Arizona

Arizona Road

Sunny winter road riding in the Tucson desert
Guest Reviews 38
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  • From $2350
  • Location Tucson, AZ
  • Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
  • Rider Level 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Escape winter and come ride in the desert sunshine of Tucson, Arizona.

Since 2005, Tucson camps have been the heart and soul of The Cycling House. The original concept remains intact: an all-inclusive cycling vacation with guided rides and freshly prepared meals in a relaxing setting. Your Tucson home-base is The Cycling House. It’s a great place to relax and recharge after logging miles on the bike. Six days of supported rides take you to some of Tucson’s classic spots – Mount Lemmon, Saguaro National Park and Gates Pass – as well as some surprising destinations. Refuel with healthy meals by our team and take advantage of the skills clinics, yoga, massages and multi-sport activities – if you feel like it. Just like summer camp, riders love coming back to Tucson year after year. Also, we’ve added some gravel camp dates to our upcoming Tucson trip lineup! You can check out our new Arizona Gravel Camp here.

Highlights

  • Five days of supported, guided rides to sunny Tucson’s best cycling destinations
  • All-inclusive camp covers accommodations, meals, ride support, and bike mechanics
  • Healthy, delicious meals
  • Multi-sport elements (optional): trail runs, outdoor lap swimming, yoga, core work, and triathlon-specific clinics
  • Skills discussions to learn – or reinforce – group riding, bike handling, cornering, and descending
  • Optional massages with an experienced sports massage therapist
  • Want more Tucson trip dates? Check out our Arizona Gravel Camps!

Food

Using locally sourced ingredients, we create clean and delicious meals to fuel your week of riding. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included. Each meal is inventive and diverse – often inspired by our chefs’ global travels – and focuses on lean proteins, leafy greens and root vegetables. We focus on food specifically for endurance athletes and accommodate all dietary preferences and restrictions.

Accommodations

The Cycling House is our original cycling vacation concept. Our home in Tucson offers the opportunity to relax and recover in a spacious setting with friends. Enjoy yoga on the patio, share stories during a hot tub soak, or finish a ride by jumping in the pool. This comfortable environment lends itself perfectly to nightly skills discussions over appetizers. Need a quick bike fix? Our garage’s workbench and collection of tools rival most bike shops. Our home has eight bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms and two yurts in the fenced backyard. Here is a short video house tour.

ITINERARY

Riders arrive in Tucson, and we’ll shuttle to The Cycling House home base. Our pro mechanics will get to work on fitting riders to rental bikes or building riders’ personal bikes. Enjoy a leisurely rolling lunch by our chefs, ready for you when you arrive.

We’ll get settled into the house, set up everyone’s bikes and go for an afternoon shakeout spin on mixed terrain.

Today’s ride:

We’ll shake out the travel legs with a 20-25 mile ride with ~1,000 feet of climbing from TCH.

After a leisurely breakfast, coffee and optional core and stretching session, we’ll head out on one of the greatest road cycling routes in the United States in Saguaro East National Park. Saguaro East and Pistol Hill is a classic Tucson ride with spectacular views, fun twisty turns and a solid climb in the middle. The highlight is Saguaro East National Monument, which boasts one of the largest population of Saguaro cactus in the world. Pistol Hill is a short climb at the end of the out and back that offers a great view of the Tucson valley and the Santa Rita mountain range.

Today’s ride:

Saguaro East National Park & Pistol Hill with distances ranging from 30-55+ miles with approximately 1,500-3,000 feet of climbing.

*This is a great day for riders to shorten or lengthen the route

Get ready to experience Mount Lemmon, the crown jewel of Tucson riding and one of the best climbs in North America. Many professional cyclists have made Tucson their winter home for the access to this iconic climb, which switchbacks its way up the Catalina mountain range, topping out at 8,000+ feet.

The ride starts with a 4-10-mile warm-up from The Cycling House en route to mile 0 of the 20.5-mile climb. Mile markers and elevation signs mark your progress, while the amazing views up to the high alpine forest help take your mind off the uphill challenge. You’ll ascend nearly 5,500 feet, climbing at a 5-8% grade over the 20.8 miles, finishing in the small ski town of Summerhaven.

