El Tour de Tucson 2014 much better than 2013

[azfiddle]

After last year's downpour and cold, anything would have been better for El Tour de Tucson this year, but yesterday was just perfect. A brisk 41 degrees to start but it warmed up to almost 70 during the ride. I left my extra thrift store sweater at the start and never felt cold. Almost no wind!

I wore short gloves with full-fingered liners, arm warmers, knee warmers, an extra pair of exercise capris over my shorts, a windbreaker, a wool beanie and socks to start- I had shed most the extra stuff by 9 am, and the arm & knee warmers came off at mile 46.

Last year's route was supposed to be 107 miles- but I ended up with 113 because I had to detour a flooded wash. This year the route was 104 miles.

I really enjoyed the whole ride yesterday- I never had that "when will this be over?" mindset. I just rode at a comfortable endurance pace - pushed myself a little when it was flat or downhill. I was aiming for a 7:30 finish, and came in at 6:56. My moving average was about 16, altogether with stops, about 15 mph. I don't feel sore today at all- although I did fall asleep by 9 o'clock.

[Crankin]

Sounds perfect!

[Owlie]

After last year's downpour and cold, anything would have been better for El Tour de Tucson this year, but yesterday was just perfect. A brisk 41 degrees to start but it warmed up to almost 70 during the ride. I left my extra thrift store sweater at the start and never felt cold. Almost no wind!

I wore short gloves with full-fingered liners, arm warmers, knee warmers, an extra pair of exercise capris over my shorts, a windbreaker, a wool beanie and socks to start- I had shed most the extra stuff by 9 am, and the arm & knee warmers came off at mile 46.

Last year's route was supposed to be 107 miles- but I ended up with 113 because I had to detour a flooded wash. This year the route was 104 miles.

I really enjoyed the whole ride yesterday- I never had that "when will this be over?" mindset. I just rode at a comfortable endurance pace - pushed myself a little when it was flat or downhill. I was aiming for a 7:30 finish, and came in at 6:56. My moving average was about 16, altogether with stops, about 15 mph. I don't feel sore today at all- although I did fall asleep by 9 o'clock.

I was thinking of you last weekend--and how much better this year's weather was!

[azfiddle]

Thanks Owlie
Would you like to ride with Team Soul one of these Saturdays? We often start at Campbell and River. Not everyone goes the whole posted distance.

[Owlie]

Thanks Owlie
Would you like to ride with Team Soul one of these Saturdays? We often start at Campbell and River. Not everyone goes the whole posted distance.

Sure! It might have to be in January, though! (Finals, and then I'm going back east for Christmas. )

[azfiddle]

Okay- just send me a PM or check out the schedule on the Team Soul facebook or page web site.

Have a nice trip home and happy holidays

[Azryder]

Congratulations on your ride. I was there as well and it was a lot of fun and after warming up it got even better. Here is a quick statistic for you. Did you know of there were 2402 total riders in the 104 mile category and of that number there were ONLY 384 women? Wow, that means that 85% of all riders were men, so I guess that makes us pretty darned special. I had my best ride ever (this was my 10th time in El Tour) and finally beat the 6 hour time limit at 5:56. Not bad for a "senior" rider. Overall it was a GREAT day.

[azfiddle]

Way to go Azryder. I didn't realize the numbers were that small for the century and for women. I could have finished in around 6:45 except for helping my friend- but not less than 6 hours- ever!

Do you live in Tucson?

[Azryder]

Thanks - I live in North Phoenix and did this ride with nine of my fellow club members. Seven men and two women. We all got separated and only two came in together. Four of us finished in under six hours and each hit our personal best time. This is a yearly event except I didn't ride 2013 in the pouring rain like you did. That makes you one tough woman!

You riding Tour de Palm Springs? If so I will see you there!

2013 Specialized Roubaix SL4
2009 Trek 7100 (all around errand bike

[Kelly-M]

This was my first ever century (and first post here), but I finished in 6 hrs 21 mins riding solo. It was a blast, I loved all the roadside support!! I guess I pulled a group for a long ways, didn't even know it (duh!). I will certainly be back next year, it was a great experience. Perfect weather and conditions... I winter in AZ but am from Whidbey Island (in WA state). I did the north 50 of Tour de Whidbey last Sept, and will do entire century next time (2015)... it is really hilly, which helped prep me for century riding in AZ : )

[rebeccaC]

You riding Tour de Palm Springs? If so I will see you there!

welcome Azryder!!!

that's a good feb ride in nice weather, a few rough road sections though.....i'm doing it this year fixed with a couple of friends. are you doing it with a club?

...and welcome to you Kelly M too!!!

[azfiddle]

Welcome Kelly, also.

Azryder, I am not planning on the Palm Springs ride but may do one or two 200k brevets, possibly the Casa Grande century this winter.

[Azryder]

hi Rebecca,

Yes, the beginning of the Palm Springs ride is always windy - they didn't put those windmills there for looks! Once past that the ride is pretty nice with a few really great downhills. It is very well supported. I am riding with a few folks from my club and this year it looks like there will be just 5 or 6 of us. look for Team Trilogy cycling jerseys. Hope to see you there!

[rebeccaC]

hi Rebecca,

Yes, the beginning of the Palm Springs ride is always windy - they didn't put those windmills there for looks! Once past that the ride is pretty nice with a few really great downhills. It is very well supported. I am riding with a few folks from my club and this year it looks like there will be just 5 or 6 of us. look for Team Trilogy cycling jerseys. Hope to see you there!

I'll keep an eye out for you!!!!! I'll be riding an orange/cream bill davidson fixie and wearing a 2013 tour de palm springs jersey.

two weeks

[azfiddle]

That sounds like a nice ride- we're saving our travel dollars for our trip to England and Ireland though