2005 Planning Meeting - Open to Everyone in the Community
Join the Clean Air Fair for Healthier Air!
January New & Renewing Members
Catalina Highway Soon To Be Under Construction
Sonoita-Bisbee Spring Bike Ride 2005
The Platinum Challenge – What is it
Welcome Andy Stevens, New Board Secretary
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee News
Self-Contained Weekend Ride in March
Remembering Someone I Never Knew…
GABA-Tucson Supporting Members
(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders
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 In Casa Grande
3/12/05 (Sat) Mining Country Century Phx Metro BC Starts in Superior
3/13/05 (Sun) Coolidge Century GABA-Tucson Roberta Toussaint
3/26/05 (Sat) El Bike Swap de Tucson GABA-Tucson Greg Yares
4/16 & 17 Sonoita-Bisbee Ride GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette
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!
Monday, March 7 at 7 PM
Donna Lewandowski presents her amazing East Coast Bike trip. Lots of great pictures and tips for your next great bike adventure. Donna is an experienced bike tourist and bike advocate. Start planning your summer biking trips at GABA's March meeting.
Everybody is welcome!
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, 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.
Picacho Ride Fee:
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA/ABC Members: $15
Non-Members: $20
DAY OF EVENT FEE:
GABA/ABC 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 edge of parking lot
along Silverbell Rd,
so we don’t block regular customers.
Everybody Must Sign In At This Location
And Pick Up A Course Map & Instructions.
Registration Time at Cortaro & Silverbell:
Registration starts at 8 AM for the 100-milers.
Registration for the 65-milers starts at 8:30 AM.
Registration for the 35-milers and 15-milers starts at 8:45 AM.
Everyone riding from Cortaro & Silverbell MUST be on the road no later than 9
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 9:45 AM.
35-milers will start riding from Marana at Sandario Rd. & I-10 Exit (Exit 236).
Park in vacant lot WEST of the Circle K ONLY. 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.)
AFTER YOU EXIT THE FREEWAY, DRIVE WEST FOR ABOUT A MILE ON CORTARO TO SILVERBELL
RD. HERE, FOLLOW GABA SIGNS.
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.
Options: 100K (62 miles), 50K (31 miles) and a 10-mile Family Fun Ride.
Start & Finish: at Peart Park (at City Hall), 300 W. 4th St., downtown Casa Grande. Registration from 7 AM.
Amenities: T-Shirt, sponsor coupons, lunch & prize drawing tickets.
Awards: Medals awarded to 100K first finishers. Ribbons to all bike riders.
Helmets: Required for all riders.
Rider Packet: Pre-registration packets picked up at Best Western, Fri 4-6 PM.
Meal tickets: Lunch tickets are $3.50 for non-riders.
New for 2005: CEP timing by PBAA to accurately track times in the 100K and 50K rides, and pancake breakfast for sale.
Grand Prizes: Bicycle donated by Round Trip Bike Shop to be raffled after the ride. Purchase tickets ($1 each)at registration.
by Jannene Johnson
It was surprising to see such a great turn out! There were 144 die hard
enthusiasts who were determined to ride regardless of rain, and ride they did!
The sky was dark with heavy clouds and looked like a down pore was on it's way.
But everyone was there, prepared to go and the weather and wind held out till
mid afternoon when almost everyone was in.
The ride went very smoothly and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. This is
in no small part due to the wonderful volunteers whom I thank very much.
Special thanks go out to Dawn and Mike Elvick, Kari and Mike Angeley, Sid Smith,
Nancy and Bill Coates, Gloria and Ted Belanger, and Bill Moody. Without your
support as volunteers, these rides could not be held. GABA, and I, do appreciate
you all. Thanks again.
Scheduled by GABA-Tucson Board
for Monday, Feb. 21
By “Griff” Griffis, GABA Vice President
On Monday, February 21, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, GABA will hold a planning
meeting at the Pima County Medical Society - same place where we hold all our
monthly meetings. Everyone interested in the cause of bicycling is invited to
participate.
This meeting will be a thinking and brain-storming session designed to assist
the Board in establishing goals for 2005 and beyond. No decisions will be made
at this meeting, but ideas for the future will surface and will be recorded.
Discussion questions will include:
-How do we create value for our members?
-How best do we reach out to other groups in the community who support
bicycling?
-What do we do best?
-What should we look like in the future? Number of members? Number of rides and
riders? Web Site? Services? Educational Programs? Volunteers?
For further information, contact Griff at dgriffis@griffisconsulting.com or
325-3600.