The reward for your efforts is a fun descent on the impeccable pavement with sweeping turns. Mount Lemmon is a challenge for everyone, but it’s a very achievable goal with proper pacing, good fueling, and determination. We will finish by riding back to TCH.

Today’s ride:

Mount Lemmon!

35-57 miles with 4,000- 7,100 feet of climbing. The ride is an out-and-back; it’s easy to self-select how much you want to ride/climb.

After two big days, your legs might be ready for a recovery day. You are in luck! Tucson has more than 130 miles of bike paths called The Loop. We start from The Cycling House and ride surface streets for the first 10 miles before connecting with The Loop. The next 22 miles parallel dry riverbeds on pristine blacktop with minimal climbing. The total ride distance for our true recovery ride is 32 miles with 500 feet of climbing.  At mile 25, we’ll have an option to add on Gates Pass, a classic Tucson ride. We have plenty of flexibility on options to make this ride even longer. The main route is 42 miles, with 1,500 feet of climbing. Regardless of which route you choose, we’ll all finish up at El Mercado and have lunch at Seis Kitchen before shuttling back to The Cycling House.

After enjoying lunch at one of our favorite spots in Tucson.

Today’s ride:

Valley spin & Gates Pass: 32-42+ miles with 500-1,500 feet of elevation gain.

Parker Canyon is a staff favorite.  Today, we escape the Sonoran desert and head to the grasslands of Southern Arizona.  Did you know this part of Arizona grows grapes? That’s right, it’s Arizona wine country and the views won’t disappoint. We love wine, but beer seems to quench the thirst better after a good day in the saddle.  We will start and finish the ride at Copper Hop Brewery.

We’ll have a picnic lunch at the end of the ride before shuttling home.

Today’s ride:

Parker Canyon Lake: 32-50 miles with 3,000 – 4,000 feet of elevation gain

Shuttles will be running to the TUS airport all morning, and we’ll make sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Today’s Plan:

Checkout by 11 a.m.

For those who don’t have an early flight, there is an optional self-guided departure spin before check out.

DATES & PRICES

We'd love to help you plan a dream cycling trip for you and your riding crew.
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DETAILS

What's Included

• 5 nights/6 days accommodations
• Airport transfers to/from Tucson International Airport (TUS)
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Bike build and breakdown
• Professional trip guides
• Daily sag support
• Ride nutrition products
• Tools available to use in the garage
• High-quality ride photos

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Bike rentals
  • Gratuity for guides
  • Massage therapy
  • Mid-ride café stops
  • Personal shopping
  • Single room (limited availability, +$)
  • Want to view more Tucson trip dates? Check out our Arizona Gravel Camps! 

Optional Activities

  • Trail runs or hikes
  • Lap swim
  • Core/stretching sessions
  • Basic bike maintenance clinic
  • Descending and bike handling clinic
  • Nature walks

Questions?

Have more questions? View our FAQ page or call us at 406-312-5770.
SEE ALL FAQs

BIKE OPTIONS

RentBike_Icon Icon

Rent A Bike

Traveling through the airport with a bike—and paying for it to fly—is not everyone’s idea of a fun way to start a vacation. Fortunately, we offer high-quality, full carbon bikes on all of our trips across the United States and Europe. Want to just show up and ride? Just bring your shoes, pedals, helmet, and saddle (if you want), and rent one of ours.

Available this trip:
Cervelo Aspero 2021-Tucson Rental Bike
Cervelo Aspero Road/Gravel Bike
Manufacturer: Cervelo
Type: Gravel Bike
Cost: $300 / trip
Specialized Vado SL 4.0 E-Bike
Manufacturer: Specialized
Type: Gravel Bike
Cost: $300 / trip
BringOwn_Icon Icon

Bring Your Own

Your bike is yours—we get it. Bringing your own bike has obvious advantages in terms of individual comfort. Before your trip, we suggest getting a tune-up at your local bike shop so it’s ready to roll for your week of riding. Once you arrive, we’ll be sure to have our mechanics build it and help with any necessary tweaks. Check out some helpful resources here:

Shipping your bike

Flying with your bike.

