So a few friends and I are looking to escape the upcoming winter here in Boston for some training next February. We were planning on going to Tucson, however, one of my friends has a connection in Tempe where we could have free lodging.
How is the training scene in Tempe? Is it similar to Tucson, or would it be better to pay the extra for lodging and head there instead?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Jim
They should be similar.
Tucson has Mt. Lemmon, which is great for doing climbing rides. Tempe and Scottsdale have opportunities for good tri rides (via Tribe Multisport).
Weather will be similar. Both Tucson and Tempe have universities with …um… adequate…um… scenery. 
-Jot
Tucson for sure.
The family and I headed to Tucson last March for a week of training. The biking and running was amazing and I would definitely recommend it. However, it’s hard to beat free lodging.
Tucson is much better, there is some riding in Tempe, but Tucson is pretty much a winter cycling paradise, the weather will be good and there is sooo much riding there.
Lived in Tucson for 26 years and now have lived in Phoenix for the last 5. Training wise, I would pick Tucson over Phoenix/Tempe every day of the week. The distance you have to go to find hills and varied terrain is much less in Tucson than it is in Phoenix/Tempe. Of course, if you are here just to train, then long distances wouldn’t really matter. South Mountain and Mummy Mountain in Phoenix/Tempe are nice rides, but Mount Lemmon is simply an awesome asskicker. Free lodging is nice though. I can see your dilemna now.
Jeff
hands down Tucson.
I live in downtown Tempe. The positives are: you have good running areas, you have the ASU pool with drop-in masters swimming/triathlon group, and you have decent riding (up or around South Mountain, IMAZ course and beyond, east to the lakes, or North into Scottsdale areas). There is also a lot of “non-training” fun to be had in the Tempe/Scottsdale area. I would say the Apache Trail ride is the equivalent of anything I have seen around Tucson, with the exception that you can’t really duplicate Mount Lemmon for a climb. There are some good climbs out of town such as south of Superior but you have to drive to them. Overall, there is better terrain and less traffic around Tucson for sure, it is much more of a biker’s paradise while Tempe/Scottsdale is what I would describe as “much better than average for a huge city”. Personally I think San Diego kicks both of them in the ass if you know your way around.
My recommendation…book 2-3 nights in Tucson and spend the rest of the time in Tempe. Whichever place you wind up, set your bike up with some 25c or 28c Conti Gatorskins or something similar that can take a lot of thorns and bumps. Flats will be a problem with racing tires.
I grew up and started riding in Tucson and eventually ended up in Tempe for grad school. When I was living in Tempe I went to Tucson to train every time I had a chance. MUCH less traffic, easier to get out of town, more group ride options, more variety in your rides too. I’d definitely suggest Tucson over Tempe.
Thanks for all the feedback so far - very helpful! Sounds like Tucson is the superior option, unless cost is a big factor. Both places seem to have good scenery too which is key!
We’ll have to weigh the pros and cons, but either location will beat Boston!
Free lodging is so tough to beat, but Tucson has such a great variety of places to train. On the bike you have Kitt Peak, Mt. Lemmon, Collosal cave, Madera Canyon, and of course the weekly Saturday Shootout ride! On the run you have tons of close trails in the Tucson Mountains (great mnt. biking stuff), Fantasy island (other good mnt. biking spot), Broadway trails, Sabino Canyon, not to mention the Arizona trail passing through Mt. Lemmon. I know sometimes people in the local clubs can work out a homestay or something to that effect. Try to contact the University of Arizona Tricats (weekly structured swim/bike/run workouts) or Tucson Desert Heat.
In either case it’ll be fun!
Any recommendations for centrally located, yet relatively cheap lodging in Tucson??
They should be similar
WOW, biggest miss when shooting at the target this year on ST.
Tucson by far, there is a reason why in a few hours I’ll be driving from Phx to Tucson for a day of training. As for hotels, there are a ton located along the Santa Cruz wash in Tucson which leads to a nice run right out the door of your hotel. Or if you go closer to the U, you can run around the mall checking out what nature has laid before you. (not that I ever do this when in Tucson)
There is a running group that meets at Reid Park T, TH at 6 or 6:30 and they run on a dirt track, Lemmon is great but a better long ride is over Gates pass to the top of Kitt Peak and back climbing back up Gates. Should be about 110 from the U area if memory serves me correctly. Tons of trails to run, less traffic, better areas for training etc.
Trust me free lodging isn’t worth it to train in the PHX area.
The Residence Inn -Speedway/Wilmot. Suites that sleep 5 comfortably. 7 if you’re really friendly. Breakfast included is a plus. Marginal Jacuzzi and rec. pool. Still beats the NE in February.
Be sure to book early. The big rock, gem, mineral show is in Feb. each winter. Hotels fill completely that week.
You can ride North, East, and South from Speedway/Wilmot intersection. Univ. pool is 15 min. drive. Mo Udall Park pool 5min. A few others nearby too.
Sabino Canyon (Some of the best trail runs I’ve ever done) 15 min. drive.
PM me for more if interested.
Bike East & West
www.bicitreregioni.com
This summer I had the chance to visit both places for several days. Comparing them strictly from a cyclist perspective Tucson wins by far.
I found Tucson also safe to ride, particularly when you compare it to Mexico. 
Sergio