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In This Issue
- President's Corner
- March General Meeting Information
- Supported Ride Schedule
- Meet CASAz
- Sonita-Bisbee Overnight
- Tucson Bike Classic
- CycloMesa
- El Tour de Mesa
- Arizona Bicycle Summit
- Tour de Cookie
- Spring Cyclovia
- GABA Spring Bike Swap
- Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb
- Luna Lake Overnight
- 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 APRIL 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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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! |
Answer: Pantano Wash between Broadway & Speedway
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Greetings!
Along with the temperatures, things in the Southern Arizona bicycling community are also heating up! Please read below about Cyclovia, GABA Bike Swap, Sonoita-Bisbee Century, CycloMesa Weekend which includes El Tour de Mesa, the Arizona Bike Summit, the Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb and MORE!
Be it a volunteer, spectator, or participant, there is something for everyone. Get out there and enjoy!
Laura H
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PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Mt. Lemmon Roadway
Our annual Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb is only a couple of months away on Friday, May 13, 2016. If you haven't joined us in the past, I hope you do so this year. I am writing this article to the new folks who are just starting to explore Mt. Lemmon, to the veterans who ride it every day, and to law enforcement that will be up and down the mountain.
We have word that there will be more enforcement from the Sheriff's Department beginning immediately. While it was great to read that Deputy Iverson thinks most of the riders are behaving, there clearly is room for improvement. So to avoid any of those wonderful Constitutional encounters where citizen meets government (yer basic traffic stop), there are a few things that everyone should know.
In 2004, the roadway on Mt. Lemmon was slurry sealed and re-striped. Then GABA president Steve Wilson wrote to Pima County on behalf of GABA to inquire about the changes in striping. Two letters were generated by Pima County in response.
Kurt Weinrich, P.E., Director of the Pima County DOT, explored the issues with bike lanes and the narrowness of the road. There were meetings even with the NHWA. In order to have bike lanes in both directions, they would only be about 2.5 feet wide. Hardly enough to be of value. So the compromise was a wider bike lane going up the mountain and no bike lane coming down the mountain.
Here is a reminder of some of the traffic laws that will apply to you. The more you know and follow the rules, the less likely it is that you will be stopped by law enforcement. They are part of our Arizona Revised Statutes, or A.R.S. title 28 (Transportation). You can read the actual laws in the Share the Road Guide which is online or in any bicycle store or at our monthly membership meetings.
A.R.S. 28-815 requires that you ride as close as practicable to the right hand side of the road when you are below the speed of traffic. If there is a bike lane, use it. There are exceptions. If there is debris or you are passing another or you want to make a left turn, you are allowed take the lane. On the descent, you have no choice but to take the lane. Another exception to this rule is if the lane is to narrow to share with a vehicle. A lane has to be at least 14 feet to safely share. There is a court ruling in Tucson that 12 feet is not wide enough to share and lanes on Mt. Lemmon are 11.5 feet.
28-704 (E) requires that you vacate the roadway where safe when there are five or more vehicles behind you. So on the descent, as you know, there are uphill areas where your speed is going to drop. Be sensitive to the number of cars behind you.
28-701(A) requires a reasonable and prudent speed. Of course, we also are required to obey the posted speed limit which for most of the ride is 35 mph. High speed descents can result in nasty crashes when a tire blows, you miss a turn or hit oil.
28-855 requires a stop at a stop sign. Stop is defined in the statutes as "cessation of movement." There is no duration amount, just make sure the wheels have ceased to move. Putting a foot down is not required if you can tracks stand well enough, however, given that there is enforcement at the stop signs, putting a foot down will clearly show the cessation of movement.
A bicycle is a device in the statutes, not a vehicle. 28-812 gives bike riders the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles (it does not say drivers of motor vehicles). So, all the vehicle laws apply to bike riders because of this. I mention this because a vehicle and a motor vehicle are defined differently in the statutes. Because motor vehicles have the advantage of an engine, the laws for motor vehicles are very different. They are most related to weight and power and speed and insurance and taxes etc. The laws for vehicles (which include horse carriages and trailers) are more behavioral such as stop, signal a turn, pass safely, etc. So our legislature only makes us do the things that apply to vehicles.
