BFSC Ride Schedule - January 7 & 8

Cycling TV News

Versus TV Comcast channel 448 is now called NBC Sports and it will continue to cover Cycling Racing events such as the Tour de France.

Comcast has dropped one of favorite cycling TV channel – Universal Sports Channel 200 due to contract issues and Universal Sports a division of NBC Sports has changed from a free channel to now charging Comcast. They have also changed their broadcast to HD. Currently Universal Sports TV is only on Direct TV.

Please Call Call1-800-55-GET-US to help get it back.

http://www.universalsports.com/frequently-asked-questions.html for more detail information.

Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

Ride Time temperatures Saturday 53F & light wind, forecast Partly Cloudy with 20% chance of rain late morning early afternoon. Sunday forecast is Partly Cloudy 56F/58F at ride time with light wind.

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

There are TWO Optional Ride on Sunday.

9:00 AM Mountain Biking at Hanna Park

Meet at the front Parking Lot ready to ride at 9.

Entrance Fee $1.00

This is a group ride. We will regroup at the trailhead or trail fork, so that you can ride at your pace.

8:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge

Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.

Mountain Bikers - Hitting the trails at 70 - Green Valley News: Sports & Recreation

Mountain Bikers - Hitting the trails at 70 - Green Valley News: Sports & Recreation: These guys are serious.

Posted: Thursday, January 5, 2012 11:57 am

By Mike Touzeau | Special to the Green Valley News |0 comments

These guys are serious.

They might rest one or two, then seek out sandy single tracks and rocky ridges when they’re off road for two of five days a week on a bicycle seat.

Green Valley cyclists Bill Adamson and Chuck Hill have added an average of thirty trail miles to the 150 or so on the pavement they travel on two wheelers each week, and they’re bringing along new buddies and discovering new places to test their skills and sample scenery up local mountain trails and along the desert floor.

“I’ve learned not to crash,” quipped Hill, 72, who started only a few years ago on a hand-me-down bike from his son, but since has participated regularly in the annual Elephant Head race as its familiar oldest competitor, averaging only a little over two hours in taming the rugged 13 mile course.

He has consistently finished among the top 75 percent of entrants, even though they’re decades younger.

“He’s worried I’m going to enter it,” jabbed Adamson.

His friend at 74 has been riding his whole life, taking up mountain biking seriously about 25 years ago, tackling the 120 mile, 10,000 feet elevation gaining “Triple Bypass” challenge in Colorado where he lives in the summer.

They welcome newcomers to their informal group that organizes weekly excursions, exploring new trails as well as the regular rides in the area, which reflects an increased enthusiasm for the sport here.

They willingly pass along tips, and agree it’s never too late to learn something new, evidenced by Hill’s attendance recently at a three-day skills camp in Phoenix, where he refined turning and climbing techniques.

“You learn to lean instead of turning the wheel,” he explained, “and the most important thing out there is vision — ahead and peripheral.”

Taking tumbles is not an appealing option, especially for grandfathers, so knowing what you and your bike can do is essential.

“If you look where you’re afraid you’re going to go,” added Adamson, “you’re going to go there.”

Not a good thing when you’re following a group down a steep grade.

They suggest practicing in a parking lot if one is just starting out, learning to jump the curbs, shift, find the right gears, and maintain good balance over the pedals, then move on to West Desert Preserve, just west of town near the mine, where the single track winds easily without challenging grades.

Mountain biking is obviously much different than running the roads, which both still regularly ride when they’re not on the trails.

“There are more challenges,” Hill said. “You have to concentrate a lot more.”

“It’s like the difference between jogging and hiking,” Adamson agreed.

You have to get through sandy washes where the rear wheel won’t want to turn, move like mountain goats down scary steep rocky grades that grab your front tire, and climb back up heart thumping hills trying to stay with your mates.

Not easy, of course, but rewarding, Hills says.

“There’s a variety of scenery, and it’s fun. I like doing something that is a challenge to get better.”

They roam trails from Tucson to Patagonia, pointing out a variety of their favorites sites:

Robles — Between Ajo and Irvington just west of Mission Road, it’s about 15 miles of varied terrain, from easy to difficult, some of it widened to include hand crank biking (now that’s a challenge.)

Sweetwater — Off I-10 near Silverbell, this 12 mile single track is easier, but a distance to drive from here.

Elephant Head — Rocky and loose, Adamson said. It’s easier to enjoy the 13 miles of spectacular views from the Mt. Hopkins Observatory to the Madera Canyon Proctor visitor center than the other way around.

The Arizona Trail — They have their favorite segments, many along old ranch and mining roads, with Sahuarita Road, Box Canyon, and Gardner Canyon Roads all good starting points south or north to pick up the famous trail.

Diablo Mountains — At Hunter Access near Sopori Ranch on Chavez Siding Road off I-19 south of Green Valley, the group likes the 27-mile ranch and forest road marathon with a counter clockwise loop across Red Springs Pass that circles the Diablo Mountains.

Bull Springs Road — Accessed off Mt. Hopkins Road, this 27-mile trek to Patagonia is scenic, but the first half is a killer.

There are many others, and some they like to keep to themselves, but if you have the right ride and the right gear and some experience, and take all the necessary precautions, there’s some great mountain biking to be found in this area, even if you can’t keep up with these two.

