24th Annual Grand Canyon to Tucson
Arizona Bicycle Clubs Grand Canyon Weekend
Quick, Smooth Starts and Stops
Overnight Tour to Picacho Peak, a Success!
Mt Hopkins Mountain Bike Hill Climb
Spring Bike Swap Better than Ever!
- Mountain Biking - Riding the State Lands in Tucson
Grand Canyon to the Old Pueblo Bike Tour 2004
Monday, May 3 at 7 PM
Tonight, our speaker will be Fred Sparks who will talk about his experiences on a Bike & Cruise Tour in the Caribbean. What is a Bike & Cruise Tour? How does it work? Well, to find out, come and join us! Everybody is welcome!
Monday, June 7 at 7PM
Join us for an informative presentation by Greg Hockensmith, well-known handcyclist, about his experiences at the world championship last year! He will also explain the difference between a handcycle and a wheelchair cycle. Come on over and join the fun! Everybody is welcome!
- Dick Forcier -
1942 - 2004
By Steve Wilson
GABA President
This past month GABA lost a dear friend in Dick Forcier. Dick was a long time
member of GABA and served for many years on the GABA board as our legal advisor
and cycling advocate. Dick touched many people in the community with his
generosity and good will. He particularly liked to support cycling events that
supported kids' cycling, often helping with the City of Tucson's July 4th Tour
for Tucson's Children. Just recently he donated his time to the Boys' and Girls'
Clubs to help less fortunate kids get acquainted with cycling. Dick was also an
advocate for the Safe Routes to Schools program which is just getting started in
Pima County. Regretfully he won't be here to see the pilot program come to
fruition.
Dick was a personal injury lawyer for many years in Tucson. He specialized in
bicycling cases and was a leader in cycling advocacy and working with local law
enforcement. Many don't know that he was a member of the Tucson Police force
prior to attending law school. In keeping with his generous nature he often did
work pro bono, less concerned with making money than helping those around him.
Dick was also active with the state GABA organization, serving as president this
year.
Those of you that have participated in GABA's rides over the year have likely
seen him many times helping out as a sag volunteer or in other capacities to put
on the rides. When someone was needed at the last minute, Dick was always there.
Though he rode less frequently in recent years, Dick did the Grand Canyon to
Mexico ride in the past and also a number of local PBAA events, including El
Tour de Tucson.
It was my privilege to work with Dick on the GABA board of directors over the
past 3 years. I came to rely on his wise counsel in legal matters and his
knowledge of the history of the club and cycling in Tucson. He was a good friend
and wise counselor. I will miss him greatly.
By Pam Cullop
I will remember Richard (Dick) Forcier for his service and dedication to
children's organizations. He was always eager to offer his assistance when an
adult was needed for things like patrolling the route on children's rides,
assembling and or making certain that bikes were in good repair before a bike
event for children, and could often be found at any such event, even if he felt
a bit "under the weather".
I also recall his dedication to the GABA Board of Directors and the club as a
whole. He was always available for guidance and opinion, as the club's Legal
Advisor. Having to wade through the tangle of "permit issues" when leading a
club ride, went much easier with Dick's assistance.
May 15 & 16, 2004
Two options:
85 miles per day with all the hills or
65 miles per day with fewer hills!
Join us for the spectacular scenery and challenging hills of the Salt River Canyon May 15 and 16th. With over 6500 feet of climbing on the first day, this ride is for strong, experienced riders.
OPTIONS:
Choose from the full 85 scenic hilly miles (90 if you stay at the campground), or a reduced 65-mile easier course. The full course takes you from the mining town of Globe up through desert vistas into pine trees, and the open vistas of the rocky canyon.
The shorter version includes a 20-mile ride in the sag vehicle to the first sag stop to eliminate about 3000 feet of climbing out of Globe on the first day.
Both options include the curvy steep descent to the bottom of the canyon, climbing up and up on the other side, a downhill to Carrizo Creek and the final rolling climb in the pine trees into Show Low.
The second day, the course may be shortened by a ride down the hill to Carrizo Canyon, or shorter-version cyclists can tackle the full 85 miles and 5000 feet of climbing. If you want to ride the shorter version with fewer hills, but still a good "scenic" workout, call Kathy Mills, 480-759-7675, or Email khendricks67@earthlink.net to reserve your seat in the sag van!
STARTING PLACE & TIME:
Meet in Globe between 5:45 and 7 AM on Saturday morning at Joe's Broad Street Grill on Broad Street (Take Broad Street off US 60, follow it past Sycamore.) Load your dufflebag in the baggage vehicle and pick up your map & ride instructions. The restaurant will open at 6 AM for breakfast. After breakfast start riding as soon as you're ready, no later than 7 AM! Baggage van will depart by 7:15 AM.
SAG SUPPORT:
SAG #1 will be 20 miles into the ride. This portion of the ride includes gradual climbing.
SAG #2 at the top of the climb out of Salt River Canyon (40 miles into the ride), will provide lunch.
SAG #3 will be located 20 miles further at the Chevron station, Carrizo Junction.
It is important to re-hydrate yourself at each sag stop, even if you don't feel thirsty. Consumption of enough calories over the course of the day will help you feel strong until you reach your destination.
COST: $65 for GABA members; $75 for non-members. DAY OF EVENT: $80 for members & $90 for non-members. Helmets are mandatory. We require a minimum of 25 riders to put on this event. If there are not 25 committed/paid cyclists by April 15th, the ride will be canceled. As of 2/15/04, we have 7 people who have contacted Kathy with interest in participating.
Fee includes camping at Fool's Hollow State Park in Show Low; baggage transport; 3 sag stops including a lunch stop each day; sag vehicles on the route; sag ride from campground to pizza place for dinner, maps and riders instructions.
RIDE LEADER: Kathy (Hendricks) Mills, 480-759-7675 (home), 480-235-5052 (cell), 602-274-6725 (work) or Email khendricks67@earthlink.net. Rest stop and sag vehicle volunteers are needed. Earn GABA bucks toward ride entry or other items! Contact Kathy or Dorothy Barth at dorothybarth2443@msn.com if you or your friends and family want to help.
MOTEL LIST
In Globe:
El Rey: (928)425-4427
Economy Inn: (928)425-5736
El Rancho Motel: (928)425-5757
Motel 6: (928)425-5741
Comfort Inn: (928)425-7575
Super 8: (928)425-7124
Days Inn: (928)425-5500
Travelodge: (928)425-7008
In Show Low:
Sleep Inn: (928)532-7323 Pool, jacuzzi, breakfast.
