Upcoming Ride at a Glance
(See related articles in this issue for details.)
Ride Date Ride Name Organizers Leaders E-Mail______________________
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 overnights@bikegaba.org
3/1 (Sat) Le Grande Tour Az Parks & Rec CANCELLED FOR 2008
3/16 (Sun) Sierra Vista Bicycle Classic GABA-Tucson Larry Robinson lin_kur@msn.com
4/12 & 13 Sonoita Bisbee Spring Ride GABA-Tucson Suzanne Couvrette
update-editor@bikegaba.org
January Meeting
Monday, January 7 at 7 PM
Presentation by Linda Matson & 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 their beautiful medieval towns.
Public welcome!
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 CANCELLED FOR 2008.
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. 9 (Sat): TOUR DE CURE - TUCSON. Benefits the American Diabetes Association.
For info, 795-3711 x 7112 or www.diabetes.org/tour.
Mar. 16 (Sun): SIERRA VISTA BICYCLE CLASSIC. GABA-Tucson. NEW EVENT THIS YEAR. 3
options; the longest will include the Mule Pass Climb! 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.
APRIL 2008
April 5 (Sat): EL TOUR DE PHOENIX XVII Organized by PBAA.
www.perimeterbicycling.com
April ? (Sat): DESERT CLASSIC. ABC. Richard Utterback. www.azbikeclub.com
April ? (Sat): BIKE SWAP - Phoenix. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 6 AM-1 PM. CAzB.
www.cazbike.com.
April 12 & 13: SONOITA-BISBEE BIKE TOUR. GABA-Tucson. Suzanne Couvrette,
Update-editor@bikegaba.org. 69 miles each day, or New this year: option for a
shorter 45 miles a day. Sonoita to Bisbee and back the next day via backroads
around the Huachuca Mountains. Rolling terrain, a few good hills. Great dinner
at the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee on Saturday night.
Apr. 20 (SUN): EL BIKE SWAP DE TUCSON. GABA-Tucson On 4th Avenue, 8 AM-1 PM.
Free to all. Organizer: Greg Yares, 323-9020, or swapmeet@bikegaba.org In
conjunction with City of Tucson Clean Air Fair Events.
GABA-Tucson
SLATE OF OFFICERS
FOR 2008
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.: BOB KLENKE
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.
The Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club presents
Casa Grande Century
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.
24th Annual
Senior Olympic Cycling Events
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
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
GABA 5 Year Plan Meeting
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!
Safety Tip for Clipless Pedals-
What About the Other Foot?
If you use clipless pedals, it is important to alternate which foot you release
when coming to a stop.
Most people consistently use the same foot. If you always unclick the same foot,
chances are good that you are unpracticed at unclicking with your other foot.
This can be a major negative when (not if) you start to fall toward that side.
Because you aren't used to unclicking that foot, you won't be able to stick your
foot out to stop your fall.
Unclick with the "opposite" foot on a regular basis to avoid the pain (and
embarrassment) of falling because you can't get your feet out of your pedals.
Reprinted with permission of Adventure Cycling Assn. Original article from the
Different Spokes Newsletter, Los Angeles, Ca.
Welcome,
New & Renewing Members!
New Members:
ABIGAIL Mc ELHINNY & SAMANTHA WHITMAN; AMEE WATSON; ANA PEREZ-ARRIETA & DAVID
SBARRA; ANNMARIE FRAIJO; ANTHONY PAL; APRIL & SETH GERING; BILL HUSTED; BRANDI
COONS; BRIDGET TOLO; BRUCE & ARLIS BJORKE; BURNEY YARBROUGH; CHARLES DAIRYMPLE;
CINDY O'HARA; CONOR JOHNSON; CRAIG LIDWELL; CURT & DANA LAUMANN; DALE CLARK;
DALE IRELAND; DAVE MILNE; DAVID JONES; DIANE LINDQUIST; DONALD BUOTTE; DONNA
RICE; ERICA PONTES; FRANZ HAMMER; GARY HONGO; GREG VALENTINE; JACK WOLFMAN; JEAN
MARSALLA; JOHN KINGSOLVER; JUAN RASCON; KAREN HOCHGRAF; KRIS COBBS; KRISTI
MOORE; KRISTIE JUNGEN; KURT GARBE; LAURA MAULER; LEE TAYLOR; LEIGH WADE; LISA
HAGAN; MARY LUCKING; MIKE HAMMER; NOELLE ROHEN; PAUL & DONNA WOODFORD; RICARDO
RUIZ; RUSS HALL; SCOTT ANDERSON; STEVE MARSHALL; TERRY REED; TIM MARTIN.
Renewing Members:
ANABEL HILL & DENISE ROE; ANDREAS WIEDENFELD; ANDY & LAURA MEYER; BO
GUENDELSBERGER; BOB MURPHY; BRIAN NIKKASI; BRIAN SCHILLIG; CAIL GURNEY & CELIA
McMURRY; CAREN JACKSON; CARL & JACQUALINA McABEE; CHARLEY ANDERSON; CHLOE BLACK
& TOM ABENS; CHUCK MARTIN; CLIFFORD & JILL PAPIN; CRAIG GORDON & BARB SMITH;
DALE CROCKATT; DAN BITTNER; DAVID KIDD; DAVID MERCADO; DAVID O'BRIEN; DAVID
PEARSON; DEAN & SANDY TAYLOR;
DEAN MARVIN; DEBBIE & ROBERT IRWIN; DEBORAH DYER; DIANA HELLMAN & JAKE BRENNEISE;
DON PITTENGER; ED OSTRANDER; EILEEN & GORDON BUSH; EVE SHAPIRO & PAUL GORDON;
GARY BERG; GARY RUMACK; GEORGE MUNCRIEF; GLEN HELWIG; GWEN HYATT & STEVE CARLAT;
HELEN BATTISTE & JOSEFINA AHUMADA; JACK SIRY; JACKELINE ARENAS; JACQUIE, AL, MAT
& EMILY BRAILEY; JAMES KING; JAMES & DAUREE LYNCH; JAMES & MYRA GILL; JAMIE
MOORE; JEFFREY EIGHMY; JERRY BILLINGTON; JIM HARSHA; JIM LUSK; JIM MAGNAN; JOE
MILLER; JOHN DOWNEY; JOHN HENSEN; JOHN NUECHTERLEIN; JOSH EAKINS; JOYCE & BARRY
WEISS; KAREN & SAMUEL RAGLAND; KATHLEEN HRDY; KEN SHEPHERE; KENNETH DOUGLAS
KITTY & ANDY CHWALEK; KRISTI GA; LARRY & JOAN GOSSMAN; LAURA HORVATH; LOWELL
SORENSEN; LYNN MARCUS; LYNN MYERS; MARK GOLDENTYER; MARK LEVINE; MARK ORVEK;
MARK PROZER; MARLENE KNUTSON; MARLIN PRICE; MAYO & SUSAN ALLEN; MICHAEL HIGGINS;
MICHAEL POOL; MICHAEL RONSTADT; MICHELE SCHWITZKY; MIKE LESKO; MIKE SOLAN; MIKE
ZONNEFELD; MIKE & JESSICA BARRY; MORIA AICHER; NANCE CROSBY & JERRY CROSBY;
NARAN PATEL; ORLANDO CROOKS; PATRICK McGOWEN; PAUL FISHMAN; PETER SHIBUYA;
PHYLISS DAVIS; RAMONA DURRER; RANDY HARRIS; REX SCOFIELD; RICH & LOIS MOREY;
RICHARD CROCKER; RICHARD PHELPS; RICK OLAFSON; ROBERT& MARIE KLENKE; ROGER
CARRILLO; ROSEMARY CARMODY; RUSS HALL; RUSS & KAY WEED; SANDY MURCHISON; SHANE
GESBECK;
STEVE SLAT; STEVE & SUSAN LACE; SUSAN WINDEN; SUZANNE CRAWFORD; TARA TRUMBULL;
TED EAZER; TERENCE ALSTON; TERRI & JIM PARSONS; TOM & RUTH ANN GRIBB; TOM & SUE
HAUSAM; TRAVIS SATTLER; TROY PETERSON; TY ROYBAL; VICKY LITCHFIELD; WAYNE GORRY;
WILLIAM SMITH.
