We want to say thank you to all the selfless trail workers out there and put the tools down for a weekend and enjoy the camaraderie that this sport provides. Mtber owned Risky Business Restaurant will be opening their doors to us and we'll be showing some pretty cool MTB videos with the lead into the movies being the one and only "RAD", so get there early if you wanna relive your childhood! Speaking of Rad, we'll be unveiling our new TORCA T-shirt that night as well. This is a collaboration with Trail Print who brought you the Pro Women's Enduro Racer Stephanie McDaniel "Ride like a girl" T-shirt. We love her so!!

This movie night is free to any one who participated in a TORCA work event. We'll be providing Pizza and 2 Beer tickets for those folks that participated in TORCA work days this year. For all others, Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. In addition to all this radness, we'll be tapping a keg of MotoSonora Brewing "Victory or Death" so come be one of the first people to taste this IPA from award winning master brewer Tomme Arthur. Movie starts at 7:00pm and doors open at 6pm so come early and grab a seat! Tickets available at the door.

It's a great time to be a mountain biker in Tucson! TORCA is super busy working on Red Ridge and getting the ball rolling with the Comprehensive Trail plan for the Coronado National Forest. All these projects will take a lot of muscle, so we are excited to roll out our new and improved trail work incentive program. We have some amazing partners who believe in and support our trail work efforts. We recognize that people are busy and sometimes there needs to be a little nudge to get people to show up to dig days, so we are giving you three "nudges"! And we're making it even easier to earn some rad equipment from our sponsors including EVOC Packs, FiveTen Shoes, and Troy Lee Designs.

Here's how the program works. We added two more tiers for those really dedicated folks to stay motivated to come out and participate even more. Make sure you read through to the bottom as earning your awards are easier than you think. Show up for 5 work days and you'll receive a trail builder pack or Enduro Pack from EVOC packs. For those hard chargers that already earned the pack, Tier two will be for those that do five more days, we'll throw you a pair of Five Ten Freerider shoes ( $100 Value). Don't ride flats? We'll apply the value of the Freeriders to a pair of clipless shoes. Then if you get hooked on giving back to the community and throwing dirt in the woods and do 5 more, we'll throw you a Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS Brain Bucket! People are always asking for the hook up, well there ya have it. Trailwork and volunteerism pays off! We look forward to being bankrupted from people earning all three tiers. We dare you!

BUT IT DOESN"T STOP THERE!! Like we said, we're going to make it even easier to earn that sweet gear. We're going to give you an opportunity to refer a friend. If you bring a friend to throw dirt, we'll count that as a work day towards your awards. The only qualifier is they have to have not been to a work day before and they can only be counted once. EXAMPLE. Show up to 2 work days and bring 1 UNIQUE guest each time, that counts as 4 days towards your award. So tell a MTB friend to get involved and as Pedro says watch "your wildest dreams come true". We look forward to awarding tons of gear and in the process making Tucson the best place to ride anywhere. Work Days are scheduled so which ones will you be coming to and who will you be bringing? Please forward any questions regarding the program to vernieaikins@gmail.com.

Work Day Schedule

August 11th Rad Ridge

September 8th Aspen Draw

October 5th Bug Springs

November 2nd AZT

What can we say, but WOW, this weekend was one for the history books! We always say #itttakesavillage and the village show up in force  this weekend! Thank you so much to the 37 volunteers who took the #onedaypledge to give back to thier local trails. This is our biggest turnout for a trail day in TORCA history! It was definitely not an easy day. It was a hot and steep 3 "short" miles descending and ascending 2,000 feet of elevation and people worked hard but it was an awesome day!!

We also had the pleasure of giving back to the volunteers who have consistenty given back. Four people completed 5 trail days so far this year and were awarded their QARV Imports

EVOC Trailbuilder pack. We also gave away a EVOC tailgate pad and Scott double dipped, getting both his pack and a set of tires from last Red Ridge trail day. We know you're taking time to give back and we want to reconize that.

Already have a pack? Stay tuned, we're expanded on our trail worker incentive program. TORCA is committed to restoring and rehabilitating the trails on Mt. Lemmon. With turnouts like these, the process will go exponentially faster, further proving to the Forest Service the value we bring when it comes time to expand the current trail network. Can't build an addition to the old house, if the old house isn't up to snuff. We'll be at it again next month.

