2019 Saguaro National Park 300km Brevet

Ride Report
February 2019

Mike Sturgill and Roger Peskett at the rider brief

Thirty or so riders assembled in the Casa Grande Walmart parking lot in the predawn darkness for the 2019 version of the Saguaro National Park 300km Brevet. With dreams of PBP in 2019 in many riders heads,  it was another great turnout representing 3 countries (Canada, Ireland, US) and 10 US states (AZ, WA, UT, WI, CO, IL, MN, TX, NM, NY)!

A fixture on the Southern Arizona Randonneurs' calendar for many years, this route was last used in 2013. Roger Peskett took on the duties of Trail Boss so RBA Mike Sturgill could join the fun with the main group. At the stroke of 6 am, the group rolled out and headed south for a couple miles before looping back to the north for the run to Coolidge.

Paul Foley, Paul and Jennifer Danhaus

About half the group formed a large pace line and stayed together through Coolidge. Just outside of Coolidge, about 1.5 hours into the ride most of the group dropped off for a natural break. With the group momentarily split up, there was time to catch up with old friends and take a few photos before the pace line reformed and the work resumed!

10 rider paceline on the Pinal Parkway 'climb'

Turning south onto the Pinal Parkway (AZ 79) a strong group of 10 set a steady and reasonable pace for the next 10 miles to the first control at the Tom Mix Memorial and road side tables. A spacious pullout with covered tables 46 miles into the ride make this a perfect control stop. Roger was ready as 10 of us arrived en masse in to check in, refill water bottles, adjust layers, and grab some snacks. Chicken tenders and fries were a welcome treat!

The riders rolled out individually, but soon we were grupo compacto with 20 miles of false flat/climbing (1.2% average 4.2% maximum grade) to the summit some 5 miles outside of Oracle Junction. About 2/3's of the way to the top, I noticed Stephen Kenny's rear wheel looked out of true, and warned him that he may have had a broken spoke. The group split apart as Stephen dropped off to check his machine and the grade steepened near the top.

Stephen rejoined the group (confirmed broken spoke, but serviceable to ride) as we reached the summit and took a monster pull all the way to Rancho Vistoso. Hitting the rollers in Rancho Vistoso the group split as we settled into our own pace. Forming a small group with Rob Welsh and Mike Sturgill, we rode together along the northern and western edges of Tucson along Twin Peaks and Silverbell roads.

Welcome to the last climb of the day, Gates Pass

Entering the spectacular Tucson Mountain Park, its three miles of climbing to Gates pass. With the lunch stop only 3 miles past the summit, there is no reason to hammer up the hill, as we will likely regroup after lunch.

Lunch on the McCain Loop

Rolling in the lunch stop in the Saguaro National park, a number of riders are there enjoying a great lunch provided by Roger. Chips, sandwich wraps, Frappuchinos, sodas, fruit, pickles, and other calorie and sodium packed foods were available. With 116 miles down and 70 to go, it was a perfect spot.

View from the lunch stop

Yours Truly and Mike Sturgill (photo by Stephen Kinney)

Stephen Kenny and Mike Sturgill lead the way after lunch

We roll out with Stephen Kinney and Mike Sturgill, starting at a reasonable post lunch pace, there is time to take some photos while suffering through some seriously annoying 'frost heaves' on the older pavement.

Fantastic views in the Saguaro National Park

After crossing Kinney Road, the pavement is new and smooth and Stephen dials up the pace as we glide through several miles of the Saguaro National Park. Jolted back into the reality on the very rough Sandario road, and with the Calgary Express in front and a building tailwind behind we cover the next 15 miles in 35 minutes (25 mph average speed)! 

Turning west at the Marana airport, and exposed to a strong crosswind, it was an easy decision to drop off the Express and stop for a water refill at the Circle K in Marana. With 45 miles to the finish, and favorable winds, two bottles would get us there!

I-10 Frontage road with Picacho Peak in the distance

Rolling out alone, but with a descent tailwind, the next 30 miles of brain numbing I-10 frontage road to Eloy went by easily and without a sign of any other riders.

Rolling into bustling downtown Eloy, Stephen Kinney, Mike Sturgill and Dave Hilton, appear in the rear-view mirror. They made a stop at the Dairy Queen at Picacho peak, and Stephen said it was "well worth it!"

Tacking on to the Calgary Express yet again, the route turns north and with a strong tailwind, it is back to the races hanging on for dear life. Noting the information for the control at 11 Mile Corner, we head west for the last 8.5 miles to the finish.

With the strong crosswind and a narrow shoulder, the pace line advantage disappears and its off the back yet again. No worries, just settle into a normal pace and finish it off.

Stephen sees me drop and slows down to pace me back to the group, and tucks me in just outside the fog line and he takes the wind and our group of 4 rolls into the finish together! Officially in the books at 10 hours and 39, it was a fast 300 with great conditions and even better company.

Mike signs our cards and we head to the Carl's Jr. to enjoy a post-ride meal and camaraderie before its time to head home!

Next up, Around the Bend 400, come join us!


Steve Atkins

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