kearny (520) 363-5523 for the group in Kelvin. We were wondering where everyone was!! Haha. |
Story time. While at home I received a text from Kris. We had passed several groups of equestrians while we rode through Arnett Canyon. One of the groups found a cell phone, but unfortunately Kris only heard about it after that fact while at Picketpost. He thought it may be someone from the QR group. I sent Mike S. a text and luckily he had service down at camp 3 along the AZT. We learned it was Charlie's phone. Barely an hour later, I get a random text from a friend of Charlie's saying someone had found his phone!! She sent me the person's contact info and I sent them a text that evening. Sure enough, it was a horseback rider who lived in Mesa. I asked if I could swing by her home that evening and she agreed, saying she'd leave it on the porch since she was tired from riding all day. An hour later I was back home with Charlie's phone!! I charged it up and made sure I wouldn't forget it the following day. I passed along the info to Mike S. to relay the good news to Charlie. Crazy how fast it was tracked down. It's nice to get those reminders that people really can be nice!!
The following morning we finished loading the car and oh man, I'm glad I was there. So. Much. Stuff. The car was absolutely loaded down. I'll have to change how I pre-load it before the ride begins so K won't have to do all that herself. Yes, I remembered to take Charlie's phone.
On our way out to the SAG location, we stopped by McD's in Florence where we spotted Gerritt, Mike Sowers and David. Gerritt & Mike had started a day after the group and were finishing a day before the group. That fancy math tells me they rode the loop in 3 days. Nicely done, fellas.
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Gerritt and his speedy fatbike. |
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I told you it was loaded down!! |
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Good thing I didn't need to see out the back window!! |
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Now it's an official SAG stop!! |
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My partner in crime. Queen of the SAG stop. |
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Aaron was first to arrive. |
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I saw three riders approaching, but from the opposite side? It ended up being a group out on a popular gravel route of the area. The older fella knew about the QR. |
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The early arrivals get first choice of the donuts and cold margaritas!! |
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Mike W. & Mike S. arrive!! |
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Maciej & Brandon rolling in. |
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Mike W. has the right idea!! Margarita time!! Photo by Julian. |
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A delicious sweet treat courtesy of Adam, all the way from Louisiana. Heavenly Hash. Photo by Mike W. |
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Heading off to camp 4 down by Area 52, a cool rock formation with some freeride options if you so choose. It's only 9 miles to camp from the SAG stop and 8-ish are downhill. |
