First attempt at a real climb

[Veronica]

That sounds like a pretty tough ride. Nice job!

V.

[Fredwina]

I've actually the hill going the other direction see here
I remember I was doing 40-50 mph so it must be difficult going up it!
two thumb ways up!

[motochick]

Fredwina, I think I have ridden most of what you rode, only not all in the same day! That "climb" into Sedona is my daily ride. I remember back when I first started riding it, how hard I thought it was. Now it is just a short section on my longer rides. My hubby and I have also ridden Lake Mary road but only on our tandem. I remember some pretty steep sections there!

The one thing we have not done yet and have been talking about doing is the climb out of Sedona thru Oak Creek canyon to Flagstaff. The traffic has us a little concerned. Was it bad and would you do that section again? It would be 50 miles from our house to Flag via Oak Creek.

Coming down was fun, you are lucky you didn't have to go up on a 170 mile day!! That would have been crazy. If you ever want to do some fun hilly stuff up here, give me a shout out!

Brenda

[Fredwina]

Yes, oak creek canyon was really bad! Unless you can start REAL early, I wouldn't do it.
It's not bad once you got past the scenic lookout.

[motochick]

That really sucks about oak creek canyon, I thought you might say that. I heard someone else say to stay away from it, but it is soooo tempting. I still might give it a go during off season and very early.

I just got back from doing Mingus Mountian. 4000 feet in 18 miles. (32 total) Some sections were not so steep and other sections I was standing in my granny gear just trying to keep upright! I had lots of fun doing it and will do it many times now that the first time is under my belt.

Brenda

[spokewench]

Motochick:

Only do sedona to Flag early, early in the morning - it's not bad then, but give yourself plenty of time to get up and get up early cause it is really narrow and winds around a lot at the top. It is populated mostly with tourists and they don't pay to much attention - their looking at the scenery too much!

I would suggest a week day morning, but I drove down it a couple of Sundays ago and it was really deserted then as well. But it was very early.

spoke from Flagstaff

[Crankin]

The thought of being on a bike from Sedona to Flag would scare me to death!
I never liked even driving it. Maybe at 5:30 AM?