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

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

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

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

This post presented at the request of Julie Jacobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ll keep you posted,

Steve

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

Cell Phone: 612-670-3720

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

Submitted by Bill Pollock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OVERALL… JUST ANOTHER SOB EXCITING AND FUN ADVENTURE!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on behalf of Julie Jacobs:

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

Submitted by Bill Pollock

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

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

https://noonlight.com/

Alan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Bill Pollock

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

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

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

Be save, keep on biking
Lore

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

Congrats to Myron.  Survived and finished strong.

Results below.

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by: Bill Pollock

Since this Thursday’s ride includes Tano Road, I’d just like to report that there are areas with sand, gravel, and/or mud (from last month’s rain? Last night’s? Don’t know). There is nothing impassable, it is just wise to be alert and pick your line through the debris.

Thanks, Bill. But it was an Olympic distance triathlon (1500 M swim, 40 K bike, 10 K run), the USA Triathlon National Age Group Championships that I qualified for by being the only person in my age group at the Santa Rosa NM triathlon in June. Based on my Cleveland performance, I’m now qualified for the ITU World Age Group Championships in Switzerland in 2019. They qualify 18 from each age group from the national championships, and there were only 12 women in my age group in Cleveland. Age has its benefits.

Literally a change of pace from usual notes. Through trusted sources, we have learned that SOB Lynn Pickard has recently placed 3rd in her age group at the Cleveland Marathon 2018. Way to go, Lynn!

Lynn’s house was recently damaged in the flood in Santa Fe area about a month ago. After rushing to clean and repair, she made it to the Marathon and had enough stamina to finish among the leaders.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

The ride Thursday up the Pecos River Canyon is always a beautiful ride along the river below the towering cliffs above. It has always been a favorite ride of the SOB members and was so proclaimed years ago by Barbara Nueva, an early member. Because it was, we have chosen to also take a few minutes on the ride to stop at Windy Bridge and remember those members who have died.

This year there are 10 members to recognize and remember. Our protocol has been to ride silently to Windy Bridge. Once all the riders of all the groups have arrived, we remember them in a brief ceremony and continue our ride to the turnaround points for each group. This is not a solemn activity but a bright moment to remember the many rides that we enjoyed with our friends.

Those being remembered”

Barbara Nueva

Lee Hilley

Mark Bolisterli

Alice Regan

Herb Schon

Charlie Loesch

Clare Rhodes

Ramon Montoya

Tom Day

Joel Stein

Those SOB members going to Frisco next month should be sure to bring secure locks and plan to use them when stopping for coffee, shopping, and sightseeing. This article below from Denver Post 8/13/2018

MyronP has completed his stint with the SOB training team and is headed to the Ironman World Championships in South Africa.  For those who didn’t ride with him the last month, Myron came here from Wisconsin to altitude train before the race.  The A group tried its best to train him up.  We know that on the podium Myron will say that he owes his victory to a bunch of SOBs.  I will miss him especially because when it was possible for me to latch onto his wheel, the draft was awesome for as long as i could keep up.  Wishing you the best at the race.  Go get ’em!

A and B rides start just off the interstate.

Just a reminder:  ALL RIDES START AT 0900.

THANK YOU EVERYONE – I HAD SO MANY OF YOU RESPOND. I AM SET WITH A TRAINER!

Due to a freak hiking accident where I completely tore my right rotator cuff, I am looking for a trainer so that I can continue to pedal at home while I rehabilitate.

Please let me know if you have a trainer to borrow or purchase.

Thank you,

Lore Thorpe
lorethorpe@gmail.com
505.690.9059 (call or text)

SOB Riders showed their support for the “Grand Tour” with their initial 3 “SOB Stages” done Santa Fe Style.

10 July – Tuesday: Stage 1 – Tour de “Lost in Eldorado”!  The SOB Riders started the Tour Celebration with an opening stage of 43+ miles and 2,000 ft of ascent.  It was a quick pace-line run from DeVargas Center to El Dorado. There were numerous break-aways on the Cruz Blanca climb, and runout down Old Santa Fe Trail and Old Las vegas Highway. In all cases the peloton was able to reel-in the break-a-way racers (you know who you are). Regrouping at Cafe Fina Team Larry and Team Rick took charge of the Peloton through El Dorado.  As luck would have it… the Peloton began a series of “turn left”, no… “turn right”, no… “do a loop de loop circle left then right and go straight” maneuvres.

