GABA-Tucson Slate of Officers for the 2003 Board
2003 Desert Double Training Schedule
19th Annual Senior Olympic Cycling Event
Organ Pipe Bike Tour Volunteers Needed!
GABA Awards Given At Holiday Pot Luck
Full Cycle Winterspring Time Trial Series
Festive Holiday Pot Luck and Program
Bob and Claire Rogers will be presenting a slide show on their recent bike tour on the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. Bob and Claire have toured on their tandem in several places around the world. Join us for this informative and entertaining presentation! Everybody is welcome!
I wish to thank all of those who have helped make the last three years such a success. There are the day ride leaders who have led numerous rides on the weekends - and some during the week. There are the many volunteers who led and worked the century and overnight rides, making them a very pleasurable experience for those who had the wonderful opportunity to do the rides. Finally, I want to thank all of the wonderful, caring people that served on the board with me. The board always had the riders' interest and safety in mind. Without all of these people, the club would not be successful.
I have no doubt the new president, Steve Wilson will continue GABA's development both externally by increasing its impact on the community and internally by getting more individual members involved with club activities. I am certainly looking forward to serving with him on the 2003 Board.
Once again, thank you all for your support over the past three years!
President: Steve Wilson
Vice President: Mike Burdick
Treasurer: Janet Landis
Secretary: Sandi Rousseau
Membership: Steven Graeber
Publicity: Sally Krusing
Education: Dick Schaffer
Touring-Day: Eric Ewing
Touring-Centuries: Pam Cullop
Editor: Suzanne Couvrette
Editor: Bridget Owers
Volunteer: Rhonda Smith
Web Master: Wayne Cullop
Cycling Advoc.: Richard Forcier
Social Director: Dorothy Barth
Correspondence: Donna Lewandowski
Shed Master: Bill Borland
Swap Meet Coord.: Greg Yares
Great Az Bike Adventure: Roy Schoonover
Elections of officers will take place in January at the January Meeting, Monday, January 6, 2003 at 7 PM
Anyone interested in serving on the Board should contact Steve Wilson at 749-9014, or wilsons@us.ibm.com
(subject to revision)
(Editor's Note: The suggested training schedule below lists organized rides that need pre-registration, or day rides. See information on those rides elsewhere in the Update or in the Biketivities section.)
JANUARY:
WEEK ONE: 75 easy miles.
Jan. 1 (Wed):
John Heller's Resolution Ride.
Jan. 4 (Sat):
Rich Corbett's ride to Kitt Peak & back.
WEEK 2: 60-70 fast miles.
Jan. 12 (Sun): Casa Grande Century. Organized by GABA Phoenix, pre-registration required, or on your own.
Jan. 12 (Sun): Steve Wilson's ride to San Xavier (ride from home to add miles)
or on your own.
WEEK 3: 80-85 easy miles.
Jan. 18 (Sat): Bruce Chandler and John Heller's 200K Brevet Ride,
or on your own.
Jan. 19 (Sun): Bob Epstein's ride starting in Green Valley
or on your own.
WEEK 4: 80 fast miles.
Jan. 25 (Sat): Pam & Wayne Cullop's tandem ride (ride from home to add miles), or on your own.
Jan. 26 (Sun): John Heller's Featured Ride of the Month (ride from home to add miles) or on your own.
(Editor's Note: There will be more ride added to this suggested schedule each month.)
FEBRUARY:
WEEK 5: 90 easy miles.
Feb. 1 (Sat):
or Feb. 2 (Sun):
WEEK 6: 100 fast miles.
Feb. 8 (Sat):
or Feb. 9 (Sun): Picacho Century. (See Update to pre-register.)
WEEK 7: 120 easy miles.
Feb. 15 (Sat):
or Feb. 16 (Sun):
WEEK 8: 110 fast miles.
Feb. 22 (Sat):
or Feb. 23 (Sun): Coolidge Century (See Update to pre-register.)
MARCH:
WEEK 9: 110 easy miles.
March 1 (Sat): Le Grande. (add 45 mi = 110 miles) (pre-registration needed ).
March 2 (Sun):
WEEK 10: 120 fast miles.
March 8 (Sat):
or March 9 (Sun):
WEEK 11: 125 easy miles.