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
- 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.
Get our famous t-shirt and a great BBQ dinner at Noon. The course travels
through the last vestiges of Phoenix farmland, 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 info, www.lensenet.com
or www.active.com or call Sil at 602-237-2745.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Options for 100 and 60 miles
By Roberta Toussaint
Come and join us for GABA-Tucson’s 2nd Century of the new year! It could easily
be one of the “fastest” centuries you have done or will do as this is one of the
flattest routes in southern Arizona. This should be a fantastic day with the
great sag stops and the ride support that set the standard for organized rides.
The ride is suitable for novice, intermediate and advanced riders. Choose a
distance that suits your cycling ability. This ride gives you an excellent
opportunity to exercise your legs for distance and speed! It can also provide
you practice at riding in a paceline or in a small group.
OPTIONS: 100 miles and 60 miles
STARTING TIME:
Between 8 AM and 8:30 AM. Every rider must be on the road no later than 8:45 AM.
STARTING POINT:
I-10 & Avra Valley Rd., exit 243. (West side of freeway, follow GABA signs for
parking and sign-in. All riders start here. Each option will have a different
turn-around point.
ROUTE:
This ride is an-out-and back course. Riders will pedal north on the frontage
road past PICACHO Peak to the town of Picacho, Turn-Around-Point for the
60-milers. The 100-milers will continue north, cycling through cotton fields to
the town of Coolidge to their Turn-Around-Point near Casa Grande Ruins.
RIDE FEE for Pre-Registered Riders:
$15 for GABA/ABC members.
$20 for Non-members.
DAY-OF-EVENT FEES:
GABA/ABC Members: $25.
Non Members: $30.
Your fee covers route maps and riders instructions; three sag stops with plenty
of great food along the course; and sag vehicles covering the route.
Use the Coolidge Ride Pre-Registration Form on Page 15, as well as the waiver,
also on Page 15. Pre-registration is needed for this ride. Helmets are
mandatory.
RIDE LEADER: Roberta Toussaint, robertatoussaint@yahoo.com or 577-8009.
Volunteers are needed at the starting point and along the course. Please call if
you can assist as we need your help!
Mark your Calendar for
April 1-4, 2005
From April 1-4, 2005, many fun-filled activities are scheduled to help you "Do
Your Share For Healthy Air." The Fair includes historic walks, bike rides, an
exhibit of clean-fueled vehicles, carpooling activities, transit promotions,
contests and prizes, and more!
And don't miss the Clean Air Jamboree on Sunday, April 3, from Noon to 5 PM at
Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. The Jamboree features music,
kids activities, clean-fueled vehicles display, bike maintenance tips, biodiesel
fuel demonstration, and environmentally related booths and information.
Call the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality at 740-3947 or click on
www.tucsonaz.gov/caf for the schedule of activities. The Clean Air Fair is
brought to you by local agencies and businesses concerned about the air we all
breathe.
2 Single Bikes Travel Cases
AND
1 Tandem Travel Case
May Now Be Borrowed by Members!
Thanks to a generous donation by Joyce and Barry Weiss, GABA now has a tandem
travel case that can be borrowed by members! This is in addition to the 2
hard-shell bike travel cases for single bikes purchased by GABA last fall.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.
2003 Burley Runabout commuter bike. Size small, 28.5 "
standover height. 7-speed internal hub, disc brakes. Bike is in very good
condition. Fenders, Nightrider RoadRat rechargeable lighting system (lead acid
battery, almost brand new) and Arkel Grocery bag pannier included. $600. (520)
360-7833 (Tucson).
Trek 7500 hybrid/fitness bike. 24-spd grip shift, suspension post, Med/Lg frame,
excellent condition. $230 OBO. Mike, (520)743-9687 (Tucson).
NEW:
Jim/Jody Herzman; Lois Brady; Robert Hooper; Duane Schrock; Karl Anderson; H.
Lemont Hodge; Candace Shelton; Bill Lazarow; Joel Kukla; Robert Huber; Bill
Sievers; Stuart Carter; Penney Higdon; Debbie Briles; Rodney Clark; Je'Taun
Ruffin; Daniel Siachta; Nadine Ybarra; Chris Manns; Crystal Matthews; Mona
Hernandez; Angela Rojas; Eradio Durazo; Martin Krawitz; Angelina Smith; Tania
Fernandez; Corey Lowe; Betty Allen.
