Thanks Sue for leading the group on Sunday...

We had 14 riders turn out for our journey to the southeast. Since most of the hard pounding dogs (except for Roger and Bob "Animal" Culbertson) were off doing the Tucson mountain ride, we decided to try a moderate pace for most of the pedal. The trek down to Hunt Highway was uneventful... until we got to Hunt Highway and found there is no Hunt Highway at the moment at Lindsey. The spot previously occupied by Hunt is dirt as far as the eye can see. So, brilliant cyclists that we are, the decision was made to retrace our path back up to Riggs and we ended up in bound on that. We managed to keep Bob reined in until this point, but Roger couldn't handle it anymore and took off like a fig newton mush powered rocket. A couple of breakaways went with him, while the rest held steady at our more enjoyable pace. As we swung back into town, the siren call of the patio at the WildFlower was too much for Tim, Tom Culp, and Peaches... and we heroically volunteered to go reserve tables for the pack. It was a tough job... but hey, we were the ones smart enough to think of it. A good day of riding was had by all.

We also had a large showing of PMBC riders down at Tucson Mountains. Several finished in the top 100 and 200, so congrats to everyone who did the ride. Here is a picture of some of the crew...John Arle is putting together a little post TTM article, so look for it coming to a newsstand soon...

Ride Schedule

5/2 - 7:00AM - The original Mummy Mountain - mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with some hills. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels

5/9 - 7:00AM - Mothers Day - Short ride today - Germannalupe - Germann to Guadalupe - breakfast at Ruby's Diner

5/16 - 7:00AM - South Mountain - we have to do it before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles, with some big climbing. Breakfast at 5 & Diner

5/23 - 7:00AM - Sacaton - go out and see the thriving metropolis - mileage options of 37, 52, 58, and 60 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Wildflower

5/30 - 7:00AM- Metro Mania - mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat and seeing all of the cities. Breakfast at Good Egg, but subject to change.

Hi All!

We had 69 riders turn out in the gorgeous (OK, a bit windy) weather for our pedal to Lehi. Some of the advanced riders who are headed to Tour of the Tucson Mountains tomorrow struggled to keep their enthusiasm in check on their designated "rest" day before the big ride. We somehow got the pack past the sand volleyball play-offs being held at Tempe Beach without any incidents... something about young athletic people jumping around in brilliant yellow speedo bathing suits can be a bit distracting.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/1/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. South Mountain offers route options of 28 miles with a bit of gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lotsa climbing. Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Priest and Baseline.

Saturday 5/8/04... Payson! Our annual pack road trip heads to the cool green pines and fresh clean air of Payson. See Tour de Payson for details on the ride and how to register.

If you would like to line up car-pooling, zip us a note and we'll see if we can hook you up. Some people are traveling up Friday night and others heading up Saturday at pre-crack of dawn.

If you are not headed to Payson with us this date, we will be holding a ride this date at Kiwanis, 7:00am,... details on route, etc. are still in the works (which means we are still looking for a ride leader!)

Saturday 5/15/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Celebrate Armed Forces Day with us on a tour to DownTown Phoenix to check out the war memorial. Route options 28 or 35 miles with no climbing or 45 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast is Bruegger's Beagles, NW corner 11th & Mill.

Tid bits...

On our Saturday morning rides we are teaching people about cycling. Helping them to learn to ride safely, increasing their fitness level so they can ride more comfortably, showing them that even the least mechanical in the crowd can learn about how their bike works and handle their bike's basic needs. What is the point of doing all this? We are teaching a cycling lifestyle. Yes, riding in the big event rides on the weekend is great fun. But, when you need to go to the corner store for one or two items... do you drive or pedal? When you take a letter to the post office two miles away... do you drive or pedal? As gas prices increase, as traffic here in the valley worsens, as stress of daily life adds up... consider rolling your sweet ride out of the garage for something other than going to a weekend bike ride. Let it occasionally be transportation, therapy, and your contribution to the wellness of the earth. Your bike and you will be happier for it.

Ride safe.

Hi All!

On Saturday we had 60 riders turn out in the perfect weather for a great ride to the northern part of town. Sure signs of summer weather approaching were seen, with the sighting of the first blush of the Jacaranda trees coming into their gorgeous bloom... and John Arle returning to the pack. Part of the group was tempted off the route by the bike swap meet at the baseball stadium, but most eventually made their way to IHOP for great service, good food, and excellent conversation.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/24/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. Tour de Lehi, with route options of 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JBs, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 5/1/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Westbound to South Mountain, with various mileage options, and various climbing or not climbing options. Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Priest and Baseline.

Saturday 5/8/04 Payson! Our annual pack road trip heads to the cool green pines and fresh clean air of Payson. See Tour de Payson for details on the ride and how to register.

If you are not headed to Payson with us this date, we will be holding a ride this date at Kiwanis, 7:00am,... details on route, etc. are still in the works.

Tid bits...

Looking ahead to our next grand adventure ride, we have a need for some members to committ to working on the White Mountain Tour this year, dates are July 10 & 11th. See White Mountain Tour for more details on the event. If you are available to work the ride, either one or both days, please contact John Arle.

Ride safe.

We had 14 riders today, and as cool as it was this morning, the bad news is summer is just around the corner. How do I know this, well, but one simple fact. John Arle joined spin cycle today, so summer must be fast approaching. Ok, it was nice having you in the pack again John, but you must have forgotten the tradition of new guy buys breakfast. We'll remind you next week! Overall, a great bit of riding, with Gary getting all of the sprint and hill points (John, can you pay him!). Only bit of excitement was the 2x4 in the road going down Queen Creek. This is a great reminder for everyone, not only is the person in the front responsible for pointing and staying clear of the debris, but also everyone else along the line. Please make sure you take care of the people behind you and they will take care of you (wow, I should patent that saying!).

