RR: Date weekend in Sedona

[CalEpic]

My wife and I needed a break and my parents offered to watch our kids for the weekend. We burned rubber out of the driveway before they changed their minds. With the Epicmobile pointed towards Sedona we reflected on how nice it was going to be to be able to be just by ourselves for the weekend. We had no idea how right we were going to be.

The weather in Sedona was perfect for riding. Just a very slight chill in the morning and warming nicely in the afternoon.

My wife has just recently started riding mtb's and even with her being in great shape, I needed to make sure she was comfortable but still somewhat challenged on the trails this trip.

Day 1 was to be the Classic Bell Rock Pathway -> Llama loop -> Chicken Point.

Mrs. Epic ready to hit the trails


There's some pretty nice scenery in Sedona


Once on Llama, the ups and downs were starting to take their toll on my wife. We stopped to enjoy the scenery and catch a breath often. We were in no hurry. When we were just about to Chicken Point Margo said she was worried about being too tired to ride all the way back. I poked and prodded her to continue on just a little further and we finally topped out on the Chicken Point overlook. I never get tired of the views from here.

Mr. and Mrs. Epic


Reinvigorated by the nice view, we made our way back to the truck and ultimately to a nice dinner back in town.

Day two was going to be a little more aggressive. Margo was feeling more confident on the bike and going downhill. The plan was Bell Rock Pathway -> Templeton Trail -> Cathedral Rock -> Buddha Beach

Margo enjoying the red dirt singletrack


Getting a little bolder downhill


Will you take the picture already?


Unfortunately in my enthusiasm for Margo to step up her downhill game, I talked her into rolling a fairly steep rock staircase heading down to Buddha Beach. She had a nasty OTB into the rocks. Thankfully she was wearing some Kyle Strait knee guards and they did the job. Outside a few bumps and bruises she was fine. This ride ended up being a little longer with quite a few more climbs but there was no complaining. Once back to the truck there was a sigh of relief.

That night we enjoyed the best pizza I've ever had and more than a couple beers to cap off our weekend.

Back to reality now but we'll both remember this trip fondly for quite a while.

C

[Hanzo]

Very nice Craig! Margo looks pro.

[jfsh]

Nice Craig. My wife and I did almost the exact same thing last May. My in-laws offered to watch the kids and we hauled a$$ to Sedona. The only difference is that while I was riding, Melanie was shopping and napping. It was great to get away.

[dstepper]

Very nice Craig, it is great Margo is giving it a go. I hope she sticks with it and comes to Hurkey Creek with us.

Dean

[Pain Freak]

Damn, damn, damn, everybody's wife or siginficant other is getting riding but mine!!!

On the other hand I have managed to get 2 of my 3 boys out now on a couple short fun rides. I've learned the trick is to keep them away from any long sustained climbs and make the dh's easy too.

[ShinKen]

great pics brO!! good job 2 the wife ehh!!!

[El Salt]

The wife and I head for Sedona ,for a week of riding, this coming Sunday. Conditions look great. I hope they stay that way.

to your wife!

Mine has been riding for years. I know how lucky I am.

[guero]

hell yeh, margo was charging it! thanks for the pix and great write up!

[Chaos]

that's awesome craig! looks like you are going to loose a 5Spot
that wouldn't be such a bad thing in this case.

[bvader]

Nicely Done. Great Photos.
About how long in time and distance were your rides?

[Kpeony]

Originally Posted by CalEpic

My wife and I needed a break and my parents offered to watch our kids for the weekend. We burned rubber out of the driveway before they changed their minds. With the Epicmobile pointed towards Sedona we reflected on how nice it was going to be to be able to be just by ourselves for the weekend. We had no idea how right we were going to be.

The weather in Sedona was perfect for riding. Just a very slight chill in the morning and warming nicely in the afternoon.

My wife has just recently started riding mtb's and even with her being in great shape, I needed to make sure she was comfortable but still somewhat challenged on the trails this trip.

Day 1 was to be the Classic Bell Rock Pathway -> Llama loop -> Chicken Point.

Once on Llama, the ups and downs were starting to take their toll on my wife. We stopped to enjoy the scenery and catch a breath often. We were in no hurry. When we were just about to Chicken Point Margo said she was worried about being too tired to ride all the way back. I poked and prodded her to continue on just a little further and we finally topped out on the Chicken Point overlook. I never get tired of the views from here.

Reinvigorated by the nice view, we made our way back to the truck and ultimately to a nice dinner back in town.

Day two was going to be a little more aggressive. Margo was feeling more confident on the bike and going downhill. The plan was Bell Rock Pathway -> Templeton Trail -> Cathedral Rock -> Buddha Beach

Unfortunately in my enthusiasm for Margo to step up her downhill game, I talked her into rolling a fairly steep rock staircase heading down to Buddha Beach. She had a nasty OTB into the rocks. Thankfully she was wearing some Kyle Strait knee guards and they did the job. Outside a few bumps and bruises she was fine. This ride ended up being a little longer with quite a few more climbs but there was no complaining. Once back to the truck there was a sigh of relief.

That night we enjoyed the best pizza I've ever had and more than a couple beers to cap off our weekend.

Back to reality now but we'll both remember this trip fondly for quite a while.

C

Awesome pics! I did that ride back in November with a couple of guys that showed up at the bike shop. Was thinking about taking my spouse for the weekend soon. Thanks!

[CalEpic]

Originally Posted by bvader

Nicely Done. Great Photos.
About how long in time and distance were your rides?

Distance was about 10 - 12 miles for each with not that much total ascent. We took our time with lots of rest stops and did each in about 3 hours.

C

[Burner]

Looks like a great weekend Craig... Sedona rocks.

way to talk the wife into her first OTB

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by Burner

Looks like a great weekend Craig... Sedona rocks.

way to talk the wife into her first OTB

Matt here's some Sedona rocks for ya...do you remember them?

Dean

[Burner]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Matt here's some Sedona rocks for ya...do you remember them?

@!#%!(@#$*!(@*$!@@@!!!!

[art23rockpile]

Thanks for the RR and awesome photos, Craig!
The scenery there looks incredible.
I'm going to show it to Laura... she'll want to ride there too, i'm sure (i know I certainly do!). Having a girl that's into riding is sweet!

[strobelite]

[quote=Pain Freak;229640]Damn, damn, damn, everybody's wife or siginficant other is getting riding but mine!!!

im in the same boat bro, i am building a 1x9 dura ace mixty so at least she will ride with me to the liquor store with me when i run out of whiskey.

beautiful ride though, ill go there sometime.

[MTBBill]