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August 24 Saturday Cycling Report

Last Detour Around the 40th Street Closure

Added August 31, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

I counted an even 30 cyclists last Saturday. That should be the last time we have to detour around the 40th street closure; I expect it to reopen by the next time we want to use it.

We'll be climbing on the last day of the August heat. It will also be the last time this year that my alarm wakes me at 4:30am. Remember that the breakfast spot for Mummy Mountain changed to AZ Bread.

Yes! There will be a Labor Day Monday ride from Kiwanis Park this year, thanks to ride leader Neal. See below for details.

Coming up...

Saturday, 08/31/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain
A 40-mile loop with lots of climbing, or 31 miles with a couple of moderate climbs, takes us north into Scottsdale and around Mummy Mountain. Breakfast at AZ Bread on Elliot at Kyrene after the ride. Sunrise: 6:02
Standard Route
Less-Climbing Long Route
Long Route

Monday, 09/02/19 7:00 a.m. Labor Day Ride from Kiwanis Park
Meet at Kiwanis at 7:00 a.m. for a casual bike path ride along the Western Canal to Lindsay returning along the Salt river to Hardy and back to Guadalupe. It is about 35 miles and intended to be fun not rigorous.
RWGPS Route Map

Saturday, 09/07/19 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa Rewound
A 40-mile loop with lots of climbing, or 31 miles with a couple of moderate climbs, takes us north into Scottsdale and around Mummy Mountain. Breakfast at AZ Bread on Elliot at Kyrene after the ride. Sunrise: 6:02
Short
Long

Saturday, 09/14/19 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Foothills Training Ride
Ride with us on a loop through the Ahwatukee Foothills with options of 25 miles with a couple of gentle climbs, or 38 miles that will take you up 5 bigger hills. If you follow the spaghetti-bowl long-route map, you will have gone up and down all 5 approaches with no repeats and no U-turns. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co. on the SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 6:11
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

Bicycle_Haus is excited to announce the upcoming 5th Annual Tour de Bosa on Sunday October 20th. They plan to meet up at Bicycle Haüs in Scottsdale for another amazing year of donuts and fun. October is filling up with cycling events.

By this time next week, we expect to be on the new PMBC web site! I'm thinking I'll still send out a mailchimp based ride report but will start leaning more on links to the web site which should shorten it up a bit. There will be a blog feature that I plan to exploit for Tid Bits which should make them timelier. And I suppose it will enable group dialog, though I'm not sure that's always a positive thing.

Events...

Durango Fall Blaze – Saturday September 28, Durango
Tour de Fat – Saturday October 5 at Tempe Town Lake
Cycle Avondale – Sunday October 6
Fifth annual Bike Bazaar - Saturday October 26 from 8-1 in downtown Phoenix
Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19
Tour_de_Bosa – Sunday, October 20
The Rob Dollar Ride – Sunday, October 27, 8-noon
South Mountain Park Silent (no cars) Sunday.

Have fun and ride safely.

August 25 - Sunday Kickoff Marks 5 Year Anniversary

Now With Over 30 Routes

Added August 25, 2019

written by Scott Barvian

The first Sunday morning intermediate group ride was held on August 31, 2014. Our objectives were to 1) provide a recovery ride for sore Saturday riders, 2) develop new routes in the far southeast Valley, and 3) have a shorter Sunday ride option that didn't exist at the time. Attendance was good from the start, and by the end of September we had a permanent home at a then-new Panera Bread in south Chandler and we were on the club ride schedule as "The Sunday Kickoff". We've had as many as 27 riders (including many Sun Lakes snowbirds and other visitors throughout the year) and our route library on RideWithGPS now has over 30 routes.

August 17 Saturday Cycling Report

25 Signed On for Midsummer Ride

Added August 22, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Unless I misplaced an entire sign-in sheet, it looks like 25 was our number for last Saturday. A few people took advantage of the shortcut built into the Midsummer Ride map that gives an early escape in case of extreme heat. Our next hot August ride will be a relatively flat route, and we'll be shaving off a couple of miles as we detour around the ongoing closure of 40th street at the new 202.

Coming up...

Saturday, 08/24/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Lucky 7's
The Lucky 7's route loops clockwise to the south, through the Wild Horse Pass casino/resort area and parts of Ahwatukee. The name plays off the mileage options of 27, 37 and 47 miles, plus the two casinos along the way. Breakfast is at AZ Bread Co at Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 5:57
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

Ann shared this collection of photos showing off the beautiful scenery on the just-finished Tour de Utah. All it needs is a British narrator to tell us all about the points of interest.

Use this link to register for the Rob Dollar Ride in South Mountain Park on Sunday October 27 Events | robdollarfoundation

On Sunday, Oct 6 the City of Avondale is hosting their first ever Cycle Avondale half metric century which will include traffic lane closures for safety and will give cyclists a rare opportunity to pedal around the ISM Raceway Track.

The City of Scottsdale recently applied for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists! As part of their review process, the League wants your input on bicycling in Scottsdale. If you've ever biked here, please take a minute to complete this survey and share your input.

Events...

Durango Fall Blaze – Saturday September 28, Durango
Tour de Fat – Saturday October 5 at Tempe Town Lake
Cycle Avondale – Sunday October 6
Fifth annual Bike Bazaar - Saturday October 26 from 8-1 in downtown Phoenix
Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19
The Rob Dollar Ride – Sunday, October 27 at South Mountain Park

Have fun and ride safely.

August 10 Saturday Cycling Report

33 Cyclists Had Fun Climbing in the Foothills

Added August 15, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We 33 cyclists had enough cloud cover to make climbing in the foothills feel fun. All the thrills of an amusement park and a lot less confining.

This year we've been blessed with five Saturdays in August. That means we have three more opportunities to ride in the August heat at the 6:30 start time.

Coming up...

Saturday, 08/17/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Midsummer Ride
This route was designed to seek out maximum shade on summer mornings when the sun is farthest north and most brutal. In the winter and spring, it's just another route. It includes options of 28 miles with one short climb, or 38 miles with a couple of bonus hills. Breakfast at Arizona Bread Co at SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 5:52
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

Some people are drawn to cycling partly by being environmentalists, so maybe some of you will find this information bit useful. I had always been suspicious of the plastic bag recycling programs offered at grocery stores. No one else recycles plastic bags; how can they do it? And how about produce bags, and all those wrappers around my Costco paper products? Why can't we recycle those? Then I noticed the signage posted on the recycle barrel at Sprouts. It said YES to taking produce bags, case wrappers, individual paper product wrappers, bread bags, dry cleaner bags, newspaper bags and even packaging pillows. I don't believe very many people are aware of this, because when word gets around…they're gonna need a bigger barrel.

Events...

Durango Fall Blaze – Saturday September 28, Durango
Tour de Fat – Saturday October 5 at Tempe Town Lake
Fifth annual Bike Bazaar - Saturday October 26 from 8-1 in downtown Phoenix
Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

August 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Taking on Midsummer Heat on Length of Lindsay

Added August 9, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

The Length of Lindsay seemed mighty long for the 36 cyclists who took on the midsummer heat. Once again, we all survived; it was tough, but so are we.

We'll be climbing again this week, but my weather app gives me hope for cloud cover this time. We're likely to need a detour on the return route; I checked 40th street at Pecos on Wednesday morning and it was completely closed. We'll just revert to the familiar Frye to 48th street to eventually wind our way to AZ Bread.

Coming up...

