 Wow! Donna, an infrequent attendee to our group rides, shows up in this kit. I don't remember seeing anything equivalent to this creative scheme. Our route heads toward Redington Pass where I....  ...pause to take pics of those ascending. This tandem is very strong on the flats and downhills but really struggle on the climbs. The fact they never know the route has become an issue, nearly causing a crash recently.  Oh wow, another awesome sunrise!  I do a solo route, parking at the southern end of Oro Valley, pausing at OVCC for a pic and than compelled to....  ....take another of this yard before heading farther north to the....  ....Rancho Vistoso area and than farther north to.....  ....the town of Catalina where I dodge car driven by blue hairs as I skirt the retirement community of Saddlebrook.  On my way south on this 41 mile ride, I once again pass through OVCC, enjoying great views of the western side of the Catalinas. It was a rare, cloudy day but the clouds began lifting as I returned.
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 Attended a group ride and met Heath and his wife, visiting from Dallas. He owns a carbon fiber repair business. He built his bike to be 11.9 pounds. I heard a local bike shop is selling road bikes for as low as 9 pounds but they don't recommend vigorous descents on that machine.  Our group begins to gather for a 35 mile route, which was a lot of fun.  My friend Amy, who is now part of the SAR team in southern AZ, sent me this picture of a guy who slid part way down a slope. Fortunately, his slide stopped in a crevice but there was no going back up or down. Surprisingly, he had cell phone coverage and was able to call for help.  I broke from my group and headed farther south for extra miles. I paused in front of a gas station and an inquisitive road runner approached. Never been this close to one before. Then....  ...I hear shouting, repeated taunts of, "Fu*k you bit*h". At first I thought it was friends yelling at each other but the shouts were persistent so I stood and watched two guys screaming at each other. They just would not stop. It was a child exchange meeting that went bad and unfortunately, the children witnessed the entire episode. No punches were thrown and the guy, standing, was carrying but did not pull his gun. Eventually they departed and while police were called, they never showed up.  And so, the pickle ball match to which I referenced on my prior post. I played great. Could not believe it. Won 4 games while a hawk watched the final one. Maybe I'll start playing again but all that starting and sudden stopping, dang, my legs felt it the following day!
 Incredible sunrise, once again. The sun rises now at about 7:20 so it doesn't require an early wakeup to witness.  Jumped in with a group for a ride out/back Marsh Station Road. We park at a long closed restaurant.  It's a beautifully, newly paved road where it deadens above a railroad that was active when I arrived.  The rides theme was a poker run. I received two cards at the beginning, two at the bridge over the railroad and things looked promising but alas, I was dealt a jack for my final card.  I drove to Oro alley to hike the Linda Vista, 2 mile loop with a friend. Great views as our days continue to be sun and highs in the 70's and 80's.  A wild saguaro next to a calm one. The guy on the left must be a wild partier.  I was invited to play pickle ball at the Ventana Canyon Resort. Wow, have not played in about a year as I found my paddle and got ready.  Oh wow, the sun sets and the colors change.
 I always enjoy a route that takes me on Woodward Rd. The scene is straight out of central FL and their farms, albeit without the orange orchards. This guy shares.....  ...a pen with this guy and they seem to get along well.  Our amazing sunrises as the light first shines on Cathedral Rocks, the high point of the front range of the Catalinas.  I visited a friend in Scottsdale, enjoying my first visit to a True Food Kitchen when a Waymo car passed. That too was a first, for me.  Sunrise as I head south....  ...to the Santa Ritas for a hike. Elephant Head in the distance. Such a fun scramble up the left side.  And of course, the high point, Mount Wrightson with the second highest peak set slightly to the right, Mount Hopkins. Hard to believe it's been 6 years since my little adventure of becoming lost and finding the remains of a missing hiker. I was fortunate to not also be lying up there alongside the man.  We hiked to Josephine Saddle, a worthy, 4 mile hike involving the Baldy Trail. The scenery is not so great on this particular hike so nothing more to share.
