| Dear Chain Gang Members and friends: It is finally summer and the
riding season is here. We have had some very nice cycling weather and I can’t think
of any place I would rather be.
I would like to remind everyone about the ride and very important meeting with the AZ
Bicycle Coalition this weekend. If you ever find yourself complaining about how cyclists
are treated in the state or city and wonder what you can do about it this is the place to
start. This meeting is the place to learn about what is going on, what is being done, and
what you can do to make cycling better in the city and state. I encourage everyone to do
both the ride and the meeting. After all, riding is what it is all about. I have re-posted
the description from the ride schedule below for your convenience.
##################
June 26 8:00 AM Rails to Trails and meeting with the AZ Bicycle Coalition.
This is a very easy Mt. Or Hybrid bike ride at a social pace. This ride starts at
Yavapai Collage at 8 AM. We will spin through the Veterans Administration Hospital on our
way to Sun Dog Road and ride the newly completed Rails to Trails path to its end. I would
guess that the total distance is less than 15 miles and as flat as it can get in the
Prescott area. After the ride we will have a meeting with representatives of the AZ
Bicycle Coalition. This meeting is about an unfriendly bicycle bill (SB 1280) in the
works. The meeting will be at 11 AM and held at the of the Prescott Alternative
Transportation office at 710 White Spar Road just past Safeway Supermarket.
Tim Travis, 520-541-7604 e-mail
if you have questions.
##################
The July 4th weekend Unofficial Fat Tire Festival is quickly coming up. I
have received a much bigger response to this than I expected. I answer email almost daily
from individuals and club representatives requesting information and I expect a large
turnout. The latest information can be found at http://surf-ici.com/chaingang/AZFTF.htm
A new member, Jim Warrick, has volunteered to lead the Prescott Off Road Summer
Training Series Mt. Bike ride on Thursday evenings. This will make the ride occur on
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 PM starting from the Groom Creek (307) trailhead
just as it did in May. These rides are always fun with all ability groups represented. I
have not yet added this ride or Jim’s email to the web site so if you want more
information you can contact Jim Warrick at jwarrickno smamprimenet.com
The Thursday evening Spar Wars TT (time trial) is still on and going well. It is
obvious that road biking is still strong in this area. I have met several very nice people
on this ride and always have fun. Don’t let the term time trial scare you off. You
can either race against the clock or casually ride and chat as I have done the last two
times. I would like to thank another new member Steve Becker for leading this ride and for
all of his hard work. You can find the complete details of this ride by following the link
below to the ride schedule.
There is a new bicycle program in Prescott that I think the Chain Gang should be aware
of and support. Bike 2000 repairs donated bicycles and gives them to those in need, the
homeless, at-risk youth, and others. Recipients must give community service hours in
exchange for their bike. Bike 2000 also buys, sells and trades quality used bicycles and
provides basic bike maintenance and safety classes. Bike 2000 needs volunteers and more
bike donations. This is a program sponsored by Catholic Social Services and all donations
are tax deductible. I have been at the shop and have seen people who are in the process of
getting back on their feet receive a free bike in exchange for their time. It is amazing
how an old Schwinn Varsity or World Sport from the 70’s can become a useful tool in
getting someone off the street. Homeless shelters provide a place to stay and even arrange
jobs but without basic transportation it is difficult to survive.
If you want to learn more or just like cool old bikes from about every decade in the
past you should drop by their shop. Keith Brown runs the program and is very friendly and
knowledgeable.
Open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, 124C South Granite behind Whisky Row near the
Prescott Unified School District office and the proposed parking garage site. Look for a
red bike with a Bike 2000 sign on it during business hours. Phone 445-1400.
The ride schedule is up through August 7th. It can be found at most of the
local bike shops and on our web site at:
Ride Schedule
http://surf-ici.com/chaingang/Schedule/Local_Ride%20_Schedule.htm
There are several very good rides in July so don’t miss out. I would like to thank
George Woods for all of his hard work in being the Ride Coordinator and putting this
together. I know it is a very time consuming job.
Keep the rubber side down!!!!
Tim Travis – President – Prescott Chain Gang Cycling Club |