Attention: I’m entering dangerous water. Political rant on guns (But with a bike twist as that is what I do).
Many of you saw the video I posted yesterday of me crashing after a small drop into the halfpipe at fantasy Island. It was not a big jump, and it made me think of Napoloen Dynamite attempting a jump only to catch no air, hit a cinder block and rack himself. However, that has nothing to do with my point on guns, just an aside.
Here is the video if you care to see it. While there, Please like The Damion Alexander Team on Facebook. My moment of grace, followed by…
For nearly a decade I have put in about 500 hours a year in the saddle. I have been riding bikes since I was three. I’ve been jumping off things that most people considered nuts from about that age. At least half of that is on a MTB and even though I don’t have the best skills, I rarely crash. I learned a long time ago that bikes have a tendency, like always, to go in the direction I look. You don’t even need to try. It just happens. So, if you go off a jump and look at the boulder hiding in the grass and take your eyes off the landing, you tend to go towards the rock. Oh, by the way, hidden in that grass is a boulder that I used very successfully to stop my momentum as I slid towards it. I know that if I had turned my eyes back on the trail, I would not have gone down. My arms were a little stiffer than they should have been, but the landing was smooth and if I had done what I know to do, what I have trained myself to do in those thousands of hours, to look where I wanted to go, I would have less bruises and scabs at the moment. But I panicked. In a moment of stress I did not respond as I trained. Fortunately, the only one who was at risk of injury was me.
So what does this have to do with Guns? I have seen many posts, articles, meme’s about how someone is packing heat so that in the remote chances someone pulls a gun they are in a position to respond and not just be sheep ready for slaughter. As much as this concept makes sense, very few people are actually trained to respond in these situations. It is not just a matter of pulling out your gun and dropping the bad guy. The chances are there are other people who you will hit. Your mind is not going to function clearly and your aim is likely to be off. Now I fully expect someone to comment that they know their skills and how they will respond. They have been shooting their whole life. They go to the firing range on a regular basis. If there is a shooting, I hope that person is present. They might make a difference, but based on my experience, the chances are they will freeze up, miss the target and potentially injure and kill someone other than the active shooter. It’s just like what happened to me on the little jump.
I feel in the greater scope of the conversation on all things in life, not just bikes and guns, we do go in the direction we look and find what we are looking for. If we are focused on a violent solution to a dire situation, we will find it. If we look at diplomatic options we will find those as well. I’m fairly certain I don’t want to live in a world where everyone feels a necessity to carry guns. It’s hard to believe that anyone want’s that, but the course we are headed on makes it feel like the Soviet/US nuclear buildup of the cold war. Back to the bike analogy, we are looking that boulder straight on, we are going at it fast, it’s going to hurt if we hit it, but we are still have control and the ability to look at other options.
Personally, I have no issues with gun ownership. I do not want to see all guns abolished or the rights of the constitution limited. I just recognize that arming everyone I not likely to solve the issue.
So ends my political rant. Personally, I recommend selling all of your guns, buying Mountain Bikes, and going where the only shooters you might see are hunters.
Of all the annual events in the biking community, this one is at the top of my list. Now only does it showcase some of our most talented artists creating bike related art, it also brings out the most vibrant characters.
This was the first year at the Art Gallery. I still love the Depot for the charm and character, but from a practical point of view this location was great. There was plenty of parking, room for the food trucks, the building has many rooms with a free flowing floor plan and plenty of wall space to showcase the art.
This fundraiser sustains BICAS throughout the year so that they can continue to provide affordable and free bicycle education and services to the Tucson community.
I apologize to all the artist. No artist tags were posted on the wall when I popped in to take the pictures of all your great art. Many noted and talented artist give to BICAS. We can all reward them by supporting them as Artists, not just at the auction, but year round.
I created two photo albums on The Damion Alexander Team on facebook.
I see a dangerous situation. It has led to many collisions and it is only going to get worse. It consumes a lot of my attention because I know these can be avoided, but it is going to need some people to change their behavior.
The issue is walkers, runners, skaters and cyclist who are so immersed in their music that they are oblivious to their surroundings. I have had many close calls where I was only able to avoid a catastrophe because I had all of my senses available. I’m not going to preach and say not to listen when you are being active. I’d be a hypocrite if I did. I have an earbud in almost all the time and find that podcasts pass the time, I’m able to work and take calls, and music rocks my workouts. However, if I have both earbuds in the volume is low enough that I can hear someone behind me.
Another great option is using only use one earbud. Of course the downside to this is that the music does not sound the same losing one of the channels. There are earphones from a local Tucson company designed to mix both channels of sound from a stereo audio device into a single ear — enabling the wearer to maintain alertness in any environment.
The owner of the Far End Gear, Kevin Goldstein, is offeringis offering a special holiday discount to the readers of BikePilgrim.com. http://farendgear.com/xdu
Coupon Code for 25% off: BPSFELP25 Code valid through 12/24/2015.
You can also pick them up locally in Tucson at Bicycle Ranch Tucson (7090 N Oracle Road) and The Running Shop (3055 N Campbell Ave).
