A p r i l  2 0 0 2

M E E T I N G

MONDAY, APRIL 1st

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Come and join us for a chat with Chris Toal for some insightful observations about bike riding from an engineering perspective. Chris is a registered Professional Engineer and has worked in the aerospace industry for the last 15 years.  He will show some interesting relationships and answer questions about some of the key physical limits that are associated with riding a bike. Come and get an understanding of how much energy and power it takes to overcome the drag forces, learn about the improvement potential for new equipment, and the relationships between weight and performance.

CASA MARIA NEEDS BIKE TOOLS

For those of us not familiar with Casa Maria, it is a local charity that helps south Tucson families and  provides bikes and bike parts when necessary to many families who can't afford cars, or parts to fix their bikes if they have them.  Casa Maria also houses a soup kitchen and provides showers, phone, and clothing to those in need.

In December, Casa Maria's bike tools were stolen and, as of the last inquiry, they still had not managed to raise the money to replace many of them. 

If you would like to help and have spare tools you don't use, want or need, that you could donate, please contact the shelter at 624-0312 for more information.

Are Supplements Necessary for Cyclists?

by Susan Barr, Ph.D., RDN

Dear Susan,

I ride about 10,000 miles a year including a brevet series, several double centuries, and a two-week tour for my vacation. I try to eat a fairly high carbohydrate diet without too much fat, although that's hard when I'm traveling to events. I worry that I'm not getting all of the nutrients that I need. Should I be taking vitamins and minerals? What about amino acids and other supplements to help my recovery?

            Charlie, from California

Charlie,

First of all, that's great that you're trying to eat a fairly high carbohydrate, low fat diet. A high carb diet, especially one that relies primarily on vegetables, fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals (rather than sport drinks, gels, gummy bears and red licorice, if you catch my drift) is important for both health and performance. If you round that diet out with low-fat protein sources and dairy products, and eat enough to maintain your weight and energy levels, chances are very good that you're getting the nutrients you need - with a few caveats.

You didn't mention your age, but if you're a typical endurance cyclist, it wouldn't be surprising if you were over 50. If so, taking a "1-a-day" balanced vitamin supplement is recommended to ensure that you meet your needs for vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Vitamin B12 found in food is bound to protein, and to be absorbed, needs to be released from the protein. This normally occurs in the acid environment of the stomach. However, about 10-30% of adults over the age of 50 have low gastric acid levels, so B12 isn't released from protein, and as a result, is absorbed poorly. The form of vitamin B12 found in supplements is not bound to protein, so is absorbed well even by those with low gastric acid levels.

Vitamin D's role (along with calcium) in maintaining bone mass and preventing osteoporosis has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Although it can be synthesized by exposing the skin to sunlight, if you live in Northern California (or more generally, anywhere north of about 40* latitude), the sun's rays are too weak to synthesize vitamin D between November and February. (In Canada, where I live, this occurs for an even longer period of time.) Also, the ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases with age: following a given exposure to sunlight, 65-year-olds synthesize only 25% as much vitamin D as 20-year-olds. Dietary sources are limited (primarily fatty fish and fluid milk). So using a supplement that provides the recommended intake of 400 IU/day is prudent.

The above information addresses your basic health needs, but you also wanted to know about enhancing recovery and performance. Amino acid supplements have been aggressively marketed for this purpose, but at present, the available research does not support their use. There is recent research to suggest that eating protein, along with carbohydrate as part of a recovery meal or snack, can limit the amount of muscle breakdown that occurs in the post-exercise period.

Although these results have not been confirmed in longer-term studies (e.g., does it make any difference to muscle mass or performance over a period of weeks or months, as opposed to hours?), it's not going to do any harm, and makes sense from an overall healthy eating perspective.

Copyright 2001 by the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association, reprinted with permission. For more articles on nutrition, training and equipment, go to www.ultracycling.com  Copyright 2001 by the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association, reprinted with permission. For more articles on nutrition, training and equipment, go to www.ultracycling.com

A Gentle reminder . . .

OBEY THE LAWS!

We sometimes forget that our streets are governed by proven rules of the road. Here's a gentle reminder that  as cyclists we need to follow them. They're provided in your local Tucson Bike Map.  Pick one up at a bicycle shop!

Ride on the right side of the road with traffic

Obey traffic signs, signals and laws

Always wear an approved bicycle helmet

By law, all cyclists under 18 years old must wear an approved bicycle helmet

For the complete Tucson bicycle laws, refer to the Tucson Bicycle Guide or call (520) 791-4372.