More Recent New Members:
ABE ROSIN; ALAN TRAVIS; ALBERT KNOWLES; ALICIA REYES; AMY BLAKE; ANDREW EDWARDS;
ANDY SARS; BETH ALLEN; BETH KOLBE; BILL HUTCHERSON; BILL LEVERENZ; BILL VAN
HOOK; BOB BURNS; BOB REDWANE; BRIAN LAMBERT; BRIDGET JURICH; BRUCE SHOEMAKER;
CANDACE PORTER; CARL TRIMBLE;; CARLOS BORBON; CARLOS RAMOS; CHAD & STEPHANIE
JESPERSEN; CHARLES DEAKINS; CHARLES WHITNEY; CHESTER PHILLIPS; CHRIS HILL; CHRIS
WEBER; CHRISTOPHER WHYTIC;
CHUCK WILLIAMSON; CINDY DONOVAN; CLINT BLOOM; CLYDE TURPIN; CRAIG GUERNSEY;
CRAIG HONEKER; DALE GREENE; DANIEL CONLEY; DANIEL SLATTERY; DARREN HEE; DAVA
VARIELA; DAVE PETERSON & TONI STALKER; DAVID DUNFORD; DAVID ELLIOTT; DAVID
ELLIS; DAVID PALMER; DELPHINE PERRODIN; DOMINIC BUSHER; EDWARD COOK; ELIZABETH
DOUGHERTY; ELIZABETH MAISH; ENRIQUE CELGADILLO; ERIK NYGY; ERIN HARVEY; ERIN
PEACOCK; GABRIEL GASTELUM; GENE BERTIE; GERALD SOBYE; GERRY HILL; GILBERT JONES;
GRANT ANDERSON; GREGORY DILL; GUY & KEVIN KELLY; HEATHER GAW; HEATHER SOPOS;
HEIDI SCHNEIDER; HOWARD JIANG; HOWARD KELLEY; JAMES CAMPBELL; JAMES MCKENZIE;
JAMES PRYNE; JAMES ROLF; JAMES & CYNTHIA LYNCH; JAMES JACOBSEN & DEANN DROTTZ;
JAN SCHNEIDER; JANA KATSANIS; JASON WELCH; JEAN MARSALLA; JEFF BRIDGE; JERRY
ZORNES; JERRY & ANDREA CURLESS; JESSICA AYON; JIM MCCORRY; JOE DAVEY; JOE
FLEMMING; JOE HANKINS; JOE HARTLEY; JOE URENA; JOHN BARR; JOHN HENDERSON; JOHN
HENNEBERGER JR; JOHN MERRITT; JOHN STANDIFER SR; JOHN TEAGER; JONATHON CROWE;
JOSE HERRERA; JUANITA CABRERA; KAREN BAUER; KARL MASON; KARL TERAN; KARRI
REDFIELD; KATHERINE RORSCHACH; KATHLEEN GUSTINE; KELLY POLOWICK; KEN BURNS;
KEN WEST; KENT LOGANBILL; KEVIN EVANS; KEVIN HARKINS; KRISTY KELLEY; KURT &
KATHY SIMONSON; LARRY & MARIAN HEATON; LAUNE SHELDON-CAMPBELL; LAWRENCE FISHER;
LEE TAYLOR; LIANE EHRLICH; LILIANA CEBALLOS; LISETTE BARRAGAN; LONNIE CALMES;
LONNIE LEE; LUKE HUSTON; MARK GRADY; MARCO MENCHACA; MARK CHADWICK; MARK DOUMAS;
MARK MANDEL; MARK TWENHAFEL; MARK & KAREN WALLS; MARLENE MENDOZA; MATTHEW
GASPARI; MERLE & PEGGY SIEGEL; MICHAEL ELLERD; MICHAEL MAHNKIEN; MICHAEL
RADCLIFF; MIKE FAIR; MIKE MARTIN; MIRNA CABRERA; NATHAN KEAR; NICOLE ROSTRON;
ORLOANDO JIMENEZ; OSCAR CORONA; OSCAR SILVA; PATRICK CLEMMENS; PATRICK PETTY;
PATRICK SCOTT; PAUL JOHNSON; PAUL KOENIG; PEPTER MICHAELS; PETER AVILA; PETER
ZIEGLER; RAMON ARVAYO; REMI ABUILQ; RENE PADRAZA; RICKY MAYTORENA; ROB STRESS;
ROBERT DOYLE; ROBERT HALK; ROBERT MAURER; ROBERT SAYRE; ROBERT TEMPLIN; ROBERT
WOLF; ROCKY PROCTOR; RODNEY CLARY; RON HOWE; RONDA & JIMMY WOLF; ROSS &
STEPHANIE HENDERSON; RUBEN ORITIZ; RUSS & SONIA WILKES; SAUL OSTROTT; SCOTT
MULAY; SCOTT WOODSIDE; SHELENE GLAOU; STEVE KAZEN; STEVE & ANNAMARIE FREEMAN;
STEVEN AHRENS; SUSAN BACCO; SUSAN BOETTCHER; SUSANNE VAN ZANDT; TED STOREY;
THOMAS BLANEY; TIM BIRK; TIM DEJONGHE; TIM MURPHY; TINA BURBANK; TODD BAKER; TOM
MOUCH; TOMAS ALMAZAN; VALENTE QUINTERO; VERNON MARNELL; VICTOR FONTES; VICTORIA
BLAIR; YESENIA DAVALOS.
