Top 10 Road Bike Rides in Tucson, Arizona

Written by on December 28, 2011 in Tucson Bike Rides - 7 Comments

Top 10 road bike rides – Tucson, Arizona

  1. Mt Lemmon - Will rival any climb in the US.
  2. Gates Pass / McCain Loop - West side desert beauty!
  3. Shootout Group Ride - Best group ride in the US according to Bicycling Magazine.
  4. Tuesday Group Ride - Hammer Fest!
  5. Saguaro National Monument East - Experience the AZ desert beauty!
  6. Colossal Cave Pistol Hill - Tucson east side favorite.
  7. Marsh Station  - Tucson’s best kept secret!
  8. Cody Loop - Tucson west side favorite.
  9. Madera Canyon - Favorite among the pros during their winter training.
  10. Saddlebrooke  - Tucson west side favorite.

What is your favorite ride in Tucson, AZ?

Please comment below.

  • http://www.tylerandmimiford.com Tyler Ford

    They are all good. It is a toss up. I would have to say if I could only choose 3 rides I would pick: Shootout, Mt Lemmon, and Marsh Station. What would be your 3 picks?

  • Bill Benjamin

    Hi Tyler – I come to Arizona a few times a year and love to get rides in.   Your site is great for picking good rides in the area - thanks for doing this.

    I have a question about your Phoenix rides.  I am going to be in town next week and was thinking of doing the Tortilla Flats.  How does that compare to the Bartlett Lake ride?

    I did Bartlett Lake last summer and it was really tough (it was a 95 dgree day)?  Coming from Chicago, I am a little out of shape compared to summer, so don’t want to overdo it. 

    Would appreciate your thoughts.  Thanks again for doing this site – it’s great

    Bill!

    • http://www.tylerandmimiford.com Tyler Ford

      They are both good rides. Tortilla Flats is a great ride and similar in Bartlett Lake. If I had to chose I would probably pick Tortilla Flats between the two but it would be a toss up. 

  • Webstereng

    I would like to come to Arizona over the winter months to ride.  I would be looking to rent a place on a monthly basis.  Can someone recommend an area that I should try and find a place in.

    Thanks

    Garth

    • http://www.tylerandmimiford.com Tyler Ford

      Most cyclist who come to town rent central so they can get to any ride quickly. All depends on your budget. If you are looking to spend more money I would recommend the far east or west side of town. If you are far east or west you can be out the door and ride with less traffic and no traffic lights. I live on the far east side of town and most of the rides I do I don’t have to deal with any traffic lights. 

    • http://www.tylerandmimiford.com Tyler Ford

      you can search for rentals on this site: 
      http://www.tucsoncyclingrealtor.com/search-for-homes/

  • TnT

    Hi! GREAT Site! Lots of info… we are from OH and will be bringing our bikes to Tucson in early December. We bike between 50-80 miles per week, but not mountains! We want to explore Tucson rides, but obviously the SHootout and comparable rides are over our skill set. Would the Oracle (Cody Loop) ride work for us? Where would we be the most likely to just jump on our bikes and ride… rolling hills, some bigger hills (*eek), downhill always works :)
    Any suggestions? We are fitness fanatics, but only riding a short while. Can do the distance, but it might kill us!
    Thanks for any suggestions…
    TnT