IMPORTANT NOTE - NEW START TIME FOR FEBRUARY - 8:00AM

We had 21 riders take off on a chilly, foggy morning. It wasn't too cold for me, as I drove away in my car (had a prior engagement with my daughter). Anyway, in the parking lot, several interesting stories were told. First, a man getting cold drinks and food from his car was asked by Neal if he would have those ready for us when we were done riding. Without missing a beat, the driver of the vehicle said no problem, as long as you don't mind being entertainment for a 3 year old birthday party. Not sure who said it, but something to the effect, Neal is a clown, take him! Ok, one other comment that I couldn't let pass was from Roger asking where Gary was, and then remembering that there was a slight bit of drizzle yesterday saying, "Gary has probably rebuilt his whole bike because of a few drops". Ok, I talked with Gary later, he didn't rebuild, but did wash thoroughly.

Ride report from the group - 3 flats, but guess that increased to 5 since Jim got 2 more on the way home (yes that is 3 in one day) and Marty 2. Jim, trying for the flat head honors eh? I'm hearing that the route is still not popular, so we'll probably abandon and do some modified version of around South Mountain as a couple have suggested. Only other notable item was Sue stopping for breakfast 3 times, she was REAL hungry...

Ride Schedule

2/6 - 8:00AM - PLEASE NOTE, NEW START TIME FOR FEBRUARY - With a new start time, why not head up to South Mountain. Mileage options of 39 miles with some little hills, 42 with some rollers and 50 with lots of hills. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company on Elliot & 56th St.

2/13 - 8:00AM - Tour de Scottsdale - ride to Scottsdale, all flat miles with 40 or 44 miles. Breakfast at US Egg on Mill & Baseline.

2/20 - 8:00AM - Downtown Phoenix - see the Crit at the Valley of the Sun stage race. Mileage options of 35 or 45 miles with the longer route having some hills. Breakfast at Ken McDonald Golf course on Guadalupe & Rural.

2/21 8:00AM - Presidents day ride - stay tuned for Details...

2/27 8:00AM - Ocotukee Loop - Head out towards Ocotillo and then into Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 30, 40, or 50 miles with hills on the longer routes. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels on Chandler & Rural.

Hi All!

A beautiful sunny start time greeted our 68 riders in the parking lot this morning. Apparently, looks can be deceiving! Depending on which route you selected, today we had the sprinkled upon and the drenched. Love that sunshine during a moderate rain... very Arizony-ish. Our standard pack took on the challenge, all completing the three climbs of the day and beating the advanced group to the breakfast stop. Amazing how starting to develop hypothermia in wet clothes on a cool day can motivate you to get to the coffee quick!

Coming up...

Saturday 2/5/05 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! We head to the hills, the Foothills, that is. Route options in Ahwatukee of 24 miles with no climbing, or 34 miles with a few moderate climbs. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner Elliot & 56th (Priest).

Saturday 2/12/05 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue offers two loop options to the south, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, Elliot & 56th. (Yes, that is two weeks in a row... but this is also a great place to eat!)

Saturday 2/19/05 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Mummy Mountain, original route. Options of 27 miles with a couple of moderate climbs or 40 miles with a bit more climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Monday 2/21/05 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Yes, our next holiday adventure. We'll ride our bikes somewhere, then eat breakfast. Stay tuned for further details (as if they really matter!)

Tid Bits...

For those that did not receive the ride report last Saturday, yes, you have been banished. (Just kidding, Ann!) Actually, a burp in the internet universe during the midst of our 300 recipient bulk sending resulted in about 100 members not getting their weekly installment of our adventures. Keep in mind that you can always catch the latest exciting issue each week on our website. Thanks to our ever hard working webmaster, Terry Wright, the ride reports appear a few days later on The Hub. For the uninformed, the club site is at: www.sportsfun.com/gaba/.

And speaking of the uninformed, we have been having an on going discussion in the pack for some time now about T-intersections, and how they affect you as a cyclist. The issue is, when you approach a three way intersection, and you are going to pass through it along the top of the "T"... what happens if the light is red for your direction? We have been advised by various city engineers and traffic guru's, with various answers forth coming. Last week, Tim Oliver, gave us ADOT's interpretation. He explained that the confusion comes in that each city has their own version of how these intersections work for cyclists, and even if you know a particular community's intent, the worker-bees that lay the striping on the road may not understand it. Also, as with today's route, we often cross into two or three different cities on our weekly rides. Due to this, as a pack, we are going to take "the high road"... which means we are going to go with the most conservative and safest of the interpretations we have been given. Per ADOT, bicyclists are vehicles. As vehicles, we deal with intersections just like cars. If you approach a T-intersection and the light for your direction is red, stop, wait for the light to turn green, then proceed.

Ride safe.

