2022 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

 

Ride report

January 8, 2022

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

Happy New Year! The 2022 Brevet season in Arizona kicks off with the Sears Kay 100/Bartlett Lake 200 routes. 35 riders signed up for the events with a little more than half selecting the 200km version. Of course our dedicated Regional Brevet Coordinator, Mike Sturgill, pre-rode both courses and provided a great pre-ride report with what to expect. We rolled out of the North Phoenix King Coffee Roastery parking lot a minute or two after 0700.

On the 'climb' toward Sears Kay

With just a few traffic lights and turns we are soon in the North Phoenix desert climbing toward the first control at the Sears Kay ruins. The road appears flat but climbs at a mostly steady grade of 1-2%, with a few steep rollers tossed in near the summit. A few eager riders roll off the front and I fall in with a large second group of riders going at an easier pace. Its a good time to catch up with friends and meet some folks that traveled here to enjoy a fantastic day of winter desert riding.

Rollers to the turn-around

Jennifer and Rashid near the end of pavement

The group splinters as we enter the rollers of the Legends development about half-way to the first control. By the time we hit the turn-around at the end of the pavement on Seven Springs Road, the riders are in groups of one, two, and three all over the course.

Mike checks us in at the Sears Kay control

Mike and his faithful companion Aztec, set up the staffed control at the parking/picnic area of the Sears Kay ruins. I grab some Oreo cookies for the pocket, toss down a Starbucks Frappuccino, top off the bottles and head out.

New pavement on Bartlett Dam Road

It is just a few miles past the control where the two routes split. The 200km road turns and heads 'down' to Bartlett Lake. The good news is that the first half of 14 miles to the lake is on new pavement. This section used to be very rough and challenging dodging pot holes and lake traffic. The new pavement even has a bit of room outside the fog line and was butter smooth!

Nearing the top of the first climb out of the lake area

One might think its all downhill to the lake, not so! There a few miles of climbing that gain 1000 feet on the way 'down' to the lake! Finally on the last descent to the lake, we start to see the lead riders returning from the control at the marina. 

The lake is very low and the clerk at the marina store is sharing fishing information with a few customers at the check out.  Not interested in the fishing report, I purchase a can of V-8 juice, some water, and peel off a layer of clothing and reload the pockets, as other riders arrive and depart.

Heading back up the hill, the sun is out and warming nicely. One more stop to remove another clothing layer and we make our way back the way we came!

There is a Forest Service Information kiosk and water fountain at the top of the climb. I stop there and reload a bottle with CarboPro/water for the run to the next control in New River. Its mostly downhill for the next 30 miles, except for a small climb out of Cave Creek to the Carefree Highway.

New River Control

After six miles of Carefree Highway riding, we turn right on 7th Street and head north toward New River and the next control. Its 13 miles away, and at mile 91, New River should be the last stop I need to make before the finish. One last bottle reload, toss down a chocolate milk from the store, and its back on the road for the final segment.

Open desert near Lake Pleasant

The route crosses the I-17 and heads west for 10 miles toward Lake Pleasant. Traffic was light while the cross/head winds picked up, and we soon pass the Welcome to Peoria sign and return to urban riding for the last 25 miles to the finish.

Quiet roads in Peoria AZ

The route Mike selected includes many turns, but follows mostly quiet roads through planned communities. A little construction on the last leg of Deer Valley Road and soon we are back in the King Coffee Roastery parking lot. Mike included a complimentary lunch at the Subway next door with the entry fee. I traded my AZ Brevet ticket for a 6" sub, chips, and a drink. A nice way to finish a great day on the bike. Thanks Mike for another great brevet!

Ready for the next brevet!

Next on the 2022 brevet schedule is the North Valley 123/200/300 on February 5, 2022. Click here for information and to sign up. Hope to see you there!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data