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The Hub Archive – 2011

December 24 Saturday Cycling Report

Two Santas Lead Out Pack on St. Francis Loop

Added December 25, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

The cold temp at start time reduced our herd of reindeer to 42 bundled up pedalers this morning. The team was led out by not one but two Santas, you can just never have too many Santas. A few miles of cranking it out got everybody warmed up, and the romp around town was motivated by visions of hot coffee or cocoa (no sugarplums) waiting at Paradise for us.

Coming up...

Monday 12/26/11 8:00am Desert Breeze Park. Need to pedal off those holiday treats? Spin Cycle invites the pack to join them for a post feasting romp on the Germann/Hunt Loop. Route options of 33 miles or 42 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Paradise, southeast of I-10 & Ray. Desert Breeze Park is in Chandler on Desert Breeze Blvd, southeast of Ray & Rural Rds.

Saturday 12/31/11 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We say good-bye to 2011 with romp south on the Tour de Sue. Route options of 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Monday 1/2/12 8:30am Desert Breeze Park. Spin Cycle invites all for a holiday romp around town, actually thru a lot of towns, on the Metro Mania route. Options of 36 miles or 42 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest of Rural & Ray.

Saturday 1/7/12 8:30am Kiwanis Park. If you've resolved to ride your bike more in 2012, start it off right with a roll around the Tour de Mesa. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Paradise, southeast of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 1/14/12 8:30am Kiwanis Park. We had north to Mummy Mountain, with route options of 31 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles with some additional climbs. Breakfast at Einstein’s, northwest of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

And to help motivate you with all those miles you plan to pedal in the coming year, come join our OLC (on-line club) for a bit of competitive, or just for the heck of it, mileage tracking. If you aren't familiar with the Bike Journal site, head to www.bikejournal.com. The basic mileage log is free, or for a few bucks you can become a member of the site with some additional perks. Add your profile to our club (Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club) and as the year rolls by you can compare your miles to others in our group as well as with cyclists across the nation. At the ding of midnight on New Year's Eve, everybody's mileage will reset to zero, so let the games begin!

Ride safe.

December 17 Saturday Cycling Report

84 Cyclists Appear for Foothills Training Ride

Added December 17, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

We had 84 cyclists appear at the park for our romp over to the foothills this morning. The just after sunrise chill gave way to a perfect day to be out riding. The group did manage to stay together on the same route for at least the first few miles of the adventure, before splitting off into each gaggle's preferred direction of travel. Most eventually found their way back to AZ Bread, where the caffeine, carbs and catching up commenced.

Coming up...

Wednesday 12/21/11 7:00pm. Disclaimer: The following is a personal invite from Neal Thomas, and is totally and completely not a PMBC club hosted event. And yes, that is an evening start time. Neal is offering up a night pedal around south Tempe to check out holiday lights. Start point is Zips (sports bar) at the northeast corner of McClintock and Ray. Adorn your bike and/or yourself with holiday lights and head out for a gently paced 20 mile ride to check out neighborhood light displays. If you plan to join in this romp, let Neal know.

Saturday 12/24/11 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Don your red and green, your antlers and your jingle bells, it's Christmas Eve. For all the good boys and girls, we'll be doing a figure eight loop up through town on the St. Francis Loop. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing to keep you warm. Breakfast after the ride at Paradise Bakery, southeast of Guadalupe and McClintock.

Tid bits

Do you remember your high school chemistry? Calories burned equals heat. What does that have to do with cycling? If you're riding in winter weather, it has to be factored in to how you dress. When you're standing in the parking lot waiting for the ride to start, if you aren't shivery, you're over dressed. Cover all your bits where heat is lost... finger tips, toes, ears, knees, scalp, instead of heavy layers on your torso. A vest or a wind breaker that can later be stashed in a pocket is perfect for most of our winter ride days here in the valley. Don't you just love Arizona? Go call your relatives that live in Minnesota and tell them about your ride this morning.

Ride safe.

2012 PMBC Officers

Officer Election Results and Thank Yous

Added December 14, 2011

written by Glen Fletcher

Below are the officers for 2012 nominated and confirmed during the December Membership Meeting. Good Luck to all of them and thank you for volunteering.

President :		Ken St. John
Vice President :		Kevin Peffley
Treasurer :		Wendell Hollinshead
Secretary :		Jennifer Siart

Lastly, the entire board would like to thank Ron Waller and Mike Kirk for their 4 years of service as officers. Your dedication and support of PMBC and the biking community is truly appreciated.

December 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Tour de Lindsay and Election Results

Added December 11, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

We had 66 cyclists manage to find sign-in this morning, while dodging oodles of runners appearing for the Sally Meyerhoff run. Both events got underway at the same time, fortunately headed in different directions. The pack rolled out, with some riders following something resembling the mapped route, while others made a bee-line to the breakfast spot. For those that missed the show (also known as our quarterly meeting), the tightly contested election was settled rather rapidly when it was announced we only had one nominee for each officer. Jenn Siart stays on to keep on writing as our secretary, Kevin Peffley steps in as keeper-of-the-members as our vice president, we're giving the checkbook to Wendell Hollinshead as our treasurer, and Ken St. John has bravely offered to lead the line as president. To Ron Waller, who has pulled the club along for the last four years as president, thanks for all Obi-Ron, take a sleigh ride at the back for awhile, you deserve it!

Coming up...

Saturday 12/17/11 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Foothills Training Ride, with options of 25 miles with one gentle climb or 38 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Saturday 12/17/11 4:00pm to 6:00pm Holiday Party! See Notices for complete details. Location is D.Vine Bistro (northwest corner of Ocotillo & Alma School), cost $15 per person.

Tid bits

At this holiday time of year, we're reminded that... mean people suck at any time of year. For those that drive to the park to join us, keep in mind that bad guys sometimes notice that we arrive, leave our cars parked there, then pedal off. Don't leave tempting valuables in view in your car. (You would think having a police substation in the park would help, but apparently not!) Somebody's getting coal in their stocking.

Ride safe.

December 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Clear Skies Turn Stormy for 7th Annual Free Ride

Added December 3, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

We had 90 riders ignore dire weather warnings and turn out for what looked like it might be an awesome morning for our 7th annual Free Ride today. The group rolled out under clear skies and sunshine, but were later treated to wind, rain, sleet, and hail. Knowing they had a delish line up of BBQ waiting for them back at the park, everybody slogged on, arriving at the end damp, chilled, and road gack splattered. Our SAG drivers all seemed quite pleased to have volunteered to spend the ride in nice warm vehicles, and the rest stop crew gleefully carried out their duties with a bit of assist from enhanced hot chocolate. A huge thanks to ride leader Glen Fletcher for pulling together another memorable event for the club.

