Inspired by some recent posts on mtbr, a desperate need to get out of the heat, and some blog posts from Yetisurly, we chose the Cabin Loop as our first trip. Sort of a shakedown run to see how we do with loaded bikes, high elevation, and minimal purchases for new gear. Thanks to this forum and some random googling, I think we prepared ok.
Oh how I love the Arizona Trail sign.
Loaded bike (Salsa Big Mama) in front of the first cabin. $25 3lb sleeping bag strapped to seat, OR drybag containing clothes, thermarest, tent, and groundcloth on the handlebars. Tent poles strapped to frame. Camelbak Blowfish 3/4 full of stuff on my back.
Ample water supply, but we didn't bring a filter. I brought some iodine tablets "just in case"...and we never used them.
We put our camp time beverages in nature's refrigerator while we set up camp
Dinner time!
Woke up after a quiet night of semi-decent sleep just to be greeted with lots of this, followed by lots of hike-a-bike on the Houston Brothers Trail.
But then I found a hitchhiker that tagged along for a little while.
Back to the edge of the Mongollon Rim, followed by a few miles of nice fire road, then back to the car. Overall I had a blast, and was already planning the next trip on the way back home. The trail we chose wasn't the most fun with a heavy loaded bike, and riding at elevation takes some serious getting used to. Planning on losing some weight from myself and my gear before the next big trip, but there will definitely be more trips!
