The time has come.  The time is now.  Signup early and often.  

I contacted my County Council Commissioner and somehow the Constituent Services LIasion person. There is a Public Works Dept meeting on July 21 with some of the County Council Commissioners. I was told that the Rabbit Road issue (read previous post) will be mentioned at this meeting. Now is the time to voice your concerns about the exclusion of the bike lanes in the resurfacing project. Contact your County Council Commissioner. Don’t know? Google Santa Fe County Council website and find out. Their contact info (email) is posted.

Alan

The New Mexican will have a new publication called Vida sometime soon, and a reporter interviewed Judy and me last week for an article on the SOBs. His photographer wants to take pictures of the group before the ride on Thursday, and he also wants some action shots during the ride. I told him to show up at Rancho de Chimayo before 8:40 because the rides would depart at 9 on the dot. I also directed him to the website for the route and told him that he would be on his own for the “action” shots. Please cooperate, although if you don’t want to, that’s up to you.

On a ride today down Rabbit Road from the intersection with Old Pecos Trail, we noticed that the road was repaved, but it did not extend to the bike lanes. Thus, there is a small lip at the edge of the bike lane when moving over to get on the road. Such a short-sighted repavement job was disappointing and dangerous. Perhaps it is not too late to have the Road Dept address this issue before lines are painted. This is a County issue and I have already sent a letter about this to my County Council Representative, but with copies to City Council Representative, and Mayor Weber to make them aware. I mentioned that this action is counter to the alleged Bike-Friendly stance of the county and city and disrespectful to the safety of the cycling community. I also mentioned that there is a possible county and city liability case if a cyclist is injured on this poorly paved section of road. The squeaky wheel gets the grease so write to your representatives if you want the road repaved properly and safely.

Alan Klein

Last chance to sign up for Summer Luncheon at RANCHO DE CHIMAYO,

Thursday July 20th @ 12 Noon.

Don’t miss out! Sign up closes 7/17

Click below to sign up:

https://santafesobs.com/sob-summer-luncheon-from-lore/

Thanks,

Lore

Short exploro from Rabbit rd parking lot at 0830 on Saturday the 15th.  Goal is to ride the new road that will become Richards rd or some such. Up to 15 miles. No more. Gravel or mtn bikes recommended.

Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Luncheon at RANCHO DE CHIMAYO,

Thursday July 20th @ 12 Noon.

Click below to sign up:

https://santafesobs.com/sob-summer-luncheon-from-lore/

Thanks,

Lore

So many of you have emailed me support that I am overwhelmed by the support. I like to say that SOBs are more than just a bike riding group. Individual members are so supportive of each other that we must be some kind of family. I don’t have a press agent, so I am serving as my own to write and appraise you of the situation.

Judy Costlow reported on my fall at the program recognizing deceased members last Thursday. As I turned to cast roses into the river, I slipped on the sand covering a large rocks. Judy and Lynn, did too, but I fell over flat on my chest and my forehead hit a rock protruding through the sand. Got  a hole in my forehead skin, plus abrasions on my elbows. So many of those immediately jumped to my aid and retired nurses quickly patched my wounds.

Judy did not report on a related matter. The week before on June 29, I was riding with C group and we were within 3 miles of finishing at 599 rail parking. I remember seeing the National Guard building ahead. For some reason, I don’t remember much else except this: my front wheel was touching the rear wheel of Pam Proffit. Then my saddle was next to her saddle. Then I seemed to be going past her front wheel and to the right. I know now that I ran off the road and into the dirt and grass. Knocked out, I have been told that Dana and Kris moved me so that my head was pointed up.;Pam told me that she called 911. I have been told that Julie was there. And so were Shirley and Mike.

When I arrived at ER at St. Vincent’s, the ambulance crew gave me my helmet which contained my Garmin computer. I am very happy that it was rescued. While sitting in a wheelchair I looked at the Garmin and it gave me a message:” Congratulations! You have set a new personal speed record.” The Garmin was still running while the ambulance was taking me. 26 miles hour average speed over 22 miles. I will keep the log on my Garmin. I may submit it to a Tour de France team to document my  speed. Maybe I will be there next year.

