Shoot Out Group Bike Ride Commentary for 2/2/08, Tucson, AZ
This weeks Shoot Out commentary was written by Jon Chadroff.
Let me preface this commentary by thanking all those of the Tucson cycling community that have been sowelcoming and friendly. Since moving down here in October, I have made countless new friends and learned valuable lessons both incycling and life. Again, I thank you for your accommodation!
Before the ride took off, Ralph (Fairwheel Bikes) warned riders that when you see “flashing” lights, you pull your bike over and obey the officer. Apparently, during last week’s Shootout, some riders thought they could out pedal the “popo?” Carsare faster than bikes. Period! After the stern warning, a fair sized group of around 150 cyclists took off down University.
Just after the Valencia light, Jonathan Chodroff “Yaley” (Empire) madean effort to bring the pack up to race speed, but, unintentionally, ended up starting the decisive split of the day. Following along tow was Kyle Akin (Team Rhino). Securing a noticeable gap, several riders began to bridge up to the front group. Making the split were Chad Beyer and Guy East from (VMG-Felt, U23 USA), Mike Mathis and Sheldon Deeny (Empire Cycling), the legend Gord Fraser (CTS), John Parrish and Kyle Ward (Waste Management), and four or five other strong local Tucson riders.
The breakaway group worked somewhat cohesively together. But, as themiles ticked by, the unrelenting pace combined with the gradual uphill grade wore into some rider’s legs. About two miles before the bridge, Chodroff (Empire) and Beyer (VMG-Felt) rode off the front. From what I’m told Mathis (Empire) and some young whippersnapper made a valiant effort to bridge across to the front two but were unsuccessful.
Beyer and Chodroff worked well together and shared pulls for the next 10 miles. Chodroff set the pace up the sprint hill. However, the pace was not “hot” enough, as Beyer mounted the winning jump withabout 50 meters to the line, winning by two or three bike lengths. A little while later, from what it looked, Kyle Akin (Team Rhino) took the group sprint up the hill.
While most riders continued down Duval Mine road for Old Nogales HWY,a group of 20-25 riders turned off for Madera Canyon to get a little extra miles. Nothing remarkably notable during the climb. However, I would like to commend Sheldon Deeny (Empire) for mounting a screaming kamikaze attack at the start of the steep section. He later jokingly admitted, “It was not such a good idea.” One side note: if you have not heard of the VW-sized wild turkeys that inhabit Madera canyon, “BEWARE!” This is their territory and they will ATTACK! Chris Hong (Kelly Benefits Amateur Team) swears that he got the evil death starefrom one of them!
After a pit stop at the gas station for a bunch of junk-food goodies (treat of the week- 3-Muskateers), the ride split into several small groups heading for Helmet Peak or Old Nogales.
While I was not present for the “town-line” sprint, Brian Cornelius (Waste Management) was good enough to give me a brief report. In short, “It got screwed up!”
See you next week!
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February 9th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
For those who decide to ride the ’short’ shootout, it appears that the Town Of Sahuarita has added a surprise, a new light that goes into effect on Monday. It is East of I-19 and at the shopping center. Look for this ride to be more ‘interesting’.
BTW, remember one cannot outrun or outride Motorola. If the ‘friendly’ officer requests that you pull over, no matter how s/he acts, do so unless you feel that the officer is not.
I have noticed an increasing police presence before and during the Shootout in the last few months. If we, the riders obey the law, then the complainers have nothing to go on and we will all benefit. This means obeying traffic lights and signage, riding two abreast on Pima County roads and single file on the Nation (this is their rule and riding on the Nation is at their authorization, which can be revoked at anytime.)
Last, it appears that the paving crews have been on Mission and the rise up to and the drop from the bridge is much better. Hopefully the Nation will continue to improve and expand this part of the ride.