The Hub Archive - 2002

Casa Grande Century a Hit!

Added January 27, 2002

written by Jane Larson

There's nothing like "sunny and 70'' in the forecast to draw out cyclists for Arizona's first big ride of the year, the Casa Grande Century.

Some 173 riders -- a record turnout, at least in recent memory -- came from around Arizona and as far away as Ohio to enjoy the ride from the southeastern edge of Chandler to Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande. Folks taking the full 108-mile route got to see the sights and the Gallopin' Goose of downtown Coolidge, while those taking the metric century route got to savor reaching the top of that gradual but long hill over Interstate 10. Those whose century ambitions were thwarted by the abundance of sandwich fixings, salad and snacks at the park got to combine both routes into an 85-mile loop.

Prize drawings for everything from bike tools to "historic'' socks from previous PMBC rides gave riders another reason to linger at the park and add some more weight for the trip back.

The Casa Grande volunteers had a great time, too. Thanks to Mike Morross, Mike Litecky, Bob Beane and Jan Peterson at the darn-it's-still-cold-at-8:30 registration; Sue Fassett and Bob Brown at sunny Sag One; Tom Sullivan and Paul Nichols at here-comes-another-fast-pack Sag Two; Val Horton, Ray Almada, Suzie Culver, Leon Smith and Roger Simmons at the carboload-and-compare-notes lunch; and the Pat's Schwinn Pattersons, Mike L., Suzie and Leon for their maybe-I-do-need-a-hand route-sweeping expertise. - Jane Larson

 

Picacho Peak Ride Report

Added January 27, 2002

written by Tom Adams

The Kitchens, Tim and me did the GABA Tucson Picacho Peak Century last Sunday. We picked the 100KM option, from Marana Airport to Picacho Peak and return.

The route is out and back through Avra Valley, then follows the I-10 frontage road. The road surface is very good, and there is very little traffic (although it is fast). We left Scottsdale at 6:30am, and arrived at Marana Airport at 8:30am. We started riding at 9am, and had great weather.

The ride was well organized and supported with maps at the sign-in, and a couple rest stops along the way stocked with good fruit and snacks. A sandwich lunch was provided at the Marana turn-around, with chips and sodas and an ice cream treat from the Picacho Dairy Queen. The ride souvenir was a bandana. We averaged over 15mph for the 63 miles, not bad considering I only had 60 mile knees that day, and Tim had a toothache.

Other recumbents: A Tucson rider had a recumbent trike from RC, his wife on a BikeE. The Kitchens had matching white TE's (or GRRs) with fairings. Of course I didn't realize it was them until after the ride!

Had a long talk with one Tucson wedgie rider who'd had enough pain and was very interested in 'bents. He and his wife would pass us at the rest stops, then we would pass them on the road. I referred him to Ajo Bikes. I'll bet we made a convert.

At Picacho we met a German couple who were bike touring across the USA to Canada. They had fully laden front and back panniers and racks, and were pulling a BOB. You can visit their web site and follow their adventure at http://www.toomuchtime.de. Their advice: "The most important thing is to have waterproof panniers, a good tent and a warm sleeping bag."

I highly recommend this ride. Be sure to sign up for it next year when it comes around again.

Tom Adams

 

January 26 Saturday Cycling Report

Added January 27, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 54 riders brave the cold this morning, but they were rewarded with balmy temps for the ride back after breakfast. Due to a little miss-reading of the map (like that's never happened before!!) we had a few riders who planned on taking the gentle version of the route end up making their way up the climb on MacDonald-- but they managed to conquer the challenge in style. Rumor has it we had a couple of riders tangle up as we exited the park (maybe Lance and Janet?). If you had a close encounter with the pavement this morning, make like ET and phone home (actually, email will suffice) and let us know that all is OK. Cycling is such an adventure.

Coming up...

Saturday 2/2/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to the north east for a loop by way of McKellips with mileage options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast is Neighbor's Cafe, NW of Alma School & Guadalupe, where the staff advises they will be prepared to serve large amounts of sausage in honor of the holiday (get it? Ground Hog Day? woo hoo!!)

Saturday 2/9/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Mike Litecky takes the pack to the southeast on loop with a couple of mileage options, no climbing. Breakfast is Bill Johnson's, NW of Elliot & Arizona Ave.

Sunday 2/10/02. Just a reminder-- 2/10/02 is the date of the Laveen Country Challenge which is a grand ride to do, or if you are not headed that way, or after the ride on your way home, go check out Honeywell's Hungry Dog Crit race which is being held on 51st Street just north of Elliot. The pro riders will be doing their thing at about 2:30pm, so you could do Laveen and swing by the race after.

Tid bits...

The Mining Country Challenge is coming up on Saturday 3/16/02 and ride leader Rob McClure advises he is in need of some warm bodies to help run the ride. The start/finish for the ride is in Superior. If you are available to volunteer to assist that day, contact Rob McClure.

Ride Safe.

 

January 20-21 Spin Cycle Report

Added January 21, 2002

written by John Arle

... But Its a Dry Cold!

A weekend of rather brisk temperatures greeted those that sought the coveted MLK Trilogy award by riding all three days this long holiday weekend. Fifteen riders rode the Temesandler (that would be Tempe, Mesa, Chandler) Loop on Sunday and twelve road the Ohcotukee Figure Eight on Monday. Several riders, including this writer, commented on the difficulty in shifting when one's fingers have gone completely numb or when sharp pain has set in. Ann had the definitive gloves with her thinsulites. At less than five bucks at Big Lots, I'm going there this week! Gary and I both rethought the start time and wondered if maybe one of these afternoons we should try a ride and call it the PM Pedalers. If you haven't noticed, it was flat out perfect both afternoons.

Gary had the only flat across the two days. The interesting thing was that several other riders heard the air come out and we all had to do a tire check. Gary was the last to notice he was the one with the flat. Owen and Peggy's mighty tandem developed a shifter problem from a lost screw (was that Mike Litecky with that screw last weekend?) and finished with one gear in the back and two up front and the cassette shifter held together by duc-tape. You guys are cyclo-studs! Glen had his own set of problems this morning, however, short stopping back at his house then making another 911 dash as soon as we got to the restaurant.

I want to welcome Dan and Paula to the group. Keep riding, Paula, it gets easier and even gets more fun with practice.

I believe Sunday's Hoosiers on Warner wins the cafe competition. They treated us VERY good and even got two spuds up from Peggy for their potatoes.

Ron and Gary, you guys were great making certain no one got left behind. This is truly the club spirit of these group rides. You both get the yellow cap for showing what leadership is all about.

Next Sunday, the Spin Cycle heads to the southeast on Tour de Queen Creek. This should be a little less than 50 miles so y'all need to have your legs in shape. The route map is attached showing breakfast at The Hanger Cafe in the Chandler Municipal Airport. This is a cute place if we have twenty riders or less. With a larger group, we'll reroute to a larger cafe, maybe Brunchies in downtown Chandler!

Have a great week everyone. You know, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. See you next weekend.

 

January 13 Spin Cycle Report

Added January 13, 2002

written by John Arle

Wookie Gets Snakebit.

Twenty-one riders took to Alpe de South Mountain on this surprisingly brisk morning. After yesterday's WONDERFUL afternoon, the rather cold air seemed to cut right through the group for the first hour, or so, of the journey. Gary explained it in terms we could all understand, "its a wet cold." Oh, ... that clears it up!

I want to welcome Jean, Joni, and Judy, out with the group. You were all EXCELLENT additions to the mix. Let's face it, its the new personalities that keep the group alive. I hope you had a good time and join us again on any Sunday.

After a 15 minute delayed start to begin with, Paul suffered a flat about a half mile out after running over some apparently sharp fecal matter. At least that was my conclusion when he rather forcefully called out the offending road hazzard, "SH-T!" Of course, perhaps it wasn't fecal material at fault and it was just the New York boy that we know and love, surfacing once again. Owen and Glen rolled back to help him out with the repairs while the rest of us searched for any early morning sunshine. After ten minutes or so, I rolled back to inquire if they thought the repairs would be completed anytime this side of lunch. None of Paul's response is suitable for this family publication, but, I do feel obligated to point out that his request was anatomically impossible no matter how flexible I might, or might not, be.

The remainder of our spin to the Circle K regroup was relatively uneventful. Nearly everyone headed toward the summit. Owen and Peggy were on the tandem and made their way out to San Juan Point, as did Jim recovering from his back injury. Just being the caring kind of guy I am (and 10 pounds heavier than I want to be) I went out with them to make certain they were ok. Unfortunately, Paul suffered a second flat on his ascent to the towers. No one was entirely certain what caused this one, but I'd bet the ranch Paul's narration and description at the moment was titanically graphic.

At the summit, Gary, reportedly, sprinted on the final incline, redefining oxygen debt, and finished as the King of the Mountain for the group. Attaboy! The polka-dot hat is yours again! Everyone passed Paul, still climbing, on their way back down. We all enjoyed swapping stories as we waited patiently at the ramada for Paul to descend. He returned to a genuine applause (it was not, it was sarcastic), only to make some further anatomically impossible requests of us. Its just a New York state of mind!

We wound our way back to the Bagel Nosh where the group boiled down to only eight munchers. We were coincidentally caught a screwed Mike Litecky coming out of the Ace Hardware. Well, ... he had bought a screw on his trip to the hardware store; doesn't that make him screwed? Oh well, semantics.

Everyone seemed to have our usual good time on Sunday mornings. Next weekend is a three day stage event celebrating the Martin Luther King weekend. Saturday Cycling from Kiwanas Park kicks it off with another run up South Mountain with breakfast at The Raven. Sunday, the Spin Cycle from Desert Breeze heads toward Tempe, out through Mesa and back up to Chandler with breakfast at the Warner Hoosier's Cafe. Monday, we finish off from Desert Breeze with the Ohcotukee Loop (that would be Ocotillo and Ahwatukee, of course), and trying out the new Hoosier's Cafe on west Chandler Blvd. Its just a Hoosiers kind of weekend.

Ron, you're missed. I hope you were doing as much work for us, as possible, in your conversations with the Big Guy. Somebody asked about Vito, too. Where you been? Several others were on the S.I.T.B. list, as well. (That would be, "Snug In Their Beds"). We are keeping attendance, and I didn't get a note from anybody's mother! I wonder if Sue and I could figure out the rider that attends the most PMBC/GABA group rides for 2002? That would be cool! Just a thought.

Have a great week everyone. Always remember, and never forget, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. See ya next weekend.

 

February 16 Saturday Cycling Report

Added February 17, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Yesterday we had 47 riders decide that the gorgeous spring weather was much too nice to be spent indoors, so they turned out to spend the morn wandering about the Ahwatukee Foothills. Why do we offer a route map for that ride anyway? We should just point the pack in the general direction we are headed, and let 'er rip. Special thanks to Bob Beane for standing in as ride leader and Jane & Paul for riding sweep.

Monday 2/18/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. For you night owls or early morning email readers-- we are indeed still holding our Presidents Day Peleton. The rumors of John Arle's demise have been wildly exaggerated, it was only a mild case of death. He promises to be back on his bike for next week's Sunday morning Spin Cycle adventure. Our holiday spin will be slightly modified from the original plan. Well, actually, we are going in the opposite direction. We head to the southeast on the now infamous Germannalupe Loop. Mileage options 33 miles or 42 miles. Breakfast will be pack choice, at either Ripe Tomatoes or Crackers. (Ride leader will be yours truly, who reminds John that he now owes her big time.)

Saturday 2/23/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us down to either Queen Creek or Riggs, with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles. Breakfast is Bruegers Bagels, southeast of Chandler Blvd & Rural.

Tid bits...

Yesterday, at a road race down near Casa Grande, 27 riders-- over 25% of the pro level riders, were disqualified from the race. Why? They broke one rule. They crossed the centerline in the roadway. That rule is so strongly upheld in racing that breaking it results in immediate expulsion from the event. No questions asked, no excuses, nothing-- out you go. They are teaching cyclists a powerful message. Make a poor choice when riding and there will be a price to pay. Remember the cost always when you ride. Ride aware, know and follow traffic laws, always wear your helmet.

Ride safe.

 

February 9 Saturday Cycling Report

Added February 12, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Thanks to Mike Litecky for dragging himself down to the park and leading our pack of 29 riders on Saturday. OK, he rode in his jeep, but he still gets points for acting as ride leader when he had the plague! The fast pack discovered the never ending construction on Queen Creek east of Arizona Ave is still going strong. Bill Johnson's breakfast service was the traditional old west kinda thing, "Ya'll will get it when it's ready". All seemed to survive the adventure and made it back to the park intact.

Coming up...

Saturday 2/16/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Bob Beane takes us over to his backyard, to the Ahwatukee/Foothills area. Several options of miles and climbing (or no climbing!). Breakfast is Perkins, northeast of Chandler Blvd and 54th St.

Monday 2/18/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. In addition to Spin Cycle's normal Sunday morning pedal, John Arle is offering up a special holiday adventure for all you lucky dogs who get President's Day off. They head over to Phoenix with the goal to pedal on as many streets named after presidents as can be found. No one ever said John's routes are boring! Breakfast will be somewhere on the way back that serves food.

Saturday 2/23/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We head out on the Tour de Sue, which is a loop to the southeast with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Mileage 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Brueger's Bagels, southeast of Chandler Blvd and Rural.

Tid bits...

Thanks to all who assisted with the Hungry Dog Crit last Sunday and congrats to Mike Pierce who entered the race and did us proud by taking 4th place for his field.

Ride safe.

 

February 10 Spin Cycle Report

Added February 10, 2002

written by John Arle

Arle's Eleven

Despite the Laveen Country classic and an east valley crit race, eleven riders maintained the spirited tradition of the Spin Cycle. This mission through Sun Devil country then out into Mesa on Rio Salado Parkway required some special teamwork with the winds ripping viciously from the northeast. These eleven carefully chosen cyclists blended together as one, knifing their way through the elements. Naturally, there was the obligatory flat within the first mile of the trek. Chad crunched right through a fresh beer bottle road kill to produce the early morning break. We have to credit Paul for sounding the call, "GLASS", like a prairie dog on sentry; but it was not soon enough for Chad to avert the chards.

The advanced group charged ahead managing to maintain 20 mph directly into the headwind on Rio Salado. The "mature" riders maintained a much more reasonable pace as we calmly discussed (cussed) the air movement. Everyone was delighted with our turn back to the south at Westwood High, as we sailed easily down Extension to Ripe Tomatoes. We lost the estrogenous contingent at breakfast as Jean, Joni, and Ann continued on their way along with Bill. The remaining gentlement managed to restrain themselves from overtly atrocious behavior at breakfast, although all of us admitted we'd been thrown out of better places than Ripe Tomatoes. All kidding aside, Ripe Tomatoes was great to us and we all enjoyed a very nice breakfast. We were a little worried about Owen and Tim eating all of their "Mexican breakfast" since we were going to have to draft off them on the way back ... but what the heck, it was windy anyway.

Glenn won the final sprint beating out Chad and Carter. According to Glenn it was pure power and domination. My impression from the other two was that they didn't give a sh..ucks. When all was said and done, it was another good morning with friends on bikes.

Next weekend is another 3 day stage event for those of you with President's Day Monday off work. Saturday, of course, is Saturday Cycling with Sue from Kiwanas Park. We'll follow that with the McKellupe Loop (map attached) on the Sunday Spin Cycle from Desert Breeze, and cap it off with the President's Day special edition of the Spin Cycle from Desert Breeze. This one will be a route into Phoenx hitting as many President streets as we can find. Sure we'll hit a couple of Roosevelts (there were two of them you know), Washington, Van Buren, Filmore, and several more. Yes, we may even hit Lincoln (no pun intended). See you there.

As always, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle a great place to be.

 

February 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Added February 3, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi all!

The combination of threatening skies, a parade, and a crit race reduced our pack to 33 riders this morning-- but the clouds seemed to hold our traditional McKellips head wind to a minimum, so a ripping time was had on the route this morning. It was great to see some of our "once in awhilers" out again. Jon Carpenter not only got himself there today, but brought us a newbie, his cousin Richard, who used to be a bike mechanic! Newbies like this we need!!

Coming up...

Saturday 2/9/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Well pardners, it's off to the southeast we head on a loop with a coupla mileage options. Breakfast for ya'll is that dang cowboy place, Bill Johnson's (don't forget to wear your chaps-- they look really slick with bike shorts!), northwest of Elliot and Arizona Ave.

Saturday 2/16/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Bob Beane leads the gang somewhere. Plan on riding your bikes for awhile, eating someplace, and then going back to the park. More details will possibly follow, if Bob ever gets back on-line!

Tid bits...

"Laws are a pledge that citizens will do justice to one another." Do ya know who said those words? Aristotle! Betcha he never could have imagined our society today and how laws enable us to live together. There was some grumbling amongst the pack this morning over the issue that Tempe police are currently actively citing law breaking cyclists. We should be hip-hip-hooraying for this! The right to ride on the roads with autos is a privilege that we must hold dear and adhere to the rules that apply with the highest level of responsibility. The price to not do so is extremely high-- much higher than the $100 citations that are being handed out. Every time we mix it up on the road ways with vehicles that weigh thousands of pounds more than us and travel two or three more times our rate of speed-- we risk all. Live to ride another day. Stop at traffic lights. Yield at stop signs. Look, then look again, before crossing lanes of traffic. Some of our guardian angels are getting a little over-worked, give 'em a break.

Ride safe.

 

March 16 Saturday Cycling Report

Added March 17, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Since the majority of you did not ride with us today we will assume that you all had a wonderful adventure on the Mining Country climb/wind challenge! Of course, this also means that the 23 souls who did head to South Mountain can make up all sorts of stories about our adventures for SatCycling and you'll never know the difference! The more sedate part of the pack this morning checked out the Hyline pathway from 40th St to Central while the rest of the gang took the Baseline express route. In the South Mountain area we encountered a TV reporter and camera man looking to film some footage for the "Weekend Warrior" show and some of our group got in on the action. They say it is for broadcast tomorrow (Sunday 3/17) evening on channel 15. Ah, burning up those 15 minutes of fame! Our return pack splintered up in all different directions and we ended up with only 7 riders around the breakfast table (holding it down in the wind!) on the patio at 5&Diner.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/23/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Our favorite "rats in a maze" ride takes us to the foothills of Ahwatukee. Someday we should create one map that shows all the different routes people select when we go over there! As always, various mileage and climbing options available. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast corner Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Saturday 3/30/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We loop over to Lehi with options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Jacques has promised to come along and re-inact his dramatic fall from our previous trip to Lehi for the benefit of those who missed it last time. (Just kidding Jacques-- hope those scars have healed up nicely!) Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th St.

Saturday 4/6/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! Start time in April and May is 7:00am. On this Saturday the pack will ride somewhere and then eat. The details will follow once we have sorted out the minor issue of needing a pack leader for the day. If you are not headed to Tour de Phoenix or the Tucson Bicycling Classic, how about telling the pack where to go for a day? We will supply maps, complaint-repellent riding vest, etc. Contact Sue suefassett@worldnet.att.net

Tid bits...

The cyclist's version of an Irish Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you. (Ack! Road rash!)
May the wind be always at your back. (Sweet! Tailwind!)
May the sun shine warm up your face, (Argh! Forgot my shades!)
The rain fall soft upon your fields, (Ick! Road gack on my bike!)
and until we meet again (Next Saturday? Always!)
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. (God watches over fools and cyclists.)

Ride safe.

 

March 9 Saturday Cycling Report

Added March 9, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

What an absolutely gorgeous day for a pedal! We had 36 riders turn out to test our theory of the turbo tailwind on McKellips and after fighting a head wind to GET there, we did indeed have a rip snortin' ride back across McKellips. Even the moderate riders were up haulin' hinny (hey, this is "G" rated report!) with the fast pack express line. Two riders got delayed when the long arm of the indian reservation law decided to stop them and inform them it is not legal to ride a bike on that road more than single file. Anybody know what kind of roadway McKellips is? County? If so, isn't no more than two abreast kosher? Guess we will have to check into that.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/16/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed out on the Mining Country Challenge, come join us for our mini-version of it. While they are doing 6,000ft of climbing we'll go do 1,800ft or whatever the heck is to the Towers at South Mountain. Three routes options ranging from 28 to 42 miles, varying climbing. Breakfast is 5&Diner on Priest, northwest of Baseline.

Sunday 3/17/02 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Aye and Begora lads and lassies! Tis time for the wearin' o' the green. Slip on your ugliest green cycling gear and join us for the association's quarterly ride and breakfast. Free eats for members. If you have not joined up yet, you can do so Saturday or Sunday morning. We are headed on a loop to the north with mileage options of 26 miles or 38 miles. On the outbound trip we'll be havin' a "tossin' of the green" as we cruise through the town of Guadalupe, so be sure and wear a jersey with pockets. Breakfast is at Yesterday's Grill, 204 E. 1st Avenue, northwest corner 1st Ave & Hibbert in Mesa.

Saturday 3/23/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the Foothills of Ahwatukee we head, with the usual wide selection of mileage and climbing options. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast corner of Chandler Blvd & 54th.

Saturday 3/30/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the northeast takes us through Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th St.

Tid bits...

Thanks to all the volunteers that have stepped up to make the Mining Country Challenge next weekend a success!

And speaking of volunteers... we need some hardy sole who is NOT doing Tour de Phoenix on Saturday 4/6/02 and who is NOT doing the Tucson Bicycling Classic on that same day to step as leader of the pack for Saturday Cycling.

Ride safe.

 

March 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Added March 5, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Yesterday the draw of the Le Grande Tour reduced our mega pack to 32 riders. Some selected the long route, some selected the standard route, and Chris Fletcher and Pat Ware made a bee-line straight for the Hog Trough. (Just how many plates did they eat BEFORE the pack got there, hmm?) Thanks to Buddy for the assist in sweeping up the stragglers.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/9/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the northeast with return via McKellips. Mileage options of 26 miles or 36 miles. Breakfast is JB's (yes, Jeff, they do have an all you can eat buffet there!) on Southern, just northeast of Dorsey.

Saturday 3/16/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We have some new riders in the pack asking where we go to climb round these here parts-- so of course we have to go to South Mountain! Mileage options of 28 to 42 miles, from gentle climbing to stand and mash. Breakfast is 5&Diner on Priest, northwest of Baseline (AZ Mills Mall). Keep your fingers crossed for balmy temps and we'll take over the patio there.

Sunday 3/17/02 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. FREE BREAKFAST!! Yes, the much awaited quarterly association breakfast meeting has finally been sorted out. All members from this neck of the woods will ride from Desert Breeze Park (which is bounded by Ray/McClintock/ChandlerBlvd/Rural roads). Location of the free for all food for all will be Yesterday's Grill, northeast corner of 1st Ave and Hibbert in downtown Mesa. The Spin Cycle gang will head out a loop with that as our destination, mileage details to follow when they have been figured out. Breakfast is free to all members of PMBC/GABA. If you have not yet joined our wondrous organization, applications are available every Saturday morning, annual dues $15.

Saturday 3/23/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Showing off another of our favorite climbing places takes us over to the Ahwatukee/Foothills area. Numerous mileage and climbing options. Getting hopelessly lost off the route is also always an option. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast of Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Tid bits...

The sport of cycling can make your life quality better. You smile more on days when you have been on your bike. It can add years to your life. Members of our Saturday morning group often send messages extolling the wonders that come their way via their biking adventures. But all of that can be dashed to ground, literally, with just a little inattention.

This message is closed every week with the words "Ride Safe". They are not offered up lightly, but as a mantra that should be the heartbeat of our pack.

Ride Safe.

 

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Valley Gears Up for Annual Bike Week Events

Added March 1, 2002

news release from Carter McRoy

PHOENIX- Valley cities, employers and residents are turning to pedal power for the Clean Air Campaigns 2002 Valley Bike Week (April 13-21). The 5th annual event, which promotes bike safety and bicycling for commuting and recreation, encourages people to set aside at least one day a week to trade in their cars for bicycles and experience a fun, healthy and inexpensive alternative to the everyday commute.

