2003 Desert Double Training Schedule
Full Cycle Winterspring Time Trial Series
Share the Road - It Goes Both Ways
BICYCLE SECURITY MARSHALS RIDE AGAIN!
Welcome to our December New Members!
NOVA DESERT CLASSIC, March 21, 22 & 23, 2003
Resolution Ride, the First Century of 2003
- 16th Annual - Le Grande Tour Bicycle Challenge
Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure 2003, Planning Stages
El Bike Swap de Tucson Still the Best in the West!
Moab Skinny Tire Festival, March 7-10, 2003
Proof of GABA-Tucson Membership
Have Your Tires Died of Old Age
Thank you to All Outgoing Board Members!
Welcome to our New 2003 Board Members!
Educational Program Massage & Stretching for Cyclists
Arizona Trail Maintenance Project
(subject to revision)
(Editor's Note: The suggested training schedule below lists organized rides that need pre-registration, or day rides.)
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.
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
MARCH:
WEEK 9: 110 easy miles.
March 1 (Sat): Le Grande. (add 45 mi = 110 miles) (pre-registration needed ).
March 2 (Sun): John Heller's ride, see Biketivities for details.
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): Ride to Tumacacori from Tucson, 105 miles. Paceline and fast pace training. See Biketivities for details.
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.
Start location: 51st Ave. & Dobbins (one mile south of Baseline).
Registration begins at 7 AM.
Three ride options: 62, 30 & 15 miles, fully supported.
Each rider will receive our famous ride shirt and will be treated to a great BBQ dinner with live entertainment.
For more information or to register: Visit www.lensenet.com or www.active.com or call Silverio Ontiveros at 602-237-2745.
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.
By Maynard Hershon
Full Cycle continues to conduct a series of 5 more 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 is $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:
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.
My favorite signs along the road are those with the picture of a bicycle and the phrase "Share the Road" underneath. They make me feel welcome on the road, and usually they are strategically placed just before the road is about to become very narrow. Most cyclists see these signs as a statement that the motor vehicles whizzing by are required to share the road with them. While this may be technically true, to me the signs also imply an obligation on the part of the cyclist to share the road with motor vehicles.
Just about every other day someone tells me something like "How can you ride on the roads out there? The drivers around here are just crazy!" This is simply not true. My experience is that the vast majority of the drivers on our roads are skilled drivers with a genuine concern for my safety and will do everything within reason to operate their motor vehicle safely around me. They can see when the road is very narrow and I have no place to ride but in the lane, and they handle the situation safely and courteously. The remaining few drivers cause me to ride carefully and to always be aware of what might happen next. My experience with law enforcement officers is similar - the vast majority of officers want me to be safe. There are a few that don't believe bicycles should be on city streets, but there aren't many.
The breakdown of road cyclists in Tucson is similar. Most cyclists in the area operate their bikes in a safe manner and only take up as much road as they need. Unfortunately, there are a few cyclists who feel the need to either intentionally or carelessly force a confrontation with local motorists and law enforcement officers. GABA does not support or condone the actions of cyclists who deliberately or carelessly initiate confrontations. These confrontations generate ill will within the community that results in cycling becoming more hazardous for me and every other cyclist out there.
The deliberate confrontations organized by the participants of Critical Mass rides put our law enforcement officials in an impossible position. If the officers take no action, they will be criticized by the motoring public for allowing traffic to be deliberately interrupted. If they cite the cyclists, the cyclists cry harassment. Critical Mass rides originated in San Francisco in 1992 as a response to an unfavorable bicycle environment and a local government that did not support cycling. The rides, which are usually held on the last Friday of the month, deliberately and unnecessarily block one or more lanes of traffic completely, usually during rush hour. We feel that this type of protest ride damages the good relationship that has been built up with our local governments.
A current hot topic of debate in the city is the applicability of ARS 28-704(a) (impeding traffic) to cyclists. The city has used this statute in response to cyclists that have intentionally and unnecessarily blocked lanes of traffic. This argument has a long and interesting history, but the reality is that had the cyclists not provoked law enforcement to take action, the current controversy would never have begun. Cyclists who disagree with the city's interpretation of 28-704(a) are trying to alarm the cycling community with threats that the city will next use this statute to force all cyclists off the major streets in town. There is no evidence to support this assertion; to my knowledge the city has only used this approach to stop Critical Mass riders from unnecessarily blocking traffic. Some would argue that under the law (ARS 28-815(a)) they are entitled to take an entire lane if other lanes are available. I don't agree with this interpretation, and even if it were to be determined correct, the action only serves to generate a hostile response from motorists and police.
