Driving home by way of Gates Pass, (my favorite cut through the Tucson Mountains,) I saw an unusual vehicle way down below me.
What I saw first was its crown of bicycles. I had no idea until this afternoon that one van could transport so many bicycles.
There's a pull-off and parking lot at the foot of the pass, and I reached it just in time to snap a couple of shots before the van moved on.
Chris Morrissey is the Tour Leader for Sojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations. (I hope he reads this blog and comments, because I didn't find out which of the two is Chris, or what the name of the other fellow is.)
The business card says "Charlotte, Vermont." That's quite a hike from Tucson. Ever inquisitive, I looked them up on Google to find out more.
What I found is extraordinary. Watching a video on Sojourn's website, I was sure I recognized the dining room of Rancho De La Osa, a place my Darlin' and I have visited down by the border with Mexico. Sure enough! Here's some of what you'll read on the site:
"Pull on a pair of cowboy boots at historic Rancho de La Osa, a Sojourn exclusive. This remote guest ranch has served as a getaway for politicians and movie stars such as Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, John Wayne, Lyndon Johnson, and author Zane Grey. Your bicycle will be an afterthought as wrangler-led horseback rides provide a different perspective of the unique southwestern landscape. Join a guided hike and bird watch or relax in the pool and hot tub. Kick up your heels in the Rancho's Cantina that evening while two-stepping with wranglers."
If that doesn't get you in the mood for your next vacation, check your pulse.
There's more than one way to vacation in Arizona!
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I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, AZ Mortgage lender.
Think of me as your Tucson mortgage expert.
Call me if I can help you with a purchase or refi mortgage;
(520) 349-9090
photos by Mike in Tucson; Rancho de la Osa dining room courtesy Sojourn Bicycling & Active Vacations
EDIT: Comment #3 was made by Sojourn's duo, Chris Morrissey & Simon Burrows, and the driver waving at us is Simon Burrows. Thanks, Simon.
