Tag Archives: Look! Save a Life

Community Bike Rides May 12-18 2018

This coming Wednesday at 5:00PM is one of the most important rides of the year and I really hope you can make it. Please bring you friends, family, acquaintances, the guy you meet riding this weekend and your entire cycling team. It is the Ride of Silence. I get it, none of us want to think of the dangers posed by riding on the road. This ride forces us to confront that reality.  However, it is also an opportunity for us to show the rest of the community we have a right to ride on the streets and that they should be looking out for us.

If you have not heard, the Arizona State Legislators again failed to send a bill to the Governor that would ban texting while driving. Arizona is the only state that has not enacted a law. This Ride of Silence is also a message to the elected officials. The media will be there. If we have a HUGE turnout the visual is so much stronger in the news. So, PLEASE attend. It is only a five mile ride, but the impact may actually save your life of someone you know and care about.  There will be Pizza provided by Papa Johns after the ride.

Have you ever done a group ride, race or run in Southern Arizona?  If so, the chances are that I have a photo of you at the event. My son, Samuel, and I have created a page for all the images we capture. If you have not seen it, check it out https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/   The last event I posted was from the GABA Mt. Lemmon Hill climb. https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/Sports/Cycling/Large-Group-Rides-Not-races/GABA-Hill-Climb-2018/

Damion

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

6:00AM

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’s Bikes

ben@bensbikestucson.com

The Bicycle Loop Ride Udall Park

7290 E. Tanque Verde,

Monday

6:30 AM

15-16 54 miles http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
Monday Night Mash 12.14 Diamondback Bridge in Ironhorse Park on the Aviation Bikeway Monday

7:15pm

15-25 miles Social regroups https://www.facebook.com/groups/1147259775287516/
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

VeloVets Sam Lena Park at Kino Sports center Tuesday 4:30pm

After3.1.1 5:30PM

Not that long. Just doing good helping out our Vets. Thanks for Serving! https://www.azvelovets.org/ azvelovets@gmail.com
Tuesday Fair Wheel Ride University/Euclid Tuesday

6:00AM

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

6:00AM

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

6:00AM

55-60 Miles www.Fairwheelbike.com
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
Julian Wash Out n Back Roy Schoonover Trail Head

7500 S. Kolb

Wed

4:30PM

10 10-no drop http://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/
Heavy Pedal Flagpole  – West Side of  Old Main Wed

7:00PM

Different route each week
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

6:00PM

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

6:00AM

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

5:30AM

20 miles 12-14(but Hills) Damion Alexander

977-5664

Performance Speedeway Women’s ride Changes- Call shop to find out Thursday

9:00AM

changes Told it’s mellow Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

Thursdays are for wheel People AJ’s

Sunrise/Campbell

Thursday

8:00AM

45 miles 18 plus timcarolan@mac.com

548-3624

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

6:00AM

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

Performance Speedway 3302 E. Speedway Blvd Thursday

8PM

20-25 miles 20 Plus Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

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

6:00AM

2 hours

30-40 miles

Team Time Trial Practice http://uacycling.com/
Homestretch Foundation Spin with the Stretchies Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

Friday

10am

75-90 minutes Recovery ride https://www.facebook.com/HomestretchFoundation/?pnref=story
Bicycle Ranch Tucson Group Bicycle Ranch at Oracle and Ina

 

Saturday 7:00AM

 

53 (shorter option of 38 as well) miles 17-20

MPH

Free Breakfast after ride

Steve 520-219-4311

The

Old  Man Shootout

University and

Euclid

Saturday 5:45 AM

 

60 Mile (can be extended to 100) Fast

20 MPH+

www.fairwheelbikes.com
The Big Boy Shootout University and

Euclid

Saturday 6:00AM 60 Miles(can be extended to 100) Faster www.fairwheelbikes.com
HMS Shop Ride 8225 N. Courtney Page Way Saturday 7:00AM 4 routes 25-30 Miles No Drop hmsbikes@gmail.com 520-989-0196
Performance Speedway Shop Ride 3302 E. Speedway Blvd Saturday 7:00AM 15-20 miles 12-15

No drop

Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

Performance Broadway Shop Ride 7204 e Broadway Saturday 7:00AM 10-15 miles beginner 12-15

