Category Archives: BMX

Community Bike Ride List Nov 1-Nov 8

REOCCURING WEEKLY RIDES

What Where When Distance/Time Speed Contact
U of A Cycling Monday Mosey Flagpole – West Side of Old Main Monday

7:00AM

1-1.5 hours Max 20 miles www.UofAcylcling.com
Starr Pass Intervals Congress at

the Loop

Tuesday 6:15AM About an Hour Tommy Dean K7TPD@live.com

Robert Houts

Hills, Hills Hills Bashas Kolb/Sunrise Tuesday

5:30AM

20 miles

About an hour

12-14

HILLS

Damion Alexander

977-5664

Tuesday Shootout University/Euclid Tuesday

7:00AM

2.5 hours

40 miles

Fast www.Fairwheelbike.com
Tuesday Night Fast Fixed Ride Flagpole – West Side of Old Main Tuesday

6:30PM

Few Hours Varies Fast brownus_clarence@yahoo.com
Tuesday Night Ride Flagpole – West Side of Old Main Tuesday

8:30PM

12-18 miles Slow Facebook

Tuesday Night Bike Ride

Oro Valley Mountain Bike Oro Valley post office on Tangerine and La Canada 6:00AM 20 miles ish Tempo

1.5 hours

UA Cycling Wed.Worlds Flagpole – West Side of Old Main Wed

7:00AM

40-60 miles www.UofACycling.com
Mt. Lemmon University/Euclid Wed

7:00AM

55-60 Miles www.Fairwheelbike.com
JKG DnA Easy Udall Parking Lot Wed

5:30AM

Udall-Mile post 3 on Lemmon Casual

NoDrop

https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts
Cyclo-cross Ft. Lowell Park 5:45PM A few hours As fast as we can go https://www.facebook.com/groups/671108262985165/?fref=ts
Heavy Pedal Flagpole – West Side of Old Main 7:00PM Different route each week
Bike Polo UofA Mall 8:00PM https://www.facebook.com/tucson.bikepolo?fref=ts
Tim Carolan Ride Starbucks

River/Campbell

Thurs

7:30AM

46 miles 18-21 mph
Up Oracle

Thursday Shootout

University and Euclid Thurs

7:00AM

Fast www.Fairwheelbike.com
Hills, hills, hills Bashas Kolb/Sunrise Thurs

5:30AM

20 miles 12-14(but Hills) Damion Alexander

977-5664

U of A Cycling Thursday Thrill Flagpole – West Side of Old Main Thurs

7:00AM

1-1.5 hours Max 20 miles Easy Ride www.UofACycling.com
The JKG Flagship ride Le Buzz Thurs

5:30AM

Le Buzz to Molina Basin Hammerfest JKG Strava on Facebook
U OF A Cycling Friday Freewheelin Flagpole – West Side of Old Main Friday

7:00AM

2 hours

30-40 miles

Team Time Trial Practice www.UofACycling.com
Bicycle Ranch Tucson Group Bicycle Ranch at Oracle and Ina

 

Saturday 7:00AM 48 (shorter option of 35 as well) miles 17-20

MPH

Free Breakfast after ride
Oro Valley Bikes Ride Oro Valley Bikes

4749 E Sunrise

Sat

7:00AM

50 miles 17-18 MPH (520) 577-5511

Victoria Hunt

The

Old   Man Shootout

University and

Euclid

Saturday 6:45AM 60 Mile (can be extended to 100) Fast

20 MPH+

www.fairwheelbikes.com
The Big Boy Shootout University and

Euclid

Saturday 7:00 AM 60 Miles(can be extended to 100) Faster www.fairwheelbikes.com
Performance Broadway Shop Ride 7204 e Broadway Saturday 7:00AM 17 miles 10-14 mph

No drop

pbs054@performanceinc.com
Broadway Bicycles Shop Ride Various Routes

Call Scott

Saturday 7:00AM Scott 296-7819
Miles Ahead Shop Ride Miles Ahead Tanque Verde Sabino Canyon 7:00 AM 50 plus/minus miles Fast Geoff 751-0555
Ben’s Bike Bide At Ben’s bike

