December Meeting - Holiday Season Pot Luck Party!
The Pueblo High School Road Warriors Bike Club Needs Your Help!
Holiday Season Pot Luck Party!
GABA-Tucson Board of Directors
GABA-Tucson SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2008
The Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club presents Casa Grande Century
Helmets Dont Protect Kids or Adults When NOT Worn Correctly!
Cave Creek Ride 2007, An Easy and Very Scenic Ride to Remember!
Fantasy Island Parking Dedication
2008 Calendar of GABA-Tucson Events
Thanks to All the Rides & Events Organizers Who Made 2007 a Great Year for GABA-Tucson!
Basket Bridge Nears Completion
Five Dumb Things to Do With Your Bike
Tumacacori Century 2007 Gets Over 500 Riders!
24th Annual Senior Olympic Cycling Events
How Far Did I Ride How Fast What Was My Average Speed
Five Good Reasons to Keep a Log
Coming Soon in 2008! The Sierra Vista Century
El Tour de Tucson Training Rides Continued to Gain Momentum in 2007!
Looking Back on Cycling in Tucson in 2007!
VOLUNTEERS WANTED - GABA 5 Year Plan Meeting
(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders E-Mail______________________
12/2 (Sun) Tumacacori Festival Ride GABA-Tucson Tom Ward twardasso@dakotacom.net
12/3 (Mon) Holiday Pot Luck GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop socialdirector@bikegaba.org
12/8 (Sat) Toys for Tots Ride GABA-Tucson Pam Cullop socialdirector@bikegaba.org
2008
1/1 (Tue) I Hate Football Ride (East) GABA-Tucson Rich Corbett kc7ovm@dakotacom.net
1/1 (Tue) I Hate Football Ride (West) GABA-Tucson Jim & Debra Harms jimatwfg@tucsondreammakers.com
1/6 (Sun) Casa Grande Century GABA-Phoenix Jane Larson jlreports@qwest.net
2/10 (Sun) Picacho Century GABA-Tucson TBA centuries@bikegaba.org
3/9 (Sun) Sierra Vista Century GABA-Tucson Larry Robinson lin_kur@msn.com
4/12 & 13 Sonoita Bisbee Spring Ride GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette
update-editor@bikegaba.org
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Monday, December 3 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, desserts!
We need to feed over 100 people!
Turkey & ham provided by GABA.
Awards! Recognition of deserving members!
Questions? Call Pam Cullop, 290-4321.
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Monday, January 7 at 7 PM
Join us tonight for a presentation
by Linda Matson and Bill Sievers
on their most recent bicycle adventure!
Starting in Barcelona, they rode a loop over the Pyrenees into France and back
to Spain.
Come hear why the Pyrenean foothills and forests are quickly becoming a draw for
cyclists with its beautiful medieval towns.
Public welcome!
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DECEMBER 2007
Dec. 2 (Sun): TUMACACORI FESTIVAL RIDE. GABA-Tucson. 30-40 mi to breakfast at
Zula's in Nogales. Start from Tumacacori Mission & return to enjoy food, craft &
entertainment. For Mission info, call Tumacacori Nat'l Historical Park at (520)
398-2341. www.bikegaba.org
Dec. 3 (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! Organizer: Pam Cullop, socialdirector@bikegaba.org.
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 our toys.
www.bikegaba.org.
2008
JANUARY 2008
Jan. 1 (Tue): NEW YEAR'S DAY "I Hate Football" Ride. C/2/35 East side Route.
Rich Corbett, kc7ovm@dakotacom.net. or 623-0017. 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 (Tue): NEW YEAR'S DAY "I Hate Football" Ride. C & C+/2-3/40 West side
Route. Jim Harms, 241-5556 or jimatwfg@tucsondreammakers.com. Meet at Mission
Library, Ajo & Mission, SW corner. Ride by Old Tucson Studios, Red Hill Visitor
Center, and McCain Loop. Maps will be provided.
Jan. 6 (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 (Sun): SENIOR OLYMPICS - CYCLING EVENTS. TUCSON PARKS & REC. For info,
visit www.tucsonseniorgames.org or call 791-5914. Participants ranging in age
from 50 and above. Cycling events include a 1-mile time trial, 5K-time trial,
10K-road race, and 20K-road race. Volunteers needed!
FEBRUARY 2008
Feb. 10 (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: Jill Hewins 275-4759, centuries@bikegaba.org.
Feb. 10 ? (Sun): LAVEEN COUNTRY CHALLENGE. Starts and ends at Laveen Elementary
School, 51st Ave & Dobbins Rd. in Laveen AZ. For more info, check their website
at: www.lensenet.com.
Feb. 16 (Sat): 24 HOURS IN THE OLD PUEBLO. For more info, contact Todd Sadow at
www.epicrides.com.
Feb. 23 & 24: AZ SENIOR OLYMPICS, PHOENIX. Cycling Events. State Competitions.
Qualifyer for the national events, held in San Francisco, summer 2009.
602-261-8765 or www.azseniorolympics.com.
MARCH 2008
Mar. 1 ? (Sat): LE GRANDE TOUR XX (in Casa Grande). AZ Parks & Rec. 800-335-PARK
or www.azpra.org
Mar. ? : GILA VALLEY TOUR. ABC. www.azbikeclub.com
Mar. ? (Sat): MINING COUNTRY CENTURY. PMBC. For info, www.sportsfun.com or Kathy
Mills, 480-759-7675.
Mar. ? (Sat): TOUR DE CURE - TUCSON. Benefits the American Diabetes Association.
For info, 795-3711 x 7112 or www.diabetes.org/tour.
Mar. 9 (Sun): SIERRA VISTA CENTURY. GABA-Tucson. NEW EVENT THIS YEAR. LEADERS:
Larry Robinson and Linda Kurick, 237-5792 or lin_kur@msn.com.
Mar. 16 (Sun): START OF THE TTM TRAINING RIDES. GABA-Tucson. Ride Leader: Rich
Corbett, kc7ovm@dakotacom.net.
Mar. ? (Sun): AROUND THE WHITE TANKS. GABA West Valley. Betsy turner, BetTur@qwest.net.
Mar. 28-30 TUCSON BICYCLE CLASSIC STAGE RACE. TBC. Ride Organizer: Steve Bohn,
(520) 884-5564, or snsbohn@cox.net or www.tucsonbicycleclassic.com.
Mar. 29 & 30: MS ROUND UP RIDE. Formerly MS150 Best Dam Ride. Start/Finish:
Heritage Pk, Florence. Options: 35, 75, 100 & 150 miles. For info and to
register: http://bikeaza.nationalMSsociety.org or 800-344-4867. Fund raiser for
MS.
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Tires are being pumped, chains are being greased and seats are being adjusted so
that Pueblo's Road Warriors can start training for El Tour de Tucson! This year
marks the 7th year that the "Road Warriors" will be training to participate in
this wonderful event.
Pueblo has 11 students training along with 6 students from Hohokam Middle
School. Pueblo is excited about the prospect of these middle school students
becoming future Road Warriors!
The club continues to depend on help from the cycling community in order to
provide students with once in a lifetime events. If you have bicycles and/or
equipment to donate, call Yolanda Sotelo or Jamie Moore at Pueblo High School at
225-4300.
The club could also use your tax credit contributions. Send them to: Pueblo High
School, 3500 S. 12th Ave, Tucson 85713. Please indicate that your contribution
is for the" Road Warriors" Bike Club. Thank you!
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Monday, December 3, 2007
7 PM to 9 PM
Come and join other GABA members in the festive annual event!
WHERE: At our usual meeting place,
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!
By Pam Cullop
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, and the traditional sides of
dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and beverages.
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 again this year, to
compliment mealtime with truly enjoyable acoustic guitar “dinner music”. If you
have been at this event for the past few years, you know what a special treat
this is!
