Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure Tour Highlights
Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure 2003 Tour Commentary
August Opportunity for C-Minus Riders!
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
Don’t Let GABA Rides Become Endangered Species!
Why I Was Crazy Enough to Agree to Lead
GABA Tucson’s ‘Bicycle Drivers License’ Classes
The monthly GABA meeting was on July 5th. Our guests were officers from the
Tucson Police Bike Patrol. After an initial presentation, those in attendance
had lots of questions. We learned a lot about the bike patrol program and how in
some areas it can perform more effectively than police in cruisers.
Thumbs up: There is real competition on the force to be a member of the bike
patrol.
Thumbs down: Police are not allowed to use a camelback, as they are seen as
giving an “unprofessional” appearance.
Thanks to them for sharing stories and insights into the department. Thanks also
to our supporting member, Sabino Cycles, for supplying the nice gifts for the
door prizes. There was too much going on to get all the recipients names, but
they looked happy with the take!
If you weren’t at this meeting, you missed a good one. We hope to see you in
August.
"The Price of Gas"
By Steve Wilson
GABA President
The cost of gasoline has definitely been a topic of the news this year. The
debate over what is the best price for gas for our society is one that is raging
on. It would be nice if the discussion were less political so that we could get
the facts on the table and have a rational discussion. I think it’s a relevant
discussion for cyclists to have because it can be an incentive for members of
the community to cycle. People in this community cycle for economic,
environmental, and health reasons. There are probably a few that do all three.
The argument for a low price of gas includes economics and freedoms. Cheap
energy makes many products more attractive to use (cars, trucks, etc.) or buy
because the manufacturing and transportation costs are kept lower. A strong
economy benefits the vast majority of the community in the form of good wages,
low unemployment rates, and strong tax revenues for our governments. Virtually
everyone likes to buy products and services at the lowest possible price. If our
economy fails, everyone suffers. There really isn’t a need to change things
radically right now, when the price is right the market will respond with new
and different transportation alternatives and we will continue on as we always
have in the past. The fact that over 90% of the citizens of this country can own
their own automobile is one of the things that make this country great.
The argument for a high price of gas includes quality of life, public health,
and sustainable practices. There is certainly a correlation between our
incredible reliance on the automobile for transportation and the epidemic of
obesity and diabetes that our country now suffers from. A higher price of gas
would reduce the use of the automobile and increase the use of alternative
transportation means, some of which involve human power, such as walking and
cycling. People might actually get out and meet their neighbors and become more
of a community. With less traffic we have cleaner air and safer streets to ride
our bicycles on. Less traffic might also lead to less demand for more automobile
accommodation and more demand for better cycling facilities. Maybe a few less 40
ft motor homes on our tour routes too. Even having people drive smaller, higher
mileage vehicles would make the roads safer and suffer less wear and tear over
time.
So what do you think?
NEW:
Jeff Oxman,Thomas Altemus, Nancy Guilmette, Heather Handl, Robert Hubbard,
Katherine Burleson, Jill Floryance, Gary Ostedt, George Stroud, Betty Anderson,
Rosella Amith, Larry, Brooks, Carla Johnson, Ernie Cardona, Alicia Heiserer,
Jennifer Martin, Brian James, Nicole Burdette, Fonda Hubbard, Michele
Shelly-Hughes, Michael Fulmer, Bill Brook, Marton Kraemer, Rajaguru Pandukal,
John Racklifte, Richard Commander, Jorge Reza, George Shafer, Luis Paz, Steve
Losey, Albert Adams, Robert Robles, Barry Kennedy, Godfrey Plotz, Darrel Naquin,
Teresa Brocato, James Durbin, Audrey Steward, David/Natalie Clewley, Les/Montra
Ervin, Mike/Lillian Zonnefeld, Karen/Samuel Ragland, Ray/Diana Thibault,
Nance/Jerry Laney, Russel/Meredith Henderson, Brian/Grace Green.
RENEWING:
Tom McCullough, Dan Blodgett, Kenneth Kingsley, Kathy Mills, Dean Marvin,
Larry Dalbey, Dawn Elvick, Laura Briggs, Christy Sandman, Danielle Scofield,
Jean Lindeberg, Charles Weesner, Richard Bailey, Chuck Martin, Ron Fullerton,
Sal Troia, Helen Greer, Anabel Hill/Denise Roe/Zachary Mulder, Dennis/Laura
Tallent.
