January 2004 Update

I want to thank in advance the Board Members who will jump in and help out with the production of our monthly Update.

Before leaving Tucson for a few months in cooler climes, I have put together the August and September issues as much as I could at this very early time!

Not to worry! You will receive your Update each month without interruptions, thanks to Board Members always ready to lend a hand!

We want to welcome Carole Leiker who has graciously agreed to be our new Volunteer Coordinator!

She will be in charge of finding volunteers to help out on our centuries and overnight rides.

If you would like to volunteer for Sag Stops or in other capacities, please call Carole. If you don't know what you could do, but would still like to help, call Carole! She will tell you all the various "jobs" that are available for volunteers!

We have many overnight rides and centuries coming up this fall! Please give Carole a call! Volunteer and earn GABA-Bucks!

Donna has been on the Board as Volunteer Coordinator since the beginning of this year.

After the untimely passing of Dick Forcier who had been our Legal Advisor and Cycling Advocacy Director for many years, Donna agreed to fill that position.

She has already started in that capacity. We want to thank Donna for all the work she did as Volunteer Coordinator for the first 6 months of this year!

June Meeting Report

By Ram Salcedo
Bike Shops Coordinator

GABA held its latest Meeting/Presentation on Monday June 7th. It was another good one!

Steve Wilson filled in as a replacement for Greg Hockensmith who was off racing and preparing for the summer Paralympics in Athens! Look for Greg to be rescheduled in the future.

Frankie Tallarico and his team at Bargain Basement Bicycles supplied the raffle items for the program. Winners were Mark Levine, Helen Greer and Ike Smith. See you in July.

Safe riding.

July Meeting

Join us tonight for an interesting presentation by Tucson Police Bicycle Officer Bob LeBlanc, who will update us on the status of police officers on bicycles. He will share with us great stories of the much better efficiency of patrols on bicycles versus patrolling in cars. And, of course, policing on bicycles may have some drawbacks, too! Bring your questions! Everybody is welcome!

August Meeting

Tonight, help us welcome Dennis Shepard! Dennis is a visually impaired cyclist who has not let this handicap prevent him from enjoying cycling! Come and find out how much a visually impaired rider can actually ride! Dennis will share with us stories of his Cross America Bicycle Tour! Everybody is welcome!

Words from Steve

"2004 Tour de France"

By Steve Wilson
GABA President

Can Lance be the first to make it 6? That's the question everyone wants answered. I can't wait for the start of the 2004 Tour. We became relatively addicted to the 4-hour nightly coverage on OLN with Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin. (OK, so we watched the 2-hour show twice, where's the harm in that?)

Can you believe Alpe d'Huez as a time trial? That seems about as brutal as they come. With Roberto Heras now on a competing team, who will provide the primary protection for Lance in the mountains? I believe that Lance and the US Postal team will correct the tactical errors made in last year's Tour and be back as strong as ever. I think he will get number 6. Of course if he does, then the debate will be whether he is greater that Eddy Merckx. My opinion? - no one can match the dominance of Merckx across the board. Merckx's 34 stage wins and 96 days in the yellow jersey are simply incredible, and he raced the Giro d'Italia most years too. (Lance's totals for stage wins and days in the yellow are less than half of Eddy's)

What will happen with Alexandre Vinikourov and Jan Ullrich on the same team? Will they duel for the team leadership or decide ahead of time who will be in the supporting role? You know that Joseba Beloki will be back after last year's painful crash on the hot asphalt (or bitumen if you're Phil and Paul). And Tyler Hamilton without any broken bones - can he be the one to beat Lance? I can see the battle for 2nd and 3rd being very exciting this year. The big time trial on Alpe d'Huez will perhaps be what separates the men from the boys.

How about another "thank you" to OLN for their outstanding Tour coverage? It's painful to watch the summary coverage the major networks in this country routinely spew out. I'm just about finished reading Bob Roll's new book on the Tour. Many of you already know Bob as "Mr. Tour Day France". As a former Tour competitor his insights are fun to read and listen to.

By the time you read this, the Tour should almost be underway. Don't be surprised if we don't answer the phone betweens hoping for a fast, exciting Tour with no crashes. Go Lance!

24th Annual Grand Canyon to Tucson

Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure

Route: The 500-mile route begins in Tusayan, near the Grand Canyon, and ends in Tucson, Arizona. The Tour includes 6 days of riding and one day lay over in Show Low, for an average of 82 miles per day, and a total elevation gain of about 16,000 feet!

6:30-8:00 PM Social Hour/Meet Your Fellow Cyclists. 8:00-9:00 PM Welcome Banquet.

Optional bus trip and bike transportation ($) from the Phoenix Best Western Airport Inn to Tusayan, leaving for the Grand Canyon by 8 AM. Relax and enjoy the scenery. Sack lunch with beverage provided on the bus. In Tusayan, visit the spectacular IMAX Grand Canyon movie presentation. Take your bike for a short spin and ride to see the awesome vistas of the south rim of the Grand Canyon!

Pedal along the East Rim Drive and enjoy the beauty of the Number One tourist attraction in the world, the Grand Canyon! Continue on to see the stark beauty of the high desert Navajo Reservation.

An incredible scenic route on the Sunset Crater Wupatki Loop Road allows you to visit numerous ruins, admire miles of the ancient Bonito Lava Flow, and enjoy dramatic views of the sunset Crater volcanic cone and Humphrey's Peak - Arizona's highest point at 12,663 ft.

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.

Ride through the beautifully forested area of Arizona Rim Country. From Payson at 5,000 feet of elevation, pedal through rolling hills to Show Low, 6,350 feet high.

