We had 21 riders today enjoying the sun of Arizona (wow, has it been nice or what). Let's see, things got started off with Ron doing a little strip in the parking lot (i.e., he rode to the park, so decided to get rid of some un-wanted clothes). While in the process, there was a little hooting and hollering and Ron's Banana slipped out (that would be his Banana peel). Let me just say that there was a little bit more harassing going on about that Banana, but you'll have to ask Ron for any details...

Our pack was joined by a visitor from Colorado, glad you could make it Bruce, hopefully you enjoyed the ride. The group decided on 20-21 for the day, but Roger and Jim decided that wasn't fast enough. Most of us regrouped at Higley, and then made our way to breakfast. Going down Guadalupe was fun, with a little tail wind, we got speeds up to 34 (ok, it was only for 10 seconds, but a pull is a pull). Breakfast at the Ripe Tomato was great, with the waitress giving Randy and Paul a hard time about being swingers (don't ask me, I'm just the reporter)...

Back on our bikes, we went just about a mile and Randy flatted. While he started changing his flat, I decided we would have a new contest, flat changing. So I timed Randy, and he did it in 6:03, a new world record for the rear wheel....We'll have a new record for the front tire once it happens. During this little episode, a small little bee (actually, it was huge, but don't tell him) decided to visit New York Paul. Paul, on the other hand, was not interested in a visit, and started moving like we never seen before and quite frankly, don't want to see again. Roger decided to put Paul out of his misery and picked the bee off of him. After that, Paul was designated the puller, since he didn't want to stop. With a little (ok a lot) harassing from the group, Paul actually didn't have anything to say, except with his hand, actually it was one finger. However, he was speechless, write this down in your journal...

Ok, my harassing is over, have a good super bowl, go Bucs...

Next Ride

2/1 - 8:00 AM Start time - Harrah's Turnaround. Out to Harrah's Casino and back. All pretty flat one mileage option of 45 miles. Breakfast at Harrah's casino.

I'll give a list of rides for February next week. Let me know if your interested in anything specific.

glen

Hi All!

Thanks to Mr. President (Bob Beane) for leading the pack Saturday. He reports we had 70 riders turn out, including Shawn Carnahan (a recent transplant from the "land of Lance", aka Texas) and a tandem duo of Bruce and Lois Thompson, who visited us from Castle Rock, CO (southern edge of the Denver metro area). Something unusual happened, in that many of the riders actually rode the designated route through the Foothills!! Payton's Place opened early, gave a choice of either breakfast OR lunch menu, set up a separate section for seating and allowed bikes storage on the back patio. About half the riders stopped there for fuel to get home. Cool place!

Coming up...

Saturday 2/1/03 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!!We head to South Mountain, mileage options of 25 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles and climb big time. Breakfast at 5 & Diner, on Priest northwest of Baseline.

Saturday 2/8/03 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Just to make sure the head wind is still there, we'll go check out the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, both with a little gentle climbing. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest of Alma School and Guadalupe.

Saturday 2/15/03 8:00am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast by way of Lindsay with options of 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. We continue our attempt to eat another place out of business by breakfasting at Home Town Buffet, northwest corner Warner and Evergreen.

Tid bits...

Marty Coplea advises the following:

On April 5th and 6th 2003 at McDowell Mountain Park, Fountain Hills AZ, the next "24 Hours of Adrenalin" will be held. This is the fastest growing mountain bike event series in North America. Last year, over 10,000 participants, warriors and novices alike, united to ride in the electrifying event. The ride is a massive relay, where solo riders or teams of up to ten people compete to ride as many laps as possible in a 24 hour time frame. The event has been designed to accommodate all skill levels. More info and race registration at http://www.24hoursofadrenalin.com.

Mike Morross, ride leader for our Sunday morning Kokopedalli group advises they are moving their start point. After being based at Southern and Power for the last 100 years or so, they are moving up the street a mile north. They will now start from the Arizona Golf Resort, southeast of Broadway and Power. If you have never pedaled with Mike's gang, it's a great way to see some beautiful parts of the valley that we don't get out to on Saturday mornings.

In about April of this year, all of your friends on Saturday morning are going to be proudly wearing their beautiful new PMBC club jerseys. You will be heart broken cuz you forgot to order yours before the deadline on February 14th! Go to the website now! Place your order. We can't stand to see cyclists cry.

Ride safe.

