January 2002 Update 

The Latin America Social Club hosted its Annual Grand Christmas Party!

By Patricia A. Molina

Every year the LASC hosts a Christmas party for the under-privileged children ages 2-12 in its surrounding community in South Tucson.  The tradition started in the 1950's with the El Casino Ballroom.  The tradition has continued in union with the LASC.  This tradition has provided a child with a stocking, a toy, a meal, and of course, a visit with Santa Claus.

The past ten years, there has been a usual attendance of 200 to 300 children.  In the year 2000, 840 children attended.  This year, we had 800 children.  Last year marked the first gift raffle where 52 bicycles, 3 computers, Christmas trees, and other miscellaneous items were donated for the raffle.  This year, the goal was to give away 100 bicycles.  With the contributions of many generous people, the LASC surpassed its goal two-fold.

In total, 201 bicycles were purchased through Walmart at a discounted rate for this year’s giveaway, in addition to a donated computer and Diamondback Spring Training tickets.  The Tucson Parks and Recreation donated all the bicycle helmets and personnel to help assemble all 201 bicycles, and the South Tucson Police Department provided two bike patrol officers to properly fit the helmets for each child.  It was so amazing to see the smiles on all the children’s faces when they received their gifts!  That in itself makes it all worth it.  With the every coming year, the LASC makes new goals. The goals for 2002 are to give away 500 bicycles and to bring joy to even more children in the community.

Senior Olympics Festival

Sunday, January 27, 2002

Listen up, all you cyclists 50 years young or better!  The local Senior Olympics Festival is coming up again next January.

Big changes are in the works within the organizing committee in an effort to move the events up to the next level.  This will be our 18th year for the sport festival and it keeps getting bigger and better all the time!  Those of you who were with us last year will be happy to hear about that the new venue for the cycling events will be the same this year!.

The great folks at Heritage Heights Golf and Country Club at Dove Mountain will be our host and you will really enjoy this  beautiful location.  Can you believe grass, shade, paved parking, no more porta potties?  You're going to think you've gone to cyclist heaven!

You'll like the route as well.  All the four events (1 mile, 5K, 10K, 20K) will be on a three-mile loop on a divided highway which will also be much more interesting for spectators.  I wouldn't say the route is hilly, but it does have some oopty do's (that means it's nor flat)!

If you were with us last year, you will be receiving an entry form before long, or you can call the Parks & Rec. people at 791-4865 to get on their mailing list.

What's that you say: "You just want to volunteer"!  Richard Case will be glad to hear from you at 887-5036.

This year, the Arizona State Senior Games will be held in Phoenix, from Feb. 16th to March 3rd.  To qualify for the State Games, you must first qualify at the local level in 2002 for the 2003 State Games.

Laveen

Country Challenge

Sunday, February 10, 2002

The Laveen Lions and West Valley GABA want to invite GABA-Tucson members to one of Arizona's Premier cycling events! 

On Sunday, February 10, the 10th Annual Laveen Country Challenge will be held in beautiful downtown Laveen. The metric century ride will begin in Laveen, take to the foothills of the Estrella Mountains in Goodyear, and loop back.  Two other options available:  30 miles and 15 miles.  Ride fee:  $18 for members, $22 for non-members.  After 2/2, everyone pays $25.

Pedal by dairy farms and some of the last farm lands in the region.  At the end of the ride, spend some time and let yourself be treated to one of the best "Pit" barbecue dinners in the southwest!  Plus enjoy a craft fair and live entertainment!

Laveen is located south and west of Phoenix, a short hour and a half from Tucson.  Directions:  take I-10 west to Phoenix, and exit at Riggs Rd. (exit 167?).  Travel west on Riggs Rd. until you get into Laveen.

For info, visit our web site at:  lensenet.com or call Sil Ontiveros at 602-237-2745, or e-mail at: sontiverossprint1@earthlink.net

- 15th Annual -

Le Grande Tour

Bicycle Challenge

is Back!