 I was riding in the Foothills and paused to take this pic of Table Mountain. I was leading a group last year but the vegetation had become so thick, it was difficult to navigate. I'd have to stand on boulders to figure out the way forward and GPS wasn't much help either. Not sure, without changes, if I'll ever do that hike again.  Then there is Finger Rock and the Guard to its right. I am going to attempt that again soon.  The mornings rarely disappoint as the sun rises, around 7:20am now.  Some Halloween decorations have been repurposed as I ride through 49er development.  I've been dog sitting for a week. Talking to a neighbor, he commented he had a large limb that needed removed....10 minutes later, lol.  My buddy Jack. I spoiled him for the week with all meals containing steak, chicken, salmon or an egg. He likes me quite a lot.  What a wonderful season so far with temps in the 70's, even low 80's. The evenings cool quickly so started a fire and enjoyed the warmth. My dog sitting duty ended, successfully as Jack survived the experience.
 I joined the Cactus Club's, 47 mile ride to the south where on the northbound return....yikes! Look at the size of that nail head! Fortunately, it was not my tire but.....  ....instead, Amy P's bike. Amy recently completed the 100 mile, Tour de Tucson in under 5 hours. Jodi, to the right is in the same league. They work me over too well on the group rides.  Off the bike to a hike in the Catalinas. Not to Finger Rock but Pontatoc Ridge.  A new connector trail is almost complete between the FR trail and Pontatoc trails. It will create I think a 7 mile loop opportunity.  Nice collection of trail building tools.  The first mile is rolling but once I cross this ravine, the real climbing begins. The Tucson Mountains in the distance.  Eventually, a broad expanse of rock is presented as I look at Panther and Sombrero Peaks.  More great views.  I close on my destination where at the base of the above structure, there is a long abandoned mine. I've been there but the climb to the mine is kind of sketchy so I did not go that far. Instead.....  ....I headed back, passing the remains of a saguaro.  I also passed through a healthy batch of Jumping Chollas. Nasty. Finished with 4 miles and down hill hiking, leg muscles that stayed sore for a couple of days.
 Another day with temps in the mid 70's as I finish the climb on Swan. From my condo, it's easy to get in a ride that averages 500-800' of climbing for every 10 miles. Those efforts are making a difference, albeit a small one, with my cycling fitness.  There I was, just after sunset when a large group of javelinas walked by. A couple of days ago, another bobcat strode by too but in the opposite direction. I grabbed my phone and rushed out to take a pic but it was gone.  Ohhh, the sunsets continue to amaze me.  Awesome.  I went for a short, 2 mile hike and thought the above was a good pic with the sun illuminating the mountains while in the foreground, clouds kept the desert a tad darker.  A cloud acts as a starburst behind Thimble Peak, way in the distance.  Rain has threatened but as of yet, no precipitation. Just clouds.  One of my favorite views in the region! The setting sun's light turns the western side of the Catalinas, redish pink.
 Our group reaches the midpoint of our route at Colossal Cave. It's a short but quality climb to this point.  From the parking lot, Old Spanish Trail stretches toward the mountains.  I have not really noticed yet but yes, the leaves are beginning to change color. It's been an awesome fall so far.  When I exit my condo, I am greeted with this view. Pretty special.  During a solo ride, I pop into Sabino Canyon to check out how many cars are parked. Lot of people on the trails.  A long dead saguaro stands alongside an overflow lot at Sabino, it too rather crowded. I've been doing a lot of hilly rides and I'm finally beginning to notice signs of improvement. However, I want to get in some quality hikes too. Struggling with going solo or organizing a group. Will see.....