A short meeting will follow dinner. Awards are given to some club members for
their various contributions to club rides and club events. These VIP’s have
donated count less hours to the cause 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 sit and visit, eat some more
dessert, and enjoy the holiday season with your favorite “pedal pals”!
Mark your calendar now for GABA’s annual Holiday Potluck – We are looking
forward to seeing you there!
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Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007
By Pam Cullop, Social Director
Yes…it is that time again…Time to begin collecting toys for needy children
throughout the greater-Tucson area. GABA’s favorite way to assist the Marines in
this worthy cause is from the saddle of a bicycle (what other way is there?),
and on a group ride!
Here’s the scoop!
GABA is sponsoring 2 group rides different riding levels and distances:
1. The longer and faster ride meets at Udall Park (south side of Tanque Verde
just east of Sabino Canyon) at 8:30 to set up your bike and sign in.
Departure time: 9 AM for the 30-35 mile round trip route.
Pace: between 12-16 MPH. One or two regroupings, no one left behind!
2. The shorter and slower ride meets at McCormick Park (east side of Columbus,
just north of Glenn) between 9-9:30 AM to set up your bikes & kid carriers, and
to sign in. Departure time: 10 AM for a 10-mile round trip ride,
Pace: at or about 8-10 MPH pace. Lots of regroups, no one left behind!
Bring toys! – as many as you can carry on your bike, in a backpack, panniers, or
trailer. Strap to your body, or to your bike, in any manner. But you carry the
toys that will be delivered to a great big box at the Reid Park Zoo! Each toy
grants you a free entrance into the zoo during the "Toys for Tots" toy drive in
December. So remember if you are meeting someone at the zoo who is not riding
(sad face ), make sure they bring along a toy too!
Upon arrival at the zoo, wheel your bikes around to the back of the snack shop
where they will be admitted for parking, behind a locked gate for the duration
of your morning visit. Then, go back to the front gate to get into the zoo and
to deliver your toy. After that - enjoy the zoo in whatever way you desire.
The snack shop will have bagels and muffins on the menu (especially for us),
along with the regular snack shop fare. Sit, enjoy the warm December sunshine
(it hasn’t failed us in all of the years we’ve been doing this ride), and visit
with fellow cycling enthusiasts. Or you might want to pay a visit to the animals
(the polar bears are a personal favorite), while strolling around the decorated
“themed” Christmas trees in the park. I love this zoo because it only takes
between 45 minutes to an hour, to explore – perfect!
After about an hour, the ride leader(s) who brought you over will reassemble
those who would like to return in a group. You may wish to pedal along with
them, or return on your own. Whatever your decision, we welcome and encourage
your participation this year in helping to make a child a little happier this
Christmas season. Not only will it make you feel good, you will have a whole lot
of fun doing it!
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P. O. Box 43273 Tucson, AZ 85733
President: Tony Everett 975-7801 PRESIDENT@BIKEGABA.ORG
Vice President: Donna Lewandowski 740-6941
VICE-PRESIDENT@BIKEGABA.ORG
Treasurer: Peggy Jacobsen 791-3049
TREASURER@BIKEGABA.ORG
Secretary: Sandi Rousseau 349-3749
SECRETARY@BIKEGABA.ORG
Membership: Steve Graeber 762-1363
MEMBERSHIP@BIKEGABA.ORG
Update Editor: Suzanne Couvrette 891-4661
UPDATE-EDITOR@BIKEGABA.ORG
Education: Matt Zoll 740-6746
EDUCATION@BIKEGABA.ORG
Publicity: Bob Klenke 825-2601 PUBLICITY@BIKEGABA.ORG
Day Rides Coord.: Melinda Correll 731-3156
DAYRIDES@BIKEGABA.ORG
Overnight Rides: Judy Bolt 512-0442
OVERNIGHTS@BIKEGABA.ORG
Centuries Coord.: Dorothy Barth 349-5932 CENTURIES@BIKEGABA.ORG
Volunteers Coord: Dick Schaffer 326-4807
VOLUNTEER@BIKEGABA.ORG
Corrsp/Registr: Sandi Rousseau 349-3749
GABAMAIL@BIKEGABA.ORG
Bike Shops Coord.: Ram Salcedo 733-0230
BIKESHOPS@BIKEGABA.ORG
Merchandise: Sandi Rousseau 349-3749
MERCHANDISE@BIKEGABA.ORG
Webmaster: Dave Swanson 664-0429
WEBMASTER@BIKEGABA.ORG
Social Director: Pam Cullop 290-4321
SOCIALDIRECTOR@BIKEGABA.ORG
Bike Swap: Greg Yares 323-9020
SWAPMEET@BIKEGABA.ORG
Shed Master: Bill Borland 299-3509
SHEDMASTER@BIKEGABA.ORG
Legal Advisor: Donna Aversa 742-0440
LEGAL@BIKEGABA.ORG
Cycling Advocacy: Wayne Cullop 290-4321
BICYCLINGADVOCATE@BIKEGABA.ORG
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President: DONNA LEWANDOWSKI
Vice President: OPEN
Treasurer: JANET LANDIS
Secretary: SANDI ROUSSEAU
Membership: STEVEN GRAEBER
Publicity: BOB KLENKE
Education: MATT ZOLL
Touring-Day: MELINDA CORRELL
Touring-Centuries: DOROTHY BARTH
Touring-Overniters: JUDY BOLT
Editor: SUZANNE COUVRETTE
Volunteer: DEBRA HARMS
Web Master: DAVE SWANSON
Legal Advisor: DONNA AVERSA
Social Director: PAM CULLOP
Bike Shop Coord.: JIM HARMS
Cycling Advocacy: WAYNE CULLOP
Correspondence: SANDI ROUSSEAU
GABA Merchandise: SANDI ROUSSEAU
Shed Master: BILL BORLAND
Bike Swap Coord.: GREG YARES
Great AZ Bike Adventure: JIM HARMS
Elections of officers will take place
at the January Monthly Meeting,
on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 7 PM.
Anyone interested in serving on the Board?
Contact Tony Everett ahead of time at 975-7801
or president@bikegaba.org.
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Sunday, January 6, 2008
Remember where you used to live? The closest you came to riding a century in
January was trying to get your old Buick started when it was 5 below. So join us
January 6 for the first century of the new year. Then call all your friends in
North Dakota and tell them what a good time you had!
This ride is a great first century or metric century. The terrain is flat, the
roads have relatively low traffic, and if history repeats itself, the weather
will be sunny with a high of 70. What more could you want?
Try two sag stops with water, fruit and snacks, as well as a hot BBQ lunch at
Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande. You'll also get a route map,
commemorative socks and a raffle ticket for lots of bike-related prizes. Join
some 400 cycling friends for PMBC’s biggest ride of the year!
New to cycling or club rides? Try our 34-mile option. You’ll get one sag stop, a
route map and commemorative socks for the reduced price of $10.
LENGTH: Options of 34 miles, 62 miles (metric century) or 100 miles (century).
TERRAIN: The 34-mile ride is out-and-back and flat. The 62-mile ride is
out-and-back, with a slight hill. The 100-mile ride is mainly a loop and flat.
STARTING POINT: The Safeway store at 4970 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. It is
on the northwest corner of Alma School Road and Chandler Heights Road. (Chandler
Heights Road is between Queen Creek and Riggs roads.) Please park at the edges
of the lot so we don't block Safeway customers.
DIRECTIONS: From Phoenix or Tucson: Take Interstate 10 to the Riggs Road exit,
then go east three miles to Alma School Road, then north one mile to Chandler
Heights Road. From Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe: Take Loop 101 south past Chandler
Blvd. to Loop 202 exit, then go east two miles to Alma School Road, then south
four miles to Chandler Heights Road.
