Richard has sent me the January schedule, but he's already cancelled the 4's ride for January 1, as "the forecast is 80% chance of rain accompanied by persistent hangovers". I'm not very hopeful that the 3's will be riding off to Wildflower Bread Co. in Scottsdale as well. I'm going to wait and make that decision in the morning, though.
Rock on...
As has been tradition in the ABC days, the Granada chapter of PMBC will not have an organized ride this week.
But I'd like to wish you all a happy holiday season, and look forward to riding up and down the Dreamy Draw repeatedly as soon as they open it up.
Rock on...
Richard, Steve and the 4's are riding to Country Boys this Sunday, and Mike and the 3's will be heading east to US Egg.
Last week was 35 years since I flew down from Omaha to interview for a job here in Phoenix. It was a great two days, the weather was awesome, the town lit up for Christmas, and I met cyclist Nelson Vails (Silver medal winner at the '84 Olympics) at a bar in Scottsdale. And all anyone could talk about was the upcoming concerts at Sun Devil Stadium, U2 spent two nights filming for "Rattle and Hum", for $5 a ticket! Sadly, I had to return to Omaha but was hired by Checker Auto Parts, the beginning of my career in the Valley of the Damned.
Join us for the LAST ride of 2022, enjoy this clip and rock on..
Well, we missed out on our Tempe ride last week due to the soggy morning. But the rain sure perked up our romaine lettuce in the garden.
Richard and the 4's are going to Whataburger this week, and Mike will be leading y'all to Moon Valley Cafe.
You probably haven't seen any Travis Pastrana [HOONIGAN] videos, so here's the one to start with. Travis drove for the Discount team years ago, but he's just totally insane now. Watch, and rock on...
Richard, Steve and gang are heading north to Chompie's, most likely up Cave Creek, which is about the only way to get there. Speaking of ways to get anywhere in North Phoenix, last Sunday Gary and I detoured over to the pipeline construction area on Northern where it goes under the Piestawa freeway, That bore pit is about 2/3 filled in with low-density concrete and gravel. On the other side of the freeway, we snuck through the fence where that bore pit is filled about the same level. So they've not even begun any work on restoring the path on the north end at least.
Mike and the 3's are going to take another journey to Tempe, but try the First Watch on University this time. Hopefully the food is warm and the oatmeal fully cooked.
Rock on...
It looks like we have to wait until 2023 to regain access to the Dreamy Draw, dammit. Well, this week Richard, Steve and the 4's are off to Irma's Kitchen, while Mike and the 3's hit up Scramble on 7th St. Looks like a chilly morning, but will warm up nicely later in the day.
This is an interesting bit for any Pink Floyd fan, Roger Waters had been working on an new version of the classic "Comfortably Numb" back before the lockdown, and just released it this week. Rock on...
Per the City of Phoenix Water Services...
The Dreamy Draw bike path is now scheduled to be completed and opened in early 2023. Dreamy Draw Recreation Area and its facilities are anticipated to reopen in the summer of 2023. The drought pipeline will be in service as scheduled by the end of 2022 to address drought conditions. Restoration activities have been delayed due to supply chain issues and the high demand for construction services in the Valley. Information on the Dreamy Draw Recreation area project can be found at https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/projects#dreamy
I'm doing El Tour de Tucson metric century with Alexis this Saturday, so look for Sunday's ride to be not too terribly long and flat as a board. Richard is going as well, except he'll be doing bike patrol, which is pretty much an all day thing. So Steve will be leading the 4's to Sip Coffee. The 3's will be heading to Zookz.
Rock on...
Richard, Steve and gang are riding over to Daily Dose, via some sort of circular route I'm sure. The 3's will be heading off to Morning Squeeze (what used to be the First Watch downtown). I picked the destination due to its proximity to the Phoenix 10K at Wesley Bolin Plaza, as I'll be abandoning you after breakfast to see the wife finish her 10K.
Here's an oldie, featuring the USC Marching Trojans. Rock on...
