The Cycling Dude

Orange County Wheelmen Add Training Page to Website

The Orange County Wheelmen Cycling Club, hosts several of the best Cycling Events in Ca., every year, and have a very fine website.

Now it has added a new section to its site, a Training Page.

Front and center is an infromative article of interest to any member planning to do their very first Century ride.

There is a page of dates, times, locations, and miles of Training Rides, currently those for April, in preparation for the upcoming CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA 150 (100 mi. option, too!) - May 3 and 4.

There is another section of the website that has links to a series of training related articles in PDF format.

Non-Members are welcome on all Rides.

The Spring event, the 2008 SPRING CENTURY (103, 64 and 40 mile rides.) - March 29, has come and gone, but...

In the Summer and Fall, the events to look forward to are:

The World Famous RIDE AROUND THE BEAR! (100 mi.) -June 7

Amtrak Century (For over 30 years a great 1st Century Ride!) - Sept. 6

Fall Metric Century [Metric (64) or Half-metric (32) Centuries] - Oct. 25

Summer Cycling Event Celebrates 10 Years in Santa Cruz

The 10th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is  Saturday, 26 July 2008, and once again I've been asked to spread the word.

The Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is put on by The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club.  Proceeds from this annual event go to support the club’s bicycling education activities.

START: 6:30 – 8:30 AM

REGISTRATION:
  $45 early registration, $55 after 12 July 2008
  Registration closes on 21 July or when event is full – whichever comes first
  NO day of event registration
  Pre-registration the evening before the ride at the Scotts Valley Hilton – 5:30 to 7:30 PM

LOCATION: Scotts Valley High School
  555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, CA  95066

CONTACT: century@santacruzcycling.org

TWO CHALLENGING ROUTES:

The Century Challenge:  Ride some of the most scenic and challenging roads in the Western US while gaining over 11,000 feet in elevation (110+ feet per mile).  We start out with a Cat 2 climb on the famous Mt. Charley Road (roadbed was laid out in 1851) and moving on to other roads like Jamison Creek and E. Zayante.  Number of Category 1 climbs = 1; Cat 2 = 3; Cat 4 = 4.  Finishers surely have earned major bragging rights.

The Metric Century Challenge: The 65 mile route is by no means a wimp ride.  The course will cover many of the same roads as the full century.  With 7,800 feet in elevation gain, clearly a challenge for the most experienced riders.  Sharp switchbacks on steep descents will require alert technical riding.

FUEL:  Fantastic rest stops loaded with plenty of food and drink to keep you going.  Replenish your body at the end of the ride with a great gourmet burrito and ice cream.

EQUIPMENT:  Both routes require that riders have bikes and bodies in excellent shape, especially brakes and tires for a day on our mountain roads.  Layered clothes are a must with Santa Cruz's (usually) cool weather in the mornings and warmer daytime temps.   

BUZZ: $100 first-place prize each to the fastest man and women climbing Jamison Creek – 3 miles gaining 1,585’ in elevation (528’ per mile) starting at mile 46.

PARKING:  Scotts Valley High School - Please carpool if possible.

Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge 2007

The following has been sent to me from Barton T. Coddington, President of the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club:

EVENT: The Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge DATE: Saturday, 4 August 2007 START: 6:30 – 8:30 AM

REGISTRATION: $45 early registration, $55 after 15 July 2007 Registration closes on 31 July or when event is full – whichever comes first NO day of event registration Pre-registration the evening before the ride at the Scotts Valley Hilton – 6:00 to 8:00 PM

LOCATION: Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, CA

WEBSITE: 2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge.

CONTACT: century@santacruzcycling.org

TWO CHALLENGING ROUTES:

The Century Challenge: Ride some of the most scenic and challenging roads in the Western US while gaining over 10,000 feet in elevation (100+ feet per mile). We start out with a Cat 2 climb on the famous Mt. Charley Road (roadbed was laid out in 1851) and moving on to other roads like Jamison Creek and E. Zayante. Number of Category 1 climbs = 1; Cat 2 = 3; Cat 4 = 4. Finishers surely have earned major bragging rights.

The Metric Century Challenge: The 60 mile route is by no means a wimp ride. The course will cover many of the same roads as the full century. With over 6,000 feet in elevation gain, clearly a challenge for the most experienced riders. Sharp switchbacks on steep descents will require alert technical riding.

FUEL: Fantastic rest stops loaded with plenty of food and drink to keep you going. Replenish your body at the end of the ride with a great gourmet meal and ice cream.