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Gary cruises by Grayback. |
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Mike W. with the Gila River Canyons off to the right. |
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Spectacular views on the ride down. You can see the previous night's camp location from here as well. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mq7rLck9kQNByZ5Ap_Ti0SmK-6C4FqUhCPNu51qDRaA46R4XLASRAXhhAQY_eqvd9h4JgUGqVpv_QuZpj0GLX3zg4mKf4QN0x5FvZ7e6RbJOOQ1H2LVYc2OF-gQewzCSu2hsuOQoWCbAqSV1Hbmff0MpBxdaPOfdkVKMfDSUevVIzaUjLnjnzeXR0DHD/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_000712155.jpg) |
Needless to say, it's a fun descent. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zNKVd7rtqBjJvi3cBS0VKaTm5r3HVecLLPgNppWk8fojg6GcIVjqt2NzeCHxUqFbBRK4I8lU1JW1260iIA8dOP7DSC7W5QytFH3y8SmLt6-JuHoK2GAQ2iLZ_zlMIwdAwEDcwpBS01Hr3vEC3OOvNWzZKXPWchXuXQTHP1sf8Hgc3pyv8L0-bHBK9CoH/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_000729527.jpg) |
South Butte dominates the horizon, Area 52 is on the left where the whiter looking rock is. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PVEJyjXIhRnDQhlPAQJppMVZC9eKWTzg-a_HCmVV2DyEXtCjNYa__ZvQ9AcrSWKFXz65qd8l4OMYrbCsuzcByOajjwd7Q4XLdq-1RjChY6ucC0WYdpU6zJWcxpBxuVP0pdSngnmoc8qRv-eHbMX8SYXcW9vTdj5jn4jhLOpExj4uhYSu-wjzlZZD_A5U/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_000751564.jpg) |
We truly are mere specks in this landscape. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mU5kfbn6AeVC71qvehIJ_K-kr8VeVWZ1Zw8Frf88yhoT43eCwalELKdF8OM_kHPReNuEnD0olhS97M3x7_Y4MhWDao7Ckxi2B3jLZXtXbqPbCCY4OTHNJctWzgpYtCox7psp0A4OwmCZHrKQ8dSWp-rrH14ciA7gbVy0DX2pCMHsMb7OUYY8IkFga6vp/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_000912344.jpg) |
Mike S. takes a wide path around a protruding Cholla. Smart man, who knows how to navigate through the prickly desert terrain. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSLPSxarGbmwpPmXDXSfe8DdFdp_-OJkz9YKvW8n77BAjOnolu4UYRGyLHIKk8vxuIc2N57MkjFcTkCTBG4y-h758syxVyyc3fuiZhXQ4MVGLR1qdRBJVcYCEsjR-zrDcoCZi2iqD1GiB5gQH2JfWPr0aEtUk7fi9_q9XpArq9R86VoDWHvzQxLyHTNYL/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_004628517.jpg) |
Camp 4 has plenty of soft options. Lots of room to spread out. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gwP1n__C4iYGWvT33zagCffjcvskqBJqP10Qq-qLIZ2_yYgEz7vo-Okasj32OucFLHvMM7wQ45ofuH8DxzNWET7tmyQgKpyTqDIXTXRDx0Q0hpGxWPtR4IUzI4PJ5SApH6hFnkO31mNnIFCaZrJ5lFrYn6j-b1QSLhN_5JbX3Mf115HZo6hGhuZX4t6q/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_004753256.jpg) |
It also has some nice views. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOlcvkBCYGNV9wE5XsqauF8s8GlWMKH-tfuzv1ca4KGovPh9r13sLSdHIsCndG00XoH4TS6QZmWF4EMJoMUJ4jrUBC5F5OIwAx0_GpFAprEs0dlLaFkkA72dVREstL2DVb8jLPsjP7Du1qHyZSgqr9TpZox4DYFnWmjLZQOqA73_Yl2T_TH468i8lB9pe/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_011100825.jpg) |
Joe & Kristen taking it all in from their perch. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWip64HF86LWMCL4tFwqNP_C2YvAgobBbvG71UqLaRWQVXROoqRviGB96P-LNwa7qKjN16RtP0REvbZl2fU0LMVBOs-ALHL-3csrRaj69b8Mu5-1-yJ260LRslnXhFyrnQhszPPleH6OwebFGGfN7oEKUjxo_t03MVBhJXSGkNHTg5Z8reO_3JESD3VkJ/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_012500268.jpg) |
