23rd Annual Answer to the Challenge 2006
New GABA-GO Rides Now Starting from East & West side!
20th Annual Tour of the Tucson Mountains
Sonoita-Bisbee Spring Bike Tour 2006
You are Invited to Come and Celebrate GABAs 25th Anniversary with a GABA GALA
Welcome New & Renewing Members!
Tucson Ranked 2nd Best Cycling City
Casa Grande Century Breaks Records!
14th Annual Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb
Announcing Ride Around The Bear
Remember Bike to Work Day, Friday, April 7th
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
Training for TTM - April 30th, 2006
Remembering All Those Members Who Have Passed Away
GABA Chapters Website Addresses
Remembering the First Cross State Tour - For Good Reasons!
The First Cross State Tour in 1981 - The Adventure of a Lifetime!
Pedro River Valley Century…The Old Way
GABA-Tucson Board of Directors
Check the following sites for more rides!
Picacho Century 2006 - A Great Success!
Share the Road - Cyclist to Cyclist
Newly Named Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocate Committee
GABA-Tucson
Remembers its Beginnings, 25 Years Ago!
(See related articles in this issue
for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders E-Mail
4/1 (Sat) El Bike Swap de Tucson GABA-Tucson Greg Yares yares@cox.net
4/1 (Sat) El Tour de Phoenix PBAA www.pbaa.com
4/8 & 9 Sonoita Bisbee Bike Tour GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette sgcouvrette@aol.com
4/8 (Sat) Desert Classic ABC Richard Utterback www.azbikeclub.com
4/22 (Sat) GABA GALA- 25th Anniversary GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop pjcullop@comcast.net
4/28-30 Answer to the Challenge GABA-Phoenix Dick Landis www.sportsfun.com
4/30 (Sun) TTM Tour de Tucson Mtns PBAA www.pbaa.com
5/5 (Fri) Mt Lemmon Hill Climb GABA-Tucson Steve Wilson wilsons@us.ibm.com
5/6 & 7 Salt River Canyon Tour GABA-Tucson Leader TBA www.bikegaba.org
(35 RIDERS MINIMUM NEEDED BY 4/15 FOR THIS RIDE TO BE A GO!)
5/13 (Sat) Tour de Payson GABA-Phoenix www.sportsfun.com
5/27-29 Luna Lake Tour GABA-Tucson Leader TBA
www.bikegaba.org
Monday, May 1 at 7 PM
Join Steve Wilson and Patricia Lebensohn
for stories and pictures
of their recent unsupported tandem tour
along the coast of Uruguay and Argentina.
What better way to avoid
the cold, short days of winter
than to go to some place where it's summer! Learn the basics of travel in South
America
with this entertaining slide show.
Everybody is welcome!
Top of Page
Monday, April 3 at 7 PM
Bob & Marie Klenke,
Marty Gawlik and Donna Aversa
will share pictures and stories
of their bike tour of Switzerland.
Hear about the Alps,
the lakes, the rivers,
the food and the people.
And, of course,
hear Bob's survival tips
for spending 2 1/2 weeks with 3 women!
Everybody is welcome!
Top of Page
APRIL 2006
Apr. 1 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. GABA-Tucson On 4th Avenue, 7 AM-2 PM. Free
to all. Organizer: Greg Yares, 323-9020, or yares@cox.net In conjunction with
City of Tucson Clean Air Fair Events.
April 1 (Sat): EL TOUR DE PHOENIX XV Organized by PBAA, (520) 745-2033 or
www.perimeterbicycling.com. Options for 74 or 26 miles.
April 8 (Sat): DESERT CLASSIC. ABC. Richard Utterback: www.azbikeclub.com
April 8 & 9: SONOITA-BISBEE BIKE TOUR. GABA-Tucson. Suzanne Couvrette, 891-4661
or sgcouvrette@aol.com Approx. 69 miles each day. New course from Sonoita to
Bisbee & back the next day via Canelo and though Fort Huachuca from west to
east. Mostly on back roads with little traffic. Rolling terrain, a few good
hills. Great dinner at the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee on Saturday night.
April 15 (Sat): BIKE SWAP - Phoenix. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6 AM-1 PM. CAzB.
www.cazbike.com
April 21-23 -TUCSON BICYCLE CLASSIC STAGE RACE. TBC. Ride Organizer: Steve Bohn,
snsbohn@cox.net or www.casaschurch.org/tbc/ or www.azcycling.com. CANCELED for
this year.
April 22 (Sat): GABA GALA! GABA CELEBRATES ITS 25TH! Festivities & catered meal
at Mc CORMICK PARK, on Columbus Blvd. between Glenn & Ft Lowell. Several Rides
starting from the Park before the event. Everybody returns from the rides around
10 AM. Catered Mexican Buffet with Mariachi music starting at 11:30 AM. Event
Organizer: Pam Cullop, 290-4321 or pjcullop@comcast.net.
Apr. 28-30: LA VUELTA DE BISBEE.
April 28-30: ANSWER TO THE CHALLENGE. PMBC. www.sportsfun. com/gaba. 300+ miles
in 3 days from Scottsdale to Strawberry, to Prescott and back to Scottsdale.
Very hilly and demanding! Ride Organizer: Dick Landis, rlandis@algxmail.com.
April 30 (Sun): TTM XX - TOUR OF THE TUCSON MOUNTAINS. PBAA, 745-2033 or
www.perimeterbicycling.com. Options for 70 or 27 miles. All options start at the
City Hall in Marana.
MAY 2006
May 5 (Fri): MT LEMMON HILL CLIMB. GABA-Tucson. Steve Wilson, 870-5282 or
wilsons@us.ibm.com. 28 miles with 6,600 ft of elevation gain on New Road to the
top at Ski Valley! Pre-registration required. Small fee to cover 4 sag stops &
road support. Lunch in Summerhaven.
May 6 & 7: SALT RIVER CANYON BIKE TOUR. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org. Globe to
Show Low and back the next day. Great scenery, major climbs for experienced
riders. 35 RIDERS MINIMUM BY 4/15 FOR THIS RIDE TO BE A GO! Leader TBA.
May 13 (Sat): WHISKEY OFF-ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE. Prescott. Todd Sadow,
epicrides.com.
May 13 : TOUR OF PAYSON. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com/gaba.
May 27-29: LUNA LAKE TOUR GABA-Tucson www.bikegaba.org Approx. 60 miles per day,
from Springerville to Quemado, to Reserve and back to Springerville on 3rd day.
Little traffic, a few climbs, great scenery. Ride Leader needed asap! If
interested, call Judy Bolt at 512-0442, or bojubolt@aol.com.
JUNE 2006
June 4 (Sun): MT HOPKINS HILLCLIMB MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Tom Ward.
www.bikegaba.org Mt Hopkins is a 9,000 foot peak south of Green Valley. Mix of
dirt and paved roads.
June 10 & 11: GRAND CANYON TOUR. ABC – Richard Utterback. www.azbikeclub.com
JULY 2006
July 4 (Tue): TOUR FOR TUCSON’S CHILDREN. City of Tucson Parks & Rec. Lisa or
Jesus at 791-4969, or contact Lisa.Sommer@tucsonaz.gov.
July 8 & 9 : 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. www.sportsfun.com
July ?: TAYLOR HOUSE BENEFIT CENTURY. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff.
www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
Top of Page
More than a bike ride—A cult
happening!
Friday, Saturday & Sunday April 28, 29 & 30, 2006
Three types of riders attempt this ride. Racers start at first light, stop only
for Cytomax and water, and arrive in beautiful downtown Strawberry ready for a
full afternoon of activities. Tourists actually take time to look at the
scenery, enjoy generous sag stops, and arrive early enough for a nap before
dinner. The clueless realize they should be somewhere else at mile 45 on the 1st
day!
Don’t be clueless. This ride covers 325 miles and 22,000 feet of climbing over 3
days. The 1st day from Scottsdale to Strawberry climbs about 10,000 ft. The 2nd
day to Prescott climbs another 6,600 ft. and crosses the inevitably windy
Prescott Valley. Distance on the 3rd day is 127 miles. Be prepared for cold in
the mountains and heat crossing the desert. And sometimes (rarely) snow.
Landis Cyclery will transport your bags, provide sag stops & even 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. She can suggest other B & B’s and lodges in
the Strawberry/Pine area.
Windmill Corner Inn, 928-476-3064.
Strawberry Hill Cabins, 928-476-4252 or 480-575-7866.
Strawberry Lodge, 928-476-3333.
Prescott: baggage drop-off & pickup at Super 8 Sheldon St. Close-by hotels:
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.
WHEN Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 28, 29 & 30. Check-in opens at 5 AM. First
riders out at 5:30 AM, last sag leaves at 6:30 AM. Slower riders (you know who
you are) please start early.
WHERE Landis Cyclery Scottsdale, Scottsdale Rd. & Shea Blvd, SE corner. For
additional information, send e-mail to Dick Landis at
rlandis@algxmail.com.
Top of Page
By Judy Bolt, Day Rides Coordinator
GABA-GO West Rides start at Grant & Silverbell, NE corner; GABA-GO East Rides
start at Udall Park, on Tanque Verde Rd. just east of Sabino Canyon Rd.
Look for "GABA-GO" rides every Sunday, same time & place. Riders depart based on
their level (speed), with faster riders going first. After a set period of time,
the 2nd group leaves, then the 3rd….etc. So, you can start with a faster group
(if you feel like pushing yourself for a while) knowing that if you slow down,
you can still ride with slower riders behind you. A Ride Leader travels with
each group. The goal is to attract ALL levels of riders. Optional coffee stop
after the ride with opportunity for all riders to socialize, no matter what
their speed. “C” level riders are encouraged to join the GABA-GO groups. Option
for shorter or longer distances. So, come on out & go with GABA-GO!!
Top of Page
Saturday, April 1st, 2006
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 Red Mountain Park, East
Mesa. The 74-milers start at 6:30 AM and the 26-milers start at 9 AM at Red
Mountain Park in East Mesa, Az. Medallions will be given to all finishers. This
ride benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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 East areas of Phoenix through a spring
desert in full bloom! Be prepared for a lot of short hills at times!
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.pbaa.com.
Options for 70 or 27 miles
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Both Options Start & Finish at New Marana City Hall
off Barnett Rd. just north of Lon Adams Rd.
Starting times: 6:30 AM 70-mile event
8:30 AM 27-mile event
This year, the TTM will challenge over 1,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities
with the help of more than 250 volunteers! 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!
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 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.
Top of Page
May 6-7, 2006
Options: 85 mi/day with all the hills OR 65 mi/day with fewer hills!
A minimum of 35 paid pre-registered riders is needed by April 15th to put on
this event. Otherwise, the ride will be canceled.
Choose from the full 85 scenic hilly miles, (90 if you stay at the campground),
or a reduced 65-mile easier course. The full course takes you from the mining
town of Globe up through desert vistas into pine trees, and the open vistas of
rocky Salt River Canyon. The shorter version includes a 20-mile sag ride to Sag
#1 to eliminate 3000 feet of climb on the first day. Both options include the
curvy steep descent to the bottom of the canyon. On the 2nd day, the course may
be shortened by a sag ride down the hill to Carrizo Canyon. For the shorter
ride, contact Judy Bolt in Tucson, bojubolt@aol.com, (520) 512-0442 or Kathy
Mills in Phoenix, khendricks67@earthlink.net, or 480-235-5052, to reserve your
seat in the sag van!
STARTING PLACE & TIME:
Meet in Globe from 6:30-7 AM, Saturday morning at Gila County Court house, 1400
E. Ash, east of Jack-in-the-Box. Load your bag in the van; pick up your maps.
Start riding no later than 7 AM! Baggage van departs by 7:15 AM.