Coming up...

Friday 12/9/11 7:00pm to 9:00pm Performance Store, Ray & Kyrene. It's PMBC night at the Performance store! Free food, 15% off anything you buy (including bikes!), and hanging out with all your cycling friends. Now THAT's a happy hour.

Saturday 12/10/11 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Keeping with our theme of free food for this week, it's time for our last quarterly membership breakfast meeting for 2011. Location will be Jason's Deli, southwest of Price & Frye Roads. Ride there from Kiwanis Park on the Tour de Lindsay route, or meet us there at 10:00am. Breakfast is free for all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. We'll be holding our epic annual election of officers, which you definitely don't want to miss!

Saturday 12/17/11 4:00pm to 6:00pm Holiday Party! See Notices for complete details. Location is D.Vine Bistro (northwest corner of Ocotillo & Alma School), cost $15 per person.

Tid bits

Planning for our club events, both rides and social gatherings, is a challenge when we don't know how many people to expect. Are you joining us at the not-to-be missed holiday party coming up on the 17th? If so, tell us. Head to the website, sign-up now. How about the Casa Grande Century on January 8th? We're a month out from that ride, but it's time for the club to make decisions now about food, supplies, etc. Feeding the masses is an adventure, even before you factor in having no guess at the head (or tummy) count.

Ride safe.

November 26 Saturday Cycling Report

Round Up of Thanksgiving Trio of Rides

Added November 27, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

Thanks to Mike Kirk and MaryEllen Coe who stepped into the pedals of rider leader for our club rides for the last three days!

On Thursday we had 50 riders show up for our pre-ride before everyone sits down to their Thanksgiving Day Feast. The morning had heavy cloud cover and the temperature was much cooler than expected. The group headed out for our annual Tour of Lehi at various speeds with many riders making creative changes in the route possibly based on how much they planned to consume for their Thanksgiving dinner. A good portion of the group did manage to make it to Einstein's for a breakfast snack to hold them over until they could get totally wrapped around their Thanksgiving feast wherever it may be. Over breakfast numerous stories were exchanged on the planned Thanksgiving feast they planned to partake later in the day.

Friday brought out 45 non-shoppers for our loop to the southeast. Most of the group made a pit stop at McFadden's McMansion (Ron and Sue's new patio home) for a tour of a cycling room done to extremes.

Mr. Kirk advises this morning found him staring into a group of 68 Eskimos huddled around their bikes on a very cold morning, but ready to meet the challenge of finding their way around the Tour de Mesa. There was some minor confusion as to where the group was to assemble for breakfast since the map mentioned Einstein's and the website indicated Paradise Bakery. The was quickly settled by making it a clear either establishment was okay. The group quickly departed the park and everyone seem focused on getting around the route in the shortest time possible which was potentially due to the cool temperatures. Once the sun warmed everybody, the pace seemed to return to normal. Our group displayed many happy conversions with a great deal of laugher at breakfast so our Saturday ride was deemed a success per the equation, cyclists + good ride + food = Success!

Coming up...

Saturday 12/3/11 8:30am Pioneer Park, Mesa. Come join us for the 7th annual Free Ride! PMBC hosts this event every year as a thank you to our members and as a celebration of cycling. All riders are welcome to join in, sign-in opens at 8:00am, no ride fee. Route options of 25, 40, and 60 miles, with a great post-ride BBQ back at the park. See the website for complete details. There is no club hosted ride from Kiwanis Park in Tempe on this date.

Saturday 12/10/11 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Keeping with our theme of free food for this week, it's time for our last quarterly membership breakfast meeting for 2011. Location will be Jason's Deli, southwest of Price & Frye in Chandler. Ride there from Kiwanis Park on the Tour de Lindsay route, or meet us there at 10:00am. Breakfast is free for all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. We'll be holding our epic annual election of officers, which you definitely don't want to miss!

Saturday 12/17/11 4:00pm to 6:00pm Holiday Party! Location is D.Vine Bistro (northwest corner of Ocotillo & Alma School), cost $15 per person.

Tid bits

Though we are a recreational club, we occasionally have members take on and answer the challenge of much more intense cycling related events. A shout out goes to Bill Shea for pedaling his way around the 111 mile course at Tour de Tucson this year in 4:56 and also to Rick Sarmento who not only finished the recent Ironman event but did so in a not too shabby 14:06.

Ride safe.

November 19 Saturday Cycling Report

55 Riders Find Way Through Chaos on Mummy Mountain Route

Added November 20, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

The siren call of the Tucson rumble reduced the home team to 55 riders this morning. We enjoyed perfect weather for our romp up into Scottsdale, and on the way back in managed to find our way through the chaos of the warm-ups for the Ironman event tomorrow and early arrivers for the ASU game. (Which made for a very interesting blend of people strolling the streets!)

Coming up...

Thursday 11/24/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Our annual tradition continues, with a pre-feast romp over to the quiet streets of Lehi. Route options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Friday 11/25/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Just say no to shopping, and pedal off that pie, with a route to the southeast. Details on this adventure will appear when we have them figured out.

Saturday 11/26/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa takes us to the northeast, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Paradise, southeast of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 12/3/11 8:30am Pioneer Park, Mesa. Come join us for the 7th annual Free Ride! PMBC hosts this event every year as a thank you to our members and as a celebration of cycling. All riders are welcome to join in, sign-in opens at 8:00am, no ride fee. Route options of 25, 40, and 60 miles, with a great post-ride BBQ back at the park. See Major Events for complete details. There is no club hosted ride from Kiwanis Park in Tempe on this date.

Saturday 12/10/11 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Keeping with our theme of free food for this week, it's time for our last quarterly membership breakfast meeting for 2011. Location will be Jason's Deli, southwest of Price & Frye in Chandler. Ride there from Kiwanis Park on the Tour de Lindsay route, or meet us there at 10:00am. Breakfast is free for all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. We'll be holding our epic annual election of officers, which you definitely don't want to miss!

Tid bits

Thanksgiving approaches. As cyclists in general, there's a long list of things we should give thanks for. Bike lanes, sunrises, CO2 guns, coffee, etc. But more specifically, what do members of PMBC have to be thankful for? How about the people that make the wheels turn in the club?

Glen Fletcher, who with a unique blend of humor and discipline has kept our Sunday morning Spin Cycle group rolling for the last 9 years.

Jane Larson, Kathy Mills, and MaryEllen Coe-Harry, our trio of ever patient ride leaders for the Sunday morning Kokopedallis flocks of new and gentle riders.