No drop

pbs054@performanceinc.com

520-296-4715

Zona Cycling

First of the Month Mt Lemmon Ride

Le Buzz

9121 E Tanque Verde Rd

1st Saturday 7:30AM 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 7:30AM

65 miles 16-18 https://www.facebook.com/Zona-Cycling-186457201423794/
Broadway Bicycles Shop Ride Various Routes

Call Scott

Saturday 8:00AM Scott 296-7819
Miles Ahead Shop Ride I’m sad to say that Miles Ahead has closed and one of the best shop rides in Tucson is no more.  If you are interested in starting a Pistol Hill Ride Every week, please let me know so I can put it here.  I know there is an interest, we just need someone to step up.  Thanks Geoff for having such a great ride.  You and Miles Ahead will be missed.
Ben’s Bike Ride At Ben’s bike

7431 Houghton

Saturday

8:00AM

6-10 miles Easy www.bensbikestucson.com

520-574-2453

Sabino Cycle Shop Ride Varies- email Steve  to be on the list Saturday 7:30AM No Drop steve@sabinocycles.com

 

Performance Speedway Shop Ride 3302 E. Speedway Blvd Sunday

7:00AM

30-35 miles 12-15 Pbs074@performaneinc.com

(520) 327-3232‎

Super Sunday Bike Ride at Trek

.

Trek Bikes at Campbell and Ft. Lowell 1st Sunday of each month 90-120 Minutes No Drop Misty Burch dr.mistyburch@gmail.com
Ben’s Bikes At Ben’s bike

7431 Houghton

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

520-574-2453

 

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

1100 E University Blvd Saturday, May 12, 5:50AM 40 miles 14-15MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250589714/

Jamie Wilkinson Fibromyalgia Awareness Ride

 

Tucson’s Loop Bicycle Shop May 12, 2018

7:30AM

20 Miles No Drop https://www.facebook.com/events/1584208508282624/

Saturday Speed of Fun Ride

First Watch – Speedway 7:30 May 12 15 Miles No Drop and breakfast afterwards https://www.facebook.com/events/436673363444058/

Mothers Day West side rollers

Mercado San Agustin, Congress/Avenida May 13th 7:00AM 35- 46 Miles Two rides. Slower group 14-16 MPH, faster group 18MPH plus https://www.cactuscycling.org/schedule.php

Bruce’s Easy Peasy Horses to Horses Ride

8898 E. Tanque Verde Rd Sunday May 13 7:30AM 23 MPH 12-14 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250548713/

Vintage Bicycle Ride

Catalina Brewing Co 69118 N. Camino Martin #120 Sunday May 13 8:00AM 25 miles Social No Drop https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/249719955/

R & I Bicycle Loop Ride

7200 E. Tanque Verde Monday May 14 6:00 AM 15-16 mph 35 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250579222/

Northwest Loop de Loop;

Behind Beyond Bread (Ina/Oracle location) Monday May 14th

7:00 AM

30-35 miles 12-18 MPH https://www.cactuscycling.org/event-2928738

Tuesday Ride Cactus Forest Loop Plus Pistol Hill

Roy Schoonover Trail Head

7500 S. Kolb ·

 

Tuesday May 15

6:30AM

45 miles 12-14 mph https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250558538/

Hills of the Foothills

Behind Starbucks at Swan and Sunrise Tuesday

May 15th 7:00 AM

24  miles 14-16MPH https://www.cactuscycling.org/event-2927601

R & I Ride to Saguaro National Pk & Agua Caliente Pk Loop Ride

Udall Park

 

7200 E Tanque Verde Rd · Tucson, AZ

Wednesday

May 16 6:00AM

45  miles 15-16MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250437684/

Village Bake house Ride

Village Bake house southeast corner Magee/ Oracle Wednesday May 16

6:30AM

25-35 Miles 12-16 MPH https://www.cactuscycling.org/event-2928735

Columbus to Campbell

North end of Christopher Columbus Park 3425 W El Camino del Cerro Wednesday

May 16 8:00 AM

28  miles 14-16MPH  

https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250620390/

Julian Wash Out n Back

Roy Schoonover Trail Head

7500 S. Kolb ·

Wednesday

May 16 4:00 PM

10  miles No Drop https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250671491/

