2024 Madera Canyon 200km Brevet

Mt. Wrightson

Ride Report February 3, 2024

Mike gives the rider brief

Seven riders lined up for the Madera Canyon brevets early Saturday morning in the El Con Mall parking lot in Tucson AZ. Two routes were on offer, 6 riders selected the 300km route and yours truly selected the 200km route. Both versions are identical until mile 112, where the longer route heads to Saguaro National Park and the shorter route heads directly back to the start. This is my first brevet of the season; I skipped the Bartlett Lake 200 as we left for our New Zealand adventure the following day! (Ride report for that two week adventure to follow ;-)

Outbound on the Loop

The last several Tucson Brevets have started at the El Con mall near the University of Arizona main campus. Lots of bike lanes connect to the U of A campus and the Loop, a 100+ mile paved bike path around the city. The bike path makes the ride out of town easy and relaxed. Normally city riding is interrupted with many traffic lights and a need to stay on high alert for traffic. The loop uses underpasses to avoid many major streets, is well paved (although frost heaves are starting to form), and got us nearly to the airport before joining regular streets.

Several fast Canadians and Brian McGuire formed a fast group, with Bob Fisher and I at the back. We regrouped a few times at traffic lights, until the roads opened up and we headed on at our own pace.

It started out a bit cold at the start, so I wore my heavier SmartWool lined wind pants. They were perfect for the first hour or so. But as the temperatures started to warm, they were too hot and I made the first of many layer changes to peel them off and change to knee warmers.

Amado, the first control

The first control was in the town of Amado, the gateway to Arivaca! Mike was there when I arrived and Brian and Bob were just pulling out as I rolled in. Brian must have come to his senses and linked up Bob, who passed me during one of my clothing reconfigurations.

I topped off the bottles, grabbed some pocket food, and thanked Mike for staffing this control. It saved a stop at the Mini-Mart to reload! Even better the headwind that had been growing since we left Tucson would now be a tailwind for 10 miles back toward Tucson!

Perfect weather, great views

It was easy to hold 20-23 mph with a nice tailwind and those 10 miles went by ever too fast! Reaching Continental road, a right turn followed by another right turn on Madera Canyon Road put the wind back on the nose for the 13 mile/ 2657 foot climb to the summit in Madera Canyon.

Don’t be fooled by the 2% grade

This was my first time up this road and Mike warned us not to spend too much energy on the easy section of the climb. It went 8 miles at a very easy grade, and the wind seemed to moderate as we went higher. The group of fast Canadians on their return flashed by while I was still on the easy section.

With 3.5 miles to go, the real work begins. While I could comfortably hold a 10-11 mph pace at the base of the climb with a decent cadence, my speed dropped below 3 mph on the steep ramps at the top. The views were fantastic! I thought to myself, ‘as soon as I hit a flat spot, I’ll stop and take a picture.’ But around each bend it seemed to get steeper! Bob rolled by on his return near the top, and the next thing I know, I’m at the top and pulling into the picnic area where Mike set up the control. Brian was still there, but getting ready to leave.

White-nosed Coati 

Brian headed out, and a visitor strolled through the picnic area. Looking well fed and obviously comfortable with humans, it wandered by our table then headed off!

Mike Sturgill RBA and great host!

Again Mike was there with refreshments at the summit picnic area. He commented about how beautiful the peak was covered in snow. I said, yes I stopped to take some photos. They would be next on the blog, but apparently I only THOUGHT about taking some photos, and did not actually stop and take them. I didn't discover that fact until I was home reviewing the photos!

After a nice break, wonderful lunch, and visit with Mike, it was time to head down. The elevation was about 5500 feet, and when the sun went behind a cloud, it became quite cold. So back on with the heavy pants and rain coat for the 13 mile descent. It was so steep, that the first few miles I was held up by car traffic. The extra layers were the right choice for the descent, but soon I was back on Continental road and too warm.

