F A L L 2 0 2 F2 A L L 2 0 2 2 BICYCLE THROUGH HISTORY CYCLING AROUND THE GLOBE WORKIN' 24/7 Moments that have had a great impact on cycling How Mesa and her Sister Cities encourage bicycle riding Get to know our new Bicycle Work Stands
A LETTER FROM THE TEAM
Happyfall!Wearelookingforwardtocooler weatherandMORERIDING!
Sinceourlastpublication, wecompletedanother sharedusepath segmentalongoneofour beautifulcanals Thisfirstphase oftheSouthCanalPathway followstheSouthCanalfromits intersectionwiththeCrosscut andConsolidatedCanalsand headsnortheastcrossingHorne andMcKellipsRoad
We hosted our annual CycloMesa Bicycle Festival in April. The giant rattlesnake bicycle from Austin Bike Zoo was a highlight for many.
Wehostedourannual CycloMesaBicycleFestivalin April Ahighlightformanywas thegiantrattlesnakebicycle fromAustinBikeZoo Wealso heldasuccessfulArizona BicycleSummitwithspeakers fromalloverthestate.Weinvite youtoattendbothgreatevents nextspring. Theteamcontinuestohold CyclingFUN damentalsclasses atMesaPublicLibrary
locationswithmorescheduled throughthefallandwinter Everyparticipantreceivesa freesafetybagfullofessentials andahelmet.Besuretosign upforthenextSmartCycling FUN damentalsclassataMesa PublicLibrarynearyou.
TherewillbeFREEhelmetpop upsinNovemberandaself guided,ReindeerRolland Strollscavengerhuntin December Pleasejoinusat oneoftheseneweventstoget aFREEhelmetandother goodies Seepage21formore informationaboutevents, bicycleshops,andlocal organizations.
Remembertodriveless,ride often,wearyourhelmet,and bepredictable.
We’llseeyououtthere!
City of Mesa's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
CityofMesa's BicycleandPedestrianProgram
City of Mesa Bicycle and Pedestrian Team (from left to right): Mark Venti, Sabine King, MariaAngelica Deeb, Christina Haase, (special guest: Vice Mayor Jen Duff), and Garrett Topham
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@cityofmesa @MesaBikePedProgram @cityofmesa SPOKELIFE F A L L 2 0 2 2 5 I Bike Mesa Gettoknowwho'soutonthe trailsandpathsinMesa. ON THE COVER Cyclistsenjoyingthe beautifulmountainsand weatherinMesa, Arizona Photo Credit: Joel Grimes Reportpotholes,graffiti, streetlightoutagesand more,downloadthe City'sfreemobileapp. SearchMesaCityLinkto downloadfromtheApp StoreorGooglePlay Signupfore notificationsonMesa'sBicycleandPedestrian Programat: mesaaz.gov/bikeped FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL SPOKELIFE 19 NewPublicWorkStandsare aroundtheCity.Learnmoreabout wheretofindoneandhowtouse it. Workin' 24/7 13 Ridingabicyclelooksdifferent indifferentplaces Findout whatitlookslikeinMesaand her SisterCities Cycling Around the Globe 20 Goodreadsareeasytofindwith bookreviewsfromMesaPublic Library Book Review 8 Lookingforpalstoridearoundtown with?Hereareafewideasonhowto getstarted 3 Ways to Find a Group Ride 6 Takeajourneythroughbicyclehistory withus Great Moments in Cycling History
BIKE MESA
DonnaCanale
Age:57
PeterVargas
Bicyclingbackground:Istartedridingabikeregularlyasa kid,thenthroughoutcollegeinDetroit In1995,Idiscovered mountainbiking ImovednearHawesTrailin2003soIcould ridemore.In2014,Imetmyhusbandatthebikeshop.He encouragedmetoracemountainbikes Iendeduponthe podiumfor5yearsintheMMBAracesandmetmany incrediblepeopleandhasbeenablast!