R & I Oro Valley Loop Ride

Udall Park

 

7200 E Tanque Verde Rd · Tucson, AZ

Friday May 18th 6:00AM 52  miles 15-16 https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250438468/

Columbus to Vistoso Figure

North end of Christopher Columbus Park 3425 W El Camino del Cerro Friday May 18th 6:00AM 38 miles 14-16 MPH https://www.meetup.com/bikegaba/events/250620274/

Ride of Silence        5:00 PM       Reid Park Ramada #19  https://www.facebook.com/events/1529503447120796/

 

This week I added the Cactus cycling and GABA rides. But they add new ones. Check them out at

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

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

 

 

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

What Location Date

Time

Time  Distance Speed Contact- More Info
TITS (A Summer Series) 36Th Street Trailhead May 17th

7:30 PM

Short Track Mountain Bike Race https://www.facebook.com/events/122174168641684/
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
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
Highly Falkner South Mountain Time Trial Phoenix, AZ Saturday, May 12 http://www.teamvitesse.com/#!highly-falkner-south-mountain-tt
Ride of Silence Tucson, AZ May 16, 2018 http://www.rideofsilence.org/
ABC Desert Classic Phoenix, AZ TBD traditionally end of April http://www.azbikeclub.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=53364&module_id=75467
Grand Junction Off-Road Grand Junction, CO May 18-20, 2018 https://epicrides.com/events/grand-junction-off-road/event-guide/
Flagstaff Omnium Flagstaff, AZ Jun 10 – Jun 11 http://singletrackbikes.com/flagstaffomnium
11th Annual Bike the Bluff- Arizona Elite Road Race Championship Show Low, AZ Saturday, Jun 16 https://www.bikethebluff.com/
11th Annual Bike The Bluff Citizens Race Show Low, AZ Saturday, Jun 16 https://www.bikethebluff.com/
The Carson City Off Road Carson City, NV June 15-17, 2018 https://epicrides.com/events/carson-city-off-road/event-guide/
24 Hours in The Enchanted Forest Gallup, NM June 23rd, 2018 http://ziarides.com/event-register/24-hours-in-the-enchanted-forest/
South Boundary BigRide Taos, NM July 22nd, 2018 http://ziarides.com/event-register/south-boundary-bigride/
12 Hours Of Albuquerque and MTB Fest Tijeras, NM TBD – Traditionally late September http://ziarides.com/event-register/12-hours-of-albuquerque-and-mtb-fest/
Man vs Machine Williams, AZ TBD – Traditionally late September http://www.grandcanyonracing.com/

 

 

 

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  Dothis 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 THSES 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.

FUNd Raising For El Tour De Tucson Beneficiaries

Click Here to make a donation that will be split among all the charities Below are links to each individual charity. Questions? Call or text me. 520-977-5664

For the past decade, I’ve been capturing images of our community.  Along the way, I have had the great fortune of meeting people  dedicated to making our community better.  While I was initially just fueled by serving the cycling world, I have also become deeply moved by a commitment to helping others. Tucson is a better place because of our volunteerism and our non-profits.

With that in mind, I have a two part challenge to FUNd Raising for ALL of the El Tour De Tucson Charities in 2018.

First, I am going to be riding and raising funds for EVERY beneficiary. Below, I’ll be adding links so you can help me in this endeavor.  El Tour has been very generous to me by waiving their fees, so 100% of the money I raise will be going to the charities.

Second, I want to encourage everyone to ride for a charity. Many of them provide free entrance into El Tour, training rides, dinner before the ride,  bikes, and lots of good times. In order to help you, I’ll be sharing videos of highlighting the works of each organization.  My hope is that you can find something that speaks to your heart.

For more information, please see some of the press clippings about the ride from 2017  Tucson.com Article

As much as I’d appreciate a donation, I’d prefer you register to ride for one of the charities yourself.  A nice bonus for you is each charity has “goodies” they give back to those who ride and raise funds. One charity, Uphill into the Wind, will even provide you with a bike to use in the event if you do not have one. Many have cycling jerseys or kits, some have professional coaches, and group rides. Each one is different, but all include an entry into El Tour De Tucson and an event shirt.