SAG SUPPORT: SAG #1: 20 mi into the ride. Gradual climbing on this portion. SAG
#2: 40 mi into the ride, at top of climb out of Salt River Canyon for lunch.
SAG #3: 60 mi into the ride at Carrizo Junction Chevron.
Re-hydrate yourself at each sag stop, even if not thirsty. Consume enough
calories during the ride to help you feel strong until the end of the ride.
COST: $65 for GABA members; $75 for non-members. DAY OF EVENT: $80 for members &
$90 for non-members. Helmets are mandatory. Fee includes camping in show Low;
baggage transport; 3 sag stops including lunch each day; sag support on the
route; sag ride from campground to dinner and maps.
RIDE LEADER: RIDE LEADER NEEDED NOW!! Contact Judy Bolt, bojubolt@aol.com, (520)
512-0442. Volunteers needed. Earn GABA bucks!
MOTEL LIST
In Globe: El Rey: (928)425-4427 Economy Inn: (928)425-5736
El Rancho: (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: Kiva: (928)537-4542 Best Western: (928)537-5773
Days Inn: (928)537-4356 Motel 6: (928)537-7694
Holiday Inn: (928)537-5115 Thunderbird: (928)537-4391
Sleep Inn: (928)532-7323
April 8 & 9, 2006
New This Year!
- Revamped Course with Minimized Traffic!
- Mostly on Scenic Backroads!
- Three Sag Stops!
- Gourmet Copper Queen Buffet Dinner: 5:30 or 6:30 PM!
- Early Breakfast at the Copper Queen Starting at 6 AM!
(Both meals must be pre-paid with your ride fee.)
- Special Sonoita-Bisbee T-Shirt!
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 Mule Mountains.
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
southeast on Hwy 83, and feast your eyes on rolling grassland country with the
lofty Huachuca Mountains at the horizon.
RIDERS: YOU MUST HAVE A PHOTO-ID TO RIDE THRU FORT HUACHUCA.
ALL CARS: MUST HAVE A CURRENT PROOF OF REGISTRATION, CURRENT PROOF OF INSURANCE
AND PHOTO-ID TO DRIVE THRU THE FORT.
DAY ONE: 69 miles, via Canelo, Fort Huachuca, Palominas to Bisbee.
Ride southeast out of the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Sonoita towards Canelo. The
route will be marked with GABA signs at all turns. Watch for a few cattle
guards, which will also be marked. Several short climbs bring you to the West
Gate of Fort Huachuca. Show photo-ID.
Continue east thru the Fort with a few more short hills followed by a rolling
descent. Exit Fort Huachuca thru the Main Gate. The route takes you southeast on
Buffalo Soldier Trail, then winds on St Andrews to Yaqui which has a traffic
signal to help you cross Hwy 92. Continue east on Camino Principal, Campobello,
Ramsey Rd., Moson, Hereford Rd. and Palominas.
The last 17 miles of gradual climb will be on Hwy 92. As you enter downtown
Bisbee, campers will follow GABA signs to Higgins Park where your luggage will
be delivered. Luggage to the many B & B's will also be awaiting the other
riders. Scrumptious meal (pre-paid) at the Copper Queen: 5:30 PM OR 6:30 PM.
Door prizes awarded at both seatings: you must be present to win!
DAY TWO: 69 miles via Palominas, Fort Huachuca & Canelo to Sonoita
After a good breakfast, prepare yourself for a long 20-mile descent, as you
pedal south past the Lavender Pit to Palominas. Continue west gradually climbing
to Sierra Vista, cross Hwy 92 at traffic light, and retrace your Saturday route
back to Fort Huachuca's Main Gate. Show your photo-ID at the Main Gate. Then,
continue towards the West Gate, with a few short steeper hills. After exiting
the Fort, the course will be mostly downhill back to Sonoita. Luggage will be
back at the Fairgrounds by 11 AM.
STARTING POINT:
Saturday Morning at Fairgrounds in Sonoita, Hwys 82 & 83. Allow at least 1 hour
driving time from Tucson to Sonoita, more if coming from the northwest. Camping
w/restrooms available on Friday night at the Sonoita Fairgrounds.
STARTING TIME:
Register between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Baggage truck will depart no later than 8
AM. Sign in, drop your dufflebag labeled with color-coded motel tags, and pick
up your ride map. Start riding as soon as you are ready!
COPPER QUEEN DINNER:
$18 per person. Must be paid ahead of time w/ride fee.
Available to first 100 pre-registered riders only.
Menu includes: Antipasti Platter; Chicken Breast with Marinara Sauce; Cheese
Tortellini with Alfredo Sauce; Pasta Linguini with Fresh Vegetables; Roasted
Peppers, Onions and Tomatoes; Garlic Bread; Fresh seasonings; Chef's Choice
Dessert; Coffee, Tea & Decaf.
COPPER QUEEN BREAKFAST:
$12 per person. Must be paid ahead of time w/ride fee.
Starts at 6 AM. Menu includes:
Assorted breakfasts Juices; Scrambled Eggs; Bacon & Ham; Home Fries; Assorted
Breads; Yogurts, Cereals & Fresh Fruit; Coffee, Tea & Decaf.
SPECIAL SONOITA-BISBEE T-SHIRTS:
Especially designed for our 25th Anniversary Year!
$10: if purchased ahead of time with ride fee. (Best way to get the size you
need.)
$15: available at the ride, but no guarantee of sizes.
LUGGAGE:
Luggage will be delivered only to the B & B's listed here. You are welcome to
make your own arrangements, if you opt for accommodations not on our list.
Luggage will be delivered by 1 PM on Saturday. On Sunday morning, please put
your luggage at the same place where is was delivered the day before, no later
than 8 AM. Luggage not at the proper place at the proper time will not be picked
up by our truck driver.
RIDE ORGANIZER:
Suzanne Couvrette, (520) 891-4661 or e-mail at sgcouvrette@aol.com. Please
register early: it makes the ride organizer's job much easier for planning
meals, sag food, number of volunteers, and number of t-shirts to be printed.
Sonoita-Bisbee Ride Fee
Pre-registered Riders:
GABA/ABC Members: . . . . . . . . . . . $45
Non members: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55
Sat. Dinner At Copper Queen: . . . . . . . $18
(Limited to the first 100 riders ONLY)
Sun. Brkfst at Copper Queen at 6 AM: . . $12
Pre-paid Sonoita-Bisbee T-shirts: . . . . . $10
T-Shirts Sold on day of ride: . . . . . . . . . $15
Day of Event Fee:
GABA/ABC members: . . . . . . . . . . . $60
Non members:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70
Why not join GABA-Tucson today?
Get our monthly newsletter delivered to your door
AND this ride at member price!
Add $15 for a one-year individual membership,
$18 for a family membership, or $10 for students.
Your fee includes:
1) Camping w/restrooms at Sonoita Fairgrounds on Friday night;
2) Safe car parking at Sonoita Fairgrounds from Saturday AM to Sunday PM.
3) SAG Support along the route on both days;
4) 3 sag stops each day, with water, fruit, snacks & lunch makings;
5) Baggage truck to deliver luggage at camp site or hotel (tag your dufflebag
with hotel tags at start of ride);
6) Camping in Bisbee on Sat. night at Higgins Park (hot showers off-site;
possible solar showers); bring your own TOWEL/ SOAP;
7) Route map and riders instructions;
8. GABA Signs at each turn along the course for both days;
8) Door prizes at Copper Queen Saturday dinners- must be present to win!
Top of Page
on Saturday, April 22, 2006
at Mc Cormick Park,
on Columbus Blvd. between Glenn & Ft Lowell
By Pam Cullop, Social Director
You simply cannot miss this one! The biggest GABA Bash of all times is just
around the corner, and you just have to come! Bike rides will start out the day,
hey - that's why we've been around this many years, isn't it? We love to ride!
Arrive 15 minutes early to sign up for one of the following: "B" Ride at 7 AM
(40-45 mi); "C" Ride at 8 AM (30-35 mi); or "D" Ride at 9 AM (10-15 mi).
When you get back from your ride around 10 AM, you'll be just in time for snacks
and "socializing". While you're at it, listen and enjoy some live entertainment!
Yes, 17 Pueblo High students will be on hand to get you in the "mood" for a
catered Mexican Buffet with live Mariachi music under the direction of their
teacher, John Contreras. The buffet will be "open for dining" from 11:30-12:30
PM, and will be catered by El Molinito. Cost of the prepaid meal is only $5! You
can't beat it!!!
After our tummies have been treated to a southwestern delight, club President,
Steve Wilson, will introduce you to our personally invited guests - the VIP's!
These are folks who are responsible for our Club in some significant way. Some
were here before we were called "GABA". Others helped to maintain our reputation
as an outstanding bike Club through their dedication as volunteers and
organizers. You won't believe some of the stories that you will hear!
What could top all of this? Well, how about Schwan's Ice Cream for dessert? You
will not go away hungry! If you do, you have no one to blame but yourself! Yeah,
we thought, why not do this GALA up really big? Don't we
Happy 25th Anniversary GABA!
Event: It's a GABA GALA! An all-inclusive party: Bike rides, Food, Ice Cream,
Entertainment, Meeting GABA Founders, Socializing, and that's just for starters!
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2006.
Time: Bike Rides from 7-10 AM; Social Time from 10-11:30 AM; Mexican Buffet from
11:30-12:30 PM; Founders' Recognition from 12:30-1:30 PM; Dessert & Social Time
from 1:30-3 PM.
Place: Mc Cormick Park, 2950 N. Columbus Blvd. north of Glenn. Ramadas 1, 2 & 3.
Meal: Catered Mexican Buffet - $5 per person. Pre-payment & Reservation
Required. Free Ice Cream for Dessert.
RSVP: Use Reservation Form below and return NO LATER THAN 4/19/2006 to: GABA, PO
Box 43273 Tucson, AZ 85733.
You can also download the RSVP Form from our website at: www.bikegaba.org and
mail it to us with your $5.
usually have an Ice Cream Social this time of year? So, let's include ice cream
for dessert, and snacks after the ride (chips, salsa, nuts, stuff like that).
After all, what is a GABA function without food? Isn't that why we ride????
You will not be able to miss us. The decorations will be in keeping with the
meal & music theme - bold and colorful! Extra tables and chairs have been
ordered, so no one will have to sit on the lawn! Ramadas 1, 2 & 3 have been
reserved for the entire day. Restrooms are nearby in case you want to change out
of Lycra after the ride. Don't forget to check out our "Memory Board". Discover
the "Who's Who" in GABA history. And, if you have a picture or something of
interest to share, we'd love for you to bring it along!
It is a day for the entire family! Bring along the whole gang, including the
grandkids - there is room to run and play for everyone!
For answers to anything not covered here, please call Pam Cullop, 290-4321 or
pjcullop@comcast.net; Suzanne Couvrette, 891-4661 or sgcouvrette@ aol.com; and
Sally Krusing, 296-0319 or salatgaba@hotmail.com.
So - if you haven't already done so, complete your RSVP. We really need to have
it by April 19th, so everyone who wants to eat, can. If you don't want to cut
out the RSVP form on the front page, you can go to the GABA website at
www.bikegaba.org and print it, then mail it along with your $5 per person for
the buffet to: GABA, PO Box 43273, Tucson AZ 85733.
You don't want to miss this one! Believe it!
GABA GALA - RSVP - WOULDN'T MISS IT!
Saturday, April 22, 2006.
Name(s) _____________________________________________________
(Please print)
_____________________________________________________________
I/We will need lunch for _______ person (s), at the cost of $5 per person.
Total Amount Enclosed: $ ________________.
I am a GABA VIP, and this is my guest: ____________________________
(VIP's will receive personal contacts.)
