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

2019 Saguaro Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report
January 2019

40 riders gather for the start

About 40 riders assembled in the Fountain Hills Safeway parking lot for the first event of the 2019 Arizona Brevet Series. The 200km route consists of two loops of 100km each, so in addition to the brevet, a 100km populaire option was available. The second loop is new this year and includes a run up to Carefree Arizona through Scottsdale providing more fantastic desert scenery and less city riding through North Phoenix.

Mike Sturgill, RUSA Regional Brevet Administrator and Brian McGuire would provide support throughout the day.

The route starts uphill with some sharp rollers to wake the sleeping legs and provides a much needed warm-up (temperatures were in the mid 40's), before descending to Shea Boulevard and the Beeline Highway. At the start the computer unexpectedly powers off, so after a quick recycle, we roll out near the back of the bunch for a more civilized start. After a quick catch-up with Tom Baker and chatting about PBP plans we hit the first sharp roller. Descending the second roller, the front group comes into view stopped at the light at Shea, grabbing a gear and accelerating we hit the intersection just as the light turns yellow and rejoin the front group.

The bunch is huge and enjoying the downhill to the Verde River. Crossing the river the road tilts up for the 8 mile climb to the Bush highway exit. The pace picks up and the group starts to thin as riders slip off the back.

Bush Highway headed toward the lake

Approaching the Bush highway turnoff, a group of refugees from the front group form a small group and we work well together all the way to the start of the Usury Pass climb.

RBA Mike Sturgill at the Usury Pass Control

Usury Pass is a popular climb and many riders were out enjoying the morning. Its a 3.5 mile climb, but with over 100 miles to get to the finish its best to settle into your own pace and enjoy the view. At the top, a large chunk of the front group was in the control, and not needing supplies, it was a quick hello/check-in with Mike and back onto the road.

The descent is fast and with a wide shoulder, very comfortable. A few minutes after leaving the control, there is a rider on the side of the road waving as cyclists go by. Nearing her, it was clear she was trying to flag someone down. Grabbing the brakes, she says she needs help with a mechanical. She had repaired her flat tire, but was having difficulty getting the rear wheel back on the bike. Shifting her rear derailleur to the small cog it was a snap to get it back in. 30 seconds of stop time for a good deed and its back on the road for the decent to Power Road.

Yours truly and Russ Cummings on the Bush Highway

After hitting the King Kong descent, the route turns east on the Bush Highway, and into a building headwind. Just then Russ Cummings rolls up with a hearty hello and we get a chance to catch up under blue skies and gorgeous desert scenery.

Joining some fast 100km riders

As we chat, a half-dozen or so riders roll past and we decide to hop on for the short descent back to Salt River Recreation for some company and relief from the wind!

Bush Highway and Four Peaks

A series of scenic rollers along the Salt River and Saguaro Lake are next and we settle into our own pace and the group thins back out!

Brian Mcguire at the Butcher Jones water stop

Brian McGuire set up a water/snack stop at the Butcher Jones turnoff near Saguaro Lake, with a full bottle there was no need to stop, just slow down and let Brian know we are passing through. The route tilts up for a climb back to the Beeline Highway. Traffic is still light, and the views of Four Peaks with a light dusting of snow are fantastic.

Verde River near Fort McDowell

Back on the Beeline Highway the wind is now on the tail and its easy to hold a 25+ mph pace all the back to the Verde River. Hang a right at the casino and soon we are making our way into the Safeway parking lot. Mike Sturgill has taken up residence at the Subway (a 6" sandwich, chips, and a drink are included in the entry fee). We plop down, check in, pass on the sammy, and head to the truck to reload and change layers.

The base layer, light wool jersey, jacket and full leg warmers were great at 7:30am, but were quite sweaty 4 hours later. No worries, leaving the jacket and leg warmers in the car, slathering up with sunscreen, and after refilling the bottles and pockets with fresh calories, its back on the road for the second loop.

Just a mile or so up the road the Garmin locks up. Normally a power recycle cures the problem and with the restart, no loss of data, or interruption of the track. Not today, the computer did a full reset, and while it saved the loop one data, all the counters reset to -0- ;-/!

