Arizona Roll Call

[AZSpinner]

After seeing Mimitabby's post about a TE supported ride, I got a little jealous. Why couldn't we do something like that in Arizona?

So come on ladies!! Who lives in Arizona? How about if all AZ residents reply with their cities. If we can't arrange a group ride, maybe we'd find a riding buddy or two. Or maybe just a margarita drinking buddy. :D

My name is Lisa and I live in Peoria.

[Running Mommy]

Sounds great!

Denise- aka running mommy lives in Goodyear- Estrella mtn ranch to be exact. Nice riding up here!

[spokewench]

Hi I'm an Arizona gal. I don't live down in the Phoenix area like most of you, I'm up in Flagstaff. Anyone for a cool ride????

Bring your rain jackets!

jan

[Running Mommy]

Heck Spoke- We need rain jackets down HERE lately! Monsoon has hit with a vengence!

[mtkitchn]

Sue from Ahwatukee here. Would love to get together for a ride sometime!

Jan, would you believe I pulled a calf muscle three days after we rode together up in Flag? I'm just now getting back on the bike, but would like to do that loop again!

[PinkBike]

i'm here, in south scottsdale! any time, any place. a ride would be so cool!

sue, when do you think you'll be ready for another south mountain run? i really enjoyed that, and now sundays are closed to cars.

[mtkitchn]

Hi Laurie,

My leg's not quite up to climbing par, but one of my goals for August is to do South Mountain. Those "silent sundays" are great! Maybe we could all meet there for a TE group ride sometime soon?

[AZSpinner]

Surely there has got to be more of us in Arizona! Even those of you that don't live in the Phoenix Metro area - let us know where you are. Who knows, there just might be someone in your town that is looking for a riding buddy.

Denise - My parents live in Pebble Creek. Maybe I could drop the children off at Nana & Papa's and you could show me some of that good ridin' by Estrella Mtn Ranch?

Jan - I would love to go riding in Flagstaff!!! Unfortunately, the hills of Fountain Hills kicked my butt. Are there any flat roads up in Flag?:o

Sue & Laurie - I've had the South Mountain Sunday ride on my mind, too. I just haven't been brave enough to take it on yet. Maybe this could be our group ride. Since the two of you seem to have conquered the Mountain :), any suggestions as to where we could meet? I'm not too familiar with the area - I hardly get east of 51 and south of 10.

~Lisa

[PinkBike]

there's parking right at the entrance to the park. you just go south on central until you cant go no mo. lets set it up for august when sue is ready, ok?

[AZSpinner]

I'm in!! Last Sunday in August it is!! What time do we want to start? I'd prefer no earlier than 6 am - according to mapquest, I have a 45 minute drive.

[PinkBike]

i'll be there - 6 a.m.

[AZSpinner]

I'll be there, too. 6am
I'll be driving a blue minivan with a Saris Bones bike rack. I have a red Trek 1500. I hope we'll be able to find each other. See you in a few weeks!

Now to get in some more hill training...

[spokewench]

Sorry, last weekend of the month, I'm going to Zion. I am leading a no drop ladies ride on August 19th, Sunday starting at 8:30 a.m. if anyone is interested. It is on Lake Mary Road (which is not too hilly).

PM me if you are interested

jan

[Running Mommy]

Ohhh JAN! I might be interseted in that. Hmmm.... I have always wanted to go through zion... hmmm...

For the zonie girls, we have a newly formed tri team up here in Estrella that meets every sunday morning at 6:30 for a ride. It's a very casual affair. We meet at the residents club parking lot. Just come up estrella parkway. You will see the water park and residents club at the 4 way stop. You can't miss it.

[mtkitchn]

I'm working every weekend through August, but have Sept 2 off. I realize that's not a "Silent Sunday" at South Mountain, but if anyone has an idea for a ride that day, I'm in!

[idak]

Amy from west valley Phoenix here. I always like a South Mt climb and would like to join some westsider women for a ride. Right now I am recovering from a crash (broken arm) but hopefully in another 3 -4 weeks I'll be back. So I hope these rides continue

[PinkBike]

welcome, idak!!
i think azspinner is on the right track - i'd like to get all us AZ women together. when you heal, when mtkitchn gets a day off, lets set something up. maybe if we just had a scheduled ride every week, like maybe join running mommy's tri ride on the west side or the sunday rides for WMRC in the east, then we could just join in whenever available.

lisa, how about 7 am for south mountain instead of 6?? i'm still gonna be there but 6 sure seems early!

[AZSpinner]

AAAHHH (said with a huge sense of relief) 7 does sound so much better! :D
I rode with a group this morning that left at 5:30. Yes! 5:30 AM!:eek: Boy is that early, but I had so much fun...I'm doing it again tomorrow! :D

[AZSpinner]

Welcome, idak!

Just wondering where in the west valley you are located... I'm in Peoria, 87th Ave & Cactus. I just found a group that rides early am Thursdays & Fridays leaving from 67th & the 101. If you're interested, I could give you more details.

[idak]

thanks...I work during the week so I can't do group rides through the week, I go by myself really early. I am near 67th ave and Thomas. I just went to the doctor Wednesday, he tells me I need to give my arm another 6 weeks of healing before I can ride. So I can't ride for awhile. But it would be fun to meet up with some westside riders!

[AZSpinner]

idak,
:eek: 6 weeks! :eek: What did you do to your poor arm that it's going to take 6 more weeks? Hoping for a much speedier recovery. May you prove your doctor wrong. :)

[spokewench]

Hey gals - you missed a great no drop ride up here yesterday! I had 6 ladies show up and me - we had a blast -

Maybe next time?

spoke in the woods

[AZSpinner]

Spoke

Would LOVE to ride up in the Flagstaff area. Keep posting your group rides, and maybe, just maybe, some of us will be able to make the trip someday.

[idak]

AZSpinner
I broke my humerus near the shoulder.I can move it a little now without too much pain but biking is a ways off. At least no surgery.
A Flagstaff ride would be fun. I want to ride my bike!

[Kristi]

Surely there has got to be more of us in Arizona! Even those of you that don't live in the Phoenix Metro area - let us know where you are. Who knows, there just might be someone in your town that is looking for a riding buddy.