X-rays found no broken bones. A CT brain scan was negative for blood. From  a concussion 5 years ago, I know a second scan is critical because blood may show later. That time it did and I had brain surgery to relieve it. I set up medical appointments to acquire a second scan. Then I attended the Pecos River ceremony and fell. From the first crash, I had blurred vision close up, and I went to appointment with my eye doctor last Thursday afternoon. Optic nerve and retina in both eyes were good. Blurring may disappear in a couple of weeks. He ordered a new scan. Friday morning I had monthly blood test for a thinner I have taken for 20 years. And the nurse and supervisor insisted I go next door to ER for an immediate scan. I did. Since it was a Thursday, the same doctor was on duty and he recognized me being there for another scan in just a week. I observed that his facial appearance suggested some frustration. I said to him. “I suppose that at my age you think I should be sitting in a recliner chair watching Fox News on tv. Dr. Severy laughed and told me he would get me back out on my bike as soon as possible and that he applauded seniors who ride bikes.

But he had bad news. Blood showed up. Immediate treatment to  “reverse” the blood thinner and other medicines inserted into veins and by 10 pm I was in a room in the newer west wing. Great room. At 5:30 a.m Saturday morning a new scan that showed bleeding had stopped. No surgery necessary. Sonogram done on old clot and that round the old clot was dissolved. Taken off thinner and then home. Some followup appointments ahead and another scan. And, in time, I will be back on my bike. And here’s something exciting. St. Vincent’s has an excellent high speed wi-fi for guests. While there, I could read all my newspapers and magazines, I would watch the Tour de France on Peacock, I watched a Met Opera and concerts and ballets from Europe on the several streaming channels I have on both my phone and tablet. I have decided, and recommend that you do so too–always carry your tablet with you because you never know when you will end up in ER and your mind will appreciate the entertainment.

Thank you all once again.

Bill Pollock

Road construction has closed roads that we had originally planned to use.  New routes are posted in the usual place.  Labels say “July” at the end of the route.  All 3 rides are impacted and have been revised.  A group change also due to the ride on July 27 going partly on same route.

Stay safe.

Hi Everyone, An update on Bill.  Bill did end up in the hospital for two days after the fall in Pecos.  He needed to be checked out thoroughly.

He is now home as of yesterday (Saturday).  He cannnot drive and needs to heal!!  So, send him an email, call or even send a mailed card.

Where is the monsoon when you need it?   Anyhoo, we are going to start 30 min earlier effective Sunday July 9.

Sunday July 9 ad hoc and all subsequent July rides will be 0830 or later if out of town.   Will reassess August at the end of July.  Stay safe.

Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Luncheon at RANCHO DE CHIMAYO,

Thursday July 20th @ 12 Noon.

Click below to sign up:

https://santafesobs.com/sob-summer-luncheon-from-lore/

Thanks,

Lore

Today a large group(s) of around 30 riders, widely spaced on the narrow road, cycled from the Pecos Ranger station towards Terraro, for the annual SOB Memory Ride.

The ride out was done in silence (apart from the shouting of car warnings) and was a pleasant gently climbing experience out to the Pecos River bridge just before Terraro.

At this point we parked our bikes and moved down to the river. Bill Pollack gave an introduction and listed the SOB riders who had passed away, with a short comment on the particular characteristics that past members brought to the group. The next step was for Bill and Judy to cast a rose into the waters in memory of each past member. At this point Bill slipped down the bank and almost went into the river with the roses. Fortunately he suffered only minor cuts and bruises and was rescued and attended to by a local Park Ranger who was nearby.

Roses were cast into the tumbling Pecos by Judy, Lyn and John V.

Here are some pics of the event, courtesy of Pam Parfitt.

Bill introducing the past members.

Bill being treated for his wounds.

Bill, Judy and Lyn preparing to toss the roses.

Gravel/mountain bike ride on Saturday, 7/8/2023, 8:30 am on the Rail Trail from the Rabit Road trailhead to Lamy and back. About 28 miles round trip.  Call 505-231-9341 if you have questions.

I will be leading the B ride. Rob will lead the B- ride. Rob’s ride will go to Terrero. My ride usually goes to the campground, but sometimes to Cowles, and sometimes all the way up to Jack’s Creek. It’s an out and back, so one can turn around at any time. Scott says there are lots of potholes, so that might cause my ride to be shortened.

unless it is an out of town ride.  See the listing.

Mark your calendar!!

We are gathering for our Summer Luncheon at RANCHO DE CHIMAYO, Thursday July 20th @ 12 Noon.

After a fun bike ride we will be enjoying a delicious lunch and some social time.

Please make your reservation before Monday July 17th, by entering your name and sending $15 per person via the link below:

SOB Summer Luncheon from Lore. | Santa Fe Seniors on Bikes (santafesobs.com)

Lore.

