northbend 

I just finished a massive road trip down to Arizona to participate in the inaugural Bici Clasicas in Tucson. Following my wife wishes, I was in media blackout until I was home. Now the photos are downloaded and I’ve had time to process everything it is time to tell you all about it.

I left home in Washington the day after the election and drove through Idaho then down through length of Nevada to access Arizona, many thoughts and emotions swirling inside. The campaign and result was deeply troubling to me and I found the open spaces of the Great Basin and the time away from the media a good salve, playing my sons band, Khemmis, new album “Hunted” seemed so appropriate for that place and time.


I arrived in Tucson after 3 days on the road and checked into a Ramada Inn Thursday afternoon. As I was unpacking the car, I noticed across the parking lot, 2 police cars parked in the lot. Then the crime tape came out blocking off a room..uh oh. Then the medical examiners van shows up. Yikes! Time to go see the manager. It turns out an older woman was found by housekeeping dead in the room. The manager mentioned that she was ill when she checked in, complaining she couldn’t catch her breath but she refused medical help that was offered. Not a good start to the weekend!

Another restless night of sleep caused by a rip roaring sinus infection and I was up late Friday morning for a ride up Mt. Lemmon. It can only get better from here, right?

I had ridden Mt. Lemmon before, back in January having to turn around about 2 miles from Summerhaven by cold temperatures. I hadn’t brought a jacket with me then and I wouldn’t make that same mistake again. I was dressed in wool, packing a jacket, riding in mid 70 degree weather to the mountain. This time would be different.

Mt. Lemmon gains over 5000 feet in elevation in 27 miles just outside the Tucson city limits. The elevation profile being similar to Hurricane ridge which I am very familiar with in Washington State but this one is more difficult: Elevation and Hydration are big factors here. I settle into a rhythm, not feeling especially strong or rested but enjoying it just the same. The topography is so different than what I am used to back home. The grade is constant leaving few chances for rest unless you stop until you get past the ranger station at Palisades.
Lemmon Views by NBend, on Flickr

For a dead end road, this route sees a surprising amount of traffic, both cars and cyclists. I always had “Company”.
Mt Lemmon Climbers by NBend, on Flickr

I stopped at the Ski Area and had lunch before heading down - it is a very easy descent - no need to use the brakes - ever. Quite fun.
Descending Lemmon by NBend, on Flickr

The late start and late finish caused me to be late to the viewing of Marinoni The Movie. I walked in about 20 minutes late. What a charming movie!

northbend 

Another fitful nights sleep and I pack up the car in anticipation of the move later to the Downtown Clifton Motel after the Saturday ride is over - could not secure consecutive nights there. I ride over to the Mercado San Agustin via the river trail..

The Mercado is the epicenter for the Bike Show and Ride on Saturday. A perfect venue for this, the courtyard was filled with sensory overload of vintage bikes.
P1100975 by NBend, on Flickr

P1100978 by NBend, on Flickr

P1100985 by NBend, on Flickr

P1100986 by NBend, on Flickr

P1100987 by NBend, on Flickr


P1100991 by NBend, on Flickr

northbend 

I didn’t bring any bikes to show, just the Bruce Gordon for the ride which we did, starting en masse around 8:30, heading out of town on a bike path towards the Tucson Mountain Park.

P1100997 by NBend, on Flickr

P1110002 by NBend, on Flickr

P1110004 by NBend, on Flickr

Our rest stop was inside the park at “Old Tucson”. We ate, socialized and had our pictures taken.
P1110008 by NBend, on Flickr

After a while we roll out and head up to Gates Pass
P1110018 by NBend, on Flickr

The hammer comes down as the road pitches upward and I un-successfully try to keep the ride leaders in sight
P1110019 by NBend, on Flickr

So I settle in with a couple of others and make our way up at an easier pace

P1110022 by NBend, on Flickr

The final push to the top of Gates Pass was beautiful! the best of the day
the climb up day 1 by NBend, on Flickr

The top of the pass by NBend, on Flickr

northbend 

We stop just over the pass and regroup for everyone else, admiring the view of Tucson in the distance
The view of Tucson from the pass by NBend, on Flickr

And the bike geeking continues
talking bikes by NBend, on Flickr

More bike talking by NBend, on Flickr

A small contingent of us opt for the long route so we take off on the long descent back into town
Cruising back to Tucson by NBend, on Flickr

And we are back at the Mercado having beers surrounded by lovely bicycles and vote for the people choice award
Post ride Bike Show by NBend, on Flickr

Bates by NBend, on Flickr

Blue Gilmour by NBend, on Flickr

Good deal by NBend, on Flickr

Early Chris Chance beauty by NBend, on Flickr

I ride back on the river trail and go fetch my car..then go check into the Downtown Clifton Motel.
After another beer and a shower, then head back to the Mercado for the Concours Awards Ceremony after a lovely dinner. It was a full and fun day.

northbend 

After another fitful nights sleep (congestion) I checked out of the motel then went looking for the bi-annual Tucson Bike Swap Meet. I was not prepared for the scope of this! It was huge. I did not get there early enough to really take it all in.

