14th Annual Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb
El Bike Swap de Tucson, Again a Great Success!
Adieu, Aloha, Adios, Bon Voyage, Hasta la Vista Baby!
Welcome New and Renewing Members!
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
Phoenix Metro Bike Club’s White Mountain Tour
Gold For the Entire Tucson Region!
The 2006 GABA Gala - Our 25th Anniversary Celebration!
Mt Hopkins Mountain Bike Hill Climb
Welcome to our New President, Tony Everett!
Steve Wilson presented with Bike Art Table
(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders E-Mail
5/5 (Fri) Mt Lemmon Hill Climb GABA-Tucson Steve Wilson
wilsons@us.ibm.com
5/6 & 7 Salt River Canyon Tour GABA-Tucson Judy Bolt/Carolyn Audilet
bojubolt@aol.com
5/13 (Sat) Tour de Payson CANCELED GABA-Phoenix
www.sportsfun.com
5/27-29 Luna Lake Tour GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop
pjcullop@comcast.net
6/4 (Sun) Mt Hopkins Hill Climb GABA-Tucson Tom Ward
tward@dakotacom.net
7/4 (Tue) Tour for Tucson's Children City of Tucson 791-4969
7/8 & 9 White Mountain Tour GABA-Phx Metro Jay Stewart
jay.stewart@honeywell.com
Top of Page
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, June 5 at 7 PM
Whether you're a Cat 1 Racer,
a Cat 1 Wannabe
or a recreational rider
trying to get up just one more hill,
cycling is a head game to some extent.
Come join us this month
when Sports Psychologist
Eric Horowitz
will share some ideas
on how we can "get in the zone".
Everybody is welcome!
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 (Sat) SEDONA CENTURY BIKE TOUR. Absolute Bikes. For road bikes. 76 or 42
miles. Loop goes south of Sedona to Clarkdale and returns two different ways
according to your option. For info, 928-634-7869 or 928-284-1242, or
www.absolutebikes.net.
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. Leaders: Judy Bolt, bojubolt@aol.com and Carolyn Audilet.
May 13 (Sat): WHISKEY OFF-ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE. Prescott. Todd Sadow,
epicrides.com.
May 13 : TOUR OF PAYSON. PMBC. www.sportsfun.com/gaba. CANCELED FOR THIS YEAR,
DUE TO CONFLICT WITH OTHER EVENT.
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: Pam Cullop, pjcullop@comcast.net.
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 22: TAYLOR HOUSE BENEFIT CENTURY. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff. For road
bikes. 95, 65 or 45 miles. Includes the Wupatki and Sunset Crater Loop for the
longer option. For info, contact 928-779-5969 or 928-226-0300 or
www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
AUGUST 2006
Aug. 19-20-21: CARE & SHARE FOOD BANK OLD-FASHIONED MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL &
RACE. Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff. www.absolutebikes.net/flag_frset.html
SEPTEMBER 2006
Sept. 2-4: THE BLUE LOOP. GABA-Tucson. Morenci to Glenwood, NW; Glenwood to
Alpine, AZ; and Alpine back to Morenci via the famous "Coronado Trail".
www.bikegaba.org Very scenic ride, but demanding and challenging terrain for
experienced riders.
Sept. 9 & 10 : GILA INNER LOOP. Starting in Silver City, New Mexico. Contact
twinsisters@gilanet.com
Sept. 10 (Sun): OPENING DAY OF “EL TOUR” TRAINING RIDES. GABA-Tucson.
www.bikegaba.org
Sept. ? (Sat) (Sat):11th ANNUAL BENEFIT TOUR OF THE WHITE MTNS. Near Pinetop,
for mountain bikes. Starting at Thunderhorse Ranch, same courses as last year.
New Website for registrations on line, starting mid-June. For info and
registration, www.nrmc.org/twm.htm
OCTOBER 2006
Oct. 1-8: GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE. 26th Annual. Grand Canyon to the
Mexican Border - Route may change in 2006. GABA-Tucson. www.bikegaba.org
Oct. 14 (Sat): COCHISE COUNTY CLASSIC XIX. Organized by PBAA.
www.perimeterbicycling.com
Oct. ? (Sat) : MEMORIAL RIDE FOR SAFETY. In Phoenix. PMBC for CAzB.
www.sportsfun.com
Oct. ? (Sun): HEART OF ARIZONA CENTURY. GABA-West Valley, Bullshifters, & ABC.
www.sportsfun.com
Oct. 14 & 15: CAVE CREEK OVERNIGHT RIDE. GABA-Tucson. On east side of the
Chiricahua Mountains, from Road Forks, NM to Portal, AZ. Mike Thompson, myklcycl@cox.net
or www.bikegaba.org
Oct. 22 (Sun): GENE CHAPMAN MEMORIAL TUMACACORI CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. Most
options start in Sahuarita, south of Tucson, and go to the well-known Tumacacori
Mission. Judy & Bob Bolt, 512-0442 or bojubolt@aol.com or www.bikegaba.org
Oct. ?: SOUL RIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE. In Oracle. Todd Sadow, www.epicrides.com
Oct. ? (SAT): TOUR DE FARM. Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association.
www.tourdefarm.com
Oct 29 (Sun) : PALO VERDE NUCLEAR CENTURY. GABA-West Valley. www.sportsfun.com
NOVEMBER 2006
Nov. ?: MS 150. Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://ms150.dsw.nmss.org
Nov. 5 (Sun): TOM MIX CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. Options for 50 or 100 miles Scenic
course north of Tucson. Leader to be announced. www.bikegaba.org
Nov. ? (Sat): McDOWELL CENTURY. ABC. Options for a metric century and a
half-metric century as well. www.azbikeclub.com
Nov. 11 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. GABA-Tucson. On historic 4th Avenue!
Quaint central area where vendors set up on each side of the avenue. Great
turn-out at no charge to anyone! Greg Yares, (520) 323-9020 or yares@cox.net or
www.bikegaba.org.
Nov. 18 (Sat): EL TOUR DE TUCSON XXIV. PBAA. 24th annual. Counterclockwise
course again this year! 4 different options! More than 5,000 riders! Lots of sag
stops along the course, as well as thousands of volunteers to make your
experience a pleasant one! For info, (520) 745-2033 or visit
www.perimeterbicycling.com
May 6-7, 2006
Options: 85 mi/day with all the hills OR
65 mi/day with fewer hills!
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. This ride is very demanding, but the scenery is very
beautiful!
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/ABC members; $75 for non-members, if received before the
event.
DAY OF EVENT: $80 for GABA/ABC 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 route
maps.
RIDE LEADER: Judy Bolt, bojubolt@aol.com, or (520) 512-0442, with the help of
Carolyn Audilet as Co-Leader for 2006. 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
Salt River Canyon Ride
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
May 6 & 7, 2006
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable.
Please fill out all the blanks.
Leader: Judy Bolt, bojubolt@aol.com
& Carolyn Audilet
Return this form & your check to: GABA
P. O. Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733
Option chosen: (Please circle) 85mi 65mi
Motel _______________________ Camping ___
Vegetarian: Yes No (SAG stops food/meal)
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA/ABC Member: $65 $_______
Non-member: $75 $_______
DAY-OF-EVENT:
GABA/ABC members: $80 $_______
Non-members: $90 $_______
Total money enclosed: $_______
I AM Currently a GABA member: YES NO
NAME
(print)____________________________________
ADDRESS_________________________________
CITY_______________________ ZIP _________
PHONE __________________________________
E-Mail___________________________________
CPSC-approved helmets mandatory.
STAPLE your signed WAIVER to each form.
Forms & Waivers cut with scissors are much appreciated!
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!
Classifieds
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)
May 27, 28 & 29, 2006
Spend Memorial Weekend cycling a moderately difficult ride on some of the least
traveled roads in the cool mountains of Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico!
the great Luna Lake Bike Tour, offered every year for many years, is back again!
It is one of the most popular overnight rides that GABA organizes, as it is not
too difficult, but yet offers challenges for any cyclist with some good scenic
climbs and some great descents! Cycling in the cool pine forests on Day 2 and
Day 3 is a wonderful reward for all desert riders!
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 is served just before a
cyclist's dream: an 8-mile fast descent into the small town of Quemado!
Camping & showers at Quemado High School. Optional Saturday group dinner and
Sunday group breakfast will be served at the high school. Both 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. Both 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 (there really is a
Luna lake!) and a 3rd SAG for emergency refueling and re-hydration will be
offered somewhere in the last 20 miles of the ride.
Don't miss the new Luna Lake Bike Tour t-shirt! This event t-shirt has been
designed this year only, in celebration of our 25th Anniversary! The shirt sells
for only $10 if paid with your pre-registration fee, and $15 on the day of the
event.
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA/ABC Members: $65 Non-Members: $75
DAY OF EVENT:
GABA/ABC Members: $85 Non-Members: $95
OPTIONAL MEALS MUST BE PREPAID WITH 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 for three days; 2 SAG stops w/food & water on each day; a 3rd
SAG stop added on Day 3; Camping & showers at Quemado High School on Saturday
and at Reserve High School on Sunday; SAG vehicle help throughout the course for
three days; and end-of-ride showers on Monday at the Rode Inn in Springerville,
so you can go home refreshed.
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: Pam Cullop, 290-4321 or pjcullop@comcast.net. Volunteers needed:
earn GABA Bucks! Contact Pam as soon as possible if you are interested in
helping out.