Coolidge Century A Sunny Success

from Ron Fullerton, Ride Leader

The Coolidge Century on Sunday, February 24th was deemed a Sunny success by all participants (riders and volunteers)!! Cyclists completing the ride were all smiles due to the flat, fast curse and tail winds in BOTH directions. The weather was perfect-clear skies and 80 degree temperatures. Thanks to excellent teamwork on the part of all volunteers, the ride was completed without any glitches! Even the rescue on one tandem team went very smoothly. Special thanks are due to: Don and Barbara Supper, SAG #1; Kate McCarthy and Marlene Knutson, SAG #2; and Dennis and Pat James, SAG #3. Thanks also to John Hensala (from Portland, OR) who helped the ride leader all day Saturday and Sunday. Extra kudos are due Pat James and Rich Corbett for their expert advice and assistance in planning the ride.

WELCOME our new social director!

Gaba-Tucson has a new Social Director and  would like to extend a mighty warm welcome to AnneMarie Guerena-Fraijo. AnnMarie, a cyclist as well, replaces Pam and Sheryl who have done an outstanding job while the club searched for a new Social Director. Thanks AnnMarie for stepping up to the plate and volunteering with GABA!

Classifieds

FOR SALE: Bike Friday New World Tourist folding travel bike. Fits person 5Õ6Ó to 6Õ2Ó. Set up with triple crank, H handlebars, bar end shifters, and rear rack. Color is black. Excellent condition. $650 OBO. Just ordered a new one so one has to go. Tom Veljic, (520) 219-1675  or traljic@yahoo.com

Santana Tandem Ariva model, 58cm front, 52-57 cm rear, road wheels and tires, triple gearing. $1000.  Call (520) 749-4603

M a y   2 0 0 2

M E E T I N G

MONDAY, MAY 6th

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Join the club tonight for a special guest speaker. We welcome David Omick, who will be sharing stories and pictures of his eight-week, 3000-mile bike tour of in the summer of 2001. David did extensive touring of coastal Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and the Canadian maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island.  David cycled approximately two-thirds of his trip solo; and rode the remaining one-third  with a friend. Come join us and listen to this interesting presentation.

Sunrise-Sunset Times

Tucson, Arizona

Mountain Standard Time

FOR APRIL 2002

                  RISE  SET

4/1         6:13 AM     6:43 PM

4/7         6:05 AM     6:47 PM

4/14      5:57 AM     6:52 PM

4/21      5:48 AM     6:57 PM

4/28      5:41 AM     7:02 PM

CLEAN AIR FIESTA

Give Your Car A Siesta

Now until April 7, 2002

Nearly 70% of Tucson’s air pollution is created by motor vehicles.  By reducing the amount of miles you drive, and properly maintaining your car, you will help clean the air.

Join the festivities for clean air by using an alternate mode of transportation now until April, 2002.

Walk There!  Walking instead of driving short distances will help reduce the money needed for fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance and provides excellent exercise and tones your muscles.

Bus There!   Commuting by bus instead of driving can save you $1,000 per year on fuel, maintenance and parking costs, as well as reducing stress from driving in congested  traffic.

Bike There! Riding your bicycle for commutes or errands saves wear and tear on your vehicle, reducing maintenance costs and provides exercise that strengthens your heart, lungs and blood flow.

Net There!  Staying at home and using the computer and Internet, instead of driving to work, the library or stores will  extend the life-span and value of your vehicle.

Ride Share!  Carpooling to work or school instead of driving alone reduces the money needed for fuel, parking and maintenance, and cuts pollution for healthier lungs.

For a chance to win great prizes, email  your entry form by April 19, 2002 at http://dot.ci.tucson.az.us/planning/cleanairfiesta.html .  They’ll figure out how much pollution was saved when you care about the air!

