Southwest - Tucson Advice

I'm driving down to Tucson from SB for the holidays. First time for me, as my mom just moved out there a few weeks ago (oro valley). I've checked out some of the rides here: http://psy1.psych.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/megahurtz. They look great - I'm amazed at the detail and time that was put into this. Kudos to whoever.

Our coach (college) wants us to get in around 400 miles a week during break. I'd also like to do some all climbing rides. So I'd like to ask those who know a few questions.

Which of those rides would be considered pretty safe? (low traffic) I'm just asking since i've never been here. Not sure of the attitude of local drivers. And I'll be doing all this riding alone.

Also, Mt Lemmon. That looks awesome, and is pretty much all i can think about right now. But... will it really be covered in snow and ice? What is the total vertical there?

Hey, thanks a bunch everyone.

[quick edit: also, any rides that are more 'visually stunning' when compared to the others?]

-n

The top of Mt. Lemmon is currently covered in a light dusting of snow. Elevation is approx. 9,000+ feet to the very top. Bike lane most of the way now; climb as far as you like and enjoy the downhill coast. Take an extra jacket for the descent or stuff newspaper between jersey and jacket for more insulation.
Another climbing choice would be up Kitt Peak. Drive to near the base of the mountain and pedal up. A 6%grade for 11 miles and you'll be at 7,000+ feet elevation. Beautiful piece of road (no bike lane) but very do-able.
Another good ride starting in Oro Valley: Start at Magee/Oracle Roads, and head North up the highway, through town of Catalina, Oracle Jct. and then bear right up to either the Biosphere or futher up the highway to town of Oracle. About 50 mile roundtrip with 2,000 ft. of gradual elevation gain. If you want to go further, continue past Oracle to the town of Mammoth with a great descent but then staircasing ascent on the way back up. Shoulder/bike lane 95% of the way. Nice fast return trip unless there is a headwind. Oracle is usually about 10 dgrees cooler than Oro Valley area, so dress accordingly.
Rode today and it got up to 50 degrees (cold for us); by X-mas it should be up to in the 60s but only 30s in the A.M.
Have fun!
Also check bikegaba.org the local club's webpage for locally led rides from 25 to 45 miles in lenght. You don't have to ride alone!

Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

I don't have personal experience with routes, but this page has several listed:

http://www.bikegaba.org/Local_Rides/Ride%20Directory.htm

This AZ Hill Climbing link has some stats on Mt.Lemmon and other hills in the area and state:

http://www.hlhap.com/azroadclimbs.html

Al

If you're looking for an aggressive group ride ask around about the "Shootout". It's every Saturday with a bunch of the areas top riders. I'm pretty sure it starts some where around the University. Probably any local bikeshop you could give you more details.

Gorgeous information. I try to find more info on some websites.
Like to bike starting about 7 April round Tucson some days. And the making a trip to and along the Grand Canyon (maybe to Flagstaff on Greyhound.
Then it shoul be nice to ride with some other people to get accustomed to the situaton. Up till now I only didtrips in Europe, 60 miles day, not so very hilly and mostly 7 - 14 days.

Well, more info is welcome of course!