Make a Tax-Credit Donation to the Pueblo High School Bike Club
Holiday Season Pot Luck Party!
GABA’s Annual Toys For Tots Ride
23rd Annual Senior Olympic Cycling Events
GABA-Tucson SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2007
Welcome, New & Renewing Members!
Thanks to All the Rides & Events Organizers Who Made 2006 a Great Year for GABA-Tucson!
Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
The Tumacacori Century 2006 Attracts almost 650 Riders!
THANKS TO ALL OUR 2006 SAG VOLUNTEERS!
2007 Calendar of GABA-Tucson Events
2006 Fall Bike Swap, A Huge Success!
Cave Creek Overnighter 2006 Charms all riders!
New Century Looking for a Ride Leader!
(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders E-Mail
12/3 (Sun) Tumacacori Festival ride GABA-Tucson Tom Ward
tward@dakotacom.net
12/4 (Mon) Holiday Season Pot Luck GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop
socialdirector@bikegaba.org
12/9 (Sat) Toys for Tots Ride GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop
socialdirector@bikegaba.org
12/20 (Wed) Winterhaven Ride GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop
socialdirector@bikegaba.org
1/1/07 (Mon) I Hate Football Ride C+ & B pace GABA-Tucson Peggy Jacobsen
treasurer@bikegaba.org
1/1/07 (Mon) I hate Football Ride C pace GABA-Tucson Rich Corbett
kc7ovm@dakotacom.net
1/7/07 (Sun) Casa Grande Century PMBC Jane Larson
jlreports@aol.com
1/20/07 (Sat) Senior Olympics City of Tucson
www.tucsonseniorgames.org
2/11/07 (Sun) Picacho Century GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette
update-editor@bikegaba.org
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Holiday Season Pot Luck Party!
Monday, December 4 at 7 PM
Bring a can of food ++
for the Community Food Bank,
in addition to YOUR food contribution
to the Pot Luck:
side dish, vegetable dish, green salads,
yummy desserts!
We need to feed over 100 people!
Turkey & ham provided by GABA.
Awards! Recognition of deserving members!
See related article for details.
Questions? Call Pam Cullop, 290-4321.
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Monday, January 8 at 7 PM
"The Rain in Spain falls
Mainly on the Plain", or so it is said.
Join us at the January meeting
when Rupert Laumann
will share his bicycle trip to Spain with us
and give us the inside track
on the "Rain in Spain" rumor.
DECEMBER 2006
Dec. 3 (Sun): TUMACACORI FESTIVAL RIDE. GABA-Tucson. 30-40 miles to breakfast at
Zula's in Nogales. Start from the Tumacacori Mission and return to enjoy food,
craft & entertainment. South on I-19 to Tubac exit, then south on EAST frontage
road to Mission. For Mission info, call the Tumacacori National Historical Park
at (520) 398-2341. www.bikegaba.org.
Dec. 4 (Mon): GABA-Tucson ANNUAL HOLIDAY POTLUCK. GABA-Tucson. At regular month
meeting location. Bring a dish to share with others in the spirit of the season!
Everybody is welcome! Short program with awards and recognition to deserving
members! www.bikegaba.org
Dec. 9 (Sat): TOYS FOR TOTS BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Bring one or more unwrapped
toys to carry on your bike as we pedal to the zoo to deliver
our toys. www.bikegaba.org
JANUARY 2007
Jan. 1 (Mon): NEW YEAR'S DAY "I Hate Football" Ride. C/2/35 Rich Corbett,
623-0017 or kc7ovm@dakotacom.net. Meet at Udall Park, east end of parking lot,
at 9 AM for a ride to Saguaro National Park East. Return via Freeman Rd.
Optional lunch at Eclectic Cafe after the ride.
Jan. 1(Mon): NEW YEAR'S DAY "I Hate Football" Ride. C+& B/2/45 Scott & Peggy
Jacobsen, 791-3049 or pjtucson@ earthlink.net. Meet at Old Tucson Studios for a
ride to Avra Valley. Return via Saguaro National Park West and McCain Loop.
Jan. 7 (Sun): CASA GRANDE CENTURY. PMBC. Options for 100, 62 or 34 miles. Ride
from Chandler to Casa Grande for lunch and back. Jane Larson, jlreports@aol.com.
Jan. 20 (Sat): SENIOR OLYMPICS - CYCLING EVENTS. TUCSON PARKS & REC. For info,
visit www.tucsonseniorgames.org or call 791-5914.
FEBRUARY 2007
Feb. 11 (Sun): PICACHO CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. Options for 100, 65, 35 & 15 miles.
Flat course north of Tucson with meandering in Avra Valley. Turn-around point at
Picacho Peak. Ride Organizer: Suzanne Couvrette, sgcouvrette06@aol.com or
(520)891-4661.
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by Yolanda Sotelo, Teacher
Pueblo High School's Road Warriors are off and pedaling away getting ready to
participate in El Tour de Tucson. This is the 6th year that Pueblo students have
participated and completed El Tour.
This year, there are 21 students who will be getting up early on Sunday mornings
to get ready. As in the past, GABA members and readers of the GABA Update have
been generous to the club by donating bikes, equipment, their time, and
tax-credit monies. We hope that this year won't be any different and that we
will continue to get help from the bicycling community.
We would love to have your used bikes, spare equipment, and especially
tax-credit donations. The tax-credit monies are used to buy gloves, tires,
tubes, repair bikes and other equipment. We couldn't exist as a club if we
didn't have the help of the generous supporters of cycling.
If you can help in any way, please contact Yolanda Sotelo or Jaime Moore at
Pueblo High School at 225-4300. You can mail your checks to Pueblo High School
at: 3500 S. 12th Ave, 85713, and indicate that your donation is to go to the
Road Warriors, Pueblo High School's bike team.
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Monday, December 4th, 2006
7 PM to 9 PM
Come and join other GABA members in the festive annual event!
WHERE:
Pima County Medical Society Building
5199 E. Farness
(see inside cover of this issue for directions)
PLEASE BRING A CAN OF FOOD
TO BE DONATED TO THE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK!
Boxes will be available for your donations.
Please join us for our annual Holiday Pot Luck
and Special Awards Ceremony
on the first Monday of the month in December.
The club will provide the turkeys and hams,
as well as the traditional sides of dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Sodas, a holiday fruit punch and water will also be on hand.
We ask that you bring one of the following to share:
bread, vegetable, salad, casserole or any type of side dish of your choice.
Dessert is always a good choice too; one can never have too many sweets!
We are pleased to announce that Howard Wooten will return for a 3rd year,
to compliment mealtime with truly enjoyable acoustic guitar “dinner music”.
If you've been at this event before, you already know what a treat this is!
A short meeting will follow dinner.
Awards will be given to certain club members
for their various contributions to club rides and other club events.
These VIP’s have donated countless hours to the betterment of cycling,
and this is an opportunity for all of us to thank them for these efforts!
After dinner and the meeting, you are invited to visit, eat some more dessert,
and enjoy the holiday season with your favorite “pedal pals”!
