Tour de Payson
Saturday, May 8, 2010

Sponsored by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
  with the assistance of:
  Hike, Bike & Run of Payson,
  the Town of Payson
  and the Rim Country Chamber of Commerce

The Tour de Payson Returns on Saturday, May 8

Download the official Tour de Payson Flyer and Registration Form - (.pdf)

What does Payson have in common with Paris-Roubaix, La Vuelta a Espana and Le Tour de France?

Well, within 50 miles of riding in Payson you can (1) cross a 1/4 mile dirt/cobbled section of road...twice, (2) ride a climb that will remind you of a Vuelta route in southern Spain and (3) ride enough challenging climbs and smell enough pines to think you are in the Alps of Le Tour. Take all that, and add in two shallow water crossings (yes, your tires will be 1" to 6" under water), possible elk sitings and views of the Mogollon Rim, and you have the new Tour de Payson.

We are back after a hiatus since 2005, and this year will be a "low cost, low key, come ride and see" preview-of-coming-attractions ride. We start late (8:30 am) so you can drive up from the Valley or elsewhere that morning, or sleep in and have coffee if you come "up the hill" the night before. Route options will be available from 5 to 50+ miles, but remember as you choose your version that the starting altitude is 5,200 ft and the course is, as Paul Sherwen would say, "lumpy". There is no required mass start, but we do hope to have several local guides available after the 8:00-8:30 am registration to lead an easy-paced warm-up circuit around town before the hill work begins.

This year's ride fee will be a mere $15 per rider to cover insurance, SAG costs and volunteer mileage expenses (no profit intended). Lunch/beverages will be optional and on your own (not included) after the ride at a reserved section on the patio of Macky's Grill (11:00-12:30) (SW corner of Beeline Hwy and Old Main Street). See their menu. So, drive up that morning and back by mid-afternoon, or make a weekend of it (plenty of hotel rooms available, and a list of Payson and Rim Country weekend activities and dining suggestions will be available at the ride).

• PMBC-logo Polar water bottles will be given to the first 50 pre-registered riders.
• Photos of the 2004 ride are posted in the Photo Galleries
• Payson area hotels/motels include the following: (visit www.rimcountrychamber.com for other options)
  Majestic Mountain Inn, 602 E Hwy 260, Payson, 1-800-408-2442
  Best Western Payson Inn, 801 N Beeline Hwy, Payson, 1-800-247-9477/928-474-3241
  Mazatzal Hotel & Casino, Mile Marker 251, Hwy 87, Payson, 1-800-777-7529

Please register by May 1 by filling out and returning the Registration/Release form.

WHEN

• Saturday, May 8, 2010.
• Registration / Check-in: 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
• Ride starts at 8:30 AM

WHERE

• Payson, Arizona
• Start/Finish: Macky's Grill, SW corner of Beeline Hwy & Main St. in Payson

REGISTRATION FEE

• PMBC/GABA/ABC or Payson Area: $15 per rider
• Other/non-Member fee: $20
• Late fee: Postmark/Reg after 5/1/2010 add $5

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:

• Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club

MAIL REGISTRATION/RELEASE FORM (.pdf) AND FEES TO:

• Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
  P.O. Box 26788
  Tempe, AZ 85285-6788
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information contact Bob Beane or call 480-861-7750.

PREVIEW PHOTOS OF THE UPCOMING RIDE

Macky's Grill Menu

• Click here to view Macky's Grill Lunch Menu.