(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders
1/9/05 (Sun) Casa Grande Century Phx Metro Club Jane Larson
1/23/05 (Sun) Senior Olympics Parks & Rec-Tucson
2/13/05 (Sun) Picacho Peak Century GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette
2/13/05 (Sun) Laveen Country Challenge
3/5/05 (Sat) Le Grande Tour Parks & Rec
Monday, January 3 at 7 PM
Join us for an interesting
presentation by Jan Murphy,
Certified Personal Trainer
and GABA Sponsor.
Her topic will be Cycling and Fitness,
with emphasis on recovering
from the year end “parties”
and establishing
a good training program
for the new cycling season.
Everybody is welcome!
Monday, February 7 at 7 PM
Tonight, we have the pleasure of welcoming Matt Zoll, long time GABA member and Pima County Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Manager.
Matt will share slides and stories of his adventures while cycling in Korea and Japan.
He will also touch on important Tucson bike policies.
Everybody is welcome!
Club centuries are the highlight of many endurance riders' seasons: the fun of a day on the bike with friends and the challenge of riding 100 miles. And, at least for the day, an unrestricted diet!
The Year-Rounder is for century riders looking for a new challenge: consistent performance throughout the year! Can you ride a century (or longer) every month of the year? You can maintain your fitness and have more fun cycling.
The Year-Rounder is a division of the UMCA Mileage Challenge. All you need to do is sign up for the Mileage Challenge, and submit your centuries - we'll do the rest. Centuries can be either Organized centuries or Personal rides that you design yourself (explained below).
Mileage Challenge participants receive:
- an e-book Century Tips on training, nutrition, equipment and technique;
- an e-newsletter, sharing tips and stats;
- a bi-monthly Year Rounder column by Crista Borras and Chuck Wood, who ride centuries every weekend;
- a section at www.ultracycling.com devoted to the best century stories sent in by riders;
- a rider with at least 1,000 miles in the Mileage Challenge gets a discount on Accelerade and EnduroxR4.
If you reach the goal, we'll award you a Year-Rounder medal.
Although the goal is a century a month, it might be too snowy or icy some months; so we'll allow two make-up rides. For example, if you get snowed out in January, just do two centuries in February. For routing reasons, some centuries are just under 100 miles. In the Mileage Challenge a Century is a ride of 90 - 149 miles.
To get started, go to:
http://www.ultracycling.com/about/join.html
Join the UMCA, add 10 bucks for the Year-Rounder, put on your wool jersey, head out the door, and we'll do the rest.
You don't have to ride alone - UMCA members lead HUB rides in many parts of the country. These are low-key rides - no t-shirts, no catered rest stops - just friends out for a day on the bike. More information at: http://www.ultracycling.com/events/hubdirectory.html
The Year-Rounder honors Larry Schwartz, who won the UMCA Mileage Challenge in 2001, was 2nd in 2002, and was leading in 2003 when he was struck and killed by a school bus. For a profile of Schwartz go to: http://www.ultracycling.com/about/hof_schwartz.html
Rules Summary:
An "Organized" century is a ride with: a name, designated start/finish location and starting time(s), route plan, organizer, and advance publication of the ride or ride series in club newsletters, etc.
A "Personal" century is a personally designed ride. For credit, you must complete at least 90 miles in a 12-hour period including off the bike time (and maintain an 8.33 mph average after that). Personal centuries provide century-length riding opportunities for riders in seasons or locales where Organized centuries are sparse.
Any Mileage Challenge ride counts in the Year-Rounder: brevets, double centuries and ultra events.
We like to keep the holidays free for time with the family, so the Mileage Challenge and Year-Rounder will end on December 21, 2005.
For complete rules and ride documentation form, go to:
http://www.ultracycling.com/standings/umcrules.html
The Year-Rounder is a program of the UltraMarathon Cycling Association, Inc., www.ultracycling.com or umcahq@aol.com or
PO Box 18028, Boulder, CO 80308-1028.
(303) 545-9566; fax (303) 545-9619.
By Donna Lewandowski
Pima County Safe Routes to Schools Coordinator
It sounds like something that should be a given in our society – kids should be able to get to and from school safely. Yet increasingly, parents perceive that it is too dangerous for their children to walk and bike to school, be it from stranger danger, traffic or even the congested conditions at the school drop-off zone. Unfortunately, this results in the situation we see so often today – one parent driving one child to and from school each day.
While this may take care of the stranger danger issue, ironically it contributes to the other two issues: it increases traffic and contributes to the chaos that characterizes most drop-off zones. It also deprives children of the exercise, responsibility, sense of independence and fun that comes with being entrusted with that morning commute.
Fortunately, help is on the way in the form of the Pima County-Tucson Safe Routes to School Program. The project is an exciting one for the region, allowing for a unique opportunity to forge a strong partnership between the Pima County and Tucson Departments of Transportation, school districts, school principals and teachers, Parent-Teacher Association, parents, children, law enforcement personnel, and planners with experience in Safe Routes projects.
Funded by a Federal Transportation Enhancement grant with additional monies from both the county and city, this is a two-year pilot project in
seven local elementary schools to establish a community-based program to improve conditions for children to walk and bike to school. The project will improve children’s safety and access to schools by developing route maps, bike/pedestrian safety projects, training programs for teachers, enhanced enforcement measures, and safety, educational and promotional materials.
The project includes an enhanced pedestrian education class for 2nd grade students and a bike safety class for 4th grade students. It will also include construction of several near-term improvement projects and identification of larger, long-term improvement projects.
The Safe Routes to Schools Program is planned to kick-off officially in spring of 2005. It will be modeled after a successful program in Marin County, California, where they had a dramatic increase in school trips by walking (64%), biking (114%) and carpooling (91%). Similar programs in the UK have resulted in a 70% reduction in child pedestrian injuries and 28% reduction in child bicycling injuries.
While the seven pilot schools have already been chosen, the good news is that this program can be implemented in any school that wants to make walking and cycling to school safer for its students.
For information on how to bring this program to your school, contact: Donna Lewandowski at Donna.Lewandowski@dot.pima.gov or (520) 740-6941. (Reprinted from Walkin’ & Rollin’, Pima Co. Dept. of Transportation News for Pedestrian Cyclists, Dec. 04/Jan. 05 issue)
By Susan Plonsky
Phoenix, Feb. 2004. I went to bicycle racing camp this year in Phoenix to get faster, but I got something even better – I got to live like Lance! I’m not Lance, you say? Heck, I’m not even a bicycle racer - just a long distance cyclist who’s tired of finishing long after dark.
That’s how it came to be that I took off my aerobars, lights, and bags and headed for bike camp. For the first time in a year, I’m without a Camelback and hand pump and it feels like I’m biking naked. Bike camp is headquartered at the Days Inn in Deer Valley. It doesn’t look like any summer camp I went to as a kid, but I suppose we’re not going to be canoeing or tying knots either.
Out on the road and heading for Lake Pleasant, we’re in a double paceline rotating clockwise. Lucky for me, the other riders are still warming up and just noodling. I, on the other hand, am in and out of my threshold zone. Riding in a pack feels so natural that I must have been a herd animal in a previous lifetime. The whirl of gears and tire noise begins to sound like pounding hoofs on the Great Plains. Coach Don is at the front and Coach Jeb is at the back. Each time I rotate up on this human carousel, Coach Jeb says to me, “Bigger gear!” He has to say it three times before I get tired of hearing it and switch gears.
The coaches are talking to each other over two-way radios and to the mechanic in the team car. I love the sound of those words as it rolls off my tongue – “teeeam caaar”.
Long distance riders like myself pride themselves on self-reliance and eschew any kind of support vehicle. They would rather rummage through roadside garbage for discarded cardboard to fix a hole in the tire than call it quits. A flat tire at bike camp means the mechanic whips off my flatted wheel and replaces it with another. We’re off in less than 2 minutes!
I hang with the peloton as long as I can. During interval training to Bartlett Lake, we separate and all riders get their fill of lactic acid. The “teeeam caaar” sags me forward and the peloton hammers on.
Back at base camp, the fantasy continues. The mechanic cleans and adjusts my bike while I get a massage. I’m ready for an afternoon of time- trialing, cornering, and bumping drills. Still more useless skills for a long distance cyclist?
Au contraire, as they say at Paris-Brest-Paris! When other riders are too fast for me, I end up riding alone for long stretches at a time, like an individual time trial. Good form in the corners gives you more traction and hence a safer ride. And sometimes a rider (other riders, not me) will misjudge the distance and touch the wheel of the bike in front of them. Bumping drills can help you get out of a tricky situation without falling.
