12/24/2006

Mingus Mountain, Arizona

http://www.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B2GGGL_enUS202US203&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=\
wl&q=


Elevation: Approximately 7500', 158 turns and switchbacks.

Front side is about 3 miles, varies 6-10% grade. I did not do this part.


Backside, is approximately 9-11 miles long , grades again vary between 6 and
10%. Speed ranges from 0 - mid 40's without a speed suit.
The backside has some massive turns to it, long sweepers, chicanes, a few
switchbacks, three that I did myself. My friends Jimmy and Susan took some
video of the parts that I did do. Unfortunately Susan developed a bad case
of car sickness, so she should be honored for shooting some really great
video, for sacrificing for the cause. She did get some really great shots,
as the valley below opened up. The colors were amazing. I had no traffic
problems, it did build behind me at one point, but they passed as I
approached the end of my first part. It went into an uphill that you need a
ride up too the top, and then it is a 6-7 mile uninterrupted ride into the
town of Jerome. There are NO dots on this road ( Yay!!) I had originally
planned to start my run, on the side that would take me into Jerome, and not
Prescott Valley. I wanted to go right through town, and cause a stir, as the
grade turns into a 12% ride in the narrow mining town streets, with only one
stop sign at the top. At the end of this steep ride through town it again
turns briefly uphill, and with a very sharp right, you plunge dramatically
into a 9-10% steep straight with a 15 mph switch back turn sign at the
bottom. Best be up on your braking skills. After that turn , it is a sweet
ride all the way into the town of Cottonwood. I did not get to do this part
either. Not sure that they would have liked me blasting through town, in
full gear.
I also neglected to take into account the higher elevation oxygen levels, as
I had to skate up a small uphill part. It wasn't much of a problem in the
descent.

Ok, so I started my run on the first small downhill for about 2 miles. Then
a brief skitch to the top, then a massive downhill. After about 5 miles I
came around a corner, and Mr. Policeman appears, coming up around the
corner. He continued up, I continued down, determined to do at least one
part of this road I had been dreaming about. I did do it, and at the next
scenic overlook I jumped in the car. As we turned to go up the hill, not
three turns up, the same Mr. Policeman is coming down. I feel certain he was
looking for me. I really wasn't in much of a mood to listen to a lecture
about how dangerous this is and the inevitable "Don't I know what I am
doing!!!" speech.

It was a worthy road. I think that this road warrants some serious
consideration for a World Cup event. It is long enough, wide enough, steep
enough, no dots, three towns within striking distance, all of which could
benefit from a major event in the area, preferably at a time when their
tourism levels would be lower. The views are unparalleled, (Except for San
Fran) :-) The traffic COULD be diverted, as there are 2 ways to get to
Jerome going west to east.

If there is anyone who lives and rides in Arizona as well, their feedback
would be good, if they have ever taken a gravity ride down this one. A MUST
DO! if you are ever in the area.

Feel free to email back with questions.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

_________________________________________________________________
From photos to predictions, The MSN Entertainment Guide to Golden Globes has
it all. http://tv.msn.com/tv/globes2007/