Fort Valley Trail System: Tzeidle and the Guys

What started out as a 5 runner gathering soon turned into 10 when the Flagstaff Ultra Club meet us on the Schultz Creek Trail. Once we joined forces, Tzeidle was unphased as the only woman, enjoying the rare 9 to 1 ratio. Lately the split has been 60% women to 40% men, so this was a very unusual change of events indeed.

In typical fashion when navigating the Fort Valley Trail system, we stopped at every trail junction to carefully make sure we were generally headed towards the trailhead off Highway 180. Every runner in Flagstaff can tell you a story about an epic run that began by taking a wrong turn on the Fort Valley system. With its many closed roads and game trails, it is easy to find a different route to get lost on each run! As we neared the turn around spot, the searing heat began to take its toll. There was even some talk about turning around early...but we reached the end soon enough.

 

After a brief reprieve in the shade of the trailhead kiosk, we headed back. In the distance we heard the roaring rev of a dirt bike engine, but most thought it was just our proximity to Highway 180. Within minutes a motorbike slowed behind us and carefully passed by. Most runners were surprised to find out that the Fort Valley Trail system is multi-use. As the Forest Service has recently closed 1000s of miles of roads to motorized travel, pressures have increased on places for motorized dirt bikes to recreate. While the biker kicked up dust and our quiet was disturbed for about 2 minutes, we got back into the rythym of our run. The discussion turned to how fortunate it is that those of us who are powered only by our feet, now have several thousand additional miles of dirt roads run and explore that are closed to motorized vehicles.

Once we all hooked back up at the "Y", we headed to the Kickstand and eschewed the overpowering sun to rehydrate in cool confines of the indoor tables. Time to recover because next week is Gaspin in the Aspen!

Neil pontificates about the benefits of his aerodynamically designed new Run Flagstaff shirt.

30th Annual NACA Sacred Mountain Prayer Run

Well, Bill Harris pretty much captured everything I had to say about the race in today's Arizona Daily Sun! A very special day indeed! Results are now posted at virtualroster.com. Contact us with any errors.

Along the Edge of Walnut Canyon

Saturday's turnout for the NATRA group run had 22 runners including Flagstaff Ultra Club members, but no dogs.  About half the group did the 5 mile run to the first overlook and the rest went the full 8 miles. Along the way Spring's blooming wildflowers distracted those with cameras. It was great to see Erika Friedberg running alongside Sara Wagner, the only two women to win Soulstice in the past 7 years (Sara 6 times, Erika once)!  Afterwards we filled the outdoor seating area at the Kickstand and enjoyed the warm spring sun.

Descending into the Depths of Kelly Canyon

Fourteen runners and Oso ran into the depths of Kelly Canyon, and I am thrilled to report that all made it safely out!

 

 

The run follows mostly single track as it descends into a side canyon. All runners had the same thought.....what goes down, must come up.

The trail magically weaves up and down little ridges until it hits the bottom of Kelly Canyon. From there it is a lot of jumps over logs and a bit of ankle twisting in the drainage bottom. With pools of water and densely wooded canyon walls, the area has a northwest feel.  There are stunning sandstone formations in the bottom of the twisted canyon and plenty of water at the turnaround point. Just ask Oso.

 

 

The uphill return got pretty challenging until folks realized that walking is faster than running!  Safely emerging from the canyon, most returned to Mountainaire Tavern for a brunch that more than replenished the caloric loss over the 6 epic, stunning miles.

 

Next week the group run is cancelled in favor of the Run for the Mountain races, the first of the Run Flagstaff Summer Series!  JOin in on the fun by registering at Virtualroster.com today!

Flagstaff Loopy Trail

While I advertised running part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon course, 11 runners unanimously agreed to run the Flagstaff Loop Trail. None were disappointed.

Neil proudly dons his new Boston Stand as One Tee!

I posted live on Facebook if anyone could guess who wears this tattoo. We had such guesses as Robert Plant and Rob Zombie. Well, at least one Facebook follower got it right (yes, you will have to go check for yourself!)

As we headed up the urban trail, I posted a shot on Facebook of everyone's least favorite hill going up Observatory Mesa. This is the hill runners face at the beginning of both the Sacred Mountain Prayer Run 10K and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff Half Marathon. I am hoping to hear creative names for this hill and not the many expletives that I've called it over the 28 years that I've been trying to reduce the grade.

What do you call this hill?

Once at the well hidden loop trail turn off, we caught our breath and re-grouped. It was then onto the fabulous single track that criss-crosses observatory mesa. Once we descended back to the Karen Cooper Trail, Neil proved that he still had some game left in his legs. His dead sprint of course was to take the NATRA money/pin up shots of the week.

 

 

As we returned to Thorpe Park everyone's motors slowed. We then hit the kickstand for refreshments and stories of future adventures, such as Bruce's trip to Nepal. What a day! Meet at 7:45 AM next Saturday at Mountainaire Tavern and bring a brunch potluck item. We will run Kelly Canyon and drive back to David McKees for post-run brunch!

An Elevationally Challenged Chuck Wagon

Six runners (Tzeidle, Marcy, Garret, John, Bruce, and David) and one dog traveled down the mountain for the final Sedona run of the season on the Chuckwagon-Gunslinger loop.ChuckWagonGunslingerLoop On the map, it appears that there is little elevation change on this trail -- but that is misleading. The hills are many -- just not big enough to show up on a topo map! There is only a difference of about 200 feet in elevation from the high point to the low point but there is over 800 feet of total elevation gain/loss along this trail.

Afterwards, we went to Indian Gardens Cafe/Garlands in Oak Creek Canyon to enjoy breakfast, coffee, cider, and other goodies.  (Thanks to David Blanchard for the post)

Fisher Point Pin Ups

 

On a picture perfect morning, only five NATRA runners made it out to Fisher Point. We ran by last week's wild fire that was adjacent to the trail. While completely cold, we enjoyed the smell of the freshly burned forest floor. No doubt grasses will begin to thrive shortly.

 

As we neared the dreadful climb up to Fisher Point, I wondered if I'd be able to weenie out the ascent again but when all agreed to make the climb, I caved into peer pressure, and it was well worth the view! 

 

With Keith and Tony shedding their shirts, I again caved into peer pressure and Tzeidle took the April men of NATRA calendar pin up! 

 

With legs dragging, we all successfully made it out of Sandy Canyon completely exhausted. Thankfully Tony agreed to reenergize our day with his Seasoned Kitchen coffees where we ran into Chris and Tobin - a perfect way to start the day!