Fall rides in AZ?

[HappyTexasMom]

It's way too hot now, but I'd love to have a fall ride (thinking Oct/Nov timeframe) as a goal to work towards. I've tried to find something, but all I'm finding are things that ran this spring.

Anyone know of any kind of road rides (I'm thinking charity or fun, not competitive) coming up in the Phoenix or Tucson area? I wouldn't mind doing something up north (I *love* the high country) except I'm not too keen on anything very hilly yet. I'm looking for something anywhere in the 30-70 mile range. Bonus points if there is a "fun ride" that my kids (6 & 8) can do.

I'd also consider something in the SoCal (i.e., L.A.) area, as I have a good friend there who I could go stay with. I would be willing to do something in Sept there (since it's cooler).

[Running Mommy]

El tour de tucson in November is huge!
There are actually a lot around that time frame. Tho at the moment I can't name them.. oy.. been a long day!

[HappyTexasMom]

OMG, that looks like *exactly* what I'm looking for. I could have sworn I looked it up and only saw last years results. Must have been an old link.

Now, to figure out exactly what I want to do and make a commitment to myself.

[Dogmama]

If you need help deciding, let me know. For example:

The 35 mile option = more of a fun ride for hybrids.
The 63 mile option = fairly large start. You have one river crossing & a short but straight-up hill. Other than that - a nice ride.
The ~80 mile option = typically only a few hundred people start. You may catch up with the 63 mile-ers around the river crossing.
The big one - huge mass start. Two river crossings.

Of course you know that river crossing doesn't equal water. Just a big dusty wash, 99% of the time.

[Running Mommy]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the wash crossings. You have to hike a bike those portions.

[PinkBike]

these are some that we look forward to

palo verde nuclear century in west phoenix 0ct 28 - 50 or 100 miles (sportsfun.com/gaba)
tour de scottsdale Sunday, October 4 - 70 hilly miles (active.com)
as el tour de tucson gets closer, they will have weekly training rides that are fun to go to (bikegaba.org)
then there's the silverbell and tumacacori centuries to really get you prepared for el tour (perimeterbicycling.com)