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In This Issue
- President's Corner
- Steve Correll Obituary
- General Meeting Announcements
- El Tour Training
- Trail of the Mountain Spirits
- Wheels for Kids
- Sharing Nature
- Advocacy Desk
- BICAS Calendar
- ASK GABA
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SEND US NEWS, STORY IDEAS OR ARTICLES!
Do you have something interesting to share with the Tucson cycling community? A link to an event? An article that we don't know about? A topic that might be worth looking into? We publish monthly, but with more news from you we can publish every two weeks.
If you have something that you think others would like to find out about, please share them with me, Laura H at - paceline@bikegaba.org
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ASK GABA
Dear GABA,
I've been hesitant to attend a General Meeting. Are they only for "hard core" GABA members? Answer: Our General Meetings are
for everyone! As we arrive for the meeting, we enjoy snacks and beverages. As the meeting starts, President Eric Post brings us all the latest news then calls upon all the Board Chairs to give brief updates on upcoming day and assisted rides, membership, events and items of interests to GABA Members. Next, our featured speaker is introduced. GABA works hard to bring in speakers who will speak on a variety of cycling topics we feel will be of interest to the general membership. There will be no July General Meeting, but August's meeting will have no speaker, and will be an Ice Cream Social. Who doesn't like ice cream! The September meeting will host speakers from the University of Arizona Cycling Team. See the details in the article adjacent. Please consider coming to a GABA General Meeting. You will be glad you did! Have a Question:
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Where In Tucson Can you find this statue?
(see below for location)
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GABA Classifieds
Do you have a bike related item you would like to buy, sell or trade? We now have two ways you can get the word out.
POST IT ON THE GABA WEBSITE To find out how to post CLICK HERE To do the you MUST be a GABA member. So, if you aren't, here is one more good reason to join GABA. AND/ OR POST IT IN PACELINE To send in a Classified CLICK HERE Please be sure to include all details, including your contact info so an interested party can contact you directly. We can take a (single) photo for your item. We will run them for 2 issues, then remove (unless you let us know they have been sold/found). |
SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT US!
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Sabino Cycles
7045 E. Tanque Verde
520-885-3666
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Where In Tucson Can you find this statue?
Near Mission & Starr Pass
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We love, love, love when YOU send us articles! Last month, Derrick Smith submitted an article on his experience in the Mount Lemmon Hill Climb (bikegaba.org, Paceline Archive, June 2015 issue). This month John Baliff submitted an article on riding in Saguaro National Park East. Due to space limitations, you will be seeing it in the August issue of Paceline.
I say "keep them coming!" If writing and submitting an actual article is not your speed, but you would like to see something covered in Paceline, let us know. We will do our best to get it in there. Don't foret our monthly ASK GABA column. Surely there is something about GABA you have been curious about.
Email us at Paceline@bikegaba.org We love to hear from you!
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President's Corner
It is with much sadness we report the news of our friend and fellow GABA member, Steve Correll's, sudden passing on June 23. He was a good friend and will be much missed. Please see the article below for more information.
Please note that at the September Board Meeting we will be voting on a change to GABA by-laws. Members are encouraged to attend this meeting.
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Steve Correll
It is with sadness that we report, former GABA Newsletter Editor and and longtime member, Steve Correll, 61, passed away suddenly in Tucson on June 23rd. He is survived by his loving wife Melinda and his cat Fiona, as well as numerous cousins. He was passionate about bicycling and had a love for animals. He gave generously of his time at PAWSItivley Cats, a no kill cat shelter.
He will be remembered for his kindness to others and his willingness and ability to repair his friends' computers, bicycles, and electronic devices. He will be greatly missed by all of his bicycling friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PAWSItively Cats A celebration of his life will be held at his home on July 2nd. A memorial bicycle ride will be held in the fall.
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JULY General Meeting
GABA is taking the month of July off.
There will NOT be a General Member Meeting
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AUGUST General Meeting
Monday, August 3, 2015
7 PM
Plan on attending our AUGUST General Meeting as it will be our annual
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Pima County Medical Society Building 5199 E Farness Tucson, AZ 
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SEPTEMBER General Meeting
Monday, September 7, 2015
7:00 p.m
RACING UA CYCLING STYLE
Joey Luliano, President
University of Arizona Cycling (2014-2015).
