Prescott monstercross?

[fixgeardan]

Is this thing still on for saturday?If so whats the plan I think Im in! whoohoo!My wife
actually is talking me in to this or maybe shes getting rid of me,hmmm.Either way whats the scoop?

[azepicriderandrunner]

It is a go, check out the website for more information. I expect there to be a good number of singlespeeders (both local and non-local) showing up and possibly a tandem!

It should be a good day on the bike followed by some great socializing with like-minded mtbers (so pack some of your favorite drink, beer or chocolate milk). I think we are coming up the night before to camp, then driving back down to Tucson for the Bike Swap and Urban Assault Race. If anyone is coming from Phoenix or Tucson that wants to camp/carpool/caravan, send me a PM.

[yetisurly]

Is this something old people can do? How far is the Coscto from the 'camping' area at Granit Basin?

[befoot]

Originally Posted by yetisurly

Is this something old people can do? How far is the Coscto from the 'camping' area at Granit Basin?

the closest camping to Costco would be Lynx Lake camp grounds, Granite Basin is about 13 miles.

Wow is there an age limit maybe I'll have to sit this one out

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by befoot

the closest camping to Costco would be Lynx Lake camp grounds, Granite Basin is about 13 miles.Wow is there an age limit maybe I'll have to sit this one out

I think we will be rolling into town at 8pm on Friday if you want to camp, Lynx Lake is on my list of places to camp, perhaps do a inside car camp deal depending how long we are at the downtown on Friday. There is no age limit, this should be a 6-9 hour race depending upon your motivation.

Here is the map of the route.... courtesy of singlespeeder and superhero Dan in Prescott.



Looks like a good time, regardless how fast you will be riding. A few of us coming from Tucson will be in recovery mode.

[fixgeardan]

I just remembered somthing cool about this loop we will pass by all six local lakes/ponds.
Does anybody have any opinions about whether we should go up spruce fireroad to smithravine or take #307 to the lookout then down to smithravine eitherway will hurt one worse than the other.Just a thought!

[az1jeff]

Originally Posted by fixgeardan

I just remembered somthing cool about this loop we will pass by all six local lakes/ponds.
Does anybody have any opinions about whether we should go up spruce fireroad to smithravine or take #307 to the lookout then down to smithravine eitherway will hurt one worse than the other.Just a thought!

Just a heads up, I rode 307 last Thursday. It was absolutely littered with fallen trees, especially towards at the top. .

jeff

[fixgeardan]

Thanks for the info ,thats probably not the best idea.

[Velokid1]

Originally Posted by az1jeff

Just a heads up, I rode 307 last Thursday. It was absolutely littered with fallen trees, especially towards at the top. .

jeff

That's High Gear's trail. Somebody needs to call Steve and Cindy and tell 'em to get out there with their chainsaws pronto!

[azepicriderandrunner]

I am working on the cue sheets and GPX file today, I hope to have them ready by tonight. Check the google group for both later on tonight.

[befoot]

Originally Posted by Velokid1

That's High Gear's trail. Somebody needs to call Steve and Cindy and tell 'em to get out there with their chainsaws pronto!

I just checked with the powers that be, it is not up to the trail volunteers to buck out fallen trees (in fact they are not suppose to, insurance reasons) they are responsible for trail tread and for brushing only!

the forest service is aware of the trees down on 307.

Peace!!!

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by befoot

I just checked with the powers that be,
Peace!!!

You still bringing out the tandem?

[befoot]

I just checked with the powers that be,,,Christi, and yes we'll be riding the tandem.
ouch, this is going to hurt

see everyone on Saturday

[helimech]

Have fun all, i'm out with doctors orders. Bummed.

[fixgeardan]

Helimech sorry to hear that.Befoot OUCH! nice thing about this route is all the bail out spots and just roll back to town. not that we will need them.