The agreement we have with motorists is simple - we'll take up only as much room as we need to be safe, and in return we expect to be safely passed. When I am driving a car and I see cyclists unnecessarily riding two abreast on a narrow stretch of roadway, it makes me angry for two reasons: first, they are slowing me down unnecessarily, and, second, they are making other motorists angry at cyclists, and those motorists may decide to take their anger out on me in the future. When large groups of cyclists irresponsibly ride three or more abreast and blow through stop lights and stop signs, they make cycling more dangerous for the rest of us. It's simple, when the light is red, you stop - I don't see what is so hard to understand about this.
Tucson is a great place to ride a bike. Bicycling Magazine consistently rates Tucson as the 2nd or 3rd best city in America for cycling. Despite this, many challenges lie ahead. As we get more bike lanes, we also get more cars and traffic with our growing population. Through understanding and consideration on the part of both the motoring and cycling public, we can safely coexist as we "Share the Road".
It was a crisp (but dry) Tuesday morning on December 31st when 75 volunteers from ABC, GABA and the Bullshifters showed up at O dark:30 to assist uniformed police in maintaining order in the staging and de-staging areas of the Fiesta Bowl Parade. They came from as far as Tucson, Casa Grande, Kingman and Prescott.
The level of security this year exceeded even the prior year's (first parade after 9/11), with almost double the number of uniformed officers on 2-wheeled steel steeds of one persuasion or another. Even horse-mounted got into the picture (at least bicycles don't leave that ÖÖ stuff!).
This year, the volunteers were called upon not only to manage the spectators, but also to "give directions" to many of the parade participants and directors. It must have been the breakfast burritos (cooked fresh on the spot) and hot coffee that sustained everyone through the day! Not a lot of miles in 7 hours (15 to 20), but a lot of "satisfaction" can ride in a safe and orderly manner.
ROSA ACOSTA
CHRISTINE COLUMB
LES SMITH
JIM LUMPKIN
MICHAEL SPARGUR
CHET KOSTRZEWA
JOEL GANRIQUEZ
RODOLFO RUIZ JR
MARK KAPPLER
WILLIAM MARTIN
CHRIS LEACH
ADAM MARAZZO
DIANA RODRIGUEZ
GRISELDA LUGO
RAZAK ALKOVAWD
GARY KROHN
MELISSA CHRISTENSEN
SHERYL ROSS
DOUG FALLON
MARTINA IMBEAULT
STEVE GERHART
JAMES BELITSOS
TRIJ MCGRATH
AMY WIENTRAUB
DOUG OLSON
KEVIN MADDEN
JOSH OSTER-MORRIS
GILBERT CONTRERAS
DAVID KAMMER
CLAUDIA WEAVER
JIM OTTEN
DOUG/MARILYN FRASER
ADRIAN HALL
BLUFORD DOBOSCZ
BO GUENDELSBERGER
MANUEL RAMOS
ROBERT CALLAHAN
ALEN MADANI
JUDY/WILLIAM GLEASON
ROBERT BLASI
ELIZABETH MOODY
SAVITRI PIERCE
JAIME VALENCIA
ANTHONY PINKETT
MICHAEL STICK
SVANA ANGLIN
NANCY MCGAFFIC
CRYSTAL BREE
SCOTT RYAN
TIM PRINGLE
J MICHAEL DAVIS
MICHAEL/JESSICA BARRY
Pima County was awarded the 2002 Michael Mossman Safety award at the Awards Ceremony of the 2002 El Tour last November. Curt Weinrich, the County's Transportation Director, accepted the award.
The County has been instrumental in developing a top notch Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, captained by the cyclist and transportation planner Matt Zoll. Through his and the engineering staff, the Safe Route to Schools Transportation Safety Grant was awarded and the following projects will begin in 2003.
1. Catalina Highway - New Paved Shoulders
2. Old Spanish Trail - New Paved Shoulders.
3. Golf Links Trail - Connection with Aviation Trail.
Also, the Bicycle Traffic Safety Guide will be published, giving all the cyclists a pocket guide to all local and state traffic laws and safety rules.
So, congratulations to Pima County, Curt Weinrich, Ben Goff, Matt Zoll, and many dedicated planning and engineering professionals in Pima County.