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: Pam Cullop, pjcullop@comcast.net
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 $____
Event T-shirt: $10.00 $____
My t-shirt size is (please circle): S M L XL
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!
GABA-Tucson
P. O. Box 43273
Tucson, AZ 85733
Board of Directors
President: Tony Everett 760-0458
teverettaz@hotmail.com
Vice President: OPEN
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
Day Rides Coord.: Jeanie Darnall 904-0207
info@desertcreations.com
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
Tucson AZ Mtn Standard Time
MAY
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
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
JUNE
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
1: 5:18 7:25
7: 5:17 7:28
14: 5:17 7:31
21: 5:18 7:33
28: 5:20 7:34
Top of Page
Please contact Jeanie Darnall, our
NEW Day Rides Coordinator at 904-0207 or e-mail her at
info@desertcreations.com. This
Club would not exist without members volunteering to lead rides every weekend!
Thank you!
Top of Page
by Greg Yares
As any volunteer group knows, you always seem to be seeking volunteers for any
event or activity that you organize or participate in. The GABA Bicycle
organization is no different.
However, for the GABA Spring El Bike Swap de Tucson, held on last Saturday,
April 1, GABA was most fortunate. There was a wonderful group of experienced
individuals volunteering to work the booth, supervise parking, keep the
intersections clear, and of course, answer questions. They all did an
outstanding job. No April Fool’s joke here!
GABA and I both offer our thanks to the following people: Andy and Diane
Stevens, Jeanie Darnall, Roy Schoonover, Tony Everett, Jason Halowell, Chris and
Ram Salcedo, Donna and Steve Kanoza, Helen Greer, Dick Schaffer, Bill Sievers,
Torq Olson, Rhonda and Ike Smith, Judy and Bob Bolt, and Sandi and Rich
Rousseau.
We had a great group of both sellers and buyers, and the weather was perfect. To
those wonderful folks who offered their thanks and dollars for GABA’s efforts,
we thank them for their generous donations in the amount of $256. A good day for
GABA and Tucson cyclists all around.
Mark your calendar for the Fall Bike Swap, scheduled to take place one week
before the El Tour de Tucson, on Saturday, November 11th.
By Steve Wilson
GABA President
It’s hard to believe that it’s coming to an end, but this is my last column as
GABA President. It’s been a fun ride over the past 3 years and 4 months. Being
GABA President might actually be a hard job if it weren’t for the outstanding
support team we have in our Board of Directors and wonderful crew of volunteers.
Our goal has always been to encourage people of all ages to get out and ride and
to ride safely. I’m not aware of any other club that consistently offers the
range of rides and activities that GABA Tucson does, and this gives me great
pride as a GABA member.
I want to say a special thanks to Wayne Cullop, who handed over the club in good
working order, and to Tony Everett, who will be taking the reins this month.
We’re looking forward to seeing many good things under Tony’s capable
leadership.
Attending the April GABA bike swap was a nice reminder of all the wonderful
people associated with cycling in Tucson. I plan to keep riding virtually every
day, and I’m looking forward to seeing you on the road and joining you for rides
for many years to come.
Thanks for the great ride!
Ride safe, see you on the road
By Sandi Rousseau
What’s this? These are all fond ways to say farewell to our esteemed GABA
President, Steve Wilson.
Yes, Steve is stepping down as President on May 1st. While some may think this
is a sudden exit, it is actually according to his plan from 2005, just postponed
while we gave our incoming President, Tony Everett, time to shed his training
wheels so to speak!
Steve joined the Board in 2002 as Vice President and assumed the reins of
President in 2003. In these many years, Steve has led both the club and the
Board in an outstanding manner, lending his cycling expertise, managerial skill,
and personal enthusiasm in all venues.
Steve has done a wonderful job and we will miss him as our Club President. We
will, however, look forward to his joining the board in another capacity when
he’s ready.
Steve, we love you and appreciate all you’ve done for the Club. You have done a
fantastic job and we thank you for everything!
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My name is Jeanie Darnall and I joined GABA about six months ago. What a
pleasure it has been exploring new rides and meeting healthy people! I realized
right away I wanted to give back to the club that was offering me so many
opportunities.
I have volunteered to organize the day rides, and would like to have a second
person to help me out. Together, we can brainstorm more weekday and weekend
rides without taking too much time out of our schedule. Please contact me and
I’ll share my ideas with you:
info@desertcreations.com or 886-9561.
Top of Page
New Members:
Howard & Melodie Rains; Tom Schuh; Doug Jackson; Agatha Tauber & Etzel Stripp;
Ellen & George Citron; Pete Kynion; Gene Prokuski; Leonard & Judy Moore; Steve
Hill; Norma Lockwood; Jim & Eileen Owen; Mark Harmon; Cathy Starkey; Bruce
Goodhue; Mike Goggins; Hilde Andresen; Paul Keidel; Karen Butler; Michael
Taylor; Naola Jurbc; Christopher Chestnut; Wendy Fann; Salvatore Insana; Jim
Bradley; Kelly Vandenberg; Ken Tniessen & Dawn Graf; Karl& Terri Nielsen; Chris
Ruhl; Andrew Hawsworth; Brad Stone; Lisa Ahern; Daniel Lust; Durinda Derrick;
Eugene Espinosa; David Gramling; Erin Borg & Brynn Dietz; John Kloosterman, Jr;
Linda Altman; Lee Frankel; Mark Gilson; Sandra Tadeo.
Renewing Members:
Mike & Jessica Barry; Howard & Stephanie Kirz; William Burton; Duane Schrock;
Jamie Moore; Nancy Walter; Chia-Han Hsieh; Patrick O'Connor; Fred Sparks; Jim
Schulz; Royce Marion; Tim & Cathy Greenough; Lisa Tucci; James Abel; Ted &
Gloria Belanger; Lyndy Cranson; James DiDomenico; Joanne Dowdy; Kathy Eldred;
Mary Jo Erickson; Deb Erickson; Joy Goldbaum & Norm Osborne; Gerald Goode; Benn
& Doris Isaacman; James & Mary Ann Jordan; Roger McGhee; Mike McNamara; Dennis &
Viv Peterson; Mike Quick; Richard & Mel Rineer; Ed & Sue Roberts; Dave
Stevenson; Jack Welch; Sylvia & Gordon Young; Robert Hooper; Mark & Rowena
Dehanke; George & Carol Franklin; Marge Germain; Homer Hamby; Vincent Hunt;
Carol Merfeld; Dwight Nuehring; Larry Robinson & Linda Kurick; Ed Rogoff; Jerry
& Kathy Short; Sal Troia; Richard Crocker; Roy Schoonover; Dave & Della Watson.
By Richard E Corbett, Master League Cycling Instructor
Why won’t this guy Corbett leave me alone about hill climbing?? I hate climbing
hills!
Yes, hills are not particularly fun, BUT, to do them well requires complete
conditioning and technique mastery, so what better way to be a better cyclist
than hill climbing?
Hill climbing long is something we all have to do when we ride in southern
Arizona. Does that mean we like it? No, not unless you have a loose link or two!
There are several keys to doing well on hills. Conditioning, attitude,
knowledge, and equipment can all combine to make hills a lot easier.
Conditioning
"The only way to get in condition for hill climbing is to climb hills". This has
been a truism for a long time. However, there are other ways to condition
oneself for hill climbing. Your quadriceps and your heart are the major muscles
used in climbing. Exercises specific to the quads, usually done with machines or
free weights, can prepare these important muscles. I think we all know about
heart exercise - it's what makes us breathe heavily - aerobic. This means that
many different activities can serve for heart exercise. I combine exercises for
my quads with aerobic by repeatedly climbing the stairs in the building where I
work (12 stories).
Attitude
If you believe a hill is going to be too hard, then it will be. On the other
hand, if you believe you are well prepared, and that the hill is well within
your capability, then it won't be too hard. Goal setting, visualization, and
similar mental techniques work. If you believe they will!
Try a hill climbing technique called 'Swiss-cheesing'. Break the climb into
small 'pieces' by picking a sign, a curve, or a patch on the pavement, about 100
meters in front of you, then focus on riding to it. When you get there, mentally
celebrate, and set a new goal. Ride to it, and so on. Soon the entire hill will
be behind you!
Knowledge
Knowing gear use, breathing, resting, lane position, eating and drinking is
important to being a successful hill climber. All these are found in the book,
Effective Cycling, and are taught in League Cycling courses. I'll explain each
briefly.
Use a gear that lets you balance the work of climbing between your legs and your
lungs. Remember to breath deeply instead of shallowly, and periodically take
extra deep, 'cleansing' breaths (those who have had natural childbirth training
will know about cleansing breaths - I learned about them as a labor coach for my
wife, many years ago). If you must stop to rest, limit the stop to no more than
two minutes, and simply straddle the bike - don't get all the way 'off'.
Ride closer to the pavement edge, since you are going so much slower. Also, be
especially aware of your lane position on hillcrests and blind curves to the
right. Eat easily digestible snacks, very lightly, on long climbs; and drink
lightly, but regularly, on all climbs. The knowledgeable cyclist who does these
things regularly has a much easier time climbing.
