[Full Trucker]

Just saw this over on MTBR, thought I would repost the info here. I'm going to try and make a few of these rides, as well as potentially help organize some South Mountain shuttle runs on Friday throughout the day if at all possible. Send me a PM, or just get on the Yahoo! Group for the info, it sure seems like TONS of fun!

The MTBR Arizona Spring Fling Gathering (AZSF07) is just around the corner on March 15th thru March 18th. The Spring Fling is an informal gathering of mountain bikers from the US and beyond. This will be the 8th official Spring Fling gathering. For a history of the Fling, check out: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=247024

We have a strong group of dedicated locals who are excited to show our out-of-state (and in-state!) guests the best that AZ has to offer. Perhaps you are local who hasn't met the MTBR crowd... all are invited!! We hope to accomodate all levels of riding from the advanced beginner to the advanced expert. Please note that true begininers will find our trails difficult to say the least. Format of the gathering will be similar to previous years with official rides on Thurs-Sun and parties thrown in here and there:

Pre-fling ride on Wed: Mesa, Hawes/Red Mtn
Thurs: Tucson, Milagrosa etc
Friday: Phoenix, South Mountain rides
Saturday: Sedona
Sunday: TBD but likely to have several rides offered in Phoenix and Prescott

To keep up with all the happenings, I urge all to join the Yahoo groups list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AZSF07
To subscribe, send an e-mail to: AZSF07-subscribe@yahoogroups.com


I will be adding files with detailed information on the AZSF07 Yahoo Groups site, including meeting places and locations, maps, etc. Information will be updated frequently so you'll need to check back often, especially closer to the date.

Kathleen, your AZSF07 coordinator

 

[Full Trucker]

And here's the updated schedule and other info!

ALL FLING UPDATES HERE

In case you're not on the yahoogroup, here is the latest info. I will be editing this post with all updates so keep an eye on this post!!
_____________________________________
Arizona Spring Fling 2007 (AZSF07)
When: March 15-18, 2007
Spring Fling Hotline!!! Often weather or other unforeseen events may cause last-minute changes to our schedule (ride cancelations, ride start time or location changes, impromptu parties or events). If this happens, we will be announcing changes on a recorded voice message service. When in doubt, call the AZ Hotline: 480-461-5695


The Rides
Pre-fling ride on Wednesday, March 14: Phoenix – Hawes/Red Mountain
The ride: “B”, relaxed pace, 15-21 miles, rolling fun with nothing too technical or hard, lots of options for bail outs.
Ride Time: FIP (Feet in Pedals) @ 10 AM.
Meeting location: Parking lot behind the Walgreen’s at 3624 N Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215
Directions: The 202 now runs all the way to Power Rd, so head East on the 202 until it ends, turn left on Power, then left again on Thomas and right into the Walgreen’s parking lot. Driving north on Power from the I-60 is not recommended (lots of construction).

Thursday, March 15: Tucson – Milagrosa Shuttle
Ride difficulty: “A” ride with shuttle. Will be shuttling bikes/riders up Prison Camp to ride Molino Basin & Milagrosa trails. This is an A ride due to technical challenges and aerobic effort. It is a tough trial with lots of techy downhill, but plenty of climbing too. Armor is recommended.
Shuttle: ShortBusJames has room for 12 people from Phx area, so make your reservations ASAP (respond to this post or send me a PM)!! Meet James and the short bus at the Gold’s Gym parking lot on the SE corner of Elliot and 52nd street (just west of the I-10). Be there at 7:30AM sharp!!! Need to leave by 8AM for 2-hr drive to Tucson.
Meeting place/time: Meet at LeBuzz coffee shop (9095 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85749) @ 10AM. There will be room for ~24 bikes and people in the short bus for the shuttle up the hill.
Directions to Le Buzz: Take I-10 to Ina Road, and head East on Ina. Ina will change names twice, to Skyline and then Sunrise. About a mile after you pass the signal at Craycroft, the next signal at the bottom of a hill is Kolb. Turn right. Kolb will become Sabino Canyon, and about a mile after that you will come to a T intersection with Tanque Verde. Turn left and stay in either of the two left lanes (the right lane will become another road). After about a mile, find LeBuzz tucked in a shopping center on the NE corner of the Tanque Verde / Catalina Highway intersection behind the McDonalds.

