The Hub Archive 2004

January 31 Saturday Cycling Report

Seventy-two Riders And Almost As Many Flats

Added January 31, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

72 riders headed out of the park into the chilly weather this morning (flat), making quite a crowd headed (flat) down Guadalupe. (Flat) But the brisk air (flat) encouraged the pedallers to (flat) keep their pace up (flat) around the course. A few (flat) stops for tire repairs (flat) along the way spread (flat) the group out a bit. (Wait, that was only eight... here's two more... flat, flat.) We abandoned Capt Hook on a street corner in Mesa with unrepairable tire damage, sending Don to get motorized transporation to sweep him up. (Thanks Don!) Brunch at SomeBurroes was excellent and various theories were discussed as to why the heck we had so many flats this morning.

Coming up...

Saturday 2/7/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. We swing back to an earlier start with the St. Francis Loop around Tempe and a bit north. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 2/14/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Bring your valentine and join us for a pedal to South Mountain. Mileage options 28 miles with a little climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lotsa climbing. Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline & Priest.

Monday 2/16/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Another holiday adventure ride. A new route... the Piestewa Peak Pedal! Come join us for a maiden voyage on a quest to see the peak that is in the news so often of late. Route options 35 miles with a bit of climbing or 45 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast, IHOP at College and Apache.

Tid bits...

Calling all "mature" riders"!! If you are age 50 or over, your moment in the sun is approaching. The Arizona Senior Olympics are scheduled for Feb 21 thru Mar 7. There are 4 different cycling events offered this year... and you don't have to be Lance Armstrong-ish to compete. Fro more details, go to http://www.seniorgames.org.

Ride safe.

January 25 Spin Cycle Report

Rain, Rain, and More Rain

Added January 25, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Not much of a report today, other than rain, rain, and more rain. I was told that Sue, Roger, and Randy did make it to the park, but Randy didn't get out of his truck. Not too many days we get rained out, hopefully you enjoyed the wet weather.

Ride Schedule

2/1 8:00 AM - NOTICE START TIME FOR FEBRUARY - yes, we go back to 8:00 am in February. We'll start out the month with a ride to Ahwatukee, with mileage options of 35 miles with slight hills, and 45 miles with a few more. Breakfast at Bruegger Bagels.

2/8 8:00 AM - We'll do the Tour around Mummy with the added benefit of the original Mummy Mountain Hills. Yes, we get to go up that big hill. Mileage options of 35 flat, 40 somewhat hilly, and 50 hilly miles. Breakfast at US Egg (Mill & Baseline).

2/15 8:00 AM - Downtown Phoenix - Come see downtown, and the Valley of the Sun Crit race. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with the 45 mile option with some slight hills. Breakfast at Smoothie King.

2/22 8:00 AM - New route - Tour de Mesa. Up Guadalupe to Lindsay, then to McDowell up to Power and back down McKellips. Mileage options of 35 or 50 miles with the 50 mile option with some hills. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

2/29 8:00 AM - Up to South Mountain. Ride options of 42 or 50 miles, with some slight hills to a whole lot. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Ray & Rural.

January 24 Saturday Cycling Report

Brave Souls with Mud Splatted Faces

Added January 24, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

OK, maybe we should change that to Saturday Cyclocross for today. We had 29 brave souls appear at the park and indicate a willingness to take on the elements. Off we rode into the misting morning. Most made it around the course, including the maze that once was 56th St north of Firebird Lake, and appeared at breakfast, gack covered and grinning white toothed smiles through mud splatted faces. The plan for China Lite was chucked with the call of hot coffee and warm pancakes beckoning from across the parking lot. Thanks to all who took on the challenge today.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/31/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. A counter-clockwise version of the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. SomeBurro's for eats, southeast corner Mill & Baseline.

Saturday 2/7/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. We swing back to an earlier start with the St. Francis Loop around Tempe and a bit north. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 2/14/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. What could be more romantic? Bring your honey and join us for a pedal to South Mountain. Several mileage options with various climbs (or no climbing). Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline & Priest. We'll request some 50's love songs... Buddy can sing along.

Tid bits...

Jerseys!!! For those who have been coveting one of our beautiful club jerseys, we have re-opened the order window. Pick up an order form any Saturday morning, or send your snail mail address to suefassett@att.net and an order form will be dropped in the mail to you. Standard jersey cost for a club member is $50. Order deadline is 3/15/04 with expected delivery mid-April.

Ride safe.

2nd Annual Jane and Paul's Cycling Adventure

4 days cycling Scottsdale - Tucson – Scottsdale, Dec 2003

Added January 18, 2004

written by Tom Adams

 

Tim volunteered his van as a SAG vehicle, and we decided to share the cost of gas and driver duties. Having a vehicle was both a great convenience and safety factor. With 8 of us taking turns over the 240- mile route, we would only need to drive SAG about 30 miles apiece.

Day 1 – Lucky weather

Friday, Dec 26, 2003. 57 miles, Scottsdale to Casa Grande

Start elevation: 1266', finish 1423' at 57.2 mi.

Highest point 1565' at 44.7 mi. Lowest point 1203' at 25 mi

SR187 hill: climb 250' in 5.1 mi = 49'/mi.

 Day 2 - Perfect Riding

Saturday, Dec 27, 2003. 61 miles, Casa Grande to Tucson.

Start elevation: 1423', finish 2202' at 63.3 mi. 779' in 63 mi = +12'/mi.

 

 

Day 3 – 26 Miles uphill

Sunday, Dec 28, 2003. 64 miles, Tucson to Florence.

Start elevation: 2190', crest 3650' at 26.6 mi, finish 1510' at 64.3 mi.

Climb: 1460' in 26.6 mi = +55'/mi. Descend: 2140' in 37.7 mi = -57'/mi

Day 4 - Scary Traffic 

Monday, Dec 29, 2003. 61 miles, Florence to Scottsdale.

Start elevation: 1510', finish 1266' at 59.5 mi

Highest point 1548' at 12.6 mi.

Lowest point Rio Salado 1177' at 53 mi.

Only noticeable climb was 4.75 mi. at 21'/mi out of Gila Valley.

 

 

January 18 Spin Cycle Report

Added January 18, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Hello all, we had 24 riders take off this morning, enjoying another beautiful day in AZ. We had several new riders that joined us today, Mark, Joel, Mike, Fred, and Ed as well as returning member from CO, Bruce. Our group maintained a nice pace up to the first regroup, as we were waiting for the speed. Once the regroup was complete, we took off, heading down Extension, we only hit two lights, an all time record. Then down Rio Salado, were we really picked up the pace, that was fun...Then we headed for the hills, first going over Galvin Parkway. A very spirited ride up, with BOB taking the points leader jersey up Galvin (I'm filing an official protest, as they ganged up on me....). After repairing a flat, we took off over Oak and then up McDowell. The group maintained a pretty nominal pace up the hill until the last 150 yards as an all out sprint ensued (No Neal, it wasn't Sue's fault). Yours truly took the leader points, and then retained it up Galvin.

We took Carter's route through ASU, and back to Smoothie King. Just about there, we got another flat. Oh well, just made those smoothies taste that much better.

Ride Schedule

1/19 8:30 AM MLK DAY RIDE - For those that have the day off, we'll feature a little ride called Tour de Mesa. We'll head to Guadalupe and then Lindsey, then up McDowell to Power and back down McKellips. Breakfast at Neighbors if you choose. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with the longer having a few climbs.

1/25 8:30 AM We'll do the Tour around Mummy with the added benefit of the original Mummy Mountain Hills. Yes, we get to go up that big hill. Mileage options of 35 flat, 40 somewhat hilly, and 50 hilly miles. Breakfast at US Egg (Mill & Baseline).

2004 Casa Grande Century

Added January 17, 2004

written by Tom Adams

The wind came up early and hard. It was blowing 15-20mph from the ESE. That made it a slog all the way to Coolidge. We were passed by the main 'peloton' about mile 13, before the Gila River. The wind was already taking its toll, and we took turns drafting with Patty to Mike Litecky's rest stop (corner 87 & 187).

At the stop, Sue Fassett objected to my choice of clothes, and told me if I was color coordinated, I'd be faster. I asked to see her fashion police badge.

After a 20min break, we were off in slow motion to chase Frank. It was tough to average 12mph against the wind, and we didn't get to Coolidge until after 11:30am, after a short stop at Paul Nichols' Rest Stop 2. But then we turned west and downwind, and we kept it around 20mph all the way to SR387, where we turned south, kept the pace up, and conversed with a gal from Denver who had come down for the ride.

We got to Dave White Park at 12:55pm, at 52.7mi. It seems traditional on this ride that when we get to lunch my knees are killing me from pushing instead of spinning on the windward legs. Lunch was Honeybears BBQ chicken and beef, with beans and pasta salad. I had aspirin and Tylenol and iced knees for dessert.

There wasn't any bus to sag home in, so I decided to ride back. We left about 1:40, to follow the short route back. We got to the freeway overpass about 2:15, and it was downhill for the next 5 miles to Litecky's rest stop at the 187/87 corner. We topped out over 30mph on the downhill.

We spent a few minutes at the rest stop, then headed out for the last 17 miles on SR87. We had the wind at our backs, so we were able to avoid knee-strain and still keep the speed around 19mph. It's a long, straight ride in the shoulder on a very good road surface, but it's still a treat to spot the tree line at the Hunt Highway intersection in the distance. When you see the trees, there's less than 5 miles to go.

We pulled into the Safeway parking lot at 3:41pm, at 82.86 miles, 5hrs 29mins riding time. Our average of 15.1mph set a new record speed on this ride for me, due mostly to Tim dragging me along on the tandem. The temperature was about 78°. The first metric century of the year was in the books.

A big "Thank You" to all the volunteers from PMBC who put on the ride.

January 17 Saturday Cycling Report

Added January 17, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The siren of free eats brought out 86 riders for our adventure to the Foothills this morning. After completing 86 various versions of the route, we headed to SuperGo for appetizers, then the pack rolled on in search of sustenance, with riders splitting off for bagels, buritto's, pancakes... and one brave soul for pizza (he's also a runner, they're a different breed).

Coming up...

An impromptu holiday ride... if you are a lucky duck and have Monday off:

Monday 1/19/04 8:30am Desert Breeze Park. Celebrate your freedom... our Sunday gang hosts anybody that can join in for a ride and then eats. You'll pedal somewhere, then eat some food.

Saturday 1/24/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out to south, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with no climbing. Brunch on the way back at China Lite, northwest corner of Elliot and Hardy. (Note, for the committed pancakers... there is a Village Inn in the same parking lot!)

Saturday 1/31/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Our last "sleep in a bit" Saturday. A counter-clockwise version of the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. SomeBurro's for eats, southeast corner Mill & Baseline.

Saturday 2/7/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. We start our swing back to earlier hours with the St. Francis Loop around Tempe and a bit north. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th.

Tid bits...

We had the honor of Rich Rumer from The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists (CAZB) joining us this morning. This organization is the driving force for safer cycling in our state. They work incredibly hard to support our right to be on the road. If you wanna checkout more about them, see their website at www.cazbike.org.

Ride safe.

January 11 Spin Cycle Report

Added January 14, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Ok, we didn't have our normal Spin Cycle group, but most made it out to the start of our PMBC - GABA - Casa Grande Century. From what I could gather from Jane Larson and crew, we had over 200 riders for the day, so another record. Congrats to everyone who did the ride. I figured it would be good to relate a couple of stories, since those that didn't attend felt left out on the events. Our morning was crisp, but pleasant at the start. For the majority, we took off at 9:00 AM, and enjoyed a good 1 hour of pleasant wind free riding. At 10:00 am, however, that is when things changed. I received a flat at the front of the 20MPH paceline and as people passed me to stay with the group, the wind started to show it's teeth (see what happens when you pass me). I changed my tire with the help of five trustee steeds (ok, they were not exactly steeds, but don't harass them just yet, there is more). After I managed to get the air back in my tire, we charged forward, at a masterful 24mph. We were a machine, moving effortlessly into the wind, but then, it started blowing harder, and our steeds started to dwindle. First one, then two, then we picked a rogue female steed (ok Sue, how's that for a metaphor!!!!). We made the first regroup with everyone else who started the group, a little tired and wind wiped.

A good group took off along the long route into the teeth of the wind. I believe we hit a max speed of 18mph during the next 15-20 miles as we headed east into the wind. The wind definitely had an effect on the group, and the number of riders reduced significantly. While most took the shorter route, a group of rouges took the long route and were rewarded after the turn on Coolidge with some nice tail winds. We made it to Casa Grande and enjoyed some warm BBQ food and dessert (me, I filled up on the dessert!). The ride back was mostly tailwinds with some crosswinds to keep things interesting. We had a flat along the way, with the "B" group as they admittedly said as they passed while we were changing the tire, "We are the 'B' group, catch us if you can!" So we did, dropping a few along the way, but everyone making it along the dusty and windy path.

Overall, another great ride for our club, and thanks to everyone who helped make this ride a success. Not only those who participated, but those who helped register us in the morning, those that helped feed us along the way, those that watched us as we moved along the way, and those that just watched and made sure everyone made it safe and sound back home. For those that don't know, a ride like this doesn't just happen, it happens because of the tireless efforts of those that make it happen, so thank you for all for making it happen...

glen

It's Not Summer...Yet!!

Added January 11, 2004

written by John Arle

The Pedaling Pulitzer

Setting goals and planning for transitional changes can enable anyone to make cycling a part of their life throughout the year. I elaborated on these Transitions in an article I wrote a couple of years ago. For now, however, I'd like to expound on my transition this past year from summer vacation to the new school year. As a teacher, my schedule changes drastically at this time. Inevitably, my cycling declines and typically evaporates completely by the end of the semester. (That certainly explains my absence for the past 8 weeks, now doesn't it?) This year, my goal was to commute the 25 miles to work on my bike unless I needed my car for a very specific reason. Consequently, my car never saw campus until mid-October. One particular day in early fall was particularly noteworthy.

I left home a little later than normal after taking care of an inordinate number of accumulated e-mails. By 9:30 the Phoenix morning had already warmed the air to 100 degrees. My cyclocomputer registered 102 by the time I completed my ninety minute trek (actually I ride a Cannondale). Unto itself, the commute in was not a particular concern for a native desert rat whose blood is probably thin enough to actually be gaseous at room temperatures. However, by the time I started home following my afternoon lab session, weather.com showed 116 and my bike computer was registering 122 radiating off the blacktop. Do you ever wonder what temperature is needed to melt road bike tires? I made it about 10 miles before my first Circle K stop. My initially frozen water bottles had turned flat warm by then. My concern was to stop before my water supply vaporized completely. After icing down and reloading, I was back on my way. 10 miles later, another Circle K sucked me in. This time, a slush and package of cookies seemed to be calling my name. With only 5 miles to go, the end of this broiling ordeal was within site. Half-way through that, however, I ran through a pile of glass I didn't spot (go figure, eyes burning from sweat, near blind, and I didn't see the glass) and flatted both front and back. Geez, I've never done that before. Maybe the rubber hadn't melted but it sure as heck must have been soft! Twenty minutes, one new tube, and a patch later, I was back on my way and arrived home shortly thereafter.

I believe this is good fodder for thought here in January/February because just check out our temperatures. Highs are in the seventies or eighties and even our mornings aren't really that bad. The downside is, we're in the back half of winter and heading toward an Arizona spring and summer. I plan on taking advantage of the spring and "transitioning" myself back out of my recent fall slump. Energize yourself in a similar way. If you haven't been with one of the weekly group rides ... well, get out there and do it. I'm putting rehab miles on my legs (... and other places, too) and plan to rejoin the groups very soon reinforcing my self-imposed nickname, "Sloth Vader." If you don't want to go super sonic with the speed dogs, then join "the sloth" for a few weeks. Let's enjoy this spring weather because I kind of think it might warm up again here in a couple of months.

See you on the road.

January 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Added January 10, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The wind is our friend. It blows the smog from the valley... and gives you a good workout on your bike! We had 53 riders head out into the breeze this morning on our ramble around town. We checked out the ASU Research Park, then the custom homes and horse properties in south Tempe... then slogged our way over Galvin Parkway and across Rio Salado to the Ripe Tomato... where they had a nice empty patio waiting for us. "Empty" as in some one stole most of their patio tables and chairs! Amazing. They gladly welcomed us inside with good food and good service.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/17/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. SuperGo Saturday!! One of our local shops wants to say thanks for shopping there... by hosting us for breakfast! To work up an appetite first, we head to the Ahwatukee Foothills, route options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Food stop is SuperGo, southeast corner of Ray & Kyrene for FREE (!!) eats.

Saturday 1/24/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out to south, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with no climbing. Brunch someplace with food on the way back!

Saturday 1/31/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Our last "sleep in a bit" Saturday. We'll test Darlene's theory about prevailing winds and checkout a reverse version of the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Lotsa riders liked the SomeBurro's stop for food, so we'll head there once more before we switch back to earlier start times. SomeBurro's for eats, southeast corner Mill & Baseline.

Tid bits...

Our new club prez Kathy (Hendricks) Mills sends the following message:

"We are looking for a newsletter editor for the Tailwind Times to replace Mike Moross. Experience with desktop publishing would be helpful. Interested people can email Bob Beane if they want to know what the job involves."

And last... if you haven't joined in on the national cycling website that our club participates in, now is the time! The mileage log has been refreshed for the new year and all are starting on equal standings (or is that equal rollings?). This is your big chance to wow your friends with the miles you rack up on your bike, or the lack thereof. The site is www.bikejournal.com and our club listing there is under GABA - Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club. Our club password is "pmbc". (We are still working on the secret hand shake.) It's a cool way to track your miles and watch how others in the club are doing. Plus we got a little friendly competition going with some other clubs around the nation!

Ride safe.

January 4 Spin Cycle Report

Added January 4, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 16 riders today, take off on the first Sunday Spin Cycle of 2004. Before I get to the ride, I wanted to say a few words about 2003. I wanted to acknowledge some of the accomplishments this year. As you know, we have been updating when someone gets flats, and the inaugural 2003 winner of the Flat Head of the Year honor goes to Mike Klein. Nancy didn't want to get out done, so she gets the first flat of 2004. Larry gets runner up honors for flats, with Tim coming in 3rd. However, Tim gets the honor of fastest flat repair for both front and back. Not sure if they should count, since he received a couple of other flats after that first repair. Oh, why should I bother with details now. We are also on our yearly search for Waldo, Darth Sloth, I mean John Arle, who is missing in action. Hope you can come out and play some time soon. All kidding aside, I enjoyed this year of riding with each and every one of you, and hope you can continue to come out and ride.

Our ride today was a little brisk and windy, but we made the best of it. A good portion of the group decided to take the short route and get home so they could take down all of those Christmas decorations. A portion of us made it around the route and back to breakfast where we dinned on the patio. That was the warmest I was all day.

Ride Schedule

1/11 8:00ish - We will not have the normal Spin Cycle ride, we will be supporting the Casa Grande Century and our club. The terrain is flat, the roads have low traffic and the temperature is guaranteed to be cool. Ride from Sun Lakes to Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande and return. Three ride options will be available: A full century (108 miles), A metric century (62 miles), and an 85 mile loop. The ride starts on Alma School & Chandler Heights in the Safeway Parking Lot. Sign up by January 4th to get discounts. See Major Events for more details.

Those interested in riding the Casa Grande Century in a group are invited to join the gang for a 9am start the morning of the ride. Strategy is to do a REAL 15-20 minute warm-up, with the goal of completing the ride with a 20mph on-the-bike average speed. Contact Mike Morross at ride010101@aol.com with any questions...

1/18 8:30 AM Tempe Mountains - Will ride some of the hills in Tempe, well, close to Tempe. Mileage options of 38 fairly flat or 45 somewhat hilly miles. Breakfast at Smoothie King (Ray & McClintock)

1/25 8:30 AM We'll do the Tour around Mummy with the added benefit of the original Mummy Mountain Hills. Yes, we get to go up that big hill. Mileage options of 35 flat, 40 somewhat hilly, and 50 hilly miles. Breakfast at US Egg (Mill & Baseline).

In addition, I would like to encourage everyone to leverage the following Web Site: http://www.bikejournal.com/. The site has many neat features, but the best being able to log your miles during the year, compare yourself to others, and get some great motivation during the year. In addition, you can sign up under the PMBC Bike club. This last year, 13 of our riders made us the 2nd club with the most miles in the year. This has been great for the club, as many riders from other areas have visited us just because of this. Let me know if you have any questions.

glen

January 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Added January 3, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Those resolutions brought us a crowd this morning, with 72 riders heading into a misting morning. A romp around Scottsdale, interupted by a couple of tire booting sessions, and then a roll thru downtown Tempe for glimpses of the after affect of the game. (Don't you wish you had stock in the companies that sell all those t-shirts??) Then a bee line was made to the welcome warmth of Someburro's. Yum!

Coming up...

Saturday 1/10/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Tempe takes us on a route around some of the scenic spots in our lovely town. Route options of 31 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with a couple of climbs. Brunch on the patio at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Saturday 1/17/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. SuperGo Saturday!! One of our local shops wants to say thanks for shopping there... by hosting us for breakfast! To work up an appetite first, we head to the Ahwatukee Foothills, route options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Food stop is SuperGo, southeast corner of Ray & Kyrene for FREE (!!) eats.

Saturday 1/24/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out to south, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with no climbing. Brunch someplace with food on the way back!

Tid bits...

For the sake of George Martinez, and any other riders that can't remember our start times through out the year, here ya go: 
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

Those times have been developed by charting the sunrise, the average temp, the tides (hey, Tempe Town Lake probably has some kind of tidal thing going!), and the ability of the majority of the pack to roll out of bed and get to the park on time on any given Saturday.

Ride safe.

---

February 29 Spin Cycle Report

Leap Year Ride Up South Mountain

Added February 29, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 14 riders take off on this Leap Year ride, getting in an extra day of riding for February. It was a tad chilly this morning, and the whining started first thing. It's cold...Then it was, we don't have to go fast today, do we? Then it was, I don't think I'll go up South Mountain, I'm just going to San Juan. I offered cheese with this whining, but he whined about that to. See what happens when you harass the ride leader. Ok, you can send me an email and guess who this is. What do you get, your name in lights for next weeks report.

Overall, a good day of riding, with almost everyone making it to the top except for Gene who had a date and Tom, who has to get ready for his wedding date. Stacey was the first women to the top (she was also the only one, but we won't let a little detail get in the way of a good story). Larry and Roger paced up to the top together (actually, Larry pulled Roger the whole way, just enjoying the scenery).

The ride down was the usual, bummmmmppppppyyyyyy! We also found a new route up to South Mountain not having to go on Baseline except to cross it at a stop light on 16th street, definitely a new route going forward. We ended up eating at Einstein Bagels, and the person mentioned above whined about that (it wasn't on the map, we didn't take the same route as the map, blah blah blah)....

Ok, everyone have a great week.

Ride Schedule

3/7 - 7:30 AM start time - NOTICE TIME CHANGE - Let's do McKellips loop, mileage options of 35, 45 or 50 with breakfast at Neighbors.

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! That gets 'em every time. Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers you a journey to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here.

3/14 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride around the mountain - South Mountain that is. One route, about 50 miles, with a couple of regroups. Breakfast at Bagel Nosh on 48th St and Warner Rd.

3/21 - 7:30 AM Start time - Germannalupe - Down to Guadalupe and back on Germann. Mileage options of 33 or 42 flat miles. Breakfast at Ruby's Diner.

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall.

PMBC Stuff

If your interested in having one of the club jerseys or a club vest or arm warmers, check out our web site for ordering information.

The Mining Country Challenge is a couple of weeks away, do you have your climbing legs in shape?

And lastly, are you interested in getting away to a cool this summer? We'll, what better way to than being the ride leader for our White Mountain Tour on July 10-11th. If you have the inclination, send yours truly an email. Help support your club!

February 28 Saturday Cycling Report

Construction Chaos on Lindsay

Added February 28, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The chilly temp and chance of showers reduced us to 44 riders this morning. If you didn't come out, you missed a grand day to be out on a bike. Our loop to the southeast was interupted by one slightly exploded tire... and a bit of construction chaos on Lindsay... but other than that it was all good. Breakfasters on the patio at Wildflower lingered, soaking up the sun and the caffeine.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/6/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! We start the month off with the Mummyback Loop. A scenic loop to the north with mileage options of 28 miles or 35 miles, both with a couple of moderate climbs... and one extra silly steep optional climb on the long route. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill and 11th.

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers a pedal to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here. If you will be popping in just for the breakfast/meeting, we'll start serving about 9:30am, location Ramada 6 & 7 at the east end of Kiwanis Lake.

Saturday 3/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us to the south (hopefully not in the rain this time!) with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Village Inn, northwest corner Hardy & Elliot.

Tid bits...

Sometimes experienced riders use terminology that draws a blank stare from newbies... such as to "boot" a tire. This does not mean to give your flat tire a swift kick. A "boot" is used when there is a hole or tear not only in the tube, but also thru the tire. If you don't cover the opening in the tire, when you insert and inflate the new tube to pressure, the tube will ooze outa the hole in the tire... and go kapow as you continue to bring tube up to pressure. Before you put in the new tube, you put a barrier between the tube and the hole in the tire. The boot needs to be some kind of material that will not tear easily. A dollar bill works perfect. The rider numbers that you pin to your jerseys during the big event rides/races are also excellent material for this... fold one up and carry it in your bike bag. In a pinch, you can use wrappers from energy bars or gel packets (uh... empty them first) or trash from the road. Fix your tire and clean up the environment! Cycling is so good for the world. :-)

Ride safe.

February 22 Spin Cycle Report

Rain Stayed Away for Tour de Mesa

Added February 22, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 27 riders today take off for Tour de Mesa. Overall a great route, with some good miles with little stop lights and a good hill on McDowell. The rain stayed away until late this afternoon, so no one got caught. A few riders took on some extra hills and did Usery Pass. I was told Roger took most of the sprints from Paul, but even Neal got in the mix and won one. Geez Paul, did you leave everything on McDowell? I also heard that chivalry is not dead, can you elaborate Patty?

The standard group headed back at a great pace, but got hit with two flats on the way back. Oh well, got to keep the flat heads alive, Shige gets the honor even though it didn't go completely flat.

Ride Schedule

2/29 8:00 AM - Up to South Mountain. Ride options of 42 or 50 miles, with some slight hills to a whole lot. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Ray & Rural.

3/7 - 7:30 AM start time NOTICE TIME CHANGE - Let's do McKellips loop, mileage options of 35, 45 or 50 with breakfast at Neighbors.

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! That gets 'em every time. Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers you a journey to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here.

Tid bits...

PMBC will again be hosting the last sag stop in the Tour de Phoenix this year. We need a few bodies to help staff the stop. The ride is on Saturday April 3rd and volunteers would need to be at the sag stop (Lindsey and McDowell) from about 8am until the last rider comes through. To sign up to help, contact Mike Litecky at either mlitecky@cox.net or (480)206-6616. (Tom Culp is excused from this duty as he happens to be getting married on this date... but the rest of you... sign up.)

February 21 Saturday Cycling Report

Could the Weather Gurus Be Wrong?

Added February 22, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The weather gurus were fortunately wrong about this morning... as we had a perfect dry morning to pedal off into. We had 68 riders turn out to show appreciation for the lack of rain. The loop thru Lehi was beautiful as always and the gentle downhill on Rio Salado made for a zippy pedal across town. We checked out the masses doing the Heart walk around the lake in Tempe, then turned towards the buffet at JB's. In the parking lot after eats, Gene "Dancer" Rainey finally earns his pack name by doing a great imitation of a pole dancer, while still astride his trusty steed, much to the entertainment of the rest of the pack. Just another Saturday morning.

Coming up...

Saturday 2/28/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay Loop takes us on a loop to the southeast. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at The Wildflower, northwest of Frye and Price.

Saturday 3/6/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!! March brings us longer days and warm breezes. We start the month off with the Mummyback Loop. This is a great scenic loop to the north with mileage options of 28 miles or 35 miles, both with a couple of moderate climbs... and yes, one extra silly steep optional climb on the long route. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill and 11th.

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! That gets 'em every time. Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers you a journey to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here.

Tid bits...

PMBC will again be hosting the last sag stop in the Tour de Phoenix this year. We need a few bodies to help staff the stop. The ride is on Saturday April 3rd and volunteers would need to be at the sag stop (Lindsey and McDowell) from about 8am until the last rider comes through. To sign up to help, contact Mike Litecky. (Tom Culp is excused from this duty as he happens to be getting married on this date... but the rest of you... sign up.)

As we discussed this morning, we have very few rules for our weekly rides, but the helmet requirement is carved in stone. Once you have signed in on any of our PMBC rides, if you are in motion on your bike, your helmet must be on your noggin' and buckled. The asphalt is just as hard in the parking lot as it is out on the street.

Ride safe.

February 15 Spin Cycle Report

A Ride to the Races

Added February 22, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 17 riders take off today, even though a few meet us along the route. Overall, a great day for riding, and a chance to see a real bike race downtown. It's amazing how fast those guys go. Overall, a pretty uneventful day of riding, which was good.

Ride Schedule

2/22 8:00 AM - New route - Tour de Mesa. Up Guadalupe to Lindsay, then to McDowell up to Power and back down McKellips. Mileage options of 35 or 50 miles with the 50 mile option with some hills. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

2/29 8:00 AM - Up to South Mountain. Ride options of 42 or 50 miles, with some slight hills to a whole lot. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Ray & Rural.