Saturday, 08/10/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. 8th Street Ail
The extended-distance option includes an out-and-back that goes as far west as the road will take us, plus several steep hills including northbound 8th Street from Chandler Blvd to Desert Foothills Parkway. Breakfast is at AZ Bread Co. Sunrise: 5:47
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

We pass by the cyclist friendly Odelay_Bagel_Co at Equestrian Trail on both of our Ahwatukee Foothills routes. This Saturday from 9 to noon they will be selling refurbished bikes from HandlerbarHelpers to raise money for Cloud_Covered_Streets who provide aide to the homeless. This is their third bike related charity event since opening in 2015, according to an article in this week's Ahwatukee Foothills News.

Events...

Durango Fall Blaze – Saturday September 28, Durango
Tour de Fat – Saturday October 5 at Tempe Town Lake
Fifth annual Bike Bazaar - Saturday October 26 from 8-1 in downtown Phoenix
Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

July 27 Saturday Cycling Report

Tour de Sue: Wide-open Unshaded Expanse

Added August 4, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Thirty-one of us ventured out to the wide-open unshaded expanse south of town. However, Sue's Tour does have a map in portrait orientation which means we got some shade relief on the east side of Kyrene as part of the long northbound return leg. We'll be doing another flat route this week in honor of the oppressive August heat.

Coming up...

Saturday, 08/03/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Length of Lindsay
The Length of Lindsay takes us to the east, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Panera Bread on the SE corner of Guadalupe and McClintock. Sunrise: 5:42
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

Tour de Fat is scheduled for October 5th.

Phoenix Spokes People is having their fifth annual Bike Bazaar on Saturday October 26 from 8-1 at Phoenix Public Market. Admission is free and for just $5 you can be a vendor.

This sounds like a fun ride. The Durango Fall Blaze is a fundraiser for the Fort Lewis College cycling team on September 28th. It's a fully supported ride of 37, 60 or 100 miles in the cool Colorado mountains. The full century includes 5425 feet of climbing!

Events...

Tour de Fat – Saturday October 5 at Tempe Town Lake
Fifth annual Bike Bazaar - Saturday October 26 from 8-1 in downtown Phoenix
Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

July 13 Saturday Cycling Report

A Long Trek East Toward the Sun

Added July 14, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Twenty-five cyclists signed in, and at least four more joined along the way for another long trek east toward the sun. It was monsoon hot, but at least there were a lot of good seed popping opportunities. And we got to welcome a first timer and reunite with some old friends we hadn't seen in a while, which brightened up an already really bright day.

I'm away next Saturday. Kathy Mills will be there for you.

Coming up...

Saturday, 07/20/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. St. Francis Loop
Both the 25-mile and 36-mile options include three moderate hills, taking you north through Papago Park, around the St. Francis Cemetery, and returning to Tempe via south Scottsdale. Breakfast at AZ Bread on Elliot east of Kyrene. Sunrise: 5:33
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS

Saturday, 07/27/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue
Tour de Sue is a flat loop to the south, with route options of 25 or 35 miles. Both routes include a good long stretch with no traffic lights. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co (SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot). Sunrise: 5:37
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

Have you noticed sections of roadway, like Guadalupe through Mesa, where the bike lane has lateral cracks that have lifted into bumps every 10 feet or so? But as they extend into the general traffic lane, the cracks stay flat, as though the heavier vehicles are smushing them down. This encourages cyclists to abandon the bike lane and take the 1st vehicle lane, which really ticks off motorists.

Earlier this week I rode down Knox as a crew was sealing cracks with tar. It struck me as odd that they were excluding the bike lane. They would seal a crack up to the white line and then stop, leaving the annoying bumpy crack in the bike lane unchanged. That mile-long stretch of road west of 48th St. does have cracks, rough spots and even one pothole, but none of that is particularly noticeable in a car or truck. Cyclists would benefit most from the smoothing of the pavement; I think the bike lane should be the priority.

Events...

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

July 6 Saturday Cycling Report

Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

Added July 10, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We had thirty-three participants on the Fourth of July holiday ride, which was six more than we had at the regular Saturday outing. Those six people probably made the right choice. I remember Thursday's route having some shade and the temperature was comfortable enough, whereas McKellips Loop was relentlessly hot. The only shade McKellips eastbound provided were the overpasses at the two freeway crossings. Nevertheless, it was a great holiday weekend for cycling, and I hope many of you enjoyed Friday and Sunday rides too.

I've changed the July 13 route. If I hadn't, we would have had three weeks in a row where Saturday Cycling and Sunday Spin Cycle routes were way too similar.

Coming up...

Saturday, 07/13/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Marco Polo
The 26-mile standard route goes east on Guadalupe for 12 miles, then loops back on Elliot. The 41-mile long route keeps going east all the way to Ellsworth, then heads a little further south before rejoining the Elliot return path. Breakfast at Panera Bread, McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 5:28
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

Seems like years since we started hearing rumblings of a new club website. Now the board is hearing sounds of cyber construction crews really making it happen. The goal is to go live on September 1, and I believe it. Our October 19 Smart Cycling Class will probably be the first to use the new event sign-up process. Not sure if the blogging feature will replace these MailChimp based reports, or just become the new repository for the on-line archive. Don't know if all the old archives are going to make the leap, or if anyone cares. Eight more weeks should be enough time to figure it out.

Events...

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

June 29 Saturday Cycling Report

Forty-three Rolled Out to the Ahwatukee Foothills

Added July 7, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Forty-three rolled out to the Ahwatukee Foothills together, where we shared the roads with another cycling group from Gilbert who came west to climb. We probably had around the same number at the PMBC Happy Hour later that same day. We took up about half the Hungry Monk's seating and had a really good time. It goes to show that it doesn't need to be free to be fun.

Coming up...

Thursday, 07/04/19 6:30 a.m., Downtown Gilbert. Give Me Liberty...
Put on your red, white, and blue for an Independence Day holiday ride! We will start from the shaded lot at the downtown Gilbert park & ride next to the big water tower off Gilbert Road just north of Elliot. It's a flat, mostly north-south 25-mile loop through Mesa and Gilbert, with an extra journey west to Dobson for the 35.5-mile extended route. You'll find the map on the miscellaneous routes section of the web site. Breakfast is at Liberty Market near the start location. Sunrise: 5:23
Standard Route
Long Route

Friday, 07/05/19 6:30 a.m., 5th of July Holiday Ride
Start time 6:30 a.m. Details are posted on the RWGPS event calendar.

Saturday, 04/06/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop
With distance options of 28, 37 or 45 miles, this route will take you north through Tempe and then east through Mesa on McKellips Road, returning to Panera Bread for breakfast. Sunrise: 5:24
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS
Extra-long route on RWGPS

Saturday, 07/13/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. St. Francis Loop
Both the 25-mile and 36-mile options include three moderate hills, taking you north through Papago Park, around the St. Francis Cemetery, and returning to Tempe via south Scottsdale. Breakfast at Panera Bread on McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 5:28
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS

Tid Bits...

I like solving puzzles. Crosswords, Sudokus, and things like that. The bike gods must know this, because they keep bedeviling me with mysterious maladies that I struggle to diagnose and solve. The latest was a clicking noise from my front wheel that struck once per revolution just after I had put on a new tire. I tried another tire, inspected the rim and the tube but the noise persisted until I tried a different brand of tire and now it's gone. The new 'good' tire had a rotation-direction arrow, so I was careful to orient it correctly, remembering I once read that the front wheel should be oriented so that when sitting in the saddle, the hub brand name is right-side-up when it rolls around to the top. It occurred to me that I may have been mounting the wheel the other way around on the previous attempts. So, I tried flipping the wheel around the other way to see what happened, and there was that pesky noise again. I don't know why it matters, but apparently it does. And I don't know if it means there is something wrong with my fork and/or hub; I'm just grateful the noise is gone and that I didn't throw away those other tires because they're probably fine.

Events...