Kiva: (928)537-4542. Jacuzzi.
Best Western Paint Pony: (928)537-5773
Days Inn: (928)537-4356
Motel 6: (928)537-7694
Holiday Inn: (928)537-5115
Thunderbird : (928)537-4391
May 29th, 30th & 31st
Spend Memorial Weekend cycling a moderately difficult ride on some of the least
traveled roads in the cool mountains of Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico!
The GREAT Luna Lake Bike Tour, offered for many years by GABA-Tucson, is back
again!
Day 1: 48 Miles: Springerville, AZ to Quemado, NM
Check in at the Safeway parking lot in Springerville, from 8 to 9 AM. Ride 48
miles on rolling hills to Quemado, New Mexico. Lunch served just before a
cyclist's dream: an 8-mile fast descent into Quemado! Camping & showers at the
Quemado High School. Optional dinner with vegetarian or meat Mexican food, green
salad and dessert will be served at the high school as well as breakfast the
next morning.
Day 2: 55 Miles: Quemado, NM to Reserve, NM
Pedal on lightly-traveled roads through the Gallo Mountains. The 1st SAG stop is
at the top of the climb. Then, a thrilling descent to Apache
Corners for lunch! Continue on to Reserve, our destination for the day. If 55
miles is not enough for you, there's an optional side trip to the Continental
Divide, adding 32 more miles to your day. We will have camping and shower
facilities at the Reserve High School. Walk west, a mere .3 miles from the Rode
Inn and you'll be there. Dinner that night and breakfast the following morning
will be served at the School this year, put on by the cheer leading squad.
Day 3: 62 Miles: Reserve, NM to Springerville, AZ
This is the most challenging day! The first SAG stop is at Luna Summit, top of
the day's major climb! The lunch SAG is at Luna Lake picnic grounds and a 3rd
SAG for emergency refueling and re-hydration will be offered prior to going into
Springerville.
Registration FEE: Members: $65 Non-Members: $75
DAY OF EVENT: Members: $85 Non-Members: $95
Optional Meals MUST BE PRE-PAID WITH YOUR RIDE FEE!
Dinner in Quemado: $7.50 Breakfast in Quemado: $7
Dinner in Reserve: $7.50 Breakfast in Reserve: $7
Your Fee Includes: Luggage transport, 2 SAG stops w/food & water on each day, a
3rd SAG stop added on Day 3, Camping & showers at Quemado and Reserve High
School Saturday and Sunday nights and end of ride showers at the Rode Inn in
Springerville so you can go home refreshed. And lets not forget a SAG vehicle
help throughout the course.
Please register ASAP to assist us adequately in preparing for a well-supported
ride. This remote area has few supermarkets! So, we must
give our optional meal hosts a 2-week advance head count for meals, which also
means those who wait to register on the day of the event will NOT be guaranteed
a meal.
RIDE ORGANIZER: Rhonda Smith, 886-2919 or onekewlmom@ hotmail.com
MOTEL LIST:
Springerville:
Rode Inn: (877)220-6553 or (928)333-4365
Super 8: (800)800-8000 or (928)333-2655
Quemado:
Allison: (505)773-4550
The Largo: (505)773-4686
Allegre: (505)773-4520
Reserve:
Rode Inn: (505)533-6661
Village Motel: (505)533-6600
Allegre: (505)773-4520
October 2 - 9, 2004
Saturday, October 2nd:
Optional bus trip ($) from the Phoenix Best Western Airport Inn, leaving at
10 AM for Best Western Squire Inn in Tusayan, near the Grand Canyon. Relax at
Tusayan. Tour Kick Off Banquet that evening.
Day 1: Sunday, October 3rd:
Layover day at the Grand Canyon. Explore it by biking, hiking, or taking a
Canyon shuttle trip!
Day 2: Monday, October 4th:
Tusayan to Gray Mountain (73 miles). Pedal along the East Rim Drive and
enjoy the beauty of one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the Grand
Canyon, as you make your way towards (down to) the stark beauty of the high
desert Navajo Reservation.
Day 3: Tuesday, October 5th:
Gray Mountain to Flagstaff (62 miles). An incredibly scenic route on the
Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road allows you to visit numerous ruins, admire miles
of the ancient Bonito Lava Flow, and dramatic views of the Sunset Crater
volcanic cone and Humphrey's Peak (Arizona's highest point at 12,663 ft).
Day 4: Wednesday, October 6th
Flagstaff to Payson (95 miles). Ride by Lake Mary and Mormon Lake in the
world's largest ponderosa pine forest. Crest over the Mogollon Rim and enjoy
steep descents through the small towns of Strawberry (great pies!) and Pine.
Day 5: Thursday, October 7th
Payson to Show Low (90 miles).
Day 6: Friday, October 8th
Show Low to Globe (85 miles)
Day 7: Saturday, October 9th
Globe to Tucson (95 miles). Ride over scenic El Capitan Pass, then enjoy the
3,000 foot drop into the Gila River Gorge. Pedal past Winkelman and Mammoth as
you marvel at the beautiful Catalina Mountain Range as you make your way into
Tucson. Join us for the Farewell Banquet & Good-byes after the ride.
Sunday, October 10th
Optional bus trip ($) from Tucson to Phoenix (end of ride) leaving by 9 AM.
Information Message Line: (520) 349-5932
Web Site: www.bikegaba.org
Registration Fee: $450.00 per rider
Fee Includes:
Camping with showers;
Daily baggage transport to designated campsites and motels;
Quality food and beverage stops along the route;
SAG support along the route;
Eight Group dinners;
Daily afternoon snacks and refreshments at the campsites;
Entertainment on many evenings;
Entrance pass to the Grand Canyon;
Tour apparel;
Tour route guide with maps;
Mechanic support on the road;
Massage (fee $) Therapists at daily destinations.
Route: The 500-mile route will begin in Tusayan, near the Grand Canyon,
and end in Tucson, Arizona. There will be 6 days of riding for an average of 82
miles per day, and a total elevation gain of about 16,000 feet.
May 1st at McCormick Park
2950 N. Columbus Blvd., Ramada #2
By Pam Cullop, Social Director
As announced in the March issue of the Update, we're having another of our
favorite kinds of social events: an Ice Cream Social and Bike Ride, on Saturday,
May 1st, otherwise known as May Day. (Different park than previously announced,
however.)
