12th annual Tour for Tucson’s Children 2005
Mt Hopkins Mountain Bike Hill Climb
Coolidge Century 2005, A Great Success!
Welcome New And Renewing Members!
RAAM 05: A Race for the Great!
David Freund Memorial White Mountain Tour
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee News
No Monthly Meeting on Monday, July 4th
Spring Bike Swap Better than Ever!
25th Annual Great Arizona Bicycle Adventure 2005
Bicycle Commuter Act & Conserve by Bicycling Bills Reintroduced in Congress
League of American Bicyclists Director Visits Tucson
(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders
6/5 (Sun) Mt Hopkins (Mtn Bike) GABA-Tucson Tom Ward
6/11 & 12 Grand Canyon Tour ABC (Phx) Richard Utterback
7/4 (Mon) Tour for Tucson's Children Tucson Parks & Rec
7/4 (Mon) NO GABA MEETING TONIGHT
7/9 & 10 Dave Freund White Mtn Tour Phoenix GABA Jay Stewart
7/11 (Mon) GABA MEETING TONIGHT 7 PM
9/3-4-5 Blue Loop GABA-Tucson
Monday, June 6 at 7 PM
Join us in welcoming Diana Tolton, of the Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory
Committee,
who will give a presentation
with slides
on the “Platinum Challenge”.
Obtaining this prestigious award
will benefit the whole community
but will also necessitate
that we all
participate in making it happen.
Have a program suggestion?
Have a presentation you’d like to make?
Contact Griff Griffis at 325-3600 or
Email him at
dgriffis@griffisconsulting.com.
Top of Page
Monday, July 11 at 7 PM
No formal program tonight.
Join us tonight
to socialize with other cyclists!
We will serve
eegee's Frozen Drinks
and sub sandwiches.
Everybody is welcome!
JUNE 2005
June 5 (Sun): MT HOPKINS HILLCLIMB MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Mt Hopkins
is located south of Green Valley. Tom Ward, 625-3649 or tward@dakotacom.net or
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. Lisa or
Jesus at 791-4969, or contact Lisa.Sommer@tucsonaz.gov.
July 9 & 10 : DAVE FREUND MEMORIAL WHITE MOUNTAIN TOUR. PMBC. Show Low to
Springerville via Vernon on the 1st day; Springerville back to Show Low via
Sunrise on the 2nd day. Leader: Jay Stewart, Jay.Stewart@Honeywell.com or
www.sportsfun.com
July 23: TAYLOR HOUSE BENEFIT CENTURY. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff.
www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
AUGUST 2005
Aug. 19-21: FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff.
www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
SEPTEMBER 2005
Sept. 3-5: THE BLUE LOOP. GABA-Tucson. Morenci to Glenwood, NW; Glenwood to
Alpine, AZ; and Alpine back to Morenci via the famous "Coronado Trail".
www.bikegaba.org
Sept. 10 & 11: GILA INNER LOOP. Starting in Silver City, New Mexico. Contact
twinsisters@gilanet.com
Sept. 11 (Sun): OPENING DAY OF “EL TOUR” TRAINING RIDES. GABA-Tucson.
www.bikegaba.org
Sept. 10 (Sat) (Sat):10th ANNUAL BENEFIT TOUR OF THE WHITE MTNS. Near Pinetop,
for mountain bikes. Starting at Thunder Horse Ranch, same courses as last year.
New Website for registrations on line, starting mid-June. For info, Cynthia,
cclements@nrmc.org
OCTOBER 2005
Sept. 30-Oct. 2: TUCSON BICYCLE CLASSIC STAGE RACE. Steve Bohn, snsbohn@cox.net
or www.casaschurch.org/tbc/
Oct. 1-8: GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE. 25th Annual. Grand Canyon to the
Border in 2005. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Oct. 1 (Sat): COCHISE COUNTY CLASSIC XVII. Organized by PBAA. www.pbaa.com
Oct. ? : MEMORIAL RIDE FOR SAFETY. In Phoenix. PMBC for CAzB. www.sportsfun.com
Oct. 9 (Sun): HEART OF ARIZONA CENTURY. GABA-West Valley, Bullshifters, & ABC.
www.sportsfun.com
Oct. 15 & 16: CAVE CREEK OVERNIGHT RIDE. GABA-Tucson. On east side of the
Chiricahua Mountains, from Road Forks, NM to Portal, AZ. Mike Thompson, myklcycl@cox.net
or www.bikegaba.org
Oct. 23 (Sun): GENE CHAPMAN MEMORIAL TUMACACORI CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. Most
options start in Sahuarita, south of Tucson, and go to the well-known Tumacacori
Mission. Judy & Bob Bolt, 512-0442 or bojubolt@aol.com or www.bikegaba.org
Oct. 30?: SOUL RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE in Oracle. Todd Sadow, www.epicrides.com
Oct. 22 (SAT): TOUR DE FARM. Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association.
www.tourdefarm.com
Oct 30 (Sun) : PALO VERDE NUCLEAR CENTURY. GABA-West Valley.
www.sportsfun.com
Proposed Programs for 2005
Subject to change; check monthly articles.
June: Diana Tolton on the Platinum Challenge for the City of Tucson.
July: Social hour with eegee's Frozen Drinks and sub sandwiches. No formal
program.
Mtn. Standard Time, Tucson AZ
JUNE
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
1: 5:18 7:25
7: 5:17 7:28
14: 5:17 7:31
21: 5:18 7:33
28: 5:20 7:34
JULY
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
1: 5:21 7:34
7: 5:23 7:34
14: 5:27 7:32
21: 5:31 7:29
28: 5:36 7:24
Returns to Parker for 20TH
Anniversary Next November 5 & 6
Join the National MS Society, Arizona Chapter and country star Clay Walker for
the 20th Anniversary Discount Tire MS150 Best Dam Bike Tour. Cyclists will ride
from Lake Pleasant Regional Pk to Parker, crossing over the California border.
The ride includes fully-supported rest stops, prizes, and a rockin’ overnight
party with food and entertainment in Salome, Ariz. For more information and to
register, visit www.nationalmssociety.org/aza or call 1-800-FightMS.
Registration Fee: $50 Fundraising Minimum: $250
"The cause is a mystery. The cure is unknown. This is why we ride."
The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating
effects of multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports
more MS research and serves more people with MS than any national voluntary MS
organization in the world. The Arizona Chapter, founded in 1956, operates
throughout Arizona, with regional offices in Phoenix and Tucson providing a
variety of programs and information to people with MS, their families, and
professionals. The Chapter is able to provide these programs and invest in
research by raising money through special events and individual giving.
Monday July 4th
The Tour for Tucson’s Children was created in response to the passage of the
1994 City of Tucson Bicycle Helmet Ordinance. At the time, we were concerned
with the inevitable need to provide helmets for low-income youth.
Tucson Parks and Recreation Department and Tucson Fire Department were already
actively involved in a bicycle safety program. As a result of both departments’
commitment to Childhood Injury Prevention Programs, the staffs from both these
departments became the event organizers and have continued to manage the Tour
since its inception.
Start & Finish:
The start/finish line for all events is on the east side of the Tucson
Convention Center in downtown Tucson. This is also where the venue is located.
On site registration, packet pick up and refreshments are all located in the
venue.
Courses:
1. The 3-mile walk and the 6 ½ & 10-mile rides will take you through downtown
and along the Santa Cruz river path.
2. The 27-mile ride takes you out west along Mission, Irvington, Valencia and a
short part of Ajo before returning you downtown.
Options & Starting Times:
27-mile challenge 6:00 AM start
3-mile Run/Walk 6:05 AM start
10-mile Family Ride 6:45 AM start
6 ½-mile Family Ride 6:45 AM start
½ mile Kid's Ride (6 and under) 8:00 AM start
Medals:
Participation medals are handed out to all event participants.
Ride Fee:
Adults (16+): $15 (on or before 6/21, $20 after 6/21)
Youth (Under 16): $10 (on or before 6/21, $15 after 6/21)
Kids event is free.
Packet pick up Location and Date:
Sunday, July 3rd, from 9 AM to 3 PM at 900 S. Randolph Way AND at the venue on
Monday, July 4th.
Proceeds benefit Tucson SAFEKIDS Injury Prevention Program.
Registration forms will be available beginning May 23rd. For more information,
call Lisa or Jesus at 791-4969, or contact: Lisa.Sommer@tucsonaz.gov.
We need volunteers to work not only at the venue, but also to ride the course.
