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.

Below is a link to a letter that I wrote on our behalf to the Mayor, City Councilors, City Manager, City Engineer, and Public Works Director. If you would like to send your own letter to any or all of these people, you can email me, and I will send you the information we got from Bike Santa Fe on which my letter is based in part. My address is my name followed by the numeral 1 at yahoo dot com.

SOB Alta Vista letter

Estimated ship date is Aug 23. We had over 70 items ordered. Thanks to Ian and Steve for helping with PayPal stuff. When the stuff comes in I’ll advise you on the blog for distribution at upcoming rides.

When I found the SOBs out riding US 285 in 2001, Herb Schon, a founding member, impressed me that he climbed the mountains so easily on the rides. I asked him how he did it. He told me that he gathered the dirt at the Sanctuary in Chimayo and put it in his water bottles.

On July 20, the SOBs ride past the Sanctuary and it is a good opportunity to follow Herb’s lead. Not only that, there is a fabulous lunch at Rancho Chimayo, a well known and liked famous and historical restaurant. What an opportunity! Great food and a magic elixir for your water bottles. 

It is a big help to the restaurant and to the SOBs to project the number of riders who will enjoy the lunch. Lore Thorpe will be at the registration tables at 599 RR station this Thursday, July 13, to accept your reservation and secure your place at the table. Cost is $20.

This year, all the rides start from the Rancho Chimayo Restaurant parking lot. When you finish your ride, step into the restaurant for great food and nourishment. Don’t forget to fill your bottles at the Sanctuary!

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Please note that the sign-in and start of the C ride on July 13 is different than for the other rides.  C riders, please come to the Intersection of  Highways 14 and 42 for your sign-in.  You do NOT need to stop at the 599 RR station.  The ride starts at 8:00 am, the same time as the other rides.

The Saturday Riders headed out into the badlands top NM o find Waldo. Our fans were out in force to cheer us on!

But we had no time to celebrate… it was off to find Waldo!

SUCCESS! We found Waldo; but couldn’t get past the gate!! Time for a picture, but who is behind the lens??

The “no name” stranger in black is behind the lens!!

We wrapped up our ride at Rowley’s Farmhouse Ales for lunch and a round of cold IPA!!  GREAT RIDE FOLKS!!

It was a GREAT ride Thursday with a GORGE-ous view of the Rio Grande Gorge (Robin, a tourist from NJ behind the lens). After the ride it was lunch at the Blue Heron in Española (Ed behind the lens at the Blue Heron)! The Tarantula Trek Red Ale was exceptional!!

18 riders rode from Kohl’s to the Plaza for the annual July 4 Pancake Breakfast. Thanks to Rich Leishman for the photos.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Get your orders in if you want to purchase jerseys or shorts / bibs / capris / arm warmers this go around.  The store will be closing in 3 days and we will be placing our order with Hincapie on Monday.  Pictures of the shorts and capri’s are below and are now on the store page on our website.  You will be getting an email from us over the weekend confirming your order and pricing.  Please reply.  If we do not get a reply we are going to assume that you are going ahead with your order as placed.  Thanks.

Shorts

Capri’s

The SOBs have received a “thank you” card from the Sierra Route group of the Texas 4000. I have retyped the message to acknowledge the support and participation of many SOB members. The riders have just left San Francisco and are nearing Portland, Oregon on their trip to Anchorage, Alaska.

Thank you so much for all that you did to help welcome the Texas 4000 team to Santa Fe again this year. I had heard so much about the Santa Fe visit from Kathryn, but I don’t think words could do your city or all the wonderful people who help with T4K events justice. I was blown away by the support and generosity that we received from the SOBs and Texas Exes during our visit. Thank you for organizing all the SOBs to help lead the riders into Santa Fe and for showing them the way on that hot afternoon! Thank you for all your support at the event that evening and your generous donations. We are so lucky to have supporters like you in our Texas 4000 family who do so much to help our riders on their journey. Sincerely, Courtney Becker.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

The day is almost here! Tuesday, July 4! Join the SOBs for the ride to the Plaza for the huge pancake breakfast to celebrate the Declaration of Independence.

