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Spin Cycle Report

End of Year Wrap-Up

Added January 1, 2009

written by Glen Fletcher

It's been a year already - wow how time fly's. Spin Cycle enjoyed another great year of riding, with many of our old time riders (yes, I mean old!) and new riders joined us during the year. We had the highs of South Mountain and lows of Sacaton. We had upwards of 51 riders and as low as 1 lonely rider during our weekly rides. We rode in the blazing sun and frost of winter, and never once complained, well, ok, most of you complained, but that is what makes it fun.

Thanks for making it another great year, look forward to pedaling with you during the new year.

Ride Schedule

1/4/2009 - 8:30 AM - NOTE START TIME FOR JANUARY - Germann-Hunt Loop - Mileage options of 33 or 42 flat miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at the Chandler Mall.

1/11/2009 - 8:30 AM - Casa Grande Century or 32 miler or 62 miler ride. See Major Events for details - Meet at Safeway Parking Lot - Alma School & Chandler Heights.

1/18/2009 - 8:30 AM - Tour de Queen Creek - Mileage options of 25, 35, 38, 40, 44, or 50 miles - all flat. Breakfast at Paradise Bakery - Ray & Price.

1/25/2009 - 8:30 AM - Tempe Mountains - Out to Rio Salado & then to McDowell road for some slight climbing. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles, with the climbing on the longer route. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

December 26 Saturday Cycling Report

52 Warm Hearted Riders Brave 31 Degrees at Start of AhwaFooty Route

Added December 26, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even 31 degrees at start time didn't deter 52 warm hearted riders from appearing for our romp this morning. Hugs were popular at sign-in, with everybody trying to suck the body heat out of their friends. Once we got rolling, it wasn't too bad, or at least we were numb enough that it seemed OK. A quick circut of the foothills was done, then a mad dash for indoor seating and hot drinks at breakfast.

Coming up...

Friday 1/1/10 8:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! Start your year off right, on the seat of a bike. We head out on the McKellip's Loop, with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 1/2/10 8:30am Kiwanis Park. We loop around town to the north on a figure eight on the St. Francis Loop. Route options of 26 miles or 36 miles, moderate climbing on both. Brunch after the romp at SomeBurro's, southwest corner Baseline & Mill. You knew we would get that lucky bean burro in there somewhere, right?

Saturday 1/9/10 8:30am Kiwanis Park. If you're joining us on Sunday January 10th for the Casa Grande Century, then this Saturday morning is a rest day for you. We'll accomodate that by taking a cruise to the quiet streets of the Tour de Lehi, original route. Options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 1/16/10 8:30am Kiwanis Park. We're off to South Mountain Park, with route options of 24 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 36 miles with moderate climbing or 39 miles with lots of climbing (and a bone-chilling downhill!). Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Kyrene & Elliot.

Tid bits

Making a New Year's resolution to pedal more? A great way to motivate yourself is to log your miles. Many of our club members use the www.bikejournal.com site to do that. The basic service is free, which allows you to track how you are doing, and lets you see how you compare to not only the rest of our club but also to other riders around the country. (Not that we're competitive or anything.) If you register there, link yourself to our club (Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club) and join us in the annual quest to top the other clubs on the site. Everybody's mileage log will reset to zero at the end of the year, so let the games begin!

Ride safe.

Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists Offers Traffic Skills 101

Premiere Street Bicycling Program Taught by LAB Certified Instructors

Added November 15, 2009

submitted by Ed Beighe

All classes are offered FREE of charge, but registration is required. Select a class from those offered below, then Register. The classes listed below are given in Phoenix.

Traffic Skills 101 - Offered January 23, 2010 and February 20, 2010.
This one-day class is our Nations' premiere street bicycling program taught by instructors certified by the League of American Bicyclists. Learn the basics of bicycle and helmet fit. Learn state bicycle laws. Learn how to predict and prevent crashes, and how to bail out as a last resort! Learn how to operate your bicycle in a skillful and confident manner, in any traffic -- any time! This class is designed to be of value to new and veteran cyclists. Classes begin at 7am and finish at 5pm. Location-AmeriSchools Academy, 1333 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

Traffic Skills 101 w/Bike Maintenance - Offered December 5, 2009 (optional second day: December 6).
As above, plus the optional second day program includes bike maintenace, flat repair and lubrication module. Classes begin at 7am and finish at 5pm. Location-AmeriSchools Academy, 1333 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

Traffic Skills 101 by & for Women w/Maintenance - Offered March 6, 2010 (optional 2nd day: March 7).
Traffic Skills 101 taught by and for women only. The one-day curriculum is the same as TS-101, above. A History of the Bicycle- A Woman's Perspective is also presented. Classes begin at 7am and finish at 5pm. Location-AmeriSchools Academy, 1333 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

Visit the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists for course and registration information.

