UPDATED 3/12/06

Arizona Spring Fling 2006

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Spring Fling, and general Arizona riding questions. If you have a question, fire it to me and I'll do my best to get it answered.

How do I register?

You don't have to. This is a free event, totally informal and supported by volunteer efforts by Arizona locals. However, for the purposes of keeping an accurate headcount I strongly encourage you to join our email list.

Is there an age requirement?

No, but you'll either need to be old enough to drive (it's a traveling festival) or be able to carpool with someone, which will be very easy to set up. Also, the evening parties may involve some drinking.

I'm flying in. What airport should I use?

Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. It's central to everything you'll be doing and it features the most flights. Don't worry about flying into Tucson -- Phoenix is just two hours away.

What will the weather be like?

Since we're hitting four distinctly different parts of the state, there will be four different kinds of weather to contend with. Mid-March can mean anything from sub-freezing weather at night in Prescott to high-80s temperatures in Phoenix midday.

If you're curious about averages at that time of year, here are some links to Weather.com for Tucson, Phoenix, Sedona, and Prescott. Note the Sedona results are slightly bogus because they're reported from Flagstaff -- add 5 degrees to everything.

What should I bring?

Bike: Bring whatever bike you'd like. We have people on rigid singlespeeds, hardtails, ultraswank full-suspension racers, beaters, freeride bikes, whatever. Most trails are pretty rough in Arizona, and people generally prefer suspension but there's no hard and fast rule.

Water: Lots of water. Bring a 100oz bladder at a minimum. One or two bottles of Gatorade each ride are recommended. Pre-hydrate as much as possible.

First aid kit: Band-aids, straight plastic comb (for cactus), neosporin, etc.

Sunscreen: The sun is brutal in Arizona, even in the spring. Lube yourself up every single day, rain or shine.

Body armor: If you plan on taking the advanced rides, bring armor. The terrain is unforgiving - cactuses and rocks will send you home with more than memories.

Tubes: Lots of opportunities for flats.

Flat protection: Slime and/or spinskins highly recommended for all the thorns and sharp rocks. Tubeless systems work well for fighting cactus thorns. Heavy-sidewall tires recommended for advanced rides.

Layers: See "weather" above.

Camping supplies: Flingers have enjoyed camping in past years. See where can I stay for more camping information.

Where can I stay?

Hotels/motels: Search Travelocity or Expedia for hotels/motels in each of the areas.

In Phoenix, try to stay in Tempe, or a motel near the airport. This will make the drive to South Mountain much shorter for you.

For Sedona, it's going to be expensive almost no matter where you elect to stay. Since the following day is Prescott (barring rain!), I'm recommending you stay in Prescott on Saturday night. If you DO want to stay in Sedona, there's a place on 89a right across the street from Mountain Bike Heaven called the Sugarloaf Inn, doubles are 45/night, slightly more on weekends (maybe around 55/60. pool, JACUZZI (!), fridges in room, decent size and well located for sedona stuff. Phone #: 928 282 9451. Also this is a good link to Sedona accomodations.

Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on forest lands except within the no camping limits near Sedona. There are two areas that I have camped out before just outside the "no camping limits". One area is along Beavertail Flat Road just south of the Village of Oak Creek and the other is off of Red Canyon Road west of Sedona on SR 89A. Since this is dispersed camping, there are no facilities except for the trees to hide behind. Don't forget to pack a small shovel.

How do I get my bike to Arizona?

As luggage: If you're an IMBA member, you may get a discount on your bike when you fly with America West, Frontier, Northwest and US Airways. You MUST book your trip through IMBA's agent, however. Check your IMBA membership package or the IMBA website for more information.

Ship it: UPS and FedEx will ship a bike for $35-50. I am collecting addresses and shops to which bikes can be shipped. If you have an address to which a bike can be shipped, contact me with your address and I'll add it here.

I'm bringing a singlespeed. What ratio should I run?

Several people will be riding singlespeeds at the Arizona Spring Fling. Here's what guide Brian Cannon (silversurfer) has to say on the subject:

I usually run 32:16 or 34:16 for most XC stuff. I usually run 32:18 on National or Mormon and clean 85% of stuff(climbs). In 32:20, I'll clean 95% of stuff, but I don't usually run it. Downhill just doesn't matter, ya just hang on for the ride, though it is nice to have a tall gear to sprint outta corners.

There are a few locals than can climb 90-95% in a 2:1, but they are the gifted ones.

If ya gotta flip flop hub, throw a 20 on the other side, and see what happens. If you don't, just run what you have. You're gonna be walking parts of the climb, no matter what you run. Plus, all the other rides are just fine for yer combo.