Did bike camp make me any faster? Time will tell. In the meantime, I’m living strong.
Tucson, February 2005. Déjà vu. We get to do the whole thing over again – this time in Tucson in Feb. 2005. Interested? See http: //www.peakscoachinggroup.com/camps/cycling_camps_arizona.html.
for the Month of December
NEW:
Nancy/Charlie Chaffee; Frank/Joanne Destefano; Bob Turnbull; Arica/Sam Ryersbach;Jackie Dawson; Justin Springstun; Vickee/Joe Lopez; Roger Tillman; Larry Bieberstein; Anne Herbst; Yadira Peralta; Mark Mecikalski; Frank Ayon; Felipe Coronado; Joe Salza; Paul Jeter; Rafael Moreno; Alfonso Cardenas;Tracy Richardson; Leonard/Diane Kenshaw/Wagner; Frankie Tedsco; Sheryl Norris; Michael/Monica Eng; Chris Kmotorka; Bryon Whiteaker; Richard Hogan; Stacy Hall; John Mooney; Tom O'Neil; Bruce Tunze; Walter/Marian Rogers/Ahmias; Nancy Walter; Diane Foray; John Thames; John Poels; Therence Decorge; Steve Davenport; Nick/Cathy Baldwin;Reg Dowdall; Dave Burnett; Valorie Michael; Ryan Kirwan; Kate/Dave Hanson; Shelly Rush; Phil/Christie Norman; James Brooje; Randy Lane; Pat/Harry Moran/Watson; Mike/Sharon Adams; Steve/Pam Grier; Denis/Anne Carroll.
RENEWALS:
Jim Buschur; Lonnie Davis; Marlene Knutson; Rupert Laumann; Tony McKeever; Bill Preucel; Marvin Slepian; William Burton; Mark Campbell; Michael Dimaria; Edward Kacura; Scott Smith; Richard Teynolds; David Tiers; Matthew Trillo; Dick Walker; Russ/Kay Weed; Myles Zimmerman; Jeff Horwitz; Jim Chapman; Mark Lannini; Scott Lockaby; Amelita Kelm; Sharon/Ron Kotecki; Greg Walker; Kari/Mike Angeley; Scott Galaher; William Ward; Chuck Pinney; Adrian Hill; James Belitsos; Gordon Darby; Scott Desposafo; Leonard Fieber; John Harrison; Ben/Doris Isaacman; Brande Kitznerger; Jim Lumpkin; Hector Melendez; Rick Olafson; Steven Shope; Fred Sparks; Claudia Weaver; Kurt Wineinger; Jack/Dorothy Beiler; Karin/Rodger Bivens; Dennis/Kathie Krueger; Randy/Lee Ann Hamilton; Richard/Alice Barker.
By Rudy & Kay Van Renterghem
In the spring of 2004 we achieved a real milestone: 200,000 miles as a tandem team . . . and, yes . . we are still happily married! To put that number into perspective, it’s the equivalent of having circled the globe, at the equator, 8 times. Whew! Are we tired? No, but we are retired now!
Being careful record keepers, here are some of the highlights and statistics of just over 29 years of pedaling as a duo
First Attempt . . .at tandeming was a test ride on November 23, 1974 in Detroit on a new French Follis 2-seater and it was a bit of a scary experience for both of us. But that first test spin sent the gears in Rudy’s head a-turning. We had been riding single bikes and had done quite a few centuries together and with our 3 sons. But something was just not quite right; we’d start off together, meet at lunch, and again at the finish. A tandem presented a possible solution to this dilemma for Kay and Rudy. Our20th wedding anniversary was around the corner, January 29, 1975. Why not surprise Kay with a new tandem, for the two of us?
Follis
Her reaction: “What are you trying to do, kill us?” Oops!!! But, Kay also saw the possibility of us actually riding together on club rides, rallies and even centuries. L-o-n-g bikes were a scarcity back in ’75 and there was no one to turn to for advice; even dealers had no tandeming experience!
That shiny silver-blue Follis was a true 10-speed. It was a 23 x 21-inch male/mixte frame with twin laterals and yes, it was a bit large for us, but . . . it was the only size available! It had a Nervar steel double crankset, two centerpull brakes plus an Atom rear drum brake, a 5-speed freewheel and toeclips . . . the very latest!
Winter in Michigan is not conducive to a lot of pedaling; but within 3 months we were really getting our act together. Soon we learned that proper communication between the riders enhanced the tandem experience. The stoker no longer sat petrified on the back seat with a death grip on the handlebars, wondering what the pilot was going to do next. Even our 3 sons were enthused over the new addition to our stable of 2-wheelers. Mother’s Day weekend in the midwest is noted for that big bike ride in Ohio: TOSRV, acronym for the Tour of the Scioto River Valley, a 210-mile two-day pedal from Columbus to Portsmouth, up by the Kentucky border . . . and back . . . with thousands of participants.
Son Kevin, a 17-year-old budding bike racer and mechanic, volunteered to ride the event with dad. We decided that at every food stop we would refuel and swap positions on the tandem. Pilot would dictate pace/speed . . . so every 25 miles the swap took place. Well, dad‘s a big gear pusher while the young racer was a spinner. Oh my!
That Follis had developed a couple nasty habits, the worst of which was a rather steady diet of broken spokes. So in our toolkit we secured a dozen spares . . . just in case. We had to replace ‘only’ six spokes during the ride and we got quite adept at this process. Actual riding time that first day was 5 hours and 35 minutes; on day two, we shaved off another 15 minutes . . . an impressive average of 19+ mph. Not bad for a couple novice tandemers on a back-2-back century!
Barely a month later, Kay and Rudy did a 2-day 140-mile tandem toot into Canada . . . and a new malady struck the two of us . . . tandemitis! That Follis had cost us the then princely sum of $324.46 and taught us some valuable lessons about riding TWOgether. We learned what we did and did not like about this tandem and what we would change on the next tandem. The next tandem???
Assenmacher
After a year of riding that French twicer, we felt we could design a better mousetrap. Asides from a few imported bikes, the only American-produced geared tandems were Schwinn Paramount and a new outfit we had only heard about in California, called Santana.
But fate stepped in, and we met Matt Assenmacher, of Mt. Pleasant, MI. He had just opened a one-man shop specializing in custom bicycles. Matt was a very amicable young fellow; he had spent time in England as an apprentice with renowned frame builder Bob Jackson, plus he had actually built a couple of twicers. We presented Matt with our ideas and plans for our ultimate bicycle-built-for-two. We wanted a light, fast, maneuverable and very short wheelbase machine. We are a couple of lightweights and of small stature, Rudy at 5’7” and Kay a bit under the 5’ mark. We wanted a frame and fork built from Reynolds 531 DB single bike racing tubing - - - lugged and silver brazed in a male/ladyback configuration, with reinforced twin laterals.
We did not mind toeclip overlap and wanted a slightly bent rear seat tube; plus very short chain stays to keep the wheelbase down to 60 and 1/4 inches. With such short stays we realized that if we wanted to remove the back wheel we would have to deflate the tire . . but this was our dream machine. We tried to use as many American components as possible, but choices were limited. We selected Phil Wood, a new and novel California concern, to supply us with sealed hubs, bottom brackets and those nifty platform pedals. Hi-E Engineering furnished us with some items, Weyless supplied seatposts, Coolgear the pilot’s saddle plus made-in-the-USA brake pads, Alas, the rest would have to be imported.
The French supplied the triple TA crankset, Super Champion rims, and Mafac cantilever brakes, while the Japanese were represented by Suntour, SR and some items from a new Shimano group called DuraAce. Italy provided the Campagnolo dropouts, TTT stem and toe straps; from Germany: Berg-Union double butted spokes plus the Brits supplied the stoker’s B-72 Brooks saddle. Truly an international mix! ‘Experts’ had advised us that tandems had to have 48-spoke wheels and three brakes. We instead opted for 36 spokes front and rear and dual cantilevers with Scott/Matthauser brake pads.
We also decided to set up our Assenmacher with the pedals 90 degrees out-of-phase (OOP), thus always giving us a power stroke and easier/better hill climbing power without needing to stand; we liked it, and still continue to ride that way. Lightweight geared tandems, in the mid-70s, weighed in at 45+ pounds. Our custom Assenmacher tipped the scales at a near-anorexic . . . 34 pounds!