There was a bit of soft grass too. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeTw8ghpS5vd2JM9oKEm84gLdIl7s40PbG_KwnFKGAU1mAJfbz2qOGsxmv7-P_lwFqgsjjYcVw1Aq3rKeXEHOUtpDY9576O5b653Q2h22vl5-VWxsgWSRFTWfono2cSmcibZQWMocusqsR368dUQBwNpjIw14AoIdl3pJm0pKlcINsKF-B8Yp4JznjylT/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_021851089.jpg) |
Lots of stories around the campfire. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNK4JFROVsQougwgf5VwFXo2aRdEVWpLUJwwL6CBSLuto9Trw5KBt0aLlBg_sUb23STk0cto9fwJSKQShZTnKHa09cNuen4ti2ou4NtsIqXTsudhUs14MOk91ZuDg3MC4DeFPjYek6hZUyDbPDbg1EnHoMb1fxxTqoIIhyaVH3ZoavNDINKTsapJvBu9mU/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_140224081.jpg) |
Early morning light on South Butte. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAOerZS1rV1uHuXzF77FM7TVRT8OvujfwEkSE4c4ZAV_nKe77wqmX2Gif3XlH8twVl5kbfry6pH2iReVQ0bqj8FM4ywCZlHa3qm2W9lbsIsYDyrl7TBgaDCKlrBV3yNQkP2ohv9T9Rxg9yzptKQq1M-8UKJrpIsWeAZ2lwrvfJuNYfrf8myloLHX19eSp/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_145420933.jpg) |
The first mile is a bit rugged leaving camp, but it warms you up and gets the day going. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCFWOBVXjVfQFJ65X0UFiFZrNAQ0YHzfyUKtT24Joo7H_ojjL5zBBniOInwdkNqX2T_ySIpiOAa1B8PqqORbvJ8FiWbwdQR6fTay2Q_7b9DFMbVUZymFDiQ36YVxe-1RhtcopZpCjOfAWObqlA1XdfUKjbgBg1buJrERbQC6T7ZXBz7cLcKg1C0qpqKtk/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_145538844.jpg) |
Mike S. & I would stick together all the way until McD's in Florence. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp96x3mi2V_2qk7xPvtmTxUy8V26bXItVGp_Plo-RK6Nb1WX3A5jUN6BQGPqYhtARSoz7E7cSsub6XwcL3fbLD2ltBVGpt9S22cjEcY7Hstxvm0ZjEKRVWuZBPKpOmt9jjgkx8_ngGtUkiilQAH022ERtqb9sCTNQ3wFmTfJvHIE1EKcIl4YhgRg12lv8H/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_152439068.jpg) |
Benjamin followed my tracks to the right, around the mud puddle... |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs_cZmnFwv69zBGYe0RXl2Wm1ORULhE5wBOACtgO9dSXrFcTrXPYFgfUaYyHP7f3WkYwHDWJ7udByZuTZwVydvTvLRyZFAe4EKflelHll_K_rzAhQ0N7w2ZHWiaJsnoo-pi1xF20UnTL2wy6fMhKl8MSilCqfxZ06CmVIkmnkLktNGyqHBW5HCyX7g6rx/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_152450824.jpg) |
Mike S. went left...Gah!! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOc5lj_4HFF4aRtrCtYlnxtvApyR2-0O9vzF1C9B_6bs44ufHhEUHsYrOXivxfCH8m8FUvD47lHSdIieVKP9VPKLeyfaNAzou_ghr7KZhp019ckteuPIwnnNE5Zg0x3iMvBIff-R83K3ihDbKx5b84CXbWD1aoDkQveBxBr6pPUaAGVOsQlr-YTh8uJJ5/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_152843718.jpg) |
It was mostly dry under the canopy of trees. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxAZWo_YTxoL0igWBxcb3-FkQpcRxVTOpMHdOiTdWVU9LNgFKrjMyh-4ClLGjsVGGiUXcrY_De01sxr_HxVs114AGYoi8UtTnwdEHCw_5QNrfVXwENGQ0HHcnl72CBq4uZ2ZUgg902CnE0omgPUtxjMwdvmVj1oqZYyy5ns1VzrXQ8WUOX_4Dx9Cfscl8/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_155801410.jpg) |
The route pops out on the Florence-Casa Grande Canal. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yrWwh_2zm4gV3Sk4LMzOEGcUuYzeoap_I6sp2cgLdESeVG6_UuPUgL99HFeeByO6SUc7mrDoEvo4WzSCQ9xMtY37Ark77nKyHnRWQBARPVSXWsTObH3gKp5yaTO91OStWATZN8TzB-TFlHoKClm7vQTa85foyxKOtTXGmTDZSjh2HN2qewsh3fBhXCLr/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_163135529.jpg) |
