Last we left James, he was gurgling in a pool of blood, struggling to maintain consciousness after attack of Mr. Big ring. We bandaged him up, helped him get on his bike, and pointed him in the down direction hoping he wouldn’t go into shock before he reached the bottom. The problem was the last 300’ only gets Barney Rubble worse. James did make it to the bottom, but the pain was starting to set in. But hey, this was training. So next was the 4 mile street ride back to the vehicle while dodging neighborhood canines catching the whiff of fresh meat pedaling past.



Once reaching the RV, we further delayed James’ critical care needs as we ate sandwiches for lunch and lamented the fact we covered a paltry 8 miles of SoMo trails and 1,600’ of vertical in 4 hours. Mark set to work finding the cheapest and shady urgent care clinic on his phone. He scored as found out the place we dropped off James at had only started doing urgent care just 3 months prior. James came back with the doctor’s pathetic life story and jumping to the head of the line when the nurse freaked out on his gash. But it was a steal at $30…at least until the infection sets in.

So with James back on board and the sun setting, it was time to head for the next camping and riding destination at White Tanks county park. Apparently the northern snowbirds still haven’t migrated back north yet, so all the regular RV camping spots were taken. But the overflow camping was even better. It put us 150’ from the start of the competitive track, one of 3 mountain bike only trail systems in Phoenix. Since we cut the day ride short due to first aid needs, it was time for a night ride to finish out this day.



It reminded us of lower Cobbles: open, fast, swoopy, just perfect for night riding.



During the day, probably more just ho hum.



Then it was time for the usual dinner rib feast.

Sunday was the graduation ride consisting of Goat Camp loop.



More climbing, more descending, more chuck, as recommended by the locals at SoMo. We really had no idea what this ride would be truly like, other than hard. MTBBill’s describes the end descent as a constant state of colon lockdown, so we had that to look forward to…or so we thought.

The antenna towers on the right would be close to what we’d be climbing up to.



Starting off on Ford Canyon.



Waddell Trail



Then it was time to climb Mesquite Canyon.





Or hike.



Switchbacks.



Looking down the canyon.



But still more to go.



Last part of Mesquite Canyon before we split off.



Climbing Willow Canyon trail.



Lots of flowers in bloom.











End of Willow Canyon and back on to Ford canyon



Why yes, that would be the trail up the ridgeline below the towers.





Trail paved with wild flowers on both sides.



This ride is demoralizing with the amount of climbing.



At least the scenery makes up for it.



Brief bit of descent, before climbing the trail below the towers.



Where’s Waldo?



We encountering two other riders the entire day.



And then the descent begins.



Pucker factor.



There’s a reason why this is double black diamond.





And it’s not because of the climbs.



Next would be Mark’s turn for some first aid.



James cleaned it this time, but the sounds emanating from Mark didn’t sound much different than 40 year old Virgin Andy Stitzer when having chest hair removed.

Hiker coming up, “Do you know what you’re getting yourself into??? It gets much worse.” The rest of the trail just keeps throwing chunk at you. Ever wanted to be off a trail because it’s so hard? Sorry, there’s no way out of this one. Hiker at the bottom, “I don’t know how you guys do it?” I’m not sure either ma’am.

5 hours later we finished this 16 mile ride having climbed some 3,000’. But don’t let numbers fool you.

Thanks for the great pics and wonderful write-up!

Nice trail rash. I was thinking from the first set of pictures that a tank top jersey and arm armor looked a little out of place.

Nice TR as well.

Ha. Wouldn't have mattered on this trail. My ring finger was missing a chunk of skin at the end of the ride, but my glove doesn't have a hole in it.

Might be a few more min on the vid...

Nice TR and pictures!

Absolutely Awesome!

I used to ride some of the lower trails at South Mtn. on my BMX as a kid and strangely enough have never ridden it on an MTB.

Pic #11 is where I broke my wrist no kidding, I was coming down that crap. That HAB up that is brutal. I can't wait to go back next fall.

BTW nice TR, I am really jealous.