GABA's Update October 2002

Welcome Bob Epstein,

New Bike Shop Coordinator

The job of Bike Shops Coordinator is a new one created by the Board this year.  And, Bob Epstein has volunteered to take over this very important task of maintaining good communication between the various Tucson bike shops and our Club.

We welcome Bob, and we know he will be very busy, as there are more than 15 bike shops in Tucson!  All bike shops receive our Newsletter as a courtesy to give out to interested parties and prospective members.  Some bike shops take advantage of the low advertising rates of the GABA-Tucson newsletter, which reaches over 2,000 cyclists throughout the State of Arizona and beyond. 

Words from Wayne

It was the 3rd week of El Tour Training rides.  I had to recruit a helper, Pam, because of the large number of riders showing for the rides.  The first week, we had over 100 riders! I was just over-whelmed, trying to get everyone signed in and get myself ready. 

We arrived at starting point at 5:30 AM.  I pulled the bike out of the truck and got ready.  I was answering questions as Pam was handing out the waiver sheets to be signed and the route maps.

Just before the ride started, I explained the route.  We were going south on Silverbell, east on Congress, north on Swan following the El Tour route around Ranch Vistoso, back down Oracle and La Canada to Grant and then back to Silverbell. 

I was nearly the last one to leave since I wanted to be there to answer any last minute questions and make sure the new riders understood what to expect on the training rides.

There were still a few riders in the parking lot as I said good-bye to Pam and headed out.  I began to pass some riders as I tried to catch a group that I could ride with.  As I neared St. Mary's, which is 2 miles from the starting point, I spotted a fair sized group waiting at the light.  The light turned green before I could get there so they took off.  I hurried to clear the light before it turned red again.

Just as I pulled within maybe ten yards of the back of the group, my cell phone rang.  Now I don't get many phone calls when I ride. As a matter of fact I can only recall getting two phone calls when I was gone much longer than expected. 

So I let up, pulled out the phone and heard the most dreaded question, "Do you

have the truck keys?"

CANNONDALE TOURING BIKE. Upgraded T800, 53 cm, with custom Bruce Gordon racks and panniers, sold as a unit.   $400.  No longer needed, but still has hundreds of miles left in her!  It's ready to roll. Pat Mulligan,(520) 825-9977, Tuc.

DaVINCI TANDEM for sale. Independent Coasting Drivetrain Joint Venture Model, Medium Frame Size, Easton Aluminum 7005 Elite tandem tubing, about 32 lbs.; Campagnolo Shifters and Derailleurs; WoundUp Carbon Tandem Fork with Carbon steer tube; daVinci Designs Billet Machined Cranks; 26" tandem specific tandem wheels with White Industries hubs; 32 Speeds! 24, 36, 48, 60 Chainrings  and 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28 Cassette; Avid Breaks w/Travel Agent and Stiffy Brake Booster; Tamer Pivot Plus Suspension Stoker seat-post; Chris King NoThreadset and other high end custom components. Exceptional Condition (pedals and saddles not included) For details, see davincitandems.com  Tandem magazine says, "The Joint Venture is an amazing bike. Wish list componentry, quality craftsmanship, unmatched versati-lity, snappy handling, huge gear range and the new freedom of independent coasting: it's tough to beat! Asking $5,000 (retails over $6,000)  Tom Nieman, Home: 520-615-8880; Work: 520-546-2728 or tjnieman@comcast.net   (Tuc)

CANNONDALE RAVEN 2000, Full Suspension Mountain Bike, size L, shimano XTR/XT and Cannondale components. Mavic wheels, 2 sets of tires, cyclometer, time ATAC pedals, brand new condition, $1,500.  Vinnie Hunt at: vinnieh@earthlink.net 

STREET BIKE WANTED: 56cm. Needed for El Tour. Quality, a must; Price negotiable. Bob Fridrich, Tucson/Green Valley: (520) 648-0444 or email: ungarfridrich@ultrasw.com

CAPTAIN NEEDED. Experienced stoker with tandem needs at captain. Contact Marlene at marlened@azstarnet.com  or (520) 747-9968.

VAUDE SIENA BICYCLE BACKPACK. Excellent condition, Aeroflex arched back, large interior pocket for hydration bladder, outer mesh pockets and built-in helmet holder, reflective piping, dayglow raincover built into bottom, hip pads and adjustable shoulder straps, 21"X14", 1600 cubic inches; sells new for $90.00; asking $45.00. JANDD Commuter Pannier, black with reflective strips and shoulder strap; approximately 1800 cubic inches; in good condition; sells new for $85.95; asking $35.00. JANDD Grocery Bag Pannier, gray, mesh-sided, sells new for $44.95; asking $20.00. Contact Cathy Hoffman, (520) 360-7783, cahoffman@cox.net  Tuc.