Another stop to layer off, and I was on my way. The route doubles back on itself on Camino del Sol and my Garmin said to take that route. I turned, but it didn't seem like the way to Helmet Peak and luckily I stopped and checked the printed cue sheet. Yes, wrong turn, so back track a few meters to the traffic circle and back on Continental toward Mission Road and Helmet Peak. For the first 300-400 meters my Garmin was convinced I had made a wrong turn and kept beeping and flashing U-Turn now. Finally it realized I was headed to Tucson, not Amado, and the arguments stopped!

Mission Road near the Duval Mine

Mike mentioned that Mission Road had new pavement and was butter smooth. He was correct and finally the wind was starting to cooperate again and soon the next 10 miles to Helmet Peak were in the rearview mirror.

Helmet Peak information control

With the climbing done, and the sun starting to get low in the sky, the temperature started to drop again. Its a long enjoyable descent into Tucson, and can be quite fast. One more time to put on the knee and arm warmers, and with one full bottle, I push off for the last run into Tucson.

Mission Road Descent

I have ridden this section of road many times, but normally at the end of a 400 or 600 brevet, in the dark. It was a nice change to ride it in daylight with mountain views, but no city lights!

Ahh, back on the Loop

Mission Road is quiet, but soon the route dumps us out on Valencia for a mile and a half of high tension city riding! Dodging all kinds of debris in the bike lane, and one asshole city bus driver that decided to pass, then enter the bike lane for a bus stop; happily I was soon on the Loop for relaxed riding to the finish.

The last hazard

One last hazard, University Avenue at the U of A. Those trolley tracks can swallow a wheel so be careful. Its Saturday at about 5:30 pm and while some partying was going on, I didn't have to dodge the drunk students that come out in the late hours!

Back at the start

I rolled into the El Con lot in just under 10 hours after the start of my adventure. I threw the bike in the back of the Mini, and headed over to Chic-Fil-A for fries and a sandwich for the ride home.

Thanks again to Mike Sturgill for putting on another great brevet. This route combined some familiar roads with some new ones, and as aways, its great to see old friends on an Arizona Brevet. Next up is the Around the Bend 400. Twice as long with half as much climbing as this 200! Sign up at Azbrevet.com!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data

2023 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report

January 2023

Sunrise on a new brevet season

New year, new brevet season! 2023 is also a Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) year and that usually means a large turnout for the first 200km brevet. The PBP is the longest running organized bike event in the world and runs every four years. 8000 riders from around the world will ride the 2023 edition. It will be the 20th, and completion of a full brevet series (200, 300, 400 and 600km) in 2023 is a requirement for entry.

 

I should not have been surprised that 'only' 14 riders were starting the 200 this year, because a second 200km brevet was on offer in Arizona only two weeks later! Another 20 riders signed up for that one!

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

In addition to the 14 riders on the 200km course, four riders were taking on the 100km course. As always it was great to see some of the usual suspects (Tom Altemus, Brian McQuire, and Roger Peskett) at the start and get caught up.  After Mike Sturgill (Regional Brevet Administrator for Arizona) gave the rider brief at 0755 we rolled out at 0800. Mike and Brian had pre-ridden the 100 and noted only a bit of construction on the first 5 miles of the course needed to be navigated; they both were also riding the 200 this morning!

Entering the construction zone

Some pipeline work is happening on Cave Creek road and traffic is pushed into one lane. However, there was no construction activity going on and we were able to ride inside the barricades to enjoy a 'protected' bike lane. My goal for this one was to ride at an even pace all day, and that meant resisting the urge to ride in the group that invariably starts fast. By the time we hit the construction zone, I thought I was lantern rouge (last rider).

Club group in the Legends

Waiting for a light at Scottsdale road, Luciano rode up to my surprise. I thought I was last! After the light turned, he rode off and I was now the lantern rouge! The route continued into the Legends development and I rode into a club group of riders also out enjoying a perfect morning for riding. They were riding in a regroup style, which meant they would string out, then regroup as they continued to ride. The only issue was I was riding at a steady pace, and I would catch them, only to have the faster ones then pass then see them again at the next regroup.

The pavement ends here!

The club group stopped for coffee where Cave Creek Road becomes Seven Springs Road, and thankfully, my game of hare and tortoise was over. The course continues to the end of pavement then U-turns and heads back to the control at Sears Kay and, for the 200km riders, to Bartlett lake.

