Monthly Archives: August 2018

Ride list for the week of August 17, 2018

It’s that time of the year that the ride options start to increase. Many of the charities that El Tour benefit have training rides. This week, Tu Nidito has it’s first ride. It will leave from 3922 N. Mountain Ave at 6AM.

Have you heard about the 110 Acres Bike Park? There is a public open house at Yellow Brick Coffee, 3220 S. Dodge Blvd, August 18 at 9AM. Yellow Brick is not far from Aviation Bike Path and might be a good ride to coffee and learn about this incredible project.

Ladies – WTF (woman, trans, femme), Want to know how to fix your own bike or maybe just change a flat tire? Roadrunner Bicycles is offering bike stands, tools and Professional mechanic help from Deidra Bustos for FREE to anyone who identifies as a individual WTF (woman, trans, femme). Bring your bike or bike related questions to Roadrunner’s monthly Bike Mechanic skills night and get schooled on everything bike. This is a monthly event and the next one is August 26 from 5-7PM.

Damion

I DID NOT CONFIRM EVERY TIME, but did get in touch with most of the ride leaders and shops.  You should always verify times before you head out and remember these ride times are when the ride leaves.  Please show up as early as needed to make sure you are ready to roll out at the time posted.

REOCCURRING WEEKLY RIDES

What Where When Distance/Time Speed Contact
 
U of A Cycling Monday Mosey Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Monday

6:00AM

1-1.5 hours Max 20 miles How fast can a mosey be? http://uacycling.com/

 

 

Ben’s Bike MTB Meet at shop Monday

6:00 PM

1-2 hours Easy, fun, social Ben’s Bikes

ben@bensbikestucson.com

The Bicycle Loop Ride Udall Park

7290 E. Tanque Verde,

Monday

6:30 AM

15-16 54 miles http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
Monday Night Mash 12.14 Diamondback Bridge in Ironhorse Park on the Aviation Bikeway Monday

7:15pm

15-25 miles Social regroups https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147259775287516/
 
Hills, Hills Hills Bashas Kolb/Sunrise Tuesday

5:30AM

20 miles

About an hour

12-14

HILLS

Damion Alexander

520-977-5664 text or call

VeloVets Sam Lena Park at Kino Sports center Tuesday 4:30pm

After3.1.1 5:30PM

Not that long. Just doing good helping out our Vets. Thanks for Serving! https://www.azvelovets.org/ azvelovets@gmail.com
Tuesday Fair Wheel Ride University/Euclid Tuesday

6:00AM

2.5 hours

40 miles

Fast www.Fairwheelbike.com
Tuesday Night Fast Fixed Ride Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Tuesday

6:30PM

Few Hours Varies Fast brownus_clarence@yahoo.com
Tuesday Night Ride Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Tuesday

8:30PM

12-18 miles Slow https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/
 
UA Cycling  Wed.Worlds Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Wed

6:00AM

40-60 miles   http://uacycling.com/
Mt. Lemmon University/Euclid Wed

6:00AM

55-60 Miles   www.Fairwheelbike.com
JKG DnA Easy Udall Parking Lot Wed

5:30AM

Udall-Mile post 3 on Lemmon Casual

No Drop

https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts
Julian Wash Out n Back Roy Schoonover Trail Head

7500 S. Kolb

Wed

4:30PM

10 10-no drop http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
Heavy Pedal Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Wed

7:00PM

Different route each week    
Transit to Dragoon, Third Wednesday Ride. Transit Cycles 100 S Avenida Del Convento, Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 5:30 A few miles No Drop https://www.facebook.com/pg/TransitCycles/events/?ref=page_internal
Wednesday Shredzday Sierra Vista 31.501495, -110.274078 Wed

6:00PM

10 miles   Sun & Spokes. 520.458.0685
Bike Polo UofA Mall Wed

8:00PM

    https://www.facebook.com/tucson.bikepolo?fref=ts
 
Up Oracle

Thursday

University and Euclid Thurs

6:00AM

  Fast www.Fairwheelbike.com
Hills, hills, hills Bashas Kolb/Sunrise Thurs

5:30AM

20 miles 12-14(but Hills) Damion Alexander

977-5664

Performance Speedeway Women’s ride Changes- Call shop to find out Thursday

9:00AM

changes Told it’s mellow Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

Thursdays are for wheel People AJ’s

Sunrise/Campbell

Thursday

8:00AM

45 miles 18 plus timcarolan@mac.com

548-3624

U of A Cycling Thursday Thrill Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Thurs

