Ride Report Thanksgiving in Sedona Day 1: Slim Shady

For the four people left on STR . . .

So, I had the week off. Woke up Monday morning wondering, "What the hell am am I doing laying on the couch!" I called the Sugar Loaf Lodge (dstepper recommendation) and booked a room for the next three nights, ate some breakfast, loaded up the Element and set out an 8 hour drive. Rolled in through Flagstaff, forgot that we lose an hour heading to AZ so it was dark when I arrived, and learned that Sedona is anti-light at night. I had a heck of a time finding the lodge and was starving. Good thing there is no shortage of food in Sedona.

First morning I head over to Bike and Bean to pick up a map and ask for trail advice. "No need to drive to a trailhead. Trail is right out that driveway and across the street. Leave your car here." Sweet!!!

Slim Shady starts off my epic journey. Awesome trail right behind the Agave Resort


A couple of miles in it is already time to take off the first layer and head out on the slick rock to get a panoramic view. The journey has just begun . . .



Some of it is easy . . .




With beautiful views at every turn . . .






And awesome Fall colors . . .




Some serious chunk in Sedona.





I did mention the views, right? And the super blue sky.




Double Black Diamond? WTF!?!?! Ummm . . . no. I think I'll skip that one.



A little slick rock off on Templeton below Cathedral Rock on a return to Slim Shady.


Post ride stoke.



Who ever designed the first 29er must have ridden Sedona. It is 29er mecca. All the rocks, shale, step ups, etc. The Spearfish is about the perfect bike for here. Don't bring your big bike with 5 inch of travel.

Day 1: 15 miles, 1200 feet, and tons of fun. Slim Shady - Easy Breezy - Templeton - Oak Creek - Baldwin Loop and back.

 

Love it! I was just out there with my kids a couple of weeks ago and can't wait to get back. Your pictures are gorgeous!

 

This is me hitting the like button that's missing. Very cool Ryan!

 

^^+1!!!

 

Awesome RR. Thx for the bike advisement.

 

Nice RR and great photos!

And, it looks like there's at least six of us on STR still!

 

Seven, just back in from the trip up north. Hoping to convince the hubby we need to go this year! As for those rocks, if I recall - both Liz and Pam cleaned those coming back towards Agave Inn where we stayed.

 

Do I need to send him a personal invite? The party in the Days inn parking lot is going to be crazy...



and to the OP very cool report, definitely getting me stocked to head out in a few weeks.

 

great RR Ryan! Thanks!
Still on my bucket list

 

Nice RR

 

Love it! Thanks for posting! I've only been riding out there twice, but I have to agree that it's great. Sedona is possibly my favorite place. Period.

 

I love riding with bike and bean, super nice guys. Epic pics Thanks.

 

Like!

 

I'm in totally awe!!