Valley residents can enter to win a prize every day between April 15th and 19th just for cycling during the designated week. The Grand Prize, courtesy of American Airlines, is two round trip airline tickets, valued at $1,000, to fly anywhere in the Continental U.S., including their new West Coast service, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Entry forms are available through Valley employers or by calling Valley Metro RideShare at (602) 262-RIDE (7433) and on-line at http://www.valleymetro.org. If you are looking for a bike buddy logon to http://www.ShareTheRide.com where you can find the perfect match to ride with during Valley Bike Week.

2002 Bike Week Events

Bike Rodeos: Children will try their hand at safe bike handling. Local police officers and firefighters will teach kids the rules of the road. Contact Officer Bob Ward (602) 495-2462 to find a Bike Rodeo near you.

April 13, Bike Swap Meet, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Buy, trade and sell new and used bikes, parts and accessories at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium 5999 E. Van Buren St. (Van Buren & Galvin Parkway). Admission and booth space is free.

April 14, "Go Glendale" Family Bike Ride 7- 9a.m.: Hundreds of riders will mount their bikes at Saguaro Ranch Park, 9802 North 59th Ave (59th Ave. & Mountain View) and coast a 6-mile or 15-mile route. The first 500 riders will receive a free t-shirt, refreshments will be available along the ride and loads of bike information. To find out where to pre-register and for more information call (623) 930-2110.

April 15, Downtown "Bike Mania", 11:30 - 1p.m.: A downtown lunch hour of bike fashion shows, skills clinics and bike safety checks will be held at Patriot's Park, located at 1 W. Washington Street (1st Ave. & Washington). Valley employees will bring a bike and take a lunch break to learn all about the latest in bike riding. For more information call (602) 262-RIDE.

April 17, Bike to Work/School Day: Commuters who ride into work on two wheels will be greeted with food, prizes and applause. Valley cities are gearing-up to recognize their residents and employees who ride their bikes to work. For ideas about organizing an event call Valley Metro RideShare at (602) 262-RIDE.

April 21, Bike to BOB: As part of the Clean Air Campaign, Arizona Diamondbacks' player Tony Womack went to bat for cycling. Tony Womack and his family are featured in a bike safety poster that will be distributed during the April 21 Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies game. Riders of the 5th annual Bike to BOB Family Fun Ride will enjoy food, refreshments and entertainment at Steele Indian School Park, located at 302 E. Indian School Rd. (3rd Street & Indian School). Registration for the ride begins at 9:30a.m. at Steele Indian School Park, and the leisurely 4-mile ride to the Bank One Ballpark starts at 11:30a.m. A $12 per person fee includes food, refreshments, reserved seat game ticket, a T-Shirt, giveaways, and reserved bike parking at the ballpark. Call (602) 262-RIDE (7433) to register.

For more information on Valley Bike Week activities, call Valley Metro RideShare at (602) 262-RIDE (7433) or visit http://www.valleymetro.org.

 

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April 28 Spin Cycle Report

Added April 28, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Our ride to the Harrahs was outstanding. We maintained a great pace and performed the double line rotating pace line like pros.....Along the way, we did have one flat, where Sue showed us all how to change a flat, with Gary and Ron providing assistance while I as the leader of the pack, observed from a distance. Hey, why get closer when comments like, she has strong hands for a woman and I have a large CO2 cartridge for you to use are bantered about.

Alas, we were on our way again when someone asked, "do you know the hand signal to get off the paceline". For all of you wondering, look for oncoming traffic, once clear, signal with either hand by touching your hip. This is the signal to the rider behind you to not follow and assume the front of the pack. Also, some good pace line etiquette, once you get to the front, don't immediately push up the pace. Let the person who just took the pull get in line and gradually pick up the pace. A good rule of thumb, don't push more than one mile an hour than what the group is already doing.....

Breakfast was great for those that stayed, although we did get moved by the sounds of the white light and the eternal bill paying, but the food was great, and we didn't have anywhere else to go other than another 22.5 miles.......All made it back safe and sound. Gary gets the winning cap for the first sprint to Harrahs, and the second sprint over the Maricopa bridge is being viewed by our judges for the winner, ok, Gary got me in the end, but we were heading down hill, I guess 6 to 7 lengths ahead is still not enough......

For Sunday, 5/5, our ride is up to South Mountain and to the top. Mileage options of 47 - 40 miles and hills in the moderate to stand and mash.....We'll eat at the Raven, another great spot......

Sunday, 5/12, let's do the Tour de Lehi, with mile options of 30-35 miles, all flat and windy, ok, not sure about the wind, but it sounded good. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

See ya...

glen

 

April 27 Saturday Cycling Report

Added April 27, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

What a gorgeous day for our 44 riders to head Ahwatukee way. Carol Harris was kind enough to bring us warm from the oven cookies and we thanked her by managing to lose her within a mile of the start! Our front line went astray shortly after by following Skater (aka Gary "I don't need no stinkin' map" Wachsmuth) 'round a corner and they were not seen again until much later in the morning's adventure. Lots of newbies in the pack today-- thanks to all who made them welcome (at least we managed to not lose THEM!)

Coming up..

Saturday 5/4/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay Loop takes us to the southeast by way of (duh!) Lindsay. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Home Town Buffet, northwest corner Warner & Evergreen.

Saturday 5/4/02 3:00pm. No, it's not a double header ride day! It's our bowling bash! Come join us at McRay Lanes, southeast corner of McClintock and Ray. We have a block of lanes reserved, $9 gets you two games, shoes, and a ball with holes in it. Bring extra bucks for snack, drinks, bets, etc. If you are attending and bowling, we need to you RSVP so we can get a count for the lane reservations.

Saturday 5/11/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The route for this date is still being sorted out. Assume you will pedal somewhere, then eat. What more do you need to know?

Saturday 5/18/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head over into Mesa to check out Pioneer Park. (If ya don't know where that it, you'll just have to come ride with us!) Mileage options 30 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is all the way back near the start, Village Inn northeast of Baseline and Rural.

Tid bits...

A road trip! Once in while SatCycling gets the urge to see new places and unfamiliar roads. Our association has added a new ride to their calendar this year, a tour of Payson, on Saturday June 1st. See Tour de Payson for info. The start time is late enough for a drive up that morning if you don't want to come stay the night Friday night. The ride fee is el cheapo ($15) considering it includes lunch. Anybody that wants to set up carpooling, speak up and we'll get you hooked up. Pine trees, anyone?

Ride safe.

 

April 21 Spin Cycle Report

Added April 21, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

What a morning, does it get any better than that....Perfect weather for a bike ride. For the 14 riders that showed up today, we all enjoyed the nice weather before it becomes HOT...oops, I said the "H" word....

Our trip to Ahwatukee (ok, I have been corrected on the spelling and know have it in my spell checker) was great. We had four new riders join us today (Linda, Jeff, Arnie, and Donny), I didn't get everyone's email, but glad you joined us. We not only maintained some nice speeds for everyone, but made sure we regrouped enough to keep everyone in check.....We made an executive decision at the start for breakfast at Wildflower (man I love that place), since the map was a little out of date and the Country Harvest Buffet is no longer in business, but still managed to get in 42 miles. Not bad....

Next Sunday, 4/28, we head to Harrah's casino. Down and back with breakfast at the casino. Bring some gambling money.....Only one route and mileage option of 45 miles, but we'll keep everyone together.

For Sunday, 5/5, let's head up to South Mountain and to the top. Mileage options of 47 - 40 miles and hills in the moderate to stand and mash.....We'll eat at the Raven, another great spot......

I'm putting together a ride scheduled for May, but would be interested in any ideas or routes that people would like to do. Send me your inquiries/suggestions. If anyone has a map for Usery Pass, I would be interested in that....

see ya....

glen

 

April 20 Saturday Cycling Report

Added April 21, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

OK, now THAT was a tour ride! Thanks to all who joined in on our adventure this morning. We had 38 riders at the start, but a few wandered off on their own adventure right out of the chute, and a few went that-a-way when the pack went this-a-way to start the tour portion of the ride, giving us about 28 riders on the wander aboot route. The turtles were turtley, the hole holey, and the cemetery was veeerrry quiet. To the advanced pack riders who took the tour option with us, just wanted to pass along a comment overheard being made by one of the "standard" riders as we headed to breakfast. She said "So THIS is what it is like to ride in a pack!". :-)

Coming up...

Saturday 4/27/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head for the hills, the Foothills that is. Off to Ahwatukee (THAT is how you spell it, Fletch!) we go with several mileage and climbing options. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast corner Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Saturday 5/4/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Some of the guys in the pack are having buffet-withdrawals so we head southeast by way of Lindsay with the sole goal being to end up at the Home Town Buffet, northwest corner Warner & Evergreen. Mileage options 26 or 36 miles, no climbing.

Saturday 5/4/02 3:00pm. Bikers Brave Bowling!! Come join us at McRay Lanes, southeast corner of McClintock and Ray. We have a block of lanes reserved and a discounted price. $9 gets you two games, shoes, and a really heavy ball. Assistance will be available for the lane-challenged. Bring a few extra bucks for junk food. No charge for spectators! If you plan to attend and bowl, we need to you RSVP so we can get a head count for the lane reservations.

Tid bits...

After the ride this morning there was a discussion about bike maintenance, in particular about keeping your drive chain clean and lubed. From the blank looks on some of the rider's faces, maybe we should talk this up a little. Your drive chain needs to be cleaned and lubed regularly. If you don't, you really kill the life span of your components, have to put more oomph into your pedal stroke because of the resistance, will start having trouble shifting and, probably the most important, it results in other riders looking at your bike and saying "Eeew, how gross!".

If you ride several days a week, you should be caring for your chain every week or 10 days. A lot of riders make a habit of Friday night clean-up/inspection before they come out with us. Air and check the tires, clean/lube the chain, etc. If you do it on a regular basis it only takes 10 minutes or so. If you don't know how to clean/lube your chain, ask yours truly, or our resident mechanic Tom Culp.

Ride safe.

 

April 13 Saturday Cycling Report

Added April 14, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 42 riders head McKellips way today. No sign of the long arm of the reservation officials this time as we zipped across their portion of the road, stretched out in single file. Thanks to Mike Litecky for keeping on eye on the rear peleton. Lots of chatter in the pack about the rides last weekend-- SatCycling was well represented in the Tour de Phoenix with about 25 from our gang strutting their stuff. Kudos to Jeremy Schultz and Ron Kast who both came in under 3 hours-- and keeping with our theme that girls rock-- Charlayne Hoover was at 3:13! (Oh yeah, and Steve Fahrner came in "second" over all riding stoker on the tandem that came across the finish first!)

Coming up...

Wednesday 4/17/02 7:30am Whole Food Store, northwest corner of Baseline & Rural. National Bike to Work Day! Come help us represent PMBC in the Tempe Mayor's Ride. This is a very short (about 5 miles one way) ride from the Whole Foods Store to the Mill's End Cafe (in downtown Tempe) that is lead by the Mayor. Lots of freebie swag-- t-shirts, food, etc.

Saturday 4/20/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay ride that was previously announced for this date? Fugitaboutit. We're moving it into May. Why? Because a much greater event has been planned for this date. Our long time riders know that occasionally we take a journey in which the goal is not speed or distance, but a ride for the sake of an adventure instead. To remind us that pedaling a bike is inherently a fun thing to do. A tour!! The Cross Cut Cruise takes us where some have never gone before-- along the little known Cross Cut Canal multi-use path. This is an old paved path that few know how to find, so we are going to go check it out. Come with us to see Turtle Bridge, where some of the turtles are older than your pack leader (yes, they are REALLY old!) See Hunt's Tomb! Wonder at Hole in the Rock, long used as lover's lane for the locals! Ride through the Salt Cedar Tree Tunnell! Mileage? Who cares? When we get back to the park you'll be done. Breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee, just north of Mill & Van Buren. We have a number of riders headed to the Tour of the Tucson Mountains on the Sunday following this ride-- so it will be a great "rest day" pedal for you. Leave those aero-bars at home and come play with us.

Saturday 4/27/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off we go to the Ahwatukee/Foothills area. The exact route is still in process (like it really matters when we go there!) Breakfast? Probably Perkins, but if not, assume it will be someplace with food.

Saturday 5/4/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast by way of Lindsay. Mileage options 26 or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Home Town Buffet, northwest corner Warner and Evergreen.

Saturday 5/4/02 3:00pm. Bikers Brave Bowling!! Our much anticipated spring social thang has been delayed to an early summer event. There is nothing more fun than watching athletes try an unfamiliar sport! Come join us at McRay Lanes, southeast corner of McClintock and Ray. We have a block of lanes reserved and a discounted price. $9 will get you two games, shoes, and a really heavy ball. Never bowled? Not a problem! We have a closet pin-man in our midst who has volunteered to act as our "pro" and teach any and all the finer points of bowling. Bring a few extra bucks for deliciously nutritious food items from the snack bar (can you say "chili cheese fries"?) Absolutely anti-bowling? Come turn out and join the ranks of spectators jeering...uh...that is, cheering on our champions. (Rumor has it that Dave Ludwig actually OWNS a bowling shirt with his name on the pocket-- and you thought cyclists wore goofy clothes?)

Tid bits...

The purple Jacaranda trees were in bloom this morning, along with the gorgeous yellow carpets made by our state tree, the Palo Verde. Know what that means? That Leo is ghost writing this last paragraph? No!! To us desert rats those two trees in bloom tell us something. It is very quickly going to be very, very dang hot. Find those Camelbacks that you put away last fall. Get out that sunscreen. It's gonna be a corker.

Ride safe.

 

April 7 Spin Cycle Report

Added April 11, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Congratulations to the 11 riders who made it out on this great day. We had a lot of tired legs, so the group took a nice spin through Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes. I am pleased to report that the group did a lot of good things on this ride, including keeping the pack together, staying at an even pace line, and more importantly, pointing out those pesky holes and objects in our path. Great job gang......

Only bit of mix up was we got lost on our way back and ended up eating at Wildflower instead of Bruegger's. Our tandem made it there, but we didn't. I apologize for that, we will stick to the schedule going forward.

Sunday, 4/14, I need a ride leader, I will be out of town. I have tentatively scheduled the McKellupe Loop for this day.

Sunday, 4/21, I need another ride leader. I planned on doing the Ohcotukee Loop (up to Queen Creek to 56th, then to Ahwatukee...).

Sunday, 4/28, I'll be there, how about to Harrah's turnaround, some gambling is in store......

Take care, let me know if you are interested in herding the lost sheep (actually, its not that hard, if I can do it, you can too).

thanks glen

 

April 6 Saturday Cycling Report

Added April 9, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our guest pack leader, Leo Rogers, wrote such a great note about the group's adventure on Saturday that you are just going to get a copy of it instead of a rewrite. He says:

"Perfect temperature, perfect relative humidity, light over cast with sun rays bursting through. The vote was taken and ride we did. There had been lightening toward Chandler, again toward Scottsdale, some from Apache Junction, and bolts over South Mountain, but not near us. A few drops of liquid sun bathed us here and there, but a clean ride it was. The ASU Research Part was greener than ever as the infrared was attenuated by the clouds. The purples were more purple, the greens greener, the reds vibrant, and the road a gentle tour through Balboa Park in San Diego. The two dairies gave us our ranch feeling and the sheep our sense of peace. (Short ride) The alfalfa fields, the fresh plowed earth, the wide cycling lanes, and did I say it felt as if the wind were at our back in every direction, made the morning an experience to remember. The fragrances were divine: acacia blooms, orange blossom perfume, sausage scents, bacon bouquets, and toast colognes. Our heads followed our noses. At the regroup the long riders took off for Riggs to the west and the short ride the more green filled pleasure of seeing South Mountain grow closer with every crank. The camaraderie was good, the breakfast refreshing, and the good-byes were all, "See you next week." Our one new rider Cory rode a Bianchi of course. We all knew that many of our group were competing or on a tour. We eighteen wished you our best."

Hmm, don't think you editor could have said that any better. Thanks for stepping up, Leo.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/13/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off to the northeast we head by way of McKellips (Yes, Buddy we will go the RIGHT way this time!). Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast is Neighbor's, northwest corner Guadalupe and Alma School.

Wednesday 4/17/02 7:30am Whole Food Store (northwest corner Baseline & Rural). National Bike to Work Day. If it works into your schedule, come join the Mayor's Ride in Tempe. This is a very short (about 5 miles one way) ride from the Whole Foods Store to the Mill's End Cafe that is lead by the Mayor. Neal draws an interesting (?) crowd and this ride has become a bit of a travelling circus kind of affair-- lotsa fun if you have never come to check it out.

Saturday 4/20/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We loop down to the southeast by way of Lindsay. Mileage options 26 or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Home Town Buffet, northwest corner Warner Evergreen. (We are still working on eating this location out of business!)

Tidbits...

Congrats to all who participated in the slightly damp Tour de Phoenix and the incredibly intense Tucson Bicycle Classic. What adventures our bikes take us on!

Ride safe.

 

May 26 & 27 Spin Cycle Report

Added May 29, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Well, three straight days of riding not only makes your legs tired, but sure can make certain parts of your body a little tender. Sunday's ride was excellent, we started out with 19 riders with a new addition of Joyce (welcome), and attracted a lone rider along the way (welcome Everat), hope you both join us again. Our Sunday group made its way with the new route around Mummy Mountain. We even added the king of the hill to the map, which got everyone's blood pumping and great for some views of the city, once you can see again.

Monday, our gang of 25 riders headed to Harrah's casino and back. We started off on a nice pace, but once we took off from the first regroup, the group got a little restless. Overall, everyone did very good for the day, but the sprint to Harrah's was a little interesting. I believe I heard Gary say something about wheel suckers... A little cat and mouse never hurt no one, especially since I wasn't the mouse... Shawn took the checker flag with a spirited sprint at the end. With a little gentle ribbing (yea gentle from this group), Shawn did a few more pulls on the way back, which, I'm not sure was a good idea, he pushed up the speed to 28 a couple of times and made (yes, he made us) hold on for dear life. Not sure who gets the checker flag for the sprint back over the overpass. Since we were broken into a couple of groups, Gary got one and I believe Buzz Pierce got the other. Breakfast at Maria Calendars was excellent.

Sunday, 6/2, remember new start time for June, 6:30 am. Our route takes us to the McKellupeloop - McClintock to McKellups and back. Regular miles at 34 and heavy duty at 39. Come join us as you regroup from Tour de Payson on Saturday. Breakfast at Crackers.

Sunday June 9, around South Mountain. Time to start putting in those miles. Mileage is 45-50. Breakfast is undetermined at this time, but rest assured, we'll eat somewhere...

Sunday, June 16 let's the do the Ocotukee loop, starting in Ocotillo and heading over to Ahwatukee and the foothills. Mileage options of 35 to 45 with some gentle climbing to a couple of loops around the hills. Breakfast at Maria Calendars.

 

---

 

May 25 Saturday Cycling Report

Added May 26, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 48 riders head over to check out various versions of South Mountain Park this morning. Actually, the "heading over" part itself developed into several versions. (Note, next time Mr. LeMond and Buzz Pierce lead out the double line, make sure somebody else is reading the route map!) All managed to find each other again at the Stonehouse and then went wandering aboot amongst the hills for awhile. The downhill rampage from the Towers resulted in the demolition of Jim's rear hub. (Really an over-kill way to not have to pedal back to the park, Jim!) Those that went to check out The Farm were met with cool, green shade... good munchies... and Jack discovers what happens if you don't lock that door that has the little moon on it. :-)

Coming up...

Sunday 5/26/02 and Monday 5/27/02 7:00am, Desert Breeze Park. Make it a three day stage weekend with two more rides being hosted by Spin Cycle. Sunday the gang heads northbound to check out the new variation of Mummy Mountain with breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee, on Mill north of Curry. Monday is an out and back to Harrah's casino (which is out past the town of Maricopa) with breakfast on the way back at Marie Calendar's (Chandler Blvd and 54th St). Does pie qualify as breakfast?

Saturday 6/1/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. For the those not headed on our road trip to the Tour de Payson, roll outa bed a little earlier and head to the park for a loop to Lehi, breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th. If you're headed to Payson, drive safe and we'll see ya there!!

Saturday 6/8/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast out on to open roads. Mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Saturday 6/15/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Rumor has it that this date will be our next quarterly membership ride/breakfast meeting. Ya know what that means. FREE FOOD!! Stay tuned for more details.

Tid bits...

The ride down from the Towers can be like an E-ticket rocket ride. (Eh, if you don't understand the "E-ticket" thing, ask one of the more mature riders to explain that to ya.) Learning to down hill is just as important as learning how to climb. We are a recreational riding group, so our goal is come down fast enough to have fun, but to also stay in one piece. Decide if you want to ride with your hands up on the hoods or down in the drops BEFORE you get on the descent (once on it, it can be tricky to change). Use which ever you feel the most stable in. Ride with your pedals level. If you ride with one leg straight, it beats the heck out of that knee, plus shifts your body weight a little off to one side. Hold your body weight on your feet, not on your butt. Slide back and up a little on the seat, bring your knees in so you are holding the seat between your upper legs. This keeps your "hoo-hoo" from being pounded by the seat, and stabilizes the bike. For more stability, bring your knees all the way in and hold the top bar between them. Let your legs act as shock-absorbers, with the bike bouncing under you, but your upper torso holding steady. Anticipate the turns, brake a little if needed before you go in, never cross that center line. If you have a lot of bugs in your teeth when you get to the bottom, you did it right.

Ride safe.

 

May 19 Spin Cycle Report

Added May 20, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Nineteen riders made it out to Tour de Queen Creek on Sunday. We had a new person join us today (Scott), welcome, hope you continue to ride with us. We started on a nice pace, and only encountered two flats (Sue was there for both - it must be her..it's a conspiracy) Once we started down Riggs Road, the group broke into two pace lines, with the fast lane letting out their legs. While we didn't see the fast pack at the re-group (maps guys, read your maps), we did meet up at the Hanger Restaurant at the Chandler Airport. Food was good, service was, well, let's not talk about that (I'm beginning to think I'm a food critic as well, but that is another story).

The fast group had a sprint to the finish, with Chad winning his own race (he was the only one entered and came in first and last). The rest of the fast group hammered down the airport road (did they read the map...). From confirmed reports, Jeremy Schultz took the checkered flag. On the way back, there was a brief sprint to the park, with skater Gary winning and Chad taking the silver. Rob was heard saying, I set them up... And lastly, you will notice that the ride leader did not partake in the sprinting today, and actually never did (there is a first for everything).

Sunday 5/26, Let's go on my favorite ride, Mummy Mountain - possibly do the new backwards route. Long route is 50, short is 40, even shorter if you want. Breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee. Yes, there are some hills on this ride...This is stage 2 of the 3 day ride weekend, come join us for Saturday Cycling at Kiwanis Park for Stage 1, with a ride up South Mountain.

Special Edition Monday 5/27 ride. You have the day off, why not ride. Stage 3 of the weekend ride will take you to Harrah's and back, with breakfast at Marie Calendar's on Chandler Blvd and I-10. Route is flat at 47 miles. We'll do a nice pace line out, get some water and regroup, and then head back. Start time is 7:00 am.

Sunday June 2, Let's take the McKellupeloop - McClintock to McKellups and back. Regular miles at 34 and heavy duty at 39. Come join us as you regroup from Tour de Payson on Saturday. Breakfast at Crackers. Remember, June start time is 6:30 AM and yes Rob, you can bring your tent....

Sunday June 9, Around South Mountain. Time to start putting in those miles. Mileage is 45-50. Breakfast is undetermined at this time, but rest assured, we'll eat somewhere.

Send in your requests for rides for the remainder of the month, and I'll see if I can accommodate.

See ya..

glen

 

May 18 Saturday Cycling Report

Added May 18, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Summer must be coming... our pack is growing! We had 52 riders head (flat) out on (flat) our journey (flat) over to Mesa. After a (flat) few stops (flat) for tire changing clinics, most made their way to the pit stop at Pioneer Park. (What the heck did everybody ride thru this morning?) Most kept their inner child in check at the park but a few took to the rocking horses (actually pandas) and swings. Tim Kjellberg appeared to win our swing-off... must be that aerodynamic position he developed after riding that 'bent so long! Thanks to Kathy Hendricks for riding sweep today.