In September 1984, we celebrated when our twicer hit the 50,000-mile mark. Pundits had warned us, back in 1976, that such a light frame would soon break. They were partially correct: the frame did break at 51,624 miles and again at 56,000 miles. We had the tubes replaced and pedaled on . . . retired that bike with 64,000 miles on the odometer! We certainly got our moneys worth out of our Assenmacher tandem! By that time, we had moved from Michigan’s cold clime to a sunnier southwest location: Tucson. We also decided to go back to the drawing board and come up with another design.
Colin Laing
We met Colin Laing, a worldwide known custom frame builder. He was an English expatriate, who apprenticed under the Taylor brothers of Jack Taylor tandem fame, now practicing his craft in the ‘Old Pueblo.’ Colin was another meticulous builder who listens to his clients and then implements their ideas. At stoker’s request we made some changes: no toeclip overlap, no bent rear seat tube and no super short chain stays; plus - - - a bit more space in the stoker compartment, which stretched our wheel base to 63 1/2 inches. Remember, if you want your stoker to ride more, heed her input!
Again we specified Reynolds 531 DB racing tubing and chose a larger diameter down tube plus a Reynolds 531 fork. We also requested a mono type seat stay with a fillet to stiffen up the stoker compartment. For a classic look we wanted part of the fork and the full rear triangle chromed and opted for silver brazing and Prugnat lugs. Laing, had a suggestion: “With mixed size tubing I’ll have to handmake some of those lugs myself and would you mind if I get a bit fancy?” No argument from us, Colin.
What resulted was a combination of art and craftsmanship. The intricate lugging took him 40 hours to hand-fashion and even featured his initials in the head tube. Oh, he also chrome-plated the lugs, and that really complimented the lavender-to-orchid fade paint scheme. That tandem also featured all internal cable runs, a hidden U-brake under the chain stays, spare spoke carrier under the boob tube, rack and bottle mounts, a custom adjustable stoker stem with a tiny braze-on for . . . our mini garage door opener!
Components were top-shelf. The finished product exceeded our expectations. We rode it for 56,000+ miles. Again, ‘tandemitis’ struck! Why upgrade the now older components when we could go all the way?
Co-Motion
In Eugene, OR, we visited a custom frame shop we’d heard about: Co-Motion, located in an out-of-the-way garage with three guys hand-building some magnificent looking tandems and singles. A year later, we approached Co-Motion with our plans for a custom twicer. Again we wanted a short 63 ½ inch wheelbase male-ladyback design but this time we chose the rather rare, but very light, Tange Prestige DB tubing for the frame. We repeated the mono seat stay design, but instead of using a fillet to stiffen up the rear triangle, Dwan Shepard suggested a modified tri-lateral set up. We prefer the old-world look and had the frame fillet brazed, part of the fork plus the rear triangle chromed, finished off with a lustrous jet black paint with some gold hi-lites and a colorful desert mini-mural airbrushed on the boob tube!
Components included 36H Mavic rims mated to black Phil Wood hubs, Topline triple crankset, Scott Self-Energizing cantis, Syncross titanium bottom brackets, stem and seatposts. A custom adjustable stem to keep Kay comfortable and our usual braze--ones: rear rack and 5 bottle studs, spoke carrier, chain hanger and yes, that braze-on for our mini garage door opener plus cable guides on right fork blade for the computer cable.
The finished product arrived a couple days before Christmas 1993; what a great present-for-two! It was a beauty! The glossy paint was highlighted with glistening chrome, the muted desert mural was just as Rudy had sketched it out and the fillet brazing was flawless . . one tube just melted into the next, and that Co-Motion rode as good as it looked.
Fast forward, and 9 years later, we had logged 57,000 miles on our handcrafted l-o-n-g bike. By now we were fully retired from the work-a-day world and Rudy was planning for what would be our ‘last tandem’. Kay said: “Sure, that’s what you said 10 years ago, too!”
AriZona
Fate intervened one more time! Bob Davis, of Peoria, AZ is a longtime friend, tandem enthusiast, aerospace engineer and custom bike builder. He contacted us and said he was designing/building a carbon fiber prototype tandem for him and his stoker, Cheryl. Would we be interested in test riding/evaluating it when it was ready to riole?
Bob had been building carbon fiber specialty singles for racers and time trialists. He was ready to go ‘one step beyond’ and tackle another challenge. We rode his prototype, the “Davis Double”, in early January 2003 and were duly impressed. Bob had fitted it with 26’ wheels, disc brakes front and rear, and titanium S&S couplers for E-Z travel. After much consulting and planning we presented Bob “our” version of the “Davis Double”. By now, you know the drill: short wheelbase, male/ladyback but this time with a more drastically sloping top tube with a bit smaller frame size to facilitate easier mounting for our ‘older’ limbs.
A few interesting, and novel twists were introduced into the equation. A first-ever c/f adjustable stoker stem, custom round hand rests for Kay’s EC90 bars and carbon fiber lugs with cutout windows for that retro/classic look. Oh yes, and a carbon rack mounted to the rear V-brake studs! Bob also designed a c/f rear dropout with titanium insert and utilized a modified Bushnell light weight eccentric.
Opted for ti bottom brackets, True Temper Alpha Q CX fork (used by cyclocrossers) with studs for Avid titanium V-brakes, FSA carbon triple crankset, D/A STI and derailleurs/cassette combo. We chose 32H front and 36H rear hubs by Chris King, mated to Velocity Aerohead rims and DT Revolution spokes for a light, but strong, wheelset. Our usual assortment of braze-ons, (actually titanium glue-ons); this time: no paint, just a lustrous clearcoat over the carbon frame.
This joint effort culminated into the lightest tandem we’ve ever ridden or owned; an incredible weight of just under 26 1/2 pounds! Ready to riole with toolkit, retro pedals/toe clips, rack ‘n stuff: 30 pounds. A very light, responsive and comfortable state-of-the-art tandem. “Do you really need such a fancy two-seater?” someone queried. Although our go-fast days are now behind us, we still like to ride a quality twicer; and yes, the lighter weight keeps us moving along, albeit at a somewhat easier pace than 30 years ago.
Hits and Misses
Life is not without risks. You can go for a walk, trip and fall. You can be cooking in the kitchen and get scalded. You can go for a bike ride and crash. And if you don’t do anything at all, you’ll die anyway! So, go out and do what you like to do!
We’ve had a couple collisions with motor vehicles while out tandeming. Fortunately no broken bones or major injuries. The first serious hit was a car executing a left turn at a four way stop. A new 16-year-old driver stopped his car, looked both ways . . . and stepped on the gas knocking us to the pavement. Told police he had not seen us. No serious injuries, but $2,200 worth of damage!
Twenty some years later, a pickup truck struck us from behind. The 75-year-old driver also claimed he did not see us! This senior citizen had glaucoma and stated to police he “drove between the lines”. He also had a restricted driver’s license and no insurance! We were wearing bright orange jerseys . . . what’s not to see? Are cyclists invisible? Yes, both drivers were cited by police.
Coasting full tilt down a hill at 30+ mph our drive chain inexplicably dropped between the small cog and the rear dropout. Result: instant stop! Pilot did his paratrooper roll over the front bars, while stoker went down with the bike. The sudden stop buckled the front wheel . . . head to leg road rash and a black eye for Kay and a huge hematoma on the hip for Rudy! Three days later, with a new wheel, we were doing a 3-day 200-mile loop by the Grand Canyon.
Descending Mule Pass, just outside of Bisbee, AZ at 45 mph, stoker asked pilot to “tap the brakes” Seconds later a deer darted a scant few feet in front of us. A near thing! Moral of the story: pilot should always listen to the stoker!
We’ve experienced a few spills that, in retrospect, have their funny side. A winter tandem rally in Sebring, FL, took us on a short stretch of white sandy road, flanked by orange groves. The unpaved section was just navigable on our skinny tires . . . ‘til a tandem in front of us skidded! A quick swerve to avoid a collision dumped us into the sand. Stoker had applied lots of sunscreen - - - and the sand adhered really well - - - making her look like a sugar coated cookie!
A less pretty sight was when we encountered road construction near Superior, AZ and had to detour via a very muddy bypass. Captain lost control and we were dumped unceremoniously in the mud! All that was injured was our pride. Rudy volunteered for usual bike clean-up + laundry duty that night!
Cyclists need to ride defensively and be assertive; share the road and be courteous to drivers . . .they’re bigger than us! Wear bright colors to be visible. Make eye contact with drivers, adhere to the rules of the road and use proper hand signals. “Cyclists should be seen, but not hurt!”