8:30 a.m. Meet and start at Kohl’s Department Store. The ride is open to every rider, and we ride together as a group. Be sure to bring a lock for your bike!

9:30 a.m. Approximate arrival at the Plaza. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Plaza. We cannot reserve tables, but past experience indicates that the chairs are vacated quickly. We may not be able to sit as a total group, but we will be close. Look around and you will see lots of your Santa Fe friends sharing breakfast with you.

10:30-10:45 Depart the Plaza. The ride back to Kohl’s is downhill most of the way.

11:30 a.m. Approximate arrival at Kohl’s

These just arrived today.  I will have them at the start on July 6th.

M/W Axis Race SS jersey L

M/W Axis Long Sleeve Jersey S,M,L

M Axis bib S,L,XL

W Axis short S, M, XL

W Axis Capri S,M,L

The Elite Eighty Members

The 2017 Club Photo

2017

Thomas Jefferson completed the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. He may have thought Santa Fe was included as he worked on his invention of a bicycle, telling his aide that he planned to ride his bicycle to Santa Fe to celebrate the Declaration of Independence on the Plaza eating pancakes. When he found that Santa Fe was not included, he stopped work on his invention and confessed to aides that his biggest regret in life was not riding his bike to Santa Fe.

Don’t take a chance that you could have such a regret! The SOBs are riding their bikes to the Plaza  to enjoy the local ritual of pancakes on the Plaza. Everybody you know in Santa Fe will be there. The ride is for all levels of riding ability. The return ride is all down hill!

Ride leader: Bill Pollock   Questions? Contact pollockb@aol.com

Start: 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4 at Kohl’s Department Store

Arrive on the Plaza around 9:30.

Return arrival at Kohl’s Department Store by 11:30

Cost: The pancake breakfast of meat, pancakes, orange juice and coffee is $10, but you can buy a discount ticket for $8 at any bank or credit union.

Wear your red, white, and blue jersey if you have one. And bring a lock for your bike!!!

Ride to brighten Tom Jefferson’s day!

The SOB Club has insurance from American Specialty Insurance Company through the League of American Bicyclists. This is primarily a liability policy, which protects riders, ride leaders, and directors in the event of a third-party claim against one of us (that is, someone is claiming damages because we were negligent in riding, in leading, or in directors’ duties). However, the policy also contains first-party insurance for excess accident medical for $10,000 per person per accident. This first-party insurance has a $500 deductible. First party means that it pays you for your medical expenses. Excess means that it pays only after any other insurance that you have has paid. There are other requirements which must be met.

Claims are to be made on an incident report form provided by the insurance company, which says that the form should be submitted immediately, although the company does not expect that claims will be made literally immediately . Claims should be initiated by the person making the claim through the ride leader of the ride on which the incident happened; however, it is best that a director should be the person signing the form.

The SOB Saturday Ad Hoc Ride visited El Santuario de Chimayó. It was a 58 mile loop that started with a wind aided rocket descent to Pojoaque, and then traversing the rolling hills of Northern NM to El Santuario de Chimayó. With a wind assisted journey to The Santuario, we were looking for divine intervention for a wind shift for our return to Santa Fe… No Such Luck!! Leaving Chimayó, Rick and Tom elected to climb to Truchas last heard mumbling something about looking for Forrest Fenn’s treasure… they were never to be seen again! The return to Santa Fe was a long trek uphill into a strong head wind; nothing but AGONY!! But lunch soon wiped the agony from our faces!! Great Ride!!

A Great Ride needs a Great Lunch!!  Recharge Time!!

Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual SFWC Fiesta Gran Fondo Bike Ride Sunday, October 01, 2017 | 7:30am – 12:00pm. Cost of the ride is $75. Last year’s entry included a T-Shirt, burrito breakfast, and taco lunch w/champagne. I rode this event last year and it was a FUN Ride!!

https://www.santafewineandchile.org/events/2017/10/01/

I have not seen this years EXACT Route yet; but last year we rode from the Four Seasons to Pojacque, Nambe, the loop around to Chimayo and then back to the Four Seasons. Last year Monica, Larry and I rode “The Loop” and I think it was 60 Miles. We had a FREE breakfast burrito before the start. Last year, the expanded loop was about 80 miles included the climb to Truchas and back. Not sure of this years route for 75, 45 and 25. Our goal was to enjoy the gourmet rest stop food; and get back to the Four Seasons for the FREE, all you can eat, Tacos and Champagne. Gotta have lunch after a ride; especially since it is GOOD champagne!!

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe Celebrity riders this year include professional riders Travi McCabe of Team Hincapie, and guest chef riders Kevin Nashan, Mark Kiffin of The Compound Restaurant, Tony Blankenship of Rio Chama and their gourmet food. A 75 or 45-mile or 25 mile loop from the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado takes you through the historic villages of Nambé, Cundiyo, Truchas and Chimayo with food stops along the route. Celebrate the finish of your ride back at the Four Seasons with Tacos by Zacatecas and Champagne Perrier Jouet.

Sleep, Ride, Eat, Drink, Repeat!

(RIDE) 7:30am Checkin, 8:30am Ride (no alcohol will be served during the ride)
Ticket Price: $75.00
Tickets will be available online on July 05, 2017 at 9:00am

Just to remind everyone.  The Store is OPEN.  Shipping clarification.  We are grouping all the orders together and they will all be shipped to Pam for distribution.

Also, to be absolutely clear.  There are 3 styles of jersey.  Axis Race, Axis Club, and Velocity.  The Velocity is the one with the mesh although it may not have been obvious looking at the fit kits.  So, please make sure you have ordered / order the jersey that you want.  If you want to reconsider or revise your purchase that is possible until we place the order with Hincapie in 2 weeks.  Just email via the contact form on the website if you think you want to change your choice.

Fit kits will be at Tuesday June 27 start from DeVargas and at June 29 (Caja start, photo) ride again.  Then they are going back to Hincapie.

Thanks to Rich L and Deb L for SAG’ing for us yesterday.  Much appreciated.

B+ group had a very relaxing and fun ride around the loop.  Despite concerns there was no smoke smell and it did not get hot till just at the end.  Avoided the rain too.  Michael went into Bandelier for a bit of a side trip.  Then missed some of us chillin’ at the White Rock overlook on our side trip.

The A Team took on the SOB Thursday’s climbing challenge today under John’s watchful eye… climbing out of White Rock, up the truck route, and acing the 15-17% climbs to the Pajarito Ski Basin. Deborah, Tom and Rick lead the ascent of Pajarito Mountain; Joe. Ed and Gordon led the rocket decent!! Rick and Tom opted for the Bandelier Option while the rest of us tried to out run the pending rain. The rain caught us in the end… but just enough to cool us down. GREAT RIDE!!

Coming soon, the July 4 ride to the Santa Fe Plaza to join the fun at the annual July 4 Pancake Festival. A great ride to the Plaza and all downhill ride back.

Meet at Kohl’s Department Store at 8:30. Arrive at the Plaza about 9:30. Return to Kohl’s and finished by 11:30. Very little traffic on this holiday. Bicyclists rule!

More details at this web site in the days ahead.

Lots of news.  Through the good graces of Rich L we will have SAG support tomorrow during the ride.  He will be driving a tan Toyota pickup with a camper shell.  He will primarily be in the area from White Rock to the back gate.  If you need water or help, signal him as he drives by or call his cell phone Five 0 Five -412-948 four

Fit Kits for jerseys from Hincapie are here.  Unfortunately we do not YET have every style and every size.  We have Velocity M/W in S,M,L,XL.  Axis M/W Race Axis W Club in S,M.XL.  No M Axis Club yet.  No Axis L yet.  Sorry.  On the way.  No shorts yet either.  The fit kit should be at the start in White Rock tomorrow.

