Cliffs NW23 (C/3/34) Biosphere, Zipline, Way of the Bean

ROUTE Link - 35 miles, 2,730 feet ascent, 12-14 mph average

Weather Forecast (as of Sat, 3 days before the ride)
6:30: 74 Deg F., Partially cloudy, Winds 3 S, Gusts to 5.
9:30: 84 Deg F., Partially cloudy, Winds 3 NE, Gusts to 10.

Route: Leave Biosphere parking lot on Biosphere road, right on Madison Road, left on Charles, return to Biosphere road, turn right on Highway 77 for some rough shoulder, then right on American Ave, right onto Mt Lemmon Highway, left into Oracle State Park for a bathroom break (no water there), then back to Mt. Lemmon highway to the end of the pavement (at the Zipline), then back the way we came. If Cody lane is not still under construction, then we will take it to the back (South) side of Oracle before stopping at Way of the Bean Coffee Club, otherwise we will go back the way we came. I'm a member of the club so you will be my guests.

Most roads will be low traffic roads, but Highway 77 is a high traffic road. Fortunately, it has a wide (but rough) shoulder with the exception of a short stretch in front of Oracle Ford Dealership which has almost no shoulder. These are two lane roads with no dedicated bike lanes. Unless it is very clear that there is no traffic, we need to be careful and stay in single file.

Start/End: Biosphere parking lot. The Biosphere opens at 9AM, but the parking lot was open at 6:30 last week when I got there. If the gate is closed, we will meet at the gate and go to our secondary parking spot at the end of Charles.

Bathroom/water
8 miles - Circle K (we may need to stop here for water. We will see).
12 miles - Oracle State Park (outhouse only, no water here)
27 miles - Way of the Bean Coffee Club (we will stop for coffee before we ride back to the Biosphere)

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call or text Cliff at 520-551-1155 and we will wait up to five minutes before leaving.

If you want to know where you are going, load the RideWithGPS route into your bicycle computer, your smart phone or print a copy of the cue sheet. Otherwise, follow the ride leader.

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 cliffhaston55@gmail.com or text to 520-551-1155. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.

Due to the amount of elevation, this ride will be classified as a C (12-14 mph) rather than our usual C+ (14-16 mph) ride. 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. If you are in front of the ride leader and make a wrong turn, you are on your own ride unless you can find us again (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

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 if you have one earbud in to hear navigation cues. NO MUSIC! You need to hear traffic and other riders.

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 not a "training" or "intensive" ride - this is a social, no drop, base building 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?). If we make a wrong turn, lets do it together.