Intro to Pistol Hill – El Tour de Tucson Metric Century Training C/20/3

This is a training for riders doing El Tour’s Metric Century route, though riders who are doing the Half Metric are welcome. Also, if you are just getting into cycling or want to try cycling, you are welcome as well. This week’s ride is 20 miles. The distance will be increasing gradually every week. Future training rides will incorporate different parts of the TDT Metric Century Route

This ride is for riders who are unfamiliar with Pistol Hill and its approach. This week we will ride the approach to Pistol Hill and Pistol Hill itself

This is a C pace ride meaning the final average should be between 12 to 14 MPH, though the pace during the ride may vary above or below that at times. Like distance, the speed will increase gradually as the rides progress.

Ride Description:

Find the route here

We will start near the Speedway at the southeast corner of Valencia and Houghton (see direction link below). We will briefly ride on Houghton before turning right onto Valencia. Valencia becomes Old Spanish Trail at mile 2.7.

At mile 9.2 we will take a right turn onto Pistol Hill Road. Once over the top of Pistol Hill Road morphs into Colossal Cave Road at mile 11.2, which becomes Mary Ann Cleveland Way at mile mile 13.4.

At mile 13.5 we’ll turn into the Safeway parking lot for a quick rest break. Afterwards we’ll continue down Mary Ann Clevelant back to Houghton. After turning right onto Houghton at mile 15.6 we ride north until we return to the start.

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:

• No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
• 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.

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.