Usually on my way into wherever I’m going, I check tripadvisor.com for some of the more highly rated touristy things to do. On my way into Tucson, I noticed that #4 out of like 290 things to do was a scenic drive, specifically the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway. I figured this would be a great start to the morning before heading off to the Phoenix area.

And boy it was. So much so that I think it would absolutely be worth it to fly into Tucson, rent a car, drive up and maybe do a hike and right back to the airport.

The drive starts with an infinite number of Seguaro Cacti. These things grow like weeds around here but the entrance to the drive is littered with them, every few feet for as far as you can possibly see.

As you start to maneuver the perfectly winding and climbing road, the views only get better. I say perfectly winding because unlike big bend, it’s like this road was crafted for the rider in mind. An easy 40 mph into an angle that the bike just wants to naturally follow.

Pretty soon the Cacti disappear and we’re left with desert shrubberies, but the views! Oh and the added benefit of every turn, ever minute getting cooler and cooler as you climb.

Cool cool cool, but wait, there’s more! Desert shrubs turn into small tress which turn into full blown pine tree forest. Ah yes, and the return of bear crossing signs. I couldn’t believe the change in scenery and temperature in a matter of only 30 miles.

It was the first day I started off with no tarp on the bike. I thought for sure, without a doubt, this would be first completely dry day since Traverse City. Nerp, even in the desert it rains on me. It wasn’t any ordinary rain either, frigid mountain rain that hits the bone. Luckily it only lasted for about 20 minutes.

Along the way I met a gentleman from Idaho riding a decked out Goldwing heading up the same way. After some good conversation around halfway up, we eventually found each other toward the top and enjoyed a lunch in the mountain town of Summerhaven (there’s a whole town up  there!). Eventually just past the ski resort near the top, you can follow a tiny snaking road that ends right around 9000 ft for some good views and excellent weather.

Mt. Lemmon took quite a bit longer than expected, but had a lot more to offer than I expected too. It was time to head back into the desert heat and make my way to Gilbert AZ where I had some great company waiting.

The heat was real. Road was hot and the little bit of stop and go traffic was borderline unbearable. Oh and just as I was nearing Gilbert I got to experience my first dust storm. Sort of felt like a right of passage in these parts LOL.

In Gilbert I found Cami’s Aunt and Uncle (and dog, of the furry black lab type). An excellent dinner, some turn signal surgery and hangout with these amazing folks (and dog) to end a great day. Thanks again guys <3

Le Route:

Today I begin with searching for some stronger sun screen for my white ass and some hiking shoes before making my way to that thing featured on the state motto. Later!