Salt River Canyon Tour

Scott and I (under Race Arizona LLC) are planning the Salt River Canyon Tour on May 5 through May 6, 2018. 

Each of you on copy of this email is invited to join us on this tour. Just as past rides, we will provide full SAG support with three SAG stations each day, including lunch, and transportation of your baggage to Show Low on Saturday and back to Globe on Sunday. As before, we will be using the same route, same start times, same start locations, and same SAG stop locations as in the past. (You will get a handout from us describing in detail the three SAG locations each day and we will have signs near the roadway at each SAG stop.)

WARNING: This is a demanding course requiring skills beyond the beginner or timid. Please understand you will encounter treacherous crosswinds, winding descents, and steep climbs. It is 82 miles on back to back days. Do not attempt if you have not the experience nor the endurance for mountain climbing.

Due to the difficult course, please refer your friend's requests to Scott or me.

In order to cover our costs, our registration fee will be $80 per person. We will accept cash or check. I will work to add an online option. If you are interested in being included in this ride, let us know your intention so that we can include you in our planning. We will need your RSVP and payment no later than April 19, 2018 to allow us to properly prepare our team for all the needs of our riders. Then, you can proceed with your hotel reservations for Globe for that Friday night and Show Low for that Saturday night. 

There are a quite a few suitable motels in Globe, but one that is very handy to our Saturday morning check-in starting point. First is Best Western at (928) 425-7575. Shauna offered a group rate. simply mention you are with Salt River Canyon Bicycle Tour. They open Continental breakfast at 5a, better to make our 6:30a check-in. 

There are also many motels in Show Low. Make reservations early! Luggage delivered ONLY to the following. Make your own arrangements if you wish to stay elsewhere.

First and best is Paint Pony Best Western (928) 537-5773. This hotel is an excellent choice. They have always been accommodating of us, opening their continental breakfast early. Furthermore, it sits next door to Licanos, a popular Show Low Mexican/American bar/restaurant. Best of all, ask for the special group rate. Again, simply mention you are with Salt River Canyon Bicycle Tour. 

SAG stop edibles will include an assortment of salty and sweet snacks, some homemades, fresh fruit, PB&J, and cold drinks. In addition, the lunch SAG will also include meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments for sandwiches. While we are unable to provide for every dietary or allergic restriction, we will be happy to carry any specific individual items that you wish to have available at any one SAG stop or at all three SAG stops. Just package them, with your name and the desired SAG stop, and turn it in at the ride start. 

During the ride on Saturday or Sunday you may leave any unwanted clothing at any of the SAG stops. Your items will be bagged and labeled for retrieval at the end of the day. This is particularly important on Sunday morning when you will likely be wearing extra clothing for the start. Low temperatures in Show Low can be expected to be in the high 30's to low 40's. Moreover, the first 20 miles out of Show Low Sunday morning are downhill. You may not have access to your duffel bag once it is loaded. Please be prepared for freezing conditions.

Plan to check in Saturday morning, May 5th, between 6:30 and 7:00 AM in Globe at the parking lot at 1400 E. Ash Street, located between the Gila County Courthouse and the Jack in the Box, which is the same lot that we have used in the past. 

Understand that our three SAG stops will likely be supported with one of two SAG vehicles. There will be no incentive to race ahead after each stop lest you arrive at the next SAG stop before the SAG vehicle gets there. We will be able to have our SAG stops open longer, allowing for slower ride speeds. Times will be posted for open and close of each SAG.

Thank you for your continued interest in keeping the SRCT alive! We await word from each of you. I look forward to sharing the ride. 

Carolyn & Scott Audilet
Race Arizona LLC
(Carolyn) 520-834-3800 or caudilet@gmail.com
(Scott) 520-834-3801 or saudilet@gmail.com

P.S. We will have limited bike rack space (2) to pick up riders along the course. Moreover, we will just use for mechanical trouble. The driver will be carrying a few tools, if you care to wrench your own repair.