7431 Houghton

7:00AM 6-10 miles Easy www.bensbikestucson.com
Sabino Cycle Shop Ride Varies- email Steve to be on the list Saturday Morning No Drop steve@sabinocycles.com
Tucson Endurance Performance Center Ride Mountain Bike Ride Contact shop for details. Different route weekly. Saturday Morning www.graskyendurance.com/weekly-workouts.html

 

Tucson Endurance Performance Center Ride 6448 N Oracle

 

Sunday

6:30AM

www.graskyendurance.com/weekly-workouts.html

 

THIS WEEKS RIDES

What Location Date/Time Distance Speed Contact- More Info
LOOP RIDE to the Julian wash Grand opening Udall Park- Will ride the entire loop clockwise Sat Nov 1, 7:45AM 55-60 14-16 with stops to explore art and parks en route. Damion Alexander 977-5664

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/338451363002676/

Broadway Bicycles Shop Road Ride Broadway

Bicycles

Sat

Nov 1

7:30AM a

35

Miles

“Coffee Ride” to Starr pass , “A” mTN., & coffee at the Mercado Scott 296-7819

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1553890

 

Tucson Recumbent

Cyclists

Mulcahy YMCA in Sam Lena Park Sat

Nov 1 6:30AM

21 miles https://www.facebook.com/groups/TucsonRC/10153385862019465/?notif_t=group_activity
Sabino Cycles Ride Sabino Cycles Sat

Nov 1

7:00AM

No Drop Shop Ride

finishing for coffee at Brueggars/ Jamba/Tucson Tamales/Starbucks.

Foothills route

steve@sabinocycles.com

A.E.S KENTUCKY CAMP 40 miles south of Tucson Sat

Nov 1 9:00AM

29 or 46 miles This is a race. 6 pack to enter. http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association/events/203309492/
Zona Cycling- First part of El Tour Route Starbucks at El Con Coffee Shop Sat Nov 1 6:45 AM 75-80 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zona-Cycling/186457201423794
GABA Ride your bike on the completed Julian Wash Greenway. Mulcahy YMCA Kino Community Center

 

2805 E Ajo Way

Sat Nov 1 8:00AM 25.5 12-14MPH http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/216468382/  Meeting in the parking lot of the YMCA at 7:45 AM. Look for a long wheelbase Vision recumbent bike. That will be your ride leader.
GABA River Park, Marana, Tangerine Loop The loop 1500 W. River Road Sat

Nov 1 7am

54 14-16MPH http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/216003192/ call or text 591-6894.
Look! Save A Life GABA El Tour Training East Side Week 7 Udall Parking Lot Sunday

Nov 2

7:00AM

90

miles

All Speeds

Self supported

http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/214624862/
Look! Save A Life GABA El Tour Training

East Side Week 7

Fry’s Marketplace

12100 N Thornydale Rd,

Sunday

Nov 2

7:00AM

76miles All speeds self supported http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/213465892/
Look! Save A Life GABA El Tour Training Week 6 Basha’s 3275 North Swan Road Sunday

Nov 2

7:00AM

55

MIles

All speeds self supported http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/200949602/
Riders for the Cure Group Training Rides AJ’s Fine Foods at La Encantada Sunday Nov 2

7:30AM

60 miles 2 speeds. Competitive and (NO DROP) Dean Drawbaugh dwdrawbaugh@aol.com http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/572093262
Tu Nidito Ride for a child Training ride Tu Nidito

3922 N. Mountain

SundayNov 2 6:30

AM

Two distances

40ish and 60ish

Shorter ride is

12-15 MPH faster 17-20 MPH.

www.tunidito.org/rideforachild
Old Pueblo MTB: Rock House Rollin Walgreens

12050 N Dove Mtn. Blvd

Sun

Nov 2

4PM

13 miles 1100 vert

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/548045441992991/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
GABA Pistol Hill-Vail-Drexel Loop Ride Morris Udall Park

 

Mon Nov 3 7:00AM 60 15-16mph http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/215564062/
SAMBA Monday Night At Fantasy Island Fantasy Isl.