Other Information

We mentioned this before... but people are still asking... so we'll mention it again. A good portion of our club is participating in a national website to track their miles, chat with other cyclists around the country, etc. The site is www.bikejournal.com and our club password there is "PMBC" (Group name of GABA - Phoenix Metro Bike Club). Our club is running second place for mileage behind a group in Houston and if we get a few more members on board... we just might catch them!

Jerseys and other info. If you wanted a jersey, we are taking orders again. Check out the web site for short, long, vests, jackets, or arm warmers. Show off your club colors....

February 14 Saturday Cycling Report

Valentines Day Journey to the Towers

Added February 15, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 55 riders ignore the nip in the air and come out to celebrate Singles Awareness Day (aka Valentines Day) with us this morning. The journey to the Towers was (finally!) successful for Neal, who on previous encounters with this route had resorted to letting his feet do their stuff on the ashpalt intead of his tires for the last steep climb... well done, Neal. Joel learned why you should immediately stop to wrap off a broken rear spoke... and also determined just how far you can coast back down that ride. Mike and Renate enjoyed the day dedicated to couples by getting separated from the start out of the park... with Mike spending the rest of the morning in search of his bride... kind of like an extended version of Where's Waldo? We had numerous Renate sightings through out the morning... hopefully they eventually reunited. (Mike...matching cellphones would make a lovely holiday gift for you two!)

Coming up...

Monday 2/16/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Tom O'Leary has designed for us a new route... and it's definitely going to be a winner. Join us for the Piestewa Peak Pedal... a beautiful tour of some areas that our group doesn't normally take in. Route options 38 miles with a bit of climbing or 48 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast, IHOP at College and Apache.

Saturday 2/21/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Lehi takes us on a loop to the northeast, with a quick roll back down Rio Salado. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JB's, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 2/28/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay Loop takes us to the southeast by way of Lindsay. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is the Wildflower, northwest of Frye & Price.

Tid bits...

We mentioned this before... but people are still asking... so we'll mention it again. A good portion of our club is participating in a national website to track their miles, chat with other cyclists around the country, etc. The site is www.bikejournal.com and our club password there is "PMBC". Our club is running second place for mileage behind a group in Houston and if we get a few more members on board... we just might catch them!

So, you pop a rear spoke. What do you do? Stop. Why? Depending on the side the spoke is on and where it headed to when it broke... there is potential for the spoke to grab hold of your rear derailler. If you are in motion when that happens, bad news. Stop and either remove the spoke or wrap it securely around another spoke.

And last... but very appropriate for today... that blinding light that kept sparkling in the crowd this morning? That was the sun glinting off the new diamond on Connie's left hand. Congrats, Connie... and sorry, boys!

Ride safe.

February 7 Saturday Cycling Report

St. Francis Loop

Added February 11, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The pack did indeed ride the St. Francis Loop on Saturday. Thanks to Linda Matson for stepping up to lead the motley crew. All made it around the route in reasonable condition, then bagels were consumed, and the breakfast conversation focused on anticipation of the Laveen Country Challenge taking place on Sunday (or at least there was anticipation discussed about the BBQ to be held after that ride!).

Coming up...

Saturday 2/14/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Bring your valentine and join us for a pedal to South Mountain. Mileage options 28 miles with a little climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lotsa climbing. Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline & Priest.

Monday 2/16/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Another holiday adventure ride. A new route... the Piestewa Peak Pedal! Come join us for a maiden voyage on a quest to see the peak that is in the news so often of late. Route options 35 miles with a bit of climbing or 45 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast, IHOP at College and Apache.

Saturday 2/21/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Lehi takes us on a loop to the northeast, with a quick roll back down Rio Salado. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JB's, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 2/28/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay Loop takes us to the southeast by way of, duh, Lindsay. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is the Wildflower, northwest of Frye & Price.

Tid bits...

The Mining Country Challenge Ride is on Saturday, March 20th in Superior. We need volunteers to help out at the rest stops. If you've never helped out at a rest stop, this is a great one to start with... there are nice views to enjoy while chatting it up with all the cyclists needing replenishment between all the challenging climbs! If you can help out, please contact Connie Wong.

Ride safe.

February 8 Spin Cycle Report

Tour Around Mummy Draws Nine Steady and Strong Riders

Added February 8, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 9 riders this morning take off this crisp morning. Must have been the allure of Laveen and Palm Springs and the desire to not ride in the cool temps. Oh well, our gang of 9 was strong and steady. We welcomed a new rider today Shige, who did rather well today. We maintained a good pace until we got close to Papago Park, then the speed started to creep up. After the regroup, everyone did "the hill". Bob gets King of the Hill honors while Patty gets Queen of the Hill honors. That after doing a century yesterday. When you get a chance, ask Patty what type of ring she has on her cell phone!

Even with Neal out of state, everyone still heard from him (he called me twice). Quote of the day from Bob after asking if he was ok after the Curry hill, he says without breaking a smile, "I'm a one-hill wonder".

Ride Schedule

2/15 8:00 AM - Downtown Phoenix - Come see downtown, and the Valley of the Sun Crit race. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with the 45 mile option with some slight hills. Breakfast at Smoothie King.

2/22 8:00 AM - New route - Tour de Mesa. Up Guadalupe to Lindsay, then to McDowell up to Power and back down McKellips. Mileage options of 35 or 50 miles with the 50 mile option with some hills. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

2/29 8:00 AM - Up to South Mountain. Ride options of 42 or 50 miles, with some slight hills to a whole lot. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Ray & Rural.

February 1 Spin Cycle Report

26 Riders Take On the Hills of Ahwatukee

Added February 1, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 26 riders today take on the hills of Ahwatukee - and I dare say, we won!!! Ok, they may have gotten a few of us. We had two out of town riders with us today, and didn't even loose them! Carter got the first flat of the day, right in the parking lot before we take off. While in the parking lot, Gene was showing off his heart rate monitor, and even gave Neal a helmet butt to boot!!! Bob got a flat as well during our stretch down Queen Creek. This is a good reminder for everyone, while in a pace line, it is CRUCIAL that everyone along the line to point out debris, not just the people in front. You can probably guess that Bob hit some debris and flatted, but he still gets a place in the flat head honors along with Carter. This is also where we got the quote of the day from Mike when I finally found the hole in Bob's tire, "He's experienced at finding the hole."

The sprinters were all ready to go, but we hit a red light over Queen Creek, so it was stopped before we really got started. The sprint over the I-10 bridge was won by Paul. We all regrouped, and headed toward Ahwatukee. Sue did some reconnaissance riding to make sure the route was safe of joggers for Neal. Up and over Pecos without any issue (except for Carter's grace moves), we started with the hills. There was excitement in the air, as Neal and Joel took off up the first hill. The remainder of the pack kept a steady pace, as they knew more hills were in store. The peleton caught them at the top of the first hill. We then headed towards the second hill. We kept a pretty good pace, with our out of town guest Rob keeping a good pace of 17-18 up the hill until Paul took off. His attacks where countered, and then he took off again, but, yes, I won a king of the hill honor (good thing Gary hasn't been around).

Breakfast at Brueggers was great as well as the company. Have a good week.

Ride Schedule

2/8 8:00 AM - We'll do the Tour around Mummy with the added benefit of the original Mummy Mountain Hills. Yes, we get to go up that big hill. Mileage options of 35 flat, 40 somewhat hilly, and 50 hilly miles. Breakfast at US Egg (Mill & Baseline).

2/15 8:00 AM - Downtown Phoenix - Come see downtown, and the Valley of the Sun Crit race. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with the 45 mile option with some slight hills. Breakfast at Smoothie King

2/22 8:00 AM - New route - Tour de Mesa. Up Guadalupe to Lindsay, then to McDowell up to Power and back down McKellips. Mileage options of 35 or 50 miles with the 50 mile option with some hills. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

2/29 8:00 AM - Up to South Mountain. Ride options of 42 or 50 miles, with some slight hills to a whole lot. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Ray & Rural.

---

March 28 Spin Cycle Report

The Allure of Sacaton

Added March 28, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 27 riders take off this morning, must have been the allure of Sacaton. We also had three new riders join, Steve who was passing by, a guest from Tennessee, and Scott. Welcome to the group. Our flats started right off, with Randy getting one before getting to the start, and Patty in the parking lot. While I didn't have a flat, my back tire was not normal, so I had to boot it before we could take off. We started off easy to our first regroup, then we picked up the pace as we headed to Sacaton. The wind started to blow a little, but was mostly a tail wind until the last 3 miles before our turn off. That is where Randy encountered his second flat. While trying to find the offending piece of metal that caused the flat, it decided to implement itself in his thumb - ouch! We then turned on 187 and was treated with a nice tailwind up the hill until we got to I-10. It was great climbing that hill at 23+. Oh yea, we also saw a snake on this road. The snake didn't like 20 bikes screaming past it. I'm sure the story will get a little embellished, as it was a huge snake, almost taking up the whole road.....(ok, it wasn't that big, but close).

That is where the fun stopped, and we were treated to a strong headwind going back to Sacaton. Going downhill, we managed almost 20mph! We then regrouped at Sacaton where Court noticed his back hub was completely shot. He had to call home for a ride, hopefully you will be back in business soon. We managed a good pace coming back, and overall didn't have too much of a head wind, which was nice. While coming back, Stacy was pulling and had to dodge the fork in the road (oh, yea, it was a real fork in the road). Everyone made it back safe and sound with several enjoying Wildflower. The sprint at the end was won by Gary, getting up to 40MPH (wind assisted) - with Paul closely behind at 39.8MPH (wind assisted), and then yours truly at 39.5MPH (Pulling these guys all the way). At least that is the way I remember it......Oh, how can I forget Mr. Kirk having a flat right near breakfast. While repairing his tube, it must have pinched, so when he inflated the tube with his co2 and it exploded, we had to calm everyone down in the restaurant letting them know that he had not shot anyone. Randy gets flat head of the week honors with Mike getting honorable mention.

Ride Schedule

4/4 - 7:00 AM - NOTICE NEW START Time - Yes, staring in April and May, our start time changes to 7:00 am. We'll do the McKellips route options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. All mostly flat - breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

4/11 7:00am - Tour de Mesa - Ride options of 35 or 45 miles, mostly flat with a gentle climb at the end. Breakfast at Wildflower on Guadalupe & McClintock.

4/18 7:00am - Ohcotukee loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some climbing on the 45 mile option. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels - Chandler & Rural.

4/25 7:00am - Tour de Lehi - Ride options of 30 or 35 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

March 27 Saturday Cycling Report

A Little Culture Tossed In

Added March 27, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Ah.. spring. The weather warms up... and the cyclists start appearing. We had 71 riders roll out of the park this morning, headed north bound smack through the middle of the Tempe Arts Festival. (We try to give a variety of experieces on our rides... thought we would toss in a little culture today.) The wind training ride on McKellips lived up to its name as the pack plowed across to the east, then made for a great romp back the other direction on the way to Neighbors. And speaking of breakfast... that gal who served us has the makings a great pack leader, don't ya think? We should get her to take up cycling.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/3/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Our start time for April and May shifts back to 7:00am. We head eastbound by way of Elliott, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Saturday 4/10/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A journey to Mummy Mountain offers up route options of 27 miles or 40 miles, some moderate climbing on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 4/17/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop is a scenic loop taking advantage (?) of the climbs just north of Tempe. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is I-HOP, southwest of Apache & College.

Tid bits...

Jay Stewart is inviting all to join him and Jerry Stanley for the second annual Lust Ride on Sunday April 18th at 3:00pm. Start is at the Rock Bottom Brewery in Ahwatukee, pedal through the Foothills for 20 to 25 miles, then finish back at Rock Bottom for food and spirits. They welcome your attendance to honor the memory of Denise Lust, to help her friends and family know that Denise is missed by many. Please contact Jerry Stanley or Mike Lust to confirm your participation and for more details if needed.

The city of Tempe is having one of it's enforcement times... when they flash the ticket book at cyclists. Just a reminder, you are a moving vehicle when you are astride your bike and are bound by the same traffic laws as the other moving vehicles (aka cars). You must obey posted speed limits. Not an issue? If you are in a 45mph zone on level ground, probably not a problemo unless you have one heck of a tail wind. But what about a 15mph school zone? When you enter a school zone you must slow to 15 just like the cars (OK... like the cars are supposed to do). If there is a crossing guard in the roadway with his/her handy dandy stop sign up... you must stop until they have returned to the relative safety of the sidewalk.

Ride safe.

March 21 Spin Cycle Report

Great Day For Germanalupe Loop

Added March 21, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Hello all, a great day of riding today. We had 22 riders this morning, with two new riders, Ben and Jay. Our group did the Germanalupe loop, taking it easy up to the first regroup as a few of us stretched our legs from the Mining Country Challenge. Since the first regroup bathroom was stolen (that's what they told Sue), we stopped at the next gas station (and used their unstolen bathroom). Speaking of Sue, she was a little tired today, hint, you need to get your aerobic activity during the ride, not before.

We then picked up the pace, actually, it was Joel who picked up the pace. All told, everyone made it around the route in one fashion or another, and some even had enough energy in their legs to sprint at the end. Seems to me they weren't pulling enough. Breakfast at Ruby's was great, enjoying the patio and good conversation.

Ride Schedule

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall

4/4 - 7:00 AM - NOTICE NEW START Time - Yes, staring in April and May, our start time changes to 7:00 am. We'll do the McKellips route options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. All mostly flat - breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

March 20 Saturday Cycling Report

Orange Blossom Special

Added March 20, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The draw of the Mining Country Challenge tempted away a number of our regular riders, but we made it up with newbies! We had 59 riders head out into the gorgeous orange blossom scented air this morning. The long route riders discovered the demolition on Riggs Road has reduced that part of the course to being pretty non-bike-friendly, but it gives us hope that the eventual rebuild of that road will give us a nice wide bike-laned route to use. The few riders that opted for the breakfast stop enjoyed two of our favorite "P" words... pancakes and pie.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Get in a last weekend of hard riding before Tour de Phoenix. Join us on the McKellips Loop, with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 4/3/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Our start time for April and May shifts back to 7:00am. If you are not headed to the Tour De Phoenix, join the home pack for a route to the east, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Saturday 4/10/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Work up an appetite for all those jelly beans and chocolate bunnies by taking in the scenic Mummy Mountain route. Route options 27 miles or 40 miles, some moderate climbing on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid bits...

Speaking of pie and pancakes... we have a number of riders in the pack working towards goals of weight loss (bathing suit season approacheth!). Just a reminder, the low carb plans work excellent...but doing aerobic activities for an extended period of time (like a 2 or 3 hour bike ride!) is a struggle for your body when you are running on empty. As the temps climb, this will become even more pronounced. Combine a little dehydration with no carbs... and you are talking bonk city big time. If you plan to pedal with us on Saturday morning, give yourself a little noshing freedom for Friday night dinner and Saturday morning pre-ride breakfast.

Ride safe.

March 14 Spin Cycle Report

Sunday Spin Cycle Out Shines Saturday Cycling

Added March 18, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 26 riders today, being the second time that Sunday Spin Cycle had more riders than Saturday Cycling (Mother Nature has a way of balancing things out now and then). We also had 3 new riders join us today, two from NY (Sal & Lisa) and Jim. We took off around the mountain on a perfect day for riding. Once we got to our first regroup on Riggs, we broke into many groups, with everyone making it around to the first regroup. Even Bill joined us from a long hiatus. Also joining us for most likely the last time was Paul, who will head back to NY. Take care Paul, we'll miss your quiet conversations!

A good portion of the group also went up South Mountain, getting in extra miles and hills. For the most part, this was uneventful, which was good. Not sure who King of the Hill was, but most likely Larry, who took off on a great pace. On the way back, Mike encountered a broke spoke, but limped into breakfast (see, not even a mechanical can them away from breakfast). All told, about 65 miles today, good riding gang. Oh yea, quote of the day. When describing Carter's climbing prowess, and noting that he did this only riding one day a week, he was dubbed the "One Week Wonder". He then made the comment that his wife calls him the one...(oh, you'll have to ask him to finish this for you!!!!!).

Ride Schedule

3/21 - 7:30 AM Start time - Germannalupe - Down to Guadalupe and back on Germann. Mileage options of 33 or 42 flat miles. Breakfast at Ruby's Diner.

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall.

PMBC Stuff

Mike Litecky is still looking for a couple of volunteers to assist him with our club's hosted rest stop at the TdP. Lindsey & McDowell on Saturday 4/3/04, working hours would be about 8:30am to 1pm, or any portion of that you want to step up for. Contact Mike Litecky.

And lastly, are you interested in getting away to a cool this summer? We'll, what better way to than being the ride leader for our White Mountain Tour on July 10-11th. If you have the inclination, email Glen Fletcher. Help support your club!

March 13 Saturday Cycling Report

Draw of Free Food Can't Overcome Rainy Weather

Added March 13, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even the draw of free food couldn't over ride the looks of the weather this morning. We had 19 riders head out to the Foothills and back, returning rather splatted and bedraggled for their efforts... then another 10 joined us for breakfast in the park after. Considering we were set to feed about 75 hungry cyclists, the ratio of bagel to person was quite high. Thanks to Tom O'Leary and Rick & Kathleen Marquis for their assist with the breakfast duties. And for the no shows, you'll be glad to know that some homeless people in downtown Phoenix really appreciated your bagel, muffin, and juice!

Coming up...

Saturday 3/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us to the south with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Village Inn, northwest corner Hardy & Elliot.

Saturday 3/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A bit of wind training to prep you for the Tour de Phoenix... we head out on the McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 4/3/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Our start time for April and May shifts back to 7:00am. If you are not headed to the Tour De Phoenix, join the home pack for a route to the east, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Tid bits...

And speaking of Tour de Phoenix, Mike Litecky is still looking for a couple of volunteers to assist him with our club's hosted rest stop at the TdP. Lindsey & McDowell on Saturday 4/3/04, working hours would be about 8:30am to 1pm, or any portion of that you want to step up for. Contact Mike Litecky.

Ride safe.

March 7 Spin Cycle Report

Twenty-two Riders Enjoy Weather and Hills

Added March 7, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 22 riders enjoy some very nice weather today. I decided to change the route and get some hills, so we went to Ahwatukee today. We also had a new rider join us today, welcome aboard Tracy. Our group kept a good pace up to Queen Creek, and then we decided to get a little speed. Sue encountered the first flat of the day as she was coming off the pace line at 27. Our second flat of the day was by Ron who waited until the regroup to get his. Just as we were ready to leave, Carter noticed he had a flat, so we waited while all of the rabbits took off.

We were on our way along Pecos when yours truly got a flat. Needless to say, we never caught the rabbits, but all enjoyed some great weather and good hills. I'm not sure if Paul or Larry won the King of the Hill honors, but both of you owe me half of the prize money for pulling you up. We then headed for breakfast, so Sue could perform first aid to some pedestrian (no, Neal wasn't involved in this one).

While at breakfast, the conversation turned to Roger, and if he had any offspring that he knew of. He said he didn't know of any, and then we focused on Ragbrai asking if he had any groupies there. He said no, saying he didn't have curb appeal. There was more to the story, but, sadly I can say no more...

Ride Schedule

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! That gets 'em every time. Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers you a journey to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here.

3/14 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride around the mountain - South Mountain that is. One route, about 50 miles, with a couple of regroups. Breakfast at Bagel Nosh on 48th St and Warner Rd.

3/21 - 7:30 AM Start time - Germannalupe - Down to Guadalupe and back on Germann. Mileage options of 33 or 42 flat miles. Breakfast at Ruby's Diner.

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall.

PMBC Stuff

If your interested in having one of the club jerseys or a club vest or arm warmers, check out our web site for ordering information.

The Mining Country Challenge is a couple of weeks away, do you have your climbing legs in shape?

And lastly, are you interested in getting away to a cool this summer? We'll, what better way to than being the ride leader for our White Mountain Tour on July 10-11th. If you have the inclination, email Glen Fletcher. Help support your club!

March 6 Saturday Cycling Report

Mummyback Lemmings

Added March 6, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Ah... warm air... finally. The strange yellow light in the sky, known as the sun, welcomed us to the park this morning. We had 62 riders head out... with another 5 or 6 hopping in along the way after discovering that our start time shifted to 7:30. The loop to the north developed into follow the leader lemming as numerous versions of Mummyback were enjoyed... all giving up great views of the area. On arrival at Bruegger's we found the place redesigned with a cool new removable front wall... allowing us to dine in the perfect morning weather. It was such a great day that post ride a "B Tour" formed and headed off into the Foothills for some bonus miles.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers a pedal to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here. If you will be popping in just for the breakfast/meeting, we'll start serving about 9:30am, location Ramada 6 & 7 at the east end of Kiwanis Lake.

Saturday 3/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us to the south with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Village Inn, northwest corner Hardy & Elliot.

Saturday 3/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A bit of wind training to prep you for the Tour de Phoenix... we head out on the McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Tid bits...

This week is your last chance to mail in your order for a club jersey... and you know you're gonna have jersey envy if you don't get yourself one. Head to the website for details. We need to receive your order by 3/15/04 in order to get in on this shipment.

We welcomed a new club member this morning... Rick and Kathleen Marquis announced they are "expecting". Let's see... that babe will compete in the Tour de France 2024, right? Congrats to mom and dad, we wish all three of you well.

And speaking of the Marquis... they have so many life changes going on that they are stepping down from the excellent job they did of being ride leaders for the White Mountain Tour last July. For that ride to happen this year, we need somebody, or a couple of somebodies, to step up for the job. The Marquis did us a grand service of getting lots of that job organized so it can be passed along easily to the next leaders. If you are interested, contact your club prez Kathy Mills.

Ride safe.

---

April 25 Spin Cycle Report

Journey to the Southeast and Tour of the Tucson Mountains

Added April 30, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Thanks Sue for leading the group on Sunday...

We had 14 riders turn out for our journey to the southeast. Since most of the hard pounding dogs (except for Roger and Bob "Animal" Culbertson) were off doing the Tucson mountain ride, we decided to try a moderate pace for most of the pedal. The trek down to Hunt Highway was uneventful... until we got to Hunt Highway and found there is no Hunt Highway at the moment at Lindsey. The spot previously occupied by Hunt is dirt as far as the eye can see. So, brilliant cyclists that we are, the decision was made to retrace our path back up to Riggs and we ended up in bound on that. We managed to keep Bob reined in until this point, but Roger couldn't handle it anymore and took off like a fig newton mush powered rocket. A couple of breakaways went with him, while the rest held steady at our more enjoyable pace. As we swung back into town, the siren call of the patio at the WildFlower was too much for Tim, Tom Culp, and Peaches... and we heroically volunteered to go reserve tables for the pack. It was a tough job... but hey, we were the ones smart enough to think of it. A good day of riding was had by all.

We also had a large showing of PMBC riders down at Tucson Mountains. Several finished in the top 100 and 200, so congrats to everyone who did the ride. Here is a picture of some of the crew...John Arle is putting together a little post TTM article, so look for it coming to a newsstand soon...

April 24 Saturday Cycling Report

Distractions on Pedal to Lehi

Added April 25, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 69 riders turn out in the gorgeous (OK, a bit windy) weather for our pedal to Lehi. Some of the advanced riders who are headed to Tour of the Tucson Mountains tomorrow struggled to keep their enthusiasm in check on their designated "rest" day before the big ride. We somehow got the pack past the sand volleyball play-offs being held at Tempe Beach without any incidents... something about young athletic people jumping around in brilliant yellow speedo bathing suits can be a bit distracting.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/1/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. South Mountain offers route options of 28 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lotsa climbing. Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Priest and Baseline.

Saturday 5/8/04... Payson! Our annual pack road trip heads to the cool green pines and fresh clean air of Payson. See Tour de Payson for details on the ride and how to register.

If you would like to line up car-pooling, zip us a note and we'll see if we can hook you up. Some people are traveling up Friday night and others heading up Saturday at pre-crack of dawn.

If you are not headed to Payson with us this date, we will be holding a ride this date at Kiwanis, 7:00am,... details on route, etc. are still in the works (which means we are still looking for a ride leader!)

Saturday 5/15/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Celebrate Armed Forces Day with us on a tour to DownTown Phoenix to check out the war memorial. Route options 28 or 35 miles with no climbing or 45 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Beagles, NW corner 11th & Mill.

Tid bits...

On our Saturday morning rides we are teaching people about cycling. Helping them to learn to ride safely, increasing their fitness level so they can ride more comfortably, showing them that even the least mechanical in the crowd can learn about how their bike works and handle their bike's basic needs. What is the point of doing all this? We are teaching a cycling lifestyle. Yes, riding in the big event rides on the weekend is great fun. But, when you need to go to the corner store for one or two items... do you drive or pedal? When you take a letter to the post office two miles away... do you drive or pedal? As gas prices increase, as traffic here in the valley worsens, as stress of daily life adds up... consider rolling your sweet ride out of the garage for something other than going to a weekend bike ride. Let it occasionally be transportation, therapy, and your contribution to the wellness of the earth. Your bike and you will be happier for it.

Ride safe.

April 17 Saturday Cycling Report

A Great Ride to the Northern Part of Town

Added April 25, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

On Saturday we had 60 riders turn out in the perfect weather for a great ride to the northern part of town. Sure signs of summer weather approaching were seen, with the sighting of the first blush of the Jacaranda trees coming into their gorgeous bloom... and John Arle returning to the pack. Part of the group was tempted off the route by the bike swap meet at the baseball stadium, but most eventually made their way to IHOP for great service, good food, and excellent conversation.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/24/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Lehi, with route options of 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JBs, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 5/1/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Westbound to South Mountain, with various mileage options, and various climbing or not climbing options. Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Priest and Baseline.

Saturday 5/8/04 Payson! Our annual pack road trip heads to the cool green pines and fresh clean air of Payson. See Tour de Payson for details on the ride and how to register.

If you are not headed to Payson with us this date, we will be holding a ride this date at Kiwanis, 7:00am,... details on route, etc. are still in the works.

Tid bits...

Looking ahead to our next grand adventure ride, we have a need for some members to committ to working on the White Mountain Tour this year, dates are July 10 & 11th. See White Mountain Tour for more details on the event. If you are available to work the ride, either one or both days, please contact John Arle.

Ride safe.

April 18 Spin Cycle Report

John Arle Sighting Signals Approach of Summer

Added April 18, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 14 riders today, and as cool as it was this morning, the bad news is summer is just around the corner. How do I know this, well, but one simple fact. John Arle joined spin cycle today, so summer must be fast approaching. Ok, it was nice having you in the pack again John, but you must have forgotten the tradition of new guy buys breakfast. We'll remind you next week! Overall, a great bit of riding, with Gary getting all of the sprint and hill points (John, can you pay him!). Only bit of excitement was the 2x4 in the road going down Queen Creek. This is a great reminder for everyone, not only is the person in the front responsible for pointing and staying clear of the debris, but also everyone else along the line. Please make sure you take care of the people behind you and they will take care of you (wow, I should patent that saying!).

Ride Schedule

4/25 7:00am - scheduled ride is Tour de Lehi - but since Sue has selected the exact same ride for Saturday (even though I published first), I'm willing to change it. New route is the Germann/Hunt loop, with mileage options of 33 or 42 miles - all flat with breakfast at Wildflower in the Chandler Mall.

April 11 Spin Cycle Report

Lots of Fun on Tour de Mesa

Added April 11, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 21 riders this morning take on Tour de Mesa. A special note to everyone, hopefully you have a wonderful Easter, and if you haven't been out in a while, it's time to get back on that bike (John - that means you too!). Let's see, a few new riders today, Michael, Cory, and Charlie. I guess I'll talk about what did and didn't happen today. Nancy drug Mike out today or was it the other way around (YES), Renata missed all of the holes today (NOT), Neal was quiet and mild mannered (NOT), Gene won the sprint up Center (YES), Larry didn't sprint from one light (NOT), Randy continues to be the best person to draft behind (YES), Patty wore an Easter bunny suite (NOT - but it was close). Ok, you get the picture, we rode and had lots of fun....

Ride Schedule

4/18 7:00am - Ohcotukee loop - out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some climbing on the 45 mile option. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels - Chandler & Rural

4/25 7:00am - Tour de Lehi - ride options of 30 or 35 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe - May change this since Sue has the same ride the Saturday before (even though I published mine first.....)

April 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Yellow Carpet of Palo Verde Blooms

Added April 11, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Clear weather and most of the group not being occupied with other rides today resulted in 85 riders joining in on the adventure this morning. Our route north gave us great views of some of the Scottsdale area, our way paved with a yellow carpet of Palo Verde tree blooms. Many of the mid-pack riders took on the challenge of the climbs in preparation for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains coming up in a couple of weeks. We had a celebrity appearance in the group, with Valarie popping in on Ann's beater bike. Val's in town for the holiday weekend and just had to come out and get the latest gossip... oh yeah, and go for a ride with us while she was at it.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/17/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes in the climbs just north of Tempe. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is I-HOP, southwest of Apache & College.