Explore the town named for the turn of a card. If your legs are ready to pedal, ride the 25-mile round-trip to the town of Pinetop. This is a day for rest and relaxation to enjoy Arizona's scenic high country.

Ride through the spectacular Salt River Canyon with a swift descent to the river! Test your legs pedaling up and out of the canyon, on a day with dramatic views, stunning geology and steep climbs.

Ride over scenic El Capitan Pass followed by a 3,000 foot drop into the Gila River Gorge! Pedal past Winkelman and Mammoth. Marvel at the magnificent Catalina Mountain Range as get closer to Tucson.

Optional bus trip ($) from Tucson back to the Best Western Airport Inn in Phoenix. Motor coaches will begin loading at 7:30 AM.

Information Message Line: (520) 349-5932
Web Site: www.bikegaba.org
Registration Fee: $525.00 per rider
- Before July 1st, 2004: $500
- After August 31, 2004: $550

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.

Motor coach & bike transport from Phoenix to start: add $45.
Motor coach & bike transportation back to Phoenix: add $40.

New & Renewing Members

NEW:
William Pan; Brad Butler; Sabbia Dirienzi; Barry Guimont; Wayne/Darlene Showalter;
Michael Jarnagin; Kathleen Comyford; Noah/Kim Van Amburg; Bill Wagner; Monique Minitre; Holley Gillette; Marla Husz; Elizabeth Wyer;Dan/Wendy McCrady.

RENEWING:
Bob/Donna Mathers; Tom Kravec; Len Wilson; John Ostmoe; Brenda Wilkening; Chris/Christina Roberts; Jannene Johnson; Keri Wallace; Efraim Katz; D.L. Erickson; Dave/Christine Burnham/Guerrera; Brad/ Kathryn Oliver; Claire Rogers; Mike/Peggy Merkowitz/Patterson; Edward Baker; Fred/ Mary Roby; Steve/Donna Kanoza; Jeff Webster; Ruth Wenberg; Naran Patel; Gene/ Su Kelly; Gary/Shawn Schuitema/Bates; Johm Aegerter; Larry Losley; Lorenzo Clark; Joyce/Barry Weiss; Jules Friedman; Mark Levine; Richard Burns; Ramesh Jagasia; Richard Phelps; Wayne Coates; Sylvia Cannon.

Upcoming Meeting Programs

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:

August: Dennis Shepard, visually impaired cyclist, on his cross-America cycling tour.
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

The time is approaching - one of the best rides sponsored by GABA Tucson! Come out with us and escape the heavy traffic and pressure of the big city, and relax in the remote Arizona and New Mexico's scenic mountain countryside. You will enjoy a total elevation gain of 16,977 feet over 3 days and 216 beautiful miles.

This year's ride is the traditional route that you have grown to know and love: Morenci to Glenwood, to Alpine, and back to Morenci. Two hundred and fifteen miles worth of an end-of-the-summer hurrah! The ride is fully supported with sag stops and sweeps to ensure everyone enjoys the ride to the utmost!

This ride is for experienced riders who are conditioned for long gradual climbs as well as long exhilarating descents. This is a scenic ride with demanding terrain! If you are looking for a great training ride for GABA's "Grand Canyon to the Old Pueblo Bike Tour", held this coming October, this is the one you want!

Be ready for all kinds of weather: It may rain at one point or another, and the temperatures are likely to drop considerably! Very cool mornings in the mountains will alternate with very hot afternoons.

Registration, Friday, September 3rd.
Check-in for pre-registered riders, and registration for Day-of-Event riders, will be held on the grounds of the Morenci Motel, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Friday night. To find us, look for a yellow GABA sign pointing the way. The Morenci Motel, with a brand new menu for diners, will be serving dinner in their restaurant until 9 PM on Friday night if you arrive hungry.

First Day, Saturday, September 4th: Morenci to Glenwood, 66 miles & 4800 ft. of elevation gain.
Start your day right with a great buffet breakfast at the Morenci Motel, which will be served starting at 5:30 AM. Menu includes oatmeal, eggs, bagels, sweet rolls, juice & coffee for only $5.50, pay as you go. After breakfast, get on your bike and roll on down into Clifton, then climb out of the Gila River Valley heading northeast on Hwy 78 through Mule Creek and on to Glenwood following the San Francisco River Valley into Glenwood. For those prepaid for the meal, a barbecue of beef and chicken for our meat eaters, and a vegetarian chili, with baked potatoes will be cooked and served by the owner and proprietor of the Double T Homestead B&B, Polly Tipton. The meal will also include salad, garlic bread, cake, iced tea and lemonade. The meal will be served at 6 PM (NM), 5 PM (AZ).

Second Day, Sunday, September 5th: Glenwood to Alpine, 58 miles & 5346 ft. of elevation gain:
To get your body ready for this day's ride, for those prepaid for breakfast, Polly will prepare a delicious breakfast consisting of breakfast burritos containing egg, hash browns, onions & bell pepper, a side of salsa, a variety of muffins, watermelon chunks, coffee and juice, starting at 6 AM (AZ), 7 AM (NM). Then it's back on the bike with a gradual climb through pine forests in New Mexico as you negotiate Saliz Pass and Luna Summit to the small town of Alpine at approximately 8000 feet of elevation.

Back by popular demand: A group meal has been arranged for our prepaid cyclists. The dinner will again be catered by our friends at the Alpine Inn Bed and Breakfast, owners, Sue and Dick Seehusen. The meal will be $10 per person and will be a pasta meal for both meat eaters and for our vegetarian friends. Also included will be salad, rolls, fresh fruit, iced tea, lemonade and dessert. The inn is located one half block north of Main St., across from the Bear Wallow Restaurant. There will be signs directing you to the Inn and dinner will be served on the lovely grounds on the patio at 5 PM. While here for dinner, do be sure to pick up a flyer for the B&B, a wonderful place to spend a quiet, relaxing weekend with gourmet breakfasts!

