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In This Issue
- President's Corner
- February General Meeting Information
- March General Meeting Information
- Supported Ride Schedule
- BITS is Back
- MeetUp Milestone
- Owl's Head Butte Century
- GABA Credits
- Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight
- Cyclovia Thank You
- The LOOP UpDate
- El Tour de Mesa
- Arizona Bicycling Summitt
- Tucson Bicycle Classic
- BICAS Calendar
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Where In Tucson?
Send in your "Where in Tucson" pics and we will print them in an upcoming Paceline.
Answer will appear in MARCH Paceline.
Winner gets a GABA Prize!
(see below for January's location. No winner in January)
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Need Help Registering for a
GABA Supported Ride?
This will take you to a step-by-step instructional guide to signing up for our supported rides!
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Check out BikeLife Tucson Magazine
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GABA Classifieds
Do you have a bike-related item you would like to buy, sell or trade? We have two ways to get the word out.
POST IT ON THE
GABA WEBSITE
To find out how to post
CLICK HERE
To post on the GABA website, you MUST be a GABA member - 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 your item for 2 issues, then remove it (unless you let us know the items have been sold/found).
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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 it with me, Laura H paceline@bikegaba.org
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SUPPORT
THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT US! |
It is in front of Sushi-Ten in the 4500 block of Speedway.
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Greetings!
Where did January go? I blinked and it was over. It's time to gear up and RIDE. If you are a newbie or returning cyclist see our GABA Meetup Page for another Back in the Saddle session. There is still time to join the fun and get rolling early in 2016. Also, GABA has two big supported rides coming up: The Owls Head Butte Century and Sonoita-Bisbee overnight. See details below or at www,bikegaba.org
Laura H
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER
What is an LCI?
Welcome to the New Year. I hope all is beginning well for each and every one of you.
I would like to take the time to introduce several GABA members who are certified League Cycling Instructors (LCIs). Several members are certified to teach bicycle safety classes through the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) in Washington, D.C.
First, I would like to explain what LAB is. LAB is an organization that goes back to the 1800s. Back then it was League of American Wheelmen, or LAW. One of the first accomplishments was the lobbying in our legislatures for paved roads. That's right, in 1890 The Good Roads Movement was an effort on the part of bicycle riders to have roads paved like they were in Europe. Back then the USA didn't really have paved roads outside of (some) major cities. LAW made progress in lobbying. By the 1920s, states and counties had adopted paved road guidelines.
LAB, as it is known today, continues to lobby on transportation bills in Congress. And LAB makes sure bicycle riders are not left out.
More importantly, LAB certifies various trainers who are allowed to teach the Traffic Skills classes locally. These classes are about 9 hours and split over a 2-day period. Cyclists learn about bikes, safety and how to negotiate our roadways (even when traffic is thick and heavy).
The classes are free and if you have not taken any, please call 724-BIKE and sign up!
LAB has spent a lot of time studying various ways that cyclists can safely interact with motor vehicle traffic. Part of this is knowing what the rules of the road are. Another part has to do with bike handling skills.
The LCIs will teach you techniques on how to dodge a rock or small pothole when you realize that it is too late to do anything about it. Yes, there is actually a maneuver that can be done.
There is a maneuver on how to make a quick right-turn when a vehicle comes up along side of you and then right hooks you. There is a technique for looking behind you without veering into traffic. All of these skills are designed to give the cyclist the best opportunity to enjoy a great, safe commute.
The LCIs have taken the basic class in addition to a 3-day training seminar demonstrating instructor level knowledge. Currently, the Pima County Bicycle Ambassador program has well over 50 LCIs who teach. GABA has the Ambassador contract, so GABA is responsible for putting on the classes.
We have had many GABA members who were at one time LCIs. Current LCIs who are GABA members are:
- Jim Harms (Ambassador Administrator and also is certified to teach other instructors. There are very few "instructor instructors" around. Congrats Jim!)
- Colleen Giles, board member and supported rides coordinator, is our newest LCI.
- Robin Steinberg (also a member of the Tucson-Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee
- Janet Landis (GABA Treasurer)
- Toni Everett (Past president of GABA)
- Debbie Harms
- Willie Olivas
- Eric Post
If you ever want to seek out the best information in bicycle safety, these are the folks who know. If you are interested in becoming an LCI, send Jim Harms a message CLICK HERE
Eric Post, Esq
GABA President
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February General Meeting
Monday, February 1, 2016
7 p.m.
