Hello all, we had 24 riders take off this morning, enjoying another beautiful day in AZ. We had several new riders that joined us today, Mark, Joel, Mike, Fred, and Ed as well as returning member from CO, Bruce. Our group maintained a nice pace up to the first regroup, as we were waiting for the speed. Once the regroup was complete, we took off, heading down Extension, we only hit two lights, an all time record. Then down Rio Salado, were we really picked up the pace, that was fun...Then we headed for the hills, first going over Galvin Parkway. A very spirited ride up, with BOB taking the points leader jersey up Galvin (I'm filing an official protest, as they ganged up on me....). After repairing a flat, we took off over Oak and then up McDowell. The group maintained a pretty nominal pace up the hill until the last 150 yards as an all out sprint ensued (No Neal, it wasn't Sue's fault). Yours truly took the leader points, and then retained it up Galvin.

We took Carter's route through ASU, and back to Smoothie King. Just about there, we got another flat. Oh well, just made those smoothies taste that much better.

Ride Schedule

1/19 8:30 AM MLK DAY RIDE - For those that have the day off, we'll feature a little ride called Tour de Mesa. We'll head to Guadalupe and then Lindsey, then up McDowell to Power and back down McKellips. Breakfast at Neighbors if you choose. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with the longer having a few climbs.

1/25 8:30 AM We'll do the Tour around Mummy with the added benefit of the original Mummy Mountain Hills. Yes, we get to go up that big hill. Mileage options of 35 flat, 40 somewhat hilly, and 50 hilly miles. Breakfast at US Egg (Mill & Baseline).

Jane Larsen of PMBC organized another great Casa Grande Century on Sunday, January 11, 2004. This is the first century of the year, and the weather was warm but windy.

Registration started at 8:30am at the Ocotillo Safeway at Alma School and Chandler Heights Rd in Chandler. We got a pair of socks as a ride souvenir. There was a pretty good turnout of 'bents. Tim and I rode the DoubleVision, Cap'n Hook on his Ti-Rush, Bill Davisson on his Stratus, two Vickies on EZ-Sports, a gal on a carbon-fiber Lightning, Mike Kitchen on his white GRR, and a guy on a TE or GRR who thought I was Brison. We missed Mellissa K, Tom D, Bill M and all the rest of you!

The route hasn't changed in years. The ride starts at the Safeway and goes to Dave White Park (off Kortsen Rd) in Casa Grande. The direct route is 30 miles via SR87 and SR187/SR387. The long route is 53 miles via Coolidge before turning back for Casa Grande. You can choose 62mi, 83mi or 105mi. Tim chose the 83 mile route with Frank, and we started at 8:53am in a balmy 60°, before the mass-start crowd launched at 9am.

The wind came up early and hard. It was blowing 15-20mph from the ESE. That made it a slog all the way to Coolidge. We were passed by the main 'peloton' about mile 13, before the Gila River. The wind was already taking its toll, and we took turns drafting with Patty to Mike Litecky's rest stop (corner 87 & 187).

At the stop, Sue Fassett objected to my choice of clothes, and told me if I was color coordinated, I'd be faster. I asked to see her fashion police badge.

After a 20min break, we were off in slow motion to chase Frank. It was tough to average 12mph against the wind, and we didn't get to Coolidge until after 11:30am, after a short stop at Paul Nichols' Rest Stop 2. But then we turned west and downwind, and we kept it around 20mph all the way to SR387, where we turned south, kept the pace up, and conversed with a gal from Denver who had come down for the ride.

We got to Dave White Park at 12:55pm, at 52.7mi. It seems traditional on this ride that when we get to lunch my knees are killing me from pushing instead of spinning on the windward legs. Lunch was Honeybears BBQ chicken and beef, with beans and pasta salad. I had aspirin and Tylenol and iced knees for dessert.

There wasn't any bus to sag home in, so I decided to ride back. We left about 1:40, to follow the short route back. We got to the freeway overpass about 2:15, and it was downhill for the next 5 miles to Litecky's rest stop at the 187/87 corner. We topped out over 30mph on the downhill.

We spent a few minutes at the rest stop, then headed out for the last 17 miles on SR87. We had the wind at our backs, so we were able to avoid knee-strain and still keep the speed around 19mph. It's a long, straight ride in the shoulder on a very good road surface, but it's still a treat to spot the tree line at the Hunt Highway intersection in the distance. When you see the trees, there's less than 5 miles to go.

