Hi all, I have been blogging my bike tours and written a few articles on a website called Crazyguyonabike. While hanging around this winter driving Cyndy nuts waiting for my hand to get better so I could ride, I revised an article I wrote on “Traditional Lightweight Touring, vs Bikepacking”. The article was selected to be the featured article on the Crazyguy website.

If you are interested in some of the details on how you can gear up for a lightweight bike tour, you may want to check it out, it can be found on the Crazyguyonabike featured article homepage: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/featured/?o=1mr&doctype=article . BTW, I hope to try out some of these bikepacking strategies on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this summer if all goes well. It’s the 20th anniversary of the GDMBR so there should be a fair number of folks on the route and a good time to ride it: https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/ .

Happy New Year!  Now is the time, the time is now!    Join now and avoid the April rush.  Our 2018 membership drive is now open and ready for you.  Our crack tech team, working throughout the Xmas holiday, without any mind altering substances, has devised an even simpler and less expensive process for 2018.  All the details are provided on the Join / Renew page accessible via this link or from the main menu of our website.  Highlights:  No need to download a PDF, print it, and fill it out.  (will wonders never cease?) AND membership fee via PayPal is a mere $20 even.

The store is open for ordering till the end of the week.  Then we Will Place The order In Early January.        Should you have any questions as you navigate through this process, please reach out to your customer service representative, Kelli Lockey, at klockey@hincapiesports.com, who will be happy to assist you.

For women, if you are considering a 2XL, L, or S Axis club jersey, we have these sizes available for sale by folks who did not get a good fit.  Never worn.  Contact admin@sfsob.cosine-santafe.com if you are interested.

Place Your Order

1. Visit https://order.hincapiecustom.com/sob
2. If this is your first time ordering with Hincapie Sportswear, click on “Create Your Account Now.”
3. If you have ordered with us before, click the “Log On” icon in the top right corner of your screen.
4. Enter access code: SOB 
5. Add any items to your cart that you would like to order.
6. Once you are finished with your order, please log out. The order will save until your team’s payment is open.

To Return to Your Order

1. Follow the link provided here: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/sob
2. DO NOT enter the access code. Instead, log in using the “Log On” icon at the top right corner of your screen.
3. Next, enter access code: SOB 
4. To add items to your cart, click on the item you would like to order from the main screen.
5. To edit or remove items from your cart, click on the cart icon in the top right corner of the screen.
6. Once you are finished with your order, please log out. The order will save until your team’s payment is open.

1.  Fit kit will be at the Holiday Potluck this Thursday.  Then I am sending it back.  Even if you’re not staying for food and drink, at least it’s warm and indoors.  Easier to try stuff on that way.  Click link for time and location.

2. Holiday Potluck is this coming Thursday.  See link above for time and location.

3. If you cannot make it to the Potluck but need to try stuff on, email  admin@sfsob.cosine-santafe.com to make alternate arrangements.  If I don’t hear from you, the kit goes back Friday.

4. Merry Christmas, etc.

You decide.

The store is open for ordering.  Fit kits are ordered.  Will advise when they are here.  Should you have any questions as you navigate through this process, please reach out to your customer service representative, Kelli Lockey, at klockey@hincapiesports.com, who will be happy to assist you.

For women, if you are considering a 2XL, L, or S Axis club jersey, we have these sizes available for sale by folks who did not get a good fit.  Never worn.  Contact admin@sfsob.cosine-santafe.com if you are interested.

Place Your Order

1. Visit https://order.hincapiecustom.com/sob
2. If this is your first time ordering with Hincapie Sportswear, click on “Create Your Account Now.”
3. If you have ordered with us before, click the “Log On” icon in the top right corner of your screen.
4. Enter access code: SOB 
5. Add any items to your cart that you would like to order.
6. Once you are finished with your order, please log out. The order will save until your team’s payment is open.

To Return to Your Order

1. Follow the link provided here: https://order.hincapiecustom.com/sob
2. DO NOT enter the access code. Instead, log in using the “Log On” icon at the top right corner of your screen.
3. Next, enter access code: SOB 
4. To add items to your cart, click on the item you would like to order from the main screen.
5. To edit or remove items from your cart, click on the cart icon in the top right corner of the screen.
6. Once you are finished with your order, please log out. The order will save until your team’s payment is open.

We’re moving to 11am starts effective immediately.  So Tuesday Dec 12 and on will be 11 am.

If you want to try on a jersey or shorts for the next order, please indicate here (click link) if you have not already done so.  I noticed there are a good selection already requested.  A note to the men.  No one has requested the Velocity style jersey.  I have one and I really like it as do several others.  Especially now that it is the same price as the Axis style.  You might want to try one on just to compare.  Read more about all the jerseys and shorts here.  Fit Kit will be ordered by the end of the day on Dec 6.

The SOB Riders gathered Thursday at the 599 Station for a Winter ride!! Yes… it was cold. Yes… it was windy… Yes… it was cloudy!! Yes… just another opportunity for SOB Riders to conquer the elements. We divided in two groups but road the same route – Down Highway 14, across Bonanza Creek Road; over to La Cienega (El Rancho de las Golondrinas); then back to the 599 Parking Lot. Those wanting extra miles, and punishment, headed up Dinosaur to Richards, around IAIA and back to the 599 Parking Lot. At El Rancho de las Golondrinas we regrouped for a picture (Joe behind the lens; Monica still on her bike.)

Some rode a short distance; some rode long. Some rode a slower pace; some rode fast. But we all rode, not letting a little cold weather dampen our riding passion!! Winter riding can be a hoot if you are dressed for the conditions. Remember… on these cloudy days we need to be seen! Wear bright clothing and don’t forget both flashing front and rear lights. Ride fast; Ride safe; Be seen!!

ANOTHER AWESOME SOB WINTER RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

SOB Riders gathered at the El Camino Academy under bright blue skies, plenty of sunshine and NO wind!! It was hard to believe this was WINTER riding in Santa Fe!! 13 Riders looped through Las Campanas, made a quick stop at the mailboxes to strip off the cold weather gear, and then headed to a new “lollipop loop” excursion discovered by Bob and Barb!! WOW! A cool new loop that we will be seeing a lot of in the future!! (Joe behind the lens).