On Thursday, the temps will be around in the 90’s, so riders should be reminded to bring extra water, drinks and carry protein bars. Winds at 15-20 MPH +/-

Mark your calendar!!

We are gathering for our Summer Luncheon at RANCHO DE CHIMAYO, Thursday July 20th @ 12 Noon.

After a fun bike ride we will be enjoying a delicious lunch and some social time.

Please make your reservation before Monday July 17th, by entering your name and sending $15 per person via the PayPal button below.

Sorry, the reservation system is now closed for this event

Lore.

For some reason they shipped all the stuff to me.  I will bring it to DeVargas Tuesday 20th before the 0900 ad hoc ride.  I will pass it off to someone to bring to Galisteo on Thursday the 22nd as I will not be there.  I have no idea who ordered what so if you want something bring an email from Hincapie showing what you ordered.  I will talk to Hincapie so this does not happen again next time.

Here is the link.  Thanks.  https://santafesobs.com/ride-leaders-signup/

Forecast for the next 10 days is still for highs in the low 80’s, so we plan to leave the start times at 0900 for local rides.  Later for out of town.

to DeVargas.  Same time.  No change for Saturday.

For the rest of June, as a trial, we will have a Sunday ride from ECA at 0900.  This is in addition to the existing Saturday ride.  Ride one, ride both, ride neither.  As you see fit.

We will evaluate after June.   Relaxed group is still pondering AFAIK.

Click here to view survey results

The board is in ponder mode.  Will advise post ponder.

There was an issue with ride signups that started on Friday June 2.  It was resolved yesterday.  If you tried to sign up for a ride and could not, try try again.

This has nothing to do with the current survey and everything to do with the weather.  Current forecast through first half of June is much cooler.  Lows in the upper 40’s, highs barely into the low 70’s.  So there is no reason to start at 0830 at least thru June 15.  Local rides including ad hoc will start 0900 thru and including June 15.  Will advise then about the rest of June.  Take care.

It has been requested to survey the club about changing summer start times to no earlier than 0900.  We have been starting local Thursday and ad hoc rides at 0830 during the hotter part of the summer, e.g. June and July.  In addition to the question about start times there are 2 more questions (a  total of 3).  We have ridden several times on Sunday due to weather issues and there is a very noticeable difference in the amount of traffic on Sunday (much less) vs. Saturday.  So there are 2 questions about Sunday rides.

If you are interested in voicing your opinion, click this link and answer the questions.  We will not start different groups at different times, all groups will start at the same time, so whatever result there is will apply to all 3 groups.  I have required that you enter your email address to fill out the survey to limit ballot box stuffing.

The survey will remain open for one week, then we will tally the results.   Once we have the results the board will decide if any changes are to be made.  This will take a few days to complete, so the June 1 ride will start as currently scheduled at 0830.

All of the information needed to participate in SOB rides is available on the website without a login.  Most SOB members do not have a login to the website, nor do they need one.  Only people who REGULARLY post to the blog should have an account on the website in order to minimize spam.

We had a comment section in the blog, however, it has been removed for new posts to avoid confusion.  Due to the login requirement the comment section is not really appropriate for a large number of people to comment on a blog post.  Due to the high maintenance cost of running a discussion group, we do not have one, especially since over time these tend to degrade into twitter.

Further, we routinely scrub the list of people who have accounts and if they have not had any activity for a year or so, then we delete their account.  So while we appreciate the desire to solicit comments from membership, unfortunately, the blog is not the place to do it.  The board is discussing a survey relative to the start time question that was recently raised and will advise in a day or so.

For questions about how the club is governed please refer to the bylaws (link).

Ride start time:  1000.  Saturday ride unchanged, attendance for some depends on wind and temp.

Be sure to read the other two posts underneath this one.  (or not, your call.)

We still ask that you signup BEFORE Thursday for the rides that day.  Just in case we need to contact you about a cancellation or a change then we know who is planning to ride.

Also, as we indicate in several places, we strongly recommend checking the SOB website, the Mastodon feed, your email, even your text app before a ride to see if there has been any communication regarding the upcoming ride.

Link is here. https://order.hincapiecustom.com/sob2023

Open till May 17.  Jersey prices are obscenely high IMHO.  Not much we can do about it. I asked.

Ideas:

1. You can share one jersey every other ride with your buddy.
2. Or buy used.  I have one that is stretched out I will sell for 50% off.  First come, first served.  Size M.  (joke)

Tell your friends.   T’will be a bit warmer by 11.