CALLING ALL CYCLISTS OVER 50!
Arizona Senior Olympics
Qualifying Events in Phoenix
on February 23 & 24, 2008
The Arizona Senior Olympics will hold their Cycling events February 23rd and
24th, 2008. These events will be the QUALIFYING FOR THE NATIONAL OLYMPICS, to be
held in beautiful San Francisco, in the summer 2009.
Saturday, Feb. 23rd events will include a 5k and 10 K Time Trial.
Sunday, Feb. 24th events will include a 20K and 40 K road race.
The Arizona Senior Olympics is held in Phoenix, on 40th St and Pecos Road, with
age divisions for men and women in 5 year increments. The top rider
automatically qualifies for the National event.
You will receive a great goodie bag and have a lot of fun!
We need more Arizona representation at the State and National event. Come and
join us! For further information, check out www.azseniorolympics.com.
SALE! SALE! SALE!
Due to overstocking, we still have a number
of the superior quality 2006 jerseys
with the southwest design,
available at the low bargain price of
$35 per jersey!
But Sizes are limited!
Men's: Small Only.
Women's: All Sizes Except Large.
To take advantage of this sale,
contact GABA merchandise coordinator,
Sandi Rousseau at 577-1187 or at merchandise@bikegaba.org.
CLASSIFIEDS
Raleigh Grand Prix 2006 yellow & black. Atomic 13 Aluminum, Integrated Headtube.
Fork: Easton EC70 Carbon w/Alloy Steer tube. Crankset: Truvativ Touro Power
Spline Road 26/42/52t (2 xtra chain rings). Bottom Bracket: Truvativ Power
Spline Cart-ridge. F. Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra. R. Der-ailleur: Shimano 105.
Shift Lever: Shimano Tiagra 9spd. Brakes: Tektro Dual Pivot. Cog Set: Shimano
9spd (12-27t). Rims: Alex DC-19 w/CNC sidewall. Pedals: Forte SPD clip.
Handlebar: Ritchey Road 26.0. Stem: Ritchey 4-bolt. Saddle: Selle Italia FK
Trans Am. Headset: Integrated 1-1/8. Chain: SRAM. Hubset: (F) Alloy Joytech, QR
28h (R) Alloy Joytech QR 28h Cassette. Spokes: 14g Black Stainless Steel.
Extras: Rack & Fender mounts, Clear Coat, Owners Manual. Price: $450/OBO.
Contact Jim & Debra, (520) 241-5556 or (520) 906-4617 (Tuc) or jimatwfg@tucsondreammakers.com.
Yakima TerraGate II Bike Rack for 2 Bikes. Excellent condition. Mounts to a 2"
hitch receiver. Rack swings out to curb side of vehicle. Cost new: $300. Asking
$150. Pat & DJ James: (520) 825-2469 (Tuc) or djamesgang@q.com.
See The Cyclist ...?"
Being Visible Could Save Your Life!
By Richard E. “Rich” Corbett,
Certified Master Cycling Instructor & Coach
2008 Platinum Task Force Chair
When you ride, can you be easily seen? Too many crash reports contain the
statement, “I didn’t see the cyclist”. Do you want to risk a crash because you
are not easily seen?
So, is there anything you can do to prevent this (a crash because you were not
‘seen’) from 'happening' to you? The answer is yes. To be readily seen, you need
to pay attention to two basic components:
Where you are on the road and What you wear
Where You Are on the Road:
Motor vehicle drivers know that you look in specific places to see people doing
specific things (such as turning left).
For example, you normally look to your left from a stop sign to check for
vehicles on the near side of the road; you look to the center of the road for
those preparing to turn left, and so on.
So, what does this tell the smart cyclist?
It tells us to be where people normally look to see those doing what I am doing.
Another way to say it is, do not surprise other drivers by being where they do
not normally look!
What You Wear:
If you are where people look for you to be, then the next thing to pay attention
to is to be sure you visually stand out from the background. You do this by
wearing lighter, brighter colored clothing.
The next time you are on a ride, look around at the other cyclists. Can you
imagine a tired driver taking a hurried look through a dirty, or sun-streaked
windshield? Could the driver see them easily? My experience tells me that half
or more of our fellow cyclists will flunk this 'test'.
In Summary
To be seen, think about where you are, and what you are wearing. Also, think of
how other drivers see you, and you will be safer!
Good Times for All
at the Holiday Potluck!
By Pam Cullop, Social Director
By the time you read this article, the abundance of food and the Yule-time cheer
will be but a fond memory. But on the evening of December 3, nearly 100 of us
(including volunteers) gathered for GABA’s Annual Holiday Potluck Dinner and
Meeting. The set up volunteers were first to arrive: Suzanne Couvrette, Dale
Caughlin and I converged on the scene about 2:30 in the afternoon. With 3 car
loads of tables, chairs, decorations, paper goods and food, we were prepared to
transform the Pima Medical Society Building into a GABA Party, complete with
holiday atmosphere!
While Suzanne and I got to the business of making mountains of gravy, mashed
potatoes, and dressing, Dale spent quite some time unloading everything from ice
chests, to serving spoons, and then began the process of setting up the tables
and chairs. Jim Harms joined in the ‘table-up’ process as soon as he was able to
get away from work. Then, along came Bill Borland with more tables and chairs
(and water and sodas)! Sandi Rousseau and Judy Bolt were soon about their usual
(for this event) task of directing table placement and decorating. Steve Graeber
and Greg Yares appeared and soon the place was abuzz with discussions regarding
decorating options (I think that Judy and Sandi’s ideas mostly won out). But the
place was absolutely spectacular once everything had been adorned!
Turkeys and hams were provided by Don & Shirley Harmon, Melinda Correll and her
husband Steve, Bob & Judy Bolt, and by us (Wayne & Pam Cullop). Meat was
plentiful and delicious! Acoustic guitar music by Howard Wooten was a soothing
mix of old stand-bys and seasonal favorites. Award presentations, made by Tony
Everett in his final term of Club President, were graciously acknowledged and
received. The room was transformed into a winter wonderland by a hard-working
group of “elves”: Judy Bolt, Sandi Rousseau, Steve Graeber, Greg Yares, Dale
Caughlin, Suzanne Couvrette & Jim Harms. I think a few others lent a hand, and
even though I meant to find out who they were, the frenzy of activity kept me
from doing so. But I appreciate and applaud all of the effort that went into
making the room an inviting place for our members and other guests.
