specbill

Ok we’ve had it….as soon as enough of this storm’s snow melts and the roads clear we are taking the camper and tandems and heading for Arizona. Specifically southern Az, to the Tucson area for three or four weeks of riding around the city and everywhere else in the general area.

We have been searching all the usual places and have found some popular routes to ride including the route for El Tour de Tucson. We also just sent our entry in for the Picacho Peak Century on Feb 7th, so we will be doing that for sure.

However we would appreciate help on two things in particular.
Since we will be riding regularly during the week are there any popular cycling but particularly dangerous or high risk roads (traffic wise) that we should avoid or be extra cautious of?.

And secondly, are there any other organized rides/charity events in the area over the next four weeks besides Picacho Peak?

Bill J

PS.. The only downside to this trip is that we’ll miss the Rice Valley Tandem Rally Feb 14 in Nor Cal.. …quite sad, but we just cracked, we need the SUN.. and to ride.….now!! .

zonatandem

If you have not already done so, check out the Greater AZ Bicycling Assoc. website: bikegaba.org which will list local rides/events.
In-town Tucson can get a bit crowded around lunch/commute time. Speedway, Broadway, Grant can get busy, but rideable. Tucson area does have 400+ miles of designated bike lanes (striped lane next to traffic) and also some designated bike paths (which we avoid).
A good ride of 50+ miles ride starts at the intersection of Oracle/Ina Rds.
Head north on Oracle Rd and you'll get a bike-type lane most of the way all the way through town of Catalina, and up to Oracle Jct.
There, take the right fork in the road up to either the Biosphere (great/unusual place to visit) or the town of Oracle. You can extend that ride to town of Mammoth (with tough climb coming back) or the ex-mining town of San Manuel (more climbs).
You'll be changing elevation from 2,640 ft to about 4,200 ft.; you'll have the Santa Catalina mountains on your right; fairly quiet ride once you're a few miles out from the start.
Great downhill on the way back from either Biosphere II or town of Oracle.

Another ride, start same place or in town of Catalina (on Oracle Rd.) for a 100 miler..
Head north to Oracle Jct and take the left fork this time. That can be ridden all the way to Florence. Some decent/slower climbing, but no real mountain to scale. Bit harder/slower coming back.
Do lunch maybe in Catalina (Claire's Cafe is great but closes early) or in Florence.
Very few facilities once you get past Oracle Jct.

A ride on other side of town. Start at Broadway/Old Spanish Trail. Head up Old Spanish Trail and do a visit at the Saguaro National Park (entree fee) and if you want some good climbing, do the park loop.
Or, continue on up Old Spanish Trail as far as you want to ride . . . possibly up to town of Vail.
Some traffic but not horrific except maybe around commute time.

The Picacho Century is a fast out ride to Picacho. Return trip is very slight incline (maybe 1%) but usually gets a headwind. Not overly scenic except for Picacho Peak looming in the distance.
Hope this is of some help.
We no longer do longer rides but stick with slow paced 20 milers. We're in our mid-70s, so our speedy days are behind us!
Hope this helps a bit!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

specbill

Rudy....thank you so much for taking the time for the great response, that is exactly the info we were hoping for. You are a true gentleman!
We leave here tomorrow....can't wait.

Bill J

gracehowler

Hope you had a great trip? We planned a trip to Sierra Vista, but got snowed out, try again in March
R&J

specbill

R&J....Sorry you could not get out of the Rockies....we are so glad we made the trip to this area.
We've been here two weeks today...will stay at least one more. Except for a few rain days, like yesterday, the Cycling and Hiking has been great. This is a super bike friendly area..the number of miles of bike lanes and wide shoulders in and around the city are just amazing. Long rides are available in any direction you go. The camping in State and Regional Parks is also very very good.
Spent the first week in and around Tucson Mountain Park/Suguaro National Forest which we really enjoyed. Now we're in the north east area at Catalina State Park/Coronado National Forest and it is even more bike friendly if that is possible.
If you get the chance to come this way this time of year....your Tandem will be Verrrrry Happy!

Bill J.