Once upon a time, folks would celebrate May 1st by doing something sweet like
leaving a small bouquet of flowers on a doorstep for an unsuspecting neighbor or
friend. I remember dressing up in a folk-type costume and dancing around a May
pole as a youngster. Around these parts - well, we are so close to the 5th of
the month, that many Cinco de Mayo celebrations are already in full-swing by the
1st of May!
One of the best ways to enjoy ice cream is after you are good and ready for that
tasty frozen delight! You know what I mean - when you are thirsty, hot and
tired! And what better way to get hot, thirsty and tired (good tired that is),
than by taking a nice spin around town on your 2-wheeler?
Choose between a "B", a "C" or a "D" ride, all arriving back at Mc Cormick Park
at about 10 AM. Then, you'll have your choice of several flavors of ice cream
brought to the park by "Screamies Ice Cream 'N Tropical Treats"! How could life
get any better?
Mark your calendar, bring the family, and bring some friends!
All rides start and end at McCormick Park, 2950 N Columbus Blvd., Ramada #2.
B Ride: 7 AM Start 40-45-miles 16-18 MPH
C Ride: 7 AM Start 30-35-miles 12-14 MPH
D Ride: 8 AM Start 15-20-miles 8-12 MPH
Ice Cream will be served between 10 and 10:30 AM. Please join us; we would love
to see you!!! If you can't ride your bike on that morning, come and join the fun
around 10 AM at McCormick Park.
Saturday, May 8, 2004
By Bob Beane,
Phoenix Metro Club President
The Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club (GABA-Phoenix Metro) announces Saturday, May 8,
2004, as the date for the Third Annual Tour de Payson.
As the lower elevations heat up, join us for a Tour around the perimeter of
Payson and out scenic Houston Mesa Road. Enjoy pine trees and views of the
Mogollon Rim, with lunch after the ride. The new start/finish location will be
at Rumsey Park, large Ramada, on McLane Rd in Payson.
Due to the altitude and some steep hills, official distances will range up to 45
miles. Strong legs and/or triple-chain rings are suggested!
Registration will begin at 7 AM, with roll-out between 7:30 AM-7:45 AM.
Cost for this ride is:
$15 for PMBC/GABA/ABC members and Rim Country residents,
$20 for all other riders.
Late fee: add $10 for postmark after May 1.
Send standard GABA registration, or check web site for registration forms.
Call/e-mail Bob Beane at 480-961-1951 or marco3@cox.net AFTER 3/31/04 for
additional details and suggestions for overnight accommodations. This ride is
still in the planning stages as this newsletter goes to print.
"We live in hope with changes in the future. Because of stroke. It knocked me for a six. Hopefully I'll get good and become Zippy." The first entry in Ross' recovery journal.
by Claire Rogers
“Our journey shows that if you work hard enough to reach a goal, you will find a way, no matter how hard it is.” #8210; Ann Pearson .
Sunday, January 28, 2001. After a punishing tandem bicycle ride in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, Ross and Ann Pearson rode home triumphantly. On a left turn that they usually tucked into smoothly, they careered widely to the right, recovering just in time. Ross, 40, apologized and blamed it on his suddenly numb right hand. Fifteen minutes later, he lay on the floor at home unable to move as Ann frantically dialed paramedics.
Ross had suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage. Specialists said he would never walk again. His diagnosis was hemiparesis: permanent loss of feeling in the right side of his body including vision and hearing loss.
Bob and I first met Ross and Ann in the hospital two weeks after his “bleed.” We were nearing the end of our 12,000-mile tandem tour around Australia. They’d followed our web site, bought a tandem, named it Zippy Two after our bicycle, and were training to ride from Perth to Sydney when Ross was stricken. Ann e-mailed us and we met her at the hospital; she thought our meeting might help Ross’ recovery.
Ann was amazing: calm, organized and devoted to Ross. Ross was even more amazing: when doctors first asked him if he knew his name, he said “Lance Armstrong.” The doctors took this as ominous. Ann saw it as positive, feeling certain Ross was drawing strength from the book "It’s Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong.
We resumed our tour with these new friends bound in our hearts. We e-mailed fellow Australiophile Richard Forcier, asking him to approach the GABA Board of Directors with Ross and Ann’s story to ask for a contribution of a jersey as good will from the club. Instead, Richard sent a jersey himself. Ross wore that GABA jersey through his entire rehabilitation. He was so attached to it that he wouldn’t take it off, even for Ann to wash.
Continuing on our tour, we told others of Ross and Ann, we collected inspirational quotes and photos, pasting them into a “recovery journal” for them to share. We hugged and cried in an anonymous Internet café as we read that Ross had taken his first steps. Eighteen months later, we hugged and cried again when, on a return visit to Sydney, Ross and Ann rode Celebratory circles around us on Zippy Two.
Since their first ride back on the tandem in December of 2002 they’ve been training faithfully with as many setbacks as successes. Ross had developed epilepsy from the damage of the bleed and, at one point, nearly drowned during a seizure while swimming. Finding a medication that didn’t have intolerable side effects was a long, slow process.
Ross and Ann are truly a unique couple and have taken on Ross’ recovery as their life work. Their earlier dream was to ride across Australia. When Ross had the brain hemorrhage, all that changed, but not how you might think. They started planning to ride all the way around Australia in a year-long tour. But they had another major set back.
Late in 2003, while training for the big ride, Ross missed a shift on a fast descent and they went down hard. Ann suffered a concussion and was in hospital for over a week. They picked up a hard-earned lesson, recovered and continued training.
In March of 2004, this truly inspiring couple left Sydney to follow through on their dream of a year-long tandem tour of Australia.
Ann: “We’ve called the journey "Able2ride" - it’s about being able, not disabled, and about the two of us. We’re also working with a leading research team to study Ross’ progress to advance the treatment of stroke rehabilitation.”
Follow their travels at www.able2ride.com. Better yet, go join them for part of their ride, they would love to see you.
