Phantom Dogs and Flats?

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Fifteen Spin Cyclists took to the southeast for a ride that offered an inordinate amount of fuel for this journalist's fire. First, we welcome back Owen and Chad who managed to rouse themselves from their cozy little beddy beds this morning to join us. Glen, Paul, and Ron, however, stayed in warm snugglyland rather than getting their exercise with us. Far be it from me to point this out in a public forum. There were other unaccounted for, as well. You know who you are and you know we're score. Perhaps they had heard Connie's vicious dog warnings.

The group warmed up nicely and even stayed together for quite a while out Germann. Marty made the first move on a failed renal breakaway. (Check the link from "renal" if you're not certain what it is!) This was clearly a failed renal breakaway in that the entire group poured past Marty as he was attempting to secure privacy on a wide open road through uncultivated farmland. Nice try! Perhaps Marty wanted the pack to ride ahead and tire the vicious dog that Connie had warned us about.

Our PMBC group was joined briefly by Peter and Wayne from the Red Mountain group. Wayne jumped to the front of the line and pumped the pace up to 24 or more. Its difficult to gauge when you're falling off the back like I was. Peter and Wayne had heard Connie's caution about the vicious dog on the road ahead, so they broke to the north on Higley.

The leaders had already formed a breakaway group. The Wrath of Chad exerted itself as Mr. Martin edged his front wheel onto Higley just ahead of Rocket Rob. Nice going, big guy, you got the green cap!

Sue, concerned about Connie's vicious dog warning, shortcut to the south on Lindsey. Planning ahead, she flatted prior to closing in on the vicious dog zone.

Frank and John formed the Lanterne Rouge, following a private renal break (hang with the masters, Marty), but rejoined the peleton on Lindsey. This was a concerted effort to use the schooling fish hypothesis with Connie's words hanging pregnant in the air of the vicious dog looming on the roadway ahead. (The previous sentence is a metaphor entirely intended to paint a visual picture. It is, in no way, suggestive of any physiological condition of any participant on this ride. This is not to say that I am privilege to this type of information about Spin Cyclers, but if I were, I wouldn't say so, but not because I couldn't, or because I knew anything about it, because I don't. In fact, I wasn't even in town that weekend!)

Back to the story. With all fifteen riders jockeying for position so as to not be boxed with the eminent dog assault, I reminded a few newer riders that the trick is not to outrun the dog; its to out pedal just one rider! Cyclodarwinism.

The group passed the first farmhouses without incident. This left just one remaining group of houses. As we pedaled by, there was an excited labrador mix that danced in the yard and one donkey that generally fit Connie's color description of the dog. Ok, both had four legs and big ears and I'm certain that donkey did, in fact, make a serious run at Connie and Mary last friday. (Yeah, sure it did.)

Progressing far too quickly through the route, Rob pointed out a major pothole using his front wheel and pulled Gary's back wheel in, as well. Both flatted, but Gary won the tire changing competition. Rob complained bitterly that his tire didn't flat right away and Gary had a head start. Bob politely pointed out that HIS was a front tire. How tactful.

Eastbound on Hunt Highway, Rob pointed out Chad's back tire was flat and the group, once again, ground to a halt. Upon examination, however, Chad pointed out that 120 lb. in a tire doesn't fit the definition of "flat." He also pointed out some weight physics related to posterior anatomy size resulting in the underside of his back tire is ALWAYS flat.

Everyone decided to beeline for the Bruegger's. Phil did a great job hanging with the group. You see, my friend, practice makes perfect. You are not doomed to a weekly "dropping." Tom got a little time off work and was in the pack, as well.

I had my mile of fame streaking north on Price, but Carter, Randy, and Roger were right there to slam me back to rear of the line. No problem, I know my place.

Bruegger's was wonderful to us, as always. Talk was spirited planning future rides to some tranquil pond settings complete with floating quacking ducks and paddling beavers. That's right, beavers! This offers far too much potential to be ignored, so, Tour de Beaver is a definite possibility this spring.

Remember, next Sunday, January 6th, is the Casa Grande Century. The Spin Cycle defers to the club ride for the day. We'll be back on January 13th for our winter climb to the towers (or San Juan point, if you prefer).

Today was particularly fun. We had some great laughs along the way and at breakfast. Thanks for making Desert Breeze Park the place to be on Sunday mornings. It is you that makes the Spin Cycle. Have a great week and a happy, and safe, new year.

The Ride Before Christmas

'Twas the ride before Christmas, and out on the road
The Spin Cycle went with the twelve that had showed.

The arm warmers worn with the greatest of care,
In hopes that the sun would soon warm the air.

Glen, Owen, and Chad stayed snug in their beds,
The rest of us cursed them, not just in our heads.