At Christmas 2002, Jane Larsen and Paul Nichols decided - almost on the spur of the moment - to ride down to Tucson and back, inaugurating the first Jane & Paul Adventure. The second Adventure, after Christmas 2003, expanded to 8 riders and a SAG Van. This third Adventure was scheduled for the 2005 MLK day weekend. The first two Adventures had counter-clockwise routes, and just for yuks, we decided to go clockwise this year. Our route was Scottsdale-Florence-Tucson-Casa Grande-Scottsdale. We kicked around using a SAG vehicle like last year, but finally decided against it. We started with 6 riders: Jane Larsen & Paul Nichols, Steve & Jan Hertzfeld and Tom Adams from Scottsdale and Mike Kitchen from Kingman. Bill Meacham was set to go with, but his wife got sick, so he had to cancel.

First Day - Friday, Scottsdale to Florence

L to R: Mike, Tom, Steve, Jan, Jane, Paul

While I wasted reams of paper and several hours making map booklets in the days before the ride, I didn't pack or pick which bike to ride until the morning of the ride. With 4 days of fair weather forecast, I decided to ride my Saber recumbent and didn't bother to check out its repair kit. I loaded my panniers and left about 7:30am for Jane & Paul's to meet them and the Hertzfelds. The five Scottsdale riders started from J&P's at 8:20am on Friday 1/14/05. We headed South on Miller then East on Rio Salado/8th/Adobe. About 10:05 we turned South on Lindsay where Bill Meacham flagged us down to wish us "Bon Voyage" and Mike Kitchen joined our group. Jane & Paul were on "real bikes" and the rest of us were riding recumbents. Mike has a custom white Gold Rush recumbent with full fairing.

Steve's blowout.

The week before, Bill had scouted our route West on Ray to Sossaman, then South through the Williams Gateway Airport. Paul and I eyed all the airplanes - most notable was a French Fouga Magister V-tailed jet. We turned West on Pecos, across the end of the runway, then South on Ellsworth. The weather was overcast and cool until after noon, when it finally cleared and warmed up. For lunch we ate too much pizza at Little Pizzazz, and as we readied to depart, Steve discovered his front tire had split open. When I pinched the tire to gauge the pressure (very hard), it exploded! Steve said he'd only put 85 lbs in an old tire rated for 45-65 lbs. The first lesson was about over inflation. The next lesson was when we realized we had no spare tires and no SAG vehicle. "Experience is what you get right after you needed it." Fortunately, we had Bill's number and he was only a cell phone call away. He had a good 20" tire and delivered it to Steve & Jan within the hour. What a savior!

In the meantime, the rest of us headed down Rittenhouse Rd to Schnepf Farms, where we started zig-zagging along the Tour de Farm route. This route has much less traffic than Hunt Highway and is more scenic. Going over the tracks at the corner of Queen Creek and Attaway, I had a flat. We continued down to Arizona Farms Rd and out East to SR79, Pinal Parkway, then turned downhill at high speed into Florence and the Blue Mist Motel, arriving right at 4:30pm. A few minutes later, Paul & Jane arrived, only to inform me that in my haste, I'd ridden past $1 beer about 3 miles up the road. Too late, after 71 miles there was no way – even for $1 beer - that I'd get back on the bike. When I patched my punctured tube, I discovered it was with my last patch. I shoulda checked my bike kit! Steve and Jan arrived about 6pm. They'd gotten off the route and had to battle the traffic on Hunt Highway. We walked next door to the Chinese restaurant for dinner and ordered too much food. Next year we may try the new Greek restaurant two blocks away. Mike and I shared a room, and the first night of snoring convinced me to add earplugs to my list of essentials.

Second Day - Saturday, Florence to Tucson
We mounted up and rode about a mile to the Old Pueblo Mexican Restaurant on Main Street in Florence for breakfast. Jan had hurt her knees on the first day, and they were still hurting this morning, so she decided to turn back and ride home alone. We said our goodbyes at 9am, then headed South East on SR-79 towards Tucson. Last year we'd had 25 miles of uphill in the morning, then 38 miles cruising downhill into Florence in the afternoon. This year we reversed it. The weather was wonderful, but we made slow progress up SR79. At 11:30 and 18 miles we stopped at the Tom Mix Memorial, where I gobbled down two Clif Bars. We were only about 1/2 way to the top. After the rest stop, Steve and Mike immediately dropped me, while Paul and Jane stuck together.

Ten miles past Tom Mix, the road steepens and starts winding up low hills. By then my knees were killing me, so at mile 35 I stopped for some aspirin and Clif Shot, which helped on the last 3 miles up. A power station and powerlines crossing the road at milepost 96, 38 miles from Florence, mark the top of the hill. I finally reached the top at 2pm. Suddenly I went from crawling uphill at 5mph to flying downhill at 25mph. 15 minutes later I was at Oracle Junction, where I waited for Paul and Jane and chatted with a local rider who had been further up Oracle Rd. The toughest part of the trip was behind us, and "it is all downhill from here". When Paul arrived, he'd decided that "I'll never do that again!"

