We plan to ride for about 1.5 hours and then head over to the Plaza to join the Students March for Safety.   This will replace the usual Saturday start at ElCamino.  We figure to be back at DeVargas between 11.30 and 11.45 to change and start walking.  B/C riders, love to have you join us!   See link for March info!

Students set to march Saturday in Santa Fe for gun control

Santa Fe marchers will unite in chorus with students from around the world during a demonstration, March For Our Lives, that will take place in Washington, D.C., and more than

Santa Fe New Mexican

Judging by the number of attendees at the Rosary Sunday night for Ramon Montoya, we recommend that SOB members planning to attend the 10:00 a.m. funeral service Monday should plan to be seated by 9:20 a.m. SOB members will be amazed at the number of friends and family honoring Ramon.

Bill Pollock

The day of the service for Ramon Montoya has been changed

When: Monday, March 19, 10:00 a.m.

Where: St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 511 Alicia Street, Santa Fe. The church occupies most of the block along Alicia Street, between Hickock Street and Aqua Fria.

There will be a Rosary at the Church on Sunday, March 18 at 7:15 p.m.

Parking is a struggle during the day of the service. Friends may want to consider car pools.

Bill Pollock

Our colleague, Ramon Montoya, died this morning following hospitalization and treatment for heart issues. Ramon was in UNM Hospital through much of February for some surgeries to the heart and returned home March 1. But his condition worsened and he was placed in hospice care at his home in Santa Fe a few days ago. I was fortunate to be able to visit  Ramon with George Gamble yesterday and we talked with him about a ride we did with Jim Halquist, Mary Clark, and Frank Battaglia out of the community college in Las Vegas, NM that was a beautiful ride climbing into the hills above the city. Ramon remembered it and appeared glad to reminisce about it. I had taken some pictures along, but his glasses could not be found at the moment. But he remembered the ride.

Ramon may be the only SOB who can trace his New Mexico ancestry to the late 1590s, as an ancestor who was a sergeant in the Spanish army arrived in New Spain and settled in the Nambe area. There he married a woman of the Nambe pueblo and many generations later, Ramon maintained the influence of the family. Ramon grew up in Nambe and on a bike ride through the pueblo, Ramon pointed out his grandmother’s house in which he lived.

Later Ramon moved to southern California where he worked at Douglas Aircraft where several of his four daughters were born. Ramon had several grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Many of the SOBs found Ramon to be the guy who would do anything to assist another rider–fixing a flat, riding back to get his car to return and take an injured crash victim to urgent care. Many in recent days have described Ramon as a “really sweet man” with all the meaning that description the words mean. Ramon entered an earned gold medals in several Senior Olympics, including going to the nationals in Pittsburgh, PA several years ago. Ramon reported that the humidity in the summer in Pittsburgh is not meant for human kind.

There will be a service for Ramon on Tuesday, March 20. The time and location are yet to be determined. A new post will be presented when that information is available.

Over the past three years, a group of SOB riders who often ride in the “B” rides on Thursdays meet to do a ride of 20-25 miles on Saturday mornings..Everyone is welcome, and there have been requests apparently for the information to be posted on this SOB web site.

We have had as few as 2 riders on cold days to 15 on nice days. Both men and women. We decide on a route at the parking lot. We are riding at a “B” ride speed–average speed of 11-13 mph for the ride. There are a lot of route options from DeVargas Center. We know that many SOB riders want to ride on Saturdays, but prefer a ride of about 2 hours because of other activities.

We meet at the same location at the DeVargas Center as the Tuesday rides do. And we meet at the same time as the Tuesday and Thursday rides and the longer Saturday ride. Currently, we are meeting near the old 5 Star Burger (now Thai Bistro) in front of Albertson’s. And this month of March, we are meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Questions can be sent to me at pollockb@aol.com or telephone at (505) 470-6241

Bill Pollock

Saturday, 7 SOB Riders braved the howling 15-20 MPH winds for a “Before the Storm Ride” around Las Campanas. We departed El Camino Academy and caught a stiff tailwind up the 599 Frontage Road, meeting Bob and Bud who got an early jump on the start time from Bob’s House. We headed up to the “mailboxes” then completed the Las Dos climb and the lollipop before battling the wind back to the “mailboxes” for a regroup. Here’s a picture of some of us on Las Dos (Joe behind the lens).