Saturday 4/24/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are doing the TdM on Sunday 4/25, this Saturday will be a rest day for you. ("Rest" meaning a gentle, short ride as opposed to pounding the pavement.) We head to Lehi to look at the chickens and flowers and what not. Route options 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JBs, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 5/1/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Gotta head to the Towers once more before it gets incredibly warm (read that as "dang hot"). Westbound to South Mountain, with various mileage options, and various climbing or not climbing options. Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Priest and Baseline.

Tid bits...

Bike Week approacheth! There are many activities planned for the week of 4/17 to 4/25, with Wednesday 4/21 being Bike To Work Day. In Tempe, from 6:30am to 8:30am on 4/21, you can get free eats and possibly a free t-shirt (limited supply of the shirts) at the following locations:

Whole Foods (northwest of Rural & Baseline)

Mill's End Cafe (southwest of Mill & Third St)

Wildflower (southwest of Guadalupe & McClintock

Berning's Jewelry (southwest of McClintock & Warner)

If you time your ride right... you could eat 4 times for free!

Also, anybody that is free to join in... we will be escorting Mayor Neil to work (one last time) that morning. The ride will start from Whole Foods (NW Rural & Baseline) at 7:30am and head to downtown Tempe. This ride is only a few miles long... and very gently paced... but it's great PR for us as cyclists. Get yourself there.

Ride safe.

April 4 Spin Cycle Report

A Few Bumps and Holes Along the Road

Added April 6, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 21 riders for today's ride. I also heard some of you haven't been getting my report, so I made sure my list is updated, but if you DO NOT get this, let me know :-) Well, I would be remiss if I didn't talk about our parking lot entrance by R-----. Let's just say she made her presence felt, or was that heard as she showed us all how to bunny hop curbs in her car. We did the McKellips route, with the long route getting 42 miles, so yes, I'll have to change the map. Overall, a good day of riding, perfect temperatures. We did encounter a few other bumps and holes along the road, but don't worry, R----- found them all. Oh, did I mention that she asked me not to put anything in the newsletter about her adventures. It's ok, as far as I can tell, only a few hundred people see the email, then there's the web site..... [Editor's Note: I don't do much editing, but, poor R-----, she's probably embarassed enough so I took pity and disguised her name. Those who got the email or were on the ride will know who she is. -- Terry]

For those that went to breakfast, there was a lot to talk about, but try as I might, I can't even write about it! Food was good and spicy, and so was the conversation....

Ride Schedule

4/11 7:00am - Tour de Mesa - Ride options of 35 or 45 miles, mostly flat with a gentle climb at the end. Breakfast at Wildflower on Guadalupe & McClintock.

4/18 7:00am - Ohcotukee loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some climbing on the 45 mile option. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels - Chandler & Rural.

4/25 7:00am - Tour de Lehi - Ride options of 30 or 35 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

April 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Saturday Cycling and the Tour de Phoenix

Added April 3, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

This is gonna be a double header ride report... Saturday Cycling and the Tour de Phoenix.

First, from the home field we had 24 riders decide that potential rain or not, they wanted to ride. Thanks to Leo Rogers, Greg Gilbert, and others who stepped up as ride leaders this morning. Leo offers the following about the adventure:

"It was a Portland day – green everywhere but up. Gorgeous riding. The short route saw St. Louis farm houses with massive front expanses of grass bordered with white picket fences. The long route saw acres of alfalfa fields on their left and right. All felt the wind going out, and its push coming back. All twenty-four made it back to the park with no flats. Breakfast at the Ripe Tomato was a patio affair with happy faces."

While that was going on, another portion of our pack took on the challenge of the Tour de Phoenix event ride. Just under 900 riders lined up, with nervous eyes cast to the still ominous looking sky at the start line. We had a good showing of familiar faces staking out their places in the platinum field. The ride was a grand success, absolutely gorgeous route, just a bit of rain here and there, and considering the debris strewn roads... not too many flats in the crowd. To our members that staffed the last rest stop, thanks... it was way cool getting cheers and hugs encouraging us on in. A personal note to those from our group who finished the 70 mile route in less than 3 hours... well done kids, ya did us proud.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/10/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The original Mummy Mountain route offers up options of 27 miles or 40 miles, some moderate climbing on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 4/17/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop gives us a scenic loop taking in the climbs just north of Tempe. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is I-HOP, southwest of Apache & College.

Saturday 4/24/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to Lehi to look at the chickens and flowers and what not. Route options 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JBs, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Ride safe.

---

May 30-31 Spin Cycle Report

Memorial Day Weekend Wrap Up

Added May 31, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We have one big report for the last two days of riding for May. Our Sunday group had 27 riders take on Metro Mania. We also welcomed two new riders, Beth and Dean. Our story of the day was starting off slow, and staying that way. Actually, I should say, starting off at a reasonable pace, stopping, starting again, stopping, starting, stopping, etc... Let's just say our start was nothing but smooth, but oh well, that is cycling sometimes. We had 3 flats and one false flat, so that explains the previous sentences. Gene was first, followed by Bob, then a phantom noise/glass removal for Patty, and to round things out, a flat by the missing link, Tim. I say that in the nicest possible way - Tim has not joined us in a while, i.e., he was missing. However, he does get the speediest tire change of all, so there.

Mike and Nancy decided to ride ahead being the rabbits for the group, but with all the stops, and the relaxed pace of the group, we never caught them until the rest stop, where they proclaimed, "where have you been?" Ron goaded Gene into sprinting over the overpass on Horne, then he followed his wheel until the top and then dropped Gene like a bad habit. Gene - next time, make sure you return the favor. Breakfast was entertaining as usual, with stories of checking eye sight and stretching mixed in. Yes, you had to be there!

Our Monday ride was a much larger group of 54 (at least that is what signed in), with riders from all around joining us. We had a great wind free day, but it did get a little warm at the end. I immediately began sweep duties as I encountered 5 flats before getting to the first regroup at Riggs. Everyone had left so a small band of us made our way around to the gas station, were a few faithful waited. I heard the draft behind the tandem today was elusive (i.e., they were going too fast to catch). A few riders decided to go up South Mountain as well before heading back. Looks like Dave gets flat head of the week honors with 3 flats going down South Mountain. See what happens when you stray off the map. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company was good, with a lot of tables, so we'll have to use that one again.

I total of 11 flats over two days, wow, that must be a new record....

Ride Schedule

It's that time of year again, summer, which means we start our rides at 6:30 AM for June, July, and August.

June 6 - 6:30 AM START TIME - Ohcotukee - a loop down Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with the longer route containing a few hills. Breakfast at Bruegger Bagels on Rural & Chandler Blvd.

June 13 - 6:30 AM Start Time - Tempe Mountains - even though they are in Scottsdale. Ride options of 38 or 45 miles with light climbing on standard route and more on the longer route. Breakfast at Smoothie King.

June 20 - 6:30 AM Start Time - Fathers Day Ride - Tour Around Mummy with the original hills added in. Mile options of 35, 40, or 45 miles with slight, some, and a lot of hills respectively. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

June 27 - 6:30 AM Start Time - Tour de Mesa - see the sites of Mesa with mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, and maybe a little more depending on the heat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

May 29 Saturday Cycling Report

Many Ways Around Mummy Mountain

Added May 29, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 90 riders decide that the price of bagels was cheaper than gas to go out of town this morning. A bit of a breeze challenged the group on and off during the ride... but that didn't slow the riders on their quest... which was to try and find as many ways around Mummy Mountain as could be created. (Note to self... don't follow Charlie, or Jackie, next time.) The ever patient staff at Bruegger's set up a large self serve ice bucket so people could fill their bottles and Camelbacks... cool idea (literally!). The after breakfast entertainment was provided by Neal attempting his second tire change since starting to cycle. Ya did better this time, Mr. Thomas, but practice will make perfect.

Coming up...

Monday 5/31/04 7:00 Desert Breeze Park. We head Round The Mountain (around South Mountain.) Start point is Desert Breeze Park, which is on Desert Breeze Blvd southeast of Rural & Ray in Chandler. Mileage around is 45 miles, no climbing. An alternate out and back going the other direction, to Dobbins & Central, will give you about 30 miles round trip. Since Bagel Nosh has closed (we obviously didn't eat there enough!) breakfast has been relocated to the Atlanta Bread Company at Elliot & 56th.

Saturday 6/5/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We switch to our summer start time of 6:30am for June/July/August. We'll begin the sizzling season with an attempt to complete the Tour de Sue, with options on Queen Creek and the newly completed (we hope) Riggs Road. Mileage options 25 miles or 35 miles. Breakfast is Village Inn, northwest of Hardy & Elliot.

Saturday 6/12/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop gives all a chance to take on some of the scenic climbs in the north Tempe. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with 3 moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 6/19/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! Yes, the reason you buy a membership in our club... it's time for our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting. We'll pedal somewhere (route pending) then head to HomeTown Buffet in Chandler, northwest corner Warner & Evergreen, for free eats and brilliant, engaging words from our officers. Breakfast is free for all PMBC/GABA members, $7 for non-members.

Tid bits...

We need... your living room. And your large screen TV. And your DVD player. The club would like to host a social on Saturday June 26th, in the evening, as a lead in to the Tour de France season. The point of the gathering will be to watch the movie "Tripletts of Belleville"... which is a must see for all road bike cyclists who have ever dreamed of glory. We need a member to volunter their abode that evening for the gathering.

Riding with other recreational cyclists close around you is a skill to hone if you plan on riding in any of the large event rides this fall. When cornering in a group, it's important that all riders "hold their line". Holding your line as you take a corner simply means to take note of where you are in the group and in relation to the curb or edge of the road as you enter the turn, and then maintain that spot in the group and distance from the edge of the road as you round the corner. Don't pass other riders while a group is cornering. Don't cut your turn sharper than the other riders, don't go wider than the others, stay in the flow of the group as the turn is made.

Ride safe.

May 22 Saturday Cycling Report

89 Riders Enjoy Great Weather on McKellips Romp

Added May 25, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Can you imagine if the weather was the same here 365 days a year as it was this morning? How many million people would then live in the valley?!! We had 89 riders come out to suck up some of that weather today on our romp across McKellips. The price of riding into wind was rewarded with a sweet tailwind back into town. The second regroup brought us the kindness of a convenience store clerk who, knowing their soda machine had no water tap, offered us gallons of bottled water (way cool). Then our arrival at Neighbor's made us realize how the place got it's name as the staff and owners welcomed us... and again we were offered the service of having our water bottles filled, by the owner (double way cool). A grand day of riding.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/29/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Our last Saturday morning to sleep in a bit, we head to Mummy Mountain, original route (kinda like KFC and Coke!) Mileage options 27 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast at Brueggar's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Monday 5/31/04 7:00 Desert Breeze Park. Of course we're having a holiday ride! What else would we do with a day off from work?? Our Saturday and Sunday packs blend together into one motley crew for a romp Round The Mountain. (That would be around South Mountain, for the un-initiated.) Fletch says we will go around the "correct" way, clockwise (as opposed to the really correct way, counterclockwise). Start is the Sunday pack start point, Desert Breeze Park, which is on Desert Breeze Blvd (duh!) southeast of Rural & Ray in Chandler. Mileage around is about 45 miles, no climbing. For the mileage challenged, an alternate out and back going the other direction, to Dobbins & Central, will give you about 30 miles round trip. Breakfast is Bagel Nosh, southeast of 48th & Warner.

Saturday 6/5/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Note that time change, we switch to 6:30am for June/July/August. Rumor has it that our favorite southern loop has been restored, with fresh new pavement in place on Riggs. Our delayed journey on the Tour de Sue is back on. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Village Inn, northwest corner Hardy & Elliot.

Tid bits...

As cyclists it is hard for us to understand that there is a small (fortunately VERY small) percentage of our society that believes bikes do not long belong on roads with cars. Being that this is America, they have every right to think along those lines, and they can express those thoughts in such legal ways as writing letters to newspaper editors or by trying to get laws changed to banish us. What they can not do, is ignore the laws currently in place.

Become familiar with state and city codes that apply to you. We have a law in Arizona that states a car must give a cyclist three feet when passing. That law was hard earned, and came about because a cyclist was killed by car driver that did not allow safe distance when passing. Know where you are entitled to be on the road. Know your rights as a cyclist. Ride with respect and graciousness as you interact with the citizens of the world we encounter. They may not always return the attitude... but as ambassadors for our sport, it is our responsibility to extend it.

Ride safe.

May 23 Spin Cycle Report

A Super Day of Riding to Sacaton

Added May 23, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 26 riders on a super day of riding to Sacaton. What a great route that is, fresh new pavement, and the best being the tail wind home. Our group stayed together, keeping a nice pace up to the first regroup. Yvonne encountered her first flat (I think this was actually her very first flat on a road bike) on her rear tire, and while not technically flat, her front was close enough, so she get's flat head of the week honors (yes, it's a dubious honor, but you earned it). Someone else had a flat at the regroup, but I didn't catch who that was. Paul also encountered a flat along the way, must have been that voodoo doll his wife was using since he's using her wheels and not letting her ride (yes, he bought her a bike and won't let her ride with us).

Our mild mannered pace quickly went out the door as we made the climb up 187 to I-10. Roger was barking orders, and some followed, while others did their own thing. Joel and Gary started their sprint a little early, so I got a bonus sprint handed to me (see, should have listened to Roger). Speaking of Roger, today was his last day riding with us until fall as he will make his trip back to the Midwest for the summer. Good luck, even though he won't see this.

Breakfast was very entertaining. Dave gets quote of the day, when talking with Neal about his first day with the group. The story was something like, "I knew who you were within 5 minutes being with the group!" I think that is the definition of infamous. Nancy and Sue were talking with Thiago about something, making him all embarrassed, but being the responsible ride leader that I am, I can't print it here. OK, something about boxer or briefs! Geez, you all just pull this stuff out of me.

Ride Schedule

5/30 - 7:00 AM- Metro Mania - mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat and seeing all of the cities. Breakfast at Good Egg, but subject to change.

5/31 - 7:00 AM - Memorial Day Ride - Monday, day off, what better thing to do then ride, and how about a ride around the mountain, South Mountain that is since everyone asked me about it last week (ha, they thought they weren't doing hills). Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, Elliot & 56th Street. Mileage around is about 45 miles, no climbing. For the mileage challenged, an alternate out and back going the other direction, to Dobbins & Central, will give you about 30 miles round trip.

May 16 Spin Cycle Report

Twenty Three Take on South Mountain

Added May 16, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 23 brave souls (or was that soles), take on South Mountain, and believe it or not, all 23 made it back. We had two new riders, Yvonne and Carl join us today, welcome to the group. We took a little detour down Rural since Elliot has construction on Kyrene, and then made our way down to Southern. We held together as a group for most of the ride until a few of us got caught at a stop light. This is where we needed to change a tire and harass Mike to do some maintenance on his wife's bike. After a quick regroup at the Ramada, a group went to San Juan while another made it's way to the towers.

Larry get's king of the hill honors, setting a torrent pace up the hill and dropping everyone along the way. Renata gets the "I'm soo sorry award" for not only having to follow Neal up the mountain, but also having to listen to him all the way up and then down. I would say he owes you breakfast....Speaking of breakfast, we just got served, so I need to go while I can still remember what I ordered. For those that weren't there, our service was anything but fast today, but oh well, the conversation was great, with Mr. Klein joining us. Good to see you again Mike.

Ride Schedule

5/23 - 7:00AM - Sacaton - Go out and see the thriving metropolis - Mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Wildflower

5/30 - 7:00AM - Metro Mania - Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat and seeing all of the cities. Breakfast at Good Egg, but subject to change.

5/31 - 7:00AM - Memorial Day Ride - how about a ride around the mountain, South Mountain that is since everyone asked me about it today (ha, they thought they weren't doing hills). Breakfast TBD, and we may even change it up a bit. More details to come.

May 15 Saturday Cycling Report

Seventy Riders Turn Out For Adventure to Downtown Phoenix

Added May 16, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 70 riders turn out for our adventure to downtown Phoenix this morning. They rolled enthusiastically westbound on a sweet tailwind, took in the sights, then realized the wind just wasn't gonna shift soon enough for the pedal back. Hey, you're in it for the calorie burn, right? Everybody earned their bagels today.

Coming up...

Due excessive road demolition to the southeast... forget what was on the schedule for the next two weeks. Here's where we are going instead!

Saturday 5/22/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Since they are done with most (?) of the construction in Mesa, we'll go that away. McKellips Loop, mileage options of 28 miles or 37 miles. Breakfast at Neighbor's Cafe, northwest of Guadalupe and Alma School.

Saturday 5/29/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. And, since a good portion of the pack would just as soon do this route every week anyway, we head north to Mummy Mountain, original route. Mileage options 27 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast at Brueggar's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid bits...

The revamping of our roads is making selecting a route a bit of a challenge. If anybody wants to draft up some ideas for new routes... we're always up for it.

Imagine for moment... a beautiful athlete slathered head to toe in oil. Normally, that comment would bring interesting images to mind. But if you are a cyclist and you have just body surfed down the roadway on a huge oil slick... well, maybe not such a good thing. "Black Gold"... "Texas Tea".... if your last name is Clampett, finding a pool of oil is a good thing. If you are a road cyclist, bad news. Riding thru oil is like riding thru water... multipied a hundred times. Instinct will urge you to brake... don't. Keep your momentum going. "Float" over the bike, keeping your weight centered over it. Make only subtle shifts in steering to move out of the slick.

And last, a reminder that when you ride with others, you are the eyes for the riders behind you. When a group of riders, whether an organized line or a gaggle or bunch, encounters a road hazard (oh say, like maybe a giant slick of oil?) it is the responsiblity of the front riders to not only point it out, but to change their line of riding so as to lead the riders behind them to safe ground away from the hazard.

Ride safe.

PMBC Assaults Tucson Mountains

Several PMBC Riders Pedal in the Tour of the Tucson Mountains

Added May 12, 2004

written by John Arle

The Pedaling Pulitzer

Tucson, AZ – April 25th was a big, BIG day for PMBC riders as several made the drive south to the Old Pueblo to pump the pedals around the 58 mile "sprint" that is Perimeter Bicycling's Tour of the Tucson Mountains.

The big story of this day belongs to Glen Fletcher. Aaah, how many of you remember young Glen just a couple of summers ago showing up for Saturday Cycling on a 78 pound solid iron cruiser. Just a little bit has changed since then because Glen placed a sizzling 13th in this year's TTM classic. It was just another day in the office, I suppose, as he averaged 26 mph as he "hung with the big dogs" from wire to wire. How on earth does he restrain himself on our little weekend outings!!

Andy Krebs, Les Ricke, and Paul Nixon also finished in the Platinum peloton. Paul was slicing his narrow self through the course BIG time, but cramped up just a few miles from the finish. Paul's a little young, so he hasn't figured out that we don't bring our wives and/or girlfriends to races. I learned this lesson many, many years ago from one of the first Rocky movies. It has something to do with conserving the strength in your legs. You'd have to rent the movie to get the details.

Gene Rainey and Larry Lyon were present for their first ever cycling race. Gene managed to achieve tachycardia before the gun even went off. Little excited out there Gene? Crossing that finish line, however, he was ear to ear smiles. If you're looking for Gene in the PBAA standings, you need to look for his French persona, "Rene." :-)

Mike Kirk smoked across the finish line with one of those "look at ALL my teeth smiles" too. Neal Thomas, absolutely true to his form, managed to work his way up the starting hill using only one pedal as he struggled, AS ALWAYS, to get clipped in. It really wasn't a problem, however, since only the entire platinum crowd just steamed past him within the first couple hundred yards as a result. No problem, just more to draft of, eh Neal?

Big Jim Siart finished just out of the platinum. Tales of the road, as I heard it, had Jim pulling the freight train a bit too much out on route. You see Jim, its easier to follow in the paceline than it is to lead them for 58 miles.

Bob Beane had a little family business to take care of. He was down there with his youthful nephew, Garrett, so he had to show off what made him a platinum rider a couple years back. Nice going Bob, show them kids what seasoned experience is all about. Both Bob and Garrett finished in the gold. Excellent day, boys.

Jack, Buddy, Lance and Janet James were all out in force, too. Team James flatted soon after the start so they ended up snacking their way around the route and enjoying the scenery. I totally, understand. If you're not going to win the darn thing then why not just take in the sights and enjoy yourself!! These guys take their role as the Lanterne Rouge very VERY seriously.

Cory Hove rounded out Team GABA. Cory, however, didn't finish after suffering wheel damage resulting from a crash. Other than a little bike damage, we're hoping everything else was ok.

Oh, I was down there, too, representing the PMBC subculture, Team Sloth. I disappointed myself by finishing in the gold with a little over a 20 mph average over the course. I really wanted to be the first one to miss gold thereby earning a special PBAA losers conquistador award. Oh well, I'll be a year older next year and undoubtedly a little slower.

All told, it was a wonderful day for GABA/PMBC on this beautiful Arizona spring morning.

May 9 Spin Cycle Report

Mother's Day Germannalupe Loop

Added May 9, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had about 23 riders today (that's my guess as I left the sign in sheets with the Kirk's). Happy Mother's Day for all the mothers out there. We had a great day of riding, I even talked the Mrs. to come out and ride on the back of the tandem today. We even did it without killing each other. For the most part, we stayed together to the first regroup (the group and me & my wife). After that, the adrenaline started to pump and the pace quickened. Nothing too memorable to quote except for my wife after we got dropped going down Germann, "Why don't you pedal harder so we don't loose them?" Geez, I guess I need to ride more...

Breakfast at Wildflower was great, and I even brought the rest of the Fletchers on the bike. The day got even better when my son started telling lawyer jokes to Neal. Everyone have a great day, and see you next week.

Ride Schedule

5/16 - 7:00AM - South Mountain - We have to do it before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles, with some big climbing. Breakfast at 5 & Diner

5/23 - 7:00AM - Sacaton - Go out and see the thriving metropolis - Mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Wildflower

5/30 - 7:00AM- Metro Mania - Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat and seeing all of the cities. Breakfast at Good Egg, but subject to change.

May 8 Saturday Cycling Report

Homies and Highlanders: A Two Part Ride Report

Added May 8, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

A two parter ride report:

First, the home pack at Kiwanis managed to pull in 42 riders even with competition from our Payson event. The homies made their way out into perfect San Diego-ish weather, which gradually dimished to Long Beach weather as the smoke haze from a nearby fire filled the air. Most of the riders took on the challenge of the advanced route, along with the added challenge of several flats, but a good time was had by all.

Then, the highlanders. We had 70 riders turn out for our 3rd annual journey around Payson. Bob Beane once again pulled it off, planning a most excellent route and a great catered lunch afterwards. We were joined by two local riders... representing the entire road bike community in Payson. The views were astounding, temp was perfect, and the company was grand. Bob... thanks from all for a great adventure. To those that volunteered to work the ride so the rest of us could pedal... way cool.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/15/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Tour de DownTown Phoenix. Route options 28 or 35 miles with no climbing or 45 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Beagles, northwest corner 11th & Mill.

Saturday 5/22/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Lindsay Loop takes us to southeast. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at WildFlower, northwest of Frye & Price.

Saturday 5/29/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Last weekend to sleep in before summer hours. We've had a request for Tour de Sue on this date... but can anybody give feedback on the condition of construction (destruction) on Riggs Road between Sun Lakes and I-10? Bike-able? Stand by for details on this ride.

Tid bits...

We had some interesting reactions from the fair citizens of Payson during our tour this morning. Payson is mountain bike territory, not road bike. The local paper had an article about us yesterday... so many knew we would be on their roads today. A few were put off, frustrated with having us on their streets when they wanted to be zooming around in their cars. But we also encountered a lot of people who waved, clapping as we rolled thru... their faces mirrored the joy we feel as a pack when we experience a ride like today. It is to those people, that slice of the population, be it in Payson or Ahwatukee or Sacaton... that we owe thanks and respect. Because of them we continue to seek new roads to roll on.

Ride safe.

May 2 Spin Cycle Report

Confused But Undaunted on Mummy Mountain Ride

Added May 5, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

It looks like we had all kinds of people wanting to write about the ride on Sunday. Thanks Neal for leading the group. Here is the best and worst of the stories I was sent...

While our Fig Newton-mush-powered rocket and perhaps a few other very hardy souls were off answering the challenge, an excellent group of 20 riders assembled Sunday morning to experience the popular ride around Mummy Mountain (classic version). Neal did a fine job of leading the charge. He kept us informed about his whereabouts at all times, and he frequently reported when he was clipped in to his pedals.

One of our selfless regulars (name withheld to protect his homeland security and domestic peace) volunteered to ride toward the back of the group with newish rider Yvonne. Although normally a hard-charging front-of-the-pack rider, it seems that he was still recovering from a 10k run on Saturday.

In route we encountered the Multi Sport Challenge triathlon event at Tempe Town Lake. We rode a portion of the cycling course until one of the competitors eloquently directed us donkeys to the motor vehicle area of the road. As a demonstration of our cycling prowess (and a little too much Testosterone) some of the lead group quickly dropped the triathlete like a hot piece of (potentially offensive word censored by The Management to avoid possible government fines). As soon as we entered the traffic lane, one of Tempe's Finest promptly directed us back to the coned-off bike lane. We just couldn't make anyone happy. Now completely confused but undaunted, the group spread out to cover all possible paths of travel. Gene got told we were "stupid roadies", but Stacey received the apology. Are you OK now Gene?

Birthday Boy Ron I. won a solo sprint on Galvin Parkway, partly aided by the fact that almost all of the group took a different route.

The circuit of Mummy Mountain was uneventful, except perhaps for a dozen close encounters with vehicles (only half of these were in the head-on category). Seriously, several riders commented about the unusually large amount of dangerous traffic on those narrow winding roads.

It seemed like Renata was frequently mistaken for Stephanie all morning long. Or was it Stephanie mistaken for Renata?

Paul won the sprint up Curry with Larry very close. Anyway, it was good to see that his haircut did not take away any of his strength.

Regroup Riddle:

Q. What kind of pedestrian gets in Neal's way?

A. A cyclepath.

Ride Schedule

5/9 - 7:00AM - Mother's Day - Short ride today - Germannalupe - Germann to Guadalupe - Breakfast at Ruby's Diner

5/16 - 7:00AM - South Mountain - We have to do it before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles, with some big climbing. Breakfast at 5 & Diner

5/23 - 7:00AM - Sacaton - Go out and see the thriving metropolis - Mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Wildflower

5/30 - 7:00AM- Metro Mania - Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat and seeing all of the cities. Breakfast at Good Egg, but subject to change.

May 1 Saturday Cycling Report

63 Riders Head to South Mountain Park

Added May 1, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 63 riders head out of the park this morning, into a gentle breeze and perfect air temp. A rather motley group... lead by a few hard-charging, lean-mileage dogs on their slathering quest to the towers... trailed by a large, more moderately paced group, enjoying the bike path journey over... trailed yet farther behind by a mountain bike brigade seeking nothing more than the sight of the first saguaros in bloom. The gentle breeze urged the climbers up the mountain and slowed their rampaging roll down a bit. The rear guard made a pit stop out of the wind to see the gorgeous flower gardens in bloom at The Farm, then all rolled on to 5&Diner for tunes and tales.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/8/04... Payson! The pack heads to the pines on our annual quest for cool air. If you have not yet signed up, you can still drop your registration in the mail today. See the website for details.

Note, start point for the ride will be a different location from the last couple of years. Start/finish is Rumsey Park in Payson. To find the park, head north to Payson on the Beeline (Hwy 87) until you reach the junction of Hwy 260 in town. Turn west at the junction, which is Longhorn (Longhorn goes left, Hwy 260 goes right). Take Longhorn west 3/4 mile to stop sign, turn right onto McLane. Continue north on McLane about 1/2 mile to Rumsey Park (on the west side of road). Look for Ramada #5. Registration will run from 7:00am to 7:30am, pack ride will leave at 7:45am. Lunch following the ride will be catered this year. BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, a couple of side dishes and soft drinks. Lunch will start about 10:30am and run till 12:30 or so. Hope to see y'all there!

For the souls (soles?) unable to join us in Payson... head to Kiwanis for the regular Saturday morning adventure. The home bodies will head to the Foothills of Ahwatukee with a couple of mileage options. Breakfast at Village Inn, northwest of Hardy & Elliot.

Saturday 5/15/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Tour de DownTown Phoenix. Route options 28 or 35 miles with no climbing or 45 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Beagles, northwest corner 11th & Mill.

Saturday 5/22/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Lindsay Loop takes us to southeast. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at WildFlower, northwest of Frye & Price.

Tid bits...

May is here. Along with blooming saguaros, May brings us something else... summer heat. Riders from other parts of the country express surprise when they hear that not only do we ride through the summer here... but that our pack increases in numbers during the hot summer months. We want you to thrive and survive this summer with us. To make sure that happens:

The day BEFORE you come to ride with us, make a focused effort to drink plenty of water.

Though we are a "breakfast" club, eat something in the morning before you come out with us... your body needs the fuel and nutrients to use all that water you'll be chugging.

Apply sunblock heavily, two layers, on exposed skin... not only will it keep your skin safer from the suns damaging rays... it will help keep your skin surface cooler, keeping your body temp down.

Drink LOTS of water while riding... if you like an "enhanced" beverage, like a sports drink, cut it with water... at the rate you'll be chugging it, straight sports drink will be too much for your tummy to handle.

Or you could just go to Payson next Saturday and then you can forget about the heat for a day!

Ride safe.

