No Whining. Whine and you ride alone; and
Come only if this sounds like fun!
Sunday, June 29 & Tuesday, July 1st
Each year, the U A Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, in conjunction with Western Michigan University and the US Association of Blind Athletes, sponsors the Sports Education Camp for Students with Visual Impairments.
Over a dozen sport activities will be offered during the week and the word has spread among the student attendees that the Tandem Cycling sessions are awesome! We hope that you will sign up for one or both of the sessions. It is a wonderful experience for both students and cyclists.
The Blind Youth Sports camp is actively seeking pilots and tandems for these two days. There will be 20 classes and orientations before getting out on the road. Contact Hyatt at (W) 292-0011, (H) 577-9273.
Interested, but not sure of your schedule at this time? Put your name on the list. We will contact you in June to confirm and provide all the details.
Jason J. Bryn, (520) 886-9145.
New Course This Year!
July 12 & 13
There is a wonder to this ride that is hard to explain. Over the years it has justly earned the reputation of being one of the very best bicycling tours in the Southwest. If you've ridden it before you know what it is like, if you haven't participated, there's much to look forward to.
Attracting even out-of-state riders, it has become so popular that it is recommended that you REGISTER EARLY! This ride is organized by the Phoenix Metro Chapter of GABA.
Ride Start & Finish:
The ride starts at the Blue Ridge High School parking lot located at 674 E. White Mountain Blvd. in Lakeside also known as Highway 260. DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 260 from Show Low going to Pinetop and Lakeside. The School is located on the left side of the road. We have obtained permission to park cars there for the weekend. We are negotiating to get use of the restrooms for Saturday, and showers for our return on Sunday morning.
Registration:
Registration starts at 6:30 AM on Saturday, July 12th, and closes PROMPTLY at 8:30 AM. Please try to start early! We should have your luggage at the motels and campground by 1 PM. Just remember that some hotel rooms may not be available till after 2 PM., so take your time and enjoy the ride!
"NEW" Course Description:
SATURDAY - 44 hilly mountainous miles.
The route will follow Highway 260 EAST thru Pinetop , on to McNary arriving in Springerville/Eager for the night, with a SAG stop half-way, at the top of the pass near Sunrise Ski Resort.
SUNDAY - 44 hilly mountainous miles.
The return route will be the same on Sunday. Pedal West on Hwy 260 all the way back to the starting point in Pinetop/Lakeside. Expect several sizable climbs, but the reward is our SAG stop at the top of the 15-mile hill climb, near Sunrise, with a great downhill from there back to the finish!
Ride Fee:
GABA-Members: $45
Non members: $50
Camping: $ 7
Late Fee: $10 after 7/1/03
Non-Rider dinner: $15 (adult)
Non-Rider dinner: $10 (kid under 10)
Saturday Night Dinner:
Saturday night dinner will be a Cowboy cookout with Steak or Chicken, fresh salad and veggies, all included in yout ride fee, prepared by Springerville residents who know what hungry cyclists like to eat! Snacks available at the end of the ride on Sunday.
Springerville/Eager accommodations:
CAMPING:
at Round Valley Middle School. Camping fee: $7. Includes hot showers. Bring your tent or make camp inside on the gymnasium floor.
HOTELS:
There are several hotels in the area with real beds, but make your reservations early, as the tour fills them up FAST!. They can be reached by calling 1-520-333, then:
El Jo Motor Inn, 4314 26 Bed & Breakfast, 2102
Reeds Motor Lodge, 4323 Spanish Trails B&B, 4034
Super 8 Motel, 2655 Best Western, 2540
Corral Motel, 2264 Paisley Corner B&B, 4665
Rode Inn , 4365 Whiting Bros. Inn, 5870
Ride Leader: Rick Marquis, (480) 839-3385, not after 9 PM, please!) or whitemountaintour@cox.net There are lots of accommodations in the Show Low/ Pinetop/Lakeside area for those interested in coming up early on Friday or staying overnight on Sunday; check the GABA website at www.sportsfun.com/gaba for a list.
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
WHITE MOUNTAIN TOUR
July 12 & 13, 2003
One form per rider; photocopies accepted.
Please fill out all the blanks.
Leader: Rick Marquis at (480) 839-3385 or Whitemountaintour@cox.net
I am currently a GABA member:
(Circle) Yes No
NAME:__________________________
ADDRESS:________________________
CITY:___________________________
STATE____ ZIP___________
PHONE: ( )_________________
E-MAIL _________________________
FEE: make check payable to and mail to:
Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club, P.O. Box 26788, Tempe AZ 85285-6788.
GABA Member: $45._____
Non-Member: $50._____
Camping in Springerville: $7. _____
Late fee after 7/1/03 $10. _____
Non-Rider dinner (adult) $15. _____
Dinner (kid under 10) $10. _____
TOTAL MONEY SENT: $________
Steak or Chicken (circle) If you fail to put anything, you get steak!!!!!
ANSI-approved helmets are mandatory.
Please STAPLE your SIGNED WAIVER
to each registration form.
October 2002 -
By Donna Aversa
Can you imagine riding down a road with a pine forest on one side and the Grand Canyon on the other, no cars on the road, only shuttle busses that are prohibited from passing cyclists? That was our “free day” of sight-seeing at the Grand Canyon and the start of my second trip from the Grand Canyon to Nogales on the famous GABA "Cross State" Ride!
