Arizona Roll Call

[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.

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....

[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. Laurie, I know this would be REALLY early for you.

[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.