I would like to tell you about an event which is the biggest Mountain Bike Race news in
Arizona for quite some time. You may remember an event once called the "Cactus Cup". Well, it will be reborn this March as the NOVA DESERT CLASSIC!
So far the reaction, both statewide and across the country, has been tremendous. It will take place at McDowell Regional Park on March 21, 22 & 23. The format will be a 3-day stage race similar to the old event, but with several unique features added such as a "Tour De France" style TEAM TIME TRIAL. It is the only AMBC designated cross country race in the state this year.
We already have commitments from many of the major MTB PRO trade teams such as TREK Volkswagen, SUBARU Gary Fisher, RLX Ralph Lauren, Haro and World Cup Champion Alison Dunlap. This means that we will have both NORBA National Champions, the Men's World Champions and the women's World Cup champion in attendance!
We also expect to have a sizable EXPO area for all to enjoy and "lotsa schwag" and fun things for all who attend.
For more info, visit the race website at www.teamnova.org or you can call me at (480) 488-9561, or email me at jerrysieve@teamnova.org
14 riders turned out for the second annual New Year's Resolution Ride on New Year's morning.
The idea of the ride was to set a goal for the riders. The route ran as an out and back to Oracle, with a loop around the town, for a total of 100 miles.
The course first ran in reverse of the El Tour from Cortaro and Silverbell to Oracle Road, then turned toward the town of Oracle. Weather was favorable for the second consecutive year and Holiday traffic was light.
The ride has been listed as an opening training ride for the John Farr Desert Double, and thus far, has a perfect record: last year, every rider who attempted the Double after having completed the 100-mile New Year's Resolution Ride was successful in finishing the Desert Double!
Riders completing the 100-mile distance this year were: Ronni Robles, Eric Ewing, Tony Perrin, David Glasgow, Gerald Goode, Bruce McDaniel, Naran Patel, and John Heller. Bruce Chandler, Kevin Sahl and Todd Sahl all rode over 50 miles, Don Merson and Sarah Ryan went in excess of 40 miles, and Dick Walker did not sign in with a specified distance.
Thanks to all who turned out.
Options:
100K (62 miles), 50K (31 miles)
and a 10-mile Family Fun Ride.
Start & Finish:
at Peart Park (at City Hall), 300 W. 4th St. in downtown Casa Grande. On-site registration is available starting at 7 AM Saturday at Peart Park.
Registration Fee:
100K & 50K riders:
$25 by 2/1
$30 after 2/1
$35 on-site
10-mile (Individual):
$15 by 2/1
$20 after 2/1
$25 on-site
10-mile (3 or more):
$10 /person by 2/1
$15/person after 2/1
Presented by the Arizona Parks & Rec Association (APRA), this premier bike event will once again wind its way through beautiful desert landscapes around Casa Grande, Coolidge and Eloy.
Each rider gets a quality event T-shirt, sponsor coupons, post ride lunch and prize drawing tickets. Medals are awarded to the first 100 finishers in the 100K and recognition ribbons are awarded to all riders.
Casa Grande's small town atmosphere and clean air make the Tour a genuine "quality of life" experience for the whole family. This Tour has become very popular over the years, and 2003 participation is expected to exceed 600 riders!
Since 1988, APRA has sponsored the Le Grande Bike Tour as a fund-raising event. Proceeds from the Le Grande Bike Tour help support the APRA programs and enable the association to continue professional work in many areas. The Arizona Parks & Rec was established in 1950 as a non-profit professional organi-zation. APRA's mission is to "Improve and promote the parks and recreation profession, develop and maintain professional standards, provide services and support to its members and enhance the quality of life in Arizona".
For further information, contact APRA at 800-335-7275, or visit the web site at www.azpra.org
Two options to choose from!
96 very hilly scenic miles!
Or 66 hilly scenic miles!
"Climb. Climb. Then climb some more! That's the Mining Country Challenge. It's not for everyone, but if you have aspirations to really put your climbing abilities to the test, this is the ride for you."
Terry Wright
Organized by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club (Phoenix Metro GABA).
Two challenging routes to choose from. The Classic 96 mile Century with 6,000 vertical feet of climbing and the New 66 mile Metric Century with only 2,215 vertical feet of climbing; however, the challenge in this route is the "End of the World", a 1.5 mile long 11% grade ascent!
When: Saturday March 15, 2003
Registration is from 7 AM to 8:30 AM.
The Century starts at 8:30 AM.
The Metric Century starts at 9 AM.