Terric Tina Miller, who has offered up a series of socials for the club, which have become not-to-be missed gatherings.

Terry Wright, our webmaster extraordinaire, the glue that unites us as a group by running an awesome site.

And our officers for 2011, Ron Waller, Ken St.John, Mike Kirk, and Jenn Siart, who have put in oodles of hours NOT cycling so that rest of us can ride.

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." (Spoken by a great athlete!)

Ride safe.

November 12 Saturday Cycling Report

Prez Waller Leads Home Team on Tour de Mesa

Added October 25, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

Thanks to prez Waller for leading the home team yesterday. While he was doing that, some of our members made a difference on a Make A Difference Day by participating in the Jim Stenholm ride to raise funds for the 100 Club and some either worked at or participated in the Soldier's Ride to raise funds for the Wounded Warriors Project. Both of those are great events, and both will return again next year, hopefully not on conflicting dates. So many rides, so few dates to jam them all in!

Coming up...

Saturday 10/29/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to South Mountain, with route options of 24 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 38 miles with moderate climbing, or 39 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene. A reminder to those that pedal to the park, sunrise on this date will be about 6:40am, light yourself up.

Saturday 11/12/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us south, with options of 28 miles or 36 miles, with no climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

Don't you just love eating at AZ Bread? The owners love us eating there, too. But their neighbors, not so much. The mailbox store to the east of AZ Bread has sent a message, asking cyclists to stop parking bicycles up against their store front. Even when the store appears to be closed, customers have key access to enter and retrieve mail from their boxes. Please park your steed either in the bike rack on the sidewalk or along the west side of AZ Bread. Interesting how those jerseys with our club name in giant letters across the tummy really get the word out about who we are, in both positive and negative ways.

Ride safe.

October 15 Saturday Cycling Report

Perfect Weather for St. Francis Loop

Added October 16, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Added September 25, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

Our last September morn of the year had us scooting out of the parking lot ahead of the POP walkers. (For some reason the guys in the group didn't want to linger and collect their free examine being offered at the Power Over Prostrates or whatever that acronym stands for.) When the pack learned their mission was to time their arrival at the breakfast stop for about 90 minutes after we rolled, negotiations immediately were under way to plot various abbreviated routes, with some much more abbreviated than others.

Coming up...

Saturday 10/8/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Foothills Training Ride takes us into the Ahwatukee/Foothills area. Options of 25 miles with one gentle climb or 38 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Saturday 10/15/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes us on a figure eight route up thru town, with the emphasis on "up". Options of 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast stop is a new spot for us, NCounter, which is on the southwest corner of Mill & 3rd, just south of the train tracks in downtown.

Tid bits

The membership meeting was the usual fun with a bit of business tossed in here and there. For those that didn't attend, some announcements you missed are:

The Memorial Ride For Safety, typically held in October, has been cancelled for 2011, possibly to be rescheduled in March 2012.

Our next shipment of PMBC clothing will arrive this week and be available for purchase next Saturday (10/1) morning before Saturday Cycling. If you would like something, zing an email to President Waller and let him know your size so he can be sure to have it on hand. If you get your request in to him before Saturday, your cost will be reduced 10%. He'll confirm for you the price when you contact him, and you can bring a check (or exact cash) next Saturday morning for the purchase. If you can't appear next Saturday morning, sort that out with the prez.

Ride safe.

September 17 Saturday Cycling Report

Rambunctious Runners and Construction Chaos on Ride to South Mountain

Added September 17, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

We had 84 riders manage to find our relocated sign-in spot this morning, as we were sharing the parking lot with oodles of cars bringing rambunctious runners in for a charity event. The only casualty in the melee was the latest in our long series of club floor pumps, this one biting the dust by way of being run over by a rather large truck. (Bob from the Performance store suggested we could try claiming "manufacturer's defect" for the slightly squashed pump, but we're not sure that's gonna fly.) We eventually got under way, slogged thru the construction chaos in Guadalupe and then over to South Mountain Park and back. Does the traffic on Baseline seem even worse than it was last spring? Yikes.

Coming up...

Saturday 9/24/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Time for our quarterly membership breakfast and meeting, which means FREE FOOD! Location is the Home Town Buffet in Scottsdale, which is on the northwest corner of Scottsdale Rd and Bellevue. We'll be headed there from Kiwanis Park on a tweaked version of the MidSummer Ride, with route options of 25 miles or 38 miles. Breakfast is free for all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. If you're meeting us there, aim to arrive about 8:30am.

Tid bits

A tip of the helmet to Stacie Harrison for the following heads up.

"There was a great article in the paper this morning about bike safety. I thought you might want to consider sharing it in your ride recap."

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2011/09/17/20110917arizona-bike-safety-plan.html

A bit gloomy to wade thru, but some interesting stats. Possibly the best sound bite to take away is "Generally, crashes occur when bicyclists act unpredictably or they or motorists disobey traffic rules." Hmm... like maybe cyclists not stopping for red lights during our Saturday morning rides? Riding more than two abreast and/or straying out into the traffic lane instead of staying to the right side? Making left turns that result in auto traffic having to brake? We have no control over motorists disobeying traffic rules, but we most definitely can increase our chances of safe pedaling by our own actions on the road. Along with your goals of riding faster or farther, add "live to ride another day".

Ride safe.

ADOT Planning Projects that Arizona Bicyclists Should Follow

By Bob Beane, President, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists

Added September 17, 2011

Until about two years ago, when I became president of the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, the portions of ADOT activity that affected bicyclists were a mystery to me. Well, at times, they are still a mystery. But, I can honestly say that the CAzB has been invited to the table to provide input in several meaningful efforts in the last few years. And, that participation has lifted the curtain on some aspects of how things happen in our state. What I have found is that, if we stay engaged and active, we can make a difference.

But, there are only so many of us with so much time to review, discuss and comment. And, we only live in certain places and are aware of a certain basket of issues as a result. So, I am reaching out to the AZ bicycling community asking some of you to become more involved...represent your club, your community, your riding buddies or just yourself as a commuting or touring bicyclist. Get a bit more involved. Get up to speed on a few active programs that are in progress, think about the issues and concerns you have and provide some ideas and constructive input.

There are two planning projects currently in progress that Arizona Bicyclists should follow. Via these projects, every AZ bicyclist has some potential opportunity to affect access and safety on state roads and highways in Arizona. So, if you have contributions to make, your first step is to know about these programs, what they are trying to accomplish, who is working on them and how to register your input.