[azepicriderandrunner]

The GPX track is almost finalized... check out this sweet view with Topofusion! If that does not get you excited about riding this loop, I am not sure what will. Like Dan said on the phone a few days ago when we were talking about the PMC, "this loop connects all my favorite singletrack in Prescott."



Wish you could join us Helimech, you sure did rock the first Prescott MC.

[helimech]

Hey Chad and everyone who is riding. I could swing by cosco and get pizza and beer for the after ride party if you like. Or grill up some brautts? Just as long as we have a little money can after the feast. Just give me a time and place where you would like the stuff. Maybe ionmuse's spot last year??? let me know.

[yetisurly]

that is hott.

[chollaball]

err...never mind. stupid me read the website.

Looks like fun, hoping I can talk Mrs. Cball into a half day.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by chollaball

err...never mind. stupid me read the website.

Looks like fun, hoping I can talk Mrs. Cball into a half day.

Let me know if you want to carpool with us.

BTW, the GPX and cue file is up for everyone to download/print.

[YuriB]

Originally Posted by azepicriderandrunner

Let me know if you want to carpool with us.

BTW, the GPX and cue file is up for everyone to download/print.

WooHoo! You bringing the SS? I'm too lazy to mess with the bike so I'm just gonna stick with 32x21. I think.

[Velokid1]

That Topofusion image is incredible. Very cool stuff. I need to get with the 21st century and look into that!

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by YuriB

WooHoo! You bringing the SS? I'm too lazy to mess with the bike so I'm just gonna stick with 32x21. I think.

Yeah I am bringing the SS, 32x19 I think. There should be more singlespeeders than geared riders since the course lends itself well to ss.

[Enel]

I am a bit peeved that I am out of town for this

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by Enel

I am a bit peeved that I am out of town for this

I will make sure to take plenty of pictures so you can feel as if you were there with us

Helimech-- I will send you a PM. Sounds like a great offer! I am thinking we will just stay in the Costco parking lot after the race, to make it easier to greet finishers.

There will also be a few riders doing a smaller ride, C-ride up 305 if people want to do a smaller ride that same day.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by Enel

I am a bit peeved that I am out of town for this

Ohh la la.

Some more motivation for us this weekend

[befoot]

more motivation
Bike Month 2009 - Daily Calendar of Events:

FRIDAY - April 17
7pm: Bike Pub Poker. Meet at Lyzzard’s Lounge (120 N. Cortez St.). Join other bike nuts for a rollicking night! Visit 5 different local pubs (on your bike!) to acquire your ‘poker hand’; the winning hand receives a prize; everyone enjoys a good ride about town!

Cheers

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by befoot

more motivation
Bike Month 2009 - Daily Calendar of Events:

FRIDAY - April 17
7pm: Bike Pub Poker. Meet at Lyzzard’s Lounge (120 N. Cortez St.). Join other bike nuts for a rollicking night! Visit 5 different local pubs (on your bike!) to acquire your ‘poker hand’; the winning hand receives a prize; everyone enjoys a good ride about town!

Cheers

Looks like I am going to have to leave earlier than I had planned!

This is shaping up to be a great bike-filled weekend.
Friday: Bike Pub Poker
Saturday: PMC
Sunday: Bike Swap + New Belgium Urban Assault

[Velokid1]

Originally Posted by azepicriderandrunner

Looks like I am going to have to leave earlier than I had planned!

This is shaping up to be a great bike-filled weekend.
Friday: Bike Pub Poker
Saturday: PMC
Sunday: Bike Swap + New Belgium Urban Assault

The Bike Pub Poker will be a blast. I've been pushing my luck with my family bigtime this week, so I'm gonna have to sit that one out. Have a peeber for me, Billy.

And for those hanging in Prescott for Sunday, you have your choice of an 8:30 AM ride from Thumb Butte (to Deering to the Juniper to Bear Claw and back via Butte Creek, Cramp Hill and Garden Grove) OR grabbing a shovel and working on the new Aspen Creek Trail re-route (also 8:30 AM at the trailhead) to smooth it out for the Whiskey next week.