Coming up...

A three day weekend? Ya know what that means?! A three day stage ride extravaganza!! Which translates into three days of rides being offered up if you don't have any thing better to do with yourself for the holiday weekend.

Saturday 5/25/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Stage One-- off to South Mountain Park we head. Options of 28 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with "yikes!" climbing. Breakfast is at The Farm, southwest of Southern & 32nd St.

Sunday 5/26/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle offers up stage two with a trip northbound to Mummy Mountain. Standard route 40 miles with some gentle climbing, advanced 50 miles with moderate climbing. Note, this route is easy to cut shorter, so if you don't have 40 miles in those legs, come on out anyway and head straight to breakfast, which will be at Pete's 19th Tee, on Mill north of Curry.

Monday 5/27/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle steps up to host day three of our weekend. This will be one of those wonderful "mystery rides". You'll just have to show up to find out where the adventure heads to, but Fletch promises no climbing after the workouts the prior two days! Breakfast? Someplace with food. Questions about Sunday or Monday's rides can be directed to pack leader Glen Fletcher.

Saturday 6/1/02. Road trip!! Saturday Cycling heads to Payson for the maiden voyage of the Tour de Payson. Drive up that morning or come up the night before, ride start time is 8:30am at the SawMill Theaters parking lot, at Beeline & Main. Lots of riders who have mentioned they are joining this adventure have not registered yet. Please, take mercy on your pack leaders and mail in your registrations so we have a head count for the food. Questions about this adventure can be directed to ride leader Bob Beane.

Saturday 6/1/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Yes, the sleeping in time of year is over. Our start shifts to 6:30am for June/July/August. If you just can't get yourself to Payson, head to Kiwanis for the Lehi Loop. Route options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Bagels at Brueggers, Mill & 11th St, on the way back to the park.

Saturday 6/8/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Must..find..open..roads... Have you noticed how far we have to pedal before we "get out of town" now?! Come with us on the Tour de Sue, a loop to the south with options on either Queen Creek, or if you really want to see open spaces-- Riggs Road. 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Tid bits...

Someone asked today if we stop riding in the summer months. SatCycling keeps rolling along thru the heat waves, but to do so and still enjoy yourself, it takes a little care. A little prevention goes a long ways:

Eat something before you come to pedal with us. Your body needs fuel-- calories and nutrients-- to process all that water you are going to chug.

Drink lots and lots of water, then drink some more. Yes, you will have to pee, we will stop. If you run out of water, speak up and the pack will make a water stop. If you are out, somebody else probably is, too.

Use sun screen. This is not just to keep you from looking like a lizard by September. Liberally applied sunscreen or sunblock can help keep your body temp down.

Studies now show that your body does indeed adjust to temp extremes. Try to get outside in the heat a couple of times during the week. If Monday thru Friday you go from your air-conditioned house to your a/c'd car to your a/c'd office to your a/c'd gym, etc.-- you are going to have a problem being out in the heat for 3 or 4 hours with us on Saturday morning.

Ride safe.

 

May 12 Spin Cycle Report

Added May 12, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

What a mother of a ride, Mothers Day that is.... We had 19 riders join us for the day, I guess it is that remote on my truck that makes more people come.....

Tour de Lehi was a good ride today, with a little wind in our face all the way to Lehi Road. We had our one obligatory flat, which took two brain surgeons and a rocket scientist to fix, but hey, we have a new world record...Just kidding, the good thing about riding in this group is when a flat does happen (knock on wood), everyone stops to either help or make sure we stay together as a pack....

Once we turned the corner on Horne, we let out the dogs, and a little tail wind didn't hurt either. The first sprint up Horne was won by Roger, but I was closing fast......I'm not going to list the other sprints, because some guy named Gary barely won, if you can believe that (hey, can someone block him for me next time.....)

Breakfast at Neighbors was great, and the service was not bad. Coming back to Desert Breeze, I believe we broke the sound barrier, however someone named Gary, oh, you know the story....

Next Sunday 5/19, Tour De Queen Creek. Mileage options of 40-47, all flat. I was told the Hanger Restaurant is open at the Chandler Airport, so Breakfast it is.

Sunday 5/26, Let's go on my favorite ride, Mummy Mountain - possibly do the new backwards route. Long route is 50, short is 40. Breakfast at Pete's 19th tee. Yes there are some hills on this ride...

See ya..

glen

 

May 11 Saturday Cycling Report

Added May 12, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Bob Beane offered up a great new route yesterday to our pack of 46 riders. We thought MAYBE an unfamiliar map would confuse the express train enough to slow them down a little, but no! The Mummyback Loop headed on kind of a backwards version of some of the familiar Mummy Mountain course, but with some twists, turns, and climbs tossed into the mix. The group broke down into several bunches based on what level of challenge they wanted to take on. Skater and Andy discovered that the fast pack will indeed follow you up any hill you decide to honk up, Fletch found out just how slow you can go on a steep grade without actually falling over, and Valerie interacted with the community by having two blotto drunk guys try to assist her with a tire change. (Hey Val, those guys probably wouldn't have done a worse job on the tire than some of the other guys in group!) Cycling is such an adventure.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/18/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to the northeast on a loop that will take the fast pack all the way over to dabble their toes on Val Vista for a bit, while the standard pack goes to check out Pioneer Park. (Yes, we will have another swing-off to see who amongst the pack remembers how to jump from a moving swing!) Mileage options 30 miles or 39 miles. Breakfast is all the way back near the start, Village Inn, northeast of Baseline and Rural.

Saturday 5/25/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. To South Mountain Park we head, with a variety of mileage and climbing options. Breakfast will be a break under the pecan trees at The Farm, southwest of 32nd St & Southern.

Saturday 6/1/02. Road trip!! Saturday Cycling heads to Payson for the maiden voyage of the Tour de Payson. Bob Beane, with some assist from a few roadies in Payson, has put together a grand adventure. If you have not yet sent in your reservation for this trip, be sure to do so as we are going to have a rider limit of 100 cyclists for this first year. The 8:30am start time is late enough that you can opt to drive up that morning (about 90 minutes from Tempe).

Saturday 6/1/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are allergic to pine trees and cool air, we will still be hosting a ride from Kiwanis Park. Note the time change. A loop over to Lehi and back, with breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels at Mill & 11th Avenue.

Tid bits...

Sometimes we talk about pack "etiquette". This does not refer to saying please and thank-you to the riders around you. It is a term that is used in regards to you riding differently in a pack setting than you do when you are solo. In a pack you will not:

• Spit or blow your nose over your shoulder without first checking behind for recipients of said discharges.
• Ride without at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. If you are going to sit up and ride hands free for some goofy reason, like to impress the babes, get out off the line and drop to the rear. Of course, the babes will then not see you do it, but when you crash and take half the line with you, they aren't going to be too impressed anyway.
• Ride in your aero bars if you are not the lead rider. Aero bars are for time trials and solo riding. When you are in them, your braking ability is compromised. Impaling the rider in front of you on your aero bars cuz you where using them in a pace line is considered really poor form.

Ride safe.

 

May 5 Spin Cycle Report

Added May 5, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Come one, come all, I guess the way to get more riders is to go to the hills, so to the hills we went. We had 20 riders today make their way to South Mountain. While we had a few false starts before we got out of the parking lot (that remote on my truck must be the signal for more people to come), but we were off, getting lost on the first turn, then the second turn...(who's leading this pack?)....Ok, we found our way and off we went. Going down Warner, Tom Culp quickly sprints to the top of the freeway overpass and proudly proclaims, "I've done my hills, where's breakfast"!

After regrouping at the base of South Mountain, our motley crew took off to conquer the hill, with a few splitting to San Juan and the rest heading towards the towers. Not sure exactly who was king of the hill, but believe it was either Roger or Jeremy, so congrats to both. I'm only happy I wasn't the last one up (it took a bad seat post from Rob), but a win is a win......

The downhill was its usual bumpiness, I sure hope they fix that road one day. Breakfast at the Raven was its usual great food, just wish the service was a little faster, but there I go, wanting everything fast....

Next week, Mothers Day, Sunday, 5/12, let's do the Tour de Lehi, with mile options of 30-35 miles, all flat and windy, ok, not sure about the wind, but it sounded good. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Sunday 5/19, let's Do Tour De Queen Creek. Mileage options of 40-47, all flat. I was told the Hanger Restaurant is open at the Chandler Airport, so Breakfast it is.

Sunday 5/26, let's go on my favorite ride, Mummy Mountain. Long route is 50, short is 40. Breakfast at Pete's 19th tee. Yes there are some hills on this ride...

See ya..

glen

 

May 4 Saturday Cycling Report

Added May 4, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 41 very exuberant riders head out onto the course this morning, well, actually 40 riders headed out. Vanessa managed to get an unfixable flat while still in the parking lot, and though it was flat only on one side, she decided to pack it in for the day. We had a break away line off the front of the advanced pack, led off by Fletch on his flashy new bike. (Geez, Fletch, paint some flames on your bike and all of a sudden you ride like Lance?!) All managed to make their way to the breakfast stop, in spite of some creative route taking due to missing street signs out on the course. (Do people steal those or what? Somewhere somebody has a sign in their living room that says "McQueen Road".)

Coming up...

Saturday 5/11/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A mystery ride! Why the mystery? Cuz the rider leader has not choked up the information yet as to where the pack is headed! Show up and you'll find out. You'll ride your bike, eat someplace, head back to the park.

Saturday 5/18/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the east with a pit stop at Pioneer Park. Mileage options 30 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is at the end of the ride, Village Inn, northeast of Baseline and Rural.

Saturday 5/25/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off to South Mountain Park we head, with a variety of mileage and climbing options. Breakfast will a break under the pecan trees at The Farm, southwest of 32nd St & Southern. If you haven't checked out The Farm, gotta see it-- very Zen. Trees, babbling brook, birds, and most importantly, yummy food!

Tid bits...

OK, let's pretend you've just wiped out royally on your bike. You conked your noggin' on the ground and you are out like a light. When the paramedics arrive, will they know who you are? Will they know if you have a medical condition? If you live alone, will they know who to call? No. It's your job to tell them. If you carry ID in your bike bag, in the chaos of an accident scene you are often separated from your bike. If you carry it in a Camelback, you can get separated that on the journey to the hospital. Somewhere on your person you should have:

1. Identification. Who are you? Where do you live?
2. Medical insurance information. In theory you will be treated just the same with or without insurance when you arrive at the hospital, but things go much smoother if you have evidence of coverage.
3. Information regarding any major medical issues that others need to be aware of if you can't tell them.
4. If you live alone, who should be called in an emergency?

If you don't want to carry your actual driver's license, etc., some riders create a laminated card with all of this data on it that they carry in their jersey pocket. Or you can order dog-tag style IDs that can be worn around the neck or attached to your bike shoe. If you are going to make the evening news, you want them to get your name right, don't ya?

Ride safe.

 

June 30 Spin Cycle Report

Added June 30, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Hi all,

We had 17 riders start the route, and we picked up John along the way, actually it was on the way back next to breakfast, but I won't tell anyone, promise. I also won't let it slip out that we start at 6:30, but if you ask John he might have someone else to blame......Ok, enough John harassing, at least for now, there is soo much material today, not sure if I'll get it all in. We had 4 new riders today, welcome Jill, Ryan, Jeff, and Sue.

Let's see, the ride didn't start off well, I was late, see, I had a flat on the way to the park. Once I got there, I noticed I had a large slice on my tire, so we put in a boot, and off we went. About 10 miles into our route, my tire blew up. Upon further inspection, I had another slice, so we proceeded to fix that one as well. Off we went. Overall the gang held together like a bunch of hungry wolves (or was that just my stomach growling). Our traditional sprint up Horne was won by Gary, but I gave him a run for his money (at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it). After our regroup and discussion of bikes and weights, Carter (his name just seems to pop up) provides some valuable insight into making not only the bike lighter, but the rider as well (he was referring to me, but that is irrelevant). First he says the rider can get an appendectomy, since that is just extra weight, then liposuction, followed by a frontal lobotomy.

Ok, so the gloves are off now as we made our way to Breakfast. Oh, did I mention that is where John met us? Anyway, as we are all peacefully getting ready to eat at Neighbors Cafe and receive those nice little muffins, Gary asks John if he wants all of that butter. John then explains the art of butter shooters (kind of like a Jello shooter with alcohol), followed by cream cheese chasers. Did I mention that John joined us at breakfast. Oh by the way, we are having a charity bike wash for John, everyone will be needed to wash his bike since it has been about a year since it has been cleaned, and who knows how long it has been since that chain has been oiled...

There was plenty more, but this being a G rated newsletter, I better stop there. Oh, and I got another flat on the way back. Three flats, 5 CO2 cartridges, 2 boots, a sliced finger, and riding with this group, priceless......

Ride Schedule for July:

Special Edition - Thursday 7/4/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park, ride with Sue. Our holiday adventure takes us Round the Mountain. That would be South Mountain and we are headed 'round the "other" way, counterclockwise. (Some consider that backwards, the rest of us know it to be the correct way to head round the silly thing.) One route, 43 miles, no climbing. If you are not sure you can do 43 miles, come on out anyway. We'll send a sag truck back along the course to pick up any bodies if needed. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, southeast of Chandler Blvd & Rural.

Sunday July 7th - One year anniversary of Spin Cycle. Come on out and celebrate. Our route will be the Mckellupe Loop. Down Kyrene to Mckellips, hitting the wind tunnel there to Center and back. Breakfast at Crackers. Mileage 34 standard and 40 heavy duty.

Sunday, July 14th - Germann Hunt Loop, Germann to Higley or Lindsey, then back to Queen Creek with a detour at Hunt Highway, then back to Queen Creek and either going directly to Wildflower at the mall, or taking the long way down Queen Creek to 56th Street, then back to Chandler. Standard miles at 35, heavy duty 45.

Another option - We have been invited to ride on the West side, maybe somewhere at Estrella Mountain. Might be interesting to ride somewhere different. Jim Marshall has offered to setup a route for us, but I need to know who might be interested in doing this ride. We could get a couple of vehicles going over to car pool and make sure no one gets lost. Let me know if your interested. Based on interest, I'll follow-up next week.

Sunday, July 21 - Ohcotukee Loop. Up to Queen Creek, back down to Ahwatukee to do some climbing for the heavy duty riders. Mileage of 35 for standard, 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, July 28 - Modified Mummy Mountain. Down to Mummy Mountain around it on our new route. Some gentle climbs to one big honker (that is a bike technical term). Mileage of 35 for standard, and 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Petes 19th Tee at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

 

June 29 Saturday Cycling Report

Added June 29, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

What a great pedal this morning-- we had 52 riders, actually 53 if you count the youngest participant we have EVER had in the pack. Newbies Jeff and Vicky Bryant came on a tandem, pulling a trailer containing their infant son. The babe was a typical cyclist-- happy when his bottle was full and the line was in motion, impatient with the stops for flats. Kudos to his mom and dad for being able to hold 20mph on that tandem while dragging a trailer! Everybody else seemed to have a grand time wandering about the route today, breakfast at the Wildflower was excellent.

Coming up...

Thursday 7/4/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Our holiday adventure takes us Round the Mountain. That would be South Mountain and we are headed 'round the "other" way, counterclockwise. (Some consider that backwards, the rest of us know it to be the correct way to head round the silly thing.) One route, 43 miles, no climbing. If you are not sure you can do 43 miles, come on out anyway. We'll send a sag truck back along the course to pick up any bodies if needed. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, southeast of Chandler Blvd & Rural.

Saturday 7/6/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. There are a number of riders coming in to the pack who are learning to do what we do so they can complete the MS150 bike ride this fall. To accomplish that they need to learn to do a couple of short, moderate climbs. We are going to "practice" just that kind of climbing with a route that gives the standard riders three climbs during their 26 miles of this course around Tempe and south Scottsdale. Advanced riders, same climbs, but a total of 36 miles. Breakfast is JB's, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 7/13/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Will there be a White Mountain Tour? Stay tuned, we are still waiting for a decision on that ride. If the tour is off, head to the park! We are off on a loop to the southeast, mileage options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Home Town Buffet, northwest of Warner & Evergreen.

Tid bits...

The heat is on. Remember your "training" for riding in our summer oven and living to tell the tale. Try to get outside a couple of times during the week to get acclimatized, drink lots of water the day before, wear sunscreen, find shade if you stop for a flat, drink LOTS of water during/after the ride and skip heavy, greasy foods at breakfast.

Riding in the heat is simply an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Ride safe.

 

June 23 Spin Cycle Report

Added June 24, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Hello all,

We had 16 riders today make it today. Our group made it with a little help from Carter to get us through the first turns as I went back to my house to get my bike (usually helps if you have the bike so you can ride it....). That statement probably deserves more follow-up, but to be honest, I'm not into self incrimination, but I did catch up to the group at the first regroup. Once we started going, we had a little head wind to keep us all working. Once we took the left turn at Lindsey or Higley, it was much easier, and even better yet once we got to Guadalupe with that great tailwind.....

Breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes was great, with Chad trying to sell his extra whip cream and talking about lard and who knows what else, but that could have been just me....

Next week

Sunday, June 30th, Tour de Lehi. Mileage options of 35-40 miles, all flat, we'll one slight hill, but don't worry, no sprinting, trust me. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

July schedule will be out within the week, but rest assured, we will ride somewhere, tell some stories, and eat...

Take care.

glen

 

June 22 Saturday Cycling Report

Added June 24, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Though a lot of our regular riders were off doing who knows what today, we still had 49 riders appear at the park, many of them new to our pack. For those riders joining in to our weekly fun by way of training for the MS150, welcome! If you survive a summer of our rides, you'll be ready for ANY of the big rides this fall. We braved the traditional head winds across McKellips, with only a few delays for flats, and most found their way to the breakfast stop at Neighbor's. A little bike envy amongst the group due to Chad appearing on a sweet new ride with some really cool components. We're impressed that he is secure in pedaling a bike that is already pre-named "Lola"! A discussion was also had as to why the sleek, zippy riders usually skip the food stop while the rest of us more moderate pedalers always take advantage of the calories. The decision was that we just have our priorities straight!

Coming up...

Saturday 6/29/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We head to the southeast by way of Lindsay, with options of 29 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. If 29 is too much, this is an easy one to breakdown to a shorter route. Breakfast is the Wildflower Bread Company, southwest of Price & Chandler Blvd (east side of the Chandler mall).

Thursday 7/4/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A holiday ride! Celebrate your freedom (this is assuming you get the day off work!) by making the voyage Round The Mountain Backwards with us. Many riders do the ride around South Mountain, but only our gang pedals to a different cadence by going 'round counterclockwise. Put on your red, white, and blue riding gear and head to the park for the 43 mile adventure (no climbing unless you are silly enough to zip up to the Towers as we go by Central!). Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, southeast corner of Chandler Blvd & Rural.

Saturday 7/6/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. "To learn you must do." Ya know who said that? Yoda, in the Star Wars movie. Very smart little dude. Our standard riders are going to take on three climbs during their 26 miles of this course around Tempe and south Scottsdale. (Yoda also said "There is no try, only do.") Advanced riders, same climbs, but a total of 36 miles. Breakfast is JB's, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Tid bits...

Many riders are asking and wondering about the White Mountain Tour considering it's proximity to the raging forest fires in the north country. The answer? Stay tuned. Ride leader for that event (our prez Mike Morross) is currently talking to the powers that be about conditions and our options. As soon as an official decision has been made, an email will go out to this circle.

Ride safe.

 

June 16 Spin Cycle Report

Added June 16, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Happy Fathers Day!!!!

We had 16 riders today, with one new addition to our group, Charlene, and an old addition we found along the way (John, you didn't think I would forget....). On our way to Queen Creek we saw John Arle doing a few miles getting ready for the group. It was great to see you John, and now that you have done a few miles, we all expect you next week.......

The group of riders made their way down Queen Creek, with us breaking into two groups. We had sprint bonuses actually labeled on the map, however, I was safe since nobody reads the maps anyway, so I took the first two sprints. Jeremy got the King of the Hill honors. Overall, a great ride for Fathers Day. Most of us found the second regroup and even a smaller group of us made it to breakfast. So, we all talked about the rest of you.....

Next week:

Sunday, June 23, unless I find something better, let's do the Germannlupe loop, up Germann to either Lindsey or Higley and then down to Guadalupe. Mileage options of 32-42, breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes.

Sunday, June 30th, Tour de Lehi. Mileage options of 35-40 miles, all flat, we'll one slight hill, but don't worry, no sprinting, trust me. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Tip of the week:

As it starts to get hotter and hotter (yes, it is going to get hotter), keeping hydrated is key. The general rule of thumb is to take a drink every 15-20 minutes during a ride. In addition, drink plenty of fluid prior to the ride. It is recommended to offset some water intake with a drink with electrolytes. Something like a PowerAde, Gatorade to replace the nutrients and salt back in your body.

For more cycling tips, see the attached web site: http://www.cptips.com/.

 

June 15 Saturday Cycling Report

Added June 15, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

As usual, the offer of free food brought out the troops this morning. We headed out of the park with 63 riders for a ramble around in the Foothills. Thanks to Val for volunteering to ride sweep (uh, that IS what you were doing back there, right Val?) Our express train looked a little like a united nations team with Honeywell, ProCon, and PPC team jerseys riding shoulder to shoulder. (If our pack can blend competitors like that, maybe there is hope for the world?) All wound up back at the park after the ride for breakfast under the trees. Our other Saturday morning gang, Sun Lakes, brought their pack to join us giving us a total of about 75 riders plus several members who drove to the breakfast. Special thanks to Tom Adams for helping with the breakfast set up!

Coming up...

Saturday 6/22/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the east we go by way of McKellips. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each, and a head wind is traditional on this route! Breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest of Guadalupe and Alma School.

Saturday 6/29/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast on the Lindsay Loop. Mileage options 29 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. For breakfast we are going to check out the Wildflower Bread Company at the Chandler mall, southwest of Price & Chandler Blvd. (Have you tried their Cinnamon Raisin French Toast?? Hmm...carbos.)

Saturday 7/6/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Standard riders, get your granny gears lubed up! Two route options, 26 miles or 36 miles, with three climbs, all of which are on the standard route! Earn your pancakes with a route around Tempe that gives up some great views. Breakfast is JB's, northeast of Southern & Dorsey. (Yes, Mr. Mohr, they do have an all you can eat buffet there!)

Tid bits...

The next grand adventure to the pine trees is approaching rapidly. Join the White Mountain Tour on the weekend of July 13/14 and breathe some cool air while you pedal. For details, see your monthly newsletter or click here.

Ride safe.

 

June 9 Spin Cycle Report

Added June 9, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 20 riders make the trip around South Mountain today. Great ride for those that made it, and those that made it and wish they hadn't (you know who you are). Let's see, nothing really exciting happened today, except there was not a bathroom to be found. Not only was it closed at Desert Breeze Park, but the ladies didn't want to use the Women's cactus on Maricopa and Riggs, and to top it off, the Texaco half way around wasn't open either. The final regroup at Dobbins and Central did have a working and open bathroom, you just had to take a number.

There were several sprints, which I mysteriously won (Everat, I didn't count the one you won, because, it wasn't on the map!!!!). Jim mentioned that it might be helpful to let the rest of the group in on when those sprints are going to happen. I promptly replied back, why would I want to do something like that, that would take away all of my advantage (and also the advantage of writing these rambling reports).....We'll between these ramblings, we actually did ride around the mountain. Breakfast at Wildflower was great. Overall, a good day for riding.

Sunday, June 16 let's the do the Ocotukee loop, starting in Ocotillo and heading over to Ahwatukee and the foothills. Mileage options of 35 to 45 with some gentle to harder climbing with a couple of loops around the hills. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, June 23, unless I find something better, let's do the Germannlupe loop, up Germann to either Lindsey or Higley and then down to Guadalupe. Mileage options of 32-42, breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes.