The SOB Store to purchase Jerseys, Shorts, Bibs, Arm Warmers is now open.  Click this link.  Please read all the instructions carefully

Now that June is upon us, and the days seem to be getting hotter and hotter, it becomes even more important to choose one’s rides carefully. At Monday’s ride leader training, we were reminded of how many people were unable to comfortably complete the Los Alamos loop last year, due to either the heat, poorly equipped bikes, or insufficient training or acclimation to the altitude. This Thursday’s ride promises to be easier, given its White Rock start, but it is still going to be hot and perhaps smokey. Riders should check out the rides on the website, since it has all the cue sheets, as well as maps, profiles, and climbing information. Ideally this should be done both early in the planning and the week of the ride, as rides sometimes change. Please assess your capabilities honestly and choose a ride that will be fun because you will be able to complete it.

Also, there is a possibility that the A and B+ rides, or parts of them, might go down into Bandelier. So bring your Senior National Park passes if you have them and are planning to do one of these rides.

Too hot.

The welcoming and hosting of the riders of the Texas 4000 have come and gone. Everything went well. We were waiting in the Eldorado Agora parking lot. The riders arrived in groups and we formed a welcoming gate for each rider.

The group divided into two groups for the ride into Santa Fe. The Texas riders were enthusiastic about Santa Fe and were very pleased to have arrived. They were very happy  with their motel and they were all showered, some with still-drying hair, at the Happy Hour and dinner. At one table all three Texas students had got into bicycling when they enrolled at the university and discovered the Texas 4000 club. Two had only ridden as small children, and one had to learn how to ride as an adult and student at the university. But they all loved cycling and were looking forward to the rest of the ride to Anchorage, Alaska.

There were 82 at the dinner, and it was fun!! The program was inspiring about the success and need for cancer research.

And special thanks to Frank Battaglia, a long time member of the SOBs, for funding the cost of the motel for all Texas riders and crew. It was a great time!

Tonight the Texas 4000 riders are in the Midland, Texas area and looking forward to their entry into New Mexico tomorrow. And in two more days, the riders will be here in Santa Fe! When they arrive in Santa Fe County, the Seniors on Bikes will be there to greet them at the Eldorado community, and ride with them to the historic Plaza–the End of the Santa Fe Trail.

The riders should arrive at Eldorado about 1:30 on Friday, June 9. They will stop briefly at the Eldorado Market at the Agora where the SOBs will be waiting. Then we all ride as a group into Santa Fe via Old Las Vegas Highway to El Gancho. Then to the Old Santa Fe Trail and down into the Plaza. We have to dismount and walk our bikes along Palace at the edge of the Plaza. Remount and ride the several blocks to the Motel 6 on Paseo Peralta near the corner of Guadalupe,

SOBs will leave DeVargas at 12:15 p.m. to ride out to Eldorado. But SOBs can also work out other arrangements. Some will meet at Eldorado and ride back to the Plaza with the group. And some others may work out personal plans to join anywhere along the route.

Riders of Texas 4000 are a lively group of college students and they have fun along the route. Riding with them back to Santa Fe we will hear words of encouragement, warnings of obstacles, and poking good friendly comments. The final blocks to the Plaza are amazing and you feel that you are right where you need to be–in the center of a great bicycle ride.

Dinner is at the Las Campanas Golf Club. Happy Hour at 6:30 followed by dinner and a program presented by the students. You can still sign up for the dinner by sending me, Bill Pollock, and email to pollockb@aol.com

Todays fast ride around the City of Santa Fe… Taking a break at the La Cienega Water Tower. Adrien behind the lens!

Austin, Texas is about the same distance from Santa Fe as St. Louis. Back in the 1840s and 1850s, and without bicycles, travelers needed three months on the road to reach Santa Fe. With bicycles, the Texas 4000 riders will cover the same distance in just one week! Amazing, don’t you think? If only we could have told those gals and guys about bicycles!

