Willow Springs Gravel Grind - 28 miles, Level B/B+, BH, Gravel

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. The road surface is good; traffic on the road is light; and we may very well see more cows than cars. While there are no steep extended climbs on the route, there are a couple of short pitches that get up into the 10% range.

Gravel bikes, cyclocross bikes and mountain bikes are the best choices for doing this ride while road bikes would not be a good choice for this ride. Some of the sandy sections would present a serious challenge. I recommend a minimum tire width of 40mm.

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 highly recommended (https://land.az.gov/applications-permits#RecreationalTable) for parking. 

The ride itself is a 28 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.

Ride Leader:  Tom Gosnell (405) 269-8334

Notes: 

• There are no designed A or C ride leaders.  A or C riders are welcome to join and ride independently as well as participate in the social event afterwards.  Alternate route suggestions can be made.
• If the ride leader is denoted as TBD at the time of the ride, there is no ride leader available.  In this case, riders should discuss the route and safety considerations before starting the ride and read these good safety practices in advance.