It was a large gathering of some 25 people, both from Ride AZ and MTBR-AZ.
Group was rather diverse with half dozen ss (one full rigid), a couple of
people on downhill bikes, hardtails and FS. Four ladies joined the group
(thanks to Walt for organizing and keeping people on the right trail).
The first section was a gradual climb, nothing spectacular and I kept up
near the front of the group as the pace was set by the ss guys. Top of the
first climb and wait......lactic acid......then start again down some of the
funnest single track I've yet to ride in the Phoenix area. Lots of turns
and fast.
We waited again at the ramada....more lactic acid build up.....and off we
went on a gradual climb then some more fun descending where we stopped and
waited again.....ok....this f-ing lactic acid buildup in the legs is really
starting to [censored] me off as it takes me a good 10 minutes to get my legs
going again.
The last part of the ride is up to Sunrise point which is a 2 miles climb,
unrelenting and it's already 96F out. The rigid ss guy makes it to the top
first I believe as I'm bonking big time, pushing the bike more than riding.
WTF??? My strong point is my climbing ability but something just blew up
inside. I make it to the top with only two female riders behind me.
Overheated, slightly sick and the downhill coming up is steep, loose and
tagged with several switchback that if not ridden properly can spell
disaster for somebody in my condition.
The downhill is smooth, made up of crushed granite so braking is difficult
w/o locking up the rear wheel but I managed, coming down near the end of the
group.
A fast road ride back to the parking area and we were off to Chompie's for
breakfast/lunch.
I got home, crashed for several hours, ate dinner, watched Ransom for the
umpteenth time and went to bed at 9 so I could get up and ride again this
morning. Twenty-five miles later and two [censored] riding partners due to
my inability to get my legs to move properly after yesterday's bonk......but
Scott had three flats to make up for it. Good thing I carry two
tubes.......
some pictures here
<http://www.pchospital.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=3074&g2_navId=x4b762021>
Gary