© 2012 Green Valley News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

BFSC Holiday Ride Schedules - December 24 & 25 also December 30, 31, January 1 & 2

Merry Christmas!!!

We trust all the Beaches First Street Cycling riders and friends will have a fun and safe Christmas and New Years holiday celebrations with family and friends.

With the holidays the ride schedule will change a little due to family comments, staying up late for New Years, and it’s a holiday to sleep in a little.

Hanna Park is open Christmas and New Years Day.

Watch the BFSC Blog or Facebook page for ride updates or someone trying to organize a ride during the holiday week. Or start time change due to weather.

Beaches Weekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

Saturday, December 24 – Traditional BFSC Ride – 8:00 AM

Sunday, December 25 – Leah Mantle is organizing and leading a 80 miles Christmas Day ride at 8:00 AM leaving from the Lodge. There will be the usual points you can turn around if you want to do a shorter ride.

Friday, December 30 – Group Road Bike – 9:00 AM from the Lodge

Saturday, December 31 – Traditional Saturday Road Ride – 8:00 AM

Sunday, January 1 – Mountain Bike or Road Bike options – 10:00 AM

Monday, January 2 – Group Road Bike – 9:00 AM from the Lodge

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

There are TWO Optional Ride on Sunday – January 1.

10:00 AM Mountain Biking at Hanna Park

Meet at the front Parking Lot ready to ride at 10.

Entrance Fee $1.00

This is a group ride. We will regroup at the trailhead or trail fork, so that you can ride at your pace.

10:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge

Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.

RIDE THE DIVIDE Official Movie Trailer

An award-winning feature film about the world's toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The film weaves the story of three characters' experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to pedal from Banff, Canada to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border.

Radwanderung...Reminds you of the Skinny Bridges at Hanna Park

BFSC Ride Schedule Dec 17 & 18 - Riverside Luminaria Bike Ride Sunday Night

Luminaria Riverside Bike Ride is Sunday December 18th

                     

This year marks the 28th anniversary of Riverside Avondale’s beloved Luminaria celebration. The traditional lighting of the lanterns at sundown will occur Sunday, December 18th. Luminaria is a wonderful community-building event celebrating the season.

The ever-popular Luminaria Bike Ride will leave from City Cycle on Park Street at 6 pm (across from European Street Bakery); helmets and bike lights are required, creative holiday bike decorations are encouraged.

Come join the fun, bring the whole family, riding your bicycle Sunday through Riverside enjoying the Christmas Luminaries & Lights. Please wear your helmet and you will need a light on your bike. Also you can decorate you bike with Christmas lights.

Meet at Drew Johnson's bike shop City Cycle ready to ride at 6:00 PM. 

BeachesWeekend Weather Forecast (observed at Mayport Naval Air Station)


Looks like a nice Saturday forecast for a bike ride with ride time weather: Partly Cloudy 59F; 9 mph WNW windy. Front to come though Saturday night with Sunday's ride time weather forecast 49/52F with 13 mph N wind.

Beaches First Street Cycling Ride Schedule

Saturday – 8:00 AM @ the Lodge – 40 miles

The BFSC Saturday Ride warms up together for the first 5 to 6 miles.

The Ride Pace begins to pick up quickly to the Palm Valley Bridge.

The BFSC splits into 2 groups base on Ride Pace either at the PV Bridge

Or at the Traffic Light at Crosswater Parkway & Old 210

Group 1 = Ride Pace 25+ MPH with max speed 30+
Group 2 = Ride Pace 19 – 25 MPH 
See link for the Map on the right. 
Group 1 will make Right at Crosswater Parkway. 
Group 2 will make a Left at Crosswater Parkway

  

There are TWO Optional Ride on Sunday.

9:00 AM Mountain Biking at Hanna Park

Meet at the front Parking Lot ready to ride at 9.

Entrance Fee $1.00

This is a group ride. We will regroup at the trailhead or trail fork, so that you can ride at your pace.

8:00 AM Road Ride Leaving from the Lodge

Group Ride Ride Pace = 19 – 22 MPH.
Remember this is a GROUP ride.
We will regroup when necessary for those loosing contact with the group.
We have been trying to keep everyone together back to the Palm Valley Bridge, so that everyone finishes the ride together.

Riverside Luminaria Bike Ride is Sunday December 18th

Luminaria is Sunday December 18th

                      This year marks the 28th anniversary of Riverside Avondale’s beloved Luminaria celebration. The traditional lighting of the lanterns at sundown will occur Sunday, December 18th. Luminaria is a wonderful community-building event celebrating the season.

The ever-popular Luminaria Bike Ride will leave from City Cycle on Park Street at 6 pm (across from European Street Bakery); helmets and bike lights are required, creative holiday bike decorations are encouraged.

Also returning is the live nativity scene and numerous musical performances at area churches. It’s always a great family tradition—hope you will join us!

Come join the fun riding you bicycle Sunday through Riverside enjoying the Christmas Luminaries & Lights. Please wear your helmet and you will need a light on your bike. Also you can decorate you bike with Christmas lights.

Meet at Drew Johnson's bike shop City Cycle ready to ride at 6:00 PM.