---

June 27 Spin Cycle Report

Tour de Mesa Becomes Tour de Flat

Added June 27, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 27 riders take on Tour de Mesa, which has been re-named to Tour de Flat. More about that later. We had 2 new riders today, Scott and Vanessa, welcome. Our group kept together for most of the ride, except Joel got a flat, or should I say 2 before the first regroup. However, we didn't know, so make sure you yell "flat" when you get one. We made it to the first regroup without much fan fare, and then were off again when Ron got a flat 1/2 mile from the regroup. Then we were off again for a good mile when Ed got a flat. We managed to go another 6-10 miles before Vanessa flatted.

At the second regroup, a few decided to get some extra miles around Las Sendas. While the smart riders started to head for cooler weather. Looks like Patty got 2 flats while heading home, heard there was lots of fun with the tires. While the Las Sendas group was heading home, Renetta was commenting to Stacy about not getting flats with those gator skin tires and not 2 seconds after that comment, she got a flat. Oh, how could I forget, our lead man Joel, getting his third flat and just heading home. Looks like you get flat head of the week honors. Nine flats in one day, must be some type of record.

Oh, comments of the day, not sure if I got the quote right, but Gary was talking about tire inflation during one of the flats saying "high pressure, low volume", and then something about that being the opposite for Neal (i.e., "Low pressure, EXTREMELY HIGH VOLUME"). Ok, I might have embellished a little there. Everyone have a great week.

Ride Schedule

Saturday 7/3/04 11:30am to 1:30pm. Tour De France Social! We gather to watch the opening day of the tour. Location is The Vine in Ahwatukee, southeast of 48th St & Warner. General consensus is that the Prolog will air several times on OLN... we're aiming for the 11:30 to 1:30 broadcast.

7/4 - Sunday 4th of July 6:30 AM - What is more patriotic than a trip to downtown and visiting the capital? Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some minor climbs on the long route. Breakfast at Wildflower on Guadalupe & McClintock since Smoothie King is out of business.

7/5 - Monday 7/5/04 6:30am Saturday Cycling riding from Kiwanis Park will host a ride. For many people, this date is a holiday... so of course we'll host a ride! Come work off all those hot dogs from the day before... with a revisit to the Piestewa Peak Pedal adventure. Mapped route options are 38 miles or 48 miles, both with some climbing, but this is an easy route to shorten to whatever your legs (or other bodily parts) are in the mood for. Breakfast is IHOP, southwest corner Apache & College.

7/11 - Sunday 6:30 AM - We'll try the Milk Run or options route. We'll check construction first, but mileage options of 36, 38, 40, or 44 miles, all flat. Breakfast at WildFlower at the Chandler Mall.

7/18 - Sunday 6:30 AM - We'll do Tempe Mountains even though the mountains are in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles with the longer route having some hills. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill and Baseline.

7/25 - Sunday 6:30 AM - McKellips Loop. Let's do some wind training and then eat at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe & Alma School. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles, all mostly flat.

June 26 Saturday Cycling Report

Ladies Team Entertains Day Workers

Added June 27, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 82 riders appear at the park this morning. To bring the group size down into a slightly smaller gaggle for our departure, we had a ladies team of about 25 ride out first... much to the entertaiment of the day workers lining the street in Guadalupe. The guys quickly followed (that would be the male cyclists... not the day workers!) and all headed over for our traditional wander amidst the Foothills. The breakfast stop at the new-ish Atlanta Bread Company provided plenty of cool seating for all and some great bakery items.

Coming up...

Saturday 7/3/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A new route... the Roundabout Ride takes us around town blending several of our familiar routes into a new loop. Perfect recipe for losing people out of the pack! Mileage options 25 miles with no climbing, 35 miles with a couple of climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 7/3/04 11:30am to 1:30pm. Tour De France Social! We gather to watch the opening day of the tour. Location is The Vine in Ahwatukee, southeast of 48th St & Warner. General consensus is that the Prolog will air several times on OLN... we're aiming for the 11:30 to 1:30 broadcast.

Monday 7/5/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. For many people, this date is a holiday... so of course we'll host a ride! Come work off all those hot dogs from the day before... with a revisit to the Piestewa Peak Pedal adventure. Mapped route options are 38 miles or 48 miles, both with some climbing, but this is an easy route to shorten to whatever your legs (or other bodily parts) are in the mood for. Breakfast is IHOP, southwest corner Apache & College.

Saturday 7/10/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the cool White Mountain Tour, head to the park for our own version... Tour de Lehi. Trees, flowers... just have to use your imagination for the weather. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. We'll take advantage of the smaller crowd and head to USEgg for eats, southwest of Baseline and College.

Tid bits...

Lots of people giving good comments about the rebuild of the section of Riggs from SunLakes to I-10. Here's a bit of info you might find interesting from Reed Kempton, who actually makes a celebrity appearance in our pack occasionally:

"The cattle guard on Riggs just east of I-10 has an experimental design that a special ADOT committee is trying. The group includes ADOT, MCDOT, two manufacturers, and others. The rail sections are bolted together with a set gap of 1/4 inch. The south half uses spacers between the rails. The north half uses double-nutted all thread. This is a test project to evaluate if one method works better than the other. The intent is to prevent the rail sections from separating far enough for a bicycle tire to drop into and still allow for the removal of the rails for routine maintenance. We are also evaluating methods to retrofit existing cattle guards. Let me know if you have any questions about the project."

Reed Kempton, Bicycle/Multi-Model Planner, Maricopa County Department of Transportation

Office: 602-506-1630 email

Ride safe.

June 20 Spin Cycle Report

Father's Day Mummy Mountain Ride

Added June 21, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 19 riders take on Around and up the original mummy mountain route. Happy Fathers Day to all those fathers out there. We also welcomed one new rider - Jonathan to the ranks. We started off slow and stayed that way today, which was good, because my legs are still feeling the affects of being on vacation on climbing hills in Maui. Gary won the first sprint up King of the Hill. I think he is un-defeated on this hill - but the one week wonder tried to give him a run for his money (Carter that is). Me - I made it up the hill which is all I could muster.

The second and third hills were won by me and then Larry - with Gary stretching his legs at the end while I rode lantern rouge (John or should I say Mr. Sloth Vader - you would be proud of me today). Ok, time to go to bed, everyone have a great day!

Ride Schedule

June 27 - 6:30 Start Time - Tour de Mesa - see the sites of Mesa with mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, and maybe a little more depending on the heat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

Special Club invitation.... Saturday 6/26/04 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Summer social!! The club gathers at Mike and Jo Anne Klein's abode for eats, laughs, and watching of the flick "Tripletts of Belleville". Eats and drinks will be provided.

June 19 Saturday Cycling Report

Free Food Draws Large Crowd to Breakfast Meeting

Added June 19, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Free food. What a crowd those words draw! We had 94 riders head out on our quest for vittles this morning. Due to a limited number of un-demolished roads, the pack headed back down to the newly completed section of Riggs, eastbound this time... and all agreed it rides just as nice in that direction. We were joined at the restaurant by our Sun Lakes group and the crowd made a bit of a dent in the buffet line. For those "soon to be new members" who didn't get a membership application this morning, you can get one here.

Coming up...

Saturday 6/26/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We head to the hills... of Ahwatukee. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is the Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th & Elliot.

Saturday 6/26/04 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Summer social!! The club gathers at Mike and Jo Anne Klein's abode for eats, laughs, and watching of the flick "Tripletts of Belleville". Eats and drinks will be provided.

Saturday 7/3/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A new route... which usually results in great fun seeing how many pack members we can lose along the way! The Roundabout Ride takes us, well, round about. Mileage options 25 miles with no climbing, 35 miles with a couple of climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 7/3/04 11:00am to 1:00pm. Tour De France Social! We gather to watch the opening day of the tour. Location is The Vine in Ahwatukee, southeast of 48th St & Warner. We are checking on the broadcast time... confirmed details regarding start time pending.

Monday 7/5/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. For many people, this date is a holiday... so of course we'll host a ride! Come work off all those hot dogs from the day before... with a revisit to the Piestewa Peak Pedal adventure. Mapped route options are 38 miles or 48 miles, both with some climbing, but this is an easy route to shorten to whatever your legs (or other bodily parts) are in the mood for. Breakfast is IHOP, southwest corner Apache & College.

Tid bits...

Experienced rider rolls up behind a gaggle of maybe not so experienced riders. He calls out to them "Hey kids, two up, please!" Blank looks from the riders in front. As with any sport... we have our own lingo. That rider was reminding the others that we are to ride no more than two abreast. "Two up, tight to the right" is our theme song. Whether you are riding with 8 or 80 other riders, your entitled space on the road does not change. We earn the respect of the communities we ride through by riding safely, legally... and by looking like we are having a heck of a lot of fun while we are at it.

Ride safe.

June 13 Spin Cycle Report

Construction Closure Helps Regroup Riders

Added June 19, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

A little belated, but what the heck, I was on vacation. Thanks Neal for leading the group and sending a story...

glen

We had a nice ride with 28 signed up--although it seems there were more. Had one known new rider, Tom, who did well in tennis shoes.

Anticipating a SE Valley issue we warned of possible road closures. The Hunt highway is still not open at Lindsay--we all found out. But, guess what it was the perfect way to regroup all the riders with a one mile cul-de-sac.

The group stayed en masse almost to Higley. It was an impressive long snake going down the road and even the stops and starts went well. People must have read Arle's scolding to accelerate slow to save the rear folks still clipping in.

Gary won the freeway overpass sprint as could be expected. Mike tried valiantly up the second overpass but was no match-as we all know but it is the effort that matters.

We detoured off the route when Gary and Neal decided staying off Chandler as long as possible would be a good thing. Dutifully following the signs to the 202 we came up lower Kyrene only to find a nice new yellow gate. We all received our El Tour training as we dismounted and went around. (Carter of course showed he is the skinny one of all and went between the gates).

Finished at Wildflower.

Ride Schedule

June 20 - 6:30 Start Time - Fathers Day Ride - Tour Around Mummy with the original hills added in. Mile options of 35, 40, or 45 miles with slight, some, and a lot of hills respectively. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

June 27 - 6:30 Start Time - Tour de Mesa - See the sites of Mesa with mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, and maybe a little more depending on the heat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

June 12 Saturday Cycling Report

Romp Around Town ends at Brueggers for Bagels and Bragging

Added June 13, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 75 riders turn out for our romp 'round town this morning. A bit of bike envy developed in the parking lot pre-ride when Ty appeared with his brandy new carbon Bianchi... sweet lookin' machine. Off we rolled into the perfect weather, with a number of riders immediately opting for the shorter route in the hope of having energy to burn on the climbs. Many varied and creative versions of the route later, all met up at Brueggers for bagels and bragging.

Coming up...

Saturday 6/19/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast with options of 25 miles or 35 miles, then to HomeTown Buffet in Chandler, northwest corner Warner & Evergreen, for our quarterly club breakfast. Free eats for all PMBC/GABA members, $7 for non-members. If you will be joining us just for the breakfast, plan to reach the restaurant about 8:30am. Note... if you have a club jersey, please have it somewhere in the proximity of being on your body for this ride.

Saturday 6/26/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We head to the hills... of Ahwatukee. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is the Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th & Elliot.

Saturday 6/26/04 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Summer social!! The club gathers at Mike and Jo Anne Klein's abode for eats, laughs, and watching of the flick "Tripletts of Belleville". Dinner will be provided, BYOB.

Tid bits...

After many years of riding with groups of cyclists, there are certain sounds that just speak to your heart. The sound of dozens of cleats clicking in together when starting up from a stop. The whir of drive chains in motion and the buzz of Campy cassettes coasting. Then there are a few sounds that set us on edge. The dry clattery sound of a un-lubed chain. The high pitched chirping of rear chain rollers dying of neglect. Road bikes are not self-sustaining. They need TLC on a regular basis, particularly in our dry dusty climate here in the valley. Each week, before you come to ride with us on Saturday morning, take 10 minutes to prep your bike. If you like living on the edge... you can do this Saturday morning before you head out the door, but the more Zen in pack find it works better if you prep Friday evening.

At the very least... do two things:

1. Check and air your tires. To check them, just give them a slow spin. You are looking for cuts, worn spots, things embedded, etc. Then air your tires up to pressure. Riding on tires that are under pressure not only sets you up for pinch flats, but also greatly increases the effort it takes to make them go round and round.

2. Wipe your chain down with a cloth, then re-apply whatever your lube of choice is. If done weekly, this step takes about 3 minutes. If not done, skipping this step will suck the life out of your bike and your legs. If you know zilch about lube, speak up, we have a number of experienced riders in the pack who are experts on matters of lubrication. :-)

Ride safe.

June 6 Spin Cycle Report

Warm Ride in Ahwatukee Hills

Added June 7, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Yahoo, we had 32 riders head for the hills today, as in Ahwatukee hills. A little warm, but overall a great ride. I even managed to get 2 of 3 sprints today, with the Mighty Monkey Gene getting the other! We encountered only one flat today by Tom, but part of my tread came off so I booted it while we were stopped. I took a couple of pictures during the ride, so I apologize to anyone who has a dial up connection and this email takes a long time to download.

 

I'll be out of town next week and Neal will be leading the ride. I'll be thinking of all of you while in Maui, well, maybe not...

Words to the wise - news flash, it's getting hot out there. While I'm no weather man (but I think I could do the job here in AZ), this is the time of year to especially keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after a ride, and try and mix in some type of sports drink that will replenish your minerals. End of public service announcement.

Ride Schedule

June 13 - 6:30 Start Time - ROUTE Change - Germann - Hunt Loop, mileage options of 33 or 42 all flat miles. Breakfast at Wildflower. Route changed since Saturday Cycling is doing the same ride on Saturday.

June 19th - We will hold our second Quarterly General Membership Meeting and Breakfast of 2004 on Saturday June 19th in conjunction with Saturday Cycling from Kiwanis Park. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $7 for non-members. The meeting will be at the Home Town Buffet, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen in Chandler. We'll start serving breakfast at about 8:30 AM. The meeting will follow shortly after. Riders can either ride from Kiwanis with Saturday Cycling or join us at the restaurant at about 8:30 AM.

June 20 - 6:30 Start Time - Fathers Day Ride - Tour Around Mummy with the original hills added in. Mile options of 35, 40, or 45 miles with slight, some, and a lot of hills respectively. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

June 27 - 6:30 Start Time - Tour de Mesa - See the sites of Mesa with mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, and maybe a little more depending on the heat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

June 5 Saturday Cycling Report

Air Quality and Heat Advisories

Added June 6, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We started the day with a air quality advisory and a heat advisory. Perfect day to go for a bike ride! Or at least we had 65 riders think so. Our trek to the south was a bit warm, but what's a little sweat between friends? The newly completed section of Riggs Road is suhweet... wide, smooth, bike lines... the works. Now if we can just get them to come back and sweep up the last bits of gravel! The advanced group went with the theory that the faster they rode, the shorter the time they would be in the heat (not a bad concept) and they arrived at the breakfast stop shortly after the standard riders. Well, all arrived there less Bill J and our fearless prez Kathy Mills... who had their own little private breakfast at the OTHER Villlage Inn. (Maps... we hand them out for a reason, ya know!)

Coming up...

Saturday 6/12/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us on a loop across the north part of town. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with 3 moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 6/19/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! It's time for our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting. We'll be riding a loop to the southeast (hopefully something that dodges all of the construction) and then to HomeTown Buffet in Chandler, northwest corner Warner & Evergreen, for free eats and brilliant, engaging words from our officers. Breakfast is free for all PMBC/GABA members, $7 for non-members. If you will be joining us just for the breakfast, plan to reach the restaurant about 8:30am.

Saturday 6/26/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We head to the cool (?) hills of Ahwatukee. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is the Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th & Elliot.

Saturday 6/26/04 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Summer social!! Thanks to Mike and Jo Anne Klein who have offered up their home for our movie night. More details on this event to follow... but pen this into your calendar cuz it will be the place to be that evening!

Tid bits...

How do you survive the summer heat on your bike? Some tricks of the trade to keep your body temp down:

• Get out in the heat a couple of times mid-week to keep yourself acclimatized.
• Drink cool fluids while you ride... whenever we stop for regroups, top off whatever hydration system you are using with ice.
• Keep the sun from shining on your skin directly. You can do this by wearing a long sleeve shirt or by slathering sunblock on heavily.
• If you must stop, such as for a flat, seek shade. If there is no shade, use your friends as shade. (They can at least be useful while they stand around and critique your tire changing skills!)
• We try to gear (pun intended!) our summer rides so that you will be back to the park by 10:30 at the latest... and get yourself home into a cool shower by 11:00. Keep hydrating in the hours following the ride. If you are losing more than a couple of pounds of body weight during your morning ride with us... crank up that drinking. (The only activity in your life where you are encouraged to drink heavily!)

Ride safe.

---

July 31 Saturday Cycling Report

Why Don't Runners Smile as Much as Cyclists?

Added July 31, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Have you ever noticed that runners don't smile as much as cyclists? We had a chance to ponder that fact this morning as we gave up our normal spot in the parking lot to a group of runners, pounding their way off on a 5K trek. We had 55 riders manage to find the club sign-in and get themselves assembled in our alternate start point out on All America Way. We let the serious looking foot powered athletes take off, then we got under way, smiling, laughing, and talking. (If you are going out in public dressed like we do, guess you gotta have a sense of humor!) We managed to find our way through the destruction taking place on Dobson, making us greatly appreciate the completed road work down on Riggs. Special thanks to Kevin Hartke and Tom O'Leary for going above and beyond the call of duty (several times) at a tire changing clinic.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/7/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us around town and through the climbs in north Tempe (or Scottsdale or whatever). Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 8/14/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Ahwatukee Foothills with mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with some moderate climbing. Breakfast is Village Inn, northwest corner of Elliott & Hardy.

Saturday 8/21/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tandemania! Yes, it's time again to get all of our two seat ships out on the road. Have a couple of new ones in the crowd since last year so we'll see just how many double teams we can get hooked up. We'll need a non-climbing route (never want to use the word "flat"!) so maybe Lindsay Loop... if the construction has died down some. The short route on this one is really scenic through the Lakeview development. Tentative mileage options 29 miles or 39 miles. Breakfast at the Wildflower, northwest of Frye and Price.

Tid Bits...

It seems early to already be talking about the event rides in the fall... but it's a great time to plan out some cycling adventures and goals for yourself. Jim Siart is heading up a group from our pack that is going to do the Las Vegas Century on Saturday October 16th. He says:

"Ride registration is $45. Start point for the ride is close to the north end of the strip and east of downtown. We selected the Sahara Hotel & Casino as it's close to the start of the ride, close to downtown for inexpensive table games, reasonable price as compared to casinos on the central part of the strip, plus there is a Monorail that takes you down the strip and stops at the MGM for those who want to explore the many sites of Las Vegas."

If any questions about co-ordinating attending the event with riders from our pack, contact Jim Siart.

Ride safe.

July 25 Spin Cycle Report

Twenty-three Casually Take on Humid Wind Tunnel of McKellips

Added July 25, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 23 riders today take on the humidity and wind tunnel of McKellips. We also welcomed new riders Paul and Bruce. A pretty casual day in the pack today, with a sprint won by Mike Klein over Gene and Mike towards the end of the ride. Apparently, these guys had extra energy, guess they needed to give more blood! Breakfast was entertaining with Neal as the topic of conversation. So, I called it correct last week in saying he would embarrass us more in the following week, glad to see he could come through (literally).

And this just in, I'm working on a new route for Nancy, it will be called the Tour de Car Wash. We'll have to find out the appropriate attire for riding through. Glad to see we had so many riders joining us at the viewing of the Tour de France on Sunday, and if you didn't see, Lance won!

Ride Schedule

8/1 - 6:30 AM We'll try an old route, tour de Scottsdale. Mileage options of 40 or 44 miles, all flat. Breakfast at Wildflower Bread Company - Guadalupe & McClintock.

8/8 - 6:30 AM Tour Around Mummy - the new and old combine. Mileage options of 35, 40, or 50 miles with the 40 or 50 with some hills. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill and Baseline.

8/15 - 6:30 AM Ocotukee Loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee with some hills. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, breakfast at Bruegger Bagels on Rural and Chandler Blvd.

8/22 - 6:30 AM Tour de Love Birds - Go out and see the love birds in Mesa. Mileage option of 40 or 50 miles. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe and Alma School.

8/29 - 6:30 AM Metro Mania - hit all of the cities in the east valley. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray and Rural.

July 24 Saturday Cycling Report

Morning Adventure to Mummy Mountain

Added July 24, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 75 riders appear at the park for our morning's adventure. The age 45+ riders got a bit of a head start... which turned out to be the majority of the pack! Guess our group's median age is a bit more than that. The young pups quickly chased down the riders "of a certain age" and we all headed northbound for several versions of the Mummy route. Most made their way, sweaty but smiling, to the bagel stop... where the topic of the day was the sighting of one of our club jerseys during one of the Tour de France stages this week. And yes, that WAS one of our jerseys, adorning Neal Thomas as he made an unexpected appearence on the time trial route, immediately in front of Lance!

Coming up...

Sunday 7/25/04 at The Vine. 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Tour de France finish line party. See ya there for the big finish! We'll raise a toast to Lance.

Saturday 7/31/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us down south, with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Mileage 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th St & Elliott.

Saturday 8/7/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us around town and through the climbs in north Tempe (or Scottsdale or whatever). Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

We have had some complaints about riders arriving late to the park, delaying the departure of the pack. Just a reminder, on the ding of the hour at 6:30am you should astride your trusty steed (uh, that would be your bike) and waiting attentively in the parking lot to hear words of wisdom from your ride leader just before we roll out. If you arrive at the park at or after the start time, you are making your friends wait, which is not nice.

So, just to see if anybody is paying attention to this request, our pack split next Saturday morning will be those signed in and ready to ride at 6:30am will ride first, those not signed in by 6:30am will be held to ride as a secondary pack. Set those alarm clocks!

Ride safe.

July 18 Spin Cycle Report

It was Hot, Hot, and Hot!

Added July 18, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 28 riders today. What can I say about today, but it was hot, hot, and hot. Even before we started, it was hot. During the ride it was hot, and after the ride it was hot. For those of you wondering while watching the Tour de France coverage of stage 13, no that wasn't Neal streaking along the riders. I'm sure he will do much worse to embarrass us all!

Speaking of TdF, next Sunday is the last day of the tour, and as a club we will celebrate this event at the Vine in Ahwatukee, on Warner, southeast of 48th Street. We have reserved space to watch the entire OLN coverage from 6:00 - 8:30pm. In addition, we will have some raffle prizes during the event (of course its bike stuff). Hope to see you there.

Ride Schedule

7/25 - Sunday 6:30 AM - McKellips Loop. Let's do some wind training and then eat at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe & Alma School. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles, all mostly flat.

White Mountain Tour '04

White Mountain Tour Provides Mid-Summer Delights To Cycling Enthusiasts

Added July 17, 2004

written by John Arle

The Pedaling Pulitzer

7/10-11 Pinetop/Springerville/Eager, AZ - Since 1982, the White Mountain Tour has provided mid-summer delights to cycling enthusiasts. This year's 22nd annual event was certainly no exception.

Noteworthy to this story is the incredible work of each volunteer. Bill Davisson on registration, Bill Sievers and Bob Hendrickson on transport, Mike Litecki on the SAG stop (aided by his wife Barbara), Kathy Mills on T-shirts, our mechanic Jay Stewart and his wife, and, of course, the "roadies" Jack Graham, Buddy Pylant, and Bruce Oberstein. I volunteered to coordinate this effort, but these people made it all possible.

Friday evening, a group of 20 met at Charlie Clark's Steakhouse in Pinetop to mark the unofficial start of the event weekend. Bruce wins gaudy meal of the evening with his HUGE heaping plate-o-beef ribs. This was protein loading at its max!

Saturday was the first of two wonderfully beautiful mornings. Clear, clean, blue skies and absolutely perfect temperatures. All riders were on the road by shortly after 8:00. Bruce and I departed Blue Ridge High as the sweep riders at 9:00.

As we all moved toward the Sunrise Mountain pass, however, rather ominous clouds began to gather to the east, directly in our path. Soon, those clouds got productive. A little rain ... ok, a LOT of rain, along with a healthy mixture of hail. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but mountain lightening will fuse me to my metal bike!! YIKES! Mike and Barbara REALLY did a great job helping riders in distress up at the sag. Grim as this could have been, everyone either got a ride down the hill or waited it out and made the descent on their own two wheels. HEY, we climbed the 2500 feet to get up there, by golly we deserve some downhill! The sweeping 6% downgrade through the forest capped off by an 8% plunge certainly wasn't disappointing.

With everyone safely in town, the skies opened up a bit, again. This time, however, we could enjoy the pitter patter through our hotel or tent windows. Its MUCH nicer this way and a lot less likely to develop hypothermia!

That evening, the group gathered, once again, at Round Valley H.S to dine upon chicken, steak, pasta, cobbler, and ice cream. As tradition dictates, several awards were handed out as well as some pretty cool swag capped off by raffling off TWO cruisers. It's a little tough for me to be objective since I was running the activities, however, I believe a good time was had by all.

A quick plug for our contributing sponsors, Arizona Bicycle Experts (Tucson), Tempe Bicycle (Tempe), Neighbor's Garden Café (Mesa), Bike Emporium (Scottsdale), and GABA Tucson. We GREATLY appreciate the donations and support.

Sunday morning started just as Saturday did. This day, however, the rain held off until all riders had cleared the mountain. This was a perfect ... and I mean ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, morning to be cycling. The White Mountains were certainly in all their glory and every single one of us recognized that blessing.

Fear not, if you missed this year's event, or heaven forbid, you've never done this ride, we'll be back next year with the WMT XXIII classic. We'll get it on the calendar as soon as possible and may even have a few surprises, and options, that just might offer some pedaling nirvana for everyone. Plan on making it a part of YOUR summer!

July 17 Saturday Cycling Report

92 Glowing Riders Take on the Not So Dry Heat

Added July 17, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 92 riders take on the not so dry heat this morning. Most were "glowing" before we even rolled outa the parking lot! The White Mountain Tour survivors kept us entertained with tales of sleet, hail, rain and Patty's hair (guess you had to be there!) but sounded like all had a grand adventure. We sweated our way round the route and made it to the restaurant in time to be greeted by a photographer from the Republic. Nothing like posing for pics after a summer ride. She asked a number of non-cyclist questions (love those) and was suitably grossed out when she picked up a rider's helmet and it dripped all over her. Ah, summer in Arizona. Love it.

Coming up...

Today! 11:30am to 1:30pm The Vine in Ahwatukee, on Warner southeast of 48th Street. The pack gathers to go Postal! Join us for another stage of the TdF.

Saturday 7/24/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain, original route. Mileage options 27 miles with a couple of moderate climbs or 40 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th. (Was gonna kid and say IHOP... just to see if anybody who was on the 5th of July ride would twitch!)

Saturday 7/31/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us down south, with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Mileage 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th St & Elliott.

Tid Bits...

We have a bunch of riders headed to Iowa shortly to do RAGBRAI. Bill Jacobson is stepping up as keeper of the knowledge of who is going. He thought it might be nice for everyone to have a list of names and cell phone numbers (optional) to share in case some of you want to get to together during the trip. If you are going to the ride and want to be in the loop, contact Bill. The list of attendees so far is: Bill Jacobson & Sharon Charlton, Paul Nichols & Jane Larson, Lance & Janet James, Tim Kjellberg, Tom Adams, Charlie Davis, Bill Meacham, and Cheryl Judy.

And speaking of Cheryl Judy... today was her last ride with the pack. Work is taking her to Washington DC. You go give 'em heck over there, Cheryl. We'll miss ya!

A name missing from quest to Iowa list is that of Terry Kane. An update on our wounded warrior... Terry is still camped out at the Scottsdale Osborn Hospital (74th St & Osborn in Scottsdale). He was moved out of ICU yesterday into room 601. He can't talk yet, but can scribble pretty good now and is definitely up for visitors.

And last, an update on another rider missing from the pack, Bob Bogle. Bob had a stroke, did a few days in the hospital, and is now recuperating at home. Betty says he will probably be back in the saddle in not too long. Bet she's anxious for that to happen! :-)

Ride safe.

July 11 Spin Cycle Report

Major Construction Avoided on The Milk Run

Added July 11, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 28 riders take on the heat today. We also had 6 new riders join us today, Rich, Tina, Andi, Cheryl, Terry, and Ann - welcome. We did the Milk Run today, and with a little pre-scouting before, avoided all of the major construction. Everyone made it around in one form or another, with only one flat by newbie Tina towards the end of the ride.

A little comment from the peanut gallery, yes that is me. My topic today is going through intersections, especially left hand turns. When you are in front, you are not only responsible for yourself, but everyone behind you. If only a few people can make it before a car is coming turn when it is safe for everyone. We don't earn any sprint bonuses for making the light, so let's keep everyone safe.

Ride Schedule

7/18 - Sunday 6:30 AM - We'll do Tempe Mountains even though the mountains are in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles with the longer route having some hills. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill and Baseline.

7/25 - Sunday 6:30 AM - McKellips Loop. Let's do some wind training and then eat at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe & Alma School. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles, all mostly flat.

