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Grande Mountain easy (green), moderate (blue) and difficult (black), they also have GPS tag/signs along the way so you know where you are. All trails are close to the trailheads so you can explore with your bicycle all you desire and not get lost. Then as you get familiar with the network you can vary the length of your ride looping in the miles. Riding on the trails fuels your adrenaline with steep rocky sections and fast flowing sections. Local bicycle riders keep the trail in great shape, smoothing out rough lines and making sure water can
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run off trail during monsoon rains. For fun I use an app on my phone (Strava) that maps your rides, the local riders have set up virtual courses around the mountain that let you race each others times through different sections of trail. As the summer gets hotter I ride at night to beat the direct heat. All you need is a quality set of LED lights with good battery life to bring in a whole different type of adventure. The view from the trails is amazing with all sorts of desert vegetation. There is a ton of cactuses also so be sure to have tools and tubes for any flat tires incurred. A small plastic comb is something to have in your pocket too in case a cactus gets stuck to your body, just slip the comb behind the cactus next to your skin and flick it off. Then there are the critters. CG Mountain has plenty of birds, prairie dogs, jackrabbits, tortoises, hogs, ring tail cats, coyotes, lizards and SNAKES. Many rattlesnakes have been seen laying on the trail, so keep your eyes and ears tuned into your surroundings. Bring lots of water because there is none available to drink.
Little did I know that those early years of riding with my much better friends set the foundation for my current skill set. The difficult trails are ridden with confidence, the moderate/ easy trails ridden at a faster pace. The faster pace increases the smiles, but is rough on your equipment. Many parts have been shattered on rocks, tubes punctured and worn out tires. Casa Grande has a local bike shop (Round Trip Bikes) that is not far into town from the mountain to get me riding my bike again. Mountain biking has becomes a family event with all my kids having bikes. CG Mountain also has a smooth dirt road that runs along the base of the mountain for younger kids and folks who are new to biking for an easy start. Plus you still get the amazing desert views and get to see some critters. So dig out your bike, pump up those tires, oil the chain and experience all the joys of your childhood, a pedaling fountain of youth. It might even be time to treat yourself to a new bike, do it for your health, do it for some smiles and see you on the trails.
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