View Full Version : Riding in Tucson
I'm new to motocross and to Tucson. I'm looking for some riding areas in Tucson or within 20 minutes of Tucson. I don't think I'm ready for tracks yet, so I'm looking for a riding area that might have some jumps maybe? If anybody knows of a good place and directions that would be awesome thanks.
TRAJISTO
05/12/03, 11:29 AM
You might want to park that thing till October![8D] Or maybe get some lights.
Travis Epperson
"Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking"
Dawn Stone; Prescott Fire Dept.; Star Island Motorsports KTM; Copper Country ATV & Cycle KTM; Fineline Suspension ; Axo ; FMF/909 ; No Fear ; 661; Acerbis; Smith
Lizrdlipz
05/12/03, 11:35 AM
Call me, I'll hook you up!
520-762-8096
Steve Feld #31
So are there a lot of good riding spots in Tucson?
Lizrdlipz
05/13/03, 1:13 PM
There are a few if you know where to go. Most are very hidden. Some are high profile and some land owners are pretty neutral. State Trust land is good in many areas. Sahuarita has a few spots and the Santa Ritas are right there. Some like the Tortolita area and Reddington is cool too...
Steve Feld #31
So what's the closest on to Harrison and Speedway(where I live) and how do I get there. Thanks, my bike should be fixed within the week and I want to get at least 2 good rides in before it gets to be 110 outside.
Lizrdlipz
05/14/03, 11:42 AM
Reddington.
Go up to Tanque Verde and head east into the pass. You'll see lots of interesting places from there. Make sure the areas you travel are marked for such...
Steve Feld #31
So I was just watching the news and there are forest fires in Redington, so I don't know if riding is open there right now? Is there anything else around?
I was just at this site called www.dirtbiketv.com and in the trails section for AZ they have these two trails here is exactly what it says:
"pinal is a great riding spot for ameteurs to pros lots of jumps and good whoopsections. right next to evergreen air park follow sighns from i10 toward air park make right at white sighn go over cattle guard and follow dirt road for about 5 miles"
I was wondering if any of you have every been there, or if you even know where it is. The address is in Marana so I know it can't be too far away, so I was wondering if anyone had any input on this. Thanks.
Grizzly1
05/15/03, 1:04 PM
Oh baby,
I think ya Found what your Looking for. Tucson here I come :D wouldnt Hurt to make a lil trip out there during a weekend, 100% chance youll find others Romping around.
http://www.dow-mgc.org/Users/grizzly1/grizzsig.gif
Hey Grizz, yeah I know this is exactly where I want to ride. The only problem is the directions suck. So all I know is to take i10. I want to find this place bad, and I've never heard of evergreen air park, so its like I know exactly where I want to go, but I can't get there.
Lizrdlipz
05/15/03, 1:30 PM
Take the exit at the Evergreen Air Park in Pinal. (there's only one)
Go over the freeway. Heading west. You'll see an open gate on your right. follow that dirt road northwest for about a mile or so and you can't miss it. Be careful out there as there can be a lot of people going many different directions at the same time. Some jumps you may want a spotter at the top so you don't have a collision. I've seen it many times out there and that's why I go other places... Make sure you have your State Trust Land permit with you or you can be cited and it's about $500.00 per bike. They sometimes take vehicles away from people who don't have permits. I have seen a trailer loaded with a couple of confiscated quads before... It is a good place during the week due to less riders in the area... Have fun!
Steve Feld #31
Cool thanks Lizrd. One more question, where can I get that State Trust Land permit and how much does it cost?
One more question actually, area there any areas more for beginners there, what I mean is no huge jumps like you were saying, you know the ones that I can't see over? Or are they pretty much all like that? Thanks. Sorry if I'm asking to many questions, I'm just really eager to get out and I really want to try and find the perfect spot! So thanks again.
Grizzly1
05/15/03, 4:45 PM
Crmf, you dont need to worry about those jumps, If it is Like 201 ( Gold Canyon) there will be some Huge Dirt monds and you would jump from the out side in to a water hole type of Thing. Just Remember, you can Jump anything, just start off slow, second and Gas a Lil at the top get 3 4 feet of air to see if its a smooth ride, and just go a lil quicker when ya feel more comfortable. But Id head out and take a Look see, watch others Jump it, and see how the bikes work on it and then Give it a Try. ask what gear they are in and suck. I found most are willing to Help any one, even if ya ask lot of questions.