There will be a Mass Starts for both events.
Where: Registration and Start will take place in Old Town Superior at the Chamber of Commerce at 350 Main Street. The Finish is at the intersection of Magma Ave. and Main St.
Directions: From Tucson, take Hwy 77 north to Oracle Junction, then Hwy 79 north until you get to Florence Junction. Then, take Hwy 60 east to Superior. Main Street is less than a mile on the north side of the Highway.
Parking Restrictions: No parking will be permitted on Main Street West of Magma Ave. The Town of Superior will be holding their 15th annual Superior Mountain Festival and will close the street for the festivities.
Fees:
PMBC/GABA/ABC Members: $20
Non-Members: $25
Late Fee after March 2: $10
Registration fee include a pair of Mining Country cycling socks.
Other Questions:
E-mail ride director Kathy Hendricks at kate1967@msn.com or call (480) 775-1108. More forms and other ride information are available at www. sportsfun.com/gaba
Make checks payable to:
PMBC, P. O. Box 26788, Tempe, AZ. 85285-6788. Use Generic Pre-Registration Form on Page 15.
The GABA - Ride Across Arizona crew has already started to work! Pam Cullop and I scouted the northern section from Phoenix to Tusayan and on to Grey Mountain.
Landis Cyclery in Phoenix will receive shipped bicycles, unpack, tune-up, and after the ride, re-ship the re-packed bikes. They also are supplying parts to our top notch mechanic Mo Kitchen who gave so much to last year's ride.
Surprise! The Grand Canyon had 8 inches of the white stuff, but Pam put on three layers and away we went, freezing! However, had a very warm reception from the Rangers, hotel staff, towing crew and all.
Grey Mountain didn't answer their phones even to panic tries to neighbors. What to do? We rearranged our trip and shot, the Jag can, to see wha' happened. The manager took the winter off to rest; hunh? Anyway, we found him, corralled ample rooms, musicians, a super great native dinner for the Monday night overnight stop.
The snow gave way to flat-out cold. Pam still had three layers on our way to Flagstaff's Little America. Luxury, great ambiance, fit this place to a tee. Swimming will be available here as it was in Grey Mountain. A Jacuzzi, weight room, bar, sauna and volleyball are all awaiting our presence the first of October.
Wupatki/Sunset Crater will be minus the loose gravel on the road, AND we put in an order for no wind this year! Having done the "run" across the Grand Canyon 6 times, all this same time each year, I expect weather, and get it!
This year, Payson has new road coatings, ample breakfast the morning after the most fantastic American dinner, all as part of this great adventure, money wise too.
Strawberry Pies in Strawberry were ordered, 170 pieces to be exact! That is a must for all riders, ask a former rider.
As we dropped down, the weather got warmer, the roads got better and we arrived at Apache Gold Casino, our rest stop on the night of Thursday, Oct. 3, 2003. This change from 2002 will amaze everyone! Again, there is real class in the rooms, the meals, the swimming pool, camping area. I'm excited and know you will be also!
The road by Roosevelt is almost finished with 6-foot shoulders the entire length of construction. I'm going to eat my supper now, so more next month on our GABAdventure.
Last November 16th, a crowd - estimated by the 4th Avenue Merchants at over 6,000 persons through-out the day - came to participate in this nationally recognized event! This was our Best Swap, ever!
Over 100 business vendors, from neighboring states and from all over Arizona, as well as from Tucson, and many dozens of local bicycling enthusiasts were welcomed by all the potential buyers looking for a good deal!
Our special thanks to the 4th Avenue Merchants who paid for the city permits, provided all the barricades and helped compose the flyer; and to the City of Tucson who helped print the Bike Swap flyers.
We also appreciate the hard work of all the volunteers, not named here, because there were too many and we wouldn't want to forget anyone! But, you all know who you are, and we thank you!
What I still would like to see happening, is the creation of a Bike Swap Committee to help me in the future, composed of people with experience in Public Relations and Advertising, as well as organizing skills, and ability to promote new ideas to make this event more enjoyable and educational for the cycling community. Please contact me at 520-323-9020, or e-mail me at Yares@azstarnet.com if interested!
Mark your calendars for our next El Bike Swap de Tucson on Saturday, March 29, 2003, in conjunction with the City of Tucson Bike Week Events.
Any suggestions? Any comments? Any new ideas? We need your input!