Equipment
Lower gears are quite helpful, as they allow you to sit while climbing. In
Arizona there are lots of BIG climbs that take anywhere from 20 minutes to
several hours, so being able to sit and climb comfortably is essential. You just
don't stand that long! Even if I lived where climbs are a lot shorter, I would
still be a firm believer in climbing while sitting, because the stresses that
standing up to pedal places on your knees are great while climbing.
Other equipment that makes a difference includes rims, tires, and tubes. All
other things equal, the lighter they are, the easier your climb will be.
Remember though that really light rims are more easily damaged, and really light
tires/tubes are more easily punctured; so your choice will generally be a
compromise between lightness and durability.
Hill climbing will never be easy, but it can be easier for you than it is now,
IF you improve your conditioning, attitude, knowledge, and equipment.
Top of Page
By Richard E Corbett, Master League Cycling Instructor
Well, we have had some hotter weather already, and we all know that there is
even more to come! Those of us who have cycled here for more than a few years
have learned how to ride in the hotter summer (May through September) months. I
share here some tips & insights on our special approaches, to help you be able
to enjoy cycling more during these hotter months.
1. Drink plenty of fluids, and be sure to get some salt intake.
Energy & Sport drinks provide you both fluid & food, but are not needed if your
ride is a lower intensity one, or less than about 90 minutes. When you ride at a
lower intensity, you should eat solids (fig bars, apples, bananas, etc.) and
drink water. If you ride harder, but for less than 90 minutes, you still can
drink water, and eat food that is convenient, or use an energy drink – your
choice. The benefit of energy drinks when one rides harder is that you get more
electrolytes, and they can help you perform a little better.
Pretzels, saltine crackers, or other non-greasy, salty snacks are good ways to
get the small amount of salt that helps power your body's 'cooling system'. Or,
you can add a pinch of salt to your energy drink or your water (if you do this
with water, try a little lemon juice too – it will taste better). DO avoid
anything with alcohol in it - as little as one ounce of alcohol (i.e. one beer)
might tilt your body's cooling system out of balance for as long as a week!
2. When you ride is important.
If you are an early riser, you're in luck, because the early morning, when it's
cooler, is the best time to ride. Finishing by 10:00 am is best, so depending on
your distance, starting as early as sunrise* may be indicated. Try to avoid
riding between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, when it's very hot, and the sun's rays are
more direct and powerful.
3. Use Sunscreen or Cover Up
The sun can burn you in the summer, as early as 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning! Use
at least 15 SPF, and preferably 30 or 40 SPF. You can also wear long sleeve
jerseys or longer legged ‘shorts’, to reduce the amount of sunscreen you have to
use.
Remember, if you seek to be tanned, 'worshiping' the sun, be prepared to look 10
to 15 years OLDER that you actually are in future years.
4. Dress for Comfort
Wear cycle specific clothing made especially for hot weather. T-shirts,
especially 100% cotton, are noticeably warmer in summer than a good lighter
colored jersey that wicks perspiration (such as Coolmax). The zipper in front
allows variable venting, and the long zippers can really let the air flow in!
Lighter weight lycra shorts will feel distinctly cooler than heavier weight
lycra, or other materials. And do remember, cycling shorts are meant to be worn
without underwear - you will defeat the purpose of the lighter weight lycra if
you double-layer with underwear.
Your socks should be Coolmax or some similar synthetic material - 100% cotton
socks work better in the late fall, winter, and early spring - they are actually
warmer in summer than similar weight synthetic materials.
For men who have thin or no hair on their heads, wearing a thin Coolmax head
cover helps prevent sunburn, as well as keeping your head cooler, due to
evaporation of perspiration.
When you are prepared, riding when it’s hot can be fun, and not too
uncomfortable. I teach this information and lots more in the courses I teach in
various venues. For Personal Instruction/Coaching information, or if you have
any questions E-mail me at
kc7ovm@dakotacom.net , or call me at 623-0017.
- April 12th 2006 Meeting -
Report By Richard E “Rich” Corbett
#1: Introductions: New City of Tucson Ward 5 BAC Member Zach McDonald was
introduced and welcomed.
#2: Call to the Public: Eric Gonnason stated he is a Raytheon 16-miles bicycle
commuter, and that one can bike safely in our community (he says he has done so
for “quite a few years”). He went on to urge more cycling.
#3: City of Tucson Police Dept & Pima County Sheriff’s Dept Reports: Tucson
Police Sergeant Tim Beam reported that there were 33 bicycle-motor vehicle
crashes last month (March), for a total this year so far of 101. This continues
to run ahead of last year (when there were 76 thru March), probably due to the
continued milder weather.
Pima County Sheriff’s Sergeant Karl Woolridge reported that there were 4
bicycle-motor vehicle crashes in Pima County in March, including a fatality on
Nogales Hwy, when a north bound cyclist inexplicably made a U turn in front of
on-coming traffic and was fatally struck. The other 3 included an auto driver
being cited, a wrong way cyclist being hit on private property, and an 11-year-
old girl running into a car, with only minor injuries, and no citation.
Rosemary Carmody asked why the an 11-year-old girl was not cited. Sgt Wool-ridge
said there was no reason to do so, as the girl was removed by her parents, and
learned a valuable lesson with no serious injury. Chair Bachman-Williams stated
it is the consistent BAC position to encourage citations for both cyclists &
motorists, whenever an offense was committed.
Chair Bachman-Williams, at this point remembered, and then acted on, appointment
of PAG Staff member Richard Corbett as an Ex-Officio Member (under the BAC
By-Laws), as Corbett is an official candidate for the Secretary office (and has
been acting in this role for about the last eight months).
#4: Oracle Road (SR77) TE Grant Modifications – River Rd. to Roger Rd.: Natalie
Clark, southern Arizona ADOT Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant coordinator,
gave a history of the project, which was awarded in 2004, and has gone through
project scoping. The scoping has revealed that there is not enough pavement
width, based on ADOT requirements, to be able to stripe a shoulder/bike lane
there. The project will move forward to upgrade/install sidewalks as originally
set out in the grant application (along with the shoulder/bike lanes).
Carmody asked if all 3 travel lanes could be narrowed in order to get the width
needed for the shoulder/bike lane? Clark answered that ADOT lane width standards
do not allow any further narrowing than they already are.
Tolton asked if “Share The Road” signs could be installed? Clark answered that
the Tucson District Office should be contacted to request these.
Schoonover stressed that this section (River to Roger) is the only remaining gap
in the Oracle Road north-south bikeway, and REALLY needs to be closed. Tucson
Transportation Director Jim Glock said that the only good way to re-stripe is to
do a pavement overlay, so he agrees that this will have to wait a bit. Corbett
mentioned that this stretch (River to Roger), is included on the list of RTA
bike projects, because this tight section was known last Fall, and recognized as
needing more funding than the TE grant has available.
Carmody stated that she feels ADOT should put bicycles higher on their
assessment list; Chair Bachman-Williams agreed that real bike consideration
needs to be in the design process from the beginning, not added on later.
G.J. Anderson urged that ADOT find a way to add shoulders/lanes as soon as
possible, and not put them off. Schoonover added that with the change in Tucson
District Engineer, it would be important to get him ‘in the loop’ early. Clark
responded that they were already working with new in Tucson District Engineer on
the TE projects, and also coordination with TDOT. Tucson Transportation Director
Jim Glock said that there is a real ‘risk’ of ADOT turning Oracle Road over to
the City without City agreement, so it is important to work cooperatively with
ADOT. He suggested seeking more TE funding to help with this project.
# 5: RTA Information Session: Tucson Transportation Director Jim Glock said that
he was there to provide information, not to be pro or con regarding the upcoming
RTA election, May 16th. He mentioned the prior presentation of the RTA Bike Plan
by Tom Fisher & Richard Corbett. He then presented a PowerPoint on the RTA Plan
(more info available online at: www.rtamobility.com/). He also explained the RTA
Oversight Committee, which is a way to safeguard the Plan, if passed. Members
will be appointed for 8-year terms, to be in longer than any elected official
term.
A variety of questions/comments were offered, including: Why are the bike
projects in “Environmental Enhancements”? Just happened to be put there, as
bikes are definitely environmentally friendly; Why no mention of maintenance?
Enabling legislation does not allow funding of maintenance – Glock mentioned
that the City would put forth an aggressive program for street maintenance,
using City funds; What has been learned from past votes/failures? Glock said 1)
The state of the economy, 2) Grade-separated intersections are highly
controversial, and 3) Too much transit would not win. Schoonover mentioned the
3+ year work of the RTP Task Force, including increased recognition and funding
for maintenance.
Ken O’Day was recognized by the Chair, and proceeded to state reasons he does
not like the RTA plan: The funding for bikes is “token’ (3% total – 1% each for
bikeways, sidewalks, and off road trails); The sales tax is to “fund sprawl”,
and is supported by builders, realtors, etc; The PAG Regional Council wrote the
enabling legislation (why no maintenance funding?); Miles of bike lanes includes
roads that already have them – they are being re-built; The street car tracks
will be in the travel lanes – a problem for cyclists?; What about
accountability? Cited the 1997 County Bonds and the shift of Santa Cruz path
funds as examples.
# 6: BAC Elections: Russ Clanagan, Chair of the nominating Committee, handed out
a sheet listing the candidates that were willing to run. These include: Chair,
Diana Tolton; Vice-Chair, Wayne Cullop; Secretary, Richard Corbett; and
Parliamentarian, Brian Beck.