Saturday, March 2, 2002

Options:

100K (62 miles), 50K (31 miles) and a 10-mile Family Fun Ride.

Start & Finish:

at Peart Park (at City Hall), 300 W. 4th St. in downtown Casa Grande.  On-site regis-tration is available starting at 7 AM Saturday at Peart Park.

Registration Fee:

100K & 50K riders:                   

$25 by 2/1        

$30 after 2/1     

$35 on-site

10-mile (Individual):

$15 by 2/1

$20 after 2/1

$25 on-site

10-mile (3 or more):

$10 /person by 2/1

$15/person after 2/1

Sponsored by Abbott Laboratories and presented by the Arizona Parks & Rec Association (APRA), this premier bike event will once again wind its way through beautiful desert landscapes around Casa Grande, Coolidge and Eloy. 

Each rider gets a quality event T-shirt, sponsor coupons, post ride lunch and prize drawing tickets. Medals are awarded to the first 100 finishers in the 100K and recog-nition ribbons are awarded to all riders.  For the first time this year, actual ride times will be tracked and posted for all 100K and 50K riders.

Casa Grande's small town atmosphere and clean air make the Tour a genuine "quality of life" experience for the whole family.  This Tour has become very popular over the years, and 2002 participation is expected to exceed 600 riders!

Since 1988, APRA has sponsored the Le Grande Bike Tour as a fund-raising event.  Proceeds from the Le Grande Bike Tour help support the APRA programs and enable the association to continue professional work in many areas.  With a professional member-ship close to 1000, APRA is the largest individual membership association for Parks & Recreation providers in Arizona.  The Arizona  Parks & Rec was established in 1950 as a non-profit professional organi-zation.  APRA's mission is to "Improve and promote the parks and recreation pro-fession, develop and maintain professional standards, provide services and support to its members and enhance the quality of life in Arizona".

A SAFE KIDS bicycle training program will be held at Peart Park free of charge by the Pima County Sheriff's Dept. on the morning of the ride. Kids can learn the fundamentals of bicycle safety, including maintenance and rules of the road.  A brief discussion will be followed by a hands-on safety course. Kids can bring their own bikes and helmets, or use those provided by the program.

For further information, contact APRA at 800-335-7275, or visit the web site at www.azpra.org

CASA GRANDE CENTURY

Sunday, January 6, 2002

The Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club (Phoenix Metro GABA) presents the 2002 Casa Grande Century!  Join us January 6 for the 1st century of the new year! Then call your friends back east and tell them what a good time you had!

OPTIONS:  62 miles (metric century), 85 miles or 108 miles (century  +).

TERRAIN:

The 62-mi. is out-and-back w/ slight hill.

The 85-mile is a loop, with a slight hill.

The 108-mile ride is a flat out-and-back.

STARTING POINT: Alma School & Chandler Heights, NW corner near Safeway. (Chandler Heights is between Queen Creek and Riggs Rds.) Please park at the far SOUTHEAST side of lot.

DIRECTIONS TO START:

From Tucson, take Interstate 10 to the Riggs Rd exit, then go 3 miles east to Alma School Rd, then 1 mile N. to Chandler Heights Rd.

REGISTRATION TIME: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM (It’s January, and we don’t want to freeze any more than you do. So SLEEP IN and enjoy starting when it’s warmer!)

Never done a long ride before? This is the perfect first century.  The terrain is flat, the roads have low traffic, and the temperature is guaranteed to be cool.

There will be 2 sag stops on the route with water, fruit and snacks, as well as a lunch stop at the turnaround point, Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande. Lunch (with a drawing for lots of bike-related prizes) will be available from 11 AM to 1 PM. Please adjust your start time accordingly.

SUPPORT: A vehicle will be available to collect those suffering from physical, mechanical or mental breakdowns!

