BICYCLIST Magazine #160

guiding and inspiring travel by bike for sport, recreation and transportation since 1994

www.

BICYCLIST.xyz

issue 160

+

MAGA

In Print

25 Yea rs

online 5 Years

organized RIDES, RACES and CELEBRATIONS of riding BICYCLES across the united states.

2019/2020 EVENT AND R ACE CALENDAR gear patrol

ask the coach

in search of dirt

asphalt, please

CONTENTS

Est. 1994

Issue 160 fall 2019

B road Inves tigation of Challenging Yourself, Cycling Lifes t yle and Inspiring Sus tainable Transpor tation

05 Electric age Electrify-it-Yourself Intro to Revel Propulsion Bob Becker

12

07 the conversation Interview: Duban Sanchez the difference 5 millimeters makes Rick Schultz

10 In Search of Dirt Singlespeed Adventures in San Diego Celebrating the shorter trails James Murren

12 Asphalt, Please

Photo courtesy of Emanuele Baracco

Viva Italia! Gran Fondo San Maurizio Riding in the mecca of Gran Fondos John Woodson

14 First Look

14

Climbing with Sage Titanium First look at the ‘flow motion’ Chris Reynolds

22 Last Page

A Different Kind of Camping Caravans and Cabins in California Kelley O’Toole

Regulars 04 Prologue 04 Analog/Digital 06 Ask the coach 07 Gear patrol 08 legal cycling 16 2019/2020Event/raceCalendar

Cover

Theresa Ngo takes a morning ride in Running Springs, CA

after a restful evening in the cabins of Getaway House (see page 22).

Photo by Curtis Chen.

2 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

VITALS & DETAILS

BICYCLIST Magazine publishes stories of experience explicated by the handle, an acronym, BICYCLIST: Broad Investigation of Challenging Yourself, 'Cycling Lifestyle' and Inspiring (or Independently) Sustainable Transportation.1

MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

Chris Reynolds | Managing Director chris@bicyclist.xyz

BAT #001

Kelley O’Toole | Managing Editor kelley@bicyclist.xyz

BAT #003

COLUMN CONTRIBUTORS

James Murren | james@bicyclist.xyz Rick Schultz | coach@bicyclist.xyz John Woodson | john@bicyclist.xyz

BAT DoC BAT #006

ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Becker, Curtis Chen, Richard Duquette, Marc Olivier Jodoin, Anna Mos, John Shafer

ILLUSTRATIONS & DESIGN Christopher Massaad

BAT #008

COMMUNITY, ADVOCACY & OUTREACH

Victor Prestinary | victor@bicyclist.xyz BAT #002 Luis Suarez | luis@bicyclist.xyz BAT #007

READ/SUPPORT/DISCUSS

www.BICYCLIST.xyz  www.patreon.com/bicyclist  www.reddit.com/r/bicyclist

BICYCLIST

14252 Culver Drive Irvine, CA 92604 www.BICYCLIST.xyz (949) 264-3346 maildrop@BICYCLIST.xyz Directed and Printed in SoCal, USA Founded by Will Decker | Published by Chris Reynolds Copyright © 1994-2019 All rights reserved.

The magazine serves as an inspirational guide, championing the community of organized rides, events, races, and culture of a life traveled outside the confines of singly-occupied vehicles.

BICYCLIST Magazine has been published as a print edition since 1994, provided to select locations throughout the western US, and made available free to the public.

In 2014, the BICYCLIST Adventure Team (BAT) was organized, a not-for-profit collective dedicated to preserving the legacy of the BICYCLIST institution: a freely available publication chronicling, guiding, and independently documenting the culture of organized rides, events, races, and congregations of people traveling by any number of independently sustainable transportation options.

The first effort of the BAT was adapting a digital edition of the magazine, and a repository for documented content, currently available at www.BICYCLIST.xyz.

With the establishment of a platform, next began the production of The BICYCLIST Experience podcast, wherein members of the BAT expound and opine on the stories making waves across the BICYCLIST landscape, released on a weekly basis.

The show is currently available on the Apple Podcast app or directly on www.BICYCLIST.fm.

BICYCLIST is based in Southern California, an area that accounts for more bike shops, and active riders, than the rest of the United States – combined. Though our print distribution centers over SoCal, BICYCLIST reaches readers and listeners in all 50 states and more than 72 countries.

Pledge your support of the BAT on Patreon to get access to the complete recording of the podcast, download the digital edition of this magazine, order delivered copies of the print edition, and so much more. Visit www.BICYCLIST.team to join the BAT party.

DISCLAIMER

Although all best efforts are made to avoid the same, we reserve the right to publish unintentional mistakes and/or factual errors which may occur on an issue basis.

No responsibility is assumed by the publishers for unsolicited materials/articles/letters/advertising and all submissions will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright and/or appropriate licensing purposes subject to BICYCLIST’s right to edit and comment editorially.

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine reflect the opinions of their respective author’s and are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form [print or digital] without prior consent of the publisher.

Bicycling can be a dangerous sport and can lead to serious injury or death. Make it safer for everyone and obey all traffic laws, ride responsibly, use common sense, and wear a helmet.

SCan qr codes with a modern smart-device camera to get to ported auto-magically the bicyclist online nexus!

1|independently sustainable transportation, the IST of BICYCL-IST, is inclusive of bicycles of all types and stripes (e.g. road, mountain, gravel, adventure, city, cross, folding, electric, recumbent, trikes, folders, beaters, rain etc.). The bike may be different, but the bicyclist spirit is the same. Go forth and pedal!

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 3

Prologue

Fall 2019

L

eaves are turning and the bright, summer heat has been left behind, leaving in its wake a prime time for turning pedals. Soon, the winter, snow or rain will add challenge, and holiday plans will interfere with schedules. Now’s the time; without the summer crowds, it may be the oppertunity to take a trip by bike, or with a bike in tow.

Starting at the end and working our way back, Kelley O’Toole offers ‘The Last Page’ with insight into options for people that would like to spend time outdoors, but aren’t enthused for traditional ‘camping’. Skip the leaky air mattress and cumbersome tent with one of the alternative lodging options detailed on page 22.

If you need more reason to take a weekend trip, the BICYCLIST Event Calendar includes the first quarter of 2020, with a range of events and races to challenge, entertain and reward, all throughout the Western United States. More information on upcoming events starting on page 16 for some of the best for celebrating and motivating the turning of pedals.

Bob Becker steps in with this issue’s ‘Electric Age’ detailing a DIY e-bike kit from an outfit in Oregon, Revel Propulsions. Rick Schulz breaks down single-side and double-sided power meters in this issues ‘Ask the Coach.’

It’s a quandary that has come up more often as technologies have improved how we measure our rides. In a similar vein of technology, Richard Duquette discusses technology and tools used by health-care practitioners for determining mild traumatic brain injuries.