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:
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 sixteen 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 Tour”, which will be 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 it is likely to drop the temperatures considerably! Very cool mornings in the mountains will alternate with very hot afternoons.
Registration, Friday, Sept. 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. Parking for your vehicle will be at the Morenci Motel.
First Day, Sat.Sept. 4th Morenci to Glenwood, 66 miles and 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, Sun. Sept. 5th, Glenwood to Alpine, 58 miles and 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, Mon. Sept. 6th, Alpine to Morenci, 92 miles and 6831 feet 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 ½ 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 be 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, (520) 577-1187 or e-mail: sandir03@comcast.net.
Cost: $85 for GABA members, $95 for non-members. Early registration is critical to provide better support and meals for you and is very much appreciated. DAY OF EVENT: members, $105; non-members $115.
Motel List:
Friday Night: In Morenci:
Morenci Motel: 928-865-4111
In Clifton:
Rode Inn: 928-865-4536
Saturday Night: In Glenwood:
Double T Homestead B&B: 505-539-2812
Lariat Motel: 505-539-2361
Crab Apple: 505-539-2400
White Water Motel 505-539-2581
Doc’s Bed & Breakfast 505-539-2611
Sunday Night: In Alpine:
Alpine Inn 928-339-1840
Sportsman’s Lodge: 928-339-4576
Mountain High Lodge: 928-339-4311
Alpine Cabins: 928-339-4440
Coronado Trail Cabins: 928-339-4772 (One mile south of town on 191)
Tal-Wi-Wi-Lodge 928-339-4319 (four miles north of town on 191)
Andy
Stevens of Solvo Massage will be providing
15-minute sports massage sessions to riders on the
Blue Loop Tour for $10. He will be accepting GABA
Bucks as payment for services on this ride, so be
sure to bring them along. Saturday night he'll be
at the Double T Bed and Breakfast and Sunday night
he'll be at the Sportsman's Lodge. The sign up
sheet for each evening's sessions will be available
Friday night at the registration table at the
Morenci Motel. A second chance to sign-up for any
remaining time slots will be offered at the second
sag each day of the ride.
GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
AS SEEN BY THE TOUR DIRECTOR
By Dorothy Barth
This year the Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure will have a slightly different route. In this, the Club’s 24th annual tour, we again begin just outside the Grand Canyon National Park in Tusayan. On Sunday morning, we will ride into the park and out the East Rim Drive, stopping at scenic view points all along the way. The first night our stop is in Gray Mountain.
The next day brings riders through the Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monuments. Wupatki is a place where human history spans at least 10,000 years. The pueblo was home to 85-100 people, and several thousand more lived within a day’s walk. You can explore the area where parts of 800 year old structures still stand. Just up the road is Sunset Crater, created by the explosion of a volcano about 930 years ago. The visitor’s center is once again open, and you can take a great bike break there. The second day will end further down the road in Flagstaff.
The third day leads us to the crest of the Mogollon Rim. The breath-taking descent from the rim leads into the town of Strawberry, where the Strawberry Lodge serves up the best pies one could want, including their famous strawberry pie. After that is a short ride through Pine and on to Payson, our end of ride for Day 4.
This is where our 2004 tour changes route. The next day we will head east from Payson. Ride day 5 will bring cyclists through a cool Ponderosa pine forest, up and down Arizona’s rolling hills. Cyclists will enjoy arriving in Show Low, knowing that they can rest and socialize the next day. On ride day 5, we will head through the Salt River Canyon, often referred to as a mini-Grand Canyon. It is a route with spectacular scenery and breath-taking descents. The day will end, as it did on the 2003 tour, at the Apache Gold Casino.
The final day of riding will be from San Carlos to Tucson, along the same route as last year. The day features a climb to the summit of El Capitan Pass, followed by a swift descent into the Gila River Gorge. It is another day of fantastic scenery and incredible geology. The Catalina Mountains appear as riders approach Tucson, on their way to an end of tour buffet at the Ghost Ranch, an historic Tucson lodge. Riders will be able to cool off in the pool, and then enjoy a meal prepared by last year’s chef Peter, as we celebrate another fantastic week of cycling, adventure, and friendship.
GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE 2003
TOUR COMMENTARY
BY SHEILA HOFFMAN AND SPENCER BEARD
TANDEM CYCLISTS ON THE TOUR
Following is some selected commentary regarding the first 3 days and day 5 from Sheila Hoffman and Spencer Beard, who rode the 2003 tour on a tandem.
We started riding at 6:30 a.m. It was frosty
cold out. We, rather stupidly, decided to leave our long-fingered gloves and
long pants in the bags that morning. Fortunately, it was mostly uphill for the
first 6 miles so we warmed up before the day did. We stopped at every overlook
we could pedal to, this time traveling east along the rim. The morning light
cast a completely different face on the canyon. Sunlight and shadow mixed to
create striped patterns in the panorama.
At about 15 miles we ran into road construction. The road became hard-packed
dirt for almost 3 miles. It was rough riding, but the asphalt sure felt fine
after we were done. We met Ted and Sandy, tandem cyclists from St. Louis, at
the first rest area. They’d done many cross-state trips, so we swapped stories
for a while. Then we took off again.
Our final stop at the Grand Canyon was at Desert Watchtower, another Colter
construction. It’s 70 feet tall, but looks miniscule as it stands on an
outcropping over the edge of the big hole. Saw a Navajo woman weaving a
two-sided rug there. It was pretty interesting, especially since Spencer’s Mom
& Dad do this style of weaving.
Then we sailed downhill (48 mph) toward the Little Colorado Canyon. Our chain
was skipping gears, so we had the mechanics at the rest area fix it up. They
were wonderfully helpful and were able to solve the problem without having to
resort to buying new stuff. Those GABA volunteers were all fabulous.
We had to travel the last 8 miles of the day to Gray Mountain pushing against a
STIFF breeze. We were suffering from too much heat, too much wind, and too much
altitude. When we finally arrived at the Anasazi Inn, we were beat. That was
to become the repeated them of the week. (I almost typed “weak”!)
A good meal led us to bed. We’d gotten hotel rooms every night so we wouldn’t
have the extra trouble of setting up and taking down tents daily. It was the
best decision we made and we reveled in it every afternoon!
It was warmer as we took off from Gray
Mountain. We pacelined with Anabel Hill, from Tucson, and a guy named Al for
the first 10 miles or so. It was nice. The ride was easy, a gentle uphill that
took us to the entrance to Wupatki National Monument. There is a miniature
forest and some ancient ruins there which we toured with one of our new riding
buddies, Bill.
Then we had a long climb toward Sunset Crater. It wasn’t terribly steep, just
long. We were very happy to get to the rest area half-way up. We found out
that the year before they’d had 40 mph headwinds on that leg. We felt lucky.
We spent much of the day playing “tag” with a group of riders from Bend, Oregon
and with our new friend Judy. We’d cross paths at rest areas or on the rides
between. They began to feel like our long-lost riding partners.
After leaving Sunset Crater and its lava fields, we headed toward Flagstaff and
the Little America Hotel. There were lots of headwinds and we led the Bend crew
on a paceline for the last few miles.
The hotel was the fanciest we’ve ever stayed in. We had a huge double room with
a complete sitting area and balcony. We were able to use the lobby internet
connection to download pictures and send them to my school. Then we sat on the
lawn and ate pie. It really hit the spot!
I got a half-hour massage that night to help work out kinks in my legs. It was heavenly, literally. I was worked on outside in the camping area under the stars. Mars was brilliant. It was an interesting experience.
Today we were smart. We started with warm
clothes on, not warm enough for Sheila, but then they only had to stay on for
the first hour and a half. It warmed up to 104 by the afternoon! On the way to
the first SAG stop (SAGs were rest stops with food and water. Sometimes they
even had bathrooms.) We saw two lakes that didn’t have any water in them thanks
to Arizona’s five year drought. We think we saw eagles at Mormon Lake.
As we left Mormon Lake, now warming right up, I noticed the front tire feeling
wimpy. We went back to the SAG and discovered a slow leak. Replaced the tube
and set off again. It was a 30 mile trip to the next SAG . It was mostly
rolling hills, but not rolling enough to get a tandem up the other side. We
were getting pretty cranky by the time we got in two hours later. From that we
learned we needed to get off the bike every hour to give our butts a break. When
we followed that rule we were far less cranky.
