The PERFECT winter warmup | Mountain Biking Hawes in Arizona

🧂 Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to drinklmnt.com/bkxc to get your free sample pack with any purchase. 🧂
I've made my way back to Arizona and whipping myself back into shape after a LONG time off the bike. This route was the perfect way to warm myself up for what's to come next!
The route: www.trailforks...
Hawes Trail Alliance: hawestrailalli...
The Trail One List: trailone.bike/...
📺 Ad-free & extended cut videos on Patreon / bkxc
🌍 My website: bkxc.bike/

[@JJMassar]

My local trails. Ride them weekly. The real hero’s are the people at the Hawes Trail Alliance. They are the ones responsible for the awesome trails. Glad to see you were able to enjoy it while you were here.

[@bkxc]

Yeah, they are doing awesome work!

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

As a Hawes local, that was a very big ride! Great video. The Hawes Trail Alliance is definitely worthy of the Trail One donations. Awesome organization!

[@bkxc]

Awesome!! Thanks Jeff

[@arthurcutting9227]

Love this place, I rode this almost everyday in the fall as a recovery from a heart procedure. Fun to watch you hit the same trails I did. Now I'm 67 years old so it's not exactly the same, I can't figure out what takes you so long. On this section Iron Goat, Red Mountain Rush, and High Ridge are my favorite. Awesome 👍

[@bkxc]

Wow, that is great to hear!!! I've got another 25 good years in me hopefully

[@mrvwbug4423]

So the reason for the lack of big berms as Hawes is the trail surface, that decomposed granite "kitty litter" doesn't hold shape when you try to make berms out of it, so berms on that surface either have to be built into the hillside or heavily rock backed. The trails around Colorado Springs and Southeast Wyoming are similar as they have that same trail surface.

[@WorkLessRideMore]

We have some berms on nra and dirt therapy. There is one towards the bottom of rmr. Scorpion is berms...

[@bkxc]

I think Red Mountain Rush may have been the first trail in the system, and they've learned a ton from it, as most of the other trails had some support and better turns!

[@Billthebikeaholic]

@@bkxcyes, it was one of the first trails, and also doesn’t get a lot of maintenance done on it. I am part of the Hawes Trail Alliance and we were the ones building Dirt therapy on a mini-X, so building berms was made easy. We definitely would make great use of those donations, we are making a ton more trail soon but money is the issue. Are you still riding out here?

[@mattdudester9037]

The reason for not a lot of berms is they're tough to build & maintain. The routing of the trail doesn't always lend to it & not every trail needs to be bermed the whole way. There's not just one reason. There are berms planned & only so many available hours & people. Like Bill said we at Hawes Trail Alliance & Tonto Gravity Riders could use support as we have many projects & trails planned & I would totally love to have a packable trail tool kit like from Trail Boss USA.

[@Birdmusic77]

I think that it's awesome that you did the sponsor in a little box while you were riding up hill great idea!

[@bkxc]

Thanks, I like that too!

[@markstrutz]

I totally agree. Win win.

[@kjracz15]

The techy stuff is always good, but a well-made flow trail is trance-inducing. I especially like the sound of the tires just grinding against the soil. Thanks for this amazing pov.

[@bkxc]

Yup, I agree!

[@jurisx85]

10/10 on the riding. 10/10 on the monologue.

[@jeffjacksonmtb]

That's my home trail system! The Hawes Trail Alliance is incredible!

[@thomasdailey4566]

Love the desert warmth and rugged beauty, thanks for posting.

[@LowCountryMTB]

He captures it for sure.

[@bkxc]

Yeah! It is such a different vibe!

[@redrover9988]

Thanks for the ride in Hawes, I used to ride there in the mid 80's and loved the trails there. I did not recognize any of the trails you rode. I am 78 yo now and what is there now is too much for me, but you have peaked my interest for a hike just to look. Thank you. Brian.

[@bkxc]

Oh wow, that is just too cool!

[@mattdudester9037]

What he did was the new stuff on the east side. None of that was established in the 80s. West side is still there. 👍

[@tomridesbikesPNW]

I love the video Brian! Arizona is my favorite place on earth to bike, thank you for the content.

