Friday, June 7   SOBs meet Texas 4000 riders at the Agora Market in Eldorado at 2:00 p.m.

Friday, June 7 5:30 p.m. social hour

6:30 p.m. dinner at Las Campanas Country Club with Texas 4000 riders and members of the UT alumni organization. Great food

and great conversation with Texas 4000 riders. A short program presented by the Texas 4000 follows the dinner.

I need to send in names of those attending the dinner today. So please contact me at pollockb@aol.com to provide your name and the guest that will accompany you.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Friday, June 7–SOBs meet Texas 4000 riders at Eldorado at 2:00 p.m. and ride with the riders to their hotel

Friday, June 7–SOB members and guests meet the Texas riders and the alumni of U of Texas at Las Campanas. Social hour begins at 5:30. Dinner follows at 6:30 p.m.

Please send me an email with the names of guests you are bringing so that the Club can know how many to prepare for. Spouses and friends are certainly invited. My email address: pollockb@aol.com

At dinner, you could be sitting next to junior Cade Stone. Cade is majoring in government and has served as an intern to the Speaker of the Texas House. Furthermore, he volunteers to participate in many organizations providing assistance to different levels of government. Like others, he has lost a family member to cancer and finds this ride to Alaska to be a monument to his grandmother and to others facing the effects of cancer.

One of the original founding members of Seniors on Bikes has died. Dr. Robert Hilley, a physician and enthusiastic bike rider died suddenly. He had bicycled over much of the known world in the years past. Bob was a real scientist and practiced in pathology. He wanted to be in the field of medical inquiry in his earliest years. He was also an Air Force veteran. Bob had had some heart issues several years ago, but continued to ride as soon as he was able. He wore a heart monitor and followed his doctor’s advice to never ride over 150 heart beats. Bob’s wife, Lee Hilley, was also a long distance bicyclist, riding across the country several times. Lee was killed in a tragic bicycle accident while riding in Albuquerque a number of years ago. Bob had just returned from a trip to New Zealand and Australia. Bob continued to be active and continued making solo rides in Santa Fe. He was 91.

Bob will be interred at the Santa Fe Military Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on June 12, 2019.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Current members of the Santa Fe SOBs may receive a discount at our five sponsor bike shops:  Bike-N’-Sport, Broken Spoke, Mellow Velo, Rob & Charlie’s and Sirius Cycles.  The discount is 15%, but it does not apply to sale items, labor or new bikes.  You should ask for the discount at time of purchase and show your SOB membership card as proof of membership, if asked. There are too many of us for all the bike shops to know everyone.

Your membership card came in your “Welcome SOB Members 2019” email.  You receive a welcome email every year after paying your dues and signing the waiver for the current year.  Both can be done online.  If you are an Elite 80 member, you will receive the welcome email after signing the waiver.

You can either print the card and carry it with you, or show the email on your phone when you are at the sponsor bike shop.

Please email me at shirleyknarr@gmail.com if you have an issue with any of the bike shops and I will work with them to mediate the situation.

The Texas 4000 riders were in Abilene, Texas last night. Once a major cattle town, Abilene is now a modern city. And today they are heading toward Lubbock in the Panhandle.

Friday, June 7–SOB members meet the Texas 4000 at Eldorado at 2:00 p.m. and lead them to their hotel in the Rail Yard district.

Friday, June 7–Join the Texas 4000 and the University of Texas alumni at the Las Campanas Country Club for social time and dinner. The time has been adjusted from previous posts. The social hour begins at 5:30 and dinner is at 6:30. The cost is $60 per person for the dinner and checks are accepted payable to the alumni when you arrive at the Country Club. The cost is around what a similar dinner in town might cost. The dinner is always great with lots of food. Tables for eight are located in the dinning room and members of the Texas 4000 arrange for their members to scatter among the tables so that we all have a chance for conversation with them during dinner. At your table, you might be sitting next to Madeline Keist, a junior majoring in management systems. Madeline is from a large family and finds her brothers and parents to be very supportive. She is interested in environment and social living programs and she lives in The House of Commons, a residence of cooperative living, with fellow students who are focused on social structures. She is dedicating her ride to her grandmother who died of cancer recently, and who was, unfortunately, a smoker.

Please notify me at pollockb@aol.com that you will attend the dinner and the names of any guests you are bringing. Important that the Club know how many will be at the dinner.

Look for more information at this web site in the coming days.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

The Texas 4000 riders finished their second day of riding yesterday and now approaching the Texas Panhandle. They may be facing some rain in the next couple of days. Let’s hope they brought their rain gear. Some nights they camp out and other nights are in motels. Not easy to find hotel accommodations for about 30 people in some small towns.

But they are tough! Nearly 1000 students apply each year to participate in the Texas 4000 organization. Those who are admitted spend a year learning to do public speaking and organizing fund raising programs for cancer research. And, yes, they ride bicycles, too. They must demonstrate their physical and mental strength to do long day rides of 100 miles. Those who are successful are then invited to join the group for the annual ride to Anchorage. During that year, they do more riding and continue with fund raising activities. At the end of the second year, they start for Anchorage. And the Sierra group will arrive on Friday, June 7 in Santa Fe.

SOB riders will meet the group at Eldorado and lead them to their motel in the Rail Yard District. Riding down Old Santa Fe Trail and into the Plaza is exciting, riding with about 35 in the group. The size of the group demands attention and cars give wide berth to the group, even on the narrow roads and streets of Santa Fe.

And then there’s is dinner at the Las Campanas Country Club with the riders, their van drivers, and the alumni of the University of Texas. The evening starts with a social time and then a great dinner in the dining room. Texas riders split to sit at different tables to join SOB members, spouses, friends, and the alumni. During the event at the Country Club, one gets into some real conversations with the students. They are eager to talk. And they are always impressed with Santa Fe. Each year they comment on how amazing it is to find themselves in New Mexico and comment on how green it is after days in the Panhandle.

When you’re at dinner, you might sit with Ruthvik Allala who is a junior at the University of Texas majoring in biology and sociology. Born in Hyderbad, India. he emigrated to Texas t the age of two with his parents. His home town is Austin. Ruthvik is in a pre-med program and volunteers much time to several community organizations that provide health and wellness services to the homeless and others without resources. His grandmother was a victim of cancer but gave great meaning to his own life as he grew up.

The program:

Friday, June 7–Meet the Texas 4000 riders at the Agora Market in Eldorado at 2:00 p.m. and ride into Santa Fe

Friday, June 7 at 6:00 p.m. Meet at the Las Campanas Country Club for social time and dinner. A short program provided by 5 students on the ride will explain their goals and the purposes of the ride.

To inform the management of the number of those attending the dinner, please send me an email with the name of any guest coming with you. Send the email to me at      pollockb@aol.com

A closing question: How tired would you be after riding a week from Austin and pedaling north from Clines Corner only to meet a fresh group of SOB riders at Eldorado eager to show those youngens who is the champ?