Sixteen riders made their way to the "original Mummy Mountain" today, with a few a little later than others. You know who you are, and if not, let me point out Ron, Carter, and Judy!!!! Harlan got the first and only flat of the day, he thought he was going to jinx us, but we didn't fall for that routine again...

Overall, we were pretty well mannered today, having several regroups and potty breaks. We even had Jeremy Longstreet join us today from a long hiatus, welcome back....Oh yea, we did ride a little around that silly mountain, and no one got lost. Not sure who won the hill as I was too busy trying to get oxygen, but assuming it was Gary. Our Lunch was at Pete's at Ken McDonald Golf course. Although no one got beer (Ron, we needed a little push to go over the edge), most enjoyed some sort of healthy eats.

Rides coming up...

1/26 8:30 AM Last week of sleeping in....Germannalupe - Ride to Germann and then to Guadalupe. Mileage of 33 or 42 miles all flat. Breakfast/brunch at Ripe Tomatoes.

2/1 - 8:00 AM Start time - Harrah's Turnaround. Out to Harrah's Casino and back. All pretty flat one mileage option of 45 miles. Breakfast at Harrah's casino.

Cycling Tip:

Keep your head up while in the pace line, don't look down or back. Don't stare at the tire in front of you, look ahead and watch the other riders in the group occasionally. That way you are aware of what is happening in the paceline and not get mesmerized by the back tire of the person in front of you.....

see ya...

glen

Hi All!

Apparently people are taking their new year's resolutions seriously! We had a bunch of new riders amongst our pack of 64 this morning. Thanks to all who helped out with getting the newbies ready to ride. Combining that with having a reporter and photographer from the AZ Republic wandering about the parking lot, gave us a bit of a late start, but we eventually got under way. The pack set a land speed record negotiating the course. Fast riding is sometimes a good thing, but not when it gets us to the food stop before it has even opened! Creative as cyclists usually are, many opted for pre-lunch coffee from Bigbucks, er, that is, Starbucks and then chowed on chinese offerings from Pick Up Stix. (Our apologies to Buddy, who anticipated our stop as a "sticks" place, as in pool hall. Maybe next time, Bud.)

Coming up...

Saturday 1/25/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Revel in our last morning of sleeping in! Bob Beane leads the pack to Ahwatukee for the traditional wandering aboot amid the hills. Various mileage and climbing (or not) options. Brunch/lunch will be at Payton's, northwest corner Chandler Blvd & 40th St (behind the Walgreens). Bob is in tight with these folks and they are opening early just to accommodate our gang, so we need a strong turn out for the feed stop. Sandwiches, burgers, traditional sports bar fare.

Saturday 2/1/03 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! We have a lot of newer riders that have not checked out South Mountain with us, so of course we must show them how it's done! Options of 25 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles and climb big time. Breakfast at 5 & Diner, on Priest northwest of Baseline.

Saturday 2/8/03 8:00am Kiwanis Park. We head out on the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 28 miles or 37 miles, both with a little gentle climbing. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest of Alma School and Guadalupe.

Tid bits...

If you participated in the Casa Grande ride last weekend, there was a firm out taking photos of riders. You can view those pics (and purchase copies if you want) at www.photocrazy.com.

And last, to answer the question that was raised at the end of today's ride-- the Laveen Country Challenge is being held on Sunday 2/9/03 this year. If you are not familiar with that ride, it's good one. Check your local bike shop for flyers or see http://www.lensenet.com/.

Ride safe.

An event photographer was a special addition to this year's Casa Grande Century. Photo Crazy had automatic and manned cameras systems on the course. Many riders were captured 2 or 3 times during the ride. Visit Photo Crazy's Casa Grande Century Photos page to see if you were captured on film.

Hi All!

63 riders seems to be our theme this month, with the same number turning out for today's Mummy ride as we had last week. Some of the express train took the kinder, gentler version of the route-- telling us they were saving up for tomorrow's first century ride of the year. Ron Iverson spent another ride practicing his tire changing skills while the rest of us enjoyed the scenic cruise by the modest (?) homes on the back side of the mountain. We experienced one of those Arizona things-- eating lunch out doors on the patio at Joe's-- and had a grand time.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/18/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast on either McQueen or Val Vista. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Eats at Pick Up Stix, northwest of McClintock and Ray.

Saturday 1/25/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Off we go to the Ahwatukee Foothills. Mileage and climbing options vary. On the way back to the park we will stop and eat somewhere. Details might or might not follow.