This past month I had the pleasure of demoing a Trek Stache 9. I posted a review on the experience at https://bikepilgrim.com/?p=653.
Crossing the Rincon Savanna on the Arizona Trail. Photo by Matt Nelson
Do you want to take a Trek Stache 9 or perhaps a Madone for a spin. Trek has two demo days this weekend, Saturday December 5th from 9AM – 1:00 PM at Fantasy Island in Tucson and At Brown Canyon Trailhead in Sierra Vista on Sunday the 6th from 11:00 – 3PM. They will have a great selection of road and mountain bikes to choose from. Be sure to bring your pedals, helmet and hydration. Personally, I recommend trying the Stache 9.
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.
Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you on the road and in the dirt.
Ride on,
Damion
__ __o
___ `\<?
__(_)/ (_)_____________
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.
REOCCURING WEEKLY RIDES
What
Where
When
Distance/Time
Speed
Contact
Cyclocross
Fort Lowell Park
Monday
6:30AM
Some pre work riding, jumping obstacles,beer, donuts, coffee, laps on the grass and dirt.
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.
Trek has two demo days this weekend, Saturday December 5th from 9AM – 1:00 PM at Fantasy Island in Tucson and At Brown Canyon Trailhead in Sierra Vista on Sunday the 6th from 11:00 – 3PM. They will have a great selection of road and mountain bikes to chose from. Be sure to bring your pedals , helmet and hydration.
THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^
What
Location
Date
Time
Time Distance
Speed
Contact- More Info
Trek has two demo days this weekend, Saturday December 5th from 9AM – 1:00 PM at Fantasy Island in Tucson and At Brown Canyon Trailhead in Sierra Vista on Sunday the 6th from 11:00 – 3PM. They will have a great selection of road and mountain bikes to chose from. Be sure to bring your pedals , helmet and hydration.
BLACK CANYON TRAIL
Black Canyon Trailhead
Saturday, 12.5.15 6:00 AM
We’ll spend the weekend riding the Black Canyon Trail, north of Phoenix.
If there is some of you that want 20 miles roundtrip you can meet at In and Out in Oro Valley at 2pm and meet the rest of the group at Golder Ranch. The plan involves multiple laps around the chutes as sunlight and time permits.
BICAS 20th Annual Art Auction PREVIEW PARTY: Friday December 4th (6-10pm) – live music, circus performers, raffle! Early bidding takes place Saturday from 11am-4pm; and you won’t want to miss the silent auction to be held Saturday December 5th, from 6-9pm. Plenty of bike parking so ride your bike!
The Art Gallery 1122 N Stone Ave.
PREVIEW PARTY: Friday December 4th (6-10pm)
Saturday from 11am-4pm;
And
Saturday December 5th, from 6-9pm.
www.bicas.org/art-auction
Cactus Catalina Road Clean-up
PERSONAL NOTE: YEAH for Cactus Cycling and being good stewards!
Meet in the back part of the parking lot at LeBuzz
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, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike SDMB, Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists TORCA, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child. 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
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.
For many years I have been coveting a fat bike. From my house at Kolb and Sunrise I can go out the back door and ride to my office at River and Campbell and only cross two residential roads. I will frequently ride down to the Tanque Verde Wash and have been known to ride a mile or two in the river bed, but it is slow going and requires a “solid” effort. I’ve had this idea that on a fat bike I could create a completely traffic free commute and the opportunity availed itself in a demo bike from Trek.
Volunteer Sabino Canyon Bike Patrol. Perhaps the dept. of Agriculture can get us a deal on a fleet of Staches.
Trek makes the Farley, a true fat bike with 4 and 5 inch wide 26 inch tires. It even comes with a carbon option for all the weight weenies. For what I wanted to do this would be ideal. However, the bike Trek had available was the Stache 9, a type of bike I did not know existed. Trek’s website says The “ Stache is an all-new species of 29+ mountain bike performance. The wide 3″ tires grip relentlessly, amplifying all the benefits of 29ers, while remarkably short chainstays deliver a fun, lively ride.
Want the capability of a full suspension trail bike in a simple hardtail package, plus the extra benefits of 29+ tires? Then you were born to ride the Stache.”
I had requested the use of a Fat Bike not only for the commute, but also to participate in the Sandbox Showdown. This annual race/ride is in the washes around Tucson that includes numerous stops at local watering holes as well as some pop up bars that one routinely finds in the washes during the Sandbox Showdown. It is a rather spirited group, and I wanted to ride and document the event as a participatory journalist.
I was told there was a 10 minute time bonus for each gourd collected. Technically, I won the Sandbox showdown with this find, but considering I was 90 minutes behind the leader, I’m fine that Kent Loganbill went home with the hardwear.
