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by Pam Matsufuji
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| December 12, 2002 –
The Tour de Tucson is a unique ride, particularly for a Century.
It is known for its odd distance: in the past, 111 miles, this
year, only 108. It also uses a “shot gun” start.
The riders line up according to projected times and abilities
starting with “celebrities” like Greg LeMond and
Jeannie Longo, and then moving through platinum, gold and bronze
categories.
The morning started cool, 45 degrees, which is typical of
the desert in November. There was a sea of 6000 riders waiting
to start and when the gun went off – nothing! We waited
15 minutes before our group got moving. Once on the road,
the adventure began - the first river crossing at mile 8.
Although there is no water, you still have to dismount your
bike and carry it for ½ mile over rocks and sand. Crawling
out of the wash on the other side, riders are greeted with
volunteers passing out Krispy Kreme donuts. On the bike again,
the ride is uneventful for a great long while. Tucson is in
the desert and the scenery is just that – mostly sand,
dirt, sparse brush and Saguaro cactus.
The ride finally heads out of the city into some pricey residential
areas. Here too, you ride along Saguaro National Park. In
the background are scenic foothills. The terrain is rolly
with some long grinding climbs and wonderful, fun downhills
(this is a great first Century). There are lots of stops along
the way, some 7 – 8 miles apart. The food is very simple
– oranges, bananas, CLIF bars, water and Gatorade. I
was dying for a peanut butter sandwich, especially at lunch
time.
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| The next adventure occurs at
50 miles - the second river crossing. This one is twice as
long as the first, through thick sand and dirt. One nightmarish
problem is that the 50 mile “race” was starting
at this point just as I and other slow Century riders were
trudging through. The “racers” actually knock
down a few of the women who were struggling with their bikes
through the thick dirt. The ride people need to start the
50 mile race an hour earlier. After getting through the dirt,
the first really significant hill begins. It’s short
but very steep. There was also a lot of traffic, slow riders,
folks walking and those fast 50 milers. What a mess! Once
over the top, there is a very cool downhill and then a series
of tough rollies. The last climb occurs around mile 70 and
then there is a great 20 mile downhill. A super place to paceline
and catch ones breath, I was able to do speed of 25 –
30 miles over the 20 miles.
The last 18 miles, from mile 90 – to 108, were a struggle
for me but probably not for a stronger rider. Riding back
towards the city, the scenery got boring (I so wanted off
the bike!). The finish, however, was great. There are lots
of people waiting and cheering you in, music is playing and
your finish time is announced. Also, all along the route,
just regular folks are out and about (with lawn chairs and
picnic lunches) watching and cheering the event, giving the
event a “down home” feel. Other BCI members riding
and traveling with me were Jim Dooley and Jean Pierre Swennen.
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