Alright everyone, it is time to get dirty. Join me for the Willow Springs Gravel Grind. I love this ride because there is very little traffic and it presents the opportunity to spend a lovely day in the dessert. Gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes and mountain bikes are the best choices for doing this ride. Road bikes would not be a good choice unless they are fitted with at least 32mm tires, and even then, some of the sandy sections will present a serious challenge.
The ride starts at the intersection of Hwy 77 and Willow Springs Road (just south of the Biosphere turnoff). The parking is on State Trust Land so a Trust Land Recreational Permit is required (https://land.az.gov/natural-resources/recreational-permits) for parking. The permit is only required for the parking and not for the riding as long as you stay on the road.
The ride itself is a 30 mile out and back course. The road surface is normally pretty good depending upon how recently it has been graded. If grading has been awhile, the surface can have washboard in places and sand in some of the washes.
Here is a map of the proposed ride.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29044729
Hope you can join us!
Ride leader: Tom Gosnell 405-269-8334 or tfgosnell@gmail.com
Look for the Silver Dodge Caravan with a tandem.
Please let me know if you plan to attend. Thanks!
