Description
I came to Tucson, Arizona to take part in something called the T.O.T. (Trikes Optional Tour)—a laid-back cycling event bringing together recumbent riders from all over.
Originally started as “Trikes Only Tour,” this event has grown into a unique community of riders exploring some of the best cycling routes in North America. For Tucson, that means riding the famous loop trail around the city—nearly 93km (58 miles) of desert scenery, bike paths, and wide-open views.
I decided to go all in and ride the entire loop in one day… but things didn’t go exactly as planned.
A slow leak in my rear tire turned into a full-on struggle mid-ride, forcing me to limp my way to a bike shop and lose hours of time. But that’s part of cycling—you never really know how the day will unfold.
From giant cacti and roadrunners to unexpected conversations and desert heat, this ride ended up being one of those classic days on the road: tough, unpredictable, and totally worth it.
If you’re into recumbent cycling, long-distance riding, or just want to see what a cycling event like this looks like—this one’s for you.
🚴 Ride by AZUB: https://azub.eu @azubrecumbent
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🚴 Ride by AZUB:
https://azub.eu @azubrecumbent
01:00 What is T.O.T. (Trikes Optional Tour)?
02:30 Plan: Full Tucson Loop (50+ miles)
04:00 Rolling out – early ride thoughts
07:00 Desert path + first impressions
09:00 Wildlife encounters (roadrunner)
10:30 Cactus… bad idea 😅
12:00 Problem begins – slow leak
14:30 Struggling to reach bike shop
16:00 Bike shop repair + delays
18:30 Back on the road
20:30 Desert cruising + reflections
22:00 Strange encounters + thoughts on safety
23:30 Wind, speed, and momentum returns
25:00 Final stretch – fatigue sets in
28:00 Countdown mindset (mental game)
30:30 Ride finish + reflections
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