We didn't consider it necessary in advance to do a google search. However, NOW I am checking. They closed on March 19th, with a gate across the road - no access by foot, bicycle, or motor vehicle. No word on when they will open.

That’s so great about the coyote. I saw one crossing the bike path just in front of me along the Santa Cruz last time we were down here. He stood still watching me, half his body through the side railing, and then slipped down into the wash.

That’s a shame about Jacinto and Kitt Peak. I wonder if it is closed for snow or ice. Good to know - I’ve been considering driving out there myself.

Think of ole spoon as that coyote; standing on the centerline as you ride on.

spoon

Kathleen,

Yes -that Don and Marilyn. They have taken up a new version of touring a la the Andersons' - the Swetts' have purchased a travel trailer and are traveling around at the moment, staying here and there for a week or so and doing base camp riding. I believe Marilyn's plan is to write a journal of their rides once their trip is finished. They are actually here in the Tucson area, but we are not getting together because of COVID.

Kelly,
7,000 miles is a very respectable total for any year let alone 2020.
Well done!

Mike

Is that Marilyn and Don Swett that you mean? I miss hanging with them on that other site.

Well done Kelly; well done. Though I’m not in the ride for ride’s sake camp, I admire your resolve. Sorry Tucson is too expensive, but you know its best to revisit in July, then buy. Or not.

spoon

Greg,

I'm happy you found me here. They had a big storm at home and I sincerely hope it is melted before we arrive back. I used to enjoy snow back when the kids were little and we would go out and play in it. Now that I drive a school bus, snow is the enemy, it just makes my job dangerous. A friend was horrified at my opinion, but she works from home. If I could sit inside drinking a glass of wine in front of the fire and watching the snow while snug and warm, I might like it also!

So - there's that background piece . . . I do enjoy the nip in the air on a crisp fall day.

Buying a place in Tucson has gone by the wayside. We aren't quite there as Jacinto isn't ready. He has committed to returning next Christmas, which makes me quite happy.

Jim and Genny have floated the idea of making our summer 2021 tour a base camp type tour. It works well in the winter with questionable weather, but we by far prefer to be moving from location to location. On the slate is a five week tour of Michigan/Wisconsin. We shall see how that all shakes out. Whatever we do, I will journal it here!

Enjoy your snow - I'm glad someone likes it!

Kelly

I rode pretty much the opposite half of the loop today: out Julian Wash to Rita, back on Harrison, Pantano and Rillito. You’re right, it was very quiet, until toward the end of my ride at around 3. I did see the velomobile though - yellow, right?

I think the idea to forget about looking for a place down here until spring or summer is a good one. This must be the worst time to look for a property here.

Hey, I missed you here today!

Hi Kelly,

It's nice to see you enjoying your time "riding 42 miles a day and going nowhere." It's definitely a different style of touring for you, but I can see how it would be very relaxing.

So far I've managed to hang in there on both CrazyGuy AND Cycleblaze. Luckily I don't use the "ratings" any more. Until that last thread, I've tried my damnedest to resist expressing political opinions there, but I could no longer hold it in. I agreed with Wayne's premise, but I think his mistake was using the "Troll" word.

As to purchasing a place in Tucson: DON'T DO IT! You will come to miss those honest-to-goodness winters. At least I know I would.

Greg

When you sign the papers for your overpriced condo! ha

Adele and I started looking for a home in Tucson during the winter. Not a lot for sale and the prices were kind of high that time of year.

We kept looking and then when summer came and the temperatures were above 100 degrees we started seeing some good deals and jumped.

A friend of ours bought a home in the summer below market with the idea that he would sell when the the prices went up.
That winter there were offers to buy it for many thousand more than he paid.
The place was too big for him and so he eventually sold it for a huge profit and moved into a smaller condo.

People get so fed up with winter up north sometimes that they will spend the money to escape, only to find out that they can't stand the summers in Tucson and eventually sell during the warmer months.

My advice is to wait until April or May, when the snowbirds are leaving and the market shifts.

And remember that even though the daytime temperatures are unbearable in the spring and summer here, the morning hours are quite pleasant until about 10:00-11:00AM. Then it is time to be inside taking a siesta.

Sandy,

Thank you for caring enough to write. My more recent journals should be showing up here soon. Be aware of the Rock and Gem show. It books the entire town and increases lodging prices. We are at the Homewood Suites - the parking lot is on the edge of The Loop - can't ask for a better location. We are paying $103. a night, kitchen and a separate bedroom with a door. Breakfast included (breakfast sandwiches/cereal/oatmeal). In February the price goes up to $384.!

Yes, I was one of the unluckies who clicked disagree with Neil, which I guess is the same as clicking agree with Wayne . . . my leaving was a long time coming. It was the right thing to do, but still feels sad. I miss my friends there. Quite a few are finding me here.

Kelly

No luck. The place we were most interested in went under contract. The second place . . . just didn't do it for us. Things are so hot here, places are going for thousands over the asking price. I think we are going to have to wait for the next bust. When will that be?

Kelly