Sunday, June 30th, Tour de Lehi. Mileage options of 35-40 miles, all flat, well one slight hill, but don't worry, no sprinting, trust me. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

See ya..

glen

 

June 8 Saturday Cycling Report

Added June 8, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 49 riders head out of the park this morning. 47 of them made it at least as far as the first regroup! A search party was sent out back along the route to locate the Jance & Lanet tandem team that had gone missing. They were soon found, dead in the water with a busted chain. With assist from Rick Marquis and Bob Culbertson they got things rolling again, but decided to limp it back to the park. Meanwhile our express pack was honking around the advanced course trying to keep up with one of our guest riders, Bob Pongrantz. (Uh, yes, that would be the same Bob who was the first rider across in the finish line in the Tour de Phoenix this year!) Bob was on a rest day so he kept the pace under 30 for the gang.

Several riders asked what the huge and interesting structures are that are appearing at the intersection of 56th/Queen Creek/Maricopa roads, at the northeast corner. Anybody know?

Coming up...

Saturday 6/15/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Saturday Cycling hosts the PMBC/GABA quarterly membership ride/breakfast/meeting. We head to the Ahwatukee Foothills, with mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 35 miles with moderate climbing (or any version in between!). Breakfast is served back at Kiwanis Park, ramadas #6/#7, which is just north of the parking lot that we start from. Eats will be offered up starting at about 9:15am and will last until all of the food is gone! Breakfast is free for members, $4 for non-members.

Saturday 6/22/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the northeast we go by way of McKellips. Long route 37 miles, short 28 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast is Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School and Guadalupe.

Saturday 6/29/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast by way of Lindsay, with options of 29 miles or 36 miles. (Note, if you don't have 29 miles in those legs, this is an easy route to cut shorter!) Breakfast is the Wildflower Cafe, southwest of Price & Chandler Blvd (at the Chandler mall).

Tid bits...

We have some riders not quite catching the concept that we have switched to an earlier riding time for the summer. For the sake of the calendar challenged, here is our riding schedule for the year. Tattoo this on the back of your hand, and you're all set:

January 8:30am
February 8:00am
March 7:30am
April & May 7:00am
June/July/August 6:30am
September/October 7:00am
November 7:30am
December 8:00am

Ride safe.

 

June 1 Saturday Cycling Report

Added June 4, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

There are a few words that strike fear into the heart of organizers of major bike rides everywhere. Two of them are "Road Closure". Our helmets are off to Tour de Payson ride leader Bob Beane for going above and beyond the call of duty last week when the forest service closed one of the primary roads to be used for the debut of our new ride in Payson, just days before the event, due to fire restrictions. The routes were reworked, maps created, packets were assembled into the night Friday. We had about 70 riders take on the challenge of the new tour, including five locals who volunteered to ride amongst us with the goal being to try and keep the majority of the riders on course. The pack took up our traditional method of dealing with a new route... following the map if convenient, or forging new roads when in doubt. The views, cooler (well, cooler than home!) temps and great company made the day a grand success, no matter what course was taken. Thanks again to Bob for the incredible amount of research and work put into this event-- and to our volunteers who made the event happen; Kathy Hendricks, Janet Nash, Matthew Bolan, and Pete Joyce.

Holding down the home front, ride leader Val Horton had 27 riders who just couldn't stand the sight of pine trees appear at Kiwanis Park. They made the voyage to Lehi, consumed bagels, and checked out the new I-60 College bridge. (Val-- thanks for leading-- we had the pack chant your name as they crested the top of the 12% grade climb right at the beginning of the ride in Payson!)

Coming up...

Saturday 6/8/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Open roads are calling us... so off we go on the Tour de Sue. Route options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, mileage 25 or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast of Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Saturday 6/15/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! Oh, yeah, and a bike ride. Our quarterly membership ride/breakfast/meeting takes the pack on a loop into the Ahwatukee/Foothills area. The map is still "in development" but mileage options will be something like 25 miles with little climbing or 35 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is served right back at Kiwanis Park after the ride and is free to all PMBC/GABA members. Location is Ramadas #6/#7 located at the east end of the lake in Kiwanis. If you are not riding out with the pack and want to join in on the breakfast, we will start serving at about 9:15am and our officers will yammer for a few minutes at about 9:30am.

Saturday 6/22/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Our riders seem to either love or hate our wind training ride across McKellips. Hey, if you don't like it, at least you get to eat breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe! Off into the wind we go, with mileage options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on both. Neighbor's is northwest of Guadalupe and Alma School.

Tid bits...

Saturday Cycling rides under the banner of the valley wide riding association Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club (PMBC), which in turn is affiliated with the statewide association Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA). Not a PMBC member yet? Wanna join? Annual membership is $15 and gets you lotsa cool perks like free breakfasts now and then, insurance, a spiffy monthly newsletter, and discounts on a lot of the major riding events during the year. Pick up an application any Saturday morning or see our website at: http://www.pmbcaz.org/.

Ride safe.

 

PMBC Makes Donation To CAzB

Added June 2, 2002

As a direct result of your participation in, and the financial success of Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club events in the last few months, the Board and Officers of the Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club passed a special motion that authorized a $1,000 donation to the CAzB (Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists). This donation will be made with the request that as much as possible of these funds be spent in an effort to maximize Arizona's utilization of available TEA-21 funds for bicycle-enabling enhancements. Our club is concerned that millions of dollars of earmarked-and-available alternative transportation money will go unspent, to the detriment of Arizona cyclists, including our club members.

PMBC treasurer Bob Beane presented a check to the CAzB board at their meeting on Monday, May 13th, and personally volunteered to assist in pursuing the objective associated with these funds.

We hope that the Coalition will accept this donation in the spirit of a "challenge" to meet or exceed the expectations of the cycling community of our state. PMBC stands ready to help pursue the objective of obtaining and assigning ALL AVAILABLE FUNDS to bicycle-related projects for our state.

 

June 2 Spin Cycle Report

Added June 2, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Howdy all, another great day in Arizona.....The weather is starting to turn a little hot, but that didn't detour our gang of 13 riders....Our adjunct ride leader (Carter) did not do that well today, at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it, no real reason other than to continue to give him a bad time from last week. On our way to our first regroup, I actually suggested that we stop at the regroup ON THE MAP, however, the group did not feel it was necessary, but, me being the ride leader that I am, insisted On my return out of AM/PM, my bike was not where I had left it (needless to say, your first reaction when your bike is not where you left it after just paying some hard cash to get it can instantly turn your stomach). However, the group decided that it would be a little cooler in the shade next to them (you know how that bike gets so hot and goes so fast, but that is for later in the story)....

We split into two groups, and never did see the rest, but seeing how their car was not at the parking lot when we got back, we assume you got home ok. The fast pack made its way down the wind tunnel of McKellups (since when did they start that road construction anyways), but still made some nice time with Dave Lehnen pulling us most of the way (I guess he didn't ride hard enough in Payson on Saturday, actually he was doing well today and grateful for the pull). On our stretch up Center Street, Ron made a break for the top, but hey, guess what, I actually won a sprint (thanks Gary for taking the day off!!!). We regrouped and made our way to Crackers, which by everyone's accounts is probably the best breakfast around. The last hill on Extension, the group decided to sneak up, but....hey, what do you know, I got another one. There was a comment at breakfast about riding faster than the speed of light, but even though I'm taking it out of context, it was all about me (it was too good to pass up for today's write-up).

On a final note, I saw John Arle today and he is doing well. I was riding up and down his street until he came home when I saw him!!!! Actually, he said he was a making a trip to New York and was going to start riding after that (ok John, I've publicly committed you, you can thank me later).

Sunday June 9, around South Mountain. Time to start putting in those miles. Mileage is 45-50. Breakfast is the Wildflower at Guadalupe and McClintock.

Sunday, June 16 let's the do the Ocotukee loop, starting in Ocotillo and heading over to Ahwatukee and the foothills. Mileage options of 35 to 45 with some gentle to harder climbing with a couple of loops around the hills. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, June 23, unless I find something better, let's do the Germannlupe loop, up Germann to either Lindsey or Higley and then down to Guadalupe. Mileage options of 32-42, breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes.

see ya..

glen

 

---

July 28 Spin Cycle Report

Added July 28, 2002

written by John Arle

Mummyback Route is a Beauty!

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Some rides just work out right; today was one of those. The 25 riders that participated this morning know EXACTLY what I mean. The temperatures were very nice considering it's a July morning. Break a little sweat, and it almost felt cool ... not quite, but almost. After a ceremonial lap through the "Champs Hummingbird" in recognition of Lance's fourth, we steamed our way toward Paradise Valley for Bob Beane's Mummyback Mtn. Route. This route is gem, too. The heavy duty cyclers and the regular cyclers arrived at the second regroup at the same time. It just doesn't get better than that. Bottom-line on this one, it was a great spin.

Now for some gritty details. Shortly after we took off, northbound on Kyrene, we passed by a lone rider going south. He button hooked, then Jason joined our group for the remainder of our ride. Most impressive, he was 35 miles into his ride, has only ridden a couple of months, and his previous long ride was 45 miles. I'm certain he was pressing 60 miles by the time he got back home this morning. Doug was another fresh face that joined us for the first time, as well. Doug and Jason, welcome to the Spin Cycle and we hope you join us regularly. Henry, Greg, and Janet are new to The Spin Cycle Report but I know I've ridden with y'all before. If this was your first with the Spin Cycle, too, then welcome on board! We are the Jungle Boat Ride of PMBC, so everyone PLEASE, keep your hands inside the paceline at all times!

We had a couple of special appearances this morning, as well. Sue and Matt were aboard a tandem. Reportedly, Sue only made a small handful of fecal exclamatories regarding Matt's first group voyage as captain onboard the big two seater. Val sucked up her Spin Cycle fears and showed up really geeked and ready to go. She was so juiced, I ended up having to ride in front of her to limit her speed and aggression. She settled in and finished her nearly 50 miles with Gary restraining her exuberance. Excellent ride, Val. You need to be here more often; you're one of us and THAT should be a scary thought for you!

As we were closing in on Pete's 19th Tee for breakfast, we closed in and passed a patrol squadron of ABC riders from Granda Park. With our obvious road domination, I believe ABC must stand for "Already Been Crushed." Just kidding, group! It's always great to see other groups out for a Sunday ride. We even had one of them jump in with us and join for breakfast.

Val wins quote of the ride. As we closed in on the new bridge over the 60, Sue and Matt cut off because the bridge entry is so narrow. I questioned whether it was a one or two "Carter" opening, and added I could probably fit through if turned sideways. Val chimed in, "you'll need to put Crisco on me (referring to herself) to get through." Let's face it, any sentence with Crisco in it is an immediate candidate!

Glen (Remember Glen? He used to lead the Spin Cycle) continues his global adventures so I'll pilot the ride for another couple of weeks. With nothing already on the schedule for August, its up to me. That's scary, too. Next week, we'll head to the north on the Tour de Scottsdale route. Northbound on Pima is a great stretch. If you haven't ridden this one, you need to join us next weekend for a treat. We'll hit breakfast at the US Egg if the wait isn't too darn long. If it is, we'll punt!

A lot of Spin Cyclers are on vacation the next couple of weeks, so we'll have some gaps in the paceline that need filling. Remember, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. See you next Sunday. - John

 

July 27 Saturday Cycling Report

Added July 28, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

As Pooh would say, twas a blustery day. The unusual weather this morning didn't deter our 53 riders from making their way over to South Mountain. Well, 52 of them made it to the Stonehouse. Janet had a few flats in the first couple of miles and decided to fall back on the cyclist's last line of defense-- call a friend for a sag ride back to the park! The rest of us slogged our way through the wind and on reaching the park split up into various options of climbing (or not!). We had a small group of the standard riders brave the upward climb towards the Towers for just a couple of miles so they could turn around learn the joy of descending. (Have you ever noticed there is a fine line between joy and terror?) Jim Marshall managed to complete the climb without destroying any of his bike parts this time.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/3/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the Foothills of Ahwatukee we go. Options of 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or whatever for as long as you want to keep making your feet do those little circles. Breakfast when you find your way out of the hills is 5&Diner at Ray & 54th St.

Saturday 8/10/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes the pack on one of our favorite open road rides to the south on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Perkins at Chandler & 54th St.

Ride Safe

 

July 21 Spin Cycle Report

Added July 21, 2002

written by John Arle

28 Riders Do Ohcotukee.

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - 28 riders answered the call to arms this morning for a what might be described as a cool morning. Clearly this needs to be placed in the context of a July day in greater Phoenix Metro. A Spin Cycle welcome to Brian, Juan, Jeremy, Randy, Shawn, Court (sp?) and Harry, all first time riders with our merry Sunday morning group. I hope you all had a great ride and will become regulars (or irregulars as the case may be).

After a VERY well behaved warmup to our first regroup, the speed hornets attacked on westbound Queen Creek only to be delayed ever so slightly by a flat. What time they lost they quickly picked up again once the route turned into the wind on northbound Maricopa Rd. / 56th St. Just because I courteously pointed out the fast group to our new riders as we passed while they were fixing the flat, does not merit them to point us out as the slow group when they buzzed past us. I prefer to view my pace as "mature", thank- you very much! :-)

The Foothills half of the route was led by the buzzing hornets of the heavy duty cyclers and the relentless pursuit of the mature regular cyclers. Being the leader that I am, I swept the deep portion of the course looking for stragglers. In reality this is my way of explaining my inability to keep up with the hornets but wanting to ride out for the extra miles anyway. Consequently, I was the last rider to arrive at the second regroup. I really thought by wearing a yellow jersey the team would try harder to protect me! Guess not, huh?

Discovering that Marie Calender's has a $12 brunch buffet every Sunday (thanks for working these little details out in advance, Glen!) 17 of us relocated to Perkins for a very nice repast. Our return to the park was highlighted by Sue's sprint from the Hummingbird Refuge back to the parking lot. She initially snuck out to an inconspicuous lead and then turned on the jets once she rounded a slight bend in the road. What a road warrior! Rocket made the effort to close the gap, but it was too late and Sue crossed the line with the stage victory.

Next week Glen continues his tours of the rich and famous so I will, once again, lead the Spin Cycle adventures as we roll to the north on the patented Reverse Where's My Mummy (Mtn.)route. I'm attaching the route, but I don't want anyone scared away by the tangle of arrows. I understand Bob Beane pioneered this route and may be with us. I promise, someone will know how to get through these hills. I'll be the one with the oxygen tank so you are more than welcome to ride with me.

I hope to see everyone again next weekend and equally hope those of you that missed this morning's escapades will be out with us in another week. Don't forget our other PMBC rides, the Wednesday evening Ride to the Dark Side and Saturday Cycling.

... and never forget, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. Have a great week. - J.A.

 

July 20 Saturday Cycling Report

Added July 20, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

This morning we tested a new method to encourage riders to get to the park on time and get signed in, which was to bring slightly fewer maps than the number of riders who turned out! Our pack of 73 riders headed north, with most managing to stay on the selected courses. We had a new tandem team debut-- with Val riding stoker for Steve "2nd Place At The Nationals" Fahrner. Val says riding at a quicker pace is about the same, it's just that the scenery goes by faster. Greg Gilbert and one of our newbies, Jeff Barrier, were having such a grand time riding in Scottsdale that they decided to just keep right on going (this is also known as missing a turn). They managed to rejoin the group just in time to hook up with the standard riders who had managed to miss THEIR turn and who had ended on the long route by default. The adventure made it's way to the bagel place and all seemed to enjoy the journey.

Coming up..

Today!! If you haven't had enough bike stuff yet, head to The Vine. From noon to 2pm we will gather and eat/drink/cheer in honor of our boys in the Tour. The Vine is on Warner, southeast of 48th St.

Saturday 7/27/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We head west bound over to South Mountain. Route options vary from 28 miles with gentle climbing to 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast is the Raven Golf Course, north side of Baseline between 32nd St & 40th St.

Saturday 8/3/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Head for the hills! (That would be the Foothills in Ahwatukee.) Mapped route options 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or whatever. Breakfast is 5&Diner, southwest of Ray & 54th St.

Ride safe.

 

July 14 Spin Cycle Report

Added July 15, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Good day Riders,

We had 22 riders today, and one who wanted to be there and didn't make it (Ok Rob, your name made it in the newsletter). Several new riders today, welcome Greg, Stephan, Jeff, and can you believe it, Christine my wife made it for the very first time on Sunday....Nothing much exciting with today's ride, except for a little wind, which made the advanced pack wimp out on the total miles (did I say that out loud!!!). Actually, I think everyone was just hungry and wanted to eat as soon as possible. We had one flat, and one dog chase. Looks like Paco, Ron, and Gary were riding down the road in that order, and Gary yells out, dog, but it wont chase us. Next, as Ron relates the story, Gary yells out while sprinting past Ron, Dog's Chasing us.....Way to go Gary, leaving your wing man and letting Ron and Paco fend for themselves....

Lucky for Ron and Paco, the dog didn't have the stamina...Speaking of stamina, Carter was on vacation so not with us today, but John did make it today. He decided to start a little sprint right before breakfast, and Gary, Paco, and Jeff finished it. As John said, if you can't win a sprint, at least you can start them.....

Thanks everyone for a great year of riding. As you know, we had one full year of Spin Cycle and my first year of cycling. Several of the regulars riders have made this a great ride, but getting new and exciting faces along the way have made this year even better, and I hope an exciting year to follow.

Rides:

Sunday, July 21 - Ohcotukee Loop. Up to Queen Creek, back down to Ahwatukee to do some climbing for the heavy duty riders. Mileage of 35 for standard, 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, July 28 - Modified Mummy Mountain. Down to Mummy Mountain around it on our new route. Some gentle climbs to one big honker (that is a bike technical term). Mileage of 35 for standard, and 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

See ya...

glen

 

July 13 Saturday Cycling Report

Added July 15, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 48 riders brave the heat and humidity for our pedal this morning. For all who went up north to the White Mountains, we hope you breathed some cool air for us! Valarie demonstrated a new method of keeping the heat at bay, by filling her helmet with ice before putting it on her head. (This chill out method is not recommended for the, uh, "hair-challenged" in the pack, due to the potential for brain frost-bite.) Ron Iverson completed the route with a tire held together with duct tape (which brings up the scary fact that somebody in the pack was actually carrying duct tape with them!) Thanks to Tom Culp, Ron Kast and Leo Rogers for offering helping hands in assisting other riders this morning.

Coming up...

Saturday 7/20/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We welcome the rest of the pack back with a ride to the north. Route options 27 miles or 36 miles, both with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th St.

Saturday 7/27/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Though we often talk about improving our climbing ability, we rarely discus how to get back down those climbs safely. We head to South Mountain to give our newbies a chance to learn descending skills (AKA "how not wipe out royally on a downhill"). Mileage options ranging from 28 miles to 42 miles with various climbing options. Breakfast is the Raven, north side of Baseline between 32nd St & 40th St.

Saturday 8/3/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to Ahwatukee and the Foothills we pedal. Mapped route options 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or follow Gary at your own risk. Breakfast is 5&Diner, southwest of Ray & 54th St.

Tid bits...

Have you ever noticed that we have an incredibly eclectic group? On this morning's ride we had an age span from early 20's to late 60's. We have dedicated athletes who chart their body fat percentages and riders who cheer when they turn on the soft serve ice cream tap at the buffet. In our pack you can ride elbow to elbow with physicists, doctors, professors, truck drivers, waiters, and unemployed high-techies. We have Mormons, Catholics, Buddhists, B'Hai, and those that worship by simply being outdoors enjoying their recreational time.

What unites us? Just the bikes, the love of spinning. It gives a thin common thread that draws us together. Amazing, huh? If we could just get the leaders of all the powerful nations in the world to go on a bike ride together...

Ride safe.

 

July 7 Spin Cycle Report

Added July 7, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Good morning cyclist....We had 22 riders join us today for our first year anniversary of Spin Cycle. As John always said, it is you who makes Spin Cycle!! Speaking of John, where were you? I've been asked to distribute your email address so you can get e-harassed....We also had an international flare for today's ride, Yannick Drouet joined us for today's ride from France. Thanks for joining us today, great riding with you!

Overall, a pretty calm day on the ride, we broke into two groups with the standard pack getting lost (it couldn't have been the map!). Actually it was the map, and to continue with the John harassing, it was one of his old ones that was not 100% accurate. Oh well, if you can't be here to defend yourself, you get your name in lights. Speaking of names in lights, there is always Carter. I really don't have anything, just need to put his name out there, kind of like the "Where's Waldo", except this is "Where's Carter". Then there is Sue, telling everyone how ummmm "Detailed" she is (ask her for the true meaning of detailed, or better yet, ask Carter!!!).

Amongst all of this BS, we actually did ride, and it wasn't too hot until the end. Oh, how did I forget, we had a couple of sprints today (imagine that!). Let's see, Everett (Paco) took the first sprint up Center. Gary was heard saying "where's my legs", followed closely by yours truly who couldn't talk. Paco took the sprint up Extension as well, good job!

Next week - Since the White Mountain Tour is a go next week, we'll stick with the standard route from Desert Breeze and look to do something on the west side later this summer or fall.

Sunday, July 14th - Germann Hunt Loop, Germann to Higley or Lindsey, then back to Queen Creek with a detour at Hunt Highway, then back to Queen Creek and either going directly to Wildflower at the mall, or taking the long way down Queen Creek to 56th Street, then back to Chandler. Standard miles at 35, heavy duty 45.

Sunday, July 21 - Ohcotukee Loop. Up to Queen Creek, back down to Ahwatukee to do some climbing for the heavy duty riders. Mileage of 35 for standard, 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, July 28 - Modified Mummy Mountain. Down to Mummy Mountain around it on our new route. Some gentle climbs to one big honker (that is a bike technical term). Mileage of 35 for standard, and 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

See ya...

glen

 

July 6 Saturday Cycling Report

Added July 7, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Yesterday we had 62 riders head out of the park for our climbing training ride. All of the standard riders accepted the challenge of the three climbs, even newbie Amy, who was riding a slick looking 3 wheel recumbent (built by her dad!) In the mean time, the advanced pack did various versions of the mileage building loop to the east. (For future reference, it works best if the lead rider of any line has a map!) After a little creative scenic riding, most found their way back down thru Tempe and on to the restaurant.

After the morning's ride, a good portion of the crowd continued with the cycling theme of the day by heading to The Vine to cheer on our home boys in the Tour de France. (Go Lance!!) Much post ride consuming of traditional sports bar food fare and drink was done in celebration. (Yes, Bicycling Magazine DID state this month that beer is a reasonable post ride beverage!)

Coming up...

Next weekend, 7/13 & 7/14, is the White Mountain Tour. Following is a message about that event from our association president, Mr. Mike Morross:

"The White Mountains Tour IS going to happen. The facilities up there are free for us to use, and every one in the area says the same thing, that the best thing we can do for the area right now is to come up and spend our tourism $'s. Thanks for your help in spreading the word."

Mr. Prez also advises that if you have not registered for this event, you can register Saturday morning at the ride start point and the normal late fee will be waived. For further info about the ride see the White Mountain Tour page.

Saturday 7/13/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are not north bound to the cool country, head to the park. We are off on a loop to the southeast with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Home Town Buffet, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen.

Saturday 7/20/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A north bound loop into Scottsdale, with mileage options of 27 miles or 35 miles, some moderate climbing on both. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th St.

Saturday 7/27/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The pack heads west to South Mountain, with various mileage and climbing options. Breakfast is The Raven, north side of Baseline between 40th St & 32nd St.

Tid bits...

Everyone had such a grand time at the post ride gathering yesterday, it was suggested that we do so again a couple of more times to take in more of the TdF broadcast. We'll skip next weekend since a portion of the gang will be out of town for the ride up north, but will aim for another get together on Saturday 7/20 in the afternoon. Details on time and location to follow later after we get it figured out!

Ride safe.