Then it was the long climb back to the Las Campanas loop and a return to El Camino Academy (Tom behind the lens).

Overall, we logged 30.5 miles, 1,680 feet of climb with an average speed of 16+ MPH on a PERFECT riding day in Santa Fe.  We finished the ride at Rowley’s Farmhouse Ales, enjoying lunch and brew OUTSIDE under sunny, blue skies!!

ANOTHER AWESOME SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

• News notes:

We are going to open the Hincapie store for jerseys etc. in the next few days for those who would like to order.  I will post when it is open.  Product won’t be here for Xmas but you can give a picture.

Update on Irena’s condition. GoFundMe site has raised north of $10K.  Still collecting.  She will need all of it.

Great SOB turnout for Santafondo ride.  I think we had over 20 riders with both 40 and 20 mile groups.  Cold and windy but fun ride.  Beer and pizza after.

This Thursday some of us are going to do a short early ride.  0930 start.  Maybe 20 – 25 miles.  Generate an appetite for turkey.  Meet location TBD, email admin@sfsob.cosine-santafe.com if you are interested.

Thursday morning SOB Long Riders assembled under heavy cloudy skies at the 599 Road Runner Station for an extended Counter Clockwise ride around the Galisteo Loop. The start was cold; but we knew we would find sunshine somewhere along the route. With a quartering tail wind, it was a quick ride down the I-25 frontage road and across Bonanza Creek Road to the Lone Butte General Store. Still searching for sunshine the riders headed to Galisteo. It was picture time in old Galisteo! (Joe behind the lens)

Leaving Galisteo, we found the sunshine and blue skies!! YAHOO!!  The remainder of the ride was long but under sunny, blue skies… the long climb up Hwy 285 to Cafe Fina; into the wind along the Old Pecos Highway; then the final descent down 2 Rabbit and Dinosaur to the Rail Runner Station. Along the way, riders that rode to the 599 Station began peeling off to head home. Overall we logged 54+ miles, 2,680 feet of climbing, and an average speed of 16+ MPH. The ride lasted 4:30; with just over 3 hours in the saddle!  Our HERO duty shout out goes to David and Christine. Yes, Larry found his headlight!!

YAHOO! ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

Headed south along the Colorado River

Corona Arch

Every rider took pictures

24 members gathered in Moab for 4 days October 26-31. The weather was perfect! Warm sun for riding. Cool nights for snoozing. No accidents. No incidents. The members made route choices and picked out routes they would enjoy. And get this–two days of riding were on flat roads through beautiful canyons along the Colorado River. And the ride in Canyonlands National Park was spectacular. Some climbing of about 1800 feet for the 34 miles. The ride in Arches National Park was curtailed for road construction, although three members did ride the park and pronounced the ride as spectacular.

The two rides along the Colorado were beautiful! Yellow leaves on the trees. The Colorado runs slowly in this area, almost looking like a lake. The first day out was 40 miles round trip. The ride in the opposite direction along the Colorado was 34 miles with a stop at the movie museum. Most of the John Wayne westerns were made at this spot. Right in front of the lodge, Wayne drove cattle through the river. That movie was called “Rio Grande.” And now we know why the movie showed a lot of green grass on the sides of the Rio Grande.

Great social hours high on the roof top of the Best Western every day and untold numbers of empty wine bottles donated to recycling. Everybody pitched in each night. And great restaurants. Even a night cruise down the Colorado where huge searchlights illuminated the canyon walls. This accompanied by the Morman Tabernacle Choir singing American songs about the beauty of the country and some patriotic songs. Several members were so moved that they tried to enlist in the services, knowing that they were seniors and would be rejected.

And Judy has an important announcement for you. The SOB Holiday Party is scheduled for Thursday, December 21. You won’t want to miss this affair! Take you cell phones out right now and enter this activity into your calendar.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

SOBs overwhelmed the Day of the Tread.  There were so many of us there, we were forced to ride in 3 groups!  (OK, we chose to do that). JoeS rode with his son-in-law on his first organized ride.  A bunch of us went down Saturday, enjoyed the hospitality of USAF at Kirtland, thanks to Larry, and had dinner at Zacatecas (thanks to David and Michael for the referral).  The really old SOBs rode the 50 mile out-n-back up Tramway.  The young guns did the extra 30 miles adding in the Placitas climb.  All told if I counted right there were 14 of us there.  If you missed it, put it on your calendar for next year!

On a sunny but crispThursday, SOB Climbers met at the Post Office in San Antonito for the 14 mile climb to the summit of Sandia Crest. The wind was in our face for most of the climb. Climbing into the wind, in the shade, was cold; climbing with the wind, in the sun, was enjoyable. The views were spectacular!! We regrouped at 5 & 10 mile markers. However, sitting in the sun at the regroup stops, enjoying the view didn’t last long. There was more climbing ahead of us. After 2:30 hours of climbing, the summit was a welcomed sight. Time to warm up; grab some coffee; and take the photo (Thorsten, a German tourist from Hamburg behind the lens)

Then it was time to bundle up for the SCREAMING 14 mile descent down the mountain. The roads were clean, and in good condition (unlike the Santa Fe ski basin road) allowing the riders to exceed 40+ MPH on the descent. 30 mins later… it was over. Time for lunch at the Lazy Lizard!! Thanks Bob for scheduling the ride! We still need a makeup ride to Albuquerque; and a makeup ride to Placitas!! Next up… Sunday’s Day of the Tread!!

Time for a nap!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

This coming Sunday, 10/29/17, an off-road ride on the beautiful Valles Caldera NP. About 35 miles on good/fair quality dirt roads, cyclocross-type bike with 32+ mm tires or MTB ideal, bring food and plenty water, senior get-in-free national park card (or pay), and cool weather gear. Meet at Sullivan Field Lot in Los Alamos (across from Los Alamos High School on Diamond Drive) at 9:30am on Sunday 10/29 to carpool to the VC start. I can take 2 riders from SF area (call me, Rich 412-9484).

