Endurance Cycling: Five Mistakes to Avoid
Welcome to our New and Renewing Members for February
Twenty Second Annual Answer to the Challenge 2005
Corrected GABA-Tucson Board of Directors
Corrected Great Arizona Bicycling Adventure
SONOITA-BISBEE Spring Bike Ride
Join the Clean Air Fair for Healthier Air!
Catalina Highway Under Construction
GABA-Tucson Supporting Members
14th Annual El Tour de Phoenix
ABCs 25th Annual Gila Valley Tour
GABA-Tucson Cancellation Policy
Proof of GABA-Tucson Membership
Earn GABA Bucks When You Volunteer to Help out on a Ride!
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee News
GABA-Tucsons Annual Ice Cream Social
GABA Chapters Website Addresses
You Did Not Receive Your UPDATE in the Mail
Purposes and Objectives of GABA
GABA. Inc. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION and Change of Address Form
19th Annual Tour of the Tucson Mountains
Bike Swap Volunteers Pizza Party
(See related articles in this issue
for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders
3/5/05 (Sat) Le Grande Tour Parks & Rec In Casa Grande
3/5 & 6 Self-Contained Tour GABA-Tucson Steve Graeber
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
4/2 (Sat) El Tour de Phoenix PBAA
4/9 (Sat) Desert Classic ABC Richard Utterback
4/16 & 17 Sonoita-Bisbee Ride GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette
4/29-30 & 5/1 Answer to the Challenge PMBC Dick Landis
4/30 (Sat) Ice Cream Social GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop
5/14 & 15 Salt River Canyon Tour GABA Tucson Kathy Mills
5/21 (Sat) Tour de Payson Phoenix Metro Bob Beane
Monday, April 4 at 7 PM
On April 4, Dick Hall and Susan Kifer-Hall present an amazing adventure in
France:
the Maritime Alps and Provence.
Dick and Susan are experienced bike tourists with adventures throughout the
world.
This is a meeting not to be missed.
Bring your brie, your beret,
and your questions.
Everybody is welcome!
Have a program suggestion? Have a presentation you would like to make? Contact
Griff Griffis at 325-3600 or
Email him at
dgriffis@griffisconsulting.com.
Top of Page
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!
MARCH 2005
(Mar.)Moved to Oct.-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: SELF-CONTAINED TOUR. GABA-Tucson. Steven Graeber, psiclist@worldwerks.com
for destination and starting time.
Mar. 5-6: GILA VALLEY TOUR. ABC. Dennis McCleod, Heather Goebel.
www.azbikeclub.com.
Mar. 12 (Sat) : TOUR DE CURE - Tucson. Benefits the Tucson Diabetes Foundation.
At Rancho Sahuarita. www.diabetes.com.
Mar. 12 (Sat): MINING COUNTRY CENTURY. PMBC. For info, www.sportsfun.com or
Kathy Mills, 480-759-7675.
Mar. 13 (Sun): COOLIDGE CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. Leader: Roberta Toussaint,
robertatoussaint@yahoo.com or 577-8009.
Mar. 13 (Sun): AROUND THE WHITE TANKS. GABA West Valley. Betsy turner, BetTur@qwest.net.
Mar. 19 (Sun): TOUR DE CURE - Phx. American Diabetes Assoc. www.diabetes.org.
Mar. 26 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. On 4th Avenue, 7 AM to 1 PM. Free to all.
Organizer: Greg Yares, 323-9020, or yares@cox.net In conjunction with City of
Tucson Clean Air Fair.
APRIL 2005
April 2 (Sat): EL TOUR DE PHOENIX XV. Organized by PBAA.
www.perimetercycling.com.
April 9 (Sat): DESERT CLASSIC. ABC. Ride Leader: Richard Utterback,
www.azbikeclub.com.
April 16 (Sat): BIKE SWAP - Phx. Phoenix Municipal Stadium. CAzB.
www.cazbike.com.
April 16 (Sat): RIDE FOR SIGHT. Phoenix Lions Club. To/from Phoenix Municipal
Stadium. www.phoenixlionsclub.com/.
April 16 & 17: SONOITA-BISBEE BIKE TOUR. GABA-Tucson. Suzanne Couvrette,
sgcouvrette@aol.com.
April 20 (Wed): PHOENIX MAYOR BIKE-TO-WORK DAY.
April 24 (Sun): BIKE TO BALL PARK. For a Baseball Game. In conjunction with
VALLEY BIKE WEEK, Phx.
April 24 (Sun): TTM XIX - TOUR OF THE TUCSON MOUNTAINS PBAA.
www.perimetercycling.com.
April 29-30 & May 1: ANSWER TO THE CHALLENGE. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com/gaba.
April 30 (Sat): ICE CREAM SOCIAL. GABA-Tucson. At McCormick Park. Organizer: Pam
Cullop, 290-4321 or pjcullop@comcast.net.
MAY 2005
May 6 (Fri): Mt Lemmon Hillclimb. GABA-Tucson. Steve Wilson, 749-9014 or wilsons@us.ibm.com.
Depending on road construction.
May 14 & 15: SALT RIVER CANYON TOUR. GABA-Tucson. Kathy Mills, 480-759-7675 or
www.bikegaba.org.
May 14 (Sat): WHISKEY OFF-ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE. Prescott. Todd Sadow,
epicrides.com.
May 21: TOUR OF PAYSON. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com/gaba.
May 28-30: LUNA LAKE TOUR GABA-Tucson www. bikegaba,org
JUNE 2005
June 5 (Sun): 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 9 & 10 : 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
Proposed Programs for 2005
Subject to change; check monthly articles.
March: Cycling the U.S.: East Coast Tour. Donna Lewandowski.
April: Cycling Europe: France. Susan Kifer and Dick Hall.
By Chris Kostman, contributing editor to UltraCycling magazine
(For more information on endurance cycling go to www.ultracycling.com Can you
ride a century every month? Sign up for the Year-Rounder Century Challenge at
www.ultracycling.com/standings/year-rounder.html)
Centuries, double centuries, and brevets are the bread and butter of most
endurance cyclists. They provide a good challenge, great training, an
opportunity to test the efficacy of training and nutrition, and a nice day (or
more) on the bike with fellow riders. But they're not easy and are not to be
taken for granted. Here are five mistakes to avoid as you train for, and ride,
endurance events.
MISTAKE #1: NOT USING SPEEDWORK
One common endurance training mistake is just "putting in the miles." The
mentality is that if you put enough miles in the bank in your training, you can
withdraw them later as endurance, maybe even miraculously fast endurance. But
this approach is boring, a waste of time, and you won't get substantially
faster!
Many cyclists overlook the fact that the majority of the top RAAM racers over
the past twenty years were, or are, also competitive cyclists in the traditional
sense (i.e., USCF racing). Pete Penseyres, Michael Secrest, Rob Templin, Danny
Chew, George Thomas, and Franz Spilauer are just some of the top RAAMers who
raced at a national level (and were competitive there, too). Others, like
Michael Shermer and Seana Hogan, train with a racing club at least once a week.
High intensity training is an important, or even critical, part of endurance
training.
You only get faster by riding faster! In practical terms, you need one or two
days a week focused on high intensity speed training. Though hill repeats,
interval training against the clock, or even a spinning class can be effective
speed training, the best way to increase your speed is to ride with those who
are much faster than you are. Joining a weekly racer club workout or weekly crit
series is the ticket here. Get out and hammer with the big boys and girls in the
pacelines, sprint for the city limit signs, and do your best not to get dropped.
Be forewarned, though: it can be humbling for a while, if not for a long while.
But you'll get faster for the long haul.
