RR: AZSF 08 - Black Canyon Trail

[Von-Skipp]

Late last night I made a last minute decision to ride Black Canyon Trail with the flingers. I was skepitical with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast.

I drove up with 2 of my riding buddies. Had a little rain on the way up but mostly it was damn cold. Trailhead temp was 45degrees. I know thats not that cold but Fridays ride at South Mountain was in the 80's.

BCT is only 50 minutes away from where I live. The trail starts right off the 17 on Black Canyon exit. Not bad at all for a sweettt trail. These trails are brand spanking new and are still being built. Eventually there will be a trail that connect to Prescott. Everything is also really well marked here.

The ride was great. As soon as we left the trailhead the rain stoped. The clouds even cleard mid ride and had some sun, perfect!!! There nothing really technical here but just pure singletrack with lots of really well made switchbacks.

There are a couple river crossings. Theres basically no way of keeping your feet dry and the first crossing was knee deep. Chad the fling leader, was smart and brought some sandals. The rest of us had wet feet the whole ride. I will defintely be back here before it gets hottt.

20 miles
3'000 ascent
http://www.bctaz.com/

[Pain Freak]

C'mon Matt,everyone knows there's no natural water in AZ (except the Colorado River). Where in CA is that? And is that saguaro flipping me off?

Nice pics. I've never heard of this place, looks like it could be a lot of fun.

[dstepper]

Kippy...thanks for the report, it has been awhile since I have been out there. When I last rode it there where no trail signs and the trail was not packed in at all...it was very loose from the horses...good to see some bike traffic on it. Maricopa County has done a good job getting there part of Black Canyon Trail done...Yavapi County is lagging and it may be a long time before the trail gets that far up the mountain.

Dean

[Von-Skipp]

A couple more shots from another camera. The wildflowers were pretty sweet, didnt feel like Arizona riding.

After the ride we all went to Rock Springs for some beer grub and pie. I dont really eat pie, but they had some of the best damn Pecan Pie I've had. The MTBR AZ guys really did a awesome job this of hosting the fling. Next year I think I will step up and lead some rides.