With Sue in her elf suit, and Bill in my cap,
We just pedaled away without a mishap.

When out on the street a turning pickup did sit,
Just leave it to Paul to call him a ... (son of a gun).

But into the corner a jeep did a appear,
He cut us off as the group drew ever so near.
The rising sun it did shine on our spandex so bright
Paul's words cut through the air like an arrow in flight.

We rounded that corner like a big flock of birds,
Just missing that truck and jeep driven by turds.
We sped on ahead so steady and quick,
Leaving behind a dummy and a ... (bigger dummy).

More rapid than racers our cycles did that,
Then Sue cried out, "oh poop, I've a flat."

As we patiently waited a doggie came by.
Leashed to her owner that waived and said "hi."
Its this kind of pooch we all like in our sight,
Not barking and chasing a rider to bite.

"Now, Ron! now, Garry! now, Kathleen and Rick!
On, Treks or Lemonds, (no Raleighs, they're sick!)
Carriage Park we went, led by this gnome,
But I had to leave for Christmas at home.

But the group carried on, showing no fear,
Spinning through Lehi with Neighbor's drawing near.
They finished the ride with Gary sprinting out of sight.
I wish you all "Happy Holidays" and to all a Good-Night.

ps. My thanks to Paul for riding back with our visitor, and to Bill for, once again, earning the yellow leader's cap. Gary, you're the overpass stud, once again. And, of course, it is all of you that make the Spin Cycle. Have a joyous week.

Three Records Set on Today's Ride!

This morning's Spin Cycle was yet another banner day for this fledgling PMBC weekly ride. The most fundamental record was the temperature. This was the coldest morning of the winter, thus far. With various temperature reports and ice sightings, we had to be right around the freezing mark at the start of the ride. Let me add to this feat, Roger rode the 90 minutes from his Mesa residence so he was REALLY hunkered down against the cold.

With the cold in mind, the next record is perhaps even more phenomenal. Of the four weekend group rides (Kokopedalis, Sun Lakes, Saturday Cycling, and the Spin Cycle), this morning's 20 riders was the largest turnout for this weekend. Yes, this was even larger than Saturday Cycling! Naner, naner, neener, neener. Ok, it may never happen again, BUT IT HAPPENED TODAY! I heard reports that my whining yesterday about attendance may have influenced a few folks to show up out of mercy. The bottom-line certainly is, 20 riders on a cold morning is incredible. You people are AWESOME, BABY!

Next record is courtesy of our Canadian guests. The Spin Cycle now turns international with Sandi and Chris joining us on their visit from Guelph, Ontario. They didn't bring their gloves with them, which, they admit, was a mistake because it felt like a pretty brisk morning to them, as well. Sandi didn't exactly have her cycling legs under her so Sue, Glenn T., and me stayed with them on an abbreviated route. Hey Sandi, asking "how much further" every 10 minutes doesn't make the destination any closer! :-) I really hope you enjoyed the ride and the company at The Good Egg.

The rest of the crew hammered east on Germann. Gary requested, and earns, the "Good Citizenship" cap by not jacking the speed up beyond 20 mph. He even managed to show restraint on the return route when the wind was to his back! Nice work, Gary, you're such a stud!

I'm certain Jim and Carter were hammering right along. Phil, I hope these guys treated you ok out there. You could have stayed back with the "Lanterne Rouge". I was a bit concerned when I didn't see you at breakfast. Consider yourself a regular with this group and, rest assured, you'll find your pace niche in no time.

Flats for the day were Gary and Connie. Connie seemed to really enjoy everybody standing around in front of the restaurant watching her change the thing. Her glare at me when I asked if she couldn't work a little faster seemed to indicate the answer was "no."

Breakfast seemed to be a HUGE hit. Chad and Dave must be pregnant with triplets because they ate for a small army. The tab might have been a tad bit on the pricy side, but Chad's description of "that was The Bomb," seemed to indicate that the quality justified the cost. Not to mention, we had a great table on the back patio under the warmers that was just perfect. Sue, you should have hung in there with us, it was great.

Other noteworthy conversations revolved around Hooters Restaurants being nearly everywhere. Interest in this topic seemed divided along gender lines. Personally I like their food and the service is always "outstanding." We also added a new event catagory, "The Wrath of Chad." I'm not certain if this rivals Khan, but he's big enough that I don't want to find out.

Also, my thanks to Randy for riding back in the early part of the ride.

Next weekend, Roy Kopel hosts the monthly "long ride" to Bartlett Lake. Sunday, December 23rd, at Fountain Hills Safeway, Palasade & Ftn. Hills Blvd, 8:30 AM. Total distance 100 mi., 6500 ft climbing, water along the way and a small store at the lake but no support.