At 2:40 we were off on the Oracle Rd downhill. I soon outpaced J&P. There was one unwelcome uphill, but an hour later I was at Ina Rd. We'd skipped lunch, and I was starving. I stopped at a gas station and bought a bag of Fritos. I needed the salt and the carbs. It was 5 miles of downhill on Ina Rd to I-10 and the Red Roof Inn. Along the way I got smoked by a local Roadie who snuck up on me at a stoplight, but I couldn't care less. I pulled into the hotel at 4:15pm, with 64.31 miles on the ODO and 5 hours, 44 mins on the bike. Steve and Mike had been there for 45 minutes. Mike, with his faired GRR, hit a max speed of 45mph on the downhill.

The Red Roof has a convenient location and is inexpensive but has no amenities. No fridge or microwave, not even shampoo. Next time we'll try different lodgings. That evening we had quite a party. Dinner was a few blocks up Ina Rd at Roma Italian Restaurant. Joining the five riders were Mike's daughter Ellen and her mother-in-law Virginia, both down in Tucson for the quilt show; Steve's niece Michelle, a UA student and new Desert Foxes team member; Linda Matson & Bill Siever, ex-PMBC members recently transplanted to Tucson; Jane's sister Ann, a Blackjack dealer; and Jane's friends from Tucson days, Bob & Diana Coonce.

Third Day - Sunday, Tucson to Casa Grande.
We walked to breakfast at Denny's before starting at 8:45am for a fast ride North West on the I-10 frontage road. This was the easiest day's ride, and the weather was beautiful. 13 miles and an hour later we took a break at Marana, then headed for the DQ at Picacho Peak, 17 miles away. Mike, Steve and I were feeling good, the weather was perfect, and the road is great, slightly downhill with almost no traffic. We pulled into the DQ at 11am, with an average speed of 16mph. Ice cream all round while we waited for Jane & Paul. Then we were off for lunch at Eloy, 11 miles up the road.

I was drafting Mike as we entered Eloy when he called back "You have a flat." He heard it before I felt it! I had it fixed just as Jane & Paul joined us, and we rolled into town together. We stopped at the Family Dollar Store so Paul could buy some super glue. A precocious 10-year old in a pickup parked outside recommended Rico's on Main St, gave us directions and rattled off the menu, so we detoured to enjoy Mexican lunch. While we waited for our orders, I patched my tube and Paul tried fixing cuts in Jane's tire with his new super glue. Paul glued his fingers together and we chatted with a couple Canucks who were there for a skydiving meet, eh?

It was only 16 miles more to Casa Grande. Mike pulled me all the way against a stiff headwind. We made a pottie stop at the Outlet Mall just past the I-10 underpass, then caught Steve and the 3 of us rolled into the Holiday Inn at 3:20pm. Distance was 58.5 miles and average speed was 15mph. The Holiday Inn desk clerk gave Steve & Mike a sad story about not having ground floor rooms ready. But I had a "Priority Club" reservation so my ground floor room was ready, and a complimentary drink coupon. Mike gave up his reservation and roomed with me, and soon Steve's room was available. Jane & Paul could fit their upright bikes in the elevator, so they elected to take a 3rd floor room.

We soaked in the spa before donning civvies and heading for the bar for a pitcher of Amber Bock. Soon Paul & Jane and Jan Hertzfeld joined us. Jan had driven down from Scottsdale to rejoin us for dinner. The day before, while we went to Tucson, she had ridden all the way home from Florence, once again encountering terrible traffic on Hunt Highway. Her knees hurt so much that she walked 3 miles. She had hoped to catch a ride with a friend, but couldn't get in contact, and ended riding home, arriving as it was getting dark about 6pm.

We ate across the street from the hotel at Barney's Steaks & Seafood - a cross between Sizzler and Home Town Buffet. After dinner, I went straight to bed and was asleep by 8pm. The next morning I heard that Paul had called to tell Mike he'd finally figured out the super glue trick and fixed that tire without gluing his fingers together.

Fourth Day - Monday, Casa Grande to Scottsdale.

Goodbye to Mikey.

We ate breakfast at the hotel restaurant, checked out and were on the road at 9am. The weather was perfect, and I'd just done the same route last week on the Casa Grande Century. Just outside town we stopped so that Paul and Mike could trade bikes. Paul wanted to compare the GRR with his Easy Sport recumbent. He must have liked it, because for the first time on the trip, Paul was in the lead and the rest of us were chasing him. I'd almost caught up when psst, psst, psst, I had another flat. This time on the rear tire. I couldn't find the leak and the tube held air, so I must not have screwed down the presta valve. Jane waited for me while I swapped tubes.

The others waited for us to catch up on the far side of the I-10 overpass. We rolled down through the green and scenic Sacaton Mts to the SR-87 junction, where we turned left and headed NW towards Chandler. The desert was green, but it was too early for wildflowers. We had a headwind again, so Mike took the lead and I jockeyed to stay in his draft, with Steve behind me. The GRR with a fairing doesn't create much draft. Drop two feet back and you'll miss it. Our goal was the McDonald's at Alma School and Chandler Heights Road. It marks the end of the desert and the start of suburbia, and the half-way point of the days route – 31 miles. We pulled in at 11:45 and had snacks while we waited for Jane & Paul to join us for lunch. We celebrated the last leg of our trip with ice cream, and were off again.

