“March Madness” in Arizona means much more than the college national basketball tournament. The state always plays a part in “The Big Dance,” but other events such as Spring Break and Major League Baseball’s Spring Training also attract a glut of guests to The Valley of the Sun. Perfect for this time of year is our annual “Elite Eight” list of must-do Phoenix adventure tours for those visitors to dance about during their trip – whatever the reason may be.

During the pandemic, I drove a delivery truck to try and save my business. So, I found myself listening to a lot of radio to keep me company at that time. In particular, I gravitated to talk radio on KTAR-FM 92.3 here in the Valley of the Sun for the financial advice of The Dave Ramsey Show. One of the host’s main messages spoke to my plight at the time and has always resonated with me. “ALWAYS have a side hustle because you never know when you’re not going to have work,” Ramsey said, repeating this mantra at least once per hour. “If you’re able to find some side hustles here and there, when things inevitably dip, you’ll still maintain your sanity and continue paying your bills.” Even though I own a successful small business now – offering Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours with my Wild Bunch Desert Guides — I still walk that talk. I even found a side hustle that turned out to be a lot of fun during Super Bowl week here in the desert.

The top two teams in the NFL square off Sunday in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium right here in my backyard in Glendale. However, with all due respect to the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, the best team in Arizona this weekend can be found as usual in the Sonoran Desert showing visitors the best of the old Southwest. The Wild Bunch Desert Guides deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences on their championship-level Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours.

Nobody loves the referees, it has been suggested, except by their families and friends — and that’s assuming those officials stay away from working a game involving a favorite team of those loved ones. If so, Wild Bunch Desert Guides owner and operator Laurel Darren is a notable exception – and for one very good reason after one of the Phoenix mountain bike tours she guided recently.

Laurel Darren resolved long ago to avoid making New Year’s resolutions. However, the Wild Bunch Desert Guides owner does have a 2023 promise for guests. Her small mom-and-pop specialty shop will continue offering the same great Phoenix hiking tours and Scottsdale mountain bike tours made famous by five-star reviews. The Wild Bunch draws those raves regularly for homespun hospitality, superb customer service and customizable adventures.

Christmas came early this year for guests booking Phoenix mountain bike tours with the Wild Bunch Desert Guides. But while first-timers and curiosity seekers surely failed to realize the holiday magic, repeat riders and veteran off-roaders lit up like Christmas trees upon finding out.

From the wonderous natural beauties in the Sonoran Desert to meeting incredible people from all over the country, Wild Bunch guides and guests alike find many different kinds of fulfillment on Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours.

The perfect pairing of comedic geniuses Tina Fey and Steve Carell makes the mistaken identity and madcap misfortune in the movie “Date Night” a truly hilarious experience to watch. But make sure to avoid a sad sequel yourself – especially when looking for romantic things to do in Phoenix during your next vacation or couples’ getaway. Here are some super cool Date Night ideas in Phoenix from the owner of five-star rated Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours. Best yet, this list of things to do in Phoenix for couples offers real-life adventures better than any film can conjure up.

Go ahead and pile on the turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Throw some cranberry sauce and stuffing on there, too. And you always have to save room for pumpkin or pecan pie – or better yet both, I always say. But understand that my plate already is full as we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Feast on these many blessings from my Phoenix hiking tours and Phoenix mountain bike tours to understand why this Phoenix adventure tours owner is extremely thankful this Thanksgiving holiday.