[waltaz]

Originally Posted by Velokid1

And for those hanging in Prescott for Sunday, you have your choice of an 8:30 AM ride from Thumb Butte (to Deering to the Juniper to Bear Claw and back via Butte Creek, Cramp Hill and Garden Grove) OR grabbing a shovel and working on the new Aspen Creek Trail re-route (also 8:30 AM at the trailhead) to smooth it out for the Whiskey next week.

We're pre-riding the 25-proof course on Sunday, so I'm sure we'll run into various peoples...

Hey, I'm assuming we'll come across you guys working on that Aspen Creek section...I'm happy to pack in a few beers for y'all, if you'd like. I'm not drinking 'em on the pre-ride, but that work should be rewarded! Lemme know and I will...

[Velokid1]

That would be great, a few beers. Thanks for the noble offer. You are a scholar and a gentleman.

I'm actually doing the 8:30 ride since it's a Raven Singletrack ride and I need the training for the Whiskey. (I'll be heading up Copper Basin at 7:30, then 393 to 51 over to TB to meet for the ride... what time are you guys heading up Copper Basin Rd?)

If the morning trail crew doesn't get the whole thing finished, I'm going to take an afternoon trail crew up about 3 or 4 PM. I will speak on behalf of the morning trail crew and say that they'd probably really enjoy the nice surprise of a couple cold beers from a trail angel.

Have a killer pre-ride.

[befoot]

Greg I will be missing the Raven ride sunday...doing the trail work thing with Rob and crew
have a great ride

[Velokid1]

Originally Posted by befoot

Greg I will be missing the Raven ride sunday...doing the trail work thing with Rob and crew
have a great ride

We'll miss ya. Work extra hard on the trail so I don't have to pull together an afternoon trail crew!

[azepicriderandrunner]

Any word on the snow accumulation tonight?

[Jayem]

Originally Posted by azepicriderandrunner

Any word on the snow accumulation tonight?

It was snowing tonight.

There was no accumulation.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by Jayem

It was snowing tonight. There was no accumulation.

Listening to Bob Marley One Love right now and dreaming of mountain biking in Prescott with 70 degree weather, I have a mighty arrow in the one hand and a chain tool in the other.

[YuriB]

Originally Posted by azepicriderandrunner

Listening to Bob Marley One Love right now and dreaming of mountain biking in Prescott with 70 degree weather, I have a mighty arrow in the one hand and a chain tool in the other.

I can't wait! Be there Sat morn (opting for an warm bed and an early wake).

[fixgeardan]

My side of town by costco just very light flurries,trails will be perfect! This should be a great time.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by fixgeardan

,trails will be perfect! This should be a great time.

There is a chance I will be up in Prescott the next two weeks

[yetisurly]

many loves, many speeds.

Originally Posted by YuriB

I can't wait! Be there Sat morn (opting for an warm bed and an early wake).

[Jayem]

You guys looked tired.

[ionsmuse]

Anyone break 6 hours?

[Jayem]

Originally Posted by ionsmuse

Anyone break 6 hours?

I was just wrapping up my whiskey pre-ride when I saw them in the vicinity of trail 392. I even thought I saw Yetisurly, but then again I could have been hallucinating.

[fixgeardan]

Originally Posted by ionsmuse

Anyone break 6 hours?

I did I did!! 5:58.16 with a messy tubless flat and I actually feel really good.I sure wish I could do the whiskey I feel like I could smoke it.Oh well next year.Suremissed you Dave it just wasnt the same without you.The rigid monkey with the carbon white brothers fork
was just perfect,smooth like butter.

[YuriB]

I'm kinda tired.
That was one awesome loop - my favorite preskett ride thus far. Thanks Chad and Dan!

