TUCSON, ARIZONA
MARCH 18-20, 2025
Presented by PeopleForBikes

CONNECT at BLC

The Bicycle Leadership Conference brings together the best and brightest bike industry leaders to connect and tackle some of the boldest ideas and challenges facing bicycling now and in the future. It’s not all sessions, panels, keynotes — it’s also networking, peer-to-peer engagement, business development, and more. PeopleForBikes organized world-class opportunities to meet face-to-face with your colleagues in a more casual setting.

**Check back often for more activities and events, and as we confirm locations and times.**
Sunrise Yoga
Location: Meet at Hotel Lobby Entrance
Time: 7:00 a.m. daily

Get zen each morning before the conference kicks off. This 30-minute, all levels welcome session to provide a moment of quiet and centering. Yoga mats are provided.
Group Hike
Location: Meet at Hotel Lobby Entrance
Time: 7:00 a.m. daily

Join us for a refreshing hike in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
Dawn Patrol road Bike Rides
Networking on two wheels
Sunrise is at 6:30 a.m. Temperatures during the conference will average between a low of 45 degrees and a high of 75. Riders are encouraged to wear layers, bring sunscreen, and drink plenty of water throughout their stay.
MONDAY, MARCH 17

‍‍Arrival/Guest Registration
‍
Suggested ride — Pontatoc + Entrada (23 miles)

‍Link to Route
TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Arrival/Guest Registration

Suggested ride —
The Loop to BGC (66 miles)

Link to Route
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
Campbell + Evans (21 miles)

Led by El Tour Tucson Prologue and USA Cycling

6:30 a.m. ride check, meet in front of the hotel
‍
6:35 a.m. departure
‍
Link to Route
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
Sabino + Bear (17 miles)

Led by El Tour Tucson Prologue and USA Cycling
‍
6:30 a.m. ride check, meet in front of the hotel
‍
6:35 a.m. departure

Link to Route

Please note: Groups no larger than 8 riders in the park, reduced speed (15 mph) strictly enforced.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Mount Lemmon (57 miles)
‍
6:30 a.m. ride check, meet in front of the hotel led by Cycling House
‍
6:35 a.m. departure

Link to Route

ADDITIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES

Honeybee Canyon
Monday, March 25 @ 2:00 p.m. | Friday, March 29 @ 9:00 a.m.

Trip Leader: Kirk Astroth, President, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists
‍Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
‍Pace: Casual and enjoyable
‍Length: 12-16 miles, approx. 2.5 hours

‍Description: This big loop traverses some awesome desert terrain northwest of Tucson at the eastern base of the Tortolita Mountains. Highlights include visits to at least two petroglyph (rock art) panels, remnants of ancient habitation sites, an agave roasting pit, bedrock grinding mortars, pottery sherds, and spectacular views of the Catalina Mountains.

‍Location: Meet at the Big Wash Trailhead off Rancho Vistoso Drive | Link to Trailhead No bathroom facilities or water at the trailhead.

‍Preparation: All riders should come prepared with sunscreen, adequate water, snacks, sunglasses, gloves, helmet, camera, and a mountain bike in good working order (tubeless tires highly recommended). No e-bikes allowed (sorry, land manager policy). Gravel bikes are not recommended for some parts of this trail.

‍Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

‍Register: Register here and use code PFBHoneybee1 (for March 25) or PFBHoneybee2 (for March 29).
Arizona Trail — Saguaro National Park
Friday, March 29 @ 8:30 a.m.

Trip Leader: Leif Abrell, Board Member, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)
‍Difficulty: Intermediate
‍Pace: Casual and enjoyable
‍Length: 16 miles, approx. 2.5 hours

‍Description: This loop goes through the Rincon Valley in Saguaro National Park on Passage 8 of the Arizona Trail, now commonly used for ultra bikepacking and thru-hiking. This is a popular mountain bike area east of Tucson near the rapidly expanding town of Vail, AZ. Much of this trail was built with volunteer help from SDMB and is quite flowy. Highlights include historic ranch sites in Saguaro National Park, fantastic views of Rincon Peak, and a fun, splashy crossing across Rincon Creek (moisture conditions dependent).

‍Location: Meet at Vail Vortex Trailhead Please Note: No bathroom facilities or water at the trailhead. On Trailforks, thisparking area is labeled as “Parking for Pistol Hill Trails.”

‍Preparation: Be prepared with sunscreen, adequate water, snacks, sunglasses,gloves, helmet, camera, and a mountain bike in good working order (tubeless tires highlyrecommended). No e-bikes allowed.

