tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3323587196107135262024-03-12T20:49:01.843-07:00whats next?Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-72608354084186454582012-12-20T20:13:00.000-08:002012-12-20T20:27:16.309-08:00Usery Ridge Line Loop<b>What</b>: Usery Mountain Ridge Line Loop<br />
<b>Where</b>: Usery Mountain Regional Park (Mesa Arizona)<br />
<b>When</b>: Dec 20, 2010<br />
<b>Who</b>: Solo Hike<br />
<b>Why</b>: Tired of the treadmill desk...needed to get out in the fresh air!<br />
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Draw backs of the <a href="http://zitoman.blogspot.com/2012/01/treadmill-desk.html" target="_blank">Treadmill Desk</a> (hit 55 miles this week so far) ... could not stand one more minute walking and working today...had to get out and breathe some fresh air. I have been planning to take a group of friends this weekend to explore/route the Usery Mountain Ridge Line. I figured there must be a trail across it but couldn't find anything in guidebooks or internet...but the more I thought about it...the more I worried that I would be getting my pals in over their head...so I decided to speed hike it solo :) Was definitely an adventure...can't believe it is so close to my back yard! Some good elevation gain, narrow ridge line portions, route finding, scrambling, and a little off trail fun!<br />
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<b>Route Description:</b> I followed the Wind Cave Trail, past the cave to the ridgeline...summited and then headed North. There is a faint trail that can be hard to follow. Exit down to Pass Mountain Trail was a little tricky and I did get off trail. Looking back on it, I see where I went wrong...will get another chance this weekend.<br />
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<b>Distance</b>: 5.8 miles<br />
<b>Time</b>: 2 hours 44 minutes<br />
<b>Elevation</b>: 1,594 Feet gain<br />
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Usery Mountain Ridge Line...Wind Cave at the far right end of the yellow band.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbkv1tki6jCtW3NAbrV3aKe_Db0BjDWPQ7_tL2MTQ2wZBDIrIz26oGHG3EJJE5RJVFvmBDsXjKdpD8oXi7caPtbUrU-C2HLvL-LWWdC_JS_ncEjwY2b7WDRqssGIQpphvl-aRhBm4ijL0/s1600/Usery+Ridge+Line+Loop+by+zitoman+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbkv1tki6jCtW3NAbrV3aKe_Db0BjDWPQ7_tL2MTQ2wZBDIrIz26oGHG3EJJE5RJVFvmBDsXjKdpD8oXi7caPtbUrU-C2HLvL-LWWdC_JS_ncEjwY2b7WDRqssGIQpphvl-aRhBm4ijL0/s640/Usery+Ridge+Line+Loop+by+zitoman+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Elevation Profile<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHippkYrBH7kzNgUTdj-xSLtvQKF_BN2hefZDOTUCqgmQvkb_Tgfe3Q7TaV7bZH6YzQIonN6kpSrYIYG5qiPq0WDZu25C_Qy1UQron4v6AJzZWDC9swEeih5j-fr8oGoYAasQeV1coyUFg/s1600/Usery+Ridge+Line+Loop+heart+rate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHippkYrBH7kzNgUTdj-xSLtvQKF_BN2hefZDOTUCqgmQvkb_Tgfe3Q7TaV7bZH6YzQIonN6kpSrYIYG5qiPq0WDZu25C_Qy1UQron4v6AJzZWDC9swEeih5j-fr8oGoYAasQeV1coyUFg/s640/Usery+Ridge+Line+Loop+heart+rate.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Yeah...I pushed it pretty hard to finish the route in 2.5 hours...would have liked to slow it down and take more pictures.<br />
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Courtesy of the new Garmin Fenix! Sold my old iPhone and used a gift card...great replacement!<br />
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Google Earth Image...Ridge Line Route.</div>
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Was unable to find the path down this small cliff band...ended up circling back and side hilling it...probably cost me 20-30 minutes.<br />
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Hiking up the Wind Cave trail. Maintained about 3mph entire way...no stopping until topping out on the ridge line.<br />
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At the summit of the Wind Cave Trail (several hundred yards up from the Wind Cave.)<br />
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Panorama shot from the iPhone...same location.<br />
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Looking back towards Mesa.<br />
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Looking North along the Ridge Line. Route stays fairly close to the West Edge the entire way.<br />
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Highest Point on the Ridge. Geo Cache and Summit Register Ammo can...view looking down towards Pass Mountain Trail.<br />
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Summit Register<br />
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Panorama from highest point along the route.<br />
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Looking south...back along the ridge line.<br />
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Usery Shooting Range and Red Mountain can be seen looking West.<br />
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Ridgline looking North. 4 peaks in the distance.<br />
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The last part of the ridge line...descent was a little difficult to follow and I did get off trail...see Google Earth images above.<br />
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<b>Summary</b>: Had a great time...was actually glad I wasn't able to find any route descriptions for this...made it more enjoyable. Pushed hard and had a great time...excellent views of the valley and just a little sense of the unknown...good time!Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-40579729778430279752012-12-15T09:52:00.004-08:002012-12-15T09:52:44.439-08:00Superstition Ridgeline Hike<b>What:</b> Superstition Ridgeline Hike<br />
<b>Where</b>: Superstition Wilderness Arizona<br />
<b>When</b>: Nov 24, 2012<br />
<b>Who</b>: Justin & Leonard<br />
<b>Why</b>: Have been looking up at this ridgeline daily for 10+ years...time to gettr done.<br />
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The Superstition ridgeline trail is one of the most scenic I have done in the Phoenix area. The sharp edge of it can be seen Mesa, Gold Canyon, Apache Junction...it has been calling to me for a long time. It is a little over 12 miles long, 5000 feet elevation gain over all, and requires some scrambling and route finding...although not much.<br />
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This is a through hike for Justin and I...and we convinced my <b><u>sweet wife</u></b> to help us with the car shuttling. We would complete the route from East to West...Carney Springs trail head to Syphon Draw. Other guides say this route is very difficult and will require 8-12 hours of hiking...we were on the move for nearly 6 hours, but had 2 hours of breaks...pictures, food, etc...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbrkK5HDp5Iv7B3ydgH4IRGPO27uoffnpSKGw5iNPbEDcLZQP4a79LgFm8iOziAhHPFQBLi_Z9o3Ijude-DFeHvQBegvwpquS54hli0_uYOjI0GrU6uqpnFLxN8zWr-pEwqxW-U-jTZJ6/s1600/Window.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbrkK5HDp5Iv7B3ydgH4IRGPO27uoffnpSKGw5iNPbEDcLZQP4a79LgFm8iOziAhHPFQBLi_Z9o3Ijude-DFeHvQBegvwpquS54hli0_uYOjI0GrU6uqpnFLxN8zWr-pEwqxW-U-jTZJ6/s640/Window.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Elevation Profile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn90zxfO5xVAF2DGeM1qwSvA2oZeSsl14c-Jgec89IdOF_PLCyT95rDqnH3LE7mvoAwj97MlLk4Rwe3XTiAnFxSWShd8PnN7YkQQbacikCEv00BMTmTjqwKWr-lsnbGUu0RLPCaVkQ6_7/s1600/Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn90zxfO5xVAF2DGeM1qwSvA2oZeSsl14c-Jgec89IdOF_PLCyT95rDqnH3LE7mvoAwj97MlLk4Rwe3XTiAnFxSWShd8PnN7YkQQbacikCEv00BMTmTjqwKWr-lsnbGUu0RLPCaVkQ6_7/s640/Window.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Route mapped and charted using the Garmin 305, then plugged into Strava.<br />
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Justin and I at Carney Springs trail head.<br />
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Looking up towards Superstition Peak...4 miles and 3000+ feet to the summit.<br />
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Mushroom Rock?<br />
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Carney Springs Canyon.<br />
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Hoodoo's can be seen throughout this hike...great views as you gain the ridgeline<br />
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Trail Marker<br />
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It had rained a few weeks earlier in the Supers...not sure if this is coming from the spring or was left over from the rain. Either way, didn't look to tasty.<br />
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Nearing the top of Superstition Peak.<br />
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More Hoodoos.<br />
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Looking down towards Gold Canyon.<br />
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Superstition Peak Summit - 5057 feet - Highest point in the Superstition Wilderness.<br />
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Geological Survey<br />
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Registering at the Summit.<br />
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The view back towards Roosevelt Lake.<br />
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The summit requires a 15-20 minute detour from the ridgline trail. Back on it now, heading to Syphon draw...8 miles to go.<br />
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A little scrambling...nothing serious. Kind of had to spot Justin in this picture...really blends in.<br />
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Looking west towards Mesa...Ridgeline Trail follows the highest points...all the way to Flat Iron.<br />
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Looking down Hieroglyphic Canyon.<br />
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Great views of Weavers needle throughout the hike...been there, camped on the summit :)<br />
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Looking down towards Gold Canyon.<br />
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We were told that an 80 year old hiker had died on the trail a year ago.<br />
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Looking down the ridgeline.<br />
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Panoramic.<br />
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As you can see...this is not a well maintained trail...although fairly easy to follow.<br />
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Gap leading to Flat Iron.<br />
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Hoodoo's near Flat Iron<br />
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Heading down Syphon Draw...first time I have really had pain in my knees :) ... was a bit of a trek finishing this hike off.<br />
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The only 200 feet of hiking up...to get down the 3000 foot decent to Lost Dutchman Park.<br />
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Syphon Draw...almost done.<br />
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Looking back to the Flat Iron, and Syphon Draw.<br />
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Another "Chicken Ledge." Justin was too scared to climb to the top of the point...I had nothing to prove so I didn't either :)</div>
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<b>Summary:</b> This hike has replaced Syphon Draw as my favorite in the valley. It is long and the trail can be rough in spots, but the views are incredible. Was good to get out and push myself in the mountains and spend time with a good friend. Definitely recommend this one and will do it again! Whats Next?Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-49712320728847863022012-09-13T17:57:00.001-07:002012-09-13T17:59:00.109-07:00Missouri River Fly Fishing - Montana<b>What</b>: Missouri River Fly Fishing<br />
<b>Where</b>: Holter Dam Tailwaters<br />
<b>When</b>: Sept 3-4, 2012<br />
<b>Who</b>: Zito Brothers - Nate, John, Leonard<br />
<b>Why</b>: World famous dry fly fishing!<br />
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Last year Nate and John had an incredible trip to the "Mighty Mo"... catching several wild rainbows and brown trout on dry fly's! This years "Zito Brother" trip would include 2-3 days on the Missouri...courtesy of Nate's boat, rowing power, and hotel scheduling...and a bit of fly guiding!<br />
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Mountain sheep at the Holter Dam<br />
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Gonna be a great morning! Tryco hatch below Holter Dam<br />
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Z&Z Asphalt truck...putting the boat in the water. (work hard play hard)<br />
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John prepping the boat<br />
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Nate spent the majority of his time on the river tying our fly's, un-tangling our knots, and rowing all over the river...Thanks Nate!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H7daGG4nP9Gy3i1JErk6lYcPtf3Ow_maHtHgcPzuKiED9Ql8uRqMlSH1hebqSuQ20daSIFkAVGE4raUs31UtCw7X-Rs8ap1kIF4fpoqQldS3AP3FHc17QeMz97uYxQiIK1fdtUlQo2oY/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2H7daGG4nP9Gy3i1JErk6lYcPtf3Ow_maHtHgcPzuKiED9Ql8uRqMlSH1hebqSuQ20daSIFkAVGE4raUs31UtCw7X-Rs8ap1kIF4fpoqQldS3AP3FHc17QeMz97uYxQiIK1fdtUlQo2oY/s640/IMG_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
I probably caught 1 fish out of every 10 that I had hit my fly...pretty sad. It was a bit windy and these trout required much more experience to catch than in the high mountain lakes I usually fish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5CpxQGG1xQ5tgeY86oUX1Ayk3eDq1ZsTiUV3YA-ivXuUovgYv57bWlxXMLekxvR0p2XTi44Ketr5UW75pu6CyQCWAuWG7a6W-GVL78t3cqomz9ayqz9lMYGLTWrxZm1rnJKwbIYfD2A2/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-13+at+4.42.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5CpxQGG1xQ5tgeY86oUX1Ayk3eDq1ZsTiUV3YA-ivXuUovgYv57bWlxXMLekxvR0p2XTi44Ketr5UW75pu6CyQCWAuWG7a6W-GVL78t3cqomz9ayqz9lMYGLTWrxZm1rnJKwbIYfD2A2/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-09-13+at+4.42.41+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Water 1-2 miles below the dam was very fishy...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB4D1Pc03Esgtw4aDpvBesVOZAmnDAeg-a3ChkqLkNaXSiV1oKSGGD2AoEPYDH6RZ2nj7pPsO5Ap2B3cQgcuPth-Ruw7gvgyBi4r0Ck0XlJEneJAcL3ckBzY-482Bq3W_vYj83abJQL7p/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB4D1Pc03Esgtw4aDpvBesVOZAmnDAeg-a3ChkqLkNaXSiV1oKSGGD2AoEPYDH6RZ2nj7pPsO5Ap2B3cQgcuPth-Ruw7gvgyBi4r0Ck0XlJEneJAcL3ckBzY-482Bq3W_vYj83abJQL7p/s640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Pelican Point...literally. John was going to get out to do the "traditional wildlife chase..." but he seems to be getting a bit more mature now that he is over 30.<br />
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My brief attempt at rowing...didn't last long due to a rare condition my brothers quickly diagnosed... I contracted it 5-10 minutes into the effort...symptoms were sweating, elevated heart rate, and rapid breathing. Only cure was rest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnEhRr7y4sLjWi8Ku73cM7e-_FP3n0cz-ZYqnL2mUCqg9Z4s44no0O4vkdy5I3s_xopMds3RaHBukbUTJQ_var6lh6_4g-0ToKKPKNiSRAlZgz5slY8M-YYR9pM4NwNEEfzwn3IUr0xkP/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnEhRr7y4sLjWi8Ku73cM7e-_FP3n0cz-ZYqnL2mUCqg9Z4s44no0O4vkdy5I3s_xopMds3RaHBukbUTJQ_var6lh6_4g-0ToKKPKNiSRAlZgz5slY8M-YYR9pM4NwNEEfzwn3IUr0xkP/s640/IMG_0041.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
John caught the largest trout of the 2 days.<br />
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Scouting for fishy areas...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y4c16vpdYGCf3rsh9CSJdobjNSRe7zjN4-fNJN0F1_I6C86myDGbMQUHWSryPxTNDYUHAUzoV_1wFRtvigXzoXI1ba5Ug2yswMEq02DTk-pyf4IPZSAcL-_n1Z5c5_yMVoEOOgRt9oVF/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y4c16vpdYGCf3rsh9CSJdobjNSRe7zjN4-fNJN0F1_I6C86myDGbMQUHWSryPxTNDYUHAUzoV_1wFRtvigXzoXI1ba5Ug2yswMEq02DTk-pyf4IPZSAcL-_n1Z5c5_yMVoEOOgRt9oVF/s640/IMG_0025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Nate cooking up some outstanding Hamburgers...right on the river! Thanks again Brother!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqFkzv0CYJxotZurQs95hkneiLvVNgOnih5Ryvnkx_B35dvzX9JXpA2hryOjjk4Bot_d-0jM8o-M8-iBcNsimUHsmev_6Q-x56VKaTdvl5f7vrjRHvMYDYbPaQGdW48KWMxHGpJkYf5UH/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqFkzv0CYJxotZurQs95hkneiLvVNgOnih5Ryvnkx_B35dvzX9JXpA2hryOjjk4Bot_d-0jM8o-M8-iBcNsimUHsmev_6Q-x56VKaTdvl5f7vrjRHvMYDYbPaQGdW48KWMxHGpJkYf5UH/s640/IMG_0011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Looking down the river<br />
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<b>Summary</b>: Weather was in the high 80's during the late morning/afternoon. Scenery was gorgeous...was great to spend some good times with my brothers...laughing and goofing off. Fishing was great 1-2 miles below the dam...after that it was really slow to non-existant. Had a great time with Nate and John...Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-80469927275273221392012-01-17T16:51:00.000-08:002012-01-17T16:58:48.135-08:00Treadmill Desk<b>What:</b> Treadmill Desk<br />
<b>Where: </b>Home Office<br />
<b>When:</b> Every Chance I get<br />
<b>Who: </b>Just me<br />
<b>Why:</b> Is sitting to much slowly killing me?<br />
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24 hours in a day...how many of those hours do I spend moving? 6-8 hours of sleeping, 1 hour commuting to work/datacenters, 6-8 hours sitting at the office, 1 hour sitting at lunch, 1 hour sitting helping kids with homework, an hour or 2 watching tv or reading, 30 minutes sitting during dinner...really averaging 20-24 hours not really active.<br />
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...even if you get a good run or workout in during the day, does it make up for 18-20 hours of not moving around? Last April after an ultra-marathon IT Support session for several days...caffiene and sitting, I noticed that I was having some hamstring pain where my legs were sitting on the chair. It became bad enough that I was unable to sit on any chair comfortably for more than 15 or 20 minutes...and has continued to today...almost a year later. I tried purchasing several expensive chairs for the home office but nothing seemed to work.<br />
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I started doing a little research and found this article by the NYT "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17sitting-t.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=treadmill%20desk&st=cse" target="_blank">Is Sitting Really A Lethal Activity?</a>"<br />
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Yes, I steal pictures from the web...but this one was cool...and makes the point.</div>
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So after reading the article and thinking about all the sitting I had been doing, I remembered that a good friend of mine had built a treadmill desk. I talked with him, took some pictures of his...then built version 1.0. (Purchased a SOLE F83 off Craigs list as my treadmill...a decent one knowing that I would be wanting to use is several hours daily...definitely not a requirement.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfzLCwT8nZF7yiHQUAY7jbqbNZnFzQ5yGbZov773QPVMNhXTjHDXaY1B4mlpNAZqcsarQHxkKsyaYR7pSDQJUr6vCxowkh6k_1xMTCm4XFE8ch-3T_RhW0Ue5gsJKiuICEpHOAhTn0R_b/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfzLCwT8nZF7yiHQUAY7jbqbNZnFzQ5yGbZov773QPVMNhXTjHDXaY1B4mlpNAZqcsarQHxkKsyaYR7pSDQJUr6vCxowkh6k_1xMTCm4XFE8ch-3T_RhW0Ue5gsJKiuICEpHOAhTn0R_b/s640/image.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Treadmill Desk 1.0 </b>- Materials List (construction foam, shelving board, gorilla glue.)<br />
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Simple construction of treadmill desk 1.0 cost 15-20$ excluding the treadmill. I had it cut, glued, and built in an hour or so. After several days averaging about 1.2 mph and 3-4 miles a day...I was hooked. I found <a href="http://officewalkers.ning.com/" target="_blank">OfficeWalkers</a> user group on the web. Turns out there are quite a few people out there with the same idea..and lots of pictures of ideas on building tricked out treadmill desks.<br />
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<b>Treadmill 2.0 </b>- Materials (IKEA Jerker Standup desk...Craigs list $100) + larger monitor, keyboard, mouse)<br />
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Version 2.0...much better work space. Dual monitors, keyboar, mouse...made it a bit easier with the cooridination for IT work while walking. I was able to quickly move my average speed from 1.2 mph to 1.5 and 1.7, and finally today's speed of 2.2 mph.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HHrYdBfi3KeN0C1hyFI92pHjHOLnQxaWLIM_gY0KFf6U2H0NGZXCIUa8hUZQz2XLH_AWFFlAgNm8R_tHxcn4aZAYQJ7E61g6w4N_QQoCsw4g2QNJQWFcTTZ8Pfzrty1HtoWATyADV255/s1600/IMG_0565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HHrYdBfi3KeN0C1hyFI92pHjHOLnQxaWLIM_gY0KFf6U2H0NGZXCIUa8hUZQz2XLH_AWFFlAgNm8R_tHxcn4aZAYQJ7E61g6w4N_QQoCsw4g2QNJQWFcTTZ8Pfzrty1HtoWATyADV255/s640/IMG_0565.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
Version 2.0...you can see the desk fits perfectly over the bars...but still could use some improvements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHfIH7_vzcWXCRhQFq9TZAnrwEgHzKEY2GaacQFqLtbzw1mI_nGUmVLcwfAXcD7nhdS4YqggOJLOxyn5FfQjyjUTLuq-RwiDoE6JVJ_zLCDkgYbf83n2vWDfEv52pw-UYNjDdkGZ55qxt/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHfIH7_vzcWXCRhQFq9TZAnrwEgHzKEY2GaacQFqLtbzw1mI_nGUmVLcwfAXcD7nhdS4YqggOJLOxyn5FfQjyjUTLuq-RwiDoE6JVJ_zLCDkgYbf83n2vWDfEv52pw-UYNjDdkGZ55qxt/s640/IMG_0816.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<b>Version 2.1 ?</b> I pulled the arms off the treadmill, moved the controller onto a bottom shelf where the controls are more easily accessed...a little messy but working on cleaning it up. Notice the old climbing webbing I used to "secure" the controller to the shelf :)<br />
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Picked up a little fan, ergo microsoft keyboard for long hours of work, a nalgene bottle full of ice water and chia seeds...some non-conducting headphones! The static electricity build-up can provide a good zap to your ears if you use headphones...be careful on your selection.<br />
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Side view... notice the baby polar bear rug I have on the far left...just incase you were thinking I was getting a little to "hippy."<br />
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I do a lot of my walking barefoot...in an attempt to strengthen my calves and feet.<br />
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Have tried walking backwards several times just to switch it up...I don't recommend it.</div>
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Side benefit...standing on the TreadDesk I am 8-10 inches taller than my wify :) Thanks for supporting me in all my craziness Loree!<br />
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<b>Summary: </b>I have been "office-walking" consistently now for 7 weeks. I eat healthier and have lost over 10 pounds. I have covered over 170 miles total and now average 2.2 mph while working. While sitting, my heart rate averages 45-50 bpm, at 2.2 mph I average 70-75 bpm...not a huge difference but definitely an improvement. Today is a personal record for me...20 miles of walking in about 9 hours. I started the day at 6am, studied scripture and wrote in my journal, planned my day, worked, and blogged all while on the desk. I do take breaks for lunch, stretching etc etc...but it is a significant life change! I feel great and energized...will see how the feet feel tomorrow. (walked in brooks trail running shoes all 20)<br />
<span id="goog_343020432"></span><span id="goog_343020433"></span>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-51066181319853684902012-01-16T16:01:00.000-08:002012-02-15T09:19:57.511-08:00Tough Mudder Arizona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="text-align: left;">What: -- </b><span style="text-align: left;">12.5 mile run/obstacle course...with MUD --</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">Where: </b><span style="text-align: left;">GM Proving Grounds</span></div>
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<b>When:</b> Jan 14, 2012</div>
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<b>Who:</b> Justin, Mike E, Rob S, Robert E, Lisa, Damon, Pam, & Aaron</div>
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<b>Why:</b> "it seemed like a good idea at the time to sign up..."</div>
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*** Special thanks to Kim (Roberts much better 1/2) for chasing us around the course and taking such great pictures!!!! *** Thanks to Robert E and Justin for bringing the GoPro video cam's as well...I will post several links to their videos once they are up...</div>
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*** Update: Justin Updated <a href="http://typetwofun.com/2012/02/15/spartan-race-arizona-2012/" target="_blank">TypeTwoFun</a> with the Super Spartan Race report...check it out.</div>
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Several months ago I got a phone call from Justin asking me if I had ever heard of this thing called <a href="http://toughmudder.com/" target="_blank">Tough Mudder</a>? We talked about it, checked out the website and before I knew it, he had talked me into it...signed up and several other good friends joined as well. In the months to follow, most of us did not train enough, had some injury or another...and found ourselves with Permanent Marker race numbers on our foreheads and warpaint...ready to kick it off. Man that time went by fast!! <b>12.5 miles, 29 obstacles (</b>created by British Special Forces...very sick individuals.)</div>
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Course held at the GM Proving Grounds. This used to be one of the areas where GM would put the new car designs through the tests...has not been used in quite a few years now...have always wanted to check it out...now I get the chance.</div>
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Much cleaner and much more energy than the team photo at the finish line :) Left to Right - Robert, Lisa, Aaron, Damon Pam, Mike E, Justin, Leonard, Rob S.<br />
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At the starting line...took the Tough Mudder Pledge and got the "This course will hurt you, and test you...expose any previous injury you have had...and there is a reason why you signed a death waiver to get in"...speech :) Felt like the start of a football game in highschool...awesome!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsA0w7Y97ROc15rAe-BiWeiltyfEWnEcJxRX8QlbrWxulOJVQ_1UyWzjzfKTBUKGFb4gOJNcQdJ63HKRN3ILudA53rPjevxqtElMa-sqtZFP9CE6O9t0nWz3zQGg9TWGADoo1Q0vwly8n8/s1600/00-kiss+of+mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsA0w7Y97ROc15rAe-BiWeiltyfEWnEcJxRX8QlbrWxulOJVQ_1UyWzjzfKTBUKGFb4gOJNcQdJ63HKRN3ILudA53rPjevxqtElMa-sqtZFP9CE6O9t0nWz3zQGg9TWGADoo1Q0vwly8n8/s640/00-kiss+of+mud.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Kiss of Mud...following the first mile of running we low crawled through the mud...getting a little taste.<br />
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I guess "Kiss" of mud doesn't properly describe the full on make out session we had with it.<br />
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Arctic Enema - Not one of us but good shot of the ice bath...toxic green!<br />
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"Arctic Enema" - Canon balled in...dove under the wood and barbwire middle, and was out pretty fast. Was cold for sure, but the weather was nice and we warmed up pretty quick.<br />
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Yes, this is what an arctic enema looks like...(Robert)...and it is not enough just to wade through it...you get to dive under for a bit.<br />
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Stole several of these pictures from the web...those that we didn't get. Lisa pulled a hamstring on the last jump...this was about 2 miles in...she toughed it out and still finished the course...must have put some serious wupin's on Robert Growing up...<br />
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Muddy Tunnels - knees are still feeling it a bit<br />
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Not sure what the name of this one was...but the jumps took quite a bit out of me...<br />
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Jumping lasted for probably 100 yards<br />
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Rob loving the tight spaces at the Boa Constricter</div>
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Justin was a machine...and had way to much fun...I guess he needs something a little tougher to really beat him up a bit.<br />
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Robert being re-born!<br />
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Mikeee having a good jog with the 1 mile wood block carry...we couldn't keep up.<br />
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Having a good time "walking" the wood mile!<br />
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Double Carry<br />
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Devil's Beard - Working through the net...was pretty heavy...not to tough if you had a few people with you heading through.<br />
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This was the "Mud Mile" ... not really a mile of mud holes but definitely felt like it. It filled most of our shoes so full of mud it felt like having rolls of quarters in my shoes...had to stop after and clean them out. Robert and Aaron still living the dream!</div>
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Zombie Apocalypse - Smoke, old cars, torn up asphalt...more good times.</div>
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Huge pile-O-dirt...sprayed with water...took lots of team work getting up and over it...mostly involving Justin at 120 lbs pushing me 220 lbs :) Thanks dude...<br />
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Up and over...Mike and Robert coming down the other side...can definitely say there were several moments where you just shook your head and thought this is phreaking crazy...I paid money to do this.<br />
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Berlin Walls....these are maybe a little taller than 12 foot. Pretty difficult to get over without help...especially after 8 or 9 miles into the course!<br />
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Rob push pressing Rob up and over. 3 different sets of these, each had 2 walls to climb over...good times.<br />
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Rob demonstrating is total lack of balance on "Twinkle Toes" :)<br />
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I made it within 4 feet of the end...and in the mud/water I went.<br />
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Log Jammin - maybe individually these obstacles are not to tough...but through in miles of running soaking wet, shoes full of mud...and other "crevices" ... things seem to get more tough, and more fun towards the end.<br />
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Still Log Jammin....<br />
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Walk the Plank - About a 15 foot high jump into some deep muddy water....after I hit the water and started sinking I kept waiting to hit the bottom and push off....bottom never came :) was an experience swimming back up with clothes and shoes on.<br />
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Swimming out of the hole.<br />
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Shocks on the Rocks - I think all of us made it through this low crawl without getting shocked. Gave a false sense of security for the last "Electro-Shock Therapy."<br />
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Bale climb - </div>
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Everest - This one was a butt kicker. We hit it at about mile 10 I think. You had to sprint up the slick ramp and grab someones hand to make it up. I failed first attempt, made it the second. Mike E up first try.<br />
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Took 2 or 3 big guys to help me up.<br />
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Justin on his way up. Notice all the babes checking his mad speed skills out.<br />
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LOL...this is just funny. Piece of cake.<br />
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Funky Monkey - About 50 feet of monkey bars...they spin in your hand, are muddy, and some are greased with butter. Rob and I both made it across...and check out that water.<br />
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Enough water to get you all cleaned up before the Grande Finale...<br />
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Electro-Shock Therapy - Yes, those are live wires...some loaded with 10,000 volts...enough to lock up your body completely...especially standing in mud and water. I think I found all of the 10,000 volt wires.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR20LJJYZq9hBszkPqdE6w7uZ9BX80wh8yU1DaRuBOO4AUt2RfM3YeK7-zUYiTxzbvHYm5iSte4mJFZ7Tmxv1EvHBzs_8s89_A2pFItKKBlD2FjhfoRNcWZugfKp5R7sxNdltLI9947AEf/s1600/34-electro-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR20LJJYZq9hBszkPqdE6w7uZ9BX80wh8yU1DaRuBOO4AUt2RfM3YeK7-zUYiTxzbvHYm5iSte4mJFZ7Tmxv1EvHBzs_8s89_A2pFItKKBlD2FjhfoRNcWZugfKp5R7sxNdltLI9947AEf/s640/34-electro-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Heading through you had to make several turns...obstacle was 30 feet long I think. The first wire that nailed me put me head first into the mud while running...bad thing was my eyes were wide open. Completely filled them with mud and couldn's see. I got up on my hands and knees (equals big mistake) and got shocked back down several times...including one time where my "face" broke the fall.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2801102859908" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2801102859908</a><br />
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Justin "dramatically" finishing off Tough Mudder in style!!<br />