James Murren provides a recitation of his singlespeed explorations in San Diego Count y in the ‘In Search of Dirt’ column. The same old trail becomes something altogether new when riding without gearing.

In ‘Asphalt, Please’, our international man of mystery himself, John Woodson, takes us to an original-type of gran fondo in Italy.

Lastly, if you enjoy this magazine, or if you would be disappointed to find out it was no longer available in print, please pledge your support on Patreon. Support rewarded accordingly, including delivery of the print edition of this magazine.

Visit www.BICYCLIST.team to learn more and pledge your support of independent and free media dedicated to guiding and promoting a life traveled by independently sustainable transportation 1.

See you on the route. Stay safe. Peace,

C hris R e yn old s

4 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

analog/digital

A weekly-ish podcast with the BICYCLIST Adventure Team.

To Start (or keep) You Pedaling

Tune in to our weekly+ podcast where the people who bring you this publication discuss the news and stories behind the scenes and across the media landscape. Visit www.BICYCLIST.fm to listen and view show notes.

Support the show and get the extended-length episode feed by visiting www.BICYCLIST.team. #BATventure #TBEpodcast

Episode 161: Fueling Your Adventure Need Not Cost an Arm or a Leg, Unthreading Tariffs on Bikes and Rationals for Economic Forecasting.. Exciting!

Is an app that allows riders to report cars parked in bike lanes a public nuisance or a beneficial tool? We discuss the implications of apps like these, plus a tip on potentially avoiding the cost of medical transportation, a listener question regarding watt measurement, and the future of virtual cycling.

Episode 160: Notes on Lighting, Bar Tape Hits and Misses, and the Products that Stood Out at Outdoor Retailer We review all of Phil Gaimon’s “11 Rules for Cycling” and reveal our thoughts on the relevancy of these new rules. We cover the increasing popularity of electric bikes, and our record-length post-show delves into the mechanics behind our recording setup and the similarities between audiophiles and bicyclists.

Episode 159: Follow-up Extravaganza, Insights and Afterthoughts, Ride Tracking, Lighting, and Building Bikes In this episode we discuss the claims of “weak culture” in cycling, complacency in cycling media, how Domino’s is utilizing electric bikes for delivery, and soon all Trek Road Bikes will have compact cranksets.

Extra Credit Every episode of the ‘The BICYCLIST Experience’ podcast is available with an additional recorded post-show. For only $2 a month, you will get access to the entire podcast episode AND a delivered print edition of every published issue of this magazine, to any address in the United States. Even Alaksa and Hawaii. Get the goods by visiting www.bicyclist.team

TUNE IN @ www.BICYCLIST.fm or

Also available on Overcast, Spotify, Sticher & Google Play

The Ultimate Electrify-it-Yourself The lightest mid-drive kit that we’ve seen

The Revel Propulsion e-bike kit adds a boost to your ride, an addition of less than 10 pounds to the overall weight of the bike.

P

By Bob Becker, TECHNICAL EDITOR EMERITUS

aul Daniel, formerly an engineer at Brammo Electric Motorcycles, is on a quest to develop the ultimate mid-drive for electric bicycles. Several iterations produced during the past ten years include the bike that won the inaugural Arizona Death Race in 2011, the second e-bike ever exhibited at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show in 2014, and a bike he raced successfully at the Sea Otter e-MTB race in 2017.

Recently, BICYCLIST had the opportunity to examine the culmination of Paul’s efforts, the Revel Propulsion. The kit arrived packaged extremely well and was a masterpiece of design and engineering. The motor, controller, display which changes from Class I (20 mph) to Class III (28 mph) and back by switching from one mode to the other. Parts used for installation weigh slightly less than eight pounds on the recently calibrated BICYCLIST Freedom Units scale, while the battery weighs about four pounds.

This 12 pound total makes the kit the lightest do-it yourself (DIY) mid-drive that we’re aware of (it should be noted that the kit replaces the bottom bracket and crankset on the bike; usually this weight is in excess of two pounds, so the kit addition is less than 10 pounds).

The kit produces 60NM of torque making it slightly less powerful than most OEM combinations. Paul has designed this product for riders who want some boost, but still desire a pedaling experience. Additionally, the system has a very expensive torque sensing bottom bracket, one of the few DIY products with this feature. This will increase the The business-end of seamlessness of the transition as the the ‘Revel Propulsion’ e-bike kit provides a motor’s power is incorporated.

60NM boost whilst BICYCLIST will report on adding less than the functionality of the kit which, 10 pounds to i n c l u d i n g t h e b a t t e r y, existing bike weight. Some i s a s s e m b l e d a t P a u l ’s tools required. m a n u f a c t u r i n g s it e in Oregon, ready to be incorporated i nto a d onor bi ke .

Stay tuned, and follow along.

Expanding On the experience since 2015 BICYCLIST.fm

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 5

A Survey of Power Meters Discussing Single-leg vs. Dual-Leg

The landscape of power meters is bumpy, but can be put into one of two categories.

Find out which is right for you.

Words By Rick Schultz, BAT DoC

A

power meter is generally defined as a tool that measures the power you are producing while riding a bike, via strain gauges coupled with other electronics. Essentially, as you pedal, you are applying a torque along the drive-train. This torque bends or deflects components such as crank-arms, crank spider, crank spindle, pedals and rear hub. Power meter companies place strain gauges on their chosen component and measure the force you are applying.

This force is then calculated against how fast you are pedaling to compute the number of watts you are producing.

ONE IS FINE, TWO can be divine

(180w x 2). This value overstates the riders’ power, and when coupled with a training program calibrated against this inflated value, over-training would occur.

On the other side of things, if the measurement is taken of the non-dominant leg, it will understate the riders power. Training plans using the deflated value would lead to a lack of improvement due to under-training.

Because there is no way to know the differential between your dominant and non-dominant legs without measuring each individually, using a single-leg power meter would lead to training using wrong numbers and leaving you not getting the gains you are working so hard for.

A dual-sided power meter solves this issue by showing you the leg imbalance. In addition, the two-leg solution serves as a tool to train towards more equalized power output between legs, the ideal in terms of efficiency and fit.

Power meters can be segmented into two types, single-sided and dual-sided. This can also be considered single-leg or dualleg. I would typically recommend dualsided power meters over single-sided.

Most riders I fit initially show a 60%/40% imbalance between legs, typically in favor of their dominant leg. And, herein lies the Side profile of a PowerTap P2 pedal that integrates the problem with single sided power meters. technology needed to measure power in the

Single Leg Failings

Let’s say our hypothetical rider produces exactly 300 watts average power. Factoring the previous example of a 60% - 40% discrepancy between the output of the legs, we can infer the dominant leg produces 180w and the non-dominant leg, a reduced outputs of 120w.