Turns must be signaled for at least 100 feet. It is often unsafe to signal continuously so keep safety in mind, but do try to signal your intentions. 28-812 has an exception for any laws that by their very nature can have no application. I don't know how that plays out with the turn signals and safety. My comment as GABA President is safety first. If you need both hands on the handlebar, then do so. I cannot imagine trying to brake with both brakes and use the left arm to signal that you are stopping at the same time. Or, accelerating through a turn as you start up, same issues.
There is a statute that requires safety and speed control on winding mountain roads so if you are not comfortable at 35 mph, then by all means, slow it down. Riding the brakes all the way down will overheat your rims. The better technique is to brake to lower speeds then release the brakes and let the bike coast back up to 35 mph, then brake again to a slower speed.
I wish everyone the best and hope you enjoy a good, safe trip up and down the mountain.
Eric Post, Esq
GABA President
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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 trail, 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
Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Tour March 19 & 20, 2016
GABA Spring Bike Swap April 17, 2016
Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb May 13, 2016
Ride of Silence May 18, 2016
Luna Lake Overnight Tour September 3-5, 2016
Start of GABA El Tour Training Rides September 11, 2016
Tumacacori Century October 16, 2016
Silverbell Century November 6, 2016
GABA Fall Bike Swap To Be Determined
T o register or to find more information regarding any of these rides click through to our SUPPORTED RIDES HERE |
CYCLING ADVOCATES OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA (CASAz)
By Susan Reed
Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona (CASAz) is a new advocacy organization serving Tucson/Pima County. Several GABA members, including Wayne Cullop and Susan Reed, both members of GABA's Advocacy Gruppo, and Eric Post, GABA's President are members of CASAz. Representatives from other municipalities (Green Valley and Oro Valley), local bike shops, local bike clubs, and other nonprofits committed to promoting safe cycling are members of CASAz.
In its first eight months CASAz has taken an active advocacy role in a number of local concerns including but not limited to:
- Support for the City of Tucson to replace the hazardous planks on the bridge between Craycroft and Swan along the Aviation Bikeway. If you have not ridden across that bridge recently, check it out. You will be pleased.
- Strong advocacy efforts with ADOT and PDOT to install appropriate signage on the I-19 frontage road at the entrance to the Green Valley Hospital indicating cyclists' right of way and the need for motorists to share the road. This issue remains in process.
- Work with the Tucson Bike and Pedestrian Program and the Bike Advisory Committee (BAC) to explore alternative traffic calming solutions at the intersection of Treat and 3rd Street in lieu of the current 4-way stop sign.
- Strong advocacy effort with the Pima County Bike Pedestrian Program to install safer, more traditional cattle guards at the North and South ends of the new Fantasy Island paved path;
- Collaboration with the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association to identify those businesses who are known to be active supporters of bicycling commuting by their employees and customers. During April's Bike Fest, CASAz will award a Bike Friday Tikit commuter bicycle to the business that demonstrates the highest level of bicycle commuting support.
- CASAz member, Doug Bauman, has introduced an effective "Share The Road" initiative with Watson Chevrolet. He is actively identifying local opportunities to offer Share The Road awareness presentations to local businesses and Service Clubs.
- CASAz will be represented at the Bike Summit, hosted by Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists (www.cazbike.org) in Phoenix, Friday April 1st. Concurrent with the Bike Summit, CASAz will lead a number of Tucson/Pima County cyclists on a ride to the State Capitol to advocate for a statewide ban on texting while driving.
CASAz would welcome any GABA member to join us at the CASAz meetings held monthly at Eric Post's office: 651 N. Swan on the first Tuesday of each month starting at 5:30 pm.
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STILL TIME TO REGISTER!!!!
GABA Supported Ride
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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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:
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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CycloMesa Weekend
April 1st -3rd, 2016
Downtown Mesa at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N Center Street.