Talking about group training rides, if you are looking for people your speed to share a spin, then check out my ride list  – simply send an email to Damion@damionalexander.com, with “ride list” in the comments, and I will happily add you to the email list.

As I register for each charity, I will be adding additional charities and links on this page and adding blogs on bikepilgrim.com with more details of what each of these charities do in the region. If you want to donate to one of the other charities I have not registered for yet, let me know and it will sign up for it next.

At the bottom of this post are all the charities. If you would prefer to send a check, please specify the charity, and mail to Long Realty Co.  Attn:Damion Alexander 1890 E River Rd. Tucson AZ. 85718

To watch a video on ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis         https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/234382493922975/

Watch a video on Alzheimer’s Association         https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/264180034227815/

To watch a video of Arizona Justice Project   https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/1527316940703714/

To Make a donation to Arizona’s Children Association Click this link https://el-tour-de-tucson.everydayhero.com/us/damion-alexander-for-arizona-s-children-association  To see a long video about Arizona’s Children Association Click this link https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=qvv0767iKrU A shorter video https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/280584425888184/

To make a donation to Arts Express click this linkhttps://www.mightycause.com/story/Xd6wjf                                                                             Video of Arts Express from Loop the Loop Event  To see a short video about what Arts Express does check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEpzDmkf970 

BICAS – Make a donation by clicking here https://bicas.org/CiviCRM/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/pcp/info&reset=1&id=4 .  Chick here for the  BICAS Video

To Make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters Click this link   https://tucsonbigs.salsalabs.org/eltourdetucsonbigrideforkids/p/damionalexandersfundraisingpage/index.html                                                Watch a video on Big Brother Big Sisters at  https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/2150582644966619/

To Make a donation to Beads of Courage Click this link https://beadsofcourage.z2systems.com/np/clients/beadsofcourage/donation.jsp?campaign=167&fundraiser=22262

To make a donation to Children’s Clinics https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/childrens-clinics-tucsonTo watch a video on Children’s Clinics   https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/719025478452638/

To Make a donation to Easterseals Blake Foundation Click this link  http://es.easterseals.com/site/TR/Events/AZTUBlakeFoundation?px=5060905&pg=personal&fr_id=3924                                                                  See a video about what Easter Seals does          https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/2070850012937172/

To Make a donation to El Grupo Youth Cycling Click this https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/ElGrupoYouthCycling/eltour18.html

To Make a donation to The Epilepsy Foundation Click this link https://epilepsyfoundation.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=595                                                             To See a video about the Epilepsy foundation      https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/2258645714206972/

To make a donation to Free Ever After click here https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/free-ever-after  To watch a video about Free Ever After            https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/719025478452638/

Watch a video of Fiends of Aphasia          https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/264317674086087/

Watch a Video on Friends of Pima Animal Care Center   https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/2161177927486100/

Watch a video on Keeping Teachers Teaching               https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/296040744544227/

To make a donation to Look Save A Life click this link  https://runsignup.com/Race/35544/Donate/9UU1pkOfqYHcysSQ

To Make a donation to Pima Animal Care Center Click this link  https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/damion-alexanders-ride-with-the-pacc/damionalexander2

To watch a Video about Mobile Meals.   https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/272892233551392/

To watch a video on Rotary       https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/308412103081867/

Watch a video on Southern Arizona Gender Alliance               https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/232269124305991/

To Make a donation to St. Elizabeth’s Health Center Click this https://saintehc.networkforgood.com/projects/56871-damion-alexander-s-fundraiser

To make a donation to Tu Nidito click this link https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/damion-alexander/2018  Click here to see What Tu Nidito Does.