RENEWALS:
Scott McKinzie & Family; Charles Weesner; Tom Ward; Debbie Walker; Kevin/Angela
Bonine; Donald Lasby; Carolyn/Gary Burchett/George; Dave Peashock; Howard Dutt;
V. John Gross; Wendell Herr; David Kammer; Brad Van Norman; Thomas Kanspedos;
Russell Clanagan; Dick/Susan Hall; Jamie Moore; Michael Sparawr; Joseph Smith;
Nicki Chasteen; Jim Gantz; Mike/Jeri Pfeilsticker; Robert Anderson; Rosemary
Carmody; Patrick Payne; Bill Scott; Donna Tew; Barney Young; Bob Norem; Jay/Jane
Appleby; Dede/Lee Seder/Max; Lee Fiegel; Paul Vyriotes; Ellie Washington;
Pat/Dennis James.
Catalina Highway is under construction from December,
2004 through October, 2005. The roadway will be widened to three lanes including
two travel lanes and a center turn lane from just south of Morril Way to
Houghton Road.
As part of the construction, Catalina Highway will include 6-foot wide bike
lanes which are officially designated the Brad P. Gorman Memorial Bikeway. Bike
lanes will also be added to Catalina Highway between Houghton Road and the base
of Mt. Lemmon.
When possible, please utilize the Two New Bicycle Routes as indicated on the
map. The routes may be reviewed on the Tucson Metro Region Bike Map or at
www.pagnet.org/bikemap/bike_maps.htm. Drivers are requested to use caution
around bicyclists who are traveling through the construction zone.
Cyclists:
Be Extra Careful in Construction Zones!
Following are some relevant traffic laws and potential fines that may apply for
traffic violations that occur within the construction zone:
- Bicycle riding more than two abreast - $88 to $115
- Slowing 5 or more vehicles below the normal flow of traffic (impeding traffic)
- $88 to $115
For additional information, please contact:
Matthew Zoll, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager, Pima County Department of
Transportation
Phone: 740-6746 or
Matt.Zoll@dot.pima.gov.
Feb. 18-21, 2005
By Rudy & Kay/Zona tandem
The COYOTES (COalition of Young and Old Tandem EnthusiastS) of the Arizona
Bicycle Club (ABC) in the Phoenix area are sponsoring the first annual "Rally in
the Valley . . . of the Sun".
Beginning on Fri., Feb. 18 with a short 15-mile ride and a gathering aftewards,
Sat. & Sun. will offer rides of varying distances through Paradise Valley,
Scottsdale and surrounding desert areas.
Registration is limited to 80 tandem teams. Social events are also planned
including group meals and wine tasting. Contact Dick and Katy Booton at
tandem11@coxnet.com or 480-419-9823 for more info.
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
COOLIDGE CENTURY
Sunday, March 13, 2005
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable
Please fill out all the blanks.
Leader: Roberta Toussaint, (520)577-8009, or robertatoussaint@yahoo.com
Return this form & your check to: GABA
P. O. Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733
Option chosen: (Please circle)
#1 (100 mi) #2 (60 mi)
Money enclosed:
WITH PRE-REGISTRATION:
GABA/ABC Member: $15
Non-member: $20
DAY OF EVENT:
GABA/ABC member $25
Non-member $30
Total money enclosed: $_____
I AM Currently a GABA member: yes no
NAME
(print)___________________________
ADDRESS_________________________
CITY_________________ ZIP ________
PHONE __________________________
E-Mail___________________________
CPSC-approved helmets are mandatory.
STAPLE your signed WAIVER to each Form.
Forms & Waivers cut with scissors
are very appreciated!
April 16 - 17, 2005
By Suzanne Couvrette
Mark your calendar! And make your reservations early! See accommodations list
below for phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
We are working on organizing a great Saturday evening meal at the Historic
Copper Queen Hotel catered by the chefs of the hotel, like last year. This meal
must be pre-paid with your pre-registration for this ride. Seating will be
limited to the first 100 people, so more reason to make your decision early!
We are also working on a course that will include riding on different roads for
a portion of the course, thus adding something new for cyclists to enjoy. See
article in the March Update for all the details! Volunteers needed: contact
Suzanne at (520) 891-4661 or
sgcouvrette@aol.com.
Motel List (updated 1/05)
Make your reservations early as Bisbee Accommodations can fill up quickly!
