Biking as much as we do, we are always looking, searching for new areas, trails and adventures. For quite some time Sedona Arizona has been on our list, but the 8 hour drive was just farther than we wanted to drive...normally. However, when we had a free weekend and over the edge sports had just published some pictures with a brief story about their trip, we decided it was time.
We left Utah at 5:00 Friday night and arrived home 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning. 17 hours driving, 12 hours biking. It was amazing!
We arrived in Sedona around 1 a.m. and found our campsite out side of town, with no real map, we were going on the details and explanation of the staff from Over The Edge, which luckily was accurate. We pitched a tent and were asleep by 2:30. We woke up at 6 and by seven were in the car ready for the first trail.
Our Morning View, no clouds, Bikes...we knew it was going to be a great day.
The First trail we rode was the Aerie/Cockscomb trail, a short 6-7 mile loop that is fun. It essentially winds around a small mountain, is somewhat technical in places but also flowy and fast in others, and the scenery was amazing. Definitely a repeat.
After the morning ride we headed into town to visit Over the Edge sports and get more beta about which trails to ride, including a map. (One side note here, there are trails all over Sedona and the map is not great, we got lost multiple times and even had a gps. Next time we plan to download tracks and follow them.) We decided to do a big 35ish mile loop that started right at the shop. So we headed out of town;
And begun to climb, and Got Lost. But just look how gorgeous this area is.
We ended up doing Airport loop, the climb up was technical with baby head sized rocks, surrounded by cactus, but still a great time.
Flat tire, I hit a cactus.
Descending the airport loop is fun and scenic!
Now this is where the Pictures of Guthrie end. We began the actual real loop and my rear hub started having issues. I didn't want to get stuck out on the trail 15 miles from town so I rode back to the shop and rode a smaller loop closer to town that will still a blast, then rode in to meet Guthrie.
The new/used bike, (New to me) 2007 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert. I loved how it rode, plus now the blood doesn't show when it gets on the frame. This is where I waited for Guthrie.
He never showed because he got lost, and found his way back to town on a different trail, so I rode back to town alone, arriving at 6pm, just before dark.
We packed up the car and drove home. It took me 4 liters of mountain dew to make it home without falling asleep. I was in bed by 6am, then awake at 11 for church...I had to teach. Then I slept.
Sedona is an amazing place to ride, we will definitely be doing it again. However, some things we learned.
1- Gap (a town in AZ is creepy at night).
2- In Sedona, maps are not enough for a long ride. Ride with someone who knows the trails or download gps tracks before. (this is what we will be doing)
3- The trails and scenery are amazing, this is atleast a once or twice a year trip.
4- I want to go and stay over night to see the town, it looks sweet.