Fourth & last flat.

We rode up Alma School, then turned left on Ocotillo to Dobson. We followed Dobson all the way North to Rio Salado/8th St. Mike left us at Dobson & Warner, where we took a break for final photos and good-byes. A few miles further and my rear tire went out with my fourth flat just past Dobson & Southern. A quick repair and we were back on the road. We crossed the Salt River on the McClintock bridge, took Curry to Miller, and headed home. Jan spotted us on Miller & Chaparral, and drove by honking her horn. We stopped to chat for a minute and say goodbye to Steve, who turned off for home. A few minutes later, at 3:55, we pulled into Jane & Paul's driveway. I took a minute to say goodbye, pumped up my slowly leaking rear tire and continued home. I arrived home at 4:35pm, 61miles from Casa Grande.

The Adventure was over for another year. Total distance for the trip was 256.5 miles, and when I entered the trip mileage into BikeJournal.com, I jumped from ~550th to 72nd place! That'll probably be my highest ranking for the year.

We had 23 riders take off for Tempe Mountains. I know, the mountains are in Phoenix, and they really aren't mountains, but hey, why let that get in the way of a good route. Good ride today, with amazingly, no flats. Gary won all of the climbing sprints today. We also had to new riders, Brian and Ron, welcome. Other than that, a pretty uneventful day, except at the parking lot at the end of the ride. Gary was commenting to Randy of how stylish he was in his matching jersey and hat, which Randy promptly threw in the back of his truck. Hey, don't accuse Randy of being stylish, or color coordinated.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Ride Schedule

1/30 - 8:30 AM - Harrah's Turnaround. Head out to Harrah's casino and back. Good flat training route - mileage options of 48 miles. Breakfast at Wanda's Breakfast Place - Chandler & Kyrene.

Hi All!

A pre-dawn misting rain in the south part of the valley apparently didn't discourage any of our Saturday morning warriors. We had 78 riders appear to head out on our quest to see the river with water in it. The concept of having rivers that don't normally have water in them was rather lost on the riders from other parts of the country. The cruise over the Country Club bridge revealed the water still flowing at a good pace. We continued east from there along McKellips, with the traditional head wind reducing the group to numerous gaggles of pedalers clustered together in their attempt to reach the turn south. The pace for all ramped up once we made the turn and started the romp back to breakfast. Neighbors Cafe was excellent as always, and those arriving first had the chance to say Hi to our Sun Lakes division that had stopped there before us. On the way back to the park the line stopped to retrieve a wallet that was laying in the bike lane. Considering the cash in it, too bad we didn't find it before the eats stop!

Coming up...

Saturday 1/29/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop with options of 26 miles or 36 miles, three moderate climbs on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 2/5/05 8:00am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! Off to the Ahwatukee Foothills we head, with route options of 25 miles with no climbing or 35 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner Elliot & 56th (Priest).

Saturday 2/12/05 8:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue, with route options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company, southeast corner Elliot and 56th (Priest).

Tid Bits...

Some riders in the club have mentioned they have a goal of getting faster on their bike this year. This is a most excellent goal to set and there are several ways to go about attaining it. But, before you start plotting that out... make sure "getting faster" is your true goal. Do you want to burn calories? Be outdoors? Socialize? Unstress? Our Saturday morning rides can bring all of those things into your life... without working towards a goal of getting faster. In fact, some of those are easier to attain if you are NOT focused on riding faster.

Be Zen, grasshoppers. There are enough other things in your life stretching you out. Let riding gather you up, bringing you back to center.

Ride safe.

We had 22 riders on Sunday and 9 on Monday for MLK day. Our Sunday ride along Metro Mania was interesting, but the big story of the day was flats. As in me, Mr. Flat Head of the Century. Ok, not sure I have it completely sewn up, we only have 95 more years left in the 21st century, but hey, they may invent tires that never go flat. That would be a dream!!! Ok, Sue got the first flat, we'll, not really, since I got a flat on the way to the ride which made me a tad late. Then I proceeded to get 3 more along the route. Yes, I do own stock in tires and tubes, but I'm not telling what companies, I'm waiting for a huge run up on the stock price...

Monday was more kind to me, I used the tandem so no flats, but a gorgeous day of riding..

Ride Schedule

1/23 - 8:30 AM - Tempe Mountains - Hit some hills in Tempe/Scottsdale. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles with hills on the 45 mileage option. Breakfast at US Egg.

1/30 - 8:30 AM - Harrah's Turnaround. Head out to Harrah's casino and back. Good flat training route - mileage options of 48 miles. Breakfast at Wanda's Breakfast Place - Chandler & Kyrene.

Hi All!