Third Day, Monday, September 6th: Alpine to Morenci,
92 miles & 6831 ft. of elevation gain.
To prepare for the beautiful ride on the trail back to Morenci, cyclists can prepay for a breakfast of breakfast burritos wrapped in spinach tortillas for both vegetarian and non vegetarians, along with coffee and juice. They will be hot and ready for you to pick up on the grounds of the Sportsman's Lodge. The Sportsman's Lodge is located just north of the "T" intersection of US 191 before you leave town, on the right side. The prepaid cost for this is only $5.00 per cyclist. After breakfast you can head out south on US 191 along the famous "Coronado Trail" bringing you "blue" vistas, green forests, and long descents! After a series of ups and downs in high forests, riders arrive at Hannagan Meadow. Prepare yourself for breath-taking scenery while cycling down many miles and many tight curves, and another long gradual climb up to the lunch spot at Rose Peak. There are many more downs and ups over small ridges, always with tremendous views, before the final 20 miles of spectacular vistas while pedaling your way back down into Morenci.

Camping:
Friday night: In Morenci, at the Morenci Motel on the large grassy area behind the motel. Shower rooms will be available.

Saturday night: In Glenwood at the park, across the street from the Double T Homestead B & B, approximately 1 mile east of town on the Catwalk Road. Rustic, friendly atmosphere with smooth camping spots! Hot & cold showers available.

Sunday night: In Alpine at the Alpine Village RV Park at the beginning of town. Follow the GABA signs. Hot showers available. If we overflow the area, additional camping arrangements have been made with the Mountain Hi Lodge, located immediately next door to the RV Park. Showers for these folks again, will be at the Alpine Village RV Park.

To participate in the group meals, you must be prepaid and registered by August 14th in order for our hosts to have the food on hand to prepared for us. If you are interested in the meals, sign up early!

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and helmets are mandatory. Any questions, contact ride leader Sandi Rousseau, 577-1187 or e-mail: sandir03@comcast.net.

Early registration is critical to provide better support and meals for you, and is very much appreciated.

Your early registration is appreciated to better plan support and meals for you. If you wish to participate in the group meals, they must be prepaid with your registration. Watch the next Update for the meals and their costs.

Tour For Tucson's Children Sunday, July 4th

The Tour for Tucson's Children 2004 event planning committee is busy preparing for the 11th annual Tour for Tucson's Children and would like to thank GABA for its continued support of the event.

GABA has been a strong and active supporter of the event by assisting with promotion through its newsletter, making considerable annual donations, and encouraging its members to participate in the event.

Last year, the event raised $12,000 for the Safe Kids Injury Prevention Program! It helped purchase 11,000 helmets for low-income youth, and featured more than 900 participants!

Registration forms are now available for the 11th Annual Jack Furrier's Western Tire & Auto Care "Tour for Tucson's Children".

2. In person at Parks & Rec, 900 S. Randolph Way, on Sat, July 3rd, from 9 AM - 2:30 PM;

Application brochures are available at Parks & Recreation Administration; at all Parks & Recreation District Offices; at all regional/neighborhood/recreation centers; at most bicycle shops; and on-line at ci.tucson.az.us

White Mountain Bike Tour

There is a wonder to this ride that is hard to explain. Pine trees, mountain vistas, cooler temperatures, and the camaraderie of other cyclists are a few of the treats reserved for you on this ride. Over the years it has justly earned the reputation of being one of the very best bicycling tours in the Southwest.

Attracting even out-of-state riders, it has become so popular that it is recommended that you REGISTER EARLY! Limited to the first 200 riders. This ride is organized by the Phoenix Metro Chapter of GABA.

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/ Lakeside. The School is located on the left side of the road. Cars can be parked here for the weekend.

Registration starts at 6:30 AM on Saturday, July 10th, and closes PROMPTLY at 8:30 AM. Try to start early! Luggage should be at motels/campground by 1 PM. Just remember: some hotel rooms may not be available till after 2 PM., so take your time and enjoy the ride!

The route will follow Highway 260 EAST thru Pinetop, on to McNary and via Sunrise, arriving in Springerville/Eager for the night, with a SAG stop half-way, at the top of the pass near Sunrise Ski Resort.

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!

Volunteers are being sought to help with registration, ride T-shirt design, taking meal tickets on Saturday evening, and with gathering goodies for the raffle. Contact John Arle (jfarle@cox.net) or Kathy Mills (khendricks67@earthlink.net) to volunteer!

Saturday night dinner will be a Cowboy cookout with Steak and Chicken (or Veggie burgers), fresh salad and veggies, all included in your ride fee, prepared by Springerville residents who know what hungry cyclists like to eat! Snacks available at the end of the ride on Sunday.

at Round Valley Middle School. Camping fee: $7. Includes hot showers. Bring your tent or make camp inside on the gymnasium floor.

Several hotels in the area with real beds! Make your reservations early, as they fill up FAST!. They can be reached by calling 1-928-333, then:

There are lots of accommodations in the Show Low/Pinetop/Lakeside area for those interested in coming up early on Friday afternoon or staying overnight on Sunday; check the GABA website at www.sportsfun.com/gaba for a list.

WHITE MOUNTAIN TOUR

Pre-Registration Form

July 10 & 11, 2004

ONE FORM PER RIDER.