The Sandbox Showdown course was a good test for the Stache 9 and it’s ability in the washes, climbing and on single track.. After a few miles on the road we quickly dove into a small overgrown side wash. I’m not sure what wash, but if I was to name it, I’d call it Rabbit wash for the old half buried VW Rabbit frame. At times it was a thicket, scratching our legs and arms so we would have memories of the ride or weeks to come. After two hours and 6 miles we hit a dirt road that was about 48 degrees incline and looked much longer than I wanted it to be. Not only can the Stache float on sand, but being 28.5 pounds it is easy to spin up a hill and it climbs like a Billy goat. We were rewarded for the climb with the descent on the 50 year trail back to Catalina State Park. When we hit the downhill on the single track I fell in love with 29+. With 3 inches it absorbed everything the trail threw my way. If I over shot the trail by a little I could not feel it. I quickly found myself taking turns at speeds I would not feel comfortable doing on any other bike. Fun, fast, free flowing single track makes me happy.
I called the Sandbox Showdown a ride/race because it is both. Some of the riders started hard and finished early. Others, like those in the group I was with, were more content to stop every 10 minutes for a cold beverage. I’m still not sure how they produced so much ice cold beer in the middle of the desert and it never ran dry, but that is part of the magic one finds in this event. I do know the ranger’s store was open at Catalina State Park and that the ice cream was delicious. As we left the Park it was becoming clear to me that I still had 15 miles to go, it was 3 in the afternoon, we were averaging 3-4 miles an hour and I was supposed to be home at 5. As much as I did not want to leave the party, it was my daughter’s birthday and I needed to be home on time. The Canyon Del Oro Wash has sand, sand and deeper sand but when you drop the hammer on the Stache it just floated over the top of it all. At times, it felt like I was on a pavement. I managed not only to finish the last 15 miles in just over an hour, but had time for an ice cold beverage at Chuy’s with the “fast” riders and was home with 3 minutes to spare.
The Sandbox Showdown was nearly 30 miles. It was so much fun I wanted to go out and explore some of my other favorite trails to see how the Stache would handle different terrain. Fortunately, due to the holiday season, my not returning any calls from the guys at Trek and disconnecting my phone I was able to hang onto the bike for a few extra weeks.
The first test was the commute to the office. I live about 9 miles from Long Realty where I work. On the road bike I can get there in about 20-25 on the Loop. I commuted 4 times while I had the Stache and my best time was 55 minutes. However, I knew it was going to take longer, so that was fine. The clarity of mind that I was able to achieve on the commute was purifying. It was an physical effort, my legs and arms were covered with scratches, but it is the most stress free riding. No cars. Like 0. None. Nada. Zip. It was just wide open spaces and spinning. When I received the Stache it had rained hard the day before. The wash was like a road. I found myself pushing over 20 miles an hour on some sections. The bike just floated across the surface. As the weeks have passed since it rained and horses, walkers and dogs have pot marked the entire wash, it is not nearly as fast. I continually look for smooth and hard packed sand towards the edges of the wash, even if it means rubbing against brush as it makes the riding so much easier. Some of the time it is slow going, but if I put in the power I roll through it.
One evening I was stuck in the office late and was forced to hammer it home on the Loop and roads. I popped in Az Cyclist and pumped the tires to 20 PSI. My best time on my road bike for the commute is 24 minutes. I finished on the Stache at 33 minutes and averaged 15 MPH. What was interesting was that I was in the hardest gear, going up hill and it did not feel like I was killing myself.
Bill Chanbers, 77, burrowed the Stache 9 for a ride in the Rilitto and up the Urban Assault.
In the washes there are many obstacles known as grass, plants, trees, shrubs, cactus and the like. It is possible to avoid these by riding in the middle of the wash. However, that is often a major physical effort. Surprisingly, on some of the slightly higher parts of the wash there is hard packed single track. Trail maintenance is a foreign concept on these trails and they often end abruptly with knee and waist high obstacles or low hanging branches. There are only a few areas I would not feel comfortable riding the Stache Over, through or under and that is because the trees have razor sharp thorns on the branches. As soon as you discover which ones to avoid, the bike will happily plow its own trail.
I never had time for a long night ride, but found myself coming home at dusk more than once.
The November Business Builder Bike Ride was on the Arizona trail heading south from The Gabe Zimmerman Trailhead. I learned a very valuable lesson about the Stache on this ride. If a friend says “can I try the new 29+ bike out”, don’t let him. Phillip was gone in a flash and I did not see him for many miles. I’m glad it was an out and back ride so he was forced to meet up with me. The grin on his face from the “best ride he had been on” almost made me forgive him for robbing me of the opportunity to ride the most free flowing section of single track in Southern Arizona on the Stache. If the shoe was on the other foot, I’m not sure I would have returned the Stache for the ride back. Fortunately for me, he did and the journey back to the Gabe Z trailhead was most pleasant. Featuring open trails with a good line of sight and gentle curves the Stache was every bit as fast as my Santa Cruz tallboy. As it hit some of the tighter turns there was no need to slow as it hugged the trail.
The Stache 9 eating rocks on the Arizona Trail. CrazzeeHeads Princess helmet cover. It is hunting season. I like to remain visible.