July 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Heat Lovin' Pedalers Head to Lehi

Added July 10, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even with the draw of the White Mountain Tour we still had 65 riders turn out at the park today. Guess there's a lot of heat lovin' pedalers in our gang. We got about 1/4 of mile away from the park before somebody got the first flat of the day. Since there didn't seem to be a team car trailing us with a replacement bike (a la Tour de France style) we got it changed and got back on the road again. The pack selected various versions of the Lehi Loop (how many different ways can you go around a square route??) and most eventually found their way to the breakfast stop back near the park. USEgg had their patio open so we managed to find seats for all...either with or without air conditioning.

Coming up...

Today! 11:30am to 1:30pm The Vine in Ahwatukee, on Warner southeast of 48th Street. The pack gathers to go Postal! Join us for another stage of the TdF.

Saturday 7/17/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop, 28 miles or 37 miles, both with one gentle climb. Breakfast is Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School & Guadalupe.

Saturday 7/24/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain, original route. Mileage options 27 miles with a couple of moderate climbs or 40 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th. (Was gonna kid and say IHOP... just to see if anybody who was on the 5th of July ride would twitch!)

Tid Bits...

A message from our newsletter publisher, Bob Beane. If you normally receive your monthly club newsletter "Tailwind" by email and have not received it this month, email Bob Beane. Bob advises a lot of people's copies are bouncing back to him and we need to update that email list. While we are on this subject, if you receive your club newsletter by snail mail and would like to save a tree (and save the club the postage), zip Bob a note and ask him to switch you to the electronic version of the newsletter.

This week was a good week for cycling articles in the newspapers. In case you missed it, you can read back copies of the Arizona Republic (azrepublic.com) for a couple of them:

Tuesday 7/6/04 Sports section, front page, article "A Ride Of Inspiration" contains an interview and photo of our very own Robert Detrich.

Saturday 7/10/04 Chandler section, page 6, article "Local Bike Clubs Proud Of Leaving No Riders Behind". Our Sunday Spin Cycle pack is featured, along with our Saturday pack from Sun Lakes. Nice pic of Judy Klas, Ann Chadwick, and Jessica "Fletchling" Fletcher.

Ride safe.

July 4 Spin Cycle Report

Fourth of July Ride to Downtown Phoenix

Added July 7, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Happy 4th of July everyone, even though I'm writing this a day later. We had 18 riders join us for a trip to downtown Phoenix. You wouldn't believe how empty the city was yesterday morning. Oh well, we had fun anyways. For the most part, everyone stayed to together and enjoyed a nice pace - oh yea, except for that sprint down Southern beating the bus!

After the ride, we were met by a reporter and photographer from the AZ republic. They did an interview for the Chandler Republic, which should be out this Thursday or Friday. Being Tour de France and all, they were looking for some bike clubs in Chandler, and hey, we were the lucky group. After I wrestled Ann and Neal from the reporter, I talked about riding with the group and how much I enjoy meeting each of you during the weekend. A good time to say thanks to everyone for making this a fun hobby. Oh, by the way, for those that are interested to know, Gary's cadence on his computer is working now, he just needed to pedal (you will have to ask him for the story)!

On to some serious business, I have noticed on several occasions during the past couple of weeks people using "no hands" while in a paceline. I have mentioned this to several, but I'm going to be a lot more direct going forward on this. PLEASE, DO NOT DO THIS, for your safety, and for all of us around you. While your bike handling skills may be top notch, you cannot control someone around you or debris in the road. If you feel the need to go "no hands", do so when there is not a "soul" or "sole" around you!

Ride Schedule

7/10 -11th in the cool crisp White Mountains. Cool off in the White Mountains on this classic two-day tour in mountains and pines of eastern Arizona. The tour, hosted by the Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club, will take you from Pinetop to Springerville via Highway 260 on the first day and then back on the next day. Volunteers are still needed to assist with the tour. Anyone who is interested in helping out with the tour is encouraged to contact John Arle. Click here for more details.

7/11 - Sunday 6:30 AM - We'll try the Milk Run or options route. We'll check construction first, but mileage options of 36, 38, 40, or 44 miles, all flat. Breakfast at WildFlower at the Chandler Mall.

7/18 - Sunday 6:30 AM - We'll do Tempe Mountains even though the mountains are in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles with the longer route having some hills. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill and Baseline.

7/25 - Sunday 6:30 AM - McKellips Loop. Let's do some wind training and then eat at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe & Alma School. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles, all mostly flat.

July 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Seventy-Four Riders Scope Out New Roudabout Route

Added July 3, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The first day of our own little stage ride weekend brought 74 riders to scope out the new Roudabout Route. We checked out the texturizing the city did in the bike lane on McClintock (yuck) then went for a cruise up 48th Street, through the traffic roundabout (now do you get the ride name?), then 40th Street to University. Interesting change of neighborhoods. Our junior rider Brad upheld tradition by getting totally lost off the route but did manage to eventually follow the scent of bagels to the breakfast stop. See? The new generation already has the routine down.

Coming up...

Tour de France!! Today is opening day of the TdF. Every Saturday for the next 4 weekends the club gathers at The Vine on Warner, southeast of 48th Street. Today's broadcast of the Prologue airs from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Come on down and cheer on our Posties.

Monday 7/5/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A holiday adventure.. the quest to Piestewa Peak. Mapped route options are 38 miles or 48 miles, both with some climbing, but this is also an easy route to shorten. Breakfast is IHOP, southwest corner Apache & College.

Saturday 7/10/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. If you can't go to France... at least you can do the Tour de Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. (Sorry we'll leave the over category climbs for another week!) Breakfast is USEgg for eats, southwest of Baseline and College.

Saturday 7/17/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop, 28 miles or 37 miles, both with one gentle climb. Breakfast is Neighbor's Cafe, northwest corner Alma School & Guadalupe.

Ride safe.

---

August 29 Spin Cycle Report

How Many Car Washes on Metro Mania Route?

Added August 29, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 29 riders today take off on Metro Mania, renamed this week to Tour de Car Wash or Tour de Nancy. You see, Nancy just LOVES car washes, so today's trivia was to find out how many car washes are on this route just in case she is in one of these towns and needs a QUICK fix. The magic number was 7 in case you wanted to know. We had 5 new riders join us today, Warren, Matt, Mike, Dave, and Josh.

Let's see, what can I say about this route, I think I can sum it up in a few words, flat, pinch, boot, repair, repair again, repair yet again....I think you get the picture. Steve got the most changes in one sitting, while I managed to flat twice at different times, needing a boot on the second adventure. I'm not sure who gets flat head of the week, probably a tie, but I definitely get flat head of the month honors! John Arle was once again spotted in the group, and gets quote of the day when asked why it took so long for us to get to breakfast. His quote, "what was you doing, Recreational Rubber Removal." We'll have to use Tripe R in the future.

To top it all off, Neal decided to spray everyone at breakfast with his COKE right after talking about tempting the biking powers to be!

Ride Schedule

9/5 7:00 AM - PLEASE NOTE, NEW RIDE TIME FOR SEPTEMBER. Yes, we start at 7:00 starting in September, so an extra 1/2 hour of sleep. We'll start September off with a ride to Tempe Mountains. Ride options of 38 with slight hills and 45 with a little more hills. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

9/6 7:00 AM - KIWANIS PARK - It's Labor day, come join Saturday Cycling up to South Mountain. We've been dodging it all summer due to rumors of repaving, but since that ain't happenin', to the Towers we go. We'll go over and back by way of Southern to avoid the demolition on Baseline. Route options 30 miles with a little gentle climbing, 42 miles with moderate climbing, or 44 miles with honkin' climbing. Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline and Priest (Az Mills Mall).

9/12 7:00 AM - Around the Mountain - South Mountain that is. Mileage option of 50 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company on Elliot & 56th Street.

9/19 7:00 AM - Tour de Mesa - mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some slight hills. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

9/26 7:00 AM - Out to Sacaton - mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

For our beginners or those who just enjoy riding at more gentle pace, we are debuting a new group, led by our prez Kathy Mills. This group will ride from various start points, on various dates, so you'll have to watch the website for details. Here is the scoop on the first one:

Sunday 9/19/04 8:00am Kokopedalli No Drop Ride. New to cycling? Out of shape and looking for a ride to start back? Join President Kathy Mills at Gene Autrey Park in Mesa for a 20 to 22 mile ride. The park is on the south side of McKellips between Greenfield and Val Vista. Enter the parking lot from the farthest east entrance and veer to the left. Terrain will be flat on city streets with wide bike lanes. Breakfast after the ride. For details and to join the Email list, contact Kathy Mills or 480-235-5052 (cell) or 480-759-7675 (home).

August 28 Saturday Cycling Report

A Bit of a Crowd as Saturday Cycling Draws 100+ Riders!

Added August 28, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Holy moly! OK... that was a bit of a crowd. We had 102 riders turn out this morning for our journey northbound. Intead of splitting the pack we did a neutral start down Guadalupe, at about 15mph... which giave us a heck of a long double line! Perfect weather for riding, though it was starting to get warm by the end of the romp. (Don't let these cool morning starts lull you into relaxing your guard against heat stress!) We had quite a variety of routes taken but most managed to find their way back to the bagels.

Coming up...

Saturday 9/4/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE CHANGE IN START TIME! The Roundabout Route takes us on a wandering loop about town, with mileage options or 25 miles with no climbing or 35 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill and 11th.

Monday 9/6/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Off work or school for the holiday? Come with us as we return to South Mountain. We've been dodging it all summer due to rumors of repaving, but since that ain't happenin', to the Towers we go. We'll go over and back by way of Southern to avoid the demolition on Baseline. Route options 30 miles with a little gentle climbing, 42 miles with moderate climbing, or 44 miles with honkin' climbing. Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline and Priest (Az Mills Mall).

Saturday 9/11/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climb on each. Breakfast at Neighbors, northwest corner Alma School and Guadalupe.

Saturday 9/18/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Quarterly FREE BREAKFAST! Yes, time for free food again. We'll ride somewhere then eat on the club's tab. Details to follow.

Tid Bits...

In case you haven't noticed, we have a REALLY eclectic level of skills represented on Saturday mornings. Anything goes and all who can pedal are welcome. We have for sometime been offering a pack ride on Sunday mornings (Spin Cycle meeting at Desert Breeze Park) for our moderate to advanced riders. The time has come to address to the other end of the spectrum. For our beginners or those who just enjoy riding at more gentle pace, we are debuting a new group, led by our prez Kathy Mills. This group will ride from various start points, on various dates, so you'll have to watch the website for details. Here is the scoop on the first one:

Sunday 9/19/04 8:00am Kokopedalli No Drop Ride. New to cycling? Out of shape and looking for a ride to start back? Join President Kathy Mills at Gene Autrey Park in Mesa for a 20 to 22 mile ride. The park is on the south side of McKellips between Greenfield and Val Vista. Enter the parking lot from the farthest east entrance and veer to the left. Terrain will be flat on city streets with wide bike lanes. Breakfast after the ride. For details and to join the Email list, contact Kathy Mills or 480-235-5052 (cell) or 480-759-7675 (home).

September approacheth! Ya know that that means? The big event rides are coming up quick. Most of these rides have entry fees, but if you can pick your events early and register now, you can save a few bucks with early bird registrations. Tour de Farm is on Saturday 10/23. Early registration closes on 9/10.

Ride safe.

August 22 Spin Cycle Report

Broken Pedals and a Slew of Flats on Ocotukee Loop

Added August 22, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 29 riders today take off on a nice cool morning. That may have been the best part of the ride today, except for the wonderful company of 28 other cyclists. What an adventure today, we had broken pedals, and a slew of flats. Before we get there, we had 4 new riders join us today, Tim, Jennifer, Peter, and Erica - hope you had fun. Randy got things started with a broken pedal and didn't make it at all. Our fun began on Queen Creek, after a light split the group up, I got the first flat of the day. A quick change and pulling a wire out with my teeth (yes, my mother wouldn't be happy with me, and neither was Sue), we were off and running. A quick sprint over the overpass - which I won, I guess it wasn't all bad, but it goes down hill from here. We found Ernie on the side of the road with a rear flat. He had a small wire as well, and although we didn't use our teeth, got it replaced and was about to go when he noticed his front was low as well. We proceeded to fix this one as well, as Gary pulled several thorns from his tire.

Off we went to the regroup, while the rest of the group waited patiently for us, but I was told Shawn had a flat on 56th street as well. We then headed to Ahwatukee, with a slight split in the group going down Pecos, but overall, a nice tail wind. Everyone made it to the last regroup, while we watched Gary do some mechanic work. As soon as we started to go, I noticed my rear tire going flat again. So, I replaced it in the parking lot, and we were off. We went at least 500 yards, when Neal said flat (this was after he told everyone to check their tires for flats while I was changing mine). While Neal started on his tire changing, I noticed my recent flat repair included part of the tube sticking out of the tire. So, I deflated the tire before it blew up, put in a boot, and was ready to go. Mr. Kirk was all teeth as he came back down the paceline from pulling and looked over at me and said, "Hello Mr. Flat Head!" I guess I had that coming. We made it to breakfast without any more flats.

Ride Schedule

8/29 - 6:30 AM Metro Mania - Hit all of the cities in the east valley. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray and Rural.

August 21 Saturday Cycling Report

Tandemania Brings Out Nine Tandem Teams

Added August 22, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

For those asking... sorry, there was no ride report last. But, the pack did indeed ride last Saturday, under a perfect overcast all morning. This seemed to set a trend, as cloud cover welcomed our 77 riders to the park this morning, also. Cool at start time in August? Astounding. Our tandem day brought out 9 teams, of various skill levels (or lack thereof). To keep the singles from gloming onto the rear wheels of the tandems right from the start, we sent them on ahead and the tandems rolled out as a group. The chase was short as the doubles rode down the front group in just a few minutes. The pedal over the mostly restored sections of Lindsay was great, and the warm (vs broiling hot) weather tempted the majority of the pack out on the long route. A grand day for riding.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/28/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Your last Saturday to rise with the roosters (in September we switch back to 7:00am). The MummyBack Loop takes us north, between Camelback and Mummy Mountain. Route options 28 miles with a couple of moderate climbs or 36 miles with an extra goofy steep climb. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 9/4/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. For those that missed it earlier this summer, we'll take another journey on the Roundabout Route. Mileage options 25 miles with no climbing or 35 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill and 11th. (Yes, we are headed to Bruegger's two weeks in a row... you can take your chances at IHOP if you want instead... if you have a lot of time!)

Monday 9/6/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. It's a holiday and we will ride somewhere and then eat someplace. We've had a request for a trek up to the Towers at South Mountain. Does anyone know the current condition of the roads in South Mountain Park? Has the repaving been finished (or maybe never started?) Baseline is still under demolition but we could ride both ways on Southern. Anybody who has been there recent, zip a note to yours truly. If S. Mt. is not an option, we are open to ideas.

Tid Bits...

A pair of sport gloves was turned into our lost and found last Saturday. They are size small or maybe even junior, full finger, black and white with a Nike swoosh. They actually look like batting gloves as opposed to riding gloves. Any takers?

Riding incognito with us on many Saturday mornings is a state and national champion. A skilled and experienced rider, this is somebody whose knowledge in our sport we should take adventage of. (And he seems to like being taken adventage of, so we'll just run with it.) Another rider today noted how the experienced rider gradually ramped up his speed whenever he left a stop. If other riders hung with him, they found themselves riding in a group at a much faster speed that they probably could have done on their own. The key there is the gradually increased speed away from the stop. When a group or line of riders stops, then starts back up again, the lead riders need to start out gently... not like they are shot out of a cannon. The lead riders gradually ramp up the pace, giving the line time to launch and assemble behind them. The leaders continue to gradually raise the speed until the group is back up to the pace being held before the stop. If the leaders blast off from the stop, they will sprint away from the rest of the riders before they are able to click in and get in motion, which rather defeats the purpose of riding as a group.

Ride safe.

August 15 Spin Cycle Report

Love Birds Ride "As Good As It Gets".

Added August 15, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 23 riders today, with three new riders of Randy, Darcy, and Rick - welcome guys. We headed to Mesa today to see the Love Birds. Before we got started, Jay had the quote of the day when explaining how he felt before we took off, "this is as good as it's going to get!" Well then, he may have been right. Just kidding, actually a pretty good ride, and some cool temps, which helped. We stayed together for most of the ride and actually got to see the Love Birds. We experienced 4 flats for the day, Corey, Bob, Randy, and yours truly.

We had a nice little sprint at the end towards breakfast - must have been hungry! There was another quote at breakfast, but to be honest, I can't remember what it was so if you wasn't there, too bad for you.

Ride Schedule

8/22 - 6:30 AM Ocotukee Loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee with some hills. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, breakfast at Bruegger Bagels on Rural and Chandler Blvd.

8/29 - 6:30 AM Metro Mania - Hit all of the cities in the east valley. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray and Rural.

August 8 Spin Cycle Report

Taking on the Heat and Mummy Mountain

Added August 8, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 24 riders take on the heat today, with new rider Steve joining us for the first time. We did the Around Mummy and Original Mummy Mountain route in one big swoop. A few interesting tid bits for today. We saw the crack of dawn, cracked a few jokes, talked about cracks in a frame, and all of those cracks in the street. If you were there, then you understand, if not, well, I guess you need to ride more.

Quote of the day, we'll, I can't really say the quote of the day, since I may get hit. But I can relay the beating Thiago took from Renata today. Most would think I would mean beating him up a hill or something like that, but noooooo, Renata actually hit him! I know, I was shocked too, but apparently he had it coming (at least that is what she told me, so I wasn't about to argue either). Don't get too worried out there, I'm embellishing just a little and Thiago paid Renata a great compliment, if only he would have stopped there.

Breakfast was entertaining as well, if only we could have had Sue pay for the meal with her credit card!

Ride Schedule

8/15 - 6:30 AM Tour de Love Birds - Go out and see the love birds in Mesa. Mileage option of 40 or 50 miles. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe and Alma School.

8/22 - 6:30 AM Ocotukee Loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee with some hills. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, breakfast at Bruegger Bagels on Rural and Chandler Blvd.

8/29 - 6:30 AM Metro Mania - Hit all of the cities in the east valley. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray and Rural.

August 7 Saturday Cycling Report

Gorgeous Morning for St. Francis Loop

Added August 8, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The stormy weather yesterday brought us a gorgeous morning for the start of the ride. We had 89 riders head out, with many selecting the shorter route... knowing they had climbing ahead. Several flats in the group upheld the theory that the wind and rain tends to re-arrange the debris on the roads making life tough on tires. We were entertained by tales from the road warriors who made us proud in Iowa... keeping up the tradition of gaining weight after riding almost 500 miles in a week.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/14/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Ahwatukee Foothills with mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with some moderate climbing. Breakfast is Village Inn, northwest corner of Elliott & Hardy.

Saturday 8/21/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tandemania! It's time again to get all of our two seat ships out on the road. We'll see just how many double teams we can get hooked up. Tentative route is the Lindsay Loop... if the construction has died down some. Mileage options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at the Wildflower, northwest of Frye and Price.

Saturday 8/28/04 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The last summer start time weekend (in September we switch back to 7:00am). The MummyBack Loop takes us north, between Camelback and Mummy Mountain. Route options 28 miles with a couple of moderate climbs or 36 miles with an extra goofy steep climb. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

A lot of you have mentioned how much you enjoyed watching the televised portions of the Tour de France this year. We have a chance to make our voices (or at least our keyboards) heard regarding broadcasts of the Tour of Spain later this year. If you would like to see OLN include daily coverage of the Tour of Spain, click on the link below and add your name to the petition.

http://www.petitiononline.com/vuelta3/petition-sign.html

Ride safe.

August 1 Spin Cycle Report

Twenty-Eight Riders Enjoy Tour de Scottsdale

Added August 1, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 24 riders at the start, and then picked up 4 more by the time we ended. Two caught us at the start, and the other two during the middle. Oh well, sleeping in is a good thing. Plus, gives me something to write about. Today we went on a new/old route, Tour de Scottsdale, which I believe everyone enjoyed. I might add on to that for a future ride and do Mummy backwards since we are so close near the end.

Nothing too exciting today, except it was clear that Neal was back. We'll get a break next week though. Quote of the day from Gary, "I'm not in the mood", I guess I should finish this and say "to sprint up the hill" followed by Randy saying, "how often do you hear that!" Ok, gotta go, have a great week.

Ride Schedule

8/8 - 6:30 AM Tour Around Mummy - the new and old combine. Mileage options of 35, 40, or 50 miles with the 40 or 50 with some hills. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill and Baseline.

8/15 - 6:30 AM Ocotukee Loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee with some hills. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, breakfast at Bruegger Bagels on Rural and Chandler Blvd.

8/22 - 6:30 AM Tour de Love Birds - Go out and see the love birds in Mesa. Mileage option of 40 or 50 miles. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe on Guadalupe and Alma School.

8/29 - 6:30 AM Metro Mania - hit all of the cities in the east valley. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray and Rural.

---

September 25 Spin Cycle Report

Tough Time on the Road to Sacaton

Added September 29, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Below is the write up from this last weeks ride led by Neal. Thanks for helping out, but by the sounds of it, I guess I missed a good one.

This was the ride to Sacaton that began with 36 riders. We began with a slight delay because a rider forgot his helmet. A loaner was nearby. Next we had a broken chain--tried to repair it, but lost about a half hour with no luck. Anyway, the first regroup was skipped.

Then it was time for the true experience. On sandpaper road (Gilbert) there was a major malfunction yielding a flat and tire damage. Now rider two heads home. This event occured at the back of the pack. After we waited at the turn on the highway--we let that group of 7 proceed on its own.

The highway to Sacaton continued, with two more flats and LOTS of glass. This was life altering for some---causing many to go short. About 10 did the long route.

Then the real ride began. The wind both to the turn for the freeway and the rode back to Sacaton was, to say the least, strong. How often do we get to lean into the wind? Many were pleased they went the shorter way.

At Sacaton, we found a wobbling wheel and broken spoke. More repairs. As we are about to leave a water bottle holder above a rear wheel needs repair.

Most of the way home was fine, but some swirling winds made the return slower than usual.

Ride Schedule

10/3 - 7:00 AM - Tour de Mesa - since we got rained out, let's try it. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with a slight hill on longer route. Breakfast at Einstein's at Guadalupe & McClintock.

10/10 - 7:00AM - Tour de Scottsdale - Flat route, mileage options of 40 or 44 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower on McClintock & Guadalupe.

10/17 - 7:00AM - Germannalupe - To Guadalupe and then to Germann, all flat miles. Route options of 33 or 42 miles, breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

10/24 - 7:00AM - Tour around and up Mummy. The new mummy with the old, mileage options of 35, 40 or 50 miles with more hills as the miles go up. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

10/31 - 7:00AM - Halloween ride - Ohcotukeeloop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with longer route having hills. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels on Chandler Blvd & Rural.

Roads in South Mountain Park to be Repaved

Safety and Caution Urged When Descending South Mountain

Added September 19, 2004

written by Tom O'Leary

[The City of Phoenix recently announced that beginning October 4, 2004 crews will begin a 4 week project to repave and improve the roads in South Mountain Park. This long awaited project includes the repaving of Summit Road to the towers and San Juan Road out to San Juan point. For information on the repaving see the City of Phoenix Repaving News Release.]

Local cyclists who climb (and descend) South Mountain need to consider the implications of the long-awaited repaving job. This is not a trifling item.

For so long as many can remember, the South Mountain descent has been to a large extent regulated by bumpy and rocky road conditions. Coming down, the inevitable jarring one experiences has acted as potent reminder for most folks to "slow down." Repaved, the roadway itself is not going to be providing that particular message. The suspicion here is that the soon-to-be "quiet" is likely to engender a confidence in folks to perhaps go a bit faster, and therein lies a danger: Go too fast and you outrun your ability to control your bike.

Never ride faster than you can see and plan ahead to fully control descent and cornering. Don't count on being able to "slam" on brakes for effective slowing or stopping. Plan turns before you are in the middle of them, and slow down before you are in their grasp.

Share information with other cyclists and remind them of safety concerns as well. If you sense someone is new to South Mountain, take the time to share your caution concerns with them.

If you are a well-experienced rider and you feel another rider came down the road too fast, have a friendly talk with him/her next time you can. After all, we're supposed to be friends and concerned for one another's safe riding.

Speed is good, but sometimes we can be prone to have too much of a good thing. No one needs to go over the edge of a cliff before we decide to be safe. Safety is a now occupation!

Tom O'Leary

September 18 Saturday Cycling Report

"Quarterly" Faces in the Crowd

Added September 18, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

So nice to see all those "quarterly" faces in the crowd this morning... the ones that appear on free breakfast days! We had 82 riders roll out with our pack this morning and they were joined at breakfast by another 8 or so from the Sun Lakes group. The ride prior to breakfast was your typical Saturday morning romp... road construction, chip sealing, flat tires, and our hand-cyclist Tim earned a 9.2 in style points when he unexpectedly took flight from his chariot while rounding a corner.

Thanks to our bagel wrangler Tom O'Leary, to Jay Stewart for hosting the bike clinic, and to Kathy Mills for going above the call of duty in trying to get every rider in the pack out-fitted in a club jersey.

Coming up...

Saturday 9/25/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Ahwatukee Foothills, with mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner Elliot & 56th St.

Saturday 10/2/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain, original route. Route options 27 miles with some climbing, 40 miles with a few more climbs. Breakfast Brueggers Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th. (To those headed to the Cochise Classic this date... Godspeed and we wish you a tailwind.)

Saturday 10/9/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. For those not headed up to north part of the valley for the Ride For Safety this date... we offer up the Tour de Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing, but possibly a few chickens. Breakfast at USEgg, southwest of College & Baseline.

Tid Bits...

Dave Grant is looking for a cheap old road frame or road bike 58cm c-t (or 57-59cm range). Anything old or laying around, doesn't have to be a complete bike, either just a frame or frame and parts are ok. Either free or under $50? Contact Dave Grant.

In answer to several questions about what event rides are when... head to the website. Our webmaster Terry Wright has done an excellent job of assembling a list of the various rides coming up. (Thanks, Terry!)

Ride safe.

September 12 Spin Cycle Report

Thirty-two Riders Including Three Tandems Make Their Way Around South Mountain

Added September 16, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 32 riders take on Around the Mountain. We had 3 new riders today, Dave, Kevin, and Nes, welcome. We had 3 tandems out today, with Gary and I taking our maiden voyage on a Tandem. With a few adjustments along the way, we did pretty good for our first time. The good news, I won all of the sprints today! Going around the mountain, we reached speeds of 33 and when we tried to let Ron take his pull, he just kept on sucking the back of our wheel, so we slowed down to 29 (yea, that is funny).

Everyone made it around in one way or another. Carter gets flat head of the week honors for changing his flat and then continually putting air in all the way around. Mike also had a flat, thank goodness it wasn't me for a change. Our little sprint over the hill by Estrella was real fun, we reached 36 going up hill. A few wondered up South Mountain while most made an early exit to beat the heat or eat some breakfast. On the way back from breakfast, Ron was harassing Mike about sucking the back of our tandem wheel, when I pointed out that Ron was probably just mad that Mike had taken his spot since Ron was there all day long.

I'll miss the next two weeks on travel, so be kind to our interim ride leaders. Treat them like you would treat me, ok, maybe a little nicer. Have a good couple of weeks.

Ride Schedule

9/18 - 7:00AM - NOTE Location - KIWANIS PARK - FREE BREAKFAST! Our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting, yes for being a member, you get breakfast free once a quarter. Route is Tour de Sue, with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Routes 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be served back at Kiwanis park following the ride. Eats are free for PMBC/GABA club members, $4 for non-members. If you are joining us at the breakfast, we'll start serving about 9:00am. Location is Ramada 9, which is at the southeast corner of the lake.

9/19 7:00 AM - Tour de Mesa - mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some slight hills. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

9/26 7:00 AM - Out to Sacaton - mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

Misc Info:

Bob, our newsletter editor would like your feedback and info from our membership for future newsletter articles. Here are a couple of questions: Feel free to drop yours truly or Bob Beane a note.

1. What is your favorite ride moment and why?
2. Give us your favorite cycling anecdotes
3. Why do you ride?
4. What would you like from our club?

Of course, if you have other ideas for articles, send em our way!

September 11 Saturday Cycling Report

Seventy Seven on Beautiful September Morning for McKellips Loop

Added September 11, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

"Red sky at morning..." Well, sailors may take warning, but when you are an Arizona cyclist, you just assume it's a beautiful September morn for riding and hop on your bike. We had 77 riders turn out for our not too windy ride across McKellips. The express train really cooked on the way back in along Brown, so much so that when they made it to the second regroup they decided that was enough of that silliness and continued on to breakfast at a more sedate pace, joined by the moderate riders. Nancy Kirk really wanted to savor the beautiful day, so she stopped to take her tire apart and reassemble it a couple of times, while hubby Mike slaved over saving her a seat at the breakfast stop while he sipped his cuppa Joe. Thanks to Randy for working sweep.

Coming up...

Saturday 9/18/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE BREAKFAST! Our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting. Route is Tour de Sue, with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Routes 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be served back at Kiwanis park following the ride. Eats are free for PMBC/GABA club members, $4 for non-members. If you are joining us at the breakfast, we'll start serving about 9:00am. Location is Ramada 9, which is at the southeast corner of the lake.