REGISTRATION TIME: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Sleep in for once and enjoy starting when
it's close to warm!) No mass start, so you can leave any time after you
register.
SUPPORT: Vehicles will be available to collect those suffering from physical,
mechanical or mental breakdowns.
OTHER QUESTIONS: E-mail ride leader Jane Larson at JLreports@qwest.net or call
(602) 319-2238. Registration forms and other ride info will be available soon at
www.sportsfun.com/gaba. Ride will be held rain or shine.
FEE: PMBC/GABA/ABC members before 12/29/07: $15.
Non-members before 12/29/07: $20.
PMBC/GABA/ABC members after 12/29/07: $25.
Non-members after 12/29/07: $30.
34-mile ride only: $10.
Make checks payable to PMBC, and mail to: PO Box 26788, Tempe AZ 85285-6788.
Coming soon: Register online at www.active.com for an additional $3.
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We still have some superior-quality 2006 jerseys with the southwest design,
currently available at the low, low, bargain price of $35 per jersey!
Sizes are limited, so hurry!
To take advantage of this sale,
contact Merchandise Coordinator, Sandi Rousseau
at 349-3749 or at merchandise@bikegaba.org.
You can also buy directly from Sandi at regular GABA monthly meeting, on the 1st
Monday of each month.
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Sunday, December 2
Meet at 9:30 AM at the Tumacacori Mission
for a ride to Nogales on remote and quiet backroads. 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 twardasso@dakotacom.net.
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A properly fitted helmet can prevent about 85% of head injuries resulting from a
bike crash. It should be the correct size and NOT be worn on the back of the
head like a beanie!
Eyes: The helmet should sit level on a person's head and rest low on the
forehead, 1 to 2 finger widths above the eyebrow. You should be able to see the
very edge of your helmet looking up past your eyebrows. A helmet pushed too far
back will not protect the face or head in a crash.
Mouth: The buckled chin strap should be loose enough that you can breathe. There
should be enough room so you can insert a finger between the buckle and chin,
but tight enough that if you open your mouth, you can feel the helmet pull down
on top.
Ears: The straps should be even and form a "Y" under the earlobe (where the
earlobe meets the head) and should be snug against the head. Straps and buckles
can loosen up over time, so check them.
Thanks to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for these guidelines.
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By Tony Everett, President
Once again it's time to shift gears and get ourselves ready for a GABA holiday
tradition. This, unlike much of the usual parties and libations is the
opportunity to extend a helping hand to a group of kids who, without our help,
and the help of the United States Marine Corps, the prospect of a joyous Holiday
season is pretty bleak.
The Toys for Tots program has been sponsored by the USMC for many years with the
sole purpose of collecting and distributing toys to kids who would not get any
gifts without them. I am not a marine, (which I understand is a lifetime
commitment), but I feel strongly enough about their program to dedicate this
month's "Words" to the subject.
December 8th, GABA has two rides which are identified as the Toys for Tots
Rides. One will begin at McCormick Park, and the other at Udall Park. Both rides
will have a stop at the Reid Park Zoo, where the price of admission for us this
day is a new toy. Gated parking is available for our bikes, and we can stay and
enjoy the zoo for as long as we like. If nothing else, it's a good stop for some
refreshments before the return trip.
Many of us ride bikes that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I would
propose that the ability to afford a few bucks to buys a toy, or better yet a
few toys, for some less fortunate kids is not a question. The only question is
how many can I safely carry to the zoo while riding my bike.
Let's all make this part of our holiday traditions. This is truly done in the
spirit of the holidays, and absolutely the right thing to do. You will be amazed
how good you will feel knowing that you've helped.
Be Careful, Ride Safe, and Enjoy!
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Framed El Tour Posters---Professionally-framed posters El Tour 97, 98 & 99 at a
fraction of the original cost for poster & framing. Pristine con-dition. Great
Christmas gift for your favorite cyclist. $40 each or $100 for all three.
Rosemary, wcarmody23@comcast.net or 760-8598 (Tuc).
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by Linda Matson, Ride Leader
An enthusiastic group of cyclists motored to the Shady Grove Truck Stop at Road
Forks, New Mexico, on the morning of October 13th. They were there to
participate in one of GABA's most laid-back, relaxing weekend rides, the Cave
Creek Canyon Tour.
The temperature was perfect as the cyclists began pedaling south, surrounded by
the ocean of blue sky that seems unique to New Mexico. The gentle breeze from
the south that had seemed pleasant at the start increased in intensity until the
riders were toiling straight into a headwind. Amazingly, hardly a word of
complaint was heard from this hardy and good-natured group. At the SAG stop,
Sylvia and Gordon Young held down the fort, as well as the tablecloths, on this
blustery day.
After the incredibly scenic ride through the canyon, riders arriving at the
Southwest Research Station were greeted by the Station's resident mule deer,
Molly, and her fawn that was born this year. Talk about cute!
Jan Johnson, who had concerns about surviving her first multi-day tour, was the
FIRST rider to arrive at the Station, alongside hubby Brian Shon. Congrats, Jan.
And Cathy Hoffman gutted out the ride on her Bike Friday despite suffering some
bumps and bruises in a recent commuting-home collision with a truck that totaled
her gorgeous Rivendell touring bike. May it rest in peace, but better the bike
than you, Cathy.
Those who still had energy hiked on the trails surrounding the Station, while
others napped or sat with their feet dangling in the spring-fed swimming pool.
The avocado-and-cilantro hummus and the artichoke-and-garlic hummus proved very
popular at happy hour, followed by a delectable pasta dinner.
Then the games began. Who would have thought that mild-mannered Wendy Magras
would turn into a snarling tigress at the ping pong table, or that Jerry Laney
would have blood in his eyes as he hunched over the cribbage board and glared at
his opponent. (OK, maybe I made that last part up.)
On Sunday the weather cooperated fully, giving the riders a tailwind as they
finished the ride. Thanks a million to Gordon and Sylvia Young, and to Bill
Sievers, who was a workhorse on this ride. He rented the luggage truck on Friday
and single-handedly loaded it with all the supplies needed for the ride, as well
as patiently driving sweep both days. Thanks also to Rhonda Smith who did all
the preliminary arrangements for this scenic ride! Great job, team!
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By Terri Gay
(Reprinted with permission from the Pima Trails Newsletter)
On a warm, brilliantly sunny Saturday morning in September, a group of mountain
bicyclists and trails supporters gathered to celebrate a new patch of asphalt
along busy Irvington Road on Tucson’s southeast side.
Asphalt? Trails enthusiasts? Celebrating?
It’s not often you find trails people glad for yet another piece of asphalt.
This new parking lot at the northern trailhead for the renowned and endangered
Fantasy Island trail system represents the fact that Fantasy Island, in some
form, still has a fighting chance of surviving development in the area. It
represents the power of collective outcry and outrage when the land was nearly
included in a State Land Department auction with no provisions for recreation.
Once in the hands of a winning bidder, the area was likely to become housing.
With the leadership of Jon Shouse, chairman of the Fantasy Island Conservation
Alliance; Pima Trails Association’s Sue Clark, co-chair along with Linda
Anderson-McKee, of the Fantasy Island Citizen’s Task Force; and City of Tucson
Vice Mayor Shirley Scott, the Fantasy Island Master Plan produced by the task
force was unanimously adopted by the Tucson City Council last year as part of
the Houghton Area Master Plan. This provides for an integration of development
and recreation. Any developer for the land will be required to include a trail
system.