The November SDMB social ride really excited me for putting the Stache through its paces. Reddinton Road offers a long steady climb, but we unfortunately drove up to the parking lot. I was able to hitch a ride and park at the bottom so I was able to blast down it at the end. I have ridden in this area a half dozen times. It is often over grown and the trail disappears in front of you. On one section it is a solid climb with water bars. Many are only 4-8 inches high and a few a foot or more, but they are on inclines, and somewhat technical to get over. I have never been able to ride this section on any other bike. However, the Stache rolled up everything. I did spin out on one water bars, but that was more of a me not shifting my weight than the bike not being able to mount it. On the descent it rolled over eroded areas and crevasses in the middle of the trail as if they were completely smooth. On the ride down Reddinton road I had a Personal Record and that time included putting my bike on the rack and driving the last section. I think if I had not stopped it would have easily contended for a top 10 finish. It’s likely on the straight away my time was slower than on other bikes and I would have liked a harder gear, but I have never been able to hit switchbacks with so much speed.
Crossing the Rincon Savanna on the Arizona Trail. Photo by Matt Nelson
One huge advantage of the Stache over a 4 inch wide Fat bike is that it fit snugly into my Thule T2 platform Bike rack. The Secure-hook on the front just barely clears the front wheel and I need to angle the bike slightly forward to get it out, but it did not require special hard wear as many over sized bikes do. I’m not sure the brand, but it fit on the platform rack when I caught the shuttle up Reddington Rd for the SDMB ride.
Now for the issues with the Stache 9. First and foremost, this is a demo bike and I need to return it to the Trek demo fleet. At $3,800 retail it is a little more than I have in the bike kitty at this time. I offered Trek $1,700, but they did not bite. I even explained that I had pushed this bike to the extreme and it was now a very used bike and really not worth more than a grand. Seriously, I really needed to search for issues with the Stache 9. The first I discovered was if you grab it in the wrong place, when placing it on the bike rack, it has an ability to smash your finger. It only took two throbbing digits to become aware of that and it has not happened again. The other two are likely issues of any Fat bike. In order to accommodate the fatter tires the frame needs to be bumped out. I have grown a solid black and blue patch on the inside of my thigh where my leg hits the frame. I have been trying to pay attention to what type of riding is causing this, and I do feel my leg hitting it on occasion, but not hard enough to bruise. If I owned the bike I might look at add some custom padding. The other issue is the balance and weight distribution at high speeds when turning. The front wheel seems to displace the balance in an unusual location. I’m trying to figure this one out, and think it is a low tire pressure issue with the amount of rubber on the road(after writing this I jacked the PSI up and this issue disappeared)
One of my last rides on the Stache 9 was to a home inspection. The client also rides, so showing up in spandex is accepted and I think appreciated.
After nearly one month and 150 miles on the Stache 9 I am a huge fan. Looking back, the moments that were the best were climbing the water bars, skimming over the surface of the Rilitto at 20 plus miles an hour, rolling through switchbacks at high speed, railing trail at Fantasy Island, AZ Trail, 50 Year and all the other single track I devoured. If I only had one Mountain Bike, I feel a Stache 9 is diverse enough to be that bike. I’m certain I would not win any races, but for the pure joy of riding a bicycle and the terrain in Southern Arizona, you can’t go wrong with this bike.
Do you want to take a Stache for a spin. Trek has two demo days this weekend, Saturday December 5th from 9AM – 1:00 PM at Fantasy Island in Tucson and At Brown Canyon Trailhead in Sierra Vista on Sunday the 6th from 11:00 – 3PM. They will have a great selection of road and mountain bikes to chose from. Be sure to bring your pedals , helmet and hydration. Personally, I recommend trying the Stache 9.
Happy Thanksgiving weekend. I hope you had a chance to over indulge in both miles in the saddle and the seasons trappings. I certainly have. I am so Thankful for the Cycling Community in Southern Arizona and each of you who give back. I’d like to name people, but the list is so long, it would exceed the length of this list.
I know it was hard for me to pull the ride list together this week. El Tour follow up, photos, work, family, turkey… I was even asked by a national blog to write an El Tour wrap up article. It will be appearing in GranFondo.com sometime in the near future. I put a copy of it with links on my blog
This is the most challenging week of the year for many cyclist. They just spent months preparing for El Tour and now that the goal has been achieved they put the bike up in the garage and don’t look at it until next fall. Hopefully, this ride list will help you find some motivation to keep going. Personally, I think the Tour de Cure on April 19th is an exceptional ride to train for. Not only is it great motivation, but it also raises funds for the ADA. For some types of diabetes, riding and being active can help manage it and may even delay or stop the onset in the first place.
Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you on the road and in the dirt.
Ride on,
Damion
__ __o
___ `\<?
__(_)/ (_)_____________
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.
REOCCURING WEEKLY RIDES
What
Where
When
Distance/Time
Speed
Contact
Cyclocross
Fort Lowell Park
Monday
6:30AM
Some pre work riding, jumping obstacles,beer, donuts, coffee, laps on the grass and dirt.
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.
Meet at the Hope Camp We’ll shuttle, head out to lakes rd. The ride is about 33 miles long with some good climbing, and plenty of sweet single track descents.