We pulled into the Safeway parking lot at 3:41pm, at 82.86 miles, 5hrs 29mins riding time. Our average of 15.1mph set a new record speed on this ride for me, due mostly to Tim dragging me along on the tandem. The temperature was about 78°. The first metric century of the year was in the books.

A big "Thank You" to all the volunteers from PMBC who put on the ride.

Hi All!

The siren of free eats brought out 86 riders for our adventure to the Foothills this morning. After completing 86 various versions of the route, we headed to SuperGo for appetizers, then the pack rolled on in search of sustenance, with riders splitting off for bagels, buritto's, pancakes... and one brave soul for pizza (he's also a runner, they're a different breed).

Coming up...

An impromptu holiday ride... if you are a lucky duck and have Monday off:

Monday 1/19/04 8:30am Desert Breeze Park. Celebrate your freedom... our Sunday gang hosts anybody that can join in for a ride and then eats. You'll pedal somewhere, then eat some food.

Saturday 1/24/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out to south, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with no climbing. Brunch on the way back at China Lite, northwest corner of Elliot and Hardy. (Note, for the committed pancakers... there is a Village Inn in the same parking lot!)

Saturday 1/31/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Our last "sleep in a bit" Saturday. A counter-clockwise version of the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. SomeBurro's for eats, southeast corner Mill & Baseline.

Saturday 2/7/04 8:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. We start our swing back to earlier hours with the St. Francis Loop around Tempe and a bit north. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner of Mill & 11th.

Tid bits...

We had the honor of Rich Rumer from The Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists (CAZB) joining us this morning. This organization is the driving force for safer cycling in our state. They work incredibly hard to support our right to be on the road. If you wanna checkout more about them, see their website at www.cazbike.org or email the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists.

Ride safe.

Ok, we didn't have our normal Spin Cycle group, but most made it out to the start of our PMBC - GABA - Casa Grande Century. From what I could gather from Jane Larson and crew, we had over 200 riders for the day, so another record. Congrats to everyone who did the ride. I figured it would be good to relate a couple of stories, since those that didn't attend felt left out on the events. Our morning was crisp, but pleasant at the start. For the majority, we took off at 9:00 AM, and enjoyed a good 1 hour of pleasant wind free riding. At 10:00 am, however, that is when things changed. I received a flat at the front of the 20MPH paceline and as people passed me to stay with the group, the wind started to show it's teeth (see what happens when you pass me). I changed my tire with the help of five trustee steeds (ok, they were not exactly steeds, but don't harass them just yet, there is more). After I managed to get the air back in my tire, we charged forward, at a masterful 24mph. We were a machine, moving effortlessly into the wind, but then, it started blowing harder, and our steeds started to dwindle. First one, then two, then we picked a rogue female steed (ok Sue, how's that for a metaphor!!!!). We made the first regroup with everyone else who started the group, a little tired and wind wiped.

A good group took off along the long route into the teeth of the wind. I believe we hit a max speed of 18mph during the next 15-20 miles as we headed east into the wind. The wind definitely had an effect on the group, and the number of riders reduced significantly. While most took the shorter route, a group of rouges took the long route and were rewarded after the turn on Coolidge with some nice tail winds. We made it to Casa Grande and enjoyed some warm BBQ food and dessert (me, I filled up on the dessert!). The ride back was mostly tailwinds with some crosswinds to keep things interesting. We had a flat along the way, with the "B" group as they admittedly said as they passed while we were changing the tire, "We are the 'B' group, catch us if you can!" So we did, dropping a few along the way, but everyone making it along the dusty and windy path.

Overall, another great ride for our club, and thanks to everyone who helped make this ride a success. Not only those who participated, but those who helped register us in the morning, those that helped feed us along the way, those that watched us as we moved along the way, and those that just watched and made sure everyone made it safe and sound back home. For those that don't know, a ride like this doesn't just happen, it happens because of the tireless efforts of those that make it happen, so thank you for all for making it happen...

glen

Setting goals and planning for transitional changes can enable anyone to make cycling a part of their life throughout the year. I elaborated on these Transitions in an article I wrote a couple of years ago. For now, however, I'd like to expound on my transition this past year from summer vacation to the new school year. As a teacher, my schedule changes drastically at this time. Inevitably, my cycling declines and typically evaporates completely by the end of the semester. (That certainly explains my absence for the past 8 weeks, now doesn't it?) This year, my goal was to commute the 25 miles to work on my bike unless I needed my car for a very specific reason. Consequently, my car never saw campus until mid-October. One particular day in early fall was particularly noteworthy.

