2009 J&P Tucson Tour

The J&P Tucson Tour is an annual ride started by friends Jane and Paul in 2002.  The ridership has grown steadily, and my friend Tom Adams has largely managed its operations through his own outfit called Not Your Mom Bike Tours.  Ridership this year came in right around 30.

The ride is a 4-day lightly supported tour from Phoenix to Tucson and back.  Most riders credit-card it and stay in motels, while a minority does the camping routine.  Many riders pull panniers or trailer, although many others throw their gear aboard a van that is driven in shifts by riders.  Nearly half of the riders ride recumbents.

Tom calls it an “introduction” to bicycle touring,  i.e. lightly supported.  As Tom reminds us, he’s ” not your mom” (but you can call him Mom if you want to).   Total cost of the tour is only $10 (for gas and snacks) plus your lodging and meal costs.    Check out ride details at his website.

Mary Ellen asked in the fall of 2008 about my interest in going, and by January I’d decided to do it.  Blog pages below cover details of the trip.    I really enjoyed this group and this tour – gave me hunger for more.

February 12, 2009 – Preface

February 13, 2009 – Mesa AZ to Florence AZ

February 14, 2009 – Florence AZ to Tucson AZ

February 15, 2009 – Tucson AZ to Casa Grande AZ

February 16, 2009 – Casa Grande AZ to Mesa AZ