Trying to step up that saddle time. Beginning of the road was a bit slow. It was a gradual uphill for first 10-15mi, but legs were feeling a bit of yesterday's ride too. Still really like riding in this area overall. This was a new route in this area. Not sure I would do it again. Found out (on the ride) that there were several sections in North Cave Creek that were gravel and dirt roads and really rough pavement. Doable on the road bike, but not a lot of fun. The gravel bike on those roads would have been a blast. What a really cool area to ride. The roads are so twisty and maze like with some really fun and fast downhills followed by steep short uphills. Keeps you on your toes. Tough to get a rhythm going and really tough when the road is gravel, but good time overall. I did another route up here that was similar, but no gravel. Might stick to that one instead. Also the rain left the paved roads in that area all sandy, so had to be really carefully with speed in the turns. Really need to look at a different park to use as a starting point...small lot...too many families and kids. Not great for changing out of my cycling gear at the end of the ride :).