I left home a little later than normal after taking care of an inordinate number of accumulated e-mails. By 9:30 the Phoenix morning had already warmed the air to 100 degrees. My cyclocomputer registered 102 by the time I completed my ninety minute trek (actually I ride a Cannondale). Unto itself, the commute in was not a particular concern for a native desert rat whose blood is probably thin enough to actually be gaseous at room temperatures. However, by the time I started home following my afternoon lab session, weather.com showed 116 and my bike computer was registering 122 radiating off the blacktop. Do you ever wonder what temperature is needed to melt road bike tires? I made it about 10 miles before my first Circle K stop. My initially frozen water bottles had turned flat warm by then. My concern was to stop before my water supply vaporized completely. After icing down and reloading, I was back on my way. 10 miles later, another Circle K sucked me in. This time, a slush and package of cookies seemed to be calling my name. With only 5 miles to go, the end of this broiling ordeal was within site. Half-way through that, however, I ran through a pile of glass I didn't spot (go figure, eyes burning from sweat, near blind, and I didn't see the glass) and flatted both front and back. Geez, I've never done that before. Maybe the rubber hadn't melted but it sure as heck must have been soft! Twenty minutes, one new tube, and a patch later, I was back on my way and arrived home shortly thereafter.

I believe this is good fodder for thought here in January/February because just check out our temperatures. Highs are in the seventies or eighties and even our mornings aren't really that bad. The downside is, we're in the back half of winter and heading toward an Arizona spring and summer. I plan on taking advantage of the spring and "transitioning" myself back out of my recent fall slump. Energize yourself in a similar way. If you haven't been with one of the weekly group rides ... well, get out there and do it. I'm putting rehab miles on my legs (... and other places, too) and plan to rejoin the groups very soon reinforcing my self-imposed nickname, "Sloth Vader." If you don't want to go super sonic with the speed dogs, then join "the sloth" for a few weeks. Let's enjoy this spring weather because I kind of think it might warm up again here in a couple of months.

See you on the road.

Hi All!

The wind is our friend. It blows the smog from the valley... and gives you a good workout on your bike! We had 53 riders head out into the breeze this morning on our ramble around town. We checked out the ASU Research Park, then the custom homes and horse properties in south Tempe... then slogged our way over Galvin Parkway and across Rio Salado to the Ripe Tomato... where they had a nice empty patio waiting for us. "Empty" as in some one stole most of their patio tables and chairs! Amazing. They gladly welcomed us inside with good food and good service.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/17/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. SuperGo Saturday!! One of our local shops wants to say thanks for shopping there... by hosting us for breakfast! To work up an appetite first, we head to the Ahwatukee Foothills, route options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Food stop is SuperGo, southeast corner of Ray & Kyrene for FREE (!!) eats.

Saturday 1/24/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out to south, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with no climbing. Brunch someplace with food on the way back!

Saturday 1/31/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. Our last "sleep in a bit" Saturday. We'll test Darlene's theory about prevailing winds and checkout a reverse version of the McKellips Loop. Mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Lotsa riders liked the SomeBurro's stop for food, so we'll head there once more before we switch back to earlier start times. SomeBurro's for eats, southeast corner Mill & Baseline.

Tid bits...

Our new club prez Kathy (Hendricks) Mills sends the following message:
"We are looking for a newsletter editor for the Tailwind Times to replace Mike Moross. Experience with desktop publishing would be helpful. Interested people can email Bob Beane if they want to know what the job involves."

And last... if you haven't joined in on the national cycling website that our club participates in, now is the time! The mileage log has been refreshed for the new year and all are starting on equal standings (or is that equal rollings?). This is your big chance to wow your friends with the miles you rack up on your bike, or the lack thereof. The site is www.bikejournal.com and our club listing there is under GABA - Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club. Our club password is "pmbc". (We are still working on the secret hand shake.) It's a cool way to track your miles and watch how others in the club are doing. Plus we got a little friendly competition going with some other clubs around the nation!