So check out our "Events" page to plan your next adventure. Again thank you for this weekend, let build on it. Can we get 40 next month?#becausetrailsdontfixthemselves #torcaneversleeps #nodignoride #bethechange

This months trail day will be on the infamous Red Ridge AKA "Rad" Ridge trail. We will be hiking in a couple miles to begin the work which is were we left off last time. Be prepared for a roughly 4-5 mile day of hiking and working. TORCA will provide the tools and after work bevies.
You just need to bring:
-work gloves
-water and snacks
-eye protection
-long pants and work boots

One lucky participant will walk away with a tailgate pad from Evoc Packs, and MotoSonora Brewing Company has donated some rad shirts for volunteers!

Meet at Red Ridge Trailhead at 9am. See you soon!

****************************************************CALL TO ACTION*******************************************

We mentioned that we had some big news last week, so here it is! Last week marked the start of a new era. A new legacy if you will. TORCA Directors met with the Coronado National Forest District Ranger, Wildlife Biologist, Trails Coordinator and Partnership Coordinator to discuss the the future of trails on the Catalina Ranger District (Mt. Lemmon). TORCA has now been working on the the Catalina Ranger District for the better part of 9 years and has shown the CNF that we are valuable partners and good stewards of our public lands. It's the actions of this organization that has put us in the position for the first time in 30+ years, to ask for new trail opportunities. Last week, TORCA presented 16 new trail opportunities to the FS staff and the process is under way. In no way will this be a quick process and we are not guaranteed anything but the Forest Service is acting in good faith and we have the support of the District Ranger and staff. There are a few reasons for our wanting new trails. For starters, there has not been a new trail constructed with Mountain Bikes in mind... EVER! While these will mostly be multi-use trails, we'd like to have a seat at the table when developing trails. In addition, we think that with a growing populace of outdoor enthusiasts and growing participation in our great sport, there will undoubtedly be trail conflicts and we are starting to see those complaints to the Forest Service. Having more opportunities will disperse usage among more trails and hopefully help us as a community, "get out in front of" this possibility for more trail conflicts. Furthermore, we don't have a place to call "our own" where we can let it all hangout without worry of trail conflicts, so it is our hope to have some purpose built, one way mtb specific opportunities.

BUT, yes there is a BUT. We have a few asks from YOU the Mountain Bike community. For the better part of TORCA'S existence, the vast majority of trail maintenance has been done by the board of directors with a couple of handfuls of volunteers and members at large. We want to thank those who laid the ground work for us to be at the juncture. We could not be where we are today without your help! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Now for some real talk. The proposition of new trails will not happen without more engagement from the mtb community. Tucson boasts a huge mtb community but build/work days have been scant and we think other trail organizations in Tucson would agree that we haven't reached our potential as it relates to volunteerism and participation.

This is where YOU come in. It's never been more important for YOU to get involved and be a part of something really special. We're super proud of what we have in Tucson but in true TORCA fashion, we're not resting on our laurels and we think we can make Tucson riding even better. But this depends on YOU! The more volunteers we get, the faster we get trails AND we can keep up with the Forest Service backlog on trail maintenance. But one thing is for certain, the stakes just got higher. We are looking for people to commit and get involved as trail workers and volunteers, and then trail workers and volunteers. Yeah, we said it twice for a reason (we could also use some help with Website and social media content and Membership coordinator if you happen to be good at that sort of thing). This call to action is not just exclusive to mtbers even though TORCA will be at the tip of the spear for a comprehensive trails plan. Mtbers are under the microscope by the Forest Service so we need to make sure we are being the best examples of mtbers that we can be at all times! This means that we should be courteous and friendly to all trail users, respect the "right of way" and last but not least, cease any and all illegal and/or unsanctioned trail building. This type of unsanctioned building has been brought to our attention by the FS and it works against us and our long standing track record of doing the right thing.

In closing, please share this with your friends who enjoy the outdoors even if they aren't mtbers. #ittakesavillage If you think you have some skills to bring to the table, let us know by coming to a board meeting (next one tomorrow night at Risky Business, Tanque Verde at 630pm. Come out, get involved, and help us make Tucson an even better place for everyone. We love feedback but we're not looking for that now. We're looking for people who are passionate, committed and ready to roll up their sleeves and get to WORK to make a difference for the outdoor community. "Monday Morning Quarterbacks" need not apply. TORCA has earned a seat at the table with the Forest Service and suffice it to say we have "earned our turns" so to speak and it's paying off. With that, look for our new trail t-shirt coming soon with that very mantra. #earnyourturns

My door is always open so feel free to reach out anytime with questions.

