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Then my sister made a trip out here (not that long thereafter both she and my parents were like "**** this, we'll move out to paradise"). This is her petting the cats that I have adopted (no choice, came in with Brittany, although they are good and I love them very much).
I tried to finish a 40mi MTB race (little did I know it was nothing, but with my cycling fitness at the time and bike, it may have been one of the more transcendent experiences I've had)
First trip on Log Corral I think, camped on Bartlett:
Our first trip up to Flag, amazing experience. Back when I had campfires and cigarettes without being terrified of starting a fire.
Pretty '40 in town:
I rented a modern MTB and somehow hit the old school 'flag gnar and didn't die:
And then retired to watch the IndyCar race (Texas was one of my fav tracks back in the day)...this still in a time where it was difficult to be far removed...the beers, mountains, and experiences that Flag held made it bearable.
Also went to an amazing camp overlooking I believe the Secret Wilderness, basically looked into Sedona area from Flag:
Crazy views, don't do it so much these days because Britt, the dog, and I have other priorities (Britt & dog don't love the trails, I'm seeking out MTB trails)
Found out that Tempe has an extreme metal scene:
Went to hangover, hungover, and severely unprepared. Just because you used to race DH when you were a little kid doesn't mean you are equipped for trails that you can fall off the side badly:
AND on the way out Brittany and I came upon a brush fire and spent all the water we had (+ fire extinguishers). Dumb bastard threw a smoke out and lit the trash in his bed, then was so stupid as to throw it out on the side of the highway into the brush. I hate people.
We found, what may stand as our favorite place to spend time, in Skull Valley...Barnstar. Pictures do no justice:
Went to Enduro in Greer, was cold in the '40:
Finally getting the 911 back together somewhat:
And then broke my collarbone. This was enduro #2 I think, I crashed on mt lemmon. After crash rode back up to Britt and the '40, then had to drive down the damn mountain because Brittany didn't like driving stick. Go to urgent care and they say I'm not broken, and send me on my way (to grab a beer and bite obviously). That is the pathetic look of defeat:
Couple weeks later go to get looked at bc something didn't seem right...turns out they quickly identify my collarbone was broken. Literally was doing pushups during this time.
Took like 3 years of breaking my collarbone after that to finally get a plate put in to make it stick. After you break it it is apparently useless.
Next trip:
Oh wait, may have been an SF trip where I grabbed some good beers. I had the Younger, and the Elder is better in my eyes.
NEXT:
Peach Springs, the only place you can drive up to the Colorado.
Super cool place, I would like to go again. I think I need to do a big river ride bc ppl seem to love it. Like 10+ days on the river, I don't get it, but maybe I should.
