Tombstone, Tucson start

Blow by Blow: First off, we’ll climb Gates Pass (the
easy way) in Saguaro National
Park – a virtual saguaro and cactus forest. After that we’re only on
the streets of Tucson for a short time before heading south to the
border town of Arivaca, home to the

Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge.

After leaving Arivaca, we’ll head further south through
Tumacácori
National HIstorical Park on our way to Nogales. Before we get to
the border, we’ll head back north and ride through the self-proclaimed
“quirky” town of Patagonia.
This is a natural riparian area between the Santa Rita and Patagonia
Mountains. Our contol is located here so we’ll have the opportunity to
enjoy some of the local flavor.

At this point we’ll be entering the high desert wine region of
Southern AZ. Elevations will stay between 4000′ to a maximum of 6000′
in Bisbee. Springtime temperatures should be very pleasant during the
day and can be quite cool/cold after dark. The desert cools down very
quickly as the sun sets. Winds can also be a friend or foe depending
on one’s direction of travel.

The old west town of
Tombstone
will be our next destination and control. If you have some time in the
bank, you can visit Allen Street. Allen Street is one of the most
notorious streets in the old west and is alive and well. Throughout
the past 140 years it has survived two major fires, the loss of the
mining industry, and countless violent encounters. Each year many
thousands of visitors
walk where old west heros and villains lived, worked and fought. From
boomtown to bust this little city earned its nickname, “The Town Too
Tough To Die”. If you arrive before 5 pm, you’ll see people dressed in
period clothes and stagecoaches. There are even public hangings on
special occasions.

After Tombstone, we’ll head to

Bisbee. Today Bisbee has evolved into an attractive artist colony
and retirement community, known for its relaxed quality of life.
Travelers from all over the world come to Bisbee to savor its unique
charm. Bisbee is also home to one of the BEST (my opinion) boutique
coffee roasters anywhere,
Old
Bisbee Roasters. If you’re up for a fantastic brew (and at 220
miles into the ride who wouldn’t be) stop by “Peddler’s Row” in
downtown Bisbee and Seth will supply you with your fix.
You’ll want to be able to stay awake to get to the overnight stop in
Sierra Vista, some 40 miles distant.

After the overnight stop in Sierra Vista,
you’ll ride through the US Army base of
Fort Huachuca.
Make sure you have a photo ID or passport. Otherwise, you will not be
allowed onto the base. You’re going to love riding through here! Low
traffic, low speeds, polite drivers, great scenery, and maybe even a
few little hills. Once you exit the Fort, you will be mostly
descending for the next 100 miles… mostly.

The only
impediment to your descending bliss and quick return to Tucson will be
an 800′ 2% climb out of Green Valley. Your penultimate control will be
located just before this climb so you’ll be able to fuel up for the
quick dash to the finish.