November 14 Saturday Cycling Report

Rain Didn't Deter 73 Riders on Tour de Mesa

Added November 15, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

You would think a pretty solid rain in Tempe a half hour before the start time would discourage the herd, but we still had 73 riders appear for our damp adventure this morning. We stalled a few minutes, then headed out to the east, aiming for a clear spot on the horizon. That didn't work quite as planned, as the clouds swirled around to follow us, but we just kept moving, trying to ignore the ominous skies. Those that lingered over hot drinks at the breakfast stop were treated to a free bike wash as the rain caught up with the group there.

Coming up...

Numerous Gaggles of Riders on AhwaFooty

Added October 24, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The draw of the Ride For Safety in the north part of the valley reduced our home team to 61 riders this morning. We triumphantly rolled out of the park, and the first flat occurred within about a block. After getting underway again, we made it about two blocks past that, to the Guadalupe/I-10 over-pass, before another bike decided it just didn't see the point to making that climb and rebelled by way of its rear derailer curling around into the rearwheel. The cyclist atop this steed did get high marks for a beautifully executed leap for his life, landing on his feet. These points of interest at the start of the romp split the field into numerous gaggles of riders, which never found each other again, but all seemed to enjoy their personal route selection in the foothills. The new Crackers location was great, with the minor exception of a really slick polished floor, leading to a few cleat dances. Hey, breakfast and a show, you can't beat that!

Coming up...

Saturday 10/31/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We'll be heading out just after sunrise for a spokey (as opposed to spooky) roll over to boo-tiful South Mountain. Ride options 27 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 38 miles with moderate climbing, or 39 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Saturday 11/14/09 7:30 Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa, with options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

Today was National Make A Difference Day. We had some club members volunteer their time to staff a rest stop at the Ride For Safety. They didn't ride, so that others could, and so that funds could be raised to make cycling in Arizona a safer thing to do. One of our riders this morning stopped at the cyclist memorial on Pecos Road, to spiff it up and remove trash. We have an entire squadron of club volunteers lined up to assist with Tempe's community bike ride tomorrow morning. They're giving up their usual Sunday morning romp so that we can help introduce local residents to the joy of cycling. Simply opting to ride your bike somewhere as transportation instead of driving a car, makes a difference. We, as cyclists, have the power to make a difference daily, not just one day a year.

Ride safe.

October 17 Saturday Cycling Report

The McKellips "It's Hot Again" Wind Loop

Added October 18, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 83 cyclists appear for our "it's hot again" ride this morning. The group managed to make its way up thru Tempe before the crowds assembled for the Kush run, then turned east into a headwind. The reward for slogging across the top of the loop into the wind, was the tailwind assisted rollicking romp back into town. We seemed to be the only ones at Einy's this morning, maybe everybody else was staying home in their air conditioning.

Coming up...

Saturday 10/24/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The AhwaFooty route gives us options of 24 miles with one gentle climb or 35 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast at Crackers located southeast of Elliot & Priest (56th St), in the Costco parking lot, about a block east of Priest. Note, if you haven't checked out this Crackers location yet, it's much larger than the original, and we have a large private room reserved just for our loud sweaty herd.

Tid bits

It's event ride season, and the cycling calendar is full to over flowing. We post most of the major ones on our website, to help you try and keep up with the flow. The Memorial Ride For Safety is upon us next Saturday. Following that we still have the Heart of Arizona Century, the McDowell Mountain Century, Tour de Tucson, and numerous other assorted romps. Yes, they all cost money (with the exception of our Free Ride in December!). Some channel a percentage of your fee to charity, some are fund raisers for cycling organizations. But what they all have in common is that they are grand adventures to try. Gathering together with a large number of cyclists, pedaling roads you might not normally travel, enjoying the paradise known as Arizona in the fall... what could be better than that? It might seem odd to pay to pedal, when we do so every day for free, but toss in some mid-ride cookies at a rest stop and post ride hoopla laughing it up with hundreds of other people that just accomplished what you did, and you'll begin to understand the draw.

Ride safe.

October 10 Saturday Cycling Report

Shivers Running Through the Pack

Added October 11, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our first cool start of the fall had shivers running through the pack this morning. You would think 87 riders jammed into a small parking lot would generate their own heat, but after we got under way most of the group warmed up. (Or maybe that was hanging in the cloud of hot air created by the riders in the lead talking so much that got things cooking?) In any case, the romp over and down Lindsay was lovely under overcast skies. On arrival at our pit stop Great Harvest, we were awed to discover oodles of seating and a tempting display of carbs enticing us. Many in the group who lived within a few miles of this tucked away gem expressed surprise that it was even there. A place with caffiene and scrumptious baked goods that the local cyclists don't know about? Hard to fathom.

Coming up...

Saturday 10/17/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The McKellips Loop offers route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner of Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 10/24/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Ahwafooty route takes us into the Ahwatukee and Foothills area, options of 24 miles with one gentle climb or 35 miles with moderate climbing. Another new-to-us breakfast stop, at Crackers located southeast of Elliot & Priest (56th St), in the Costco parking lot, about a block east of Priest.