The 6 1/2 and 10-mile rides have a lot of younger riders that tend to straggle.
Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Virginia Martinez at 791-4683, or
Lisa.Sommer@tucsonaz.gov.
Sunday, June 5, 2005
This ride is not for the faint of heart! It will require all the strength that
your legs have, and then some! Imagine climbing 5,000 feet on a fairly steep
dirt road for the first 7 miles, then continuing on a steeper paved road for the
last 5 miles to the summit, where the grade then gets very steep for the last
1/2 mile! Come enjoy this ride and find out for yourself if it really is that
hard!
Meet at 6 AM at Whipple Visitor Center. Directions: from Tucson, drive south on
I-19 past Green Valley. Exit at Canoa Rd. and continue south on the EAST
frontage road to Elephant Head Rd. Turn LEFT here and continue for a mile or so
until you see Hopkins Rd. Turn RIGHT and continue up this road about 6 miles
until you reach Whipple Visitor Center.
Park your car here and get your mountain bike out: you are about to find out
what mountain biking is all about! Bring plenty of WATER and energy food! As you
sweat and grind mile after mile keep in mind the final reward: fantastic
360-degree views at the top! And, don't go too fast downhill: watch for the
occasional car coming up.
For more information on this ride, contact Ride leader Tom Ward at tward@dakotacom.net
or (520) 625-3649.
By Roberta Toussaint, Ride Organizer
54 riders and 12 volunteers showed up on Sunday, March 13th for the Coolidge
Century. Riders enjoyed sunny skies, desert landscape, beautiful wildflowers and
a welcome tailwind on the way out, which unfortunately turned into a brutal
headwind on the way back! As usual for a GABA ride, there was plenty of food.
Riders especially enjoyed the baked goodies - thank you, Anne Reas and Chris
Salcedo! Despite the wind, a good time was had by all.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made the ride possible: Donna Aversa, Tony
Williamson, Marty Gawlik, Karl Rifenbark and Chris Salcedo at registration;
Michael Thompson & Rosemary Carmody at SAG #1; Chris & Ram Salcedo & Carole
Leiker at SAG# 2; Jim Lumpkin for vehicular Sweep; Jerry Reas for bicycle sweep;
and an extra thanks to Carole Leiker & Jim Lumpkin for helping me pick up
supplies at the GABA shed and return them after the ride.
from China to Europe
Following the
"Old Silk Road" Route
By Steve Wilson
As many of you know, Bob and Claire Rogers, Tucson GABA Members, are off on
their latest grand bicycle adventure to ride their tandem Zippy from Beijing,
China to Eastern Europe retracing one of the old "Silk
Road" route.
The trip will include mountains, deserts, and language challenges of the highest
order. They've already had a challenging start but are up to the task. If all
goes well, they'll be back in Tucson in November.
Bob and Claire's have their website at http: //www.newbohemians.net/. Click on
Silk Road 2005 in the upper left.
You can check out some of their past adventures as well. I've been updating the
website (with some help from Super Dave) for them and have the first 3 postings
in place complete with some great pictures. They're both excellent writers and
it's an enjoyable read. Hope you enjoy following along.
New Members:
Randy Aronson; Jim Johnston; Cheech Calenti Family; John Adams; Julie Goldstein;
Larry & Joy Prewitt; David Groben; Robert Fleckenstein; William Waller; Kurt
Simonson; Elaine Jackson; Larry Robinson; Ronald Conti; Hank Deutsch; Jim
Schulz; Jon Sanner; Patsy Gleason & Peggy Schroder; Mike Sadowsky; Roger
Radcliff; Elizabeth Lavin; Bruce Berg; Robert Ross; David Armet; Keith & Brenda
Reynolds.
Renewing Members:
Brian & Terri Chimera; James DiDomenico; Mary Jo Erickson; Jennifer Fitzgerald;
Gerald Goode; Paul Gundlach; Pat Mulligan; Mike Quick; Yolanda Sotelo; Kathy
Sullivan; Dave Tacey & Kathy Cordo; Harold & Karen Boaz; Mary Louise Callesen;
Bruce Clayton; Kevin Dwyer; Jim Elkan; Vincent Hunt; Pam & Brian Larkins; Victor
Menayan; Marshall Rakosky & Karen Kalk; Steve Rivera; Jack & Guenda Spafford;
Jackie & Mo Thompson; Sal Troia; Carole Leiker; Tony Williamson; Lyle Tweet;
Dave Nelson; Gary Peterson; Gary Schuitema & Shawn Bates; Dick Bryant & Kathy
Feeney.
So Will Need To Share The Roads
May is National Bike Month. The weather's beautiful and gasoline prices are
escalating, so it's no surprise that more folks are putting their bikes to use.
For a bicycle advocate like me, this is an opportunity to educate both new
cyclists and seasoned motorists about the rules of the road and dispel some
age-old bicycling myths.
A short history lesson will put things in better perspective. This year is the
125th anniversary of the League of American Bicyclists. Known in 1880 as the
League of American Wheelmen, the LAW was instrumental in getting our nation's
roads paved in the first place. Bicycles are also the reason most of our
right-of-way rules exist. The first automobiles, with their anemic power, were
confined to these roads and rules. So, when people ask me if bikes should follow
the same rules as cars, I remind them that automobiles are following OUR lead.
Suddenly, questions such as "Should bicyclists ride against traffic?" seem
ludicrous.
Sadly, there has been a lack of proper bicyclist education for the past 50+
years as cheap gasoline enabled the automobile to capture nearly 100% of the
personal transportation market. Almost everyone has a license to drive, but very
few of us have taken bikers' education. Concerns about personal health, the
environment, dependence on foreign oil, and the end of cheap oil are changing
this. We will all encounter more bicycles on the road, and we need to get along.
What's the best way to ride? The short answer is: Bicyclists fare best when they
act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. Bicyclists are NOT wheeled
pedestrians. Riding on the sidewalk or against traffic, as many have been taught
to do, is illegal and unsafe. This fact is supported by every study that has
ever been done on the subject. In fact, most studies show that they're at least
twice as likely to be involved in an accident with a motor vehicle! Cyclists who
ride the wrong way must work very hard to avoid accidents, break the law in the
process and erode the rights of law-abiding cyclists.
So why do people ride the wrong way? Fear. Fear from the rear. Many novice
riders are afraid of being hit from behind by a car. Studies show this is the
least likely type of car/bike collision. On the rare occasions it does happen,
this type of accident gets a lot of press. The fact is, mostcar/bike collisions
involve turning or crossing movements that are more easily predicted and avoided
by riding with traffic. Bicyclists who ride with the flow are also more visible
and predictable to motorists.
Unfortunately, rude motorists also dissuade bicyclists from using the road.
Although most motorists are quite civil, it only takes one to scare off a
beginner. Again, fear. Ironically, studies show that in areas where cyclist and
pedestrian traffic increase, accident rates among those groups decrease
(strength in numbers), and motorists become more accepting of their presence. So
get out there! When you do, PLEASE follow the rules of the road.
There are those who believe that bicyclists don't belong on the road because we
haven't paid our way. First, remember that 99% of adult bicyclists also own
automobiles, and therefore pay road use taxes. Roadway improvements are
partially funded by property taxes. Even if you rent, part of that payment goes
to taxes. Then, remember that roads are built on public land, owned by the
public, to be used by ALL of the public. In a truly free nation, citizens should
not be required to purchase expensive machinery to move about safely and
economically. Roads have ALWAYS been used for unimpeded public transportation.
Finally, there's what I call the "recreation factor." All the things I've
mentioned sound very serious, and they are. The truth is, many folks just ride
to have fun. But, it's not fun to put yourself at risk by riding the wrong way.
The solution is simple. Drive your bike! Cyclists fare best when they act and
are treated as operators of vehicles. This is what we should be teaching our
kids, what the police should enforce, and what we should all do EVERY time we
get on a bike, so that it's second nature. So that motorists are used to seeing
us and don't yell at us to "Get off the road." So that we can ride our bikes
safely. So that we don't even have to give it a second thought!
After all, that's how we drive our cars, isn't it?
Randy Victory is President of the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition (www.vvcc.us)
is certified as a League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor and was a
delegate at the 2005 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.
Thule Car Rack for sale. Fits VW Golf
& Jetta. Comes with ski carrier and Velo Vise. $150 OBO. Call Sylvia (520)
591-2906 (Tuc) or e-mail
sylviaschick@comcast.net.
