Monthly Archives: March 2020

A Cyclists Moral Dilemma – Cycling and COVID

A cyclists moral dilemma – Yesterday Italy and Spain said cycling is banned. At first, I was outraged. How could they do this? But after considering the logic, I agree with altering the rides I am going to do.
The Cycling Today article comments that hot home for me came from Carlos Mascias, medical director of a private hospital in Madrid.   “Stay at home and put the bike aside,” “Whatever possibility to minimize the impact on the resources of medical services that is not directed toward coronavirus is primordial. If any cyclist suffers an incident and needs an ambulance or a bed in intensive care, we are taking it away from people who truly need it, who are now arriving en masse to hospitals,” he continued. “If something happens to you now, maybe you have a chance [to be treated], but you will be taking it away from someone else … but in 48 hours, if something happens to you, the one who is left without [ICU] might be you, those who are now riding your bikes.”
 
I think it is likely safer to ride today and in the weeks to come. People are staying in. Traffic is light. However, I also know that anytime I get on the road there is a chance of being hit. Normally, I’m OK with the risk, as I am only putting myself in harms way. 
With the corona virus things are changing this prospective. If I, or you, end up being hospitalized because we are doing a “high” risk activity, we could end up taking up a bed at a hospital at a time the entire medial system is being overwhelmed are being overwhelmed. We need to look at whats happening from a completely different prospective. As I have so many people in this community I love, I’m thinking of them. I’m thinking of all the people on the front lines in the hospitals who are so incredible and making their job easier. I’m thinking of the possibility of health care workers having to make a ethical decision of who do you save if resources become limited. As I type this I feel like i’m an alarmist, pushing panic, but reading what happened in China and is still exploding in Europe, I feel like this is just common sense.
 
I was going to be pre-riding the El Tour de Tucson course this weekend, but am going to hold off for a few weeks. I will avoid group rides not only due to social distancing, but the additional risk ( even if small- I am going to do my part). I’m still weighting out if it’s still justifiable to be commuting on The Loop and rides where there is limited traffic. I still can see mountain biking, but will be staying on less technical riding and more cross county. 
 
This is really, really hard for me to accept all this. Riding is a part of everything I do. It is what keeps me sane. I expect many who read this will think I’m over reacting. I might be, but this is a case where the good of the community out weights my need to ride.  
Image may contain: possible text that says 'Respiratory Signature.'
In the case you don’t care about the risk because you are such a great rider and are never going to hit the pavement, I have another reason not to ride.  In the image above, you can see if you are riding in a group, you might be following someone who has COVID-19.  Just one more reason to be extra careful at this time.

The one and only Tucson Bike Ride List – March 2020

 

I DID NOT CONFIRM EVERY TIME, but did get in touch with most of the ride leaders and shops.  You should always verify times before you head out and remember these ride times are when the ride leaves.  Please show up as early as needed to make sure you are ready to roll out at the time posted.

REOCCURRING WEEKLY RIDES

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

7:30AM

1-1.5 hours Max 20 miles How fast can a mosey be? http://uacycling.com/

 

 

Ben’s Bike MTB Meet at shop Monday

6:00 PM

1-2 hours Easy, fun, social ben@bensbikestucson.com

text Ben’s Bikes to 85100 for updates 520-574-2453

R and I Loop Ride Udall Park

7290 E. Tanque Verde,

Monday

9:00 AM

15-16 54 miles http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
Hills, Hills Hills Bashas Kolb/Sunrise Tuesday

5:30AM

20 miles

About an hour

12-14

HILLS

Damion Alexander

520-977-5664 text or call

Tuesday Fair Wheel Ride University/Euclid Tuesday

7:30AM

2.5 hours

40 miles

Fast www.Fairwheelbike.com

520-884-9018

Tuesday Night Ride Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Tuesday

8:45PM

12-18 miles Slow https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/
UA Cycling  Wed.Worlds Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Wed

7:30AM

40-60 miles http://uacycling.com/
Mt. Lemmon University/Euclid Wed

7:30AM

55-60 Miles www.Fairwheelbike.com

520-884-9018

JKG DnA Easy Udall Parking Lot Wed

5:30AM

Udall-Mile post 3 on Lemmon Casual

No Drop

https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts
R & I Ride GABA Ride Udall Park