After SAG 2 we climbed another big hill to the edge of the Mogollon Rim with
Karen Coe from Bend. As we neared the top she remarked how low our back tire
was. Not long after, it tried to roll on us. It was slowly leaking too!
Another long break as I repaired our second flat of the day. We got to cheer
on all the other riders who were cresting the hill, though. Then we got to fly
down to the town of Strawberry. There make GREAT pies there…we packed ours to
enjoy later!
Our descent continued into and through Pine. The day ended with a sharp climb
up to Payson. We even put on a little gas near the top to prevent some singles
from catching us on the last bit of the climb. And then we found the promised
land. Right across the street from our hotel was … a… Health Food Store! We
went straight in. We bought protein bars. We bought soy ice cream to go on the
pie from Strawberry. We were going to buy some Boca burgers for dinner, but the
proprietors told us the local ladies had already come in and gotten vegan
recipes for us for dinner that night. Hallelujah! We would eat well tonight!
Another quick note here about how good the GABA volunteers were. On the way up
the last hill the mechanics stopped to see if we were ok during a butt break.
They then agreed to scope out Payson to see if they could get us a new back
tire to replace the damaged one we were riding on. Turns out there was none to
be had, but they sold us a substitute and set up our bike for us that night.
Thanks, Mo and Mike!
The penultimate day of our tour was set up to
be the hardest. It was longer than the rest with not one, but two major climbs
included. The first started immediately upon leaving the casino. We returned
toward Globe, then headed into the hills. The road got steeper and steeper
until we’d gained about 1500’. It was one of those roads that had many false
summits. They’re especially difficult when someone like our new friend Anabel
tells you you’re almost at the top as she passes you!
We followed Steve and Donna down the hill. It was steep. They were fast. We
kept catching glimpses of them further down the twisty course which they knew
well. At one point I braked slightly to prepare us for the next turn. As we
slowed Sheila started to pedal furiously. She wanted more speed. I was at my
limit. It was something of a role reversal. We hit 49 mph. That was plenty
for me.
The downhill continued, although at a lesser rate, until we got to Winkelman at
mile 35. We were traveling through a fabulous limestone canyon. The fold lines
in the stone were amazing.
Leaving Winkelman we were one again on the open plain. The wind kicked up. We
teamed up with two singles (Mark and Thomas) to paceline our way through it.
Once again, riding with others passed the time easier than going alone. We
arrived in Mammoth, at the foot of the second climb, before noon.
We started the 14 mile climb without extra water because the route guide said
there’d be a water stop half-way through. The climb was steady, but not
debilitating. It was hot, though, in the mid-90s. When we got to where the
rest stop was marked, the water wasn’t there! Ooops. About a mile further down
the road we flagged down a support car. They gave us some water, then went back
to set up a cooler on the hill. Never did figure out why the water stop wasn’t
there. Some people speculated it may have been stolen because of border
politics about whether water should be left out for illegal immigrants or not.
Who knows?
The wind hadn’t abated since Winkelman. One version of the map suggested the
top would be imminent. But we kept climbing. And climbing. And climbing. We
finally got to the SAG stop in Oracle. We were delighted to have made it. Our
bottles were empty. We were hot and tired. Now there was only 30 miles of
downhill to go!
Of course, the wind was stronger than ever now. We had to pedal hard to keep up
a 17 mph pace on the down. Our saviors this time turned out to be Dorothy and
Richard who rode a daVinci like ours. He’s a racer and was very strong. They
came by us with a single in tow and we hopped on the train. He would have
pulled us all the way to Tucson, but we got confused when the group stopped for
a light. We heard that we were taking a pee break at the gas station so we
pulled off. When nobody else showed up, we figured out we were alone. We needed
the break (it had been an hour since the last time we got off) so we were happy.
We just pedaled the last 15 miles alone.
We were absolutely ready to be off the bike when we arrived at our hotel. The
cook that night was funny. He was Greek and had made big slabs of meat for the
riders. Then he came around serving Boca burgers to the vegetarians. He had
never seen such a thing before, much less cooked it. He was astonished that so
many people would eat them. The evening ended with a slide show.
