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This route is composed of two sections; both sections begin and end in Casa Grande. The first section is a loop that travels north through the Gila River Indian Community with a checkpoint at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. The second section is out and back and goes south through the Sonoran Desert on the Tohono O'odham reservation.
- Distance: 125 miles
- Terrain: One 3-mile hill at 11 miles into the ride. After that, it's flat or long rollers.
- Start time: 7:30 AM, Saturday, October 14, 2006
- Start location: Round Trip Bike Shop, Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, Arizona (Show directions)
- Time limit: 13 hours, 30 minutes
- Lights: Optional. However, if you're still riding after sunset, you will need lights as required by law.
- Begin twilight:6:05 AM Sunrise: 6:30 AM
Sunset: 5:55 PM End twilight: 6:20 PM
- Cost: $20.00 (Help us prepare for a great brevet by pre-registering. $25 day of event)
- RUSA sanctioned.
- Cue sheet: Excel Lotus 123
Description
- This year there is a new checkpoint at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument where riders must complete an informational checkpoint. (More details are available on the cue sheet.)
- The route travels north out of Casa Grande and onto SR 387 which is the Gila River Indian Community. This is the only climb on the ride. (SR 387 has a 3 mile climb, 6% grade) These mountains provide a sanctuary for saguaro and other cactus, making SR 387 one of the prettiest roads around Casa Grande.
- This 46-mile loop ends where it begins - at the bike shop in Casa Grande. You will have access to your car to shed some clothes and pick up supplies.
- The second part of the ride is out and back on Indian 15. It travels south out of Casa Grande and into the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation. This area is mostly undeveloped and composed of rolling hills dotted with sahuaro cactus. The terrain is flat with a few long, rollers. (Total 1,400 feet of accumulated elevation)
- This second loop in particular is very remote. The only services you will find are our checkpoints. Checkpoints are about 40 miles apart. A hydration system such as CamelBak is highly recommended.
- Riders are expected to do simple repairs such as repair a flat tire.
- Food provided: fruit, peanut butter & jelly, cookies, chips. Water and soda. Sandwiches for lunch.
- If you require energy drinks such as Gatorade, Sustained Energy, or Endorox, we suggest you bring powders to mix with water.
Don't Forget:
- sunscreen
- hydration system
- helmet
- cycling shoes
- flat tire repair kit
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