Top of Page
February New Members:
Don Peters; Jim Pirolli; Dori Fisher; Lana Chaffee; Larry Coffin; Mary Scott;
Dwight Shenk; Dave Marascio; Kathleen Garrison; Ron Lisney; Robert Sepersky;
Kevin Coyle; Cynthia McCahon; Van Nguyen; Charles Iverson; Thomas & Julia Zahn;
Nee Lanjan Hash.
February Renewing Members:
Bill Adamson; Michael McCarthy; JIim & Jody Herzman; Jim Lumpkin; Rick Olafson;
Mike Robinette; Robert Anderson; Dave Burnett; Fred Finney; Donald McGraw; Bob
Norem; Patrick Payne; Dede Seder & Lee Max; Chuck Shultz; Ellie Washington;
Rupert Laumann; Cass Faux; Gary Bakken; Bud O'Toole; Jan Smith; Gene Applegate;
Jon Bradford; Bob Brown; Joan D'Alonzo; Kevin Eaton; Russ Hall; Vicky
Litchfield; Mark Pagel; Bill Phillippi; Jay Woolsey; Vern Hines; Rich Daly; Dick
& Susan Hall; Sam & Anne Ward; Paul & Joyce Vyriotes; Mike & Jennifer Isaac;
Richard Corbett; Vicki & Steve Somerville.
March New Members:
Andy Stang; Barry PIinius; Karen Conant; Peter Eisner; Sara Mae; Shannon Howe;
Carolyn Audilet; Lori Krause; David Morrow; Chuck Hill; Dede Collins & Dennis
Cooper; Janide & Chris Dunn; Ted Wall; Dennis Rule; Robert Shamansky; Lois
Zuniga; Jack Carnie; Steven & Caroline Schmidt; Ginny Culp; Howard Jacob; Tom &
Janet Pedersen; Michael Dicochea; David Colwell; James Phillips; Benjamin
Vanderveer.
March Renewing Members:
Pete & Pam Baum; Donna Tew; Donald & Shirley Harmon; Judy Calcagno; David Kammer;
Bill Lazarow; William Wieboldt; Norm Land; John & Randi Steiner; Richard &
Sherry Davis; Sally Glines; Roger Fox; Sheldon Ham; Barbara Renick; Mary &
Robert Wolk; Betty-Sue & Don Gage; Bob Beane; Bill Mangold; Norma Feldman; Jim
Carley; Suzanne Phillips & Tom Faucett; Linda Benea; Kathy Sullivan; Dave La
Ravia; John & Amy Pilger; Julia Taylor; Gus Aragon; Daniel Kongs; Rich Marciari;
Marlene Dekker; Tom & Janie Ebenhack; John Manzione; Manette Bernier; Petro
Family; Eric Case; Mike & Jennifer Isaac; Nancy & John Conahay.
NEW YORK, NY (January 24, 2006) – Portland, Oregon is still America’s best
cycling city, Bicycling magazine has determined. Portland, previously named
America’s top cycling city by Bicycling in 2001, remained the top overall choice
again in 2006, as well as the magazine’s choice for top cycling city among those
with a population of fewer than 1 million people.
San Diego, CA was selected as the top cycling city in the country for cities
with a population greater than 1 million, while Madison, WI (population 200,000
to 500,000), Boulder, CO (population 75,000 to 200,000) and Davis, CA (Best
Small Town) were also named the nation’s top cycling markets.
The worst cities for cycling, according to Bicycling’s findings, are Atlanta,
GA; Houston, TX and Boston, MA—which, ironically, is the city in which Bicycling
VP/Editor-In-Chief Steve Madden grew up and learned how to ride.
Bicycling Magazine ranked the 21 best cycling cities in America for its March
2006 issue. The magazine ranked the top 5 cities in each of 4 population
groupings—cities with more than 1 million residents; cities with 500,000 to 1
million; cities of 200,000 to 500,000; and cities with 75,000 to 200,000 ; along
with the best “small town” (fewer than 75,000 residents).
The winners were:
Best U.S. Cycling City (overall): Portland, OR
Best Cycling City (population 1 million or more):
1. San Diego, CA;
2. Chicago, IL
3. New York, NY
Honorable mention: Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ
Best Cycling City (population 500,000 to 1 million):
1. Portland, OR
2. Denver, CO
3. Seattle, WA
Honorable mention: San Francisco, CA; Austin, TX
Best Cycling City (population 200,000 to 500,000):
1. Madison, WI
2. Tucson, AZ
3. Albuquerque, NM
Honorable mention: Minneapolis, MN; Anchorage, AK
Best Cycling City (population 75,000 to 200,000):
1. Boulder, CO
2. Eugene, OR
3. Ann Arbor, MI
Honorable mention: Chattanooga, TN; Cambridge, MA
Best Small Town for Cycling: Davis, CA (population 60,308)
To determine its list, Bicycling started with more than 250 cities and
deter-mined the winners and finalists using criteria that weighed factors such
as:
- “Cycling-friendly” statistics (numbers of bike lanes and routes, number of
bike racks, city bike projects completed and planned)
- Bike culture (number of bike commuters, popular clubs, cool cycling events,
renowned bike shops)
- Climate/geography (quality of roads and trails for riding, and how frequently
mother nature lets riders enjoy them)
Bicycling also surveyed experts at national bicycle groups such as the League of
American Bicyclists, the Thunderhead Alliance and the International Mtn Biking
Association (IMBA), while also polling more than 600 Bicycling readers.
“Rankings such as ours often provoke a lot of debate, which is understandable
and, actually, welcome,” said Madden. “Because the riding conditions and levels
of cycling enthusiasm in these cities are so outstanding, they all deserve to
gain some recognition as America’s biking treasures.
About Bicycling Magazine: As the world’s biggest bike magazine, Rodale, Inc.’s
Bicycling is the voice of cycling, providing stories on personalities, trends &
techniques behind the sport. Appealing to readers of every ability and interest
level, the magazine features expert reviews of the latest equipment as well as
training and fitness tips. Published 11 times a year, Bicycling is the magazine
for the athlete for whom the bicycle is the centerpiece of an active lifestyle.
Top of Page
By Jane Larson, Event Organizer - Phoenix Metro Bike Club
We had a great day for the 2006 Casa Grande Century, and a great turnout! While
our riding buddies in the frozen north hunkered down, Arizona cyclists enjoyed a
sunny , 75-degree wind-free day! We also had the allure of a new century route
and a new 34-mile route, the right timing for local triathletes in training, and
our reputation as Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club’s biggest ride of the year. And we
blew away all previous CGCs with a record 396 riders!
Great volunteers made it all work out. Ray Almada and Mike Liteky handled Sag 1,
Paul Nichols and Tom Sullivan did Sag 2, and Tom & Nancy O’Leary, Kathy Meacham,
Frances Mitok, Nadine Gillogly and Shirley Houston organized the lunch at Dave
White Regional Park. Sweep drivers Tom Adams, Leon Smith, Bob Prochaska and Don
Patterson kept everyone safe and pedaling. Registration volunteers Bob Beane,
Linda Torres, Jack Graham, Buddy Pylant, Jan Petersen and Roger Simmons kept
their cool and the lines moving.
If you rode the 2006 Casa Grande Century and did not get this year’s red
commemorative socks (we ordered 257 pairs!), there is good news. Our sock
re-order has arrived. Contact ride organizer Jane Larson at jlreports@qwest.net
or call her at 602-319-2238 and we will arrange to get you your socks. If you
left your gloves at Sag 1, we’ve got those, too. Contact Jane with the color and
brand name to claim them.
Top of Page
We're back after 2 years of
construction!
Friday, May 5, 2006
Check-in will run from 5:45 until 7 AM.
By Steve Wilson, Ride Leader
The annual GABA Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb is pleased to return after a 2-year
suspension due to the final reconstruction of the Mt. Lemmon Highway. The road
is now 100% complete, including the 5 miles of Catalina Highway leading to the
base. 28 miles of smooth 28-foot wide asphalt one-way to the top! To celebrate
the new road, we're expanding our sag support this year to 2 leapfrogging sags
covering 4 sag stops. We have recommended start times depending on your average
speed to insure that you'll find the Team at each stops. Please try to follow
these guidelines if you want support all the way up.
The check-in location is the same: at my house, 4601 N. Via Noriega. (approx. 1
mile from base of mountain). See Yahoo or Google on the web for detailed maps.
If you don't have internet/printer access, take Catalina Hwy to Snyder, right on
Snyder to Via Molino, right on Via Molino to Via Noriega, then left.
The sag schedule is as follows:
Sag 1: Molino Basin 7 to 9:30 AM
Sag 2: Bear Canyon 8:30 to 10:30 AM
Sag 3: San Pedro Vista 10 to 12 PM
Sag 4: Loma Linda 11 to 12:30 PM
Recommended start times, depending on your average climbing speed, are: 6 AM for
4 MPH; 6:30 AM for 5 MPH; 7 AM for 7 MPH; and 7:30 AM for 9 MPH. If you average
these speeds with these start times and spend 15 minutes at each sag stop,
you'll get to each one during the times they're open.
We've added pre-registration this year to give us a better idea of how many will
be attending. Fees to cover sag cost will be $7 in advance, and $10 on day of
ride. See inside back cover of Update, or website (www.bikegaba.org) for
Registration Form. Make our volunteers' job easier by registering early.
If you've thought about trying to make it all the way to the top but never have,
this is a great time for a big first attempt. The excellent sag support
eliminates the need for carrying extra food and fluids, and the camaraderie
along the way is a great inspiration. Every year, we've had at least one rider
make it to the top for the first time - it's a worthy achievement!
After reaching Ski Valley, optional lunch at Iron Door restaurant (Ski Valley)
or at Summerhaven's Cafes. Count on about $10-15 for lunch depending on your
appetite. Pies at the Mt. Lemmon Café in Summerhaven are always good.
The descent this year is the sweetest ever, with an almost continuous 21-mile
downhill shot from Bigelow Rd. to the base. Round trip to Ski Valley is 56
miles, with 6,600 feet of elevation gain. Check the weather forecast and be
prepared. Rain is unlikely in early May, but you don't want to be surprised at
8,000 feet. We hope to see you on the ride!
Mt Lemmon Hill Climb
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
Friday, May 5, 2006
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable
Please fill out all the blanks.
Ride Leader: Steve Wilson, 870-5282
or wilsons@us.ibm.com
Return this form & your check to: GABA
P. O. Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733
Starting time: (please circle)
6 AM 6:30 AM 7 AM 7:30 AM
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE: $ 7 $____
DAY OF EVENT FEE: $10 $____
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
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Organized by OWC (Orange County Wheelmen)
Limited to 400 riders - NOT for beginners!
Contact www.owc.org for more info.
Top of Page
by Rich Corbett, Co-Coordinator
Get your bicycle out and try cycling to work on Bike to Work Day! Join us (and
the tens of thousands of current bike commuters) in cycling to work on Bike to
Work Day for fun, fitness, transportation, and saving money too!
When & Where:
Ride downtown to the Bike to Work Day Fair, from 7 to 9 AM at Jacome Plaza in
front of the Main Library on Stone Ave. Show your bicycle helmet to receive a
free continental breakfast, courtesy of Wild Oats Market and Not Just Java
Coffee Shop.
The Bike to Work Day Fair will feature bike demonstrations, bike commuting
information, raffle drawings for merchandise and gift certificates worth
hundreds of dollars, as well as a Grand Prize, a Trek 700; and an opportunity to
register to participate in the City's long-term bike commuting program. Regular
bike commuters can earn bike discounts, commuter bikes, safety kits, and free
bike safety classes through their commitment to participate. To learn more, call
us!
Bike to Work Day free showers offered for participants at the Downtown YMCA and
the Downtown Gold's Gym. Present your helmet and photo identification at the
front desk!
Please join the thousands who already bike to work, and learn about the
satisfaction and enjoyment, as well as all the money you can save! Remember,
call Melissa Antol at 791-4372, or Rich Corbett at 792-1093 for more
information.
