You’re right, you can’t edit comments. The correction is to copy the text to your clipboard, delete the comment, and then start over. That’s why you sometimes get multiple email notifications when it looks like there’s only one comment.

Darn, I don't see an edit button - Jan liked to drive to the start, I liked to ride.

I've stopped at Pat's Chili Dogs (in business for over 40 years) with the recumbent club a couple of times. We get our dogs to go, and then eat them at the park with the arches, where you posted a photo. It's almost across the street from Mariscos where you ate.

I also like riding right out the front door! A friend and I went round and round about this. It was not a pleasant discussion. She thought I should stay near her, in Oro Valley. I don't especially like the path riding up that way. There's only one path (the Canada del Oro) and it's too busy for my liking.

I finally hit on a root issue. 99.9% of my rides at home are directly from home. Jan lived in Denver before moving to Oro Valley. She said from her home, they had only one good ride. To her, riding to the start is the way it's done.

That, I think, was key to our disagreement. For me (and every person is different) the most important thing about finding a place was being able to ride out the door. The morning view while I drink coffee? Well, I don't drink coffee . . . for Jan, that was #1, sitting on her lovely patio, and looking at the mountains while sipping coffee. I could understand her POV, but I don't think she understood mine.

Sorry, maybe more than you wanted there!

Anyway, here's what I've found about road riding in Tucson. I love Tucson, I don't say much negative about the town. I'm amazed, given that I've lived my entire life in small towns, how much I enjoy the city.

Negatives - Tucson is far too trashy. It's unfortunate, but a fact. Oro Valley is not trashy, FYI. The roads to the south are in much worse condition, the further north you go, the smoother the roads are. What I love about Tucson road riding is that the roads that are suitable for bicycles are very well marked. Cars and bicycles both know where they should be. The marked bike lanes go clear through the intersection.

We spent Christmas this year in Palm Springs. I did exactly one lengthy ride. I was surprised, given the area, how poorly the streets were marked. They did have bike lanes, but they disappeared at the intersections, reappearing after the crossing. With six lanes of traffic across, I want to know, and want cars to know, where I should be! In the area we stayed, virtually all side streets were gated communities, so there was no getting off of the main thoroughfares. That caused me to like Tucson's appreciation of the cyclist even more.

If you look on RWGPS and search Tucson, you will see local rides. There's also a group called Cactus Cycling that has rides on their website.

Look at my RWGPS ride for Jan 22 or November 1, for two good rides that include East Saguaro Park. Starting at Michael Perry Park would be a good location, or over by Kenyon Drive. I like to eat at the food trucks at 22nd Street and the bike path, at the end of this ride.

That's probably a lot to digest. My almost apologies - I love Tucson and get a little excited about sharing, especially when talking about bicycling here!

A dashing young fellow! :-)

I'm starting to feel that Keith. Just need more saddle time out there.

I'm convinced that a lot of mountain biking is just confidence: focus on "GO" and you get through.

This reminded me of skiing the trees. Look at the spaces, not the trees! Easier said than done, but when you have a good run it is sublime.

Yup.

Thanks for checking out Twin Buttes Road so we don’t have to! You’re right that Helmet Peak Road is much better, as is adding a few miles to the south and going up Duval Mine.

And I agree that this is much better as an out and back than as a loop. We’ve ridden the Nogales Highway before and didn’t care for it until we could pull off to the Old Highway. I doubt we’ll ride it again.

Never a skilled offroader even in my prime, I found what little skill I may have had is long gone now when I did a short ride through a state park in December.

Practice is good!

Glad you found this road, it’s much better than gravel!

You are wise Rachael.

You are braver than I am! I’m going to stick to hiking.

Hey Kelly, you were right - that turn I was going to make off of Pendleton near Calabasas Park was exactly the turn Hank made that put him on a gravel road on your Thanksgiving tour. He followed it for miles until it turned into a sandy Jeep track and he had to turn around. I would have done the same were it not for your story, although Barry wouldn't have followed me very far. I loved your blog about that day btw - https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/tucsonarea/amado-patagonia-az/

I think I’m a little resentful over the enthusiasm Rachael’s showing here. Hey Rocky, at least I can change a flat tire!