ADOT Bicycle Safety Action Plan (Recommendations and Next Steps to Improve Bicycle Safety in Arizona) – This plan is partly in response to the fact that in 2008 Arizona ranked 9th highest in the nation for bicyclist fatalities per million residents. Also, between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008, there were 1,089 recorded bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. This plan is very data-driven in that it will emphasize addressing locations and causes identified from the above statistics/incidents. Potential improvements are expected to come from the following: (1) engineering solutions, (2) education of bicyclists and motorists, (3) improving enforcement of laws and regulations. The goal is to reduce the number of crashes by 12% by 2018. How ambitious this goal is depends on what happens with population, development and numbers of bicyclists riding on state roads in that period, but it is never-the-less a goal of reducing crashes by 26 per year. As background information, a location analysis indicates that most of the high-frequency spot locations are freeway ramp intersections or frontage roads. However, three of four segment locations (stretches of road) where crash frequencies are high are in Flagstaff. Only 2 of the top 15 segments (rated by crashes per mile per year) are in Maricopa County, and only 5 of the top 15 are Maricopa or Pima County...most are in the mid-sized communities around the state. The plan seeks to strengthen accommodation requirements when engineering projects, recommends a Complete Streets policy and more bike-friendly freeway interchange designs and stresses both education and enforcement improvements with respect to both motorists and bicyclists. People working on this plan include ADOT staff, a consulting firm (Kimley-Horn and Associates), FHWA staff and a few selected advocates (CAzB being one) around the state.
ADOT Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update – This plan review and update is intended to continue guidance for the ADOT Bicycle and Pedestrian program. The current update is likely to set a tone for more equal footing for bicyclists and pedestrians in roadway design and construction. It will approach that goal, in part, by seeking input from bicyclists and pedestrians as to wants, desires and unmet needs related to use of those modes instead of motor vehicles. There may be specific recommendations regarding changes to AZ laws, ADOT policies, design guidelines and other challenges to the "status quo". And, education and enforcement recommendations will almost certainly be included. People working on this plan include ADOT staff, a consulting firm (Kimley-Horn and Associates), FHWA staff and a number of bicycling, walking, health, livable community, law enforcement, transportation and other advocates (including the CAzB).

As opportunities for public input are scheduled, ADOT will be communicating those to a variety of constituent representatives, one of which is the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists. The CAzB will, in turn, make a best effort to inform the Arizona bicycling community of those times and means of providing input.

But, you don't have to wait.

For more information on these programs, as it becomes available, you may visit ADOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian program website and/or contact Michael Sanders.

If you want to support the ongoing efforts, but don't feel that you have the time or expertise to comment, rest assured that the CAzB will be deeply involved in both of these projects. Your memberships and donations help us maintain our overall ongoing efforts (note that we are a non-profit 501 c 3...board members and officers are unpaid volunteers...but, we do have a paid Executive Director who works 30+ hours per week and we have other expenses to support our advocacy and education efforts on your behalf).

Hotter 'N Hell Hundred Endurance Ride

Brian Buckmaster Recounts his HHH-100 Adventure in Wichita Falls, Texas

Added September 17, 2011

written by Brian Buckmaster

An event named the "Hotter 'N Hell 100" may sound intimidating, but it is one of the largest and most popular endurance bicycling events in the country. This year was the 30th anniversary edition of the event which came about as a way to celebrate the Wichita Falls' Centennial, beating out a proposed marathon rocking chair contest! Fortunately, the century ride won out. The event has grown into a three day affair, consisting of a Bike Expo, Science of Cycling Seminars, USCF races (criterium and road race), 10K and half marathon trail runs, and of course the endurance rides: 25 mi, 50 mi, 100K, and the 100 mile event. So, what's it like riding the HHH-100?

I've ridden a number of centuries, some had more challenging courses such as the Mt. Hamilton Challenge and the Tierra Bella in California; some were faster, such as the Casa Grande Century, and of course, there's the Tour de Tucson for sheer size. But for the overall experience, the HHH-100 beats them all! Where else can you get treated to an Air Force Fly-By at the end of the playing of the National Anthem? At $30, it is also one of the best deals I've seen in a long time.

This year, over 14,000 people registered for the various events, so in terms of sheer size, it's a major undertaking. There are only about 3000 hotel/motel rooms in the vicinity and most are booked way in advance. But there are some host families willing to share their homes, and there are RV spaces and room for camping. One word of advice: If you want to do this ride, don't even think about camping! Unless you've been a guest in Sheriff Joe's Tent City, you're probably not going to get much rest when it's 104 in the evening before the ride.

Due to the excessive heat, the organizers opened up the course an hour earlier for those who wanted to get a head start and get to Hell's Gate before it closes at noon. Hell's Gate is located at about mile 60 and if you don't make it before they close, you'll be diverted to a shorter route. I chose to wait for the official start in order to take in the whole experience – the National Anthem, the fly-by of T-34 Talons from nearby Sheppard Air Force Base, the boom from the start cannon and of course taking off with everyone under the start kite!

The course is relatively flat and is well monitored by support vehicles and local law enforcement. There are well equipped rest stops every 10 miles or so; towards the end the rest stops are more frequent – a good thing! The ride can be deceiving – I covered the first 50 miles in 2 ½ hours, which isn't bad for a 60 year old from Sun City! But the challenge comes later in the ride. Like at about mile 70. That's when you really start to feel the heat! We rode through neighborhoods where people were spraying water from their garden hoses – I took every opportunity to ride through the water spray!

With 30 miles left to go, I started feeling the fatigue and the heat. The air was dry and hot and when I tried to get down on the drops, I could feel the heat radiating up from the pavement. I felt like a steer on a spit that was rolling along on two wheels. I filled my Camelback four times and I also had a water bottle containing a diluted mix of Gatorade and pickle juice (to ward off cramps), I also had energy gels and a Cliff Bar. By mile 75, I filled my Camelback for the last time and felt I had enough water/fuel to finish the ride without stopping. But the heat was really getting to me. I noticed other riders were having difficulties – some were wobbling, a few simply pulled over and lay in whatever shade was available. I was seeing more sag vehicles filled with riders being ferried back to the Finish.

I decided to hit every rest stop and it was a good thing I did. At the last stop, I plopped down in a chair and immediately downed two cups of iced Powerade. As I sat there, listening to the people around me, the conversations turned into random noise and I started to feel detached from my surroundings. There was another glass of Gatorade, which I drank, and I forced myself to stay in the chair despite the little voice inside, urging me to get back on the bike! Finally, after about five more minutes, I got up, found my bike and continued on.