Ride safe.

We had 16 riders today, take off on the first Sunday Spin Cycle of 2004. Before I get to the ride, I wanted to say a few words about 2003. I wanted to acknowledge some of the accomplishments this year. As you know, we have been updating when someone gets flats, and the inaugural 2003 winner of the Flat Head of the Year honor goes to Mike Klein. Nancy didn't want to get out done, so she gets the first flat of 2004. Larry gets runner up honors for flats, with Tim coming in 3rd. However, Tim gets the honor of fastest flat repair for both front and back. Not sure if they should count, since he received a couple of other flats after that first repair. Oh, why should I bother with details now. We are also on our yearly search for Waldo, Darth Sloth, I mean John Arle, who is missing in action. Hope you can come out and play some time soon. All kidding aside, I enjoyed this year of riding with each and every one of you, and hope you can continue to come out and ride.

Our ride today was a little brisk and windy, but we made the best of it. A good portion of the group decided to take the short route and get home so they could take down all of those Christmas decorations. A portion of us made it around the route and back to breakfast where we dinned on the patio. That was the warmest I was all day.

Ride Schedule

1/11 8:00ish - We will not have the normal Spin Cycle ride, we will be supporting the Casa Grande Century and our club. The terrain is flat, the roads have low traffic and the temperature is guaranteed to be cool. Ride from Sun Lakes to Dave White Regional Park in Casa Grande and return. Three ride options will be available: A full century (108 miles), A metric century (62 miles), and an 85 mile loop. The ride starts on Alma School & Chandler Heights in the Safeway Parking Lot. Sign up by January 4th to get discounts. See Major Events for more details.

Those interested in riding the Casa Grande Century in a group are invited to join the gang for a 9am start the morning of the ride. Strategy is to do a REAL 15-20 minute warm-up, with the goal of completing the ride with a 20mph on-the-bike average speed. Contact Mike Morross at ride010101@aol.com with any questions...

1/18 8:30 AM Tempe Mountains - Will ride some of the hills in Tempe, well, close to Tempe. Mileage options of 38 fairly flat or 45 somewhat hilly miles. Breakfast at Smoothie King (Ray & McClintock)

1/25 8:30 AM We'll do the Tour around Mummy with the added benefit of the original Mummy Mountain Hills. Yes, we get to go up that big hill. Mileage options of 35 flat, 40 somewhat hilly, and 50 hilly miles. Breakfast at US Egg (Mill & Baseline).

In addition, I would like to encourage everyone to leverage the following Web Site: http://www.bikejournal.com/. The site has many neat features, but the best being able to log your miles during the year, compare yourself to others, and get some great motivation during the year. In addition, you can sign up under the PMBC Bike club. This last year, 13 of our riders made us the 2nd club with the most miles in the year. This has been great for the club, as many riders from other areas have visited us just because of this. Let me know if you have any questions.

glen

Hi All!

Those resolutions brought us a crowd this morning, with 72 riders heading into a misting morning. A romp around Scottsdale, interupted by a couple of tire booting sessions, and then a roll thru downtown Tempe for glimpses of the after affect of the game. (Don't you wish you had stock in the companies that sell all those t-shirts??) Then a bee line was made to the welcome warmth of Someburro's. Yum!

Coming up...

Saturday 1/10/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Tempe takes us on a route around some of the scenic spots in our lovely town. Route options of 31 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with a couple of climbs. Brunch on the patio at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Saturday 1/17/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. SuperGo Saturday!! One of our local shops wants to say thanks for shopping there... by hosting us for breakfast! To work up an appetite first, we head to the Ahwatukee Foothills, route options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Food stop is SuperGo, southeast corner of Ray & Kyrene for FREE (!!) eats.

Saturday 1/24/04 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us out to south, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles with no climbing. Brunch someplace with food on the way back!

Tid bits...

For the sake of George Martinez, and any other riders that can't remember our start times through out the year, here ya go:
January 8:30am
February 8:00am
March 7:30am
April/May 7:00am
June/July/August 6:30am
September/October 7:00am
November 7:30am
December 8:00am

Those times have been developed by charting the sunrise, the average temp, the tides (hey, Tempe Town Lake probably has some kind of tidal thing going!), and the ability of the majority of the pack to roll out of bed and get to the park on time on any given Saturday.

Ride safe.