If our rider were to use a single-leg power meter, whichever leg is being measured would be multiplied by 2 and displayed as the power output. This can be problematic.

If the measurement were being taken at the dominant leg, our hypothetical rider would show a value of 360 watts

pedal itself. Pedal-based power meters provide the ideal, dual-sided measuring allowing for more accurate measurements.

Edge Case

Though dual-sided pedal-based power meters are a great option for many riders, I do not recommend them for criterium races. The components in the sensing pedals typically increase the pedal stance or make the pedal ‘thicker’. Both scenarios increase the chance of clipping the pedal on the ground when pedaling through a corner. For the rest of us, pedal-type dual-sided power meters will work well for your training goals.

Coach Rick Schultz specializes in coaching riders so that they can achieve their best. He is a certified bike fitter, and the official BICYCLIST Adventure Team (BAT) Director of Coaching (DoC).

Send your questions to coach@bicyclist.xyz SoCal Local? Make an appointment for coaching and bike fits.

6 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

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BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 7

Behind The Hospital Curtain

the ‘mild’ traumatic brain injury is not so mild

Imaging technology helps diagnose what can have far-reaching consequences of otherwise unfound injury to the head and brain.

By Richard Duquette

W

hen bicyclists are involved in crashes, they can receive a variety of injuries ranging from scrapes and bruises, to broken bones and soft tissue damage, to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This series of articles discusses the diagnostic tools available for proving a subset of a TBI, what is termed, a ‘mild traumatic brain injury’ (MTBI).

treating broken bones and other injuries.

So long as the person is conscious and not hemorrhaging, emergency room physicians will probably not diagnose a TBI immediately. Signs of ongoing impairment often begin to manifest themselves later in recovery. This is where other diagnostic tools become essential.

Definitions

One of the fundamental and primar y tools for assessing a head injur y is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), often used by first responders to assess the need for further evaluation. This test collects obser vable facts about symptoms and the injur y itself, assigning a risk score to the pat ient ba sed on factor s such as eye response, verbal response, and motor response.

For each categor y, the more severe symptoms are assigned the lowest score.

Therefore, a lower total score on the G C S wi l l i nd icate a g reater r i sk of severe brain injur y. However, as noted above, not all traumatic brain injuries are im mediately apparent, and of ten hemorrhages can develop after the fact.

The GCS is an emergency assessment measure that only accounts for i m m edi a t e s y mptom s obser vable by the naked eye. It does not replace a f ul l neurolog ica l or ps ycholog ica l evaluation. For this reason, imaging tools are essential for a full diagnosis of the brain.

But first, what is an MTBI? It's partially a misnomer in that the use of the term "mild" implies it is not serious. The reality is that the word is used in a relative sense.

A "mild" traumatic brain injury can still be permanent and debilitating.

A mild TBI is when an injured person loses consciousness for less than thirty (30) minutes. A moderate TBI occurs when a person loses consciousness for more than thirty (30) minutes. A severe TBI is when a person loses consciousness for si x (6) hou r s or more , a nd i s commonly associated with a vegetative state or severely altered consciousness.

By contrast, a mild TBI usually means that an individual can return to normal activities, but is hampered by lingering cog n it ive, emot ion a l , sen sor y, a nd behavioral symptoms. Some examples i nclude slower cog n it ive processes, confusion, diminished vocabular y or sequenci ng abi l it ies, mood swi ng s, social anxiety, difficulty making casual conversation, sensitivit y to light and sound, nausea, and motion sickness.

Field Diagnostic Tools

The Glasgow Coma Scale

A Peak Inside

The t ypes of imaging can roughly be Often, MTBI is not detected at the hospital divided into "anatomical" imaging and during emergency treatment because "physiological" imaging. A natomical treatment is focused on diagnosing and imaging reveals structural symptoms,

whi le physiolog ica l imag ing revea ls functional symptoms.

In any brain injury case, it is helpful to be able to prove not only a structural symptom such as a lesion or a hemorrhage, but also a functional impairment such as diminished blood flow. Technologies your doctor may use to find these types of impairment or damage include:

X-Ray Imaging Computerized Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Positron Emissions Tomography (PET)

FINDINGS

Traumatic brain injury cases are some of the most complex civi l per sona l i nju r y c a s e s t o d ay, b o t h b e c a u s e of t he a mount of money at st a ke, and because of the scientific and medical complexity involved.

In trying a brain injury case, you need an attorney who not only has the legal experience to handle high-stakes complex litigation, but also with a broad network of expert witnesses, and the familiarity with the issues necessary to cross-examine the defense experts.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injur y, don't suffer a lone. C ont ac t t he L aw O f f ice of Richard Duquette, bicycle attorney with experience litigating brain injury cases.

This article has been adapted from Richard Duquette's podcast Bicycling and the Law, episode 'Proving Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Part I: Field Diagnostic Tools' recorded on February 22 2017.

Richard L. Duquette has been fighting for his clients since 1983. His familyowned law firm specializes in providing personal attention and quality representation to the people of San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties. Read his blog at www.911law.com and listen to his podcast, Bicycling and the Law, covering legal cycling topics.

8 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 9

in search of dirt A

bout a decade ago, while living in the Midwest, I picked up a super discounted single speed 29er. The plan was to put a hanger on it and gear it out, as it was set up to do so if one wanted to. The thought was that it would be a bike packing machine.

Out of the box, I gave it a spin on a local trail system in Indiana a few blocks from where I was living. The gearing was 32x20. Immediately, I fell in love. More than all of the many reasons people talk about as to why they love riding single speed bikes, it was the silence that got me.

I am a big fan of quietude.

Today I still ride one gear most of the time. Now it is set up 32x17. I am far too lazy to change out the rear cog for different riding scenarios, so it stays at that ratio. I simply tel l mysel f to pedal faster/harder. From San Diego’s east count y mountains and desert, to packing it up and taking to PA when I visit family, I enjoy it on varied terrain.

Moreover, perhaps, is that I feel like it gives me a proper workout when I am short on time.

Many of us, I would guess, get the majority of our rides in before or after work, or when a window opens up in our schedules, with the long day rides being something that might be once a week, or rides that come when we get away for a weekend or maybe even a week. For those events, I typically ride the geared, squishy bike.

To celebrate those shor ter r ides, though, that help us keep our sanity, if you will, I am going to a highlight a few of my favorites in San Diego that I ride on my single speed. Don’t have a single speed and wonder what it is like? Well, you can try it out, sort of, by simply not flicking the shifter!

You can read more from James Murren's travels on his website www.jamesmurren.com, and on www.BICYCLIST.xyz, search ' MURREN'.

10 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

Single Speed Adventures Celebrating shorter trails in San Diego

Working on fitness while enjoying quietude.

