Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA)

4.9•10848 ratings

About us

Based in Tucson, GABA is the oldest and largest bike club in Southern Arizona with over 1300 members! We host, support, and lead Day Rides, legendary centuries, multi-day rides, and rides for families.
GABA is more than just riding a bike. We are also active in the community supporting cycling advocacy, bike safety education, and bike repair. To learn more about GABA check out our webpage. Come join us for some adventures on two (or three) wheels!
If you are not already receiving our electronic newsletter, The Paceline, you can sign up HERE and there is no charge!
Our recurring signature GABA events include the following. Click on the link to go to the GABA web page for further details on the ride of your interest.
Centuries

Owl's Head Butte: February
Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb: May
Tumacacori: October
Silverbell: November

Overnight Rides:

Sonoita-Bisbee: March
Luna Lake: May
Trail of the Mountain Spirits: September

All Day Rides will include information about Pace, Terrain, and Distance. They may be coded as follows:
Pace
A 20+ mph
B+ 18-20 mph
B 16-18 mph
C+ 14-16 mph
C 12-14 mph
D 8-12
Terrain
1 Flat
2 Minor Hills
3 Moderate Hills
4 Long Climbs or Very Steep
GABA Ride Types:
Social – No Drop: we ride together two abreast where conditions permit. We often have a sweep rider and no one gets dropped
Re Group: We ride in smaller groups at our own pace and regroup at specified points in the route
Training Ride: The route is posted and all riders need to be self sufficient

Upcoming events

See all

Wayne's Tuesday Social Eastside Ride WTTITW (C/2/27)
Tue, Mar 3 · 8:15 AM MST
Viv’s Café, 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd Ste 361, NW corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy, Viv’s Café, located at 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd Suite 361,, Tucson, az, US
Please note: Wheels rolling 8:15 .
Ride with GPS map is located at: We Think This Is The Way
Distance 27 Miles, Elevation gain 1000 Ft
Ride Leader today is Wayne Cullop
wayne.cullop@gmail.com 520 977 3018
If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link

Start/End: Viv's Cafe
8987 E Tanque Verde Rd #361, Tucson, AZ 85749

Water/Bathrooms
16 Miles at Agua Caliente Park

You are welcome to join us for food after the ride. This week we will go to Viv's Cafe.

Please review the route before the ride Start and load the route into your bicycle computer or your smart phone or print a copy of the cue sheet.
To participate in this GABA group ride you MUST:
1. Be willing to ride at a social pace (end of ride social pace 12-14 MPH).
2. Be willing to serve as the ride sweep for a portion of the ride.
3. Use the phrase "walker/bike up" when overtaking someone.
4. Use the phrase "walker/bike left" when approaching someone coming at us. This should be used when on narrow parts of multiuse paths.
5. Stay right of the center line on multiuse paths and right of the white line while on the road except to pass.
6. Give at least 3 feet when passing someone walking or riding in the same direction.
  IMPORTANT: If you have not ridden with Wayne within the last 12 months, please send your contact information (Name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to Bob at rmwillman@yahoo.com or Wayne at wayne.cullop@gmail.com. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.
  The end-of-ride average speed is expected to be between 12 and 14 MPH. If you are not comfortable or not capable with this expected pace average over the entire route, please do not participate in this ride, it is not fair to the other riders. This is a social ride, lots of conversations, and regroupings as we will not drop anyone. Riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep.
  If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call (DO NOT TEXT) the ride leader: Bob's is 520 247 2235 and Wayne's is 520 977 3018. We will wait up to five minutes before leaving.
  What to Bring:
  • Food & fluids for 3 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
  • Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
  • Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
  • CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
  • No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
  If you are riding, I ask that you agree that:
  • You will obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
  • You are a representative of the greater cycling community and will therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
  • You will represent GABA well.
  • While on the Loop, you will respect others on the Loop. You will take care when passing pedestrians and other cyclists: ring your bell or call out "Passing" or "Good morning!" before passing
  • This is not a "training" or "intensive" ride - this is a social, no drop, base building ride.
  • If any of these standards are unclear, you will ask for clarification.
  • Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests, and or the ride leader getting lost.
  If you have comments about this ride or would like to make suggestions for future Tuesday Social Rides routes, please email Bob Willman and Wayne Cullop at
  rmwillman@yahoo.com
  wayne.cullop@gmail.com
  If you get this far and want to read some more, here are some interesting Arizona/Pima County/Tucson Bicycle Laws . If you are wondering about how you should act on the loop, read these Complete List of Loop Guidelines
15 attendees
Bob's Tuesday Social Eastside Ride WTTITW (C/2/27)
Tue, Mar 3 · 8:15 AM MST
Viv’s Café, 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd Ste 361, NW corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy, Viv’s Café, located at 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd Suite 361,, Tucson, az, US
Please note: Wheels rolling 8:15 .
Ride with GPS map is located at: We Think This Is The Way
Distance 27 Miles, Elevation gain 1000 Ft
Ride Leader today is Bob Willman
rmwillman@yahoo.com 520 247 2235
If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link

Start/End: Viv's Cafe
8987 E Tanque Verde Rd #361, Tucson, AZ 85749

Water/Bathrooms
16 Miles at Agua Caliente Park

You are welcome to join us for food after the ride. This week we will go to Viv's Cafe.

