Back on the bike, after a six-week break and a few new custom titanium components.

RT is first across the line at the Lou Maltese Memorial race, taking the individual win and giving the Bandits third place in the team competition. Photo by Phil Penman.

Another day, another old favourite. Today’s ride was a trip to the east and then south through Vail along the “shootout” course, with a bunch of laps around the Saguaro Cactus Park East. The Park has a winding 8-mile loop through the rolling hills on Tucson’s eastern bounds. Another great ride.

Read more »

Anyone who’s been to Tucson is familiar with Mt Lemmon, whose jagged peaks rise dramatically out of the desert floor and wall off the northern boundary of the city limits. A training camp favourite, Day 3 was a trip up Mt Lemmon’s 25-mile climb to the “hamlet” of Summerhaven (comprised of a post office, restaurant, visitors centre and handful of cabins).

It’s just over 2 hours of climbing, with a seemingly endless number of switchbacks. We began the ride on the desert floor with temps in the high 70’s, but it was in the 40s nearly 6,500 feet above in Summerhaven. Passing through several ecosystems, the cacti and desert flora prevalent at the lower elevations patiently give way to pines and snow drifts on the upper slopes. A fun ride and perennial highlight of Bandit Training camp.

Read more »

So it’s early March again. And the Bandit GT squad returned to Tucson to lay down some base miles. Today’s ride was a few laps around the Gates Pass Loop and Saguaro Cactus Park West. Followed, of course by some burritos and guac at La Herradura on St Mary’s.