Concluding Week One in Tucson

March 07, 2025 - 75 miles, 1500 ft elevation, Casa Grande AZ to Tucson AZ

https://www.relive.com/view/vYvrwMVWYLO

Last day of riding for Week 1!  Rain coming down hard in Casa Grande in the morning, and looking pretty ugly.  Fortunately, we could wait it out and start a bit late.  The ground was wet but we started after the rain stopped and could avoid all of it other than a few drops.   

My friend Angus was in town visiting his in-laws and was able to borrow his brother-in-law’s “old bike” a nice, slightly dated Pinarello.  He definitely didn’t sign up for the high of 51 and cloudy day after a rough winter in New Jersey. 

Chilly lunch before starting on The Loop as we enter Tucson.

The mild wind persisted throughout the day, blowing mostly against us until we reached the Tucson area. There, we changed direction from SSE to SE and joined "The Loop" bike trail, which provided a welcome relief.

Angus snapping a selfie with Terry mid-mouthful at lunch.

Unlike previous days, The Loop slowed us down and we had a somewhat leisurely finish into the hotel for the last ~10 miles.  Nice pavement, wide lanes, no intersections to cross, and likely because of the chilly weather, not many people out on Friday afternoon.  

Cruising on The Loop in Tucson picturing (from left to right) Angus, Steve, Norman, Martin.

It’s only been a week on the road but definitely miss home cooking already.  Had a special treat home-cooked meal waiting for us at Kevin & Debbie’s house in Tucson (riders from a previous year).  Thanks to Kevin & Debbie for amazing food and being amazing hosts.

Dinner with most of the group at Kevin & Debbie’s House outside Tucson.

Day 7 – Saturday, March 8

Off day on Saturday…

Off day is catch up on work, go for a run, do laundry.  Heading out with Angus and family for dinner.

Nice trail run on our off day.