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

June 22 Saturday Cycling Report

Forty-one Cyclists Showed for Tour de Mesa Rewound

Added June 28, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Forty-one cyclists showed up by the time we rolled out of the parking lot for a flat ride through Mesa. Thanks to summer solstice week, we benefited from little patches of shade along the north side of Guadalupe over the 9-mile home stretch from Lindsay to breakfast.

I hope to see many of you at the Saturday afternoon PMBC Happy Hour!

Coming up...

Saturday, 06/29/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Foothills Training Ride
Ride with us on a loop through the Ahwatukee Foothills with options of 25 miles with a couple of gentle climbs, or 38 miles that will take you up 5 bigger hills. If you follow the spaghetti-bowl long-route map, you will have gone up and down all 5 approaches with no repeats and no U-turns. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co. on the SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 5:21
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS

Thursday, 07/04/13 6:30 a.m., Downtown Gilbert. Give Me Liberty...
Put on your red, white, and blue for an Independence Day holiday ride! We will start from the shaded lot at the downtown Gilbert park & ride next to the big water tower off Gilbert Road just north of Elliot. It's a flat, mostly north-south 25-mile loop through Mesa and Gilbert, with an extra journey west to Dobson for the 35.5-mile extended route. You'll find the map on the miscellaneous routes section of the web site. Breakfast is at Liberty Market near the start location. Sunrise: 5:23
Standard Route
Long Route

Friday, 07/05/19 6:30 a.m., 5th of July Holiday Ride
Start time 6:30 a.m. Details are posted on the RWGPS event calendar.

Tid Bits...

Seed popping season is back! That's when you can plow through piles of seed pods that sporadically litter the bike lanes and add some percussion to the music of the street. The ubiquitous green pods are duds, but I found a thick grouping of small reddish ones that had a high-pitched snap and rapid crackle rate; a little like a tambourine. My favorite ones are darker, almost black, with a loud snap, but they're rare.

Events...

PMBC Happy Hour at Hungry Monk – 3:30-5:30pm Saturday, June 29

1760 W. Chandler Blvd
Please RSVP to Tina Miller

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

June 15 Saturday Cycling Report

Thirty-eight Cyclists did Various Versions of the Mummy Mountain Route

Added June 19, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Thirty-eight cyclists did various versions of the Mummy Mountain route. Those of us riding at the back of the long route decided to skip a couple of the steeper climbs when the morning temperature got above 90. We were glad to see there was still a crowd lingering over breakfast by the time we got there.

I've scheduled the downtown Gilbert "Give Me Liberty" route for Thursday July 4. If someone else has another idea, there's still time to change it. We could also use a volunteer to bring us a Friday, July 5 ride since that should be a holiday for many as well. Please let me know if you'd like to take that on.

Coming up...

Saturday, 06/22/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa Rewound
Distance options of 32 miles with no climbing, or 44 miles with a gentle climb. Breakfast at Panera Bread at McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 5:19
SC 01S Tour De Mesa Rewound Short
SC 01L Tour De Mesa Rewound Long

Tid Bits...

Registration ends Wednesday for this weekends Tour of Flagstaff!!

I received news of the fall edition of the AZ Bicycle Classic from Jake's Corner on October 19. This time they're offering a cool looking Day-of-the-Dead cycling t-shirt. Early bird pricing before Aug 1.

Bike Saviours in Tempe is offering a June Volunteer Orientation on June 30th, and a July Bike Maintenance Class on July 6th.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23
PMBC Happy Hour at Hungry Monk – 3:30-5:30pm Saturday, June 29

1760 W. Chandler Blvd
Please RSVP to Tina Miller

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Jake's Corner. Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

June 8 Saturday Cycling Report

A Light Crowd of 29 on a Quest for Shade

Added June 16, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We had a light crowd of 29 on a quest for shade. It was a warm June day, but not the searing hot we have come to expect. Yet.

Coming up...

Saturday, 06/15/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain
A 40-mile loop with lots of climbing, or 31 miles with a couple of moderate climbs, takes us north into Scottsdale and around Mummy Mountain. Breakfast at AZ Bread on Elliot at Kyrene after the ride. Sunrise: 5:18
Standard Route
Long Route
Less-Climbing Long Route

Tid Bits...

The route we just did, and the one we're doing this week are two that recently had their breakfast stop changed over to AZ Bread. The third one that returns up College and passes the park on the way to breakfast is St. Francis Loop, which will soon be likewise revised on the web site, way in advance of the next time we'll need it. Of the 13 routes currently in our rotation, nine now take us to AZ Bread and 4 to Panera.

I may have failed to mention it, but I've decided to keep the 6:30 start time all summer. Global Bike tends to start earlier if you like catching worms that much. Maybe you could start on their ride and finish on ours for an extra long ride. We'd hate to lose any friends.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23
PMBC Happy Hour at Hungry Monk – 3:30-5:30pm Saturday, June 29

1760 W. Chandler Blvd
Please RSVP to Tina Miller

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

May 25 Saturday Cycling Report

Another Awesome Day for Cycling in the Foothills

Added May 29, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

A good-sized group of 47 enjoyed another awesome day for cycling in the foothills. I'm going to miss May 2019; it's been a good one.

Kathy will lead this week's ride while I focus on grandparenting all weekend long.

There was an erratum in last week's report. The correct June 8 route is Midsummer Ride, since we just did 8th St. Ail last week.

Coming up...

Saturday, 06/01/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Length of Lindsay
The Length of Lindsay takes us to the east, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Panera Bread on the SE corner of Guadalupe and McClintock. Sunrise: 5:19
Standard Route
Long Route

Saturday, 06/08/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Midsummer Ride
This route was designed to seek out maximum shade on summer mornings when the sun is farthest north and most brutal. In the winter and spring, it's just another route. It includes options of 28 miles with one short climb, or 38 miles with a couple of bonus hills. Breakfast at Arizona Bread Co at SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 5:18
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

Last week's ride was the completion of the 7th year since Sue handed over the Saturday Cycling franchise to me. That went by fast. It has been a pleasure, and I intend to continue. However, I'm starting to feel guilty for hogging all the Saturday morning glory. If there's anyone else who would like to pitch in, or take over, I'd be happy to negotiate the terms. Many thank-yous to Kathy who has made the standard route a no-drop ride for over 2 years now. Honorable mention goes to Spencer for recently creating RWGSP versions of all 14 of our active routes.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23
PMBC Happy Hour at Hungry Monk – 3:30-5:30pm Saturday, June 29

1760 W. Chandler Blvd
Please RSVP to Tina Miller

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

May 18 Saturday Cycling Report

Forty-Four Cyclists Made Their Way to the Q2 Club Membership Meeting

Added May 27, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Most of the forty-four cyclists who signed in at Kiwanis Park managed to make their way to the Q2 club membership meeting at the Hungry Monk where we converged with other groups who came from the south and east. The ride, the weather and the meeting all went well.

We have a Monday holiday ride coming up on 5/27; see details below.

Coming up...

Saturday, 05/25/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. 8th Street Ail
The extended-distance option includes an out-and-back that goes as far west as the road will take us, plus several steep hills including northbound 8th Street from Chandler Blvd to Desert Foothills Parkway. Breakfast is at AZ Bread Co. Sunrise: 5:22.
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Monday, 05/27/19 6:30 a.m., Gilbert Wildflower. Memorial Day Ride
Ride leader Scott will be hosting the Memorial Day ride this year from the Wildflower Bread Co. on the NE corner of Gilbert Rd. and the south leg of loop 202. He's created a new route that goes east to the Gateway Airport, then south to Chandler Heights before circling back to Gilbert Rd. for breakfast after the ride at Wildflower. Sunrise: 5:21.
Memorial Day Ride from Gilbert Rd Wildflower

[This June 8th ride has been changed to Mummy Mountain. See May 25th Ride Reportabove.]
Saturday, 06/08/19 6:30a.m., Kiwanis Park. 8th Street Ail
The extended-distance option includes an out-and-back that goes as far west as the road will take us, plus several steep hills including northbound 8th Street from Chandler Blvd to Desert Foothills Parkway. Breakfast is at AZ Bread Co. Sunrise: 5:18
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

Hurray for happiness! Social Director Tina has arranged for a PMBC happy hour from 3:30-5:30pm on Saturday, June 29th at the Hungry Monk. This is a no-host event, so be prepared to pay for what you consume. Tina would like us to RSVP at this email address: Tina Miller.