Saturday 2/1/03 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE! We start shifting (pun intended) our start time back in anticipation of spring (yeah!). Jack Graham has requested that on this date we make a pilgrimage to the towers at South Mountain, so there we must go. Our adventure there offers 28 miles with some gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles (going with Jack) with lotsa climbing to the TV Towers. Breakfast is 5&Diner on Priest, northwest of Baseline.

Tid bits...

Since almost our entire club is signed up for the Casa Grande ride, we'll see most of you tomorrow. As mentioned last week, Mike Morross will be leading out a line from the start point at 9:00am, doing the 108 mile route, with pace of 20mph. Bob Beane has stepped up and offered to lead an alternate line, doing the 62 mile route, with pace of 16 to 18mph. His train will be leaving the station at about 9:05am (just after Mike's snarling, slathering pack departs). All riders are welcome to hop in to either group, or blow them both off and just do the ride at your own pace and have a good time!

Ride safe.

It was a crisp (but dry) Tuesday morning on December 31st that 75 volunteers from ABC, GABA and the Bullshifters showed up at O dark:30 to assist uniformed police in maintaining order in the staging and de-staging areas of the Fiesta Bowl Parade. They came from as far as Tucson, Casa Grande, Kingman and Prescott.

The level of security this year exceeded even the prior years' (first parade after 9/11), with almost double the number of uniformed officers on 2 wheeled steel steeds of one persuasion or another (cycles & bicycles). Even horse mounted got into the picture (at least bicycles don't leave that …… stuff!).

This year the volunteers were called upon not only the manage the spectators, but also "give direction" to many of the parade participants and directors. It must have been the breakfast burritos (cooked fresh on the spot) and hot coffee that sustained everyone through the day. Not a lot of miles in 7 hours (15 to 20), but a lot of satisfaction in showing spectators that "bicyclists" can ride in a safe and orderly manner. It's amazing how much area 75 people on bicycles can cover in providing "the word".

A special thanks to all riders and those volunteers that managed the individual zones. Good news is that Richard Moeur has volunteered to manage the effort next year, we all know he is capable and will do a great job. I am thankful the it will be a bicyclist managing the effort as I retire to a role of mere participant after 15 years.

To All,

I just wanted to thank all those involved with this bike group for the wonderful reception you gave me on my winter vacation. Sue, for corresponding with me via email to get me started, Bob, for taking me under his wing on the 12-28 and 12-29, "Horse" (I never caught your real name), for leading the pack on the last leg around South Mountain, Bill, for riding a more brisk pace on the Sunday Greenway ride, for the recumbent riders, and tandems that made the rides more interesting. I didn't get many names of those of you I met, but I truly appreciate the hospitality given to me last week.

This was "baptism" into group riding, and I will endeavor to make this club known to those I meet in my travels in the East. Hopefully, you'll get more "vacationers" like me who will inspire those who may think of giving up the ride.

A few of you may have seen me taking a few pictures on the two weekend rides. I'll be getting pictures developed, and will forward them on to the club for posterity.

Thanks again to everyone. I hope to see some of you again, if I can once again find my way out to Phoenix.......

"Tennessee Todd" Shuey

We had 20 riders enjoy the perfect January weather this morning, along with the 8:30 am start time, with no complaints on the start time. Overall, a very good ride, but I would have to say we put on a tire changing clinic today. Let's see, looks like Brenda and Henry started it out with a flat on the way to the Park. Then Ron decided that he would change 2 today or was that 3 (I guess the 2 from yesterday wasn't enough), and then a member of the "I want more miles group" had another. Geez!!!!! Dave gets the Boy Scout award for having a spare tire (that is a tire, not a tube) for Ron, which by the way did nothing to stop the last flat Ron got. Oh well, guess Ron needs to get a new bike.....:-)

For the most part, the group stayed pretty calm, except when Roger took the lead and broke the group up. Oh well, I can pick on him since he doesn't have email. I won the one and only sprint, even though it wasn't marked, no one knew about it, and by the looks of the group chasing me (that would be zero) no one cared!! Oh well, a win is a win.....

Breakfast at Wildflower was great, including the view out on the patio (that was for you Chad, and yes Carter, you missed it!). On a side bar note, it has been confirmed that John Arle was spotted on his bike this week. While the 12 miles left him winded and sore (on the back side that is), he is GRADUALLY starting to come back. Hope to see you soon.