With about 3 miles to go, I flatted. Fortunately, there was a church parking lot with shade trees, and I stopped under one to fix my flat. Nearby, another rider was sitting in the shade trying to work out leg cramps. I fixed the flat with no problems and continued on. It was a relief to see the city skyline again and drop down into town and ride under the Finish Kite! My Garmin indicated an elapsed time of 5:55 and change. My official time was 5:55:55. There were at least 3425 riders who completed the 100 mile event (some riders were lumped in a category called "Not Specified"), but based on my time, I beat 2/3 of the entire field; there was no breakdown by age groups as in the past.

Here I am on my Waterford early in the ride. Note the matching paint scheme and jersey!

September 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Reasonably Cool Air for Tour de Mesa

Added September 11, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

A Press Release

Added August 9, 2011
written by Kathy Mills

PRESS RELEASE

August 1, 2011

Contact: Kathy Mills, On-site Coordinator, Cell 480-235-5052

For immediate release:

Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists Hosts League of American Bicyclists Instructor Certification Course

The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists is sponsoring a League Cycling Instructor course in Gilbert, Arizona September 9-11, 2011 by James Harms of Tucson and Fred Meredith with the League of Arizona Bicyclists (LAB).

The training will prepare experienced cyclists to teach others the series of LAB courses on bicycle skills and safety for children and adults. The courses that will be covered include: Traffic Skills 101, Traffic Skills 201, Commuting, Motorist Education, and Kids I and II. The courses cover topics such as performing a bicycle safety check, how to operate and bicycle safely and legally, fixing a flat tire, crash avoidance, commuting, and others. Technical knowledge is not emphasized in the instructor course so it is essential that participants bring common solid background knowledge of cycling.

Benefits from taking the course include quality instruction on teaching cycling safety and skills, being listed on the League website and database, and general liability insurance through the LAB. There are currently 39 Certified League Cycling Instructors in Arizona, as listed on the League's website: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/course_schedule.php.

The course needs at least 10 people registered by August 10, 2011 (30 days prior). Pre-requisites for the instructor course include completion of the LAB's Traffic Skills 101 course, membership with the LAB at $40 per year, and registration prior to the class to allow time to receive materials and take the pre-test. The registration fee is $200 for the Seminar and includes all course materials including the book "League Guide to Safe and Effective Cycling," "Enjoy the Ride" DVD, and instructor manual. To register and find out more details, go to http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/instructors.php or call the LAB at (202) 822-1333 or Email theLAB.

If you need to take the pre-requisite Traffic Skills 101 course, contact League Cycling Instructors in your area who are listed on the LAB website or contact Kathy Mills at 480-235-5052 or email Kathy Mills to schedule a class in the Phoenix area prior to the instructor seminar.

For questions, call Kathy Mills, On-site Coordinator in Phoenix at 480-235-5052 or Email Kathy Mills or Seminar Trainer James Harms at 520-241-5556 or Email James Harms.

August 6 Saturday Cycling Report

Ninety-One Sweaty Riders on Tour de Mesa

Added August 7, 2011

Tour de Sue Draws 63 Slathered and Sweaty Cyclists

Added July 17, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

We had 63 cyclists duke it out for space at the start in Kiwanis Park this morning, which was being over-run by runners. We distracted them with a rumor of free RedBull being handed out at the south end of the park, while we made our own mad dash escape out the north end. On arrival at the breakfast stop we asked the owner to turn on the patio misters, which she said she was hesitant to do because they were drippy and we might get wet. This spoken to a group of cyclists that have just arrived slathered up and sweaty. Silly people.

Coming up...

Saturday 7/23/11 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Lehi, with options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at either USEgg or Someburro's, southwest of College & Baseline.

Saturday 8/6/11 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa takes us to the northeast, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

A newspaper journalist appeared at the start this morning, asking questions about people who don't let the heat discourage them from being active outdoors. She seemed stunned that we would purposely go out and pedal our bikes around for several hours here in the summer. She asked "When is it too hot to ride?" and that one stumped the group momentarily, but the answer that several riders offered up was "Never". The real answer to that one is, it depends. Have you spent the last 6 days moving from cool indoor spaces to your a/c'd car and back? If the only time you're active outdoors is on Saturday or Sunday mornings, then you'll have to be your own judge about when it's too hot to pedal. Stay aware of how you feel during the ride, and head in when before you cross the line of not feeling well. Getting over-heated isn't a quick fix, it can take you 48 hours or so to recover. Just tell everybody you have to scoot home early to catch the Tour de France broadcast, always a perfect exit strategy in July!

Ride safe.

July 9 Saturday Cycling Report

Another Toasty Day for St. Francis Loop

Added July 10, 2011

written by Sue McFadden

Hi All!

Thanks to Jules for leading the holiday herd last Monday. She reports we had 52 riders turn out for that day's Tour de Sweat.

This morning we continued that warm theme, with 63 riders rolling out into the already toasty day. A photo journalist from the AZ Republic turned out to snap a few pics of the crowd, to accompany an article about people who don't let the heat discourage them from being active outdoors. She drove out on the route, in her nicely ac'd car, to take some action photos, so hopefully she noticed the group of people doing some kind of boot camp up in north Tempe. We'll ride our bikes in the heat, but only really goofy people run laps and do calisthenics in this kind of weather!

Coming up...

Saturday 7/16/11 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us south, with options on Queen Creek Road or Riggs. 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Saturday 7/23/11 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Lehi, with options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at either USEgg or Someburro's, southwest of College & Baseline.

Tid bits

If your insulated water bottle with a PMBC logo returned to the park without you this morning, it's now chilling out in our lost and found. Instead of waiting for DNA results, zing the ride leader a note to reclaim it and we'll just take your word for it that it's yours.

If anybody found a new pair of black Pearl Izumi gel gloves, please also let your ride leader know, unless they fit you just right, then too bad for the original owner.

And last, considering how popular the club's rental bike shipping cases are, this might be of interest to somebody. Mike Litecky is helping a friend sell a hard side bike shipping case, similar in style to the ones the club has for rent. Asking price is $75, and they're offering it to PMBC members first before offering it up to the universe. If you're interested, zing a note to Mike Litecky.

Ride safe.

July 2 Saturday Cycling Report

Foothills Training Ride Draws 80 Riders on Hottest Day of the Year

Added July 4, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Added April 24, 2011

submitted by Charlie Davis

McDowell Cycling took this video of their adventure on PMBC's 2011 Mining Country Challenge held on March 19th, 2011.

