There was a bit of sightseeing but not enough to wear us out. We visited the 4th Street Area a couple times for dinner. We drove South to see the amazing Spanish Xavier Mission. There was also a trip to Tubac, once a Spanish presidio, but now a collection of about 100 art galleries, restaurants, and shops. We hiked at Suguaro National Park (West and East); visited Gates Pass, the International Wildlife Museum, and even a (lame) Botanical Garden. OK, so we may have done quite a bit of siteseeing but it did not ruin the biking!
We had visitors also. Colt was with us for a week or so until he headed back to Boston to take some exams at Harvard. Laurie came for a few days and enjoyed some biking while she was there. Sean, Laurie's boyfriend, came down for Tucson with his Mom, Marilyn, for an overnight at the Mariott. We had a good time with them and feasted on a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Mariott.
The biking was nothing short of mind boggling. Only a few days before the trip I had looked on the mountaing biking websites to see if there would be any trails near Starr Pass. I had no idea there were trails that led nearly from our door! They were unbelievably challenging and often the same trail would vary from "advanced" to "novice" and back again many times. I rode the Yetman Trail through Gates Pass, and even scouted out the endless trails south of Kinney Road. All in all, I did about ten rides at Starr Pass and every one was different.
For variety, I also visited the Fantasy Island mountain biking trails a couple times. Unlike Starr Pass where there is plenty of rock and climbing, Fantasy Island is mostly buff, fast, and with endless washes for quick down and ups. You can really get your heartrate up riding there.
Althea stuck mostly to road rides. She loved the McCain Loop in Saguaro National Park. On her one mountain bike ride we rode from Gates Pass down into the area south of Kinney Road. The trails were suitable for a beginner but there were plenty of small challenges and gorgeous scenery.
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