Irvington/ Harrison

Mon Nov 3, 7PM 20-25ish 2 hours http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association/events/216272572/
GABA Pistol Hill Loop Ride Morris Udall Park Wed Nov 5 7:00AM 47 14-16 http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/215562982/
SAMBA 50 year trail 50 Year /Golder Ranch TH

4798 E Golder Ranch

Wed Nov. 5,

6:45PM

http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association/events/214977752/
GABA Pima County Fairgrounds Loop Ride Morris Udall Park Friday, Nov 7,

7:00AM

45 15-16 http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/215561982/

 

EVENTS

What Location Date Contact
BICAS Sundone Printmaking Bicas Underground Art

44 W 6th St

Nov 1 10AM https://www.facebook.com/events/577201509091887/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
GABA Fall Bike Swap 5th Ave & 7th Street Nov 2

6Am -2pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/692240217536419/?fref=ts
GABA’s November General Meeting Pima County Medical Society Auditorium , Tucson, AZ

5199 E. Farness

Monday, November 3,

7:00 – 9:00 PM

http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/216151962/
BICAS Build Your Own Bike Bucket Class! Bicas Underground Art

44 W 6th St

Nov 4, 6PM https://www.facebook.com/events/1469399889968200/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
TriSports Customer appreciation night TriSports Tucson

4495 S Coach Dr,

November 6

6PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/1471596283121011/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
Summit Hut’s Gear & Beer Guys Night Benefits the Arizona Trail Summit Hut’s Oro Valley location (7745 N. Oracle Road)! November 6

6-8 PM

Matthew J. Nelson

, Arizona Trail Association

(520) 404-7992 mobile

matthew@aztrail.org

Bike Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting Himmel Park Library, 1035 N. Treat Avenue Second Wed

Nov 12th

http://biketucson.pima.gov/

243-BIKE or 837-6691

Second SDMB Pint Night at Borderlands Brewery Borderland Brewery Wednesday Nov 12 6:00 PM http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association/events/208921792/
Registration for the Sandbox Showdown with an Art Show by Cycling artist Rudi Nadler Skybar Saturday

Nov. 15

7-9 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/379070638909620/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
The VelociPrint Show 2014 TBD Nov 15

3-10

https://www.facebook.com/events/259926670798347/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
El Tour Dedication Dinner honoring Brendan yons and Lorena Evans Casino Del Sol Wednesday

November 19

http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/calendar/
 

19th BICAS Art Auction – December 2014

 

The Drawing Studio, Inc.

33 S 6th Ave, Tucson, Arizona 85701

Friday

December 5

art@bicas.org 628-7950
Bike Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting Himmel Park Library, 1035 N. Treat Avenue Second Wed

Dec 10th

 

TIMED RIDES aka MOTIVATION aka RACES and Big Rides

Name Description Date Location Contact Info
Arizona Endurance Series Kentucky Camp There are two options for this race, (1) a 29-mile lollipop or (2) a 46-mile figure 8 Nov 1st 9:00 am 9:45 start time for those doing short course About 40 miles south of Tucson http://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/kc/

Entry Fee: 6 pack of “good beer” to be consumed afterwards

Bike Swap The GABA Bike Swap is a place to buy and sell bicycles and related items. Nov 2nd

Dusk until its done

5th and 7th St Tucson http://www.bikegaba.org/

 

Cyclovia Tucson Cyclovia Tucson is part of a global movement to open streets to everyone for a day to give active transportation a try. Nov 2nd 10am-2PM 6th Avenue to University to the Fourth Avenue / Fontana Bike Boulevard www.CycloviaTucson.org

 

 

Cyclovia Cyclocross presented by U of A Cyclocross after Cyclovia

 

Nov 2nd

6:30AM-2:05 PM

Mansfield Park 2.88KM grass, dirt and some sand. Joey Iuliano 765-491-9552

Jiuliano88@gmail.com

NICA High School League Race 5 Freshman, Sophomore, JV and Varsity High School Mountain Bike racing. Men and Women categories. Sunday