Another bonus is that, on event day, you won't get dropped right from the get-go
when the lead pack riders take off like they're doing a 40km road race. You want
to hang with them in the first hours so that you're not breaking your own wind,
and setting your own pace, all day. It's a shame to get dropped: don't let it
happen to you!
MISTAKE #2: DOING LONG SLOW MILES
Don't confuse "steady" and "slow" and just put in the long miles at an easy
intensity. This is a waste of time because the only thing accomplished
physiologically by riding slow is learning how to ride slow. "LSD" doesn't stand
for "Long Slow Distance," it stands for "Long Steady Distance." Some endurance
riding is necessary to train for endurance events, but while you're putting in
those miles, do so at a good steady intensity and keep these additional goals
and benefits in mind:
- "Keep it steady and keep it moving" should be the mantra while riding LSD:
Don't dilly-dally while refueling, fixing a flat, or reading the route sheet.
Don't bog down while riding, either, whether on the hills or flats. Use your
bike computer to push yourself to maintain an average speed; use your heart rate
monitor to see how low you can keep your heart rate while maintaining a
challenging average speed. When quicker riders pass you, pick up the pace;
riding steadily doesn't mean you shouldn't push it sometimes, too.
- Base Fitness Training: LSD rides will allow you to slowly, but surely, rebuild
your body from the inside out. You'll increase the efficiency of your
cardiovascular system and get in touch with your heart rate and breathing
patterns. This is particularly important in the early season, when you're laying
the foundation for the year.
- Equipment Testing: If you're not comfortable on your bike, you won't ride far.
Use your LSD rides, not events, to test saddles, shoes, pedals, aerobars etc.,
plus variations on their position. What seems comfortable for 30-50 miles will
not necessarily be so after 100 or 200 miles.
- Nutrition Testing: Food and drink choices also won't reveal their
effectiveness until you get way out there. Use your long rides to see which fuel
and hydration systems work for you. Whatever you eat and drink, it should be
portable, go down well, provide consistent energy (no highs and lows), and keep
you hydrated. If you don't want to carry 100 or 200 miles' worth of food and
drink during your events, find out what the event promoters will serve, and
train on that. Then, when you do the event, you won't need to carry your own
fuel. (But if the event is going to serve Danishes and hot dogs, you'll want to
carry your own fuel.) By the way, essentially all top distance cyclists use a
primarily, or exclusively, liquid-based (or liquid-, pill- and gel-based)
fueling system.
MISTAKE #3: DOING THE SAME THING ALL THE TIME
The third common mistake is doing the same workout on the same day, week after
week. This is boring and unnecessary, so lose those crazy "Tuesdays are for
speed work, Wednesday are for hill-climbing" kinds of rules or club ride
schedules. As long as you get in the variety and intensity of training
necessary, it really doesn't matter which workout you do on any given day, as
long as you recover in time for the next workout or event. Finally, don't skip
training days during the week with the intention of making up for it on the
weekends. Use your lunch hour, bike commuting, and even night training so that
you are training, on the bike, four or five days a week, no matter what.
Many riders put in their big miles every weekend, because more time is available
then. But it's also important to mix your weekends up and avoid ruts there, too.
Some weekends should be back-to-back long rides. Some should be a long ride one
day and either a recovery ride or speed work on the other. And some weekends you
should just relax with your family after doing a fast club ride on one of the
mornings.
MISTAKE #4: NOT ALLOWING RECOVERY
Hey man, give it a rest! The complimentary ideas of "rest days" and "recovery
rides" are lost on most athletes. In training, you're either improving by
pushing yourself or recovering by resting or going easily so that you're ready
to push yourself again. Training at a mid-level intensity is only useful during
LSD rides. The rest of the time, either hammer or go very, very easy (or don't
ride at all). Each week should include one true recovery ride and one day of
complete inactivity except perhaps a walk after dinner (a good habit every day).
If you're not recovered, your resting heart rate will be elevated and/or you'll
feel listless on the bike. If that's you, park the bike and rest another day;
training on tired legs is a waste of time. Make your training time count, but
also make your recovery time count. The point is to keep building, ever higher!
MISTAKE #5: STAYING ON THE BIKE ALL THE TIME
Common mistake number five is never getting off the bike to work out. All
cyclists can improve their cycling comfort, endurance, and speed by training off
the bike, as well as improve their overall health and fitness.
I'm amazed at the number of overweight endurance riders I see. Either the extra
weight is a result of poor dietary habits (fast food for breakfast, lunch,
and/or dinner?) or these riders are stuck on a plateau, no matter how many miles
they train, or how many long events they finish. They need to incorporate more
intensity into their training and they need some cross-training to shock their
bodies into pushing itself to a higher level. So do the rest of us!
As discussed on other occasions in Ultra Cycling magazine and my website,
off-the-bike training should include yoga, Pilates, and/or strength training
(i.e., weight lifting). Think of it as filling in the blanks that are left by
the huge volume of sports-specific training done on the bike. Swimming and
running are two other great compliments to cycling that will not only increase
your overall health, but also your cycling ability through increased muscular
endurance, strength, and overall joint, muscle, and connective tissue health.
On-the-bike cross-training variations are great, too: mountain biking and
spinning classes can do wonders for your road riding. I cross-train in all of
these manners regularly and they pay off for me, not only when doing an Ironman
Triathlon, but also as I ride doubles, and even as I sit at my desk writing this
article.
Avoid the 5 mistakes outlined above; you should be able to say "make mine
another century/double" with a smile and confidence. Enjoy!
(Copyright 2004 by the UltraMarathon Cycling Association. Reprinted with
permission.) Chris Kostman began riding doubles in 1983. Besides producing the
Furnace Creek 508 each October since 1990, he also organizes the Death Valley
Century and Double Century in March and October each year. Visit
www.adventurecorps.com for all the info.
by Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Learn about key elements for being more comfortable on your bike! Starting last
January with "Riding When it's Cold", continuing in February with "How To Avoid
a Sore Neck and Shoulders", we continue this 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!
# 3 - How To Avoid a Sore Bottom
Your Saddle - Selection and Comfort
It is very important to have the right saddle, and to have it adjusted
correctly. Saddles are available in a wide range of widths, firmnesses, and
materials; with and without cutouts in the nose, with and without gel. The best
advice we can give is to experiment and find a saddle that you find comfortable.
There are three major sources of saddle discomfort, which I discuss below. By
the way, if you find a saddle that eliminates or minimizes all three, buy it !
1) Sit bone (ischeal tuberosity) soreness -
My bottom hurts! How many times have you heard this? There are three major
components to eliminating this unhappy condition:
a. Conditioning your body to tolerate pressure on the sit bones is the best
approach (lots of saddle time) to mitigate, and eventually eliminate, most all
sit bone soreness.
b. A saddle that 'gives' only a little in the sit bone area, and that is wide
(or narrow) enough that your sit bones actually contact the saddle, where it is
designed to 'meet you'.
c. Softer is not better! You need to have good support, not lots of squishy
cushioning, to be comfortable on longer rides.
2) Genital area soreness.
While not all men and women experience this problem, it is a real problem for
those who do. If you develop a burning sensation or numbness when you ride for
longer than half an hour, you have this problem. Make sure your saddle is level
or very slightly nose down. If that doesn't help, shop for a new saddle!
a. Try a saddle with a cutout. Make sure the edges of the cutout don't rub or
otherwise bother you. You should not be aware of them on your test ride.
b. Try a saddle with gel in the nose (gel is soft, but not too squishy in this
application), as it will relieve pressure.
c. Try a wider (at the back) saddle so more of your weight is borne by the sit
bones. (Women have, on the average, one inch wider spacing of their sit bones/ischeal
tuberosities, and this means that they need a commensurately wider sitting area
for their saddle to be comfortable)
3) Chafing (skin abrasion or 'blistering').
