Day 1: arrival; orientation, travel to Sedona for an easy ride
Upon arrival at the Pure Adventures/AOA rental and tour center in North Scottsdale one of our experts will review in detail your Route Book and reservations. After getting to know you, they may suggest some customized rides or activities to enhance your week. Next we will provide a brief bike fit and outfit your rental car with a bike rack for your journey through Arizona's most incredible landscapes. 9am: Meet at AOA 11am: Depart for Sedona 1pm: Arrive in Sedona/lunch 2pm: Depart for bike ride: Standard Route: Jack's Canyon Verde School Road; 15 miles /- 1049ft 3:30-4:00pm: Check in Red Agave Lodge or upgraded hotel 6-7pm: Dinner
Day 2: Sedona - loop ride to Page Springs; 44 miles
Take in the entirety of Sedona and its surroundings along the today's ride, which loops from your lodging into the heart of Red Rock country. First, approach the lower portion of the canyon-carving Oak Creek through the small towns of Cornville and Page Springs, where lush wineries blossom along the sunny, fertile riverbanks. Crimson rock formations begin to climb around you as you pedal north towards Sedona, opening up into fabulous vistas of the town's most breathtaking monoliths. Later, ride through town itself, where you'll have a chance to scout out delectable lunch and dinner locations as well as stroll through the city's many fine art galleries and shops. The last portion of today's journey winds back towards Red Agave Resort past the towering spectacles of Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, so awe-inspiring that many visitors believe to have experienced "vortexes" of positive energy on the shoulders of the formations. Whether in a vortex or not, positive energy will be difficult to avoid as the suns sets on this amazing day. Standard Route: Oak Creek to Page Springs and Sedona Loop ride; 44.4 miles Elevation: 3486 / - 3481 ft. Max Grade 9.0 %
Day 3: Ride Flagstaff; Night at Grand Canyon; 57 miles
Today we'll bid farewell to Sedona, heading north through Oak Creek Canyon's verdant foliage along the banks of the river. The canyon tops out on the rim of the Colorado Plateau, an enormous landform of sedimentary rock, whose layers are best exposed later on in the Grand Canyon. Soon afterwards, enter the city of Flagstaff to begin today's ride. A common training ground for lowland cyclists, this high country route explores the territory south of the Grand Canyon, journeying along a lovely forested byway before looping around Arizona's largest natural lake. After the ride (and a tasty lunch in town!), it's time for the last hour of drive time past the San Francisco Peaks to Grand Canyon National Park. Experience the first astounding views from the rim and get settled in your cozy nearby hotel before marveling at a truly magnificent sunset over the vast depths of the Grand Canyon. Standard Route: Flagstaff to Lake Mary; 57 miles; Elevation: 2332 / -2332 ft. Max Grade 7.1% Lodging: Yavapai, Kachina, Thunderbird, or Maswik Lodge
Day 4: Desert View Watchtower; 52 miles
Follow the rim of the canyon to viewpoint after spectacular viewpoint on your out-and-back ride to Desert View Watchtower. Every time you look, the changing light reveals a different landscape. The park road undulates enough to work up an excellent appetite before arriving at Desert View, an iconic piece of architecture created by Mary Jane Coulter. One of America's only notable early female architects, she designed most of the park's most recognizable structures in the first few decades of the 1900s. Enjoy the views over the Navajo Nation's Painted Desert from the Watchtower's lofty summit before heading back on the park road for a hearty sunset dinner at one of the excellent restaurants near your lodging. NOTE: mileage may be extended today by riding further past Desert View Watchtower before turning back. Standard Route: Village to Desert View Watchtower out and back; 52.4 miles; Elevation: 3286 / -3286 ft. Max Grade 8.6%
Day 5: Biking & Hiking; 17 miles road; 6 miles trail hike into Canyon
The Grand Canyon is your playground today by wheel and on foot! Ride out and back along the western extension of the park road to see entirely new views of the Grand Canyon. Stop and contemplate immensity of the views before you at Hermit's Rest, another striking Mary Jane Coulter structure, or look down on the mighty Colorado from Hopi Point. After arriving back at the hotel, trade your bike cleats for trail shoes before hopping on the park shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead. Enjoy extraordinary 360 degree vistas from the trail in less than a mile into the canyon on arguably the best day hike in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for California Condors circling while you relax at Cedar Ridge before conquering the canyon on the ascent. Standard Route: West Rim Road to Hermit, Hiking South Kaibab Trail; : Ride 16.7 mi, Hike 6 mi Elevation: Ride 1170 / -1170 ft., Hike 2369 /-2369 ft. Max Grade Ride 6.8%, Hike 30.1% Avg. Grade Ride /-3%, Hike /-10% .
Day 6: Departure Day; Return to Phoenix
Today, travel back from the heights of the Colorado Pleateau to the Phoenix Valley. Upon arrival back at the Pure Adventures/AOA rental shop we have one more surprise in store for you: the Recovery Suite at the Faster Performance Optimization Facility. The Faster®Lab is a unique service offering riders state‐of‐the‐art training and equipment designed to maximize road cycling efficiency, including 3D motion capture bike fitting, North America's only wind tunnel dedicated to cycling performance, the recovery suite spa, and advice from pro‐team cycling coaches. Once you have toured the facility, donned some compression boots, or taken an icy / hot plunge, you can shower in the locker room before heading to the airport or your next destination. Standard Route: 4 hour drive time from Grand Canyon to Scottsdale
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