7200 E Tanque Verde Rd ·

Wen

6:00AM

45 Miles 14-16 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/calendar/
Transit to Dragoon, Third Wednesday Ride. Transit Cycles 100 S Avenida Del Convento, Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 5:30 A few miles No Drop https://www.facebook.com/pg/TransitCycles/events/?ref=page_internal
Wednesday Shredzday Sierra Vista 31.501495, -110.274078 Wed

7:00PM

10 miles Sun & Spokes. 520.458.0685
Bike Polo UofA Mall Wed

8:00PM

https://www.facebook.com/tucson.bikepolo?fref=ts
Up Oracle

Thursday

University and Euclid Thurs

7:30AM

Fast www.Fairwheelbike.com

520-884-9018

Hills, hills, hills Bashas Kolb/Sunrise Thurs

5:30AM

20 miles 12-14(but Hills) Damion Alexander

977-5664

Thursdays are for wheel People Start changes- contact Tim at 548-3624 Thursday

9:00AM

45 miles 18 plus timcarolan@mac.com

548-3624

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

7:30AM

1-1.5 hours Max 20 miles Easy Ride http://uacycling.com/
The JKG Flagship ride Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

Thurs

5:30AM

Le Buzz to Molina Basin Hammer fest JKG Strava on Facebook
Tasty Chipolte Night Ride Sierra Vista

Chipotle  6 or circle K at 6:30

Thursday

6:30 PM

Circle K on BST

16  miles No drop Sun & Spokes. 520.458.0685

Mrk.lapaglia@gmail.com

U OF A Cycling  Friday Freewheelin Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Friday

7:30AM

2 hours

30-40 miles

Team Time Trial Practice http://uacycling.com/

GABA Oro Valley

Chico’s

7003 N. Oracle Rd

Friday

9:00AM

37 miles 12-14 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/calendar/
Homestretch Foundation Spin with the Stretchies Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

10AM 75-90 minutes Recovery ride https://www.facebook.com/HomestretchFoundation/?pnref=story
The

Old  Man Shootout

University and

Euclid

Saturday 7:15 AM

 

60 Mile (can be extended to 100) Fast

20 MPH+

www.fairwheelbikes.com

520-884-9018

The Big Boy Shootout University and

Euclid

Saturday 7:30AM 60 Miles(can be extended to 100) Faster www.fairwheelbikes.com

520-884-9018

Bicycle Ranch

Shop Ride

7090 N Oracle Rd, Ste 198 Saturday 7:30AM 55 (shorter option of 38 as well) miles 17-20

And 14-17

MPH

Free Breakfast after ride

Steve 520-219-4311

HMS Shop Ride 8225 N. Courtney Page Way Saturday 7:00AM 4 routes 25-30 Miles No Drop hmsbikes@gmail.com 520-989-0196
Zona Cycling

First of the Month Mt Lemmon Ride

Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

1st Saturday 8:30AM As far as you can get Until you turn around https://www.facebook.com/Zona-Cycling-186457201423794/
Zona Cycling

 

El Con by the Starbucks . 2nd, 3rd, 4th,5th,

Saturday 8:30AM

65 miles 16-18 https://www.facebook.com/Zona-Cycling-186457201423794/
Speed of Fun Ride Social Ride First Watch on Speedway and Kolb Monthly- Saturday

9:00AM

15  miles Easy Lisa Mach – 520-419-9303
Bruce’s Easy Peasy Location Changes – Check the Saturday 9:00AM 30 13-14 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/calendar/2019-09/
Sabino Cycle Shop Ride Varies- email Steve  to be on the list Saturday 8:30ish AM 30 miles ish No Drop steve@sabinocycles.com

 

Ben’s Bikes At Ben’s bike

7431 Houghton

Sunday 8AM 35-40 17-20 www.bensbikestucson.com

520-574-2453

Sabino Gravel Ride Different locations Every other week 40-50 miles 3 hours ish steve@sabinocycles.com

 

THIS WEEKS ROAD RIDES

PLEASE NOTE- Category below just for Mountain Bikes

What Location Date/Time Distance Speed Contact- More Info
To the cactus forest and back (C+/3/40) UA Flagpole

