Thursday, November 26, 2009

Red Mountain - Hawes trail








I just love the trails in this area. The red dirt reminds me of Sedona.

Easy to get to too. From downtown Phoenix area just drive 20 miles East on the Red Mountain (202) freeway to Power Road. Then 1 mile north just past the canal. Park on the left or go further down to the park near the river. Fee area there though.

Click on the link at the top very for maps, more information, wait a wee bit for the current weather forecast.(Hawes Red Mountain - Fat Tire.Net)




TrailHawes rd - red mountain
AreaPhoenix - Mesa,   Arizona
Descriptiongiant saguaro; ridge trails and mine shafts. Nice view of the river and red mountain. Sedona lite.
Distance7.1 Miles
Primo Trail
Find RouteModerate
skilladvanced
Efforttough
Time To Ride1.5 to 2 Hours
DirectionsTake Red Mountain (202) to Power road and head one mile north
Average Speed4.34659628073374
Slowest Speed3.137255
Fastest Speed6.025994
Season MonthsJanFebMarAprMay************OctNovDec
Sep 17, 09took a couple of really great HD videos and pasted on website. Check them out!
Aug 01, 09Up Up Up Hawes to the ^^^Hike-a-bike^^^ to the Microwave tower. Down Down Down the pavement...over to new connector section of Wild Horse thru NRA pit to WH proper>>up Big Rock (sweet climb)>>Twisted Sister (rocks!)>>Saguaro>>CAP>>Chocolate Milk. Goo
Jul 13, 09Since we got a late start on Hawes we didn’t get to complete the planned loop, though we sure tried. Good thing we bailed when we did because it got dark fast. Temps were friggin hot today, but by 7:15 it felt good to be out even though it was 102. H
Jul 01, 09As I started down the backside of Mine I saw the Lenz rider again. This time he asked me “are you TheBarqsMan” to which I replied “I sure am.” He said he reads my blog. Cool. It’s fun to get recognized out on the trail. That plus the magnificent clou
Jun 16, 09This morning’s ride was all about loving the ride. I didn’t plan on any specific route, I left it up to whims at each junction. I ended up riding the exact loop I did my first time riding Hawes years ago “plus a wee bit more that be nay thar aft then” (read in your best pirate voice).Riding Hawes always puts my love of the bike into perspective. Today I could see myself still on the bike at 70 years old. I want to be an old man that still shreds.
Mar 14, 09Gary from Ohio arrived on Friday. We tweeked on bikes Sat morning and then horned in on a ride with Dale&Sonia and Beth&Randy out at Hawes in the afternoon. It was a designated ?flower sniffer? ride with a relaxed pace but somehow I still managed to be all tuckered out at the end. Fun times!!!
Mar 13, 09Today I learned what happens if you take a roadie into the mountains?He will perform a spectacular endo for you. First; after his rear real bounced off a rock on a steep descent; he rode a full front wheelie for at least 10 feet; then just as the whe
Mar 08, 09First 2 miles had a couple of killer (for me and Steve) climbs. We took shortcut home through story book - Ridgeline. Fun fun fun. Except Steve wrecked once and I did as well. Handle took the brunt of my wreck as it smacked a large boulder. Steve dro
Mar 08, 09Met Frank near canal lot. Tough workout; then the reward of scenery & rolling downhill. Going a bit too fast & front tire caught some sand; sending me off the bike; unharmed. Camelback cusioned the fall and I rolled over a bit. Met a lot of interesti
Mar 08, 09this trail kicked my butt. One tough climb up then wrecked on the screamer down. Felt like I been skiing all weeknd. Even my abs were sore.
Oct 27, 08Ridge loop saw the park today. Nice shady area near the river. Something not expected in this area.
Oct 13, 08Red rocks; Blue Water; Blue sky - Twisty; turney; rollie pollie breath taking fun.








PlaceMESAAZ85201
CoordinatesLongitude: 111.8469Latitude: 33.43174
Today's ForcastHigh 80 fahranheit27 Celcius
Low 48 f9 c
Current conditionsCurrently 82 fahranheitP/SUNNY8 % humidity
November 26, 2009 15:13Wind Eat 17 MPHPressure 30.05
6 Day Forcast
DayThursday, November 26, 2009Friday, November 27, 2009Saturday, November 28, 2009Sunday, November 29, 2009Monday, November 30, 2009Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Forcast High Fahrenheit807870636568
Forcast Low Fahrenheit484944404140
Forcast High Celcius272621171820
Forcast Low Celcius997454
ConditionsThunder StormsPartly CloudySunnyMostly CloudyMostly CloudyN/A

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Rockets and Robots




This post is for my Nephew, who loves both Rockets and Robots.