~Lisa

Well, I was hoping I'd see someone else that lives down in the Tucson area. So if anyone knows any chicks down here or if anyone makes it down here and wants to go for a ride. Let me know.:)

[PinkBike]

idak,
when my DH had shoulder surgery we got him a recumbent so he could ride without putting any strain on his shoulder.
6 weeks would be a long time not to ride!
since he's all healed, you could borrow our recumbent if you think it would work for you.

[AZSpinner]

Who would think that rain might cancel our first TE group ride in the desert?! If Sunday's weather is anything like this morning's weather, I won't be making the drive down for the South Mountain ride. Lightning tends to make me a little nervous.:o

Pink Bike, I apologize in advance if I don't show tomorrow.

[PinkBike]

I didn't get to see this morning's show, I usually get up around the crack of 8:30 or so. My newspaper was wet so I guess it rained, huh? We'll see what happens tomorrow, if it's not raining I'll be there but if it is, well, we'll just have to reschedule!

[FH Cyclist]

Hi folks, just saw this group and would love to ride with you. Anybody interested in doing an early ride on Sunday, September 1st? I live in Fountain Hills and just made it out to Rio Verde and back this weekend - saw the lightening show on Saturday but didn't get a drop of rain on my ride. I just got back into cycling in the last 2 months so I'm not in the greatest of shape.

I'm interested in the South Mountain ride - I haven't done anything like that.

[AZSpinner]

Hi, Fountain Hills. Glad you found us! The South Mountain ride was a lot of fun this morning. Only 3 of us were there, but hey, it's a start. The silent Sundays are the last Sunday of every month. It really is nice not having to share the road with any vehicles. I am planning on doing the South Mountain ride again on 9/30, but I will have to start closer to 6am as my husband works that day.

As far as an early morning ride on 9/1...how early? I have ridden with a group based out of the Landis Cyclery on Scottsdale & Shea and we ride up through Fountain Hills and Rio Verde and "9-mile hill." Anyway...let me know what time you were thinking of heading out for your ride, how long you were planning on going and how fast.

~Lisa

[mtkitchn]

If you guys are riding Sunday, I might be interested! If you're riding Sept 1st, I'll be working....:(

[FH Cyclist]

If you guys are riding Sunday, I might be interested! If you're riding Sept 1st, I'll be working....:(

Well, how about the 2nd? That's Sunday and I'm guessing it will be quiet that day. I'm riding between my home and the end of Forest road in Rio Verde - about 25 miles round trip. I'm averaging 15 mph.

I haven't tried going up the long hill yet (west on Dynamite).

I may be too slow for you guys, if I am let me know and I'll wait a couple of more months before I check in again. Hopefully I'll be in better shape.

I'm willing to try other places, BTW.

Also what is "Silent Sundays"?

[FH Cyclist]

I shouldn't hit the submit button so quickly.

Early for me is before 7 am. The weather has been so quick to heat up that if I don't start between 5:30 and 6:30 am, I find it hard to keep a nice pace.

[AZSpinner]

Also what is "Silent Sundays"?

Silent Sundays are the last Sunday of every month on South Mountain. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the roads within the park. :D

As far as the Sunday ride...If we really leave that early, I think I could join you. I'll have to check with my husband. He's training for the PF Chang marathon and has to get his long runs in on the weekend. If he's planning on getting his run in on Saturday, don't know why I couldn't get a ride in on Sunday! :) I'd even be able to get home and showered in time for church.

I'll try to get back to you soon. But in the mean time, if anyone else confirms that they are able to ride, go ahead and set up a time and meeting place and I'll see if I can't make it work.

~Lisa

[PinkBike]

i'm in for any ride sunday sep 2.

good meeting place could be desert ridge marketplace since it's right off the 101 at Tatum, then we could just wind our way around eastward.

just a suggestion. lemme know.

[mtkitchn]

I'd love to come up for the ride as well since I never seem to get out of Ahwatukee. Would be nice to see some new scenery and meet some new cyclists! So Sunday the 2nd? What is the cross street for Desert Ridge Marketplace on Tatum? My map is so old it doesn't even have the 101 on it!

[AZSpinner]

Holy Cow, Mtkitchn! :eek: Maybe we could take up a little collection and buy you a current map.:D

Of course, I am now having to go look at my map because I'm not that familiar with Scottsdale. I have no clue what the cross street is either. I just know you can see Desert Ridge from the 101...

[Kazzy]

Another AZ rider checking in. I live near the border of Glendale and Phoenix. Not far from ASU West. I'm still very slow, as in averaging under 12 mph. I only started riding seriously in March. I've been riding 12-21 miles 4-5 days a week. I need to find some hills to work on.

I think we are camping or otherwise engaged every weekend in Sept. but after that I'll be free on the weekends. I prefer to ride at the crack of dawn so I don't burst into flames when the sun beats down on me!

I have a daughter going to school down in Tucson. I've been trying to get her into riding. Unfortunately we got her a crappy bike so it wouldn't tempt the thieves on campus and she isn't happy with it. Sigh. I guess we may have to break down and get her a better one for christmas.

[mtkitchn]

Well, I was hoping I'd see someone else that lives down in the Tucson area. So if anyone knows any chicks down here or if anyone makes it down here and wants to go for a ride. Let me know.:)


Hi Kristi,
I come to Tucson to ride sometimes; in fact, I plan to attempt Mt. Lemmon mid-September. We're actually planning to ride it on a Monday to avoid the weekend traffic. Will you be doing El Tour?

[FH Cyclist]

Sounds like we are getting suggestions for 2 places - South Mountain or Fountain Hills/ Rio Verde.

The Desert Ridge meeting place, if we are looking at either of the 2 places above is not terribly helpful. It is a long way from either place and may cause some people to drive more than they need to.

So, if I am right and we have 2 options, let us know what option you would like. The Fountain Hills to Rio Verde is 20-25 miles with about a 1000 foot elevation gain through out the ride but it can be done if you are willing to gear down. If you want to extend it more, we can go into McDowell Mountain Park and add another 4-8 miles to the trip or go on Dynamite Rd and then can extend for however long you like. I'm up for riding up to 30 miles but am not ready for 40-50 miles which is what a trip, along Dynamite Rd would take.

I'm not familar with South Mountain and would love the opportunity to ride there, if someone is suggesting a ride. But it sounds like someone, from the Ahawtukee area would like to go elsewhere. I'm willing to do the FH/RV trip if that's everyone's preference.