Several members who are not riding Sandia Crest ride, but want to ride locally will meet at DeVargas at 10:00 a.m. Probably ride about 25 miles. Don’t put your bike away. A warm and dry winter lies ahead. Keep your riding level up! Don’t let it diminish now!

And shortly, Bob Bogart will be posting information about Tuesday and Thursday rides in November.

If you can’t ride Thursday, the ride next Tuesday, October 31, will be at its regular time of 10:00 a.m. and at the DeVargas Center. Be sure to ride on Halloween day so you will be comfortable eating all the candy you collect that night.

For those of you wishing to see the fall colors WITHOUT a serious climb, you may wish to try the Paseo Real –> Los Golondrinas –> Los Pinos Road Loop.  Quite nice regardless of which way you may choose to ride.

Sunny skies… No; mild temperatures… No; calm winds… No!! But it was another great riding day in Santa Fe. Saturday’s ride was from El Camino Real Academy, up the 599 frontage road; across the taco (Paz) Bridge; down through town; out and around IAIA and back to the El Camino Real Academy. A 34.5 mile ride, with just under 2,000 feet of ascent, but only averaged 15+ MPH. Niltsi fought us throughout the morning; blowing 20 MPH winds mostly in our face. With around 2 1/2 hours in the saddle, temperatures only in the high 50s and 20 MPH winds, it was time for an “end of ride celebration” at the Santa fe Capitol Grill. It was the perfect opportunity to discuss our pace line techniques…

So ends… ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

15 rode up Old Taos, Sierra del Norte, and Hyde Park to the Ranger Station.  Beautiful day, colors were spectacular, air was crisp.  Short but some good climbing.  Lunch at Rowleys with a new menu.  Highly recommend the Texas chili!

Saturday, 3 SOB Riders tackled 110 mile; 10,000+ feet of climb at the Gila Monster Gran Fondo in Silver City, NM. Friday evening was a packet pick-up, early dinner and early to bed evening. With a cool 8:00 AM start our riders were met with a beautiful sunny, blue sky morning.

Then it was off to tackle the Gila Monster!! As the groups slowly spread out; it soon became a solitary ride.

But the scenery of the Gila Wilderness was breathtaking!! This is why we ride!!

But with all rides in the wilderness there are decisions to be made. At the T-Intersection, some went left to meet the challenge of multiple climbs; some went left for the final climbing ascent into Silver City!! There was no wrong choice for an SOB!! Climbing is in our blood!! What a weekend; what a ride!! Can’t wait to hear the stories!

ANOTHER AWESOME SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

Friday afternoon The Taco 10 (10 SOB Riders) headed East of the Pecos River into the flat plains of Eastern New Mexico for the 60 mile Tour de Taco in Clovis. The event was billed as a Taco Box (Clovis) to Taco Box (Portales) to Taco Box (Clovis) ride!!

We arrived Friday afternoon, and headed for our Visitor Quarters at Cannon AFB (Thanks Larry for setting up lodging). GREAT ROOMS!

The Cannon AFB clubs were closed for the Columbus Day weekend, so the Taco 10 headed to Chili’s in Clovis for a Friday night of Texas BBQ Ribs and beer. Oh No… say it ain’t so!! Chili’s is out of BBQ Ribs on a Friday night!! I guess Mexican food will just have to do!! That’ll cost them on Yelp!

After a good nights sleep, we were up looking for breakfast before our mass start at 8:00 AM. The Starbuck’s and Burger King on Cannon AFB were both closed; but we located breakfast sandwiches and coffee at the Base Mini-Market!!  It was a cool, crisp morning for the start; but not a cloud in the sky and only a light wind. The morning warmed quickly. The mass start at the Taco Box featured about 100 riders. The Taco 10 were the talk of the Tour wearing their SOB colors. The ride to the Portales Taco Box was FLAT; with a slight quartering tail wind. The SOB Riders set a fast initial paceline to the first rest stop; we were impressive!! Those that tried to join us, would soon be dropped!! In Portales, we proceeded down the route for the ENMU Homecoming parade. Riding  a slow pace line, I sure the gathering parade crowd thought we were the lead attraction. At the midway turn-around Taco Box, we sampled refreshments for the return ride to Clovis. Deb, Adrien and Gordon missed the picture… they were in the Taco Box chowing down and taking care of business. Great breakfast burritos! John and Cat couldn’t resist the “old Folks” Chairs at the rest stop!!

The 30 mile ride back to Clovis battled a quartering headwind; but our paceline riding was impressive as we reeled in rider after rider on the return trip. Finally, leaving the last rest stop, with a 10 MPH wind at our back, we put the hammer down for a 27 MPH, 10 mile paceline ride back toward the finish. Overall, it was a 60 mile ride, averaging 17+ MPH, 3:30 ride time with an overall ascent of 574 ft. What! An overall ascent over 60 miles of 574 ft?? NICE…

Back at the finish we lunched at the Taco Box. Overall, the Tour de Taco is not a bad investment… For our $30 entry fee we got a HIGHER QUALITY T-Shirt ($10 value), a classy (non-cycling) water bottle ($10 value); and a $10 Taco Box Gift Card!! Then it was off to Santa Fe! But wait… there’s more! It was time for a little culture with a quick stop at the Blackwater Draw!

Blackwater Draw (ca. 9500–3000 B.C.)  As the Pleistocene, or Ice Age, was ending and the earth was drying out, there was a profound change in the environment across North America. Hunters in North America pursued large animals for food. Skilled at the task, these Americans left evidence of activities throughout much of the continent where many of their living sites and hunt sites are now known. Blackwater Draw in eastern New Mexico, which evidences human activity from about 9500 to 3000 B.C., is one of the most important of the early hunter locations. Large animals were attracted to it for water—water sources being productive places for hunting—and the weapons with which the animals were brought down were principally of stone.

Discovered in the 1930s, Blackwater Draw defined the then newly discovered Clovis culture of North America (ca. 9500 B.C.). The name Clovis is derived from the modern town near Blackwater Draw. Currently documented to be among the earliest inhabitants of the North American continent beginning around 11,500 years ago, the Clovis people probably initially migrated into Alaska from Siberia, crossing the 600-mile-wide corridor along the Bering Strait that was then dry due to water confined in massive glaciers. Their migrations as big-game hunters led the Clovis down from Alaska, through Canada into the North American plains as they followed herds of steppe bison, mammoth, and horse. These animals reached extinction around the same time Clovis hunters were becoming established in North America; whether the animals’ extinction was due to the efficiency and tenacity of Clovis hunters, concurrent climate change, or a combination of both, is debated.

