Ride Where?!? Goodyear, AZ – F.I.N.S.

[GP_pilot]

Over the past 3 months, I’ve had the (mis)fortune of being sent to some to some less desirable places in and around Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. Although I didn’t do well in my stats classes, it took me a couple of years to realize that any sizeable population near rising geographical terrain produces a high probability for MTB singletrack and/or moto trails. While these trails will never be destination rides to 99% of the MTB community, these are the local loops for the rest of the world that don’t have the fortune of world class trails residing outside their front door. But then again, who is to say that they aren’t already riding world class trails? Likely we choose to ignore them because glossy magazines, internet forums, and friends tell us that we should be going to some “must do” destination to get our epic ride on. These places won’t be found in guide books and are rarely talked about on forums, but each one is unique in its own way just as the builders who have established it. Maybe you too have business nearby, are looking to break up your long drive to points beyond, or are just looking for something completely off the buff and sanitized singletrack. Open your mind to riding somewhere else and you’ll likely be surprised what you find. Thus begins a new, open-ended series.


Most Phoenix riders know that there are two riding areas on the far west side of town. Bordering Phoenix International Raceway is Estrella Competitive MTB track, part of Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Further to the northwest is White Tank Mountain Regional part, home of Sonoran Loop Competitive MTB track and the infamous, super chunk Goat Camp. But draw a line directly 20 miles south, you’ll end up in the planned community of Estrella. Congratulations, you’ve arrived at Fantasy Island North Singletrack (F.I.N.S.), not to be confused with Tuscon’s Fantasy Island trail system on state trust land.



This is a prime example where people saw a need for MTB trails, spent tens of thousands of hours building quality tread, going so far as to put up trail signs and metal kiosk maps, all for a trail system that’s wasn’t even official.



Built upon the planned Newland Communities land, the developer has delayed in developing in the immediate vicinity of the trails due to the housing turndown but new roads and homes have gone up on the adjacent southeast side and will eventually encroach upon the trail system. As a good sign, the developer has installed 5 parking spots at the trailhead on Weststar Dr. But a good number of folks still choose to park at the Weststar Elementary School off Estrella Parkway.

F.I.N.S. could be billed as the biggest little bike park in the Phoenix area with barely 9 miles of trail.



Like a miniature scale of South Mountain Preserve, doing loops here is only a matter of minutes and is sure to put a smile on your face whether you’re a beginner or seasoned expert.



There’s something here for everyone from cross country to chunky technical goodness that will be more than glad to keep some of your skin should you go down.





On this day, Jeff^d and I needed a recovery ride from the prior day’s epic beat down across town.





Although it does get a little confusing with all the trail intersections and a couple of new trails that have popped up since the kiosk trail map was made, it doesn’t really matter if you take a wrong turn because you’re having so much fun.



I found Grunt overrated as an experienced riders only trail, but it is the most demanding in the trail network coming in at a solid blue.







Intermediate riders that have ridden some of the other core SoMo trails besides Desert Classic should have little problems but may need to walk a short section or so.



Also don’t miss the short side detour on Northstar,



Since you’d be missing a great vista.



Back down provides some brief chunkyness with optional A-line feature or two.







On the flatter xc sections, open sight lines and flowy trail just beg for pinning the bike in top gear.



Think of it as a pump track for your MTB. In all, it’s up to you how long you choose to spend riding loops.



Even after 3 hours of riding every trail, I was pried away only because we needed to get on the road back to San Bernardino. Do some exploring nearby and you just might find the big brother trail system nearby built by the same folks. Definitely some of the most fun I’ve had in the many trips I’ve made to Phoenix. Best of all, you’ll be lucky if you see other users. Phoenix proper locals complain driving more than 30 minutes away when they’ve got SoMo on the south and Phoenix North Preserve on the north. While those are definitely the top two trail systems in Phoenix, it’s their loss. World class either way in my book and a great way to start or end your time in Phoenix.


Fantasy Island North Singletrack (aka F.I.N.S.)
Estrella community, Goodyear, AZ
8.9 mile trail system including new trails
100% singletrack

[dirtmistress]

Thank you! Great report as usual! How many people were on that trip? Was it a team? All wearing the same jersey? um....

[da big hills]

Yes, I travel with my bike and there are trails most everywhere I go (8>. Think like you are Jed Smith, if you get too hurt your toast. Plus most places hikers are not used to seeing a bloodied mtn cyclist on the single trac limping home, they kinda stare at you.

[shudder]

How many people were on that trip? Was it a team? All wearing the same jersey? um....

Man's got Photochopping skillz, huh Liz?

Excellent RR and shots, GP! What cam you riding with?

One of these days I gotta ride some more AZ dirt (I grew up there, and back then you only took a bike into the desert if you wanted to die...). Between seeing this and seeing Sedona it all looks just awesome. I rode the Whiskey OR 50 in 2009, and it was really great, though a bit of a blur (it was RACE DAY after all...). This trail system looks great as well. Hidden gems in the desert...

- shud

[CalEpic]

Thanks. My brother lives near there. I'll check it out next time I'm in the area.

[Chewyeti]

Badass!

[Dusty]

How Awesome!

[GP_pilot]

What cam you riding with?
- shud

Been riding w/ a G11 the last year. Not as good as the DLSR w/ L lens since I have to force it quite a bit to get good shots, but I've learned to deal with its limitations and lives on my left shoulder for quick access.

[mgarces]

those trails look awesome! so great where you can go and what you can do on a bike.

[shudder]

I have to force it quite a bit to get good shots, but I've learned to deal with its limitations and lives on my left shoulder for quick access.

Thats' the archetypal disadvantage and advantage of a prosumer level cam right there! I used to shoot with a Fuji s602 prosumer (circa 2001). I loved that thing -- had a 6x zoom on it with macro capability and all (that was real good for the time). Eventually though, I just wanted mas from my shots, and so the only way for me to go was with a DSLR steup.

However, it can be kinda ridiculous when I stop along the trail and pull out this big-ass Nikon D300 with a big strobe on it from my Osprey pack...

Real nice shots, and having some good PS skillz helps out immensely as well!

- shud

[rwmagnus]

Never knew this trail was there, my parents live in Goodyear. Guess I need to make the drive vs flying