Ride Schedule

1/12 Ride - Sunday Spin Cycle will be supporting our club ride (GABA Phoenix Metro) and do the Casa Grande Century in lieu of a regular ride. The terrain is flat, the roads have low traffic and the temperature is guaranteed to be cool. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Casa Grande before the return trip. If you haven't done a century before this is a great first century. Three ride options will be available, 108 miles, 85 miles and 62 miles. Registration starts at 8:30 to 9:30 and there will be SAG stops along the way. The cost is $15 for members, and $20 for non-members, so another great reason to join GABA. I've attached a link with more details on the ride. I hope everyone can make it. Again, we will not ride out of Desert Breeze on Sunday 1/12, but starting at Alma School and Chandler Heights. We will have a group of us leaving at 9:00, so if you want to join in, be there at 8:30 to register. We will be maintaining a 20mph pace throughout. Casa Grande Century

1/19 - the original Mummy Mountain - ride to Scottsdale, with mileage options of 35-50 miles. 35 moderate climbing, 50 lots of short climbs. Breakfast at Pete's at Ken McDonald Golf Course (Rural just south Guadalupe).

1/26 - Germannalupe - Ride to Germann and then to Guadalupe. Mileage of 33 or 42 miles all flat. Breakfast/brunch at Ripe Tomatoes.

Misc

Here is a note from Jerry Stanley who rides with us on Sunday on occasion.

I am assisting South Mountain Cycles in putting teams together for the 24 Hours in The Old Pueblo and would like to get the word out to as many riders as possible. If you have had a chance to participate in this or any other 24 hour event, I am sure you are aware what a great time everyone has! We are especially in need of female participants, (as the most popular team format - 5 person co-ed) requires at least one female rider. The other teams (6-10 person) are seeking male and female participants.

For more information anyone interested can visit this link http://www.epicrides.com/old_pueblo.shtml. I appreciate any "word spreading" you could do for me and I can be contacted at Jerry Stanley. We are hoping to have our teams organized by January 12th.

Hi All!

The pack voted with a strong turn out this morning that the 8:30am start is a good thing! We had 63 riders head out for a glorious Arizona "winter" day of riding. The chill at the start progressed to rapidly peeling layers as the miles went by. (Huh, Cory? We normally suggest that you leave at least one layer on.) We had a guest couple on a tandem who were visiting us from Montana, and they decided we live in paradise. We said this is true, but they must NOT go home and tell all their friends, else we will be mobbed by the entire state of Montana moving here! The brunch stop at Someburros was a grand success... management was so excited to see us that they sent out trays of complimentary desserts treats just to say thanks (now there is somebody that understands cyclists!)

Coming up...

Saturday 1/11/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. We'll work up a appetite with a romp to or around Mummy Mountain. Mileage options 27 miles with some gentle climbing or 40 miles with moderate climbing. Lunch is Joe's Crab Shack on Southern, northeast of Dorsey-- excellent clam chowder, wraps, fish & seafood of all kinds... and a very entertaining staff!

Saturday 1/18/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast on either McQueen or Val Vista. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Lunch, in honor of Greg's recent journey to China, will be Pick Up Stix, northwest of McClintock and Ray. If you haven't checked this place out yet, you ought to! Yummy fresh made Chinese food of all kinds, great service, good prices-- our kinda place.

Saturday 1/25/03 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Time for another journey to the foothills of Ahwatukee. We'll ride that way, get everybody lost, regroup, then eat somewhere on the way back to the park. More details later.

Tid bits...

The 2003 cycling season is officially under way! Our group lays claim to hosting the first adventure of the year, with the Casa Grande ride on Sunday January 12th. We have a group of riders that is going to do the 108 mile distance together as a "team" and all are invited to hop in. Line leader will be our newly ex-prez Mike Morross. The plan is to leave the start point at 9am. (Registration opens at 8:30am, so get yourself there and be signed in ready to roll at 9:00am). Planned pace is a steady 20mph. People interested in hooking up with this gang and playing along should look for Mike near the registration area....red, white, and blue bike... PMBC jersey. If you don't know Mike, ask at registration and we'll point him out to you.

And speaking of teaming up, Bill Jacobson is looking for partners to tandem with him. If you have never done the duo thing, it's a quick learn and a blast to do. Bill says he goes both ways (?) and will ride front or back, your choice. Send him a note if you want to hook up.

Ride safe.