April 23 Saturday Cycling Report

Easter Eve Adventure to Mummy Mountain

Added April 24, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 73 riders appear under overcast skies this morning for our Easter Eve adventure. The group headed north, managing to stay sort of on course until we detoured around the construction on Oak, and then it downgraded into following anybody that looked like they might have any idea of where to go. We gathered back up at the first regroup, but then scattered again on various versions of the short route, the medium route, the "let's go this way" route, and the long route. Most of the group eventually made it's way back in to the bagel shop.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/30/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Mesa heads to the northeast, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

The club has been receiving suggestions that we occasionally use a start point some where other than our typical spots to start a club ride. We have riders that want us to host rides that are in the Usery Park area, or up in the north part of the valley, or all sorts of other places. After much deep thinking, the board has suggested we do that for some of our holiday rides this year. Perfect! Now all we need is somebody to take on the duty. So, the call is out for a volunteer to think up an adventure for the club to do on Monday May 30th (Memorial Day) and act as ride leader for that day. The start point can be anywhere, but we're hoping it's someplace on the outer edges of our typical pedaling range. Start time on that date will still be 7:00am. We'll need two route options, something in the 25 to 30 mile range for the standard riders, and then more like 40 to 45 for the long route. Having a place to eat and socialize back towards the start/end point for post ride gathering would be great. If you haven't acted as ride leader before, it's a pretty easy gig, we'll provide the sign-in sheets, you provide the maps, and then you get to tell everybody where to go! If you would like to step up for this duty, or if you would like to take on a holiday ride for later this year, zing a note to Sue McFadden.

Ride safe.

April 16 Saturday Cycling Report

Roll to South Mountain

Added April 17, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The giant Pat's Run event drew of some of our club members away this morning (apparently even non-runners can slog along for 4 miles), reducing our herd to 60 cyclists. A gentle tailwind on the roll over to South Mountain cranked up the pace even for the gentle riders. Arrival at the StoneHouse at S Mt Park revealed a pile of gravel where the restrooms used to be. Do they have any idea how many cyclists have clackity clacked over that stone entry way over the years? A part of local cycling culture, the potty stop on the way to the Towers. Hopefully they'll rebuild something that retains the same appearance (but not the scent) of the historic structure. Patio dining at AZ Bread was so popular that many of the indoor chairs made their way outdoors.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/23/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We're headed north to Mummy Mt, with route options of 31 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles some extra climbs. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 4/30/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa takes us to the northeast, with route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

Bike week is here, with Wednesday April 20th being promoted as Bike to Work or School Day. Let's upgrade that to Bike To Where Ever You Need To Get To Day. Weekend club riders sometimes miss the point that a bike is an excellent method of transportation. If you ride 25 miles with us on Saturday mornings, how many of the spots on your driving agenda during the week could you reach on a bike? There are a number of events going on Wednesday morning, but for our members that are in the Tempe area, come joins us in escorting Mayor Hugh to work. Meet up point is the Whole Foods store, northwest corner of Baseline and Rural, at 7:00am, free breakfast munchies and t-shirts. Cycling with your friends, free food, free swag, and awesome weather? Perfection.

Ride safe.

Should Bike Lanes be Added to Cornville Road?

Add Your Vote to the Tally

Added April 17, 2011

written by Bob Beane

If you follow this link to the Verde Valley News online newspaper, you can go to a poll (scroll down and look on the right side) that asks whether Yavapai County should include bike lanes in its reconstruction of Cornville Rd. Please add your "yes" vote to the tally and share with any other cyclists you know.

Having these bike lanes would provide excellent connectivity between Hwy 179 and 89A allowing local cyclists both improved commutting and recreational/training routes. It would also open the door to routes for metric century/century events that would be much more safe, could be big draws within AZ (and eventually on a national level) and which would help the local economy in the Verde Valley.

Thx!

Bob Beane

April 9 Saturday Cycling Report

Three Riders Splat Off Into the Unknown

Added April 10, 2011

An Arizona Department of Transportation Press Release

Added March 18, 2011

For immediate release: March 16, 2011
Contact: ADOT Media Relations
or - 1-800-949-8057

Phoenix - Tight budgets mean tough decisions, and looking out to 2016 can be a challenge. ADOT has released its Tentative 5-Year Program, which lists how ADOT plans to spend its allocated budget over the next five years. Transportation is funded by you, the people who use its services, so your input is critical.

Visit http://www.azdot.gov/Index_Docs/Headlines/index_031111.asp to review and comment on the Tentative Program, along with information about how to read the Program document, and a special video message from ADOT Director John Halikowski.

ADOT needs your voice, Arizona, and thanks you for participating. Please provide your comments by June 3, 2011.

Three public hearings also are scheduled so citizens can comment before the program is finalized:

9 a.m., Friday, March 18, 2011, Sahuarita
Town of Sahuarita Council Chambers
375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Sahuarita, AZ 85629

9 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2011, Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation
Auditorium 206 S. 17th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ. 85007

9 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2011, Flagstaff
City of Flagstaff Council Chambers
211 W. Aspen Ave.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

The State Transportation Board considers all written and spoken comments before adopting the tentative Five-Year Program in final form. Transportation affects all of us. Don’t miss these opportunities to share your views.

March 12 Saturday Cycling Report

Ever Present Headwind on McKellips Loop

Added March 13, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 73 riders appear yesterday, a gorgeous morning for riding. After picking our way carefully through the devastation that used to be College Ave, we enjoyed the cruise up through the university campus. After almost losing one rider down into the storm drain at Curry & 68th, the group made the turn east onto McKellips into the ever present headwind there. The pack spread out, selecting various points to turn back south depending on how quick they got tired of fighting the wind, which was pretty quick for some. The Family Cafe earned points for having seating room for us, and great food, but they seemed a bit overwhelmed by the herd. Our group tends to have that affect on food places.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/19/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. For those not headed to the Mining Country adventure, we'll be taking a kinder and gentler roll to the quiet streets of the Lehi Loop. Route options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is southwest of Baseline and College, at either Someburro's or USEgg.

Saturday 3/26/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes on a figure 8 up thru town (and yes, across the apparently permanently demolished Oak St) with options of 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner McClintock & Guadalupe.

Saturday 4/2/11 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the start time change! If you aren't romping around Mesa on the PBAA's event ride this date, head south with us on the Tour de Sue. Options of 24 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner of Elliot & Kyrene. For those assisting with the City of Chandler's family ride on this date, we'll roll out with SatCycling, then peel off from the group part way out and head to the City's ride.