MONGOOSE TITANIUM Mtn. Bike 17". Deore XT parts (crank, brakes, levers, rear hub) XTR rear derailleur, Mavic 221 rims. Hardly ridden. Like new. $650. And Dean Scandium Road Bike Frame. Under 2 1/2 lbs. Ridden 1 year. Perfect shape. Comes w/Thompson Elite seat post, Reynolds Ouzo Pro all carbon fork. 56cm(c-c). Cost over $1375. Now only $475. Jim (520) 628-7564 (h) or (520) 628-1965 (w).

1994 SANTANA ARRIVA TANDEM. Size Large; Color: Eggplant (purple).  In perfect condition.  Asking $2,200, OBO. "BE READY FOR EL TOUR"! Don Supper, (520) 498-0095 (Tuc).

GIANT KRONOS road bike, 54-cm Cr-Mo frame with Shimano RSX 21-speed.  Excellent condition.  Good entry-level bike for El Tour at a cheap price.  $250 or best offer.  Call Mike or Val, 743-9687.

The 2002

Blue Loop Bike Tour,

Another Successful and Wonderful Ride!

by Sandi Rousseau

Another year, another gathering of some of the strongest, pluckiest and most determined cyclists around showed up in force for the annual GABA Tucson Blue Loop Tour.  Cyclists gathered at the Morenci Motel in Morenci on Friday evening and Saturday morning for the start of the ride.  A total of 77 cyclists, which included three GABA Board members, and 11 volunteers made up our group.  The nine who were unfortunately unable to attend, missed a truly great weekend.

The "Loop" began on Saturday morning climbing and winding 66 miles, with an elevation gain of 4800 feet to the lovely little town of Glenwood, New Mexico.  There we were greeted by our delightful and gracious hostess, Polly Tipton of the Double T Homestead Bed and Breakfast.  We were all treated to a welcome repast of lasagna, both meat and vegetarian, salad, beverages and dessert.  Just as everyone was finishing up dinner and enjoying the cool breeze and conversation of their fellow cyclists, an unexpected rain storm started, turned into hail and delivered a marvelous fresh new smell to the area.  Although it didn't last long, it was a welcome event.  What a wonderful, relaxing afternoon and evening was shared by all.   There were a good many who enjoyed the Historic Catwalk and even four (Christy, Lynn, Mike and Ramesh) who met up with a rattlesnake who didn't care to share his path! 

Sunday morning everyone was served to a tasty breakfast of two varieties of burritos, with muffins, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, milk and juice.  What a grand way to start the ride out of Glenwood, heading for Alpine, Arizona.  The cyclists had the "pleasure" of riding 58 miles with a 5346 foot gain in elevation.   This day cyclists reported sightings of deer, elk, a wolf, a fox, and your leader and her "helper" Stephanie, even saw a black bear cub!  We did not stick around to see where "mom" was but what an exciting time that was.   The day even included some hail snowballs thrown by some cyclists at others - maybe someone can share that story more; how about it Steve and Richard? 

Everyone made the ride into Alpine in fine shape with time to enjoy the little town and more companionship and getting to know their fellow cyclists.  The campers made themselves at home at the Alpine Village RV Park, in a very nice setting.   An impromptu birthday party was arranged at the Alpine Cabins for some of our August and September celebrants, including Matt Feurer, Ralph Phillips and Sandi Rousseau.  GABA Board members, Steve Wilson and Donna Lewandowski once again treated the group to an entertaining slide show of the ride up to that point during the birthday party.   This is getting to be an expected attraction, so be prepared Steve and Donna!   An enjoyable time was had by all and the spaghetti feed put on by Sherry Curtis and Cathy Stewart was just grand.   And Sherry, the sauce was great, never enough garlic!

Once again, most of the riders were fed by the only restaurant in town, The Bear Wallow Cafe.  Owner Vada Davis was delighted with the cyclists' consideration and courtesy shown for the many other diners, at both dinner, and breakfast on Monday morning.  As meals were completed, cyclists vacated their seats for those waiting.  Your ride staff had a wonderful barbecue of their own at their hotel with chefs Jim C. (in complete barbecue outfit of hat, apron, gloves, the works!) and Dennis cooking the chicken, with beans and a wonderful salad from Pat. We were delighted to have a relaxing afternoon and evening in which to enjoy our meal and each other's company.

Monday morning all the cyclists were up and out of town by 8 AM.  Must have been the excitement of the 92 miles and 6831 feet of elevation gain ahead of them!  While a few cyclists encountered a bit of rain here and there, and even some hail as Sag 2 was winding up, most showed no signs of being hampered or bothered by it, and it was short lived.  All the cyclists were back in Morenci by 4 PM.  It was said that even one of our cyclists was surprised in his shower, by his best friend; just so two lovely ladies could kiss him good-bye!   We won't mention any names, but who ever knew Bill to say no to a kiss from one lovely lady, let alone two!  And, of course, Richard would never deny a lovely lady's wish either!