March 15 (Sat): Mining Country Century. 100 hilly miles. (Pre-registration needed).
or March 16 (Sun):
WEEK 12: 135 fast miles.
March 22 & 23: Organ Pipe Bike Tour. Back to back 100 or 80 miles,
or on your own.
WEEK 13: 135 easy miles.
March 29 (Sat):
or March 30 (Sun):
APRIL
WEEK 14: 125 fast miles.
April 5 (Sat): El Tour de Phoenix. 100 fast miles. Pre-registration needed).
or April 6 (Sun):
WEEK 15: 100 easy miles.
April 12 & 13: Sonoita Bisbee Bike Tour. Back to back 65 miles.
WEEK 16:
April 19 (Sat): The Desert Double!
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.
Sunday, January 12, 2003
The Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club (Phoenix Metro GABA) presents the 2003 Casa Grande Century! Join us on January 12th 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
RIDE FEE:
PMBC/GABA/ABC members: $15
Non-members $20
Late fee after 1/5/03 $10
Make checks payable to PMBC, P.O. Box 26788, Tempe AZ 85285-6788. Use Generic Pre-registration Form on page 15.
Volunteers Needed!
The 19th Annual Senior Olympic Festival is quickly approaching. This year, the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation will be hosting the cycling event at Heritage Highlands, near Tangerine & Dove Mountain, on January 26, 2003.
Participants ranging in age from 50 and above will be competing in a 1-mile time trial, 5K-time trial, 10K-road race, and 20K-road race.
Volunteers are still needed in the following areas; traffic control, start/finish attendants, participants check-in, bike holder, turn around attendants and results coordinators. Volunteers will be needed from approximately 8 AM to 3 PM.
If you are interested in volunteering on this day, or would like more information about participating in the cycling events, please contact Jesus Grijalva at 791-4870 or via e-mail at Jgrijal1@ci.tucson.az.us
for March 22 & 23
By Pam Cullop
Overnight/Century Coordinator
Hello everyone! Last month I pleaded for volunteers for the Organ Pipe, and as a result have a couple of candidates - but there is still a need for several more!
If you have read the GABA Bucks Program article in this issue, you will note that in addition to mileage compensation, you can also receive another great "perk", which will allow you to purchase GABA merchandise, and apply "Bucks" toward rides or even your membership fees!
The Organ Pipe Ride will be held on March 22nd and 23rd, pending a full compliment of volunteers to assist with the tour. If you, or you and your husband/wife/significant other, would be willing to lend a helping hand on this fun-filled camp-out bike ride, please contact me: Pam Cullop, 290-4321 or pjcullop@comcast.net, as soon as possible, so that I can pass your name along to Mike Cotton, who has been gracious enough to lead the ride in the past.
As previously mentioned, the Organ Pipe was not held last year, and won't be again this year unless we get Mike enough assistance to make the ride-leading experience fun for him too! Folks, we need some help. We do not want to continue canceling these old favorites year after year. Won't you please consider taking a turn on the "working end" of the ride, and earn yourself some GABA Bucks in the process?
In recognition for doing a super job, the following volunteers were given appreciation awards by Wayne Cullop, 2002 President, at the Holiday Pot Luck last December 2nd.
Ron Fullerton for the best century , the Coolidge Century.
Pat & Dennis James for the Best Overnight Ride, the Luna Lake Tour.
Charlie Weesner for leading the most "A" Rides.
Ken Cantor for leading the most "B" Rides.
John Heller for leading the most "C" Rides.
Deb Bird for leading the most "D" Rides.
Jack & Dorothy Beiler and Sandi Rousseau for being the Best Volunteers - for helping out in many, many ways throughout the year.
Chris Toal, Sheryl Mueller, and Bridget Owers received a special award for their efforts on the Bike Raffle.
Rudy & Kay Van Renterghem received a special award for the most Update Articles.
By Richard R. Forcier
Legal Advisor to GABA. Inc.
Most cyclists protect themselves when they ride. They wear a helmet and gloves and follow the rules of cycling: Be Seen --- Be Predictable. But there is no defense against the inattentive motorist. When the cyclist is the victim of a motor vehicle / bicycle accident, one expects the party at fault to pay for their property damage and injuries. That's true ---if they have sufficient insurance. I have heard that forty percent of the motorists in Tucson have no insurance or the minimum insurance coverage of $15,000 per person. Hardly enough to cover a moderate injury accident.