We will deliver luggage only to the following 13 places:
# on Map
1. Bisbee Grand Hotel: 800-421-1909 www.bisbeegrandhotel.com
5. Inn at Castle Rock: 800-566-4449 wwwtheinn.org
6. Main Street Inn: 800-467-5237 www.mainstreetinn.net
7. Oliver House: 520-432-1900 oliverhouse@theriver.com
9. School House Inn: 800-537-4333 home.earthlink.net/~schoolhouseinnbisbeeaz/
10. Canyon Rose suites 866-296-7673 www.canyonrose.com
11. Copper Queen: 520-432-4298 www.copperqueen.com
15. Jonquil Motel: 866-432-7371 www.jonquilmotel.com
18. Old Bisbee B&B 520-432-2080 www.oldbisbeebnb.com
23. 400 Club Suites 888-437-4263 www.bisbeerentals.us
27. Clawson House 520-432-7434 www.okproperty.com
30. OK St. Jailhouse: 800-821-0678 www.okrealtyinc.com
33. Walker Guest Apts. 520-432-4829
Chamber of Commerce 520-432-5421 www.bisbeearizona.com
(Numbers on left refer to the location of these places on the Bisbee Map.)
Sonoita-Bisbee Ride Fee
Pre-registered Riders:
GABA/ABC Members: $45
Non members: $55
Sat. Dinner At Copper Queen: $15
Day of Event Fee:
GABA/ABC members: $60
Non members; $70
Why not join GABA-Tucson today?
Get our monthly newsletter delivered to your door
AND this ride at member price!
Add $15 for a one-year individual membership,
$18 for a family membeership,
or $10 for student members.
Bisbee Street Map
for GABA-Tucson Designated Lodging Facilities
(Baggage will be delivered only to those places.)
~ Map Not To Scale ~
(Numbers on Map refer to Numbers listed on left of Lodging Names.)
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
SONOITA-BISBEE RIDE
APRIL 16 & 17, 2005
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable.
Please fill out all the blanks.
Leader: Suzanne Couvrette,
(520) 891-4661 or sgcouvrette@aol.com
Return this form & your check to: GABA
P. O. Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733
Option chosen: (Please circle)
Motel Name_______________________
Camping ___
Vegetarian: Yes No (for SAG stops/meals)
Money enclosed:
WITH PRE-REGISTRATION:
GABA/ABC Member: $45 $____
Non-member ride fee: $55 $____
Sat. Dinner at Copper Queen $15 $____
DAY-of EVENT:
GABA/ABC member $60 $____
Non-member $70 $____
Total money enclosed: $______
I AM Currently a GABA member: yes no
NAME
(print)___________________________
ADDRESS_________________________
CITY______________ ZIP __________
PHONE _______________
E-Mail____________________________
CPSC-approved helmets are mandatory.
STAPLE your signed WAIVER to each Form.
Forms & Waivers cut with scissors are
much appreciated.
By Richard E. Corbett, Platinum Challenge Education
Committee Chair
And Certified Cycling Instructor and Coach
Do you know how to "Drive" your Bicycle?
How about driving your car around cyclists?
Lots of people know how to ride their bicycle. More and more are learning how to
"drive" their bicycle. How about you? Education, and getting cyclists to behave
predictably and responsibly is a key to our Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC)
rating – what we are seeking to upgrade with the Platinum Challenge.
The Platinum Challenge is a coordinated effort to address all our ‘weaknesses’
(see list below) so we can earn a Platinum BFC rating for the entire Tucson
metropolitan area. It has been endorsed so far by the City of Tucson Mayor &
Council, the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and The Pima Association of
Governments. Other local governments will be asked to endorse, and actively
support the Platinum Challenge.
Education
No one would think of operating a motorcycle (and could not be licensed) without
motorcycle specific training, nor would any rational person undertake snow
skiing without specific instruction. Yet it is common practice for people to
bicycle with little or no training/ instruction. But this is beginning to
change. As a key part of the Platinum Challenge, a robust effort to deliver
bicycle drivers' training for bicyclists has been started to improve the Tucson
areas’ Bicycle Friendly Community rating.
Looking at the bigger picture of cycling overall, six ways the Tucson region
could improve were specified by Andy Clark, the Executive Director of the League
of American Bicyclists (LAB):
1. Detailed study of five year history of bicycle crashes, to look for recurring
factors (i.e. wrong way riding);
2. Increased education for all cyclists, including adults, adolescents, and
children;
3. Increased education of motorists on how to properly interact with cyclists on
the road;
4. Specific education efforts for older students, from high school through
college;
5. Deploying seasonal "bicycle ambassadors", to bicycle around promoting good
behavior at events, in high use areas (i.e. UA-4th Ave); and
6. Organize official "neighborhood rides", to introduce, promote, and enable
cycling by those who do not normally ride.