We had 66 riders make their way in the chilly dawn to the park this morning, for our adventure to the mountain. The pack split up on the pedal over, with the "we don't do no stinkin' bike path" riders heading north first up to Southern and then over... while the rest of us enjoyed the Zen of the canal path. Once in South Mountain park, we were all astounded by the green! Some of the grassy areas are deep enough to be in need of mowing. Funny, much of the grass looks distinctly like golf course turf. Wonder if that's now considered to be one of our native grasses here? Various versions of of the park roads were enjoyed, while a few riders held down the stone wall at the entrance so it would still be there when the others came back down the mountain. Mike Mah demonstrated an excellent new training method by leaving his Camelback in the Towers parking lot and not remembering it until he was some distance down the mountain. (Mike... "repeats" are good for the legs and the soul.) On the ride back to Kiwanis we discovered that Southern is still under major demolition at Priest, but most managed to navigate that grand canyon and appear at the breakfast stop. The size of the crowd waiting for seating at USEgg convinced most that it was an perfect day for brunch at SomeBurros.

Coming up...

Monday 1/17/05 8:30am Desert Breeze Park. We have had a number of people asking for a pack ride on this "holiday for some" Monday... so a ride is offered up. Fletch has stepped up to lead a combined pack from Desert Breeze Park (southwest of Ray & McClintock). "Tour de Mesa" heads to the northeast from there, with route options of 35 or 45 miles, with a bit of climbing on the longer route. Breakfast is Einstein's at McClintock and Guadalupe.

Saturday 1/22/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb on both. Breakfast at Neighbor's, northwest corner Guadalupe and Dobson.

Saturday 1/29/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop with options of 26 miles or 36 miles, three moderate climbs on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

Somebody asked about our start time hours as the year progresses. For future reference, here is the schedule for the coming year:
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

Ride safe.

After a week of clouds and rain, it was great to get back on the bike for the 2005 Casa Grande Century, one of the first PMBC organized rides of the year. There were plenty of worries about the forecast in the days before the ride, but the sun came up Sunday morning in almost cloudless skies.

Bill Meacham and I got to the Safeway about 8:20am and were surprised to find Tom Davisson already in line to register. He's got a hernia, but the Doc said he could ride, so he was doing the full Century. Bill and I wussed out and were only doing the Metric Century. It is all we need as a warm up for next weekend's "3rd Annual Jane & Paul Ride to Tucson". We also looked in on Dave Babcock, AKA "Sue's brother" who was excited about doing his first Metric Century. Bill Davidson came down to collect his socks, but wasn't riding. He stuck around to ride shotgun with Tom O'Leary in the short route SAG wagon. Captain America (Leon Smith) drove SAG on the long route.

Judging by the line at registration, there was a good turnout, with lots of "day-of-ride" registrants, who waited to see what the weather would be like before committing to ride. Roger, Jack, Buddy and ride organizer Jane Larson did the registrating. According to PMBC President Kathy Mills, we had 195 riders this time, compared to 205 last year, with an even split between Metric & full Century riders.

We signed the waiver, got our nifty blue & gold socks and went to unpack the bikes. I was riding my old Vision R-45 because it is better in iffy conditions. But it wasn't iffy at all. It was sunny and almost warm, so I stripped off my long pants and jacket and left all my raingear in the car. At the last minute, I decided to remove my rear fender, which delayed our start until 9:10am. We weren't quite the last to leave.

Not much to report on the ride out SR-87 to the first rest stop. Jane had arranged that ADOT to sweep the shoulder the week before, so there was only one bad spot with broken glass. I didn't see the archaeological dig that was working last month when we did the scouting ride, but I was probably just zoned out. There was a lot of work on the RR tracks. Looked to me like they were replacing rotten sleepers, truing up the track gauge and cleaning the ballast. I chatted with a guy on a "real bike" who had recently moved here from back east, and recruited him for Sue's Saturday Cycling.

Saw Sue Fassett at the first rest stop, sharing duties with Ray. We noted several riders headed back from there, and Sue suggested that next year we offer a discounted "no lunch" 30-mile option out-n-back to rest stop 1. Having a 30-mile option might encourage a few more newbies to participate.

I grabbed a last handful of M&M's and headed up the SR187 hill. The Sacaton Mountains are really scenic, with jumbled rocks and lots of Saguaros and other vegetation, scoured clean by the recent rains. This was the 3rd time in 3 months that I'd been on this route, and I would be on it again next week. On the way up, several "real bikes" went by me like I was standing still, but just before the summit, I passed two other guys on recumbents. Surprisingly, I didn't know either one, and was more surprised that I passed them when I saw their bikes: a Gold Rush and a V2 Formula.

I caught my breath and took some pictures at the top of the hill until Bill passed me. Going over I-10, I thought that is another spot that needs ADOT sweeping. It has less than 2' for a bike lane, and it is always full of glass, shredded tires, rocks and other hazards. I caught up with Bill on the glorious downhill into Casa Grande. We waved at the steady stream of riders who were already on their way back.