For me, the fun started the night before catching up with friends from last year, meeting new people and looking at the collection of bikes: recumbents, tandems, custom, etc. They were all put to the test with big climbs, big downhills and big days.
Day One of the tour had us cruising east along the South Rim with each viewpoint more magnificent than the next! For some, this was a first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. What a way to start a week-long bicycle adventure across the state. As we left Grand Canyon National Park, we dropped like a shot on the first of the week’s many big downhill runs. The road leveled out and we cruised along with a view of Marble Canyon until we got to that little hill into Gray Mountain, Arizona, our stop for the night.
Snacks, massages, nap time, and swimming were on the agenda before dinner. I lucked out and my roommate, Anya, took charge and whipped out her cleaning kit and proceeded to clean and lube our bikes. I contributed the lemon Pledge wipes and our bikes were shifting smooth, looking good and smelling lemony fresh.
After our morning fuel of peanut butter and bagels, we were off for Flagstaff on Day Two. As our day started, I had no hint that my bike handling skills would be tested so rigorously. Photo ops were all around us. The Wupatki Loop gave us our first exposure to “cyclist friendly” cattleguards. After we left the Wupatki ruins we had another fabulous downhill run with a tailwind.
But tailwinds are fickle and it didn’t last long. We turned a bend and our friendly tailwind turned into a devilish crosswind that blew us about like a kitten batting at a ball of string. I think I saw Tim’s back wheel come off the ground as his bike was pushed across the road. The SAG wagon was nearby, but the awesome scenery and the hope of a tailwind kept us pushing onward.
Our reward was a sheltered SAG stop at the top, well almost at the top, of the climb with the best pbj sandwiches and lunch provided by Dick and Fella Wolff. A view of the lava fields surrounding Sunset Crater rounded out the day’s sightseeing. In Flagstaff, the Jacuzzi and pool at the Little America Hotel welcomed us before an elegant and traditional turkey dinner in the banquet room. Cloth napkins, china. The works. Dress code for the evening: clean T-shirt!
Day Three put our GABA support staff to the test! We started out with a bit of cloud cover and some cold weather gear. Some riders were smart enough to pull out the rain gear. As we worked our way out of Flagstaff, it began to drizzle just enough to create a mist effect along Lake Mary Road and the trees took on an Arizona Highways Magazine photo effect. We were a hardy bunch, but when the rain turned into hail and sleet and eventually snow, we huddled together at the Lake Mary Boat Landing eventually moving our huddle to the men’s room to get relief from the wind and rain.
The GABA staff was awesome and quickly accounted for everyone on the road and shuttled riders to Happy Jack and Strawberry. The folks at Happy Jack were very accommodating and kept the hot coffee flowing and even popped a movie into the VCR for riders to relax and keep warm and dry while waiting for the SAG shuttle. The folks at Strawberry were ready with pie, pie and more pie. All the riders made it to Payson, and some made it to the Jacuzzi and massage table, none the worse for wear. The bikes got first class treatment by Barry, our baggage master and his crew, arriving in the baggage truck without a scratch.
Only three riders pressed on, collecting clothes from everyone along the way to make it into Payson to a round of applause. The well-earned reward for all riders and staff in Payson was the incredible dinner put on by the Ladies of the Morning Star — fresh veggies, homemade Swiss steak, veggie chili and a seemingly endless table of homemade desserts rounded out the feast.
We must have paid our weather dues as Day Four from Payson into Globe-Miami was picture perfect! Lake Roosevelt, Roosevelt Dam, a suspension bridge used up some film and was the perfect setting for our lunch SAG stop. Dick and Fella fueled us up before my gear grinding 5-mile climb at 9%! Rocket Rodney from Orange County tells me the grade kicked up 12% at one point, but I’m glad I didn’t know that before I started up.
Each rider got a round of applause from Marge and Mary with SAG 3 at the top of the hill, stocked with cold drinks and an assortment of sweet and salty snacks. Look for a group picture of GABA Past -President and “general flunky” Wayne Cullop with several riders at the 9% grade sign on the website! A long swooping downhill run into Globe-Miami brought us to the Copper Hill Motel and our stop for the night.
As it turns out, the 9% climb into Globe-Miami was only the warm up for the trip into Tucson on Day Five. The day started out with a 10-mile climb called “El Capitan”. Sharon and Radar, our SAG 1 angels, had our 2nd breakfast waiting at the top. From there yet another big downhill run all the way to Mammoth. From Mammoth, we had the big climb of the day up to Oracle. Once in Oracle, we had relief from the climb and were greeted by every cyclists’ old friend, headwind. The Ghost Ranch Lodge turned into a reunion spot as several Tucson GABA members came by to visit.
Sunshine and mild weather held for Day Six as we were escorted by a dozen Tucson GABA members to Nogales. Our ride leader, Pam, did a great job finding motels with pools, Jacuzzi’s and in this case, a Dairy Queen right across the street! Friends and family joined the group for a fantastic Mexican dinner and Mariachis, final presentations and good byes. And one more trip to the DQ!
The two most common questions I’ve been asked relate to food and flats. The GABA crew kept us well fed with three SAG stops, plus snacks at the end of the day. Everyone seemed to have their own favorite dinner. For me, the lasagna and apple pie at the Ghost Ranch is tough to beat.
