Hi All!

The overlapping draw of the ride across Idaho and the ride across Iowa (spuds vs pie?), both of which drew contingents from our group, reduced our typical summer horde to 68 riders this morning. We were honored by the appearance of several Red Mountain jerseys in our midst, always a welcome addition to the pack. The honk across McKellips was a bit drippy, with a few half-hearted rain drops coming down... enhanced by spatters of sweat droplets zinging off the humidity challenged riders. The staff at Neighbor's had the back room reserved for us, which certainly had nothing to do with the drenched state of appearance most of us had on arrival. Those servers should get hazard pay!

Coming up...

Saturday 8/6/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tandemania! Our annual double-up day... twice the leg power makes for twice the fun! We are expecting some new and interesting (?) pairings of tandem teams. Route is AhwaFooty, with options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with some moderate climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner Elliot & 56th (Priest).

Saturday 8/13/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Research to Oak. A romp around Tempe, with mileage options of 30 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with a couple of climbs. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Saturday 8/20/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. St. Francis Loop, mileage options 26 miles or 36 miles, both with moderate climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

Somebody asked about our start time schedule for the rest of the year. For all, make a note:
August 6:30am
September & October 7:00am
November 7:30am
December 8:00am

Ride safe.

We had 23 riders today with a couple of new riders in Dave, Matt, and Peter. Tim lead the group today, and was kind enough to send me a little write-up. I was also told a few stories at the tour party on Sunday night, so I added a little.

Not much to report. Kept the group together until Curry and 68th Street. Nancy needed to use the restroom (the AMPM at University and Hardy would not allow us to use the restrooms), so Mike and I stayed back with Ann and swept up those lucky enough to get flats on McKellips. Ron and Judy each were found wounded, or at least their bikes were. We found Judy all alone on McKellips. We need to remind the dig dogs to watch out for the rest of the pack (EDITORS NOTE: for all of you dig dogs out there, and you know who you are, please pay attention). The group was somewhat together on Lindsay, but that's when the everyone was starting to test their legs. Breakfast was good at Boogies and I do not think we lost anyone, at least not intentionally.

One note of interest, seems Ron decided to go for the sprint bonus on Guadalupe right before Neighbors cafe. By all accounts, he won the sprint hands down. However, he was the only one sprinting, as the breakfast stop was at Bogies. See, actually getting to the start and seeing the map makes a difference...(plus, it is just fun to harass Ron).

Ride Schedule

7/31 6:30 AM - Ohcotukee Loop - To Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 miles with no climbing or 50 with. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels & Chandler Blvd. & Rural.

Hi All!

We had 73 riders ignore the overcast skies today and turn out for our romp to Riggs. A bit humid, but with no sun, not a bad morning for a pedal. Standing water here and there, and downed tree branches, added to the challenge. The rain stirred debris made for a few post-storm flats, but all managed to make their way 'round the route and into the breakfast stop.

Coming up...

Sunday 7/24/05 5pm to 8pm, Half Moon Grill, southeast corner Elliot & Kyrene. The pack gathers to watch the final stage of the 2005 Tour de France. This is potentially our last chance to watch our man Lance do his dance, history in the making. Come join us for eats, laughs, and Mr. Beane promises some more grand prizes to be given away!

Saturday 7/30/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop, route options 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 8/6/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tandemania! Just how many two seat, four leg bikes can we get out on the road at one time? We're gonna found out. Route is AhwaFooty, with options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with some moderate climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner Elliot & 56th (Priest).

Saturday 8/13/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Research to Oak. A romp around Tempe, with mileage options of 30 miles with no climbing or 38 miles with a couple of climbs. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe & McClintock.

Tid Bits...

The completion of Dobson Road over the Pecos Freeway reminds us of what we can look foward to on the other side of the mutiple road work projects that are underway in the southeast valley. We may be inconvenienced for a bit at the moment, but smooth roads with bike facilities are in our future. The few cyclists that attended the public in meeting in Chandler recently regarding the planned rebuild of the Dobson/Warner intersection were treated to the sight our very own Mike Mah, who works for the city, standing up for the rights and needs of cyclists on our streets. Thanks, Mike, for making our interests known to the powers that be and being a voice for us there.

Ride safe.

