Tortolitas: Honeybee & Ridgeline

One of my digital friends from Massachusetts was vacationing with his family in Tucson and reached out to go on a ride. As luck would have it, I was free on a holiday Monday and met up with Craig down in Oro Valley for a tour of the Honeybee & Tortolita trails. The main goal was to take him up on Ridgeline trail and make a loop out of it. The Honeybee trails were more of an access point, but you can ride a bunch of miles just getting to the Ridgeline goods.

We took off from the Big Wash trailhead and cruised the gentle uphill miles to the windmill signaling our split towards the Tortolita trails.

I always seem to get turned around here, missed a turn or two before figuring it out.

Next up was the rugged jeep road climb over the saddle linking the Honeybee trails to the Tortolita trails. Craig was feeling it and almost cleaned the entire thing, while I watched in hike-a-bike mode. My legs weren't firing on the steeper grades on this day.

The second windmill signaled our split towards the Ridgeline trail. Time to climb...again.

The views are spread out the higher you get, keep the pedals turning.

Craig at the main vista. What a view!!

King of the World!! At least that's what it feels like up here.

There's a bit more contoured trail before the rapid decent to Wild Burro trail.

A masterful build. For mountain bikers, by mountain bikers.

Yep, we get to ride ALL the way down there!!

Wild Burro puts the cap on a great looping option.

These trails really have that 'out there' feel. Photo by Craig.

Mt. Lemmon peeking through before we bomb back down the rugged jeep road from earlier in the day.

We had time, so I added in a loop through the Badlands. Craig, soaking up the southwest sun.

Lots of boulders on this section, makes for fun trail routing. Photo by Craig.

The morning was getting long, time to head back. The Santa Catalina Mtns. provide a towering backdrop.

I had one Pliny left in my stash, might as well share it with a fellow east coaster!!

So glad I made the trip south to show Craig around, he's a strong rider and hopefully someday can repay the tour guide duties in Massachusettes. Great riding, amigo, glad the timing worked out.

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