G luck
no worrys
Grizz
http://www.dow-mgc.org/Users/grizzly1/grizzsig.gif
So I take i10 to that exit? How far away is it? 30min 45min or so? Thanks for all your help Lizrd, its very much appreciated!
I know this is kind of off topic, but I've been looking at nomads track, and I think I'm going to become a member. I like how you have access anytime you want and it looks like a nice track, ever been there?
krazy kdx
06/04/03, 6:19 PM
there are some little tracks off ajo near hermans rd .pinal is cool . e mail me we will go ride
WHIP 301
06/06/03, 1:24 PM
HEY 307 IS THAT YOU ?
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACEING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
krazy kdx
06/13/03, 4:13 PM
ya its me ,307 . i havnt been to nomads where is this track. have you been to pmp ? crfmx did you go to pinal ? I know some good trails in redington area too,let me know when you wanna go.
later
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
WHIP 301
06/14/03, 10:47 AM
KRAZY
GO RIDING WITH ME I WILL TEACH YOU SOME MORE ON HOW TO FALL DOWN
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACEING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
Hey krazy, I'd be looking to maybe go riding in the next week or two. I need to get my state trust riding permit or whatever first. No I haven't been to pinal but I really want to get out there. I don't know what my work schedule is going to be like over the next couple of weeks but I definitely want to get out and ride.
Send El Gato a PM and ask about that track. I'm pretty sure he has ride time on that one and on Mammoth
"KX500... The Thumper Humper"
Haven't been to Nomads in a few years. I liked it then, and I hear it's still pretty fun. Now Mammoth on the other hand is by far one of my favorite tracks. It is on a small lot with just as many jumps and turns as the bigger tracks so it is a good workout. There is few places to rest while riding on the track. In the past year or so they made it more begginner friendly. There are few jumps that can seriously hurt you if you screw up on them, but yet it's still a blast for int/pro riders. I used to train on there 2-3 times a week when I lived in that area.
Bens Cycle Works, Motoworks Suspension, Goat Eyewear, Cycle Gear, FMF-909, Works Connection, IMS Racing, N-Style Graphics, AFAM, White Brothers, Pops Racing, Cycles West.
I like Nomads because it's one flat fee of 75 a year I think. And I can ride there pretty much whenever I want except on race day or when they're working on the track.
krazy kdx
06/23/03, 8:28 PM
hey crfmx have you been to pmp,they have practice wed and friday nights from 5pm to 10 pm.and on thursday for beginners.
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
WHIP 301
06/24/03, 6:53 AM
HEY KRAZY
ARE WE GOING TO PMP THURS OR FRI ?
LET ME KNOW I WILL EMAIL YOU ALSO
CRFMX YOU OUGHT TO COME TOO A GOOD TIME IS HAD BY ALL NIGHT IS COOL AND THE LIGHTING IS AWSOME . LET US KNOW
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
How much does it cost for PMP? And I definitely would want to go on the beginner night. I've only done a little trail riding, so I don't want to get crushed by some pro flying over my head.
WHIP 301
06/24/03, 1:26 PM
CRFMX
ITS 10 BUCKS WE ARE OUT OF OUR ELEMENT THERE TOO KRAZY AND MYSELF DESERT RACE THIS IS FOR FUN WILL TALK TO KRAZY TO SEE WHAT DAY EVEN THE NIGHTS THAT ARE FOR EVERYONE THEY SPLIT THE PROS , INT , AND THE BEG IN GROUPS AND PRACTICE FOR LIKE 20 MIN AT A TIME
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
krazy kdx
06/24/03, 3:53 PM
Kool sounds like thursday night it is, i havent heard from frank yet but i am sure he will go with us on thursday.
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
WHIP 301
06/24/03, 4:01 PM
SO WE ARE ON THURS NIGHT FOR SURE ?
WHAT TIME KRAZY ?
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
WHIP 301
06/24/03, 4:28 PM
CRFMX HOWS THURS NIGHT FOR YOU ?
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
krazy kdx
06/29/03, 8:48 AM
hey crfmx did you go to pmp ? I was there on thurs night along with whip 301. we plan on going again.we would like to see ya out there.anyone else up for pmp ?
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
No, I wasn't I had to work late on thursday so I wasn't able to make it. I may try to get out there next week. but I'm getting my membership at Nomads in July, so when I do I'm just going to ride there.
krazy kdx
07/05/03, 9:35 PM
KOOL, DO THEY HAVE LIGHTS ? HOW FAR FROM TUCSON IS IT TO NOMADS ?
