naisme

I'd be all over this if I lived here. The city has "bike" routes all over the place, with lanes and signage for sharing the road. I've even met a couple of commuters. They are different here, than MN. And just like in MN they bundle up. The other night a friend was riding with a scarf and a leather coat. I've been here almost a week, and find shorts and a wicking shirt almost too much to ride in. They don't use a lot of lights here. I questioned them, and got shrugged shoulders. And not everyone wears a hemet either, not a big surprize with the heat here, but I'd think with traffic zooming by on your left you'd be pretty warry of vehicles.
The bike lanes and layout of the city almost make me think of moving here.

trailhound

Hey naisme! Welcome to the Old Pueblo. I read somewhere that there are over 500 miles of bike routes / lanes in Tucson. Most of them are in the main part of the city, sort of a good thing / bad thing for me. I live on the east side of town, and work near the airport. Driving the truck to work, my drive is 13 miles. The only two safe routes to bike to work are 17 miles each. Thought I had a few more ways to work, but traffic is scary fast the other ways. Going home is another matter, since I get out of work at 3:30. Lotsa options then!

Oh, and I use lights in the morning, and wouldn't get on the bike without a helmet! I see some of the helmetless ones, and just think to myself "organ donors....".

In the morning (5 am) I wear tights and a windbreaker. Change into shorts and a jersey for the warm ride home. Winters are great here, but 110 degree summer afternoons can be dangerous! Our summer rides find us on the road / trail at sunup, then lounging by the pool in the afternoon (in the shade!).

Were doing a 65 mile ride tomorrow. Hopefully, it won't rain! Wanna join us? Just a few friends riding from Rancho Vistoso to Mammoth.

Karl

LittleBigMan

Can't fault you for that. But what allures you to move from the coldest winters in the country to the hottest summers on the planet?

Anyway, I haven't found an ideal climate yet. Either the summers are too hot, the winters are too cold, or both.

K6-III

Ideal climate: Vancouver

jbushkey

Naisme I saw that picture your bike all iced over the other day. Can you tell me what you wear to ride in that kind of weather. I may be moving back to new england and ill miss riding in the winter too much to stop. Glad your liking Tucson, maybe you should check out Albuquerque while your here. I dont care much for the city but the temperature is nice. The summers arent as hot as Arizona. Good Luck.

naisme

I love New Mexico, I haven't been there in a long time. Albuquerque was a fun city to visit. It was fun to come aroung the mountains and see the city laying right there, nothing like it.
As for the ride tomorrow, when and where? I've got this beater single speed, and a guy from Bicycling forums that said he'd be up for a ride while I'm here.
e-mail me naisme@yahoo.com
What I wore the day of the pic was a polypro T-shirt, I think a long sleeve poly a light wool sweater, my Pearl Iszumi wind shirt, and Bellweather wind tights, they have the rip stop on the front of the legs, they are supreme for winter riding. Saw Nashbar had them on sale, may still, I've got to get a new pair. I also have a pair of PI Amfib tights, they're nice, but not as warm as the Bellweather. On my feet I wear big clunky snow boots, I'm a slave to staying warm, not fashion, with thick sox. I'm amazed at how warm I stay. I only had one close call with this clothing, it was -4 on one ride home, and left me really cold. I didn't follow what works, and was left with a mild, mild case of hypothermia.
Lookign forward to getting back and riding. NOT!