As for the flats, it seemed like the same people kept getting all the flats. Our own tour mechanic and no riding injuries helped to keep everyone rolling along. Well, we did have one SAG van injury and we will be teasing Tim about that for quite awhile as the van is expected to have a full recovery. Meanwhile, the GABA staff included our unofficial mascot Katie the Corgi. As the canine companion to “Mo” the tour mechanic and her husband Mike (the “Rocketman” on his slick recumbent), Katie welcomed all the cyclists by rolling her Low Rider legs into the air and presenting her belly to be rubbed.
All in all, the GABA staff took care of almost everything. For the riders, our job was to eat, ride, socialize, eat and sleep. It’s no wonder many of the riders keep coming back year after year.
Arkel "Ladybug" Pannier, bought new in November 02 for $100. Nice bike commuter pannier. Mounts on rack, then converts to backpack for use off bike. Exterior compression straps, approx. 1200 c.i. Price $50. firm. Serious inquiries please respond if willing/able to come to Tucson to pick up item. Cathy Hoffman (520) 360-7833, cahoffman@cox.net
21-inch Trek 520 Touring Bicycle, approx. 9 years old. Very good condition. Asking $400. Including: front/rear fenders, rear rack, Cannondale rear panniers, Nashbar SPD pedals, rear flashing light, brand new Sun CR-18 rims and wheels (can be upgraded to 9-speed cassette), Shimano Deore LX components, Nitto Dirt Drop stem (currently on bike) and System 1 stem which came with bike, System 2 adjustable seatpost with Terry woman's gel saddle (buyer may also have original Trek saddle which came on bike). Serious inquiries please respond if willing/able to come to Tucson to pick up bike. Cathy Hoffman (520) 360-7833, cahoffman@cox.net
By Pam Cullop - Ride Chair 2003
Are you contemplating signing up for the Grand Canyon to Mexico Tour - another Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure? Well, if you haven't quite made up your mind, let me see if I can entice you!
What would you say to an all-in-one vacation? All of the 7 group dinners will be abundant and delicious; the nightly meals will be lively with give-away prizes, and with some entertainment now and again to keep you smiling; your luggage and/or camp gear will be delivered to you at the daily destinations; 3 daily rest stops will be set up on the road for taking a bike-break and eating yummy treats served by an enthusiastic ride crew; a friendly support crew will be ever-present to make sure you don't lose your way or run into any trouble; as will a reliable mechanic for repairing bikes with minor problems; oh yes ! and if you feel like treating yourself to "a good rub" at the end of the ride day, just ask one of our massage therapists to put you on the schedule - you will be glad you did!
Would you like a pre-paid entrance pass into the Grand Canyon National Park, and an entire day off at the Grand Canyon for you to explore and enjoy? Plus extra hours on the first day of the ride along the South Rim as you leisurely ride your bike from view points to view points? Imagine the possibilities, as you enjoy this "perk" in the price of the ride!
What memories would you want to create for yourself? How about: The ride through the magnificence of the Grand Canyon! Over and through the breath-taking vistas of Navajo Land! Into the rolling, and ever-changing landscapes of the Wupatki - Sunset Crater Loop! Down into forests of ponderosa pines, past lakes and over quiet rural back roads! Climbing over mountain passes and along winding rivers! Rolling through mining country and following hillsides dotted with stately saguaros! Riding by several old missions and enough "old west" flavor to make you feel that you are in "cowpoke country" for sure!
What experiences would you like to include among the favorite ones of your lifetime? How about a hike down into the Grand Canyon for a few miles? Or a helicopter flight to see the views from above? Witnessing a glorious sunrise or sunset standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon?
And, what about other fun things to do along the course the ride, such as stopping at the many interesting Visitor Centers along the route: Grand Canyon, Wupatki, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, Tonto Natural Bridge, or Roosevelt Lake? You could plan on taking a swim or soak in a heated spa at one of our host hotels, at the end of a day! Does eating a nice big piece of strawberry pie at the Strawberry Cafe before making the steep descent towards Payson sound like a must-do? Are you ready to try an authentic Mexican breakfast at Pepe's? Don't forget to include a tour of the White Dove of the Desert, the famous San Xavier Mission, and a stop at the rugged, but well-preserved Tumacacori Mission with its garden and impressive thick walls! Do you have a need for an "art-fix" in Tubac, well-known artist colony of the southwest? And, to top it all off, walk across the border into Nogales, Mexico to spend your American dollars on real exotic Mexican gifts for your family and friends back home!
What would you say to a savings of $25 off of the ride fee just by signing up before July 1st?
Hesitate no longer, enjoy the tour as many have done time and time again. Mark your calendar: Saturday, September 27th through Saturday, October 4th! On behalf of the ride crew, I say to you: we look forward to having you join us! We want to include YOU on your adventure, in our experiences and in our memories for this 23rd Annual Tour!
NEW MEMBERS:
Yolanda Sotelo; Rick Marquis; Lee/Brenda Wilkening; Richard Shuttleworth; Paul Gundlach; Mike Atchley; Grs Aragon; Justine Hernandez; Joe Pyritz; Leon Parkham; Mark Goldsmith; Dave Gisselman; Monty Morgher; Martin Sayles; Tony Williamson; Jesse Nodora; Naran Patel; Mary/Rick Schnell; Betty-Sue/Don Gage; Dave Braswell; Linda Hartsig; Mark Leonard; Michael Estillores; John Bravo; Mario Sanchez; Brian Smith; Wilechia Burns.
