Fifty Plus (50+) - Mt Lemmon Ride Pics, Tucson, Az

26 miles up and 26 miles down. Average temperature per my Garmin was 80 degrees. I was on the road at 6:30 am and back around 10:45 am. Took a few stops to take some pictures. Enjoyed a conversation with another cyclist at the top and he took the picture of me at the Ski Valley.

It took just under 3 hours to get at the top. The grades were a nice 5-6-7 per cent with a short 9-10 percent here and there. The last mile or so was a little steeper but not bad. If you're out in Tucson plan to take some time and do this one. Really, really nice views and the climb is not bad at all. You'll love the ride back down.......if the darn squirrels don't jump out in the road.

The ride started at around 2500 ft and went up to 8400 ft. My Garmin indicated about 6700 ft of climbing as there was a slight downhill for a couple miles at 21 miles up that you climbed back up at the end.

There were lots of cyclists on the road after 5am-was light enough to ride safely. I was still on Eastern time so I was up and awake at 4:30am. Many were doing intervals the first few miles up the climb screaming past me.

I had to get a picture of the van in there as well. It made it out there and back without a hitch. Not bad for 455,000 miles.........

Enjoy!!

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Fabulous. I wanna go. Love the rock formations. You make it sound like we mortals might be able to do the climb.

GREAT PICS!!!!!!!!!!

Guess the scotch on the golf course didn't ruin the legs.;)

With an eagle and all the birdies, have you thought about carrying a bottle of Glenfiddich when you play golf again---------------or were there a few holes we haven't heard about, yet.:rolleyes:

Fantastic pictures! Do you know the average grade on this ride?

One of your pictures has made my desktop collection. Well done.

As usual, Joe, you da man!!! Thanks for the report and the fab photos.

Hope to see you soon

The pics make me think that it would be worthwhile to go out for the ride alone!

Ooh, ooh! I want to go!

Terrific pics and ride report. After reading your ride report I was ready to tackle the Grand Mesa ride . . . alas they are repaving the road for the next 6-8 weeks so I'm looking for other rides. This weekend I'm off to the trail between Copper Mountain and Breckenridge, and from Copper to Vail Pass -- pictures to come.

Do you know the average grade on this ride?

Just did the math-it is only around 5% taking into consideration some slight downhills near the top. It is very, very doable by all. Stronger riders can enjoy pushing a much higher effort to the top. I'd highly recommend this one to all.

Heck-go as far as the body and mind allows and then enjoy the ride back down!!!

There is a water stop somewhere in the upper half but I can't recall the mile marker. Lots of folks were just taking one bottle and stopping there for refills.