We made the turn at Kortsen Rd and were soon pulling into Dave White Park, ready for lunch. Yummy Honeybears BBQ beef and chicken sandwiches, cole slaw and pasta salad, with cake for dessert, and coffee, water and Gatorade to drink. Thanks to all the gals who helped out at the lunch stop, including Bill's wife, Kathleen Marquis, Kari and Linda Matson who had driven up from Tucson to help.

I got out my ticket stub and found I'd won a prize. (I'd purchased most of the prizes at the dollar store.) Saw Camille, a Kokopedalli rider on her longest ever ride, and chatted with ornamental cutie Sandra, who I hadn't seen since the 2003 MS150. Went over to check out the V2 formula and Gold Rush recumbents, and met their owners, Bud Nardin and Pete Sturrus, both snowbirds down from Michigan. Turned out Pete wasn't feeling well, so that explained why I was able to pass them.

Jane was packing lunches to deliver to Sue at rest stop 1 and Paul Nichols at rest stop 2 when Bill and I remounted and started on our way home. Going up Pinal Ave, I was gradually drawing ahead of Bill. Every once in a while, I'd hear faint voices, but there was no one around. Passing the airport, I started hearing them more frequently, and when I checked 6, Bill seemed a little closer. Right near I-10, Bill had almost caught me, and I realized he was singing! That was enough to scare anyone, so I dropped him going up the overpass and kept ahead all the way to the rest stop.

Zooming downhill about 2 miles before the rest stop I rang my bell and waved as I passed Dave Babcock on his green Infinity. I was so zoned out at the rest stop that when Sue asked me where her brother was, I told her I hadn't seen him! Duh. When Dave pulled in a couple minutes later, we all had a good chuckle at my expense. Bob Beane was there already, and Buddy and Jack arrived a minute later. My legs were cramping a little, and I think the salty snacks helped out. By now, the overcast covered the sun, and the temperature had dropped, so it was time to get moving again.

The next leg is 13 miles along SR87. It's a good road, straight and level, with a wide shoulder, good pavement, and low traffic, but it can be long and boring. Bill and I rode side-by-side and chatted to relieve the tedium. Eventually we spotted the treeline in the distance, marking the edge of the reservation, about 5 miles from Arizona Ave.

The final 3 miles took about 20 minutes as we got stuck for a couple cycles of the Riggs Rd signal by emergency vehicles. We pulled into the Safeway parking lot at 2:40pm and celebrated our first metric century of the year with snacks from McDonalds.

Hi All!

We had 34 riders thumb their noses at the dire weather predictions and turn out for a gorgeous morning of pedaling. Too bad the route wasn't gorgeous! Apparently we should just totally avoid any roads to the southeast for awhile as they all appear to be under major destruction... either that or we managed to be on the worst of them. Mike Mah, who works for the city of Chandler, confirmed that there are numerous road expansion projects all being done at the same time... the advantage of which being they will hopefully all be done soon. Our scenic country roads in the area are disappearing rapidly, but the positive benefit to us is the narrow two lane pot hole strewn roads giving way to smooth multi-lane streets with bike lanes. Progress isn't all bad.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/15/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. And speaking of progress, we return to the sweet new pavement at South Mountain Park. Route options 28 miles with some gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climing, or 42 miles with a buncha climbing. Breakfast after the ride at USEgg, southwest corner Baseline and College.

Saturday 1/22/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The McKellips Loop with route options of 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb on both. Breakfast at Neighbor's, northwest corner Guadalupe and Dobson.

Saturday 1/29/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. The St. Francis Loop with options of 26 miles or 36 miles, three moderate climbs on each. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

A message from our Casa Grande Century ride leader Jane Larson:

**************

The Sunday 1/9/05 CASA GRANDE CENTURY is on!!

Rain or shine, PMBC's first and biggest century ride of the year will be held Sunday. Kathleen Marquis has done her soon-to-be-patented sunshine dance, your very cool Casa Grande Century socks have arrived, and plenty of hot coffee and BBQ sandwiches have been ordered. So don't let a chance of showers keep you from the exercise, miles and good time you know you need. Pack a rain jacket or windbreaker if you must and come on down to Safeway, Alma School and Chandler Heights Roads in Chandler, between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. You can even register the day of the ride at $25 for PMBC/ABC/GABA members, $30 for non-members.

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We have a lot of riders in the pack coming down with colds and flu type illness. When to ride and when to rest? If you have a head cold, stuffy nose, sore throat... ride moderately if you feel like riding. But, if you have a fever or you have chest congestion... stay off that dang bike! Your body needs all of it's resources to wage battle against those bugs and riding will just deplete your energy. Stay home under the blankies with a hot cuppa tea, watch your Tour de France tapes, and pretend you're Lance.

Ride safe.

Below is the ride report from Neal who lead the group Sunday - thanks...Also - please note the request for assistance at the end, and that we will NOT be meeting at our normal ride location this Sunday - but meeting at Safeway on Alma School and Chandler Heights for the Casa Grande Century.