Saturday 10/31/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We'll be heading out just after sunrise for a spokey (as opposed to spooky) roll over to boo-tiful South Mountain. On the way in and out of the park, we'll scoot by Scorpion Gulch, a local ghost town... so keep an eye out for scary things (other than the typical scary sight of people dressed in lycra!). Ride options 27 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 38 miles with moderate climbing, or 39 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

Terrific Tina (our social director Tina Miller) has been fielding some questions about how people are to pay for the holiday bash that is posted on the club's website for December. She says "Show me the money!" or something along those lines. If you are attending, zing an email to Tina Miller to RSVP with the number in your party and then sometime before the date, hand her your moola live and in person. If you don't know who Tina is, ask. She promises not to go holiday shopping with the money she collects.

A quick reminder, traffic code requires that if you are cycling before legal sunrise time, you need lights. As we pedal into the end of the year, keep an eye on sunrise versus the time you roll out your door to come join us on Saturday morning. Low cost combo packages of white head-light and red blinky tail-lights are sold at most of the local bike shops. Get legal, get lit, get to the park alive. See how nicely that works?

Ride safe.

Ride safe.

"How Will a New Bike Change My Life?"

Monday 9/7/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. It's a holiday and if you don't have to labor on this date, come with us to Mummy Mountain. Route options 27 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles with a few additional climbs. (Yes, Galvin Parkway will probably still be under construction on this date, we'll just wing it!) Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

Ever since we appointed a social director for the club last year, we have gotten so... sociable! If you're staying in the nice warm valley for the Labor Day weekend, in addition to pedaling all three days, come join us for some excellent gelato that Sunday afternoon, along with a bit of bike gear swapping. On Sunday September 6th, 3:00pm, the pack gathers at Dolce Luna Gelato, which is at 4647 E. Chandler Blvd in Ahwatukee (Phx). That's at the southwest corner of 48th St and Chandler Blvd. Join PMBC for sweet treats as we escape the heat at our Ice Cream (Gelato!) Social & Swap Meet. (This is an Italian cafe and they also offer acohol, if you want to do some holiday celebrating in the afternoon!) Have a cycling geat item you no longer need? Bring it with you to sell or swap. Due to limited space, size of the item should be no larger than a bike wheel. Please RSVP for this event to Tina Miller or (480)385-9969.

Ride safe.

August 15 Saturday Cycling Report

Detour Version of Mummy Mountain Route

Added August 16, 2009

Added July 15, 2009

written by Glen Fletcher

A Special Spin Cycle Ride Report. Thanks to Carter for leading the group this last Sunday. Below is his ride report. A picture says a 1000 words, he did very well...

Thanks Carter.

This ride report is best expressed with a chart:

2009.07.12 01

July 11 Saturday Cycling Report

Saturday Cycling and White Mountain Tour

Added July 15, 2009

Added May 30, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 85 riders appear for our last romp of the spring season. (And yes, that does mean we switch to summer hours of 6:30am next Saturday!) We managed to make it about one mile into the route before the first flat of the day, but it was a gorgeous morning even for standing around on a sidewalk working on a bike. Some fluffy clouds flitting about kept the temp down, making for perfect conditions for the climbs along the way. A few people said they were fairly sure they stayed on the actual mapped route for the entire ride, but that seems doubtful on the DIY Mummy route. At breakfast congratulations were offered up to Jack G. who, after being a cyclist for 20+ years, has just learned how to clean his bike. Never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. :-)

Coming up...

Saturday 6/6/09 6:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE CHANGE OF START TIME! And its time for FREE FOOD! Join us for PMBC's summer quarterly membership ride and breakfast meeting. Roll out with SatCycling on the Length of Lindsay, with routes options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is at Home Town Buffet, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen in Chandler. Breakfast is free to all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. If you are joining us at the restaurant, aim to arrive there about 8:30am. Our club clothing queen Cindy advises that our latest order has arrived. If you have pre-ordered clothing, or want to buy, we'll have those items available at the meeting.

Tid bits

Non-cyclists ponder how we can possibly ride on the streets, with the danger of cars being right at our elbow. What they don't realize is that cars are not our greatest risk, vehicles actually come in at about third place. We are our own worst enemies. Cyclist into cyclist wipe outs are the most popular way to get injured on group rides, followed closely by creative solo manuevers that result in departing from your bike when you weren't planning to. When pedaling in a group, keep in mind you're in a group. Simplistic, but essential. If you need to stop during a ride, for any reason, get yourself off the road. Being run over by the cyclists behind you is a pain, literally. When you are rolling, no matter what else is going on, stay focused on the fact that you are in motion on a bike, and that motion doesn't stop if you get distracted. Arriving at the breakfast stop with tire tread marks across your torso usually results in having to do some explaining, which can be avoided by riding with care.

Ride safe.

