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Gravel Ride on Back Side of Lemmon

3/20/2020

1 Comment

 
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Thinking about riding the Mount Lemmon Gravel Grinder race in October so better check the routes.  First up, the 40 mile option.  I park along Mount Lemmon Road, just above the town of Oracle.  After a few miles, I reach the AZ Zipline business and the end of the pavement.  By the way, event info can be found here: https://www.mtlemmongravelgrinder.com/
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The dirt road is in good shape as I dip down and around Peppersauce Campground, nestled beneath the trees.  Some where around here is the Peppersauce cave.
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Good views of the Galiuro Mountains.  Some where along that ridge is Bassett Peak.  One heck of a hike to that beast.  Only done it once and should do it again.
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Hey, there is Mount Lemmon and the north facing slope of Ski Valley.  Still some snow on a day after taking this pic they received another 12".
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After the first 10 miles I've gained over 1000' but then there is a long descent.  I'm passed by a couple of 4-wheelers but otherwise, no traffic.
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With all the rain, I'm surprised the grasses are so brown but the views continue to be good.
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Those grey shapes are mine tailings.  Used to be a lot of mining back in the day in these mountains.
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The road continues to wind around but always drawing nearer to Mount Lemmon.  Rather than go all the way up, I am looking for Forest Road 4450 where I am to make a left turn.  
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Reaching this sign, I find the road and hang a left.  So far, the road condition has been very good for a dirt road but.....
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…..people ride gravel bikes down this?  Actually, doesn't look bad from the image but it is worse in person.  I had to walk the bike through here, remounted, coasted, got off to walk, over and over.  Wherever the slope steepened, the road condition worsened.  Too bad because it is a beautiful descent and to have to brake and walk so often, kind of sucked.  Later, I viewed this down hill segment on Strava and I was tied for last place. lol. I finally reached pavement and.....
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….rode into the small town of San Manuel.  I took a break there before climbing out of it via the 6 mile ascent of Webb Road.  Finished with 40 miles and 3600' of climbing.  Geesh, I don't have the skill set for that FS4450.  Maybe in a few months.
1 Comment
Marcia Gauvin
12/31/2024 03:59:19 pm

Hey Mark, thanks. This helped a lot.

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    Mark is a long-time cyclist, hiker, golfer and plays some table tennis...ok, it's ping pong.

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