They did it again. They managed to merge cycling with culture, food, dance, art and just about anything a community has to offer into a short ride.
This time it was from north to south. Beginning in the Barrio Viejo neighborhood and leading participants to it’s terminus at 29th Street (or so). Along the way we got to sample food, dance and exercise with folks, try our hand at mounting our bikes on a SunTran bus bike rack. All the while surrounded by music.
The brainchild of several community organizations, this ride isn’t about the bikes–you can walk it if you like. It is about the people, experiences, food and music you encounter along the 4 or 5 miles of the “course.”
Think street fair and bike tour merging and coexisting.
This is my second year of doing this ride. This time my cycling buddy and retired nurse, Patty, joined me. Or shall I say i joined her. Whenever she felt moved to, she danced, sang and sampled the food. Her energy allowed me to shed my inhibitions and enjoy the day.
One of the key things was at the end of the circuit. A team of three muralist were putting together series of images on a corner building. I asked one of them (this was around 10am) when they would be finished. I was surprised when he replied: “…later on today, in a few hours.” I came back two days later to see the finished mural!
This used to be a twice-yearly event (spring and fall), but now is only help in October. It is still a real expose of the culture that is Tucson. Even if it is less than 10 miles round trip, it is worth the time and effort.
Besides, it’s not about the bike.
Relentless
