Bike Prescott Meetup

The good Prescott winter weather continues! Perfect time to go for a climb up Walker Road to take the traditional loop through Lynx Lake South Shore and head on up to "the mailboxes," then come back down again for a quick visit to the North Shore and a return to Panera – Plus an optional warmup climb up Lee Boulevard to the "top" of the Ranch subdivision before heading over to Walker, for those who are interested.

We will leave from the Panera parking lot, circle around behind the Gateway Mall and pick up Palmer into the Ranch neighborhood. Those who wish can then head UP to do the so-called “Fourth Lee Loop” – via Lee Blvd., West Lee, Mystic Canyon, West Lee (again), and Morning Glow Way – then ride over to Walker Road. (Those who wish to skip this part of the ride can simply head directly over to Walker).

Then, everyone will cycle up Walker, riding into the South Shore area to regroup at the restrooms. We will next continue on up to the end of the pavement (i.e., the mailboxes at the “top” of Walker Road) before heading back downhill – mostly – for a return to the Panera parking lot (with a quick detour into the North Shore area of Lynx Lake).

The total distance is about 27 miles, with approximately 2,700 feet of climbing – although skipping the preliminary “warmup loop” will, of course, somewhat reduce both the distance and the amount of climbing. As usual, there will be a number of regroupings on this casual no-drop ride.

Helmets are required, lights are HIGHLY recommended, and earbuds are discouraged. E-bikes are welcome. Come out on Sunday morning to join us!

This is one of those gravel rides that becomes an adventure, which means it's lacking in details, but all the more fun. To get to the start location head out like you are going to Lake Pleasant but stay on Castle Hot Spring Road till it becomes dirt. Just after it becomes dirt there's a place you can park on the left side of the road with a kiosk. We'll head out to Castle Hot Springs, but we are not allowed into the resort (guests only) so make sure you have plenty of water and food. You'll be able to see the very exclusive resort from the road. It's not that far to the resort, so we'll head on out past this for who knows how many miles. I am estimating about 30 miles total (with about 3000' of climbing) but as an out and back ride you can go as far as you'd like. Past the resort we'll be climbing but the views are spectacular. It's like it's own little known Saguaro National Park! You can expect very few cars and probably no other cyclists. We'll likely see some wild burros.

This event sponsored by the Phoenix Metro Bike Club offers a full century, metric century and 34 mile event and includes SAG stops and a full lunch at the end. I plan to do the metric century. It's a low key event, with warmer temperatures and less climbing.

https://pmbc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=943467&item_id=2709490