By Pam Cullop, Event Organizer
On Saturday, April 30th, GABA-Tucson's annual Ice Cream Social and Bike Ride was
held at McCormick Park. It was a beautiful day!
Some of you must have forgotten to mark it on your calendars! Only 2 riders
showed up for the “B” ride: Mike (ride leader) and John (rider). But, despite
such a small group, they had a great ride up Oracle Rd towards and around the
Rancho Vistoso Loop (route altered for two).
The “C” ride, led by Judy Bolt and Peggy (spur of the moment) Jacobsen, was the
largest group with 13 cyclists. Everyone had a great time. They left the park
for a 30-mile jaunt up Oracle Rd to 1st, and back to the park again. I heard
from one couple that arrived just in time for the C ride, but a day too
late…oops, sorry we missed you…maybe we’ll have better luck next time.
Dick Schaffer, the ever-faithful D-ride leader, had the most interesting mix of
cyclists. There were two youngsters, which, along with their parents in tow,
rode their first GABA ride. Both rode the entire 15-mile loop along Glenn,
Mountain and the Rillito Bike Path over to the Children’s Park and back again!
A GABA Club couple was there - one rides a recumbent while the other, rides a
tricycle. Both were offering their bikes up as “testers” for anyone wishing to
“give it a whirl”. One gal was quite taken with the “tricycle”. She suffers some
back pain (car accident a few years ago), and the comfort of the “bent” was
enough to send her from the park intent on checking out what Ajo Bikes has to
offer. So after a bowl of ice cream, and a GABA membership form clutched in her
hand, she was off to see what she could find!
Then, there was this couple…who just happened to be riding through the parking
lot that morning as the group was about to leave. Their curiosity at what we
were up to was all it took for us to convince them to join in this ride. The ice
cream enticement may have clinched the argument, but in the end, they had a
great time, and when they left, they also took along a GABA membership form to
join the Club.
Let's not forget to mention the ice cream! 8 flavors of delicious Schwan’s,
delivered to the park that very morning! The scooping was easy, and bowls were
filled and refilled to the delight of those doing the scooping! As usual,
everyone had a wonderful time visiting with all the cyclists who rode. The
weather couldn’t have been more cooperative - no wind to speak of, nice blue
skies and temps just about perfect!
Hope to see you next time! Don’t forget to mark the future date on your
calendar; it is a fun event to participate in ~ really and truly.
Also Applies to Railroad & Trolley
Tracks
We have run this article many times over the years.
So why do we keep running it?
Cyclists have been severely injured and even killed
by cattle guards.
This article is being run to help everyone
(new members, visitors, old members, etc.)
remember and practice safe riding techniques
every time they approach and cross
a cattle guard or railroad tracks.
By Richard E Corbett,
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Cattle guards have been a part of the western roadscape for about a hundred
years, while cyclists have been around here even longer. Unfortunately, the two
continue to come together occasionally in ways where the cyclists end up
"losing". This article is meant to help you better understand how to avoid
problems with cattle guards.
KEY POINTS
1. ALWAYS cross cattle guards straight, not at an angle!
2. Hold the handlebar firmly and coast if crossing a cattleguard that is wet.
Consider dismounting and walking across if in doubt as to your ability to cross
safely.
3. Do not slow down too much! Slow speed can cause you to lose control if your
front tire slips on the metal rail(s).
4. Rise off the saddle as you cross a cattle guard, using your knees and elbows
as shock absorbers.
5. Be alert as you approach the cattle guard, in case there is a problem with
the cattle guard. These could include: (1) Gaps between the grates parallel to
your direction of travel; (2) Gaps between the grates and the
pavement, perpendicular (at a right angle) to your direction of travel, on both
the near and far sides; and (3) Differences in the height of adjacent grates,
parallel to your direction of travel. AVOID these if they are present!
GROUP CONSIDERATIONS
Most problems cyclists have with cattle guards are when riding in a group, so
here are some special considerations for the group setting.
1. The lead cyclist in a group must see and call out a cattle guard well in
advance. This gives enough time for every member of the group to see, evaluate,
decide, and steer their own path across the cattle guard.
2. ALWAYS choose your own path over a cattle guard. When riding with someone
else, especially when in a group, move apart enough so every member of the group
has their own clear view of the cattle guard, in plenty of time to pick a
different path. Don't rely on someone else to pick your path; they need to
concentrate on their own, and they don't have as much invested as you do (in
exactly where you ride).
Clearly, everyone, for their own safety, whether riding alone or in a group,
must see, evaluate, decide, and steer their own path across cattle guards. Most
of these points also apply to crossing railroad and trolley tracks.
By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Every summer, storms bring welcome rain to the desert, but they also bring
strong winds, dust, and predictably, lightning. Cyclists are at risk from these,
especially lightning, and should know what to do, if caught in a storm. I
researched this topic last year, and checked for updates recently. I present
here an updated synopsis of the generally accepted ‘things to do’ and ‘not to
do’, as they apply to cyclists.
Lightning
First, some key facts about lightning, from the Lightning Protection Institute:
Lightning:
• Packs between 35,000 to 40,000 amperes of current.
• Can generate temperatures as high as 50,000 degrees Celsius.
• Strikes somewhere on Earth every second.
• Can travels as far as 40 miles horizontally.
• Kills nearly 100 people each year in the U.S. and injures hundreds of others.
• Can, and does strike the same place twice.
What should you do if you believe lightning is a potential threat? The following
information is from the National Lightning Safety Institute.
When Outdoors, and you even think lightning may be a threat –
• Avoid water.
• Avoid the high ground.
• Avoid open spaces, where you would be the highest thing there.
• Avoid metal objects, including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors,
power tools, bicycles, etc.
• Avoid unsafe places, which include underneath metal canopies, small picnic or
rain shelters, or near taller trees.
If possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal
vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut.
When you are outside, if lightning is striking nearby (count from when you see
the flash: one thousand one, one thousand two, and so on. If you hear the sound
before you reach one thousand ten, there is a real threat), you should:
1. Crouch down. Put your feet together. Place your hands over your ears to
minimize hearing damage from the thunder, and
2. Avoid being close (at least 15 ft.) to other people.
The Lightning Protection Institute says this about lightning safety outdoors:
If you're caught outside and unprotected:
• Get in a hard topped car or truck.
• Never use a tree as a shelter.
• Avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape.
• Keep away from metal objects including bicycles, golf carts, fencing,
machinery, etc.
• Avoid standing near tall objects.
• Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
• Spread out - don't stand in a crowd of people.
• If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be
about to strike! Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Do not lie down or
place your hands on the ground.
What does all this mean to us as cyclists? If we are out riding, and a storm
approaches, we should:
1. Assess its closeness, and make a decision (see above) as to what action to
take.
2. Seek good shelter (see above), if it is close by.
3. Since our bicycles are metal objects that can attract lightning, park it (lay
it on its side) and move at least 50 feet away from it,
4. If we cannot find good shelter, crouch down, with our feet together, and
cover our ears with our hands (to protect our hearing against the loud thunder),
and
5. Keep at least 15 feet from other people.
Be prepared, and know what to do if you are caught in a storm while out cycling.
Reduce your risk being struck by lightning, by following the advice of the
experts.
or How to Help Tucson Earn
the Platinum Award
By Richard Corbett,
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
There are few enough cyclists who understand why it's important to obey the law,
and I hope this article will persuade you to be even more law-abiding than you
already are. Your doing so will help our region earn the highest Bicycle
Friendly Community award, Platinum
What’s the big deal about running a few stop signs? And doesn't everyone know
that only nerds give turn signals? But bicycles are light, fast, and
maneuverable, stop fast, and can avoid hazards real easy you say!.
Well believe it or not, there are some really good reasons for cyclists to obey
traffic laws. Let's look at them.
• Law-abiding actions send a message to drivers: "I belong here and I'm going to
share the road in a predictable, courteous way, the same as I expect you to".
We'll all get along so much better on the road if we know what to expect of each
other. We shouldn't try to claim our rights if we don't acknowledge and live up
to our responsibilities.
• Law-breaking actions ALWAYS put you in a position of liability. If you injure
someone or damage someone’s property, you pay. If someone else injures you or
damages your property, they may not have to pay at all, or only partially, if
you were not obeying the law at the time.