Nov. 9

White Tank Regional Park  – Waddell

 

www.arizonamtb.org
Silverbell Century

 

Options for 99, 83, 67, and 30 miles

The Silverbell Century is a great warm-up ride for El Tour de Tucson! It comes at a time when your training needs to intensify for the last time before the great event

Sunday, November 9, 2014

 

Ride a portion of El Tour route on northwest side, with long stretches of straight flat roads. www.BikeGaba.org
Colossal Vail 50/50 event This is a Running event, but they need some BIKE Patrol Volunteers. November 15

 

50K or 50 mile run (but whose running, this is Bike Partol) http://www.aztrail.org/cv5050/ Chris Carls <ccarls@cirrusvisual.com>
EL GRUPO GRAN FONDO. A Ride to Support Youth Cycling.
El Grupo’s Inaugural

Fall Fondo

40 or 80 mile option rides through the heart of the Old Pueblo. November 16, 2014

8 (ish) -3 (ish)

El Grupo Clubhouse Start/Finish/Festa

610 North 9th Ave

www.elgrupocycling.org

Email us at info@elgrupocycling.org

Call us at (520) 304-9682

EL GRUPO GRAN FONDO. A Ride to Support Youth Cycling.
Sandbox Showdown It’s not the miles that matter, it’s the mind November 16 In the sand and in a few drinking holes Sign up on the 15th at the Skybar from 7-9.
  • AZ Endurance Series Grassroots endurance race at Kentucky Camp. 
While this is an individual endurance race / ride, we can start out as groups for the 29 and 46 mile events. November 19, 2011 • 7:30 AM This is an unsupported ride and riders should be prepared for physical and mechanical challenges. Be ready for up to 5-8 hours of riding! Carlos will lead the 46 mile and Jim the 29er

 

http://rockyroad5050.wordpress.com/kc/

El Tour De Tucson 40,55,75,104 Mile Fully Supported Rides around Tucson Sat

Nov 22

Tucson www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson
CycoXross at Horse Lovers Park by Bicycle Ranch Cyclocross Sat Nov 29 19224 N Tatum Blvd

Phoenix, AZ

http://azcross.com/Matt DeMicco

mdemicco@cox.net

Race Around the Farm Sat Dec 6 1663 E Baseline RD

Gilbert, AZ

Matt DeMicco

mdemicco@cox.net

Dawn to Dusk an endurance mountain bike event 16 mile loop. Space is limited to 125 SOLO riders, 100 TWO-Person, 50 FOUR-Person and 10 CORPORATE entries Sat Dec 6 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.

Fountain Hills, AZ

Pemberton Trail

http://www.dcbaz.com/
Triple C CX Sat/Sun

Dec 13-14

4600 N Silverbell Rd

Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona

Joseph Iuliano

jiuliano88@gmail.com

AZ Cross Series Finals It’s mud, it’s dirt, it’s grass, it’s pavement, it’s on the bike off the bike Saturday

Dec 20

2155 E. Knox Rd. Crossroads Park Gilbert, AZ canisbleu@gmail.comJeff frost
TREK Arizona State CX Championship It’s more dirt, mud, grass, barriers . It’s all the fun of MTB with the racing like the road. Sunday

Dec 21

24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Burning man meets MTB race. Is this a race or a party? I say BOTH! Feb 13-15

2015

Willow Springs- An hour North of Tucson http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=5
Tour De Cure- The Damion Alexander Team has a team for this event and is a major sponsor.   E-mail me for a free registration code! 50 and 100K rides

 

This is the motivation you are looking for to keep riding after El Tour De Tucson!