President Kevin put on a fine show at the Q2 membership meeting with upwards of 70 members in the audience. By my records, this was our 8th time meeting and eating at Hungry Monk; a full 2 years of satisfying breakfast chow and great service. Here are a few of the club business items presented:

There will be 2nd Smart Cycling class offered on Saturday, October 19; Sign-up will be made available as we get closer.
Membership dues are being raised to $25 for individual and $35 for family. These rates are effective July 1st, so you might consider renewing before then which will bump your current renew date by one year regardless of when it is.
There are plans to implement a new web site that will free us from the need to use EventBrite, among other advantages.
Kathy Mills provided a pop-quiz on cycling laws and safety which illustrated that we all still have room to learn.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23
PMBC Happy Hour at Hungry Monk – 3:30-5:30pm Saturday, June 29

1760 W. Chandler Blvd
Please RSVP to Tina Miller

Smart Cycling Class – Saturday, October 19

Have fun and ride safely.

May 11 Saturday Cycling Report

Surprisingly Cool May Weather

Added May 16, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Thirty-seven cyclists saw me age another year on last Saturday's ride. In a fair world, my birthday would fall right on Mother's Day next year; but since 2020 is a leap year, it will skip ahead to Monday instead. The good news is that club-member Court will finally get to celebrate another birthday, because he only gets to have them in presidential election years. That's even more unfair.

The real highlight of the ride was this surprisingly cool May weather. It looks like it'll start in the 60's again this Saturday morning for the ride to the Quarterly Membership Meeting!

Coming up...

Saturday, 05/18/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Chandler-Pecos East
We're returning to the Hungry Monk for our Quarterly Membership Meeting, and a small change to this route will get us there. Breakfast is free for members; two free breakfasts are included in a family membership. Sign-in starts at 8:00 and the meeting begins around 8:45. Distance options are 28, 34 and 42 miles. The extra-long route sails east on Chandler Blvd all the way from Rural to Power, returning by way of Pecos. The shorter routes simply head over to Pecos a little earlier. Breakfast at The Hungry Monk on the north side of Chandler Blvd, just east of Dobson. Sunrise: 6:56
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

I was a little disappointed the last time we did an Ahwatukee route. They had finally finished the road work on Liberty, but the eastbound lane showed no improvement in the quality of pavement. Now there's good news from the City of Phoenix; not only do they intend to resurface it for us, they have decided to upgrade it from microsurfacing (seal the cracks and color it new) to a thicker pavement overlay treatment. They say: "This will lead to a consistent surface condition for the segment of Liberty Lane between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street." Good news long-term; I just hope they don't have to close it again on the days when we plan use it.

Our new trouble spot is the complete closure of 40th street in the 202 construction zone from now to September. I'll need to pencil a detour into our 8th Street Ail route and will probably suspend use of Lucky-7's for the duration.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

May 4 Saturday Cycling Report

St. Francis Loop Draws 52 Cyclists

Added May 10, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We had 52 cyclists for Saturday's St. Francis Loop. Four of those 52 were riding with us for the first time. Hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

Note that we will be holding our 2nd quarterly membership meeting of 2019 the Saturday May 18. The details are below.

Another note: I can't find my source file for the Marco Polo route, created back in 2013. Consequently, the map on the web site still says R1 is Valero and breakfast is at Paradise Bakery, although they've changed their names to Circle-K and Panera Bread. At least all the street names have stayed the same.

Coming up...

Saturday, 05/11/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Marco Polo
The 26-mile standard route goes east on Guadalupe for 12 miles, then loops back on Elliot. The 41-mile long route keeps going east all the way to Ellsworth, then heads a little further south before rejoining the Elliot return path. Breakfast at Panera Bread, McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 5:31
Standard Route
Long Route

Saturday, 05/18/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Chandler-Pecos East
We're returning to the Hungry Monk for our Quarterly Membership Meeting, and a small change to this route will get us there. Breakfast is free for members; two free breakfasts are included in a family membership. Sign-in starts at 8:00 and the meeting begins around 8:45. Distance options are 28, 34 and 42 miles. The extra-long route sails east on Chandler Blvd all the way from Rural to Power, returning by way of Pecos. The shorter routes simply head over to Pecos a little earlier. Breakfast at The Hungry Monk on the north side of Chandler Blvd, just east of Dobson. Sunrise: 6:56
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

I only got one reaction to calling us a "social/reactional club" last week. If you're like me and my proof reader, you're brain just saw recreational, like it expected, and moved on. If you must do a typo, it least it should be a little humorous.

There will be a Monday Memorial Day ride listed in my next ride report. It could still be yours to lead if you let me know by this weekend.

Our county association of governments (MAG) has released a 2019 revision to their popular bikeways map. This printed map is free and also includes cycling safety tips. It can be obtained from MAG and is distributed to local bike shops. You can download the PDF version here. The online, interactive version of the map, MAG Bikeways, is kept up to date and was recently redesigned for a better user experience.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

April 27 Saturday Cycling Report

31 Cyclists Sign In for Tour de Sue

Added May 5, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We started out light with just 31 cyclists signing in at Kiwanis Park, until another 6 joined along the route bringing the total to 37. Two of those who intercepted us were Treasurer Kris and her man Glen on their tandem! That was a nice surprise.

We love the Tour de Sue for its long stretches of open highway, free of traffic lights and stop signs, but the downside is that those state-owned shoulders are not always in the best condition. This time out our group had five flat tires that I know of.

I hate to have to bear bad news again, but I think you all have a right to know. One of our cyclists had their car broken into while we were riding last Saturday. While nothing significant was stolen, having to replace one of the rear door windows is a big nuisance. Pretty cheeky petty thief, to bust a car window midmorning in a busy park. It was parked just a few spaces in from the entrance to the lot.

This week begins our 6:30 summer start time!!

Coming up...

Saturday, 05/04/19 6:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. St. Francis Loop
Both the 25-mile and 36-mile options include three moderate hills, taking you north through Papago Park, around the St. Francis Cemetery, and returning to Tempe via south Scottsdale. Breakfast at Panera Bread on McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 5:37
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS

Tid Bits...

PMBC imposes just 3 special rules beyond the law of the land for participating in our rides. Thank you everyone for always wearing a helmet, and never dropping down to your aerobars while in a group. It appears, however, that not everyone agrees with our third rule which is "no earphones allowed". Being that I'm not much of a bossy-pants disciplinarian type, I'm going to appeal to reason in hopes of getting everyone onboard with this safety habit. Besides the obvious ability to hear motor vehicles approaching, let's brainstorm some other reasons we would want to keep our ears unobstructed. I'll go first:

To hear your riding companions wish you a good morning and ask you to tell them all about your awesome bike or your recent vacation.
So that you can hear the lead cyclist shout out warnings and be able to tell the difference between "hole!" and "pole!"
To notice the ratcheting sound of a cyclist 2 or 3 positions ahead of you in a pace line when they suddenly start to coast.
To hear the whisper of brake pads touching metal.
For early detection of an emergency vehicle siren, and to be able to discern from which direction it's coming.
To know when a riding companion behind you pulls over with a problem and would like you to wait.
To hear a kid on the sidewalk yell out, "Hey mister! You dropped your wallet!"
To enjoy the chirping of the birds.