Thursday, March 15: Tucson – AZ Trail @ Vail
Ride Leader: MyBike'sBroken (Aaron) from Tucson
The Ride: It's a C+/B- ride. Buttery smooth singletrack that winds its way up and down through cactus gardens. Sweeping views of the mountains in all directions. No sustained climbs. This trail is very new. The oldest section is just 2 years old, while the newest section is just a couple weeks old! It's fairly winding. So if you have a bike that turns really nice, bring that. This is an out and back ride. So it can be as long (30 miles), or as short, as you like. The trail is really fun in either direction. And the scenery is awesome. I would NOT say this is a C ride. But it's not a full on B ride either.
Trail maps: http://www.aztrail-build.org/trail.html Plan is to start the ride at the point where the trail crosses Pistol Hill Road, go north, then double back and head south.
Meeting location/time: Meet 10AM at Montgomery’s Grill and Saloon (13190 E Colossal Cave Rd
Vail, AZ 85641). We will then caravan together to the trailhead.
Directions to meeting location: Go east on I-10. Go all the way through Tucson, to exit #279. Turn left, and go over the freeway. Drive 1.4 miles to the "Old Vail Station" shopping center, on the right side of the road. There is a big dirt parking lot, in front of "Montgomery's Grill and Saloon". That's the meeting spot. (This will also be the place for post-ride beer and food). From there, it's a 7 mile drive to the trailhead. Expect the drive to take approx. 2 hours from the South Mountain area in Phoenix.

Friday, March 16: Phoenix – South Mountain Park
Will have a selection of “A”, “B”, and “C” rides – more details to be posted soon!
Ride time: Be ready to ride @ 9AM – Meet under the Ramada closest to the bathroom to split up into ride groups.
Meeting place: Pima Canyon/48th St entrance at the east end of the park.
Directions from the north: From Baseline Rd., turn south on 48th St. Continue thru two stop signs. At round-robin, take second road. Continue thru a stoplight. Turn right at first road after the stoplight and make an immediate left at South Mountain Park sign. Parking area at end of this road fills up fast. Parking along the road is allowed.
Directions from south or east: Take I-10 to Elliot and head west (towards mountain!) to 48th street. Turn north (right) onto S. 48th St. Continue thru the stoplight at Piedmont. Take the 3rd left after light at Piedmont (will actually be following S. 48th St). Take an immediate left turn into the park. Parking area at end of this road fills up fast. Parking along the road is allowed.

Don’t forget the Friday night SoMo party (see details below)

Saturday, March 17: Sedona
Sedona rides and post-ride gathering (free beer!!!) brought to you by Bike & Bean!!
“A”, “B”, and “C” rides to hit the classic spots.
Will be multiple rides starting at 9AM and 10AM.
Details to be posted soon!!

Don’t forget the Saturdy night Sedona party at Bike&Bean (see details below)

Sunday, March 16: Prescott
Ride Leader: Prescott local Dave (ionsmuse).
Meet at 10AM, aim to be riding by 10:20ish
From Dave: “Meet at 10am in the back parking lot for the China Buffet restaurant, near Costco off 69, east of Prescott proper. I'll have maps in Sedona on Saturday. Aim to be riding by 1020ish. We'll ride trail 305 out, a fun and varied 8 miles of singletrack. Around 1100' of climbing total, lots of up and down. For the return we'll take the obscure moto trail on the other side of the road - more technical, more climbing, more descending. The full deal will equal out to between 18-20 miles. The virtue of this ride is the many options it provides. A paved highway parallels both trails and provides quick and easy access back to the cars. Thus, show up and ride as much or as little as you like. We'll go at a friendly pace, and try to sate all appetites.”
Directions to meeting location: Take highway 69 west towards Prescott. A few miles outside of downtown, look for Costco on the left. Turn left at the first light after Costco, onto Walker road. Go straight for a block, then straight through a stop sign. Take the next left, then left again immediately into the "back" lot for the China Buffet restaurant. Park as close to the back as possible. This lot holds more cars than the trailhead, but we'll try to stay out of the restaurants way as much as possible.

Sunday, March 16: Phoenix – Phoenix Mountain Preserve (T100 etc)
Details to be posted soon!

Sunday, March 16: Phoenix – Goat Camp at White Tank Regional Park
Details to be posted soon!
_________________________________

Ride Categories
“A” - Advanced rides will be both physically and technically demanding. If you're not at the top of your game, we strongly recommend joining an intermediate ride. If you ARE at the top of your game and long for the challenge, consider joining these advanced rides.
“B” - Intermediate rides. Will be a good mix of climbing and descending, will be at a moderate pace, but will still social.
“C” - Easy rides. Relaxed pace, short distances, no lung-busting climbs and no dangerous descents. The pace will be friendly, the emphasis on enjoying the scenery and riding your bike in a non-competitive environment.
___________________________________

Friday Night: The SoMo Fling Party!
When: Friday 5-10PM
Where: Big Ramada in South Moutain Park
Directions: Get to Central Avenue in Phoenix and head south into South Mountain Park. Party is to be held at BIG RAMADA this year (different from past years!). After you enter the park, take the 1st right after the 2nd middle-of-the-road guard shack and go to top of hill. There is a small sign prior to the turn.
Party starts at 5 p.m. and we need to be out by 10 p.m.
* PARTY FOOD - Although we hope to provide some snacks, dinner is BYO style. We will have grills fired up, and will supply plates, utensils, condiments, water, and soda. Bring your appetite, but don't forget to stop by the grocery store!
* PARTY BEER – Kegs from local breweries and/or MTBR beer makers will be provided.
* GLASS BOTTLES are not allowed at the picnic area, subject to fines from the park authorities.
* Be looking for the Spring Fling tip jar and feel free to donate generously to offset cost of supplies!

