My husband is a dedicated cyclist. You know, they guys out riding, even in the summer when it is over 110. He belongs to a team, Procon and this weekend they are having the second annual Cyclo de Mayo . It is a crit, meaning they ride multiple laps along the course. They will be in Old Town Scottsdale, riding a 1/2 mile course, with groups heading out to ride from 7am to 5pm. There will be a Kids Zone, with "moonbounce", Bike Rodeo, and Pinata party. Come out to join the riders, or watch the excitement. (these guys get moving, about 35mph on a bike). Register to ride with bikereg.com .
Cyclo de Mayo – Bicycle Race in downtown Scottsdale
May 2, 2008 by
Scottsdale Public Library
April 1, 2008 by
I love the Library. I know, it is a bit ‘old school’, all those dusty books and all; but the library is embracing technology and is a whole new place. The Scottsdale Library has way more than just books these days. You can check out Movies (lessening your dependence on Netflix and Blockbuster), books on tape/cd, music, language programs, down-loadable books (as part of the Greater Phoenix Digital Library) and so much more. Come and use their computers and Internet, or bring your own computer and access the web using their free WiFi. There are several different sizes of rooms available for meetings for residence and non residences as well. They also offer lots of Computer Classes. Oh, and they still have books you can check out as well!With 4 branches of the
Scottsdale Public Library, the closest to McCormick Ranch is the Mustang Branch, on 90th Street. Be sure to get your card, and log into the site, request your media and get an email when it has arrived to the branch of your choosing, also get email alerts when your materials are due back, or subscribe to their feeds on new items of interest. See the library does has a new look. They are still offering
youth programs, story times, after school homework help, literacy programs, and Arts and Culture programs. Be sure to check it out!
Scottsdale’s Camelback Walk thru McCormick Ranch, a video tour
February 22, 2008 by
The Camelback Walk is a multi use path that meanders thru the parks, under roads, along the golf courses, lakes and communities of Scottsdale. It was designed to support the water flow of a hundred year flood, creating for us the wonderful open spaces to enjoy.
Spring is in the air
February 21, 2008 by
Spring is here! Our first Daffodil is in bloom! I love this time of year. We have trees starting to bloom (not the greatest for allergy sufferers) flowers popping up, and everything starts growing like mad. It is also time for Spring Training. For baseball fans, it is one more joy of living here in Arizona.
Arizona is home of the Cactus League . The Cactus League has 12 major league baseball teams in their training schedule. Scottsdale’s Stadium is the spring training grounds of the San Francisco Giants who’s first game starts Feb 28th against the Chicago Cubs .
McCormick Ranch Wreath Kits from the POA
December 19, 2007 by
Christmas Wreath Kits from the McCormick Ranch Property Owners Association are now available. This is the 25th year the POA has been doing wreath kits. The kits are avilable starting on December 12th. All McCormick Ranch residents are invited to come by the Association office at 9248 N 94th Street (east of Pima Rd, South of Via Linda at the end of 94th Street on the west corner).
They provide the fresh cut juniper and pine as well as pine cones and the tube frame as well as instructions. Assembly is easy, well lets call it simple. Be sure to bring your gloves.
I got started with the basics and had a bare spot where I placed my pine cones. All I need now is a pretty red bow. Have fun, and get creative!
6 Public Hikes set for December
December 3, 2007 by
SCOTTSDALE – The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy ends its fall schedule with six free public hikes in December.
Some of the hikes are on the newly opened trails on the west side of the McDowell Mountains.
All the hikes are led by experienced conservancy guides, who often stop to discuss the desert environment and answer questions from hikers.
Hikers should bring ample water and wear sturdy, covered shoes or boots. Hats, sunscreen and snacks are suggested.
No reservations are required. All hikes begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
For detailed directions to the meeting places visit the web site www.mcdowellsonoran.org or call 480-998-7971, ext. 100.
December’s hikes
Saturday – Scenic Trail – A 4.8-mile foothills loop in McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers unique mountain views. Mild inclines only. About 3 hours. Meet at the Trailhead Staging Area lot about 3 miles into the park off McDowell Mountain Road, which is the extension of Fountain Hill Boulevard at the north end of Fountain Hills, about 7.5 miles north of Shea Boulevard. There is a $5-per-car entry fee to the park.
Sunday – Ironwood Wash – A 7.5-mile round trip with a 800-foot elevation gain past a mountainside quartz outcropping into a high wash lined with large ironwood trees. The climbing is on gradual grades. About 4 hours. Meet at the parking lot southwest of McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 104th Street.
Dec. 8 – Cactus Trail – A 3.2-mile loop along Little Granite Mountain past some of the finest stands of saguaro cactus anywhere. A few steep places but mild inclines otherwise. Allow about 2 1/2 hours. Meet at the north end of Alma School Road, north of Dynamite Boulevard.
Dec. 9 – Wingate-Bell Loop – The main trail in the new Gateway Area is a rugged, 11-mile trek through Windgate Pass and Bell Pass that involves more than 2,000 feet of climbing. Excellent East Valley and interior-mountain views. For very hardy hikers. Allow about 5 1/2 hours. Meet at the parking lot southwest of McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 104th Street.
Dec. 15 – Desert Ecology Hike – Learn how deserts are formed and maintained in a 5-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain on the Quartz Trail. Grades are not steep. Allow about 3 hours. Meet at the parking lot southwest of McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and 104th Street.
Dec. 16 – Cathedral Rocks – A 5.5-mile loop to a striking rock formation that appears to have been a gathering place for ancient people more than 500 years ago. Mild inclines only. Allow about 3 hours. Meet at the north end of Alma School Road, north of Dynamite Boulevard.
This article can be found on the Arizona Republic website www.azcentral.com
Mighty Mud Mania
July 15, 2007 by
Mark you calendar! Friday July 27th.
Mighty Mud Mania – Bring your kids, or come and VOLUNTEER! Plan on lots of play, fun and cooling off in the mud. The event was started by Shout pre-wash treatment, but when the mud was too much for their product, they canceled the event. Scottsdale however kept it going.
Participation is FREE, just bring a no-perishable food item to donate to Vista del Camino Food Bank.
Where to go? Chaparral Park
Check out the City of Scottsdale website for all the details.
Have fun and plan on getting dirty!
Scottsdale Downtown Trolly
June 16, 2007 by
Where do you begin? When planning a trip, or if you have family and friends visiting, what do you do? A great place to begin is the Scottsdale Downtown Trolley. It runs daily from 11am to 9pm with a couple of holidays when they do not run. It is a great way to see Old Town Scottsdale, and get around as well.
Be sure to take time to wander thru the shops and Galleries, and bring your apatite, because there are oodles of great restaurants all over!
Scottsdale Public Library
June 14, 2007 by
There are 4 branches to the Scottsdale Public Library. So anywhere you are, there is a library close by. There is so much more to do then just read a book these days at the Library. There is free Wi-fi, and computers for public use. The have a film series, computer classes, story times, crafts, book clubs and more. You can even download audio books, ebooks, music and video.
Be sure to check out all that is the Scottsdale Library.
