This was our first visit to Arizona and being from the East coast, we were a little intimidated at…read morethe thought of hiking in such a different environment. For that reason, I did a little research and found Adventure Outside to book a guided hike. This was a great plan. Ian met us at the trailhead at 9am and after brief intros, we were on our way. Ian was the perfect guide...friendly, engaging, informative and flexible. We had made good time on our hike to Bridal Falls and he was more than happy to take an alternative trail down. This added a bit more mileage, made a nice loop, and we saw the elusive Gila Monster. All the way around, it was a great last day of vacation. Thanks Ian, for giving us a fantastic experience!

From the owner: AO is Arizona's premier, local guide company for Arizona adventures including mountain biking, road…read morebiking, hiking, backpacking and E-biking! Whether you're looking for leisurely half-day outdoor activities, multi-day adventures, or corporate team building events, we can curate the perfect Tucson adventures for your group or family.

What a wonderful experience! The staff is great, including their dog. They listened to my concerns…read moreand made adjustments as necessary. I bought a new Cannondale EVO 3 and they made custom component changes for me charging only the cost difference between what I wanted and what they removed from the standard configuration. The fitting is perfect as well. No more numb hands, and no more saddle pain. They're now my first pick for bike shops.

Cycling newbie here! I came to Bicycle Ranch on Oracle to be fit for a bike through Uphill Into the…read moreWind to ride in my first El Tour, charity ride, and had an absolutely awesome first-timer experience! I figured I would also pick up a helmet and shorts while there, but ended up getting so much more thanks to Steven, who went above and beyond! He took the time to properly fit me for my very first bike and walked me through everything I needed to know -- from how to ride more efficiently, to ways to practice, how the gears and tires worked, and even how to clip in (which felt intimidating at first, but he made it approachable and easy to understand). His knowledge and patience really made me feel confident and excited to start riding! He helped me find the perfect helmet and guided me through the uncharted territory of buying cycling shorts - the shop has a great selection of both (and literally every other thing you might need to ride). They also have a nice selection of nutrition and he gave me tips on how to fuel for race day which was super appreciated. Everyone who came through the door was greeted and all seemed to know each other which was a great sign of a strong community. The prices are a bit higher than what I'd seen on Amazon, but the products were far superior in quality and so in my opinion, totally justified. One customer I chatted with mentioned that when you shop there, the service is better than anywhere else, and so based on my experience you get what you pay for so the investment is well worth it. Also, shoutout to their resident shop dog Miska -- total sweetheart and an unexpected highlight of the visit The store has a great selection, welcoming vibe, and an incredibly supportive team. Highly recommend for anyone getting started or leveling up their cycling game!

Tuscon is a world-class cycling destination, and there is no better way to experience it than with…read moreHomegrown. Their demo bikes are are top-notch, and the team was so patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. Especially with all my planning questions. 10/10. Can't wait until my next trip!

Rented bikes for the week while staying near Starr pass. Great bikes and service! Highly recommend.read more

So here's the cool thing: While most (all?) other campgrounds on Mt. Lemmon are closed during the…read morewinter and open in the summer, Molino Basin has a season that is just the opposite: open from November 1st through early May. During the closed season, the paved road system is only accessible to bikes and pedestrians, and no camping is allowed. Thanks to Google, here's some additional useful tidbits: This campground lies within the desert grassland and open oak woodland ecosystems, at an altitude of around 4,300 feet. There are 37 campsites which can accommodate trailers up to 22 feet in length. Camping (or day-use) costs $10.00 per vehicle, and all fees are payable at the time you occupy the site. There's a limit of two vehicles and ten persons per site, for up to 14 days. This accessible campground features rest rooms (the non-flushing kind), picnic areas, an Arizona Trail trailhead and a group-use site by reservation. So why do I dig this place? During the summer, I can haul my kids and their bikes to the campground and have miles of paved roads (and public restrooms) all to ourselves. I don't THINK we were even breaking any laws/rules by being there. Sure, we have to go early or we'll end up featured on the 5:00 news.