Enter drawing for prizes by signing up with Form in "Bike to Work" brochure, or
on the web: http://dot.ci.tucson.az.us/bicycle. See you on the way to work!
Top of Page
March 8, 2006 Meeting Report
By Rich Corbett
#1 City of Tucson Police Dept. & Pima county sheriff's Dept. Reports: Tucson
Police Sgt Tim Bean reported that there was 15 bicycle-motor vehicle crashes in
February, and that even though this was more than last year, it was probably due
to the no-rain/milder weather. The fatality in the 4th Avenue Underpass was not
reported as a vehicular fatality because the State of Arizona crash reporting
system does not recognize bicycle-only crashes.
Pima County Sheriff Sgt Karl Woolridge reported that there were 10 bicycle-motor
vehicle crashes in unincorporated Pima County in February. He went on to explain
that there were 3 hit-and-runs, one property damage only, and one in Green
Valley where a 92 year-old driver struck a cyclist from behind. Bill Katzel
asked why the Green Valley driver was not cited for a 3-foot passing violation.
Sgt Woolridge responded that he was not involved with the traffic team that
dealt with it, and suggested that Katzel call the Green Valley Sheriff
Substation to get more information.
#2 BAC Elections. The Chair said the regular elections for BAC are held in May,
so starting now is indicated and a good idea. He went on to ask for volunteers
for the Nominating Committee, and Russ Clanagan, Jean Gorman and Brian Beck were
appointed with Russ as the Chair. They will bring back a report and a slate in
April. It was noted that the candidates must be present, and especially that the
Chair has many duties outside the meetings.
#3 Letter of Support for Kolb Rd. bike lanes from Valencia to Voyager RV Park.
Roy Schoonover noted that the letter passed out would be addressed to both Chuck
Huckleberry and Kurt Weinrich. The need for bike lanes on Kolb Rd. is one that
has been a growing concern for many years, and Roy has now been promised action
very soon, especially since Kolb Rd. is the only route that Voyager RV residents
have to access the Tucson metro area, and it is also a part of the El Tour de
Tucson route. It was also pointed out that the 2-person crash noted in the
letter has psychologically traumatized the person who was not physically
injured, and she has yet to get back on her bicycle.
As to Kolb, south of I-10, Roy noted that the housing development to the south
of Voyager is paying $2.9 million in development impact fees to the city of
Tucson, but that there are no plans to improve this stretch of Kolb Rd. A motion
to approve sending the letter was made and passed unanimously.
#4 Letter of Support for Implementation of Shoulders on Sahuarita Rd. Roy
Schoonover has worked with Donna Aversa and Bill Adamson to develop this letter
but did not have a copy of it. Richard Corbett noted that it was not required
that a letter be approved word for word, but if the BAC supports the purpose and
points to be made, they can authorize it to be sent. Matt Zoll stated that
Sahuarita Town Manager Jim Stahle wants to wait until after the RTA election to
construct the shoulder bike lanes on Sahuarita Rd., but he said a letter would
still be helpful. Bill Adamson said that, based on his past experiences, it
would be important to continue to "press on the issue". A motion to approve
sending the letter was made and passed unanimously.
#5 Aviation-Barraza Pathway Connection Concerns. David Bachman-Williams passed
out his draft and explained his concerns about the Broadway/Aviation Parkway
intersection, especially the eastbound Broadway to eastbound Aviation diverge
(free right turn). The letter asks the City of Tucson to study this and come up
with a solution to improve safety of cyclists proceeding past the Aviation
Parkway on Broadway. Roy suggested that Dan Williams at ADOT be copied.
Discussion ensued, with Donna Aversa suggesting the importance of multi-modal
emphasis to the State, and Wayne Cullop agreeing with the importance of safety.
Matt Zoll cited past work with Dan Williams to eliminate a free right turn at St
Mary's & I-10, and said that some of the RTA ramp designs may be "challenging"
for cyclists. A motion to approve sending the letter, with modifications
discussed, was made and passed unanimously.
Discussion then continued regarding the pathway at the east end of Aviation
Parkway, passing under and to the east of the Veterans' Memorial Interchange.
Matt Zoll explained this is from Richey to Alvernon, and went on to cite the
problems he is aware of: 1) a power pole in the middle of the eastbound path; 2)
parking on the path by businesses, between Dodge and Alvernon; and 3) a too
short pedestrian signal cycle to cross Alvernon. This item was tabled to next
month. Wayne Cullop mentioned that the BAC needs to have a bigger picture of
safety concerns, and not look at smaller things item by item. Diana Tolton said
that the BAC needs to have better overall direction.
#6 Call to the Public. Eric Post mentioned his concerns about glass from auto
crashes being merely swept aside into the bike lane, and his continuing concern
about construction and warning signs that stick out into the bike lanes. He
asked if education of the towing companies might help with this. Bill Katzel
asked Committee Members to look up the definition of "Advocacy", as he feels the
BAC is definitely an advocate for cyclists and to a lesser degree, pedestrians.
He asked why the Call to the Public was moved to item #6. This is a lot less
convenient for members of the public who have something to bring up. He asked
that it be moved back to #2. Eric Gonnason suggested moving the Call to the
Public before the Law Enforcement reports.
#7 BAC Reports/Announcements. Matt Zoll gave a brief report on the recent
LAB-sponsored National Bike Summit in Washington DC, where a panel of 5 from
Tucson, including Ward 6 Council Aide Roger Carrillo, Tucson DOT Director Jim
Glock, PBAA Director Richard DeBernardis, Brad Fund Founder Jean Gorman, PAG
bicycle Coordinator Richard Corbett, and Zoll himself, presented a workshop on
the Tucson region's bicycle friendly community application seeking a regional
Platinum status.
Melissa Antol urged BAC members and staff to sign up to help with 1) the 4th
Avenue Street Fair Bike Parking; 2) GABA Swap Meet Bike Parking; 3) Bike to the
Zoo Bike Parking; and 4) Clean Air Jam Bike Parking. If you can help, please
e-mail her at melissa.antol@tucsonaz.gov. She announced that the 14th Round of
Transportation Enhancement grants are starting up. Contact Shellie Ginn at TDOT
shellie.ginn@tucsonaz.gov or 791-4371 for more info.
Bill Adamson handed out a sheet describing a "Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocate
Committee". Interested persons can get meeting notices, agendas and minutes by
e-mailing Bill at billadamson@earthlink.com. He also announced the dedication of
the Continental School pathway. Fantasy Island is still an issue that must be
watched.
Wanted to buy: Woman's 24" frame road
bike, 12 speed or more, prefer original very good condition. Tires not
important. Also need a used no-horn men's saddle and seat post shock absorber.
Bud O'Toole, 319-1121. (Tuc)
Needed: Going to Germany, May 15-30, and need a touring bike to borrow or rent.
Size medium, 53-55 cm. If you have panniers to throw in, that would be great
too. Mary Jo, 884-4303 or mjyikes@msn.com. (Tuc)
Top of Page
By Rich Corbett, Certified Instructor & Coach
Do you want to improve your Tour of the Tucson Mountains? Maybe you rode the 35
or 66 in El Tour and now you want to go even faster! You can train and improve
in the month that's left, and ride the relatively flat TTM setting a Personal
Best!
How to Improve Your Speed: With only a month to train before TTM, you need to be
efficient. Many cyclists buy a variety of equipment to help them go faster.
While equipment is one part of the overall "formula" for going faster, it is
only one part, and not the most important. The two most important parts are your
conditioning and your technique.
Conditioning:
You are the "engine". You are the most important factor in going faster on a
bicycle! There are relatively simple changes in the way we do things that can
help us develop strength and endurance. For example, learning our best heart
rate training range, and understanding our maximum heart rate can help us in
achieving better conditioning. I use the terms described below for training.
Terminology:
Push: A bicycle workout where you grip the handlebar hoods, drop your elbows,
slide back on the saddle, and, in a gear that let's you pedal a cadence of 60 to
80 rpm, pedal as hard as you can, without getting off your saddle.
Interval (s): A bicycle workout where you shift to a higher gear (cadence - 40
to 60 rpm), then stand and pedal as hard as you can for as little as 30 seconds,
up to as long as 2 minutes, depending on where you are in your training. Your
hands will be on the brake hoods.
Here is a 4-week training approach for the TTM (69 miles):
Weeks 1 to 2: A) Two days of riding "workouts" during the week (30 minutes each
for the first week, then 40 minutes for the 2nd week), and B) one longer ride on
the weekend, also a "workout" (25 miles the first week, then 35 miles the next
week). Use the "Push" workout.
Weeks 3 to 4: A) Two days of riding during the week (40 minutes), and B) a
45-mile ride the first week, then 55 miles the next week. Use the "Interval"
workout on week 3, and the Push" on the 4th week.
Technique:
After conditioning, technique is most important. The most common areas for
technique improvement include posture and position, eating and drinking, group
riding skills, and for some, gear selection/cadence.
Posture and Position: Too many cyclists lock their elbows as they ride. Relax!
Locking your elbows transmits shocks from the road to your shoulders, and neck.
Ride with slightly bent elbows to relieve this pressure, and help build stronger
abdominal muscles. Too many cyclists also grip their handlebars way too tightly!
Hold your handlebars loosely, with your upper body relaxed.
Eating and Drinking: Not refueling adequately, or hydrating enough is a mistake
too many cyclists make. Work on finding out which cycling foods and energy
drinks work for you, especially when you are hot and tired! When you find the
"right" ones, then be sure to eat 100 to 150 calories every hour you ride, and
drink even more frequently (a swallow or two) every 10 to 20 minutes, depending
on the weather and your level of exertion.
Group Riding Skill: Drafting can save you as much as 35 to 40 percent over
riding alone. Yet, many cyclists either are afraid to do it, or do it poorly.
While it is the major cause of crashes in El Tour de Tucson, if done properly,
there is little to fear. See my article on "Basic Drafting & Pace Line Skills"
in the November 2002 Update, also on the GABA website at www.bikegaba.org.
Gear Selection/Cadence: Be sure to make good use of your gears through knowing
the best selection of cadence/gears, and overcoming your reluctance to shift. It
is very important to use your gears to be in the proper cadence as much as
possible. Proper cadence, for most of us is 70 to 90 rpms. Use your gears to
shift as needed to maintain your cadence in this range.
Equipment
Least in importance is your equipment. Equipment errors that many make include
the use of thorn-resistant tubes (because they are afraid of flats), improper
saddle height adjustment, lack of regular chain cleaning/lubricating, and lack
of proper tire inflation.
Thorn-resistant Tubes: these do help reduce flats, but you pay the price in
weight and additional pedaling effort! Instead, learn to avoid flats by riding
farther from the curb, and keeping your tires fully inflated. Also learn to
change your flats easily and quickly: take a course.
Saddle Height Adjustment: Proper saddle height makes it possible to achieve
efficient biomechanical effort as you pedal. Proper saddle height is when your
leg is fully extended, with your knee locked, and your foot is level with the
ground.
Chain Cleaning/Lubrication: Chains need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly
for smooth, low friction performance. If you ride regularly, such as the
training schedule set forth above, weekly would not be too often. Clean your
chain with a light spray such as WD-40, wipe it down, then lube it with White
Lightning, or similar. Remember that really light lubricants will need to be
applied more often.
Proper Tire Inflation: Low tire pressure does two bad things: it cause more
flats, and it increases your pedaling efforts and slows you down. A good floor
pump, with built-in gauge makes it easy to keep your tires inflated to proper
pressure. Try to establish a routine, so you pump your tires up to full pressure
on the same schedule every week.