[DurtGurl]

Originally Posted by YuriB

I'm kinda tired.
That was one awesome loop - my favorite preskett ride thus far. Thanks Chad and Dan!

Good job guys....

[azepicriderandrunner]

More shots from the glorious day, great weather, good lineup, route was amazing. If you want a crash course in Prescott singletrack, I encourage you to ride this route someday. GPX is available on the google group or send me a PM.













Results are up and ready to be viewed. Thanks again to Dave and Dan for the idea behind the name and ride. I tip me hat to Befoot and Co. for coming out with a tandem, great job on the 30+ miles you cranked out. Helimech, you are the man; thanks for bringing us pizza!

[ionsmuse]

Nice job guys! We actually had almost identical weather up here yesterday.

Taylor and Dan, I knew it could be done!

[going29AZ]

Originally Posted by fixgeardan

I did I did!! 5:58.16 with a messy tubless flat and I actually feel really good.I sure wish I could do the whiskey I feel like I could smoke it.Oh well next year.Suremissed you Dave it just wasnt the same without you.The rigid monkey with the carbon white brothers fork
was just perfect,smooth like butter.

Great job everyone for completing this. Excellent job Dan for kickin AZZ! And Kudo's to Billy and Christi for doing 30 miles on the tandem

[yetisurly]

Originally Posted by azepicriderandrunner

More shots from the glorious day, great weather, good lineup, route was amazing. If you want a crash course in Prescott singletrack, I encourage you to ride this route someday. GPX is available on the google group or send me a PM.













Results are up and ready to be viewed. Thanks again to Dave and Dan for the idea behind the name and ride. I tip me hat to Befoot and Co. for coming out with a tandem, great job on the 30+ miles you cranked out. Helimech, you are the man; thanks for bringing us pizza!

was I there?

[befoot]

Good job everyone what a ride!
I think Christi and I will give it another go sometime soon.

Hey who is what riding through the swamp water....(yetisurly?) you are a brave man


Cheers

[YuriB]

A few more photos of yetisurly not being there.

[azepicriderandrunner]

42.2 max speed? Yuri, you have wings! That must have been on Spruce.

[fixgeardan]

Just for the record I was on SS ,the results didnt show it .Thanks chad for putting this thing together,I had a great day on the bike and I dont think we lost anybody.

[yetisurly]

Originally Posted by fixgeardan

Just for the record I was on SS ,the results didnt show it .Thanks chad for putting this thing together,I had a great day on the bike and I dont think we lost anybody.

Thanks for being the tour guide! Awesome route.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by fixgeardan

Just for the record I was on SS ,the results didnt show it .Thanks chad for putting this thing together,I had a great day on the bike and I dont think we lost anybody.

Ops... my bad. I will change it. Not sure how I overlooked that.

[befoot]

a special thanks to Jeff for the chain links...I had two quick-links...for single speeds
we had a max speed of 45.5 mph going down Prescott Lakes pkwy (could have gone faster but Christi made me slow down)

[Velokid1]

Killer! Home Sweet Home.

[Enel]

Two months later....

I finally got around to this ride.

It is stellar, and blows the Whiskey race routes out of the water. I would estimate you get to spend 45 miles on singletrack.

Super fun, but tiring. Thanks for the motivation as this ride about doubled my previous longest ride. Highly recommended if you are up for a ride this long and want a taste of Prescott.

Since it is a loop, you can pick it up anywhere you happen to be, no need to start at Costco. I rode from home and picked it up at its lowest point near Willow Lake.

It does indeed hit all the local reservoirs as it loops around the town. I tried to get photos of each, but had some bonk induced brain fade on Lynx Lake.

Pre Dawn Willow Lake



View toward Thumb Butte and Spruce mtn where you will be heading.



Granite Basin Lake:



View of Granite Basin and Granite Mountain, just before completing the circle around Granite basin. (remember this view for later)



Thumb Butte on Right, Spruce peak way off in the distance on left. You are heading to both.