Thanks to Bob and Larry for making this… ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!

Tuesday, SOB Riders set out under bright blue skies on a 60 mile pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo. We departed DeVargas Center, picked up riders at Taco Bridge, Tesuque, Camel Rock, and Cities of Gold and regrouped at the infamous SOB Rest Stop – The Pojoaque Phillip’s 66 Gas Station. (Ed behind the lens)

Its back in the saddle time for a series of climbs toward Chimayo; and the rocket descent to El Santuario de Chimayo (Ed behind the lens).

At El Santuario de Chimayo, it was time for reflection and to enjoy the serenity of this historic site. El Santuario de Chimayó is a Roman Catholic church in Chimayó, New Mexico, United States. This shrine, a National Historic Landmark, is famous for the story of its founding and as a contemporary pilgrimage site. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Santuario_de_Chimayo

Leaving the Santuario, we again picked up our nemesis, Niltsi, who punished us all the way back to Santa Fe with brutal 13-15 MPH headwinds! Too late for lunch, we were content to know we finished the ride!! Thanks to Bob for putting the ride together!!

ANOTHER AWESOME SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

Under cool but sunny skies, 4 SOB Riders gathered at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado for the 4th Annuasl Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fest Gran Fondo. Signing in at 7:30, we picked up packets, pinned on number, and enjoyed our breakfast burritos and coffee. As the sun lit a blue sky and warmed the morning, we shed our cold weather gear and got ready to ride. We all agreed to a relaxing, casual ride as Larry took the lead for a 30+ MPH pace line to Pojoaque!! After regrouping at the Nambé Church (Sagrado Corazón de Jesus), we began the series of climbs to Cundiyo! Waiting at the summit above Cundiyo, were gourmet sliders!! Then it was a series of short climbs with long stretches of down hill to Chimayo. No… we did not climb the hill to Truchas!!  At Chimayo we were treated to honey infused Rice Krispy bars topped with Belgian chocolate. We were having a great time until our old nemesis, Niltsi , showed up and delivered a 12-14 MPH head wind all the back to the Four Seasons. The honey infused Rice Krispy bars provide the energy we need to battle the wind. Our motivation to finish the ride quickly were the tacos, beer and champagne waiting for us at the Four Seasons. Tony from Bike and Sport joined us and told us about the new location they are moving to (other end of the mall from Trader Joe’s). Members of the Mesquite Mazda Team from Dallas behind the lens… they could not believe a bunch of seniors crushed them on the ride!!

TIME TO TOAST ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

Last Thursday, Tó Neinilii gather his rain clouds threatening a deluge of water for any SOB Rider brave enough to attempt a Thursday ride. Five fearless riders gathered at San Felipe and stepped forward to accept the gauntlet with a 28+ mile ride to Bernalillo.  Impressed by the bravery of these fearless SOB Riders, Niltsi offered only a token wind from the North. The ride to Bernalillo was quick and steady under threatening skies. In Bernalillo, we toasted our accomplishment food and caffeine at Starbuck’s (Lucy behind the lens). Facing a headwind riding back to San Felipe, the discussion quickly turned to the new paceline protocol. Edwin and Joe had practiced the paceline procedures with a 22+ MPH ride down to Bernalillo; now it was time for the Fearless Five to try out the new paceline procedures heading back to San Felipe. The paceline was executed to perfection heading into the wind at 15 MPH! Back at San Felipe, the skies were dark and heavy with rain, but all Tó Neinilii could offer was a little thunder!!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

Hi all, I just got back from a week ride along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Cyndy dropped me off in Abiquiu and picked me up in Pie Town. The route runs through a beautiful part of our state, but OMG, off-road touring can be hard and can beat you up, or beat me up anyway, in a way that road touring does not. Here is a link to the tour with lots of pics of the region if you are interested: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1mr&page_id=525692&v=6X

Ed

                         Leaving Abiquiu

Yes, the blogger is a little behind in ride posts! But this rainy day is a perfect day to catch-up!

Satruday (16 Sep 17) Welcome to a Guest Rider: The SOB riders were joined by Joe’s cycling buddy Stu Carter from the “low level state” of AZ. Stu is a long time rider who formed the Air Force Cycling Team way back when; and, is very active in promoting cycling with Veterans in Sierra Vista, AZ. He made a quick visit to Santa Fe on his way home from “pilot training” for his blind stoker conducted at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. We welcomed Stu to the “high country” with a brisk 30+ mile, 17+ MPH ride through La Cienega, across Bonanza Creek Road and back up Hwy 14.  He earned is strips when we dialed in a 20 headwind for the climb up Hwy 14. What’s a fast pace, altitude and a nice brisk wind among friends!! At the Allsup’s Gas Station we parked in our designated parking spaces; and finished the ride at the Capital Bar and Grill.  Stu loves our group!! Thanks for all who joined in the ride!! (Ed behind the lens).

Tuesday (19 Sep 17) Beautiful day to Ride:  This morning the SOB Riders headed out on a 46 mile, 16+ MPH loop around city; it was a beautiful day to ride!!  Down Rabbit Road, around IAIA, with a power climb to the cell tower (at Larry’s request). Tom smoked us all on the climb!! At the top we clicked the group picture (Tom behind the lens) then headed to La Cienega and the climb to the water tower. By then, we were all out of gas for the steep final climb to the water tower!! Heading around the airport, we were in good “pace line form” (action shot with Tom behind the lens). Looks like we are getting the hang of this “paceline thing”.