6:00AM

1-1.5 hours Max 20 miles Easy Ride http://uacycling.com/
The JKG Flagship ride Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

Thurs

5:30AM

Le Buzz to Molina Basin Hammer fest JKG Strava on Facebook
Tasty Chipolte Night Ride Sierra Vista

Chipotle  6 or circle K at 6:30

Thursday

6:30 PM

Circle K on BST

16  miles No drop Sun & Spokes. 520.458.0685

Mrk.lapaglia@gmail.com

Performance Speedway 3302 E. Speedway Blvd Thursday

8PM

20-25 miles 20 Plus Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

 
U OF A Cycling  Friday Freewheelin Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Friday

6:00AM

2 hours

30-40 miles

Team Time Trial Practice http://uacycling.com/
Homestretch Foundation Spin with the Stretchies Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

On vacation for the summer 75-90 minutes Recovery ride https://www.facebook.com/HomestretchFoundation/?pnref=story
 
Tucson Endurance Performance Center 4811 E Grant Rd, Suite 147,

 

Saturday 6:00 AM A Ride 50 Miles

B Ride 30 Miles

? https://www.facebook.com/events/247816905775552/
Bicycle Ranch Tucson Group Bicycle Ranch at Oracle and Ina

 

Saturday 6:00AM

 

53 (shorter option of 38 as well) miles 17-20

MPH

Free Breakfast after ride

Steve 520-219-4311

The

Old  Man Shootout

University and

Euclid

Saturday 5:45 AM

 

60 Mile (can be extended to 100) Fast

20 MPH+

www.fairwheelbikes.com
The Big Boy Shootout University and

Euclid

Saturday 6:00AM 60 Miles(can be extended to 100) Faster www.fairwheelbikes.com
HMS Shop Ride 8225 N. Courtney Page Way Saturday 7:00AM 4 routes 25-30 Miles No Drop hmsbikes@gmail.com 520-989-0196
Performance Speedway Shop Ride 3302 E. Speedway Blvd Saturday 7:00AM 15-20 miles 12-15

No drop

Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

Performance Broadway Shop Ride 7204 e Broadway Saturday 7:00AM 10-15 miles beginner 12-15

No drop

pbs054@performanceinc.com

520-296-4715

Zona Cycling

First of the Month Mt Lemmon Ride

Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

1st Saturday 7:30AM As far as you can get Until you turn around https://www.facebook.com/Zona-Cycling-186457201423794/
Zona Cycling

 

El Con by the Starbucks . 2nd, 3rd, 4th,5th,

Saturday 7:30AM

65 miles 16-18 https://www.facebook.com/Zona-Cycling-186457201423794/
Broadway Bicycles Shop Ride Various Routes

Call Scott

Saturday 8:00AM     Scott 296-7819
Miles Ahead Shop Ride I’m sad to say that Miles Ahead has closed and one of the best shop rides in Tucson is no more.  If you are interested in starting a Pistol Hill Ride Every week, please let me know so I can put it here.  I know there is an interest, we just need someone to step up.  Thanks Geoff for having such a great ride.  You and Miles Ahead will be missed.
Ben’s Bike Ride At Ben’s bike

7431 Houghton

Saturday

8:00AM

6-10 miles Easy www.bensbikestucson.com

520-574-2453

           
Sabino Cycle Shop Ride Varies- email Steve  to be on the list Saturday 6:00AM   No Drop steve@sabinocycles.com

 

 
Performance Speedway Shop Ride 3302 E. Speedway Blvd Sunday

7:00AM

30-35 miles 12-15 Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

Super Sunday Bike Ride at Trek

.