Maybe you can think of others. Ride leader Tom likes to say: "situational awareness" is the name of the game. The bottom line is ensuring the safety of the group and every individual in it and about being present with your friends. We are a social/reactional club; most of us are not interested in adding unnecessary risk.

Events...

Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

April 20 Saturday Cycling Report

A Lovely Day to Climb

Added April 25, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

I've got some acclimating to do. The temperature probably never topped 80 on last Saturday's ride, but I felt hot pushing up those hills. I'm sure the rest of the 48 cyclists thought it was a lovely day to climb.

Coming up...

Saturday, 04/27/19 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue
Tour de Sue is a flat loop to the south, with route options of 25 or 35 miles. Both routes include a good long stretch with no traffic lights. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co (SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot). Sunrise: 5:44
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

We will have a Monday Memorial Day ride again this year. We just don't know what it will be and who will lead it yet. If you'd like to jump in and make something happen, please let me know and we can get it on the calendar. Then there's Independence Day which falls on a Thursday this year, so there is probably opportunity for holiday rides on the 4th and 5th of July. Those days are still up for grabs too.

Events...

ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

April 13 Saturday Cycling Report

Cool Air, No Wind, and Plenty of Sunshine

Added April 17, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

It was a picture-perfect day for cycling with cool air, no wind, and plenty of sunshine. A few of the 48 participants had their rides cut short due to a very unfortunate injury accident. I'm sure everyone at the scene wants to know how Dave is doing, which is why I'm bringing it up. I'd say he's doing pretty well, and that it was not nearly as bad as we had first feared. He is back home with stitches and a fracture near his colorful right eye, and some road rash. As of Saturday evening, he was still not complaining of pain. Dave is one tough guy.

The lucky part of the day was that James, riding with us for the first time, and Alicia, who is very new too, both demonstrated some impressive emergency medical skills, providing what I believe was essential first responder aid. I want them in the pack on all our group rides, and I hope they never have to use those skills again.

I'm pretty sure Dave's bike is okay; you know you were wondering. Thanks to Steve and Jackie for caring for it. It had been 28 weeks since our last injury accident.

Kathy reports that 36 cyclists chose to ride up South Mountain instead of doing the Tour de Mesa on Saturday the 6th. The weather was perfect as a picture that day as well.

Coming up...

Saturday, 04/20/19 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Foothills Training Ride
Ride with us on a loop through the Ahwatukee Foothills with options of 25 miles with a couple of gentle climbs, or 38 miles that will take you up 5 bigger hills. If you follow the spaghetti-bowl long-route map, you will have gone up and down all 5 approaches with no repeats and no U-turns. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co. on the SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 5:52
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS

Tid Bits...

I'm pretty sure the road construction on Liberty Lane is finally finished and that we will no longer need to detour around it for the Foothills Training Route next Saturday. I should check.

The new canal bridge on 68th street in Scottsdale should be ready to use by the next time we do the Mummy Mountain route. The city posted a fun 95 second time-lapse video of the reconstruction process.

Events...

ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

March 30 Saturday Cycling Report

Drafting Skills Practice on Tour de Mesa Rewound

Added April 4, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

A moderate crosswind kept Saturday's flat route interesting for the 48 cyclists who got to practice their drafting skills. I kept picturing the echelons that form when there is a crosswind attack in the Tour de France; like one side of the vee of a flock of geese. Too bad we couldn't use the whole road.

Kathy will be sending you up South Mountain next Saturday. I wish you a cool climbing temperature all the way up, then warm air for the long decent.

==== April start time is 7:00am ====

Coming up...

Saturday, 04/06/18 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. South Mountain
SC 02S South Mtn. Std Route
SC 02M South Mtn. Moderate Route
SC 02A South Mtn. Advanced Route
Route options of 24 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 38 miles with moderate climbing, or 39 miles with the longest steady climb within 20 miles of Kiwanis Park. Breakfast is at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene. Sunrise: 6:10

Saturday, 04/13/19 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS
Extra-long route on RWGPS
With distance options of 28, 37 or 45 miles, this route will take you north through Tempe and then east through Mesa on McKellips Road, returning to Panera Bread for breakfast. Sunrise: 7:33

Saturday, 04/20/19 7:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Foothills Training Ride
Standard Route
Long Route
Ride with us on a loop through the Ahwatukee Foothills with options of 25 miles with a couple of gentle climbs, or 38 miles that will take you up 5 bigger hills. If you follow the spaghetti-bowl long-route map, you will have gone up and down all 5 approaches with no repeats and no U-turns. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co. on the SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 5:52

Tid Bits...

I recently read or heard that, besides its relative flatness, the city of Mesa got it's name because of the little hill climb we do on eastbound McKellips, plus the same amount of up on Center and Horne going south. From the Lehi neighborhood, that little rise was once a prominent feature of the undeveloped landscape, a barely towering table of desert land.

Events...

AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
El Tour de Mesa - Saturday April 6
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

March 23 Saturday Cycling Report

Confusion and Construction

Added March 31, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Only a couple of the 58 cyclists who showed up on Saturday were surprised by the route change. In spite of that confusion and a construction detour, it looked like everyone found their way to Scottsdale Bike Co where we sampled the breakfast bar and test rode the new bikes. They next time we use the Mummy Mountain route we should be able to enjoy a shinny new bridge over the canal on 68th Street.

Coming up...

Saturday, 03/30/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa Rewound
SC 01S Tour De Mesa Rewound Short
SC 01L Tour De Mesa Rewound Long
Distance options of 32 miles with no climbing, or 44 miles with a gentle climb. Breakfast at Panera Bread at McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 6:19

Tid Bits...

If you have ever visited South Mountain Park on one of their Silent Sundays, or just want to express your opinion, you should Take the South Mountain Park/Preserve Silent Sunday Public Survey.

April is Valley Bike Month. Here are a few of the East Valley Events:

4/6 Chandler Family Bike Ride, 7–11 a.m.
4/6 CycloMesa, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
4/6 Tempe Bicycle Action Group Bunny Hop Ride, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
4/7 Tour de Tempe, 7:30–11 a.m.
4/14 Scottsdale Cycle the Arts, 8:30 a.m.
4/20 Bike Saviours Bike and Gear Swap, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

There are also several Bike to Work days in various cities. See all the details at https://www.valleymetro.org/valley-bike-month.

Events...

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
El Tour de Mesa - Saturday April 6
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

March 16 Saturday Cycling Report

Lucky-7's Route on Lucky St. Patrick's Weekend

Added March 24, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Forty cyclists rode the Lucky-7's route on lucky St. Patrick's weekend. Aside from the new guy getting a flat tire, I'd say it lived up to its lucky omens. Thanks to our wet winter, we saw fields of wildflowers out on the Gila River reservation, and I saw plenty more on a hike in South Mountain Park earlier in the week. As with most of life, you must take the bad (ACHOO!!) with the good.

NOTE: I am making a route change for this Saturday [March 23] that was not announced soon enough to make it to the web site. I apologize for that, but there is a good reason. Rick, the owner/operator of Scottsdale Bike Company on 68th St. at Thomas Rd has invited us to his grand opening where he will feed and hydrate us in celebration. We will use the Mummy Mountain route to take us there; however, it will require some detours on both the standard and long routes due to the complete closure of 68th St. at Indian School, which will continue through April. I plan to have marked up maps with the recommended deviations to distribute at the start.

Coming up...

