Truncated Loop Ride C/2/43

Bring extra water as the temperature will be above average on Saturday.

Ride Description:

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

The ride is fairly flat and is well suited for those who would like a longer ride, but not necessarily looking to do a complete Loop ride. It will also suit those looking for some base miles. It is recommended you download the route which you can find here.

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 Ray 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. There is a detour around the Kino Sports Park Complex South. Note: the detour does not appear on the route linked above, but it is obvious and easy to follow. We’ll regroup at on the north side of the Julian Wash where the bridge crosses it at the end of the detour.

We’ll then ride through the Tucson Diversion Channel turning right on the fork in the path when we enter James C Thomas Park. We’ll follow the path to where it crosses Country Club Road and follow the path along the Tucson Diversion Channel. The path will cross the bridge over Aviation Parkway. Here we will turn left onto Richey Boulevard turn right onto the Aviation Bikeway.

When we reach Bristol Park, we will turn right onto Bristol Boulevard. At 22nd Street we’ll cross at the pedestrian crosswalk and transition onto Treat Avenue. We’ll turn left on South Stratford Drive and follow it back to Treat Avenue where we’ll turn left to rejoin Treat Avenue. We’ll then cross Speedway and Grant before reaching the rest stop at La Madera Park.

After leaving the park we’ll follow Treat to Fort Lowell Road where will cross the street, turn right and then left onto North Christman Avenue. Shortly afterward we’ll take a right turn back on to Treat, which becomes North Cactus Boulevard before we turn right back onto the Loop on the south bank of the Rillito.

We will cross over the north bank at the Country Club Bridge. From there we will continue up the Rillito on the north bank until we cross back to the south bank at Craycroft Road. 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.

Wheels rolling at the start time listed above. Please arrive 15 minutes beforehand to sign the ride waiver.

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

What to Bring:

• Food & fluids for 2 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 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.