Autumn 2025 Redemption Edition

“Fight for things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg

After nearly a year of absence, by popular demand, MILES PEDDLED (MP) has returned.

This edition will discuss a recent expedition lead by Master MP (MMP) at the world famous Tortolita Preserve Trail (TPT) in Marana, Arizona. Playlist suggestion: FIGHT THEPOWER by Public Enemy.

Before we get to the subject matter of this edition, an explanation regarding MP’s absence is in order.

As all the LOYAL SUBSCRIBERS (LS) of MP will recall, in the spectacular November 2024

Edition of MP, Management encouraged its LS to vote for Vice-President Kamala Harris for President. Unbelievably, VP Harris did not prevail. As a result, progressive institutions such as MP came under attack from the MAGA far right.

Unlike some other corporations (TESLA), other media outlets (CBS) and big law (Kirkland), MP did not bend a knee to the King Wannabe and his Department of Injustice. Rather, MP fought back. This took a significant amount of time and resources, hence the delayed publication of MP. In the end, like all true bullies, these attackers retreated. Playlist suggestion: GET UP, STAND UP by the immortal Bob Marley.

Now to some very good news. In September 2025 Wonder Woman (WW) and MMP’s

youngest son, The Nickster, married the intelligent and beautiful Bohdana. Many publications, including, but not limited to, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair, called the ceremony and reception the social event of the season. Google September 2025 Ukrainian Wedding in Chicago and watch a clip from a Facebook account which shows some of the spectacular Ukrainian dancing performed at the reception.

Now on to the subject matter of this edition: TORTURE AT THE TORTOLITA PRESERVE

TRAIL.

It was late June 2025 when 4 intrepid souls, led by MMP, ventured to the Tucson area for what should have been an hour and a half bike ride through the Tortolita Preserve. If all goes well, past editions of MP will be available to review online, this includes a very detailed description of the Tortolita Preserve Trail.

The other participants on this expedition were: The Chairman of the Board (COB); the Noble Irishman (NI); and a new LS to MP – the Lucky Leprechaun (LL). All riders were provided with the proper equipment (hardtail mountain bikes and MIPS rated helmets).

The first half of the journey was fun and mostly uneventful with only a couple of minor falls. It was on the Back 9 when all hell broke loose.

All riders were repeatedly cautioned to keep their speed down and that CONTROL was their friend. Notwithstanding, while coming out of a serpentine section of the trail on to a sandy wash LL, who was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, lost control, flew over the bike, and landed on a boulder. The initial diagnosis was overconfidence and foolishness resulting in multiple rib fractures. After being examined in the blue medical tent, LL was cleared to ride. Playlist suggestion: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE by Guns N’ Roses.

While LL was ready to ride, his bike was in no condition. Somehow the entire back wheel had flown off. Fortunately, MMP was able to repair the bike using zip ties, chewing gum and a lot of ingenuity. Nod to the Mad Viking(MV). Playlist suggestion: DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ by Journey.

Once LL had regained his composure and his ride had been repaired, the journey reconvened. Next came the scary part. After a brief water break, COB, who was wearing his 1980’s style Air Jordan baggy basketball shorts went to mount his steed only to catch the shorts on the seat which resulted in him Pinching a Private Part. To describe this incident as painful would be a tremendous understatement. COB went down and may even have blacked out for a few seconds.

Thank goodness NI was present and immediately provided medical attention, just short of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. COB survived but could not take part in the next day’s hike. Watch him closely and you can still see that he walks with a slight limp. Playlist suggestion: WALK WITH A LIMP by Lootenant (featuring Lil’ Flip and Kurupt).

Finally, the group exited the preserve and began the ride back to MP West Headquarters. It was at that time that NI realized that in the commotion he had lost his phone and wallet on the trail. It was one of those combo deals with your credit cards and cash stashed behind your phone much like an Italian beef and sausage sandwich combo.

At this time, MMP had to make an executive decision. Should all riders return to the trail to search for the combo; or should MMP go solo and keep these 3 yahoos off the trail? From what is described above I presume that the LS of MP can determine which answer is apparent. The combo was found and returned to its rightful owner. Playlist suggestion: BRING IT ON HOME by Led Zeppelin.

As previously noted, the ride should have taken an hour and a half, but with all the events described above the ride lasted slightly over 3 hours. Upon the return to the MP West Headquarters, a long soak in the hot springs was had. The next day’s hike was cancelled and replaced by a not too competitive Bag-O tournament. Playlist suggestion: THE CORNHOLE SONG by Rhett and Link.

Time for this Month’s trivia/quiz section. All questions will be about the Tucson area. The

answers will be in the postscript section.

1. There are 4 mountain ranges that surround Tucson. Which of the following is not one of the ranges? Santa Catalinas (Catalina) Mountains; Tortolita Mountains; Saguaro Mountains; Tucson Mountains; and the Rincon Mountains.

2. Tucson and the surrounding northern areas of Marana and Oro Valley have many different bike paths and lanes the most famous of which is the Chuck Huckelberry Loop (Loop). Approximately how many miles of paved pathways and bike lanes make up the Loop? 62, 86, 137, or 151.

3. What is the name of the famous bike race held in Tucson each year? Tour Old Pueblo; Biking the Saguaros; Tour De Tucson; or Bike Tucson.

4. The United Nations has recognized Tucson for this unique distinction? Historical Barrios; biking; food; or Home of the Western Headquarters of MP.

TEASE TIME:

If all goes well, or some people may think not so well, there will be a next edition of MP entitled: 2025 Holiday Gifting Guide. Delay your holiday shopping for the cycle enthusiast until you receive this definitive gifting guide.

Time to go but please remember: “First they came for the socialists, and I did not  speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionist, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak out for me.” ~ Pastor Martin Niemoller.

Always remember to fight for the rights of others because when those are taken yours will be next. Enjoy every moment of the fight and always remember to R, R & R!

POSTSCRIPT:

Answers to Trivia/Quiz Section:

1. Mountain ranges:

The mountain ranges that surround Tucson are the Rincon Mountains to the southeast; the Santa Catalina Mountains to the northeast; Tortolita Mountains to the northwest and the Tuscan Mountains to the west. All have Saguaro cacti but here is no mountain range named the Saguaro Mountains.

2. The Loop:

The Chuck Huckleberry Loop is approximately 137 miles of paved pathways that run through Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, and South Tucson. There are numerous parks, bike shops, restaurants, and bars along the trail. It is considered one of the best biking infrastructures in the world.

3. Bike Race:

Every year Tucson holds the Tour De Tucson. The 42nd annual cycling celebration will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, and will draw thousands of riders from all around the world. There are 3 basic routes, the 102-mile Century; the 62-mild Metric Century; and the 32-mile Metric Half Century.

4. Designation:

Since you are going to be doing all of this biking in Tucson you will need fuel, and Tucson is the place to do so. In 2015 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Tucson as a CITY OF GASTRONOMY. This designation recognizes Tucson’s rich culinary heritage, which is rooted in its Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican history which feature unique ingredients from the Sonoran Desert. Tucson was the first U.S. city to earn this distinctive designation.