SkipBike_Icon Icon

Skip The Bike

If you or your travel partner want to enjoy the trip and explore a new destination without a bike, drop us a line and we’ll discuss options. Some trips are better suited for non-rider participants than others.

TRIP TEAM

GUEST REVIEWS

Share your trip experience with others by leaving a review.

LEAVE A REVIEW
Ian O., Marlow, United Kingdom
February 19, 2023
It's a bit of a given that Tucson has great cycling, but the Cycling House experience takes it to a different level. The staff are superb, whether it's the top notch guiding for all levels, the incredible food or the House itself. Just don't play Owen at ping pong.
Kelly S., Black Mountain, NC
February 26, 2020
Really fun environment, House was terrific, staff is super! The chef did an amazing job. Food was creative, healthy and delicious. Good support throughout all the rides. Nice to be able to shed or put on clothes and have plenty of water and nutrition out there without stuffing pockets.
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Ian O., Marlow, United Kingdom
February 19, 2023
It's a bit of a given that Tucson has great cycling, but the Cycling House experience takes it to a different level. The staff are superb, whether it's the top notch guiding for all levels, the incredible food or the House itself. Just don't play Owen at ping pong.
Kelly S., Black Mountain, NC
February 26, 2020
Really fun environment, House was terrific, staff is super! The chef did an amazing job. Food was creative, healthy and delicious. Good support throughout all the rides. Nice to be able to shed or put on clothes and have plenty of water and nutrition out there without stuffing pockets.
Roger R., Black Mountain, NC
February 26, 2020
Loved the house and bedroom arrangements. Great location. Wonderful outdoor space. One of the main highlights is the meals prepared each day. The chef's meals were healthy and delicious each day. She was so friendly and engaging with all guests.
JJ H., Tucson, AZ
February 25, 2020
First time riding with the cycle house and there is nothing I would change. Great experience all around.
Jim S., Verona, WI
February 25, 2020
My wife and I had a very nice time! All of our expectations were met or exceeded, thank you for a very nice week of bicycling. Particularly how a meaningful riding experience was provided to all of the guests.
Jeff S., Eugene, OR
November 7, 2023
My wife and I have been participating in supported bicycle tours for over 20 years and have done every possible format. Cycling house is great because we got to stay in the same place with most rides directly from the "house". All of the staff were wonderful and we rented their bikes, which were excellent (they put my wife on a Moots!). We did Arizona mixed surface and the routes were superb. We loved the food and the house setup. We will be back for more trips with Cycling House.
Alistair M., Missoula, MT
March 6, 2023
I’d heard great things about CH trips and discovered they were all true (Arizona Road Feb ‘23). Highly recommend.
Katie M., Houston, TX
February 2, 2022
Awesome experience with the whole TCH crew. Owen, Sam, Steven, and Chloe were beyond wonderful and accommodating on every front. They made you feel like part of the family and that you had known them for years. Will be back to Tucson and hopefully their other adventure trips in the future.
Phil M., University City, MO
February 6, 2022
An overall outstanding experience. First off Owen and Sam are phenomenal biking guides as well as providing support on the SAG wagon during our triathlon camp. Steven's cooking ability is outstanding and is like having a personal chef with Michelen food value and working at whatever dietary restrictions or needs you need. They were flexible, knowledgeable, professional, and always prioritizing our needs and enjoyment over anything else. You want more fantastic experience check this company out. PING PONG REMATCH OWEN!!!
Yaniv J., Pompano Beach, FL
April 9, 2021
Look no further, book your next trip with The Cycling House, you won't regret it. This company is leaps and bounds above any company out there. From the time we got off the plane at Tucson, AZ. till we got back on, TCH has taken care of Everything! What separates them from the competition is the attention to details and efforts from everyone in providing you with the best Cycling vacation. Me and the rest of the group have really enjoyed it and are coming back next year for more.
Philip R., Bethesda, MD
February 28, 2020
"Awesome trip, with good weather too. This is my third time to Tucson so I know the ropes. It was a blast, nice weather a bonus."
Jim H., Chicago, IL
December 11, 2023