"Easy to Miss' bike path entrance

The second loop includes a link from Fountain Hills to Scottsdale through a gated community that has provided a bicycle easement to pass through. After a short climb, the route descents on a bike/hike path to connect the two towns.

Bike Path

Cyclists Welcome!

Exiting the bike path, the route appears to reach a dead end at a gated community. But wait, the gates to this community are offset so bikes can pass through and use 145th Way to connect to Via Linda. It is a much improved route that includes a little more climbing, adds some nice views, and avoids Shea Boulevard (6 lanes, 50 mph speed limit, and no bike lanes) to get to Scottsdale. Descending on the brakes to obey the speed limit, we don't want to lose this easement!

The Boulders at El Pedregal

The route heads into and through the planned communities at the foot of McDowells making use of new roads with ample shoulders/bike lanes and relatively few traffic interruptions. Turning right on Pima Road, it is 8 miles of gentle climbing through beautiful Sonoran Desert before heading west to the Boulders and north to the control in Carefree.

Carefree, what's with the cactus hats?

Tom Altemus rolls up as we head into the Carefree control (Shell Station/Convenience store) to get a Frappachino and a signature for the brevet card. He was having pedal problems and dropped out of the front group to made a few adjustments. As we were heading out Russ and a two other riders rolled in. We head out with Tom and trade pulls all the way to Dynamite road.

Pinnacle Peak from Dynamite Road

Its a 3 mile climb and Tom goes off the front as we hit our own pace. Tom gets caught at the light on Alma School at the top and we rejoin and work together for the 9 mile descent and 12 miles of rollers to the finish.

Tom Altemus leads the way down Nine Mile Hill

More great views of Four Peaks on the descent of Nine Mile Hill. With increased housing development in the area, each time through it seems E. Rio Verde road gets wider and better as it is improved to support the increasing traffic. Still a few miles with no shoulder on the top half, but the pavement has been resurfaced and the bottom half has a wide paved shoulder.

With light winds on the nose during the descent, and cross winds after turning south at the bottom towoard the finish, it was a little more work than normal passing through Rio Verde and the McDowell Mountain Park. Soon desert gives way to development and we are on the last climb into Fountain Hills. Sharing stories of mutual suffering on this particular stretch of pavement with Tom made the climb go by in a flash and soon we rolled into the finish at the Starbucks inside the Safeway store. Mike was there to check us in and put this one in the books!

A great day on the bike, connecting with old friends on a spectacular course.

Next up is the Saguaro National Park 300, come join us!

Steve Atkins

Ride Data: Loop 1   Loop 2

2018 Saguaro Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report
January 2018

Riders gather at the start

About 50 riders assembled in the Safeway parking lot in Fountain Hills Arizona for the 2018 edition of the Saguaro Lake 100km and 200km brevets. Mild temperatures, sunny skies, and a start time at dawn attracted riders from Alberta Canada (Calgary), New York, Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, Washington, and Minnesota! The 100/200km routes share the same loop to start, a fantastic and scenic run up the Beeline Highway, over Usury Pass, and returning to the start via Power Road/ Bush Highway. The 200 includes a second loop with a run through Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Rio Verde, and back to Fountain Hills.

Mike Sturgill provides the rider brief

RUSA Regional Brevet Administrator Mike Sturgill, and former RBA Carlton van Leuven pre-rode the course a few days earlier and provided fantastic support all day. Mike handled the Usury Pass, and Subway/Starbucks controls, and Carlton covered the Butcher Jones support and Cashman Park controls.

Paceline on the Beeline Highway

The ride begins with some steep rollers on Fountain Hills Boulevard, certainly not the best warm-up routine, then a descent to the Beeline Highway and a gradual climb to the Bush Highway turnoff. A sizeable lead group formed and we made great time heading into the sunrise.

It was time to exit the group a few miles from the Bush Highway turnoff and drop back at a slower pace. Reaching the Bush Highway turnoff, we were a group of three (other lost souls from the lead group) as we made our way to the first control at the top of Usury Pass.

