Road Ride Report: Mount Lemmon

The Mount Lemmon Climb is listed as the 33rd toughest climb in the United States in "The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike)." From start in the desert of Tucson at the bottom to the alpine forest at the end of the pavement you climb 6200' over 28 miles at an average grade of 5% through some of the best scenery in the Southwest.

Just past Windy Point.

I've had this one on my bucket list for quite a few years so I was pretty excited when I saw that the weather was going to cooperate and let me give it a go in March when it usually still has too much snow at the top.

I drove to the start with a great view of what was coming as Mt. Lemmon looms over the east side of Tucson.

As this was my first trip up, the only real goal I had was to be in the top half of the STRAVA leaderboard and pass more riders than passed me.

I ended up 110 out of 389 riders on the complete climb and passed 15 riders. The only rider that passed me turned around at the 5-mile mark so I'm not going to count him. It appears that quite a few people turn around at the ski resort and skip the last couple of miles (sissys).

The climb itself is amazingly consistent staying between 4-7% grade for most of its length. The angle does kick up at the end after you turn on Ski Run Road where it ranges from 8-10% with a couple of small ramps that went as high as 13% which is always fun after 25 miles of climbing.

The views were fantastic for the entire ride starting at 3000' elevation in the Sonoran Desert and climbing all the way up into the evergreen forest that starts around 5000' and goes to the top at 9100'. You will feel the elevation difference and thin air at the top.

This is easily in my Top-10 road rides in the U.S.. It's right up there with Crater Lake, Lake Tahoe and Big Sur and should be added to everyone's to-do list. Did I mention the 25-miles screamer of a downhill? Great stuff.

Mount Lemmon map and profile.

Ride Report: Bootleg Canyon XC Trails

Just some of the XC trails at Bootleg.

Las Vegas has some of the best winter riding in the country. Whether you like road or dirt, Vegas has it all.

On the west side of town, you have Red Rocks and the sweet singletrack of the Cottonwood Trails and on the east side of town you have Boulder City and the world famous trails of Bootleg Canyon.

While bootleg is primarily known for its downhill trails, It also has a good selection of XC trails including a new connector that accesses the network from Henderson.

The trails are good enough to get the system rated as an IMBA Epic. It is also the location for the Interbike demo area.

Bootleg is not for beginners and it is not for the faint of heart. It rewards aggressive riding as you negotiate a never ending series of rocks, drops and sheer cliffs in this volcanic wonderland.

I've spent some time riding these trails and have found that the best tactic is to just charge every obstacle. If you timidly approach the obstacles, the rocks will take control. Speed and momentum are your friends.

Mother's Trail

Most of the XC trails are on the west side of the road with the Caldera and Mother's Trails being the most XC friendly. Par None and POW are probably the easiest of the DH trails and can be accessed from Mother's.

There are great facilities at the trailhead with water and even showers. They don't allow camping in the parking area anymore but the Boulder bay CG at lake Mead is only five miles away (and a good warm up if you decide to ride).

If you're in town without a bike, All-Mountain Cyclery is right at the bottom of the hill and can help you out.

Bootleg is definitely one of my favorite places to ride. There is always something to challenge you and the obstacle that you didn't clear today will be waiting for you to give it another go on your next ride.

Great trail system.

One of the best in the country.

Riding from the campground: Mother's Loop from Lake Mead

MTB Ride Review: SARA Park (Lake Havasu)

You've got to give it up for the local riders/builders out here at Lake Havasu. They have done a good job putting together a really fun trail system.

Sara Park Trails

The route on the map is just about 25 miles and covers the Watershed Race Loop, Fun Fair (beginner trail), Beer Bottle, Blue Trail and some exploring on the north side of the park. There is still another 10-20 miles of trail out here that is not shown.

All of the trails are really fun with your typical wide open singletrack with swoopy turns in and out of drainages, over rocks etc... Really good stuff!

There are also at least two trails that go all the way to the lake giving you the opportunity to take a swim mid-way through your ride to cool off. This may be welcome as it does get hot out here. Today, it was 84 degrees at noon and I'm here in February.

Lake Havasu has pretty much anything you need. Plenty of lodging, restaurants and other activities to keep you entertained.

There are a couple of bike shops, River Cyclery & Sport (www.rivercyclery.com) and AZBuilt. River is more MTB oriented and Tony Beck (Owner) can give you some tips on the trails.

One great thing about this area is the bike trail that goes from town all the way to the trailhead so you don't have to deal with the limited parking on the weekends. You can also expect lots of hikers on the Red, Yellow & Blue trails on the weekends but if you head for the outer loops you'll pretty much have the trails to yourself.

Overall, I really liked this area. There is probably enough here to keep you entertained for at least a week. Combined with some interesting road riding this is almost a winter vacation destination.

Ride stats: Sara Park Loops

Sunset at Lake Havasu.

MTB Trail Review: Hahn Buena Vista/Clara Burgess

Getting ready to drop in.

This is one of my favorite trails anywhere, not just Southern California.

This 17.5 mile loop takes you high into the desert mountains just south of Palm Springs starting with a stiff 4-mile climb up Dunn Road.

All that climbing will be rewarded though when you get to the top of Hahn Trail. This is one of the best trails in SoCal with 2.7 miles of twisty, rocky singletrack dropping over 1100' through some of the best desert scenery you'll find anywhere.

After a quick connector back to Dunn Road, you join up with Wild Horse which connects with the Clara Burgess Trail and another stiff climb to the top of Murray Hill and about the best view of the Palm Springs area.

Hahn Trail is super sweet.

From the top of Murray Hill you're in for some real fun. If you creep up to the edge, you'll see an improbable looking trail that seems to drop straight off the side of a cliff. Yep, that's where you're going.

I should mention that if you are not comfortable with heights, exposure, tight switchbacks and the possibility of death if you should go over the edge, go back down the way you came because the next 1.3 miles drop 1100+ feet at an average grade of 17%. Yeah, it's steep, loose and technical and if you're up for it, it's a blast.

When you get to the bottom, there is a trail sign. From here just keep going right until you can see the neighborhood where you started the ride. Take any of the trails back to the road (beware: some may get real steep). 

Directions: In Cathedral City - Park right at the theaters then follow Cathedral Canyon road south, keep making right turns following the fence until you see the entrance to Dunn Road. Enter and get ready to work. The first mile is pretty tough.

Map & Stats: Dunn Road/ Hahn Buena Vista

Murray Hill. Remember to look at where you want to go, not where you don't want to go.