Bike helmets are encouraged for all riders and are a must for those under 18 years of age

Clean Air Fiesta

List of Prizes

Trip for two to San Diego, Ambassador Travel

Specialty Item, Arizona Imprintables

Brunch or Lunch for Two, The Arizona Inn

Wildlife Poster, Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum

Guided Tour for 2 Adults & 2 Children, Colossal Cave Mt. Park

Palm Pilot, Ford Motor Co. Alternative Fuel Division

Household Item, The Home Depot

Lunch for Two, I Golosi

Two Tickets for a Performance, Invisible Theatre

Lunch for Two, La Cocina Restaurant & Catering

Free Pie Certificates, Marie Callender’s

Meal for Two, Mimi’s Cafe

Dinner for Two, Nonie

Four Passes to Old Tucson, Old Tucson Studios

Gift Certificate for $20, Pastiche Modern Eatery

Lunch for Two, Scooters Express-O

TV/Radio, Binoculars and Other Items, Spartan Promotions

Briefcase and Other Items, Thomas Promotions

Afternoon Tea for Two, Tohono Chul Tea Room

Variety of Gifts, The Tucson Mall

Haircut and Style, The New Xanadu Salon & Mini Spa

Gift Certificate for $25, Wild Oats

Lesson/Orientation, Admission & Gear Rental for Two, Rocks & Ropes

Gift certificates for $10, Coffee Etc.

For more information or to register online, visit:

http://dot.ci.tucson.az.us/planning/index.html

or call 791-4372 or 740-3947

Schedule of Events

Bike helmets are encouraged for all riders and are a must for those under 18 years of age.

April 1, Monday

Fiesta in your Car Day - Don’t be a fool! Carpool on April Fools Day!  Cut air pollution and traffic congestion in half by sharing a ride with friends and co-workers. Call 884-RIDE for RideShare information.

April 2, Tuesday

Pump Your Pedals Day - Give your car a siesta and pedal your bike to work or school today! Great for your health! This is a great way for us to reduce traffic congestion! 

April 3, Wednesday

Telework Day - Work from home and eliminate polluting commuting!

April 4, Thursday

SUN TRAN FREE RIDE DAY! Try transit for FREE today.  Ride, Relax, reduce pollution. Call Sun Tran at 792-9222 for a personal trip planner.

April 5, Friday

Lunch Time Walking! Grab your sneakers and get walking! Gather co-workers and take some strides outside your workplace.

April 5 - 7, Friday to Sunday

17th Annual Tucson Bicycle Classic - the Southwest’s premier and longest running multi-category USCF stage race will take place in the beautiful Tucson Mountain Park area. Race flyers are available in local bike shops or online at www.casaschurch.org/tbc

April 6, Saturday

Oro Valley Bike Ride - Take a leisurely bike ride in Oro Valley. Meet at 8 am at Painted Sky Elementary School, 12620 N. Woodburne Ave. Remember to bring water and wear a helmet. Call 229-4896 for information.

ABC’s of Bicycling - Learn bicycling basics for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. North parking lot of Himmel Park near 1st St. and Tucson Blvd. from 8 am to 10 am.

April 7, Sunday

Bike to the Beasts - Animals need clean air too! Ride your bike and show your helmet for FREE admittance to Reid Park Zoo, 9 am to 4 pm this Sunday!

April 11, Thursday

Post-Fiesta National AFV Day Odyssey

Showcasing Alternative Fuel Vehicles. Join us for this educational event in El Presidio Park. For more information contact www.pagnet.org  or call 792-1093.

GILA MONSTER BIKE FESTIVAL

Come Ride Sunday April 28th  in the 1st Annual Gila Monster Bike Festival in Silver City New Mexico!

This cycling festival begins with multiple-length road rides through the scenic, ecologically diverse, historic, and profoundly challenging Gila country. 

After the rides, relax with the only known GILA MONSTER anti-venom: food, festivity, and frivolity!

Post ride entertainment to include:

·     Goofy Awards and Prizes, including" Best Pistons and Valves” leg competitions

·     Super-spicy barbeque featuring World Famous Hatch Green Chile Burgers and regional cuisine

·     Relaxing Massage, and Good Music and

·     Information tables on innovative grassroots community organizations

For Further Information see our website at

http://www.geocities.com/gilamonsterbikefest/

or Contact:   Jamie Thomson at (505) 538-8045

or at gilamonsterbikes@yahoo.com

Proceeds to fund an imaginative cycling program for low income children of Grant county that provides mentorship to troubled teens, teaches cycling safety and training to low income communities.  The program will include a safe routes to school program, trips for kids, and bike safety rodeos.  The bicycle  is  a great tool for mitigating the social ills of delinquency and obesity and diabetes.

Cyclist complains of faulty drain gate To GABA:

I see a particularly dangerous and poorly designed storm grate twice a day while bike-commuting.  The grate has wide gaps that could easily throw a rider not crossing exactly at right angles.  I must cross this grate almost everyday.