Reaching the control, it was a quick stop to reload the water bottles, grab some pocket food, get the brevet card signed and head out and down toward McDowell road. Being a popular cycling area, plus recent improvements to the roads meant that there were plenty of other cyclists out enjoying a spectacular morning!

Salt River just below Saguaro Lake

The route heads west to Power Road, which becomes Bush Highway, then descends down King Kong hill to the river and back upstream to Saguaro Lake. The road improvements were in process here, some of the shoulder was scraped away, so there were still a few miles of rough/narrow pavement until reaching the new surface, which was marvelous!

Lake traffic was light, and with the sun coming up, temperatures warmed and made for some great photos around the lake.

Four Peaks

Heading up toward the Beeline Highway Russ Cummings hopped on my wheel and we traded pulls to the lunch stop at the half-way point. After checking in with Mike and skipping the Subway Meal Deal, it was a quick stop at the truck to reload the bottles, drop a layer of clothes and head out for the second half of the ride.

Leaving Fountain Hills, the route takes the best possible path through urban Scottsdale, but with lots of turns and traffic lights, it was still a bit annoying after such a nice morning on the first half of the route in the Tonto National Forest.

Carlton manned the Cashman Park Control

Passing the Mayo Clinic and Desert Ridge Mall, the next control is the Cashman park. Today it was staffed by Carlton and he provided refreshment and encouragement as again it was a quick stop and back on the road.

Brevet machines at rest

The route heads north then east and back to the Pinnacle Peak area for the last control at the Shell station at Dynamite and Alma School road. No volunteer here, so my proof of passage was the receipt for a Frappachino, water, and PowerBall lottery Ticket! (Lucky for me, it was a 'winning' ticket, matching 3 numbers, my prize; $7; which covered the cost of the stop, so I had that going for me!)

The real payoff of this brevet is the 10 mile descent from the last control. From there the route turns south for the final 10 miles of rollers back to the finish. Last year, a favorable tail wind pushed the riders to the finish. Which of course meant that this year it was a headwind to the finish!

Another one in the books, time to clean up the truck!

At last arriving at the Starbucks, I found Mike, completed my paperwork and loaded up the machine for the ride home. This year I completed the ride in just over 8 hours, and was able to be home in time for a movie!

Looking forward to the Vulture Mine 300 next month, and hoping for a better result that 2016!

Steve Atkins

Link to Saguaro 200 GPS Data

Saguaro Lake 200km Brevet

Ride Report
January 2017

Mike Sturgill gives the rider brief

Back in the saddle! This is the first brevet on the 2017 Southern Arizona Brevet Series. It also marked my return to brevet riding after last years season ended unexpectedly about about a third of the way into the Vulture Mine 300.

About 45 riders gathered in the Fountain Hills Safeway parking lot for the start of the 100km and 200km events. Many of the usual suspects were at the start. Mike Sturgill, the Trail Boss for the events noted in the rider brief that the start list included RUSA member number 4 (RUSA was founded in 1999) and RUSA member number 11733 (possibly the newest member), a nice mix of experienced and new brevet riders. Mike also introduced Alan Johnson, who would be providing support on Bush Highway and the Cashman park control.

The group rolled out at 7:30am and by the time the riders reached the Beeline Highway, several groups had formed. The lead group was riding at a pace that was a little too hot for my pleasure so about half-way to the Bush Highway turn-off they were off the front and disappearing out of sight.

We were treated to fresh pavement from the Beeline to Saguaro Lake. While still only a two-lane highway, the new surface had 1-2 feet of pavement on the outside of the fog line, and with the sometimes heavy lake traffic, it was very welcome indeed.

Mike Sturgill set up the first checkpoint at the top of Usery Pass, 28 miles into the ride. With cloud cover and a stout breeze from the north, it was quite chilly. Paul Danhaus and his stoker Susanne Stack rolled up on their tandem bike. Paul is from Wisconsin, but participates in many AZ Brevets. We would see each other quite often during the remainder of the day. After a quick bottle reload and visit with Mike and Paul it was back on the road.