May 23 Saturday Cycling Report

Misting Rain at Sunrise on Quest to South Mountain

Added May 23, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

A bit of misting rain at sunrise didn't deter 72 riders from joining in on the quest to South Mountain this morning. The tailwind assisted romp over kept everybody fresh for the climb, even tempting one of the recumbent riders up to see what the Towers look like (he says he's 'bent, not broken). That oh so helpful wind from the roll out set us up for a challenging ride back, with everybody earning their breakfast.

Coming up...

Monday 5/25/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Have the day off? What better way to spend it than on a route that the entire pack usually gets lost on! In memory of Buddy, what else would we do? Buddy's Route, also known as the original verison of the AhwaFooty area, one mapped route of about 30 miles (bonus miles if you take in some scenic off-course rambling). Breakfast at Paradise Bakery, southwest of Ray & 54th St.

Saturday 5/30/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Our last spring romp, we head to Mummy Mountain. Route options 27 miles with moderate climbing or 40 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner McClintock & Guadalupe.

Saturday 6/6/09 6:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE CHANGE OF START TIME! We switch to our summer hours and, to tempt you out of bed early, its time for FREE FOOD! Join us for PMBC's summer quarterly membership ride and breakfast meeting. Roll out with SatCycling on the Length of Lindsay, with routes options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is at Home Town Buffet, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen in Chandler. Breakfast is free to all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. If you are joining us at the restaurant, aim to arrive there about 8:30am. Our hard working club volunteers remind you that if you arrive before the club's sign-in table is set up for the event, please wait for it to appear before entering the restaurant... or feel free to pay $8 to eat!

Tid bits

We had a traffic law enforcement zone set up during the ride today. A few riders asked why. Here, perfectly worded by someone else, is why.

And on an entirely different and much more upbeat note, Prez Waller wants to bless one of our existing club members with a free year's membership extension. This is just because he is a really nice guy and has nothing to do with him trying to build our number of members up during his presidential term to the largest the club has ever been. Here is how to enter for the drawing:

Bring a copy of this SatCycling Tid-Bits section to the next Club Breakfast, jot your name on it.
All entries will be entered and selected at random.
Only one entry per person.
The winner must be a club member in good standing (or seating). The award(s) may be transferred to someone else.

Ride safe.

Daily Giro d'Italia Videos from Lance Armstrong

Saturday 5/9/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop, with route options 26 miles or 36 miles, moderate climbing on both. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 5/23/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. One last journey to South Mountain before the summer heat sets in. Route options of 27 miles with a little gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles and oodles of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

There were a surprising number of riders in the pack today that had never been in the bike store that hosted our eats this morning. Considering this LBS (local bike store) is within a few miles of our home base, that's rather surprising. If you ride much, knowing where the nearest shop is can be very important, should you need mid-ride mechanical help or supplies. Also, in an era when you can buy anything off the internet and have it delivered to your doorstep, having a relationship with an LBS can also be a great resource to draw on. The next time you do self-inflicted mechanic damage, then need somebody to fix what you did, you'll be glad if somebody in a nearby LBS knows your name. And most are very good about not telling your friends the goofy thing you did to your bike!

Ride safe.

April 25 Saturday Cycling Report

A Sinister Flock of Birds

Added April 25, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

A gentle breeze at dawn was a heads up to our 79 riders this morning, motivation to get out on the route and round the course before things got challenging. Our triumphant roll out start to the east lasted about a mile and a half before the lead riders missed a turn. Once we got that sorted out, the herd rolled on towards the canal bridge crossing on Lakeshore. Most of the pack made it past the sinister flock of birds that lie in wait under the bridge, that prey on unsuspecting cyclists. These are the same birds overheard snickering when a rider last year fractured his carbon frame against one of the bridge poles. This time they worked together as a team to distract one of our new riders, sending her conking into the other bridge pole. (Have you noticed the little cyclist stick figures etched into the side of the bridge wall there??) The remainder of the romp was spent wondering how many directions the wind can blow, but most managed to arrive eventually at breakfast stop.

Coming up...

Sunday 4/26/09 Noon at Big Daddy's Smokehouse. This isn't a ride, but you can definitely pedal to and from it! Private room, big screen TV plus individual screens at every booth, yummy food... oh, and we'll be watching pro-riders do their thing. Location is southwest corner of 40th Street and Chandler Blvd in Auwatukee. Event for this date will be race highlights from Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Fleche-Wallone. RSVP to Bob Beane so we know how many butts to expect.

Saturday 5/2/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD! We have somebody offering to feed the Saturday Cycling herd, the Landis bike store at Price & Southern is hosting eats for the pack. We'll head out on the McKellips Loop first, with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, both with one gentle climb, then stop in for free food, drinks, and shopping! Landis is located on the north side of Southern, just west of the Price/101 Freeway. If you can't make the ride, join us there, they'll have things set up starting about 9:00am.

