Today, about 20 riders started out on the "Rillito Foothills" Route. This route took us into the foothills of Northern Tucson and along a beautiful bike path along the Rillito River. This path goes for some 15+ miles as it crosses east to west along the northern foothills of Tucson. It is a well laid out path that includes some trails for horseback riding and mixed use cycling and pedestrian trails. Given that we are in some of the hottest, driest terrain on the planet, it was interesting to see the "Icy Bridges" signs on some of the bridges that cross the various flood control "washes" in the region.
After completing the approximately 33 mile route, Gail, Mike, and I continued on to a great lunch in downtown Tucson to be followed by a trip out to the San Xavier Mission.
This mission is a pristine example of the beautiful Missions that are throughout the Southwest. This particular Mission has been beautifully restored and shines like a beacon or a vision of "Oz" in an otherwise bleak desert landscape. Just outside the Mission is a very colorful graveyard.
On our way back to the motel this afternoon, Gail, Mike and I stumbled across a real local "gem"; the Bicycle Church. This is a memorial that was commemorated in the summer of 2009 in honor of the cyclists that have been killed, for various regions in the Tucson region.
The shrine is completely composed of bicycle parts; frames, wheels, and other accessories. If you are in the area and are interested in cycling, it is a humbling reminder to be careful out there!
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