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
I don't think they have lights, its 70 miles south of Tucson in Sierra Vista.
kitplummer
08/04/03, 10:06 AM
Did anybody else almost get hit by the lightning that took out the lights at PMP? I'll vouch for PMP as well. Has been raining/wet the past two weeks on thursday night, but there have been enough quads to make some good lines...
Kit
WHIP 301
08/04/03, 10:19 AM
KIT
YOU RACING AT PMP THIS WEEKEND ?
DID NOT HEAR ABOUT THE LIGHTS WHAT HAPPEND ?
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
kitplummer
08/04/03, 11:14 AM
Not this past Thursday, but two Thursdays ago, it was really cloudy and there was thunder and lightening all over the place, but none near the track. They had just flagged us bigger bikes off, and were announcing over the PA that they were going to hold off on the minis for a while and see how it goes. Just then lightening struck the pole about 50 feet from me and took all the lights out. SUCK! Then it started pouring...everybody was frantically packing up in the dark and rain.
Went back this last Thursday and all was good. It was sprinkling off and on but the track was definitely ridable...just had to stay straight up in the corners. The jump faces were a little slick also, making it hard to clear some of the doubles.
Not racing this weekend. Went riding some trails this past weekend and put 'er down hard coming back in. Bent the handlebars pretty good. Also, need to get some jetting issues resolved before I go getting myself embarassed racing.
Kit
krazy kdx
08/04/03, 3:45 PM
wow i didnt hear bout the lights either, what a drag loading in the rain and dark. hey kit where about did you go trail ride ? i was taking some soil samples my self couple of weekends ago ,up in prescott.dont wory about being embarassed just have fun !:D
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
kitplummer
08/05/03, 5:26 AM
The trail head is just north of Tucson, around Catalina...goes up into and over the mountains and supposedly ends around Oracle. It is a really rough ride with rocks, river washes, and some short really vertical climbs. It was really cool seeing the fire damage, and subsequent flood damage. You would be amazed out how many boulders washed down into the valley because of the lack of trees...
Anybody know when the Mammoth track is open? I'd like to check it out...
Kit
WHIP 301
08/05/03, 7:02 AM
HEY KRAZY
THOUGHT YOU FORGOT HOW TO POST MESSAGES
DITTO ON THE EMBARSSSED IF THAT MATTERED I WOULD HAVE STOPPED RIDING THE DAY AFTER I GOT MY BIKE
YOU RIDING PMP THIS SAT ? WILL TALK TO YA TONIGHT
BY THE WAY
HAPY BIRTHDAY KRAZY
ANOTHER YEAR OLDER
AND LIKE ME NOT ONE DAY SMARTER
SEE YA
KIT THE RIDE SOUNDS GREAT
WOULD LIKE TO GET TOGETHER SOME TIME AND TAKE A RIDE I KNOW KRAZY IS ALLWAYS UP FOR RIDING ALSO
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
quote:Originally posted by kitplummer
The trail head is just north of Tucson, around Catalina...goes up into and over the mountains and supposedly ends around Oracle. It is a really rough ride with rocks, river washes, and some short really vertical climbs. It was really cool seeing the fire damage, and subsequent flood damage. You would be amazed out how many boulders washed down into the valley because of the lack of trees...
AWE Yes, Charloue Gap (sp). I grew up in Oracle and yes it does come out there. Actually I've ridden that way a lot of times. I just don't know how restricted it is to get in on the Oracle side. I remember we used to have to cross private property to get on the trail. I bet now it's closed. Since it is illegal for a land owner to deny access to public land I'm sure there is a way in somewhere. I need to do some recon. Me and Todd Johnson were just talking about a road trip down there soon to ride "The Gap". If you guys get something together let me know, We'd love to do this ride with you. It's been over 10 years for me, so I may need a guide to refresh my memory on the trails. Actually I've only done the ride once from the Catalina side and I don't remember being impressed. the Oracle side is much funner, and longer.
Mammoth MX track has a web site. Check their practice schedule there.
Bens Cycle Works, Motoworks Suspension, Goat Eyewear, Cycle Gear, FMF-909, Works Connection, IMS Racing, N-Style Graphics, AFAM, White Brothers, Pops Racing, Cycles West.