Of course, Saturday Cycling rolls out of Kiwanas Park on Saturday (duh!), and the Spin Cycle heads to the northeast on Tour de Lehi (route map attached in Word.doc format). We're stopping at Neighbor's for breakfast, so you gotta be there for this one! With a little luck, we can set a new low temperature and start in the twenties!

Each weekend is a new treat for me. Sandi and Chris made today a lot of fun. Each of you that make up the rest of the pack bring a unique personality and quality to this club. Indeed, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. Have a great week and see you next weekend.

Several club members have expressed concerns to me regarding safety on our group rides, well, actually the occasional lack thereof. Since these issues have been brought to my attention on more than one occasion, I felt they deserved some attention.

Pacelines are the issue. First, how much of the roadway we should take? With a bike lane, we should be able to ride in double formation and still remain within the lane. If the the far right of the lane has debris, and riding double results in the left line outside the bike lane, then the group should have the collective wisdom to single out. Moving the line to the left of the bike lane is a mistake that will promote disfavor from our four wheeled friends with whom we share the road. There is enough unreasonable, unknowing, and unaware behaviors exhibited toward cyclists. Our riding habits should make every effort to minimize aggravation, not stimulate it. How should we ride when there is no bike lane? Common sense should dictate singling out. Some of our routes (Dobson north of Queen Creek for example) are relatively narrow. Many of these roads are not heavily driven by cars, but none-the-less, riding double consumes the entire lane. When sharing a single lane, this simply isn't wise; we should, once again, single out.

I am certain I am guilty of these violations myself. Our social nature compels us to ride side-by-side so we can talk and enjoy each other's company. This, however, will be of little consolation if, or when, an accident occurs. We have all seen close calls. This is one of the reasons I now limit the number of "race" zones on the Spin Cycle rides. The competition was compromising safety.

A secondary issue is the consistency of our pacelines. Both the Spin Cycle and Saturday Cycling break into speed groups. These pacelines need to work together to establish a consistent speed. Frequently, the lines fluctuate as much as three or four miles per hour. Often, a strong rider evolves to the front and bumps the pace up five mph only to be followed by a weaker rider that drops the pace right back down. This is brutal at the back of the line, creating "yo-yo-ing" that causes wheels to overlap and riders to go down. The answer is simple, find a good pace, for everyone in the paceline, and hold it. Don't pick up the speed when its your turn at the pull unless "the team" can do it. If you have been in the line working at your maximum and you tire, just break off the back and wait for the trailing group to catch you. Nine times out of ten, someone else is tiring too and will break off with you.

A spinoff of the pace problem is what commonly happens at stoplights. Try to keep in formation. Slower riders shouldn't slide up past faster riders. This just causes them to have pass as soon as the light changes. Again, this is courtesy that is easily accomplished if we just pay attention.

Lastly, point out those road hazards. We've had several accidents as of late, that were directly caused by hazards that were not pointed out. This is the initial responsibility of the lead rider. Then, each following rider must pass the signal back. The lead rider must give the hazard a generous berth and start to move away from it early and gradually. Obviously, the leaders eyes must be down the road. The safety of everyone behind you depends upon it.

We all know these cycling truths to be self evident. And yet, on any given weekend, we can find examples of them being broken. What do we do? What should we do? Do we sound like jerks if we say anything? An accident will retrospectively answer all of these question for us. We surely want to avoid that. Each of us need to take the initiative to keep the group, and the individuals within it, as safe as possible. Speak up. Say what needs to be said, but do it in a courteous and caring way. We'll all be safer for it.

25 Riders Mummified!

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Twenty-five riders braved some pretty crisp temperatures this morning as we headed north for the circa-de-Mummy Mountain. This doesn't exactly count for one of the Perimeter cycling events, but it could! My thanks and gratitude to Bill Jacobson for taking the tour guide responsibilities around Mummy. I couldn't have done it, and your knowledge was indispensible. Bill was in the yellow leader's cap today. (By the way, Bill, if you could give that baby a quick wash and bring it with you next week I'd really appreciate it!)

I want to welcome Phil, a first-timer, with the group. Phil, rest assured, this was one of our longest and more stenuous routes. I hope you had a good time and come back out next week when we do Tour de Mesa. Its flat, not as long, and not as complicated a route.

