Patagonia Gravel Ramble #2

Get ready for 3 days of gravel rides around Patagonia, Arizona. The weather should be in the 90s so be prepared. This is in contrast to Tucson area which is about 110+. Last year, we had cloud cover, stream crossings, and rain/thunder storms. It was AWESOME!

This outing was first done last year with Thuan and Johnny hosting. I am in process of securing camping accommodations at the following.

https://www.marytolena.com/terrasol/

We will use Patagonia as base camp and head out on day rides from 20-50+ miles in length. This area is home to The Spirit World gravel ride and Sky Islands bikepacking routes… This means LOTS of great gravel riding options.

IMPORTANT: It is monsoon season and there will be bugs. Also, depending on rainfall, there may be more/less mud and creek/flash flood crossings. It will also be warm and day rides are remote. Plan to carry 4-6L of water and practice good nutrition.
-ALL RIDERS MUST BE SELF-SUPPORTED-

There will be ride options for shorter and longer rides with some members breaking off from group for extended day of riding. Patagonia is a neat little “town” to explore and take in local flavor or just lounge at TerraSol.

There is a local restaurant that offers good eats, live music and outdoor dining with plenty of space for bicycles. Great place to eat out after a day of riding.

https://www.patagonialumberco.com/

Check out photos from past event in August 2022 for a taste!

This outing is intended to be inspiration for any and everyone to come out and enjoy the area while connecting with new/old friends. Do some research and find out what you’d like to do/see, then feel free to go out and do it. No obligation to stay with the group 100% of the time.

I will post updates with news on accommodations. Severe weather may cancel this event.

DISCLAIMER and NOTES
This is NOT a guided trip. Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume full responsibility for any risk of injury and/or accident. By joining this ride you take full responsibility for your own safety.

If, for any reason (non-life threatening/non-major injury) you are unable to continue with the ride/outing as planned, then you will most likely be expected to be self-sufficient in returning to the starting/end point, or getting back home, on your own. Be prepared for this scenario and pre-arrange for someone to come get you in the event that this occurs.
Event attendees of ALL levels are welcome and expected to have some measure of competence with basic bicycling skills/road safety and self-reliance while traveling (i.e. changing a flat tire, navigating a map/route). With this in mind, there is no formal instruction included in this event, but group members/organizers do share what we know freely and are all willing to support one another as fellow adventure cyclists. Attendees are ultimately responsible for educating and equipping themselves with the appropriate knowledge/skills for an overnight bicycle tour.

**SOME BASICS TO BRING: All riders are expected to wear a helmet, obey all traffic laws, carry 1-2 spare bike tubes, carry all proper tools to fix a flat tire, carry water/snacks/food, have cash to cover any shared campsites/food costs, money to cover any unexpected transportation and/or accommodation costs, sleep system (tent or bivy/sleeping bag/pad).

Riders are welcome to ride at their own pace. Group leader will do best to help the group stay together and/or re-group at regular intervals and/or major transitions throughout the ride. The general pace is fun and relaxed with NO pressure, NO competition and NO strict regimens. This is a collective, not a dictatorship; each member sets their own pace and schedule.

Positive Mental Attitude
The purpose of this event is to have fun while building camaraderie among fellow adventure cyclists. As happens in life, challenging situations and obstacles may arise during this event which may be related to bike mechanics, weather, accommodations, and/or other unforeseen events/conditions. In the interest of maintaining the spirit of adventure, and supporting one another during such challenges, it is HIGHLY encouraged for each attendee to practice a Positive Mental Attitude.