This event is a fine reason to stay in shape during the winter months in preparation of the event! Cyclists know about Moab; they know it as the home of the Slickrock Trail, the Mecca of mountain bikers. What many don't realize is that Moab has some of the best road biking in the world! There are hundreds of miles of paved roads in and out of the world class scenery that is known by every adventure seeker globally.
The Festival rides the best of the best: Arches National Park; Along the mighty Colorado river; Dead Horse Point. Each ride is incredibly unique. One day, we ride across the top of the canyon rim, the next day along the bottom staring 2,000 feet up the towering mesas.
From the bike seat you embrace the landscape, feeling the contours as gravity tugs on your tires, challenging you to climb and daring you to descend. You'll appreciate the grand scale of this place once on your skinny tires down byways known only to a lucky few.
Along with enjoying the physical, mental and social benefits of riding in beautiful Moab, you can endeavor to change the world for millions of people whose lives are impacted by cancer. (Don't we all know of folks who can benefit from this!) The Lance Armstrong Foundation has been created by Lance himself to raise money to help people manage and survive cancer.
Join us for all or part of the rides. With your riding talents you can make a difference and it will be a great way to get together.
For registration info, please contact MarkLGriffith@frontiernet.net or www.PoisonSpiderBicycles.com or (435) 259-7882.
It's the beginning of February and you're not quite convinced (yet) that the John Farr Memorial Desert Double Century is for you.
So take this little quiz to gauge your preparations.
1) Have you ridden your bike at least once since El Tour?
2) This spring, have you ridden at least two consecutive days of 60-70 miles each day?
3) This spring, have you ridden several 100-mile rides?
4) This spring, have you completed one ride of 125 miles (or more)?
If you can answer "yes" to two of the above questions, you're on your way to doing this year's Double!
Will this be your first Double?
Set a realistic goal of finishing. Many riders have completed their first Double in 12-14 hours and have had FUN doing it!!! If you can do the Blue Loop or Salt River Canyon, it's about time you did the Double! You'll never find another Double with this easy of terrain!
What do I need to do during the last weeks before the Double?
1. Keep the intensity of your rides HIGH! 2. Concentrate on maintaining a steady pace and staying on your bike for 2-3 hours at a time.
3. Back-to-back longer rides are important.
4. If possible, do at least one ride of 125 miles or more.
5. In the week before the Double, continue bicycling, but be sure to allow your body plenty of sleep and recovery time.
Day of event::
1. On the day of the ride, stay on your bike and keep your stops SHORT (maximum 30 minutes for lunch and maximum 10 minutes at other stops).
2. Hydrate BEFORE the ride and drink lots of water all day (we'd rather not scrape you off the pavement because you're dehydrated!)
3. Wearing an extra pair of cycling shorts the last 70 miles can be both refreshing and very comfortable.
4. An extra pair of socks can help minimize pressure on the bottom of your feet - make sure that your shoes fit with two pairs of socks.
5. If possible, do a ride up and down the frontage road - use this training to familiarize yourself with landmarks on these last, and sometimes boring and mentally difficult miles of the Double.
Last year, the GABA-Tucson Board discussed various ways that members can "prove" that they really are GABA members. The need may arise when members are making purchases at local bike shops who generously give a "GABA Discount".
Not to worry! It is very easy to prove that you are a GABA-Tucson member in good standing! All you have to do is cut out the label of your newsletter and stash it in your wallet. It has your name and the membership expiration date on it.
This small piece of paper will come in handy when you go to your friendly neighborhood bike shop for cycling purchases: it may entitle you to a "GABA Discount"!
For your information, not all bike shops offer a discount; the rate of the discounts offered may vary between shops; and it may be given only on certain kinds of purchases. But, if you need it, you will be prepared to show your membership proof!
Can you tell when your tires have died, or are ready to die, of old age? Many of us either do not ride enough miles, or perhaps have more than one bicycle, so we can find our tires slowly getting older and older, until on one ride, bang! One blows! Let's look at the simple way to check your tires so this won’t happen to you on a ride.
Even if your tires are not particularly old, it is wise to check them before every ride, for cuts, bulges, or flat spots. If you find any of these, replace the tire, as it is almost certain to blow out at an inopportune time.
What do you need to look for to determine that your tire is ready to die of old age? The sidewalls are the best indicator of tires that are too old.
Look for dry, cracked rubber on sidewalls that have rubber on them (generally called ‘gumwalls’, as opposed to ‘skinwall’ tires), as these are a sure indicator that your tire is close to dying of old age. When the rubber dries up and flakes off, the exposed cords will age very quickly, especially if exposed to sunlight.