To say the ride was great is an understatement but it certainly ranks right up there as one of our best for sure.  There were no accidents, no injuries, no mishaps and a good time was reported by one and all.  I wouldn't hear of anything else!  It could not have been done without the superb volunteer support we had.   My thanks go out to Pam Cullop who helped me plan the ride;  to Pat and Dennis James who always had a lovely table set up for Sag 1; to Joan and Larry Gossman for the sumptuous lunch at Sag 2;  and to Erika and Jim Welcher for the marvelous job at feeding the hungry masses at Sag 3.   Along with them we had Joy Goldbaum and Norm Osborne from Las Cruces, N.M., GABA members who have joined us on many rides in the past, and who took on the job of the baggage and did a fantastic job; and of course our special thanks to our expert sweepers, Elena and Jim Chapman.  The ride was a complete success and we owe it to all of you.  Thank you all so much for your smiles, stories, suggestions, cheerfulness and expertise, and for allowing the riders to have such an enjoyable tour experience.  You were all just terrific.

 P.S.  We do have a few "lost and found" items:  one camp chair, one bicycle pump and two water bottles.  Owners may contact Sandi Rousseau to retrieve items.

A Mountain Adventure

on a Mountain Bike!

By Scott Morris

Early on a January morning in 1998, Bobby and I headed out to try a new mountain bike route in the Santa Rita Mountains.  We had been trying rides listed in the book, Mountain Biking in the Old Pueblo, Copyright 1992.  That was only 6 years before, so we figured that most of the directions would be accurate.  Most were!

The book said that the rating for the Gunsight Pass Loop was moderate exertion and advanced technical.  Rides are rated easy, moderate, severe, or extreme depending upon how steep the climbs are.  They are also rated beginner, intermediate, difficult, advanced and expert depending upon how much skill is required to navigate the terrain.  Moderate exertion was fine for us.  Advanced technical was a little over our skill level, but, hey, you can push or carry your bike over touch sections.  The book said the time for the ride was 1 - 3 hours.  We were getting to the start before 7 AM.  We should easily be home before noon!

The ride started out fine.  We followed the directions from the Rosemont Junction turn off on Highway 83 a few miles north of Sonoita.  We drove about 4 miles on dirt roads until we reached the place where we planned to start. We started riding on a cool, sunny morning.  The first stretch was on a dirt road with the mountains rising to our right.  The day was bright and beautiful.  As we rode, we passed seasonal waterfalls created by melting mountain snow.  We really felt good.

As we continued, the road began to drop sharply.  Bobby and I both like to ride fast down hills.  The road was fairly smooth and we let our speed increase.  Bobby was maybe 50 yards ahead when I saw puffs of dust rise from his tires and realized that he was braking hard!  This gave me time to slow down as I watched him slide to a stop, about 2 feet from the edge of the road.  At that point the road made a hairpin right turn and straight ahead of us was a sheer drop of several hundred feet.  Our carefree jaunt took on a somewhat different feel as we contemplated what it would have been like if we had not been able to stop in time!

Soon we recovered our confidence and again were riding at a fast pace down the road.  But downhill rides don't last forever, and we found ourselves climbing up into the Santa Ritas.  This was when and where the "things can change in 6 years" factor came into play in our ride.  We were estimating distance and looking for landmarks and Forest Service road markers. But the roads and landmarks didn't quite fit the instructions. .

We rode back and forth over the same roads endlessly checking landmarks and looking for the trail up to Gunsight Pass.  Finally, on a hunch we took a road that seemed to go to a private home.  Sure enough, it went on up the mountain.  The Forest Service had extended the main road past the point where it ended in 1992! 

It is now about noon.  We are 5 hours into a 1 to 3 hour ride and we haven't even ridden up to the pass yet!  Plus the sky is turning dark as clouds move in.  We have ridden about 15 miles around the mountain and have ridden another 10 miles searching for our missing turn.  We are not about to ride back around the mountain, when we have finally found the route (we think we have anyway - it looks like it could be the right trail).  Our car is just on the other side of the mountain.  We can ride through the pass (moderate exertion the guide says) and be back at our car in an hour or so.

As we start up the road to the pass the way becomes steeper and steeper and narrower and rockier.  After 30 minutes the way becomes too steep and too rocky for us to continue to ride.  We dismount and push our bikes, sometime even lifting our bikes from one level to another. This is moderate exertion?  I can't remember expending this much energy in my life!  I am 50 years old.  Bobby is about half my age - 26 or 27, but he isn't faring any better than me.  At one point we put our bikes down and just stretched out on our backs for about 20 minutes to recover.  The view is fantastic!  But the trail is still climbing at an alarming grade and the sky is getting darker and darker.  We feel the first drops of rain and struggle to our feet to continue.  This is no place to be in a mountain storm - especially in January!

Finally, around 3 PM, we reach a smoother, less aggressive portion of the trail and are able to start riding again.  It has now been 8 hours since we started and the climb has taken a toll!  Still, it is great to be on our bikes instead of pushing or carrying them.  We are almost to the top.