WeeklyMilages?88miles
WhatdoyoulikemostaboutridinginMesa? Ibelongtothe HawesaholicsandHBROmountainbikingsocialgroupson Facebookandwehavegrouprides,socialevents,andtrail buildingthathavemadeMesaapremierdestinationfor mountainbiking ThetrailsareinTontoNationalPark adjacenttoNorthMesa CommutingonthestreetsofMesato workissafeandfastifyoutakethedesignatedbikeroutes.My 9 milecommutetoworkhasverylittleinteractionwithcars Lastly,TheDesertTrailBikeParkisasuperfunwaytocatch
WeeklyMilage:Variesdependingontheseason butabout
AverageLengthofRide:
S W h o ' s W h o o n o u r P a t h s & T r a i l s ?
I
SeniorPlanReviewerand Architect
30miles
About20miles.Iliketomountain bikeeveryweekendregardlessofthetemperature HowOftenDoYouCommute?Everydaythatitisunder100° degrees When/WhyDidYouStartBicycling?IstartedBMXracingin '82andneverseemedtogetoffthebikesince FavoriteThingAboutRidinginMesa:Ilovethevarietyof riding street,mountain,parks Therearetonsofoptionsfor everyone DoYouHaveaFavoritePlacetoVisitAlongYourRoute? AnyneighborhoodI’mridingthroughisexcellentand downtownMesaisalotoffuntoo! Age:55 Engineer
By: Michelle Turner
1817 GREAT MOMENTS IN CYCLING HISTORY 1869 Chain driven bicycles are patented 1879 1887 1888 Thomas Stevens became the first person to bike around the world 1890S 1870S Bicycles have been around for more than 200 years here are some of the bigger milestones: Inflatable tubes are developed The motorcycle is created when an internal combustion engine is attached to a bicycle frame Solid rubber tires are used; first road race is held it goes from Paris to Rouen, France MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 6
German inventor Karl von
Drais builds the modern day bicycle’s predecessor: a Draisine The unicycle is created
First Tour de France is held 1933 Australia becomes first country to require bicycle helmets 1920S 1970S BMX biking is introduced in the Olympics 2022 1903 First bikes for kids are built and sold Schwinn developed its cruiser bike First BMX race is held You attend the first ever self guided Reindeer Roll and Stroll in downtown Mesa on December 3, 2022! For more information about the event visit: mesaaz.gov/bikeped Mountain bikes are created FREE EVENT SPOKELIFE
NEED A BIKING BUDDY? 3 WAYS TO FIND GROUP RIDES
By: Meghann Sepulveda
As the weather begins to cool off, bike ridin Valley is at its prime. While jumping on you may be a nice way to enjoy alone time to cle mind, it’s fun to join other like minded bike group ride. Wondering how to find one?
Here’s three tips to get started:
CHECK OUT A BIKE SHOP
Employees at local bike shops interact with cyclists every day and are aware of upcoming events in the neighborhood and across the city Some even organize group rides that start and end at the bike shop Ask around!
SEARCH ONLINE
An easy way to find upcoming group bike rides is by searching online and visiting online platforms like Meetup Social media is also a great way to filter routes and trails by location, difficulty, and length Connect with others like you!
SHARE YOUR INTERESTS
Want to know the best way to find group rides? Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors They may not only know of groups with which you want to become familiar, but they may even want to join you (or know someone who will)!
Luckily, the City of Mesa has an abundant number of trails, canals, parks, and other scenic backdrops for your ride. Map your route and learn about upcoming events at: mesaaz.gov/bikeped
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AAROUND ROUND GlobeThe
Written by Michelle Turner
CCYCLING YCLING
How Mesa and her Sister Cities encourage bicycle riding
SPOKELIFE
Cycling is a worldwide phenomenon but don’t take our word for it. One look at Mesa’s Sister Cities shows how much people around the world love it.
Begun in the 1950s, Sister Cities matches towns together across the globe to help build mutual understanding through cultural and education exchanges.
With a national reputation as a bike friendly city, Mesa can certainly offer some “sisterly advice’’ when it comes to cycling.
But Mesa can learn some things as well. Let’s take a spin around the globe to discover what is happening in our Mesa Sister Cities, bikewise:
In this photo: Children enjoying the new, separated bicycle lanes on 1st Ave in downtown Mesa, Arizona during the CycloMesa Bicycle Festival in April 2022.
