FROM OUR TRAIL COORDNIATOR

Back in the saddle again, lalala!

First, a chastisement: come on guys—if your plans change and you need to cancel your ride reservations, do so with a clear conscience, but if you’ve reserved your spot please show the ride leader the simple courtesy of reverse notification. You took the time to inform her/him you were coming—take the time to tell him/her you’re not. Thanks. Jeannie

Now the good stuff—the RIDES:  

The Cave Creek Open Space Ride proved an amazing success! What an ambitious and productive project of our county and city! And with so many horses and riders attending the ride (reports vary but ALL exceed 100 pairs), it’s with gratitude I report hearing of no major incidents. Nearly two-thirds of the group rode out of the Cave Creek Recreation Park along the Go John Trail and those I spoke with report a wonderful ride. The balance of us rode out of Spur Cross, providing a beautiful trail, just challenging enough to keep the riders/horses’ interest. Lunch was great and well organized—thanks to all for their efforts, including Bambi for making sure we all ultimately received our t-shirts.

The Sophie’s Flat ride was apparently just the opposite, with only two riders in attendance including the trail boss. That’s a shame on many levels as this is beautiful ride down into the Hassayampa River and efforts were made to ensure a nice day for all. Again, please let your ride leaders know when your plans change.

Seven ladies turned up at the Peavine Trailride—as usual and despite my own best efforts, I showed up to the minute so two ladies headed out on their gaited horses and apparently not only enjoyed a brisk jog along the lake and through the Granite Dells but also encountered the business end of a few territorial cows! Our group of five, ultimately lead by Sheree Riggs and Max, took a more leisurely stroll, finding the remains of the original train station and ending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by following our leaders off the path, down to the lake. It was a gorgeous day in an outright surprising locale. I can’t imagine how stunning a train ride that must have been 100+ years ago.

A reminder: if in doubt, please check the club calendar on ride days—remember all rides are subject to weather.

A final note to club member Susan—I am truly so sorry to hear about your dog. Please feel better soon. Jeannie & Sister

NOVEMBER RIDES:

Nov. 4^th: PLEASE NOTE THE STONEMAN LAKE RIDEHAS BEEN CANCELLED and has been replaced with a Nov. 5^th level 3 PRE-RIDE of the Apache Maid/ Bell Trails at the Bruce Brockett Trailhead (south of Oak Creek). To avoid confusion, specifics and directions will be emailed Nov. 1^st  as a standard pre-ride notice, so watch your email boxes or contact me directly at jeanniepoundcake@hotmail.comor at 480.473.0378 with questions. You can also try my cell phone ride mornings: 602.228.8480.

Nov. 8^th: Sunday   9:30 a.m.     TABLE MESA TRAILHEAD   Level 2+     4 hours

This is a different kind of ride—lush and very beautiful with some minor ledges, some ups and downs on goat paths and some rocky patches (not too bad  though be comfortable with your horse’s feet). We plan to ride to the back side of Lake Pleasant. Off road vehicles are posted as “not allowed” but it is a weekend ride so be aware we may encounter some off-roaders and, unfortunately, maybe even a shooter or two. Bring a trail snack and water as well as water for your horses. This was a completely undeveloped trailhead.

Directions: From Carefree Hwy take I17 north about 12 miles to Table Mesa Rd (236); go left over the fwy to the “frontage road” sign; go right; it becomes dirt road very shortly. You’ll pass a couple “y” intersections; veer left at the “y” at the 1.65 mile marker on your odometer (if you take the earlier one, you’ll end up on private construction property—the sign at the WRONG “y” says “No Access to Lake Pleasant”—keep going!!); go about 1.1 miles to parking on either side of road. This parking is as good as it gets and marginally closer than the faux trailhead. Take your State Trust Permits! We’ll take the road to a bare jeep track to by-pass a ‘dump site’ along the trail; from there we’ll pick up the trail.

Please sign up on the website at www.cavecreeksaddleclub.orgor contact me directly at jeanniepoundcake@hotmail.comor at 480.473.0378 with any questions. You can also try my cell on ride mornings: 602.228.8480.