Come ride Redington Pass on Thanksgiving weekend! For November’s Social Ride, we are going to ride the AZT/ATV Route. This is a solidly intermediate ride, with about 1500 ft. of climbing over 12 miles
BICAS 20th Annual Art Auction Early bidding takes place Saturday from 11am-4pm; and you won’t want to miss the silent auction to be held Saturday December 5th, from 6-9pm. Plenty of bike parking so ride your bike!
The Art Gallery 1122 N Stone Ave.
Saturday from 11am-4pm;
And
Saturday December 5th, from 6-9pm.
www.bicas.org/art-auction
Criterium Training Series
UA Tech Park –
The Bridges 1550 E. 36th St
All races are Wednesday
Series 1
December 2,9,16,23,30
Series 2
January 6,13,20,27
February 3
Series 3
February 10,17,24
March 2,9
https://www.facebook.com/events/1500546370245192/
Bicycle Advocacy Committee Public meeting Himmel Park Library
1035 N Treat Ave,
Wednesday
12.9.15 6:00pm
Open meeting to the public all about bikes.
December Trailwork Day Milagrosa Sponsored By SONORAN CYCLES
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, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike SDMB, Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists TORCA, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child. 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
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 YOURSELD.
At the end of this blog are links to over 100 images from El Tour.
In the weekend before Thanksgiving, the best place to be is Tucson Arizona for El Tour De Tucson. I recommend staying through the Thanksgiving weekend as southern Arizona has so many “Must Do” Rides and it takes a full week just to see even a fraction of them. Tucson is surrounded on all sides by mountains and the valley floor is fairly flat. This gives riders of all levels an opportunity to get out and spin. Personally, my favorite is called “The Loop”. It has over 100 miles of paths circling the city with off shoots going in many directions. It is flat and no mechanized vehicles are allowed. Other must do rides include Mt. Lemmon with 29 miles and 6000 feet of climbing, Saguaro East with 8 miles of one way traffic through the most scenic Sonoran Desert imaginable. If you like to get off roads, Southern Arizona offers thousands of miles of single track and fire roads.
El Tour De Tucson is a bicycling event for cyclists of all ages and abilities who ride 104, 75, 55 or 40 miles in the main event or 11, 5 or 1/4 miles in the fun ride or for minutes not miles in indoor El Tour.
Is anything better then a day in the saddle with your sweetie?
Officially, I registered for the 55 mile ride, but as a photographer I like to get out and see all the action. I had a plan that gives me the chance to catch each race and still finish the day with over 115 miles. My game day strategy was to ride the course in reverse until the lead packs came through from the 104 and 80 mile routes. I would then follow the course until I would diverge to the start of the 55. I’d stick with that group until I needed to veer off to the start of the 40. I help coach a youth cycling team and our kids were riding in the 40 mile El Tour. This year the event is dedicated to former congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband Astronaut Mark Kelly. Gabby was part of one of Tucson’s darkest days, when a gunman showed up a “congresswoman on your corner” meetings and killed 8 people. Gabby survived a shot to the head and her return to El Tour is truly an inspiring story. In this blog, I’ll share links to the photo albums I have posted from the event. On the day I snapped about 3000 images and shared over 1000.
If you do the 104 mile event, and are interested in the best time, I would recommend showing up at the start line well before sunrise. Many riders camp out to be at the front of the line. For returning riders who had a qualifying time in previous Perimeter Cycling Events, there is a “platinum pass” that allows you to the front of the line. The roll out is fairly slow for most riders and the streets swell from sidewalk to sidewalk as every inch of pavement is claimed. This casual pace continues for the first 15 minutes until the race crosses the Santa Cruz River. For most EL Tours the Santa Cruz is actually a dry, sandy wash. After the wash crossing the field spreads out and it’s fairly easy to find a pack that is your pace. The ride heads South and East as you start to circle the city. For the most part, it feels flat, but there is a gradual climb. Nothing more than a few degrees and if you can ride a century you won’t notice it.
Chris DeMarchi and Phil Tinstman off the front with a gap about 30 miles in..
I picked up the lead riders near the Eastern most part of the ride. I was surprised to see a tandem was way off the front with only two riders about 30 seconds back. The chase pack was a few minutes behind and it was only about 30 miles into the race. As the race passes Saguaro Nation Park it has a few miles of descent as it drops into the Tanque Verde Valley. If I were visiting Tucson and only had one day, I’d add an extra 8 miles onto my ride and go for a loop through the park. It does have a climb that is far longer and harder than anything you will see during El Tour, but it’s just so incredible I’d be remiss not to mention it.
Heading North with the Catalina Mountains towering in the distance
What goes down must come up. The climb out of the Tangue Verde Valley in steady with only one hill just after Catalina Highway. The Highway (it’s only two lanes and is more of a scenic byway) leads to Mt. Lemmon. Just after the small hill the ride turns West. I’ve had El Tours where this is a huge relief as the wind at this time of the morning usually gives you a push. However, in Tucson, you can never be sure. We seem to get wind that is in direct proportion to how tired you are at the moment. This year, it felt like there were tailwinds all day and with the first sub 4 hour El Tour ever recorded, it shows the wionds were definitely favorable. As you head West you are only a mile from the base of the Catalina Mountains and for the next 30 miles the scenery is glorious.