EQUIPMENT: Both routes require that riders have bikes and bodies in excellent shape, especially brakes and tires for a day on our mountain roads. Layered clothes are a must with Santa Cruz's (usually) cool weather in the mornings and warmer daytime temps.

BUZZ: The event sold out in 2006 – register early to ensure a spot in this year’s challenge. CLOTHING: This year we are offering a fabulous jersey along with an event T-shirt.

The Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is put on by The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club. Proceeds from this annual event primarily go to support the club’s bicycling educational activities.

Happy Cycling! ;-D

Acura Bike Tour Travels LA Marathon Route for 13th Year

Between 1997 and 2001 I participated in several Family Friendly Bike Tours, and attend related Bike Shows.

Only 1 such event saw my atttendance twice: The Acura L.A. Bike Tour that occurs each March, in the early morning hours before the running of the world famous L.A. Marathon.

Every year, since 1995, 15,000 Cyclists, young, and old, from around the world, begin to gather near the Los Angeles Coliseum, as early as 2 am the morning of the ride, and at dawn they set off for an approximate 24 mile ride through the empty streets of Los Angeles, along most, but not all, of the route followed later in the morning by the runners.

I 1st did it in 1998, and loved the experience so much I returned in 2001 ( Not sure if this year will be a return visit for me, yet ).

*** 7pm: We Interrupt This Post for a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

The Cycling Dude WILL be at the Expo on the 2nd, and the Ride on the 4th!!

We Now Return You to Our Regularly Scheduled Post***

All who complete the ride get a really cool medal to hang around their necks in pride. ;-D

The ride take participants on a tour that passes through several neighborhoods, and past many famous, and lesser known spots in the city.

While there are the usually contingent of Racers who, un-officially, contend for the honor of being the 1st, and fastest, to complete the ride, most folks take their time, and ride at a leisurely 10 to 12 mph, thus completing the ride well before stragglers are instructed to get off the route because the Wheelchair Event is about to start.

With spectators cheering from the curb the sense of fun, and solidarity in the love of cycling, is strong.

The variety of bikes on display is as varied as the ages, and nationalities of the riders, and is a fascinating part of the spectacle.

I like the description from the Official Website of this 1st of its kind event:

"As the day dawns in Exposition Park and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, you can feel the excitement in the air as you mount your bike, surrounded by more than 15,000 people who enjoy riding their bicycles as much as you do. Knowing that the streets have been cleared of all motor vehicles, you look forward to hearing nothing but the sound of your fellow cyclists touring the traffic-free streets of Los Angeles for this one rare day each year.

With a host of celebrities leading the pack at a comfortable, yet challenging pace, the Acura L.A. Bike Tour begins and it is even better than you could possibly imagine. As you pass through the neighborhoods of LA, you enjoy the camaraderie of friends and families pedaling together. Savor just how serene the city can be when you take away the noise and stress caused by motor vehicles. With the impressive downtown skyline rising before you, you feel the anticipation that comes with closing in on completing the 20+ mile ride.

Surrounded by your fellow cyclists, you could not be more exhilarated as you cross the Acura LA Bike Tour Finish Line into Exposition Park"

After the ride you can go watch the Marathon for the rest of the day.

The The Quality of Life Expo is held at the LA Convention Center, Kentia Hall, March 2 and 3.
Friday, March 2 from 9 am – 8 pm.
Saturday, March 3 from 9 am – 6 pm.

I loved the Expo because of all the infomation, and products, one could see on display, and the free literature.

People with money to spend, of course, were buying things left, and right, but I was not among them. ;-D

This year, on March 4th ( A day before my Birthday!  Just like in 2001. ), the Marathon has a different route than it has ever had before, and from the looks of the Bike Course Map, it appears the Bike Tour Ride is different as well.

In the years I rode the ride headed west from the north side of the Coliseum, and made its way north to Sunset, then Hollywood and Vine, then east to Hollywood and Sunset, before heading south again through Echo Park to downtown.

The Acura L.A. Bike Tour proudly supports the YESPAL ( Youth Educational Sports ) after school education program, and the Yes Cycling Club Program.

There is something on the website that is important enough to spread the word about here:

A FEW REASONS FOR INTRODUCING BICYCLING AS  A SPORT IN SCHOOLS:

Bicycling needs a safe venue to practice the sport instead of the streets.