Mark your calendar now so you don’t forget to attend
this last 25th Anniversary GABA event!
For more information about the Holiday Party or to volunteer to help out, please
contact Pam Cullop, Social Director and Organizer of the Pot Luck
at 290-4321 or at
socialdirector@bikegaba.org.
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Saturday, December 9, 2006
Let's Ride to the Zoo
With Our Unwrapped Toys
On Our Bikes!
By Pam Cullop
Have you purchased your "Toys for Tots" Toy yet? Does your ride calendar have
that date circled? If you answered, “yes” to both questions, then all you have
to do is decide which of the two rides you want to do, and how you will carry
your toy(s) to Reid Park Zoo from the saddle of your bike!
Don't forget to bring a bike lock! Limited bike rack space outside the zoo
entrance requires a bike lock (bikes are not permitted inside the zoo). Hugh -
the Snack Bar Manager – says you may park your bike behind the snack bar. This
is a courtesy only; the Snack Bar is not liable for any theft or damage.
The Snack Bar will be open with various breakfast-type items for you to
purchase! After a bite to eat, you may want to take a quick trip around the zoo;
or you may just want to kick back and visit with other riders.
Ride leaders will re-group for the return ride around 11 AM (approx. 1 hour
after arrival). You may leave with that group, or stay at the zoo as long as you
like and ride back at your leisure.
Two starting locations this year:
Shorter family ride: 7-8 MPH; approx. 5 miles each way.
Starts at McCormick Park, 2950 N. Columbus Blvd (Located North of Glenn St. on
the East side of Columbus).
Meet at: 8:45 A.M. Depart at 9 A.M. All on Bike Lanes.
Longer and Faster ride: C/C+ pace; 30/35 miles round trip.
Starts at Udall Park, South side of Tanque Verde Rd., just east of Sabino Canyon
Rd. Meet at center of main parking lot, along Tanque Verde Rd.
Meet at: 7:45 A.M. Depart at 8 A.M.
The Toys are the "entrance fee" into the zoo, so plan on bringing one toy per
person. If you want to ride and have your family meet you at the zoo, they too
can gain entrance with an unwrapped toy.
Circle your calendar now for this VERY COOL ride! For more information, contact
Pam at 290-4321 or at
socialdirector@bikegaba.org
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Sunday, December 3
Meet at 9 AM at Tumacacori Mission for a ride to Nogales. Experience the
traditional Mexican breakfast at Zula's in Nogales at mid-point!
After the ride, enjoy local-cooked food, Mexican and Native arts & crafts, and
entertainment/music at the annual Tumacacori Festival! The Festival is usually
set up in a field, just north of the Mission and goes on all day.
Directions to start: drive south on I-19 to the Tubac exit; then, cross under
the freeway and drive south on the EAST frontage road to the Mission.
For more info, call Tom Ward, (520) 625-3649, or
tward@dakotacom.net.
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Saturday, January 20, 2007
Volunteers Needed!
The 23rd Annual Senior Olympic Festival is quickly approaching. As in the past,
the City of Tucson Parks & Recreation will be hosting the cycling events on
Saturday, January 20, at a location still not yet determined at time of
printing.
Participants, ranging in age from 50 and above, will be competing in a 1-mile
time trial, 5K-time trial, 10K-road race, and 20K-road race. Races are divided
by age brackets in increments of 5.
You must register between Tuesday, January 2 and Friday, January 5. Check the
website for this year's cost at:
www.tucsonseniorgames.org . Check-in is ½ hour before event starts.
Helmets are mandatory. Multi-gear bikes with front and rear brakes are required.
Fixed-gear bikes are not permitted. Recumbent bikes which meet USCF rules are
permitted. No protective shield, fairing or other device on any part of the
bicycle which has the effect of reducing air resistance are allowed, except
those permitted by the USCF. No drafting allowed. U. S. Cycling Federation (USCF)
rules apply.
Volunteers are still needed in the following areas; traffic control,
start/finish attendants, participants check-in, bike holder, turn around
attendants and results coordinators. Volunteers will be needed from
approximately 8 AM to 3 PM. You may volunteer for just one job if you want. A
few hours of your time would be greatly appreciated.
If you are interested in volunteering on that day, or would like more
information about participating in the cycling events, please contact (520)
791-3244, or fax at (520) 791-5914 or visit our website at
www.tucsonseniorgames.org
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Sunday, January 7, 2007
By Jane Larson, Ride Organizer
The terrain is flat with low traffic, and if history repeats itself, the weather
will be a sunny 70 degree! What more could you want?
Two sag stops with water, fruit & snacks; a hot BBQ lunch at the turnaround
point, Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande; a route map, commemorative socks
and a raffle ticket for bike-related prizes. Join 200-plus cycling friends for
PMBC's biggest ride of the year!
OPTIONS: 34 mi, flat out-and-back;
62 mi, metric century, out-and-back w/ slight hill.;
100 mi, flat loop.
START: Safeway: 4970 S. Alma School Rd, at Alma School Rd & Chandler Heights Rd,
NW corner (Chandler Heights Rd is between Queen Creek & Riggs Roads.) Please
park at lot edges, so we don't block Safeway customers.
DIRECTIONS: From Tucson take I-10 to Riggs Rd exit, go 3 miles east to Alma
School Rd, then 1 mile north to Chandler Heights Rd.
REGISTRATION: 8:30-9:30 AM. No mass start: leave after registering.
SUPPORT: Vehicles will be available to collect those suffering from physical,
mechanical or mental breakdowns.
QUESTIONS: Leader Jane Larson at JLreports@aol.com or call (602) 319-2238.
Registration forms available at www.sportsfun.com/gaba. This ride is organized
by Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club.
Ride Fee:
PMBC/GABA/ABC members by 12/30/06: $15
Non-members by 12/30/06: $20
PMBC/GABA/ABC members after 12/30/06: $25
Non-members after 12/30/06: $30
Note: Why not join PMBC now? Get our monthly newsletter, and this ride at member
prices! Add $15 for a one-year individual membership, or $20 for a one-year
family membership.
Make checks payable to PMBC, PO Box 26788, Tempe AZ 85285-6788. Riders must obey
all Arizona traffic laws and must wear ANSI, ASTM or Snell-approved helmets.
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President: TONY EVERETT
Vice President:
Treasurer: PEGGY JACOBSEN
Secretary: SANDI ROUSSEAU
Membership: STEVEN GRAEBER
Publicity: SALLY KRUSING
Education: MATT ZOLL
Touring-Day: JEANIE DARNALL
Touring-Centuries: JILL HEWINS
Touring-Overniters: JUDY BOLT
Editor: SUZANNE COUVRETTE
Volunteer: DICK SCHAFFER
Web Master: DAVE SWANSON
Legal Advisor: DONNA AVERSA
Social Director: PAM CULLOP
Bike Shop Coord.: RAM SALCEDO
Correspondence: DONNA LEWANDOWSKI
GABA Merchandise: SANDI ROUSSEAU
Shed Master: BILL BORLAND
Bike Swap Coord.: GREG YARES
Great AZ Bike Adventure: DOROTHY BARTH
Elections of officers will take place at the January Monthly Meeting, on Monday,
January 8, 2007 at 7 PM. Anyone interested in serving on the Board? Contact Tony
Everett ahead of time at 760-0458 or
president@bikegaba.org.