Finally… punching out of the El Dorado morass of commands and manoeuvres, the Peloton regrouped at Cafe Fina.  Now the Peloton headed toward the finish. Another small group of rides attacked on Old Las Vegas highway. Their moment of glory was grand but short lived as the Peloton joined the breakaway on the run down to DeVargas Center. Time for lunch at Blue Corn Cafe! YAHOO! The Peloton averaged 16+ MPH but all finished with the same time. Up next was a mountain stage!!

12 July – Thursday:  Stage 2 – Tour de Rio en Midio!  Stage 2 departed Ft. Marcy directly into the climb up Old Taos Highway. Reaching the Tano Road Bridge, the break-away racer (you know who you are) headed toward Highway 592. The peloton regrouped at 592 and began the long climb to Rio en Midio. With numerous break-away groups (you know who you are) able to achieve the summit before being caught by the Peloton.

After the regroup and picture session at the Rio en Midio trail end, the peloton began the quick descent back down to the 285 frontage road. Then it was a little “bit and bit” (look it up) with plenty of “stayers” down to Pojoaque.

After a “pause that refreshes”, the peloton checked their gear and began the 15 mile trek back to Tano Bridge. Oh NO!… Joe forgot his water bottle!!  Overall, the peloton completed 40+ miles, 3,000+ feet of ascent, with a respectable 14.6 MPH average. The peloton lunched at Rowley’s Farmhouse Ales!! Agent Scully – Season 2, Episode 1 IPA was just as good as Season 1; it matches up well with the Green Chile Tuna Melt! YUMMY!!!

14 July – Saturday: Stage 3 “Lost in Las Campanas: “Bobby White Shoes” led out the Peloton for Stage 3. A 46+ mile “Outside Loop,” “backwards Lollipop,” Inside Loop”, Where are we going now?” tour of Las Campanas.

After a smooth start in the neutral zone from Camino Real Academy, it looked like the peloton would have an enjoyable Stage 3 ride… at least it was enjoyable down Calle del Rio. With a left turn on Las Campanas and the outer loop, Lucky Lu led a 4 person break away around the outer loop to the mail boxes; a break away backwards around the lollipop; and then smoked everyone on the climb back to the mail boxes. What did that gal have for breakfast!! The peloton then made a mad dash down 599 before losing its focus and way at South Meadows. Lost and confused, Bobby White Shoes reformed the peloton for…  WHAT… the 2nd half of the stage!!  We were off again… around the inner loop, around the outer loop, and then into the wind (again) back to El Camino Real Academy. No Fred’s (cycling term) on this SOB Ride!! A stage is not complete with lunch. We all packed into the Capital Grill, even sharing our table with the unspeakables… the gravel riders (you know who you are!)!!  Overall, the peloton completed 46+ miles, 2,400+ feet of ascent, with a fast pace of 16+ MPH average.

The first 3 stages of the Peloton netted about 130 miles with about 7,400 feet of climbing. GOOD JOB PELTON! Time to rest up for the upcoming week of more climbing!

ANOTHER GREAT WEEK OF MISSING THE AFTERNOON RAIN AND ENJOYING THE AWESOME ADVENTURES OF SOB RIDING IN SANTA FE!!

Ride fast; ride safe!

After a fun bike ride through the hills around Chimayo this Thursday, July 19, we will gather at 11:30 for a New Mexican meal at Rancho de Chimayo.

You won’t want to miss this fun gathering! Please come. I will be at the front of the restaurant collecting last minute reservations and payment.

See you there!

Lore

Hi Folks,

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/bicycles-cars-can-coexist-just-follow-the-laws/article

Recently, my wife and I were heading east on Camino Carlos Rey, waiting at the stoplight at Cerrillos Road. When it turned green, we began to go, and as we began to go, a bicyclist who had been on the sidewalk and was in the process of running the light, slammed on his brakes and yelled at us. We heard his yell very clearly because we were on bicycles as well.

I have ridden a bicycle in Santa Fe since 1986. The infrastructure for bicyclists has improved tremendously, but even in those days, Santa Fe was a delight to bicycle in. When I speak to other bicyclists, I find I’m often in the minority on this observation, but I have had few negative interactions with motor vehicles. I’ve had far more near misses with bicyclists who were not following traffic laws, particularly with bicyclists going against the flow of traffic.

I respectfully disagree that we need more signs, but we do need more education and more law enforcement when it comes to both bicyclists and drivers. While I could write an entire book on bicycling etiquette and traffic reform, I’ll stick to my top three tips for both drivers and bicyclists, though there is so much more to say.

