Tucson Sunshine and Saguaros Spring 2018

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: This very popular fixed-base Tucson ride will begin on Saturday, March 3 with a welcome gathering/group dinner and wraps up on the morning of Saturday, March 10 after breakfast. This schedule will allow for 6 days of riding. The dates have been selected to take advantage of the hotel’s buffet dinner that is offered Monday through Wednesday and is included in the price of the room.  The trip is designed to welcome Spring and get a jump on Summer riding.  Escape the cold and damp and come to blue skies, sunshine, and warm days of cycling! Temperatures are normally in the 70s and 80s with humidity in the 10% range. The group will enjoy the wonderful Homewood Suites Hotel located in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains on the north side of Tucson. In addition to lots of sunshine, Tucson is a top cycling city with a Gold rating from the League of American Bicyclists. Outside Magazine also gives Tucson the top rating in the USA. We have mapped and ridden a total of 20 routes with most starting directly from the hotel, but also includes 4 maps with remote starts. These routes will include: Saguaro National Park West and the Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park East with the 8-mile loop road through the park, Mount Lemmon (options include to the top elevation OR to any distance/elevation you want to climb), and Sabino Canyon Park. There are rides of all levels for everyone – from very easy to very difficult.  There will be two proposed rides each day - one more difficult and one less so. At the happy hours, participants will be able to discuss which ride, start times, and any other details. Those wishing to tackle a different route are encouraged to try something different as well.

RIDE RATING:  Although this ride is rated 2B, there are many routes ranging from 1A to 4D.  Riders will be provided with cue sheets and .gpx tracks for 20 different rides, so there is something for every level of rider.  Since this is a fixed base ride, you are free to choose any of the rides that suit you, from easy and flat on mostly bike trails to pretty difficult, including the famous Mt. Lemmon ride which can be up to 70+ miles with 7000 ft. of climbing.  The routes include a substantial amount of cycling on city streets with bike lanes and moderate traffic.  Note, we will also be using many miles of bike paths in Tucson that are very easy to navigate, smooth and clean of debris. Tucson is a cycling city and drivers are generally aware and polite.  On the Mt. Lemmon day, water and snacks will be provided part way up the road in case you decide you need to get your spring climbing in and choose a longer distance. The routes to Saguaro East and West Parks are each ~50 miles with ~2000 ft. of climbing. Two of the routes include 1/4 mile sections with grades of 10%. There are no required ride days. For those riders who would like a day off the bike, there are several good museums and other attractions in Tucson. The Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is one of the best in the world for desert environment and is often visited as a part of the Saguaro West ride.  There is also the Pima County Air Museum which has an excellent selection of vintage and historic aircraft for all you airplane enthusiasts. Additionally, there are opportunities for hiking as well!

WEATHER:  Weather is usually very nice in early March in Tucson.   Expect daytime temperatures in the 70's and 80's and nighttime temperatures in the low 50’s. At this time of year, there is usually low humidity and dry conditions but rain is a possibility and it can be quite windy.

LODGING:  Lodging will be at the Homewood Suites in St. Phillips Plaza in Tucson.   The hotel was completely refurbished in 2015 and quite nice.  All rooms are large, have a nice kitchen area, and are in a suite configuration. There is plenty of room to store your bike in your room. The ride is planned for seven nights of lodging. You are welcome to come early or stay later at the same group rate.  You will need to contact the hotel directly for any extended stays. 

LOGISTICS:  Arizona Stagecoach van service is available between the Tucson airport and the hotel. There is a branch location of Arizona Cyclist, a well-stocked and staffed bike shop, in the complex near the hotel. If you prefer to not bring your own bike, rentals can be obtained from several bike shops and at least one will deliver to the hotel, Tucson Bike.  There are several good restaurants within walking distance, from pizza and Mexican to steaks and seafood, if you decide not to participate in the hotel buffet on Monday through Wednesday.  Although a car is not necessary for the ride, you may decide to rent one if you wish to start rides outside of town and/or if you want to venture out and visit some of the other attractions in Tucson. The tour begins with a welcome gathering/group dinner at 5 p.m on March 3, 2018 and ends after breakfast on March 10, 2018.

REGISTRATION:  The estimated cost of this bike tour is $1,120 plus the $50 BAC registration fee.  This cost includes 7 nights lodging, 2 group dinners plus 3 buffet dinners at the hotel, 7 breakfasts, excellent cycling specific maps, cue sheets and gpx tracks along with 7 social hours with snacks and beverages. To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the nonrefundable BAC fee and $630 tour deposit by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. Final payment of $490 is due no later than December 1, 2017. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.

SINGLES:  It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until August 30, 2017 to find a roommate. If a single is unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund minus the non-refundable $50 BAC fee and credit card processing fees. Or, they can pay the $630 single supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. Single supplement costs cannot be paid by credit card and must be paid directly by check to the Ride Director before August 30, 2017.  Mail your single supplement check for $630 directly to Ride Director Sharon Reed, 1225 South Main Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee and credit card transaction fee are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:  Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.