Words and Photos by James Murren

Florida Canyon

Mission Trails Regional Park

San Diego, California

On the eastern edge of the city of San Diego sits Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP). True, the fire roads are not what many would consider to be mountain biking trails. Nevertheless, I like riding them when mixed with the too wide “trails” and the paved road. Think of it like mixed climbing, rock and ice.

It is all about fitness, maintaining my legs, and getting outside and being in nature. I have a figure eight route, of sorts, connecting the Visitor Center and Oak Groves loops on the Mission Gorge Road side of the park to the ones over in the Grasslands via the Junipero Serra road that bisects the park. When you add it all up, I get in a little over an hour of hard pedaling. Add in a deer sighting, or snakes, and it is a go-round that fills the MTB and nature need.

Mission Trails Regional Park

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Balboa Park, San Diego, California

I call this a race track kind of ride, with single track jump off points along the way. The primary loop is wide gravelly/dirt. Pedal fast and hard, hammer up the climbs, and like Florida Canyon, when you see a narrow dirt path, take it. There is plenty out there to get in 1.5 hours of riding, especially if you go up into what is legally open in the direction of Del Mar Mesa.

In the spring, be sure to stop and check out the waterfall. Also, especially when it rains, check in with the preserve or check out San Diego Mountain Bike Association’s Facebook page for trail closures, etc. Sometimes bridges do wash out or the river floods the trails and they get shut down/closed for a few days.

The Five Millimeter Difference

A discussion with experienced racer DubAn Sanchez

By Rick Schultz, USA Cycling Coach, BICYCLIST Master Fitter

Rick Schultz: I believe you started with Team Velosport? Jeff Shein’s junior development team based out of Irvine, California? I only hear great things about that team. How many years did you stay with team Velosport, and how old were you?

DUBAN:I first became a part of the program in 2013 when I was 17, this was my last year as a junior and I knew Jeff because I did some racing along his son Michael. This was also the first year the team had an elite program. I was also a part of the programs in 2015 as an under 23 rider, and in 2018 just as a recreational rider and a mentor.

RS: You mentioned that you stayed off the bike for about a year somewhere in that time?

DUBAN: On and off, yeah. At the end of 2016, I got a bad knee problem that forced me off the bike for 4 months. I got back on the bike, but it was a couple of weeks before I had to get off again. It was almost toward the end of 2017 when I was able to ride again, but I couldn’t do it for more than 3 consecutive weeks, as the pain came back.

RS: About a year ago, you came to visit us at the homestudio as a referral from Jeff Shein? What prompted the initial visit?

DUBAN: It all started at the end of 2016 when I was going home from a big ride and I got a sharp pain in

to track incorrectly. I went 3 times a week for 6 months for PT. RS: What size was your road frame?

DUBAN: It’s 52cm (and had 170mm cranks) RS: We then put you on the bike sizer. Do you remember what crank arm length was ideal for you?

DUBAN: Yeah, 165mm RS: So, we went from 170mm to 165mm. You came into the studio with severe knee pain then, a week later, raced the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix Pro/1/2.

Recently, you placed 12th in another pro race. What were your initial thoughts about shorter crank arms?

DUBAN: It just felt weird at first, but I quickly got used to them, especially when I was in the drops, because my legs weren’t hitting my stomach.

RS: Duban, you have been riding shorter cranks for about a year now. Tell the readers how long it took you to get used to them. Did they feel natural or unnatural?

DUBAN:I would say it took me about 1-3 rides to get used to them, it just felt like it was easier to put the power down while taking a lot of pressure away from my knees. Actually, the other day I rode a gravel bike with 170mm cranks and I quickly noticed the difference, not comfortable at all.

RS: Did you lose any power with the new cranks?

DUBAN: Not at all.

RS: What about knee pain?

DUBAN: It went away. Immediately I noticed that I didn’t have the same pressure on my knees. After a couple of weeks I began to do some climbing and noticed that I wasn’t sore the next day, and that I was even able to ride two big days in a row.

RS: Anything else that you might mention that would convince the readers to use or at least investigate shorter crank arms to help alleviate knee pain?

DUBAN: I always like to keep a high cadence, and using this size of shorter cranks has really helped me with higher cadence. I am now able to spin the cranks easier, especially when the speed is super high and I’m on the lower gears [like in crit

my knee. I actually was only able to pedal with my left leg for the last mile. At first I thought it wasn’t a big issue, but I quickly noticed that it was, since I couldn’t ride without pain anymore. I went to my school’s sports department and they helped me a lot. They found that I had a muscle imbalance, my quads were too big and tight, while my glutes were too weak. This imbalance forced my patella

racing].

RS: One last item, it has been my experience that shorter crank arms also help to alleviate hip pain.

Duban, any last words?

DUBAN: Another cool thing is that I never clip the ground anymore!! 165mm cranks + Speedplay pedals = pedal through every corner. Thanks for all the help, Rick and Bike Fitness Coaching!

Florida Canyon Native Plant Preserve ABOVE Duban Sanchez, former racer with Team Velosport under 23 development team relates his Balboa Park, San Diego, California experience with knee pain during a performance On both sides of Florida Drive in San Diego’s famous Balboa Park is a system of trails that when connected and looped together, provides a solid hour’s ride. Sometimes I do it twice.

If you are willing to explore a little, meaning follow whatever single track you find, you might come across some really cool jumps (if you are into that, of which I am not, hit ‘em!), some tech, or perhaps a homeless camp.

Yep, Florida Canyon has a character that you might describe as being 21st Century Southern California canyon reality check.

I really like Florida Canyon. It has some quick, steep grunts and enough cobblestones here and there to keep me focused and not look up too much. I save that for when I am up top by Pershing Road and can see all the way to the Islas Coronados in Mexico. Note: the cacti and wildflower blooms are spectacular in the spring.

the Conversation

assessment at Bike Fitness Coaching.

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 11

Gran Fondo San Maurizio Riding The ‘O.G.’ of Italian ‘Big Rides’

There is no comparison to the camaraderie of Italian Gran Fondos

Photo by John Woodson.

By John Woodson, Former Faux Pro Racer

A moment with the sharp-end of the Gran Fondo San Maurizio, the OG ‘Big Ride’

I

f you ever find yourself suffering through a gran fondo blame the Italians, out loud like me with spicy Italian phrases - Che diavola! Merda! Porca miseria! - since they invented big mass participation timed rides.

Although I’ve ridden many North American gran fondos, the best way to experience something is directly from the source, so I’m riding an authentic Made in Italy gran fondo - Gran Fondo San Maurizio in the Piedmont region, or as they say “peh-ah-MON-tey,” of Italy.