Rides/Events
We have finished over 100 centuries TWOgether; participated in countless rallies, club and charity rides; and do daily tandem toots as a duo. We’ve cycled at the first Midwest Tandem Rally in 1976 in Kokomo, IN; Tandem Canada 1987 in Guelph; the Canadian Mile Eater, a neat back-2-back century. We’ve also enjoyed an ‘alphabet soup’ of bicycle and tandem rallies all over the US, from Maine to California and Minnesota to Louisiana. We’ve ridden several multi-day tours carrying a credit card and 22 lbs. of gear to a SAG-supported B&B tandems-only event in rural Indiana.
In Arizona we’ve cycled the 500+ mile five-day Grand Canyon to Mexico tour several times, as well as El Tour de Tucson and the Tour of the Tucson Mountains, one of our favorites. Our toughest ride was the Arizona Answer to the Challenge; a 3-day, 325-mile loop with 23,000 feet of climbing, finishing in Phoenix at a mere 104 degrees! Stoker decided she did not want a repeat!
Our highest mileage year occurred in 1986 when we pedaled as a team for 13,113 miles. Then, we decided to cut our riding down to a more manageable 10,000 miles; after all, we were grandparents now! Later as we aged a bit more and some health problems surfaced, we cut our riding from 6 days a week to 5; our yearly mileage declined a bit more.
Newcomers to the tandem scene often ask: “How fast can you go on a tandem?” Our reply: “As fast as your nerves allow!” We have descended/coasted several times at 50+ mph. Now, at ages 71 and 69, those hi-speeds are history for us! Our advice: descend and ride at a speed that is comfortable for both the stoker and the captain.
In Conclusion . . .
Tandeming became an integral part of our lives; we’ve written on the subject, held workshops and taught the intricacies of the sport to others. It has brought us even closer together as a couple; taught us to rely on each other and to work as a team. And, as a bonus, it has kept us in pretty good shape!
Prices on tandems and components have increased at least twenty-fold since 1975, but in retrospect, that is still a lot cheaper than a heart bypass! Pedal on! TWOgetherness and tandeming go hand-in-hand, but beware: tandemitis is contagious!
In 2005 we’ll be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary - lots of good years ahead of us yet! In our decades as a tandem team it was not just been about riding and places to see. It has also been about the many nice folks we’ve met and friends we’ve made. If in your travels you spot a couple of feisty and smiling seniors, pedaling out-of-phase - - - but TWOgether - - - give ‘em a wave!
By Matthew Zoll,
Pima County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager
Tremendous progress is being made in the region with pedestrian and bike projects and safety programs. Between the $20 million City of Tucson repaving projects that will also include bike lanes on several roadways, $5 million in sidewalk facilities funded through City Council, $2.5 million in Federal Transportation Enhancement projects that build pathways and shade landscaping, a Safe Routes to School program scheduled to start in the spring and a regional bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign to begin over the next year, we’re seeing great strides to improve safety and access. And this is just what’s occurring now through the end of 2005.
Do these investments make good sense, or even good “cents”? A recent survey conducted by the U. S. Department of Transportation – the most comprehensive of its kind – and other national studies show good usage and strong support for more waling and bicycling facilities as well as positive economic impacts.
The USDOT study found that nearly 80% of adult Americans take at least one walk of 5 minutes or longer during the summer months and over 27% of Americans ride a bike. This equates to over 164 million walkers and 57 million bicyclists – a substantial number of people, especially considering the general lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities nationwide. The survey only looked at adults age 16 and over, so of course there are several million more children walking and bicycling as well.
Many more persons would likely walk and bicycle if safer facilities were built and better safety programs were in place. Nearly 75% of survey respondents, including persons who indicated they infrequently walked or bicycled, said that more pathways, lanes, bike racks, safer crosswalks, and other facilities need to be provided. Improving laws and providing more law enforcement were also cited as important. Clearly, this study found a strong national demand for better walking and cycling conditions.
Another recent study conducted by North Carolina State University found significant economic benefits of providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities,. The study found that investment in pathways used by bicyclists and pedestrians, and in bicycle lanes resulted in a 9 to 1 return on the initial cost to build the facilities.
The study only looked at tourism spending related to bicyclists using the facilities, and did not evaluate tourism spending by pedestrians, nor did it include the safety benefits to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers provided by the facilities. There are of course health benefits as well, a critical issue with nearly 65% if the U.S. population now classified as at-risk for obesity-related disease according to the U.S. Centers for disease Control.
These studies show provisions for walking and bicycling are in strong demand and provide a good return on the investment. There are many challenges, but we believe that the region is headed in the right direction to truly meet the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists.
For more information: National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, U.S.D.O.T., 2003. Visit www.walkinginfo.org
The Economic Impact of Investments in Bicycle Facilities: A Case Study of the North Carolina Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina State University, 2004. Contact: mpmeleti@unity.ncsu.edu
The new Tucson Metro Mike maps have begun arriving in local bicycle shops, libraries, and other locations, after a comprehensive update to the existing map. There are several changes from previous editions of the map.
Bicycle related projects that are under construction or scheduled for construction in the next year are shown as dotted lines.
This will let the public know about newly improved roadways and pathways as well as helping steer you clear of construction zones along your route. The project information was being updated right up to the time of printing, in early November.
As with previous maps, a color coded legend gives information on bike lanes and speed limits to help you better plan your trips. You can avoid streets that are too busy for your preferences and try out newly completed local street bike routes or off-street pathways.
The map was enlarged so that a selection of State, county and City bicycle laws could be included as illustrated diagrams. The complete text of all the laws applying to cyclists is included on the map as well. Bicycle safety tips from our regional Share the Road pocket guide are included tool
The bike map was produced by the Pima County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, with mapping and illustration provided by the Pima county Graphic Services Dept. Local jurisdictions all the way from Oro Valley to the Tohono O’Odham Nation contributed to the map.
The Pima Association of governments will be providing an on-line version of the map which can be updated more frequently than the printed version. You can view the latest version of the bike map at www.pagnet,org
The map is scheduled to be updated frequently to keep up with changes to the local roadways. Citizens are encouraged to make suggestions for the next version of the map at 740-6747.
JANUARY 2005
Jan. 1 (Sat):” I HATE FOOTBALL” RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Join Rich for a moderate “C” ride to Saguaro Nat’l Park East, returning via Freeman Rd. Meet at Udall Park, (on Tanque Verde, just east of Sabino Canyon Rd.) east end of parking lot. Optional lunch at Eclectic Café after the ride. Ride Leader: Rich Corbett, kc7ovm@dakotacom.net or 623-0017.
Jan. 1 (Sat): TORTILLA FLATS. ABC. Ride Leader: Richard Utterback. www.azbikeclub.com
Jan. 9 (Sun): CASA GRANDE CENTURY. GABA-Phoenix. Options: 62, 85 & 108 miles. Flat course. Ride starts in Chandler and goes to the town of Casa Grande for lunch in the park. Ride Organizer: Jane Larson, JLreports@aol.com or 480-947-8093.
Jan. 23 ( Sun): SENIOR OLYMPICS. Tucson Parks & Rec. At Heritage Highlands, Tangerine & Dove Mountain. Participants ranging in age from 50 and above. Cycling events include a 1-mile time trial, 5K-time trial, 10K-road race, and 20K-road race. Volunteers needed! For info, Jesus Grijalva, www.tucsonseniorgames.org or 791-4870.
FEBRUARY 2005
Feb. 13 (Sun): PICACHO CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. (Date Changed from Feb. 6.) 100, 65, 35 & 15 miles. Flat course north of Tucson with meandering in Avra Valley. Turn-around point at Picacho Peak. Ride Organizer:Suzanne Couvrette, sgcouvrette@aol.com or (520)891-4661.
Feb. 13 (Sun): LAVEEN COUNTRY CHALLENGE. Starts and ends at Laveen Elementary School, 51st Ave & Dobbins Rd. in Laveen AZ. For more info, check their website at: www.lensenet.com
Feb. 18-21: TANDEM RALLY IN THE VALLEY. ABC. Dick Booton. www.azbikeclub.com
Feb. 19: 24 HOURS IN THE OLD PUEBLO. For more info, contact Todd Sadow at www.epicrides.com
Feb. ? : TOUR DE CURE. Benefits the Tucson Diabetes Foundation. http://tourdecureaz.org
Feb. ?: AZ SENIOR OLYMPICS, PHOENIX. State Competitions. 602-261-8765.