For bicyclists

• Stop at red lights and stop signs. At the very least, make a show of slowing to a near stop. I do not — mea culpa — put my foot down when I arrive at a stop sign, but I do stop pedaling. I do apply the brakes. I do look both ways as I slow toward the stop sign. All too often I see bicyclists not even break their pedaling cadence. I know this stance may not be popular with my fellow bicyclists, and I know many are behind the “Idaho Stop” law that makes it legal to run stop signs, but I firmly believe that the common set of laws is what keeps us safe.

• Don’t go zipping down the right side of a line of cars, unless there is a bike lane or a really wide shoulder. If you are on a narrow road, and there are three cars at the stoplight, tuck in behind that third car and proceed as if you are a vehicle. If it’s rush hour, and there are 19 cars, tuck in behind that 19th car. No one is expecting a bicycle to go zipping past them on a narrow street. You have no idea who is planning to turn right unexpectedly or when an angry passenger is going to throw open the door and jump out of the car. Always ask yourself, would I do this if I were driving?

• This third tip is more a point of etiquette and may not be popular with my fellow bicyclists, but I’ll offer it here anyway. If you are in a group, ride in single file. It’s legal to ride two-up. You have every right to pedal lazily along Old Las Vegas Highway and have a conversation. It does, however, drive motorists nuts. It drives me nuts as well, particularly when I’m bicycling with someone who wants to pull up alongside me to chat. I’m busy trying to avoid broken glass and keep an eye out for prairie dogs.

For drivers

• Bicyclists should be merging in and out of traffic depending on where they intend to go. Is there a bicyclist in the left turn lane? She is probably turning left and belongs there. Is there a bicycle in the middle of the road at a red light? He is probably going straight, knows where to park to trigger the light, and is waiting for the light to change. Expect bicycles to be in the correct lanes at intersections. It’s the law.

• Bicyclists may use the full lane and should be expected to on narrow roads, and that’s what those bicycle symbols in the middle of the road indicate. My route to work takes me on the stretch of Camino del Monte Sol between Old Santa Fe Trail and Camino Cruz Blanca. Many times I’ve had vehicles zoom around me in a fury, barely missing an oncoming car, only to have to stop immediately at the stop sign. It probably takes under a minute to cover that stretch of road on a bicycle. The bicyclist is not really holding you up in any significant way in that situation. The law in Santa Fe is that you must allow five feet of space between your vehicle and the bicycle to pass. What if there isn’t five feet? You have to continue following that slow vehicle. A conscientious bicyclist will know that it’s frustrating and won’t hold you up for more than five minutes or so.

• Most of you drivers are very polite and accommodating, but please just follow the law yourself. I’ve had drivers in the oncoming lane stop suddenly when I’m signaling a left turn, and they have almost been rear-ended by the vehicle behind them. Drivers like to stop on St. Michael’s to let bicyclists cross on the rail trail. There are three lanes of traffic there. Doing so just creates confusion. It’s not safe for me to cross three lanes of traffic just because you, no matter how kind you are, stopped to let me through. And if I arrive at a four-way stop after you, it’s still your turn to go, even if I am on a bicycle. If you have the right of way, go.

More signs won’t make much of a difference. Obeying the law, understanding that bicycles are vehicles and are expected to behave like them, will.

Paul Cooley has been bicycling in Santa Fe since 1986. He has been a League Cycling Instructor and served on the city’s Bicycling and Trails Advisory Committee. He and his wife lived eight years without a car, intentionally, and they continue to do most of their traveling in town on bicycles.

Saturday, 16 riders gathered at El Camino Real Academy on a gorgeous morning for a 40 mile trek south of Santa Fe. Today we were joined by David and Sharon Tolleson. Welcome back to SOB!! The SOB Pace line was in good form heading toLa Cienega with the usual free-for-all sprint up the hill to the Water Tower. The vineyards of La Cienega were green, and the grapes starting to form. It’ll be picture time in the vineyards before we know it!! Climbing out of La Cienega is always a challenge; but any ride south of Santa Fe requires we pay homage to Larry’s Memorial at the Cell Tower. Hats off to Tom and Gordon for smoking the climb!!

Is you didn’t ride Saturday morning you missed another perfect ride day in Santa Fe (Joe behind the lens… Yes, I’m back in the saddle and lov’n every ride!!)  Check the blue sky background; it why we live in Santa Fe!!  Is that cell tower getting taller??