One of the upfront differences between U.S. and Italian gran fondos is cost and swag. U.S. events are pretty pricey and you’re lucky to get a water bottle and wrong size polyester t-shirt. Italian events on the other hand are only about €35 ($40) and come with a bag chock-full of Italian goodies. San Maurizio’s swag bag includes wine, sparking water, pasta, bread sticks, cake, 100% cotton t-shirt that fits, €10 gift card, water bottle, ice scraper, sport gel and a guide book extoling the virtues of the Piedmont. Make it to the finish and you also get a gourmet meal and more wine. Italians like wine.

Gran fondos are huge in Italy, many start with thousands of riders en masse. San Maurizio isn’t one of these super-sized events. It’s a small regional gran fondo off the beaten path, put on by Italians for Italians and a few Europeans, plus two jet lagged foreigners - an Australian and me vying for “furthest traveled award”. I finish 2nd.

Smaller doesn’t mean easier though, Italian gran fondos are serious business. Events are certified by the Italian Cycling Federation, at least 75 miles long and are chip timed start to finish with prizes for fastest riders in

12 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

each age category. With 8000 feet of climbing in 80 miles, Gran Fondo San Maurizio is pretty typical, except at registration where riders ink their name on a public sign-in board just like Pros at the Giro di Italia.

I scribble my name nonchalantly, try to make it look like I’ve done it a hundred times, unfortunately I sign the wrong line…rookie mistake.

Waiting for the start of an Italian gran fondo is a painful long-drawn-out ordeal. While riders shiver, the mayor talks for 30 minutes introducing local cycling celebrities Gianni Bugno and Roberto Conti, regaling us with their countless victories ad nauseum. To me it sounds like adult dialogue from a Peanuts cartoon, “Mwa-Mwa-Mwa-Bugno-Mwa-Tour de France-MwaMwa,” but it’s pretty cool to line up and rub elbows with legends.

Italy has lots of mountains with every road seemingly going up or down – mostly up (if you want flat roads go to Italy, Texas).

With cool named climbs like Torre Bormida-Bergolo and Rocchetta Belbo-Sant’Elena on roads as steep as walls, my plan is to go slow, just as fast as I can. That isn’t a problem on the six climbs, or descents, since nothing in the US prepares me for Italian style descending.

Whizzing past left and right, riders attack, change lines, brake at the last second and apex corners in search of speed while I scrub speed and use a few of those spicy Italian phrases…

Undoubtedly Italian gran fondos provide top-notch support, much more than your average U.S. event. With rolling enclosures, shoulder-to-shoulder road use, right-of-way at intersections, polizia escort, neutral support, aid stations, bottle hand-ups and follow ambulances - just in case things go awry – all you need to think about is turning pedals over.

But the best part of an Italian gran fondo is the people. Italians love cycling like Americans love baseball. Entire villages stand roadside like a World Series victory parade, cheering not just the first rider, but every rider in search of personal glory. Cars respectfully pull to the shoulder and wait patiently for the peloton to pass, while drivers call “Allez! Allez! Allez!” It feels like the whole country is along for the ride. And after the racing and the riding and the eating and especially the drinking is done, Italian gran fondo riders, just like their U.S. counterparts, relish in telling tall-tales of their accomplishments to anyone who will listen.

If you’ve never done a genuine Made in Italy gran fondo, add one to your bucket list, there is no substitute.

Salute and most of all enjoy the ride.

John is a former faux pro racer now enjoying life as a faux pro journalist in search of great bucket list rides to keep him in shape and out of trouble - well, at least in shape. He also has a website in which he writes and reports on Gran Fondos across the globe, www.granfondodailynews.com

Photos by Emanuele Baracco.

Photos by Emanuele Baracco.

ABOVE Author, John Woodson (middle in blue) takes in the initial pedal strokes of the original ‘Big Ride’.

BELOW A local rider digs into a particularly steep climbing segment at the Gran Fondo San Maurizio.

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 13

FIRST LOOK

Climb With Me s a ge Tita nium Bic ycl es ‘fl o w mo tion’ a Titanium Hardtail brewed in Oregon is ready for racing, ripping or just rolling steadfast.

Words and photos by Chris Reynolds

Bike demo courtesy Revolution Bikes, Solano Beach

The Sage ‘Flow Motion’ offers the comfort and dynamism of titanium tubing, while skipping the extra weight and lost pedal efficiency of a comparable full-suspension. With the versatility of Boost axle spacing, the domestic frame allows up to 2.7 x27.5 plus or 2.2x29 tires, and geometry suitable for most any mountain enthusiast, no matter the terrain.

14 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

T

h e experience of mountain biking includes climbing unrelenting grades, descending washed out trails, muddy runs and general trail nonsense. That’s kind of the point. If you wanted smooth roads, you’d be on a road bike. To accentuate the experience, Sage Titanium Bicycles recently released the ‘Flow Motion’, their made in USA solution to the variety of trail most riders encounter.

The titanium hardtail frameset accommodates either 2.7x27.5+ or 22.2x29 wheel sizes, features wide ‘Boost-spec’ axle spacing, and integrated dropper-post routing, all wrapped up in a frame geometry that allows for efficient climbing and stable, comfortable descending.

Speaking with David Rosen, the owner at Sage, the idea for the Flow Motion was a hard-tail that featured the long reach and slack angles coming out of frame shops in the UK, while addressing the diminished climbing abilities reviews had levied against those same designs. The benefits to descending are improved by increased angles of the front fork relative to the axis of steering, but there is a diminishing return to this calculation, and without mitigating the downsides of this design, the hindrance to climbing is pronounced. Rosen’s solution was to shorten the chainstays, utilize a bent seat tube and increase the angle on the seat-stays to shift the riders weight rearward. This positioning allows for more traction of the rear-wheel with loose dirt and better power transfer when climbing, especially on steep grades where you will want it most.

The frame includes modern standards like routing for a dropper-post, single front chainring and disc brakes. Staying with tradition is the use of a 68mm English bottom bracket. The benefits of a larger sized ‘pedal bearing’ are moot when ensconced in the ridged bosom of titanium, and a more standardized bottom bracket ensures an adapter-free experience.

And to be expected of a bike of this caliber, the overall quality of the frame itself is superb.

(Frame $3,400 / As Built $7,861) www.sagetitanium.com

The wide stance of the RaceFace Atlas bars offer control and confidence while piloting the versatile hardtail.

Though the front-end is quite slack, the wide bars offset any expected ‘mush’- steering is nimble and quick.

The oversized 44mm head tube offers considerable stiffness to the front-end. Meticulous dime-stacked welds set the stage for premium craftsmanship found throughout the titanium frame. Usability and rider-experience were thoughtfully considered- the result? A do-it-all mountain shredder.