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A little bit dirtier than when we started...had a great time with good friends...and made some new ones. </div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> Had a blast at Tough Mudder. It was something like I had never done before. I liked the team work that it required, the challenges/obstacles really did test you, 12.5 mile run is almost a 1/2 marathon :) - Definitely had trouble with the electro-shock therapy. Mike E had to drive me home because I couldn't see to well, and Loree ended up swabbing the remaining mud/dirt out of my eyes with wet qtips...the more I look back on it and the further in time it gets away...the more fun I remember it being!....<a href="http://typetwofun.com/" target="_blank">typetwofun</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKRFS4fP3JY2DIroPdUfVFPun5Q5xosHGdaKXIdBlhT_qzvc3_bjuUZYyffzD-ep9Fd2eevyh9iyBvz8_nmmGTm-wOkXPswydGzh7_5xFfJsDGCLHzvOYpwbdVxB488E08UuZ2uz41Pcr/s1600/IMG_0871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKRFS4fP3JY2DIroPdUfVFPun5Q5xosHGdaKXIdBlhT_qzvc3_bjuUZYyffzD-ep9Fd2eevyh9iyBvz8_nmmGTm-wOkXPswydGzh7_5xFfJsDGCLHzvOYpwbdVxB488E08UuZ2uz41Pcr/s400/IMG_0871.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-50084590928677602042011-09-06T13:33:00.000-07:002011-09-20T22:34:34.707-07:00Granite Peak Montana<b>What: </b>Granite Peak Montana (State High Point)<br />
<b>Where: </b>Beartooth Absaroka Mountains Montana<br />
<b>When: </b>Aug 25-27, 2011<br />
<b>Who: </b>John and Leonard Zito (Brothers)<br />
<b>Why: </b>John and I backpacked to Avalanche lake and the climbers high camp 5+ years ago...always talked about coming back to climb Granite Peak...so we did.<br />
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<b>Granite Peak</b> is the state High Point for Montana...12,899 Feet, successfully summited by approximately 10-20% of climbers annually (reported by Forest Service.) There are several factors that contribute to the low success rate of this adventure...we experienced all of them: 24 miles round trip with 7-8000 feet elevation gain, misquitos/bugs, crazy weather (rain/hail,) and <b><u>significant</u></b> exposure while climbing. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE this mountain! Reports of "Granite Peak in a Day" can be mis-leading...people doing this are hard-core and are not typically brining safety gear...and know the route very well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrkl86Sg3cJAA0W5XWvpNWD17JZ0SISgnKJGBmfmxLDDBsIzui8HzX_kf61Mb8qonO4KC_IPINu-p1XG2LI3Y3Cu6P8hJxGUk0m-gQAFOY9GFFP4RnDYMZZ4QuO54KF8axLqasdZC48W8/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrkl86Sg3cJAA0W5XWvpNWD17JZ0SISgnKJGBmfmxLDDBsIzui8HzX_kf61Mb8qonO4KC_IPINu-p1XG2LI3Y3Cu6P8hJxGUk0m-gQAFOY9GFFP4RnDYMZZ4QuO54KF8axLqasdZC48W8/s640/IMG_2541.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Granite Peak early morning Summit Day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xDy3hN1TDakmH22R6gzDmJWcEdpSWdrUE9AMUTVD3jeKQVCCg-0b7UqjKW6DDH909GkRg8RH6c8nhPt9qTyR3s97fdBM5euwxRDzPrikmoHEXG5dLsOpBFBxY4p7myhfhfS1xO1Ok5dv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-09-06+at+11.54.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xDy3hN1TDakmH22R6gzDmJWcEdpSWdrUE9AMUTVD3jeKQVCCg-0b7UqjKW6DDH909GkRg8RH6c8nhPt9qTyR3s97fdBM5euwxRDzPrikmoHEXG5dLsOpBFBxY4p7myhfhfS1xO1Ok5dv/s640/Screen+Shot+2011-09-06+at+11.54.13+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Elevation Profile from West Rosebud Trailhead to Tempest Mountain upper climbers camp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMHlcbR0GnsNWxNQDMIJ7RqQ7TNZSLnbVVrQMw848t8Vqjrt5lYnlaRRfqWU1spBT-AURfe2_XcimoWKcupMTuiFvnnZ7PBcGRYtYq65dVcv_r8ujXzC70MsSoyD-oEiq8US28mrgp2lP/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-09-06+at+11.55.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMHlcbR0GnsNWxNQDMIJ7RqQ7TNZSLnbVVrQMw848t8Vqjrt5lYnlaRRfqWU1spBT-AURfe2_XcimoWKcupMTuiFvnnZ7PBcGRYtYq65dVcv_r8ujXzC70MsSoyD-oEiq8US28mrgp2lP/s640/Screen+Shot+2011-09-06+at+11.55.17+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Getting There...with Google Earth</b><br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7JxnxJ9VAafbURPrJMkEZM2ua8Ve_qcd-pP-OdOOXtn1yBOOnPJypb_Q3K2-bQLfNBMoM4eNJDngS7m0et-o5Q1qBmN0Ljvn5C7mczjc0sPc31aNlij24PoIIMXiffeiIKxc8OUO23L9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2011-09-06+at+10.28.40+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7JxnxJ9VAafbURPrJMkEZM2ua8Ve_qcd-pP-OdOOXtn1yBOOnPJypb_Q3K2-bQLfNBMoM4eNJDngS7m0et-o5Q1qBmN0Ljvn5C7mczjc0sPc31aNlij24PoIIMXiffeiIKxc8OUO23L9/s640/Screen+Shot+2011-09-06+at+10.28.40+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></u><br />
Did my best with Google Earth to show the route. Gives a good approximation of the hike if you follow the red/grey route from West Rosebud trailhead to the upper climbers camp.<br />
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<u>West Rosebud Trail head (6,400") to Mystic Lake (7,637"):</u> 3 miles & 1,200" elevation gain.<br />
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<u>Mystic Lake (7,637") to Froze to Death Plateau (10,000"):</u> 2.5 miles & 2,500" elevation gain. Known as the "switchbacks from hell"... you definitely earn that elevation gain but trail is in great shape and much better than Mystic Lake to Avalanche!<br />
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<u>Froze to Death Plateau (10,000") to Upper Climbers Camp (12,000")</u> 5 miles & 2,000" elevation gain. Lots of bolder fields, swampy/grassy areas with some snow fields.<br />
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<u>Upper Climbers Camp (12,000") to Granite Peak Summit (12,899")</u> ... approximately 1000" descent down Tempest before starting up Granite. About 1.5 miles from upper camp to summit.<br />
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<b>Day 1:</b> Was able to catch an Allegiant Air flight from Mesa AZ to Billings. John picked me up at the airport 7:30pm and after a short gas station stop we were gearing up at West Rosebud by 9:30pm. We planned to hike into Mystic Lake in the dark...can't get enough of the Beartooths and would be nice to take a little off the top of a difficult Hike for Day 2.<br />
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<b>Gear List </b>- Approximately 35lbs per person...including 100oz of H2O per person.<br />
- 2 person tent, MSR water filter, 1lb of Teriyaki Meat Balls (and misc other food.)<br />
- 60m climbing rope (necessary for double rappels...would not go shorter), 4 Omega Pacific Link Cams, 6-8 pieces of webbing, Harnesses etc..<br />
- Rain coats, few extra socks, and misc gear<br />
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John gearing up.<br />
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Headlamp's ready, 3 miles and 1500" hike to Mystic. Trail was great and easy to follow in the dark. Water sounded nice and temps were in the high 60's...perfect.<br />
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Video of hike to Mystic Lake...from truck to campsite in about an hour and a half.<br />
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<b>Day 2.</b> Mystic to Tempest Upper Climbing camp<br />
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Mystic Lake Morning...Breakfast burrito's, filter water for the camel backs and off to the switchbacks.<br />
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Heading up the switch backs to Froze to Death Plateau.<br />
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26+ switch backs...2,500" ... good times and great views.<br />
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Reaching the tree line above Mystic Lake.<br />
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John crossing one of the rockslide areas. Great trail!<br />
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Topped out after the switch backs...approximately 10,000. Air is getting thinner...cool rock cairn with Horse Skull to begin the path across Froze to Death to Tempest Climbers camp.</div>
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Didn't quite sweat it all out during the switch backs...back country bathroom with a great view.<br />
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Definitely should have waited for better water...but we were thirsty. MSR filter worked great.<br />
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Lots of rock crossings on the plateau. No real trail here...we added at least an hour onto our hike in by staying to low.<br />
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Crossing some snow. Wishing these trail runners were gortex!<br />
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Froze to Death local residents. We sat down watching them while having lunch. They came right over to us...made for some great pics and videos.</div>
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Great shot of the goats...you would have to have been on a few other adventures with the Zito brothers...but John has a strange uncontrollable urge to chase wild life...including moose, geese, deer, and now mountain goats.</div>
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Still to low on the Froze to Death Plateau. If you have good views of Avalanche and Mystic lakes, you are too low...but the views are great. Hiking is much harder!<br />
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<b>Hail storm</b> on Froze to Death...from Dark clouds to full on storm in about 30 seconds! No cover...just had to put our packs over our head and tough it out. Glad it didn't last more than 10 minutes...some were the size of quarters. Bruises are mostly gone now...a week later.<br />
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Made it to the upper climbers camp on Tempest. John and I built this rock cairn 5 years ago...well, we made it about 10 times bigger and added the quartz to the top.</div>
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Granite Peak in the back ground...after a long day of hiking and crazy weather...the mountain looked pretty formidable.<br />
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John got the tent setup up and dinner started while I filled our camel backs and prepped for tomorrow.<br />
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Yes...Costco Teriyaki meatballs and flavored rice. I bet not to many climbers eat this good up here...Thanks again Hoj!<br />
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hmmmm...sharing a tent when we both ate 1/2 a pound of meatballs...good thing we were tired!<br />
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<b>Day 3.</b> Climbers camp + Granite Peak Summit + back to West Rosebud Trail head + drive back to Billings = very long day! Began at 6:30am...back to Billings at 2:30am.<br />
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Climbers trail well marked down to saddle/bivy joining Mt Tempest and Granite Peak.<br />
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Definitely a scramble...we glad to start later in the morning when we could see the route well...made it easy to follow.<br />
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Heading up the rock slides of Granite...working towards the snow bridge.<br />
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More scrambling towards the snow bridge.<br />
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Actually taken on the way down...gives a good picture of the ridgeline heading up to the snow bridge. Route/cairns follow closer to the right edge.<br />
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Google Earth view of Granite...<br />
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Turning the corner and seeing the snow bridge. Took me about 15 minutes of break and Dill Pickle Spitz to gather the nerve to cross this. It is very exposed on both sides...snow was in good condition and is only about 30-50 feet long...pucker factor 9+.<br />
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One of many Class 4 scrambles. Roping up on these pitches would take too much time...be prepared to take 10+ hours for summit day. (yes...we were slow and cautious.)<br />
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John coming up one of the several "easy" pitches. The exposure could mess with your head...but focus on what you were doing and not looking down alot :) made it much easier.<br />
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Once past the snow bridge, there are class 4 scrambles before you see the "key hole" at the summit. The route here becomes pretty obscure. We could not locate the "clase 4"scramble to the summit...ended up going up right under the Key Hole.<br />
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Our friends coming down from the Key-Hole. They saw us and to save time, top roped us on this pitch. Saved me an "interesting" lead and we were on the summit before we knew it. Thanks guys!<br />
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Geological Survey at the summit.<br />
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Definitely worth the trip. Amazing day, incredible views, and great times with my Brother!<br />
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Summit pic's.<br />
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John on the table rock at the top.<br />
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Snow Bridge and Summit Video<br />
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Blurry summit pic...but gives you an idea of the exposure you experience on this climb.<br />
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Heading back down.</div>
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We should have brought helmets. If there are parties ahead/behind you, expect to be dodging some rock fall. Many of the rappel stations have a lot of loose rock near the edges.<br />
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We rapp'd 6-7 times on the way back down...to speed things up and "down climb" as little as possible.</div>
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Our planned 7 hour summit trip is going on 10 hours now...getting low on water, tired, and the sky is now getting dark. We did get rained on for 10-15 minutes on the way back to camp but actually was nice to cool down.<br />
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10 hour summit "morning." Now 11 miles back to the truck... hustling to make the switchbacks by dark...which we did...with about 5 minutes to spare.<br />
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We were limping back into the truck by midnight...and back to Billings by 2:30am. Up at 8am and at church by 9am :)<br />
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<b>Summary: </b>We had a great time...both pushing out endurance and nerve...if you don't do this type of thing frequently I think it can be a serious challenge. The climb was more exposed and route finding more difficult than I had anticipated. If you have not done this route before, I would highly recommend finding a partner who has. Plan for bad weather, know basic trad climbing/mountaineering, anticipate things to taking longer than you think!<br />
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Had a great time Brother! What's next?</div>
Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-36049868305517288572011-04-10T15:37:00.000-07:002011-04-10T15:38:37.939-07:00375 Miles - 600km Tombstone Brevet<b>What</b>: 600km Tombstone Brevet<br />
<b>Where</b>: Casa Grande to Tombstone & Back<br />
<b>When</b>: March 19 & 20<br />
<b>Who</b>: Mike Enfield and I<br />
<b>Description</b>: ...beyond description? But I will try :)<br />
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It has been 3 weeks since I finished the this final Brevet in the series of 4...200km, 300km, 400km, and 600km. It was a great ride and adventure, pushed me way past any limits I believed I had, and probably the toughest thing physically I have ever done. It is a strange feeling to have completed these rides...I have thought about this for several years, had countless hours of workouts, cycling, planning, and thinking of these epic rides...and now I have finished them. It is great to have an adventure/challenge on the horizon...it drives me, keeps life exciting/butterfies, and keeps other things in perspective. This has been a great experience and one that I am not sure I will do again...but the further it gets behind me, the more I think I may?<br />
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** I must give serious Credit to my "blood brother" Mike Enfield. We have now been on some serious adventures together, shed some blood/pain, and had some great times! Without him leading me through these, navigating, and sharing with me all the details of what it takes to make it though...I seriously doubt I could have done it. Thanks Mike!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CN_yRoQcCbRtfgKnTdn1s3TwdyHMycw62-iL8k5sdKZqyjOvoLk9Q2BwPTnA4y6nagncTJ_1Zhf3VUelnSw1htQvdRSbKcReqELr2DtdixauTChAKjNuVmmufnjZ8NbAU76RueI-RVcS/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+10.25.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CN_yRoQcCbRtfgKnTdn1s3TwdyHMycw62-iL8k5sdKZqyjOvoLk9Q2BwPTnA4y6nagncTJ_1Zhf3VUelnSw1htQvdRSbKcReqELr2DtdixauTChAKjNuVmmufnjZ8NbAU76RueI-RVcS/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+10.25.43+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngVAtwqCqxhJXHFlUcCSyn7jx1aOIqpdT4s6NhZ9bLVKZ-GuuDUmMEL50YPJY6mSj5eDs7jvtFEHKeaQzsdyxbFL6KixZrJ-jXixid3s9U9docVB8ZWtGr3wl1HptoHfV_j4HNHXRJfBY/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+10.42.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngVAtwqCqxhJXHFlUcCSyn7jx1aOIqpdT4s6NhZ9bLVKZ-GuuDUmMEL50YPJY6mSj5eDs7jvtFEHKeaQzsdyxbFL6KixZrJ-jXixid3s9U9docVB8ZWtGr3wl1HptoHfV_j4HNHXRJfBY/s400/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+10.42.37+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Yes, a total of 932 miles worth of self supported riding around Southern Arizona and I can now purchase the 4 medals and a schweet jersey! I have officially qualified now to ride the "oldest cycling event in history"...the Paris Brest Paris 1200km in August. I didn't start this series with that as a goal in mind and dont think I will be doing it. It is only held every 4 years though...and you must qualify the year of the event...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4FiiPJTToxyC_vPC8aQOlBGpXVsyuvoRpgwG7wPvJY_hZfgOvTlZ_FqPkAZU3IwzI3qdEByZVy3B51Fhb3VsNme3kc1dEMj8lqh_JYVJ4fvMlKlmmdtQ8isqZ1bhTdySU3tALg8DR12r/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+9.40.29+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4FiiPJTToxyC_vPC8aQOlBGpXVsyuvoRpgwG7wPvJY_hZfgOvTlZ_FqPkAZU3IwzI3qdEByZVy3B51Fhb3VsNme3kc1dEMj8lqh_JYVJ4fvMlKlmmdtQ8isqZ1bhTdySU3tALg8DR12r/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+9.40.29+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Casa Grande Arizona to Tombstone and back...on a bike...lol.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRG29SZO1mzYEnCKPaGgoar5aCM9loggVI4YkIQebM3MsHil0DFHte3QijUWEEP0ZjpnYTf1-niIGL8eRCd6wbAXM4929JPrPi5u8zagPCyPDmvKq40DyFDwQY_rVKTYxJFGJ_ZaFQudk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+11.21.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRG29SZO1mzYEnCKPaGgoar5aCM9loggVI4YkIQebM3MsHil0DFHte3QijUWEEP0ZjpnYTf1-niIGL8eRCd6wbAXM4929JPrPi5u8zagPCyPDmvKq40DyFDwQY_rVKTYxJFGJ_ZaFQudk/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+11.21.17+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div> Elevation Profile for the ride...was approximately 12+ feet of gain over the ride. Not bad at all for a ride this long...but some of those climbs were tougher than any I have ever done.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eTOD9zjXxGxHYwt0eGC3m9VXuCw3UjL_smViOIVMu3BOx4K4fyKDgoKfaK7x1BDk0XQwhe8DSPeqq_n4WjANR2256I4t1XSg2ygsFvFfoa3-YvJEVhu454ScmpKv4TDCMXRBKdORhyphenhyphenHR/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+11.21.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eTOD9zjXxGxHYwt0eGC3m9VXuCw3UjL_smViOIVMu3BOx4K4fyKDgoKfaK7x1BDk0XQwhe8DSPeqq_n4WjANR2256I4t1XSg2ygsFvFfoa3-YvJEVhu454ScmpKv4TDCMXRBKdORhyphenhyphenHR/s320/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+11.21.00+PM.png" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ride Statistics....it wasn't pretty, but we got it done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSKG0vM46cYdY5r-lS8jz7hR1YDNKpvjmB5GHkKPT8L6EcgOnnmGV12e4mSq3wwxrN0-A6Ixzt-VXs9lGBHN_woIqn2c5rgaycOIyOvz2XpawuqRE1I-S8J0qg_dfRhItZDqTUClxXVMv/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+9.48.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSKG0vM46cYdY5r-lS8jz7hR1YDNKpvjmB5GHkKPT8L6EcgOnnmGV12e4mSq3wwxrN0-A6Ixzt-VXs9lGBHN_woIqn2c5rgaycOIyOvz2XpawuqRE1I-S8J0qg_dfRhItZDqTUClxXVMv/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+9.48.10+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>Last minute instructions from Susan Plonsky regarding the ride...then it is off into the morning darkness.<br />
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We got slightly off track for the 600km Tombstone Brevet, leaving our hotel in Eloy a bit late. We got to bed close to midnight and it really felt like I had just closed my eyes before the alarm was waking me up at 4am. We did make it to the start with about 5-10 minutes to spare...got checked in, got our Brevet cards and were ready to roll. The Temperature was about 53 degrees at 5am in Casa Grande so I decided to skip the arm and leg warmers. Once again, I underestimate how much the temperature can change in the desert...about 10-15 miles into the ride it was in the low 40's and once again I am freezing :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Yes...from 30 degrees at night to nearly 100 on Sunday afternoon.<br />
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About 10 minutes into the ride just outside of the city, I finish a little prayer on my bike asking God to watch over us for the next 2 days on the road. I look down and I have no water bottles! I think what in the world? Why would someone steal my bottles? What is going on? ...turns out in the rush out of the hotel, I forgot to grab them from the fridge in the hotel...in Eloy! Luckily it was only about 1 mile out of the way on the route. We were able to swing by, pick them up and get back on the road. It did suck to loose the main group and I am sure we probably lost 30 minutes because of it...but, this ended up being a 38 hour ride...not to terrible I guess. Another Brevet lesson learned.<br />
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Organized the food and supplies for the ride...I try to stay so organized for these events...still can't believe I left my water bottles!<br />
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We made it to Marana in great time despite a bit of a head wind and phreaking cold temps...we caught up with quite a few riders there. Pounded down an Egg Salad sandwich, Coconut Milk, and Carrot cake...back on the road.<br />
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One of the climbs near Saguaro Park.<br />
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Saguaro Park was beautiful as usual and I was feeling really strong. We made it through the hills and rollers there in good time and were turning on Mission road before I knew it. This road about killed me last time...gave me serious doubts with the 2-3% grade for miles and a 20-30 mph head wind...this time, there was very little wind and we pushed right through it. We were in Green Valley (100+ miles) about 7 hours from the start. We stopped at "Tirvetti's" italian restaurant for lunch. They were really friendly and even let us bring out bikes in to keep them safe. Cleaned up a bit and had a great sit down lunch of lasagna, soup, and cake. Then...it took about 45 minutes to get our check completed and back out the door :( We burned probably an hour and 1/2 there...not good for a lunch stop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZZczc83wV7TsnarYx93nQTANLxk0vtOUP1zqZFrjCnSDX142Vd5eoit4vS3tO8AQxJ0kf5gMeRrx5mMejRuU8ZIc6g8aA9sFFuKsJw_1ud86N7Er0m_3rFOrBjHfh39Hjny-S4verr0M/s1600/green+valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZZczc83wV7TsnarYx93nQTANLxk0vtOUP1zqZFrjCnSDX142Vd5eoit4vS3tO8AQxJ0kf5gMeRrx5mMejRuU8ZIc6g8aA9sFFuKsJw_1ud86N7Er0m_3rFOrBjHfh39Hjny-S4verr0M/s640/green+valley.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Green Valley not looking so green...but still a beautiful little town.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKK7g1T2lLN4v8TMWlBh-7tVethSH5vXHViOx78E1bVYsJC6qKM1vc1K-o_uuwaQJ5fV8fP2ijmRPCmFvgrrij3eJJZo9tDq9aKcoh6RMjsTsWIpWC6I5f89QSz_56rmBgntdDJk-sG-a/s1600/hwy+83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKK7g1T2lLN4v8TMWlBh-7tVethSH5vXHViOx78E1bVYsJC6qKM1vc1K-o_uuwaQJ5fV8fP2ijmRPCmFvgrrij3eJJZo9tDq9aKcoh6RMjsTsWIpWC6I5f89QSz_56rmBgntdDJk-sG-a/s640/hwy+83.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Road to Sonoita<br />
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Following the lunch stop, we headed out of Green Valley and on to Sonoita. About 15-20 miles out of town on a long slight climb with rollers, Mike says to take a look behind me. There is Helmet peak off in the distance...shimmering in the heat...looking really long. He said that it is a bit intimidating to see it coming for nearly 20-25 miles after you have practically 280 miles in your legs...foreshadowing...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/e4s69mygnPI?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
Yes, this climbed kicked by butt in the extreme...was about 15 miles of climbing with a Grade randomly moving between 3% and 10% at times....definitely harder than any trianing rides I have done. Especially after having put so many miles in prior to it :) I was definitely hurting a bit here! "IT NEVER ALWAYS GETS HARDER! I find that it really is true...and probably convinced myself of it after repeating it 300 times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIzvYfMfZJCQm3cIEyZ2Ht9MaFa1T_KQ1QL_eRrGht49OUCNS6y-YdvdEtohHuElH2KYIooMSIWJ45kDNnoHpRKe3O_mX-UJMdgEzKpYb_e9D9hY1FoJ7UprnTfvCFa-fMErDfyA6XPtE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+9.27.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIzvYfMfZJCQm3cIEyZ2Ht9MaFa1T_KQ1QL_eRrGht49OUCNS6y-YdvdEtohHuElH2KYIooMSIWJ45kDNnoHpRKe3O_mX-UJMdgEzKpYb_e9D9hY1FoJ7UprnTfvCFa-fMErDfyA6XPtE/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+9.27.54+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
A look at part of the climb leading up through the hills to Sonoita.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiLXzgIU8bf8eq31XWNZa9Ct5CgOv8mh9QIAn2LzKa2nDtBa9TTEaVSq8F2VN1HGIlQAcIxRR3ZwXlN2McT1Y-tYwz3eWsz2rUuIKSZ18GgudlCY_R_yh-02LTER5yRGT7_BdvrbjLqN8/s1600/Sonoita+Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiLXzgIU8bf8eq31XWNZa9Ct5CgOv8mh9QIAn2LzKa2nDtBa9TTEaVSq8F2VN1HGIlQAcIxRR3ZwXlN2McT1Y-tYwz3eWsz2rUuIKSZ18GgudlCY_R_yh-02LTER5yRGT7_BdvrbjLqN8/s640/Sonoita+Hill.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
Grasslands...crested the climb to Sonoita and now heading down into town.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O9K3jd8cxJYm9STqf54kYmxJy3KYfxpQ95VG1GVlIKJO9Jr8dlikXiUnwi6mmWS3Yb5sfq3S3RP8ByIobpn9NP5-ERJi0jh2QNM0SSDbKiNk8n7m3JNwZnqi0hY1zYxOnLJ08suVURzn/s1600/Soniota+hill+crest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5O9K3jd8cxJYm9STqf54kYmxJy3KYfxpQ95VG1GVlIKJO9Jr8dlikXiUnwi6mmWS3Yb5sfq3S3RP8ByIobpn9NP5-ERJi0jh2QNM0SSDbKiNk8n7m3JNwZnqi0hY1zYxOnLJ08suVURzn/s640/Soniota+hill+crest.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>One more climb prior to making it into town...not too bad.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5AiFsWQKH51cai4DHk5D4Y4XQrjcawXjWgnB2P8hbaKEGjbyctlZnwXQxKJW0AhZmC0g0j6EYEwqbe_KXwFTLBTTHvqZNrsTMzNwn7MDqAT7KfZ-q5zTjk0aM0GBLMCgRjR6XvCaNKn4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+11.50.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5AiFsWQKH51cai4DHk5D4Y4XQrjcawXjWgnB2P8hbaKEGjbyctlZnwXQxKJW0AhZmC0g0j6EYEwqbe_KXwFTLBTTHvqZNrsTMzNwn7MDqAT7KfZ-q5zTjk0aM0GBLMCgRjR6XvCaNKn4/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-08+at+11.50.07+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div> The Sonoita Inn...we have a room reserved here for a shower and a quick nap on the way back. Would be so great just to check in right now...but we push on to Elign, then the turn around in Tucson...about a 80+ mile round trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDQTJmaFHX7xl1crauAwSPUXXiioC8VKK2aM3vsxhHS9fswnyFzx9FRMBIyLaofVu350j6FVmhO09wlc058jngF7VJvDg1sEhePjcCX_okW09SDQxwfpVRVyDlvwNYuPiDTw9w55aUYgv/s1600/elign+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDQTJmaFHX7xl1crauAwSPUXXiioC8VKK2aM3vsxhHS9fswnyFzx9FRMBIyLaofVu350j6FVmhO09wlc058jngF7VJvDg1sEhePjcCX_okW09SDQxwfpVRVyDlvwNYuPiDTw9w55aUYgv/s640/elign+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elign Arizona...population 10? Susan had a great stop set up here. Cheese sandwiches, soup, cookies and other good stuff. Once again, a Diet Coke with Lime? Man those are good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We left Elign pretty quickly and were ready to get the 70 mile roundtrip to Tombstone done. It was now getting dark but we had a slight tailwind and before we knew it we made the right hand turn onto AZ83. It was a pretty fast descent with a few rollers on our way into Tombstone. At this point we did see the lead group heading back to Elign finally...they were probably 3-4 hours ahead of us. It was a little hard to think that they would be done that much sooner than us...but we weren't trying to set any records...just out there to finish all 375 miles and beat the cutoff time of 40 hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyJA6tMOSqVJCRgZwbZvBVipKXKwWSD6I8lMKBNHCgu3KlL1NE2ALi11xw8RRI5LREG-B3hzIkNbQUAIx3sQ2PYul4lxmQS7M2No4Fsgqmwg4rdZMVSquGVrSrXD6rpPwiPT7AYL1CK2P/s1600/tombstone-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyJA6tMOSqVJCRgZwbZvBVipKXKwWSD6I8lMKBNHCgu3KlL1NE2ALi11xw8RRI5LREG-B3hzIkNbQUAIx3sQ2PYul4lxmQS7M2No4Fsgqmwg4rdZMVSquGVrSrXD6rpPwiPT7AYL1CK2P/s640/tombstone-night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sunset heading into Tombstone...was a gorgeous night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqDZU1pWy-xdKFO2b5BSTRx-g8_mP6-i3zir_Xy5JMuMNyOzpY4FHKRIQCBScfGQJYuz5TwBRpwe6NT3FGgy9yRezGkpD-LFxDXYLb3-UTdlXdZX7tVxGUGfIPXqSy8g8rlKJgt4LjQbz/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-04-05+at+3.44.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqDZU1pWy-xdKFO2b5BSTRx-g8_mP6-i3zir_Xy5JMuMNyOzpY4FHKRIQCBScfGQJYuz5TwBRpwe6NT3FGgy9yRezGkpD-LFxDXYLb3-UTdlXdZX7tVxGUGfIPXqSy8g8rlKJgt4LjQbz/s640/Screen+shot+2011-04-05+at+3.44.58+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ahh...scenic Circle K in Tombstone...this was the extent of my first visit to the famous town. Of course, it was dark and getting late...I stole this picture from google maps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point, the temperature had dropped significantly. After riding since 5am, my brain stops firing on all 3 cylinders I think. After eating some warm soup, strawberry milk, snickers bar etc etc...we headed back out into the cold and dark for our return to Elign. About 10 miles out of Tombstone I realize I had forgotten my riding glasses at the gas station! I immediately thought I am not riding back there...a decent little climb back into town and 20 extra miles...forget the glasses! A few minutes after that I stopped some on-coming riders and asked them to look for them...and pick them up if they could. Lucky for me, they were able to find them and get them turned in!!! I didn't get their names but I sure appreciate that!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kZC-OlEpCFEcO35dvMFBoeeqrGui_yY3H8T9AkSF5pzCfhykpAsNhElVgCmoFgfDyhtErsoVyh2wt6RCLVJpWArnkmxzB6_5rkUGa_-k0kK1EeYhTT6-Eo468tvfY7XDOI6pmaRz2Qi2/s1600/Supermoon_compare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kZC-OlEpCFEcO35dvMFBoeeqrGui_yY3H8T9AkSF5pzCfhykpAsNhElVgCmoFgfDyhtErsoVyh2wt6RCLVJpWArnkmxzB6_5rkUGa_-k0kK1EeYhTT6-Eo468tvfY7XDOI6pmaRz2Qi2/s400/Supermoon_compare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Super Moon!!! It was incredible! I heard reports that it was more visible than it has been for 18 years! We hardly needed lighting the moon was so bright and clear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ43t4QYgYvBu-sTYxY1P5x08_R7IP5AhcPK3_0RYRkq92GVjvLGo5JAwesrCZ3hgA5HivJhNYUJKe5OvlO7HHuoDs689ddxbS01HKlVfSTFp1WJan3pwcRSTpS3wI0lLGv8QvfTvqqvd/s1600/supermoon-az.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJ43t4QYgYvBu-sTYxY1P5x08_R7IP5AhcPK3_0RYRkq92GVjvLGo5JAwesrCZ3hgA5HivJhNYUJKe5OvlO7HHuoDs689ddxbS01HKlVfSTFp1WJan3pwcRSTpS3wI0lLGv8QvfTvqqvd/s400/supermoon-az.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Another picture of it from somewhere on the web.<br />
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The temperature at this time continued to go down...by the time we descended back into Elign it was in the high 20's...man that got cold. Once in the stop at Elign we really didn't eat anything...just got our cards signed and headed out for the last 10 miles to the Sonoita Inn...probably some of the longest/coldes miles I have ridden!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQtjaFxVTyOsKfchPeKgCm3Lm9l4jNQA4xRyOHssph34cZcEbvNbVZjTXYK2dK4sFR-pm7lDlfVM0PvgoU09l-q-O3qAIs1Opox9pIboqKImOlRmmRdRxgvkilLwpKjI6e5X9lnToI_Gm/s1600/Sonoita+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQtjaFxVTyOsKfchPeKgCm3Lm9l4jNQA4xRyOHssph34cZcEbvNbVZjTXYK2dK4sFR-pm7lDlfVM0PvgoU09l-q-O3qAIs1Opox9pIboqKImOlRmmRdRxgvkilLwpKjI6e5X9lnToI_Gm/s640/Sonoita+Inn.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
We checked into the hotel around 2:00am...they had food out on the table for us along with a little cupbard and refrigerator!!! Ahhh it was great...muffins, crackers, cheese, boiled eggs, juice!!!<br />
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Susan had dropped our overnight bags off at the hotel earlier in the day...was great to take a shower, put on clean clothes and get a few hours nap. Not sure when we actually got to bed but the alarm was set for 5:30am...ugghhh....The alarm did go off...but we stayed in bed another 30-40 minutes. Then put on new bike clothes and headed out.<br />
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I must say, I was feeling pretty sore and "not-mobile" ... butt was not enjoying getting back on the seat! But after a few miles things started feeling better. Because my sunglasses had not been returned yet, I figured I would take it easy on the huge descent out of Sonoita. After the first hundred yards I couldn't contain myself. I let it go and had a really fun time...despite 40+ mph and lots of tears streaming out of my eyes, Mike and I were making the turn to Green Valley at about the same time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvCWi_Xconal5z0m-B-8vvtY5E0cs4H8Ek6qm8bkEUzSjYD0zKkcYJycrNnu_dHO0-H5KjpwI3v0YrqUi9rNNwBeC7-sY7bhlwvuxJVOQrzJ0QC4JAXJk7Un1gUescN7cmUZXS9NpRg0o/s1600/Sonoita+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvCWi_Xconal5z0m-B-8vvtY5E0cs4H8Ek6qm8bkEUzSjYD0zKkcYJycrNnu_dHO0-H5KjpwI3v0YrqUi9rNNwBeC7-sY7bhlwvuxJVOQrzJ0QC4JAXJk7Un1gUescN7cmUZXS9NpRg0o/s640/Sonoita+2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a>Heading back to Green Valley....Helmet Peak in the distance? Not sure on this picture.<br />
