riding group tucson

Here is a list of running groups in town. http://azroadrunners.org/running_groups I used to run with the ESTANDA group years ago. I know a few of the folks who still run with them - it's just too far north for where I live now. I have also run with the Workout Group (not East, but I could stop on the way home from work). Very good group. 

Check your messages 

neat.  didn't know we had so many Tucsonans around here.  East-siders as well!

There's a group ride that leaves from MilesAhead (TV and Sabino) on Saturday mornings.  I haven't ridden with them for a while. it's a solid ride, but not too brutal, and they wait up at hilltops to re-group.  They usually go out old spanish trail to pistol hill.  I don't know what time they're leaving these days- probably 6:30ish.  Call the shop and they'll tell you -although it's not an officially shop-sanctioned ride.

There's another group, I think Southwest Hand, that I see leaving on wednesday mornings at 7am from the LaBuzz area.  I think they also head out OST to Pistol. 

Me- I do a lot of solo riding early on weekdays, but I climb the mountain on weekends.  There's no ride like the Lemmon.

Hi, morey000.

I have heard of Pistol Hill. What's it like? How are the downhills? I worry about them more than anything. How long a ride is it?

Michelle,

the ride that starts at MilesAhead heads east to Freeman (a nice moderate climb), then by Saguaro Park and grabs Old Spanish trail- goes out by RockingK and makes a right on Pistol Hill before you get to Colossal cave.    Pistol Hill itself isn't very long or steep.  A little over a mile of climbing methinks.  Just past Pistol hill is probably the 'worst' downhill.  The group gets going pretty fast and there are some rough road spots- then they take Mary Anne Cleveland back to Houghton.  Usually a hard fast pace line on MACleveland so that takes some group riding experience as you'll be doing 28mph.  Houghton north to Broadway and then back to MilesAhead.  I think it's about 40 miles.  Perhaps a little less. 

I think they average maybe 20mph

it's not a 'hard core' group ride like the Shootout, and Geoff or Todd will certainly help a little with advice, but it's not a beginner ride.  You'll need to be comfortable riding in a pack.