Here in Phoenix Arizona, model rocket enthusiasts are fortunate in that we have multitudes of rocket clubs, as well as the rainbow valley launch site (land designated for the sport close by Estrella park.

One of the founding fathers of the sport, G. Harry Stine lived here in Phoenix. I recommend that anyone who has children with any interest in science pick up a copy of his book, "The Handbook of Model Rocketry". The book is a must for anyone who plans to participate in the sport.

In the photos you will note that my launch pad and ignition system are all hand built. Some variations of plans presented in the Handbook. There is free software available at the N.A.R. that helps determine your CP, how high your rocket will fly etc.




The Robot was a Lego Mindstorm unit  my team put together while attending CSE101 at Arizona State University.This class was the most work for a 3 credit course I have ever experienced. However, the work was also the most rewarding and fun. I have heard that Dr. Chen conducts courses outside of ASU for young children. In these courses children can learn how to program a robot in a weekend. The Microsoft Robotics Studio is a free download from Microsoft. Coding is very similar to coding microsoft SSIS packages.



Robotics clubs also are abundant in town. We have an older nephew who participates in one.

I love working with robots as the programs you write get to work in three dimensions, rather than just two.

Some day soon amputees will gain the use of new robotic limbs that will be indistinguishable from their natural ones.

The lessons these children learn from these hobbies will open up possibilities that have not yet imagined.

Anyhoo, enjoy the videos. Stuff shooting up into the sky.





big daddy

frank | MySpace Video

Sunday, November 15, 2009

1997 Klein Mantra

I happened to run into a fellow by the name of Todd who loves these old Kleins. He had restored a 1997 Klein Mantra with all new xtr components and I just had to get his story.

Turns out he was in the market for a new full suspension bike, but there was nothing new that he liked for under $5,000. Not wanted to spend that kind of money, he turned to Craig's list and found this 1997 Kein Mantra. He put about $1,800 worth of upgraded components and voila, he has his new bike.
The bike looks brand new. The one thing that draws you to it is the unusual top tube. I wondered if the design would have created a heavy bike, but actually this bike is quite lite.

Todd says he likes the way it rides. He wants to paint it purple, but I told him I like it the way it is.

Anyway, thank Todd for the story and letting me take photos of his bike.

The video is of some trails near the dreamy draw. I was trying out a new technique so my father could see a bit more trail.

Friday, November 13, 2009

This Weekend




Quick FYI:

Cave Creek is having a biking event this weekend to help raise money to preserve more desert for hiking, biking etc. Anyway, click Cave Creek Bicyle Festival for details.

Also, Fountain hills is having an arts festival Fountain Hills Arts Festival too.

I will go out to do the  Sport Loops while my honey spends money.

Never done the Cave Creek park. Some say it's rocky as heck, other's say no. Will have to find out for myself.

Posted some local photos.One is of seven springs area near Carefree/Cave Creek. Sycamore forrest area nearby that a lot of folks do not know exists. Save the wild spaces while we can.

Anyway, if my photos are good; ill be posting again soon.


November trails


Nov

Trail
Area
State
Effort
skill
Primo
Verde Hot Springs
Camp Verde
Arizona
Long Ride
Advanced

Pinery Canyon Loop
Chiracahua
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Silver Peak Loop
Chiracahua
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

WhiteTail Creek
Chiracahua
Arizona
Tough
intermediate

Thumper Trail Loop (dead horse park)
Cottonwood
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Mingus Mountain
Cottonwood - Jerome
Arizona
All Downhill
XX Expert

Around the Peaks (cosmic soulstice race loop)
Flagstaff
Arizona
Fairly Tough
Beginner

AZ trail to Walnut Canyon
Flagstaff
Arizona
Hard Ride
advanced

Dry lake hills loop
Flagstaff
Arizona
Hard Work
Expert

Elden Loop
Flagstaff
Arizona
Biblical
Expert

Fisher Point
Flagstaff
Arizona
Comfortable
Beginner

Lava Cave and Wing Mtn
Flagstaff
Arizona
Easy
Intermediate

Little Bear Loop
Flagstaff
Arizona
Serious Climb
Advanced

Lower Oldham trails
Flagstaff
Arizona
No Sweat
Beginner

Nordic Center
Flagstaff
Arizona
Easy to Medium
Beginner

Observatory Mesa
Flagstaff
Arizona
Weenie ride
Beginner

Rocky Ridge Trail
Flagstaff
Arizona
Hard fun work
Expert

Soldiers Trail Loop
Flagstaff
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

