After 12 hours in the car, we took a walk around the neighborhood where my Dad had rented a house.
The next day we headed to the McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve for a hike and a bit of re-con for my mountain bike rides.
The next three days were filled with fun desert mountain riding.
On Wednesday, I did a big ride over to the McDowell regional park where they had the last Cactus Cup mountain bike race. They have specific directional "competitive loops" laid out as well as a fun pump track (no pedaling around a small course with big banked turns and roller jumps).
This is the top of Windgate pass looking toward Scottsdale. Elevation is over 3000' and the climbing up the west side is brutal at times.
That saddle is the top of Windgate pass as seen from the McDowell regional park side.
Who says you can't get some good elevation gain in the desert?
I recommend a "knees in" cornering style. There will also be a stiff penalty for over-shooting corners!
We spent a lot of time relaxing. It's a dog's life.
On the last day of the trip, I had scheduled a tattoo appointment with Cory Lenherr. He is well versed in the Traditional American style of tattooing. I had been saving a Sailor Jerry piece of flash for just such an occasion. Thanks, Cory!
One night after a long ride, I was sitting around thinking about some music for my next video. My Dad suggested "Cool Water" by The Sons of the Pioneers. Sorry Dad, but that was a little slow for a mountain bike video. I chose "Low Desert Punk" by Brant Bjork. Enjoy:
Fun in the Az sun! from Alan Keeffe on Vimeo.
