Hi All!

Cool! Literally! Gorgeous dawn this morning following the desert storm last night. We had 74 riders turn out to enjoy the perfect riding weather. We let the gals take the lead out of the park (so we would at least get started in the right direction) and wandered our way down through the ASU Research Park. The group split up at Queen Creek with some taking the high road but with most of the group headed down south for the romp across Riggs. The riders joined up again for our version of Paris-Roubaix without the mud, also known as 56th Street just south of Chandler Blvd. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co was the usual mix of caffiene, carbs, and catching up. Chris Junck entertained the crowd with his "lived to tell the tale" story of getting beaned with a golf ball while riding this past week. (We laughed, but this is actually a hazard cyclists need to be aware of in our golf crazy valley!)

Coming up...

Monday 5/30/05 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Our Sunday start point hosts all for Metro Mania, a route with a little bit of something for everybody. Route options of 36 miles or 45 miles, with some moderate climbing on the long route. All skill levels welcome. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest of Rural & Ray.

Saturday 6/4/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! We switch to our summer start time. We head to South Mountain to check out the blooming saguaros. Routes options of 27 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner 56th & Elliot.

Saturday 6/11/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. A journey to Ahwafooty. Route options 24 miles with one short climb or 34 miles with moderate climbing. Breakfast Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner 56th & Elliot. (Yes, that is 3 weeks in a row for that food stop... but we like the place!)

Saturday 6/18/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. FREE FOOD! Our quarterly club ride/breakfast/meeting. Breakfast is free to all PMBC/GABA members. Pre-eat ride will be some kind of loop to the southeast on some hopefully non-construction demolished roads. Route options 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast is at Home Town Buffet, northwest corner of Evergreen & Warner in Chandler. If you have not yet joined the club, pick up an application any Saturday morning or get one here.

Tid Bits...

Remember that old song "These boots were made for walkin'..."? Boots may be made walkin', but they aren't made for ridin'. For our newbies sake, in the road bike world a "boot" is a piece of material that is inserted in a damaged tire, placed between the tire and the tube, that keeps the tube from popping out of a hole in the tire when you air up. "Boots" are now commercially produced, but old school riders often use folded up dollar bills as booting material. Frugal riders have learned to save and cut up the tyvek rider numbers you receive at event rides for this purpose. The MacGyvers in the crowd use empty energy bar wrappers, cardboard tube boxes, road trash, leaves, etc. But no matter how solid that boot seems, keep in mind that a tire with a hole in it big enough to allow the tube to protrude... is now a tire with compromised structural integrity. If you are rampaging down South Mountain, on those down hill corners you are putting a lot of faith in your equipment. A tire failure during that type of riding is not a pretty sight. A boot is a temporary fix to get you home or to a bike shop for a tire replacement.

Ride safe.

We had 23 riders today looking for Love Birds. Looks like Nancy found hers, but more on that later. Our group headed out and made our way to Mesa where the Love Birds nest. The elusive birds were hard to see, but a few found them. Other than that, it was hot, hot, hot today. A good group of us made it to Einstein's with Gary winning the Higley sprint and Marty the end sprint before breakfast. The big news of the day was the awarding of the climbing clothing to Mike Kirk. While he didn't pose on the podium for the group, we were told that he posed for his Nancy later. Uumm, have to wait for the home video later.

Ride Schedule

5/29 - 7:00 AM - To the towers before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles with a little to a lot of hills depending on miles. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

5/30 - 7:00 AM - Desert Breeze - Memorial Day ride for those that are in town. We'll do Nancy's favorite, Tour de Car Wash or for those that don't know the alias, Metro Mania. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

Also, check out the details for the White Mountain Tour in July. Never to early to plan for some bike riding in the cool mountain air...

Hi All!

A double header ride report today.

First, the home crowd that shunned the rim country still managed to assemble 39 riders for their romp around the Tempe "mountains" this morning. The pack tried something new, leaving on time, which caught a portion of the group not ready to roll out. This left the leaders to lead like Napoleon, from the rear, while waiting for the portion of the group that was left in the parking lot to get out on the road. Once everybody was under way, all had a grand adventure, motivated to make a quick pedal with the threat of 100+ degrees descending on them if they dawdled. Thanks to Buddy and Co. for stepping up to lead.

