Madera Canyon is located in the heart of the Santa Rita Mountains, the southernmost and furthest range surrounding Tucson and is part of the Coronado National Forest. The elevation is over 5000 ft and the area is famous for bird watching, boasting over 300 species of birds.

Tom, Marlene, and Greg are getting ready to ride.  Tom and Marlene are riding a bicycle from Bike Friday, and Greg and Karen will ride on a KHS tandem.  Each of the couples is hauling about 50 pounds of equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, cookware, and stoves.  Greg brought an especially awesome wood burning stove along, the Sierra Zip.

Here's a nice shot of Tom and Marlene.  Their trailer is actually the suitcase that holds their bicycle for when they travel.

And here are Greg and Karen.  They are hauling a Burley trailer.  Poor Karen looks like she has never ridden a bicycle before.

This is a favorite rest stop for the group, it's on the way to Madera Canyon, at the corner of Sahuarita and Old Nogales Hwy.  It is known for its excellent selection of Beef Jerky treats.  

Below are Karen, Greg, and Marlene in the little campsite at Madera Canyon.  All the regular sites were taken, but we were lucky enough to find this "extra" one.  It was really a nice spot, even though it looks like a bit of a Shanty Town in this shot. 

We pitched the tents in the shade of some mesquite trees.  To get a better view of the whole campsite, please click here for a big picture.

Tom:  Get up, guys, it's time to get to work
Greg, Karen, Marlene:  Not yet...

After a lovely dinner and a great night's sleep, we were ready to hit the road and return to Tucson. Pushing our bikes out of the park didn't pose too much of a problem....

Although our feet did get a little wet once or twice.   ;-)

Here is a great shot of Tom and Marlene as we headed back home.  Look at the determination on their happy faces!  Here is a larger shot so that you can see more of the scenery.  Thanks for joining us on our trip.