As soon as the room was decorated, and Howard was strumming his magical strings,
people began arriving with arms loaded with food to share for the Pot Luck and
with donations for the Tucson Community Food Bank. A reported 198 pounds of food
was collected that night – Thank You all for your donations to this worthy
cause!
And here we are…in January 2008! Time to start the New Year with all of the
rides and events that you have come to love, appreciate and even expect. How
about making a resolution to volunteer for at least one of these for GABA this
year? We know that there are many of you who would bring a little extra zest to
a ride or event, and believe me, we would be happy for the input ~ and the help!
This club was founded by volunteers, and has continued to thrive and grow over
the past nearly 27 years with that same effort. Why not add your name to that
list, and make a difference in GABA’s future?
2007 Ride Leaders Awards
Given at the Holiday Pot Luck!
by Tony Everett, President
At GABA's annual Holiday Pot Luck last December 3rd, Awards were given to the
following Ride Leaders in recognition for exceptional contributions: Andrea
Lightfoot for leading the El Tour Training Rides on the east side; Cathy
Crandall for reviving a couple of "old" GABA rides; Jack & Guenda Spafford for
leading the Blue Loop Bike Ride; & Judy & Bob Bolt with the help of Bob & Marie
Klenke for organizing the most successful GABA Century: the Tumacacori Century!
Other Awards included Sandi Rousseau for her tremendous work both as our Club
Secretary and our Merchandise Coordinator.
Congratulations to all of you and Thank You!
"Etiquette"
for Ride Leaders and Ride Participants
By Wayne & Pam Cullop
Have you ever been on a GABA Day Ride, and been frustrated with the way things
have been run, or with the cyclists who came out to join you? Well, having been
in the position of a ride leading team, as well as ride participants on rides
that others lead, we have seen both sides of the frustration and would like to
offer a few tips that might make the ride run a little more smoothly.
Ride Leaders:
1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the designated Start Time of the ride.
2. Bring along the required Ride Waiver and a pen to insure the ride is “legal”.
If expecting a large group, bring extra waivers and pens.
3. Have your route prepared; maps or a written description is needed when the
route is not a simple loop, or an out & back.
4. Before leaving on the ride, explain the route, pointing out possible traffic
congestions or hazards, and other road conditions needing special note.
5. If you have C or D groups, make sure you allow for re-grouping at regular
intervals.
6. With C or D riders, if there is anyone in your group that you can ask to help
cover the front or the back of the group, don’t hesitate to enlist their help.
7. Follow safe and responsible ride practices. Obey traffic laws; do not set a
bad example for the riders that you are responsible for.
8. If for any reason you cannot lead the ride on the designated date, 1) find a
replacement; 2) call the day ride coordinator if need be; or 3) send someone to
the start of the ride to let participants know the ride is either called off –
or appoint someone in that group to lead your ride. Do not simply “blow off” the
ride – for any reason.
Ride Participants:
1. Arrive early enough before the ride to be ready to go at the designated start
time. You should be ready to go 5 minutes before the ride's official time of
departure. This means that, if you have to pump up your tires, put on your bike
shoes and required helmet, or it takes a goodly amount of time to take your bike
off its rack, allow ample time for all of it.
2. Make sure your bike is in good repair before attempting any kind of a group
ride. If your tires are worn out – replace them.
3. If you are new to group or pace line riding, let the ride leader know. They
will be able to explain the various facets of the ride etiquette.
4. Always carry a tire pump or CO2 cartridges, two spare tubes, a tube patch kit
and basic tools for most roadside repairs.
5. Always have the equivalent of two water bottles filled before starting the
ride.
6. Let the ride leader know if you plan on leaving the ride before getting back
to the start/finish location.
7. Take a good look at the route description and ride level of the ride that you
decide to join. Those are two key factors in the ride being either enjoyable or
the exact opposite! Yes, we all need to stretch on occasion, work a little
harder to improve, but please make realistic judgment calls with your
capability. A quick call to the ride leader could help you make that final
decision between available ride options.
8. Follow safe and courteous rules of the road. Ride single-file if road
conditions dictate the need. Do not put yourself or others in jeopardy because
of unsafe passing or riding practices.
We hope that these ride suggestions will help make your day rides a more
enjoyable and pleasant experience for all.
First Annual
Sierra Vista Bicycle Classic
Sunday, March 16, 2008
By Larry Robinson and Linda Kurick, Ride Organizers
The Sierra Vista Classic Bike Ride will start in Sierra Vista. Riders will pedal
east towards Bisbee. They will climb over Mule Pass and zoom down into the town
of Bisbee. Continuing down the hill, they will get a view into the Lavender Pit
as they bicycle around it.
As they continue south and east, they will arrive at an overlook into the Naco
valley before gliding down through the Palominas valley and back into Sierra
Vista.
This is a new ride that will offer three different riding options: a shorter and
easier ride, a medium-length ride, or a longer more demanding ride. It is
designed to spark riding interest in our beautiful Southeastern Arizona.
Stay tuned for next month's newsletter with complete details on this new and
exciting ride, along with preregistration information. If interested in helping
with the ride, please contact Larry or Linda at: (520) 237-5792 or lin_kur@msn.com.
THANK YOU GABA! It’s Been Fun!
By Tony Everett, GABA-Tucson President
It’s January 2008 and it’s time for the annual meeting and the elections for the
leadership positions for our club. One thing that is different this year, is,
I’m not on the ballot.
This brings mixed feelings but it also gives me the opportunity to look back
over the last couple years, and remember the time I was privileged to be a part
of the GABA Board.
Much was done during this time, and much remains to be done during the next 25
years. GABA is no longer the small group that gets together to ride with our
college buds and our neighbors. We are a viable charity, with responsibilities,
and a long list of opportunities to contribute to the cycling community. This is
not limited to Tucson any longer, but on a national and international stage.
WE are a factor in what happens in the Tucson cycling scene. Our advocacy
program makes us an influential member of our community.
WE are contributors of time and resources to educate and enlighten the region
about cycling issues
WE are a contributor to the League of American Bicyclists cycling Education
programs, Road I, and Road II classes, which are offered in and by Pima County
on a regular basis.
WE continue to provide bicycles to kids who without our help and the help of
others like us wouldn’t have bikes.
WE continue to provide helmets for children as an effort to teach safety
beginning at an early age.
WE sponsor cycling teams at some of the high schools who don’t have the
financial resources to do so on their own.
WE are still a contributor to the PBAA and the El Tour de Tucson, and the list
goes on and on.
WE should be very proud of what WE do in and for our community.
I would like to take this opportunity to THANK YOU ALL for allowing me to be
part of this “WE” and the GABA leadership team. I will continue to say it, WE
are a volunteer organization dependent on our membership to provide the human
resources to keep GABA alive, healthy, and growing.
WE are dependent on all our membership to be a responsible, viable corporate
citizen in our community.