Great views toward Sears Kay Ruins

The best part of the U-turn format, is you get to see and greet the other riders out in front as they continue on the course.

Rest and refreshments at the Sears Kay control

Charles (North Dakota) and Bill (Tennessee) were riding the 100km and were in the control when I rolled in. After a quick visit, a welcome Mountain Dew (Mike said to save one for Steve, thanks Mike!), some snacks, and a handful of pocket food I was back on my way.

Next stop Bartlett Lake

The route generally descends to the next control at the Bartlett Lake Marina. Winds were favorable and after climbing about 1000 feet to get to the last downhill, I was moving through this section at 40+ mph! The photo above, is from last year's 200, I didn't want to stop in that tailwind! Of course, the lead groups were heading up while I headed down and that would be the last time I would see the leaders.

 

I rolled into the Marina, picked up some food to eat, reload the pockets, and get back on the road. What goes down must go up, and every tailwind becomes a headwind, but the weather was perfect and the climb out was actually quite enjoyable.

Pot is legal in AZ!

With plenty of water in the bottles and food in the pockets, I didn't need to stop in Carefree/ Cave Creek for supplies. I heard that Pot is now legal in AZ, and had to stop at this purveyor, who obviously had embraced the change with gusto! No room in the pockets today for one of these beauties, so I headed on!  

Road to New River

The next official control is in New River. But feeling hungry, I stopped for lunch at a Circle K at Carefree Highway and 7th Street. They had tables out front and a wide selection of snacks and sandwiches. In honor of the PBP, I grabbed a Jambon et Fromage (Ham and Cheese) sandwich, some chips, Mountain Dew and some Gummy Savers for pocket food! OK, the sandwich and food was nothing like the PBP. But for this brevet, my food strategy was to carry only pocket food acquired on the route and not carry carbohydrate drink mix, to mimic my food plan for PBP.

 

New River Control

12 miles later, I rolled into the official control in New River and was surprised to see John and Ann there on a tandem. The last time I saw them, they were in one the lead groups heading toward the lake. Their tandem had a mechanical, and after a long delay, were back on the course. I topped off a bottle and they were already gone!

 

I caught and passed them at the very tricky intersection at Lake Pleasant, and we then made our way through 300 meters of unpaved road under construction. I was looking forward to some company for the last 25 miles of the course, but alas, a staple punctured my rear tire and I stopped to repair it.

 

Balloons over Peoria

I was back on the road in under 10 minutes and into several planned communities of Peoria. The roads are relatively new, all have bike lanes, and while there are many turns to keep track of, there was little traffic and even a few parks with water and restrooms along the way.

Slow pace = Nice sunset!

With a start at 0800 and my slow pace, I was rewarded with a great Arizona sunset. I rolled into the Cortado Coffee Roastery a few minutes before 6 pm to put this one in the books at 9 hours and 53 minutes. John and Ann were in the parking lot and Tom Altemus was there packed up as well. After a quick visit, I threw the bike in the car and headed home.

Debby had homemade soup on the stove, and my food strategy worked during the ride. I was not starving at the end and could generate consistent power to the finish.  I snacked on some pocket food on the way home to an awesome dinner and a great start to the 2023 brevet season!

Next up is the North Valley 100/200/300; something for everyone, come join us!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data

2022 Bartlett Lake 200km Brevet

 

Ride report

January 8, 2022

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

Happy New Year! The 2022 Brevet season in Arizona kicks off with the Sears Kay 100/Bartlett Lake 200 routes. 35 riders signed up for the events with a little more than half selecting the 200km version. Of course our dedicated Regional Brevet Coordinator, Mike Sturgill, pre-rode both courses and provided a great pre-ride report with what to expect. We rolled out of the North Phoenix King Coffee Roastery parking lot a minute or two after 0700.

On the 'climb' toward Sears Kay

With just a few traffic lights and turns we are soon in the North Phoenix desert climbing toward the first control at the Sears Kay ruins. The road appears flat but climbs at a mostly steady grade of 1-2%, with a few steep rollers tossed in near the summit. A few eager riders roll off the front and I fall in with a large second group of riders going at an easier pace. Its a good time to catch up with friends and meet some folks that traveled here to enjoy a fantastic day of winter desert riding.