When you see this it really will be April.  Welcome to our in-season Thursday rides.

1.  If you have not joined for 2023, now is the time.
2. We are still signing up for Thursday rides online.  The first in season Thursday ride is April 6.  B riders this means you also.

First, it’s April.  Fooled you, a day early!   I’m really tired of being cold.  So Saturday April 1, delayed start, 1100 at ECA  ~ 48 @ start.   Or 1000 if you don’t read email (Adrian, Christine, …)  Loop ride – Jaguar, CCR, Alameda, LC, back via Caja.

Sunday April 2nd bonus ride from DeVargas. ~48@1000.  Warmer a bit more wind.  Out to La Cienega, tailwind back around airport.

The April rides are posted on the website.  Time to sign up for riding.  Read the Ride Schedule page to understand how to do that if you don’t remember from last year.  Also time to renew your membership if you have not already done so.

Tentative leaders are:

6th – Museum Hill: A Joe S, A- John V, B Denise M, C Judy C

13th – Outlet Mall: A Joe S, A- Christine V, B Lynn P, C Adrian V

20th – San Felipe: A Joe S, A- Rich I, B Gary K, C Ruben C

27th – Ft Marcy: A Joe S, A- Rick G B Paul M, C Lore T

Should have added this to the route post.  Sorry.  If anyone is interested in signing up for this 3 day ride out of Sierra Vista, AZ here’s the link:  https://eltourdezona.org/

For anyone interested I have copied the routes to our RWGPS site and organized them into an “event”.   It is located here:  https://ridewithgps.com/events/207278-el-tour-de-zona-2023

If you know how to load a GPS route to your head unit then have at it if you want to have it available for the event.

Not cancelling ECA ride but might not be very many folks there.  Not sure.  Since it will be a bit warmer in ABQ on Saturday we will start at Sandia RR at 1120.  Choice of drive or train down and back.  Train is due at Sandia at 1110.  Return leaves Sandia at 1530.  The ride I propose goes up Tramway and then part way down, across town to Bike in Coffee, and then back up the Bosque.  Given the amount of goatheads in ABQ, tubeless tires recommended.  Attached is the route, as sanity checked by Mr Abq, aka Fuel90rider.  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42069777

NOTE: There are 2 posts in this email.  This is #1.

In anticipation of pending warmth, we have posted the April rides on the website. We are still asking you to sign up for rides in advance.  Same process as last year.  You just have to read the website information.  I know you can do it.

Also, if you have not renewed your 2022 membership, now’s the time!  And you elite eightys need to submit your waivers!

Ride Leaders:  Time for you to signup to lead April rides.  Click here.  Even if you have had a mind meld with Judy you need to sign up on this page in order to lead a ride or rides.

Right now Sunday looks better than Saturday.  Not canceling Saturday, just adding Sunday option.  DeV @ 11.  Guessing around 25-30 miles so plenty of time to make “the” game.

The normal Feb 4 Saturday ride from ECA is unchanged.  Some of us plan to ride both Saturday and Sunday the 5th.  On Saturday we will do a shorter ride ~ 25 miles around Las Campanas.  On Sunday we will start at DeVargas at 1100 and do a bit longer ride in the 30 mile range.  Join us for one or both.

Slowly emerging to see if I see my shadow.  Kinda scary out there.  Anyhow, if you are interested in a flat Bosque ride on Thursday we will start at the Alameda Open Space parking lot at 11am. ( https://goo.gl/maps/6nY3o6qEi1UTipvi8 )   Figure 30 flat miles.  Lunch at Costco.

Website is back online.  Thanks for your patience.  (Not really, but seems to be “de riguer” to put that in.)

We are ready for you to sign up for 2023.  Have at it.  Let us know (admin at santafesobs.com) if you don’t get your waiver or PayPal email confirmation.  Also note that our website does not see or retain your payment information in any form.  Everything payment related is done via PayPal.

Elite Eighties please note.  You are marked as paid.  But we still need your waivers.  If you are not going to ride with the club any longer please email admin at santafesobs.com and tell us to take you off the roster.  That will keep us from sending you annoying emails.  Thanks.

If you get an email from this blog post you can ignore it.  Or treasure it, as befits your mood.

Still a few adjustments being made to the website if it looks odd.

I am in the process of making a few adjustments to the website, starting on Jan 24.  This may result in a day or two of downtime, not sure.  You should get another email when all is back up again or just keep checking if you get an error message.

