Wayne O's NW10 (B/3/41) Brueggers to Saddlebrook CCW

ROUTE Link - 41 miles, 2,250 ft ascent, 16-18 mph (Full Drop)
If you would like to go not as far and a little slower, sign up on the Cliff's C+ ride (14-16 mph avg) HERE. It starts at the same location and time.

Weather Forecast (as of Friday, day before the ride)
6am: 72 Deg F., Sunny, Winds 4 SE, Gusts to 7.
9am: 79 Deg F., Sunny, Winds 5 S, Gusts to 12.

Route: 75% of the route is on roads with bike lanes and 25% of the route is on low traffic country roads with narrow shoulder where we will have to share the road with vehicles occasionally. Oracle Road has a nice wide shoulder but because of the traffic noise, we will minimize distance spent on Oracle.

Safety/Legal Tidbit: Sharing the road is just that... it is SHARING. Wearing bright colors, turning on your taillight, and riding in a group help drivers see you sooner. Help cars pass you with minimum of 3 feet of clearance by riding to the right side of the fog line when you can. And... if someone ahead of you is riding out in the road when a car is approaching, let them know there is a "CAR BACK" so they can move to the right. Here is the applicable Arizona Revised Statute for cycling as close to the right side of the road as possible... ARS 815.

Start/End: In parking lot across from Skin Care by Design located at 11143 N La Canada Dr (South of the Building in which Bruegger's is located).

Bathroom/Water:
Water/Bathrooms
6 miles - Activity Center (optional)
17 miles - Minit Market (long stop)
30 miles - Catalina Neighborhood Park
41 miles - Brueggers

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call Wayne at xxx-xxx-xxxx and we will wait up to five minutes before leaving.

Feel free to join us at Bruegger's Bagels after the ride (11165 N La Cañada Dr, Oro Valley).

Load the route into your bicycle computer, your smart phone or print a copy of the cue sheet. Otherwise, follow the ride leader and hope for the best.

If you haven't ridden with me before, I will not have your contact information. If so, please send your name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to my admin cliffhaston55@gmail.com or text 520-551-1155. If you are bringing a +1, send their information as well. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.

This is a full drop ride so If you are not comfortable or not capable of this expected end of ride average speed, please do not participate in that ride. If you start with this ride and can't hang with it, please drop back to the C+ ride that will be behind this B ride for the first 17 miles of the route. After 17 miles, the routes diverge! If you want to go faster than the group, there will be some ride-at-your-own-pace sections and regroup areas designated by your ride leader. Except in these ride-at-your-own-pace sections, riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep. Other than these sections, if you are in front of the ride leader, you are on your own ride (I know.... it is harsh, but it has to be said).

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

I (Cliff) stood in my dermatologist's office the other day in nothing but my skivvies. Blazing white skin contrasting with my tanned parts that are not covered by my bibs, socks, and jersey. She pointed out some skin damage and zapped me with her liquid nitrogen gun. With emphasis and a side eye, she said its easy to see where you need to put sun block when you ride! OK OK, let's talk about protection from the sun.....

Cycling in Southern Arizona on a cloudless day means dealing with intense sun exposure due to the region’s high UV index and arid climate. Here are practical sun protection tips for cyclists...

Wear UV-Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeve cycling jerseys and tights with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings of 30 or higher, which block 96.7% of UVB rays (1/30th penetration). Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like polyester blends to stay cool. A 2019 study in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine found UPF clothing significantly reduces UV-induced skin damage compared to regular clothing.

Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use SPF 50+ sunscreen on exposed skin (face, neck, hands). The American Academy of Dermatology notes SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. Reapply every 2 hours or after heavy sweating, as cycling can reduce sunscreen efficacy. In Arizona’s desert, sweat evaporates quickly, so reapply proactively. Choose water-resistant formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for UVA/UVB protection.

Use UV-Protective Sunglasses: Wear wraparound sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports UV exposure increases cataract risk by 60% without proper eye protection. Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like roads, common in Arizona’s bright conditions.
Wear a Helmet with Visor or Cap: A cycling helmet with a visor or a UPF-rated cap under your helmet shields your scalp and face. Scalp burns are common, with 75% of cyclists reporting sunburn in a 2020 Journal of Sports Medicine survey.

Time Your Ride: Avoid cycling between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation peaks. Tucson’s UV index often exceeds 10 in summer, classified as “extreme” by the EPA, increasing burn risk in as little as 10-15 minutes. Early morning or late afternoon rides reduce exposure by up to 50%, per NOAA UV data.

Hydrate and Seek Shade: Arizona’s dry heat accelerates dehydration, worsening skin’s UV resilience. Drink 16-24 oz of water per hour of cycling (American College of Sports Medicine guideline). Use shaded routes or brief stops under trees/structures to cut cumulative UV exposure.

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. The exception to this rule is one earbud to listen to Navigation cues. NO MUSIC.

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.
- This is a "training" or "intensive" ride - this is a full drop ride.
- Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests. Remember, the ride leader is always right, even when they are are not following the published route (lost?). Regardless, let's stick together.