‍Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

‍Register: Register here and use code PFBAZT.
Sweetwater Preserve in the Tucson Mountains
‍Friday, March 29 @ 9:00 a.m.

Trip Leader: Kent Loganbill, SDMB Chair, Advocacy Committee, Sweetwater Steward, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

‍Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
‍Pace: Casual
‍Length: 11 miles, approx. 3 hours

‍Description: The Sweetwater Preserve is an 880+ acre preserve located in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains. Within a half mile of the preserve is the Saguaro National Park’s Tucson Mountain District. Sweetwater was ranked #4 in the nation by Singletracks.com.

‍Preparation: All riders should come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, adequate water (2-3 liters), snacks, gloves, helmet, and a MTB bike in good working order (tubeless tires highly recommended). No e-bikes allowed (land manager policy).

‍Location: 4001 N Tortolita Road, Tucson, Arizona 85745Link to Map‍

‍Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

‍Register: Register here and use code PFBSweetwater.
SDMB Classic
Tucson Mountain Park | Friday, March 29 @ 9:30 a.m.

Trip Leader: Natasha Ivanov, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)

‍Difficulty: Intermediate
Pace: Casual and enjoyable — no drop!
Length: 10 miles, approx. 2 hours 
‍
Description: This loop starts at Richard E. Genser trailhead, just before the Marriott Starr Pass Resort. This guided tour loops the best trails on the east side of Tucson Mountain Park. Be ready for the beauty of rocky outcroppings and towering saguaros. This will be an intermediate, no-drop ride at a nice leisurely pace. 

Preparation: Be prepared with sunscreen, adequate water (2-3 liters), snacks, sunglasses, gloves, helmet, camera, and a MTB bike in good working order (tubeless tires highly recommended). Tire repair supplies are also encouraged should we run into any cacti. No e-bikes allowed. 

Location: Meet at Richard E. Genser Trailhead. No bathroom facilities or water at the trailhead. Link to trail 
‍
Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

Register: Register here and use code PFBStarrPass
BLC Gravel Adventure led by Molly Cameron
Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19
6:30 a.m. ride check, meet in front of the hotel
6:35 a.m. departure  

Urban dirt and gravel (18 miles) | Link to Route
‍A rowdy, 18-mile loop featuring some of Tucson's best urban gravel riding.
Dawn Patrol Mountain Bike Rides | Sponsored by CrankTank and Pivot
Wednesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 20
6:00 a.m. departure — meet in front of the hotel followed by a shuttle to Fantasy Island (return by 8:30 a.m.)

Bikes are available from Pivot, must be reserved in advance.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 20 RIDERS EACH DAY — REGISTRATION MANDATORY

‍Register and request a shuttle seat here.
assault on mt. lemmon
supported by the Cycling House

ADDITIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES

6:30 a.m. ride check, meet in front of the hotel 
6:35 a.m. departure — Mount Lemmon (69 miles) | Link to Route ‍

‍Ride Information:The Cycling House Support Locations on Mount Lemmon
‍There are mile markers all the way up the mountain. The base of Mount Lemmon is mile 0.
‍
● Mile Marker 0: Support Station
● Mile Marker 11.5: Support Station
● Mile Marker 21.5: Support Station
This is the top of Catalina Hwy ~8100’ elevation
‍
Note: Riders may continue on to Summerhaven/Ski Valley. Our support team will remain at this point to assist all riders coming up.

What’s in The Cycling House Support Vehicle
‍● Ice water for bottle refills
● A variety of ride nutrition products from Skratch, Honey Stinger, Untapped, andmore
● Basic tools, a floor pump, tubes, and tires
● A cooler stocked with cold drinks (sparkling water, sodas, etc.)
● A special treat at mile marker 21.5

‍How to Get the Best Support
‍
Be Prepared:
‍● Bring your own flat repair kit, multitool, and any necessary clothing for saferiding up and down the mountain. 

Communication is Key:
● We will keep a count of riders on the mountain.
‍● If you’re riding at the very front or very back of the group, please let usknow so we can ensure everyone is covered.
‍● If you decide to turn back early, inform a fellow rider or one of our staff sowe know you’re safe. 

‍Weather Considerations:
● Check the forecast before the ride, but be prepared for temperatures to bemuch colder on the mountain than in the Tucson valley.

‍Support Contact Information
‍● Main Support Car: Owen Gue, Owner + President, The Cycling House | Phone: 406-370-7601
Honeybee Canyon
Monday, March 25 @ 2:00 p.m. | Friday, March 29 @ 9:00 a.m.

