Ever since my Parents declared Phoenix as Heaven on earth, I have had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time in the beautiful Arizona desert.  Of course, I couldn't resist finding out about the local rides and before long I found myself on one of the all time great butt-kickers - the BOS ride out of Scottsdale, AZ.

This ride slowly climbs up an ugly false flat for miles on end before reaching Care Free.   Next stop is at the top of Cave Creek road and then you finally get to go downhill for the first time in 30 miles!  The next 10 or so miles wind gently towards the beautiful finale at Bartlett Lake.  Very few riders actually do the entire ride, in fact only a handful continue to the Lake, which is a shame as it's by far the most beautiful and challenging part of the ride.  If you're ever in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area on a Saturday be sure you take your bike and do this one!  By the way, if you get dropped going up Cave Creek road (which is likely as the group pretty much splinters before reaching the top), keep going as they wait and re-group before continuing towards Bartlett Lake.