Saturday, 03/23/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain
Standard Route
Long Route
Less-Climbing Long Route
A 40-mile loop with lots of climbing, or 31 miles with a couple of moderate climbs, takes us north into Scottsdale and around Mummy Mountain. Breakfast at Scottsdale Bike Co on the NW corner of 68th street and Thomas. If your still hungry after that, you can always continue to AZ Bread on Elliot at Kyrene after the ride for second breakfast. Sunrise: 6:28

Tid Bits...

I've only had three responses so far to the question: Should we change our June and July start time to be 6:00am? They were one for, one against, and one who would still come at 6:00, but not any earlier than that. Not enough data to make a democratic decision by, but we still have plenty of time before June to hear more opinions.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) would like you to take a 10-minute surveythat will help them identify the transportation needs and priorities of county residents.

ADOT is soliciting public input regarding their Tentative Five-Year Construction Plan. The complete report, posted with a "how to read it" guide, is available on at azdot.gov for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form that at azdot.gov/Tentative5Year, by email and by phone at 855.712.8530. They will also hold two public hearings in Phoenix, one on May 17and the other June 04.

Events...

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
El Tour de Mesa - Saturday April 6
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

March 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Feels like spring sprang suddenly

Added March 8, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Feels like spring sprang suddenly. The start temp for last weekend's ride was a full 20 degrees warmer than the week before. If you have been waiting for optimal biking weather, I believe it is here and will probably only last for 6-8 more weeks; let's enjoy it as much as we can.

Forty-five cyclists started their journey to the quarterly membership meeting from Kiwanis park. President Kevin efficiently led the first meeting of his first term while the Hungry Monk kept us well fed with warm food and friendly service.

Coming up...

Saturday, 03/09/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Midsummer Ride
This route was designed to seek out maximum shade on summer mornings when the sun is farthest north and most brutal. In the winter and spring, it's just another route, much like the others. It includes options of 28 miles with one short climb, or 38 miles with a couple of bonus climbs. Breakfast at Panera Bread at Guadalupe Rd and McClintock Dr. Sunrise: 6:47
Standard Route
Long Route

Saturday, 03/16/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Lucky 7's
The Lucky 7's route loops clockwise to the south, through the Wild Horse Pass casino/resort area and parts of Ahwatukee. The name plays off the mileage options of 27, 37 and 47 miles, plus the 2 casinos along the way. Breakfast is at AZ Bread Co at Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 6:38
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Route

Saturday, 03/23/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Foothills Training Ride
Ride with us on a loop through the Ahwatukee Foothills with options of 25 miles with a couple of gentle climbs, or 38 miles that will take you up 5 bigger hills. If you follow the spaghetti-bowl long-route map, you will have gone up and down all 5 approaches with no repeats and no U-turns. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co. on the SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 6:28
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

The Mining Country Challenge is just 10 days away and we still need volunteers. We could use more people doing the ride as well, so please spread the word. Visit the web site for links to register as either a volunteer or participant.

This should be the last time that I mention last year's Saturday Cycling survey. There may be a few more route revisions still to come, but there is one big decision that remains, and I wish that I had just asked it straight-out. That is: Should we change our June and July start time to be 6:00am? Currently we use 6:30am from May through August, but with the sun rising around 5:30 through the peak summer months, we could start earlier and still not have people rolling out in the dark. I'm not going to send out another survey over it but am asking you now to let me know what you think about the summer start time. Either tell me in person when you see me, or right now with an email reply.

Events...

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
El Tour de Mesa - Saturday April 6
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

February 23 Saturday Cycling Report

Snowcapped Peaks Against a Bright Blue Sky

Added February 28, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

There was a heavy frost on the ballfields in Kiwanis Park when 22 cyclists showed up to ride. My phone said it was 35 degrees as we gathered, and 47 when I got back to my van. It was another great day to ride, with awesome views of the snowcapped Sierra Estrella mountains against a bright blue sky. I noticed a lot of the all-year residents decided to pass and many of those who rode complained of the cold, while the part-time winter residents among us all showed up and enjoyed themselves. They came from places like Quebec, Wisconsin and Boston, but I think their comfort level had more to do with owning good cold weather gear, rather than been hardened by their northern homes. I own a pair of warm gloves that I only wear about twice a year and was glad to have them this time.

======== MARCH START TIME IS 7:30AM ===============

Coming up...

Saturday, 03/02/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Chandler-Pecos East
We're returning to the Hungry Monk for our Quarterly Membership Meeting, and a small change to this route will get us there. Breakfast is free for members; two free breakfasts are included in a family membership. Sign-in starts at 9:00 and the meeting begins around 9:45. Distance options are 28, 34 and 42 miles. The extra-long route sails east on Chandler Blvd all the way from Rural to Power, returning by way of Pecos. The shorter routes simply head over to Pecos a little earlier. Breakfast at The Hungry Monk on the north side of Chandler Blvd, just east of Dobson. Sunrise: 6:56
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

There are a couple more map modifications for the upcoming rides. This Saturday will be the 7th time that we'll be holding our quarterly membership meeting at the Hungry Monk using the Chandler-Pecos East route to get there. I had been penciling in the change of breakfast stop on the printed maps but had neglected to revise the return route to be Dobson to Guadalupe, which is how most of us have been going. Spence has incorporated this in RWPGS version, and the printed ones this week will be the newer version as well. I'm going to leave the pdf version on the web site as an AZ bread route since it's out there for any-day use by anyone.

The following week, The Midsummer Ride will be revised to use AZ Bread as the breakfast stop. RWGPS and the web site have both been updated with this change.

The information I provided last week about accessing maps on RWGPS was out of date. The simplified procedure is to visit RWGPS Club Page where it will tell you what to do. Turns out you don't even need to have a personal account on RWGPS to access the basic features.

El Tour de Mesa has been added to the events list.

Events...

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
El Tour de Mesa - Saturday April 6
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

February 16 Saturday Cycling Report

A Flat but Breezy Ride East on Length of Lindsay

Added February 24, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We had 42 cyclists for a flat but breezy ride east, as we continue to alternate between flat and hilly routes. I did a quick tally and found that 8 of our 14 routes are the flat variety. I need to map out some more climbing rides if I want to keep this pattern flowing in a regular rotation.

Although I announced a President's Day ride for Monday of this week, it was canceled due to weather at the ride leader's discretion.

Coming up...

Saturday, 02/23/19 8:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. 8th Street Ail
The extended-distance option includes an out-and-back that goes as far west as the road will take us, plus several steep hills including northbound 8th Street from Chandler Blvd to Desert Foothills Parkway. Breakfast is at AZ Bread Co. Sunrise: 7:04
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Saturday, 03/02/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Chandler-Pecos East
We're returning to the Hungry Monk for our Quarterly Membership Meeting, and a small change to this route will get us there. Breakfast is free for members; two free breakfasts are included in a family membership. Sign-in starts at 9:00 and the meeting begins around 9:45. Distance options are 28, 34 and 42 miles. The extra-long route sails east on Chandler Blvd all the way from Rural to Power, returning by way of Pecos. The shorter routes simply head over to Pecos a little earlier. Breakfast at The Hungry Monk on the north side of Chandler Blvd, just east of Dobson. Sunrise: 6:56
Standard Route
Long Route
Extra Long Route

Tid Bits...

If you are having trouble accessing the Ride With GPS maps, here is the procedure to follow as I understand it.

You need your own (free) Ride With GPS account
Use this link to request access to the PMBC Club account:
https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/3053/dIJ3y0r09H8EK6Vy
Use this link to get to the full list of PMBC maps:
https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/3053-phoenix-metro-bicycle-club/routes

That should do it. There are other ways to accomplish step 2, but they require a person's approval and will take longer.

