I'm only half-Dirty

The Casner Mountain Dirty Century for me, was never to be a Century.  As part of my IT band rehab, I'm ramping up the miles in graduated increments....this weekend called for 50 miles.  In parallel, the offer went out from Chad for folks to do half of the Casner ride as part of the AES......perfect chance to do the miles and see a part of AZ I have not ridden much....I would not be disappointed.

Pushing from the Safeway off of Milton in Flagstaff; we all were anxious to get the blood flowing in 32 degree temps.

Passing verdant fields and ephemeral lakes fed from the retreating snowpack of winter, we were warmed by the sun and the smell of fresh sap........

After a quick roll through the forest, we took a break at the edge of last summers burn on the rim of Sycamore Canyon....against a torched tableau; the purple seatpost, micturating man and blasé postures are in stark contrast to what otherwise, would be a great shot......

After a brief buzz through the crispy landscape, we descended and turned to find cliffs where there were previously trees......

Coasting along, riding time was wasted taking great shots and pondering the enormity of the view.

More riding gave way to more views that took our breath away......

Sketchy descents on limestone & chert started chewing up the groups tires, snapping a seatpost, breaking a pedal and hobbling a derailleur until it could be fixed;  worth every bit the hassle. 

Bob Ross-esque happy little clouds lead to happy bipeds.....

Coming close to topping out on Casner before our descent, we turned our heads north to spy the snow of the Kachina's returning to the sky and earth.

Starting the descent down the switchbacks, Chad's falsetto "Switchback Attack" calls could be heard behind me in a rising crescendo.....

.....and continued on down the hill, fading into the ferous stained skyline....

.....until they could be heard no more; falling prey to the sounds of the breeze through the grass and my own breathing.

As I continued to struggle capturing the skyline in one piece, it occurred to me that this would have to be a panoramic friendly post.

They're pretty in two ways:  pretty to look at, and they pretty much hurt when you smack into them on a 25mph descent.

Before we had a chance to adjust from the cool plateau, the heat of the valley showed up just as we got to devour this World Class piece of H.A.B.

While the new comers sought a respite in the shade........

.....the inheritors of the late-Paleozoic soaked it up.

Those who came for the century, set their sights on Burger king before climbing back out of Sedona on their way back to Flagstaff.  For those of us only feeling half dirty, we ended our ride at the brewery for Beer and hotdogs.  FWIW, Simon's Gourmet Hot Dogs now served at the Brewery are AWESOME after a ride!

Totals on the day were 55 miles, 4800vf gained, 7:14 total time with 5:30 as our moving time.  Thanks to Chad for the invite and gpx track.