Basic Principles of Group Riding
There are several basic and important principles of more enjoyable and safer
group riding in events such as the TTM:
1. Make your own decisions;
2. Keep a reaction space "cushion" around you;
3. Ride without swerving, in a straight line;
4. Try to always pass other cyclists on the left;
5. Look, then signal whenever you move sideways, i.e. to pass another cyclist;
6. Avoid slowing suddenly - signal before you do slow;
7. Get completely off the road when you stop;
8. Before entering the road, look for and yield to anyone already there.
Summary: Combine good conditioning with solidly executed technique and avoid
equipment mistakes, and you'll be well on your way to faster speeds! E-mail me
with your specific questions at kc7ovm@dakotacom.net. Good luck on your TTM ride
and watch next month for "Ways to Improve Your Hill Climbing".
Top of Page
Tucson vs. Austin
by Steve Wilson, GABA President
Patricia and I had the occasion recently to do some road riding in Austin,
Texas. It was interesting to compare and contrast the bicycling facilities in
the two cities. Austin is definitely proud to be the home of the world's
greatest cyclist, but their roads and general cycling accommodations are another
matter.
We did find a very nice shop near downtown within easy walking distance of our
hotel that had top of line bikes for rent for a reasonable price. (Much less
than it would have cost to fly ours there.) The Austin bike map does not compare
well to the Tucson map. First, it was 3 years old (vs. Tucson's almost annual
updates), second it actually cost $2 (how could they not give them away?), and
third (and most importantly) they didn't actually tell you which roads had
shoulders or bike lanes, they made a judgment for you, rating the roads as good,
medium, or poor for cycling, and a bunch of roads not rated, just listed as
"barriers to cycling". It was very frustrating not to know what to expect. A
good road might mean good shoulders, or light traffic - but when is the traffic
light? A bad road might mean just heavy traffic, but again when?
We rode on several of the major roads that they indicated were bad for cycling
and didn't see much difference between those rated medium or poor. In Tucson, a
good standard for a bad cycling road is 5th Street between Wilmot and the UA.
About half of the streets in Austin are like 5th Street. If you're not
comfortable with traffic, it's not a good place.
Around the Town Lake area, there was a very nice dirt path for a few miles, but
it would be a little dicey with road tires, and it was so popular with runners
and walkers that it would be almost impossible to maintain any kind of speed.
There's one area where we tied - trash. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I
haven't ridden anywhere else in the USA (or the world) that has more litter by
the road than in the Tucson area. Austin is right up there with us though. It's
a bit of a sad statement about us in general. There wasn't as much glass on the
road as here, but perhaps that was because we rode on so few shoulders.
We know we have it good here, but sometimes it's nice to have a reminder by
checking out other cities of a similar size. Tucson is far from perfect, but we
have lots to be thankful for as cyclists.
Ride safe, see you on the road.
Top of Page
By Suzanne Couvrette, Editor
A few of our members have left us, and we want to remember them, especially this
year as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary. They spent a lot of their time and
gave tremendously to the club over the years. Here is a list of these Club
Members, in alphabetical order:
Bob Beauchamp, Gene Chapman, John Farr, Dick Forcier, Ruth Grejdus, Len Harman,
Jed Huntington, Clay Ifflander, Larry Lindberg, John Nightsinger, Jim Norville
and Bev Pitcock.
We are forever indebted to the generous contributions that each of them made to
GABA. If we have forgotten someone, please accept our apologies.
Top of Page
by Sandi Rousseau,
Ride Organizer
Any ride, especially a century ride, cannot take place without a group of
dedicated individuals willing to give of themselves as they dedicate their time
to assist by volunteering.
For the 2006 Coolidge Century, I had an outstanding crew. Before saying a few
words about the ride, I first want to thank the crew: Donna Aversa and Carole
Leiker who ran Sag 2, Karen Conant, Marla Husz, and Marlene Dekker who ran Sag 1
& 3, Dave Stevenson, Bill Borland, and Rich Rousseau who marked the route and
drove sweep. With their assistance, the ride came off without any issues and a
grand time was had by all. I couldn’t have had the ride without all of you, so
thank you very much.
Now, for those of you who let Mother Nature, the weather, or your fear of the
weather, fool you – and you totally wimped out – you missed a very good ride.
Although the day started out cold and crisp, it soon warmed up and we were
blessed with gorgeous blue skies and bright sunshine. The day turned out to be a
near perfect day for cycling. Those who rode reported really enjoying themselves
and were glad they didn’t cop out. Hooray for those hardy souls!
Top of Page
Tucson: www.bikegaba.org
Flagstaff: www.flagstaffbiking.org
Phoenix: www.sportsfun.com/gaba
Prescott: www.topica.com/lists/pcc
Other Cycling Clubs:
AZBicycleClub-(ABC)Phx… www.azbikeclub.com
Cactus Cycling Club .......www.cactuscycling.com
Doo Dah Road Club ......www.doodahroadclub.org
Green Valley Hiking Club ………….www.gvrhc.org
PBAA ............................................www.pbaa.com
Pima Trails Association ..........www.pimatrails.org
Clean Air Fair, 4/6-9, 06..www.deq.co.pima.az.us
Alicia's Ride Calendar ……………….www.aliciarides.com
By Barb Coon
I have a very good reason to remember the date of the first Almost Across
Arizona ride - I've always claimed that our second child was produced (starting
one week after the end of the trip!) as a direct result of the estrogen induced
in me by the sun exposure on the ride! I don't know how this notion stands up to
current knowledge, but there it is.
Another strong memory is of the first day, riding downhill from Cameron to Grey
Mountain, pedaling as hard as possible in lowest gear against a monster
headwind. I think Ed Stiles and Jack Dykinga were the only ones NOT to get
sagged into camp after dark that day - maybe they drafted? I wonder how many of
us even trusted ourselves to use that technique then!
Backing up a bit, the group of 23 (less than one tenth the size of the group
just three years later!) camped out each night - showers, what showers? - and
kept our camping gear in a small RV driven by Shirley and Jack Levy who rode
parts of the Tour. I am told that Jack was riding the Tour into his 70's, about
10 years ago.
The group was heavy on members of both GABA and the Southern Arizona Hiking
Club, since Ed Stiles (who wrote the guide book to the Tour) belonged to both
groups. The RV also came in handy for sagging those of us reluctant to ride the
15 miles of dirt road before Roosevelt Dam on our "delicate" racing machines -
Lori Stiles earned my complete respect when she turned this reasoning on its
head, and said she and her Tomassini were ready to tackle any surface. And they
did!
My bike had a lesser pedigree than Lori's - it was a Condor steel frame made in
Mexico and fitted out with components by the guy who ran "Born Again Bicycles",
painted metal-flake bubble-gum pink - it was the lightest bike I had till then
and I loved it.
The fact that there were a lot of hikers in the group - maybe Ed had a hard time
finding enough "pure" cyclists who could drop everything for over a week? -
meant some of us, at least, were confident about our abilities to "do" the Tour
- we regularly hiked over 30 miles a day and climbed 4-5,000 ft. altitude, but
were less than expert when it came to cycling techniques. How hard can it be to
keep turning those pedals? And the road surface was an incredible gift compared
to what we were used to negotiating on our off-trail hikes. We certainly knew
about drinking and snacking from our long-distance hikes, and were inured to the
Arizona climate.
This is not to say we were super-people, however - I remember coming to a
realization that I needed to get someplace cool when stopping at a store in a
small town (Punkin Center?). The waterdogs in the bait tank were paddling near
the surface, beseeching me with their eyes to free them from captivity. So I ate
a candy bar.
This piece would have been lots longer if Suzanne hadn't burst my bubble about
the non-occurrence of certain episodes on the first Tour - my clear memory of
Linden Boice sailing over a guard rail in a perfect rugby tuck belongs to a
different trip, apparently. Just wait till time scrambles the layers of your
memories into goulash!
Meanwhile, I'm sure codgers like me are a valuable resource for the young
sprouts - if only we could stop correcting each other! (You know the Maurice
Chevalier-Hermoine Gingold song, "Ah yes, I remember it well"?) It tends to make
the listeners lose confidence in our credibility. Aside from the bickering,
you'll know an old-timer in GABA by their lycra-deficiency and tendency to show
up for rides in hiking clothes. Worked for us 25 years ago!
Top of Page
By Bill Scott, Past GABA President
GABA in the early years was a time for learning. The club was experimenting with
what type of rides the members wanted. Short day rides, longer day rides,
overnight rides or tour type rides with sag support were tried. It was apparent
that a good mix of all types of rides would appeal to the most members.
Although some rides like the Organ Pipe no longer exist , others like the
Coolidge Century and the Globe to Show Low Salt River Tour still exist with some
minor changes. A one week long tour called The Grand Canyon to Mexico Almost
Across Arizona, started as a small camping trip and is now the Great Arizona
Bicycle Adventure a 500-mile tour of Arizona with camping and motels and is a
major fund- raiser for the club.
One thing that has remained constant thru the years is the member’s willingness
to do their part as ride leaders, committee members, SAG drivers or whatever job
is needed. This type of participation will keep GABA going for another 25 years!
Top of Page
By Bill Borland
I can’t remember when I first joined GABA. It was certainly in the early 1980’s,
but I can’t remember when. I was already a pretty sharp cyclist by then, but I
didn’t know where I could ride. I thought that GABA’s Update newsletter would
give me some idea where it would be good to go, so I signed up. I had already
ridden a couple times out to the Saguaro National Park and back to my home in
the Foothills – once without even stopping to take a break. Fifteen miles one
way, thirty miles round trip! I wondered if anyone had every ridden a bike that
far before. I was hot. Of course, I owed a lot to my trusty Montgomery Ward
3-speed bike with its T-bar shifter mounted on the top tube that I had picked up
used for $25. I didn’t need no stinking bike jersey with the pockets on the
wrong side and those tight-fitting shorts were for sissies. My Bermudas and
cotton T’s were good enough for me.
Early one Sunday morning, I was riding on the west side and I stopped to enjoy
the view of the Tucson Valley from high up on Camino de Oeste at the base of the
Tucson Mountains. That’s when I first realized that if my trusty 3-speed broke
down, it would take me three weeks to walk home from there. That’s when I
decided to look for a real bike, one with a lot of spare gears. That was in
1984. The bike was a used 10-speed Peugeot that I picked up from a friend at
work for $200. And that’s when I started really piling on the miles. Why, one
year alone I rode almost 2,000 miles. I was soon looking for challenging events
to see how I’d compare with other riders: El Tour de Tucson, the White Mountain
Tour, the Sonoita-Bisbee Tour, Wilcox’s Magic Circle Century, and once I even
tried the Salt River Canyon Tour.
That’s when I first heard about the Blue Loop Tour. Now that one really worried
me, but I didn’t want anyone to know it. I had hiked and hunted in the Blue
River Primitive Area, south of Alpine, Arizona, and I knew that none of that
country was flat. And the notion of completely circling this desolate, hilly
country in only three days was nothing short of ludicrous.
In those days, the Blue Loop Tour was lead by Gene Chapman who had helped lay
out this route (along with many other overnight GABA tours). And lead it he did.
His old Volkswagen van was the baggage truck, sag truck, sweep truck, and rescue
wagon all rolled into one. A ride support staff of one! During his tour, he
would send the riders on down the road and then drive ahead to the assigned sag
stop, offer up some tasty PB&J and water to the famished riders, and then scurry
down the road to the next assigned sag stop. Sometimes we even had fig newtons.
It didn’t pay to get too far ahead of him on that kind of ride.
When I first got coerced into signing up for the Blue Loop Tour one year, I soon
discovered one of Gene’s rules. Since he really didn’t have all that much room
in his van for luggage and sag supplies, too, he had established a rule that he
would carry only a rider’s tent and sleeping bag. Everything else had to be
stashed on the rider’s own bike.
