Champawat Tigress

Plastic laundry bag from the San helps keep the mud and oil and sand off my back as I ride home in the rain.

What I thought were routine flights of the jet fighters from the near-by air force base were in fact heavy crashes of thunder. A massive monsoon storm descended on us here in Tucson, Gentle Readers of This Blog, and it rained cats and dogs. The wind was fierce as well and trees snapped on the campus here of the Desert San—the grounds guys told me there had been several micro-bursts to cause the mayhem.

There was no doubt in my mind that the storm would blow over, and things would be clear for my ride home—but that was not the case. It would rain hard for most of my trip.

Earlier in the day, I had been doing some research for one of the physicians originally from India, and I happened upon some statistics for fatal tiger attacks in India and Nepal. This led to the US and mountain lion attacks on Mtn bikers too. This did not help me out when on the bike path, I flatted.

I had read where a cyclist was stopped and either fixing a flat, or putting the chain back on his bike, when the lion pounced on him. The guy probably had a heart attack they think while fighting the lion, and the lion pulled him up into the vegetation—and ate his heart. Other riders found his bike but couldn't’t see him—so they put it up against a tree, thinking the rider would come back to get it later.

So while I’m dealing with a flat tire in the rain, on the remote part of the bike path with no one around—in the back of my mind, that and what I read about the Champawat Tigress lurked. She was watching me and waiting for the best time to grab me. Because she was old and had lost teeth, she couldn't’t hunt her normal prey, so she started hunting humans so they say—and she got pretty good at it. You can read about her here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champawat_Tiger



The bike path.

I watched the river's water raise quickly as I worked on my repair.

Back on the road with about 70 pounds in my tire from my hand pump, I made my way quickly—no tiger sightings for this Randonneur today, mes amis!

The solitude of the bike path, in the rain, and on the bike--making good time I might add!

Rain pelted me as I made my way up La Cholla for that long climb to Ina Rd. I’d have to make that dangerous left turn and head West to the YMCA and my car in this weather. As it was a bit later and there was more traffic, I knew this would be tricky—but when a opening appeared in the flow of cars, I was able to sprint into the left turn lane and get a green arrow—all this happening a few seconds—and I was home free!

Cheers!

Bruce

Ride Report

Rainy ride home in the late afternoon this week.

Days in Tucson have been muggy, Gentle Readers. Monday I drove in with all my clothes for the rest of the week. That always saves so much time on the commutes--all I have to do is get out of bed, feed Callie (throw the ball for her a time or two) and get going. I've been parking at the YMCA and riding 16 miles into the Desert San.

Tuesday just as I was leaving the bike locker, it rained pretty steady at the San. I decided to fore go riding up Swan Ave in the rain, and the fast traffic-laden route home--because people in Tucson get all weird when it rains--so I took the River Bike Path.

Cool rain for the ride home tonight.

On second thought, I wish I would have taken Skyline/Ina, mes amis.

On the bike path where its muddy and sandy--but out of the traffic.

Since I was pretty well soaked within the first few miles of my ride, when the rain stopped, and I rode on to River and La Cholla--I got covered in a gritty film of sand and dirt. Everything stuck to me and my bike. Getting to the YMCA was okay and pretty safe--just right when I got to my car however--it started to rain buckets. Ah, the Monsoon!

First things first--I had to take the hose and spray the Super Grand Prix down to get all the sand and dirt off the drive-train. I also had to clean out my bike shoes as they were full of sand--then dry everything off the best I could. Later I went back out in the garage after I cleaned myself up, and re-cleaned and re-lubed the chain. All this took quite a bit of extra time--as well as a lengthy telephone call from Little Egypt needing to talk to me, made for a late evening.

But I got everything done, cleaned-up and things ready and packed back up for my Wednesday morning ride.



Pack and un-pack for the ride into the office.