 The sun rises above Sabino Canyon. Lots of vehicles already here to start their hikes.  How about this!?!?! There I was, walking in the bean aisle at Bashas and I see this!!! I love Wendy's chili and I can eat it out of a can without the drive thru experience? Yes.  Living in the Foothills means there is climbing routes all over the place. The end of Swan Rd hits 17%, Alvernon the same, Craycroft, etc... Then the climbs from River Road to Ina/Skyline/Sunrise are all worthy too.  A misshapen Texas Ranger needs a trim and the only way to properly do it....  ....cut it way back. These things grow like weeds so it won't be long before it recovers and a better job can be made directing its growth.  I continue with this rambling post. Speedway Road dead ends at a parking area for Saguaro East NP. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, a driver plows through the end of road signage and dies from his sustained injuries.  And than the sun sets on another beautiful day, with more on the way....   I brought in my Halloween display and temporarily placed it on the bed in the 2nd bedroom. A friend looked at it and found the presentation to be kinda disgusting....I don't enjoy people who don't have a sense of humor, lol.  Whoa. Descending Christie Rd toward Ina Rd, either an emerging volcano or a fire in downtown Tucson.  Nearby to me is the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch. I've been largely oblivious to its existence but while riding by it thought, hey, later I should check it out. So I did. Check the awesome view of the mountains as the sun sets.  My friend Amy had a tree shift and did a pretty good job preventing it from tilting more so.....  ....I hammered these stakes into the ground and brought the tree back to vertical. Not bad if I do say so myself.  I love where I live in Ventana Canyon and there is always decent climbing as soon as I get on the bike. Beautiful too!  I prefer sunsets but the sunrises are also fabulous. The sun lights up Prominent Point and to its right, Finger Rock Guard. Finger Rock still in the shadows. I'm going to hike there in the next couple of weeks. Sitting on top of the Guard and looking directly at the Finger and all the surroundings, is amazing.  An unhealthy looking saguaro frames the moon.
 I got in with the Cactus Club group ride in Oro Valley on a beautiful, fall morning. Here, we enter Catalina State Park with the western edge of the Catalinas looming over us.  The route included the climb up Magee Road. These pics were taken by ride organizer Mark M. I'm always panting too hard to organize my phone and take a pic.  I'm standing in my kitchen and a bobcat strolls by. I grab my phone, go outside and begin trotting toward it. Just before it turns into some bushes, I snag this pic. I thought better of rooting around in there for a better picture.  I was on Redington Road where there is a well known camel but rarely can you get a good pic of it because of the vegetation blocking the view or the time it spends in its covering. Today I was in luck!  A front came in but stayed well north, depositing a few clouds on this morning.  One of my ping pong buddies, Bill, wanted to check out the same canyon I visited a few days ago.  Wow! My first snake sighting in this canyon. Bill grabbed it, a harmless snake.  And then this happened. While bending over, my lone water bottle slipped from my pack and plunged into the water. I climbed down, coaxed it to the shore and retrieved it.  Bill acquitted himself well throughout. A couple of times he pioneered his own route rather than follow mine. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not.  The water level was so low beneath the 80' falls that I was able to climb and explore what turned out to be a very shallow cave. Fun times continue in southern AZ!
 How about that.....4" of snow on Mount Lemmon! Will be gone in a few days as temps push into the 80's down here, upper 50's up there.  One of my favorite "hikes" is Lower Tanque Verde canyon. Just a great, bouldering experience with no trails, simply an enjoyable route finding experience over, around and under giant boulders. It's not without some risk though.  I begin the descent and soon.....  ....see the canyon. Very disappointed to discover.....  ....an idiot or two painted a saguaro. Not sure if that can be undone. Descending to the canyon....  ....why the fu*k would anyone do this???? A group was preparing to power wash the paint off the boulders. They told me an investigation was underway but with scant evidence, I'm not optimistic the idiots will be found.  Recent rain had created many pools of water but not enough rain fell to produce a flow. Too bad as when the water flows, it is even a more spectacular environment.  Blocked by a wall over which water often flows, I find a way around it by climbing the right side of the canyon before....  ....reaching my destination, an 80' dry drop that blocks farther advance. It's a beautiful location even with no water pouring off the cliff. Only a 2 mile, round trip adventure but it's not the distance that makes it so much fun.  Here is a different perspective from above. A new trail has been added that brings one to this vantage point, which I visited a week ago.
 A good group of 15ish cyclists work our way to Redington Rd and climb to the end of the pavement to regroup. That I was not last was a shocking development!  Not too distant is Paul McCartney's ranch. Wonder how frequently he visits or if he even remembers he owns it?  I was wearing a new pair of Ohio State cycling socks! No one noticed:(  I love getting out in the morning and enjoying the sun rises. So beautiful with the mountains!  I headed to Catalina State Park, in Oro Valley, to scout a route. A friend wanted to check it out and I didn't want to embarrass myself by getting lost prior to leading the hike.  The western side of the Catalinas on this cloudy day.  Awesome looking at Leviathan Dome.  Returning from this 3 mile loop hike, I see a patch of saguaros on a nearby hill. Couple of those would be 200+ years old, judging my the size and quantity of arms.