Saturday Sedona Party: Sponsored by Bike & Bean.
Place: Bike & Bean in Village of Oak Creek after the rides on Saturday
Beer (free! Donated by Bike&Bean) & pizza (not free – will collect $$ in the AM).


Thanks to Jeff Dana for taking charge of Sedona planning!!! Note from Jeff:

Breaking News: Bike and Bean to sponsor Oak Creek Beer for the Fling! The Bike & Bean will assist us in getting pizza. Getting $$ cash $$ from everyone in the AM would be very much helpful. I can do a signup and cash kitty before the rides break out. Everyone’s participation in the AM will make the PM portion go much better. (If Dirdir breaks his tooth again this year, I call dibs on his portion)​

​

 

[Full Trucker]

And a little FAQ for ya:

[/INDENT]FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Spring Fling, and general Arizona riding questions.
How do I register?
You don't have to. This is a free event, totally informal, and supported by volunteer efforts of Arizona locals. Just show up.
Is there an age requirement?
No, but you'll either need to be old enough to drive (it's a traveling festival) or be able to carpool with someone. Also, the evening events may involve a wee bit of drinking.
I'm flying in. What airport should I use?
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix (PHX)
What will the weather be like?
Mid-March can mean anything from sub-freezing weather at night in Sedona to high-80s in Phoenix midday. Who knows, it might even rain. Be prepared for it all.
What should I bring for bike rides?
Bike: We have locals on rigid singlespeeds, hardtails, FS, FR, DH, BMX. Most trails are pretty rough in Arizona, and people generally prefer suspension but there's no hard and fast rule. Expect lots of rocks and rough trails.
Flat protection: Slime or tubeless is recommended.
Water: Bring a 100oz bladder at a minimum. Bottles with Gatorade or something similar for each ride are recommended. Pre-hydrate as much as possible.
First aid: pack a straight plastic comb and/or needle-nose pliers for cactus in addition to your usual first-aid kit.
Your health insurance card, ID, & ICE (in case of emergency) information should be carried with you at all times.
Sunscreen: Lube yourself up every single day, rain or shine.
Body armor: The terrain is unforgiving - cactus and rocks will send you home with more than memories if you fall.
Layers: See "weather" above.
Where can I stay?
Hotels/motels:
Best bet for Wed – Friday nights is to find a hotel close to South Mountain in Phoenix or Tempe. Here are a few suggestions for cheaper hotels when I did a search:
Best Western @ 10831 S 51st St, Phoenix, 85044-1737 - (480) 893-3000
Clarion @ 5121 E. La Puenta Ave. I-10 & Elliot Rd. , Phoenix, AZ, US, 85044-5212 (480) 893-3900
STUDIO 6 TEMPE 4909 S WENDLER DR TEMPE, AZ, US 85282
For Saturday night, look for hotels in either Sedona or Oak Creek Village. Jeff (zul) up in Sedona has offered these as possible places to stay in Sedona:
The LaQuinta has a great location near the trail head that will be used in Sedona:
6176 Highway 179
Sedona, AZ 86351
Phone: (928)284-0711
Camping:
Phoenix: There is no camping in the Phoenix area close to South Mountain. Your best bet for camping is to stay in one of the Maricopa County parks (see http://www.maricopa.gov/parks) but you will need to allow drive time to fight traffic for Wed-Thurs rides. If you are going to ride the Wednesday Hawes ride, camping Tues night at Usery Park puts you very close to Hawes, but will be a pain for driving to the Tucson ride on Thurs and the SoMo ride on Friday.
Prescott: Dave (ionsmuse) said he’d offer up camping info for Prescott if anyone was interested.
How do I get my bike to Arizona?
Drive it.
Fly it.
Ship it. You can ship your bike directly to Cactus Bike, a shop at 48th and Elliot which is very close to the South Mountain 48th St trailhead. South Mountain Cycles is also nearby. Contact each shop directly for info (see links below).
Where can I rent a bike? Where can I service my bike if needed?
South Mountain Cycles (480-706-0858, http://smcycles.com/index.cfm) - no rentals at SMC, but it's a great shop for repairs and supplies.
Cactus Bikes (480-940-7433, http://www.cactusbikes.com/store/control/main)
Rage (480-968-8116, http://www.ragecycles.com/)
What tires should I use?
We're recommending large volume, low pressure, and small knobs.
________________________________

Your AZ Trail Guides
We have a really strong group of riders here in Arizona who plays well together. I expect a great showing of locals and know that securing ride leaders will be easy. All locals are of course invited to join the rides even if they choose not to lead.
Over 35 locals (and even non-locals) have volunteered to help lead rides!

________________________________

Spring Fling Hotline!!!
Often weather or other unforeseen events may cause last-minute changes to our schedule (ride cancelations, ride start time or location changes, impromptu parties or events). If this happens, we will be announcing changes on a recorded voice message service. When in doubt, call the AZ Hotline: 480-461-5695