Join Bob Willman for a presentation about his 2,100-mile ride from the Canadian Border to the Mexican Border along the Pacific Coast Highway including pictures, stories and a discussion on lessons learned.Location: Tucson Osteopathic Medical Center 3182 N. Swan Road, Tucson Map Link
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March General Meeting Monday, March 7, 2016 7 p.m.  GABA is honored to have Martha Lemen talking about enjoying the Sonoran Desert on a mountain bike. Martha is a
Certified Professional Mountain Bike Instructor and Bike Advocate and well versed on the rules of the trai, to finding your way to new trails to ride. From rules of the trail, to finding your way to new trails to ride. There will be something to learn regardless of our riding level in the "dirt". Mark your calendars and see you then!
Location: Tucson Osteopathic Medical Center
3182 N. Swan Road, Tucson
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GABA 2016 SUPPORTED RIDE CALENDAR
| Owls Head Butte Century | FEB 7 | REGISTRATION OPEN CLICK HERE
| | Sonita - Bisbee Overnight Tour | MAR 19 - 20 | REGISTRATION OPEN CLICK HERE
| | Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb | MAY 13 |
| | Ride of Silence | MAY 18 |
| | Luna Lake Overnight Tour | SEPT 3 - 5 |
| | El Tour Training Start | SEPT 11 |
| | Tumacacori Century | OCT 11 |
| | Silverbell Century | NOV 6 |
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To register or to find more information regarding any of these rides click through to our SUPPORTED RIDES HERE
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BITS IS BACK
A new BITS started on January 23rd. What's BITS? Read on!
Back In The Saddle (BITS) is a 6-week series of rides designed for riders who have not ridden in a long time or who are concerned about riding in a group or on the roads, or managing common bike issues during a ride, for example, a flat tire.
All BITS rides in this 6-week series start on the east side of Tucson at Udall Park. BITS dates in this series are: January 23, 30 and February 6, 13, 20 and 27.
Each session is designed to familiarize you with the basics of riding your bike safely on both Tucson's Multi-use Paths (The Loop) and on residential, secondary roads, and roads with bike lanes. The distance of the rides will progress from 8 miles in week one, to 33 miles in week six. No rider will be left behind.
The routes are basically flat or with some minor hills (GABA's rating of 1-2 on a scale of 1-5).
CLICK HERE to sign up or for more BITS information.
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 GABA Meets a Meetup Milestone In mid-January GABA had its 1,000th person sign up to become a member of GABA's Meetup page when Jennifer Weiser joined. GABA congratulates her for helping us to meet that milestone along with the 999 others who also signed up.
GABA joined Meetup in April of 2013 as way to improve our day rides. Before Meetup the day ride process was cumbersome with rider leaders having to predict what kind of ride they would like to do weeks in advance of their ride. Recruiting a day ride coordinator was tough and the day ride coordinator had an even tougher task of finding day ride leaders.
With Meetup, GABA changed its day ride sign-up procedure making it very easy for day rider leaders. Ride leaders now decide when, where and how fast to ride. They can post their rides just a few days in advance after looking at a weather forecast. If you are interested in becoming a ride leader, please contact Steve Watts. Currently there are almost 30 dedicated day ride leaders who led over 440 different rides and events last year. In 2014 and 2015, our rider-miles increased by 50,000 over the previous year. The total rider-miles for 2015 was 150,000. CLICK HERE TO VIEW OR SIGN UP FOR GABA MEETUP.It's FREE to sign up. You do not need to be a GABA Member to sign up and utilize our Meetup! It's the place to go to find member lead day rides and GABA information. |
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Owls Head Butte Century
Sunday, February 7, 2016
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This ride offers three ride length options: Short, 36 miles; Medium, 63 Miles; and Long, 104 Miles. If you haven't done this ride under its previous incarnations (Picacho Peak or Park Links) in a while, it's time to give it another try. The course has been under revision for the past few years, with improvements based on riders' feedback. Now the bumpiest and crudest of roads have been eliminated for your riding pleasure.
All riders will start and end at Ora Mae Harn Park across from the Marana Town Hall. On return, enjoy a delicious Post Ride lunch (included in the price of the ride).
Early registration closes at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.
For more detailed information, rates and to sign up, CLICK HERE
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About GABA Credits
by Rich Rousseau, Membership Coordinator
Many of you may not be aware that you may have GABA credits sitting on your membership profile. These could have been placed there when you canceled out of a ride you could not make, or when you volunteered at any of the many events the club holds throughout the year. They are on your profile for use when renewing your membership or when signing up for one of the club's supported rides.