Tid bits

A cycling law of physics: The mass of an automobile and the mass of a bicyclist can never occupy the same spot in the universe at the same time. Awesome local athlete Sally Meyerhoff died early this week, because of that. The details of how that moment in time came to be for her don't change the outcome. Yesterday we had two riders make the decision to take to the road literally, bailing off their bikes, because they knew they could not be in the same place at the same time as a car. They took the unknown risk of hitting the asphalt, trading it for the known risk of impacting a car. That decision was thrust upon them, but many times cyclists place themselves in scenarios that tempt that law of physics. Riding through red lights and rolling past stop signs without even giving a nod to slowing. Only in the movies can the laws of physics be tweaked. In the real world, trying to do so often ends with negative results. Live to ride another day.

Ride safe.

March 5 Saturday Cycling Report

Romp to South Mountain

Added March 6, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 59 riders remember the earlier start time and find the slightly relocated sign-in spot for this morning's romp to South Mountain. A gentle tailwind nudged up the pace for the roll over, but extracted it's price later as a headwind reduced cadence for the return. Spring has finally sprung, with the patio at AZ Bread once again being the perfect post-pedal spot.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/12/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. We're off to the northeast on the McKellips Loop, with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, each with a bit of gentle climbing. Breakfast will be a return to an old location, with a new name, at the Family Cafe (previously Neighbor's Cafe), northwest corner of Guadalupe and Alma School.

Saturday 3/19/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. For those not headed to the Mining Country romp, we'll be taking a kinder and gentler roll to the quiet streets of the Lehi Loop. Route options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is southwest of Baseline and College, at either Someburro's or USEgg.

Tid bits

The core group in our club, the riders that have been appearing every week for many years, are aging like fine wine. (Or, in a few cases, maybe more like stinky cheese.) You know the basics, and if you don't by now, your doctor probably reminds you once a year. Keep your weight down, let go of stress, find a physical activity that you enjoy doing and do it often. Have you noticed that when a reasonably fit cyclist has their gear on, it's sometimes hard to guess how old they are? Cycling will keep you young at heart, both literally and figuratively.

Ride safe.

Cycling in Georgetown, Texas

Former PMBC Member Describes His Cycling Experience in Texas

Added February 27, 2011

written by Brian Buckmaster

Many of you who knew me don't know that I've moved away. After living twenty years in Arizona, it was time to move on, so in mid December, Susan and I sold our house, packed up our belongings and moved to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas. It's been a couple of months now – I've joned the Sun City Cycling Club and have gone out on a number of rides, both solo and with the club. I thought I'd take a moment and tell you what it's like to ride out here.

I had heard all sorts of horror stories about cycling in Texas; even Lance Armstrong had a few bad encounters with motorists. So it was with some trepidation that I took my Waterford out on a solo jaunt outside the confines of Sun City, where the major hazards are deer running across the road, and golfers in their carts as they head to one of the many courses here. It has been a couple of months now and I have to say that so far I have had no unpleasant encounters with motorists here. Whether this is due to Lance Armstrong's influence (his home town of Austin is about a 40 minute drive south of Georgetown), I cannot say, but I have found motorists here to be extremely pleasant! One thing I have yet to get used to is waving back at them; it seems that waving as you pass by is pretty much expected behavior here.

So what is it like riding out here? Well, there are a lot of country roads with little/no traffic and they take out past ranches and farms, with a few scenic old towns in between. These towns were settled by Czechs, Germans and other immigrants during the turn of the century. Riding through one is like going back in time. On one ride, I discovered the town of Walburg – a small German community that has a restaurant that's supposed to offer good German cuisine. The town is small – population is 59 – and 1 old grouch:

I suppose there's a story there and maybe one day I'll learn what it is, and perhaps meet the old grouch. But on this day, I was in a hurry to get back and beat the rain.

Today was a special one – I took my two road bikes to Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop in Austin. I had an appointment and I had read about the shop in today's paper. I needed to have some minor adjustments done and this was the perfect excuse to visit the shop. In case you don't know, Mellow Johnny's is Lance Armstrong's shop. If you didn't know when you walk in, it soon become apparent – there are seven autographed yellow jerseys hanging on the wall. Go downstairs to the Bike Fitting and training room and you'll see a half dozen or so bikes from Lance's collection – bikes that he raced on or just rode around town... As I walked around I thought back 20 years ago, when I came to work for Motorola, the year the 7-Eleven bike team became Team Motorola.

One evening, the team came to Mesa for some sort of PR event and several of us cyclists scored tickets to attend the event. I was hoping to meet my hero Andy Hampsten, and I did – I met the whole team and got everyone of them to autograph a Motorola team jersey that I brought. I met and talked to each team member, including this young rookie from Texas that I never heard of before. Didn't think he'd amount to much because he was a tri-athlete and a strong swimmer – too much upper body mass to be a good cyclist, or so I thought... But I got his autograph anyway. For years, that jersey hung on the wall in Pat's Cyclery in Mesa – I had the jersey and pictures of the team framed and gave it to my friend Don Patterson, who did a lot of kind things for me over the years. My, how time goes by quickly!

Anyway, I'm here in Texas, and this is where I will stay. The folks are friendly, the climate more temperate and the barbecue is pretty good too! But I have many fond memories of so many rides out there in Arizona. Should any of you come out this way – give me a call, or send me an email – I'll show you around. Bring your bike and we'll go for a ride!

Brian Buckmaster (512) 948-7105.

February 26 Saturday Cycling Report

A Rocky Quest to Free Eats on Mummy Mountain Route

Added February 27, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even solid overcast at dawn didn't keep 81 riders from appearing at the park for our quest to free eats this morning. We rolled out, dodging several running and walking events going on around town. Our romp across Oak was a bit rocky, leaving us to ponder if the crews there are actually trying to see just how rough they can make the surface. The breakfast meeting was the usual combination of entertainment (who knew cyclists could moon walk?) with a few items of actual business.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/5/11 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Note the change of start time! We'll head over to South Mountain to see if the wildflowers are out. Route options of 27 miles with a little gentle climbing, 38 miles with moderate climbing, or 39 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

Leo Roger's family is extending an invite to his friends in the club to join them in a celebration of his life. The gathering will be next Saturday (March 5th) at 10:00am at the Dobson Restaurant. For complete details about the event, head to Leo's website at www.leosarticles.com. If anybody is interested in pedaling there as a group, we can meet up back at Kiwanis Park at about 9:15am to head over together.

If you didn't know Leo, or did and these kind of get togethers just aren't your cup of tea, your assignment for that morning is instead to simply ride your bike. Attack the Tower road or just take in the wildflowers. Feel the sun (yes, it will be sunny that morning) and the wind and revel in the ride. Got it? As Leo would say, "Roger that".

Ride safe.