Once we reach the top we encounter a variety of Forest Service signs that don't quite match our directions, but we take our best guess and start down.  It is too steep to ride without vigorous braking, but it is exhilarating and we are soon flying down the mountain!  Further on, we pass campers who have come in with off-road vehicles.  The first people that we have seen since we found the turn off over 3 hours ago!

We are having a great time, except it is now raining more seriously and the rain is very cold!  The other problem is that we are encountering a lot of trail junctions.  Some of the junctions are not marked very well and most of them are not noted in our directions.  Again and again we must make our best choice.  "I think it's this way." or  "This trail looks more likely to go through."  Sometimes we guess wrong and have to back track as our trail curves back up the mountain or abruptly ends.

Finally, around 4 PM we recognize the landmarks that will lead us back to our car.  We are shaking from the cold and our hands are numb.  The trail has turned slippery from the rain and has way too many climbs as we go up and down the foothills of the Santa Ritas.

We load the bicycles on the bike rack, turn up the car heater to "high" and sit there shivering.  We decide to take a detour into Sonoita to call my wife, Doris.  Do you think she had noticed that we didn't get home by noon as anticipated?

Pueblo High School

Gets

Teen Bike Club, Needs Used Bikes!

By Yolanda Sotelo

To try and get the young people in the community interested in biking, Pueblo High School has started a new bike club!

Last year, we unofficially had 18 students participate and complete El Tour de Tucson! This year we are trying to make it an official club, thanks to GABA agreeing to help, by letting our students ride in a couple of centuries for a reduced fee, and helping us to become a "Cycling Club" at the High School level.

At the moment, we have no funds, so we could use donations of bike parts, and bikes, especially smaller road frames.

We'd like to introduce more students to the joy of biking and participating in local bike rides, but we sure could use some help.

We would also appreciate "technical" help from volunteers to help get a few of the bikes we have in good riding condition, as well as teach us maintenance and repairs of the few bikes we already have.

If you have anything we can use, please contact Yolanda Sotelo at Pueblo High School at 225-4300. If you're interested in riding with us, call for a schedule of our rides.

All of our students at Pueblo High School thank you in advance!

Raffle Ticket Winner

of the 1896 Racing Eagle

Sheryl Mueller, GABA Publicity

Mike Ben-Horin of Tempe, Arizona is the new owner and winner of the 1896 Vintage Racing Eagle!

Mike's first reaction in hearing of the news was "I can't believe I've won!  It's been such a long time I'd forgotten that I even bought a raffle ticket. My buddies won't believe I won such a cool prize!" Mike is an attorney and has several cruiser bicycles.

The lucky number was drawn by Aunna Elm, Safe Routes to School Representative, on Monday, September 9, 2002 at the regularly scheduled GABA club meeting. 

On behalf of the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA), Chris Toal presented a check to Matthew Zoll, Dick Shaffer, & Aunna Elm for the Safe Routes to School Program.   There were over 569 entries and total funds raised were $1,000.

Entries came from all over the United States including;

St. Paul, MN,  Bend, OR   Albany, OR   Washington, DC

San Mateo, CA  El Paso, TX  Palo Alto, CA  Dodge City, KS  Gardena, CA

McLean, VA  Eagle River, Alaska  Ft. Collins, CO

Entries from Arizona included:  Gilbert, Sells, Tempe, Phoenix, St. David, Avondale, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson, Florence, Grand Canyon, Wickenburg, and Cortaro.

Many letters accompanied mail-in raffle tickets thanking Tom Chabot for his most generous donation.  GABA members and the board  also thank Tom for his many contributions to our club and his desire to encourage, educate and extend bicycle use to all ages.  Tom not only found the antique bicycle, but restored it and donated it to raise funds specifically to promote and fund bicycle education for the children of Tucson and surrounding areas.

GABA would like to thank all those who volunteered to sell tickets at  the Tour For Tucson Children registration, Bike Swap Meet and at the GABA Ice Cream Social.  Thanks also to Jim Chapman, Bridget Owers, Greg Yares, Alicia Heiserer, Suzanna Canizo, (Daily Star Transportation reporter) and the staff at Tailwinds.

The Memorial Ride for Safety

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002

Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club is hosting the Memorial Ride for Safety with the support of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, Basha's and AJ's Market. 

This year, we are celebrating the New Bicycle Law A.S.R. 28-735 regarding motorists overtaking bicyclists on the road.  Three feet of clearance is now required and several monetary penalties are outlined.

Registration will start at 7 AM for the 100-K riders, and 7:30 AM for the 35-mile ride.  This ride is a great training ride for El Tour de Tucson just one month away!  Ride through Carefree and see the scenic vistas north into the Tonto National Forest on the way to Bartlett Lake.  The Start/ Finish area will be near Pinnacle Peak Bike Shop at Pima and Pinnacle Peak Roads.