Then it's 7 miles of tarmac into Florence. Yes, that's electrical tape holding my visor up. Pro move. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PfyOqYk80ygtkxbvIomMUGOGbXxRGD-8CFt0jz_Wf0912HFZ9p5_D3w6K61jb2G7mhZi3vwqIvosCRoYp1y94Pr0Ia7mreR0qcPxospHdZkoriEw2aS0bS1yLUOvtxy3jW806OSsuGW2YYG3VU1VsTvTSYK4cj5IudTMUj-uSHHFHbr6O4E-CPXcXWz2/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_171250811.jpg) |
Bret is ready for a calorie splurge. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZNXTtPujZ7rS3t6FII2JthIHquUxZzrqFwKW42n-400m2HTlqmUF_913W1R95pPYjYOWTB-20iK-cgtRhhpRh2E4pQC4Fk9MUoSc5DFmG-USzgd9APj_evrErTqayCtiBqyDbzhHtL34E0RDxsX8RlFOuwIhXLr5-N3XnWDLIBchi80x2WRsxZiBlRvm/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_171418330.jpg) |
McD's and bikepacking just seem to go together. It's really the only time I ever go there. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPKSMv18nKXXtfm1-F9snz10uWro3QrPuLy4ACP10fvLhXF7KlSrkJbyqBl6v57q8Iyd6iNDcH44NVLY_xnlZjsp1mhk6nfQsKSBZNJcc3zY8Cp6QUxhl84igDofKz2rX_1ecans7E7AzcqgVlHhTAxNxqDmmp21JUMLDvAKf09KwUkfeJkbOF9SIltIo/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_174100203.jpg) |
'F' for Florence on Poston Butte. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIoUZHJM1tnoeG7Jtj-Lu3XtsUrH4o1BjduhKu6QQW2hUyi0KNBtGKqgOm3_OmcZPRQTaDAeZQbze8QQsfb0NirAzR8PHUu1AScI1l-MJZe6JgjyzFaH4hIKQHHWz2KFAAzQOgzrj-LwkmrWD-Yb-bIXRbgej79li_mtznNLZNwybyidgYS4_H8dmE6vw/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_174119765.jpg) |
Benjamin & Mike S. on the dirt instead of the incredibly busy Hunt Hwy. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hOwyGLnH8VVK4eZRWKkv3I_FlGxbo9lyWFX1zRdjWzNK_cHL1mAdJ_eZ3UlO21rydWy14HgKI0hyl1raq0HVRI0VdWzQc0lMTvGQ8_XGeDxTyfi2KuNr9Cf5cyW_ssMkErnVakTTkdgABHFvLAL_JC3DqhmAs52vAdLBMiJp_Z6n4l0WZfzsoXNXK_0g/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_181842610.jpg) |
Hard to see the 'C' for Coolidge on Walker Butte, but it's there. Letters on mountains must be an AZ thing. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t4o77rskOZYhX7l2rIM4XP7KqcNBjQJJI5UYkzjURygccxJmsSGRYuALl0dBt9Do9jISdeNB3i2pk5k6adFJSmEfcr3jgJHO18ZuuX1ifXbvj05FgUIWJp6NJSXni7diDdiB7FWWz9CGPh71t6vqYTvsIhyCJ96spCFn5hzvnMREwEgm-MLXIXbd-oeJ/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_183434243.jpg) |
Drat. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOngjW9-Fvp-8w5ddVsOCmg9L_mwogkeLFFENDgScmJd1ma_T57_279M3JbLHKJ1g2ovq3JluFkF8QvqXZQo0HR0PZteaoU5e2QNOpTBmeDVxKc7eRSmK2ozidrP6hm4k1lSI1b4QaZ9lqrEBrPuXrs4NlZVWHukrS7YUbKlcF-Ct4s3h2AKDImTD5iDkB/w400-h225/IMG_8972.jpeg) |
Sadly, all kinds of trash litter the desert on the way into San Tan Valley. People suck sometimes. Photo by Gary. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQ0Qxc1MCzpCFIt_qzKSOrwRv-nSHfRtcwNrg6tS7kqZQ6GWNP6ZdHlqG4w8LGjOHVpSU7w-0PyzhqZTx7xP6nx0AlYgV7oiadRN3h59p8pnI63PSA_YeGTFmPVd8re2OPHelLsIslE6U0EQgI8RTUJ3smYpSNnwEoxfIEzDz3r3Oe_AaHzNjNgXWB3cV/w400-h225/IMG_8973.jpeg) |
Rock Peak Wash in all its glory. Photo by Gary. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6VgBgxs7T_0vWFeuyI5ZF4GxgdnB8l3weo3hPrtPDMtvtM8B-kuWllLT7Pdh5DxcXd33hnEcMdgt1qIS0I-6bGF5pOJSq-6qOim5g6-TPXn3x82qbJAfg73Hzlj_gHlBKgLhyt_grFkmFmhA_8bFLTVBUAUts4yl9vKW_IRO0NzwhToPC1w5w6om4agS/w400-h266/46230016_Unknown.JPG) |
Be warned though, danger noodles are everywhere!! Photo by Benjamin. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsboa6SB-9S7x2VOIK7wQ4cypW8ZlXugocjYqSR7kLysr0kLsV-XJqQg94tR7_RYjduq233cQn6Gwa3gaFCORnbYHUzs9nIjv6ejkNMBq1cYx4h1T4xbKUNRq1rVXfpA5X0CBJR4tSa3mM4FsMdQ6f65VvTjWveH6gD8FrDkrKX2lbKQTsA3X8Q3GNseI/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_194747530.jpg) |
