An Epic Ascent: Conquering Madera Canyon with Alger . . . and Mnt. Lemmon!
The morning sun cast long shadows across the desert landscape as riders from Alger gathered at the base of Madera Canyon. The atmosphere buzzed with nervous energy. This wasn’t just any weekend ride—it was a test of will against one of Southern Arizona’s most challenging climbs, culminating in brutal 14% grades during segments of the final two miles.
Hosted by the Roula Cycling – we formed an incredible team of local racing veterans and Belgian Waffle Ride podium professionals – this exclusive cycling experience promised both punishment and paradise. The contrast couldn’t be more stark: punishing ascents followed by recovery at the luxurious Miraval Spa Resort.
What made this group particularly fascinating was the contingent who chose to tackle the climb on flat pedals—no clipless advantage, just pure strength and determination. These riders stood out not just for their equipment choice but for the sheer audacity of confronting such a gradient without being attached to their bikes.
As the peloton rolled out through the initial gentle 4-6% grades, conversation flowed easily and riders settled into a rhythm. The early miles through mesquite and ocotillo terrain provided a deceptive warm-up for what was to come.
The transformation began at mile ten, where the road narrowed and tilted upward. Conversations dwindled as breathing deepened and the group naturally strung out as each rider found their own sustainable pace. The canyon walls closed in, creating a natural amphitheater where the only sounds were spinning drivetrains and increasingly labored breathing.
‘This is where you learn what you’re made of – No technology to save you—just legs, lungs, and will!’
The real test awaited in those final two miles. As the gradient reached its promised 14%, the road seemed to stand on end. Riders zigzagged across the tarmac, ‘delivering the post’ eeking any relief from the punishing slope. A few stopped briefly, gulping water and gathering resolve before continuing.
Roula’s domestiques offered words of support and advice to those in need; spin, smile, scrape, stretch-out, move about in your saddle and time your breathing.
When the final rider crested the summit congratulatory fist bumps flew. Colleagues hours before, these cyclists had become comrades through shared suffering. The flat-pedal riders received particular acclaim, their achievement standing as testament to cycling’s purest form.
But the day’s reward was only half complete. After catching their breath and refueling, the group prepared for the descent.
The downhill journey through Madera Canyon provided a sensory feast. Banking through curves with desert vistas opening dramatically around each bend, riders experienced the payoff for their uphill struggle. The same road that had been an adversary now became a playground of sweeping turns and thrilling straightaways navigating the optimum line while cautiously managing the intense crosswinds.
“This is why we climb!”
When the group finally rolled into Miraval Spa Resort, legs burning but spirits soaring, the contrast couldn’t have been more perfect. From primal physical challenge to refined luxury—the transition embodied cycling’s unique ability to connect us with our most basic capabilities and sophisticated pleasures.
Riders were greeted with recovery smoothies and cool towels before choosing which post-ride treatment to enjoy. Sports massages, hydrotherapy sessions, and nutrition consultations awaited—all designed to accelerate recovery and maximize the training effect of the day’s efforts.
“Today wasn’t about who got to the top first, it was about finding our limits and pushing just beyond them. In many ways, that’s what we try to do every day in our professional lives—but rarely is the challenge so immediate, so physical, and the reward so tangible.”
The following day a smaller group took on the beast that is Mnt. Lemmon, the longest climb of the area. This was a different project requiring a strategy to take on the 26-mile climb at average 5-6%. Stunning on so many levels, and hair-raising on the descent with intense cross winds requiring a couple of stops to take in the vistas and reflect on the correct road line strategy! The Mnt. Lemmon challenge definitely needs to be broken down into segments which we took on in 3 parts as riders separated. The views from the 8,000 ft. were more than worth the stress investment to get there!
We will be back!