Sunday 5/3/09 1:00pm at Big Daddy's Smokehouse. The spring classics keep on rolling. Join us for eats and bike race watching. Location is southwest corner of 40th Street and Chandler Blvd in Ahwatukee. We'll be watching the Tour of Romandie and gossiping about you if you don't show up. RSVP to Bob Beane if you are joining us.

Saturday 5/9/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Our rescheduled romp around the St. Francis Loop, hopefully without thousands of runners on the road. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, moderate climbing on both. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

Some of the long time riders have noticed that we have a lot of new faces in the crowd. A number of newbies who discovered us this spring when they were training for the MS-150 event have decided that this cycling thing is kinda fun and have returned to continue on our weekly adventures with us. Saturday Cycling is open to all cyclists, but if you are going to stick around, how about officially joining the ranks of PMBC? Our club prez is upping the ante and advises that anyone who joins the club in the next two weeks will receive a stunning pair of socks for free! Head to the website, print out a form, zing it in. Your $15 gets you 4 free breakfasts a year, a monthly newsletter, discounts on a lot of event rides around the state, and various other assorted perks. You will have to hunt Waller down before the start of the May 9th Saturday ride to claim your free socks. If he runs out, he'll give you the pair off his feet, pre-warmed.

Ride safe.

April 18 Saturday Cycling Report

A Route Switch to South Mountain

Added April 19, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had 68 riders appear in the much drier than last week parking lot this morning. A few groans were heard from those that didn't know about the route switch. Apparently they left their climbing legs at home, though the originally planned route was pretty climby... so we're thinking they just like to whine. A gentle tailwind whisked us over on the roll out. Great to see some smooth new pavement along part of Dobbins. The herd scattered upon arrival at S Mt park, with a few holding down the wall at the stonehouse, many cruising out to San Juan and at least one trike headed to the Towers. A couple of our riders tried to talk their way onto the down-hill bike hauling truck, attempting a sneaky route to the top, but when they found they would be required to come down the off-road path with the other adventurous down-hillers, they chucked that plan. At breakfast we rubbed elbows with a lot of Tillman Run t-shirts, but what's a few more sweaty people when you're hungry?

Coming up...

Saturday 4/25/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out onto the open roads to the south, with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Sunday 4/26/09 Noon at Big Daddy's Smokehouse. This isn't a ride, but you can definitely pedal to and from it! For those that missed our bike race watching debut at a new venue, you missed a great place. Private room, big screen TV plus individual screens at every booth, yummy food... oh, and we'll be watching pro-riders do their thing. Location is southwest corner of 40th Street and Chandler Blvd in Auwatukee. Event for this date will be race highlights from Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Fleche-Wallone. RSVP to Bob Beane so we know how many butts to expect.

Saturday 5/2/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD! No, it isn't time for another membership breakfast, but we have somebody offering to feed the Saturday Cycling herd. The Landis bike store at Price & Southern is hosting eats for the pack. We'll head out on the McKellips Loop first, with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb, then stop in for free food, drinks, and shopping! Landis is located on the north side of Southern, just west of the Price/101 Freeway. If you can't make the ride, join us there, they'll have things set up starting about 9:00am.

Tid bits

Earth Day dawns shortly, and the perfect path to it is set out for cyclists in Tempe. Wednesday April 22nd is Bike to Work and School Day (or anywhere you need to get to). The city has even figured out that people are enticed to ride with FREE FOOD and FREE TSHIRTS! See Tempe's website for a complete list of the hosts that morning, all between 6am and 8am. If you are free to dawdle a bit, PMBC members are encouraged to appear at Whole Foods (northwest corner of Baseline & Rural) at 7:00am to escort Mayor Hugh to work in downtown. Then you can impress your friends, tell 'em you had breakfast with the mayor.

Ride safe.

April 12 Kokopedalli Report

A Most Delightful Visit to Pet and Richard's Rose Garden

Added April 14, 2009

written by Mary Ellen Coe

The Sunday Kokopedali group headed out on a beautiful morning for a nice spin and the most delightful visit at Pet and Richard's house. Pet loves to ride, and she LOVES to garden and it shows! It's the most beautiful garden I've seen ever - the French impressionists would be more than inspired. The splays of color, beautiful roses, lilies, bouganvilla, orchids, ponds... WOW. Completely stunning. Pet was so gracious to have us over for plenty of food, drink, fun, and beauty. What more could anyone want?! Thanks Pet!

April 11 Saturday Cycling Report

South Mountain: Into the Mist

Added April 12, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

We had about two dozen appear in the parking lot this morning. The sun broke out of the clouds 15 minutes before ride time. This prompted 16 of those milling about to actually sign in for the ride. Then it rained, hard, for about two minutes. This reduced the crowd to about 12, a few of which heard the siren call of hot drinks. So, 8 riders who apparently are willing to follow their ride leaderess to heck and back, rolled out into the rain. It was an absolutely lovely romp. Until we got about one mile out and Dennis's bike refused to roll one more inch, with the most creative chain drop ever seen. We left him at the side of the road (no mercy for the weak), and splatted on. The car free bike path heading towards S Mt was actually a beautiful ride. The smell of wet desert was tempting us to keep on cruising, though eventually the threat of hypothermia turned part of the group back towards home. The last few determined souls, led by Roger, continued on into the mist.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/18/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Word is out that the destruction along Oak has been finished, so we'll go check it out on the St. Francis Loop. Route options 25 miles or 36 miles, moderate climbing on both. Breakfast at Einstein's, McClintock & Gaudalupe.

