Here Come the Rides
by Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke

So, another March is upon us. Always a terrific time to shake away the winter blahs, air out the damp cycling jackets, stow the full-finger gloves, and get out there and ride!

Along with the vernal equinox, March brings the unofficial beginning of the spring rides. Soon, you’ll be able to do an event ride almost every weekend. Push yourself to the next distance level! Replace all the ride-burned calories at the post-ride repast! Show off at work Monday morning, flaunting your obligatory ride T-shirt!

If the group thing isn’t your style, eschew the fondo frivolity in favor of a fun ride with family or favorite friends! Just as long as you get out there and ride!

If you do partake of the event rides, don’t wait to register. Whether you click online, or lick’n’stamp, do it sooner rather than later. Many of the spring rides will soon fill up. Save the Dates features most of the local ones; for more, try the following: www.bbcnet.com, www.slobc.org www.cyclecalifornia.com, www.bikeride.com.

 Start surfing to check out the prospects. Remember that the Sea Otter Classic, the Tierra Bella, the I Care Classic, and the Strawberry Fields Forever are all in our own backyard, so you don’t have to travel far to partake in the pleasant pedaling (as well as the food, freebies, festivals, and festivities)!

And that’s just in the next three months! Just wait until summer!

Speaking of summer rides...many of you were asking about the July jaunt to which I alluded last month. Yes, it’s still true, and I have more!

As most of you Out & About locals know, Morgan Hill pulls out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July. (Go to www.mhidi.com to explore the events the Morgan Hill Independence Day, Inc. serves up to honor our country’s birthday.) Well, this year, they plan to add the Morgan Hill Independence Day Celebrations Family Bicycle Tour to their early July jollification!

Sources close to event tell me that the planning committee is already hard at work. The ride, to be held on July 3, will raise funds for the annual Fourth of July Parade and other IDI celebrations. The family oriented event will feature the Coyote Creek Trail. Parade Chairs Bob and Maureen Hunt tell me that the “...basic plan is to start small and make sure all the i’s are dotted and have a really good first time out.”

Want to volunteer in making this tour a complete success? Call 408-779-1776 (as in, the Declaration of Independence)!

I can’t wait for July. Sounds like a real – dare I say? – blast!

In the meantime, get out there and ride!

Open Invitations to Ongoing Rides

Hollister
Off the Chain Bikes, R/M • Brian Lucas: 831-636-0802
tomerbob@ix.netcom.com

Morgan Hill
Sunshine Bicycles, R/M • Chris Hauge: chris@southbayvelo.org

Concept Cyclery, R • www.conceptcyclery.com
Concept rides with a Park Ranger First Sunday of every month at
Coyote Creek Trailhead

Gilroy
Gilroy Presbyterian Church Health Ministries, R
Nancy McDonald: 408-842-9110

Sunshine Bicycles, R • Mykle Khong: myklekhong@hotmail.com

South San Jose/Morgan Hill
Almaden CycleTouring Club, R, actc.org

Monterey
Monterey Off Road Cycling Association, Peter Sherrill:
morcamtb.org • 831-676-7229

KEY: City–Group–Road/Mountain–Ride Days–Contact person and information. (Does your riding group want to be included here? Email me today!

	~ Curt Hentschke has pedaled over 27,000 miles of Out & About roads and trails. Send your cycle celebrations and cerebrations to HeyCycleGuy@aol.com. Ride at your own risk and always within your capabilities. Always wear your helmet! Good rides and God bless!