Then it was down the frontage road and across Bonanza Creek to Highway 14 before the climb out to 599. Some how we never seem to want to pace line back up Highway 14. Lucy did the lead-out back to town with a right turn on Beckner Road (the road and round-abouts at the new Presbyterian Hospital are now paved) over to Richards Ave. Heading down General Miles we were all thinking about lunch at the Blue Corn Café & Brewery. Gordon was not thinking lunch… he pulled a “hole shot” and made the light a Cerrillos Road for a running start on a new PR for the .2 mile Jaguar Bump. But to no avail… Lucy still holds the SOB and QOM record for “the bump”. After the ride we all met at the Blue Corn Café & Brewery on Rodeo for some welcomed refreshments and nourishment. Overall… we logged about 40 miles with 1,500_ feet of climbing at a respectable 16+ Average MPH.

YAHOO!! ANOTHER GREAT SOB RIDE AND ADVENTURE!!

See you Tuesday!!

Dont forget to make your reservation for our luncheon at Rancho de Chimayo on Thursday, July 19, starting at 11:30

I will be again at the sing in table together with Edwin and Judy to accept your reservation and your payment of $20 per person.

You don’t want to miss this fun social gathering, delicious food after a great bike ride !

C ride will start at Cities of Gold at 0830.  NOT at Chimayo where A and B rides will start.  This is only for the C ride.

Joe rejoined the peloton today. He rode like he never missed a day.  Truly amazing.  Welcome back, Joe!  Stay Safe Everyone.

Fellow bikers,

Don’t forget our mid-season luncheon July 19, starting at 11:30 at Rancho de Chimayo.

After an adventurous bike ride we’ll have a fun gathering and a local meal!

I will be at the SOB check-in Thursday, July 5th to accept your payment of $20.

Thank you,
Lore

Join other members of Seniors on Bikes to ride your bike to the Plaza on Wednesday, July 4 for the annual Pancake Breakfast

Meet at Kohl’s Department Store Parking lot at 8:30 a.m.

Arrive at the Plaza about 9:30

Back to car parked at Kohl’s 11:00-11:30 with a full stomach and smiling from the excitement

Let me know if you plan to ride at pollockb@aol.com

Imagine having pancakes on the Plaza next Wednesday, July 4. Your bike by your side. Couldn’t be more perfect, could it?

The SOB ride will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Kohl’s Department store south of the Santa Fe Place Mall. A good ride to the Plaza and pancakes, orange juice, milk, coffee and strawberries. All for $10, if you buy your ticket at the plaza. You can buy them at 1st National Bank and others for $8 in advance.

We expect to arrive at the Plaza about 9:30 to join the fun. We will have a downhill ride back to the cars at Kohl’s, finishing about 11:30

Be sure to bring a bike lock with you on the ride. Wear your patriotic colors, if you have them.

Let me know if you plan to ride. email to pollockb@aol.com

SOBs enjoy taking their bikes to the annual July 4th Pancake Breakfast on the Plaza. Fun for your bike and social activity for you. This is an annual event in Santa Fe for many years and everybody you know will be there! This ride is not a race, nor even fast paced. So all riding abilities are invited. Some of the ride is on low-traffic streets and some on bike paths. The return is mostly on bike paths and downhill most of the way!

Here’s how it works:

Wednesday, July 4

8:30 a.m. Meet and depart from Kohl’s Department Store on Cerrillos. Ride up General Miles to Carlos Rey, Rodeo road bike path to Rail Trail, then to Galisteo and directly to the Plaza. Arrive about 9:30. Cable bikes to posts around the Plaza. Enjoy the breakfast. Return by Rail Trail and Chamisa trail to Kohl’s. Back to cars about 11:00-11:30.

Breakfast cost: About $9, though you can buy a small discounted ticket at most banks before July 4.

Be sure to bring a lock for your bike!

It is helpful if you let me know you plan to ride. email me at pollockb@aol.com

Brian Kreimendahl of Bike Santa Fe has unearthed a 2009 Santa Fe County resolution that requires full, not partial, paving when county roads are repaved. To our knowledge, the resolution has not been rescinded. Therefore, if you are aware of work that is being done on county roads in violation of the resolution (that is, that the paving is limited to the traffic lanes and does not extend to the shoulder), please contact Brian at bpk at zianet dot com. When the cycling community makes its voice heard, it sometimes yields results.

Due to 100 deg forecast for ABQ, A ride will start at 0830 from San Felipe / Black Mesa Casino.  No changes for B C rides which are in town.