On Skinwall tires, look for a different kind of sidewall aging. The cords in the sidewall begin to disintegrate, and will have fine threads or fibers sticking out in random locations. This too is caused by, or accelerated by, exposure to sunlight.
In general, just taking the time to look at your tires regularly will help keep you from suffering a blowout at an awkward time and/or place.
Please do ride enjoyably, and safely !
Ten Board Members are "retiring" after serving on the GABA-Tucson Board for a year or more in some cases!
Our Volunteers are very special, and this Club wouldn't be as successful as it is without the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers!
We want to thank the following Board Members for a job well done, and let them know that we appreciate the time and effort that each one has devoted to the Club.
Tom Chabot and Pat Young were our Shed Masters last year; Mike Thompson was our Touring Director; Bob Epstein served as our interim Bike Shop Coordinator; Marcie Silver was our Volunteer Coordinator; Sherryl Mueller served as our Publicity Director; Chris Toal was a member " at large" as was Garry Segerman; Alicia Heiserer was our Web Mistress and Tom Saville was assistant Publicity Director.
Thank you to all of you!
Annual elections having taken place at our January General Meeting, we now have 8 new Board Members joining the rest of the Board who have stayed on for another year.
Welcome to all of you! We really appreciate that you have volunteered to serve on the Board, each one of you in a different capacity. Each one of you is as important as all the others, and our joint team effort will continue to bring a quality club for our members.
New this year are: Mike Burdick, Vice-President; Sally Krusing, Publicity Director; Andrew Klein, Bike Shop Coordinator; Rhonda Smith, Volunteer Coordinator; Eric Ewing, Touring Director for Day Rides; Dorothy Barth, Social Director; Bill Borland, Shed Master and Roy Schoonover, 2003 Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure Chair.
Massage and stretching are an important part of a bicycle training program. What you do to prepare before a ride, and to condition your body after your ride, will determine how your ride goes and how quickly you recover.
While strength and endurance training are vital for racing and touring, it is massage and stretching that will keep your legs and entire body lose and ready for any ride you desire. So, come and join me to learn more about keeping those legs, shoulders and neck strong and loose.
Dick Schaffer, Educational Director, bikeschaf@aol.com or 326-4807.
If you hike or backpack, you may have wondered who takes care of the trails (or why someone hasnít taken care of it!). The Arizona Trail Association (www.aztrail.org) is dedicated to building and maintaining the Arizona Trail, as well as other public use trails.
Rich Corbett is organizing events to maintain the West Canelo Passage of the Arizona Trail, in the beautiful Canelo Hills south of Sonoita. There is a project the weekend of February 15-17 (options for 1 or 2 days), where we will use 4WD to drive into the west center portion of the Trail, and camp somewhere within a 1/4 mile or so of the vehicles, but well off the Road and the Trail. This is in a remote, beautiful, and scenic area. See the website at http://www. aztrail.org/calendar.html for more info, or e-mail Rich at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net . There will also be a single day project Saturday March 8th.
SANTANA TANDEM, 23 1/2" x 21", Shimano XTR, Chris King Headset, 40-spoke wheels, passionate purple. Extras. Lovingly cared for. $1,500. Call Rudy, (520) 742-2518.
WANTED: 58cm Road Bike. STI, a must! A triple would be nice, but not necessary. Dan, (520) 327-5096, 8-5 Mon-Fri; (520) 722-6412, Sat & Sun.
RIDING COMPANIONS WANTED. Want info of Alaska Ferries & cycling in Alaska? Join me on a trip from Whitehorse, YT, Canada southbound via Skagway, Alaska. Jim Kissell, (253) 225-3731 or write to 1901 N. Wilmot, #2246, Tucson, 85712.
EZ 3 RECUMBENT TRICYCLE. [1]Brand new. Retails for $800. Many upgrades: front wheel packed with grease; upgraded bottom bracket; rear view mirrors; backpack; chain guard. Ready and waiting to give you many years of pleasure, healthy, easy hassle-free riding. Impending surgery requires sale. Asking $700. Call Lenora, (520) 807-5755.
GARY FISHER Sugar 2 mountain bike. 2000 model, extra-large frame. Shimano XT com-ponents w/dual suspension. Like new . Asking $750. John Harrison, (520)-297-8229(Tuc)jbharrison@comcast.net (520)-297-8229(Tuc)