Sunset Trail Loop
Flagstaff
Arizona
Long Climb
Expert

Upper Oldham trails
Flagstaff
Arizona
Heinous climb
Expert

Flag to Grand Canyon
Flagstaff - Grand Canyon
Arizona
Long Easy Ride
Beginner

Flagstaff to Sedona
Flagstaff - Sedona
Arizona
long ride
Advanced

Six Shooter Canyon
Globe
Arizona
no whiners
XX Expert

Greene Haven Slickrock
Greene Haven
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Arizona Trail
Jacob Lake to Patagonia
Arizona
Long ride
Expert

Badger Trail
Kingman
Arizona
difficult
Advanced

Camp Beale Loop
Kingman
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Moss Wash Mines
Kingman
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Slaughterhouse Canyon
Kingman
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Valley Drive
Monument Valley
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Page rimview trail
Page
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

Patagonia Ghost towns loop
Patagonia
Arizona
long ride
Novice

260 loop - HiLine Trail
Payson
Arizona
tough
Advanced

Cypress Thicket
Payson
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Doll Baby Ranch
Payson
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

El Oso rd
Payson
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

Houston Mesa
Payson
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Little Pine Flat
Payson
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

mt peely road
Payson
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

Rock Creek
Payson
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Slate Creek Divide
Payson
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

Willow Springs Lake
Payson - Heber
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Strawberry Mtn
Payson - Pine
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Alta trail - Soutn Mountain
Phoenix
Arizona
Tough
Expert

Black Canyon Trail System
Phoenix
Arizona
Long ride
Advanced

Bulldog Canyon - Goldfield mtns
Phoenix
Arizona
moderate
intermediate

Coast to Coast - South Mountain
Phoenix
Arizona
Very Tough
xxx expert

DESERT CLASSIC - South Mountain
Phoenix
Arizona
Moderate
Advanced

Double Bypass - McDowell mtn preserve
Phoenix
Arizona
tough
Advanced

FINS (Fantasy Island North Singletrack)
Phoenix
Arizona
Moderate
Advanced

Helipad tt
Phoenix
Arizona
tough
climb

National Trail - south mountain
Phoenix
Arizona
severe
Expert

Papago Park
Phoenix
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

Phoenix Canals
Phoenix
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Phoenix Mtns Secret Trails
Phoenix
Arizona
All
All

Phoenix mtns trail 100
Phoenix
Arizona
very hard work
expert

Phoenix Mtns Trail 1A
Phoenix
Arizona
Tough
Expert

Phoenix mtns trail 8
Phoenix
Arizona
moderate
Advanced

Ridgeline Loops - South Mountain
Phoenix
Arizona
tough
Expert

Apache Trail
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

Lost Duchman trail loops
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Lost Goldmine Trail
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
Moderate
Advanced

Queen Creek
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Silly Mtn
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

White Canyon
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
Tough
Intermediate

Woodbury Rd
Phoenix - Apache Jct
Arizona
Tough
Intermediate

Devils Hole
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

hombolt mtn
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
difficult
Intermediate

new River Headwaters
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

New River Mesa
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
easy
Beginner

New River West
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
moderate
advanced

Sheep Bridge
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Trail 4 - cave creek trail - Seven Springs
Phoenix - Carefree
Arizona
Difficult
Expert

Casa Grande Mtn
Phoenix - Casa Grande
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Area 52
Phoenix - Florence
Arizona
tough
Advanced

Thunderbird park h1 - h5
Phoenix - Glendale
Arizona
easy
intermediate

Estrella Mtn Park (race loops)
Phoenix - Goodyear
Arizona
Good Workout
Advanced

Margies Cove
Phoenix - Goodyear
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

Blevins Loop - Usery park
Phoenix - Mesa
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Cottonwood Camp
Phoenix - Mesa
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

four peaks
Phoenix - Mesa
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

Hawes rd - red mountain
Phoenix - Mesa
Arizona
tough
advanced

Moon Rock Loop - Usery park
Phoenix - Mesa
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Usery Pass
Phoenix - Mesa
Arizona
No Sweat
Advanced

White Tank Mountains Goat Camp Loop
Phoenix - Peoria
Arizona
Tough
Expert

White Tank Mountains Sonoran Loop
Phoenix - Peoria
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

San Tan Loops
Phoenix - Queen Creek
Arizona
moderate
Beginner

Cave Creek
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
Heap O work
Advanced

Dynamite and Pima
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
Not too tough
Intermediate

McDowell mts Pemberton Trail
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
moderate
Beginner

McDowell mts Race Loops
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
race pace
Advanced

Sonoran Mtn Preserve
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
Tough
Intermediate

Toms Thumb
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
Tough
Advanced

Union Hills Loop
Phoenix - Scottsdale
Arizona
Long Ride
Beginner

Granite Basin Loops
Prescott
Arizona
easy to difficult
Advanced

Lynx Lake Loop
Prescott
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Peavine trail
Prescott
Arizona
Easy
Beginner