Submitted by Bill Pollock

The three groups left Austin, Texas yesterday after a ceremony and gathering of family and friends to see them off. Must be exciting, the first day. Everything to look forward to–the ride, the changing scenery best seen from a bicycle.

Next Friday, June 7, the Sierra Group arrives in Santa Fe. SOB members are encouraged to meet the Texas 4000 riders when they arrive at the Agora Market in Eldorado about 2 p.m. Ride with them to the Plaza.

And then join with them, bringing spouses or friends with you to the Las Campanas Country Club for social times and a great dinner in the beautiful dining room of the Club House. Just passing through the gate keeper at the entrance to the grounds and announcing that you are attending the Texas 4000 dinner swings wide the gate and the wonderful drive through the grounds.

Next week, I ask that you send me an email saying that you will attend and the name(s) of those coming with you. Important to provide the number coming to the Club. In the past, our members have said that meeting the students on the ride and chatting with them is one of the highlights of the year. You might find yourself sitting next to Brittan McCarthy. She was raised in Australia and then six years in London before enrolling at the University of Texas where she majors in bioengineering. Brittan says she has a British accent that surprises other students.

Let me know next week if you can attend the dinner and also if you will be able to ride.

Bill Pollock         pollockb@aol.com

All three riding groups of the Texas 4000 take different routes that merge together in Whitehorse, Yukon. Whitehorse is the first Yukon city that they pass through. Located on what was known for years as “The Al-Can highway” that was built in the early years of World War II to get US Army equipment to Alaska for defense for an impending attack. Highway crews of Americans and Canadians worked 24-hours/day every day to complete construction in a very short time. But Whitehorse is also where the poet Robert Service wrote an epic poem–The Cremation of Sam McGee. The first verse you probably remember:

There have been a lot of cars parked lately in the parking lot we usually use (west of the ballpark). You may want to park instead at one of the lots on top of the hill east of the ballpark for Thursday’s (May 30) ride.

Having great rides. Roads are smooth, no glass, few pot holes, decent drivers, great scenery, good company!  Christa, Cat, Christine, Barb, Rich, John, David, Bud, Adrian, et moi.  Photo at beach in Sant Marti.

Memories of Seniors on Bikes members are often surprised at how time flies. A year has already passed and again The Texas 4000 riders arrive in Santa Fe on Friday, June 7. SOB members meet the riders at the Agora store in Eldorado Friday afternoon and lead the 30 riders to their motel in the Railyard District in Santa Fe. This is a fun ride because we ride Old Las Vegas and move to Old Santa Fe Trail to ride to the Plaza and then to the motel. Meeting these men and women students is stimulating and one forgets that we are somewhat isolated from young Americans. They convince you that there are great people moving soon into careers and contributions to society.

These students join the Texas 4000 program two years before they are eligible to ride. The route is almost 4000 miles from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Texas. Their purpose is to raise funds for cancer research, and a major effort is to raise funds for the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. But funds go to other research institutions as well. Several of the riders are cancer survivors themselves, and others have family members who have faced the disease. The Texas 4000 riders raise nearly $1 million each year!

There are almost 100 riders that ride three different routes. The Sierra Route is the one that stops in Santa Fe. This route heads north out of Santa Fe and then turns west to Las Vegas, NV and then to Yosemite National Park and to San Francisco and north on the coast. The Ozarks Route follows the Mississippi River to Canada and then turns west. The Rockies Route goes north out of Austin and along the Rockies to Canada. All three routes meet together in Whitehorse, Yukon Ter. and ride together into Alaska and to Anchorage. They arrive in Anchorage in mid-August.

Our long-time member of SOBs, Frank Battaglia, gives generously to the program and pays the cost of the motel bill for the group here in Santa Fe. This is the first major stop for the group after a week of riding. The motel and a shower are very welcome. But that’s not all! The University of Texas alumni here in Santa Fe host a fantastic dinner at the Las Campanas Country Club to which all SOB members are invited to attend. It is a remarkable evening and the opportunity to sit and eat with the students and Alumni is outstanding.

More to follow on this web site in next few days.

Here’s the basic schedule

Friday, June 7:     2:00 p.m.

Wear SOB jerseys and meet the Texas riders around 2 p.m. at the Agora. With our combined group it is an exciting down Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza where the size and speed of the group gets lots of attention from pedestrians.

Friday, June 7:   6:00 p.m. Meet at Las Campanas Country Club for social bar and dinner (casual dress) . Dinner will conclude about 8:30 p.m.

Watch this web site for more details. Here’s a challenge question: What is the hand signal for the slogan “Hook ’em Horns”?

Submitted by Bill Pollock

I was asked to post this. The city has been using weedeaters to cut weeds along the river trail near the tennis courts. In the process they have stirred up and scattered LOTS of goathead (puncture vines) stickers onto the trail. We had 6 flats on Tuesday because of this. Be warned

I am a new Santa Fe part-timer and looking forward to making my first rides with the SOBs over the coming weeks. I enthusiastically ordered a new SOB jersey only to discover that I should have ordered a size medium instead of a small. I will happily give the jersey to anyone who wears a size small. I can be contacted at calwinfield@sbcglobal.net

Mike and I recently took a short bike trip to Phoenix and Tucson.  We biked through Saguaro National Park and stopped to visit Dick and Karin Roth.  I am happy to report that they are happy, healthy and biking regularly on a tandem and did a metric century this weekend.  Further that they are enjoying their new Santa Fe SOB mugs.  They extend warm greetings to all SOBs here in chilly Santa Fe.

As many of you may know, HB 192, the five-feet-to-pass-cyclists bill, was the subject of an unfortunate amendment in the waning days of the legislative session. It was too late to do anything thoughtful about it, and so it became part of the law passed by the legislature: (1) motorists have to give five feet to pass cyclists and (2) cyclists should use “separate posted or painted bicycle lanes or pathways” “to the extent practicable.” Some in the bicycling advocacy community are of the view that the amendment is a mandatory law that requires cyclists to use multi-use paths and as such poisons the whole bill. I do not share that view; the practicable language has been in the law requiring cyclists to ride to the right insofar as practicable, and it has been interpreted to give cyclists the discretion to ride where it is safe to do so on the road. After consultation with the sponsors of the legislation, the SOB board, and the other main advocates for HB 192, we have decided that the bill ought to be signed and we will work to get the amendment repealed or tweaked in future years. The alternative is to have the bill vetoed and try to get a clean five-foot bill passed in future years. We think the former is way easier than the latter, and so we ask you to write the Governor and urge her to sign the bill.

