Weekend of Riding

Friday's destination, some where to the left of Sombero Peak via Gates Pass and then back via Painted Cave.  Ho hum, another day of sun and temps in the low 80's.  Ya know, I could learn to like it out here.

Today's roads had too little of berm and too much traffic so it was not ideal.  This is on the back side of Gates Pass. 

The boundary of Saguaro Park West is at the top of Gates Pass and continues for miles.  The route turned north at Kinney Road, a rolling route before coming back east at Painted Cave.  Ended with 73 miles and 4200' of climbing.

Then I discovered an organization called GABA (Greater Arizona Bicycling Association) on Saturday, signed up and came out for the "Silverbell Century" on Sunday.  Probably 150-200 came out for the supported ride.  The sun was rising as I headed to register.  It had rained in spots over night but a beautiful morning with a start temp of around 60.

I rolled out with a large group of fit types, into the rising sun as we headed east on River Road.  It was a bit chaotic as around 70 in this group.  At mile 1, I rolled through a hole, lost both water bottles and dropped my chain so I was out of that group.  Winter beater bike was ok so I kept going and eventually got in with a good group of 20 and we paused at the first food stop.  Interesting mix of UofA students and old timers.

The first 30 miles was all bike lanes as we sped around northern Tucson, Oro Valley and Marana but then, after passing Dove Mountain, we got into open country.  We passed under I-10, heading west and I got the opportunity to see new roads, which are mostly flat in this area.

We stopped for a 2nd food stop and I took in this odd view, running water in a river with plenty of trees, green plants and grass.  There were even cows grazing in green fields.  Kind of a flat route with 82 miles and 2500' of climbing.  Nice touch at the end, subs, cold ones and snacks.  I like this group!