 

July 4 Saturday Cycling's Holiday Report

Added July 4, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even after many years of organizing group rides, every once in awhile the popularity of a posted ride can catch a pack leader by surprise. Our holiday rides have traditionally drawn a moderate sized group, less than we would normally draw on a Saturday. But our fabulous freedom ride this morning? 75 riders! Good grief what a pack! After a delayed start getting all signed in and too few maps shared amongst the group, we were off. The standard riders who turned out to take on the challenge of the lengthy ride headed out from the park a few minutes early, but were soon chased down by the masses. The express pack paid the price for travelling too fast by arriving at the second regroup before the store was open, while the casual paced riders were rewarded with cold drinks and cool a/c'd air for a few minutes before heading onward. To the standard riders who turned out today to try what, for them, was a tough ride, our helmets are off to you. Thanks to Jeff Mohr for running sag truck back along the course.

Coming up...

This Saturday is the start of the "Super Bowl" of the cycling world-- the Tour de France. If there is one thing us cyclists like almost as much as riding, it's watching our heros strut their stuff. Come join us Saturday (7/6) afternoon after our morning ride, from Noon to 2:00pm to watch OLN's broadcast of the TdF's opening events. We are taking over the Vine Tavern, which is located on Warner Rd., just east of 48th Street. That's on the south side of Warner, between Wakial and 48th St, in the east end of the Basha's center.

See ya there!

 

August 31 Saturday Cycling Report

Added August 31, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Day one of our three day cycling weekend was a grand adventure for the 54 riders who headed out of the park this morning. Enroute to the airport the standard pack passed the Sun Lakes gang headed the other direction on Queen Creek, and they seemed to be having almost as much fun as we were! The expanded Hangar Cafe provided enough seating even for our gang and offered up some great chow for el cheapo. (Hey, we're cyclists, we get excited about cheap breakfasts!)

Coming up...

NOTE TIME CHANGE!! All rides start at 7:00am in September and October.

Sunday 9/1/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Ya know how we said Spin Cycle was going to take us to Mummy Mountain this date? Well... that was last week! Good sports that they are, Spin Cycle offers up a slightly twisted version of that ride, The Mummyback Loop. Mileage options 35 miles or 40 miles, both with some moderate climbing. Note, this ride can easily be shortened, so come on down to the park even if you don't have 35 miles in those legs. Breakfast is Pete's 19th Tee, Rolling Hills Golf Course, northwest of Mill & Curry. Spin Cycle's start point is by the train station at the north end of Desert Breeze Park, which is between Ray, McClintock, Rural, and Chandler Blvd.

Monday 9/2/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If Jimmy Buffet held a bike ride, this would be it! Hop on your boat anchor-- mountain bikes, hybrids, single speeds, and come join us for a bike way cruise up into Scottsdale. The route is paved, about 28 miles, no climbing. Goofing off and lolly-gagging will be highly encouraged. Breakfast on the way back at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th St in Tempe.

Saturday 9/14/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We get back to "serious" (?) riding with a trek to South Mountain. Mileage options of 28 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with you've-got-to-be-kidding climbing. Breakfast at the Raven Golf Course, north side of Baseline between 32nd St & 40th St.

Saturday 9/21/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Saturday Cycling hosts our third quarter association ride/breakfast/meeting. Breakfast will be served starting at 9:15am in the park following this ride and is free to all PMBC/GABA members. Our association meeting will start at 9:30am. Non-members can join us for eats for $4. The ride route will be north bound on a loop into Scottsdale, 27 miles or 34 miles, both with some moderate climbing.

Tid Bits...

Saturday Cycling rides under the banner of PMBC/GABA. This lovely acronym stands for Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club / Greater Arizona Bicycle Association. Annual membership is $15 and for that you get a monthly newsletter, 4 free breakfasts a year, discounts on the ride fees for many of the large organized rides held the state, and insurance. If you have not become a member, pick up an application any Saturday morning or get one here.

Ride Safe.

 

August 25 Spin Cycle Report

Added August 26, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 26 riders join us today for that "cool" morning air (at least for a few minutes). Gary even mentioned going back to his car and getting his arm warmers. I would also like to welcome Zack, Aleyanyra, and Siep to our Sunday group, hope you enjoyed the ride.

Nothing too memorable with today's ride, maybe because Carter didn't show up. I didn't see Paco either, must have had too much fun on his birthday the night before, Happy Birthday you old man......We all made it around Mummy Mountain in one fashion or another. The road construction on the route made for an interesting aversion with everyone carrying their bikes over the dirt and rocks. Reminds me of Tour de Tucson. No one fell in the huge pit, so it must have been a success. At the end of the hills, we regrouped at the church parking lot as usual and received our daily sermon from the Pastor as he was heading in. God knows some of us really need it.

Breakfast at Pete's was excellent, what else can I say. Starting next week, our ride starts at 7:00.

Upcoming Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club Membership Meeting: Date, September 21st, 2002. Time 9:30AM after the Saturday Cycling Ride. Place, Kiwanis Park, Fiesta Picnic Area (located across from the entrance to the parking lot used for Saturday rides) Ramada's E, F and G. This will be a general membership meeting. Food and refreshments will be served to those attending (membership required).

Ride Schedule:

If you are home for the three day weekend, why not get some miles in. Sue Fassett will be hosting three days of riding. John and I will be out, but I'm sure you will continue to talk about us while we are gone.

Saturday 8/31/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Day one of our 3 day cycling extravaganza! We're gonna wing it to the Chandler Airport to take a look at some spiffy aircraft, and go in search what is possibly the best breakfast burrito around. Route options 31 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is the Hangar Cafe, southeast of Airport Blvd & Ryan.

Sunday 9/1/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! Spin Cycle hosts day two of the weekend with The Return of Mummy Mountain. Yes, we are doing it again, but this will be the new version. Mileage options of 40 miles with some moderate climbing or 50 with some more climbing, or, this is an easy route to cut down, so if you don't have 40 miles in those legs, turn out anyway. Breakfast is Pete's 19th Tee at the Rolling Hills Golf Course, on Mill north of Curry.

Monday 9/2/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off work? In town? Well, sleep in an extra 30 minutes and then head to the park for day three, but leave that zippy bike at home! Got a clunker gathering dust? This is your day to flaunt it. Air up those cruisers, hybrids, single speeds, mountain bikes or a "lazy-boy on wheels" recumbents and come play with us. Or come on your regular turbo blaster type road bike, but leave the skin suit at home. We'll be heading northbound by way of the Greenbelt path and return on the Cross Cut, with a breakfast stop at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th in Tempe.

Sunday 9/8/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Gary will lead the pack this day. He said he will be creating a new map and route to Ahwatukee (so everyone can get real lost). He has named the route GaryTukee. So, there will be some miles and breakfast, and knowing Gary, some hills for those that want them and some hills for those that don't want them. I'm sure he'll add breakfast somewhere to.

 

August 24 Saturday Cycling Report

Added August 25, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

What happens when we mix 15 tandems in with the pack? Can you say ZOOOOM? The singles out of our 62 riders this morning reveled in the sweet spots created by every third bike or so in the line being a tandem. We welcomed lots of visitors from ABC's tandem division, plus a few interesting match ups from within our regular pack. Thanks to all who loaned bikes or offered up empty stoker seats for our adventure today. Did you notice that cool air when we first started? In August? Sweet!!

Coming up...

Saturday 8/31/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Day one of our 3 day cycling extravaganza! We're gonna wing it to the Chandler Airport to take a look at some spiffy aircraft, and go in search what is possibly the best breakfast burrito around. Route options 31 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is the Hangar Cafe, southeast of Airport Blvd & Ryan.

Sunday 9/1/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! Spin Cycle hosts day two of the weekend with The Return of Mummy Mountain. Yes, the "Original, Jeff Mohr" Mummy Mountain route. Mileage options of 40 miles with some moderate climbing or 50 with some more climbing, or, this is an easy route to cut down, so if you don't have 40 miles in those legs, turn out anyway. Breakfast is Pete's 19th Tee at the Rolling Hills Golf Course, on Mill north of Curry. If you need directions to Spin Cycle's start point, ask!

Monday 9/2/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off work? In town? Well, sleep in an extra 30 minutes and then head to the park for day three, but leave that zippy bike at home! Got a clunker gathering dust? This is your day to flaunt it. Air up those cruisers, hybrids, single speeds, mountain bikes or a "lazy-boy on wheels" recumbents and come play with us. Or come on your regular turbo blaster type road bike, but leave the skin suit at home. We'll be heading northbound by way of the Greenbelt path and return on the Cross Cut, with a breakfast stop at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th in Tempe.

Saturday 9/7/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. September is your time to train if you are looking to do some of the big rides in October and November. We'll start it off right with our favorite wind training ride, the McKellips Loops. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, a little climbing on each and probably a head wind! Breakfast is Neighbors Cafe, northwest of Guadalupe & Alma School.

Tid bits..

Speaking of big rides, there are so many to choose from! Many do the big name rides every year-- Tour de Farm, Tour de Tucson, etc. But some of the lesser known rides provide some great times. Our association, Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club, is hosting the Memorial Ride For Safety on Saturday October 12, 2002. This is gorgeous tour of the north part of our valley, with a most excellent lunch served after! We'll have flyers next Saturday morning or check out the Memorial Ride For Safety page and then click on Registration Form to sign up. The proceeds from this event go to create a safer riding environment for us all!

Ride Safe

 

August 18 Spin Cycle Report

Added August 20, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

If I only knew what a little Lube would do to my chain.

Hello riders, we had 22 show up for today's ride. So, to get this out of the way early, the first quote and Carter showing was made by Lori, asking Carter in the parking lot if he was "Hung Over AGAIN". Surprisingly he was not, saying he got it out of his system while on vacation. Ok, on with the story....We made it to the first regroup without incident, except that Ron was a little late. While he shared with us why he was late, I'm not sure that everyone needs to know (and if you do, ask him yourself...).

On the way we went, heading over Curry and down McKellips. The group broke into two groups, with everyone eagerly wanting to take their turn pulling up the wind tunnel (yea, and I have some cheap Tech stocks to sell you). The "sane group" as John calls it, hosted a good half dozen riders pacing along at a "mature" 18-19 mph pace. We did have one "derailing" as Jeff learned that bunny hopping medians isn't a good recreational road bike activity. Lori, the "Rock Doc", was quickly on the scene to make certain all the parts were still in the right place. After she checked Jeff's bike she even made certain he was ok, too! If we learn a little from each other's incidents, we'll find we ride better, and safer, each week. ALWAYS wear your helmet and be careful on all turns swinging wide to to the right on left turns and staying in tight for right turns.

Peter and Phil continued the route to McKellips, while Jeff, Lori, and John took a more direct route using Rio Salado Parkway. Lori and Jeff headed back to the park with John, never missing a meal, made his way solo to Crackers. The "In-sane group" pumped up the speed, and made it to the second regroup at the same time as the standard riders (wow, what planning or was that pure luck). Breakfast at Crackers was its usual great food, with John getting the proper label of "Parfait Boy" (can you guess what John had for breakfast).

So on the way back, John steps hard on his pedals and "clunk, clunk, clink, clink", you get the picture, his chain slips, start again, slips, as it whines in despair. On the first slipping of the chain, I said nothing, on the second, I looked back, with John clearly expecting some wise crack, but I again refrained. On the third time, I explained the great art of lubricants and what they can and can't do for a bike and especially a CHAIN. In all seriousness, if anyone is interested in learning how to do some minor maintenance on their bikes, let me know and I'll see if we can get our local bike mechanic Tom to hold a clinic on one Sunday.

Next weeks ride is the Return of Mummy Mountain. We will do the "Original" Mummy Mountain, which will include some hills (yes, they are still there). Mileage options of 40-50, and breakfast at Pete's Grill at the Rolling Hills Golf Course.

As they used to say on Hill Street Blues, "Hey ... Let's be careful out there!"

glen

 

August 17 Saturday Cycling Report

Added August 18, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 67 riders head for the mellow roads through Lehi this morning. On the way we pedaled on 6th Street in Mesa, which has a short section that is covered by a canopy of tree branches overhead. Veneranda commented that if you squinted your eyes, a lot, it kinda looked like Vermont. Hey, we take our green moments anyway we can get 'em. We had one rider, Dave Jr, blow up a tire only a couple of miles into the ride. He and our sweep (thanks Leo!) were starting the "feet do your stuff" stroll back to the park when Dave Sr. appeared and offered to pedal back for a sag truck. Nothing like an aborted bike ride to make for a father son bonding adventure!

Coming up...

Saturday 8/24/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. TANDEMANIA!! Get out those two headed bikes, line up a partner, and get yourselves to the park! We're gonna see just how many teams we can get on the road at one time. We've got some new pairs trying it out together for the first time, so this should be interesting (challenging?). Our route is to the southeast, no climbing, 29 miles or 36 miles. Breakfast is Ruby's Dinner (great food!) at the Chandler Mall, northwest of Frye and Price.

Ya know what comes next? A 3 day weekend! Don't even think about goin' outa town--

Saturday 8/31/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Earlier this year they remodeled the cafe at the Chandler Airport, so they can seat even our mob, so we just gotta go check it out. We head out on a route to the south by way of Queen Creek, mileage options 30 miles or 38 miles. Breakfast is the Hanger Cafe, on Ryan southeast of McQueen and Germann. Even if you don't want to stop to eat, come in to the airport with us, lotsa cool aviation stuff-- helicopters and warbirds and biplanes.

Sunday 9/1/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! Spin Cycle steps up to host day 2 of our weekend. Details on this exciting ride will follow next week, when they have it figured out. Count on pedaling somewhere, then eating.

Monday 9/2/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Come celebrate Labor Day by NOT laboring on your bike. Sleep in, cuz you don't have to be to the park till 7am. Then, grab your OTHER bike. If you have a cruiser, a hybrid, a mountain bike, a fixed gear, or neighborhood beater bike-- hop on it and get to the park. Come in street shorts if you want instead of those silly lycra things we usually don. If you have nothing but that light as air racing bike, come on it, but at least leave your heart moniter at home. Why? Cuz we are going for a joy ride. Not a training ride. Not a mileage dog ride. A "riding a bike is a fun thing to do" ride. We'll be heading out bound on the Greenbelt up into Scottsdale (early, before all the other users of that path descend on it!) and will come back by way of the Cross Cut path. The entire route will be paved. Mileage is still being worked out, but something in the range of 25 to 30 miles. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th in Tempe.

Tid bits...

Tom Culp has taken the giant step of trying to make a living doing what we love, cycling stuff! He has set up a pretty cool website, if you want to check it out, go to: www.arizonacyclingcentral.com.

Ride Safe

 

August 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Added August 14, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Thanks to Val Horton for stepping up to lead our gang of 53 riders last Saturday morning. Though part of the group was off enjoying cool temps in San Diego, the home crowd was padded by the addition of the entire Bicycling Club of Kingman pack (eh, that would be three riders, but hey, a pack is a pack!). Val confirms all had a safe and enjoyable pedal and she only had to use her "don't mess with me" voice a couple of times.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/17/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the northeast to Lehi we go. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is I-Hop, southwest corner Apache & College.

Saturday 8/24/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. It's TANDEMANIA!! If you haven't noticed, we have a whole buncha gorgeous double your fun, double your power, tandem bikes in the crowd. We're gonna see just how many of them we can get on the road at one time. Tandem owners, can't find a riding partner? If you can't beg or bribe somebody to hook up with ya, send yours truly a note. If you've always wanted to give tandeming a try, send a note and we'll match up riders and bikes. A nice flat wide open course to the southeast will be our route, mileage options 29 miles or 36 miles. Breakfast is a new spot for us, Ruby's Diner at the Chandler Mall, northwest of Frye & Price. Kinda like 5&Diner, but without the tunes that we can't ever hear over our crowd anyway!

Tid bits...

A call to arms! Actually, we have need of all your bodily parts. Phoenix Metro Bike Club (PMBC) over the years has been run by a few very hard working people. The faces have changed a few times at the front of the line, but we are seeing the same warm bodies step forward to run major rides, to serve on the board, to be officers of the association. A few giving souls are donating huge amounts of time and energy to keep us in motion. We need some else to take a pull at the front. At the end of this year, our hard working President Mike Morross will be taking a much deserved step down from his office and also his position as ride leader of the White Mountain Tour. Vice President Mike Litecky will be stepping down from his office. Board member Bob Brown will be stepping down from the board. Board member Rob McClure will staying on the board but stepping down from being ride leader for the Mining Country Century. There is potential for our existing treasurer to step up to the presidency if we can locate some one with accounting experience who can come on board as treasurer for us. Our hunt is on for willing members who would like to give a little back to an organization that gives us all a lot of enjoyment. If you have questions, comments, ideas, contact anyone on the officer nominations committee, which consists of:

Sue Fassett
Rob McClure
Mike Litecky
Tom Adams
Tom Culp

And on another note entirely-- for those asking about club jerseys, yes, we will be presenting a new club jersey for the spring of 2003. Orders will be taken starting in about October or November and will again be done on a "pay when you order" basis. We are still fine tuning the final details and let you know when we have it all sorted out.

Ride Safe

 

August 11 Spin Cycle Report

Added August 11, 2002

written by John Arle

Two Dozen Boxed Cyclists.

Even with the rich and famous touring San Diego, twenty-four riders reported in for this week's "Box Ride." With temperatures predicted to reach 110, once again, this 32 mile express route was just what the doctor ordered. Jeff and Dave are new to the Spin Cycle list. I hope you guys enjoyed your ride with us and become one of the regulars.

The group paced out with an 18 mile an hour neutral start pulled by your's truly, John "Hincapie" Arle. Having done my job, pacing the team up the brutal slopes and winds of eastbound Elliott (what on Earth is he talking about?) I fell back to the Lanterne Rouge, launching the sprinters into position for the next segment of the tour. The lead group split in half with the leaders pushing against the slight morning breeze at a solid twenty mph with the middle group hammering along shortly behind. Meanwhile, those of us in the Lanterne Rouge were enjoying our wake up mimosas and savoring shrimp cocktail. (Don't let the front riders know we have catering service in the caboose or everybody is going to hang back for the luxury service!) Once the locomotive turned the wind to their back, they went super sonic leaving a huge sucking vortex in their wake.

One episode of tire fencing resulted in a some road rash. It looked, however, that Camelbaks can serve something of a protective function, too. With everyone back on their feet, or wheels as the case may be, the group moved forward toward the Hanger Cafe.

The restaurant served as the regroup and breakfast stop. The regroup was returning to the road as the Lanterne Rouge pulled in (wiping telltale cocktail sauce from our faces and hoping mimosa breath wouldn't be detected). I'd guess a half dozen, or so, remained for chow. With an Arizona Rattler football game at 12:30, I had to push forward.

Always an educational experience, Chad showed us a bee sitting on his leg and identified it as an e-bola carrier. Connie taught us the appropriate way to shriek when your front wheel narrowly misses a hole. We also generated a new idea. How about a hockey night with a group block of tickets for a Coyote game this season. If there's enough interest, we might even see what a luxury box would cost! The Coyotes make it pretty easy to put a group together, and if we plan this far enough ahead, we can probably get some pretty good seats at a cost everyone could afford. I know the date selected makes a difference to everybody, but let me know if you like the concept and might be interested.

That's it for this edition of the Spin Cycle Report. Fletch, (remember Glen? ... strong rider, buys a new bike every 6 weeks, tours the Rocky Mountains and both American coastlines inside a month, yeah, Glen, that's the guy) returns to the Spin Cycle next week. I'm certain I'll be in the pack and hope you will be too.

Have a great week everybody and remember, its you that makes the Spin Cycle. - John

 

August 4 Spin Cycle Report

Added August 4, 2002

written by John Arle

Asphalt Snakes Attack!

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Good weather and great route combined with good people, will always result in a super Spin Cycle morning. The cloud cover kept the Sun off the twenty-six riders as the Spin Cycle made its way nearly due north on the Tour de Scottsdale route. This route has been a favorite due to the low traffic on Pima road and the scenery provided by the "modest" Scottsdale golf courses and housing (mansions). I just don't know how people can live like that!

I want to welcome Patrick to the group. This was his first Spin Cycle Sunday and I hope you enjoyed the ride and the company. The "family Hogue" also showed, in force. Henry, I know you're a returning veteran. I'm not certain if this was Brenda's first voyage, or not. If it was, welcome, too! If it wasn't, well ... welcome back to the continent (She just got back from seeing the final day of the Tour de France. I'll try not to hate her too much. :-)) Ian, I'll personally give you a lesson, the next time you're out, on "sucking wheel." This is a life saving technique when out on these longer rides. I make a living at it every weekend! Remember, its not how hard you sprint during the ride. Its how much you have left in the tank at the end that counts!

Today's tour wasn't without challenges, however. Three flats, capped by Jim's spectacular blowout, kept the group vigilant for those pesky asphalt snakes that were obviously out and biting.

The morning spin was also quite educational. For instance, did you know Gary can roller blade off road? Just envision little knobbies on "skater."

With 12:00 AZ Rattler tickets, I had to forgo the Wildflower Bread Co., but the majority swarmed right in like french toast stalking wolves. A special congratulations to Phil that out-foxed the pack and finished first to the Wildflower! What a cyclo-stud!

Next week, with several regulars touring San Diego, the Spin Cycle will travel through Mesa looping back to the Hanger Cafe at the Chandler Airport. Pancakes and breakfast burritos are, reportedly, at the top of their menu. We'll find out next Sunday.

It is you that makes the Spin Cycle. Have a great week everybody.

- John

 

August 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Added August 4, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Hmm, there seems to be a trend here. No matter how many maps are brought to the park, we pull in just a few more riders than maps. This morning we had 79 riders head out. Patti Fiori brought an entire bevy of babes to join us. As the morning progressed we were treated to glimpses of the express train here and there as they crested various hills in the distance (none of which were on the map, but keep in mind this is a Foothills ride, and tradition must be maintained!) The "new" 5&Diner (OK, it's not that new, we just hadn't been there yet) welcomed our oversized gang with empty tables and an offer of maybe installing a bike rack to encourage hungry cyclists to stop there. See? We can change the world, just by pedaling our bikes.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/10/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast takes the pack out onto open roads on either Queen Creek or Riggs Road. Mileage options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing (well, you do have to cross over I-10 a coupla times, not sure what category hill climb those would be ranked in the TdF!) Breakfast is Perkins, northwest of Chandler Blvd & 56th St.

Saturday 8/17/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the Land of Lehi we go (which would be loop to the northeast for those not in the know about Lehi). Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is I-Hop, southwest corner Apache & College.

Tid bits...

This morning we talked a little about how the patience of the citizens in the village of Ahwatukee is wearing thin in regards to cyclists. They complain of loud talking in the wee hours of the morn, trash tossed along roads by riders, and blatant disregard of traffic laws. When you hop on a bike, be it as a casual recreational rider or a competitive racer, whether riding solo or in a pack, keep in mind you represent cyclists as a whole in the public eye. Respect the communities you ride through. Leave nothing but tire tracks. Share the roads by following the rules that keep us alive.

Ride Safe

 

September 29 Spin Cycle Report

Added September 29, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Twenty Seven Experience McKellips Wind Tunnel.

What a great morning, aaahhh, Fall is in the air, I just about went back to my truck for leg and arm warmers. OK, not that cold, but it was nice. I want to welcome several new riders today, Dean, Dan, and Reese, hope you can make it again. We had 27 riders today make the modified trip up McKellips. Modified means more miles, which we did for about 50. Once I explained the map (light color looks great until you photocopy it black and white), we made our way. Up and over to McKellips was nice and easy, then we experienced the wind tunnel. At least we got a good workout today.

Next weeks ride, more miles....do you see a pattern here?

Sunday 10/6 let's do the Harrah's Turnaround. Breakfast at Harrah's, which is half way (I'm hoping for cool weather for the trip back) Mileage of 45 pretty flat and wide open miles with little stop lights...Let's get that double pace line working...