Just back from a week in Tucson, my fifth trip with TCH. What a great week! TCH is tops in customer service and quality, healthy food. While participants are serious about biking, there is room for people with a wide range of abilities and conditioning. The positive culture of TCH and its guides always makes an enjoyable trip. There has never been a jerk on any of my five trips, maybe because of the culture. Keep it up - I will be back!
Earl L., Bellevue, WA
November 20, 2023
The Cycling House review November 14-19, 2023. The adventures for me were riding with 16 other high-time bicyclers, riding the topography of the Tucson basin, and that amazing house. After a week as a guest in the house and out on the roads bicycling Tucson, I am happy I spent the week with them. The main reason I signed on was because they assured me that I would be safe because of my celiac disease. This is autoimmune digestion requiring no eating of gluten. Their assurances solidified when I was informed that one of their guides was celiac. Still on faith, I choose to go where strangers prepared all my meals for six days. I can assure you that only a serious chef, with serious meal plans and conscientious teammates could they have yielded such a complete success for me. The Cycling House, from my long experience, is probably the only celiac safe bicycling resort in the United States.
Victor C., Sharon, MA
November 22, 2021
The Cycling House is top notch. Owen, Brendan, and the rest of the crew are all incredible - impressive athletes, phenomenal hosts, and 100% focused on ensuring every single guests has a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a trip with these guys for any level of cyclist - they were all so welcoming and willing to bend over backwards to make sure everyone had fun and felt included.
Dave V., Hartland, WI
November 6, 2023
Love the Cycling House trips! I did the Tucson Gravel in the Spring and the Tucson Road in the fall, both were amazing. I'm really looking forward to Mallorca in the Spring. The routes are amazing and provide options for additional miles if you are feeling strong or short cuts if you need a bit of rest. The accommodations were first class. The guides, chefs and mechanics made the trip. It was really fun spending time getting to know all of the other riders. If you enjoy biking, I would highly recommend you try a cycling house trip.
Cathy E., West Newbury, MA
February 28, 2023
We were last minute participants. Corey was great! Answered all of my questions and gently persuaded us to join the trip! The process to sign up was smooth and all pre-trip materials were helpful. I’ve never gone on a fully supported adventure like this and I truly can’t say enough good things about your staff! I felt thoroughly spoiled all week-Everyone was so kind, thoughtful, patient, and upbeat. Ellen and Jacob were both fun, professional, and mature beyond their years- always ready to help with anything or share a story. James and Steven were also great- keeping bikes and nutrition in good order. Totally impressed with how well the crew worked together to give us the best possible experience.
Jennifer C., Indianapolis, IN
March 6, 2023
Staff is really special. I'm sure its not always easy finding people who work so well together but they are fun, upbeat, positive, helpful, encouraging and everything you could want in a staff who lives and works together. Kuddos Cycling House!
Lucca S., Missoula, MT
March 8, 2023
Everyone was so eager and willing to help. Loved it. Great attitudes by all and excellent experience overall. Thanks!
David F., Nyack, NY
March 8, 2023
Everyone is excellent. Each person has their own unique strengths. I didn't perceive any weaknesses. Most important is that everyone is very positive and good with all sorts of people. This is what really separates TCH. There are a lot of capable operators when it comes to choosing destinations and managing logistics. Certainly, TCH is superior in both areas. However, you really excel when it comes to creating a warm, family like atmosphere among staff and guests.
Bill M., Eagle River, AK
March 22, 2020
Almost everything was better than I expected (except my legs). I really can't think of any recommendations for improvements.
Carolyn O., Boise, ID
March 23, 2019
I 100% loved the experience. The hosts were great. The accommodations went above my expectations. We were very happy with the trip. Praise the food gods, I didn’t want to go home. I want a personal chef.
Celeste C., Sanbornton, NH
March 25, 2018
It was the most amazing week I have had in a long time. The staff were incredible and knowledgeable. The accommodations amazing. The food absolutely fantastic. And it was so much fun meeting and conversing with some interesting people. I already signed up for next February.
Tom L., Saint Louis, MO
April 2, 2019