You can write her here:  https://www.governor.state.nm.us/contact-the-governor/

Your message can be quite short. At this point, numbers matter. She will be getting more complete analysis from the sponsors and the advocates who supported the bill. You may want to mention that as SOBs, you ride the rural roads in northern NM, and a five-foot law would be very helpful to you, especially inasmuch as the NM DOT has committed to educating the motoring public about the five-foot requirement. I am hoping for official “give bicycles five feet” signs all over the place.

Undeterred by cold and windy weather, SOB riders were able to pick and choose a number of good ride days every week in February. When the weather turned unrideable in Santa Fe, the SOB riders made a “Return to Albuquerque” trip in search of a warmer weather!

26 February, BobB and MikeD put together a 32.5 mile “Return to Albuquerque” excursion. 17 SOB Riders met at the Sandia RR Station to start the trek. We deviated from the normal SOB route to tour the North Valley Alameda neighborhood in route to Alameda Bosque Trail Head. On Guadalupe Trail we found this beautiful carved art of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” in an old cottonwood tree. (Joe behind the lens)

We then continued our trek over to the Bosque Trail and then West winding through neighborhoods to the Petroglyph National Monument. It’s a cool place to stop – bathroom facilities and a chance to check out the petroglyphs!! (Monument visitor Tiffany behind the lens)

After “a pause to refresh” we were off again to the West Mesa. As we approached the final climb to the Mesa, MikeD assured us it was only a 3 mile climb; “trust me”! At the end of the 4 mile climb we regrouped in the middle of “no man’s land” in preparation for the return trip.  (Joe behind the lens)

As with the end of any winter ride, our friendly “goat heads” were lurking along the route. But “goat heads” are NOT too tough to tame; just a pain in the butt to deal with!!  However, on this trek, SOB riders were joined by the “world fastest, quick as a wink, tire changer” TomK!! On this trek he earned his tire changing merit badge!! Thanks for your expertise Tom!!

SMILE TOM!!

After 32.5 miles and 1,300+ feet of climbing under sunny NM blue skies, it was time for the refreshments!! We gathered at El Pinto for comradery, refreshments and nourishment of the soul before heading back to Santa Fe. Thanks BobB and MikeD for putting this trek together!!

Overall… A GREAT SOB ride and another awesome SOB adventure!!

Eldorado Classes and Lectures and Eldorado/285 Recycles are sponsoring an Earth Day Event at the Eldorado Community Center on Monday, April 22 from 10 to 2 that will include a fix-it clinic.  They hope to have a bicycle repair station with representatives from at least one Santa Fe bike shop to fix or explain repairs.  In the tradition of the national Fix-It Clinic movement, the purpose is to instruct and guide the owner rather than make a repair for them.  There are opportunities for SOBs to participate by discussing bicycling, the SOBs and bike repair with people.  I plan to be there and hope a few other SOBs will join me.  Please contact shirleyknarr@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.

SOB members will remember a little over two years ago rides that routed riders along Bonanza Creek Road   watched  for several weeks the construction of a giant Old World gate, cowboys herding large work horses while dressed in orange costumes of another century, hundreds of cars for crew and actors parked along the road for miles, and then within days of the end of shooting, the space was quickly returned to it normal prairie hills.

Well, now, the movie has finally been released and will be here soon. And you guessed it. Respected critics aim arrows and scimitars at it. But we know the scenery to be beautiful and one is entranced with just what the movie looks like that we so often in its production stages.

Here’s the review from the LA Times:

“Cliffs of Freedom” is a bit rocky, but takes its leap in earnest.

“Cliffs,” directed and co-written by Van Ling, is a low-budget, nationalistic, historical epic set during the 19th century Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish occupiers are depicted as sadistic monsters, save one: the sensitive and handsome Colonel Tariq (Jan Uddin). Due largely to his Greek mentor/tutor (Christopher Plummer), Tariq recognizes the Greeks’ humanity and advocates for a less brutal hand in ruling them. Meanwhile, Anna Christina (Tania Raymonde), whom Tariq saved as a young girl, has grown into a beautiful and strong-willed woman. After a tragedy, she becomes a freedom fighter, then a symbolic hero of the revolution. She and Tariq find themselves drawn to each other from opposite sides of the war.

The game production does its best with limited resources, thanks, in part, to an impressive supporting cast. Apart from Plummer, it boasts the likes of Patti Lupone, Kevin Corrigan, and Billy Zane in the — shall we say — Billy Zane role: the smarmy, traitorous Greek collaborator with an eye for Anna Christina; one half-expects him to declare, “I make my own luck!”

The dialogue is often stiff, the action and plotting unlikely, making the romance hard to swallow. The appealing Uddin and Raymonde do generate enough chemistry in their fleeting time together to keep the proposition afloat. However, the climactic moment, though heavily telegraphed, will leave many scratching their heads.

————-

‘Cliffs of Freedom’

Rated: R, for bloody violence

Running time: 2 hours, 16 minutes

Submitted by Bill Pollock

HB 192, having passed the House, has its first Senate hearing today in the Corporations and Transportation Committee at 2 pm in Room 311 of the Roundhouse. Come out and support it if you can.

just a few days ago I was riding with some hardy Minnesotans in the Texas hill country near Fredericksburg on the Willow City loop. We had stopped at the famous (or infamous) Harry’s BBQ for a break (it was a warm 85 degrees). It’s in middle of nowhere of nowhere Texas. Then I look up to see two riders coming the other way (the only other riders we saw all day) and it was Dana and Chris, SOBs from Santa Fe!!!!! I was pretty surprised to see them to say the least. In the middle of nowhere at exactly the same time!

Last year, SOB Riders rarely missed a scheduled ride November – January. This year, it is a different story!! Cold temperatures, strong winds, snow, sleet and ice made for less than desirable cycling conditions. However, the SOB riders were undeterred! Sunny, blue cold skies always had a way of luring us back on the road. We updated our cycling wardrobe to include cold weather, fleece lined, windstopper jackets and bib tights; shoe cover; cold weather full fingered gloves; wool socks; and an assortment of head covers.Yes… we have even seen electric socks and glove warmers!! We were ready to ride in November – January!!

Some riders got out more rides in January than others; some even opted to take advantage of the spectacular winter to get back on skis!! But we all responded to the call of the road, weather permitting. Here is a recap of just SOME of the November, December and January rides…

In November, after Thanksgiving, a few hardy riders gathered to ride under sunny, blue skies! They braved the cold temperatures Tuesday, November 27 for a ride out the old Las Vegas Highway; followed by a Thursday, 29 November ride from 599 Station!! Even winter rides require “nourishment of the soul” after the ride!! (Mike behind the lens)

In December ride opportunities were bleak; however a few hardy SOB Cold Weather Warriors gathered under sunny blue skies for rides to Waldo Canyon (Mike behind the lens).