My experience is that most people have no idea how the claims process works or how their own insurance may be applicable after an accident. Insurance issues remain one of the most perplexing and misunderstood topics among injured bicyclists.
YOUR OWN INSURANCE MAY HELP
The best time to review your automobile insurance policy is before an accident. Arizona State law mandates that all motorists must carry a minimum coverage of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per incident for public liability. Also, your insurance company must offer you Uninsured/Under Insured coverage up to the limits of your public liability. What to do?
YOUR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY
PUBLIC LIABILITY COVERAGE.
Consider increasing your liability limits above the minimum requirement. The increased premiums may not be that much, considering the benefit to protect yourself in case of an accident where you are at fault or when you need your Uninsured / Under Insured Motorist coverage.
UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE (UM).
This provision is applicable when the adverse driver has no insurance. Instead of filing a claim against the adverse driver, you make a claim under your own policy for compensation for personal injuries and damages. This coverage is also applicable in cases of hit and run. Your policy may define a hit and run driver as an uninsured motorist.
UNDER INSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE (UIM):
This provision is applicable when the adverse driver has insurance coverage for the claim but the policy limits are insufficient to cover the claim for injuries and damages. For instance, your claim for injuries is $40,000; the policy limits of the adverse driver are $15,000. Your UIM coverage will apply for the difference between $15,000 and $40,000.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE. This coverage will pay your medical bills when you are involved in an accident. It applies to the driver and occupants of a covered vehicle or if you are involved in a bicycle accident. It pays regardless of fault. And it pays in addition to your medical insurance coverage or your HMO according to a recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling. Having two medical insurance policies is no different from having two life insurance policies; they both pay. And the cost of this coverage is usually quite reasonable.
YOUR HOME OWNERS INSURANCE
These policies typically provide general liability coverage when the insured is legally obligated to pay for personal injuries or property damage. If you cause an accident with a pedestrian, cyclist, or even a motorist, you may be covered. The insurance carrier may provide an attorney for you and pay your damages up to the policy limit.
CONCLUSION
Review you automobile and homeowner's insurance policies. Make a list of questions to review with your insurance agent about what is covered and what is not covered. Then follow this up with a letter to him confirming his statements about your coverage. Consider increasing your policy limits as the additional cost may be a good value. Different insurance companies offer different policies. Make sure your insurance policy is "bicycle friendly." Notify your insurance company of any incident where a claim may be made because policies have strict reporting requirements. A notification should not affect your experience rating with an insurance company until there is a claim made and you are determined to be at fault.
Saturday, February 15, 2003
by Kali Cohen, of the American Diabetes Association
It isn't every day that you come across a teenager who has a passion for something other than TV and video games and can turn his passion into a way to help others. Thirteen-year-old Matt Briefer has had a passion for bike riding since he was six years old and has found a way to channel his passion to help the American Diabetes Association (ADA) find a cure for Diabetes.
Over the past 3 years, Matt has logged thousands of miles and participated in numerous charity rides as well as United States Cycling Federation sanctioned races. Matt is currently the 2002 Arizona State Road Race Champion in his age group. Matt and his friends Nick Deflorian and Andrew Jorgenson train daily on the streets of Tucson and continually set new goals for themselves to reach.
Last year, Matt combined his passion for riding with his desire to help find a cure for Diabetes, which impacts his family, by actively participating in the ADA Tour de Cure. "I have seen first-hand what Diabetes can do, not only to the people who have the disease, but also to those around them. I believe that someday there will be a cure. However, I want to do all I can to make sure that 'someday' is sooner than later."
Matt was the top fundraiser last year, raising over $1,000 for the Tour de Cure. This year, he will be working hard to raise more funds, as well as to get more riders to participate. "The Tour de Cure is great fun and I hope that lots of people will participate in the ride this year."
The Tour de Cure 2003 is scheduled for Saturday, February 15th. All proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association and its programs. The event is sponsored by Rancho Sahuarita, a master-planned community 9 miles south of Tucson.
Featured in this year's ride will be a challenging 100K route that will take participants to the top of the paved road to the Mt Hopkins Visitor Center; a 50K route anyone can do, that will take participants past pecan orchards, open desert and scenic views; and, a Family Fun Ride that will take participants through the lovely community of Rancho Sahuarita and along a lake.
