Tucson training

I found a cheap airline ticket to Tucson for a week. I packed in 447 miles. I'm quite impressed with myself. However, I feel guilty - I did not ride to East Saguaro Park even one time. I needed the climbing practice. Instead, I rode an entire loop (55 miles) daily. Some days I added extra distance by taking spurs off of the basic loop. My last day in town, I rode 73 miles. I'm tired!

When I get home, I'm ready to add some weight on the bike. I really do need to climb a few hills. This denial thing is not going to serve me well in a couple of weeks.

Jacinto has had an unusual number of overnight trips this year, and multi night over night trips. His folding scooter has gotten a fair amount of use. He hasn't had much chance to bicycle. When he does, the standard ride is 50 miles and at least 3,000 feet of climbing. Jacinto had no last minute aches and pains, like last year's knee issues. Whew.

Jacinto finishes school on a Thursday. We have Friday to get organized, then we have a leisurely two day drive to Challis, ID for the start of the tour. I have spot checked weather in several places. It looks cold and rainy. Gulp!

We do not camp, or carry camping gear as a contingency plan. All of our reservations are made in advance, as we are traveling through tourist areas. I made the last reservation this week. The only motel in Babb didn't open until the 15th of May, and they didn't take reservations until they opened. With just eight rooms, I was a little worried. Jacinto said we could always stay at the hostel outside of town (and up a big hill!). I was happy to get my own bathroom.

I'm ready to hit the road! We'll see you in a couple of weeks.

June 1 edit - I've ridden the green bike on essentially the same route three consecutive days (to Jacinto's dismay). My average speed all three days was 9.9 mph. This route included a steep downhill that my bike computer logged at ~35 mph. This is my personal 'I like my skin where it is' speed threshold. RWGPS does give me credit yesterday for a downhill speed of 42.2 mph. I don't think so! As for climbing, I detoured yesterday up the short, steep hill to the cemetery. RWGPS says it's 11.7%. I believe that number. I was in my lowest gear and riding at 2.4 mph, according to my bike computer. Can I even balance the bike at that speed? I told Jacinto in the practical world, I'd be walking that sort of grade. I'd be faster walking!

The orange Phoenix got all of the action this week. Grocery store runs were made with the reliable K frame XP.

All sorts of plants are blooming in the desert. Desert willows also smell fragrant.

There are plenty of bright yellow flowers.

A few saguaros were blooming. It’s difficult to see the blossoms when they are so tall!

I was hot and sweaty when I finished changing the tire. I stopped at Papa Loco’s to eat. I asked for pickle juice and made my own electrolyte drink. The ladies thought I was quite odd!

A California burrito. My hand is for scale. My fingers are still a little dirty from changing that tire. Oops!

I have new, longer handlebars, courtesy of Zac at Ajo Bikes. I am more comfortable with a little bend in my arms.

The view at the top of Pantano Wash - almost home!

I was looking out the front window at the bike path and noticed there is a nesting pigeon in the grapefruit tree! Now I know she’s there, she is always there. I won’t be around to see how many babies she has.

Am I allowed to have a favorite potty stop? This is at Ted Walker Park. It was closed for a long time and fell off of my commonly traveled path. It’s open again!

Jacinto has also gotten in some exercise, despite his very busy spring school bus schedule. He had a folding Mibo scooter that he takes on the bus if there’s not too many kids. Here he is in Denver.

Jacinto was within walking distance of home when a Crank Brothers pedal broke. This is the third time he has broken one. I told him to treat them as consumables and to install new pedals yearly. He had a new set at home. His timing was a little slow.

Jacinto's bicycle with the new pedals installed. Jacinto happily pointed out that the pedals match the handlebar tape. The bike is his favorite - a Rodriguez with a Rohloff hub.

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Larry MitchellEnjoying those Tucson pictures … just not the temperatures I’ve been seeing.
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6 months ago

Kelly IniguezTo Larry MitchellI was happy to make it through the week without seeing 100 degrees. I started early each morning and was generally home before noon. I’ve had more naps this week than I’ve taken in a long time!
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6 months ago