Day 1: parents house to Horseshoe Lake

If this trip ended today, I’d feel like I got what I came for. Riding in the desert is everything I thought it would be – difficult, gorgeous, somehow magical and beyond time. It’s an amazing environment to be in.

I got on the bike at 7:30. First 30 km was on a canal path. Phoenix has an extensive network of canals and this was not the most charming of them, but better than road riding in morning rush hour and pretty quick riding.

From there I had about 25 km of urban infrastructure through Scottsdale. Scottsdale had been rated as the best city for women in America. I’m not sure what the criteria for this is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it includes access to appearance altering treatments. Boob jobs and Botox is the norm, and it’s not uncommon to see 75 year old women who could pass for 35 if it weren’t for the wrinkles. The cycling infrastructure was becoming of a place with this kind of tax base.

Then it was into the Sonoran McDowell nature preserve / Brown’s Ranch trail network. This was absolutely stunning riding. The trails were winding both vertically and horizontally, but nothing too technical. And the grounds are a particularly well preserved section of Sonoran desert with saguaros and scattered boulder formations. Slow going but worth the time. I also saw my first snake though I haven’t had a chance to look up what kind it was (and whether or not it was poisonous). No photo, I didn’t want to intrude (or die). May have been a coachwhip, non-venomous.

After that, I had a 8 km / 1000 ft climb. It was on pavement, which helped. That ascent turned into a major descent exactly where the pavement ended. This was my first taste of these forest roads I have read so much about. Sand, washboard, sandy washboard, washes out sections. Total mayhem and a total blast to go screaming down. I love how capable and comfortable my bike is. Riding like this justifies the expense.

Unfortunately I am pretty sure my complete ride tomorrow with be on the same type of road and there will be some major climbing. I don’t expect this to be quite as much fun.