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New Members:
Bob Lamb; Phil Bertsch; Arturo Aldama; David Gantz; Judy Schultz; Steven
Johnson; Cherry Rosenberg; Jenaya Rosmaletz; Shawn Miller; Mark Goldentyer;
Michael Rondstadt; Jerry Imel; Dircov Bvondolizi; Edgar Borbon; Hector Torres;
Brenda Lexva; Felipe Lovio; Arturo Laguna; Steven Vandoren; Marissa Othon;
Lizelte Molina; James King; Vanessa Delgado; Mike Vandoren; Estevan Valdez;
Destiny Ortiz; Antonia Garcia; Anthony Rizzacasa; Zuleima Cota; Mark Winkelman;
Josh Moreau; Shane Gesbeck; Lowell Sorensen; Daniel Manning; Brian Scillig; Mike
Wilhite; Robert Chorost; Janet Mitchell; Dana Adler; Terri & Jim Parsons; Sean
Hammond; John Jenson; Terence Alston; Martin Lapidus; Steve Shoemaker; Ed
Ostrander; John & Sharon Krimmel; Russ & Cindy Sage; Cathy Hunt & Harry Patton;
Kurt Griffin & Susan Hoover; Jackeline Arenas; Cassandra Valdez; B.J. & Judith
Segel; Greg & Patty Gadarian; Courtney Smith.
Renewing Members:
Anna Cassidy; Lara Ortiz; Jim Lusk; James Hudson; Cheech Calenfi; Mike Rochon;
Jill Floryance; Tracy Richardson; Sydney Chayes; Kenneth Douglas; Lynn Creu;
Paul Melde; Broder Charles; Herb Douglas; John Downey; Lyle Koivisto; Jack Siry;
Jack Challem; Michael Buren; Mike Lesko; Naran Patel; Alan Scherer; Rick Taylor;
Meg Weesner; Ron Fullerton; Diana Hellman & Jake Brenneise; Tom & Ruth Ann Gribb;
Steve & Susan Lace; Stephanie Kling; Don & Jeanne Jovag; Kenny & Rhonda
Harrelson; Dan & Wendy McCardy; Kitty & Andy Chwalek; Mary Anne Facelli; Richard
& Marsha Schoeneberg; Don & Sherry Ralph; Veronica Gestelum.
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Two great commuter bikes for sale. Gilmour bike, 56cm, full Mavic Grupo, triple
chainring, down tube SIS Shifters. Mavic wheels, very good condition. $550 OBO.
Trek 8900 Mountain bike, 18” frame, triple chain ring. No suspension, two sets
of wheels and tires, road and knobby. $450 OBO. Call Fred, 577-9667 (Tuc) or
fredlynn5390@comcast.net
Laurenz Gsell, GABA member who rode the Cross State Tour in 2001, with his wife,
Corinne, are organizing 2 bicycling tours next summer:
Basel, Switzerland - Venice, Italy : May 26 - June 17, 2007. Coach supported
round trip across Switzerland, the Austrian Alps, the Trentino Dolomites to Lake
Garda, zigzagging through the Veneto to Venice.
Switzerland by bicycle, train and boat : Aug. 18 - Sept. 9, 2007. Van and Swiss
Travel Pass, supported round trip from Basel to all regions of Switzerland:
Lakes Geneva, Constance & Lucern, Zermatt, St.Moritz, Ascona etc. Swiss Travel
Pass for the dense public transport system incl. Both tours 22 nights, hotels,
breakfast, dinners, transfers incl. $3100.
Details at www.bikeandhike.ch, Laurenz and Corinne Gsell, 0041 61 723 2210, or
visit their website at: www.bikeandhike.ch.
NEW TANDEM FOR SALE: Burley Rumba; 21x18" (53x46 cm); 27 speed, STI shifting,
adjustable stoker stem; V-brakes. Super paint job! $1,850. Call Rudy @ 742-2518
for test ride! (Tuc), or
zonatandem@yahoo.com.
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Below is a list of all the our major rides with the names of the Ride
Organizers. We want to recognize the tremendous work done by these volunteers
and thank them for a job well done.
Being a century or overnight ride organizer can be a fun and satisfying
experience, but it does entail some prep work ahead of the ride as well as on
the day of the event itself. We have many people in the Club who are experts at
organizing rides and can help new ride leaders get started. Overnighters and
Century Organizers do earn "GABA Bucks" as a reward for their hard work. See
article on how to earn "GABA Bucks" on page 15.
Several of the rides listed below will need new ride organizers this year. For
info, or if interested in leading a major ride, contact Judy Bolt, 512-0442 or
overnights@bikegaba.org.
2006 Century and Overnighters Ride Leaders:
Picacho Century: Suzanne Couvrette
Coolidge Century: Roberta Toussaint
Spring Bike Swap: Greg Yares
Sonoita Bisbee: Suzanne Couvrette
Salt River Tour: Judy Bolt & Carolyn Audilet
Luna Lake Tour: Pam Cullop Cliff Papin
Mt Hopkins: Tom Ward
Blue Loop Tour: Cliff Papin
Cross State Tour: Dorothy Barth
Cave Creek Tour: Rhonda Smith
Tumacacori Century: Bob & Judy Bolt
Silverbell Century: Suzanne Couvrette
Fall Bike Swap: Greg Yares
Tumacacori Festival: Tom Ward
2006 Social Events:
25th Anniversary Celebrations: Pam Cullop, Sally Krusing & Suzanne Couvrette
Holiday Pot Luck: Pam Cullop
Toys for Tots: Pam Cullop
Winterhaven Ride: Pam Cullop
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by Richard E “Rich” Corbett
Certified Cycling Instructor & Coach
Riding in cold weather requires trial and error, to help you decide the right
kind and amount of clothing, whether you are just starting out riding when it is
colder, or have been riding in the cold for a while and are still cold.
Your muscles generate heat as you ride, and how much of this heat escapes
depends on 2 things: 1) what you're wearing, and 2) what it's made of. Your
hands, feet, and head are where you lose heat the quickest, so changing the
covering on them can dramatically change your comfort level.
1: If you don’t feel at least some cold discomfort at the beginning of your trip
(for as long as 5-10 minutes), you will be too warm and get sweaty, after your
muscles warm up. As you ride, your body heat increases, warming you up, so if
you are comfortable when you start, you'll be too warm after riding awhile.
2: Your clothing should be in relatively thin layers and ‘adjustable’, with
zippers, or other means of fastening and unfastening, to let you ‘vent’ unwanted
body heat, or to ‘button up’ if you are losing too much. You should also be able
to shed a layer of clothing without too much change in comfort.
Fabrics: Your best bet is still nature: wool can rarely be beat for versatility
and durability. Two other fabrics are acrylic and polypropylene. Most other
fabrics are actually different types of polypropylene/acrylic, with fancy names.