The Shaka Cactus off the San Tan trail. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCCLTyeM-DJk9lEBpd9ClTdL5SsogdhGkAB2rJcrwqCDUpBRyapq9wCUXoNT5aGRHY87TNSHXdtmyuCvxqtYRkvwjz7uFqnXTCE0eahAg_YFkTZf010Ng5x5c9SnusTqmR_qgBDfeGHA5VJ589hyphenhyphenPM46MsfC_3XYIRLFlifNRp8-IErDUhiLu3TSKxrKJ/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_200310522.jpg) |
Looking south towards Mt. Lemmon, big dome on the left horizon, from a high point along San Tan trail. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWoOXdCc3nsaPYrVU7exAVk4gt90fscWdd0ROxT2_O58ctUyJ_IsRfQ_tl9KeNxg1THTPAHcc0c8wm38rGQ6orKyEAQoTBQYknplEzrmEr2cddvujN9mnfiu-ys-vl42i-HVL_6C0CUKEv2-eoeq4L3DrF82_iq6Jl9nOhfSyw4LUgendOQlHXePvsXwX/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_200314716.jpg) |
Looking north from the same high point, Phoenix is sprawled out below. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOw1jjoRkkKpobKL-Z3q14rzrn4m0mYWKf3YLePAMc-vSKLie6rET2qgRVLKZLykA3h6cMO8FSbYbhYuP9dNEyDiMxEzvHFgkmNQxR32BKk6dkXYzFdKHJxbNfyquj3MMthxKut6bOFbURNz417SekEN4Xqx-rBAlpQicJcavwoXhtfkUTTO8iEqL6ODB/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_200550752.jpg) |
Mike S. weaving his way towards the brewery. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwXzSDyzInKXV2gLX-jB-9n0mLk-__cJOjlcTXOs-Vi3IRBIeLi6Y89WO8Dgdrc4WOflCBplHg0d__oe4hM4MCnvqcIoj84pOlR_yntkgVWyG3KD2b9wKpBSPVseiuLrIm15-mFsDMWEjaYaWtUxY6R4C2MaS4nXKqzlr5ylGkkR8_hDWDoIJYr0pCvYS/w400-h300/IMG_4625.HEIC) |
My turn to carve some dirt. Photo by Mike S. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsulD8GCGrWgYD5eRD_LkS6viBrXlZSTMmqtRJmRPJ1MmtLwhV4Mdy3U6Olo-VNdINo5d_eNaJR9qY4mKDf7KnLez4-xJ9sgyS_2fFhxyS-84loB_kqSjR64Rh3BQAEw1zOX-uu0_NxjvvP1xbYHezA6GoZ9FLDNW9NU3Q-owg0bReqHIOwezSrZmonKg1/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_202421033.jpg) |
One final set of switchbacks on Dynamite trail. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCNnUFihpGFBetrIFYMGNmy8RL6FjtAByK021S9K4GShAZepBujhjIW7XxBpWRV9PudoOQeNWTSJdSpLeSYtgeLqLNkGBtfvDBvkHlAcRWbsv8vJ3XpwKo47rZH0n62piulrGkLmWdp_pdEQYAljKKEVxvh_J3maaV1ttJNk64FcCoWV9LkNNGDMwwoWM/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_203354311.jpg) |
A 1.8 mile downhill wraps up the trails at San Tan Regional Park. It's a fitting final piece of singletrack. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaXYTj92GoUCqKJA0a1Xzt_u098wYup_ycyHtiEAPRyFAvqBZpidgEeLrrV0_BS1Q6a7-vFth_SnKuWqgH68lF0Cr9V0Vz6rxL8uExf4fUVBXrke4VvbDxJ-LyiUXx8sVFqMB9tp7w3ie5dclKXEfzUxsSSVe3xn1zuyQ4CvrjAgcg6EAcag2P7WVmU5O/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_204423625.jpg) |
The last bit of dirt on route. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCdSTRYuuY0gyMGDqq2rW5JMdLJufhSEsbYLgln_xYbsgcuz3xySqwzrqMqO_-GOCPEsmCWbKwANhDhmCHskLCqzMVy1M3vZEMMnV4AUXL1YFZdCiauXFUIzPofkTX2lt6Wr4BPMnLiJslZADPYEXGHmyFWoU2Tmm39Z5HXfBCiAZoaiin0yUWYql7Lm9/w305-h400/PXL_20240304_214028057.jpg) |
Charlie was super stoked to get his phone back at the SAG stop!! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyY4V2ih-TUNKLJPD0nVEyIQK9W6l60TDCntWeKmRF2yG6kkfDeRJ4It7fZ19M-kl90I2Ud6ME-3jiamz8W5-eZhfrtTS2Z0h5nzdBnXRriJK12fjC3FQdXuftjRHwdevA32EC9f-vzslVDfcNBt7hbzb4z-D8uEULm-g5aOrZdrDWa-ufVeVFjbZ-2tb/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_214528885.jpg) |