WHIP 301
08/05/03, 8:15 AM
EL GATO
SOUNDS GOOD TO ME WILL TALK TO KRAZY MAYBE WE CAN HOOK UP FOR A RIDE ABOUT HOW MANY MILES IS IT ? A GUIDE IS GOOD BUT IM LOST MOST OF THE TIME ANYWAY
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
El Gato
08/05/03, 10:00 AM
I don't know miles. If I would have to guess I would say probably 40 miles all the way to Oracle and back. Most people can do that on a stock gas tank. I can do 75 miles on my desert tank.
The way I remember it is that it's one way in and one way out. There are a lot of side roads and trails but they all dead end so it is close to impossible to get lost there for any amount of time.
Bens Cycle Works, Motoworks Suspension, Goat Eyewear, Cycle Gear, FMF-909, Works Connection, IMS Racing, N-Style Graphics, AFAM, White Brothers, Pops Racing, Cycles West.
Lizrdlipz
08/05/03, 11:15 AM
I did the Charloueue's Gap ride for my first time last Sunday with Dave Vogt & another friend. We started in Catalina and went to Circle K in Oracle & then back. I really enjoyed the single track section out of Oracle on the way back. We had some pretty fun dicing going on. I took a good center punch from him and did a face plant in a nettles patch, but got even later on. The main center wash section has filled in with silt, an avalanche of boulders now resides in the center wash making it a bit of a challenge. I'm always up for a ride if anyone's game. We went out for a fun night ride at the Prison track later on Sunday night with Dave & Adam. This night riding is getting to be quite a blast! Can't wait for the next rain....
Steve Feld #31
kitplummer
08/05/03, 11:33 AM
What's the URL for the Mammoth Track's website?
The best time to ride the Gap is early in the morning...otherwise you'll be sharing the trail with Jeeps and the like. I wouldn't recommend the trail for anyone scared of riding in big rocks...'cause there are lots.
Kit
WHIP 301
08/05/03, 11:33 AM
56 MILES ON THE KDX I KNOW FOR SURE (ran out of gas in mex at 56 2 miles from pit ) this ride is sounding better all the time as long as an old guy like me wont slow ya down too much
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
kitplummer
08/05/03, 11:57 AM
The ride I did was 18 miles out then 18 back. We rode up to a barbed wire gate, which marked the end of public property. The guy I rode with said you could probably ride through to Oracle from there.
It was my first time on the trail and it took us just under 4 hours to do. I am sure we could get it under three, but I had a couple of get-offs and time to restart my DRZ.
Kit
quote:Originally posted by kitplummer
What's the URL for the Mammoth Track's website?
www.mammotharenacross.com
Bens Cycle Works, Motoworks Suspension, Goat Eyewear, Cycle Gear, FMF-909, Works Connection, IMS Racing, N-Style Graphics, AFAM, White Brothers, Pops Racing, Cycles West.
kitplummer
08/06/03, 10:28 AM
Unfortunately, it appears that Mammoth is only open for races...no practice days. Is this still true?
Kit
krazy kdx
08/08/03, 6:09 PM
hey 301.I dont think i am goimg to pmp sat. maybe next time.
charloues gap sound cool,count me in .or redington .
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
250RDude
08/08/03, 10:09 PM
Please make sure you post this ride if you don't mind a tag-along or two. Will & I did the gap trail about six month ago & its about time.
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -Mark Twain
QWest Sucks/forum/uploaded/250RDude/hippy.gif/forum/uploaded/250RDude/mouse.gif POLARIS!
kitplummer
08/12/03, 5:15 AM
Pretty sure I am going to PMP this Thursday night. My son has been begging me to take him back since our first time a couple of weeks ago. Look me up if you are gonna be there. I'll have a DRZ400 with #33, a KX65 and a maroon Toyota Tundra...
Kit
krazy kdx
08/14/03, 3:55 PM
hey 301, when do we want to ride charlues gap ?
let me know so i can take that week end off.
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307
WHIP 301
08/15/03, 6:55 AM
KRAZY
ANYTIME IS GOOD
IS YOUR BIKE PRETTY ENOUGH TO RIDE YET ????
ARE YOU RIDING PMP THE SAT BEFORE VEGAS I THINK I AM
IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACING
KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE
krazy kdx
08/16/03, 8:55 PM
hey 301, Almost ,some of my parts came in, I did put my pipe on finaly.I need to rejet it .I want to go to pmp fri or sat. Did you see my photo on page 30 ? :D
wake up and dream
whiplash # 307