Oracle Ridge is still #1

Great day on the bike today with Dejay. It was us against an invincible opponent: Oracle Ridge #1 (so called because it was the first trail up Mt. Lemmon). What used to be a very hard trail has become even harder with the fury of fires Bullock and Aspen. But it’s still a good ride, and one worthy of dusting off the hike-a-bike shoes for.

Start: Oracle. We spun out the first 15 miles of the Control Road without really noticing them, then the assault began up the backside. I was worried Dejay might be singelspeeding it–forcing me to desperately chase him up the mountain, but he was geared today, so it was me pushing the pace and him chasing me. I still cannot resist the allure of carrying momentum around steep switchbacking turns, especially when surrounded by a cool, beautiful pine forest. I think the best part of the ride may be that climb.

Not wanting to leave the cool trees so soon, and knowing full well what lay in front of us on trail #1, we decided to get a bite at Summerhaven. I had a tasty and very filling piece of blueberry pie. Yum.

A lazy hour later (we found my front tire flat after eating) we set off for the real challenge of the day: the descent. Anyone who thinks this ride is anything close to over once you are finished with the ‘big climb’ is a fool. The ride has only just begun once you reach its high point.

We rolled through ashen trees and down steep, rocky trails. Dejay fared much better than me, both in speed and technical ability. I could not stay with him if my life depended on it. After Dan Saddle, the tables turned, if only slightly. Dejay confessed he has lost all ability to climb seated after his years of singlespeeding. I told him I have never even had the ability to climb standing. He still climbed well, but not well enough. I too was walking all over the place, but enjoying the place and time.

We stopped to break branches, and to saw the odd tree. One large sucker required a long application of the saw followed by twenty minutes of ramp building. Dejay’s first attempt to ride it failed and ended in a crash. Some more work and the next attempt was smooth–like a pro.

To the side of the trail I noticed a large tent, surrounded by empty water bottles and garbage. It was an abandoned fire camp (from Aspen). As I looked around a bit a head popped out of the tent. Obviously of hispanic origin, I figured this crew was still active… but then it became apparent that none of the 4-5 occupents of the tent could speak any English. I wished them “Buena Suerte” and headed on my way. It is a bit strange to see immigrants this far north–on the other side of Tucson.

Near Apache Peak the trail has gone to crap. Erosion (due to fire) is the culprit, turning a once rideable traverse into a joke. Around here Dejay pumped up his tubeless rear tire for the 5th or 6th time. I still remain unconvinced of their merits, though I have not given up on the idea. He did admit that they are not what you want for so-called adventure riding.

Cody trail was a joyful return to rideable conditions, one that makes you forget the misery of previous 10 miles. I probably would have never done this ride again were it not for this perfect finish.

A post ride reflection at Casa Rivera: maybe a slight break from ‘stupid’ rides is in order. It was an odd feeling, actually. Usually after completing an adventurous and very challenging ride like this I am all for more, and looking forward to the next time I tangle with the ride just completed. But I will be content to not ride Oracle Ridge for at least a few good months. I’m not particularly worn out, or completely tired of hike-a-bike, but it just feels like about enough.

Or maybe not. I did say a ‘slight’ break. I’ll probably find myself out on another stupid ride within the week.