The Safety Ride and the Safety Message has grown out of the tragic cycling accident Winston Benson had 5 years ago. 

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is an organization dedicated to educate riders, motorists, and government officials on all safety issues concerning bicyclists. 

Join PMBC and the Coalition (CAzB) for a fun ride and BBQ meal. Help get the message out about safe cycling!  Let's all "Ride to the Right", "Share the Road", signal turns and hazards on the road.  The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is out there fighting for your rights as cyclists, so come out and support the Safety Ride.

For more info, Rich Rumer, (602) 953-2585 or visit www.sportsfun.com/gaba/

19th Annual

Frances Chubinski Memorial

Heart of Arizona Century

Frances Chubinski led this ride for 12 years until her death in 1995. She was a tireless supporter of cyclists and cycling causes in the state of Arizona for many years.  This ride is organized to honor her memory. Last year's ride raised $2100 to purchase helmets for kids. Let's double that amount this year!

3 options to chose from: 107, 69 and 27 miles, with support stations every 20-25 miles.  Two mega sags and course sweeps. In the past, sags have featured wading pools, ice cream, popsicles, and tuxedo clad staff.  Who knows what this year will bring!

The 107- mile ride is hilly and not for the "faint of Heart".  Roller-coaster grades as well as a couple of hefty climbs up to 4200 feet bring you to the most beautiful section of desert scenery. And, the descent down Yarnell Hill is well worth it!   This ride will challenge your skills and endurance!  

A shorter 69-mile loop with gentler grades is available for other cyclists.

Novice riders can enjoy a leisurely 27-mile option with one Sag.

Ride Cost:

Individual           $30       Tandems           $50

Family $75 -Up to 4 related riders

Late Fee           $5  -Postmarked after 10/14

Make your check payable to:

Heart of Arizona Century (use Generic Form & WAIVER on page 11). Mail your Pre-registration Form w/your check to:

Heart of Arizona Century,  P. O. Box 8125, Glendale, AZ  85312-8125. 

Riders must obey all Arizona traffic laws and must wear ANSI, ASTM or Snell approved helmets. 

For info, contact Betsy Turner at BetTur@aol.com   or (623) 979-8110, or visit www.sportsfun.com/gaba/

Where: Ride starts & ends in Congress, about 17 miles NW of Wickenburg. In Wickenburg, head north on US 89 and watch for the GABA signs.

Registration:

Check-in at 7 AM.  Ride starts at 8 AM.

What you get: Bagels, coffee & juice before ride; Route map; Excellent Sag Support; and a special Participation Award.

Note: No confirmation notices sent. Ride is held, rain or shine. Be prepared for any kind of weather!!

This ride is sponsored by: Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club, Basha's and AJ's Market.

Palo Verde Nuclear Century

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002

The Palo Verde Nuclear Century has become the premier ride in the West Valley. Last year's ride (the 11th) had 200 riders! With 4 sag well-stocked sag stops, roving support, a BBQ after the ride and a flat-loop course. it is a great training ride! There is also a 50-mile option for the less intense rider.

Ride Cost:

Members           $15

Non-members $20

Late Fee           $  5-Postmarked after 10/19

Mail your Pre-registration Form and check payable to GABA West Valley (use Generic Form & WAIVER on page 11) to: 

GABA West Valley, P. O. Box 8125, Glendale, AZ  85312-8125

Riders must obey all Arizona traffic laws and must wear ANSI, ASTM or Snell approved helmets.

 Contact Betsy Turner at BetTur@aol.com   or (623) 979-8110, or visit www.sportsfun.com/gaba/

Where: Ride starts & ends at Estrella Mountain Park in Goodyear. Directions: go west on I-10 to the Estrella Parkway exit.  Go south to Vineyard (cross Hwy 85). Turn left (east) on Vineyard and follow GABA. signs to Park entrance. ($5 per vehicle)

Registration:

Check-in at 7 AM.  Ride Starts at 8 AM.

What you get: Sag support and roving support on both options; Lunch (GREAT food) at the Park after the ride. 

Note: No confirmation notices sent. Ride is held, rain or shine.

Tom Mix Century

Sunday,

November 3, 2002

Join us!  Scheduled for just 3 weeks before El Tour, this ride offers a great opportunity for a final training effort to prepare for your Personal Best on El Tour Day! All options offer a course with some small hills and long flat stretches, ideal for cyclists looking for a challenge!

Options to choose from: 

100 miles for more experienced riders, 50 miles for intermediate riders and the option of riding any other amount. Ride as little or as much as you want. The course will be monitored throughout the ride, and it is an out-and-back course.

Course:

Option #1:  100 miles

RIDE east on Ina Rd. to Oracle Rd., then north past the town of Catalina to Oracle Junction.  Continue north on the road to Florence until you reach the Tom Mix Monument, your turn around point. Enjoy a sag stop with snacks, fruit and ice water. Then, return to Oracle Junction, continue south on Oracle Rd. and turn west on Ina back to Oldfather.