WATERFORD 1200 Series Bike for sale. 835 Reynolds Tubing; Campagnolo Record
Deraillers, Nine Speeds, Brakes w/ Carbon Levers, Headset, Cranks & Bottom
Bracket; Modolo 6X Tones Handle Bars; Look Pedals; Salsa Stem; Rolf Vector Pro
Aero Wheels; American Classic Seat Post. Killer Condition! $1,600. or make me an
offer. Ben, (520) 299-2660, (Tucson). E-mail: Bennanddoris@aol.com
For Sale: Diadora Cayman Cycling Shoes, Man's size 8, SPD-compatible; brand new,
suitable for touring, commuting & light mountain biking: $10. Look road pedals,
10 years old but in good condition: $10. Selle Italia Fokus ATB saddle with
carbon rails, new & in excellent condition: $25. Cathy, (520) 360-7833 (Tucson);
e-mail Cahoffmanrn@cox.net
- July 30 & 31 -
On July 30 and 31st, the 16th annual Children's Assistance and Resource Event (C.A.R.E)
will again be preparing youth for school and helping their parents with much
needed health, social, and safety services.
The C.A.R.E. fair is really an extraordinary event - it's an opportunity to help
our lowest income families - over 11,500 children and adults attended the 2003
event! Non-profits, government agencies, Arizona's military men and women,
Tucson Police Department and private sector companies all participate to make
the event happen. Something else will be taking place during the two-day health
event that has become a vital part of the C.A.R.E. fair and the community - we
like to call it the "Family Safety Corner."
The Family Safety Corner is a place where families receive free safety items
such as car seats, bicycle helmets, gun locks, smoke alarms, and tons of safety
literature and instructions. But more importantly it's also a place where
mindsets are changing about the importance of safety and prevention.
Arizonans, like most Americans, aren't doing well when it comes to injury
prevention. In 2002 alone, over 3 million people were injured by cars, guns and
while riding on bicycles. If you're wondering why your health and car insurance
is so high, this is definitely a big reason. Arizona often ranks in the top 10
worst in most injury categories.
Injury prevention is a weird concept to most people in America. Today, most of
us still use the word "accident" when referring to how injuries happened.
Conversations about car crashes for example would lead you to think that almost
everyone believes crashes are just a normal everyday occurrence because well,
there's just so many cars on the roads! But when you really look at injuries,
most of them are never really accidents at all: they're preventable if the right
steps are taken - wearing your seat belt, driving the speed limit, and wearing a
bicycle helmet.
Of course, money is also a problem. Many low-income families own cars, but not
the proper car seats for their children. There is the lack of awareness about
injury prevention. Many people don't realize the physics of a car crash. A
head-on car collision without your seat belt at 40 mph has the same impact on
your body as jumping off a 5 story building! It's hard to understand why so many
people are still not wearing their seat belt or a child isn't in a proper car
seat - but it happens, and we must educate people about prevention.
When we first added the safety component to the event in the year 2000, we gave
out only a small amount of items. Over the ensuing three years, the Family
Safety Corner has grown. In 2003 we distributed 4000 bike helmets, 2000 smoke
alarms, 500 gun locks and 435 car seats. We used over 100 trained volunteers to
distribute the equipment and provide related education. The value of the
equipment distributed was over $40,000. Most of the money came through grants
and from generous donors like GABA.
Last year, one family had 14 kids and we were able to give them 7 helmets. This
year our goal is to give out safety items to every single child that needs a
helmet or car seat. Too many people at the event have not put safety in the
forefront of issues to be concerned with, but that's changing. After going
through the safety corner last year, families completed a survey and we found
that 88% strongly or somewhat agreed that using safety equipment will prevent
their family from being hurt.
To continue improving upon this event, we need the support of our community -
specifically donations for the purchase of safety equipment, and community
volunteers to help distribute the equipment to the families.
We want to thank GABA for their generous support of the 2004 CARE Fair - Family
Safety Corner. If you would like to help, please contact us at 790-5124.
Sean Hammond and Mike Humphrey
Steering Committee/ Safety Corner
C.A.R.E. Fair
New Members:
George/Carol Franklin; Mary Jo Erickson;
Lester Miller; Kathy Edward; Tom/Janie Evenhack; Dale/Adrianna Henderson; Susan
Plonsky; Jay Hirsch; Ya-Ching Lin; Julie/Ed Schenck; Vern Hines; James McGovern;
Richard Bryant; Jim/Mary Horn; Jessica Karmelink; Jerry Sims; Tim Brown; Sean
Cavenaugh; Linda Benea; Tim Grace; Geraldm Goode; Doug Crockett; Marie O'Hagin;
Mark/Beth Gaffney; Maria Garcia; Haley Heidemann; Paul Imatowq; Jay Owens;
David Howard; Brian Flores; Jacob-Sung Sik Keum; Dan Prince.
Renewing Members:
James Abel; Gus Aragon; Harold/Karen Boaz; Jim Brooks; Carol Suida; William
Coates; John Conahay; Delon Dalke; Mark Dehanke; Don Evans; Tony/Diane Everett;
Betty-Sue/Don Gage; Joy/Norm Goldbaum/Osborne; Paul Gundlach; Homer Hamby;
James/Mary Ann Jordan; Daniel Kongs; Chad Kurtzman; Dennis Larson; Earl Leach;
Rick/Kathleen Marquis; Roger McGhee; Scott McKinzie & Family; Mike McNamara;
Chris/Cheryl Toal; Suzanne/Tom Phillips/Faucett; Richard/Mel Rineer; Doug
Thompson; Pat Uebel; Dave/Della Watson; Clarence Warrior; Sam Wymer; Andy/Laura
Meyer; Jim Carley; Susan Wenberg; Kathy Sullivan; Royce Marion; Norma Feldman;
John Garcia; John Manzione; Ted/Gloria Belanger; Ed/Sue Roberts; Marlene Dekker;
Bill Mangold; James Owen.
June 12-13, 2004
Ride Details:
Saturday: Ride to Desert View: 49 miles round trip.
Sunday: Ride to Hermit's Rest: 19 miles round trip.
This is an incredible ride that takes you along the rim of the beautiful Grand
Canyon! Each view point is better than the next one! And the colors keep
changing as the day matures and the clouds overshadow the cliffs and mesas as
far as the eye can see! What an awesome sight and what a pleasure to be able to
see it from the seat of a bicycle! Bring a warm sleeping bag, it gets cool at
night!
Cost includes:
- Friday night chili dinner
- Parking at general store
- Camping at Mathers Campgrounds (tents only).
- Shower & laundry at camper services
- Rest stop pig out and pedal
- Sag support vehicle
Tour fee:
ABC & GABA: $25.00
Non Members: $30.00
Add $5.00 after June 8.
Please Make Checks Payable to: Arizona Bicycle Club.