The staff, the house & the food were all above my expectations.
John M., Missoula, MT
April 1, 2019
Amazing trip in every way! This was A+ service, from signup to drop off at the airport. The food was A+. I loved how healthy every meal was, yet beyond delicious. I think that you could change the name to The Eating House, with awesome rides included! Your guides were top notch. Nobody was left behind. The variety of the rides was nice too, exploring all different directions from the house. The accommodations were super. There is plenty of room to be by yourself if you desire, and great common spaces to mingle with the guests and hosts. Thanks again for putting this on - it's one of my favorite weeks of the year. I'm planning on Mallorca next year...
Josh A., Saint Louis, MO
April 4, 2019
Really a terrific week. Exceeded my expectations. The house, the food, the guides - all of it was top-notch. And a week with Mike Weiss. Really hard to beat.
Mike G., Irving, TX
April 18, 2019
Enjoyed everything about the trip. Great people, guides and food. Best food I have had in a long time!!!
Gary G., Seattle, WA
April 29, 2019
Great routes (Mt. Lemmon my favorite), fun companions, excellent food & ride support. Rental bike exceeded expectations! The food had superb choices & wonderful accommodation of vegetarian requests. I loved the thoughtful explanations of the food each evening. The Cycling House was very comfortable.
Natalie B., Cambridge, MA
June 3, 2019
I felt fully supported by the whole team of guides - I got what I wanted from my Spring Training Camp. Not only were they great ride leaders, the morning yoga and evening hikes were truly appreciated. The Chef really looked after me as a person who follows a vegan diet. He served up specially prepared amazing tasting food that he put a lot of thought and consideration into. I also love how connected TCH is to local food vendors. The routes were great again this year and it was a nice surprise to have a couple of changes on some familiar routes. The balance was also good - climbing Mt Lemmon then the flat lead-in to Gates Pass the next day felt good. I know this is weather dependent but I liked this balance this year.
Bill W., Sicklerville, NJ
May 7, 2019
Cycling House never disappoints. Owen and staff are second to none. The chef was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to his craft. Food couldn't have been better.
Tony W., Seattle, WA
March 2, 2018
The camp far exceeded my expectations. Kitchen, dining and lounge area was very comfortable. Bike room facilities (racks, bench with boxes underneath, etc.) were impressive. The massage room was a nice bonus. Didn't get to the pool or hot tub, but they looked great too.
Charlie B., Enola, PA
March 21, 2020
One of the best trips I have been on. The Cycling House staff were wonderful. Everything from the food to the cycling was taken care of, all I had to do is eat, ride and enjoy the company of the other riders and the guides. I can't wait until my next trip to The Cycling House. Being a "newer" cyclist I was a bit intimidated and challenged by some of the long climbs, the staff was great. The guides got me to the top of Kitt Peak and Mt. Lemmon. I shall remember my first time climbing these two iconic mountains when my climbing days are long over.
Kris K., Redwood City CA
March 20, 2020
Great as always....especially appreciate that the staff was super upbeat. The Chef was so great and it's also such fun that he shares the details of what he has cooked, ingredients, etc.
Dave D., Walnut Creek, CA
March 7, 2020
My first trip with The Cycling House. This was as fun and comfortable a winter cycling getaway as I could hope for. The house is absolutely awesome! Comfortable. Plenty of social space and private space. You do have to accept the fact that once you are at the house, you are at the house. Period. No place to walk to, explore. Time off the bike is down-time which I loved.
Aiden M., Helena, MT
March 6, 2020
Loved the Cycling House team, the experience and the rides! Very supportive group of riders! Everyone was great.
Brant G., Eagle River, AK
March 6, 2020
Awesome staff. The best out there! I've done over 15 trips with TCH and love the experience.
Katy R., Reno, NV
March 1, 2020
It was our perfect vacation!! Great riding, great food, great guides and we met great people! They were mindful of the different capabilites of each rider and accomodated each and every one of us!
Lisa B., Topsham, ME
February 29, 2020
The Cycling House team was amazing! They put their hear and souls into making sure their guests had everything they needed for an excellent experience.
Michael G., Auburn, ME
February 29, 2020
An absolutely terrific experience. Some of the best rides I have ever done. All were extremely professional and helpful.