2019 Around the Bend 400km Brevet

Ride Report
March 2, 2019

Tom Baker gives the rider brief

Flat, fast, and with a tailwind! What could be better than that? The 2019 version of the Around the Bend 400km Brevet lived up to all that, and with an average temperature of 65F, you could hardly ask for more in a 'winter' brevet!

25 Randos at the start

Tom Baker designed this route and would be the Trail Boss for the day's festivities. This is the 8th edition of this ride on the Arizona Brevet calendar, and like the last several years would be run in the counter-clockwise direction. The start finish location was moved a few miles east (from Sun Lakes to Chandler) to the Fry's shopping center at Riggs and McQueen Roads. More services and a better split of some of the urban riding on Riggs Road made this a great change.

Traffic stop at Riggs and Maricopa Roads

A few traffic lights along Riggs through Chandler, but at 6am, the traffic was light and soon we were zipping along at a reasonable but fast pace through agricultural portion of the Gila Indian Reservation. About half the peloton, stacked back up together at the traffic signal at Maricopa road. When it turned green, it was back to brisk pace as the Estrella Mountains were slowly illuminated by the rising sun.

The pace line working through the west valley

Riggs turns into 51st Avenue as the route passes through Komakte, exiting the reservation, and entering the City of Phoenix before turning west toward Buckeye. The group, benefiting from a gentle tailwind, continued to course along at 22+ MPH!

Tom checks us in at the first control in Buckeye

The RUSA Rules for Riders point out that brevets are not competitive events. In fact, results are to be listed in alphabetical order, not the order of finish. They are, however timed events with the opening and closing times of the intermediate and finishing controls determined by a maximum (about 19 MPH) and minimum speed (about 9 MPH). Riders must stay within these time frames to successfully complete the brevet.

Nine of us rolled into the first control in Buckeye exactly at the control opening time of 0851! Tom Baker was there to check us in, sign our brevet cards, and provide supplies and snacks for the next leg to Gila Bend. Riders rolled out one or two at a time, but soon another pace line of 7 or so riders formed for the run to Gila Bend.

David and Mike after some work at the front!

Paceline on old US 80

The route continues west and then south, and with a quartering tailwind, the group was easily holding 20-24 MPH through mostly farm land. With the exception of just a few rollers near the Gillespie Dam, its pancake flat, and most of the road surface is in great shape! Just outside of Gila Bend, with 100 miles behind us, elapsed time was still under 5 hours! Credit to favorable winds and a large group of riders working together at a consistent pace!

Lunch Control in Gila Bend

Just outside of Gila Bend, we turn right onto Watermelon road. A slight, but much improved route variation for 2019. We catch a large farm vehicle moving at about 13 mph and 'motor-pace' behind it for a while, then we swing clear and pow, suddenly the wind is on the nose and quite strong. We continue on for a couple of miles, not minding the wind, since we will soon turn south and then east to the control and another 40 miles to Maricopa, with the wind on the tail!

Rolling into the control at 1111, a mere six minutes after it opened, Tom Baker had staked out the tables at the Gila Bend Chevron/Food Mart and set out an assortment of snacks, sandwich wraps, and drinks! More riders rolled in (the Stephen Kinney group had suffered a mechanical outside of Buckeye) and a bunch were ready to go after only 12 minutes!

Stephen took the lead with his group and we headed out with a nice tail wind. Its a straight shot for 40 miles to the next town of Maricopa. The first 19 miles is a steady 'climb' on an incredibly consistent .8% grade. Reaching the summit its another 20 miles of slight downgrade to town. With 150 miles to go, the pace was a little hot for yours truly, and it was time to drop off and settle into a comfortable pace.

On the big 'climb' of the day

About half-way up, other refugees from the front group came into view and soon we were again a group of about 5 working together. Clouds and a light rain were welcome relief as we cleared the 'summit' and still with a reasonable tailwind the speed picked back up and we were really moving.

