Arizona Roll Call

[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.

[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!