Thursday (21 Sep 17) Some went out and back; some went around the loop: Another beautiful day to ride! The SOB Group ride was the 53+ mile El Rito Loop. We headed out from the Chevron Station toward El Rita. We are getting into this “pace line thing” with a rapid 20 MPH paceline ride to the El Rito turnoff. Then it was a trailing wind that pushed us to El Rita and the El Rita Ranger Station. SURPRISE!! The Ranger Station was OPEN!! It was a refreshing break – clean restrooms and water bottle resupply. We then headed East for the climb over the summit and the YAHOO 45+ MPH rocket descent down the other side.The final push from Ojo Client to the Rio Chama Chevron station was as expected… into the wind!! Overall… not a bad day of cycling… 17+ MPH; 2,500+ ft of climb. After the ride we found a new place to lunch… The Sopapilla Factory Restaurant in Pojoaque! (Picture complements of the Restaurant  Staff!)

  .

ANOTHER WEEK OF ADVENTURE!!

ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE AN SOB!!

Our fabulous official riding season is coming to an end.
We are celebrating with an End of the Season Luncheon, Thursday, October 19 at the Pecos Trail Cafe, after the scheduled ride, staring at 11:30

Please see Edwin or Judy at the sign in table to pay for the luncheon $20.

It will be a fun gathering, great companion, good food, not to be
missed.

Lore.

Thursday’s ride started cool, and got cooler as Tó Neinilii gather his rain clouds threatening the ride from 599 to ABQ. Before Lone Butte; Tó Neinilii was joined by Niltsi giving riders an increasing strong quartering head wind that created havoc on our aero bikes. As we approached Madrid, SOB Riders faced a mighty trio. Enumclaw with his fire spears, joined Tó Neinilii and Niltsi!  Facing the wrath of nature, SOB Riders decided to shorten the ride to an out and back to Madrid – about 35 miles, with slow speeds home battling the long climb up Why 14 into the wind. But first, some decided to grab double shot, caramel lattes at the Java Junction before heading home. (Joe behind the lens).

It was lunch at the Ranch House where pulled pork entrees continue to popular!! Coming out of the Ranch House SOB Riders were faced with mostly sunny skies and a lot less wind. Go Figure!?!

The Tuesday riders will attempt the ABQ ride later in the month.

YES, ANOTHER SOB ADVENTURE!!

Tuesday, 17 Riders headed out from DeVargas Center for a rough ride around the dump to Las Campanas. On the Las Campinas downhill outer loop, the pace line fell apart and turned into a series of sprints. YAHOO!! Exhausted, we regrouped at Caja del Rio, then headed to South Meadows and Airport for a run around the Airport to the La Ceinega Water Tower… or is it a cell tower… or is it a water/cell tower… or is it a water tower with stuff hung on it??? The pace line was organized (this time) until the uphill climb to the tower… then it was a free for all!! Another YAHOO moment! Must have been a Strava Segment!!! Here are the SOB Riders and “The Tower” (Joe behind the lens).

After our engaging conversation of trying to define the “Tower”, we headed back to 599, Dinosaur and Rabbit Roads before riding back into town to the DeVargas Center. Overall… 46+ miles; 16+ MPH, with 2,000+ feet of climb. Dave, our UK guest, enjoyed the ride; but was ready to nourish the body! It was time for lunch at Rowley’s Farmhouse Ales!!

The general consensus… Agent Scully Toasted Coconut IPA was a BUST!!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB ADVENTURE! BOB: THANKS FOR THE LEADERSHIP!

RIDE FAST; RIDE SAFE!

Hi all, as some fellow SOB’s know I had been planning a mountain bike tour for this summer, but injured my hand and switched over to a road  bike tour mostly through Utah and Arizona of some of their national parks. I normally blog my tours on a site called “Crazy Guy on a Bike”. Here is a link to the blog of the three-week tour with a bunch of pics if you are interested in the bike touring scene: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1mr&doc_id=19666&v=ae .

Saturday’s ride included an unwelcome guest – a stiff NW New Mexico wind joining us as a training partner. Thirteen SOB Riders saddled up and headed out of El Camino Real Academy on South Meadows, across to Richards Ave, around the Institute of American Indian Arts to Hwy 14. Once on Hwy 14, we enjoyed a wind assisted, slightly downhill descent to Lone Butte. YAHOO!! Knowing we would be battling the wind all the way back to the El Camino Academy, it was pace-line riding along Bonanza Creek Road to La Cienega. With grapes maturing on the vines in La Cienega, we were tempted to just enjoy the rest of the day in vineyard. The big decision facing us was whether or not to knock on the wine maker’s door and ask for a wine tasting!! In the end, we thought it best to just admire the grapes on the vine, not in the bottle (Joe behind the lens).

It was now pay-back time for the earlier wind-assisted ride down Hwy 14. ARGH!! We climbed the back side route to the water tower and made the long, slightly up hill, into the wind pace-line ride around the airport, back to El camino Academy. We covered the 37+ miles and 1,500 feet of climbing at over 16 MPH. Now it was time for lunch at our old standby – The Santa Fe Capital Grill.

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE!! RIDE FAST; RIDE SAFE!!

Thursday’s SOB Club Rider took riders round and round the inner and outer loops of Las Campanas; and, up and down Pos de la Tierra to Las Dos and Opera Drive (aka 285 Frontage Road). Then it was a downhill run along the 599 Frontage Road back to our start point on Caja del Rio Road.  Leaderless at the start, Rick and John stepped up as co-Leaders for the ride as we meandered through the Las Campanas maze.  Here’s the group photo at Las Dos surveying the recently chipped road on the climb to the summit (Joe behind the lens). Our route covered 43 mile at 15+ MPH with about 3,000 ft of climb.

And… with any good ride, its never finished until we are toasting the ride. Today’s lunch was at the Santa Fe Capital Grill!!

SOB Riders made a special dash to Albuquerque on Tuesday for lunch! Bob put together an “ABQ Flat Ride” that had 2 short stints on I-25, but for the most part put us on familiar roads used on the SOB Club Cochiti and San Felipe rides. The weather was perfect all day! We started our ride at the 599 Station, rode the frontage road to the cell tower regrouping at the Waldo Canyon underpass. We then jumped on I-25 for a short ride to the Cochiti exit for a 2nd regroup. The 1-25 shoulder was OK except for a 15 yard section half way down the La Bajada.