In January, the weather tested SOB Riders were back on the road in force for numerous rides. 8 January, we departed the 599n Station a 24 mile ride to the Cell Towers and Waldo Canyon (after ride lunch at the Blue Corn Cafe and Brewery) (Joe behind the lens)

10 January, MikeD lead us on a 38+ mile Tour de Albuquerque (after ride lunch at El Pinto). It was great to find slightly warmer riding weather. We carpooled to the Sandia Pueblo Rail Runner Station because the train schedule was not favorable for our ride start time. We ended up logging 1,200+ ft of climb; and averaged 15+MPH. Lunch at El Pinto was welcomed treat after the ride. (Mike behind the lens)

After our Tour de Albuquerque, we continued our winter riding with a 38+ mile ride to Galisteo on 17 Jan; and a 30+ mile loop around south Santa Fe on 31 Jan. Now into February, we continue to find days to get in the saddle.

IN FEBRUARY (Full update at the end of the month)…We continue to ride!! We had a large turn out for  a Valentine’s Day Ride from Museum Hill; and MikeD is planning a “Return to Albuquerque” ride soon. Keep watching the SOB Blog and #sfsobsf for ride updates and schedule changes. Dustoff your cold weather riding gear, layer up and JOIN US ON THE ROAD IN FEBRUARY!!

IT’S JUST ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AN AWESOME SOB ADVENTURE!!

The House Judiciary Committee will meet on Saturday, February 16, at 9:30 am in Room 309 of the State Capitol to hear six bills, including HB 192 (Five Feet for Passing Bicycles) (third on the agenda) and HB 109 (Careless Driving Penalty) (fifth on agenda).

You can attend the hearing and perhaps speak about these bills, or at least be counted as a supporter, or you can write or call the following local representatives who are on the Committee:

Brian Egolf (north Santa Fe – brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov; 986-4782);

Matthew McQueen (Eldorado area – matthew.mcqueen@nmlegis.gov; 986-4423);

Christine Chandler (Los Alamos area – christine.chandler@nmlegis.gov; 986-4226).

New this year.  Bring your bike and your helmet.

I am out of state for the week but am passing along the following from Bike Santa Fe. Please call or write so that we will not be one of the few states that don’t have distance-to-pass laws (38 states now have them).

For those of you interested in House Bill 109, which would provide an increased penalty (from a petty misdemeanor to a full misdemeanor) when careless driving results in death or great bodily harm, that bill will be heard at 1:30 on Tuesday, January 29, in room 317 of the Roundhouse. If you can’t make the hearing, you can call or write (call is better, particularly if the person is your representative) the following members of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee:

• Dist. 24 – Elizabeth “Liz” Thomson-D, Chair, 986-4425, liz.thomson@nmlegis.gov
• Dist. 46 – Andrea Romero-D, Vice Chair,986-4254, andrea@andrearomero.com
• Dist. 58 – Candy Spence Ezzell-R,986-4454, csecows@aol.com
• Dist. 35 – Angelica Rubio-D,986-4227, angelica.rubio@nmlegis.gov
• Dist. 22 – Gregg Schmedes-R,986-4453, gregg.schmedes@nmlegis.gov

The City of Santa Fe has issued a survey of the community seeking information from citizens who like or want to bicycle throughout the city. This appears to be a serious desire on the party of the city to improve bicycling and safety. This is a good and supportive way for members of the SOBs to give input to planning for bicycling in the area we all love.

The survey takes about 10 minutes. Seniors on Bikes is even one of the community cycling groups and you will be proud to check that box!

You may have already received an email request to complete the survey. If so, complete it. But if you didn’t, use the link below. Help make biking in Santa Fe even greater!!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/72CKGFQ

Submitted by Bill Pollock

This post made at the request of member Julie Jacobs.

http://video.wired.com/watch/why-it-s-almost-impossible-to-ride-a-bike-60-kilometers-in-one-hour

Why It's Almost Impossible to Ride a Bike 60 Kilometers in One Hour

WIRED

HB0192 5-Feet To Pass

Please write your state representative and encourage him/her to support House Bill 192 which would mandate a safe pass distance of 5 feet.

After consultation with our new ABQ ride expert, Mike D, we are going to start in ABQ on Thursday.  (If you don’t want to drive, feel free to ride from 599).  The ride will start from the Sandia RR station. (Note that this location is a change from prior discussions.) I25 to Tramway / Roy Ave, R on Roy, R around traffic circle to RR Sta.  About an hour from Santa Fe.  The energetic ride Mike created is about 40 miles, with only 1300 ft of climb.  There is an easy and very flat relaxed ride possible by going out the same route onto the Bosque and then simply reversing back at the appropriate mileage.

The RWGPS is here.  See you at Sandia RR Sta at 11am Thursday.  Stay Safe.

The announcement of this great ride is presented by member Julie Jacobs. Julie rode in this ride last June and reports it was a great ride through beautiful country with rolling hills.

RIDE THE ROCK, ROCK THE RIDE . Are you ready to kick off your 2019 season? Next year we will have three road courses (40, 62 and 100 miles), two gravel routes (27 and 56 miles) and one great family ride (8 miles). It all goes down June 2 in Castle Rock, Colorado, with all rides starting and finishing at Douglas County Fairgrounds. And the rides are only half the party! The Colorado Bike Expo on June 1-2 will feature scores of cool exhibitors, demos, live music, food and more. Lock your spot in now for a great ride in June! Save $10 now As a token of our appreciation for riding Elephant Rock in 2018, we would like to offer you a discount for 2019. Register before December 31 and save $10 with this code. PROMO CODE – EROCK2019 REGISTER HERE Copyright © 2018 ClippedIn Events, LLC, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted-in or participated in one of the following events & resources that are associated with ClippedIn Events LLC; including BikeState38, ERock Sunrise-Sunset, Elephant Rock, Copper Triangle, Tour de Vineyards & Tour of the Moon. Please feel free to update your profile or unsubscribe below if you no longer wish to receive these event updates and cycling news around the State of Colorado. Clip in and enjoy the ride as Colorado is best experienced from the seat of a bicycle. Thank you for your support. Our mailing address is: ClippedIn Events, LLC 525 Santa Fe Drive Denver, Colorado 80204

Good morning all!

It was great seeing you all last night at the Potluck.

We brought a crock pot of chili and somehow went home without our ladle. It’s a 4 oz. All-Clad, and it has “Irell” on a sticker around the handle. Please call or message 505-603-3455 if you have it, thank you!

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Party this coming Friday Dec 21.   Be there or be square.  See details in earlier blog posts.  Mugs for sale.  Prices vary.

Join the SOBs for 2019 is now ready!  Go to the website and click the appropriate link.  We need a new waiver again this year (and we will again next year).   Pay via PayPal saves you $5.

Consider a worthy charity,   https://worldbicyclerelief.org

Merry Christmas.

Stay Safe.