What tires should I use?

Based on a brief survey of the locals on the mailing list, we're recommending large volume, low pressure, and small knobs. Skinny little semislick racing tires will pinch-flat. Enormous, heavy freeride tires with big paddles will wear you out, and big knobs don't want to hook up on the rock as well as lots of little knobs. A lot of riders also recommend tire sealant. Tubeless setups with good sealant are an excellent option here.

Where can I rent a bike?

Try Wheels N' Gear, at (480) 945-2881. I rent bikes from them all the time for guided tours, and they have a pretty big honking fleet. I know Cactus Bike (www.cactusbike.com) also has some bikes to rent, and they're just outside South Mountain.

In Tucson, check with CJ at Way Out West (1-888-925-4590). He has a fleet of Cannondales available.

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The Rides

Here is how I'm defining the rides:

Easy rides are just that: Relaxed pace, short distances, no lung-busting climbs and no dangerous descents. The pace will be friendly, the emphasis on enjoying the scenery and riding your bike in a non-competitive environment. Expect to be on your bike 2-3 hours.

Intermediate rides are your mainline meat-and-potatoes mountain bike rides. A good mix of climbing and descending, a faster pace, but still social and fun. If you're normally a strong rider in your home environment but you've been off your bike because of winter, this is a good place for you to be. Intermediate rides often share portions of the advanced rides. Rides are 3-5 hours.

Advanced rides are soul-crushing epics. They start sooner, end later, and will be both physically and technically demanding. If you're not at the top of your game, I strongly recommend joining an intermediate ride. If you ARE at the top of your game, consider joining one or two of these advanced rides. If you're certifiably insane, go for the four-pack. You will be in pain. Rides are 5-8 hours.

Rain contingency rides will only take place if there is rain out of town and there IS NOT RAIN IN PHOENIX. In the event of a weekend where there is rain both out of town and in Phoenix, we will instead be meeting to drown our sorrows at the Four Peaks Brewing Company.

Get a complete list of what rides are where and who's leading what on the RIDES PAGE.

Wednesday, March 15: Hawes Pre-Fling Ride

We have a traditional pre-Fling ride out at the beautiful Hawes trail area in Mesa. This is just about the prettiest ride in the Valley, and offers fast, rolling singletrack with a few technical challenges thrown in for fun. It'll be a single group and pretty loosely organized.

Thursday, March 16: Tucson

The Spring Fling starts out with a bang, with several rides disembarking on the 50 Year Trail, north of Tucson in the Catalina foothils, and a badass shuttle ride down the infamous Milagrosa Trail on the south side of the mountain. There will be all levels of riding available in Catalina, while the Milagrosa ride is an advanced-riders-only adventure.

The 50 Year Trail is only 90 minutes from Phoenix, making it an easy day trip. The Milagrosa Trail is about 2.5 hours from Phoenix. Temps are typically in the low to high 60s, although unexpected heat waves can push the day into the high 80s. All rides are at about 3500'-4500'.

Easy: Start at the end of Golder Ranch Road, head north on the 50 Year Trail, enjoy the Chutes at the end of the ride. This version of the 50 Year Trail is fast, smooth, and rolling, with lots of cactus and great views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The Chutes are a bunch of fun, fast, uh...chutes. Easily repeatable for many hours of gravity-assisted fun. 2-3 hours.

Intermediate/Advanced: Start with the Easy group, but take the Upper 50 trail, hook into Deer Camp Loop, and come back around to the Chutes. The Upper 50 is very technically challenging, with a couple moves that rival the worst of the National Trail. Deer Camp Loop features a technical climb (probably a hike-a-bike for mortal riders) and a wicked fast descent. 3-5 hours, depending on how much time is spent fooling around on the Upper 50. The advanced group will hit the same trail with a faster pace.

Advanced La Milagrosa Shuttle: By popular demand, La Milagrosa Trail! One group, no slackers. It's a hard, nasty ride that will demand everything you can throw at it. Here's a thread about last year's Milagrosa ride. The ride leaders recommend you bring pads.

Since we'll be renting a trailer for this, please be generous when tipping the driver -- we'll have an exact rental amount soon.

UPDATE! Short Bus James is driving the Short Bus to Tucson from Phoenix. If you want a ride down to Tucson and a shuttle up to Milagrosa, it'll cost $20. That's much cheaper than the gas it'll take to drive yourself down! We're looking to pick up a minimum of eight passengers in Phoenix. RSVP to Short Bus James at jamesvv@cox.net if you're attending, and he'll tell you where and when to meet in Phoenix.

James is also picking people up in Tucson for the shuttle to the top of Milagrosa. $5 per person if he's picking you up. Maximum passenger count is 20 people, so get your RSVP in immediately!