Acrylic is a kind of "synthetic wool" which works almost as well as wool in all
respects except moisture handling. Polypropylene is another "synthetic wool"
which handles moisture as good or better than wool, but until recently did not
have the same feel or the type and level of warmth that wool does. Polypropylene
is best for really active wear, when worn next to the skin, with an outer layer.
Polyester and cotton don't generally work well for cold, because they handle
moisture (perspiration or rain) inefficiently and uncomfortably.
You should experiment! We’re all different physically, and in our riding style.
What works well for one may not work as well for another. Cold weather is no
reason to avoid or limit your cycling. You can be comfortable and enjoy cycling
with some experimentation, and a little special cold weather gear.
P.S. Hope to see you on the “I hate Football Ride” (C), Jan. 1 at Udall Park,
8:45 AM, when it might (but probably won’t) be one of those 35oF mornings!
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October 11th 2006 Meeting Report
By Richard E “Rich” Corbett
#1: Law Enforcement Reports and Related Topics: Tucson Police Lt Mike had an
emergency and was unable to attend. Deputy Smith was there as a substitute for
Sgt Karl Woolridge, and reported there were six bicycle-motor vehicle
collisions, all with injury. The most serious was on the Mt Lemmon Hwy, where a
cyclist was hit by a suicidal driver, who fled the scene, but was later
apprehended. This, plus two others, required transportation of the cyclists. The
other three did not require transportation.
Member Hank Rowe asked about a crash in Catalina, and member Eric Post added two
more, a left hook on Campbell, and a 16 year old hit in a crosswalk while
‘straddling’ their bike. County Staff Matt Zoll mentioned a crash where two
cyclists were riding single file, and a passing trailer hit one.
#2: Call to the Public: Citizen Danielle Diamante asked about the Aviation Hwy
extension plans, and was told that according to City Staff Melissa Antol, the
City will provide a Downtown Links report at the November meeting.
#3: BAC list of recommendations for RTA: PAG Staff member Richard Corbett
explained the process that had started in June with the PAG sponsored retreat,
to get cyclist input as to priorities for the RTA bike projects list. He put up
and explained a large bike map showing the bike projects that matched the
corrected RTA master bike projects list that he handed out (replacing the one in
the agenda packet). He then passed the presentation off to Bill Adamson, BAC
Facilities Sub-committee Chair.
Adamson thanked Corbett for all the work staff has put into the process, and
pointed out to the Committee that the RTA is moving ahead with or without BAC
input, so timely BAC action is needed. He urged BAC members to ‘push’ their
jurisdictions to advance bike projects, as only one has been authorized so far –
Kolb Road, Valencia to I-10. He handed out a list showing the recommended
priorities from the Facilities sub-committee, and explained some of the changes
from the complied results of the retreat process. Discussion followed as to
specific projects and some of the changes.
Adamson moved to accept the recommended sub-committee list as the BAC’s
recommendation, Merritt Howard seconded, and it was passed unanimously.
#4: BAC Sub-Committee & Staff Reports (# 5): Secretary Corbett gave a report for
City staff Melissa Antol, who could not be at the meeting: 1) Downtown Links
report will be given in November, 2) two projects on 22nd Street are not far
enough along to report on yet – Kino-22nd overpass, and 22nd Street overpass; 3)
The TDOT Bike Planner Position has 20 applications, and TDOT hopes to make a
decision within a month. This position will report to Melissa, who will stay
involved with BAC and the RTA processes, as well as working on some events
including bike-to-work day. In the future she will wean herself from events
involvement as the new planner becomes comfortable. TDOT remains committed to
the bike program, and this change should be looked at as an opportunity to make
the program stronger; and 4) She is working with the Brain Injury Institute to
plan one of their local education events and is looking for volunteers (Corbett
handed out a flier on this).
Zoll reported that the County would interview soon for their bicycle engineer
position.
Member Wayne Cullop gave a reminder about the November 11th Bike Swap meet.
Secretary Corbett handed out for Grant Road Corridor project information sheets
provided by Antol.
A brief discussion took place regarding the timing of and the relationship
between the minutes and the GABA articles that Secretary Corbett writes. He will
send copies of the GABA article, if it is produced first, to the Chair and the
sub-committee chairs.
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By Judy & Bob Bolt, Ride Organizers
For the first time in the history of the Gene Chapman Memorial Tumacacori
Century, on 22 October 2006, the number of bicyclists on the ride passed the 600
mark! This sets a record, not only for the Tumacacori Century, but for any event
in the history of GABA. In the 25-year history of GABA, there has never been
such a populated event! We thank all riders who participated, including many who
completed their first century, (which, according to reports, was actually 106
miles).
The pre-registered people numbered 490, and 157 riders signed up the day of the
ride. Of those pre-registered who indicated what distance they would ride, 71%
signed up for the full century, 24% rode the 64 mile route and 5% of cyclists
did the 24 mile route. If these percentages hold for the people who registered
the day of the ride, then our best “guesstimate” of numbers for each distance is
as follows:
100 miles: 460 riders
64 miles: 155 riders
24 miles: 32 riders
This accounted for lots of cyclists on the road and as far as we know, there
were no serious mishaps or injuries.
As one of the most popular rides in southern Arizona, this would simply not be
so without the help of an outstanding group of volunteers. You saw their
cheerful faces on the day of the ride……..they are:
Bill Borland, Jeanie Darnall, Tony Everett, Rhonda Smith, Guenda Spafford, Pam
Cullop & Pat Mulligan – this was the efficient group who hustled to register
riders early on Sunday morning. Because the gate was not opened on time (did
anyone notice that glitch?), registration began at 6:40 AM rather than the
posted 6:30 AM. Most of this group also stayed to set up the lunch following the
ride. Special thanks to Tony Everett for bringing the sodas & ice, and for
running out for additional supplies during the day. Who was that smiling lady in
white helping with lunch? Magda Siry (whose husband Jack rode the 100 mile
route) volunteered on the spot to graciously serve the Subway sandwiches.
Pam Cullop & Pat Mulligan took charge of the Tumacacori Tee shirt distribution.
The shirts were designed by Steve Wilson, Jr. and were so popular that more
shirts were ordered! If you did not pick up your Tee shirt at the ride, or the
following GABA meeting, or at the GABA swap meet, please email Judy at bojubolt@aol.com
or phone 512-0442 and we’ll make arrangements for you to get your “T” Tee.
Sandi & Rich Rousseau, Kathy Eldred & Beth Heiman – Sag 1
Bob & Marie Klenke, Don Harmon – Sag 2
Donna Aversa & Carole Leiker, with Bob Bolt & Mark Levine– Sag 3
No ride is complete without the people preparing & handing out food at the sag
stops. This tremendous group got up early & stayed late to make sure all riders
got the special treatment they deserve. Special thanks to Sandi Rousseau who
helped shop to get all the delicious treats.
