The 2016 Bicycle Tours - Migrating Cyclists

The Painted Pony Resort hosted 2 bicycle tours again this year, both returning for another stay while they were cycling in the area.  The first group through was Bubba's Pampered Peddlers on their yearly coast to coast tour, while the second group was from Lizard Head Cycling Guides.  The group from Bubba's Pampered Peddlers comprised of about 50 riders with a support staff of about a dozen while the Lizard Head cycling tour was a smaller group of 13.  While the coast to coast group was in and out, the Lizard Head group did a ride into the canyon and hiked the Silver Peak trail.  With the designation of Highway 80 as part of US bike route 90 perhaps more bicyclists will take advantage and visit the area.

Just another sign of spring - when the migrating cyclists start showing up.

Morning preparations.

Support vehicles

Support vehicles and riders

Traveling kitchen for riders

U.S. Bike Route 90, a new Bicycle Route Through Arizona Includes a Highway 80 Segment

Bicycling in southern Arizona and specifically around the San Simon Valley and the Chiricahua mountains is a great way to experience the landscape.  The open air, the 360 degree views, the slower pace all allow one to experience the area that is not possible in a vehicle.  In the past bicycle groups have visited the area staying in Rodeo at both Mountain Valley Lodge and the Painted Pony Resort during their trips.  Lizard Head Cycling Guides and Bubba's Pampered Peddlers have both stayed at the Painted Pony Resort when cycling in the southwest or on a coast to coast tour.  To spread the information about the potential of scenic cycling routes in the area, published routes were collected and posted as reference material to highlight the potential for cycling adventures in and around the Chiricahua Mountains.

Well things have continued to improve with reference to bicycle routes in the area.  The State of Arizona has just designated a new cycling route across the state which includes Rodeo and the surviving segment of Highway 80 that runs through the valley, see here.  This bicycle route is part of a nation wide effort to create bike routes across the United States.  U.S. Bike Route 90, the Arizona segment, will connect with other state routes creating bicycle friendly routes across the nation.  Arizona's newest bicycle route will be a welcomed addition for visitors to the area.

Guests bicycling at the Painted Pony Resort.

U.S. Bike Route 90, Arizona's bicycle route segment from Rodeo to Blythe

The Highway 80 segment of U.S. Bike Route 90 runs from Tombstone to Rodeo

The Genesis of an Idea

Halfway between Tucson and El Paso and bypassed by I-10 one of the few surviving segments of Highway 80 still exists in the San Simon Valley.  Memorialized in Bob Wildmire's unfinished mural in the Rodeo Cafe, Highway 80 was once the major east/west auto route across the nation.  Known variously as the Old Spanish Trail, the Broadway of America, and the Overland Dixie Highway, Highway 80 brought travelers through the San Simon Valley.  Some passing through, some staying for a short while, and some staying on permanently Highway 80 was the introduction to the valley for many travelers.

With the construction of I-10 the valley was bypassed and over 18,000 vehicles/day now cross the state line on I-10, unknowing and unaware of the history and beauty that lies just south of the Interstate.  While some travelers are headed to Tucson or the coast some are headed to Tombstone and Bisbee.  Perhaps it takes just the right incentive to encourage folks to take the scenic route around the mountains on one of the last surviving segments of Highway 80 and enjoy an early piece of Americana and automotive history.

A proposed design for a billboard on I-10 promoting Highway 80.

Arizona New Mexico Bicycle Tour

A group of riders arrived this afternoon at the Painted Pony Resort after an 88 mile ride from Bisbee.  Lizard Head Cycling Guides is escorting a group of cyclists across the basin and range region of southern Arizona and New Mexico.  Traveling along Highway 80, the Broadway of America, the group is taking in the views and covering some ground on road bikes.  There are currently 2 cycling tours in Rodeo, a coast to coast group and the southern Arizona New Mexico group.

Lizard Head Cycling Guides trailer

Lizard Head van and trailer at the Painted Pony Resort