I have called and e-mailed the City’s bicycle transportation who tells me that they’re “looking into the matter.”  To me, nothing short of a new grate is acceptable.

May I request that your advocacy director look into this matter for me and for all the other cyclists who have to encounter this faulty grate?  It’s located on South Tyndall Street, just south of the intersection with Broadway.

Regards,

P. N. Cadenas

Remember That Riding Too Far

to the Right is Dangerous!

Dear Editor,

I see a lot of cyclists around town who seem to ride way too far to the right.  It seems that the further right I ride, the more glass and other road garbage and inferior road surfaces I have to deal with.  Even worse, I don’t think motorists on cross streets see me when I’m in the extreme right part of a curb lane, in part because they’re not looking for anything to be there.  If I ride a little further to the left, I seem to be much more visible to cross-street motorists.  But this seems to anger motorists trying to overtake me safely.  I wonder if they think I’m hogging their lane.

I try to follow the spirit of the state driving code which says something like, “Cyclists will ride as far right as practicable...”  To me, that means that I should be far enough to the right so that motorists can pass me safely.  But it also means that I need to be where motorists entering my lane from a cross street can see me, i.e. close to where the cars are.  But that puts me on a very thin line.  Please clarify this, since I’m sure I’m not the only who has thought about this.

Thank you,

Omar F. Culpa

Every month I mail out a batch of white postcards to members whose membership is about to expire.  I have received a few phone calls this  month from members who received a postcard after they had already renewed.  Since the cards are printed up once a year for the coming year and sent out automatically,  you may receive one that appears to be an error.  Don't worry about it; when I get your renewal, I will enter it.

I guess I should have included a line on the card like you get on a magazine subscription: "if you have already renewed, please disregard this notice".  Next year....

And as always, if possible, email me.  It ensures more accuracy.

Thanks,

Your Membership Director - Steven Graeber

RIDE THE SALT RIVER CANYON

May  4 & 5, 2002

This Year         Two options!     

85 miles per day with all the hills or 65 miles per day with less hills!

Ride along the spectacular scenery and challenging hills of the Salt River Canyon.  with over 6,500 feet of climbing on the first day.

This ride is for strong, experienced cyclists.

DAY ONE

The 85-miler takes you from the mining town of Globe up through desert vistas into pine trees, and into the open vistas of the rocky canyon.

The 65-miler includes a 20-mile ride out of Globe in the sag vehicle to the first sag stop in order to skip about 3000 feet of climbing  the first day.

Both options include the curvy and steep descent to the bottom of the canyon, climbing up and up the other side, a down-hill to Carrizo Creek and the final rolling climb in the pine trees into Show Low.

DAY TWO

The course may be shortened by riding in a sag vehicle down the hill to Carrizo Canyon, or “shorter version” cyclists can choose to tackle the full 85 miles and 5000 feet of climbing. 

If you choose the shorter version with less hills, contact Kathy at (480) 775-1108, or kate1967@msn.com, to reserve your seat in the sag van!

STARTING PLACE & TIME

Meet in Globe at 5:45 AM on Saturday morning, May 4th, at Gen’s Cafe on Broad Street (formerly Peg’s Kitchen, take Broad St. off of US 60, follow it past Sycamore, and see the cafe on the left). Load your duffle bag in the baggage vehicle and pick up your map and rider instructions.

Gen’s Cafe opens at 6 AM for breakfast.  After breakfast cyclists can start riding as soon as they’re ready, but no later than 7 AM!  The baggage van will depart by 7:15 AM.  As usual, helmets are mandatory.

SAG SUPPORT

SAG #1 will be 20 miles into the ride. There is gradual climbing on this portion of the ride.

SAG #2 will be 40 miles into the ride at the top of the climb out of the Salt River Canyon. Enjoy lunch here. 

SAG #3 will be 20 miles further at the Service Station at Carrizo Junction. 

Re-hydrate yourself at each sag stop, even if you don’t feel thirsty! Consumption of enough calories during the whole day will help you feel strong until the end of your ride.

RIDE COST

$40 for GABA members; $45 for non-members.  After April 24, cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

DAY OF EVENT:   $60 for members and $65 for non-members. 

Fee includes camping at Fool’s Hollow State Park in Show Low;  baggage transport;  three sag stops including a lunch stop each day;  sag vehicles on the route; sag ride from campground to pizza place for dinner, maps and rider instructions.

RIDE LEADER:

Our ride leader this year is Kathy Hendricks. She can be contacted at (480) 775-1108, or  kate1967@msn.com (home) or khendricks@flusol.com(work). Please send your messages to both addresses.