I have not received the November schedule from Richard yet, but will post it as soon as I get it. But the 3's will be taking an excursion to Tempe to visit Daily Jam. Unless Gary, king of Tempe Town Lake, has a suggestion for a tastier location to hit.
One of my all-time favorite records, Chicago Transit Authority, Prologue/Someday August 29, 1968.
Rock on...
Regina's niece made this. I look forward to seeing her animation style and skills progress at art school.
Richard, Steve and the 4's are going north to The Burg this Sunday, and the 3's will be making up for last week's missed ride, and doing the Wildflower in Scottsdale. Maybe we'll get there this time.
Here's one of my favorites. Sums up the human race pretty well. Rock on...
Yeah, I weanied out today. At 2 AM, the sky opened up and the proverbial cats and dogs rained upon the H compound. This after a harrowing drive down the mountains from Payson Saturday evening, I calculated in my early AM stupor that a ride sounded like more yuck than fun. The alarm was turned off and slumberland resumed. If anyone showed up, my apologies. I know Bobbi started out at least, then bailed.
An appropriate song, I believe. Rock on.
Well, as of Tuesday, there is rain predicted for Sunday morning. But, being Arizona, that could disappear from the forecast tomorrow.
Richard and the 4's are heading south to Joe's Diner, while Mike and the 3's will be cycling to Scottsdale and hitting Wildflower on Indian Bend. So I'll see you all at the park, unless the rain comes.
Here's an oldie from Tempe's own Gin Blossoms. Rock on...
Start time has now moved to winter hours - it's a 7:30 AM start now through next March. So enjoy that extra hour of sleep.
Richard and the 4's are heading to the International House of Pancakes, so be sure to bring your passport (I never get tired of that joke).
But, the bad news is restaurants are starting to get jammed up by the time we get there, so we'll be hitting the Panera's and Luci's and Wildflowers more and more. But this week, since our group is still smaller with the vacationing folks still gone, let's head off to Kiss The Cook in Glendale.
Rock on...
For this final 6:30 AM start of the year, Richard, Steve and gang are going west to Golden Corral. Mike and the 3's are going north to Biscuits Cafe.
Yes, it's true, winter is here. Well, maybe only winter hours. Starting October 2nd, our start time moves back to 7:30 AM.
Rock on...
Richard and the 4's will be pedaling to Randy's in Scottsdale this Sunday, but as I will be unavailble, and nearly everyone else is out of town, there will be no 3's ride. I'll be back on the 25th for our last 7:30 AM start of the year.
Saw this online this morning- watch where you park your bike in the UK.
Richard will be leading the 4's to Biscuits Cafe this week, one of my favorites. Perhaps the 3's will visit there at the end of the month.
The temps appear to be moderating (a bit), so let's try somewhere a little farther from the park. It's been quite awhile since we've been there, but let's try US Egg in Scottsdale this week.
Rock on...
Richard, Steve and gang are going to Oink up by what used to be the Paradise Valley Mall. And I've picked something new, Snooze, an A.M Eatery. Though we may have been to a different Snooze elsewhere at some point. They all blur together over the years.
Take a holiday trip back to the 1990s with me, and rock on...
Richard and gang are going north this week, to Moon Valley Cafe. The 3's will be taking a spin yet to be planned, but ending up at Scramble on N 7th St. At this point, Sunday is looking dry and monsoon-free.
Alan Parsons first claim to fame was as recording engineer for The Beatles "Abbey Road" record. Someone played this album for me when it first came out in 1977, hard to believe that it was 45 years ago.
Rock on...
Richard, Steve and the 4's are stopping this week at Mi Pueblo, and Mike and the 3's will be trying a new place (for us anyway), Zookz at 32nd and Camelback.
That is, if its not raining. Hoping the trend for afternoon and evening storms holds, and we can get out Sunday morning. In any case, please, rock on...
The 4's are cycling to Whataburger this Sunday, and the 3's will be stopping at Luci's at the Orchard for breakfast. That is, if it isn't raining.