1100 E University Blvd · Tucson, AZ

Saturday, March 7,

8:15 AM

40 14-16 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269176097/

Fair Wheel Friendship Ride

Fairwheel Bikes Saturday, March 7,

8:30 AM

55 14-16 MPH https://www.facebook.com/events/847709049014137/

Bruce’s Easy Peasy Horses to Horses Ride Plus

 

Viv’s Cafe

8987 E Tanque Verde Rd #361

Saturday, March 7,

8:30 AM

30 12-14MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269093905/
Tour De San Manuel C+ & B/3/54 miles 2000 W American Ave · Oracle, AZ

 

Saturday, March 7,

8:30 AM

54 14-16 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269192196/
Saturday Speed of Fun Ride 7189 E Speedway Blvd Saturday, March 7,

9:00 AM

15 No Drop https://www.facebook.com/events/649498852488702/
Tucson Riders for a Cure Starbucks @ Swan and Sunrise Sunday,  March 8,

8:30 AM

37,17 miles BEGINNERS: If you are new to cycling, you will be paired up with an experienced rider. You set the pace and determine your distance https://www.meetup.com/Tucson-Riders-4-the-Cure/events/269027009/
A Jolly Loop: Columbus to Tangerine: 3425 W El Camino del Cerro · Tucson, Sunday,  March 8,

8:30 AM

36.4 14-16 mph https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/268721160/
Columbus to Catalina 3425 W El Camino del Cerro · Tucson Monday March 9,

9:00AM

31 14-18 mph https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269160436/
Tuesday Ride: Viv’s to SNP East to enjoy the COLORS Viv’s Cafe

8987 E Tanque Verde Rd #361

Tuesday March 10

8:45AM

35 12-14 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269059924/
New Westside Hills 3425 W El Camino del Cerro · Tucson Tuesday March 10

9:00AM

43 8-12 hills https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269159316/
Women on the Mountain 9100 E Tanque Verde Rd · Tucson, AZ Tuesday March 10

9:00AM

22-30 8 – 14mph Womens Ride https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269169583/
Twin Peaks and Tangerine Safeway

9100 N Silverbell Rd · Marana, AZ

Wednesday, March 11, 9:00AM 30 14-16 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/269160403/
March Metric Century- St. Phillips St Philip’s Plaza

4280 N Campbell Ave

Thursday March 12. 8:30am 62.8 14-16 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/268891330/
Columbus to Vistoso Figure Eight 3425 W El Camino del Cerro · Tucson Friday March 13 9:00 AM 38 14-1`6MPH
Check out these pages for unique weekly rides . Cactus Cycling   http://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association GABA- http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/

 

THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE-GRAVEL RIDES  ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^

What Location Date

Time

Time  Distance Speed Contact- More Info
March Social Ride Enchanted Hills Kennedy Park

3700 S La Cholla Blvd,

Sunday, March 22,  9 AM 3 different speeds , pot luck BBQ afterwards https://www.facebook.com/events/1111907189171703/
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists(SDMB)  and Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA Tucson off-road Cyclists and Activists.  (TORCA) have a calendars. Check them out  at.

SAMBA http://www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association/events/

SDMB http://www.sdmb.org/events/

TORCA http://torca.org/calendar/

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH SOMETHING BIKE RELATED AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

What Location Date Contact- More Info
Challenged Athletes Percent Night Culinary Dropout March 31, 2020

4-9 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/217446516314782/
February TTG Club Meeting Tucson Endurance Performance Center 4811 E Grant Rd, Monday February 10

6:30 PM – 8 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/843632656080444/
Red Ridge Round 1 March 28-29th Limited space for 12 volunteers. Contact Vernie March 28st and 29th. vernieaikins@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/178788866677938/

Red Ridge Round 2 April 18-19th Limited space for 12 volunteers. Contact Vernie Apr 18 and 19th https://www.facebook.com/pg/TucsonTORCA/events/?ref=page_internal    vernieaikins@gmail.com
Red Ridge Round 3 May 2nd-3rd Limited space for 12 volunteers. Contact Vernie May 2nd-3rd https://www.facebook.com/events/462831391055330/

vernieaikins@gmail.com

 

GABA Bike Swap 400 N. 5th Ave April 19, 2020 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/258645546/
GABA Volunteer Opportunity Year Round Opportunities to give back to the community. Check out the link to the right. ————-à http://gaba.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=2664&club_id=307669&sl=745000180

 

