Transcept is now officially on the map and signed. Keep your eyes peeled, though because if you blink while passing the sign you'll miss it.

Update the trail condition here.

This network of trails is really well developed with decent trailhead access right off I-40 and 93. If you are on your way to or from Las Vegas, NV this is a good spot to stop and stretch your legs. The riding is not challenging, but the system takes you through some very cool geological formations. While the trails lack technical challenges, the singletrack I rode was fun and flowing. The trail signage is not great, but everything loops, so finding your trailhead should be easy enough.

Black Hawk can suck it.

Alright, looks like Flagstaff is the proper place to go to escape from the heat of Sedona. At 7000 feet above sea level, it stays cooler and has a nice canopy from all the pine trees. Rode Schultz Canyon yesterday. Lots of potential. Looking forward to more exploration.

Just have to say that there has been a lot of inspiration from the Beastie Boys over the years. Real sad to say goodbye to MCA. Thanks for the jams.

Update the trail condition here.

As seen on this map the ride starts off Verde Valley School Rd. It might be best to start from the Red Rock Crossing parking lot at the end of the road. The singletrack starts right across the road from the parking - at the trail sign. You can ride either direction around Baldwin Loop. Highline is not a posted trail, the trailhead is halfway through the Baldwin Loop. If you can't find it based on this map and available clues, maybe you shouldn't be riding it. Highline done in the direction of this map is very difficult and involves some hike a bike that is challenging. Done in the opposite direction the steep stuff is a very challenging descent (but AWESOME!!!). Again, no signage, so bring your whits and a map or gps (and requisite knowledge to use it.) Once on the saddle, the slickrock landscape is stunning and full of challenging features. When you make the shoulder of the Seven Warriors (sometimes called Seven Sisters as well) and the trail starts contouring, pay attention to the trail because there is some good exposure. Stop and soak in the views, too, because they are all-time. There are some nice tech moves and the exposure, but it is not a super-difficult trail if you are an experienced mountain biker. At the intersection at the end of Highline, go left and enjoy the rugged flow of Slim Shadey. This will take you out to Templeton - there is a fork before the actual intersection, but you can take either way and it will put you on Templeton. Go left and enjoy another beauty. The switchbacks after the Cathedral trailhead (loads of hikers here) are challenging and tech. Be prepared. After that, you cruise along the Oak Creek,which you can follow right back to the end of Verde Valley School Rd or, if you are heads up, you can get back onto baldwin for a little more singletrack fun back to the parking lot.

"Endurance mountain bike event" is not-so-top-secret code for a really long ride. - Dave Wiens. Awesome.

I am living in fear of the heat that withers, but for the time being the weather sure is perfect!

The web site for the new Sedona Mountain Bike Club is now up and running. Use this site to keep up with the latest from the club - sedonamtbclub.com.

What percentage of mountain bikers even consider catching air a part of the ride? I am a fledgeling airer, total amateur, but consider it a huge part of the experience.

We also tested the Hi-5 from Pro-Tec. http://pro-tec.net/hi-5-glove-bike.php We had two pair. One lasted all summer and the second shredded after a couple weeks. They are a cheaper alternative. IF you get the ones that don't fall apart, they are awesome.

Little bit of rain last night has made for buttery, sweet, and tacky singletrack here in Sedona. Just rode with the missus and I have to say the tacky singletrack had me giddy. One of the most perfect things in life, IMO.

The riding is so good. I understand we are having a pretty mild winter, historically. Shorts and long sleeves most days. The dirt is drying out and getting sandy in some spots, but mostly it is excellent. Still doing a lot of exploring, getting lost, and lapping it up on the local loops.