Submit registration to:
Richard Utterback
6767 N 7th ST #227 Phoenix, AZ 85014
(Tel 602-264-9318) or richardutterback@msn.com
Or register online at azbikeclub.com
By Donna Aversa, Volunteer Coordinator
Want to build up some good karma? Reduce the occurrence of flat tires? Lower your cholesterol? Reduce the visible signs of aging? I can't promise you any of those things, but I can give you "GABA Bucks" and introduce you to some great people!
GABA needs volunteers to keep our great rides going. We have the best volunteers. These are the happy folks who park their bikes for a day or a weekend to:
* organize the century so YOU can ride it;
* staff overnight rides so YOU can have a great weekend ride;
* staff the SAG stops to feed YOU;
* haul your duffel bags so your stuff is ready and waiting for YOU at the end of the day.
Not to mention the volunteers who are there to haul YOU back to civilization after a mechanical problem or come up with water just when you've run out. They do this so YOU can enjoy the ride.
Now it's their turn to ride. Time for pay back!
Yes, YOU! You can be one of the happy volunteers.
Park your bike for a day or a weekend. See the ride from the other side of the SAG table. Take the opportunity to talk to everyone on the ride. Meet the people who you never see on a ride because they ride much faster or much slower than you do. Take the opportunity to meet the people you've seen around.
I've got something for everyone!
- Want a weekend out of the heat? Luna Lake and Blue Loop will get you out of town into the fresh mountain air.
- Only have a day? Century rides and special events can use a hand.
- Volunteer by yourself and have a great time.
- Or bring a friend or your spouse. Bring your grandmother along!
GABA volunteers earn "GABA Bucks" and get mileage reimbursement. Volunteers on overnighters get a room and meals. Not to mention all the M&M's at the SAG stops!
Find out why GABA volunteers are so happy! Send me an E-mail at dmaversa@aol.com or call me at 742-0440.
By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Cam you make a quick, clean, effective start? How about a matching stop? Do you
know what makes a good start and stop? This article can help you make better
starts and stops, if you want to improve.
Too many times I have seen fellow cyclists, even some who have been riding for
years, make weak, half hearted, ineffective starts. Good starts are important
for several reasons, including effectiveness, pride, and safety.
Starts
Lets look at the steps is a good start first:
1. Straddle your bike's top tube with both feet solidly on the ground. DO NOT
try to sit on your saddle and balance yourself*!
2. Grasp your handlebars firmly with both hands. On a slope, you may need to
apply one or both brakes to stabilize yourself.
3. Bring one pedal UP until the crank arm is parallel to (alongside) the
downtube (the downtube is the one that slopes from the headtube to the bottom
bracket, and generally has your primary water bottle cage on it).
4. Place your foot on the UP pedal if it is not already there (this position may
seem high until you get used to it, because many cyclists position their pedal
too low for good starts).
5. Now, start by pushing off with the foot that is on the ground, while rising
and standing (DO NOT SIT YET) on the UP pedal, at the SAME time. This simple
'double shot' of energy input should "launch" you quite quickly.
6. NOW you can sit (not too quickly though), and if you have toe clips or
cleats, either slip/click your "free" foot in immediately, or pedal on the
"bottom" of the pedal to move across the street and/or pick up speed, then slip
or click in.
7. That's all! You have now made a quick, smooth start. An empty parking lot is
a good place to practice this.
Stops
Now, lets look at the steps in a comparable good stop:
1. Shift to the gear you will need to start out in, then coast.
2. As you approach (~ 20 to 30 feet) where you want to stop, stand off the
saddle, on the pedal that is opposite the foot you will put down on the pavement
(in most cases your right foot).
3. Brake gently with both hands, as you slow and come close to your stopping
point, while at the same time you slip or click out of the pedal with the foot
you will put down on the pavement.
4. Just as you come to a stop, lean to the side, and place your foot down, as
you continue to hold at least one brake.
5. If you are going to stay stopped, take or click your other foot out of the
pedal, and place it on the ground, so that both feet are firmly down. Do not do
this if you will be starting out again.
6. That's all! You have now made a quick, smooth stop. An empty parking lot is
also a good place to practice this.
Summary
The keys to good solid starts include not sitting on the saddle, raising the
pedal higher, and both pushing off and standing at the same time. Quality stops
include down-shifting as you approach your stop, braking with both hands,
standing off the saddle, and putting only one foot down (at first).
Try this approach, and you too can look more accomplished and actually start off
quickly and efficiently!
* Note: Standing on your pedal, and not sitting on the saddle is very important
for both good starts and stops. Doing so lowers your center of gravity, and
makes you much more stable – try it and see!
by John Lee Ellis
Now that spring and longer days have arrived, you're probably considering your
cycling goals for 2004. Maybe those goals include centuries: riding your first
century this summer … improving your performance on your club century … or even
setting a PR for total century miles in a year!
Whatever your goal, there is a great set of resources at: www.ultracycling.com/training/preparing_for_centuries.html
where you can find a series of articles cover training, equipment and
nutrition for century riders.
If you've already ridden a few centuries, why not take the Century Challenge?
How many centuries can you ride in 2004? The Ultra-Marathon Cycling Association
(UMCA) runs an annual Mileage Challenge, where you can register your centuries
and other long rides.
Crista Borras and Chuck Wood rode 84 centuries in 2004, to take first place in
the UMCA Mileage Challenge. They aren't professional athletes - she's 56 and
he's 60, both have full-time jobs, and they live in Washington, D.C., not sunny
California!
Kevin Kaiser, a first-time rider in the Mileage Challenge said: "There were many
days when it would have been easy to quit at 40-60 miles, but the Mileage
Challenge motivated me to push for at least 100 miles. Nothing else would count
on this list."
I live in Colorado - there are only four “big event” organized centuries with
entry fees, rest stops and t-shirts. Yet, by going on local club rides, I can
log 34 rides of at least Century Division length. All I need to do is remember
to stop at mini-marts for burritos!
Yes, a century ride doesn’t have to be a big event with a lot of fanfare to
count in the Challenge. A club ride of that distance is just as good. If there
aren’t enough of those in your area, you can organize your own, as Crista and
Chuck do. And finally, if you’re more inclined just to go out and do a hundred
miles without an organized ride, you can do that, too, in the Mileage Challenge.
For more information on the Mileage Challenge, go to: www.ultracycling.com/standings/umc.html
As a bonus, any rider who logs at least 1000 miles in the UMCA Mileage Challenge
can buy Endurox R4 and Accelerade at a discount directly from the company.