Hardened titanium tubing imported from Dedacciai, the storied Italian tubing supplier, provide the basis for shorter-length chain-stays. This shorter length puts the rider further aft, keeping weight over the rear tire when climbing, critical for maintaining traction on a hardtail frame.

A side profile highlights the ‘Flow Motion’ geometry, just under 66 degrees of head angle keeps things comfy on descents, whilst the curved seat tube and shorter chain-stays keeps rider weight over the rear tire, helpful when climbing.

The Boost-sized chain-stays provide clearance for 2.6 x 27.5+ or 2.2 x 29inch tires- the versatility and compatibility of the design allows for any manner of wheel size preferences.

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 15

www.bicyclist.events

SeptembeR 2019 28 Saturday

Gran Fondo Santa Clarita Santa Clarita Santa Clarita Velo ROAD: 20, 60, 100 miles SCa Santa Clarita Aquatics Center

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Calero & Rancho MTB Ride Morgan Hill Troy's CA Trail Runs MTB: 8, 23 miles NCa MTB Rancho Cañada del Oro ____________________________________________________

Bike Your Park Napa Napa Napa Bike Coalition ROAD: 9 miles NCa Kennedy Park

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Tri-States Gran Fondo Planet Ultra ROAD: 54, 112 miles

Mesquite

Nv

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Rising Star Sports Ranch Resort ____________________________________________________

Grinduro California Grinduro MIXED: 4 timed laps Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds

Quincy

5 Saturday

Share the Road Ride Simi Valley Soaring Spirits International ROAD: 25-100 miles NCa 3855 Alamo Street

No Hill Hundred Bike Tour Churchill County Parks & Recreation ROAD: 30, 60, 100 miles Dry Gulch Saloon

Best of the Bay Castro Valley Cherry City Cyclists ROAD: 100-200 miles NCa Castro Valley

Levi's Gran Fondo Bike Monkey ROAD: 8-117 miles

Santa Rosa

5-6 Multi

Krosstober Kickoff SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Corriganville Regional Park

Simi Valley

6 Sunday

Tour de Cure: Los Angeles Los Angeles American Diabetes Association ROAD: 10-100 miles SCa Glendale Community College

Monthly Donut Ride Costa Mesa Specialized Bicycles ROAD: 23 miles SCa Specialized Costa Mesa

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Fallon

Nv

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NCa

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Old Courthouse Square ___________________________________________________________________

SCa CX

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NCa MX

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29 Sunday

Cal Tri Events Oxnard Cal Tri Events Fall Series TRI: Olympic, sprint, relay Oxnard Beach Park

Oxnard

5 Saturday

Konocti Challenge Lakeport Konocti Challenge ROAD: 20, 40, 65 miles NCa Skylark Shores Resort

OC MTB Fremont XC Race OC MTB Races MTB: 17 miles

SCa Tri

October 2019

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Orange

SCa MTB

Fremont Canyon ____________________________________________________

Sacramento Century Sacramento Rotary Club of Sacramento ROAD: 16, 35 miles NCa Capitol Mall

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GUIDE TO THE CALENDAR

We do our best to comb the wild west of cycling event websites to get the information you need to make the most of your time in the saddle. We provide this comprehensive listing, without endorsement, but we ask that you support the events that support the magazine. To submit your event, and view the full calendar with event details, visit www.BICYCLIST.events.

6 Sunday

Heart of LA celebrating UCLA 100 Los Angeles CicLAvia FESTIVAL: Open streets SCa Chinatown

Great Trail Race Big Blue Adventure MTB: 30, 36k Sawtooth Trailhead

Ride the Parkway Carmichael American River Parkway Foundation ROAD: 5-26 miles NCa William B. Pond Recreation Area

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Truckee

NCa MTB

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R

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SPNDX Stampede Gravel Vol. 7 Temecula SPNDX Stampede MIXED: 42 miles SCa MX

Palumbo Winery ___________________________________________________________________ 12 Saturday

Usal Hopper: The Lost Coast Grasshopper Adventure Series MIXED: 32, 43, 60 miles Usal State Park Campground

Usal

Wine and Roses Bike Ride Templeton The Paso Robles Lions Club ROAD: 25-100 miles SCa Templeton Community Park

Tour d'Orange Kiwani's Club of Orange ROAD: 14, 25, 61 miles Orange Cycle

Golden Hill Century Knights Ferry Stanislaus County Bicycle Club ROAD: 23, 66, 100 miles NCa Odd Fellows Hall

Riverside Citrus Classic Riverside Citrus Classic ROAD: 7-100 miles Riverside Plaza

The Crush Challenge Yountville deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation ROAD: 27, 38, 50 miles NCa Yountville

12-13 Multi

Calimesa Cyclo-cross SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Calimesa Golf Course

NCa MX

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R

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Orange

SCa

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R

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Riverside

SCa

R

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R

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Calimesa

SCa CX

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SIGNS & SYMBOLS Date

Day

Event Name Organizer TYPE: length

City, State

FEATURES

Location

MAGAZINE SUPPORTERS support the sponsors COMPETITION events with posted participants and results R ROAD events with 90% or more paved route MTB MOUNTAIN events with 90% or more dirt trail MX MIXED events containing both road and dirt FX FIXED events requiring fixed geared bicycles T TRACK events on a closed oval track CX CYCLOCROSS closed course road/mtb hybrid GX GRAVEL fire roads, grinders and adventure rides Tri TRIATHLON running, swimming, and biking BICYCLISM arts, entertainment and BIKES! SCa NCa

Nv Co

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NEVADA COLORADO

Or Wa

Az

B

OREGON WASHINGTON ARIZONA AND BEYOND

13 Sunday

Save Mount Diablo Challenge Danville The Valley Spokesmen ROAD: 11.2 miles, 3,249' NCa Athenian School

Long Beach Marathon Long Beach Motiv Sports ROAD: 20 miles SCa E Ocean Blvd

Fiesta Island Time Trial San Diego Bicycle Club ROAD: Time Trial series Fiesta Island

The Legends Triathlon Cal Tri Events Fall Series TRI: Sprint, Olympic Bonelli Park

CBR Upgrade Series #1 California Bicycle Racing ROAD: criterium 18550 S Broadwick S

TBF MTB 50 Miler Granite Bay Total Body Fitness MTB: 10, 50 miles NCa MTB Granite Beach

R

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San Diego

SCa

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San Dimas

SCa Tri

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Dominguez Hills

SCa

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BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 17

www.bicyclist.events

October 2019 15-17 Multi

California Bicycle Summit California Bicycle Coalition MEETUP: Bike summit

(continued) Los Angeles

SCa

Center for Healthy Communities ___________________________________________________________________

19 Saturday

Ride Santa Barbara 100 Santa Barbara Easy Day Sports ROAD: 34, 100 miles, 100km SCa Leadbetter Beach