Mesa, AZ is pulling out all the stops for it's CycloMesa Weekend. Over the three day festival of all things bicycle you will find:
El Tour Criterium
Downtown Street Party
Ride-In-Movie
BMX Freestyle Demos
A Zipline
the El tour de Mesa (see below article)
and the Arizona Bike Summit (see below article)
for more information on all the above AND MORE! CLICK HERE
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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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Sunday, April 10, 2016
Cyclovia is BACK for it's Spring edition on Sunday, April 10th from 10am to 3pm. The route will be new and GABA will be on the route with it's bike repair booth. Ride up and say hello. For more information about Spring Cyclovia: CLICK HERE
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GABA SPRING BIKE SWAP
Sunday, April 17, 2016
GABA's Bi-Annual Bicycle Swap is the largest bike swap in the Southwest. It attracts over 5,000 attendees and 30 vendors. Buyers and Sellers save the date. For more information on both attending and becoming a vendor CLICK HERE
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Mt Lemmon Hill Climb
Friday, May 13, 2016, 6:00 AM until 2:00 PM
Among the toughest 100 hill climbs in the USA, only three are in Arizona, and here in Tucson you live next door to one of them. (According to John Summerson, "The Complete Guide to Climbing By Bike", Mt Lemmon is 33rd on the list of 100 toughest road bike climbs in the US, with a rating of either "hors category" or "category 1" on the scale used to rank the climbs in European stage racing.)
Yes, Mt Lemmon is right up there with the famous passes in the European tours: hardly anywhere else in the US can you climb so high for so many miles in succession. That's why, every winter, Tucson sees packs of riders in matching jerseys, many of them speaking languages other than English, booking up the mountain.
Check In: McDonald District Park, 4100 North Harrison Road Tucson, AZ 85749 (between Catalina Highway and Snyder Rd); free parking.
Distance:
56 miles round trip
Ride Fees:
Day of registration fee is May 13 - Members $35 / Non-Members $45
*Register Early for this event for a reduced fee. Online registration closes at 10:00 pm on Wednesday May 11th.
Registration includes:
* Variety of Pies at SAG 4, Loma Linda
* 4 Aid Stations filled with fruit, snacks, and sandwich makings
* GABA volunteers will drive the course offering aid in case of mechanical failure, but please carry a cell phone and call 911 in a medical emergency.
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Luna Lake Overnight Tour
May 28 - 30, 2016
Come spend Memorial Day Weekend far away from the shopping malls, freeways, television, and hubbub of modern urban America. Instead, ride your bike on 166 miles of rural roads, through tiny quiet towns with no stoplights (in some cases not even stop signs), past farms and ranches, over rolling hills, beside winding streams, and across a couple of summits with commanding vistas. On the road and at the end of each day's ride you'll have the opportunity to share the camaraderie of the other cyclists on the tour, plus you'll meet some of the friendly small-town folks who help GABA put on the tour. And at some point during the weekend you might be reminded of all the thousands of other little towns across the US, each with a flagpole in the town square, and next to that a granite stone with names engraved on it.
Check In:
8 am AZ time Saturday at 39 S Main, Egar, AZ (Erin"s Country Market); Located near the intersection of Hwy 260 & US 180 Business (which is 1.7 miles from the light on Hwy 60 in Springerville, AZ. Baggage vehicle departs 8:30 am AZ time Saturday.
Distances:
Day 1- 48, Day 2 - 55, Day 3 - 63
Lodging:
Check Luna Lake Ride page for lodging information
*Register Early for this event for a reduced fee. Online registration closes at 10:00 pm on Wednesday May 25th.
Registration includes:
* Aid Stations filled with fruit, snacks, and sandwich makings
* GABA volunteers will drive the course offering aid in case of mechanical failure, but please carry a cell phone and call 911 in a medical emergency.
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Women & Transgender Workshop
3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wheel Building Class
3/6 at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Basic Maintenance Class
3/12 at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3/17 at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Build a Bike Class
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