We had 27 riders take off this morning, must have been the allure of Sacaton. We also had three new riders join, Steve who was passing by, a guest from Tennessee, and Scott. Welcome to the group. Our flats started right off, with Randy getting one before getting to the start, and Patty in the parking lot. While I didn't have a flat, my back tire was not normal, so I had to boot it before we could take off. We started off easy to our first regroup, then we picked up the pace as we headed to Sacaton. The wind started to blow a little, but was mostly a tail wind until the last 3 miles before our turn off. That is where Randy encountered his second flat. While trying to find the offending piece of metal that caused the flat, it decided to implement itself in his thumb - ouch! We then turned on 187 and was treated with a nice tailwind up the hill until we got to I-10. It was great climbing that hill at 23+. Oh yea, we also saw a snake on this road. The snake didn't like 20 bikes screaming past it. I'm sure the story will get a little embellished, as it was a huge snake, almost taking up the whole road.....(ok, it wasn't that big, but close).

That is where the fun stopped, and we were treated to a strong headwind going back to Sacaton. Going downhill, we managed almost 20mph! We then regrouped at Sacaton where Court noticed his back hub was completely shot. He had to call home for a ride, hopefully you will be back in business soon. We managed a good pace coming back, and overall didn't have too much of a head wind, which was nice. While coming back, Stacy was pulling and had to dodge the fork in the road (oh, yea, it was a real fork in the road). Everyone made it back safe and sound with several enjoying Wildflower. The sprint at the end was won by Gary, getting up to 40MPH (wind assisted) - with Paul closely behind at 39.8MPH (wind assisted), and then yours truly at 39.5MPH (Pulling these guys all the way). At least that is the way I remember it......Oh, how can I forget Mr. Kirk having a flat right near breakfast. While repairing his tube, it must have pinched, so when he inflated the tube with his co2 and it exploded, we had to calm everyone down in the restaurant letting them know that he had not shot anyone. Randy gets flat head of the week honors with Mike getting honorable mention.

Ride Schedule

4/4 - 7:00 AM - NOTICE NEW START Time - Yes, staring in April and May, our start time changes to 7:00 am. We'll do the McKellips route options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. All mostly flat - breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

4/11 7:00am - Tour de Mesa - Ride options of 35 or 45 miles, mostly flat with a gentle climb at the end. Breakfast at Wildflower on Guadalupe & McClintock.

4/18 7:00am - Ohcotukee loop - Out to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles, with some climbing on the 45 mile option. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels - Chandler & Rural.

4/25 7:00am - Tour de Lehi - Ride options of 30 or 35 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Hi All!

Ah.. spring. The weather warms up... and the cyclists start appearing. We had 71 riders roll out of the park this morning, headed north bound smack through the middle of the Tempe Arts Festival. (We try to give a variety of experieces on our rides... thought we would toss in a little culture today.) The wind training ride on McKellips lived up to its name as the pack plowed across to the east, then made for a great romp back the other direction on the way to Neighbors. And speaking of breakfast... that gal who served us has the makings a great pack leader, don't ya think? We should get her to take up cycling.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/3/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Our start time for April and May shifts back to 7:00am. We head eastbound by way of Elliott, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Saturday 4/10/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A journey to Mummy Mountain offers up route options of 27 miles or 40 miles, some moderate climbing on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 4/17/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop is a scenic loop taking advantage (?) of the climbs just north of Tempe. Route options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast is I-HOP, southwest of Apache & College.

Tid bits...

Jay Stewart is inviting all to join him and Jerry Stanley for the second annual Lust Ride on Sunday April 18th at 3:00pm. Start is at the Rock Bottom Brewery in Ahwatukee, pedal through the Foothills for 20 to 25 miles, then finish back at Rock Bottom for food and spirits. They welcome your attendance to honor the memory of Denise Lust, to help her friends and family know that Denise is missed by many. Please contact Jerry Stanley or Mike Lust to confirm your participation and for more details if needed.

The city of Tempe is having one of it's enforcement times... when they flash the ticket book at cyclists. Just a reminder, you are a moving vehicle when you are astride your bike and are bound by the same traffic laws as the other moving vehicles (aka cars). You must obey posted speed limits. Not an issue? If you are in a 45mph zone on level ground, probably not a problemo unless you have one heck of a tail wind. But what about a 15mph school zone? When you enter a school zone you must slow to 15 just like the cars (OK... like the cars are supposed to do). If there is a crossing guard in the roadway with his/her handy dandy stop sign up... you must stop until they have returned to the relative safety of the sidewalk.

Ride safe.

Hello all, a great day of riding today. We had 22 riders this morning, with two new riders, Ben and Jay. Our group did the Germanalupe loop, taking it easy up to the first regroup as a few of us stretched our legs from the Mining Country Challenge. Since the first regroup bathroom was stolen (that's what they told Sue), we stopped at the next gas station (and used their unstolen bathroom). Speaking of Sue, she was a little tired today, hint, you need to get your aerobic activity during the ride, not before.