If you have ever experienced this, you will never forget it! Both your saddle
and shorts play important roles in preventing chafing. Saddle issues are
discussed here, and shorts issues in the next section:
a. If your saddle is too wide through the nose, or where the back end curves
into the nose, your thighs will rub as they move back and forth against the
saddle edges, resulting in chafing. If this is true, choose a different saddle.
b. Chafing can also result from the saddle being too soft and 'squishy'. Your
bottom is able to rub, again, and again, and again . . .
c. Try 'chamois cream' to minimize chafing (Plain vaseline is used by many
pros).
Saddle Adjustment
First, check your saddle height, by sitting on the saddle wearing your riding
shorts and shoes. Resting the heels of your feet on the pedals, bring the pedals
to the 12 and 6 o'clock position. Your down heel should just barely have contact
with the pedal. If your heel easily contacts the pedal, your saddle is too low.
Pedal backwards with someone watching you from behind. Your hips should not rock
as you pedal. If they do, your saddle is too high. Place the balls of your feet
on the pedals in normal riding position and return the pedals to the 12 and 6
o'clock position. Your down leg should have only a slight bend at the knee.
Next, make sure the tilt of your saddle is set so it is level or only very
slightly nose down.
Finally, check the front-rear adjustment of your saddle, by placing your feet on
the pedals in normal riding position and bring the pedals to the 3 and 9 o'clock
position. Looking at your forward leg, drop a plumb line from just behind your
kneecap to the pedal. The line should intersect the pedal at its axis, or within
a half an inch or so of it.
Your Bicycle Shorts - Selection and Comfort
There is lots of information on bike shorts (I think I saw an entire book on the
subject recently!!), and virtually everyone will tell you that theirs are the
best! Just as with gearing, if we can keep it simple, you are much more likely
to find the ones that work well for you, and are comfortable. So here goes.
Let's look at what are the most important factors in: 1) selection, and in 2)
fit.
Factors in Selection
Price is a starting point for many people. In general, the more you spend, the
better quality the short. Less expensive shorts use lighter materials, and less
detail in construction.
Spandex material is really stretchy, and that makes it easy to put on and take
off. It comes in different weights - 5 oz is the lighter weight (and cooler in
hot weather), 6 to 7 oz is medium weight, and 8 oz and more is heavy weight
(which usually provides the best fit and support).
The liner is an important consideration in selecting shorts. Watch out for and
avoid liners that are too thickly padded. They will squish around and can result
in chafing, especially on longer rides. Liners that have either no seams, or use
flat-seam stitching will be most comfortable. Liners that are grooved, or
otherwise exotic in some way, may or may not work for you - you will have to
take a chance and see how it goes!
The leg grippers should be distinctly wider, have good, semi-sticky gripper
material, and they should be snug, but not too tight.
The number of panels is another factor in fit - generally the more panels there
are, the better the fit. My best fitting, most comfortable shorts (and
knickers), especially for longer rides, are all of 8 panel construction.
How is the waistband constructed? Most are elastic, while some are elastic with
a drawstring. Either way is okay for most people, just be sure not to get shorts
with only a drawstring, as it is uncomfortable this way! And, there is an
alternative - Bib shorts. The shoulder straps are designed to keep your shorts
from drooping, and they do! But they cost more, and make pit stops (especially
for women) more complicated.
Factors in Fit
Which bicycle shorts fit best? Shorts tight enough to always move with your body
(not against it) will result in no friction between your shorts and your skin
(good). Your shorts should be all that rubs - not you! And if you get shorts
that fit snugly, but not too tightly, the issue of size will be automatically
addressed. And, most of us appreciate the firm support from snug fitting shorts.
Just remember - not too tight!
Good shorts that are heavy enough to have 'body' will usually be a little loose
in the rear when you stand straight. But when you bend forward, into the
position you ride in, they are no longer loose, as they are fitted for riding -
not standing around!
A fitting feature that many people like in bicycle shorts are legs long enough
to cover (and comfortably compress) their thighs. Why? I have heard from more
than a few people that mid-thigh length shorts are less comfortable, and tend to
bind at the leg gripper seam. I know, as I too have had that experience.
Waist 'length', or how high the shorts come up, especially in the back, is
another fitting factor. Some prefer a higher waist- some don't. A higher waist
can keep you from getting sunburned between your jersey hem and the top of your
shorts, or it may just 'feel' better. This is a matter of preference.
The number of panels is another factor in Fit (as well as in selection). 8 panel
shorts that fit snugly are a delight to wear, in general.
In summary, pay attention to what works for you and what doesn't, and, over
time, focus on what's most important for you such as proper saddle
selection/adjustment as well as shorts that work well for you.
SPRING CLEANING!!! 4 TANDEMS FOR SALE. Burley Rumba and Samba; Co-Motion Custom;
Santana Vision. All in excellent condition. Prices $1,300 and up. For more
details, contact Rudy at (520)742-2518 (Tucson) or
zonatandem@yahoo.com.
Top of Page
NEW MEMBERS:
Abygail's Bakery; Judy Calcagno; Michael & Laura Danker; James & Myra Gill; Tim
& Cathie Greenaugh; J. Huggins; Linda Matson; Kam Morganti; Walt Morris; Troy
Peterson; Crystal Rauch.
RENEWING MEMBERS:
Grace Evans; Eric Case; David McBride; Tim Pringle; Mike Robinette; Sam & Anne
Ward; Pete & Pam Baum; Rich Daly; Debbie Howard; Sue McDavit; Leslie McGee;
Donald McGraw; Bruce Moehlman; Patrick O'Connor; Chuck Shultz; Len West; Fred
Finney; Peter Fry; Grace Schuakenberg; Burl Schultz; Gene Applegate; Bob Brown;
Richard E. Corbett; Roger Fox; Gail Gurney; Jim McBride; Bill Phillippi; Brian
Nelson; Deborah Vanallen; David Mercado; Gordon Darby; V. John Gross; Steven &
Carolyn Ammons; Vic & Cheryl Tkalenko; Donald & Shirley Harmon; Howard &
Stephanie Kirz; Herb & Teresa Roudabush; Jonathan & Cathy Hoffman; Carol & Jerry
Little; John & Randi Steiner; Michael & Jessica Bawry.
More than a bike ride-A cult happening!
Friday, Saturday & Sunday April 29, 30 & May 1
There are three types of riders who attempt this ride. The racers start at first
light, stop only for Cytomax and water and arrive in beautiful downtown
Strawberry (population 35) ready for a full afternoon of sightseeing. The
tourists actually take time to look at the great scenery, enjoy the generous sag
stops, and arrive just early enough for a nap before dinner. The clueless
realize at mile 45 on the first day that they should be somewhere else.
Don't be clueless. This ride covers 325 miles and 22,000 feet of climbing over
three days. The first day from Scottsdale to Strawberry climbs about 10,000 ft.
The second day to Prescott climbs another 6,600 ft. and crosses the inevitably
windy Prescott Valley. Distance on the third day is 127 miles. Be prepared for
cold in the mountains and heat crossing the desert. And sometimes (rarely) snow.
The crew from Landis Cyclery will transport your bags and provide sag stops with
snacks and water. They will also pick you up if you can't go on, but space is
very limited. If you start, be prepared to finish!
