On August 30, 2013 rolling reporter James McKenzie said Tucson Bicyclists: Warning: Julian Wash between Kolb and Rita Ranch is CLOSED due to construction. There are baricades on the Rita Ranch side but not at the entryway on Kolb (well not blocking the bikeway). There was a dump truck, Bobcat and other ‘stuff’ working to repair the washouts from earlier this year. And I found out the hard way, I rode down it…
A special place in Hell
I believe in Hell. I believe there is a special area in hell dedicated to bike thieves. They are destined for an eternal torture that includes a never ending headwind, golf ball sized hail, acid rain that boils the skin, no hydration, bonking, a corner store just ahead, but they never can reach it, a crank that slips on every rotation, saddle soars, occasional blasts of artic air that freeze to the bone marrow followed by extreme heat that causes … Continue reading A special place in Hell
What happens when a cyclist breaks his back?
There is going to be one less road hazard this weekend on the roads of Tucson. The Dodge Bridge, just south of River is getting some new asphalt. For years a 3 plus inch wide separation between curb and road has beckoned tires like a streetcar track. Earlier this summer a county employee caught his tire in the crack and had a severe collision with the ground. It was because of this that the county finally took action to have … Continue reading What happens when a cyclist breaks his back?
New Bike Friendly Laws – Can it happen?
This morning I met with State Representative Ethan Orr to discuss bicycle friendly legislation that might be introduced next session. Bob Morken Jr. also joined us. Last year two bills were introduced into the state legislature that related to cycling, but both did not make it past committee. In addition to discussing what bills he would support we also talked about what strategy he would use to actually get them passed. On that front, Otto von Bismarck said it best … Continue reading New Bike Friendly Laws – Can it happen?
Tucson makes #2 in top 20 cities
The website greatist.com published their annual top 20 cities for 20-somethings. I was pleasantly surprised to see Tucson at #2. Today also marked the arrival of the first streetcar in Tucson. There is a buzz that has existed in our community in the 25 years I have lived here. The following is from the article and at the bottom I have commented on the links that they provided as reference. “When we released last year’s list of the top 20 … Continue reading Tucson makes #2 in top 20 cities
Tu Nidito Ride for a Child
Launched in 2008, Ride for a Child is a special fundraising program that pairs El Tour cyclists with Tu Nidito children whose lives have been impacted by serious illness or the death of someone they love. Participating cyclists pledge to raise $500 or more for Tu Nidito as part of their El Tour ride. Each Ride for a Child cyclist rides and fundraises in honor of a specific Tu Nidito child, putting a face and story to their fundraising effort … Continue reading Tu Nidito Ride for a Child
Another At”tack” near Catalina Highway
This following is from a letter I was CCéd on about another incident of tacks on the road near Catalina Highway. This time on Snyder. Just a reminder, we have created a fund that has $2,869 dollars for info that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) putting tacks on the road. If you want to donate to the fund, contact me, Damion Alexander, at damion@damionalexander.com or call 520-977-5664. If you have info on the tacks call the … Continue reading Another At”tack” near Catalina Highway
TPD Citation for Bike Rack blocking license plate
The man, delaying me on the drive home. I was heading home from El Grupo practice this weekend and saw the red and blue lights in the rear view mirror. I was somewhat surprised to see them as I was traveling under the speed limit on an empty road. The offence, obscured license plate by bikes and bike rack. Clearly, with two bikes on the rack it was impossible to make out the plate. I deserved a ticket based on … Continue reading TPD Citation for Bike Rack blocking license plate
Stolen Bike-Specialized Pitch
This was posted by a friend, Dana Higgins about a stolen bike. I’ve heard variations of this, the most amazing was someone who stole a BMW first, left the car at the house and took a 10K plus TT bike out for a spin, never to return. Hopefully, we can spread the word and find the bike as well as educate people. I got a call about my Specialized Pitch, but the man on the line … Continue reading Stolen Bike-Specialized Pitch
El Grupo field trip to Carmichael Training Systems
El grupo had one of the most important practices of the year Wednesday night. It included an effort of only 9-10 minutes on a trainer at Carmichael Training Systems (CTS). The entire workout consisted of riding a three mile computer course in order to establish training parameters for the year. Based on the results from the test the kids are able to figure out what their heart rate and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) should be for different workouts. CTS … Continue reading El Grupo field trip to Carmichael Training Systems