The sun was disappearing, the wind was stiffening, and the storm clouds were forming in the West as we headed home via the Las Campanas outer loop and Caja del Rio. We celebrated our “Ride Before the Storm” at the 2nd Street Brewery (Rufina) –  we logged 29+ miles and 1700+ ft of climbing… just another day in the saddle!!

ALL IN ALL… IT WAS JUST ANOTHER AWESOME SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

SOB Riders showed up in force on a windy Thursday!! One group of 20 SOB Riders headed out under sunny, bright blue skies from the 599 Station down Hwy 14 to Lone Butte Gas Station. At Lone Butte, one group turned right on Bonanza Creek heading to the Cell Tower and La Cienega. A 2nd group made a left turn at Hwy 42 and rode counter-clockwise around the Galisteo Loop. The 3rd group headed down Hwy 14 to Madrid to inspect the Stagecoach Summit. Yes… it’s still there. Here’s the picture of 6 at the Stagecoach Summit (Joe behind the lens).

The wind was an unwelcomed training partner all day long. Those making it back to the 599 Station early enjoyed the refreshments at the Ranch House. The remaining stragglers arrived after the festivities. The Galisteo Loop riders logged 48+ miles and 2,400+ ft of climbing; the Stagecoach Summit riders logged 43 miles and 2,600+ ft of climbing; and the Cell Tower/La Cienega ridersp logged 27+ miles and 1200+ ft of climbing. It was a great day to ride!!  Those not joining us, don’t pass up the best Winter riding we have had in years!! Hope to see you soon on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday ride!!

OVERALL, ANOTHER AWESOME SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

9 SOB Riders gathered at the El Camino Real Academy under bright, sunny blue skies and warm temperatures for a Winter day of riding and climbing. We were joined by Niltsi, the Navajo Wind God; a training partner we just didn’t need this early in the riding season. The SOB Riders headed out from the El Camino Real Academy; up the 599 Frontage Road into a STIFF headwind; across to the Las Campanas Mailboxes, for an out and back around the Lollipop. We stopped for a pictures on the Lollipop (“E” behind the lens) before getting a welcomed wind assist climb back to the mailboxes. If you haven’t ridden the Lollipop… you’re missing a fun ride!!

Regrouping at the mailboxes, we circled Las Campanas on the outer loop to Calle del Rio. We were blessed with a WIND ASSISTED “screamer” down Calle del Rio to the 599 Frontage Road, then back to the El Camino Real Academy. Overall a GREAT ride… 1:45 riding time, 26+ miles, an average speed of 15 MPH, and 1,500+ feet of climb.  But a ride is never complete without after the ride refreshments and nourishment. We finished the ride with an enjoyable late lunch at the 2nd Street Brewery on Rufina (SSB#3). This is Winter SOB cycling!!

Another AWESOME SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

Judy is set to leave Kona on Thursday night and she will arrive in Santa Fe Friday afternoon. There is a 4-hour layover in Phoenix, but the medical people told her this would be good because she will want to move around a bit after the long ride from Hawaii and the ride to Santa Fe.

Judy has been using a cane in preparation for the trip. She does not plan to use a walker on the plane.

It’s a good thing she is leaving tomorrow as her supply of wine has run out. And the roommate who was moving into the room? Didn’t work out, since Judy only listens to classical music. And her roommate only listened to ukulele recordings. Besides, Judy doesn’t do the hula either.

To celebrate the departure, Judy has her Uber driver scheduled to take her to a coffee shop she found and liked on the bike tour. And Judy says she had a great time on the tour and felt strong and ready for it. Even with the injury, Judy had a great time on a bicycle!

This will likely be the last report. As Walter Cronkite said at the end of his newscasts, “That’s the way it was. Good night!”