OTHER QUESTIONS: E-mail ride leader Jane Larson at JLreports@aol.com or call (602) 444-8280, or check www.sportsfun. com/gaba

Words from Wayne

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have volunteered and supported all of GABA's activities this past year. First, to the people serving on the Board, spending one night a month at the Board Meeting, and then some more time on their own to help keep things running: thank you for providing leader-ship to the Club.  Without you, we wouldn't have the structure needed to accomplish all that we do! 

And to the many "day ride" leaders this past year, in each of the four ride categories, thank you!  Especially to Charlie Weesner ("A" rides), Ken Cantor ("B" rides), Ron Green ("C" rides), and Eric Ewing ("D" rides), who consistently volunteered to lead rides and have done outstanding job in doing so! And particularly Eric who has filled a critical need this year: by leading many "D" rides, he has helped to get people started and has provided a "conversational pace" for those of us who do want a more relaxed pace!

The Club had great success with the overnight and century rides this year with the exception of the tragic event on the Tumacacori. Thanks to the many leaders and volunteers who truly did a great job in putting these rides on.  A special mention to the Blue Loop who was voted the  "Best" larger event of the year!  Pam Cullop and Sandi Rousseau put the ride together after attempts to find a ride leader came up short.  They worked hard and all of the riders were appreciative of their efforts. 

"Volunteers of the Year" Larry and Joan Gossman were marvelous and agreed to help whenever called upon! They gave their welcomed support on several rides, with smiles and words of encouragement, as well as enthusiasm when feeding us at rest stops!

One person, above all, deserves a very special thank you.  Greg Yares is the driving force behind GABA's Swap Meet.  Working with the 4th Avenue Merchants Association, he puts on this event twice a year.  The Bike Swap attracts many sellers and buyers from all over the state, and the southwest.  It is a great place to buy or sell, and to socialize with people you ride with.

Every member of GABA and I owe a lot to all of the volunteers: without them, the Club would not exist.  To all of the volunteers, not just those mentioned above, Thank You!

PS: For those of you who participated in any GABA activity this past year and did not volunteer any of your time, I might suggest that one of your New Year's Resolution should be to volunteer your help in just one event or ride in 2002. 

Riding The Desert Double

GABA Coach can help you be Successful!

By Richard E "Rich" Corbett

Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach

Impress yourself, as well as your friends and family!  Do the Double!  GABA is pleased to announce that, to help you 'Do The Double' a schedule of training rides will be provided as well as professional quality coaching for those members who want it and are willing to commit themselves to do the training.

The Desert Double is a really significant undertaking, but one that is achievable by any reasonably seasoned cyclist who prepares well. Accepting coaching is a proven way to extend yourself beyond what you can achieve working on your own, or as a member of an informal training group.  See the Training schedule below for the rides that will be coached.

Any capable cyclist who has ridden several centuries in the last year, and who has mastered her/his saddle and stomach for longer rides is ready to 'notch up' to the Double.

Do the training described above, and you will be well on your way to success in the Desert Double!  It is my sincere hope to see a good-sized group (including women) start the Double with me on March 30th. Call or E-mail me (Coach Rich) if you have any questions: home 623-0017, (7 to 9 PM only); kc7ovm@dakotacom.net.

2002 Desert Double Training Schedule

(subject to revision)

JANUARY: (Sundays)

Jan. 1st:          John Heller's Resolution Ride.  75 easy miles, coaching available.

Jan. 6th:           Casa Grande Century. (easy pace), or 60 to 70 miles on your own.

Jan. 13th:          John Heller's ride. About 85 moderate miles, on your own.

Jan. 20th:         Picacho Century.  100 miles (moderate pace), coaching available. (See Update to register.)

Jan. 27th:          No more than 80 moderate miles.  See ride schedule, or on your own.

FEBRUARY: (Sundays)

Feb. 3rd:  Training Ride, about 90 fast miles  along Ajo Hwy, coaching available.

Feb. 10th: Training Ride, about 100 moderate miles in Santa Cruz Valley, coaching available.

Feb. 17th: Training Ride, about 120 miles, towards Coolidge, coaching available.