Elaine Seasly, president of Tucson Tri Girls, a triathlon club for women, leaned
on her bike waiting for the festivities to start. She said she learned to
mountain bike here, has trained for the Ironman here and is currently using it
to train for the Tour of the White Mountains ride. “It’s a really
beginner-friendly trail,” she states. Years earlier, her father-in-law rode a
mountain bike in the Rocking K Triathlon held a few miles east at the Rocking K
ranch. That was an event hosted by Pima Trails Association as an
awareness-raiser to encourage the various users to share the trails. Running,
cycling and horse-back riding comprised the legs in that triathlon. Over a
decade later, trails advocacy continues to run its own race against time and the
loss of trails and open space.
One new parking lot isn’t a revolutionizing victory, but it is a way of claiming
ground, of planting a flag. Twenty five parking spaces provided by the new
asphalt accommodated only about a third of the cars and SUVs parked in the
vicinity, many bristling with bike racks. The 25 spaces cost $17,000, and were
funded with a Back to Basics grant from Ward 4. Sounds like a bargain when it
comes to preserving recreation and open space. And it’s an even better deal to
know trails will be master-planned into the community yet to be built here.
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JANUARY 2008
Jan. 1 (Tue): I HATE FOOTBALL RIDE. C & C+ Ride. Westside
Jan. 1 (Tue): I HATE FOOTBALL RIDE. C Ride. Eastside
FEBRUARY 2008
Feb. 10 (Sun): PICACHO CENTURY. 100, 65, 35 & 15 miles. Flat course north of
Tucson. Turn-around at Picacho Peak. Organizer: TBA
MARCH 2008
March 9 (Sun): SIERRA VISTA CENTURY -NEW CENTURY! Details to be announced later.
Leader: Larry Robinson, lin_kur@msn.com.
March 16 (Sun): START OF THE "TTM" TRAINING RIDES.
APRIL 2008
April 12 & 13: SONOITA-BISBEE. 69 mi on backroads from Sonoita thru Fort
Huachuca to Bisbee. Great dinner at the Copper Queen Hotel! B & B on your own.
Organizer: Suzanne Couvrette, (520) 891-4661 or Update-Editor@bikegaba.org.
April 20 (SUN): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. On 4th Avenue. Free to all vendors &
buyers! Organizer: Greg Yares, 323-9020 or Swapmeet@bikegaba.org.
April 26 & 27: TRIANGLE L RANCH OVERNIGHTER. Cathy Crandall, catcran@cox.net.
Easy, supported, 58-mile ride to this interesting Ranch in the town of Oracle.
Fee includes dinner & breakfast, and entertainment.
MAY 2008
May 3 & 4: SALT RIVER CANYON BIKE RIDE. 2-day, 85 or 6 -miles, very scenic &
hilly for experienced cyclists. Globe to Show Low and back. Leader TBA.
May 9 (Fri): MT LEMMON SKI VALLEY HILL CLIMB. 15th Annual Climb to Ski Valley
followed by lunch at Summerhaven. Four sag stops. Steve Wilson, 870-5282 or
wilsons@us.ibm.com.
May 24-26: LUNA LAKE TOUR. Moderately difficult ride in pine forests of central
Arizona & New Mexico. 65 mi/day. Springerville to Quemado to Reserve & back. A
few good climbs & descents! Organizer: Pam Cullop, socialdirector@bikegaba.org.
JUNE 2008
June 1 (Sun): MT HOPKINS HILL-CLIMB. 12-mi mtn bike climb. Windy dirt road! 360
degree view at top! Leader: Tom Ward, (520)625-3649.
June 21 & 22: NEW OVERNIGHT RIDE: ESCAPE TO THE HIGH COUNTRY! Shorter & longer
options: something for everyone! Longer ride: Clints Well-Flagstaff.
Organizer: Suzanne Couvrette, update-editor@bikegaba.org, (520) 891-4661.
AUGUST 2008
Aug. 30, 31 & Sept. 1: BLUE LOOP TOUR. Hilly & scenic ride in central mountains
of Arizona & New Mexico! Very little traffic! For strong riders.
Aug. 30, 31 & Sept. 1: Trail of the Mountain Spirits. A scenic, but easier,
3-day ride with shorter distances each day, and plenty of time to enjoy! Cathy
Crandall, catcran@cox.net.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Sept. 14 (Sun): START OF "EL TOUR DE TUCSON" TRAINING RIDES. Starting locations
on the west side and on the east side.
OCTOBER 2008
Sept. 28-30, and Oct. 1-5: GREAT ARIZONA BICYCLE ADVENTURE. 26th Annual. Grand
Canyon to Mexican Border. 7-day 500-mile camping Tour across Arizona. Info Line:
520-349-5932 or www.bikegaba.org. 2008 Ride Chair: Jim Harms.
Oct. 11 & 12: CAVE CREEK TOUR. Scenic and fairly easy ride from Roadforks, NM to
Portal, AZ, and up the Cave Creek Canyon. 45-mile per day on east side of the
Chiricahuas. Overnight stay in cozy cabins at SW Research Center. Meals
included.
Oct. 19 (Sun): TUMACACORI GENE CHAPMAN MEMORIAL CENTURY. Options for 25, 65 &
100 miles. Ride south of Tucson, starting in Sahuarita. Continue past Green
Valley to Tumacacori Mission. Great lunch after the ride!
NOVEMBER 2008
Nov. 9 (Sun): SILVERBELL CENTURY. East to west course! Leaders: TBA.
Nov. 15 (Sat): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. On historic 4th Avenue! Great turn-out!
Greg Yares, swapmeet@bikegaba.org or 323-9020.
DECEMBER 2008
Dec. 1 (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! Awards &
recognition to deserving members! Organizer: Pam Cullop, 290-4321.
Dec. 6 (Sat): TOYS FOR TOTS BIKE RIDE. GABA-Tucson. Bring unwrapped toys on your
bike as we pedal to the zoo to deliver the toys. www.bikegaba.org.
Dec. 7 (Sun) TUMACACORI FESTIVAL RIDE. GABA-Tucson. 30-40 mi to breakfast at
Zula's in Nogales. Return to Mission to enjoy food, craft & entertainment. Tom
Ward, (520) 625-3649.
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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. Our centuries and our overnight rides are
the most valuable assets of this Club! We have a great reputation for well
organized and well staffed rides that cyclists are always looking for!
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 a
long day's work 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. Start by volunteering for one of the many "jobs"
on a major ride. As you gain more experience, you might want to volunteer to
organize a ride. Working with someone else as a" team" is one way to make it
less demanding: you then share the load with one or more persons.
Overnighters and Century Organizers do earn "GABA Bucks" as a reward for their
hard work, a small token of our appreciation! 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
information, or if you are interested in leading a major ride, we need you!
Please contact Judy Bolt, 512-0442 or overnights@bikegaba.org.
2007 Century & Overnighters Leaders: 2007 Social Events:
Picacho Century: Suzanne Couvrette Ice Cream Social: Pam Cullop
TTM Training Rides: Rich Corbett Holiday Pot Luck: Pam Cullop
Spring Bike Swap: Greg Yares Toys for Tots: Pam Cullop
Sonoita Bisbee: Suzanne Couvrette
Triangle L Ranch Ride: Cathy Crandall
Salt River Tour: Judy Bolt & Bob Klenke
Mt Lemmon Hill Climb: Steve Wilson
Luna Lake Tour: Pam Cullop
Mt Hopkins: Tom Ward
Blue Loop Tour: Guenda & Jack Spafford
Mountain Spirit Ride: Cathy Crandall
El Tour Training Rides: West Side: Rich Corbett
El Tour Training Rides: East Side:
Cross State Tour: Dorothy Barth
Cave Creek Tour: Linda Matson & Rhonda Smith
Tumacacori Century: Judy Bolt & Bob Klenke
Silverbell Century: Suzanne Couvrette & Jim Harms
Fall Bike Swap: Greg Yares
Tumacacori Festival: Tom Ward
THANKS TO ALL OUR 2007 SAG VOLUNTEERS!