[@bkxc]

Fantastic!! thank you!

[@OscarCuenca-rx7hj]

Thanks for the talks during the climb up, nice to hear some words of wisdom. Hope to see ya on the trails some day!

[@bkxc]

Thanks dude!

[@bikeninja956]

glad you put this on my radar, I totally agree, I LOVE this topography...I mean those vistas, with the cacti and hazy mountains in the distance...unbelievably beautiful...and all within US to boot.... AZ will def be on the riding bucket list for me...

[@bkxc]

Awesome!! Glad you'll go check it out!

[@64chrisg]

Great to discover some new worthwhile trail systems. Thanks!

[@bkxc]

Yup! I live for it!

[@Flamzer91]

I have to agree about LMNT. In Canada there is a cycle charity event every year and i've done it 6 years now and i've tried tons of hydration/electrolyte drinks as well and after seeing these videos I figured i would reach out to LMNT and ask a few questions and they eventually sent me and my team free trial packs, and a full box for me to hand out to other riders I saw during my rides. LMNT even reached out to see how the charity was going, and I gotta say this stuff is by far the best thing i've tried. The potassium and magnesium helps prevent cramping after a long ride, and over all I feel less drained after wards and even notice the difference a day or two later. I will never use anything else after trying LMNT.

[@bkxc]

Wow, that's really cool to hear!! Doesn't work for everyone apparently, but it definitely works for me!

[@John-shreds]

Nice! I’ve been using liquid IV zero sugar and I like it a lot too. Never tried LMNT though.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Nice, Hawes is fun! Maybe later this spring you can check out Prescotts new flow trails that will open then. It’s planned to be berms and jumps with an easy pedal up trail. It’s called Bean peak trails, they’ve already put in over $350,000 into prep and trail work! I was thinking same thing, get off my phone and try to limit screen time!

[@bkxc]

Oh wow, that sounds really cool! I'll have to mark it down and check it out some day!

[@xda8009]

Good to see you back, hope the pain has subsided.

[@eszterdomina]

Excellent ride and chat! Thank you so much🎉🎉🎉

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much1

[@JoosshhST]

That's what I love about the slow uphill climbs of mountain biking. Good time to be with your thoughts and allow whatever your subconscious wants to bring up to the surface to do so

[@bkxc]

Most definitely! Good time to THINK

[@WorkLessRideMore]

This is where I ride most of the time. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bkxc]

Fantastic!

[@kadishkrongking3733]

Awesome! Loved this trail! Thanks for sharing the video, bro! Wishing you epic rides on every new trail adventure! God bless you.

[@adrnln_jnke]

Thanks Brian for showcasing our trail system out at Hawes. I would have enjoyed showing you around to the best trails there.

[@bkxc]

It's a great one!

[@AZMTB]

Glad you got out here to check it out! They've done so much work, and such GREAT work on the trails. Can't wait to start riding it all a lot more often when we move up there at the end of the month 👍. Was hoping to catch out there, but maybe next time!

[@bkxc]

Oh wow, that's great you're going to live nearby!

[@jarobiMTB]

Great to see another ride from you…been jonesin’ to get more riding in myself, with the winter here in Colorado, and jonesin’ to see some more BKXC pedal sessions, as well!!! 1 of 2 accomplished. :)

[@bkxc]

Yup!! Gotta make sure I get you guys through the winter!

[@dee2ski]

You're Everstoked wherever you are! Thanks for the ride along .

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, thanks !!

[@andrey_M32]

Go up Alp de huez, down high ridge, back up Alp, then do red mountain rush

[@bkxc]

Good call!

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

Funny you mention phone addictions. I saw a podcast where a doctor said that many people today spend more hours on their phones than a full-time job. I found that to be astounding, but not surprising given what I've seen with my own eyes. I'm not a phone guy being that I'm a baby boomer, but I am a computer guy, of which I spent way too much time. That needs to change. P.S. I like when you're riding alone. It's good to hear you talk about other issues and concerns. This was a great vid. Tell your awesome wife hello from Massachusetts.