Please review the route before the ride Start and load the route into your bicycle computer or your smart phone or print a copy of the cue sheet.
To participate in this GABA group ride you MUST:
1. Be willing to ride at a social pace (end of ride social pace 12-14 MPH).
2. Be willing to serve as the ride sweep for a portion of the ride.
3. Use the phrase "walker/bike up" when overtaking someone.
4. Use the phrase "walker/bike left" when approaching someone coming at us. This should be used when on narrow parts of multiuse paths.
5. Stay right of the center line on multiuse paths and right of the white line while on the road except to pass.
6. Give at least 3 feet when passing someone walking or riding in the same direction.
  IMPORTANT: If you have not ridden with Wayne within the last 12 months, please send your contact information (Name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to Bob at rmwillman@yahoo.com or Wayne at wayne.cullop@gmail.com. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.
  The end-of-ride average speed is expected to be between 12 and 14 MPH. If you are not comfortable or not capable with this expected pace average over the entire route, please do not participate in this ride, it is not fair to the other riders. This is a social ride, lots of conversations, and regroupings as we will not drop anyone. Riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep.
  If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call (DO NOT TEXT) the ride leader: Bob's is 520 247 2235 and Wayne's is 520 977 3018. We will wait up to five minutes before leaving.
  What to Bring:
  • Food & fluids for 3 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
  • Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
  • Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
  • CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
  • No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
  If you are riding, I ask that you agree that:
  • You will obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
  • You are a representative of the greater cycling community and will therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
  • You will represent GABA well.
  • While on the Loop, you will respect others on the Loop. You will take care when passing pedestrians and other cyclists: ring your bell or call out "Passing" or "Good morning!" before passing
  • This is not a "training" or "intensive" ride - this is a social, no drop, base building ride.
  • If any of these standards are unclear, you will ask for clarification.
  • Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests, and or the ride leader getting lost.
  If you have comments about this ride or would like to make suggestions for future Tuesday Social Rides routes, please email Bob Willman and Wayne Cullop at
  rmwillman@yahoo.com
  wayne.cullop@gmail.com
  If you get this far and want to read some more, here are some interesting Arizona/Pima County/Tucson Bicycle Laws . If you are wondering about how you should act on the loop, read these Complete List of Loop Guidelines
15 attendees
Ginge’s Tuesday Social Eastside Ride WTTITW (C/2/27)
Tue, Mar 3 · 8:15 AM MST
Viv’s Café, 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd Ste 361, NW corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy, Viv’s Café, located at 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd Suite 361,, Tucson, az, US
Please note: Wheels rolling 8:15 .
Ride with GPS map is located at: We Think This Is The Way
Distance 27 Miles, Elevation gain 1000 Ft

If this fills look for the ride on Gatherist.org

If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link

Start/End: Viv's Cafe
8987 E Tanque Verde Rd #361, Tucson, AZ 85749

Water/Bathrooms
16 Miles at Agua Caliente Park

You are welcome to join us for food after the ride. This week we will go to Viv's Cafe.

Please review the route before the ride Start and load the route into your bicycle computer or your smart phone or print a copy of the cue sheet.
To participate in this GABA group ride you MUST:
1. Be willing to ride at a social pace (end of ride social pace 13-14 MPH).
2. Be willing to serve as the ride sweep for a portion of the ride.
3. Use the phrase "walker/bike up" when overtaking someone.
4. Use the phrase "walker/bike left" when approaching someone coming at us. This should be used when on narrow parts of multiuse paths.
5. Stay right of the center line on multiuse paths and right of the white line while on the road except to pass.
6. Give at least 3 feet when passing someone walking or riding in the same direction.
The end-of-ride average speed is expected to be close to14 MPH. If you are not comfortable or not capable with this expected pace average over the entire route, please do not participate in this ride, it is not fair to the other riders. This is a social ride, lots of conversations, and regroupings as we will not drop anyone. Riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep.
If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call (DO NOT TEXT) the ride leader: Ginger 5207801660 We will wait up to five minutes before leaving.
What to Bring:
• Food & fluids for 3 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
• Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
• Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
• CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
• No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
If you are riding, I ask that you agree that:
• You will obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
• You are a representative of the greater cycling community and will therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
• You will represent GABA well.
• While on the Loop, you will respect others on the Loop. You will take care when passing pedestrians and other cyclists: ring your bell or call out "Passing" or "Good morning!" before passing
• This is not a "training" or "intensive" ride - this is a social, no drop, base building ride.
• If any of these standards are unclear, you will ask for clarification.
• Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests, and or the ride leader getting lost.
10 attendees
6 seats left
NW Art on the Loop Ride (C-/1/23)
Wed, Mar 4 · 8:00 AM MST
Brandi Fenton Park, 3536 E River Road, Tucson, AZ, US
How often do we ride the Loop trail, see what looks like artwork, and wonder what it is? This ride will introduce riders to some of the amazing artwork that can be found along the Loop trail. We’ll meet at 8:00 near the East River Road entrance to Brandi Fenton Park, at the Community Memorial Garden (32°16'25.6"N 110°55'08.2"W. Copy and paste these coordinates into Google maps and follow the directions to get to our meeting point). Before setting off on our ride at 8:30, we’ll tour the Angels Path Sculpture Walk and the Community Memorial Garden. Some of the featured artworks include:

Angels Path Sculpture Walk:

Gabriel, 2024. Artist: John Benedict. Bicycle chains were used for the hair.