Bicycling must become an organized and recognized sport in secondary schools. Bicycling is a life sport that an individual can actively participate in for the rest of their lives.

Bicycling is the only sport that is a form of transportation for the short to long distances.

Our youth are suffering from obesity because of the lack of exercise and/or mobility.

Bicycling is a friendly sport easy on the joints (low impact), good for developing young bodies.

Bicycling is the best cross training for other popular school sports.

Bicycling can use existing school facilities to stage practices and competition.

Bicycling is an alternative to driving a car without a license.

Bicycling is a cost effective alternative to driving a car.

Bicycling should be subsidized as any other sport.

Some things to think about.

If you live in Southern California, and are looking for a good time for yourself, or your entire family, the Tour, Marathon, and Expo, is a can't go wrong experience. ;-D

The Tour is in its 13th year, and I look forward to riding it this Sunday, and many more times in the future!

***UPDATE - 3/2/07 ***

Read my Expo Preview Post here

***END UPDATE***

Okay, Okay, Cycling Season Begins in Jan

In entering a bunch of Event links in the sidebar, this morning, I discovered that the honor of getting the California Fun Ride Season under way each year belongs to at least 2 cities, in JANUARY, so sorry Palm Springs. ;-D

The Stagecoach Century was held on Jan.13th in Ocotillo, CA ( 80 miles east of San Diego on Interstate 8 ):

A Wild West cycling adventure along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849. The ride travels through the pristine deserts on County Route S2 in east San Diego and Imperial Counties. Enjoy stunning vista views from four desert passes along the route.

Learn more on the Official Website.

The Borrego Springs Century was held on January 27th, in Borrego Springs:

You have a choice of several paved road rides of up to 100 miles in distance. Other distances include 34 and 60 miles which are on the first loop. Make it a full century by adding the second unique loop! You will be treated to some of the greatest desert scenery anywhere.

Learn more on the Official Website.

Tour de Palm Springs Gets Year Rolling

The other day I mentioned that Cycling Season gets rolling in March.

Well, um, the good folks in Palm Springs had other ideas, hee, hee. ;-D

The 9th Annual Tour de Palm Springs was held on February 10th with a theme of "A Tribute to Music", and this year the tour began Downtown.

The Honorary Cyclist was Monty Hall. ;-D

The event was started to promote having fun while pedaling a bicycle far enough to amaze friends and co-workers while at the same time, volunteering for a good cause.

The first Tour de Palm Springs began in 1998 with just over 300 riders when Tim Esser rode his bicycle solo from Palm Springs, CA to Jacksonvile, FL for charity. Today, the Tour hosts nearly 8,000 riders of all ages and abilities.

Cyclists rode for over 75 local charities in the Coachella Valley while being serenaded by over 20 bands of all types.

Apparently there were not only jazz, rock and roll, and marching bands, but choirs, and a small symphony orchestra along the routes.

Riders had 5 routes to choose from: 5, 10, 25, 55, and 100 miles.

Here is the Official Website of the Tour de Palm Springs.

Why Bike Alone if You Don't Have To?

Maybe it was because the heads-up came on Friday the 13th, I don't know, but an e-mail from my friend Larry Lagarde has sat in my inbox since October:

Kiril,

As part of my efforts to draw a larger audience in general to bicycling, I'd like to invite you and your readers to visit "Let's Go Bicycling!" a site that's designed to unify bicyclists so more riders can be aware of upcoming cycling events and/or find riding partners for future rides. The site is free to use so I invite you to check it out and share word about it with others.

And here's the url for an event that I just added...

By working together, we can inspire more people to discover the joys of bicycling.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde

Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.

Well, I checked the place out, and it seems to have a few others who have signed on.

Members can add events to a calendar, share photos, and join discussions in a forum.

A pretty cool idea that has potential as more people learn of it. 

Mardi Gras Celebration Bike Ride

PRESS RELEASE - 2/05/07

Saturday, February 24th, MARDI GRAS comes to the Southland...

California’s Southland that is! 

In the picturesque village of Ventura Harbor, a couple of Louisiana transplants are producing a BIG Mardi Gras Celebration at The Greek at Ventura Harbor Village. 

Funds raised will go to NOLA Habitat for Humanity, The Arthritis Foundation and Ventura County’s bicycle paths all through local non-profit, VENTURA VELO.ORG.

The MARDI GRAS CENTURY BIKE RIDE  begins at 7AM, serving traditional King Cake and Coffee.  A HOT Breakfast Buffet will be available at a nominal fee.

