I’m going to be visiting some family that live in Anthem for a week in March. Does anyone know what the conditions are around there for road biking? I’m interested in getting a couple rides in. Trying to decide if I should fly with my bike or rent out there. I’ve not had much luck finding rental places though…So far the only one I’ve found is AZ Outback Adventures in Scottsdale.
Anthem has some good roads for cycling and I believe it is now possible to get from Anthem to Phoenix (Anthem is an unincorporated area). When Anthem first opened the only way in and out was the I17 highway. Not much in the way of services and retail out there. There is an outlet mall across the highway with a Pearl Izumi store so you can stock up on cheap clothes.
If you are flying into Phoenix, which I’m assuming you are, arrange getting a bike closer to the airport. Call up both of these places and see what they have. I know South Mountain Cycles has a bunch of Specialized rentals. Landis Cyclery does as well I believe. Hit up South Mtn Cycles first.
http://landiscyclery.com/articles/tempe-north-info-pg55.htm
Then, study this route. Big 60mi loop that goes from Scottsdale, through Anthem and even farther north. Once you get down to Scottsdale on this route, the possibilities are endless. Heading East on the Carefree Highway and jumping North/East on Cave Creek Rd is a popular area. In addition, you can also go west of the I-17 Freeway on the Carefree Highway, take it to “Castle Hot Springs Rd” and ride around near Lake Pleasant for hours on end. Lots of great riding in that area. Start with this map and go from there. Print it and throw it in your jersey.
There is an outlet mall across the highway with a Pearl Izumi store so you can stock up on cheap clothes.
O/T but a little story for you guys.
Few years ago (more like 5, but anyway), took the family to see the good ol’ US of A and spent 7 weeks travelling across America.
Spent some time in NYC then drove through Merryland, PA and into DC.
Flew to Miami and then flew to Phoenix via Denver.
Anyway, we pick up our hire car at the airport and start heading for the Grand Canyon and we were making great progress until we hit Anthem.
My Mrs and my then 8 year old daughter beg me to stop and we lost more than 6 hours shopping at that damn outlet mall!
She bloody well bought so much stuff that I had to buy 2 new suit cases from one of the outlets!
Eventully made it out of there and made the Grand Canyon well after dark.
How I didnt get pulled over and arrested for driving that fast in a Grand Cherokee I will never know…