#ridetucson

Second Saturdays Downtown - Food, Beer, & Music with an old friend

My friend Nathan (who you may recognize as the Nathan from some of my bicycle-related travels) let me know he would be in Tucson for his sister’s graduation from U of A. Coincidentally, Scott would be down there too, for his sister’s graduation. Bear Down, etc. 

Turned out to be a good excuse to spend some time in my hometown and the city that is dearest to me (sorry Flagstaff). 

After some good mtb action in Phoenix, I headed down south with bike and Scott’s gf in tow. 

Met up with Nathan, and it turned out that it was Second Saturday in downtown Tucson. It’s great to see our formerly sleepy downtown alive and vibrant with sidewalk bands and street dancers and food trucks! We enjoyed some of the food and beer T-Town has to offer as well as some dancing at Club Congress.

Sunday - A Day for Climbing/Parasailing

Next morning I got up early (it’s hot!) but not too early (dancing!) for a long slog up Tucson’s best/worst-kept secret. If you’ve not been to Mt. Lemmon, it’s a must-see. In 25 long (or short, if you’re driving) miles one can see a transition from Tucson’s lush brand of desert to shrubs, deciduous high desert, and finally to alpine forest at the top (9000 feet). 

Fun fact, Mt. Lemmon hosts the United States’ southernmost ski resort! If you live in Phoenix and want a good place to get away, let me know! I have yet to explore any of the hiking on Lemmon, and I’d love to take you.

Sunday was what we call “a long day on the bike”. Started riding at 8am, and didn’t get off until 3pm. The Summerhaven really is quite a destination, at 30 miles from Cafe Le Buzz (de rigeur starting point for Tucson’s lycra’d masses). That put us at 60 miles with 7000 feet of climbing! Finished the day off with some Eegees with old friends in Oro Valley.