The ‘Olde Pueblo’, as Tucson is still referred to today, is one of the oldest towns in the United States. Originally settled by Indians, then Spaniards, and then acquired by the US in 1854 under the Gadsen Purchase with Mexico, Tucson has flown three national flags.  In 1797 the Spanish Franciscans built a mission just south of present day Tucson called ‘San Xavier Del Bac’, known as the White Dove of the Desert’.  The mission is still active today located nine miles south of Tucson on the Tohona O’odham Indian Reservation The Tucson Presidio was established in 1775. Hidden under the city, el Presidio de Tucson’s location is currently being identified. Just 63 miles from the border, Tucson has a mixed cultural heritage. The city is rich with fascinating museums,events, and attractions. Take a ride out to ‘Old Tucson Studios’ and experience the old west.  Since 1939 over 100 major movies have been filmed at Old Tucson.  Before you go stop by any major hotel and pick up a $3 discount coupon.  If you are in to ‘flying’ (other than on a motorcycle) you must visit the  Pima Air & Space Museum which includes the AMARG ‘boneyard’ .Since ‘ridin’ is what we are all about check out the Catalina Highway. Ride up to Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon, enjoy the most spectacular scenery in the southwest, and top it off with a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie at the Mt. Lemmon Cafe.  By the time you get down off the mountain you will be ready to cut into one of those original ‘Cowboy’ steaks at Pinnacle Peaks located in Trail Dust Town on Tanque Verde just south of Grant.  If you like to explore caves then you will want to be sure to take a half day and ride down towards Benson on I-10 and take Hwy 90 (exit 302) nine miles to Kartchner Caverns State Park. It doesn’t get much better than this and there are campsites available.  Perhaps the most popular attraction with the most annual visitors is Saguaro National Park.  Offering over 165 acres of hiking trails if you are 62 or over make sure you use your senior pass.  There is certainly more than enough to do down Tucson way and with 360 days of sunshine plenty of time to do it.  Check out the many links and suggested places of interest on this page.    Ride Safe!