Friday, March 17: Phoenix

We're meeting in two places this year: at South Mountain Park in south Phoenix, and at the White Tank Mountains in far west Phoenix. South Mountain is the center of most serious mountain biking in metro Phoenix, offering a wide variety of technical and endurance challenges. The Goat Camp ride at the White Tanks is an extremely difficult, advanced ride intended only for the most skilled riders.

Phoenix sits at around 1100'. The trails top out at around 2000'. Expect temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s, although it's been into the low 90s some springs.

Easy: Desert Classic Trail, a wonderful cruise through arroyos and up some short hills. Depending on the group's energy level, we may tackle the lower Corona de Loma and/or the Goat Trail/Ridgeline Trail/Helicopter Pad loop. 3-4 hours.

Intermediate: Mormon Loop to National Trail, out-and-back to the Waterfall. Depending on the group's energy, add Javelina and back to trailhead. Portions of the National Trail are technically advanced, and there are some difficult climbs as well. 3-4 hours.

Advanced: Up National, down Telegraph Pass, back home on Desert Classic. Ouch. Bring spare legs and lungs, because you're going to need it. Oh, and body armor if you own it. 5-6 hours of riding.

Richard "dirtbag" Jensen is leading out this monstrously difficult ride. Strongly recommend as much armor as you feel comfortable hiking in, as well as a bike with plenty of suspension, lots of water, and a first aid kit. There's a very colorful thread about this ride here. This is the one ride of the Fling starting at 9:00 a.m. -- given the length and difficulty of this ride, please take this into account if you're coming in from Tucson.

Shuttle: There's been lots of demand for a shuttle day on SoMo, so here it is. The technical descents on South Mountain are very demanding and scary. Bring body armor and a full complement of descending skills. Lots of suspension is handy as well. We can probably run 4-5 descents before everyone's tired or broken.

Please bring money for your shuttle driver, to help cover gas and trailer rental. Contact Eric Burley for exact shuttle costs.

If you are interested in hitching a ride on the shuttles, please RSVP on the official MTBR shuttle thread.

Saturday, March 18: Sedona

Sedona is the pinnacle of mountain biking in Arizona, so it only stands to reason it is also the traditional pinnacle of the Arizona Spring Flings. The weather is generally perfect, the riding sublime. Sweet singletrack, droppable lips and ledges, awesome views. Bring a camera.

The rides are generally 4500' to 5500', so you may feel it in your lungs. Temperatures in March are in the mid-60s.

Easy: Bell Rock Pathways. There are some very sweet loops on the south side of Bell Rock that are perfect for cruising, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery. 2-4 hours of riding, depending on the groups. Lots of bailout options.

Intermediate: Destination Submarine Rock. Bell Rock parking area, up the Pathway to Templeton, up to Back o' Beyond, Mystic, Broken Arrow, Sub Rock, Chicken Point, Little Horse, Llama, and home. 4-5 hours of very, very sweet riding.

Advanced: The rides are up to the leaders but they're going to cover a lot of hard miles all over Sedona. We're going to have a hammerhead XC ride led by Flagstaff mutants Joe Murray and Mark Gullo, and a more FR-oriented ride led by Ron Cazort and Justin Hoppmann. It's going to be 5-6 hours of hardcore riding in any case.

Sunday, March 19: Prescott

Prescott is a perfect little jewel of a riding destination. Sitting at around 6500', with climb up to 8000', the altitude can hurt but the pines and sweet, fast singletrack are worth it. This is our last day, so if you plan on flying out of Phoenix Sunday night, make it a night flight.

Expect temperatures in the mid to high 50s.

Note we will only do this ride if there is no rain forecast! The past several years, we've gotten rained out of our Sunday ride. We do have a backup (see below) but check with one of the Fling volunteers before making the trek to Prescott if you're not sure.

Easy/Intermediate/Advanced: Jim Howery (Jm) has worked out a very nice set of loops at the Granite Basin riding area. We'll have hard and easy versions of these loops available.

Here is a note from Jim:

If riders want to stage at my house before the ride, that might help them get to the trailhead. My house is essentially "on the way", and about 5 minutes from the trailhead.

3320 Marigold Dr.
Prescott, AZ 86305

Yahoo-map my address, or for those who lack such skills, get off highway 69 at Fain Road before you get to Prescott Valley. This road goes around everything in our area (takes a little while), then eventually intersects Willow Creek Road past the Airport. Stay on Willow Creek Road, take the right turn onto Sandretto (right before the Frys), make a right turn at Aster (after the mormon church), then a left turn onto Marigold. Find the address. Stage at 9:45

Sunday March 19: ALTERNATE VALLEY RIDE

The fact of the matter is, there's no telling if we'll have rain during the Fling weekend or not. We have had rain on one or both weekend days for several years, and we will not ride trails in Sedona or Prescott in this event. Instead, we have a backup plan!