It was a dark and stormy night. And hot. And windy. But other than that, it was another great evening to try your mountain biking skills at night on the Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Park. I wrote about this ride last month and I had so much fun I couldn't wait to do it again. This was an event put on by the Maricopa Park an Recreation Department and it is worth the drive out to Fountain Hills and give it a try. I live in Fountain Hills, so the drive is a piece of cake, but I highly recommend it no matter where you live in the Valley Of the Sun.

The Pemberton Loop is about fifteen miles long and is generally regarded as a "easy", non-technical course. The majority of the trail is fairly wide, well ridden and easy to negotiate. Even the rocky portions can be ridden by a novice like me, but there is a hill that offers a steep rocky climb that is all the more challenging in the dark.

I failed to climb this hill last month without stopping and having to push my bike, and I was anxious to tackle it again. But I momentarily lost my balance, drifted off the trail trying to recover and was forced to stop again. Maybe I will make it all the way next month.

There were fewer riders this time out. Last month there were over a hundred, but this time, I estimate there were maybe forty at the most. I think the heat and the coming storm discouraged many who would otherwise have made the trip. When I arrived at the trail head, the temperature gauge in my truck was indicating 104 degrees. There were dark clouds off to the north and one could see occasional lightning flashes.

I left the parking area around 7:20 after signing in and for the first 5 miles or so I was alone. As the evening sky got darker, I saw two cyclists overtaking me, so I pulled over to let them by and I turned on my lights, including my Hokey Spokes (see my write up on the June Moonlight Ride, or check out: http://www.hokeyspokes.com (No, I'm not a shill for the Hokey Spoke Company).

Last month I reported having difficulty fitting my old Nite Rider lighting system on the contoured handlebars of my Trek Fuel. I bought a new handlebar mount that was supposed to be better, but when I brought it home, I discovered that the Hayes brake handles with the cable interferes with the light mount. After considerable fussing, I was able to reposition the brake levers and install the light mount, but once again, the position of the light was not ideal. So, once again, I used the "flood" light which lit up the trail adequately. In fact, I was able to assist another cyclist who had a light that was not as bright and he was able to take advantage of my light.

The storm brewing to the north added a surreal aspect of the ride as the wind picked up considerably and there were frequent flashes of lightning. But the storm maintained its distance so we were not bothered, save for the extra effort cutting through the wind.

Earlier in the ride, I passed two riders who were coming back in the opposite direction. One of them was walking and he was carrying a crank arm in his hand. Tough luck. While the trail is regarded as a "beginners" course, I highly recommend a true mountain bike and of course you need to make sure that it is mechanically sound. It's a long dusty walk back to the parking area.

The ride officially began 7:30, but you can go at any time. If you're going to do the whole 15 mile loop, its important not to delay much longer after that as you must complete the ride by 9:15. I left ten minutes early and finished around 9:00. By the time I got my bike loaded up and drove home, it was almost 9:45 by the time I walked in the house.

If you want to try something different, put this ride on your calendar for next month. Check out the Maricopa County Park and Recreation website for dates of upcoming events:

Thanks again to Mike & Gene for leading the group.

Sunday Spin cycle - July 17th

As the cyclists started appearing at Desert Breeze Park for today's flat stage, I mean ride, all the riders knew we were in for a hot day in the saddle. With the Tour de France going on I must have got carried away with the excitement. The route today, Milk Run, is a long time favorite for its lack of hills! Our numbers had grown to 26 riders today most likely due to the persistence rumors that Gene Rainey and myself were again leading the ride. However, before we could even depart the parking lot, we had our first flat by Craig. Then followed closely by Wen prior to getting out of the Park. It was also 7:00am and the group was just leaving the park with 44 miles ahead of us. We had several new riders and with Gene keeping tabs on the speed, we were able to stay in one group. The rest of the ride while very hot was uneventful, no lost riders, no additional flats, and the group kept well hydrated. At the breakfast stop, Wildflower, there was much talk of the tour and Mike Klein volunteered to host an adhoc Tour Party to watch the 15th stage. My sincere thanks to Mike & Joann for putting up with us tour crazy cyclists.

Our thanks to the new riders, Jim & Holly, who joined us today. We hope to see you on future rides.

Humbly submitted by substitute rider leader - Mike Kirk

Ride Schedule

7/24 6:30 AM - McKellupe Loop - Do some wind training on McKellips and back. Mostly flat miles, options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. Breakfast at Bogies Clubhouse at Ken McDonald Golf Course (McClintock between Guadalupe & Elliot).

7/31 6:30 AM - Ohcotukee Loop - To Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 miles with no climbing or 50 with. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels & Chandler Blvd. & Rural.