A plea from our ride organizer for the Casa Grande ride this Sunday:

We need a couple more volunteers to help with the Casa Grande Century. A couple of people are needed to work with the lovely and talented Kathy Mills, Kathleen Marquis and Kathy Meacham to run the lunch at the park in Casa Grande. The schedule is from 7:30 a.m. (to pick up supplies at Safeway) till about 2:30 p.m. or whenever most riders are done.

The rewards include your choice of an Olive Garden gift card or a get-in-free card to any other PMBC ride, plus being able to ride guilt-free the rest of the year knowing you've already done your part for your club.

Email Jane Larson or call her cell at 602-319-2238. Thanks!

Ride Schedule

1/9 - NO RIDE AT DESERT BREEZE - Sunday is the Casa Grande Century, so we'll support our club and ride from there. START LOCATION IS ALMA SCHOOL AND CHANDLER HEIGHTS. See Casa Grande Century for all the info.

1/16 - 8:30 AM - Metro Mania - see all of the towns in the area or Car Washes if you are Nancy - Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles all flat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels at Ray & Rural.

1/23 - 8:30 AM - Tempe Mountains - Hit some hills in Tempe/Scottsdale. Mileage options of 38 or 45 miles with hills on the 45 mileage option. Breakfast at US Egg.

1/30 - 8:30 AM - Harrah's Turnaround. Head out to Harrah's casino and back. Good flat training route - mileage options of 48 miles. Breakfast at Wanda's Breakfast place - Chandler & 54 St.

PREFACE: I decided to toss up tips to first-time group riders on what can be passed on to make their lot easier.

NIGHT BEFORE: Figure you need everything ready the night before. All gear in place, clothing set, bike ready with tires inflated. Check the weather report and dress accordingly. If you're smart, you can always plan on "shedding" clothing. Drink plenty of liquid—day and night before. Unless you are absolutely 100% comfortable in the operation of "clipless" pedals, forget them and wear tennis shoes and use normal "platform" pedals. Dress sensibly as you see it. Sooner or later, you'll decide what specifics you need. Heck, even if you're left to your own dumb devices, and decide you don't need real cycling shorts with padded "protection", sooner or later you'll reach your own smart conclusions.

MORNING OF: Take time for breakfast. Cereals and fruit work. Carbs make sense for energy. A Gatorade/water mix is wise choice, and filling two bottles is suggested. Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before start time so you can ready yourself and your bike. Expect a restroom pit stop. Plan on time to sign in, get ride map and meet some folks. Meet the ride leader, at least 10 minutes before the ride. Tell him/her that you're a "newbie", and it is very possible someone will be keeping an eye on you during your ride, and having "company" is a good idea on this first excursion. Being a "newbie", you just might become fatigued during your ride, and it is important for you to have someone, other than just yourself, attuned to that possibility. When you talk to the ride leader, be sure to mention exactly how much riding you've done.

GETTING OUT OF PARKING LOT: As a new group rider, you never saw anything like this! Bikes and riders are all around! Nothing makes experienced cyclists more pleased than to see a newcomer take up the sport. However, at this crowded moment, they just don't want you (and especially your wheels) near them. So, keep your distance–from everyone. Always figure: "If I fall right now, at this very second, will I entangle anyone's bike?" If the answer is "yes", you're too close. Be mindful of distancing considerations in negotiating turning maneuvers. If you take your time, sell yourself on the idea there's no rush, why you just might make it out of the lot and onto the open road. By the way, if you fall in the lot, you won't be the first.

STARTING TO PEDAL: You made it! You're now part of a winding "string" of real cyclists on a group ride. There's nothing like that initial flow of happy and chatting folks, adorned in rainbow colors, all heading in the same direction having fun. Remember all those experienced cyclists though? They are happy you made it out of the lot, but they still would prefer your not riding too closely to them. This can be confusing to you, because, in some cases, you might notice the more experienced folks can practically be on top of each other and even in some cases touching each other as they ride. Don't get the notion that applies to you. Rule of thumb: Again, try to keep your distance a bit, and if someone comes close to you, let that happen, but don't you be the one to initiate close cycling. Your being a "newbie" won't last forever.

GO WITH THE FLOW: Ride comfortably, and go with the flow. Get used to it. Just enjoy. Pay attention to what is happening around you (You cannot do that if you are connected to earphones and music.). Notice how other riders pay attention to safety and pay attention to your safety by way of signals on road dangers or calling out such as "Glass!", "Hole!", or "Tracks!" (railroad tracks). Don't focus on just the patch of road immediately in front of you or the rear wheel of the preceding cyclist. Instead, take in the "big picture" and "feel the ebb and flow" of the group ahead. For instance, if you notice there seems to be a "group flow" left, it's likely there is something on the road ahead, perhaps some glass or road debris, to cause that to occur. Listen and talk. Remember, this is the time to focus on safe riding. Always be ready to adjust and even stop if need be. Learn riding signals, as they are fairly simple. Folks behind you count on your giving signals. In reacting to things ahead, realize that the sooner you react (as smoothly as you can), the better it is for the folks behind you. Drastic actions on your part (sudden stop, quick lane change, etc.), might cause someone to ram into your rear. You'll notice a definite "pace" to how the group moves, and you want to be a part of it.

