Mountain bikers and roadies alike will find great riding around Tucson this weekend. From aerobars to single speed mountain bikers, there's something for everyone. Beginners can check out Fantasy Island trails or the easy trails at Oracle State Park which re-opens this weekend.
February 4: Shootout, 7:30 a.m.
This is one of the fastest training road rides in the west, starting at the UA Main Gate at 7:30 a.m. and heading south to Green Valley and back on a 60-mile loop. The pace starts at a warm-up pace, then takes off after the last traffic light. Watch for pro cyclists and triathletes who are training in Tucson this winter. Saguaro Velo has a great description of this ride here. There is also a slower version of the ride, called the “Old Man Shootout” that starts at 7:00 a.m.
February 4: First Saturday Beginner Ride at Fantasy Island, 9:00 a.m.
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists host this regular beginner ride at 9:00 a.m. It’s geared towards beginners, people new to the area who want to learn some of the trails, those wanting to kick start their riding again and anyone looking for a fun relaxed ride. Distances and pace will be determined by the group present at each ride. Meet at the Irvington Road Trailhead )E Irvington Rd & S Harrison RdTucson, AZ 85730), here is a map.
February 4: Single Speed Arizona, 9:00 a.m.
Single speed mountain bikers join Niner pro Dejay Birtch in this annual event to celebrate one gear Zen on desert trails on Tucson’s east side. The distance should be about 40 miles, with plenty of celebrating after the ride. Registration is$30, for more info go to the Single Speed Arizona facebook page.
February 4, Oracle State Park Grand Re-opening
Oracle State Park has many trails for everyone, including a portion of the Arizona Trail which is great for mountain biking. Entrance to the park is free today as it re-opens after being closed for over two years! Click here for details on fun family events at the park throughout the day.
February 4: Pre-ride 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Course, 12:30 p.m.
Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association has organized a ride to prepare for the upcoming 24 Hour Race. All levels of riders are welcome. Plan to meet at the 24 Hour Race Start/Finish area at noon. The group will ride two daytime laps and a night lap. Organizers will bring grills and stoves; participants are encouraged to bring food and beverages eat before the night lap!
Because this is a pre-ride for those racing, riders should plan to be self-sufficient on the course. Average times for a lap are probably 1hr 20 minutes to 1hr 45 minutes, give or take. Organizers remind everyone that mountain bikers need an AZ Recreational Land Permit to ride on the 24 Hour Course.
Directions to Start/Finish area: http://epicrides.com/pdf/24/map_to_24.pdf
Printable course map available at: http://epicrides.com/pdf/24/2012/2012_24_Hour_MAP.pdf
February 5: Flapjack Flats Time Trial, 9:00 a.m.
La Roue d'Or and the Summit Velo team hosts this USA Cycling race held just north of Marana. Amateur cyclists will test themselves in a race against the clock on the 30K course. The course is out-and-back on the fairly smooth Park Link Dr, which connects the I-10 Frontage Rd near Red Rock to US-79. If cyclists don’t have a time trial bike and aero helmet, there is a special race category. This race will keep the Merckx Open category for the new-comers, old-schoolers, and purists. For more info, go to the Summit Velo website.
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