Feb. 24th:  Coolidge Century  100 miles @ fast pace, coaching available.  (See Update to register.)

MARCH: (switch to Saturdays)

March 2nd: Le Grande. 65 miles (add another 45 mi = 110), coaching available. (You need to pre-register for this ride.)

March 9th: Training Ride, about 120 fast miles, coaching available.

March 16th:  Long Training Ride of 135 planned-pace miles, coaching available.

March 23rd:  Training Ride, about 80 easy miles, coaching available.

March 30th:  The John Farr Desert Double Century. 200 miles.

In addition to these weekend training rides, you will need to ride at least three times during the week, an average of 30 to 45 minutes each time in January; 40 to 60 minutes each time in February; and 50 to 75 minutes each time in March. Other important coaching points will be conveyed during the training rides.

200 Miles in One Day ?

Would you like to see what you REALLY can do? How about riding the John Farr Desert Double in the Spring? Started in 1980, the Desert Double is a true test of one's endurance. It is a way to measure oneself.

Properly prepared, any capable century cyclist can ride a double century--that's 200 miles in one day! How does one train? Are there special "things" to know? 

Rich Corbett was a member of the Los Turistas Club--GABA Tucson's predecessor club of those who initiated the "Double", originally called the Papago Desert Double, in 1980!  One of 16 who rode it that first year, he has ridden it 4 times over the years, with a best time of 11:49! 

Rich is offering to coach appropriately- prepared GABA members to complete the "Double", by making training schedules, giving clinics on specific double century topics, and leading a few training rides. Women are especially encouraged to participate.

Rich is a long-time Cycling Instructor and a professional Coach with the Team in Training Program. He is experienced in helping scores of people reach their cycling performance goals. 

If you just completed the 19th El Tour de Tucson 113-mile event, or if you have multiple century experience, you are probably qualified. Call Rich in the evening at 623-0017, or E-mail him at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net  for more info.

The next "Double" will be March 30, 2002. Starting January 1st, 2002, you have 13 weeks to complete your training. Now is the time to decide that you are committed to riding it!

2002

Cross State Tour

by Richard E "Rich" Corbett, 2002 Chairman

We are getting started on organizing the 2002 Cross State Tour - The Grand Canyon to Mexico Almost Across Arizona - Bicycle Tour, and need a few more Committee members. We will have a lot of fun as we organize one of the oldest and most popular cross-state tours in America.

When the Tour takes place next October (Sept. 28th to Oct 6th), you will find that meeting and riding with fellow cyclists from all over America is a real kick!

Please contact me, either by e-mail at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net , or call 623-0017, (7 PM to 9 PM only please) for more information and to have your questions answered.

Featured Ride

of the Month

Marsh Station Road Ride

Nice route on the Southeast side of town.  Start at Houghton & Sahuarita, and go East on Sahuarita Rd.

Mile     Instruction

3.0        Left on Wentworth.

7.7        Right on Frontage Rd. (Marsh Station      Rd.), North side of I-10.

10.0      Continue East on Marsh Station.

19.2      Turn around at the Freeway.

28.4      Turn Left on Highway 83.

31.8      Turn Right on Sahuarita.

37.8      Arrive back at starting point.

Picacho  Century

Sunday,  January  20TH,  2002

Options  for  100,  65  &  34  miles

 New This Year!  10-Mile Family Fun Ride!

With a course almost entirely “flat” and a variety of mileage options, this century offers many opportunities for cyclists of different abilities. Distances offered should be suitable for families and novice riders, as well as more experienced riders.

SPECIAL  RIDE  SOUVENIR!

D.Q. TREAT FOR EACH RIDER!

100-Milers:

Starting Point:  Grant & Silverbell

Time:  7:45 AM to 8:15 AM

Starting at Grant & Silverbell, cyclists head north on Silverbell Rd., up over Shadow Pass, a short hill at the north end of the Tucson Mountains. The course meanders through the back roads of Marana and Avra Valley before continuing north on the frontage road to Picacho Peak.  The return will use the same route south.