Mike Levine & Bob Bolt – drove the Ryder truck to deliver all tables & gear, sag
food, water, etc. Talk about up early & staying late……..this pair went from 5:00
AM until 8:00 PM, and helped Donna & Carole at Sag 3 during the rush hour.
Muchas Gracias Guys!!
Special thanks to Jack Spafford for marking the “Dan Henry’s” along the route.
Bill Borland – drove sweep for the entire day, making sure that all riders were
safe & secure along the route. This was an enormous job on this particular ride.
Bill scurried back and forth along the route to pick up riders and return them
to safe places. Also, special thanks to Bill for his multiple trips to the shed
(where all GABA supplies are stored) AND for keeping everything in the shed
organized & ready for the next GABA event!
Donna Lewandowski – kept track of all 490 pre-registered riders, including new
memberships. Donna even checked the mail on Saturday 21 October (day before the
ride) before sending a complete list for Sunday morning’s registration.
Finally, thank you to all riders who participated in this event and helped make
it a safe & enjoyable one.
Tumacacori T-Shirts: If you did not order one on the day of the ride, and would
like to have a Tumacacori T-Shirt 2006, we have extra t-shirts of all sizes.
Call Judy at 512-0442 ASAP to buy one!
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WITHOUT THEM, WE COULDN'T HAVE
SUCH SUCCESSFUL RIDES!
Picacho Century: (18)
Sandi & Rich Rousseau; Judy & Bob Bolt; Lois Zuniga; Elva Klaussen; Ed & Sue
Roberts; Dale Caughlin; Norm Martin & Nick Cooper; Dorothy Teague & Jack Beiler;
Agatha Taubert; Pat Dow; Nanette Bernier; Linda Matson; Tony Everett.
Coolidge Century: (8)
Donna Aversa; Carole Leiker; Karen Conant; Maria Husz; Marlene Dekker; Dave
Stevenson; Bill Borland; Rich Rousseau.
Spring Bike Swap: (20)
Andy & Diane Stevens; Jeanie Darnall; Roy Schoonover; Tony Everett; Jason
Halowell; Chris & Ram Salcedo; Donna & Steve Kanoza; Helen Greer; Dick Schaffer;
Bill Sievers; Torq Olson; Rhonda & Ike Smith; Judy & Bob Bolt; Sandi & Rich
Rousseau.
Sonoita-Bisbee Spring Tour: (13)
Dale Caughlin; Elva Klassen; Ed & Sue Robert; Pam Cullop; Sally Krusing; Art &
Gayle Hartung; Nancy Conahay & John Conohay; Dave Ness; Norman Martin; Dennis
Tallent.
Salt River Canyon Tour: (8)
Carolyn & Scott Audilet; Linda Kusick; Nanette Bernier; Bob Bolt; Joey Barrios;
Pam Tilden; Stuart Carter.
Luna Lake Tour: (13)
Cliff Papin; Jill Oliver; Dustin Walters; Stuart Carter; Jerry Imel; Pat &
Dennis James; Pat Uebel; Scott Audilet; Dave Koenig; Ram & Chris Salcedo; Wayne
Cullop.
Blue Loop Tour: (9)
Linda Kurick; Teresa McConnell; Nanet Bernier; Suzanne Phillips; Tom Faucett;
Kristin Post & family; Jerry Imel; Sean Fairchild; Stuart Carter.
Cave Creek Tour: Jerry Imel, Bill Sievers & Linda Matson, Sylvia & Gordon Young,
and Ruth Wenberg.
Tumacacori Century: (20) Bill Borland, Jeanie Darnall, Tony Everett, Rhonda
Smith, Guenda Spafford, Pam Cullop, Pat Mulligan, Magda Siry, Sandi & Rich
Rousseau, Kathy Eldred, Beth Heiman, Bob & Marie Klenke, Don Harmon, Donna
Aversa, Carole Leiker, Bob Bolt, Mark Levine & Jack Spafford.
Silverbell Century: (13) Nanette Bernier, Peggy & Scott Jacobsen, Lois Zuniga,
Elva Klassen, Pat Dow, Steve Shoemaker, Jeanie Darnall, John Downey, Linda
Kurick, Colin Cordell, Dale Caughlin, & Stuart Carter.
Fall Bike Swap: (15) Donna & Steve Kanoza, Chris & Ram Salcedo, Roy Schoonover,
Bill Sievers, Torq Olson, George Franklin, Larry Jestings, Mark Levine, Judy &
Bob Bolt, Sandi & Rich Rousseau, and Bill Borland.
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By Rudy and Kay Van Renterghem
Americans are obsessed with weight! Everyone’s talking about it, but too few
seem to be willing to combat it. There must be a pill or magic cure for that
scenario! Sure, push away from the table, eat healthier, plus exercise!
Go ahead, get on that bathroom scale . . . and place it next to your tandem! You
get on the scale . . . a tad heavy perhaps? Now grab your tandem with both hands
and lift while standing on the scale. A bigger number by how much? Nearly 50
pounds?! Or just 40-something? Maybe you bought a ‘light’ two-seater in the past
couple years and it is just above, or even a tad below the 30 pound mark?
Tandems have been put on diets too, by various means: we now have some twicers
out there that are - gasp! sub-25 pounds. Near anorexic! No pill and no magic
cure, except maybe some extra ca$h! But first a little step back in time.
Frame design, materials and components have changed greatly in the past 30
years. Back then steel was king; our first twicer, a steel 45-lbs. 10-speed
Follis, was an example. However, we decided we wanted something lighter/better
and designed our own. In January 1977 we took delivery of a custom Assen-macher
tandem that weighed a then incredible 34.5 pounds. Although some nay-sayers said
“it won’t last”, we retired, and sold, that bike with 64,000 miles on the odo!
Tandem designs changed in the intervening years. A few open frame designs were
around, notably the Gitane, that rode like freshly cooked spaghetti. Then came
male/male configurations with twin laterals running from the head tube to
stoker’s bottom bracket.
Followed by what became known as a marathon frame, an internal lateral tube
running from head tube to about 6-inches or so above stoker’s bottom bracket
with twin laterals continuing from that juncture to near the rear dropouts.
Double diamond frames with an ‘uptube’ or even reverse uptube in the stoker
compartment were seen for a couple years. Other variants were also available.
Later, full internal laterals and larger diameter tubing hit the tandem scene.
Then folks got another choice: heat-treated aluminum. We test rode Cannondale’s
prototype alu-twicer for three months, a year or so before they went into
production. Plain aluminum tubing can be flexuous . . . but not if heat-treated!
More and varied alloyed steel tubing followed, then came ‘unobtanium’ titanium,
followed by non-metal carbon fiber and now back to metal: magnesium!
Components have changed also. From calipers and cantilevers, to self-energizing
cantis, U-brakes, V-brakes, drum brakes, even hydraulic and cable activated disc
brakes . . . no more foot-dragging to stop! Ten speed tandems morphed to 30
speeds, and more.