Let me know what you would like to do. I can suggest a meeting area for the FH/RV ride. I'd like to decide by Friday since it'll help me decide what to do for my Saturday ride.

If someone has another suggestion, other than the 2 above, let us know.

Otherwise, I'll suggest 6:30 am on Sunday, September 2nd at the shopping center, on Saguaro Blvd, next to Fountain Park. There's a Mountain View Coffee Co in the center and a large metal horse sculpture.

Please let us know if there are other, better ideas.

[AZSpinner]

A Fountain Hills/Rio Verde ride sounds great to me. My husband got his long run in this morning, so no scheduling conflicts for Sunday. I could meet you at 6:30, but 6 would be even better. :o Laurie, I know this would be REALLY early for you. :p

[FH Cyclist]

I don't mind 6 am but that is really early for you. I'll let you dictate the time since you have to drive to the meeeting place. If anyone else shows up, that will be great!!!!!!!

[mtkitchn]

6am works for me! That'll be sleeping in after the hours I've been working! What are the cross streets for this meeting place (shopping ctr on Saguaro Blvd)?
I'm up for as long a ride as you can handle, Fountain Hills. I haven't been riding recently and need to get some miles in.

[FH Cyclist]

The easiest way to get there is to take Shea Blvd. (from either the Beeline Hwy Rt. 87 or from the 101) to Saguaro Blvd. Head north on Saguaro until you reach El Lago Blvd (about 2 miles). Just after El Lago is a turning lane into the shopping center. If you get to Fountain Park, you went too far.

I haven't figured out how to get a map into this post so if you go to mapquest on the intersection of N. Saguaro Blvd and e. El Lago Blvd in Fountain Hills using zip 85268, you'll see the map.

We'll see you Sunday at 6 am.

OK - one last item. I'm not sure the Coffee place is open at 6 am. So if you want caffiene there is a Starbucks at the Safeway on Fountain Hills Blvd or one at Palisades and La Montana. I'm not much for coffee so I'm not sure what others might like.

[PinkBike]

might be a little early for me, but i'll certainly try. just depends on when the alarm goes off if i let the little devil on one shoulder ("ohhh come on sleep in") or the little angel on the other shoulder ("you know you really want to ride") win.

[mtkitchn]

6am tomorrow it is. Just printed up directions off mapquest.

I flew over that area today and it looks like great cycling country!

As far as the coffee place not being open, I don't need any of that stuff before a ride or I'll be stopping every 15 minutes!:eek:

[FH Cyclist]

hi AZ Spinner and MTKitchn - just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to do the FH - RV ride. I learned a lot from both of you. Hopefully we can do it again in the near future.

[AZSpinner]

I had a great time on our ride on Sunday! I enjoyed it more than my ride on Monday... We went up Cave Creek Rd (from Jomax) to Seven Springs (almost to Bartlett Lake) or close to it. It was pretty much 20 straight miles of climbing. Yuck! I'm taking a rest day today. :p

I'm looking forward to riding with you again. Maybe we can even get a few more TE ladies to come along on our next ride.

[mtkitchn]

Thanks for a nice ride, Fountain Hills! It sure was a gorgeous morning with beautiful scenery. I'd love to come up and ride some more there.:)

[PinkBike]

i'm ready, what's our next ride (that starts after 7 a.m.)

[mtkitchn]

Anybody? :)

[AZSpinner]

I can't go this weekend...date weekend with the hubby. :D

[PinkBike]

sue, how about the sheryl's beginners ride?
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=16761
i'm contemplating this since my fitness has declined a bit.
of course, if i get the new cassette i ordered with a 32 tooth sprocket, i might be tempted to climb something if i can get it installed.

[mtkitchn]

Good to see you at the GABA ride this morning, Laurie.
Tomorrow morning at 6am a few of us are meeting at 24th and Baseline (Starbucks) to do South Mountain. There will be a guy leading us, but he's awesome.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi MT, what's GABA?

Thanks for letting us know about the ride tomorrow. Unfortunately, I think I'll do a short, slow ride tomorrow. I gave blood today and I won't have much in my tank.

But, please keep us informed of any other rides

I'd like to plan on the next Silent Sunday - at a minimum. Is anybody up for that?

[spokewench]

I'm still advocating a road trip up to Flag! Don't wait too long - it will be way cold and icy.

There is a weekly 9:30 a.m. Saturday women's ride that just started up here. I wanted to go on it before I told you all about it since I was not sure whether it was a hammerfest of not - It is not.

So, come on up some weekend - its time for a road trip!

spoke

[FH Cyclist]

How far do you go on the Flagstaff ride? I'm interested but would like to better understand what the ride is like. Thanks.

[TracyinMesa]

Ladies,

Just found this forum. I would love to join the rides. I am out in NE Mesa. Normally ride close to home. I have been considering doing the Tour de Scottsdale, but not sure if I am ready yet.

Fountain Hills, I would like to do the Rio Verde ride with you some weekend.

I have only been rideing since June. I average about 13-15mph, varies with distance and hills:) . I am up to 45-50miles for my long weekend ride.

I will check the posts for the upcoming rides. I love to go in the early morning.

Tracy

[spokewench]

How far do you go on the Flagstaff ride? I'm interested but would like to better understand what the ride is like. Thanks.

The ride is anywhere from 30-48 miles. Most people do not do the 48. This ride is a relatively flat (some rollers) ride. It is an out and back so if you don't want to go as far, you can turn around. There are several places on the ride where people will generally turn around so most of the time you will have company on the way back.

What else would you like to know?

Ask MtnKitchen about the ride, she has ridden the whole 48 miles.

spoke

[tiffanyinanthem]

Hi,

I just found your site, very cool. It's hard to find women to ride with so I'm excited to see so many here. I already ride with groups on Saturday and Sundays but I wanted to extend the offer out to anybody looking to find a good group to ride with.

On saturday's I ride with a group out of Desert Hills (north phoenix). The pace varies and we actually need a bigger fast pace group IMO. So any quicker gals who aren't up to riding with the teams around town just yet but still want to push themselves, please come out! We meet at Carefree and Cave Creek rd, email me if you want more specifics.

Sunday I ride with a group in Paradise Valley. We do strictly hill work, lots of repeats! It's actually a lot of fun, nice short steep hills, but nothing impossible to climb though. This has really helped me to learn a lot about gearing and how to relax and not panic. Hills are all mental for me! Again, please email me if you are interested.

