Phoenix area riders?

[JanT]

One place I've ridden that may be close to midway for us both is to park at the Reach 11 trailhead on Cave Creek Road, just north of the 101. You can ride north on Cave Creek Road, ride through Carefree, and continue east past Pima. I've always turned around where the road becomes one lane, which makes for about a 35 mile out/back. It's pretty much slight uphill going out, so the return is easier. We could extend it if we wanted by continuing east on Cave Creek towards Barlett, or just doing some exploring.

I also ride the Az. canal, which is traffic free. We could meet at Granada Park and ride west to 75th Av and back. Granada Park: 6505 N. 20th St., north of Maryland Ave., Phoenix. (take 20th St. south from Glendale Ave., or 18th St. north from Bethany Home Rd. I don't have a true mileage read on that, but I'd guess it's about also 35 miles or so.

Most of the rides I've done are out-backs, because there aren't alot of bike-friendly roads here on the west side. Many of our bike lanes go a mile or two and then stop. I'm still chicken when it comes to riding by myself without a bike lane. With company, your more visible and it's not so scary.

I don't know which is closer to you or which kind of ride you'd prefer. I'd like to start early, as in 5:30 or 6. If that seems to early for you, given a drive, I'd be willing to drive east your way. It's supposed to be our first 100 degree day on Saturday!

I'm going to bed, but I'll check tomorrow morning for your reply, and again around 6 when I get home. I'm psyched!
Jan.

[JanT]

Thanks for a great ride, Melisa! The hills at the end about did me in, but I enjoyed the scenery in Scottsdale. Let me know when you're ready to ride in June. I think you'd like the Cave Creek Road (Sonoran Bikeway) ride.

[mommelisa]

The hills at the end about did me in, but I enjoyed the scenery in Scottsdale.

I think you did great! That McDowell Moutain hill is deceiving, I think the backside is much harder than the front side. I hope you had a big diet Pepsi when you got home, you earned it!

Thank YOU for coming all the way to my house! I promise next time, I'm putting the shoes in the car!

I get back from Florida on the 31st, so let me know if you think you want to join the ride on the 2nd with the racelab group, and maybe we can ride the 4th?

Thanks again, Jan, it was really great to meet you!

[JanT]

Let's plan on the 2nd. If you give me the starting location and times, I'll see you there.

[mommelisa]

Let's plan on the 2nd. If you give me the starting location and times, I'll see you there.

Hey, Jan! I am sure you're swamped getting ready for the last week of school. My kids are out Thursday and they are SO excited!

We meet at the A.J.'s Grocery Store on 100th Street and Via Linda. The easiest way to come would be to take Loop 101 all the way to Shea Blvd. Turn left on Shea so you're heading East. Turn right on 96th Street (its a stoplight), then left on Mountain View (its also a stoplight). You will intersect with Via Linda and A.J.'s is on the Southeast corner. We meet in front of the store around 5:25 and we head out about 5:30.

I think you have my cell number, so just give me a ring if you get lost.

See you then! Have a great couple of weeks! We're off to Disneyworld...
Melisa

[JanT]

Thanks for the directions. Should be pretty quick off the loop at that hour of the day. I will see you then. Hope you have a safe and fun-filled adventure at Disneyworld!
Jan

[mommelisa]

Jan! Thanks for joining us for our ride today and for coffee afterwards. It was good to see you! I'm off to Boston next week, but let's try to ride sometime after I get back. GREAT job up that hill! :-)

[cathy]

Hi.
It's getting quite toastie in AZ. You two should check out some rides here in Prescott. www.prescottcycling.org
We have a great group of riders (men and women) and some awesome rides. Weekend rides are typically posted one week prior. If you don't see anything feel free to message me. I'm out nearly every weekend.

Cathy

[JanT]

Thanks, Cathy! I love Prescott, and the hills and altitude would be make a fun challenge. I'll keep it in mind if we get up that way.
Jan