We then picked up the pace, actually, it was Joel who picked up the pace. All told, everyone made it around the route in one fashion or another, and some even had enough energy in their legs to sprint at the end. Seems to me they weren't pulling enough. Breakfast at Ruby's was great, enjoying the patio and good conversation.

Ride Schedule

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall

4/4 - 7:00 AM - NOTICE NEW START Time - Yes, staring in April and May, our start time changes to 7:00 am. We'll do the McKellips route options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. All mostly flat - breakfast at Neighbors Cafe.

Hi All!

The draw of the Mining Country Challenge tempted away a number of our regular riders, but we made it up with newbies! We had 59 riders head out into the gorgeous orange blossom scented air this morning. The long route riders discovered the demolition on Riggs Road has reduced that part of the course to being pretty non-bike-friendly, but it gives us hope that the eventual rebuild of that road will give us a nice wide bike-laned route to use. The few riders that opted for the breakfast stop enjoyed two of our favorite "P" words... pancakes and pie.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Get in a last weekend of hard riding before Tour de Phoenix. Join us on the McKellips Loop, with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 4/3/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Our start time for April and May shifts back to 7:00am. If you are not headed to the Tour De Phoenix, join the home pack for a route to the east, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Saturday 4/10/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Work up an appetite for all those jelly beans and chocolate bunnies by taking in the scenic Mummy Mountain route. Route options 27 miles or 40 miles, some moderate climbing on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid bits...

Speaking of pie and pancakes... we have a number of riders in the pack working towards goals of weight loss (bathing suit season approacheth!). Just a reminder, the low carb plans work excellent...but doing aerobic activities for an extended period of time (like a 2 or 3 hour bike ride!) is a struggle for your body when you are running on empty. As the temps climb, this will become even more pronounced. Combine a little dehydration with no carbs... and you are talking bonk city big time. If you plan to pedal with us on Saturday morning, give yourself a little noshing freedom for Friday night dinner and Saturday morning pre-ride breakfast.

Ride safe.

We had 26 riders today, being the second time that Sunday Spin Cycle had more riders than Saturday Cycling (Mother Nature has a way of balancing things out now and then). We also had 3 new riders join us today, two from NY (Sal & Lisa) and Jim. We took off around the mountain on a perfect day for riding. Once we got to our first regroup on Riggs, we broke into many groups, with everyone making it around to the first regroup. Even Bill joined us from a long hiatus. Also joining us for most likely the last time was Paul, who will head back to NY. Take care Paul, we'll miss your quiet conversations!

A good portion of the group also went up South Mountain, getting in extra miles and hills. For the most part, this was uneventful, which was good. Not sure who King of the Hill was, but most likely Larry, who took off on a great pace. On the way back, Mike encountered a broke spoke, but limped into breakfast (see, not even a mechanical can them away from breakfast). All told, about 65 miles today, good riding gang. Oh yea, quote of the day. When describing Carter's climbing prowess, and noting that he did this only riding one day a week, he was dubbed the "One Week Wonder". He then made the comment that his wife calls him the one...(oh, you'll have to ask him to finish this for you!!!!!).

Ride Schedule

3/21 - 7:30 AM Start time - Germannalupe - Down to Guadalupe and back on Germann. Mileage options of 33 or 42 flat miles. Breakfast at Ruby's Diner.

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall.

PMBC Stuff

Mike Litecky is still looking for a couple of volunteers to assist him with our club's hosted rest stop at the TdP. Lindsey & McDowell on Saturday 4/3/04, working hours would be about 8:30am to 1pm, or any portion of that you want to step up for. Contact Mike Litecky.

And lastly, are you interested in getting away to a cool this summer? We'll, what better way to than being the ride leader for our White Mountain Tour on July 10-11th. If you have the inclination, email Glen Fletcher. Help support your club!

Hi All!

Even the draw of free food couldn't over ride the looks of the weather this morning. We had 19 riders head out to the Foothills and back, returning rather splatted and bedraggled for their efforts... then another 10 joined us for breakfast in the park after. Considering we were set to feed about 75 hungry cyclists, the ratio of bagel to person was quite high. Thanks to Tom O'Leary and Rick & Kathleen Marquis for their assist with the breakfast duties. And for the no shows, you'll be glad to know that some homeless people in downtown Phoenix really appreciated your bagel, muffin, and juice!

Coming up...

Saturday 3/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us to the south with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Village Inn, northwest corner Hardy & Elliot.