Volunteers are still needed to help at sag stops! So please contact Kathy or Pam Cullop in Tucson at (520) 290-4321 if you want to help.

MOTEL LIST

In Globe:

Copper Manor Motel:     520-425-7124

Holiday Inn Express:          800-432-6655

El Rey:                       520-425-4427

Comfort Inn:                  520-425-7575

Ramada Limited:         520-425-5741

Days Inn: (breakfast)         520-425-5500

In Show Low:

Sleep Inn:              520-532-7323

(Pool, Jacuzzi, breakfast). 

Kiva Motel: (Jacuzzi)         520-537-4542 

Best Western Paint Pony :     520-537-5773

Days Inn:                520-537-4356

Holiday Inn Express:          520-537-5115

Thunderbird Motel:            520-537-4391

17th Annual Tucson Bicycle Classic

USCF Stage Race   

April 5-7, 2002

“A proving ground for future Olympians and Champions”!

 A Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Road Race Series!  $7000 Prize List and 15 USCF categories, including professionals, junior  and masters categories!

The Southwest’s premier and longest running multi-category USCF stage race is gearing up for its 17th annual  edition in the beautiful Tucson Mountain Park area. This race has been the stepping stone for many great cyclists to Olympic and international fame, including  Tucson’s Gord Fraser, Rebecca Twigg,  Kent Bostick, and  Bobby Julich, who with Lance Armstrong and Greg Lemond are the only Americans to place in the Tour de France final top three!

Last year, a field of 500 competitors from 20 states, Mexico, Canada and Europe entered the Classic, or TBC.  For the 7th year in a row, the TBC is a part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Race Series,  attracting some of the West’s top juniors, from ages 10 to 18, who will be competing for precious National and Junior Olympic Team qualifying points.

This year’s sponsors include Academy of Physical Therapy, ALTA, Artisan Prosthetics, GABA, El Tour de Tucson, Chipotle, Curtis Lueck & Assoc., The Legend Group, Lifeline Chiropractic, Ordinary Bike Shop, Old Tucson, Time Market, Quality Inn Suites, Print Room and Clear Water Systems.   Race flyers are available in local bike shops.

Where: Tucson Mountain Park and surrounding areas.

What: The premier stage race in the Southwest! Excellent competition and friendly people!  Cash awards to most categories and plaques for top placers. Standings are based on time (as in the Tour de France),  where the lowest accumulated time in each category establishes the winner.

Official Charities:  The Tucson Centers for Women and Children, and the Brad P. Gorman Memorial Fund, to fight domestic violence and promote bicycle safety.

Courses    

Stage 1: Friday: 1-6 PM.  McCain Loop 3.0 mile prologue TT, new course this year.  Mostly uphill on excellent roads in the Tucson Mountain Park area west of Old Tucson, where registration and parking take place. Start near Gilbert Ray Campground.  Ride your bike to the TT course: no parking allowed on McCain Loop.

Stage 2: Saturday: 6:30 AM-12 Noon.  Gates Pass Road Race: distance varies from 105 to 21 miles depending on the category.  Course is a 21-mile loop with 1000 vertical feet of climbing and all kinds of terrain including rollers, descents and a 4-mile climb starting out  at 4% and topping out at 12% atop Gates Pass!  Most categories do this climb two or  three times, elite men five times! Start/finish on Greasewood north of Pima College. Great viewing at top of Gates Pass 7 AM-12 Noon.  Ride your bike early!

Stage 3: Sunday: 6:30-11:30 AM.  Speedway/Anklam Circuit Race. Mileages from 56 to 33 on a 5.6-mile loop with 300' vertical climbing per lap.  Mid-race time bonus sprints and breakaways add excite-ment to this race!  Same start/finish line for both Sat./Sun.  Great viewing on the Anklam Rd. water feed hill and start/finish area. Park in Pima College NW parking lot.

The Awards Ceremony will start Saturday late morning for Jr. 10-12 and 13-14 Boys/Girls; Sunday late afternoon for early races and that evening for later races.

Website:  www.casaschurch.org/tbc

Email:   snsbohn@mindspring.com

For more information, please contact Steve Bohn, Race Director, 2140 E. 7th St., Tucson  AZ  85719, phone (520) 884-5564.

Volunteer Info:  Call Steve. 

Friday: 11 AM - 3 PM: Parking attendants; Noon -6 PM: some corner marshals.

