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.

Blythe, CA

I got an early start this morning and drove for 8 hours. I got as far as Blythe, CA. It is sunny and warm here...78 degrees! I can't believe that I am sitting here in my hotel room with the air conditioner blasting.

The drive was pleasant and never boring....saw many changes of scenery from friut trees in bloom in the valley, to wildflowers blooming in the foothills to snow capped mountains to fields of dry sage and the Chocolate Mountains to the south. In case you are all wondering what direction I went, I drove to Bakersfield, over to Boron, then south to San Bernadino, Riverside and Indio.

Tomorrow should be a short three hour drive to Tucson!

The Tour Comes to Clovis!

Today, February 18, 2009, I am proud to announce that the Tour of California riders rode into the streets of old town Clovis. What a sight to see! It was so exciting to be there and see the racers zoom by. Being there was worthwhile knowing that we were part of a history making event.....This was the first time the Tour came to Clovis. I hope they liked the course enough to come back again. Plus, it was the first day of no rain and the weather was absolutely beautiful.

And interesting fact...Three of the top five riders were once on a racing team here in Fresno. Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie, and Chris Horner were members of the Nutra-Fig Team....way back when they were youngsters. Teri Farnesi's Mom took care of them and cooked their meals. For those of you who do not know Teri...she is one great bicycling coach for Parker's Team!