LODGING: Strawberry accommodations are limited. If all hotels are full, call
Cheryl Holland at the Windmill Corner Inn (below) for additional suggestions:
Strawberry Lodge 928-476-3333
Strawberry Motel 928-476-3040
Windmill Corner Inn 928-476-3064
Strawberry Hill Cabins 928-476-4252 or 480-575-7866
Prescott baggage drop-off and pickup will be at the Super 8 Sheldon
St. which fills up early. Close by hotels are:
Super 8 (Sheldon St.) 800-800-8000
Motel 6 (Sheldon St.) 800-466-8356
Best Western (Gurley St.) 800-528-1234
Colony Inn (Gurley St.) 928-445-7057
Start: Friday, April 29. Check-in opens at 5:00 AM. First riders out at 5:30 AM,
last sag leaves at 6:30 AM. Slower riders, please start early.
Where: Landis Cyclery Scottsdale, Scottsdale Rd. & Shea Blvd., SE corner. For
additional information, call Dick Landis at 480-839-9383.
GABA-Tucson
P. O. Box 43273
Tucson, AZ 85733
President: Steve Wilson 749-9014
wilsons@us.ibm.com
Vice President: David "Griff" Griffis 325-3600
dgriffis@griffisconsulting.com
Treasurer: Peggy Jacobsen 791-3049
pjtucson@earthlink.net
Secretary: Andy Stevens 990-1459
andy@solvomassage.com
Membership: Steve Graeber 762-1363
psiclist@worldwerks.com
Publicity: Sally Krusing 296-0319
supersal@cox.net
Bike Shops Coord.: Ram Salcedo 733-0230
salcedo@flash.net
Education: Donna Aversa 742-0440
dmaversa@aol.com
Touring-Day: Judy Bolt 512-0442
bojubolt@aol.com
Overnight Rides: Dorothy Barth 323-7203
dorothybarth2443@msn.com
Centuries: Sandi Rousseau 799-4406
sandir03@comcast.net
Update Editor: Suzanne Couvrette 891-4661
sgcouvrette@aol.com
Corrsp/Registr.: Donna Lewandowski 749-9014
gabamail@comcast.net
Volunteer Coord: Dick Schaffer 326-4807
bikeschaf@aol.com
Webmaster: Dave Swanson 664-0429
daveswan@us.ibm.com
Social Director: Pam Cullop 290-4321
pjcullop@comcast.net
Bike Swap: Greg Yares 323-9020
Yares@cox.net
Shed Master: Bill Borland 299-3509
bborland@theriver.com
Cycling Advocacy: Donna Aversa 742-0440
dmaversa@aol.com
"Grand Canyon to the Border"
Bicycle Tour 2005
(First Week in October)
P. O. Box 40814, Tucson, AZ 85717
2005 Chair: Dorothy Barth
Tour Message Line: 520-349-5932
April 16 - 17, 2005
Join us for a weekend of camaraderie, fitness and fun in Bisbee! This ride is
for the fit rider who will enjoy a visit to this quaint old mining town, now an
arts colony, nestled in Southeast Arizona's mountains.
NEW COURSE THIS YEAR!
YOU MUST HAVE A PHOTO-ID TO RIDE THRU FORT HUACHUCA
The ride starts as usual at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Sonoita. With
the spring sun beckoning you to Bisbee and the wind at your back, travel east on
Hwy 83 TOWARDS ELGIN AND CANELO. Enjoy rolling hills in grassland country with a
spectacular view of the Huachuca Mountains. After 22 miles, you'll arrive at the
back gate of Fort Huachuca. After showing your photo-ID, continue through the
Fort to the exit on Hwy 90. Turn right on Buffalo Soldiers Trail and continue to
Hwy 92. Turn right again and cycle past Ramsey Canyon and Nicksville on your way
to Bisbee via Miracle Valley. As you near Bisbee, take a look on the left to the
legendary Lavender Pitt, the copper mine that made Bisbee famous. It's now time
to socialize! You have the choice ofeither camping at Higgins Park (BRING
TOWEL/SOAP), or lodging in one of Bisbee's many historic hotels, motels and Bed
& Breakfasts.
"Special Dinner" this year again on Saturday evening at the historic Copper
Queen Hotel for $15 per person, where you will be able to carbo-load on pasta
and proteins (vegetarians are welcome) as well as delicious dessert, and
participate in our door prizes! Dinner available only to the first 100
pre-registered riders, so sign up early!
DAY ONE- approx. 69 miles:
The course takes you along grassy high meadows and scenic valleys of Southern
Arizona, from Sonoita via the winery country near Elgin and the small village of
Cimarron (Sag #1) to the back entrance of Ft Huachuca; then, after crossing the
Fort, continue south and east on Buffalo Soldiers Trail in Sierra Vista to
Nicksville on the east side of the Huachucas to Miracle Valley (Sag #2) to
Bisbee. The views of majestic mountains grace your ride, whichever way you look!
In Bisbee, quaint small shops and artists galleries will charm you as you stroll
along the narrow twisted streets of this "turn-of-the-century" mining town!
DAY TWO - approx. 60 miles:
The return trip on Sunday takes you back up to the tunnel, either via the main
highway, or through the narrow winding Tombstone Canyon road, on your way to the
major descent of this day! As you did not climb the 6-mile Mule Mountain Pass
the day before, prepare yourself for a fast downhill with great views of the
Mule Mountains. Safely enjoy this great descent!
At the bottom, make a left towards Sierra Vista on Hwy 90; continue west to SAG
#1. A little more climb with great views of the Huachuca Mountains, and you are
now in Sierra Vista. At the junction of Hwy 90 and 92, turn right on the By-Pass
which brings you to Huachuca City.
At the junction with Hwy 82 (Sag #2), turn left towards to Sonoita. The third
leg of the journey back may bring you some headwinds - a traditional occurrence
on this ride! A little more climb, with scenic mountain scenes at the horizon,
and you are now back in grasslands. After about 10 miles, turn south on Elgin
Road and away from the traffic of Hwy 82. Here, enjoy peaceful rolling country
roads as you approach the finish in Sonoita.
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 www.theinn.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
(NO BIKES ALLOWED IN HOTEL - CAN BE STORED IN GABA TRUCK.)
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
(For the first 100 riders ONLY)
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 membership, or $10 for students.
Your fee includes:
1) Camping at Fairgrounds in Sonoita Friday night before the ride;
2) Safe parking for you car at the Fairgrounds for the weekend;
3) SAG Support along the route on both days if you need help;
4) 2 sag stops each day with water, fruit, snacks & lunch makings;
5) Baggage truck to deliver your luggage at camping site or at your hotel (tag
your dufflebag with hotel tags at start of ride);
6) Camping in Bisbee on Saturday night at Higgins Park (hot showers
off-site), near central area of town - BRING TOWEL/SOAP;
7) Route map and riders instructions.
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)
Starting Point:
Saturday Morning In Sonoita at the Fairgrounds
Intersectin of Hwys 82 & 83. (Follow GABA signs)
Starting Time: Register between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Baggage truck will depart
no later than 8:15 AM. Sign in, drop your dufflebag labeled with color-coded
motel tags, and pick up your map & riders instructions. Then, start riding as
soon as you are ready!
Saturday Dinner Pasta Banquet Buffet
$15 per person. Must be paid at time of registration.
Limited seating for only 100 people.
All fresh and homemade
by the Copper Queen Culinary Crew!
Antipasti Platter; Chicken Breast with Marinara Sauce; Cheese Tortellini
w/Alfredo Sauce; Farfelle Pasta with Fresh Vegetables; Roasted Red/Green
Peppers, Onions & Tomatoes; Garlic Bread; Fresh Seasonings; Chef's Choice
Dessert; Coffee, Tea, Brewed Decaf Coffee.