RENEWING MEMBERS:
Tom & Ginny Beal; Craig Thoresen; Matt Feurer; Pat Mulligan; Melissa/Todd Poole/Schramm; John Conahay; Richard & Mel Rineer; Mike Quick; Sylvia/Gordon Young; Jim Brooks; Harold / Karen Boaz; Michael/Michelle Buck/Romero; Jackie Descher; Kevin Dwyer; Don Evans; Marge Germain; Pam & Brian Larkins; Earl Leach; Bob/Barb Merow; Dwight Nuehring; Jeff Oxman; Marshall/Karen Rakosky/Kalk; Jerry Short; Don/Barbara Supper; Bob & Laura Thomas; Sal Troia; Dave & Della Watson; Sam Wymer; Thomas Altemus; Jerry Billington; Barbara/Herman Carrillo; Randy Copleman; Nancy Guilmette; Efraim Katz; Robert & Marie Klenke; Larry Losley; Richard McBain; Dave Nelson; Gary Peterson; Richard Porus; Ed Quick; Ray Lansing; Steve Russell; Gary/Shawn Schuitema/Bates; Mark Seeger; Don Regole; Marvin Slepian.
By Rudy and Kay Van Renterghem
Heard of the Davis Double? That double century in California??? NO! This Davis Double is really different! Bob Davis, of Peoria, AZ, is a retired aerospace engineer who has turned his expertise in carbon fiber technology to a more earthbound type of transportation. He's been designing and crafting custom carbon fiber racing bicycles under the ZONA label since 1985. Bob and his wife, Cheryl, are also avid tandem riders. If designing and building carbon fiber singles is a challenge, then building a carbon fiber bicycle-build-for-2 could be twice as challenging; and Bob loves challenges! And, besides, they were due for a new twicer, says Bob.
Davis uses his AutoCAD program for laying out designs, and with input from prospective riders, is able to build that dream machine. Bob and Cheryl also like to travel, but taking a tandem along, especially by plane or in a small rental car, can be a logistics problem. So, why not build a pull-apart tandem? That is a bit easier to do nowadays; since the 1993 introduction of S&S couplers and quick release cable splitters, the task is not quite as daunting. Six couplers placed strategically on the tandem frame, and that two-seater can be reduced to fit in a couple of suitcases.
We once flew our tandem from Tucson to Minnesota for a tandem rally. After disassembling part of the tandem and packing it all in a large cardboard box, we were informed at the airport that this box did not fit on the plane and needed to be shipped air freight at an extra $150 each way. OUCH!!! If you and your l-o-n-g bike travel by air a few times, the extra cost of the couplers will soon pay for itself. A special spanner allows you to unscrew the couplers and the QR cable splitters make it a snap to connect/disconnect the derailleurs and rear brake cables, for easy packing into two suitcases that fly on the airlines for FREE.
Davis combined his bike building skills, couplers and his love of travel, and the ZONA Davis Double was conceived. Just after Christmas 2002, we were solicited to do some test riding. In our 28+ years as tandemers we have ridden over 30 brands and models of 2-seaters, and test rode several prototypes; from the first-known mountain bike tandem by Glenn Berry to Cannondale to the Schwinn DuoSport. Now we can claim to have ridden tandems from A to Z: Assenmacher to ZONA.
IMPRESSIONS
So, we traveled from Tucson to the Phoenix area to check things out. First look, it was "Wow!" There it stood in the driveway, the black/silvery weave of the carbon fiber highlighted by the bright Arizona noonday sun. The Zona prototype frame is fabricated from various sized carbon fiber tubes, joined together with carbon fiber laminated joints. If certain areas need reinforcing, extra layers can be added. Tube and wall thickness are customized to the riders' size/weight/intended usage. When finished, a lustrous clear coat can be applied; or for a more traditional look, painting is an option. For reinforcement in some of the tube stress areas a faux lug is used, adding strength and a very classic look simultaneously.
Being a full custom bike, there are lots of choices and options: 26-inch or 700c wheels? 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 steerer tube diameter? S&S couplers or not? V-brakes, disc brakes or a combination thereof? Tandem specific forks from steel to carbon with appropriate fittings for disc or canti brakes? What component gruppo: touring/racing or a little bit of both? The Davis Double is an individual creation, and thus price range will vary. Here's your chance, get your wish list prepared!
THE PROTOTYPE
This was a 23 1/2 x 19 inch male/male configuration with sloping top tube; Mavic 26-inch X317 disc rims; Phil Wood 36H disc hubs; Hutchinson Gold 26 x 1.2 tires; Shimano indexed 9-speed barcon shifters; a RaceFace crankset with 54x46x30 triple and 32T crossover chainrings; DuraAce 11x27 cassette with 9 cogs; and Ultegra front and XTR rear derailleurs. The 10cm threadless pilot stem was mated to a wide 47cm Modolo Race bar, while the adjustable stoker stem held 45cm Modolo Race cowhorn bars. Handlebar tape was Cinelli's latest cork LUX reflective - nifty and eye catching and very reflective, even in broad daylight. Chris King threadless headset, nice stuff!