To make a donation to Uphill Into The Wind click this link  https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/uphill-into-the-winds-2018-el-tour-de-tucson-campaign                                                             To see a video on Uphill into the Wind   https://www.facebook.com/228735085153/videos/589200354831835/

Alzheimer’s Association – Desert Southwest Chapter
Arts Express
Arizona’s Childrens Association

AZ Multi Housing Foundation
Beads Of Courage
BICAS
Big Brothers Big Sisters

Boys & Girls Clubs
Cakes for Causes
Children’s Clinics
Easterseals Blake Foundation

El Grupo Youth Cycling
Epilepsy Foundation
Free Ever After
Friends of Pima Animal Care Center

Gabriel’s Angel’s
Habitat for Humanity
INTO Africa
Look! Save a Life
Mobile Meals So. A
Rotary – Polio Plus
Shay’s Vision
Southern Arizona Gender Alliance
St. Elizabeth’s Health Center 

The Haven
Tu Nidito Children & Family Services
Uphill Into the Wind

 

 

Donate here for El Tour De Tucson – We Get By Giving

For El Tour De Tucson I am raising funds  for multiple charities. Links Below!

Some press clippings about the ride. http://tucson.com/sports/local/local-cyclist-damion-alexander-is-everywhere-including-saturday-s-el/article_54c2535d-7c88-5358-bcff-1aa019e68479.amp.html

My intent is not only to raise much needed funds, but also to introduce Tucson to all of the incredible beneficiaries who benefit from El Tour De Tucson. Below are links to my page and I’ll be adding videos and links about each charity.

When you raise funds for a charity you receive a free entry into El Tour. As I’m riding for multiple charities and get one entry from each charity , and I’ll be donating the entries to El Grupo Youth Cycling to give kids an opportunity to experience the largest ride we have here in the Old Pueblo.

As much as I’d appreciate a donation, I’d prefer you register to ride for one of the charities yourself.  A nice bonus for you is each charity has “goodies” they give back to those who ride and raise funds. Every one is different, but all include an entry into El Tour De Tucson and an event shirt. One charity, Uphill into the Wind, will even provide you with a bike to use in the event if you do not have one. Many have cycling jerseys or kits, some have professional coaches, and group rides.

Talking about group training rides. If you are looking for people your speed to spin around with, I put out a ride list and am happy to add you to the mail list if you send an email to Damion@damionalexander.com . Please put “ride list” in the comments.

I will be adding additional charities and links on this page as I register for each as well as adding blogs on bikepilgrim.com with more details of what each of these charities do in the region. If you want to donate to one of the other charities I have not registered for yet, let me know and it will be the next one I sign up for.

Arts Express The mission of Arts Express is to build character, strengthen community and celebrate culture through the power of the arts. Click here to DONATE to Arts Express

Tu Nidito is dedicated to the mission of creating a community of acceptance and understanding regarding children in grief. It is their vision that no child grieves alone. Click here to DONATE to Tu Nidito

ALS Arizona Chapter supports people living with ALS and their loved ones in Arizona through services and education .Our Mission is to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. Click here to DONATE to ALS

Arizona Children is one of the oldest and largest statewide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health not-for-profit agencies in Arizona.  In the comments mention “ The Damion Alexander Team”Click here to DONATE to Arizona Children

Beads of Courage provides innovative, arts-in-medicine supportive care programs for children coping with serious illness, their families and the health care providers who care for them. Click Here To Donate to Beads of Courage

BICAS Bicycle Inter-Community Art and Salvage For more than 28 years, BICAS has been serving the Tucson community and continues to introduce people of all walks of life to the joy, power and magic of cycling. Come join our great adventure for the greater good!  Click here to DONATE to BICAS 

El Grupo Youth Cycling is Empowering youth through cycling. In the Purpose of Donation Please put “The Damion Alexander Team Click here to DONATE to El Grupo Youth Cycling

Children’s Clinics provides a family centered, comprehensive medical home to meet the special needs of children and families. They also provide integrated, coordinated care, special events and resources that help families navigate the challenges of having a child with a complex illness. Click Here to Donate to Children’s Clinic  CLICK HERE for YouTube Video about Children’s Clinics   Same Video – But on Facebook

Alzheimer’s Association  mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected: and to reduce the dementia through the promotion of brain health.  Click here to DONATE to Alzheimer’s Association

American Red Cross  Mission is  prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. This year has been brutal and the need with Las Vegas and other tragedies is more than ever.  Click here to donate to the American Red Cross

