2021 Saguaro Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report

January 2021

Salt River below Saguaro Lake

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief, at a distance!

A dozen or so randonnuers gathered in Fountain Hills Arizona at the Safeway parking lot before dawn on 2 Jan 2021 to welcome in the new year, and a new brevet season. As has been the tradition of late, multiple distances were on offer (100 and 200 kilometers). Since the route is the same for the first 100 km we all rolled out together at 0730!

Because of road construction on Fountain Hills Boulevard, discovered in the pre-ride, the route was adjusted to avoid that construction, and with it the notorious rollers to Shea. Instead it was a gentle descent into the increasingly cold air as we neared the Verde river. Along the way, a few riders mentioned that the steep rollers would have at least given us a chance to warm up!

Mike riding into the dawn on Bush Highway

Finally reaching the Verde river (and a temperature of 28F) the road tilts up, and with the steady incline and occasional patches of sunshine we finally begin to warm up. Mike and yours truly, took the front in double paceline fashion and started the climb. A few miles into the climb, we realize we are off the front and on our own! It was our haste to warm up, and in deep conversation about various tax impacts of retirement, Social Security, and ACA strategies, that separated us from the group!

At the top of Usery Pass

Still distracted by our nerdy old guy conversation, suddenly we are at the Bush Highway turnoff for the downhill run to the Salt River. Traffic is light and soon we are up and over the Usery Pass climb. In past rides, a staffed control would greet the riders at the top of the pass. Alas, this is a COVID "touchless" brevet, no support, so we roll over the pass at speed taking a photo for 'proof of passage!'

Along the Bush Highway

Approaching the King Kong descent

We roll down the backside of Usery and back to Power Road/Bush Highway to begin our journey back to Fountain Hills. Still very cool, and with both bottles still nearly full, we decide to press on without stopping for refills.

Back on the Beeline, we enjoy the gentle downgrade at speed and find ourselves back at the start. 'Normally' the brevet entry would include a 6" Subway Sandwich at the half-way point, but with COVID.... you get the picture.

Mike pre-rode the 200 last week and had other plans for the afternoon, so we said our goodbyes. After reloading the water bottles, grabbing some food, and stripping off a layer of clothing, its back out of the Safeway, riding solo for the second half of the 200.

The route climbs Palisades Boulevard and takes a bike easement through the hills and a gated community to connect to East Via Linda and Scottsdale without having to risk riding on Shea Boulevard, very nice!

Not a Care in the world!

Its a long gentle climb up to Carefree Arizona, and the second control for the 200k! Its a popular bike route and there are many riders out on the road. Still somewhat cloudy, and cool, the temperature actually dropped as we gain 1250 feet over 16 miles!

A bit cloudy to read the sun dial!

No need to reload at the control, so squeeze off a picture and keep rolling. We do decide to check the time at the Carefree sun dial, but with the a cloud obscuring the sun, we have to rely on the Timex!

Oops!

Apparently our kind was not welcome at the sun dial!

The start of Nine-Mile Descent

Back on Pima, its a gentle downgrade as we head toward Dynamite Road. We wave at other riders on their way to Carefree before taking a left and a short climb before the big payoff of the day, the Nine-Mile Hill! Payoff, because its 9 miles of downhill, and at 20-35mph, it goes by fast!

At the bottom, its 12 miles of easy rollers back to the finish through Rio Verde and the McDowell Mountain Park.

A bit cold at the start, but warmed by reconnecting with fellow randonnuers, and rewarded with great company and weather throughout the day. It was a great way to start the new year. 

Next up, the Bartlett Lake 100/200, come join us, check out the details at https://azbrevet.com/

Steve Atkins

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