Tag Archives: Southern Arizona

GABA – OFF THE GRID: Tubac C+,B-/2/44

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: Parker Canyon Lake B-/3/61

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.

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

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)

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

What is BikePilgrim.com

For some time I have considered writing a blog, but have found that Facebook was adequate for telling the story I wanted to share and easy to use. Most of this tale has been told with Photos and The Damion Alexander Team Page has over 10,000 images in over 100 albums. Most of my narrative has been about the cycling community in Southern Arizona. Being a part of this community is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have discovered in life. Even though the page is mine, it is not really about me. It is about you. I love the diversity, the politics, the potential for what our community can be. Facebook has been a wonderful platform for sharing photos, but I am going to try and expand into more depth on many of the issues that I see are key to making Tucson a better cycling community.

Why call it BikePilgrim.com? Bike is exactly what it looks like. Most of this blog will deal with Bike related topics. Pilgrim is defined as a person who journeys, especially a long distance, to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion. That is a concise summary of what the bike is to me. There is no place I feel more connected to God and the Universe than on a bicycle. Many friends have said on many a Sunday ride that they are in their church. I choose to attend that Church daily.
I’m hoping that many of my riding buddies will contribute to the blog with both ideas and comments. I expect it will be a little raw at first, but look forward to polishing it as we go.