Then, the northern pack. We had about 79 riders assemble at Rumsey Park in Payson. A neutral pack ramble during the first few miles gave riders a few minutes to attempt to adjust to the elevation, then we zipped along the rodeo parade route just minutes before the real paraders came along. Apparently the crowd thought we were the start of the event, and cheered us through. The first climb of the morning sorted out the riders from The Riders, and the group strung out over several miles as we made our way to the airport and a grand view of the rim. The service that delivered the port-a-J for the event missed planting it at the rest stop by several miles, so we found out how observant riders were by who managed to find the potty stop. An excellent rest stop gave the standard riders a turn around point, and gave the advanced riders a "base camp" for their out and back jaunt on Houston Mesa Rd. The water crossings were watery and the pines were piney... gorgeous route. A well earned lunch back at the park was welcomed by all. To Bob Beane... thanks for an incredible amount of work as ride leader for this event, well done.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/28/05 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us to the south, with route options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner 56th St (Priest) and Elliot.

Monday 5/30/05 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. Got the day off? Come out and join us for Metro Mania! For those not familiar with this Sunday pack romp, it's a rather creative course that takes riders in and out of at least a half dozen different towns and cities. A little bit of something for everybody. Route options of 36 miles or 45 miles, with some moderate climbing on the long route. All skill levels welcome. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest of Rural & Ray.

Saturday 6/4/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! We switch to our summer start time. We head to South Mountain to check out the blooming saguaros. Routes options of 27 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast Atlanta Bread Company, southeast 56th & Elliot.

Tid Bits...

So, you're hydrated. You've fueled yourself. Ready to ride? Not if it's summer time. Before you roll out the door, what have you done to try and keep your body temp down? Here's a hint... it's also the way you try to keep wrinkles, leathery skin, and cancer at bay. If you are lifetime cyclist, or plan to be, you need to put some effort into making sure your skin lasts as long as your other bodily parts. In the intense summer weather here, keeping the sun off your skin helps keep your core temp down. You need a barrier between your skin the sun. You can do that literally, by wearing a long sleeve shirt. Some of the cycling clothing companies have jumped on the band wagon and are now producing sun protective fabric jerseys that breath well but protect your skin. Second best is a heavy, slathered on layer of sun block. Don't forget the little spots... backs of the hands if your gloves have openings there. The ankle if you wear a lower sock than normal. The V at the neck of your jersey... as far down as you plan to unzip it when you get toasty. When we stop for regroups or flats, find shade. If you get a flat in the open, use your friends as shade (they're going to stand around and critique your work anyway, they might as well make themselves useful!). Stay cool.

Ride safe.

We had 25 riders today take on the first 100 degree day of the year. This was half a ride of silence, as in Neal was late. While we all enjoyed the peace and quiet, Ron W got today's first flat and Neal caught us. Geez Ron, we could have made it if you didn't flat....Ok, just a little kidding here. However, Ron did get Neal back after we were waiting at a light and asking Neal if he applied deodorant, which Neal applied yes to. Ron didn't miss a beat, saying next time, can you apply it under your arms instead of on your forehead. Ok, on with the rest of the story.

Everyone made it one way or another along the route, with yours truly getting a flat on the way to breakfast. Mike Kirk gets king of the hill honors up Curry, guess he was just way too fast for the rest of the group. He will sport the new polka dot thong next week - just kidding, I want to make sure everyone still comes, or maybe more will show up just to see it (I personally can't get that picture out of my mind).

One final note - It is summer time, so remember to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the ride as well as eating properly....

Ride Schedule

5/22 - 7:00 AM - Tour de Love Birds - check out the love birds in Mesa. Mileage options of 50 or 35 if you cut it short. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Guadalupe & McClintock.

5/29 - 7:00 AM - To the towers before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles with a little to a lot of hills depending on miles. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

5/30 - 7:00AM - Desert Breeze - Memorial Day ride for those that are in town. We'll do Nancy's favorite, Tour de Car Wash or for those that don't know the alias, Metro Mania. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

Hi All!

The warm weather and the offer of a gorgeous route brought us 90 riders this morning. We put into effect our traditional method of encouraging riders to get to the park on time by having only 80 maps available. Of course, considering the route, having a map was not a lot of help anyway! Odes of things to come this summer were demonstrated in the first few miles of the route, when we had at least 6 flats prior to the first regroup. (Perfect point for a tip here, your first line of defense against the intense thorn season we are going to have this year is new tires, a wee bit of extra tread will make a real difference.) We managed to make our way through the construction on McDonald reasonably intact, then enjoyed the beautiful roll round the mountain. Bruegger's earned praise when we arrived and discovered they have installed another good sized bike rack at their location. Way cool that they have noticed our patronage and encourage it!

