US – Tucson & Borderlands Bicycle Tour Self-Guided

Just when you feel like winter’s icy grip will never let go, reward yourself with a trip to Southern Arizona where the sun warmed roads wind past towering cacti and jagged mountains. This trip starts in the cycling hotspot of Tucson, AZ before diving further south into the Sky Islands, once home to Geronimo and Cochise; plus, it’s still one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. Saguaro National Park, Vineyards, great rides, sunshine, and well-timed support… what could be better?

What’s Included

-2 nights lodging at Comfort Suites Sabino Canyon (double occupancy)
-2 nights lodging at Sonoita Inn (double occupancy)
-1 night lodging at Esplendor (double occupancy)
-Orientation Day 1 at your hotel to cover route book, GPS, notes, maps, suggestions, logistics
-Luggage transfers between hotels
-4 breakfasts included at Sabino Canyon and Sonoita Inn
-Local knowledge and advice on dining locations every evening, suggestions for visiting
-Return transfer at trip finish from Rio Rico to Tucson or Phoenix, with luggage, bike pickup
-Telephone support throughout the trip to our local office
-Bike rental delivery and pickup and transfer from/to Phoenix with rental bikes on this tour
-Optional bike/guest transfer from Sabino to Sonoita to skip long, open ride
-1 GPS Garmin Touring per 2 participants
-Route book complete with maps, cue sheets, suggested visits, sites, etc.

What’s Not Included

-Airfare to and from Tucson
-Airport transfers
-Rental road bike fully equipped with emergency repair kit, floor pump, and Extra tool kit – (Giant Defy $225 or upgrade)
-Pre- and post-trip accommodations
-Optional gratuities to Pure Adventures staff
-Personal insurance and expenses

Optional Upgrades & Add-ons

-High performance bike upgrade: Specialized Roubaix or Trek Madone ($285-395 per bike)
-Ride options – longer/shorter on some days
-Phoenix or Tucson add ons
-Custom tours for groups, Hotel lodging, more
-This program is 6 days of riding, but other nearby activities can easily be added; any of the following and MORE:
-Additional road riding days
-Hiking, kayaking, tubing the Salt River, horse back riding, and more

What to Expect

-Self-guided winter cycling in warm desert climate
-Amazing Saguaro cactus stands to wine country & mountain lakes
-Spring desert flower bloom – amazing display of color and rare plants
-See wild desert creatures in their natural habitat
-Activity Level – Moderate
-Daily Distance Options – 31mi – 66mi (50km – 106km)
-Sharing the road with cars: all routes use bike lanes, but vehicle traffic should be expected on the common cycling routes
-The ride to Sonoita on Day 3 uses a highway with small shoulder over the last 25 miles; pickup and transfer possible.
-Level 3+ to 4: This area of southern Arizona between Tucson and the Mexico border is an amazingly various landscape; with sky island mountains, high grasslands and vineyards, bird sanctuaries, and desert! The riding mileage chosen dictates your degree of difficulty; the riding is moderate to challenging for regular cyclists. We recommend road bikes for all participants.

Start

We recommend a morning meeting on Day 1, and we can even come to pick you up at your hotel for a small supplement. We do recommend the Holiday Inn Express in Old Town Scottsdale for the previous night before starting; there is a free airport shuttle and it’s a great location. This night is “pre-tour” and is not included in the price of this program, but we can make arrangements for you.