Every member of the GABA Board of Directors past and present made a commitment
of time and energy to GABA with these goals in mind. It is a team effort, and I
want to thank them all, starting with the founders of what would evolve to be
GABA today. I don’t think they had any idea what we would become!
Thanks to all of you with whom I was allowed to work on the GABA Board. You are
an incredible team, and I am happy to see you at the helm.
My best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year to all the GABA Members. I look
forward to riding with you all in the future.
Be careful, Ride Safe, & Enjoy!
Picacho Century
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Options for 100, 65, 35 & 15 miles
With a course almost entirely flat and a variety of options, this century offers
many opportunities for cyclists of different abilities. Distances offered are
suitable for families and novice riders, as well as more experienced riders.
This is also a good century to set a new Personal Best!
Starting at Cortaro & Silverbell, cyclists head north on Silverbell Rd. and up
over Rattlesnake Pass, a small hill at the north end of the Tucson Mountains.
Then, the course meanders in Avra Valley thru backroads, to the first sag stop
in Marana. Riders will then continue north on the east frontage road to Picacho
Peak, the turn-around point for all options. The return uses the same route, in
reverse. Maps will be provided.
100-milers have a slightly different course in Avra Valley: they will ride up to
the end of the paved road in Ironwood National Park.
Look for a lunch stop stocked with good sandwich makings & snacks, located just
past the Picacho Peak exit. Two other sag stops along the route will furnish
water, fruit & goodies, to give cyclists fuel and some time to socialize.
Most of the course has little traffic. Scenic Picacho Peak looming in the
distance keeps changing shape as you get closer and closer!
Pre-registration is VERY much appreciated. Helmets and good riding practices are
mandatory.
Sign-In Location For All Options:
Cortaro & Silverbell (NE corner); (exit 246, then west one mile).
Park along Silverbell so we don’t block the regular customers.
Everybody Must Sign In At This Location
And Pick Up A Course Map.
Registration time:
8 AM for the 100-milers;
8:30 AM for the 65-milers;
9 AM for the 35 & 15-milers.
STARTING LOCATIONS:
100-MILERS: Cortaro & Silverbell (NE corner). Start riding from here after
signing in and picking up your route map. You should be on the road no later
than 8:30 AM. Your turn-around point is at the Lunch Stop near Picacho Peak.
Watch for GABA signs along the course, as your route will be different from the
shorter options.
65-MILERS: Silverbell & Twin Peaks (NE corner). Drive 3 miles north on
Silverbell to Safeway parking lot. First, you must sign in at Cortaro &
Silverbell to pick up your route map. Start riding when ready. Your turn-around
point is at the Lunch Stop near Picacho Peak. Follow GABA signs for the 65-mile
option.
35-MILERS: Circle K in Marana, Exit 236, west side of freeway. Drive north on
I-10 to Marana. First, you must sign in at Cortaro & Silverbell to pick up your
route map. Start riding when ready. Your turn-around point is at the Lunch Stop
near Picacho Peak. PARK ONLY IN DIRT LOT WEST of CIRCLE K.
15-MILERS: Red Rock Exit 226. Drive north on I-10. Park on East frontage road.
First, you must sign in at Cortaro & Silverbell to pick up your route map. Start
riding when ready. Your turn-around point is at the Picacho Lunch Stop.
DIRECTION TO START:
FROM TUCSON, TAKE I-10 NORTH TO EXIT 246 (CORTARO RD.), then West 1 mile.
FROM PHOENIX, TAKE I-10 SOUTH TO EXIT 246 (CORTARO RD.), then West 1 mile.
Ride Leader to be announced in the February Update.
Want to help? Everyone needs to take a turn to help make all our GABA rides a
success! Please call Debra Harms, Volunteers Coordinator at 579-1682.
PRE-REGISTRATION FEE:
GABA Members: $20 Non-Members: $25
DAY OF EVENT FEE:
GABA-Members: $30 Non-Members: $35
Why not join GABA-Tucson today?
Get our monthly newsletter delivered to your door
AND this ride at member prices!
Add $15 for a one-year individual membership,
$18 for a family membership, or $10 for student members.
PICACHO CENTURY
PRE-REGISTRATION FORM
Sunday, February 10, 2008
(ONE FORM PER RIDER)
Photocopies of this form are acceptable.
Please fill out all blanks.
Leader: TBA
Return this form & your check to: GABA, PO Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733.
Option chosen: (Please circle)
100 miles 65 miles 35 miles 15 miles
All options must sign in at
Cortaro & Silverbell first,
then drive to specific starting points.
Money enclosed:
Member fee $20 $______
Non-member fee $25 $______
DAY OF EVENT member $30 $______
DAY OF EVENT non member $35 $______
Total money enclosed: $_________
I AM Currently a GABA member: yes no
NAME
(print)_____________________________________
ADDRESS__________________________________
CITY_____________________ ZIP ____________
PHONE ___________________________________
E-Mail_____________________________________
Participation in this event requires
use of a CPSC-approved helmet.
Staple your signed Waiver to each form.
Forms & Waivers cut with scissors are appreciated!
Goals for a
Successful Cycling Year
By Richard E Corbett,
Certified Master Instructor and Coach
What do you want to accomplish in cycling this year? Ride farther than you ever
have? Ride faster than you ever have? Learn to ride with confidence in Traffic?
Learn to train efficiently and effectively?
While there are many goals you can set in cycling, probably the most important
one the one you hold dearest to yourself – one that you have thought about and
decided you are willing to work for. But! Be really sure you are willing to
commit yourself to the effort that will be needed, and that you have a way to
track your progress.
Ride Faster
Many settle into a comfortable pace, and don’t deviate from that hardly at all.
So how does one get faster? Work harder! The most current training methods focus
on quality - not quantity. Coach Dean Golich (of RoadBikeRider.com) says,” If
you don’t train at race intensities, you won’t be able to go that fast in a
race. Don’t expect to do well at your goal pace, whether it’s 30, 25 or 20 mph,
if you consistently train at lower speeds. If your goal is 25 mph in a time
trial, start your interval with a hard charge off the line, then do your best to
hold that pace. As you get tired, your speed will decrease but your effort
won’t. If you do intervals this way, next week or next month you’ll be able to
hold the speed longer,” says Golich. “You’ll feel fatigue but it will be
temporary. It isn’t over training, so tough it out.”
Ride Farther
Endurance is almost as hard to achieve as speed, but can be if you train for
speed, as you will get more than a little bit of it! But, what if you are not
interested in speed?
Training to ride farther requires that you ride gradual, steadily increasing
distances, with plateaus, as you move from the distances you are comfortable
with, to increasingly longer distances. You also need to do midweek training –
at least two days a week, and preferably three.