Saturday 4/18/09 5:00pm to 7:00pm Spring Social! No this isn't a ride, but if you toss on some lights, you can pedal to and from it. PMBC invites all to our spring thing at Macayo's Depot Cantina at 300 S. Ash Avenue in Tempe. That's just west of downtown Tempe, near Rio Salado & Mill. Come hang out on the patio with us and enjoy some great mexy food. Terrific Tina reminds all that we need a head count to reserve the space, so if you plan on appearing, zip Tina Miller a note.

Saturday 5/2/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Since the rain will make for some great wildflowers, and we have a large pile of slightly water damaged maps to use up, we'll attempt a return to South Mountain. Route options 27 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

A great invite has been extended to SatCycling and we have a whole bunch of new riders that should attend this. (Actually, we have some members that have been appearing with us for many years that should take this in!) Global Bikes is offering us a free bike clinic. A few of the areas they'll be discussing; what to carry with you on a ride, how to change a flat, how to boot a tire, chain repair, pre-ride check, and tire pressure. Date is Monday April 27th, 7pm to 9pm, at their Gilbert location which is 835 N. Gilbert Road. The class is free but we need you to let us know if you're joining us. You can RSVP on their Meetup link or call (480)892-1315. If we aren't riding, the next best thing is talking about riding!

Ride safe.

MS Round Up Ride

Tom Reports the MS Round Up Ride Held in Florence on March 28-29

Added April 5, 2009

written by Tom Adams

Tim and I drove down to Heritage Park in Florence on Friday and spent the night there before the 2009 MS Round-up Ride. We were up early Saturday and it was chilly. I drove the rest stop 2 truck and Tim rode both days. Saturday had 40-, 75- and 100-mile routes, and the last century rider didn't clear our rest stop until about 2:45pm. That evening we poured beer at the Fat Tire truck for a couple hours and listened to the live band. You make a lot of friends when you give out free beer!

We were up early again on Sunday. Another cool morning, but not as chilly as Saturday. I drove out and set up at rest stop 2 where Jay Stewart and Rick Marquis were doing bike repairs. Rick had a great costume, and wore it to chase away the first group of hammers to stop at the rest stop. Sunday afternoon the wind came up, but it wasn't blowing hard.

To view photos of the ride, visit Tom's MS Round Up Ride Picasa Album.

April 4 Saturday Cycling Report

Tour de Phx Reduced the Home Team to 37 Pedalers

Added April 5, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

The temptation of paying to ride your bike (in the Tour de Phx) reduced the home team to 37 enthusiastic pedalers this morning. Our wind assisted roll out to the east made everybody look like a platinum rider. The quiet tree lined streets of Lehi gave us shelter for a bit before we headed back into town face on into a brisk breeze. We're in it for the calorie burn, right? Special thanks to pit crew Thinh (and his spit) and Lance for the flat assist just before we got back to the park.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/11/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. South Mountain, with route options 27 miles with a little gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

After you've thrashed yourself in the TdP this morning, and kicked back at Bike-A-Palooza Sunday morning, keep up your cycling themed weekend going with watching the pro riders do their thing. Bob Beane has made spur of the moment reservations for anybody that wants to join him at Big Daddy's Smokehouse to watch the Tour de Flanders. Sunday April 5th, 2pm to 4pm, location is southwest corner of Chandler Blvd and 40th Street in Ahwatukee. You don't have to RSVP to attend, but if you know for sure you are going, zing Bob Beane a note so we have an estimated butt count.

If you are reading this ride report on Monday, well, see what you missed?

Ride safe.

PMBC's very own Sue Fassett is a Hero!

City of Tempe Selects Sue Fassett to Receive 2009 Tempe Bike Hero Award

Added March 30, 2009

reported by Terry Wright

In the final months of 2008 and beginning months of 2009 the City of Tempe accepted nominations for the 2009 Tempe Bike Hero Award. This purpose of this award is to celebrate bicycling in Tempe, increase awareness of bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation, promote bicycling as an environmentally-friendly recreational activity, and to illustrate the dedication of Tempe residents and employers to bicycling.

Nominees for the award were open to individuals that live or work in Tempe, or organizations based in Tempe, that contribute to making Tempe a bicycle friendly community.

In March Sue received a letter signed by Hugh Hallman, the Mayor of Tempe, congratulating her for being selected to receive the 2009 Tempe Bike Hero Award.

Sue will be presented with the 2009 Tempe Bike Hero Award at the Tempe City Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 7:30 PM. at Tempe City Hall, City Council Chambers, 31 E. 5th Street in Tempe. Come on out and celebrate her recognition as a Hero!