The ride passes through a few hundred yards of dirt road that leads through the founder of El Tours property and into Canyon Ranch. The lead riders are able to navigate the road, but by the time I arrived most everyone was walking. This year Sabino Creek was flowing, but El Tour provided a bridge for dry crossing, but many people still rode. By this time I was getting a little warm and I wanted to soak my knees so I went into the stream. I was rewarded with some of the best photos of the day and I was dry in under an hour. The ride continues through one of Tucson’s gems, The world renowned Canyon Ranch Spa. If you can afford it, it’s worth every penny of it. Voted best Spa in the Universe more than once. Just after leaving Canyon Ranch is the steepest section of the day. Some walk it as it is steep, but most people are able to ride. It is not that long and I cleared it in only a few minutes.
Marty and Robin Giles with Riders for the Cure leading out the 55 mile ride.
As I continued heading West on Sunrise through the Catalina Foothills the road has long rolling hills. They are not steep, but there is no flat road for about 10 miles. I veered off at Swan and headed to the start of the 55 mile ride. I was having so much fun in the water that I was way behind schedule and missed the start by a few minutes. The 55 mile starts with 3 mile climb up Swan. Again, not exceptionally steep, but very steady. It joins in with the longer rides at Sunrise and heads West to Oracle road.
On Oracle road I ran into a long delay. Apparently, the ride was a little congested and the officers were attempting to bring balance to the force. I really would not have minded, but it was clear I was going to miss the start of the 40. On the plus side, this was one of the few times all day that the light is really bad for photos so I was able to put my head down and put in a solid effort once we were waved through the intersection. I used the Loop to avoid some traffic, but still missed the start of the 40 by only a few minutes.
Sharmin Pool and Jorgiana Jake wave as they pass on Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
I was able to catch Gabby Giffords and her entourage in no time at all, but there was no sight of El Grupito. The 40 mile course starts with perhaps the nicest stretch of blacktop in southern Az for cyclist. It is in Oro Valley and the roads are smooth, the bike lanes are wide, and the desert is thick with Saguaros, ocotillo, and other desert flora and fauna. Rancho Vistoso Blvd has a climb at the start but after you turn onto Moore road all of the climbing for the day is done. The 55 mile ride bypasses this stretch on Rancho Vistoso and meets up with the 40 on Moore.
I have not mentioned the condition of Tucson roads that much as it is sometimes embarrassing. It is a mixed bag. On the South side there are some patches that need serious attention. Parts of Moore Rd could use a fresh coating of blacktop, but this stretch is flat and seems to always just fly by.
The old west. If you prefer old school horses over the iron horse, Tucson has great equestrian trails.
One of the great parts about El Tour is the lack of traffic if you are riding at a pace that keeps you positioned towards the front. This is true for every distance. I did not notice any cars at all until just passed Moore Rd. Even on Oracle road where there are three lanes for cars, the bike lane is so wide that you don’t notice the vehicles. However, on Tangerine road, you are in with cars and have a small bike lane. On the positive side, it is a whipping fast descent and the tailwind made it even faster. Some cyclist had taken the entire road some distance ahead of me and I was able to pass all the cars and take advantage of the full road.
At the bottom of Tangerine just before the freeway is the aide station that I like to stop at. It is stationed by the Marana Rotary and they always provide Eegee’s frozen drinks. Eegee’s is a local restaurant that makes a frozen fruit concoction that is worth the visit. Every month they have a special flavor and then there are the old standbys, Strawberry, Lemon and Pina Colada. They have been known to cause brain freeze, but I had 3. They also have the ability to slow down kids in their tracks to devour the local fare. Finally, I caught El Grupito .
El tour is a family friendly. Many do the 40, but you see kids of all ages in every distance.
After the aide station we crossed under i-10 and headed South for 15 miles on the frontage road. Some years, this section is brutal. I’ve made the turn into 20mph winds, but this year it was blowing the other direction. It was just blissful riding all the way to Congress street. At this point they changed the course from previous years. It headed a little farther East through the old barrio and past the Mercado. I liked seeing this addition to give a little Tucson flavor that was missing. As we turned East again on 22nd street I felt the excitement of the finish line approaching. I was swelling with pride and admiration for the kids I was riding with. They had just done 40 miles, in formation, taking turns pulling. As we made the final turn North towards the finish line the kids started to jockey for position, but the coaches recommended they finish 10 across, together. It was only said once and they fell into formation. I went out in front to get a photo and found my eyes watering up a bit. My son, who is a part of El Grupo, and who I’ve seen cross this finish line many time, is away for the semester in Land O’ Lakes, Wi. at Conserve School. The past 7 years, I’ve ridden with him. As excited as I was for El Grupito I was missing my boy more than at any time since he left.
We were swarmed at the finish by all of the El Grupo Youth Cycling family. Hugs and high 5’s all around. I said goodbye to the kids and started to mill through the crowd and grab my finishing medallion. In true Gran Fondo style, it was not about the time I finished in, but the journey that got me to the start and the people I met along the way. It was about 3:22 when I finished. Gabby Giffords and her entourage crossed the line at 4:34. I doubled back on the course and finished the ride with them before riding home.