Hi all, it looks like its going to happen, that is, I plan on heading out on another bike tour next month. At least I bought a ticket to Whitefish, so I am sort of committed. I plan on boxing up my mountain bike and flying up to Whitefish, Montana on July 12th. Then the only way home is to hop on my bike and ride south, yikes. I normally blog my tours in which I write up an introduction and such before I leave.

Then take lots of photos during the tour and use the photos to help me write up the daily comments when I get back. Not sure how long the tour will take, but I am thinking 6-8 weeks from Canada to Mexico. That is if everything works out as planned, lots can happen on these off-road tours that are normally not issues on road tours. Weather, fires, mechanical failures, body failures that sort of thing, yikes. Anyway, here is a link to the blog I started if want to check it out: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1mr&doc_id=21042&v=7B 

This Saturday, June 16, is a ride to the Opera from Ft. Marcy Recreation Center (enter on Murales Road). If the gate to the lot is closed, proceed up the short hill on Murales Road to the small parking lot there. We must leave promptly by 8:00 a.m. to make it to the Opera by 8:30. We are advised to arrive at the parking lot by 7:45 to be ready by 8:00. We will proceed up Old Taos Highway to Tano Bridge and then a quick ride down to the Opera.

On arrival at the Opera, we will be treated to coffee and muffins before entering for a brief talk about the costumes for this year. The costumes for Candide have been made out of the same material used in FedEx packaging. This is amazing! Then we begin the tour through the many facilities behind the stage that make all the action on the stage possible. The tour will finish around 9:45.

Friends and family are invited to drive to the opera if they don’t want to ride bikes there. After the program, riders have many options to extend their rides, return directly to their cars at Ft. Marcy.

Weather apps predict just a 10% chance of rain while we are riding and visiting the opera. About 20% by noon and much higher percent chance around dinner time. So the ride to the opera looks good.

If you have not already informed that you are coming, it will be helpful for ordering the muffins if you let me know at pollockb@aol.com

Submitted by Bill Pollock

You read that right! Ride your bike next Saturday, June16 to the Santa Fe Opera House and tour the backstage area. It has been two years since we have done this ride. New members have joined SOB since then. Friends and family members can attend the tour with you even if they drive a car to the Opera. Here’s the plan”

8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 16   Depart Ft. March Recreation Center. We must leave no later than 8:00, so arrive by 7:45.

8:30 a.m. Arrive at the Opera and secure bikes and enjoy FREE coffee, muffins. About 8:45, we enter the theater and hear a talk presented by a director of the costume making and sorting area. Then there is a walking tour of the backstage areas where you will see rehearsal rooms, scenery making, wigs, costume making and many other important areas. You will be amazed at the work that takes place behind the stage to make things happen on the stage.

Everything will end about 9:45. After that, you can ride your bike on a ride to a number of places over a number of routes. Or, you can just ride back to Ft. Marcy.

This tour is FREE. The same tour costs $10 if you go on a weekday. But the SOBs work this out free on Saturdays.

We need to know how many will come in order to supply the right number of muffins and coffee.

Please send an email to pollockb@aol.com and let me know how many will be in your party.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

You can still make a reservation for dinner at Las Campanas Country Club with the Texas 4000 riders, scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 10. Send your reservation to pollockb@aol.com  Make a check payment when you arrive at the Clubhouse.

If you plan to meet the Texas 4000 riders when they arrive on Saturday, June 9, it will be a fun ride from Eldorado to their motel in downtown Santa Fe. The route will use Old Las Vegas Highway to El Gancho, then to Old Santa Fe Trail and on OSFT to the Plaza and to their motel. The riders are expected to arrive at the Agora store parking lot in Eldorado about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Wednesday evening, the riders of the Texas 4000 arrive in Lubbock, Texas. Getting close to New Mexico. And on Thursday, they cross the state line to stay in Clovis, New Mexico where they will hear the jets at the Clovis Air Force Base taking off and landing. A quieter night on Friday at Santa Rosa, New Mexico. And then–Saturday! Saturday, they arrive in Santa Fe. The riders look forward to scenery that is not all flat and to mountains that they look at all day Saturday on their ride up to Santa Fe. On the Lamy hill, they say they begin to deal with altitude issues.

SOBs will meet the Texas 4000 riders at the Agora parking lot on Saturday about 3:30 p.m. and lead them via Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza and to their hotel. Bring your bike and join in the ride.