Spruce Mtn
Prescott
Arizona
what goes up
Advanced

Thumb Butte Loops
Prescott
Arizona
nothing too tough
All levels

White Rock loop trails
Prescott
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Wolf Creek Loop
Prescott
Arizona
Fairly Easy
Beginner

Yankee Doodle trail
Prescott
Arizona
Tough
Advanced

Cunningham and Grant Hill Loops
Safford - Mt. Graham
Arizona
High Altitude work
Intermediate

Airport Mesa Loop
Sedona
Arizona
Pretty tough
XXX Expert

Bell Rock Loops
Sedona
Arizona
fairly easy
Beginner

Boyton Pass
Sedona
Arizona
Long easy roll
Beginner

Cathederal Rock Loop
Sedona
Arizona
Moderate
Advanced

CocksCOMB LOOP
Sedona
Arizona
medium work
Beginner

Deadmans Pass Loop
Sedona
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Dry Creek
Sedona
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Huckaby Loop
Sedona
Arizona
Hard
Expert

Llama Trail Loop
Sedona
Arizona
Hard
Expert

Robbers Roost
Sedona
Arizona
easy as pie
Beginner

schnebly hill trails
Sedona
Arizona
a good sweat
Intermediate

Secret Trails
Sedona
Arizona
tough
Advanced

Submarine Rock Loop
Sedona
Arizona
hard work
Expert

Brown Canyon Loop
Sierra Vista
Arizona
moderate
Beginner

Carr Canyon Loop
Sierra Vista
Arizona
Fairly tough
Advanced

50 Year trail (the chutes)
Tucson
Arizona
A good sweat
Advanced

Butterfly Trail
Tucson
Arizona
hard work
Expert

Chiva Falls
Tucson
Arizona
tough
Expert

Cobre Ridge
Tucson
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Crystal Spring Trail
Tucson
Arizona
fairly hard
Advanced

Elephant Head
Tucson
Arizona
tough
Intermediate

Fantasy Island
Tucson
Arizona
easy
all levels

La Milagrosa
Tucson
Arizona
tough
xxx expert

Molino Basin
Tucson
Arizona
tough
Advanced

Peppersauce Loop
Tucson
Arizona
severe
Expert

Saguaro National Monument East
Tucson
Arizona
Fairly Easy
Beginner

Starr Pass - Yetman wash
Tucson
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Sweetwater Preserve
Tucson
Arizona
Fairly Easy
Beginner

the Tortolitas
Tucson
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Tucson Mnts
Tucson
Arizona
Moderate
Intermediate

Kentucky Camp Ghost Town
Tucson - Sonoita
Arizona
High Altitude work
Advanced

South Fork Trail
White Mtns
Arizona
Tough
Advanced

Sucamore Rim Loop
Williams
Arizona
not for wimps
Intermediate

Gila Mountain
Yuma
Arizona
moderate
Intermediate

Martys Ridge to Liberty Bell
Yuma
Arizona
easy
Beginner

Gabrielino Trail
Los Angeles
California
moderate
Advanced

Borrego dessert state park
San Diego
California
moderate
intermediate

Florida Canyon
San Diego
California
Easy
Beginner

Miners Ridge Trail
San Diego
California
Good Workout
Intermediate

Sun Devil way
San Diego
California
good workout
all levels

Anderson truck trail
San Diego - Alpine
California
Tough
Expert

Marys Loop
Fruita
Colorado
Moderate
Intermediate

Munro trail
Lanai
Hawaii
tough
intermediate

Secret Trails
Maui
Hawaii
moderate
Intermediate

Mt Haleakala
Maui - Kula Forrest preserve
Hawaii
Tough
Expert

Kaaawa Valley
Oahu
Hawaii
Moderate
Beginner

B & A trail
Baltimore - Annapolis
MD
Easy
Beginner

Thun trail
Birdsboro - Pottstown
Penns
Easy
Beginner

Lambert park
Alpine
Utah
moderate
all levels

Baby steps
Moab
Utah
moderate
Advanced

Porcupine Rim
Moab
Utah
Tough
Advanced

Slickrock trail
Moab
Utah
difficult
Expert

Sovereign Trail
Moab
Utah
intermediate
intermediate

Gooseberry Mesa
Zion
Utah
Moderat
Intermediate

Little Creek
Zion - St. George -Hurricane
Utah
tough
Advanced

Greenline #6
Olympia
Washington
Tough
Expert

Cranberry Lake
Seattle - Anacortes
Washington
moderate
Intermediate

Whistle Lake
Seattle - Anacortes
Washington
Difficult
Expert

Japanese Gulch
Seattle - Mukilteo
Washington
moderate
Intermediate