After the Spin Cycle's traditional threading through the neighborhood warmup and groping through some east Phoenix streets searching for the correct route to the mountain, we finally reached our destination. Of course, there were the obligatory "pit stops" for those that had over caffeinated. Once the group started the mountain circuit, they quickly split into climbing ability groups with the heavy-duty cyclers flying up the short rollers that define Mummy Mountain. Owen and a few others were the first pack fatalities as they dropped off the pace. Not a problem except Owen didn't know to take the right turn on Mohave and turned, instead, on Mummy Mtn. Rd (Way to go Magellan!). A logical, yet incorrect move that resulted in a rather extended journey up to an ultimate dead end. A few extra miles never hurt anybody (but don't tell that to Phil, Marie, or Mike). The rest of us patiently made our way along the route, led by Bill's expertise. Ultimately, everybody made it all the way around to the church regroup point.

Away we went for Pete's 19th Tee for breakfast. This part of the ride did have some gradual uphill that bogged that tandem down something terrible. Unfortunately, I had no idea they were left in the dust. Bill doubled back on a search and rescue mission that came up successful. I am sorry, we didn't mean to drop you, so your noble effort on the tandem around Mummy and the ride back past Camelback earns you two the Spin Cycle polka-dot cap your next time out.

Fifteen of us finally enjoyed breakfast at Pete's. I have to be blamed for taking Dave, Marie, and Mike the long way to get there, but it just made the chow that much tastier. We had a slight delay leaving as Ron was buying some Pete's homemade salsa. He said he had the bottle in his pack but I saw him walk out of the restaurant with only his water bottle that he gingerly slid back in the cage. My advice is, nobody borrow a water bottle from Ron unless you are REALLY desperate!

Next week's Tour de Mesa should be a nice Sunday spin. That map is another one of my hand drawn collector item classics so I can't attach it unless I get it scanned sometime this week. I'm going to try to get The Good Egg to reserve some of the outside tables for us. Failing that, and if there's a big line, there's always the Coffee Plantation and they have some tasty treats too.

As always, today's ride was a lot of fun for me. My weekly closing statement becomes more and more sincere each week. It is you that makes the Spin Cycle. Have a great week everybody and see you next weekend.

Sniper Dogs and Lassos?

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Twenty-three riders departed from the Park this fine morning as the Spin Cycle enters its sixth month. By the time we reached our second regroup, we had recruited a rider dropped by the racer group. We welcome Raynette into the Spin Cycle and hope she joins us regularly for our GABA weekend rides. Dave (welcome-wagon) Grant did a fine job transitioning Raynette from the sonic speeds of the racers to our more humane tempo.

The three regroups along the route kept everybody within artillery range of each other. The heavy-duty cyclists aired it out with some 25 mph (still were passed by the racers) with the regular cycle moving along at a much more leisurely 18-19 mph, or so. While waiting at the Texaco Mini-mart regroup, a cowboy opted to exercise his cuttin' pony along 51st Ave and took off, lasso swinging in the air, after a line of cyclists. I hope that Domenic's rider ultimately got his arm and both legs untied once the wrangler stood and raised both arms. (10.84 seconds was good, but didn't break the cyclo-roping recording.)

The lead group was further treated to a sniper dog hiding in the ditch along Estrella Rd. Riding along comfortably, suddenly the shepard mix emerged from nowhere to make a run at Glen's leg (it passed on Ron, not enough meat). With his demon red eyes gleaming, he closed in on his mid-morning lunch. Suddenly, a primal roar ripped through the air, turning the predator's resolve to retreat. It was Glen screaming. Ain't adrenalin fun! Roger later described the mutt as over weight and under motivated. That was clearly the case since it didn't even make a run at those of us trailing. He was probably back in the ditch wondering why he made a move for something in spandex in the first place.

After a quick regroup and kidney dialysis at Circle K, the group was off for Bagel Nosh. A dozen of us munched and told stories. The executive decision for Bagel Nosh over The Farm was an overwhelming favorite.

Next weekend is a big one. Saturday, December 8th is the club meeting and breakfast. Sue Fassett leads the ride out of Kiwanas Park at 8:00 AM. That is the perfect time to join Phoenix Metro Bike Club. Its the best $15 you can spend. Get breakfast on the club (w/ three more over the next year), and save entry fees on the many upcoming event rides. The Casa Grande Century is January 6th. Between breakfast and savings on that ride alone will get your dues back. Join the club, you know you want to!

Sunday, December 9th, the Spin Cycle moves to the north with a spin around scenic Mummy Mountain. This is a bit hilly, but always proves to be a fun ride. I'm hoping Bill Jacobson will ride point on this one. I've got a map, but who wants to follow someone checking a map every hundred yards? Bill, this earns you the yellow leaders cap! We'll give Pete's 19th Tee a try for breakfast even though the Saturday group had some technical difficulties with them just yesterday.

Hey, Rob ... Dave ... how 'bout running those caps through a quick wash and bringing them along next weekend for the next recipient. I promise to not turn you in for cap larceny.

Have a great week everybody. Always remember, and never forget, it is YOU that makes the Spin Cycle.