Again, I'm happy to see so many women here!

Sincerely,

Tiffany

[AZSpinner]

Tiffany...is that you?! Are you the Tiffany that rides with the WMRC group? If not, glad you found us! If yes...glad you found us! :)

Also...welcome to Tracy in Mesa!

~Lisa

[tiffanyinanthem]

Yep, it is little ol' me. I heard you mention this forum last time we rode and so I thought I'd check it out! So far so good:D

Tiff

[mtkitchn]

Hey Fountain Hills, here's a link to GABA's website:
http://www.sportsfun.com/gaba/index.html

Jan, I'd love to do that Flagstaff ride again! Unfortunately, I'm working Saturdays this month. :( Maybe there will be some nice Saturdays in November!

[PinkBike]

welcome tiffany and tracy!!
and fountain hills, silent sunday at south mountain is a given - last sunday of the month at 7 a.m.

[TracyinMesa]

Just curious who is riding where this weekend........

I would like to try and ride with someone.

I am especially interested in the Fountain Hills to Rio Verde ride.

Fountain Hills will you be riding either day??

I may not be able to keep up with most of you but will give it a try. I only avg 13-15mph.

I have only rode in 1 group ride. Not a big fan of the large groups yet, lack of experience. I still have to work up to this.

Look forward to hearing from you all..................

[tiffanyinanthem]

Hi Tracy,

I'm riding up in the North Valley on Sat am, you're more than welcome to come out, it'll be a drive for you thats for sure and the start is super early (6:15am). It's a small group only about 4-6 people in the pace group.

Sunday I'm doing the prescott skully valley ride. Has anyone done that one before?

Tiff

[TracyinMesa]

Tiff,

Thanks for the invite. I can't make it Sat. I would like to join you another time.

[FH Cyclist]

Tracy, I'll be doing the ride tomorrow morning at about 6:30 AM. Let me know if you are interested. I'll check again tonight before I hit the sack. We could be good riding mates. I gave blood last Saturday and I feel like I am at the fitness level of when I started 2 months ago.

We can meet at the Shopping center just south of Fountain Park. There are directions in previous posts.

[tiffanyinanthem]

Tracy,

Sure no problem. Let me know when you want to make the trek up my way sometime. :)

I ride in PV on Sunday's too so if you ever want to meet up on a Sunday morning let me know. We start a little later, about 7:30 so that may help :) Sunday's are only a handful of people.

Tiff

[TracyinMesa]

Fountain Hills,

I would like to go tomorrow morning. What time?


Tiff,
Thanks again. I would like to catch up with you in PV sometime. I am a little concerned I might not be able to keep up with you.

Since I found the board, I have been faithfully checking each day so I don't miss the rides. I just missed the FH/RV. I found you guys on the board that day. Anyway I am very happy I found you guys!

[TracyinMesa]

PS: I can be there by 6:15. See you tomorrow FH.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi Tracy, I'm sorry I missed you last night. I forgot to check. I'll see you in a few minutes.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi everyone, Tracy and I had a fun ride today and agreed to meet again, next Saturday at 6:30 am. Anyone else who wants to join us for the FH-RV ride is welcome to join.

[TracyinMesa]

Fountain Hills - The ride was great. I am looking forward to doing it again next Sat. Thanks for riding with me.

[mtkitchn]

So who's in for Silent Sunday at South Mountain this Sunday the 23rd?

[TracyinMesa]

Isn't the Silent Sunday the last Sunday of the month, the 30th??

[mtkitchn]

Their website says it's this Sunday!

[TracyinMesa]

That is too bad, I was hoping to do it this month. But I committed to doing the Usery loop on Sunday. I have never done the Usery loop before so I am excited about giving it a try. I will have to try for Oct's Silent Sunday.

[PinkBike]

i missed it too, i didnt know, i thought it was the 30th. bummmmmmmmer!! oh well, i went to tucson for the tour training ride. maybe i'll go to tucson again this sunday if i can get somebody to take my kindergarten sunday school class.

[mtkitchn]

Tour training rides in Tucson? When are these?
I'll be in California for the MS ride this upcoming weekend, but are there more training rides in October?

[PinkBike]

oh yeh

http://www.bikegaba.org/El_Tour_Training_Rides/Ride_Schedule_2007.htm

they're fairly well attended

we do the east side rides

[Cactus Flower]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the site and fairly new to cycling. I live in Scottsdale where fall has arrived! I look forward to keeping track of you all via this forum, and would love to join you all on rides sometime soon!

[PinkBike]

welcome cactus flower!!
what part of scottsdale? i'm in south scottsdale by los arcos.
DH and i ride with the pmbc group that leaves kiwanis park at 7 every saturday.
i saw in anoher post you were doing a group ride, where is that?
inquiring minds want to know.
hope you have a great time!

[Cactus Flower]

Hey, PinkBike!

I'm in north Scottsdale. Yes, my first group ride is this morning. Leaves at 6:30 a.m. from Pinnacle Peak Bike Shop, which is on the corner of Pinnacle Peak and Pima. I'm SOOOO nervous! But excited,, too - keep your fingers crossed for me!

[FH Cyclist]

Hi Tracy, I hope you had a good ride last Sunday and it helped you decided to do the Tour de Scottsdale. My colleague has decided to ride in the Tour de Scottsdale. Have you decided? If you are, my colleague is still looking for someone to at least start the ride with. He's a nice guy and in good shape - he rides 30-40 miles in Colorado at 6500 feet. As we discussed, he will beat you down ANY hill. :>)

If you are riding, you can reach him at chuck.wain@siriuscom.com.

Good luck on the ride, if you decide to do it.

mpt - how did your ride go this weekend? I hope you had a great ride and lots of fun. I'm real interested in what you thought of it and whether you think it is worth travelling to, for next year.

Lastly, for everyone - Tracy and I were talking about which LBS we like - meaing who treats women well. If you are interested, please let us know you you think we should be patronizing - or not. I'll put in my 2 cents.

I bought my mountain bike from Bicycle Ranch in north Scottsdale and enjoyed the experience. I was helped by a guy named John. when I went back to get a road bike, John had left and it was a VERY different atmosphere. The guy wasn't too interested in me, just in selling me a bicycle. I had made my preference clear for a bike with a women's geometry requirements in mind and he really tried to sell me a man's bike - because he didn't have any thing in stock in my size. I won't go back there unless someone I trust tells me they've had a different experience.