Congratulations, Sue! This is an honor you richly deserve for all the contributions you have made for cycling in the valley over the years!

March 28 Saturday Cycling Report

Golf Tourney, Dragon Boats, and Arts Fesitval on Mummy Mountain Loop

Added March 29, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even the draw of the MS-150 ride couldn't trump the great weather today, we still had a herd of 73 riders roll out for our north bound adventure. As we cruised around the loop, we managed to dodge the golf tourney at Rolling Hills, slip back into town before the dragon boat drums started thumping, and con the gate-keepers at the arts fesitval into letting us slide right through the middle of their show. At breakfast we had a good turn out of our rehab group, now apparenly being headed up by our club prez!

Coming up...

Saturday 4/4/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! If you are not headed to the Tour de Phoenix on this date, come join us for the Tour of Lehi, original route. Options of 27 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner McClintock & Guadalupe.

Saturday 4/11/09 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Before it gets too toasty, we'll make another search for wildflowers to South Mountain. Route options 27 miles with a little gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene.

Tid bits

April is Bike Month in Tempe! Next Sunday April 5th, you're going to be done in after the Tour de Phoenix anyway, so how about a morning at Bike-A-Palooza? (Love that name.) Tempe's free bike festival will be held this year at our very own Kiwanis Park, running from 7:00am to noon. Lots of free stuff, a bike swap meet, entertainment, free t-shirt and a community bike ride departing at 8:00am. Bring a pair of used athletic shoes to donate and you get two free tickets to a bike raffle. Free snackies, free t-shirt, and a chance to win a free bike? These people have apparently figured out what draws cyclists!

Ride safe.

It's been great to see some of our rehab division getting back in the saddle recently. Burnsie, Tater, Mz Clow, Kas, even Roger (who is responsible for doubling the size of our trike team). We have a few still out (Annie, we miss you!) and McFadden's long road to recovery continues. Mr. McFadden had hoped to be present at the breakfast this morning, but his body just didn't go along with that plan. He asked that a giant thank you be extended to all who have lent support, made calls and sent cards.

Our social maven Terrific Tina has asked that you block out the following date on your busy calendar. Our not to be missed spring club social will be held in the evening of Saturday April 18th. Watch the website for complete details, but the plan is a dinner gathering on the patio at Macayo's Depot Cantina, which is just west of downtown Tempe on Ash. We need a head (or butt) count for the reservation, so if you plan to attend, zip Tina Miller a note and let her know. If you don't attend, we'll make up entertaining stories about why you aren't there.

Ride safe.

February 28 Saturday Cycling Report

Roundabout Route Offers Plenty of Hand Signal Practice

Added February 28, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Even an MS training ride offering free breakfast elsewhere in the valley didn't tempt away many of our riders this morning, we had 86 roll out of the park. The gritty roll around the route revealed that 40th Street continues to degrade with no sign of resurfacing, the wheel eating pot-holes there are growing in number and severity. Perfect day to practice hand signals pointing out hazards! We managed to work our way thru or around the charity walk in downtown Tempe (which some how had an incident severe enough that an ambulance was called... how hazardous can walking be?). A split decision was made at the food stop, with about half the group pancaking at IHOP and the rest bageling it at Einy's.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/7/09 7:30am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! Speaking of FREE FOOD, its time for our first quarterly membership breakfast of 2009. Location is the Home Town Buffet in Chandler, northwest corner of Evergreen & Warner. Ride with us from Kiwanis or if you are heading straight there, aim to arrive about 9:30am. SatCycling's route options will be the Tour de Sue in reverse, with choice of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing, but lots of eating. Breakfast is free to all PMBC members, $8 for non-members. Please fly your club colors (wear your club jerseys) and if you don't have one, we'll conveniently be selling clothing at the meeting, so bring a check or some cash!

Saturday 3/14/09 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Mesa, route options of 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Tid bits

How long do bike tires last? They last until they wear out. The point is, there are a lot of factors that impact how long your tires will last. Some tires wear better than others, and cost isn't a good indicator of life expectancy. Riding on rough road surfaces (like today) with lots of debris, eats tires up quick. If your tires are exposed to heat a lot, left in a car in the summer or stored in a garage, the material will degrade quicker. If when changing a flat you notice the bead (edge of the tire) peeling or crumbling and bits of black are popping off, its time to think about replacement. Some cyclists changed their tires out automatically when they reach a certain number of miles, but a better practice is to replace them when they look worn. Get in the habit of giving your tires a quick inspection once a week (preferably not 5 minutes before you are rolling out the door to join us). If you see worn spots or numerous cuts, your baby needs new rubber.

Ride safe.