WITHOUT THEM, WE COULDN'T HAVE
SUCH SUCCESSFUL RIDES!
Picacho Century: (17)
Leader: Suzanne Couvrette
Mary Ann Facelli; Kris Simmons; Nanette Bernier; Melinda Correll; Colin Cordell;
Norman Martin & Jenise Martin; Larry & Joan Gossman; John Desilets; Lois Zuniga;
Elva Klassen; Margaret Bembow; Jess Pettitt; Ed & Sue Roberts; Jill Hewins.
Spring Bike Swap: (many!)
Organizer: Greg Yares
Sonoita-Bisbee Spring Tour: (12)
Leader: Suzanne Couvrette
Ed & Sue Roberts; Guenda Spafford & Gail Grove; Dave Ness & Jackie Odermann; Pat
Dow & Elva Klassen; Dennis Tallent; Steve Shoemaker & Jim Edwards; Dale Caughlin.
Ice Cream Social:
Event Organizer: Pam Cullop
Sandi Rousseau
Triangle L Ranch Overnighter: (2)
Ride Organizer: Cathy Crandall
Laura Foggiano and Steve Dorfman.
Salt River Canyon Tour: (9)
Leaders: Judy Bolt & Bob Klenke
Debra Harms & Marie Klenke; Bob Bolt; Scott Audilet & daughters Michel & Nicole;
Jack & Guenda Spafford; James Harms.
Mt Lemmon Hill Climb: (5)
Leader: Steve Wilson
Pam Cullop, Sandi Rousseau, Jim & Debra Harms, and Rhonda Smith
Luna Lake Tour: (14)
Ride Leader: Pam Cullop
Sandi & Rich Rousseau, Dale Caughlin; Jay Williams & Elisha Wyrsch; Sam Marion;
Stuart Carter; Jim & Deb Harms; Wayne Cullop; Scott & Peggy Jacobsen; Jack &
Guenda Spafford.
Trail of the Mountain Spirits Bike Ride: (2)
Ride Organizer: Cathy Crandall
Laura Foggiano and Steve Dorfman.
Blue Loop Tour: (10)
Ride Leaders: Guenda & Jack Spafford
Herb & Gail Grove; Roy Cogley & Bonney Galloway; Tim & Marylee Hickman; Tony and
Nancy Crosby; Bob & Linda Epstein.
Cross State Tour:
2007 Chair: Dorothy Barth.
Cave Creek Tour: (3)
Ride Leader: Linda Matson & Rhonda Smith
Gordon & Sylvia Young, Bill Sievers.
Tumacacori Century: (33)
Ride Leaders: Judy Bolt & Bob Klenke
Dede Seder, Lee Max, Barb & Don Supper, Marie Klenke, Pat Dow, Pam Cullop, Mark
Ranzer, Bill Sievers, Steve Slat, Bill Borland, Rich Rousseau, Bob Murphy, Sandi
Rousseau, Donna Aversa, Carole Leiker, Jim and Debra Harms, Kathy Eldred, Beth
Heiman, Jack Wolfman, Don & Shirley Harmon, Jack Spafford, Bob Bold, Mark
Levine, Marla Rapaport, Carolyn Burchette, Jill & Cliff Papin, Don Lightfoot,
Mary Dauteul, Jerry Imel.
Silverbell Century: (16)
Ride Leader: Suzanne Couvrette. Co-Leader: Jim Harms
Jim Edwards, Steve Shoemaker, Jack & Guenda Spafford, Bob & Marie Klenke, Lois
Zuniga, Sally Borg, Ted Knotter, Tom & Tui Conner, Kathy Pittman, Bob Murphy,
Judy Bolt, Debra Harms and Marla Rapaport.
Fall Bike Swap: (14)
Organizer: Greg Yares
Barney Yarbrough, Bill Borland, Richard Burns, Terry Reed, Steve Wilson, Marla
Rapaport, George & Carol Franklin and 2 sons, Bill Sarnack, Mark Levine and Rich
& Sandi Rousseau.
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By Tom Thivener, City of Tucson Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Completion of the $3.4 million Park/Euclid Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge is
finished. Tucsonans were able to use the bridge starting in late October.
Official dedication of the bridge took place in mid-November.
The new 240-foot long and 110-ton "Basket Bridge" provides cyclists and
pedestrians with a safe, elevated crossing over a busy stretch of roadway, where
Park Avenue bends into Euclid Avenue, just south of Broadway. The bridge also
completes a nine-mile stretch of continuous shared-use path, along the Aviation
Bikeway, from Kolb and Escalante in southeast Tucson to Iron Horse Park near
downtown Tucson and the 4th Avenue Historic Shopping District.
The Basket Bridge is on the same stretch of path as the "Diamondback Snake
Bridge", which are a half-mile apart. Like the Snake Bridge, the Basket Bridge
has a strong artistic element. The Basket Bridge makes a visual statement with a
design rooted in Tucson's history. The bridge was designed by Rosemary Lonewolf,
with traditional patterns of coyote tracks and lizards used by Native American
basket weavers.
The fruition of this bridge is due in part to the City of Tucson's commitment to
supporting alternative modes of transportation and the community's push for
better facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The Tucson region is rated as a "Gold" bicycle-friendly community by the League
of American Bicyclists. The push is on in 2008 to make Tucson a "Platinum"
community. The addition of the Basket Bridge certainly will help our cause.
(Reprinted from Walkin' & Rollin', November/December 2007 issue.)
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When dogs chase you, you're much more likely to get hurt colliding with the dog,
than by being bitten. Always try and control your bicycle while you're figuring
out what to do.
If you don't think you can outrun it (dogs are fast!), quit pedaling and shout
at the dog "No! Bad Dog!! Go Home!!"
If necessary, stop and dismount. Put the bike between you and the dog. Some dogs
just like to chase moving objects, so if you stop, the chase ends. Do everyone a
favor and report the animal to Pima Animal Care Center at 243-5900, extension 3.
(Reprinted from Walkin' & Rollin', November/December 2007 issue.)
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By Dave Burnham, Pima County Graphic Services.
1. Crank those earbuds! Riding is a whole lot of fun, and riding with some
rockin' tunes is even better!
The problem is that you need both your eyes and ears to detect cars around you,
especially on back streets where you have to listen for crossing traffic. You
also need to hear cars coming up from behind. Save the tunes for later and
deploy all your sensors.
2. Save some money and skip the headlight! Whether you're mixing it up with
traffic on Speedway or zipping down a backstreet, you need to see and be seen.
Cars will turn in front of you if they don't know you're there, and the darkness
hides lots of ways to crash, such as potholes, parked cars, cats, dogs, runaway
dumpsters and pigeon attacks.
Whatever you do, you have to get some light on your bike. Cops can write you a
$125 ticket if you don't have a white front headlight and a red rear reflector
at night. If you get run over at night and you don't have a headlight, you won't
have a chance in court.
3. Don't lock it! Locks are heavy and expensive, but a new bike costs a whole
lot more. It's sad but true - leaving your bike for "just a minute" is the
fastest way to become a "former" bike owner.
4. Leave your helmet at home. It shows that you're tough and individualistic. If
you take a spill and crack your head, those ER doctors will shave off your
perfectly styled hair and put in some big, ugly stitches instead. You could also
injure your brain, and chicks don't dig guys who drool!
5. The mac-daddy of bike-stupid is riding the wrong way, against traffic. That
"left side of the road" thing only works in England.
Cars and other bikes don't expect you to be coming the wrong way. Motorists
turning right into the roadway will usually only look to their left and will
pull out in front of you. You could quickly become a stain on somebody's fender.
Go the same way as the cars!
