Change in the air

Change is in the air.

Here, up there, seemingly everywhere.

Temperatures are falling, leaves changing. People are dusting off their bikes and realizing *it’s time to ride*, it’s time to get out.

Fall comes a little later in Arizona, even on the mountain.

Some things don’t change. Time on the bike being needed as much as ever.

I was up late, moving slow, making decisions. I made a good one, to join the crew on the lower Lemmon trails.

Warming up my back (finally getting better), I first did a little spectating from the highway.

Then joined the party on Bugs. Chad nailed this one, on the second try.

photo by Chad Brown

I may have eeked it out, but it wasn’t pretty. Had to go back down and get it smooth.

Ty’s McMuffin

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a sausage McMuffin pulled out in the middle of a ride — especially a hot ride.

“I mean, they’re only 99 cents!”

Chadly tearing it up on the way back.

Jonathan was pretty dazed by the time I saw him. Dazed, but still cruising along.

Milagrosa anyone?

These trails are pretty hot on a 95 degree day, with morning aspect sun. Who’s idea was this?

It was Chad’s, and a brilliant one at that. Summer or no, this was a great ride.

You had to know it wouldn’t be long before we partook of techy tacos, once again.

It’s the face that gives him the power to ride up just about anything. Master that face and maybe you too can ride a techy taco.

Jonathan still has a bit of work to do on his taco grimace.

There we go.

Uh oh, Max. Turn that big ring into a bash guard with a few solid blows!

Cactus out of rock. We think it has grown a new layer over the summer.

Push up,

roll down. Jonathan flashed down this “b-line.”

And yes, we do eat actual tacos, in addition to figurative ones. The tacos, like the ride, were better than ever.

Tucson is a completely different place once the change takes place and it cools down. Soon, soon.