I ended up at Bicycle Wheelers in Tempe because Dominec was open on the 4th of July and he had a 50 cm WSD Trek in stock that I could test ride. He was excellent to work with; he helped me with getting the bike fit properly, ensuring my pedals and shoes were properly positioned, my seat was at the right height and my brakes were in a position I liked. He invests in products designed for women, by carrying them in the shop. He also gave me some hints on keeping my arms flexed - he said I would probably have some pain in my neck and shoulders unless I bent my arms slightly. Dominec also owns Dominec's in Tempe. I would go back there in a flash. His wife also works at the shop and she was very good to work with as well.

[PinkBike]

FH,

i really like domenics, i got my first road bike there, i thought bicycle wheelers had closed? i also like landis at southern and 101, they have saleswomen there.

i'm doing the tour de scottsdale, it's my third year, i have a love-hate relationship with the TdS, it's a great course but the climbing is a killer for me! i did it in 3:40 last year but wouild love to be under 3:30 this year!!

tracy, you should do this ride, it is fun and challenging. if you've done the usery loop you can do the TdS!

cactus flower, let's hear a report of today's ride!! did the wind play havoc? we missed our ride this morning (DH was in charge of the alarm).

back to tucson next sunday for a 75 mile el tour training ride (would've loved to go this sunday but i got to do sunday school for the kindergartners at my church).

denise, more interbike please!

lisa, where are you, girl?

sue, how was the MS?

[AZSpinner]

lisa, where are you, girl?



I was off of the bike for two weeks because Katelyn was in the hospital for about a week. Once she got home, I was trying to get caught up. I'm still trying to get caught back up. What little free time I did have, I spent trying to get ready for the race I had today. Although, the way the race went, I might have been better off spending some time on the forum instead. :D There were only four of us in the race (Buckeye Crit) and I got dropped right at the starting line. I could NOT get clipped in!:mad: Took me four times before I finally got clipped - haven't had a problem with this since March. By then the other three were around the first corner. I never did catch them. On a positive note, I got in a really good, hard 30 minute ride, and I think I've determined what my lactate threshold heartrate is. :p

[Cactus Flower]

Hi Guys!

Well, I survived my first group ride yesterday! We did 25 miles, weaving our way up to Carefree and back. I was so nervous the night before that I had to do some Zen breathing just to calm myself down. :) It turned out to be the perfect group for a first ride. Very casual, and on the way north we stayed off most of the busy roads. Everyone was super friendly and encouraging, and I found myself in the middle of the pack where speed is concerned. It was also my first ride with clipless pedals, and even though i had a couple close calls, I didn't fall! I know that's inevitable, however. :-) Coming back from Carefree, we rode Pima all the way down which terrified me at first (with all the traffic!), but once I got the rhythm, we were sailing!! It's good it was downhill, because by then, the wind had picked up and it was a killer. I was so elated when it finished that I bought a computer for my bike and am now counting the days till the next ride.

By the way - I bought my bike at Bikes Direct, at Desert Ridge in North Scottsdale. Fantastic prices, and the guys there are pretty nice. Not a big sales push, and they work to find the bike that's right for you. For accessories, I find Performance Bike on Raintree to be pretty good.

Thanks for the support, guys! I think I'm in LOVE with cycling!

[TracyinMesa]

Hello all!

FH-I missed you Sat. I did the FH/RV ride but didn't start till about 7:15. I thought I might see you but no luck. I am doing the Scottsdale ride and will contact your friend. He will be able to ride with my Sunday riding partner, he is much stronger than I. I did the Usery Pass loop last Sunday and today. There is 1 really really steep hill but I made up w/o stopping.

Anybody else doing the TdS?

I am going to give the Palo Verde Centry ride a try as well. It is on Oct. 28th.
It is pretty flat so I thought I should take the opportunity to do it, as I have never done a century before. FH are you going to do the 50mi loop? Anybody else doing this ride?


LBS: I bought a Giant OCR3 large frame at Mike's Bike Chalet in Mesa. Was not pleased with the fit I got from them. They seem more interested in just getting me out the door. Anyway I went to DNA Cycles on Power Rd in Mesa and Don(owner) did a bike fit. He laughed at the width of the bars, he is a bigger guy, he said, "My handle bars aren't even that wide!" I am almost 6' tall, long legs, but apparently I don't need bars wide enough for a half-back! Narrow bars, raised up a bit and my seat height corrected. All my aches and pains from the bad fit went away. I have not looked back since! Don had made the statement that a lot of women get started riding but because women often don't get fit correctly they don't stick with it. It was important to him to make my bike comfortable for me so I keep riding. I did NOT buy my bike from him, but I will the next time! I have been buying most of my accessories from him too. My next bike will come from his shop. I believe he is opening a shop in Scottsdale too.

I hope we can all get together and ride sometime, I think you more experienced riders will have some good tips and technique to share with us newer riders!

Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

[PinkBike]

tracy,

i'll be doing
the tour de scottsdale,
the tumacacori century,
the palo verde nuclear century,
the silverbell century,
the mcdowell mountain century
and then
TA DA
el Tour de Tucson.

if i remember right the palo verde is neat because it takes you thru these little farming towns you didnt even know existed. i enjoyed it last year.

also, all these rides were well supported and had a very diverse group of participants.

look me up, i'm easy to spot! (hint: i'll be in pink)

[TracyinMesa]

Laurie,

My quads ache just reading your list of rides!
I will look you up!

Tracy

[Cactus Flower]

Laurie, you're my inspiration! While I'm just getting started, I have my eye on doing those century rides someday soon!

Is there a website that lists all the cycling events in Arizona?

Having survived my first group ride last weekend, I already have two more riding dates scheduled with people I met in my group. I think this could be addictive...

[PinkBike]

these are good:

http://www.bikegaba.org/2007_Calendar.htm

http://www.sportsfun.com/gaba/rideschedule.html

http://www.azbikeclub.com/

hope to see you at some of the rides!

[PinkBike]

and oh yes, it IS addictive!

[Cactus Flower]

Thanks so much, Laurie - shall I call you my "enabler?" :D

[FH Cyclist]

TinM, I did do the ride but didn't get started until about 9:30 so that's why we missed. I am really excited about the progress made on the bike path. I'm hoping they will be done in about 6 weeks.