Saturday 9/25/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Ahwatukee Foothills, with mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner Elliot & 56th St.

Saturday 10/2/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain, original route (not extra crispy). Route 27 miles with some climbing, 40 miles with a few more climbs. Breakfast Brueggers Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

As the event rides come and go, if you go off on an adventure... write and tell us about it. We have some riders missing this weekend while they participate in the Amtrak Century in California and some doing us proud in the state championship road race in Flagstaff. Zip a note and let the rest of us live vicariously through you.

Just a reminder, Tuesday 9/14/04 7:00pm, Willie Weir is speaking at the Scottsdale Library.

Ride safe.

September 5 Spin Cycle Report

Tempe Mountains Flat Head Honors, Plus a Plea to the Pack

Added September 5, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 38 riders today take off for our first ride of September under some cool temperatures, at least for this time of year. We had 5 new riders join us today, welcome Derek, Ron, Jim, Dan, and Kevin. The group did rather well today, enjoying for the most part some steady pace lines. We picked up the pace a little down Rio Salado and then over the hills in Tempe (Ok, really Scottsdale, but I'm too lazy to change the map). I need to thank Randy for mentioning that we didn't have any flats right before breakfast. I proceeded to get 2 after that. For those that didn't make the trip to the park after breakfast, I got one going to the park, and yes, got another one after the park on my way home. I called and got a ride the last 1 1/2 miles from home. Those two flats go well with the one I got prior to getting to the park in the morning, can you say Flat Head, I knew you could.

Speaking of flat heads, let me make a plea to our pack, let's make sure we do our part in being good bike citizens. What does that mean and what does it have to do with flat heads? I'm glad you asked! That entails us giving the right away to cars when they have it, not weaving in and out at stop lights, and not turning in front of vehicles either on left turns or going across traffic. For the most part, the Sunday group does rather well, but we can do better. Just think, if a vehicle weaved in front of you while on your bike at a stop light or turned in front of you when you had the right away, how that aggravates you. It's the same for the vehicle, lets do our part in representing our sport appropriately and making sure we don't become a flat head.

thanks....

Ride Schedule

9/6 7:00 AM - KIWANIS PARK - It's Labor day, come join Saturday Cycling up to South Mountain. We've been dodging it all summer due to rumors of repaving, but since that ain't happenin', to the Towers we go. We'll go over and back by way of Southern to avoid the demolition on Baseline. Route options 30 miles with a little gentle climbing, 42 miles with moderate climbing, or 44 miles with honkin' climbing. Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline and Priest (Az Mills Mall).

9/12 7:00 AM - Around the Mountain - South Mountain that is. Mileage option of 50 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company on Elliot & 56th Street.

9/19 7:00 AM - Tour de Mesa - mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some slight hills. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

9/26 7:00 AM - Out to Sacaton - mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

Tuesday 9/14/04: Special Presentation: Willie Weir - Author, Photographer, Speaker and Bicycle Advocate. At 7:00pm on Tuesday September 14, 2004, in the auditorium of the Scottsdale Library, PMBC and ABC are sponsoring a free presentation by Willie Weir. He is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine and is known to public radio listeners for his commentaries aired on KUOW in Seattle, Washington. His writings have appeared in newspapers across the country and earned him a gold Lowell Thomas Award, given by the American Society of Travel Writers. He has cycled over 35,000 miles throughout the world. Willie Weir has traveled to India, South Africa, Cuba, the Balkans, and Turkey and will present "A Magic Carpet Ride," describing his many experiences as a self-supported bicycle tourist, including showing slides and telling or acting out his experiences. Directions: Park in the Scottsdale Civic Center garage on the east side of Drinkwater Boulevard between Osborn and Indian School Roads, north of the municipal baseball stadium. The library is located on the north end of the garage, Street Address: 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The Auditorium is located on the basement level.

Saturday 9/18/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE BREAKFAST! Our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting. Route is Tour de Sue, with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Routes 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be served back at Kiwanis park following the ride. Eats are free for PMBC/GABA club members, $4 for non-members. If you are us at the breakfast, we'll start serving about 9:00am. Following the FREE food and brief words from our officers, Jay Stewart will offer up another bike basics clinic. If you are new to cycling, or old to cycling and would like to know a bit more about our sport and how to care for your trusty steed, stick around for his talk.

September 4 Saturday Cycling Report

Cloud Cover, Cooler Temps, Drips of Rain on Roundabout Route

Added September 4, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

As Pooh would say, twas a blustery day! But a gorgeous morning for a pedal. We had 95 riders turn out to welcome our first ride of the fall (?) season. Cloud cover, cooler temps and a few drips of rain made for a beautiful route. Lots of newbies starting to turn out to prep for the big event rides coming up this fall. Had the traditional slew of flats following a stormy day. Breakfast conversation seemed to focus on just how far Neal Thomas's 7 second film clip of fame from his appearance on the course in the Tour de France can be stretched. (If you watched the Lance Armstrong interview on Jay Leno this past week, Neal's image once again graced the TV's of the nation.)

Coming up...

Monday 9/6/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Our holiday romp takes us to South Mountain (that would be up, not around, the mountain). Some scoping out of Baseline this morning brought us the welcome news that the bike way can still be accessed, so you'll have a choice of either the bike way or Southern on the ride over. (Baseline remains under heavy construction.) Route options 28 miles with a little gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 44 miles with honkin' climbing. Breakfast 5&Diner, northwest of Baseline and Priest (Az Mills Mall).

Saturday 9/11/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climb on each. Breakfast at Neighbors, northwest corner Alma School and Guadalupe.

Tuesday 9/14/04: Special Presentation: Willie Weir – Author, Photographer, Speaker and Bicycle Advocate

At 7:00pm on Tuesday September 14, 2004, in the auditorium of the Scottsdale Library, PMBC and ABC are sponsoring a free presentation by Willie Weir. He is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine and is known to public radio listeners for his commentaries aired on KUOW in Seattle, Washington. His writings have appeared in newspapers across the country and earned him a gold Lowell Thomas Award, given by the American Society of Travel Writers. He has cycled over 35,000 miles throughout the world. Willie Weir has traveled to India, South Africa, Cuba, the Balkans, and Turkey and will present "A Magic Carpet Ride," describing his many experiences as a self-supported bicycle tourist, including showing slides and telling or acting out his experiences. Directions: Park in the Scottsdale Civic Center garage on the east side of Drinkwater Boulevard between Osborn and Indian School Roads, north of the municipal baseball stadium. The library is located on the north end of the garage, Street Address: 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The Auditorium is located on the basement level.

Saturday 9/18/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE BREAKFAST! Our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting. Route is Tour de Sue, with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Routes 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast will be served back at Kiwanis park following the ride. Eats are free for PMBC/GABA club members, $4 for non-members. If you are meeting us at the breakfast, we'll start serving about 9:00am. Following the FREE food and brief words from our officers, Jay Stewart will offer up another bike basics clinic. If you are new to cycling, or old to cycling and would like to know a bit more about our sport and how to care for your trusty steed, stick around for his talk.

Tid Bits...

In a few short weeks we will be the midst of "event ride season". There are so many special event rides to choose from now. Schedule a couple into your plans, most are well worth their entry fees. All of these rides take an army of volunteers to make them happen, and our club supplies some of those bodies. If you want to be involved in the cycling community and have a few hours to spare, here are a couple of opportunities.

On Saturday October 9th is the Memorial Ride For Safety. PMBC will be hosting a rest stop on this ride. We need one person to organize the rest stop and two workers bees to assist. Location is in the Carefree area, the ride goes to Bartlett Lake. If you can step up, please contact Bob Beane.

On Sunday October 24th is the City of Tempe's Tour de Tempe. This is one of the few free event rides offered, with lots of freebie stuff at the start. The ride is a community event, only 18 miles long, but a blast. PMBC will be hosting an area at the bike festival before the ride, offering pre-ride quick fixes and free air (woo hoo!). We need several people to help staff the area, manning the air pumps, and meeting/greeting people. We also need as many members in club jerseys as we can assemble to ride in the event as ambassadors for our sport. The bike festival runs from 6:30am to 8:30am, ride departs at 8:30am.

Ride safe.

---

October 31 Spin Cycle Report

Halloween Ocotukee Loop Draws 28 Riders for a Good Day of Riding

Added October 31, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Good Evening Everyone, ok, not yet evening, but imagine me doing my best Halloween voice. We had 28 riders today take on a new version of Ocotukee going down Riggs. A good day of riding, I know I'm tired. While some of the speed dogs picked up the pace down Riggs, Sloth Vader and the rest of the crew maintained a nice even speed. Roger got a flat today, which is an event since this is only the second one I can remember in 3 1/2 years of cycling with him. Wow, I better watch out, he's getting close to beating my Flat Head achievement!

Let's see, sprint over the overpass was won by Darcy and king of the hill honors got to go to Roger. While Gary had it, he eased up at the top, so got to call them like I see them (yes, I could barely see at that point, as everything was turning red). Everyone made it back to the last regroup where we headed to breakfast. Being Halloween and all, we had a visit from our President Mr. George Bush, as did Larry on Friday night.

Remember - next week we move to 7:30 AM Start time.

Ride Schedule

11/7 7:30 AM - Mesa ride with an optional 100. Yes, that is correct, for those wanting some extra miles before Tucson, we are doing a 100 mile ride. There will still be a standard route of 35 miles heading to Mesa and back with breakfast at Einsteins at Guadalupe & McClintock. For those wanting the extra miles - please make sure you can do 100 miles as this is an unsupported ride (i.e., you need to be self supporting). We will have some regroups at convenience stores along the way. The anticipated route will be the Tour de Phoenix route starting at Desert Breeze. I'm going to check the route for major construction, so there may be a change, but rest assured, I'll find 100 miles out there some where. I will lead a group at 21-22 and Sloth Vader will lead a group at 19-21mph.

11/14 7:30 AM - Around the Mountain - Going around South Mountain. Mileage option of 50 miles, all flat. Several regroups and breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

11/21 7:30 AM - Recovery ride after Tucson - Tour de Scottsdale - all flat, mileage options of 40 or 44 miles. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

Look for future Turkey day rides....

October 30 Saturday Cycling Report

Chill in the Air Didn't Deter 72 Riders From Lindsay Loop

Added October 30, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The chill in the air (OK, our version of "chill in the air") didn't deter 72 riders from appearing at the park shortly after sunrise this morning. We enjoyed the first half of the route, on the mostly completed Lindsay, but the turn back into town on Riggs rapidly reduced to dodging construction and heavy traffic. None to soon on the widening of the road there, guess we'll skip that route for a bit until the work gets farther along. We enjoyed seeing our other Saturday pack, the Sun Lakes gang, pass us in the opposite direction not once but twice during our romp. The ever pleasant staff at the Wildflower took our rather sizeable crowd in stride while we enjoyed the pleasant "patio weather". Breakfast chat was eclectic as usual, from wishing Linda Matson the best in her move this next week to Tucson... to why Larry Lyon has made a last minute switch to being a Bush supporter (that IS why all those Bush signs are in your yard, right Larry?)

Coming up...

Saturday 11/6/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! Last weekend to build miles before the MS-150. We head out on the McKellips Loop to the northeast. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb. Breakfast at Neighbors, northwest of Alma School & Guadalupe.

Saturday 11/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Last weekend to build miles before the Tour de Tucson so we'll do a mini version with the Tour de Mummy. Original route of Mummy Mountain, route options 27 miles or 40 miles, moderate climbing. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

For our new riders and as a reminder to the long time riders, cool weather is not the time to stop hydrating while you ride. The cool air makes your sense of thirst drop off, but you need to be diligent in chugging those fluids. Our dry desert air sucks the moisture right outa you, summer or winter. And, since we seem to have more than our fair share of diabetics in the group, if you get some of your carbs from enhanced beverages when riding... forgetting to hydrate can also play havoc with your energy level. Make a habit of taking a drink every so many minutes or number of miles, not based on thirst.

As the temps begin to drop... remember the words of Hannibal Lector (and appropriate for this Halloween weekend!)... "Tips then torso". As you add layers to stay warm, before going with a heavier layer on your torso, cover all your "tips". Full fingered glovers, ski band over the ears, tights or knee covers. When you do layer on your torso, make it something that can be vented... a zippered vest or windbreaker.

And, speaking of knee covers, our lost and found box gained one Pearl Izumi knee cover this morning that was dropped at one of the regroups. If you have one chilly joint, zip a note.

Ride safe.

October 24 Spin Cycle Report

Leaderless on Mummy Mountain

Added October 30, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 22 riders take off on a cool morning. I was not one of them as I needed to stay home today. The report you are about to read is from Bob Culbertson - who classified it as Mummified. That's catchy, thanks Bob.

We had perfect weather today for one of the most popular riding routes, Mummy Mountain. Glen met us at the start, but wasn't able to ride with us, so we were leaderless. Headless, but not mouthless, as Neal was along for the ride!

Tim won the sprint on Galvin Parkway, and Bob was first up the steep hill on the south side of Mummy Mountain. The rest of the ride was wonderful yet uneventful - until the regroup at the church parking lot just beyond the rolling roads of the north side of Mummy Mountain. At the regroup we realized that we had lost a mummy and a daddy. It seems that Robert and Janice, out-of-town guests of Patty, were unaccounted for. How can anyone get lost on this ride? They even had the standard issue map! Well, I think most of us have been lost once or twice out there, and has anyone ever been able to follow one of those maps? (Editor's note - yes, I make them, so of course I can follow it.) Robert and Janice did not have a phone and don't know the area, so we were rather concerned. Jacques organized a search-and-rescue party, and Jacques, Patty, Jim, Ron, and Bob backtracked by various routes all the way to Arcadia Park without finding the lost cyclists. However, Robert and Janice had somehow found their way back to Patty's house and sent her a voicemail message to report their safe return. All's well that ends well!

I guess I lost track of who we lost track of! There was another rider, Anne who was also unaccounted for at the church regroup. Anne - hopefully you made it back safe and sound as well.

Cheers

Ride Schedule

10/31 - 7:00AM - Halloween ride - Ohcotukeeloop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with longer route having hills. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels on Chandler Blvd & Rural.

11/7 - We start at 7:30 AM - I'm not sure the route yet for the standard route, but something about 30 - 35 miles to Mesa. I'm going to add an optional 100 mile ride on this day for those getting ready for Tour de Tucson. This will not be a supported 100, you will need to take water and food with you, but we will stop at a few convienence stores along the way. We will be doing hills during the optional 100.

October 23 Saturday Cycling Report

A Dual Ride Report

Added October 24, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

This is gonna be a dual ride report. Since your ride reporter and the majority of the SatCycling pack appeared at Schnepf Farms for the cow ride this morning, here's the scoop on it:

Somebody musta bribed Mother Nature big time, we couldn't have had more perfect weather for the ride. Just a bit chilly at the start, the rain from the other day kept the giant dirt and grass field they use for a parking lot from becoming an asthmatic's nightmare. The new ride hosts did an excellent job of organization at the start, with just a few minor glitches... things moved along quick. The ride actually started right at ding of the start time hour, which is a welcome change from most of the big event rides around. Great course markings, good traffic clearance and support from police/sheriffs, and a couple of quality rest stops. A nutrionally sound lunch of pizza and ice cream (two of the major food groups, right?) at the finish. Heard several positive comments about our spiffy PMBC club jerseys, and they made it easy to find each other in the mass of riders.

Back at the home park for the non-cow ride, Jay Stewart led a greatly reduced pack of 36 riders out for a pedal down to the south. This route loop (using either Queen Creek or Riggs) used to be our "get away from the traffic" ride for the pack... but those days are past. Interacting with cars, and surviving those interactions, has become another skill that must be honed and heeded at all times. (Personal note to Jay... thanks for all this morning... those extra gray hairs add to your distinguished look.)

Coming up...

Sunday 10/24/04 Kiwanis Park Bike Festival and Tour de Tempe. Bike festival runs from 6:30am to 8:30am, then the city hosts a 15 mile family ride starting at 8:30am. The ride is free and lots of freebie swag at the festival. Great recovery ride for post Tour de Farmers.

Saturday 10/30/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay Loop leads us to the southeast with mileage options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at WildFlower, northwest of Frye and Price (Chandler Mall).

Saturday 11/6/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! The McKellips Loop takes us east into the wind so we can ride back in with a tailwind. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb. Breakfast at Neighbors, northwest of Alma School & Guadalupe.

Tid Bits...

Our long sleeve jersey order as arrived! If you pe-paid for a winter jersey, prez Kathy has it for you. We do have a few extra long-sleeve jerseys that will go on sale next weekend, $70 each.

You think the stores are bad about putting up holiday decorations early?? Watch this... we want you to think about New Year's Eve already!...

Join The Fiesta Bowl Parade Bicycle Security Team! The 34th annual Fiesta Bowl Parade will roll down Central Avenue on Friday, December 31st, 2004. Join the bicycle mounted security team to help ensure that this great event goes smoothly. Share in the unique experience of using our bicycles to help our community. Watch the smiles on the kids and see the complex logistics of presenting this extravaganza for spectators and television. Your efforts will be needed from approximately 7AM until 3PM. You'll get a free breakfast, some extra items you need to perform your duties (bring your own bikes & helmets, of course), and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Interested? Sign up by e-mailing contact information (name, address, phone number, e-mail address) to Richard Moeur, or call Richard at (602) 866-3554.

Ride safe.

October 16 Saturday Cycling Report

Lots of New Faces and Seasonal Regulars Enjoy Perfect Weather

Added October 17, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Yesterday we had 69 riders turn out for our romp 'round town. Lots of new faces (and a few seasonal regulars) appearing as cyclists gear up for the big event rides coming up. We managed to get at least 20 feet down the road before somebody had a flat. But, shortly back on the road for a gorgeous morning's ride. Could the weather be anymore perfect? The route contained 3 moderate climbs, which rapidly sorted out the pack ability levels... with a few sneaky riders evening things up by being "creative" with the route. (Wonder if they would let you get away with that at the Tour de France??) Most found their way to bagel stop for entertaining stories from Roger about his summer's cycling adventures and gossip about any members who skipped the breakfast stop.

Coming up...

Saturday 10/23/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue offers a loop to the south on either Queen Creek or Riggs Rd. Mileage options 27 miles or 37 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at the Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th St & Elliott.

Sunday 10/24/04 Kiwanis Park Bike Festival and Tour de Tempe. Bike festival runs from 6:30am to 8:30am, then the city hosts a 15 mile family ride starting at 8:30am. This isn't a long ride, but it's great fun, lots of freebie swag at the festival. Don your jersey (or Tom it or Mike it or whatever) and get yourself to this event.

Saturday 10/30/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Lindsay Loop takes us to the southeast (hopefully dodging construction sites!) with mileage options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at WildFlower, northwest of Frye and Price (Chandler Mall).

Tid Bits...

"Stacking" was once a term from the weight lifting world, describing the use of supplements and enhancement products (legal or otherwise). The term stacking is now sometimes used in a different context in nutrition and it is something to be wary of. In our modern world of processed foods, companies are adding good things to foods to benefit us. But a lot of a good thing isn't always better, sometimes a lot of a good thing gives negative results.

The majority of the riders in our pack eat an average diet. Some take a daily multi-vitamin, which for most is reseaonable nutritional insurance. Now, what if you add to that a vitamin enhanced energy bar? A couple of servings of vitamin enhanced energy drink? Some of the "energy" products on the market contain high levels of vitamins and what not. Keep an eye on those totals. At the very least, excessive intake can disrupt your digestion resulting in some unpleasant day after experiences.

If you are riding less than 90 minutes... plain water is just fine. If you are riding more than that, a few carbs are in order, but be aware of what else you are providing your body along with those carbs.

Ride safe.

Why We Ride...and a Challenge to Give Back

Newsletter Editor Makes His Yearly Climb to the Top of Mt Soap Box

Added October 10, 2004

written by Bob Beane

It's fall in Arizona, and the ride calendar is about as full as a frat house during the first party of the school year. There is nothing quite like cooler temps to get folks out on their bikes. But, while the weather is a catalyst, many of us are out here for different reasons...Having said that, we are all here because "the ride" gives us something back. What that is, is generally a very personal experience, and generally a very positive thing...

Last year, I did realize that a very small percentage of "cyclists" ride for reasons that are not positive. It was a busy Saturday, coming home from the weekly PMBC "Sue Fassett fun-fest" when I saw what could only be described as a former-bike-messenger-fringe-element-antagonist (sans helmet and common sense) riding west on Ray Rd near I-10...This guy was intent on violating every law and bastion of cycling etiquette he could think of, and was succeeding in pissing off hundreds of motorists within my eyesight by running red lights, swinging from the bike lane left into the intersection on left turn arrows, doing a track stand, then sprinting right as the light turned green (across three lanes of traffic). After seeing him do this three times, I was desperately hoping for a police officer (or a stray bucket of nails for his tires)...Let the wolves take him so the rest of our "herd" can survive to ride another day.

OK, so this idiot is an anomaly (for the sake of all of us, I hope so!!!). The rest of us ride for fitness, for charity, to lose weight, to deal with not smoking, to recover from heart disease or some other illness, or to just plain have fun with friends in an outdoorsy, sunlit environment. We generally try to observe traffic laws and to co-exist with the motoring public with whom we share the roads...Live and let ride is our mantra.

Below our superficial habits of airing the tires and enhancing our odds of survival via peacock-colored poly-fabric, there is something that brings most of us out weekend after weekend to pedal 25 to 100 miles. The cynical might attribute our repeat attendance at weekend rides to endorphins. I would prefer to think that we are celebrating the re-birth of our childhood. We are regaining the freedom that our first bikes gave us...we are able to cover SO MUCH more ground by bike than we could on foot. We travel the perimeters of our communities, we see what we miss by car and could rarely see on foot. We take in sights, sounds and nature in the company of friends, while giving our bodies the healthy workout that most adults desperately need and don't do...We are the top 5-10% example of how to stay somewhat fit into our advancing years, not accepting that "youth" ends at 25.

When I look around on Saturday and Sunday I see ages from 20 to 80, and I'm proud. With 70-100 riders on any given Saturday, and 25-50 on Sunday, we never lack someone to ride with and to create or catch a smile...Whether life has dealt you a blow (loss of job, relationship, or other bad luck), or you are cruising happily thru the years, you can always get a positive "buzz" by coming out to ride on the weekend. After 15 years of cycling, I honestly can't imagine what I would do without my bike and our little two-wheeled jaunts. What would a weekend be without "the ride"?!

To add to the simple pleasure of spinning and taking on a few buds in an overpass or city limit sign sprint, we now have the fall charity ride season upon us. Coincidentally, this season of metric and full centuries lines up perfectly with our training schedule for a big MS ride and another special ride in Tucson. So, if you are having as much fun as most of us are, think about picking these or a few other charity rides to support in conjunction with your fall training plans. Whether it is MS, cancer, schools for homeless children, the Coalition of AZ Bicyclists, Tu Nidito, or other worthy causes, there surely is something you can identify with and support via a modest entry fee and/or donation. The weekly club rides are free, so we can all dig deep into the pockets or ask friends for pledges a few times a year to help out our fellow man. After all, as you know if you have ever flatted on a club ride, most cyclists are just that kind of people...

OK, I'm off the soap box for another year. Enjoy the ride...and don't forget to share the experience with a friend!!!

October 10 Spin Cycle Report

27 Riders On A Quiet Tour de Scottsdale

Added October 10, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 27 riders today, with two new riders, Robert & Janice - welcome. We took on Tour de Scottsdale, and we won, OK, we finished. We had a very quiet ride today, did I mention Neal had a broken spoke and had to go home early. For the most part, we stayed together for the entire route, with a few taking Pima Road and the rest taking the bike path. The sprint up Curry was won by Gary, at least that is what I saw from the back of the pack today.

Breakfast was very entertaining, with the discussion first talking about John cleaning his bike. While the once a year exercise for John seems odd to some, he then further explained the procedure going through the Car Wash and the brushes hurting while they go up his head, hence his explanation of no hair on top and only doing this ritual once a year. Nancy, you might want to skip this procedure....Then the topic of conversation turned to Mr. Klein, who had enough food for a small army. While the vultures where swirling trying to get some of his "Savory Bacon", he did end up eating it all except for a small piece of toast that Roger took home. I'll refrain from the comment by the peanut gallery today about Mike's bacon...

Ride Schedule

10/17 - 7:00AM - Germannalupe - To Guadalupe and then to Germann, all flat miles. Route options of 33 or 42 miles, breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

10/24 - 7:00AM - Tour around and up Mummy. The new mummy with the old, mileage options of 35, 40 or 50 miles with more hills as the miles go up. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

10/31 - 7:00AM - Halloween ride - Ohcotukeeloop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with longer route having hills. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels on Chandler Blvd & Rural.

October 9 Saturday Cycling Report

65 Riders Journey to Lehi

Added October 9, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Ah... the changing of the seasons... fall is officially upon us when Roger Simmons returns to the pack. We had 65 riders roll out of the park this morning for our journey to Lehi. Thanks to Neal Thomas for stepping up to tell the tale of "For whom the bell tolls" at the belltower there while the pack stalled waiting for the flat tire brigade to rejoin them. Various versions of the "suggested" route resulted in most finding their way to USEgg for eats and kicking back on the patio. A little too much lingering resulted in most of the riders struggling home in a brisk wind, but hey, it just burns a few more calories, right? :-)

Coming up...

Saturday 10/16/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us around town and over some of the moderate climbs nearby. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with 3 moderate climbs. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 10/23/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the Tour de Farm ride, then be sure to take in the Tour de Sue from the home park. A loop to the south on either Queen Creek or Riggs Rd. Mileage options 27 miles or 37 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at the Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner 56th St & Elliott.

Sunday 10/24/04 Kiwanis Park Bike Festival and Tour de Tempe. Just a reminder that we some warm bodies for this event. The bike festival runs from 6:30am to 8:30am, then the city hosts a 15 mile family ride starting at 8:30am. Our club will have a spot at the bike festival, giving away free air (!) and doing some minor bike adjusting and what not. We could use some hardy souls to man (or woman) the air pumps and to meet/greet people at the festival, then we need as many members in club jerseys as we can pull together to participate in the ride. This is a short ride but it's a fun community event.

Tid Bits...

Did you know that bike helmets have a life span? And in our dry, hot climate it's pretty short. Many bike helmets come with warranties. Have you ever taken a moment to read those little pieces of paper? A couple of major manufacturers now state that their warranty is voided by exposure to "high heat". What is "high heat"? Giro says anything over 110 degrees! Apparently they don't factor in Arizona cyclists. Where is your helmet when it is not perched on your head? Do you ever store it in your car in the summer, even for a couple of hours at a time? If so, you are greatly shortening the life of your helmet.

Heat damage in helmets can sometimes be obvious, like melted spots on the shell or cranks in the liner, but more often is sneaky and subtle. The inner foam becomes brittle and when you conk your melon on the asphalt, it then shatters instead of cushioning the impact. If your helmet is exposed to high heat (like storage in a car) replace it after 3 years or so. Even without high heat exposure, if you ride in the summer sun here on a regular basis, 5 years is about the max you should wear a helmet before replacement. Keeping your noggin intact is worth the cost.

Ride safe.

October 3 Spin Cycle Report

Tour de Mesa and Cochise Wrap-up

Added October 3, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had riders today take off for Tour de Mesa. We also had three new riders, Anne, Dan, and Tom. Welcome aboard. For the most part, we kept a reasonable pace. We had two flats today, Carter and Andy, and none for me, which was a blessing. Our climb up McDowell was fun, but the downhill on McKellips was even better. Gary got both hills today, as I tried a veiled attempt at a breakaway on McDowell, and Gene and others tried up Center. Breakfast at Einstein's was good, with the Kirk's and I enjoying the cool temps inside while everyone else baked outside. Ok, enough for this week, I'm toast from Cochise. Speaking of Cochise, we had 16 riders from GABA do the ride, with Cory, Les, Mark getting 4:19, Andy & Larry at 4:32, Neal at 4:42, and Mike K at 5:00, which was a good 30 minutes faster than last year. Me, I'm just happy I finished and could be Mike's new domestique.

Upcoming Rides

The memorial ride for safety is coming up next Saturday. Great ride if you are training for some hills or other events later in the year. Check out the Major Events for more details.

Ride Schedule

10/10 - 7:00AM - Tour de Scottsdale - Flat route, mileage options of 40 or 44 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower on McClintock & Guadalupe.

10/17 - 7:00AM - Germannalupe - To Guadalupe and then to Germann, all flat miles. Route options of 33 or 42 miles, breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

10/24 - 7:00AM - Tour around and up Mummy. The new mummy with the old, mileage options of 35, 40 or 50 miles with more hills as the miles go up. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

10/31 - 7:00AM - Halloween ride - Ohcotukeeloop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with longer route having hills. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels on Chandler Blvd & Rural.

October 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Amuck on Mummy

Added October 2, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 76 riders turn out this morning for our first jaunt in October. The lead group held to a "reasonable" pace (interpret that as you will) till the first regroup, then they proceeded to lead the pack amuck by missing the turn north off of McDonald onto 54th Street. A u-turn and a bit of back pedaling later, and they were back on track. Couldn't help but notice that Jeff "MummyMountain" Mohr, who designed our Mummy map a hundred years or so ago was IN that wandering lead group! Eh, they were on their bikes and out enjoying the perfect weather, so it's all good. Most of the group made their way 'round various versions of the remaining route and found the bagel place.