Just as I started up the last climb on Sunrise, on the way to Craycroft, Colby pulled up beside me and we had a nice chat. Colby bought his Trek 2.3 the same time I got mine (My Trek 2.3 was a replacement frame for my LeMond frame that cracked) and we agreed that they were good bikes.

We met several times when we were both riding to work via River Rd. and later I'd see him on the bike path as our paths crossed here and there. He asked why I wasn't riding my 2.3--well, mes amis--I have to admit; I don't want to get it dirty. Really not a very good excuse, as the Trek is fast and such a sweet ride. But after getting home the other night covered in sand and dirt--the Raleigh will do.


Colby and I climb up Skyline to Craycroft Wednesday morning.

So we shot down Craycroft and Colby headed back home and me to the San. Colby was riding strong and I drafted off his wheel heading down the hill. When I got to the bike locker a bit later, I saw that my average speed for the commute in was 16 mph--a bit faster than my usual time--plus, before I met up with Colby, it seemed I was having to stop at every light. That usually slows things way down. But no worries because it was a beautiful morning and I was not running late--which is the case most morning.

We're about to descend Craycroft from the Catalina Foothills down into the Old Pueblo.

During the day I checked in on the dark clouds brewing over Mt. Lemmon, and I was certain there would be a repeat of Tuesday's ride--wind, rain, mud, dirt, and traffic. But when it was time to go, I felt a tail wind in my favor--so I decided I'd move out and take a chance on my fast route home and try to beat the rain.

Making sure that motorists see me, I've got my disco Mapei shorts on, and my bright yellow jersey. If its going to rain cats and dogs, I want to be seen on the road.

The tail wind didn't last long, mes amis, so there I was making the long climb up Swan to Sunrise. And while making the climb in the cool air, I spied a scattered line of cyclist making there way up Swan as well. A few riders--women--where riding commuter bikes, with racks and panniers and everything. That's a good sign because the more bike commuter on the road, the more visibility and acceptance from car drivers. I rode up and said hello--my old steel Super Grand Prix is not quite a tank, but I kept moving. Then I was upon two other riders, a young man and woman, struggling up the hard part of Swan. We chatted for a few minutes and they were asking me if they were over the hard part of the climb yet. Unfortunately no--still a mile to go. They had parked at the San, and were a doing a loop up Swan and then down Craycroft. I did not think to tell them that the mile climb up Sunrise to Craycroft would be just as difficult, mes amis. Feeling strong, I pushed on ahead--because once I get my carcass up to the top of this climb, I can do speed interval work all the way back to the YMCA.

From here, all the climbing is done, and I have a very fast ride back to the YMCA. This is about a mile past Ina and Campbell--maybe just past Orange Grove--looking West on Ina.

With a little bit of tail wind, and a gap in the rush hour traffic, it seemed eerily still, cool, and silent. I blasted down Ina, heading West, at 35 mph--which is pretty fast for a big Clydesdale like me. I'm always worried that someone is going to turn in front of me, as has happened to motorcycle riders and cyclist many times here, especially around Westword Look. There's a blind spot for drivers I believe.

Anyhow, I got to the YMCA, and got the Raleigh packed into the car--rain waited just for me I think, as when I turned the key to start the car engine--that sweet Monsoon Rain tapped the roof.

Cheers! Bruce

Wish You Were Here

Late in the work week, climbing up Swan to Sunrise, 106 degrees--How Sweet It Is...

The temperature at 4:30 p.m. for the ride home was 106 degrees—and wasn’t so bad. Yeah, it was pretty hot but what made it more challenging was the humidity.

Had a good strong headwind to boot. But I made it—it took me a few minutes extra—like five—to get to the car which was parked at the YMCA.


The Monsoons are almost, almost, almost here in Tucson...

As I made the climb up Swan to Sunrise there were a few lightening strikes up on the ridge. Still no rain yet! We really need the rain, Gentle Reader.

If you come visit, it will rain. That’s what happens when we get tourists from out of town! Heck, I’ll buy you’s a beer, mon ami…

Cheers! Bruce

September Tucson Moonsoon

Heading West on the Rillito River Bike Path.