Tour of California Photos

A Preview of March Newsletter Article

Added February 22, 2009

photos by Bob Beane

Bob Beane and other PMBC members traveled to California to catch parts of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Bob is working on a article for the March newsletter. Bob writes:

"We had a great trip, despite the cold, rainy conditions. We greatly admire the riders for their talent and ability to suffer through these conditions. This truly is an epic event that I believe has become the fourth biggest race in the world in just four years. Awesome and inspiring to see in person!"

Here is a quick preview of some photos Bob took at from the big race. (Click on an image to view larger size.)

"This morning on my way to the QT (Quik Trip) at Extension and University in Mesa, members of the Metro Phoenix Bicycling club were in front of me on the road. Instead of riding in a single file to the right side of the road, which I believe bicyclists are supposed to do, they were riding three and four across which made it impossible for cars to get by them. This didn't really bother me, but when I got to the QT there were bicyclists in most of the spaces in front of the store including the two handicapped spaces. Would you please remind your cyclists to be mindful of the handicapped spaces and leave them open for those that badly need them? The cyclists don't know how fortunate they are to be able to ride bikes and have their mobility unlike some of us. My intention here is not to be mean, but to ask them to please be considerate of those that need the handicapped spaces. Thank you and enjoy your cycling."

A graciously worded message, that cuts the leadership of your club through the heart. We don't own the road, we share it. When you wear our jersey, you represent our club and the cycling community. Stay aware of your environment when you ride, what is going on around you. Doing so is not only a basic safety concept, but also a common courtesy.

Ride safe.

January 31 Saturday Cycling Report

Fording a River on AhwaFooty Route

Added January 31, 2009

Added January 11, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our Saturday morning herd was reduced to 58 riders this morning, with part of our normal crowd staying home to "save their legs" for our club's first century ride of the year tomorrow. (The rest of us were apparently wildly squandering our legs.) Off we rolled into a beautiful sunny AZ day, to discover that a lot of the city of Mesa is under construction. A few selected creative routes to dodge the chaos, with part of the pack putting their trust in Wayne to find them safe passage. (Since most of them arrived at breakfast, that trust appears to have been well placed.) The few sunshine warmed seats on the patio at Einy's were in big demand. Too bad that place doesn't have a retractable roof to accomodate the seasons!

Coming up...

Saturday 1/17/09 8:30am Kiwanis Park. We roll south on the Tour de Sue, with route options on either Queen Creek or Riggs Road. Mileage 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at AZ Bread Co, southeast corner Kyrene & Elliot.

Tid bits

It takes a village to create a cyclist. Until they perfect cloning, we'll continue to rely on our Saturday morning gaggles of riders to naturally sort out leaders. Once we get underway, things shake out, and then the large pack splits up into smaller groups of riders who are together as they are holding about the same pace. We expect these tossed together bunches to work together as "teams", with the more experienced riders stepping up to give guidance and set the tone for the riders around them. That applies if your group is riding at 12mph or at 25mph. The point is to learn to work together with other riders in a cohesive, safe, fun manner. If you are leading a line, you are responsible for the riders on your tail. Shift to thinking as a group, not as a solo rider. Anticipate traffic lights, judge if there is room for all to come thru with you without dragging the end of the line thru on red. If the line gets split at a light, soft pedal till those dropped can reconnect with you. In between the designated regroups on the route maps, feel free to make your own pit stops to help keep your bunch together. Under road racing conditions, its every rider for themselves. In recreational club riding, every rider looks out for all others in the group.

Ride safe.

January 3 Saturday Cycling Report

Quest for Lucky New Year's Bean Burros

Added January 4, 2009

written by Sue Fassett

Hi All!

Our quest for lucky new year's bean burros brought us 67 riders this morning. The temp at start time was still a bit chilly, but cranking it out up some of the climbs on the outbound got everybody sufficiently warmed up. The light rail crossings caught the group a couple of times, but at least the trains are short and quick. An ingenious plot was hatched by the trailing riders to hop on the train, with bikes, cutting across the middle of the mapped route, allowing them to arrive triumphantly at the end ahead of the lead pack. It was decided that cheating would make them unworthy of the lucky bean burros though, so the group rolled on. SomeBurro's welcomed us with plenty of warm indoor seating and hot sauce for all.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/10/09 8:30am Kiwanis Park. As your warm-up to the Casa Grande Century the next day, we head out on the Tour de Mesa. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid bits

During our New Year's Day romp to Lehi on Thursday, one of our riders dropped his breakfast cash from his pocket as we rolled along. A cyclist at the rear of the group picked it up and turned it in to lost and found this morning, where it was promptly re-united with its original owner. This action demonstrates a rather unique characteristic found in the tribe known as Cyclists. For the most part, we tend to be good neighbors in our "community", honest, looking out for each other. That attitude is extended not just to our club circle, but to other cyclists we might encounter out in the world. A person with a bike, stopped at the side of the road, generates an immediate response from other cyclists rolling by, with a call out to see if assistance is needed. We have each other's backs. If we could just get the rest of the billions of people on the planet to embrace that attitude, what a wonderful world it would be.

Ride safe.