For example, if you ride 35 miles as your maximum distance now, you will want to
start with a 40 mile ride. The next week ride five more miles (45), and so on as
you build up your conditioning. Conditioning is multi-faceted, including heart,
leg & back muscles, and very importantly, your three points of contact with your
bike – hands, feet and bottom. It will take about eight weeks to build up to
where you can comfortably ride 80 to 90 % of your distance goal (which for most
cyclists is 100 miles – a century.
Ride With Traffic Confidence
In a nutshell, the key to cycling a LOT safer in traffic is to: 1) follow
traffic laws; 2) make sure you are visible, and 3) learn three ‘emergency’
maneuvers that are taught in the LAB courses mentioned below.
We are really fortunate to have the LAB Courses available as an excellent, free
program (thanks to Pima County and Matt Zoll) for learning traffic skills – See:
http://www.dot.co.pima.az.us/tpcbac/SafetyClasses.htm for the schedule of
classes.
Tools for You
A critical part of accomplishing any goal is to believe that you can, and then
using that belief to support you as you invest the effort to earn your goal.
Visualizing your success is another very useful tool, and one that I have used
and will use again.
Tracking your progress with a log is a key way to be successful, as seeing your
steady progress will encourage and motivate you as you move toward your goal.
So, how about setting one or more cycling goals for yourself in 2008? Hopefully,
one that will challenge you physically and mentally!
So, I ask you again – What do you want to accomplish?
Coming Soon! Mark Your Calendar!
Sonoita Bisbee Spring Ride
April 12 & 13 , 2008
Make your reservations early!
There are other events taking place in Bisbee during April,
and accommodations in asmall town like Bisbee are limited!
By Suzanne Couvrette,
Ride Organizer
We are in the process of confirming all the arrangements for this great ride. An
article with all the details will be published in the February Newsletter. The
course will depend on Fort Huachuca's West Gate: will it be open or closed?
Going south of Sonoita in remote scenic areas with great mountain views and very
little traffic, that's what cycling is about! Care has been given to make the
Sonoita Bisbee Spring Ride as free of heavy traffic as possible!
We are planning on the West Gate being open, and will offer a NEW 8-mile shuttle
between Sag #1 and Sag #2 for those who want to bypass the more hilly part of
the course in that area.
As in previous years, we will also offer a shuttle between Sag #3 and the town
of Bisbee for the last stretch of the ride for those who want to ride only 50
miles.
And, you can also opt to take both shuttles! We want to make possible for riders
of various cycling abilities to come and enjoy this great ride!
As in previous years, we will offer the "Copper Queen Hotel Special Dinner" for
those interested and camping will also be available.
Volunteers are needed to make this ride a wonderful experience for all riders.
If interested, contact Suzanne at (520) 891-4661 or update-editor@bikegaba.org.
Motel List (updated 1/08)
Make your reservations early as Bisbee accommodations can fill up quickly!
We will deliver luggage ONLY to the following 19 places.
(You can make your own arrangements if you wish to stay at places not on our
list).
B & B's:
Letson Loft 520-432-3210 www.letsonlofthotel.com
Old Bisbee B & B 520-432-2080 www.oldbisbeebnb.com
Oliver House 520-432-1900 oliverhouse@theriver.com
School House Inn 800-537-4333 www.schooljouseinnbb.com
Sleepy Dog Guest House 520-432-3057 www.sleepydogguesthouse.com
Gardens at Mile High 520-432-3866 www.gardensatmilehighranch.com
Weather Station Inn 520-432-1691 www.weatherstationinn.net
Hotels & Inns:
Audrey’s Suites 888-437-4263 www.audreysinn.com
Canyon Rose suites 866-296-7673 www.canyonrose.com
Copper Queen: 520-432-2216 www.copperqueen.com
Eldorado Suites 520-432-6679 www.eldoradobisbee.com
Gym Club Suites 520-234-5921 www.bisbeelandmark.com
High Desert Inn 520-432-5747 flwrchld1969@msn.com
Hotel San Ramon 520-432-1901 hotelsanramon.com
Guest Houses:
Gentry House 520-378-3025 www.dnabisbee.com
High Road House 520-432-3950 www.highroadhouse.com
Highland Guest House 520-234-5342 www.bisbeeguesthouse.com
Mayberry's Place 520-234-1252 www.inntheoaks.com
The Raffle House 520-249-4497 sullbill@aol.com
Chamber of Commerce 520-432-5421 www.bisbeearizona.com
Please! DO NOT use Hotel La More (or any other accommodation NOT listed here):
it is impossible for our truck to negotiate some of Bisbee's very narrow
streets,
and some B & B's do not have a turn-around area for a large truck.
"I Hate Football" Rides
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Mark your calendar!
What better way to start the year?
This year, there is two rides to choose from:
1. Join Rich Corbett, kc7ovm@dakotacom.net or 623-0017, for a moderate "C" paced
35-mile ride to Saguaro National Park East & beyond. Meet at 9 AM at Udall Park,
(east end of parking lot) on Tanque Verde Rd., just east of Sabino Canyon Rd.
2. Or join Jim & Debra Harms, jimatwfg@tucsondreammakers.com or 241-5556 for a
more vigorous C & C+ paced 40-mile ride on the West side. Meet at 9 AM at
Mission Library, Ajo & Mission, SW corner. Ride by Old Tucson, Red Hill Visitor
Center & McCain Loop.
"Le Grande" TOUR is Cancelled for 2008
Le Grande Tour XXI
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The 21st annual Le Grande Tour Bicycle Challenge is presented by the Arizona
Parks and Rec Association (APRA). This premier bike event winds its way thru
beautiful desert landscapes around Casa Grande, Coolidge and Eloy. This
non-competitive ride consists of a 100K, a 50K and a 10-mile Family Fun Ride.
Start and Finish are at Peart Park across from City Hall in downtown Casa
Grande.
Registration fees:100K and 50K: $35 before 2/1, $40 after 2/1, or $45 on
day-of-event. On site registration available starting at 7 AM at Peart Park.
Riders package includes a quality event T-shirt, sponsor coupons, post race
lunch & prize drawing tickets. Medals awarded to the first 100 finishers in the
100K, and first 50 finishers in the 50K. Participation in the 2007 Tour was over
600 riders.
Contact: apra@azpra.org; www.azpra.org; 602-335-1962 or 800-335-7275.
Le Grande is Cancelled for 2008
Ride Cancelled for 2008
Ride Cancelled for 2008
Ride Cancelled for 2008
BAC Facilities
Subcommittee Report
By Robin Steinberg
The Facilities Subcommittee definitely got off the ground and is doing lots of
work.
