DH Trails at Hawes

#followcamfriday sampling some legit DH tracks at Hawes in Mesa, Arizona with Alex Petitdemange. 

Downhill trails are important. Think of the children. In our ever increasing culture of safety and spoon-feeding, trails that challenge people in a variety of ways are more important than ever. It is ever so refreshing to see some challenging trails in existence at Hawes to give some additional flavor to what is largely thought of as an "XC" area. 

What is fresh and new is always trending at the local trail center. Successful trail building initiatives are always highlighted and celebrated by the riding community as they are always a struggle to attain. Sunset Ridge and Big Sister are two recent trails at Hawes that certainly took a ton of work to not only build, but to create behind the scenes. It's only natural that the locals will be stoked on anything new, but in my humble opinion, Iron Goat and the NRA DH tracks offer more. These old trails have been receiving some love and are simply amazing. I'll take laps on these over the trending new tracks all day long. 

This optional ridge section appears to be a new addition, or perhaps a recently worked on old section that avoids the monotony of the very familiar, and often used 180 degree switchback to bench cut theory that is repeated hundreds of times in every trail system i've ever visited. This section is legit and uses the existing terrain to its full potential. Well done Hawes, well done. I like you. 

We need hard trails. This isn't about me, or my ego, but rather the progression and growth of a sport that I have dedicated my life to. I wouldn't be the man I am today without the lessons I have learned about myself as the direct result of being physically and mentally challenged on the bike. We definitely need trails for all abilities, but the blue trend has been trending a bit too much in my opinion. Most blue flow trails are essentially the same and once you ride one, you have experienced most of them. Again, I recognize the demand, but let's not make everything a blue flow trail and leave some learning and growth opportunities for the children. It's important. 

I rode at Hawes for the first time a few months ago. Hawes was a place that I had never made a point to visit as the reputation in general was considered to be on the tamer side of the style of riding that I tend to prefer and prioritize. Well, I am glad that I made the time to figure this place out for myself because there is more to Hawes than its reputation. The community here is what makes things special at the end of the day. I was amazed at the sheer amount of traffic and good vibes were coming from this place. If things continue to progress and grow the way they are currently, this is certainly a riding destination for all abilities, worth a few days of exploration for anyone. Further evidence to not listen to everything you hear about things on the internet and check things out for yourself. My blog included. All for the children.