The ride from Cochiti, through Pena Blanco, to the Santo Domingo gas station was full of sunshine with only a little wind. We regrouped at the Gas Station, bought tickets for a church raffle, talked to locals about an alternative connection between San Felipe and Santa Domingo Pueblos; and added ice and water to our water bottles. It is a great place to regroup and refill; and take a nature break. Then it was back on !-25 for a quick 5 mile mostly downhill to the San Felipe exit. The I-25 shoulders were wide and clean; truckers gave us plenty of room owing to our Fluorescent Yellow jerseys and flashing red tail lights.

After regrouping at the San Felipe Exit, the peloton headed to Bernalillo and on to the Paseo del Bosque Trail off Alameda. Here is the pace line passing through Algodones (The name is a Spanish word that means “cotton”; and may be due to the fact that cotton was grown in this area). Native American farmers reached this area around 1200 AD. They originally lived in Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde but moved here escaping climate change and warfare. Route 66 (1926 to 1937 alignment) and Camino Real passed through Algodones.

ABQ was HOT!! We grabbed some shade on the regroup (kind of like cattle getting out of the sun) at Paseo del Bosque Trail before heading to ABQ.

Reaching our final destination in central ABQ at the train station, we grabbed a casual lunch at the Sister Bar. It was $2 Tacos Tuesday and every imaginable beer on draft. We caught the 4:30 PM Rail Runner back to Santa Fe. Arriving at the 599 Station around 5:30PM. Overall, our 10 rider peloton spent about 4:15 hours in the saddle; cover 73+ miles, and averaged a reasonable 17+ MPH ride average. It was a mechanical free day; no adverse weather; no incidents!! YAHOO!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE ADVENTURE IN THE BOOKS!   Bob: Thanks for planning the ride!!

Saturday, SOB riders headed north from Camino Real Academy in search of favorable winds; then west; then east; then south… always facing a stiff head wind!! Ehecatl, the Aztec god of wind from all directions, was vacationing in Santa Fe; and, wanted to make his presence know to the SOB Riders. Windswept photo taken somewhere in the hinterland (Joe behind the lens). The 50+ mile adventure around Santa Fe, always into the wind, hastened our decision to find a place for lunch! It was lunch and refreshments at the Santa Fe Capital Grill.

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE!!

Brian Lynch, the driver who ran through our group in Tucson in March 2016, was sentenced Friday to 10.5 years in prison followed by 5 years monitored probation. He will also have a substantial restitution obligation, which has yet to be determined.

Thursday’s SOB Ride tackled the ups and downs around the Los Alamos Area. The A Riders were leaderless until John stepped up to lead us around the circuit. While others took the bridge across the ravine through Los Alamos Labs; John, very familiar with the area, tortured us on a back road down into and out of the ravine to the Pajarito turn off. After the climb out of the ravine, there were no takers for climbing Pajarito Mountain to the ski basin (We all said a prayer that Rick and Tom weren’t with us!).

After a HUGE sigh of relief for not having to climb Pajarito, we head out on the downhill run to Bandolier National Park. We scrapped together enough Senior Passes to get the group through the gate as the Range kindly reminded everyone that the price of the Senior Pass (LIFETIME membership pass to all parks+) goes up from $10 to $80 on August 28!! You can get the pass at BLM on Dinosaur Rd (Bring $10 cash) or at ANY National Park entrance. If you do not have one, get one tomorrow!! Shame on you if you don’t!  END OF PAID ANNOUNCEMENT.  Picture time at Bandolier Visitor Center (Danish Tourist behind the lens. Yes! he took 14 pictures before lifting his finger off the button).

Arriving in White Rock, we detoured to the White Rock Overlook Park for a breathtaking view the the Rio Grande across to Santa Fe. Deborah wanted no part of the viewing platform, but overcame her fears for the Group Photo!!

No malingering for SOB riders on the viewing platform, rain clouds were forming… and we STILL faced the 5 mile Truck Route By-Pass climb!! The climb was as long as we all remembered; but the weather was ideal!! Frank, Jim, and Deb made the climb look easy; newcomer to the climb Barbara learned 1-2 MPH faster at the bottom of the climb; doesn’t make the end of the climb easier. At the end of the climb it was a mad sprint by all to the Smith’s parking lot to beat the rain!!

Where’s lunch??? It was off to the Blue Window Bistro in Los Alamos for eats and cheers!!

John: Thanks for stepping up and taking “ownership” of this motley crew!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE!

The Tuesday riders tackled the 28+ mile, 2,500+ total ascent climb to Rio en Medio. Once at the Road’s end, it took some cajoling to get Bob to assemble for a picture. He did ‘t want to leave the pavement for fear of getting his tires and wheels dirty!!

When finally assembled, the Rio en Medio Climbers first posed for a group photo (Joe behind the lens), then read the warning posted on the trail board of a Mother Bear and her Cub in the immediate area. No one wanted to be the last one to depart the area!!

We capped off the ride with lunch and refreshments at Rowley’s Farmhouse Ales.

ANOTHER GREAT SOB ADVENTURE! GREAT RIDE!!

After SOB Memorial Ride to the Pecos River Bridge, the Jack’s Creek Climbers tackled the long uphill climb to Jack’s Creek Campground. After besting the final 1.5 mile 6-10% of the summit climb, the campground was a welcomed site. The Jack’s Creek Climber pose for a summit picture before the descent home (Jess, photographer from Santa Fe behind the lens).

But wait… there’s more… Can’t forget LUNCH and gear discussions at the Cafe Find!!

Another… GREAT SOB RIDE!

SOB riders came face to face with Tó Neinilii Saturday, and Tó Neinilii  blinked. The heavy overcast skies threaten rain at the start of the ride; but SOB riders were undeterred as they headed to La Cienega.  

Riding at a rather brisk pace; we quickly arrived at La Cienega; climb the hill to the Interstate, and traversed Bonanza Creek Road to Highway 14. By now the sun was out rain jackets were quickly stowed. Tó Neinilii had blinked!! YAHOO!!

Under beautiful skies we were all smiles as we made the climb up Highway 14 to LUNCH at Rowley’s!! We all toasted the no-rain rain with Farmhouse Ale; and chowed down for nourishment. (Pictures curtesy of Ed). 