One Hundred and forty two riders showed up at the Hon-Dah Resort and Casino in the White Mountains on July 9th to ride the annual White Mountain Tour.

This year's tour returned to the original route through Show Low and Vernon via Hwy 60 to Springerville and Eager and then back again on Sunday via Hwy 260, Sunrise Ski Resort and McNary. Several new additions this year included the start point at Hon-Dah, the SAG stop at the Midway Station Store in Vernon and Reeds Motor Lodge in Springerville co-hosted breakfast Sunday morning.

Saturday's trip along the northern half of the loop was 63 miles of rolling terrain, and the riders were treated to temperatures that were about 20 degrees cooler than back home in the lower desert regions. By the time the first riders made it to Midway Station for the SAG stop, the breeze had picked up a little and had some riders concerned that the tail wind that had brought them to this point was about to change into a headwind. What a treat, all riders reported that they actually had a tailwind all the way to the overnight stop!

Saturday night's dinner was, as usual a great feast complete with scrumptious desserts. Lots of prizes were donated by our cycling friends, Tempe Bike, Pats Cyclery (Mesa), Paragon Bikes (Mesa), Pinnacle Peak Cyclery (Carefree), Cycle Mania of Show Low and the Honeywell Tempe Employees Club. Thanks to these folks for their support and continued service to the cycling community. Todd from Cycle Mania also provided bike service prior to the start and distributed a stack of Trek scratcher tickets. What fun, did anyone win anything? I almost won a ride with Lance! Raymond Kidd from Paragon Bikes in East Mesa also provided mechanical support during the weekend.

Sunday's trip back to Hon-Dah was uneventful, everyone finished before noon and the downhill trip through the pine forest from the SAG at Sunrise removed any thoughts of not coming back next year.

I would like to thank the volunteers who made this a successful event again this year, they all work hard to keep the riders fueled and going in the right direction. My son, Ray, his wife Cindy and their twin boys Nick and Tanner all helped with registration and moving the riders luggage back and forth. Tim O'Grady put his back into it and moved luggage as well. Leslie Nelson, having no prior experience at registration, jumped right in and lent a great deal of help. Jack Graham and Buddy Pylant also worked registration again this year. My wife, Mary Lou was a great help in all of the preparations prior to the ride and worked the SAG stops with Julie Santamaria and Debi Roberts. Bill Davison, Leon Smith, aka Capt. America, and Charlie Price patrolled the roads to keep an eye on riders and lend their support where needed.

Thanks to all the riders who came, I hope to see you all next year. Bring a friend!

Hi All!

The sound of cicadas singing-zinging at dawn gave us a hint of the weather for the morning. It didn't deter the 78 riders who came our for our gritty trek to downtown Phoenix. The cruise across Southern was quick, with a bit of a tailwind, and gave us views of the growing interesting mix of neighborhoods and cultures along there. We followed our noses (a tantalizing blend of doughnuts and tortillas wafting up from the various eateries) up the southern portion of Central and then started picking up bits and pieces of construction as we rolled into downtown, which ramped up as we looped back to the east along Washington. They have apparently decided to build the light rail all at one time instead of a block at a time. The pleasant gentle nudges of the morning tailwind had been exchanged for a wearing headwind, but the turn south down through Tempe brought us relief from that, and brought us to Bruegger's for blessed air-conditioning and cold drinks.

Coming up...

Saturday 7/23/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. It's "Team Kit Day", don your team jerseys, be it a team you rode with or a team you ride with in your dreams, local or pro. Route is Tour de Sue, to the south with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co., southeast corner 56th St & Elliot.

Saturday 7/30/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop, route options 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Saturday 8/6/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Tandemania! Yes, it's time once again to see just how many two seat buses we can get out on the road at one time... and how many odd pairings of partners we can come up with. Route is AhwaFooty, with options of 24 miles with no climbing or 34 miles with some moderate climbing (which will seperate out the solid teams from the wanna-bees!). Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co, southeast corner Elliot & 56th (Priest).

Tid Bits...

As is tradition, when our jersey order arrived recently, numerous members who didn't pre-order a jersey... wanted one. We have a few unclaimed ones left:
$50 for Short Sleeve: Womens XL (2 each), Womens L (3 each), Mens Medium Race Cut (2 each), Mens Club Small (1 each)
$70 for Long Sleeve: Mens Club L (2 each), Mens Club XXL (1 each), Womens XXL (1 each), Mens Race L (2 each), Womens XL (1 each)
$5 for Socks: Only size S/M available which is Up to size 8 Men's or 10 Women's.