Went to Walmart for a 26" tire and tube for my bicycle, everything was cheap looking and pricy…read more Decided to hold off and went here. Ben's Bikes was nice place, very clean top notch specialty store with lots of bikes, parts and options. The owner found me the best match and best quality and was very helpful answering some questions I had regarding my bike. Cost was same or less than Walmarts where NOBODY EVER ASKS OR HELPS YOU and you end up getting the replacement equipment for the Walmart bikes, but not necessarily the correct parts for other brand bikes, like tires and tubes. My new tire is awesome and makes the other tire look bad now. The tube out of the bix was a much better quality, you could just tell. I'll be going back to Ben's Bikes to get another. Definitely my only place to go now for bicycle equipment, replacement, advice and maintenance.

Tucson we finally have a legit Aventon EB store that can follow up with maintenance and warranty…read morework if necessary. I bought an Aventon Pace 500.3 a while back online. It needed some servicing - they did the job competently and efficiently. Strongly recommend them and the bike. It has a left thumb speed control that even my friends with Cannondale and Specialized EBs envy. Nice for a boost when you start out across an intersection. I also bought a Giant FastRoad AR2 from them. GREAT all-around bike. Just changed out the handlebar grips and the pedals to be more like those on the Aventon and it is a superb bike you would never regret buying or riding.

Great public trail head for experienced hikers and mountain bikers. Been hiking on this trail for…read more7 years and counting! #KeepNatureNature

This is becoming one of my fave trailheads to come take a quick hike before or after work…read more Maintained by Pima County and close to the Marriott resort at Starr Pass, this trailhead has lots of parking and was recently repaved so it's in great shape. The trails in the area seem to be very popular with mountain bikers so just be aware when sharing the trail. All the bikers I have crossed paths with on the trail have been very safe and courteous, slowing down and thanking me when I step off the trail to let them by. Apparently, it's also designated for horses. You can start here and connect to longer hikes on Starr Pass trail and Yetman Trail, getting into the Tucson Mountain Park, but I really like the Rock Wren connector trail which makes a great couple mile loop. For several sections you are on an open, slightly elevated ridge with lovely wide open views and lots of beautiful cacti. From Rock Wren, once you get to a clear junction with a fairly beat up wooden sign, turn right to head back north/east on an unnamed section of trail that somewhat follows a telephone line and takes you past a small reservoir, onto a road that takes you back to the trailhead. If they are releasing water from the reservoir, it creates a very surprising flowing stream that you travel along on your way.

Took my rear wheel in to get the hub body changed out out of personal perference for a nice…read morefreewheel and more engagement. Dropped it off on a Friday during my lunch with the freehub of my choice and was told they would need to measure spokes and would go from there as far as how long it would take to finish. Called the following Thursday to see how it was going as I haven't been riding because I don't have a spare wheel and they hadn't even looked at it. Almost a full week... the following day they looked at it and had to order spokes which is fine but knowing it took almost a whole week to look at the wheel just to find out it'll take a few more days for spokes to come in sucked. (Meanwhile i have still been without a wheel this entire time and have been riding indoors but that's very different then being on the bike you want to ride!) it's now been two weeks since I initially dropped it off and still have not gotten a call about it being done. I had to go and call them once again to check on it, spokes came in the following Wednesday, called the next day and was told it's not done yet but I'll get a call when it is. It's now Friday evening two days after the spokes arrive and nothing... point being if you are interested in upgrading your bike and love having things done in a timely manner don't come here. They did however lend me a wheel to use in the meantime which is deserving of an extra star.. otherwise barely a 1 star. My main issues... 1- took almost a whole week to even look at the wheel I dropped off. (Just a wheel to measure spokes) 2- seems like there is no rush to get the item done and not considering how long the customer is out a main component on a bike they may love to ride. 3- no initiative to communicate. Had to call multiple times just to understand what point in the job my wheel was in.

Update Jan 2021 I ve…read morebeen looking for a mountain bike shoe that is just right. I think I found a pair of leather Shimanos. They fit my feet but will they go with the kind of pedal set up I have. I ll have to sit on the bike with the shoes on and connect to the pedals. I hope it's good. I m tired of hunting. Hank , the sales guy, was patient, measured my feet in the socks I wear. Thanks And they offer a military discount. All good. Later : Came home and tried the new shoes with My cage pedals. They fit right. Think I'm In the Clear. Later: When you have a Shimano Shoe that will accept step in clips, "but " you won't be using the clips , Shimano has a adapter called a clip cap. I didn't want to call the factory if they are in stock. So not in stock , but he will order for me. They don't have many riders that read the instructions and Warranty. I ll never use step in clips on the Mountain Bike. Just the Road bike. & I ll need new shoes for Road later this year. Another good reason to come back here. Inventory and Service. Thanks Hank!

