Saguaro waits with outstretched arms welcoming us to the desert Southwest. The region presents a variety of terrain, so there is plenty of opportunity to cruise in the valleys, attack some short climbs and let it go on the descents. This tour is a perfect way to extend your cycling season. With varied route distances on many of the days, this trip is also good for friends of different cycling abilities to bike together.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet in Tucson at the Marriott Courtyard Airport for a rental bike fitting at 3:00pm, orientation at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:30pm.
Day 2: The tour begins with a ride out to the San Xavier Del Bac Mission as it rises brilliantly white out of the desert floor of mesquite and sage. This mission dates back to 1700 when its foundation was first laid by Father Kino. Then we cycle from this historic point to the Amado Territory Ranch Inn. This oasis in the desert offers relaxing refuge to travelers as well as to migratory birds – bring your binoculars. 40 miles.
Day 3: On our layover day, we will take a morning ride over a beautiful, quiet desert road to the small town of Arivaca. This ride is a favorite among cyclists from the local bike club for the beauty and serenity it offers. 23 or 47 miles.
Day 4: After a leisurely breakfast and a short bike ride, you’ll have time to explore the artist colony of Tubac with its galleries, working artist studios and espresso cafes. You can also stop at the Tumacacori National Historical Park-- a mission dating back to the 17th century. For those in training, there is an optional bicycle climb to the Smithsonian Observatory Visitors Center on Mt. Hopkins. We’ll overnight at the fancy Rio Rico Resort. Dinner will be on your own. 20 or 39 miles.
Day 5: Today, we’ll ride through Coronado National Forest over more very quiet roads to Pena Blanca Lake State Park while enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Take the time to hike around the lake before returning back. At our resort, you can spend the afternoon on your own, horseback riding, playing tennis or renting a set of clubs for a round of golf. For dinner, we will offer an optional shuttle to the Mexican border. There we’ll walk across the border to Nogales for dinner at a favorite restaurant with a mariachi band and plenty of tequila. There should be a little time to bargain shop as well. 24 miles.
Day 6: Today’s ride takes us through more beautiful Arizona landscape to Sonoita, a high desert ranching community. You can stop in Patagonia along the way, another small artist community well worth browsing. We’ll overnight at the Sonoita Inn. The owner of the most celebrated thoroughbred, Secretariat, was inspired by this great racehorse and designed this rustic lodge. 25 — 60 miles.
Day 7: Today we bike to Kartchner Caverns State Park. Listed as one of the top ten caves in the world, these caverns were opened to the public in 1999 and remain virtually pristine. Few people are allowed to visit each day in order to preserve the more than 13,000 feet of passageways. After a picnic lunch and a tour of the magnificent cave, we shuttle back to Tucson, arriving at the Tucson airport by 3:30pm to say our good-byes. 30 miles.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
2008: $1590
2009: $1690
- 6 nights lodging
- 6 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunch, 4 dinners, snacks
- Detailed cue sheets
- Van support and trained guides.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Arizona
Bicycle Touring
Women Tours
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