Coming up...

Saturday 5/21/05.... Tour de Payson!! The pack heads north. If you are a lolly-gagger and have not registered yet, head to the website for details.

Saturday 5/21/05 7:00am Kiwanis Park. For those who will miss out on the pines and cool air, we offer up the St. Francis Loop. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, both with three moderate climbs. Breakfast Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 5/28/05 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us to the south, with route options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner 56th St (Priest) and Elliot.

Monday 5/30/05 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. A holiday romp is offered up from our Sunday start point. Route as yet to be determined. We'll ride, then eat. Enough said.

Saturday 6/4/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Note the time change! We switch to our summer (June/JulyAugust) start time. Before the humidity sets in and makes climbing the pits, we head to South Mountain to check out the blooming saguaros. Routes options of 27 miles with gentle climbing, 40 miles with moderate climbing, or 42 miles with lots of climbing. Breakfast Atlanta Bread Company, southeast 56th & Elliot.

Tid Bits...

Here's a word for you to toss out at your next cocktail party... "Hyponatremia". This has been in the news and fitness mags lately, in regards to endurance athletes. Are we "endurance" athletes? If you ride to the park, ride the long route with the pack, then ride home... you are getting 3 to 4 hours of riding in... and that puts you right up there. We urge (beg?) our riders to hydrate. Start hydrating on Friday. When you get up Saturday morning, your body has now been without water for 8 hours, hydrate before you leave the house. Hydrate while you ride, you should be downing at least a large water bottle for every hour you ride. More if you are riding hard or if there is a lot of you to love. So, where does hyponatremia come in? Fuel, or actually, the lack thereof. Hyponatremia is the term for getting yourself into trouble by hydrating without fueling. You consume so much water that you throw off that perfect balance needed in your blood for your fine tuned machine to keep working. If you wash out the sodium levels to below a certain point... not good. The symptoms mimic heat exhaustion... headache, disorientation, muscle twitching and cramping. The answer? Balance your hydration with fuel. Your body needs carbs, sodium, nutrients to process all that water you're chuggin'. Eat breakfast before you ride. Carry a light snack to eat at the regroups. Drink a diluted sport drink. If you don't stop for breakfast with us, eat a meal within 30 minutes of finishing your ride. Eat, drink, be merry!

Ride safe.

We had 17 riders on the Mother's day ride to Germannalupe. Welcome new rider Tom from Tucson. Nothing too exciting to tell, we road and ate or at least some of us. Sue seems to always find the rest stop at Arizona Ave & Guadalupe in some type of repair when we do this route, I guess this time was a little vandalism inside. They must know you are coming...I did hear there was a sprint at the end won by Juan over Gary. See, I'm getting smarter, I just drop out prior to the sprints to avoid the embarrassment...

Ride Schedule

5/15 7:00 AM - Tour de Scottsdale - All flat miles heading out to Scottsdale. Mileage options of 44 or 40 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower - Guadalupe & McClintock.

5/22 - 7:00 AM - Tour de Love Birds - check out the love birds in Mesa. Mileage options of 50 or 35 if you cut it short. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Guadalupe & McClintock.

5/29 - 7:00 AM - To the towers before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles with a little to a lot of hills depending on miles. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.

5/30 - 7:00AM - Desert Breeze - Memorial Day ride for those that are in town. We'll do Nancy's favorite, Tour de Car Wash or for those that don't know the alias, Metro Mania. Mileage options of 36 or 45 miles, mostly flat. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels on Ray & Rural.

Hi All!

The draw of the red rocks (the Sedona Century) tempted some of our regular crowd away, but we still had a pack of 68 appear for our morning's adventure. Before we even started, one rider learned that flat blade spokes are reasonably sharp when your wheels are turning and keeping your fingers out of them while you are in motion is usually a good idea. With the first-aid demonstation out of the way, we managed to get out of the parking lot with out further incidents. The lead pack rolled into the first regroup in time to take in a photo shoot, complete with a bikini clad model draped over a sports car. She, and the cars, promptly left the site. Surely this had nothing to do with fact that 60 or so cyclists had appeared out of no where and disturbed their artful work. On we rolled, across the newly repaired section of McKellips at the river bed. A bit rough, but at least the pot holes are gone. Most found their way around the loop and arrived at Neighbor's, to a warm welcome by the owners (those people are soo nice!) and traditional breakfast chatter. Conversation topics ranged from the age span of the pack today (age 11 to 70-uh-something) to wondering if Ernie might in fact be color blind... which could be the only explanation for his outfit today.

