It’s Mountain Bike season in the Old Pueblo as many people are gearing up for the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. Need wood for your camp site? I had to take down a eucalyptus tree last year and have seasoned wood. If you need some, feel free to drop me a line.
I said this in the last ride list, but feel compelled to restate it. I’m reticent about putting out the ride list with COVID on the rise, but feel it’s your choice if you want to be in a group. I do hope that those who are feeling any symptoms avoid groups and if the ride heads inside for beverages you respect social distancing and local laws on masks.
In creating this list I’m amazed how many rides are still not happening. Others are back, but have asked not to publicly share at this time. I’m sure I’m missing some rides and events, so please text me at 520-977-5664 or email Damion@DamionAlexander.com if you know of something that should be on this list. I’m sure with each week the list will be enhanced.
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.
REOCCURING WEEKLY RIDES
| What | Where | When | Distance/Time | Speed | Contact |
| CHECK OUT THESE CALANDERS FOR MORE UP TO DATE RIDES. https://cactuscycling.org/schedule.php https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events | |||||
| Ben’s Bikes MTB Night Ride | Alternates between Ben’s Bike the Vail Trails | Monday 6:30PM | 2 hours no drop 12-15 miles | www.bensbikestucson.com 520-574-2453 | |
| Hills, Hills Hills | Bashas Kolb/Sunrise | Tuesday 6:00AM | 20 miles About an hour | 12-14 HILLS | Damion Alexander 520-977-5664 text or call |
| Tuesday Fair Wheel Ride | University/Euclid | Tuesday 7:30AM | 2.5 hours 40 miles | Fast | www.Fairwheelbike.com |
| Tuesday Night Ride | Flagpole – West Side of Old Main | Tuesday 8:30PM | 12-18 miles | Slow | https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/ |
| 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 |
| 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 Cherokee Parking Lot | Wed 7:00PM | 10 miles | Sun & Spokes. 520.458.0685 https://sunnspokes.com/ Awesome Site for local routes! | |
| Bike Polo | U of A Mall closer to Campbell | Wed 8:00PM | https://www.facebook.com/tucson.bikepolo?fref=ts | ||
| Up Oracle Thursday | University and Euclid | Thurs 7:30AM | Fast | www.Fairwheelbike.com | |
| Hills, hills, hills | Bashas Kolb/Sunrise | Thurs 6:00AM | 20 miles | 12-14(but Hills) | Damion Alexander 520-977-5664 |
| Thursdays are for wheel People | AJ’s Sunrise/Campbell | Thursday 7:00AM | 45 miles | 18 plus | timcarolan@mac.com 520-548-3624 |
| 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 |
| Homestretch Foundation Spin with the Stretchies | Le Buzz 9121 E Tanque Verde Rd | Starting dec 3rd 10am | 75-90 minutes | Recovery ride | https://www.facebook.com/HomestretchFoundation/?pnref=story |
| Bicycle Ranch Tucson Group | Bicycle Ranch at Oracle and Ina | Saturday 7:00AM | 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 7:15 AM | 60 Mile (can be extended to 100) | Fast 20 MPH+ | www.fairwheelbikes.com |
| The Big Boy Shootout | University and Euclid | Saturday 7:30AM | 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 |
| 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 | On Hiatus | Scott 520-296-7819 | ||
| Sabino Cycle Shop Ride | Varies- email Steve to be on the list | Saturday 7:30AM | No Drop | steve@sabinocycles.com | |
| Super Sunday Bike Ride at Trek . | Trek Bikes at Campbell and Ft. Lowell | On Hiatus Sunday | 90-120 Minutes | No Drop |
THIS WEEKS ROAD RIDES
PLEASE NOTE- Category below just for Mountain Bikes
| What | Location | Date/Time | Distance | Speed | Contact- More Info |
| More Road rides next week. If you have a ride, text me at 520-977-5664 or email damion@damionalexander.com | |||||
| Cactus cycling and GABA have on-line ride calendars. Check them out for more 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 |
| – “Midday Mayhem Eastside” @ Vail Vortex | Pistol Hill | Hope Camp #OldPuebloMTB | Garigans Gulch X Camino Loma Alta | Saturday AT 10 AM – 12:30 PM SAT 1/15 | 2.5 hours | https://www.facebook.com/events/348480490613580 |
| “Midday Mayhem” #OldPuebloMTB | Mckenzie Ranch Trails | SUNDAY AT 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM SUN 1/16 – | Green / Blue – Pretty Easy Technically speaking – Mild to Mid grade grinding climbs with super fun fast flowy downhill) 1.5-2 hours | https://www.facebook.com/events/996019047994153 |
| – “Dirt Divas” @ Ironwood Loop in Tucson Mtn Park A Women Specific #OldPuebloMTB | Ironwood Picnic Area | MONDAY AT 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM MON 1/17 | 60-90 minutes A “Dirt Divas” ride – A women specific MTB Ride ! Trail selection good for a variety of levels, a great place to connect with like minded MTB Women in Tucson | https://www.facebook.com/events/617793349474070 |