The route loops around the Las Sendas Development, descends the world famous King Kong hill and heads northeast along the Salt River to Saguaro Lake and back to the Beeline. This is my favorite section of this route with fantastic mountain, lake and river views. The improved pavement was an added bonus!

Four Peaks in the distance

Hiking/Equestrian trail along the Salt River

Salt River, near Water User access area

Saguaro Lake

Alan set up his SAG stop at the Butcher Jones turnoff, about 48 miles into the ride. Carlton van Leuven was waiting at the stop, he had dropped out of the lead group and was waiting for me so we could ride back to Fountain Hills together.

Once on the Beeline, the wind was at our back and we made quick work to the next control at the Safeway where we started. This was the half-way point for the 200km route, and the finish for the 100km. Included in the entry fee for both was a coupon for a Subway meal deal. Carlton had signed up for the 100km so he packed up and headed back to continue his weekend chores. After checking in with Mike, grabbing a sandwich, chips and a drink, and changing into lighter clothes, it was back on the road.

The route continues through Scottsdale and Phoenix. After the beautiful scenery of the Saguaro Lake area, the many turns, traffic lights, and city traffic, is a little hard to take. The fourth control at Cashman Park is at the north edge of town, and at 89 miles is a welcome stop.

Earlier in the ride Carlton had mentioned that Stephen Kinny's bike had a bottom bracket/crank failure and he had dropped out. Just before arriving at the park, a rider appeared in my rear-view mirror. In no time, Stephen shouted out a hearty hello! In true randonnering spirit he had hitchhiked to several bike shops, found a rental bike, and even more notable, secured the rental without an ID or credit card! He was powering through the field on his way to the finish.

We rolled into the park, expecting volunteer support. Alan was not there and Stephen walked up to table that a mom that was setting up for a girls birthday party. Not noticing the Barbie Birthday cake and thinking the water bottles she was setting out were for us, he walked right up to the table and started to grab a water. She looked horrified, until we shouted out, hey Steve, that is not our SAG!

After apologies and a great laugh, we rolled out together, but Stephen was on a mission to catch up to his mates, and was out of sight in a couple hundred meters!

After a few more turns, the route heads east for about 10 miles of gentle climbing to the next control at the Shell Station/Grocery at Pinnacle Peak. Rolling into the control, Roger Peskett was standing near the door. Roger was with the fast movers and it was surprising to see him there. The surprise disappeared when he showed me his sheared off crank arm. It had failed shortly before the control. He was waiting for another rider to complete his brevet and return to pick him up!

Roger's failed crank arm

This control required 'proof of passage' so after purchasing a coffee drink, noting the time, putting the receipt in my brevet card, and biding Roger farewell, it was back on the route for the final 21 miles of the route.

Almost there!

Just past the control, the route heads down 9-Mile Hill (Dynamite Road) to the Rio Verde Development before heading south to the finish in Fountain Hills. The wind was really pressing, and normally it is easy to descent at 30+ mph. With a strong crossing headwind from the northeast, it was real work to hold 20+ mph. No complaints though, because at the bottom of the hill where the route turned south, is was easy to hold a strong pace to the finish with a great tailwind!

Rolling into the Safeway, it was surprising to see a half-dozen bikes parked outside. I added my steed to the herd and went inside. Stephen Kenny and his Merry Band of Fast Canadians were holding court with Mike Sturgill at the instore Starbucks. They were giving Stephen the requisite grief for 'making them wait for hours' for him to finish! After signing my brevet card and thanking Mike for another great brevet, it was time to head home.

After nearly a year away from brevet riding, it was good to be back in the saddle and looking forward to the 300km Gila Monster Brevet next month.