Photocopies accepted.

Please fill out all the blanks.

Leader: John Arle, jfarle@cox.net

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

PO 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: $________

Vegetarian (circle)

CPSC-approved helmets are mandatory.

Please STAPLE your SIGNED WAIVER

to each registration form.

Starting June 20th, 2004 in San Diego, CA, and concluding 2,959 miles later in Atlantic City, NJ, RAAM racers will face 100,000 feet of climbing in a single stage. It's all go!

In the men's solo division, at least a half dozen riders will charge the podium.

In 2003, Washington State's Allen Larsen, 38, rolled out in front of everyone in the early stage of the race and cruised to a 15-hour victory. Allen observed that he needed more competition to push himself harder. He got his wish. Austrian Wolfgang Fasching, 36, is arguably the number one ultra rider in the world today. In '97 he won RAAM by seven hours; in 2000, he won by 14 hours; and two years later he won again, this time by 22 hours. He is the one to beat.

2003 RAAM Rookie of the Year, Jure Robic, 38, is a soldier by profession and has also won four Slovenian National Road Championships. He could steal the show. Mr. RAAM, Rob Kish, 49, doesn't have enough fingers to wear all his RAAM rings. Kish is the smartest rider in the race. This 18-time finisher and three time winner of RAAM personifies the ultra endurance cyclist. He (along with Fasching) can be the first man to win four RAAMs. Two-time Slovenian Olympian, Valter Bonca, has amassed 105 victories in 1,365 international races, as well as four years professional racing in the Giro d'Italia and World Cup races. With over 535,000 kilometers on his speedometer, this "rookie" can shake up the leader board. Switzerland's Pius "the Animal" Achermann, recently rode 1,040 kilometers in 24 hours, on a set of rollers - a world champion effort. Look for him to attack and attack.

Team Action Sports appears to be the team to beat, but many others ride to challenge for over all victory in the 4-person relay division. Comprised of Kerry Ryan, Nat Faulkner, Kerry Classen and Sean Nealy, Action Sports looks solid. Team captain Kerry Ryan and his assembled team seeks to capture the overall speed record. England's RAF, two time RAAM winners, are back for victory. Top "mates" from England these racers are familiar with performing under pressure - another serious contender.

Team Vail Go-Fast, race this year in honor of their fallen teammate, Brett Malin. These emotional favorites are dedicated ultra cyclists with the power, experience and strength to upset Team Action Sports.

Team Extra Distance from Brazil is riding high on national pride. Ultra riding is gaining recognition in this South American country and this 4-person team represents their best.

Team Swiss Canon is comprised of highly accomplished athletes. With all riders aged in their early to mid 30's, canon may go off.

For the first time RAAM, we have 2, 4-person female teams. Team Vail B2B Divas will ride off against Germany's own Team Frauleins.

RAAM has grown in 23 years from four riders to 99 this year, attracting an international field of competitors. If ever, there was a sport that wasn't but deserved to be included in the Olympic Games, it is the extreme discipline of ultra marathon cycling. Nowhere in the vast sporting world is there a more definitive demonstration of the strength inherent in the human spirit. Endurance cycling gave us the Grand Tours of road racing and it directly influenced the creation of Le Tour de France.

Each rider's individual campaign is stacked against all odds. When a cyclist rolls up to the start of a race that last not hours but weeks, when the finish line is not across town or even across state but across an entire nation, each man or women faces a challenge that in theory they can not win. Yet, there are few losers.

The glory goes to the victors but pride and respect goes to all. For those that have been fortunate enough to witness it, you find yourself hard pressed not to shed a tear watching a man or a woman cross the finish line two or three days after the winner. Usually incapable of standing unaided, it is an effort even to smile. Yet, they continued to fight on when every fiber of their being demanded that they quit. When one mile seemed like 20, when dirt, sweat and sunscreen cover their blisters and bruises, when almost everything except breathing hurt, they held steadfast in their belief that quitting is not an option. True pride and guts - John Wayne style.

You can’t help but to have noticed that we have had some hotter weather already, and we all know that there is even hotter weather yet to come! Most of us who have cycled here for more than a few years have learned how to ride in the hotter summer months. We use some special approaches to do so. Here are tips & insights on those special approaches, to help you be able to enjoy cycling more during the hotter months.

Energy & Sport drinks provide you both fluid & food, but are not needed if your ride is a lower intensity one, or less than about 90 minutes. When you ride at a lower intensity, you should eat solids (fig bars, apples, bananas, etc.) and drink water. If you ride harder, but for less than 90 minutes, you still can drink water, and eat food that is convenient, or use an energy drink – your choice. The benefit of energy drinks when one rides harder is that you get more electrolytes, and they help you perform a little better.

Pretzels or saltine crackers are good ways to get the small amount of salt that help power your body's 'cooling system'. Or, add a pinch of salt to your energy drink, or your water (if you do this with water, try a little lemon juice too – it will taste better). DO avoid anything with alcohol in it - as little as one ounce of alcohol (i.e. one beer) can throw your body's cooling system out of balance for as long as a week!

You're in luck if you are an early riser, because the early morning, when it's cooler, is the best time to ride. Finishing by 10:00 am is best, so depending on your distance, starting as early as sunrise* may be indicated. Try to avoid riding between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, when it's very hot, and the sun's rays are more direct and powerful.

The sun can burn you in the summer, as early as 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning! Use at least 15 SPF, and preferably 30 or 40 SPF. If you seek to be tanned, 'worshiping' the sun, be prepared to look 10 to 15 years OLDER that you actually are in future years.