I found a floating bottle with a message in it from Bob who is somewhere in the Pacific on a warm, sunny Island… Due to cold temperatures and strong winds, the planned Thursday, December 13 ride in Albuquerque has been cancelled; and moved to January 2019. Bob will canvass the crowd for a new day with, hopefully, more favorable riding conditions!

Ride fast; ride safe!

The GFNY Santa Fe is June 23, 2019; and features both a Medium (55 miles) and Long (81 mile) distance.  See the web link for all the details. http://gfnysantafe.com/

The Long Course: The 81 mile Long course, with 7,500 feet of climbing, will crown the winners after the almost 15 mile climb to the finish at Ski Santa Fe. At a peak elevation of 10,350 feet, this climb will be sure to get the heart pumping!

The Medium Course: The 55 mile Medium course, with 3,300 feet of climbing, will travel a slightly shorter loop than the long course through the plains and rolling hills of the high desert. This course is perfect for the “rouleur” and finishes neatly back where it started in downtown Santa Fe.

The entry fee is steep ($130) but it includes an official jersey (required to be worn on the ride); goodie bag; chip timing; full support; post race meal; and finishing medal. If you are interested… Sign up now!

No one can keep up with Judy Costlow, the volunteer who is everywhere. “10 Who Made a Difference” is an annual award made by the Santa Fe New Mexican to recognize the invaluable services that volunteers give to the community. Judy, who is also the President of the Seniors on Bikes, is being recognized this year. Below is the article that has appeared in the November 26, 2018 edition of the New Mexican. Judy will receive her award following a presentation at the Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 6, at the La Fonda Hotel. Tickets are available at www.ticketssantafe.org

Judy Costlow laughs outside her Santa Fe apartment, holding onto her bike and wearing a Seniors on Bikes jersey. Olivia Harlow/The New Mexican

Judy Costlow greets visitors earlier this month at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, where she was works as a volunteer usher. Olivia Harlow/The New Mexican

 

She was dressed in black, but Judy Costlow’s smile was bright on a recent Sunday as she greeted patrons attending a show at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, where she was working as a volunteer usher.

Another usher working alongside her offered to take a woman’s ticket, but the patron declined.

“I want Judy to take my ticket,” the woman said, shifting over to Costlow and giving her a hug. The woman called Costlow a “generous host” and said she “takes a lot of pride in what she does for this city and the Lensic.”

Costlow, retired from a career with the New Mexico Department of Health, is a familiar face at the Lensic, where she’s been a regular volunteer for years.

It’s just one of her many volunteer roles around town.

She’s also a longtime ambassador for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. She serves as president of the Santa Fe Opera Guild and works as a docent at the opera, giving backstage tours.

In the past, she has volunteered as a museum docent.

Some of her work is less glamorous. For a couple of dozen years, Costlow has delivered meals to people in need through Kitchen Angels; she also served as president of the nonprofit and was a member of its board.

Other work takes her outside: She often leads hikes with the Santa Fe Chili and Marching Society, and has been a volunteer team leader with the Trails Alliance of Santa Fe.

And, friends say, she’s an SOB.

That is, Costlow is president of a popular cycling club called Seniors on Bikes.

Her whirlwind, all-over-town volunteer spirit has earned Costlow a spot among The New Mexican’s 10 Who Made a Difference for 2018.

“Judy gives so much to so many groups, bringing her organizational skills, even temper, humor, patience, love and never-ending smile,” said Pat Hastings, who worked with Costlow at the Health Department and nominated her for the honor. Despite all Costlow does, Hastings said, “She never seems overly busy or rattled.”

Costlow was humble about the award. “I don’t feel like I make a difference,” she said. “Certainly, Santa Fe has made a difference for me, though.”

Born in Denver, Costlow was raised mostly in Wyoming by a father who worked as an insurance adjuster and a mother who worked at the local library, inspiring Costlow’s love of books. She attended college in Colorado, studying to be a schoolteacher.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural plea — “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” — she devoted herself to a life of giving back.

After graduating from college, she joined the Peace Corps and served in the jungles of Bolivia, an experience that led to a lifelong love of travel and taught Costlow a valuable lesson: “Most people are good people and will help you, wherever you are and whoever you are.”

In the 1970s, she kind of bumped into Santa Fe and the man she would marry.

After taking a job at a public school in Albuquerque, Costlow took a trip to Santa Fe to ski. She learned the sport by following skiers more skilled than herself, but she followed one a little too closely — and ran right into her future husband, Marc Bolsterli.

The couple were together for decades. Costlow said her husband died in May 2012 of complications from Parkinson’s disease.

When she moved to Santa Fe, Costlow’s career became a fusion of education and public health. She worked at the state Health Department as a public health educator and co-founded the Santa Fe Health Education Project, which promoted preventive health care throughout Northern New Mexico.

In the mid-1970s, she co-wrote one of the seminal books on menopause, called Menopause: A Self-Care Manual.

She also organized a series of women’s wellness retreats at the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center near Abiquiú over a period of 20 years.

Mara Taub, who worked with Costlow on health care projects in the 1970s, including the wellness retreats, called her “an enormously caring person.”

Nowadays, when Costlow takes a break from volunteering to travel, she often brings her own bike or rents one.

In March 2016, such a trip turned deadly.

Costlow was one of several cyclists struck in Tucson, Ariz., by a man driving under the influence. While Costlow was hospitalized for two months after the crash, her friend Clare Rhodes, 72, of Santa Fe was killed, along with a Tucson man. The driver later was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

Costlow has no memory of the accident. When she regained consciousness, she said, “I really didn’t quite grasp what had happened.” For a time, she suffered from survivor’s guilt.

But others comfort her, and she finds comfort in volunteering.

Recently, a little boy on a school trip at the Lensic stopped in front of her, smiled and exclaimed, “I just love this place.”

Costlow smiled back and responded: “Me too.”

Robert Nott

Education Reporter

Robert Nott covers education and youth issues for the Santa Fe New Mexican

Submitted by Bill Pollock

This note is published at the request of SOB member Julie Jacobs

it has come to my attention that some SOBs do not know how to change a flat tire. I do   and will be glad to share what I know. Email me JulieJacobs2303@yahoo.com and we’ll set a date. if we get very many people responding, we’ll need a place indoors with lots of room. I’ll need help finding that. The supplies needed obviously are your bicycle, (not just a wheel), a tube of the size that your bicycle uses, a pump, patch kit. If you want your hands to stay clean then bring tight fitting rubber gloves. No tubeless tires! A willingness to “man-handle” your bike and tire are required. Broken fingernails,  greasy hands, used muscles, are all to be expected. Haha.
Just let me know and I’ll be glad to help with this.

