For those Extreme Cyclists who know no bounds let me suggest the ride from hell thru the Arizona Mountains. Lets start in Beautiful downtown Scottsdale shall we? In fact the entire ride will be nothing short of breathtaking in some of the best scenery and Mountain Passes in the United States of America. We will ride South through Tempe AZ take a turn East and head for Apache Junction on E. Main Street, which turns into East Apache Trail and then onto Hwy 60. So far we are now warmed up with 30 miles under our belts and our muscles are loose and ready for the hills ahead. The next 15 miles is a slight grade nothing too tough, but give it five more miles to the town of Superior and you are really starting to feel it. The next 20 miles to Globe is some of the coolest Devils Canyon type terrain you have ever seen and by the time you get to Globe you are burning in your legs. You started at 1250 feet elevation and now you are already at a Hello; 3524 feet; ouch. But the fun is just beginning folks. We head out of globe at 65 miles already ridden, a hard days ride for anyone, but we do not stop here because Hwy 60 awaits and Show Low, which is 90 more miles and an elevation of 6411 feet. Should we stop here? NO! For if you are still alive after 155 miles of sheer hell then you can ride another 38 miles to Springerville, AZ at 6970 feet about sea level. And heck what is another 12 miles in the high mountains to get you and your bike into the State of New Mexico? You can all coast back down the hill to stay in Springerville, nice people, nice hotels, but personally I must keep going in my Trek Across America. |