Dress for Comfort

Wear cycle specific clothing made especially for hot weather. T-shirts, especially 100% cotton, are warmer in summer than a good lighter colored jersey that wicks perspiration (such as coolmax). The zipper in front allows variable venting, and the long zippers can really let the air flow in! Lighter weight lycra shorts will feel distinctly cooler than heavier weight lycra, or other materials. And do remember, cycling shorts are meant to be worn without underwear - you will defeat the purpose of the lighter weight lycra if you double-layer with underwear. Your socks should be coolmax or some similar synthetic material - 100% cotton socks work better in the fall and spring - they are actually warmer in summer than similar weight synthetic materials.

When you are prepared, riding when it’s hot can be fun, and not too uncomfortable. I teach this information and lots more in the courses I teach at Pima Community College and in other venues. For Personal Instruction/Coaching, or if you have any questions E-mail me at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net, or call me at 623-0017.

Tour de French Toast!

When mid summer hits, we here in the desert southwest experience the most intense weather of our year. This is when the snowbirds go home to their temperate climates, leaving us to swelter it out in the blazing inferno.

Each July, however, in the grip of our Arizona summer, comes the cycling event that has captured the imagination of us all. Lance Armstrong’s unbelievable comeback from cancer to emerge as arguably the best rider to ever pedal the Tour de France. With the extended coverage available to us now on OLN, its easy to “catch the fever” and get motivated to ride and try to get just a little bit of that feeling that we’re a little bit “like Lance.”

But alas, ‘tis summer in AZ and the temperatures are so unforgiving. It's sometimes depressing just to go outside and get the morning paper, let alone clicking in for a long hard ride.

Herein lies a little trick I made up a few years back. What we need is a gimmick … no, a theme. Something we can rally around. A cause to motivate and celebrate. I call it, Tour de French Toast.

Each July I set some cycling goal for myself, some personal best. In the past, this has been the most miles ridden in a single month (two years I exceeded 1000, which is REALLY something considering I live in Phoenix). One year it was simply to get a ride in every single day. Sure, some of those were only 30 minutes long, but I was logging miles. Through it all, I search for the best plate of french toast. It’s a competition between restaurants. I even let them know it, too. Once the month is over, I go back and give them a certificate they won the 200X Tour de French Toast best breakfast award.

Is it all seriously meaningful, of course not! But everything doesn’t have to be. These restaurants are VERY familiar with our bike club and welcome our patronage. The Tour de French Toast award shows we appreciate how they treat us.

Additionally, we all need goals. July is a tough month for us to cycle. It’s hot and humid out there. So why not set a little extra motivation. Figure out your goal for July and go for it under the banner of the 2004 Tour de French Toast.

~ Food ~

I’ve often said that most cycling clubs are really eating clubs with a cycling disorder!

I know I’m not alone when I note that the more I ride the better food tastes! In fact, eating almost becomes an obsession, an urge so strong that it cannot be denied. Not only is this an irresistible drive, but once the food bag is tied on, it tastes REALLY good. Meals that were once good, become meals that are better than se … better than they were before!

Somehow, in the long evolutionary history of our species, our bodies have adapted to insure we take in adequate nutrition. The longer and harder we pedal, the more calories we burn, the greater the drive to refuel. Clearly, this includes enhanced taste. I’ve heard that the blind gain increased hearing acuity. Perhaps our experience is somewhat analogous. After a long hard ride, we, the calorically challenged, experience a gustatory renaissance. A rebirth of the palate, if you will!

Mind you, I don’t view this as an unimportant event, either. I view this as a truly compelling reason to push my cycling to new limits!

One of my rituals when I venture south for either a GABA Tucson ride or perhaps one of the PBAA events, is to push hard out on the route, then indulge in a little Casa Molina. It brings a tear to my eye to relive those moments when a plate full of Enchiladas de la Casa are set in front of me. It brings to mind a Friends episode when clearly, “Joey doesn’t share food!” I certainly understand that feeling. In fact, I’m pretty certain I’d be a biting dog if anyone ignorantly extended their hand, or God help them, a fork, toward my meal!

So the next time you sit down to a good meal and find your eyes going closed as you softly sigh relishing the flavors, smile quietly to yourself, knowing that your cycling has given you yet another gift. You’re enjoying it just a little more, heck, maybe a LOT more, than those non-cyclists sitting around you.

Cattle guards have been a part of the western roadscape for about a hundred years, while cyclists have been around here even longer. Unfortunately, the two continue to come together occasionally in ways where the cyclists end up "losing". This article is meant to help you better understand how to avoid problems with cattle guards.

KEY POINTS

2. Hold the handlebar firmly and coast if crossing a cattle guard that is wet. Consider dismounting and walking across if in doubt as to your ability to cross safely.

3. Do not slow down too much! Slow speed can cause you to lose control if your front tire slips on the metal rail(s).

4. Rise off the saddle as you cross a cattle guard, using your knees and elbows as shock absorbers.

5. Be alert as you approach the cattle guard, in case there is a structural condition that could cause you to have a problem. These could include: (1) Gaps between the grates parallel to your direction of travel; (2) Gaps between the grates and the pavement, perpendicular (at a right angle) to your direction of travel, on both the near and far sides; and (3) differences in the height of adjacent grates, parallel to your direction of travel. AVOID these if they are present!

GROUP CONSIDERATIONS

1. The lead cyclist in a group must see and call out a cattle guard well in advance. This gives enough time for every member of the group to see, evaluate, decide, and steer an individually chosen path across the cattle guard.