Members
You can check your profile for any credits by logging onto the club's website: www.bikegaba.org with your user ID and Password. If you have forgotten your user ID, send an email to membership@bikegaba.org and the membership coordinator will reply. You can then log on and if you've forgotten your password, click on "forgot password" and a temporary password will be sent to your email. Next, you can log in and update your password. Then click on "Profile" and then click on "Payment/Credit History" where it will show in the lower portion of the screen. Keep in mind that these credits do not expire or have no cash value except for the items above.
Non-Members
Since you do not have a login user ID or Password you will need to send an email to membership@bikegaba.org to determine if you have any credits because only members have login ability. If you do have credits available and would like to join GABA, let the membership coordinator know and he can convert you to an active member if you have at least $15 in GABA credits.
Talks about GABA vs Meetup Membership:
If you have signed up on GABA Meetup, you are not automatically a GABA member. To be a GABA member you must sign up on our website and pay the fee.
Non-members can go on GABA Meetup rides, but only GABA members can be ride leaders. GABA ride leaders earn GABA Credits for the rides they lead. GABA Members and Non-Members can use their GABA Credits for membership renewals and supported ride fees.
Ride Registration:
This pertains to both members and non-members when considering riding in a GABA Supported ride. Members save a minimum of $10 on ride fees. So when you sign up on-line, members get their information populated automatically and GABA credits will be automatically applied to reduce, or completely cover ride fees for that ride.
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Sonoita - Bisbee Overnight Tour
March 19 and 20, 2016
With the spring sun beckoning you to Bisbee and the wind at your back, travel east on Hwy 82, and feast your eyes on the rolling grassland of Sonoita with the lofty Huachuca Mountains at the horizon. Join us for a weekend of camaraderie, beautiful views and fun in Bisbee! Pedal long rolling hills and enjoy scenic vistas as you make your way to the quaint old mining town of Bisbee, now an arts colony, nestled in southeast Arizona's Mule Mountains.
DAY ONE: 63 miles, via Tombstone to Bisbee. Ride north out of the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Sonoita and turn east on Hwy 82. The route will be marked with GABA signs at all turns. Continue east to through Mustang Corners towards Tombstone. Cycle east on Hwy 82 to Hwy 80, turn south to pedal through the lively, old town of Tombstone. Stop for a bit and enjoy a meal in one of the Old West restaurants, if you desire, or at SAG 2 at the Tombstone Municipal Park. Continue south from Tombstone on Hwy 80. From the base of Mule Pass, you have the choice of turning left at top of the hill onto Old Divide Road prior to the tunnel, which offers great views of the Town of Bisbee and a great descent into the town. Or a great descent through the tunnel into the town of Bisbee. Your luggage will be waiting for your arrival at your lodging. DAY TWO: 66.5 miles via Hereford, Palominas, Sierra Vista, Mustang Corners to Sonoita
Enjoy a beautiful descent by the Lavender Pit continuing south on Hwy 92 towards Sierra Vista. Turning right onto Hereford Road where you will cross the San Pedro River and continue through some residential areas working your way towards Ft. Huachuca and Sierra Vista. Continue north on Hwy 90 toward Mustang Corners where you will find your last SAG before the 17lmile grand finale. Turn left onto Hwy 82 cycling the final 17 miles through rolling hills and grasslands back into Sonoita and the end of your wonderful journey.
No camping available Friday or Saturday!
Your Sonoita-Bisbee Tour Fee includes:
- Safe parking for your car at Sonoita Fairgrounds for the whole weekend
- SWEEP Support along the route on both days for tired cyclists or bike problems
- 3 SAG stops along the course each day with fruit, snacks and lunch makings
- Truck to deliver luggage at your lodging from our accommodations list
- Route map and riders' instructions
- GABA signs at each turn along the course for both days
Hotel List can be found at bikegaba.org on the Sonoita - Bisbee Overnight Tour webpage
Make your hotel reservations now!
Volunteers are needed
for this ride.
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Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride Jersey for 2016 
Yes, a jersey has been designed for the Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride by a group of women from San Diego who have been participating in this ride for the past few years. They enjoyed the ride so much they decided to design a jersey for it, again.
These women are the HEFFERs who are members of Trek Club in the San Diego area. This year we are hoping to get the word out about this cool jersey. It is the same design as last year only the year has changed. This was done in order to have the jersey ready in time for the March 19-20 ride.
Ordering the jersey is done through Ascendsportswear and the link provided below. THIS IS NOT A GABA PRODUCT. We are only helping these women with this project. All purchases will be done through the ascendsportswear link set up and provided by Susan Gardner, one of the women from the group.
All orders need to be completed by February 8, 2016. This will allow enough time for production and shipping of the jerseys by March 19. These wonderful women have done this on their own and everyone at GABA greatly appreciates their motivation and love for bicycling.