March 1, 2015 Tucson Harley Davidson

7355 Interstate 10 Frontage Rd

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?fr_id=10185&pg=entry&utm_source=Offline&utm_medium=Print&utm_content=tucsontour&utm_campaign=TDC&s_src=vanity&s_subsrc=tucsontour

 

BBiondo@diabetes.org | (520) 795-3711 x7112

Tucson Bicycle Classic 3 day Stage Race March 13-15

2015

McCain Loop TT

Sauharita Road

Pima CC West Crit

http://tucsonbicycleclassic.com/
Whiskey Off Road 7 races. One fun weekend. Pro Crits, kids race, 25, 50, and pro 50 races. 40K Purse. April 24 – April 26, 2015. Prescott http://www.epicrides.com/index.php?contentCat=6

 

This list is a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to put it together. All I ask in return for the list is that you remember I’m A REALTOR. If you have a relationship with another REALTOR, I love loyalty and respect those relationships. However, if not, or if you need a second opinion, Please keep me in mind. Many agents spend money advertising for new business, others sit open houses or cold call. My business is based on referrals from past clients and friends. The less time I have to do traditional prospecting the more I can do for the cycling community. For example: this list.

Is Lobbyist a dirty word?

These days it seems that anything that is politically related is negative.  However, for over 200 years our country has endured.  At the U of A I graduated with a degree in Political Science, but was only a few credits short of a double major in History as well.   Out of this fine educational experience I saw that the history and frustration with our government started before the ratification of the constitution, has continued to this day, and will be here as long as the US exists.    The good thing is that each of us really do have the potential to create a change that will benefit your own believes.

So what does any of this have to do with a blog on bikes?  I want to see how we can use the system, the one that has endured two centuries, to create laws that benefit cyclist, Mt. Bikers, Commuters, recreational riders and BMX  both in safety and additional infrastructure.   I’m not going to get into Right or Left, Liberal or Conservative or any of my thoughts on any political issue, unless it revolves around Bicycles.

Last month I met with Arizona House of Representative Ethan Orr to discuss bike laws.  3 weeks ago I coordinated having Ethan and Senator Steve Farley to Brendan Lyons hospital bed to talk about safety after Brendan and his girlfriend, Lorena Evans, were struck by a car.  This morning I had breakfast with Senator Farley to ask his opinion on the best way to impact the state legislators.

Senator Farley is going to create a Bike Caucus in the state Senate.  Representative Orr will be doing the same in the AZ house.   Once we see who we have on our side we can start to focus on what is most important for Bicycling in the State.

We are going to need your help.  If you, a family member, a boss or employee rides a bike and has a relationship with an elected official I would like to talk with them.  If we can find the riders who have the personal connections with these Senators and Representatives our chances of accomplishing meaningful legislation will skyrocket.

The only way this will work is if cycling/MTB/BMX/Commuter enthusiasts from all over the state get involved.  Will You?

Finally,  If you have a huge pocket book and want to give me an outlandish allowance, I’ll dedicate my life to this.  This a huge task and it warrants a full time “lobbyist”.  As with most of you, I’m currently stretched very thin between being a full time Realtor, Father, Husband, This Blog, Photographer and Coach at El Grupo.  I’m very fortunate that I have some overlapping between all of my passions and responsibilities, but know that this needs more effort than I can give.

So, Is Lobbyist a dirty word?  Only if they are lobbying against what is good.

How Much Can One Person Do for the Community?

I’m on a mission to make Tucson a better community.  After the crash of the real estate market in 2007 I struggled to find my purpose in the world.  I was very hurt watching friends skirt responsibility and give homes back to the banks with strategic foreclosures.  The Real Estate sales industry often gets a bad name that puts us on the list of such notable “professionals” as used cars salesmen and ambulance chasing lawyers.  Unfortunately, I saw cut throat behavior from agents that really did warrant the name real -a-snake agent.  In the decade leading up to this I had the same passion for promoting the benefits and ethics of the Realtor that I now have for bikes.  Honestly, being in the industry, most people are ethical and do a great job, but a few bad apples really did taint my opinion.  Real Estate still pays my bills(now accepting referrals;-), but Bicycles fuel me.

As many of you know, last year I set out to ride my bike every day for a year.   From May 5 2012 through May 12, 2013 there was not a day that the foot was not in the pedal.  Having a daily goal like that was challenging yet very fulfilling.  I’m not sure I’m up for that task as the price on the family was too high, but is it possible to do something every day for the bike community? Not much, perhaps it is just sharing a question about a cyclist who was recently diagnosed with diabetes and is looking for a coach who understands the intricacies of training with type 2 Diabetes, volunteering with El Grupo Youth Cycling, helping a friend in the hospital after an accident, telling others about new trails and roads, stopping to help someone with a mechanical, getting others involved, telling the stories of others who are doing the same things for the community or taking photos of a ride so the community has recorded shared memories.

