Riding East of Tucson

Sunny and temps warming to 80 degrees.  I headed out and got on to Kolb Road which has a 2 mile climb, at the top being rewarded with sweeping views of the southwest that includes downtown Tucson.  I then headed east towards the infamous Synder Road wash.  Snyder Road ends at the wash and resumes on the other side but only cyclists can get through,

With the weekend rain and snow melt, there was a couple of inches of water flow across the cement dam.  No problem, just rode across it as contrasted with.....

....the same crossing in November at the Tour of Tucson.  Water was more than calf high and rising so the crossing was eventually closed.  Oh well, this is not November and glad the conditions are much different.

Continuing east, I crossed Catalina Highway, which heads up the beast, Mount Lemmon.  Not for me today but soon.

I got on to Tanque Verde Road, which becomes Redington Road and eventually, after a steep climb, ends at a cattle guard and dirt.  I continued for half a mile and found the dirt packed and ridable.  Hmmm, this goes to the top of Mount Lemmon so may be doable. Have to investigate a little.

I headed south and entered Saguaro East State Park via Freeman road, an almost 4 mile climb,.  The park's road is a fabulous 8 mile rolling loop with some short steep climbs and one long climb that just wore me out.  The road is in great shape, traffic is all one way and cars are at 25 mph so I was overtaken only once. Many cyclists ride this as a training route but at the start, there is a very steep descent with a sharp turn at the bottom so they warn you about it with a sign for added notice.  The park service employee also warned me that snakes were out now and to watch for them crossing the road.  A rattlesnake had been seen earlier in the day. Finishing the loop, I headed back and ended with 62 miles and 4000' of climbing.

Towards the end of the day the sun sets, casting shadows on the face of the Catalina Mountains.  I was wiped out from today's ride which I hope is from not being accustomed to riding in the heat (80 degrees) and the sun. Too, too tired.