[@bkxc]

Yup, I believe that so much!! Love doing the solo rides, they're like my own podcast on wheels

[@rando4468]

Don't mess with the Cholla's Brian. I hit a golf ball into one once and the ball got stuck on the thorns and wouldn't come off. Barbs don't let go. Ouch!!!

[@bkxc]

Oh man!! Dug in deep!

[@Singletrack_Mind]

You absolutely helped encourage my MTB journeys since 2019. Im now not only riding better than ever and traveling more than ever. I also became the president of Sweetwater Mountain Bike Association in Green River WY. If you're ever passing through on I-80, we would love to have you check out our trails. Our annual Trails DY even will be June 8th this year. I have started making my own videos of our trails just to help showbthebworld what they drive past. Our trails have been #1 for WY on Singletracks a few times, those that know have tried to help make it known. Keep up thebgood work and I certainly do hope to see you on the trail one day.

[@bkxc]

Oh man, that is just too cool!! Keep on kicking ass!!

[@migs5109]

Tough,tough,tough…a real pro! This video gives a goal for the locals meet. average Joe vs a pro. Also… thanks for reminding us to put our phones down and reconnect with nature. It sounds like though, you’re willing to take some futuristic device. Don’t do it! 😂

[@LowCountryMTB]

I’m so glad you have stuck with the Chest Mount. Video looks great BK.

[@bkxc]

I dig it as well!

[@martysoulard7349]

It is nice to see you at Hawes Brian. Enjoy brother.

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much!

[@briangong007]

Hawes is great! This is our go to if Sedona MTB festival has weather challenges. Hawes is actual flow in AZ! Hope you get out to South Mountain also. Glad to hear you miss CF.

[@bkxc]

Most definitely!! Signed back up for CrossFit after I got back from this trip!

[@DrFeelgood13]

Great ride and video! But you missed a really great trail at the end of Iron Goat, Pure O! Check that one out the next time you are out here at Hawes. Thanks again for sharing the rides.

[@bkxc]

Ah yes, I was out of gas by then!

[@ilikerealflight]

LMNT is great. Takes a couple packets to get used to the extra salt, but after that, they are enjoyable (besides "raw") My biggest grip with them is the packaging. Note impressed with every serving being individually packed. Give me the option to buy a tub of it and it would be golden.

[@bkxc]

I feel like around the house I dilute the salt a bit more, but out on the trail I love having the full packet! You're right about having a tub. The little packs are fantastic for stowing and keeping them on the go, but I get annoyed with ripping them open!

[@antoineg639]

very wasteful!

[@USAmtb]

I travel a lot as solo and I am so thankful you put your ridelog. I hope some day I would meet u in trail. I was there last Month 3 days straight. Thank u BK

[@bkxc]

That's great!! I hope you check it out!

[@brentperez4700]

I love Hawes. Rode it once, and it was such a great day.

[@bkxc]

Such a great place!

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

We back on the trails 💪🏾💯 another great one 🤙🏾

[@bkxc]

Yeee haw

[@stevemurray2737]

Welcome to our Neighborhood!.. Alp D’ Huez is a Nice Climb huh! Beautiful Trail System.

[@bkxc]

Yeah, it was an awesome climb!

[@EnesHugo]

Best MTB channel o KZbin. keep up the good work man. The more vídeos the best.

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much!

[@GothicVel_Vt]

My first ride at Hawes was at night down "Mineshaft" the dude taking us on the ride wound up going face first into a cholla cactus because he mistook it for a Mesquite tree and an entire Limb of the stuff globbed onto him. dude was covered from Neck to hip in it and we just cut open his shirt to get it all off him at once. it was kind of funny when we wound up pulling it off him because he started singing a parody of "O' Suzanna" "O' Suzannaaaa! Come to me!~ I ran into a cactus, I thought it was a treee!~"

[@bkxc]

YIKES!! Quite an adventure

[@cranksnplanks]

As the saying goes...when you multi-task, every task suffers 😜

[@bkxc]

Such a great point!!

[@thomasboard7350]

my friend has an ibis ripmo, its a cool bike. tonight we rode down our local black diamond DH trail in the dark. i hope to go back to arizona soon 🎉

[@bkxc]

Very cool!