This tour is limited to 200 riders. Sign up now to make sure that you have a spot on this year’s Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure!
Energize Your El Tour Training!
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!).
Who are the "C-Minus" Riders? "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
For More Information
Contact any of the Tucson area bicycle coordinators: Richard
Corbett, PAG Regional 792-1093; Trace Tang, City of Tucson
791-4372, Matt Zoll, Pima County 740-6747, and Nancy Ellis,
Oro Valley 229-5057.
Roy Schoonover is frolicking around the western states this summer, and is
AWL. This left Rich to do the article without Roy’s helpful badgering. Roy, of
course, is a relatively new convert to bicycling, and has become well know
locally for his enthusiastic advocacy for cycling needs and issues. Richard
"Rich" Corbett, on the other hand, has been involved in bicycling in Tucson and
Arizona forever, and is also well know for his advocacy for cycling. Rich writes
articles, teaches, and coaches, to help others learn better
By
Richard Corbett
This is another in a series of monthly columns, sharing news from the meetings
of the Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee (TPCBAC). This column has
two major sections, Announcements, and Actions. If you have any bicycle concern,
you are invited to attend the TPCBAC meetings, which take place the second
Wednesday of each month, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Himmel Library (Treat Ave & 1st
Street), and present your concern during the “Call to the Public”. You may also
call the appropriate Bicycle Coordinator, as listed at the end of this article.
Announcements
The following announcements and news was made known at the July 14th meeting:
• Tucson Police Sergeant Tim Beam reported on recent bicycle crashes, and noted
that a consistent violation by cyclists was wrong way riding, and the classic
‘right-hook’ (rushing past a cyclist then turning sharply in front of them) was
the most common motorist violation resulting in collisions.
• Pima County Sheriff Sergeant Karl Woolridge reported on crashes in
unincorporated Pima County, and indicated there were 15 year to date, including
three in the last month. Following the two Officers’ reports, there was
discussion as to whether police could make one enforcement contact a week for
wrong-way riding, to help reduce this behavior, as well as trying to make sure
‘right hook’ drivers are cited.
• Richard Corbett announced the dates and locations for the GABA-Tucson Bicycle
Leaders LAB Road I Course. Tucson area bicycle community leaders are taking the
Course first, in order to be able to answer questions about it, and recommend it
form personal experience. This Course gives one the equivalent of a ‘Bicycle
Drivers License’ (see the article else where in this issue)
• Richard Corbett reported on the Regional Transportation Authority, and handed
out an information sheet, went over it, then answered questions. Contact Cherie
Campbell at 792-1093 x518 for more info.
• Trace Tang went over a list of new or upgraded bike lanes the City of Tucson
is implementing. Included are such streets as 5th Street, Alvernon to Craycroft,
Prince Road, Stone to Campbell, and Mission Road at Starr Pass. Contact Trace at
791-4372 for more info or to get a complete list.
Actions
The Committee took the following actions at this meeting:
• The minutes of the May meeting were approved by motion, after presentation by
Vice-Chair, David Bachman-Williams.
• The Committee voted to support the Platinum 2006 Committee, and the next BFC
Application, as a regional application, following Bill Katzel’s report on the
work of the newly formed Platinum 2006 Committee to address the Bicycle Friendly
Communities (BFC) program ranking of Tucson, by the League of American
Bicyclists (LAB). Bill explained the support from the Mayor/Council and the
Board of Supervisors, and others. He related the twice a year cycle that LAB
uses for the Program.
• A letter of support was approved for two transportation enhancement
applications as explained by Matt Zoll. Kolb Road, Valencia to I-10, and
Valencia Road, Kolb to Alvernon will notably upgrade bicycle travel
opportunities on the near southeast side of town.
Don’t Let GABA Rides Become Endangered Species!
By Donna Aversa and Carole Leiker
Everyone around Southern Arizona has heard of the pygmy owl. But have you ever
heard of pink fairy armadillos? Thought not. In 1970, the pink fairy armadillo
was designated as an endangered species.*
Don’t let our great GABA rides become endangered species! Simply put, if members
don’t volunteer, we don’t have rides. Our volunteers are our members. The need
is continuous. We have been fortunate to have members who give their time to
provide the support necessary for GABA to do what we do best: that is to
consistently put on the best Century and Overnight Rides in the state.
