DM and SB Training Ride: Dodging Coyotes on South Mountain

Scotty and I set out at the crack of dawn this morning to conquer South Mountain before work... We were out on the road around 5:40 this morning and started our climb to the summit. The weather was beautiful. Light clouds, a cool breeze... You can't ask for better than that in Phoenix in the Summer!

South Mountain just after the first major climb, turning toward the second climb

In the last mile or so to the summit, we encountered a HUGE coyote... This thing was all CHUPACABRA - A lot larger than the other coyotes I've seen on the mountain recently. He ducked into the brush pretty quickly and Scotty didn't get a good look at him, but I kept my eyes peeled on the way back down. I wasn't going to be breakfast and Kerry Castillo can tell you that Dan Maxey will kick a coyote in the face!

We did see lots of other wildlife: Lizards, road runners, rabbits, quail... One LONELY millipede.

Approaching the DREADED final half mile up to the TV towers

Whenever I ride up with someone, I try to get photos at the summit! We both got great shots this morning! I really like the shot of Scotty! He looks like he's standing as tall as the TV towers!

In conclusion, we had a GREAT ride. What a way to kick off a Friday!!!