By that time, I had migrated up to a custom Gilmore racing-style bike and it was
certainly not designed to carry a luggage rack. You should have seen the look on
Andy Gilmore’s face when I stopped off at his old store on Speedway Boulevard to
ask him to figure out how to install a rack on his fine-tuned machine. I thought
he was going to blow a gasket. But install a rack he did. I then picked up a
cheap pair of rear panniers to go with it and I was ready to tackle my first
Blue Loop Tour.
But now it’s time for true confessions. Despite having gotten panniers installed
on my bike, I was still not excited about riding those hills loaded down. I
packed up my kit with my smallest sleeping bag – stuffed into my largest
sleeping bag’s stuff sack. I did the same with my tent stuffing my smallest tent
into the sack for my largest tent. Now I had lots of extra storage capacity in
those two stuff sacks into which I packed a change of bike duds, my street
clothes, some toiletries, and even a few luxury items. My panniers were now
empty except for a towel on one side and a light vest on the other to make the
panniers look as if they were fully loaded. I really did feel guilty about such
subterfuge, especially when Gene used me as an example to the others on how to
pack for this tour. But I managed to hide this guilt and rode away with a slight
grin for having pulled it off.
That tour did turn out to be every bit as hard for me as it had been advertised
and I was truly grateful to finish it without having to be sagged in, but after
a couple weeks of recovery, I couldn’t wait for next year’s ride.
Gene Chapman used to brag that his tour was maintaining its popularity since he
was consistently getting 15 – 20 riders to sign up each year. I pointed out to
him that I had observed that while that was true, he wasn’t getting many repeat
customers and that, as soon as everyone in the club had done the ride once, he’d
be fresh out of customers and he’d have to shut the ride down and come up with
something easier. Of course, he was on the right track since the ride has
continued to this day with ridership approaching 100 in recent years.
I believe that Gene still holds the special distinction of being the only GABA
tour leader to have completely lost one of his riders. Yes, back on one of his
early Blue Loop Tours, he had a young Apache boy show up to do the ride without
having brought along any provisions for overnight camping. Of course, none of us
realized this at the time. And it rained hard all that first night. And in the
morning that boy was not a very happy camper. I do recall seeing him start that
second morning’s ride in Glenwood, following breakfast, and then he simply
disappeared. We never saw him again. Gene drove everywhere looking for him and
even alerted the Highway Patrol, but we never saw him again. After that we often
kidded Gene that he was doing well when he got 95% of his riders in. One hundred
percent was simply asking for too much up in that rugged country.
In 1995 Blue Loop Tour leader, Suzanne Couvrette, asked me to write a short
article for the Update on that year’s tour. We were hoping that such articles
would make those who had not signed up for the tour want to commit to themselves
to try it the next year. By that time I had done the tour so many times that I
actually wrote the article BEFORE the ride actually happened. I figured that if
anything unusual happened I could always revise the article.
Well, during the ride one of the riders remarked on one of the big descents that
he was glad that he didn’t have to go UP that grade. Right then, I knew that
when I got home, I needed to revise my draft to start a rumor that the ride was
getting to be too easy, and that next year it was going to be run in reverse.
Boy, did that remark start some controversy! Nobody wanted to hear of that. But,
as luck would have it, Suzanne called me in 1996 to say that she had, in fact,
been thinking about it and had decided to try the Blue Loop Tour in reverse. Of
course, I told her that she was crazy, that none of the regulars would even give
it a try.
But she was committed and doing it in reverse we did. And, sure enough, many of
the regulars stayed home. But for everyone staying at home, at least one other
hard-charging hammerhead took his place and the ride was well attended after
all. For my part, that first day’s ride from Morenci directly uphill to Alpine
was the hardest day I had ever spent on a bike. The following two days would
have been much easier had we not been still totally trashed from that first
day’s effort.
The following year, 1997, Mike McCarthy gladly agreed to lead the ride provided
that he could, again, do it in reverse. As a compromise to us complainers, he
arranged the first overnight to be at the famous Hannagan Meadow Lodge –
complete with fully catered dinner and breakfast – cutting almost 25 miles off
that first day. Karen Ragland and her husband, Sam, agreed to lead the ride in
1998 provided that they could go back to the usual, counterclockwise loop, and
no one has had the nerve to try it in reverse since.
In more recent years, the tour participants have looked forward to an impromptu
slide show following dinner in Alpine of that tour’s first two days of riding. –
with the most outrageous people shots getting the most attention. This all
brought to the riders through the wonders of Steve Wilson’s digital photography
and digital projection equipment.
There are plenty more Blue Loop stories to tell, like newcomers riding for three
days wondering when they are actually going to see the Blue River; the rider who
turned around and quit the ride after going less than three miles when he
discovered, to his dismay, that there are actually hills on the route; the
overnight rain in Alpine that turned everything to ice by morning; run-ins with
all sorts of wild critters; the Morenci Motel’s incessant lawn sprinklers; the
couple that convinced a dozen riders in Glenwood to bail out and go back home
after a day of rain by telling them that the rain would continue, and then rode
the rest of the ride themselves in beautiful sunshine; and the story of the
famous Arrow Tree below Blue Vista Lookout; but you’ll have to catch me on one
of the Blue Loop’s long up hills to hear them. Yes, the Blue Loop Tour has
generated its own legacy of stories dating back now two decades. This tour
continues to have a very special attraction to its riders because it is at the
same time both demanding and rewarding.
By Mark Harkness and Suzanne Couvrette
Here it was, the end of Sept. 1981, and Suzanne and Mark were booked up to go on
the "1st Annual Grand Canyon Almost Across Arizona to Mexico" Bike Tour. It
stated that, right on the T-shirt we received. What did they mean, ALMOST
ACROSS, did that mean we wouldn't quite get there?
How did I (Mark) get myself hooked up on this trip anyhow? I wasn't a "BIKEY'.
you know, one of those who wear funny-looking shorts and jerseys, and above all,
those weird shoes that strap into their pedals, and they can hardly walk when
they get off their bike. They looked like penguins walking across a rock
infested beach. What was wrong with Levis and a T-shirt, that's what I was going
to wear. We did not have "triples" on our bikes - they had not been invented
yet! And bike shoes? What was wrong with regular "tennies"? As for the bikes
themselves, we had bought some sturdy (heavy?) used bikes, quite adequate for
the occasion!
Well, I (Mark) knew Ed Stiles, the Tour Leader, from the Southern Arizona Hiking
Club. The new biking Club was looking for an extended ride that could be hosted
annually. This new ride was conceived and planned by 3 veteran hard-core
cyclists (BIKEYS) to see if "regular" cyclists would be interested.
After training on the bikes at Sabino and Bear Canyon, and up and down the
steepest hills that the Tucson foothills offered, we felt ready for this great
adventure! We made our way on our own to the Grand Canyon, where we camped in
Mather Campground at the South Rim of the Canyon. We woke up to a cold drizzle,
felt like sleet to these Southern Arizona cheeks!
The First Day was from Desert View to Sunset Crater, 86 miles. But, the morning
brought us cold rains and icy winds! We hurried to Babbitt Store to buy some
flannel-lined vinyl gloves to keep our hands from frostbite: little did we know
that those were not as effective as we thought! We all got a ride to Desert View
in our Motor Home Sag Wagon, driven by Jack Levy and his wife. They were going
to sag us on this adventure, carrying our tents, sleeping bags, clothes and our
stoves to cook our own food along the route, as well as assorted cans and
freeze-dried meals.
We started riding, and as we made out way down from the rim, the winds picked up
tremendously! The winds did not abate, and we found ourselves riding "slanted"
as the winds buffeted us relentlessly! Most of us finished this 86-mile day
taking a ride in the Motor Home, except 3 or 4 intrepid riders who insisted on
finishing the whole 86 miles.
The riders that had some help getting into camp were getting worried about those
fearless type still out on the road, as it was getting dark. Out went the Sag
Motor Home to find them and find them they did. But those riders were not about
to have their reputations sullied by being picked up by a sag vehicle,
especially since they were so close to the campground. We were all very glad to
see them come in.
Our campsite was at Bonito Campground, near Sunset Crater, where temperatures
plummeted to the freezing point during the night. We managed to set up our
A-Frame tents as the winds whirled the tent flys. We cooked our meal on our
backpacking stoves, and hurried in the tents to warm up our bones! But the low
temps kept us awake most of the night, as we shivered in our cotton sleeping
bags!
Day Two: Sunset Crater to Clints Well, 70 miles We awoke to more of the same:
cloudy skies, some rain and very nasty winds! Bob's Bargain Barn $5.00 rain
suits did not quite do the trick, as the material became brittle, and cracked.
Some duct tape helped keep the suits together. In Flagstaff, we stopped to get
some garden gloves to replace the icy wet flannel-lined vinyl gloves that we had
bought at the Grand Canyon. We rode thru Flagstaff, then along Lake Mary, with
the winds attacking us!
Along Mormon Lake, we were still riding with a "slant" position on our bikes! We
could see the white caps skimming across the lake, and through the mist, could,
for a moment, see a four-masted schooner wallowing in the waves, and then she
disappeared, or was that just an image blown in by the wind? Never did hear what
happened to that schooner!
We arrived at our camp site: a clearing in the forest, where tents could be set
up on rough grounds. No graded tent sites, no picnic tables, no picnic benches,
and certainly no water and no restrooms! This was really roughing it! We set up
the tents in the winds and the rain, and cooked our meal on our little
backpacking stoves, and the food tasted just great: we were ravenous after
having fought the cold winds all day long! What a treat we had that night. We
build a roaring campfire and sang through the night, well we didn’t actually
sing, but our warm hearts thought we were singing, and that's close enough.
Campfires have a warming primal effect on humanoids.
Day Three: Clints Well to Payson: 43 miles. We woke up to very cold temperatures
again, cooked our breakfast in a hurry, and jumped on our bikes just to keep
warm! This was the day of the "Large Round Plastic Dots" placed in several rows
at 6 places across the road by ADOT, to warn motorists about the many hairpin
curves on our way down the Mogollon Rim. We had been given the "Heads up" about
those, and we were really looking for them. On a wet road, these large round
plastic dots could mean disaster for cyclists coming down a hill at top speeds!
We made out way to Strawberry and the famous Strawberry Lodge Café, where we
stopped for a well-deserved 2nd breakfast with a piece of pie. Our campsite was
the KOA in Payson. We again cooked our food on our little backpacking stoves,
but the winds had finally died down some, and setting up the tents was not such
an ordeal! Evidently, the wind gods were appeased after blowing us around these
three days, for they threw us a kiss and went to enliven some other pour souls'
lives.
Day Four: Payson to Globe: 83 miles. The downhill from Payson also had some dots
across the road, but by now, we were road savvy: bring on these dots! Nothing to
worry about these, as we were anxiously thin king about the main exciting event
of this day: a 15-mile section of dirt road that was located just before the
Roosevelt Dam. Now, this section of dirt was actually a lot of fun, just to see
how fast you could go without washing out or getting a flat tire. Mountain bikes
weren't around yet, at least not out of Marin County, California. Riders using
sew-up tires did not enjoy the finer points of dirt riding, as these tires are
not three-minute fixes! It turned out to be a scenic section, with a lot of ups
and downs, twisty and windy around all the curves and hills of the terrain, with
lots of soft sandy areas, culminating in hard washboard, then returning to more
soft sandy curves. This dirt section was deleted a few years ago, and a new road
was laid out and paved without the hills and curves.
And, we finally reached a narrow one-lane catwalk across the top of the dam, the
largest masonry dam in the world! This was quite an impressive ride over the
dam, followed by a hilly, sandy and windy mile or two to get out of the canyon.
Back to the pavement, we were now looking forward to the "Climb" of the tour: a
11% ascent to the top of the Salt River Mountains. One of the better downhills
on the tour, but slanted in the wrong direction! This permanently squashed the
idea that this Tour was basically downhill! If you waited until 2006 to do the
Cross State Tour, you won't be able to enjoy this magnificent climb, as ADOT has
relocated the road and made it less steep! The reward of a great downhill
awaited us on the other side.