Sunday 10/13 - Time to do a few hills and miles with the Tour around Mummy. Mile options of 35-40 miles with slight hills to more bigger rollers. Breakfast at Pete's Grill at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

 

September 28 Saturday Cycling Report

Added September 28, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

"Red sky at morning, sailors take warning." OK, how about-- "Lightning at dawn, cyclists go on." We had 57 riders brave the elements for what turned out to be a gorgeous morning for a pedal. We headed out of the parking lot, after helping newbie Jane Durr deal with her little car being run over by a very large truck in the park parking lot. (We got bored with bike crack ups, so we're moving up to car accidents!) A head wind challenged both the standard riders and the fast pack, toss in a bit of road construction-- just your typical Saturday morning jaunt! Jack not being present at breakfast left the responsibility of serious bacon consuming up to some of the other riders, but Fletch and Paul Krasner did their part to keep up our pack reputation!

Coming up..

Saturday 10/5/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off to Ahwatukee we go. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or follow the fast pack for whatever. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast corner Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Saturday 10/12/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the north end of the valley for the Memorial Ride For Safety, then head to the park. We are off on a loop to the south by way of either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, southeast corner Rural and Chandler Blvd.

Saturday 10/19/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the Tour de Farm, head to the park. (Yes, it is the fall, and yes, there are many, MANY rides to participate in!) We'll do our own little mini version of the farm thing with a loop over to Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is IHOP, Apache & College.

Tid bits...

The same message we have uttered many times, but it needs repeating. All of the large rides that are being offered up can only happen because of a vast army of volunteers. If you've been riding in the line for awhile, how about taking a pull? On Sunday October 27th we have a calendar conflict. The Palo Verde Nuclear Century over in the west valley and the City of Tempe's Tour de Tempe at Kiwanis Park are both taking place on this date. If you are not riding in or working for the Nuke ride, how about volunteering to assist with the city ride? We need a few riders to work before the ride-- airing tires, getting helmets on right, etc. and assisting with flats, etc. during the ride. This is a 12 mile community family ride and is great fun to participate in. You would need to be at Kiwanis Park a little before 7am (the ride leaves at 8am) and there is a free t-shirt in it for ya! If you can assist, contact Jay Stewart.

To our road warriors who are headed to Prescott for the state championship road race tomorrow, you're our champions already!

Ride safe.

 

September 22 Spin Cycle Report

Added September 22, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

The Hill!!!

Eighteen Riders made their way to South Mountain, and 18 made it up. We'll done! While there was a little oxygen deprivation once we reached the top doesn't matter. Glad to see Noel decided to do a few extra hills just for good measure. Dave Lehnen takes the polka dot jersey for Sunday as well as pulling down baseline, what a stud.

Our trip down was the usual rattle your teeth, bike, and anything else experience, with Dave's eyeglasses getting the worst of it at the Raven. At least that is his story and he's sticking to it. He probably couldn't see and the reason why he was king of the mountain, he didn't realize how big that hill is/was.

Meanwhile back at the Ramada, there were stories of riding snakes, especially big snakes at the South Mountain Coral (did you know there was a Coral at the Ramada?). Even of stories of blowing and making things hot, had to be the weather knowing our mild manner group. Let's just say that Carter turned red during this exchange.

Sunday 9/29 We'll take a modified McKellupe route with some extra miles to get ready for the fall. Mileage of 40-50 and breakfast at Crackers.

Sunday 10/6 Let's do the Harrah's Turnaround. Breakfast at Harrah's, which is half way (I'm hoping for cool weather for the trip back). Mileage of 45 pretty flat and wide open miles with little stop lights. Let's get that double pace line working.

glen

 

September 21 Saturday Cycling Report

Added September 21, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

The Feeding of the Masses

Hi All!

See? You just mention the words "free" and "food" in the same sentence, and look what happens. We had riders out with the pack this morning that hadn't been seen in months... actually about three months... since our last free breakfast! Our group riding out from the park held about 65 riders, and another 10 or so joined us after for the breakfast meeting. The ride itself went OK with the exception of numerous flats, but the express train still set a land speed record chugging around the course to be first in line for eats. Thanks to all who helped with set up and clean up for the feeding of the masses.

Coming up...

Saturday 9/28/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Home Town Buffet, Evergreen and Warner.

Saturday 10/5/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to the hills (Foothills, that is) of Ahwatukee. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or follow the fast pack for whatever. Breakfast is Perkins, northeast corner Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Saturday 10/12/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the Memorial Ride For Safety (which is a most excellent ride!) then get yourself to the park for the Tour de Sue. A loop to the south by way of either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, southeast corner Rural and Chandler Blvd.

Tid bits...

So many rides in the fall! See the association's website at www.pmbcaz.org for a complete list. If you don't want to spend the bucks to ride, how about helping? All of these rides need an army of volunteers to make them happen. For the Memorial Ride on Sat 10/12 we are in need of two more warm bodies to staff a rest stop. Contact Bob Beane if you can help.

Ride safe.

 

September 15 Spin Cycle Report

Added September 15, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Hello all, glad to be back in Arizona....We had 20 riders take off today for some MILES!!!! We did 50 today, and I might say, it felt like 65 with that wind....Welcome Noel and Michael to the group, hope you can be regulars. Nothing too exciting for today's ride, but Carter did mention that Randy was great to draft behind with those long pulls (way to go Randy!!)

Next week we head to South Mountain for some hills, bring your legs and lungs as we make our trek (no pun intended) to the towers.

Next Sunday, 9/22 Let's take a tour to up to South Mountain, time to make those hills count. Mileage options of 42 to 47 miles, with some light hills to get off the seat and let's hammer....Breakfast at the Raven......

Remember, Saturday, 9/21 is our third quarter association ride/breakfast/meeting. Saturday Cycling is hosting at Kiwanis Park after the ride (9:15am in the park following the ride, but I know you all will do the ride, right?). If you are not a member, a good reason to join, not only getting that free breakfast, but gets you discounts on future PMBC rides for the year. Check out the web site for more details or contact yours truly.

Sunday 9/29 we'll take a modified McKellupe route with some extra miles to get ready for the fall. Mileage of 40-50 and breakfast at Crackers.

 

September 14 Saturday Cycling Report

Added September 14, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Sixty Four Riders Challenge the Mountain

Hi All!

The challenge of the mountain today brought us 64 riders. The snarling, slathering portion of the pack took the high road (Dobbins) over while the, eh, more moderately paced riders took the scenic low road (the High Line multi-use path). Both groups were surprised by the sudden leap forward the developments in the area have made. Now if they would only re-develop Baseline road to handle the increased traffic flow we would have it made!

Coming up...

Saturday 9/21/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Saturday Cycling hosts our third quarter association ride/breakfast/meeting. Breakfast will be served starting at 9:15am in the park following this ride and is free to all PMBC/GABA members. Our association meeting will start at 9:30am. Non-members can join us for eats for $4. The ride route will be north bound on a loop into Scottsdale, 27 miles or 34 miles, both with some moderate climbing. Haven't joined yet? Sign-up Saturday morning ($15 annual fee) and start eating your money's worth!

Saturday 9/28/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to the southeast on a loop that ends us up at the Home Town Buffet, Evergreen and Warner, one of the last buffets that we have not eaten out of business! Mileage options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. (But riding back to the park after eating at the Hog Trough can be a bit of a challenge!)

Tid bits...

To our riders who head tomorrow to take on the challenge of the Mt. Graham Hill Climb race, best of luck and do us proud!

Lost and Found-- We found a home for the gloves (dang it) but now have a pocket baggie containing a spare tube. It's a long zip-lock bag, yellow on one side, with printing "McMaster-Carr" Supply Company. The tube looks like the right size to fit your ride leader's tires...

This Tuesday evening (9/17) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) will be holding a public meeting regarding Northwest Area Transportation Study. The meeting will be at Glendale Community College, Student Lounge, 6000 W. Olive Ave, Phoenix. (Northwest corner Olive and 59th Avenue). Though this is out of our normal riding area, we have a number of members who come over the west side. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public input on transportation issues, which includes bicycles. Get yourself there and let your voices be heard!

Ride safe.

 

September 7 Saturday Cycling Report

Added September 7, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

A Learning Day

Hi All!

The severe weather from last night gave way to a gorgeous morning for a pedal, with just a few puddles for our 58 riders to dodge. It was a "learning day" for many in the pack. First we reviewed the hand signals to be used while cycling. (A number of riders mentioned that we did forget to demonstrate the hand motion used when a car makes a right turn on top of you, but we'll leave that one for another day!) Shortly after we got underway, Court learned that it's easier to pedal if your pedals stay attached to the crank arm. Then Val learned that drafting only works if you can keep up with rider you are trying to ride behind. Then Shane learned that changing a tire with a very exuberant small dog licking the salt off your legs can be a challenge. Then we all learned that patience is a virtue when we take 25 people in to a restaurant for breakfast! Hey, you didn't have anything better to be doing with your time, did ya?

Coming up...

Saturday 9/14/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head west bound to South Mountain. Mileage options of 28 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at the Raven Golf Course, north side of Baseline between 32nd St & 40th St.

Saturday 9/21/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Saturday Cycling hosts our third quarter association ride/breakfast/meeting. Breakfast will be served starting at 9:15am in the park following this ride and is free to all PMBC/GABA members. Our association meeting will start at 9:30am. Non-members can join us for eats for $4. The ride route will be north bound on a loop into Scottsdale, 27 miles or 34 miles, both with some moderate climbing.

Ride safe.

 

September 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Added September 2, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Labor Day Bike Path Cruise

Hi All!

We had 36 riders take up the challenge of our bike path cruise this morning. Actually, that was 35 riders and one skater, as Gary strutted his stuff on his blades and everybody figured out why we call him "Skater"! What an adventure. We saw interesting (?) public art projects, the rowers doing their thing on the townlake, and followed the twists and turns of the Greenbelt (which lived up to it's name with lots of grass, trees, and bushes). We jumped off the path up north and came back by way of the Cross Cut Canal way which is a little more "rustic" but just as fun.

We cruised, we talked, we laughed, we gawked at things not usually seen. Enjoyed the day and the company. Thanks to all who participated.

To those sharp-eyed readers who noted that the Saturday update this week was missing next week's ride, sorry. (That was a test to see if anybody actually reads these things!) Here is the schedule for next Saturday. See ya then:

Saturday 9/7/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. September is your time to train if you are looking to do some of the big rides in October and November. We'll start it off right with our favorite wind training ride, the McKellips Loops. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, a little climbing on each and probably a head wind! Breakfast is Neighbors Cafe, northwest of Guadalupe & Alma School.

Ride safe.

 

September 1 Spin Cycle Report

Added September 1, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Rides Happen

By Sue With a View (Fassett) (She wrote it, I didn't! - J.A)

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Spin Cycle left the park with an impressive 31 riders this morning plus two more picked up along the route. Apparently the later start time of 7a.m. was not late enough for Owen and Al, but plenty late for Terry Kane and Bob Culbertson who appeared bright and early for a 6:30am start! We had a little international flair with Siep, who is originally from Holland, joining us.

Our motley gang headed northbound with Mike Litecky and Val being dubbed sweep crew by way of the pack cranking it up and leaving them in the dust. We were glad to have the "designer" of the Mummyback Loop, Bob Beane, amidst us to keep us headed generally in the right direction. The winner of the King of the Mountain seems to be in question as the riders leading the line at the top of the killer climb were having trouble seeing clearly thru their oxygen-debt red haze.

Downhill sprint specialist Sue conned Jim Marshall into giving her a lead out on 68th as we headed south to Curry, in the hopes of getting the jump on the guys as we came around the curve. This tactic worked for about 2.7 seconds before the snarling, slathering hounds of the fast pack went by at light speed. Not sure who won the sprint, all those whippet lean fast guys look the same from behind. :-)

Breakfast at Pete's was good as always. Carter headed up the table's discussion, which focused on political and environmental issues prompted by a bill board we had seen earlier in the ride advertising free samples of pharmaceutical products. Our conclusion was a mission statement for the day:

Free Tibet...
Free the Whales...
Free Viagra.

 

October 27 Spin Cycle Report

Added October 27, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

We'll, I believe we had the coldest morning of the year, so all kinds of winter apparel was coming out. Ten riders made the trek to Lehi today. Either it was the weather, the Nuke Century, or the Tempe ride that kept everyone away. We had one new rider, Bryce join us for the day. Overall, not much to report, other than it was cold, we didn't get rained on, and we made it back. Oh, Tom Culp did get the first sprint points, it was a slight bump (I went back and measured it, I'll say 1 foot, but I'm rounding up). The other sprint points was won by Gary on the first climb (I mean second, don't wont Tom to miss his glory), and then Tim won the last with an assist from Tom for blocking Gary and I.

Oh, and Tom decided to flat about one mile from the finish, after changing, it started to go flat as we were entered Desert Breeze Blvd. Tom decided to walk in and by the time he made it to the parking lot, it was completely flat again. What a way to get your name in lights, you asked for it......

Sunday 11/2 - Carter has volunteered to lead the pack, and I have found a route that even he cannot get lost on....The Germannalupe route, with mileage options of 33 & 42, all flat. Breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes. Remember, start time for November is 7:30, so you get a few extra ZZZ's.

Sunday 11/10 - Let's do Tour de Queen Creek. One route, flat, 47 miles. Several regroups. Breakfast at the Hanger Restaurant at the Chandler Airport.

Sunday 11/17 - Ohcotukeeloop - out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 30-45, with slight hills to more aggressive. Breakfast at the Good Egg (Ray & Rural).

 

October 26 Saturday Cycling Report

Added October 26, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our 68 riders followed the rainbow out of the park and towards Mummy Mountain this morning, but sorry, no pot o'gold was to be found. A few showers along the route didn't seem to squelch the enthusiasm of the pack, and made for gorgeous views of the valley to north from our vantage point on the hills. Jim Marshall may be wishing for a little bit that treasure, to replace the wheel hub that he broke while, of course, at the farthest point from the park. (Why do these things never occur when we are close to home??) Thanks to Val for leading our standard route this morning. (We'll make a pack leader outa you yet, Val!)

Coming up...

Sunday 10/27/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the Palo Verde Nuke Century, and if you are not headed out with Spin Cycle, get yourself to the park in the morning for the ever popular rambling Tour de Tempe ride. From 7am to 8am is a bike fair, lotsa freebie stuff and food, then at 8am we take off on a very gently paced 12 mile journey around Tempe. Start point is the next parking lot south on All America Way from the one we use on Saturdays.

Saturday 11/2/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Woo hoo!! You get to sleep in!! (Note the time change.) If you are not headed to the MS150, join the gang for an adventure to the Ahwatukee Foothills. Several route options with various mileage and climbing choices. Breakfast will be somewhere with food on the way back to the park.

Saturday 11/9/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We head off to the southeast by way of Val Vista. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Einstein's Bagels, NW corner of Guadalupe and McClintock.

Saturday 11/16/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Yes, if you are doing Tour de Tucson, you better get with the program! To get cranked up for the big event, we are headed to South Mountain. Mileage options 28 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, and 42 miles with lotsa climbing! Breakfast is 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline & Priest.

Tid bits...

If you saw those ugly jerseys being handed around this morning, those are NOT our new club jerseys! But they are sizing samples for the new club jerseys. If you are not sure what size to order, they are available for you to try on before you place your order. The icky looking samples will be at Kiwanis Park again on Sat 11/2 and Sat 11/9. If you have not placed your jersey order, do so soon! You don't want to be the only un-cool one in the crowd when spring rolls around! For more details on the jersey, click here.

For those headed to the MS-150 next week, we will again have a private sag vehicle along on the ride for Saturday Cycling riders. That will be Jack's dark blue Blazer, marked with GABA SAG signs, driven by yours truly. For those making the journey, we wish you smooth roads and tailwinds.

And speaking of journeys, one of our own completed an astounding adventure last weekend. Our very own prez, Mike Morross, finished 18th in the Cochise Cycling Classic. For those not familiar with the ride, that is a 252 mile loop in southeastern corner of the state. Mike's time was 13 hrs 13 min. And, yes kids, that is all in one day. Mike-- we are not worthy. Well done.

Ride safe.

 

October 20 Spin Cycle Report

Added October 22, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

A nip in the air greeted the 22 riders who turned out for our journey 'round the mountain this morning. Pre-ride preparation included gossiping about any of the regulars who didn't show up to ride and the gals of the pack making a unanimous decision that Zack Heim should always wear sleeveless bike jerseys. Once this important business was concluded, off we went. Shortly after getting out onto 56th Street we enjoyed the experience of being dusted by the White Mountain group out for their journey around the same route. Our group rapidly (like at the first traffic light) split into the haves and have nots. (That would be those that have the ability to ride at light speed and those that don't!) Our foursome rear guard was eventually expanded to six when we picked up two of the other kind of "have nots". (That would be those that have not air in one of their tires!) Our six-some then made the rest of the trip an enjoyable ramble by talking the entire way about every subject under the sun. Thanks to Tom Culp in the express train who checked in by cellphone several times, just to let us know how dang far ahead they were. Since no word of any miss-adventures was passed back, we'll assume the fast pack made it home intact. Thanks to all for a great spin.

Sunday 10/27 - Tour de Lehi - mileage options of 35 & 40 miles, all mostly flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Sunday 11/2 - Carter has volunteered to lead the pack, and I have found a route that even he cannot get lost on....The Germannalupe route, with mileage options of 33 & 42, all flat. Breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes. Remember, start time for November is 7:30, so you get a few extra ZZZ's.

 

October 19 Saturday Cycling Report

Added October 19, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The draw of the Moo-Country Ride (aka the Tour de Farm) reduced our herd down to 29 riders this morning, but those that turned out made up for it with exuberance. We all hung together for a sociable pedal over to and through Lehi. The fast pack managed to hold themselves in check until we came out onto Rio Salado for the ride back across town, and then they kicked on the after-burners and became a blur of color on wheels. A little creative route making was needed when a downed power line was encountered, but all managed to find their way to the restaurant, where Val demonstrated a new form of carbo loading, by doing banana syrup shots. (Ever see a rider so sugar charged their eyes vibrate?) Just another Saturday adventure.

Coming up...

Sunday 10/20/02 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Cranking up those miles in preparation for Tour De Nuke and the MS-150? Than come join Spin Cycle for a journey Round The Mountain. Our Sunday group invites all to join in on a ride around South Mountain. About 45 miles (sorry, no short route option), no climbing. In addition to Spin Cycle's usual heavy duty cycle, we will be offering up a "gentle cycle for delicates" that will be going 'round at about 16 to 18mph. We'll be making several regroups, so nobody gets dropped. This is a great route, if you've never checked it out, come on down to the park. Breakfast on the way back at Bagel Nosh, southeast corner Warner & 48th St.

Saturday 10/26/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The other mountain calls us. We have a lot of newer riders that have never been 'round Mummy Mountain with us, so there we must go! A new map is offered up, but same traditional original route. 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 40 miles with a lot more climbing. Breakfast on the way back at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 11/2/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Off to Ahwatukee and the Foothills we head. As always with this route, several options of miles and climbing (or not). Breakfast is somewhere with food on the way back to the park (details to follow).

Saturday 11/9/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast by way of Val Vista. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Einstein's Bagels, northwest corner of Guadalupe and McClintock. Note, we've had some bickering that Einstein's offers up better bagels than Bruegger's-- so this is the big taste test! (Also, a reminder to our PMBC board members, we will be holding a board meeting in Kiwanis Park immediately following this ride.)

Tid bits...

Thanks to all who participated in and helped with our photo taking session last Saturday. Thomas Bogle (one of Bob's sons) also filmed a digital "the making of the photographs" film that Bob sez is a crack up. We're going to hold on to that and use it as our entertainment for our December holiday party. (And just in case you are a social butterfly and need to schedule that into your calendar, our holiday event will be Saturday 12/7/02 in the evening at Jack Graham's place.)

Ride safe.

 

October 13 Spin Cycle Report

Added October 13, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 18 riders make their way towards Mummy Mountain and our new hill, Puke Hill, as Rob likes to call it. While there was no puking at the top, there was a lot of heavy breathing, but I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Today's route was the new Mummy Mountain ride, which has hills, but more rollers than anything. Several of us were a little sore from the Memorial ride (ok, it was me). While we maintained a good warm-up speed at first, the group attacked at Papago Park. I started a breakaway but was passed by Bob Culbertson like I was standing still. The group followed, and I believe Carter took the climbing points. Tom paced us up Oak (he tried to pull off but I wouldn't let him).

On Puke Hill, I followed my lead out man Noel, Bob pulled around the left and I pulled around the right. It was a wire finish at the top, so splitting the points. On our way back to the second regroup, we picked up another two riders as well as picked up Rick at his usual spot (he's so lazy, doesn't want to get those extra miles to the park, or is it he's sleeping in???). On our return back over Oak, I decided to pull away from the pack, and was grateful no one chased me, as I knew I had nothing left. One last hill to go, and that was over Curry, with yours truly breaking away.

Breakfast at Pete's grill was great, and then Tim and I forgot our water bottles so we had to double back and then push alone against the wind until we caught up. Overall, a great ride, enjoyed by some great friends. If you weren't here, why not?

Sunday 10/20 - Let's do Around the Mountain, South Mountain that is. Mileage of 50, with one route. We'll have several regroups, so don't let the miles scare you. Breakfast at Bagel Nosh 48th Street & Warner. Sue will lead the ride while I take some vacation...

Sunday 10/27 - Tour de Lehi - mileage options of 35 & 40 miles, all mostly flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Sunday 11/3 - Carter has volunteered to lead the pack, and I have found a route that even he cannot get lost on....The Germannalupe route, with mileage options of 33 & 42, all flat. Breakfast at Ripe Tomatoes. Remember, start time for November is 7:30, so you get a few extra ZZZ's.

 

October 12 Saturday Cycling Report

Added October 12, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Well, that was an adventure. Thanks to all of the 47 riders who patiently participated in our photo shoot before the ride this morning. You all did a wonderful job of milling around looking like a much larger pack. A very large thank you is extended to Bob Bogle's family for planning and taking the shots for us-- when you have a family with 10 kids you must get a lot of practice taking pictures of people doing a good impersonation of a herd of cats! Once we got our glamour shots done, off we headed on the ride. Along the route we encountered two pygmy goats being ushered along Dobson Road by two Chandler police cars. Considering that you can still encounter flocks of sheep being shepherded (is that a word?) on that road occasionally, this didn't seem to surprise too many of us! With most of the express train off doing the Memorial Ride, a lot of the standard riders tried out the long route-- it was great to see so many going for the miles.

Coming up...

Saturday 10/19/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the Tour de Farm, come do the Tour de Lehi with us. A loop to the northeast with mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is IHOP, Apache & College.

Saturday 10/26/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We welcome the pack home with a return to a favorite route, Mummy Mountain. 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 40 miles with a lot more climbing. Breakfast on the way back at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 11/2/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! If you are not headed to the MS150, laugh at those who are while you snuggle under the covers for a little extra sleep, then head to the park for Mr. Beane's version of Ahwatukee. Several options of miles and climbing (or not). Breakfast is somewhere with food (details to follow).

Tid bits...

When pilots are taught to fly, one of the basic concepts drilled into their brains is that no matter what, NO MATTER WHAT, they must keep flying the plane. This same concept applies when you are in motion on your bike. If you see pygmy goats, if somebody calls out your name, if you see Elvis parachuting down from the sky-- keep riding your bike! Yes, riding into the back of another rider is a great way to meet other cyclists, but other methods can also be used. :-)

Ride safe.

 

October 6 Spin Cycle Report

Added October 6, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

We'll, last week I said I just about went back for my arm warmers in jest, this week I needed them. Not that I'm complaining, but it sure did sneak up on us fast. We had 17 riders make their way up to Harrah's casino. No one lost any money, but we did loose a few tires on the route. I believe I counted 3 flats, with Orest getting the worst of it with two today. Only good thing about that, we'll, there is no good thing about flats, so forget that point....

Not sure who won the sprint to the casino, as I was nursing a soar hammy (at least that is my story). Our group was joined by a few others from the Sun Lakes group. Breakfast was great, once we finally got it (ok Jim and Gary may disagree), but then we hopped on our bikes and headed back. On the way to the Casino, we were treated to a nice little head wind. On the way back, all of us expected the tail wind, which was more of a side wind, but better than that head wind. My hammy decided to get better, so I joined the fast train, which maintained a 25.5mph pace.

