Mummyback Route is a Beauty!

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - Some rides just work out right; today was one of those. The 25 riders that participated this morning know EXACTLY what I mean. The temperatures were very nice considering it's a July morning. Break a little sweat, and it almost felt cool … not quite, but almost. After a ceremonial lap through the "Champs Hummingbird" in recognition of Lance's fourth, we steamed our way toward Paradise Valley for Bob Beane's Mummyback Mtn. Route. This route is gem, too. The heavy duty cyclers and the regular cyclers arrived at the second regroup at the same time. It just doesn't get better than that. Bottom-line on this one, it was a great spin.

Now for some gritty details. Shortly after we took off, northbound on Kyrene, we passed by a lone rider going south. He button hooked, then Jason joined our group for the remainder of our ride. Most impressive, he was 35 miles into his ride, has only ridden a couple of months, and his previous long ride was 45 miles. I'm certain he was pressing 60 miles by the time he got back home this morning. Doug was another fresh face that joined us for the first time, as well. Doug and Jason, welcome to the Spin Cycle and we hope you join us regularly. Henry, Greg, and Janet are new to The Spin Cycle Report but I know I've ridden with y'all before. If this was your first with the Spin Cycle, too, then welcome on board! We are the Jungle Boat Ride of PMBC, so everyone PLEASE, keep your hands inside the paceline at all times!

We had a couple of special appearances this morning, as well. Sue and Matt were aboard a tandem. Reportedly, Sue only made a small handful of fecal exclamatories regarding Matt's first group voyage as captain onboard the big two seater. Val sucked up her Spin Cycle fears and showed up really geeked and ready to go. She was so juiced, I ended up having to ride in front of her to limit her speed and aggression. She settled in and finished her nearly 50 miles with Gary restraining her exuberance. Excellent ride, Val. You need to be here more often; you're one of us and THAT should be a scary thought for you!

As we were closing in on Pete's 19th Tee for breakfast, we closed in and passed a patrol squadron of ABC riders from Granda Park. With our obvious road domination, I believe ABC must stand for "Already Been Crushed." Just kidding, group! It's always great to see other groups out for a Sunday ride. We even had one of them jump in with us and join for breakfast.

Val wins quote of the ride. As we closed in on the new bridge over the 60, Sue and Matt cut off because the bridge entry is so narrow. I questioned whether it was a one or two "Carter" opening, and added I could probably fit through if turned sideways. Val chimed in, "you'll need to put Crisco on me (referring to herself) to get through." Let's face it, any sentence with Crisco in it is an immediate candidate!

Glen (Remember Glen? He used to lead the Spin Cycle) continues his global adventures so I'll pilot the ride for another couple of weeks. With nothing already on the schedule for August, its up to me. That's scary, too. Next week, we'll head to the north on the Tour de Scottsdale route. Northbound on Pima is a great stretch. If you haven't ridden this one, you need to join us next weekend for a treat. We'll hit breakfast at the US Egg if the wait isn't too darn long. If it is, we'll punt!

A lot of Spin Cyclers are on vacation the next couple of weeks, so we'll have some gaps in the paceline that need filling. Remember, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. See you next Sunday. - John

Hi All!

As Pooh would say, twas a blustery day. The unusual weather this morning didn't deter our 53 riders from making their way over to South Mountain. Well, 52 of them made it to the Stonehouse. Janet had a few flats in the first couple of miles and decided to fall back on the cyclist's last line of defense-- call a friend for a sag ride back to the park! The rest of us slogged our way through the wind and on reaching the park split up into various options of climbing (or not!). We had a small group of the standard riders brave the upward climb towards the Towers for just a couple of miles so they could turn around learn the joy of descending. (Have you ever noticed there is a fine line between joy and terror?) Jim Marshall managed to complete the climb without destroying any of his bike parts this time.

Coming up...

Saturday 8/3/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to the Foothills of Ahwatukee we go. Options of 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or whatever for as long as you want to keep making your feet do those little circles. Breakfast when you find your way out of the hills is 5&Diner at Ray & 54th St.

Saturday 8/10/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes the pack on one of our favorite open road rides to the south on either Queen Creek or Riggs. Route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Perkins at Chandler & 54th St.

