Tag Archives: road

Valley of the Sun Stage Race

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32nd Annual John Earley Memorial

February 16 – 18, 2024

New Time Trial
Friday – Feb 16th
24001 S Rainbow Valley Rd
Buckeye, AZ 85326
35+ Miles, 45 minutes from Phoenix
7:00 AM

Road Race
Saturday, Feb 17th
I-10 South of Phoenix
Exit 185 (SR 187/387)
AZ-387 & Tamarack Way
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
35 Miles, 35 minutes from
Tempe

Criterium

Sunday, Feb 18th
1900 W Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Parking @ 19th AVE
and Jefferson

The Annual Valley of the Sun Stage Race takes place in February each year in the greater Phoenix area. The Valley of the Sun bicycle race is a three-day USA Cycling event in which professional and amateur road racing cyclists compete in different categories for cash and non-cash prizes. A stage is held each day, with riders in each category competing for a stage victory and also for their category’s overall ‘General Classification race win by having the lowest cumulative time for all three stages. The stages include the Landis Cyclery – Trek Individual Time Trial on Friday, the Safeco Insurance, Parrish Agency, Road Race on Saturday, and the exciting Hiser Joy criterium on Sunday in downtown Phoenix. There are over 700 participants in 25 categories of professional and amateur riders, both men and women, ages 10 to over 60, all competing for their portion of a $20,000 cash purse.

Recognized by USA Cycling as one of the premier road cycling events in the Southwest, The Valley of the Sun Stage Race is the first event of the annual American Road Calendar. The American Road Calendar highlights top events in the U.S. for riders across various categories to put on their list of must-do events.

“The Valley of the Sun Stage Race has been a part of our Junior Development Series for many years. We are pleased to give them the recognition they deserve for providing a great experience for all categories of racers.”

Chuck Hodge, Chief of Racing and Events, USA Cycling

For the tenth year, VOS will include a Hand Cycle category. The Paralyzed Veterans Racing Team, along with the Free Wheel Foundation have been key supporters helping to drive the success of this new event. Darol Kubacz of the PVRT had this to say about VOS: “What VOS offers for the athletes is outstanding – above and beyond what most cycling events around the country have been able to offer “adapted” cyclist. I have great confidence in this event being a great experience for the beginner and advanced racer!”

Along with the three days of racing, there are events on Sunday for children under the age of 12, including a kid’s bicycle race. A portion of the proceeds from the race are donated to the SAFE KIDS Coalition of Maricopa County and the Phoenix Police Department to support child helmet safety awareness.

The Valley of the Sun Stage Race is put on by the White Mountain Road Club, and is one of the largest bicycle races in the nation. Race promoter, Brian Lemke, had this to say about the race: “It is a great opportunity for cyclists of all ages and categories to brush shoulders and race on the same course as many of the top professional and amateur riders in America.”

Several local businesses help to support the race through sponsorship of the White Mountain Road Club, including Landis Cyclery, Trek Bikes, Hiser  Joy P.L.C.,  and Tri-City Cardiology.

GABA – Wednesday Loop Ride-St. Phillips B/1/55

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Wednesday Loop Ride-St. Phillips B/1/55

Details

Ride Description:
This full Loop ride will be clockwise with at Decibel Coffee House at the 35-mile point. We will be treated to views of four different mountain ranges as well as the Tucson skyline along the way.

This ride will start near Ren Coffee House in St. Phillips Plaza.

As a GABA Training ride, stops will be about every ten miles for a few minutes. If you are further off the pace than that allows, you may navigate to the coffee shop or finish. This ride is about gaining some fitness, and of course spending time with new and old friends.

Notes:
Start Time: Arrive by 7:45 AM for sign-in, meeting others, and overview. Wheels rolling by 8:00 AM.
Final rolling average- 17+ mph. Rolling speeds may be higher.
Terrain: Relatively flat bike paths, and climbs on open roads.
Total Elevation Gain: 960 ft.
Traffic: Special attention is required along Ajo and Benson Highway
Ride Type: Training
Parking: Ample parking on the south side of St. Phillips Plaza.
Group size: 12 riders

Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine (781) 367-8643. If you are running late, give me a call.