Humid this afternoon, like this morning for the ride in as well. Not much head wind but the temp cools as I ride into the rain clouds up ahead.

This is looking East, back the way I've ridden from the office. You can see the Eastern part of Pusch Ridge--then some of the more affluent homes built off River Rd. Then there's the bike route that I'm on, and to the far right is the Rillito River--mostly dry all year round. This morning I was riding in on River Rd, East, so I was about a mile or so up on River Rd, passing by those houses.

Looking West, the direction I'm riding for the afternoon commute back home.

If there's bad weather or I just don't want to ride in heavy traffic, I take this route on the bike path. Ina and Sunrise/Skyline follows the foothills of Pusch Ridge you see up there. I ride pretty much the length of the Ridge those days I take that route.

I got just a little bit of this rain, and it felt good and clean and cool.

In the back ground is River Rd, and I parked here at the River Park, where a lot of runners and walkers park and then do their thing--but I jump on River Road here sometimes and do some interval work--the bike lane is new, smooth, and makes for a pretty quick run to the San.

I needed to sleep a bit later, have a cup of coffee, and do a recovery ride from the 54 mile commute., mes amis. Today I did not want to get caught in heavy rain on the busy Ina Rd. As you know, its a fast and furious quick dash to my car--but in rain, Tucson drivers get a bit nervous--dangerous for bike commuters like myself. I'll take the low road and live to ride another day, Gentle Readers of This Blog!

Cheers! Bruce

Jimena and Her Friends

Lovely morning to commute by bike in Tucson.

There's nothing better than to roll down the road with light traffic, in 75 to 80 degree sweet morning desert air, mes amis. There's Hurricane Jimena off the coast of Baja, Mexico, and this has got the Tucson Monsoon engine building up once again.

Last day of August--the best morning ever!

When I'm on the road in the morning I tend to forget that the afternoon will be with heat, heavy car traffic, and stiff headwinds. Ah but I don't care--just enjoy the hour of peace and sun and sky--everything else, my troubles, can melt away.

Her she comes!

All during the day I was checking outside--it had reached 105 and it was very humid! But then, Gentle Readers of This Blog, wind and clouds appeared and by the time I was getting ready to saddle-up--the temp had dropped almost 20 degrees!


With no headwind out of the Northwest, I fly up the road!

Outside, that tailwind you dream about is flowing full steam. Jimena, I think I love you, Baby! The moment I clip in and start up the street--whoosh! I am cruising along fast. The clouds are dark and swirl and wave like the beautiful Mexican woman I see here at the San most days--it will pour any second now I'm sure.

Being carried by the winds of Jimena.

The clouds are moving fast to the Northwest and I'm riding the wind. It soon becomes clear that I'm riding up to the storm. I just need to take it easy and let Jimena's breeze carry me along--I can see the sheets of rain pouring down only blocks ahead of me--I'm moving at the same speed as the storm. Everything is soaked and not one drop touches me. I got lucky this time, mes amis. Jimena will be here and it will be raining most of the week. I don't know how many days I'll get to ride.

Cheers! Bruce

The Rain in Spain

Brisk morning ride on the bike path.

I took the short commute on the bike path--just 10 miles--because rain was on the way for early afternoon. That means that as I walk out the door after work, I seem to surprise the rain clouds like some big sleeping cat. After I clip in and then spin down the road a mile or so, the rain pounces on me. Just in case, I want to be on the bike path because riding in rush hour traffic here in Tucson in one thing, but in the pouring rain is even more dangerous.


Parking lot as I'm hopping in the saddle for the morning commute.


Riding underneath the Alvernon Bridge I believe, heading East on the bike route.

I can ride the bike path for about 10 miles of my 16 mile commute. No lights to stop at and no other obstacles usually--so it can be fast. One needs to just slow down and be considerate of walkers and joggers.



Normally I don't use the IPod on the bike, but with no car traffic I think I'm okay.


