It’s that time of the year when we gear up to barbecue and watch fireworks.  Even in this hot, desert state of Arizona we manage to blast off into the lower atmosphere with our eyes and ears trained on the glory of beautiful colors and crackling noises.

Every year for the past four years I’ve made it a tradition to bicycle from my area of town, Hayden and McDonald, 12 miles down the greenbelt to the north shore of Tempe Town Lake to watch the fireworks.  Every year I have been pleased.  The ride, if leisurely, will take you about an hour, unless you choose to stop for dinner at Prankster’s Too, a small sports bar alongside the greenbelt.  Once you’re there, enjoy not having to deal with traffic as you casually ride up to a great front seat show.  The south shore of the lake during this event is miserable.  I highly recommend cycling.  Make sure if you go that you bring some water and give yourself enough time to park yourself in a comfortable spot.

Be safe this year.

A big thanks to Jill Bright at Chicago Title for sending out the following report of freeway closures in the Greater Phoenix Area.  Feel free to download using the link below.