Front brake, an Avid 66-inch Ballbearing Disc with an 8-inch Hayes Mechanical disc for rear wheel stopping power. A Thompson alloy seat-post for the pilot and a Tamer suspension for the rear, both topped with the comfy Terry Fly "Buzz Off" logo saddles with Ti rails. Top of the line Ti stainless steel S&S couplers, and pedals were BeBops front and rear. As you've noticed, nothing but top-shelf parts on this machine!
Standard features on the Zona tandem include internal expander eccentric to adjust that cross-over chain tension, Ti bottom bracket shell and of course all cable stops, 4 bottle braze-ons, pump peg and rear vertical dropouts with provisions for a disc brake mount and rack eyelets. What did this all add up to? 39 lbs. total.
THE RIDE
This could be the only opportunity for Rudy to test ride as Bob's stoker, so it did not take much persuasion to go for a spin in Peoria. We covered a quick 10 miles and the pilot even managed to ascend the only hill in town! The pedals were set up in phase and Rudy announced "stoker standing". A few seconds later Bob replied "pilot standing" and whoa - bit of sway there! Bob quipped: "Cheryl is a much smoother stoker than you!" Well, Rudy's used to pedaling 90 degrees out of phase and he doesn't get "to shove coal" too often as a stoker; so, yes, Cheryl is the better stoker for sure!
The Carbon fiber tandem rode smoothly, even on less than perfect road surfaces as the frame dampened road vibrations, while the suspension seat-post made worse roads better. Soon, it was time to transport this prototype to Tucson for more riding with my favorite stoker, Kay.
MORE RIDING
Had to make some changes and adjustments so we could do our testing. We changed out the pedals for our "lo-tech" non-clipless version. We also are accustomed to pedaling 90 degrees out of phase and it took only a couple minutes to rectify that. We then logged 66 miles as a duo, plus Rudy put in an extra 17 solo miles.
The solo miles gave him the opportunity to check out a few things without upsetting his stoker. Like a full tilt descent on a 6% hill in the top 127 inch gear, achieving 38 MPH and then testing those disc brakes: wow! Straight-line deceleration with stopping power to the max! Quick turns standing and some other maneuvers proved that Bob Davis knows his stuff. Of course, tandems are meant for two people and Kay had some observations as stoker. She felt the carbon fiber frame to be more compliant than aluminum or steel, even without a suspension seat-post, but she opined "bumps are still bumps." When the pilot stood she did not get all nervous about it as we have on some other twicers we've tested. Then, when the stoker assumed the standing up position pilot noted no waggle in the rear at all, but then Kay is a seasoned stoker, too! Pedaling 90 degrees out of phase does not lend itself to both riders standing simultaneously, so we did not attempt that maneuver.
Due to all that extra rotating weight on the wheels with the disc hubs and disc brakes plus that extra 2.5 pounds for the couplers, acceleration and climbing were a bit on the slow side. But once momentum was achieved it was no longer an issue. However, is extra stopping power and convenience of couplers for E-Z travel a worthy trade off? Craftsmanship on the frame was exemplary, and Kay especially liked the classic looks of the faux lugwork. And the pilot called the steering quick, but not twitchy.
HOW MUCH?
What does all this hi-tech stuff add up to, you ask. A carbon fiber frameset to your specifications, with carbon fork and Chris King headset, eccentric and stoker stem is $3,000. You choose, and pay, for all other components. A carbon fiber frame with the S&S couplers, plus the 2 hard cases with frame padding, cable splitters and coupler spanner will set you back $5,000. Again, add the cost of your other components. With judicious parts picking and not having disc brakes, couplers, steel or suspension seat-post, a 30 to 35 pound weight is achievable.
This puts the ZONA Davis Double in the price range of the best steel and aluminum tandems, and a bit lower than most titanium. Want more info? Check out the ZONA Davis Double at zonacycles.com Oh yeah, you may also like Bob Davis' motto: "Beg, borrow, but never steel."
by Richard E Corbett, Certified Instructor and Coach
I've seen that statement too many times in accident reports or depositions. And the REAL loser has ALWAYS been the Cyclist.
Can you do anything to prevent this from 'happening' to you? Yes! You can!
Being seen has two basic parts: 1. Where you are
2. What you wear
WHERE YOU ARE
If you're a motor vehicle operator, you know that you look in specific places to see people doing certain things.
For example, you look to your left from a stop sign to check for vehicles on the near side of the road; you look to the center of the road for those preparing to turn left, and so on.
So, what does this tell the smart cyclist? It tells me to be where people normally look to see those doing what you are doing. Another way to say it is: do not surprise other drivers!
WHAT YOU WEAR
If you are where people look, then the next thing to take care of is to make sure you stand out from the background. You do this by wearing light, bright colored clothing.
The next ride you're on, look around at the cyclists. Imagine a tired driver taking a hurried look through a dirty, or sun-streaked windshield. Could the driver see them EASILY? My experience tells me that half or more of my fellow cyclists will flunk this 'test'.
IN A NUTSHELL
To be seen, think about where you are positioned, and what you are wearing. think of how other drivers see you.
by Richard E Corbett, Certified Instructor and Coach
I have seen too many people over the years who show up for a ride and who obviously have not checked their bike before leaving home. They are the ones who are pumping up tires, adjusting brakes, etc. It is wise to check your bike the evening before the ride. Doing this gives you time to fix any problem, should your bike have one. It also lets you relax, not hurry, prior to the ride.