If the Sunday ride is rained out, or if you simply wish to ride in the Valley on Sunday, our plan is to have a couple groups ride at Pima & Dynamite. This is a very variable area to ride, featuring everything from fast whoop-de-dos to high-end freeride/huckster stuff. Kathleen (durtgurl) and Dale (epicrider) will be leading groups out of here. Paul B will be leading a B/C ride from Pima & Dynamite only if the Prescott ride is rained out.

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Post-Ride Festivities

Friday: Big Fling Party!

This is the big event of the Arizona Spring Fling (other than the riding). This year's party coordinator is Kathleen Kingma (durtgurl). The party will feature food, beverages, music, videos, and booze.

PARTY FOOD - Although snacks may show up (we're working on it!), dinner is a BYO style. The grills will be fired up, and plates, utensils, condoments, water and soda will be provided. Bring your appetite, but don't forget to stop by the grocery store!

BEVERAGES: We're working on getting a keg or two of something yummy from our local breweries. If you choose to bring your own beverages, DO NOT BRING THEM IN GLASS BOTTLES. Very strict rule from the park, and we don't want to lose our privileges.

PARTY MUSIC/VIDEOS - Don't forget to bring your best DVDs. Ron Cazort (Zort) will be providing a big screen TV and DVD player for our evening entertainment.

Finally, keep your eye out for a tip jar at the party. Any contributions to help cover the costs for this event will be greatly appreciated!!

UPDATE: Zort has arranged for two kegs of very fine beer from the Sonoran Brewing Company. It will be "free" at the party but it is not a donation to the Spring Fling. PLEASE make sure you drop a few bucks into the tip jar if you're going to partake.

Saturday: Party at the Bike & Bean!

We're having pizza and beer at the Bike & Bean after the rides. $10 buys you all the pizza and beer you can tolerate. Come any time after 5:00 and share your stories, pictures and injuries. We'll take up a collection before the rides head out in the morning, at the Tequa parking lot. We'll also accept money at the door afterward.

The Bike & Bean is across the street from the Bell Rock parking lot right off AZ179 heading into town -- you can't miss it.

We're cutting the Flingers loose Sunday in Prescott. Check the lists in the box for good local restaurants.

The Guides

Here's our roster of 2006 Spring Fling guides. We're here to show you a good time, and we'll do our best to accomodate every skill and fitness level.

Paul Beakley (Paul B) is author of Mountain Bike America: Arizona, the most comprehensive trail guide available in Arizona. He's also a professional tour guide, photographer, and writer. Paul is this year's Spring Fling coordinator. Paul is sweeping the Intermediate ride on Thursday, leading the Easy (ha!) ride on Friday, and will be floating around doing whatever he wants Saturday and Sunday.

I'm hoping to get together more info and pix soon, but until then here's a list of who's RSVPed to lead rides:

• Dale Wiggins (Epicrider)
• Scott Nowacki (ScottN)
• Mike Walker (AZMikey)
• Kathleen Kingma (Durtgurl)
• Juan Restrepo (Vato)
• Aaron Sublett
• Jim Howery (Jm)
• Mike Nelson (dirtluvraz)
• Geoff Khotim (Dirdir)
• Eric Riggs (.downhillfaster.)
• Jeff Dana (zul)
• Richard Jensen (dirtbag)
• Priscilla Swearingen (Queen of the Desert)
• Ron Cazort (Zort)
• CJ Vincent (CJ)
• MaryEllen Landen (MaryEllen)
• Todd Waltman (YaHonza)
• Eric Burley (butocabra)
• Brett Nowacki
• Justin Hoppmann
• Alan Stephenson
• Micki McKay

If you'd like to see who is leading what, hit the rides page.

Are you local? Do you want to show our out-of-town guests a great time? Contact me and let me know! If I don't know you, pass along a little information about yourself at the same time.

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For more information

Contact me (Paul B) if you need anything at all. As we get more ambassadors coordinated, I'll add them to this list.

Kathleen Kingma (durtgurl) is organizing our big Friday Night Party! If you have any ideas, special needs, or resources to offer, talk to her!

If you want to be kept up to date with the very latest Spring Fling news, sign up for the email list here.

Looking forward to seeing everyone here,

Paul Beakley, 2006 coordinator, glutton for punishment.

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All contents copyright 2006 Paul Beakley