To arrange for purchase, contact prez Kathy Mills. Kathy is also asking that anybody who wants in on a fall order to zip her a note. If we have enough asking another order then, we'll place one.

We have found a home for our Tour de France final stage bash! The management at Half Moon Grill has been so pleased with us filling their tables on blazing hot summer Saturday afternoons, that they have advised they will make room for our herd for the final gathering. We have one more Saturday (7/23) gathering there, and then the final event will be held Sunday 7/24 evening, from 5pm to 8pm. For those that have been missing our get togethers, Half Moon is on the southeast corner of Elliot & Kyrene. Go Disco!

Ride safe.

We had 17 riders today, with several of our regulars up north enjoying the cool weather. Thanks to Gary for leading the ride, at least until he flatted with a screw and headed back. I guess he gets flat head of the day with another flat later on after he rejoined the group. I also heard that Matt got tunnel vision on THE CLIMB, while Ron gave his all, but just finished out of the lead today on Lincoln by the wheels of Juan.

Ride Schedule

7/17 6:30 AM - Milk Run - All flat miles in the cow country, from 36 - 44 and everything in between. Breakfast at Wildflower Cafe.

7/24 6:30 AM - McKellupe Loop - Do some wind training on McKellips and back. Mostly flat miles, options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. Breakfast at Bogies Clubhouse at Ken McDonald Golf Course (McClintock between Guadalupe & Elliot).

7/31 6:30 AM - Ohcotukee Loop - To Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 miles with no climbing or 50 with. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels & Chandler Blvd. & Rural.

Hi All!

The tempting lure of cool air and pine trees at the White Mountain Tour reduced our usual summer horde to a mere 60 riders this morning. Those who turned out took on the challenge of a route that was new for the Saturday pack, though the Sunday Spin Cyclers in the crowd helped keep us headed in a reasonable proximity of the right direction. A little fancy footwork got us around the demoliton on Lindsay and then the roll back in through downtown Mesa gave us a chance to check out the witty and whimsical bronze sculptures the city is becoming known for. Riders didn't linger long at the bagel stop, knowing the heat was rising, but most were also anxious to get done in time to see our man Lance strut his stuff (uh, that would be Lance Armstrong, not club member Lance James).

Coming up...

Saturday 7/16/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Downtown Loop. To downtown Phoenix, route options 30 miles with no climbing or 40 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast at Bruegger's, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 7/23/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. In honor of the last weekend of Tour de France, it's "Team Kit Day". Did you go postal when the Posties were stutting their stuff? Or have you taken up Disco? How about a local team... have Honeywell or Landis colors hanging in your closet? Don your team jerseys, be it a team you rode with yarns ago... or the team you ride with in your dreams. Route is Tour de Sue, to the south with options on either Queen Creek or Riggs, 25 miles or 35 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Atlanta Bread Co., southeast corner 56th St & Elliot.

Saturday 7/30/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. McKellips Loop, route options 28 miles or 37 miles, one gentle climb. Breakfast at Neighbors Cafe, northwest corner Guadalupe & Alma School.

Tid Bits...

We can't all be Lance, but all of us can advance cycling by making our voices heard. You have two chances this week to do so, one on each end of the valley.

Tuesday July 12th, 6:30pm to 7:30pm, a public information meeting is being held in regards to the planned redesign/widening of the Dobson/Warner Roads intersection in Chandler. As with all major roadway projects, we want cyclists to be factored into the project. Location is the Dobson Academy Charter School (multi-purpose room) at 2207 N. Dobson Road.

Thursday July 14th, MAG has announced a meeting from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Glendale Civic Center (5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale) to make a presentation and take public input regarding future plans for the Grand Avenue rebuild project, including bike and pedestrian accommodation/enhancements.

And here is a more "entertaining" area to volunteer in. We are looking for a spot to hold our Tour de France final stage party on Sunday 7/24 evening, the broadcast will air from 6pm to 9pm. We are open to any options... somebody with a large living room and large screen TV (and access to OLN!!)? Or a sports viewing facility that will let us reserve for 50 to 60 people on a Sunday evening? If anybody has grand plan, zip a note.

Ride safe.

Ride report by Mike Kirk - thanks Mike and Gene for leading the group.