In Globe, we were graciously invited to pitch our tents in the back yard of a
friend. Again, we cooked our own meal on our backpacking stoves, and set up our
tents. As we were relaxing after dinner, someone mistook the glass slider doors
for an open door, and walked right thru the glass! We all ran to see what had
happened, and saw one of our riders shook up, but with only one little cut! But
lots of shattered glass on the ground!
Day Five: Globe to Oracle: 69 miles. This day was somewhat dread, as it offered
two major climbs, and after the Roosevelt climb, our legs were somewhat hurting!
Some people did walk their bike as we climbed to the top of El Capitan. But,
again, the reward of a long fast downhill made us forget the aches of the climb.
This downhill from the top of El Capitan was so much fun it almost made you
forget how hard those guardrails were, along the side of the road. If you
inadvertently cozied up to one thinking they were there to protect you from some
unknown danger, you just might get a surprise! Fortunately, they left us all
alone. I think they were dozing off that day as occasionally, you could see some
paint scrape off some car that had become temporarily enamored with.
The 2nd climb of the day brought us to the town of Oracle, where our campsite
was indoor: we got to stay at the Oracle Historical Museum, where we were
allowed to unroll our sleeping mats indoors.
Day Six: Oracle to Amado: 77 miles. Some of the Club Members rode north to greet
us and turned around to ride with us towards Tucson. Was that the year where we
were joined by more GABA riders and crossed Tucson with a Police Escort through
the downtown? We rode by the San Xavier Mission and made our way south of Tucson
along the pecan groves to the small town of Amado, where we stayed at a KOA
campground. We were lucky to have a farewell spaghetti dinner. Never forgot that
spaghetti dinner, sure was in contrast to what we had been cooking all week! And
riders congratulated themselves on having completed the impossible: riding from
Grand Canyon Almost Across Arizona to Mexico! We had done it, and all the
skeptics who had laughed at our Tour, were proven wrong!
Day Seven: Amado to Nogales: 32 miles.
To finish this Tour the right way, we did cross the border and rode our bikes on
Mexican soil. But how did we get back to Tucson? We don't remember!
We must admit that in writing this article, we remembered many events or funny
stories, but could not quite figure out in which years these did happen! After
25 years and many cross-state tours, the memories did get fuzzy! Amazingly,
although quite a bit has already been forgotten, a lot of good memories are
still very vivid in our minds! But, was it in 1984 or 87?
Top of Page
by Richard Case, Past GABA President
"OK, OK I'll ride your darn bike, but you'll never see me in any of those silly
looking tights!" I think that's pretty close to verbatim what my response was to
my neighbor on-going bugging me to join him on his spare machine and try
cycling.
How well I remember that first ride. We started up La Canada just south of
Orange Grove and rode ALL the way to Magee (little over two miles). Darn ! I
thought he was never going to turn around.
Well, of course I was bitten. I think I was bitten in the butt because that was
where it hurt the most! Naturally, this sent me on my quest for my first bike as
an adult.
Target was having a sale and I bought a real beauty for $87.50. Later, biking
buddies found it hard to believe that I did my first Cross State ( in 1987, with
580 miles) on that bike as well as my first El Tour.
Over the years new words found their way into my vocabulary. Carbon fiber,
Titanium, gear ratio & yes, I even knew my shoe size in Italian! Before I knew
it, I was a card-holding member of the Lungs, Legs & Lycra group.
I've felt my hands freezing in Flagstaff, my brain frying in Florence. I've
cussed mule mountain more than once & had my fill of bad lasagna. Gosh! What
great times & great people I met!
They say you work a third of your life, sleep a third of your life & it's that
other third that brings the adventure into your life. Over the years, that third
of my life was filled at different times with hunting, fishing, SCUBA diving &
an on- going interest in archeology. A great advantage to cycling is that there
is no season!
Organized cycling like GABA serves a great need when it welcomes the new- comers
to share their experience with the old timers, and the old timers get their
batteries charged by the enthusiasm that the novice brings to the sport.
Something is being done right when a club survives for 25 years. A good
foundation and a consistent steadying hand go a long way in meeting this need.
In case you haven't noticed, Suzanne Couvrette has been a constant source of
energy for this club since the beginning. We owe her a BIG thank you! (No fair
deleting this Suzanne)
As the years went by, I served the club in several capacities. I think my
proudest moment was when, as president, I had a conversation with a long- time
policeman friend who was bemoaning the fact that red tape and politics were
holding up the establishment of a police bike patrol team in Tucson. Well, it
took about an hour and five phone calls to get a quorum of the board to approve
buying the police department 8 bikes.
The club was sitting on a pretty fair bank account in those days. We had to
limit the Cross State ride to 300 riders. As a fund raiser for the club, I fear
my grade would be in the area of a B minus, but boy did I get good grades in
party time!
Indian dancers, cloggers, mariachis, free ice cream at the Sag Stops & a happy
hour at the end of the day, were just a part of the Cross State ride on my
watch. Running a big ride is always wrought with a certain amount of drama. Lost
luggage, missing riders, broken down support vehicles, are the norm. I remember
well spending half the night looking for the guy from NY who thought he would
hike into the Grand Canyon before starting the day's ride. His first remark when
we found him after midnight was "where is my dinner". My response is being left
to your imagination.
The year we started at Lake Powell was a special trip that included a day of
rafting on the Colorado River and an overnight stay the Biosphere on our way to
Nogales.
No big ride is a one-man show. The people I worked with in GABA whether it was
on the Board, managing the Cross State or running the Senior Olympics for 17
years, were the best!
My scrap book, mind and heart are full of fond memories of my days with GABA.
Oh! and that thing I said about tights: you should see the green pair I got just
for the St. Patrick's day ride!
By Scott Jacobsen
So, what does that mean, “The Old Way?”
Before the formation of GABA, back in the days of Los Turistas, club members
enjoyed doing a century ride in Southeast Arizona called the San Pedro River
Valley Century.
It started in Sierra Vista at a park on the north side of Fry Boulevard and
headed south, skirting the Huachuca Mountains and Ramsey Canyon, the famous
hummingbird sanctuary. From there, it curved east, through Palominas, which was
also known in those days as “Miracle Valley” because of the cultist religious
shrine down there that was eventually linked to the mafia in Chicago.
Farther eastward, the road curved north into South Bisbee, or the new part of
Bisbee, with more contemporary structures than the older section to the north of
the copper mine. As riders crossed into this older, historic section of Bisbee,
they navigated a roundabout, preceded by nasty, shallow-angled railroad tracks,
which I personally witnessed two women’s helmeted heads bounce off the pavement
after slipping on the wet rails during a rare May thunderstorm.
That event inspired me to purchase my first bicycle helmet, one of those old
hard-shelled, mushroom-shaped Bell helmets that made you look like a British
soldier pedaling down the road. I thankfully decided to get off my bike and walk
across those tracks…even then, the tires of my bike slipped out from under the
bike as if on wet ice.
Okay, from here it’s all uphill, a straight run by the copper mine and then into
Old Bisbee, snaking by the town hall, the Copper Queen hotel and numerous shops,
taverns, B & B’s, and quaint, multicolored homes literally dug into the steep
walls of a canyon which runs to the top of Mule Pass.
One of our favorite stops on this ride was the Circle K about half way up the
grade. You see, back then, riders did not depend on sag stops…they had to fend
for themselves, bringing sustenance with them, such as sandwiches (peanut butter
& jelly was a personal favorite) and/or fruit and trail mix. Phil Smith, former
Los Turistas president, enjoyed a staple of graham crackers, claiming they
offered slow-burning calories that lasted through his rides.
I experimented with grahams for a few years, but they just weren’t the same as
my favorite PB&J. Sure, you could buy cookies or crackers at the Circle K, but
in those days, Power Bars and Goo weren’t yet available.
And water…well, you just got it where you could. Usually, we carried a minimum
of two water bottles and filled them from water faucets on the exterior of
buildings. Often these spigots had been stripped of their handles by the
building owners, so small pair of pliers came in real handy.
So, why didn’t we use the bathroom faucets? Hah! You’re forgetting that
regulation dictating public facilities in food-selling merchants did not yet
exist! Sounds archaic, no? Yeah, how quickly we forget the way it used to be!
Onward through the curvy, lightly traveled streets of Bisbee, up through the
long tunnel, whose buzzing lights keep you company when no traffic sounds fill
its concrete ambiance, and then a screaming descent down the other side,
affording 40 – 50 mph coasting speeds.
A left turn at the junction to bring you down through the San Pedro River
riparian area and then a gradual up back into Sierra Vista…but wait…it’s not
over…but this is a good place to bail out if you’re at your rope’s end after
Mule Pass has had its way with you.
Now we have to head north toward Huachuca City and up to Mustang Corners and
then a right turn and eastward to the junction just north of Tombstone. It’s in
this old silver mining town most famous for the OK Corral shootout between the
Earps and Clantons, where after a refreshing rest stop, we pick up Charleston
Road, which meanders back down to the San Pedro River and then returns on a
straight-as-an-arrow run to Sierra Vista.
This challenging century ends up at about 113 miles, which gives the rider a
real sense of the variety of beauty and history of Southeast Arizona.
Top of Page
By Ann Chapman
That was the first question I asked Gene when he asked me to participate as a
sag stop on one of the rides he was leading in early 1983. As he explained it to
me, I thought it might be fun especially since I was and have always been a
non-rider, and it would give me a chance to see him on the weekend. He was
always riding somewhere, and I would be able to see what was so fascinating
about pedaling around the area. It also gave me a chance to meet many of the new
friends he made in GABA.
So, this became my mantra those times when I participated:
water and ice - check
bananas & oranges - check
crackers - check
cookies - check
tire & tubes - check
bike rack - check
Sometimes, we added a few other things to the list especially if it was to be a
two or more day ride. Gene liked to make pancakes for breakfast if it was an
overnighter, so that meant maple syrup, coffee, and all that goes with a hearty
morning meal. We also had tents, sleeping bags and mats plus all the necessary
camping requirements.
Those longer rides are the ones I really enjoyed - eastern Arizona from
Springerville down to Clifton & Morenci, and Bisbee. And then, there were the
rides he led down the coast of Oregon during the summers. The scenery was
breathtaking along all those rides, so I certainly didn't mind sitting by the
side of the road for awhile, and then driving on to the next stop.
At first, we had a 1983 Toyota pickup, but it wasn't long until he graduated to
a 1971 Volkswagen van. Finally, in 1989 we bought a Plymouth van with a trailer
hitch for me to drive because the rides had become more elaborate and we needed
two vehicles plus a trailer.
It has been a few years since I have manned a sag stop, and those days are
behind me now, but I do have very fond memories of all the places we went and
the wonderful people who are part of the biking community. I still "share the
road" and wonder who those people are that I see along the byways riding their
bikes.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 25TH YEAR!
(Editor's Note: Ann Chapman was the wife of Gene Chapman.)
May 27, 28 & 29, 2006
Enjoy cycling on a moderately difficult ride on some less traveled roads in the
cool mountains of Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico!
Day 1: 48 Miles: Springerville, AZ to Quemado, NM
Check in at the Safeway parking lot in Springerville, from 8 to 9 AM. Ride 48
miles on rolling hills to Quemado, New Mexico. Lunch served just before a
cyclist's dream: an 8-mile fast descent into Quemado! Camping & showers at
Quemado High School. Optional Saturday group dinner and Sunday group breakfast
served at the high school. Must be pre-paid with your ride fee.
Day 2: 55 Miles: Quemado, NM to Reserve, NM
Pedal on lightly-traveled roads through the Gallo Mountains. The 1st SAG stop is
at the top of the climb. Then, a thrilling descent to Apache Corners for lunch!
