I have been in Tucson for over 25 years. Many times over that time I had had a feeling like there is nothing to do and we do live in the sticks. However, since finding the bike, this has all changed. Now the challenge is, what will I need to give up this weekend because there are so many fun events on the agenda.
This dilemma was on my mind today as I was looking forward to the weekend of November 9th and 10th. It is weeks away and I have not yet received my invitation for social rides and already have 5 “Must do” rides. Looking at the race calendar for the next 5 months, this is a typical weekend. What a great time to live and be a cyclist in Southern Arizona.
As an example, here are a few of the group ride options on the weekend of November 9th and 10th.
1-The Shootout. Only the best group road ride/race in the country. Since this is a weekly event, I decided this was an easy one to eliminate, but always fun and big the weeks leading up to El Tour.
2-Agua Caliente Enduro. Race from the summit of Agua Caliente over three punishing, high-speed EXTREMELY technical stages. You will earn your turn by way of a untimed, but very punishing push up an entire mountain. No entry fee. No prizes. Self-supported backcountry racing rules and guidelines apply. Limited to 75 entrants. This looks like fun. I want, I really want!
3- Cyclo cross returns to Tucson. Saturday and Sunday November 9-10 STORM THE BEACH brought to you by U of AZ Cycling – Christopher Columbus Park Tucson, Last year I rode a New Belgium cruiser and was told if I was lapped they were pulling me. I finished the race. The thought of doing cyclo cross on a more appropriate stead has me excited and this is where I’ll be Saturday Morning. Also, as El Grupo will have the high school kids at the NICA race, I’ll be there to coach the younger athletes.
4-It’s not in Tucson, but the 4th and final race of the NICA High School League is Sunday the 10th.. My boy is racing. El Grupo is racing. However, it is not local and I’ve spent many a weekend on the road away from the rest of the family. I have a calling to go, but think I’m letting it go to voicemail.
5- Here it comes again…riding down a Bunny Trail. Dirty Bunny (metric) Century. Sunday, Nov.10th. A Afat tire race at Fantasy Island where the entry fee is a 6 pack of craft beer and I personally know 40 plus of the 50 rider field. I’m told I get a special bejeweled number plate as the official photographer. You can guess my choice of ride for the 10th!