RACES AND RIDES IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME

What Location Date Contact- More Info
The Pima County Ultracruise The Pima County Ultracruise – A Bikepacking Race Pima County, AZ SUN, MAR 8 AT 7 AM https://bluedogbicycles.com/bikepacking-tucson
The Tucson Gran Fondo 110 E Congress St, Tucson March 7, 2020 https://www.facebook.com/events/1602492049893110/
Hungry Dog Crit Gilbert, AZ March 8 https://swsportsreg.com/viewevent.php?EC=631
Tommy Knocker 10 Silver City, NM Event Canceled https://ziarides.com/event/tommyknocker-10/
Tolero Criterium Tucson AZ March 14 http://toleroracing.net/tolero-crit-2017/
Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, Sonoita, Arizona April 4 – 5, 2020 https://www.bikegaba.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=307669&module_id=137249
White Tanks Whirlwind White Tanks Regional Park Waddell, AZ March 21, 2020
The Great Cowtown Campout Six! Blue Dog Bicycles

2843 N Campbell, Suite 102,

Mar 21 at 10 AM – Mar 22 at 12 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/2672640329457880/?active_tab=about
San Tan Crit Mesa, AZ March 22 https://mbaa.net/racing/white-tank-whirlwind/
Nogales Bicycle Classic Nogales, AZ Saturday, March 28, 2020 at 8 AM – 2 PM http://www.nogalesbicycleclassic.org/
2020 Javelina Chase Gravel Ride Duncan, Arizona, and Lordsburg, New Mexico March 28 https://www.javelinachase.com/ghost-mine-rumble.php
Butterfield Overland

Gravel Fun Ride

Lordsburg, New Mexico March 29 https://www.javelinachase.com/gravel-grinder.php
El Groupo Scavenger Hunt Tucson, AZ April 18, 2020 https://www.elgrupocycling.org/events/scavenger-hunt/
Sonoita-Bisbee Overnight Ride Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds, Sonoita, Arizona. Apr 4 at 6:30 AM – Apr 5 at 4 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/2756566931094586/
Cyclovia Tucson, AZ Sunday, Mar. 29, 2020

9am – 3pm

https://www.cycloviatucson.org/
Javelina Stampede Prescott, AZ April 4, 2020 https://chaineventsracing.com/javelina-stampede
2020 Highly Falkner South Mountain Time Trial South Mountain

Phoenix, AZ

April 4, 2020 https://www.facebook.com/events/163305648419375/
Prescott Punisher Prescott, AZ April 11, 2020
Wild West Fest – 6 hour, 12 hour, 40 miler plus pedalduro- Ruidoso, NM APRIL 17-19, 2020 https://ziarides.com/event/12-hours-in-the-wild-west/
Arizona Bicycle Classic Payson, AZ http://www.arizonabicycleclassic.com/
GABA Bike Swap Tucson, AZ April 19, 2020 https://www.facebook.com/events/2459288690975028/
Whiskey Off-Road Prescott, AZ April 24-26, 2020

 

https://epicrides.com/events/whiskey-off-road/event-guide/
Tour of the Gila Silver City, NV April 29 – May 3, 2020 https://tourofthegila.com/
Marana Meltdown: Mountain Bike Time Trial Marana, AZ May 2, 2020 https://www.facebook.com/events/588014005095000/
Salt River Canyon Tour 2020 Globe,AZ May 2 & 3, 2020 https://www.strideevents.com/events/salt-river-canyon-tour/2020/register
Chino Grinder

 

Chino Valley, AZ

 

May 3, 2020 http://chinogrinder.azgravelrides.com/
3 Bears #1 TT Eloy, AZ May 3
Flagstaff Frenzy Fort Valley Trailhead

Flagstaff, AZ

May 9. 2020 https://mbaa.net/racing/flagstaff-frenzy/
Ride of Silence Tucson and Green Valley rides May 21, 2020 http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
GABA Mt. Lemmon Hill Climb Tucson, AZ May 15, 2020 https://www.bikegaba.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=307669&item_id=1120484
State Team Time Trial San Manuel, AZ May 30
Grand Junction Off-Road Grand Junction, CO May 29-31, 2020

 

https://epicrides.com/events/grand-junction-off-road/event-guide/
Flagstaff Omnium

 

