By Sheldon Brown
Staff Writer, AZ FatTire.Com

After a pretty good ride and a long drive from the Fort Huachuca race track we drove on up to the Way Out West Trek and Tours (WOWTNT) facility north of Catalina State park on the north side of Tucson.

The four of us piled out of the truck and were immediately greeted by Mary Ellen and CJ. We felt like family from the instant that we arrived.

After a tour of the place we took our gear to the rooms they had set up for us and headed to soak our tired bones in the hot tubs. The views from the hot tub are great as to the east looms the Catalina Mountains.

While boiling at 104 Fahrenheit we were served with chips and queso while dinner was being prepared. As the finishing touches were put on dinner we shot a couple of rounds of pool on their very fine billiard table.

The fajitas and conversation were first rate. We sat at the table with CJ and Mary Ellen and talked like we were old friends. After the feeding frenzy was over, it was time to pass out in front of the big screen with our choice of movies. Then off to bed for some much needed sleep.

If it weren't for that stupid rooster crowing at the full moon in the middle of the night I would have slept great. After about an hour of listening to that we got some much needed shut eye and woke up just in time to get some grub in the kitchen. Again the food was first rate with everything you could think of: fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, coffee and juice.

Top rate guides CJ, Eric, Rob, and Tom showed us the ropes. We made them work for it but it was great to ride with guys who new the terrain. They gave you "fair warning" about the upcoming terrain. They pointed out some of the great sights and sounds of the trails. These guys were first-rate locals. They were a pleasure to ride with.

We didn't need to use any of their rental bikes but after further inspection we discovered that they rent out some pretty good machines. A fleet of Cannondale SuperVee hung from the rafters of CJ fully equipped shop. If you needed something on your own bike fixed, CJ had everything you'd need to rebuild your entire bike.

Here's what Brett Gruendler, race team member for Az-FatTire.com racing says about WOWTNT: "I had a great time at WOWTNT this weekend! Just getting out of the truck I got the feeling like I was visiting old friends or even family! CJ and Mary Ellen were so friendly and fun to talk to that I would have had a great time there even if I didn't go riding. The accommodations at the house were great too! Their house was totally open for our use. The pool table, big screen TV, killer computer setup, Jacuzzi's, delicious/nutritious breakfast lunch and dinner, bike maintenance support, and nice patio with beautiful views made for an epic weekend!

OH and then there's the riding. There's tons of it! Very exciting fast single track, some chutes that are just a blast to fly through and plenty of technical and climbing too. The trails can cater to the beginner or the expert, however you wanna tear it up! If you're looking for a relaxing and very comfortable, down to Earth weekend with some good company, biking or hiking in the foothills of the Catalina Mtns. I highly recommend getting in touch with CJ and Mary Ellen!"

This was one of the best riding trips that I have ever taken. Everything about our stay atWOWTNT was great. I can't wait to go hang out with them again. If you've never experienced a place like this what are you waiting for?

If you want more information about WOWTNT then check out their website at www.wowtnt.com or call them at 520-825-4590. The prices are reasonable and the hospitality is great.