Phoenix's South Mountain Preserve

Greetings all, 

We're back with our first post in 2020.  As I write this the world has changed. Covid 19 is wreaking havoc and we're all a bit stir crazy, but I am posting a ride from our trip to Phoenix in the weeks before the Virus put us all in time out. Our intended trip to Phoenix for a hockey game and to visit family, unfortunately, it became a stop on my trip to So Cal for my brother's funeral. He passed away in an accident after we had scheduled the trip. I continued on to So Cal with my mother and sister afterward. 

While in Phoenix I was sorting out what happened to my brother and how this would affect all of us, and cycling is my therapy. It always has been. So I brought my bike. I figured I'd be able to ride in Phoenix, So Cal, and my final destination New Mexico over the next few weeks. I had quit my job about the same time my brother passed away. Unrelated, but still warranted.  I'm so happy I was able to walk away from my job, take some time to concentrate on family, and reset. 

We stayed at an Airbnb in downtown Phoenix. Our hosts Doug and Patty were awesome. Not only did they have an awesome Airbnb, but they owned a yoga studio and a vegan restaurant the Giving Tree around the corner. 

In the evenings we walked down to Rosevelt Row where are the coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants are. It's about one mile each way. but the city is very walkable and safe as long as you stay on the busier streets. 

One place that really took it to a new level was Undertow which is right below Sip Coffee. Find it, and book a visit to Undertow. It is the best themed Tiki Bar in the country. It only holds about 10 people at a time, drinks are expensive, full of rum and very sweet, but the ambiance is worth it. 

As I mentioned earlier another reason for our visit was to go to the Hockey game. Our team the Tampa Bay Lightning happened to be in Phoenix that weekend playing the Coyotes. We made the trek via Uber to Glendale where the arena is. It was a dreary day for sure with pouring rain most of the day. Coyotes arena is surrounded by chain restaurants and bars; Bar Louie, Yardhouse...a Piano Bar. We went early to pre-party of course, meet Elise's brother who came down from Canada and explore the area. We had a blast. Not so much at the game as our team got spanked, I believe Steven Stamkos said later that night when we caught up to him at the Piano bar "We sucked". I didn't want to say it but yes they did. Oh well, we had a great time anyway. 

On Monday morning, Elise headed to the airport and flew back to Tampa. I packed up my stuff set it aside and headed out for my ride up to the top of the South Mountain Preserve. As a kid, I'd been up here many times with family but I've only ridden it a few times. I know the route well. it's a grueling climb with a few false flats and rolling hills with steep short climbs to the lookout.  From Central Phoenix to the start of the preserve is @ 8 miles, with a relatively easy climb straight to the preserve.  This is where my video begins.