[@TomasPerez-m7j]

Dude I was rode The trails over a month ago, it’s so fun up there!!!👍🚴‍♂️💪

[@bkxc]

Nice!

[@realvaughnfelix]

Wow, that looks so fun, and so tiring… Love it

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, most definitely!

[@pcburke78]

Not sure if you're still in the Valley, but there are other trail systems out here that are also a blast to ride that don't have as much KZbin exposure. Pyramid Peak in North PHX has some amazing technical single track / jump lines, but you'd probably want to go with a group that's familiar with the area as none of the trails are marked. I'm calling Pyramid Peak out because it might not be available for much longer- looks as though it might get sold off and turned into housing in the next couple years, so ride it while you can!

[@bkxc]

I haven't heard much about Pyramid Peak, but I appreciate the tip! I'll have to research and maybe ride it next time, thanks!

[@RowansAdventures]

Great video, I really need to check this trail out. I have ridden many in the Phoenix area, but I haven't checked this one out yet. Thanks for posting!

[@bkxc]

Yeah! Definitely worth a trip.

[@RobertGill-sc7tv]

Love to have some of your weather 😂, as it continues to ☔️ in England

[@bkxc]

Haha yep!

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

I was thinking of going to MEsa, Gilbert, Tempe area...looks sweet!!!

[@richardsoderholm189]

Great video!! Awesome trails😊👍🏻

[@bkxc]

thanks so much!

[@Happy_Biker]

What a beautiful ride, good for you!

[@bkxc]

Thanks!!

[@josephscheneck1540]

Brian, If you want an ebike that feels like a real mountain bike, try one of the lightweight ebikes -- Pivot Shuttle SL, Orbea Rise, Trek Fuel EXe or Mondraker Neat RR-SL. They are a ton of fun. I ride both my analog bike as well my lightweight ebike and love them both.

[@bkxc]

Nice! I'm definitely curious.

[@lostman65]

this video was awesome, but i hope you have a sunset ridge video in the pipeline.

[@MTBTexasBikeRider]

Very nice Ride I did learn something from this video I need to start leaving my EBike at home and go back to riding my mountain bike again 🤔

[@bkxc]

Yup, it's such a better feel!

[@mikestivers8302]

just missed you, i was out there sunday with my banshee hardtail, and Trail 1 bars ;) @16:30 is Chainfruit Cholla - teddy bear, or jumping cholla is 10x worse

[@bkxc]

That's awesome!!

[@mikestivers8302]

im bummed you went Iron Goat to cactus nectar.. at the xsection on the saddle is the start of Dirt Therapy !@@bkxc

[@TMAN882]

Been wanting to ride here! Sound of Freedom ❤..

[@bkxc]

It's a good one!

[@DustyTrailsMTB]

Ha! We bumped into Kevin in that same spot 5 minutes later, and he was still on his high after meeting you. He told us all about it 😂.

[@bkxc]

That's too good!!

[@DustyTrailsMTB]

Actually, that was my Ford that the rainbow was pointing at! Lol. I missed that on the first watch!

[@johnglynn7795]

Brian, Sawadeekap from Bangkok. Not much riding here other than Chiang Mai. See you are in my backyard @ Hawes. Look forward to getting home in 2 weeks to ride. Enjoyed your video and hope you truly enjoy the desert riding in AZ. Brian, check out Red White and Brew restaurant in Mesa! You will enjoy!

[@bkxc]

Very cool!!

[@theaveragemtbr1230]

I'm from Ontario, Canada. My favorite places to ride are Arizona, Colorado and Utah. AZ, desert riding at its finest.

[@bkxc]

Very cool!

[@georgeb9189]

Sometimes we live no particular way but our own Sometimes we visit your country and live in your home Sometimes we ride on your horses, sometimes we walk alone Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own

[@shawnstangeland3011]

Had a blast riding this in 2010 on a 26” 1995 trek 😂. Has some serious consequences if you get off line. Those cactus have 1” spikes

[@bkxc]

Oh man, I believe that!!