We are working on a Sunday Breakfast at the Copper Queen Hotel, starting at 6
AM. If interested, please indicate so on your registration form.
Ride leader: Suzanne Couvrette, (520) 891-4661 or e-mail at sgcouvrette@aol.com.
Volunteers needed! GABA Bucks awarded to all volunteers! Call Suzanne as soon as
possible.
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
SONOITA-BISBEE SPRING 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
EACH RIDER MUST HAVE PHOTO ID
TO RIDE THRU FORT HUACHUCA.
Option chosen: (Please circle)
Motel Name_______________________
Camping ___(BRING TOWEL & SOAP)
Vegetarian: Yes No (for SAG stops/meals)
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA/ABC Member: $45 $____
Non-member ride fee: $55 $____
Sat. Dinner at Copper Queen $15 $____
(First 100 Pre-Registered riders ONLY)
DAY-OF-THE-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.
Top of Page
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 your “fastest” century as this is the flattest route in southern Arizona.
Expect a fantastic day with great sag stops and ride support! Ride suitable for
novice, intermediate or advanced riders: choose a distance that suits your
cycling ability. Excellent opportunity to practice for distance/speed and for
paceline/small group riding. And watch for all those wild flowers!
STARTING TIME: 8 to 8:30 AM. Be on the road by 8:45 AM.
STARTING POINT: I-10 & Avra Valley Rd., exit 243. (West side of freeway, follow
GABA signs.) All riders start here.
ROUTE: Out-and back course. Pedal north on the Frontage Rd past Picacho Peak to
Picacho Town, Turn-Around-Point for the 60-milers. 100-milers continue north,
cycling through cotton fields to Coolidge to their Turn-Around-Point near the
Casa Grande Ruins.
RIDE FEE for Pre-Registered Riders:
GABA/ABC members: $15. Non-members: $20.
DAY-OF-EVENT FEES:
GABA/ABC Members: $25 Non-Members: $30.
Fee covers route maps & riders instructions; 3 sag stops with great food along
the course; and sag vehicles covering the route. Use the Pre-Registration Form &
Waiver on p. 15. Helmets are mandatory.
RIDE LEADER: Roberta Toussaint,
robertatoussaint@yahoo.com or 577-8009. Volunteers needed; call Roberta if
you can assist.
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)
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA/ABC Member: $15 $____
Non-member: $20 $____
DAY OF EVENT FEE:
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 much appreciated!
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
Postage & handling per jersey/T-Shirt: $ 7.50
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
Sleeveless - men's only: ____ ____ ____
With Sleeves, - men's: ____ ____ ____
With Sleeves, - women's: ____ ____ ____
Cross State T-Shirts: ____ ____ ____
Club Socks: ____ ____ ____
Cross State Socks: ____ ____ ____
Bar Map Holders: ____ ____ ____
Add for postage & handling: jerseys & T-Shirts: ____
Add for postage & handling: socks/holders: ____
Total money enclosed (checks or money orders ONLY) $______
Make checks payable to GABA-Tucson. Mail to PO Box 43273 Tucson AZ 85733
NAME: ______________________________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________
CITY: __________________________ STATE: ___ ZIP: ________
Purchase jerseys at GABA meetings on the 1st Monday of the each month. Contact
Andy Stevens at (520) 990-1459 or andy@solvomassage.com for more information.
Mark your Calendar for April 1-4, 2005
Click on www.tucsonaz.gov/CAF
for the schedule of activities.
From April 1-4, 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! Don't miss the Clean Air Jamboree on Sunday, April 3,
Noon-5 PM at Reid Park's DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, with live music,
food, prizes galore, fun activities & workshops, kids activities, clean-fueled
vehicles display, bike maintenance tips, bio-diesel fuel demonstration, and
environmentally related booths and information.
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.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
96 very hilly scenic miles! Or 66 hilly scenic miles!
Sponsored by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
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 to Kearny. 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.
The 66-mi option from Superior to Winkleman & back, offers 2,200 ft of climb.
Great course to test your climbing abilities, if you're not sure about the full
96 miles. But don't feel left out - this option will also offer the 11% climb up
"The End of the World" on the way back to Superior.
For info, www.sportsfun.com/gaba, or
Kathy Mills at 480-759-7675.
Alphabetical listing of GABA-Tucson's Supporting
Members. 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- 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
(Editor's Note: Supporting Members ads run for 1 year, July 1-June 30 the next
year. Ad sizes are 2" x 3". For info, contact Ram Salcedo, Bike Shop
Coordinator, salcedo@flash.net or 733-0230.)
May 14 & 15, 2005
Two options:
85 miles per day with all the hills or
65 miles per day with fewer hills!
Join us for the spectacular scenery and challenging hills of the Salt River
Canyon May 14 and 15. With over 6,500 feet of climbing on the first day, this
ride is for strong, experienced riders.
OPTIONS:
Choose the full 85 scenic hilly miles, or a 65-mile easier course. The full
course takes you from the mining town of Globe through desert vistas up into
pine trees and open vistas of the rocky canyon. On the 1st day, the shorter
version includes a 20-mile ride in the sag vehicle to the 1st Sag Stop,
eliminating about 3,000 feet of climb out of Globe. Both options include the
curvy steep descent to the bottom of the canyon, climbing up and up on the other
side, a downhill to Carrizo Creek and the final rolling climb in the pine trees
into Show Low.
On the 2nd day, the course may be shortened by a 20-mile sag van ride down the
hill to Carrizo Canyon, or "shorter-version" cyclists may just decide to tackle
the full 85 miles and 5,000 feet of climbing.
If you decide on the shorter version with fewer hills, but still a good "scenic"
workout, call Kathy Mills at 480-235-5052 or Email her at kmills@flusol.com to
reserve your seat in the sag van!
STARTING PLACE & TIME:
Meet in Globe between 5:45 and 7 AM on Saturday morning at Joe's Broad Street
Grill on Broad Street. (Take Broad Street off US 60, follow it past Sycamore.)
Load your dufflebag in the baggage vehicle and pick up your map & ride
instructions. The restaurant opens at 6 AM for breakfast. After breakfast, start
riding when ready, no later than 7 AM! Baggage van will depart by 7:15 AM.
SAG SUPPORT (First Day):
SAG #1 will be 20 miles into the ride. This portion of the ride includes gradual
climbing on the first day.
SAG #2 at the top of the climb out of Salt River Canyon (40 miles into the
ride), will provide lunch.
SAG #3 will be located 20 miles further at the Chevron Station, at Carrizo
Junction.
Sag stops on the 2nd day will be at different locations; see route map.
It is important to re-hydrate yourself at each sag stop, even if you don't feel
thirsty. Consumption of enough calories over the course of the day will help you
feel strong until you reach your destination.
SALT RIVER CANYON BIKE RIDE COST:
PRE-REGISTERED RIDERS: GABA/ABC members: $65
Non-members: $75
DAY-OF-THE-EVENT: GABA/ABC members: $80
Non-members: $90
Helmets are mandatory.
A minimum of 25 riders are required for this event to rake place. If there are
not 25 committed/paid cyclists by April 25, the ride will be canceled. But, if
we have at least 60 riders registered for this ride, you'll get a FREE dinner on
Saturday evening!
Fee includes camping at Fool's Hollow State Park in Show Low; baggage transport;
3 sag stops including a lunch stop each day; sag vehicles covering the route;
sag ride from campground to dinner & back; maps and riders instructions.