These six points form the basis for the draft local action plan, which includes
the following:
1. The Pima Association of Governments (PAG) will carry out a professionally
sound analysis of bicycle crash data for the region, using data from the State's
system.
2. The Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA-Tucson) is leading with a
series of adult, adolescent, and child bicycle courses, using LAB curricula and
Certified Instructors. The City of Tucson and Pima County have complimentary
Programs for adult and child bicycle education, using two Transportation
Enhancement grants.
3. The City of Tucson's adult education program also includes motorists'
educational initiatives. There are other potential partnerships to significantly
boost motorist education (i.e., with Perimeter Bicycling, & PAG Travel
Reduction), as well as a motorist education unit in the LAB Bicyclist Drivers'
License/Road I course.
4. The City of Tucson's adult education program will contribute to this need,
but new partnerships need to be established with Pima College and the University
of Arizona, as well as with all Tucson area high schools.
5. Younger people employed as summer employees with the Parks & Rec departments
could, with training, fill the "bicycle ambassador" roles, helping multiple
interests. The high school partnerships forged for # 4 could be expanded to
address this.
6. The Mayor's Challenge Program can form a foundation for the "neighborhood
rides", and could be partnered with the neighborhoods, as a way of bringing
neighbors together and giving a greater sense of belonging.
The Platinum Challenge will bring a variety of benefits to our community. The
benefits will not only be for cycling, but also the entire community. It has
been estimated that the El Tour de Tucson brings more than $10 million into the
local economy, and that other cycling events and winter cycling training
visitors, bring another $10 million into the local economy, for a total of $20
million annually.
Bicycling is good for our local economy, the health of our citizens and our air
quality. Get on board and support the Platinum Challenge!!
2nd In A Five-Part Series
by Richard E. Corbett
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Learn about key elements for being more comfortable on your bike! Starting last
month with "Riding When it's Cold", we will continue next month with "How to
Avoid a Sore Bottom (saddles and shorts)"; in April, we'll touch on "How to
Avoid Hand and Foot Problems (gloves and shoes)"; and in May, we'll finish with
"How to Bicycle When it's Hot". Read and learn how to enjoy your cycling more!
# 2 – How To Avoid a Sore Neck and Shoulders
Basic Principles
There are two important elements in avoiding neck and shoulder soreness. The
first is to keep your upper body relaxed, and the second is to be sure to have
your handlebars adjusted correctly for you.
Upper Body Position
In general, to be most comfortable and to ride most efficiently, as you sit
astride your saddle, you will be relaxed and leaning forward from the waist,
with your elbows slightly bent. Your head will be in line with your spine, your
chin slightly up, but relaxed. Two components need to be adjusted properly to
help make this possible: the Saddle, and the Handlebars. See Handlebars below,
and Saddle next month.
Leaning forward, with elbows slightly bent creates a balance of your body’s
muscles supporting your trunk weight. This keeps there from being too much
pressure on your hands, and over time, as you use this technique, your lower
back and abdominal muscles will get stronger and better toned. This helps
eliminate arm and shoulder soreness, and contributes to better neck comfort.
However, keeping your head up and in alignment with your spine will be the major
element in avoiding neck soreness. This can be a little tricky, so try this:
consciously push your chin forward, using your neck, and be sure that you are
still looking up, as this is the posture that most cyclists have when they have
good head and neck alignment.
While it is hard to break yourself of the (bad) habit of locking your elbows as
your ride, it is essential to achieving comfort, so how do you keep your elbows
bent? Try shaking your elbows up and down (while still holding the handlebar)
every few minutes. If you do this correctly, someone watching may think you are
trying to act out a chicken flapping their wings, without extending them!
Handlebar Adjustment
Once your Saddle is adjusted correctly (see # 3, next month), then check and
adjust, as needed, the height of your handlebars. They should be somewhere from
level with, to as much as 2 inches lower than your saddle height.
Next, check the angle of the handlebar. For road (or ‘drop’) bars, most
‘tourists’ (as opposed to racers) have the top of the bars level, or only
slightly inclined to the front. Racers, on the other hand, will have the top of
the bars inclined downward 15 to 30 degrees. The angle used by racers causes
most novices, and even many experienced cyclists, to experience hand, shoulder,
and/or neck discomfort or pain.
Finally, check the reach, or distance of the handlebar from the saddle. It most
often is too far from the saddle. This can be a major cause of soreness in your
arms, neck, and shoulders (as well as genital discomfort). To adjust: sit on the
(properly adjusted) saddle with your feet correctly positioned on the pedals and
place your hands on the top outside curve of the handlebar, with your elbows
slightly bent. In this position, the handlebar should block your view of the
front hub as you look down when it is the correct distance from the saddle.