• Our traffic laws work mostly because of the "honor system". There's always
some potential (for cyclists, admittedly small – but that IS going to change) to
get "caught", with the consequences of a fine and points on your drivers
license. Mostly though, the incentive is a societal one - we've got to have
over-whelming adherence to traffic laws by road users, or the streets will
become chaos. Imagine if you can, motor vehicle operators driving through stop
signs, turning from the wrong lane, running traffic signals, etc. Bicyclists
must adhere to and be a part of this "honor system", or else we're contributing
to, and approving of, chaos on our streets.
•
• Our system of traffic laws, rules of the road, and traffic control devices are
designed essentially for one purpose - to keep traffic (including bicyclists)
moving smoothly and SAFELY. Knowing and following traffic laws and the rules of
the road will go a long way toward keeping you out of crashes. For example,
people who make a habit of running stop signs tend to get careless, and sooner
or later unexpectedly encounter traffic, sometimes with direct contact. (A
person I work with crashed right in front of a car, narrowly escaping being run
over. He routinely ran the stop sign at this intersection, since there was
"never" any traffic. On this day a car surprised him, he jammed on the brakes,
and flew over the handlebars directly into the car's path. Only an alert
motorist saved him from serious injury or even death.) ANY traffic violation
increases your danger of crash involvement.
• Children emulate the example set by adults. Children, surprisingly often
observe what we do on the road, whether legal or illegal. Unfortunately,
children do not have the same sensory capabilities (hearing, vision, cognitive
processing), and experience we adults have. We have a parental (or if not a
parent, societal) obligation to model acceptable behavior for children. As adult
bicyclists, I believe we have an even greater than normal responsibility to set
a good example, because of the large numbers of children who bicycle.
The next time you're on your bicycle, and are tempted to break some traffic law,
PLEASE think twice. I sincerely hope you'll remain in or join the ranks of
bicyclists who are determined to share the road legally and safely, and help us
earn the Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community award.
See You at the Monthly Meeting on Monday, July 11
7 PM
By Pam Cullop, Social Director
We have a very special treat in store for you for the July Monthly Meeting on
Monday, July 11th! (We'll meet on the 2nd Monday this July because of
Independence Day).
We invite you to be our guest at a special meeting indeed. We have decided to
treat all who attend, to some yummy treats prepared by eegee's, and celebrate
the summer with you! We will have a variety of small sub sandwiches and eegee's
slushes available for you to choose from, as well as a few other “sides” and
desserts!
Additionally, in lieu of regular programming, this will be a "Social". No
speakers, no shows, just time for all of us to eat, drink and visit with one
another! Doesn’t it sound like fun? You know it!!!
So, for those of you who don’t desert the hot desert for the summer…come along,
and cool off with a Refreshing Dessert! Regular Meeting Time: 7 PM. Regular
Meeting Location: Pima Society Medical Building: 5199 E Farness Rd.
By John Hughes
Follow the race progress at
www.raceacrossamerica.org.
"Since 1982, the Race Across America has brought together the best endurance
cyclists to compete in the world's toughest race. Racing in RAAM is more than a
cycling event. The physical extremes test the limits of any rider. The logistics
and planning will challenge the sanity of any support team. The emotional highs
and lows will be remembered by everyone involved." - Lon Haldeman
Relentlessly flying across the country, alternating 30-minute time trials, over
60 such pulls per rider, never more than 90 minutes off the bike to recover,
Team Action Sports was going for the four-man RAAM record. For RAAM 2004, Kerry
Ryan had recruited three experienced road racers. Ryan and Action Sports had two
RAAM wins, but the record was held by the rival Kern Wheelmen.
Action Sports led across California and Arizona, but then fell behind Team
Vail-Go Fast. Vail-Go Fast was four expert mountain bikers looking for a new
adventure. They took on RAAM in 2001 and won. In 2004 Vail-Go Fast traded the
lead with Action Sports all the way to West Virginia.
Action Sports won the duel and set a new RAAM record by seven minutes, averaging
23.06 mph. They won $25,000 in prize money made up of the first-place prize and
the bonus for breaking the record.
Five days later, Randy Van Zee crossed the finish line in Atlantic City. In
Ohio, he had fallen; and after the race, was diagnosed with a cracked pelvis.
His neck muscles had failed and his head rested on his chest. He stood astride
his bike, with feet swollen out of his shoes, for a few minutes until someone
realized that he couldn't lift his leg to dismount. Van Zee was the last
finisher, having covered 2,959 miles in 11 days 16 hours.
The fierce competition of Action Sports and Vail-Go Fast, and the iron-willed
desire of Van Zee bracket the RAAM experience. RAAM draws a diverse field: 120
men and women from a dozen countries, age 18 to 60. Each asks: "Will my race be
like Action Sports' or more like Van Zee's?"
On Sunday morning, June 19th, 24 solo racers will leave San Diego. Each racer
hopes for a fast crossing to Atlantic City, but also wonders "how badly will I
hurt?" For some, the pain will be too great and they will drop.
On Tuesday afternoon, June 21st, 96 team riders will start, racing as 2-person,
4-person, or 8-person relay teams. Joe Petersen will be lining up for his
seventh team race. He knows what's ahead: "In RAAM, I have found a journey like
no other, it's not just a journey across our great country, but an inner journey
of self discovery."
In solo, RAAM Slovenian Juré Robic is racing to break Pete Penseyres' 19-year
old average-speed record of 15.40 mph. In only his 2nd RAAM, Robic won last
year, averaging 14.66 mph. He has the racing speed; he is the UltraMarathon
Cycling Association's 24-hour record holder, having covered 522 miles
(non-drafting) last September. The time to beat on the 2005 course is 8 days 5
hours 51 minutes. If Robic can race from San Diego to Atlantic City that fast,
he'll win $10,000 for breaking the record!
RAAM legend Rob Kish will be riding in his 20th RAAM! Kish has won the race
three times and finished on the podium 12 times! Kish has just turned 50 and
will be trying for the age 50+ transcontinental record. Kish will have to beat
Dr. Bob Breedlove, 53, who holds the 50+ transcontinental record and also the
record for a double transcontinental. The time to beat on the 2005 course is 10d
8h 32m.
Joe Petersen and the Kern Wheelmen bring years of experience and blazing speed
to the race, and badly want to take back the 4-man record. A serious roadblock
stands in their way, however, in Team Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek includes 3
riders who were on 2004's 2nd place Team Vail. The time to beat on the 2005
course is 5d 12h 8m.
Three of the four Border-to-Border Divas are returning this year. The women
mountain bike racers turned roadies averaged 17.69 mph last year, just short of
the 18.57 mph 4-woman record. They'll be trying to go under 6d 20h 5m to set a
new transcontinental this year.
The 2-person relay provides the perfect combination of the speed and tactics of
team racing with the ultra aspect of solo RAAM. The 2-man field includes five
teams. Team RAAM veterans Peter Dammerer and Peter Schwab are back as Team Lower
Austria-City of Krems. Dominique Briand and Pascal Pechallat, Team Crazy Gones,
both qualified for solo RAAM at the tough French qualifier that includes Mont
Ventoux. Cancer survivor Fred Boethling and Dan Crain have teamed up to compete
in the 60 + division.
Three 2-person mixed teams are entered: Team Endorphins combines the mental
toughness and pacing ability of Shanna Armstrong and speed of Guy Wells. RAAM
veterans Iva Hradilova and John Wagoner are racing as Grupo Guapo. The Free
Riders from Colorado, Jarmila Gorman and John DeLello should excel when the race
gets to the mountains. This race will come down to logistics, efficiency and who
handles the West Virginia climbs the best. No lead is safe in this division
until the finish line is crossed.
Racers on the 8-person corporate teams are weekend warriors; nonetheless, they
are just as competitive as the other divisions - last year, Ride to Remember
beat Insight by just two hours, and Rim to Rim finished just 22 minutes behind
Insight!
In 2005, four corporate teams are entered. Team Donate Life has the star power
of former speed skating gold medalist and professional cyclist Eric Heiden, but
Team Insight has two year's experience: first in '03, second in '04. Both teams
will be trying for the 8-person record, set by Ride to Remember last year, 19.84
mph which would be 6d 9h 35m on the 2005 course.
INSIGHT RAAM KEY FACTS
Start Line Solo Banquet
Saturday, June 18th, 5 PM at the San Diego Holiday Inn, 1355 N. Harbor Dr. Guest
speaker, entertainment, introductions of riders and a great buffet. Tickets at
the RAAM web store - everyone welcome.
Start Line Team Banquet
Monday, June 20th, 6 PM at the San Diego Holiday Inn, 1355 N. Harbor Dr. Guest
speaker, entertainment, introductions of riders and a great buffet - tickets
available at the RAAM web store.
