The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Tucson Sunshine and Saguaros

March 7th to March 14th

Ride Director: Sharon Reed
Ride Co-Director: Jim Hellebusch
Report by: Cindy Schiff

A group of thirty-eight cyclists met at the Homewood Suites on March 7 for social hour. We were given a detailed report of expectations and ride conditions by our tour leader Sharon Reed. It would set the tone for an amazing week of riding through the beautiful Tucson area.

Some of the group chose to ride with Sharon each day, while others went off on their own to explore different routes. We knew we were up against two issues- number one being the impending Coronavirus pandemic that was beginning to hit the US and was on all of our minds, and the second was some unanticipated rainy weather, highly unusual for Tucson.  

The first day’s ride was on the paved loop out to Catalina State Park. The second day we voted that our top priority was to climb Mt. Lemmon. Most of the cyclists chose to start at a parking lot at the base of the mountain.  A few adventurous riders rode from the hotel, adding an additional 20 miles round trip.  The climb was hard but amazing to see the change in topography, from Arizona saguaros to typical mountain trees.  Sharon and her husband Jimmy were at the mile 12 rest area with drinks and snacks, and after a while Sharon was able to get in some riding herself and rode all the way to mile 28!!  Most of us turned around at Windy Point, at mile 14.  We stood up there in small groups enjoying the view and the cool temps.  That’s part of what makes the BAC so great- a group of strangers come together and begin to bond and enjoy each other’s company and form cohesive social groups. It seems to happen very insidiously, and the next thing you know you feel as if you are riding with close friends.

The remainder of the week we spent trying to stay out of the rain, and trying to figure out what was going to happen with the Coronavirus pandemic and how it would impact us.  We were able to cycle the routes Sharon posted for us, either with her or in small groups.  The Loop is a 55 mile must ride circuit around all of Tucson, and we enjoyed the scenery, the Air Force maneuvers taking place overhead, and the food at the eclectic Mercato.  During the remainer of the week, others rode this ride again, beautiful Sabino Canyon, and various rides throughout the area.  

The cycling was varied and there were opportunities to do many different rides throughout the week. Every evening cyclists would discuss the rides they had done, the museums they had visited, and the experiences that were making this such a special week. Adding to the experience was the food prepared by Sharon for the social hours. Sharon took time to prepare guacamole, hummus, veggie platters, homemade chicken tamales, and the well-received chocolate-covered strawberries.  The hotel is in a perfect location, right on the bike path and near great restaurants and shopping. The two meals out were great with a variety of offerings. I would not hesitate to recommend this week-long ride as an opportunity to meet like-minded cyclists and ride some amazing routes.