 Rain was forecast but I thought I may get in a good hike prior to the rain's arrival. Within a few steps of my car, it began a steady rain so I put on this plastic cover. Never wore one before but it works well.  I began my hike from the Sendero Esperanza trailhead because it makes the hike a little shorter compared to the other options. I climb until I reach the Hugh Norris trail and my first look to the east....maybe I should have chosen a hike from there, instead.  The trail work is amazing as there are hundreds of granite steps to climb.  I crest a ridge and get a view to the southeast. Beautiful.  For the most part, the trails are not steep but this section, is an exception as I approach a final ridge from where I'll be able to see the peak.  I pause to look to the west and I may have a rain free hike for awhile as the rain has stopped..  And there it is with the trail visible taking me to the top.  I lingered at the peak for about 30 seconds. It was windy and cold and I was not dressed for this weather other than my thin, plastic, non breathing rain piece did act as a decent wind breaker.  I headed back and had a great view of Panther and Sombrero Peaks. Interesting how the white clouds behind almost mirror the ridge line.  Continuing the descent, clouds roll in below me. How cool to be above the clouds....but wait....  ...as I approach, they become thicker and soon....  ....I am socked in. I can see about 20' in front of me which isn't an issue since I was walking. Then, with a mile to go, it began raining, hard! Upon reaching my SUV, I was soaked. I had a dry shirt but the ride home with soaked clothing elsewhere was a tad cold. Finished with 8 miles and 1700' of climbing. My legs felt good throughout which surprised me, given the lack of hiking, previously.
 I depart my new home and look warily at the clouds. Some precipitation up there and a sprinkle or two where I am as I go around the corner to.....  ....Sabino Canyon where my route includes a look at the very dry, Sabino Canyon dam.  I cross the dry stream bed and get on Sabino Canyon Road for the return to the parking lot, finishing my 3 mile loop hike.  Next day, I ride past the many farms on Woodland Rd and than head....  ....to the 49er subdivision. It's famous for the extensive displays for Halloween and once again....  ....did not disappoint!  Where do they store all this?  This is new and creative. The use of 12' skeletons is widespread now including....  ...this one. The homeowner leaves this out all year. For Easter, it's dressed like a bunny, for St. Patricks day like a leprechaun, etc...  This has my vote as the best presentation.
 My first full day back and an invite to reunite with Jack! Missed my buddy the last 6 months and apparently, he has missed me too.  My friend, Amy, asked me to look at some outdoor projects I could do (without family options, my afternoons and evenings now have a void) so while in her front yard....unbelievable....a rattlesnake!!! I grabbed it with a snake stick thingy, put it in a bucket and drove it about a mile away to release. The snake means us no harm so killing it will cause me regret. Just can't have them this close to the house and Jack.  I was aching to go hiking but my hiking legs are, not good so selected a short, 2 mile loop that included....  ....a visit to a shallow mine. Continuing....  ....I could spot the Phoneline trail against a far canyon wall, here in Sabino Canyon.  Ahhh, Thimble Peak! It was great to get out but my deteriorating cycling legs need attention.
 A beautiful day and I decided to spend part of it at the Denison Bio Reserve doing some running/hiking.  I selected one of the longer loops that included passing this teepee. There is no opening for it, just standing sticks.  Evidence of the damage done by the emerald ash borer will be around for a long time but fortunately....  ....there are plenty of other species on this acreage. This red oak is likely one of the largest in the state.  The beech trees are magnificent too. I finished my 4 mile route, went to my woods to finish a project and the following morning....  ...departed Ohio at 4am, followed by a second day with an early start and stopped once more in Las Cruces, NM before a final 4 hour drive. It's great to be back in southern AZ!!!  Oh those wonderful mountain ranges and colors!
 returning from a group ride, I check the water level at one of the feeder streams and it's level is still diminishing, despite the rain last week.  My projects for this season are almost done as I replace a facia board on both sides of a barn I built many years ago.  Another group ride took us along the Scioto river. Beautiful setting.  My 30 something neighbor who lives below me invited me down for a cocktail. She's dog setting this enormous animal.  The Halloween displays certainly get creative as I ride around Central Ohio.  The size of the skeletons are huge on some properties. They would be space eaters when taken down.  And so, I'm heading back to southern AZ. I sold my condos so I would have the freedom to go anywhere if I decided to bug out of Ohio but I miss the....  ....mountains so am headed back. The Ohio visit was awesome but dang, the grey winters, too much for me.