Top of Page
by Steven Graeber
Judy and I eagerly (LOL) arose at the crack of dawn to drive to the starting
point of the ride - a 45-mile out and back to Picacho Peak State Park, with an
overnight stay. The weather prediction was favorable, and the route was easy.
What could go wrong?
I looked out the window, and thought "I must be dreaming, I'm back in Oregon".
It was raining! It couldn't be, we're in Arizona!
And, as ride leaders, it would have been in poor taste to go back to bed, so we
packed up the car for the 30 mile ride to the start. "It will clear up by the
time we get there", Judy offered hopefully. "Yes, I am sure it will" I naively
agreed.
At the start, we were joined in the parking lot by another brave couple. We
tried to communicate via hand signals from one car to the other through the
downpour. Great! We got agreement that aborting was a good idea. Another member
arrived, a former club president who shall remain nameless, who promptly agreed
we should can it. Then 3 more riders arrived, and we discussed the situation
further.
We had almost made a clean getaway, and who should arrive, by bike yet, but our
dazzling duo of Steve and Donna who promptly guilt- tripped the group into
heading off regardless of the conditions. "Rain? What rain? You big babies!"
(not exactly what he called us.)
I used to live in Oregon, and this wet situation was all too familiar. So, Judy
and I sat in our car and watched the group get packed up to go. Six riders took
off for Picacho Peak State Park in a driving rain storm around 9 AM. We wished
them well, then went out to breakfast.
Around noon, the clouds parted, so Judy and I decided to go for it. We had a
marvelous (sunny, with tailwind) ride, arriving at the park around 4:30 PM. We
met our compatriots who said they only had to ride in the rain for 20 miles or
so (half the ride).
It was the Civil War Reenactment weekend, and the early arrivals got to see the
battle. They also had time to take leisurely showers and consume several bottles
of root beer apiece. Upon our arrival, we set up our tent, then we all had a
nice dinner; always richly deserved after riding such a grueling course!
We had a total of 8 riders, including one first-timer. Everyone had a great
time. Great camping spot, great company, and the freedom of the road. What could
be better?
If you think you would like to try self-contained touring, we have two more
rides scheduled this year: a ride to the Chiricahua National Monument in May,
and from Durango to Silverton & back in Colorado in June. Give me a call at
762-1363 for more details.
By Judy Bolt, Day Rides Coordinator
Since I took over the job as Day Ride Coordinator, Bob and I have had the
pleasure of leading day rides for the first time in our lives. We have found it
to be a wonderful way to meet enthusiastic cyclists and share our love of the
sport.
After someone leads a day ride, the completed ride waivers are sent to me. I
have compiled a few statistics based on that information. Not all waivers have
been returned for all the rides; however for the first 3 months of 2004, I can
report the following:
| Month | # of rides | Miles | GABA members on rides | Non GABA-members on rides | Total miles ridden |
| January | 23 | 791 | 116 | 54 | 6289 |
| February | 17 | 751 | 61 | 22 | 3744 |
| March | 13 | 575 | 72 | 35 | 4687 |
| Totals | 53 | 2117 | 249 | 111 | 14720 |
For a verbal summary of the above, a total of 360 riders rode 14,720 miles on 53
GABA-led rides from January through March, 2004.
Based on these statistics, one can see that there are several riders (31%) who
are non-members and take advantage of the array of rides that GABA offers. I
know that Bob & I have had several out-of-town visitors, and even some
out-of-USA visitors on our rides. GABA is happy to provide these opportunities.
If you are NOT included in the above statistics, I encourage you to come out and
partake in one or more of the variety of rides that GABA offers!
Better still, become one of the many GABA Ride Leaders and share your love of
bicycling! Most rides are listed in the monthly "Update", but be sure to check
the web site www.bikegaba.org for additional rides that did not make the
publication deadline.
Keep on pedaling and smile while you do it!
Fourth in a Series
to Help you Improve
By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
You have been training and getting better. You can feel your added strength as you slide back on the saddle and power up a hill that you used to struggle a little with. It is now time to put your training together, as your event is rapidly approaching! Please read on, because this article can help you ride more effectively, having more fun, and being safer!
This Month’s article looks at Ride/Event Day and how to put all ‘the pieces’ together for success; and June’s final article of this five-part series will share effective recovery methods and techniques. The three prior months’ articles, February, “How to Improve Your Speed”, March, “How to Improve Your Hill Climbing”, and April, “Ways to improve your group riding strategies and skills”: are available on the GABA Tucson Website, www.bikegaba.org/.
In General
Believe in yourself. You have trained, and you have the preparation behind you, so you are ready. Remember to not change anything on your bike, or your food/drink. (I made the mistake of making changes in both of these areas the Thursday before the 2001 El Tour de Tucson, and guess what? I paid the price, as my well laid plans for a sub-five hour time fell apart!)
Mental
Having the confidence that you are ready and capable is just as important as having your equipment ready. Your long training ride, two weeks before your event, was a demonstration that told you, “I am ready”. The confidence you feel will help assure your success, and can contribute to even more improvement in the future.
Physical
The most important thing you can do, after your long training ride, is to rest. Rest both your muscles, and your body in general. Get plenty of sleep, and taper off your training (see the first article in this series, in the February Update). Do be careful with your body, as I know more than a few who injured themselves in the week or two before their event. Do not do anything sudden while riding (such as a spur-of-the-moment sprint), unless you are thoroughly warmed up.
Equipment
As I said above, I made a bad mistake when I changed my cleats the Thursday evening before El Tour in 2001. I did not test them under the kind of hard, stand up and attack riding that is a part of the early miles in El Tour (Platinum/Gold), and sure enough, the right one slipped! Do not make changes in your equipment (tires, brakes, derailleurs, cleats, etc., etc.) after your long training ride, as you will almost certainly not be able to test the new/re-adjusted part sufficiently. Work to get everything the way you will use it for ride day, set on or before your long training ride two weeks prior.
Food/drink
Be sure to use the food and drink that you have used and determined to be okay for you by testing and getting used it. You will have confidence that even under the adverse conditions that a maximum effort ride imposes, you will still be able to eat and drink. Then, of course, remember to eat and drink regularly as you ride. Eat approximately 100 to 150 calories every hour as you ride, and drink even more frequently (at least a swallow or two), every 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather and how hard you are working.