The UA Cycling National Team is eager to bring to you what it is like to race at a National Championship against the best riders in the country. Both the men and women who attended this year's nationals, will share a piece of their race. You will be given a front row view of the event from the racers perspective.
Our goal is to make you feel as if you were in the race rubbing elbows with 150 riders from the US!
Pima County Medical Society Building
5199 E Farness
Tucson, AZ
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GET READY FOR EL TOUR TRAINING RIDES
GABA'S El Tour de Tucson training rides will start in early September. There will be 10 weeks of increasing distance training rides to get you ready for your El Tour distance. Look for multiple speed/distance rides along with multiple starting locations. Our Tumacacori and Silverbell GABA rides will be be included as part of our training rides. Watch upcoming Paceline editions and the GABA Meet Up Calendar for more specific information.
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Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway Overnight Tour
September 5th - 7th, 2015  Come beat the heat and enjoy a great trip!
This 3-day, 105 mile, loop tour starts and ends in Silver City, New Mexico. Only 200 miles and a 3 hour drive from Tucson, this ride is one of New Mexico's finest cycling routes.
Day one, you will cycle 31.5 miles through the mining town of Bayard with a lunch stop in Hurley. The route has good shoulder and minimal traffic. Saturday night we will camp at The City of Rocks State Park. The park is an amazing result of geologic activity, offering visitors hiking and mountain biking trails, a visitor center, and hot showers.
Day two will take us 36 miles up into the Membres Valley. This scenic route follows the Mimbres River through green orchards, small farms, and even a couple of ghost town sites. Lodging will be provided at Camp Thunderbird, dormitory style with hot showers and meals provided.
Day three is 40 miles with a good 3.5 mile climb to test your lower gears as we ride to the historic town of Pinos Altos ("Tall Pines"). A ride down their short main street will take you back in time to the late 1800s. Our last 8 miles is a fast downhill to the finish.
For more information, or to sign up CLICK HERE
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WHEELS FOR KIDS BY Rick Haupt President, WFK At Wheels For Kids, we take used bicycles and refurbish them. Then through our partner organizations, we see that they get to children in need, free of charge. On World Refugee Day, June 20th, 2015, Wheels for Kids was invited to join the celebration held by one of our supported charities, Refugee FOCUS. At that event, Wheels for Kids was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation which reads: "For your outstanding devotion and effort assisting our families with affordable transportation. Thank you for your support." Since March, 2014, Wheels for Kids has provided Refugee FOCUS with over 80 bikes of all sizes and types. Since Wheels for Kids was founded by Dick Swain in 2007, we have, to date, donated a total of 1482 bikes to over 19 different charities in Southern Arizona. 
Wheels for Kids is a registered non-profit corporation with a Federal Charity Recognition [501(c)3]. These charities include: Ronald McDonald House, Sun City Oro Valley, Tu Nudito, Youth on their Own, Interfaith Community Services, GAP Ministeries, Sister Connection, El GRUPO, Gospel Rescue Mission, Saddlebrooke Community Outreach, Casa de los Ninos, BICAS, Boys and Girls Clubs (Drachman) and the recently added Christian Family Care with ministering to foster children. Wheels for Kids is a 100% volunteer organization currently consisting of 43 volunteers, 35 of which work on bikes. Most volunteers do multiple things to keep the organization going. We are only as effective as donations allow. You can contact Wheels for Kids through their web site azwfk.org. You may also want to check out our Facebook page:WHEELS FOR KIDS FACEBOOK 
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SHARING NATURE
by Eric Post and Laurie Lefebvre 
The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park spans about 100 square miles. That is equivalent to approximately 20,000 Arizona Diamondback baseball fields.
We all know that cycling at high speeds increases the frequency of a crash as well as increasing the injury severity. Hitting a Saguaro Cactus is like hitting a brick wall with spines on it-- because Saguaros have a hard wood internal bone structure. The only mercy if rider becomes one-on-one with a Saguaro may be tweezers and a piece of duct tape.
What does the hiker, cyclist, tourist, photographer need to be aware of when sharing this infamous Cactus Forest Loop with tourists that may be driving it? Blowing a stop sign on federal land is not a civil citation. It is a misdemeanor. Miles 1-3 are posted at 15 mph, then at Cactus Forest Trail Head North the speed limit increases to 20 mph. The two-way section of the drive is posted at 25 mph.
