Riding to the Ritz!

Riding to the Ritz!
STARBUCKS LA CHOLLA AND ORANGE GROVE TO THE RITZ
Starbucks at La Cholla to Dove Mountain, the Ritz and a Tunnel option

Meet: Starbucks at La Cholla and Orange Grove (6363 N La Cholla Blvd)
NOTE: The Starbucks parking lot can be full and chaotic. Suggest that on weekends park in front of the medical office buildings adjacent to Starbucks.
Distance: 36.26 miles
Elevation Gain: 1818 ft
https://www.strava.com/routes/3124126121603606746

Directions: North on La Cholla, L (West) on Tangerine, R on Dove Mountain, all the way to end of Dove Mountain (turn around at park), L to Ritz and back down to Dove Mountain, L on Moore, R Camino del Oeste, L on Tangerine, R on La Cholla back to Starbucks on Orange Grove.
Regroup, water and bathroom stop: in front of the Ritz

Longer Route featuring the Tunnel
https://www.strava.com/routes/3124131256225808602
Distance: 40 miles
Elevation gain: 1935 ft
Directions: When heading East on Moore, go past Camino Del Oeste, turn L on Thornydale, go through tunnel, ride up to the gatehouse at Saguaro Ranch, turn around and take Thornydale to Tangerine. L on Tangerine, R on La Cholla, back down to Starbucks.

General Guidelines for Groups:
Before starting the ride, we will divide into groups depending on cycling speed, skill, and distance goals.
Average Speeds for A, B, and C riders
A riders = 17+ miles per hour
B riders = 15-16 mph
C riders = 12-14 mph
Reminders:
Please RSVP for the rides on Meet-up. Other riders like to know who is going and we will post updates on the ride via Meet-up page as needed.
Please review the route map before the ride to become familiar with the directions. This is a safety concern for everyone but is especially important for the “A” riders. “A-riders” are not a “no drop” group. We will try to have sweeps for the B and C riders. If you’re a C rider or have questions, please let us know via email: [tucsonriders4cure@gmail.com](mailto:tucsonriders4cure@gmail.com)
Riding on the Loop: please be respectful of others when riding on the loop and slow down as necessary to safely pass.
Be Prepared: Bring water, snacks, equipment to fix a flat, and a cell phone. Make sure you have someone’s phone number in case you need help.
If you are not doing the ride as posted, please let the group know in advance. If you decide to make changes during the route (for example, are getting tired and need to take a shortcut back), please let someone know either verbally or leave a message on the ride leader's phone.
WE NEED SWEEPS! Our B and C rider groups need sweeps! A sweep is a rider that stays slightly behind their group for the entire ride to make sure nobody is dropped. People get dropped due to mechanical problems or not keeping up the pace. People also “fall off” the group at intersections or where there is a lot of traffic, such as on the loop. An ideal sweep is someone who knows the route and can assist with basic needs, like dealing with flat tires. PLEASE help out the team by volunteering to sweep. We don’t want to leave anybody behind!
Check out this guide for sweeping for a bicycle group:
https://www.wikihow.life/Ride-Sweep-for-a-Bicycle-Group
LINKS:
Meet Up: https://www.meetup.com/tr4tc_az/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridersforthecuretucson
Email: [tucsonriders4cure@gmail.com](mailto:tucsonriders4cure@gmail.com)