Submitted by

Bill Pollock

I am posting the following at the request of member Julie Jacobs

it has come to my attention that some SOBs do not know how to change a flat tire. I do and will be glad to share what I know. Email me JulieJacobs2303@yahoo.com and we’ll set a date. if we get very many people responding, we’ll need a place indoors with lots of room. I’ll need help finding that. The supplies needed obviously are your bicycle, (not just a wheel), a tube of the size that your bicycle uses, a pump, patch kit. If you want your hands to stay clean then bring tight fitting rubber gloves. No tubeless tires! A willingness to “man-handle” your bike and tire are required. Broken fingernails, greasy hands, used muscles, are all to be expected. Haha.
Just let me know and I’ll be glad to help with this. 

Submitted by:

Bill Pollock

The SOB Riders assembled at the 599 Station under sunny, blue skies and cold temperatures. Some opted to ride a shorter distance; 13 Riders opted for a longer ride… The Galisteo Loop. This is their adventure. As expected, Niltsi, the Navajo Wind God, was our training partner! The ride South on Hwy 14 was into a building S/SE wind. The wind encouraged paceline riding; some fast, some slower, but all designed to save energy on this long ride. We regrouped at the Lone Butte General Store and Gas Station, then continued the ride to Hwy 41 for the descent to Galisteo. Hwy 41 is a fun ride with beautiful vistas. The rolling terrain provides a mix of challenging climbs and relaxing descents. We regrouped at Galisteo.

Did you know… The Galisteo Basin has been continuously occupied by a diverse collection of peoples and cultures since pre-historic times. The Southern Tewas, the primary inhabitants of the Basin after 1300 A.D.  In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors from Mexico journeyed north to New Mexico in search of gold and other treasure. By 1600, the Spanish were in the Galisteo Basin to stay—introducing longhorn cattle and unknown crops like watermelon, wheat, chiles, and melons to the region. In 1680 a revolt temporarily drove the Spanish from Santa Fe and the surrounding area. When Diego de Vargas explored the Galisteo Basin upon the Spaniards return in 1692, he found that virtually all of the missions in the Galisteo basin were abandoned. The church in Galisteo was in bad repair and ready to collapse when a rebuilding project was undertaken. In 1706 the church was rebuilt. However, by the year 1796, the Galisteo church was virtually abandoned again. Most of this was reportedly due to the harsh drought conditions in the basin that made it almost impossible to grow crops, raise cattle and survive there. The church at this site today, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, was originally constructed in 1884. It was a reconstruction of the post Spanish reconquest church that was built on this site.

Leaving Galisteo, the SOB riders, aided by a strong quartering tail wind, began the long steady climb to Hwy 285, up the Lamy Hill to Cafe Fina for a quick regroup. Sunny skies were now rapidly disappearing as clouds rolled in; the temperature continued to drop; and the wind strengthened. It was time to make a fast run back to the 599 Station. We battled strong wind on Old Las Vegas Hwy, Two Rabbit and Dinosaur; but smiled when we finally pull into the 599 Station Parking Lot.

The Galisteo Loop was a challenging ride today. Overall we rode 47+ miles, climbed 2,100+ feet and averaged 15+MPH… even with the strong winds. Today our mettle was tested… and validated!

OVERALL, IT WAS JUST ANOTHER AWESOME SOB ADVENTURE AND CHALLENGING WINTER RIDING DAY! YAHOO!!

SOB Riders showed up in force for the Tuesday ride at DeVargas Center!! Sunny, blue skies and cool temperatures…It’s time to ride!! A pack of 20 SOB riders headed through a series of back bike trails onto Rabbit Road in route Dinosaur Road. And, as expected we were joined by Niltsi, the Navajo Wind God, an unwelcomed addition to our rides. Niltsi created a nice headwind on our ride South down the East I-25 frontage road to the La Cienega overpass. However, Niltsi’s efforts were welcomed with a screaming tailwind leg along the West I-25 frontage road. Here we are regrouping at the Santa Fe Outlet (Joe behind the lens)… no shopping for this group as we refueled for the wind assisted Beckner Road FAST climb heading home!!

Our return continued up Richards Ave to the Arroyo de los Chamise Trail and Santa Fe Rail Trail. We enjoyed the slow cruise on the trails; and the vistas of snow in the mountains. Snow on the mountains GOOD… snow on the trails BAD!!

But riding the trails gave us a wakeup call!! Watch out for goat heads”! It was in the last few miles heading home that the “goat head terror” struck inflicting slow leaks and flats on numerous riders… including those riding Gator Hard Shells!! Back at DeVargas our thoughts quickly turned to LUNCH!! It was a fun conclusion to the a GREAT RIDE!!

Overall we logged another 35+ mile winter ride, 1,550+ feet of climbing at a respectable 14+ MPH.

Overall, another SUPER SOB winter ride and adventure. Remember… people pay money to experience our winter riding!! See everyone Thursday!! YAHOO!!

Saturday, SOB riders met at the El camino Real Academy under sunny, cold blue skies for another winter ride. Unpack your tights and long sleeve jerseys, shoe covers, and long finger gloves; and don’t let 40 degree temperatures or a stiff wind deter you!!  We layer up and ride the Santa Fe winters!!

Saturday we rode the Las Campanas loop and included the Las Dos climb and the Lollipop. It was 41 degrees at the start with a 10 MPH North wind; but riding under sunny blue skies kept the cold at bay. The ride out to Los Dos and the Lollipop was into the wind. We smiled because we knew we would have a welcomed tail wind on the return. Between Las Dos and The Lollipop… it was picture time (Joe behind the lens)!!

After the climb back to Los Campanas, we headed to the 599 Frontage road for a scream’n downwind paceline back to the South Meadows. YAHOO!

Overall, we rode 29.5 miles, climbed 1,800+ feet at a comfortable 15+MPH. We finished off our ride with lunch and refreshments at the Santa Fe Capitol Grill at the San Isidro Plaza.

You too can ride Santa Fe this winter! See you Tuesday… for another awesome SOB ride and adventure!!

Reminder that if you are interested in the Pedalling Clinic at Spin Doc scheduled for Monday, 10/29, please email shirleyknarr@gmail.com.  We need at least 15 to hold the class and have only 3 so far.

Thursday, October 25,11:30 at the Pecos Trail Cafe

Great gathering of our wonderful SOB group to celebrate this biking season.

Be sure to remember to make your reservation and pay $20 for the luncheon.
Edwin will at the SIGN IN TABLE on Thursday to collect your payment.

This post presented at the request of Julie Jacobs

Several of you have emailed me in the last couple weeks to inquire as to whether I intend to do the Texas Hill Country Ride for a week this coming year.  The answer is Yes.

I plan to be arriving into Kerrville on February 8, 2019 with the hope of getting in 7-8 days of riding in the area around Kerrville and Fredricksburg . 

