Southwest - Ride suggestions in/near Tucson

Hey, all -

My wife and I are heading to Arizona for a couple of weeks of NOT the dreary Northeast! Yes! We're starting with a few days in Tucson, and I'm looking for ride suggestions. I'm already planning to ride up Mt. Lemmon, but I'm looking for some slightly less ambitious routes that I can enjoy with Mrs. Sounddevisor - something in the 30-40 mi. range without any legbreaking climbs. We'll be staying on the West side of town and ideally we'd like to be able to ride right out the door of the place we're staying, as opposed to having to drive somewhere before riding.

After Tucson, we'll be spending a few days in Sasabe, and then heading to Sonoita, so suggestions in those areas would also be welcome.

Thanks!

on the west side try these...

University short (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/university-short-30-miles), Breakfast ride (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Breakfast-Ride) (skip the loop to make it shorter), Tucson Mt Park, (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Tucson-Mountain-County-Park) And this is the route (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/NW-Tucson-to-Biosphere) I'm doing this weekend, you can start it anywhere up there to make it shorter but it's a good ride out to the Biosphere

I typically ride on the east side though so I'm a little out of my element on the northwest. Good luck and I hope you enjoy Tucson

Going UP the Lemmon could be problematic. They are skiing up there right now so you could ride up part way. If you're not used to altitude (9,000 ft) the Lemmon's 20-mile climb can be a leg-breaker.
Both Saguaro National Parks have good riding, although with hillwork.
You can ride up to town of Vail via Old Spanish Trail Rd. (rolling hills) or as suggested go north up Hwy 77 to the Biosphere (slightly up most of the way).
The flattest, and least interesting ride, is along Frontage Rd up towards Picacho Peak.
From Sasabe there's only one main road and that heads away from the border towards Kitt Peak and the dinky town of 3 Points.
If you are staying in Sonoita, you can pedal up to Bisbee via Mule Pass (stiff climb) or toward Tombstone.
All good riding. Bring sunscreen, extra water and it can be cool in the mornings.
Enjoy the rides!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Notajetta, thanks for the links!

Zonatandem, thanks for the warning about Mt. Lemmon - I guess I should be prepared to have to turn around partway up! I was wondering how cool/cold it might be up there (as well as on the way down,) I'll definitely be ready for a chilly descent - can't be worse than some of the riding I've been doing here at 34º into 20 mph headwinds.

Looking forward to some sunshine!

I just got back from Tucson last night. Lemmon is clear, a little chilly in SummerHaven. We did mountain bikes the first 2 days. Our 4 days were: 50 Year Trail, Kentucky Camp (an IMBA Epic), Lemmon, Spanish Trail to Saguaro Park Loop & back. we stayed at the Casitas at the National Golf Course. It made road riding easy.

Okay, my vacation is over and I wanted to report back - had some great rides while out in Arizona! Did a few rides to the West of Tucson (Tucson Mtn. Park/Saguaro West, Grant's Pass and the McCain Loop) and two tries at Mt. Lemmon - the first time I got to the 5 mile marker, the second time to the 10 mile marker which seems to be around 5500 feet - I was definitely starting to feel the altitude there! Incredible ride, though, esp. for a flatlander like me - the views are really amazing!

Also, a big shout-out to Sabino Cycles at the corner of Sabino Canyon Road and Tanque Verde - they saved my ride on the last day in Tucson. I was about to start my ride toward Mt. Lemmon when I found that my front tube was blown - 3" hole :eek: Put on my spare, started to ride, discovered that it had a slow leak, couldn't patch it :( As I limped along, stopping to pump it up every 1/2 mile or so, a passing cyclist told me I was pretty close to Sabino Cycles, so I limped in there and they gave me a new tube for my front wheel plus a spare even though I had no cash :) (I did go back later and pay them.)

And thanks to everyone for the ride suggestions. Can't wait to go back next year!

Glad you enjoyed your vacation!
Yes, the Lemmon is a l-o-n-g climb. Raced the McCain Loop/area during Senior Olympics quite a few years ago and won 4 golds. Have climbed Gates Pass (Grants Pass?) both ways on a tandem and many times on single bike.
For a flatlander our 'hills' can be a bit intimidating. Now try the same rides at 100+ degrees in summer!

Nice to read about the McCain loop you rode. So I did last year.
Arizona and McCain, it doesn't leave my mind. How come?
Next year September I hope to be back and ride the Sabino Canyon, last year it had been damaged too much according to my hosts.

In short: I'm also glad with all this info!!!

http://www.ride-strong.com/wp-content/uploads/book-cover.jpg

This is a great book on all the best rides in Tucson, AZ. Check out the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Best-Rides-Tucson-Arizona/dp/0981722202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225036657&sr=1-1