Lowell Observatories Series: 110k, 200k
The Observatories: Lowell Observatory is best known as the telescope that discovered Pluto back in 1930. But, Lowell Observatory actually comprises 12 telescopes and the Naval Precision Optical Inferometer (NPOI). These telescopes are spread across 3 distinct locations - Mars Hill, Anderson Mesa and Happy Jack. We will visit them all!
These routes are frequently ridden during Phoenix summers when escaping the desert heat is needed. They start in Flagstaff at a cool elevation of 7000'. They also start, literally, at the base of Mars Hill only 3/4 of a mile from the 13" Lawrence Lowell Astrograph Pluto Discovery Telescope. It's a "nice" 7.3% average grade for that distance to help warm you up in the cool morning air.
After that warm-up climb, the route mellows as you roll along on Lake Mary Rd breathing the fresh air and enjoying the tall pines. That mellowness is interrupted when you make the turn for your 2nd Lowell Observatory visit to Anderson Mesa. Once you summit the Mesa, you'll see the Hall 42", Perkins 72" and the NPOI telescopes. You won't have time to visit them, but you'll know how to find them so that you can schedule a tour. After the fast (and bumpy) descent, you'll head back out onto Lake Mary Rd for a mellow and beautiful ride through the pines.
After your control/respite at the Mormon Lake Lodge store, you will continue your high elevation trek to see the 3rd, and final, Lowell Observatory telescope. We will not be able to ride to this telescope. It is a research-only facility, but you will be able to see it if you look closely as you climb to Happy Jack. The route then continues to your turnaround at the Clint's Well store. From there, you will retrace your route, minus the observatory climbs, back to the finish at Thorpe Park.
Sound like a great day on the bike? It is. Come out and join us!
Lowell 110k details may be found HERE
Lowell 200k 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.
