Camp Tucson
When: March 11-13, 2016
What: 3 big loops in the desert
Why: You know why.
Camp Tucson is an informal and loosely organized set of rides in the Tucson area. GPX files and a start time are all that are provided. These are not a races, though some people will ride fast. These are great prep rides for the AZTR and AZT 300. Go at your own pace, ride with people and most of all be self-sufficient!
The idea was copied, shamelessly, from Lynda W's most excellent Camp Lynda. In that vein, here is CL's credo: Camp motto is SELF SUPPORTED. Come ready to be independent and self sufficient in every aspect. Everyone is invited provided you come self supported; have your gps with the route loaded, ride at your own pace, shortcut/bail when you have reached your fun threshold. Fitness and ability level are non-issues, you set your own pace, make your own decisions, fix your own flats, bring your own food/fluids. Know your limits and when to choose a short cut home. Bring lotsa mojo :-) Bring lights, too!
The Rides
Day 1: Redington AZT Milagrosa
Meet: 12pm, noon. Circle K on Tanque Verde / Redington Road. (map). Park under the big powerlines, in the dirt, to the east of the Circle K.
The warmup ride is a Tucson classic. Climb on Redington Road into the high desert, cruise 4x4 roads in the Chiva Falls complex, then hook on the AZT for miles of ridgeline bliss. The finish is on one of Tucson's best and most technical trails - Milagrosa.
GPX: Camp Tucson Day 1 - Redington Milagrosa.gpx
Dinner: Seis Kitchen 6:30 pm, or later if you're still riding!
Day 2: Empire Rita
Breakfast: 6:30am at Bobo's. 2938 E. Grant Road. A giant apple pancake is a well proven anti-bonk breakfast.
Meet: 8am at intersection of Sahuarita Road and AZ Highway 83. (map).
This is the biggie. Looping the AZT in the Santa Ritas, with a refuel and fried chicken option on route in Sonoita. There will be a smaller loop version available (~60 miles) as well.
GPX: Camp Tucson Day 3 - Empire Rita.gpx
GPX: Camp Tucson Day 3 - Empire Rita Shortcut.gpx
To ride the short loop, you will need both files. Upload both, that way you have the main loop and the bailout / shortcut, which also brings you to Highway 83 -- a very quick way to bail out and head back to the start.
Dinner: Time Market - University Ave. No set time - whenever done riding, stop in for pizza, drinks and other goodies.
Day 3: Tucson Mountain Park Rock 'n Road Challenge
Meet: 9am at Richard Genser Trailhead. (map)
This is a grand tour of the Tucson Mountains on the west side of town. Everything from scenic dirt roads in Saguaro National Park to hike-a-bike on Brown Mountain. This loop is very resilient to weather, and the warmest place to ride, so it's a guaranteed good saguaro shredding time.
Note that this loop has many bailout options and sections that can be skipped. So if you're shredded yourself, shorter options are available.
GPX: Camp Tucson Day 3 - TMP Rock n Road.gpx
Estimated ride times (very rough)
Day 1: 5-7 hours.
Day 2: Long: 9-12 hours. Short: 6-9.
Day 3: 6-9 hours.