5 AM Crew, Riding High
5 AM CREW: Aaron, David, Lance, and Tim. We are dubbed the “5 AM Crew” because we are training for a mountain bike race this October, and during the hot summer in Arizona the only time to ride is in the cool of the early morning.
We usually go out twice a week, early in the morning before work at Summit Hut. Rides generally last about an hour, which gives us time to go home, shower, grab breakfast, and head to work. Our two favorite places to ride in Tucson are Starr Pass and Fantasy Island. Starr Pass is a natural trail system in the Tucson Mountain Park, west of downtown. Fantasy Island is a man-made playground for knobby-tire enthusiasts located on the far east side of Tucson.
The best part of an early morning ride is watching the sunrise as we start up the trail. Usually we stop several times to take pictures, or just enjoy the view. Last Sunday three of us (Dave had to work) went to the mountains just south of Tucson to ride along the Arizona Trail. The ride was longer than usual – but then again we didn’t have to work that day! Also accompanying us on the Santa Rita bike trip was my friend Kelly.
If you are interested, go the the Santa Rita bike trip photo gallery. Highlights from that ride include getting lost (Tim’s fault), AJ taking a slow-motion head-first plunge, beautiful scenery along the AZ Trail, and the after-ride hangout session at Kelly and his girlfriend Elaine’s house at Singing Valley Ranch (3rd dog kennel on the right).
The 5 AM Crew is training for the 24 Hour mountain bike race in the McDowell Mountains northeast of Phoenix, Arizona. We are proud to be sponsored by Merrell Footwear!
Please stay tuned to fautrever.com for updates, pictures, and maybe even some 24 Hour race propaganda…If you live in Tucson and like to ride mountain bikes, see you on the trail!
