Greg's Ride on the Northwest Side

Greg's Ride on the Northwest Side
Date: 11/01/26
Location: Ren Cafe (meet at parking lot behind Homewood Suites to access the River Path)
Time: 6:45 am, wheels up at 7:00 am
Ascent: 1715 ft
Distance: 33 miles
Map Link:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3495430524975291752
The ride starts at Ren Coffeehouse and climbs Christie through beautiful desert scenery. At the top, there’s an amazing view of the Tucson valley and surrounding mountains. The route then descends into Oro Valley neighborhoods before climbing Christie again and riding back down to finish.
Directions:
Out of St. Phillip’s Parking lot, turn R onto River Path, turn R to get onto River and Via Entrada intersection. At the light, cross River Rd, heading North onto Via Entrada. Ride through Via Entrada, turn R on First Ave. First Ave turns into Christie. At the top roundabout on Christie, turn L onto East Magee Rd. Turn R on Northern Ave, turn L on Calle Concordia, turn R on La Cañada. Turn R on W. Desert Fairways Dr., turn R into Hohokam Park for break and regroup.
Break. Bathroom code is 11799.
Head East on Desert Fairways, L on N. Hidden Springs Dr, R on Vistoso Highlands Dr, R on Rancho Vistoso Blvd, continue onto N. First Ave. Cross Cañada del Oro Bridge and take first R (behind Frys) onto the back side of the retail center. Cross East Pusch View Lane, ride through the office parking lot, turn R onto Oracle Rd. Turn R on El Conquistador Way, L on Valle del Oro Rd, R on E. Desert Sky, L on Egleston Dr, R on Linda Vista Blvd, L on N. Calle Buena Vista, take 3rd exit at roundabout onto N. Northern Ave. Turn L on Magee, turn R on Christie, turn R on Sendero de Juana, turn R on Christie (Christie turns into First Ave), turn L onto Via Entrada, cross River at intersection and get onto the sidewalk to enter the Loop. Go Left on River Path to return to the St. Phillips Plaza parking lot.
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.
Meet up link: https://www.meetup.com/tr4tc_az/
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)