Saturday and Sunday:  6 AM - Noon  Support vehicle drivers, race official help.

Host Housing        can you put up some racers for the weekend?  Please call Steve (520)  884-5564.

19th Annual Answer To The Challenge

April 26, 27 & 28

The “Answer To The Challenge” presents three consecutive days of century riding!  Along the way, cyclists climb over 22,000 feet and the weather can range anywhere from cold and wet to hot and dry!

On day one, ride from Scottsdale to Strawberry with 9,000 plus feet of climbing.  On day two, cycle to Prescott over Mingus Mountain for another 6,600 feet.  Return on day three after the fast descent of Yarnell Hill!

Wide road between Lake Pleasant and I-10! And no more narrow section on the Bee Line Hwy! This ride is fully supported.  Lodging and meals are the riders’ responsibility. Limited accommodations.

Early reservations are strongly recommended.

START: Scottsdale and Shea Blvd., SE corner.

TIME:  5 AM.  Last sag leaves at 6:30 AM.  Slower riders should plan to start early.

INFORMATION:  Dick Landis (480) 839-9383.

REGISTRATION FEE:  GABA Members, $40;  Non-members, $45.

After April 20th, add $5 for late fee.

Make checks payable to:

Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club

c/o Dick Landis

2180 E. Southern

Tempe, AZ  85282.

(Use the Generic pre-registration form on page 15.)

Motels

In Strawberry

Strawberry Lodge:             520-476-3333

Strawberry Motel:             520-476-3040

Windmill Court Inn:           520-476-3064

Strawberry Hill Cabins        520-476-4252

In Prescott

Bags drop-off /pickup at Super 8

Super 8 (Sheldon St.)        800-800-8000

Motel 6 (Sheldon St.)               800-466-8356

Prescottonian Best Western     800-528-1234

Colony Inn                      520-445-7057

American Motel                  520-778-4322

Senator Inn               520-445-1440

Apache Lodge                  520-445-1422

THE 20TH  ANNIVERSARY SONOITA to BISBEE RIDE

April 13 - 14, 2002

This ride is meant for intermediate riders, and traverses the high southern  Arizona plains with rolling hills and one pass.

First day - approx. 65 miles: The course takes you along grassy meadows and scenic valleys from Sonoita to Mustang Corners (sag stop #1), to Tombstone (look for a GABA “Water Stop”.) Visit the famous Tombstone Boardwalk, small shops and museums. Then return to your bike and continue southeast.

Enjoy the majestic views of the Huachuca Mountains to the west as you descend to the base of the Mule Mountains for a delicious GABA lunch (sag stop #2), last sag stop before a steady 6-mile climb that brings you to the tunnel at the top! So, don’t forget to refuel!

As you ride through the tunnel, you are starting the long descent into Bisbee, nestled in Tombstone Canyon! Quaint small shops and artists galleries will charm you as you stroll along the narrow twisted streets of this “turn-of-the-century” mining town!

Second day - approx. 55 miles: The return trip takes you back up to the tunnel, either via the main highway, or through the narrow winding Tombstone Canyon road. You could continue on this road to the TOP of the tunnel, or just go through the tunnel on your way to the major descent of this day! As you were climbing the 6-mile Mule Mountain Pass, did you think how great it would be to go the other way? Well, here it is! Enjoy this great descent!

At the bottom, turn left towards Sierra Vista and continue down to the crossing of the San Pedro River.  A little climb with great views of the Huachuca Mountains and you are now NEAR Sierra Vista, at SAG Stop #1.  A bit further, turn right at the junction of Hwys 90 & 92. The By-Pass will bring you to Huachuca City on a nice and smooth road.

The third leg of this journey back may bring some headwinds - a traditional occurrence on this ride! Look for SAG #2 a few miles up the hill at milepost 49.  A little more climb, with scenic mountain scenes at the horizon, and you’re now back in grasslands, and close to the finish in Sonoita.