I'm thinking about doing the Palo verde 50 but I will have been off my bicycle for over 3 weeks. So I'll see how much aerobic work of any type I get in while on vacation. Then make a decision.

Everyone - have fun on the TdS. TinM, my friend is delivering his bicycle to my garage tonight so I know he is exicited to be doing the ride. Thanks for keeping a look out for him.

BTW, I forgot to mention that I really like REI for clothing and accessories. The folks are great and they aren't on commission so they do spend lots of time with you. I got my bike rack from them, during Labor day sale. They also have LOTS of women's clothing - much more than many LBS.

Now, the only outstanding question is for Mpty - how did the MS ride go?

I won't be signing on for a while - I'll look for your impressions on TdS when I get back.

[mtkitchn]

I just sent in my money for the Tucumcori century (I'm only doing the 64 miles, though). I think I'll miss you, Laurie, since you guys (100 miles) leave an hour earlier. Unless you sleep in and leave late!

[PinkBike]

sue, i havent registered for the tumacacori because i'm still deciding. DH is going to go out to visit my parents that weekend (i want to go but i cant get saturday off and it's just too much of a drive to go for just 2 days) so i wasnt sure if i wanted to ride it without him. if i do i'll probably want to do the 64 miles, so lemme do some research and check it out. i'll let you know.

[FelesRidet]

Hi - I just spotted this thread! I'm on the west side - Greenway Road and 51st Avenue. I usually ride by myself on the canal during the week. Our weekends are full of kid activities and I catch grief from my husband if I go out for a ride on the weekends. I would love to find someone who rides during the week! I tried a ride with a guy from the gym - but DH wasn't too keen on that either!

I bought my bike from Landis at Indian School - a Trek WSD 5000 - they had the best prices for what I wanted. I was happy with the service there. I also like my LBS - Swiss American on Bell & 43rd- but I've been in several times, so they know me for the old woman rider wannabe and are considerate of my feelings. Swiss American has a night ride on Tuesday nights at Bell & 43rd - but it is really fast.

I have a brother in law and a nephew that are heavily into road racing & cyclcross in the Midwest, so I can email them with all my questions.

Is there another get together ride for us TE?

also, anybody know about a Critical Mass ride in Phoenix?
Nancy

[mtkitchn]

Hi FelesRidet!
I often work weekends, so I like to ride during the week. I live way out in Ahwatukee, though.
Will you be doing the Palo Verde Century? I'm undecided because I get done with work so late the night before. If I get up early enough that morning, I might register the day of the ride.

Laurie, I hope to see you at Tucumcori!

[TracyinMesa]

Hi All!

I did the Tour de Scottsdale last Sunday and its taken me until today to entertain the thought of doing it again next year. It was really tough for me. That last long hill into DC Ranch just about pushed me over the edge! I had to stop 3 times on that last hill, but I did finish, thank God! This was my first official group ride and the furthest I have ridden.

I plan on riding the PV century. Based upon my ride in TdS on Sunday, I don't know if I will be able to make it 100miles but I will try.

I hope I will get to meet those of you doing the PV ride. Fountain Hills mentioned doing the 50mi loop. I may opt for the 50mi too depending on the wind.

I hope to see you some of you there.

[idak]

I have started back riding (after broken arm). I plan to do the Palo Verde ride...would be fun to meet some westside riders. I'll be wearing the pink cheetah print helmet, which clashes with whatever else I wear.
amy

[FH Cyclist]

Hi folks, I'm back from vacation and wanted to let you know that I haven't done much in about 3 weeks. I went out for a ride on Sunday and really got blown around. So I don't think I will do the 50 mile loop - I need to get some miles under my belt. I'll make my final decision later in the week and if I do decide to go, I'll post it at this site.

Tracy, I talked with Chuck and he appreciated getting together with you do do a ride. He said he got a late start for the TdS but was also able to finish. He said he enjoyed it but struggled on the last hill as well. Thanks for contacting him.

[Monarch]

Hello! This is my first time on the forum. I live in the Troon area and have been riding for years but lack the fitness to prove it! Family, work, and my own weakness has allowed too many interruptions. BUT as I can now see age 60 on the horizon I'm determined to ride into the golden years more faithfully. Road biking only. I know some nice rides in this part of the world and hills that are good for building strength without killing you. If anyone would like to connect for a Saturday morning ride some time let me know. I did my first group ride in the Teton Valley in August. Managed to average about 15 mph and 1 hill of about 6% grade. After that one ... a knee refused to tackle any more so I'm working on strengthening. I've been off the bike since then, just now getting on again so think probably 30-40 miles is my current goal.

BTW, on your discussion of bike shops. I bought my Trek at Bicycle Ranch and understand the negatives. The younger guys there are really not girl-friendly. It's important to work with the right person. Parek is the co-owner/manager and he's great. Rides with Lance Armstrong...his knowledge is very valuable. I've gone back to Chris for some fine tuning on the fit and the guys in the repair dept. treat me great.

Thanks for sharing your experiences here. It's very encouraging!:)

[PinkBike]

if i get over this cold-thing i got i'll definitely be doing the palo verde century.

tour de scottsdale was a big disappointment - i made a bad decision. after the starting process worked itself out i was ready to start my attack. i normally bridge to a group, ride on for a while then decide to stay or go up to the next group. DH was behind me and for no apparent reason i decided to stay with him for this ride. we have an understanding, that when we're training we stay together but when it's a "race" we do the best we can individually. i thought he'd appreciate me staying with, but actually it just frustrated him. the bummer? i had never felt so strong on climbs! i could've finished in 3 and a half hours easily (or better), but we finished in 4. oh well, my goal is el tour de tucson in under 6.

so i'll look for y'all at the pvnc next sunday! hope the winds cooperate.

sue, did you do the tucson ride? i ended up going to california to help paint my parents' house. DH and i both came home with this cold/flu thing. the wind was amazing in Kern County, it's no wonder the fires can't be stopped.

[Monarch]

I should have mentioned I can also ride on some week-days and possibly Sunday. The traffic tends to be worse during the week so I try to start by 6:30 now that it's staying dark later. Would love to connect for some riding in this part of North Scottsdale.

[pink_panther]

Hi everyone,

I live in Sedona and have been riding a road bike for a little over a year now. Yesterday I felt brave enough to post my first comment on Team Estrogen!

