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| Hiking | 15.62 Miles |
788 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.62 Miles | 3 Hrs 5 Mns | | 5.07 mph |
| 788 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | @DarthStiller gives a real good description of this segment in the [ Maricopa Trail - Guadalupe/South Mtn/Tres Rios ] guide. For me, it was my 13th segment of the Maricopa Trail.
What does "Feature Offsite is set off" mean when creating a photoset?
Because I’ve been sick the last couple of weeks, I have not got out to do away hikes, or even anything in my "backyard". Even though I am almost fully recovered, I went out despite today being the chilliest morning of the week. Judgment call, but exercise is also important to health.
I couldn’t tell which side of 91st Ave. the trail is officially on. I didn’t see any signs.
On the rocky Salt River jeep trail, my dearth of recent exercise was already telling. 
I saw a homeless guy camping next to the Salt River lagoon.
I thought the Maricopa Trail stayed close to the aqueduct, in mixed grass & sand. In fact, it is a concrete bike path on top of the left bank, next to the development's wall.
After a half mile, my way was blocked by a storm channel. I doubled back, looking for a way to the west side of the aqueduct. I saw a board across, but decided to try riding through a concrete ford. No wussing out. I was doing okay, until a second, unexpected, drop into sandy bottom ended my bike’s momentum, but not mine, dumping me in the water. I was soaked head to toe.
My pocket camera was missing. (That’s it, in the video thumbnail.) I spent 15 minutes digging around the aqueduct bottom, but never found it. Supposedly waterproof, it might have continued working. My GoPro took the dunking like a champ. Unfortunately, my iPhone was unbagged in my pants pocket. Though doused, it miraculously didn’t die!
Even though the bike path continues, it soon turns east, becomming the Laveen Channel Wash. (A mistake I made.)
If you look at Google Maps satellite view, everything south of Baseline Rd. is vegetable fields. Not any more. It is being rapidly developed. All those fleeing Californians need places to live.
There is a cross aqueduct at Elliot Rd. There are dry crossings left and right. Continue on the west side of the aqueduct, as it will give you some distance from the many beehives tucked up against the adjacent Loop 202 Freeway. The bees are not aggressive, but if you stop they will check you out. 
After so many uninspiring miles, after crossing under the Loop 202, the remainder of this segment is a relief. Visually. The 110 ft. climb along the lower slope of Alta Ridge, on gravelly single track, was more than I could peddle. Between lack of exercise, and increasing respiratory congestion, I walked my MTB up the climb.
I walked probably half of the grassy mile to San Juan Rd. Even small wash crossings were more than my rapidly dwindling energy level could handle. If it had been the first full weekend of the month, when San Juan Rd. is open to motor vehicles, I would have called my wife for a pickup. Rather than follow the Maricopa Trail’s final mile to Bajada Trailhead, I decided it would be wiser to bail down San Juan Rd.
Eventually, even good grip on pavement couldn’t negate the effects of a slow climb. When I dismounted, I almost fell on my face, my quads were so tight. It was agonizing. Worse yet, even Bajada Trailhead is banned to vehicles most of the month. After a brief rest there, I still had another 2⅓ miles of San Juan Rd. walking to go. But I made it. Hopefully, I don’t get flesh eating virus from the canal water …
This is one biking video you WON'T want to miss! https://vimeo.com/791642038 |
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Wildflowers Observation Light
Brittlebush, creosote and desert marigold were blooming. |
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| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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Route Editor
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