Just before my departure, a friend gave me a bike rag that featured the well renowned Black Canyon Trail (BCT). Immediately after reading the article, I photocopied the trail map and taped it to the inside of my journal , making it the ultimate ride of my trip while in Phoenix.

Boasting more than eighty miles (128km) of single track, the BCT stretches itself through a four thousand acre corridor from the Sonaran desert lowlands in Phoenix to the grasslands of Prescott.

Truly designed and built for mountain bikes, it is also shared by hikers, equestrians and in some parts, off highway vehicles.

My desire was to ride the full length of this trail, however this didn’t happen. Not because of a lack of time.. but the fact is.. my biking legs were not quiet ready to take on the challenge of distance  or rugged terrain this trail offered!

Happy to find out that only a few miles from where I was staying a segment of the trail named the ‘Little Pan Loop’ offered a very sweet twenty three mile lollipop loop that would satiate my appetite for the time being.

Rated as a black diamond trail and according to ‘Cosmic Ray’ , this is an intermediate – expert trail with a puck o meter of 8.5 (8.5 = skinny trail and some wicked exposure to death) with an elevation gain of 4720 ft and a loss of 5031 ft. Oh yah..my kind of trail!

Getting off to a late start (1pm). The mercury rising into the 80′s. Totally exposed, the suns rays pressed against my skin and droplets of sweat dissipated as quickly as they surfaced. The first five miles was a grunt climb of 2000 ft with granny gear switchbacks. This tight 12 inch wide ribbon of trail wrapped itself   t

ightly around the mountain, with exposure (drop into the abyss) to the outside of me and rock to the inside. Being fairly new to exposure like this, I needed to speed check on every tight corner and switchback. Not doing so may have launched me into thin air. Probably not a clean drop, the large and small cactus would first have their way before releasing me to the unforgiving rocks. My first descent dropped me down a 1000 ft to a sweet little stream on a dry sandy river bed. The ‘Agua Fria’ river;  before it swells when the monsoon arrives mid July until September. Eyeing the depth … I’m ok  to ride through as fast as I like, letting the water splash my body,  giving it reprieve from the intense spring heat. As I continue to climb a few more thousand feet, I’m aware that I’m in one of those places where you feel small in a big landscape. Undulating mountains, large Saguaro cactus speckle the valley and smaller species nestle along the trail, some in bloom with one single bright flower… what a beautiful and profound contrast to the austere terrain my tires rolled upon.

Wide eyed and free, feeling acquainted with the trail and surroundings. My confidence grows and a slight cockiness pushes me faster on the descents. No speed check,  all of a sudden a ‘dipsy do’ appears in front of me. This is a severe dip that drops you down  hard and the trail smacks you coming up the other side. This particular one was situated on a switch back corner. New to me!  I sit back behind my saddle, the dip swallows me in, my shorts now caught on the seat, oh no.. I hear tearing! Hanging on for dear life as my bike tries to buck me off. In disbelief, I pull through, unscathed , except for a bashed and embarrassed ego. Lesson learned?? Yes! A dipsy  do is a definite don’t!

Making it to the lollipop, ten miles registered on the Garmin. Being late in the day, I decide to forgo the the 3 mile loop. So far, I’ve kept the sissy inside of me at bay.  But, I feel her trying to rear her ugly head as I make my way back, my body is tired… so hot and the legs are starting to feel heavy. My mind, usually empty and focused when I ride, begins to fill with thoughts of a swimming pool, cold beer and snacks…. I try, but I can’t shake these thoughts!  The ‘ Agua Fria’ awaits me. Arriving at her edge, I quickly strip my shoes, socks, helmut and gloves. Crouching low to dip my hair and body into her cool embrace. Back in the saddle for a few more miles. My mind feels refreshed, but my body is speaking to me.

I feel bittersweet as I make my final descent. This will be my last trail to explore here until the fall. As I ride into the parking lot, my feelings of  pain and exhaustion are wiped away. I see the coolest rattlesnake stretched out across the road. What a spectacle! Perfectly still and content, relaxing in the sun. Does it get any better than this? The perfect punctuation to end my  journey.