RIDE LEADER: Kathy Mills, 480-235-5052 (cell), 602-274-6725 (work) or Email
kmills@flusol.com. Rest stop and sag vehicle volunteers are needed. Earn GABA
bucks toward ride entry in another ride or GABA gear items! Contact Kathy in
Phoenix, or Dorothy Barth in Tucson at 323-7203, or at dorothybarth2443@msn.com
if you or your friends and family want to help.
WATCH FOR POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE APRIL UPDATE. STARTING AND/ OR PARKING
LOCATION MAY BE CHANGING.
SALT RIVER CANYON BIKE RIDE MOTEL LIST
IN GLOBE:
El Rey: (928)425-4427. Economy Inn: (928)425-5736.
El Rancho Motel: (928)425-5757. Motel 6: (928)425-5741.
Comfort Inn: (928)425-7575. Super 8: (928)425-7124.
Days Inn: (928)425-5500. Travelodge: (928)425-7008.
IN SHOW LOW:
Sleep Inn: (928)532-7323. Pool, jacuzzi, breakfast.
Kiva: (928)537-4542. Jacuzzi.
Best Western Paint Pony: (928)537-5773.
Days Inn: (928)537-4356. Motel 6: (928)537-7694.
Holiday Inn: (928)537-5115. Thunderbird : (928)537-4391.
Salt River Canyon Ride
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
May 14 & 15
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable.
Please fill out all the blanks.
Leader: Kathy Mills, (480) 759-7675 or
khendricks67@earthlink.net
Return this form & your check to: GABA
P. O. Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733
Option chosen: (Please circle) 85mi 65mi
Motel ______________ Camping ___
Vegetarian: Yes No (for SAG stops food)
Money enclosed:
GABA/ABC Member: $65 $____
Non-member: $75 $____
DAY OF EVENT-member $80 $____
DAY OF EVENT-nonmember $90 $____
Total money enclosed: $______
I AM Currently a GABA member: yes no
NAME
(print)_________________________
ADDRESS________________________
CITY_________ ZIP _______
PHONE ________
E-Mail_________________________
CPSC-approved helmets mandatory.
STAPLE your signed WAIVER to each form.
Forms & Waivers cut with scissors are much appreciated!
Saturday, April 2nd, 2005
Around the Perimeter of Red Mountain
Over 800 cyclists will ride 74 or 26 miles around the perimeter of McDowell
Mountains & Red Mountain, starting and finishing at a NEW location this year,
Red Mountain Park, East Mesa.
El Tour de Phoenix is fast becoming the largest springtime ride in central
Arizona, attracting cyclists of all ages and abilities! The course offers a lot
of diversity, taking you to the North and West areas of Phoenix through a spring
desert in full bloom! Be prepared for a course with a lot of short hills at
times!
The 74-milers start at 6:30 AM and the 26-milers start at 10 AM at Red Mountain
Park in East Mesa, Az. Medallions will be given to all finishers. This ride
benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
For more information on starting times and locations, or on the cost and how to
register, or to volunteer to be a bike patrol, please call PBAA at (520)
745-2033 (Tucson), or visit the website at www. perimeterbicycling.com, or
e-mail at info@perimeterbicycling.com.
Saturday, March 26
On 4th Avenue near 6th Street.
By Greg Yares,
Bike Swap Organizer
Directions: From out of town, exit I-10 at St Mary's Road, exit 257 A, and go
east.
The 2005 Bike Swap will be part of the City of Tucson/Pima County "Clean Air
Fair" (which used to be Bike Week in previous years.) Visit their wesite for
details of all the activities: www.tucsonaz.gov/CAF.
For more information on the Bike Swap, call Greg Yares, 323-9020 or contact him
via e-mail at yares@cox.net
Top of Page
March 5-6, 2005
Time again to get Crazy in Gila Bend! Join us on this spring ride through the
desert and find out why the Arizona Bicycle Club has sponsored this traditional
tour for TWENTY-FIVE years!
The ride leaves from Litchfield Park on Sat. morning, March 5 at 8 AM. We'll
ride thru the lovely Gila River Valley, covering 67 miles each day on this flat
ride. We spend the night in Gila Bend and return Sunday.
Included in this ride are sag stops Saturday and Sunday, the traditional
Saturday night dinner, an optional trip to the Dairy Queen and the space age
Spa. Sag drivers will tote your luggage and keep an eye on you.
Please check our website for all the other details at www.azbikeclub.com or
email dennismacleod@yahoo.com
Adopted by GABA-Tucson Board
- If you cancel 1 week (7 days) or less prior to a ride, you do not receive a
refund.
- If you cancel between 2 weeks (14 days) and 1 week (7 days) prior to a ride,
you get one half of your money back.
- If you cancel more than 2 weeks (14 days) prior to a ride, you get a full
refund.
Sorry but we cannot make exceptions.
However, you may locate a substitute rider and submit his/her completed
Registration Form and Waiver with a letter of explanation, in order to avoid the
cancellation charge.
You may need to prove your GABA-Tucson membership when making purchases at local
bike shops who generously give a "GABA Discount" to our members.
All you have to do is cut out your newsletter label and stash it in your wallet.
It has your name and membership expiration date on it.
For your information, not all bike shops offer a discount; the rate of discounts
offered may vary between shops; and it may be given only on certain kinds of
purchases.
What are "GABA Bucks"?
"GABA Bucks" are credits issued by the Club in increments of $5. Use them for
ride fees, membership fees, jerseys, etc.; they have no expiration date; can be
transferred to someone else or donated to worthy causes.
How can I earn GABA Bucks?
1. Lead a Day Ride: Worth $5 in GABA Bucks. Contact Day Rides Coordinator Judy
Bolt, 512-0442 or bojubolt@aol.com
2. Lead/Help Overnighters/Centuries: Contact Volunteers Coordinator Dick
Schaffer, bikeschaf@aol.com or 326-4807.
"GABA Bucks" are earned as follows:
A. SAG stop, baggage truck, sweep vehicle: $15 for one-day events, $25 for 2-
day, $30 for 3-day. If someone is helping you, split GABA Bucks however you
want.
B. Help with registration or other tasks designated by ride leader - $5.
C. Lead a century ride - $25.
D. Lead a two-day overnight ride - $40.
E. Lead a three-day overnight ride - $50.
3. Write an article for the UPDATE. Worth $5 in "GABA Bucks". Contact Editor,
Suzanne Couvrette, at sgcouvrette@aol.com
4. Organize Special Events (picnic/ice cream social). Worth $20 in "GABA Bucks".
Contact Social Director Pam Cullop at
pjcullop@comcast.net or 290-4321.
February 9th 2005 Meeting
By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
This column will share with you news from meetings of the Tucson-Pima County
Bicycle Advisory Committee (TPCBAC). This column has two major sections,
Announcements/News, and Actions.
Announcements/News
The following announcements and news were made known at the February 9th
meeting:
· Peter Sadza, in the call to the public, made two points. He complimented the
City of Tucson for sweeping bike lanes recently, and noted that while walking he
had some close calls with bicycle riders on sidewalks. Tucson Police Sgt. Tim
Beam said that while it was illegal, it was not a top priority enforcement item.
_ Both Tucson Police Sgt. Tim Beam and Pima County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Karl
Woolridge made Law Enforcement Reports. Sgt. Beam reported there were 25
collisions in January, up over 2004. Fault was about 50 -50. Sgt. Karl Woolridge
reported there were six injury crashes in December: four were wrong-way bicycle
riders, one was a car turning right too close in front a cyclist, and the other
was a cyclist hit by a car that was knocked into the cyclist by another car.
Members urged that "Share the Road" guides be given to those contacted in
crashes and enforcement actions.