It looks like there are a lot of group rides in the Phoenix area... which unfortunately is a little far for me. Are there still any rides in Flagstaff, or has it gotten too cold? Anyway, I just thought I would speak up and add my name to the list of Northern Arizona girls who like to ride bikes!

- Meredith

[Cactus Flower]

Hi Monarch,

Nice to meet you! I, too, live in the Troon area and wanted to make you aware of a group ride that happens early Saturday mornings. It's a breakfast ride up to Carefree and back. We start from Pinnacle Peak Cyclery (in AJ's parking lot) at 6:30 on the dot. Ride is about 15 mph, and Jack, the owner of the bike shop, stays at the back of the group with the slowest riders. Terrific group of people and it's very casual. You might want to call the shop and make sure they're leaving at 6:30 tomorrow. I'll probably be there.

I also ride the Indian Bend Wash trail, which starts at Mustang Library and goes down to Tempe Town Lake. Since most of it is paved bike trail, it's terrific and safe! I'll be out of town for the next couple of weeks but always welcome another rider -perhaps we can connect and set something up.

Cheers!
Michele

[Cactus Flower]

Hi Pink Bike: You know, I really appreciate your honest portrayal of tackling things like tour dscottsdale. I'm still at the stage that I find a big race like that intimidating (just for endurance), and your story reminds me that everyone has their own "personal best" they always strive for. Sorry to hear that it didn't go so well - good luck with the next one!

Meredith: Welcome to the site! I'll keep my eyes peeled for any Flagstaff/Sedona info I can find. If I head up that way, I'll contact you for a ride!

[TracyinMesa]

Hi ladies!

I just wanted to check in. I signed up for the PV ride. It looks like the weather is going to be nice, not much wind.

Pink Bike will you be there? I saw you go by at the start of the TdS but did not ever get to say hello. That would be because I finished about an hour after you. (4:53).

I will be with my riding buddy, Mike on Sunday. I ride a silver and black Giant OCR3. I am almost 6' tall with reddish hair.

Idak/Amy I will look for the pink cheetah print helmet.
Pink Bike is hard to miss, hope you are there Laurie.

F/H sorry you won't be riding on Sunday. Lets plan on riding next week end. Give me a call.

Tracy

[PinkBike]

michele, i was scared to death on my first "real" ride, the tour de phoenix a couple years ago. i didnt know if i could even finish. i went by myself. i did the shorter version, rode within my capabilities, finished it, and it was just awesome! you should just decide which one you want to try for your first and go for it! el tour de tucson is in november and has lots of different distances to ride.

tracy, already got the registration and check filled out for palo verde, we'll try to go off right at 8, but we both still have a little tickle in our throats and are hoping another day will be enough to recuperate from this bug.

[mtkitchn]

Hi Laurie,

I did the metric option at Tumacacori and it was a great ride. Fabulous support and great weather.

I just returned from a terribly long four day trip. We were in Santa Ana on the 24th, and I took a camera to get pics of the fires, but the smoke was so thick you couldn't see anything. Everyone on the ramp had smoke masks on. What a disaster.

Hope you all have a great Palo Verde ride!

CactusFlower, if I get a Saturday off, I'd love to come up to do that Carefree ride!

Sue

[Cactus Flower]

PinkBike: Thanks so much for the encouragement! I'm on the road with biz travel WAY too much these days, but I'm making a century ride a goal for early 2008. I know I can do it, and may even cross paths with you as you whiz by me. :-)

By the way - had my very first flat yesterday on the group ride - the REAR wheel!! But I fixed it - not in record time, but just felt proud of the accomplishment. I was amazed at the number of female riders who rode by and asked if I needed help.

Monarch - We'd love to have you on the breakfast ride to Carefree. Absolutely no need to feel intimidated. There are NO drops in this ride - as Jack, our leaders says, "I just wanna ride, not race." The ride now starts at 7am on Saturdays.

Sue - we'd love to have you, too!! Yesterday, we did a few extra miles around Legend Trail which is beautiful.

I hear that McDowell Mountain Park (out by Rio Verde) is just completing a bike path - it's paved (rough asphalt) but I guess it will be really nice. I think I'm going to have to buy a mountain bike!!

Cheers,
Michele

[Monarch]

The Carefree ride sounds great Cactus Flower. I like to ride from my house up to and around Legend Trail. I just discovered the knee that balked at the hills in the Teton Valley in August is definitely not happy. It feels like a torn meniscus ... I sure hope not! Anyway, I'm going to stick to level routes for about a month and just see if movement without straining it will clear things up. I'll be riding the city bike trail 2-3 times a week if you want to connect there.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi guys, I just took a look at the site and it's great to see so many folks. Just a heads up to everyone. I went out to ride the McDowell Mountain Road route this past Sunday- which was just referenced by Catus Flower - and the road is currently closed to non-motorized traffic. That surprised me but also made sense. With the cuts in the shoulder and a drop of about 4 inches, riders are almost in the middle of the road and I guess the County decided to close it for a while.

I wanted to let you all know so you don't plan a ride out here only to be disappointed. Obviously McDowell Mountain Park is still open for the mountain bikers.

Just an FYI for those of you who do ride out in this neck of the woods. Since I couldn't ride between Fountain Hills and Rio Verde, I went through the Fort McDowell Indian Community. The roads are nice and there's very little traffic so if you want to extend a ride, that's a nice way to do it.

Tracy, I'd love to ride this weekend but it needs to be Sunday. Now that the cooler weather is here, The Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Conservancy is back building hiking trails in our part of the McDowell Mountains (we don't have the money Scottsdale does - we build our own trails with volunteers - Scottsdale hires the trail builders). I try to go every other Saturday and this Saturday is it. This Saturday we are widening one of the trails for future mountain bikers (mountain bikers are not currently allowed on our trails).

If you can go on Sunday, let me know. Since the McDowell Mountain Road is closed, maybe I can come to you. Let me know if Sunday will work for you. If it works for others, just let us know.

How did things go in the PV? I'm really interested in hearing - I'm guessing it was windy. I hope you had a good ride.

[PinkBike]

palo verde was good, well, until we turned around to come back. into the wind!! 1st 50 miles < 3 hours, last 50 miles close to 4 hours!

didnt do my sore throat any good either, but since we're registered for the silverbell century in tucson this coming weekend i'm talking it easy til then.

bed rest these last 2 days and i'm hoping for the best! anybody else doing the silverbell? it's a great warmup for el tour de tucson two weeks later. el tour's the granddaddy - more than 10,000 riders expected - cant wait!

