The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Tucson: Survive, Thrive, and Avoid Goatheads on Your Route
So, you’ve decided to cycle in Tucson. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a two-wheeled adventure through the land of scorching sun, breathtaking desert views, and, most importantly, thorns that want to ruin your day. But fear not! With these tips, you’ll be rolling through the Old Pueblo like a seasoned pro. Tucson is full of cycling routes and pathways to delight any cycling enthusiast!
1. Hydration: More Important Than Your Social Media Likes
Tucson is basically the surface of the sun with some cool saguaros thrown in. If you don’t drink enough water, you might spontaneously turn into a tumbleweed. Bring a water bottle. Better yet, bring two. Hydration packs? Genius. Your future, non-dehydrated self will thank you.
2. The Heat is No Joke, But You’ll be the Punchline if You Ride the Pathways at Noon
Tucson summers are hotter than your ex’s mixtape. If you go biking in the middle of the day, you’ll quickly regret all your life choices. Ride early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is slightly less aggressive. And wear sunscreen unless you want to look like a well-cooked lobster.
3. The Chuck Huckelberry Loop: AKA The Bike Highway of Happiness
Tucson actually cares about cyclists, which is why we have The Loop, a glorious 137-mile network of car-free pathways (beware – pathways are not horse-free). You can ride various cycling routes for hours without dealing with angry drivers or rogue shopping carts. Plus, there are parks, coffee shops, and scenic stops along the way. If you haven’t biked The Loop, do you even know Tucson?
If you want to live near the Loop, check out this custom home search that follows the path around the city. Imagine being able to hop right on Tucson’s best cycling routes, practically from your front door.
4. Goatheads: The Tiny Demons of the Desert
If you haven’t met a goathead thorn yet, don’t worry—it’s only a matter of time. These tiny, tire-popping menaces are lurking, waiting to ruin your perfect ride. The solution? Puncture-resistant tires or tire liners. Or, if you like living on the edge, carry a patch kit and embrace the chaos. Either way, expect to encounter these sneaky little devils along Tucson’s cycling routes and pathways—nature’s way of keeping you on your toes.
5. Traffic Laws: Yes, They Apply to You
Just because you’re on a bike doesn’t mean you can ignore stop signs like they’re optional. Ride in bike lanes, signal your turns, and assume that every driver is either texting, lost, or both. Basically, stay alert, be predictable, and try not to become a hood ornament.
6. Night Riding: Be the Human Glow Stick
If you’re biking after dark, you need lights—a white one in front and a red one in back. It’s not just a great way to look like a moving Christmas decoration, it’s also the law. Reflective gear helps too because being visible is way cooler than being invisible when cars are involved. One more reason the paved pathways on the Loop make for excellent routes!
7. Bike Racks & Public Transit: Because Sometimes Your Legs Deserve a Break
Tucson’s Sun Tran buses have bike racks, so if you find yourself exhausted, just hitch a ride. The streetcar is also bike-friendly. And hey, many businesses have bike racks, so you can grab a burrito without worrying about your bike disappearing into the void.
8. Mountain Biking: Where Fun Meets Dirt in Unexpected Ways
For those who enjoy a little off-road adventure (and don’t mind occasionally eating dirt), Tucson’s cycling routes and pathways aren’t just for roadies. Sweetwater Preserve is great for beginners, while Fantasy Island is perfect for some fun loops. If you’re feeling brave, Mt. Lemmon will give you a workout AND a great view. Whether you ride for fun or fitness, Tucson’s bike routes are best enjoyed with good company.
9. Join the Tucson Bike Community: Because Riding Alone is for Suckers
Tucson has a thriving biking community, and there’s no shortage of group rides, events, and meetups where you can meet fellow cyclists and join their routes. Check out El Tour de Tucson, one of the biggest cycling events in the country. Or join local bike groups like El Grupo or Bicycle Tucson to find your pedaling tribe and get en route to pure joy.
10. Monsoon Season: Surprise! It’s a Flash Flood!
If you ride during monsoon season (July-September), prepare for random, torrential downpours and streets that turn into rivers. Avoid underpasses unless you enjoy impromptu swimming sessions. And don’t trust puddles—they could be hiding potholes big enough to swallow your front wheel.
11. Need a Bike or a Fix? Tucson’s Shops Have You Covered
Whether you’re just getting into biking or a seasoned pro, Tucson has plenty of reputable bike shops to keep you rolling. Fair Wheel Bikes on E. 6th offers a hybrid of different styles to suit your needs. Sabino Cycles on Tanque Verde has been serving Tucson for over 30 years, known for excellent customer service and high-quality bikes. Check the map below for a list of bike shops in Tucson; you’ll never be far from a good tune-up or a brand-new ride.
Final Thoughts: Pedal, Laugh, Repeat
Biking in Tucson is awesome—just be smart, stay hydrated, avoid thorny betrayals, and respect the rules of the road. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just cruising for a killer sunset view, Tucson’s cycling routes and pathways are waiting for you. So grab your helmet, pump up those tires, and get rolling!