_ Matt Zoll announced that State Bicycle Program Manager Mike Sanders will be at
the next BAC Mtg. He also handed out the latest bi-monthly PCDOT bike
newsletter, including information on LAB Executive Director Andy Clarke's visit
here in mid February, Safe Routes to School training here at the end of Feb -
early March (he will E-mail the schedule to the BAC list).
_ Rosemary Carmody asked if the Sheriff's Road Condition phone hotline could
include bicycle information, especially regarding the Mt Lemmon Hwy.
_ Diana Tolton mentioned the problem of drivers using the center continuous left
turn lane at her daughter's elementary school as a through lane, creating a
hazard.
_ Simon Washington said now is the time to change bicycle laws, and make
advances with MVD, as the Governor's Office of Highway Safety has a visionary
and supportive leader in Richard Fimbres.
_ Dick Schaffer mentioned that HB 2061, which will increase fines for striking
bicycle riders, is stuck in the Arizona Legislature's House Transportation
Committee. Matt mentioned that the bill also addresses the problematic current
language that makes the provisions not applicable when a bicycle rider is
outside a bike lane and is struck and injured or killed.
_ Bill Adamson suggested that the members contact their appointing officials in
the City or the County, and ask that they direct their lobbyist to support HB
2061.
_ Diana Tolton reported on the Platinum publicity - she wrote an article for the
Chamber of Commerce newsletter, and said that the Chamber would be E-mailing out
information on Andy Clark's visit.
_ Bill Katzel reported there would be an open house on downtown transportation
projects, Wed. Feb. 16th, 4:30 to 7:30 at the TCC.
_ Roy Schoonover reported that 1) He had a meeting with Chuck Huckleberry, Pima
County Administrator, who strongly supports the addition of bike lanes on
Sahuarita road; 2) He has a meeting soon with the Town of Sahuarita Manager and
Vice-Mayor, to discuss Sahuarita Road; 3) He attended an Enhancements grants
meeting last week, and was impressed with the dedication and competent approach
of ADOT Coordinator Bruce Cannon; 4) The RTP Task force is considering the ideas
of a 'set-aside' fund for cycling projects; 5) There is a need to update the
two-year old BAC bicycle improvement priority list - He will head a
sub-committee to bring back recommendations at the March meeting.
Actions
The Committee took the following actions at this meeting:
_ The Minutes of the December meeting were approved unanimously upon a motion by
Dick Schaffer, and seconded by Roy Schoonover.
_ Proposal to rename Golf Links/Aviation Pathway to Victory Lane - A motion was
made by Jonathan Mabry, seconded by Dick Schaffer, to name the Shared-Use
pathway to the east of the Veteran's Memorial Interchange "Veteran's Lane". The
motion passed unanimously.
_ Maintenance Practices and Construction Zones - A Motion was made by Simon
Washington, and seconded by Roy Schoonover, to encourage the consistent use of
MUTCD signing & striping at construction zones/sites. The motion passed
unanimously.
_ Letter of Thanks to City of Tucson for Bikeway Improvements - Bill Katzel
moved, and Rosemary Carmody seconded, that the letter as presented be sent. The
motion passed unanimously.
_ Bike Lane widths, signing, and stencils - A Motion was made by Simon
Washington, and seconded by Rosemary Carmody, to approve exceptions to ASSHTO
guidelines only on a case-by-case basis, such as 4 foot lanes at intersections
when there is a right turn only lane, or when there is a vertical curb. The
motion passed unanimously.
For More Information: If you have any bicycle related concern, you are invited
to attend the T-PCBAC meetings on the 2nd Wed. of each month, 6 to 8 PM, at
Himmel Library (Treat Ave & 1st St.), 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.
By Dorothy Barth
Overnight Tour Coordinator
My first ride in the great state of Arizona was in 1993. Four friends and I came
out from Ohio to do the Cross State Tour. We trained for the week-long event,
and had much trepidation when we landed in Phoenix. We thoroughly enjoyed the
Tour, and even though we were sore every day, each one of us enjoyed the
spectacular scenery, and challenging cycling terrain that is characteristic of
Arizona.
Over the next few years, I came out from Ohio to do the Sonoita-Bisbee Tour
twice. One year, the 120-mile route doubled my annual cycling mileage! It was a
joy to ride in the beautiful warm sunshine on a tour that was always well
organized and supported. I finally moved to Arizona to be able to participate in
all of the overnight tours our club offers.
We have a great array of overnight tours: Sonoita-Bisbee, Salt River Canyon,
Luna Lake, Blue Loop, and Cave Creek. Each one is a signature ride of our club.
As Overnight Ride Coordinator, I am looking for people willing to help us carry
on the great tradition of our weekend tours.
Rhonda Smith has graciously agreed to again lead our Luna Lake Tour. However,
she would like to find a co-leader who, after working with her this year, would
then be prepared to take over in 2006.
Kathy Hendricks Mills has run our Salt River Canyon Tour for several years. This
ride is a test for your legs and a feast for your eyes with spectacular scenery
and very challenging terrain. It is another GABA ride where organization and
support are so important. Kathy is also looking for a co-leader willing to lead
the ride next year. Consider the opportunity to work with an experienced ride
leader, and the chance to carry on a ride that has become a tradition for GABA.
The Blue Loop Tour needs a new ride leader this year. Sandi Rousseau has led
this ride for the last couple of years, and has done an excellent job. To a
great extent, much of the pre-planning work is done. Sandi is willing to provide
advice and coaching to a new tour leader. This would be a great opportunity for
someone to take over and add his or her own signature to the ride.
Our previous ride leaders are all generous in their support and coaching of new
ride leaders. Please call on your "underutilized management skills" and offer to
lead an overnight ride. You'll find that it is fun as well as rewarding. And
don't forget - there are GABA bucks as a reward for you and your ride crew.
If you're interested in being a ride leader, or have any questions, please
contact me on the GABA Cross State Tour line at 349-5932 or leave a message at
323-7203, or e-mail me at
dorothybarth2443@msn.com.
“The Platinum Challenge”
By Steve Wilson
GABA President
There's a serious effort underway in Tucson to become the first community in the
nation to be recognized as a platinum level "Bicycle Friendly Community" by the
League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Currently Tucson is one of 10 silver level
communities in the nation. There are only 4 communities that have achieved the
gold level, and none have achieved the platinum level.
BAC Chairman Jesse Morales is heading up an ad hoc committee to put together the
application sometime later this year. We are working on each of the major
evaluation areas used by the LAB to assess the current status of things in the
Tucson area and to identify areas that can be improved. It's actually pretty
encouraging to see all of the things going on already in Tucson.
Bill Katzel deserves the credit for getting this effort off the ground, and the
committee is getting good support from the City (Trace Tang) and County (Matt
Zoll) bike/ped coordinators, PBAA (Richard DeBernardis), GABA, the Brad Gorman
Fund (Jean Gorman) and several interested members of the community (Rich Corbett
and Roy Schoonover among others). The plan is for the Pima Association of
Governments (PAG) to submit the application for the Tucson metropolitan region.
The previous application that led to the silver level was submitted by the City
of Tucson.
The focus is on improving the 5 E's - education, enforcement, engineering,
encouragement, and evaluation. The review of Tucson's inventory has already
shown us some surprising information. Did you realize that Tucson has about
twice as many miles of bike lanes as Portland Oregon? When you consider the
current efforts to connect routes together and exciting new programs like "Safe
Routes to School" the outlook for cycling in Tucson is more promising each year.
Many of these efforts have positive feedback on themselves for the community.
The more positive publicity cyclists get in the community, the more people will
be out on their bikes. The more people cycle on our city streets, the safer it
gets for all cyclists. Achieving the platinum (or even gold) LAB level will be a
big boost for cycling in Tucson.