The Texas 4000 riders left Austin this past Friday and they will be here in Santa Fe this next Friday, June 9. And members of Santa Fe SOBs will ride to Eldorado to meet them when they arrive. We will ride into Santa Fe following the same route as the old wagon trains and arrive at the same historic marker at the Plaza that says, “End of the Santa Fe Trail.” How about that experience?

SOBs doing the ride will leave the DeVargas Center at 12:15 p.m. The Texas 4000 riders should arrive at Eldorado about 1:30 p.m. After a brief rest stop, the total group will ride along Old Las Vegas Hightway to El Gancho, then the Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza. Tourists will gawk, birds will stop singing, time will stand still at the whir of the bicycle tires on the pavement. A great feeling!

And it gets better. Dinner at the magnificent Las Campanas Golf Club with a Happy Hour to begin at 6:30 p.m., a great dinner served by the staff of the Club, and an inspiring program presented by the Texas 4000 students from the University of Texas. And they look great and will tell you how great Santa Fe looks after a week of riding through Texas.

You can still sign up to attend the dinner. Let me know that you will attend. Send email to me, Bill Pollock, pollockb@aol.com and I will add you to the list. The cost is $50 per person, and that includes gratuity. How easy is that?

Great, fast paced 34 mile Saturday Ride through La Cienega to Hwy 14 back to El Camino Real Academy. Under the watchful eye of a Texas Longhorn!  Tom behind the lens…

On Thursday, Austin, Texas gives a huge send-off party for the students of Texas 4000 who begin their ride to Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, June 2. A week later, on June 9, members and guests of Seniors on Bikes in Santa Fe will join the Texas riders for dinner at the Las Campanas Golf club.

Great food! A night of conversation with the riders and the University of Texas alumni living in Santa Fe. And a program that demonstrates the commitment of the riders not only to bicycling, but to the advancements in cancer research. It is amazing to hear these young leaders talk personally about the importance of cancer research to their own lives and to family members.

You can be there. The cost of the dinner is $50 to be paid at the dinner. Payment for dinner may be made by check or cash. Gratuities are included in the price. A Happy Hour before dinner will welcome you to the magnificent Las Campanas Golf Club. Purchases at Happy Hour may be made by credit card ONLY.

We hope you can join us. Let me know how many will join you so that I can forward the count to the Alumni. Send your information to me, Bill Pollock at pollockb@aol.com   Here is the day’s schedule for Friday, June 9.

12:15 p.m.  Meet at DeVargas Mall parking lot to ride bikes to Eldorado. Students expected to arrive 1:30-2:00

3:30 p.m. Arrive at motel in Railyard district after a magnificent group ride of about 70 riders on Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza. It is just a 5-minute ride from the motel to your car at DeVargas.

6:30 p.m. Happy Hour at Las Campanas Golf Club

7:15 p.m. Dinner

8:00 Short program

If you are riding out to meet the Texas 4000, try to wear an SOB jersey. The Texas 4000 will be wearing unique and dramatic jerseys marking the ride.

Members of Seniors on Bikes are going to be joining the students of the Texas 4000 riding from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska at the Las Campanas Golf Club. Spouses and best friends are invited too! Here’s the deal: SOBs will ride to Eldorado to meet the riders from Texas and then escort them via Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza and then to their motel in the Railyard district.

Then everyone joins the Texans and the alumni of the University of Texas for a great Happy Hour and dinner with a program at the Las Campanas Golf Club. The last two years have been great and this should be even better. Sitting around and talking to the students about their ride from Austin and the plans for the ride out of Santa Fe is great fun. The students are all leaders and very conversant.

The conclusion of the ride to the motel should happen between 3 and 3:30. There is plenty of time to get home for a shower and then get to the Las Campanas Golf Club for Happy Hour starting at 6:30. Dinner will follow and then the program concluding between 8 and 8:30. The menu is Northern New Mexico. The main dinning room of the club house is elegant and fit for bicycle enthusiasts.

