Category Archives: Biking

Bicycle Path ‘The Loop’

The Loop is 55 miles of car-free paths being developed around metropolitan Tucson,with links to Marana and Oro Valley, for Pima County residents and visitors on foot, bikes, skates and horses. If it doesn’t have a motor, it’s good to go on The Loop. As of now (2012) some sections are complete. When the whole Loop is complete, it will connect the Rillito River Park, the Santa Cruz River Park, the Julian Wash Greenway, the Harrison Greenway and the Pantano River Park. The Loop will connect to parks, trails, bus and bike routes, workplaces, schools, restaurants, hotels and motels, shopping areas, and sports and entertainment venues. Click here to download ‘The Loop’ map seen below. … Continue reading

Best Bicycle Trails

The Rillito River Park Trail runs from Craycroft Road to Interstate 10 on both banks of the Rillito River. Since much of it is paved, the trail is ideal for the casual cyclist who wants to avoid motorists. Saguaro National Park-East Loop (paved). Travel east on Broadway or Speedway Boulevard to Freeman Road (turn right on Freeman Road). Drive south on Freeman Road (4 miles [6.5 kilometers] from Speedway, 3 miles [5 kilometers] from Broadway) to Old Spanish Trail. Turn left on Old Spanish Trail. Drive .25 miles (.4 kilometers) southeast on Old Spanish Trail to the Park entrance on the left side of the road. Saguaro National Park-West Bajada Loop (unpaved). Travel west on Speedway Boulevard. At the junction of Camino de Oeste, Speedway Boulevard will change names to Gates Pass Road. From this junction, drive 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) west on Gates Pass Road until it ends at … Continue reading

Parker Canyon Lake

Parker Lake viewed through trees

It took me only about an hour & a half to get to Parker Canyon Lake from Tucson. My friends were pulling a small trailer and it took them about a half hour longer. The road is paved but narrow for about the last 10 miles.

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Mountain Biking Around Tucson

Tucson sports several good mountain bike trails. Here are two: Fantasy Island Trails: 10 miles east of Tucson near intersection of Houghton and Irvington.   50-Year Trail: Drive 20 miles north of Downtown Tucson on Oracle Rd. Turn right at Golder Ranch Rd. The trailhead is a dirt lot just short of a cattle guard.  Cross the cattle guard on you bike and pick up the singletrack of the other side of the road and head north. Good descriptions from Mountain Bike Bill and his website: mountainbikebill.com … Continue reading

The Road to Mt. Lemmon

Road To Mt. Lemmon

A short video about what you might encounter on the Road up to Mt. Lemmon. Mt. Lemmon is a year round destination. The road is 26 miles long. Along the way there will be hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, skiing and at the top is the Sky Center.

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El Tour de Tucson

Tucson’s Premiere Bicycling Event is usually held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This year (2011) the big race is November 19th.  Begun in 1983, this is a charity event for University Medical Center (famous now for saving Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords’ life after a deranged man shot her in the head in January 2011. UMC = a serious trauma center. Do what you can to support them.) El Tour offers several different events for all abilities: 109 miles; 79 miles; 66 miles; 40 miles; and even a children’s ride. Personally, I think riding around Tucson all day with 9,000 other bicycle fanatics borders on insanity. But then, I think riding a bike up to Mt. Lemmon is insane. Thousands of others disagree. And Tucson is known for being one of the nation’s best cities for cyclists. “Tucson best road-biking city in the country” Outside Magazine, August 2010 “America’s Best Cities for Bikers” … Continue reading

Coronado National Forest Recreation

The Coronado National Forest is big and diverse. It includes the Santa Catalina Mountains and Mt. Lemmon. The principle activities in the forest are biking, hiking, and camping. All of the picnic areas and campgrounds on Mt. Lemmon have toilets. For camping, our favorite is Spencer Campground, located at 8,000 feet elevation. It’s more spacious and adjacent to some of the best hiking trails. Visit the Website … Continue reading

Rent a Bicycle

Fair Wheel Bikes. 1110 E. 6th St., Tucson, AZ 85719 Visit the website Arizona Bike Experts 2520 E 6th St. Tucson Visit the website … Continue reading