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We stopped at the RoadRunner gas station near Green Valley and had a really good breakfast burrito...eggs, bacon, onions, cheese, potatoes!!! As we approached Helmet peak a pretty good sidewind kicked up. Helmet peak is 2-3% grade for several miles and I was feeling drained but in pretty good shape. I stopped about 1/2 way up for a bio-break...when I got back on my bike and stood up to pedal I had a sharp pain under my left knee cap. It hurt bad enough that I could no longer stand and pedal at all.<br />
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Just after this Susan pulled along side us and delivered my sunglasses and refilled out water bottles. Perfect timing!<br />
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Alright...80 miles to go and I can't stand up to pedal. This makes it really difficult because I had to stay seated much more than I wanted to. It did get so bad for a while that I thought I may have to quit...but then, as soon as that thought started creeping in...many other thought's pushed it out :) I believed I wasn't doing any permanent damage to my knee so I figured even at my much slower pace I could still finish before the 40 hour cutoff. I gutted it out back to Marana and with 40 miles left my knee did recover quite a bit. We, once again, rode down the never ending, brain numbing, I-10 frontage road to Eloy...made one final stop for drinks and pushed hard into Casa Grande...We finished at 7:02pm, 38 hours after starting the previous day at 5am. Definitely the biggest physical challenge I have ever had and was a great adventure. I loved seeing all that country from my bike and accomplishing something that I have thought about for years. Good times with a good friend!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY02ItaFDE-Peauq_lQ0dtjWGROPRedmqJllgJilAoWz9YEEG1OrwbvzW24hUcrO77GkidoAjhsH81Qv-06a9tOVi1agzpkTft9tw3XnqaBaEleTXze3qM92ZCPpo4hefKdNr4hYU2zpua/s1600/me-z-200k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY02ItaFDE-Peauq_lQ0dtjWGROPRedmqJllgJilAoWz9YEEG1OrwbvzW24hUcrO77GkidoAjhsH81Qv-06a9tOVi1agzpkTft9tw3XnqaBaEleTXze3qM92ZCPpo4hefKdNr4hYU2zpua/s640/me-z-200k.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
A picture from our 200km finish...for some reason we didn't really take any at this finish...just got our stuff, turned in our cards and headed to the Cracker Barrel for another Big Boy Country Breakfast!!!<br />
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<b>Brevet Lesson's Learned?</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>- Coconut milk has lots of potassium and electrolytes...but is also a natural laxative :) Mike had to use his "emergency toilet paper" that he had been carrying for 6+ years of long distance riding...and there are not a lot of convenient places to have a "natural" break in Saguaro Park ... LOL.<br />
- Water bottles are important to have when beginning a 380 mile ride! Double/Triple check you have everything before you start.<br />
- Even though it is dark and you have clear lenses in your sunglasses...don't ever set them down...I didn't realize I had forgotten them for at least 10 miles... :(<br />
- There is a battery in my heart rate monitor and cadence sensor :) They don't last forever :) Both died on my during this ride...should have replaced them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-7579769591194008552011-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:002011-03-15T20:46:45.616-07:00Salt River Century - Brevet Training<b>What</b>: 101 miles...favorite local ride<br />
<b>Where</b>: Salt River Area near Saguaro Lake<br />
<b>When</b>: March 12, 2011<br />
<b>Who</b>: Solo<br />
<b>Description</b>: Needed to get in a long training ride for the upcoming 600km Tombstone Brevet March 19...decided to get up real early, gear up, and get a good long ride in.<br />
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Following the 400km Arivaca Brevet, I felt the need to ensure I kept training...and got in a hard ride or 2 prior to the final in the Series...the Tombstone 600km (380 miles.) There are some people that talk negatively about East Mesa...but most of them aren't cyclists :) We have some great rides that are all accessible from my front door. This is another one of my favorites...typically I have 3-4 local rides that I do on a regular basis, this is a combination of all of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Bl53J6qGfoQY1QIjjdIRY6152kmd-dsmw1BN4trQNUieS1OUF5arMBJ-pFWq9T4fmqgPylmNyw51pS8pA6-Jg8m7K5Nlpxk8ygoO9Of80X2KPK5uFyT1IB2AYBG4azh7un2QMSGBrY_r/s1600/101+miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Bl53J6qGfoQY1QIjjdIRY6152kmd-dsmw1BN4trQNUieS1OUF5arMBJ-pFWq9T4fmqgPylmNyw51pS8pA6-Jg8m7K5Nlpxk8ygoO9Of80X2KPK5uFyT1IB2AYBG4azh7un2QMSGBrY_r/s640/101+miles.jpg" width="522" /></a><br />
101 Miles...combining "Usery Loop," Bush Hwy and B-Line Hwy, Ellsworth Road to the Mesa Gateway Airport, and "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tour de Smell</span></b> (Apache Junction loop.) "<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWL7hOVqtq4MR9dhBRPywLF16ORahg02GyUysUnh-9THbUFd_FUZxGniCVAK4TnnAuJ73gAnvsN0WmxkQEzNIzjT42XluBrqvq5BZjXhvoMdbpbpFwFpzcx0RBoF056qWGZz8MF3VaVrK/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.06.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWL7hOVqtq4MR9dhBRPywLF16ORahg02GyUysUnh-9THbUFd_FUZxGniCVAK4TnnAuJ73gAnvsN0WmxkQEzNIzjT42XluBrqvq5BZjXhvoMdbpbpFwFpzcx0RBoF056qWGZz8MF3VaVrK/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.06.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWL7hOVqtq4MR9dhBRPywLF16ORahg02GyUysUnh-9THbUFd_FUZxGniCVAK4TnnAuJ73gAnvsN0WmxkQEzNIzjT42XluBrqvq5BZjXhvoMdbpbpFwFpzcx0RBoF056qWGZz8MF3VaVrK/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.06.16+PM.png" width="296" /></a></div><br />
My fastest century so far...ride time under 6 and 1/2 hours...about 45 minutes of stops...always surprises me when I see how much time I spend on breaks...never seems that long when I am out riding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOqBzdlacOAG0puZu8AYE_1emz5GQUhB126HbQD-aC3LOJBR0qgQH6y82cMusZ4RPYjQw4iyy9W1Mov8YwfcvAupBWejOG2QzkZCl6oNC8hSysOFuiYy_uZ6ZnShcThxwID2RwPnHonNg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.06.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOqBzdlacOAG0puZu8AYE_1emz5GQUhB126HbQD-aC3LOJBR0qgQH6y82cMusZ4RPYjQw4iyy9W1Mov8YwfcvAupBWejOG2QzkZCl6oNC8hSysOFuiYy_uZ6ZnShcThxwID2RwPnHonNg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.06.52+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Definitely some climbing on this ride...out to Bush Hwy and then a few miles on the B-Line...about double Usery and some quite a bit steeper.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetp6kqtGLgmuDJ6krrEPqrFPBfRt8NlZ_BzHa_nQVwRzeLTE871yhO-d6VRpnOmZKFUEK7DOcqLVnxUDvPDIAWfzEKXt_tJv68dwQH1WeeKmt_8KR5YfAszojceHfZcpFtW0zagbpbOXe/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.07.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetp6kqtGLgmuDJ6krrEPqrFPBfRt8NlZ_BzHa_nQVwRzeLTE871yhO-d6VRpnOmZKFUEK7DOcqLVnxUDvPDIAWfzEKXt_tJv68dwQH1WeeKmt_8KR5YfAszojceHfZcpFtW0zagbpbOXe/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-15+at+7.07.15+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once again I underestimated how cold it could get down by the Salt River...I left my house at 4:45am and temp was 58...2 hours later it was 37 degrees...definitely could have dressed warmer :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw64HntHHSLI0ay4NuyH2OfmfNKp7bXWeCZyAMeKxgrItga99hY4LVPLDsp2Sx5YawEnW55y5KqBGAiFYSmpEJdQ1xTmTSCpDPLusFTrrlggImhhrEik2ACOahtSTs2OnH40dakYmF4jRK/s1600/IMG_1167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw64HntHHSLI0ay4NuyH2OfmfNKp7bXWeCZyAMeKxgrItga99hY4LVPLDsp2Sx5YawEnW55y5KqBGAiFYSmpEJdQ1xTmTSCpDPLusFTrrlggImhhrEik2ACOahtSTs2OnH40dakYmF4jRK/s640/IMG_1167.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quiet mornings, lonely roads, AZ sunrise, small breeze...reminds me why I love cycling!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLhDLbVFcPTT6-uiOGHUysAU9nZUQp2PU99VM62Q7bLNe9hDy6C8BJ1bgLjmOKpt8MpDA6p9zn1cSgyyQ0JTuCeVfBcvF9EE3qkB9XnZEBRgvoq9w1Z8j8i96apDgbwuAIRDiI9KNJ4dW/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLhDLbVFcPTT6-uiOGHUysAU9nZUQp2PU99VM62Q7bLNe9hDy6C8BJ1bgLjmOKpt8MpDA6p9zn1cSgyyQ0JTuCeVfBcvF9EE3qkB9XnZEBRgvoq9w1Z8j8i96apDgbwuAIRDiI9KNJ4dW/s640/IMG_1168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cruising along early in the morning...bento box with food, Garmin, aero bars...this setup is superb for my long rides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHklQRD_TkmW8wnIFcdThEIQ3ETVt6r57e2a0HLeUTsgsI-wHdPY75IuzFQq8wmq-XuB5GvO30A85sgs62cTsvWnklqVFC5T6K2GB8k9t4bfPDmBwVn8vqhh9D6q0G945ik2N6Gqiq992Q/s1600/salt+river+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHklQRD_TkmW8wnIFcdThEIQ3ETVt6r57e2a0HLeUTsgsI-wHdPY75IuzFQq8wmq-XuB5GvO30A85sgs62cTsvWnklqVFC5T6K2GB8k9t4bfPDmBwVn8vqhh9D6q0G945ik2N6Gqiq992Q/s640/salt+river+bridge.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crossing the bridge near a popular fishing/tubing area along bush hwy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WgVq-aRGbLqSIS1YpLTwaPYiBpJ3WlJysV9pVOdCTpZuzvh2ZvgCVGrJ1YFVZEXRenUp7Yj6KZEff8u_bOLfGSLCVIKkRn4cLuOJ1ZdNJ4keXEvw7ZGTgU_7tVa1TcEhDgEBh8W3jV9U/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WgVq-aRGbLqSIS1YpLTwaPYiBpJ3WlJysV9pVOdCTpZuzvh2ZvgCVGrJ1YFVZEXRenUp7Yj6KZEff8u_bOLfGSLCVIKkRn4cLuOJ1ZdNJ4keXEvw7ZGTgU_7tVa1TcEhDgEBh8W3jV9U/s640/IMG_1175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bull Dog cliffs along the Salt River...this is the turnaround/parking area used by the Salt River Tubers during the summer. Good little stop with restrooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfdl7FGyBbmUGbBlKSszm-f_MYWS-Ad1MoPRaL5pmhTHRyjW-tfcfXT4DTJ1nOjHTuv-X5H3n_dzN1F4ainVLAiQWlq-rmfK-i0_JvsQK_4TnLBlzqLUwlQMRxhhTi5K8nMOJTMbW14Yv/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-14+at+10.34.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfdl7FGyBbmUGbBlKSszm-f_MYWS-Ad1MoPRaL5pmhTHRyjW-tfcfXT4DTJ1nOjHTuv-X5H3n_dzN1F4ainVLAiQWlq-rmfK-i0_JvsQK_4TnLBlzqLUwlQMRxhhTi5K8nMOJTMbW14Yv/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-14+at+10.34.33+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Google Earth of the Parking Area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GNDcrHrzjuckLKf01LBHSg0O3i8OILc2EzJqlncZfIF_FvYxFxhye-bQJBXcJ3XzxOPjLtUPKDoRWjpBDT2f-KI_1sKwySyQCJAEekfFlWouiS96weZJNM1vQs1csRyLIq6_CKnghQeh/s1600/bulldogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GNDcrHrzjuckLKf01LBHSg0O3i8OILc2EzJqlncZfIF_FvYxFxhye-bQJBXcJ3XzxOPjLtUPKDoRWjpBDT2f-KI_1sKwySyQCJAEekfFlWouiS96weZJNM1vQs1csRyLIq6_CKnghQeh/s640/bulldogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Much better picture of the Bulldog's pulled off the web...I have watched base jumpers launch of these before...very cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AH-Io4vhklxIB9ihJMXYyIxnHPt5MvyZveW3mziXbBpdtFhwqiNIbh15v8FdQng9koB5t1q_cm9fUnoyZzVx7B06hSG23cLWPP-WiwBqaxO2w-CNy7iH24HIe0dIttlFhqbQ9XiDI9AY/s1600/saguaro+lake+cliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AH-Io4vhklxIB9ihJMXYyIxnHPt5MvyZveW3mziXbBpdtFhwqiNIbh15v8FdQng9koB5t1q_cm9fUnoyZzVx7B06hSG23cLWPP-WiwBqaxO2w-CNy7iH24HIe0dIttlFhqbQ9XiDI9AY/s640/saguaro+lake+cliffs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Passing by Saguaro Lake...some really steep but short climbs right here...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcR9pMshjVzrypFJrq0iGgFFtaTuHqA4s33rrNRfUu5NRHlRE6HXt8HAnhqsXjWZ8trGcQsBdhIGPOarB3r2hVWeDpTG7Q_OmJhrHQEyZyUBWxxyBt8z1SMy69nqDgsmrVv2RzppD36O7/s1600/saguaro-lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcR9pMshjVzrypFJrq0iGgFFtaTuHqA4s33rrNRfUu5NRHlRE6HXt8HAnhqsXjWZ8trGcQsBdhIGPOarB3r2hVWeDpTG7Q_OmJhrHQEyZyUBWxxyBt8z1SMy69nqDgsmrVv2RzppD36O7/s640/saguaro-lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More of Saguaro Lake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-98whQp2ry5JqnawoKTiziaB1g-d5zLVygSDT-tWQsZFEu0-ka8hNeq_iGjNgBdyCtuPpvnaKKXHa0dYpcKxXPtvzsP5R9SnDo8h7V_mtVyMh53xT3bKvsRGpsLPUUChM7mgpNQgu4o4J/s1600/bush+highway+looking+east.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-98whQp2ry5JqnawoKTiziaB1g-d5zLVygSDT-tWQsZFEu0-ka8hNeq_iGjNgBdyCtuPpvnaKKXHa0dYpcKxXPtvzsP5R9SnDo8h7V_mtVyMh53xT3bKvsRGpsLPUUChM7mgpNQgu4o4J/s640/bush+highway+looking+east.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking back down Bush Highway from the intersection of B-Line Hwy. I had forgotten how much climbing it took to make it out to this point...definitely worked hard and was feeling it. Took some time to change lenses on my sunglasses, eat some food, and turn on Pandora...some Techno to set the Tempo for the next couple of hours...yes, the iPhone and 3G worked great out here...very surprising.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKSkPStgXKwwkCP7NzpqDowux1jwNIuE8I90WbScm1_3CpkeMVFFjQFpmhYHATlhZ0qiCVOPJiT_LsEHI_iF4UpCQFaz-duWChFn0uz41evCklGtVxWz3Cw3PnilB9_wLjwoml9I-ZL-i/s1600/bline+rocks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKSkPStgXKwwkCP7NzpqDowux1jwNIuE8I90WbScm1_3CpkeMVFFjQFpmhYHATlhZ0qiCVOPJiT_LsEHI_iF4UpCQFaz-duWChFn0uz41evCklGtVxWz3Cw3PnilB9_wLjwoml9I-ZL-i/s640/bline+rocks+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading towards Payson on the Bline Hwy...huge pull off that is nice to ride on. Have to keep a close eye out for glass and areas where cars have "burned"... makes for some weird pot holes and places for debris to collect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFBR3xfZ-2Y1P29sCodZxTZjxcVQQziQK2K7YVcO7kQ86QT9wtj_qv8ixiHYfmxSk4krMk_fWSPJ1m30H2EEBKReWTAwDGF7C1igVIUOZvIZETCYuPX_SIwgpvgJySb_VqCizG-XvY0f3/s1600/sugauros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFBR3xfZ-2Y1P29sCodZxTZjxcVQQziQK2K7YVcO7kQ86QT9wtj_qv8ixiHYfmxSk4krMk_fWSPJ1m30H2EEBKReWTAwDGF7C1igVIUOZvIZETCYuPX_SIwgpvgJySb_VqCizG-XvY0f3/s640/sugauros.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Desert is starting to bloom...lots of grass and some spots with wild flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CkaN6EQaapatq9qlz-c8J7s_R6MK52-CQ8AYc5YexqsTqlsM8Cd6J_zldWbjY6updPCE0R1iU4yanQXfK57hwhAsbavgaDgN4qnTrf902BEOyWseenr7n4C8xIBXhyphenhyphen7o430XOrVXgFUK/s1600/bline-6percent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CkaN6EQaapatq9qlz-c8J7s_R6MK52-CQ8AYc5YexqsTqlsM8Cd6J_zldWbjY6updPCE0R1iU4yanQXfK57hwhAsbavgaDgN4qnTrf902BEOyWseenr7n4C8xIBXhyphenhyphen7o430XOrVXgFUK/s640/bline-6percent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading out further on the Bline...this hill is about 2-3 miles of 5-6% grade...good fun on the way down. Seem to be hitting 40+ mph on just about every ride now :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhQVI15gBW2d80KUkdRmQDg7AU0NOKBpR3gPiXnqfo6nhPTj1dXy-SxwZK_UzthlA8j9Xy36T4xkOnXD3tjlI62QbRKKFv5AdTJNRvXVu4tqZyjUEqr3xSZY4nyrBAWQ-izqjWpU-dBWm/s1600/sycamore+creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhQVI15gBW2d80KUkdRmQDg7AU0NOKBpR3gPiXnqfo6nhPTj1dXy-SxwZK_UzthlA8j9Xy36T4xkOnXD3tjlI62QbRKKFv5AdTJNRvXVu4tqZyjUEqr3xSZY4nyrBAWQ-izqjWpU-dBWm/s640/sycamore+creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Almost to my 50 mile turnaround spot...this is a wash beside the road...I believe it is Sycamore Creek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-YZMgbOlwga795sUYjNX5FkSDGJnW1DgzPDH08A_Tok2Tf930LOt_TihTL3CqQ0OYnG724y9LDrMiNKDycxqMl1m0BXDkN1OpY4z4uSO79iEMfe5RYnwiTjzos6rv1j8rwaoIBQFK4Cu/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-YZMgbOlwga795sUYjNX5FkSDGJnW1DgzPDH08A_Tok2Tf930LOt_TihTL3CqQ0OYnG724y9LDrMiNKDycxqMl1m0BXDkN1OpY4z4uSO79iEMfe5RYnwiTjzos6rv1j8rwaoIBQFK4Cu/s640/IMG_1176.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not a very romantic area to enjoy an apple and some coconut milk...turned around here...mile 50.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuqa-GlPzT8A3WhOhou2u-ntroRai6GRsWvjmVf0JSfpkXvNmLtTO1Q6YQqIFoi9_tVuzEwEYFxGCmTH3UeJUlzMf9AJv57srOv1U2fb5ZBN9ZzIeZ2e64kil8X3OubS55Lfj5NHJHKQk/s1600/4+peaks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuqa-GlPzT8A3WhOhou2u-ntroRai6GRsWvjmVf0JSfpkXvNmLtTO1Q6YQqIFoi9_tVuzEwEYFxGCmTH3UeJUlzMf9AJv57srOv1U2fb5ZBN9ZzIeZ2e64kil8X3OubS55Lfj5NHJHKQk/s640/4+peaks+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Beautiful views of 4 peaks all along Bush and BLine Hwy's...Have <a href="http://zitoman.blogspot.com/2010/01/mazatzal-mountains-browns-peak.html">hiked/climbed it a few times</a> but need to do the "Traverse." All 4 peaks in a day...about 3 miles of Scrambling...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP1ib8SPimKxgrFFPJBRtryV4_NOq70nOPYQ0-beQr6EC-RoXvyIvz6Rmv9dB6760K2Lu-HuJcyZRSeHQcOGOAnfVWGz062hIEXFlN4EsArgENFjSEw_sLEOPRZC6mrCGOGp2ieszsJLD/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP1ib8SPimKxgrFFPJBRtryV4_NOq70nOPYQ0-beQr6EC-RoXvyIvz6Rmv9dB6760K2Lu-HuJcyZRSeHQcOGOAnfVWGz062hIEXFlN4EsArgENFjSEw_sLEOPRZC6mrCGOGp2ieszsJLD/s640/IMG_1173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, everything came out ok :) Bathroom pit stop at Salt river tubing area on the route back home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5P32bBFrcYqzm2ijh3lrSpK0DnjMIinMCDKa-xlOLyINnh-zfYPTbRNmKKWBtKpVkzGJD5H4JX1IxoLdLALlmptiP3f4JW0qGTez0I4ML-FJ8Bl9TDUh-sESPS4iph0YXPkDucnGGTpU/s1600/IMG_1171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5P32bBFrcYqzm2ijh3lrSpK0DnjMIinMCDKa-xlOLyINnh-zfYPTbRNmKKWBtKpVkzGJD5H4JX1IxoLdLALlmptiP3f4JW0qGTez0I4ML-FJ8Bl9TDUh-sESPS4iph0YXPkDucnGGTpU/s640/IMG_1171.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Getting a little sun...added a new light to my helmet...very handy for reading directions at night or clipping into pedals when it is really dark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVaBfyQG_t7IfZZBJ5ijWVQ0aVdnM3F8-2QiWummEIDcIOim96lIOyKczldnn0VUoaR4sUPqlYDVvesmdO4afzF5JaGDFTFqyZdlrJE6Klpy00jYJk1lr08i-w_AHX7_kQEYQtnhlf2hH/s1600/redmountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVaBfyQG_t7IfZZBJ5ijWVQ0aVdnM3F8-2QiWummEIDcIOim96lIOyKczldnn0VUoaR4sUPqlYDVvesmdO4afzF5JaGDFTFqyZdlrJE6Klpy00jYJk1lr08i-w_AHX7_kQEYQtnhlf2hH/s640/redmountain.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Blurry picture of Red Mountain North of the Salt River. Definitely a prominent feature on the ride...gorgeous red rock...best view is at the bottom of Power road as it turns West and becomes Bush Hwy.<br />
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<b>Summary</b>: Great solo ride with good views and some decent climbs. I felt really strong on this one and have really noticed the changes in my legs from the Brevet's. Felt good all day and pretty much fully recovered in 2-3 days. I have hit 1200+ miles of riding since January 1st...a record for me and I can really feel the difference with all that saddle time. Looking forward to completing the AZ Brevet Series and "officially" qualifying for the Paris Breast Paris. Definitely praying for good weather and safety this weekend for the 600km! ...then, Whats Next?Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-23064829002953556052011-03-02T00:25:00.000-08:002011-03-15T19:02:46.283-07:00400km - Arivaca Epic Brevet<b>What:</b> 400km Arivaca Brevet "Titanic"<br />
<b>Where:</b> Casa Grande Arizona - Arivaca Loop<br />
<b>When:</b> Feb 26, 2011<br />
<b>Description:</b> <a href="http://www.azbrevet.com/index.html">257 mile Brevet Arizona</a>...Susan, Brevet administrator Extraordinaire was asked "How do you do it?"meaning, "how do I always manage to schedule the Arivaca brevet during a perfect storm of sand, wind, rain, and snow...I obviously have a talent for it; if only it were useful."<br />
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<b>45</b> Cyclists signed up for this ride, <b>7</b> didn't show, <b>12</b> didn't finish, <b>10</b> pre-rode the course the week before, and <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">16 </span></b>finished this crazy day (could have mis-calculated this.) Everyone suffered on this ride...some of us were able to pull it off for a lonely cold wet celebration at the <a href="http://roundtripbikeshop.com/">Round Trip Bike shop</a>. This ride tested me thoroughly... more than a physical challenge, but mental and spiritually. I think some times when you put yourself out there like this, dreaming big and riding out past the nervousness and fear, you really have some time to see who you really are. I have been really impressed with the quality of human beings out here on these rides...the challenge can be extremely tough...some make it and some don't...but are better for having tried I think.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuM-FHRyu44uygKRogWhGbfFXrRZu7Eba_fWcOrszE-CaIUtDc429lvEJlTKMiPggYoQlsjJYNUhtHB3wii7BHVDzj3oCcNgR61pCD4kB2RGN40jo8DLJwz7hDSCCbCcCkVKR0h_xhSQx/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+9.56.23+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuM-FHRyu44uygKRogWhGbfFXrRZu7Eba_fWcOrszE-CaIUtDc429lvEJlTKMiPggYoQlsjJYNUhtHB3wii7BHVDzj3oCcNgR61pCD4kB2RGN40jo8DLJwz7hDSCCbCcCkVKR0h_xhSQx/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+9.56.23+PM.jpg" width="524" /></a><br />
Man this is a long ride :) Once again, the longest I have gone on a bike ever...257 miles in 21 hours 45 minutes<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wHDqtik_LGcsD_Hmd1Lii47q1vfYGsx8vMtk0bx4WbEEVRZq8U0GWnrYBXh2RuuppLzVCy0Hpj-Iz_-I501Tj1ClilVNRgmQjXH_Dbjb5kj4oPNXvqEeAnQG_sCXnpLPshQZv0zv10BF/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.45.30+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wHDqtik_LGcsD_Hmd1Lii47q1vfYGsx8vMtk0bx4WbEEVRZq8U0GWnrYBXh2RuuppLzVCy0Hpj-Iz_-I501Tj1ClilVNRgmQjXH_Dbjb5kj4oPNXvqEeAnQG_sCXnpLPshQZv0zv10BF/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.45.30+PM.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Overall Ride Stats...17 hours riding, 4 hours of stoppage...45 minutes helping a fellow rider get an ambulance!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYw5fuMjlqw-wNh9ol7zZ6IgigdiAexUd8lcJV31PEOfk2JQnQF4I-V8BzyRy_SRorTCYckeASpL2qHhjmCmepob1q2NHY8C-TqAlB63wGdqg17Ix5psshVKWhGNh_ag22VRVvLLrV6Qg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.45.52+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYw5fuMjlqw-wNh9ol7zZ6IgigdiAexUd8lcJV31PEOfk2JQnQF4I-V8BzyRy_SRorTCYckeASpL2qHhjmCmepob1q2NHY8C-TqAlB63wGdqg17Ix5psshVKWhGNh_ag22VRVvLLrV6Qg/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.45.52+PM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Elevation Profile and speed over time...notice at about hour 11...nothing like a -2% grade and a 30 mph tail wind!!!!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVm25iOHP3jYxselRIk6ZXlnsMg2vJ2ax-WVUAEUXKxZS0NaupybdS3GeiEtpmZDqxi6bxF9yTE5W8BQxZt-mvrpRPCBQCWhXZjnFoyi7E8O1LeeCBWp7YuPeo0G5Bdg43m0MTBC0Wqbpo/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.46.44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVm25iOHP3jYxselRIk6ZXlnsMg2vJ2ax-WVUAEUXKxZS0NaupybdS3GeiEtpmZDqxi6bxF9yTE5W8BQxZt-mvrpRPCBQCWhXZjnFoyi7E8O1LeeCBWp7YuPeo0G5Bdg43m0MTBC0Wqbpo/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.46.44+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV0fSV2KOfJyNUIzBhjppOnVRsKoxDdKQD5LjCeg7r9bXz1LeNc7q3xOA1amHryjqt4i-C6L7QSzHYnKaUJauBy8g9-So5YEwLxX44Xab3G2TQa7Fgkdc2W1oSRUHJdMO9BKLLDXT6cuR/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.46.06+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV0fSV2KOfJyNUIzBhjppOnVRsKoxDdKQD5LjCeg7r9bXz1LeNc7q3xOA1amHryjqt4i-C6L7QSzHYnKaUJauBy8g9-So5YEwLxX44Xab3G2TQa7Fgkdc2W1oSRUHJdMO9BKLLDXT6cuR/s400/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.46.06+PM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Crazy temperature changes on this ride...had to be ready for aprox. 80 degrees down to nearly freezing with wind and rain...skimping on gear for this ride could put you in serious trouble.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UwdxUfAbg3qHHfOiXE0ppTlTkJocGpnw7mwHs3Kyyoy8EYh9XHGBFIqva9XITNKAjnqFEMMNKbEH082V0sdkA4dKnCgRb46LugHpb86lYTv1XquzwH5WGV3szbR6pDqS755T9sG4CHTi/s1600/4am+Hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UwdxUfAbg3qHHfOiXE0ppTlTkJocGpnw7mwHs3Kyyoy8EYh9XHGBFIqva9XITNKAjnqFEMMNKbEH082V0sdkA4dKnCgRb46LugHpb86lYTv1XquzwH5WGV3szbR6pDqS755T9sG4CHTi/s640/4am+Hotel.JPG" width="476" /></a></div> Mike booked a room at Motel 8 to save us an hour of travel before the ride began at 5am. Up at 4am and ready to roll.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1x9KZhYXbUIYZ63tXYCu5FdZgiOnUSurc98IUtUaZYf5WqftaY64m2AHSpdRhLVZfjjWCkPjavD1C2WSyEIFErB5qAJU9UrQaeaVUGDSKcWTzlbVcZ07Us36tLlwjfqKnyZm1Gfxm3E5/s1600/Toaster+and+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1x9KZhYXbUIYZ63tXYCu5FdZgiOnUSurc98IUtUaZYf5WqftaY64m2AHSpdRhLVZfjjWCkPjavD1C2WSyEIFErB5qAJU9UrQaeaVUGDSKcWTzlbVcZ07Us36tLlwjfqKnyZm1Gfxm3E5/s640/Toaster+and+bike.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I brought my own toaster :) Mike lauged at me for this one...but 2 pieces of wheat toast with peanut butter and honey are mandatory to start an Epic ride like this one...just can't cut corners...lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started off with much smaller numbers than the previous 2 brevets. The weather forecast for this weekend had been all over the map...predictions changing by the hour it seemed. Borrowing a "neck warmer" from Mike and Loree strongly encouraging me to bring my gortex rain shell made the difference in actually finishing this ride...I have no doubt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mike and I road with the main group to approximately Picacho Peak area...then dropped off and settled into my "go all day" pace. We made great time up to that point and a little before 8am we were in Marana. The glorious I-10 frontage road and a 10-15 mph head wind had me complaining a bit. I mentioned to Mike Sturgill (brevet legend :) assisting at the check points...that the wind was a bit annoying...he answered me saying <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">"you think this is wind? this ain't wind."</span> If this ride were a movie...the lightening and thunder would have sounded with premonition... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0AcotUoyHvqoOBkeFnkOo9QK3f6Vt_U1z2acN6QoaOuKT_oC_UXltPpz_WoFEuN52NYg-MgrHZbrBsJ03nHuTIfE4yA2obyk7JGX2yRNItrMq2A-ju-vL0MKFkBiKBM9H7HKRwsx8RQX/s1600/marana+fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0AcotUoyHvqoOBkeFnkOo9QK3f6Vt_U1z2acN6QoaOuKT_oC_UXltPpz_WoFEuN52NYg-MgrHZbrBsJ03nHuTIfE4yA2obyk7JGX2yRNItrMq2A-ju-vL0MKFkBiKBM9H7HKRwsx8RQX/s640/marana+fields.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plowed fields heading out of Marana...wind is beginning to pick up. (This pic pulled from the web.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VsbNvF6L2jCkrxNOn_Anb7Z1oDlX9I8eFYaT6gYFybZ1UQ_rVfx43S0kSK6gOjB66U2xMMAIwFUtPBPUmziHixe6kI0l0KJL9LAeoWdkzbQfqLih04qKxsTMVrSXHBjrV02a_C2iYkDH/s1600/saguaro+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VsbNvF6L2jCkrxNOn_Anb7Z1oDlX9I8eFYaT6gYFybZ1UQ_rVfx43S0kSK6gOjB66U2xMMAIwFUtPBPUmziHixe6kI0l0KJL9LAeoWdkzbQfqLih04qKxsTMVrSXHBjrV02a_C2iYkDH/s640/saguaro+park.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once again we make the climb through Saguaro regional park...pull through the rollers (one with a short 17% grade...phreaking steep)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTAEeiHGGPrc4fgKXL3aQHNFa2ILpuKVA1lhYCyMMCZ7AMBQKn9TTqX0KdjGTN_pAdK0zI9IzwlKoLUOH6-6Xzq6_VC8jtIF0A-F_t9Uzp6Q2N-d2nvD2p_WtF0B0uJaE9eEHfhKtCikO/s1600/s+kinney+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTAEeiHGGPrc4fgKXL3aQHNFa2ILpuKVA1lhYCyMMCZ7AMBQKn9TTqX0KdjGTN_pAdK0zI9IzwlKoLUOH6-6Xzq6_VC8jtIF0A-F_t9Uzp6Q2N-d2nvD2p_WtF0B0uJaE9eEHfhKtCikO/s640/s+kinney+road.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="426" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Cool picture of S. Kinney road heading out of South Tucson...</div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9JwqLn3mt7leL1mqCB0qQ9sJcef0-2uE3uP6Y1Rato8ws5jol7o4s2nSiJdJDdR2CGeXIf7mLdKIt1ChAfkCJudG2dbT5YfGftQHXA71mAPJ0ttAgv0w7Go7bQzREwAKhkDwiH_p1Wmi/s1600/toilet+paper+and+toplinos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9JwqLn3mt7leL1mqCB0qQ9sJcef0-2uE3uP6Y1Rato8ws5jol7o4s2nSiJdJDdR2CGeXIf7mLdKIt1ChAfkCJudG2dbT5YfGftQHXA71mAPJ0ttAgv0w7Go7bQzREwAKhkDwiH_p1Wmi/s640/toilet+paper+and+toplinos.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Topolino's and Toilet Paper? Mike was generous enough to point it out after a bathroom break...could have ridden with this on my heel for quite a few miles...good times!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikXXGmNXwrxT7X91Iqv2k1W9EBWMjS3N3QvIarVYVrDJ8TWqs5Sox69X5jo5zbwmscVaPZvZvW0eHr3ZVybOqYeOa_Yh0Kg15PspKRr2TP8F2W5T6aWBN5EHurLARacnf7hCb8j0Wj9qY/s1600/mission+road+mike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikXXGmNXwrxT7X91Iqv2k1W9EBWMjS3N3QvIarVYVrDJ8TWqs5Sox69X5jo5zbwmscVaPZvZvW0eHr3ZVybOqYeOa_Yh0Kg15PspKRr2TP8F2W5T6aWBN5EHurLARacnf7hCb8j0Wj9qY/s640/mission+road+mike.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">A stop along a tough stretch on Mission Road..."real wind" is now hitting us hard 20-35+ mph...match that with a slight 1-3% grade sustained climbing and it got tough mentally/physically for me. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MT5LURbcwIvLwfuV2UFnH-dWZmRwmrjnLEIap8yHDEL498s7IAy9pOJaUstbicB8Kc9rfnNtFp2kzb6G6DR8AxsCnFxYLq55PiOkM6qdLWS3CsEmQgSBqtB82gjJZjerr53kQieCnjHt/s1600/mission+road+windy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MT5LURbcwIvLwfuV2UFnH-dWZmRwmrjnLEIap8yHDEL498s7IAy9pOJaUstbicB8Kc9rfnNtFp2kzb6G6DR8AxsCnFxYLq55PiOkM6qdLWS3CsEmQgSBqtB82gjJZjerr53kQieCnjHt/s640/mission+road+windy.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Gorgeous Southern AZ...yes, there are prettier places on this planet..</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZjXorVLvbcyfObs2TGC1YqXnYFTEgycRhZw1P8axGyckxppDYxlO6fALDVXyl-DEt0v6SHjc4XP3nlmyjJ9elTMkI0sqhEBE3tipXNBcEyZzY5-GTaiwy5JwHck8tNrCiFBqigXrviLa/s1600/mission+road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZjXorVLvbcyfObs2TGC1YqXnYFTEgycRhZw1P8axGyckxppDYxlO6fALDVXyl-DEt0v6SHjc4XP3nlmyjJ9elTMkI0sqhEBE3tipXNBcEyZzY5-GTaiwy5JwHck8tNrCiFBqigXrviLa/s640/mission+road.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Coming up on the Gigantic open Pit Mines</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDplNTpqRrUQTKoqbxQEF5HdmGPCD8xTSFNiW4UrwpQFssNrv7HfyRwOFIw5I-6dcmWtd8fQMwIi0gtPHXGN7zvEoLrkLZt8GizXZIZmGXe2JkYqxZjVvlJi2b1_MPTK7J-Us2i5E6fpL/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.20.07+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDplNTpqRrUQTKoqbxQEF5HdmGPCD8xTSFNiW4UrwpQFssNrv7HfyRwOFIw5I-6dcmWtd8fQMwIi0gtPHXGN7zvEoLrkLZt8GizXZIZmGXe2JkYqxZjVvlJi2b1_MPTK7J-Us2i5E6fpL/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.20.07+PM.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxWgUVgGEmiZUxV9fQRmB9jcjQp7YDMbLVLhnc-nDvmhZZvXO9qr7_VViYIJFkWQydanjBFvNTCVYC8tCe0tOeWwHET37cemGLl6PsA2-H-u8SKGuscC-8v3X-Ge77ma7I3nFaF6bcdG1/s1600/San+Xavier+Mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxWgUVgGEmiZUxV9fQRmB9jcjQp7YDMbLVLhnc-nDvmhZZvXO9qr7_VViYIJFkWQydanjBFvNTCVYC8tCe0tOeWwHET37cemGLl6PsA2-H-u8SKGuscC-8v3X-Ge77ma7I3nFaF6bcdG1/s640/San+Xavier+Mission.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SAN Xavier Mission...gorgeous Catholic mission in the middle of no where...really!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally made it into Green Valley at about 105 miles of riding. We took almost an hour here to have a breakfast omelet, hash browns, and a bowl of fruit. It is crazy how great food tastes after 100 miles of riding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISOo26PHhdNT6Qde_wWAw-uNGk8iixwwXDDxoZ4TJLRaC9tL-riPUF4wc6e2QF7uZduDB_fVgoKvgbj_XclXBGMU62pzB1G15zRoRXiyhSygO5FjyV7oM21NhlhFAVUQPbJ8QjVKZOBEG/s1600/arivaca+junction+longhorn+grill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISOo26PHhdNT6Qde_wWAw-uNGk8iixwwXDDxoZ4TJLRaC9tL-riPUF4wc6e2QF7uZduDB_fVgoKvgbj_XclXBGMU62pzB1G15zRoRXiyhSygO5FjyV7oM21NhlhFAVUQPbJ8QjVKZOBEG/s640/arivaca+junction+longhorn+grill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Turning onto Arivaca road...the wind is now reached "ludicrous" speed...stupid! If I wouldn't have had an omelet recently...might have tried this place for a steak...strange.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrtYQyTDbA9ANhz_2YoCqsjbyTWKlR9CSj3cgoeXBqpHybYXigz3m1dJ0DSCzSMOlD0ATX78w4qQotDf_YNln4IrHwyr0VnAzW8SmgOVH1a7tpU8KQRMfkA18QN_V4H5YTMilEXddGW3c/s1600/arivaca+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrtYQyTDbA9ANhz_2YoCqsjbyTWKlR9CSj3cgoeXBqpHybYXigz3m1dJ0DSCzSMOlD0ATX78w4qQotDf_YNln4IrHwyr0VnAzW8SmgOVH1a7tpU8KQRMfkA18QN_V4H5YTMilEXddGW3c/s640/arivaca+road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Arivaca road...Mike must have seen I was struggling here...becoming a long day and really wanting to make it to the Arivaca checkpoint! He must have lied to be 10 times about "this is the last hill"...we are just around this corner and we have it...uh huh Mike...I use that on my kids too :) Glad I had a good buddy to ride with! Would have been much slower and more crazy solo. I must have repeated a quote I had heard somewhere a hundred times..."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">It Never Always Gets Harder</span>." There are low points and high points to every ride...on these it seems to happen multiple times...just got to push through the low ones...a better one is on the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZag7NutkdrvZNgsFsX5Dcd7IipHG6nGQvtwZax-Vw7iYKyw6ucR_uGRRmNPkwjO2cFkvgbkx0yDFU2O3SIxw1Ryo6fC7dRoeryvfcNByaxOSa1F4y9AyH0OG23LBJHidowm6rxh2zdkt3/s1600/arivaca+stop+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZag7NutkdrvZNgsFsX5Dcd7IipHG6nGQvtwZax-Vw7iYKyw6ucR_uGRRmNPkwjO2cFkvgbkx0yDFU2O3SIxw1Ryo6fC7dRoeryvfcNByaxOSa1F4y9AyH0OG23LBJHidowm6rxh2zdkt3/s640/arivaca+stop+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Ahhhhh....Arivaca stop...cookies, turkey wraps, soda's, and chips! Thanks for being out here Sturgill!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKklYMXBlHbMQMvwTvmP_-uuyKD5R-fOx_X3IwgQ9THt6iltmZ3OAM2nxT0bLZNlWNz1MNIzuwBMV9Dh_a-y6HlIDbEiqOE9ZGeHBUorRePiTGV6-RrJphpu3a0guRDYvQgGUQUY_38h_C/s1600/arivaca+stop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKklYMXBlHbMQMvwTvmP_-uuyKD5R-fOx_X3IwgQ9THt6iltmZ3OAM2nxT0bLZNlWNz1MNIzuwBMV9Dh_a-y6HlIDbEiqOE9ZGeHBUorRePiTGV6-RrJphpu3a0guRDYvQgGUQUY_38h_C/s640/arivaca+stop.JPG" width="478" /></a></div> Great time for a stop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDthM5Odz-bjBzeFfRQgRLDUS_W8Mty-OqbsEkWRXyB7KnVhEEidN8RxzcYHlWMGBjkpWhQvu_PmDYz852ZCXkfiAfwYzrMDehY_7xwEhf8j1eP1kIUkzAGpmc5GIJ_xIX-KGiVIidiSCs/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.31.18+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDthM5Odz-bjBzeFfRQgRLDUS_W8Mty-OqbsEkWRXyB7KnVhEEidN8RxzcYHlWMGBjkpWhQvu_PmDYz852ZCXkfiAfwYzrMDehY_7xwEhf8j1eP1kIUkzAGpmc5GIJ_xIX-KGiVIidiSCs/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-01+at+10.31.18+PM.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Leaving the stop in Arivaca, we had 12 miles of rollers with a side/tail wind. Wasn't as bad as I had expected...or maybe it was the crazy head wind most of the day that made this seem like a piece o cake!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllI8Vg6w0WUhW8QAKAWjIB8PsOTz6_on7ttjq-4fHz-q7-1_CXbgWswhfFLGtM2kCFUFM94xptCopwa09uauupGWzchF25N4GwOVLT1dRGqPM4JNl94qeGRimzoHItH7pMDJLiytjf-wH/s1600/baboquivari+Peak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllI8Vg6w0WUhW8QAKAWjIB8PsOTz6_on7ttjq-4fHz-q7-1_CXbgWswhfFLGtM2kCFUFM94xptCopwa09uauupGWzchF25N4GwOVLT1dRGqPM4JNl94qeGRimzoHItH7pMDJLiytjf-wH/s640/baboquivari+Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Great views of Baboquivari Peak along this small stretch...looks like a great rock climb...another box to check on the life list!<br />