FEATURED STORY | 14
Burnaby, Canada
As home to one of three indoor bicycle racing tracks in Canada (yes, they need indoor tracks because they don’t have Arizona sunshine), Burnaby offers many cycling options. This Vancouver suburb has more than 40 miles of bike routes to connect it to neighboring cities.
Burnaby also hosted Giro de Burnaby, a tribute to the city’s Italian community, and the famous Giro d’Italia, an Italian bicycle race. It’s part of British Colombia’s Superweek Series, a series of professional cycling events held across metro Vancouver.
KaipingCity,China
In a country where the government encourages bike riding, Kaiping offers some great cycling opportunities. Cyclists love its relatively flat roads which provide easier access to the villages and farms that ring the southern China city.
SPOKELIFE
Caraz,Peru
Reading about cycling around Caraz Peru can bring out the wanderlust in anyone. This small town (population of 14,000) features cobblestone streets and a picturesque main square. Adventurous cyclists ride here as part of a route through the Peruvian Andes, where climbs can reach as high as 4,000 feet. Their reward? Riding through winding canyons, viewing lagoons ringed by snow capped mountains, and cruising along mountain pastures.
UpperHutt, NewZealand
Upper Hutt describes itself as a close knit suburban community with plenty of open spaces. One of the area’s crown jewels is Remutaka Trail, a 75 mile trail that takes cyclists over old rail tracks; through tunnels along small towns, farmlands, and the coast. It is one of New Zealand’s Great Rides and part of a national trail network.
Nearby is a mountain bike park. Its 18 trails range from easy to hard and include an advanced downhill only track. Locals love mountain biking so much that a brewery owner named an ale after a trail.
FEATURED STORY | 16
Guaymas,Mexico
Port city Guaymas offers many different mountain biking routes through the Sonoran desert or along the Sea of Cortez. In fact, mountain biking is becoming a passion here kids can take mountain biking classes! All kinds of cycling have picked up speed in the area. Weekly group rides attract 100 or more people and larger events, including full moon 12 hour night races. Local government leaders are installing bike lanes to encourage people who want to ride but are worried about safety. They are also requiring bike parking at new buildings.
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Stems, seat posts and clamps, brake levers and calipers, water bottle cage bolts and more use this popular fastener New Public Work Stands Installed Around the City WORKIN' WORKIN' 224/7 4/7 Aids in removing a tire from rim of your bicycle Not recommended for installation as you could pinch your new tube Take a "brake" at one of our public work stands and make your bicycle sing a new tune. Use these for brake and derailleur limit adjustments as well as accessory mounts. This tool will tighten some threaded headsets and most pedals on "3 piece" cranks. This tool is used primarily on disc brake rotors, calipers and some levers For brake calipers and rack hardware on older road bikes TIRE LEVERAdditional Tire Level on other side of work stand HEX KEY SET (ALLEN WRENCHES) PHILLIPS AND STANDARD SCREWDRIVERS HEADSET/PEDAL WRENCH 8 11MM CONE WRENCHES TIRE LEVER TORX T 25 Red Mountain Library Power Road Park & Ride Mesa Main Library Dobson Ranch Library Stadium Connector at Alma School FIND THEM AT: SPOKELIFE
In each chapter, Petersen writes several mini
for who
calls the “unracer” –someone who is looking to riding their bike for both fitness and entertainment without getting caught up in racing influences
Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike
By Grant Petersen