Here is a list of things to check when preparing for a ride.
1. TIRES ‑ inflate to the pressure on the sidewall with your floor pump; then check for cuts.
2. BRAKES ‑ pull both levers as hard as you can. If a cable is going to break, it is much better that it do so at home. Check to see that pads and arms are tight, that there is some toe-in, and that the pads are centered on the rim and do not rub the sidewall(s) of the tire.
3. CHAIN ‑ wipe it clean; then lubricate, it if needed (motor oil is fine).
4. BOTTOM BRACKET - Hold the cranks level with the floor, and push/pull laterally on them to check for any looseness. This will also give you the chance to check the pedals for looseness, or other defects.
5. QUICK RELEASES - Make sure wheels and are securely fastened ‑ quick releases or wheel nuts should be tight. Be sure brake and seat (if you have it) quick releases are also tight.
6. OVERALL - Pick your bike up a few inches, and then drop it straight down on the tires. Listen for anything loose as it bounces. Ride your bike in the driveway or parking lot, and check that gear shifting is working smoothly.
This simple, quick check of your bike will help you be better prepared and enjoy your cycling more. Do this check every time before you ride!
by Steve Wilson
Over 90 riders joined us on Friday, May 2nd for a wonderful ride up to Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley. As was the case last year, we had several riders (about 15) successfully make it all the way for the first time. The weather was just about perfect. It was about 65 when we rolled out at 7 AM and stayed about constant as we climbed up the mountain.
Sandi Rousseau did another superb job as the moving sag support up the mountain. Looks like the ride is getting big enough to have 2 sags leap-frogging up the mountainnext year, to better keep up with our faster riders. Thanks again Sandi for the cold drinks and great food on the way up the big hill. Lee Hirsch chipped with a very nice job as the sweep for the ride.
Special congratulations go to Steve Zucarelli (one of our hand-cycling members) for achieving a personal goal in making it to Summerhaven. What a wonderful effort. His total for the day included 6,200 feet of climbing and 52 miles. Nice job Steve! Another notable bike was Tom and Yvonne Nieman on their DaVinci tandem pulling their very cute 2 year-old in a trailer to the top.
Several riders enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the eateries in Summerhaven before beginning their descent. There we a few groans on the climb out of Summerhaven and the 2-mile ascent to Bigelow Road, but from there the last 21 miles were fast and mostly smooth. Just one more construction cycle to go and the entire Mt. Lemmon ride will be smooth. Construction on the Bear Canyon to Lizard Rock section is scheduled to begin later this year.
Hope to see you out for next year's ride!
This year Donna and I have had the pleasure of hosting bicyclists coming to Tucson for touring and racing opportunities. It's been lots of fun representing both GABA and Tucson.
Last fall we were contacted by a couple from Corvallis, Oregon, inquiring about touring opportunities in southeast Arizona. After several exchanges of information, they put together a plan for a week long tour including Nogales, Sonoita, Bisbee, and Tombstone.
Finally February came around, and Charlie and Becky were on their way to Tucson. We had a great time hosting them before and after their tour, swapping cycling stories and showing them some our favorites local routes. For a description of their touring experience, check out Charlie and Becky's article in last month's Update. If you've tossed it, see the May edition on the web at www.bikegaba.org.
They convinced us to check out the Northwest Tandem Rally to be held next July in Eugene, Oregon, about 60 miles from their home. We're signed up and looking forward to that trip already.
March brought the 18th Tucson Bicycle Classic and some last minute searching for places to host the visiting racers. We agreed to host the 4-woman Terry Precision Cycling Team for the event (OK, so it wasn't that tough of a decision). Two of the team are from New York state and two are from Canada. They mailed their bikes ahead of time and showed up a week before the race to get in some warm weather training.
They scrambled to get their bikes together before it got dark and we made a quick trip up towards Babad Do:ag overlook on Mt. Lemmon Hwy. They were so excited to feel
the wind on their legs! (no tights). Left behind 10 to 20 degree weather when they stepped on the plane for Arizona. It was 80+ the entire week before the races and the training went well.
Donna and I had agreed to ride our motorcycles as lead-outs for the Classic already, so we got to experience the racing along with the team. With the notable exception of the fatal cat 2 crash on Gates Pass, it was just about a perfect time.
We're already hoping the team comes back next year for a repeat visit. If any of you are interested in hosting visiting cyclists, please send me your contact information. I will keep a list and let you know when opportunities arise.
By Deborah Dyer VanAllen
Peggy Siegel, our esteemed President, asked me to report on our recent cycling event - a GABA sponsored (Greater Arizona Bicycling Association) ride to the top of Mt. Lemmon, but reporting is ever so factual and definitely not my forte, so what you're getting is a personal story along with a few facts.
As a kid I loved my bike. I remember exactly the moment I conquered my first two-wheeler. A 4-year-old kindergartner, I wobbled down the sidewalk with my Dad cheering me all the way and I didn't fall off. It set me free and it has ever since. The sense of power, the speed, the freedom, the sense of invulnerability were heady feelings in a new and usually scary world.
Cycling with the Cyclemasters has been an exciting extension of childhood fantasies. The opportunity to cycle with a group of friends, to push ourselves to longer distances and faster speeds, to be there for one another, to cheer, to weep, to comfort has been a deeply moving experience for me. All of which, at long last you say, brings me to the crux of this story.
