Prescott Monstercross

I have been fascinated by this 58 mile loop of my town for the last couple years, but never really felt I had it in me to actually ride so far, for so long, and climb so much. 58 miles, 8800ft vertical, and somewhere near eight hours of riding is chump change for many folks, but it is downright intimidating to me. My longest rides have been in the four hour range, but usually last 2-3 hours and go 25 miles maximum.

There was a loosely organized group of folks who developed and rode this loop earlier this spring.

I wanted to try it then, but did not have the time. I finally got around to this ride today. I had the day off, the temps are cool, I have been riding a lot over winter/spring, and it was time to give it a go.

Beyond my expectations, I finished the entire course, and it is a stellar ride. I would estimate you get to spend 45 miles on singletrack. It samples almost every cool local singletrack/riding location in this little town.

Highly recommended if you are up for a ride this long and want a taste of Prescott.

Since it is a loop, you can start anywhere on the loop, no need to start at the official spot. I rode from home and picked it up at its lowest point near Willow Lake.

In the course of the ride, you get to ride past all the local reservoirs as it loops around the town. I tried to get photos of each, but missed one in a bonk induced brain fade (Lynx Lake.)

Pre Dawn Willow Lake



View toward Thumb Butte and Spruce mtn where I'm heading.



Granite Basin Lake:



View of Granite Basin and Granite Mountain, just before completing the circle around Granite basin. (remember this view for later)



Thumb Butte on Right, Spruce peak way off in the distance on left. I'm heading to both.



Columbine





Aptly named Quartz Mountain





Looking back towards Thumb Butte from the other side, with Granite Mountain way off in the distance (remember what I told you to remember)



Goldwater Lake



No photo of Lynx Lake

Willow Lake...almost home free at this point.



AAAHHHHH



Time: 7:40 on the XC/Freeride suspension single speed.

I was impressed with not exactly how easy it was (it wasn't), but how [I]possible [/I]it was for a rider like myself with so little endurance experience. It just takes a little persistence/patience.

I ate two granola bars, and apple and 1/2 a PB&J. Not enough, but I just had no appetite.

Amazingly, my neck is a little stiff, hands and butt a little sore, but otherwise I feel great, so I think I have my bike set up nailed (hear that Dave C!).

Maybe it is time to consider a White Rim in a Day ride?

Highlights for me were cleaning the switchbacks on the climb into Granite Basin, and not walking the Spruce road climb (total mind game, that hurt).