The Catalinas received a bunch of snow after precipitation marred my final 2 days in Tucson.   I enter NM and approach the Organ Mountains.  Actually hiked there once. A rest stop had this unusual statue. I pass White Sands. I was following the system that came through AZ and the scenery was amazing. More snow capped peaks in NM. So far, I had threaded the needle and avoided the rain, which was good considering I had 2 bikes on the back of my SUV. Now this is annoying!  Trucks occupying all three lanes. Day 3 and going through St. Louis with the Arch.  I broke the ..read more

When I announced to friends I was about to become a grandfather, they said, "Ohhh, you won't want to return to AZ." I did and was glad to but then.....during a visit last spring, I had a great time with grandson Anthony but upon returning to AZ, the separation ate at me.  A visit last fall, in which the other two grandsons, Chris & Ben had also transitioned from babies into boys, really impacted me after I returned to AZ. Having great memories of my grandfather coupled with the certainty that if I continued to live my life as I was, in 10 years, I'd be filled with deep regret. Someth ..read more

We drove about an hour to the southeast to visit Tombstone.  A cold (52 degrees) and very windy visit. We walked the streets and frequently dove into shops to warm up.  My daughters and grandson wanted to watch the "Gunfight at the OK Corral" so while they did that.... ...I visited "Big Nose Katy Saloon" and had lunch.  A couple from WI sat next to me and stated their winter has been the mildest in 140 years. Rain arrived and created great views.... ....all around. We had a fun time playing putt-putt golf where.... ...Anthony did all he could to distract me.   ..read more

Jack typically stands on the shore to watch the ducks during our morning walk but for some reason, he waded in today. I have a bag full of golf clubs.  One of the drivers I designed and developed on the left, my first driver mid right, my grandfather's driver, etc...  Would be hard to party with any of these sentimental favorites. And yet another system sweeps out of southern CA, bringing wind, cool temps and rain.  Every week, it's rinse and repeat with these systems.  Was talking to a guy from WI and he said they are having their mildest winter in 140 years! I got in ..read more

Now that Redington Road has been repaved, it's fun to ride the rollers to the base of the climb.  From there, it's 0.4 to the end of the pavement having an average grade of 7.5%.  I ended the day with 18 miles, saving myself for a longer ride the next day. The runoff has again reached Tanque Verde Loop Road.  The city was doing a fine job cleaning the sand when.... ....it left the pavement and promptly sank. The machine thrashed about wildly to improve its situation but was unable to do so, it stuck, like so many vehicles at this wash. Across the wash, someone had killed som ..read more

With two children and a grandson visiting soon, I wanted to refresh my memory on how to navigate up canyon to the 80' falls.  I thought the 8 year old would enjoy this adventure. Lots of people were enjoying the sun and water as I descend off Redington Road. A healthy flow of water greets me.  I actually thought to bring water shoes with me so slip them on and stuff my hiking shoes and socks in my pack. Every visit, I'm struck by how huge is the bolder on the left side.  I have to cross the water several times to reach this point so glad I brought the alternative shoes. Che ..read more

One more systems sweeps out of Southern California and deposits about 1/2" of rain on us as I visit Sabino Canyon for a hike.  So grateful that I have hiking as an alternative to cycling on days I deem unfit for riding (although there are plenty of cyclists out during my drive). The clouds are just beginning to break up. I pass the dam on Sabino Canyon Creek as I push up canyon.... ....looking for a place to cross.  All those boulders but none placed strategically close together to allow me to hop across.  I decide not to remove my shoes and socks so reverse course... ...he ..read more

The bike touring companies can be found, most days, in front of La Buzz, getting ready to send their guests up Mount Lemmon.   On this day, I drove to Oro Valley and headed to Saddlebrook.  Love the mountains! Skiers are still finding enough snow on the north facing slope of Ski Valley, to make their runs ..read more

Some one got a haircut!   I frequently include Woodland Road on my routes.  Many horse farms and with the winter rains, the grass is green. I paused at this fence and these two came over to investigate.  And than.... ....we received more rain along with mountain snow.   Driving to Oro Valley, the setting sun created a beautiful view of the western Catalinas as we... ....sat on the patio of Harvest Restaurant for dinner ..read more

A day off the bike but still wanted to do something active so I drove out Redington Road, passed the trail that takes one to Lower Tanque Verde Falls and parked close to another trail bound for the Upper Falls.  The signage is pretty serious, including warnings for clothing optional. I descend into the canyon and face the usual very fun bouldering challenges as I go up canyon. There is still a nice flow of water so I may have some difficulty crossing where I need to cross. Whoa!  Impressive cairn. And there you have it, a warning about what is ahead. The upper falls and a gorge ..read more