Some of the Cyclemasters men had "done" Mt. Lemon and they said to me, "You'd never make it." So, of course, I wanted immediately to prove them wrong. That was more than a year ago - just after I'd met a new friend, Marty, who did Mt. Lemmon with GABA last year. Suddenly I knew one woman who had reached the 8,000-foot summit and I was even more sure that I wanted to try it. Then, last November, some of the Cyclemasters traveled to New Zealand to cycle. After most of us had completed one very long and tortuous day, my friend Barry, said to me: "Mt. Lemmon isn't nearly so hard as today's ride. You can make it." So then, of course, I was determined to prove him right.
May 2nd was the day of reckoning when GABA sponsored its annual Mt. Lemmon ride and 13 of us SaddleBrooke Cyclemasters decided to make a run for the top. It was a beautiful calm morning as we started up and up, and around every hairpin turn all I saw was more up! But the mountains were breathtaking, the rock formations, the wildflowers all awe-inspiring, and so we kept pedaling. and it wasn't so hard - I was doing it! We all were - together! And when we reached the Ski Village and looked down and down and down, it was hard to believe we'd actually cycled every inch of those 26 miles to the top and lived to talk about it!
And do you know what was the best part of the whole day? Sitting in Summerhaven, breaking bread with the very friends with whom I cycle day in and day out, and knowing that together we had conquered this major cycling challenge. And we still had the thrill of the screaming ride down the mountain to look forward to - which is a whole "nother" high!
As I write this, sitting at my kitchen table, and I glance out and see Mt. Lemmon, I think to myself - we were there - on our bikes. We did it! All of us who planned to get to the top did it: Ted Belanger, Missy Brixius, Barry Deats, Jerry Goode, Ed Haughland, Ron Horvath, Rick Muck, Vivian Peterson, Bill Yates, I, and Marty Gawlik, our honorary Cyclemaster. Plus the 3 ladies who planned to ride 7-8 miles up actually went 10 miles - Gloria Belanger, Gale Deats and Judi Yates. Good work to everyone. It was a great day!
June 21st, 2003
A BICYCLE RIDE WITH ALTITUDE!!!
This event is not a race. Rather, it is a ride designed to appeal to a wide range of cyclists; from recreational weekend warriors to dedicated triathletes and professional racers. The course will provide a quarter-century, a half-century, and an "ironman distance" option in addition to the standard one hundred mile "century".
At altitude and with two continental divide crossings, the Grant County Orthopedic Associates, PC 2003 Sterling Silver City Century will challenge the most determined riders, yet it is well within the grasp of any dedicated and well conditioned cyclist wishing to complete a one hundred mile bicycle ride in one day.
For more information, please go to www.velopromotions.com
By Donna Aversa
This year, my friend Carole Leiker and I each have birthdays with zeros in them. I have to confess that when Carole first started to talk about doing something "different" to mark the occasion, I thought maybe we would get some friends together and go out for Sushi. When she pulled out the GABA Update and started looking at the information on the GABA John Farr Memorial Double Century, I started to worry. When Roberta Toussaint, a Double veteran, said, "It'll be fun!" I knew it was a done deal and sent in my registration fee and put fresh tires on my Bianchi.
Preparation started in earnest on New Year Day. We had some memorable training rides including our overnight ride to Phoenix and back that coincidentally coincided with the annual Hell's Angels ride to Florence and a century that started with a stolen bike. As the weekly mileage grew, the number of friends with the time to ride with us shrank. But their enthusiasm and support for us never waned and some came out for an occasional long ride or part of a long ride or a recovery spin with us.
Tony Williamson became our route master and map maker and number one supporter. If you've ever been on one of Tony's rides, you already know about his clipboard and his color coded maps! Not only did he make our maps, one morning he met us at the start of a training ride, handed out the maps, explained the route and gave us warm Krispy Kremes before he sent us on our way!
We had some guidelines for our training rides, but really only two rules:
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No Whining. Whine and you ride alone; and |
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Come only if this sounds like fun! |
It sounded like fun to eight friends who were willing and had the time to commit to this adventure. I'm not exactly sure what that says about my friends, but I couldn't ask for a more easy going, enthusiastic, fun, funny, smart and sincere group to spend time with. Not a whiner in the bunch! Eight of us committed to doing the Double together. We logged over 1,200 Saturday Training Ride miles together, swapped training ideas, learned the benefits of two pairs of bike shorts and ate a lot of Power Bars, bagels and peanut butter. Most importantly, we got to know each other a little better. And yes, we still like each other.
Of the eight of us, Sally and Glenn Boquot decided to ride their tandem and had a great Double, finishing their ride about the time the remaining six of us got to Eloy! If only we could have hung on to their wheel!
Ride day was picture perfect - if you had a flash on your camera! We started at 5 AM with our lights. What a sight to see taillights from about 20 GABA riders going up the frontage road. The route was as flat as Southern Arizona can get, gaining only about 3,000 feet in elevation over 200 miles. The roads were scenic and remote with little traffic.
The people we did see along the way were friendly and supportive. When we made a quick stop at the Circle K in Eloy, Marty walked out all smiles. "The clerk asked me how far we were going today!"