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Making the turn onto SR-286 just as it was getting dark...as promised by Susan...we had a killer tail wind. Match that with 1-3% descent and we were flying! 30+ mph for quite some time...got dark on us at this point and was glad to have Mike's generator hub light blazing the way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGaynvyk4k0hrAV25r0p8vm71_9LycnL8OjAqxtKU1ffHTam5JfVfsi9G38s9nLX_uc57dmmb-rpVPPgsND6tqRmvU1NMUbupnxbWHn98IGakWgWyQ4SBLkkbgC4TxIjh4jRWjcQhLvSK/s1600/az+border+patrol+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGaynvyk4k0hrAV25r0p8vm71_9LycnL8OjAqxtKU1ffHTam5JfVfsi9G38s9nLX_uc57dmmb-rpVPPgsND6tqRmvU1NMUbupnxbWHn98IGakWgWyQ4SBLkkbgC4TxIjh4jRWjcQhLvSK/s640/az+border+patrol+truck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Only traffic on this road were AZ border Patrol...guess it is a hot spot for illegals coming across the border.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBWtsIPwj9YhE8Lqbe6na0rCfbJnc7tZnMWLBwyfZqwtINcV7BiULUmVEvQvW2Ay8TtJmR6fnPeqwopzeE7PA7VouUaq_8swO89vAWGvzs8pelYXka9bmP-P5Foxbycqa4Ujml7DbikyS/s1600/chicken+and+stars+3+points.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBWtsIPwj9YhE8Lqbe6na0rCfbJnc7tZnMWLBwyfZqwtINcV7BiULUmVEvQvW2Ay8TtJmR6fnPeqwopzeE7PA7VouUaq_8swO89vAWGvzs8pelYXka9bmP-P5Foxbycqa4Ujml7DbikyS/s640/chicken+and+stars+3+points.JPG" width="478" /></a></div> Stopped for 30/40 minutes at 3 Points Robles Junction...wow...best Campbell's Chicken and Stars I have ever had...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">mmmmm mmmmm gooood!!!</span><br />
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At this point, the stars a gorgeous...can't really see any clouds and the wind really pushes us up into Saguaro Park and down into Marana. We stop for more soup and food...then off to the great old Frontage Road back to Eloy. This road really tries your mind...if you done it...you understand!<br />
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Finally pull into Eloy and am really needing a break. I can see the stars are gone but there is no rain. We take our time recovering and getting some hydration and food in us...then as we are about to head out the rain hits! It is 37 degrees and is making for a punishing 17 miles back to the finish in Casa Grande. We get out our warmer gear and rain jacket...then make several attempts at getting out of the Circle K before we actually make it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1VSLibRyNJ2E0tmbJ5Gmced4uQEdk8tQEmGe0h5ZC3V0NME2YnWTjpIhmHaRcCgPytAxrEO7_F-lQJ6HTfndBKP9eEGibyj2dx6O14-0bj24srlXcFvnE0Y_6wi8y2n8KRYyt1Sr_C6P/s1600/Mike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1VSLibRyNJ2E0tmbJ5Gmced4uQEdk8tQEmGe0h5ZC3V0NME2YnWTjpIhmHaRcCgPytAxrEO7_F-lQJ6HTfndBKP9eEGibyj2dx6O14-0bj24srlXcFvnE0Y_6wi8y2n8KRYyt1Sr_C6P/s640/Mike1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY6qodO9RxZKfcrKHyDWWXokXyyBvM5VjURsAT0TfuEBu_GAUg7z2CvqYRK18FZHCgaWSrbQ3HxE6iE0nENST1S_JjtpkD-og0B1jj_3j68ZgXfNm4LAYh3-Qo_S_B3-yCeTRk7fw7Et7/s1600/Leo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY6qodO9RxZKfcrKHyDWWXokXyyBvM5VjURsAT0TfuEBu_GAUg7z2CvqYRK18FZHCgaWSrbQ3HxE6iE0nENST1S_JjtpkD-og0B1jj_3j68ZgXfNm4LAYh3-Qo_S_B3-yCeTRk7fw7Et7/s640/Leo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> At this point, I know that we are going to make it...but start to really worry about others who might not have been as prepared. I said several prayers asking God to keep us all safe out there and get us safely through this. At about the finish of one of these I looked over to see a blinking red bike light and a rider waving his arms near a closed down hotel...I then hear him yelling for help. I signal to Mike and we turned around and headed over to see what we could do. The situation ended up being much more serious than I had thought. As we pulled up to him, he literally could not control his body and collapsed on a bench under a small roof. He had made a wrong turn before Eloy, didn't have warm enough clothes and no cell phone...he was in seriously bad condition! This poor guy was into the late stages of hypothermia, shivering un-controllably and unable to communicate. We made several calls and got an ambulance on the way. Mike had a space blanket and we wrapped him up with that...we both sat on both sides of him trying to hold him and warm him up. The Casa Grande ambulance took their sweet time...taking over 30 minutes to finally arrive...luckily I had a friend that had come out to meet us at the finish. I was able to call him and we loaded our rider into the car and got the heater going good. Once the ambulance arrived and took over, we headed out to finish the last 5 miles.<br />
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Another Brevet lesson learned...these rides can kill you if you are not well prepared and the conditions are right...another prayer thanking God that we came across him at the exact right moment and were able to find and help him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUcsiU_Frldnm-2Jz40BbC0_356p_MdKTy8GfTD8mWReFH1Q9f_zvmvUvkLXnYuh1Gu1CFilqrERS9aGVLMc64MjJ_kD8T8EgvmuXc8H_9HOEwWeCj0_ojcyBwKM8eQqGGISyR7b9hzJk/s1600/Mike-Leo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUcsiU_Frldnm-2Jz40BbC0_356p_MdKTy8GfTD8mWReFH1Q9f_zvmvUvkLXnYuh1Gu1CFilqrERS9aGVLMc64MjJ_kD8T8EgvmuXc8H_9HOEwWeCj0_ojcyBwKM8eQqGGISyR7b9hzJk/s640/Mike-Leo1.jpg" width="540" /></a></div> Ambulance has taken our friend to the hospital...reporting that his body temp was 93 and dehydration/protiens in his blood were shutting down his kidneys. I got a call from him Monday morning that he was doing well and will live to ride another day!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH8K_RV39fYLyGURHhJRDUL3PYAWoSkH5t2WChqtXAvF9CT1Lce4TXjvK8_VCPykkcQACr0snd7FyJLu3ynDXb8Spc_JL8LtPamf4yCzWulJGdoM7oN43h9r7QBhuysH6jXpNE8brJDPb/s1600/Mike-Leo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH8K_RV39fYLyGURHhJRDUL3PYAWoSkH5t2WChqtXAvF9CT1Lce4TXjvK8_VCPykkcQACr0snd7FyJLu3ynDXb8Spc_JL8LtPamf4yCzWulJGdoM7oN43h9r7QBhuysH6jXpNE8brJDPb/s640/Mike-Leo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYKLqA4Hw3TqA7hj3ylS4DUOHx2PX5ap0qi-3lV3gYgCQuOlhaKq1wQz9WxsZTnhkrMpCvsgNGA0c06dvanNVIA0M3jsuxTodlKHtHWZQycgJAD2thvpzOggbmAg2rRpBBSyvFnTWoQUo/s1600/Mike-Leo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYKLqA4Hw3TqA7hj3ylS4DUOHx2PX5ap0qi-3lV3gYgCQuOlhaKq1wQz9WxsZTnhkrMpCvsgNGA0c06dvanNVIA0M3jsuxTodlKHtHWZQycgJAD2thvpzOggbmAg2rRpBBSyvFnTWoQUo/s640/Mike-Leo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Signing our Brevet Cards at the Round Trip Bike Shop! 257 miles completed...Epic Conditions...Great Times!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALLOUJSnj9vsLr3kc1rbwtLouVoyLkQTtdmuYpLRuGIKiepM_XMhQ8X8ukv8HWCy0QA2Zf204PcDxKyGT8P_g2fT5w7inQzmjCT01iqH4pnBarROeYmyEowCVxa1d-zXHgkEzfyCgptx7/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-02+at+1.44.44+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALLOUJSnj9vsLr3kc1rbwtLouVoyLkQTtdmuYpLRuGIKiepM_XMhQ8X8ukv8HWCy0QA2Zf204PcDxKyGT8P_g2fT5w7inQzmjCT01iqH4pnBarROeYmyEowCVxa1d-zXHgkEzfyCgptx7/s640/Screen+shot+2011-03-02+at+1.44.44+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>IHOP at 3:30am...definitely had no problem getting all this down! Wasn't quite a "Big Boy Country Breakfast" at Cracker Barrel...but it did the job. Back to Mesa by 5:00am, dropped off Mike, made it home, took a shower and in bed by 6am...ouch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Ride Summary:</b> Despite Epic Conditions...warranting the label of a "cursed" ride and a possible renaming to the "Titanic" 400km...I did have a good time. Pushed my limits further than I ever have, tested my determination/dedication/preparedness...etc.etc...Had a definite adventure with a good friend! Good Times!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3 weeks till the Tombstone 600km!</div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-56007415016744273242011-02-07T17:18:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:46:59.527-08:00300km (190miles) - Saguaro National Park Brevet<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">What</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">: AZBrevet's - 300km (190 miles) </span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Where</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">: Casa Grande - Tucson loop</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">When</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">: Jan 29, 2011</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Who</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">: Mike E. and I</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Description</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">: 190 mile Arizona loop put on by <a href="http://azbrevet.com/index.html">AZ Brevets</a>: beginning in Casa Grande -> Florence -> Tucson -> Saguaro National Park -> Marana -> Casa Grande...my 1st Ulta-Marathon Cycling Event!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">The 300 km Saguaro National Park Brevet is the 2nd ride in a series of 4 that, upon completion, qualify you to ride in the "<a href="http://www.rusa.org/pbp.html">Paris Brest Paris</a>" which takes place every 4 years.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>200km</b> (125 miles) - Casa Grande Ruins</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>300km</b> (190 miles) - Saguaro National Park</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>400km</b> (257 miles) - Arivaca</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>600km</b> (380 miles) - Tombstone...hopefully not mine</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I am taking them one at a time...not trying to think to far ahead...and breaking each ride down into segments. I have found that it is much easier to complete these with that focus rather than...getting to mile 50 and realizing you still have another 140 miles to go :) I am completely new to this type of riding...self supported (for the most part) ultra distance. So far I am really enjoying the challenge and self discovery of actually completing something that can be pretty intimidating to comprehend. Yes...it is all relative. From my current fitness level and cycling experience...these rides are an entirely new realm...for others...this ride is a good warm up. There are cross state rides, Race Across America, <a href="http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/about/">Tour Divide</a>...and many others that seem phreaking crazy...and inspiring...dangerously planting seeds in my mind and soul.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">300km Saguaro National Park Brevet - Began at 4am double/triple checking gear, bike, and food. Cramming down a few pieces of whole wheat toast with honey, 2 banana's and a glass of Whey protein. packing up the gear. I drank a 16 oz of water and then a 16 oz bottle of Acceleraid on the way to the ride. <b><a href="http://mikeerides.com/">Mike Enfield</a> (domestique extraordinaire)</b> picked me up around 5am and we headed down to Casa Grande...about an hour from East Mesa.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Add aero bars, bento bag, trunk bag, 2 x 16 oz water bottles, and 2 head lights...my lightweight Carbon Fibre bike is feeling pretty heavy!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b>The Route</b>...as documented by the Garmin Edge 800...300 km can be a long day.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">My ride Stats...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Held a good average pace for me...especially over this distance. Some long 2-3% grades that really messed with my head...but had a great ride!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">More stats from the Garmin...a few climbs, average speeds, and lots of excitement. Averaging 135 bpm for almost 14 hours...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">We started at 6am...temperature in Casa Grande was in the mid 30's...by the time we hit Coolidge the temp was dropping and finally bottomed out at 24 degrees...definitely was not prepared for that...legs and ankles felt really slow and clunky!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">** Brevet Lesson Learned: Don't follow the pack without doing your own navigating...we began the ride with about 20 other riders...leader missed a turn and we ended up climbing a 2 mile hill we didn't need to...all within the first 10 miles of the ride :)</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Several miles of freshly plowed cotton fields in Coolidge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR14KIKSAGkRR_gKvfOfFlxnsNrE3yWzVVevikFgMkra-UKJ9NovTG9faFevrZpeLyvwcvZvTA7FGsj8SKQM8Wd4vt-4hyjmPr3vChMvU-uuyG4dUkTFKzyy46usdh51Vyfxce020vt3iZ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.56.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR14KIKSAGkRR_gKvfOfFlxnsNrE3yWzVVevikFgMkra-UKJ9NovTG9faFevrZpeLyvwcvZvTA7FGsj8SKQM8Wd4vt-4hyjmPr3vChMvU-uuyG4dUkTFKzyy46usdh51Vyfxce020vt3iZ/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.56.25+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Open Range? Long 40+ mile 2-3% grade to the the on SR-79 to Oracle Junction. Even though this climb wasn't too steep, it forced me to break down the ride in my mind...to manageable chunks...to the next stop...to the next turn...etc.etc. A good tactic to keep my sanity!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxBTNGWDcKZkh8QCnk0k5D9eDRoWye_5K0xiSczUf136QqANjxnFJt4q5mjFVRtrg_8BK7PGvnGO_Sy_ujD3jkfRNGA809aB48EWvMboPzJNnwMcQBnIZVq21lbHnpxZz4dquFxeK7oKD/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxBTNGWDcKZkh8QCnk0k5D9eDRoWye_5K0xiSczUf136QqANjxnFJt4q5mjFVRtrg_8BK7PGvnGO_Sy_ujD3jkfRNGA809aB48EWvMboPzJNnwMcQBnIZVq21lbHnpxZz4dquFxeK7oKD/s640/IMG_0988.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Tom Mix stop...50 miles into the ride these great Gent's set up a great little stop. Cookies, drinks, etc...was great to get off for a minute. 150 miles to go.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8Z2M76q5GIj4vm7aXdOSKK_Qo4poUxwY8CyzuRFn6QAOTPG_g-5nC5D4XHWCqf4VaSDfsb7lR8tT_bmt6Chzo0jDRbL9As7KcJNiux8NG7NEC2t_2xzX7IdlTzH-0DX1bICgVwaUknIZ/s1600/IMG_0987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8Z2M76q5GIj4vm7aXdOSKK_Qo4poUxwY8CyzuRFn6QAOTPG_g-5nC5D4XHWCqf4VaSDfsb7lR8tT_bmt6Chzo0jDRbL9As7KcJNiux8NG7NEC2t_2xzX7IdlTzH-0DX1bICgVwaUknIZ/s640/IMG_0987.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Mike reviewing the direction sheet...each turn is listed along with the total distance, distance between points etc...our first stop to get the Brevet Card stamped.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtpd2gEdIsX_T-BrIWAmuxjT6vDrYjrPVRpJmBb-hCtBlz2e2lbG6eyNKqEu5988G2Os491kVO846TIqyVtb9mFHxwmSgp2QxQnVb-dc8a2KYfuFQNsm17fA4JQ3_FH0DSWVr1mZgN8Y-/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+11.04.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtpd2gEdIsX_T-BrIWAmuxjT6vDrYjrPVRpJmBb-hCtBlz2e2lbG6eyNKqEu5988G2Os491kVO846TIqyVtb9mFHxwmSgp2QxQnVb-dc8a2KYfuFQNsm17fA4JQ3_FH0DSWVr1mZgN8Y-/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+11.04.33+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZUgM1Vvi6ESDQouiM_wvY6kdtFS2oT2X6zrbue99tYgOkMKAxx7VIWvRTTCYNUcfT7vHWqmM2WPPJXaa-Tl6Uey772_QTYXyvUKMICdHzsWQ5YpSL0CROEwUQRocVk4YMj-LFQTveJAY/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.42.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZUgM1Vvi6ESDQouiM_wvY6kdtFS2oT2X6zrbue99tYgOkMKAxx7VIWvRTTCYNUcfT7vHWqmM2WPPJXaa-Tl6Uey772_QTYXyvUKMICdHzsWQ5YpSL0CROEwUQRocVk4YMj-LFQTveJAY/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.42.08+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Great views of the Catilina Mountains on our descent into Tucson! Man that felt good dropping down out of Oracle Junction! It was all I could do to stay tucked in and wheel sucking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeA7XMayGkJ4FdZfgXPcEgAOZPevmOngZeZ_spK0BFhpOR5LqiWbz0q1fAHKkExSAlMIOrs09l_PhGjjdSSrRPet-OCaw6Qd0qzGW58FOhVvZSkgiWGmQsTtHgk4wIRPJ2rSUlIwBq-2-/s1600/IMG_0992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeA7XMayGkJ4FdZfgXPcEgAOZPevmOngZeZ_spK0BFhpOR5LqiWbz0q1fAHKkExSAlMIOrs09l_PhGjjdSSrRPet-OCaw6Qd0qzGW58FOhVvZSkgiWGmQsTtHgk4wIRPJ2rSUlIwBq-2-/s640/IMG_0992.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Long haul into Tucson...stopping at Subway for a sandwich and some rest...about 90 miles into the ride. Got some strange looks from other customers...must be because I look so good in Spandex.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAgSI8fY4X0KOR6iAcjjFar_t2gI_HqFoIcnnmxzN0pKQUy3eU5nX6st5RcwYr3EVPprjxaJ9rPuFSRcUspWrIxmnwQtlgiQE_GenfxaDNl8Ej7DCH4uBvZIDllNZ2-1gZhg42Y5xdfr8/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAgSI8fY4X0KOR6iAcjjFar_t2gI_HqFoIcnnmxzN0pKQUy3eU5nX6st5RcwYr3EVPprjxaJ9rPuFSRcUspWrIxmnwQtlgiQE_GenfxaDNl8Ej7DCH4uBvZIDllNZ2-1gZhg42Y5xdfr8/s640/IMG_1022.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSmj4FprsswTGKKJYa_wtMPpDLX72XnFFpUKYg_4hWDgEpLMxyN9QHCKQnwngj_KN8OjUCKl_e7v418ZIQKgUUfEkY7Z0Bi5hXWxbqb1oJ5jsTr-hQ0s5cwfHU6aenbMumgLZ5OICM7o3/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSmj4FprsswTGKKJYa_wtMPpDLX72XnFFpUKYg_4hWDgEpLMxyN9QHCKQnwngj_KN8OjUCKl_e7v418ZIQKgUUfEkY7Z0Bi5hXWxbqb1oJ5jsTr-hQ0s5cwfHU6aenbMumgLZ5OICM7o3/s640/IMG_0994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> The Climb of the ride...Gates Pass. Not to long but 10-13% grades after 100 miles of riding really caused me to slow down and grind it out. That hill would be tough even if the legs were fresh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL6HevxlsO5wWs8Yx7U1YsBC-FlhmqdLQuQb-zR8iCh2_yqULrxidssvSQJ4zdSS4UG3jlG6GvbGa3N300xKuRCQrk9yWx8SEdkIk2uwOiwKYjyxYU-vAOLqe-swZdKbVe0ch6xMTeV37/s1600/IMG_1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL6HevxlsO5wWs8Yx7U1YsBC-FlhmqdLQuQb-zR8iCh2_yqULrxidssvSQJ4zdSS4UG3jlG6GvbGa3N300xKuRCQrk9yWx8SEdkIk2uwOiwKYjyxYU-vAOLqe-swZdKbVe0ch6xMTeV37/s640/IMG_1001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Looking out towards Saguaro National Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKrsiTKLGTVw5jfF-Ru9L6ZUMGdEa0Wilzbi1iQ8omcY_2w34LdMo1g9ZtSendd05G2e9ghxsmrNOarfFTYHvqP7fUpz855i_eA1fuuiCgnKCYuyy6j3AOfCp4s1cHGM4V6S5NVssru1K/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.45.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKrsiTKLGTVw5jfF-Ru9L6ZUMGdEa0Wilzbi1iQ8omcY_2w34LdMo1g9ZtSendd05G2e9ghxsmrNOarfFTYHvqP7fUpz855i_eA1fuuiCgnKCYuyy6j3AOfCp4s1cHGM4V6S5NVssru1K/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.45.16+PM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Not sure why they named it Saguaro National Park...but it was beautiful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmfMv3QNK8bkHjUKMejFC4VHCXReRMzmxUrNntIJ0kgi7pE8IEPAxs6kQcTR34vJr4a_ubd7We7LTVqvCtMYVeuY51OqICydSX0bETWjzk8Ya-1p3HWfd933ILFvEtT4le2v5umyVx-Er/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqmfMv3QNK8bkHjUKMejFC4VHCXReRMzmxUrNntIJ0kgi7pE8IEPAxs6kQcTR34vJr4a_ubd7We7LTVqvCtMYVeuY51OqICydSX0bETWjzk8Ya-1p3HWfd933ILFvEtT4le2v5umyVx-Er/s640/IMG_1004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> 2nd organized checkin. Best diet "lime" coke I have had...man was that one good. Had some trouble reaching behind my back to get out my brevet card...great volunteer did it for me. On an epic ride like this...little things are much appreciated!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtExdKEQlCRQYhgkLGo9lGHJLaUPj_pdwiBncCGNfSAJE_V5XjRJKb0HBfG8717dyw_xW86zThm1EXSIklXXY-eU_ny7xDbPKdUZOguhwHsz1qVxPkDEjy51xO89ivTmj6LDPjpS-O7BC/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.48.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtExdKEQlCRQYhgkLGo9lGHJLaUPj_pdwiBncCGNfSAJE_V5XjRJKb0HBfG8717dyw_xW86zThm1EXSIklXXY-eU_ny7xDbPKdUZOguhwHsz1qVxPkDEjy51xO89ivTmj6LDPjpS-O7BC/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.48.08+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
Saguaro Park Rollers...quite a few of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxJ71ZiNqk0dbAZC4dcxfqP1O0aIj40XPBoG_I-9YexoZTE5PGt5SYiw10AUMFQ72NUXrLhvKwkb6kzx5mZk6eI-YouyOMz53fRRGSv-aDEXXnQsOXxKaP059vpEnIPLf3XDgK7XJBPUz/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.55.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxJ71ZiNqk0dbAZC4dcxfqP1O0aIj40XPBoG_I-9YexoZTE5PGt5SYiw10AUMFQ72NUXrLhvKwkb6kzx5mZk6eI-YouyOMz53fRRGSv-aDEXXnQsOXxKaP059vpEnIPLf3XDgK7XJBPUz/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+10.55.34+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
Heading out from Saguaro Park...towards Marana.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCalmQveDzHFOkBAvDoRCsFAAe_y0AfsGCrjujDcl0JS1YbafbB2XytJ41SfpUSr41gGjqvz6otJ03muI_x5gXqx2GJzNKemZkNImNK2bUacyd8rSTxrA0efln_hyphenhyphencAo7w3fsJwf9DR28/s1600/IMG_1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCalmQveDzHFOkBAvDoRCsFAAe_y0AfsGCrjujDcl0JS1YbafbB2XytJ41SfpUSr41gGjqvz6otJ03muI_x5gXqx2GJzNKemZkNImNK2bUacyd8rSTxrA0efln_hyphenhyphencAo7w3fsJwf9DR28/s640/IMG_1005.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Headwinds the entire day...with the exception of about a 5 mile stretch. Mike ate it up...crazy animal!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnOCZ8lJDoFj-ahiJeOtfwNqRD7XIo2G12MtaZ_O6qdULEQ1VNcAUJVLYZZB7VcTkHAUXjCHCJnJagBTcazzCFVfINI3Ej077Tyg7wvR2mNF7mSPcE4_-oiAfeE3af5RVSvmDGt81xwVF/s1600/IMG_1006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnOCZ8lJDoFj-ahiJeOtfwNqRD7XIo2G12MtaZ_O6qdULEQ1VNcAUJVLYZZB7VcTkHAUXjCHCJnJagBTcazzCFVfINI3Ej077Tyg7wvR2mNF7mSPcE4_-oiAfeE3af5RVSvmDGt81xwVF/s640/IMG_1006.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Checking directions again heading into Marana...notice the wrap on Mike's arm? 16+ stitches from a Mountain Bike wreck less than 2 weeks ago...psycho.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8_KyUZBuTcVue0kXzsyuhbrZFk0Ri-lKNqp-Gb7evz4-dZ-nwau8D9hA7ILSAaDqBcoJ1akBaHCs9PIXAisaISWG48OY5V-gO0bqiBp1tZgGckFgR6exis59X7CgQUFPYfsSCtVPLGWi/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8_KyUZBuTcVue0kXzsyuhbrZFk0Ri-lKNqp-Gb7evz4-dZ-nwau8D9hA7ILSAaDqBcoJ1akBaHCs9PIXAisaISWG48OY5V-gO0bqiBp1tZgGckFgR6exis59X7CgQUFPYfsSCtVPLGWi/s640/IMG_1007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> New favorite ride electrolyte drink...coconut milk mixed with Pineapple juice! Best ultra-ride drink out there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPUUXM7egHSC7-Qsg1ZFoIa8oCUpmHR8Ph7hJ5mlgv7TqBGuWdQKPqaJPqKcft6P-Yjs5H9rfsTyp2dX7Fp_WF4dV7NjUPGJnwIMlads6_M8PNNkJurtmytZVQCW8xNIYR6OXqV31CiEk/s1600/IMG_1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPUUXM7egHSC7-Qsg1ZFoIa8oCUpmHR8Ph7hJ5mlgv7TqBGuWdQKPqaJPqKcft6P-Yjs5H9rfsTyp2dX7Fp_WF4dV7NjUPGJnwIMlads6_M8PNNkJurtmytZVQCW8xNIYR6OXqV31CiEk/s640/IMG_1008.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Circle K in Marana... beginning to occur to me that we aren't to far from completing this ride!! 60+ miles to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFn7MBwk7Sjiz8kz5OYISfqmbEvgyKBCBQWLulrqmcNCqzEAmDlyZ8VmvZC_4AyYl35O3U7HMOgqcUJM0xGMu2j2YLGEgVBdwt-qLNEHIyae997h0kmMFIu7RdPaaK4TPOBVeGaEKyJXk/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+11.01.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFn7MBwk7Sjiz8kz5OYISfqmbEvgyKBCBQWLulrqmcNCqzEAmDlyZ8VmvZC_4AyYl35O3U7HMOgqcUJM0xGMu2j2YLGEgVBdwt-qLNEHIyae997h0kmMFIu7RdPaaK4TPOBVeGaEKyJXk/s640/Screen+shot+2011-02-02+at+11.01.40+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
I-10 Frontage road...parallels the I-10 for many, many miles. Not the best pavement we experienced on the ride...lots of weird patches and holes. Seemed to last a loooonnngggg...time.<br />
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*** At this point it got dark on us...we rolled into the finish point at Round Trip Bike's at 8:30pm. 14 hours and 32 minutes total. It was an adventure...no doubt! Learned a few good cycling/brevet lesson's and enjoyed a gorgeous day! Already getting nervous for the next ride Feb 26!... 400km.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVWvLzdoN1fbh-WjMYOcvTTBJVNCa1jYQcpk1Zlmd11Sqh4cDlx4AKNX1wYopTPfV3ospMlxF1_S59GYOHmIUyT_OmHfDsKq3A8fPhImWKqGX-YesQ_ocJ-0yKxbFJv4YkT17JZTtrA-Z/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVWvLzdoN1fbh-WjMYOcvTTBJVNCa1jYQcpk1Zlmd11Sqh4cDlx4AKNX1wYopTPfV3ospMlxF1_S59GYOHmIUyT_OmHfDsKq3A8fPhImWKqGX-YesQ_ocJ-0yKxbFJv4YkT17JZTtrA-Z/s640/IMG_1010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Well...we did burn 6000 calories during the day...nothing like the "Big Country Breakfast" at Cracker Barrel in the evening. Man was this good...not much was left when we were done...except my Grits...those were nasty!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gTmx_Tr6krbWHH1wS0sre9X4n3GDiwxusz0xs6BnR6nl4dhngaChhiEvufhTutq9K_JSyRWON-6uFwDL1xT7c9bpdiR-LEorbT-QnkcPug4tekITY7GC5Fr8KgxGqdeVKSou3XjD8OxZ/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gTmx_Tr6krbWHH1wS0sre9X4n3GDiwxusz0xs6BnR6nl4dhngaChhiEvufhTutq9K_JSyRWON-6uFwDL1xT7c9bpdiR-LEorbT-QnkcPug4tekITY7GC5Fr8KgxGqdeVKSou3XjD8OxZ/s640/IMG_1024.JPG" width="404" /></a></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-71426851332973067272011-01-22T19:39:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:46:11.354-08:00End of Pavement Ride - AZ HWY 88<b>What</b>: End of Pavement Ride<br />
<b>Where</b>: SR 88 Apache Junction past Canyon Lake<br />
<b>When</b>: Jan 22, 2011<br />
<b>Who</b>: Mike E. and I<br />
<b>Description</b>: 54 mile ride round trip from my home to EOP "End of Pavement" and back. Follows state route 88 from Apache Junction, past Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake...continuing to, literally the end of pavement<br />
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This ride has been on my list for a few years but I never quite had the gumption to take it on by myself. Mike invited my to head out there with him as a good training ride for our 300km Brevet ride next Saturday...hopefully my quads and calves will be ready for it.<br />
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Arizona SR 88 heads east from "AJ" Apache Junction and meets up with SR 188 at Roosevelt Dam. It follows the Salt River and is only paved several hilly miles past Tortilla Flat. This road was the main byway from Phoenix to Payson quite a few years ago...now makes for some challenging climbs and great descents...and beautiful scenery.<br />
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Met Mike at the "Dash-In" at the corner of SR88 and Brown road....we both left a little before sun rise and it was a nippy 36 degrees at 7:30am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcysSvU92aQUF44UA9AbozviRCJdJ40uc4znD1R5iQ92dBVgsqEnKVjfI7WysHXTdHNOrb6BuYaruUOYnO7vZsKSJLngoOHzC6VYwtsLi5WNB403Qle6nWCV6kEdmwbNTST_sfaR3FFsl/s1600/Google+Earth+End+of+pavement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcysSvU92aQUF44UA9AbozviRCJdJ40uc4znD1R5iQ92dBVgsqEnKVjfI7WysHXTdHNOrb6BuYaruUOYnO7vZsKSJLngoOHzC6VYwtsLi5WNB403Qle6nWCV6kEdmwbNTST_sfaR3FFsl/s640/Google+Earth+End+of+pavement.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Google Earth view of the EOP ride...compliments of the Garmin Edge 800.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksdakOsAR75dDaQwa4OtSsi9Os5yWUjAhr69nipESmLwlYkLGPw7qiTZbX23o2brUCqNPd0epU7hipNUk6taDjvlSr4StjTDBIggruCDJEsQrguKu7jfi71-xGWZMaeJXxxsylMC1D06T/s1600/Summary+End+of+Pavement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksdakOsAR75dDaQwa4OtSsi9Os5yWUjAhr69nipESmLwlYkLGPw7qiTZbX23o2brUCqNPd0epU7hipNUk6taDjvlSr4StjTDBIggruCDJEsQrguKu7jfi71-xGWZMaeJXxxsylMC1D06T/s400/Summary+End+of+Pavement.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 personal records today...4100 feet of climbing in 23 miles and descending speed of 51.4mph.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7K2x80fzEB2kIVB3-qtbGfiNtgINE7dbRkXwUJDzWSRSZjn1l0fAmlnJFZpw6T68i0-oOZKJPz5Yhz4sfyYZlaydjCzAscK6NS4sV-Krp4juUOz9L_uS7MIYjYkJV9cuI9nRXZ91oTq_/s1600/Chart+Speed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7K2x80fzEB2kIVB3-qtbGfiNtgINE7dbRkXwUJDzWSRSZjn1l0fAmlnJFZpw6T68i0-oOZKJPz5Yhz4sfyYZlaydjCzAscK6NS4sV-Krp4juUOz9L_uS7MIYjYkJV9cuI9nRXZ91oTq_/s640/Chart+Speed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Speed over distance....moving pretty fast after the turnaround.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYthAT-VCPMgWzn4xL_QfKGBdOD0mgE91AoQhKakpUEVCHCeApmW-dJMYS0OUeQ6viJb1rtjRCiciT13jQ0DUQidivnpI1OkOE21-DN3ivfOI_EKE659f9Hij3GxiGAXCe1r9wCkhMNuv_/s1600/End+of+pavement+elevation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYthAT-VCPMgWzn4xL_QfKGBdOD0mgE91AoQhKakpUEVCHCeApmW-dJMYS0OUeQ6viJb1rtjRCiciT13jQ0DUQidivnpI1OkOE21-DN3ivfOI_EKE659f9Hij3GxiGAXCe1r9wCkhMNuv_/s640/End+of+pavement+elevation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Couple of steep sections made more obvious with this chart...some 10%+ grades...as Mike warned me while laughing...the hills up to Canyon Lake are just bumps in the road on the way to the "real" climb to EOP...he wasn't kidding :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7Ro3qtXyp2Aw9FNiAkKPUtAAAZRwFqWNt-a6iKzoadFgugvlkjMJW62Pr25jEkdZQ4_JLAdz4s2Gtw85WraxQD2zPTz9-AgKaBTg3m80FXqr41kIgv8WBg4oZl8BpVxb4QQitkxIe_ry/s1600/road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7Ro3qtXyp2Aw9FNiAkKPUtAAAZRwFqWNt-a6iKzoadFgugvlkjMJW62Pr25jEkdZQ4_JLAdz4s2Gtw85WraxQD2zPTz9-AgKaBTg3m80FXqr41kIgv8WBg4oZl8BpVxb4QQitkxIe_ry/s640/road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gorgeous Day! We did have head winds both going out and back...good times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4mUUdQPsYhLeLi4xh5Cly2IU-q-FfxF26mcOw14jF7fN3ZF4KG_RQqQoc1saNN_xZXZkE5Nz-3Evw1NYEyqJ6EvWvqDfKr9ouZrk-X0Nhro-rYN4XNmssP61J1IbO0Yjd24y8LBBuPHz/s1600/road-2-lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4mUUdQPsYhLeLi4xh5Cly2IU-q-FfxF26mcOw14jF7fN3ZF4KG_RQqQoc1saNN_xZXZkE5Nz-3Evw1NYEyqJ6EvWvqDfKr9ouZrk-X0Nhro-rYN4XNmssP61J1IbO0Yjd24y8LBBuPHz/s640/road-2-lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Very Scenic Ride...will definitely do this one many more times...looking out over Canyon Lake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYMEdNpqP0FfO5BOIqetEiYrnV5s5IX6THGoznZRkQU2KsCSlx1nLaEwK6rDqPzEEHm-FdGemD6tH0_IdMUpVdJkWqtgpiteEDdpKi1pawcszmihWHKpzvcssSJbKGtP0IDmfn1JWJ8x6/s1600/Canyon-Lake-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYMEdNpqP0FfO5BOIqetEiYrnV5s5IX6THGoznZRkQU2KsCSlx1nLaEwK6rDqPzEEHm-FdGemD6tH0_IdMUpVdJkWqtgpiteEDdpKi1pawcszmihWHKpzvcssSJbKGtP0IDmfn1JWJ8x6/s640/Canyon-Lake-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More views of Canyon lake...couple of guys bass fishing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBWWUMPG0lAnGSDWa1XyiR2Zd9ic4PvB1UBWNU1jBh7Q1CeQq2vrpZS3X0Pr9ejLuSfuu96psnlhOk4uuPGtsKnHJKHsbSUO_FoQbSGCXRmP2ECTh9Cc6e-n8c755L_-Z0n5BFLY-9wnb/s1600/canyon+lake+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBWWUMPG0lAnGSDWa1XyiR2Zd9ic4PvB1UBWNU1jBh7Q1CeQq2vrpZS3X0Pr9ejLuSfuu96psnlhOk4uuPGtsKnHJKHsbSUO_FoQbSGCXRmP2ECTh9Cc6e-n8c755L_-Z0n5BFLY-9wnb/s640/canyon+lake+bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Single car width bridges...there are 2 of these following the perimeter of the lake.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNuOLDqlC1yXUpAr7s5UUr9uhgYPcMekf904qSJsX34DjpU2QibmXSyypst46aoVammy0dgrzU0DXTNCKHytqY_O9XUZ4F6sJjxzPNyP29lx8nujJvUtwZW4yllX3vHxECoQkeK1TDhOJ/s1600/google+earth+canyon+lake+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNuOLDqlC1yXUpAr7s5UUr9uhgYPcMekf904qSJsX34DjpU2QibmXSyypst46aoVammy0dgrzU0DXTNCKHytqY_O9XUZ4F6sJjxzPNyP29lx8nujJvUtwZW4yllX3vHxECoQkeK1TDhOJ/s640/google+earth+canyon+lake+.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More detailed route from Google Earth...mapping the road from Canyon lake to EOP.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KFltmSLAxbPqJ34rkbUouPzLhmrofAOx4Ht3kyW86po8bVTvCUnuPNA5WSFqTJVUdCZO9oB4-zQa7J14a5JCqMUvBzHzwZoB2oqLxC4U3FXWzR05ZyPNj2ehlJKJqO6JPbGpco6lWakz/s1600/hwy+88+desert+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KFltmSLAxbPqJ34rkbUouPzLhmrofAOx4Ht3kyW86po8bVTvCUnuPNA5WSFqTJVUdCZO9oB4-zQa7J14a5JCqMUvBzHzwZoB2oqLxC4U3FXWzR05ZyPNj2ehlJKJqO6JPbGpco6lWakz/s640/hwy+88+desert+1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1/2 way up the climb to EOP...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5sSEEoJE6axhexbPOWrW1-hfysy3Bd0pBkpEC81OCb4tss6fp5X_iPtXIvHOLEvBOyQpwTnCWwZHDlL5VfEyaqJJzdTvjl6LvlaJhrh3-i8Vp5W61JXpfae2bnbytGYauDDUiVtIF1ur/s1600/google+earth+eop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5sSEEoJE6axhexbPOWrW1-hfysy3Bd0pBkpEC81OCb4tss6fp5X_iPtXIvHOLEvBOyQpwTnCWwZHDlL5VfEyaqJJzdTvjl6LvlaJhrh3-i8Vp5W61JXpfae2bnbytGYauDDUiVtIF1ur/s640/google+earth+eop.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More detailed view of the route up to EOP.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznm3szy6VoFJQvwIRhHlnCgxBrXp3ElmFrwElnDDYJCQiNdkIOx2aS43XPHVyS_AHZiiBEI2NTWQ5AwmDE2rCIScnqSluj9jjhucfEbTg2jnICerAZ-DVFdzgwJKXLzdPSp709rww3Ezv/s1600/hwy+88+desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznm3szy6VoFJQvwIRhHlnCgxBrXp3ElmFrwElnDDYJCQiNdkIOx2aS43XPHVyS_AHZiiBEI2NTWQ5AwmDE2rCIScnqSluj9jjhucfEbTg2jnICerAZ-DVFdzgwJKXLzdPSp709rww3Ezv/s640/hwy+88+desert.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lots of desert scenery to enjoy while the legs and lungs are screaming...at least mine were.