Another check of the handlebar’s distance form the saddle is to place your elbow
on the very front of the saddle’s nose, with your forearm, hand and fingers
extended straight forward. Your fingertips should come to the center of the
handlebar, or within one inch to the rear or front. This distance is very often
incorrect, especially on women’s bikes. It is adjusted (corrected) by changing
the stem (usually to a shorter one).
As with clothing, an important thing to remember is to Experiment! Each of us is
different, physically, so what works really well for one may not work as well
for another.
You can be a lot more comfortable on your bike, and enjoy your cycling a lot
more, if you adjust your handlebars (and saddle) correctly, and learn to
maintain good on-bike body posture! Keep those pedals turning!
“Milestones”
By Steve Wilson
Seeing Rudy and Kay’s recent column on riding 200,000 miles on tandems got me to
thinking about riding milestones. Actually, when people sound impressed by what
Rudy and Kay have done, I tell them it’s no big deal – just ride 5,000 miles a
year for 40 years! Pretty impressive however you look at it.
Assuming I can get out of my warm bed to commute to work a few times a week,
sometime in February I should pass the 50,000 mile mark. It doesn’t really seem
possible to me when I consider my first attempts of distance riding with my 30+
pound 12-speed Univega in the early 90’s. Back then the thought of riding 30
miles (in one day!) seemed a little extreme.
My neighbor Ted Eazer talked me into trying a ride to Colossal Cave. It was very
intimidating. I mean, what if I got out there and couldn’t make it back? I could
die out there so far (20 miles!) from home. Needless to say, riding 40-60 miles
on a weekend day seems pretty commonplace and easy now. Without a little
inspiration from others I likely never would have gotten started.
A former cycling buddy, Howard Martin, and I made our first attempt at riding to
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley back in 1992. Quite frankly we didn’t know if we could
make it or not. We set off with another intrepid warrior, Bilou Ghoman, on a
Friday afternoon in April. It was a struggle. We stopped at a friend’s cabin
around milepost 18.5 for water, sat down on their couch and didn’t want to get
up. The last 1.5 miles to Ski Valley were agonizing. It was a euphoric feeling
rolling in to the Ski Valley parking lot. We were very impressed with ourselves
and couldn’t wait to tell everyone
It was so much fun we did it the next year and had 6 riders, then 10, then 20+.
In 2002 about 60 riders showed up, and then 90+ in 2003. The string of annual
rides was broken last year with the construction total closure to bikes, but it
may be back this year, and definitely for 2006.
So what cycling milestones have you accomplished lately or which ones do you
have coming up? Share them with us and we’ll publish them in future updates. Who
inspired you to get rolling down the road?
Ride safe.
Andy Stevens has graciously volunteered to be GABA Tucson's Secreatry on the
2005 Board. Welcome aboard, Andy!
Get Your GABA-Tucson Jersey!
GABA Gear Order Form
Club Jerseys Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL.
(If not sure of your size, check louisgarneau.com for proper sizing)
Jersey Styles & Prices: Sleeveless Men's only: $47
W/Sleeves, Men's & Women's: $50
Cross State Tour T-Shirts: $10
Postage & handling per jersey/T-Shirt: $ 5
Club Socks (jersey colors) (M only): $ 3
Bar Map Holders: $ 7
Cross State Socks (green/blue) (S/M or L/XL): $ 6
Postage & handling per pair of socks/holder: $ 2
______________________________________________________ Size How Many Price
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Make checks payable to GABA-Tucson. Mail to PO Box 43273 Tucson AZ 85733
NAME: ______________________________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________
CITY: __________________________ STATE: ___ ZIP: ________
Purchase your jersey at GABA meetings on the 1st Monday of the each month. You
can also contact Andy Stevens at (520) 990-1459 or andy@solvomassage.com for
more information.
By David Smith, www.bicycledriver.com
(The following article was published in the October 2004 issue of Cascade
Courier, the membership newsletter of the Cascade Bicycle Club of Seattle with
5,000 members.)
Bicycling in traffic can be more fun than driving a car when you learn simple
social skills for the traffic environment. The bicycle is a narrow vehicle
allowing sharing lanes of suitable width. The cyclist can take different
positions within a lane while the cyclist's body is visible to other drivers.