And
GABA’s annual week-long cycling tour, the Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure,
received national recognition from Bicycling Magazine in this year’s May issue.
This April was the fifth and last year for Dick and Caroline Schaffer to lead the
Sonoita-Bisbee ride. Like other GABA volunteers, they had a great time
organizing the ride and working with the member volunteers. But fair is fair and
now it’s time for Dick to finally have a chance to ride this tour. We always need
ride leaders and support crew to step up for this and other rides so we can
continue. Dick and other ride leaders will share their notes and give the new
ride leader a nudge in the right direction. Our century and overnight
coordinators are also available to help you organize a successful event.
I
am asking each GABA member who has signed up and enjoyed GABA Centuries and
Overnight Rides to contact Carole Leiker, the new Volunteer Coordinator. Carole
has something for everyone whether it’s registration for a century ride or
support for a weekend ride. If no one steps up to lead rides, provide SAG and
sweep support or haul bags, our rides will become as scarce as pink fairy
armadillos.
Contact Carole at 297-6138. And remember, beyond the satisfaction of helping to
put on a fun and successful tour, you get GABA bucks.
*Curious? You can see a picture of a pink fairy armadillo at
http://www.folkloredelnorte.com.ar/biologia/pichi.jpg
Why I Was Crazy Enough to
Agree to Lead the Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure 2004
By Dorothy Barth
I started cycling in 1992, when I was living in Ohio. My first year I started
riding at about 11 MPH. I realized that cycling is a sport in which you can get
better fast, and I started riding a lot. By the end of the year, I had ridden
well over 3,000 miles and completed at least 10 century rides.
Toward the end of our cycling season, my father started sending me articles from
the Arizona Republic about these “crazy” people riding from the Arizona/Utah
border to the Arizona/Mexico border. They encountered strong headwinds,
inclement weather, and were even climbing the General Crook Trail from Camp
Verde to Payson! I asked him to estimate the grade, which he did, and which I am
sure made him think that I wouldn’t think of ever doing it. But that just
started it all in motion.
I managed to talk 4 other “crazy” cycling friends into doing the ride with me
the next year. We trained and tried to imagine what riding in mountains would be
like. It was my first weeklong tour.
At that time, the cross state cycling tour was so popular that there were two
tours, with slightly different routes, starting a day apart. The tour director
for both was Cheryl Kline. Everything was organized to perfection. She set a
high standard for cycle touring that I fervently hope to match. I remember at
our last night’s party in Patagonia, she gleefully danced with her sister Kim,
who was working as support staff. I can only imagine how good it felt to be
almost done with the year’s work!
I came back solo the next year to do the tour again. Although I came alone, I
made several friends. The smaller size group made it possible to really get to
know people.
I treasure the opportunity to have seen the state through a cyclist’s eyes. Our
tour attracts people not only from all over the USA, but from Canada and around
the world. It is my greatest hope that we have a safe tour and show people a
great time while, for many of them, they get to see the “backroads” of our state
for the first time. Arizona is an incredibly diverse and beautiful place, and a
cycling tour highlights those characteristics like nothing else can.
Preparing for a weeklong tour requires the work of many people to get all the
organizing details done. In our next issue, I will introduce you to the great
committee that has been working to bring about the 24th Great Arizona Bicycle
Adventure.
Or How to become a confident and skilled bicycle driver!
Would you like to learn how to develop the knowledge and skills that will give you the
equivalent of a Bicycle Driver’s License?
Are you 1) a beginning cyclist who is not very confident about riding on the streets, 2) a more
experienced rider wanting to sharpen up your training, bike handling skills, and traffic savvy,
or 3) a young rider just getting used to your bike?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, GABA has what you need! This Fall and
Winter we will offer GABA members two of the League’s riding courses suited to the skills
and needs of every level cyclist. See the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) website for
descriptions, or read on below. (http://www.bikeleague.org/educenter/courses.htm).