Williams, AZ June 6
Flagstaff Omnium Flagstaff, AZ June 7
Bike the Bluff- State Road Race Show Low, AZ June 20 https://www.facebook.com/BikeTheBluffShowLowAz
Carson City Off-Road Carson City, NV June 26-28, 2020

 

https://epicrides.com/events/carson-city-off-road/event-guide/
Deuces Wild Endurance Festival Show Low, AZ June 06 – 07, 2020 https://www.active.com/show-low-az/running/distance-running-races/deuces-wild-endurance-festival-2020
24 Hours In The Enchanted Forest Gallup, NM JUNE 13, 2020  – JUNE 14, 2020 https://ziarides.com/event/24-hours-in-the-enchanted-forest/
AZ State Track Champs

 

California, as we don’t have a Velodrome July, 10,11,12
Willcox Flyer Bike Ride by LifeNet AirMethods Willcox, AZ Saturday September 5, 2020 http://www.rocamotionevents.com/willcox-flyer-bike-ride/
Kitt Peak TT Kitt Peak September 13, 2020 http://www.azcycling.org/
El Tours Loop the Loop Tucson, AZ September 19, 2020 http://www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/loop-the-loop/
Cave Creek Overnight Animas, New Mexico TBD https://www.bikegaba.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=307669&module_id=265937
Horny Toad Hustle Las Cruces (Dona Ana) NM TBD https://hornytoadhustle.wordpress.com/
– Enduro Series Flagstaff, AZ TBD https://mbaa.net/
12 Hours Of Albuquerque and MTB Fest Albuquerque, NM September 18-20, 2020 https://ziarides.com/event/albuquerque-mountain-bike-fest/
Barn Burner Flagstaff, AZ Saturday, September 19, 2020 http://www.barnburnermtb.com/
Mt. Graham- State HC Safford, AZ September 27 http://www.azcycling.org/
Man vs Machine Williams, AZ Due to road widening, date still in question http://www.grandcanyonracing.com/
AZ CROSS Globe Globe, AZ TBD https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2018-2091
Sky Island Tour Sierra Vista, AZ October 3, 2020 https://www.skyislandtour.com/
Tour of the White Mountains Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ October 03, 2019 https://epicrides.com/events/tour-of-the-white-mountains/event-guide/
Cycle Avondale Avondale TBD https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/cycle-avondale
Tour De Gila Gran Fondo Silver City, NM October – Exact date TBD https://tourofthegila.com/gran-fondo/
Tour de Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ

Sunday, October 11, 2019

 

https://www.tourdescottsdale.net/
Arizona Bicycle Classic Payson, AZ October 18, 2019 https://www.bikereg.com/arizona-bicycle-classic
Gila Monster Gran Fondo Silver City, NM October 19, 2019 http://tourofthegila.com/gran-fondo/
Mt Lemmon Gravel Grinder Oracle, AZ October 26, 2019 https://www.mtlemmongravelgrinder.com/
Presott 6’er Prescott, AZ October 26, 2019 https://www.prescott6er.com/
Enduro Series Kingman, AZ TBD https://mbaa.net
El Grupo Fall Fondo Tucson, AZ October 27, 2019 https://www.elgrupocycling.org/fall-fondo-fundraiser/
Mt. Lemmon Gravel Grinder Oracle, AZ Fri October 30 – Sat October 31, 2020 https://www.mtlemmongravelgrinder.com/
The Showdown at Usery Pass Phoenix, AZ November 2, 2019 http://www.mesabikerace.net/
Heart Of Arizona Congress, AZ November 2, 2019 https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/AZ/Congress/HeartOfArizona
Mountain to Mountain TBD November 3, 2019 GABA.Org
The Spirit World 100 Patagonia, Arizona

 

November 7-10

 

https://www.clippedin.bike/event/the-spirit-world-100/
Valley of the Sun CX Series Mother’s Nature Cyclo-cross Gilbert, AZ TBD https://www.usacycling.org/events?state=AZ
GABA Bike Swap Tucson, AZ November 17, 2019 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/258645552/
El Tour De Tucson Tucson, AZ November 23, 2019 www.perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-tucson/

 