Aversa with Tolton seconding moved to challenge the Chair’s interpretation that
the Secretary can be an Ex-Officio member. Aversa asserted an oversight was
committed as she thinks only voting members may hold office.
Several members and staff pointed out that a literal reading of the by-laws
supports the Chair's position. The By-laws state, in Article 3. Officers, B.
QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS. “Only voting members who have served on the
Committee for a minimum of six (6) months shall be eligible to hold the Office
of Chair or Vice-Chair, unless the composition of the Committee does NOT meet
this criterion.” Note that nothing is said about the other two Officers
(Secretary & Parliamentarian).
Anderson, seconded by Clanagan, moved to table the motion challenging the
Chair’s interpretation that the Secretary can be an Ex-Officio member, to the
next meeting, prior to the elections. This motion passed unanimously.
There was then a request to get the bylaws to all members, and Melissa Antol
said she would see that they were mailed out. It was suggested to do them as
pdfs, and then E-mail them, to save money and time.
Tolton handed out a sheet with her “Proposed Objectives for May 2006 – 2007”,
and explained that she would not do as much as previous Chairs, then encouraged
some competition for the Chair office. Bachman-Williams said he did not run
because he is a teacher and cannot be accessible during the day. Carmody said
she did not feel the Chair needs to be accessible 24 hours a day. Tolton then
asked Bachman-Williams to run, and he declined again, whereupon, she stated that
she would probably be a one-year Chair. Elections will be held in May, and all
candidates must be present.
#7 & 8:Additional Call to the Public/BAC Retreat & Announcements: Tucson
Transportation Director Jim Glock said that Melissa Antol had done an
outstanding job with her work, especially the past month, as so many actions
were needed for the Clean Air Fair and Bike to Work Day. He stressed her
dedication to the job, and stated again that he has worked to get a
bike-friendly culture throughout the Department of Transportation, and urged the
Committee to take advantage of the new TDOT webmaster.
Melissa Antol stated that funding had been found to do the overlay, so the
Grant/Tanque Verde/Kolb Intersection could be re-striped with a west-bound area
for bikes, to the left of the right turn only lanes.
Cullop reminded everyone about the May 13th BAC Retreat (a public notice will be
needed), and stated that the ‘formal’ retreat will begin at 9:30 AM, after 6:30
AM bike rides. The Retreat will go until 2 PM with a working lunch. Aversa
reminded all of the GABA-Tucson 25th Gala celebration on Saturday April 22nd, at
McCormick Park, 2950 N Columbus Blvd. Bill Adamson reminded all of the Green
Valley event 4:30 PM, April 20th. Bachman-Williams reported that the Downtown
Links Committee met and the 4th Avenue underpass design is still undecided.
For More Information: If you have any bicycle related concern, you're invited to
attend the T-PCBAC meetings, on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 6 to 8 PM, at
Himmel Library (Treat Ave & 1st St.), and present your concern during the "Call
to the Public". You may also call the appropriate Bicycle Coordinator: Richard
Corbett, PAG, 792-1093, Melissa Antol, City of Tucson, 791-4372, Matthew Zoll,
Pima County 740-6747, or Nancy Ellis, Oro Valley 229-5057.
Top of Page
July 8th & 9th 2006
This tour has been attracting participants from out of state, as well as
in-state riders for more than 20 years and has become a favorite of many. Maybe
it's the friendly group of volunteers who transport the luggage, serve up the
great goodies at the sag stops and generally insure that you have the best
weekend possible, that keep folks coming back each year. Let's not forget the
cooler weather with temps averaging from the low 60’s to the mid 80’s and the
dynamic vistas you will encounter while pedaling your bike.
The White Mountain Tour is a two-day fully supported tour and includes sag
support, emergency mechanical support, plenty of good snacks and luggage
delivery to your hotel or campsite. Saturday night's dinner and a raffle ticket
are also included in the entry fee. The cost of the tour is $50 for GABA/ABC and
$55 for non-members. A $10 late fee applies after 6/23.
Saturday night dinner, included in the entry fee, will be served from 5 to 7 PM.
Non-riders and family members can purchase dinner for $17 per person. The dinner
menu includes Steak, BBQ chicken, beans, pasta salad, garden salad, watermelon,
biscuits, cobbler & ice cream. After dinner, there will be an Amateur Talent
Contest and Raffle with prizes for those willing to showcase their talents;
those not so bold will have a chance to win raffle prizes.
Free camping on Saturday night including showers facilities. For those whishing
for the more comfortable confines of a motel room, make your reservations at one
those listed below; we will deliver luggage there by 2 PM. Luggage Pickup will
start at 8 AM on Sunday for the return trip.
The Start: This year, we return to
the traditional loop again. Leaving the staging area at Hon-Dah, ride North on
Hwy 260 through Pinetop/Lakeside to Show Low. In Show Low, turn East onto Hwy 60
and ride to the sag stop at the Midway Station convenience store in Vernon,
about 34 scenic miles. From there, it's up and then down to Springerville/Eagar
for a total of 63 miles for Day One.
Day Two start: 8 AM. SAG stop opens
at 8:30 AM near the Sunrise turnoff. Then, it's mostly downhill back to the
start for the days total of about 38 miles.
Where to stay in Springerville/Eager:
To contact the following motel, dial 1-928-433- then their number:
El Jo Motor Inn 4314 Reeds Motor Lodge 4323
Spanish Trails B & B 4034 Super 8 Motel 2655
Best Western 2540 Corral Motel 2264
Paisley Corner B & B 4665 Rode Inn 4365
Whiting Bros Inn 5870
There is a lot of accommodations in the Pinetop/Lakeside and Show Low areas if
you drive up on Friday evening, or stay over on Sunday night: check the GABA
Phoenix Metro website: www.sportsfun.com/gaba/whitemountain.html.
For more information or questions, contact ride leader Jay Stewart, League of
American Bicyclists, LCI #1196, 480-250-1613 or jay.stewart@honeywell.com. Ask
me about vehicular cycling! Are you a bicycle DRIVER?
The GABA Gala "25th Anniversary" celebration on April 22 at McCormick Park was a
wonderful recognition of all the folks who contributed to our bicycle club in
the past quarter century!
A real blast from the past, with an eye to the future, it was a mingling of
longtime and newbie club members; those present at the gala ranged in age from
10 to 88 years old!
Well over 200 folk attended the event that was celebrated with a morning bike
ride (of course), professional mariachi music and great food/dessert . . . and
lots of camaraderie! A huge display of articles, photos, patches, event
T-shirts, jerseys and jackets gave us a quick trip down memory lane.
A wonderful gathering of the extended GABA family! Our thanks to all who had a
hand in organizing this event and to all who attended.
May GABA continue to grow! Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay Van Renterghem
Top of Page
List of all the people who were
honored at our 25th Anniversary GALA!
1. Thank You to El Molinito’s, for our delicious Mexican Buffet, and to the
Pueblo High School student band and their director John Contreras, for the great
Mariachi entertainment. Thanks also to all of the Volunteers who came out today:
from set-up to take-down and all in between, we are most grateful for your help.
Last, but not least, thanks to the ride leaders for the early morning rides –
hope you had a great ride!
2. The list of achievements was compiled by Suzanne Couvrette. Please accept our
apology if some events or dates are wrong. Every effort possible was made to
report accurate information, but in a volunteer organization data has a way of
getting lost from time to time.
3. The Club had its organizational meeting on Feb. 2, 1980, at which time it was
a chapter of CABA (Central Arizona Bicycling Association), with the stipulation
that it would change its name to GABA (Greater Arizona Bicycling Association),
which happened in early 1981.
4. Our VIP List started in January with over 250 names, but was later cut down
to 75 people, for the purpose of being more manageable! Otherwise, we would have
been still here (at Mc Cormick Park) until midnight!
5. The VIPs were divided into 4 categories: Special Awards, Outstanding
Contributions, First Class Members and Elite Category.
Starting with the Special Awards:
1. Ann Chapman, wife of Gene Chapman who was very involved with the Club from
1982 to 1990 when he passed away. Ann helped sag numerous rides over the years.
Here we want to remember some of Gene's accomplishments:
Gene was VP in 1983, and President in 1983 & 1984. He created 2 of our very
popular rides, the Luna Lake Tour and the Blue Loop. He led both of these rides
from 1986 thru 1990. He also organized the Tumacacori Century and the Florence
Century, which he led during the same years. He led many day rides and
encouraged riders to accomplish their first century.
2. Mike Kitchen is mentioned here for his contribution as GABA Corporate
President for several years. GABA Corporate was the parent corporation under
which chapters in Tucson and Phoenix were first organized.
3. Mark Harkness was involved with the Club since 1981. He was GABA Corporate
President for several years, presiding over board meetings held in Casa Grande,
half way between Phoenix and Tucson. Mark served on the Cross State Committee
for more than 10 years, and was Co-Chair in 1986.
4. Jay Rochlin was one of the original founders of GABA, and a member of Los
Turistas, the Cycling Club that existed in Tucson prior to CABA and GABA.
5. Richard De Bernardis, now President of PBAA, and organizer of the well-known
El Tour de Tucson, was once upon a time a GABA member, and also a President of
GABA Corporate. When Richard created the El Tour de Tucson, the story is that he
offered the ride to GABA, but that GABA didn't want any part of it! The
fledgling Club might have been overwhelmed by Richard's grandiose ideas of a
110-mile perimeter ride around Tucson! Richard has promised an article on that
story, to be published in the Update soon.