I’m asked by a few, how would I rate  this trail? Normally I would reply ” A sweet ride”. However,  sweet does not begin to define what this trail is. Honestly, I can’t find the perfect word to describe the BCT, I’ve tried. Instead,  I’ve let my senses form the rating this trail deserves. I guess for any of you asking, it’s best that you take the time to experience this gem and then maybe you can let me know the perfect word.

Ok, so you’ve purchased the perfect bike that makes your heart pound with excitement every time you think of mounting that saddle.

It’s time to idiot proof your ride!

There are some serious things you must consider so as to not look like a knob on your ride. We’ve all been there at one time or another, caught with our baggies or spandex down around our ankles. Let’s look at some preventative measures!

Wear a Helmet – they aren’t just to hide bad hair jobs. These durable buckets actually act as a shield between your noggin and a hard surface, helping to protect that cushy brain of yours. Proper fit is important. Take the time to try on different models. Check out this video on ‘How to choose a bike helmet’  http://youtu.be/C-e7smsuyPE

Plastic Makes Perfect – too cool for an H20 cage mounted on your frame? Think that you can get away with that aluminium bottle in your back pocket instead? Ask anyone who has crashed with a hard bottle, listen to the broken rib cautionary tales, and you will know not to be such a weight weenie. Add a cage (or two), or consider upgrading to a hydration pack – who doesn’t want to land on a soft water bladder??

Know Your Anatomy - get to know your bike! And no, you do not need to know every component and how they work. But at least figure out which brake controls which wheel, and how to properly change your gears. Knowing these basics add to the flow of your ride (no rigid breaking or grinding of gears), and ultimately extend the lifespan of your drivetrain.

Check the Pressure - Make sure that your air pressure is suitable for the trail conditions. Take into account topography, loose or hard pack surfaces, and the type of riding you are engaging in (downhill, cross country, etc.).

The PSI (pounds/square inch) can range from 35 – 55 PSI for your mountain bike. The recommended PSI rating will be listed on the tire sidewall. Riding with an appropriate pressure makes a huge difference in how the ride feels, and how much control you have over your bike.

For example, pressure that’s too high will make for poor contact with the ground and a less controllable ride. While pressure that’s too low will make your tires behave unpredictable and susceptible to pinch flats.

Find out what tire pressure works best for you under normal conditions. You can then learn to adjust this pressure on the fly. On that note, consider investing in a reliable pressure gauge or a pump / pressure gauge combo. Tubeless tires are cool too .

Seat Position – Keep your joints and butt healthy with proper seat position. Your saddle can be moved back and forth, and tilted vertically. You should feel your seat bones doing most of the support work. The horizontal position should be set so that when your pedal stroke is at a 90 degree angle (furthest forward), an imaginary line from your knee cap intersects the pedal axle.

Ladies, if you have tried all seat positions and are experiencing numbness or pain “down below,” you may want to explore other saddles that are specific for our anatomy . Remember, we are built differently than men!

Born to Ride -There are basic fundamentals to riding a bike. Like any sport, skills are needed. Don’t confuse riding with skills training. The misconception is that you’ll get better by riding more. Wrong! Bad habits only grow more pungent over time. Take it upon yourself to get instruction from a coach, watch informative videos, and ride with more skillful friends. Learn the correct way to do things, then practice – “practice makes possible.”

Debunk Fear – Learn correct riding techniques, go at your own pace, take baby steps, and ride within your skill level. These are all steps to building confidence on the trail. 

Remember to also breath calmly. Breathing centers your mind, relaxes your body, and encourages flow (not rigidity) on your bars.

Learn from your mistakes. Get one of your buddies to film you riding and play it back slow mode.  Objectively see yourself in action, recognize areas for improvement, and   course correct on the next go.

Search for publications, videos and clinics to improve your knowledge. Confidence comes through better understanding. 

Most importantly, have fun!

We are in need of some efficient ladies to fill out our board in January.   If you have what it takes, let us know!