Ohana Ride 2019 The Uilani Fund ROAD: 20, 50 miles

MTB Skills Clinic Non Dot Adventures MTB: Clinic Irvine Regional Park

19-20 Multi

Bay to Bay Bike MS ROAD: 25-150 miles

MoValCX Weekend SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course March Field Park

20 Sunday

8 Hour Gravel Endurance Race SchotterstraÃ&#x;e MIXED: Endurance Lake Perris

The Hammer Road Rally Bike Monkey MIXED: 26-102 miles Shaver Lake

25-27 Multi

Tour de Pink Santa Barbara Young Survival Coalition ROAD: multi-day tour SCa Palm Garden Hotel

26-27 Multi

Phil's Cookie Fondo U.S. Cycling Events LLC ROAD: 32-110 miles Malibu

Spooky Crossitas Weekend SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Lake Casitas Recreation Area

26 Saturday

San Diego CF Cycle for Life San Diego Cycle for Life, CFF ROAD: 35, 65 miles SCa 10996 Torreyana Rd.

Filthy50 Quick n Dirty MIXED: 30, 50 miles

Oceanside Double Century Oceanside Mountain High Cycling ROAD: 200 miles SCa Days Inn, Carmelo Dr.

R

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Santa Cruz

NCa

R

Seymour Marine Discovery Center ____________________________________________________

Orange

SCa MTB

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Irvine

SCa

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Irvine Transportation Center ____________________________________________________

March Field

SCa CX

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18-20 Multi

SDMBA Mt. Laguna Trail Fest San Diego p/b ZOIC MTB: Festival and MTB SCa MTB Mount Laguna

It's the second year of the San Diego Mountain Biking Alliance's Mount Laguna Trail Fest in the Cleveland National Forest, and an event we profiled in Issue #153/154 of this Magazine. Ride the beautiful rolling meadows and woods of Big Laguna Trail with a guided group or explore on your own. The overnight adventure is a great way to enjoy the wilderness among like-minded individuals. www.SDMBA.com ___________________________________________________________________

19 Saturday

Spooktacular!

Bakersfield Kern Wheelmen BC ROAD: 40-100 miles SCa Kern River

Planet Ultra ROAD: 60,100 miles

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Solvang's Finest Century

Solvang

SCa

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott ___________________________________________________

Solvang Double Century & 200k

Planet Ultra ROAD: 124,200 miles

SCa

Davis Bike Club ROAD: 31, 60, 100 miles NCa Davis Memorial Center

R

Davis

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18 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

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Solvang

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott ___________________________________________________

Foxy's Fall Century

R

R

Perris

SCa MX

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Shaver Lake

NCa MX

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R

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Malibu

SCa

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Ventura

SCa CX

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Escondido

SCa MTB

San Pasqual Staging Area ____________________________________________________

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26 Saturday

Victor Valley Bicycle Tour Apple Valley Victor Valley Bicycle Tour ROAD: 10-70 miles SCa Apple Valley Civic Center

Cal Tri Events LA Cal Tri Events Fall Series TRI: Olympic, sprint, relay Back Bay Dr.

Wheels for Meals Ride Wheels on Meals of Alameda ROAD: 15, 35, 70 miles Shadow Cliffs Regional Park

Double Dare MTB Adventure Pisgah Productions MIXED: 70 miles

Goldilocks Las Vegas Goldilocks Events ROAD: 20-100 miles Nv McGhies Bike Shop

Fall River Century Fall River Mills Fall River Century ROAD: 25, 65, 100. 128 miles NCa Inter-Mountain Fairground

Mt Lemmon Gravel Grinder p/b REI Gravel Grinder MIXED: 5-60 miles

27 Sunday

Orange County Ride for AIDS Radiant Health Centers ROAD: 30, 60 miles Irvine Civic Center

SIGNS & SYMBOLS Date

Day

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Irwindale

SCa Tri

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Alameda

SCa

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Pisgah Forest, NC

B

MX

Davidson River Campground ____________________________________________________

R

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R

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Oracle

Az MX

3C Ranch ___________________________________________________________________

Irvine

Event Name Organizer TYPE: length

City, State

FEATURES

Location

MAGAZINE SUPPORTERS support the sponsors COMPETITION events with posted participants and results R ROAD events with 90% or more paved route MTB MOUNTAIN events with 90% or more dirt trail MX MIXED events containing both road and dirt FX FIXED events requiring fixed geared bicycles T TRACK events on a closed oval track CX CYCLOCROSS closed course road/mtb hybrid GX GRAVEL fire roads, grinders and adventure rides Tri TRIATHLON running, swimming, and biking BICYCLISM arts, entertainment and BIKES! SCa NCa

Nv Co

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NEVADA COLORADO

Or Wa

Az

B

OREGON WASHINGTON ARIZONA AND BEYOND

Cycle of Hope Los Altos Hills Habitat for Humanity East Bay ROAD: 17-100 miles NCa Foothill College

CicloSDias!

San Diego San Diego County Bicycle Coalition FESTIVAL: Open streets SCa San Diego

Dino Dash XXIX Tustin Public School Foundation ROAD: 15/50k (bike) The Marketplace

Tour de Summer Camps Simi Valley Jewish Federation of Greater LA ROAD: 18, 36, 62, 100 miles SCa Camp Alonim

Giro d’Vino Acampo DV Cycling ROAD: 44.5 miles NCa Woodbridge Winery

Cal Tri Newport Dunes Cal Tri Events Fall Series TRI: Olympic, sprint, relay Back Bay Dr.

3-10 Multi

LA - San Diego Raid Los Angeles RAID Cycling ROAD: Tour SCa Malibu - San Diego

8-10 Multi

Revolution Bike Festival Revolution MIXED: Camping, racing Castaic Lake

SCa

R

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November 2019

R

2-3 Multi

Women’s MTB Skills Camp Nevada City Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County Foundation MTB: Clinic NCa MTB Inn Town Campground

CX San Diego SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Chollas Park

3 Sunday

Monthly Donut Ride Costa Mesa Specialized Bicycles ROAD: 23 miles SCa Specialized Costa Mesa

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San Diego

SCa CX

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R

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R

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Tustin

SCa

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Newport Beach

SCa Tri

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Castaic Lake

SCa MX

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BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 19

Tour de Tucson Perimeter Bicycling ROAD: 10-100 miles

Tucson

24 Sunday

Turkey Tri & Pumpkin Pie Du Renegade Race Series TRI: 2, 14 mile (bike) Frank G. Bonelli Park

CXOC SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Costa Mesa

1 Sunday

Monthly Donut Ride Costa Mesa Specialized Bicycles ROAD: 23 miles SCa Specialized Costa Mesa

NorCal Cycle Swap Sacramento Encino Velodrome FESTIVAL: Swap Meet NCa Encino Velodrome

Turkey Trot Cross SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Los Angeles

7 Saturday

Swap Meet Saturday Encino Velodrome FESTIVAL: Swap Meet Encino Velodrome

Dead of Winter Double Los Angeles Los Angeles Wheelmen ROAD: 34/46, 52, 134 miles SCa Port Hueneme

7-8 Multi

Series Finale Santa Cross Weekend SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course TBD

8 Sunday

CBR Upgrade Series #3 California Bicycle Racing ROAD: criterium 18550 S Broadwick S

The Valley Los Angeles CicLAvia FESTIVAL: Open streets SCa Reseda

Dirty30 Quick n Dirty MIXED: TBD

IRONMAN 70.3 IRONMAN TRI: Individual and Relay Indian Wells

R

Az

Historic Cooper Museum ___________________________________________________________________

www.bicyclist.events

November 2019

(cont.)