Steve Atkins

Click here for Ride with GPS route data

Saguaro Lake 200 km Brevet

Mike Sturgill providing the rider brief

Ride Report

January 9, 2016

On a chilly morning, 27 randonneurs lined up for the first ride of the Arizona 2016 Brevet Series. Mike Sturgill would be our trail boss and many of the usual suspects (Carlton van Leuven, Roger Peskett, Michael Mooney, Stephen Kinney and his merry band of fast Canadians, Robert Larson on a fixed gear, and even Mike Enfield) assembled in the predawn darkness in Fountain Hills Arizona. After several days of unusually heavy rains, and low temperatures, it looked to be an interesting ride, and it was.

We rolled out in a very civilized manner and cleared the rollers that apparently combined with the world's largest fountain, made this town's name; Fountain Hills!

On the Beeline highway we dipped into the Verde River valley and temperatures dropped to the dew point and suddenly we were riding in fog with about 20 meters of visibility and 100% humidity!

Eventually we climbed out of the fog on the Beeline Highway, only to drop down back into it when the Bush Highway descended to the Salt River.

The Canadians and fast movers head up to Usury Pass

Happily the main group stayed together until we reached the base of the climb to Usury Pass. At  this point your humble correspondent dropped off the pace and settled into a steady climb in the desert fog! About halfway up the climb, the fog dissipated and we were treated to a beautiful sunny morning!

Mike Sturgill set up the first checkpoint at the top of the climb, and as I rolled in, the Canadians and fast movers rolled out. Carlton stayed behind and we rolled out together after checking in and refilling a bottle. But after a few hundred meters, I noticed he had forgotten his helmet. He circled back to get it and I rolled on at an easy pace knowing he would catch me shortly.

Heading back into the fog

The route continues to McDowell road and reconnects with Power/Bush Highway for the return trip along the Salt River and Saguaro Lake. As the road descended back to the Salt river, we were greeted again with a heavy fog bank. It held until the climb outside of the Saguaro Lake Recreation area.

Looking back at the fog along the Salt River

Continuing to ride alone, I wondered where Carlton had gotten off to? Traffic was relatively heavy on the Bush Highway heading back to the Beeline, but once the fog cleared, the vistas were awesome, as the snow line had dropped way down, and covered the nearby peaks.

Four Peaks, with snow!

Mazatzal Peaks with Snow!

Beeline Highway, fog in the distance

After stopping for a few pictures on the Bush Highway/Beeline Bridge, it was back onto the descent into another fog bank along the Verde River. However this time the fog had thinned and Carlton joined to share the work for the run into Fountain Hills and the lunch/checkpoint.

Carlton had missed the turn on McDowell and added some 'Bonus Miles' to his ride before rejoining. Just inside the Fountain Hills City Limits, and a few miles from the lunch stop, my rear tire went soft. Stopping to fix it, the culprit was clearly visible, a small wire from a steel belted radial had lodged into my rear tire.

Carl stopped to help, and within 10 minutes we were back on the road fully inflated and rolling into the lunch stop.

Mike Sturgill, included a Subway lunch in the entry fee, so after re-loading the bike and re-configuring the clothing layers we grabbed lunch and then set out for the second half of the brevet.

We caught Roger Peskett and a small group rolling out of Fountain Hills and they joined us for a few miles before a mechanical caused them to drop off.

Carl and I made our way through Scottsdale and North Phoenix without incident, until he had a flat as we were making our way towards Pinnacle Peak.

Carl fixing his flat

On the climb up to Pinnacle Peak, Carl dropped off the pace (seat post problems) and I continued to the checkpoint at the Shell Station at Alma School and Dynamite Roads. It was a big day for the Powerball, so the line was long to get a receipt and continue on the ride.

Ready for the 9 mile descent

Downhill finishes are always appreciated, and being able to enjoy a 9 mile descent after 100+ miles of riding was especially pleasing! Hitting the bottom of the hill in Rio Verde, a series of rollers brings this brevet to a end.

Arriving at the Subway just under 8.5 hours after the start, there was only two things to do; load up the bike, and enjoy another Subway sandwich!!

Less organized, but ready to head home!

It was great to see the old crowd and meet some new comers for the first brevet of the season. Thanks Mike for supporting a great ride.

Next up...The Vulture Mine 300km, come join the fun!!!


Steve Atkins