Flagstaff: Waterline Rd

 I made my way north to Flagstaff for the weekend with the goal of watching a few of the AZT800 riders cross the finish line. I arrived in town mid-afternoon and got settled at Mike's place. I wanted to get a ride in before dark and I thought a great one to do was an out-n-back on Waterline Rd.

It's been a few years since I last rode it, mostly because it's either been closed due to wildfire activity or damaged because of flooding rains. It's been recently re-opened to bikes as far as I knew, and it's a great climb at a nice grade. I was also curious to see how I'd do with the singlespeed.

My target was to see how far up the road I could get before sunset. I had my lights for a dark return, if needed. I was really hoping I could make it to the green cabins which mark the end of the road climb and the transition to the Inner Basin. I made the drive up Schultz Pass Rd. to the Sunset trailhead as I didn't have time for the full climb including Schultz Pass.

Up I go.

This side of the mountain was burned many years ago.

Quick photo break at the tunnel. So far, I was liking the grade on the singlespeed.

It was shaping up to be a spectacular late afternoon.

Long, steady climb the entire way.

Entering a large stand of Aspens. It was hard to tell if they were burned or had already dropped their leaves.

Golden hues come into view as I ride above the lower Inner Basin area.

Autumn's grip was still holding on here.

I was nearing the top, sun still out. So I opted for a short stint down the Inner Basin trail.

Yellow beginning to fade.

Glad I made the decision to come down here!!

Stoked!! Made it to the green cabins less than one minute after sunset!!

I had a quick snack, broke out my puffy jacket for the decent and headed back down the road. The only times I stopped on the climb were at the tunnel and when I hopped on the Inner Basin trail. I felt surprisingly good the entire climb, which isn't always the case when I ride here before spending a night.

Magical place up here.

Flagstaff outskirts beginning to glow.

The only gear item I wish I had brought were my full finger heavy duty gloves. My half finger gloves weren't doing the trick as the temps plummeted. Barely one third of the way down and my hands were numb from the cold. The remainder of the ride down was done mostly one-handed as I had to blow on my hands or put them in my jacket pocket.

Rounding one of the final curves and I was treated to this view. Boom!!

I'm so glad I didn't bail on this ride due to the later start. It ended up being perfect. I only saw about 4-5 other riders coming down the mountain as I climbed. Had the place to myself. Definitely scratched the Waterline Rd. itch, now I need to do it again as part of the Around the Mountain ride.

Route: