Flagstaff ATM with a "Heart" pounding start

 Earlier in May, John did a twist on a classic Flagstaff route. Typically, this route starts at the Schultz Creek "Y" and makes it's way around Mt Humphreys via Waterline Rd to the inner basin, down to forest road 418 and over to the AZT. John's twist was to start at the sandy seep TH and climb Little Elden to the recently completed New Heart trail, down Sunset through the Hobbit Forest, then continue down Little Bear to the AZT and Schultz tank. Then continue on up Waterline and around the rest of the typical ATM routing.

I had wanted to do this ride over the Labor Day weekend on Sunday, but truthfully, I didn't want to deal with traffic up north, plus the forecast high was 90 degrees. I really didn't want to suffer in the heat so I bailed on that plan. I looked at the 10 day forecast and with a massive cold front rolling in during the week, the high for Thursday was slated to be 70, and that sounded perfect for a long day. Another bonus was the massive windstorms that happened across the state blew out all the smoke from all of the devastating wildfires in the west and I was treated to absolutely perfect conditions. Bluebirds skies and just a few perfect white clouds throughout the day with gentle breezes throughout the day. 

I debated driving up the night before, but instead decided to drive up early instead. I wanted to start as early as possible to hopefully avoid any night riding - I figured I'd be out for 11-12 hours since that's about how long Schilling was out. Anyway, I had everything ready to go and was out the door at 3:55 am and on my way. I checked the weather and it was currently 27 degrees in Flagstaff. Wow.

Another consideration I had to deal with was water. Water sources in the late season in Flag are iffy. I didn't want to fight with trying to filter "thick" water from ground water sources, and I really didn't want to haul enough fluids for the entire day up the new heart climb plus waterline. Sure would be nice if they uncapped the pipe up near the green cabin,but I digress. So I drove up and passed the sandy seep trailhead and got to the forest access point across from the Sunset Crater. I drove the couple miles in to the FR418 junction and stashed a couple liters of water that I could pick up at roughly the halfway point. Then made my way to the sandy seep trailhead. The temp read 35 degrees which was a shock, but it didn't really feel to terrible once I actually started because the climbing starts immediately. 

So I started rolling, and within 100 yards of the TH, there was the lower half of a deer leg right on the trail. What?! About another 100 yards away was pretty fresh bear scat... right on the trail. OK, cool, lol.

I'm not really familiar with the Flag trails in general, so it all seemed kinda new, though some looked a bit familiar from a previous AES race, though I think we hit some of it in reverse. I don't know. All I know is that I was climbing and gaining elevation fast.

Early morning climbing vibes

Gaining elevation and the views are getting bigger

Early AM and low UV index means no mask which was good cause I was breathing pretty hard already.

 

Now on the New Heart trail, I was amazed with the quality of the work done here. It is very bike friendly, but make no mistake, this is a trail intended for all trail users. It's definitely rideable for the most part going up, but there are some really stiff uphill punchy bits the further up you get. Strong riders will make it to the top without dabbing. I am not one of those types, and I also didn't want to burn matches given this was just the start of the day. This would definitely be a really good time going down, but again, remember this is a trail for all so be on your best behavior if you decided to make a DH run on it. The trail is narrow and has some exposure. Passes will need to be coordinated by both parties if you encounter other users. Just be aware.

Yeah, that's rad!

Almost near the top, and a really cool rock formation.

I made it to the top to the intersection of Sunset and found myself in the burn scar from last year's fire. Really sad, and not a place to hang out with all the dead trees. Those are all gonna fall over the next several years. Stay safe and aware in this area! That said, the tread was in better shape than I expected, albeit a bit "moon dust" like. I picked my way down through the boulders of the Hobbit Forest. I had to walk my bike on a few of the super tight switchbacks. I usually ride really cautiously on these long solo rides, and minimize my risk taking. I didn't think I would see too many people today, so staying in one piece was my top priority.

More fast downhill action. The route takes me around the entirely of the mountains in the background.

A bit more tame now to Schultz Tank...

Now on waterline and the beginning of no vehicle access. I was just up on that mountain in the background a few minutes ago it seems like.

The climb up Waterline is sublime. It's a very tame grade, just enjoy the sights and change in the trees as you get higher and higher. There were a decent amount of down trees and quite a few random tree limbs scattered about on the climb from the recent wind storms. Nothing terrible or hard to get over.

Beginning of the inner basin trail. Had to navigate some downed trees. Such a cool place. 

I got through the Inner Basin trail, just a couple stops for a tricky move or two and a handful of hikers. It's gonna be a zoo in there in the upcoming weeks as the leaves change...

Left the tralhead and began the burning descent down the forest roads that would make up the next section of the ride. Only encountered a couple of cars on the way down, so I got down quickly. 

Hard to see, but that's the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in the background. It was remarkably clear today.

Before I got into the meat of the two FR 418 climbs, I hit my water cache and loaded up the two liters for the last half of the ride. I also sat and ate my first bit of lunch - half of a bean and cheese burrito. MTB fuel! Then it was time to get to work on getting to the AZT. It was pretty quiet back here, but there were some hunters driving their trucks back and forth along the road. All were friendly and we exchange waves. Room for all of us back here!

As always, the couple climbs required to get to the AZT took their toll. Just grind away. Next thing I knew, I was flying downhill to the AZT junction. I was ready for the second half of my burrito and I can't think of a more beautiful place to have lunch. I sat in the shade with my back up against an aspen tree, enjoying the peaceful solitude and knowing that the bulk of my work was about to be done after the ascent to snowbowl.

Aspens and lunch

Absolutely perfect day.

Loved the descent through the trees and boulders. Not a soul was seen. I was getting a bit tired though.

Last picture of the day. I tend to stop taking pics once I'm tired.

I was ready to be done, and like most long rides, the ending miles took quite a while. Even though a lot of it was mostly downhill, there were quite a few little uphill punches that kept it from being an easy finish.

This was a great day and I felt pretty good throughout. It still felt like a longer/more climbing ride than the stats say, but whatever. 

If you want a classic big day in Flagstaff, check this route out! It has just about everything you could want in a big day.