Look! Save A Life aim is  to foster an environment of safety for all who utilize our public byways. We know that some who ride bicycles may not understand the laws regarding use of public roads. We also recognize that many drivers are unaware of the same rules or laws. Nobody wants to be struck by a vehicle and nobody wants to injure, let alone kill somebody. “SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.” Click Here to Donate to Look! Save A Life

VeloVets supporters enriching the lives of Disabled Veterans in our community by sharing the physical and mental benefits of cycling and camaraderie. Click here to donate to VeloVets Click Here to Watch a Video about VeloVets

The following list is all of the beneficiaries for the 2017 El Tour De Tucson. I’m in the process of registering for each.  If you want to make a donation to a specific charity I have not registered for yet, please let me know and I’ll register for them. Unfortunately, it all takes time and I’m getting there as fast as I can.

Adaptive Athletics U of A
ALS Arizona Chapter
Alzheimer’s Association – Desert Southwest Chapter
American Cancer Society – Great West Division
American Red Cross
Arts-Express
Arts for All
Arizona’s Children Association
AZ Multi Housing Foundation
Beads of Courage
BICAS
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Boys & Girls Clubs
Cakes for Causes
Children’s Clinics
Community Food Bank Southern Arizona
Desert Survivors
easterseals Blake Foundation
El Grupo
Epilepsy Foundation
Erik Hite Foundation –
Friends 4 The Future
Gabriel’s Angel’s
Habitat for Humanity
INTO Africa
International Rescue Committee
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Look Save a Life
Leukemia & Lymphoma
Platelet Disorder Foundation
Rotary – Polio Plus
Shay’s Vision
Southern Arizona Gender Alliance
St. Elizabeth’s Health Center
Team Hoyt Arizona
The Haven
Tu Nidito Children & Family Services
Uphill Into The Wind
Valley of the Sun Charity Foundation
Velo Vets

Giving Tuesday

Today is #GivingTuesday. It is so much better in my opinion than Black Friday.  It gives us a chance to look around, take stock of what matters to us and help others.

Personally, I get that times have been a little challenging for so many of us and that just paying the bills and fulfilling our own household obligations are sometimes hard enough and to think of investing in our community may not be at the top of the list.

However, please think of that passion you have, for whatever it may be,  and look at how you can make that part of the community better.

This past week I matched funds up to $5,000 for the Arizona Trail at the Business Builder Bike Ride . Most everyone in attendance stepped up and donated $3,700. That made the total $7,400.  I’ll extend my match to try and get to a total of $10,000 before the end of the month.  If you make a donation, let me know, so I can add to my share.

Perhaps being outside and in Nature is not your passion, and that creating a community of acceptance, support, and understanding regarding children in grief will motivate you. Each year, Tu Nidito supports approximately 800 children and their families through one-on-one and group-based services. You can donate here. (I’m still $209.00 short on my fundraising goal for El Tour and would personally appreciate assistance on this one) http://tunidito.kintera.org/faf/help/helpAboutOrg.asp?ievent=1151472&lis=1&kntae1151472=E5C77485F0654F8F89384B9FA991276E

I know many of you are cyclist and having safe roads matters.  Consider Look! Save a Life.  http://www.looksavealife.org/ .  Click Donate I the top corner or buy a jersey.  Just having the image on the road and sharing the message matters.

I’m a big fan of El Grupo Youth Cycling myself. Is there anything as good as supporting the future of your obsession passion. http://www.elgrupocycling.org/donate/

Do you like to get a little back when you are giving and motivate yourself at the same time.  Consider registering for The Tour De Cure.  You can help fund diabetes camps for kids, education, and research while riding your bike, being with friends, eating and drinking beer.  WIN/WIN/WIN!

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?pg=entry&fr_id=11754

If you are low on funds, there are many other another option.  The Endurance Project needs donations for their Christmas Morning Giveaway.  I know I’ve been feeling the chill in the air, can you imagine what it would be like sleeping outside tonight.  There is a drop off box for donations in most bike shops around town as well as one in my Long Realty Office at 1890 E River Road.

Also, make a commitment to give some time this season.  I had an ask from Health South for singers to come entertain the patients. The Salvation Army always needs bell ringers.