Here’s how the festivities work: On arrival, pay your money for the dinner. $50 per person includes some of the costs for the students and it also includes gratuity for the staff. You must pay with either cash or a check payable to the Texas Alumni group listed at the table. Then enjoy the Happy Hour by ordering your favorite, beer, wine, or cocktail from the staff. For bar orders, you must pay ONLY with a credit card. And tips are included in the charge for the drinks, too. So you don’t have to calculate an appropriate tip.

The program is short, but very impressive. And you will feel a lot of compassion for the efforts of the students to raise funds for cancer research. Their stories are amazing! You will be asked to consider donations to cancer research, but you are not going to be hard pressed. And there will also be hats and other ride souvenirs available for purchase as a way of donating to the project. Donations to the Texas 4000 are tax deductible!

It will be very helpful if you can let me know how many of your party will attend the dinner in order to inform the club of the quantities of meals for which they must prepare. Let me know as soon as you can. Contact me at pollockb@aol.com.  

Bill Pollock

The new jersey design is being finalized at the vendor.  This is not the 20th anniversary jersey.  It is a generic SOB jersey.   Sketches are below.  The new vendor will be Hincapie sportswear.  On Tuesday and Thursday we will have samples, NOT fit kits but samples of the jersey and shorts / bibs.  Hincapie has several different jersey / bib  styles.  Not just male female but differing price levels.  We have 2 sets to show.  I will have them at the start on Tuesday.  Pam will have them on Thursday.  We’ll be near the sign in table on Thursday.  Check them out.  We’ll keep you apprised of progress and when we open the store.  More details on pricing will be forthcoming but generally the base level product is similar in price to the Pactimo product.

The Texas 4000 students are preparing to depart Austin June 3. There are 36 participating in the ride that will arrive in Santa Fe on June 9. Before being selected to ride, students develop leadership skills and raise money on their own to support cancer research, much of the research at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. And many of these students have experienced cancer themselves and find bicycle riding great therapy. According to the Texas 4000 website, the Sierra Route, the one that visits Santa Fe has raised 89% of its fund goal–over $360,000. That is impressive. And the other two routes have a similar goal.

There are 36 students riding to Santa Fe along with some support vehicles. You can look at their pictures and read comments at the web site http://www.texas4000.org/route/sierra/

SOB members will meet the Texas 4000 group at Eldorado about 1:30 pm on June 9 and ride with them back to the Plaza and to their motel. Imagine riding as a group of almost 60 on Old Las Vegas, El Gancho, and Old Santa Fe Trail. Drivers take note when they observe the group and the visitors on the Plaza stand and watch. One feels the momentum of an enthusiastic bicycle team.

Happy Hour begins at the Las Campanas Golf and Country Club with dinner of Northern New Mexico recipes in the main dinning room. Last year, the dinner was served at the swimming pool area, but this time we will be inside. A great program includes several of the students describing themselves and their motivations for the ride. Students selected for the ride are upper division and graduate students who have developed great social and conversational skills. They are really fun to talk to at dinner. Students sit at tables among SOB members and members of the local University of Texas Alumni chapter.

So, plan your schedule to include riding on June 9. A succeeding note will give more details.

Lore Thorpe, Social Chair, is involved with the planning of the activity. I’m Bill Pollock, and this will be my third ride to meet the Texas 4000. Join me!

See this link for details.  Please register.  https://sfsob.cosine-santafe.com/events/may-saturday-rides-2017-05-06/

The University of Texas students participating in the Texas 4000 arrive in Santa Fe on Friday, June 9. This is the third year that the group has ridden to Santa Fe on its way to Anchorage, Alaska. There are 4 different routes that over 100 students take, and there will be about 33 students on the route that passes through Santa Fe. These are upper division and graduate students who have dedicated one preliminary year to developing leadership skills and raising funds to battle cancer. Of the 1000 students who participate in the first year, a little over 100 are selected for the ride to Alaska. Those 100 students spend a second year continuing to raise funds for cancer treatment and research and putting in long miles on their bikes to prepare for the almost 4000 miles they will ride.