It's time to save-the-date on June 21-23 for our annual Flagstaff Tour. Details and a registration link will be provided as we get closer.

Events...

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27
Flagstaff Tour – June 21-23

Have fun and ride safely.

February 9 Saturday Cycling Report

Creative Return Routes on a Sunny Mummy Mountain Ride

Added February 13, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

I counted 28 signed in on Saturday. That's a pretty low number for Mummy Mountain on a sunny day. I hear some of our regulars were touring in Palm Springs over the weekend; I hope that went well. We were warned about construction on Apache Blvd which was manageable but did not anticipate the unpassable closure of 68th street at the canal by Indian School. That corner definitely needed work, I just wish we could have at least walked our way around. Instead we backtracked to 56th and used a variety of creative return routes.

Coming up...

Saturday, 02/16/19 8:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Length of Lindsay
The Length of Lindsay takes us to the east, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Panera Bread on the SE corner of Guadalupe and McClintock. Sunrise: 7:11
Standard Route
Long Route

Saturday, 03/02/19 7:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Chandler-Pecos East
We're returning to the Hungry Monk for our Quarterly Membership Meeting, and a small change to this route will get us there. Breakfast is free for members; two free breakfasts are included in a family membership. The extra-long route sails east on Chandler Blvd all the way from Rural to Power, returning by way of Pecos. Distance options are 28, 34 and 42 miles; the shorter routes simply head over to Pecos a little earlier. Breakfast at The Hungry Monk on the north side of Chandler Blvd, just east of Dobson. Sunrise: 6:56

Tid Bits...

On Friday April 5th from 9-3 it will be time to gather together leaders, educators, planners, public health professionals, event promoters, and cyclists of all kinds to discuss current issues related to bicycling in Arizona at the annual Arizona Bicycling Summit. I've attended the past 3 years representing PMBC, but now I have a new grandson who takes up my Fridays. You're all invited. You can get details including the tentative agenda at: http://www.cazbike.org/summit2019/.

As I was running errands by bike on Monday, I noticed that Warner road in west Chandler has some bold green paint at various places in the existing bike lanes. Even though it doesn't change the cyclist's physical safety (they were already regulation-size marked bike lanes) there was something mysteriously comforting about it to me. I think it reinforces the assertion that bicycles really do belong, but in a nice, happy, colorful way.

Events...

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
AZ Bicycling Summit – April 5
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27

Have fun and ride safely.

February 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Sporadic Rain Missed Cyclists on Marco Polo Route

Added February 6, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We had 40 cyclists on the Marco Polo route. The sporadic weekend rain was kind enough to leave us alone all Saturday morning. It was a typically pleasant and uneventful ride, which is always a joy.

Coming up...

Saturday, 02/09/19 8:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain
A 40-mile loop with lots of climbing, or 31 miles with a couple of moderate climbs, takes us north into Scottsdale and around Mummy Mountain. Breakfast at AZ Bread on Elliot at Kyrene after the ride. Sunrise: 7:18
Standard Route
Long Route
Less-Climbing Long Route

Tid Bits...

The Rob Dollar Foundation has partnered with https://uphillintothewind.org/ to create a Share The Road license plate for Arizona. Part of the process involves a $32,000 fee. They have raised over 15% so far and need our help to meet the goal. You can donate at: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1144640089052258/608015702969071.

For the 38th year in a row, ABC is hosting the Desert Classic Century in the NW corner of the valley on Saturday April 22. We have a reciprocal agreement that gets PMBC members the ABC member discount. Arizona Bicycle Club - ABC.

Events...

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13
ABC's Desert Classic Century – Saturday, April 27

Have fun and ride safely.

January 26 Saturday Cycling Report

Last Saturday of January Marked end of Leisurely 8:30 Start Times

Added February 3, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Unless I misplaced a sign-in sheet, there were thirty of us on the last Saturday of January, which marked the end of our leisurely 8:30 start times. We on the standard route enjoyed a reasonably leisurely pace as well, but still managed to reach breakfast just a little ahead of the fast pack from the long route.

My phone says there's a 50% chance of rain and not much warmth this Saturday. The ride will still be on, but please chose your cycling outfit wisely.

+++++++++ 8:00 START TIME FOR FEBRUARY ++++++++

Coming up...

Saturday, 02/02/19 8:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Marco Polo
The 26-mile standard route goes east on Guadalupe for 12 miles, then loops back on Elliot. The 41-mile long route keeps going east all the way to Ellsworth, then heads a little further south before rejoining the Elliot return path. Breakfast at Panera Bread, McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 7:24
Standard Route
Long Route

Tid Bits...

In last years survey, 50% said they like the current system of switching between two cafes for our breakfast stops. Among those who had a preference, there was a 5:1 advantage for AZ Bread. Since then, those who prefer AZ Bread have continued to remind me; especially through the winter months when Panera stops serving breakfast before some of us get there. We rotate between 14 routes with an even 7:7 split of breakfast stops. I plan to change that ratio to 10:4 starting with one of our oldest routes: Mummy Mountain. It and two other maps bring us back from the north on College, essentially passing the start location on the way to Panera. There's no reason why those 3 couldn't just as easily use AZ Bread. We'll still use Panera for most of the routes that head east. The updated Mummy Mountain map should be posted to the web site soon.

Someone pointed out to me that the RWGPS version of the last weeks long route looked just like the short route. I discovered that I had paste the same link for both routes in the ride report. My mistake. Cartographer Spencer has been flawless so far in his effort to convert all our routes into this millennium.

Events...

Smart Cycling Class – Thurs 2/7 and Sat 2/9

Please register at Eventbrite

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13

Have fun and ride safely.

January 19 Saturday Cycling Report

Agreeable Winter Weather for St. Francis Loop

Added January 26, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

I heard that some of our regulars were off seeking snow and cold to practice their winter sports. The thirty-five who rode with us Saturday enjoyed a mild winter day, desert style. Another benefit of having such agreeable winter weather is that we get to meet newcomers and visitors just about every week. This time we welcomed two and we hope they come back and ride with us again soon.

Coming up...

Saturday, 01/26/19 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue
Tour de Sue is a flat loop to the south, with route options of 25 or 35 miles. Both routes include a good long stretch with no traffic lights. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co (SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot). Sunrise: 7:28
Standard Route
Long Route

Saturday, 02/09/18 8:00 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain
A 40-mile loop with lots of climbing, or 31 miles with a couple of moderate climbs, takes us north into Scottsdale and around Mummy Mountain. Breakfast at AZ Bread on Elliot at Kyrene after the ride. Sunrise: 7:18

Tid Bits...

The city of Chandler is updating their transportation master plan and are asking for public feedback. Three community meetings will be held and there is an on-line survey you can take. You'll find all the info here.

The January newsletter from the bicycle advocacy group Phoenix Spokes People has too many interesting items for me to list here, so I'll pass along a link and you can see it all for yourselves.

The Mining Country Challenge has been scheduled for March 16 and registration has gone live!

Here is the signup link for a fun sounding Poker Ride followed by a pizza party in north Scottsdale on March 31st. It is to benefit an animal rescue organization called Rescue.

Events...

Smart Cycling Class – Thurs 2/7 and Sat 2/9

Please register at Eventbrite

Mining Country Challenge – Sat March 16

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Spring Classic Poker Ride – March 31st
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13

Have fun and ride safely.

January 16 - Canada Week at the Queen Creek Olive Mill

A Couple of Photos

Added January 20, 2019

By Scott Barvian.

On Jan. 16 a group of 25 PMBC riders, many in Canada-themed apparel, toured the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area, with lunch at the Queen Creek Olive Mill during their "Canada Week" promotion. The quality of cycling in that area continues to increase, with many new neighborhoods and streets having bike lanes. Our route can be found on the RideWithGPS page.