Angel Bell Michael, 2023. Artist: Joseph Benedict.

Angel of Motherly Love. Artist: Alex Heveri

Community Memorial Garden:

Boy & Girl on Horse. Artist: The Large Art Company

Two Kids on a Bench. Artist: The Large Art Company

Memorial Butterfly Garden, 2006. Artist: Unknown.

We’ll then get on bikes and ride the Loop path past the following artworks on our way to Rillito Park:

Over There, 2021. Artist: Al Glann (the stainless steel horse)

Tracks and Trails Mural, 2023. Artists: Jessica Gonzales and Rock Martinez.

We’ll stop briefly at Rillito Park to see:

Nature of Movement, 2015. Artist: Joshua Wiener.

Subaerial Embrace, 2021. Artists: Zach Lihtash and Troy Neiman.

Next stop is at the Children's Memorial Park.

The Magic Carpet. Artist: Nicholas Burke.

Omni Primo, 1978. Artist: Joe Ventura

And we will stop briefly at:

Sun Circle, 1994. Artists: Paul T. Edwards, Susan Holman, Chris Tanz

We’ll get back on the Loop trail and pass the following artworks on the way to our turn-around point and restroom break at North Camino De La Tierra Trailhead:

Agave Walls, 2011. Artist: Vicki Scuri

La Puerta, 2007. Artist: Rebecca Thompson (We may also stop here)

Extreme Batty Biker, 2017. Artist: Stephen Fairfield

From our turn-around point, we’ll ride back to Rillito Park, stop there briefly, and then ride past the following artworks:

Gateway Arch, 1997. Artist: Eric Lee Cooper

Rillito Hawks, 2011. Artist: Joseph Lupiani

Batty Biker Family, 2016. Artist: Stephen Fairfield

We will then stop across from the Tracks and Trails mural before continuing past these artworks:

Towers of a Martian Odyssey, 2018. Artist: Art Neptune

Atlas & the World, 2022. Artist: Al Glann.

Our final stop will be at the trailhead at Craycroft and River Road to see the following:

Reflection, 2009. Artist: David Flynn

This ride is a social ride, at a casual pace (11-13 MPH average pace over the entire ride), on the Loop Trail. We'll regroup at each stop and no one will be left behind due to a mechanical problem.

PLEASE ALLOW 3-4 HOURS FOR THIS RIDE. WE WILL BE RIDING AT A SLOW PACE WITH FREQUENT STOPS.
Map Link: [https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53788487]

Ride Description:
1. Start/End: Community Memorial Garden at Brandi Fenton Park (GPS Coordinates: 32°16'25.6"N 110°55'08.1"W)
2. Meeting Time: 8:00; Start Time: 8:30 a.m. wheels rolling
3. Pace: 11-13 mph (ride average for 22 miles)
4. Terrain: Mostly Flat
5. Elevation Gain: 253 ft
6. Traffic: Very little (although we do need to watch out for other cyclists and pedestrians on the Loop Trail)
7. Ride Type: This is a social ride, lots of conversations, and regroupings as we will not drop anyone. Riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep.
8. Water/Bathrooms: North Camino De La Tierra Trailhead and Craycroft and River Road Trailhead (9 and 20 miles)
9. Route: We’ll ride the Loop trail first to North Camino De La Tierra Trailhead, turn around and ride the Loop trail to the Craycroft and River Road Trailhead, then return to Brandi Fenton Park.
Safety:
1. Obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
2. No ear buds! This is a safety requirement; not a request.
3. CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.
4. Please respect others while on the Loop Trail.
5. Use the phrase "bikes passing" or ring your bell when overtaking someone.
6. Use the phrase "walker/bike up" when approaching someone coming at us. This should be used when on narrow parts of multi-use paths.
7. Stay right of the centerline on multi-use paths.
8. Give at least 3 feet when passing someone walking or riding in the same direction.
9. Ride single file while going under the bridges.
10. The complete list of Loop Guidelines can be found here: Complete List of Loop Guidelines.
Bring:
1. Food & fluids for 2 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
2. Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tire (pump or CO2 cartridge).
Other:
1. Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
2. The ride is NOT a high-paced training ride.
3. You are a representative of the greater cycling community and should therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
4. Please represent GABA well.
5. If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link
⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ Rider Information Requested ⬛ ⬛ ⬛ ⬛

If you have not sent me your contact information, please send me: Your name, phone number, emergency contact, and emergency contact phone number (NOT 911).

I will fill in the ride waiver prior to the ride. You will just need to verify the information and sign it.

No Plus 1's - Each participant must register through Meetup and provide their contact info beforehand.
7 attendees