First rule of the cave.. no pictures lol. Hence, no pictures are attached. They say it's because of…read moreaccidents reported from people not paying attention. Also, basically nothing is allowed in the cave. They had lockers that takes quarters but as far as I saw, no machine, you have to exchange with cash soooo prepare ahead. Leaving things in the car felt some what okay but not my favorite. I would appreciate if they had more security. They say they are not government funded so everything comes from public support. This was such a cool experience. You can tell the amount of work and detail they've put into the cave and preserving it. Truly different than other caves I've been to. There are two different parts of the cave you can choose from. If you can't do both my preference was the big room tour. I felt there was more to it, more things to see. Also, (sorry parents) perhaps the age limit made it more enjoyable too. Our tour guide Charles was INCREDIBLE. We did both tours back to back 0945 big room tour and 12 rotunda. Timing was perfect. Enough time to use the restroom and eat a snack. We brought our snacks, their cafe was closed. It would be an enjoyable experience to eat a packed lunch outside not sure if it's 100% allowed. Beginning of April was a GORGEOUS day. There's a McDonald about 12 min away. The big room tour is a man made/marked out, well paved easy walk/route. If you're worried about endurance or handiaccesible, it seems very accessible. The rotunda seemed a bit more incline but still well paved. You can wear white shoes and you wouldn't get dirty lol. I don't recommend open toes shoes/sandals because the Floor is very moist/wet. BOOK AHEAD. At least 2 weeks ahead to get the slots you want. If you're by yourself then a lot easier. It sells out quickly Restrooms were very clean and plentiful. As you wait for your tour guide before taking the tram to the cave there are another set of restrooms so that's appreciated. They want you to get there 30 min before. There really wasn't anything much to do ahead, it's just a simple check in. They have a mini museum that's nice to look around. You can get some good pictures outside prior or after the tour. Are both caves a must see, my bf says yes. I'm in between. If I would go back I would choose the big room tour again but that also has limited time opening due to the bats. As an AZ local or visiting this is a very enjoyable spot

As much as I love going underground and at this point have about 15 caves explored in AZ under my…read morebelt, I only finally made it to this one this weekend. Our caving group was having our winter conference here and it was really nice to use the visitor center's auditorium for our all day presentations. I learned about the invertebrates that live in caves, herpetology, bats and lots of other really fun topics about caves! Auditorium was very comfortable and all the IT worked great and the projector and acoustics were perfect. Seats also very comfortable. Later that day, some of us signed up for the headlamp tour of the Big Room that started at 5:30pm, which is only offered on Saturdays in the fall/winter. I was able to use my own headlamp and helmet. This tour is $50 and the price is higher than their regular tours, which is $30 for adults and all the lights in the cavern are on. The tour was good and I'm glad the proceeds of my ticket go to support this park. Phones aren't allowed into the cavern, so I took no pics. We also stayed in one of the 4 cabins on the campgrounds and it was fabulous. Cabin was super cozy and can sleep 6, one bed and two bunk beds. Cabins also come with a dining table, microwave and small fridge. Bathrooms right across from the cabin. Porch on the front and also a picnic table available. Fire pit also available. I had firewood but we could not make a fire because of rain. This was definitely glamping! And it was lovely. I would definitely do this again. Saw some fun turkeys too! A few things to note here, there is a Bat Cave Cafe on site open 11am - 2pm, however, it was difficult to get anything here as there was only one person working and a lot of us here. I brought my lunch from home. Night headlamp tour was fun but for $50, not sure how it differs from the day tours. But, do know that AZ state taxes don't go to supoort this park, so your tour ticket supports this park, so I can be OK with that. Its pretty amazing that two college students crawled their way thru a 10-12 inch sinkhole and then found this place! I am still in awe of this amazing discovery! And this is well before all the fancy equipment was available like lidar to help with uncovering new caves. And, once these guys, Tufts and Tenen found this cavern in 1974, they kept it a secret for awhile to protect against vandalism and damage. And in 1999, the cavern was open to the public. As someone who deeply loves caves, seeing this place was like one of the best sojourns for me! Im so glad I came to see this show cave! And please, let's all do our part to make sure caves are conserved so we can all enjoy them for a long time to come.