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2h7sTFfOQVnbBK43PpSvtnTxSNILidh-OA-7tVjV0Dg2mYmVLjRBnefd9bjDQ5l2HHmWu5Yw6hhcLYd-N6eDOwCtGxGTZ544FqH7EcyCsBQVqi4bzCS9dGVnNC5sBHNQKEIKm-c6hS-M/s1600/end+of+pavement+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2h7sTFfOQVnbBK43PpSvtnTxSNILidh-OA-7tVjV0Dg2mYmVLjRBnefd9bjDQ5l2HHmWu5Yw6hhcLYd-N6eDOwCtGxGTZ544FqH7EcyCsBQVqi4bzCS9dGVnNC5sBHNQKEIKm-c6hS-M/s640/end+of+pavement+sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Finally....End Of Pavement...26 miles and 2 hours 21 minutes...average speed 11.3 mph.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofpFmJgRIyrMe3Z1xskJw2hmZz9wVP0GRxOlnf-PSwm8Aaq0aouDYpf7hVT6kdaEnhiDwzY2tSONE66_Hd5nHsIVSM7kMYYBcLu63X-gKXzdWFWbxx0T1xlmLmGH_FvQkZlIctOYAMqs_/s1600/lz+end+of+pavement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofpFmJgRIyrMe3Z1xskJw2hmZz9wVP0GRxOlnf-PSwm8Aaq0aouDYpf7hVT6kdaEnhiDwzY2tSONE66_Hd5nHsIVSM7kMYYBcLu63X-gKXzdWFWbxx0T1xlmLmGH_FvQkZlIctOYAMqs_/s640/lz+end+of+pavement.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>1st times...great climbs & good times...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6mCUwpr6QDNAr2Tk1boQ8uEUbg5YdBmiXWPzyRfx4HDxfbsfs9g_fIU3Y4lY324TJUSsPm8DYKwvKbRFdj7ee0RTlDFxCnvKqP3TM4TWlQfgc7jpT3a8gWiAcyUUQxv0LW0XolGx_b9W/s1600/mike+eop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6mCUwpr6QDNAr2Tk1boQ8uEUbg5YdBmiXWPzyRfx4HDxfbsfs9g_fIU3Y4lY324TJUSsPm8DYKwvKbRFdj7ee0RTlDFxCnvKqP3TM4TWlQfgc7jpT3a8gWiAcyUUQxv0LW0XolGx_b9W/s640/mike+eop.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Mike and his Calfee...titanium couplers and a triple chain ring up front...dirty dog was having way to much fun spinning away beside me as I was grinding it out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6avhUr9iBsUTA_1zTwntPs4z-svBzhmQNqcL8Nq-XKQVIVx2aLGcQvWaIRMJ7moC5lWzw_Qs14wLprATXKhHcnbHD36d1_aUDSkvgvNLJOl-L8m0i_tKdMzHANiZ8lmP7RAQ9lw6xQ30/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6avhUr9iBsUTA_1zTwntPs4z-svBzhmQNqcL8Nq-XKQVIVx2aLGcQvWaIRMJ7moC5lWzw_Qs14wLprATXKhHcnbHD36d1_aUDSkvgvNLJOl-L8m0i_tKdMzHANiZ8lmP7RAQ9lw6xQ30/s640/IMG_0967.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2B8ribU6fnakubhQGgYvguauBSY9mAdlJ01ctollmoz3GKzG0PmGIsr06eZLZruCj_EBkY3yzYR2ydJomNYueEPRx2ur9cxgpfIMQczA8le8hrR8LfwmQtY3eydNYIyyywE6qSKmThr6/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-22+at+6.57.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2B8ribU6fnakubhQGgYvguauBSY9mAdlJ01ctollmoz3GKzG0PmGIsr06eZLZruCj_EBkY3yzYR2ydJomNYueEPRx2ur9cxgpfIMQczA8le8hrR8LfwmQtY3eydNYIyyywE6qSKmThr6/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-22+at+6.57.23+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div> This descent back to Canyon Lake was a phreaking blast! Great long straight steep section and then lots of corners on good pavement...hit 51.4 mph while following Mike...and still couldn't keep up with him.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq-mqJAAaOgLX3admAFxbSTim9QJxcAVQmoyjDceqz92hCSgc9IwpGq-BsKWiZmlA2BtRFiS9vkLFfb4aR1PkgPQuQh4OXiWH_RxMHkQ0YlrGX-gXAtXBRQz65IoSVLOYiq0ckdK-zljG/s1600/Tortilla+Flat+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhq-mqJAAaOgLX3admAFxbSTim9QJxcAVQmoyjDceqz92hCSgc9IwpGq-BsKWiZmlA2BtRFiS9vkLFfb4aR1PkgPQuQh4OXiWH_RxMHkQ0YlrGX-gXAtXBRQz65IoSVLOYiq0ckdK-zljG/s400/Tortilla+Flat+Sign.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally found Mike waiting for me at Tortilla Flat. We went in to buy some water and Gatorade...never actually stopped here before but a pretty cool place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdDqmfB8ygq_UI4FOQUBPSYRXp3HSWoGHTQTuX-6o3UhqUd-TyNT1e4ckn0Vu6qgKzm7bTvgelz8rPVBq5wpp9kZn5kIWYZrrkVOX9sUErmnUJEMcxDbhNthkRF1eS7W3ZlQ87ik8SRvA/s1600/tortilla+flat+gift+shop+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdDqmfB8ygq_UI4FOQUBPSYRXp3HSWoGHTQTuX-6o3UhqUd-TyNT1e4ckn0Vu6qgKzm7bTvgelz8rPVBq5wpp9kZn5kIWYZrrkVOX9sUErmnUJEMcxDbhNthkRF1eS7W3ZlQ87ik8SRvA/s640/tortilla+flat+gift+shop+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Little gift store had dollar bill's with peoples names on them on just about every square inch of the building...this wall had $$ from several countries.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xgwfuNJhoSMCp4zLhyphenhyphenxFaNBAn8gzwPskdq8yqfa_Ck1T6rDYF9aFEb_za3EEWj2h5a960fJR0viaCttAAeQfUZ36Qa-sluWkHD2h3E4Jj-dS1iAUgAHd0Ue_1eBShtIutdujJPZbZuur/s1600/tortilla+flat+gift+shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xgwfuNJhoSMCp4zLhyphenhyphenxFaNBAn8gzwPskdq8yqfa_Ck1T6rDYF9aFEb_za3EEWj2h5a960fJR0viaCttAAeQfUZ36Qa-sluWkHD2h3E4Jj-dS1iAUgAHd0Ue_1eBShtIutdujJPZbZuur/s640/tortilla+flat+gift+shop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> More dollar bills...Mike is getting some ideas for his "bike room" I think...I gave up trying to estimate the amount of dollars on these walls.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0S4oq6ZkdKHuy7LGRT98t9CfBILPvynmJ7G0UNS8tR23u225Wu_jfzp-VzkjDSydeFzQT_6EROKpSqaP73petAji611bJ_y2POGFpa1Zr5NDuNv5mH-ZO8NkzyxYOE8vxw1wsblQ9FqP/s1600/tortilla+flats+front+gift+shop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0S4oq6ZkdKHuy7LGRT98t9CfBILPvynmJ7G0UNS8tR23u225Wu_jfzp-VzkjDSydeFzQT_6EROKpSqaP73petAji611bJ_y2POGFpa1Zr5NDuNv5mH-ZO8NkzyxYOE8vxw1wsblQ9FqP/s640/tortilla+flats+front+gift+shop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading out of Tortilla Flat...still quite some climbing to go but then it is all downhill back to the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Summary: </b>Living in East Mesa may not be some of the most sought after neighbor hoods in the valley ...but having these rides and mountains practically in my backyard are well worth it. This ride has to be a new favorite that I definitely will do many times...and enjoying it more as I loose a few more lbs and get better at the hills. Highly recommend it!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-85245589952805316102011-01-15T18:52:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:46:31.886-08:00Riding Past 100 miles - 200 km Casa Grande Ruins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>What: </b>Casa Grande Ruins 200km Brevet</div><b>Where:</b> Casa Grande Arizona<br />
<b>When:</b> Jan 9, 2011<br />
<b>Who:</b> Leonard and Mike Enfield<br />
<b>Description: </b>200km (125 miles) Ultra-Distance Cycling event hosted by <a href="http://azbrevet.com/index.html">AZ Brevets</a>. Not officially an "ultra-marathon" cycling event until you hit 150+ miles...but still pushed my own limits and had a great time!<br />
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"Adventure is reward enough..." I am not exactly sure why I feel the need to find/push my own physical limits but working up to a big event like this and pushing through it is all an adventure to me. Getting out with good friends and completing a goal...Good Times!!!<br />
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This is my first event with the new Garmin Edge 800...you can check out the details and ride replay at <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/62892161">Garmin Connect</a><br />
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The Casa Grande Ruins 200km Brevet is my first time riding beyond 110 miles. I became friends with <a href="http://mikeerides.com/">Mike Enfield</a> several years ago and someone had told me he currently holds the "East to West Cross State" record for Arizona. 342.5 miles in 19 hours 46 minutes...average speed 17.3 mph...!!! Phreaking crazy. The problem with me seems to be...<a href="http://www.ultracycling.com/records/arizona_ew_record2006.html">stories like his</a> resinate in me and really get me thinking...what do I have to do to start riding ultra-distances? Over the next 2 years I followed him to a few centuries including the MS150 in CA (2 days 150 miles.) With lots of riding and a new "sport" I found...<a href="http://www.crossfitleiftimefitness.com/Site/HOME/HOME.html">Crossfit</a>...I felt I could attempt one of these Brevet's and probably not die :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqbzFLGOEzSnIBmMXOzpatoCvIQ2C6-m8Wbl0YcM3iz32WJK2Q6mi5mXGSukid6Zxk24es7hGsf2H1m3o2isxcZi3fDNcvqWRfODDX7X5l1SwsesvjqkB8APcPR3qVRaTh9OluW_HIUE6/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+8.44.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqbzFLGOEzSnIBmMXOzpatoCvIQ2C6-m8Wbl0YcM3iz32WJK2Q6mi5mXGSukid6Zxk24es7hGsf2H1m3o2isxcZi3fDNcvqWRfODDX7X5l1SwsesvjqkB8APcPR3qVRaTh9OluW_HIUE6/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+8.44.01+PM.png" width="566" /></a><br />
Route Recorded via Edge 800...great detail and exportable to Google Earth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI5EdBHIHqNZIKT4py9QSpxmr1DY2vnqHvOWHx-1kRZoLVydff7_JQm_nNfxOhcWGOrI_k1QqG5J73iTpx6YIQVdjTrRHa3IiSbXBbUXC1GId-M8EMFVfCSxczBkEls579Sja5zwkfcIt/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.15.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI5EdBHIHqNZIKT4py9QSpxmr1DY2vnqHvOWHx-1kRZoLVydff7_JQm_nNfxOhcWGOrI_k1QqG5J73iTpx6YIQVdjTrRHa3IiSbXBbUXC1GId-M8EMFVfCSxczBkEls579Sja5zwkfcIt/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.15.10+PM.png" width="304" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Ride Statistics...was pretty nippy at the start...32 degrees!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuPQIaOaZqafBdmmI9vT8UyS68A7W_pZFFqiFxzaR4Lw62Ky7jehL1vnqbEuPoEuvxditu01e5EuRy0LgnwJL9o5Z8HOe-7Q7L0iSkP0TRneNggGQ71exLmlJ32uiF9kShql-DFF08mwE/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.15.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuPQIaOaZqafBdmmI9vT8UyS68A7W_pZFFqiFxzaR4Lw62Ky7jehL1vnqbEuPoEuvxditu01e5EuRy0LgnwJL9o5Z8HOe-7Q7L0iSkP0TRneNggGQ71exLmlJ32uiF9kShql-DFF08mwE/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.15.35+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCHxYLqdFGhFbu-bu483jij3o9Uw-0Fl1FegMpFsmF9Lg5SpfTabsMDBtQQAXPvDJS3qXruDuB7qan2k7xxVq3N12syWYTJndO4GvzO8Ed4V2l8SKJT8veRFI50i_6n_zhCAesooTmk0G/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.16.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCHxYLqdFGhFbu-bu483jij3o9Uw-0Fl1FegMpFsmF9Lg5SpfTabsMDBtQQAXPvDJS3qXruDuB7qan2k7xxVq3N12syWYTJndO4GvzO8Ed4V2l8SKJT8veRFI50i_6n_zhCAesooTmk0G/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.16.13+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Graphs pulled from the Garmin....what a great ride!!</div><br />
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To get physically ready for these rides and all the other things I like to do...my weekly training includes 2-3 short rides per week (15-20 miles) with 3-4 crossfit workouts. If you are not familiar with Crossfit...it is constantly varied, high-intensity, and functional movements type workouts. I discovered <a href="http://www.crossfitleiftimefitness.com/Site/HOME/HOME.html">Leiftime Fitness</a> Feb of 2010...and since then I have had huge leaps in fitness...lost 34 pounds...can bike commute to the gym and complete workouts for time like the ones listed below:<br />
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<img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28fTcKPI8vdKzLLDHFxAm7YtO0CxPN6Qc-0WTRkt3z25qFsch4-q8anLnpxmq5DCk6QDpxrwjIk1HLPcDlAx68ubGrrhNnoJo4F0P2yOH8pehUqR6YY0giTa8m6SCeLBL99ISWD4MAG9Q/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+6.31.09+PM.png" width="640" /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIugDUZmtvZJDyZsNe4ec_D-KGQVjQN9UGd6BHV3qOz_VO7D8vcyrq0yNn64uUkaCISttWHFtxS0G0bN7gLaEWdPM5hbKqvSFgbKfY8kKyYJzRi2Rd1cIEidnwbR1aea9wwlwYwiQ8QT0/s1600/crossfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIugDUZmtvZJDyZsNe4ec_D-KGQVjQN9UGd6BHV3qOz_VO7D8vcyrq0yNn64uUkaCISttWHFtxS0G0bN7gLaEWdPM5hbKqvSFgbKfY8kKyYJzRi2Rd1cIEidnwbR1aea9wwlwYwiQ8QT0/s400/crossfit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Not your typical LA Fitness...lots of pullup bars, olympic rings, boxes, kettle bells, olympic lifting setups..<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjvZo5YArs1mV1zNAmBSXLpga5pAJq40zPibAhxruLPf4AX64qHTAZSNq_M9j6o3mUaxbeUXXviI8YiMmbn43sDd6HT-oGo-jZhP-fjtg5BSFP0C_Cp7heY_syeyULt35dWgC_EMK6gE3/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjvZo5YArs1mV1zNAmBSXLpga5pAJq40zPibAhxruLPf4AX64qHTAZSNq_M9j6o3mUaxbeUXXviI8YiMmbn43sDd6HT-oGo-jZhP-fjtg5BSFP0C_Cp7heY_syeyULt35dWgC_EMK6gE3/s400/IMG_0360.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crossfit workouts are typically named and are for time...you go as fast/hard as you can only while maintaining form...includes all kinds of body weight components as well as olympic lifting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N9dlP1R3Em2hxwCWatgJ7kzAyAWieiuYMPKCCl563ipsQVy7qkQCq3hb2btdO1grHr_ffy9KKuMLaSdnyqx887cdYiKqo-ufkGasTV8kJHrTqg-OsXXt-iS5ly8zzVxPKsw07iLRLjNU/s1600/IMG_0889+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N9dlP1R3Em2hxwCWatgJ7kzAyAWieiuYMPKCCl563ipsQVy7qkQCq3hb2btdO1grHr_ffy9KKuMLaSdnyqx887cdYiKqo-ufkGasTV8kJHrTqg-OsXXt-iS5ly8zzVxPKsw07iLRLjNU/s640/IMG_0889+%25281%2529.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">15 mile bike, kettle bells, wall balls, overhead walking lunges, and box jumps :) Good times.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Ok, back to the RIDE!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Mike E. and I left Mesa at 6am to get to Casa Grande intime for the 7:00 am update/ride review and 7:30 start time. It was a brisk 32 degrees and even with all that nice warm spandex...I was freezing.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOk67y0hTE91io8k2ZCmg0sMOB1fwx4D_V7ElatUWAfbDHQ4vpJV7UdGIRxMti8M7lArR-JoSWgBvK64gqnv9CtMd1KJZSaBikPOkSrI69RJstCD1yFXpHqo99PZ40UgaiG3rc8EhHGU-/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+8.38.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOk67y0hTE91io8k2ZCmg0sMOB1fwx4D_V7ElatUWAfbDHQ4vpJV7UdGIRxMti8M7lArR-JoSWgBvK64gqnv9CtMd1KJZSaBikPOkSrI69RJstCD1yFXpHqo99PZ40UgaiG3rc8EhHGU-/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+8.38.50+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Susan Plonsky giving us the rundown on the course...reminding us to get our Brevet Cards stamped at the check points and reminding us about safety...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJA9DXRTVGk_VHeAZwlEddID-XuiXgvy7JLmsFiAVmVeQXcBYRZqDALexF1hmEiVuRo7EvmpFePb6QpJvvx6LfGUeNnHW12UpwiWW7jXybZs7UhqGVXds9ZklEPBXEhte_sl3Sxy_jSiR/s1600/IMG_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJA9DXRTVGk_VHeAZwlEddID-XuiXgvy7JLmsFiAVmVeQXcBYRZqDALexF1hmEiVuRo7EvmpFePb6QpJvvx6LfGUeNnHW12UpwiWW7jXybZs7UhqGVXds9ZklEPBXEhte_sl3Sxy_jSiR/s640/IMG_0940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Mike listening in</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b9Kn8U3xnX2uZV9nFuwTWhd89namHid5hN1uKIBHPiLIZVTdwnVF6rVTrvqkan7FtQXZKKuTJoifQpnyyRRHLlU0hD98Rgn6yl3BqdvcUahyphenhyphenqHm98lW-0BsX8Rlxt0YmDvwqrtEkQRTz/s1600/IMG_0942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b9Kn8U3xnX2uZV9nFuwTWhd89namHid5hN1uKIBHPiLIZVTdwnVF6rVTrvqkan7FtQXZKKuTJoifQpnyyRRHLlU0hD98Rgn6yl3BqdvcUahyphenhyphenqHm98lW-0BsX8Rlxt0YmDvwqrtEkQRTz/s400/IMG_0942.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Got a lot of crap from my non-biking family about my "fluorescent yellow blouse," my "tinker bell" jersey...etc...but I was out here and they weren't. (And I don't think they have ever seen the AZ state flag.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0gnw4FGlQbvug1P5x7SlIUGEbMIBRyN7rIcRkOdb4BDwgahYYK55RxXKs95UMxVQAvEEGOIvYqvXzz3jzLn_3Ff59S_53aTprO5tL7-Kj-RUJUpe_mYMLJSzZ_zv2fiiutOaDnZD7dRr/s1600/hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0gnw4FGlQbvug1P5x7SlIUGEbMIBRyN7rIcRkOdb4BDwgahYYK55RxXKs95UMxVQAvEEGOIvYqvXzz3jzLn_3Ff59S_53aTprO5tL7-Kj-RUJUpe_mYMLJSzZ_zv2fiiutOaDnZD7dRr/s640/hill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> I didn't take too many pictures during this ride...I had full finger gloves on and the iPhone screen won't work with them on...I did get a few and stole a few off the web. This is the first and only real hill on the route...about a 3 mile climb at 6% grade or less.<br />
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The group started out pretty fast for me as you can see in the charts above...Mike and I followed until this hill and my heart rate went up exponentially :) From here on out is was me drafting off mike...only 110 miles to go :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhq1SQrf7Ap-7hVTJtBQD1C65cJaogQyV6MMkw1LANrE40h_WBO9FoqGzWUdbjwViCSvUJbBosxnUG4Sz03eeP-vfe75ZDwdzL30xXkSA-Gxr9rNzspVSt2hDhBOUf06kiRxQWb3YUbPg/s1600/ruins-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhq1SQrf7Ap-7hVTJtBQD1C65cJaogQyV6MMkw1LANrE40h_WBO9FoqGzWUdbjwViCSvUJbBosxnUG4Sz03eeP-vfe75ZDwdzL30xXkSA-Gxr9rNzspVSt2hDhBOUf06kiRxQWb3YUbPg/s640/ruins-sign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> 1st stop Casa Grande Ruins...mile 31. Here we went into the small museum, got our Brevet card stamped...both Mike's water bottle and my own were sitting on the counter. While chewing a cliff bar I decided I need to some water to choke it down...I didn't grab my own...but I did let Mike know that his water tasted just as good as mine :) Thanks buddy!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrleC3b37fdBsrd16nP7mqzWBtW8u79MDa8quwPhHifehgjJzj_a0IjUcto4xFRwCfPcgkyMrSSdqbsvMIFFr_8VmcZ4V1HSf2rIueZKpUlSP_tkLHL3s6JuivjQdVy1h00AzGfr1Xb2hv/s1600/ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrleC3b37fdBsrd16nP7mqzWBtW8u79MDa8quwPhHifehgjJzj_a0IjUcto4xFRwCfPcgkyMrSSdqbsvMIFFr_8VmcZ4V1HSf2rIueZKpUlSP_tkLHL3s6JuivjQdVy1h00AzGfr1Xb2hv/s640/ruins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Casa Grande National Monument...Hohokam Indian house...one of the largest prehistoric structures built in North America. Will have to go back and really visit sometime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJbiVQcm02poafr_bqAwS4e-Pcixhlz1HKct9N6sYLcw59XR9H0YlmoEmktksQNgR8jiL5eXjMhui68uygHE7OuWK7jX09Db2cTh1uq6LpUIS0C4oZzBtgQysTTceTxS_TFuAlRn8pQ4U/s1600/RoundTripBikeShop365.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJbiVQcm02poafr_bqAwS4e-Pcixhlz1HKct9N6sYLcw59XR9H0YlmoEmktksQNgR8jiL5eXjMhui68uygHE7OuWK7jX09Db2cTh1uq6LpUIS0C4oZzBtgQysTTceTxS_TFuAlRn8pQ4U/s320/RoundTripBikeShop365.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
Mile 52.6...back at the <a href="http://roundtripbikeshop.com/">Round Trip Bike Shop</a> (these guys are great...highly recommend them)...still pretty cold out so we just stopped, dropped our warm hats off...had a banana and some Accelerade then went into the bike shop to get our card stamped...then off to the Rez...75 miles to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiR40UbbSq_pvslcVIjEnOKHoQZ6kzNI4rTWudxTDMrYqzY5ZToUL7WzwQaGTl2CGNqv-A9EhMN9krL4GLW4hSvxCkEfBT1VUT79FPnRZyjAxNbiT3DpM_61qj007c3ALDlDrbIWnGAs5/s1600/Rez-Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiR40UbbSq_pvslcVIjEnOKHoQZ6kzNI4rTWudxTDMrYqzY5ZToUL7WzwQaGTl2CGNqv-A9EhMN9krL4GLW4hSvxCkEfBT1VUT79FPnRZyjAxNbiT3DpM_61qj007c3ALDlDrbIWnGAs5/s640/Rez-Sign.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Long, straight, flat...only traffic out here was the border patrol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cpO-VPfoKCJXMFnZzbHiot6aNAWyzxLYJVl88u6MZjXV9sSN5DXfatJaXKXxm-YVWlHH3b4VLYFSEaeMmBsoxUNFalxOgiwXQyhFCeNZgBcthMPndrQ_Mf7ZYq_ZOw9gvmjbISTQuAuu/s1600/Indian-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cpO-VPfoKCJXMFnZzbHiot6aNAWyzxLYJVl88u6MZjXV9sSN5DXfatJaXKXxm-YVWlHH3b4VLYFSEaeMmBsoxUNFalxOgiwXQyhFCeNZgBcthMPndrQ_Mf7ZYq_ZOw9gvmjbISTQuAuu/s640/Indian-15.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Pretty much the view for 70 miles...was pretty and felt isolated...great middle of nowhere feeling. The only part of this picture missing is Mike upfront in his Aerobars :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqNoVbBjTeGdY-l10r7NJGwREuYJqUdMk7hB8rBz4Z8gLFpTKT9FNv7M7KII4eA79zQzzJXjN68qykph0uD7Y4IJzN_FpSnBpd7kM-eYSjht7dFolsbwqRu_baVW3lz4YQ_3GeP98Fi45/s1600/indian-memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqNoVbBjTeGdY-l10r7NJGwREuYJqUdMk7hB8rBz4Z8gLFpTKT9FNv7M7KII4eA79zQzzJXjN68qykph0uD7Y4IJzN_FpSnBpd7kM-eYSjht7dFolsbwqRu_baVW3lz4YQ_3GeP98Fi45/s640/indian-memorial.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Memorials on the side of the road...quite a few of these along with a possible grave yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM9OLtHx4i_ucdSHpy6s7x8H3Io7OEmhLgHlRbUo4UXPGKDmqAlHvegQePG_iosfRz46d3lWjteYq2N6nxO9vrdiFreokDwGLs37ouQKRBwqGz5qEU53YEhSeNpfv-OeXJuFq79yw0sE9/s1600/IMG_0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM9OLtHx4i_ucdSHpy6s7x8H3Io7OEmhLgHlRbUo4UXPGKDmqAlHvegQePG_iosfRz46d3lWjteYq2N6nxO9vrdiFreokDwGLs37ouQKRBwqGz5qEU53YEhSeNpfv-OeXJuFq79yw0sE9/s400/IMG_0939.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">About mile 80 on the route I started feeling quad/calf cramps coming on. I had been drinking and eating about every 30 minutes but I just can't keep enough electrolytes in the system...Endurolytes turned out to be my savior. At this point in the ride I started taking them 1-3 every hour...completely took care of the muscle cramps...never ended up having a problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcS5KYCtrJpkUWhKe8_wqLiq7kg-xP-8azzgouR2hx4LGpJmdnMMLiPNvSDfSdveOvxXnedGkAZboa4dUq4AcFF3VIraaU7mtv7g4raQ0nQjyiBm9Se4il_8VuvfaXjQ-yZHBanw-OoGp/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+8.39.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcS5KYCtrJpkUWhKe8_wqLiq7kg-xP-8azzgouR2hx4LGpJmdnMMLiPNvSDfSdveOvxXnedGkAZboa4dUq4AcFF3VIraaU7mtv7g4raQ0nQjyiBm9Se4il_8VuvfaXjQ-yZHBanw-OoGp/s400/Screen+shot+2011-01-10+at+8.39.11+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Susan I love you! Those green tortilla turkey wraps with potatoe salad inside were the best I have ever had!!! Those were great!!! And the coke...priceless :) Yes, this is the turn around on the Rez....mile 88. Time to get this ride done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lrm6vSI3wDts-FPl-uLMrg9HvPPBhTs8WcmxLz-OojRao-DMcJTLGVfm0AB06qQP32H1PbdaFSZlLatBXAzH4OuBerSYbr6sveHserAY8vehgxhynQKoAAWz8L1JzrMTNLLckLnuD_wN/s1600/Indian-15-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lrm6vSI3wDts-FPl-uLMrg9HvPPBhTs8WcmxLz-OojRao-DMcJTLGVfm0AB06qQP32H1PbdaFSZlLatBXAzH4OuBerSYbr6sveHserAY8vehgxhynQKoAAWz8L1JzrMTNLLckLnuD_wN/s640/Indian-15-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Heading back to the bike shop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFFOt2Rl-ixT13ioJEV7j9J55W-oG6jxuh8Wq0Qtn7_SNSEFrHS6pv-JCtjc_VwTGg8xdNuISnhXkC45LZVO9klJTTQeFCBrYBihBrsFECocJ5TX-bU0Rz0JbXpX68Yg-zYPc8Jk3c4wq/s1600/IMG_0944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFFOt2Rl-ixT13ioJEV7j9J55W-oG6jxuh8Wq0Qtn7_SNSEFrHS6pv-JCtjc_VwTGg8xdNuISnhXkC45LZVO9klJTTQeFCBrYBihBrsFECocJ5TX-bU0Rz0JbXpX68Yg-zYPc8Jk3c4wq/s640/IMG_0944.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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</div> Mike and I finished...in the Round Trip Bike shop turning in our Brevet Cards...gott r done! Thanks for introducing me to this and riding Domestique for me Mike...you rule buddy!!! Although...you were supposed to let me win the final sprint! Maybe next time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZamjepskp9FJRWt5TbB92KN1XtM_A_KULvbHNRKjZGtutmcMYWudTszrFig0DkfpQym6DJZVSNdX7kl2h1jREvbLt6RjH196-JR0mEZwNjZgRoyU7Yr3uHmYaAdM8IZcbKn241AKCYtcA/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+7.54.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZamjepskp9FJRWt5TbB92KN1XtM_A_KULvbHNRKjZGtutmcMYWudTszrFig0DkfpQym6DJZVSNdX7kl2h1jREvbLt6RjH196-JR0mEZwNjZgRoyU7Yr3uHmYaAdM8IZcbKn241AKCYtcA/s320/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+7.54.24+PM.png" width="320" /></a><br />
Brevet medal for the 200 km<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIbOwtlSx2L4z__oP-D0hyffD6UFgOH66vGOkUqpnzwhPp4EtWQRHsp90pb7zlYnJUhKi089BSNW8RwjuhPvIJp0ewy1Z5beHHco_bQGTYDca1Dg0_1R1eOi9LkVVFYo6Z18GhrZL-YBb/s1600/IMG_0943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIbOwtlSx2L4z__oP-D0hyffD6UFgOH66vGOkUqpnzwhPp4EtWQRHsp90pb7zlYnJUhKi089BSNW8RwjuhPvIJp0ewy1Z5beHHco_bQGTYDca1Dg0_1R1eOi9LkVVFYo6Z18GhrZL-YBb/s640/IMG_0943.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Lots of dry salt on the face but feeling good. Had a great introduction to Brevets and had a great adventure...WHATS NEXT?<br />
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Jan 29, 2011 - <b>300km (190 miles) <a href="http://azbrevet.com/routes300feb.html">Casa Grande to Saguaro National Park.</a></b> <br />
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</div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgeaBYj-N0LEaB31AlmTemN9K2Ja01IEbu1PurEUq9B4GLqB2JCUCNSzexQp_oGEJJJxsAyYXWusHRi2pMTN_gvS_7lEYwrNgw5rN5J8AXEITmnUTN-YDQFbyQE7Qx-x6tqF3ctVzg61L/s1600/IMG_0947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgeaBYj-N0LEaB31AlmTemN9K2Ja01IEbu1PurEUq9B4GLqB2JCUCNSzexQp_oGEJJJxsAyYXWusHRi2pMTN_gvS_7lEYwrNgw5rN5J8AXEITmnUTN-YDQFbyQE7Qx-x6tqF3ctVzg61L/s400/IMG_0947.jpg" width="298" /></a>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-35026529277095460962011-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:47:29.612-08:00Syphon Draw - Zito Family Hike<b>Where:</b> Lost Dutchman State Park "Syphon Draw Trail"<br />
<b>When:</b> Jan 15, 2011<br />
<b>Who: </b>Zito Fam<br />
<b>Description:</b> Syphon Draw is one of my favorite local hikes...one of the most scenic in the Phoenix area...love to get out in the "Supes" as often as possible! Great to get Loree and the Zito Kiddo's out for a hike...they definitely got a workout :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGBndLcdpc-Sux44FlEh4cHCIZg7Rcg-IxTYKxaMZP8tI_RdGw_0GacWxOlcMkXqJ5-nXt7FOgc24oMXB4v4_Ffs30klYsVw4YeSNea21uSGPXguqgD8SyaRTu5ykC0iyyJzsf3hHRpDr/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.33.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGBndLcdpc-Sux44FlEh4cHCIZg7Rcg-IxTYKxaMZP8tI_RdGw_0GacWxOlcMkXqJ5-nXt7FOgc24oMXB4v4_Ffs30klYsVw4YeSNea21uSGPXguqgD8SyaRTu5ykC0iyyJzsf3hHRpDr/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.33.59+PM.png" /></a><br />
(Stole this pic from the web...great view of the Supes from the trailhead.)<br />
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If you know me...I do tend to get myself or those with me in a little over our heads at times. This little Saturday hike could fit into that category. I love hiking in the Supes and this trail is one of my favorites. I have hiked it several times alone and with friends but never with my family. It is gorgeous once you start up into the canyon...but I had forgotten that is pretty challenging :) Especially for a 4 year old! Kids did great and definitely got a good workout...4.6 miles and 1650 Feet elevation gain!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLoqO_e_3D3iPd2yj9KVuT9F1O52tuEFOzKoaChYlVdVG8K1IJhyphenhyphen_dJb01iVt-lzLzorv0uJuFBSBYkdsh4bD10NQgXU8CP2mLl8gZqpmoPsLQK0J3mZ-AWXody4eCNLVfpNvvF5xOZB8/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.58.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLoqO_e_3D3iPd2yj9KVuT9F1O52tuEFOzKoaChYlVdVG8K1IJhyphenhyphen_dJb01iVt-lzLzorv0uJuFBSBYkdsh4bD10NQgXU8CP2mLl8gZqpmoPsLQK0J3mZ-AWXody4eCNLVfpNvvF5xOZB8/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.58.41+PM.png" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KqROBTGra38_WvOpAiSrdQHXM3fl261zQnxLCBY9kD_vQ4UpXJz_1Z3uPTLBck20sFtXFqf5xhlMjSL45QNrQxAPDN4NYx1JWU0L-oaIuvy36NlXN8uSTzZM9Jmynnc-PSuigsSMnvP-/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.52.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KqROBTGra38_WvOpAiSrdQHXM3fl261zQnxLCBY9kD_vQ4UpXJz_1Z3uPTLBck20sFtXFqf5xhlMjSL45QNrQxAPDN4NYx1JWU0L-oaIuvy36NlXN8uSTzZM9Jmynnc-PSuigsSMnvP-/s400/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.52.52+PM.png" width="282" /></a></div><br />
Stats courtesy of the ole Garmin 305...still a great watch!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7MuTzMDaGiCgE-5F7AuSnl-AjywTtK2FQYnDND1LxYRVbFbQgRZgUs3ZBdt_ALUKbLP1GBNDAdjb5LgnFMM1F7cZigjGVm5xrqzVK-p_Xhmmb-Ff5DZvv1hCvz4x9rHpaRJFU_VlDJPj/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.56.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7MuTzMDaGiCgE-5F7AuSnl-AjywTtK2FQYnDND1LxYRVbFbQgRZgUs3ZBdt_ALUKbLP1GBNDAdjb5LgnFMM1F7cZigjGVm5xrqzVK-p_Xhmmb-Ff5DZvv1hCvz4x9rHpaRJFU_VlDJPj/s640/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.56.09+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7MuTzMDaGiCgE-5F7AuSnl-AjywTtK2FQYnDND1LxYRVbFbQgRZgUs3ZBdt_ALUKbLP1GBNDAdjb5LgnFMM1F7cZigjGVm5xrqzVK-p_Xhmmb-Ff5DZvv1hCvz4x9rHpaRJFU_VlDJPj/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-15+at+3.56.09+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Google Earth map of the route</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt9b4wJSVIx9zazyrR1LY0lMDds7KhJhThk16rI_svYnargsHD1E0RDPKR_MCyiHQPlHh_VWHz-l28TS86SYF3XTt5IzHi2SJkStk-WCsuDB5cPeiNa5xb6ZTKe0ZrwmNQ3hEiU5Ae4tI/s1600/IMG_2057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt9b4wJSVIx9zazyrR1LY0lMDds7KhJhThk16rI_svYnargsHD1E0RDPKR_MCyiHQPlHh_VWHz-l28TS86SYF3XTt5IzHi2SJkStk-WCsuDB5cPeiNa5xb6ZTKe0ZrwmNQ3hEiU5Ae4tI/s640/IMG_2057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Ready to roll...Trailhead begins on the "Treasure Loop" trail 56<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-3196ZJXHWZm8rNSJqj7SGrM0ImIuPN2cVYAtq-L_TNfCAfHY9dy1zgD8ZBscIuG0heIVTJCxPXcHfdQprmfN-mu9GxZT_MNoPQj-PKvWZicF8fHzkN8bwBSA0PSRUKrtydRQoQ9e5lP/s1600/IMG_2060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-3196ZJXHWZm8rNSJqj7SGrM0ImIuPN2cVYAtq-L_TNfCAfHY9dy1zgD8ZBscIuG0heIVTJCxPXcHfdQprmfN-mu9GxZT_MNoPQj-PKvWZicF8fHzkN8bwBSA0PSRUKrtydRQoQ9e5lP/s640/IMG_2060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> You do get a more detailed map for the $8 that it costs to get into the park.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TkJtM32zLXIQIZjMVDDLyl7gnBy9yqztCKDygY3IPLgsD4B6Df2pbM4YZAAEoPrKk9M7cR0RC2FfkfOkRUNhVkEZE0CFexOxr3WMUGrGC2AIcwpCzC-fhvKnLus5wu-O7UoeYrJ-RgLY/s1600/IMG_2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TkJtM32zLXIQIZjMVDDLyl7gnBy9yqztCKDygY3IPLgsD4B6Df2pbM4YZAAEoPrKk9M7cR0RC2FfkfOkRUNhVkEZE0CFexOxr3WMUGrGC2AIcwpCzC-fhvKnLus5wu-O7UoeYrJ-RgLY/s640/IMG_2066.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Warming up...74 degrees in January...pretty tough out here in AZ.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5qf4rsdeeyr_xeGVl9VdUGGQcPXOu9Oxopx05ufipmFA07RnqcrLTaU0PlkhSCT4RV3mtLn3L0k_gFKM1ARFwxpDvEqe8hQnVW0gyLEYRL1lqHAS1ojwl52P6DUr71mpFTX9KvfLH-zz/s1600/IMG_2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5qf4rsdeeyr_xeGVl9VdUGGQcPXOu9Oxopx05ufipmFA07RnqcrLTaU0PlkhSCT4RV3mtLn3L0k_gFKM1ARFwxpDvEqe8hQnVW0gyLEYRL1lqHAS1ojwl52P6DUr71mpFTX9KvfLH-zz/s640/IMG_2068.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGFLOSMHjQww9VR9GI0ms8-LaDIj-c3XEAwQcf6YvVbhGrsArg4BbjHWt3d9zI7Sj63EIxXEsdCA8bETvucZ3Hn116g7qrh7eULfyZNREwiu2cQ6j4eTj2AO_BU7vnoKJe6LtPXoC_vJ7/s1600/IMG_2069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGFLOSMHjQww9VR9GI0ms8-LaDIj-c3XEAwQcf6YvVbhGrsArg4BbjHWt3d9zI7Sj63EIxXEsdCA8bETvucZ3Hn116g7qrh7eULfyZNREwiu2cQ6j4eTj2AO_BU7vnoKJe6LtPXoC_vJ7/s640/IMG_2069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The Flat Iron can be seen back in the distance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbH5Zg3p4rnZ44ATT_yF6Ka6Es0H4hVkeE7_CGxljzwDwgXmeNquvldgEimIgk4McfLA6kwWA1AVNVW9nNvmSvvo7bfAdnenBfV1yIGZL4UhchTEQscGXDofC_yxiapjPEGcnSfoQjGia/s1600/IMG_2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbH5Zg3p4rnZ44ATT_yF6Ka6Es0H4hVkeE7_CGxljzwDwgXmeNquvldgEimIgk4McfLA6kwWA1AVNVW9nNvmSvvo7bfAdnenBfV1yIGZL4UhchTEQscGXDofC_yxiapjPEGcnSfoQjGia/s640/IMG_2071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Carly coming through the brush in Syphon Draw.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_hJ2q7t9upYh2FhVdl6QUXWkRjmdNCowPXxcoT-imxBBKsM2fMJWIsvYYn1k9kkny2vbl103IlBMlf0xphdy-SXFdXMtwk_X_bZiZ4t_PqFcDcwdyQNF2g5YnrvYZPjz78heinapEaa-/s1600/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_hJ2q7t9upYh2FhVdl6QUXWkRjmdNCowPXxcoT-imxBBKsM2fMJWIsvYYn1k9kkny2vbl103IlBMlf0xphdy-SXFdXMtwk_X_bZiZ4t_PqFcDcwdyQNF2g5YnrvYZPjz78heinapEaa-/s640/IMG_2072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Blake is gaining a little momentum now...we are close to our turn around spot...he told me his legs were feeling fuzzy :) Mine too...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm8Gx3M-4mvKxI6fded-UFjPPWnK47iAlGDIxVeM124IESJ11hEQ53dadZA7lOPV1x7iXfEuUKGeAse7cTk-RHmtE09Qw4nL5iFqxwD4M7f018hjMryYWxyCff1tEbTOUJj6Y1dIBRRFl/s1600/IMG_2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGm8Gx3M-4mvKxI6fded-UFjPPWnK47iAlGDIxVeM124IESJ11hEQ53dadZA7lOPV1x7iXfEuUKGeAse7cTk-RHmtE09Qw4nL5iFqxwD4M7f018hjMryYWxyCff1tEbTOUJj6Y1dIBRRFl/s640/IMG_2074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Great spot to enjoy the view and have lunch. We parked it here for 30-40 minutes then headed back down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBDAjbT_2rFMJvQYohvVRjhBWoUsF4OrryAk-Uw5wLPTNlubU6-0qeH7ukYXFN5Vm2LlG7WY0D0Cmr7za9FxbkEFx4yWzs5JuK4v-LDjOJbfriuMB5AYalvihUpjTGfjWLwtBvAsUzFqk/s1600/IMG_2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBDAjbT_2rFMJvQYohvVRjhBWoUsF4OrryAk-Uw5wLPTNlubU6-0qeH7ukYXFN5Vm2LlG7WY0D0Cmr7za9FxbkEFx4yWzs5JuK4v-LDjOJbfriuMB5AYalvihUpjTGfjWLwtBvAsUzFqk/s640/IMG_2075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Looking back down at the valley from Syphon Draw...you can see Usery mountain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL7HFE60f4lx66BCjbWW7cNKFBcVi6t6TR0caKJmBDQstTq6LJMvIKufsKhrP6A9HGi7HpV-ZPWsHQ2I0yzTZbAixsKgKAkZ1NS_dXSMdIJq69CB8FBjMFUpTEuWo5erJ_tISti9XV58h/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNL7HFE60f4lx66BCjbWW7cNKFBcVi6t6TR0caKJmBDQstTq6LJMvIKufsKhrP6A9HGi7HpV-ZPWsHQ2I0yzTZbAixsKgKAkZ1NS_dXSMdIJq69CB8FBjMFUpTEuWo5erJ_tISti9XV58h/s640/IMG_2080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The slick rock is great when it is not wet...Blake climbing around.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAbCZKRr8lRHzZF5a1Q-T4MAbJgrWXLpFt_E_HKmFrMXVO-LIvHipv_iuqSAIFhsdJmzglGeRcav-tm0lUO8qb_lctMvU2H855oRBJkOiRu4_PsVlbsZZEtq_bcrnH1vU-Acz0g1QSPPr/s1600/IMG_2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAbCZKRr8lRHzZF5a1Q-T4MAbJgrWXLpFt_E_HKmFrMXVO-LIvHipv_iuqSAIFhsdJmzglGeRcav-tm0lUO8qb_lctMvU2H855oRBJkOiRu4_PsVlbsZZEtq_bcrnH1vU-Acz0g1QSPPr/s640/IMG_2082.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Good Times....Kaitlyn, Carly, Blake.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriZq5i9jo5S8aaDL0PnMAWBJSKbKF5SgDltIDAeHtCldNSqNMdzi4zbcIm-6_TvSg_MNAYQdnEXN8qPy6cm_2imPD_ux7wYEB2BjpOks8jJ9OcN34Z7zBXlvXFWfFos_jdO0lqJzz39SL/s1600/IMG_2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriZq5i9jo5S8aaDL0PnMAWBJSKbKF5SgDltIDAeHtCldNSqNMdzi4zbcIm-6_TvSg_MNAYQdnEXN8qPy6cm_2imPD_ux7wYEB2BjpOks8jJ9OcN34Z7zBXlvXFWfFos_jdO0lqJzz39SL/s640/IMG_2083.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Me and my buddy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPZVbudhbuADM-PiacE9iJ8gE7gMkKKGvFQC2NIgVpTIDtlE4A0U2zdD_UexHI6d4rcmGlQD7plHKLkJEDnzWSXL72okClo8T-aRFVN-wE6HmmRbcRD9MFf8g4LKqFzgkE3w_weD1VNBa/s1600/IMG_2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPZVbudhbuADM-PiacE9iJ8gE7gMkKKGvFQC2NIgVpTIDtlE4A0U2zdD_UexHI6d4rcmGlQD7plHKLkJEDnzWSXL72okClo8T-aRFVN-wE6HmmRbcRD9MFf8g4LKqFzgkE3w_weD1VNBa/s640/IMG_2084.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Kaitlyn, Loree, Carly...having a snack.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW1_mOrNxmF10jBIABXKpoGnvl2h6aKKUwdTorNRRQmghohDKrA_cOaxN7JB6NQS9xlRrxzr0VkzbgOkSTQIheKvSpoMFsNlCPIvp4DwWk7VGNvo9-zoQFfp-E4Mcs9pbtPQ_Ap_sDJN1/s1600/IMG_2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW1_mOrNxmF10jBIABXKpoGnvl2h6aKKUwdTorNRRQmghohDKrA_cOaxN7JB6NQS9xlRrxzr0VkzbgOkSTQIheKvSpoMFsNlCPIvp4DwWk7VGNvo9-zoQFfp-E4Mcs9pbtPQ_Ap_sDJN1/s640/IMG_2087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Not the most healthy hiking food...but everyone made it up so eat whatever you want :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMCUc5rl5r8Pl4wcMKw9-rQaUSRqjeUiuKdfJ3CSR_EgyGrpL56grvf7TAfEQ4ogLYUyzYqVF4sGdMLNu36ZYV_hArQKSgjrd8yiPGaEKEZeauwE3Njoh2wWtCExEq2UlCKG90QE4ek_p/s1600/IMG_2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMCUc5rl5r8Pl4wcMKw9-rQaUSRqjeUiuKdfJ3CSR_EgyGrpL56grvf7TAfEQ4ogLYUyzYqVF4sGdMLNu36ZYV_hArQKSgjrd8yiPGaEKEZeauwE3Njoh2wWtCExEq2UlCKG90QE4ek_p/s640/IMG_2091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Blake and I heading back down...a bit after this he got to ride on the shoulders the rest of the way out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mC13u5GxbjsyN0ivrclIIFHP_pBAvXNEFhPpEygj0xOg-xk_XHfmZrZdbGng97e72rJhiRfB98RSWJzrerP6Kkj6lxB83mzo9HwW0V63LxXZbS6gZ94FeIe7FwQY6JUwKgNN_l9rZ0h7/s1600/IMG_0954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mC13u5GxbjsyN0ivrclIIFHP_pBAvXNEFhPpEygj0xOg-xk_XHfmZrZdbGng97e72rJhiRfB98RSWJzrerP6Kkj6lxB83mzo9HwW0V63LxXZbS6gZ94FeIe7FwQY6JUwKgNN_l9rZ0h7/s640/IMG_0954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-64804553880750489382010-08-29T23:06:00.000-07:002013-10-09T17:10:37.506-07:00The Beaten Path - Beartooths Montana<b>Where:</b> Beartooth-Absoraka State Park Montana<br />