Another change was from 27” to 700c, 26” and even 20” wheels for tandems. Wheels
with mandatory 48 spokes have been reduced to half the weight. Even carbon rims
and super-low spoke counts. Mountain bike and recumbent style tandems hit the
marketplace. And yes, the weight on tandems and their components gradually came
down in small increments. Carbon appeared for seat posts, seat shells/rails as
well as forks, cranks and even hubs. Thick, long-lasting leather saddles have
been supplanted by 65 gram seat perches.
Subtract all those weight savings and it is now possible to build tandems that
are stiff/comfortable, race-able even, at under 25 pounds! About now you are
thinking: ‘Sure, they are all non-metal carbon fiber!’ Keep reading . . .
Co-Motion introduces the light-and-go-fast ACMUltra7 aluminum-tubed Macchiato
for 2007. This back-to-basics simple design features an open frame with
optimally ovalized seat tubes, a bi-oval down tube and some slick components
from Dura Ace, FSA , Chris King + some carbon fiber goodies like Alpha Q X-2
fork and seatpost, along with Rolf Vigor wheels. For $7,995 this 25-lb aluminum
light-weight can be yours! And, for a few $$ more in options, the weight gets
shaved down to 24 Pounds! Macho!
Calfee has been in the forefront in tandem design with his full carbon fiber
twicers. Last year he introduced an open frame tandem that took us by surprise;
not only the design, but lowering of the price on his Tetra c/f frameset to
$3,995. With some judicious parts-picking on his pricier Dragonfly model, and a
few extra $$, you can pare a new Calfee down to below the 25-pound mark! Put on
Craig’s custom c/f stem/bars combination, a set of new Topolino tandem wheels
and some other goodies and . . . presto . . . a bit lighter wallet, but a much
lighter lo-carb tandem!
Paketa . . . designed/built by Dave Walker in Boulder, CO is a whole new
departure for x-tra light tandem frame material. Not aluminum, not carbon fiber,
but 92% pure magnesium! The Paketa V2 magnesium tandem frame is proof of the
damping and light weight/strength of this metal. Much lighter than alu or
titanium, road vibrations virtually disappear within the structure of the frame,
never reaching the riders. A nicely equipped Paketa weighed in at a mere 22.5
pounds . . . as registered on a digital scale at Interbike.
At the 2005 Texas Hotter-than-Hell Hundred, Mark and Julie Johnson of Precision
Tandems, rode their Mag-framed Paketa to victory. Not the first tandem team
across the finish line, but first bike overall, beating 9,667 other riders in a
time of 4 hours and 10 minutes. MAGnificent!
ariZona Tandems of Peoria, AZ has a Davis Double Lite c/f twicer on the market.
Recumbent & Tandem Rider Magazine, Issue #23, listed it as the ‘lightest tandem’
they had yet tested, at a mere 23.5 pounds. A newer DD-Lite is now available: it
tickles the scales at an incredible 22 pounds - - - even! Not bad for a carbon
fiber tandem with a full internal lateral tube! Agreed, Bob Davis uses some
weight-weenie components and custom fabricated c/f goodies, like his stoker stem
and modified crankset to achieve this new low effect. A tad under the
five-figure mark in price, it includes a meticulously fillet-joined crafted
frame, lustrous CycleArt paint scheme and top-notch components. Davis refers to
his carbon fiber ariZona Tandems as “Black Gold!”
He opines that with an open frame construction, in the small size, he can
produce a 19 pound tandem! Interested?
Rue Sports from Tempe, AZ builds only full custom carbon fiber bicycles. Their
‘Yin and Yang’ Ubertandem sets a new record for lightness. Would you believe: 20
pounds?! This tandem, in a small size, was specifically built for competition
for a pair of female tandemistas. A gorgeous black/blue frame with some white
touches just sparkled under the lights. For fast ‘n light wheels, they chose the
sub-1400 gram Aero carbon/kevlar-spoked Topolino single bike wheels to fit
smaller than usual 135mm rear dropouts and utilized a 2-chainring set up. This
is not a touring machine, but meant for full-tilt competition! Yes, the dynamic
girl duo captured first place in their last tandem race.
Brent Ruegamer is the builder and a custom Yin and Yang frameset will cost you
$3,999. You pick, and pay, for the level of components you desire. A host of
options can boost the price a bit, from internal cable runs to airbrushed
one-of-a-kind paintjob! You describe it, they can do it . . . a real Ubertandem!
So, are us Americans obsessed with weight? Let’s face it, if your tandem team
drops about 10 pounds each off their body frames, maybe they deserve to get one
of these sub-25 pound creations! As for us, think we’ll go out for a ride
TWOgether!
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JANUARY 2007
Jan. 1 (Sun): I HATE FOOTBALL RIDE. C+ & B Ride. Peggy & Scott Jacobsen.
Jan. 1 (Sun): I HATE FOOTBALL RIDE. C Ride. Rich Corbett.
FEBRUARY 2007
Feb. 11 (Sun): PICACHO CENTURY. 100, 65, 35 & 15 miles. Flat course north of
Tucson. Turn-around at Picacho Peak. Organizer: Suzanne Couvrette, (520)
891-4661 or Update-Editor@bikegaba.org.
MARCH 2007
March 11 (Sun): SIERRA VISTA CENTURY - PROPOSED NEW CENTURY. Details to be
announced later.
APRIL 2007
April 1 (SUN): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. Again on 4th Avenue from 8 AM to 1 PM!
Best Bike Swap in the West! Thousands of buyers! Hundreds of sellers! Free to
all vendors & buyers! Organizer: Greg Yares, 323-9020 or Swapmeet@bikegaba.org.
In conjunction with City of Tucson Clean Air Fair.
April 14 & 15: SONOITA-BISBEE. 69 miles on backroads from Sonoita thru Fort
Huachuca to Bisbee. Enjoy old world charm of quaint Bisbee! Your fee includes
camping, 3 sag stops each day, route sweep and baggage transport. B & B on your
own. For info, contact Ride Organizer: Suzanne Couvrette, (520) 891-4661 or
Update-Editor@bikegaba.org.
April 28 & 29 (TENTATIVE DATE): TRIANGLE L RANCH OVERNIGHTER. Cathy Crandall.
MAY 2007
May 5 & 6: SALT RIVER CANYON BIKE RIDE. 2-day, 85 or 6 -miles, very scenic &
hilly for experienced cyclists. Globe to Show Low and back.
May 11 (Fri): MT LEMMON SKI VALLEY HILL CLIMB. Tentative date. 15th Annual Climb
to Ski Valley followed by lunch at Summerhaven. Four sag stops. Steve Wilson,
870-5282 or wilsons@us.ibm.com
May 26-28: LUNA LAKE TOUR. Moderately difficult ride in central Arizona & New
Mexico. Approx. 65 miles each day. Springerville to Quemado, N. M. to Reserve N.
M. & back to Springerville. Ride through pine forests, rolling grassy
countryside, including a couple of great climbs and descents!
JUNE 2007
June 3 (Sun): MT HOPKINS HILL-CLIMB. A 12-mile mountain bike climb with
fantastic views on windy dirt road with numerous switchbacks! 360 degree view
from the top! Leader: Tom Ward, 520-625-3649.