Trek Bikes at Campbell and Ft. Lowell 1st Sunday of each month 90-120 Minutes No Drop Misty Burch dr.mistyburch@gmail.com
 
           
Ben’s Bikes At Ben’s bike

7431 Houghton

Sunday 8AM 35-40 17-20 www.bensbikestucson.com

520-574-2453

 

THIS WEEKS ROAD RIDES

PLEASE NOTE- Category below just for Mountain Bikes

What Location Date/Time Distance Speed Contact- More Info
Tucson’s Birthday Bike Ride 2820 S. 12th Ave 8.18.18 6PM 3.1 miles Slow cruise https://www.facebook.com/events/503629293425165/
Tu Nidito Training Ride 3922 N. Mountain Ave. 8.19.18 6AM 28 and 35 miles 13-15 and 17-19 https://www.facebook.com/events/400676137006613/
Monday Mosey Bike Ride! Roadrunner Bicycles

6177 E Broadway

2.20.18 Ride to coffee 10-15MPH https://www.facebook.com/events/2048044645450167/
Check out these pages for unique weekly rides . Cactus Cycling   http://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association GABA- http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/

 

 

THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES  ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^

What Location Date

Time

Time  Distance Speed Contact- More Info
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists(SDMB)  and Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA Tucson off-road Cyclists and Activists.  (TORCA) have a calendars. Check them out  at.

SAMBA http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association/events/

SDMB http://www.sdmb.org/events/

TORCA http://torca.org/calendar/

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH SOMETHING BIKE RELATED AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

What Location Date Contact- More Info
Introduction to trail tools, uses and maintenance techniques REI (Tucson, AZ)

160 W Wetmore Rd, Tucson, Arizona 85705

September 4, 2018 6:30-8:00PM https://www.facebook.com/events/461303134344709/
8 Week Plan to Grind Lemmon p/b Tenac Championship Coaching Catalina Brewing Company

6918 N. Camino Martin, #120,

August 28, 6-7 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/2046495535381724/
Bicycle Art Auction At CBC Catalina Brewing Company August 30, 2018

6-9PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/1335762299888852/
GABA Volunteer Opportunity Year Round Opportunities to give back to the community. Check out the link to the right. ————-à http://gaba.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=2664&club_id=307669&sl=745000180

 

RACES AND RIDES IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME

What Location Date Contact- More Info
Arizona State TEAM Time Trial Championships Picacho Peak Pichao August 18, 2018 https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-2402
El Tours Loop the Loop The Loop, Tucson September 15, 2018 http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/loop-the-loop/
12 Hours Of Albuquerque and MTB Fest Tijeras, NM TBD – Traditionally late September http://ziarides.com/event-register/12-hours-of-albuquerque-and-mtb-fest/
Man vs Machine Williams, AZ TBD – Traditionally late September http://www.grandcanyonracing.com/
Tour de Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ October 7, 2018 https://www.tourdescottsdale.net/
AZ CROSS Globe Globe, AZ October 13, 2018 https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-2091
Gila Monster Gran Fondo Silver City, NM October 13, 2018 http://tourofthegila.com/gran-fondo/
Tour of the White Mountains Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ October 13, 2018 https://epicrides.com/events/tour-of-the-white-mountains/event-guide/
TORCA Pachanga Tucson, AZ October 19-21, 2018 https://torca.org/2018-pachanga/
Arizona Bicycle Classic Payson, AZ October 20, 2018 http://www.arizonabicycleclassic.com/
Mt Lemmon Gravel Grinder Oracle, AZ October 27, 2018 https://www.americanbunnyhop.com/bike-course.html
Presott 6’er Prescott, AZ October 27, 2018 https://www.prescott6er.com/
AZ CROSS Series SEDONA Sedona, AZ October 27, 2018 https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-1182
Barn Burner Flagstaff, AZ September 8, 2018 http://www.barnburnermtb.com/
Loop the Loop Tucson, AZ September 15, 2018 http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/loop-the-loop/
The Showdown at Usery Pass Phoenix, AZ November 3, 2018 http://www.mesabikerace.net/
AZ CROSS Series Mother’s Nature Gilbert, AZ November 10,  18 https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-1206
El Tour De Tucson Tucson, AZ November 17, 2018 http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/
AZ CROSS Series Horse Lovers Phoenix, AZ November 24, 18 https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-1183
Dawn to Dusk – Arizona Phoenix, AZ December 8, 2018 http://ziarides.com/event-register/dawn-dusk-arizona/
GABA Toy Ride Tucson, AZ TBD- Likely the 8th  
AZ Cross Series Championship Gilbert, AZ December 15, 2018 https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-1187
24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Tucson, AZ February 15-17, 2019 https://epicrides.com/events/24-hours-in-the-old-pueblo/event-guide/
White Tank Grinder Buckeye, AZ February 23, 2019 https://whitetankgrinder.com/
Cyclovia Tucson, AZ April 8, 2019 https://www.cycloviatucson.org/