<b>When:</b> Aug 22-25, 2010<br />
<b>Who: </b>Justin and Leonard <br />
<b>Description:</b> "The Beaten Path" 26 mile backpacking route from Cooke City to East Rosebud Lake near Red Lodge Montana. 4 days, incredible views, great backpacking, and good fishing.<br />
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The "Beaten Path" route through the Beartooths has been on my List for a couple years. It is described in several trip reports and guide books as the most scenic 26 miles in a park with a 700+ mile trail system. Our plan initially was to borrow 2 cars from family living in Billings, drop one off at the Clark Fork Trailhead near Cooke City and then drive the other back to East Rose Bud near Red Lodge. Once in Billings I was able to coherce my great brother Nate into dropping us off and picking us up...Thanks Nate!!!! Definitely saved us from getting a seriously late start and many hours of driving!!!<br />
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Justin's new Garmin recorded our route...27.3 miles from Trail head to Trail head...definitely would be more work beginning from East Rosebud.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNo486OJQg4/THsrqje9ghI/AAAAAAAAAX4/IejXCm0c3qc/s1600/elevation-gps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNo486OJQg4/THsrqje9ghI/AAAAAAAAAX4/IejXCm0c3qc/s640/elevation-gps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Justin also brought the "Spot Locater" with us...it would upload our location and status regularly and send and "we are doing great" message each night as we stopped to camp. Our wives were happy to see we were doing ok each day and the kiddo's could track our progress before and after school...very schweet!<br />
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We began our Beaten Path route from the Cooke City side. It involved about 2000 less feet of elevation gain and put us a couple hours closer to our Billings...our destination for Wednesday night. Most guides recommend 5-10 days for this route...not because of the difficulty but the incredible views keep a 3 mph hiker to about a 1 mph average. Justin and I found this to be true very quickly.<br />
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Sunday 3:30pm - starting out from Clarks Fork Trail head (Trekking poles, Packs, Fly Rods...ready to roll.)<br />
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Crossing Meadow on Day 1 - 6 miles to Russel Lake.<br />
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1st of many small waterfalls.<br />
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Made it to Russel Lake - Gorgeous place to camp and do a little fishing.<br />
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Campsite at Russel Lake - Got some rain and made it down to 32 degrees...pretty chilly for late August!<br />
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Justin's first fish on a fly rod...just as I am taking the picture the fish flips and he almost loses it...<br />
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ahhh...there it is. Monster trout...<br />
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Well...the trout were many at Russel lake...just not large :) This one was tasty.<br />
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Heading over the Beartooth plateau today...next campsite will be Twin Outlets Lake.<br />
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Justin classic's...3 of many photo's he took on this route with his iPhone. I believe these are Skull Lake and Bald Nob...they are running together now that it has been a few days.<br />
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Trout are a little bigger up here are Fossil Lake. We are at a little over 10,000 feet...fishing is great but a storm ran us out. We would have like to fish here for several hours.<br />
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Dewey Lake - just down from Fossil on our way to Twin Outlets Lake. We considered staying here for the night but at the higher lakes there is a fire restriction.<br />
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It seemed that there was a waterfall or gorgeous stream at every turn...on a 26 mile route, there were many many "photo opportunities."<br />
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Was nice to get cleaned up at Twin Outlets lake...but, snow and glacier fed lake means...phreaking cold! It could be compared to a full body brain freeze...possibly multiplied significantly.<br />
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Day 3: Hiking towards Rainbow Lake and Impass falls.<br />
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Day 3 - Hiking down to Rainbow Lake - Above are the beginnings of Impass Falls<br />
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Impass Falls - Not sure how high...would guess a couple hundred feet.<br />
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Rainbow Lake - This is the actual lake color...was an amazing blue green!<br />
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Getting in some more fly fishing. The trout loved hoppers...even caught a small Golden!<br />
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Day 4 - Hiking out to East Rose Bud Lake. This is Rim Rock...one of the most incredible views so far!<br />
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Managed to talk a Forest Service bridge inspector to take our picture on the way out...Thanks Buddy!<br />
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Nearing Elk Lake in the East Rosebud canyon. The 1st several miles of this area was burned 10 or so years ago...still beautiful...especially coming from the Phoenix!<br />
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Definitely the most gorgeous backpacking trip I have spent anywhere! I think the sign may be propping us up a bit...but it was sure great!<br />
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Did not spend enough time picking berries...but August is the time to be in the Beartooths. Wild raspberries and huckleberries were everywhere.<br />
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East Rosebud Trail Head <br />
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So Justin and I had finished our camel backs, had not access to the "private lake" and had several hours to wait for our ride to come get us. Lucky for us we stumbled on this little store...closed but had everything we needed!!! A phone for local calls, wifi, and a pepsi machine!!!! Justin had five 1 dollar bills...these Dr. Peppers are worth the 1500 miles if you can make it...trust me!<br />
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The wait got a little warm and Justin and I were a lot ripe...decided to head down to the stream and get cooled off. Definitely not as cold as the upper lakes...but brisk baby<br />
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Headed back to the store to get comfy and wait it out for our ride. This chipmunk was pretty conditioned to people. Justin fed it some sunflower seeds and it instantly became our best friend...<br />
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It was pretty crazy...read my book with me for a bit. It did get old after a while though...he started trying to chew holes through our pants pockets to get more seeds...<br />
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Mountain House chicken and rice have nothing on the 1/2 lb Grizzly Burger at the Grizzly Bar in Roscoe! A definite place not to miss coming out of the mountains! <br />
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For 90% of the great Beartooth experience...have a Dr. Pepper in Alpine from the Pepsi machine near East Rosebud lake, swim in the stream near the lake, and stop at the Grizzly Bar for the best Burger you have ever had...not sure if it would all be the same though without 4-7 days on the trail :)<br />
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<b>BEATEN PATH CONCLUSION:</b><br />
26 miles of gorgeous trail...definitely the most scenic backpacking trip I have done. The trail was in excellent condition and the "beaten path" does not describe it well. We saw maybe 3 groups on the first day, 1 on the second and third day, and a few on the way out. It did not seem crowded whatsoever. I will do this route again in the future and take more time...there are many opportunities to get off the beaten path...or even just relax and fish for an entire day. Definitely an adventure to be on anyone's life list!Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-77729400496192121022010-06-07T17:19:00.000-07:002011-02-19T23:48:15.402-08:00Trail Run - Usery Park Wind Caves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Where:</b> Usery Mountain Regional Park - Mesa AZ<br />
<b>When:</b> June 1st, 2010 5:00am<br />
<b>Who: </b>Leiftime Fitness group<br />
<b>Description:</b> Tuesdays mornings are now "Wind Cave's" trail run at <a href="http://www.crossfitleiftimefitness.com/Site/HOME/HOME.html">Leiftime Fitness</a> . 3 miles out and back with 900ft elevation gain.<br />
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Haven't done many trail runs since Peralta to First water...when I was invited to hit the trials with some of the trainers from the Crossfit gym I go to I signed up. (Thanks <b>Sarah</b> for getting us out there!!) Usery Mountain Regional Park is about 10-15 minutes from my house and Loree and I road bike past it all the time. I have run several trails there including "pass mountain" but it never really occured to me to run/hike/stumble up the wind cave trail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn-mVkJKrobgyvToPJ19m5CBNPLoPqKN_KyL8wn-8UCJTRGbysTPLX_n15WkwmnuhKda2jj-E8wYGR5XCsFmAbYIUL2HfPv4NUcWHobtmKPMiAluTo8HVjilJ983MkASLklmao7_aF8ok/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-06-07+at+4.14.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn-mVkJKrobgyvToPJ19m5CBNPLoPqKN_KyL8wn-8UCJTRGbysTPLX_n15WkwmnuhKda2jj-E8wYGR5XCsFmAbYIUL2HfPv4NUcWHobtmKPMiAluTo8HVjilJ983MkASLklmao7_aF8ok/s640/Screen+shot+2010-06-07+at+4.14.49+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>Garmin 305 route tracking for the Wind Caves Trail run....stats listed below. <br />
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I missed the group of 3 by about 5 minutes so started the run on my own from the trail head. In the first minute or 2 my heart rate hit about 180bps...so I had to slow down and more of fast hike/jog up. The trail is pretty rough in spots requiring some hands and scrambling but just steep enough in many spots to prevent me from being able to run...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRUAABDg7P_DIyyPvITwkY2Nkx8grc57xKlztnKP8J_8YVyFIyoHOepSqqrivoKxkaVIIWDI1WWwgF-2lqdMG8kNpI6_Od-yD1PGxd7yxADzl9VHK2sfiPiYy0oQTrWsJUT6KrDy2WVWa/s1600/wr_Wind_Cave_Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRUAABDg7P_DIyyPvITwkY2Nkx8grc57xKlztnKP8J_8YVyFIyoHOepSqqrivoKxkaVIIWDI1WWwgF-2lqdMG8kNpI6_Od-yD1PGxd7yxADzl9VHK2sfiPiYy0oQTrWsJUT6KrDy2WVWa/s640/wr_Wind_Cave_Trail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Looking back down the trail from the top. (25 minutes to the top...1.5 miles)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNx52YmX6QWQsZ4hAgZGitmubkecD3dl6q5B6gQlmTvjuhcu-GqSIv3kQs61u0FF2_w5Z2ITZ0BZrSOO7PbAedjlXOF79JejosslFajjLmvwhptMiUGkTj5_Tq9Q1LhdGc-_JosQtXlPE/s1600/usery-panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNx52YmX6QWQsZ4hAgZGitmubkecD3dl6q5B6gQlmTvjuhcu-GqSIv3kQs61u0FF2_w5Z2ITZ0BZrSOO7PbAedjlXOF79JejosslFajjLmvwhptMiUGkTj5_Tq9Q1LhdGc-_JosQtXlPE/s640/usery-panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> View from the top...overlooking beautiful Apache Junction :) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwvnsbh4L1vp5lqXkZljWr6HdFTEWlup7XzVGYBZbPVQ-5q5_WOO5Vzeeb5xTVoe5tL8TUE8bG0eDhJX5Efyi301F2ewzIYLOWGcnd86UzTy6OxW-Ib1_jj255YG05z6BztY-WgARtPJg/s1600/caveb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwvnsbh4L1vp5lqXkZljWr6HdFTEWlup7XzVGYBZbPVQ-5q5_WOO5Vzeeb5xTVoe5tL8TUE8bG0eDhJX5Efyi301F2ewzIYLOWGcnd86UzTy6OxW-Ib1_jj255YG05z6BztY-WgARtPJg/s640/caveb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Looking out from the Wind Caves towards Rio Salado Sportsmans Club...good place to shoot.<br />
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I took about a minute break at the top and headed back down. I can get all 200+ lbs of me moving pretty fast down hill...took about 17 minutes to get back down to the truck. Overall, definitely a great morning workout...feels more like fun than exercise...trail running is great. <br />
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Signed up for an account on <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35328904">Garmin Connect</a>...you can upload/store all of your garmin data from workouts and gives some great graphs and details...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZSOk8vluYnglc34bEPmu_hkuciIV_EXGNM1TI1keacrmYbkvnX9RzGnJj1YBTSSwJzCpkqOez5mt-njRp_CvyT-4r8WCLFMMYWLNfSNMpOarrvajL25wVMwmrg86tTNbeQOqJu7jNlMz/s640/Screen+shot+2010-06-07+at+4.25.25+PM.png" width="490" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>These are from Garmin Connect...heart rate average 140bps, good climb up and down...and yes, pretty slow "minutes/mile." Definitely room for improvement.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcRLABq7Cn34EHD3_vK3eKVESlgr9KeG1un9l684TW1TBFXWfcvkfDECI52uLqBzhOXKnXNc42VkBYl0ma5dgEfKOV1SVN1L4emOF_msNkLv00NqsX6NgAYjls0DqIhRX4DJCYwuk1Ljo/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-06-07+at+4.25.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcRLABq7Cn34EHD3_vK3eKVESlgr9KeG1un9l684TW1TBFXWfcvkfDECI52uLqBzhOXKnXNc42VkBYl0ma5dgEfKOV1SVN1L4emOF_msNkLv00NqsX6NgAYjls0DqIhRX4DJCYwuk1Ljo/s640/Screen+shot+2010-06-07+at+4.25.46+PM.png" width="382" /></a></div><br />
Doing this again tomorrow morning...June 8...anyone up for it?Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-90946043934154606522010-03-27T14:48:00.000-07:002011-02-19T23:48:45.635-08:00Pinnacle Peak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Where:</b> Pinnacle Peak - Scottsdale AZ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>When:</b> March 26, 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Who:</b> Solo </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Description:</b> Pinnacle Peak is a rock climbing and hiking area on the North East corner of Scottsdale. It doesn't look like much from the freeway but the a guidebook I have describes some great routes...on granite rock!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This area is one of many I have marked in the local climbing guide books I have collected over the years. At the last minute Friday morning I decided to spend a couple hours exploring the area/routes and practice placing trad gear (climbing gear for fall protection) and build some anchors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651gplE9UI/AAAAAAAAAVw/z0eeFVzpid0/s1600-h/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651gplE9UI/AAAAAAAAAVw/z0eeFVzpid0/s640/IMG_0243.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Quick Photo of the East Face of Pinnacle peak...just below the parking area.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651jRGNajI/AAAAAAAAAWU/uDt_ZVPnzJE/s1600-h/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651jRGNajI/AAAAAAAAAWU/uDt_ZVPnzJE/s640/IMG_0260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> The main trail is about 1.75 miles long and ascends about 1300 feet. It is extremely well maintained and very crowded...even on week days. I hiked the trail around to the West face and then scrambled off trail to the base of the climbing area. There are several small steep trails labeled "for climbers only" that I found on the way back down :)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651iD4mlGI/AAAAAAAAAWA/E3B2CXikktw/s1600-h/IMG_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651iD4mlGI/AAAAAAAAAWA/E3B2CXikktw/s640/IMG_0249.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking down from the East Face back towards the parking area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651hEYE5FI/AAAAAAAAAV0/mTiyW2qNKwI/s1600-h/IMG_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651hEYE5FI/AAAAAAAAAV0/mTiyW2qNKwI/s640/IMG_0245.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> Omega Pacific Link Cams - The best cams that I have ever used...are also just about the only cam's I have ever used. They have the range of approximately 3 standard cams and are simple to place...especially in a hurry. I found that for just about any fingers or small hand size crack...al 4 link size cam's could fit in one of the 3 configurations.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651hbsqu2I/AAAAAAAAAV4/rV9ZESJYg20/s1600-h/IMG_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651hbsqu2I/AAAAAAAAAV4/rV9ZESJYg20/s640/IMG_0247.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651hsH3HiI/AAAAAAAAAV8/IJaRek8_zrY/s1600-h/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651hsH3HiI/AAAAAAAAAV8/IJaRek8_zrY/s640/IMG_0248.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> Ahh...when I began Trad climbing, this is the type of gear I used. Much cheaper and a good Hex placement just feels Bomber!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651iWHqUDI/AAAAAAAAAWE/DPpDMQuyvbA/s1600-h/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651iWHqUDI/AAAAAAAAAWE/DPpDMQuyvbA/s640/IMG_0250.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> The newest addition to the Zitoman Trad Rack. The Metolius Super Cam...this funky cam has the range of approximately 3 larger cams and begins where the Omega Link Cam's range ends...so for those larger cracks...this is the one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651jWr7d9I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/GKMWWpPOsiE/s1600-h/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651jWr7d9I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/GKMWWpPOsiE/s640/IMG_0256.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651i8kgGeI/AAAAAAAAAWM/tjclOFzRHGI/s1600-h/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_p4Ar80aaBLU/S651i8kgGeI/AAAAAAAAAWM/tjclOFzRHGI/s640/IMG_0254.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks like I should have used a larger cam here...this .5 is on the border of being opened to wide...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, had a good couple hours messing around and getting more comfortable with Trad gear. Anyone up for some of these routes?</div><br />
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</span></span></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-46874811189054753922010-03-13T16:22:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:49:14.883-08:00Supes Hike/Run - Peralta Trailhead to First Water<div><div><b>Where</b>: Peralta Trailhead to First Water - Trail Run/Hike</div><div><b>When</b>: March 13, 2010</div><div><b>Who</b>: Solo </div><div><b>Description</b>: Another Superstition Trail run...Peralta Trailhead to First Water Trailhead is approximately 12 miles. About 1600 Feet of elevation gain in the first 2.5 miles, then a lot of downhill. The trail can be really rocky in spots and this time of year all the streams are running.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I have wanted to do this point to point hike for a few years and have been planning on a backpacking trip through here in the fall. Several co-workers and friends of mine will be doing it with a possible midway camp on the top of Weavers Needle. I wanted to through hike this in the spring while the water is running and get to know the route much better.</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW-4GZew8sMlogMzS6SpWRYjt7m1AKUjNhtb9URUryqwm2z39VV9rlGgFiQr7-JaQDRzL7vqv64eps9pIVSutI_iJhWLG_LsF6accY4DXXXI3kPocS44Ih6LRrKG5Y9oRW3SAvwG7ppYw/s1600-h/graph.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331289657125602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhW-4GZew8sMlogMzS6SpWRYjt7m1AKUjNhtb9URUryqwm2z39VV9rlGgFiQr7-JaQDRzL7vqv64eps9pIVSutI_iJhWLG_LsF6accY4DXXXI3kPocS44Ih6LRrKG5Y9oRW3SAvwG7ppYw/s640/graph.png" /></a></div><div>Still love the Garmin 305..This is a good elevation map for this hike. The first hill is some serious elevation then only a few smaller hills...spread out pretty good.</div><div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-trwKA_il0b7V3Y5yj7KBAlpq28kcIziNwe5Gsa_-5IR6RMCHFGoe6OCX3KC8afaCuer2Wl6MGA3Ig0P-jDwOU2gc2n2QN-tA08LK9zVPPvcwgxhXdzC-kF2gzV1z7XT8Fsh2flkE0ej/s1600-h/route-4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448278914829113106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-trwKA_il0b7V3Y5yj7KBAlpq28kcIziNwe5Gsa_-5IR6RMCHFGoe6OCX3KC8afaCuer2Wl6MGA3Ig0P-jDwOU2gc2n2QN-tA08LK9zVPPvcwgxhXdzC-kF2gzV1z7XT8Fsh2flkE0ej/s640/route-4.png" /></a></div><div>Google Earth capture...bottom left is Peralta Trail...over Freemont Saddle and on to First Water Trailhead.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I joined a "Crossfit" gym...Leiftime Fitness...and have made more progress in my fitness in 6 weeks than I have in the past 10 years. I workout there 4-5 times a week which never really include more than 1 mile of running per session...but is killer cardio and strength. So, long story short, with my success running Siphon Draw trail a few weeks ago I thought I would double the distance and run this hike as well.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aPFHEHwwrmPK9AjQZfFE_UKTS4Qt4F9oqNlS2ch0XAcz6cTBRyUG_AUa7MUeN9dtYGu2l0GvUrqCieaIaTRAflLYa6vW9eAJyU3e92RXBEYnycqMHB9L9LZklqBwZDps_kCf6f1FWUa1/s1600-h/IMG_0204.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448344093361080578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aPFHEHwwrmPK9AjQZfFE_UKTS4Qt4F9oqNlS2ch0XAcz6cTBRyUG_AUa7MUeN9dtYGu2l0GvUrqCieaIaTRAflLYa6vW9eAJyU3e92RXBEYnycqMHB9L9LZklqBwZDps_kCf6f1FWUa1/s400/IMG_0204.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></a></div><div>Thanks to my Super Sweet Wify for following me to First Water to drop the truck off and then shuttle me around to Peralta to start the run....THX Babe!</div><div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsvumWP_rIrQBtQHwFrRZvWBbSGMYwtbv8CH7x8q971WumZ1KumAx4DvctCz1nCFOQmxIhbIbPoJURMDnkYu23a1xyMar0tq_Mr9WF-hV-mDISdMmfex9xNSvEXaFgcvfMS0u437_NUyA/s1600-h/IMG_0206.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331313469130338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsvumWP_rIrQBtQHwFrRZvWBbSGMYwtbv8CH7x8q971WumZ1KumAx4DvctCz1nCFOQmxIhbIbPoJURMDnkYu23a1xyMar0tq_Mr9WF-hV-mDISdMmfex9xNSvEXaFgcvfMS0u437_NUyA/s640/IMG_0206.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBWQ4sjznAtLtZTDnq3xH1pGFspR63pIMs85wRkPMhVMmp8LzuagXgcPOQdfuLj6BhZMvPA7OMCYqh1jF22pWEW6hRI32z9rRrNPo9FKha677fDUOYZwSrtTv3OpxJhaIFJheXnvgpwkz/s1600-h/IMG_0205.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331308360446066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBWQ4sjznAtLtZTDnq3xH1pGFspR63pIMs85wRkPMhVMmp8LzuagXgcPOQdfuLj6BhZMvPA7OMCYqh1jF22pWEW6hRI32z9rRrNPo9FKha677fDUOYZwSrtTv3OpxJhaIFJheXnvgpwkz/s640/IMG_0205.JPG" /></a></div><div>Gearing up...camel back fanny pack with water, 2 hand bottles with accelerade, 1 GU, and a granola bar...iPhone with some good Tunes.</div></div><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIfWLl01nksBJCg2vpw5WWHr36ULqy1WfAi_KbLvfu6Ej_oE6eVSvQwfg49d_8xADqhTFqUzcxTKbkjWbEJrztU8qBjUFo6uWjEt1rvZmPBaGAQ_4G04bVlIfzFXMLxZh7WhiLgmSpiqU/s1600-h/route-3.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331878467410562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIfWLl01nksBJCg2vpw5WWHr36ULqy1WfAi_KbLvfu6Ej_oE6eVSvQwfg49d_8xADqhTFqUzcxTKbkjWbEJrztU8qBjUFo6uWjEt1rvZmPBaGAQ_4G04bVlIfzFXMLxZh7WhiLgmSpiqU/s640/route-3.png" /></a></div><div>First 2.5 miles from Peralta Trailhead to Freemont Saddle. Great view of weavers needle and looking down to bulldog canyon. 45 minutes.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LxBqkyxaCfN5vMdD8hC57LSdXKddumOtqoNWwJJitsYWxjan109Kc_PjpRnpLKHEeEsH7H91K4FVKROTEQgg-awFw-o7Gg53FtIoL8VQvwQ44fHUyCdNP5XsWKlmlmfJvV-a-_5tVg9B/s1600-h/route-2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448278869723086498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LxBqkyxaCfN5vMdD8hC57LSdXKddumOtqoNWwJJitsYWxjan109Kc_PjpRnpLKHEeEsH7H91K4FVKROTEQgg-awFw-o7Gg53FtIoL8VQvwQ44fHUyCdNP5XsWKlmlmfJvV-a-_5tVg9B/s640/route-2.png" /></a></div><div>A minute at Freemont saddle to tighten the shoe laces and then began heading down. This view from Google Earth is looking back up towards the saddle with Weavers Needle on the left.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bpajzFsZ8J8hyphenhyphen2eT9zWoKDRmOetPboPkjsjuDg70tZ_iCOkaq8Tpuz8z4y6VW9vdkQpSY9htxdjUbdZ5nt0QBBJRVpqcrkefmMRdGG4Z3k5NQQNEltKMMovQfu1vOEgSpo-6R6LQh2C2/s1600-h/IMG_0210.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331325201708098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bpajzFsZ8J8hyphenhyphen2eT9zWoKDRmOetPboPkjsjuDg70tZ_iCOkaq8Tpuz8z4y6VW9vdkQpSY9htxdjUbdZ5nt0QBBJRVpqcrkefmMRdGG4Z3k5NQQNEltKMMovQfu1vOEgSpo-6R6LQh2C2/s640/IMG_0210.JPG" /></a></div><div>Excellent trail signs at the major junctions. Peralta Trail 102 is overgrown in several spots with lots of rocks...so it was great to see these signs just to give me confidence I was still on the correct trails.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B16d2Z9XgkrdkqPys93wKq04HQdbign8vGOIUssyh9riPhrAllsUAzQdc9ayOy9f6Itds_kPxYvsghNaG6GrzOzR4F7GYkel9XLdAM_y0ve_YR7t10Kz4ig083_JwuG_rJZo0Qp07a7a/s1600-h/route-5.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331869688871922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B16d2Z9XgkrdkqPys93wKq04HQdbign8vGOIUssyh9riPhrAllsUAzQdc9ayOy9f6Itds_kPxYvsghNaG6GrzOzR4F7GYkel9XLdAM_y0ve_YR7t10Kz4ig083_JwuG_rJZo0Qp07a7a/s640/route-5.png" /></a></div><div>The trail guides I read for this trip recommended planning 5-6 hours going either direction...my goal was to roll in to First Water in under 3...didn't quite make it. 3 hours and 5 minutes. Definitely got pretty warn down towards the end but could have pushed a bit harder I think if I would have known the trail a bit better...next time.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjgwB_PMsLnULBELNk9q3eET7a7Ah_NRHpxgMns-0C4LwzpxpsypikdyUbIOzJgtM7zOiBi3NXUDWce67B_otSiODQ-5JlKjoN2mgpBiAEx97Twchweg9k9zJFaDmOY6rF5id14iJ2AMe/s1600-h/IMG_0212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331850263555954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjgwB_PMsLnULBELNk9q3eET7a7Ah_NRHpxgMns-0C4LwzpxpsypikdyUbIOzJgtM7zOiBi3NXUDWce67B_otSiODQ-5JlKjoN2mgpBiAEx97Twchweg9k9zJFaDmOY6rF5id14iJ2AMe/s640/IMG_0212.JPG" /></a></div><div>I think it will be a while before I double this distance in a trail run...would like to find a trail marathon for sometime in the fall to work towards...</div><div><br />
</div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkGsa2uA_FPNDxl90NmMW19W_4fY3sZDPgPEwMWcR_jZeHUW_U6yw9qVSvGqRncVguaG49jdOUQrOzwpk1owcLKGo_xHuw05rgFjYS8xE1OaGz5tPqJfES6Z4I_o9D08yFu00LgQ-w1Ss/s1600-h/IMG_0214.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448331866256142466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkGsa2uA_FPNDxl90NmMW19W_4fY3sZDPgPEwMWcR_jZeHUW_U6yw9qVSvGqRncVguaG49jdOUQrOzwpk1owcLKGo_xHuw05rgFjYS8xE1OaGz5tPqJfES6Z4I_o9D08yFu00LgQ-w1Ss/s640/IMG_0214.JPG" /></a></div><div>I crossed streams and mud puddles about 15-20 times and didn't quite stay dry on all of them. The green in the desert this time of year was worth the wet shoes!</div></div><div><br />
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</div></div></div>Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-74051840149231032462010-03-05T18:37:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:49:50.919-08:00Gear Phreak Part 1 - Climbing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DvrUgwjgz96QxZmm3kioNVyowYXNMnsh3VSWBfA8vrA3Dn-Y2VfSYkt9-UiWCYj22tyNIQrBXXEGnLRVuXdDb2Qb2sIsZwanWsDTbRv2Un_KLKpmiDt8_dkr3LAiydie8ANJRUjULoUX/s1600-h/3-5-10+Lenny+blog.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445357514869234290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DvrUgwjgz96QxZmm3kioNVyowYXNMnsh3VSWBfA8vrA3Dn-Y2VfSYkt9-UiWCYj22tyNIQrBXXEGnLRVuXdDb2Qb2sIsZwanWsDTbRv2Un_KLKpmiDt8_dkr3LAiydie8ANJRUjULoUX/s640/3-5-10+Lenny+blog.jpg" /></a><br />
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By most Trad climbing standards...my gear collection is just a starter kit. I have been into rock climbing off and on for the past 15 years....by off and on I mean almost "OCD" on...then none...then "OCD" back on :) I have been collecting gear for the past few years with a few recent additions and thought I would get a post together for it. (<span style="font-style: italic;">I also like to be at the top of Loree's Links to the most recently updated blogs she follows.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0LH3cf1oZfcgnTkfe0GvgUgJLPqJ2DXYC8eBmS4cfmUEebc3Hxq_-Aa330mIlzDFAXY7evdgW_vxaFstogfadgqwsEIbhGrkJlw4ojNVAB2CYY0azxTWNlgvVxtWOeWF9glBnhvy7PaX/s1600-h/IMG_0486.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445349320892846018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0LH3cf1oZfcgnTkfe0GvgUgJLPqJ2DXYC8eBmS4cfmUEebc3Hxq_-Aa330mIlzDFAXY7evdgW_vxaFstogfadgqwsEIbhGrkJlw4ojNVAB2CYY0azxTWNlgvVxtWOeWF9glBnhvy7PaX/s640/IMG_0486.JPG" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span style="font-style: italic;">Rack-o-Gear: This is most of the current gear I bring on climbing trips. I have several other harnesses, shoes, ton's of webbing etc not pictured.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span> My favorite type of climbing involves hiking in to less "traveled" trad routes where bolts are limited to none and the amount of people are the same. For those of you not thoroughly versed in climbing verbage... <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br />
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</span><b><br />
Traditional climbing</b>, or <b>Trad climbing</b>, is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climbing_style" title="Climbing style">style</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_climbing" title="Rock climbing">rock climbing</a> in which a climber or group of climbers places all gear required to protect against falls (pitons, etc.), and removes it when a passage is complete. Characterizing climbing as "traditional" distinguishes it from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_climbing" title="Sport climbing">sport climbing</a> in which all protection and anchor points are permanently installed prior to the climb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d-EXGYJFG4RBjhd6F5-ACucmKryXr3vry-r6Hvs7I6rOTU6pOzfLdLJMrOWIjSJhTHUrc6k34rb5ZgddiUueu-ryMbZSqEKwutqM5ehIXkv7tleh8vkxN4-D6XKUnDRR_zId3BQhHx03/s1600-h/IMG_0492.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445349307800408930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8d-EXGYJFG4RBjhd6F5-ACucmKryXr3vry-r6Hvs7I6rOTU6pOzfLdLJMrOWIjSJhTHUrc6k34rb5ZgddiUueu-ryMbZSqEKwutqM5ehIXkv7tleh8vkxN4-D6XKUnDRR_zId3BQhHx03/s640/IMG_0492.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG7-M8RvVXiqOxZETX0VmHFH3DQtlqwm4Jgp2o4k5GNno09HLuH7tKU9fWqV1iFJy_LsZZedauJb2rMDewWf-0-EE2APZe8ZxFB54Qhbsyu8qIH9sn2ae5lcLs6zWT4qeN6a3_QY_utow/s1600-h/IMG_0494.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347954700428738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG7-M8RvVXiqOxZETX0VmHFH3DQtlqwm4Jgp2o4k5GNno09HLuH7tKU9fWqV1iFJy_LsZZedauJb2rMDewWf-0-EE2APZe8ZxFB54Qhbsyu8qIH9sn2ae5lcLs6zWT4qeN6a3_QY_utow/s640/IMG_0494.JPG" /></a><br />
From Top Left moving right: Slung Hexes, Tri-Cam's, Omega Pacific Link Cams<br />
Bottom: 2 sets of nut's ranging from large to "never take a fall on these little guys" sizes.<br />
Other Gear: Mammut Tusk 60m Dynamic Rope, Metolius harness and rope bag, helmet etc...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPYao6dtfdhiynXaVHYthyphenhyphenRVdpJ4SLIrf4_6r9vY25aqAz7ngz_8ii88I_K1QH_qCnB5H3nYxNgN4gq-stUeVMCDQQhfRkr8IV6kJX60roXeycPXoP8-H4npr2j-XCuY_m3zmD7jG35wk/s1600-h/IMG_0493.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347967857731714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPYao6dtfdhiynXaVHYthyphenhyphenRVdpJ4SLIrf4_6r9vY25aqAz7ngz_8ii88I_K1QH_qCnB5H3nYxNgN4gq-stUeVMCDQQhfRkr8IV6kJX60roXeycPXoP8-H4npr2j-XCuY_m3zmD7jG35wk/s640/IMG_0493.JPG" /></a><br />