Thursday the SOB riders departed Museum Hill, out Old Las Vegas Highway to Canocito Hill; then back through Seton Village to Museum Hill. It was a great day to ride!! For folks that have not climbed Canocito Hill, it is about 3/4 of a mile long with an average 7% grade, with the steepest grades running 11-13%.  Here’s the SOB Riders at Canocito Hill Summit and on the descent (Joe behind the lens). It is definitely a close in training opportunity for Heartbreak Hill.

It was fun to get out and ride with the group again in January!! The sun was shining, the wind acceptable, the climbs and descents awakening!! All in all, the ride was about 30 miles with about 1,800 feet of climb.  Yes, the weather can be cold January through March, but layer up and get out and ride!! We do not get a lot of great riding days in January and February. Take advantage of the good weather to get an early start on the 2018 season!!

Another GREAT SOB Ride and adventure!!

The report below is written by Judy’s sister, Cassie

Below are notes that Judy herself sent this morning.

The note below is from Judy’s sister, Cassie, late on Tuesday night.

Below is the message I received this evening from Judy’s sister, Cassie. In the message is a request from Judy to hold calls for a couple of days.

Talked to Judy on cell a bit ago. She continues to recover. But things are slow this early. Judy anticipates being moved Monday to a skilled nursing facility in Kona. She is glad of that because Kona is where the airport is. A quick exit to look forward to. Judy thinks she will be there 10 days to two weeks. She knows that, as much as she wants to return home, that she is not ready for a flight yet. Knowing Judy, 10 days looks good. And Judy has learned that the surgeon inserted two rods: one to the femur and a second to the hip.

The room at the hospital is very nice and the green landscaping outside the window is very nice. The BAC group has been fantastic in its support. She thinks the assistant director staying nearby will probably depart when she is transferred to the nursing facility.

Judy said the accident occurred as the group was riding downhill (not steep). The winds were strong cross winds. Sometimes the riders were sheltered behind a ridge or bank and sometimes not. It was on one of those occasions when she emerged from the protection of bank that an especially strong gust just picked her up and slammed her down. Her leg was in intense pain immediately. She wanted to lie down on her back but it hurt too much. Another rider helped hold up her shoulder to ease the pain a bit. The ambulance came very quickly. It was a narrow road, so when the ambulance started to drive down to the hospital, all the cars on the road pulled off quickly to enable the ambulance to hurry down the road.

Judy reported that the riders did have rain, wind, cold, and beautiful riding weather, so it has been an adventure for sure.

Look for another report tomorrow.

Bill Pollock

I just finished talking to Judy on her cell phone. She is doing very well, but anxious to get home as soon as possible. That, she said, may be in a week. Judy has been up three times today to make brief walks in the room. A little pain, and very slow steps. But steps they are. She will soon get dinner, the first food she has had in 2 days. Her room is very nice with a large picture window that looks out on landscaping. The staff at the hospital are helpful. And Judy has full confidence in the surgeon.

The only injury she sustained is the hip and leg on the left side. The rod enables her to put weight on the legs so that she can walk sooner.

Judy is not sure when she will move from the hospital to a rehab facility. Judy looks forward to the progress, though.

Another update scheduled for tomorrow.

Good news at 11 p.m., Friday.  Judy’s sister, Cassie, just got off phone talking to Judy’s surgeon. Surgery went very well. Took longer than planned. Pelvis OK and does not need further work. Inserted rod in femur. Judy should be released Monday, but will need a week or two of rehab before flying home.

More updates to follow.

There is limited information available at this time, but Judy Costlow reported this morning (Friday) that she was injured riding on a bike tour of the Big Island of Hawaii. The group faced tremendous winds all day and yesterday afternoon, a gust of wind blew her over. Judy is scheduled for emergency surgery this afternoon on a hip. Judy hopes to schedule air transportation back to Santa Fe as soon as possible following the surgery. We hope to hear more from Judy very soon regarding the outcome of the surgery. We believe she is in Waimea.

Bill Pollock

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!!