Swap Meet by NBend, on Flickr

Dog days at swap meet by NBend, on Flickr

I rushed through the Swap Meet then drove across town to the beautiful community of Civano. Got there just in time to dress and get in line for the ride start
Start of day 2 by NBend, on Flickr

We set out, a slightly smaller group today and soon we are double pacelining out to the southeast to Pistol Hill. It is obvious at least from my perspective that I am among veteran riders. Everyone rides well, holding their line while riding shoulder to shoulder. So this is what pacelining should be like! I normally avoid riding in close quarters with others.

Good riders by NBend, on Flickr

We ride at a spirited pace but no one actually gets dropped for long. Regroups like this keep everyone in contact

Regroup day 2 by NBend, on Flickr


At the top of Pistol Hill is our rest stop. We eat pie and drink tea

Rest Stop day 2 by NBend, on Flickr

And geek over bikes again..
Day 2 JT rider by NBend, on Flickr
Check out those tight clearances
Tight clearances by NBend, on Flickr

Talking bikes by NBend, on Flickr

Event organizer Scott Calhoun leads us back to Civano
Finishing day 2 by NBend, on Flickr

The Bike Clasicas weekend was wonderful, very well organized by Scott Calhoun and Don Lightner.
I cannot help but think that the very friendly and easygoing vibe of this event is a reflection of their personalities. I am sure the trouble they went through must have taxed them but thoughout the weekend they were always cheerful and welcoming, putting everyone at ease. You can see the passion they have for the art of the bicycle in their own examples and in their riding. I hope they keep this event going, it has an intimacy that make you feel fortunate to be a part of and that vibe is rare. Something you cannot manufacture through some sort of formula. It emulates from their personalities.

It is not a cookie cutter in the vein of Eroica, a Granfondo, or any of those recent Gravel grinder events. It is very different from Cino Heroica but is very very reminiscent in that it has soul just like the Cino. I wish the all the best for Bici Clasicas and hope that others can find what I did in the coming years.



Link to more photos on the Bici Clasicas web site:

Photography ? Bici Clásicas

Link to Scott Calhouns “The Beautiful Bicycle”


Bici Clasicas: 245 Years of Combined Cycling Cool ? The Beautiful Bicycle

More of my photos here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskP8fmKG

northbend 

After a weekend surrounded by beautiful bicycles and friendly, passionate and positive people I felt much better, ready to connect back into the real world again. I began by picking up my 87 year old dad in Sun City and taking him on a 5 day road trip around the 4 corners region. I hired a Navajo guide and he took us on a jeep tour inside Canyon De Chelly.

Dad n I in CdC by NBend, on Flickr

Fall colors in the CdC by NBend, on Flickr

We also spent time in Monument Valley
Heading into the Monument by NBend, on Flickr

View from our hotel by NBend, on Flickr

Inside Monument Valley by NBend, on Flickr

and the Grand Canyon
Dad n I at the Grand Canyon by NBend, on Flickr

I’d like to think Dad benefitted from Bici Clasicas too! As I was refreshed from Bici, I was able to give back in turn to him. He had a great time with me

gugie 

Great pics and write-up, as usual.

Listening to your album link as I type. I get the vibe.

djkashuba 

Amen Matt!

-D

Force 

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

satbuilder 

Nice photos! Looks like you had a blast.

For a moment I thought I spied a Moto CT belonging to @rootboy

Bikerider007

Nice post and pics.

CoRide59

Excellent post, certainly made me wish I'd been there. And made me think about my dad, and how much I miss him.

Thanks for the post Northbend!

Jadesfire 

I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing!

shoota 

Man what a magical place.

johnnyace 

Wow, amazing pics and stories, thanks for sharing. I grew up in Tucson in the 70s, so it's great to see those pics of the beautiful Arizona desert. I really pine for the desert when things start getting too soggy here in the PNW!

Fahrenheit531 

Thanks for this! As a non-participant who only showed up briefly to check out the bike show, I really appreciate the full ride report.

Lazyass

That arm is so long that at first I thought it was a little kid's bike.

Kevindale

Wonderful writeup and photos. Thank you.

gaucho777 

Matt, thanks for the great write-up and gorgeous pics. Sounds like it was a wonderful event and road trip. And some very cool bikes to ogle as well. $39.99 Alex Singer Goodwill find...wow!

rccardr 

Nice story and pictures. Wish I could have come to Tucson a week early to participate in this and go to the swap meet.

Did stop at the Mercado while finishing El Tour the following weekend- neat folks at the bike shop, gave me a power ring and a PBR. Ben also told a most excellent story about recovering one of the shop's bikes that was stolen during the show.

northbend 

That was Scott Calhouns' Moto; just finished building it up before the event. Some shakedown ride! Beautiful bike, it had hand tooled leather brake hoods he had fashoned while in Spain recently. Not quite like the ones rootboy made, they were cool just the same. Funny coincidence

Dfrost 

Matt,

Thanks for all those great photos that you always take, and the wonderful event description. Thank you also for sharing a few from the time with your father. Reminds me of the brief bit of cycling I did with my father late in his life.

Wildwood

What a trip!
Bet ya missed all the local wet/damp weather?!?

northbend 

Less than you can possibly imagine, Stu.

...at least until ski season begins anyway!

Reynolds 

Thanks northbend, great photos and story!