Depending how that 1st week  goes, I may then individually head further south to the Fort Davis and Alpine area of south Texas for further exploration. That second week will be dependent on weather and personal whim, but I wanted to let you know of that additional possibility.

This year my buddy David has other obligations which preclude his participation.  For the past two years David was the man who made arrangements with theYO Ranch.

For myself, I am more laid back on housing, and so I do not have any particular plans to regarding a central motel location. Everyone is welcome to shop around and make your individual lodging bookings.  Should anyone want to attempt to negotiate some block reservations at a particular motel, please feel free to take the initiative and share this with others.  For myself, I will catch-as-catch-can.

My intent is to come with minivan, bike, computer and printer/scanner. I’ll also have a folder of local ride maps.  As time gets closer, I will communicate further and let you know of daily meeting places and times for each day’s ride.  I expect we will often have dinner together and talk about the next day’s plans.

I expect that people will come and go as they are inclined. But it will be good to know of intentions.

While this is an informal gathering, not sponsored by any club nor organization, it will nevertheless piggy-back on a number of previous organized rides in the area taken by folks that are experienced with the Hill Country at this time of year.

This will be my 12th consecutive year riding in Texas in the winter and I look forward to the countryside and culture.  I look forward also to the camaraderie of riding with friends over the landscape.

Do let me know over the next couple months what your intentions are and feel free to share any questions, suggestions and thoughts.

Also, please feel free to share this general invitation with others, including any I may have missed. As long as individuals understand the informal nature of this get-together, they should have a good time.

I’ll keep you posted,

Steve

Steve O’Rourke
P.O. Box 538
Baldwin, WI  54002

Cell Phone: 612-670-3720

Bicycle Trips: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/ScoutSteve

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Friday, October 5, SOB Riders headed to Clovis, NM to participate in the Tour de Taco on Saturday. This was the second year SOB riders participated in the event. The entry fee is a low $30; the race packet includes a “higher quality” T-Shirts, a great carry bag, $10 Taco Box gift certificate, a quality water bottle, and other assorted items.  We rendezvoused at the Agora Shopping Center in Eldorado and caravanned to Clovis.There is not much between Santa Fe and Clovis except a lot of open spaces…

In route we past through historic Fort Sumner. Named after former New Mexico Territory military governor Edwin Vose Sumner, U.S. Fort Sumner was a military fort charged with the internment of nearby Navajo and Mescalero Apache populations from 1863 to 1868. The federal government closed the fort in 1868 and sold its buildings to Lucien Maxwell, a prominent New Mexico landowner, in 1870. In the latter 1870s Maxwell’s son Pete befriended legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, and it was in his house that Billy was killed by Pat Garrett. Billy the Kid is buried in the old military cemetery in Fort Sumner, as is Lucien Maxwell. The Billy the Kid Museum is a predominant tourist attraction.

In 1866, the U.S. government was holding thousands of Native Indians at Fort Sumner after they were subdued by Kit Carson. Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving saw a business opportunity and decided to sell beef to the United States Government so that the starving captives could be fed. This enterprise led to the establishment of the Goodnight-Loving Trail, located far enough west to avoid any contact with mobs wanting the superior Longhorn cattle.

In the 1920s the Transcontinental Air Transport airline built an airfield in Fort Sumner as part of its coast-to-coast air passenger network, but the site was abandoned when the airline’s ambitious plans collapsed in the Great Depression. The airfield was reopened by the United States Army Air Forces as a training base during World War II. After the war, the base became the Fort Sumner Municipal Airport, and was chosen as a launch site for NASA’s high-altitude balloon program.

Arriving at Cannon AFB, it was tail gate time!! YAHOO! There was plenty of beer for all!! A shout out to Bob and Barb for contributing wine, pretzels and cheese; and to Dave and Kristine for cracker, salami and cheese!! All laid out on a cooler table top.

We then off loaded our bikes and moved our gear to our rooms before heading to dinner. The rooms at Cannon AFB were very nice with lots of amenities!

We elected to eat dinner on base, walking distance from our rooms, rather than driving the 14 mile round trip into Clovis. The Dagger Alley Bar at the Landing Zone was hosting a Halloween Costume and Karaoke Social event.  There was plenty of Oktoberfest Beer was on tap; and a variety of good food. It was time to feast before the Tour de Taco!!

Saturday morning we woke to threatening rain clouds. Undeterred, we headed to the Clovis iHop for breakfast. We enjoyed a great pre-race breakfast and plenty of hot coffee before heading to the start line to pickup our packets.

Decision time… do we attempt the ride on time with an increasing threat of rain; or, wait and hope the weather breaks. SOB riders are tough so we started on time with the rest of the cyclists; no SOB wimps at the Tour de Taco!!  No sooner than we started we faced ominous signs that it was going to be a tough day!! Flats and dropped chains in the first mile were not a good sign. About 6 miles into the ride, with the winds at our back, we encountered ominous black clouds, thunder and lightening, we abandoned the ride and turned for home. When we made the turn we were hit by a wall of water that snuck up behind us!!

Arriving back at the Taco Box, we looked liked drowned rats!! Everything was wet; our cycling shoes were filled with water!! If you’ve never been in a downpour in Clovis… don’t add it to your bucket list!! Some of us went back to Cannon AFB, showered and changed into dry clothes; others grabbed whatever facilities were available and changed. By late morning we were caravanning back to Santa Fe. Dave and Kristine “vacationed” in Fort Sumner visiting the Billy the Kid Museum; the rest of us headed to Santa Rosa for lunch. We settled on the historic Comet II restaurant on historic Route 66. After a wonderful lunch, we continued our trek back to Santa Fe!!

Yes, the ride was abandoned due to rain, thunder and lightening!! However, this was a fun SOB outing that we will look forward to supporting again next year.

OVERALL… JUST ANOTHER SOB EXCITING AND FUN ADVENTURE!!

Last Thursday, SOB Albuquerque riders arriving at the 599 Rail Parking Lot to embark on the annual ride to Albuquerque. We were greeted with cool temperature and WIND; a wind that would be our nemesis the entire ride. We departed at 9 AM heading to Madrid. At Madrid, we regroup at our familiar haunt… Java Junction Coffee Shop!!

Then it was the long climb up Stagecoach to the pass summit before the descent to Golden.

Golden was inhabited by Native Americans and Spaniards long before American settlers came to the area. However, it began to boom when gold was discovered in 1825. Years before the California and Colorado gold rushes, the site of Golden became the first gold rush west of the Mississippi River. Officially formed in 1879, Golden was selected as the center of the new gold-mining district and soon grew to support several saloons, businesses, a school, and even a stock exchange. In 1880, the post office was opened. Mining continued on a small scale until about 1892 and ranching continued to be a mainstay of the economy. In 1918 the Golden General Merchandise Store opened, which is the only business in town that continues to operate today. It is now referred to by the locals as Henderson General Store, giving credit to its owner.