Once again, if you get in a wreck when you're going the wrong way, the cops, the
court and the lawyers will consider whatever happens to be your fault!
(Reprinted from Walkin' & Rollin', November/December 2007 issue.)
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By Bob Klenke, Ride Co-Leader
Again in 2007, a great bicycling event for one of the most popular rides in
southern Arizona! This would simply not be so without the help of an outstanding
group of volunteers who put in a great many hours of work. You saw their
cheerful faces on the day of the ride! This ride required several teams of
volunteers to prepare for this large of a group of riders! Kudos to all of them
for all their work, before the ride, as well as on the day of the event!
REGISTRATION: At registration, riders were met by Dede Seder & Lee Max, who were
assisted by Barb & Don Supper, Marie Klenke, Patricia Dow, Pam Cullop, Mark
Ranzer, Bill Sievers and Steve Slat. Bill & Steve were the people who did
excellent work directing traffic into the parking lot. This was the efficient
group who hustled to register riders early on Sunday morning.
ROUTE & SIGNS: Bill Borland was up and at work "way before the birds" on the day
of the ride to put all the route signs in place! There was a lot of positive
feed back about the GABA signs being a very good way to mark all the turns on
the route. Bill Borland also organized the "Sweeps" in 3 sections, which he
drove with the assistance of Rich Rousseau and Bob Murphy. The "new" portion of
the route was seen as a good change. Century riders rode east toward Corona de
Tucson before continuing south to the Tumacacori Mission.
SAG FOOD COORDINATOR: Sandi Rousseau coordinated the "smiling faces" and the
great Food at the 3 SAG Stops. No ride is complete without the people preparing
& handing out food at the sag stops! This tremendous group got up early and
stayed late to make sure all riders got the special treatment they deserve.
Again, special thanks to Sandi who also helped with the shopping. The 3 Sag
Stops crews were:
Corona De Tucson: Donna Aversa and Carole Leiker with Paddy the pup.
Arivaca Junction: Sandi Rousseau, Jim & Debra Harms, Kathy Eldred, Beth Heiman
and Jack Wolfman.
Tumacacori Mission: Don & Shirley Harmon, Jack Spafford, Bob Bolt and Mark
Levine.
There were great stories told by many cyclist, such as the volunteer who brought
a big smile to the face of a rider who was trying to decide on which Eegee’s
drink to have. The volunteer explained to the rider that, since his Mother was
not there, he would have to decide for himself...
On a musical note, a group of cyclists sang Happy Birthday to Judy Bolt, our
Ride Leader, at the Amado Sag Stop as Judy’s Birthday happened to be the day of
the Ride, October 21st!
We also heard stories of the Tail Winds that pushed riders going South toward
the Mission, and the Stiff Head Winds that made the ride a little more work on
the return trip coming back North to the School. Sounded like a typically great
cycling day!
LUNCH AFTER THE RIDE: Who better than the GABA Social Director, Pam Cullop, to
Organize and set up a terrific lunch for some very hungry, wind worn, Cyclists!
The "smiling faces" of her lunch crew were: Marla Rapaport, Marie Klenke,
Carolyn Burchette. Patricia Dow, Jill Papin, Cliff Papin, Don Lightfoot, Mary
Dauteul, Jack Wolfman, Jerry Imel, Jim Harms, and Debra Harms.
SAG FOOD & SUPPLIES DELIVERY: Mark Levine and Jerry Imel drove the Rental truck
and got all the delicious food and needed supplies to each Sag Stops, and all
the supplies needed to the registration point.
We also want to thank BICAS, (Bicycle Inter Community Action and Salvage) of
Tucson, who set up mechanical support at Registration and the Amado Sag Stop to
assist with minor bicycle problems. This service was organized by Ignacio Rivera
De Rosales assisted by Alex Strickland, Alex Noelke, Ellio Berry, Ron Stanage,
Ian Ure, and Andy. Great Job to everyone from BICAS!!
ROVING HELPER: Thanks to Bob Bolt for serving as our "roving helper" this year.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Someone has to keep a computerized list of all pre-registered
riders, including new memberships. Donna Lewandowski kept track of all that
info.
CLEAN UP AFTER THE RIDE: Clean up after Lunch was performed by Pam Cullop and
the entire Lunch Crew with the help of Bob Murphy, Bob & Judy Bolt, Rich
Rousseau, Bob Klenke, and Jerry Imel. Bob & Judy Bolt delivered left over
perishable food to the Local Salvation Army.
We know of one accident where a cyclist went down and injured his shoulder.
After a trip to the hospital to be checked out, he joined us at lunch to let us
know he will be all right. Our wishes for a speedy recovery go out to him.
And finally, GABA would like to say thanks to all riders who participated in
this event and helped make it a safe & enjoyable one. We hope to see you all
next year!!!!!
On a personal note......... from Judy Bolt.
This was a particularly successful event because of the careful, long tem
planning and hard work of a core group of volunteers named in the article. A
special "thank you" to Bob Klenke, co-leader, who took over on October 21 so
that an "OAP" (old age pensioner) could ride…
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Sunday, January 20, 2008
Volunteers Needed!
The 24th 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 Old Vail/Valencia (Rita Ranch).
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. Check-in is ½ hour before event starts.
Check the website for this year's cost and regulations:
www.tucsonseniorgames.org.
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, faring 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.
* Helmets are mandatory.
* Multi-gear (free-wheel) bikes with front and rear brakes are required.
* Fixed-gear bikes are not permitted.
* Recumbent bikes which meet USCF rules are permitted.
* There may be no protective shield, faring or other device on any part of the
bicycle (including, but not limited to, the frame, wheels, handlebars,
chainwheel or accessories) which has the effect of reducing air resistance,
except those allowed by the USCF.
* Riders must stay to the right except when overtaking another rider.
* In the time trial events, no rider shall take pace behind another rider closer
than 25 meters (80 feet) ahead, or 2 meters (7 feet) to the side.
* Time trial entrants will start at 30 second intervals.
* Road racers will start at 3 minute intervals by age and/or gender groupings.
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.
Event Coordinator: Adrienne Gutierrez (520) 791-5909
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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Reprinted from an article by Adventure Cycling Association
We can help avoid trouble when biking near large vehicles by keeping in mind the
fact that the driver of a truck or bus has several "blind spots", certain areas
around the vehicle that the driver simply cannot see, even with the specialized
side view and fish mirrors that modern large vehicles are equipped with for
safety. We have to do our part by being "heads up" in those situations when we
find ourselves near large vehicles.
The key to being safe around them is to KNOW the NO-ZONES. NO-ZONES are those
areas on all sides, even the front and back of large vehicles, where the driver
cannot see other vehicles or fixed object or bicyclists!
Side Blind Spots
When a large vehicle makes a turn at a street corner, that long distance between
front and rear wheels means that the rear wheels may "off track" and run across
the pedestrian area at the curb. A skilled driver knows just how the wheels must
track in order to make a safe turn, but bicyclists should not pass trucks or
buses on the right, and should always stay out of NO-ZONES areas. Keep your
place in traffic behind these vehicles, staying alert for lane changes or turns
at intersections or driveways.
Behind the Vehicle
When it becomes necessary for a truck to back up, perhaps to make a delivery,
the vehicle will probably block the sidewalk for a short time. Don't race behind
as the truck backs up, trying to avoid a little inconvenience! The driver cannot
see you, and just like thinking about racing to beat a train at a grade
crossing, it's a race you won't win! Remember that a truck or bus that appears
to be standing still may move suddenly, particularly in crowded city traffic.
Stay safe and stay clear of backing trucks and buses.
