Spend Memorial Day riding in the cool mountains of Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico. (At the very least, it should be cooler than last year). The great Luna Lake Tour GABA-Tucson has been offering for years is back. The only change is a necessary cost of living increase. Please send in registrations ASAP, to assist us in preparing for a well-supported ride out in the sticks. The two towns we will be staying in don’t have supermarkets. The same last minute rule applies: you MUST contact me NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 AT 10 PM to participate.

Fees include camping and showers, baggage transport and two great SAG stops days one and two with a third thrown in day three. Lunch will be provided at the second SAG stop all three days. A do-it-yourself breakfast buffet in Quemado is included. There are two optional catered dinners and a catered breakfast available and must be pre-paid. The first night Quemado, a lasagna dinner will be held at the school, put on by and benefiting the 4-H club. In Reserve, the Elk Country Cafe will host an all-you-can-eat pork rib barbecue (with vegetarian option) Sunday night. Monday, they offer breakfast.

Day one: Check in at the Safeway parking lot in Springerville from 8 to 9AM. You ride 48 miles east on rolling hills to Quemado, New Mexico. Appropriately, lunch will be served right before a cyclist’s dessert, an eight mile descent into Quemado. Camping and showers at Quemado school. The gym is available for playing basketball and other fun things.

Day two: Ride on an extremely lightly traveled road through the Gallo Mountains from Quemado to Reserve, New Mexico. The first SAG is 22 miles at a rest stop at the top of the hill. Then come thrilling descents to Apache Corners for lunch. The normal route is to head straight to Reserve. Camping and showers on the grounds of the Village Motel.

*Note* If 55 miles isn’t enough, there’s an optional side trip to the Continental Divide, which adds 32 miles. The SAG closes at 2:30 PM sharp. If you want to return before closing time, try to leave no later than noon. You’re on your own at the store after that. The sweep driver must stay out until the last rider reaches Reserve. Please consider this if you’re thinking about leaving the SAG at an especially late time.

Day three: the challenge. (Slower riders, please depart early). Much of the ride overlaps day two of the Blue Loop and includes the most major of the climbs (2 and 1/2). The first SAG is at Luna Summit, lunch is served at the Arizona/New Mexico State Line. A third SAG will be set up for emergency refueling and rehydration. 62 miles later, you find yourself in Springerville. After getting your car at Safeway, get your gear at the Rode Inn. Two rooms have been reserved for showers. You’ll feel so much happier driving home clean!