Big group joins the fun at the brewery. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMSYYVeNeKlxN5gbVG1YRjM2Lo6d81M4DBZT4qL_1mWlDp-qH18qEpuBvkyH8otF7uUm_GuXn6v9KJ6TqBqNbD9SzKHAs2VDYYotmOUCYbwscVP3WhX_oQasdnhfPgHUYwVXDHToGKyYJbUATD31MBtPcxLjpbWBrSTDQtgz61jfMeZ_C3hR-tRPNRV4l/w400-h288/PXL_20240304_224708168.jpg) |
Jack, Kristiina & Rick arrive, fresh off their hotel stay in Kearny. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwmcWxIAcNDv7DkBaDoavTQnk2bmM9cx7MbHP-G8YyJT5IGu_n_jbUIP2gGSgOIiaQg6vp_zbEIMeLENSl11F7m_Q-7H2gLAQIC-or1IMOzV8j8yKL8TpcWxu2aaANRhdaXEVRfFoUx3PS68FzwlucZJXGI8A73E09rZzqbnHp4Knlaeu0mj_4rNykNCf/w400-h225/PXL_20240304_225910877.jpg) |
The brewery was nice enough to reserve the entire outside patio for us. I'm glad I stopped by when I was home on Saturday, they were able to bring in more wait staff since it's typically slow on a Monday afternoon. |
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Rick telling Benjamin and Richard L. his favorite hike-a-bike section. |
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Gary flying like the wind along the Queen Creek Wash pathway. |
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One final bit of greenbelt before reaching home. |
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Joe brought me a gift from the desert after camp 4. Thanks!! |
All that was left was for everyone to pick out their mugs & pints glasses. Before long, all was quiet and another Queen's Ransom was in the books. I had a blast out there, even though I skipped a bunch, but I did get my fill. I want to thank each and every person who traveled near & far for the ride, each year, you all make it a worthwhile production. So stoked to meet so many new friends and see everyone interacting with each other. Bikepacking with friends is rad. I hope to see a bunch of you out here again, maybe on the AZT??
A huge shout out and thank you to Kris and Duane for making a most memorable camp 2. Such a fun evening. Careful, folks are going to start expecting that stuff every year!!
Thanks to Scott for providing the
Trackleaders link for family and friends to follow along. And for me to keep tabs on some of the others!!
Of course the SAG stop doesn't happen without the unconditional support of my wife. Thank you so much for continuing the awesome tradition.
Queen's Ransom 2025: February 27 - March 3
For even more photos, trust me, there are a boatload more!! Go here:
QR Photos 2024
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwmDEIk3cFiIsniz4hV8swZjqH6N4FYUJuZpMr4AwvHvF-CAUvkY5JEeDRZz98VDoL9N8Fsi9Dnfm0eW-jOTHw_MTEeq7uDtMZFaJ8Wa_xN8dOs4fkzD_NDshkBtX24AP44WPwzF0SStPggDYq9WkqPoK8G8FmJ4EZTjYFNSn1C-3TOfxRnhaV0hvIHcg/w640-h282/QR_2024_med.jpg) |
Elevation profile posters available via Redbubble. |
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These fellas toured the route about a week or so after the group ride. I met them for tacos at the Creekside Taco Shack. |
Heck yeah man what a ride with amazing people. Pretty cool thing you have created here, John.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike. It's people like you who help keep the vibe going.
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