Flagstaff: Mt. Elden Fun

 Today would be the day the lead rider of the AZT800, Alex Schultz, would roll into the finish. But what time? He was just starting up the Humphreys Peak hike around 8:30a, so I figured I had most of the day to get a good ride in. I took my time, went out and had a nice breakfast and finally got rolling after 11:30. No real route plan other than to check out a couple new connectors I hadn't been on yet and to see the reworked Full Sail trail.

Unlike my ride the previous day on Waterline Rd., I parked down at the Y with the intent to climb Schultz Pass Rd.

Making my way up Schultz Pass Rd.

There were a bunch of racers coming the opposite direction, I guess some sort of gravel event was going on. I don't keep up with that whole scene or any race scene other than the bikepacking ultras and the local Arizona Endurance Series. Those are more my style.

On to the singletrack portion of the climb: Broadside.

A little more up before the down begins.

The view from the top at 8800'. Good time for a snack break.

It was a bit over 8 miles from the Y to the top, about 1700' of gain. Solid climbing grade for the singlespeed.

Apparently, Full Sail would be a stage for an enduro race the following day. I let 'er rip as best I could.

I had plenty of time before Alex arrived, so I was able to check out the new connectors. Abalone was up first.

Abalone links over to Swell, which still had some flashes of fall color.

Dry Lake Hills.

Lunar Tide is a fun downhill with some techy bits, formerly known as Jedi.

Nice view of the peaks on the way down.

The other new-to-me trail was Apollo. Nice connection to the AZT.

NAU's Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff.

I took a short break here, checked Trackleaders to see if I could intercept Alex here, but he was still a few miles away.

I had enough time to finish and get over to Buffalo Park to watch Alex wrap up his 3rd 800 finish with a small, but rowdy crowd!! 

Alex crossing the line!!

Congrats dude!! 9d 10h 29m

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