McDowell Competitive Track Loops

Sport Loop

Tech Loop

condensed version only rob zombie song

Pemberton trail in May

Got up early. Was still nice enough for a ride. would be hot today, but not early. Toughest part of Pemberton is the first part, so no problem.

I had always heard about a hugh weird looking rock that resembles a man's thing. Think I found it. There is a side trail that takes you right to it, but too hot too tired to make the extra effort. 

What do you think? Zoom lens on the iPod got it close enough for me. 

got a long video of the start of my ride.


shorter one in the middle


long ones at the end.

Pemberton trail and shavers on mountain bikes

I don't know why, but I always seem to see roadies on mountain bikes whenever I ride McDowell mountain park.

I don't see them on south mountain, Phoenix mountain preserve nor Red Mountain. I guess they like the flow of the trails at McDowell park. Pemberton is almost like riding a dirt road except there is no danger of being killed by a vehicle and you are immersed in desert scenery far from black top.

The roadies are not that difficult to spot. Shaved legs and they never nod or even smile when you pass. I guess if a man is serious enough to shave his legs for his sport, he is going to be all business. Probably why they say they don't do post ride brews.

Anyway, I don't want to sound like a roadie hater.  I don't mind them.  Some of my best friends are roadies. In any case, they gave me something to blog about.  Any roadie reading this, you are invited to a post ride brew on me. Just smile once in awhile at your fellow biker. Peace.

All in all it was a great day to ride. I took the Outcast29 because a single speed is all you need for Pemberton. You also don't need any suspension for this trail. Thought I would use the 29er while it still has the small sprocket in front. It performed flawlessly. Thinking about using the Outcast when I finally make the treck to Point Sublime. Single speeds are extremely reliable and from what I've read, the trail is not that difficult. Just long. This bike fits too. The old GSX left my back aching and saddle sore after riding this trail. No ill effects after using the Outcast29. The bike must fit me perfectly. The seat isn't bad either. At least it's better than I had on the Mesa GSX.

McDowell Competitive Track

I had the day off, so I decided to head up to McDowell Mtn park. Ton of chores (painting the house, lawn seeding and more) so I can't get too far away. 

I always have enjoyed the McDowell park, but it's just a ways off. Fountain Hills to be precise. 

The last time I rode the Competitive track loops, I was on the Yeti 575 that Anthony Sloan set up. This was in February, Anthony passed on in May. Sad thing, he was so talented. Not only as a blogger and photographer but also as a bike mechanic. We talked about twenty minutes about bikes, but I had to rush home. Never talked Photography nor blogging. I didn't even know who he was at the time. Just hit me in the face when I saw his photo after they found him.  

The desert was not nearly as green as it was in Feb. The trail didn't seem nearly as smooth either. I don't know if the ruts got bigger or if the 575 just had that great of a suspension, but it seemed a lot smoother then.  However, you can't beat the Moab as far as a climber goes. I'm pretty weak these days, but I can climb like a goat with the Moab.

Anyways, I made another Phone video of part of the technical loop. You loose site of the the trail in the middle as the treo slide under the belt strap. I fix it through so bear with it if you want to see what the trail looks like. The dang thing wouldn't upload in blogger. I had to load it to You tube and embed it. Maybe this is better?

After the ride, I stopped in at Redendos for a slice of Pizza. One of the better pizza joints in town. Never had Biancos (hear you go in to a heavenly trance while taking a bite. Must be great as there is a five hour wait for pizza!) but I would rate the place slightly better than 'Slices' in Tempe off Mill, much better than Luigis and on par with Franks off of 32nd street and Indian School. Nellos and the Chicago places are something different. Good but different. 


Hope you enjoy the video as much I did making it.

So long for now,

Frank