Phoenix area rides?

[benman]

Hey, I've been out of mountain biking for 5 years or so and would really love to get back into it. I'm out of riding shape right now but would really like to find out about some area rides. Especially night rides this time of year. Anybody know anything?

[XJ Un-Limited]

If your in Phx, South Mountain has some trails you go on. I personally haven't been there myself though, I live in Mesa. All my riding is done on either in Usery Park or the Hawes (Red Mountain) area. I would suggest going to a local bike shop in your area for maps or info.

[Blatant]

Depends on what kind of riding you want to do. South Mountain can get pretty hairy aside from Desert Classic. Since I'm in North Scottsdale, I regularly ride the competitive loops at McDowell Mountain Park in Fountain Hills. I like it because it's bike only (no hikers) and it's all well-marked and one-way.
d

[benman]

I've hiked South Mountain but never biked it suprisingly.

Blatant, I live right by Carefree so pima/dynamite is my backyard. I love the McDowells but haven't been out there for years. My favorite rides are out behind Cave Creek park by elephant butte. Do you know of any shop night rides? I would really love to get into race shape for the upcoming season.

[Blatant]

I've done some serious faceplants on National and Mormon Loop at SoMo. Great trails, but terribly crowded with hikers and stuff. I haven't been to Pima/Dynamite because I heard it had gotten really loose from ATVs. I LOVE McDowell Mountain Park, man. Really, I can't say enough about it. I'd like it to have more jumps and drops -- and maybe less climbing -- but the biker-only aspect is great.

I don't know about night rides since I ride during the day (morning/evening) in the summer. Check out the AZ forum at mtbr.com; bunch of rides get set up there.
d