On long straight roads, sometimes the mind plays tricks on a rider. Seeing a mailbox ahead in the distance, the mind says there is rider on the side of the road, only to find it is actually a mailbox! This time however, the mailbox became bigger and as we got closer, then then it turned into three Canadian riders!

We slowed down to make sure they were OK and had everything they needed for the repair and continued eastward. Of course well before we reach town, they are back on the train. As they rotate through the pace quickens just outside of town and the group splits again!

With the next control in Stanfield only 19 miles away, and with a full bottle, there is no reason to stop and we head south out of town and through the Ak-Chin Indian Reservation. Passing the Harrah's casino, a couple of riders come into view. Its Roger Peskett and Bob Fisher working together. It takes some time, but just a few miles before the next turn we are a group of three. Continuing at the same pace, Bob hops on and we roll into the control in Mansfield together. With diminishing winds and numbers, no need to worry about arriving early, the control opened 90 minutes ago!

Bob Fisher at the Stanfield control

With 82 miles still to go, and building winds out of the northeast (our direction to the next control in Florence), we take a 20 minute break to refill both bottles and chow down a turkey sandwich, Frappachino, and some chips. Bob is ready to go we head out as a group of two working together through Casa Grande and Coolidge to the next control in Florence.

Mansfield Road near Florence

Superstition Mountains on the horizon

Passing more smelly feed lots that we cared for, we finally roll into Florence and stop at the information control at the Circle K on Main Street. Its bustling on an early Saturday evening. It seemed every third customer was wearing an Arizona Department of Corrections uniform! Lots of folks were interested in our ride, and one nice couple shouted out a blessing from their pickup for safety as we continued our journey!

Florence Control

As we roll out, Mike Sturgill rides up, and we ride together for a short trip to the McDonalds where he makes his dinner stop!

Sunset on the Pinal Mountains to the east

We continue out of town, passing several more corrections facilities heading north as the sun illuminates the Pinal Mountains to the east.

Sunset on Arizona Farms Road

Soon we turn onto Arizona Farms Road and literally ride into the sunset! After a quick stop at Attaway road to put on the reflective gear, its Bob in the lead with yours truly hanging on his wheel for the last run to the finishing control in Chandler.

We rolled in at 1859 (7:59pm) to put this one in the books at 13 hours 59 minutes.

Another great Arizona Brevet! Thanks Mike and Tom!!!

Next up, join us for the Patagonia 600!

Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS data

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

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 EOP (End of Pavement) 200km Brevet

Ride Report
December 15, 2018

Groupo Compacto on the Beeline Highway

Seven riders, including Arizona RBA Mike Sturgill, lined up at 0700 in the Walmart parking lot in Chandler for the last brevet on the azbrevet.com 2018 calendar. Adapted from Carlton van Leuven's permanent of the same name, this is another spectacular Arizona brevet. As an added bonus, ADOT recently completed a 'pavement restoration and safety project' on AZ88, covering the previously tooth jarring road surface from the Lost Dutchman Park to Tortilla flats. A 'butta' smooth road surface, added paved turnouts, and improved grades on several switchbacks make this section a climbers delight! Before that fun starts, we have 63 miles put in the rear-view mirror!

The route heads through Chandler and Mesa on Arizona Avenue before leaving the urban sprawl, entering the desert, and becoming the Beeline Highway. Here the climbing begins.

Carlton in the No Parking Zone at the Baja Control

The group worked well together on the Beeline and arrived intact at the Baja Convenience store and control at Fort McDowell. Mike signed our brevet cards as we attended to filling bottles and gathering supplies. The EOP is a simple route, this control at Ft. McDowell, just an informational control at the EOP, then the finish control back at the Walmart! We rolled out separately but would see each other later as the day progressed.

After crossing the Verde River the climbing continues to the Saguaro Lake/Bush Highway exit for a fast and scenic descent to Saguaro Lake. A hearty up and over just past the lake and then its rollers along the Salt River with scenic cliffs and great views. The road surface here is only a year or so old, and much of it has a paved shoulder!