To some extent this is what BikePilgrim was created for.  To share the good word and highlight all the good there are in the Bike Community.  I think 365 blog posts in the next year might be a stretch, but I am going to set out to do 365 bike related activities.

17- Photos of the Silverbell Century.  GABA does lots of rides leading up to EL Tour and has options from a 30 mile to a century.  I needed to go to the office, but made a detour to take a few hundred images.  There are so many rides going on every day I do not know where to point the camera.

16- A friend of my wife purchased a trike in the hopes of becoming more physically fit.  Unfortunately, like so many people it was never used.  Now, three years later, it is collecting dust and she hoping to get her money back, or at least as much as possible.  I posted it on facebook and would like to say that it sold it.  However, it really is a specialty item and apart from a comment from one of the two people I know who ride trikes, Nada.  If you know someone who is has some physical limitations, but is interested in still being on the road, let me know.

15- El Tour de Tucson opened its door to Brendan Lyons and Look! Save a life/ Arizona.  I met with most of the Staff and Lorena and Brendan to see what we can do to promote Look! At El tour.  Brendan is going to have the opportunity to talk at the dedication dinner and we will have a booth at the expo.  We will not have much time to organize it, would love some help, and look forward to seeing you there.

14- A ride with my son, Sam.  Is it really doing something for the community to go for a bike ride with your own kid?  I’m going with a yes.  If you are not spending time with your children on the bike, you are missing an opportunity.

13- El Grupo recovery ride in the park.  We played games and worked on skills.  I shared with the world what Zombie Tag looks like.  What a great lead into Halloween.  This is tag on the bikes.  As soon as you tag someone, they are also it and so on until only one person remains.

12- The Business Builder Bike Ride.   This is such a fun event to take pictures of.  All riders dressed for Halloween and it ends with a keg from Borderlands brewery.

11- Pot Luck Dinner and Costume Party at The NICA race.  Many teams showed up, we shared food, the kids got to know each other.  Lots of images on The Damion Alexander Team.  This is the start of something really magnificent.

10- Repeats today.  Both on “A” Mountain and what was going on for the community.  El Grupo, pushing the incorporation of Look! Save a life(seems to have stalled), and details for the NICA high school social.  I would like to find creative new things each day to fuel the community and keep this interesting, but like so much of life, it is going to be the consistent grind that has the real impact.

9- This weekend in the 3rd race in the NICA season.  Mike Perry ,John Shumaker and NICA Arizona  have accomplished so much this  first year, but the races are missing that “community” feeling.  I expressed this to Mike and he said he agreed and asked me to make it more social.  Apparently, no good deed goes unpunished.    The plan is a pot luck dinner for a few hundred and a Halloween Costume Contest with prizes.  How hard can that be with 5 days to plan.

8- Two days in a row in Sabino for Bike Patrol.  So here is the skinny of why I do Bike Patrol.  I actually really don’t like telling people what to do.  However, I really Really  REALLY don’t want to see cyclist lose the privilege to ride in the canyon.  I Said Privilege and not Right because it is by the grace of the Ranger we are allowed to be there.  Here is my speech ” ride only on the times and days that are allowed.  Never on Wednesday and Saturday and not betwwen 9AM and 5PM on the other days.  Keep the speed under 15.  Why?  Because the people who are walking and popping on and off trails are not looking for bikes and if a bad collision occurs, we might lose the privilege.

7- Sabino Canyon Bike Patrol.  Now that the Government is working I can do my volunteering.  Interested in being a Bike Ranger.  Ask me, I’ll tell you what we do.

6- A friend, Christina, asked me “Hi damion!!! My little sister and her two littles are coming to visit over Halloween and I am looking for either a bike burley or. Jogging stroller and also a Kelly pack to borrow…do you or anyone you know have either of those items I could borrow for a week! Hope you and your family are well!”   My post on facebook found her what she was looking for.  Making a difference can be as simple as just asking for someone.

