We have two more weeks in Tucson before we move on to Phoenix. Weather has been awesome and riding the roads and trail system has been delightful. We went to Broadway Bikes today. It was a piece of cakes by bike.  Brian in the Blue tee was awesome with Etap that we have on our Bikes. This mountain bike scene is out on the wall of the shop and a interesting bike rack.

Riding the Pantano Wash Trail a Dirt Devil sprung up. This was the first time we got blown around by one. It blew tumble weeds everywhere. One got stuck in Jim’s rear wheel. The dead Saguaro was along the trail. This is the first town we’ve been in where there are corrals full of horses  in the neighborhoods.

Passing the Batty Biker we saw a little humming bird land on top of the bike rack. He’s gonna have to wait a long time to get anywhere on that bike. On into town we stopped for lunch and headed home with 43 miles under our wheels.

The Saguaro National Park East ( it’s in the Rincon Mountain District) is today’s adventure. Got my walking stick out and my raggedy ole hat and off we go. It’s not far from where we are staying. The Saguaros were nearly lost. Limekilns operated here and it took intense heat to make the lime mortar. Cutting down palo verde and mesquite trees for fuel caused the loss of the Saguaro. They needed the trees for shelter to survive in their early years. The Natural History  Society of the University of Arizona were tenacious and eventually persuaded Herbert Hoover to help preserve the area. March 1, 1933  he established the monument. Later Roosevelt transferred management to the National Park Service. Fast forward to 1966 President Kennedy added 25 square miles on the west side of Tucson to create Saguaro National Park West in the Tucson Mountain District.

The CCC built many improvements for the park. Including a knarly 8 mile drive. A lot of twisting and turning and quick steep climbs. So much so cyclist love to punish themselves on it.

So we stopped in an area to do some hiking. The paths  were well marked. However we became concerned that we really didn’t know where we were going. Meeting a couple that had an awesome map we decided we needed to follow the trail back. Made it. We noticed a Greg Leitner, a park ranger and asked him where to get the maps. He said “Why you can get them from me. That’s why I’m here.” Boy Howdy sure glad we found him.

We had been lusting for new stairs of the fifth wheel. When we got to Tucson we stopped by an RV Dealer who carried the MorRyde stairs. Got the measurements and ordered them. Today we got them and OMG Jim installed them with my help. They were so easy and they are wonderful. No more spring board feel.  Yippee!

Wow, another day for a great ride. It’s starting  to warm up here. Everyday it’s up in the mid 80’s and climbing. Today we are heading down the Pantano Wash.  The trails here are entertaining. Be it landscape, roadrunners, ground squirrels, lizards and sculptures along the way. This is the first time we’ve seen a bird going into a hole in a Saguaro.  To early for venomous creatures. Fine with me.

Coming home we noticed flowers are starting to pop out on bushes along the path.

Driving home after some errands we noticed off in the distance was the Saguaro National Forest and the Rincon Mountains. A long rolling road.

Tonight we decided to go out for dinner.  Fish Fry Friday!  Robert from the dog park suggested a place called Crown Canyon, an English style pub. Settling down at the bar eliminated a long wait for a table. The bartender, Bob made a nice Old Fashion and the fish fry was quite tasty. Sent this photo off to our Friday night Rock Fish buddies. Let them know we miss their smiles and  friendship. We’ll see them in April.

Taking a rest day. We decided to drive down to Bisbee and stop in Tombstone on the way. We were in Tombstone in 1990. It has changed into quite the tourist attraction. Here are the Earp boys and Doc Holiday waiting for the shootout at the OK Corral. BootHill is the cemetery for the town of Tombstone. Above are the most famous graves of Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury of OK Corral fame. There the rest of the cemetery is filled with those people who lived and worked in Tombstone.

The Crystal Palace was quite famous. The bar back has survived many stages of the building. Bob is like the resident historian told us it opened in May of 1882 and catered to the “finer elements” of Tombstone. As a result it didn’t have the bullet holes like so many of the other saloons. The most notable second floor resident was Virgil Earp. It came to an end when prohibition was enacted. When prohibition was repealed the saloon was back in business again. 1963 started the renovation of it and what we see today is the result of the efforts.

There are several ways to get around the city a hear more about Tombstone’s history. Taking a picture of the stage coach I said “Smile!”  The driver said “Cowboys don’t smile.” I told him I was talking to the mules.

On to Bisbee. We stayed at the Copper Cow Hotel. It hasn’t changed much over the years. Copper mines were the big business here. There is a road going up and over the pass and it was the first way to get to Bisbee. It was a tricky road. Truckers were cautious and tourist many times did not want to try it. Finally Mule Pass Tunnel was completed in 1958.

The Bicycle Brothel was a fascinating place. Filled with tons of cycling memorabilia. We wandered through there fascinated. Owned by Ken Wallace, Jim had a grand time talking with him  about many of the items he had in the shop.

Parting shots of Bisbee. Over the years there have been bike races here. The roads in this town make for some serious climbing and descending on a very twisty course.

On on the road home we noticed this blimp up in the sky. It’s a surveillance blimp for along the boarder. As we are driving to the RV Park the big full moon was coming over the mountain.

Sunday finds us riding back to town. Starting out on the Julian Wash and working our way around we should get a 50 miler in. We get down on to 4th street and there is a classic Ford car show. The one above caught our eye. The fellow who owned it told us this was his first show. His wife told us it wasn’t for sale.

At this round about in town the sign post pointed to all the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson.

We stopped by Bicas again. It is an interesting bike shop. They repurpose bike stuff. It is fun to keep your eyes open for all the interesting pieces that they have created.

We bought a small lock to hang on the heart sculpture. Our lock is the little bitty one on the 4th row down between the red combination and the green knob combination lock.  Gave it a kiss, locked it on and threw away the key. Stopped at a place for brunch and cruising  back home we decided this was a fun day. Got 55 miles.

Just a spin down the Julian wash there are beautiful Agaves near a rest area.

While we’ve been in Tucson going to the dog park has been an afternoon must.  Above is Shaggy and Robert belongs to him ( they kinda look alike) Today is St.Patricks day and also Shaggy’s Birthday. We gotten to know most of the people who go to the small dog side of the park.

Robert brought chicken fingers for dogs and parents and lemonade too! A good time had by all. Tomorrow Robert and Shaggy are headed to San Antonio for vacation. Jim and I are continuing our travels. Heading to Phoenix to  visit cousins and ride bike for 12 days. We really really enjoy Tucson🍀🌵🚴‍♀️🚴🐶🐶