 

 

 

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED.  Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved in the Velodrome Committee, CASA- Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona, GABA – Greater Arizona Bicycle Association, SDMB -Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike, TORCA – Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child, Tour De Cure with The American Diabetes Association….  Added bonus, I’ll be there and the pictures are free;-)

RIDE AND EVENT DISCLAIMER

These rides are not mine.  I am only sharing the data.  The Damion Alexander Team  cannot guarantee anybody’s safety.  There are unknown and unforeseen potential hazards in every ride so you should  pay attention and take reasonable precautions.  I always use a helmet.  I think that Helmets are required when riding.  If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in the right ear and keep the headset out of the left ear. Better yet, buy a FarEnd Gear earbud.  Communication is essential during all rides and having the ability to hear is a part of your responsibility to others.  Please also ride within your limitations. You are  not racing the Tour de France.  If you see someone  that is  not riding within their limitations or are becoming a hazard to others we should politely bring this to their your attention  Dothis for your and everybody’s safety.

Also, it is everybody’s responsibility to follow all traffic laws.  We are not lemmings.  Just because somebody does something foolish does not mean you need to follow.  Use your head and enjoy your ride.

 

THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM, DAMION ALEXANDER, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS LIST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT OCCURS ON THSES RIDES.  EVERY PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AROUND THEM

 

WHERE DO ALL THE RIDES COME FROM?  These links and shops and clubs and teams and facebook and YOU.  See a ride that is missing.  Please let me know  Damion@DamionAlexadner.com.  Thanks

Road

*Vistoso Cyclist http://vistosocyclists.weebly.com/road-biking.html

Cactus Cycling http://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association GABA-  http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/203149392/

*Tucson Tri Girls https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttgandfriends/   http://www.tucsontrigirls.org/index.php/calendar

Zona Cyclist https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zona-Cycling/186457201423794

JKG Strava – https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts

U of A Cycling http://uacycling.com/

Velo Vets  Phonehttp://www.azvelovets.org/: 520-465-5186

Tuesday Night Ride https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/

Bicycle Commuters of Tucson https://www.facebook.com/groups/160142187481277/

Mountain Bike

Tucson Offroad Cyclists and Activists TORCA http://torca.org/   www.facebook.com/events/

Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists  https://www.facebook.com/SDMB.org   http://www.sdmb.org

Tucson Mountain Bike Addicts https://www.facebook.com/TucsonMTBAddicts \

Our MTB Rides – Dave Slagle Slaglesphone@live.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourmtbrides/385655391621830/?notif_t=group_activity

Old Pueblo Mountain Bike – Todd Rasmussen 520-256-1340   https://www.facebook.com/groups/203787656312279/?fref=ts

RBAR – Jesus Friaa 520-271-3776

 

Shop Rides

Performance Bicycles Speedway Tucson – Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎ http://www.meetup.com/Performance-Speedway-MeetNRide/events/

Performance Bicycles Broadway –  pbs054@performanceinc.com 520-296-4715

Fairwheel Bikes https://fairwheelbikes.com/tucson-arizona-location-ezp-1.html#rides  (520) 884-9018

Grasky Endurance Coaching  www.graskyendurance.com/weekly-workouts.html

Broadway Bicycles

Bicycle Ranch Tucson – http://bicycleranch.com/tucson-rides/ (  520-219-4311

Ben’s Bikes http://www.bensbikestucson.com/  520-574-2453

Recumbent

Tucson Recumbent Cyclists  https://www.facebook.com/groups/TucsonRC/?fref=ts

 

This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together.  All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR.  If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships.  However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind.  Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call.  My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends.  The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community.  For example: this list.

THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AT A COURTESY OF THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM.  THIS LIST IS DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED.  WHEN POSSIBLE, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE GROUP RIDERS ARE PROVIDED.  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DOUBLE CHECK OR GO TO THE RIDE AND IF NO ONE IS THERE, GO RIDE BY YOURSELF.

Why You Should Ride in Local events like El Tour

Are you ready to ride?

This November, Tucson will be hosting the 36th installment of El Tour.  I frequently hear from cyclists who don’t ride that the El Tour de Tucson just costs too much money.

I get it!

I get that it can be really challenging to pay someone else simply to ride my bike in my home town.  With all the other expenses in life, some days it is challenging enough just to keep my bikes maintained – a few hundred dollars for one day of cycling is difficult to justify.  I don’t need a medallion.  I don’t need SAG stops.  I just want to ride my bike.

But, I LOVE El Tour and I can’t imagine a year not riding in it.

Tucson has been receiving phenomenal recognition locally and nationally as a cycling destination.  Just last month, BizTucson’s cover page, as well as over 20 pages of content, focused on cycling.  Bicycle Magazine, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Forbes and many other national publications have all ranked Tucson amongst the best cycling communities in the nation.  The League of American Bicycles recognized Tucson as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community.  El Tour is just one component of cycling that has lead to Tucson’s growing fame – the Loop, Mt. Lemmon, the mountain biking trails, the city bike lanes, government support, and amazing cyclists are all part of our success.

Without question, El Tour has lead the way in getting more people on bikes in Tucson than perhaps any other individual factor.  For me, my time on the road bike is directly connected to the desire to ride in El Tour again and again.  As a high schooler, I remember the first time I saw the ride go past.  It was AWESOME! I thought that someday I would like to try the ride.  It took being a spectator for nearly 20 years before I finally rode in my first El Tour – I have not missed a single year since.

Now I am looking at riding in El Tour from a different perspective – that of both a cycling advocate and a community philanthropist.  While the entry is expensive, your entry fee isn’t just paying for closed streets, SAG support, and a finisher’s medallion, it is supporting a Tucson cycling institution, bringing more attention to bikes, and raising desperately needed funds for local and national charities.  El Tour riders have engaged our elected officials, business leaders, and tourism, have raised tens of millions for local charities and tax revenue for local businesses, introduced people to Tucson and put us on the world map.  El Tour is a sustainable concept where increased rider numbers encourages better cycling facilities in our community.  More routes mean more revenue for all businesses, more tax dollars, more money for roads and trails, and more cycling infrastructure for all of us.

I believe El Tour has been a central component in Tucson being so highly ranked nationally – the event is working for all of Southern Arizona.  Unfortunately, putting on rides like El Tour is becoming more and more challenging.  Everything costs the promoters – from police, and barricades, to insurance premiums and staff, there are hundreds of needs and expenses.  The Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, who puts on El Tour, is not getting rich – PBAA is just barely surviving each year and the future of our El Tour is questionable.

I write this, to ask you reconsider riding in El Tour this year.  Your entry fee isn’t about a one day ride – your entry fee is about  supporting and fueling cycling in the Greater Tucson area.  Your fee is bringing recognition within Tucson that we ARE a cycling community.  Your fee is about the other 364 days of riding in Tucson and ensuring that this golden age of cycling becomes the platinum age both locally and nationally.

I spent the better part of a decade climbing out of debt.  I understand if you just don’t have the money to justify an El Tour entry.  Between paying for medical bills, feeding your family, paying your mortgage, you, like I, sometimes can simply not in good conscience justify paying anything to ride in local community events.  There is another way.  If your situation is like mine was those years ago when I longed to be an El Tour rider, then please consider riding for one of over 30 local charities El Tour supports.  Find a charity that supports a cause for which you have a passion and ride in their name.  In raising funds, you get a FREE entrance into El Tour.  By doing so, you can ride in this amazing event, support two charities, and guarantee the future of El Tour.