Actually he's flying in from England w/bike for a week of riding w/me in and around AZ. He's a very strong X-country rider and races competively as a vet in several annual series around London.

The terrain that he is used to is hilly, muddy, leafy, rooty - a far cry from our superb riding conditions.

My point is this - when I first moved over here I found the rocky terrain to be quite a challenge initially. It only took me a few weeks to adjust but my initial impressions weren't favorable. In view of the fact that he is in better shape than I was back then I don't think this will be a huge issue w/him but nonetheless.

What would be your recommendations for the 1st 1/2 of his visit - trails that would break him in relatively gently to the rockier terrain. So far I'm thinking Hawes Loop, and McDowell Mtn park - do you guys have any other ones that spring to mind? Anywhere within 2hrs of Phoenix is fine so Tucson/Prescott is fine

Of all the places I've taken people to ride in Phoenix, Pima and Dynamite is where they say wow! Most friends hated T100, find Pemberton boring, my guess is the competitive loops would rate right with T100, I've never taken anyone to Hawes. Sedona is a great option weather permitting, something for everyone up there.
just my 2cents

I will give you my comments and welcome you to give me a call if you want more clarification.

As a recent newbie (hell, I am still a very fresh newbie!) instead of starting out at the Tatum parking lot of Trail 100, I wish we would have started on a trail like Pemberton at McDowell as it certainly gets a person suited to the desert environment.without the overwhelming challenge of figuring out how to ride over rocks! I would have then enjoyed a graduation to any of the race loops at the competitive tracks as that would have introduced a short burst of 'rock riding' while keeping me in familiar surroundings. I'd have then loved to check out Pima & Dynamite for a continuation of the introduction to the desert. From there, I would have enjoyed the challenge of Trail 100 or South Mountain much more then the white knuckle fear I first experienced when riding at T100!

However, since your friend is an experienced cyclist, I think the first days ride should be out at McDowell, which will get him quickly used to the lay of the desert terrain, then hit any of the above mentioned trails without much fear of him being a white knucled cyclist like I was (and still am occasionally!)

When is he coming? Need a 3rd (slower) wheel to pick up any of the pieces you two should drop off of your bikes?! I could be coaxed into carrying a larger pack with food! :)

I'll throw another one into the mix: Papago. Of the trails I've done there (and I preface this by saying it's been very few), the are hard packed enough to not be intimidating to a person new to looser stuff, but offer a taste of what one can expect from T100, S. Mountain, McDowells, etc. (that is, there are some areas that have looser trails).

P and D is similiar, but I don't think it really prepares one for riding on loose shale, which if you take him on any popular Phx trail, he's going to do. Most of it is hardpacked, or sandy, and will be a shock when one tries to bomb down National.

I will give you my comments and welcome you to give me a call if you want more clarification.

As a recent newbie (hell, I am still a very fresh newbie!) instead of starting out at the Tatum parking lot of Trail 100, I wish we would have started on a trail like Pemberton at McDowell as it certainly gets a person suited to the desert environment.without the overwhelming challenge of figuring out how to ride over rocks! I would have then enjoyed a graduation to any of the race loops at the competitive tracks as that would have introduced a short burst of 'rock riding' while keeping me in familiar surroundings. I'd have then loved to check out Pima & Dynamite for a continuation of the introduction to the desert. From there, I would have enjoyed the challenge of Trail 100 or South Mountain much more then the white knuckle fear I first experienced when riding at T100!

However, since your friend is an experienced cyclist, I think the first days ride should be out at McDowell, which will get him quickly used to the lay of the desert terrain, then hit any of the above mentioned trails without much fear of him being a white knucled cyclist like I was (and still am occasionally!)

When is he coming? Need a 3rd (slower) wheel to pick up any of the pieces you two should drop off of your bikes?! I could be coaxed into carrying a larger pack with food! :)


Point taken Gregory - I wasn't really thinking too hard when I tried to hurl you down the 220 on your first ride and had completely forgotten my own introductory experience which took place on T100 as well. That and the fact that I derived a great deal of sadistic pleasure watching you suffer :D


Joking aside - the time that we both did T100 I was just getting back into it myself and had completely forgotten the different nuances that each terrain offers. Your (relative) noob input is definitely welcome and we may well need some Clydesdale assistance during the week.

Point taken Gregory - I wasn't really thinking too hard when I tried to hurl you down the 220 on your first ride and had completely forgotten my own introductory experience which took place on T100 as well. That and the fact that I derived a great deal of sadistic pleasure watching you suffer :D


Joking aside - the time that we both did T100 I was just getting back into it myself and had completely forgotten the different nuances that each terrain offers. Your (relative) noob input is definitely welcome and we may well need some Clydesdale assistance during the week.


Since then, I have managed a few trips down 220 without any issues. I would put National, east of the mormon cut as more difficult!

Oh, and I have saved these pictures of your dead GTI just for a day like today!

http://members.voidnet.com/Greg/greg/silvergti/DSC00011s.JPG

Seriously tho, I would love to tag along and enjoy watching a couple GOOD riders attack some of the bigger obstacles around. You two are welcome to take off, just tell me where we are going to meet up and I will catch up! Also, I have some two way radios, just in case!

http://members.voidnet.com/Greg/greg/silvergti/DSC00011s.JPG



Ahh! pwn3d :D