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PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:27 pm 
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Over the past 3 months, I’ve had the (mis)fortune of being sent to some to some less desirable places in and around Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona. Although I didn’t do well in my stats classes, it took me a couple of years to realize that any sizeable population near rising geographical terrain produces a high probability for MTB singletrack and/or moto trails. While these trails will never be destination rides to 99% of the MTB community, these are the local loops for the rest of the world that don’t have the fortune of world class trails residing outside their front door. But then again, who is to say that they aren’t already riding world class trails? Likely we choose to ignore them because glossy magazines, internet forums, and friends tell us that we should be going to some “must do” destination to get our epic ride on. These places won’t be found in guide books and are rarely talked about on forums, but each one is unique in its own way just as the builders who have established it. Maybe you too have business nearby, are looking to break up your long drive to points beyond, or are just looking for something completely off the buff and sanitized singletrack. Open your mind to riding somewhere else and you’ll likely be surprised what you find. Thus begins a new, open-ended series.


Most Phoenix riders know that there are two riding areas on the far west side of town. Bordering Phoenix International Raceway is Estrella Competitive MTB track, part of Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Further to the northwest is White Tank Mountain Regional part, home of Sonoran Loop Competitive MTB track and the infamous, super chunk Goat Camp. But draw a line directly 20 miles south, you’ll end up in the planned community of Estrella. Congratulations, you’ve arrived at Fantasy Island North Singletrack (F.I.N.S.), not to be confused with Tuscon’s Fantasy Island trail system on state trust land.

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This is a prime example where people saw a need for MTB trails, spent tens of thousands of hours building quality tread, going so far as to put up trail signs and metal kiosk maps, all for a trail system that’s wasn’t even official.

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Built upon the planned Newland Communities land, the developer has delayed in developing in the immediate vicinity of the trails due to the housing turndown but new roads and homes have gone up on the adjacent southeast side and will eventually encroach upon the trail system. As a good sign, the developer has installed 5 parking spots at the trailhead on Weststar Dr. But a good number of folks still choose to park at the Weststar Elementary School off Estrella Parkway.

F.I.N.S. could be billed as the biggest little bike park in the Phoenix area with barely 9 miles of trail.

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Like a miniature scale of South Mountain Preserve, doing loops here is only a matter of minutes and is sure to put a smile on your face whether you’re a beginner or seasoned expert.

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There’s something here for everyone from cross country to chunky technical goodness that will be more than glad to keep some of your skin should you go down.

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On this day, Jeff and I needed a recovery ride from the prior day’s epic beat down across town.

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Although it does get a little confusing with all the trail intersections and a couple of new trails that have popped up since the kiosk trail map was made, it doesn’t really matter if you take a wrong turn because you’re having so much fun.

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I found Grunt overrated as an experienced riders only trail, but it is the most demanding in the trail network coming in at a solid blue.

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Intermediate riders that have ridden some of the other core SoMo trails besides Desert Classic should have little problems but may need to walk a short section or so.

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Also don’t miss the short side detour on Northstar,

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Since you’d be missing a great vista.

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Back down provides some brief chunkyness with optional A-line feature or two.

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On the flatter xc sections, open sight lines and flowy trail just beg for pinning the bike in top gear.

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Think of it as a pump track for your MTB. In all, it’s up to you how long you choose to spend riding loops.

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Even after 3 hours of riding every trail, I was pried away only because we needed to get on the road back to San Bernardino. Do some exploring nearby and you just might find the big brother trail system nearby built by the same folks. Definitely some of the most fun I’ve had in the many trips I’ve made to Phoenix. Best of all, you’ll be lucky if you see other users. Phoenix proper locals complain driving more than 30 minutes away when they’ve got SoMo on the south and Phoenix North Preserve on the north. While those are definitely the top two trail systems in Phoenix, it’s their loss. World class either way in my book and a great way to start or end your time in Phoenix.


Fantasy Island North Singletrack (aka F.I.N.S.)
Estrella community, Goodyear, AZ
8.9 mile trail system including new trails
100% singletrack

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The following 20 users would like to thank GP_pilot for his or her post:
bajamtnbkr, boone29er, Canaan, Christ D., evdog, Gman, kreechan, mealsonwheels, moondogg, Mudd, PacMan, rachel, random walk, Red Hot Sloth, Robo, shano, sierragoldens, singletrackmitch, tfitz, turiha
PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:58 pm 
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Awesome Sean!! I wish I could quit my job and just follow you around like some sort of MTB groupie. If that sounded creepy, I meant it to :lol:


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PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:59 pm 
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Sweet, was it hard to ride with all those Jeff's?

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:20 pm 
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great TR! Thanks


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PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:26 pm 
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Amazing stuff. Thanks for the stoke to ride more XC trails in 2011!

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:55 pm 
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That system looks like tons of fun...gotta love desert riding!


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:48 am 
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Supah sweet TR !! Thanks. :thumbsup:


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 6:37 am 
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Dammit! Nearly two weeks solid stuck working in Scottsdale and didn't bring a bike :x

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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:21 am 
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random walk wrote:
Dammit! Nearly two weeks solid stuck working in Scottsdale and didn't bring a bike :x

Bad planning?
You could rent one.

I'm rather fond of desert riding and that place looks very nice.
Thanks for the report (and the cloning photos too.)


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:23 am 
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Great report!
Awesome pixs!
I used to live in Tempe and never got the chance to head over there.
Next time I visit, I'll go check this out! :thumbsup:

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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:22 am 
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Your pics are so bitchn, thanks for sharing them.


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:23 am 
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Broke That wrote:
Bad planning?


Victim of someone else's. If I had anything to do with the planning I would have set aside a few free hours every other day or so and driven out with my bike.

I had an unscheduled break between tests during daylight and hiked around South Mountain the other day. Awesome trails out there too.

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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:53 am 
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Sweet pix! Sweet trails! Thanks for sharing.


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 10:14 am 
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Great TR but there's something missing :wink:


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:01 pm 
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Beautiful photos! I especially like the sequence shots.

And I couldn't agree with you more. "World class" is such an overused designation exploited by promoters and fashionistas. Epic is losing some of its flair as well.

Some of my favorite riding spots are not talked about as much or don't get they publicity they deserve. Not because they are illegal, super secret, or the like. But because they will never be worth the drive for some or that there are more "popular" trails nearby.

And, damn, I really hope they stay that way.


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