Version 2.0

Version 2.0 is out, finally. Just as soon as it’s out, we’re off for a trip–3 days of backpacking in the Rincons. After the chaos of paper deadlines, taxes, teaching class and getting 2.0 out, it’s time for a break. When I say break, of course, I mean 3 days of strenuous climbing in some …. [Continue reading]

Update

Working on taxes, version 2.0 of TopoFusion (we’re finally out of beta!), and a weekend plan. I found some very excellent topo maps of Mexico at the UofA library, but it sounds like we’ll be backpacking in the Rincons instead. Either suits me, really.

Backtracking…

4/11 – Rode the tandum [sic] to the top of …. [Continue reading]

San Rafael, Canelo, Parker Canyon

4/8/04 – Alan, Paula and I loaded up the backpack, panniers and bob trailer (respectively) for a short tour in the San Rafael area. We started our trip in Patagonia, at the Arizona Trail parking lot, rolling out in the late morning.

It was warm and comfortable with large puffy clouds in the sky. We …. [Continue reading]

St. Louis

3/31/04 – Preparations and travel were exhausting. An $80 fee was demanded because my box contained a bicycle. Then, a large surprise as I stepped off the plane in St. Louis: the sun was nowhere to be seen. It was cold as we checked into the downtown Marriott, the ‘host’ hotel of the 2004 olympic …. [Continue reading]

Brush Corral Epic

Yet another ride on Scott’s “ridiculous rides” list is complete. Lee, Alan and I took an adventure deep into the pain cave today, completing the Brush Corral Epic Loop. The loop was conceived and mapped years ago by me, but never put into action, mostly for lack of adventuring partner(s). General Lee was the man …. [Continue reading]

I Love Rocky Road

In case anyone thought the 50 year trail was still too hard, there’s good news: it’s *still* being cleaned. The one spot that was hard on the trail (inside Catalina State Park) has been cleaned a bit and there is now a cheap-bypass trail that goes all the way around it. On the upper loop …. [Continue reading]

La Cholla

Resting and catching up continues here at TopoFusion HQ (aka a card table with a computer on it).

Today I found myself at the ‘La Cholla Corporate Center.’ The waiting room’s every detail seemed designed as a space begging you to leave. Everything from uncomfortable chairs to horrid “Soft” rock blasting from a ghetto …. [Continue reading]

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

The story goes like this.

Tuesday 3/16: Alan and I spent our energies pedaling hard and steady to the gap known as Charouleau, then down the back side for some snow melt CDO refreshment. The water was moving fast and was ice cold; in contrast the day was hot and slow. We stood around …. [Continue reading]

Canelo Pass

A new ride for me today: Mark Flint’s Canelo Pass / AZ trail loop.

Yesterday I got a call from a Lance, who was looking for a ride. Later Mark called and expressed some doubt over Lance’s experience. But he sounded charged and excited to do the ride.

When I pulled up at UofA …. [Continue reading]

Chiva Rain and AZ Trail Scope

Spent the morning wandering around in the rain, searching for the perfect route for the new Arizona Trail from Oak Tree canyon to Fagan Lake (in the Santa Ritas). One storm hit the area while we waited for everyone at the 83 exit, then it was quite nice for an hour or so. Another storm …. [Continue reading]

Nice and Warm

A couple of nice warm Suburban Assault rides thus far this week. I could get used to these temperatures — low 80’s and sunny. The evenings are just beautiful. I’ve been trying out and easing into my new pedal extenders, hoping that my right leg and knee will appreciate them. Only time will tell.

The …. [Continue reading]

Border Loop

Another great ride dreamed up by Lee today. Ever since the Tumacacori wilderness proposal, Lee has been exploring more and more of the country in his backdoor. Today the plan was to connect Ruby road with his Tubac to Arivaca route–at Bear Grass tank. I got excited about the route as soon as I checked …. [Continue reading]

Sundown at the Pass

Today was the Sundown at the Pass running race which runs up and over Gates Pass. For the last two years I have tried and failed to watch the race near the pass, but this year was a success, though a narrow one.

The race started at 5pm; we rolled out our driveway a bit …. [Continue reading]

Sunshine

The sun is shining for the first time in days. We live a tough life here in Arizona.

A rare crappy ride for me yesterday. I headed home from class with just enough time for a quick 1.5 hour ride. I spent half of (100% rain) wednesday working on my bikes, so I was excited …. [Continue reading]

Ride For Life – Around the Santa Ritas

What was once a dream is now reality. The ride around the Santa Ritas is complete and it was a roaring success. We were presented the opportunity of a good day and we took it. It turned out to be the perfect day.

The preparation for the ride was extensive:

Recon 1 Recon 2 Recon …. [Continue reading]

Molino trail work part 2

More work on the Molino trail today, this time on the east side of the campground–the steep and very difficult climb up to the saddle. I always think that I am going to ride more and more of the climb whenever I attempt it, but I always end up walking a number of sections. It’s …. [Continue reading]

Trails, roads and buildings

I grew up in Salt Lake City, and as a 12 year old, starting riding the shoreline trail on a $150 rigid bike, thanks to my Dad. The area remains without a doubt one of my favorite places to ride. Hero hill, the living room, the quarry, rollercoaster and of course the beacon. 10 minutes …. [Continue reading]

Recon Part 3

We finished up our third and final Santa Rita epic recon ride. The pieces are complete–now all that remains is to attempt the whole thing.

Although I’ve done a number of rides on the east side, it is one of the most confusing areas on the planet. Small canyons and roads everywhere. All the canyons …. [Continue reading]

Starr Class

It was a nice relaxing weekend. Not much riding, but a couple of good hikes and plenty of rest. It’s always great to have family visiting.

The hikes were Douglas Spring trail, then Camino de Oeste at Starr Pass. Both very nice days to get out. During the latter hike my sister discovered a trail …. [Continue reading]

Ride For Life

Another adventure is complete. We’ve now linked up all of the pieces necessary for the Ride Around the Santa Ritas epic. The question remains: can it be done in a single day?

It’s going to be a delicate balance of waiting for daylight but not waiting so long that it’s too hot. It’s going to …. [Continue reading]