JustRideisagreatadditiontoanystyleof beginningrider’sbookcollection.It’sagreat reminderto“justride”withoutgettingbogged downinthinkingabouttheamountofgearthat youthinkyoumightneedtogetstarted.Just Ridehaspracticaltipsaroundriding,suitingup, safety,healthandfitness(alwaysconsultyour doctorfirst),accessories,technicalities,and “velosophy”(thinkpartbicyclerider,part philosopher).Ineachchapter,Petersenwrites severalmini essaysforwhomhecallsthe “unracer” someonewhoislookingtoride theirbikeforbothfitnessandentertainment withoutgettingcaughtupinracinginfluences PetersenownsRivendellBicycleWorksin Californiaandalsocontributestoseveral bicyclingandoutdoormagazinesinadditionto hisblogandheisaregularbikecommuterto theRivendellshop Hebringsthesamedrywit
essays
he
BOOK REVIEWS B Y B R E N N A K L A S S E N
PRE-K & K Cycle City by Alison Farrell
GRADES 1-3 Bikes For Sale by Carter Higgins GRADES 7+ Switching Gears by Chantele Sedgwick Want to check out these books and more? Visit a Mesa Public Library! mesapubliclibrarycom andcommonsensetothis bookashedoestohisother writing.JustRideisfullof greatadviceandcommon sensereminders. YOUTH READS GRADES 4 6 Sarai and the Around the World Fair by Saraí González ABOUT THE REVIEWER Brenna is a programming librarian at the Dobson Ranch Library She was born and raised in Tempe and rode her bike all over her neighborhood Now she still rides, but reads about riding more. MESAAZ.GOV/BIKEPED | 20
What/Where/When
BIKE CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Bike Mesa
Hosts group rides and events locally in Mesa. bikemesa org
Gravity Riders Organization of Arizona
Advocacy, riders education and trail work The Gravity Rider community includes downhillers, freeriders, all mountain riders, dirt jumpers and BMX riders of all ages. groaz.org
Hawesaholics
Mountain Bike community building and East Valley area group ride coordination
Ask to join the group on Facebook!
FALL EVENTS
November 9 , 2022
FREE Helmet Popup Events
Eastmark Great Park District 6 9 10 a.m.
Skyline Park District 5 1 2 p.m. Mesa City Plaza District 4 4 5 p.m.
November 10, 2022
FREE Helmet Popup Events
Greenfield Park District 2 9 10 a m
Dobson Ranch Park District 3 1 2 p m Hohokam Stadium District 1 4 5 p.m.
San Tan Shredders
Group rides for mountain bikers of all levels meetup com/santan shredders
Tempe Bicycle Action Group
Working to make bicycling a prominent, safe and convenient form of transportation and recreation in the region Also host group rides and events biketempe org
We-Cycle-USA
Helps kids and adults in need to recycle and refurbish bikes we cycle usa com
November 15, 2022
Cycling FUN damentals* Main Library
6 7:30 p.m.
December 3, 2022
Reindeer Roll and Stroll Downtown Mesa 4 8 p.m.
February 28, 2023
Cycling FUN damentals* Red Mountain Library 6 7:30 p.m.
*All Cycling FUN damentals classes require registration To sign up visit: mesalibrary org
ABC Bicycle and Jetski Rentals
SHOPS 3655 E Main Street 480 641 2453 abcjetski.com
Action Rideshop
1316 S Gilbert Road 480 839 4772 actionrideshop.com
Archer's Bikes 5057 E McKellips Road, Suite 104 480 637 0806 bikebossmesaaz com
1530 N Country Club Drive 480 275 5818 archersbikes.com
Bike Boss 1545 S Power Road 480 660 6842 bikemastersaz com
Bike Masters AZ
Bike Masters AZ
2031 N Power Road 480 699 0072 bikemastersaz.com
Global Bikes and E-Bikes
1010 W Southern Ave, Suite 3 480 892 1315 globalbikes info
Hawes House
2837 N Power Road #110 480 380 8222 twowheeljones com
Paragon Cycling
1106 N. Gilbert Road 480 830 1620 paragoncycling com
BIKE
SPOKELIFE
Recent trends continue to highlight a strong desire for communities to be bike friendly, and the City of Mesa’s Transportation Department Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is continuously working on creating enhanced pathways to provide safe connections for all residents to use when traveling through the city. Stay up to date by signing up for e notifications from City of Mesa's Bicycle & Pedestrian Program at: @MesaBikePedProgram @CityofMesa @mesaazgov FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA M E S A A Z . G O V / B I K E P E D December 3, 2022 I 4 - 8 p.m. DOWNTOWN MESA R E I N D E E R FREE EVENT ROLL S TROLLA N D