Trip Leader: Kirk Astroth, President, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists
‍Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
‍Pace: Casual and enjoyable
‍Length: 12-16 miles, approx. 2.5 hours

‍Description: This big loop traverses some awesome desert terrain northwest of Tucson at the eastern base of the Tortolita Mountains. Highlights include visits to at least two petroglyph (rock art) panels, remnants of ancient habitation sites, an agave roasting pit, bedrock grinding mortars, pottery sherds, and spectacular views of the Catalina Mountains.

‍Location: Meet at the Big Wash Trailhead off Rancho Vistoso Drive | Link to Trailhead No bathroom facilities or water at the trailhead.

‍Preparation: All riders should come prepared with sunscreen, adequate water, snacks, sunglasses, gloves, helmet, camera, and a mountain bike in good working order (tubeless tires highly recommended). No e-bikes allowed (sorry, land manager policy). Gravel bikes are not recommended for some parts of this trail.

‍Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

‍Register: Register here and use code PFBHoneybee1 (for March 25) or PFBHoneybee2 (for March 29).
Arizona Trail — Saguaro National Park
Friday, March 29 @ 8:30 a.m.

Trip Leader: Leif Abrell, Board Member, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)
‍Difficulty: Intermediate
‍Pace: Casual and enjoyable
‍Length: 16 miles, approx. 2.5 hours

‍Description: This loop goes through the Rincon Valley in Saguaro National Park on Passage 8 of the Arizona Trail, now commonly used for ultra bikepacking and thru-hiking. This is a popular mountain bike area east of Tucson near the rapidly expanding town of Vail, AZ. Much of this trail was built with volunteer help from SDMB and is quite flowy. Highlights include historic ranch sites in Saguaro National Park, fantastic views of Rincon Peak, and a fun, splashy crossing across Rincon Creek (moisture conditions dependent).

‍Location: Meet at Vail Vortex Trailhead Please Note: No bathroom facilities or water at the trailhead. On Trailforks, thisparking area is labeled as “Parking for Pistol Hill Trails.”

‍Preparation: Be prepared with sunscreen, adequate water, snacks, sunglasses,gloves, helmet, camera, and a mountain bike in good working order (tubeless tires highlyrecommended). No e-bikes allowed.

‍Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

‍Register: Register here and use code PFBAZT.
Sweetwater Preserve in the Tucson Mountains
‍Friday, March 29 @ 9:00 a.m.

Trip Leader: Kent Loganbill, SDMB Chair, Advocacy Committee, Sweetwater Steward, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

‍Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
‍Pace: Casual
‍Length: 11 miles, approx. 3 hours

‍Description: The Sweetwater Preserve is an 880+ acre preserve located in the eastern foothills of the Tucson Mountains. Within a half mile of the preserve is the Saguaro National Park’s Tucson Mountain District. Sweetwater was ranked #4 in the nation by Singletracks.com.

‍Preparation: All riders should come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses, adequate water (2-3 liters), snacks, gloves, helmet, and a MTB bike in good working order (tubeless tires highly recommended). No e-bikes allowed (land manager policy).

‍Location: 4001 N Tortolita Road, Tucson, Arizona 85745Link to Map‍

‍Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

‍Register: Register here and use code PFBSweetwater.
SDMB Classic
Tucson Mountain Park | Friday, March 29 @ 9:30 a.m.

Trip Leader: Natasha Ivanov, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)

‍Difficulty: Intermediate
Pace: Casual and enjoyable — no drop!
Length: 10 miles, approx. 2 hours 
‍
Description: This loop starts at Richard E. Genser trailhead, just before the Marriott Starr Pass Resort. This guided tour loops the best trails on the east side of Tucson Mountain Park. Be ready for the beauty of rocky outcroppings and towering saguaros. This will be an intermediate, no-drop ride at a nice leisurely pace. 

Preparation: Be prepared with sunscreen, adequate water (2-3 liters), snacks, sunglasses, gloves, helmet, camera, and a MTB bike in good working order (tubeless tires highly recommended). Tire repair supplies are also encouraged should we run into any cacti. No e-bikes allowed. 

Location: Meet at Richard E. Genser Trailhead. No bathroom facilities or water at the trailhead. Link to trail 
‍
Bonus: A free cactus comb for every rider.

Register: Register here and use code PFBStarrPass
Questions? Contact us at info@peopleforbikes.org | Visit us at peopleforbikes.org