Ride with GPS Route
Please be responsible for your own navigation.

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. If not, please consider joining at www.bikegaba.org. Bring food & fluids for 4 hours. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged on The Loop. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. This ride is unsupported. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Ride Codes:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph

Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

GABA – OFF THE GRID: Tubac C+,B-/2/44

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OFF THE GRID: Tubac C+,B-/2/44

Details

Ride Description:
This ride takes us from Pousada Java in Green Valley to the Tubac Deli which offers some of the best baked goods in southern Arizona. We will mostly be using frontage roads and will make last minute modifications to accommodate the ever changing Border Patrol checkpoints.

There will be time in Tubac to wader around and take in some of the sights. Upon our return to Green Valley we can have lunch on the patio of Pousada Java. Normally we have a tailwind on the return. Fingers crossed!

As a GABA trainibb ride, the only regrouping will be at the Tubac Deli.

Additonal Notes:
Ride Type: Training
Pace: Final rolling average 15-17 mph.
Terrain: Just gradual hills
Total Elevation Gain: 1500 ft.
Traffic: Frontage roads with some vehicles moving at up to 60 mph.
Start Time: Arrive by 7:45 AM for sign-in and route rap. Wheels rolling by 8:00 AM. sharp.
Group size: This ride will be limited to twelve riders.

Route: Tubac from Green Valley
We ask everyone to be responsible for their own navigation.

Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine @ (781) 367-8643. If you are running late, give me a call.

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. If you are not a member, please consider joining at www.bikegaba.org. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well

Ride Codes:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph

Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

GABA – OFF THE GRID: Big Square Metric B-/4/61

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OFF THE GRID: Big Square Metric B-/4/61

Details

Ride Description:
This spectacular ride includes the climb over Picture Rocks Pass, a gigantic square on the west side of the Tucson Mountains, a traverse across Saguaro National Park West, and a climb over Gates Pass. Whew!

The scenery on this ride is off-the-charts gorgeous as we get a first hand look at the Tucson Mountains, cotton fields. and the National Park.

This ride features 2,000 feet of climbing, some of it steep. ! It is not easy. There are limited support services on the route so bring enough water for at least three hours plus extra tubes.

As a GABA Training ride, re-groupings may be as much as ten miles apart and only for a few minutes. If you are farther off the pace than that, please navigate to the Felize Paseo Park or to the finish at Camino de Cerro.

Notes:
Start Time: 7:45 AM sign-in. Wheels rolling 8:00 AM.
Ride Type: Training
Final Average: 17+mph, rolling speeds can be higher.
Terrain: Significant climbing-Picture Rocks Pass, Gates Pass. Some rough roads are likely out west.
Total Elevation Gain: 2200 ft.
Traffic: We will be riding on streets and bike paths. Very little shoulder on Gates Pass. Fast traffic. on Picture Rocks Pass.
Support: This ride is unsupported.
Meeting Spot: Feliz Paseos Park See map.
Group size: This ride will be limited to ten riders.

Big Square Route
Please be responsible for your own navigation.

Participation rules: Your GABA membership must be current. If you are not a member, please consider joining at https://www.bikegaba.org/ . Helmets are mandatory. Rear flashing lights are recommended. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Ride Code:
• B- 16-18 final average.

Terrain Code:
• 4-Long Climbs

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.
CyclingBicyclingBicycling BeginnersRoad Cycling

GABA- OFF THE GRID: Parker Canyon Lake B-/3/61

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OFF THE GRID: Parker Canyon Lake B-/3/61

Details

Ride Description:
This may be our most scenic 100k ride. It takes us through Elgin wine country east of Sonoita, past cattle ranches, to the lush Canelo Valley, and finally to Paker Canyon Lake. We will enjoy spectacular views of the grasslands, the Mustang Mountains, and the Huachuca Mountains.

Once at the lake we will take a leisurely break for refreshments. There is a convenience store there where you may buy snacks and water. If the weather allows, we will have lunch on the patio of Copper Brothel after the ride.

This ride features endless rolling hills and 4,000 feet of climbing! It is not easy. There are no support services on the route so bring enough water for at least three hours and extra tubes.