I had left home at dawn around 6:45 in the AM. The sun was set and I was riding on The Loop towards home. As I was climbing the last hill on the way home I was thinking how content I would be to do this every day. Yes, my legs were heavy, I felt the effort of the day, but the feelings were in all the right places.
If you are heading to Tucson, please feel free to contact me. I put out a weekly ride list of every ride I know of as well as races and events. The biggest challenge I face is that we have so many rides every day it is impossible to do them all. Also, I am a Realtor and have had many clients look for homes on bikes. Nothing makes me happier then putting on Lycra and telling my wife I’m going to work.
Below are links to the photo albums from the 2015 El Tour De Tucson. These images are also on The Damion Alexander Team on Facebook. If you like cycling photos, you will love this page.
All of the Cyclovia Tucson Fall Photos from The Damion Alexander Team in one place.
If you are unfamiliar with Cyclovia it is an Open Streets events. Open street events are exactly what they sound like – they open streets to people by closing them to cars for one day, and allow people to explore different parts of their city by jogging, walking, bicycling, skating and just playing. They are non-competitive and there is no start or finish line. The event is as much about creating space for social integration as it is about providing participants with an opportunity to try try out active transportation in a safe, social atmosphere.
These photos are a major time commitment and it is my pleasure to take the photos and share them with you. All I ask in return for the photos 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 you do not have a reltationship with a real estate agent, 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 Tucson community. For example: these photo albums. THANKS!
November 3rd is election day. There are huge benefits for the cycling community if all 7 bonds pass. As this list is all about bikes, I’d encourage you to vote for all 7.
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.
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.
REOCCURING WEEKLY RIDES
What
Where
When
Distance/Time
Speed
Contact
Cyclocross
Fort Lowell Park
Wednesday6:30AM
Some pre work riding, jumping obstacles,beer, donuts, coffee, laps on the grass and dirt.
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.
THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^
What
Location
DateTime
Time Distance
Speed
Contact- More Info
October Fantasy Island Costume Group Ride
Fantasy Island
Saturday, 10.31.156:00 PM
celebrate this wonderful Pagan holiday in style on bikes and in costume. We will be doing a fun ride around Fantasy Island on Halloween night. This will be group ride pace.
Gates Pass pullout G5 – 2nd on right, after pass.6800 W. Gates Pass Road,
Saturday, 10.31.158:00 AM
parking lot to rattle snake trail to cougar trail to lower brown trail and up on brown mt trail back to the cars.this is a 12ish mile ride with some hard climbs and technical desents.will take 2-3 hrs.
NE Corner of Rancho Vistoso Blvd and Sun City Blvd
Sunday11.01.15
7AM
26 miles (short option) or 31 miles (long option) of trail and some steep jeep road with lots of elevation gain (~2,500ft+). The long loop takes about 4 hours to complete without stops. Plan on 4-5 hours on the bike if doing the long option. Bring plenty of water as none is available.
we are adding this fun trail to the Wednesday night rides; let’s meet at Golder Ranch TH at 6:00 PM, start riding at 6:15 PM, original plan will be to do The Chutes and back
Cyclovia Tucson After Party. Just because the streets have reopened to cars doesn’t mean the fun is over! Join Living Streets Alliance for an official after party bash under the O’Malley’s tent at O’malleys On Fourth from 3pm on. We’ll have live music with Michael P., games, giveaways, plenty of bike parking and food trucks.
PIMA COUNTY BOND ELECTION. If the bond passes it will have a huge impact on the cycling community. The projects that will benefit the cyclist include the Velodrome, 2 BMX parks, The Loop (and other non-mechanized trails), repaving roads, open space for MTB trails, and new trailheads. The cost for the average home owner will be less than $18.00 a year. Have questions. Please call me, Damion, at 520-977-5664. I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on this and have facts. If you have a concern, I’m here to answer them or direct you to the sources that are available to help you make an informed decision.
Open to all. Call to the audience if you have something to say.
The Sandbox Showdown
Perhaps the greatest collections of misfits, deviants, dissenters, oddballs, outsiders, and eccentric riders all in one sandy place, riding Fatbikes in a wash to be named.
Parts, Bikes, accessories, friends, the swap meet has it all. It also has a new day. Same as The Urban Assault. My recommendation, sign up for the UAR as it will have a stop near the Bike Swap. Stop, shop, enjoy, let the other guy win the UA, they beer will still be there when you finish at the bike swap.
Beer, Bikes and Big Wheels. It’s hard to have as much fun on a bike as this ride. It’s been away for a few years and it’s time for the Old Pueblo to welcome them back.
Bicycle Advocacy Committee Public meeting Himmel Park Library 1035 N Treat Ave,
Wednesday12.9.15 6:00pm
Open meeting to the public all about bikes.