Fees include

1.  Camping at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Sonoita on Friday night before the ride (bathrooms available);

2.  Safe parking for you car at the Fairgrounds for the weekend;

3.  Sweep support along the route; two sag stops with ice water, fruit and snacks; and lunch at Sag #2;

4.  Baggage truck to deliver your luggage at camping site or your B & B (tag your duffel bag with hotel tags at start of ride);

5.  Delicious Mexican dinner in Bisbee on Saturday night at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church ($5 extra prepaid with ride fee);

6. Scrumptious Mexican breakfast on Sunday morning starting at 6 AM to send you off with a smile ($5 at the door); 

7.  Camping in Bisbee on Saturday night at City Park away from traffic, yet conve-nient to the center of town; you’re on your own for lodging: see motel list below;

8.  Route map and riders instructions.

No other bicycle event is planned on this weekend, so come and enjoy the scenery, camaraderie of fellow cyclists and the charm of Historic Bisbee! Make plans ahead of time! Send your pre-registration early! And make your reservations early if you are planning to do “Bed & Breakfast”!

Starting Point      

In Sonoita at the Fairgrounds (follow GABA signs) on Saturday morning.

Starting Time       

Register between 6:30-8:30 AM. Baggage truck departs no later than 9 AM. Sign in, drop off your duffel bag labeled with color-coded motel tags, and pick up your map and riders instructions. Then, ride as soon as you’re ready!

Ride Leader    Dick Schaffer, 520-326-4807. bikeschaf@aol.com

RIDE FEES

Pre-Registered  $40 for members and  $45 for non-members.

Late Fee (after 4/5)  $45 for members, $55 for  non-members.

Day of Event Fees  Members pay $60, Non Members pay $65.

Add $5 for a delicious Mexican Fiesta dinner  for Saturday night!

Menu Nine-Bean Salad  Chili Relleno, Mexican Salad and Steak strips, Roasted Chicken, Rice, Beans, Tortillas, Salsa, Mexican chocolate cake, Flan, Water, Lemonade and Sodas. (Must be pre-paid with ride fee. A meal ticket is needed, you can pick it up at the start of the ride).

Breakfast available on Sunday morning is a protein and carbo Mexican scrambled eggs, Chorizo, bacon, tortillas, juices, coffee.  All of this for only $5!  Pay at the door.

HOTELS

Bisbee Grand Hotel:     800-421-1909

Hotel La More:          888-432-5131

Copper Queen Hotel:     800-247-5829

High Desert Inn:        800-432-1442

Inn at Castle Rock:     800-566-4449

Jonquil Motel:          520-432-7371

Main Street Inn:        800-467-5237

OK Street Jailhouse:    800-821-0678

School House B&B:       800-537-4333

102 @ Castle Rock:      520-432-5424

Walker House:           520-432-4829

Chamber of Comm:  520-432-5421

DON’T MISS

The Eleventh  EL TOUR DE PHOENIX

      Saturday, April 6th

Over 800 cyclists will ride 100, 70 or 25 miles around the perimeter of McDowell Mountains and Red Mountain, starting and finishing at Fitch Park in Mesa. 

El Tour de Phoenix is fast becoming the largest springtime ride in central Arizona, attracting cyclists of all ages and abilities!

The course offers a lot of diversity, taking you to the North and West areas of Phoenix through a spring desert in full bloom!  Be prepared for a course with a lot of short hills at times!

The 100-milers start at 6:30 AM. 70-miler riders start at 7 :30 AM at Filch Park in Mesa, Az.  The 25-mile riders start at 10 AM at the Rest Area on Bush Hwy, 1.7 miles south of Sahuaro Lake turnoff.

This ride benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information contact Perimeter Bicycling at 745-2033.

LUNA LAKE BIKE TOUR

May 25  27th, 2002

Spend Memorial Weekend cycling a moderately difficult ride on some of the least traveled roads in the cool mountains of Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico. The great Luna Lake Tour    offered for many years by Gaba-Tucson     is back again!

Day One: 48 miles, Springerville, AZ to Quemado, NM

Check in at the Safeway parking lot in Springerville, from 8 to 9 AM. Then ride 48 miles on rolling hills to Quemado.  Lunch will be served just before a cyclist’s dream: an eight-mile descent into Quemado. Camping and showers at the Quemado High School will be available.

Day Two: 55 miles, Quemado to Reserve, NM

Pedal on a lightly-traveled road through the Gallo Mountains. The first SAG stop is at the top of the climb; then ride a thrilling descent to Apache Corners for lunch! Continue to Reserve, NM, our destination for the day. If 55 miles is not enough for you, there is an optional side trip to the Continental Divide, an additional 32 miles. Camping and showers on the grounds of the Village Motel will be available.

Day Three: 62 miles  Reserve to Springerville

This is the most challenging day!  The first SAG stop is at Luna Summit, top of the day’s major climb!  A second SAG stop is at Luna Lake.  A third SAG will offer emergency refueling and plenty of rehydration.