Outstanding Contributions - in alphabetical order:
1. Jack Beiler and Dorothy Teague. These two cyclists met on a GABA ride, and
were subsequently married! They have been riding a tandem for many years.
Dorothy was our Treasurer in 1988 & 1989, and Jack & Dorothy led the
Adopt-a-Highway Rides in 1992, 1993 & 1994. Both of them have sagged and swept
so many rides that it is impossible to remember them all!
2. Fred Blatt was the Club Secretary in 1997, 1998 & 1999. He also has been
instrumental in getting permission from the Forest Service for cyclists to
continue using the very popular ride into Sabino Canyon, by suggesting and
implementing the Sabino Canyon Bike Patrol, for many years.
3. Molly Brannon organized the Papago Desert Double, which changed its name to
John Farr Desert Double after 1986. She was also Editor in 86 & 87.
4. Jim Brooks, who lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, was first involved as a sag
crew on the Cross State Tour in 1986. Over the years, he helped with many rides,
including the Cross State. He even ran the Luna Lake Tour when the Tucson leader
couldn't make it!
5. Tom Chabot and Pat Young, bike tourists par excellence, have been everywhere
in the US on their bikes. Tom served as Touring Director in 95 & 96, led the
Silverbell Century in 95, and became our first ShedMaster in 02. Both Tom and
Pat sagged many rides and led many day rides over the years.
6. Jim Chapman and Elena Galusha. Again, a true love story! They met on a GABA
ride and tied the knot a few years later. Elena was involved with the Club in
the early 80's, and Jim came to Tucson in 2000. He volunteered to come to a
"Shed" party, headed by Dick Case, where several Club members got together to
erect a 2nd GABA shed in Suzanne's yard to store the accumulation of equipment
needed by our growing Club. In 97, the GABA "Shed" was moved to a commercial
storage place where it is today.
7. Ginny Cosbey started as the Picacho Century leader in 1995, 1996 & 1997, then
added the job of Secretary in 96 & 97, and was our Touring Director in 1997. One
year, we had our Holiday Pot Luck at the school where she was a teacher. The
next year, we moved to our current meeting place on Farness St.
8. Bill Dakel was involved with many day rides, and served on the Cross State
Committee for many years. He organized the Tumacacori Century in 94.
9. Carol Dow and Linda Kinkade are Clara Dow's daughters. The whole family
joined GABA in 1980, and was very involved with the Club for many years. Linda
was Secretary in 81 & 82 and Editor in 85. Carol was Editor in 81 & 82.They rode
tandems, led numerous day rides, and helped on overnighters.
10. George and Carol Franklin. Along with their "Special Sons", they took over
the Evergreen Century in 98, 99, 00, 01 & 02! After that, they came up with a
new course that they named the Tom Mix Century.
11. Susan Hall became our Touring Director in 1996 & 1997. She, and her husband
Richard have been the source of many very good slide presentations of bicycle
trips in Europe.
12. Barb & Don Hill came to us via the Los Turistas Club, in which they were
very involved. They were also both on the Cross State Tour Committee for several
years, and Barb was the club Treasurer in 1997.
13. Patti Hudson (Lopez) was first the Educational Director in 1989, then social
Director in 91 & 92. She continued with the Club by becoming the Touring
Director in 1994 and then ended up as our Treasurer.
14. Rosemary Ifflander used to deliver the Updates to the Bike Shops on her bike
in the early 80's! She also was our Publicity Director in 1981, and handled a
GABA picnic in 1987. She and her husband Clay, now deceased, were both very
involved with the Club and helped on many rides.
15. Jane Larson was a great Volunteer Coordinator during the years from 94 thru
96. She was great at finding volunteers to sag on all of our major rides.
16. Maria McCabe first was our VP in 1995, moving up to be our President in
1996. She also handled the Membership in 1984, and the Touring director's job in
1994. She organized the Luna Lake Tour in 95 & 95. Maria was on one of the first
Cross State Tours, when the riders did cross into Mexico as a group. On the
Mexican side, we happen to see a bike race being organized, and several of our
riders decided to compete, including Maria. Needless to say, the American riders
prevailed over the Mexican racers - after one whole week on the road from Grand
Canyon to Mexico, we were in pretty good shape!
17. Kathy (Hendricks) Mills came to us from the Phoenix Chapter and took over
the Salt River Canyon Ride in 2000, 01, 02, 03, 04 & 05! In 2005, Kathy became
the Phoenix Metro GABA Chapter President.
18. Craig Roesler became a strong rider over the year, and got involved with the
Cross State Tour Committee in 1991. He went on to organize the Blue Loop in 92 &
93, and the Luna Lake tour in 1996.
19. Gil Russell was our VP in 1993, graduating to the President's position for
94 & 94. He was also involved with the Cross State Tour in 91 & 92.
20. Rhonda Smith held the job of Volunteers Coordinator in 2001 and 2003. She
went on to organize the Luna Lake Tour in 03, 04 & 05.
21. Michael Thompson was our Touring Director in 1998 and in 2002. He took over
the Cave Creek Ride in 03, 04 & 05.
22. Bill Wieboldt handled GABA Picnics in 1990 and 1991. He also organized the
Member Appreciation Picnic in April 1997. He also was our VP in 97 and the club
President in 98 & 99.
23. Jim Welcher was on the Cross State Committee for a couple of years, but his
claim to fame is his great contribution as a sag person on numerous overnight
rides and centuries.
24. Deb (Haas) Wyrsch
Came to us with a reputation for long distance riding, having tried the RAAM
once or twice. She took over the John Farr Desert Double, which she organized in
92, 93, 94 & 95.
First Class Members - in alphabetical order:
1. Dorothy Barth, current Cross State Tour Chair, as well as in 2004 & 2005. She
was Social Director in 2003, and found time to be the Overnighters Coordinator
in 04 and 05. She also led the Blue Loop and the Tom Mix in 05.
2. Sarah Bean was our Volunteers Coordinator in 1997 & 1998. She was involved in
finding all the numerous volunteers that were needed for the National Senior
Olympics in May 1997. She really did a tremendous amount of work to help make
the Senior Olympics a success!
3. Judy Bolt joined the Board in 2004 and became the Day Rides Coordinator for
04 & 05. She and husband Bob organized the Tumacacori Century in 04 & 05, one of
our most popular rides, which got a record number of riders, 595 in 2005. Judy
has now moved to the Overnighters Coordinator's job in 2006.
4. Mike Cotton started as the Educational Director in 1992, and went on to
organize the Coolidge Century in 92 & 93. He led the Salt River Canyon Ride in
95 & 95. In 94, he led the Organ Pipe Tour, and again in 2000, 2001 and 2003. He
also helped out at many other rides over the years.
5. Pam & Wayne Cullop - Here we must mention the achievements of both of them!
Wayne joined the Club in the mid 90's, and found himself Webmaster in 1999 and
President in 2000, 2001 and 2002, followed by WebMaster in 2003, and is now
currently on the 2006 Board! He led the El Tour Training Rides in 2000, 2001 and
2002, and helped Pam in all her endeavors! Pam became the Cross State Tour Chair
without having ever ridden the Tour! She was the Tour Chair in 1999, 2000, 2001,
2002 and 2003! Her attention to details made our Cross State Tour a very classy
ride! She also has served on the board as the Day Ride Coordinator, Overnight &
Century Coordinator and as Social Director in 2004, 2005 and 2006. She has
sagged on countless rides, co-led the Blue Loop in 2001 with Sandi Rousseau, and
is currently in charge of the Luna Lake 2006! She has been heading the Committee
for this GALA and in charge of all the arrangements that this job entailed!
6. George and Doris Devich. They sagged more rides and tours than anyone else!
They came to all the major rides that GABA put on! Their experience makes it a
pleasure to work with them, as they know what needs to be done without anyone
having to tell them!
7. Ardith Grady was GABA Treasurer in 1993 and 1994. She organized the
Tumacacori Century in 1994 and was our Social Director in 1989. But her main
achievements are on the Cross State Tour in 91 & 92, where her organizational
skills served her very well.
8. Helen Greer was our Touring Director in 2000 and 01. She took over the Luna
Lake Tour in 99, 00 and 01. She also was our Publicity Director in 82 and
organized the Salt River Canyon Tour in 98 and the Coolidge Century in 01.
9. Scott and Peggy Jacobsen have been with the Club for a long time. Scott was a
member of Los Turistas in the 70's, and participated in the birth of GABA in
1981. Peggy is currently the Club Treasurer and has held that job since 2004.
Both Peggy and Scott organized the Luna Lake Ride in 1983 & the Sonoita Bisbee
in 1996. They both have led numerous day rides.
10. Pat & Dennis James worked on the Cross State Tour Committee from 1997 to
2002. Pat became our VP in 98 & 99. Both Pat and Dennis organized the Blue Loop
in 2000, the Luna Lake in 1998 and 2002, the Salt River Canyon Tour in 1999, and
the Tumacacori Century in 1998 and 2003.
11. Bob and Karen Jenney became more active with the club after Gene Chapman
passed away. Bob became VP in 92 & 93; Karen was Editor in 91. Both Bob and
Karen took over the Florence Century in 91, 92 & 93. Bob was Cross State Tour
Chair in 96, and Karen was on the Committee.