Rollers to the turn-around

Jennifer and Rashid near the end of pavement

The group splinters as we enter the rollers of the Legends development about half-way to the first control. By the time we hit the turn-around at the end of the pavement on Seven Springs Road, the riders are in groups of one, two, and three all over the course.

Mike checks us in at the Sears Kay control

Mike and his faithful companion Aztec, set up the staffed control at the parking/picnic area of the Sears Kay ruins. I grab some Oreo cookies for the pocket, toss down a Starbucks Frappuccino, top off the bottles and head out.

New pavement on Bartlett Dam Road

It is just a few miles past the control where the two routes split. The 200km road turns and heads 'down' to Bartlett Lake. The good news is that the first half of 14 miles to the lake is on new pavement. This section used to be very rough and challenging dodging pot holes and lake traffic. The new pavement even has a bit of room outside the fog line and was butter smooth!

Nearing the top of the first climb out of the lake area

One might think its all downhill to the lake, not so! There a few miles of climbing that gain 1000 feet on the way 'down' to the lake! Finally on the last descent to the lake, we start to see the lead riders returning from the control at the marina. 

The lake is very low and the clerk at the marina store is sharing fishing information with a few customers at the check out.  Not interested in the fishing report, I purchase a can of V-8 juice, some water, and peel off a layer of clothing and reload the pockets, as other riders arrive and depart.

Heading back up the hill, the sun is out and warming nicely. One more stop to remove another clothing layer and we make our way back the way we came!

There is a Forest Service Information kiosk and water fountain at the top of the climb. I stop there and reload a bottle with CarboPro/water for the run to the next control in New River. Its mostly downhill for the next 30 miles, except for a small climb out of Cave Creek to the Carefree Highway.

New River Control

After six miles of Carefree Highway riding, we turn right on 7th Street and head north toward New River and the next control. Its 13 miles away, and at mile 91, New River should be the last stop I need to make before the finish. One last bottle reload, toss down a chocolate milk from the store, and its back on the road for the final segment.

Open desert near Lake Pleasant

The route crosses the I-17 and heads west for 10 miles toward Lake Pleasant. Traffic was light while the cross/head winds picked up, and we soon pass the Welcome to Peoria sign and return to urban riding for the last 25 miles to the finish.

Quiet roads in Peoria AZ

The route Mike selected includes many turns, but follows mostly quiet roads through planned communities. A little construction on the last leg of Deer Valley Road and soon we are back in the King Coffee Roastery parking lot. Mike included a complimentary lunch at the Subway next door with the entry fee. I traded my AZ Brevet ticket for a 6" sub, chips, and a drink. A nice way to finish a great day on the bike. Thanks Mike for another great brevet!

Ready for the next brevet!

Next on the 2022 brevet schedule is the North Valley 123/200/300 on February 5, 2022. Click here for information and to sign up. Hope to see you there!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data

 

 

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

Click here for GPS data

2020 2-200km Brevets!

Just another beautiful day in the desert!

The 2020 Arizona Brevet Series kicked off with 2-200s in January this year. A new route combination, the Sears-Kay Ruin 100/Bartlett Lake 200 were both Permanent routes, but Mike Sturgill dusted them off and they were approved as Brevets for the 2020 calendar. Always nice to explore a new route, thanks Mike!  The Saguaro Lake 200 ran two weeks later and both events featured 100k options for those just getting their legs off the couch. Hey a 200 is so nice, let's do it twice!!

Sears-Kay Ruin 100/Bartlett Lake 200 January 4, 2020

Steve Atkins, Mike Sturgill, Jennifer and Paul Danhaus

25 riders assembled in the King Coffee parking lot in North Phoenix. It was great to see old friends Brian McGuire and Paul and Jennifer Danhaus at the start. Mike Sturgill, the Arizona RBA would be the trail boss for the event and Rashid Khan and Jennifer Moore pre-rode the course and would be helping out at the controls.

A bit nippy at the start!

