What we’re about
Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) was established in 1991 as a community based organization of people with a passion for mountain biking! We love to explore the spectacular scenery and terrain of Southern Arizona by bike!
As a club, we have been organizing one or more weekly rides for 30 years! You may find us on local Tucson trails or traveling to less frequented areas of the Sonoran Desert and beyond.
Our objective is to promote the enjoyment of mountain biking and nature; to protect and enhance mountain biking opportunities; and to support environmentally and socially responsible use of the land.
SAMBA is active in trail maintenance and mountain biking advocacy. As a group, we are the trail stewards to Passage 5 - Santa Rita section of the AZ Trail. We also highly recommend members to join with groups such as SDMB, TORCA, AZ Trail Association and IMBA for volunteer work, trail maintenance, construction and advocacy.
SAMBA welcomes everyone on our rides! We enjoy the social aspects of mountain biking as well as the challenges. We try to gear the pace of our rides to the group and stop frequently to regroup. However, we do ride in difficult terrain and suggest that you and your bike to be in fairly good condition in order to enjoy the ride.
Most of our rides would fall into the moderate / intermediate category, unless otherwise listed. Our day rides generally last about three to four hours, with a fair amount of stopping to regroup. Beginners with good stamina should do fine. We are also trying to add Beginner Friendly rides on a regular basis. Night rides are shorter, but do require good lights. If you have questions, please contact the ride leader. Please make sure you and your bike are prepared for the ride: bring a helmet, plenty of water, snacks, spare tube, sunscreen, tools, etc.
The Legal Stuff: PLEASE READ WAIVER! - Participating in a SAMBA ride indicates your agreement with terms of the Liability Release Waiver for yourself and any invited guests!
LIABILITY WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS:
I/we hereby waive, release and discharge the Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) and its officers, ride leaders,volunteers, employees, organizers, sponsors, members, and ride participants from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage or death resulting from my/our participation in any SAMBA event.
I/we acknowledge that mountain biking is a high-risk sport. I/we realize there are certain dangers inherent in the sport of mountain biking, and I/we assume these risks with the full understanding that serious injuries and even death may result from my/our participation in any SAMBA event.
I intend this release to discharge the above-named from any and all liability arising from or connected in any way with my/our participation in any event, even though that liability may result from the negligence or carelessness of the above named. I/we certify that my/our bicycle is suitable for safe use in all events, that I/we are in good physical condition, and that I/we are able to complete the event. I/we agree to wear a bicycle helmet properly adjusted and fastened and approved by SNELL or ANSI. I/we agree to obey all traffic laws and other laws at all times during all events.
I/we have read this waiver and release and fully understand its terms and agree that it shall be binding on my/our heirs and assigns. I/we consent to emergency care at my own expense if injured or ill .Furthermore, I/we are willing to abide to the Bylaws and Code of Ethics of SAMBA.
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Upcoming events (2)
See all- Owl Head Gravel RideSan Lucas Community Park, Marana, AZ
### Terrain & Riding
Miles 1 to 4.5 / Canal Riding / Gravel Road
Follow the canal on the east side using the dirt access road.
Miles 4.5 to 6 / Hard-packed and Fast / Gravel Road
Here we found hard-packed, fast riding. The mountains to the east (slightly south) are the Silver Bells. For more information on the area, check out the Silver Bell route.
Miles 6.5 to 9.5 / Amongst the Cactus / Gravel Road
At mile 7.1, take a quick right onto Missile Base Road [paved]. Directly in front of you is one of the last remaining Titan II missile bunkers from the Cold War era.
At mile 8.5 make a left onto Cattle Tank road [gravel]. The scenic desert beauty continues.
Miles 9.5 to 14.5 / Small Rollers / Paved Road
At mile 10.2, connect with the paved portion of Cattle Tank road. The next 5 miles are a series of small paved rollers with a slight upward trend. To the northwest is Picacho Peak.
Miles 14.5 to 18 / OHV Trail / Dirt Trail
This next section is just a blast! Zipping around cactus all the while looking at Owl Head Buttes to the west. The trail / road is just wide enough for a car and, for the most part hard-packed. As you near the end of the segment, there is a gate to pass through.
Miles 18 to 25 / Owl Head Road/ Gravel Road
The next miles are scenic and fast. It is pure Sonoran desert; there is little evidence of the homesites nearby except the occasional dirt driveway. You are drawn in close to the buttes, and then they gradually slip away as you pedal along a straight rolling dirt road. Just before mile 26, the texture changes. The road is tinted white, with some embedded rock, and it meanders up a hill and then down through a wash.Can be ridden with a Gravel Bike or a Rigid Mountain Bike, no need for suspension. Distance for this ride is 34 miles. The dirt roads have some sand (not deep) and some washboard, but not anything really rough. Longest paved section of road is about 5 miles. Owl Head Rd (dirt) passes right by the Owl Head Buttes and offers great views of saguaro cactus and the open desert. This will be a social ride, taking breaks to re-group or to have a snack.
There are no stores along the route, so you need to bring at least 2liters or more of water and enough food to fuel you for the 34 mile distance. Make sure your bike is in good working condition for the ride.We plan to deviate a little from the original route to avoid Carpenter Ranch Rd.
Route:https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/260484973This is a route byDirtyfreehub.com. For route information go to the link below.
.https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/arizona/owl-head/We'll meet at San Lucas Community Park in Marana that offers good parking and a restroom. Address 14040 N Adonis Rd, Marana.
WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS
I/we hereby waive, release and discharge the Meetup group Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) and its officers, ride leaders, volunteers, employees, organizers, sponsors, members, and ride participants from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage ,or death resulting from my/our participation in any Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association event.
I/we acknowledge that mountain biking is a high-risk sport. I/we realize there are certain dangers inherent in the sport of mountain biking, and I/we assume these risks with the full understanding that injuries may result from my/our participation in any event.
I intend this release to discharge the above-named from any and all liability arising from or connected in any way with my/our participation in any event, even though that liability may result from the negligence or carelessness of the above named.
I/we certify that my/our bicycle is suitable for safe use in all events, that I/we are in good physical condition, and that I/we are able to complete the event. I/we agree to wear a bicycle helmet properly adjusted and fastened and approved by SNELL or ANSI.
I/we have read this waiver and release and fully understand its terms and agree that it shall be binding on my/our heirs and assigns. I/we consent to emergency care at my own expense if injured or ill.
Clicking Yes (or the equivalent) on the RSVP and/or participating in this event is my signature on this waiver.