12. Cheryl Kline and husband Chuck have been GABA members for a long time. They
organized the Luna Lake Tour in 1994. Cheryl became the Cross State Tour Chair
in 94 & 95, having been Co-Chair in 1993 to learn the ropes, and worked as a sag
along with her sister, on that tour in ’04.
13. Andy and Laura Meyer were regular day rides leaders, Laura leading "C" rides
and Andy "B" rides. Year in and year out, they were leading day rides, and had
their own following!
14. Scott and Doris Morris organized the Sonoita Bisbee Ride in 92, 93 & 94.
They are the only ride leaders to loose their daughter on a ride! Fortunately,
everything ended well, after a few hours of anxiety!
15. Sandi Rousseau became the Club Secretary in 2000, 2001, 02 03 & 04. She also
has been the Century Coordinator in 04, 05 and 06. She co-led the Blue Loop in
01 along with Pam Cullop, and took over the ride in 02, 03 & 04. She also has
helped out at many social events, sagged countless rides, and handled the GABA
jerseys for a couple of years.
16. Chris and Ram Salcedo both served on the board. They have helped with the
Bike Swap every year; both worked on the 2001 Cross State Committee, and have
led some of the El Tour Training Rides. Chris has been Social Director in 2000,
and Ram became Bike Shops Coordinator in 04 & 05. And they both have helped out
and sagged on many rides over the years.
17. Dick Schaffer was our Educational Director in 00, 01, 02, 03 04 & 05. He
organized the Sonoita Bisbee Ride in 99, 00, 01, 02, 03 & 04; and the Silverbell
Century in 02, 03 & 04. He has also helped out at many other major rides.
18. Pat Uebel was involved in the Cross State Committee from 1997 thru 2002. He
organized the Sonoita Bisbee and the Tumacacori Century in 1998, and has helped
out as part of the sag crew on many other rides.
19. Rudy & Kay Van Renterghem, have been involved with the Club forever, it
seems! They have ridden almost all of our rides, and have led many tandem rides
at conversational pace! They have more miles on their tandem than most of us!
They are a Club fixture: their cheerful attitude is contagious! Rudy has also
written many articles for the Update over the years.
20. Greg Yares has been "Mr. Bike Swap” since 1997, and before that, he was
helping the previous Bike Swap Coordinators for many years! I guess that makes
10 years for Greg, and let's not forget that the Bike Swap happens twice a year!
Greg had the genial idea to move the Bike Swap from Pima College West to the 4th
Avenue where it has been held successfully since!
Elite Category
1. Tom Ward has also been in the Club since the very early 1980's! He was Cross
State Chair in 1986 and 1990. He handled the Publicity in 97, 98, 99 & 00. He
has been leading an annual hill climb up Mt Hopkins since at least 1987, except
in 2003 when there was extreme danger of fire on the mountain. He has organized
the Sonoita Bisbee Ride in 1997. He was the ride leader of the Tumacacori
Century in 99 & 2000, picking a course through Rio Rico with hills so steep
that, for years, we had to advertise "NO STEEP HILLS" in order to get riders to
come back to the ride! He also pioneered the famous "Hands Across The Border"
Tour from 98 to 01, which took riders into Mexico for a weekend. Since 1987, he
also has led the Tumacacori Festival Ride, which takes place the first full
weekend in December. Tom has also led numerous other day rides and has been a
familiar face in the club for two decades!
2. Bill Scott became GABA President in 86 & 87. He led the Golden Aspen Tour in
89, the Organ Pipe Tour in 87, 88 & 89, bringing his fifth-wheel trailer in
which he baked the famous Bill Scott "turkey casseroles" that riders ate fresh
out of his oven! Bill was also Cross State Tour Chair in 87 and in 90. He
organized the Bike Swap in 92 & 93, when it was held at Campbell Plaza, and he
was able to move it to Pima College West where it stayed for a few years.
3. Jerry Pitcock and his wife Bev, now deceased, joined the club in the late
80's. Jerry was VP in 1989, then President in 90, 91 & 92. He and Bev were
Educational Directors in 93, 95, 96 & 97. They led the Evergreen Century in
1996, and created the "La Independencia" Ride, a 2-day ride from Sierra Vista to
Douglas & back in 89, 90 & 91. They organized the Organ Pipe Ride in 90, 91, 93,
93, 95, 96 & 97, doing the group cooking at Organ Pipe National Monument. They
also chaired the Cross State Tour in 93 & 96. And they also organized the
Tumacacori Century in 91 & 92, the Luna Lake in 91, 92 & 93, the Bike Swap in
1991, and the El Tour Training Rides in 95 & 95. They also created a new ride in
the summer, the Show Low Weekend, which was held for a couple of years. Jerry
and Bev were a very special team, and they also managed to lead countless day
rides.
4. Cathy Crandall came to the Club in the early 80's and might have been also a
Los Turistas member. She led many overnighters, among which there was: the
Triangle L Ranch Ride, in 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94 & 98; the Rancho La Osa Tour
which went via the town of Arivaca to the La Osa Ranch near Sasabe in 88, 89, 90
& 96; the Cave Creek Ride on the east side of the Chiricahuas in 88, 89, 90, 91,
92, 93 & 2001 & 2002. She also created the Poker Run Ride held in 88, 89 & 90.
She also had famous rides such as Halloween in Tombstone Territory in 1988.
5. Suzanne Couvrette joined the Club in 1981. She was asked by Gene Chapman to
serve as Touring Director and when she accepted, she had no idea that she would
hold that job for 10 years! One GABA shed was put in her back yard, followed by
a 2nd shed a few years later, where all of GABA's possessions and supplies were
stored. She also had the Update Mailing Party at her house for several years,
where the many Update pages were piled up on the pool table, and people would
walk around the table picking up and collating all the pages. In 1995, Suzanne
took over the Editor's job and she is still doing today! She also led the Casa
Grande Century from 87 to 92; the Golden Aspen Ride, from Show Low to Greer and
back in 86, 87 & 88; the Mt Graham Hill Climb in 87 & 88; the Salt River Canyon
Ride in 86, 87 & 88; the Sonoita Bisbee in 90 & 91, and again in 05 & 06; the
Evergreen Century in 88, 89 & 97; the Coolidge Century in 88; the Desert Double
in from 200 to 2003; several of the fall Sonoita Bisbee Rides; the Tumacacori
Century in 93, 95, 96 & 97; the Picacho Century in 93 & 94, and 2003, 04, 05 &
06; the Blue Loop in 95, and the Blue Loop in Reverse in 1996. She also rode on
the first Cross State Tour in 1981 and served on the Tour Committee for many
years.
6. Rich Corbett was involved with the birth of GABA, back in 1980. He was at the
organizational meeting in Feb. 1980. Over the years, Rich has written numerous
articles for the Update, continuing to educate riders in the art of cycling. He
also helped create the Cross State Tour and was tour Chair in 82, 85, 88 & 90.
He was involved in organizing the Pro Bike in 1988, and the LAW Rally in
Flagstaff also in 1988. He has led many of the El Tour Training rides, and
organized the Picacho Century in 20000, 2001 & 02. Rich is also involved in the
Platinum Challenge for Tucson and Pima County to be awarded the Bicycle-Friendly
Designation. We just learned a few days ago that Tucson and Pima County were
awarded the Bicycle-Friendly Gold Designation.
7. Russ & Angie Conway were a very devoted team to the cause of cycling. They
organized the Sonoita Bisbee Ride in the fall of 91 & 92; the Salt River Canyon
Ride in 90, 91, 92, 93 & 94, Russ was VP in 90 and President in 93. Both Angie
and Russ led numerous rides, and helped out at many major rides.
8. Richard Case served as VP in 1987 and President in 88 & 89. He organized the
GABA picnics in 86 & 88. He also led the Sonoita Bisbee fall ride in 1989; was
Educational Director in 1994; led the Cave Creek Ride in 1994; the Sunglow Ranch
Weekend in 94 & 95; and was Cross State Tour Chair in 91 & 92. But his best
achievement is his faithfulness to the Senior Olympics Cycling Events, which he
organized from 1991 to 2002. He also led many breakfast rides and helped out at
many other major rides.
9. Clara Dow was the one who first came up with the idea of creating a real Bike
Club with by-laws, like the one she knew in Phoenix when she lived there. She
started talking about it and after months of planting the idea, she called a
meeting of cyclists at her house to discuss how to do it. She served as GABA
President in 81, 82 & 83, and was Cross State Tour Chair in 1985.
Remembering Departed Members - in alphabetical order:
1. Bob Beauchamp. He joined GABA in 81. He organized the bike Swap in 94, 95,
96, 97, 98 & 99, with the help of Greg Yares who took over after 99.
2. Gene Chapman, already mentioned above with his wife Ann Chapman.
3. John Farr. He loved the Desert Double, and helped sag this favorite ride of
his, although we think that he never actually rode it. He was GABA VP in 1985,
and died shortly after that. Later on, the Papago Desert Double was renamed the
John Farr Desert Double in his memory.
4. Dick Forcier served as Cycling Advocacy Director from 95 to 04. He also
organized the Poker Run in 94 & 95, and led the Salt River Canyon Ride in 97. He
sagged the Salt River Canyon Ride for many years, and also helped on many other
major rides over the years.
5. Ruth Grejdus, was known as Ruthie to her friends. She was the Club Treasurer
in 83 & 84. She loved to ride, was not fast but finished most of the rides that
she started. She helped sag numerous rides over the years.