Strategy
Have a plan. Know 1) what you want to accomplish, and 2) what you need to do to achieve your goal. I usually look at the course, and calculate when I will be at key points, in order to achieve my goal. I did this most recently on this last El Tour de Tucson.
For example, this last El Tour, we (Joe Vaskovic & I on my tandem) had five ‘time points’ to achieve our goal of 4:45, including 1) Kolb/I-10 (where we were 2 minutes behind), 2) Sabino Crossing (we were 4 minutes behind), 3) Ina/Oracle (we were then, thanks to the 30+ mph wind, 10 minutes behind), 4) Rancho Vistoso/Moore Rd (fighting the strong wind, we were 20 minutes behind), and finally, 5) Tangrerine/I-10 (we were now more than 25 minutes behind the 4:45 pace we had trained to, and planned for). We made up some time on Silverbell, with the tailwind, but were not fresh enough to regain more than 5 minutes or so, as we finished in 5:05 (10th place tandem), 20 minutes behind our goal, but still a personal best.
Believe in yourself, your training, and your equipment. Be sure your equipment is ready, be rested, eat and drink to keep your energy up, and have a plan.
Do these things and you will have a much better chance of achieving a personal best, while enjoying your cycling more, and being safer! Please E-mail me with your specific questions, at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net.
Good luck with your ride/event, and watch next month for the fifth and final article in this series of five, “Effective methods for Recovery after the Big Ride”.
Tucson Road Cycling Event
June 5, 2004
By Cindy McFarlan
Event Organizer for Fair Wheel
This event is a fun and low-key way to try out some racing. USCF licenses are not needed for this race, and the divisions are separated by age division, not category.
The course starts at Pima College West, and makes a loop from Greasewood, Anklam, Speedway, and back to Greasewood again. The laps are about 6 miles long. The number of laps depend on the category, but generally range from 3-6. Age groups start at 10 years old, so bring the little ones out to race too. This is a great race for a beginning racer.
Entry is $20 before May 15th, $25 after that. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded top the top three finishers in each category.
Helmets are mandatory. No aero bars are allowed.
Categories are also available for tandems and recumbents...Very rarely do you see these categories, so please come out and support them.
Also this year, the Grand Canyon State Games Tucson Cycling event is proud to be the State Championships for transplant recipients. Along with the Thunder Road Time Trial the next day, transplant recipients will have the opportunity to compete for a road race and time trial state championship jersey. This is the first sport to offer a state championship for transplant recipients, and former and current World Transplant Games medalists will compete here.
For more information, please contact Cindy McFarland at Fair Wheel
Bikes, 884-9018. Entry books are available at most bike shops, and also at all Circle K's.
The Grand Canyon State Games are the second largest state sports festival in the United States! Every event has record numbers participating...except for cycling. We have a large cycling community here in Tucson....Let's show the Grand Canyon State games that we are a sport to be reckoned with!!!
Sunday, June 6, 2004
This ride is not for the faint of heart! It will require all the strength that
your legs have, and then some!
Imagine climbing 5,000 feet on a fairly steep dirt road for the first 7 miles,
then continuing on a steeper paved road for the last 5 miles to the summit,
where the grade then gets very steep for the last 1/2 mile! Come enjoy this ride
and find out for yourself if it really is that hard!
Meet at 6 AM at Whipple Visitor Center. Directions: from Tucson, drive south on
I-19 past Green Valley. Exit at Canoa Rd. and continue south on the EAST
frontage road to Elephant Head Rd. Turn LEFT here and continue for a mile or so
until you see Hopkins Rd. Turn RIGHT and continue up this road about 6 miles
until you reach Whipple Visitor Center.
Park your car here and drag your mountain bike out: you are about to find out
what mountain biking is all about! Bring plenty of WATER and energy food! Don't
forget to remember the rewards of fantastic 360 degree views at the top, as you
sweat and grind mile after mile! And, don't go too fast downhill: watch for the
occasional car coming up.
Ride leader: Tom Ward, twardasso@dakotacom.net or (520) 625-3649.
By Greg Yares, Event Coordinator
Where were you last March 27th? If you were not at the El Bike Swap de Tucson on
4th Avenue, you missed great opportunities and the fun to see people you haven't
seen in years! Everybody comes out of the woodwork for this great event!
The weather was great, the crowd was friendly, the vendors - from Tucson,
Phoenix, Flagstaff, California and Colorado, had everything under the sun to
sell! And people were buying!
Make plans for the fall Bike Swap, already scheduled for Saturday, November
13th, one week before the world-famous El Tour de Tucson! What better place to
find whatever accessories you really need, or to find the perfect bike at a very
reasonable price!
Volunteers have always helped make the Bike Swap a success, and we want to thank
the following people for their help and support:
Mark Levine; Gary Segerman; Jack & Dorothy Beiler; Sylvia and Glenn - we'll have
to look up your last name for next time!; Dorothy Barth; Richard McBain; Bill
Borland; Sandi Rousseau; Roy Schoonover; Chris & Ram Salcedo.
We also want to recognize the 4th Avenue Merchants Association for their
continued support, as well as the City of Tucson, who contributed to the
printing to our flyers.
Mark your calendar and see you at the Fall Bike Swap!
By Sally Krusing, Publicity Director
We are working on providing our membership with interesting programs every
month.
If anyone would like to be a presenter, or knows of someone who could share
slides and stories of some bike trips they have taken in recent years, please
contact me!
Here is what's planned for the next few months:
May: Fred Sparks on Bike & Cruise opportunities.
June: Greg Hockensmith on Hand Cyclists World Competition.
July: Still in the works.
August: Still in the works.
September: Willie Weir, author of the book "Spokesongs" on bike touring
around the world!
October: Barry & Joyce Weiss on their bike touring in China.
Sally Krusing, Publicity Director, 296-0319 or supersal@cox.net
By John Arle,
Reprinted from the Tailwind Times,
GABa Phoenix Newsletter, April 2004
Motivation can be found in the darnedest places sometimes. I can't tell you how
often I've spoken with fellow riders at Saturday Cycling all jacked up about
their new bike and putting in a ton of miles as a result. OK... those of you
that know me also know I was one of them this past summer when I returned from
Oregon with a new bike Friday. I plead "guilty", your honor!
My point is quite simple. We can actually buy motivation. You won't find it
directly on the shelf, or rack, or in a magazine. You will find it, however,
actually hidden in the fabric of that really cool jersey or that hot pair of
bibs. Heck, I've even found some motivation hidden in an inexpensive pair of
socks. There's no mystery here. We all like new stuff and it makes what we do
for recreation just a little more fun.