As a League Certified Instructor (LCI # 807 KC) and your Education Coordinator, I and
other LCI’s in the Club and Tucson area will be teaching courses for relative beginners,
more advanced cyclists, kids, and commuter cyclists in our Club. These classes incorporate
both classroom and on-bike cycling instruction, and are designed to give beginners, more
advanced recreational riders, commuting cyclists, and kids the skills, techniques, and
knowledge to cycle more enjoyably and safer.
We (Tucson LCIs, including Rich Corbett, Donna Aversa, Henry Hsieh, and I) will offer these
classes beginning in September, for audiences of all ages. League of American Bicyclists’
LCIs are fully trained and certified for all materials they teach, in any setting.
The Courses include:
1. Street Savvy, Con.dence, and Safety - Also Known As (AKA) Road I
This 10-hour course is perfect as a primer for those cyclists who wish to gain a full understanding
of how to safely operate a bicycle in a variety of situations. The class includes learning how
to perform a quick, easy bicycle safety check, .x a .at, on-bike skills and practice, interactive
discussion, and a student manual. Students will gain confidence knowing that they are
riding legally and safely. Crash avoidance techniques and crash types will be discussed.
Recommended for adults and children above 14. This Course is a pre-requisite to Road II.
The GABA Tucson Board has generously agreed to pay the costs of the Course for GABATucson
members, except for $5, which the member will pay.
Dates:
A. September 16 (6:30 to 9:30 pm, in Room 4 at the Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S
Alvernon) & September 18 (7:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Himmel Park parking lot by the Tennis
courts, 1st Street, 1 block east of Tucson Blvd.)
B. October 21 (6:30 to 9:30 pm, in Room 4 at the Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S
Alvernon) & October 23 (7:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Himmel Park parking lot by the Tennis
courts, 1st Street, 1 block east of Tucson Blvd.)
C. December 2 (6:30 to 9:30 pm, in Room 4 at the Randolph Recreation Center, 200 S
Alvernon) & December 4 (7:00 am to 2:00 pm, in the Himmel Park parking lot by the Tennis
courts, 1st Street, 1 block east of Tucson Blvd.)
2. Training & Fitness - AKA Road II
For more advanced students who have an understanding of vehicular cycling principles,
as evidenced by successful completion of Road I, this 12-hour course includes fitness and
physiology, training for longer rides, advanced mechanics, paceline skills, advanced traffic
negotiation, foul weather riding and night riding. Student manuals included. To be taught in
January (Dates and locations TBA)
3. Getting to work safely & cheaply - AKA Commuting
This class is for adult cyclists who have recently started, or who are thinking about, commuting
to work or school by bike. This three-hour follow-up to Road I covers topics including route
selection, bicycle choice, dealing with cargo and clothing, bike parking, lighting, reflectorization,
and foul weather riding such as extreme heat, cold and rain. Included with the class are
handouts and student materials. To be taught in February (Dates and locations TBA)
4. WOW – My kid’s first bike! – AKA Kids I
This course is designed for GABA members who are parents. Instructors will help parents
understand how to teach a child to ride a bike safely and legally. Parents will learn how to
perform a bicycle safety check, helmet fitting and bike sizing. Includes the 10-minute ‘Kids
Eye View’ video and a brochure for parents. To be taught in January (Dates and locations
TBA)
5. Let’s Cruise, AKA Kids II
This 7-hour class for 5th and 6th graders covers essentially the same topics as Road I,
including on-bike skills, and choosing safe routes for riding to school, the park, a friend’s
house, or a short ride with friends. To be taught in February/March (Dates and locations
TBA)
Contact me, Dick Schaffer, at bikeschaf@aol.com, (326-4807), Rich Corbett at
kc7ovm@dakotacom.net
, (623-0017). Donna Aversa at DMAversa@aol.com, (742-9824), orHenry Hsieh at hhsieh@email.arizona.edu, (370-3195) for more information.
These classes will be held with classroom (for all except the Kids II course) and riding times
split between a Thursday evening, and a weekend day, and for the commuting course, one on-bike
evening to test lights. Watch the September Update for additional information, including
the low costs for GABA members, of how to become a happy, confident, and fit rider, whether
you are riding to Vail, to work, school or up Mt. Lemmon.
Must
maintain the highest standards. Three years experience on bicycle
assembly and repairs (minimum) are required. Contact Green Valley Bike and
Hike, send resume to gvbikehike@hotmail.com. No phone calls please.