Fully-equipped and staffed rest stops will be found along the clearly-marked route. A full meal, donated and served by the Outback Steakhouse, awaits all the participants following the ride.
Cyclists are asked to raise a minimum of $75 in sponsorship to participate. A $25 non-refundable fee is due upon registration with the remaining $75 due on the day of the event. Each participant who raises $75 or more will receive an official Tour de Cure t-shirt.
If you would like to help Matt reach his goals for this year, or if you are interested in participating in the Tour de Cure, call Kali at the American Diabetes Association at (520) 795-3711, extension 7112.
Begins January 26th
By Maynard Hershon
In the first 4 months of the New Year, Full Cycle will conduct a series of 6 Sunday morning Time Trials at 3 different Tucson locations. These are low-key events, safe and sane, fun for pro racers as well as for cyclists who thought they'd never race!
Riders compete against the clock, not each other. Riders will start at one minute intervals, not all at once elbow-to-elbow. No drafting, no twisting descents or high speed corners. Anyone can ride -- up to a start limit of 50 entrants.
Events start at 7 AM Sunday mornings in light or non-existent traffic. You should be finished and ready to ride with your Club by 9 AM.
You will be given a pin-on number at your first event; you'll keep it through the series. Your number indicates your start-time. Rider number one starts at 7:01 AM, rider 15 starts at 7:15 AM, etc. It is your responsibility to appear with your number at each event.
Cost will be $5 per event, or $25 for the series. Results will be published on the Full Cycle web site. There will be four classes: Men, Women, Tandem Teams, and Single-speed bikes, either fixed-gear or freewheel.
If you win an event, we refund your entry fee. Overall winners will place well in most of the events, if not all of them. Consistency counts, both in placing and in simply appearing and riding.
The courses are:
January 26 and March 9:
East end of Speedway from Tanque Verde Loop Rd to the dead end, turn around and return to start: 7.9 miles out and back.
February 9 and March 23:
Gates Pass, from the west side of Greasewood and Speedway into the parking lot at the top of the pass: approximately 4 miles.
February 23 and April 13:
Swan Road at Sunrise, from the Wells Fargo Bank to the top of Swan and left into the cul-de-sac: 2 miles.
For more information, please contact Tamar at Full Cycle Speedway, 327-3232.
By Pam Cullop
Overnight/Century Coordinator
On December 7th, a group of 35 bicyclists gathered at Udall Park, for the 3rd Annual Toys for Tots Ride. The numbers of participants have increased dramatically from the first year the club decided to do this ride, as have the models of bicycles.
This year our riders included hand-cyclist, a teacher and students from Pueblo High School, a daddy and his young son (bike and trailer combo), 6 “tandemers”, and several “single” bikes with riders of various ages and abilities.
All riders had with them at least one toy, sometimes 2 or 3 toys, attached to their bikes or their bodies; it was something to behold!
The tricky start: getting out into the left-hand turn lane on Tanque Verde, to make the U-Turn and head west towards Pima St. went off without a hitch (which is always a concern in large groups). A few rude motorists did blow their horns – guess the holiday season wasn’t enough to cheer them any.
As we made our way to the main police station downtown, we took the scenic route through the lovely mid-town residential Sam Hughes district, through the University of Arizona campus and past Old Main, and made various stops at a variety of famous landmarks. One of which was the house where the infamous John Dillinger was captured.
Once at the police station we all traipsed in carrying our toys, and took turns piling them into the designated “Tots” box. The box was over-flowing with our donations to this truly worthy cause. Check the website – pictures should be posted soon.
Thanks to all of the riders who came along. Not only was it fun to meet and ride with you, your generosity will be appreciated by the needy children who will be the recipients of your caring gift. See you next year!
By Dick Schaffer
Education Director & Party Organizer
Through the work of the entire GABA Board, we brought the December Holiday Pot Luck to nearly a 100 avid and hungry riders. Thanks also to Roy Schoonover, our new Cross State Chair and Dorothy Barth , our new Social Director, we got the dinner and room in order.
New GABA water bottles filled with Christmas candy were given out to everyone. We then shared stories of our fun and successful rides this year and gave out awards to several deserving members.