 I gotta admit, this was a lot of fun for me as a spectator. Yeah, it rained but it was light and while wearing a waterproof cycling jacket, I was good.  My grandson's team, comprised of half Granville kids and others, played "The" Granville team. All dressed in the Granville blue/white colors. Parents were intense! They and the kids knew what was at stake in this rivalry game which was also the final game of a tournament and....  ...Anthony's team won! It was intense and when the kid scored a goal (the short kid on the right), I had to fight back tears, lol.  Coming back from a group ride, we entered Galena and were greeted with this Halloween scene in front of a bank.  I surprisingly completed my main goal with the woods so now hitting other projects, such as removing the low hanging branches from a row of white pines.  OHIO pose the Skeltons.
 There has been a flurry of soccer games to which I feel the need to attend. For Anthony's games, I sit and watch with everyone else but for Ben's games, little brother Chris insists I chase him around an adjoining field but I can still see most of the action.  We received a couple of days of light rain but not enough, not nearly enough and than Helene roars through....  ....oh, this will be good for us, unfortunately a disaster for areas south.  Boy, do we need the rain. The latest is that it's the worse drought since 1988 but someone else stated they heard since the 1930's????  We received about 2' of rain, around 5-6" around Protsmouth to our south and than the devastating amounts in NC, TN, etc...  The soccer game go on, rain or shine as I head to watch a very spirited game between Anthony's team and the Granville team. The passion among the parents for this one, was amazing. More to come.
 Grandson Anthony, daughters Olivia & Stephanie and Steph's husband, Nathan gathered at the Broadway Pub in Granville. Olivia is gone quite a lot with a very interesting job so when she is home, we always get together at least once.  Then, having sated our appetites, we moved to a relatively new wine bar. Really good selection of wine, which we enjoyed and than....  ....went to Stephanies. We sat on the 2nd floor and I could see the largest Burning Bush I have ever seen. Anthony was standing below and I'd toss a soccer ball to him, he'd corral it and blast it into a net. Than...  ....he kicked the ball to me but it was too high. Realizing my daughters and drinks were behind I reached to deflect it and crashed. I was good though and leapt to my feet!  Morning drive and what's this??? Clouds????  Driving to a soccer game, I passed the Intel development where hundreds of trees have been planted. They're doing what they can to provide water but many appear to be dead. What a summer!
 Returning from a group ride, I pause at my favorite viewing spot to check the Hoover Reservoir. A lot of waterfowl seem to have adapted quite well to the receding water.  Amazing to see the change, over time.  All that plain is usually under water.  The distant pier ends on dry ground now.  Drafting a garbage truck is a smelly affair. I paused to allow it to put some space between us. The updated drought monitor but at last, things have changed!
 Got in with an excellent group comprised of Mike A, Noel and Manual. As long as I can survive Noel's pulls, I could recover a bit when the other two took over. We reached the break point but they wanted to keep going but I really needed a break so I spit the bit. Our average to that point, mile 25 was over 18 which doesn't seem like much but our first 2 miles is relaxed on a bike path than 2 towns to transit, which really skews the average speed, down.  While waiting for the others to arrive, I noted a farmer was clearing his fields of soybeans. I've heard mixed reports about the quality of the harvest. The rain, such that it is, has been so spotty for months, it's a matter of luck if you have a decent harvest.  Wow. Discovered Moo-Moo car wash locations. I like it! $7 for the wash and unlimited time with very powerful vacs.  I left a group ride and so was able to take some pics.  The machinery is out and ready to go.  Red sky at night, sailors delight, red sky at morn, sailors be warned (or something like that). Got in a good week of 130 miles.
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