DM Solo Training Ride: Tempe to McDowell Mountain Ranch

I set out this morning - in lieu of a Saturday morning ride - to round out my ALC 10 training above the 650 mile mark. I needed to get in 44 miles of training to accomplish that goal, so I hit the Greenbelt at 6am and headed north toward McDowell Mountain. It was pretty quiet on the Greenbelt on the way out; most of the people walking, running, and cycling exchanging greetings of "good morning" as they passed.

The sunrise over the Superstition Mountains in the East was stunning.

Tempe, Arizona at dawn including Hayden Butte

When I got to the end of the trail, I needed to travel several additional miles in order to be able to complete the 44 mile goal I set for myself. I traveled Northeast. Moving along 92nd Street, 94th Street, and Thompson Peak Road, I headed up into McDowell Mountain Ranch. The road approaches the base of the mountain. It was quite beautiful this morning. When I got to a point North of WestWorld, I turned back around and headed back toward Tempe.

Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix Mountain Preserves from McDowell Mountain Ranch

The trail was MUCH more congested on the way back, but I was glad to be headed home and to the rest of my busy day.

Today's ride covered a total distance of 45 miles, bringing my total AIDS LifeCycle training to 651 miles. The total ascent along the route was 950 feet.

I will get in one more morning training this week before I leave for Los Angeles for the Baby Dragon 180 Ride next weekend. Check back over the weekend for updates from the road!

Also, please contribute to my AIDS LifeCycle 10 efforts today at http://www.danmaxey.com! Thank you so very much for your support!!