Seniors on Bikes have welcomed the Texas 4000 as it arrives. We meet them at Eldorado and lead them to their motel in near the Railyard. This is a lot of fun. We have two advantages with which to meet the challenge of riding with 20 somethings. We are acclimated to the altitude and we will not have ridden the distance on June 9 that they have. It is exciting to ride down Old Santa Fe and to the Plaza as a group of about 50 riders. The students are wearing specially designed jerseys and with our jerseys, the public at the Plaza are impressed. You will be feeling great to be a part of the arrival. Last year, the Giant Bicycle Company donated identical bikes to each student. That added to the impressions on the Plaza.

After the ride, we and our spouses, partners, and friends join the students and University of Texas alumni living in Santa Fe for a fabulous dinner at the Las Campanas Golf Club where we sit and eat and talk with the students, finding out about them, and their plans for the rest of their ride to Alaska. When one talks with these students, it is guaranteed that you will wish you were riding with them. They are confident, developed personalities that enjoy conversation. Being enrolled at the University, there are many who have come from all areas of the world.

This is the first announcement about the Texas 4000. More will come in the weeks ahead to remind you and to invite you to participate. The students arrive in Eldorado about 1:30 p.m. The Happy Hour at Las Campans begins about 6:00 with dinner shortly after. Many of the SOBs have ridden from the DeVargas Center to Eldorado, so we get about 26 miles of riding. The program at the dinner is several of the students describing what their motivation is for the ride. Many are survivors of serious cancer treatments themselves. Others ride to honor family and friends. And all ride to raise money for cancer research.

As of April 5, we have 97 folks who have paid their dues, and 75 who have submitted waivers.  Within this group there are 5 people who have submitted waivers but not paid dues, and there are 27 who have paid but not submitted waivers.  A big thanks to the 70 who have paid AND have submitted waivers.

If you want to check your status, click this link and find your name.  The code is below.  

If you think there is an error in your status let us know tomorrow.  To complete your membership click this link and follow the instructions for the items you have remaining.  Or take care of it tomorrow at the first ride.  Thanks.

Let’s do Truchas to Penasco and back.  Leave from Truchas at 10.30am.  15 miles each way but elevation gain about 1400 ft out and 1700 ft back for total of about 3K unless you’re Joe then 4K.  Drive to Truchas estimated 45 min from DeVargas.  I’ll post in rides on Wednesday.  Please indicate your attendance and monitor email in case of issues.

We have several ways for you to join / renew.  The process is the same whether joining or renewing. We need two things from you.  $20 membership fee and a signed waiver form.
(If you are unsure of your status see the bottom of this message on how to check it.)

Waiver Form   We need everyone to sign the new waiver form.  Download the waiver / join form by clicking here.  Print it.  Fill it out.  Sign it.

Then either Scan it and Email it back to admin at sfsob.cosine-santafe dot com.
Or
Bring the filled out waiver form to the next ride you do with the club, does not have to be the first April ride, but it can be.  Give the waiver to Bob or Ian or Edwin.
Or
If you cannot download / print out we will have some blank waivers at each upcoming ride, even ad hoc.

Membership Fee  There are several ways to get us your $20.
Bring $20 cash or check to your next ride and give it to Bob or Ian or Steve G or Edwin.  If none of them are at the ride save it till you see one of them.
Or
New this year, we now have PayPal so you can pay online.  Click this link to go to PayPal and submit your $21 (extra $1 for processing fee but you get miles and club gets all $20).  You do not have to be a PayPal member to use PayPal, you can just use a credit card without joining.  The first person to submit their dues via PayPal gets a free pair of SOB cycling socks.  You know you want them.

You can see your status (as of March 12) for 2017 by looking at the current membership list.  Click this link. 

Friendly reminder that ALL rides are listed on our website.  Ad hoc rides, Winter rides, Thursday rides, …..  We list the start location and the start time.

On the main menu, click Ride Calendar.  Go ahead, try it now!  😀

Even though we are not listing mountain bike rides, members might be interested in attending a skills camp.  Click this link for information.  There is one in Angel Fire in late September.