The Loop Clockwise from Udall Park. C/1/56

Find the Route Here

It's going to be hot, hence the early start time.

Ride Description:
This ride starts at Udall Park, though There will be rest stops and regroups, as well as a stop at the Mercado Annex to refuel.

This is a fairly flat C paced ride meaning the final average should be between 12-14 MPH, though the pace during the ride may exceed that occasionally. As it is a social ride, riders should stay within sight of the main group.

While the Loop is a great place to ride, please remember to be courteous to other users. Remember to say “passing” and moderate your speed in the more populated parts of the Loop. If we are a large group, remember to leave some openings for faster riders to pull into if they need to while passing.

Details:

We’ll be riding on the Loop for most of the ride. The first road segment will be on Rita Road until we get transition back on the Loop and ride to the Jay Schoonover Trailhead. The Trailhead is where we’ll take our first rest break.

From the Trailhead we’ll ride on the Loop with a brief road transition under I 10 on Drexler and S. Catalina Avenue back on to the Loop. After that we’ll regroup at the Pima Sports Complex South and ride on Benson Highway at the Pima Sport Complex South, turn left on Ajo, then right on to 12th Avenue before transitioning back onto the Loop. We’ll cross from the east bank of the Santa Cruz to the west bank at Silver Lake.

After that we’ll exit the Loop on Congress Street and ride to the Mercado Annex for our second break and lunch. After we have rested and refueled, we’ll retrace our steps back to the Loop and ride North along the Loop to the rest area at N. Camino de la Terra where will take our third rest break. After that rest break, we’ll continue up the south bank of the Rillito before we cross to the north bank at N. La Cholla Blvd.

From there we will continue up the Rillito on the north bank until we cross back to the south bank at Dodge Blvd. There can be a fourth rest break after we are on the south bank if needed.

The final crossing will be at Sabino Canyon Road where we’ll ride under the overpass, double back to cross over it and ride the path back to Udall Park.

While the first half of the Loop ride can be fairly quick, the second half traverses through more trafficked parts of the Loop with cyclists and pedestrians sharing the space. Whenever we ride in more trafficked areas our pace will be slower.

Wheels rolling at the time listed above. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to sign the ride waiver. Please note I use a QR code for sign in. I can sign you in if you are unable to use a QR code.

You must be current with your GABA membership. Click here to become a member or to renew your membership.

What to Bring:

• Food & fluids for 2 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack. We will be able to refill bottles at the rest stops
• 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 riding, you will respect others. You will take care when passing pedestrians and other cyclists: ring your bell or call out "Passing" or "Good morning!" before passing.
• If any of these standards are unclear, you can ask for clarification.
• Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests, and or the ride leader getting lost or forgetting his helmet.