Valley of the Sun CX #2 /AZ STATE CX Championship Gilbert, AZ November 23, 2019 https://www.usacycling.org/events?state=AZ
Peppersauce CX- AZ and NM Regional Championships Oracle, AZ TBD https://www.usacycling.org/events?state=AZ
GABA Holiday Party Tucson, AZ TBD https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
GABA Toy Ride Tucson, AZ TBD https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
McKenzie Frenzy Vail, AZ TBD https://sonorandesertmountainbicyclists.wildapricot.org/
Dawn to Dusk McDowell Mountain Regional Park December 19 https://www.usacycling.org/events?state=AZ
Valley of the Sun CX FINALS Championship

 

Goodyear, AZ TBD https://ziarides.com/event/dawn-to-dusk-az/

 

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES – WANT BETTER BIKE INFRASTRUCTURE? GET INVOLVED.  Feel free to e-mail damion@damionalexander.com if you want to get involved in the Velodrome Committee, CASA- Cycling Advocates of Southern Arizona, GABA – Greater Arizona Bicycle Association, SDMB -Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike, TORCA – Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child, Tour De Cure with The American Diabetes Association….  Added bonus, I’ll be there and the pictures are free;-)

RIDE AND EVENT DISCLAIMER

These rides are not mine.  I am only sharing the data.  The Damion Alexander Team  cannot guarantee anybody’s safety.  There are unknown and unforeseen potential hazards in every ride so you should  pay attention and take reasonable precautions.  I always use a helmet.  I think that Helmets are required when riding.  If you choose to listen to music during rides you should only use the headset in the right ear and keep the headset out of the left ear. Better yet, buy a FarEnd Gear earbud.  Communication is essential during all rides and having the ability to hear is a part of your responsibility to others.  Please also ride within your limitations. You are  not racing the Tour de France.  If you see someone  that is  not riding within their limitations or are becoming a hazard to others we should politely bring this to their your attention  Do this for your and everybody’s safety.  Also, it is everybody’s responsibility to follow all traffic laws.  We are not lemmings.  Just because somebody does something foolish does not mean you need to follow.  Use your head and enjoy your ride.

 

THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM, DAMION ALEXANDER, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO THIS LIST SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY THAT OCCURS ON THESE RIDES.  EVERY PERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AROUND THEM.

 

WHERE DO ALL THE RIDES COME FROM?  These links and shops and clubs and teams and facebook and YOU.  See a ride that is missing.  Please let me know  Damion@DamionAlexadner.com.  Thanks

Road

*Vistoso Cyclist http://vistosocyclists.weebly.com/road-biking.html

Cactus Cycling http://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Greater Arizona Bicycle Association GABA-  http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/203149392/

*Tucson Tri Girls https://www.facebook.com/groups/ttgandfriends/   http://www.tucsontrigirls.org/index.php/calendar

Zona Cyclist https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zona-Cycling/186457201423794

JKG Strava – https://www.facebook.com/groups/579397565447522/?fref=ts

U of A Cycling http://uacycling.com/

Velo Vets  Phonehttp://www.azvelovets.org/: 520-465-5186

Tuesday Night Ride https://www.facebook.com/groups/5833629539/

Bicycle Commuters of Tucson https://www.facebook.com/groups/160142187481277/

Mountain Bike

Tucson Offroad Cyclists and Activists TORCA http://torca.org/   www.facebook.com/events/

Southern Arizona Mountain Bike Association (SAMBA) www.meetup.com/Southern-Arizona-Mountain-Bike-Association

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists  https://www.facebook.com/SDMB.org   http://www.sdmb.org

Tucson Mountain Bike Addicts https://www.facebook.com/TucsonMTBAddicts \

Our MTB Rides – Dave Slagle Slaglesphone@live.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourmtbrides/385655391621830/?notif_t=group_activity

Old Pueblo Mountain Bike – Todd Rasmussen 520-256-1340   https://www.facebook.com/groups/203787656312279/?fref=ts

RBAR – Jesus Friaa 520-271-3776

 

Shop Rides

Performance Bicycles Speedway Tucson – Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎ http://www.meetup.com/Performance-Speedway-MeetNRide/events/

Performance Bicycles Broadway –  pbs054@performanceinc.com 520-296-4715

Fairwheel Bikes https://fairwheelbikes.com/tucson-arizona-location-ezp-1.html#rides  (520) 884-9018

Grasky Endurance Coaching  www.graskyendurance.com/weekly-workouts.html

Broadway Bicycles

Bicycle Ranch Tucson – http://bicycleranch.com/tucson-rides/ (  520-219-4311

Ben’s Bikes http://www.bensbikestucson.com/  520-574-2453

Recumbent

Tucson Recumbent Cyclists  https://www.facebook.com/groups/TucsonRC/?fref=ts

 

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.

THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AT A COURTESY OF THE DAMION ALEXANDER TEAM.  THIS LIST IS DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT NOT GUARANTEED.  WHEN POSSIBLE, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE GROUP RIDERS ARE PROVIDED.  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DOUBLE CHECK OR GO TO THE RIDE AND IF NO ONE IS THERE, GO RIDE BY YOURSELF.

The most Famous Javelina in the World

One fine Winter day I was out showing homes in Tucson Arizona. It’s what I do.

My client, Jennifer Steinmann was driving as I rode out to meet her at a house that was 20 miles from my office. I was on a tight schedule but Jen asked to see one more home while we were on that side of town. This put me behind schedule so she was giving me a lift back to The Loop. I rarely get in the car if I can ride, but fate had a different plan for me.

To get me back to the Loop Jen should have turned on Pantano, but destiny pulled her wheel in  another direction. She took a right on Prudence and drove straight into a Viral video. A single Javelina was trotting on the side of the road. Actually, it was more of a sprint. Jen matched it’s speed and my years of shooting photos and video were put to the test. Fortunately, my hand was steady and the Javelina was in the center of the frame.

I knew as soon as I captured the video it was something special and had the potential to go viral. I felt that because I’ve interacted with hundreds of Javelinas over the years. I’ve seen them run, but it is usually only for a few seconds to get distance between from whatever spooked them. As soon as they have some distance,  the entire troop turns and watches for whatever startled them. They typically will watch for a few moments and then go about looking for a succulent prickly pear to gnaw on and forget the entire ordeal ever happened.  This video was unique. There was so much open space to run. There was nowhere to hid.  This was the Usain Bolt of Javelinas crushing the world record. It was a Javelina specimen, in it’s prime, on the world stage, with a solid tail wind. It was the hand of the great God of luck, when preparation meets hard work.

I posted the video on Facebook with my Logo at the end. As expected it started to get a few dozen shares. I’ve seen this pattern before with other videos I’ve shared. Some have had nearly a million shares and I thought this would do the same. My friend Kevin Goldstein shared it on a page called “Weird Stuff you’ll Only See in/near Tucson. Almost immediately the number doubled and the next morning had 170 shares. I also sent it to a few of my local news contacts. KVOA and KOLD ran news stories on it.

Something else made it go Viral so fast and I will acknowledge it, but also can’t help but say how disappointed I am in  KOLD’s Hannah Tiebe. She shared the video, but  edited the video without permission, cut off my signature, shared it and gave no photo credit. From a reporter I think this is bad form.  That said, that tweet did help in creating a plethora of videos and memes and now has had 7.5 million views.

A licensing company called ViralHog reached out to me about licensing the video. For years I have given my images and videos away. I love that people enjoy them, and I was not really interested. However, I was getting dozens of emails asking to use it and it was so overwhelming I decided it would be easier to just let someone else handle it. Also, they are called Viral Hog. It was again providence calling. I mean, is anything more perfect than a viral Hog for ViralHog. I’m still waiting for them to start using the video as the cornerstone of all their marekting.

I think the best part of having a video go viral is the people who see it and reach out to you. It’s not uncommon for me to talk with my Uncle John and Aunt Fran in Telluride. But to get a call with them spouting off incoherently that I’m on TV was awesome and an indication of how big this was getting. They saw it on Chris Hayes of MSNBC.  Chris Hayes Thing One, Thing Two Video They said they saw the video on Facbook I posted, but did not realize I was the one who shot the video.

Just like My family calling, I’ve heard so many stories from friends and random people that the video  has brought them closer to people they know outside of Tucson. Since it mentions Tucson in most every article, people all over the world are reaching out to friends in Tucson to talk about the Sprinting Javelina. It has changed the dialogue for a few seconds away from CoronaVirus and politics at a time we all needed a distraction, and has built community as a by product.