JULY 2007
AUGUST 2007
SEPTEMBER 2007
Sept. 1-3: BLUE LOOP TOUR. 55, 60 & 90 miles in central mountains of Arizona and
New Mexico! Very little traffic! Lots of hills and scenic vistas! Starts in
Morenci, to Glenwood, N. M. on 1st day; to Alpine on 2nd day; back to Morenci
down the famous Coronado Trail on 3rd day!
Sept. 15 & 16: PROPOSED FALL SONOITA-BISBEE RIDE - TENTATIVE DATE.
OCTOBER 2007
Sept. 29 & 30, and Oct. 1-6: GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE. 26th Annual. Grand
Canyon to Mexican Border. 7-day 500-mile camping Tour across Arizona. Call our
Info Line: 520-349-5932 or visit www.bikegaba.org. 2007 Ride Chair:
Oct. 13 & 14: CAVE CREEK TOUR. Scenic and fairly easy ride from Roadforks, N.M.
to Portal, AZ, and up the Cave Creek Canyon. 45-mile per day on the east side of
the Chiricahuas. Overnight stay in cozy cabins at the well-known Southwestern
Research Center. Meals included.
Oct. 21 (Sun): TUMACACORI GENE CHAPMAN MEMORIAL CENTURY. Options for 25, 65 &
100 miles. Ride south of Tucson, starting in Sahuarita. Continue past Green
Valley, Arivaca Jct. and Tubac to Tumacacori Mission. Great lunch back at
Sahuarita for all the riders!
NOVEMBER 2007
Nov. 4 (Sun): SILVERBELL CENTURY. NEW east to west course!
Nov. 10 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. On historic 4th Avenue! Quaint central
area where vendors set up on each side of the avenue. Great turn-out! Greg
Yares,swapmeet@bikegaba.org or 323-9020.
DECEMBER 2007
Dec. 2 (Sun) TUMACACORI FESTIVAL RIDE. GABA-Tucson. 30-40 mi to breakfast at
Zula's in Nogales. Return to Mission to enjoy food, craft & entertainment.
DIRECTIONS TO START: South on I-19 to Tubac exit, then south on EAST frontage
road to Mission.
Dec. 3 (Mon) HOLIDAY SEASON POT LUCK. GABA-Tucson. At regular monthly meeting
place. Bring a dish to share with others in the spirit of the season! Short
program with awards and recognition to deserving members!
Dec. 8 (Sat): TOYS FOR TOTS BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Bring one or more unwrapped
toys to carry on your bike as we pedal to the zoo to deliver the toys.
www.bikegaba.org
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By Greg Yares, Event Organizer
It was a dark and balmy morning. Your humble servant, (always striving to be
first on the scene of action) arrived at our 4th Avenue Bike Swap venue at what
would seem to be an earlier than reasonable time, 5 AM, to find 8 of our bike
swap spots ALREADY filled by eager hucksters with early worms (vending spots) in
mind. Location,location,etc. The day developed nicely.
Our hardy volunteers, Donna & Steve Kanoza, Chris & Ram Salcedo, Roy Schoonover,
Bill Sievers, Torq Olson, George Franklin, Larry Jestings, Mark Levine, Judy &
Bob Bolt, Sandi & Rich Rousseau, and Bill Borland, stood by all the sales area
entrances trying to keep the spaces inside open for vendors rather than let
overly efficient (lazy) buyers fill those precious spots. HUGE thanks to you,
volunteers, and to the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association (FAMA) for their
support in putting on this event !
The GABA booth was bustling throughout the day. I hope that everyone with
something to sell/buy was able to find a place/some bike stuff, meet friends
old/new, and acquire/dispense to a satisfied stupor. We had vendors and buyers
from as far away as Las Vegas, San Francisco, Payson, Sierra Vista, Phoenix, El
Paso, and those are just the ones I'm sure of.
We apologize for the failure of promised bicycle valet parking. They didn't show
up. I should have called to verify. If you think that valet bike parking would
be a worthwhile service, give me a call and I'll recruit you for that position.
And I will expect you to show up!
The Spring 2007 GABA 4th Avenue Bicycle Swap Meet will be held on April 1, 2007
That is a SUNDAY, in deference to the timing of the PBAA Tour de Phoenix on
3/31/07.
Hope to see you at the Spring Bike Swap!
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By Rhonda Smith, Ride Leader
The ride this year was a little later than usual due to scheduling conflicts. It
will return to its normal weekend in October, which will be the weekend of
October 13th and 14th, 2007.
The ride this year was well attended. We were able to open it up to 44 riders
instead of the 42 riders in the past. It was a beautiful weekend and the weather
was perfect with no rain and only a little wind. Riding in the Canyon was very
scenic!
At the Research Center, we met a full grown Molly who was just a fawn last year.
She was free to roam the premises and became quite a pest at our lunch and
social hour. We had to guard our food with our life because Molly would help
herself to anything that wasn’t tied down or covered. But she was not a total
pest, and we did enjoy petting and visiting with her - when there was no food
around! She really was a sweet deer and fun to watch.
I would like to thank all my staff this year for doing such a terrific job!
Jerry Imel was our baggage truck driver, Bill Sievers and Linda Matson were our
wonderful sweeps, Sylvia and Gordon Young did a great job with the first SAG and
Ruth Wenberg did a terrific job with the 2nd SAG and lunch. She helped me also
with the Social Hour. I would also like to thank the gentlemen who helped unload
and load the heavy items that us, women, couldn’t handle.
Thanks to all for participating and to those who helped make this ride so
successful! And see you next year for a charming ride away from it all on the
scenic east side of the Chiricahua Mountains!
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By Tony Everett, GABA-Tucson President
And what a year it’s been! As usual, we began with the "I hate Football" ride on
January 1st to start the new year and set the tone for the rest of the year.
Then things went into high gear. GABA was part of the record breaking process
from then on.
GABA turned 25 years old this year. Quite a milestone for an all volunteer
organization. Our Birthday party, the GABA GALA was one of the best attended
events ever. This trip down memory lane brought out some of the original members
who were with us during our formative years.
2006 saw more day rides organized by GABA than in any other year in the past.
And, we had more riders participating than in any other year. This didn’t stop
with our day rides. The Cen tury rides set new records for attendance this year
with over 600 riders on the Tumacacori Century and over 200 on the Silverbell
Century. These are the kind of numbers that tell us we are on the right track in
terms of the kinds of rides we should be sponsoring.
While the Cross State Ride didn’t set a record for the number of riders this
year, with 128 we tied 2004 for the 2nd highest number of riders. This was on
what is arguably the most difficult route we have ever had, with more climbing
than ever!
Weather wasn’t our ally this summer with as much rain as we got. We live in a
desert and should welcome the water, but it made our rides a little iffy. Some
roads were changed temporarily (Catalina Hwy) and some permanently (Sabino
Canyon). But, we were able to dodge the storms and enjoy cooler temperatures.
All in all, not bad cycling weather!