Start
Sunday, June 19 at 7 AM PDT: Solo Men and Women.
Tuesday, June 21 at 2 PM PDT: Two-, Four-, and Corporate 8-Person Teams
RAAM will begin in downtown San Diego, California, on the waterfront alongside
the host hotel, the Holiday Inn-On the Bay.
Finish
Week of June 26, 2005 at the Boardwalk at Kennedy Plaza, in front of Boardwalk
Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Team riders will finish as early as Sunday, June 26th. The first solo riders are
expected by Tuesday, June 28th. Riders must finish by noon, Friday, July 1st.
Course
Racers will travel 3,051 miles and climb 109,000 feet. RAAM leaves San Diego and
immediately attacks one of the longest climbs of the race and then plunges to
the desert. After several hundred miles of very hot riding, the course climbs
back to cooler Flagstaff, Arizona.
After racing through the magnificent Monument Valley of southern Utah, the
riders will face RAAM's classic trio of mammoth passes: Wolf Creek, La Veta and
Cucharas. High passes give way to a daunting horizon: the high plains of eastern
Colorado, leading to the rolling hills of Kansas and into Missouri where the
rollers become more significant.
Just north of St Louis, the racers cross the Mississippi and can start thinking
of the finish line. After slicing across Illinois and Indiana, the riders head
through Ohio farming country. The Appalachians are the next challenge: east of
Cumberland three very tough climbs make tired legs scream.
Even after these are behind the riders, the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside will
not let them rest. Not until the racers have shuttled across the Delaware River
outside Wilmington, does the road finally flatten out, shortly before the racers
finish their epic journey across the US on the famous Historic Boardwalk in
Atlantic City, NJ.
TV and Web Coverage
Round the clock race updates at www.raceacrossamerica.org
NBC Sports will broadcast this year's race special at a future airdate.
Awards
Wednesday, June 29th, 6 PM at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.
Awards dinner with entertainment. Tickets available at the RAAM web store.
Prize List
$175,000 in cash and merchandise will be awarded as prizes, including $40,000
cash for solo and team riders.
The Race Across America is sanctioned by the UltraMarathon Cycling Association.
For more information on endurance riding go to:
www.ultracycling.com.
“GABA’s 25th Anniversary”
By Steve Wilson
GABA President
This September we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of GABA-Tucson. It’s
really amazing that the club has been in existence since the beginning of the
1980’s. We plan to have a celebration complete with cake and ice cream at our
regular monthly meeting in September. More details will follow in future
editions of the Update and on the website (www.bikegaba.org).
In the mean time we’d like to try to find as many original (or nearly original)
members who are still in the Tucson area as possible. Along with that we’ll be
digging up old photos for scanning and showing at the meeting. We’d love to hear
stories from the early years and see pictures from how things were. I think we’d
all be surprised at how much the equipment has changed in the past 25 years.
When was the last time you put on your foam helmet with a decorative helmet
cover on it? Remember your first clipless pedals? How about switching to that
weird STI shifting the first time?
This year also marks the 25th edition of the GABA Cross State ride. This year’s
ride is from the Grand Canyon to Nogales with a twist on the 23rd ride by going
to Nogales via Sonoita and Patagonia with a stopover in Patagonia. (the 24th
ride last year added Show Low and ended in Tucson). Registrations are already
coming in at a record pace. This would be a great one to do, so sign up now.
Better yet, grab 5 buddies and sign-up 6 for the price of 5. When you compare
the features our ride leader Dorothy is offering, I think you’ll agree that no
one anywhere offers a better one week ride value. When you throw in the Grand
Canyon and spectacular Arizona scenery it can’t be beat. See the website for
registration details.
If you’re a member of the League of American Bicyclists (and you should be!) you
may have seen an article in their recent magazine highlighting the Platinum
Challenge committee work in Tucson. It’s a very complimentary article about the
riding community in Tucson that should make us all feel good about what is being
done here. While there is much left to accomplish and many challenges that lay
ahead, it’s good to occasionally remind ourselves of the good things that we
have.
So here’s to 25 years of cycling with GABA in Tucson, hopefully we’ll be around
to celebrate 50 years in 2030. See you on the road.
July 9-10, 2005
Sponsored by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
www.sportsfun.com/gaba
Over the years, this ride has justly earned the reputation of being one of the
very best bicycling tours in the Southwest. If you've ridden it before, you know
what it is like - if you haven't participated, there's much to look forward to.
Attracting even out-of-state riders, it has become so popular that it is
recommended that you REGISTER EARLY!
PMBC will treat you right on this fully-supported ride. The ride starts and ends
in Show Low in the cool White Mountains. You'll probably want to drive up on
Friday (or before if you can) to just wander around and enjoy breathing air
that's lower than your body temperature! You'll be rejuvenated in the lush pine
forests, perhaps enjoy a cooling splash of rain on your body, and after a good
climb each day, you'll be rewarded with fantastic downhills into town.
Course:
This year, we hope to return to the original loop that was used prior to the
road construction. This loop will take you from Show Low to Springerville, via
Vernon on Hwy 60 on Saturday. On Sunday, you'll ride from Springerville up Hwy
260 to the Sunrise turnoff, and then back down the hill to Show Low.
Camping in Springerville:
Camping in Springerville/Eager will be available at no extra cost at the Round
Valley Middle School on Saturday night. You can sleep on the gymnasium floor or
set up a tent and enjoy the stars outside the school. The school's football
field has the softest grass that anyone has ever camped on. The school is also
located near convenience markets. You can also stay at one of the many
hotels/motels in the area. A few of these are listed below.
Saturday Springerville Group Dinner:
Saturday evening, your dinner will be prepared by Celebrations - your catering
connection in Springerville. Your ride entry fee covers one of the best meals
you will ever have on a supported ride, with great desserts too! Friends and
family members can join in for the cost of $16 per person. The evening
festivities will include awards and raffles, and perhaps some entertainment.
Sunday morning, you're on your own for breakfast - and you might want to find
some pancakes as you'll need something substantial to get you up to that sag
stop wa-a-a-a-y up the mountain! You'll be glad to see the sag stop, as that
means the rest of the ride is mostly all downhill.
Showers may be available at the end of the ride, so you don't have to drive home
smelly. Snacks will also be available at the end of the ride on Sunday, but
there are also plenty of fine eating establishments in the Show Low area.
Ride fee - before July 1st:
GABA/ABC members: $45.
Non-Members; $50.
Late fee after 7/1: Add $10.
Your ride fee includes:
1. Sat. night camping w/hot showers at the Round Valley Middle School;
2. Fantastic dinner at the Round Valley High School on Saturday evening;
3. Sag support along the route;
4. Sag stops well-supplied throughout the course on both days;
5. Riders' instructions & course map.
White Mountain Tour Motel List
Show Low:
Apache Pines Motel: 928-532-4328
Best Western: 928-537-5773
Day's Inn: 928-537-4356
Downtown 9 Motel: 928-537-4334
Holiday Inn: 928-537-5115
KC Travel Lodge: 928-537-4433
Kiva Motel: 928-537-4542
Motel 6: 928-537-7694
Snowy River Motel: 928-537-2926
Springerville:
El Jo Motor Inn: 928-333-4314
Reeds Motor Lodge: 928-333-4323
Super 8 Motel: 928-333-2655
Corral Motel: 928-333-2264
Paisley Corner B & B: 928-333-4665
Rode Inn: 928-333-4365
Whiting Bros Motor Inn: 928-333-5870
Best Western: 928-333-2540
26 Bed & Breakfast: 928-333-2102
Spanish Trails B & B: 928-333-4034
This ride is truly a great ride, one you shouldn't miss!
For more info & to register, go to the website: www.sportsfun.com/gaba or
contact Ride Organizer Jay Stewart at jay.stewart@honeywell.com or 480-250-1613.
Website will be updated as details become available. Volunteers are also needed:
we very seldom have too many volunteers!
A Premier Cycling Event
September 3, 4 & 5, 2005
The time is approaching for one of the best rides sponsored by GABA-Tucson! Come
out with us and escape the heavy traffic and pressure of the big city, and relax
in the remote Arizona and New Mexico's scenic mountain countryside. You will
enjoy a total elevation gain of 16,977 feet over 3 days and 216 beautiful miles.
This year's ride is the traditional route that you have grown to know and love:
Morenci to Glenwood, to Alpine, and back to Morenci via the famous "Coronado
Trail" - 215 miles worth of an end-of-the-summer hurrah! The ride is fully
supported with sag stops and sweeps to ensure everyone enjoys the ride to the
utmost!
