zoste

I left my house at 8 am this morning, but had to be back by 11 to take my son to a ballgame (Cactus League: I love spring training), so I took a thirty mile ride part way up Mt. Lemmon.

Here's what Mt Lemmon looks like from the desert floor:





About a mile into the ride I took this one - that is the road I was climbing in the background:





Another mile or so and I got this shot:



The entire ride involves about 6,000 feet of climbing in 25 miles, but I got less than five miles before I had to turn around.

I'm starting to understand how Beanz feels about climbing...it's worth the work

Kneez

Nice pics! I'd love to ride there.

10 Wheels

Love that last pic.
Was in Tucson last summer. What a neat place to live and ride.

Nola_Gal

Love the pictures! The hills I did today were nothing like that (thankfully!). I have to admit, I did think of Mr. Beanz too when I was climbing! Hills are good...hills are good...

TrekDen

Nice pics! I like that last pic a lot...

kevntri

I lived there from 85-90>>>>
Wish I never left

zoste

U of A?

I just moved here last month, and so far I love this town...ask me again this summer after the 50th day of 100+ temps

cyclokitty 

The desert looks incredible! I love the landscape. Looked like a fantastic ride.

iforgotmename

I'd have to ride a looong way to get 6k in climbing. Great pics. What team did you go see?...GO TRIBE!!!

Mr. Beanz

6000 ft n 25 miles? I always wonder what the gain is on Mt Lemmon but never seem to get a response on the forums.

Yup, lots of fun when you find a groove and make your way up.

I do have to say, Tucson/AZ is the place for irdes. The organized rides blow away CA!

zoste

Saw the Rockies play the White Sox...as a transplanted Philadelphian I really had no rooting interest other than to see a good game. Spring training is GREAT! I'm also kind of looking forward to the Arizona fall league, but those games are all in the Phoenix area.

Uh oh...did I let a cat out of a bag?

You know, I never quite understood that before this weekend. In southeastern PA the hills are short, steep rollers and it was hard for me to get any kind of rythm going...of course on Mt. Lemmon my rythm was in my bail out gear and I was going about 9 mph , but I know that'll improve.

I haven't been on an organized ride, yet, but I'm signed up for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains, and I've been looking at different club rides.

Mr. Beanz

Exactly! That's why I'm always saying too many riders shy away from big climbs after attempting ashort 1/2 miler when they shouldn't. I'm alwys tryig to talk Clydes up the hills/mtns for that reason. It's an eye opener!

Like you said, short hills don't allow you to find the rythm. By the time you even think about working into the climb it's over and the rider feels nothing but the pain. Doing a long climb makes you realize it's enjoyable once you find that groove.



That's good! I maintain an 8.5 mph average up a 6% 8 mile climb. I start and stay in my lowest gear the entire time. Don't worry about it, like you said, it get's better/faster. Use that low gear!

Besides, we all know that the stories your read of guys averaging 24 mph uphill on huge gears, superlite tires, climbing wheels and super supplements are bogus! I've met quite a few that couldn't match my low gear 8 mph!