[@jdowls9538]

27:58 As another KZbinr that I watch says... "Perfect is the enemy of good."

[@bkxc]

Most definitely!

[@fredrikjohansson7551]

what psi do u have on tire and suspention? 😃 Always nice whatching u ride mate, u are always so happy and positive, enternaining listning to your conversation with us! stay strong mate 😀🚴

[@bkxc]

Not sure what PSI I've got on the suspension. But I try to keep 25 in the tires

[@fredrikjohansson7551]

@@bkxc tubeless I presume? 😊

[@kiloyardstare]

Brian, thanks for controlling your speed on RMR. It's pretty torn up from rear-wheel draggers these days. Glad you enjoyed!

[@bkxc]

Haha, nice!

[@tonyl971]

Hey dude any reason we haven’t got a new bike check video yet ? :)

[@bkxc]

Haha, I just don't care! It's the most expensive one here: www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/hd6

[@archenemy2242]

Question for you, do you ignore or follow Garmin's (or similar) suggested recovery time after your ride(s) before you go back on the bike again? I can go on a big 3+hr ride and it'll say 50+hour recovery. Is that a suggestion or something I should probably follow more attentively?

[@bkxc]

I don't mess with any Garmin / Whoop / Apple Watch stuff anymore. I love the idea, but it always gave me negative reinforcement. "You're too tired to ride!" Well, I'm riding anyway!

[@ryankramer7002]

I’m a Truckee CA local who, ironically, prefers mountain biking over skiing these days. My wife and I love getting in our camper and chasing down good dirt in the southwest whenever we have enough time. We were in Phoenix about a month ago and rode the Hawes trail system. That turned out to be one of my favorite places to ride on our trip and we barely scratched the surface there. Usually when I ride Phoenix, it’s just a stopover before hitting Sedona, but I’ll definitely pay Hawes more attention next time I’m there. Brian, I’m wondering if you have ever tried any of the Garmin navigation computers? I noticed you pull your phone out a few times to check the trails. I have to do that a lot as well when I’m riding a new area and it bugs me because I feel like it kills my flow. I’m thinking of getting a Garmin 840 to mount on the bars so I don’t have to keep doing that. Anyone else out there riding with one of these?

[@bkxc]

My wife Sarah has a garmin and she uses it for navigation and recording rides. I don't know the model number! I don't want a big clunky computer in my videos 100% of the time. I also don't want to buy another $500 device when my phone can already do it and I paid a ridiculous $1,300 for it!

[@ryankramer7002]

@ That makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

[@thompsy2k6]

I was watching this on the turbo trainer today, you went a fair bit further than me... But hey, I rode something new ;)

[@bkxc]

Haha that's great!

[@stevehague3836]

sweet ride !

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome to see you and amazing video

[@bkxc]

Thanks a ton!

[@UNDEADMANGUY]

man i live like 4 miles from hawes and never go anymore ha, rode once in the past 6 months

[@tommyamaya4254]

Awesome trail 👍

[@bkxc]

It was solid!

[@grubbyssmokeshack]

How are you liking the HD6 over the Ripmo from a non racer point of view?

[@bkxc]

Love it, I have some tough trails coming up in the next videos and it's so nice to go into much bigger and deeper "holes" and come out of them without going OTB

[@grubbyssmokeshack]

@@bkxc cool, thanks for the reply. Safe travels and fun rides!

[@davidpisoa5288]

Is that a new bike ? Looks sick ! Love the color combo

[@bkxc]

Yeah, I'm loving it!

[@mc540flip]

Yeah Brian, you came out to Phoenix-noice! Orange you glad you got that color bike?

[@bkxc]

Yeah man, I love that orange!!

[@barbbrazes869]

fun ride! thanks!!

[@bkxc]

Thank you!

[@jly_dev]

So cool, I live like 20 minutes from there

[@bkxc]

It's a great one!!

[@brettungvari]

Driving 4 hours with no podcasts or music is absolutely bananas I don't think I could do it haha

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, you're mind will figure it out!

[@patrickgibbons8353]

First time at hawes? That suprises me!

[@bkxc]

Yup!!

[@themiddleagemasher8108]

My old stomping grounds!!