The visual effects of looking, positioning, signaling and pedaling can be
enhanced with simple training, so intentions become far more transparent. With
sharing and communication, cyclists have a superior ability to cooperate with
other traffic. These simple social skills for the traffic environment allow
cyclists to take the position "drivers" following the rules of the road use for
their destination, and where "drivers" focus their attention, so cyclists are
more reliably seen and understood when they are seen.
Cyclists can learn to access just about all our streets and traffic while
feeling as confident about bicycle driving as we feel about car driving. With
good training, beginning traffic cyclists can learn these skills in a few hours.
Unfortunately, only a very few cyclists have the training and quality of
experience to "drive" a bicycle so competently and confidently. The common, even
universal attitude is that motorized traffic makes cycling unpleasant and even
dangerous. The pace and discipline of motorized traffic makes untrained cyclists
feel unwelcome on our streets and doubt that cyclists can follow traffic rules
as motorists do. This leaves almost all cyclists looking not for training, but
for space away from traffic, even when riding on streets with cars. Looking for
their own space, cyclists miss simple, easily learned methods of communication
and cooperation with traffic.
In our modern society, doctors go to medical school. Lawyers go to law school.
Airplane pilots go to flight school. Motorists take drivers training and get a
driver's license before driving in traffic on their own. In our culture, it is
only bicyclists who are denied training and are expected to learn on their own
if they are to learn at all. In so many areas of our life we recognize the
necessity of education and training and we demand it as a necessity for civil
life.
Peoples we once discriminated against were denied education. In response, the
right to good education has been one of their key demands. If we can imagine the
consequences of a society that denied training to doctors, lawyers, pilots and
motorists, so that they trained themselves as bicyclists train themselves today,
then we might begin to understand the implications for bicyclists.
Bicyclists once dominated our streets only to loose to the competition from
motorized vehicles. Some motorists competed with cyclists by promoting a
negative view of cycling on our streets, claiming that motorized vehicles make
bicycling unpleasant and even dangerous for cyclists. This view took root after
decades when only children rode bicycles, and therefore the cycle of knowledge
was broken between adults accomplished in traffic cycling and children who
needed to learn.
Today, this motoring culture with its sour, negative attitude about cycling in
traffic dominates our society's perceptions of bicycling. The consequences for
bicycling are devastating, discouraging cyclists from learning traffic skills
while we focus instead on finding our own space away from traffic, and
unfortunately, away from many popular roads with important and useful
destinations.
Recently, I discussed this opportunity, and my work on it with Chuck Ayers,
director of Cascade. We agreed that cycling skills have great potential for
improving bicycling and its safety. The difficult part is persuading cyclists to
make the commitment to sign up for "bicycle driving classes". Classes for bike
maintenance, and riding faster and farther fill, but Chuck noted that bicycle
driving classes fail for lack of students. The problem, Chuck agreed, is
marketing and selling training for bicycle driving skills.
I have videotaped typical cyclists, and then had my example taped for
comparison. I also developed a positive view of cycling in traffic that I feel
is consistent with the good cycling skills I have learned. When I present a
positive view of cycling along with video to show the skills, the response has
been far more favorable than I had imagined. A positive view of cycling
encourages cyclists to learn, improves the ability of motorists to understand
and accept cycling while improving the willingness of many to consider bicycling
for transportation.
This month's meeting was canceled. Rich Corbett will
report next month on the actions of the Committee at their March meeting.
Report on the Silverbell Century 2004
by Dick Schaffer, Ride Leader
The 2004 Silverbell Century was a welcome ride after a weekend of rain last
Sunday December 10th. Sadly, this rain scared off our Silverbell faithfuls, from
both Phoenix and Tucson. We were blessed, however, with four hardy riders,
including one from Wilcox.
Two riders went for the "gold" of 100 miles while the other two opted for a
shorter ride on this misty, wet-road day. One of the Century riders was so
determined to ride this ride that he trained the day before. Unfortunately what
started as just a cloudy day turned into a day of constant and sometimes heavy
rains! He was relieved that he only had to let rain "reign" only on one ride
that weekend!
Look for the next Silverbell Century in January of 2006, not December of this
year.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
96 very hilly scenic miles! Or 66 hilly scenic miles!
Sponsored by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
Saddle up, Pardner, it's time to hit the trail, and some trail it is! Climb.
Climb. Climb some more! That's the Mining Country Challenge. It's not for
everyone, but if you have aspirations to really put your climbing abilities to
the test, this is the ride for you. By the end of this 96-mile ride, you'll have
climbed 7,000 feet!
