Hey all,
I hope I can get some help from you all. I just moved to Phoenix (about two weeks ago from Texas) and I live in in the Tempe/Ahwatukee area now.
I was wondering where you guys go to do big miles on the road? I am pretty much up for it all and would love to hear any and all suggestions.
Thanks,
Justin D
Head to Landis Cyclery at NE corner of Rural and Warner. Group rides every weekend, good networking, and all the info for both road and mtn rides in the area.
In that area, I have heard Maricopa road is good but never tried it. There is a huge group that rides around South Mountain every Sunday (and up if you like) but it is not big miles.
I moved to Tempe last year and the only place I have found that is decent (safe, not too many stops) is the Pima Road-Cave Creek-Rio Verde-Fountain Hills area. I’ve been training there exclusively for IMNZ coming up. Your local bike shop should have some road maps that show the better roads. If you get onto Cave Creek road going north, the road is still marked from a local century ride (follow yellow) that will take you through Cave Creek and down through Fountain Hills (but bring a map anyway).
I just moved from tucson and the cycling is a bit more nerve wracking here. We rode 55 saunday and spent the whole ride in traffic. There is the Paradise valley loop. Nice little traffic and rolling hills and lots of turns. I’ve heard that Bartlett lake has several long climbs and is relatively traffic free. I’ve also heard that Tortilla flats is a good place to ride but I have no clue where it is. I have a flexable work schedule and can finish most days by 4pm at the latest if anyone wants to get together and ride. I’m out on baseline near 51st which is the road that goes behind south mtn. Email me @ get_faster@hotmail.com if you want to ride.
Spent 4 years in Tempe in grad school and know all the rides you mention. Traffic was the biggest problem there (that and flat tires!). Get connected with the local group scene and you’ll meet a lot of people who can show you around. There was (and I think still is) a ride called BOS that leaves Saturday mornings from the Rural and Shea in Scottsdale (just across from the Landis there - call them and they should know what time it’s going) that goes out to Bartlett and back. You can always find someone on that ride looking to do 100+ miles.
The BOS ride mentioned above is typically the most challenging roadie ride, and includes a ride up Pima to Cave Creek and “the towers”, which is where the road down to Bartlett lake begins. That adds 28 hilly miles round-trip to the 50 mile BOS ride, making for a nice long ride.
Tortilla Flats has a lot of good climbing. When I go, I drive east on the 60 freeway to Idaho Road, then take that north for a few miles, until you see signs for Apache Trail or State Route 88. Make a right (heading northeast) on SR 88. I usually go out a few miles, past the old mining town tourist place, and park on the roadside. From there, it is about 18 miles to the end of pavement. Lots of good climbing, but watch for trucks pulling boats and fast motorcycles. Enjoy.