Next year, my goal is to raise $35,000 for the 35th El Tour De Tucson and split the funds among the 60 plus beneficiaries.  I’m very excited to meet with each of these charities throughout the year so I can learn how each provides a needed service in the community and to help my friends find where they can invest in Southern Arizona.  If you are having trouble figuring out how you can help out, I am happy to pair you with an organization that will match your passion.

2016 El Tour De Tucson Photos

All of the links below will take you to the categories of photos.  All of the photos from the event are in one folder on my smugmug account. https://sonanddadphotography.smugmug.com/

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE IMAGES FROM THE 34TH EL TOUR DE TUCSON

Ride Photos From Irvington to Swan and Sunrise

Ride photos from the start of the 55 mile to I-10

Ride Photos from Silverbell to the Finish

The Fans and Cheering sections at the 34th El Tour De Tucson

Bike Partol

Susan G Komen – Riders for a Cure

Susan G Komen Ride for a Cure Dinner Party

Law Enforcement

Look! Save A Life Arizona

University of Arizona

Local Tucson bike shops,teams and clubs

Team Colleen

Casino Del Sol

Tucson Medical Center

Jr. El Tour

Rotary International

Ben’s Bells

Susan G Komen Ride for a Cure

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Twilight Wish Foundation

Tu Nidito

Tu Nidito Dinner Party

Ride With Nelly

Dedication Dinner

Expo day 1

El Tour Expo Day 2

 

Specialized/Cafe Roubaix Tucson version

In case you missed it, in the past week Specialized Bicycle Co. received a huge backlash for sending a cease and desist letter to a small bike shop in Canada called Café Roubaix.  Specialized has a bike called the Roubaix and were alleging that the bike shop was infringing on their copyrighted name.   The social media backlash that supported Café Roubaix was incredible with their Facebook fan page ballooning to nearly 15,000 likes and Specialized bashing became a trending topic.

It was a publicity nightmare for Specialized and it only became worse when Fuji Bikes announced it was the actual owner of the Copyright for Roubaix and they licensed it to Specialized.  Specialized’s CEO flew to Canada and offered a personal apology to the bike shop owner and said they would not follow up on the cease and desist, but the damage is done.

This morning I saw another post on a clothing apparel brand called Epix Gear saying they have also received a cease and desist from Specialized because their logo resembles specialized.

Is this corporate bulling?  What is the appropriate way to respond when someone takes a name you have been building and uses it?  I have a local example that is similar to the Specialized/Roubaix example, but in this case it is Corporation using a non-profits moniker.  It involves a local non-profit, Look! Save a Life and Allstate. Allstate has a new safety campaign to try and tackle the accidents involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists on the roads of Tucson.  The program is called “Tucson on Two” and one of the first ads has the slogan “Look Twice, Save A Life”, but this program has nothing to do with the local charity, “Look, Save  A Life Arizona”.

At this time, having seen the public outcry towards Specialized I think any company that is in the cycling industry and makes a stink over copyrights has the potential to see it explode in their face.  What makes this case with Look, Save a life even harder is that the message that “Tucson on Two” is promoting is very much in line with the safety message that the charity is a proponent of.  It is easy to say, how can more of good thing be bad even if it is potentially confusing a brand identity.

I spoke with Kylie Walzak at Living Streets Alliance (they are also a part of this campaign).  I opened the conversation by asking is she knew anything about “Look Twice, Save A Life”.  She relied that she knew Brendan Lyons (the founder of Look! Save a life).  If that is not a clear indication of how confusing this is, I’m not sure what is.  I also talked with the City Of Tucson and am told the signs and billboards are only a small part of the Allstate campaign.  They said the slogan of Look Twice grew organically and that they choose it because it was catchy and conveyed the message.  Was it so catchy because they had been hearing it for a few years?

A little disclaimer I feel I should ad in here.  You might notice on this blog that I have the Look! Save A Life Logo and a link to them.  I also have been helping them with publicity for nearly a year.  I am an administrator and create some of the content on the Facebook Page.  However, I do not have the final say in anything that they do.  This article and my conversations with the City and LSA were in an attempt to create a dialogue that will lead to a win-win outcome and avoid any negative mojo.

How do you feel  Look! Save a Life should respond?