65-Milers:

Starting Point:  Marana Airport at Avra Valley Rd. & Sandario

Time:  8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Starting at Marana Airport (formerly Avra Valley Airport), riders will head west for approx. 6 miles, then north thru back roads of Marana and Avra Valley before continuing north on the frontage road to Picacho Peak.  The return will use the same route south.

34-Milers:

Starting Point:  I-10 at Marana (Exit 236)  near Circle K

Time:  9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Starting near the Circle K, west side of freeway at Marana Exit, riders pedal under the freeway to the East frontage road, then north to Picacho Peak.  The return will use the same route south.

10-mile Family Fun Ride:

Sign-in Point: I-10 at Marana (Exit 236) near Circle K

Sign-in Time:  9:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Ride Starting Point:  I-10 at Picacho Peak (Exit 219) near Dairy Queen

10-Milers sign in here, then drive north to their ride starting point at the Dairy Queen at Picacho Peak.  Start riding when ready.  Course is completely flat:  go north on east frontage road for 5 miles then turn back.  Return to the Dairy Queen the same way.

Two sag stops along the route will furnish water, fruit & snacks.  The third sag stop is the lunch stop, located near Dairy Queen at Picacho Peak, the turn-around point.

Most of the course has little traffic.  The scenic Picacho Peak looming in the distance keeps changing shape as you get closer and closer!

Pre-registration is VERY much appreciated (and saves you money). Helmets, good riding practices and success are mandatory.

For more info, E-mail or call Ride Organizer Rich Corbett at Kc7ovm@ azstarnet.com or 623-0017.

Want to help?  Everyone needs to take a turn to help make all our wonderful GABA rides work!  Please call Rich and volunteer!

GABA-Board of Directors Responsibilities

President:

- Give leadership and establish Club goals.

- Coordinate Club goals into the community.

- Conduct Board and Chapter business.

- Conduct general Club business.

Vice-President:

- Fill in at meetings when the President is absent.

- Assist with Chapter meetings.

- Organize and seek speakers for Chapter meetings.

- Review Bylaws for relevancy and update as applicable.

- Keep inventory of GABA property (equipment, T-shirts)

Treasurer:

- Keep Club books current and in accordance with good accounting practices.

- Give monthly treasurer's report at Board meetings.

- Give profit and loss reports on all paying rides.

- Open Club mail, deposit checks and route mail to various officers.

- Open Club mail, deposit checks and route mail to various officers. 

- Write checks for various Club expenses. Reimburse ride leaders for expenses      accrued on rides.

- Give Club Profit & Loss at the end of the year. Prepare books for yearly audit.  Prepare budget and make recommendations for incoming Board.

- Secure rental of room for Chapter meetings

- Give alphabetical list of participants to   each ride leader 1 or 2 days prior to major paying rides.

Secretary:

- Take minutes of Board meetings and mail to Board members before next meeting.

- Submit monthly summary of Board meetings minutes for the Update.

- Attend to general correspondence as required.

Education Director:

- Organize workshops for new members.

- Organize bike repair and safety clinics.

- Organize ride leader and sag support     workshops.

- Create and make available bike safety/skills information for the    general public education.

- Write and/or find articles on bike safety/skills for the Update.

Membership Director:

- Maintain current roster of the Tucson membership.

- Generate membership list for Board  members every 3 months.

- Generate mailing list for Update labels.

- Generate monthly list of volunteers for the Volunteer Director.

Touring Director, Overnighters and Centuries:

- Compile yearly calendar of major ride events for Club and other cycling  organizations as applicable.

- Solicit ride leaders for overnighters and century rides.

- Coordinate all articles/flyers regarding rides and write some if needed.

- Submit articles for major events for publication in the Update a couple of month in advance.

- Create/coordinate new rides and events.

Touring Director,  Day Rides:

- Put together monthly ride schedule.

- Solicit ride leaders for day rides

- Ensure tandem and mountain bike rides are offered.