Start in Old Town Superior in the heart of Arizona's mining country. From
Superior, ride through the Queen Creek tunnel on US 60 towards Miami on the "Top
of the Hill" climb. Pass the Inspiration Mine near Globe. Southeast of Globe,
tackle a long 8% grade into the Pinal Mtns to the top of "El Capitan". Downhill
to Winkleman is your reward!
From Winkleman, pedal north toward Kearny, passing the Ray Mine. The climb
culminates in a "hill" called "The End of the World," a 1.5-mile 11% climb. If
you make it that far, you'll really think it's the end of the world! From there,
it's all downhill into Superior to the finish.
You can also choose the metric century option - 66 miles with 2,200 feet of
climb. Cycle from Superior to Winkleman and back. Great course if you want to
test your climbing abilities, but are not sure you can (or want to) ride the
full 96 miles. But don't feel left out - cyclists who choose this option also
have the challenge of surviving the 11% climb up "The End of the World" on their
way back into Superior.
For info, www.sportsfun.com/gaba, or
Kathy Mills at 480-759-7675.
by Steve Graeber
Membership Director
Judy and I will be leading a few overnight rides again this year. The first will
be the weekend of March 5th & 6th. No sags, no support allowed! We’re on our own
for this one. We will leave Saturday morning, and return on Sunday the 6th.
If you have not tried self-contained touring before, this is your chance. The
destination will be determined by who is going, but it won’t be too difficult.
Please contact me (psiclist@worldwerks.com) and let me know if you intend to go.
If you have any questions or concerns about this type of ride, feel free to
contact me as well. We will go rain or shine. (But the start time may be delayed
a little in case of rain ;-) ). See you in March!
In 2004, the League of American Bicyclists named Tucson
a "silver-level" Bicycle Friendly Community, along with Gainesville, Fla. and
Olympia, Wash. Boulder, Colo. was the only "gold-level" award winner.
The Platinum Challenge initiative will set steps and goals that may enable the
city of Tucson and eastern Pima County to win the prestigious "Bicycle Friendly
Community Platinum Award" from the League of American Bicyclists by 2006.
By Bob Beane
PMBC Newsletter "The Tailwind Times" Editor
Thanksgiving Day, 2004. It was shortly after our morning Turkey-Day PMBC spin
that I had one of those seemingly inexplicable "Steven Spielberg (Close
Encounters) Moments" that happens every once in a while.
After returning home, stowing the tandem and showering, I was off to Safeway to
pick up a few last minute items prior to meeting family and friends for the
annual holiday get-together. As I was leaving the store "the feelings" begin to
tug at me… and as I exited the parking lot I went left on 40th instead of right
towards home. At Pecos, I headed west.
I had read in the papers that a small impromptu memorial had been constructed on
Pecos at the spot where, on Nov. 4, 2004, a driver had drifted off the road and
collided with cyclist Donald Anselmo, a husband, father, and grandfather of
eleven, who was killed instantly…To date, no charges have reportedly been filed
by the Phoenix Police.
As I approached the site of this tragic accident, I caught a glimpse of a small
white cross with an assortment of items surrounding it. I slowed, pulled off the
road and parked about 100 feet beyond the memorial. I slowly walked back to the
cross, glancing at the cars passing by at 50 or so miles per hour (reportedly,
Anselmo was hit by a vehicle traveling at more than 60 mph… that thought made me
shudder).
At the memorial I found a white cross made more sturdy by a chainring carefully
attached to it at four points. Surrounding the cross were a cycling cap, an
event t-shirt, a bottle cage and water bottle, a CO2 cartridge and other cycling
odds and ends. There were also several flower arrangements. What really got to
me, though, was finding an article recounting the accident and the photo of the
11 grandchildren left behind. My heart goes out to Donald's wife, Rita, the
family and the friends of Donald Anselmo… an avid cyclist, like me, and a man I
never knew. As they say: "There, but for the Grace of God, go you and I…"
Next time you are on Pecos Road riding west, take a moment to stop near a little
white cross at the side of the road, and reflect on those you love and the
things you take for granted. Be safe out there!!! Enjoy every ride, and cherish
every day.
(Reprinted from The Tailwind Times, PMBC newsletter, January 2005)
Alphabetical listing of current GABA-Tucson's Supporting
Members as of 2/1/05. See back page for individual ads.
| Abygail's Café | 615-6280 |
| 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 (2 locations) | 544-5999 and 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 |
(Editor's Note: Supporting Members ads run for one year from July 1st to June
30th the next year. Ad sizes are currently 2" x 3". For more info, contact Ram
Salcedo, Bike Shop Coordinator,
salcedo@flash.net r 733-0230.)