February 19 Saturday Cycling Report

Forty-two Riders Brave Threatening Clouds on Research to Oak

Added February 19, 2011

Added January 23, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 75 cyclists appear for a chilly start at the park this morning, but as the adventure progressed, it mellowed into a great day to be out riding. Jack effeciently got the first flat of the day before we even rolled out of the parking lot, followed a few miles later by one of our visitors from Wisconsin going ka-blooie as we headed up Hardy. The cheese-head guy (that would be the visitor, not Jack), seemed happy as a clam standing in the sun changing his tire, mentioning that it was 10 degrees back at his home at that moment. Perspective is a wonderful thing.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/29/11 8:30am Kiwains Park. South Mountain, with route options of 27 miles with a gentle climb, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots climbing. Breakfast at Az Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

For our start-time challenged members, a reminder of our departure times through out the year appears to be in order. Tattoo this on your wrist or at the very least post it on your fridge:
January 8:30am
February 8:00am
March 7:30am
April/May 7:00am
June/July/August 6:30am
September/October 7:00am
November 7:30am
December 8:00am

Ride safe.

A Wish to Ride with Friends

Photos from Make-a-Wish Foundation Event

Added January 17, 2011

written by Bob Beane

In December, several PMBC riders participated in a Make-a-Wish event for 14 year-old Dan Gutierrez, whose wish was to be able to ride a bike with friends. Thanks to our riders who participated, and to Sterling Baer of the CAzB and Not One More Cyclist (who is fluent in Spanish and communicated with Dan and his family for all of us), for making this event what the Make-a-Wish folks had hoped it would be...a very special day for a young man who smiled a lot and who just would like to ride a bike and be a normal kid.

January 15 Saturday Cycling Report

Riding Around in Circles, Hither and Yon, Over the Hills and Back

Added January 16, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Sunrise at about 10 degrees warmer than the last couple of Saturdays brought the herd out of hibernation this morning, with 81 riders appearing for our romp to the foothills. We ran short of maps before all got signed in, which wasn't really an issue for this particular route. The group managed to stay on the mapped course for about 4 miles out before shifting into D.I.Y. mode, spreading out like an invasion of bedbugs on the unsuspecting community. After everybody got tired of riding around in circles, hither and yon over the hills and back, we headed back in towards home base. Discussion at breakfast ranged from whether our club should get a group discount from the local knee specialist to why Geno had tire-tread marks on his tongue after the morning's ride.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/22/11 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Mummy Mountain route gives us options of 31 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles with some additional climbs. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Tid bits

When we head into the Foothills area to pedal, the group is often reminded in advance to be on their best cycling behavior. The villagers of Ahwatukee have the pleasure, and pain, of living in what has become cycling Mecca for road bikes in the area. They grow weary of cyclists who ignore the rules of the road, impeding traffic and blowing thru stop signs. We share the road, we don't own it, and if we expect to be treated with respect, we must earn it. On all Saturday morning rides, no matter where we're romping, the rules are the same. Riding with 80 riders focuses the community's attention on us. We want that to generate pride, not irritation. We're the ones that are supposed to have a pain in the butt because of cycling, not the car drivers.

Ride safe.

January 8 Saturday Cycling Report

Pondering Lehi on Tour de Lehi

Added January 9, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Either we're getting used to the low temps or it was a bit warmer today for the 51 riders who braved the brisk air at the start. We rolled out to the east, pretending that the sun we were facing was helping loosen things up. Part of the group stopped to check out the bell tower in Lehi, making us ponder what things might have looked like at that corner in 1877 when the thing was plunked there. At breakfast there was much discussion about the CGC tomorrow (Casa Grande Century) and how best to take on that adventure. There seemed to be an even split between the "let's roll as soon as they'll let us out of the parking crowd" (who apparently enjoy risking frost-bite on their butts) and the "let's wait till 9am to saunter" group whose butts will be much warmer (but who risk arriving at the lunch stop when pickings are a bit slim).

Coming up...

Saturday 1/15/11 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Foothills Training Ride takes us to the into the Ahwatukee/Foothills area with options of 25 miles with one gentle climb or 38 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyene.

Saturday 1/29/11 8:30am Kiwains Park. With the hope that milder temps will have returned by this date, we'll roll over to South Mountain. Route options of 27 miles with a gentle climb, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots climbing (and a bone-chilling down-hill). Breakfast at Az Bread, southeast of Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

Last Saturday, when the temp was just dang uncomfortable, part of the group bailed from the selected route and made a bee-line to warmth and hot drinks. This morning some of the us took the time to take in a historic pit-stop along the way. Why did we do these things? Because they were fun things to do. We are recreational cyclists, and our prime directive is to enjoy ourselves. There are many great benefits to riding a bike, such as calorie burn, increased fitness and all that. But in the midst of trying to keep up with the lead riders, getting stressed about interacting with traffic, and dealing with the elements, don't lose track of the point that you're supposed to be having a good time. Relax, grasshoppers, and enjoy the journey.

Ride safe.

January 1 Saturday Cycling Report

Number of Riders Equals Morning Temperature on McKellips Loop

Added January 2, 2011

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 32 cyclists appear at the park this morning, which was just the perfect number, because it matched the temperature as we rolled out. Our romp to the northeast, which included dodging a few spots of ice on the road, was gradually slowed by a gentle breeze that kicked up a bit by the time we reached the regroup. Nothing like adding wind chill when the temp is hovering right above freezing! A revolt, led by the ride leaderess, aborted the mapped route and most of the group headed back in along Rio Salado towards hot drinks and mexy food.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/8/11 8:30am Kiwanis Park. On the day before the Casa Grande, a gentle roll around the Tour de Lehi. Route options 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner McClintock and Guadalupe.

Tid bits

We have a number of members who are now free, by choice or by chance, to pedal during the week. We're also drawing more and more riders from the southeast valley, as the population spreads that way. We've been asked if the club is willing to host more ride groups, somewhere in the southeast valley, on week days. The answer to that question is no, not at the moment. We've got Watukee Wheelers going on Wednesday mornings, that's it so far. But we do have an invite from another riding host that is just what some of you are looking for. Ed Dressell is inviting PMBC members to join the "Monday, Wednesday, Friday Ride". This is a blended group, drawing participants from PMBC, CAZB, ABC, Brumby's, LAB and other local organizations. Ed advises they're a moderate paced group, 17 to 20 mph average. Mileage varies, but is never less then 30 miles with one break. Start/finish is the Kmart at Lindsay and Main, start time is 9:00am. For more info, you can zing Ed Dressell a note.

Ride safe.