Publicity Director:

- Establish contact and send our rides to other cycling organizations or publications.

- Contact local news organizations to promote major rides/events.

- Approach local bike shops to become supporting members.

- Assist supporting members with ads and collect their yearly dues.

Update Editor:

- Select articles for publication.

- Proof read and edit articles as required.

- Ensure major Club events/rides are published 2 months before events.

- Organize articles and art work for layout.

- Schedule printing date with printer.

- Organize distribution of Updates to local bike shops.

Volunteer Director:

- Contact volunteers from list provided by the Membership Director.

- Find ways to utilize volunteers in their area of expressed interest.

- Get volunteers for ride/event support.

- Notify ride leaders requiring help, of interested  people.

- Chair Volunteer Appreciation picnic/event.

Toys for Tots Ride

By Helen Greer

The "Toys for Tots" ride on December 2nd was a screaming success with over 40 riders of all ages!  It looked more like a parade than group ride, with toys bobbing around on cyclists and bikes. 

After enjoying historic neighborhoods and visiting some landmarks, we swarmed the downtown police headquarters.  Lycra-clad Santa's just about filled a donation box that had been emptied prior to our arrival. The group then returned via Armory Park, decreasing in size as more riders peeled off for home or coffee shops. 

And a new GABA Holiday Season tradition was over until next year.  Now as we read this, we know that Christmas day was Merrier for over 40 needy children. 

Winterhaven Ride

by Pam Cullop

It was a clear and warm night for a bike ride through the residential neighborhood named "Winterhaven".  As most everyone knows, it is an older mid-town development, which boasts a name that could confuse newcomers into thinking that Tucson might actually be a snow-prone area!  In fact, it is because of that name that so any homeowners decorate for the holiday season.  So many, in fact, that hay wagons, carriages and buses   charge people for a ride through the festive streets of that north central area.

Most of our group of 15 riders met at the entrance on December 19th for the express purpose of "viewing the lights".  After donating some canned goods we had brought along for Tucson's needy, we slowly pedaled into the crowd.  Alicia's daughter, Steph (7 years old in January), was the youngest of our group and riding her own bike this time, instead the "Alley Cat" which is typically attached to Mom's bike. There were mountain bikes, tandems (including a recumbent tandem) and road bikes.

It took a few cul-de-sacs before everyone understood that, for the sake and sanity of all riders, we all had to enter and exit the dead-end streets from the same direction.  It was especially important for us tandem riders to have enough space to make the tight U-turns!  But once the turning issue was solved, it was only a matter of dodging the walkers and cart riders in order to enjoy the lights.

Oh, the lights!  Many lights were the traditional holiday colors, while others were patriotic colors.  Some were a mix of both traditional and patriotic.  All were nice, and each in their own way was symbolic of what this season means: Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men.

En-route, we were joined by a few more riders who for one reason or another were not able to meet us at the start.  I guess we were pretty easy to spot amongst the throng of "walkers".  Wayne and I had our tandem lit up with battery-operated lights. Unfortunately the front half of the tandem dimmed before we were done with our ride.  I think the trick is to start off with fresh batteries!

After our meanderings through the neighborhood, we all decided to meet at the Rincon Market on 6th St. and Tucson Blvd. for coffee and dessert.  It was fun to visit with our fellow light-riders, catch up on old news and meet other fellow GABA members.

If you have never been on this ride, and love to view the holiday lights, come try it next year from the seat of a bike  Several who were on the ride had already been there on foot, cart or car, and felt the bike was, hands-down, the most fun and the best!

The 2001 Holiday Season Pot Luck Party

By Pam Cullop

It is a tradition!  The December GABA Monthly Meeting is not a regular meeting, but rather it is a Pot Luck Party.  This year was no exception.  What was the exception, was the number of you who joined in the festivities!  The total count is somewhat vague, it could have been 94 or 103, I guess there were too many people moving about for a good solid number to be recorded.  But whatever the number, there was a great turnout and everyone had a good time!