Ride Safe

28 Riders Do Ohcotukee.

Desert Breeze Park, Chandler, AZ - 28 riders answered the call to arms this morning for a what might be described as a cool morning. Clearly this needs to be placed in the context of a July day in greater Phoenix Metro. A Spin Cycle welcome to Brian, Juan, Jeremy, Randy, Shawn, Court (sp?) and Harry, all first time riders with our merry Sunday morning group. I hope you all had a great ride and will become regulars (or irregulars as the case may be).

After a VERY well behaved warmup to our first regroup, the speed hornets attacked on westbound Queen Creek only to be delayed ever so slightly by a flat. What time they lost they quickly picked up again once the route turned into the wind on northbound Maricopa Rd. / 56th St. Just because I courteously pointed out the fast group to our new riders as we passed while they were fixing the flat, does not merit them to point us out as the slow group when they buzzed past us. I prefer to view my pace as "mature", thank- you very much! :-)

The Foothills half of the route was led by the buzzing hornets of the heavy duty cyclers and the relentless pursuit of the mature regular cyclers. Being the leader that I am, I swept the deep portion of the course looking for stragglers. In reality this is my way of explaining my inability to keep up with the hornets but wanting to ride out for the extra miles anyway. Consequently, I was the last rider to arrive at the second regroup. I really thought by wearing a yellow jersey the team would try harder to protect me! Guess not, huh?

Discovering that Marie Calender's has a $12 brunch buffet every Sunday (thanks for working these little details out in advance, Glen!) 17 of us relocated to Perkins for a very nice repast. Our return to the park was highlighted by Sue's sprint from the Hummingbird Refuge back to the parking lot. She initially snuck out to an inconspicuous lead and then turned on the jets once she rounded a slight bend in the road. What a road warrior! Rocket made the effort to close the gap, but it was too late and Sue crossed the line with the stage victory.

Next week Glen continues his tours of the rich and famous so I will, once again, lead the Spin Cycle adventures as we roll to the north on the patented Reverse Where's My Mummy (Mtn.) route. I'm attaching the route, but I don't want anyone scared away by the tangle of arrows. I understand Bob Beane pioneered this route and may be with us. I promise, someone will know how to get through these hills. I'll be the one with the oxygen tank so you are more than welcome to ride with me.

I hope to see everyone again next weekend and equally hope those of you that missed this morning's escapades will be out with us in another week. Don't forget our other PMBC rides, the Wednesday evening Ride to the Dark Side (contact Marty Coplea mcoplea@cableaz.com) and Saturday Cycling (contact Sue Fassett suefassett@worldnet.att.net).

... and never forget, it is you that makes the Spin Cycle. Have a great week. - J.A.

Hi All!

This morning we tested a new method to encourage riders to get to the park on time and get signed in, which was to bring slightly fewer maps than the number of riders who turned out! Our pack of 73 riders headed north, with most managing to stay on the selected courses. We had a new tandem team debut-- with Val riding stoker for Steve "2nd Place At The Nationals" Fahrner. Val says riding at a quicker pace is about the same, it's just that the scenery goes by faster. Greg Gilbert and one of our newbies, Jeff Barrier, were having such a grand time riding in Scottsdale that they decided to just keep right on going (this is also known as missing a turn). They managed to rejoin the group just in time to hook up with the standard riders who had managed to miss THEIR turn and who had ended on the long route by default. The adventure made it's way to the bagel place and all seemed to enjoy the journey.

Coming up..

Today!! If you haven't had enough bike stuff yet, head to The Vine. From noon to 2pm we will gather and eat/drink/cheer in honor of our boys in the Tour. The Vine is on Warner, southeast of 48th St.

Saturday 7/27/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We head west bound over to South Mountain. Route options vary from 28 miles with gentle climbing to 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast is the Raven Golf Course, north side of Baseline between 32nd St & 40th St.

Saturday 8/3/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Head for the hills! (That would be the Foothills in Ahwatukee.) Mapped route options 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or whatever. Breakfast is 5&Diner, southwest of Ray & 54th St.

Ride safe.

Good day Riders,

We had 22 riders today, and one who wanted to be there and didn't make it (Ok Rob, your name made it in the newsletter). Several new riders today, welcome Greg, Stephan, Jeff, and can you believe it, Christine my wife made it for the very first time on Sunday....Nothing much exciting with today's ride, except for a little wind, which made the advanced pack wimp out on the total miles (did I say that out loud!!!). Actually, I think everyone was just hungry and wanted to eat as soon as possible. We had one flat, and one dog chase. Looks like Paco, Ron, and Gary were riding down the road in that order, and Gary yells out, dog, but it wont chase us. Next, as Ron relates the story, Gary yells out while sprinting past Ron, Dog's Chasing us.....Way to go Gary, leaving your wing man and letting Ron and Paco fend for themselves....