With the persistent rumor that Sunday's Spin Cycle would be a ride of silence, 28 cyclists came out, many of them new to the group. Marty even ventured to bring out his wife, Doralise, knowing full well she would be able to hear his recommendations on making cycling a pleasant experience. The Tour de Queen Creek is a flat fast paced route along mostly country roads. The ride started out uneventfully with the group staying together for the most part till the first regroup. The first flat of the day went to Carter after heading down Alma School to Hunt Highway. As soon as the group raced down Hunt Highway, it became apparent that we had a group of riders at varying degrees of cycling speed. Gene as co-ride leader took care of the faster riders and I roamed towards the rear to gather some of the flock that had fallen off the pace.

At Riggs & Val Vista, the group split with Sue leading a group of about 12 cyclists on a shorter route while the rest of the group headed to Queen Creek. As the long riders regrouped at the corner market in Queen Creek, Ron among others were spying the recent return of some "Daisy Dukes". It will take some time for the smile on his face to wear off. After refreshments the group headed to breakfast at the Wildflower in the Chandler Mall with the sprint being won by Larry after several riders jumped the gun and ran out of gas. Breakfast was great with all the normal chitchat over the previous days Tour de France stage. Craig with new guy, Nat finally arrived about 15 minutes later. Nat had been dropped during the return trip into the next zip code and Craig was gracious enough to drop back and pull him back in. Gary had the last flat of the day less than a mile from the park.

Ride Statistics:
  Flats 2 (Carter & Gary)
  Dropped riders on Hunt: 12 cyclists
  Excitement in Queen Creek: Daisy Dukes spotted in Queen Creek
  Submitted by substitute Ride leader: Mike

Ride Schedule

7/10 6:30 AM - Tour around Mummy - not the original, not backwards, but around. Some hills on the longer route, 35 short, 40 long. Breakfast at US Egg.

7/17 6:30 AM - Milk Run - all flat miles in the cow country, from 36 - 44 and everything in between. Breakfast at Wildflower Cafe.

7/24 6:30 AM - McKellupe Loop - do some wind training on McKellips and back. Mostly flat miles, options of 34, 39, or 50 miles. Breakfast at Bogies Clubhouse at Ken McDonald Golf Course (McClintock between Guadalupe & Elliot).

7/31 6:30 AM - Ohcotukee Loop - to Ocotillo and then to Ahwatukee. Mileage options of 35 miles with no climbing or 50 with. Breakfast at Brueggers Bagels & Chandler Blvd. & Rural.

Hi All!

We celebrated opening day of Tour de France with 101 riders turning our for our morning's romp. Our standard pack was larger than average, with many wanting to zip around the course so as to not miss a moment of the first tour stage broadcast later in the morning. As the pack rolled back in towards breakfast, we were treated to downtown Tempe's new pigeon defense system... piped in sounds of hawks. Don't know what the pigeons think of it, but it made the pedal through town a bit jungle-ish sounding. Way cool that Bruegger's has tripled their bike parking area... the power of the pedalers.

Coming up...

Monday 7/4/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Don your red/white/blue and join us for a voyage to Mummy Mountain, 27 miles with moderate climbing, 40 miles with some additional climbing. Breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Saturday 7/9/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. If you are not headed to the White Mountain Tour, come join us for our home version of a tour to the northeast, Tour de Mesa. Route options 29 miles or 39 miles, no climbing. Breakfast at Einstein's, northwest corner Guadalupe and McClintock.

Saturday 7/16/05 6:30am Kiwanis Park. Downtown Loop. That would be downtown Phoenix, in case you were wondering. Route options 30 miles with no climbing or 40 miles with a couple of moderate climbs. Breakfast at Bruegger's, northwest corner Mill & 11th.

Tid Bits...

We encourage those who live within a few miles of the park to pedal to the start point instead of driving a car there. It's good for the planet, good for your gas bill, and good for your body. Here's a bit more motivation. We had a rider's vehicle ticketed this morning, a parking ticket, for straddling the white line in the parking lot. They had parked at the far end of the lot, with no one around them, and couldn't fit under a tree due to a roof top bike rack. They parked over a few feet, straddling the line into the next space over. See? Riding a bike is cheaper than driving, in many ways!

The tour is on! Join the pack every Saturday afternoon at the Half Moon Grill in Tempe, southeast corner of Elliot and Kyrene. Broadcast time is 11:30am to 1:30pm. See ya there!

Ride safe.