This ride is for experienced riders who are conditioned for long gradual climbs
as well as long exhilarating descents. This is a scenic ride with demanding
terrain! If you are looking for a great training ride for GABA's "Grand Canyon
to the Border Bike Tour", held this coming October, this is the one you want!
Be ready for all kinds of weather: It may rain at one point or another, and the
temperatures are likely to drop considerably! Very cool mornings in the
mountains will alternate with very hot afternoons.
Registration, Friday, September 2nd.
Check-in for pre-registered riders, and registration for Day-of-Event riders,
will be held on the grounds of the Morenci Motel, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on
Friday night. To find us, look for a yellow GABA sign pointing the way. The
Morenci Motel, with a brand new menu for diners, will be serving dinner in their
restaurant until 9 PM on Friday night if you arrive hungry.
1st Day, Saturday, September 3rd:
Morenci to Glenwood, 66 miles & 4800 ft. of elevation gain.
Start your day right with a great buffet breakfast at the Morenci Motel starting
at 5:30 AM. Menu includes oatmeal, eggs, bagels, sweet rolls, juice & coffee for
only $6, pay as you go. After breakfast, get on your bike and roll on down into
Clifton, then climb out of the Gila River Valley heading northeast on Hwy 78
through Mule Creek and on to Glenwood following the San Francisco River Valley
into Glenwood. For those who prepaid for dinner ($12 per person), a barbecue of
beef and chicken for our meat eaters, and a vegetarian chili, with baked
potatoes will be cooked and served by the owner of the Double T Homestead B&B,
Polly Tipton. The meal, served at 5 PM (AZ Time) will also include salad, garlic
bread, brownies, iced tea and lemonade.
2nd Day, Sunday, September 4th:
Glenwood to Alpine, 58 miles & 5346 ft. of elevation gain:
To get your body ready for this day's ride, for those who prepaid for breakfast
($7 per person), Polly will prepare delicious breakfast burritos filled with
eggs, hash browns, onions & bell pepper, a side of salsa, a variety of muffins,
watermelon chunks, coffee and juice, starting at 6 AM (AZ Time). Then, it's back
on the bike with a gradual climb through pine forests in New Mexico as you
negotiate Saliz Pass and Luna Summit to the small town of Alpine at
approximately 8000 feet of elevation.
The group dinner will again be catered by our friends at the Alpine Inn B & B,
owners Sue and Dick Seehusen. This pre-paid meal ($12 per person) will offer
pasta for both meat eaters and for our vegetarian friends. Also included will be
salad, rolls, fresh fruit, iced tea, lemonade and dessert. The Inn is located
1/2 block north of Main St., across from the Bear Wallow Restaurant. There will
be signs directing you to the Inn and dinner will be served on their lovely
patio starting at 5 PM (AZ Time). While here for dinner, pick up a flyer for the
B&B, a wonderful place to spend a quiet, relaxing weekend with gourmet
breakfasts!
3rd Day, Monday, September 5th:
Alpine to Morenci, 92 miles & 6831 ft. of elevation gain.
To prepare for the beautiful ride on the Coronado Trail back to Morenci, a
pre-paid breakfast ($6 per person) of breakfast burritos wrapped in spinach
tortillas for both vegetarian and non vegetarians, along with coffee and juice
will be ready for you to pick up at 6 AM (AZ Time) on the grounds of the
Sportsman's Lodge, located just north of the "T" intersection of US 191 on the
right side. After breakfast, head out SOUTH on US 191 along the famous "Coronado
Trail" bringing you "blue" vistas, green forests, and long descents! After a
series of ups and downs in high forests, riders arrive at Hannagan Meadow.
Prepare yourself for breathtaking scenery while cycling down many miles and many
tight curves, and another long gradual climb up to the lunch spot at Rose Peak.
There are many more downs and ups over small ridges, always with tremendous
views, before the final 20 miles of spectacular vistas as you pedal back down
into Morenci.
Camping:
Friday night: In Morenci, at the Morenci Motel, on the large grassy area behind
the motel.
Saturday night: In Glenwood at the park, across the street from the Double T
Homestead B & B, approximately 1 mile EAST of town on the Catwalk Road. Rustic,
friendly atmosphere with smooth camping spots! Hot & cold showers available.
Sunday night: In Alpine at the Alpine RV Park. Hot showers available.
Monday afternoon:
Showers will be available at the Morenci Motel at the end of the ride to refresh
you for the ride home.
Blue Loop Tour Pre-Paid Group Meals
To participate in group meals, you must register/pre-pay by 8/14th. Our hosts
need enough time for getting the necessary food on hand to prepare these meals
for us. If interested in group meals, sign up early!
Morenci Sat. 5:30 AM (AZ TIME) $ 6. Morenci Motel YOU PAY.
Glenwood Sat. 5 PM (AZ TIME) $12. Double T B & B PREPAID.
Glenwood Sun. 6 AM (AZ TIME) $ 7 Double T B & B PREPAID.
Alpine Sun. 5 PM (AZ TIME) $12. Alpine Inn B & B PREPAID.
Alpine Mon. 6 AM (AZ TIME) $ 6. Sportsman Lodge PREPAID.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and helmets are mandatory. Any
questions, contact ride leader Dorothy Barth, (520) 349-5932 or e-mail:
dorothybarth2443@msn.com.
Ride Fee for Pre-registered Riders:
GABA members: $85.
Non-members: $95.
Pre-Paid Meals:
Sat. Dinner: $12.
Sun. Breakfast: $ 7.
Sun. Dinner: $12.
Mon. Breakfast: $ 6.
Early registration is critical to provide better support and meals for you, and
is very much appreciated.
Ride Fee for Day-of-Event Riders:
GABA members $105.
Non-members $115.
Blue Loop Motel List:
Friday Night in Morenci:
Morenci Motel: 928-865-4111
Friday Night in Clifton:
Rode Inn: 928-865-4536
Saturday Night in Glenwood:
Double T Homestead B&B: 505-539-2812
Lariat Motel: 505-539-2361
Crab Apple Cabins 505-539-2400
White Water Motel 505-539-2581
Doc's B & B 505-539-2611
Sunday Night in Alpine:
Alpine Inn: 928-339-1840
Alpine Cabins: 928-339-4440
Sportsman Lodge: 928-339-4576
Mountain High Lodge: 928-339-4311
Coronado Trail Cabins: 928-339-4772 (1 mi. south of town)
Tal-Wi-Wi-Lodge 928-339-4319 (4 mi. north of town)
May 11th 2005 Meeting
By Dick Schaffer, BAC Secretary.
Announcements/News:
- Jean Gorman announced that three woman (all attending) were hit by motorists.
Two were hit by passing motorists turning right in front of them at an
intersection and one hit by a vehicle turning right into a shopping center.
Efforts to assist these motorists, two of whom were citing for failure to
control speed, were offered by County bike/Ped staff.
- Bill Katzel announced his resignation to the BAC.
- Eric Case announced the May 18th Ride of Silence at the Tucson Mall. It will
start at 7 PM at the SE corner of the mall.
- Jim Jordan announced the Restriping of roads in Green Valley, as approved by
the Green Valley Coordinating Council and the Green Valley Transportation
Commission.
- Roy Schoonover mentioned the PAG RTP 2030 Task Force in which, in June of this
year, the project list will be approved, with more bicycle projects proposed
than ever before. Safe Route to School will have its funding doubled to $15
million.
- Houghton Road needs additional work on the section south of Esperanza, as the
City of Tucson stopped work on the shoulders and did not extend them further
down to the Pantano Bridge.
- The BAC members recommended the following items for its June agenda:
1. Proposed City of Tucson Transportation Enhancements.
2. Full Legislative report from the US Congress on the new transportation bill.
Actions:
- The current officers of the Committee, Jesse Morales, Chair; David
Bachman-Williams, Vice-Chair, and; Dick Schaffer, Secretary were re-elected.
- The City of Tucson and Pima County staff spike of recent bike collisions. In
regards to the three collisions in the City preciously mentioned by Jean Gorman,
all bicyclists were advised to send the City Police department (Tim.Beam@tucsonaz.gov)
the date/time of the collision, the drivers involved and the case number.
- Members of the BAC recommended education for police and sheriff's deputies and
for the bicycling and motoring public.
- University of Arizona staff described the Transportation Enhancement projects
at the Highland Garage, and at other University locations. The BAC voted to
support the U of A application.
