Cliff's NW11 (C+/2/33) Catalina Foothills and Rillito to RENs

ROUTE Link 33 miles/1790 feet ascent. 14 to 15 mph average. If you want to faster, sign up for the B ride led by Bob Ross HERE that starts at the same location and time.

Weather forecast (as of the 19th, 4 days out)
6am 84 Deg, Sunny, Wind 2mph SSW, Gusts to 5 mph
9am 90 Deg, Sunny, Wind 3 SSE, Gusts to 7 mph

Route: We will share the roads with traffic for ~79% of route which will have shoulders/bike lanes. There are a couple of short low traffic sections that have narrow shoulders that we will talk about before we get there. Approximately 21% of the route will be on the Rillito loop.

Safety Reminders: If you come to a red light, STOP. We will wait for you on the other side. A synonym for "Car Back" is "Get in single file on the right side of the road to do your part in sharing the road".

Begin: St. Philips Plaza South parking lot
End: Feel free to join us at Ren's Coffeehouse after the ride.

Water/Bathroom Breaks:
6 miles - Westward Look Public Bathrooms
18 miles - Ventana Canyon
26 miles - Loop/Pebble Rapids Pl (but only if needed)
Note: When using the facilities at Westward Look and Ventana Canyon, please be courteous to their guests. Expect both stops to be short stops.

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

There are quite a few turns on this route. Load the route into your bicycle computer or phone. Who knows, your ride leader may need some help with directions.

WARNING
Recently an expensive Cervelo road bike was stolen (cable cut) off of a bike rack that was mounted on the back of a car while the GABA member was having coffee at RENs coffeehouse. Here are some ways to discourage this crime.
-Keep your bike with you
-Use High-Quality Locks and avoid cable locks
-Double-lock strategy
-Secure the Bike Properly, Lock the frame and wheels
-Choose Safer Parking Locations
-Indoor or monitored parking
-Make the Bike Less Appealing
-Customize or disguise
-Use GPS trackers
Smart locks
-Insurance
-Park in visible areas
-Use a hitch lock

If you haven't ridden with us before, we 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. The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.

Because there is more ascent than we normally do on the Saturday rides, there is a good chance that the C+ ride will end with an average speed closer to 14 mph than 16 mph. If you are not comfortable or not capable of this expected pace average over the entire route, please do not participate in this ride, it is not fair to the other riders. At the same time, do not push the ride leader to go over the upper threshold for the ride. These are social rides, 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. There will be ride-at-your-own-pace sections and regroup areas designated by your ride leader.

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.

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.
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.