Meet Ryan and Sara Flake. With a love for the outdoors, a deep sense of community, and a spirit for adventure, they’re excited to put down roots in Blossom Rock. From their first meeting on a singles’ hiking group to raising their two boys and exploring all Arizona has to offer, Ryan and Sara are embracing this new chapter with curiosity, energy, and a whole lot of heart. As they become pioneers in their community, the Flakes are looking forward to making lasting friendships, getting involved, and helping shape the future of Blossom Rock.
What inspired you to make the move to Blossom Rock?
We’ve been living in and around Eastmark since 2019 and have watched the area grow. The thought of being Blossom Rock originals was enticing as so many in our old neighborhoods were committed to their community. We like that.
Tell us a bit about yourselves
Ryan grew up in Mesa and spent his time swimming and hiking. Sara, an Oregon native, left the gloom at 18 and moved to the Phoenix sunshine. We met in a singles hiking Facebook group in early 2020 and have been inseparable since. We love camping, spending time on the lake, and catching a good sunset.
What’s life like in the Flake household?
On any given day in the Flake household, one can hear the boys yelling on their VRs while the two of us are watching a challenge-based reality show. When we aren’t doing that, we’re out bike riding, swimming, or at a karate or flag football event. Our Mario Party characters are: Yoshi (Sara), Waluigi (Ryan), Mario (Aiden), and DK (Bennett). We do our best, but the boys usually win.
You're both incredibly active. Ryan, you completed 300 sprint triathlons in a year. Sara, we’ve heard you’re an ultramarathoner. What motivates you both, and how do you support each other in these epic pursuits?
Distance events have always called to us. There’s nothing quite like knowing you are two hours into a seven- or seventeen-hour race and having to simultaneously hold back and push through.
What’s your favorite way to get outdoors in Arizona?
Where to begin? We’ll answer that question this way: we’ll probably never be able to say we’ve done it all because Arizona always has more to discover. From watching the moonrise from a paddle board on Saguaro Lake, to hiking Flatiron, to desert marathons at McDowell Mountain Park, the only limit is your heat or pain tolerance. There are plenty of hidden gems around, we hope to see you there.
How do you hope to get involved in the Blossom Rock community?
In addition to being the pioneers of the Blossom Rock Welcome Committee, we can’t wait for the Signature Events. We can also see taking part in or helping start a few clubs.
What are you most looking forward to as the community continues to grow?
Seeing deeper connections form among neighbors, new opportunities for collaboration, and the positive impact we can make together.
What’s your idea of a great neighbor?
A great neighbor is not just there for you when you forget to close your garage door. They’re interested in your growth, which brings fresh energy, new perspectives, and the chance to build something even more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive for everyone who calls this place home.
What’s something fun or unexpected your neighbors might not know about you?
Let’s see . . . we eloped in the mountains and signed our marriage certificate in a Thai food restaurant, among other things. Let’s just say we’re quite good at Two Truths and a Lie!
If you have a great story to share or know a neighbor who’s making an impact in the community, we’d love to hear about it. Tell us in this short form and we might just feature you (or your neighbor) in our Blossom Rock Pioneers blog series.