The Desert Sanatorium about three miles out. My office sits right underneath the old water tower which dates from the 1920's.

I noticed the San's old water tower, built during the TB Sanitarium days, from the morning Sun hitting it just so--I had to zoom to get this for you, mes amis. The bike path used to be horseback riding trails used by guests of the Dude Ranches, and by cowboys back then.


Monsoon rain clouds are coming in fast. Here's the water tower how I see it walking to the office from the bike lockers.

I think I called this one right today. I'll probably just make it to the car then it will pour down--or I will be about five minutes from the car and suddenly I'll get drenched.

Here's the rain coming up behind me from the Southeast, out of Old Mexico and the Gulf.

The rain coat is packed on board just in case, but it looks like I made it and stayed dry.

My ride home wasn't an easy one, Gentle Readers of This Blog--I had a strong headwind that made me have to push it to average my usual 15 MPH on the bike path. The IPod is of not much use because the wind roars like a lion as you slip through its steady energy.

Just in time, then the lovely cool down-pour!

Cheers! Bruce

Hot, Very Hot

The Monsoon, or rainy season here in Tucson, part of the much larger Sonora Desert Region, is a mysterious, powerful, and natural force—beautiful and temperamental—driven by the Sun and the Ocean.

I only spend about two hours out-of-doors here in the desert when I’m biking during the week, yet I’ve come to know the sky over Old Mexico, and the Winds sweeping my commute route intimately. Riding my bike on the ridges of the Catalina Mountain Range, the view of the world is big—and what happens is big.

What happens in the Ocean affects the temperature and the Wind across the continent—and Yours on his bicycle, Gentle Reader of This Blog.

Monday, for some reason, the Sun was like a Death Ray. It was 104 outside. But suddenly the Monsoon was back, and in a big way—just a huge sheet of grey marching up from Mexico. When that force hit the blazing air—boy oh boy was there fury.



For my almost un-noticed part in this drama, I hung low in the drops, as if praying to be spared. The headwinds and crosswinds pushed and shoved me sometimes violently. I drank every last drop of water I carried.

At the car I was exhausted, and for a moment I paused—my skin, the steel of the bike, and the pavement beneath me were burning hot. You could never fell so alive, mes amis, than to ride in fire!

AC trip in the car for the 9 miles driving home, and to cool down were my reward for the end of the day. Cheers! Bruce

Tucson by Bike

I often can't believe I'm actually doing this...

Half of July is over, and commuting on the bike to work I’ve ridden almost 300 miles—I think its okay to add the 40 mile ride on July 4th in with that mix.

All of June, and this half of July—has been hot—but the tough part of it has been the wind. The winds have been stronger than usual—scorching and relentless.

With two weeks of rides home in 102 to 104, I have to say that I’m feeling worn down.

I felt like I had a hang-over this morning when I got up, but I pushed ahead and soon found myself in that usual rhythm; the heavy work trucks rolling past, the half asleep commuters behind the wheel, and my heart and lungs warming up and getting me up the Ridge.

Steady as she goes, Gentle Reader of This Blog.

Yesterday morning, I converged on Ina and La Cholla Rds with a Tri-Girl. The wind was brutal and blasting us like a freight train out of the East. We worked together and made our way up Ina head-first into the Force—I took my turn to pull and we were almost to Ina—at least I was—when I turned to look around I saw I had dropped her. She shook her head—she’d had it and was slowing.

This morning, same thing—two blokes heading up Ina and I begin my pursuit. A pursuit into a modest headwind this morning wasn’t such a great thing because I was already exhausted before I got on the bike back at the YMCA—but I soon found myself with them and we formed a pace line for the climb. They were two big guys like me, cheerful and friendly. The head wind was getting stronger and our speed was slowing. One of them finally said he couldn’t keep the pace. I kept going and soon I saw that I had put a few blocks between us, and then they were out of sight.