On the Usery Pass Climb

Did we mention this route has very few turns? Turning left onto Usury Pass Road, it was only the second navigation turn, and 43 miles into the ride! Usury Pass is quite popular with cyclists and more than a few were out this morning. Its a steady grade, and except for the gunfire at the top (always startling) from the Usery Pass Shooting Range, an uneventful climb.

Trusty steed at the Usury Mountain Park Headquarters

The Usury Mountain Park Headquarters is just 100 meters off the route near Usury Pass and a handy place to take a 'natural break' and refill water bottles.In a pinch, there are vending machines inside!

Impromptu water stop

On a recon ride the previous week, we mentioned to Mike Sturgill that the Dash Inn Convenience store (last chance for water before heading to Canyon Lake) had been converted to a restaurant and would not be available as a water stop. Carlton volunteered his house, just two houses off the route near Signal Butte Road), as an impromptu water stop. With both bottles filled at the pass, no stop was necessary and we roll on through!

Superstition Mountains from Brown Road

Soon Mesa gives way to Apache Junction and it is back into more scenic desert.

AZ 88 The Apache Trail

The only narrow highway on the route is along the AZ 88 Apache Trail. Also recently resurfaced, but without a shoulder or room outside the fog line, this six mile section can be somewhat nerve racking. Traffic was generally light, with little boat traffic, and most drivers were willing to share road and pass safely.

After reaching the Needle Vista lookout, the speed limit drops for a twisting steep climb, before a fantastic descent to Canyon Lake. Here the pavement was 'butta' smooth, plenty wide, with paved pullouts on most of the hairpin turns.

Scenic overlook of Canyon Lake

Its a short climb before the fast, fun, and scenic descent to Canyon Lake. With no traffic to slow down the progress, and only stopping for a photo at the overlook, soon the route crosses two single lane bridges as it winds around the lake toward Tortilla Flats.

Passing the marina, its another short climb and descent to Tortilla Flats, then one more punch to get on the main climb of the day to the EOP.

Fantastic views on the climb to the EOP

About 4 miles of 6% climbing with a few punches at just under 10% bring us to that mythical place where the pavement ends! The road continues on to Apache and Roosevelt Lakes, but that's not for us today!

EOP

After answering the question on the brevet card, noting the time, taking in the scenery, and a fig bar or two, its time to make a U turn and head back!

At the EOP U Turn

The annoying headwind on the climb was now a tailwind and with that extra push, it was a thrilling ride with the computer recording a maximum speed on this section of 46+mph!

Rolling through Tortilla Flats

With the tailwind and not wanting to lose momentum, we roll right through Tortilla Flats, thick with Harley's and tourists enjoying the old west saloon, restaurant, and general store. Local lore has it that a group of cowboys were stranded here after a flash flood. With only a cask of flour, the cowboys survived on tortillas until the flood water subsided. From then on the creek was known as Tortilla Creek, and the bivouac site, Tortilla Flats!

Love that Butta' smooth pavement!

 Nice view of the new pavement after climbing out of the Tortilla Creek drainage, great road surface and 'S' turns to carve all the way back to the lake.

Perfect day in the desert

As the day went on, the traffic continued to thin out on the climbs and descents, so it was easy to enjoy the desert views. The 6 miles on the narrow portion of the AZ88 went by quickly with a stout tailwind and soon it was back into the urban sprawl of Apache Junction, Mesa, and finally Chandler for the final 30 miles to the finish.

Its in the books!

After what seemed like an endless string of red lights along Pecos Road, it was great to finally roll into the parking lot in just under 9 hours, and put this one in the books. Roger Peskett stopped by, already packed, enjoying a post ride snack, and ready to go. So we compared notes on the ride and PBP plans before saying our farewell, until the first brevet of the 2019 season, the Saguaro Lake 200km. Come out and join us!



Steve Atkins

Click here for GPS Data