Ben and Me

My next big trip will be coming up soon and as I prepare myself for this undertaking, I have decided to take Ben with me. The Diva will hang around in my garage this time. Who is Ben? Ben is my Serrota. He has a triple up front and a big derailer in back. The handle bars are wider too. Of course The Diva is lighter but I have been training on Ben, so Ben it will be.

Rio Rico to Sonoita - 37 miles

Today we ventured out and upwards to Sonoita which is in the high desert part of southern Arizona. (5,000 ft). Along the way we stopped in Patagonia for lunch. Patagonia is a small artist community worth taking the time to look around. Our final destination is the Sonoita Inn. It was built by co-owner of the famous Triple Crown winner, Secretariat.

Some of the stronger riders who still had energy rode to the wineries in the near-by town of Elgin....Arizona's wine country.

Relaxing in Rio Rico

I spent today relaxing around the pool. My knee and rear end needed a break. Tonight we were invited to have dinner at the home of the Woman Tour founder. Gloria has a beautiful adobe home on 40 acres and could easily be featured in Architectual Digest.

the view of the mountains is the view from her home.

Amado to Rio Rico - 30 miles

We began our day with a trip to the Smithsonian Observatory Vistors Center. Then we headed south along hwy 19 to explore the artist colony of Tubac with its galleries, working artist studios and shops. The next two nights we will be staying at the Rio Rico resort.

It's getting warm here.....90 degrees.

Amado to Arivaca and Back - 25 miles

Today was a good day to see the desert and visit a small town called Arivaca. Lots of rolling hills, short climbs and great descents. Glad it was a short ride because it gets warm here (90 degrees today). I have a good start on my biker tan and raccoon face. Wish we had a pool here so I can try to even out my tan.

Tuscon to Amado - 40 miles

And the adventure begins! The first stop on our ride is San Xavier Del Bac Mission as it rises brilliantly white out of the desert floor of mesquite and sage. It is also refered to as "the dove of the desert." The mission dates back to 1700 when its foundation was first laid by Father Kino.

The weather is beautiful here...a little on the warm side for me...83 degrees. We are staying at the Amado Territory Ranch B & B Inn for the next two nights.

Tucson, AZ

Sunday, February 21st
Today was orientation. We meet the riders on this trip. There are 22 of us from all over the US.....California, Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Illinois, Canada, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota.

This trip should really be titled "My Serotta and Me". The Diva is having plastic surgery.