Taking a break amongst Sedona’s red rock formations

With Denver in the rearview mirror I headed south into the desert.  I’ve biked, hiked, kayaked and climbed through the wilderness in every region of the continental United States, except for the southwest.  Decision made and I’m on way way to Flagstaf, Arizona.  Naturally, all my toys are with me: 4 kayaks and a road bike on the roof, my snowboard and even a longboard.

I expected a bleak landscape.  I expected scorching hot sun rays.  I expected tumbleweed.

I didn’t expect to see the snowcapped San Fransisco peaks out my window as I ate breakfast.  I didn’t expect to be 45 minutes from the mountain biker’s heaven, Sedona.  And I didn’t expect that there would be more colors and life than many other ecosystems.

At an altitude of nearly 8,000 ft, Flagstaff Arizona is a hot destination for the training adventure athlete.  The Northern Arizona University even boasted a “high altitude training center” that attracted olympic athletes from all over the world.  In these economic times, they were forced to shut down the facility yet the athletes still seem to come.

For the outdoor adventure athlete, like the members of TeamSOG, it is one of the best places to get out and push your limits.  I found a mountain bike to borrow and headed down to Sedona for a couple days of amazing, technical riding.

Riding on Sedona’s technical single-track

I also found myself in Pheonix, looking desperately into the surrounding peaks.  I grabbed my road bike and headed toward South Mountain Park, the country’s largest urban park.  After averting an accident on the congested streets of the city, always a scary venture, I wound my way to the top of the park.  This 6 mile climb was filled with scenic vistas of the city and even more colorful desert wildlife.  An urban park for the rural folk.

A few days of snowboarding gave me some speed I had been craving.  Arching huge turns always brings smiles.  I also strapped on some snowshoes to explore a little more of the snowy backcountry with family.

A View of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim

A Full Moon to Light the Way

Yet, the most intense day was by far, the Grand Hike Day.  My boyfriend and I began descending into the canyon before the sun came up, using the moon and our headlamps to guide us and crampons to steady our feet.  We made it down to the river with enough time to hang out before the longer hike back out.  We pushed ourselves the whole day, completeing the 18 mile loop faster than expected.  Visit my blog for more of a description of the day and enjoy some of the photos!

-Susan