Bicycling in Sun City

Discussion in 'Sun City Phoenix (Original), West & Grand - Arizon' started by Mullet, Oct 26, 2015.

  1. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    I'm itching to get back on the bike again and would be curious to hear from experienced Sun City cyclists. Best streets to ride, routes, etc. I believe we have some experienced cyclists who participate in the forum and there are also new residents or soon to be residents that may have the same questions. Maybe routes within Sun City? Best routes to the New River Trail? I know there is an organized group but I need to get back into shape before group participation is in order. TIA
     
  2. fixj

    fixj Active Member

    Plenty of places to access the New River Trail, from Greenway to Beardsley. Suggest getting a bike trail map at a bike shop. Greater detail than a street map.
    Cycling on the wide almost deserted streets of SC can be challenging. I was pushed to the curb this morning by a white mini van who made a right turn directly in front of me. This was one mile from an intersection where a truck didn't stop for a stop sign. They don't see you or don't care.
    I try to use the trail system as much as possible. The New River Trail leads to the Arizona trail. Unlimited miles out there for cycling. Be safe. Wear a helmet.
     
  3. pegmih

    pegmih Well-Known Member

    The Sun City Visitor Center has a brochure about bike routes.
     
  4. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    I did go riding after my initial post yesterday. I live in south phase two and found Cameo to 103rd/Greenway good for accessing the trail. Having done a fair amount of urban riding in the past, I always assume vehicles do not see me and would never ride without a helmet. Good tips. It was interesting how many people I saw riding due to being off the major streets. Thanks for the advice on maps.
     
  5. fixj

    fixj Active Member

    Cycling is a great activity for seniors. There is now a wide range of bikes will that fit anyone's needs, from recumbents to carbon road bikes. No baskets on my bikes but I regularly run multiple errands on a bike. I ride every day in AZ and 5 days a week in WA. MC canal trail system is excellent.

    My oldest son has logged 30,000 miles just commuting to and from work in downtown Seattle since graduating UW.
     
  6. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    Three days back on the bike. Feeling it but loving it. Man dud that Fairway pool and spa feel good after today's ride! :biggrin-new:
     
  7. fixj

    fixj Active Member

    Mick, road bike, mtb or hybrid?
     
  8. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    I have both cyclo-cross and mtb.The cross is set up more like a road/light touring. I've got very little time on the mtb but it's in my plans. I don't have your experience but I really enjoy it. Especially when I'm in riding shape. What about you? Road? Other?
     
  9. fixj

    fixj Active Member

    At this point in my life I ride hybrids. Some hybrids today are road bikes with a flat bar. Cannondale, Trek, Specialized all make light weight high end component bikes that perform well but are more comfortable.
    I am not all that experienced. Got back into cycling about 5 years ago.
     
  10. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    We'll have to get together and ride sometime. You have to promise to take it easy on me.
     
  11. pegmih

    pegmih Well-Known Member

    I think I will just go to one of the fitness centers in Sun City and ride a stationery (sp?) bike.
    No worries about traffic and I can read a book while pedaling.
     
  12. fixj

    fixj Active Member

    Mick,
    Heading back to Seattle. We be back in SC later in Nov. we can go out and hit the canal trails.
    Jim
     
  13. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    Sounds good, Jim. That will give me some time to get into shape. Safe travels.
     
  14. Mullet

    Mullet Member

    That's one way to do it, Peg. I prefer the variety that comes with actual riding.
     
  15. JohnE1954

    JohnE1954 New Member

    Hi group. I just joined and found this post. I like to ride to the east end of Greenway by the water tanks and pick up the New River Trail. You can ride north to the end at Deer Valley or go south down to Olive. You can also cross the New River at Thunderbird to Rio Vista Park where you can pick up the Skunk Creek Trail and the AZ Canal Trial which takes you all the way across town.

    Also, I just got my bikes tuned up by a company called Beeline Bikes which has a mobile service. They came to my house by appt and the work was done on the van which is equipped with all the parts and tools needed. I was very satisfied with the service. Tune up special right now is $60 total. Look them up at 307 Temporary Redirect for details.

    I also found a Meetup group called West Valley Bikers. They do 15 to 20 miles rides once or twice a week. Go to Find your people - Meetup and search for West Valley Bikers.

    And finally the Performance Bike store on Thunderbird and 82nd has rides every weekend.

    Hope this helps and see you on the road.
     
  16. fixj

    fixj Active Member

    John,

    you found a great way to access the New River Trail, and the entire Phoenix trail system.

    the number of cyclists in SC has increased substantially in the past few years and the group rides are gaining members. One group ride blew the 4 way stop on Boswell recently, there must have been two dozen cyclists, all levels.....

    SW Bikes on Bell near Target is a very good bike store, mostly Trek. Very good "wrenches"
    Beeline sounds like a good option for service and repairs. I tend to do my own as I own too many bikes and enjoy working on them.

    Be careful out there .....not everyone driving in SC is used to sharing the road with cyclists.

    I am envious of your weather today.....I am waiting out wind and mid 40s for today's ride....
     

Share This Page