Lots of rides in the fall, so check out the GABA web site for more details.

Sunday 10/13 - Time to do a few hills and miles with the Tour around Mummy. Mile options of 35-40 miles with slight hills to more bigger rollers. Breakfast at Pete's Grill at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

Sunday 10/20 - Let's do Around the Mountain, South Mountain that is. Mileage of 50, with one route. We'll have several regroups, so don't let the miles scare you. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

Sunday 10/27 - Need to get everyone's input - so send me an email with your preference. On Sunday, 10/27, West Valley GABA is holding the annual Palo Verde Nuclear Century West Valley's signature ride. As flat as a pancake and as fast as you dare with great sag stops and a barbecue after the ride. The course takes you into the far west valley and around the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant. For more ride and registration information see Major Events.

So the question to you is, do we have our Sunday ride? If there is enough that do, I'll post a route.

thanks glen

 

October 5 Saturday Cycling Report

Added October 5, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our pack of 67 riders made their way out of the park and over to Ahwatukee today, to join dozens of other cyclists who were out doing the same thing. The gentle fall weather seemed to encourage every cyclist in the area to hop on their wheels and head for the foothills. Our pack making use of three different routes (or more) provided that fun experience of watching other riders zip by in every direction possible! Jeff Mohr and Tom Hoyman wowed the crowd on brand spankin' new bikes, generating a little bike envy, except for Val who sez she will not upgrade from her steel boat anchor because it would hurt her bike's feelings. (Wonder why we have never seen this issue addressed in any of the bicycling magazines??)

Coming up...

Saturday 10/12/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the Memorial Ride For Safety, then head to the park. We are off on a loop to the south by way of either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, southeast corner of Rural and Chandler Blvd.

Saturday 10/19/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. For those not headed to the Tour de Farm, we'll do our own little mini version of the farm thing with a loop over to Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is IHOP, Apache & College.

Saturday 10/26/02 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Old route, new map! We return to Mummy Mountain, the original course, but with a new map. In an attempt to lessen the number riders who traditionally get lost on this route, we'll offer up a new map, which, if nothing else, will lead people to get lost in new places! Options of 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 40 miles with a lot more climbing. Breakfast on the way back at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Tid bits...

It's not even Halloween yet-- but we need to talk about New Year's Eve! Sign-ups are under way for those that would like to participate in the Fiesta Bowl Parade as ride marshals. The riders in our pack who have checked this out in years past tell us it's great fun.

Ride safe.

 

November 30 Saturday Cycling Report

Added November 30, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

For the reading pleasure of all the riders who have been doing something other than riding with us the last few days, here is a recap of our weekend so far!

Our turkey day crowd on Thursday was probably our biggest yet for that annual adventure, with 43 riders running amuck in the Foothills. All seemed to have a grand time, with the possible exception of Orest, who spent the morning changing three flats (and who is today the proud owner of new tires!)

Friday, well, there were 10, uh, make that 8, actually eventually 7 riders braved the wet and slogged out onto the Sacaton journey. Within a couple of miles of the start we got wet, then decided you can't get any wetter than wet, so on we went-- and were so glad we did! Lead by the infectious upbeat enthusiasm of Cory Hove we had a great adventure that Leo Rogers had designed for us. Beautiful views of the open desert, nice long stretches with no need for the line to stop (except for no less than 7 flats!) and at the end a change of the breakfast location took us to a well earned stop on the patio at the Wild Flower Cafe.

Today the rainy skies kept the masses in bed and we headed north to Mummy Mountain with only 29 riders. (When is the last time we had less than 30 riders on a Saturday??) For all of you weenies who stayed home, you missed a gorgeous morning for a pedal. No rain, great play of sunlight and shadows on the mountains, everything green and clean. We had odes of Ahwatukee when the main pack headed 'round Mummy, with numerous routes being taken. At last head count, Jack Graham, Jeff Mohr, and the Jance & Lanet tandem team (that would Janet & Lance) were still lost in Scottsdale somewhere.

Coming up...

Day Four
Sunday 12/1/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. Rumor has it we had a couple of people show up Friday at the wrong park. Note that our Sunday group rides from Desert Breeze Park, not Kiwanis, and our start times change to 8:00am for December. Spin Cycle hosts our last ride of the weekend with the McKellupe Loop around Tempe. Route options 34 miles or 39 miles. Breakfast is Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 12/7/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE BREAKFAST!! Saturday Cycling hosts our association's quarterly ride/breakfast/meeting. The route is a loop to the southeast with options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Hometown Buffet, Warner & Evergreen in Chandler, at 10:00am. Haven't joined our group yet? Sign up Saturday morning, $15 annual membership, which gets you insurance, a monthly newsletter, free breakfasts, etc.

Saturday 12/14/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Join us for the St. Francis Loop. Some say it's named that because the route takes us by the St. Francis cemetery, others know it's cuz this route incorporates, on the standard route, every climb in north Tempe and the standard riders have to pray for strength! Come on, we'll show you why God blessed you with all of those gears. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with three climbs. Breakfast is JB's at Southern and Dorsey.

Tid bits...

Our holiday lasagna fest is next Saturday evening! (That would be December 7th, for the calendar-challenged.) Join us at Jack and Jan Graham's place staring at 5:00pm for food, fun, and the chance to see your friends wearing something other than lycra. Bring a dish to share.

And, if you just don't have enough to do on Saturday 12/7, Vince Vinay has asked to pass along the following:

"On Saturday Dec 7th from 10:00 till 2:00 "Americans For A Better Tomorrow" are having an outreach. I have been contacted to help repair kids bikes during that time. It's mostly changing tubes and tires and trying to get these kids bikes so they will at least roll. You mainly need to bring a few simple bike type tools, a portable repair stand if you have one is helpful. Tubes, tires and those things are provided and there may even be an air compressor. I'll be the focal point for anyone interested in helping from our club. They can e-mail me. The location is the YMCA at 222 E. Olympic Drive in Phoenix. South of Baseline on Central 2 blks. to Olympic and turn left."

Ride safe.

 

November 24 Spin Cycle Report

Added November 26, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Here is the Sunday report. Thanks to Tim Oliver for leading the pack and writing this report. Also included are the rides for the coming weekend, so if you're around, come join a group. I saw a good number of Saturday and Sunday riders down in Tucson, probably 30-40 easy. I hope you all had a good time, I know I did.

We had 12 hardy riders on Sunday. It was pretty cool, but not terribly cold. Sue was a little under the weather, so she took a modified route with a couple of the less hardy riders. The rest of us ended up riding about 37 miles (the short route) because they had 56th Street closed. That was Ok because we were all ready for some food at that point. Breakfast was excellent as always. We had a new rider from Glendale who said he would be back next week.

Day One:
Thursday 11/28/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Planning on eating yourself into oblivion later in the day? Get that calorie burn going early! Come join us for our traditional pre-turkey pedal with a trip to the Ahwatukee Foothills. We'll have some mapped routes options, but as always, feel free to create your own adventure, make it as short or as long as you have time for. If the Chandler Blvd / I-10 bridge has re-opened by then, we'll make a breakfast/brunch stop at Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St. For anybody that doesn't have a turkey feast waiting for them, Perkins has a great full turkey dinner special going that will be available by the time we arrive there.

Day Two:
Friday 11/29/02 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle hosts our Friday ride, with a journey to Sacaton. Just say no to shopping, traffic, and crowds. Don't know where Sacaton is? Then you better join us. Do you know who Ira Hayes is? No? Then you really better join us. Route options approximately 30 miles or 60 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be somewhere on the way back to the park. Spin Cycle's start point is at the north end of Desert Breeze Park, by the train station. Desert Breeze is in the center of Ray, McClintock, Chandler Blvd, and Rural.

Day Three:
Saturday 11/30/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We received so many positive comments about our recent adventure to Mummy Mountain, we're just gonna go there again. Route options 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 42 miles with more climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th in Tempe.

Day Four:
Sunday 12/1/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. You deserve it, sleep in another 30 minutes! Spin Cycle hosts our last stage by offering up The McKellupe Loop. (McKellips & Guadalupe, get it?) A loop to the northeast with mileage options of 34 miles with no climbing or 39 miles with a couple of gentle climbs. Breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School & Guadalupe.

 

November 23 Saturday Cycling Report

Added November 23, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The call of Tucson reduced our pack to 42 riders this morning, but they seemed large in spirit! We had a great tour around town, seeing some beautiful homes, residential lakes, water falls and trees. If you squinted your eyes just a little you might just forget you were in the middle of a desert. (Your friends dressed in skin tight lycra also tend to look a bit better if you squint your eyes!) After rambling about the pack stretched out, with lots of new faces and a few of the regulars taking advantage of empty spots in the express train version of the route. The Ripe Tomato welcomed us to their plenty-of-seating but a bit chilly patio, where the pancakes and the beer soon flowed. (Don't ask, you just had to be there.)

Coming up...

WOO HOO!! It's Thanksgiving weekend!! In our gang we express our thankfulness by getting on our bikes Thursday morning and not stopping till Sunday afternoon. Well, OK, we'll stop a couple of times for turkey, and pie, and well, you get the picture. Here is our line up for the 4 day stage ride:

Day One:
Thursday 11/28/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Join us for our traditional pre-turkey pedal with a trip to the Ahwatukee Foothills. Actual mapped route options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with climbing, or go where ever you want to. Breakfast stop is Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St. For anybody that doesn't have a turkey feast waiting for them, Perkins has a great full turkey dinner special going that will be available by the time we arrive there.

Day Two:
Friday 11/29/02 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle hosts our Friday ride, with a journey to Sacaton. We head away from traffic, malls, and crowds with a journey to Sacaton and a visit to the Ira Hayes Memorial. Three mapped route options, 25 miles, 39 miles, or 60 miles, all with no climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, SE corner of Chandler Blvd & Rural Rd. Spin Cycle's start point is at the north end of Desert Breeze Park, by the train station. Desert Breeze is in the center of the block bounded by Ray, McClintock, Chandler Blvd, and Rural.

Day Three:
Saturday 11/30/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Work off all that pie you've been eating with a trip to or around Mummy Mountain. Route options 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 42 miles with more climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th in Tempe. (Yes, that is two days of bagels in a row, but you will still be eating all of those turkey day leftovers at this point, ya know!)

Day Four:
Sunday 12/1/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! Spin Cycle hosts our last stage with the McKellupe Loop. (McKellips & Guadalupe, get it?) A loop to the northeast with mileage options of 34 miles with no climbing or 39 miles with a couple of gentle climbs. Breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School & Guadalupe.

Saturday 12/7/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE BREAKFAST!! Saturday Cycling hosts our association's quarterly ride/breakfast/meeting. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be at the Hometown Buffet, Warner & Evergreen in Chandler, starting at 10:00am. Haven't joined our group yet? Sign up any Saturday morning, $15 annual membership, which gets you insurance, a monthly newsletter, free breakfasts, etc.

Tid bits...

Also on Saturday 12/7 is our annual Saturday Cycling holiday gathering. Our hosts again this year are Jack & Jan Graham, with a bash at their place. The Grahams are providing lasagna and sodas, you bring a dish to share. There are some other corporate parties going on that night, so we'll start at 5:00pm and you can make us your first (and best!) stop. Please RSVP to yours truly so we know how much lasagna to have on hand and to let us know what you would like to contribute.

For the sake of those of us who live vicariously through others, if you went to Tucson, write and tell about your adventure! Did Lance actually make an appearance? Did you survive the river crossing? Who is our SatCycling champion this year? If you whupped everybody in our gang, let's hear about it!

Sigh... another riding season winds down. Did ya have a good time? Go on some grand rides? Rest up a bit, ease up on the training a little... and then gear up for our first century of the year-- to Casa Grande on Sunday January 12, 2003!!

Ride safe.

 

November 17 Spin Cycle Report

Added November 17, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Wow, what a group for Sunday. We had 26 riders this morning, all taking out the latest and oldest in winter apparel (you know who you are!). Yes it was a little cold, but it warmed up nicely. So did the 26 riders, with a few joining us trying to get some extra work before Tucson. I believe we did give the extra work part. Welcome Nancy from the Midwest, hopefully you had fun and good luck at the Tour de Tucson.

Our pack started off on a nice little warmup, with the first regroup being more of a slowdown than a stop. However, once we got on Queen Creek, Sue "I've got to Sprint" Fassett decided to push the group a little. Good thing she slowed down, there was a group of police officers on Queen Creek looking for some speeders. We decided to slow down to 29 when passing them.

The first sprint up the overpass at Queen Creek was won by Skater Gary, but there was a crack in his armor...On the second sprint over the overpass at 56th street, yours truly took the points. However, he decided to show me who was boss on the last Ahwatukee hill, pulling away at the end...Several made their own routes today, including my wife, but that is ok, all made it back safe and sound. Breakfast at the Good Egg was great. However, the conversation at the table turned to Gary's darkside (you'll have to ask him for details...).

Another great ride, hopefully you enjoyed it as much as me, and if you weren't there, shame on you! I'll be gone for the next two weeks in Denver, so Tim will lead us next week, and Sue will be our host for the 4 stage Tour de Turkey!!!!

Ride Schedule....

Sunday 11/24 - Germann-Hunt Loop - Out to Germann, back through Hunt Highway. Mileage options of 33 or 42 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall. - Thanks Tim for leading.

Tour De Turkey

Day One:
Thursday 11/28/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Planning on eating yourself into oblivion later in the day? Get that calorie burn going early! Come join us for our traditional pre-turkey pedal with a trip to the Ahwatukee Foothills. We'll have some mapped routes options, but as always, feel free to create your own adventure, make it as short or as long as you have time for. If the Chandler Blvd / I-10 bridge has re-opened by then, we'll make a breakfast/brunch stop at Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St. For anybody that doesn't have a turkey feast waiting for them, Perkins has a great full turkey dinner special going that will be available by the time we arrive there.

Day Two:
Friday 11/29/02 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle hosts our Friday ride, with a journey to Sacaton. Just say no to shopping, traffic, and crowds. Don't know where Sacaton is? Then you better join us. Do you know who Ira Hayes is? No? Then you really better join us. Route options approximately 30 miles or 60 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be somewhere on the way back to the park. Spin Cycle's start point is at the north end of Desert Breeze Park, by the train station. Desert Breeze is in the center of Ray, McClintock, Chandler Blvd, and Rural.

Day Three:
Saturday 11/30/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We received so many positive comments about our recent adventure to Mummy Mountain, we're just gonna go there again. Route options 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 42 miles with more climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th in Tempe.

Day Four:
Sunday 12/1/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. You deserve it, sleep in another 30 minutes! Spin Cycle hosts our last stage by offering up The McKellupe Loop. (McKellips & Guadalupe, get it?) A loop to the northeast with mileage options of 34 miles with no climbing or 39 miles with a couple of gentle climbs. Breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School & Guadalupe.

Sunday 12/8/02 8:00am - Tour de Lehi - Never been to Lehi, now is your chance... Mileage options of 35 or 40 miles, all flat, with a couple of gentle climbs. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

P.S. - yes, this was a long newsletter, had to keep up with Sue and her diet coke...

Ride Safe...

glen

 

November 16 Saturday Cycling Report

Added November 16, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 62 turn out for our pre-pedal shiver and talk session prior to the ride and after stalling long enough for the sun to take a bit of the chill off, we headed for the mountain. Bill Jacobson gently christened new stoker number 312 (or is that now 313, Bill?) by taking newbie Jennie Rice out for a spin on his tandem, straight up to the TV towers. Bill says Jennie was a real trooper, but he did miss Val's screams on the 7 mile downhill rocket ride. We had a prodigal daughter return to the pack, Kim Brauneis, who few recognized at the start due to a change of hairstyle since she was last amongst us. Kim's been off spending her free time dressed in black leather (uh, that would be for motorcycle racing, in case you were wondering). About a third of the pack took up the challenge to head to the towers, with another third going to check out San Juan, and the remainder made the sacrifice of making sure the brick wall at the StoneHouse didn't blow over in the wind by keeping their butts planted on it while the rest of us pedaled. Well done, all.

Coming up...

Saturday 11/23/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. To those headed to El Tour de Tucson, Godspeed. Ride safe, have fun, eat your money's worth. For the rest of the herd, get yourself to Kiwanis for our own hometown version of a perimeter ride, around the city of Tempe. Mileage options 31 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with some moderate climbing. Breakfast is the most excellent Ripe Tomato, southeast corner of Baseline and Extension.

Now, for those that actually read the calendar last week, that was a test. Many of you passed it with flying colors, by noting that we had the dates and start times messed up for our Thanksgiving 4 day stage ride weekend. Thanks for paying attention. So, here is the CORRECT info:

Day One:
Thursday 11/28/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Planning on eating yourself into oblivion later in the day? Get that calorie burn going early! Come join us for our traditional pre-turkey pedal with a trip to the Ahwatukee Foothills. We'll have some mapped routes options, but as always, feel free to create your own adventure, make it as short or as long as you have time for. If the Chandler Blvd / I-10 bridge has re-opened by then, we'll make a breakfast/brunch stop at Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St. For anybody that doesn't have a turkey feast waiting for them, Perkins has a great full turkey dinner special going that will be available by the time we arrive there.

Day Two:
Friday 11/29/02 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle hosts our Friday ride, with a journey to Sacaton. Just say no to shopping, traffic, and crowds. Don't know where Sacaton is? Then you better join us. Do you know who Ira Hayes is? No? Then you really better join us. Route options approximately 30 miles or 60 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be somewhere on the way back to the park. Spin Cycle's start point is at the north end of Desert Breeze Park, by the train station. Desert Breeze is in the center of Ray, McClintock, Chandler Blvd, and Rural.

Day Three:
Saturday 11/30/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We received so many positive comments about our recent adventure to Mummy Mountain, we're just gonna go there again. Route options 27 miles with some moderate climbing or 42 miles with more climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th in Tempe.

Day Four:
Sunday 12/1/02 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. You deserve it, sleep in another 30 minutes! Spin Cycle hosts our last stage by offering up The McKellupe Loop. (McKellips & Guadalupe, get it?) A loop to the northeast with mileage options of 34 miles with no climbing or 39 miles with a couple of gentle climbs. Breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School & Guadalupe.

Saturday 12/7/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE BREAKFAST!! After all that eating over the 4 day weekend, yes, we are taking you to an all you can eat buffet-- and giving you a free meal! Oh yeah, you do have to be a club member. Haven't joined yet? Pick up an application any Saturday morning. Saturday Cycling hosts our quarterly ride/breakfast/meeting. Breakfast will be at the Hometown Buffet, Warner & Evergreen in Chandler. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing.

Tid bits...

And if you don't get enough to eat on Sat 12/7 at the breakfast? Get yourself to Jack & Jan Graham's place on Saturday 12/7/02 for our holiday eating event, er, holiday party! The Graham's are providing lasagna and sodas, you bring a dish to share (yes, that could describe your date, but we are actually talking food items here). We know there are some other corporate parties going on that night, so we'll start at 5:00pm and you can make us your first stop. Directions to Jack's place to follow later. We will need you to RSVP to yours truly so we know how many pounds of lasagna to have on hand and to let us know what you would like to contribute.

After the MS150 ride a couple of weeks ago, we asked you to let us know how much money Saturday Cyclers raised in that event for the MS. The answer? At the moment it stands at $17,400!!

And last, a farewell. Owen & Peggy Lindauer are departing from our company and heading to the "Land of Lance" (that would be Austin TX, where Lance Armstrong hails from). We'll miss Owen's gentle laugh and Peggy keeping us in line.

Ride safe.

 

November 10 Spin Cycle Report

Added November 10, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Our pack of 15 riders headed for some wind training today. On the way out, we were treated to a very nice tail wind, which got the speed up over 30 a couple of times. That's the good news, the bad news we had to go back against the wind. Needless to say, our speed reduced dramatically. However, no one was lost, and everyone got their workout (and if you didn't, you didn't pull enough...). We had a new rider join us today, welcome Jay....

All told, we did 50 miles, which is a good days work in the wind. Breakfast at the Hanger Restaurant was great.

Coming Weeks:

Sunday 11/17 - Ohcotukeeloop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 30-45, with slight hills to more aggressive. Breakfast at the Good Egg (Ray & Rural).

Sunday 11/24 - Germann-Hunt Loop - Out to Germann, back through Hunt Highway. Mileage options of 33 or 42 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

And, yes, the weekend you have been waiting all year for. It's almost time for our annual Thanksgiving 4 day stage ride! Stayed tuned for routes and mileage options. Saturday Cycling hosts all with rides from Kiwanis Park on Thurs 11/28 and Sat 11/30. Spin Cycle takes a pull by offering up rides from Desert Breeze Park on Fri 11/29 and Sunday 12/1. Start times for Thursday/Friday/Saturday rides will be at 7:30am, Sunday at 8:00am. Ya know, if you ride a lot, you can eat a lot!

Ride on...

glen

 

November 9 Saturday Cycling Report

Added November 9, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The threatening skies this morning and the draw of the McDowell Mountain ride reduced our horde to a mere 38 riders. (Remember when we thought 38 was a huge crowd??) After some dawdling in the parking lot we got ourselves underway on what turned about to be a gorgeous morning for a pedal. OK, the head wind down Val Vista was a bit of a challenge, but that which does not destroy us makes us stronger, right? Our test of Einstein's bagels was diluted by part of the group being tempted away by the Wild Flower Bread Company on the other corner, but those that went for the bagels agreed they just might be better than Bruegger's. Nice to see Greg Gilbert back on his bike, sporting a scruffy week's worth of beard to hide the ruggedly handsome scars following his adventures last week.

Coming up...

Saturday 11/16/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Before you head to Tour de Tucson on the 23rd, join us for a last hard workout, with a journey to South Mountain. Mileage options 28 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lotsa climbing! Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline & Priest.

Saturday 11/23/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. While others tour Tucson, we're gonna tour Tempe. Own version of a perimeter ride, with a loop around town. Mileage options 31 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with some moderate climbing. Breakfast at the Ripe Tomato, southeast corner of Baseline & Extension.

And, yes, the weekend you have been waiting all year for. It's almost time for our annual Thanksgiving 4 day stage ride! Stayed tuned for routes and mileage options. Saturday Cycling hosts all with rides from Kiwanis Park on Thurs 11/28 and Sat 11/30. Spin Cycle takes a pull by offering up rides from Desert Breeze Park on Fri 11/29 and Sunday 12/1. Start times for Thursday/Friday/Saturday rides will be at 7:30am, Sunday at 8:00am. Ya know, if you ride a lot, you can eat a lot!

Tid bits...

And for those asking, we do have our next quarterly general membership breakfast meeting scheduled. (Translate that as your next FREE breakfast if you are a member of PMBC/GABA.) The breakfast will be held on Saturday December 7th at 10:00am at the Hometown Buffet, northwest corner of Evergreen & Warner in Chandler. Elections for next year will be held. Come out and pedal with SatCycling that morning and we'll deliver you there. And did we mention you get a FREE breakfast? :-)

Ride safe.

 

November 3 Spin Cycle Report

Added November 8, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Thanks to Carter for leading the group on Sunday. I'm sure there is more to his story, but what I could drag out of him was 16 riders, with no flats, and no interesting conversations. They did enjoy the 7:30 start time, which is believed to have helped a certain member to recover from previous night's libations. Needless to say, our fearless leader opted for the short route, but I understand the "big boys" traded warp-speed pulls going down Guadalupe. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato went well.

Thanks again Carter, you could be a regular to this Sunday leading thing......

Sunday 11/10 - Let's do Tour de Queen Creek. One route, flat, 47 miles. Several regroups. Breakfast at the Hanger Restaurant at the Chandler Airport.

Sunday 11/17 - Ohcotukeeloop - out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 30-45, with slight hills to more aggressive. Breakfast at the Good Egg (Ray & Rural).

 

November 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Added November 5, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Since our pack was pretty evenly split between the Kiwanis Park ride and the MS150 tour, this is gonna be a double-header of a ride report.