Map maker Tony, Steve Zucarelli and Karl Rifenbark met us on the road with fresh fruit, chicken strips, cold cheeseburgers (Jannene's training secret!) and lots of enthusiasm. Other friends turned up in Eloy and Picacho to encourage us in the last stretch.
We got the full V.I.P. treatment on that last stretch. Tony, Steve and Karl, joined by Angie Aversa, took great care of us with a flashing light escort over the last ten miles. All the training miles, bag balm, Power Bars and cold cheeseburgers paid off when we rolled back into the parking lot together: Bob and Marie Klenke, Marty Gawlik, Jannene Johnson, Carole Leiker and I. We did it and we did it together. We averaged just under 16 m.p.h. with a total ride day of 14 hours, 45 minutes. No injuries. Only one flat.
One week later, we met for a celebration dinner with real cheeseburgers, hot off the grill. I'm a little worried. Carole's already got the group thinking about what we are going to do next year.
Roberta was right. It was fun.
At the April GABA meeting, visually-impaired tandem racer, Jason Bryn, shared his experience as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team. Jason also showed video highlights of him and Andy DuVall on tandem and Greg Hockinsmith (Tucson hand cyclist and world champion) racing at the International Paralympic World Championships in Germany.
Jason has set his sights on medaling at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. He receives daily coaching and training guidance from Carmichael Training Systems (CTS). CTS is contracted with U.S. Paralympics to coach and oversee the U.S. Paralympic Cycling Team which is currently ranked #1 in the world following last year's team performance at the World Championships.
Jason recently competed in an international Paralympic tandem stage race from April 25-27 in Montreal, Canada with his new Paralympic pilot, Chris Rozdilsky, a USCF Category I racer from Connecticut. CTS brought them together in December 2002 after Jason's first Paralympic pilot, Tucson racer Andy DuVall, was seriously injured in their crash during the World Championship road race in a downpour. Jason reported that Andy is recovering and is continuing to race and train, but on his solo bike.
The April 3-day stage race provided the duo with international Paralympic experience in preparation for upcoming Pan American, European and World Championships that are being held in August and September. "We needed this experience to be ready for the big events later in the year since this was Chris' first tandem race against international Paralympic competition", Jason said. "It was an eye opener for him and a good measuring stick for us."
Bryn and his racing pilot placed 3rd overall in the 3 event stage race. They placed second in the 60 km circuit road race. "We made all the jumps and attacks when we needed to. It was just down to two of us the last 5 laps or so. It came down to a sprint and we were just edged out for the win." says Bryn. They placed 3rd in the 20 km time trial in a 35 degree sleeting rain and 4th in a 40 km criterium circuit race. Bryn says that the criterium the last day came down to a sprint finish as well. "Nothing like a pack of tandems hitting 90 degree turns at 35 +mph. I must have bumped shoulders with other riders about 8 different times. I had tire marks on my leg from other bikes grazing me. It was a little hairy", comments Bryn.
Jason says that he and his pilot will be working on their bike efficiency to take them to the next level. Bryn commented that, "the good news was that our fitness is where it needs to be at this time of the year. We felt good about our placement given that we rode rather sloppy and not totally in sync like some of the other teams. We will be able to correct our riding inefficiencies which should help our placement in races to come." Bryn says that racing on tandem in total unison is a challenge for the tandem team since there geographic locations limit their training together on tandem to once every three months or so at Olympic Training Center camps. Jason said that Chris
did come out to Tucson in February for a week of training with him which helped their timing and coordination immensely. "We are still working on bike fit and racing efficiency issues. We should be able to correct those things in the next few races. But it is not easy for Chris who trains and races on his solo bike then jumps on the tandem with me. There are so many differences in handling a tandem compared to a solo bike."
Their next hurdle is to qualify for the Paralympic Pan American, European and World Championship events that will be held in New York City, Prague and Quebec in early Fall. Bryn and Rozdilsky will be attempting to achieve a qualifying time standard at the U.S. Cycling Federation Arizona State Time Trial Championships on May 17th. They then head to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center in June for track training culminating in U.S. Paralympic Track Nationals on June 15th.
At the GABA meeting, Jason expressed appreciation to his team of Tucson tandem pilots including Andy DuVall, Rupert Laumann, Zach MacDonald, Simon Washington and Matt Zoll. Jason states, "Without these guys, I would not be able to do what I do. They are all integral parts of the team that allow me to go after my dream."
Keep an eye out for Jason with one of his pilots on their big yellow tandem churning in and around Tucson. With their size, you can't miss them!
4th of July 2003
This year's bicycling events includes a 27-mile Challenge Ride, a 7-mile Family Ride and a .5-mile free kids' ride.
Early registration (before June 13th) entry fees are:
Adults, $15;
Youths, (15 and under) $10;
After that date, entry fees are $20 for adults and $15 for youth.
Registration is accepted up to and including the day of the event. Registration options include: mail in ahead of time or in person at Parks & Recreation Administration, 900 S. Randolph Way.
Application brochures are available at Parks & Recreation Administration, all Parks & Recreation Districts Offices, all regional/neighborhood/recreation centers, most bicycle shops and on line at: ci.tucson.az.us
Last year, the event raise $12,000 for the Safe Kids Helmet and Bike Fund, helping purchase 11,000 helmets for low-income youth; this event also featured more than 900 participants!
For more information call 791-4870 or via e-mail at Jgrijal1@ci.tucson.az.us