Still time to sign up for the great dinner on Sunday, June 10. Cocktails at 5:30 with dinner and brief program to follow. Price is $60 per person. Present a check at the Las Campanas Country Club when you arrive. No credit cards for dinner. But you can use credit cards for cocktails. At the dinner, you will learn how to hold your hand to say “Lock ’em Horns”! Next time you visit Houston, Dallas, or Austin. the hand signal will be useful in getting a free drink at the corner bar.

Make a reservation for dinner by sending me an email to pollockb@aol.com

Submitted by Bill Pollock

When you attend the dinner Sunday evening that welcomes the students riding with Texas 4000, you will be free of your own cooking chores. You will be much more relaxed Monday morning as a result. The Texas 4000 group arrives in Santa Fe on Saturday, June 9. And on Sunday, at 5:30 p.m. at Las Campanas Country Club members of SOB will join the students and alumni of the University of Texas.

The facilities are perfect for this event. And you will feel that you’re in a good place, having conversations with great young people who are conversant and eager to participate. Of course, they will talk a little bit about the week of riding from Austin to Santa Fe, and they will be excited about the days ahead of them. Their own stories of how they got to this point, the challenges they have met, are the real comments you will enjoy. When you leave the building to return home, you will say to yourself, ” I wish I were riding tomorrow. It is going to be a great trip!”

We need your reservation though so the food can be ordered. The cost is $60 per person, and that includes the tip! Notify me through email at this address to make your reservation for yourself and your guest. pollockb@aol.comhe

There is even more fun, if you can believe it. You can meet the Texas 4000 riders when they arrive at Eldorado on June 9 around 3:30 p.m. and ride with them over the Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza and then to their hotel. This will be a group of about 50 riders that generates excitement and appreciation from drivers on the way and visitors on the Plaza. Since it is a little late in the day, I am leaving my car at DeVargas and riding home to Eldorado to get my bike and join everyone at the Agora Market at Eldorado. You can make your own arrangements. And the best of us will probably ride out to Eldorado and then back to town with the group.

The weather for Saturday and Sunday is fantastic. Temps in the 70s and the WSW winds around 7 mph.

Send in your dinner reservation! And we look forward to the event and riding with the Texas 4000!

Due to adverse road conditions on 63 going toward Terrero and Jacks Creek (thanks Christine and Dave for the scouting report) we are changing the June 14 ride.  It will still start at the Pecos Ranger Station at 0900 but will go toward San Jose rather than toward Terrero.  The ride toward Terrero and Jacks Creek which starts as the Memory Ride has been rescheduled to Aug 16 for the moment.  We will reassess as we get closer.

Bottom Line:  Same start location, same time, different route, same ride leaders.

Texas 4000 students began the 4000-mile journey today in Austin, Texas and will end the ride in Anchorage, Alaska in August.

The next big stop will be here in Santa Fe, just a week from today. If you have driven from Santa Fe to Los Angeles in the past, your drive was about 850 miles. Did you think you were tired and ready to get there by the end of your drive? Well, the Texans will have ridden over 1000 miles to get here to Santa Fe. And, yes, they are going to be tired and ready for a brief rest.

The dinner on Sunday, June 10 at Las Campanas Country Club is just the thing to energize them. And you can be there and you will be energized, too. But we need to know that you and a guest or two are coming. The food has to be ordered. The cocktail hour begins at 5.30 p.m. and the dinner follows. The Country Club is a fine facility that you will enjoy. The cost of the dinner is $60 per person. Gratuities are included in the price.

Send me an email to make your reservations. You will pay by check when you arrive at the Country Club. Send your reservations to pollockb@aol.com right away!

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Takes place Saturday, July 14, 2018.  Start/finish in Alamosa, CO.  Also called “Bike 2 Build,” since it is a benefit for Habitat for Humanity. It appears to be part loop and part out-and-back, if you do the century or the metric century.  There is also a 35-mile loop.  A fully supported ride with rest stops every 25-30 miles, sag, and a post-ride meal for riders.  I believe the course is largely flat, although surrounded by the 14,000-foot Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains.  An excellent way to enjoy the benefits of all that training while also helping one of the most economically challenged regions in Colorado.

Description and mail-in reg form: http://www.slvhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-Bike2Build-eBrochure.pdf

Register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/CO/Alamosa/Bike2Build or https://www.active.com/alamosa-co/cycling/mountain-biking-races/bike2build-san-luis-valley-century-sat-jul-14-2018 

Info on HFH: http://www.slvhabitat.org/

On Sunday, June 10, the SOBs join the riders of the Texas 4000 and the University of Texas alumni at the Las Campanas Country Club. A social hour with cocktails begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will follow. It is very important to obtain reservations for meal planning. SOB members and spouses, friends, guests are invited to join in the program. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the club’s features and the food and service have always been outstanding.