Another… GREAT SOB RIDE! 

Thursday, SOB Riders rode the 38 mile “Tour of Pueblos” in one of the groups fastest average Thursday ride times – 17+ MPH. The counterclockwise route included a climb to the Cochiti Lake Overlook (Monica behind the lens)…

and the downhill run to the Rio Grande River. The new Highway 22 bridge was a welcomed sight to SOB Riders. No more “portage” across the arroyo. Our stop at the Rio Grande is always a welcomed experience (Joe behind the lens). The NEW Rio Grande Bridge under construction is designed to replace the existing bridge. Too bad the old bridge can not be saved as a dedicated SOB Bridge Ride Stop… Maybe add a Coffee Shop, outdoor tables and restrooms! 🙂 Enough fantasy… time for a reality check and an uphill climb back to I-25.

The uphill return ride soon turned from a socializing gaggle to became a series of pace lines in an effort to overcome a strengthening headwind (Tom behind the lens).

Once back at the start point, it was time to head to the Ranch House for lunch and refreshments! YAHOO!

Another… GREAT SOB RIDE!

The SOB Riders headed out of DeVargas Mall  (from the new parking area) under heavy gray clouds for a normal trip out to the Mission El Sagrado Corazon or Sacred Heart Church in Name. We climbed Old Taos Highway, then crossed over to Bishop’s Lodge Road for a rocket descent to Tesuque Village Market.  After a quick regroup, it was multiple pace lines to Pojoaque. In route we lost ride leader Rick to a flat debacle. The group split at Pojoaque with some riders electing to return directly to Santa Fe. The remaining riders, leaderless, meandered over toward the Name Church. It was here that SOB Riders “crossed the Rubicon”… taking the irrevocable step committing us to our specific course… (Ed behind the lens).

Coming back through Pojoaque, Ed decided visit Roxanne Swentzell Tower Gallery in Pojoaque. It is located in the Pojoaque Culture Center across from the Philip’s 66 gas station we use as a regroup point. For us art lovers, Ed has given it 2 thumbs up. I recommend we all take time to visit it some day (Ed behind the lens).

Here’s the link: http://www.roxanneswentzell.net/towergallery_bronzes.htm

Heading back to Santa Fe, the Ride split again at Tesuque… half the riders making the climb Bishop’s Lodge Road; while the remainder climbed the 285 Frontage Road. All in all… about 40+ miles; about 2200+ feet of climb and NO RAIN!! In the end, we all rendezvoused at DeVargas Mall and headed to 5 Star Burgers with lunch and refreshments. At lunch we said goodbye to David and Christine as they prepared to wing their way to Europe for a fun vacation. Fly Safe; Be Safe!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE!!

Feeling just a little stiff after the Jemez Springs and beyond ride Thursday, the SOB Riders decided to loosen up the muscles on Saturday with a 50 miler out to Madrid and back. We departed from El Camino Real Academy on South Meadows to La Cienega, across Bonanza Creek Road to Highway 14, and into the wind (you would expect nothing less) for the rolling downhill trek to Madrid. Along the way we recruited a new SOB member… he qualifies with his gray and white hair!! Now we just need to get him a helmet!! At Highway 14/42 Junction, we picked up Rick Gordon coming back from Madrid on a long solo ride, and convinced him he needed a return trip to Madrid!!

In Madrid we descended on the Java Junction for much needed coffee and pastries, followed by the obligatory ride picture in front of the Old Boarding House Mercantile. No… we didn’t climb Stagecoach!! The ride back to Santa Fe was as expected… into the wind!! The 50 mile, 2,400 feet of climb ride ended at the Capital Cafe for lunch and nourishing refreshments!!

ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE!!

Thursday, Rick Gordon led the SOB Climbers on an arduous “out and back” ride to Jemez Springs. Starting on the rim of the Caldera, the riders made a rapid descended into the Valle Caldera, continuing to Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store and Jemez Springs. At Jemez Springs it was time to relax at the Highway 4 Cafe and Bakery and contemplate the long climb back to the start point. The SOB Climbers covered the 53 mile “out and back” in about 3:50 and achieving 4,060 ft of climb.

We stopped at the Valle Caldera to admire the view (Joe behind the lens)…

Then it was a rapid descent (speeds 40+ MPH) to Amanda’s Country Store for refreshments before the descent to Jemez Springs (Tom behind the lens on the descent; Sabin, an obliging local behind the lens at Amanda’s)…

After a short break, be headed to Jemez Springs and the Highway 4 Cafe and Bakery for coffee and pastries. Thinking about the long trek back to the rim of the Valle Caldera, some thought a dip in the Hot Springs and an overnight at the Leaping Lizard Inn was a better option!!

Good times do not last long! We were soon back on our bikes for the long climb home. After conquering the Jemez Spring “out and back”, the Climbers headed to the Pajarito Brewpub and Grill in Los Alamos for lunch and much needed refreshments. Thanks Rick for another GREAT ride!!

Tuesday’s Ride was a counter-clockwise circling of the city. It was a downhill chase from DeVargas to La Ceinega with a climb to the Cell Tower, before heading back to DeVargas Mall. 45 miles; 2,200 feet of climb. FUN RIDE!! Here is the SOB Peloton reeling in the break away. Joe, the break away, behind the lens!! We capped off a great ride with lunch at 2nd Street Brewery (on 2nd Street)!

SOB Peloton 1 Aug 2017

Registration has opened for the Gila Monster Gran Fondo in Silver City 14 Oct 2017!

Come “ride like a pro for day” in the beautiful iconic Gila this fall. The Gran Fondo course follows the iconic Tour of the Gila “Gila Monster” road race, covering some of the most stunning routes in New Mexico.  Three course lengths will be available this year, two of which begin and end in Silver City and a third beginning mid-course and ending in Silver City. The most challenging ride will be 115 miles, taking riders from Silver City to Bayard, through the gorgeous Mimbres Valley, by Lake Roberts, to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor center and the loop back to Pinos Altos historic mining town, after amazing climbs and descents, then ending in Silver City. A Medio Fondo ride will share part of a similar course at 78 miles, with a little less demanding ride, but very challenging just the same. Then there will be a Micro Fondo beginning mid-course and capturing stunning views, climbs, and descents of the Gila at 40 miles. The Gran Fondo, with supportive sag wagons and well-appointed stops, is suitable for cyclists of all ages and ability-levels.