Omega Pacific Link Cam's - (I must first thank my sweetnes Loree...for these babies!!!) Finally dropped the $$$ for some cam's. These cam's are about double the price of most others but have a range that is 3x greater than the others as well...making it easier in those desperate situations when arm's are pumping out, legs a dying, and I really need to get a piece of protection in...so far I love em'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TdyKOWmKe1L24gE477ebGxPaN05tS7AD_aWFeBQwdsK_tchRA-iHI-Mgv3In6J2c501uSwQMLRMqXQjh7y9OFb-ogPYQ7v666PQB2py7CEKMoGllXX98Bfc7CXLOW1KuA8RVxiqUtcvo/s1600-h/IMG_0496.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347948748293042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TdyKOWmKe1L24gE477ebGxPaN05tS7AD_aWFeBQwdsK_tchRA-iHI-Mgv3In6J2c501uSwQMLRMqXQjh7y9OFb-ogPYQ7v666PQB2py7CEKMoGllXX98Bfc7CXLOW1KuA8RVxiqUtcvo/s640/IMG_0496.JPG" /></a><br />
Carly...8 years old and a rockin the Trad Gear...maybe another year or 2 before she is out leading the Praying Hand's route :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HfCEb8QefO7qwCI6bh0kLGY9xmlbFFgc9cf34kJOl2uQBTelJJqvJ9zYW1OvVGJS6zJxetMb2ChrRZqUYb6_Tl8_Qx4zlw7bWm77pCy5yUf7rQEvWDW32Km9wxiMuzM7NqGJgez3Vt-d/s1600-h/IMG_0497.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347938595351522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HfCEb8QefO7qwCI6bh0kLGY9xmlbFFgc9cf34kJOl2uQBTelJJqvJ9zYW1OvVGJS6zJxetMb2ChrRZqUYb6_Tl8_Qx4zlw7bWm77pCy5yUf7rQEvWDW32Km9wxiMuzM7NqGJgez3Vt-d/s640/IMG_0497.JPG" /></a><br />
Check out those gun's! Although she did wonder how I climb with the "ton's of gear."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAv3NFX2DT2Zece5X_DS6WKQGuwDM2H3KkWaixwa9o4CV9tgj4Zly8mjGUuSPH4uJ3O5l_No2ba_Y0zSqAxFnJjtKgIfkDcGzLe4B043iYxFbqz98y30tMlXegkf9Zoiu-WY8cAWgpNvi/s1600-h/IMG_0499.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347927168649890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAv3NFX2DT2Zece5X_DS6WKQGuwDM2H3KkWaixwa9o4CV9tgj4Zly8mjGUuSPH4uJ3O5l_No2ba_Y0zSqAxFnJjtKgIfkDcGzLe4B043iYxFbqz98y30tMlXegkf9Zoiu-WY8cAWgpNvi/s640/IMG_0499.JPG" /></a><br />
Step 1: Flake the rope out in a random pile<br />
I really like the Metolius rope bag. A good way to store a rope without adding a lot of twists and bends that a tightly coiled rope gets over time. The bag also acts as a tarp at the crag to keep your rope off the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMZlFKR3CTyK3b6x3no-katJ-mQcvc7uZIh7XMi4balLcs9tZdiYAQvhKu4IFR7HLbwXijXhU_ebeJgF-XEw6jSR0rvvGo0zDQxRPTZJPEwNNqUXN44Mi1S0KYmSoOJvf25Z2s9rM3TpC/s1600-h/IMG_0500.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347115268286610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMZlFKR3CTyK3b6x3no-katJ-mQcvc7uZIh7XMi4balLcs9tZdiYAQvhKu4IFR7HLbwXijXhU_ebeJgF-XEw6jSR0rvvGo0zDQxRPTZJPEwNNqUXN44Mi1S0KYmSoOJvf25Z2s9rM3TpC/s640/IMG_0500.JPG" /></a><br />
Step 2: Push the pile into the envelope at the bottom...fold in the sides.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUvuiu1R94XhvEmy7BKnVJ91JBSZcUGi-muvv0je1SHbgk5yU1iUA-_M39IE666TuDN-mY7qfcNKZN3YfilpeqAx_ncPJOXW8w_Xbwh-mVpGlnjNEqUgTN9K63YDywzYPiU1lbhxFv03T/s1600-h/IMG_0502.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347082053353746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUvuiu1R94XhvEmy7BKnVJ91JBSZcUGi-muvv0je1SHbgk5yU1iUA-_M39IE666TuDN-mY7qfcNKZN3YfilpeqAx_ncPJOXW8w_Xbwh-mVpGlnjNEqUgTN9K63YDywzYPiU1lbhxFv03T/s640/IMG_0502.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJUo9HKslXx1BUhnxedpKBayqgqcb3OWi89CYc6GvSHasvXC1COR2waHfAkeoXxnIWXrxYxFWWuK_6zR9tFdynkSfOEVR-7_FJgeR8TNYsbe6eMagTYB9hbJrgkUsFfHXON8z5-lqoKem/s1600-h/IMG_0501.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347101672020002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJUo9HKslXx1BUhnxedpKBayqgqcb3OWi89CYc6GvSHasvXC1COR2waHfAkeoXxnIWXrxYxFWWuK_6zR9tFdynkSfOEVR-7_FJgeR8TNYsbe6eMagTYB9hbJrgkUsFfHXON8z5-lqoKem/s640/IMG_0501.JPG" /></a><br />
Step 3: Roll up and fold over. If you have several rope, there is a little window at the top for your to quickly view what rope is in the bag without having to open it...slick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMl4QQgJQDs8afL25maqGMw9mupFcypF9Odsc9c6GO1RxQaA-tXi2PCPzfJnxLf3sN0n9GUO9ZSyNg040i4-TUHMgvMzUmFkimTpdly6BIUpwezpXYbIWkGKpNU4jDaq5dh6c1t0d_6SA/s1600-h/IMG_0503.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347069027547842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMl4QQgJQDs8afL25maqGMw9mupFcypF9Odsc9c6GO1RxQaA-tXi2PCPzfJnxLf3sN0n9GUO9ZSyNg040i4-TUHMgvMzUmFkimTpdly6BIUpwezpXYbIWkGKpNU4jDaq5dh6c1t0d_6SA/s640/IMG_0503.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI0ckNdRq5mF0G-tFIYvL1BpiUoud5qwUm68hicjqGA9LLFYDKhC3xaAfHeNA52l8ZBqeAhMirtZmcSYRn3IgjZ0l70buzbpzkAOTOoQCVJgurb224jMgdLAiOuEzZOiY3KkPcpXy4I5V/s1600-h/IMG_0504.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347062913040242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI0ckNdRq5mF0G-tFIYvL1BpiUoud5qwUm68hicjqGA9LLFYDKhC3xaAfHeNA52l8ZBqeAhMirtZmcSYRn3IgjZ0l70buzbpzkAOTOoQCVJgurb224jMgdLAiOuEzZOiY3KkPcpXy4I5V/s640/IMG_0504.JPG" /></a><br />
No, the Trad rack does not go quietly into the plastic box under the office table...it gets hung up for me to see it daily...to flex the cams and provide the love and care they greatly deserve!<br />
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So, this is the climbing gear...anyone want to go?Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-68848233042662560862010-03-03T18:54:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:50:15.932-08:00Siphon Draw - Trail Run/Hike<span style="font-weight: bold;">When</span>: Feb 20, 2010<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Where</span>: Superstition Mountains - Siphon Draw Trail<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who</span>: Solo<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Description</span>: Best hike in the Superstitions...approximately 5 and 1/2 miles from parking lot to the Edge of the Flat Iron with about 2700 feel elevation gain...mostly in the last mile and 1/2.<br />
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I love the Supes...terrible to hear the state will be closing Lost Dutchman State Park in June due to "lack of state funding"...it is the main entrance to reach the trail system in the Superstitions. There are other entrances but just not as convenient. With luck they will just close the bathrooms, board up the buildings and still allow hikers to access the trail head.<br />
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I have always enjoyed hiking alone and especially trail running. The other day I heard some people I didn't know discussing that they were going to go hike siphon draw. I had used that trail to access the Flat Iron for camping with good friends in December...but thought if I only had a camel back and some light running shoes...maybe other clothing as well...I should probably be able to get up and down much faster. There is not much of it that you could jog but there was definitely some...so I got the gear out Friday night and was out the door at 6:00am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWjWw9vlbOkS7wrvUYvYUAJHoJa4yjnTfeCm0oiY_GN1UYGygmgT2d1SN7nntWr-gNVPqKg1MgCiC-ayanXYTJh0xAZamS0P7lrwCCRNCywtQtL8KLBOv02H466-5IrdrbOx5RLNcU69i/s1600-h/garmin.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444611135759224306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWjWw9vlbOkS7wrvUYvYUAJHoJa4yjnTfeCm0oiY_GN1UYGygmgT2d1SN7nntWr-gNVPqKg1MgCiC-ayanXYTJh0xAZamS0P7lrwCCRNCywtQtL8KLBOv02H466-5IrdrbOx5RLNcU69i/s640/garmin.png" /></a><br />
Distance with elevation changes...Garmin 305.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0idkRFpv_S30q4LMMjBD6-61TwAmyqwhUI52tWeCQoiSrLesBaqABrPTGb0RDDpiYWCThiXKJQYXx5_OhCYpry_Ozj7QUrkXYki3vaZBxZpjGAQ2LoVAXW0YeUziHjbUD0F7FCvDJkone/s1600-h/goog.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444611174600628802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0idkRFpv_S30q4LMMjBD6-61TwAmyqwhUI52tWeCQoiSrLesBaqABrPTGb0RDDpiYWCThiXKJQYXx5_OhCYpry_Ozj7QUrkXYki3vaZBxZpjGAQ2LoVAXW0YeUziHjbUD0F7FCvDJkone/s640/goog.png" /></a><br />
If you don't camp at the state park, you are required to access Siphon Draw trail by a different trail head/parking area. It adds about 2 miles to the round trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA6QzgG9nV1un090Abz8KYmyhK1LbdS19OwHd_CM5IqfzX7OswdhlmeksXM8aJr40YATqAHtsM0-vHUKUn6gQxpNk9kXVpo7ED00TdB-QbvvxsIaGcyzzF9x-fI1tICfQfxRGfu8ypXZZ/s1600-h/IMG_0184.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444611206463807154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA6QzgG9nV1un090Abz8KYmyhK1LbdS19OwHd_CM5IqfzX7OswdhlmeksXM8aJr40YATqAHtsM0-vHUKUn6gQxpNk9kXVpo7ED00TdB-QbvvxsIaGcyzzF9x-fI1tICfQfxRGfu8ypXZZ/s640/IMG_0184.JPG" style="height: 526px; width: 395px;" /></a><br />
A little sweaty and cold...but at the top of the Flat Iron in 1 hour 33 minutes. Temperature was dropping fast and a rain storm was moving in. I stayed at the top for about 5 minutes and headed back down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHG-0li51GVcYgVQYI_zi2AJGhQIE_xFx0m0rHjUknHdn83mxEGGL9W77_gfiDyC4BoCPvJiQQ9TnmSxjJ5tGIHEdqXzqnj9K_OXiZyJAbUIGntCd1mw1SZJEArMjcAK4-65mH_bgsaTB/s1600-h/IMG_0181.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444611194607325058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHG-0li51GVcYgVQYI_zi2AJGhQIE_xFx0m0rHjUknHdn83mxEGGL9W77_gfiDyC4BoCPvJiQQ9TnmSxjJ5tGIHEdqXzqnj9K_OXiZyJAbUIGntCd1mw1SZJEArMjcAK4-65mH_bgsaTB/s640/IMG_0181.JPG" /></a><br />
Always love the views from the top of the Supes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcuz4KMGmXxDG9rJIWYBW71TpPjMdZW88zEks3EsEGIfMy8bW9BVTeoJUwsGwRvzm02PHijS-bfEKfufxxenkY5MbqK0IGWFfOz7IJYc6pumjmJxwN3vx_YhOXXYYx4S-t3eSZqVJSpVE/s1600-h/IMG_0186.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444611215502317090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcuz4KMGmXxDG9rJIWYBW71TpPjMdZW88zEks3EsEGIfMy8bW9BVTeoJUwsGwRvzm02PHijS-bfEKfufxxenkY5MbqK0IGWFfOz7IJYc6pumjmJxwN3vx_YhOXXYYx4S-t3eSZqVJSpVE/s640/IMG_0186.JPG" /></a><br />
Back at the truck in 2 hours 36 minutes...total run/hike with breaks. Pretty slow time for flat ground...but the hills definitely slow you down :) Good Times! I wish I could do this route a couple times a week...but I am sure my knees couldn't handle it.Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-2179414271976289522010-02-28T19:54:00.000-08:002011-02-19T18:41:22.374-08:00The Razor's Edge: Superstition Mountains<span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> Feb 27, 2010<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Destination: </span>Praying Hands Pillar (Superstition Mountains)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who:</span> Justin and Leonard<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Details:</span> I stole this route description from Climbing Magazine...describes it quite well :)<br />
- <span style="font-style: italic;">Begin via a runout fourth-class gully to the notch below the arête proper. Pitch two offers slippery climbing past a few vintage bolts and fixed pins — stranding you at the two-bolt belay of Chicken Ledge. A look up at the third (crux) pitch ties your stomach in knots: the arête steepens, and fixed gear becomes less inspiring. You’ll hang onto the airy spine, using slippery volcanic edges, your only consolation the occasional nut or cam<br />
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</span><span>...of course, all I could think of after reading this was "where do I sign up...lets go" :) </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZv_enjiAH7DS9Iy0ORnsPVtPLC8Ku3s0IBvZMHcRSi8xbjrOZFDY2-_TBbwZYxwXXSB1ogbsd-1vvv4XVs7wv8R7zIo2bzsmtqQlUkR1TqVzh_1lNgMGfIlo_l8c6CCts1CjC_CJZ6oi/s1600-h/1-Supes.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZv_enjiAH7DS9Iy0ORnsPVtPLC8Ku3s0IBvZMHcRSi8xbjrOZFDY2-_TBbwZYxwXXSB1ogbsd-1vvv4XVs7wv8R7zIo2bzsmtqQlUkR1TqVzh_1lNgMGfIlo_l8c6CCts1CjC_CJZ6oi/s640/1-Supes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520896287428690" border="0" /></a><br />
The longer I live in Arizona near the Superstition Mountains, the more they grow on me. I really enjoy biking out to them, hiking/camping, rock climbing, and just seeing them each day. The best part is being able to jump in the truck and be hiking at Lost Dutchman State Park (soon to be closed in June...a story for a different day...but very disappointing.)<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFnmEzBcethXK8TM8t5Pdzfn3RiRBR5lKKArnJor6Iuw-ifrQ-JPITk1h0S1kcTfdUEo-VzK8CXm87pVZ4TTUWs9T8hTuzMexTNPCjnhstfyPyC2OhZ8w9TBpnQ8H6RC9c6NM-2yvReXv/s1600-h/Profile.png"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFnmEzBcethXK8TM8t5Pdzfn3RiRBR5lKKArnJor6Iuw-ifrQ-JPITk1h0S1kcTfdUEo-VzK8CXm87pVZ4TTUWs9T8hTuzMexTNPCjnhstfyPyC2OhZ8w9TBpnQ8H6RC9c6NM-2yvReXv/s640/Profile.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520250194746338" border="0" /></a><br />
The Praying Hands are a desert pillar just to the north side of the main cliff group. From the ground, the shortest vertical section it is 160' feet tall. I have read and dreamed about climbing this for the 10 years I have lived in Arizona. Finally I have a buddy who is crazy enough to head up it with me. The route is called the "Razor's Edge" rated 5.6 ... and the name fits! The 2nd and 3rd pitch are about 2-3 feet wide...with 100+ feet of vertical drop on both sides..."WIGGY." There are several old bolts, pitons, very few places for Trad gear and some bomber new bolts at the belay points.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix13x7fMLOO7iWjkgO7Cbnv2adx_zfUJFkGY9O5N1yKPf15DIbBFCsQyagTaS4FiBEIgDTuaOQmhQ-9-GO59DQ-Bub1yvXutac751yuCjxXGPwntOZ6nOdjpoeYrUlnJHXipdlnj6zC26x/s1600-h/2_IMG_0460.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix13x7fMLOO7iWjkgO7Cbnv2adx_zfUJFkGY9O5N1yKPf15DIbBFCsQyagTaS4FiBEIgDTuaOQmhQ-9-GO59DQ-Bub1yvXutac751yuCjxXGPwntOZ6nOdjpoeYrUlnJHXipdlnj6zC26x/s640/2_IMG_0460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520889522612578" border="0" /></a><br />
Justin and I arrive at the trail head around 2:00pm...plenty of time to gear up and hike in...climb and get back before dark right?...Wrong...in typical style.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV4Xw5kDipqDg8IH7X-_xKunQd_ZEuzzn_OTXUJqIMHKZz_EBWf5nOAxCZOcDChOuCl0lbYM2jWPhWf8ltky6W6UQELLsLqaF_apg9pFUTTPra3uaWHgLEflIYHlQxUzamDdxYvztWcOO/s1600-h/chart.png"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV4Xw5kDipqDg8IH7X-_xKunQd_ZEuzzn_OTXUJqIMHKZz_EBWf5nOAxCZOcDChOuCl0lbYM2jWPhWf8ltky6W6UQELLsLqaF_apg9pFUTTPra3uaWHgLEflIYHlQxUzamDdxYvztWcOO/s640/chart.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443517420202567842" border="0" /></a><br />
Pulled this graph from my Garmin 305 when we got back home. Hike in is about 1.5 - 2 miles in...some elevation gain but nothing killer.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1iEpc1JgBle0Qttz8W1lR2xWm1WJE_-ZIW8EpvFP-3dr_iER1G2u61y_7FgDhZE8JSos3kvuAph2CEfCEmj34DnI7LCCmCNDslOZfzE3ClW-VWZtyRuwlMllpVgAvcqPS2ot1LYUUuHt/s1600-h/3_IMG_0461.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1iEpc1JgBle0Qttz8W1lR2xWm1WJE_-ZIW8EpvFP-3dr_iER1G2u61y_7FgDhZE8JSos3kvuAph2CEfCEmj34DnI7LCCmCNDslOZfzE3ClW-VWZtyRuwlMllpVgAvcqPS2ot1LYUUuHt/s640/3_IMG_0461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520878055660370" border="0" /></a><br />
Hiking up to the hand. You can see the lone pillar "Praying Hands" on the left of the ridge line.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVlD2VieC9G3hCH82AVxV4Pf4tF5meEq2hRLb_h-d2RkNeDWXdFojn4GiGXQQNGhqDcnaZ6QLt5OcSqX5zDe3-74P6yTXGEeItXBFsfBZn0FWYshn4thy5ydEWZMpe3hyEZhYQNribv6m/s1600-h/5_IMG_0463.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVlD2VieC9G3hCH82AVxV4Pf4tF5meEq2hRLb_h-d2RkNeDWXdFojn4GiGXQQNGhqDcnaZ6QLt5OcSqX5zDe3-74P6yTXGEeItXBFsfBZn0FWYshn4thy5ydEWZMpe3hyEZhYQNribv6m/s640/5_IMG_0463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520284827159282" border="0" /></a><br />
Took us about 45 minutes to make it to the base.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuOlHtNukigfJRh9kZjmwrlX0J-p3I-92t7_ci5ouGJXn4s9GOt01i9PjAzXZ0fRrgFyFKhbj_RhAfD4as5fV7l5Dag36vr0fsvzZGUkrclH1hzxwver8NHhOk1zZePlj4QnjVGCapxjr/s1600-h/5-1_IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuOlHtNukigfJRh9kZjmwrlX0J-p3I-92t7_ci5ouGJXn4s9GOt01i9PjAzXZ0fRrgFyFKhbj_RhAfD4as5fV7l5Dag36vr0fsvzZGUkrclH1hzxwver8NHhOk1zZePlj4QnjVGCapxjr/s640/5-1_IMG_0245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520867251541474" border="0" /></a><br />
I was gearing up for the lead as Justin worked the iPhone picture editing magic...This is my rock climbing glamor shot...all I need is some funky big hair...and that ain't happening on the barren ground I call my scalp.<br />
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*** Before I go any farther here...I must warn that we didn't take to many photo's or any video. We spent most of the time wondering what the h@#$ we were doing...I thought quite often "I can't believe I thought this would be fun...this is phreaking scary...not many places for protection...man that bolt looks rusty...this is stupid...etc etc." of course when we were at the top and back on tera firma, it was "phreaking awesome" and I would totally do it again...The holds were good and the climbing was relatively easy...but the exposure played a few games with our heads.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7GKl9MJj_Ocw2W-7BTPgiDfVorpFjlUq9qEMCJc6fCVisB8OMYi7Y0IWS4oc-1bf4gXSc5Zo-Z2VjhcbghFUCxuu2F51o97CQnQrzmggdk1E_RArSo9nhDLwYDTYLPiA5AyxQOIlXySa/s1600-h/6_IMG_0465.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7GKl9MJj_Ocw2W-7BTPgiDfVorpFjlUq9qEMCJc6fCVisB8OMYi7Y0IWS4oc-1bf4gXSc5Zo-Z2VjhcbghFUCxuu2F51o97CQnQrzmggdk1E_RArSo9nhDLwYDTYLPiA5AyxQOIlXySa/s640/6_IMG_0465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443520275062907090" border="0" /></a><br />
I combined the first and second pitch into one long 160ft pitch. The rope drag was brutal towards the end but the holds were pretty solid and not to hard to find. This belay point is called "Chicken Ledge"...not to be confused with "pee your pants ledge" (but both of us nearly did :)<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwuaMzVJ1izYmostbPJZ8v7x9eBnsNeBfDJTOtByYyFrUOUWcv7yHQlUY0bhH83IB3JCLJ-Au8Kxf1Uo2h90DZt2HmisC9JwBNrgQPcCvDm2x15y7GpI4GZ3v8esM-WA95yHbsjGNvJbL/s1600-h/9-5IMG_0238.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwuaMzVJ1izYmostbPJZ8v7x9eBnsNeBfDJTOtByYyFrUOUWcv7yHQlUY0bhH83IB3JCLJ-Au8Kxf1Uo2h90DZt2HmisC9JwBNrgQPcCvDm2x15y7GpI4GZ3v8esM-WA95yHbsjGNvJbL/s640/9-5IMG_0238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443519110507119122" border="0" /></a><br />
Wonder why they call it Chicken Ledge? You straddle this 2 foot wide ledge like the saddle on a horse...only there is 100+ feet of air between you and the ground on both sides...lol.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStjo-qmy9M9nnx5gTYkl0XH8dfb-1HmJ-dqGDfgo1wt2EV5eL4LMFV8t2WSclBtuXp4wx9lwQqccxZXbXadansiyxBuuOmWX6nfijMB6WY2AZ9HeGLUkI-rLkHy8oAj4LRIEPS-P8oHqv/s1600-h/9_IMG_0469.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStjo-qmy9M9nnx5gTYkl0XH8dfb-1HmJ-dqGDfgo1wt2EV5eL4LMFV8t2WSclBtuXp4wx9lwQqccxZXbXadansiyxBuuOmWX6nfijMB6WY2AZ9HeGLUkI-rLkHy8oAj4LRIEPS-P8oHqv/s640/9_IMG_0469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443519097982179138" border="0" /></a><br />
I am belaying Justin up to Chicken Ledge<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz7aY_-1QHH2P2rijmPXkCVBQSHf0GLJqOzwJ4iPKcJQ9OZWYLfKw0KYj8l9VpkeL8B9ThS6RPbRytKK2nFp9eCkC-nM4EPX4JqgOqGow9BoSraijN5_A-QJvKL8b-N7_EtcvVzkepSee/s1600-h/profile_.png"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz7aY_-1QHH2P2rijmPXkCVBQSHf0GLJqOzwJ4iPKcJQ9OZWYLfKw0KYj8l9VpkeL8B9ThS6RPbRytKK2nFp9eCkC-nM4EPX4JqgOqGow9BoSraijN5_A-QJvKL8b-N7_EtcvVzkepSee/s640/profile_.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443521119611358674" border="0" /></a><br />
Some other climbers on the route...better perspective of the belay and climbing the last pitch.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ-lrXF4iyrSEb5G-fpJsoB-Y806fRyrOb8ORCoJqB3hx6SkVMhzipRvKIWcGLxcPQ89ani_ZDIdawdCpFoVGLSxv5pdbPYRzfk6FUuC0umQHan2ecUqwh263-BGc20QAtefqB8agzIpS/s1600-h/10-5IMG_0243.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ-lrXF4iyrSEb5G-fpJsoB-Y806fRyrOb8ORCoJqB3hx6SkVMhzipRvKIWcGLxcPQ89ani_ZDIdawdCpFoVGLSxv5pdbPYRzfk6FUuC0umQHan2ecUqwh263-BGc20QAtefqB8agzIpS/s640/10-5IMG_0243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443519087394161170" border="0" /></a><br />
Ughhh...you should have seen it in color...there wasn't much in my pale face during this lead. A friend of ours said this last pitch was "WIGGY." We kind of laughed and thought it can't be that bad...it's only rated 5.6...well, I have a full dose understanding of what a "WIGGY" lead is...and will pay much closer attention to anyone describing a route I plan to do when they mention that term.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxYugehYJTyMrnkf3mtpE0BfhIPyx2RpJLlhnxkGNCmUOYLtTtZPwb0QxMk8b9fhYvawnQVu_Ke_gd7k2a_mlkhQ9qPMVe_fQw-zIn20w29_hBYyLadQX5TDawsgI7yK0_X1DGqfVVhAs/s1600-h/10_IMG_0472.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxYugehYJTyMrnkf3mtpE0BfhIPyx2RpJLlhnxkGNCmUOYLtTtZPwb0QxMk8b9fhYvawnQVu_Ke_gd7k2a_mlkhQ9qPMVe_fQw-zIn20w29_hBYyLadQX5TDawsgI7yK0_X1DGqfVVhAs/s640/10_IMG_0472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443517483523531106" border="0" /></a><br />
I was clipped into some "bomber" ancient lost arrow pitons here...I figure what the heck, get out the camera and take a picture back towards Justin....phreaking crazy!<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ5dGWMAv9xrDV6h9hudR_gStzLQf1HGz4n3KsFpfOR8EWHRGNzJ-CkgOu1JWD4cbpZo7JcqIznyF2-QYYTB585SSQP8fkI_VhjlxYLZzb7X6MoXgS1IXvlbIpxTFKTaW0JwnH3AAo-K1/s1600-h/11_IMG_0473.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJ5dGWMAv9xrDV6h9hudR_gStzLQf1HGz4n3KsFpfOR8EWHRGNzJ-CkgOu1JWD4cbpZo7JcqIznyF2-QYYTB585SSQP8fkI_VhjlxYLZzb7X6MoXgS1IXvlbIpxTFKTaW0JwnH3AAo-K1/s640/11_IMG_0473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443517467982987042" border="0" /></a><br />
These have probably been here a few years...give or take 50. There was a good few inches for my feet and a nice bucket hold.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStXg-Lzj0jULo9MtJrhIVtFv0og6fJpnvB15liAhEkbM1ykaltq7byt1erFtk6i-X26rHiMSl9XOCT5yFKjnZH88-5vHqTPQoyebI-WHVQY9d_mW8FiwE4AGwxgBv2q2oUx7jrGKQlVWp/s1600-h/13_IMG_0484.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStXg-Lzj0jULo9MtJrhIVtFv0og6fJpnvB15liAhEkbM1ykaltq7byt1erFtk6i-X26rHiMSl9XOCT5yFKjnZH88-5vHqTPQoyebI-WHVQY9d_mW8FiwE4AGwxgBv2q2oUx7jrGKQlVWp/s640/13_IMG_0484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443516687407659698" border="0" /></a><br />
Looking West across the valley as the sun is setting...time to get down.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg7TigqukNK0r8VJB7wGwb0OMXS5BEJ0yCVQ_Ub8SQKQPUscm62cYzPdNDtgsyoWAi4QELHDYOZuRJIY1XV21gN1A0oYo1jHgagMJbiA-Ldz5od2KUGIdU4GXgf3ejUmv8DWO3uJDNaXh/s1600-h/14_IMG_0485.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxg7TigqukNK0r8VJB7wGwb0OMXS5BEJ0yCVQ_Ub8SQKQPUscm62cYzPdNDtgsyoWAi4QELHDYOZuRJIY1XV21gN1A0oYo1jHgagMJbiA-Ldz5od2KUGIdU4GXgf3ejUmv8DWO3uJDNaXh/s640/14_IMG_0485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443516666351466514" border="0" /></a><br />
Looking East back at the Supes...some cool looking caves.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iUmYjdgzgRYbG6BWLDnnk37_P889aOkbua6-h0WVTIoHh72IGyMA5FI6x2U2uYZM2CVeYj4HPg7nEfyVwyh7mqAHjF9f5K2Ed6WyswEndGqP6gU4lZ3XhIyVi5VLc5cF8w3IMuKjdmM3/s1600-h/12_IMG_0483.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iUmYjdgzgRYbG6BWLDnnk37_P889aOkbua6-h0WVTIoHh72IGyMA5FI6x2U2uYZM2CVeYj4HPg7nEfyVwyh7mqAHjF9f5K2Ed6WyswEndGqP6gU4lZ3XhIyVi5VLc5cF8w3IMuKjdmM3/s640/12_IMG_0483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443517434703549890" border="0" /></a><br />
Justin graciously took the first rappel. I was still a little frazzled from leading this crazy climb...and needed a few more deep breaths :)<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqCPGQWf-5e_IZ2OZVmbivoqGrUjjV_SV7VUauCbuJsgl2tugCfOABLN5KW9wcZbtUZHU-tBFi_EICbNOOgzGGvuqzKBHXJzYP7ir93T4tbCXLo9Rfc5M2dYLPuMUPOa5nK8yR3rP8pUW/s1600-h/IMG_0241.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqCPGQWf-5e_IZ2OZVmbivoqGrUjjV_SV7VUauCbuJsgl2tugCfOABLN5KW9wcZbtUZHU-tBFi_EICbNOOgzGGvuqzKBHXJzYP7ir93T4tbCXLo9Rfc5M2dYLPuMUPOa5nK8yR3rP8pUW/s640/IMG_0241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443516641682803090" border="0" /></a><br />
A double rope rappel 160+ feet to the ground...took a while to get down :)<br />
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We packed it up pretty quick and made it back to the truck about 7:00pm...glad there was a full moon! It took us about 5 hours from truck to truck to knock off this climb. It was definitely an incredible adventure that I won't soon forget. Hopefully the post traumatic stress is over and I will sleep well again tonight:) as always, looking forward to "what's next."Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-22755923547443271682010-01-04T20:37:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:50:51.395-08:00Mazatzal Mountains - Browns Peak<span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> Jan 1-2, 2010<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Destination:</span> Browns Peak (7657 feet - Tallest in Maricopa County)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who:</span> Justin and Leonard<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Details: </span>"4 Peaks" is a group of 7000-foot peaks about 40 miles from Mesa AZ. At 7657 feet, Browns peak is the tallest. It is 2000+ feet higher than Payson and does get some snow each year. It is mostly quartzite rock and is decent for climbing. The hike is approximately 5 miles round trip with 2500 feet elevation gain.<br />
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I have been looking at "4 Peaks" from Mesa for the past 8 years. I have camped in the area several times with our local Boy Scout Troop but have never made time to summit Browns Peak. In true "Storage Geek Hiking" style, Justin and I decided that the first day of January would be a fine time to see just how "challenging" this hike/climb would be...with the research that I had completed, I knew there would be several small sections of climbing and lots of steep scrambling with some good exposure towards the end. To top it off, while most people are sleeping off their hangovers...we are living the dream :)<br />
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*** For a quick video highlight of this climb...check out Justin's work: <a href="http://drivespike.com/Four_Peaks_ORV4.html">http://drivespike.com/Four_Peaks_ORV4.html </a>!!!Phreaking cool Justin!!! Seriously...check it out...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3xl-jMMoMHAbw4mXxbEEZAB5mfVib1WKYZtrrD17qnF0VSg8bizS48X9Dv_aUFvC0EsCPwQl4_bCmwjH4WnEOduwfwuPXvGQxu0lCmqYt8G2mTiPdfkehhtaX_7LaTaN7zvHTUzWRyrn/s1600-h/3_4peaks.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423115920999912914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3xl-jMMoMHAbw4mXxbEEZAB5mfVib1WKYZtrrD17qnF0VSg8bizS48X9Dv_aUFvC0EsCPwQl4_bCmwjH4WnEOduwfwuPXvGQxu0lCmqYt8G2mTiPdfkehhtaX_7LaTaN7zvHTUzWRyrn/s640/3_4peaks.png" style="height: 228px; width: 542px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUjxT1XHIgVsAATHvTNKbn-VQQb-mWN5Nf0QDa-Mw9K_abduO8S1Rqyec53kGBtpUq2PS3u3UhGL-RAz54JhvDsvtJCGVbhmwtqeJaDmyPamm3lEUUTbgF7EKbdyXp7Go5dKats3-9REu/s1600-h/GE.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423116731840027986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUjxT1XHIgVsAATHvTNKbn-VQQb-mWN5Nf0QDa-Mw9K_abduO8S1Rqyec53kGBtpUq2PS3u3UhGL-RAz54JhvDsvtJCGVbhmwtqeJaDmyPamm3lEUUTbgF7EKbdyXp7Go5dKats3-9REu/s640/GE.png" /></a><br />
Google Earth View via Garming 305...route from trail head to our camp at 4 peaks saddle<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYsFS5_zJ1zHLn6-540zqDgavp4EdJKyYDhA57ACeGgZ3FOLUX7mE9yiHit8eLBuS_Aw8hdH7lJRMs0cvXYhP7igvtA-0kj0mWfKY34ecB20Cd5WQt5WXP2EzVjA7COfz8yO_O5BS7fEv/s1600-h/GE_elevation.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117204236603010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYsFS5_zJ1zHLn6-540zqDgavp4EdJKyYDhA57ACeGgZ3FOLUX7mE9yiHit8eLBuS_Aw8hdH7lJRMs0cvXYhP7igvtA-0kj0mWfKY34ecB20Cd5WQt5WXP2EzVjA7COfz8yO_O5BS7fEv/s640/GE_elevation.png" /></a><br />
Elevation gain over distance...trailhead to saddle area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXxsuCl3R6eFMphiE_pZc54r2l0uO0Cgo_D9z4Tau-ls18e00XHSLfMUz5p1ShRfO-liR1IpuryYmuMSeVPsDc09XxCVHhCWY48zlcL4taUxDJww5QhLa8BVOvHPMcPImBWFB4PSnQeOr/s1600-h/ge2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423116746860291058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXxsuCl3R6eFMphiE_pZc54r2l0uO0Cgo_D9z4Tau-ls18e00XHSLfMUz5p1ShRfO-liR1IpuryYmuMSeVPsDc09XxCVHhCWY48zlcL4taUxDJww5QhLa8BVOvHPMcPImBWFB4PSnQeOr/s640/ge2.png" /></a><br />
Google Earth view from saddle looking towards the "chute" to summit Browns Peak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YKwoQXTP-6tit7dh7l07TS51BEz4_lKB_JyzIhHgjbdSzKytiMQ8tZ7hZTZ5H3f3mMJ7wRu98nXmzXy_ju_A9ebeNvB2bhEgQscV7mQEpFqdUg3if2_-AMK0oSeyi3rrNoj5demH3A5O/s1600-h/chute+route.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423116722941699266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YKwoQXTP-6tit7dh7l07TS51BEz4_lKB_JyzIhHgjbdSzKytiMQ8tZ7hZTZ5H3f3mMJ7wRu98nXmzXy_ju_A9ebeNvB2bhEgQscV7mQEpFqdUg3if2_-AMK0oSeyi3rrNoj5demH3A5O/s640/chute+route.jpg" /></a><br />
Picture of Browns Peak with the red line following the summit route<br />
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Justin and I left Mesa around 1pm. It is a 30 minute drive to the 4 peaks turn off and about an hour drive on rough dirt road to the trail head. It took us an hour and a half due to....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI6OuAd7HMjsvkxhOFIkDcLEU70FtUJTpzlTsedVnYB0tiiBmJuyS_C-9zgBEeYSr-5BrvCqpIKm9481gVBpW2mq9TvmLlZtb89ZCffPitWrlPmT4zFaIOBEkcnNlgeOx7VL2S4XUaUw1/s1600-h/2_jeep.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423115914583083378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI6OuAd7HMjsvkxhOFIkDcLEU70FtUJTpzlTsedVnYB0tiiBmJuyS_C-9zgBEeYSr-5BrvCqpIKm9481gVBpW2mq9TvmLlZtb89ZCffPitWrlPmT4zFaIOBEkcnNlgeOx7VL2S4XUaUw1/s640/2_jeep.jpg" /></a><br />
If you have never driven 4 peaks road on a holiday weekend...it is a jeep/quad/dirtbike speed fest. I must have swore several times that if some idiot flys around one of these corners and hits my truck I am going to beat them...if they aren't dead already...well, as we are coming around a corner a jeep rounds at the same time going way to fast. I mention to Justin that people are phreaking crazy out here... as I am watching in my side view mirror...sure enough, I see him fish tail his 4x4 and go right of the edge of the road. There is probably a good several hundred foot drop at this point but luckily loose dirt and shrubs caught him. We stopped and backed up...Justin claims the look in this guys eyes were priceless as his jeep was teetering on one front and one back wheel and I am sure he was wishing he had brought clean underwear...before I would tow him out though, I had to grab a quick picture as proof :)...got to love it...2 wheel drive tacoma pulling a 4x4 jeep out of the ditch!!! IDIOT!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnBI6crCQWPMdZQ-ZP-9NlfhgBtcwYvkQmgSCjrerBn8PRbjK-nOMoJXEQde85FXay-J8U3T_1FcJBVyWT5H_KtqLxQGL9oou5NbsKaToD836ZmSx1-YeanZT-2i9ZBPSPu8LN6Dw46CW/s1600-h/1_leonard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423115909868371490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnBI6crCQWPMdZQ-ZP-9NlfhgBtcwYvkQmgSCjrerBn8PRbjK-nOMoJXEQde85FXay-J8U3T_1FcJBVyWT5H_KtqLxQGL9oou5NbsKaToD836ZmSx1-YeanZT-2i9ZBPSPu8LN6Dw46CW/s640/1_leonard.jpg" /></a><br />
After several more near misses, we finally make it to the trail head and gear up for the hike in. It is only 2 miles but it is already 3:30pm and will be dark by 5ish...<br />
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*** Side note...there is a alternate "rock climb" route to the summit of Browns Peak called the Lady Bug route. It is a low class 5 "trad" climb meaning easy climbing but no bolts. We brought our rope and trad gear and figured we would make a decision once we got there if we would climb or not. Turns out with time and conditions the hike would be technical enough...but we will be back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GXNGV6_tttNAUOeOxP7dVPgRlUvLi7EvlrYorQTfQ_rXYgXfcBWtRjTuaLs7Px-Ne3GHfdQ4yPYa_rXfo3JXm5t0RU5y9ToQEldAaBWFfMLs9KLK7UUdNDjW2khldPV45JnFp_m2IRoC/s1600-h/1_justin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423115901527890962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GXNGV6_tttNAUOeOxP7dVPgRlUvLi7EvlrYorQTfQ_rXYgXfcBWtRjTuaLs7Px-Ne3GHfdQ4yPYa_rXfo3JXm5t0RU5y9ToQEldAaBWFfMLs9KLK7UUdNDjW2khldPV45JnFp_m2IRoC/s640/1_justin.jpg" /></a><br />
Justin with his lucky shirt...the last time he wore this hiking we were caught 800 feet up in the pitch dark on Weavers Needle...and as always "it is all fun and games until someone looses a nut."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q2aG8mp7cQ4jeQMnodOYlNgjF3bq4pH0de1TAL3FN6AzEsgW8lwss1QGaHevIIRfRZOtKnnv1_z0exPCwA_t8aaNSMIvejDRSgVwAgUcQBkCFpFUuGhFDfShJTn_YMBCzrPF25bUVulD/s1600-h/justin+hiking+in.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117243395461954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q2aG8mp7cQ4jeQMnodOYlNgjF3bq4pH0de1TAL3FN6AzEsgW8lwss1QGaHevIIRfRZOtKnnv1_z0exPCwA_t8aaNSMIvejDRSgVwAgUcQBkCFpFUuGhFDfShJTn_YMBCzrPF25bUVulD/s640/justin+hiking+in.jpg" /></a><br />
Almost at the saddle...top left you can see Browns Peak.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIAE-1MhcsumijE7dibNqP1_yBjkZ02FCF2J7PC6L72gnhlrzv4-5Tp8wDNFThHdpQIzyJUEmksHrzX0UjA8bUzeEgEaZ92gpjvn8_zmUYf0b2eINMNJMrLlwQJyM9Qo5sZJup4GYMFKT/s1600-h/iphone+photography.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117218805415842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIAE-1MhcsumijE7dibNqP1_yBjkZ02FCF2J7PC6L72gnhlrzv4-5Tp8wDNFThHdpQIzyJUEmksHrzX0UjA8bUzeEgEaZ92gpjvn8_zmUYf0b2eINMNJMrLlwQJyM9Qo5sZJup4GYMFKT/s640/iphone+photography.jpg" /></a><br />
Justin is starting to make quite the iphone photo editor...here are a few of his pics from this trip:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAQezfwef1kTJUeaIKnT2fHhZ0BWS-9AFNfOzu-9Rg9e5-jTekiQIwjwNVdZLm4g8GeCx8i9EwzL4Le_I69mx9vwNJvkmqQ_BGt8RYnlCKNfIH-RgI-XmNjpn3gXwPpudKUmYUgdcjz8q/s1600-h/5_camp.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423116198380084066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAQezfwef1kTJUeaIKnT2fHhZ0BWS-9AFNfOzu-9Rg9e5-jTekiQIwjwNVdZLm4g8GeCx8i9EwzL4Le_I69mx9vwNJvkmqQ_BGt8RYnlCKNfIH-RgI-XmNjpn3gXwPpudKUmYUgdcjz8q/s640/5_camp.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm06Tm3O96a4sVYn1qVoqQoJG_A7QCFO6-jO2dEhbFlWYNQJv1nlm6hc9CyHIjGKQ0B83icfQczUJXvW8l0HLOZjDRKgcw_Op0TTOrN1KAI8xGFXVE2brkoRWBHzK9BnQVqfaCF2s7kSKR/s1600-h/zman+night.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423118511160622530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm06Tm3O96a4sVYn1qVoqQoJG_A7QCFO6-jO2dEhbFlWYNQJv1nlm6hc9CyHIjGKQ0B83icfQczUJXvW8l0HLOZjDRKgcw_Op0TTOrN1KAI8xGFXVE2brkoRWBHzK9BnQVqfaCF2s7kSKR/s640/zman+night.jpg" /></a><br />
