Marana-Oro Valley Triangle: 30 Days of Biking

February 19, 2025

Ten years ago I heard about a challenge called 30 Days of Biking: to ride your bike every day in the month of April. The annual campaign originated in Minneapolis, where spring is a relative concept. You could have snow or slush on the roads for half of April. The fortitude of those hardy Minnesotans inspired me. I needed to shake things up after weeks of working long hours with not enough fresh air, so I made the pledge.

In a few runs at the annual 30DOB challenge, the closest I got was 28 days of biking. I wasn’t too bothered by falling short though. Making the pledge motivated me to find new riding pals who have become good friends. I ventured beyond my usual routes, figuring out the best way to get to yoga class, work, the dentist, the chiropractor, the grocery store and Fitz's Frozen Custard. The whole exercise offered a daily dose of happiness, and changed how I thought about biking.

Today is my 30th consecutive day in the saddle since we got to Tucson in January. No doubt, it's a whole lot easier to stick with a daily riding habit when you're not working and find yourself in a cycling Paradise like Tucson. There's so much beautiful terrain to play on and the gravel bikes open up more of it. Barry has been my steadfast partner on almost all these rides. We both feel lucky to be wandering the Sonoran desert on our bikes, and meeting a lot of lovely people along the way.

Keeping a journal of this tour of Tucson is both time-consuming and meaningful. Even as I struggle to keep it up, I can't give it up. Knowing that anyone cares enough to read it now and then is extra rewarding. Lurkers or talkers, I'm happy you're here.

We're in Tucson until March 6 and plan to keep going, but this feels like a day to celebrate. We'll do it the usual way, in the saddle, on what I expect will be a fast course.

Starting near the confluence of the Canada del Oro and the Santa Cruz, we'll ride north on the Santa Cruz Loop to Gladden Farms Park in Marana. Earlier this month Scott and Rachael introduced us to the new six-mile trail extension north of El Rio Preserve to Gladden Farms. That section opens up a triangular loop ride opportunity, going east to Oro Valley, then back down the Canada del Oro to the starting point. While we've ridden most of this route at different times, it's exciting to put it together in one loop.

I don't get many bird pictures so this is a big day with two in one frame - a Great Blue Heron and a Snowy Egret I think. I trust the birders will school me as needed.

The bright yellow feet are the giveaway for the Snowy Egret

The distant mountains are a fine sight to contemplate as we ride the new trail section north towards Gladden Farms Park

After we turn east on Tangerine there's a lovely bike path next to it. This looks like a newer area of Marana where homebuilding is racing along.

Crossing east under I-10 and the next two miles of road construction are the only unloveable parts on this route. On the bright side, this might be great next year if the project is finished. I would count on Marana for good bike facilities on new roads.

We turn north off of Tangerine at Dove Mountain Boulevard and find the neighborhood park for lunch. Our lunch stops usually happen by the side of the road so this feels luxurious - bathrooms, water and a picnic table in the shade.

The long stretch on Moore Road east towards the Santa Catalina Mountains is my favorite part of this route. Tangerine has nice bike paths, but Moore is quieter, less of a throughway.

A quick peek of the scene as we charge downriver on the Canada del Oro path

My prediction of a fast course is affirmed. We averaged 12.9 mph, our best showing in 30 days. This is a course I definitely want to come back to next year.

Back at camp, we check in with Sue and Mark, who have their own causes for celebration. They spent the day making repairs to their Sprinter van- new brake pads, a blower switch for the heater and a water system valve. Giddy with success, they surprise us with steaks for the grill and fixins for a fine meal. I'll call this a worthy celebration.

A rare occasion - four for dinner in the tiny house on wheels. It works as long as the people on the outside can balance on one cheek.

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Today's ride: 42 miles (68 km)
Total: 620 miles (998 km)

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Karen PoretSo enjoying your words and photos, Janice! Much appreciated…
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1 month ago

Rich FrasierKeep 'em coming, Janice! I appreciate the effort that goes into these journals!
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1 month ago

Janice BranhamTo Karen PoretThanks Karen, I appreciate your sharp eyes. You have a unique perspective on things.
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1 month ago

Janice BranhamTo Rich FrasierThanks Rich! It's always good to hear your encouraging words.
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1 month ago

Karen PoretTo Janice BranhamOh, oh..guess my name “KAREN” is showing…😬😁
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1 month ago

Scott AndersonThis looks like a great loop. I’ve been gradually realizing what a great area this is developing into. I’d we come down again next year we’ll have to rethink where to base ourselves.
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1 month ago

Janice BranhamThe introduction you gave us to the new path in Marana was the key. Given all the driving we're doing to get to the Loop it sure would be handy if we stayed closer to it, but I really enjoy the community out here at the park.
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4 weeks ago