Lucky for Ron and Paco, the dog didn't have the stamina...Speaking of stamina, Carter was on vacation so not with us today, but John did make it today. He decided to start a little sprint right before breakfast, and Gary, Paco, and Jeff finished it. As John said, if you can't win a sprint, at least you can start them.....

Thanks everyone for a great year of riding. As you know, we had one full year of Spin Cycle and my first year of cycling. Several of the regulars riders have made this a great ride, but getting new and exciting faces along the way have made this year even better, and I hope an exciting year to follow.

Rides:

Sunday, July 21 - Ohcotukee Loop. Up to Queen Creek, back down to Ahwatukee to do some climbing for the heavy duty riders. Mileage of 35 for standard, 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, July 28 - Modified Mummy Mountain. Down to Mummy Mountain around it on our new route. Some gentle climbs to one big honker (that is a bike technical term). Mileage of 35 for standard, and 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

See ya...

glen

Hi All!

We had 48 riders brave the heat and humidity for our pedal this morning. For all who went up north to the White Mountains, we hope you breathed some cool air for us! Valarie demonstrated a new method of keeping the heat at bay, by filling her helmet with ice before putting it on her head. (This chill out method is not recommended for the, uh, "hair-challenged" in the pack, due to the potential for brain frost-bite.) Ron Iverson completed the route with a tire held together with duct tape (which brings up the scary fact that somebody in the pack was actually carrying duct tape with them!) Thanks to Tom Culp, Ron Kast and Leo Rogers for offering helping hands in assisting other riders this morning.

Coming up...

Saturday 7/20/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. We welcome the rest of the pack back with a ride to the north. Route options 27 miles or 36 miles, both with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th St.

Saturday 7/27/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Though we often talk about improving our climbing ability, we rarely discus how to get back down those climbs safely. We head to South Mountain to give our newbies a chance to learn descending skills (AKA "how not wipe out royally on a downhill"). Mileage options ranging from 28 miles to 42 miles with various climbing options. Breakfast is the Raven, north side of Baseline between 32nd St & 40th St.

Saturday 8/3/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Off to Ahwatukee and the Foothills we pedal. Mapped route options 24 miles with no climbing, 34 miles with moderate climbing, or follow Gary at your own risk. Breakfast is 5&Diner, southwest of Ray & 54th St.

Tid bits...

Have you ever noticed that we have an incredibly eclectic group? On this morning's ride we had an age span from early 20's to late 60's. We have dedicated athletes who chart their body fat percentages and riders who cheer when they turn on the soft serve ice cream tap at the buffet. In our pack you can ride elbow to elbow with physicists, doctors, professors, truck drivers, waiters, and unemployed high-techies. We have Mormons, Catholics, Buddhists, B'Hai, and those that worship by simply being outdoors enjoying their recreational time.

What unites us? Just the bikes, the love of spinning. It gives a thin common thread that draws us together. Amazing, huh? If we could just get the leaders of all the powerful nations in the world to go on a bike ride together...

Ride safe.

Good morning cyclist....We had 22 riders join us today for our first year anniversary of Spin Cycle. As John always said, it is you who makes Spin Cycle!! Speaking of John, where were you? I've been asked to distribute your email address so you can get e-harassed....We also had an international flare for today's ride, Yannick Drouet joined us for today's ride from France. Thanks for joining us today, great riding with you!

Overall, a pretty calm day on the ride, we broke into two groups with the standard pack getting lost (it couldn't have been the map!). Actually it was the map, and to continue with the John harassing, it was one of his old ones that was not 100% accurate. Oh well, if you can't be here to defend yourself, you get your name in lights. Speaking of names in lights, there is always Carter. I really don't have anything, just need to put his name out there, kind of like the "Where's Waldo", except this is "Where's Carter". Then there is Sue, telling everyone how ummmm "Detailed" she is (ask her for the true meaning of detailed, or better yet, ask Carter!!!).

Amongst all of this BS, we actually did ride, and it wasn't too hot until the end. Oh, how did I forget, we had a couple of sprints today (imagine that!). Let's see, Everett (Paco) took the first sprint up Center. Gary was heard saying "where's my legs", followed closely by yours truly who couldn't talk. Paco took the sprint up Extension as well, good job!

