Tucson Riders 4 The Cure

Starbucks La Cholla & Orange Grove to the Ritz
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Meet: 6:30 AM
Roll out: 6:45 AM
Start: Starbucks at Orange Grove & La Cholla
6363 N. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson, AZ
Parking Note: The Starbucks parking lot can get crowded and chaotic on weekends. Consider parking in front of the adjacent medical office buildings instead.
Main Route — Dove Mountain & The Ritz
Distance: 36.26 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,818 ft
Route Map:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3124126121603606746
Directions:

• Head north on La Cholla.
• Turn left (west) on Tangerine.
• Turn right on Dove Mountain and continue to the end.
• Turn around at the park.
• Continue to the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
• Turn around and head back down Dove Mountain.
• Turn left on Moore Road.
• Turn right on Camino del Oeste.
• Turn left on Tangerine.
• Turn right on La Cholla and return to Starbucks at Orange Grove.

Regroup / Water / Bathroom Stop: In front of the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.
Longer Option — Add the Tunnel
For those who want a longer ride, add the tunnel section.
Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,935 ft
Route Map:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3124131256225808602
Tunnel Route Directions:

• When heading east on Moore Road, continue past Camino del Oeste.
• Turn left on Thornydale.
• Go through the tunnel and continue up to the gatehouse at Saguaro Ranch.
• Turn around at the gatehouse.
• Take Thornydale back to Tangerine.
• Turn left on Tangerine.
• Turn right on La Cholla.
• Continue south on La Cholla back to Starbucks.

Two options, same start:
36.26 miles to the Ritz, or approximately 40 miles with the tunnel extension.

General Ride Guidelines

Before each ride, we will divide into groups based on cycling speed, experience, and distance goals.
Average Speeds

• A Riders: 17+ mph
• B Riders: 15–16 mph
• C Riders: 12–14 mph

Important Reminders
Know the Route:
Please review the route map before the ride so you are familiar with the directions. This is important for everyone’s safety, but especially for A riders, who should be comfortable navigating the route independently. The A group is not a “no-drop” group. We will make every effort to have sweep riders for the B and C groups.
If you are a C rider or have questions about which group is right for you, please contact us at tucsonriders4cure@gmail.com.
Be Courteous on The Loop:
Please be respectful of other cyclists and trail users. Slow down as needed and pass safely, giving others plenty of room.
Please RSVP:
Please RSVP for each ride on Meetup. This helps everyone know who is planning to attend, and we will post any ride updates or changes on the Meetup page.
Meetup:
https://www.meetup.com/tr4tc_az/
Be Prepared
Please bring:

• Plenty of water
• Snacks or fuel
• Equipment and supplies to fix a flat
• Your cell phone
• A phone number for someone in the group in case you need assistance

If Your Plans Change
If you are not planning to complete the ride as posted, please let the group know in advance.
This helps us keep track of everyone and ensures that no one is left wondering about your whereabouts.
WE NEED SWEEPS! Our B and C rider groups need sweeps!
A sweep rider stays slightly behind the group throughout the ride to help ensure that no one gets left behind.
Riders can fall behind for many reasons, including mechanical problems, difficulty maintaining the group’s pace, or getting separated at intersections or in areas with heavy traffic, such as The Loop.
An ideal sweep is someone who knows the route, is comfortable riding at the group’s pace, and can assist with basic needs such as fixing a flat tire.
Please help support our team by volunteering to be a sweep! It’s an important role that helps keep everyone safe and ensures that no one gets left behind.
LINKS:
Meet Up: https://www.meetup.com/tr4tc_az/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridersforthecuretucson
Email: tucsonriders4cure@gmail.com