Saturday 3/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A bit of wind training to prep you for the Tour de Phoenix... we head out on the McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 4/3/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Our start time for April and May shifts back to 7:00am. If you are not headed to the Tour De Phoenix, join the home pack for a route to the east, with mileage options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Ripe Tomato, southeast corner Baseline and Extension.

Tid bits...

And speaking of Tour de Phoenix, Mike Litecky is still looking for a couple of volunteers to assist him with our club's hosted rest stop at the TdP. Lindsey & McDowell on Saturday 4/3/04, working hours would be about 8:30am to 1pm, or any portion of that you want to step up for. Contact Mike Litecky.

Ride safe.

We had 22 riders enjoy some very nice weather today. I decided to change the route and get some hills, so we went to Ahwatukee today. We also had a new rider join us today, welcome aboard Tracy. Our group kept a good pace up to Queen Creek, and then we decided to get a little speed. Sue encountered the first flat of the day as she was coming off the pace line at 27. Our second flat of the day was by Ron who waited until the regroup to get his. Just as we were ready to leave, Carter noticed he had a flat, so we waited while all of the rabbits took off.

We were on our way along Pecos when yours truly got a flat. Needless to say, we never caught the rabbits, but all enjoyed some great weather and good hills. I'm not sure if Paul or Larry won the King of the Hill honors, but both of you owe me half of the prize money for pulling you up. We then headed for breakfast, so Sue could perform first aid to some pedestrian (no, Neal wasn't involved in this one).

While at breakfast, the conversation turned to Roger, and if he had any offspring that he knew of. He said he didn't know of any, and then we focused on Ragbrai asking if he had any groupies there. He said no, saying he didn't have curb appeal. There was more to the story, but, sadly I can say no more...

Ride Schedule

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! That gets 'em every time. Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers you a journey to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here.

3/14 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride around the mountain - South Mountain that is. One route, about 50 miles, with a couple of regroups. Breakfast at Bagel Nosh on 48th St and Warner Rd.

3/21 - 7:30 AM Start time - Germannalupe - Down to Guadalupe and back on Germann. Mileage options of 33 or 42 flat miles. Breakfast at Ruby's Diner.

3/28 - 7:30 AM Start time - Ride to Sacaton - Ride to the thriving metropolis of Sacaton, mileage options of 37, 52, or 60 miles with a hill for the 60 mile crew. Breakfast at Wildflower - Chandler Mall.

PMBC Stuff

If your interested in having one of the club jerseys or a club vest or arm warmers, check out our web site for ordering information.

The Mining Country Challenge is a couple of weeks away, do you have your climbing legs in shape?

And lastly, are you interested in getting away to a cool this summer? We'll, what better way to than being the ride leader for our White Mountain Tour on July 10-11th. If you have the inclination, email Glen Fletcher. Help support your club!

Hi All!

Ah... warm air... finally. The strange yellow light in the sky, known as the sun, welcomed us to the park this morning. We had 62 riders head out... with another 5 or 6 hopping in along the way after discovering that our start time shifted to 7:30. The loop to the north developed into follow the leader lemming as numerous versions of Mummyback were enjoyed... all giving up great views of the area. On arrival at Bruegger's we found the place redesigned with a cool new removable front wall... allowing us to dine in the perfect morning weather. It was such a great day that post ride a "B Tour" formed and headed off into the Foothills for some bonus miles.

Coming up...

Saturday 3/13/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD!! Our quarterly membership ride/meeting offers a pedal to the Ahwatukee Foothills and then free eats back at Kiwanis Park after the ride. Mileage options 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast is FREE for all PMBC/GABA members, $4 for non-members. If you are not a member and want to join by that date, pick up an application any Saturday morning or click here. If you will be popping in just for the breakfast/meeting, we'll start serving about 9:30am, location Ramada 6 & 7 at the east end of Kiwanis Lake.

Saturday 3/20/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Sue takes us to the south with route options of 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Village Inn, northwest corner Hardy & Elliot.

Saturday 3/27/04 7:30am Kiwanis Park. A bit of wind training to prep you for the Tour de Phoenix... we head out on the McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, a little gentle climbing on each. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Tid bits...

This week is your last chance to mail in your order for a club jersey... and you know you're gonna have jersey envy if you don't get yourself one. Head to the website for details. We need to receive your order by 3/15/04 in order to get in on this shipment.

We welcomed a new club member this morning... Rick and Kathleen Marquis announced they are "expecting". Let's see... that babe will compete in the Tour de France 2024, right? Congrats to mom and dad, we wish all three of you well.

And speaking of the Marquis... they have so many life changes going on that they are stepping down from the excellent job they did of being ride leaders for the White Mountain Tour last July. For that ride to happen this year, we need somebody, or a couple of somebodies, to step up for the job. The Marquis did us a grand service of getting lots of that job organized so it can be passed along easily to the next leaders. If you are interested, contact your club prez Kathy Mills.

Ride safe.