- The BAC voted to support the BAC letter for the Sahuarita Road shoulders
approved in Pima County and proposed in the City of Sahuarita.
If you have any bicycle related concern, you are invited to attend the T-PCBAC
meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8 PM, at Himmel Library (Treat
Ave & 1st Street), and present your concern during the "Call to the Public".
You may also call the appropriate Bicycle Coordinator: Richard Corbett, PAG
792-1093, Trace Tang, City of Tucson 791-4372, Matt Zoll, Pima County 740-6747,
and Nancy Ellis, Oro Valley 229-5057.
Our regular monthly meeting,
usually held
on the 1st Monday of each month, will be
on the 2nd Monday of July,
because of the July 4th Holiday.
By Greg Yares, Event Coordinator
Where were you last March 26th? If you were not at the El Bike Swap de Tucson on
4th Avenue, you missed great opportunities and the fun to see people you haven't
seen in years! Everybody comes out of the woodwork for this great event! The
weather was great, the crowd was friendly, the vendors - from Tucson, Phoenix,
Flagstaff, California and Colorado, had everything under the sun to sell! And
people were buying!
Make plans for the fall Bike Swap, already scheduled for Saturday, November
12th, one week before the world-famous El Tour de Tucson! What better place to
find whatever accessories you really need, or to find the perfect bike at a very
reasonable price!
Volunteers have always helped make the Bike Swap a success, and we want to thank
the following people for their help and support at the Spring Bike Swap: Chris &
Ram Salcedo; Bill Borland; Steve & Donna Kanoza; Sandi Rousseau; Roy Schoonover;
Joe Dana; Dick Schaffer and Andy Stevens. If we missed naming someone who did
help out, we apologize and offer you our sincere thanks.
We also want to recognize the 4th Avenue Merchants Association for their
continued support, as well as the City of Tucson, who contributed to the
printing to our flyers. Mark your calendar and see you at the Fall Bike Swap!
"Grand Canyon to the Border"
October 1 - 8, 2005
By Mike Kitchen
Oh another typical winter weekend day! Maybe the weather even allowed you to get
out for a change and do a ride with some friends. So here you sit with the
buddies, enjoying an after-ride breakfast or worse, your bike has been hooked to
the trainer in the basement for the past two months and you all drove to the
favorite hangout just to reflect back to the time when you were cycling.
Breakfast done, coffees being enjoyed, and it is time to think about what is
going to happen this summer.
Sure you have the normal weekend rides that are always fun and the trip to
___________ to see ___________ with _________ (feel free to fill in the blanks
as applicable). But, come on now, there has to be more to summer than that.
OOOOh yeah, there is that state ride in Iowa or Indiana or ___________ (again,
fill in the blank as applicable) that you have been doing for the past ten
years. You would hate to miss out on that. After all you did that ride last
vacation and the vacation before that and the time ... Fact of the matter is
that you have done that ride so many times, you could send the bike on it's own
since it has done the ride so often that it knows the way.
"But wait a minute" you say, I have always done that ride and I have always had
a good time. "I see the same people every year and we all have a good time and
you must admit that I know the route." I can't argue with you, _________ is a
great ride and it may even qualify as one of the truly great rides of all time.
Allow me to digress here for a bit; I love Mexican food, I mean I really love
the stuff. I go into withdrawals when I do not get a fix on a regular basis but
I don't eat it every night and if I did I would be pretty tired of it by fifth
or sixth time. You getting my drift here? Things get a bit old and stale and
(hold onto your hats here) CHANGE IS GOOD! Is that ride as exciting now as it
was the first time you did it?
Now let me tell you something about the GRAND CANYON TO THE BORDER Tour. GABA-Tucson
has been putting on this ride for twenty four years and they know what they are
doing. Did you know that Arizona has secret highways? Like other states, we have
the freeways to get the motorists from point A to point B, but in addition, we
have the beautiful two-lane highways that are hidden amongst the forests and
deserts that we just do not tell people about unless they are on a bicycle. They
are great roads, with nice surface, decent shoulders and just made for cycling.
The best part of it is that there are few motorists for most of these routes.
How many rides start off at one of the Seven Wonders of the World? If you have
not seen the Grand Canyon, you need to, and if you have seen it you probably
need to see it again. There are few things in this world that help to put our
little concerns in perspective as effectively as standing on the edge of the
Canyon.
How many rides take you through well-preserved Indian ruins? Or for that matter,
ancient lava flows and extinct volcanoes? Have you ever gotten to ride through
the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the country? When was the last time you
traveled through Zane Grey country?
In addition to the above, the Cross State Tour will be traveling along the
beautiful Roosevelt Lake, finally filled at capacity with blue water after a few
years of drought. Crossing the lake near Roosevelt Dam on the new graceful
suspended bridge is quite an experience!
The final days are as gorgeous as days past. Fresh out from breakfast, the route
heads south again over El Capitan. Yep, another climb but like the others it's
not too steep and the scenery is more than sufficient to keep you enjoying the
ride. Ah, a wonderful downhill and this time through the resplendent Gila River
Gorge, and then alongside the Catalina mountains to the finish in Tucson.
Have you ever been on a Cross State Tour that had "those-in-motels" miles away
from "those-that-are-camping"? Not so with GABA. Whether camping or motelling,
it's important that we all stay together.
I am not real big on standing in line in the morning to brush my teeth or in the
afternoon to take a shower. When I ride all day, I want to relax when I am done,
and not have to work to get fed or clean. GABA keeps the amount of cyclists to a
low count so that everyone gets to know one another, and waiting in line just
does not happen.
I love getting to see new areas; most all towns have something that catches
one's attention, but when you get to that town with 2,000 other cyclists, you
overwhelm the entire area. You are not seeing a town; you are entering a giant
concession stand.
Having done quite a bit of solo touring in my day, I have learned to cook pretty
well, and of course, there is the occasional restaurant to break up the
monotony, but the meals are not something I look forward to. On GABA's Cross
State Tour, there is no need to look for places to eat, though there are many
along the route. This outfit feeds you so well that if you leave the table
hungry it's your own fault! That goes for sag stops and for meals.
That does not mean that anyone should skip the world famous pie at Strawberry,
or breakfast burritos big enough to feed a whole paceline when in Payson; one
always needs to sample local specialties, but the Tour food is good and there is
a lot of it! That emergency Power Bar in your seat bag might just sit there for
the entire trip.
"Well gee wiz, I just don't know-I have heard that there are a lot of hills on
the Arizona Cross State Tour and I'm just not sure I want to try and tackle
that." You got me there Bub, we do have hills and we will be climbing them and
going down too. In fact, if it will make you feel any better there is more down
hill that up, but you will be climbing! If you go to the GABA web site,
www.bikegaba.org then you can get an idea of just how each day's ride is going
to go.
No, we cannot promise that you will cruise through flat corn and soybean fields
all day; we offer much more, but you will have to work at it. Between now and
October, you are going to have to get in some long miles, and you probably need
to search out some hills and climb them as well. But all this is doable and very
rewarding. Let me put this in perspective; I am old, I am overweight, and I ride
a recumbent, and if I can do this ride and enjoy it, then most anybody can do it
as well.
So instead of doing that _________ (once again fill in the blank with the ride
that best applies) ride again, come on out and ride the GRAND CANYON TO THE
BORDER Tour. I promise that they will take great care of you and you will have a
ride under your belt that you will reflect on for years to come!
25th Annual
Grand Canyon to the Border Bicycle Tour
October 1st-8th, 2005
Information Message Line: (520) 349-5932
Website: www.bikegaba.org
Call and ask for your brochure today!
The bicycling agenda is alive and well in the halls of Congress with less than
three weeks to go before the National Bike Summit® (March 16-18 in Washington,
DC). In addition to transportation reauthorization, bicycling commuter and
conserve by bike legislation are once again being considered in the 109th
Congress.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Mark Foley (R-FL) have reintroduced the
Bicycle Commuter Act (H.R. 807). It is anticipated that Senators Olympia Snow
(R-ME) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) will reintroduce the Senate companion measure prior
to the Summit. The Bicycle Commuter Act would allow an employer to add bicycling
to the definition of transportation fringe benefit in the tax code. The
transportation fringe benefit was added as an incentive to get more people to
use alternative modes of transportation for commuting. The goal is to reduce
traffic congestion, pollution and wear and tear on the roads. Under H.R. 807,
employers could offer monthly cash reimbursement of up to $100 to an employee
who commutes to work by bicycle, providing a tax benefit to the employer and
helping defray commuting expenses for the bicyclist.