If you look closely at the August schedule, you'll see our August 21 destination as well.
Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are heading west to The Cracked Egg this Sunday, always a nice breakfast.
Meanwhile, the 3's will be stopping at Matt's Big Breakfast. If memory serves, they are not keen on splitting checks, so either bring a credit card or enough small bills to easily throw into the kitty without having to beg for change first.
Here's a favorite of mine, a haunting song of a young man becoming an adult and dying on the same day. Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are heading upstream to Moon Valley Cafe, while Mike and the 3's will be ending up at Joe's Diner. Sorry this is late getting posted, it's been a busy week.
Back in 2018, Pink Floyd remixed one of their greatest albums "Animals". The original mix is a bit muddy, and regarded as their most poorly mixed record. However, it's taken four years for Roger Waters and David Gilmour to agree to the liner notes. Release date (FINALLY!) is in September, and I've already ordered it. Here's the track "Dogs". If you are a Floyd fan, you'll dig it- Rock on...
Richard, Steve and the 4 gang are riding to Country Boys on 7th St. this week, and the 3's will be taking some sort of circuitous route to Elly's.
The weather on Sunday shows a bit cooler than the first part of the week, though right now a morning monsoon is a possibility. And if it's raining at 5:30, don't expect me there at 6:30!
Rock on...
Richard and his merry band of cyclists are off to the Ranch House Grille, always a tasty destination
On the chance any of the 3's might show up this Sunday, I'll be there at 6:30. Destination will be Scramble at the Biltmore, so as to make the return trip home short in the heat. But if there is no group, I will probably take the long way home around Camelback.
Rock on...
Richard and the 4's will be off to Irma's Kitchen this Sunday. However, I believe I will be cancelling the 3's ride this weekend. Why you ask? Well, almost everyone in the group will be out of town on vacation and/or recovering from surgery. I really don't want to ride all the way down to the park if there's no one to ride with.
However, if anyone who has previously ridden with the 3's has thoughts about showing up Sunday, let me know and I'll change my plans and throw something together.
Rock on...
Richard should be back this Sunday, leading the 4's to Joe's Diner. The 3's will be heading up the canal paths to Moon Valley Cafe. It's the July 4th weekend, so wear your yankee doodle-ist jersey!
Looks like the 4's and the 3's will be ending up at opposite corners of 24th St. and Camelback Rd this Sunday. Steve will be leading the 4's to Over Easy - Biltmore, and I've picked Breakfast Club - Biltmore. Unless someone has better ideas, I'm all about extending the ride from the park, and making the ride back home/park shorter in the heat..
I went back to the office Tuesday for the first time in 27 months, and the ride home at 4:30 was brutal. Then I remembered I have not ridden home in the summer since 2019. So it should not have been a surprise.
Rush was invited to the first launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia. They wrote this song after returning home to the Great White North. Rock on...
Steve and the 4's are heading to Scramble this week, and as the heat is on, the 3's will be doing a longer ride then stopping at Luci's at the Orchard- which allows us to make a quick escape home after breakfast.
Here's a blast from the past, Tempe's own Gin Blossoms. Rock on...
Steve and the 4's will be going south to Panera Bread on Central and Thomas, while I have an eye to going somewhere I can get home from quickly- we have niece and nephews staying overnight and will be wanting to get in the pool.
Yet another hot hot hot weekend, so let's do a longer ride before going to Scramble, and the trip back home will be mercifully short.
Rock on...
Steve and gang are off to The Henry this Sunday, and the 3's are heading to Biscuits Cafe up north on Bell Rd.
This is one of my favorites from Was (Not Was), not just because it features Frank Jr. as guest vocalist, but as it happens my wife and I were married in Vegas 27 years ago this month. Rock on...
Steve will be leading the 4's to Chompie's this week. And for anyone who is not recovering from surgery or out of town for the holiday, the 3's will be heading to Ranch House Grille. Hopefully someone shows up.