2. ALWAYS choose your own path over a cattle guard. When riding with others, especially when in a group, move apart enough so every member of the group has their own clear view of the cattle guard, in plenty of time to pick a different path. Don't rely on someone else to pick your path; they need to concentrate on their own, and don't have as much invested as you do (in exactly where you ride).

Clearly, everyone, for their own safety, whether riding alone or in a group, must see, evaluate, decide, and steer their own path across cattle guards.

Summer storms bring welcome rain to the desert, but they also bring strong winds, dust, and predictably, lightning. As cyclists, we are at risk from these, especially lightning, and should know what to do, if caught in a storm. I have researched this topic, and present here a synopsis of the generally accepted ‘things to do’ and ‘not to do’, as they apply to us cyclists.

Lightning

∑ Kills nearly 100 people each year in the U.S. and injures hundreds of others.

What should you do if you believe lightning is a potential threat? The following information is from the National Lightning Safety Institute.

∑ Avoid metal objects, including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc.

∑ Avoid unsafe places, which include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near taller trees.

If possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut.

When you are outside, if lightning is striking nearby (count from when you see the flash: one thousand one, one thousand two, and so on. If you hear the sound before you reach one thousand ten, there is a real threat), you should:

1. Crouch down. Put your feet together. Place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from the thunder, and

• Keep away from metal objects including bikes, golf carts, fencing, machinery, etc.

• If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike! Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Do not lie down or place your hands on the ground.

What does all this mean to us as cyclists? If we are out riding, and a storm approaches, we should:

1. Assess its closeness, and make a decision (see above) as to what action to take.

3. Since our bikes are metal objects that can attract lightning, park it (lay it on its side) and move at least 50 feet away from it,

4. If we cannot find good shelter, crouch down, with our feet together, and cover our ears with our hands (to protect our hearing against the loud thunder), and

Be prepared, and know what to do if you are caught in a storm while out cycling. Do not risk being struck by lightning by following the advice of the experts.

Between 6 and 7 AM on May 15th, 72 cyclists from around Arizona and ranging in age from the 20's to age 79, started the 85 to 95 mile ride from Globe to Show Low through the Salt River Canyon. The first 20 miles of the ride started in Globe uphill to the highway turnoff north to Globe, then uphill from grasslands to scrub pine trees.

A few riders chose to catch a ride to the first rest stop and ride 66 miles, starting at the top of the descent into the canyon. They joined the rest of the riders in climbing out of the canyon, speeding down into Carizzo canyon past running water in the creek, and uphill into pine trees and rolling hills to Show Low. Several vistas showed the hilltops with burned pine trees from the Rodeo-Chedeski fires to the west of the highway. A friendly tailwind helped riders finish into town.

Three rest stops offered riders ice water, cold sodas, snacks and moments of rest, thanks to volunteers Dave and Kay Hendricks, Alicia Heiserer, Sandi Rousseau, and Ride Leader Kathy Mills. A few weary cyclists were given rides by Ray Kanova, our sweep vehicle driver, who brought along his 12-year-old daughter to help.

Once in Show Low, 17 riders continued another 5 miles to camp at the Fools Hollow Lake State Park. The tent sites were right on a lake with trees and grass, and hot showers. The other cyclists stayed at local motels. Baggage truck driver Andy Stevens and his wife delivered the luggage to the various places, and then Andy offered massages at the Sleep Inn - he is a professional massage therapist who recently moved to Tucson.

The lure of free pizza - available since we had so many riders sign up - brought most of the participants to Pat's Place for food, fun, and fellowship. Campers were shuttled into town to join the fun.

Sunday morning, the riders started as early as 5:30 AM to miss some of the heat expected later in the afternoon near Globe on the return trip. The first part of the ride was downhill out of Show Low to Carizzo Creek then uphill to the start of the canyon.

A light cloud cover and breeze kept the temperatures lower than expected, but also gave a headwind after the canyon. One rider commented, "this ride is either uphill or downhill, no part of it is flat!"

At the final rest stop, riders were assured the last 11 miles into town were more downhill than uphill. Thanks to our volunteers and the appreciative riders, the comeback of the Salt River Tour was a great success. Join us again next year to conquer the Salt River Canyon by bicycle!

The Gila Inner Loop Bicycle Tour is back again better than ever with famed Adventure Cyclist writer Willie Weir as celebrity rider and featured speaker!

$50 gets you a chance to ride and hobnob with Willie, hear one of his rousing two-wheeled adventure yarns over a roaring campfire, two belt-buster meals, great sag stops, a bunk at Camp Thunderbird, 80 to 140 miles of the best riding in New Mexico, and great fellowship.

But a deal like this can't last long! The first 120 riders to plunk down their U.S. Grant get in; all others have to wait until next year. Did we mention that a specially designed commemorative "Ride with Willie" t-shirt is just another $15? Ask him, and he might just autograph it.

Sponsored by the Silver Spokes Bicycle Club of Silver City, this tour has it all - beautiful vistas and light traffic on well-paved winding mountain roads through some of the most beautiful country the "Land of Enchantment has to offer, plenty of good food, a free ride for your baggage, and even a ride for you in the sag wagon if you need it.

On Day One, cyclists ride 43 miles from Silver City to camp. Those desiring a greater challenge may add 17 to 43 more miles by taking a side trip to Clinton P. Anderson Vista or the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

On Day Two, riders return to Silver City through the Mimbres Valley with optional side trips through San Lorenzo and to the Kneeling Nun Vista. Distances range from 35 to 52 miles for a weekend total of 78 to 138 miles.

There are three ways to get a registration form. But do it now! Click on www.twinsisterscycling.com/rides where you will find links to more information and to a printable registration form.