5- El Grupo Coaching again.  Road ride on the East side of Tucson.  Nearly 50 miles.  Challenging ride for me, road bike was in the shop and I took the MTB.  These kids are almost to fast for me to keep up.

4- El Grupo coaching. This is likely the first of many that reference EL Grupo Youth Cycling.  Today, we were at Himmel park.  It is interesting to see hom many people are using the park these days.  In August at practices in Himmel we were the only users.  Tonight kids were everywhere.  Multiple soccer practices/games.  We had one father yelling at us to get off the grass with our bikes.  I went to talk with him.    He started the dialogue very aggressive and I let him explain his tell me how he felt.  He had children playing and he felt that bikes were dangerous to their safety.    He felt the bikes were dangerous to kids who were playing and we did not belong in the park.  He pointed towards the Catalinas and said there were hills and roads all over the place and that Himmel park was no place for us.  I don’t personally like confrontation.  However, I really do love trying to calm a situation where everyone can have a better understanding of each other and walk away with a mutual appreciation.  I think he had some very valid concerns.  After a few minutes, I asked if I could talk. First, I asked his name and introduced myself.  His name was Jeff.    I explained that we have the blessing of parks and rec, we have been using the park for 7 years, our kids a very aware that others are using the park and that we are to give the right away.   I appreciated his concerns and that is why I made the effort to come back and talk with him and that I would remind the entire team to be aware of pedestrians.   He was still not a fan of us being there and said that he still had concerns that we were going to hit someone, but he was noticeably calmer then he had been.  After I left him I did talk to the entire team about being aware and giving pedestrians the right of way, even if we are racing.

This really made me think about the perception that people have of cyclist.  We had the right to be in the park.  We were being safe.  How many other people were watching and thinking bad things, but did not say anything?  How do we engage the masses to understand we have as much of a right to use the parks, trails, roads as others?  If we are intimidating people and reckless, it does not help our cause.  At the same time, Jeff and his kids were playing 30-40 feet away from our crit course.  There was no danger of them being hit, but even after our dialogue, I feel he walked away mad at bikes.  I would love feedback on this.  I’d love ideas on what we can do to make it better.  4/365

3- When Brendan Lyons was in the hospital after being hit by a car I asked what he would really like to see come out of his situation and if how I could help to make it a reality.  He shared his vision for Look! Save a Life/Arizona and  that seeing it incorporated as a Non-profit 501c3 so it can accept donations and spread the word for cycling safety would be his dream.  Today, I made the first steps to make this a reality.  The past week I have been looking for people with experience in incorporation and today started a dialogue with 6 interested cyclist.  The First two steps, naming the director, Brendan Lyons, and the name, Look, Save a Life/ Arizona are complete.  We have the forms for Incorporation and will start on that soon.  We have asked a few cycling lawyers if they will assist pro-bono, but are still working on that.    If you have experience and are interested, we would love to talk to you for the board of directors or to help get the documents for incorporation in order. 3/365

2-  Ryan Roher with the Pima County Sherriff Dept said “I’m putting together a presentation for local    high schools.  It’s a broad presentation but it does have some relationship to cycling.  We specifically talk about distracted driving/texting etc.  I’d like to include the Look! Save a Life logo and perhaps some information on Brendan.”   Logo sent to Deputy Roher and info on Look! Save A Life/ Arizona.  2/365

1 – A question from one of my elementary school teacher that was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is looking for a cycling coach(that’s right- I’m so into community I still talk to most of my teachers from elementary school after 35 years).  My facebook post received multiple recommendations and 2 of the coaches  are also T2 Diabetics themselves. A few personal messages and some introductions and 1/365 is in the books.

I’ve heard people say they don’t support diabetes research as they feel people with diabetes made         lifestyle choices that resulted in the condition.  Not True!!!  On the topic of bikes and Diabetes, one of the great fundraising rides each year is the Tour De Cure.  It is community  oriented  multitasking at its best. Bike ride, help others.

I originally posted this on October 15, 2013.  How much can we do for the community in a year.  Can’t wait to look back in October 2014 and see this.