Columbine





Aptly named Quartz Mountain





Looking back towards Thumb Butte from the other side, with Granite Mountain way off in the distance (remember what I told you to remember)



Goldwater Lake



No photo of Lynx Lake

Willow Lake...almost home free at this point.



AAAHHHHH



Time: 7:40 on the XC/Freeride suspension single speed. This was a no pads, no full face sort of day.

I was impressed at not exactly how easy it was, but how possible it was for a rider like myself with so little endurance experience. Just takes a little persistence/patience.

I ate two granola bars, and apple and 1/2 a PB&J. Not enough, but I just had no appetite

Amazingly, my neck is a little stiff, hands and butt a little sore, but otherwise I feel great, so I think I have my bike set up nailed (hear that Dave C!).

Highlights for me were cleaning the switchbacks on the climb into Granite Basin, and not walking the Spruce road climb (total mind game, that hurt).

A+ course.

[Velokid1]

I followed your tire tracks up and around Quartz yesterday.

[azepicriderandrunner]

"Persistence and patience" Well said Eric. It feels good to raise the bar and push the limits.

I like the pre-dawn at Willow Lake shot....

[Velokid1]

And if you think an 8-hour ride was suprisingly doable without eating... wait until you try it without starving your body. Twice as easy.

[befoot]

Well done Eric! beautiful pics
I'm sure Christi and I will have another go at this as well!

[Paul B]

So what is the TOTAL mileage of this route? 50ish?

Looks like an awesome way to spend the day. I may have to hit this up this summer.

p.

[Jayem]

I'm thinking of a "reverse" Monstercross though, the "high" route.

Maybe go up the road to Quartz Mtn, then across on 48, then up 260 to Mt Francis, then across on Thumb Butte Road to West Spruce trail, to West Spruce Road, down to the countinuation of West Spruce trail, then down to Dosie Pitts, across to the new OHV trails that head up to Granite Basin, down 37/40 to Granite basin, continue down Mint Wash, then head up 347 and ride out Katahn to Pioneer Park or something, then go across the lakes, up the parkway to 305, up 305 to 299 or 297, down 299 to 396 and back. Could be started at a variety of places.

Of course there's my old standby: Start at Thumb Butte, up 326 to 51 to West Spruce to West Spruce Road down to West Spruce trail again, down to Dosie Pitts, up to 37 and 40, down to Granite Basin, across on 351 to 332, back via 332 and White Rock. Not monster-cross milege, but same vertical.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by Paul B

So what is the TOTAL mileage of this route? 50ish?

Looks like an awesome way to spend the day. I may have to hit this up this summer.

p.

54 miles with 8800 feet of climbing is the original PMC mileage. The GPX track is available on the AES Google Group if you need it or I can send it to you.

[Enel]

Chad: I noticed a few differrences between the cue sheet and the actual ride. I corrected these in the below cue sheet, added a few details, and also corrected spelling and grammar a bit (cuz I am OCD). You can just copy and paste the below into the website if you want.

Go up highway 69, then right on Prescott Lakes Parkway just after ”In & Out.” Go down to bottom of hill turn right on Sundog Ranch road. At the parking area for the Peavine trail on turn left. Take the trail about 1/2 mile to first trail on left follow this about 1 mile along the South end of Watson Lake, across a bridge to the launch ramp/parking area. Go up road to exit then straight through roundabout, you are now on Willow Lake road. Go about 1/2 mile to start of dirt bike path on right.

Follow bike path about 2 miles until you see tunnel on left. Go through tunnel take singletrack to left. Follow to double track turn, left on double track. Continue behind ball field you do a quick right on dirt road then left on single track follow till it ends at 4 way stop. Go across the road into Pioneer Park. Look for trail on left, go up trail to singletrack on right take single track till it ends at double track. Turn, go up hill on double track take this trail straight up hill, you will be looking directly at Granite Mountain heading West. Dirt road ends at parking lot on Pioneer Parkway.