| Unofficial #24HOP Pre-Ride w/ Bicycle Ranch | Willow Springs) | Sunday January 23 AND Feb 3rd, 2022 9 AM – 12 PM | Ride at you pace. The loop is about 16 miles with options to cut back in the middle or throw down 3 or 4 laps | https://www.facebook.com/events/464191938645540 |
| SDMB 24hop Pre-ride weekend | Willow Springs | JAN 29 AT 8 AM – JAN 30 AT 11 AM | Saturday we will have a course maintenance day from 9am-12pm. Then have a fundraiser spaghetti dinner 5pm for SDMB. | https://www.facebook.com/events/449504223239136 |
| 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 |
| January Bike Path Clean Up | Brandi Fenton Park((520-440-0822) | Saturday, January 15, 2022 8:30AM | https://www.facebook.com/events/455055922746090 |
| TORCA January Productive Hike Fantasy Island | Fantasy Island Trails Park | Sunday, January 16, 2022 8:30 AM | https://www.facebook.com/events/464094015142465 |
| Joe Cruz is Bikepacking through Geography, Culture, and History | Campfire Cycling, 15 E. Toole, Tucson, AZ 85701 | TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022 AT 7 PM – 9 PM | https://www.facebook.com/events/445318083622951 Please NOTE: $10 |
| GABA Volunteer Opportunities | 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 |
| Race Against Time | San Manuel, AZ | January 22,2022 | https://www.azcycling.org/event/race-against-time-2/ |
| Hedgehog Hustle XC | Goodyear, AZ | January 22-23, 2022 | https://mbaa.net/racing/estrella-hedgehog-hustle/ |
| White Tank Whirlwind XC | Phoenix, AZ | February 5-6,2022 | https://mbaa.net/racing/white-tank-whirlwind/ |
| Flap Jack Flats TT | Eloy, AZ | February 6, 2022 | https://www.summitvelo.org/ |
| BetterRide w/ Gene Hamilton MTB Skills Course | Tucson, AZ | February | https://betterride.net/feb-11-13-tucson-az-mtb-skills-course-2022/ |
| Santa Catalina Omnium | Tucson and Oracle AZ | February 12-13 | http://uacycling.com/ua-crit/ |
| 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo | Willow Springs, AZ | February 18-20, 2018 | https://epicrides.com/events/24-hours-in-the-old-pueblo/event-guide/ |
| Tonto Mountain Rides | Usery Mountain Regional Park Mesa, AZ | February 19,2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/tonto/ |
| Spokes and Ale | wadell | February 26, 2022 | https://www.spokesandale.com/ |
| Rotary Tour de Cookie Bike Ride | The Loop/Tucson | March 5th | https://www.facebook.com/events/780275809595434 |
| Tour De Cure | Glendale, AZ | March 05, 2022 | https://donations.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?fr_id=13415&pg=entry Vickie McWatters vmcwatters@diabetes.org (602) 413-3427 |
| Ken Forbes Memorial State Chapmionship Criterium | Tucson, AZ | March 12, 2022 | https://www.azcycling.org/event/musselman-crit-state-champs/ |
| BetterRide w/ Gene Hamilton MTB Skills Course | Sedona, AZ | March 11-13, 2022 | https://betterride.net/march-11-13-2022-sedona-az-mtb-skills-course/ |
| Cactus Cup | Fountain Hills | March 11-13, 2022 | https://thecactuscup.com/ |
| 43rd Annual Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride | Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, Sonoita, Arizona | March 19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday, 2022 | www.BikeGaba.org |
| Tour De Zona | Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Tombstone | March 25-27 | https://eltourdezona.org/ |
| Havasu Havoc XC | Lake Havasu City | March 26,2022 | https://mbaa.net/racing/havasu-havoc/ |
| The Arizona Trail Race – 300 and 750 Mile | Arizona Trail, from Mexico to Superior or Mexico to Utah | TBD | http://topofusion.com/azt/race.php |
| Tommy Knocker 10 | Silver City, NM Ft. Bayard | April 2, 2022 | https://ziarides.com/event/tommyknocker-10/ |
| El Tour De Mesa | Mesa, AZ | April 2, 2022 | https://eltourdemesa.org |
| The Javelina Chase | Duncan, AZ | Tentative- April | http://www.javelinachase.com/ |
| Prescott Punisher | Prescott, AZ | April 9, 2022 | https://www.facebook.com/events/pioneer-park-in-prescott-az/prescott-punisher/661344360988601/ |
| Sierra Vista Omnium | Sierra Vista, AZ | April 9-10, 2022 | https://www.azcycling.org/event/sierra-vista/ |
| El Grupo Scavenger Hunt | El Grupo Clubhouse | TBD April, 2022 | https://www.elgrupocycling.org/events/scavenger-hunt/ |
| Sinister Rides | San Tan Queen Creek, AZ | April 15, 2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/sinister/ |
| Highly Falkner S. Mountain TT | South Mountain, Phoenix, AZ | April 23,2022 | https://www.azcycling.org/event/somo-time-trial/ |
| Prescott Punisher XC | Prescott, AZ | April 29, 2022 | https://mbaa.net/racing/prescott-punisher/ |
