I have a GPX file for this ride, but it pre-dates TopoFusion. That means it’s been over seven years since I’ve continued past Charouleau Gap towards Oracle.
Theorizing and daydreaming for bikepacking routes led to the thought that it might be a good idea to take a bicycle back there again.
Max was a late and welcome addition to the ride. Haven’t seen him on a bike since the Colorado Trail Race.
What if the whole world were covered in slick rock?
Hawks spectated.
Such a classic climb. The top ~mile is one I always try to clean non-stop and it is never easy. Max and I were locked in a contest of strength and wits, riding the same pace (there is only one pace — the one that keeps you upright and clipped into the bike). Neither of us were willing to be the first to dab, both hoping the other would fail so the pressure was off.
Heart pounding in the skull, legs failing, trying to squeak by on the current challenge with as little energy as possible, but just enough, leaving something for the next one, and the next one. Go for the line that looks best, or the one you can get to? Tires slipping, quick thinking, a save, a new line, recover and burst again. Livin’.
Down Canada del Oro, the Canyon of Gold.
Patterns.
And now the fun begins. Horizontal progress is slow. The word flat a distant concept.
Replaced by “OMG steep” and, you guessed it, “hike-a-bike.”
It was a good crew to attack the hills with. Max is a heck of a climber and Chad still had gears on his Lev. Solid anaerobic efforts all around, and lots of laughter.
Steeper than it looks? Kind of goes without saying.
’bout as steep as it looks. Nice one Max.
Oooh, another one? Big surprise!
By the 20th roller (seriously?!) our legs were empty and the anaerobic efforts did not last long. Hiking time.
Who knew a five hour ride with no singletrack could be so fun. I might even do it again, maybe before the year 2017. To get back we pace-lined it down Oracle road. My stomach was growling for the first time in a week, so a stop at Rubio’s was mandatory.
The next day I headed to the Santa Ritas with Krista to pre-ride the Kentucky Camp course. I don’t ride there much, so it was a nice four hour cruise, perfect for unwinding the legs after the previous day’s muscular damage. Here she is smiling after cleaning a switchback on the AZT.
Funny how the pictures do not do justice to how steep some of those roads really were….
Sweet shots.
What if the whole world were covered in slickrock? I’d get bored and I think eventually you would too. Singletrack through a nice quiet forest has its place don’t forget!
Nice climbs!
Ed
It’s true, variety is the spice of bike life. But I could use more solid rock in mine.
Chad — yeah, or maybe they just seem steeper when you’re actually there and have to ride them?