Stay on left side of road go up then down road to Williamson Valley rd.left on Williamson Valley Rd about 1 mile turn right on Dineh St. Take first left at stop sign then first right on Katahn, go to end of street. There is a dirt parking area and the start of real trails. Climb up #347 then right on #341 take this until you see gate on right. Take #347 follow down till left on #348 follow PAST gate on left turns into #352. Bomb downhill to Mint Wash trail #345 go left up to lake just before rest room left turn on #351.

At the first right go across road and continue on #351 to #349 go left. Take #349 all the way till ends at #346 go right up hill till #332 on right climb to top go through gate down to street. (Note: This section is different in the GPX file. On the GPX, you turn right on the street from 349 and reconnect with route at #332. Doing this misses a small amount of singletrack and climbing).

Cross street and go through gate. Continue on #332 until Iron Springs Road, cross road and take #332, which turns into old railbed. Continue maybe 1-1 1/2 miles look for #332 single track on right this trail will take you to thumb butte. Cross road take right turn on single track #392 to #322 to jeep road #51 turn left follow this to Camp Pearlstein. Go straight to trail #393 to Copper Basin road go straight across road to new single track section. Follow turns into #48 then turns into double track # 9401. Stay left and follow to east DO NOT TURN RIGHT with all the other bike tracks. That is the Whiskey course. Go to left up the double track stay right on #9415. You should be at quartz point; follow the furthest right double track down hill to White Spar Road turn right on road go about 1/2 mile to White Spar camp ground left into camp ground look for trail head. This is the best place to refill water, fresh water next to restroom closest to trail head. Take trail #396 all the way until it ends at Senator Hwy.

Go south/up Senator Hwy to Spruce Road, turn Left. Climb to Smith Ravine Trail #297, turn left down #297. (Alternate harder, more scenic route: Take Senator past Spruce Road to Spruce mountain trailhead and take #307 left (the short route) to the top of Spruce Mountain. Pause to hike up to the fire tower and enjoy the panoramic view. Then go East down Spruce Mountain Road to Smith Ravine trail #297, turn right.) Take #297 to the bottom, cross road to #305, down #305 back to Walker road, turn left to Costco.


The big difference between the original cue sheet and the GPX file is that no one so far has taken trail 307 to the top of Spruce mountain. I think this is a worthy piece of single track for future monstercrossers. It is painful, steep, and adds several (single track) miles, probably 500 bonus feet, and lets you have an awesome view that takes in the entire route.

Unfortunately, the day the GPX was recorded, Dan did not go this way, and the day of the Monstercross, no one went that way due to deadfall issues. It is a sweet addition in summer. You replace two miles of dirt road with a mile of pavement, three miles of single track, and one mile of dirt road.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by Enel

Chad: I noticed a few differrences between the cue sheet and the actual ride. I corrected these in the below cue sheet, added a few details, and also corrected spelling and grammar a bit (cuz I am OCD). You can just copy and paste the below into the website if you want.

Wow, Eric. I am indebted to you. Thank you for your help with the cue sheets. Should the route up 307 be passable next year, I guarantee we will be using it. I have added the "SS" to your finish time.

BTW, do you want to do the cue sheets for the next race?

[Enel]

Originally Posted by azepicriderandrunner

BTW, do you want to do the cue sheets for the next race?

I'll have to because I don't own a GPS. Mingus, Bill Williams, Sedona, Flag....killer loop. I am awaiting your write up of this ride.

[azepicriderandrunner]

Originally Posted by Enel

I'll have to because I don't own a GPS. Mingus, Bill Williams, Sedona, Flag....killer loop. I am awaiting your write up of this ride.

The amount of singletrack on this loop still stuns me, 50%. Technical, fun, killer views, easy places to refuel, the route is now up to 250 miles with a 350-mile option.

[Velokid1]

Ouch.