The program begins with the social hour and dinner and a brief program presented by the University of Texas students who will speak about their program development and the commitments they have made to widen the knowledge about the importance of cancer research. Many of these students are already cancer survivors and, or, have family members who are.

The Texas 4000 riders arrive in Santa Fe on Saturday, June 9. SOB members will greet the riders at the Agora Market in Eldorado about 3:30 p.m. SOB riders will lead the Texas 4000 students to the Plaza and to their hotel in the Railyard District. This is a fun activity because a group of about 50 riders attracts attention of drivers and there is an amazing feeling when the entire group visits the Plaza and walks through it before remounting bicycles for the last half mile to the hotel.

We need your reservations as soon as possible so that the preparations can be made. The cost of the meal is $60 per person. Part of the expense enables the student riders to join in. Two or three students will sit at each table for dinner. The conversations with these students is very entertaining. These are upper division and graduate students who have completed the selection and training programs for the 4000-mile ride from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska–in 70 days! When you talk with them at dinner, you will wish you were riding with them.

To make your reservation for dinner, send me an email with the number you are bringing. You will pay by check at the Las Campanas Country Club when you arrive. Send your reservations to pollockb@aol.com    

More information in the next few days. Just a week away from the arrival of Texas 4000!

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Join baseball starved SOBs this coming Saturday (not Sunday as previously discussed.)   Beer and hot dogs available for purchase.  Bring a butt cushion and several 1$ bills.  Game start is 6pm.  We can usually last at least 5 or 6 innings.

Changed to Saturday due to (who can believe it) 60% – 70% chance of rain Sunday night  forecast and we want it to be warm and sunny anyway.

Just a reminder, the A ride for May 24.  Either meet at 599 RR station at 0845 to carpool / caravan OR drive to the downtown Bernalillo train station.  We will meet at the train station and start riding from there.  Figure we should start to pedal about 1000.  The downtown station is the 2nd Bernalillo exit off I25 going toward ABQ.

According to google, take exit 240 from I25.  Continue on E Avenida Bernalillo, Turn R on Railroad Track Rd.

Hincapie store.  Still open.  I have 2 vests coming as samples to look at for anyone interested.  They are not here yet.  I will post when they get here.  Figure the store to stay open thru the end of next week.

76 riders start from Austin, Texas on June 2 with a celebrity ride in Lampasas, Texas that enables interested public to ride with the Texas 4000 riders the first day finishing with a fabulous Texas barbecue in the afternoon. One group rides north through St. Louis and on to Canada. A different group rides to Denver and then west to Salt Lake City before heading northwest. The third group, the Sierra Route, is what heads west first before going north. Then, a week later, the Sierra Route riders arrive in Santa Fe for two days. All three groups meet in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory July 31 for the final push to Anchorage, Alaska. 70 days of riding over 4000 miles.

SOB members are invited to meet the riders at Eldorado and escort the Texas 4000 riders to their hotel in the Railyard area. It is always an adventure to ride down Old Santa Fe Trail to the Plaza and watch the tourists look in awe of the riders entering the Plaza area. You will want to be a part of the adventure. So put it down on your calendar–Saturday, June 9.

And then on Sunday, June 10, SOB members and partners, spouses, and friends are invited to join the Texas 4000 riders and the University of Texas Alumni of Santa Fe at the Las Campanas Country Club for cocktails and a great dinner in the magnificent setting of the Club. This event is amazing, as riders of the Texas 4000 split and sit with the SOBs and others at the many tables for dinner. The conversation is stimulating as the riders have all achieved the opportunity to ride over two years of participation. The ride to Alaska is also an event to raise funds for cancer research. Each year the combined riders of the Texas 4000 raise over $1 million for cancer research. You will be surprised how many of the riders are already cancer survivors themselves. And they also ride in respect for other family members who have dealt with cancer.  The cost of the dinner is $60 per person, and this is about the same as one would pay at a good Santa Fe restaurant. So put this date on your calendar–Sunday June 10 for dinner with the Texas 4000.