Mike provides the pre-ride brief

We rolled out as the sun crested the horizon with temperatures in the low 40's. The temperature would drop to 34 in the open desert before starting to warm to a perfect winter afternoon!

Riding with the Bullshifters

The 100 and 200 riders took off together and a group of about 8 riders formed as we headed up and north toward Seven Springs Road and Bartlett Lake. The group works well together and at a reasonably brisk pace. The route passes the turnoff for Bartlett lake and the gentle climb is replaced with sharp twisty rollers.

After the EOP heading to the Sears-Kay control

A few miles past the Sears-Kay turnoff, the road turns to gravel indicating its time to make a u-turn and its back through the rollers and into a beautiful morning sky!

Mike, Rashid Kahn and Jennifer Moore at Sears-Kay

The Sears-Kay turnout is quite tricky with smooth pebbles over rough pavement. No worries, the group makes it up to the picnic cabana and the first control. Mike, Rashid, and Jennifer spring into action signing cards, filling bottles, and distributing goodies! Starting to feel the chill, its a quick reload of the bottles, grab a handful of 'tots and head out toward the Bartlett Lake Turnoff.

The final descent to Bartlett Lake

The next check point is at the Marina about 1700 feet below the turn off. But somehow, there is about 900 feet of climbing to get there! Boat traffic was light and the temperatures were finally starting to climb.

Reaching the Marina store/restaurant checkpoint, my bottles and pockets are still full. No need to buy anything, just get the clerk to initial my brevet card and I can be on my way. A group of club riders leaving the store offer to share their water (they bought a gallon and used about 1/2). No need, thanks, and its into the store. Greet the clerk with a smile and ask her to initial my brevet card.  She hesitates, and asks what it is for. I think she is joking so I say, "its nothing, you are just signing your lifetime allegiance to the Communist Party of Arizona." She stares back in horror!

"Oh no, no, just kidding. Really I am on a bike event and this is a checkpoint where I need to get a receipt or a signature to prove I was here." I show her the official brevet card and she seems unconvinced. "Look, I'll just buy something if you don't want to sign." She says, "No, I'll sign, but I just need to make sure its OK with my boss." Off she goes to the restaurant to find the boss. What seemed like 20 minutes later, it was actually only about 3, she comes back and says, the boss says its OK. I show her where to sign and warn her that another dozen or so riders will be coming through behind me, and they are not members of the Communist Party!

Near the top of the first climb leaving Bartlett Lake

Leaving the store, the route doubles back and the climb/descent/climb/descent/climb out to the lake area starts. Other 200k riders from the event are heading down to the checkpoint. I wave and hope they will have better luck at the control!

Road to New River

The 200km route rejoins the 100km route at Cave Creek Road and continues through the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. Heading west on the Cave Creek Highway the 200km route departs again and heads north on 7th Avenue toward New River. The gentle westward descent is replaced with a gentle climb through nice Sonora desert. The route rolls through 'town' and the control is at a convenience store/gas station just off the I-17 freeway.

The road to Lake Pleasant

Jennifer and Rashid are there with the control set up in the parking lot. Jennifer needs no convincing and signs the brevet card right away. Refill the bottles, strip off some layers, grab a snack, and its back on the road toward Lake Pleasant and the finish about 35 miles away.

The rural landscape gives way to the planned communities in Peoria and North Phoenix. Finally, its urban riding with lights and traffic along Deer Valley Road before rejoining the outbound route at Cave Creek Road for the last three miles to the finish.

Arriving at the Coffee King strip mall, Mike Sturgill has set up the control at the Subway store. Spoils of the ride; the entry fee included a 6" Sub, chips and a drink. Yes please! Plenty of time to catch up with Mike, and compare notes on retirement, before packing up to head home and put this one in the books!

Thanks Mike for putting this new ride on the calendar!

Click here for Bartlett Lake GPS data

 

 Saguaro Lake 100/200 January 18, 2020

Mike provides the pre-ride brief

Another chilly start as 16 riders gathered for the Saguaro Lake 100/200 in the Safeway parking lot in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Roger Peskett and Gerry Goode were up from Tucson and it was great to see them at the start. This event was 'lightly' supported with only one volunteer, Dave Jordan, staffing the control at the top of Usury Pass.

