Houghton, Sahuarita, Wilmot Loop C+/2/35

We’ll meet near the center of the Shoppes at Rita Ranch parking lot at Rita Road and Houghton.

This is a C+ paced ride meaning the final average should be between 14-16 MPH, though the pace during the ride may exceed that occasionally. Total distance is 35.3 miles, the total elevation gain is 867 feet and the max gradient is 1.9%.

Wheels rolling at the start time listed above. Please arrive 15 minutes beforehand to sign the ride waiver.

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Ride Description:

It is recommended all riders download the route. Download the route here.

To start the ride we’ll ride down Houghton to the first rest stop is the Roadrunner Market at mile 10. This part of the route is uphill with an average gradient of 0.6 percent and a max gradient of 1.9%. At the traffic light at the intersection of Houghton and Sahuarita, take a left on to East Sahuarita Road, followed by a quick right into the parking lot.

We'll ride out of the parking lot on to Houghton and make a left turn on to Sahuarita Road. After turning on Sahuarita rider can ride at there own pace until the next traffic light at Wilmot Road. This stretch is 5.1 miles long and the average gradient is -1.4%.. After turning onto Wilmot riders will stop and wait for all riders to regroup.

After the regroup riders may ride north on Wilmot at their own pace until it crosses The Loop at mile 26. Turn right onto the Loop, and, if needed, pull over to wait for riders to regroup. We'll then follow the path to the Roy Schoonover Trailhead where we’ll do a final rest break. before continuing along the Loop to Rita Road. This part of the ride is 12.7 miles with an average gradient of 0.0% and a max gradient of 1.3%.

For the final stretch continue on the Loop to Rita Road we’ll turn left on to Rita Road and follow it to S. Zircon Crystal Dr where we'll turn right followed by a quick left onto E Pale Blue Topaz Lane.

After Topaz Lane curves right we'll turn left onto E Marquis Diamond Lane. Soon after we'll turn right onto E Esmond Loop. At mile 33.5 we'll turn right onto E Paseo Juan Tabo and 1.5 miles later we'll turn right onto E Rees Loop.

E Rees Loop ends back at Rita Road. We'll turn right onto Rita Road and then cut across Rita to the first left turn lane in the center divide. At that point we'll turn right back into the parking lot we started from. Exercise caution when turning left into the parking lot.

There is Bruegger’s Bagels there if anyone is interested in stopping in. The final stretch is 7.4 miles. The average gradient is 0.4% and the max is 1.9%,

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.