6. Len Harman was VP in 1988. He loved to ride and loved cycling, and although
his health was declining over the years, he gave his best to the Club.
7. Jed Huntington helped sag lots of rides and organized one Bike Swap.
8. Clay Ifflander, already mentioned above with wife Rosemary.
9. Larry Lindberg was Cross State Tour Chair in 84, when the Cross State was
getting off the ground at 75 riders. He was well-liked by everyone, loved
running and cycling.
10. John Nightsinger loved to ride his mountain bike, and led countless mountain
bikes for the Club.
11. Jim Norville was VP in 96, and President in 97. He designed our first Club
Jersey. He was Cross State Tour Chair in 97 and Publicity Director in 96.
12. Bev Pitcock, already mentioned above with husband Jerry.
Introduction of the Current Board Members – and the way of the future – The Next
25 Years!
• Bill Borland – Shed Master – and presenter of today’s Memory Board set up in
Ramada 1
• Greg Yares – Swap Meet Coordinator
• Matt Zoll – Education Director
• Donna Aversa – Legal Advisor
• Wayne Cullop – Advocacy Director**
• Donna Lewandowski – Registration & Correspondence Coordinator
• Dave Swanson – Webmaster
• Pam Cullop – Social Director
• Andy Stevens – Merchandise Coordinator
• Dorothy Barth – Cross State Chair
• Judy Bolt – Overnight Coordinator
• Jeanie Darnall – Day Ride Coordinator
• Dick Schaffer – Volunteer Coordinator
• Ram Salcedo – Bike Shop Coordinator
• Sally Krusing – Publicity Coordinator
• Suzanne Couvrette – Update Editor
• Steve Graeber – Membership Coordinator
• Peggy Jacobsen – Club Treasurer
• Sandi Rousseau – Club Secretary and Century Coordinator
• Tony Everett – Current VP, but as of May 1st – Club President
• Steve Wilson – Current President, but as of May 1st – Having Fun!
Recognition Gifts:
All the people in the Elite Category were presented with a gift especially made
by the people at BICAS, (Bicycle Inner Community Action & Salvage), a local
cooperative that recycles and rebuilds bikes, and uses bike parts to make "bike
art". They also accept GABA Bucks for purchases of bike art. www.bicas.org.
Final Note - Changing of the guard:
Our outgoing president, Steve Wilson, was presented with a farewell gift, also
made by the people at BICAS, by Tony Everett, our incoming President. The gift
was a very nice glass round table made with bicycle parts.
Steve served as VP in 02, and as President from 03 to May 06. He was the Cross
State Tour Treasurer from 03 through 06. He has led the Mt Lemmon Hill Climb as
an official GABA Ride in 03 & 05, and again this year. He has been in charge of
the El Tour Training Rides in 03. He featured interesting slide shows on
overnight rides, and was instrumental in booking some very special speakers at
club meetings. One of his major accomplishments was the designing of the "GABA
Buck", a token of appreciation given to all our volunteers - and redeemable for
ride fees or t-shirts/jerseys.
The Board of Directors also presented Steve with a 8x10 plaque, which had the
GABA logo on it and was engraved with "Presented to Steven Wilson By the Board
of Directors in recognition of his effors and outstanding leadership to, and on
behalf of, the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association. From January 2002 to May
2006". Thanks and well done Steve! The plaque was most generously donated by
Howard Tuller of Tuller Trophy as a measure of his support of GABA. Thank you so
much Howard, we do appreciate your generosity!
By Richard E Corbett, Application Coordinator
Wednesday April 19th, we received E-mail notification from the League of
American Bicyclists of a Gold award for our Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC)
application for the Tucson region (1,923.9 square miles) which includes the City
of Tucson, the more urban parts of unincorporated Pima County, the City of South
Tucson, the Towns of Oro Valley, Marana, and Sahuarita, parts of the Tohono
O’Odham nation, and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. This was news welcomed, and
celebrated!
This recognition as a Gold level BFC came after almost two years of hard work by
a Steering Committee chaired by former Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair Jesse
Morales, along with members Melissa Antol, Roger Carrillo, Vince Catalano,
Richard Corbett, Richard DeBernardis, Jean Gorman, Bill Katzel, Mike Pryor,
Steve Wilson, Diana Tolton, and Matt Zoll.
History: In May of 2004, Bill Katzel, then a member of the Tucson-Pima County
Bicycle Advisory Committee, responding to the silver BFC award just received by
the City of Tucson, proposed a vision for our region. He envisioned the Tucson
metropolitan area as the first regional 'community' to earn the platinum
designation.
Katzel shared this vision with elected officials, community leaders and fellow
cyclists. The idea was met with cautious enthusiasm, but no hesitation to
embrace this vision of the Tucson region as a premiere community for cycling.
With the support of the Tucson City Council, the Pima County Board of
Supervisors, the PAG Regional Council and the Tucson-Pima County Bicycle
Advisory Committee, the “Platinum Challenge Steering Committee” was formed.
The City of Tucson has been rated as a Bicycle Friendly Community ever since the
award was created in 1991. To expand the award to an area of almost 2,000 square
miles, and include all units of local government was a big and bold step, but
then we Tucson cycling community leaders and professional staff are not known to
shy away from challenges.
Benefits: Maintaining a truly bicycle friendly community offers innumerable
benefits to residents and visitors alike. Bicycling stimulates the economy and
encourages a sense of community. Local resorts like Canyon Ranch offer cycling
as a key component of their services. Both professional and amateur cyclists use
Tucson as their winter training grounds and some have chosen to take up
permanent residence. Bicycling brings business and revenue to Tucson.
Our largest cycling event by far is El Tour de Tucson, for which an economic
benefit study, done by the University of Arizona in 2000, with ~ 4,800 riders,
computed a total event weekend financial impact of $5.9 to $6.6 million, and a
year round impact of $7.3 to $14.8 million.
The last El Tour (the 23rd, held November 19, 2005) had ~ 8,200 riders, and
applying the same per rider beneficial impact (very conservative) would result
in estimated event weekend financial impact of $10.0 million to $11.2 million,
and a year round impact of $12.4 million to $25.2 million.
A study conducted by North Carolina University found significant economic
benefits of providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The study found that
investment in bicycle lanes and pathways used by bicyclists and pedestrians
resulted in a 9 to 1 return on the initial cost to build the facilities.
Actions: The Platinum Challenge Steering Committee began by adopting a mission,
formulating objectives, developing an action plan and creating subcommittees. It
was decided that the application would represent the constituents of the PAG
membership. Communities included would be the Cities of Tucson, and South
Tucson, and the towns of Oro Valley, Marana, and Sahuarita, in addition to the
urban parts of unincorporated eastern Pima County, parts of the Tohono O’odham
nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The Committee met many times over the 18-month period between formation and
submittal of the final application in March of this year. The Committee was
organized into five sub-committees, one for each of the five Es the League looks
at (Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement, and Evaluation &
Planning).
We (the Platinum Steering Committee, with Melissa Antol, Matt Zoll and I doing
the actual preparation) developed and submitted a 'trial' application last
October (2005), on the promise of League of American Bicyclists' staff that they
would give us feedback to help us, especially since our regional application
will be the first in America!
League feedback did not come until about two weeks before the March 17th (2006)
application submittal deadline, but it did confirm to us our own assessment of
our major weaknesses.
First and foremost was Enforcement. The law enforcement community has taken
important steps, and these will yield increasing results as time passes. These
include beginning regular training for all officers as to the most crash related
traffic offences that motorists and cyclists commit.
For motorists, these are: 1) pulling out too closely in front of an oncoming
cyclist, 2) turning left too closely in front of an on-coming cyclist, and 3)
passing a cyclist then turning right too closely in front of them (the infamous
‘right hook’).
For cyclists these include: 1) riding against traffic, especially on a sidewalk,
2) running stop signs and traffic signals (especially pedaling through without
even slowing down), and 3) night riding without a steady white head light and
red rear reflector.
The final application was submitted the week of March 17th, in both hard copy
and on-line versions. The hard copy was very nicely packaged by the Tucson
Department of Transportation, with appropriate photos and support documents. I
submitted the on-line version.
Next Steps: As said in the opening paragraph, the region earned a gold rating.
While not platinum, it is a significant and encouraging rating that we intend to
build on.
We are planning to meet in May, and agree on a plan of action, to push our
rating up to Platinum in the next renewal cycle (2008). While this may seem a
long time, it actually is not very long and will give us just enough time to
address all the elements of bicycle accommodation in our region that we may be
happy with, but know could be even better!
By Pam Cullop, Social Director and GALA Committee Chair
The GABA Gala was held on Saturday, April 22, 2006, to celebrate the club’s 25th
Anniversary. To say the event was successful would be accurate. To say it was
awesome would also be accurate. To say it was a completely successful, totally
awesome and quite often moving experience, might be doing the accuracy of the
statement a bit more justice. So you get the picture…it was nearly beyond
words…it was the biggest and best day I have known in the 9 + years since Wayne
and I have been associated with the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association!
With the weather cooperating, about 20 or so volunteers arrived at McCormick
Park bright and early Saturday morning to go about the business of readying the
venue for our Gala. Canopies went up, 27 rented tables and 185 rented chairs
were assembled and placed in and around ramada areas 1, 2 and 3. To set the
proper mood for our Mexican Buffet and Mariachi entertainment, the ramada poles,
canopy corners and table tops with decorated with over 100 helium-filled
balloons, crepe paper flowers, and curled ribbons.