Sheryl Mueller, our Social Director provided us with the holiday decorations which adorned every wall, table, nook and cranny. We were also treated to the delightfully entertaining strings of the Silverwood Duo, making the wait in line for turkey, ham and a variety of delectable side dishes, not quite so unbearable.  The music was a melodious blend of violin and guitar, and a soothing accompaniment to the meal.

After everyone had finished feasting, including their selected dessert(s), Wayne, our club President, offered a short, but very special program.

Wayne started by thanking all who had volunteered for various GABA activities and rides during the past year.  In addition, he had a few special awards to distribute.  Personalized, framed certificates, were awarded to certain people for the following services:

Greg Yares earned his certificate for all of the time and effort he has given to making GABA's bi-annual Swap Meet such a resounding success!  Year after year, Greg has been the one person responsible for making this event so popular, bringing vendors and buyers from near and far. Without Greg, this event would not be what it is today!

The "A" Ride Leader of the Year went to Charlie Weesner.

The "B" Ride Leader of the Year went to Ken Cantor.

The "C" Ride Leader of the Year went to Ron Greene.

The "D" Ride Leader of the Year went to Eric Ewing.

These Day Ride Leader Awards were based on the number of rides that each of these leaders volunteered, or agreed to lead during the course of the year.  We are very grateful for their participation.

The "Overnight Ride Leader" Award went to Sandi Rousseau and Pam Cullop for co-Leading the Blue Loop Tour last Labor Day Weekend.  This award was based on the success of the ride in terms of rider and volunteer participation and feedback. The success of this tour was also a financial asset to the club.

The "Outstanding Volunteer(s)" Award was given to Larry and Joan Gossman who helped on many overnight and century rides throughout the year.  Anytime we were short handed, and they were free, the result was a benefit to the ride and the ride leader of any given event.

Helen Greer brought her guitar, and entertained some of the children and some other of us within earshot, with a few traditional holiday tunes.

Everyone who came was invited to take a treat bag filled with goodies as they were leaving to hall.

We, on the Board of Directors, would like to tell you how much we enjoyed seeing you and your families on this special night.  It was a pleasure serving you, visiting with you and sharing in the "Holiday" feeling!

Happy New Year!  May it bring peace to our hearts and peace of mind to our nation.

Coolidge Century Bike Ride

Sunday, February 24, 2002

Come and join us for GABA-Tucson's 2nd Century of the year!  It could easily be one of the "fastest" centuries you've ever done because it is totally flat, and also because the winds are usually favorable!

If you are not into recording your "Personal Best", no need to hurry!   You can ride this century at a leisurely pace and enjoy the day with other cyclists!

This ride is suitable for novice, inter-mediate and advanced riders. Choose a distance that suits your cycling ability.

Training for the Desert Double next March 30th?  This is an excellent opportunity to exercise your legs for distance and speed!  It's also a good time to practice riding in a paceline or in a small group!

OPTIONS this year:  100 and 50 miles.

STARTING TIME: between 8 AM and 8:30 AM.  Every rider must be on the road no later than 8:45 AM.

STARTING POINT:  8 AM to 8:30 AM at  I-10 & Avra Valley Rd., exit 243.  (West side of freeway, follow GABA signs for parking and sign in.)  Every rider starts here.  Each option will have a different turn-around point.

ROUTE:  This ride is an out and back course.  Riders will pedal north on the frontage road past Picacho Peak; then, they will continue riding past the town of Picacho; and finally, still heading north, they will cycle through cotton fields to the town of Coolidge.  The return will use the same route

Please mail your Registration Form and Waiver with your check payable to GABA-Tucson to:  Ron Fullerton, 6151 N. Camino de Santa Valera, Tucson, Az  85718-3722.

Pre-registration is needed for this ride; helmets are mandatory.

Ride Leader:  Ron Fullerton, (520) 299-9783, Tucson.  Volunteers are needed at the starting point and along the course.  Call the ride leader if interested.