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Arizona: Sonoran Splendor

Activity Level: Easy / Moderate | Daily Mileage: 15-40 mi | Daily Biking: 4-5 hr

Overview

Detailed Itinerary 2013

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Hereford/Warm-up ride/Welcome reception and dinner

Make your own arrangements for travel to Arizona to our first inn. VBT offers a shuttle that departs from Tucson International Airport at 1 p.m., and you are welcome to use it. Please make a reservation by calling Arizona Stagecoach at 1-877-782-4355, Ext. 10, and ask to speak with Ronda. Be sure to clearly state that you are a VBT guest. Once at the airport, please report to the Arizona Stagecoach counter located in the baggage claim area for further instructions. If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport after the shuttle's departure or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi at your own expense. For guests driving to the tour, we recommend that you park your vehicle at the Tucson International Airport and make reservations with Arizona Stagecoach, as our tour ends in Tucson. Parking at the airport costs approximately $13 a day in the garage, or $4-6 a day in the economy lot offsite. Please contact the first inn if any travel delays or changes occur; they will inform your VBT Trip Leaders.

At 3 p.m., meet your group and our VBT Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride. At 6:30 p.m., get to know your fellow travelers during a tour orientation and welcome reception before dinner.

Note: Casa de San Pedro does not have a liquor license and welcomes guests to provide their own. Your hosts will be happy to help you purchase something should you not have the opportunity to procure a choice of beverage prior to your arrival.

Day 2 - Cycle to Bisbee

This morning, your Arizona vacation continues as you cycle to the historic mining town of Bisbee. Nestled among the Mule Mountains, Bisbee was founded in 1880 and remained a thriving community until large-scale mining operations ceased in the 1970s. Today, Bisbee is flourishing as an artists' colony. Upon arrival in Bisbee, begin exploring and make sure you stop in at the Bisbee Bicycle Brothel (“the best little wheelhouse in Arizona”). The Brothel does offer bicycles and other items for sale, both vintage and current. However, it serves as more of a museum than a bicycle shop. Don't forget the mining history of Bisbee, and take some time to visit the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. After exploring, we gather at a local restaurant for an included lunch. Afterward, there'll be more time to explore the historic town.

At your leisure, cycle back to the inn, where we have dinner.

Day 3 - Shuttle to Sonoita/Cycle to Patagonia

Today, we shuttle from Hereford to Sonoita and then cycle through beautiful open range to a local winery, where we enjoy a picnic lunch and a tasting. Kief-Joshua Vineyards is a small family business in beautiful Elgin, Arizona -- right in the middle of what has become known as "winery row." Their first planting was in 2005, and their first harvest was in the fall of 2008. The winery practices traditional winemaking methods and eliminated the use of herbicides and pesticides in the vineyard in 2006.

In the afternoon, we cycle into Patagonia, where you can visit eclectic local shops. Be sure to stop for “the best cup of coffee in Arizona” and a tasty treat at Gathering Grounds. Of course, if something cold is more to your liking, you will find plenty of options. In the late afternoon, we board a shuttle from Gathering Grounds to Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Settle into your private hacienda and enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.

Day 4 - Discover Tubac

After a leisurely breakfast, cycle a scenic loop into the town of Tubac. We'll stop at Tumacacori National Historical Park, a mission dating to the 17th century, and enjoy a guided visit by a local historian. You can also visit the family-owned and -operated Santa Cruz Chili & Spice Company. Afterward, you'll have time to explore Tubac, an artists' colony with an array of talented sculptors, painters, potters, artisans and jewelers. After lunch, the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Relax at the resort, enjoy golf in Arizona or take advantage of the spa. If you desire a tee time or spa appointment during your stay, we recommend that you contact the resort prior to traveling.

Enjoy dinner this evening at the resort.

Day 5 - Shuttle to Tucson / Saguaro National Park West / Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum

Today we shuttle from Tubac Golf Resort & Spa to Tucson. Then, take an exhilarating ride through Saguaro National Park. Here we'll visit the remarkable Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, where we will have a chance to walk through the desert, see wild animals and desert plants, attend lectures and visit an art show. This unusual museum houses more than 300 animal species and more than 1,200 varieties of plants in a beautiful natural setting. Join a Harris Hawk free-flight demonstration and/or take a self-guided tour along the two miles of walking trails. You will have a chance to enjoy lunch on your own in either of the museum's two restaurants. In the afternoon, an optional ride continues on to stunning, Gates Pass. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 6 - Saguaro National Park East / Farewell dinner

Today, we cycle a scenic route into Saguaro National Park. Here we'll enjoy a picnic lunch while gazing at the universal symbol of the American West, the stunning Saguaro cacti, which can only be found in this region. Saguaro National Park, located on the edge of the modern city of Tucson, protects some of the most impressive forests of these sub-tropical, giant cacti. After lunch, we cycle to Broadway Bicycles for our shuttle back to Hacienda del Sol. Be sure to leave time to stop and purchase an Arizona cycling jersey.

Tonight, celebrate with the group during a farewell dinner at Hacienda del Sol's renowned restaurant, The Grill.

Day 7 - Depart for home

The tour concludes after breakfast at our hotel. A shuttle to the Tucson airport will be provided to guests at 9:00 a.m., arriving approximately 40 minutes later. Guests who need to get to the airport earlier or later must make their own arrangements. The VBT shuttle is also available to shuttle guests whose cars are parked at the first inn. It will arrive at the inn around noon.

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