In addition, Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN) has introduced H.R. 722, the
Securing Transportation Energy Efficiency for Tomorrow Act of 2005. This bill
also includes language very similar to H.R. 807, but with a $75 a month cap.
Furthermore, H.R. 722 includes conserve by bicycling language, comparable to the
language in last year's energy bill. This language would provide $10 million to
establish a pilot program with up to 10 geographically dispersed projects to use
education and marketing and provide facilities to convert motor vehicle trips to
bike trips as an energy savings measure. For more information, visit http://www.bikeleague.org
or http://thomas.loc.gov.
Reprinted from the League of American Bicyclists Bike League News, February,
2005. (Reprinted from the Pima County Walkin' and Rollin' April/May 2005
Newsletter, www.dot.pima.gov/tpcbac)
By Dave Burnham,
Pima County Graphic Services
You may love cruising through town on a superlight road racer or dualie mountain
bike on the way to work, but when you've got three days worth of groceries and
only a backpack to carry them in, it can be uncomfortable or even hazardous.
If you're serious about commuting, I suggest building up a bike just for around
town. The good news is that bikes don't have to be expensive to be good
commuters. For shorter distances through town, flat bar mountain bikes can work
quite well. Most mid-level bikes come with threaded fittings to attach
accessories. Used bikes depreciate quickly, and good deals can be found at local
shops.
* Pick a good used bike with a decent frame and add racks and bags for carrying
work clothes or groceries. Bike bags come in every size and shape and can be
removed when not needed.
* Get some lights - the more the better. At least one good headlight and a red
blinky for the rear. A red rear reflector is required by law.
* Fenders come in lightweight plastic and will help to keep you dry when the
streets are wet. Some types can be removed for dry weather.
* Helmet mirrors give you 360º vision when you're dealing with traffic.
* A strong lock is essential for protecting your investment. Ask a local shop
for the best one.
Riding a purpose-built commuting bike will be safer, easier, and save wear and
tear on your best mountain or road bike . You won't have to worry about your
best weekend bike stolen off the street.
(Reprinted from the Pima County Walkin' and Rollin' April/May Newsletter,
www.dot.pima.gov/tpcbac)
By Matthew Zoll, Pima County DOT
Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, visited
Tucson in February and gave a great boost to efforts within the community to
become a "Platinum" Bicycle Friendly Community over the next few years.
Currently Tucson is ranked as a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community.
Founded 125 years ago, the League worked to secure funding for paved roadways,
particularly to build them to standards for bicycle use. Known as the "Good
Roads" movement, the League was the number one force in the nation behind
improving roads. Ironically, as Andy noted in talks with Mayor and Council and
the Pima County Board of Supervisors, the League is now working to ensure that
bicyclists will be welcomed on many of the roadways that the League helped
establish.
Andy was impressed with the development of bicycle facilities within the region
and with the new Safe Routes to Schools Program and the upcoming regional
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Education Program.
His advice to advocates and staff working to achieve the Platinum designation is
to improve education and enforcement for both bicyclists and drivers in order to
bring down the number of bicycling injuries and fatalities.
The League now has a membership of over 300,000 affiliated bicyclists and is
influential in\ improving conditions for bicyclists nationwide. For more
information on the League, please see www.bikeleague.org.
(Reprinted from the Pima County Walkin' and Rollin' April/May 2005 Newsletter,
www.dot.pima.gov/tpcbac)
New Course Well Liked by All Riders
By Suzanne Couvrette, Ride Organizer
A long time ago, we used to vary the Sonoita Bisbee course from year to year.
But, in recent years, the course became the same from year to year: as a rider,
you knew ahead of time that you had to climb Mule Pass to get to Bisbee. When I
heard that Dick Schaffer was "retiring" from organizing the Sonoita Bisbee Ride
after 4 or 5 years at the helm, I volunteered to lead the sonoita Bisbee Ride in
2005, mainly because I wanted to try a new course that I had had in mind in the
last couple of years.
Overwhelmingly, people loved the new course, which took riders away from the
fast traffic of Hwy 82 onto Hwy 83, a meandering backroad south and east of
Sonoita. This road travels through rolling grasslands with great views of the
back side of the Huachuca Mountains. As you get closer to Fort Huachuca, the
rollers become more pronounced, and although short, they give the riders some
good ups and downs! The course entered Fort Huachuca from the west entrance,
quite close to the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains. After 9 miles of mostly
downhill through the Fort, riders continued on Hwy 92 via Nicksville and Miracle
Valley to the final gradual climb into Old Bisbee.
107 riders participated in the ride, and survived the first day of the ride, a
70-mile "new" course with stiff headwinds at times! But a great dinner at the
Copper Queen made everyone forget the winds, and all looked forward to the 2nd
day of the ride
On Sunday, some people opted for the 5:30 AM breakfast at the Copper Queen
before jumping on their bike for a long descent down Mule Pass all the way to
the San Pedro River, and on to Sierra Vista - with very little winds! Even the
last 20 miles, notorious for headwinds in the past, was pretty tame until after
noon. It certainly pays to start early for the return to Sonoita! Riders were
routed through the small town of Elgin for the last 10 miles before the end of
the ride, and rode through vineyards with very little traffic, a pleasant way to
end the weekend.
I want to thank all the volunteers who worked very hard to make this ride
successful for all the riders:
- Roberta Toussaint, Sally Krusing and friend Andrew, and Elva Klassen at
registration - we were a little short because someone did not arrive in time,
but made the best of it, and every rider was on the road early;
- Truck driver Ray Von Rai, who was doing the Sonoita Bisbee baggage job for the
first time, successfully managing to get all the bags to all the B & B's without
one mistake, and with a very sore shoulder from lifting over 200 bags - some
people had two pieces, and some even three!
- Sag Crews: Ed & Sue Roberts and Art & Gayle Hartung, who, on the 2nd day,
switched from the 1st sag to the 2nd sag - to add a little more confusion and
adventure to their day;
- and Sweeps: Sally Krusing & friend Andrew, and Caroline Schaffer & Elva
Klassen who covered the route like veterans! Caroline had some previous
experience, but for Sally, it was a first time "sweeping". Thanks to all of you
for your hard work for these two long days!
Hope everyone had a great time, and we'll see you next year!
WHITE MOUNTAIN TOUR
Pre-Registration Form
July 9 & 10, 2005
ONE FORM PER RIDER.
Photocopies accepted.
Please fill out all the blanks.
Leader: Jay Stewart, 480-250-1613
Or jay.stewart@honeywell.com
Or www.sportsfun.com/gaba
I am currently a GABA member:
(Circle) Yes No
NAME:__________________________________
ADDRESS:_______________________________
CITY:___________________________________
STATE_______ ZIP_____________________
PHONE: ( )________________________
E-MAIL _________________________________
FEE: make check payable to and mail to:
Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club
PO Box 26788, Tempe AZ 85285-6788
GABA Member: $45 _____
Non-Member: $50 _____
Late fee after 7/1/05 $10 _____
Non-Rider dinner (adult) $16 _____
Dinner (kid under 10) $10 _____
TOTAL MONEY SENT: $________
Vegetarian (circle)
Your ride fee includes
camping in Springerville and
a great group dinner on Saturday night.
CPSC-approved helmets are mandatory.
Please STAPLE your SIGNED WAIVER
to each registration form.
BLUE LOOP BIKE TOUR
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
Sept. 3-5, 2005
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies accepted.
Please fill out all blanks.
Leader: Dorothy Barth, (520) 349-5932
Or dorothybarth2443@msn.com
Return this Form & your check to: GABA
P. O. Box 43273, Tucson AZ 85733.
Options chosen: (Please circle):
Motel Camping
Vegetarian Non-Vegetarian
Money enclosed:
GABA/ABC Members: $85 $_____
Non-Members: $95 $_____
Glenwood dinner: $12 $_____
Glenwood breakfast: $ 7 $_____
Alpine dinner: $12 $_____
Alpine breakfast: $ $ 6 $_____
DAY-OF-EVENT
MEMBERS FEE: $105 $_____
NON MEMBERS FEE: $115 $_____
Total money enclosed: $_____
I am currently a GABA/ABC member: Yes No
NAME
(Print):_________________________________
ADDRESS:______________________________
CITY:__________________ ZIP:____________
PHONE: ( )
E-MAIL: ________________________________
CPSC-approved helmets are mandatory.
Please STAPLE your SIGNED WAIVER
to each registration form.