Join me and Rick as we battle the Gila Monster!!

Gila Monster Gran Fondo:  http://tourofthegila.com/gran-fondue/

This Saturday Bob took 15 Saturday Riders on a 36 mile climbing extravaganza in preparation for next Thursday’s Club ride in the Jemez Mountains!  We circled the city clockwise from South Meadows, up the 599 frontage connecting to Tano Bridge, and across to Bishops Lodge Road. We then weaved our way up and down the hills and arroyos on Barranca Road and Sierra del Norte tackling some wicked climbs. Then it was a welcomed descent down Artist and Gonzales Road before the climb up Camino Cruz Blanca on to Santa Fe Trail out to El Gancho Way and Old Pecos Trail. That was the start of a no holds barred sprint down Rabbit Road with a return to South Meadows. The repaired and upgraded tandem of David and Christine was the break away rabbit the peloton could not catch!! GREAT RIDE – A spirited 35.5 miles with about 2,200 feet of climb. Thanks Bob!

But wait… there’s more… A GREAT Ride needs a GREAT lunch… there was no delay heading for lunch and refreshments at Santa Fe Capital Grill!!

Here is the response I received from the City Engineering staff (complete with typo):

Hello Ms. Pckard ,
I apologize that my letter did not fully address all of your concerns. We did not take this project before the BTAC. The reason being that we did not consider that the bulbouts changed the street configuration. As stated in my letter, parking was allowed on Alta Vista, prior to this project. This street was also designated as a Shared facility, in the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bikeways and Trails Map. We did not feel that we changed the street’s configuration as it was a Shared facility prior to the project and continues to be one after the project. I will be at the upcoming BTAC meeting to further explain the project to the committee.

If you have any other questions, please let me know. Thanks.

-John Romero
Engineering Division
City of Santa Fe

Thursday’s Ride, 20 June, found the SOB Riders tackling the tough climbs around Chimayó – especially the climb to Nambe Falls and the climbs in and around Condiyo.  As the temperatures increased so did our appetites. The rides ended at Rancho de Chimayo – just in time for a great lunch, cold refreshments and our SOB Club meeting.

Our thanks to the SOB Leadership for all their hard work making our SOB Club a special cycling experience.

SOB Riders at Nambe Falls! (Joe behind the lens; finger in front of the lens!)

Below is the text of an email that I sent today to city officials:

Dear Mayor, Councilors, Mr. Romero, and Other Responsible City Employees,

On July 11, I wrote to you on behalf of the Santa Fe Seniors on Bikes, complaining about the bulb-out project on Alta Vista Street. I stated that the project was inexplicable to us as cyclists and asked whether the Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee had been consulted and whether the project could be reversed.

On July 19, I received a response from Mr. Romero that appeared to consist of talking points about pedestrian safety. It was the same letter that was sent to everyone who shared concerns about this project, as far as I could tell. It was not responsive to the specific questions that I asked at the end of my letter. While the letter indicated that the intent of the project was consistent with bicycle safety, all cyclists that I know would disagree. Mr. Romero indicated that he copied all of the rest of you on his letter.

On the same day, I attended a meeting of BTAC, which had a discussion of the project on the agenda. I consulted the minutes of the previous meeting and learned that BTAC had expressed its concern the prior month. I was encouraged that all of the members of BTAC were as perplexed as I was that the project had been undertaken without appropriate consultation and in apparent ignorance of standards governing complete streets. I was dismayed, as were the members of BTAC, that Mr. Romero did not attend the meeting.

I now ask that you, the Mayor and City Councilors, take action to insure that projects that affect cyclists do not happen without appropriate consultation with BTAC. This can be done by a simple ordinance or directive, stating that any change in street configuration not be implemented until consultation has been had with the City’s Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee.

I also ask that the project be reconsidered, after consultation with BTAC, and reversed, if appropriate.

Thank you for your consideration. I remain,

Sincerely yours,
Lynn Pickard, for
Santa Fe Seniors on Bikes

Is this your cap?  It was found at Rancho de Chimayo after our lunch this week.  If it is yours, you can get it back at the next Thursday club ride or email shirleyknarr@gmail.com.

20 SOB riders headed to Pojoaque and the Sagrado Corazón de Jesus Church at Nambe. It was another rapid descent to Pojoaque; and a surprise water crossing at the creek just short of the Church. It was a beautiful, fun and uneventful ride, but we all knew we faced a long climb back to Santa Fe. After the ride most SOB Riders headed to Rowley’s for lunch… and refreshments!

CHALK UP ANOTHER GREAT RIDE!!

SOB riders at the Church. (Joe behind the lens).

A small group of die-hard Saturday cyclists welcomed Adrian back to Santa Fe with a swift ride through La Cienega, out to the cell tower and back through Santa Fe (Joe behind the lens).

Welcome back Adrian!!

It was cloudy, cool start for the SOB Ride Thursday morning; but the weather soon changed to blue skies. Some rode to Madrid; some rode to Galisteo; some circled the Galisteo Loop clockwise; while some circled the Galisteo Loop counter-clockwise. All in all… it was a another GREAT day to ride in Santa Fe. After the ride it was chow time at the Ranch House!!

This was posted on Facebook by Bike Santa Fe:

Reported by two different motorists on their way to work about 8 am Thursday July 13. One of the drivers is a serious cyclist, here on a work detail from Michigan.
A group of about 10 road riders heading SE on 599 about 8 am turned right/ south (blew through) on the red light at Hwy 14 (Turquoise Trail) without stopping.
This kind of behavior contributes to a pervasive poor image of cyclists by motorists AND it is illegal.
“Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.” Proceed right on a red light only after coming to a full stop. A full stop on a bicycle, that communicates to motorists, is putting your foot down on the ground or if clipped in and able-track standing, even for just a moment.
These are obviously seasoned riders but ALL riders can benefit from taking a Smart Cycling course. Implementing good road user habits benefits the credibility of the cycling community.