I started thinking to myself, “No wonder I’m so tired all day at the office—I’m out here in a slug-fest with the Monsoon.” What am I doing?

Soon after I see another rider up ahead, and I begin the pursuit. I should have just taken it easy and kept a steady pace. But I began to chase the rider down. You probably know the rest—I gained little by little. The rider up ahead had a stop light—my chance to catch ‘em—but he or she ran the light. Dang he knows I’m on his tail. I knew then I wouldn’t catch them because I was coming up to the red light fast—but it turned green and so I cranked it up into high gear.

I was within a few blocks of catching the guy, but the wind got stronger and stronger, and on my last mile climb up to Craycroft I began to get tired and felt a cramp taking what I had left. The rider kept going straight and I made my right turn to descend South into the San.

All morning at work I was having bouts of sleep. I was exhausted and not getting much of anything done. The day wore on and I was still dog-tired when 4:30 rolled around. My feeling was that it would rain, but the clouds got burned off so that by late afternoon it was 105 degrees. Walking outside I felt the strong headwind coming out of the West (like I wasn’t expecting that, mes amis…) but you know it had a sweet rain smell and that I don’t mind.

On the bike route I soon found myself coming up on a rider on a tri-bike. He looked strong, and like me he was in the drops and just riding thru the headwind. He realized I was behind him and so sped up. I stayed with him for awhile and then at a point on the bike route where you have to get on the sidewalk to cross a street called Dodge, he made a bit of a wrong turn. Probably he hadn’t ridden on this part of route, and I now he was a ways behind me. He soon caught me, said hello with a bit of an embarrassed smile, and then was on his way. With those aero bars on that sweet bike of his, he gradually pulled way ahead of me such that on the flat smooth part of the bike route he took off like a rocket.

Before I started the three mile climb up busy La Cholla and on to my car parked at the YMCA, I drank half of the water bottle I had wrapped in my work clothes in the saddle bag. It was still cold and just what I needed. It was windy of course and the air was hot and dry. I settled in the climb and just tuned out the drone of the traffic rolling past. Sweat streamed down my face and dripped down my nose and splattered on the top tube of the old Raleigh Super Grand Prix. I just have to get to the top of this hill, and then make one last tricky and dangerous left turn in traffic—and I’m home free.

At the top of the climb and then setting up for my left turn, I noticed another rider behind me and he was going to go straight and then going right. “Hey Boss!” I said, kind of surprised that he was back there. “Thank you—“ he called back exhausted, “Thank you for that pull, Buddy—“ He must have at one point come up and sat on my wheel as we made the climb. He looked totally cooked—sweat pouring down his face and breathing hard—kind of like me at that point. A friendly wave and he was making his turn and I was set up for my left turn.

Waiting there for the left arrow I realized how hot it actually was—104 degrees. The bank across the street displays the time and temp. I’ve got about two miles to go before I reach my car… It’s been a good day on the bike.

I think I’ve earned a day off don’t you think?

Cheers!

Bruce

Flying Up the Road

Tucson, Arizona 105 degrees in the afternoon, mes amis. As the workday ended I began mentally to prepare for what lay ahead. My ride home would be perilous sure enough.

But Fortune smiled, and I took the cue—as soon as I was out the door of the San—a large dark storm cloud appeared, and with fury put some muscle on 105.

Temps dropped quickly and O, the wind did gust, Gentle Readers of This Blog. The clouds rolled like ocean waves above me. Suddenly I found myself in an invisible peloton of energy—the tailwind I could only dream of was happening at that very moment!


Riding up front on the Tailwind, heading North up Swan Ave.

I am right in that place were the cool air is slamming into that hot muggy air that likes to loiter on the scorching black pavement. Things get moving—and I am riding—no blasting past automobile traffic. It becomes effortless, and I find myself in perfect sync with the tail wind. I am charging 20 mph up Swan Ave— I am flying…

I can only tell you that for years—I have been treated to either a cold stiff headwind bearing down on me in Winter, or unforgiving heat grilling me well-done in Summer.