Coming up...

Saturday 10/9/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. For those not participating in the Ride For Safety this date... we offer up the Tour de Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing, but possibly a few chickens. Breakfast at USEgg, southwest of College & Baseline.

Saturday 10/16/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us around town and over some of the moderate climbs nearby. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with 3 moderate climbs. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

Two weeks worth of bits here, so hang in there:

The MS-150 Bike Ride on 11/13 - 11/15 from Phoenix to Gila Bend and back approacheth rapidly. If you've been thinking about doing this fully-supported 2-day ride, you can save a little money by joining the SRP team. You still have to make at least a $200 donation to MS, but the SRP team pays your registration and gives you an SRP team jersey. The SRP team provides massages for team members, a dinner on Saturday night and a circus tent to sleep in. All the funds to support the SRP team come from donations from their employees, not from corporate coffers. If you'd like to join the team, contact Jim Powell.

With the volume of riders we have on our Saturday rides, and now also in our Sunday Spin Cycle pack, it sometimes takes a lot of effort to keep track of everybody that is along for our adventures. We do so by way of keeping in touch during the ride by cellphone contact. If you carry a cellphone when riding with us, please ask your ride leader(s) (listed below) for their cell phone numbers and put them into your phone. If a rider is injured, please contact us immediately and relate what's up. Should a rider leave the pack in a woo-woo van (ambulance) it's important that we know where the rider is being transported to and who has care of their high end baby (that would be their bicycle, not their significant other!)

Saturday Cycling pack leader: Sue Fassett

Sunday Spin Cycle pack leader: Glen Fletcher

Officer/board member: Bob Beane

Board member: Gary "Skater" Wachsmuth

Ride safe.

---

November 28 Spin Cycle Report

Psalms of the Sloth

Added November 30, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher, John Arle

Thanks to John and Neal for leading the group the past weeks 4 day ride. Below is Sunday's report, you can see John's Friday report here. PLEASE NOTE, WE CHANGE TO 8:00 AM STARTING THIS SUNDAY.

As for the report below, I'm sure it makes sense to those that were there.

Psalms of the Sloth

Nov. 28, 2004

by S. Vader (a.k.a. John Arle)

'Twas a sad day for Team Sloth. After several very nice hangings (the specialty of any true sloth), the team was ripped asunder by egregious acts of neglect. Falling one Kirk short on the day, the very fabric of the Sloth peloton was weakened. Judge Judy (to be explained shortly), Queen Ann, and Sloth Vader were in complete disarray. Ann was seen pushing the pace and leading the paceline following breakfast. Judy held strong with the Slathering Dogs of Speed around Mummy Mountain. I was simply demolished and demoralized and simply rode alone through the Scottsdale wasteland.

Sadly, we must call for our first cycling court hearing. A verbal contract is clearly binding within the state of Arizona. Ms. Kirk, verbally committed to all four days of the Thanksgiving Quadfecta, and was clearly missing from this, the fourth day. Defense council is yet to be determined but Team Sloth has retained Barrister Thomas to press for retribution and vindication in the name of the Sloth. Presiding over these preceedings will be PMBC's very own, Judge Judy.

Lastly, kudos to those that rode all four days of the Thanksgiving Quadfecta. Mike Kirk, Neil Thomas, and yes, even me, John Arle (although it darn near killed me!). Sue gets honorable mention as she did appear at the breakfasts and or starts even though under the weather.

We had 25 riders including Norm a visitor from San Jose and Kevin a transplant also from the Bay Area. We were graced with the presence temporaliy of Renata and Stacy, both who were mysteriously spotted a day earlier on South Mountain. They needed to locate a missing water bottle top and did a "short route" that had the same mileage. . Otherwise a blustery ride around Mummy went well and was enjoyed by all.It was particilarly windy at those times going due west--such as Curry. The day ended nicely with the sun apearing bright and strong.

Ride Schedule

12/4 - For those that are not on Saturday Cycling, we hold our quarterly ride/breakfast meeting at Kiwanis park. Free eats to members. Start time at 8:00am at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.

12/5 PLEASE NOTE NEW START TIME 8:00 AM - John Arle will be leading the group with an old route, Temesandler Loop. A route through ASU (Carter's there), Rio Salado and through Mesa. Mostly flat miles, of which I have no idea how many, but I'm sure in the 30-40 range with Breakfast at Hoosiers on Warner by Arizona Ave.

12/12 8:00 AM - Up to the Towers since I'm probably the only one who hasn't been up there yet on the new road. Mileage option of 42 or 50 miles, with some hills to a lot of hills. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

12/19 8:00AM - McKellupeloop. A flat route for those wanting to avoid going shopping for the holidays. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

12/26 8:00 AM - Last Spin Cycle ride of 2004. Give me some thoughts, what's your favorite route? Who knows, maybe a new route. Stay tuned...

November 27 Saturday Cycling Report

Day Three of Holiday Hoopla: South Mountain

Added November 27, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Day three of our holiday hoopla weekend of riding brought us 63 riders to take on the challenge of South Mountain. Actually, the first challenge was getting TO the mountain. The demolition of Baseline made for a split in the pack, about 2/3 took the Highline Canal path, while the big dogs headed up to Southern and then across. The rebuilt intersection at Baseline and 24th was a definite improvement, with 24th now being aligned as opposed to offset... much safer for cars and bikes. Both the road to the Towers and San Juan were beautifully refinished, giving some new personal bests for times up the tower road. The ride down was suhweet, silky smooth, and faast. Charlie Davis stayed for breakfast, which meant the service at 5&Diner was incredibly slow. Hey, more time to talk, right?

Coming up...

Saturday 12/4/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE CHANGE IN START TIME... AND NOTE YOU GET FREE EATS ON THIS DATE! Our quarterly ride/breakfast/meeting. If you are a member of PMBC/GABA your breakfast is on the club. This meeting is our club election for our 2005 leadership, so be sure and be there and make your vote count. Route is Tour de Sue, with options on Queen Creek or Riggs, mileage 27 or 35, no climbing. The breakfast is being held at Home Town Buffet in Chandler, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen. If you are just appearing for the breakfast, plan to arrive there about 9:30am. If you have not yet joined the club, head to the website to sign up.

Saturday 12/11/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us around town to the north, with a few climbs. Options of 26 miles or 36 miles, climbing on both routes. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

The season of "event rides" has just wound down... and it's time to start thinking already about the first one of 2005! PMBC hosts the Casa Grande Century, which will be on Sunday January 9th. A few warm bodies are needed to help staff that event... people to drive SAG vehicles, work rest stops, and help at the lunch. If you and/or a non-cycling family member could help, please contact ride maven Jane Larson.

So, you are riding along some Saturday morning and there is a wipe out in the pack. A couple of riders go down. When you roll up, one of them is still stretched out on the ground. They sit up, deciding probably no damage done. They extend a hand up to you and say... "I'm fine, give me a hand up, would you?". What is your response? You tell them to get their own butt up off the road, with no assistance from anybody. Why? Adrenaline after a bike crash can mask injuries. If a downed rider can not get back to their feet without assistance, leave them down. They may not realize they have an injury to leg, hip, or back until they try to stand. Also shoulder, collarbone, and wrist injuries are very common, even in seemingly "gentle" falls. Pulling someone up by an arm when they have an injury to that side can further aggravate things.

Ride safe.

PMBC Thanksgiving Holiday Edition

"Turkey Day Roll Out" and "Just Say No To Shopping"

Added November 27, 2004

written by Sue Fassett, John Arle

Hi All!

We completed two extra added attraction rides this week, due to the holidays. Following is a dual ride report following our turkey day roll out and the "just say no to shopping" romp this morning.

Yesterday the Saturday Cycling start point hosted 42 riders from Kiwanis Park, to pre-burn some feasting calories. We somehow managed to convince the faster riders that there is joy at a gentler stroke and held together as one moderate paced pack for about the first half of the route. The down hill roll back across on Rio Salado tempted the leaders off, though, and the pack split up into the joy riders and the hammer heads. Captain Kirk and Number One (yes, that is blending two different Star Trek generations... work with it) got stranded in the middle of the two groups when they blew out the drive chain on the Enterprise. This caused a bit of slow up of passing traffic as Mike did the roadside repairs, laying on his back hanging off the edge of the curb, doing a good imitation of road kill. Back on the road again, some of the rear guard smoked the lead riders by appearing at the restaurant before them (love those shortcuts!). Due to Charlie Davis not being present, the service at IHOP was excellent.

This morning our pack was hosted by our Sunday Spin Cycle start point at Desert Breeze Park. The leader was none other that the father of the Spin himself, John Arle aka Sloth Vader. John offers up his spin on the Spin:

PMBC Quadfecta: Day 2

by John Arle

The Pedaling Pulizer

Desert Breeze Park - 22 riders charged into the rather brisk November air this morning on day two of the four day Thanksgiving quadfecta of rides. Tour de Mesa was the route which essential followed Guadalupe to the east and McKellips back to the west. A common thought on this morning was trying to figure out why exactly we get out in the forty degree air of the early morning when we know its going to be a beautiful afternoon. I figure its because we all really do enjoy having various parts of our bodies going completely numb. For many, that's the only time we really think about those parts, anyway!!

I'd like to personally, and publicly, apologize to two riders that turned back only a handful of miles from the start. The 20 mph pace down Guadalupe was premature and not necessary. As Phil and I will tell you, however, we dropped right off and ambled on in to the regroup at a conversational 16-17. I really hate to lose riders and hope you are not too discouraged by this. PLEASE stay with us. A quick welcome to newcomers Dan and Dwight. I hope you enjoyed the ride and banter.

None-the-less, Neal assessed the first segment as "a little slower than usual". Go figure, Mr. El Tour for PMBC is just a Slathering Dog of Speed right down to his core.

The "Heavy Duty" cyclists took to the long route with Mike showing some real peloton saavy at the regroup as he sprinted around a napping Larry, dismounted quickly and hitting the singular unisex restroom before the rest of the renal wrecks knew what was going on. Needless to say, there were several doing the happy dance awaiting their turn.

Meanwhile, Phil and I upheld the true spirit of the sloth by making our way ... indirectly, to the third regroup and awaited the return of the group from the eastern frontier. Unfortunately, a flat did occur only about three miles out which maximized the wait. Once they arrived, Neal and Larry were nice enough to pull in to the mini-mart while the rest of the pack blasted by. "I tell ya, I get no respect!!" Aaah, but revenge is indeed a dish best served cold. Another flat stopped the group as Team Sloth reassembled for a clean breakaway. More apologies to Nancy who actually went sub-slothic and fell out of our little breakaway. (Just in case you're wondering, you almost have to go backwards in order to pull that off!) With the Alpe de Extension summit in site, Team Sloth had been protecting their climber. Just as we reached the base, the peloton closed from the back. Just try to figure out who announced their arrival! Feeling the Slathering Dogs nipping at my heels, I launched off the front of Team Sloth. Adequately rested and protected by the team, I was able to maximize the critical mix of strength and strategy just enough to hold off the stunned and bedazzled Neal that fell just short as I sent my little twenty inch wheels flying over the summit paying my own tribute to Fabio Casartelli (circa Lance Armstrong, 7/21/95 @ Limoges, France).

The rest was a kind roll on down to Einsteins where a small group gathered to reflect upon a fine Friday of furious festivities.

With two down and two to go, we now have the mountain stages of the Thanksgiving Quadfecta. Tomorrow (Sunday) at 7:30 from Kiwanas Park, the pack rolls to Alpe de South Mountain. The final stage is Sunday at 7:30 from Desert Breeze as the group attacks Alpe de Mummy Mtn. If you don't like hills, come on out anyway since there are alternate routes that are much more humane.

Since this ride started from Desert Breeze, I'll enlist my Spin Cycle adage. Don't forget, its YOU that makes the Spin Cycle great. See you this weekend!

Last MS150 to Gila Bend

Tom Writes About His MS150 Best Dam Bike Tour Ride

Added November 23, 2004

written by Tom Adams

The weather was threatening in the last two days before the MS150 ride. Rain was forecast for Sunday, the return day. We all packed our rain gear, hoping it wouldn't be needed, and luckily, it wasn't!

This year's route addressed some of the complaints from the past 3 years. The ride still went to Gila Bend, but the start/finish moved to Estrella Foothills HS so the second day, uphill and into the wind, would be about 20 miles shorter. The first day was extended to 90 miles by including an optional loop around the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant. Both improvements were successful, but next year's destination is Parker.

Saturday

I didn't sleep well in the wee hours of Saturday morning, so was up in plenty of time when Tim collected me & my son Danny at 5:30am. Danny volunteered as a baggage handler, and Tim and I were rode the DoubleVision recumbent tandem for the 2nd year. We drove out to Estrella Foothills High School. The school had a huge parking area next to the gym fields, so there was plenty of room for parking and all the registration, baggage, and breakfast activities.

At Estrella, we met teammates Steve and Jan Hertzfeld and heard that our RAGBRAI buddy, Bill Meacham, was there too. We were all on the SRP team, along with RAGBRAI buddies Lance and Janet and other PMBC members like Jack and Buddy. We prepped the bikes, dropped off our baggage at the SRP luggage truck, ate a quick breakfast and said "Hi" to our many MS Society friends who were busy organizing the ride. Danny found his work station, and his co-worker Jason came over to introduce himself. Pretty soon it was light, 7:30am rolled around, and it was time to start.

We started about 7:45 am. It was a staged start, releasing groups of riders at a time. This spreads out the pack, especially at the first rest stop, 11 miles away. Wonderfully, for the first year ever, there were no potty lines at this rest stop - or any rest stop on the whole trip! My congratulations to the extremely capable Rachel Baderman, who organized all the rest stops. She said it was because of fewer riders, but I think it was because she rented enough portajohns.

We made good time on the saw-toothed route to the next rest stop at Liberty School, which we approached from the back. Far away in the distance we could see the cloud from the Palo Verde Nuclear plant. A daunting sight when we realized it was only about 1/2 way to our destination. Rest stop 3 was at Palo Verde School, and a few miles further on as we approached the bridge across the Hassayampa we turned north to do the Nuke loop.

The turn point was well marked, but was erroneously labeled a "Century loop", which was false advertising because the distance was 'only' 90 miles. It confused some riders I talked to, who didn't want to do a century and thought the 90-mile route must be straight ahead. The straight route was 60 miles, but they weren't that disappointed. Other riders were disappointed when they found the total distance was only 90 miles, not a full "Century" as advertised.

We turned left off Salome Highway onto Wintersburg Road, where APS appropriately had a great rest stop. We got there about 11:20 am at 48.42 miles. One lady I talked to was tickled that she finally had got to ride around the Nuke. From there we headed South, for lunch at Desert Rose.

A few miles on is the steep Gillespie hill, which seemed harder because we were full from lunch. Wouldn't you know the Photocrazy.com photographer caught us on the approach to the uphill. Check the pix at http://tinyurl.com/5uk4b Over the crest we were on a high-speed descent across the river and into the wide Gila Valley which stretches South to Gila Bend.

The next rest stop is "Cotton Gin", and the last one is "Shrimp Farm", only 7 miles from the finish. Following our motto "It's a sin to pass a rest stop", we make a point to stop at every rest stop and enjoy the food, facilities and company of riders and volunteers.

Gila Bend

We turned into the Gila Bend HS finish line at 3:40pm, having done 92.67 miles, for an average speed of 15.6mph. We headed for the SRP team tent to pick up our baggage and find Danny. Steve and Jan rented a motel room in town, Tim and Bill slept in the team tent, Danny and I pitched our own tent.

After showers and a change of clothes, we enjoyed the SRP team steak dinner with the gang. The last hand cycle and bike riders finished to applause and escorting police sirens as we finished dinner. After the meal, we walked down to the MS party and GB Shrimp Fest at the park down the street. We listened to the SRP band entertainment, drank a free beer, and had shrimp cocktail for $1. Dan had unloaded over 1000 duffel bags, and I'd sat on the back of the tandem for 90 miles while Tim pedaled, so we were both tired with an early morning ahead of us. We hit the hay about 7:30pm, using earplugs to block the late-night train whistles.

Sunday

Up at 5am, struck camp and dropped off our baggage at the SRP truck. We walked over for pancake and sausage breakfast from Chris Cakes before the big line formed. I knew the trick for seconds and taught it to a few table mates. After Tim and Bill wandered in, I went off to prep the bike while Danny resumed his baggage handling duties.

Our group of 4 recumbents took off the back way at 7:30am, just as the east wind started blowing. It would dog us all day. It gradually warmed up until at Desert Rose I was in shorts and short-sleeve jersey. This year the route took the scenic bypass on Old Arlington School Road that Tim and I had scouted. From the Old US80 bridge across the Hassayampa the route heads East, right into the teeth of the wind. Tim pulled me, Bill and Steve for the last 20 miles from the Palo Verde School rest stop to the finish at Estrella HS, with a last stop at the Buckeye Community Center. From the last stop it is a long 13 miles to the finish at Estrella Foothills HS.

Tim arranged that our 3 bikes cross the finish line together at 1:40pm, luckily without crashing. Jan finished a little after 2pm, with a group of tough riders who battled the wind and refused to SAG in. Honeybears provided BBQ chicken, pork and beef sandwiches for lunch, washed down with our new favorite, Naked Juice Berry Blast.

We collected our bags, tied bikes on the trailer, said our goodbyes, and drove home, happy with our achievement this year. We look forward to reviving the Parker route next year and hope you will join us for the fun!

November 21 Spin Cycle Report

Seventeen Riders on a Blistery Day of Riding

Added November 21, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 17 riders today take off on a blistery day of riding. Overall, a great ride, with us making most of the lights and taking it easy. We even avoided the rain except for a few drops. Tim started things off this morning giving his best witch impression from the Wizard of OZ and then pointing to Larry and his Red Bike shoes as the Ruby slippers. We had one new rider in Rick, who decided to follow someone who was going home. We then sent off a search party of one, with another two following after him. Rick made it to breakfast with the group while the original search party and new search party tried in vain to find him. Once we found each other, we headed to breakfast seeing Rick's food come in while we just pulled up. He didn't even offer to give us a bite either...

For those that went to Tucson, congrats, I've heard of several personal best times and several making Platinum. Good riding club!

Ride Schedule

Thursday 11/25/04 thru Sunday 11/28/04. PMBC hosts 4 days of riding! Planning on consuming more calories on turkey day than you normally eat in a week? Come burn off that spare fuel with 4 days of riding!

Thursday 11/25/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A quick loop to Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. For those that have time for eats, we'll stop at IHOP, southwest of College & Apache. (Charlie Davis has a gift certificate he's can't wait to spend there!) If IHOP ain't your thing, Bruegger's Bagels is a block away.

Friday 11/26/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Slother Vader leads the crew to Tour de Mesa. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

Saturday 11/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Woo hoo! The Tour de Smooth is ready for your riding pleasure. The road to the Towers at South Mountain is done with it's extreme make-over and it is suhweet! We return to South Mountain for a silky smooth downhill (uh, that's after the uphill part). Hopefully San Juan Point will also be completed by this ride date. Route options 28 miles with no climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing (if San Juan is open), or 42 miles with lotsa climbing and one slick downhill. Breakfast, we'll give 5&Diner (Priest north of Baseline) one more shot to get it right.

Sunday 11/28/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Neal leads the pack back to Mummy Mountain, original route. A couple of route options, 45 with or 35 without climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's.

November 20 Saturday Cycling Report

Forty-five Riders Wander Amid the Foothills

Added November 21, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 45 riders resist the draw of Tucson and appear instead at the Kiwanis home field this morning. A traditional wander amid the Foothills was completed, with a few creative variations tossed in to keep things interesting. (Just how DID the standard pack arrive at the second regroup before the express train riders?) An unsubstantiated rumor was set loose when someone mentioned they saw Sloth Vader trailing the rear wheel of one of our state championship riders on the roll across Pecos. (Say it ain't so, Sloth!) The now "Mr. & Mrs. Jacobson" team made an appearance today. When asked how their honeymoon this last week went... Bill, with a sad look, said "It was too short!"

Coming up...

Thursday 11/25/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Lehi with route options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. For those that have time for eats, we'll stop at IHOP, southwest of College & Apache.

Friday 11/26/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Tour de Mesa with route options of 35 or 45 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels, NW corner of Guadalupe & McClintock. Ride leader Sloth advises this will be a moderate ride. (This from someone who chases championship wheels??)

Saturday 11/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. South Mountain awaits our return. No guarantees on San Juan Point being open... but the road to the Towers calls us. Route options 28 miles with no climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing (if San Juan is open), or 42 miles with lotsa climbing and some suhweet downhilling. Breakfast, 5&Diner (Priest north of Baseline).

Sunday 11/28/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Neal leads the pack back to Mummy Mountain, original route. A couple of route options, with or without climbing. Breakfast is Einstein's, not sure which one, but bagels are bagels.

Saturday 12/4/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE CHANGE IN START TIME... AND NOTE YOU GET FREE EATS ON THIS DATE! Our quarterly ride/breakfast/meeting. If you are a member of PMBC/GABA your breakfast is on the club. This meeting is our club election for our 2005 leadership and we have lots of candidates fighting over the chance to serve, so be sure and be there and make your vote count. (Actually, if you don't show, we'll put your name down to fill one of the many open positions we have that nobody wants to take on!) Route is Tour de Sue, with options on Queen Creek or Riggs, mileage 27 or 35, no climbing. The breakfast is being held at Home Town Buffet in Chandler, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen. If you are just appearing for the breakfast, plan to arrive there about 9:30am. If you have not yet joined the club, head to the website to sign up.

Tid Bits...

The "ride season" here is done. Did you reach your goals? Have some fun adventures? Now comes what is the hard part for some of the advanced riders, and that is backing off on your training and workouts. We have four rides scheduled for next weekend. Pick one and make it a "kick back and relax" pedal for yourself. If you ride with our fast pack, slow down. Enjoy the weather and the socializing.

One of the numerous reporters that appeared to chat up our riders during Tour de France this summer was putting a question to each of the riders that he talked to. He was asking "Why do you cycle?". There were a number of answers... most centered on the concept of exercise and improved health. But there was one answer that stood out. One of our members said he rides "Because it is sooo fun!"

Now there is a rider that understands.

Ride safe.

November 14 Spin Cycle Report

A Tale of Two Rides

Added November 17, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher, John Arle

While I could add more details, it wouldn't do this article much justice. However, I do have to point out that Mr. Sloth was scolded at least once for un-sloth-like duties and regulated to the front of the paceline in the wind, up hill.

A Tale of Two Rides

by John Arle

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity...

Indeed, today's Spin Cycle around the mountain was clearly the fusion of two rides combined into one. As we left Desert Breeze, little did any of us know that our environment was going to shift in two significant ways. The first change was vividly announced as we approached southbound 56th St. just in time to see the White Mountain Racers crossing in front of us. This Sunday group is a fusion of several teams gnawing on each other in a furious circuit around the towers. Well, well, well, you could just smell the testosterone in the air now, eh? Quickly our club pace increased as we began picking off the trailing racers. As if this weren't enough, Glen explained at "the right turn regroup" that there are obviously some racers in the area and if anyone wanted to engage in their speed to feel free to join them, BUT (and here's where we're treated to some irony) "we're going to have a nice moderate ride." Yeah, sure, and I've got some swampland near Gila Bend I'd like to show you, too! VERY quickly we were up to 26 mph with no indication of "moderate" anywhere on the horizon. We fractioned into the usual groups, the "Slathering Dogs of Speed" and "Team Sloth." Rumor has it that your's truly, Sloth Vader, was seen with the Dogs of Speed but I must remind you how all bald guys look alike to you haired people. Quoting one of Neal's favorite politicians from the past, "I have no recollection of that." That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Chapter 2: The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound as the gusts broke over the paceline. The leader knew, and drafters did too, twas the witch of November come stealin. (I know, I used this one earlier in the spring but, I'm a victim of limited creativity!)

As the group emerged around the east side of the mountain, we were treated to a BLAST of wind from the east that never gave in. As we turned directly into it on Estrella Parkway, in fact, it picked up and really, and I mean really REALLY, made the eastward segment of the lap a special kind of pleasure. Sure the group broke into fragments, again, but even the Dogs of Speed were reduced to hunkering down and hiding behind each other. I believe everyone welcomed the sight of that Circle K.

On we pushed to breakfast shared by many and then off in various directions. My prostate simply won't let me end without thanking Mike K. for riding our little post-breakfast band of 5 through those two asphalt canyons. "It moved out on me" and "I didn't know it was that bad till I hit it" are just priceless explanations. I'm just glad Jackie was able to get out of the second one! The lesson is, never let someone who makes a living working with the unconscious lead people who are wide awake!

That's it my friends. For those of you heading to Tucson next weekend, may the sloth NOT be with you as you strive for sub five!! Don't forget, its ALL of you that make the Spin Cycle great!

Ride Schedule

Sunday - 11/21 7:30 AM. Recovery ride after Tucson - Tour de Scottsdale - all flat,mileage options of 40 or 44 miles. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

Thursday 11/25/04 thru Sunday 11/28/04. PMBC hosts 4 days of riding! Planning on consuming more calories on turkey day than you normally eat in a week? Come burn off that spare fuel with 4 days of riding!

Thursday 11/25/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A quick loop to Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. For those that have time for eats, we'll stop at IHOP, southwest of College & Apache. (Charlie Davis has a gift certificate he's can't wait to spend there!) If IHOP ain't your thing, Bruegger's Bagels is a block away.

Friday 11/26/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Sloth Vader leads the crew to Tour de Mesa. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with some hills on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels.

Saturday 11/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Woo hoo! The Tour de Smooth is ready for your riding pleasure. The road to the Towers at South Mountain is done with it's extreme make-over and it is suhweet! We return to South Mountain for a silky smooth downhill (uh, that's after the uphill part). Hopefully San Juan Point will also be completed by this ride date. Route options 28 miles with no climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing (if San Juan is open), or 42 miles with lotsa climbing and one slick downhill. Breakfast, we'll give 5&Diner (Priest north of Baseline) one more shot to get it right.

Sunday 11/28/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Neal leads the pack back to Mummy Mountain, original route. A couple of route options, 45 with or 35 without climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's.

November 13 Saturday Cycling Report

Dual Ride Report: Veterans Day Ride and Tour de Mummy

Added November 13, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

This is a dual ride report. First, for the 292 or so of you that did NOT turn out for the holiday ride on Thursday, you missed a grand time. A few words from S.V. (Sloth Vader) about that adventure:

"Eight riders answered the call this fine federal and state holiday morning. Following her call to duty, Sue dropped by to make certain our merry band was behaving. No problem there since it was just a wee bit on the brisk side in the early going. "Frisky" wasn't even a thought until much later. Our route took us north through Tempe and then on to Scottsdale as we carved a path north on Pima Rd to Indian Bend. Other than the two times I managed to cut the group in two equal halves of four, we stayed together in a nice well behaved paceline. Jackie did need to be spoken to a couple of times as she tried to exhibit some rather unsloth-like acceleration through, or from, intersections but she soon learned and adopted the code of the sloth. Even Ron and Tom embraced our motto, "its not how fast you climb the tree. Its how long you can hang in it that counts!" Chris, Buddy, Jack, and Carol rounded out the crew. It just goes to show you, you don't have to go anaerobic to have a good time. Heck, we topped out at 20 mph on the flats and I believe everyone was having fun. Hard to believe, eh? :-) Six of the eight dined at the Wildflower which capped a really nice morning."

Thanks, John (aka Sloth), not only for leading but for setting the standard for ride reports!

Our Saturday crowd was reduced to 50 riders due to the MS150-ites being off for their journey to Gila Bend (which, considering the predicted weather for this evening, may be renamed Gila Bog!). We managed to keep the pace of the group to something close to moderate until we got within sniffing distances of the climb at Galvin Parkway and then the big dogs took off. The rest of us saved our resources (sure, that's what we were doing!) and kept to a saner pace for most of the ride. George Martinez proved that old saying "He who takes the short route... gets to breakfast first". (OK, it's not an old saying, but it worked for him!)

Coming up...

Saturday 11/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. For those not headed to Tucson, join us for the Ahwatukee/Foothills Loop. Mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner of Elliot and Priest.

Thursday 11/25/04 thru Sunday 11/28/04. PMBC hosts 4 days of riding! Planning on consuming more calories on turkey day than you normally eat in a week? Come burn off that spare fuel with 4 days of riding!

Thursday 11/25/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A quick loop to Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. For those that have time for eats, we'll stop at IHOP, southwest of College & Apache. (Charlie Davis has a gift certificate he's can't wait to spend there!) If IHOP ain't your thing, Bruegger's Bagels is a block away.

Friday 11/26/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Sloth Vader leads the crew someplace for a pedal with a stop for food somewhere on the way back to the park. Details probably don't matter, but will follow later.

Saturday 11/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Woo hoo! The Tour de Smooth is ready for your riding pleasure. The road to the Towers at South Mountain is done with it's extreme make-over and it is suhweet! We return to South Mountain for a silky smooth downhill (uh, that's after the uphill part). Hopefully San Juan Point will also be completed by this ride date. Route options 28 miles with no climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing (if San Juan is open), or 42 miles with lotsa climbing and one slick downhill. Breakfast, we'll give 5&Diner (Priest north of Baseline) one more shot to get it right.