Cases of soda, water, chests filled with ice cubes, ice cream and sheets of
cakes found their way to designated ramada areas. Chips, salsa and nuts were set
out at the “Social Area” tables. Anniversary tees and Anniversary editions of
the Update were placed up front in the Check In area. The PA system was plugged
in by the buffet/ice cream/cake ramada; the place was a whir of activities
beginning with the arrival of the first of the volunteers of the day: Sandi and
Rich Rousseau, Bob and Marie Klenke, Carolyn Burchette, Jeanie Darnall, Tom
Hope, Roy and Marge Schoonover, Bill Borland, Sally Krusing, Tony Everett, Gary
George, Elva Klassen, Lois Zuniga, and Suzanne Couvrette. What would we do, and
how would we get it done, without a volunteer?
Bill Borland had accepted the labor-intensive task of filling sandbags to tie
down the 5 canopies that were used to provide shelter from the Arizona sunshine
during the meal and the program. Bill also went about the task of setting out a
multitude of various items on loan from some of our founding VIP’s, as well as
photos from various rides sponsored by GABA over the span of the last 25 years
velcroed on a "Memory" Display Board. Whew, what a job! Well done, Bill!
As the morning rides began departing, so did some of our volunteer labor. But
many of them actually jumped right back into action once returning, while other
volunteers, Beth Heiman and Dorothy Barth, arrived to lend a helping hand as
well. Way cool, don’t you agree? As of this writing, I don’t have a total from
the ride-leaders as to how many cyclists took to the road with each group, but I
saw a whole-lot of jersey-wearing cyclists that day (and most of them were a bit
wet from about 10 AM on). Steve Wilson and Patricia Lebensohn led the "B" ride.
Judy and Bob Bolt led the "C" ride. Dick Schaffer and Steve Graeber led the "D"
ride. I know I speak for the riders and for GABA when I say “Thank You, Ride
Leaders”!
The Mariachi band from Pueblo High School arrived about 10 AM that morning, and
set up under the shade of a huge old tree. By the time guests, VIP’s, and
cyclists began arriving, they were greeted to a delightfully festive atmosphere
created by these talented teens and their teacher, Mr. John Contreras. If you
ever find that you need such a group, I would encourage you to contact this one.
Not only does it benefit the school’s music program, but also you get a great
band to boot!
Over the course of the next couple of hours, people were arriving for the Gala.
Sandi and Carolyn manned the Check In post. With a list of 186 names to check
off, it was no easy task keeping up with making name badges for each new guest.
Great Job Gals! Lois and Elva took turns trading off the job of selling the new
club T- shirts made especially to commemorate our 25th Anniversary.
I was thrilled beyond words when I was introduced to various "legends" in GABA
history. Clara Dow, for instance, the woman who decided that a club with a
charter should be formed, and GABA was born. What a warm and loving person she
is. Nearly 81 years young, and as beautiful a person as you could ever hope to
meet. It was my pleasure to pin lapel flowers on Clara and some of the other
standout members who included: Bill Scott, Cathy Crandall, Richard Case, Rich
Corbett, Tom Ward and Suzanne Couvrette. These were “Who’s-Who” of GABA history
who were able to be in attendance. Jerry Pitcock and the Conway’s, Russ & Angie,
couldn’t make it that day but were still remembered and are included in this
Elite list of VIP’s.
It has been my pleasure to meet and come to know over the years many of those
who turned out for the Gala. Some I have worked with on various rides, some I
know from club meetings or events, some from rides that Wayne and I have led or
ridden, and it was thrilling to see them all. As I took some time for
“people-watching”, I witnessed a recurring theme: Hugging, kissing, hand
shaking, back rubbing, and general embracing, was the body language of the day.
Reminiscing, story telling, laughing, and even few joyful tears were shed, as
long-forgotten friendships and “biking buddies” reconnected. It was a sight to
behold, and one that will remain with me forever.
Once the Mexican Buffet, which was catered by El Molinito’s (yummy food), was in
the final stages of being consumed, our outgoing Club President, Steve Wilson,
took to the mike for introductions of our Special Guests and VIP’s, 72 in all.
Deceased VIP’s members were also remembered for their many contributions to the
club. Suzanne Couvrette prepared much of the script by scouring the files of
record. She spent untold hours collating data, and there were no-doubt,
countless memories which helped her bring the mini-bios “to life” for the
program. An interesting sampling of stories was shared, which leaves one only to
imagine the amount of “material” that must have been discarded in the interest
of time; we come from good stock, just so you know!
Nearly 200 people attended the Gala. Some who came only for the rides, decided
to stay for the day…about 20 in all. Some who came to do the rides and stay for
the Gala, decided to become GABA members that day. I feel that many of the newer
club members were treated to a taste of what the future holds for them, the
camaraderie that can be shared, the bonds that make one close, and the sense of
belonging that comes from being with people who enjoy a common interest.
Suzanne Couvrette, Sally Krusing and I have been the “Committee” to bring this
Gala and all of the other Anniversary specials to you. Many of our founding or
long-time members got phone calls from Suzanne requesting “remember when”
articles, and we know that many of you have enjoyed reading them. Since she is
the one with the continuity in the club (25 years worth), she was tapped as a
valuable source of information. Sally has been working with shirt printers and
designers (Steve Wilson Jr., Dave Burnham, Eric Post and Sheryl Mueller) to
offer the anniversary tee, and ride tees from: Picacho Century, Sonoita-Bisbee,
Luna Lake, Blue Loop & Tumacacori. Sally procured the new GABA water bottles,
which were gifts at the Gala and will be used for this year’s Cross State. It
was a pleasure working with these talented ladies, and I appreciate them more
now than ever before, after this experience
One last note: Patricia Lebensohn, upon return from helping Steve lead the "B"
ride (from the stoker's end of the tandem), took camera in hand, and spent the
next few hours photographing the anniversary celebration. Soon, you will be able
to go to the GABA website: www.bikegaba.org and see for yourself in vivid color,
the fun and the fanfare of the Gala! Thank You Patricia!!!
Whatever the next 25 years in GABA’s future brings, remains to be seen. I
personally think that the club will be larger in scope and in vision, and still
be going stronger than ever. I just hope that I am that 81-year-old woman who’s
around to enjoy that celebration!
Sunday, June 4, 2006
This ride is not for the faint of heart! It will require all the strength that
your legs have, and then some!
Imagine climbing 5,000 feet on a fairly steep dirt road for the first 7 miles,
then continuing on a steeper paved road for the last 5 miles to the summit,
where the grade then gets very steep for the last 1/2 mile! Come enjoy this ride
and find out for yourself if it really is that hard!
Meet at 6 AM at Whipple Visitor Center. Directions: from Tucson, drive south on
I-19 past Green Valley. Exit at Canoa Rd. and continue south on the EAST
frontage road to Elephant Head Rd. Turn LEFT here and continue for a mile or so
until you see Hopkins Rd. Turn RIGHT and continue up this road about 6 miles
until you reach Whipple Visitor Center.
Park your car here and drag your mountain bike out: you are about to find out
what mountain biking is all about! Bring plenty of WATER and energy food! Don't
forget to remember the rewards of fantastic 360 degree views at the top, as you
sweat and grind mile after mile! And, don't go too fast downhill: watch for the
occasional car coming up.
Ride leader: Tom Ward, tward@dakotacom.net or (520) 625-3649.
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As of May 1st, Tony Everett has accepted to be our new President, succeeding
Steve Wilson who is retiring after several years at the helm of GABA. Hapy
"retirement", Steve!
Tony has been learning the ropes as our VP for the last several months, and is
now ready to step up to the Presidency. We welcome Tony and wish him the best as
he leads the Club at the start of the "next" 25 years!
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By Sandi Rousseau
At the 25th Gala Celebration on Saturday, April 22, Steve Wilson, outgoing
President of the Board of GABA, was presented a very special gift purchased with
donations from individual members and board members as a special way of thanking
Steve for his years of dedication and service.
It is a beautiful bike art table with a steel base designed and built by Kenneth
Armstrong, a former BICAS employee, current BICAS volunteer, avid bike-part
artist and welder. The table top was designed and created by Kathy Eldred, a
GABA member who enjoys working with her hands, making art work of cut glass of
all types, shells, and bike parts. Kathy has a truly fine collection of her art
work.
The steel table base is made of cleaned up, scrapped bicycle parts, with a
motorcycle gear adding extra stability and weight near the bottom. The table top
is constructed from 3/4 inch plywood inside a cleaned-up, scrapped wheel rim, on
which is fitted a tubeless tire. The plywood for the wheel rim was expertly cut
and fitted by GABA Board member, Bill Borland, for attachment within the wheel
rim. The snarling dragon mosaic table top was designed and created by Kathy
Eldred from opaque glass with iridescent and mirror glass highlights. The
grouted mosaic work is covered with a poured polymer finish to cover sharp glass
edges and provide a cleanable and usable table surface.
BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Action and Salvage) is located at 44 W. 6th
Street, at 9th Ave. It is a cooperatively run 501(C)3 Community, promoting
education, art, and a healthy environment through advocacy and recycling of
bicycles and bicycle parts, while providing services and opportunity for those
in need. You can view their work and their mission at their website at:
www.bicas.org.