Your local shop has a ton of stuff to bring a little new life to your game. A
couple years ago I started two collections around my cycling. I collect both
socks and water bottles. Both are functional and relatively cheap. And just a
little tip, in the summer you can use an old pair of socks (or one that lost its
make in the wash - whatever happens to those things, anyway) on your water
bottles for insulation, too. It's cheaper than a Polar bottle and almost as
effective!!
But I digress. Don't we all browse through the magazines looking at what we'd
like. Well, if it's been a while since you stuck a crowbar in your wallet and
pried a few bucks out for a purchase, consider treating yourself and bringing a
little new life to your ride. A tank of gas runs more than $20 and how long is
that going to last you? You don't even think twice about that expense. So, do
the same with your riding but you'll end up actually enjoying some new threads,
a new toy, or maybe a new lid.
If you're feeling a little droopy, just drop by your local shop and see if you
don't find something to re-energize your riding. Just do me one favor, don't
tell your significant other it was my idea, ok? You're on your own, big dog!!
:-)
By Martha Lemen
The State Lands in the Tucson area, specifically Fantasy Island, Willow Springs
and the Golder Ranch/50 Year Trail, offer outdoor enthusiasts spectacular views,
beautiful desert and challenging terrain in which to maneuver a mountain bike,
horse or your own two feet. At any point in these areas, if you allow your
imagination to take over, you are transported into the world of old John Wayne
westerns - Saguaro on the hillsides, rugged peaks in the distance, and
Volkswagen sized boulders at your fingertips. The State Lands around Tucson are
classic examples of what you think the Sonoran Desert should look like.
Unlike the 1800's, when open land was accessible to all users and State Trust
Lands didn't exist, permits are now required for anyone wanting to have fun on
this land. Why get a permit? Because you have to, sayeth the lawmakers.
Fines of $500 could be issued to the poor soul without a permit, if the Sheriff
is around to issue them. Investing in a $15 individual or $20 family permit,
good for a year, will keep you on the right side of the law, and will save you
$500. Getting a permit is easy, too. Go to the Tucson Branch of the State Land
Department at 233 N. Main, to be issued your permit while you wait, or you can
visit your local favorite shop and pick up an application.
My favorite place to ride is the 50 Year Trail because of the diversity of the
terrain. If I feel lazy, I can stick to the jeep roads and easy singletrack; if
I want a challenge, I will ride the Deer Camp Loop - there are trails for the
whole family. I have spent the better part of the last eight years wandering
through this area on foot and on bike, guiding tourists staying at a nearby
resort. Part of my job was to show off the beauty of the area, teach riding
skills and trail etiquette, and educate guests on the wonders of the Sonoran
Desert. Taking the time to appreciate the desert, and learning something new was
a big part in all the hikes and bike rides I led.
Whether on foot, bike or horse, it is important to treat each other users, as
well as the desert, with respect. This includes staying on existing trails,
packing out your trash, and yielding the right of way: bikes yield to hikers and
horses.
Have fun, and be safe!
(Martha Lemen has been a professional mountain bike instructor for the past nine
years, and is owner of Fat Tire Finesse, a web-based mountain bike resource for
riding tips and maps of the Tucson area. She's currently working on a trail
guide of the State Land trails in the Tucson area, which will include route
suggestions, natural history information, riding tips, and trail etiquette.)
by Dorothy Barth
Join us this year! The GABA sponsored week-long "Grand Canyon to the Old Pueblo"
Bike Tour has added a couple of new scenic sections to its long standing 24-year
old route!
As always, the Tour starts at the Grand Canyon, with a free afternoon to explore
the awesome views of the West Rim Drive, either on foot, by public
transportation or on your bike.
Sunday morning, the Tour starts in earnest. Pedal with us along the East Rim
Drive to Desert View with more spectacular scenery! Leaving the vistas of the
Grand Canyon, the route descends through Navajo Country and follows the Little
Colorado Gorge. The day ends in Gray Mountain, with an American Indian flavor
evening meal.
Our ride continues on to Flagstaff and Payson. Here is where our new sections
begin! Cyclists head east and UP to the town of Show Low, following the Mogollon
Rim. Pedal through pine forests and open meadows, as you travel through
Christopher Creek, Forest Lakes, Heber and Pinedale.
A day off in Show Low allows time for just relaxation, or to explore the
beautiful forested areas of the White Mountains. Options are many: cycle towards
Springerville, or to Pinetop and beyond, even up to Sunrise Ski Area at 9,000
feet high if you feel energetic! Or take a walk at Fools Hollow Lake Recreation
Area, one of Arizona's finest state parks.
Get ready for the most spectacular adventure of this new route. Down, down, down
you go, snaking your way to the edge of the Salt River Canyon! Be prepared to
hold your breath as you wind down a couple of thousand feet to the bottom,
crossing the Salt River, lowest point of this day. Take time to stop here: the
old bridge has been kept for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy sights of the
river.
But, this day is not over! Now comes the real test! Up, up, up we climb out of
the Canyon! It's amazing how many ridges have to crested before the final down
to Globe on the way to San Carlos, our destination for this day. Those who feel
lucky can try the casino games. Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy an
outdoor barbecue.
The last day brings us along a familiar route into Tucson, up over El Capitan,
and up again into Oracle bringing the cyclists to their final gathering before
returning home.
Even if you've done the Tour before, our new route promises excitement and
challenge. Register today for your opportunity to be a part of our 24th
anniversary event!
Many of us have been on week-long cycling tours that seem more like rush hour
than a cycling vacation: there are long lines at SAG stops and for meals, motels
are sold out, and camping is like a tent city!
One factor to consider when you sign up for our Tour, besides the very scenic
route, is that it's limited to 200 cyclists! You'll have the opportunity to get
to know your fellow travelers, and you won't have to wait in line everywhere!
This tour is also strenuous and challenging, but each year brings a diverse
group of cyclists to add to our faithful repeat enthusiasts! As a result, there
is a genuine camaraderie that develops among the
riders.
I came out from Ohio with a group of cycling buddies to do this Tour in 1993..
The next year, I came back by myself. But I almost instantly made new friends! I
have kept in touch with one person on that tour for over 10 years! And, I also
know a couple who met on this Tour, and later married. Who knows who you could
meet during this week-long event!! Register, come along and let the surprises
begin!!