Good places in Arizona?

[SickBoy]

I'm looking to spend a week or so in Arizona training during mid-March. What are some good places with abundant road riding and MTB trails? I heard Palm Springs which would be good given it's proximity to Phoenix...

[Crash]

Its been years since I have been there but Tucson has a great bike scene - both road and mtb. I have also heard good things about Sodona.

[daveyp]

Phoenix area is actually quite boss in mountain biking. South Mountain Park has everything from moderated to extreme. McDowell Mountain Park north of Fountain Hills is worth a couple days with well designed race courses as well as long desert trails. Phoenix Mountain Trail #100 is decent on the north side of town.
Bring plenty o' spares as rocks and thorns will about guarantee flats.
As far as road stuff, more of the suburban roads have bike shoulders available, lots of group rides available from shops and cycling groups. Sometimes the people are pretty old though. The many canals are readily available for riding (mostly unpaved) if you don't mind flat, sometimes boring riding you can almost go forever along them.
Good bike route maps are available through City Of Phoenix, the county parks, (Maricopa I think) cities of Mesa and Tempe to name a few others.

[SickBoy]

So if I were to get a hotel/hostel somewhere and basically park myself there for a week (possibly without a car) what area would be the best? (Most good roads and trails within riding distance)

[fasterfoster]

I was out in Scottsdale for a friends wedding a few years ago. I went to a few places in the Phoenix area, but nothing compares to Sedona. It's in the "high desert", approx. 4500' if I remember right.

You could ride for days there. If you go, check out a shop called The Bike and Bean. Very friendly staff. I think one of the owners is from the Twin Cities. He worked for Bennett's at one point.

I didn't stay there, but I know they even have rooms to rent above the shop. You can check them out at http://www.bike-bean.com/

[transplant]

I just moved here from Mesa, AZ. My cell is 651-249-6006. Call me after 5:00 PM and I'll give you the lowdown on some great rides. Maybe even set you up with some tour guides. When you get there, check out Adventure Bicycle Co. in Mesa. They're the best going. The # is for sickboy's use only. No other contacts, please.

[Rocky Mountain]

Sundevil, In the future to save yourself from all the crazys out there send him an e-mail via this website. This is alot more secure.

[Don Youngdahl]

To Transplant Tom Morrissey,

I'm leaving for Phoenix in a few days for my annual winter mountain bike getaway. I know where to find most of the trails in the Phoenix area, but I haven't found any retired folks to ride with during weekdays. Do you know of any shop(s) where the old guys hang out or do regular mountain bike rides from? I've asked around at a few of the shops, and haven't connected with anyone yet.

Please contact me if you know any folks that ride on weekdays. If it's racers that train on their day off, I'm sure they won't ride with me.

Thanks,

Don Youngdahl dmy@visi.com

[TML]

Have a good trip Don. Give us the trail report when you get back.

[SickBoy]

OK so I made my reservations today. I am going to fly into Phoenix and stay in Sedona. It was between Sedona and Flagstaff but then I looked at the weather for Flagstaff and thought to myself... "Why would I go to Arizona to ride in 40 degree temps?"

According to the weather averages on weather.com the avg. temps in Sedona should be more suitable...

so any ride suggestions?

[fasterfoster]

Good choice!

Check out this site for trail descriptions. The staff there is very helpful. Of course they sell maps, etc.

http://www.bike-bean.com/trails.htm

When I went I was supposed to ride with a group of Canadians. When I showed up they were all sleeping off their hang-overs. I bought a map and took off on my own. No problems at all.

Have a great trip!

[shourtt]

Good choice!

Check out this site for trail descriptions. The staff there is very helpful. Of course they sell maps, etc.

http://www.bike-bean.com/trails.htm

When I went I was supposed to ride with a group of Canadians. When I showed up they were all sleeping off their hang-overs. I bought a map and took off on my own. No problems at all.

Have a great trip!

I second the Bike and Bean recommendation. While in Sedona this weekend visit some relatives, Bike and Bean hooked me up with a nice Trek 70 + helmet for $30. Located right across from a nice set of trails, I had a great afternoon of riding. Ice riding is fun and all, but it is hard to beat some nice dirt/rock single track and 60 degrees.

[igor]

Go here it may be gone soon. :cryin:


http://www.dirtragmag.com/web/news-article.php?ID=397

[ryno lite]

bummer, always wanted to try that place out!