Bill Adamson from the BAC is the chair. The meetings are well attended by some
regular BAC members, some biking representatives from the various jurisdictions
(e.g. Matt Zoll, Tom Thivener) and a number of volunteers. We have a very active
group of retirees from the Sahuarita/Green Valley area who have been getting
lots of things done in that area.
My area of interest is the Midtown Bike routes. Last spring I worked with Tom
Thivener from the City and submitted an application for one of the
Transportation Enhancement Grants through ADOT. The application was to fund a
signalized bicycle/pedestrian crossing at Swan along the 3rd Street bike route.
We did okay in the rankings, but not well enough to get funded – no cigar. We
intend to apply again this spring.
In the meantime, Tom and are planning to go out and start working on the signage
along the various bike routes. We will start with the 3rd Street bike route and
then move on to others. We will be putting together a list of places along the
routes where there should be signs added, or where signs are not visible for one
reason or another. We want to develop and install a system of “Way Finding
Signage” throughout the City.
I am thinking about writing a longer article when we are getting closer to
submitting for the grant again. I could use the article to tell people what we
are trying to do and get some community support.
As far as helping out, the meetings are open to the public and anyone who wants
to come and join in is welcome. There are lots of projects to get involved with.
The meetings are the last Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM, at the PBAA office on
Broadway. We are not meeting in December, but we are having an extra meeting,
January 8. Feel free to give my contact information if anyone would like more
information: nibor@dakotacom.net.
SPEND THOSE GABA BUCKS NOW
By Judy Bolt, Overnighters Coordinator
Have you received GABA bucks for volunteering at some event? Do you know where
you stashed them? Are they hidden under your mattress?
It’s time to bring them out and SPEND them! GABA bucks can be used to:
- Purchase GABA merchandize;
- Pay all GABA rides registration fees) except for 2 rides).
- GABA membership fees;
- Bicas accepts GABA bucks for some things.
If you do not want to spend your GABA bucks for any of the above, you can donate
them to any bike-worthy causes that GABA promote, such as:
- RAC Bicycle Give Away Program;
- Greg Hockensmith Hand Cycle Fund;
- Care Fair;
- July 4th Tour for Tucson's Children;
- Latin American Social Club;
- PBAA;
- Tucson Bicycle Classic.
To donate your bucks, simply mail them to GABA, PO Box 43273, Tucson, AZ 85733
and indicate which cause you would like your bucks donated to. So dig around,
gather up those GABA bucks, and get them back to GABA! Special kudos to anyone
who can name the fit guy whose photo appears on GABA bucks.
Earn "GABA Bucks"
When You Volunteer
to Lead or Help on a Ride!
What are "GABA Bucks"?
"GABA Bucks" are credits issued by the Club in increments of $5. Use them for
ride fees, membership fees, jerseys, etc.; they have no expiration date; can be
transferred to someone else or donated back to GABA to help with worthy causes
supported by GABA.
How can I earn GABA Bucks?
1. Lead a Day Ride: Worth $5 in GABA Bucks. Contact Day Rides Coordinator
Melinda Correll, 731-3156 or dayrides@bikegaba.org.
2. Lead/Help on Overnighters or Centuries: Contact Volunteers Coordinator Debra
Harms, 579-1682 or volunteer@bikegaba.org.
"GABA Bucks" are earned as follows:
A. SAG stop, baggage truck, sweep vehicle:
$15 for 1-day events; $30 for 2-day events; $35 for 3-day events.
B. Help at registration or other tasks: $5.
C. Lead a century ride: $45.
D. Lead a two-day overnight ride: $55.
E. Lead a three-day overnight ride: $65.
3. Write articles for the UPDATE: Worth $5 in "GABA Bucks" per article. Contact
UPDATE Editor, Suzanne Couvrette, update-editor@bikegaba. org or 891-4661.
4. Organize Social Events (picnics/ice cream socials, etc.) Worth $25 "GABA
Bucks". Help with various social events: earn $5/$15. Contact Social Director
Pam Cullop at socialdirector@bikegaba or 290-4321.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Respect pedestrians on Bike Paths
On a shared use pathway, always slow down when approaching pedestrians, give a
verbal warning that you're about to pass, and provide at least 5 feet passing
distance.
Remember! The pedestrian you treat well on the path may be the driver who treats
you well on the roadway.
Bicycle bells are a polite way to alert people to your presence!
(Reprinted from Walkin' & Rollin' which is produced by Pima County Bicycle and
Pedestrian Program, Matthew Zoll, Program Manager (520) 740-6746).
The Handwriting is on the Wall…
But Can You Do Something About It?
Taken from "Cycling Past 50" by Joe Friel
It appears that much of the slowing that occurs after age 50 is not due to age,
but rather to self-imposed limitations. About half the loss is because of
inactivity, and perhaps a fourth results from reduced intensity.
So, "disuse" is the greater of the commonly accepted performance drop-off that
accompanies aging. Advancing years may only account for a quarter of the
physiological losses, approximately 2.5 percent in a decade.
Vigorous and frequent riding is what it takes to maintain functional potential,
both on the bike and for life in general. Vigorous riding keeps the heart's
stroke volume high and the blood vessels clear and elastic. Pushing yourself a
bit on the bike will keep the lungs working efficiently. Frequently using
muscles near their maximum capacity on the bike and in the weight room will
prevent the loss of muscle tissue.
Vigor is the key. Although riding easily is good for slowing the aging process
and necessary at regular times for all riders, it is inadequate to keep the loss
of function and health that accompanies old age at a minimum.
A sensible program that combines high-intensity training, such as hills and
intervals, with strengthening, stretching, a sound diet, and adequate recovery
is required to counteract the downside of aging and increase the quantity and
quality of life.
Reprinted From Adventure Cycling, www.adventurecycling.org
Ten Mantras for Endurance Cyclists
Susan I. Barr, PhD, RDN, FACSM
Professor of Nutrition, University of British Columbia
(Reprinted from UltraCycling magazine.
For more information, go to www.ultracycling.com, copyright 2004, UMCA, Inc.
1. One-way Principle:
• Food and drink should be palatable, go down easily, and stay down.
2. Moderation, Variety and Balance:
• Moderation: no good foods or bad foods; rather, healthy diets and not so
healthy diets.
• Variety: nutrients are distributed in different foods.
• Balance:
- your diet isn’t too lopsided (e.g., so high in carbohydrate that protein is
neglected).
- energy balance (eating enough to meet your energy needs)
- fluid balance.
3. Water, Water Everywhere:
• Maintain fluid balance while riding. To estimate your rate of fluid loss,
weigh yourself nude before and after a ride.
• Sweat rates when exercising hard in hot weather can exceed 1 L/hr (35 oz) and
average stomach emptying rate is just over 1 L/hr, so it’s not always possible
to keep up.
• Drinking on the bike is learned and that you can get used to the feeling of
more fluid in your stomach.