MARCH 2005
Mar. 4-5-6: -TUCSON BICYCLE CLASSIC STAGE RACE. Steve Bohn, snsbohn@cox.net or www.casaschurch.org/tbc/
Mar. 5 (Sat): LE GRANDE TOUR XVIII (in Casa Grande). AZ Parks & Rec. 1-800-335-PARK or www.azpra.org
Mar. 5-6: GILA VALLEY TOUR. ABC. Dennis McCleod, Heather Goebel. www.azbikeclub.com
Mar. 12 (Sat): MINING COUNTRY CENTURY. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com
March 13 (Sun): COOLIDGE CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
March 13 (Sun): AROUND THE TANKS. GABA West Valley. BetTur@qwest.net
Mar. 19 (Sun): TOUR DE CURE. (Phx). Am Diabetes Assoc. www.diabetes.org
Mar. ? :AROUND THE WHITE TANKS. GABA-West Valley. www.sportsfun.com
March 26 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. Again on 4th Avenue from 8 AM to 1 PM! The Best Bike Swap in the West! Thousands of buyers! Hundreds of sellers! Free for all vendors & buyers! Organizer: Greg Yares, 323-9020, or yares@cox.net In conjunction with City of Tucson Clean Air Fair Events.
Mar. ?: GREAT AZ BIKE RIDE. AZ Charitable Endowments, Inc. (Fund Raiser for Maricopa Co. Safe Kids Coalition.)
APRIL 2005
April 2 (Sat): EL TOUR DE PHOENIX XV. PBAA. www.pbaa.com
April 9 (Sat): DESERT CLASSIC. ABC. Leader: Richard Utterback. www.azbikeclub.com
April 16 (Sat): BIKE SWAP. Phoenix Municipal Stadium. CAzB. www.cazbike.com
April 16 (Sat): RIDE FOR SIGHT. Phoenix Lions Club. To/from Phx Muni Stadium. www.phoenixlionsclub.com/
April 16 & 17: SONOITA-BISBEE BIKE TOUR. GABA-Tucson. Suzanne Couvrette, sgcouvrette@aol.com
Apr. 20 (Wed): PHOENIX MAYOR BIKE-TO-WORK DAY.
Apr. 24 (Sun): BIKE TO BALL PARK. Fora Baseball Game. In conjunction with VALLEY BIKE WEEK, Phx.
Apr. 24 (Sun): TTM XIX - TOUR OF THE TUCSON MOUNTAINS. PBAA. www.pbaa.com
Apr. 29-30 & May 1: ANSWER TO THE CHALLENGE. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com/gaba
MAY 2005
May ?: TOUR OF PAYSON. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com/gaba
May 14 & 15: SALT RIVER CANYON TOUR. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
May 14 (Sat): WHISKEY OFF-ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE. Prescott. Todd Sadow, epicrides.com
May 28-30: LUNA LAKE BIKE TOUR. GABA-Tucson. www. bikegaba,org
JUNE 2005
June ?: MT HOPKINS HILLCLIMB MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Tom Ward. www.bikegaba.org
June 11 & 12: GRAND CANYON TOUR. ABC – Richard Utterback. www.azbikeclub.com
JULY 2005
July 4th (Mon): TOUR FOR TUCSON’S CHILDREN. City of Tucson Parks & Rec.
July ? : DAVE FREUND MEMORIAL WHITE MOUNTAIN TOUR. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com
July ?: TAYLOR HOUSE BENEFIT CENTURY. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff. www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
AUGUST 2005
Aug. ?: FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff. www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
SEPTEMBER 2005
Sept. 3-5: THE BLUE LOOP. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Sept. ?: GILA INNER LOOP. In Silver City, New Mexico. twinsisters@gilanet.com
Sept. 18 or 25 (Sun): OPENING DAY OF “EL TOUR” TRAINING RIDES. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Sept. ? (Sat): 10th ANNUAL BENEFIT TOUR OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. Benefits the Navapache Regional Medical Center Foundation. Ride near Pinetop, for mountain bikes only. Cynthia, cclements@nrmc.org
OCTOBER 2005
Oct. 1-8: GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE. 25th Annual. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Oct.1 (Sat): COCHISE COUNTY CLASSIC XVII. PBAA. www.pbaa.com
Oct. ? : MEMORIAL RIDE FOR SAFETY. PMBC for CAzB. www.sportsfun.com
Oct. 9 (Sun): HEART OF ARIZONA CENTURY. GABA-West Valley, Bullshifters, & ABC. www.sportsfun.com
Oct.15 & 16: CAVE CREEK OVERNIGHT RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Mike Thompson. www.bikegaba.org
Oct. 23 (Sun): GENE CHAPMAN MEMORIAL TUMACACORI CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. Judy & Bob Bolt. www.bikegaba.org
Oct. ?: SOUL RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE in Oracle. Todd Sadow, www.epicrides.com
Oct. ?: TOUR DE FARM. Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association. www.tourdefarm.com
Oct 30 (Sun) : PALO VERDE NUCLEAR CENTURY. GABA-West Valley. www.sportsfun.com
NOVEMBER 2005
Nov. 5 (Sat): McDOWELL CENTURY. ABC. www.azbikeclub.com
Nov. 6 (Sun): TOM MIX CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Nov. 5 & 6: MS 150. Multiple Sclerosis Society. http:// ms150.dsw.nmss.org
Nov. 12 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. GABA-Tucson. Greg Yares. www.bikegaba.org
Nov. 19 (Sat): EL TOUR DE TUCSON XXIII. PBAA. www.pbaa.com
DECEMBER 2005
Dec. 4 (Sun): TUMACACORI FESTIVAL RIDE. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.com
Dec. 5 (Mon): GABA-Tucson ANNUAL HOLIDAY POTLUCK. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Dec. 10 (Sat): TOYS FOR TOTS BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Dec. 31 (Sat): FIESTA BOWL PARADE. In Phoenix. - Bike Security. rcmoeur@aol.com
Proposed Programs for 2005
(Possible changes; check monthly articles for details.)
February: Cycling the World: Korea & Japan Cycling Adventures. Matt Zoll.
March: Cycling the U.S.: East Coast Tour. Donna Lewandowski.
April: Cycling Europe: France. Susan Kifer and Dick Hall.
Alphabetical listing of current
GABA-Tucson's sponsors as of 1/1/05.
Ajo Bikes 294-1434
Bicycles West 887-7770
Broadway Bicycles 296-7819
Fair Wheel Bicycles 884-9018
Green Valley Bike & Hike 393-7433
Irish, Peter 625-3930
New Body Studios 360-5912
Oro Valley Bicycle- 544-5999
2 locations 825-2751
Performance Bicycle 296-4715
Pima Street Bicycle 326-4044
R & R Bicycle 579-7829
Sabino Cycles 885-3666
Stevens, Andy, LMT 990-1459
Supergo Bike Shops 327-3232
TriSports.com 884-8743
Tucson Bicycles 577-7374
Wenberg, Susan, DC 326-1322
Yares, Greg, Realtor 323-9020
Bike Travel Cases May Be Borrowed by Members!
GABA has purchased two hard-shell bike travel cases that members may borrow. The procedure for borrowing a case is as follows:
1. Travel cases are available to GABA members on a first come basis.
2. A $150 deposit per case is required. Deposit will be returned to borrower when the case(s) is returned in usable condition.
3. Travel case(s) is to be returned to GABA within 3 days of borrower's return to town.
4. Individual borrowing the case(s) is responsible for pick-up and return of the travel case to the designated location.
Contact Peggy Jacobsen at 694-4742 or pjtucson@earthlink.net to arrange for rental of a bike travel case.
Sunday, January 9, 2005
By Jane Larson,
Ride Organizer
The terrain is flat with low traffic, and if history repeats itself, the weather will be a sunny 70 degree! What more could you want?
Two sag stops with water, fruit & snacks; a hot BBQ lunch at the turnaround point, Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande; a route map, commemorative socks and a raffle ticket for bike-related prizes. Join 200-plus cycling friends for PMBC's biggest ride of the year!
OPTIONS:
62 mi, metric century, out-and-back w/ slight hill.;
85 mi, loop w/ slight hill.;
108 mi, century plus, flat out-and-back.
START: Safeway: 4970 S. Alma School Rd, Chandler, Alma School Rd & Chandler Heights Rd, NW corner. (Chandler Heights Road is between Queen Creek & Riggs Roads.) Please park at lot edges, so we don't block Safeway customers.
DIRECTIONS: From Tucson take I-10 to Riggs Rd exit, go 3 miles east to Alma School Rd, then 1 mile north to Chandler Heights Rd.
REGISTRATION:8:30-9:30 AM. No mass start: leave after registering.
SUPPORT: Vehicles will be available to collect those suffering from physical, mechanical or mental breakdowns.
QUESTIONS: Leader Jane Larson at JLreports@aol.com or call (602) 319-2238. Registration forms available at www.sportsfun.com/gaba.