RIDE ON THE CAPITAL. January 19th 2016.For years we have been attempting to pass legislation in Arizona for the safety of all cyclist. The time has come for all riders to unite and pay our elected officials a visit. The vision is for all bikes: Road, Mountain Bikes, Commuters, recumbent, Trikes, Unicycles and anything else you can pedal or ride to attend.
Bike shops and cycle supportive businesses from around the state will participate and have prizes for those who ride the farthest to get to the capital, those who bring the largest groups, and just random prizes for participating.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1659759360905979/
TIMED RIDES aka MOTIVATION aka RACES and Big Rides
Name
Description
Date
Location
Contact Info
7th Annual 100: A Ride for Jim Stenholm
The 100 celebrates Jim Stenholm and the everyday heroes that do it all The 100 gives back to the children and families of fallen first responders through the 100 Club of Arizona.
10.24.157:00AM
Desert Horizon Park16002 N 56th St, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
Ride 104, 75,55 40 Mile Events or 11 mile, 5 mile and ¼ mile Fun Rides.Want a free registration, a cycling jersey, training rides? Sign up for Tu Nidito’s Ride for a child (https://www.tunidito.org/sponsored-event/ride-for-a-child/
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, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike SDMB, Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists TORCA, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child. 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
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.
Thursday, October 29th is the last day to get your early ballots in the mail. There is so much in the Bond election that will benefit the cycling community from roads, the velodrome, Loop Improvement and expansion, trailheads, and protecting open space. I ask you to vote yes on all 7 propositions for the future of our community. As for the cost… It will only be $17.54 per year for the average home owner. This is a very good value and is an investment we need to make.
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.
REOCCURING WEEKLY RIDES
What
Where
When
Distance/Time
Speed
Contact
Cyclocross
Fort Lowell Park
Wednesday
6:30AM
Some pre work riding, jumping obstacles,beer, donuts, coffee, laps on the grass and dirt.
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.
THIS WEEKS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES ^^^^Road rides are above^^^^
What
Location
Date
Time
Time Distance
Speed
Contact- More Info
Trail Maintainence on AZT – Santa Rita segment
Parking Area
Rt. 83 and I-10
Saturday, 10.24.15
7:00 AM
SAMBA is the trail steward of the Santa Rita passage of the AZ Trail. Our segment is in need of some work prior to the AES-Kentucky Camp ride on Nov 7.
We are doing another ride dedicated to our friend Carlos Carrasco. Urban Assault loop Make a stop at the top of Campbell and down the Urban Assault trail. After the ride – Hop Shop beer house.
PIMA COUNTY BOND ELECTION. If the bond passes it will have a huge impact on the cycling community. The projects that will benefit the cyclist include the Velodrome, 2 BMX parks, The Loop (and other non-mechanized trails), repaving roads, open space for MTB trails, and new trailheads. The cost for the average home owner will be less than $18.00 a year. Have questions. Please call me, Damion, at 520-977-5664. I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on this and have facts. If you have a concern, I’m here to answer them or direct you to the sources that are available to help you make an informed decision.
RIDE ON THE CAPITAL. January 19th 2016.
For years we have been attempting to pass legislation in Arizona for the safety of all cyclist. The time has come for all riders to unite and pay our elected officials a visit. The vision is for all bikes: Road, Mountain Bikes, Commuters, recumbent, Trikes, Unicycles and anything else you can pedal or ride to attend.
Bike shops and cycle supportive businesses from around the state will participate and have prizes for those who ride the farthest to get to the capital, those who bring the largest groups, and just random prizes for participating.
Open to all. Call to the audience if you have something to say.
The Sandbox Showdown
Perhaps the greatest collections of misfits, deviants, dissenters, oddballs, outsiders, and eccentric riders all in one sandy place, riding Fatbikes in a wash to be named.
Parts, Bikes, accessories, friends, the swap meet has it all. It also has a new day. Same as The Urban Assault. My recommendation, sign up for the UAR as it will have a stop near the Bike Swap. Stop, shop, enjoy, let the other guy win the UA, they beer will still be there when you finish at the bike swap.
Beer, Bikes and Big Wheels. It’s hard to have as much fun on a bike as this ride. It’s been away for a few years and it’s time for the Old Pueblo to welcome them back.
Bicycle Advocacy Committee Public meeting Himmel Park Library 1035 N Treat Ave,
Wednesday
12.9.15 6:00pm
Open meeting to the public all about bikes.
TIMED RIDES aka MOTIVATION aka RACES and Big Rides
Name
Description
Date
Location
Contact Info
7th Annual 100: A Ride for Jim Stenholm
The 100 celebrates Jim Stenholm and the everyday heroes that do it all The 100 gives back to the children and families of fallen first responders through the 100 Club of Arizona.
Ride 104, 75,55 40 Mile Events or 11 mile, 5 mile and ¼ mile Fun Rides.
Want a free registration, a cycling jersey, training rides? Sign up for Tu Nidito’s Ride for a child (https://www.tunidito.org/sponsored-event/ride-for-a-child/
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, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike SDMB, Tucson Off Road Cyclist & Activists TORCA, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Tu Nidito Ride For A Child. 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
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 YOURSELD.