4. Pass the Salt:
• Sweat contains about 1 g of sodium / liter!
5. I Never Met a Carbohydrate I Didn’t Like:
A minimum of 5 g CHO/kg/day, and up to ~10 g/kg/day for those in heavy training.
-154 lb person: 350–700 G CHO /day (1400–2800 cal from carbs)
-176 lb person: 400-800 G CHO /day (1600–3200 cal from carbs)
6. Fat is Not a Four Letter Word:
• For those in heavy training, fat calories are a good way to meet high energy
needs.
7. Where’s the Beef?
• Lean meat is the best source of iron and is also a good source of zinc, B
vitamins, and high-quality protein.
• Although there’s still some debate, athletes may need more protein
- perhaps 1.2-1.5 g/kg
-154 lb athlete: 84-105 g protein/day (336–420 cal from protein)
-176 lb athlete: 96-120 g protein/day (384–480 cal from protein)
• Example: 3 oz. of meat, fish, or poultry provides about 20g protein; 1 oz
cheese,1 egg, or 4 oz of tofu provides 7-10 gm of protein.
8. Calories or Convenience?
• Bars, gels and sports drinks are convenient, but don’t provide superior
nutrition compared to “real food”.
9. Timing is Everything:
• Before cycling: 50 - 200 g CHO, 1 - 4 hours before activity IF you want your
stomach empty when you start cycling.
• Before a long ride, larger quantities in closer proximity to the start of the
ride.
• During a ride 50 g/hr for a 70 kg cyclist for a century.
• Longer rides, balance the energy you’re using with what you’re taking in over
the course of a 24-hr period.
• After a ride, take in carbohydrate soon after exercise to help replace
glycogen stores.
10. Be Prepared
• Eat before you’re hungry; drink before you’re thirsty.
• Where’s the next mini-mart?
2008 State-Wide Bicycle Events Calendar
Editor's Note: Check each month for additions, deletions, or corrections.
To list events or send corrections: Update-editor@bikegaba.org.
GABA-Tucson
Supporting Members
Alphabetical list of GABA-Tucson's Supporting Members.
See back page for individual ads.
Abelson, Todd, Mtg planner 901-7160
Ajo Bikes 294-1434
Bargain Basement 624-2331
Body Benefits 977-7483
Bodycentral 325-4002
Broadway Bicycles 296-7819
Fair Wheel Bicycles 884-9018
Graeber, Steve 762-5040
Green Valley Bike & Hike 393-7433
Guimont, Barry 390-3211
Leonard, Brice 508-633-5217
M & M Cycling Sierra Vista
Oro Valley Bicycle- 544-5999
Performance Bicycle 296-4715
Pima Street Bicycle 326-4044
Post, Eric 290-9944
Sabino Cycles 885-3666
Szach, Jerri 918-5855
Trek Bicycles of Tucson 327-2265
TriSports.com 884-8743
Tucson Bicycles 577-7374
Wenberg, Susan, DC 326-1322
Yares, Greg, Realtor 323-9020
Ads (1.5" x 2.5") run from 7/1 to 6/30 of the next year.
Ads paid-up by June 15th run on the July Cover.
Contact: Bob Klenke, Bike Shop Coordinator, 825-2601 or bikeshops@bikegaba.org.
Silverbell Century 2007
Wings 2nd Year
With Flying Colors!
By Suzanne Couvrette, Ride Organizer
The Silverbell Century had been around for a long time! But, it never had found
its place in the GABA calendar: either it was too late in the season, or too
early in January when it was too cold to ride. By scheduling it in November, 2
weeks before El Tour de Tucson, we found the perfect date for this ride that can
now grow each year. This ride offers a great opportunity for riders to do one
last long training ride before El Tour.
The Silverbell 2007 brought riders a more interesting course, using the "almost"
finished Craycroft and the completely finished Alvernon Bridge. What's important
to me is to finalize a course that will have minimal traffic where possible, as
well as interesting areas to bicycle through. The course was more hilly for the
100-milers, but most of the hills were over with by mid-point. The next 50 miles
were mostly flat, allowing for a good speed workout.
Last November 4th, the weather was perfect, blue skies and plenty of sunshine,
no winds and mild temperatures! Close to 250 riders actually came to the start,
eager to start riding on this beautiful morning!
The course was well marked at every turn with our new GABA signs that can be
attached to existing traffic signs wherever needed. Sag stops with friendly
volunteers were located at strategic places to give riders plenty to eat along
the course.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made this ride a great success! Without
volunteers, there wouldn't be rides like this! At Sag #1, at La Canada & Lambert
Lane, we had Lois Zuniga, a "veteran" sag person with Tom & Tui Conner, both new
volunteers! At Sag #2, in Marana, experienced volunteers Jack & Guenda Spafford
with the help of newcomers Sally Borg & Ted Knotter, handled the crowds like
pros! This was the lunch stop, with plenty of Subway sandwiches awaiting riders.
Sag #3, located off Silverbell Road in a small park, was manned by Bob & Marie
Klenke, also veteran sag volunteers.
Some of these volunteers did double duty: Bob and Marie Klenke also handled the
registration at Campbell & River, helped by Judy Bolt and Marla Rapaport. Let's
not forget to mention the two sweep crews, Bob Murphy and Debra Harms with Kathy
Pittman. And, I want to mention our "Signs Crew", Steve Shoemaker and Jim
Edwards, who distributed all the GABA signs that were at each turn of the
course! They started before 6 AM to make sure that they would be ahead of all
the riders! Each sign had to be secured to a pole, street signs post or trees!
And, special thanks to my co-leader, Jim Harms, who did a super job as he was
learning the" ins and outs" of organizing a GABA century. Jim has volunteered to
be the 2008 Chair of the Cross State Tour to be held next October. His
experience with the Silverbell Century will certainly come in handy!
This year, we had a few volunteers to greet riders at the finish point with some
drinks and snacks: thanks to Lois Zuniga, Marla Rapaport and Jack & Guenda
Spafford who agreed to spend a few extra hours at the finish line, on top of
their duties at a sag stop.
Hoping to see you next year on an even better Silverbell Century!
SALE! SALE! SALE!
Due to overstocking, we still have a number
of the superior quality 2006 jerseys
with the southwest design,
available at the low bargain price of
$35 per jersey! Limited Sizes!
Men's: Small Only.
Women's: All Sizes Except Large.
For more info, contact GABA Merchandise Coordinator, Sandi Rousseau, 577-1187 or
merchandise@bikegaba.org.
Sunrise-Sunset Times
Tucson Az Mtn Standard Time
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
FEBRUARY
RISE SET
A.M. P.M.
1: 7:18 5:57
7: 7:14 6:03
14: 7:08 6:09
21: 7:01 6:15
28: 6:53 6:20