| | -
| 1 label |  |
|
2 |
-
| 1 label |  |
|
2 |
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
| 3 labels |  |
|
|
-
| 2 labels |  |
|
|
-
| 1 label |  |
|
|
-
|
| | |
|
| Road Biking | 12.00 Miles |
225 AEG |
| | Road Biking | 12.00 Miles | 1 Hour 50 Mns | | 6.55 mph |
| 225 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Guesstimating the time and distance. It was 2h 20m door-to-door, but I stopped to take pictures, doubled back multiple times, and also wandered off trail on foot, or hike-a-biking.
Previously, the east / south side of the canal was preferable due to being paved. From Park of the Canals to Granite Reef Dam, the west / north side of the canal is preferable, due to the opposite side often dead ending at private property or various canal structures. (Except for crossing Horne Rd. and McKellips Rd., in the first mile, where the bike path signal is on the opposite side.)
1½ miles into this segment, there is a SRP electrical substation, portapotty (with hand wash) and what, for want of a better word is a one foot tall “dam”. I dunno. Water was audibly spilling over it, despite its lack of size. The first two miles were unpleasantly rocky, like biking Biscuit Flat.
To the left, dark & small Sawik Mountain was obvious, and past that the McDowells. Red Mountain regularly made appearances beween shrubbery and bridges even near the beginning of the segment. As far as canal structures, the highlight was the 30 ft. falls at the McDowell Rd. underpass.
I never didn’t see any horse riders — or signs thereof — despite northeast Mesa having some large lots, and the Maricopa Trail passing right next to an equine boarding ranch at the Red Mountain Freeway. There wasn't nearly the level of pedestrian traffic as the previous segment from Freestone Park to Park of the Canals.
By the time I passed the the second quarry, I was wishing I’d brought my Camelbak. (I had two nalgene bottles, of which I usually drink little more than one on my 17-mile loop around Sunnyslope and Moon Valley.)
At just under eight miles, next to the canal, is some sort of solar-powered contraption. Maybe a stream gauge? To the left are some small mounds. I hid my bike behind the mounds, following a foot trail 100 yds. to a pleasant Salt River side channel [ photo ] . Being short on water, I didn’t bother with the main channel.
The crossing is still closed. Legally. I would not risk it extra-legally: Still too deep & fast.
ADDED: Supposedly crossing may re-open around 5/16: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/ahps_wa ... hp?wfo=psr
I knew where I was. I knew where Granite Reef TH was. But lacking my GPS, I did not know how to make my way through the dense brush from one to the other. It took me 20 minutes before I found a way through. My recommendation is to instead park at the Bush Highway TH: It’s the same distance, and right up the dirt access road you are riding on anyway.
Biking Video: https://vimeo.com/824736434 |
|
Wildflowers Observation None
Zippo. |
|
| _____________________
| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
