Review of the Lake Pleasant Beardsley, Wild Burro and Pipeline Trails (Prickly Cactus Race Loop)

      For my last day off before returning to work after the holidays my friends Greg and Kerry suggested doing the portion of the Prickly Cactus race loop first 13 miles. We attempted to find the 87 ave entrance into the Maricopa trail but could not find it and decided to go to the Aqua Fria Trail head instead 10 miles off of I17 on the Carefree Highway(74). This cuts off over 3 miles of the the Maricopa trail portion of ride (that is mostly flat) and we start right at the Beardsley trail instead.

     Right from the beginning we crossed 2 water crossings in a marshy wet area and then crossed a gate and started our journey.

    This trail starts off somewhat rugged but soon becomes well groomed with lung busting and leg burning climbs. The views took my breath away (or was it the heavy breathing?). The first 4 miles is the Beardsley trail that opened to hikers in March 2015. After several rode crossings we find a bathroom area (4.1 miles from start). The trail turns into the "Wild Burro". At first this trail is a bit rugged with somel texture but is easier on the legs and it gives way to  scenicviews along coast of lake for a about a mile. We run into the water area and sewers right by views of Lake Pleasant.

    This trail  is for the intermediate level Mountain Biker who has good cardio. It gives you spectacular views similar to BCT  (Black Canyon Trail) without the wicked exposure! These trails were just recently opened to Mountain Bikers so please execute good trail manners!

    I rode the trail just past the pipeline trail head down to the floating bridge. My friend Greg climbed the steep trail in the canyon after the bridge (many baby heads and very steep!). Coming back was really fun since it was more downhill. I did 13.8 miles and climbed  1568 feet  (good cardio!).

The "floating bridge" is cool  and there there is a picture of Greg's Bike below.

Here is a picture of Greg

Another  view!!!

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For More Trails visit Mountain Biking Lady's info site.

Click below to see strava ride.

Lake Pleasant | Ride | Strava

For more info

Beardsley-Pipeline-Cottonwood trail Mountain Bike Trail, Anthem, Arizona

My First Mountain Bike Rides at Desert Classic.

     When getting a mountain bike it is tempting to want to just hop on bike and ride like a banshee. I remember I could not wait to go down to the South Mountain Desert Classic Trail and start riding my new pony  Desert Classic is one of the best known trails in the Phoenix area. It is very crowded and on most days it is nearly impossible not see a "tool" going way to fast and running other trail users off the trail. It has every type of terrain, steep washes, rocky sections, whoopee woos and some fun offshoots that while fun can be very intimidating to a new mountain biker.

    I remember looking at these washes and trembling in fear and seeing other mountain bikers riding by with complete abandon. I remember sitting by the water tank double hump hills and waiting for a half hour before I let myself roll down.  I had to convince my self I would be OK and I can jump off bike whenever I needed to. Wow I thought that was fun  but had trouble climbing up the next steep hill. I then proceeded to ride along desert classic in the warpaint area and descended on a few steep hills. I knew I found my thrill on blue berry hill when I went down a steep wash and and an involuntary "wee" come out of my mouth. It brought back all the joy I had in riding la bike, I felt like I was 10 years old.

    I had a long way to go to becoming an established rider. It was amazing to be on a bike since I used to be a 2 1/2 packs a day smoker and overweight .  My legs would turn red and I would be breathing heavier than an elephant on a treadmill as I rode the slight incline on the warpaint loop and having folks ask if I was OK? as they passed me.

   This sport is demanding on the pocket book since we have to where the appropriate gear and riding apparel. I did manage to get a couple of cool jerseys and some Lycra shorts.  I looked pretty cool in by "Fox" black and white jersey. Only to hear someone snicker "well some people dress way better then they can ride" as the warpaint trail head. I was on my way though and no-one could discourage me since I found my new drug. I could not wait until the weekend when I could attempt another fun ride or sort of ride.

I captured this map from a good trail listing resource mtbikeaz.

The map below is interactive and provides many of the features found on Desert Classic.

For More Trails visit Mountain Biking Lady's info site.

Until Next Time

Lee

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