| Ride Across Arizona | California to New Mexico 615 miles | May 2, 2022 | http://azgravelrides.com/ride-across-arizona/ |
| The Whiskey Off Road | Prescott, AZ | April 29-May 1, 2018 | https://epicrides.com/events/whiskey-off-road/event-guide/ |
| Flagstaff Frenzy XC | Ft Valley Flagstaff, AZ | May 7, 2022 | https://mbaa.net/racing/ |
| 3 Bears TT | Picacho, AZ | May 15, 2022 | https://www.summitvelo.org/ |
| Royal Gorge Six and Twelve | Canon City | May 14,2022 | https://ziarides.com/event/royal-gorge-six-and-twelve/ |
| Ride of Silence | Tucson, AZ | May 18, 2022 | http://www.rideofsilence.org/ |
| Adrenaline Night Rides | McDowell Mountain Park Fountain Hills, AZ | May 20, 2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/adrenaline/ |
| Arizona State MTB Championships | Prescott AZ | May 21-22, 2022 | |
| Grand Junction Off-Road | Grand Junction, CO | May 20-22, 2022 | https://epicrides.com/events/grand-junction-off-road/event-guide/ |
| The Carson City Off Road | Carson City, NV | June 24-26, 2022 | https://epicrides.com/events/carson-city-off-road/event-guide/ |
| 24 Hours in The Enchanted Forest | Gallup, NM | June 11-12, 2022 | http://ziarides.com/event-register/24-hours-in-the-enchanted-forest/ |
| Hypnosis Night Rides | Estrella Mountain Regional Park Goodyear, AZ | June 17, 2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/hypnosis/ |
| Stunner Night Rides | Usery Mountain Regional Park Mesa, AZ | July 22, 2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/stunner/ |
| Big Woody Rides | Fort Tuthill County Park Flagstaff, AZ | August 13,2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/big-woody/ |
| Vertigo Night Ride | White Tank Mountain Regional Park Waddell, AZ | August 19,2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/vertigo/ |
| Willcox Flyer | Willcox, AZ | September TBD | https://www.facebook.com/WillcoxFlyer/ |
| State ITT and Tandem Championships | Picacho, AZ | September 18,2022 | https://www.summitvelo.org/ |
| Jangover Night Rides | McDowell Mountain Regional Park Fountain Hills, AZ | September 23, 2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/jangover/ |
| Mt. Graham Hill Climb | Safford, AZ | September TBD | https://www.facebook.com/Mt-Graham-Hill-Climb-492318661127635/ |
| The Oz Trail Offroad | Bettonville AK | October 7-9, 2022 | https://epicrides.com/events/oz-trails-off-/event-guide/ |
| Tour of The White Mountains | Pinetop-Lakeside AZ | October 1,2022 | https://epicrides.com/events/tour/event-guide/ |
| Sky Island Tour | Sierra Vista, AZ | October 1, 2022 | https://skyislandtour.com/ |
| El Grupo Fall Fondo | Tucson AZ | October 16,2022 | https://www.elgrupocycling.org/ |
| Nogales Bicycle Classic | Nogales, AZ | October 2022 TBD | http://www.nogalesbicycleclassic.org/ |
| Mt. Lemmon Gravel Grinder | Oracle, AZ | October 2022 | https://www.mtlemmongravelgrinder.com/ |
| Spirit World 100 | Patagonia, AZ | TBD November 2022 | https://www.thespiritworld100.com/ |
| Saguaro Soiree – A Women’s MTB Weekend | Usery Mountain Regional Park Mesa, AZ | November 19-20, 2022 | https://www.aravaiparides.com/saguaro-soiree// |
| BetterRide w/ Gene Hamilton MTB Skills Course | Scottsdale, AZ | December 9-11, 2022 | https://betterride.net/december-9-11-2022-scottsdale-az-mtb-skills-course/ |
| Man vs Machine | Williams, AZ | TBD – Traditionally late September | http://www.grandcanyonracing.com/ |
| El Tour de Tucson | Tucson, AZ | November ,2022 | https://eltourdetucson.org/ |
| AZ Endurance Series Pleasantville | Anthem, AZ | December 2022 | https://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/pleasantville/ |
| Dawn to Dusk Arizona | McDowell Mountain Regional Park, | December 2022 | https://ziarides.com/event/dawn-to-dusk-az/ |
| GABA Toy Ride | Tucson, AZ | December 2022 | www.BikeGaba.org |
| 2021 McKenzie Frenzy | Vail, AZ | December 2022 | https://mckenziefrenzy3.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=14792 |
| The Arizona Endurance Series rides have not set dates for 2022. I’ll add them as the promoters share them. The website is https://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/ The weak need not apply. |
ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED. Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved and have questions on 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, El Tour De Tucson and all of it’s charity partners, Tour De Zona, Tour De Mesa, Mt. Lemmon Gravel Grinder…. 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 can’t 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 should be required when riding. If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in one ear or use a bone conducting system. 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. Do this 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