vacationbicycling

2011

Sonoran Desert, Tucson:  7 days (March 12-18, 2011) $1199

Check into The Lodge on the Desert, which was newly renovated in 2009 and was originally built in 1936. Guest rooms in the resort are in adobe buildings that fit perfectly into Southwestern architecture. Explore Tucson, Arizona, one of the most bike friendly large cities in the U.S. with designated bicycling streets and numerous bike routes. Tucson is surrounded by saguaro (cacti) forests and mountain peaks with the excitement and amenities of a thriving city. Enjoy unique Southwestern cuisine, arts and shops. Meet around 6:00 pm for the welcome dinner. 

• Avocado Chicken  - Pan seared chicken breast, avocado, lime, white wine cilantro, red rice and seasonal vegetables.
• Grilled Dorado (Mahi Mahi) - Citrus glazed pico degallo, red rice and seasonal vegetables.
• Carne Asada - OPG spiced prime steak, garlic butter, red rice, refried beans, hatch green chile mac and cheese, jacama slaw, salsa, guacalome, sour cream and flour tortillas.
• Grande Quesadilla - Arizona pecans and vegetables, monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese, black bean salsa, cilantro and roasted tomatoes, green onions, salsa and cilantro sour cream.

32 (or 44) miles

Day 3, Monday

39 miles

Bicycle away from Tucson, heading south to Green Valley.  Take a stop at the Mission San Xavier del Bac, known as the White Dove of the Desert, which can be viewed for miles before arrival.  The church was originally built in 1783 and has never been completed though it has been in continuous operations. Continue riding south and view the mountains and what appears to be mountains, but are actually two huge copper mines. After arriving in Green Valley, take an optional ride to Madera Canyon to observe birds that cannot be viewed elsewhere in North America. 

Day 4, Tuesday

35 miles

Head further south to Rio Roco, enjoying the desert views always with mountains in the distance.  Take a stop at Tubac, which was established in 1752 as a Spanish presidio. Working artists with art galleries, working studios and gift shops now surround the area that once served as the home for a Spanish military garrison.  Take a stop at Tumacacori National Historic park, which was the first Anglo settlement in what is today Arizona.

Breakfast:
Continental breakfast and coffee provided by Quality Inn.

• New York Strip Steak  - Grilled and topped with specialty-made Amaretto Demi Glace. 
• Chicken Relleno - Panko breaded chicken breast stuffed with Jack Cheese with roasted green chiles and mushrooms.
• Camarones Rancheros - Butterfilied shrimp in Ranchero style salsa
• Lemon Butter Sole - Softly baked Sole topped with a lemon butter sauce with capers
• Classic Caesar Salad & Tortilla Soup - Hearts of Romaine tossed in creamy Caesar dressing with herbed croutons and Roasted chilies with pinto beans, corn, onions and herbs with fried corn tortillas, Monterary Jack Cheese and Avocado soup.

35 (or 57) miles

Day 6, Thursday

From Sonoita, enjoy solitude as we make our way back to bustling and bike friendly Tucson.  Ride all day with mountain views.  When entering Tucson visit the eastern side of the Saguaro National Park.  Take in the beautiful scenery.  Enjoy the amenities of the hotel at the hot tub or pool before we all meet for our farewell dinner.

Tucson, Arizona

menu selection:

Day 7, Friday

Wake up in Tucson and ride one last time through the city or enjoy the pool before heading home.

Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.

Riding difficulty:
Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have a very enjoyable trip. Strong riders can ride as fast as they wish.

Arriving by Plane:
You can fly directly into Tucson International Airport. Bicycles can be checked as luggage, but the price has gone up dramatically. 

Cost:
$1099 in 2011  ($200 due to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start). 

What's included:

• Hotel lodging
• Ride packets including maps and cue sheets (directions)
• Fully sagged including ride leaders, luggage transport, van transportation and rider assistance.
• Breakfast most mornings (see above)
• Dinner most nights (see above)
• Fun and Enjoyment

Bicycles:

• Most riders bring their own bicycles.
• To ship your bike, we would suggest using www.shipbikes.com for shipping.
• To rent a bicycle or to ship your bike and have it assembled for you, please contact Roadrunner Bicycles in Tucson, www.roadrunnerbicycles.com or (520)790-9394.

 Date   Sunrise        Sunset        Avg High  Avg Low  Avg Mean  Record High        Record Low

Contact Information:
Vacation Bicycling, LLC
1860 Barnett Shoals Rd, Suite 103-602
Athens, GA 30605
Phone: (404) 909-8034 or (800) 490-2173
Fax: (732) 909-8037

Or email your question to our short Contact Form