Fee Includes:  Luggage transport; two SAG stops with food and water each day with a third SAG added on Day 3; camping and showers at the High School in Quemado on Saturday night; and at the Village Motel in Reserve on Sunday night. At the end of the ride in Springerville, two rooms will be available for showers at the Rode Inn so that you can go home refreshed.

Four Optional Catered Meals at an extra cost      must be pre-paid. 

On Saturday evening in the Quemado High School cafeteria, a Mexican dinner will be offered for $7.50 to benefit the high school’s 4-H Club. The following morning, a pancakes, eggs, etc., breakfast at 6 AM will be served at the High School for $7.00.

On Sunday evening in Reserve, the Elk Country Cafe will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner for $12.50.

On Monday morning, the Elk Country Cafe will be offering a cyclist’s breakfast for $7.50. See registration form on page 15 of this Update to pre-pay for these meals with your ride fee.

Please send in you registration form ASAP to assist us in adequately preparing for a well-supported ride! This remote area has few supermarkets!

Ride Leaders are Pat and Dennis James

Call for more information (520) 825-2469 or email at: djamesgang@comcast.net. Last minute registrants MUST call Pat NO LATER THAN MONDAY MAY 20, by 9 PM.

AREA MOTELS

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

ONE FORM PER RIDER

Ride Leaders: Pat and Dennis James Call (520) 825-2469 or  email: djamesgang@comcast.net

Important Note: If you are NOT pre-registered,  you must call Pat by Monday, May 20, 9 PM. We'll be in the boonies, folks, and need adequate time to prepare well-supplied SAGS.

FEE: Make check payable to:

GABA, Inc,  PO Box 43273

Tucson  AZ  85733

GABA Members            $60

Non-members       $65

Late Fee (if postmarked after 5/17)  $10

Quemado dinner          $7.50     

Reserve dinner                $12.50

Quemado breakfast       $7.00

Reserve breakfast       $7.50

DAY OF EVENT member:    $75 

DAY OF EVENT non-member $80 

Participation in this event requires use of an ANSI-approved helmet.

PLEASE STAPLE YOUR SIGNED WAIVER TO EACH REGISTRATION FORM.

KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW

GABA-TUCSON CYCLING JERSEYS

COMING SOON!

TTM

16th Annual Tour of the Tucson Mountains

Sunday, April 21

58 or 29 mile options

This year, the TTM will challenge over 1,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities with the help of more than 250 volunteers!

The start for  the 58-milers is at Pima College West (Anklam  and Greasewood) at 7 AM. The 29-milers start at Desert Winds Elementary School on Rudasill Rd. (one mile west of Sandario Rd.) at 9 AM.  Both rides end at Pima College West.  Over a dozen route stations, most of them with food, water and medical assistance, will dot the course.  Traffic control over the entire route makes this ride one of the safest and most enjoyable events in the southwest!

The Kids Fun Ride with options for four miles, or 1/4 mile for kids under 12, also starts and finishes at Pima College. 

Proceeds go to the U of A Alumni Association Scholarship Fund and to Kino Kids, a program of Kino Community Hospital.

For more information on starting times, locations,  cost and how to register, please call PBAA at 745-2033 (Tucson).

Tucson’s Transportation Future

The Department of Transportation now has a brochure describing the City’s 10-year Transportation Plan and the 1/2 cent sales tax proposal scheduled for the May 21st election. For those interested, you may see the free brochure on the World Wide Web at http://dot.ci.tucson.az.us/ttdot/index.html

We recommend you look at the Tucson Transportation Plan slideshow as well!

Wayne's Words

NEW BOARD TEAMS

Over the past several years the number of people volunteering to serve on GABA-Tucson’s governing board has grown to almost 20.  When we had fewer people, everyone was doing more to keep the club running and we were concentrating on the critical needs of the club.  With fewer people and less things to worry about, there was less communication needed in that there were fewer paths and opinions to be expressed.

The Board has reached a point where this model is not necessarily the best.

An approach is being talked about and implemented to basically divide the Board up into three teams. The three teams being a Rides and Touring team, a Publications team and a Community Relations team.

These teams will work with the executive team and work towards established goals and on-going activities.

Each team is responsible for many things.  They will insure activities are well-planned and supported; that day-to-day activities are done properly and problems will be solved as they arise.

I hope that by the end of this year everyone in the club will be able see something we are doing better because of these teams within the Board of Directors.