Tucson Day 1

We arrived on time in Tucson. Phil and his friend Dave were able to load all the bike cases in their cars and we made it to the beautiful Oro Valley. There was a big difference - we left Chicago with 10 degrees and snow on the ground, we found 80 degrees and blue skies here. After a nice lunch at Phil's place we went back to the house we rented and settled in. All bikes arrived safe and sound. It took us couple of hours to put all of them together and make sure everything works.
We picked up Albert from the airport and got back in time for the dinner. The company was good, the food and service at the Keg Steakhouse were average.
Everybody had a good night sleep.
The next morning everybody was itching to get on the bikes.
The temperature was already in the 60s. We had a total of 18 riders. Phil took us on a scenic ride( mostly downhill) to the University of Tucson in downtown. After a nice stop at a Starbucks we headed home.

The winds had picked up and we had to make the our way back to the Oro Valley. We rode for most of the time along the Santa Cruz river which was also mostly downhill. The last 12 miles we had to make up for all the downhill riding. The weather was getting warmer, the sun was burning and it felt like we were not sweating at all, it was that dry. Quick stop at a gas station for water and ice. One un-named EBC member managed to start a verbal war with a local red neck. For the rest of the ride we were all worried that we would get run over or shot ;-)

We made it home safe and sound. We felt that the Vistoso cyclist were too gentle on us the first day. We'll see what they have in the store for us on the next day.
Mileage for the day was 58.3 miles. Elevation gain 1959 feet.
After few hours of rest we headed to the Macayo Mexican restaurant where we had dinner with good number of Vistoso members and spouses.
Everybody had a good night sleep and feels ready for Day 2.