Or email tour director Annie Crawford at twinsisters@gilanet.com, or call Twin Sisters Cycling & Fitness at 505/538-3388, and a registration brochure will be mailed to you.

Gene Chapman, former GABA president, was responsible for the creation of the Luna Lake Tour that cyclists have been enjoying every Memorial Day Weekend for nearly two decades. Way back in the mid-80's, Gene would break out his maps of Arizona and say, "Hey, this looks like it might be a good route for a bike ride."

Then, he would get a group of friends together in his VW bus and go to check out the route. In those days, riders did most things like that as self-contained or semi-self-contained rides, which meant cyclists carried their own food, water, and camping gear on their bikes instead of having a big baggage truck carry all that stuff for them. In those days, there were no sag stops - you stopped when you wanted a break and drew on the resources you carried with you!

While that kind of touring may sound rather primitive, it's really quite refreshing to find that you can be quite self-reliant when you want to be. I can remember venturing forth on one of the first Luna Lake adventures from Springerville, AZ to find it a joy to be able to cook my own food over a whisperlite stove at a picnic table by the side of the road next to the Whispering Pines Resort at the highway intersection below Luna Mountain. As I remember it, it was a cool and blustery evening, and I had to use the stove's wind-shield to keep enough heat going beneath the pot I was cooking dinner in. We were laughing about being out in the middle of nowhere, alongside a nothing highway in New Mexico cooking dinner out in the wind - but I still remember that this dinner was a satisfying conclusion to the day of cycling, and it was enough to let me sleep very well that night.

Most riders who ride the Luna Lake Tour today are familiar with the overnights in Quemado and in Reserve, NM. Actually, the tour began by running the circuit in the opposite direction, going first up through Alpine, AZ, and then over into New Mexico, where the first night was spent in the above-mentioned Whispering Pines Resort, which is now closed. When we stayed there the first year, the Cafe chef used cake batter to make pancakes for us the next morning - you can't imagine how strange it was to pour maple syrup over huge hot cakes that filled the plate only to taste in my hungry mouth something that resembled someone's birthday cake! Ah, yes, the adventures of discovery! We knew the place was in trouble the second year as the place was having water purity problems and had deteriorated significantly from the previous year - which was a shame, because the area is set in very beautiful pine country.

The next day started out as a nice 9-mile downhill run into Reserve, which is now the tour's second overnight stop. From Reserve, it was up, up, and more up all those great downhill runs you currently enjoy on the second day. We used to end up at Snuffy's tackle shop and campground at Lake Quemado, which is at the end of a 4-mile road off the highway. In those days, it was camping only at that venue, but the store at Snuffy's had provisions and showers - enough to fill any cyclist's needs. Lake Quemado is up there around 7500 feet, so it can get quite chilly in the morning despite the warm days. I can remember a pretty fair thunderstorm coming through in the evening and waking up to frozen water drops on the tent in the morning! It was kind of weird to just shake off the solid bits of water from the tent when we went to pack it up that morning.

After we got everything packed up, it was a nice downhill run to Quemado where we enjoyed breakfast at the now-closed Cafe next the Allison Motel. They really had some pretty decent grub there, and their pies were all homemade!

Then, came the challenging ride back into Springerville against the prevailing winds on the third day. These days, riders almost always enjoy a very beneficial tail wind on that part of the route on the first day into Quemado.

Of course, it didn't take more than a couple of years for us to realize that doing the ride in the opposite direction would be a good idea to take advantage of the wind - we've never regretted that decision!

Twelve years ago, the Forest Service decided to close Sabino Canyon to bicycles. Among the reasons were cyclists traveling at excessive speeds, failing to stop at bridge crossings, shouting at walkers to get out of the way, passing so close as to intimidate walkers, and generally acting irresponsibly.

After much negotiation with GABA and other outdoor groups, the Forest Service relented and agreed to permit bicycling in Sabino Canyon provided that the cyclists obeyed the 15 mph speed limit, stopped at bridge crossings, and yielded the right of way to walkers on the bridges.

Also, GABA agreed to develop a Bicycle Patrol that would work in cooperation with the Forest Service to educate cyclists as to the Bicycle Regulations in Sabino Canyon. Bicycle Patrol members wear Forest Service uniforms, carry Forest Radios and can write incident reports for violations that may result in a Federal Citation being issued by the Forest Service.

A Citation requires an appearance before a Federal Magistrate and, if found guilty, the minimum fine can be $50 (speeding) or $250 (reckless riding), but maximum fines can be as much as six months in jail and a fine of $5,000.

Most cyclists have cooperated with this arrangement. The Forest Service also cooperated in eliminating the requirement that cyclists stop at bridge crossings with the stipulations that cyclists must yield to pedestrians as noted on signs preceding the bridges. The Forest Service also constructed a special lane for bicycles entering the area.

The Regulations now require that speed be limited to 15 mph, that cyclists must yield to pedestrians on bridges, and that cyclists over 14 years of age must carry identification.

Lately, however, a few outlaw cyclists are jeopardizing this arrangement by speeding, shouting at pedestrians on the bridges to get out of the way rather than yielding the right of way, cycling in groups traveling two or three abreast, further intimidating walkers, etc. The results are that pedestrians have filed complaints with the Forest Service. One cyclist can be the subject of several complaints, but each complaint is tallied separately, with the result that it would appear statistically that several cyclists have committed these actions.

Cumulatively these actions will cause the Forest Service to review the present arrangements, running the risk that, deciding for the safety of pedestrians, the Forest Service might just close Sabino Canyon permanently to bicycles! We should all remember that pedestrians outnumber cyclists by a wide margin, and that they complain when cyclists violate the Regulations or intimidate them.