Steve Bolyard, U.S. Park Ranger, says, "The Law Enforcement Division at Saguaro National Park employs speed detection radar. Rangers utilize a mobile radar trailer with active speed display; currently it is stationed on the Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Rangers also have vehicle mounted and handheld radar units. All of the radar units employed by Rangers at Saguaro will pick up cyclists exceeding the posted limit. The goal of speed limit enforcement at Saguaro National Park is to enhance safety for all visitors: cyclists, drivers, pedestrians, and equestrians. The posted speed limits in Saguaro National Park apply to all vehicles; including bicycles, cars, trucks, scooters, motorcycles, etc. While there is discretion on the part of each individual Ranger on whether or not to write tickets the safety goal remains."
When it comes to sharing nature, leave critters alone and they will leave you alone. However, we all know that life is not that cut and dry. It is against the law to harass wildlife in the Saguaro National Park.
Specific Animals:
Black Bear - The black bear still roams an area of 7 to 15 square miles in desert riparian areas of Arizona. Black bears are not always black. They have a variation in color ranging from black to light blonde. Cinnamon colored black bears are common in the west. They do not have a shoulder hump. Large male bears can weigh up to 400 lbs. Their bear claws are much shorter than a grizzly bear. Being able to recognize a black bear's paw print in the path is to the human's advantage. Black bear's have a large toe arc. The toe imprints are farther apart.
Black bears mostly want to forage through a camp while you are away or sleeping. They are not particularly interested in an adult human sized meal. Take them seriously. They are unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Remember to appear bigger than them, throw rocks to ward them off, raise your hands frantically, grunt, scream, and kick because your life will depend on it. Don't play dead if you are in a fight, fight back any way you can.
Black bears produce 2 to 3 cubs in January or early February. They are most active at dawn and dusk.
Grizzly Bears - Grizzly bears have not been found in Arizona since the 1930's.
Cows - The last cattle were removed from Saguaro National Park in the 1980's. They are quite common in Arizona and along your way to this park. Cows appear sluggish and not so sharp-don't be fooled. Cows can chase and kick, so lay-off ringing the cow bell on your bike. Go around, don't ride through their pack. The have a great sense of smell of something up to 6 miles away. They can move pretty fast and are very good at protecting their packs and land boundary.
White Tail Deer & Mule Deer - Slow down, let them go by. Should you see one deer, look for more-they rarely travel alone. Deer travel in frantic, sporadic patterns and are difficult to predict where they are going next. It has occurred that a deer has passed in front of a cyclist then turned around to run- only to nail the cyclist on the way back. If deer are running, then they are probably spooked and in their fight or flight mode.
Fox - If you see a fox, get your camera, they are rare around in this area. Treat them like coyotes. Generally fox do not chase. They have excellent vision. They can climb a wall and eat through a dog's leather collar.
Horses - Horses can kick and bite. The most dangerous part of cyclists interacting with horse and rider is that horses can be "spooked" and throw their rider. This is why equestrians have right of way over cyclists in Arizona. Give them a wide birth.
Javelina - It's been said before, you back an "animal" or a "person" in a tight corner - they are going to react, if not attack. A Javelina's first instinct is to run, so don't corner them. They are generally in a pack. Don't ride through the pack, go around them. Give them room and let them go their way. If you come across one, expect more. They tend to notice colors plus movement. They have poor eye vision so they can run into you without realizing you are there.
Rabbits - Rabbits dart across the road and they can come fast. Be careful that you are prepared to shift weight back and do a quick stop technique. Rabbits run in zig zag patterns, not linear. In a one to two second observation, it will be difficult to predict where the rabbit going to go. And this behavior makes it a mystery to predict just exactly how to go around them. Generally, they do not attack. They will freeze and pretend to be invisible, but if you move towards them or look in their direction they are likely to bolt.
Some of the larger rabbits when sitting will have ears well above your waist line. Yes, we have some really large Jack Rabbits here. Their teeth are sharp.
Skunks - Don't play with them. If the spray gets you up close in your eyes, it can cause eyesight problems. Thoroughly wash off with soap and water. Some folks think that lathering up with tomato sauce will lessen the smell.