This ride is organized by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club.
Ride Fee:
PMBC/GABA/ABC members by 12/31/04: $15
Non-members by 12/31/04: $20
PMBC/GABA/ABC members after 12/31/04: $25
Non-members after 12/31/04: $30
Note: Why not join PMBC now? Get our monthly newsletter, and this ride at member prices! Add $15 for a one-year individual membership, $20 for a one-year family membership. Make checks payable to PMBC, PO Box 26788, Tempe AZ 85285-6788. Riders must obey all Arizona traffic laws and must wear ANSI, ASTM or Snell approved helmets.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Options for 100, 65, 35 & 15 miles
By Suzanne Couvrette, Ride Organizer
With a course almost entirely flat and a variety of options, this century offers many opportunities for cyclists of different abilities. Distances offered are suitable for families and novice riders, as well as more experienced riders. This is also a good century to set a new Personal Best!
Starting at Cortaro & Silverbell this year, cyclists head north on Silverbell Rd., continuing over Shadow Pass, a short hill at the north end of the Tucson Mountains. The course follows back roads in Marana and Avra Valley before continuing north on the east frontage road to Picacho Peak, the turn-around point for all options except the 100-milers, who will continue on to turn around at the Town of Picacho, 7 miles further. The return uses the same route, in reverse.
Look for a lunch stop stocked with good sandwich makings & snacks, located near Picacho Peak. Two other sag stops along the route will furnish water, fruit & goodies, to give cyclists fuel and some time to socialize.
Most of the course has little traffic. Scenic Picacho Peak looming in the distance keeps changing shape as you get closer and closer!
Pre-registration is VERY much appreciated. Helmets and good riding practices are mandatory.
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA Members: $15
Non-Members: $20
DAY OF EVENT FEE:
GABA-Members: $25
Non-Members: $30
Why not join GABA-Tucson today? Get our monthly news-letter delivered to your door AND this ride at member prices!
Add $15 for a one-year individual membership,
$18 for a family membership,
or $10 for student members.
Sign In Location For All Options:
Cortaro & Silverbell (NE corner).
Park in the north/northwest edges of parking lot along Silverbell,
so we don’t block regular customers.
Everybody Must Sign In At This Location
And Pick Up A Course Map.
Registration Time:
Registration at Cortaro & Silverbell will be from 8 AM to 8:30 AM.
Everyone riding from Cortaro & Silverbell MUST be on the road no later than 8:30 AM.
After you sign in,
100-milers AND 65-milers will start riding from here - Cortaro & Silverbell.
Riders choosing the 35 and 15-mile options will drive to their specific starting point according to their selected option, and start riding from there when ready. You should be on the road no later than 9:30 AM.
35-milers will start riding from Marana at Sandario Rd. & I-10 Exit (Exit 236) (Park in vacant lot SOUTH of the Circle K, or ACROSS the street. Please DO NOT park right in the Circle K parking lot. We do not want to interfere with their regular business customers.
15-milers will start riding from Red Rock exit. (exit 226) Park along east frontage road near exit.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START:
FROM TUCSON, TAKE I-10 NORTH TO EXIT 246 (CORTARO RD.)
FROM PHOENIX, TAKE I-10 SOUTH TO EXIT 246 (CORTARO RD.)
For more information on this ride, contact Ride Organizer Suzanne Couvrette at sgcouvrette@aol.com or (520) 891-4661.
Want to help? Everyone needs to take a turn to help make all our GABA rides a success! Please call Suzanne if interested.
by John Arle, The Pedaling Pulitzer
Cycling is a social sport for most of us. I read that last year over 1,000,000 people took all or part of their vacation on a bicycle. I'm certain a lot of us can reflect back on "the good ol’ days" when we got our first 10 speed or, in my case, an English Racer. We were kids then, and we were nearly the only ones on bicycles. Those were the lonely days of pre-oil crisis cycling; when every serious cyclist in the US knew weeks ahead of time that network TV would be showing two minutes of Olympic cycling at 3 AM, and they stayed up to watch.
Today, all of us share a common passion for bicycles. Although some of us race, it isn't about racing. Many of us do tours, but it isn't about touring either. Its about doing something together as a family of bicyclists and spending time in a healthy and active environment. I secretly suspect that my parents hoped to focus my energy on something constructive and to keep me out of trouble. If that was the point, I didn't care. Bike trips with my friends were some of the defining moments of my life. I feel blessed by cycling and what it has brought to my life. It packed my childhood with the greatest of memories.
I recently purchased a recumbent tandem for me and my wife. For several reasons, this is the only alternative for her to join me on two wheels. We're in the early training together and spending time in empty parking lots starting, stopping, and maneuvering. Once we get out on the road, I'm certain our rides will be only 30 minutes, or so, at a very slow speed covering only a few miles. It's OK, we aren't trying to win any medals; we just want to be together doing something that's fun. It brings us together like no other activity.
So, as we all roll into another new year, stop and think about why we gather on these chilly weekend mornings. Surely the nicer part of the day is several hours away. We are the reason we come together. The camaraderie we share, the friendships we make, are why we get up early and brave the cold. It’s hearing the stories and lives of fellow cyclists. It’s a whole new world of people from every walk of life. It provides us something outside of the schools, or offices, or plants where we make our livings. In many ways, it allows us to return to those carefree days of our childhood when riding a bike with our friends defined freedom and pure joy.
GABA and Safe Routes to School
By Steve Wilson, GABA President
The Safe Routes to School program is starting to get off the ground in Tucson. GABA has had the good fortune to be involved with the program since its inception in Tucson. The real pioneer for the program in Tucson has been Aunna Elm. Aunna saw the program in England and brought back lots of great ideas and information.
GABA provided initial grant money that enabled an initial consultant’s report that outlined what should be done. GABA funds support field trips to Marin County and Davis, California and Leicester and York, England for the team in Tucson to learn more about their programs. The trip to Marin County and Davis also provided an opportunity for local traffic engineers to learn more about their best-of-class bicycling programs and infrastructure features.
Pima County’s Matt Zoll submitted a grant proposal to run a pilot program in the Tucson area. After the Safe Routes to School Transportation Enhancement grant was approved for $500,000, GABA’s own Donna Lewandowski was hired by the Pima County Department of Transportation to implement the pilot program at 7 local schools. This pilot program is in the process of getting off the ground now.
Tucson is moving to the forefront of this effort by hosting the Safe Routes to School National Training Course in 2005. It’s possible that Safe Routes to School will become a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to fight the obesity epidemic, and GABA has been proud be able to lend a hand to getting this program off the ground.
The Safe Routes to School pilot programs can always use more motivated volunteers. If you’d like to help, contact Donna Lewandowski at saferoutestuc@comcast.net
By Judy Bolt, Day Rides Coordinator
2004 is now in the distant past. As we pedal into 2005 we thought you might like to know how many GABA bicycle-miles were ridden last year.
Over 50 day-ride leaders led 243 day-rides for GABA throughout the year (not including December). The El Tour Training rides were a big success as were the several GABA special rides (Valentine’s Day, May Day, Toys for Tots, etc.). Also, the traditional Century rides – Picacho, Coolidge, Tumacacori, Tom Mix & Silverbell were all well attended.
Information gathered from day-ride waivers for the first 11 months of 2004, is shown below:
Month
| Month | # of Rides | Miles on Rides | GABA Members | Non Members | Total Miles Ridden |
| January | 28 | 962 | 113 | 52 | 6289 |
| February | 28 | 1147 | 70 | 36 | 4618 |
| March | 19 | 820 | 74 | 35 | 4783 |
| April | 21 | 933 | 75 | 33 | 5425 |
| May | 28 | 1141 | 139 | 37 | 7100 |
| June | 25 | 780 | 104 | 28 | 5059 |
| July | 14 | 544 | 56 | 8 | 3267 |
| August | 16 | 508 | 82 | 31 | 3694 |
| September | 22 | 565 | 204 | 140 | 17960 |
| October | 30 | 1349 | 318 | 222 | 39507 |
| November | 12 | 398 | 49 | 35 | 6433 |
| Totals | 243 | 9147 | 1284 | 657 | 104135 |
9,147 riders rode 104,135 miles on 243 GABA-led rides from January through November 2004. 34% were non-members who took advantage of the array of rides that GABA offers.
If you are NOT included in the above statistics, I encourage you to come out and partake in one or more of the variety of rides that GABA offers. Better still, become a GABA Ride Leader and share your love of cycling! We are grateful to each and every one of you who took the time to lead a day ride for GABA in 2004 and hope you will continue in 2005!