Next week - Since the White Mountain Tour is a go next week, we'll stick with the standard route from Desert Breeze and look to do something on the west side later this summer or fall.

Sunday, July 14th - Germann Hunt Loop, Germann to Higley or Lindsey, then back to Queen Creek with a detour at Hunt Highway, then back to Queen Creek and either going directly to Wildflower at the mall, or taking the long way down Queen Creek to 56th Street, then back to Chandler. Standard miles at 35, heavy duty 45.

Sunday, July 21 - Ohcotukee Loop. Up to Queen Creek, back down to Ahwatukee to do some climbing for the heavy duty riders. Mileage of 35 for standard, 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Marie Calendars.

Sunday, July 28 - Modified Mummy Mountain. Down to Mummy Mountain around it on our new route. Some gentle climbs to one big honker (that is a bike technical term). Mileage of 35 for standard, and 45 for heavy duty. Breakfast at Pete's 19th Tee at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

See ya...

glen

Hi All!

Yesterday we had 62 riders head out of the park for our climbing training ride. All of the standard riders accepted the challenge of the three climbs, even newbie Amy, who was riding a slick looking 3 wheel recumbent (built by her dad!) In the mean time, the advanced pack did various versions of the mileage building loop to the east. (For future reference, it works best if the lead rider of any line has a map!) After a little creative scenic riding, most found their way back down thru Tempe and on to the restaurant.

After the morning's ride, a good portion of the crowd continued with the cycling theme of the day by heading to The Vine to cheer on our home boys in the Tour de France. (Go Lance!!) Much post ride consuming of traditional sports bar food fare and drink was done in celebration. (Yes, Bicycling Magazine DID state this month that beer is a reasonable post ride beverage!)

Coming up...

Next weekend, 7/13 & 7/14, is the White Mountain Tour. Following is a message about that event from our association president, Mr. Mike Morross:

"The White Mountains Tour IS going to happen. The facilities up there are free for us to use, and every one in the area says the same thing, that the best thing we can do for the area right now is to come up and spend our tourism $'s. Thanks for your help in spreading the word."

Mr. Prez also advises that if you have not registered for this event, you can register Saturday morning at the ride start point and the normal late fee will be waived. For further info about the ride see the White Mountain Tour page.

Saturday 7/13/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are not north bound to the cool country, head to the park. We are off on a loop to the southeast with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is Home Town Buffet, northwest corner of Warner & Evergreen.

Saturday 7/20/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A north bound loop into Scottsdale, with mileage options of 27 miles or 35 miles, some moderate climbing on both. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th St.

Saturday 7/27/02 6:30am Kiwanis Park. The pack heads west to South Mountain, with various mileage and climbing options. Breakfast is The Raven, north side of Baseline between 40th St & 32nd St.

Tid bits...

Everyone had such a grand time at the post ride gathering yesterday, it was suggested that we do so again a couple of more times to take in more of the TdF broadcast. We'll skip next weekend since a portion of the gang will be out of town for the ride up north, but will aim for another get together on Saturday 7/20 in the afternoon. Details on time and location to follow later after we get it figured out!

Ride safe.

Hi All!

Even after many years of organizing group rides, every once in awhile the popularity of a posted ride can catch a pack leader by surprise. Our holiday rides have traditionally drawn a moderate sized group, less than we would normally draw on a Saturday. But our fabulous freedom ride this morning? 75 riders! Good grief what a pack! After a delayed start getting all signed in and too few maps shared amongst the group, we were off. The standard riders who turned out to take on the challenge of the lengthy ride headed out from the park a few minutes early, but were soon chased down by the masses. The express pack paid the price for travelling too fast by arriving at the second regroup before the store was open, while the casual paced riders were rewarded with cold drinks and cool a/c'd air for a few minutes before heading onward. To the standard riders who turned out today to try what, for them, was a tough ride, our helmets are off to you. Thanks to Jeff Mohr for running sag truck back along the course.

Coming up...

This Saturday is the start of the "Super Bowl" of the cycling world-- the Tour de France. If there is one thing us cyclists like almost as much as riding, it's watching our heros strut their stuff. Come join us Saturday (7/6) afternoon after our morning ride, from Noon to 2:00pm to watch OLN's broadcast of the TdF's opening events. We are taking over the Vine Tavern, which is located on Warner Rd., just east of 48th Street. That's on the south side of Warner, between Wakial and 48th St, in the east end of the Basha's center. If any questions, contact Sue Fassett.

See ya there!