I rode with my Saturday group for one of my favorite southern Arizona rides, but it required a very early morning wake-up because it was almost an hour's drive! Woke up around 4 am to get to the carpooling meet-up at 5, and then we drove to our start.

We parked in the historic small ranch town of Amado, which boasts the century old Cow Palace restaurant with the ranch house feel (but a bit bigger) as well as the Longhorn Grill across the street, which is ornamented with a giant sized replica of a set of a cattle horns. Get a feel for the area: http://www.amadoaz.com/home

Then we rode a 46 mile up and back route to Arivaca, also a small, historic town. Arivaca was a cattle ranching town, discovered by hippie types back in the 70's. The factions have seem to be getting along at this point. There is also a nice birding area, part of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Unfortunately, it is also along a heavily traveled route for both people and drugs sneaking in from Mexico, so there is a big border patrol presence. In fact, we rode through a semi-permanent border patrol outpost (who kindly let me use a port-a-potty so I didn't have to find a bush for a "nature-break"!

1000 feet of altitude gain to the summit, through the ups and downs of mesquite lined washes and green ranch pastures, up to a desert grassland hilltop with great views of the area. Then we dropped about 350 feet into Arivaca. The little Gadsden coffee shop wasn't open at 7:30 am, so the stop was the market in town. Info here: http://www.arivaca.net/
Then we just retraced our steps.

I felt strong on the way out, but I slowed down on the way home. Even though it's mostly downhill, I find that the ups and downs through the washes is harder to focus on than a steady climb. Plus, it was cool on the way out, and getting warmer on the way back.

Anyway- it was a fine 46 miles, with a relaxiing breakfast at the Cow Palace before driving back to Tucson.