Squirrels - Squirrels generally do their best to stay away from you. They can bite and have sharp teeth. Squirrels can be rabid. They can get between your wheel spokes when they run across the road. It is not uncommon for squirrels to fall out of a tree on top of you.
Dogs:
Cattle Dogs - Herding dogs like Collies like to nip at heels. Protect your heel, unclip, raise the foot, and keep it away from the dog.
Domestic Dogs - Dogs like to chase, sometimes pedaling excites them more so a few folks have chosen to stop peddling. Squirt the water bottle. They are not looking to hunt you, just chase as it is their prey instinct to protect their territory and master. Stay away from their litters. Beware of the dogs that can get themselves between your wheels- this scenario is an instant crash.
You can possibly out ride them with quick reflexes. When you leave their territory they will leave you alone.
Coyotes - Coyotes will generally not attack unless rabid. They might pace you for a while. February is usually the time for pups and dens. If a coyote gets your pet, that is an awful scenario. It's been said to stay away. Trying to rescue the pet is one way to get bit. Do not feed the coyotes-they are not your friends. They can eat through a dog's collar, swim, and climb walls.
Cats:
Cats are predators. If they attack, they intend to eat. Watch for aggressive behavior like crouching, flattening of the ears, and showing of teeth. They love to ambush.
Bobcats - Bobcats can be rabid. Avoid any bobcat dens because the bobcat will protect it. These cats show up in urban areas.
Mountain Lions - Mountain lions are also protective of their dens. Don't get between the mountain lion and a den or a mountain lion and its food. Mountain Lions can go from 15 feet to 0 feet in 1.5 seconds. They can climb walls and are fast.
For all cats, don't try to outrun them. The best procedure is to stop, dismount, stand up and hold the bike between you and the cat. Yell, pivot the bike left to right, make noise. Does not spray the water bottle, rather, throw that water bottle with full might in this scenario.
Remember that if you crouch down to pick up rocks that action make you appear smaller to the cat - and the cat is more likely to attack.
Ryan Tiffin at Arizona Cyclist (Broadway location) had an encounter some time ago with a mountain lion. Ryan and two buddies were off road at night -- they saw a mountain lion charging down a hill. Knowing that one of them was going to be taken out; they all got off the bikes, held the bikes up, yelled and made noises. The lion stopped a few feet away, reconsidered, made a u-turn, and went back up the hill. Possibly this was a territorial situation and there may have been a den nearby.
If you see a den, leave. Do not go in. If you stumble into one, leave.
If you are attacked, you are in a deadly fight and the best thing to do is fight back every way you can. Kick, punch, scream, poke them, spit, use a rock on their head, and put up the most vigorous fight you are capable of. It is no longer about hurting the animal because that mountain lion fully intends to hurt you.
Reptiles:
Frogs - Not as bad as toads in terms of oil and poison, but they are slippery and you can crash hitting them. Also, frog legs in the spokes can be a messy situation, do your best to avoid riding over them.
Gila Monster - Mating season is after the rains because it is the monsoons that bring them out. They are venomous. They may latch on and hold on and chew and release the venom from ducts near their teeth. If they grab your arm or fingers, the human tendency is to lift your arm and try to remove it. The reptile senses that it is of the ground and can get hurt if it lets go. The Gila monster will lock its jaw.
In this situation, "Go to the hospital. Ask that they call the Phoenix Herp Society for advice on how to remove the animal without causing injury," states, Ranger Bolyard.
Even if you put it back down and it lets go on its own, still, go to the hospital.
Keep in mind that the Gila monster can flick its head from side-to-side pretty fast and nail you.
Snakes - Snakes can strike from any direction. A coiled snake has their maximum striking distance. When stretched out they can still form an "S" with the body and strike. They can rotate their heads around fast! If you find yourself and bike sharing the road parallel to a snake in the same direction-- they can still turn and strike. Respect a snake's distance boundaries.
If you hit one with your bike tires, do not try to help it. If it is at one of the districts of Saguaro National Park please report it. Rangers want to know these things.
Some folks go trophy hunting and want the head or tail and are quite surprised to learn that the snake was not really dead yet. Snakes may be neurotoxin (paralyzing) or proteolytic (muscle decay). Either one can be serious so get treatment right away.