The Tucson region received a “GOLD” designation from the League of American
Bicyclists, joining an elite list of 5 cities who have been identified as
“Bicycle Friendly”, Gold Designation. This was the result of the efforts of
hundreds of people who are dedicated to making cycling more enjoyable and safer
for everyone who rides in the Tucson area. Our designation is not for only the
city, but for Tucson/Pima Eastern Region. We are the only city/county
designation to be identified by LAB.
We have new bicycle lanes and paths for our enjoyment and safety. Some of our
roads went on a diet (narrower and legal widths) and enough space was found for
Bike Lanes. The new lanes ended some of the confusion at intersections like
Grant, Tanque Verde, Kolb, and Wilmot. Thanks to our government agencies for
their help with the roads.
"El Tour de Tucson", while not a GABA event, had over 8,000 riders this past
year. And GABA consis-tently set records for attendance with our Ttraining
Rides, as we averaged over 100 people every week.
That brings us to what is perhaps the most important recognition for this year,
and that is our volunteers. We are a volunteer organization and couldn't do
anything without the help of our volunteers. Everyone who helps - at the Sag
stops, the sweep riders & drivers, the ride leaders, and the GABA board - all
these people make it possible. This is the strength of our club and will
continue to be so. Thanks to everyone who helped, from everyone who enjoyed any
and all of our functions this year.
Let’s set some new goals for 2007. If you haven’t already, please become a
volunteer. We are always looking for people, from ride leaders to sag volunteers
to board positions, who want to become more involved. Feel free to contact any
board member for help. We welcome you, and thank you in advance.
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Mtn Standard Time, Tucson Az
DECEMBER
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
1: 7:06 5:19
7: 7:11 5:19
14: 7:16 5:20
21: 7:21 5:23
28: 7:24 5:27
JANUARY
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
1: 7:25 5:30
7: 7:26 5:35
14: 7:25 5:41
21: 7:23 5:47
28: 7:20 5:54
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Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006 at 6 PM
The Winterhaven Holiday Season "Festival of Lights" is well known in Tucson!
Most of you are probably familiar with the ever-popular spectacular display of
lights in the Winterhaven neighborhood. Each year thousands of people bundle up
and walk, drive, take a hayride or a buckboard ride through the festive streets
bounded by Country Club, Ft. Lowell, Prince and Tucson Blvd. Creativity and
imagination are the keys words here. Homes ablaze with lights, yards or rooftops
filled with animation, music and fun spread a holiday joy that even in the
"grouchiest of grinches" cannot deny.
We would like to invite you to come out and enjoy the Festival of Lights, as we
join together on "walk nights" (so as not to be in harm's way on "car nights"),
and slowly ride our bikes around to enjoy the sights together.
On Wednesday evening, December 20, we will meet at the main entrance: just west
of Country Club on Ft. Lowell at 6 PM. Since this is a GABA Ride, helmets,
headlights and taillights are required. Please sign the ride waiver upon
arrival. This event is a fund-raiser organized by the residents of Winterhaven
to benefit the Community Food Bank. We invite you to bring along a
non-perishable food item to donate. The collection box will be at the main
entrance.
Optional: a "Warm Your Toes And Nose" after the ride get-together. Meet at the
Rincon Market, NE corner of 6th Street & Tucson Blvd, immediately following the
Winterhaven experience. We just can’t say goodbye - so we meet, sit and visit,
to warm our insides and outsides with coffee or hot chocolate, munch on
something yummy (sweet or sensible) and enjoy this extra-special night out with
our fellow riders.
This is a great way to celebrate the holidays – bring along the entire family!
We look forward to seeing you there! For complete information and details about
this neighborhood event, check out their official website at
www.winterhavenfestival.org .
For questions or further information on the ride, contact: Pam Cullop, 290-4321
or E-mail: pjcullop@comcast.net.
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How about a new century for GABA-Tucson? We are looking for something different
for the month of March to replace the Coolidge Century whose attendance has
dwindled over the years.
A proposed course, a one-day event with 2 options starting in Sierra Vista, is
on drawing board. It needs someone to finalize all the details and make it
happen in March 2007!
How about you? Yes, you! The one who rides all the centuries, but never yet has
stepped up to the plate! This is a great opportunity to shape this new century
into a popular annual ride for years to come!
So, don't hesitate! It could be one person, or a team of two or more persons.
There are plenty of experienced Board members who would be willing and able to
assist and advise. But time is of the essence!
If interested, call Judy Bolt, Overnighters/Centuries Coordinator, at 512-0442
or you can also contact her at
overnights@bikegaba.org.
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By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett
Certified Master Instructor & Coach
Well, we have had another special year for cycling! The entire region earned the
League of American Bicyclists prestigious "Gold" Bicycle Friendly Community
award!
This year started with the New Year’s Day, “I Hate Football Ride”, lead by yours
truly. Then, the Tucson Senior Olympics were held for our senior riders.
In February, the Picacho Century took place, the nationally known mountain bike
race, “24 Hours in the Old Pueblo” was held (in Oracle), and the State Senior
Olympics competition was held.
In March, the Coolidge Century was held, with more personal bests being set.
Many Arizona cyclists rode the 19th Le Grande Tour, starting and ending in Casa
Grande, benefiting the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association.
April brought us the annual Sonoita-Bisbee weekend tour and PBAA’s 20th Tour of
the Tucson Mountains. GABA-Tucson (Us!) held a BIG celebration of our 25th
anniversary, with a really nicely done social at McCormick Park.
May saw the annual Mt Lemmon hill climb, and the scenic Salt River Tour, as well
as the well liked Luna Lake Tour. A major benefit for cyclists became reality
with the passing of the RTA Transportation Plan, May 16th.
As June came along, Tom Ward again led the Mt Hopkins hill climb, with fat tires
needed, of course!
July 4th always sees the “Tour for Tucson’s Children” (the 13th this year); The
Phoenix GABA Chapter held their annual, very popular, White Mountain Tour.
The dog days of August brought the promise of better riding to come with the
popular Blue Loop Bike Tour, and the start of the El Tour Training Rides, as
lots of cyclists looked ahead to the ever-popular November El Tour de Tucson.
October saw the Tumacacori Century with 647 riders! The 26th Annual Cross State
Tour was very successful. “The Soul Ride” was staged successfully. The Cochise
County Cycling Classic took place, with rainy and windy conditions.
We started November with the GABA-Tucson Silverbell Century. the Bike Swap Meet
was hugely successful. Then, we had the 24th annual running of one of the
Nation’s very best and biggest cycling events, the El Tour de Tucson!
In December we'll celebrate with the Tumacacori Festival Ride, the Holiday
Party, the Toys for Tots ride, and the Winterhaven Festival of Lights ride.
What will 2007 hold for cycling in Tucson? With the RTA Plan and Financing
passing last May, we will see implementation of many miles of new bike lane
facilities (such as Kolb Road), beginning to fill in the gaps on the River
Park's shared-use paths, and adding many, many new miles of sidewalks as well.
We will begin specific work again on the highest Bicycle Friendly Communities
rating, the Platinum, for the Tucson Metropolitan area.