Canada Week at the Queen Creek Olive Mill Photo 1

Canada Week at the Queen Creek Olive Mill Photo 2

January 12 Saturday Cycling Report

Lucky with Weather, Unlucky with Flats

Added January 16, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

We were lucky with weather, but unlucky with flats this past weekend. Forty-two cyclists enjoyed the flat lands to the east on Saturday morning. There were three flat tires that I know of; two of them were on the same tire but with different causes.

Later that day, rain snuck in under cover of darkness and then retreated in time for the Casa Grande Century on Sunday. Hundreds of cyclists started out on wet streets cutting through patches of thick fog that gradually gave way to a moderate, wind-free, awesome day to be rolling down the road surrounded by friends. I heard as many as 18 flats reported just in the first hour or two of riding; one of them was on my bike.

I hope everyone has cleaned the muck off their pretty bikes by now; I'll try to get to mine later today. I want to ride it on Wednesday this week and my weather app says I need to make room for a new batch of wet road grime.

Coming up...

Saturday, 01/19/19 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. St. Francis Loop
Both the 25-mile and 36-mile options include three moderate hills, taking you north through Papago Park, around the St. Francis Cemetery, and returning to Tempe via south Scottsdale. Breakfast at Panera Bread on McClintock and Guadalupe. Sunrise: 7:31
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS

Tid Bits...

PMBC has been invited to participate in Transportation Day on February 9th at God's Garden Preschool on Liberty Lane in the Ahwatukee Foothills. We had signed up to participate last year but had to cancel due to a lack of volunteer availability. We're looking for 2 or 3 cyclists to show off their bikes and talk to children about bicycling as transportation. It would be great to have a fully loaded touring bike, and a well-equipped commuter bike, or any bike that is used for getting around. Please let me know if you are willing and able to help.

We recently confirmed that the insurance for the Smart Cycling class covers both members and non-members for the same cost. If you know anyone who would like a class on safe cycling, please forward them the link below so that they can register. There is a fee to cover course costs.

Events...

Smart Cycling Class – Thurs 2/7 and Sat 2/9

Please register at Eventbrite

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13

Have fun and ride safely.

January 6 - 30th Annual New Year's Day Pinnacle Peak Pedalers Potluck Picnic

A Group Photo

Added January 6, 2019

By Scott Barvian. Photo by Walt Paciorek

First held in 1990, this picnic was created by the late Gurnelle Jones and Bob Prochaska. Roseann Wagner organized for several years before handing off to Gerry and Cindy DiMassa and Jerry and Rita Bricker this year.

Recent odd-numbered years have been cold, and this was no exception. The traditional morning ride from Usery Mountain Regional Park down to the Salt River was cancelled, and our small but hardy bunch wished each other a quick Happy New Year. If tradition holds, Jan. 1, 2020 will be warm and sunny.

Pinnacle Peak Pedalers 30th annual New Year's Day Potluck
(Photo credit: Walt Paciorek)

January 5 Saturday Cycling Report

Thirty-six Signed in for the Chandler/Gilbert Bronze Route

Added January 11, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Thirty-six signed in for the CG Bronze route. I was covering the standard route in Kathy's absence where we kept up a reasonably brisk pace making me among the first to arrive at breakfast for a change. I have received helpful suggestions from a couple of members about improving this route and plan to modify both the standard and extended versions, enough so that it might merit a name change too.

Coming up...

Saturday, 01/12/19 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop
With distance options of 28, 37 or 45 miles, this route will take you north through Tempe and then east through Mesa on McKellips Road, returning to Panera Bread for breakfast. Sunrise: 7:33
Standard route on RWGPS
Long route on RWGPS
Extra-long route on RWGPS

Tid Bits...

I am impressed with the Rob Dollar Foundation. I've seen them give free helmets to low income cyclists, visited their table at most every cycling related event in the valley where they were handling out lots of things but primarily it's always bicycle safety awareness. They've also posted a billboard along I-10 saying "SAVE A LIFE, GIVE 3 FEET TO CYCLISTS". We should thank them every chance we get and congratulate them for keeping the memory of Rob alive in such a meaningful way.

As we retrieved everything from the storage unit for the CGC, an old file box of useless archives was discovered. Most of it was extra copies of the Tailwinds Times, so I grabbed one at random to read over. The newsletter I got was "Vol VI, No. 4" dated April 1998 and covered five statewide chapters of GABA, though it listed contact info for 9 different chapters. Here are some other items of note:

The PMBC president was Roy Kopel. Jemma Kopel was treasurer.
Bob Prochaska was leading the "Sun Lakes Bicycle Club" Saturday ride.
Kokopedallis rides were every Sunday
The Saturday breakfast ride from Kiwanis Park was flagged as NEW, and was led by Sue Fassett (now McFadden). I tried to call her, but the phone number given, like the name, was no longer in service.
The quarterly membership meeting was to be a catered picnic at Usery Pass, "Free to GABA members who stay thru meeting", where they were going to discuss the possibility of changing our club affiliations.
Dick Landis himself was leading the Answer to the Challenge.
Forty people rode the Mining Country Century on a cold rainy Sunday.

Events

Casa Grande Century – Sunday, Jan 13

Volunteer here!

Smart Cycling Class – Thurs 2/7 and Sat 2/9

Please register at Eventbrite

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13

Have fun and ride safely.

December 29 Saturday Cycling Report

South Mountain on a Cool Winter Day

Added January 6, 2019

written by Ken St.John

Hello Saturday Cyclists!

Happy New Year Saturday Cyclists!

In last year's survey, twenty-three respondents said we should go ahead and do South Mountain in the winter, so it makes sense that twenty-two cyclists signed in to take on the mountain on a cool winter day. With the right pair of gloves, some ear covers, layering on the torso and bright sunshine, the cold was not a problem. Two new Saturday Cyclists and three new bicycles made their first trip to the towers this time. There's nothing like steep climbs to spread out the group. By the time we final three long-route riders got to AZ Bread, everyone else had already eaten and left!

There were 48 cyclists on the Rewound Tour of Mesa on the previous Saturday. Focus on the holidays caused me to miss sending a ride report last week and is now causing me to not remember much about the ride, other than I know we had fun.

Coming up...

Tuesday, 01/01/19 8:30 am, Tortilla Flat and End of Pavement
Neal and Lenore will be leading this ride from The Old West Highway and Apache Trail (take Idaho Road off the 60). This annual ride has gone by the wayside with the terrible road to Tortilla Flat. The road is now new. Let's get the annual ritual going again. It starts at the Antique Store. The ride is out and back with 42 miles to the End of Pavement or 31 miles to Tortilla Flat. It is a gorgeous ride.

Saturday, 01/05/19 8:30 a.m., Kiwanis Park. Chandler/Gilbert Bronze
Gilbert and Chandler are each Bronze level bicycle friendly communities. We'll ride through both communities with route options of 25 or 35 miles. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co. at the SE corner of Kyrene and Elliot. Sunrise: 7:33

Tid Bits...

The Casa Grande Century is less than 2 weeks away. Volunteers are still needed!! You'll find the sign-up link below.

The Eventbrite registration link for the Smart Cycling class is now live. There will be a classroom session the evening of Thursday Feb 7, and an on-road session on the afternoon of Friday Feb 9. There is a $25 fee to cover the course materials and other expenses. Both sessions will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 6400 W Del Rio St. in Chandler, which can be reached by taking McKemy south from Ray Rd.

Events

Casa Grande Century – Sunday, Jan 13

Volunteer here!

Bike MS Arizona – March 30-31
Arizona Bicycle Classic – Saturday April 13

Have fun and ride safely.