Riders, coming from all over the USA, will follow a rigorous 100 mile scenic tour of Ventura, Ojai, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. 

There is FULL SAG  support, with bike mechanics, roving SAG trucks and several rest stops where volunteers will hand out New Orleans' Po-boy sandwiches!

The Half Century is 60 miles, following a similar path as the Century, but with a shorter return back to The Greek at the Harbor.

The Quarter Century  is an easy 25 miles,  staying in Ventura and is designed to be a fun and safe ride for Families.

The MARDI GRAS Celebration Dinner Party will get underway at 1 PM back at Ventura Harbor’s The GREEK, for riders, guests, sponsors and is open to the public. 

Authentic Cajun music will be provided by the Zydeco Zippers  and DANCERS are WELCOMED!

Beautiful Bellydancers, buckets of Mardi Gras beads plus plenty of PRIZES for Best Costumes and Best Decorated Bicycle will be awarded.

Price includes a special New Orleans All-You-Can-Eat Buffet with authentic GUMBO ! A No-Host Bar will also be available.

Tickets are available for the Mardi Gras Celebration Party  online at ACTIVE.com or by mail.

Prices are $20 ($25 at door), $10 (ages 6-12), Kids 5 and under FREE! Bicyclist Registration is $50 at ACTIVE.com and is $60 at the door. 

All donations are tax deductible. 

Sponsors include: Ventura Harbor Village, The GREEK, The Bike Depot, Ojai Valley Inn, Performance Bikes, Trader Joe’s, Green Thumb, StarBucks, and RoadID.com.

Avid cyclist, Paul Callaway, founded VENTURA VELO after the 2005 storms took out parts of Ventura County bike paths. Distressed about so much damage but no funds for repairs, Callaway started the nonprofit with a handful of bike enthusiasts and a charter to raise funds to help. 

The organization first held a Three Harbors Tour Bike Ride September 2005, just days after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf. 

The Tour was a success, funding the group’s startup and attracting over a hundred riders.  The  Organization’s Board has since made contributions to Katrina/Rita victims via Habitat for Humanity, The Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic as well as continuing to improve, develop and maintain Ventura County Bike paths, safety and fellowship.

As the Gulf Coast continues the painful rebuild, Ventura Velo decided the Mardi Gras ride should continue help aid the efforts of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. 

V.V.President and native Louisianian, Liz Bailey explains, “Holding a Mardi Gras Celebration Bike Ride is a great way to get people into the spirit of Mardi Gras.

I’ve heard folks say they’d like to help New Orleans, but don’t know how.  By participating in the VENTURA MARDI GRAS , they will get a REAL taste of Mardi Gras, help Habitat in New Orleans, plus we’ve got a lot of work to do here locally improving bicycle paths and safety. 

It’s a win-win situation, so Yal’l come join us for some great cajun music, food and fun.

For more information on the February 24th 07’MARDI GRAS CENTURY CELEBRATION AND BIKE RIDE go to: www.venturavelo.org,  call 805.815-5258 or write Ventura Velo, P.O. 6101, Ventura CA 93006.

Liz Bailey
President
VENTURAVELO.ORG

Spring is Bike Riding Season in CA.

Beginning in March a long list of Cycling Rides come, and go, thru the summer, and into the fall, here, and no doubt around the nation.

I'm going to be visting some websites for posts, and adding links in the sidebar.

I don't promise anything, but I may be able to attend a couple of these rides, we shall see.

San Juan Cap Bike Giveaway to Celebrate Bikeway Opening

The city of San Juan Capistrano will be celebrating the opening of a new Bike Trail Undercrossing, called the Verada Bikeway Undercrossing, in the city, on October 28th with a family friendly event.

The city is giving away 200 bike helmets to the 1st 200 kids who show up at the event.

The link has been under construction for 7 months, and is an important addition to the city trail system.

There will be a bike ride, and walk, refreshments, and more.

The event is at Descanso Park  ( Next to City Hall, at the end of Paseo Adelanto. ) at 1030 am.

The Trail System in this historic city is extensive, and has its origins in the adoption of both a General Plan Bike Trail System, (paved trails), and a General Plan Hiking and Equestrian Trail System, (unpaved trails), in the late 1970's, and due to the growing popularity of Mountain Biking those folks can now enjoy the unpaved trails if they dare.

You can see a map, with a dencent enlargement link, and learn how to pick up, or order, the paper map, on this city webpage.