ROUTE (36 miles, 1,988 feet ascent, slower uphill, faster downhill with ending avg speed around 15 mph).
Weather forecast (6 days out):
8am: 65°, Sunny, Winds 6 ESE
11am: 80°, Sunny, Winds 5 SW
Start/End Location: Parking Lot just South of Stacks located at 1880 E. Tangerine Road Suite 140 in the Oro Valley Marketplace. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and get ready. Note that there is construction on Innovation drive near the start. We may need to deviate from the route at the beginning to get on the loop multipurpose path.
Route: We will be climbing all the way to the top of the Ridge above Saddlebrook and will be climbing UP the 1/4 mile steep "wall" section (~10% grade). Approximately 6% of the route is on the CDO extension multi-use path, 25% is on noisy Oracle road with wide shoulder, and the remaining on quiet roads with bicycle lanes or suitable shoulders. The pavement is smooth for the most part with very little debris. Care should be taken on the way back down Oracle Road when passing the WM Refuse Transfer station as there is sometimes debris on the shoulder which can cause punctures.
Water/Bathroom Stops
Start/0 Miles - Closest open restroom is at Walmart or Stacks
12 miles - Minit Market (longer stop)
24 miles - Catalina Park
End/36 miles - Stacks
After the ride, feel free to join us at Stacks Book Club (a Coffee/Book Shop) for a coffee and some conversation.
If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call 915-238-3188 (Ed) and we will wait up to five minutes before leaving.
The more people that have the route on their smart phone, bicycle computer, or on a cue sheet the better. Don't be the lost one that we get to joke about for weeks afterwards. We would never do that...?
If you haven't ridden with me before, I will not have your contact information. If so, please send your name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to erschultz@gmail.com. If you are bringing a +1, send their information as well. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.
This is a 14-16 mph C+ ride but the end-of-ride average speed is expected to be closer to 15. If you are not comfortable or not capable of this expected pace average for the ride you pick, please do not participate in this ride, it is not fair to the other riders. This is a no-drop social ride. If we need to, we will regroup occasionally to stay together. There will be several opportunities to go faster at your own pace and then regroup. The first opportunity will be CDO extension with regroup at Rancho Vistoso. The second will be up Oracle with regroup on Wilde's Rd., the third will be climbing the "wall" with a regroup at the top of the hill. The fourth will be downhill on Saddlebrook Blvd with regroup on Eagle Crest Ranch Blvd. Then we will stick together until we are on Rancho Vistoso. The fifth will be up Rancho Vistoso with regroup at Sun City Blvd. After that we will stay together until the end. Other than these dedicated ride-at-your-own pace with their regroup areas, we will all stick together.
If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link
What to Bring:
• Food & fluids for 3 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
• Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
• Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
• CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
• No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
If you are riding, I ask that you agree that:
• You will obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
• You are a representative of the greater cycling community and GABA and will therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