We roll out onto Fountain Hills Boulevard for a series of short steep rollers before joining Shea Boulevard and finally the Beeline Highway. The group shatters on the rollers and three riders go off the front (Mike, Roger, and Ezekiel Escamilla). Trying to catch on, but getting caught at several lights on Shea, the group finally comes into sight, stopped at the Beeline light. Jumping on the pedals, the light turns green and I just make it through and tack onto the back of the group accelerating down the Beeline.

Settling in to recover at the back of the line, we roll down to Fort McDowell and the cold air that awaits at the Verde River bridge. Whether it was watery eyes from the cold (Garmin reads 32F), or simple inattention, suddenly its Whack/Whack/Hiss! Pinch flat from hitting debris in the road, ugh. Rolling to a stop the rear is flat and I pull over to quickly change the tube. The rest of the field rolls by (all checking to see if I was OK), and in about 5 minutes a fresh tube is in and I remount the bike. The bike feels wrong, and I realize the front is also flat. No worries, I packed two tubes, so another 6 minutes to change that one and its finally back on the road.

With two flats, there is no chance of catching the lead group, so I settle into a tempo pace and enjoy the scenery and beautiful Arizona morning. I get to say hello to Gerry Goode and other riders again heading toward the Bush Highway turnoff. A group of riders are on the side of the road, just past the turn-off, but flash they 'Thumbs Up' sign so I continue on. Later I would learn that one of Bullshifters had a heavy fall that ended his ride ;-(

The Usury Pass climb was nearly complete, when .. Bang! No, not the normal gunshots from the nearby gun range, this was a blowout. The road is smooth, and with no more tubes, I decide to ride the flat tire to the control. Luckily Dave set up the control just around the bend, so it was only 3 tenths of a mile on the flat tire. Even better, he had a spare tube!

Settling into one of the chairs, I inspect the tire. There is a small cut in the sidewall that the tube had pushed through and blown out. Dave says, sorry no spare tires! No worries, an old Powerbar wrapper kept in the repair kit is the perfect 'boot' to place between the tube and tire for a sidewall cut. It takes a bit longer for this repair but soon its complete.

Gerry Goode and Dave Jordan at Usury Pass

Great to see Gerry back on a ride

Gerry was surprised to see me again, but we had more time to catch up. Years ago we were riding together on the Arivaca 400, and he showed me a great coffee shop just outside of town with great coffee and even better home made pie! He is a strong rider and quite a gentleman.

Booted sidewall cut, it held for the rest of the ride!

Bush Highway near Saguaro Lake

After a long stop it was back on the road for the loop to Power Road and back to the Bush Highway to retrace the route back to Fountain Hills. With no spare tubes and fingers crossed, the ride back to Fountain Hills was mostly downhill and uneventful!

Rolling into the parking lot, there are no other riders, but a commotion of emergency vehicles (not related to our ride) and Saturday morning grocery traffic. After a quick reload of supplies (including a fresh tube I threw in the car, 'just in case') and change of layers, I roll out and start the climb out of Fountain Hills to Scottsdale.

The route avoids Shea Boulevard via a bicycle easement through a gated community, then heads north and up to Carefree. This is a popular cycling route and there are many cyclists along the road.

The town of Carefree

Rolling into the control in Carefree, I pick up some water, an apple juice, and a receipt at the control. The route heads out of town on Cave Creek Road and it is packed with cars and pedestrians. Its the annual Carefree Wine Festival! Good thing it was a wine festival, and not a beer festival, otherwise the temptation would have been to stop and join the festivities!

With only a short climb up Dynamite Road, the route is generally downhill from Carefree to the finish in Fountain Hills. It also includes the big 9 mile descent on Rio Verde road and the final rollers into Fountain Hills. Arriving at the Safeway, I pack the bike, slip into some dry clothes and head for the Burger King for a late lunch and a receipt for the brevet card!

Thanks Mike, 2 200s are better than one, and a great way to start 2020!

Steve Atkins

Click here for Saguaro Lake GPS data