Tuscon, AZ to Grand Canyon May or June?

[andyofutah]

I'm looking for some info about Arizona in May or June?  I need to be in Tucson for meetings from May 24 - June 4.  I live in Salt Lake, and I'm planning to either bike down there in May and take the bus back, or bus down and bike back in June.  So I guess there are two questions -

1) Anyone have good route info that would connect the "Grand Canyon" route map in Tempe to Tucson?

2) Anyone have recommendations about timing?  Would it be better to travel in May or June?

Thanks for the info!
Peace,
Andy

[litespeed]

I know you can ride the shoulders of Interstate 8 but not (very heavily trafficked) Interstate 10. Interstate 10 has good parallel roads but going east to 79 and through Florence would probably be a lot more scenic and peaceful.
Bicycling in May would run a higher risk of getting caught in snow and cold at higher altitudes and June would be hotter. It's a matter of what worries you most.

This message was edited by litespeed on 2-4-07 @ 6:48 AM

[RadarNav]

Last year the Tucson bicycle club held a ride from the Grand Canyon to Tuscon.  Route left the Grand Canyon South Rim on Az-84 to US-89 south to Flagstaff.  Alt US-89 out of Flagstaff (south) to Sedona, then Az-179 to Az-260 at Camp Verde.  Followed Az-260 across to Show Low then US-60 to Globe, then AZ-77 to Tucson.  This route is all mountains.  Can shave some time by getting off this Route at Payson and taking Az-188 to Globe.  Note avgerage elevation is 6,000 feet.

[Jackalope]

Northern AZ is starting to warm up but it's alot of back and forth.  I think you'll be fine.  I'd ride it in either.  Lower elevations will be hot, once you get up to 5-6000 you'll be pretty comfortable I'd imagine.  I live in Flagstaff, so if you need anything, shoot me an email Headication@hotmail.com