Saturday, March 5, 2005
Options: 100K (62 miles), 50K (31 miles) and a 10-mile Family Fun Ride.
Start & Finish: Peart Park (at City Hall), 300 W. 4th St. in downtown Casa Grande. On-site registration available from 7 AM Saturday at Peart Park.
Presented by the Arizona Parks & Rec Association (APRA), this premier bike event will once again wind its way through beautiful desert landscapes around Casa Grande, Coolidge and Eloy.
Casa Grande's small town atmosphere and clean air make the Tour a genuine "quality of life" experience for the whole family. This Tour has become very popular over the years, and 2005 participation is expected to exceed 600 riders!
Rider Amenities: Includes T-Shirt, sponsor coupons, lunch & prize drawing tickets.
Awards: Medals will be awarded to the first finishers in the 100K. Recognition ribbons will be awarded to all bike riders.
Helmets: Helmets are required for all riders.
Rider Packet: Pre-registration rider packets may be picked up at the Best Western Hotel on Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Prize Drawings: All riders will be eligible for prize drawings to be held at 12 Noon. You must be present to win!
Meal tickets: Lunch meal tickets may be purchased for non-riders. Price is $3.50 each.
New for 2005: The addition of CEP timing by PBAA Perimeter Bicycling Association of America to accurately track times in the 100K and 50K rides, and pancake breakfast for sale.
Raffle Grand Prizes: A bicycle donated by Round Trip Bike Shop will be raffled after the ride on Saturday. Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased with ride registration.
Entertainment: Entertainment will be provided at Peart Park before and after the ride. Back this year by popular demand is the Kids Corner with inflatables for the younger set and the young at heart.
Since 1988, APRA has sponsored the Le Grande Bike Tour as a fund-raising event. Proceeds from the Le Grande Bike Tour help support the APRA programs and enable the association to continue professional work in many areas. With a professional membership close to 1000, APRA is the largest individual membership association for Parks & Recreation providers in Arizona.
The Arizona Parks & Rec was established in 1950 as a non-profit professional organization. APRA's mission is to "Improve and promote the parks and recreation profession, develop and maintain professional standards, provide services and support to its members and enhance the quality of life in Arizona".
For further information, contact APRA at 800-335-7275, or visit the web site at www.azpra.org
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Volunteers Needed!
The 21st Annual Senior Olympic Festival is quickly approaching. As in the past, the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation will be hosting the cycling event at Heritage Highlands, near Tangerine & Dove Mountain, on Sunday, January 23, 2005.
Participants, ranging in age from 50 and above, will be competing in a 1-mile time trial, 5K-time trial, 10K-road race, and 20K-road race. Races are divided by age brackets in increments of 5.
You must register between Monday, January 3 and Friday, January 7. The cost is $6 per event. Check in is ½ hour before event starts.
Helmets are mandatory. Multi-gear bikes with front and rear brakes are required. Fixed-gear bikes are not permitted. Recumbent bikes which meet USCF rules are permitted. No protective shield, faring or other device on any part of the bicycle which has the effect of reducing air resistance are allowed, except those permitted by the USCF. No drafting allowed. U. S. Cycling Federation (USCF) rules apply.
Volunteers are still needed in the following areas; traffic control, start/finish attendants, participants check-in, bike holder, turn around attendants and results coordinators. Volunteers will be needed from approximately 8 AM to 3 PM. You may volunteer for just one job if you want. A few hours of your time would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering on that day, or would like more information about participating in the cycling events, please contact event coordinator Carl White, (520) 791-4011 or visit our website at www.tucsonseniorgames.org
Sunday, February 13th, 2005
Start location and Registration Time:
Registration begins at 7 AM at Laveen Elementary School, in Laveen, south west of Phoenix at 51st Ave. & Dobbins (one mile south of Baseline). Pre-Register before February 1st to save $10!
.
Three ride options:
Metric Century (62), 30 & 15 miles, all fully supported.
- Metric Century start riding at 8 AM.
- 30-mile Ride start riding at 8:30 Am.
- 15-mile Family Ride start riding at 9 AM.
Each rider will receive our famous ride shirt and will be treated to a great BBQ dinner with live entertainment at Noon. The course travels through the last vestiges of Phoenix farm land, dairies and rural country homes on paved county roads. With the backdrop of South Mountain Park and the Estrella range, it is almost a step back in time!
Registration Fee:
Before Feb. 6th:
GABA & ABC Members: $25
All others: $30
Children under 15 w/adult: $15
After Feb. 6th: registration fee for all riders is $30, except children.
This ride benefits the Laveen Lions Foundation. For more information or to register: Visit www.lensenet.com or www.active.com or call Sil Ontiveros at 602-237-2745.
By Pam Cullop
The food was delicious and bountiful! The place was packed! The music was delightful. The GABA Holiday Potluck, which was held on the first Monday of the month, December 6, was a great way to spend an evening. There were once again 3 turkeys, prepared by Tony Williamson, as well as homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, and dressing. Tony used to be a chef for a living, and knows his way around a chafing dish! Dick Schaffer and Judy Bolt each brought hams…yum, yum. Everyone brought so much food…but surprisingly, the main side dishes were pretty empty by the time I got to fill my plate. Luckily there were still plenty of salads and desserts…who needs green beans anyway?
I am estimating here, but I would suspect that we had between 90 to 100 people at this year’s potluck. What fun it is to see those who do show up, because for whatever reason, we don’t get to see you very often during the rest of the year. It always feels like a big family reunion come December!
Howard Wooten played his guitar for us while we mingled, filled our plates, ate, and again after the short GABA meeting that was held to acknowledge special achievements and people for their support to GABA. Howard was so impressed by us, that he took home a membership application so that he could join GABA, and hang around us “unpretentious folks” more often. How about that for making an impression? The feeling as mutual, Howard is a really nice guy, and makes the guitar “sing” like a dream.
I would like to especially thank those who came in early to help set up for this event, and to those who stayed to help with clean up. Those to who special thanks are directed to are: Sally Krusing, Judy Bolt, Bill Borland, Steve and Judy Graeber, Chris and Ram Salcedo, Greg Yares, Dorothy Barth, Peggy and Scott Jacobsen, and anyone else that I may have overlooked in this blanket note...Thank You Too!
I wish each of you Peace, Health, and a Simply Fabulous New Year! See you in 2005!
By Pam Cullop
Our Toys for Tots Ride, which was held last Saturday, December 11th was a roaring success…thanks in part to our volunteer ride leaders and our glorious AZ sunshine, and to over 50 eager riders who joined us for the day.You'll recall that there were two starting locations; McCormick Park for the family and shorter distance riders, and Udall Park for those wishing to get in a few extra miles and to ride a little faster paced ride.
Suzanne Couvrette and Dick Schaffer led the ride from McCormick Park, and what an interesting group it was - two tricycles (adult-type), recumbents, tandems, and singles. Most of the bikes were decked out in some sort of festive decorations, and three of the cyclists appeared to be elves…straight from Santa’s workshop! It was all very charming, and all, reportedly had a great time doing it!
Wayne and I rode our tandem and took the lead position as ride leaders (except on the hills) from Udall, with Steve Wilson and Judy Bolt leading from the rear (sweep position). Our group numbered 36 in all…a few DooDah riders, joined us, and maybe even some Cactus Cycling club members as well. Two Pueblo High School teachers each brought along two high school students to cycle the longer distance this year, and they all performed pretty darn well!
The sun was great to bask in at the snack bar area of the zoo, and many of us did just that, while visiting with one another for the better part of an hour before climbing back onto our trusty two-wheeling steeds and heading back to our respective parks. Some folks decided that while they were there, they would “do the zoo”, and would take their time about getting back home.
Everyone that I spoke with had a great time. It is a good feeling to help in some small way, with a simple thing like a toy. To come away from the ride, knowing that another child will be able to smile on Christmas morning, because we chose to participate in the Toys for Tots ride. Special Thanks to the Ride Leader Volunteers, and to those of you who joined our ride this year!
First In A Series of Five
by Richard E. Corbett, Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Over the next 5 months, I will write about key elements for being more comfortable when you cycle. Riding when it's cold, is the first of 5 articles, which will include: Feb.: How to avoid sore neck and shoulders; March: How to avoid a sore bottom; April: How to avoid hand and foot problems; and, May:-Cycling when it's hot. Learn how to enjoy your cycling more!