Game Time!
Tara Alcantara
TORCA President

Arizona Trail Association Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists Sustainable Trails Coalition Trail Riders of Southern Arizona #tucsontrailrunnersMichael Duer John Mollenhour Bell Joy Ride - Tucson, AZ @National Interscholastic Cycling Association El Grupo Youth Cycling

June 2nd marked the start of the Red Ridge Phase of the Back Country Trails Project. If you recall, TORCA received a sizable grant last year to purchase tools and vehicles to tidy up CDO, Red Ridge and the AZT Passage 10. TORCA managed to clear over 200 trees off of CDO and do some significant tread work and brushing and now sets it's sights on Red Ridge AKA Rad Ridge. Last weekend was the second installment of work with Board of Directors Juan Del Castillo, Art Alcantara and Member Nick Giovannuci riding down below the Protected Activity Center of the MSO on Red Ridge to buck fallen trees on the trail. They lost count at 12 trees and were racing the light but managed to get all but one monster at the bottom near the CDO junction. These guys worked their tales off! If you see them on the trail, give them a big high five as they are setting the standard pretty high in the way of Volunteerism. They say, "if people knew how fun and fulfilling trail work can be, everybody would do it!!". Thanks Boys for all the hard work!

Check out our events page for scheduled work days! We will be spending a lot of time up high this Spring and summer on CDO and Red Ridge. These trails are making waves amongst mtb travelers and locals alike. Come be a part of bringing these trails back to life! Remember that we are giving back to those that give of their time to be a part of the hard work/fun. Participate in 5 work days, and you'll get your choice of either an EVOC Trail Builders pack or an Enduro Pack! If you have any questions, reach out to vernieaikins@gmail.com. Check out our FB event page for more details! Work days are listed below

1. March 16-17 CDO
2. April 7th. Red Ridge
3. April 27th. CDO Take 2
4. May 18th-19th CDO Take 3
5. June 2nd Red Ridge Take 2
6. July 14th Red Ridge Take 3

As like all our work days, please plan on a 4-5 hour work day. We work with a sense of wanting to get stuff done, but everyone works at their own pace and breaks are encouraged.  Recommended attire and supplies include:

• Hat and Sunscreen
• Long Pants(Yoga pants are a bad idea for the ladies. And especially bad for a man.
• Hiking Boots
• Work Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Water and snack

We'll provide post work vittles and beverages. We like to hang out and kick our feet up after a day of throwing dirt. Come join us!

Click on the banner above to view the October 2018 newsletter

PACHANGA - Spanish /paw*chong*guh/ (Noun)

1. Party or Bash


2. A gathering of mountain cyclists on some of the most amazing unsung trails to ride the “best of the best” mountain sleds.

The camping/riding event that put TORCA on the map continues to evolve and each year it gets bigger and better! The event includes three days of camping and riding, with Bike Demo’s, a Poker Ride, a “Funduro”, and daily bike demos. And while all the funds raised for this event go directly to support TORCA (a 501c3 non-profit supported solely by membership dues, grants, and fundraising), you don’t have to be a member to attend! (but members get a steep discount on entrance to the event. Hey, “membership has its privileges!”). All funds raised during this epic event support TORCA’s on-going efforts to maintain and rehabilitate Tucson’s trails, specifically those on Mt Lemmon.

• Camping!  Exclusive use of Molino Basin campgrounds! Campsite included in price of admission! Subject to first come first served. Additional camping can be found HERE

• Bike Demos! The best in the business will be bringing their fleet of all-mountain steeds for you to try out on the best trails around. Committed to attend are: Santa Cruz, Liv, Salsa, Niner, Ellsworth, Surly, Ibis, Giant, Cannondale, Pivot, Specialized, and Rocky Mountain!
• Poker Ride Everyone’s favorite all-mountain trails, Bug Spring and Prison Camp, will host a shuttled social ride. TORCA will have “dealers” strategically placed along the trail, ready to deal your cards. Best hands win sick prizes!
• Fireside Cornhole Contest on Saturday evening, SPONSORED by Five Ten shoes
• Funduro sponsored by DVO Suspension & Giant. Its like an Enduro with a twist, not only do the top 3 times for men and women win prizes, but so does the rider with the most "average" time!
• Demo bike rides  all 3 days! Take some of your favorite 2018 brands for shuttled downhill runs on an epic piece of trail!