 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.
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 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....  |