Stopping Takes Longer
It's easy to understand that a lot of power is required to move a bus or large
truck through traffic. It's important to realize that once that large vehicle
gets rolling, it's going to take a longer distance to come to a safe stop - much
farther than for a passenger car. Don't be in a hurry to cross in front of a bus
or truck that is approaching a crosswalk or intersection; even a well-trained
profess-ional driver might not be able to avoid an accident.
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by Nacho Reyes
Cycle computers are wonderful little items. Way back when I first started
riding, I would go from my house to the Safeway store and around the side
streets of Chino Valley and back home without knowing how far I had gone, and I
didn't care.! Then, the course was not long enough. I'd get home with lots of
energy still left.
So, then I started going out farther and getting a good workout. As I would go
around the corner up the street where I live, I'd wave at Mr. Abbott. He was
always working out in his garden. Now, he had a real garden. He'd yell out as I
went by "you're too old for that kid's stuff". I'd laugh and really kick into
gear. Then, fifteen minutes into the ride, there was Mrs. Mintmyer. She had a
bunch of cats or so it seemed. "Slow down" she'd say, "my little Boots is out
playing." Chino Valley is a rather friendly town, you know.
All this time I had no idea as to my mileage or how fast I went. All I knew was
that it would take me X-number of minutes to do this ride or X-number of hours
to do that ride. Then, one day this friend of mine, Gary Lopez, tells me there's
a sale on this little computer for your bike. Huh?
Computer? You can actually see how far you've gone and how much time it took to
ride the course. Well guess what. I bought one.
The one I got tells me the distance for the ride and also keeps track of my
total miles like an odometer. Not only that, but I can see what my speed is
during the ride, and on top of that, it will average my speed for the whole
ride. If I want to know what was my fastest speed, it will also tell me that,
and what the time of the day is. Last, but not least, it will tell me how fast
my feet are spinning, rpm.
I mounted this gadget on my bike and went for a ride. You know that one-hour
ride I was doing not knowing how far I was going? Well, it turns out I was going
15 miles. Now I can do that route in less than an hour, only by a minute, but
still under an hour. So, I got one for my road bike also and you know what? To
Hell Canyon and back, it's only 33.1 miles.
If I stop quickly, without making a face implant, I can keep my average speed
up, for those stop-and-go situations. So there I go, nose to the handlebar stem
with my eyes fixed on the computer. Can I break my record from that last ride?
As I would ride with some of the guys, they would tell me to keep my eyes on the
road, not on the computer. I guess I wasn't paying attention to my fellow
riders. They took my computer off my bike and threw it out in a field. It took
me hours to find it!
I did find it and I looked around and they were gone, and so was the summer! I
had missed the summer! I was too focused on the computer and didn't see spring
change into summer, and it was in the process of changing into fall.
Mrs. Mintmyer's cat, Boots, had kittens and they were full grown cats by the
time I noticed. I also missed out on watermelon, corn and squash from Mr.
Abbott's garden. Whoa, how could this have happened? My whole summer. . . gone!
There's a knock on the door. I just got a package, the UPS guy brought me my new
Heart Rate Monitor! I Gotta go ride. See ya.
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By John Arle, GABA Phoenix
Several Club members have expressed concerns to me regarding safety on our group
rides, well, actually the occasional lack thereof. Since these issues have been
brought to my attention on more than one occasion, I felt they deserved some
attention.
Pacelines are the issue. First, how much of the roadway should we take? With a
bike lane, we should be able to ride in double formation and still remain within
the lane. If the far right of the lane has debris, and riding double results in
the left line being outside the bike lane, then the group should have the
collective wisdom to single out.
Moving the line to the left of the bike lane is a mistake that will promote
disfavor from our wheeled friends with whom we share the road. There is enough
unreasonable, un-knowing, and unaware behaviors exhibited toward cyclists. Our
riding habits should make every effort to minimize aggravation, not stimulate
it!.
How should we ride when there is no bike lane? Common sense should dictate
singling out. Some of our routes are relatively narrow. Many of these roads are
not heavily driven by cars, but nonetheless, riding double consumes the entire
lane! When sharing a single lane, this simply isn't wise; we should, once again,
single out.
I am certain I am guilty of these violations myself. Our social nature compels
us to ride side-by-side so we can talk and enjoy each other's company. This,
however, will be a little consolation if, or when, an accident occurs. We have
all seen close calls! This is one of the reasons I now limit the number of
"race" zones on the Spin Cycle rides. The competition was com-promising safety.
A secondary issue is the consistency of our pacelines. Both the Spin Cycle and
Saturday Cycling rides break into speed groups. These pacelines need to work
together to establish a consistent speed. Frequently, the lines fluctuate as
much as 3 to 4 miles per hour. Often, a strong rider evolves to the front and
bumps the pace up 5 mph only to be followed by a weaker rider that drops the
pace right back down. This is brutal at the back of the line, creating "yo-yo-ing"
that causes wheels to overlap and riders to go down.
The answer is simple: find a good pace for everyone in the paceline and hold it.
Don't pick up the speed when it's your turn at the pull unless "the team" can do
it! If you have been in the line working at your maximum and you tire, just
break off the back and wait for the trailing group to catch you. Nine times out
of ten, someone else is tiring too and will break off with you.
A spin-off of the pace problem is what commonly happens at stop-lights. Try to
keep in formation. Slower riders shouldn't slide up past faster riders. This
just causes them to have to pass as soon as the light changes. Again, this is
courtesy that is easily accomplished if we just pay attention.
Lastly, point out those road hazards! We've had several accidents as of late,
that were directly caused by hazards that were not pointed out. This is the
initial responsibility of the lead rider. Then, each following rider must pass
the signal back. The lead rider must give the hazard a generous berth and start
to move away from it early and gradually. Obviously, the leader's eyes must be
down on the road! The safety of everyone behind you depends on it.
We all know these cyclists truths to be self evident. And yet, on any given
weekend, we can find examples of them being broken. What do we do? What should
we do? Do we sound like jerks if we say anything? An accident will retro-spectively
answer all of these questions for us. We surely want to avoid that. Each of us
need to take the initiative to keep the group, and the individuals in it, as
safe as possible. Speak up! Say what needs to be said, but do it in a courteous
and caring way. We'll all be safer for it.
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By Brian Churchill
When I celebrated my first 24,902 miles on the bike, the earth's circumference
at the equator, I was told by many cyclists that they didn't track their mileage
or keep a log. I'd like to share 5 reasons why keeping a log is worth the effort
and time.
1. A log will help you gauge your bike's operation and maintenance. You know how
long your components are lasting, which routes cause you the most flats, and if
your speed is dropping off unexpectedly, maybe it's time to give the bike a
tune-up.
2. A good log will help you gauge your fitness. It can clue you in to hidden
injuries, improper warm-up techniques, or insufficient hydration and nutrition.
On the other hand, it can also show you that you're making fitness progress and
help build confidence as you ride faster, longer, and harder.
3. Logs help you remember the highlights of the cycling season. At the end of
the year, I like to look through my log and remember the special joy of some
rides. It's also a great reminder of where you've been and what you've seen as
you pedaled along. For example, when I lived in Maryland several years ago, and
rode along the Potomac River often, I was amazed at the end of the year to see
how many different kinds of wildlife I'd seen up close and personal on my rides!
4. A journal of this sort provides material for bragging rights and war stories.
It's easy for you to see things such as how hot, how cold, how long, how far,
how fast, and keep track of all your Personal Bests.
5. The best reason for keeping a log, though, is this: in conjunction with
cycling goals, a log will help get you out when you really don't feel like it.
Let's face it. There's 3 main reasons we bike: fitness, stress-reduction, and
renewal of our spirits. But sometimes every one of us needs that nudge to get us
out and pedaling. Knowing you need to log in some miles for your goals will get
you out there!
