Drive up E. Catalina Hwy with a Honda?!

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by LordBalfor

The drive up is great though (and any car should be able to do it).

Ken

As long as your transmission's in good shape and you have good brakes - for the way down.

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

As long as your transmission's in good shape and you have good brakes - for the way down.

Or you have a Flintstones car and thick calluses.



Ken

PS - back during my youth in Michigan we had some friends who actually had a "Flintstones" car. Winter salt had rusted out the bottom so bad you could look down between your feet and see the road whipping past.

[BillyBaroo]

Originally Posted by Julesx7d7

So now since the road up the Mt. is not that bad (supposedly) would it be possible that I could ride up the Mt. on my Mt. bike?? I ride alot so it's not that crazy of a concept but just for reference sake. Also, how long would it take to get up the Mt. say from Tanque Verde? Bike and car??

Lance Armstrong used to do that ride for part of his training.

I think I could do the downhill part.

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by BillyBaroo

Lance Armstrong used to do that ride for part of his training.

I think I could do the downhill part.

I think I'd be scared to do the downhill part!!

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

I think I'd be scared to do the downhill part!!

Can't you rent a one-way bike? On the way back just find something slippery and sit on it!

[Nate4635]

I LOVE the drive up there. I take my Honda (rwd tho) up there and have gone up in my friends barely road worthy car with no problems. I think your only issues is if its snowy...which it isnt now!

I think its about a 25 mile trip to summerhaven...id imagine that takes you from 3000ft, - 9000ft to give you an idea of the incline.

The drive is worth it, and very pretty. I recommend going up right before dark.

[mdtoaz]

Oh, and an important tip for the way down - downshift. Even if you have an automatic, downshift and let your engine do the braking. The few times we've gone up there we always pull over at some of the scenic overlooks... and it never fails, you can always smell somebody's brakes burning.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

Oh, and an important tip for the way down - downshift. Even if you have an automatic, downshift and let your engine do the braking. The few times we've gone up there we always pull over at some of the scenic overlooks... and it never fails, you can always smell somebody's brakes burning.

Great advice! I used to just break at first (as I'm not that used to driving such roads) and sure enough started smelling smoke...

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by mdtoaz

Oh, and an important tip for the way down - downshift. Even if you have an automatic, downshift and let your engine do the braking. The few times we've gone up there we always pull over at some of the scenic overlooks... and it never fails, you can always smell somebody's brakes burning.

Oh yeah!!!

Should have thought to mention that myself (DUH!!!!!!).
Gave you a point (and WELL deserved).

Ken

[littlewmn]

Go! Go now! Go often. I am from the East and go there at all seasons when I get tired of looking at cactus!
It is a pretty easy drive- but be careful in winter because the can and do close the road.
Many brave souls bike it- but only do that if you are a professional-level cyclist.
It costs to use the road, but not if you are going straight to Summerhaven. Bypass the toll booth, which often has very very long lines, stay in the left lane and go straight to Summerhaven and eat at the Cookie Cabin (outstanding wood-fired cookies and pizza) and have pie at the Mt Lemmon Cafe! Technically, you are not allowed to use so much as a roadside restroom, or to pull into a viewing area on the way up without a permit.
The fire damage has regrown in almost all areas.