Option #2:  50 miles

RIDE east on Ina Rd. to Oracle Rd., then north past the town of Catalina to Oracle Junction. Continue 1 mile north to SAG 1. This is your turn-around point. Enjoy a sag stop with snacks, fruit and ice water. Then, return south on Oracle Rd. to Ina Rd., and turn west on Ina and continue back to

ONE starting point for all options:

NE Corner of Ina and Oldfather Rd. (look for GABA signs) Check in and pick up your route map & riders instructions. Start riding as soon as you are ready.

Registration time:

7:30 AM for 100-milers

8 AM for 50-milers

Tom Mix Course:

From Oldfather and Ina, the course goes east to Oracle Rd., then north through Catalina to Oracle Junction.  All riders will continue north on the Florence Highway (Hwy 79).

 SAG 1 will be one mile north of Oracle Junction. As the 50-milers turn back here, the 100-milers will continue on the Florence Hwy to the Tom Mix Monument for their turn around point. This is the location of SAG 2.

SAG 3 is at the same place as SAG 1. This course has just enough hills to give your legs a good workout, while your eyes feast on the majestic Catalina Mountains! There will be snacks and liquids at the finish also.

PLEASE PRE-REGISTER EARLY!

Your fee includes:

- Fully marked course;

- 3 sag stops along the route with ice water, fruit & snacks as well as at the finish.

- Sag support over the whole course  for tired cyclists as well as sick bikes!

- Map and ride instructions given at the starting point.

NO MASS START:  Start riding after you have checked in and picked up your map and ride instructions.

ANSI-approved helmets required. All traffic rules must be obeyed.

.

Ride organizers:  Carol & George Franklin, (520) 722-8340 or G-CFranklin@cox.net  Volunteers are appreciated and needed; if interested, please call them!

23rd Annual

Tumacacori Century

Gene Chapman Memorial Bicycle Ride

Sunday, October 13th, 2002

Join us for the 23rd Annual Tumacacori Century, the most popular bicycle ride in Southern Arizona!  3 options: 25, 64, and 100 miles, for novice to very experienced cyclists.  and it's great training for El Tour!

All cyclists ride south through the scenic Santa Cruz River Valley, past Green Valley and Tubac to the Tumacacori Mission.

The 100 milers will continue south of the mission past the Rio Rico foothills in some of the prettiest scenery in the Santa Cruz valley.  Look forward to fantastic views!  The route will take cyclists on Ruby Road towards Pena Blanca Lake.  The turn-around point will be at Calabasas Picnic Grounds, with a sag stop to provide food and energy for the return trip.  No steep hills, only some gentle climbs here and there.

CHECK IN:

All options must check in at Sahuarita High School,  Exit 75 off I-19, approximately 15 miles south of Ajo Exit.  Pick up maps and rider instructions here. 

NO MASS START:

Start riding after you have checked in and picked up your map and ride instructions.  ANSI-approved helmets are required for all riders.  All traffic rules must be obeyed.

RIDE ORGANIZER:

Mark Levine, mcmsl@msn.com or (520) 886-8825. Volunteers are appreciated and much needed. Interested? Please call Mark.

STARTING POINTS:

Option 1: 24 miles.  8:30 AM

After checking in at Sahuarita High School, drive SOUTH to Arivaca Junction (start and finish for this option), exit 48, off I-19, approx. 17 miles south of the school.  Start riding around 9:30 AM.  Ride south past Tubac to the Tumacacori Mission & return.  Flat course.  Don't forget to stop for lunch at Sahuarita High School after the ride!

Option 2: 64 miles.  7:30 AM

Starts and ends at Sahuarita High School (Exit 75, off I-19, approximately 15 miles south of Ajo exit).  Ride south along pecan groves past Green Valley, Arivaca Junction and Tubac to the Tumacacori Mission and return.  Flat course.  Great lunch for all afterwards at Sahuarita High School!

Option 3: 100 miles.  6:30 AM -

NO MAJOR CLIMBS!

Starts and ends at Sahuarita High School (Exit 75, off I-19, approx. 15 miles south of Ajo exit). Register at 6:30 AM. Ride south to Tumacacori Mission.  Continue past Peck Canyon and Rio Rico to Ruby Road.  Turn west towards Pena Blanca Lake to Calabasas Picnic Grounds and return.  Great lunch for all afterwards at Sahuarita High School!

"El Tour"

Training Ride Schedule

Continuing though November, GABA-Tucson is organizing Training Rides for those  planning to ride in El Tour de Tucson  this year. 

These rides are designed to gradually increase the riding distance and endurance, familiarize you with the El Tour route, let you practice your ride strategy and ride with others with the same riding skill level. 

With the exception of the two Centuries listed below, there is no cost for the training rides.  Note: These Centuries are fully supported with three or four SAG stops offering lots of good food as well as support on the road!