In honor of their upcoming show coming up this Tuesday, here's one of my favorites from Steely Dan. Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are going to Biscuits Cafe this week, and I was thinking that the 3's could take on the 54th St. Mummy Mountain route to Chompie's,
Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are minding the heat that is on its way, and going to Coco's downtown. Now last week, I teased a Tempe destination, but the forecast is for 106 by the afternoon. So I am proposing a ride to Daily Jam on Mill Ave. There is a 5K that is being run around the lake Sunday, but more importantly graduation at ASU was last weekend, so there should not be too big a crowd.
Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are going to The Burg at 7th St. and Union Hills this week.
I was thinking about an expedition for the 3's to Tempe this week, then I remembered it's Mother's Day, the day of the year that restaurant waitstaff dreads. Too many customers, and really crappy tips. I also need to get across town for a Mother's Day get-together, so let's head to Wildflower on Indian Bend and Scottsdale Rd., and come up with a place in Tempe to visit on the 15th.
Rock on...
So I had previously said that I would not be present on May 1. At this late moment on Saturday, it looks like I may be able to get away for a ride and a nosh. I have no thought about a place to go, so anyone with an idea, bring it. And, please be sure to rock on...
Richard and the 4's are travelling to the Golden Corral this Sunday for breakfast. And as previously shared, I will not be there at Granada this Sunday. I don't know if anyone has plans to show up, but if you do, be prepared and have an idea for a destination.
Rock on...
Richard, Steve and the 4's are heading to Randy's in Scottsdale this week.
As it is Easter Sunday, the brunch crowd pretty much everywhere will be filling the restaurants. So I've chosen a place we should be able to get into easily, and even enjoy the morning on their patio. So put on your Easter bonnet and come with us to Scramble at 24th and Camelback. We may even have a surprise participant!
One thing I want to mention, I will not be available to lead on AT LEAST April 24 and May 1. Should anyone want to pick a place for the 3's, I'll be happy to post it here, and I'll post when it looks like I can join you again.
So, in the meantime, rock on...
Gary passed this on to me, looks like a good opportunity for we cyclists to let the city know what's important to us.
The Street Transportation Department has launched the Active Transportation Plan Survey. Please take a moment to complete the survey and distribute it within your networks.
Phoenix Active Transportation Plan Survey
The Active Transportation Plan is an update to the Bicycle Master Plan (2014). The project survey is an important tool to gather information and help guide how we design and implement active transportation improvements across the city. The planning team wants to hear from everyone who uses Phoenix’s streets, not just those who walk and bike. It takes approximately 15 minutes and all answers are anonymous.
The survey can be accessed in English and Spanish here: https://www.phoenix.gov/streets/atp
Richard and many of the 4's are headed down to Tucson for the semi-annual GABA Bike Swap. If you're game to join them, please reach out to Richard.
I've wanted to try a Butters Pancakes & Cafe, but they are always busy. Since we've changed to the 6:30 start, we might be able to get in without too much of a wait.
I will warn you that I have a late dinner Saturday, and I'm hoping that it doesn't go too late. If it does, there is a possibility I'll sleep through the alarm.
Here's one of my all-time favorite Canadian bands, in honor of the nice folks Gary and I rode with for a bit on Sunday. Rock on, eh...
First of all, the start time is now 6:30 AM, so set your alarm clock accordingly!
Richard and the 4's are visiting Oink this week, and the 3's will be heading up the canal paths to Biscuits Cafe.
Rock on...
This is it, the very LAST 7:30 AM start. Come April, we change to 6:30. Richard and the 4's will be heading to Whataburger, and the 3's will be meandering over to Scramble at Lincoln and Scottsdale. I'm sure it will involve the greenbelt.
Here's an oldie but a goodie. Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are going to Mi Pueblo at Metrocenter this week. I was looking for something new and different for the 3's, and came across the Breakfast Club at Cityscape downtown. It looks roomy enough inside, and also has an outside patio, so let's give it a try. It seems to have a fair number of good reviews.
Rock on...