When in Sabino Canyon, please stay within the speed limit and be sure to yield the right of way to pedestrians on the bridges. Groups of cyclists are immediately suspect, so when traveling in a group, it is vitally important to obey the regulations and be courteous to walkers.

Sabino Canyon is not a training ground for El Tour or other races; it is an ideal place for a relaxing ride. Let's keep it that way so that Sabino Canyon stays open for cycling. If you see a cyclist violating these simple rules, tell him/her that their actions reflect on those of us who want to continue riding in Sabino Canyon.

This 42-mile/day, short but sweet, road ride begins in Roadforks, New Mexico, and takes you to the eastern side of the Chiricahua Mountains and the spectacular little town of Portal, at the entrance to Cave Creek Canyon.

The first 30 miles is through rolling hills with one long downhill to the first SAG stop. Then, we turn east and start a long gradual climb to the Portal Country Store at about mile 37. You can stop for a lunch break or rest here, or continue on to the Southwest Research Station (SWRS), our destination, about 5 miles further.

After riding along a flowing creek in the shade of lush sycamore trees, riders meander on the canyon floor between spectacular towering cliffs! This is a narrow canyon with small meadows where deer graze at dusk. Our destination is the Southwestern Research Station, located at the end of the paved road, several miles into the canyon.

The dormitory-style lodging is operated by the American Museum of Natural History. It is surrounded by the Coronado National Forest and offers a welcome retreat from the heat of the desert. As you come upon this oasis, the beautiful grounds with tall trees and green grass beckon you! The 60-foot long, cool, creek-fed swimming pool will seem very inviting at the end of this gradual climb! Enjoy ping-pong, volleyball, horseshoes and an interesting library as you await a generous dinner prepared especially for us!

Sound like fun? More details and a registration form will be in the next GABA Biketivities!

For more information, see www.bikegaba.org or contact Ride Leader Mike at (520) 743-9687, or at gabamike@cox.net.

This event showcases some of Arizona's most awesome mountain biking trails. Discover the challenges of rugged terrain in Ponderosa pine forests at this popular, word-of-mouth event - a favorite of avid mountain bikers in the state. It is considered one of Arizona's most fun-filled mountain biking events, with 80 percent of riders returning each year!

Enjoy the beautiful White Mountain trail system and the forested roads through Apache- Sitgreaves National Forest when you select one of four officially-timed courses:

For more course details, to get a registration form, to find out ride cost, to see maps and photos, go on-line to www.nrmc.org/twm.htm You may also contact Cynthia at cclements@nrmc.org

Or write to NRMC Foundation, 2200 E. Show Low Lake Rd., Show Low AZ 85901. FAX: 928-537-8839.

The 16th annual Children's Assistance and Resource Event (C.A.R.E) will be preparing youth for school and helping their parents with much needed health, social, and safety services. It is 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.

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. Accidents are preventable if the right steps are taken - wearing your seat belt, driving the speed limit, and wearing a bicycle helmet.

When we first added the safety component to the event in 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.

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. If you would like to help, please contact us at 790-5124.

"GABA Bucks" are credits issued by the Club in increments of $5. They can be used for membership fees, ride fees, jerseys, etc.; have no expiration date; can be transferred to someone else or donated to worthy causes.

1. Lead a Day Ride: This is worth $5 in GABA Bucks. Contact Day Rides Coordinator Judy Bolt, 512-0442 or bojubolt@aol.com

2.Lead or Help with a Century or Overnight Ride: Contact Volunteer Coordinator Carole Leiker, leiker@noao.edu or 297-6138.

A. Run a SAG stop, baggage truck, sweep vehicle, or scout - $15 for one-day events, $25 for 2-day, $30 for 3-day. If someone is helping you, you can split the GABA Bucks however you want.

4. Have an Article Published in the UPDATE. This is worth $5 in "GABA Bucks". Contact Editor, Suzanne Couvrette, at sgcouvrette@aol.com or 891-4661.

5.Organize Special Events (picnic/ice cream social). Worth $20 in "GABA Bucks". Contact Pam Cullop, Social Director, pjcullop@comcast.net or 290-4321.

Special opportunity for "C-Minus" riders to get ready to participate in the "regular" El Tour Training rides that will begin (with 35 miles) on Sept 12th!

Rich Corbett will lead rides for 4 weeks from Aug. 15 to Sept. 5, starting at 15 miles, up to 30 miles with the goal of increasing your speed, your skills, and your enjoyment! A variety of valuable training tips and riding techniques will be offered.

These rides will meet at Mission Library NW corner of Ajo & Mission Rd, at 5:45 AM and depart at 6 AM (pump your tires up the evening before - not in the parking lot after you arrive!).

"C-Minus" riders are those who are still a little below the normal "C" level: they should be able to average at least 12 mph, and ride steadily for at least an hour without stopping. If in doubt, call Rich at 623-0017 or E-mail kc7ovm@dakotacom.net

I lead a "B" ride on June 13, and enjoyed a great workout with two capable "B" riders. I also admired the dedicated efforts of two other cyclists not quite up to the "B" level.

So, I decided to help any "C-Plus" or "B-Minus" cyclists to "move up" to riding at a "B" pace with my July 11 ride. A variety of valuable training tips and coaching on riding techniques will be provided, all tailored to help you increase your speed, skills, enjoyment, and endurance!

"C-Plus" riders are those able to ride with very few stops, averaging at least 15-16 mph. "B-Minus" riders are those able to ride with almost no stops, averaging at least 16-17 mph. If in doubt, E-mail Rich at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net or call 623-0017.

July 2004 Update Index