“Off The Grid” rides are intended to get you out of the Metro area and try something new. As a GABA Training ride, regroupings may be as much as ten miles apart and only for a few minutes. If you are farther off the pace than that, please navigate to the Lake or to the finish in Sonoita.

Additonal Notes:
Ride Type: Training
Pace: Final rolling average 17+ mph.
Terrain: There are plenty of hills with gradual climbs of up to 5 miles, and shorter steeper hills typically of a mile or less.
Total Elevation Gain: 3958 ft.
Traffic: Country roads but with some vehicles moving at up to 50 mph.
Start Time: Arrive by 8:15 AM for sign-in and route rap. Wheels rolling by 8:30 AM. sharp.
Group size: This ride will be limited to twelve riders.

Route: Parker Canyon Lake
We ask everyone to be responsible for their own navigation.

Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine @ (781) 367-8643. If you are running late, give me a call.

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. If you are not a member, please consider joining at www.bikegaba.org. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well

Ride Codes:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph

Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

Epic GABA Century B-/2/102

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Epic GABA Century B-/2/102

Details

Ride Description:
This EPIC tour around the Tucson area takes us from the Camino del Cerro ball fields to Green Valley via bike paths and Mission Rd. Along the way we will see some impressive copper mines, pecan groves, and very few cars. While in Green Valley we will refuel at Posada Coffee.

From Green Valley we will head east up Sahuarita Rd, and north on Wilmot to The Loop for the final 33 miles. Usually we will have the wind at our backs for much of this section, and of course it is gradually downhill.

Please note that this ride is UNSUPPORTED and limited to 10 riders. We will make use of public bathrooms, convenience stores, and coffee shops. If you are looking to do a non-stop ride or are concerned about elapsed time, this ride is NOT for you.

Notes:
Start Time: 7:45 AM sign-in. Wheels rolling 8:00 AM SHARP.
Ride Type: Training
Pace: 17+ FINAL AVERAGE. Rolling speeds often higher.
Terrain: Flat bike paths, rolling hills, and long climbs/descents.
Total Elevation Gain: 2500 ft.
Traffic: Special caution in Green Valley area
Support: This ride is unsupported.
Regrouping: Four places including Dunkin, Pousada Java, Kolb bathroom

Ride Leader: Dave McElwaine 781-367-8643

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41352341

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. If not, please consider joining at www.bikegaba.org. Bring food & fluids for 3 hours. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged on The Loop. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. This ride is unsupported. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Meeting Spot: Camino del Cerro ball fields

Ride Code:
• B- 16-17 final average.

Terrain Code:
• 2-moderate hills

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

Saguaro East AND Pistol Hill B/3/48

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Saguaro East AND Pistol Hill B/3/48

Details

Ride Description:
This scenic ride includes a loop around Saguaro East National Park, a trip along the Rincon Mountain Range, and the gradual 8-mile climb up Pistol Hill. This time we will be doing the lollipop counter-clockwise.

We will depart from our usual spot on Nexis and travel down the bike path to Kenyon and join Old Spanish Trail. After the loop at SNPE we will continue south on Old Spanish Trail to reach Pistol Hill.

We will regroup about every ten miles for about five minutes. This ride is about gaining some fitness, and of course spending time with new and old friends. It will be limited to twelve persons.

Refreshments after the ride at Pour my Coffee (in the same parking lot).

Notes:
Start Time: Arrive by 8:45 AM for sign-in, meeting others, and overview. Wheels rolling by 9:00 AM.
Final rolling average- 17+ mph
Terrain: Relatively flat bike paths, one long climb up Pistol Hill
Total Elevation Gain: 2100 ft.
Traffic: Special attention on Old Spanish Trail.
Ride Type: Training/ Limited regrouping
Parking: Ample parking at Safeway parking lot.

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership should be current. If not, please consider joining at www.bikegaba.org. Bring food & fluids for 3 hours. Front and back flashing lights are encouraged on The Loop. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. This ride is unsupported. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine (781) 367-8643. If you are running late, give me a call.