[Cactus Flower]

FH: Thanks for the update on the McDowell bike path. I had heard about it but not been out there myself. If I hear of an update, I'll let everyone know.

Monarch: I'm heading out of town on business this week, but when I return, will catch up with you about riding on level terrain/city bike paths. Would be fun!

Have a great week, everyone!

Michele

[FH Cyclist]

McDowell Moutain Road Update: the bike path is open!!!! and they have taken down the sign that says No non-motorized vehicles. I rode on it earlier this week and it is very nice. All of the rumbles are gone. I'm not sure it is wide enough to ride side by side but a big improvement safety wise. Also the striping is not yet done.

I hope some of you take the time to enjoy it. If you do try it this weekend of the 9th, 10th and 11th, please be aware that the Ftn Hills Arts and Crafts Fair is this weekend. Don't go near Saguaro Blvd. You'll lose too much riding time.

[TracyinMesa]

That is good news about the bike lane. I think it is a great ride. I hope to get out to try it with you next weekend. I will give you a call next week.

I did the Palo Verde ride a few weeks ago. Only 50mile loop, it just to windy for anything more! It was a nice ride.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi folks, I wanted to let you know of another place to ride that I hadn't tried before. Yesterday I went on the multi-use path in Scottsdale. I started out near the hospital on Shea and the 101 and went 10 miles south to below McDowell. It was nice ride and the best part about it is the few road crossings that you do. In the 10 miles, I remember just 3 red light and 3 road crossings.

It isn't challenging, from a hill perspective, but just right if you want to get in an easy ride and don't want to have to stop for a lot of red lights.

On the way back, at one of the red lights, I met a Bicycle owner who regularly rides from his shop on Scottsdale and Curry to his home in Scottsdale ranch. He said the path goes all the way down to ASU.

I decided to try it after a work colleague of mine, who has won a gold medal in the team trial, in the Senior Olympics, told me I might need to keep my heart rate a lot lower than I have been to really improve.

So if you are interested here is a link that might be of interest. One is showing the Scottsdale multi-path route and the other is to the article that was sent to me by my colleague.

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/traffic/alttransmethod/bikeways/PrintMaps.asp

Have a great Thanksgiving - hope each of you gets lots of riding in this weekend.

[Monarch]

Thanks for that great link to the Scottsdale trail system Fountain Hills! You can also access the trail from Mountain View Park. There is good parking there. Follow Shea west of the 101 Fwy to Hayden, south on Hayden and east on Mountain View. The park is just past the school on your right. If you go east at the first tee on the trail it takes you to the hospital back on Shea. But if you go west at that tee you can actually ride all the way to Tempe Town Lake. About 30 miles round trip. I find my hybrid bike works better on the trail since I tend to ride faster ont he road bike making it harder to avoid pedestrians. This trail will be loaded with walkers, joggers, and skaters on the week-ends but it's a great ride mid-week. You might want to ride with a friend if you go south of McDowell as the area gets a little seedy from there to Tempe. I'll be escaping my mountainous neighborhood of Troon to do this ride 2-3 times a week while rehabing my knee.

[FH Cyclist]

HI folks I was just looking for places to ride and I saw this link. Looks like some nice options to ride with others at various locations and paces.....

I thought some of you might enjoy this and want to check out some rides.

http://www.azbikeclub.com/weekrides.html

[itself]

After seeing Mimitabby's post about a TE supported ride, I got a little jealous. Why couldn't we do something like that in Arizona?

So come on ladies!! Who lives in Arizona? How about if all AZ residents reply with their cities. If we can't arrange a group ride, maybe we'd find a riding buddy or two. Or maybe just a margarita drinking buddy. :D

My name is Lisa and I live in Peoria.

We just moved from Ftn Hills to N. Scottsdale off of Dynamite Rd. But we are recumbent riders...not sure we will "fit in" with the group or not!

Lisa :)

[motochick]

HI, I am new here and this will be my first post. I live in north central AZ in a small town named Clarkdale. It is just south of Sedona, right in between Prescott and Flagstaff in the Verde valley. I ride road but have an old hardtail that hasn't seen much use since I also ride dirt bikes. Hope to meet up with some of you all.

Brenda

[Jammin41]

Just signing in and wanted to give a quick shout out to all you AZ people. I'm from Chandler and just wanting to branch out here. This seems like a good place to start. :)

Jamm41

[PinkBike]

welcome jammin!!
did you post in the "getting to know you" thread?
glad to have you.
enjoy!

[Jammin41]

welcome jammin!!
did you post in the "getting to know you" thread?
glad to have you.
enjoy!
Thanks for the welcome PinkBike! :)

I have not posted in the "getting to know you" thread, but will look for it.

Jamm41

Edit: If you could direct me to that thread it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[PinkBike]

jamm,
in open topic - cycling related - it's the first thread
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2001

[badgercat]

It's been a little while since someone posted here, so I'll chime in since I'm new to Arizona!

I posted kind of an intro to myself here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=25701) when I was looking for bike-buying advice, but just to summarize, I just moved to Tucson for grad school. I also have or have had family in Chandler, Peoria, Tempe, and Sun City West, and my boyfriend's parents have a condo in Fountain Hills, so I'm no stranger to the Phoenix area. I'm a Midwest transplant--I grew up right outside Chicago and lived in Madison, WI for 4 years of college.

I am, as of about 8 hours ago, the proud owner of a new Trek hybrid--a huge step up from my craptacular mountain bike that I had been riding for the last 8 years (the fact that the rust-bucket made it that long is beyond shocking). I'm hoping to become a cycling fiend as quickly as possible. :D

I haven't had a chance to look and see if there's a thread about it yet, but I'm considering doing the MS ride in Florence in March. (http://bikeaza.nationalmssociety.org/) I don't think I'd be ready for a 150-mile, 2-day event by March, but supposedly this year they're also doing century, 75-mile, and 35-mile one-day rides, and it sounds like a great event.

Anyway, looking forward to interacting with you all here and spending lots of time on the roads and trails in sunny AZ!

[PinkBike]

you are so lucky to be in tucson. they are so bicycle friendly! we usually spend a lot of weekends there in oct and nov to train for el tour de tucson. big wide bike paths and MUT's everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!