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A Thank You Letter from Cyclovia for our participation in their Fall 2015 Event
GABA volunteers fixing bikes at Cyclovia Fall 2015.
Thanks to all who came out and helped. 
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UPDATE
As many have seen (and perhaps walked or ridden on), the new CDO pathway segment of The Loop from La Cholla to La Caņada has been paved by contractors working for the Pima County Regional Flood Control District. We already had our first bike campers use the Santa Cruz and CDO to head up to Catalina State Park for an overnighter last weekend, plus many of the Dove Mountain and Oro Valley folks have been enjoying it. Great to see the 11-plus miles of the CDO path nearing completion from the Santa Cruz to Tangerine Road. Please note the crossing at Overton is not yet constructed and is controlled by stop signs for the pathway users. Be sure to exercise caution as workers are still present on the path.
Bike bell giveaways on The Loop set for early 2016
Pima County's Bike Ambassadors will hand out bike bells and maps of The Loop, Pima County's 100-plus-mile shared use path, as well as other safety items as part of outreach events held through Feb. 27.
Bike Ambassadors working with Pima County's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program will give out the bells on a first come, first served basis. They are adjustable and fit any diameter handlebars on all bikes. They also will have copies of Loop maps that fold down to business-card size and other safety publications. They also will hand out reflective stickers for kids.
Dates and locations are:
- Sunday, Jan. 31 - Pantano River Park east bank at Kenyon Street, 9 a.m.-noon.
- Saturday, Feb. 13 - Harrison Greenway at Irvington Road, south side, 9 a.m.-noon.
- Sunday, Feb. 21 - Rillito River Park and Craycroft, north bank trailhead, 9 a.m.-noon.
- Saturday, Feb. 27 - Pantano River Park at Michael Perry Park, 9 a.m.-noon.
For more information, visit Pima County's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program or call 520-724-BIKE.
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El Tour de Mesa
April 2, 2016
Not a GABA Sponsored Event, but the El Tour de Mesa is a Southern Arizona favorite. The 2016 ride is the 26th edition of the Valley's premier Perimeter Bicycling event. The event is open to cyclists of all ages and abilities. There is a ride distance for everyone and opportunities to earn gifts, prizes and awards.
El Tour de Mesa benefits ALS, MARC Resources, MS Society AZ Chapter, Phoenix Children's Hospital, The Winded Foundation, and Uphill Into the Wind. Your registration through Perimeter Bicycling benefits these great charities. CLICK HERE for more information or to register for the event.
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ARIZONA BICYCLING SUMMIT 2016
Presented by: Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists and the City of Mesa
With Support from: Perimeter Bicycling Association of America
Other Participants: IMBA, ADOT Bike/Ped, GABA, CASA, MAG, City of Tucson, Flagstaff Biking Organization, Valley Metro and more.
Save the Date: Friday, April 1, 2016 Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Mesa Convention Center, 263 North Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201
Topics Addressed by Expert Speakers and Panels Include:
- Bicycling Safety for the Road, and Rider Education Resources
- Mountain Biking in Arizona: New Parks, Trail Access and more
- Sources of, and Access to, Infrastructure Funding
- ADOT: Policy, Bicyclist Resources and U.S. Bicycle Route System
- Law Enforcement: New Training Program and Enforcement Priorities
- Keys to Successful Bicycling Advocacy with Examples from Yuma, Verde Valley, Prescott, Tucson, Flagstaff, Mesa, Phoenix and more...
Look for Registration Information at:
Meet with AZ Bicycling Advocates and Key Public/Industry Representatives
Be there...be informed...be involved!!!
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30th Annual Tucson Bicycle Classic
USAC Stage Race
March 18-20, 2016
$9,800 Cash purse
A special thanks goes out to GABA and the Board of Directors for helping us out in 2015 with your generous donation of $1,000!!!
The community impact is huge from the TBC - 1,000+ racers, family members, support crews and officials pour over $800,000 into the local economy during their stay in the area.
The Tucson Bicycle Classic attracts 500-600+ riders from all over the globe and is the Southwest's most popular multi-category USA Cycling race. The Classic has non-profit corporation status in Arizona under the Pima Velo Club and we support local charities listed below. Our website is:
www.tucsonbicycleclassic.com.
As in years past, all proceeds after race expenses shall be given to Emerge! (formerly Tucson Centers for Women and Children and the Brewster Center) & El Grupo youth cycling team. Steve Bohn
Race Promoter and Founder
Tucson Bicycle Classic
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Women & Transgender Workshop
2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/29
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wheel Building Class
2/6 at 9 a.m. and
2/7 at Noon
Volunteer Orientation
2/24
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
BICAS CALENDAR
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