On vacation this week in sunny AZ. I've been reading the various threads about Mt. Lemmon in Tuscon, and decided that today would be the day. A glorious sunny day, as are seemingly most days in the desert.

Unfortunately, my bad directions ended up with 8 unneccessary miles riding up (and back down) starting from the Safeway store corner of Sabino Canyon Rd & E Tanque Verde Road, only to discover that this road was the wrong one. A few miles further along E Tanque Verde is another Safeway store at the corner of E Catalina Hwy. My bad.

Finally got off along the correct road by 10am. Forecast temperatures of 93 today - late start. Oh well.

First, I have to say what a beautiful area this is. The views from the Mt. Lemmon road are fantastic. I just wish I could have seen all of them. By 1:30, contrary to JPPE's comment that "anybody can ride this", I quit, or should I say, made the decision to terminate the ride before I had to be rescued by someone. Leg cramps and nausea were enough. 17 miles and 4300 ft. At one point along the ride I decided to give up cycling entirely. With the perspective of a few hours recovery, I've decided not to sell the bikes. Still not sure about attempting this ride again.

All in all, a good day. Beautiful scenery, challenged to my limits, and live to see another. That's a good day.