Ride Schedule

4/25 7:00am - scheduled ride is Tour de Lehi - but since Sue has selected the exact same ride for Saturday (even though I published first), I'm willing to change it. New route is the Germann/Hunt loop, with mileage options of 33 or 42 miles - all flat with breakfast at Wildflower in the Chandler Mall.

We had 21 riders this morning take on Tour de Mesa. A special note to everyone, hopefully you have a wonderful Easter, and if you haven't been out in a while, it's time to get back on that bike (John - that means you too!). Let's see, a few new riders today, Michael, Cory, and Charlie. I guess I'll talk about what did and didn't happen today. Nancy drug Mike out today or was it the other way around (YES), Renata missed all of the holes today (NOT), Neal was quiet and mild mannered (NOT), Gene won the sprint up Center (YES), Larry didn't sprint from one light (NOT), Randy continues to be the best person to draft behind (YES), Patty wore an Easter bunny suite (NOT - but it was close). Ok, you get the picture, we rode and had lots of fun....

Ride Schedule

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 - May change this since Sue has the same ride the Saturday before (even though I published mine first.....)

Hi All!

Clear weather and most of the group not being occupied with other rides today resulted in 85 riders joining in on the adventure this morning. Our route north gave us great views of some of the Scottsdale area, our way paved with a yellow carpet of Palo Verde tree blooms. Many of the mid-pack riders took on the challenge of the climbs in preparation for the Tour of the Tucson Mountains coming up in a couple of weeks. We had a celebrity appearance in the group, with Valarie popping in on Ann's beater bike. Val's in town for the holiday weekend and just had to come out and get the latest gossip... oh yeah, and go for a ride with us while she was at it.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/17/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop takes in 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.

Saturday 4/24/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you are doing the TdM on Sunday 4/25, this Saturday will be a rest day for you. ("Rest" meaning a gentle, short ride as opposed to pounding the pavement.) We head to Lehi to look at the chickens and flowers and what not. Route options 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JBs, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Saturday 5/1/04 7:00am, Kiwanis Park. Gotta head to the Towers once more before it gets incredibly warm (read that as "dang hot"). Westbound to South Mountain, with various mileage options, and various climbing or not climbing options. Breakfast at 5&Diner, northwest of Priest and Baseline.

Tid bits...

Bike Week approacheth! There are many activities planned for the week of 4/17 to 4/25, with Wednesday 4/21 being Bike To Work Day. In Tempe, from 6:30am to 8:30am on 4/21, you can get free eats and possibly a free t-shirt (limited supply of the shirts) at the following locations:

Whole Foods (northwest of Rural & Baseline)
Mill's End Cafe (southwest of Mill & Third St)
Wildflower (southwest of Guadalupe & McClintock
Berning's Jewelry (southwest of McClintock & Warner)

If you time your ride right... you could eat 4 times for free!

Also, anybody that is free to join in... we will be escorting Mayor Neil to work (one last time) that morning. The ride will start from Whole Foods (NW Rural & Baseline) at 7:30am and head to downtown Tempe. This ride is only a few miles long... and very gently paced... but it's great PR for us as cyclists. Get yourself there.

Ride safe.

We had 21 riders for today's ride. I also heard some of you haven't been getting my report, so I made sure my list is updated, but if you DO NOT get this, let me know :-) Well, I would be remiss if I didn't talk about our parking lot entrance by R-----. Let's just say she made her presence felt, or was that heard as she showed us all how to bunny hop curbs in her car. We did the McKellips route, with the long route getting 42 miles, so yes, I'll have to change the map. Overall, a good day of riding, perfect temperatures. We did encounter a few other bumps and holes along the road, but don't worry, R----- found them all. Oh, did I mention that she asked me not to put anything in the newsletter about her adventures. It's ok, as far as I can tell, only a few hundred people see the email, then there's the web site..... [Editor's Note: I don't do much editing, but, poor R-----, she's probably embarassed enough so I took pity and disguised her name. Those who got the email or were on the ride will know who she is. -- Terry]

For those that went to breakfast, there was a lot to talk about, but try as I might, I can't even write about it! Food was good and spicy, and so was the conversation....

Ride Schedule

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!

This is gonna be a double header ride report... Saturday Cycling and the Tour de Phoenix.

First, from the home field we had 24 riders decide that potential rain or not, they wanted to ride. Thanks to Leo Rogers, Greg Gilbert, and others who stepped up as ride leaders this morning. Leo offers the following about the adventure:

"It was a Portland day – green everywhere but up. Gorgeous riding. The short route saw St. Louis farm houses with massive front expanses of grass bordered with white picket fences. The long route saw acres of alfalfa fields on their left and right. All felt the wind going out, and its push coming back. All twenty-four made it back to the park with no flats. Breakfast at the Ripe Tomato was a patio affair with happy faces."

While that was going on, another portion of our pack took on the challenge of the Tour de Phoenix event ride. Just under 900 riders lined up, with nervous eyes cast to the still ominous looking sky at the start line. We had a good showing of familiar faces staking out their places in the platinum field. The ride was a grand success, absolutely gorgeous route, just a bit of rain here and there, and considering the debris strewn roads... not too many flats in the crowd. To our members that staffed the last rest stop, thanks... it was way cool getting cheers and hugs encouraging us on in. A personal note to those from our group who finished the 70 mile route in less than 3 hours... well done kids, ya did us proud.

Coming up...

Saturday 4/10/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The original Mummy Mountain route offers up 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 gives us a scenic loop taking in 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.

Saturday 4/24/04 7:00am Kiwanis Park. We head to Lehi to look at the chickens and flowers and what not. Route options 28 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. Breakfast JBs, northeast of Southern & Dorsey.

Ride safe.