Sunday 11/28/04 7:30am Desert Breeze Park. Neal Thomas leads the pack back to Mummy Mountain, original route. A couple of route options, with or without climbing. Breakfast will be some kind of food on the way back.

Tid Bits...

Focus, grasshoppers. We hear so much about car drivers being inattentive to the task at hand. But how about us two wheelers? When you ride your bike... where is your brain? Keep it engaged in the task at hand. Be present mentally and in the moment. When you ride, watch and listen to the things around you. Be aware, registering the environment you are riding through. The split second it takes to bring yourself back to the present can make the difference between a quick dodge of a hazard... and a wipe out.

Ride safe.

Picacho Peak Tour

First Step Towards Self-Supported Bike Touring

Added November 13, 2004

written by Tom Adams

Jane Larson, Paul Nichols and I did a bike tour to Picacho Peak State Park last weekend (11/5-7). Our goal was to take a first step towards self-supported bike touring.

I left home with lights on at 6:15am on Friday, headed for Jane and Paul's near Hayden and Chaparral. I arrived right on time at 7am and found Paul eating breakfast. After waking Jane up ;), we left about 7:20am and rode South on Miller. We jogged over on Curry, McClintock and 8th St to Alma School Rd. Paul's good trick to avoid freeway ramp traffic on McClintock was to use the East sidewalk to cross Rio Salado.

We followed Alma School South 16 miles. It is the most direct route, but isn't particularly bike friendly. Alma School is 4 lanes with heavy traffic and no bike lane most of the way, narrowing to 2 lanes over the new San Tan freeway construction near Pecos Rd. Dobson is a better choice. We had a a rest stop at the Safeway & McDonalds at Chandler Heights Rd, the start point for Jane's Casa Grande ride in January. This must be the only full-price McDonalds in the valley. No dollar menu, and a Big Mac is $2.59!

From Safeway, we followed the Casa Grande ride route on SR87 to the rest stop at the SR187 junction. It was quite warm and we had a headwind to slow us down. We successfully avoided the good collection of broken beer bottles in the bike lane/paved shoulder of SR87, and passed a new archeological dig along the way.

While I was taking a break at the SR187 turnoff, nursing my sore knees, a lone cyclist rode over for a chat. He was a tough Dutchman from Apache Junction, out for his weekend century, a few miles from his turnaround point. On the way out he'd taken an endo, and had nasty facial cuts, road rash, and broken helmet brim as souvenirs. He said he was enjoying a nice new stretch of road when he was suddenly kissing the pavement, blood streaming from his face. He thinks he hit an unseen paint can sitting in the middle of the road. Ouch!

Back on SR187, we climbed over the pass in the Sacaton Mts, crossed over I-10 and rode downhill into Casa Grande on SR387. We turned onto 2nd St for a few blocks and stopped for a leisurly lunch at Cynthia's Cantina about 12:30pm. After a Negra Modelo and too much Mexican food, I sleepily followed Jane and Paul into the wind along Jimmie Kerr Rd. It seemed like forever until we got to the 11-mile Road intersection in Eloy. Jane patiently held my bike while I refilled my camelback across the street at the Circle K. From there it is 15 miles to the Dairy Queen at Picacho Peak. A couple miles later, at the SR87 junction, we jogged over the train tracks and rode the good, low traffic frontage road between the tracks on our east and I-10 on our west.

As the shadows lengthened at the end of a tiring 85 miles, we turned right at the DQ intersection. The tunnel under I-10 concealed our view of a discouragingly steep 2.5 mile climb to the State Park campground. Paul was first to the Ranger station at 5:15pm, so he paid our campsite fee of $12/day (several cyclists allowed per site).

We found a campsite, unloaded our gear, pitched our tents and headed for the showers. I logged <88 miles at an average of 10.8 mph to the campsite. The campground has new, clean bathrooms with hot showers, shade ramadas with picnic tables, metal firepits with grates and cleared tent spaces.

We'd all done some supported bike touring - RAGBRAI- but Jane and Paul's hiking experience made them much better prepared and equipped for self-supported touring than me. I'd planned to eat at the DQ, but there was no way I was going to ride down & up that damn hill again that night! Paul and Jane, experienced hikers, had a one-burner cooker on which they boiled up some soup, which they invited me to share.

The campground has a good view of the frequent trains and the steady string of lights from the cars on I-10. With few clouds and no light pollution, the Milky Way arched across the sky above us. I mistook the distant loom of Tucson for moonrise behind the mountain. I was too pooped for any more astronomy, and was in bed asleep by 7pm, and didn't get up until 7am Saturday. The train whistles blew mournfully, the freeway traffic roared constantly, and the wind shook the tent incessantly all night, but I blocked it all with earplugs.

Saturday morning dawned windy, gray and overcast, with the threat of rain. I ate a Clif bar while J & P got together some breakfast. We put on hiking shoes and headed up the Hunter trail towards the top of Picacho Peak. It is a steep 2-mile trail to the summit. We hiked up to the saddle which has spectacular desert views on both sides. We took a few pictures and decided to leave the top of the peak for another trip. We headed back downhill, and found a cave to eat lunch in - PB&J on Pita, courtesy of Jane & Paul - when it started sprinkling. From then on, it sprinkled lightly on and off until Sunday afternoon.

Back at camp, we decided to pedal down to the convenience store & the DQ for 'supplies'. I jumped on my bike and promptly broke the chain. Paul accused me of doing anything to avoid riding hills. He and Jane took off foraging while I stayed home to play with my chain tool. By the time I was done fixing, they were back with blizzards, firewood, and a six-pack. We were enjoying our ice cream and beer when a couple more cyclists arrived at neighboring campsites.

One fellow was a real touring cyclist. He was on the 4th leg of a circumcycle of the USA. He'd started in Florida and had ridden to New Hampshire, across to Oregon and down to California, and was now on his way to San Antonio, Texas before returning home to Florida. He spent the last few minutes of daylight rotating his asymetrically worn Conti top touring tires! His words of wisdom for bike touring are "Good equipment, good food, and good hygiene."

The other arrival was Parke Hautem, a Pinnacle Peak Peddler. He and his friend Joe rode in from Ahwatukee via Maricopa and the terrible SR238 Cowtown Road between Maricopa and Casa Grande. If he'd only asked! I patched a tube for him while Jane helped him set up his new tent.

At sunset, Paul lit the campfire and set to cooking dinner of Cajun red beans and rice with andouille. Jane put her snow white Cateye HL-EL300 5-LED bike light to triple-duty as a flashlight and table lamp, while I searched though my panniers for a spoon. After dinner, we chatted while we stood and watched the campfire before heading for our tents. While the wind died down, the rain continued to sprinkle throughout the night.

Sunday morning we were up about 5:30am, packing our gear, striking camp and stumbling through the darkness to the johns, where we met Parke, Joe, and the Floridian tourer. We decided to postpone breakfast and hit the road. We were on our way by 7am, hoping for steak'n eggs and hash browns at the Flying J truck stop in Eloy.

It was just cool enough, dark enough, and wet enough so we donned our raincoats and turned on our blinkies as we followed Joe & Parke out the west side frontage road along I-10. The frontage road crossed to the east side at SR87, and we never found the Flying J. We settled for junk food and pumpkin-spiced coffee at the Circle K in Eloy. The next potty break was the Tanger Outlet at the I-10 overpass. The next break was just after we crossed over I-10 at the Sacaton Mts. Paul's picture is at http://tinyurl.com/5thu9 (which you can see if you join BRAG-AZ & have a Yahoo ID). We continued to backtrack our route to lunch at the Ocotillo Safeway, about 2/3 of the way home.

A little before 2pm we remounted and headed north on Alma School, jogging W on Frye to Dobson, which we followed N to 8th St/Rio Salado Parkway. N on McClintock and Miller back home. Jane and Paul were home about 4pm, I was home at 4:40pm and >88 miles at an average speed of 11.9mph.

When I got home, my old Vision R-45 bent weighed 71 lbs, which means it was carrying an extra 40+ lbs of gear. I could barely lift the rear wheel to move the bike around. I was glad to be home, learned several lessons for next time, and am eager to go again.

November 7 Spin Cycle Report

Not Wind Nor Rain Nor Dark of Night...

Added November 10, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher, John Arle

As you probably expected, we didn't ride on Sunday - but that was the easiest 100 I've ever done, and fastest too. John and Roger were the only riders of the day so here is John's masterpiece!

Desert Breeze Spin Cycle Report
Nov. 7, 2004
by John Arle

Chandler, AZ - Not wind nor rain nor dark of night shall stay this rider from his course ...

Ok, perhaps this is taken a bit out of context but, none-the-less, it was raining ... a little bit, as Roger Simmons and I rode as the only hearty SpinCyclists out of Desert Breeze Park this fine Sunday morning. Rainwear in place and Roger on a mission to get at least 40 miles before heading back to the eastern horizon to complete his eighty "required" miles for the day, we headed toward the Awatukee Foothills. Without the "frothing dogs of speed" pushing the pace to supersonic, Roger assured me we could go any pace I wanted. I reassured him that I'd keep the pace down and wouldn't drop him. Appropriately, he laughed politely.

After pushing west on Chandler across I-10, we broke south to Pecos. Here's where the plot thickens. After pushing the pace up the first little roller, Roger attacked as we approached the next Pecos rise. I responded with just enough strength to stay on his wheel not allowing enough space for any time differential. My plan was clear. I had to lie in wait for the next hill. As we approached, Roger pushed the pace hopeful to drop me on the slightly increased slope. Aaah, but I shed the last of my dormancy fat with my October 1000+ mile month. I held tenaciously to his wheel conserving my strength for one key move at the top. With 90 feet to the crest, I whipped to the left and found one gear more for the attack. Roger, summoning all the wily cunning his years in the saddle have given him, pushed along side as we floated over the top eye-to-eye knowing this morning was not over, not by any stretch of the imagination.

We floated amiably to the end of Pecos and doubled back for the 17th Ave hill that we both knew would be the next battleground. Roger established a torrid speed northbound on 17th and, I must admit, I had bigger fish to fry in my pan. He finished an easy 4 bike lengths ahead BUT, "The Hill" lay ahead. Showing the signs of wear from Saturday's ride, Roger did his best to recover as we made our way back to the east on Chandler. We made the left turn together on West Desert Foothills Parkway. His resolve a bit dampened, I sensed vulnerability. I allowed Roger to set the early pace since it was well within my means and allowed me to retain my energy reserves. A third of the way up the rise I decided to test the waters by pushing the pace. I made my move around him and took relish in the expression of amazement in the eyes of a man knowing I was not satisfied with that casual pace on this, our final climb. Another third of the mountain clicked off with Roger clinging to my wheel which signaled time for another change. I pulled out and quickly dropped behind my rapidly depleting opponent. After a quick recovery in his draft, I could see the summit was rapidly approaching. With less than 100 yards to the top, I made my all out charge around Roger who was simply too tired to adequately respond. The plan had worked to perfection and Desert Foothills was mine, at least for today.

Nothing needed to be said between the two of us. Respect runs deep between us "veterans". We ambled on down Chandler and routed down to Guadalupe for some additional miles where I decided to flat out and test my mucky rainy day tire changing skills. If you're not sure about this, the trick is to NOT end up with black gritty sh...tuff all over yourself. I think I managed to keep a small spot on my rather large extended forehead free of grit!

Onward we pushed back to the park then back to mi casa for a quick bike rinse before Roger headed toward tomorrow's rising sun in completion of his 80 miles on the day. Me, I'll accept my 39 miles secure in the knowledge that my flat tire in Guadalupe was the only reported event that wasn't a figment of my vivid imagination.

We had a VERY nice ride at a VERY nice casual pace. And please don't forget, its YOU that makes the Spin Cycle! See you next week.

Ride Schedule

11/14 7:30 AM - Around the Mountain - going around South Mountain. Mileage option of ~50 miles, all flat. Several regroups and breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

11/21 7:30 AM - recovery ride after Tucson - Tour de Scottsdale - all flat, mileage options of 40 or 44 miles. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

Thursday 11/25/04 thru Sunday 11/28/04. Our traditional 4 day ride weekend! Yes, we will indeed be holding club rides on all 4 days of the long weekend. Start time each day 7:30am. Thursday and Saturday the pack rides from Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Friday and Sunday the pack rides from Desert Breeze Park in Chandler. Details on routes will follow next week.

November 6 Saturday Cycling Report

78 Riders Head Out On McKellips Loop Under Beautiful Overcast Skies

Added November 7, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

It was great seeing so many riders out early at the park this morning. That would be the ones who didn't remember the start time changed to 7:30am today! We had 78 riders head out on the route under beautiful overcast skies. We managed to wind our way through the ASU homecoming preparations on campus and then sneak by the crowds gathering for the Orange County Chopper show by the Town Lake. The wind training across McKellips was perfect for our MS150ers for next weekend (day two of that ride is known for wind). Breakfast at Neighbors was the usual relaxed gathering, with conversations ranging from the recent election to plotting and planning for NEXT year's MS150. (Maybe we could finish THIS year's MS150 before starting to think about next year??) Thanks to Tim Kjelberg for riding sweep today.

Coming up...

Saturday 11/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Original route of Mummy Mountain, route options 27 miles or 40 miles, moderate climbing. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 11/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. The Ahwatukee/Foothills Loop. Mileage options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing.

Thursday 11/25/04 thru Sunday 11/28/04. Our traditional 4 day ride weekend! Yes, we will indeed be holding club rides on all 4 days of the long weekend. Start time each day 7:30am. Thursday and Saturday the pack rides from Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Friday and Sunday the pack rides from Desert Breeze Park in Chandler. Details on routes will follow next week.

Tid Bits...

We have had some members doing more than their share of the pull on the front of the line... that would be the "line" of leadership that allows this club function. At the end of this year we are going to have 2 or 3 board members drifting to the back after a much appreciated year of service to the club. We need fresh legs to take turn. Being a board member involves attending 4 board meetings a year and lending your energy and interest in cycling to benefit our organization.

Ride safe.

---

December 26 Spin Cycle Report

Tour de Scottsdale plus Mummy Mountain

Added December 26, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 14 riders take off on this chilly morning. We tried a new route today, which was fun. We did part of Tour de Scottsdale and then did the original Mummy Mountain route backwards. That first hill was pretty tough, but overall, more downhills than up and you got to see a few more of the great houses around there. We'll keep this route for future use. We had two new riders today, John from out of town and Ted.

For the most part, we rode like we ate too much the day before, which was fine with me, because I did. Not sure who got king of the hill honors, but it was nice to just get out and freeze, ok, just nice to get out and enjoy the company. Breakfast at US Egg was great. I can't believe we (ok, me), ate soo much after the day before, but heck, I'll start that diet after the new year.

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year.

Ride Schedule

1/2 8:30 AM - NOTE, NEW START TIME FOR JANUARY - Around the mountain. About 50 miles, all flat. Several regroups and breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

1/9 - NO RIDE AT DESERT BREEZE - Sunday is the Casa Grande Century, so we'll support our club and ride from there. START LOCATION IS ALMA SCHOOL AND CHANDLER HEIGHTS. See Casa Grande Century for all the info.

1/16 - 8:30 AM - Metro Mania - see all of the towns in the area or Car Washes if you are Nancy - Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles all flat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels at Ray & Rural.

1/23 - 8:30 AM - Tempe Mountains - Hit some hills in Tempe/Scottsdale. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles with hills on the 45 mileage option. Breakfast at US Egg.

1/30 - 8:30 AM - Harrah's Turnaround. Head out to Harrah's casino and back. Good flat training route - mileage options of 48 miles. Breakfast at Wanda's Breakfast place - Chandler & 54 St.

December 24 Saturday Cycling Report

35 Riders and Santa with Chubby Tummy Ride to Mummy

Added December 26, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Well, if Santa, complete with chubby tummy, riding up to the start point on a road bike didn't put us in the holiday mood... nothing will. (From the looks of that belly, Santa needs to spend a little less time in the sleigh and a bit more time in the saddle!) We had 36 riders, including Santa, turn out for a chilly start this morning. Once we got rolling the temp wasn't too bad, as long as you didn't mind not being able to feel your feet. The group split into various bunches for several options of the route, depending on how quickly the riders wanted to make to the breakfast stop for hot drinks. (And just how DID Mike Litecky and Bob Brown get there that soon??) All appeared to have a grand time. Thanks to Neal "Santa" Thomas for balancing a bit of karma in the world by stepping up to play St. Nick for us.

Coming up...

Saturday 12/25/04... no pack ride. Happy Holidays!

Saturday 1/1/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! Spend the first morning of the new year on your bike. Get yourself to the park and come with us to Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Brunch at SomeBurros, southeast corner of Mill & Baseline. Nothing like a good bean burro or tamale to cure a hang-over! :-)

Saturday 1/8/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast by way of either McQueen or Val Vista, with mileage options of 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Brunch at Boeatos Wrap Co, southwest corner of Guadalupe and Mill. (Every kind of wrap known to cyclist-kind and then some.)

Tid Bits...

The background of our electic crowd is sometimes astounding. We had a vehicle in the parking lot this morning, that was the slickest thing since sliced bread (or bagels). A concept car, produced by Ford in co-operation with the Kestrel cycling company... designed to meet the needs of a cyclist. It was sitting there cuz our very own Ty Woodhall's concept company thunk it up. If you missed checking it out, head to www.acyclingescape.com. Even your car can now have carbon fiber bits and pieces!

Ride safe.

December 19 Spin Cycle Report

Santa Delivers Candy Canes and Lumps of Coal

Added December 19, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

Santa came to town. Yes, prior to our start today, Santa came by and gave out candy canes and lumps of coal. I won't say who got the lump of coal, but Neal Santa Thomas (that is how he signed in) was nice enough to ride up on his bike in full Santa gear (Roger wanted his boots). We had 18 riders today head to McKellips and the wind tunnel. We were not disappointed, as the front group split into a couple of groups once we turned into the teeth of the wind. We also had a few flats today. Let's see, Mike Kirk got the first followed quickly by Tim. Then Jim has a cleat issue followed by a flat. Lastly, Marty had one, but pinched the new one, so he actually got two. So, Marty gets flat head of the week honors. I added up my flats for the year and have 14, I'll have to see if I officially get flat head of the year honors, but I'm sure there isn't any doubt.

We decided to bypass the scheduled breakfast stop since it was late by the time we got close and just headed to Einstein's. A long day in the saddle, especially for the "hang over crew" at the back of the paceline. I do have to report the quote of the day from Capt. Kirk, who says, "I thought White Wine wasn't suppose to give you a hangover." We'll, those that followed closely all know the smell of Chardonnay, Pinot, and Riesling rather well now....

Everyone have a great Holiday...I hope everyone had a great year, I sure did.

Ride Schedule

12/26 - 8:00 AM - Come out and burn off all that food and other libations (yes, that means you Mike and Carter). I'm not sure yet where we are going (yes I do, but its a secret), but rest assured we will bike some place and have some fun and food and hopefully not get lost. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline. Mile options of 35 or 50 miles with longer route having hills.

December 18 Saturday Cycling Report

Ride of Silence Scatters Saturday Cycling Pack

Added December 19, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our riders were a bit scattered this morning. We had about 25 turn out for the ride from Kiwanis Park and a bunch more who opted instead to appear at the Ride of Silence on Pecos. Some of those who started from Kiwanis joined in on the tail end of the Silence ride. Rumor has it that even Neal managed to ride the length of Pecos without uttering so much as a Diet Pepsi burp. Most of both groups found each other afterwards and headed on to breakfast together. Those who had completed the memorial route of 12 miles at 40 degrees at 12 mph... spent the eats time chatting about the stunning way that cold affects you at that gentle pace with no body heat to keep it at bay! Thanks to Skater aka Gary Wachsmuth for stepping up to lead the home pack out of the park.

Coming up...

Friday 12/24/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park.

Our Saturday pack ride is shifted to Friday morning due to the holiday. Mummy Mountain, original route. Options of 27 miles with moderate climbing, 40 miles with a couple of extra climbs. Breakfast Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 12/25/04... no ride. Stay home, sleep in (unless you're Mike Klein) and rest up because we got a whole lotta riding coming up in the new year.

Saturday 1/1/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! Start your year off right... on your bike. Get yourself to the park and come with us to Lehi. Mileage options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Brunch at SomeBurros, southeast corner of Mill & Baseline. Nothing like a good bean burro or tamale to cure a hang-over! :-)

Tid Bits...

This ride report is usually written third person. Just a writing style that is prefered by your ride reporter. But, gonna deviate from that for the following year end personal note.

For my holiday gift to ya'll, I extend the following:

To the riders that have shared their cycling knowledge with me this year... thanks.

To the riders that make me laugh so hard at the breakfasts that my abs hurt later... thanks.

To the riders that let me live vicariously through their cycling adventures around the world... thanks.

To the riders that appear every week because they don't want to miss even one installment of the adventure that is Saturday Cycling... thanks.

I hope your New Year goes downhill with a tailwind.

Ride on.

Sue

December 12 Spin Cycle Report

Twenty Three Take to the Towers

Added December 15, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher

We had 23 riders take off for the towers today. Roger was a bit late, as he had a flat coming in this morning. Hey, I really think he has passed me on the Flat Head awards, well maybe. While it was a little cool at the start, it did warm up nicely later on. This was my first ride in 2 1/2 weeks, so the easy route up the newly paved South Mountain roads was a breeze - yea right.

Roger brought out his fast bike trying to get under 29 minutes, but fell short. Dentist Gary had a novel approach to attacking the hill. He decided that all of the spirits he had the night before wouldn't help him, so he decided to expou them (yes, he puked) prior to going up the hill. Looks like it worked, he beat me up the hill. Nothing too exciting from there.

Ride Schedule

12/19 8:00AM - McKellupeloop. A flat route for those wanting to avoid going shopping for the holidays. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

12/26 8:00 AM - Last Spin Cycle ride of 2004. Give me some thoughts, what's your favorite route? Who knows, maybe a new route. Stay tuned...

December 11 Saturday Cycling Report

59 Riders Enjoy Perfect Arizona Winter Weather

Added December 15, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 59 riders turn out yesterday to enjoy our perfect Arizona winter weather. Thanks to the numerous "sub-leaders" that stepped up to assist with the day's romp... Neal Thomas for keeping an eye on the fast pack and Jance & Lanet (Lance and Janet James) for herding the standard pack. Our official ride leaders Jack & Buddy managed do to a trailing sweep on the entire pack brought on by Buddy getting a flat in the parking lot just as the pack was rolling out.

Coming up...

Saturday 12/18/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. A change of route from the posted schedule. Due to some of our riders participating in the Ride For Silence (details follow below) we are going to bump our Mummy Mt route up a week and instead head to the Ahwatukee Foothills this date. Route options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with some moderate climbing. The pack will ride from our normal start point at Kiwanis, regular start time. If you are headed to the Ride For Silence, come find us in the hills when you are done and all will then head to eats together after at the Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner Elliot & Priest.

Saturday 12/18/04 4:00pm Jack Graham's Place! Jack and Jan Graham invite all to their abode for the annual eating of lasagna gathering (also known as a holiday party). The Graham's house is southwest of Warner & Hardy, directions will be forthcoming when you RSVP. (Sneaky, aren't we?) They will provide the lasagna, you bring a side dish to share.

Friday 12/24/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Our Saturday pack ride is shifted to Friday morning due to the holiday. Mummy Mountain, original route. Options of 27 miles with moderate climbing, 40 miles with a couple of extra climbs. Breakfast Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 12/25/04... no ride. Stay home, sleep in, dream of a shiny new bike under the tree.

Tid Bits...

A cyclist, Don Anselmo, was recently killed on Pecos Road in Ahwatukee. In memory of Don, a "Ride of Silence" is being held on Saturday December 18th at 8:00am. The intent of this ride is to honor Don and other fallen cyclists and to promote awareness of cycling safety. Start point is Mountain Park Community Church at 24th St. and Pecos. The ride will depart from there at 8:00am and do one loop of Pecos (about 12 miles round trip). The Ride of Silence is not a training ride and cyclists are asked to ride no faster than 12mph and ride silent. To learn more about the national ride: http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php. All cyclists all are welcome. Contact for the ride is Jane Meneely at (602)431-6598. The Ride For Silence is NOT a PMBC/GABA function.

Ride safe.

December 5 Spin Cycle Report

Bedroom Slippers, Sweats and an Elf Hat?

Added December 11, 2004

written by Glen Fletcher, Sue Fassett

Thanks to John and Sue for tag teaming this. And as John said once he got Sue's report, if you close your eyes, you can imagine what Sue is saying....

On my pedal home, at 45 degrees, with icy rain running down my [editor note - I have edited this section, let me just say backside] under my shorts and sloshing back and forth in my shoes with every pedal stroke. Ah, but that's the end of the story.

The start of the story is rolling into the Desert Breeze parking lot and spying what appears to be a 6' tall, bespectacled elf in a mini van waiting for me. The elf is actually Sloth Vader and as he steps out of his van, clad in bedroom slippers, sweats and elf hat... he croaks out "Hi. Cough, cough, hack, hack!"

OK, change of ride leader. We have nine guys appear for the morning's romp. John attempts to explain the new route to us... and we give the appropriate cyclist's response of glazing over after he gets past the part about leaving the parking lot. We are saved by further discussion of the route details by Fletch calling John's cellphone from Boston. While John is talking to Fletch, the pack makes it's escape and the ride gets under way.

At about 15 miles out, it starts to sprinkle. Nice in the summer. Not nice at 45 degrees. We give it another couple of miles to see if this is serious rain or just a hint of wet... but the rain is settling in. Using our pack dictatorship method... ride leader aborts the ride and 7 of us head back towards the park. Roger, Carter (who picked an excellent day to rejoin the group!) and Matt continued eastbound towards their various abodes. The rest of us slogged back to the park.

Spin Cycle is always such an adventure.

Ride Schedule

12/12 8:00 AM - Up to the Towers since I'm probably the only one who hasn't been up there yet on the new road. Mileage option of 42 or 50 miles, with some hills to a lot of hills. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

12/19 8:00AM - McKellupeloop. A flat route for those wanting to avoid going shopping for the holidays. Mileage options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

12/26 8:00 AM - Last Spin Cycle ride of 2004. Give me some thoughts, what's your favorite route? Who knows, maybe a new route. Stay tuned...

December 4 Saturday Cycling Report

A Chilly Ride to the Elections

Added December 4, 2004

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Well, that was a chilly morning! We had 59 riders start out from Kiwanis, in search of the sun (which we never found). A number of riders took the short route option... with the call of free coffee at the free breakfast beckoning them. We were joined at the restaurant by about 10 riders from our Sun Lakes pack and another 10 or so from our apparently newly formed pack... the "Sleep In And Drive A Nice Warm Car To Breakfast" group. To those quarterly members that only appear on our free breakfast days... it was great to see ya'll and there's always a spot in the line if you would like to join us another day!

Coming up...

Saturday 12/11/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us around town to the north, with a few climbs. Options of 26 miles or 36 miles, climbing on both routes. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 12/18/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain, original route. Options of 27 miles with moderate climbing, 40 miles with a couple of extra climbs. Breakfast Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 12/18/04 4:00pm Jack Graham's Place! Jack and Jan Graham invite all to their abode for the annual eating of lasagna gathering (also known as a holiday party). The Graham's house is southwest of Warner & Hardy, directions will be forthcoming when you RSVP. (Sneaky, aren't we?) They will provide the lasagna, you bring a side dish to share.

Friday 12/24/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Saturday Cycling on Friday. Our Saturday pack ride is bumped up a day this week due to the holiday on Saturday. This Christmas Eve morn ride will involve pedaling somewhere, and then eating towards the end of the ride. Red and green riding apparel is encouraged, lumps of coal optional.

Saturday 12/25/04. No pack ride. Stay home, sleep in, dream of sugar plum flavored energy gel.

Tid Bits...

We have a rider doing an imitation of Michael Jackson following today's ride. If you dropped one Performance glove in the parking lot at the park... we've got it. Zip a note and we'll discuss ransom arrangements.

For those that missed the tightly contested election, we hung no Chads and the only debate was bacon vs sausage. Your officers for 2005:

President: Kathy Mills

VP: Paul Nichols

Treas: Tim Kjelberg

Sec: Jane Larson

Your appointed board members:

Sue Fassett

Glen Fletcher

Gary Wachsmuth

Jay Stewart

Bob Beane

Tom Adams

Thanks bunches to board members Kevin Hartke and Linda Matson who are stepping down from the board at the end of 2004. Bob Beane, our ever patient number cruncher, is stepping down from being both our treasurer and newsletter editor to "just" handling our newsletter for 2005.

Speaking of years... let's go way back for a minute... to 1989. Where were you then? A few of you were here, banding together as life long friends, forming a circle that would eventually evolve into the Saturday Cycling pack. In that year, 1989, do you remember how many miles of bikes lanes we had in the city of Chandler? One. One mile of bike lane, on Carriage Lane, which we pedaled on this morning on our way back to the park. The City of Chandler has just recently been designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community, at a "bronze" level. We have made a giant leap forward in regards to bike facilities on our streets in Chandler. That came about, primarily, due to the determined force of one individual... and he is one of our own. Bob Bogel... thanks from all for forging a path for us. In your own words, Bob... because of you we can "ride on". Well done.

Ride safe.