Coming up...

Saturday 5/14/05 7:00am Kiwanis Park. A pack favorite, Mummy Mountain, original route. Mileage options 27 miles with a couple of climbs or 40 miles with a couple of additional climbs. Breakfast Bruegger's Bagels, northwest of Mill & 11th.

Saturday 5/21/05.... Tour de Payson!! The pack heads north. Last chance to register without a late fee. This ride is beautiful, well supported, and just an all around grand adventure.

Saturday 5/21/05 7:00am Kiwanis Park. If you just can't make the sweet pines and cool air in Payson, appear at Kiwanis instead for the St. Francis Loop. Mileage options 25 miles or 36 miles, both with three moderate climbs. Breakfast Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 5/28/05 7:00am Kiwanis Park. The Tour de Sue takes us to the south, with route options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner 56th St (Priest) and Elliot.

Monday 5/30/05 7:00am Desert Breeze Park. A holiday romp is offered up from our Sunday start point. Route as yet to be determined. We'll ride, then eat. Enough said.

Tid Bits...

Should you carry a first aid kit on your bike? Yes, but this is not as involved as it sounds. After many years of patching boo-boo's and owies, an experienced rider usually has this "kit" narrowed down to three things. Take a small zip lock baggie and in it goes: A couple of paper towels folded up, a couple of no-sting antiseptic wipes (Bactine makes some nifty ones with pain reliever also) and a few medium sized band-aides. Put all that in the bag, squash the air out, zip it up and pop it into your under seat bag. If a rider is injured beyond the extent that can be fixed with this type of kit, whip out that cellphone.

Some one asked if we ride all summer and if so, how do we deal with the heat? Ah, so glad you asked! During the month of May it is our tradition to talk, a lot, about how to survive riding through the summer months. Your first heat training tip is... start now. Your body can acclimatize to heat, if you let it. If you spend 6 days a week in air conditioning (home, work, your car, the gym) and then you come out with us in the heat one day a week, your body is going to object. Get yourself out into the heat a bit several times a week, everyday if you can. Those who bike commute daily rarely have a problem as the summer heat comes on simply because they are exposed to it daily as the temp climbs. Go for a short walk on your lunch hour or quick pedal after you get home from work. Your body has an astounding ability to adjust to different environments, just give it the chance to do it's thing.

Ride safe.

We had 22 riders today head out to half way around the mountain. A pretty good ride today, with some new chip seal and a few flying rocks on Maricopa road (Tim said he wasn't responsible), yea, likely story. We had one flat going at our halfway point, and Sue happened to point out the fire hydrant in the middle of absolutely know where. I believe it was Tim who said it was for the coyotes, they need some place to go, too. With that, we made our way back with little fanfare except for the crossing of Queen Creek.

Club Rides:

Our club is once again sponsoring the Tour De Payson Route on Saturday 5/21. Go to the website NOW and register. Gorgeous romp around the Payson area, beautiful weather, clean cool air, and a great lunch after. Pre-registering gets you a break on the cost and gives your hard working volunteers the head count they need to host an over the top event like this.

This year's White Mountain Tour being held July 9th and 10th is being led by Jay Stewart. We hope to return to the old loop that was used prior to the construction on the northern half of the tour loop. We still need volunteers, both experienced on this ride as well as anyone else who would like to help out. We very seldom have too many volunteers. Contact Jay Stewart or afternoons and evenings at 480-250-1613.

Ride Schedule

5/8 7:00 AM - Change of routes - since this is Mothers day - going with the shorter Germannalupe Loop. All flat miles of either 33 or 39 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower at Chandler Mall.

5/15 7:00 AM - Tour de Scottsdale - All flat miles heading out to Scottsdale. Mileage options of 44 or 40 miles. Breakfast at Wildflower - Guadalupe & McClintock.

5/22 - 7:00 AM - Tour de Love Birds - check out the love birds in Mesa. Mileage options of 50 or 35 if you cut it short. Breakfast at Einstein Bagels - Guadalupe & McClintock.

5/29 - 7:00 AM - To the towers before it gets too hot. Mileage options of 42 or 50 miles with a little to a lot of hills depending on miles. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Company.