Barrio Trails

Barrio Trails, One of central Tucson’s hidden bicycle gems is located in the San Antonio neighborhood South Of Broadway and a few blocks East of Park.

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Originally the vision of Rocky Serna it existed as an unauthorized BMX park that sat on the Arroyo Chico. At the time it was built it was the only organized place for catching some huge air and to ride BMX in central Tucson.

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A few years back the U.S. Army corps of Engineers were called in to do a flood control project in the area and this bike hang out was threatened to be demolished. However, due to an incredible turnout from the community Barrio Trails was saved. The original track that was constructed by volunteers was removed during construction, but permission was granted to put in a permanent BMX track.

The flood control work is now completed and work has started to carve out the berms, kickers, rollers and a half mile Mountain Bike Crit course around the entire park. As of august, 2013 it is coming along, but still has room for improvement.

 

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El Grupo Youth Cycling uses Barrio Trails for mountain bike practice. The existing BMX track is the start of the half mile loop. There are four berms that help hone in turning skills. Upon exiting the last turn the trail takes a sharp turn through 3 bollards onto a paved path that drops into the Arroyo Chico. The wash has a sandy bottom( and mud after the rain) that needs to be negotiated with speed in order to climb a steep bank on the other side. Just past the top of the bank is a 2 foot high wire rope fence. The idea is to clear the fence cycle cross style and jump back on the paved track. The Pavement carries you for nearly half the distance of the loop and is the place to make up ground and hammer as hard as you can. At the South-east corner of the park the course takes a hard right back onto the dirt, descends a little hill, crosses a flat straight away, another hill climb and another slightly winding flat that ends with a race to the finish.

Yesterday The El Grupo practice was to ride from the clubhouse to Barrio Trails and then to spend 15 minutes warming up, playing on the BMX track, doing a few laps, working on sections of the trail that may have given the riders trouble in the past. Afterwards the races were on. The race started with a mass start and was 3 laps. The A team went off first to give the B and C teams an opportunity to watch the race from sections that gave them trouble. I rode in the A team race. It was a solid performance, I did not win, but was not last and saw the winner cross the finish line. The B team race had the A team riders pacing the kids after the first lap. I was pleasantly surprised that Samuel came in second. His breakthrough week apparently has impacted his Mountain Biking as well as his road riding.

Throughout the fall El Grupo will be out practicing at Barrio Trails almost every Thursday afternoon at about 4:45-5:45 as they prepare for the High School Mountain Bike League inaugural season. At some point in the near future they will have access to tools and will start to groom the trails. Are you interested in seeing it first hand? Come out and ride or watch the fun.

On a side note.  You can thank me for the rain. It was almost guaranteed when I took my camera without any protection from the elements.

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BMX racing For a great cause on Aug 17, 2013

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Race for Life at Xtreme Fun Spot on Saturday, Aug. 17

BMX riders, don’t miss the Race for Life benefit for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Xtreme Fun Spot BMX track at 6901 N. Casa Grande Highway, southwest of Interstate 10 and Ina Road.
Registration is $20 and runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Spectators get in free.
Xtreme Fun Spot operators Kirk and Julie Vaughn were inspired by their daughter’s best friend, Amber Walker, to organize the benefit.
Amber was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia three days before her 14th birthday. She had to quit attending school and give up cheerleading to spend an average of four days a week at the hospital. She has been undergoing treatment for nearly two years. With one more year of chemotherapy to go, she has returned to high school and cheerleading, and her family and friends all hope that she will live a long, healthy, cancer-free life.
“Xtreme Fun Spot is doing this because we want to give back and raise awareness,” Julie Vaughn said. “The proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to aid in research for patients like Amber. This is close to our heart.”
Xtreme Fun Spot is Pima County’s newest BMX park.
Registration for regular racing starts at 5 p.m. on Mondays and Saturdays and for practice at 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Xtreme Fun Spot closes after the last race (before dark). Admission for spectators is free but racing costs $10 and practice is $5.
Visit Pima County’s BMX parks online for more information or call the Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department at (520) 877-6000.