Epic Desert Adventure: Cycling To and Through Picacho Peak

From Late Breakfasts to Starry Nights – Our Unforgettable Journey

Picture this: we’re huddled in a cozy tent at Picacho Peak State Park, just 40 miles north of Tucson. The rugged desert mountains frame our view, while city lights twinkle in the distance. After a grueling day of cycling, we’ve just devoured our well-earned feast of cookie dough and peanut butter METRX Big 100 bars. The park’s facilities are top-notch, offering flush toilets and warm, private showers. Despite the cool 50-degree weather and a minor cactus mishap, with me stepping on a cactus and being impaled by hundreds of thorns, the magic of this place is undeniable.

Our day began in Mesa, Arizona, at Kimba’s townhome. We slept in until noon, then fueled up with coffee and a hearty breakfast at Mimi’s Café—a special spot where my old computer game developer friend and I would meet to discuss, set and commit to our ambitious future goals. This incredible bike journey to Panama, which Jon and I are now embarking on, was one of my biggest goals to date.

With a belly full of a Southwest omelet, country potatoes, and a carrot raisin muffin, we packed up at Kimba’s and hit the road. We pushed south through Mesa and Chandler, heading through the Gila River Indian Reservation towards Coolidge along Highway 87. As we pedaled across the Reservation, the vast, arid expanse stretched out endlessly, punctuated by scattered cacti and mesquite trees. The stark beauty of the desert landscape, with its rugged terrain and distant mountains, provided a serene backdrop to our journey.

Leaving late in the day, we soon found ourselves racing against the setting sun, only to be embraced by the tranquil beauty of the night. The sky was crystal clear, revealing constellations in their full glory. We even spotted a fox! The ride was peaceful and meditative, the quiet road and wide shoulder providing a perfect start to our grand adventure.

We arrived in Coolidge, a small, charming Arizona town with a rich agricultural history, founded in the 1920s during the construction of the Coolidge Dam, which transformed the area into a thriving farming community. Visitors are greeted by a blend of classic Southwestern architecture and modern amenities, surrounded by expansive fields and scenic desert vistas. The town exudes a laid-back, friendly atmosphere with local diners, historic landmarks, and a close-knit community feel.

Coolidge welcomed us with a fun pit stop at Sonic. We tuned into Sonic Radio, and after some playful back-and-forth with the manager, we got our song request in. “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel, which had been my mental soundtrack all day riding across the endless desert, played just for us, along with a shoutout from the D.J. for our Hero’s Quest adventure!

Around 10 p.m., we resumed our ride, the serene beauty of the night enveloping us. The moon’s glow lit our path, making our lights unnecessary. We followed the frontage road along I-10, bypassing an expensive, noisy campground near a prison. Instead, we rode another 12 miles to Picacho Peak State Park. For just $2 per cyclist, we found a stunning spot with excellent facilities, earning our rest after climbing a tough hill.

We covered over 70 intense miles today and are ready for a well-deserved sleep. Tomorrow, we aim for Tucson to stay with firefighters and meet Matt from the 100 Club of Arizona. It’s 3:33 a.m.; an interesting side note, the sight of angel number 333 is a spiritual affirmation that our bike ride is more than just a physical journey—it is a profound adventure of personal growth, balance, and alignment with deeper self and life purpose.

It’s time to recharge for the next leg of our epic journey!