I hope you had a Joyous Holiday Season, and will be out this winter and year enjoying the fun of bicycle riding and keeping that work horse body in good shape!
By Dick Schaffer,
Ride Leader and Education Director
Well, 25 riders, of which a third were from Phoenix, showed up for December 8th Silverbell Century. It was a beautiful day, cool at the start and just right at mid-day.
While we had no SAG support we did provide water at the beginning, at Avra Valley airport and at the Silverbell Mine. Then, it was a cruise home along the Rillito trail. No problems with the marathon runners going south on Oracle Road, nor with any traffic congestion from Christmas shoppers.
Thanks to all that showed up and kept this ride going!
Wilmot Library, 530 N. Wilmot
January 28th, 6:30 to 8 PM
By Dick Schaffer
Many of us are no longer spring chickens, with either arthritis, tight muscles or some joint pain or past injury to deal with. With three knee operations and bad arthritis, let me share with you what you can do to keep happy and active. Also for those older riders with many thousands of miles - to share their success stories in keeping in shape!
Food provided. Let me know if you'll be there-bikeschaf@aol.com or 326-4807.
By Steve Wilson
Vice President
GABA-Tucson is proud to present a new program to reward our faithful volunteers and to encourage others to get involved in our activities!
Starting January 1, 2003, if you lead or help with a ride, help out with one of our special events, or have a feature article published in the Update, we'll reward you with GABA Bucks according to the schedule below.
So what are GABA Bucks?
GABA Bucks are credits issued by the club in increments of $5, that can be used for anything the club offers for sale -- this includes membership fees, ride fees, jerseys, socks, and water bottles.
GABA Bucks have no expiration date and can be transferred from one individual to another. If you'd prefer to donate them to a worthy cause, the club will provide opportunities during the year to convert your GABA bucks into donations to local causes supporting bicycling in the Tucson area.
So how can you earn GABA Bucks?
Here are some great opportunities:
1. LEAD A DAY RIDE.
This is worth $5 in GABA Bucks. Day rides are published in the Update (this newsletter), and on the web at www.bikegaba.org on the Web.
If you're interested, please contact our Day Rides Coordinator, Eric Ewing, at audaciter777@ hotmail.com or 744-3077.
2. LEAD OR HELP WITH A CENTURY OR OVERNIGHT RIDE.
If you are interested, contact our volunteer coordinator, Rhonda Smith, at 886-2919 or at onekewlmom@hotmail.com
For Centuries or over-night rides, GABA Bucks are as follows:
| Run a SAG stop, baggage truck, sweep vehicle, or scout - $15 for one-day events, $25 for two-day events, $30 for three-day events. If you have someone helping you, you can split the GABA Bucks however you want. |
|
Help with registration or other tasks designated by the ride leader - $5. |
|
Lead a century ride - $25. |
|
Lead a two-day overnight ride - $40. |
|
Lead a three-day overnight ride - $50. |
3. HAVE A FEATURE ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE UPDATE.
This is worth $5 in GABA Bucks. Contact our Editor, Suzanne Couvrette, at 358-3466 or at sgcouvrette@aol.com
4. ORGANIZE A SPECIAL EVENT,
such as one of our picnics or ice cream socials. This is worth $20 in GABA bucks. Contact our Social Director, Dorothy Barth, at dorothybarth2443@msn.com or at 323-7203.
As you can see from the list above, there are plenty of opportunities for you to collect GABA Bucks! And with one GABA Buck = $1, it would be real easy to earn 50 GABA Bucks to get yourself a nice GABA jersey for example!
There is a magic window in which a rider should begin refueling in order to maximize glycogen synthesis. You may know that the window lasts for about 2 hours following a ride, but there's something you probably don't know.
If you begin refueling in the first 20 minutes following a ride, your legs will feel better the next day. What's more, if you include some protein in that post-ride refueling session, your recovery will be even more pronounced.
In short, the sooner you begin refueling after a ride, the better you will feel.
From the American Cancer Society
Reprinted by Adventure Cycling Association
1: 7:25 5:30
7: 7:26 5:35
14: 7:25 5:41
21: 7:23 5:47
28: 7:20 5:54
1: 7:18 5:57
7: 7:14 6:03
14: 7:08 6:09
21: 7:01 6:15
28: 6:53 6:20