You are invited to look at the web site of the Texas 4000 where the pictures of the riders are exhibited and you can see just who is coming to Santa Fe for dinner!  https://www.texas4000.org/

More to come in future days.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

OK.  Let’s do what was planned for this Thursday.  Meet at 599 at 0845 and carpool or caravan to Bernalillo train station.   You can of course just drive to Bernalillo,  We will meet at the downtown Bernalillo station NOT the one closest to 550.  Then we will ride to the Bosque, ride the Bosque, then continue on through Isleta to Belen.  We will train back to Bernalillo and either drive or continue on the train back to 599.  This is about a 53 mile pan FLAT ride (160 ft of elevation gain).  The train leaves Belen at 3.40 pm, gets to Bernalillo at 4.54pm.  So plan for a full day.   Today we did 50 miles in about 4 hours elapsed.  That same pace would get us to Belen at 2pm leaving time for a snack.  Hopefully with essentially zero elevation gain we can shave a bit of time off of that.  Link to route.  

Century 50 milers meet at light pole A at 0800 to 0810.

The next 2 Thursday rides start at 0900.  May 24 and May 31.

Tuesday and Saturday remain at 0930 thru end of May.

Enjoy.

Students from the University of Texas will be returning to Santa Fe Saturday, June 9. Many riders with SOB credentials remember the excitement and enthusiasm these students have for their 4000-mile bicycle trip from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska. There will be about 100 riders who are upper division and graduate students at the University of Texas making the trip in four different groups. One of the groups rides through Santa Fe and on to the California coast and then up the coast where they meet the other groups in British Columbia and then on to Anchorage.

The group will arrive on Saturday afternoon and SOB members meet them at Eldorado and lead them on the historic Old Santa Fe Trail to their hotel in the Railyard District. It is an exciting ride for SOB members on Old Santa Fe Trail where the combined groups of nearly 60 riders make an impressive scene with yellow SOB jerseys and the orange and blue jerseys of the Texans.

The schedule is a little different this year. The students arrive on Saturday and the dinner at the Las Campanas Country Club is on Sunday.

Mark June 9 and 10 on your calendars! Just put down Texas 4000 and it will jog your memory to plan to join in.

And watch for more posts in the coming days about the plans.

Submitted by Bill Pollock

Hi folks. We just moved to the City Different. I was looking at the city web site for a way to contact by email the BTAC but unlike Los Alamos, where one can contact the transportation board with a publically advertised email address, I cannot find any email that goes to the BTAC, “general delivery”. Am I missing something?

Another bummer post.   JoeS crashed hard descending Pajarito on Thursday.  Solo crash, no cars, no other riders involved.  He was taken by ambulance to Los Alamos hospital then airlifted to UNM trauma in Abq.   Many thanks to his riding companions Guy, Rich, Gordon for doing all the right things.

To everyone:  Please ride carefully.   

Thursday some of the SOB Riders headed North to make the climb to Truchas, NM.  We started from the Cities of Gold Casino in Pojoaque under winter condition – cold, wind, clouds! Our trek followed the High Rode to Taos (Highway 503/76) to Truchas. The village of Truchas originally began as a Spanish land grant in 1754. The original land grant was given to twelve families from Chimayo and Pueblo Quemado (now Cordova).  The land grant is commonly known as the Truchas Land Grant, gaining its name from the river that provides the water for irrigation of the land. Truchas is the Spanish word for trout. Its purpose was to establish an outpost community in an effort to block the Comanches from a favorite route through which they raided Santa Fe and the communities lying along the Rio Grande valley. At an elevation of just over 8,000 feet, Truchas has one of the highest elevations in the United States.

We regrouped at the High Road Market Place… It was COLD in Truchas!! The High Road Market Place was a great place to get warmed up; use facilities and admire the local artworks (Joe behind the lens; John missed the photo).

Our ride leader Rick wasted no time in barking out the “Lets Ride” order…

Time to descent to warm temperatures!! The descent to Chimayo was QUICK; so to was the immediate warmth of San Juan Valley. We traversed back along Highway 503 to the Nambe Church and the Cities of Gold Casino.

Arriving in Pojocque, SOB Riders always stop at the Sopapilla Restaurant for lunch and refreshments! Overall it was a 40+ mile trek with over 3,400 feet of climbing!!

ANOTHER AWESOME RIDE AND ADVENTURE… LIVING THE SOB DREAM!! YAHOO!!

Joel Stein, a founding member of Seniors on Bikes, died on April 22. A former stock broker on Wall Street, Joel and his wife Mary moved to Santa Fe in the mid-1990s. Not only did Joel get a bicycle group started, he also started a hiking group which is still active today, just as is the SOB.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, May 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 East Rodeo Drive, in Santa Fe.