I'm impatiently waiting for April when our start time moves to 6:30, as it will then be much easier to get into smaller and more popular restaurants. This week, Richard and the 4's are heading to Irma's Kitchen, and the 3's will be off to Randy's in Scottsdale. Might be nice enough to sit outside too.
Rock on...
The 4's will be going to Daily Dose this week. Richard won't be there, but Steve Simons will be leading.
This Sunday is the Tour de Cure Arizona, out in Goodyear this time. There are several of us that will be heading out west for the event, so any 3s that show up will have to elect a temporary leader or join the 4s going to Daily Dose.
Rock on...
Richard and the 4's are heading to The Burg, and the 3's will be off to Scramble on 7th St and Mountain View.
Hard to believe two months of the year are gone. We only have one more month of 7:30 starts, as in April we move to 6:30. Also, note that I will not be able to lead on March 6, as that is the Tour de Cure event.
Rock on...
This past Sunday at Marie's was awesome, thanks so much to her, Ashley and Tim for making it so enjoyable.
Richard, Steve and the 4's are heading to Panera Bread at Metrocenter this week, and the 3's are off to Wildflower at Indian Bend and Scottsdale Rd. via Osborne and the Scottsdale Greenbelt north. So far, the weekend looks pretty good, not too terribly cold in the morning.
Rock on...
No, not Marie Callender's. Our newest rider Marie is going to host a breakfast at her place this Sunday. We'll be doing a mostly flat adventure around Arcadia, then stopping at Marie's place.
If you're planning on attending, send me a quick email so we can get a better count of people.
Oh, and rock on...
Richard and the 4's are off to Country Boys this Sunday.
The 3's will be doing some hills, taking the 54th St.-Mummy Mountain route up to Paradise Valley and heading to the new Chompie's. We've been there before, but now they have fully opened their dining area which looks nice in the photos.
And a note about next Sunday, February 13. Marie, our newest rider from Minnesota, would like to host a breakfast for the 3's at her place in the 40th St. and Campbell area, so keep that in mind.
Rock on...
Well, it's here again, Tour de Cure 2022. You're saying to yourself "again"? Yes, yes it is. The American Diabetes Association is trying to get back to their normal early spring event after two years of worldwide event cancelling and postponing, a mere 5 months after the virtual event for 2021. This one, though, is the Real Thing. Outside and everything. Click here if you're inclined to donate - it's very much appreciated. Or, if you'd like to join our team, more information can be found here.
The 4's are off to Joe's Diner this Sunday, and I *think* Richard is back from his travels this week, while the 3's will be visiting Ranch House Grille, chosen one of the 10 best breakfast spots by the New Times.
Again, the weather will be about the best you can hope for in January, probably 45 degrees at sunrise. See ya Sunday!
Oh, and rock on...
I believe Richard is still out of town, but Steve will be leading the 4s to Sip Coffee on Indian School.
So two weeks ago, the 3s left Panera at Central and Thomas sans coffee and with empty bellies, as they were short of employees and not opening until 10. Never one to give up, I propose visiting Panera Bread at 3rd St. and Bell. It looks like it should be a decent, not horribly cold morning.
Rock on...
Steve and the 4's are heading to The Henry this week (Richard is still out of town). For us, I was trying to find somewhere different, and figured we could try Elly's Brunch and Cafe at Central and Camelback. It's been awhile since we've been there, and can sometimes get pretty full, but the winter weather seems to be keeping our group size somewhat smaller, so it shouldn't be a problem. I hope.
Rock on...
Richard is out of town, and apparently busy dodging wheelbarrows on Interstate 20 this week, so Steve will be leading the 4's to Scramble.
The 3's will be heading to Panera Bread at Central and Thomas. The temperature is forecast to be 45 degrees at sunrise, so dress warm.
There is a small chance that I might have bail on Sunday morning to deal with work issues, so if you don't see me by 7:30, you're on your own. But I don't think that will happen. I hope.
Rock on...
A good article here with the real story behind some of the most iconic photos that came out of January 6th.
Never forget what these traitorous assholes tried to do.
