Mines to Pines Series: 200k, 300k
Mines to Pines covers a range of climates and offers diverse scenery on good roads.
The ride starts in the copper mining town of Claypool, Arizona and travels on SR 188 along the length of Roosevelt Lake. Roosevelt Lake is the first, and largest lake along the Salt River reservoir system. The Salt River's head starts in the mountains of eastern Arizona at the confluence of the Black and White Rivers. After Roosevelt, there are 3 additional dams on the Salt River - Apache, Canyon and Saguaro. The Salt continues thru the Valley and forms the manmade Tempe Town Lake before eventually joining with the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers.
The 200k route then continues all the way to the Beeline Hwy where riders turn around and retrace their path. The terrain will be gentle until you reach the final major climb - Salt River Peak. This is a 6 mile, 1600' kick in the pants! After you make the summit, it will be smooth sailing back to the finish.
The 300k route continues when reaching the Beeline Hwy, and up, up, up Oxbow Hill to Payson. Just north of Payson, the route goes 10 miles out Houston Mesa Rd in the tall pines of Arizona.
The turnaround is at the end of the pavement, with the return following the same route back to Claypool.
The 200k details may be found HERE
The 300k details may be found HERE
Last Minute Notes may be found HERE. This link will be valid once available, generally the day after registration closes. Please read them. There will be a lot of information posted there. I will also send them out to registered riders. If you don't receive them, please check your spam folder.