If you'd like to be a part of the effort to help Tucson be the first to achieve
the platinum level "Bicycle Friendly Community" award from the LAB, let me know
and we'll get you involved. See you out on the road.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
By Pam Cullop, Social Director
It is in the planning stages, but mark your calendar for the Annual Ice Cream
Social and Bike Ride, Saturday, April 30th. It is always a great way to spend a
warm spring day. The traditional multi-level bike rides leaving from a centrally
located park will start off the morning. Upon your return, you'll be treated to
all the ice cream your little tummy can hold!
This is a time for young, old and in-betweens to share in one fun event-who
doesn't enjoy a bike ride and a big bowl of yummy ice cream!
There is always lots of time to visit, and lots of people to visit with, before,
during and after the event. Club “socials” provide a way to introduce newcomers
into GABA and bring together those who have been around forever, but haven't
been able to attend rides or club meetings. If you've never been to our Ice
Cream Rides, make this one your first - you won't be sorry you did!
Details will be outlined in the April UPDATE; park location, ride mileage and
beginning times. Anyone interested in leading one of the A/B, C or D rides, or
in helping with the ice cream and park setup, please contact me, Pam Cullop at
290-4321 or pjcullop@comcast.net.
April 9, 2005
The Desert Classic Century Cycling Tour is set for April 9. Organized by the
Arizona Bicycle Club and co-sponsored by the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery,
the tour features a 100-mile ride, a metric century ride and a 35-mile ride. All
rides start at the Rock Bottom Restaurant, 7640 W. Bell Road, with the
100-milers starting at 7 AM, the metric century riders at 7:30 AM, and the
35-milers at 7:45 AM.
A continental pre-ride breakfast, commencing with the 6 AM pre-ride check-in, a
post-ride lunch at the Rock Bottom Restaurant and a commemorative t-shirt are
included in the entry fee. All rides feature 4 support stops along the marked
road courses.
Early entry fee is $30 for ABC, GABA and Bullshifters members. Fee for other
riders is $40. Check www.azbikeclub.com
for information, or Richard Utterback,
richardutterback@msn.com or 602-264-9318.
Tucson:
www.bikegaba.org
Flagstaff: www.flagstaffbiking.org
Phoenix: www.sportsfun.com/gaba
Prescott: www.topica.com/lists/pcc
Other Cycling Clubs:
Arizona Bicycle Club - (ABC) in Phoenix:
http://azbikeclub.r.m6.net/
Don't wait! Contact Membership Director Steve Graeber, as soon as possible! He
is the ONLY person who can help you.
The best way is to E-MAIL Steve at: psiclist@worldwerks.com or
call him (second best) (520) 762-1363.
IMPORTANT:
Make Sure that the word GABA appears in the subject line of your message!
Because we use a bulk permit,
the Post Office will NOT forward
your Update!!!
Use the Membership Application provided on page 15 to let us know your new
address as soon as possible!
- To promote interest and involvement in all aspects of bicycling.
- To regularly publish a comprehensive news-letter of cycling information,
legislation affec-ting cyclists, and other bicycling events.
- To schedule tours and group riding opportunities for the development of indivi-dual
cycling skills and to promote safe riding habits.
- To provide education at all levels of bicycling skills, such as road and
safety, bicycle maintenance and emergency repairs; and to encourage bicycle use
as an energy-efficient and healthful means of personal transportation.
The UPDATE deadline is the 12th of each month. All submissions, including
articles, reports, stories, ads, etc. should be typed. Cartoons are welcome.
Submit your articles by E-Mail to: sgcouvrette@aol.com or by fax:(520) 325-8114
or mail directly to:
Suzanne Couvrette, UPDATE Editor
2818 N. Campbell, # 146, Tucson, AZ 85719.
Classified Ad Space:
FREE for GABA members,
ONLY for GABA members.
(For Sponsor Ads (see back cover), contact Ram Salcedo, Bike Shop Coordinator,
733-0230 or salcedo@flash.net)
The Update is published monthly by GABA-Tucson, as a service to its members.
Submissions must be received by the deadline to be included and may be edited to
meet space requirements. GABA does not make repre-sentations on the facts of
information received from its members and other cycling entities.
Note: GABA does not sell or give away its mailing list, or its e-mail address
list. This info is used only to better serve GABA's membership.
[ ] New Member [ ] Renewing
[ ] Change of Address
Yearly Membership (check one):
[ ] Individual $15 [ ] Family $18
[ ] Student $10 (Enclose copy of ID)
Please Print Clearly:
NAME: __________________________
E-MAIL: ________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________
CITY: _________ STATE: ___ ZIP: _____
PHONE: home: _______ work: ________
I can help (check all that apply):
[ ] (A) Lead Day rides
[ ] (B) Lead Overnight Rides
[ ] (C) Help on Overnight Rides
[ ] (D) Lead a Century Ride
[ ] (E) Help on a Century Ride
[ ] (F) Serve as SAG Volunteer
[ ] (G) Do a Slide Presentation
[ ] (H) Sabino Canyon Bike Patrol
Special Interests: __________________
(Note: GABA does not sell or give away its mailing list, or its e-mail addresses
list. This information is used only to better serve GABA's membership.)
Mail this Form with your dues to:
GABA-Tucson, P. O. Box 43273
Tucson, AZ 85733 Attn: Steven Graeber
RAIN OR SNOW??
IF pre-registered for a RAINED OUT event you will get a Credit for any other
ride for the amount you originally paid. Use these Credits before the end of the
year, WITH a new Registration Form for subsequent rides.
Options for 58 or 29 miles
Around the Tucson Mountains
Sunday, April 24, 2005
This year, the TTM will challenge over 1,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities
with the help of more than 250 volunteers!
The start of the 58-milers is at Pima College West (Anklam & Greasewood) at 6:30
AM. The 29-milers start at Desert Winds Ele¬mentary School on Rudasill Rd., one
mile West of Sandario Rd., at 8:30 AM. Both rides end at Pima College West.
Over a dozen aid stations with food, water and medical assistance will dot the
course. Traffic control over the entire route makes this ride one of the safest
and most enjoyable events in the southwest!
The Kids Fun Ride with options for 4 miles starts at 7 AM at Pima College and
finishes there as well. The 1/4 mile option for kids under 12 also takes place
at Pima College, starting at 7:30 AM.
Proceeds go to the Arizona Alumni Association Scholarship Fund and to Kino Kids,
a pro-gram of Kino Community Hospital, as well as to Pima College and the TMC
Children's Fund.
For more information on starting times and locations, or on the cost and how to
register, or to volunteer to be a bike patrol, please call PBAA at (520)
745-2033 (Tucson), or visit the website at www. perimeterbicycling.com, or
e-mail at info@perimeterbicycling.com.
Thursday,March 24 at 6 PM
at Brooklyn Pizza, 534 N. 4th Avenue
By Greg Yares
Anyone interested in helping out: come on and join us! Everybody is welcome!
After getting some pizza for sustenance, let's all walk down the street for
hands-on planning! Pick the time and the length of time that you are willing to
help: there is something for everyone!
Here are some of the duties to be allocated: picking up supplies from the GABA
storage unit; cordoning off certain areas: allocating spaces for vendors;
directing buyers to local parking areas; traffic control; getting a list of all
the vendors; spending an hour or two at the GABA table; cleaning up after the
event; returning all supplies, etc.
YOU MUST CALL GREG AHEAD OF TIME at 323-9020 or e-mail him at Yares@cox.net - he
needs to know how many pizzas to plan for!
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.