All training rides will begin at Grant & Silverbell; see below for dates & times. Information about the two Centuries can be found in upcoming GABA newsletters, or on our Web site, www.bikegaba.org.  Ride Leader: Wayne Cullop, 290-4321 or pwcullop@comcast.net

El Tour Bike  Patrol 

Needed for El Tour XX

Bike Patrol are experienced cyclists who make the commitment to ride the "El Tour" route assisting cyclists with mechanical and first aid, as well as offering encouragement.  It is not a race for Bike Patrols.

Bike Patrols must have a current certification, good for 2 years. Sessions run 2 hours. As Bike Patrol, your $55 El Tour registration fee is waived, but a $15 processing fee (Paid before 11/9) is required to cover cost of T-shirt, medical supplies and support on the route.  For more information, call PBAA, 745-2033.

Cochise  County

Cycling  Classic

Saturday,  October  19th

The 15th Annual Cochise County Cycling Classic is around the corner! All options start & end at the 10th Street Park in Douglas, Arizona.  Challenge yourself!  See how far you can really go!

Four options are available: 

252 miles -        perimeter of Cochise County;

157 miles -        perimeter of Dragoon Mtns;

92   miles -        perimeter of Potter Mountain; 45   miles - no perimeter, just a circle!

Organized by PBAA to benefit the Douglas Association for Retarded Citizens. For more information, call PBAA, (520) 745-2033, or pbaa@dakotacom.net

"El  Tour "

Flag  Rides

As Flag Riders, the "Goodwill Ambassadors" of El Tour, you will ride the entire route while carrying the Flag of El Tour - a symbol of "cycling in pursuit of helping children living life- threatening illnesses".

There are around 60 Flag Rides this year, starting in September. Your name and to whom you are dedicating your Flag Ride will be listed in the Tail Winds. Flag Ride Days are assigned on a first come, first served basis.  No more than 4 riders per day. but one person may ride on one or more days.

All Flag Riders receive a special El Tour Flag Ride T-shirt and a packet filled with sponsor-donated items.

Reserve your date as soon as possible to ensure that you will be a part of our unique tradition.  There is a fee for doing a Flag Ride.  For more information or to sign up, call PBAA at 745-2033.

Summer Riding

in Cache Valley, Utah

By Rudy & Kay Van Renterghem

If you are looking for a nice vacation spot and a good place to do some tandem riding in the summertime, consider Cache Valley (pronounced:  cash).

LOCATION.

So, where is this Cache Valley?  It is located in Utah, about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City and abuts the state of Idaho.  The principal city in Cache County is Logan, at 4,775 feet of elevation and surrounded by 7 to 8000-foot mountains that remain snowcapped until early summer.

Cache Valley stretches 60 miles from Avon in the south to Franklin, Idaho, to the north, and the valley is about 15 miles wide.  It is dotted with small farm communities and is in the heart of Utah's dairy industry.

The city of Logan, where we stayed for 3 months, has a population of 40,000, of which 18,000 are students at Utah State University.  Most USU students head home for the summer, leaving many apartment complexes nearly vacant. USU offers a Senior Summer Citizen Program to help alleviate the vacancy problem and to give the local economy a boost, renting out some of those vacant places to us older folks.

BENEFITS.

800 seniors, mostly from Arizona, took advantage of this offer to spend a few months in the Logan area in 2002.  Classes geared to seniors, workshops and other activities were offered by USU; however, it was not mandatory "to go back to college" to qualify!  Local merchants offered discounts to entice us.  If you don't like to drive or didn't bring a bike, public transportation is cheap:  FREE bus service in and around town!

There were free concerts in area parks, at USU, and even the LDS Tabernacle!  Seniors also received reduced rates to attend the local playhouse and the opera; plus, each apartment complex put up a list of activities, from hiking, picnics, and potlucks; no reason to ever be bored here!

If interested in the Summer Citizen Program, call USU at 1-800-538-2663 or e-mail lisam@ext.usu.ed  for more details.  Hey, it pays off to be a senior!

TANDEMING.

Tandems are a real rarity here, and we met only one local tandem duo.  The terrain in the middle of the valley is fairly flat with a few ups and downs thrown in for good measure.  Hillwork increased dramatically near USU which is situated on a high bluff overlooking the valley.  Only one block away from our summer quarters was a hill that hit 12-14 percent in ONE block; we did not try that on our twicer, but Rudy (at age 70) did gut it up in granny gear . . . and standing . . . on his single racing bike.  You know how obstinate some pilots can be!

Many other choices of routes were available, passing through quaint farming hamlets devoid of 7-11's, coffee shops or even gas stations. There was the Cutler Marshland Preserve, teaming with wildlife, where we spotted deer, foxes, lots of Canadian geese and their goslings, all kinds of ducks, egrets, raptors, herons and even pelicans, and other birdlife we could not identify.  Then, for a challenge, there were a few dead-end canyons like Smithfield and Blacksmith Creek that offered some climbing but quiet riding.  Logan Canyon (Hwy 89) was quite spectacular with a good biking shoulder part of the way, and playing hide and seek with the river were anglers that were sure to be spotted getting their limit.  We were the recipients of lots of free (and cleaned!) trout from summer citizens who were avid fishermen, but got tired of eating trout, but still loved catching them.

