El Tour de Tucson Century Training – Pistol Hill from SHARP C+/25/3

This is a training for riders doing El Tour’s Century route, though experienced riders who are doing the Metric Century are welcome as are any rider who just want to ride. We are starting at 25 miles distance and will be increasing the distance every week.

There is an option to make this ride longer if the group agrees to do so before the ride starts. Future training rides will incorporate different parts of the TDT Century Route

This is a C+ pace ride meaning the final average should be between 14 to 16 MPH, though the pace during the ride may be faster or slower at times. Riders should stay in the group and be willing to a turn on the front during the ride if necessary.

Ride Description:

Find the route here.

We will start at the South Houghton Recharge Area Recharge Project {SHARP) where we’ll ride out Houghton and turn right. At Valencia we will turn left and ride out to Pistol Hill. After summiting Pistol Hill, we will descend into Vail to take a rest break at the Safeway.

After the rest break we will continue west on Mary Ann Cleveland to Houghton. At Houghton we will turn right and return to the SHARP.

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.