Sonoran Desert Toads - These are toads are poisonous. Do not touch them. The oil on their skin can hurt. These toads get up to 8 inches in diameter. They can take over a road in large groups. If you hit them with your tires, you could crash. If you don't crash, remember to wash the tire off before touching it. One of the problems hitting toads is getting the legs in the spokes. So just avoid roads that are covered in toads.
What you step in can be smelled by many animals so clean your shoes.
Spiders - Black Widows. We have lots of them in the desert. There is hardly any spray that will kill them. Eric recalled a high school asking the chemistry professor what to use. He said he knew he was going to make money off this question and then proceeded to describe a procedure involving an old shoe and a hard whack. The bite can be serious for young people and elderly. So if you get off your bike, the best thing is to look around before you sit down. The bite is nasty.
Brown Recluse - This is a brown spider that has a violin shape on its belly. Also called the violin spider. They are proteolytic so get medical attention right away. Sometimes called "bark spiders" because the live in the bark of trees . . . and where do we go for shade when we take a break from riding?
Make sure you don't just plop down and lean next to a tree without thoroughly looking; it would be possible to cause one of these to come out of the bark and bite.
Scorpions - The smaller they are the worse the sting. Watch for the small white or clear ones. If you sit down, look first. If you take your shoes off allowing your feet to cool a bit, shake them out before putting them back on.
Tarantulas - They have two venomous fangs and the bite is akin to two wasp stings, but you have to be really abusing them to get bitten. However, they can rub the hairs off their rear feet and those will irritate your skin much like fiberglass shavings will. Wash them off with lots of soapy water.
Birds:
Osprey - This is about the only aggressive bird around here. They will defend their nests so leave the nests alone. They will raid the nests of other birds.
Roadrunners and Quail - Often they dart across the road with families. Be ready to bunny hop or rock dodge or shift weight and quick stop. Hitting one can cause a crash. Keep an eye out along the side of the road for these and other critters that are about to dart in front of you.
Final Thoughts:
Consider your own pets in the heat. You can get thermometer that works like a laser pointer and it will read temperatures at where the red spot shines. A good rule of thumb is to put the back of your hand on the ground, if it is too hot for your hand it is too hot for your dog's paws. Asphalt can get well up over 150 degrees in the summer. Sometimes even the sand is so hot that the paw pads on the feet of your pet dogs (even dogs that like the desert) can be damaged.
Recently, Rangers have had to issue a few animal abuse citations for this.
"There have been very few negative interactions between animals and cyclists in Pima County. Should you have any incidents in Saguaro National Park, report the incident -- Rangers want the information to help educate. If there is an injured animal, Rangers surely want to know about these incidents so they can possibly go look for it, says, Ranger Bolyard.
Animals have pattern behaviors they tend to follow, however, if the animal is injured, rabid, or sick, this can create an unpredictable scenario. The best defense is to see the animal and keep your eyes out for them. In general, direct eye contact with an animal is considered a threat to the animal.
Ranger Bolyard says, "The animals in Pima County are generally not looking for human sized food. However, all bets are off with children. Do not let your children on bicycles lag behind. Animals will feed off the back of the herd."
Mace or pepper spray works on just about every animal. It does not work on reptiles. The problem is that it doesn't shoot very far. You can find this chemical irritant at sporting stores and police/security guard supply stores. The down side is that animals prefer to be upwind to humans. In wind, there is a good chance of having the spray come back on you.
According to Ranger Bolyard, "if you are going to use this spray, take plenty of time to practice, know how it reacts. Should you really need to use you are well experienced in using it".
And now for the all-time most unpredictable animal out here -- the one animal that you will never, ever be able to anticipate - Pedestrians!
May sharing your ride with nature be your own wonderful experience.
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ADVOCACY DESK
The Pima County Department of Transportation just has just released it's annual report. Read it here:
The Loop has now completed over 100 miles, and is working on another 12 this year.
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BICAS Calendar JULY Highlights To view the full BICAS 2015 Calendar click here:
http://bicas.org/calendar/
7/5/15 - Bicycle Maintenance Class 10am - 1pm
7/21/15 - Basic Maintenance Class 5pm - 8pm
7/22/15 - Volunteer Orientation 6pm - 7pm
Every Monday in July - Women and Transgender Workshop 4pm - 8pm
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