By 1928, the population was so reduced that the post office closed and Golden officially became a ghost town. For years afterwards, its many abandoned buildings remained, tumbling down between its few remaining occupied structures. Golden’s most photographed building is the San Francisco Catholic Church, originally built around 1830, which was restored by historian and author, Fray Angelico Chavez, in 1960. After we left Golden, it was a series of rollers to San Antonito.  The San Antonito Church and Cemetery is a historic church at the junction of NM 14 and NM 536, was built in 1886 and was added to the National Register in 1997.

After a quick regroup at the Brewer’s Shell Station, we battled a strong headwind on the descent to I-40 and west to Tramway. After another quick regroup at Tramway, we were eagerly anticipating an enjoyable tailwind on the long but mild climb up Tramway. Instead… SURPRISE!! A wind shift gave us a continuing headwind all the way to El Pinto Restaurant!!

After an enjoy and relaxing lunch we headed to the rail runner station for a welcomed ride back to Santa Fe! The SOB Quality Assurance Officer (you know who you are) ensured all SOB bike computers were turned off before boarding the train. 🙂

Overall, we enjoyed another awesome SOB ride and adventure!! Up next is the Tour de Taco in Clovis, NM. YAHOO!

Don’t forget our special end of the season luncheon happening very soon:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 11:30 AT THE PECOS TRAIL CAFE

Be sure to register at the sing in desk on Thursday and pay $20.00
for the luncheon. You don’t want to miss this special event !

Posted on behalf of Julie Jacobs:

I know of a “like new” bike rack for a car that a friend is selling.
Highland brand trunk mount 2-bike sportwing bike rack for sale. Like new. Contact Dan at 629-2378

Submitted by Bill Pollock

This was sent to me by a friend. Looks like it could be useful when riding alone.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/10/02/this-app-knows-when-youve-been-an-accident-then-it-calls-you/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.6d5f7a468356

https://noonlight.com/

Alan

Last week the SOB Riders returned to El Rito!! The weather was beautiful; it why we ride Northern New Mexico!! Riding north on Highway 84 in 2 pace lines, we encountered a little more road debris then usual on the shoulder; however, the shoulder is wide enough to avoid the hazards. Along the way some of the same houses were still for sale; but the landscape was pure rural New Mexico. We regrouped at the State Highway 554 turn to El Rito and began the long but mild 12 mile climb to El Rito and the Ranger Station.

El Rito, (Spanish for Little River), sits at 6,875 feet elevation. El Rito was one of the first Spanish settlements in northern New Mexico. The historic Church of San Juan Nepomuceno was begun by the first Spanish settlers of the El Rito Valley in 1827 and completed in 1832. With small window openings in the 5 ft. thick walls, it not only served as a church, but also as a defensive fortification in this frontier area of New Mexico. The influence of french priests changed some of the interior decoration, but the church has retained much of its original look through its 150 years. Major structural collapse occurred in 1979 and was reconstructed in 1982. It has been termed by noted historians and architects as one of the most beautiful examples of historical New Mexican churches. Our next trek to El Rito warrants a visit.  Originally named El Rito Colorado, the red creek, it took its name from the creek that passes through the village. Tewas call the El Rito region “pink below place” for the El Rito Mountains, known to them as the pink mountains.

Urban renewal is in full swing in El Rito. The Martin General Store has a new coat of paint; and El Rito is home to a new 2nd “skyscraper”.

After the “regroup” we continued our climb to the end of State Highway 554 through the El Rito Mountains and around Cerro Colorado. We turned around at State Highway 111 not wanting to face the heavy traffic now consuming Highway 285. The return to El Rito, Highway 84 and the start point was a welcomed downhill even with the ever building head wind! Overall it was a SUPER day to ride! We logged 63+ miles, 3,000+ ft of climbing and a respectable 15+ MPH average.

Another… GREAT SOB ride and adventure in the books!! YAHOO!

This past week, newspapers reported published data from Mayo Clinic Proceedings of an extensive study in Denmark that found that people who were active in tennis, bicycling, swimming, and others lived longer than those who were sedentary. Those active in tennis and bicycling topped the list. However, those who enjoyed contact and participation with others in these activities lived longer than those in cycling, swimming, and others by themselves. Social interaction appears to have positive effect.

By extension, it is possible that riding with SOBs whose members constantly engage with each other in rides and social activities may life forever! Talk to the SOB rider next to you on the ride, knowing that foreverness is your reward.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

The end of our scheduled Thursday rides is not all too far away
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 !!

After a fun fall ride we will gather to celebrate our biking season at THE PECOS TRAIL CAFE for a sumptuous Lunch, starting at 11:30
$20 per person. The Buffett will include a vegetarian dish.

Starting Thursday,October 18 I will be at the sing in desk, accepting your reservation and collecting $20 for the lunch.

Be save, keep on biking
Lore

Hi all, well I made it, just got back home last Saturday, thanks to the efforts of Rich, who drove down to the border to pick me up. Somehow my bike I named “Thumper” and my 68 year-old body my parents named “Ed” held together for the 2,532 mile self-supported, off-road ride through the Rocky Mountains along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico. I think I ended up averaging 53 miles a day and had a pretty amazing trip, but it was a long, hard ride. I am still working on the text for the blog of the ride, but most of the pictures (800+) of the route are uploaded here if you are interested: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1mr&doc_id=21042&v=wY

Congrats to Myron.  Survived and finished strong.

Results below.

There will be road construction (“pavement preservation”, whatever that means) on Hwy 14 between the Allsups at 599 and Lone Butte beginning September 4. This will not affect our ride on September 6, which starts in Madrid, but you may want to allow extra time to drive to Madrid. Traffic will be reduced to one lane from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM with a pilot car to guide traffic through the work zone.

Discount for SOBs.  Save $25.   Makes the ride much more attractive.  See flyer for details on ride.  For discount, Your friends at the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta are offering a discount to SOB riders! Call the Santa Fe Wine & Chile office 5054388060 and mention this offer and the code @SOB for a special discounted registration rate of $50!

More than one member has inquired if there is a plan to caravan to Frisco on September. I am writing to suggest that those who want to caravan meet at the DeVargas Center (where we park for Tuesday & Saturday rides) at 8:00 a.m. for departure.

Google Map indicates a straight drive up U.S. 285 and then to other highways to Frisco passing through towns such as Alamosa, Buena Vista, Leadville and arriving in Frisco. The mileage is about 300 miles. Driving time is 5 hours and 45 minutes. With stops for gas, lunch, stretching legs, we should arrive in Frisco between 3 and 4 p..m..

If you are participating in the trip to Frisco and want to travel in a group, please send me an email pollockb@aol.com so that we will know whom to expect on Monday, September 17 and so that I can contact you if there are any changes or issues.

Submitted by: Bill Pollock