With all viral videos there is that glorious moment in the sun only to be replaced by the next great thing, a Lama at a wedding in a tuxedo. But the good buy song for the Javelina Running is just as dazzling as a Tucson Sunset. Everyday new sound tracts are being added to the video, and I keep getting calls about being a part of something so viral. KVOA is running a segment on it, The New York Times, AZ Daily star, AZ Central and many others are still doing more articles. On Tuesday, March 10th at 7 AM I’ll be co-hosting the 92.9 morning show.

Tonight a friend, Paige Redman, shared a photo I took of her at the Mussleman Crit last week with this in the comments “📸 @bikepilgrim the famous guy who took the video of the javalina!”. Tonight on my ride in Sabino Canyon for The Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol I heard some cyclist chatting a hundred feet back. I thought they said my name so I was listening and one said, “you know, the guy who shot the Javalina Video.”  Yesterday I had a call to come out and meet a family selling their house. I Asked how they found me and they said “Javelina Video”.

It’s a little like my birthday, as each day I get a new present in the form of more creative interpretations.  The creator of Action Movie Kid put together this gem. Action Movie Kids

Many people have said I am “famous”. Some have asked if this video will define me as a person. Is it the high water mark? This video has garnished more attention than any “one” thing  I have done. However, I’ve been selling real estate and volunteering in the community for 24 years and have had my image plastered on billboards, in the newspapers and on the news.  If you compare my exiting  reach vs. the Javelina video I have had 10 times or as much exposure over the years from cycling, nature, and real estate.  However, this one is special.

It has been one of the funnest things I’ve ever been a part of and I’m so thrilled that my video has captured world wide attention and brought considerable attention to The Old Pueblo.

Below are just a few of the places the video has been shared.

Know Your Meme Has an overview of the first few days and how it spread. As Does Comic Sands

Someone created a page of twitter of the Javelina running to different soundtracks.  There have been millions of views. Some of the more popular tweets have been to the music Led Leppelin – Immigration Song with 182,000 views, Queens – Don’t stop me now with 332,000 views, Cranberries – The Dream with 252,000, Grimes – Oblivion 740,000, Tracy Chapman – Fast Car 330,000, The succession Theme Song 154,000, Vangelis- Chariots Of Fire 77,000, Judas Priest- Breaking The Law with 280,000, John Denver- Take Me Home, Country Roads 170,000, My favorite, Cake – The Distance, 115,000,, Kate Bush- Running Up That Hill 600,000, Bonnie Tyler- Holding Out For A Hero 251.000, Florence + The Machine- Dog Days Are Over 540,000, Bruce Springsteen- Born to Run 225,000, , Bonnie Tyler- Holding Out For A Hero 251,000, Check them all out here Javelina Running to on Twitter

News Agencies have covered it from Coast to coast and many small town papers in between.

Click on the links below for the full article.

Time

Huffington Post

Arizona Daily Star

Az Central

Huffington Post

USA Today

New York Post

Mashable

New York Times

UPROXX

Daily Dot

AVCLUB

Tech Investor News

New Yorker

VICE

Insider

Bro Bible

Today Headline

USA News Hub

Notiulti

the satori report

MSN

bigwnews.com

News.com

Chris Hayes on MSNBC

I was going to share the links of each TV affiliate who shared the video, but there are hundreds. Most CBS affilaes across the county showed it. At first I was coping links, but most said the same thing, but it was fascinating to see every corner of the nation tuning in. From WILX in Lancing Mi, WFSA in Albany NY, wctv in Tallahassee, FL, wdbj IN  Roanoke, Virginia, kfvs from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, wbay in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Iowa public radio knsb, wcjb IN Gainesville, Florida ,  Grand Junction, Colorado kjct, kcbd,, Twin Falls, Idaho kmvt, wabl in Amite, Louisiana, ktre in Lufkin, Texas….

FOX 19

WLFB South Carolina

Flint Mich ABC Affiliate

KOLD Tucson

WILX Lancing

Wfsa Montgomery, AL

 

Q York

Kyeron Bowman recreated the video with him running at the apartment complex

I was told that the Javelina led off sports center on ESPN, but never saw the clip.  There are a few videos Someone asked for this and it was created. I need a side-by-side of Javelin Guidry running the 40 and that sprinting javelina from a few days back… 

Inverse.com had an interesting read on the  science on why Javelinas are faster than domesticated boars.