In my first few years of cycling, I did a lot of things wrong. I skimped on
equipment and apparel. I didn't place enough importance on hydration. I rode
with injuries, rather than resting. But the one piece of advice I took to heart
in those early days was the importance of a log. It's made a big difference in
my cycling. As a new year approaches, I urge those of you who aren't setting
goals and keeping a log to start!
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Scheduled for
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Mark your calendar! GABA-Tucson has given the go-ahead to work on a new century
course! This century will also feature two shorter options of about 60 and 35
miles. The area around Sierra Vista offers new routes and new challenges for
Tucson cyclists
Larry Robinson and Linda Kurick have volunteered to organize this new exciting
century starting in Sierra Vista. They are hard at work as they explore all the
different possibilities for this new century.
More details will be published in the next Update, as our volunteers progress in
developing a great course that will please all riders.
Volunteers will be needed: call Larry or Linda at (520) 237-5792 or contact them
at lin_kur@msn.com if you are interested in helping out with this new century!
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Now that fall is upon us, it's time for a little equipment maintenance that a
lot of people generally overlook.
HELMET:
Take the pads out of your helmet and launder them. Today, most of them are made
of some type of wicking material that does its job better when they are clean!
SHOES:
How are your cleats looking? If they're worn out, replace them. Make sure all
attachment bolts are secure!
PEDALS:
When was the last time you lubed them - if ever? Just remember, a little goes a
long way there.
CHAIN:
When was the last time you replaced it? If you can't remember, then you're
probably overdue. Chain stretch happens sooner than you think.
Do this stuff today and enjoy all the great fall rides on the calendar!
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By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett, West Side Ride Leader
Again this year, the GABA Tucson "El Tour Training Rides" were even more
popular, with a bigger than usual jump in the number of cyclists than last year.
The East side rides, beginning at Udall Park averaged about 150 cyclists per
week, and the West side rides, beginning at Grant & Silverbell, were up too,
with an average of about 65 cyclists per week.
The peak on the east side was 180, and on the west side 86, with a number of
riders each week getting to the start too late to sign in, but riding with us
anyway.
Andrea Lightfoot was the Ride Leader for the East side rides from Udall Park,
and was assisted by Naran Patel, who rode with the ‘short’ riders. The East side
rides continued to be very well attended, and popular. I was the Ride Leader for
the West side rides from Grant & Silverbell, and did not use a ‘short’ ride
leader, but did not have any complaints, as the routes were easier to follow.
The 2008 training rides will continue to be more varied and not have as much
cross town riding as many of our rides in past years did (i.e., Broadway &
Speedway).
All in all, the weather cooperated well, as no ride was shut out by bad weather.
It is our most sincere hope that all those who participated in the training
rides met or exceeded their "El Tour" goals. We hope to see you back next year,
ready to set another Personal Best, and have fun doing it!
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By Richard E. ‘Rich’ Corbett
Certified Master Instructor & Coach
This has been another special year for cycling, as we celebrated the 25th
Anniversary of El Tour de Tucson! We dedicated the ‘Basket Bridge’ over the
Park/Euclid underpass, making a continuous shared-use path connection from
downtown to the southeast side (east of Davis-Monthan), and we hosted the League
of American Bicyclists National Rally, in conjunction with the 25th El Tour de
Tucson.
The year started with two New Year's Day, “I Hate Football" Rides, one on the
east side and one on the west side of town. Then, the Tucson Senior Olympics
competitions took place January 20th for our senior riders.
The Picacho Century was held again in February, the “24 Hours in the Old Pueblo”
(the nationally known mountain bike race) was held in Oracle, and the State
Senior Olympics competitions were held in Phoenix.
An eight-week series of ‘coached’ training rides for C+ riders was started in
March to help riders train for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains. Many Arizona
cyclists rode the 20th Le Grande Tour March 3rd, starting and ending in Casa
Grande, and benefiting the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association.
April brought us the always enjoyable Sonoita-Bisbee weekend tour and PBAA's
21st Tour of the Tucson Mountains (with more than 1,000 riders). The annual GABA-Tucson
Spring Bike Swap was held and continues to grow in popularity. The 3-day Tucson
Bicycle Classic returned in mid-April, with national class competitors, and GABA-Tucson
held the annual Ice Cream Social as the month drew to a close.
May saw annual repeats of the 15th annual Mt Lemmon hill climb, and the scenic
Salt River Tour, as well as the well-liked Luna Lake Tour. ‘Rides of Silence’
honored those who have been injured or killed while bicycling, with a ride in
Tucson and one in Green Valley. Tom Thivener was hired by the Tucson Department
of Transportation as the new Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator.
As June came along, the Mt Hopkins hill climb took place, for fat tires, of
course! ABC held their annual Grand Canyon Tour, with many GABA Tucson members
taking advantage of the cooler temperatures on the high Coconino Plateau.
July 4th always sees the “Tour for Tucson's Children” - the 14th this year; the
Phoenix GABA Chapter held their annual, very popular, White Mountain Tour from
Show Low to Springerville and back.
The dog days of August brought the promise of better riding to come with the
popular Blue Loop Bike Tour in the mountains of central Arizona and New Mexico,
and there was a 4-week series of C+ Training Rides to help prepare riders for
the start of the El Tour Training Rides in September.
September was the start of the GABA El Tour Training rides both on the west side
and on the east side of town. As the end of the month approached, the 27th Great
Arizona Bicycle Adventure (the ‘Cross State Tour’) got underway.
October saw the Tumacacori Century with more than 500 riders! The 27th Annual
Cross State Tour was very successful. The Soul Mountain Bike Ride was staged
successfully, and the Cochise County Cycling Classic took place, with windy
conditions.
We started November with the GABA-Tucson Silverbell Century on a revised course,
which proved to be an excellent training ride for El Tour! The Bike Swap the
Saturday before El Tour was hugely successful (as usual). Then, we had the 25th
annual El Tour de Tucson, one of the Nation's very best and biggest cycling
events, and held in conjunction with the LAB National Rally.
In December we celebrate with the Tumacacori Festival Ride, the Holiday Pot Luck
Party, and the Toys for Tots ride.
What will 2008 bring to cycling in Tucson? We will continue to see
implementation of many miles of new bike lane facilities (such as the recently
improved Kolb Road), begin to fill in the gaps on the River Park's shared-use
paths, and add many, many new miles of sidewalks as well.
We will continue work on, and submit again, an application for the highest
Bicycle Friendly Communities rating, the Platinum, for the Tucson Metropolitan
area.
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Our Century Coordinator, Jill Hewins, moved to Prescott this month, and so, had
to resign from the Board.
Jill was looking forward to leading her first century, the Picacho Century,
scheduled for next February 10th, 2008! Unfortunately, because Jill accepted a
new job in Prescott, she will not be able to lead this very popular ride.
Thanks, Jill, for volunteering to be on the GABA-Tucson Board for the year 2007.
0We wish you the best of luck with your new job and your new town!
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Do you wish
that there were more organized rides for your level of bicycling?
Would you like
to do your part to help ensure the continued success of GABA?
Please……….
we want to hear from you now!
The University of Arizona Planning Degree Program worked diligently on a
five-year strategic plan for GABA. Corporate companies can pay thousands of
dollars for such a report. Because this was a class project, the report was at
no expense to GABA. Many of you received copies of it at the May GABA general
meeting. If you would like a copy of the report, please let us know.
Now is the time for us to examine the report and determine what direction GABA
should take in the next five years. A committee of GABA members will be chosen
to do this and to make recommendations to the Board. The first meeting is
scheduled for the evening of Monday, January 28th, 2008.
If you are interested in being on the Study Committee of the GABA Five-year
Strategic Plan, please contact Judy Bolt, 512-0442 or bojubolt@aol.com for the
location and time of the first meeting.
We look forward to hearing from many GABA members on this!