Southwest - Fantasy Island, Tucson AZ

For those of us who live in Tucson, Fantasy Island is a regular ride. So one early morning last week before work I'm riding my new XC hardtail and having a great time all by myself. And I wondered. What's fast for this ride?

I like to start on the Valencia side because you get a nice warm-up on the bunny-trail and then get to really let it fly on the flats on your way back at the end. I like to do all the loops other than that newer one that breaks off the from the first part of the bunny trail (can't think what it's called, did it once but seem to remember it was not that memorable (?)).

So that's my question. How fast, and I mean REAL time not ride time, can you ride "all" of Fantasy??

Don't be shy, throw it out there.

Craig

OK, so I think my time was right around 1hr 25min, but I wasn't trying. Tomorrow maybe I try.

I am just getting into biking, and I haven't timed myself in Fantasy Island, but I know it would take me well over 1hr 25min to get through it. It is a great place to ride, though, and one of the reasons I wanted to refurbish my old bike and get riding again. When I get my bike upgrade I will start timing myself there. I will let you know how it goes.

- Dewaine

Beautiful morning for a ride. 1 hr 17min 40sec. No stops, no rests, fortunately no crashes although I was a little sketchy in a couple of corners.

My legs and lungs were fine, I find it's my lower back that really starts to scream after a bit.

Did it all other than that one section I mentioned before ("snake" something or other).

I'm wondering if it's possible to do it (not me) under 1 hr? I have my doubts about that. I show it's just over 17 miles total.

Craig

You never ride alone when you've got your watch on. Get out there and see what you've got. I know there are tons of people who have gotta be faster than me. Are YOU one of them?

It's actually closer to 12 miles for the complete circuit (all loops). I've done Fantasy five times now, and done a lot better each time. My first time I didn't keep exact time, but I know it took me around two hours including occasional breaks and a few close calls.

Now I'm a lot more comfortable there, and in better shape as well. I'm riding an '07 Rockhopper Comp and I just bought a pair of clipless pedals for it, which really make a considerable difference. I did Fantasy two weeks ago and timed myself to see how fast I could do it. I arrived back at the picnic table (entrance) after 58 minutes. I took no breaks (thanks to a Camelbak), but had one five minute stop after my friend bailed on the over-under.

I'm confident I can do it in 50-55 minutes the next time I go out there. Even at that pace though, I've been passed by several other riders, so I imagine some people can get it done in the 40 minute range. I've always wondered what the record is for Fantasy.

I've been heading out there near 5 am the past few times, just to get it done before it gets too hot. It's beautiful, except the sun starts getting in your eyes as it creeps over the Rincons. I actually think 6-7 would be a better starting time.

You're doing the bunny loop and all the other extensions in 58 min?? You are fast!!!

I do: Lone Cactus, Christmas Tree, Burro, and Bo's. I believe that's all of them, am I wrong? I wouldn't mind if I was, since that means even more riding.

Isn't there a long "bunny loop" or something? Its kinda curvy, then a long straightaway, then hits a small parking lot where you turn a sharp left inward, then enters a very speghetti-like cactus-like single track (kinda tedious, IMO). Its my least favorite part of Fantasy Island, but it does add quite a bit of time to the trail (20 minutes?).

I'm in Phoenix, but have done the trail about 6 times. Fun. A hardtail seems like the weapon of choice.