I was in Phoenix recently for business and to support a weekend motorcycle race. I had one day to myself for a ride. There are plenty of riding places that get top billing in Phoenix: South Mtn, White Tanks, McDowell, North Phoenix Preserve, the list goes on... But what about those other places that get no love? Not much is said about Estrella Regional Park. It sits off in a forgotten southwest corner of the city, bordering Phoenix International Speedway. The only park further west of Phoenix is White Tanks. The park itself is split into the competitive MTB course and multi-use trails. I’m guessing the two tracks are well used, but I’ve come to find that Phoenix’s competivitive MTB courses are a bit too buff for my liking. Maybe if I wore more spandex and less gears, I’d appreciate it more. So I took a chance at the multi-use trails.



But multi-use here is not SoCal multi-use.



Apparently equestrians in these parts don’t have sensitive hoofs that need pampered, 4’ graded pathways.



Because after all, this is the southwest…land of cowboys and rugged terrain.



As I continued my exploration, the singletrack got more tasty.



Then the chuck factor kicked in



Pure Phoenix as I’ve come to love,



with blue skies,



and loose, pucker factor descents



The desert bloom is in full swing,



from ocotillos,



to cactus (please watch your left eye),



and even my seatpost collar.



I was enjoying my time on the park’s trails,



and then I found it, a well used unmarked, non-mapped trail.



Just like skiing virgin powder, you’ve got no choice but to hit it.
Got quartz?



And it eventually leads me to the motherload, an entire network of purpose built singletrack



Built by the same person who constructed F.I.N.S., this singletrack nearly rivals the other xc trails in Phoenix. Riding up the switchbacks starting at the top of the cactus to the left saddle,



Just rewards you with more switchbacks on the way down.



After 5 hours of exploring, my water is low, I’m into my reserve energy not expecting to be out this long, and I needed to get on the road to meet up with my brother. I only lasted this long because a high cirrus cloud layer kept the sun’s head at bay for most of the day. I learned a lot on this ride: mostly to see things yourself and not what other people say or don’t say about a trail. Definitely on the list to ride again this coming winter and incorporate into larger 30+ mile epic xc ride.

Luscious stuff!

GP_pilot
thanks for all the pic's. Kinda fills like we were there!

jk

_________________
If biking is a drug then I'm a drugie!

Outstanding. Thanks for the report.

I'm still awaiting word on my situation, but if it comes through, it looks like Phoenix wouldn't be so bad...

-James

Great TR -- and that last photo was just over-the-top pretty . . . .

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A bicycle is a splendid thing.
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SWEEEEET!

Awesome TR Sean. I think that Estrella park is also one of just a couple in the area that has free camping.

Definitely flatter xc than SoMo, more along the lines of North Phoenix Preserve. Camping is almost free at $10/night which also covers the $6 day use fee. So in reality it's only $4 to camp. Unfortunately I didn't check the bathroom at the rodeo area to see if it had showers, but I imagine it could.

Wow! Nice stuff!

Only a handful of people post TRs from places outside of SD. Thanks for giving us something to look forward to someday.

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~Nothing from nothing is nothing.
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