Seeing that Cache Valley had the highest concentration of dairy cows in Utah, our nose at time did a little twitching when we pedaled past these farms; that's a smell you just don't get riding in the city, folks!

Farming was a huge part of the local economy and there were a couple of big cheese-making places, like Cache Valley Cheese and Gossners Foods.  Aggie & Caspers Ice Cream and Cox Honeyland & Pepperidge Farms were a couple of other big concerns in the area, and these places offered their goods at way below retail prices in their factory outlets; needless to say, on our tandeming sojourns, we always came back with our rack trunk filled with goodies!

A weekly event on Saturday mornings was the Gardeners' Market downtown Logan.  We usually did a long tandem ride on Saturdays that invariably ended up at the outdoor market . . . always a good destination!  We'd pick up fresh produce, bread, and checked out the local arts and crafts.

NEVER ON SUNDAY.

Cache County is 85% Mormon, and as such local businesses (excepting most national chain stores) were shuttered on Sundays and the streets were almost devoid of cars!  That does not mean there was nothing happening on weekends.  The "Mormon Weekend" was defined to us as:  Thursday and Friday evenings plus all day Saturday.  And, yes, every weekend there was something happening in town; from Summerfest, a big arts/crafts/food celebration that even offered free valet bicycle parking right on Temple Square to the renown Cache Valley Cruise-in, a 3-day antique car/hot rod/ customs show with over 1,200 autos displayed from all over the western states.  That Saturday evening, Main Street was closed off for two full hours, to let those 1,200 autos cruise and rumble by.  A real car nuts delight!  Of course, there was also the County Fair, 4-H weekend, the rodeo, a demolition derby, free circus and fireworks, too!

Utahns love parades!  They line up their pick-up trucks (with a couch in the pick-up bed!) or their blankets on the side of the road hours before the actual parade.  Heritage Day, a Utah/Mormon state holiday; 4th of July, and any other occasion was a reason to hold a parade.  Small town America is alive and well in the Cache Valley!

Although Mormons do not condone coffee, a "cup of joe" in a Mormon establishment was usually 50 to 75 cents, while a big chain restaurant would charge the usual buck-and-a-half!

Imbibing in alcoholic beverages is another "taboo". That had to be purchased in the one-and-only Utah state liquor store in town.

No profanity, no shorts for the ladies (you could spot us Arizona seniors easily; always wearing shorts!), lots of big houses and lots  of little kids were also an LDS hallmark.  But volunteerism, politeness and friend-liness were also a way of life for them.

We only saw one fellow cyclist on a Sunday and he exclaimed:  "You must not be LDS, you're riding on Sunday!" Contrary to riding in some other states, we always got a full five-fingered wave and were never hassled by drivers.

At times it felt as we were living back in the 1950's with Beaver and the rest of the Cleaver Clan! Passing through Utah you may not notice this, but living there 3 months the Mormon-way became subtly pervasive.

WEATHER.

Riding temperatures in the Valley were great, especially compared to our 100+ degrees summer back in southern Arizona

Daily temps usually varied 40 degrees in one day.  From the high 30's to 40's in the AM to the 70's and 80's in the PM from May to June;  in July and August, the temps climbed for a couple of weeks into the 90's with the warmest day topping out at 101 degrees, so early morning rides were still quite pleasant for us.  Humidity was usually in the low teens and they were suffering from their 3rd year of a drought, so we only had some rain for a couple of days.

OTHER STUFF.

The towns in Cache Valley had some unique names, mostly connected to early settlers, and Mormon pioneers. Logan was named for a fur trapper and mountain man.  Nibley, Hyrum, Providence, Smithfield, Wellsville, Amalga, Paradise and Cornish were some of our favorite small towns.  While cows were as common as grass blades, we also spotted lots of sheep, horses and their colts, a buffalo herd, and even some llamas and emus.  It was not all just agriculture in the towns; there also were a couple hi-tech companies, a sock manufacture and sports equipment maker.

While staying in Logan we did make some side-trips, including a 3-day weekend to Boise, Idaho, for the NW Tandem Rally . . . and yes, people do ride there on Sundays!

Cache Valley Veloists Bicycle Club and the Joyride Bike Shop put on weekly bike rides and we joined in several of them, plus we also participated in the Utah MS ride.

During our summer's stay in the Cache Valley we logged just over 2,100 cycling miles.  We certainly enjoyed our stay there, and, if you're ever out that way be sure to bring along your twicer so you can enjoy this valley TWOgether!

Bike Ed Road 1

Bicycle Skills Workshop

Want to improve your riding skills or are new to bicycling?

GABA - Tucson  is offering a Bike Ed course (for