Route: Please be responsible for your own navigation.
Saguaro and Pistol Hill

Ride Codes:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph

Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

Eclectic Arivaca: C,C+,B/3/48.5

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Eclectic Arivaca: C,C+,B/3/48.5

Details

Ride Description:
This magical ride travels from Amado to Aravaca and back. The rolling hills offer unparalleled vistas of several mountain ranges, cattle country, and the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Sanctuary. Aravaca is an eclectic small town, population of 600, made up of artists, retirees, former hippies, ranchers, and folks just wanting to live off the grid.

We will stop halfway at the Aravaca Mercantile store, where water and food can be purchased. We will then make our way to some picnic tables at the entrance to the Sanctuary just down the road.

Amado is about 35 minutes south of Tucson and although we have an early start, it is well worth the drive.

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership must be current. Bring food & fluids for 4 hours. Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. No ear buds. This ride is unsupported. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Notes:
*Arrive by 8:45 AM for sign-in and route rap. Wheels rolling by 9:00 AM.
*Pace: 14-17 mph expected final average.
*Terrain: Hilly country roads.
*Total Elevation Gain: 2125 ft. The outbound route generally is gradually uphill, while the return is mostly downhill.
*Traffic: Light.
*Ride Type: Social/Re-group at Arivaca.
*Parking: Ample parking at Longhorn Grill. Be sure not to block the restaurant.
Ride Coordinator: Dave McElwaine @ (781) 367-8643.

Amado to Arrivaca Route

Ride Codes:
• B 16-18 mph
• C+ 14-16 mph
• C 12-14 mph

Terrain Codes:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.

TNT Tour B+ – C+/4& 2/232 Miles (3 Days)

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TNT Tour B+ - C+/4& 2/232 Miles (3 Days)

Details

TNT is a limited Tour of Southern Az. It involves 3 days, fantastic scenery, climbing, lakes, country school, old mining town, and Spanish Missions. If you don’t want the crowds at Tour de Zona come out for this quaint 10 – 15 riders on a semi-supported ride! It leavers Tucson at Casino del Sol travels South to the border town of Nogales. Day 1 will be in Amado or Tubac depending on your taste($$$$) and availability. Day #2 will take in 2 of Southern Arizona Lakes. More beautiful scenery and yes climbing! Night #2 is in Nogales at Mariposa center with several hotel options. Day #3 will be heading back to Tucson with a lot of flat!! A ride through the mines in Green Valley and of course finish it off with San Xavier Mission. See you at the Casino for lunch!!! More details once it gets closer but remember this is VERY LIMITED

TNT 3 day Tour

Easiest Metric Century Ever! C,B,A/1/63

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Easiest Metric Century Ever! C,B,A/1/63

Details

Ride Description:
If riding a metric century (63 miles) has been on your bucket list, it is time to check that box. This ride allows riders to do three 21-mile “laps” on quiet bike paths with excellent pavement. We will ride from Augie Acuna Los Ninos Park to Houghton Rd. and back for each “lap”. It is gradually uphill going out and gradually downhill coming back.

This ride can be ridden in small groups or individually. It is not a “regroup” ride. In between laps you will have access to your car for food, water, and clothing adjustments. There are also bathrooms and water available at the Park.

Notes:
Start Time: 8:45 AM sign-in. Wheels rolling 9:00 AM.
Ride Type: Training. No regrouping.
Final Average: 12-18 mph
Terrain: Slightly uphill to Hougton, slightly down hill to Los Ninos Park.
Total Elevation Gain: 1341 ft.
Traffic: None except street crossings.
Support: This ride is unsupported.
Meeting Spot: Augie Acuna Los Ninos Parking Lot See photo and map.

Los Ninos Metric Loop

Participation rules:
Your GABA membership must be current. If you are not a member, please consider joining at https://www.bikegaba.org/ . Helmets are mandatory. No ear buds. Rear flashing lights are recommended. Please obey traffic laws and represent GABA well.

Ride Code:
• A 20+ mph
• B+ 18-20 mph
• B 16-18 mph
• C+ 14-16 mph
• C 12-14 mph
Terrain Code:
• 1 Flat
• 2 Minor Hills
• 3 Moderate Hills
• 4 Long Climbs or Very Steep

COVID-19 safety measures

COVID-19 vaccination required
Event will be outdoor
The event host is instituting the above safety measures for this event. Meetup is not responsible for ensuring, and will not independently verify, that these precautions are followed.