South Mountain roads?

[CV-6]

I am in Chandler for a few days and saw on a map the roads running through South Mountain. From a traffic standpoint on a weekday, are these ridable? My lowest gearing is 39-26 and I am no greyhound (well the hair is getting there). Is it doable or am I going to kill myself? :eek: I plan on scouting the roads for myself prior to any ride, but local input is appreciated. TIA.

[SandLizrd]

Go for it, Lynn! Yeah, it's a big hill on the north side, but very rewarding. The valley looks pretty good from up there.

East-side roads are pretty-much closed off and turned into hiking trails. West-side roads are on the reservation, not much to see there. (Some old maps still show these roads, and GoogleEarth often shows dirt roads.)

South side is good road-riding and very popular. Some of the main arterials are traffic-hell, but scope out the backroads that follow the mountains.

Getting from Chandler to the north side has one killer stretch along Baseline Road. I'll usually sidewalk this little 1/4 mile stretch. There's a paved trail along a canal - paved in 50's I guess, bumpy but still rideable. Or, you can park at SPOKES Restraunt at central and Dobbins! Bicycle-themed restraunts are good, and you know where the watering hole is after the ride :D

[CV-6]

Thanks.

I drove out to the park today. San Juan road was closed at the Summit road intersection. Being a clyde and off the bike for some time, the hill was a bit daunting for me. Yup...I boinked. Probably did not help that I did not get out there until 11AM and it was already getting warm. I may roust my butt out earlier tomorrow and revisit the scene of the crime.

[noisebeam]

I drove out to the park today. San Juan road was closed at the Summit road intersection. Being a clyde and off the bike for some time, the hill was a bit daunting for me. Yup...I boinked. Probably did not help that I did not get out there until 11AM and it was already getting warm. I may roust my butt out earlier tomorrow and revisit the scene of the crime.
Unless it was uniquely closed for that day, San Juan is only closed to motor vehicles. It a nice ride out and back if you don't want to go up to the Towers.

This map shows decent a route to cycle to Central from Chandler: SouthMountain.doc (http://www.sportsfun.com/gaba/maps/SouthMountain.doc)
Note the turn off of Baseline at 24th street and getting on Baseline at 46th which avoids most if not all narrow laned stretches.

Al

[CV-6]

Unless it was uniquely closed for that day, San Juan is only closed to motor vehicles. It a nice ride out and back if you don't want to go up to the Towers.

The gate was closed, but I did not stop to read the sign. Yes, San Juan was the route I wanted to take.



This map shows decent a route to cycle to Central from Chandler: SouthMountain.doc (http://www.sportsfun.com/gaba/maps/SouthMountain.doc)
Note the turn off of Baseline at 24th street and getting on Baseline at 46th which avoids most if not all narrow laned stretches.

Al

Thanks. I will have to give it a shot Thursday as I have something planned for Wednesday. I had to laugh. I have a local contact who, when I asked about the climbing to the towers, told me I would be out of my saddle some of the time. Maybe for him....LOL