Today at this very moment, everything is perfect.

That tailwind only lasted three miles, but they were perfection. At the top of Swan and Skyline I was stopped at the light and waited to turn left. I could still feel the steady push of the wind flowing over my back and shoulders, continuing to stream up into the mountains.


Heading West on Ina Rd as the Storm rolls across to the North.

For a time heading back West on the fast rollers of Sunrise and Ina Rds, those gusts of wind were often crosswinds. I’m a big Clydesdale rider, so for crosswinds to send me leaning into them, you know they’re forceful.

We can have 100 days of 100 degrees—and each one with a story to tell.

Cheers! Bruce

Ride Home In Pictures

My new Trek 2.3 fitted for the commute into the office.

It was quite gusty this last Tuesday morning for the ride in, and there were a few issues with the gears not wanting to shift smoothly--but over all the new Trek frame felt great.


This is looking South down Swan Ave. and toward downtown Tucson. This is looking back after climbing up from the Desert San to the base of the ridge.

Once again I have to face tough headwinds, and the storm is on it's way in. I dropped by the bike shop and Phil made a few quick adjustments with the gears so they worked well on my ride home.

Things start to cool down pretty fast as I'm riding just on the edge of the rain.

Scooting West toward the YMCA on Ina Rd, about 5:30 p.m.

I just make it to the car before a good rain begins to fall.

Cheers!

Bruce

Ride Report -- 102 Degrees

Yikes...

80 degrees at 6 a.m. this morning when I saddled up--and a fierce head wind, which is rare, coming out of the East. It was a brutal ride into the office. For the afternoon's ride home, the headwind was now coming from the West. I had been hoping for a tailwind, because mes amis, by 4:30 p.m. it had cooled down to 102.

I was surprised that I did okay. I just keep a moderate pace and kept in the drops, trying to make myself as insignificant as possible in this drama of Wind and Rain, Sun and Humidity.

As long as I kept moving I kept cool and the sweat evaporated. I also had a chilled second water bottle wrapped in my office attire to keep it cold. That came in handy before the big climb.

102 is pushing the limit I think.

Cheers! Bruce

Tucson Monsoon Time

Monsoon clouds coming in from the South East--Gulf of Mexico.

One thing about being on a bike is that you can see the Monsoon making its way into the Desert. Most of the time I am able to get home right before the rains start. It starts out clear in the morning and there's no worries--but by afternoon She's tip-toed into the picture.

The Mountain Bridge.

Phil is putting together the Trek at the shop, and he called saying he needed a part. I could get the part at the Tucson Trek Store--just $12.00--by making a slight diversion off the bike bath. I'd just take the Mountain Bridge to Ft. Lowell and Campbell, pick up the park, and then be back on the road for the commute home--before the rain started (was my hope, mes amis)

Share the Road and Eat the Dirt.

Umm. . . Mountain Ave is like way under construction. This could be a muddy mess if I was here during a Monsoon down-pour! Luckily, I made it, got the part, and was on my way back--back along the same route. It was slow going actually--all the street crews were ending the day and all the large dozers and equipment they had to park. It was hot and dusty and I had to wait a couple of times as the big machines rumbled past.

Behold! The Monsoon has arrived in Tucson!

The Monsoon clouds seem to shoot straight up as they meet the Catalina Mtn Range--then the clouds will spill over and we get the rain.

Yours on the bike.

This is turning out to be a hot muggy and gusty ride. Rain is right on the wind and a down pour could happen at any moment.

Mt. Lemmon meets the Monsoon.

I must tell you Gentle Readers of This Blog, that the headwind was very strong--I had to stop mid-way up the climb home to turn into the quick store to buy some Gatorade. I was out of water and it was so hot and humid that I began to feel the cramps in the legs coming on.

Still, I was able to relax because I felt the rain would give me a break--after her sibling the headwind whipped my ass around like a dried up leaf!

Bruce!