Vulture Mine

This is a route which stays predominantly in the far west valley. You will start by making your way across Phoenix on your way to the first control. Once you leave this control, you will be heading out into the wide open spaces of Arizona. There will be very little to slow you down for about the next 130 miles! There will be no climbs to worry about, but the desert can be unforgiving if you allow yourself to become dehydrated. You will ride through a couple areas where you will find civilization, but it will mostly be you, your bicycle, and the desert.

Between miles 65-150, you will probably wonder why the roads were even built. I, too, wonder why. They seem to be roads to nowhere. Make sure you refuel at the few locations which are available. This segment will be on the namesake Vulture Mine Road. This is a hidden treasure. It is nearly deserted most of the time and will offer some nice views of the desert and some colorful formations near the Vulture Mine.

When you reach Sun City, your desolation is over. You are now back in the metropolis. You’ll find, though, that the roads are less trafficy than you’d expect. The last 50 miles are pancake flat and and should have a prevailing tailwind pushing you home.

There’s a whopping total of about 4,400 feet of climbing.