The 43 riders who guarded the home turf headed over to take a creative spin in the Ahwatukee Foothills. Pack leader Bob Beane advises that the natural law of "cycling entropy" was demonstrated as riders dispersed to fill the available space with little or no regard for mundane things like route maps. Thanks to Bob for taking on the challenge of leading. As he said so well himself, it's not just a job... it's an adventure.

We had about 40 Saturday Cyclers join another 1200 or so other riders in taking up the challenge to pedal to Gila Bend and back for the MS150. The weather was perfect this year, with the Sunday head wind from last year not raising it's ugly head. The Saturday night dinner and music, with post ride liquid carbs flowing, provided great entertainment. Nothing like watching exhausted cyclists, probably still dehydrated, after a couple of brewski's, trying to dance. See what you missed? Sign up next year. It was great to see a number of our newbies finish the course. For the MS150 trainees who have joined us over the last few months, you just keep on coming right down to Kiwanis Park every Saturday, and you'll be ready for that silly climb by the dam next year!

Coming up...

Saturday 11/9/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We head off on a loop to the southeast by way of Val Vista. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Einstein's Bagels, NW corner of Guadalupe and McClintock.

Saturday 11/16/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. One last attempt at getting your legs in shape for Tour de Tucson, with a journey to South Mountain. Mileage options 28 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lotsa climbing! Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline & Priest.

Saturday 11/23/02 7:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to El Tour de Tucson, come on down to Kiwanis for El Tour de Tempe. We'll do our own version of a perimeter ride, with a loop around our beautiful town, then take advantage of the reduced pack size with breakfast at an old favorite, the Ripe Tomato at Baseline & Extension. Mileage options 31 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with some moderate climbing.

Tid bits...

A curiosity question was offered up at the end of the MS150, and maybe we can assemble an answer to it. Our riders who participated rode with various teams and some just as individuals. The question that came up was somebody wondered how much the donations totaled that Saturday Cyclers raised. If you rode with Saturday Cycling, and you participated in the MS150 this year, zip yours truly a note showing the total of the pledges you raised. We'll total it up and see what an impact our crowd made!

And last, but definitely not least, a personal note to Saturday Cycling rider and MS150 participant Greg Gilbert. Greg was caught up in a pace line accident early in the ride on Saturday, was injured, but was determined to not only finish the ride that day, but the return route to Phoenix on Sunday, also. And finish he did. Greg, the strength of spirit and heart you demonstrated this weekend was astounding. Well done, grasshopper.

Ride safe.

 

---

 

December 28 Saturday Cycling Report

Added December 29, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

48 riders braved the cold this morning, and were rewarded with a rising Arizona sun that soon sent the shivers packing. We had a couple of visitors from other parts of the country, who were surprised by the low temps. Guess "desert" doesn't always mean hot, huh? All made their way around some version of the route. Thanks to the front riders who sweet talked the pack past the police guarding the closed road at 56th St and I-10. Watching that construction evolve makes one wonder if the completed project will be "bicycle friendly". Hope so!

Coming up...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Made a resolution to ride more? Here ya go:

Wednesday 1/1/03. From the home field at Kiwanis Park, our official Saturday Cycling adventure is the 5th Annual Resolution Ride. Start time 8:30am. The pack takes a journey along the Green Belt into Scottsdale. This will be a moderately paced "day after" ride. About 30 miles (with an option to do more if you want) with breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, Mill & 11th.

Second choice is a ride and picnic. Meet at 9:00am in Usery Mountain Park at group picnic site C. Park entry fee is $3 per vehicle. The picnic is potluck, so bring food to share. The ride will head to Saguaro Lake or Butcher Jones, and return via Usery Pass or Bush Hwy. 30 to 40 hilly miles. Contact Bob Prochaska at 480-895-2601.

Third choice, for the advanced riders, is a ride being hosted by ABC. They are doing the climb to Tortilla Flat. ABC & GABA members free. Non Members $5.00. Start point is the Apache Junction Bashas store at 8:00am. Take US 60 to Ironwood, exit north on Ironwood to Apache Trail, right on Apache Trail to the intersection of SR88. Bashas is on the left. For more details call Richard Utterback (602)264-9318 or Ken Thayer (602)938-0989.

Saturday 1/4/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! Our first ride of the new year takes us northeast, to Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Lunch is at Someburros, SE corner Mill & Baseline.

Saturday 1/11/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to Mummy Mountain we go (yes, we are still trying to teach the new riders this route!) Mileage options 27 miles with some gentle climbing or 40 miles with moderate climbing. Lunch is Joe's Crab Shack on Southern, northeast of Dorsey. This place serves good food, and is just plain fun to eat at. (Never knew you could get crabs on a bike ride, did ya?)

Tid bits...

If your resolutions really did include a promise to ride your bike more, then sign up for our first century (100 mile) ride of the year. Sunday January 12th is the Casa Grande Century. Mileage options are 62 miles, 85 miles, or 108. Pick up a registration form Saturday morning or see the Casa Grande Century page for details. (While you are at the website, order your club jersey!)

And, in the "one step forward, two steps backwards" category:

In yesterday's Arizona Republic there was an article about Mill Avenue, the section just north of University, that was recently repainted from two traffic lanes to one with a nice wide bike lane and on street parking. The reporter presented a couple of view points. You might be interested in one of them. Michael Monti, the owner of Monti's steakhouse, a pillar in our community and one of the founding families, had this to say: "I think they could have taken out the median and bike lanes and kept two lanes in each direction."

Apparently Mr. Monti is not aware that cyclists eat, too. If you know Mr. Monti, or dine at his restaurant, you might let him know your thoughts regarding the idea of removing bike lakes from Mill Avenue.

Ride safe.

 

December 22 Spin Cycle Report

Added December 29, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 9 Chilly riders take off today to see the Love Birds. For those that didn't show up, you missed it. We saw the love birds all dressed up in robes sipping hot chocolate with slippers on their feet (oops, was that you?). Actually, we did see the love birds, and they looked cold too. The group hammered up Guadalupe with a head wind to make things interesting. All told, about 50 miles for the day.

We stopped at Painted Mountain Golf Course for breakfast, and once we went inside we realized just how cold it was outside and how cold we were...We ate, and ate, and ate, because we didn't want to go back outside, but eventually did. Roger even decided not to ride back to the park and just head home. Wow, it must have been cold.

We got out of the parking lot and went at least 50 yards before Randy flatted. This was ok, because it was cold with a slight rain and going fast made it colder (am I whining yet?). However, at this unintentional stop, Tim found a Handicap parking pass (you know, the ones you hang from your rear view mirror) and proceeded to hang it on Ron's handlebar. Don't laugh, it's good until July of 05!!!!!

Another 10 miles and Randy flatted again, so Ron parked under the no parking sign and took out the Handicap parking pass and hung it on his handlebar again. Overall, a great ride, after I got home I sat in a hot tub for an hour....

And lastly, I hope everyone has a great holiday season. Be safe, and drink extra eggnog, you deserve it....

Ride Schedule

Sunday 12/29/02 8:00am - Last ride of the year - need to get some extra miles before the end of the year and meet a new milestone, or heck, just come out and do some peddling. Why not end it on a trip around South Mountain. Mileage options of 50 or let's see, 50 miles - all pretty flat. We'll have breakfast at the Bagel Nosh on 48th St. & Warner - just in time to start trimming up for the new year...

New Years Day Ride

Wednesday 1/1/03. The first riding day of the new year offers a lot of riding options. Here are three:

First, from the home field at Kiwanis Park, our official Saturday Cycling adventure being offered is the 5th Annual Resolution Ride. Start time is 8:30am. Ride leader Jay Stewart leads the pack on a journey along the Green Belt up into Scottsdale. This will be a moderately paced "day after" ride. Details on mileage and breakfast stop still being sorted out.

Second choice is a scenic ride and picnic offered up by Bob Prochaska of the Sun Lakes pack. Meet at 9:00am in Usery Mountain Park at group picnic site C. Park entry fee is $3 per vehicle. The picnic is potluck, so bring food to share. Contributions to cover the expenses of site rental and beverages would be appreciated. The ride will head to Saguaro Lake or Butcher Jones, and return via Usery Pass or Bush Hwy. 30 to 40 hilly miles. Contact Bob Prochaska at 480-895-2601.

Third choice, for the advanced riders, is a ride being hosted by the other riding association here in the valley, ABC. If you would like to hop in on their New Year's Day adventure, they are doing the climb to Tortilla Flat. Details so far are: ABC & GABA members free. Non Members $5.00. Can be applied toward ABC membership. Start point is the Apache Junction Bashas store at 8:00am. Take US 60 to Ironwood, exit north on Ironwood to Apache Trail, right on Apache Trail to the intersection of SR88. Bashas is on the left. For more details call Richard Utterback (602)264-9318 or Ken Thayer (602)938-0989.

Sunday 1/5 - 8:30am - NOTE THE TIME CHANGE - For January, we are pushing the start times to 8:30 - yahoo!!!! We'll take the Germann/Hunt Loop with mileage options of 33 & 42, all flat. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

 

December 21 Saturday Cycling Report
Added December 21, 2002
written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 38 warm hearted souls brave the nip in the air this morning. There was a tie for most Christmas spirit between Muriel, who had jingle bells ding-a-linging from head to toe, and Carol Harris, who had bedecked her bike from stem to stern with red, green, and gold tinsel. While the express train did their anaerobic hammer fest across McKellips, and the moderate pack followed along at a saner aerobic pace, the family ride had a great tour to downtown Tempe, taking in the city's slightly weather beaten Christmas tree (and hot chocolate at Coffee Plantation). All made their various ways to Neighbors for great food and conversation.

Coming up...

Saturday 12/28/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Our last ride of 2002 is a pedal through the ASU research park and then out onto the open roads to the south, on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, both flat. Breakfast is Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Wednesday 1/1/03. The first riding day of the new year offers a lot of riding options. Here are three:

First, from the home field at Kiwanis Park, our official Saturday Cycling adventure being offered is the 5th Annual Resolution Ride. Start time is 8:30am. Ride leader Jay Stewart leads the pack on a journey along the Green Belt up into Scottsdale. This will be a moderately paced "day after" ride. Details on mileage and breakfast stop still being sorted out.

Second choice is a scenic ride and picnic offered up by Bob Prochaska of the Sun Lakes pack. Meet at 9:00am in Usery Mountain Park at group picnic site C. Park entry fee is $3 per vehicle. The picnic is potluck, so bring food to share. Contributions to cover the expenses of site rental and beverages would be appreciated. The ride will head to Saguaro Lake or Butcher Jones, and return via Usery Pass or Bush Hwy. 30 to 40 hilly miles. Contact Bob Prochaska at 480-895-2601.

Third choice, for the advanced riders, is a ride being hosted by the other riding association here in the valley, ABC. If you would like to hop in on their New Year's Day adventure, they are doing the climb to Tortilla Flat. Details so far are: ABC & GABA members free. Non Members $5.00. Can be applied toward ABC membership. Start point is the Apache Junction Bashas store at 8:00am. Take US 60 to Ironwood, exit north on Ironwood to Apache Trail, right on Apache Trail to the intersection of SR88. Bashas is on the left. For more details call Richard Utterback (602)264-9318 or Ken Thayer (602)938-0989.

Saturday 1/4/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! (Yeah!!) During the month of January we are pushing back our start time to 8:30am, and as a result will be switching to some brunch/lunch kinda food stops. Our first ride of the new year takes us northeast, thru the community of Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Brunch will be right back at the finish line, at Someburros, SE corner Mill & Baseline. This place offers up great Mexican food, from gentle to woo hoo! hot. Giant burritos, yummy tamales-- lotsa stuff to warm you up from the inside out!

Tid bits...

Tips, then torso. Hannibal's dinner menu? No. It's how to assemble your layers for riding as the temp drops. First cover your tips; full fingered gloves, booties or an extra pair of socks, a layer over arms and legs, and a ski band or a wide sweat band over your ears. Then focus on your torso; something that will cut the wind, a riding vest or a winter riding jersey. For the hair-challenged in the pack, keep in mind all those vents in your helmet that you love in the summer are now stealing a good percentage of your body heat off the top of your head. Instead of a ski band, opt for a full skull cap that comes down over your ears. Wearing a turtleneck shirt as an underlayer, with the collar left flipped up to your chin also helps holds in your torso warmth.

Ride safe.

 

December 15 Spin Cycle Report

Added December 15, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Fifteen riders made their way around Mummy Mountain today. Overall, a good ride, and a little warmer than Saturday. We had a new rider today, Thiago, welcome... Our journey started with fast finger Carter hitting the buttons at all the intersections. When asked how he does it so fast, he explains that it's how you "massage the button". Well, thanks for sharing....and trust me, you don't want to hear the rest.

We made our way to Mummy, gradually gathering up steam. We had a few sprints here and there, and a few were won by Gary (ok, most of them, ok, all of them). We made a slight detour in the ride back, going through the ASU campus. The group (ok Carter), was disappointed to not see any College girls out and about. I'm sure it was because he wanted to lecture them on the importance of the mind and the body (blah blah blah).

Breakfast was not breakfast, it was lunch. We tried a new place to eat, at Ken McDonald Golf Course (another Pete's). However, they stopped serving breakfast at 11:00am. By the time we got ourselves over there, locked up the bikes, got seated-- it was 11:10am! But, ever the easy going crowd, we all just shifted gears and went for happy hour. Just kidding, sort of. Ron had not one but two beers and then wobbled his way back to the park. Tim ordered something that resembled a pizza, actually maybe it was a quesadilla, but it was covered with jalapenos and onions, and then he drowned it with hot sauce. Interesting food stop!

Upcoming Rides:

Sunday 12/22/02 8:00am - Ride before Christmas - let's do the Tour de Love Birds - what, never hear of it or seen them, then here's your chance. Mileage options of 40-50 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Red Mountain Golf Course.

Sunday 12/29/02 8:00am - Last ride of the year - need to get some extra miles before the end of the year and meet a new milestone, or heck, just come out and do some peddling. Why not end it on a trip around South Mountain. Mileage options of 50 or let's see, 50 miles - all pretty flat. We'll have breakfast at the Bagel Nosh on 48th St. & Warner - just in time to start trimming up for the new year...

Wednesday 1/1/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. There are several rides in our area that have become "traditions" for New Years Day. We are going to note two-- whatever you do, have fun!!

First, from the Saturday Cycling, our official Saturday Cycling adventure being offered is the 5th Annual Resolution Ride. Ride leader Jay Stewart leads the pack on a journey along the Green Belt up into Scottsdale. This will be a moderately paced "day after" ride. Details on mileage and breakfast stop to follow.

Second choice is a very scenic ride and picnic offered up by Bob Prochaska of the Sun Lakes gang. For this adventure, meet at 9:00am in Usery Mountain Park at group picnic site C. Park entry fee is $3 per vehicle. The picnic is potluck, so bring food of your choice to share. Contributions to cover the expenses of site rental and beverages would be appreciated. The ride will head to Saguaro Lake or Butcher Jones, and return via Usery Pass or Bush Hwy. 30 to 40 hilly miles. Contact Bob Prochaska at 480-895-2601.

see ya...

glen

 

December 14 Saturday Cycling Report

Added December 14, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Ah, the signs of winter are here...brilliant lush green winter grass... flaming red bougainvillea... and an ever shrinking pack on Saturday mornings! We had 41 riders take on the chill this morning, and they were rewarded with a beautiful day to be out and about. The three climbs on the route gave us a grand view of several directions of the valley... in addition to the view of the faster riders in the group climbing away from the rest of us. And the rest of you? Get yourselves to SuperGo, buy some cold weather riding gear, and get to the park next weekend!

Coming up...

Saturday 12/21/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. A little something for everyone on our Christmas ride, with three route options. A loop to the northeast on McKellips offers either 37 miles or 28 miles, both with a couple of gentle climbs and probably with a head wind. Third choice will be a cruiser ride, a 20 mile loop, maximum speed 12mph, with stops at the City of Tempe's giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink. All route options will rejoin for breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest of Alma School & Guadalupe.

Saturday 12/28/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue offers up a pedal through the ASU research park and then out onto open roads to the south, on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, both flat. Breakfast is Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Wednesday 1/1/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. There are several rides in our area that have become "traditions" for New Years Day. We are going to note two-- whatever you do, have fun!!

First, from the home field, our official Saturday Cycling adventure being offered is the 5th Annual Resolution Ride. Ride leader Jay Stewart leads the pack on a journey along the Green Belt up into Scottsdale. This will be a moderately paced "day after" ride. Details on mileage and breakfast stop to follow.

Second choice is a very scenic ride and picnic offered up by Bob Prochaska of the Sun Lakes gang. For this adventure, meet at 9:00am in Usery Mountain Park at group picnic site C. Park entry fee is $3 per vehicle. The picnic is potluck, so bring food of your choice to share. Contributions to cover the expenses of site rental and beverages would be appreciated. The ride will head to Saguaro Lake or Butcher Jones, and return via Usery Pass or Bush Hwy. 30 to 40 hilly miles. Contact Bob Prochaska at 480-895-2601.

Tid bits...

Not everybody in the world is a cyclist. Some people like to spend their free time breaking into cars instead of pedaling. Just a reminder, if you drive to the park and leave your vehicle there while we pedal on Saturdays, don't leave anything valuable (like your wallet or purse) in the car. Kiwanis Park is a great start point, and even has a police sub station within the bounds of the park, but over the years we have had several occasions of smash and grab. And if anybody saw anything funky this morning, or found any belongings scattered any where in the vicinity of the park, please drop yours truly a note.

And, moving from bad people to truly good people, an offer of Christmas hospitality is being offered. At the recent holiday bash at the Grahams house (which was a heck of a party if you missed it!) a discussion came up about how much fun everybody from our group has just hanging out together, eating, and laughing. We have many in the pack that, either by choice or by chance, don't have another clan to gather with on Christmas Day-- the cycling group IS their clan. We have singles away from their families, people here with the military or at school, couples with no kids, and seniors sailing solo. A spot is being offered for all to descend upon on Wednesday December 25th for a holiday dinner. Time and details will be determined by those that are assembling for the adventure. Our host is Leo Rogers, and he is offering up his house. To join in, RSVP to Leo at 480-897-2222.

Ride safe.

 

December 8 Spin Cycle Report

Added December 8, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

A little chill in the air today, and a little holiday cheer brought out warm clothes and some late starters. I won't embarrass them (Ron & Sue) in public though.....We had 17 riders today take the route to Lehi. For several of our new riders, this was the first time to the thriving metropolis of Lehi. Hopefully they didn't close their eyes when we went by. Let's see, all sprint bonus were cancelled today since I didn't win (ok, Gary won).

Nothing too exciting today, Roger was his usual self, urging people on. Randy made a break for the first hill, and Shawn & Gene are learning were those un-identified sprint points are. Also, we had a new rider today, Michael, welcome...Other than that, nothing else to report. Have a good week and we'll see you next week.

Sunday 12/15/02 8:00am - Tour around Mummy - the new version, with mileage options of 35-40 miles with some slight to moderate climbing. Breakfast at Pete's Grill at the McDonald Golf Course - we will try a new place to eat closer to the park.

Sunday 12/22/02 8:00am - Ride before Christmas - let's do the Tour de Love Birds - what, never hear of it or seen them, then here's your chance. Mileage options of 40-50 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Sunday 12/29/02 8:00am - Last ride of the year - need to get some extra miles before the end of the year and meet a new milestone, or heck, just come out and do some pedaling. Why not end it on a trip around South Mountain. Mileage options of 50 or let's see, 50 miles - all pretty flat. We'll have breakfast at the Bagel Nosh on 48th St. & Warner - just in time to start trimming up for the new year...

Wednesday - 1/1/03 - we'll have some new years ride, stay tuned...

see ya...

glen

 

December 7 Saturday Cycling Report

Added December 7, 2002

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The siren of FREE FOOD was balanced out by the cool cloudy skies this morning, leaving us with 61 riders heading out in the pack. All made their away around various versions of the route and eventually arrived at the restaurant just in time to hook up with the Sun Lakes crowd coming up from the south to join us. Along the way we passed two riders, Bob Beane and Kathy Hendricks, riding the wrong direction on the route. At the election during breakfast Bob was whole hearted voted into position as our new association president for the year 2003, and Kathy will be stepping into his prior spot of treasurer. Not sure what it says for our group that we have elected into leadership the two riders who were riding the course in the wrong direction this morning! Paul Nichols will be stepping up as vice president for the coming year and Jane Larson managed to hold on to the job of secretary for another term. Thanks to out going prez Mike Morross and VP Mike Litecky. Our "Year of the Mikes" resulted in a lot of great things for the group, and we look forward to new energy and enthusiasm with our incoming slate of officers.

Coming up...

Saturday 12/14/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We head for the hills on the St. Francis Loop, taking us over every climb in north Tempe. Come on, we'll show you why God blessed you with all of those gears. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with three climbs. Breakfast at JB's, northeast of Southern and Dorsey. (Yes, Jeff, they do have an all you can eat buffet.)

Saturday 12/21/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. It's our Christmas ride! Break out your red and green cycling gear, reindeer antlers, and elf hats!! We are offering up three route options. A loop to the northeast on McKellips offers either 37 miles or 28 miles, both with a couple of gentle climbs and probably with a head wind. Third choice will be a family ride-- bring your kids, your grandma, your cousin (of course, if ALL of George's cousins come out, we gonna have one heck of a pack!). Get 'em on any kind of bike that will roll and come cruise with us. We'll be doing a 20 mile loop up into Tempe, maximum speed 12mph, with stops at the City of Tempe's giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink. All route options will rejoin for breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest of Alma School & Guadalupe.

Saturday 12/28/02 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Our last ride of the year, leader's choice, is the Tour de Sue. Come enjoy the beauty of pedaling through the ASU research park and then out onto the open roads, on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, both flat. Breakfast is Perkins, Chandler Blvd & 54th St.

Tid bits...

Last week we had an emergency vehicle pass the pack while we were headed up Hardy. The pack's reaction gave thought to us needing to review this. When cycling, you are bound by the same guidelines as a car when an emergency vehicle goes by. Slow down, pull as far to the right side of the road as you can, and stop. Be VERY aware of cars around you, as they are diving to the same place you are.

Ride safe.

 

December 1 Spin Cycle Report

Added December 2, 2002

written by Glen Fletcher

Can you believe it, it's already December. And with that, the enjoyment of sleeping in. We had 20 riders today take the route to McKellips. Thanks to Sue for leading the group during the 4 day Tour de Turkey!!! I was suppose to be out today, but came back a day early from vacation (isn't there a saying about staying too long with in-laws). We had a few new riders join us today, welcome Jerry and Neal.

Let's see, Gary won the first climbing points up Curry, and Tim got the climbing points up Center. The slight grade on Extension was won by yours truly. Overall, a good day for a ride, weather was great. Just another great day in Arizona. Let's see, while we was waiting for a flat to be repaired, the ladies in the pack were admiring Rogers kickstand on his bike. While they couldn't keep their eyes off it, Roger explained the exact dimensions. Look for a modification to his kickstand in the weeks to come (oh, if only Roger had email).

Sunday 12/8/02 8:00am - Tour de Lehi - Never been to Lehi, now is your chance... Mileage options of 35 or 40 miles, all flat, with a couple of gentle climbs. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Sunday 12/15/02 8:00am - Tour around Mummy - the new version, with mileage options of 35-40 miles with some slight to moderate climbing. Breakfast at Pete's Grill at the McDonald Golf Course - we will try a new place to eat closer to the park.

Sunday 12/22/02 8:00am - Ride before Christmas - let's do the Tour de Love Birds - what, never hear of it or seen them, then here's your chance. Mileage options of 40-50 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Sunday 12/29/02 8:00am - Last ride of the year - need to get some extra miles before the end of the year and meet a new milestone, or heck, just come out and do some pedaling. Why not end it on a trip around South Mountain. Mileage options of 50 or let's see, 50 miles - all pretty flat. We'll have breakfast at the Bagel Nosh on 48th St. & Warner - just in time to start trimming up for the new year.

see ya...

glen