Riding When it is Cold
Basic Principles:
If you're just starting to cycle or perhaps have been riding uncomfortably in the cold, remember this: Cold weather requires experimentation to determine the right kind and amount of clothing. You will generate body heat as you ride - the amount depends on your level of effort. Your age, body build, and genetics all contribute to the exact level of body heat you generate, and the resultant comfort level you experience at any given time. The amount of body heat that you lose or you keep depends on how much you're wearing and what it's made of. Remember that your hands, feet, and head are your body's principal "radiators", and are the easiest ways to control comfort level.
General Rules:
- You should feel some cold discomfort at the beginning of your ride (for perhaps as long as 5 to 10 minutes). As you ride, the body heat you generate will increase, and warm you up (with some experimentation, to just the right level). If you're ‘comfortable’ to begin with, you'll be too warm after riding a short while.
-Your clothing should be in layers and "adjustable", with zippers or other openings to allow you to shed unwanted body heat, or to keep it when you're losing too much.
Fabrics:
Technology has given us some real advances in fabrics – Thermax®, and even Coolmax® work really well as they provide an insulating layer that wicks moisture away you. I still believe that nature is best in many cases - wool has all around versatility and durability. Two other warm fabrics people use are acrylic and polypropylene (most other fabrics that you will see are actually different types of polypropylene, with fancy names). Acrylic and Polypropylene are both "synthetic wools" that handle moisture as good or better than wool, but don’t have the same feel, or the type and level of warmth that wool does. Polypropylene (Thermax®, Coolmax®, and so on) is best for really active wear, when worn next to the skin, with an outer layer if needed. Polyester and cotton don't generally work well for cold, because they handle moisture (perspiration or rain) inefficiently and uncomfortably.
What to Wear:The following discussion is a general guide:
Head: Depending on how much hair you have, your helmet alone may be okay. Being follicly challenged myself, I use one of the thin synthetic Coolmax® skull caps under my helmet, year round. It 1) protects my head against sunburn, 2) keeps my head (just a little) warmer in winter, and 3) keeps it cooler in warmer weather, as it absorbs sweat and acts as an evaporative cooler of sorts. Another trick some people use is to block the front vent holes with a cover, tape, or tissues. When it gets really cold (i.e., near or below freezing), a complete helmet cover may be necessary. Covering your ears with an ear band or bandana may be needed - experiment and don't assume you need to.
Face & Neck: Most are okay down to the mid 40s; below this, a bandana around the neck, and/or used "bandit style" over your mouth and chin can work well. Near or below freezing, you may want to use a neoprene or similar type face mask or neck gaiter. Again, experiment!
Body: If your head, hands, and feet are well protected, you may find that a single layer of acrylic, wool, or heavier polypropylene will keep you warm down to about 40? F. Arm warmers with a mid to heavy weight jersey can keep you comfortable down to near or below freezing. You might need a vest over your jersey, but keep it light (weight) so you can stow it in your jersey pocket as it warms up. Many people wear bulky jackets over their jerseys and cannot put them in a jersey pocket. 2 arm warmers and a light vest can be put in your pockets a lot easier !
Hands: Unlined mittens over your bike gloves are the first level of response to cooler weather for your hands. Why mittens? They are warmer than comparable weight gloves, as they let your fingers keep each other company (and warmer). As it gets cooler, medium weight mittens over bike gloves, or over medium weight thermal gloves are best. When it gets really cold - mid 20's - heavy mittens over liner gloves, or medium mittens over medium weight gloves are best.
Legs: Do your knees ever ache? If so, cover them at higher temperatures than you have been. I use 70 degrees as the point where I cover my knees, either with knickers, or light leg warmers. Below 40? down to about 30?, heavier leg warmers, or medium weight tights worn over shorts should suffice. Below 30? F, heavy weight leg warmers worn under tights (and your shorts of course) are probably needed.
Feet: Cold toes are no fun! Below 50o F, down to about 40? F, medium weight wool or poly-wool socks with your bike shoes should work. From 40? F down to about 30? F, two pair of polypro socks, or one pair each of polypro and wool socks, with shoe covers are necessary. Below 30? F, three pair of socks (light polypro, light or medium wool, then a second pair of light polypro), plus shoe covers are needed.
Remember To Experiment! Each of us is different, physically, and in our riding style and equipment, so what works well for one may not work as well for another. Cold weather is no reason to stop cycling. You can be comfortable, and enjoy cycling with just a little effort and some (very little) special cold weather gear. In fact, you have more control over your comfort in cold weather than in hot weather!
December 8 Meeting
By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
Announcements/News:
The following announcements and news was made known at the November 10 meeting:
· Peter Sadza, spoke during the Call to the Public – he is concerned about debris in bike lanes, and bicycle parking provisions.
· Member Dick Schaffer announced, for Roy Schoonover, that construction has started on shoulder repair for the Ajo Hwy; the bike lanes have been restored at Houghton & Irvington Roads; and Oracle Road bike lanes (River to Ina) are under construction. He also mentioned that the Tour of the Tucson Mountains start will likely be moved to Marana. He also announced that Roy Schoonover was the 2004 recipient of the GABA-Tucson Michael Mossman Safety Award
· Member Rosemary Carmody brought up a bike lane problem at Tanque Verde & Camino Principal, asking that it be looked into
· Member Bill Adamson described an ad hoc Green Valley bicycle-pedestrian committee that has looked at needs from the County line north through Green Valley to the south edge of Sahuarita.
· Member Bill Katzel announced that 1) PAG will consider in January the BAC’s request for PAG to be the applicant for the Platinum 2006 Application; 2) the test case for the 28-704 issue is dead, as a deadline was missed; 3) Mayor Walkup designated Bill to attempt the longest ride, so Bill rode the 66 mile El Tour event, in 11:15; and 4) there are 20+ organizations who have formed a Silverbell [Road] Action Committee (SAC), and he thinks the BAC should be on it too (Chairman Morales will get with Roy Schoonover on this).
· Tucson Police Traffic Sergeant Tim Beam reported that felony leaving the scene of a fatal collision charges have been filed against the motorist who ran the red light at Grant & Columbus, striking and killing a cyclist on October 17. He also reported 22 bicyclist crashes in November, about 50-50 as to fault. Please note this correction from last month’s article.
· Pima County Sheriff's Sergeant Karl Woolridge was not present.
· City of Tucson Consultant Mike Barton made a presentation on street changes in the downtown area, explaining that Sixth Avenue and & Stone Avenues will become two-way streets, and the new Fourth Avenue underpass would start construction soon.
· Diana Tolton, Chair of the BAC's Platinum Challenge Sub-committee, reported that the logo for the combined Regional effort was approved by the Steering Committee.
· Matt Zoll told of Catalina Hwy widening starting and detours established for cyclists. He also told of an update to the Share the Road guide, and will be e-mailing a copy for review and comments.
Actions:
The Committee took the following actions at this meeting:
· The Committee voted to approve the minutes of the November meeting. with minor corrections, as noted.
· Anthony Alli, a World War II veteran appeared to explain his desire to have the shared-use path from downtown, along Aviation Highway, to Kolb Rd., named “Victory Lane”. Following discussion, the Committee voted to study this further before taking a position.
· The Committee, following a presentation by City Traffic Administrator Richard Nassi (a past Michael Mossman Award recipient), and discussion about the pros and cons of the need for and possible specifications of, a bicyclist friendly crossing at Third St. and Tucson Blvd, voted to table a motion for support of the planned Hawk crossing, made with the understanding that signing would be put in place to direct cyclists to the single crosswalk. Cyclists may, of course, simply cross as they do now, yielding after making a full stop
· The Chair, due to time constraints, asked the Committee’s concu-rrence to carry forward the agenda item dealing with maintenance practices and construction zones to the January meeting
For More Information:
If you have any bicycle related concern, you are invited to attend the T-PCBAC meetings, which take place the second Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8 PM, at the Himmel Library (Treat Ave & First Street), and present your concern during the "Call to the Public". You may also call the appropriate Bicycle Coordinator: Richard Corbett, PAG 792-1093, Trace Tang, City of Tucson 791-4372, Matt Zoll, Pima County 740-6747, and Nancy Ellis, Oro Valley 229-5057.
The Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) has been advising the City of Tucson on repaving and bike lane striping projects, working to improve safety through construction zones, working to establish a new Safe Routes to Schools coordinator in the City of Tucson, assisting with new proposed bicycle parking standards, and developing methods to improve education and enforcement of traffic laws.
The BAC is participating in the Platinum Challenge initiative, attempting to win a "Bicycle Friendly Community" Platinum Award for eastern Pima County from the League of American Bicyclists by 2006.
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To learn more about the BAC, visit www.dot.pima.gov/tpcbac.