Made it to the saddle in a little over an hour. Tent is set up and anchored down tight...we had heard that there can be crazy wind here so we weren't taking any chances.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ_F3kKfuKyXk68KQ3R9wlFWCj4jMoODfDFtZAjtQ-J2pSMi_4nG8oAwX4XykSXYO_fiItyfV2uSjMqo_OR29zBsWWfJwTsN774Ro92qpeLiVnc6bxzmHIEXapNvKeLBV9lW4zgK8GyfH/s1600-h/justin+building+fire.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117228686162322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ_F3kKfuKyXk68KQ3R9wlFWCj4jMoODfDFtZAjtQ-J2pSMi_4nG8oAwX4XykSXYO_fiItyfV2uSjMqo_OR29zBsWWfJwTsN774Ro92qpeLiVnc6bxzmHIEXapNvKeLBV9lW4zgK8GyfH/s640/justin+building+fire.jpg" /></a><br />
Justin prepping the fire...kerosene and road flare matches do the trick every time. Temp is about 41 degrees and the ground is frozen pretty solid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xia12zE-Vk2jJRMtBw3esAWr3aiBmVMoND0iwARxPs4cJLkj9kjtui3x6wvH1a8Ma8X-jtM7RQu7uVM5tC0khcyddTnDq5tJnU5IHvcR_UirOlFVj709baL1Iv9I1yN0RQ1Vz8APs7Tx/s1600-h/lz+staying+warm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117723728224546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xia12zE-Vk2jJRMtBw3esAWr3aiBmVMoND0iwARxPs4cJLkj9kjtui3x6wvH1a8Ma8X-jtM7RQu7uVM5tC0khcyddTnDq5tJnU5IHvcR_UirOlFVj709baL1Iv9I1yN0RQ1Vz8APs7Tx/s640/lz+staying+warm.jpg" /></a><br />
Ok...when "big agnes" (company that sold our sleeping bags and pads) recommend that for winter camping the "insulated" core requires an additional pad...believe them. The cold from the ground went right through the "insulated core" and froze us...long cold night...but now we know. Picture of me prepping the stove/keeping warm...breakfast of champions...instant oatmeal and hot chocolate.<br />
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Good Morning Browns Peak...Winter 2010<br />
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On our way to the saddle, we past several groups of people who had failed to make it to the summit. They said the chute was loaded with snow and ice and it was way to dangerous...with these reports we decided to not only bring the ice axe but bring the rope and climbing gear as well...that way we could protect the steep sections if we felt to exposed. Turns out we carried it all to the top for our "peace of mind" and didn't need it...made for cool pictures though :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirodBgFvgQGEcPlfgEcQ9-o3w8PegNKbZ7_c46AgKioZ7OTJX_EKLwg39mcqZK1ER2bpevOL-7TIatkdS3oGsA1oaZCxuCC7WAR9qEMgIx-GWwanyyoXCc_11-fnp3o2g3x9L7OlCxbDaX/s1600-h/zman+gearing+up.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423118501488362082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirodBgFvgQGEcPlfgEcQ9-o3w8PegNKbZ7_c46AgKioZ7OTJX_EKLwg39mcqZK1ER2bpevOL-7TIatkdS3oGsA1oaZCxuCC7WAR9qEMgIx-GWwanyyoXCc_11-fnp3o2g3x9L7OlCxbDaX/s640/zman+gearing+up.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2vg7wOgb6okwNa5tC97nwegbJ38ToRFYDdWVw-7EfDY25xcsSNCFnRdwQNKFZC7l4deaQc-zcHSrN61XWteI122Tw4wIsXlK2OkBBBYRrttD6ezXk8vCeDSJwYAso7mNs141r1aI5ItY/s1600-h/4+peaks+snow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423116195987972802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2vg7wOgb6okwNa5tC97nwegbJ38ToRFYDdWVw-7EfDY25xcsSNCFnRdwQNKFZC7l4deaQc-zcHSrN61XWteI122Tw4wIsXlK2OkBBBYRrttD6ezXk8vCeDSJwYAso7mNs141r1aI5ItY/s640/4+peaks+snow.jpg" /></a><br />
Looking up towards the route we will climb from the saddle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKzIQP0L8Cm2BbW16PuHo5mzrra77L0fbjuhKumgyEd_dckqCtd6j5yQ4hlpxmRIdLW4gLMmQPhORgWa3ppKWUc68RijoAb17uS62op3r9vJLygCz21CY-t7ZyDHCZeBrn5CzTdcHwZBT/s1600-h/zman+with+rope.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423118519266208642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKzIQP0L8Cm2BbW16PuHo5mzrra77L0fbjuhKumgyEd_dckqCtd6j5yQ4hlpxmRIdLW4gLMmQPhORgWa3ppKWUc68RijoAb17uS62op3r9vJLygCz21CY-t7ZyDHCZeBrn5CzTdcHwZBT/s640/zman+with+rope.jpg" /></a><br />
One of my favorite pictures from the hike. Looking back towards the Superstition Mountains and lakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH4YH9bMYlYPYBt9_ZRoL75pw7m8gYjwqi_1Cxxjclw9sv0UAQBrAWIzU_CYwNWM-b1IzHA6kgO2i5eqIwW3QnqNkM_np2PWevm_mjyK2K32LLmoGcJ0JsvDfGL9R4kaUPi71UwJDCSB-/s1600-h/Justin+with+rope.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117705764525026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIH4YH9bMYlYPYBt9_ZRoL75pw7m8gYjwqi_1Cxxjclw9sv0UAQBrAWIzU_CYwNWM-b1IzHA6kgO2i5eqIwW3QnqNkM_np2PWevm_mjyK2K32LLmoGcJ0JsvDfGL9R4kaUPi71UwJDCSB-/s640/Justin+with+rope.jpg" /></a><br />
Heading up.<br />
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Great view up the summit route<br />
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Started to warm up a bit so we stored some warm gear under a rock and headed up. Man it feels good to actually use the old ice axe after many years of it collecting dust in the garage.<br />
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Working the rust of the ice axe<br />
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Turns out the hikers who turned back weren't just pansies...there really was snow and ice all the way up the chute.<br />
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Video of Justin Climbing<br />
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1/2 way up...looking back down. Little steep and slick...<br />
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Using the trusty axe to cut steps into the snow/ice and clear the holds.<br />
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Justin coming up to the summit...phreaking cool picture. Just a bit of exposure at his back...looks worse than it really is.<br />
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At the top of Browns Peak!<br />
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Summit Views<br />
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What a great morning...glad Justin carried the rope all the way up:)<br />
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Zoomed in at 10x optical...back to camp.<br />
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If you watch only one video, this should be the one...shows the true feeling of the height of Browns Peak from the saddle.<br />
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Was a beautiful clear day...could see 150 miles to Humphrey's peak in Flagstaff!<br />
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Looking down at Roosevelt Lake.<br />
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On our way back down the chute, there is a nice little notch where the sun in shining and a nice little tree is growing. I take the rope and tie it in as a backpack. It wasn't too bad of a down climb and we didn't end up needing it.<br />
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Tying on the "rope backpack" at the notch.<br />
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Video heading back down<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjIB8ayOA1ZStH0dI7hMCCbXXDyuGZoi6ZlDGGn3zngOrLF5wP_GyakfBkAhoFeTuQQe66TEyzBvizsFbP0FHfg5Qx87u7eRPFlqWY9HvS7NGOYq-ZW481P6XYTS5-HFjkvHvzIoPA2me/s1600-h/Justin+End.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423117235270358066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjIB8ayOA1ZStH0dI7hMCCbXXDyuGZoi6ZlDGGn3zngOrLF5wP_GyakfBkAhoFeTuQQe66TEyzBvizsFbP0FHfg5Qx87u7eRPFlqWY9HvS7NGOYq-ZW481P6XYTS5-HFjkvHvzIoPA2me/s640/Justin+End.jpg" /></a><br />
Made it back to the trail head.Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-4109761894669860412009-12-10T19:25:00.000-08:002011-02-19T23:51:25.987-08:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Supes: Flat Iron</span><br />
</h3><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> Dec 5-6, 2009<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Destination:</span> Flat Iron (Lost Dutchman State Park, AZ)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who:</span> Justin, Julia, Jeff, Jeonard<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Details:</span> Flat Iron is a short tough hike in the Superstition Mountains about 10 miles from my home. Hard work, gorgeous views, great exposure...incredible camp site!<br />
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Another "storage geek extreme hiking" adventure...well, there is a lot more extreme hiking out there than what we do here, but compared to data center's, storage array's, and grey cubicle farms, just about anytime we get outdoors it feels extreme :) I've hiked the "Syphon Draw" route several times to the Flat Iron and have always wanted to camp on top. Loree and I bike to trail head at least once a week...I always check these routes out...and finally found a group of weirdo's that would backpack this route with me! Thanks Justin, Julia, and Jeff.<br />
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** <span style="font-style: italic;">side comment: Jeff and Julia leave for Mt. Kilimanjaro "19,331 feet" in 2 weeks. This trip was a good opportunity to re-test all of their gear...and quads :) Rock on Guys and Good LUCK!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">** side comment #2: Thanks for the blog help Loree!!! The picture collages turned out awesome</span>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hhPWBvGFqhxQMnPJjBG26ALgY2bZiibPtUNHqFgUuR0356N7Fwk8jZeRbPEmnXL7Xx0153hJnjRBP8nMGZ7UK-TEGGEurFCPmXsfFW4veySp4ZP7BG8Hg0C5A86qU8N2uXw5t6TO39bi/s1600-h/GE-1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413818968002049378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hhPWBvGFqhxQMnPJjBG26ALgY2bZiibPtUNHqFgUuR0356N7Fwk8jZeRbPEmnXL7Xx0153hJnjRBP8nMGZ7UK-TEGGEurFCPmXsfFW4veySp4ZP7BG8Hg0C5A86qU8N2uXw5t6TO39bi/s640/GE-1.png" /></a><br />
I think Google Earth is one of the coolest pieces of software ever!! - I use the Garmin 305 to track our exact route, hiking time, speed, elevation change, grade, and distance...then export it to Google Earth and capture some 3D screen shots...yes, we are super geeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ-d5ryXecq0xlutd8jVF4h2lCLlnmYeeMG2m32sROR8krbzLOM18BpXEAEUg5BOcr-UYLfWbepg1QkatEFLZqIT285PGu5cL9Zm43Q1yxwgIgcyFNMcl_S6rlUkyJXvy-vgXFfdUDjgU/s1600-h/GE-2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413818972816019042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ-d5ryXecq0xlutd8jVF4h2lCLlnmYeeMG2m32sROR8krbzLOM18BpXEAEUg5BOcr-UYLfWbepg1QkatEFLZqIT285PGu5cL9Zm43Q1yxwgIgcyFNMcl_S6rlUkyJXvy-vgXFfdUDjgU/s640/GE-2.png" /></a><br />
As you can see, this hike is pretty much UP. From trail head to the Flat Iron you gain 2,789 feet...most of that is in the last 1 mile.<br />
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Exact elevation gain plotted over distance...thanks Garmin Training Center.<br />
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Starting out.<br />
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Syphon Draw trail...at the top right is the Flat Iron<br />
Most of these pictures were taken on Justin's iPhone! crazy...if he can get this good of pics with his phone, I am excited for him to suck it up and start packing the D-SLR!!<br />
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Left to Right - Leonard, Justin, Jeff, Julia.<br />
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After you pass through "syphon draw" towards the Flat Iron...things get really steep and rugged. "Hey, I got an email!" Yes, Jeff left is Bluetooth headset on...so comfortable he didn't realize he still had it on...lol. Nothing like scrambling up through desert cliffs and still getting 3G coverage :)<br />
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This proves I really thought we were closer to the top than we were...everyone asked me several times how much farther we had to go...I would always say just 20 more minutes...at least 3 or 4 times...towards the end I picked up this log for firewood. I packed it quite a ways before realizing we weren't that close to the top...put it down for the next time we head up there.<br />
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Ok...if you follow my blog at all, you will know that when Julia/Justin/Jeff and I get together, it is usually not your average hiking trip. Once again, we are not at our camping spot before dark...although, sunset is beautiful.<br />
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Ahhhh...8 servings of Mountain House Chicken and Rice for the 4 of us!!! Man that was good...temp is in the high 30's, wind is blowing 10-20 mph, moon is coming up, and a great view of the city...phreaking cool!<br />
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What a night. Justin and Julia found that the 1$ hand warmers last 8+ hours and keep a sleeping bag really warm! Despite the wind, rain, sleet, hail, snow...those hand warmers made for a decent night. Not a lot of sleep...but at least we were warm. We still believe that our buddy Joe was in a drum circle praying to his Pagan god's that it would storm on us :)<br />
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5-10 feet close to the edge would make a killer base jump! One of the sweetest camping spots I have ever been in!<br />
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Have you have heard the old saying "bright eye'd and bushy tailed?" This is what it isn't!!! Notice the large bags/wrinkles under Justin's eyes...very funny!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidik6IgfnkgSlmN8jLBggmtkjZE33OtEirL2aDaqCNnKhhAKowBee40WOjPgrGYo4qMKqeIB6nzSNh5GURIeZAe_Q1wM61Q_wDQCpzrZLXV1Lt4PUuwrzoMWHjaMFTlSwkpeuJjtyvHlkL/s1600-h/julia+tent+morning.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413841207169289970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidik6IgfnkgSlmN8jLBggmtkjZE33OtEirL2aDaqCNnKhhAKowBee40WOjPgrGYo4qMKqeIB6nzSNh5GURIeZAe_Q1wM61Q_wDQCpzrZLXV1Lt4PUuwrzoMWHjaMFTlSwkpeuJjtyvHlkL/s640/julia+tent+morning.jpg" /></a><br />
Julia was having a good morning...if she only knew how the pancake breakfast would turn out...she probably would have slept in a bit more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PPPpw5GrkynRrhkIxIPAPxmgVIe3LwP4iiCUbQftkqGciXQuISlLBJBwsUoPKyWUUKz7wuhN0D16iGhUCZswMk0g0H4UFE_obklh9oqvdNL7xeibgbqDYijlC0erUq_DuPbqY4X4wJsI/s1600-h/Pics2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413846261208954242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PPPpw5GrkynRrhkIxIPAPxmgVIe3LwP4iiCUbQftkqGciXQuISlLBJBwsUoPKyWUUKz7wuhN0D16iGhUCZswMk0g0H4UFE_obklh9oqvdNL7xeibgbqDYijlC0erUq_DuPbqY4X4wJsI/s640/Pics2.jpg" /></a><br />
Ok, in my defense...I cooked pancakes in the beartooths with no problem! I brought 2lbs of pancake batter, a can of pam spay, and maple syrup. I was prepared!! Turns out the aluminum pan conducted heat a little too quickly, mixed the batter to thin, and pancake batter absorbs pam spay really fast...no matter how much I sprayed on the pan :( Thus... SCRAMBLED PANCAKES...I guess we were all hungry enough we just ate it anyway... LOL<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxjsLS7mdKkSuD4RDxIRFIwcrgHun3ICig0hW4Dsc5tdaOzMQQlT5BoN22g7nT58Pbk2VcyRfK0RWdXKbEV5uGTiu3ZGgUVQap-YVkQeERaWttPwREeFSBQp2PAMEXUlbg6XOQlzOlmJ-/s1600-h/looking+off+the+flatiron.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413841218843373330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxjsLS7mdKkSuD4RDxIRFIwcrgHun3ICig0hW4Dsc5tdaOzMQQlT5BoN22g7nT58Pbk2VcyRfK0RWdXKbEV5uGTiu3ZGgUVQap-YVkQeERaWttPwREeFSBQp2PAMEXUlbg6XOQlzOlmJ-/s640/looking+off+the+flatiron.jpg" /></a><br />
View looking off the Flat Iron towards Apache Junction<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB-walpDpJSj96PQqr24Hk80WOAcmgaVZutilTJTQ9Fe64fiYs2ra58S1MzlV9mKwHfbbapVup1CMQnMzWmbNAo-JrBZv5Ldiayuj1tlstdm5wtj2Nquwji7yqgJhDigQaClmXfHUOHZx/s1600-h/JJ-Morning-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413841190242319314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB-walpDpJSj96PQqr24Hk80WOAcmgaVZutilTJTQ9Fe64fiYs2ra58S1MzlV9mKwHfbbapVup1CMQnMzWmbNAo-JrBZv5Ldiayuj1tlstdm5wtj2Nquwji7yqgJhDigQaClmXfHUOHZx/s640/JJ-Morning-2.jpg" /></a><br />
Jeff and Julia, packed up and ready to head out. Scrambled Pancake smiles on their face! Summit hoodoo's in the background.<br />
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Wouldn't be a "storage geek extreme hike" with out Justin's "Short Bus" wave! I pulled these pic's of the video...took a while to step through each frame to find the worst/best clips :)<br />
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If you haven't checked out any of the videos...this one has a great view off the Flat Iron!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlyxjtn5kiCuuAg_rmMCvKr7vEHNvblDXHVuzoj-XB-8_UGkIN4RpoqNsOPYGkq05L2WhVeTAiVfiqcMh4IMV6xWdrHDEFw58SAeHodjbSEy4jJMbYINEhYED-Ndag8qX06dSYi2dZow7/s1600-h/Starting+out+on+way+home.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413841509076622002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlyxjtn5kiCuuAg_rmMCvKr7vEHNvblDXHVuzoj-XB-8_UGkIN4RpoqNsOPYGkq05L2WhVeTAiVfiqcMh4IMV6xWdrHDEFw58SAeHodjbSEy4jJMbYINEhYED-Ndag8qX06dSYi2dZow7/s640/Starting+out+on+way+home.jpg" /></a><br />
Heading back to the valley...just a few more yards and then you head down...down...down to the left.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjObQe3K7DUiip7lR0ITlkXjtatKGUuzHBeU8MJJvhWmRRP1nYsxeb5s6BIk_Nv6SvBj2OmYZFGCqi5iYWXD6gfhf_ZaoIHP6dQQUtNn_zRfXXCj2l56a3XH-XMLYUeMikS4Wqv9-cb7sF/s1600-h/Pics4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413846924864143970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjObQe3K7DUiip7lR0ITlkXjtatKGUuzHBeU8MJJvhWmRRP1nYsxeb5s6BIk_Nv6SvBj2OmYZFGCqi5iYWXD6gfhf_ZaoIHP6dQQUtNn_zRfXXCj2l56a3XH-XMLYUeMikS4Wqv9-cb7sF/s640/Pics4.jpg" /></a><br />
Not an easy hike down. The rocks were super slick...making it much more difficult to hike out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu0ixxHaBQVsf6orHQgw46PIIVqFj67IvsQYNpOylCBORSDs2U1kYz3wlAKRnAivVCfpc3uRU3PHXK9JrP2pF0MLUUf_OJBbBVYm1pJ46eZ8WpemenzSLZRBEiXwKsFyAcEHGLuLly6HR/s1600-h/Justin-Flatiron-background.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413841211700415298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmu0ixxHaBQVsf6orHQgw46PIIVqFj67IvsQYNpOylCBORSDs2U1kYz3wlAKRnAivVCfpc3uRU3PHXK9JrP2pF0MLUUf_OJBbBVYm1pJ46eZ8WpemenzSLZRBEiXwKsFyAcEHGLuLly6HR/s640/Justin-Flatiron-background.jpg" /></a><br />
Justin 1/2 way down the trail, view back up towards the Flat Iron.<br />
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If you like beautifully maintained trails with joggers and kiddo's...this is not your trail. Add hiking back down in rain and sleet = great time. Took us 3 hours to hike up...3.5 hours to hike out.<br />
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Contimplating getting down through the steep wet rock in Syphon Draw...everyone fell/slid at least once. Julia show's everyone her war wounds to prove it...and she does have a few :)<br />
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Heading down into Syphon Draw. A bit farther down I make the comment that "man this is slick for me...must just be my shoes." At that moment Julia's feet slide right out from under her and she lands pretty hard...great timing Julia!<br />
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Good pic's and great scenery.<br />
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Another great backpacking trip! What an adventure...all the great components...crazy weather, some exposure, night hiking, and good friends. Whats Next???Leonardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16348055165635659285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-35537529004591792562009-09-06T19:09:00.000-07:002011-02-19T23:51:45.707-08:00Beartooths - Lake Mary<span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> Sept 3-5, 2009<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Destination:</span> Lake Mary Montana (Beartooth-Absoraka Wilderness)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who:</span> Joachim and I<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Details:</span> Lake Mary is part of the Beartooth wilderness near Red Lodge Montana. This area reminds me Glacier National Park...incredibly beautiful but rugged country. Many alpine lakes, great fly fishing, and some tough/gorgeous backpacking! Lake Mary is a 10 mile round-trip hike...the first 4 miles are a gradual climb with the last mile gaining about 1200 feet.<br />
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I think I have said it earlier but the Beartooth-Absoraka Wilderness is definitely one of my favorite places on the planet. Thanks to my sweet wify I was able to get another chance this year to head back to Montana with a good friend, Joachim, for some backpacking. We were able to get direct flights on Allegiant Air (Mesa AZ to Billings MT...non-stop.) My brother Nate wasn't able to head out with us this time...but played taxi at the airport, bought us breakfast, and let me borrow his Thomas and Thomas fly rod/reel and fly's :) Yeah, I owe him!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/SqV1rFa6rgI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/csrYtueypE4/s1600-h/Beartooths+Goog.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378834713013825026" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/SqV1rFa6rgI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/csrYtueypE4/s640/Beartooths+Goog.png" /></a><br />
Google Earth view of Lake Mary and Rock Creek Canyon...<br />
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Joachim and I made it to the West Fork of Rock Creek trail head around noon and geared up to head out. During the 10 mile drive in we saw the results of a large forest fire that had charred everything living and left and inch or 2 of ash.<br />
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Heading out...3 days in the Beartooths :)<br />
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Fishing pole, xtra gear...3 day pack at 25lbs! Now if I could just lose another 25lbs...that would cancel out the backpack all together!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/SqV5uZoZyAI/AAAAAAAAAbg/WUCPQUV9l7E/s1600-h/waterfall.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378839168025217026" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/SqV5uZoZyAI/AAAAAAAAAbg/WUCPQUV9l7E/s640/waterfall.png" /></a><br />
One of the "roaring" waterfalls on Rock Creek. The guide book for this trip did tend to exaggerate the descriptions here...but I guess if it was in early spring this place would really be roaring.<br />
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Completed the first 4 miles...stopped to top off our camelbak's in prep for heading up to Lake Mary...1200 in a mile...not terrible but definitely a lung buster for those of us living near sea level. Altitude now here is about 8500 feet.<br />
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MSR Hyperflow Water Filter...filters about 3 liters a minute! Much faster than any of the other filters I have used...and we didn't get sick :)<br />
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1/2 way up the switch back's.<br />
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Made it to Lake Mary...camp is set up and we are getting ready to cook up some Mountain House Beef Strog...good stuff.<br />
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Dinner is done, camp is setup...time for fishing!<br />
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Day 2 - Climbed up a ridge near our camp, exploring around and looking for a good picture point for our lakes and campsite.<br />
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Not sure how this was our only picture of the rock cairn on the saddle near Lake Mary...sorry Joachim...but it is critical that the blog viewers see the before and after pictures :)<br />
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We had some time to kill and this little rock cairn was just not what it should have been. We decided to get back to our manly roots and make a big rock pile...lol...<br />
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Finished!<br />
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If you look close on the saddle, you can see the cairn...cool.<br />
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Joachim's first trout "miss" on a fly rod! He did almost hook me though...guess I shouldn't film to close behind someone fly fishing :)<br />
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Joachim's first trout on a fly rod.<br />
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Day 3 - After breakfast, more fishing, and cleaning up...time to head out. What a great buddy...let me take 5 or 6 pictures with sunscreen on my nose and lip.<br />
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Catching a few more trout in Rock Creek on the way back to the trail head. Water was a bit nippy...but couldn't feel my feet after a few minutes anyway :)<br />
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Wait, wait...let me adjust my low riders before you take the picture :)<br />
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Ahhh...better :)<br />
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Well...that's it. Good friends, backpacking, fly fishing, rock piling...and no distractions! What's next???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-54604174769901876722009-08-29T16:09:00.000-07:002011-02-19T23:52:08.216-08:00LightWeight BackpackingIt is a nice Saturday afternoon here in the Phoenix area today...only about 110-112 degrees outside. This kind of weather really gets me amped for getting up to Montana this coming week and spending a few days in the Beartooth-Absoraka Wilderness. The forecast for Thur-Sun is High's of 70 and lows of 30...sheesh...can't wait!!!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lightweight backpacking</span> has been a goal of mine for several years. I think it began on a famous Zito brother week long camp out...packing 50-65 lbs for many miles in the Bitteroots or Beartooths...either way, I have been looking into it "obsessing" over it for a while now. Since today was a stay in the house or jump in the pool day...I got out the gear, weighed each peice and took some pictures. I have gone from 50-65 lb fully loaded pack for 3-6 days backpacking down to 22 lbs...here is how I did it. New gear for me is the REI-Flash pack and Big Agnes Tent. With these 2 peices of gear alone I saved 8lbs from my 4 seasons Sierra Designs tent and 5,700ci Dana Designs Pack. I bought a new stove (msr - pocket rocket... 3 0z $39) and just really went through all of the things I had been bringing backpacking. There was quite a bit I could live comfortably with out...some things that I already had that could be lightened...and some items that would cost too much...but that I would buy anyway :)<br />
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Food and water will vary for any backpacking trip but I find that if there is frequent water, why carry 100 oz with you at all times...drink ton's at each water stop and then fill your camel back 1/2 way full for the next stretch. Food can be all over the place for weight...I plan for about 10-16 ounces for food a day...mostly freeze dried, Cliff Bars, oatmeal, pancakes, trail mix, jerky...etc etc... Planning for the weather is also a big one. I found that my old Ski jacket weighs almost 3 lbs without a heavy fleece liner...the 12 oz Gortex rain shell with layers underneath should be fine for just about all 3 seasons camping. I learned the hard way with rain jackets...Gortex is the only way...Marmot Precip "fabric" and the other lower end brands will do good for about an hour in rain...then saturates.<br />
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Fully packed with the base gear and additional gear (12.5 lbs) ...minus fuel, camel back and food. It is just barely 1/2 full...so I guess the gear takes up about 1500 ci. Still plenty of room for everything I need...along with the video camera.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/Spm1mWD18lI/AAAAAAAAAYA/7l_ZAaCdoxY/s1600-h/Inside+Pack.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375527300604752466" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/Spm1mWD18lI/AAAAAAAAAYA/7l_ZAaCdoxY/s640/Inside+Pack.jpg" /></a><br />
While perusing REI and trying to build up the nerve to pay 300 bones for a 3 lb tent...I was talking to one of the sales dudes. He said that he doesn't use a compression sack for his tent/rain fly...he just packs his mattress and compressed sleeping bag...then packs the tent/fly into all the loose areas. I found this to work great and takes better advantage of available space.<br />
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So yes, I am a gear nut and really enjoy getting outdoors. I tested this setup (without the new pack) on my Humphrey's peak over nighter and it worked great...(although, I did not bring enough warm clothes...) I have made a few adjustments and am just about ready to hit the trail once again in Montana :)<br />
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If you are buying gear...I recommend the following places. You can save a ton of cash on "slightly blemished" or discontinued colors...etc etc...fully functional gear<br />
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<a href="http://www.sierratradingpost.com/">http://www.sierratradingpost.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.steepandcheap.com/">http://www.steepandcheap.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rei.com/outlet/">http://www.rei.com/outlet/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.moosejaw.com/">http://www.moosejaw.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/Spm1lMoltuI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Ta7A6Mv58Z8/s1600-h/beartooths05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375527280894654178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NaIMzsKv3as/Spm1lMoltuI/AAAAAAAAAXw/Ta7A6Mv58Z8/s640/beartooths05.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-332358719610713526.post-65305753023381751272009-08-25T19:45:00.000-07:002011-02-19T23:52:32.313-08:00Humphreys Peak<span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> August 14-15, 2009<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Destination:</span> Humphreys Peak - Flagstaff Arizona<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who:</span> Julia, Jeff, Justin, Auxanna...(I am sure I spelled that wrong.)<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Details:</span> Arizona's highest peak at 12,637 feet. It is in a group of old volcanic peaks known as the San Francisco Peaks. Approximately 9 miles round trip with 3,300+ feet of elevation gain starting from the "Snow Bowl-Humphreys Peak Trailhead.<br />
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GPS mapped this route from the trail head...as you can see, it is pretty much up all the way to the top.<br />
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Front Row Left to Right: Auxanna, Julia, Jeff<br />
Back Row Left to Right: Justin and myself<br />
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Several friends of mine hiked this peak a few months ago as training for climbing Kilimanjaro. They said that it was a great hike and they would really like to do it again...but that they would like to backpack in several miles and then hike to the summit the next day. With that idea we planned a quick weekend backpacking trip...to cut out a little early from work, drive to Flag, backpack in and summit/come home on Saturday :)<br />
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"It would have been better"...if we could have cut out of work a little early...but it was not to be. Of course a critical work issue kept us all there until after 5:30...we then met at Julia's house to get organized and head out to Flag. We reached the trail head about 8:30pm for a little night hiking. Lucky for us...it was another adventure. Being that it was Julia's first time backpacking/camping ever!!!...we had to make it a memorable experience :)<br />
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Julia gearing up for her first backpacking trip<br />
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Finally on the trail...not sure how I got stuck holding someone's pack.<br />
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Julia had the brightest headlamp of all of us...probably 1,000,000 candle power. After the 4th or 5th time of shining it in "Gentlemen Justin's" eyes while talking...he threatened..."if you shine that in my eye's one more time I will punch you in the face" :)<br />
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After about 2.5 hours of hiking and enjoying the dark, we made it to our campsite. Justin got the fire going while I fired up the stove and boiled up water for the mountain house meals.<br />
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First backpacking fire with her husband Jeff.<br />
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Getting ready for lights out...1:30am.<br />
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Justin got a good "mountain" morning pic of Julia and Jeff. Julia still has the towel on her hair from a great refreshing shower...(quite the tent.)<br />
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Auxanna met us at camp early in the morning to hike with us to the top.<br />
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Not sure what Justin's deal is...but that is 2 trips in a row with his famous "short bus wave."<br />
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Julia, Justin, and I taking a quick break at the saddle just above the tree line...things are beginning to get a bit windy...<br />
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The last push to the summit...what a great time. For the past hour we have been hiking in 30-40 mph winds...now they are gusting to 80 mph...people are being knocked over...girls are crying and covering their ears...Justin is laughing so hard his sunglasses fill up with tears.<br />
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12,637 feet...highest altitude I have hiked to. Nice for us other hikers had built these rock walls to shield us from the wind. Felt like a sand blaster up there with the dirt/gravel blowing around.<br />
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You can do some crazy things in 80mph wind<br />
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My hair really gets to be a hastle in this crazy wind...<br />
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Now that Julia has summitted Humphreys twice...Kilimanjaro no problem :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4