Picacho Peak State Park to Oro Valley

A storm passed through last night.   The wind gusts were quite strong and it rained lightly.  Luckily I had set my tent up under a sun shelter and that helped to keep me dry.

Before I left the park this morning I met a couple of cyclists would rolled in last night just after dark in that windstorm.  They knew the area well and give me some good advice on the best route to take to ride to Oro Valley.  I’m glad I followed their advice. It was a very enjoyable ride today.

I headed south east along the frontage road next to I-10 for about 6 miles after I left Picacho Peak State Park.   Then I headed east on Park Link Road, the road that had been recommended by the cyclists I spoke to her earlier this morning.  I’m glad I took their advice.  The scenery was nice and over a distance of eight teen miles only six vehicles came up behind me and passed me.  I saw a coyote digging in the ground next to the road but he heard me coming and ran off before I had a chance to grab my camera and get a picture of him.  As I rode along Park Link Road I gained about 1300 feet of elevation over those 18 miles.

At the turn off to Park Link Road.

The quiet Park Link Road.

After 18 miles I turned onto Highway 79 and headed south.  When I reached Oracle Junction I turned onto Highway 77 and headed south for 9 miles and ended up in oral Valley where I will be staying for the night. Today’s ride with 49 miles.

My bike rested against this tree while I went into McDonald’s in Catalina for a burger for lunch and to use their wifi.   This was just a few miles before Oro Valley.

Rolling into Oro Valley.