Continue on to Reserve, our destination for the day. Optional side trip to the
Continental Divide to add 32 more miles. Camping and shower facilities at
Reserve High School. Optional Sunday Lasagna (meat/meatless) group dinner and
Monday group breakfast served at the Community Center across the street from the
High School. Must be pre-paid with your ride fee.
Day 3: 62 Miles: Reserve, NM to Springerville, AZ
Most challenging day! The first SAG stop is at Luna Summit, top of the day's
major climb! The lunch SAG is at Luna Lake picnic grounds and a 3rd SAG for
emergency refueling and re-hydration will be offered.
Pre-Registration FEE: Members: $65 Non-Members: $75
DAY OF EVENT: Members: $85 Non-Members: $95
Optional Meals MUST BE PRE-PAID WITH YOUR RIDE FEE.
Dinner in Quemado: $ 9.50 Breakfast in Quemado: $7.50
Dinner in Reserve: $11.00 Breakfast in Reserve: $8.25
Fee Includes: Luggage transport, 2 SAG stops w/food & water on each day, a 3rd
SAG stop added on Day 3, Camping & showers at Quemado and Reserve High School
and end of ride showers at the Rode Inn in Springerville so you can go home
refreshed. And SAG vehicle help throughout the course.
Register as soon as possible to assist us in preparing a well-supported ride. We
must give our meal hosts a 2-week advance head count for meals. If you wait too
late to register, you may not be fed! Ride Leader Needed as soon as possible! If
interested, please call Judy at 512-0442.
MOTEL LIST:
Springerville: Rode Inn: (877)220-6553 Super 8:(800)800-8000
Quemado: Allison: (505)773-4550 Largo (505)773-4686
Allegre: (505)773-4520
Reserve: Rode Inn: (505)533-6661 Village Motel:(505)533-6600
LUNA LAKE TOUR
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
May 27, 28 & 29, 2006
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable.
Please fill out all the blanks.
Ride Leader: LEADER NEEDED!
Return this form & your check to: GABA
P.O. Box 43273, Tucson AZ 85733
Option chosen: (Please circle):
Motel _________ Camping ________
Vegetarian: Yes No (for SAG stops/meals)
Money enclosed:
GABA/ABC Members: $65.00 $____
Non-Members: $75.00 $____
Dinner, Quemado: $ 9.50 $____
Breakfast, Quemado $ 7.50 $____
Dinner, Reserve: $11.00 $____
Breakfast, Reserve: $ 8.25 $____
Day-of-Event GABA/ABC: $85.00 $____
Day-of-Event Non-Members: $95.00 $____
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 appreciated!
Top of Page
P. O. Box 43273
Tucson, AZ 85733
President: Steve Wilson 870-5282
wilsons@us.ibm.com
Vice President: Tony Everett 760-0458
teverettaz@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Peggy Jacobsen 791-3049
pjtucson@earthlink.net
Secretary: Sandi Rousseau 577-1187
sandir03@comcast.net
Membership: Steve Graeber 762-1363
psiclist@worldwerks.com
Publicity: Sally Krusing 296-0319
salatgaba@hotmail.com
Bike Shops Coord.: Ram Salcedo 733-0230
salcedo@flash.net
Education: Matt Zoll 321-4471
mattzoll@cox.net
Overnight Rides: Judy Bolt 512-0442
bojubolt@aol.com
Centuries: Sandi Rousseau 799-4406
sandir03@comcast.net
Update Editor: Suzanne Couvrette 891-4661
sgcouvrette@aol.com
Corrsp/Rgistratn:DonnaLewandowski 740-6941
gabamail@comcast.net
Volunteers Coord: Dick Schaffer 326-4807
bikeschaf@aol.com
Merchandise: Andy Stevens 990-1459
andy@solvomassage.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
Legal Advisor: Donna Aversa 742-0440
dmaversa@slfpc.com
Cycling Advocacy: Wayne Cullop 290-4321
pwcullop@comcast.net
Top of Page
Tucson Az Mtn Standard Time
APRIL
RISE SET
AM PM
1: 6:13 6:43
7: 6:05 6:47
14: 5:57 6:52
21: 5:48 6:57
28: 5:41 7:02
MAY
RISE SET
AM PM
1: 5:38 7:04
7: 5:33 7:08
14: 5:27 7:13
21: 5:23 7:18
28: 5:19 7:23
Top of Page
GABA Chapters Website Addresses
Tucson. ……………………….www.bikegaba.org
Flagstaff……………..www.flagstaffbiking.org
Phoenix……………..www.sportsfun.com/gaba
Prescott…………….www.topica.com/lists/pcc
Other Cycling Clubs:
Cactus Cycling Club ...............www.cactuscycling.com
Doo Dah Road Club ............www.doodahroadclub.org
Green Valley Hiking Club ………………….www.gvrhc.org
PBAA ...............................................www.pbaa.com
Pima Trails Association ................www.pimatrails.org
Alicia's Ride Calendar ……………….www.aliciarides.com
AZ Bicycle Club - (ABC) Phx…….. www.azbikeclub.com
Interested in leading rides? Please contact Tony Everett, Day Rides Coordinator
at 760-0458 or at teverettaz@hotmail.com. This Club would not exist without
members volunteering to lead rides every weekend! Thank you!
Top of Page
By Suzanne Couvrette, Ride Organizer
This year, the Picacho Century took place on a beautiful, sunny, mild day! No
wonder so many riders got on their bikes to come and enjoy the first century of
the year on a flat course with very slight breezes! Approximately 200 riders
came out to enjoy the ride, choosing among 4 options: 100, 65, 35 or 15 miles.
All options gathered at Picacho Peak for a well-earned lunch which offered 45"
feet" of delicious Subway sandwiches, and other goodies.
The 100-milers were again treated with an out-and-back into the new Ironwood
Forest National Monument. (For more information, check the website at
www.azblm.gov). West of Trico Road, riders continued west on the Old Silverbell
Road which meanders in the foothills of western Avra Valley, slowly climbing
through a lush desert with lots of ironwood trees. For those interested in
exploring this area, the paved road turns to dirt after 8.5 miles and continues
up over the mountains by the incredible Ragged Peak.
Many thanks to my hard-working crew who made this ride a such a success! Thanks
to: Sandi & Rich Rousseau and Judy & Bob Bolt at Sag #1 near the Circle K in
Marana; Thanks to Lois Zuniga, Dale Caughlin and Elva Klassen who handled the
lunch at Sag #2 at Picacho Peak; Thanks to Ed & Sue Roberts at Sag #3 at the end
of the paved road in the Ironwood Forest National Monument - also doing double
duty as a roving van from Marana to Picacho Peak; Thanks to Norm Martin and his
grandson Nick Cooper, who operated the roving van from the start to Marana, AND
also set up all the GABA sandwich signs at each turn along the course, so riders
would never get lost!
And, last but not least, Thanks to my great registration crew: Dorothy Teague &
Jack Beiler for signing up the Day-of-the-Event riders; Judy & Bob Bolt for
checking-in the pre-registered riders; Agatha Taubert, Pat Dow, and Nanette
Bernier for handing out a Picacho T-shirt to all the pre-registered riders;
Linda Matson for handing out the riders instructions and course maps; and Tony
Everett for helping out at registration and at Sag #2. Without all of you, GABA-Tucson
could not survive! And to all the riders, thanks for participating in this GABA-Tucson
"first" century of the year. Hope to see you next year!
If you are passing a cyclist, it's your obligation to do so safely.
Always pass on the left and signal your intention --
"On your left" or even "Good morning" might do the job.
Don't assume the other cyclist sees or hears you!
Top of Page
March 1, 2006 Meeting Report
Submitted by Roy Schoonover, rschoo2823@aol.com
Mike Sanders, ADOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator was introduced. He is in the
Transportation Planning Division of ADOT and works closely with engineers and
others in the Intermodal Transportation Division to get projects accomplished.
He provided an ADOT vision statement for bicyclists & pedestrians, and presented
the group with a copy of the Statewide Bicyclist/ Pedestrian Plan, dated 8/4/03.
The goal is to provide a long-term plan for a statewide system of interconnected
bicycle facilities that will guide ADOT Transportation decisions relating to
bicycle and pedestrian travel, planning, and facility development.
Mike reviewed several policy documents and provided copies to attendees.
- Bicycle Policy - recognizes bicycles as legal users of highways.
- Route Policy - defines where bicycles are prohibited on state highways.
- Rumble Strip Policy - defines shoulder and groove widths - statewide plan
calls for increasing shoulder widths to 5 to 6 feet for bicyclist accommodation.
- Proposed Pedestrian Plan - ADOT does not currently have such a policy. Even
though this may suggest standards for walkways near state highways, the local
municipality has to fund these facilities.
Mike also reviewed the ADOT pamphlets ‘Street Smarts’, ‘Sharing the Road with
Pedestrians’, and an updated version of the ‘Cycle Arizona’ map which provides
pertinent information for bicyclists. Copies will be available in the GVCCC
office and at the GV Library.
Discussion following Mike’s presentation included:
- The need for data before and after projects.
- Citizens committees are important to recommend actions because of cost cuts
ADOT can't be everywhere.
- The State Transportation Board makes many decisions. It is important to be in
contact with local State Transportation Board Director.
- Work through the ADOT District Engineer on local projects.
- The ‘Safe Routes to Schools’ is in his department.
The committee applauded Mike for his work and efforts on behalf of the bicycling
community.
Bill A. said that, with the encouragement of the GVCCC, the current committee is
being expanded to better pursue its regional interests. The committee’s projects
are both within and outside the Green Valley boundaries, and we should need more
people from the region involved. The committee has always had an objective to
have safe bicycling from Tucson to Tubac, but members currently were mainly from
Green Valley only. Bill had invited representatives from Sahuarita (Al), Tubac
(Lee), and Tucson (Roy) to attend today’s meeting, and hopes to encourage more
members outside Green Valley to represent the region. It was suggested that the
Indian Reservations should also be involved. Ned Norris of the Tohono O’Odham
Nation was suggested as a contact.
We needed a new name for the Committee to reflect the region. Considerable
discussion with many suggestions led to the monumental decision of a name as the
Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocate Committee.
Status on Projects:
Camino Del Sol striping - It did not happen as scheduled. The existing stripes
could not be removed without damaging the existing road. PCDOT is evaluating the
best options to proceed which could be to do an overlay or use a slurry seal.
Grants - There will be a recognition ceremony on March 31 at 9:45 AM at the
Continental School to announce the receipt of the grant award (White House
Canyon Rd bike lanes and separated multi-use path to the School). This will be
tied in with an overall school award presentation program. Details are being
worked out with PCDOT. A kickoff ceremony for the ADOT grant (I-19 & Continental
Rd) is tentatively planned for April.
Bike Route Signs - The placement of about 40 Bike Route Signs in the Green
Valley area is still under discussion with PCDOT. The Town of Sahuarita has
agree to put ‘share the road’ signs on Old Nogales Highway per our request.
Sahuarita Road Bike Lanes – The Town of Sahuarita wants to delay the
installation of bike lanes until the road is improved some time in the future.
The committee has identified this as a major safety issue for over a year. Many
bicyclists and organizations in the region are sending letters to the Town and
County to request that available 2004 Bond money earmarked for these lanes be
used now.
Problem of adversity between motorists and bicyclists - The sheriff’s department
is dedicated to education and enforcement for both groups. The attitude of law
enforcement is quite different now than several years ago. He also pointed to
safety concerns regarding an upcoming bike tour in the Sahuarita - Green Valley
area.
Desert Trails – HOAs are being briefed and they are sending letters requesting
the nearby desert trails on State Land. There are also petitions circulating for
placing a voter initiative on the November ballot that wou