[@bkxc]

It's a great spot!

[@bgriff2517]

How long were you on the trail for this day and the trails you rode. I’m heading out Feb2025 and will be on Hawes for 3 days. Trying to judge how much time to a lot for the rides. Thanks.

[@bkxc]

This was maybe a 3 hour ride. I have a link to my Trailforks Ridelog in the description and you can see the details!

[@rosalvofilho1858]

🇧🇷👋🏾 Hello Brian, come and discover Minas Gerais in Brazil, there are many trails. I try to follow your channel.

[@thomasorisini2427]

I originally purchased a Ripmo because of your videos, thank you, wondering how you would compare the HD6 to the ripmo for everday riding?

[@bkxc]

HD6 is definitely more heavy, but I love having more travel!

[@donavinnezar]

sram brakes , they feel weak on the organic pads but they are perfectrly adequate with the sintered copper pads

[@bkxc]

Interesting!

[@ChampyOnPC]

Are we back to traveling and riding? :D Dont get me wrong i dont mind the Everstoke progression videos, but i missed this SO MUCH

[@bkxc]

There's always a blend!

[@javman03]

I like the new format of doing your LMNT ad in the lower corner while letting the ride footage roll in the background. Makes me far less likely to want to skip past it!

[@bkxc]

Thanks!

[@TheVantasticLife]

How are you liking the HD6?

[@bkxc]

Love it! So nice to have more travel

[@AudiSportDre]

Brian, I’ve crushed a lot of blue trails with no issues the last year or so. I’m in the Phoenix area and have ridden the Hawes blue trails. In your opinion, do you think the black trails in this video would be good as the first black trails to try? I know there’s a lot of GoPro effect etc so I haven’t a clue what those look like in person. Just a little afraid to make the leap to black I guess

[@bkxc]

Man, it’s so hard to say! These are some serious black diamond and double black trails. But eventually you’ve gotta get out there and test it out. I just don’t think this is a great place to do it, lots of fitness required and it’s very remote.

[@AudiSportDre]

@@bkxc noted! I appreciate the reply man. I definitely have to get over the mental block and just go for it in another area for sure then

[@gavindean]

No restrictions here in Europe for e bikes and if your e bike doesn’t feel right on the descent it’s not set up right

[@bkxc]

It's just so heavy!

[@joet2463]

Do I see your riding a HD6, how you like it?

[@bkxc]

Love it!

[@brucemannjr]

Hello Brian it’s Bruce been a long time I’m glad you came out here and the second name is my wife.

[@bkxc]

Hey Bruce! Glad you’re still out there!

[@flemming_j_]

I never Got used to the Sram brakes, simply not that good. Rode with Shimano for years, especialy with the Saint’s, really good. But they have been surpassed by Magura MT7, they are just insane, and as a bonus, look good.

[@bkxc]

Yup, I agree!

[@wolffefamily]

Nice ride! What were the trails, in order of appearance?

[@ginavarez]

Excuse me! Have you seen my cat?! 😂😂

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, escaped!

[@MichaelAverycarhauler1969]

Curious how you're getting on with HD6 compared to the Ripmo @BKXC? Pros/cons?

[@bkxc]

Loving having more travel! I think it's a bit more heavy and I feel it on the ups, but it only makes me STRONGER

[@Friskee62]

Brian...when was EVERSTOKE established? Thanx...

[@bkxc]

2021!

[@brettm754]

Has anyone in your family ever claimed to see a UFO? Shout out to Are you Garbage podcast. One of my favorites.

[@bkxc]

Hahahaha, so many good ones. If you go to a live show you can ask your own garbage question!

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

Thansk for sharing 💪🏾

[@bkxc]

Glad you liked it

[@BackwoodsBlakeMTB]

Until we get the AI teleport trail drop in feature we will just have to wear Apple goggles while riding and play your videos for a tow in to the jank!

[@bkxc]

Hahahaha, yup!!

[@Dy1pickel]

Been gone for awhile… when did he trade in the ripmo for HD6?

[@bkxc]

Pretty easy to tell by the thumbnails of the video when the orange bike first appears!