BUT, DON'T FLOW LIKE A LEMMING: Just because you try to "go with the flow" doesn't mean you abdicate making your own safety decisions. Just because someone else decides not to stop for a red light does not mean you do the same. If you are moving left across lanes to turn left, don't simply rely on the cyclist ahead of you and assume there are no cars behind you. Keep your own lookout at all times! Remember, any accident YOU have will be your very own to experience.

"UH OH, I'M LOSING IT": As a "newbie" to cycling, your first group ride will likely involve something you didn't count on: Some real fatigue on your part, and, particularly, fatigue that comes on unexpectedly. Lots of reasons: First, whether you know it or not, you have burned a good deal of energy just negotiating and thinking your way through all the above. Second, you took one look around and figured you were probably in as good of shape as the other riders and could easily "hang" with them. Well, that is probably not true. After all, they are regular cyclists, and, unlike you, are in good "cycling shape." So, here you are, figuring you are "losing it", fear "falling behind", and so the instinct you have is to speed up to "catch up." Dead wrong idea! Instead, take your time, conserve yourself, go slower, listen only to your body, and forget any idea except to travel at your own pace. You've been regularly drinking liquids right? Keep doing that. Make a point of checking in with your ride leader (or someone else who looks knowledgeable) at the "rest stop" that usually is planned and mapped. If you're lucky, someone might just be tagging along with you, and keeping you in his/her sights. Tell another rider (or two) if you are pooped (to any degree), and if they know their stuff, they will assist and remain close by. For you, now is the time to speak up. There are lots of options available, including more rest stops, very slow riding, "short-cuts", etc. You did keep that map you were given right? Know something else about "first ride conk-outs", and that is they are common. Improvement in riding ability usually comes quickly. Take it extremely easy on yourself in your first group ride, go slower than you think you can, and have the idea you can always go faster later, and you WILL improve. Idea here is that if Ride #1 works out, there will be Ride #2, Ride #3 and so on.

"TURRAGEDY" . . . , A FLAT (OR EVEN WORSE): Somehow, despite your figuring in advance that the odds against it were overwhelming, you might actually get a flat tire. Heck, you might even get two. You brought your handy flat repair kit, replacement tube, pump, air canisters and whatever, right? Well, I have a suggestion: If a more experienced rider or riders are nearby, let that person or persons fix your flat. Just watch and enjoy. If alone, of course, you need to be your own "emergency" repairperson (It can be done actually.). The same "rules of thumb" apply to an assorted list of woes that might befall you on this first ride. Always remember you are riding amidst civilization, complete with people who might prove helpful, and, just in case, haul a cellphone. Challenges can be fun, rewarding and educational. It just may not seem that way as you are in the midst of this first ride, but it will later on.

END OF RIDE: No matter what the experience, no matter what challenges, that first group ride, you'll have to admit, was pretty "real." You're not going to forget it. Sometimes, the more challenges, the more worthwhile something becomes. Cycling is all about that, and, just maybe, that first ride gave you the "bug" to ride again, eventually shed the "newbie" cloak, and become a regular member of that pack in their silly cycling duds. Who knows? You could write your own piece in a year or two and add your wisdom.

Hi All!

A foggy damp dawn and the draw of the annual pedal to Tortilla Flat reduced our pack to 37 riders today... and a few of those were a bit worse for the wear of their prior evening. The pace for the first half of the ride was subdued, but later the sun burned off the mist (and the blood alcohol levels washed out a bit) and things kicked up. We managed to make our way through the chaos of the ASU area pre-game time and get past the over-flowing Town Lake. Upon arrival at the designated brunch spot... some found themselves needing to seek out something kinder and gentler than SomeBurros (wussies!) and a few set up camp at USEgg's patio. What a grand way to start off the year.

Coming up...

Saturday 1/8/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park. A loop to the southeast by way of either McQueen or Val Vista, with mileage options of 25 miles or 36 miles, no climbing. The eats spot is changed to the diner Denny's, southeast of McClinktock & Elliott... due to Boeatos no longer being in existance!

Saturday 1/15/05 8:30am Kiwanis Park We return to the sweet new pavement at South Mountain Park. Route options 28 miles with some gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climing, or 42 miles with a buncha climbing. Breakfast after the ride at USEgg, southwest corner Baseline and College.

Tid Bits...

A lot of our members make use of an online site to track their mileage and to chat with other cyclists around the country. If you have not hopped on board, now would be a perfect time to jump in, with the new year the mileage log charts are refreshed and for the moment we are all on equal footing for miles recorded. (Give it about a week and Roger aka Hammer 2 will record more miles than most of us do in months!) The site is www.bikejournal.com. Our club name there is "GABA - Phoenix Metro Bicycle Club". The site is free with a small voluntary user fee if you want to contribute to support it.

Ride safe.