In order to remove the “Musk” odor (twitter) from our website I have found an alternative service.  If you could care less about the details, there will be links on the website so you can look at this page https://santafesobs.com/last-minute-ride-updates/  before a Thursday in season (April to October) ride to see if any last minute changes have been made.  If that’s all you care about, you can stop reading now.  All mentions of and links to twitter will be removed from the website in the next few days.

If you’re interested, the service is called Mastodon and it is “similar” to twitter without the neo-fascists.  Our account is https://urbanists.social/@SF_Sen_on_bikes   You can lurk there without any further effort.

An explanation of how to get started is:  https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/08/what-is-mastodon/

If you want to explore it, email me (bob at santafesobs.com) and I will invite you.  Much easier to get started from an invite than from scratch.  You can then create your own account and see what Mastodon has to offer, as well as getting any ride updates directly by following @SF_Sen_on_bikes.

The urbanists.social Mastodon server is described as “for people who like bikes, transit, and walkable cities”.  Seemed appropriate to me.  There are several hashtags related directly to bikes which I have followed in my personal account and which turn up lots of interesting tidbits (toots in Mastodon language, not tweets) along with the usual brags about my last ride.  The one I have found most useful is #cycling.  How original.

Enjoy.

Looking for one or more volunteer members to learn how to administer our website.  Preferably on the younger side of our membership (e.g. < 65).  Contact admin at santafesobs.com if you are interested.  Thanks.

Here’s to a safe, healthy, and enjoyable 2023.

FWIW

Given the current weather, ride times will change to 11am effective Monday Nov 21 for all rides going forward.

Bonus energetic Saturday ride from Sandia RR station at 11am.  See details in the following post.

Bonus energetic Monday ride from DeVargas at 11am  Supposed to be sunnier and less windy than Tuesday.  Tuesday ride still on if anyone wants to ride.

We have 188 members in good standing for 2022, meaning they have submitted both waivers and paid or are life members.

We will reopen membership signups in early 2023.  We are planning to have only one waiver and some different payment options.  Stay tuned.

Ride from Sandia RR at 11am. Supposed to be 42.  Little wind. 33 miles to Paseo de La Mesa and back.  Mostly trails.

This is for the energetic ad hoc group.

Sunday Nov 13 ride from ECA is on.  10.30 start.  Supposed to be more sun, a bit warmer, not too much wind compared to Saturday.  Saturday ride not cancelled, this is just an additional option for weather wimps.

Thursday Nov 17 ABQ ride cancelled before it began.  So, no train stuff.  Mike can’t lead and there is some evidence that Coffee bike is closed on Thursday anyway.

New ABQ ride for Tuesday Nov 15.  Start at Sandia RR at 11am.  Either Bosque out n back or Paseo de la Mesa.  About 33 miles total either route.  Leaning toward Paseo de la Mesa but weather will be decision point.  Optional lunch at Costco.

Possible bonus ride again on Sunday from ECA at 10.30.  Final decision look for email on Saturday AM.  Or check the blog late Friday.

Also, probable ABQ start for Thursday Nov 17.  MikeD’s long delayed Bike in Coffee ride.  Sandia RR start.
It is possible to organize this ride as a train down and back if enough are interested. The Costco addicts will surely drive.  Of course you don’t have to go to Costco in order to drive.  Start time depends on train issue.  So, if you want to take the train, we need an expression of interest.  Therefore, please email admin at santafesobs dot com and indicate if you WILL take the train.  Will communicate final details via blog post in your email Tuesday morning.

There will be a bonus Sunday Ad Hoc energetic ride from ECA at 1000.  Note the time – HGB.  It will be fall back day so temps warmer.  Note the time.

Several things to note / review regarding winter rides.  There are no explicit cancellations per se for winter ad hoc rides (meaning no blog post nor twitter post will be forthcoming).  Note that there are some automatic cancellations noted on the home page, which again will not trigger a blog post or twitter post.  Determine your weather tolerance and show up or not based on your tolerance and forecast conditions.  Ad Hoc rides are NOT guaranteed to take place.

There are rides all year long on Tues, Thrs, and Sat.  See the Ride Schedule page for information on when and where these rides take place, especially Thursday rides (which are ad hoc) for Nov – Mar.  Note that Thursday rides start from the same location for the entire month, so you need to know what month the ride takes place to know where it starts from.

The first Nov ride will be ….. guess when.  (hint:  Tues Nov 1).