8-10 Multi

Sagan Fondo: The Gran Roadie-OH San Marcos Monuments of Cycling ROAD: 50, 100, 150 km SCa North City

9 Saturday

Ride the Point San Diego Ride the Point ROAD: 10, 25, 62 miles SCa Liberty Station

Tour de Foothills Upland Chamber of Commerce ROAD: 32, 64, 100 miles Historic Cooper Museum

9-10 Multi

SLO Cross-Gravel-fornia SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course El Chorro Regional Park

10 Sunday

CTS Figueroa Mtn Grand Fondo Santa Ynez Ride the Point ROAD: 31, 44, 64, 96 miles SCa Liberty Station

CBR Upgrade Series #2 California Bicycle Racing ROAD: criterium 18550 S Broadwick S

15-17 Multi

Bike Fitting Education Workshop Bike Fitness Coaching WORKSHOP: CPTA Approved Kahler Cycling Academy

16 Saturday

Peloton Gravel Mob The Mob Shop MIXED: 38, 78 miles The Mob Shop

Bikes and Beers San Diego Societe Brewing Company ROAD: 15, 30 miles SCa Societe Brewing Company

16-17 Multi

CACX Weekend SoCalCross Prestige Series CX: course Los Angeles

Los Angeles

23 Saturday

Death Valley Century Planet Ultra ROAD: 50, 100 miles

Death Valley

R

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R

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Upland

SCa

R

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San Luis Obispo

SCa CX

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R

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Dominguez Hills

SCa

R

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Tustin

SCa

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Ojai

SCa

MX

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R

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SCa CX

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SCa

R

The Oasis at Death Valley ____________________________________________________

San Dimas

SCa Tri

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Costa Mesa

SCa CX

December 2019 R

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Los Angeles

SCa CX

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Encino

SCa

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R

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Los Angeles

SCa CX

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Dominguez Hills

SCa

R

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Lakeside

SCa MTB

13920 HWY 67 ____________________________________________________

La Quinta

SCa Tri

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SIGNS & SYMBOLS Date

Day

Event Name Organizer TYPE: length

City, State

FEATURES

Location

MAGAZINE SUPPORTERS support the sponsors COMPETITION events with posted participants and results R ROAD events with 90% or more paved route MTB MOUNTAIN events with 90% or more dirt trail MX MIXED events containing both road and dirt FX FIXED events requiring fixed geared bicycles T TRACK events on a closed oval track CX CYCLOCROSS closed course road/mtb hybrid GX GRAVEL fire roads, grinders and adventure rides Tri TRIATHLON running, swimming, and biking BICYCLISM arts, entertainment and BIKES! SCa NCa

Nv Co

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NEVADA COLORADO

Or Wa

Az

B

OREGON WASHINGTON ARIZONA AND BEYOND

22 Sunday

Critical Christmas Bicycle Ride Critical Christmas Bicycle Ride ROAD: 5 miles (decorate bikes) Custom House Plaza

Monterey

1 Sunday

Long Beach New Years Day Ride Long Beach Velo Allegro ROAD: 90 miles SCa Belmont Shore at Bay Shore ave.

Rough Riders New Years Day Ride Woodland Hills Rough Riders ROAD: 48, 60, 78 miles SCa 4900 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Mt. Wilson New Years Day Ride The Nix family ROAD: 30, 50, 60, 80 miles 7122 Shoshone Ave.

7-8 Multi

Tour de Palm Springs CVSPIN ROAD: 5-102 miles Downtown Palm Springs

NCa

R

JANUARY 2020 R

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R

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Van Nuys

SCa

R

February 2020 Encino

SCa

R

15 Saturday

Camino Real Double Century Planet Ultra ROAD: 200 miles La Quinta Inn

Irvine

22 Saturday

Pedaling Paths to Independence Linden CCBVI ROAD: TBD NCa DeVinci’s Delicatessan

14 Saturday

Solvang Century, Metric, Half, Quarter S.C.O.R. ROAD: 25-100 miles Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

21 Saturday

Saddleback Spring Classic Renegade Race Series ROAD: 1-100 miles Irvine Valley College

20-22 Multi

North American Handmade Bicycle Show NAHBS FESTIVAL: show and awards Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

SCa

R

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R

March 2020 Buellton

SCa

R

___________________________________________________________________

Irvine

SCa

R

___________________________________________________________________

Dallas

B

PRECISION RUNNING GROUP PREMIER RUN COACHING • • •

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COACH RICK JENNINGS MAJOR USMC RET.

(949) 324-2332

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COACH@PRECISIONRUNGROUP.COM

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 21

A California Kind of Camping

Options for expanding your weekend adventures

Memorable outdoor getaways that will have you counting down to sleeping under the stars, and riding on the trails.

Getaway House Running Springs

Obser ving the wi lder ness f rom the Getaway camp in Running Springs is dazzling. This location is relatively new and is an excellent choice for nearby multiterrain riding, especially considering the proximity to the Sky Park Village and Chattahoochee National Forest.

The Getaway experience features 22 | BICYCLIST Issue 160

Photo by Brandi Crockett, @fancyfree_photography ABOVE A tropical garden-like setting at the Caravan Outpost in Ojai provides Airstream sleeper trailers and a location at the base of the Ojai Valley Trail, an opportunity for full days of exploration. BELOW The large, panel windows at the Running Springs outpost allows for sunrise and sunset viewing from the comfort of plush bedding. OPPOSITE- CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The bungalows at ‘Getaway Caravan’ provide a home-base for day trips throughout the Running Springs area, either on road or mountain bikes. / Cycling is not only welcomed on the Caravan Outpost property, it’s encouraged. / The spacious interior of the tents at the AutoCamp Yosemite site provide tranquility with the ambiance of the wilderness. / It is easy to unwind in the evening ambiance at the Yosemite location of AutoCamp, the site has an Airstream perfectly situated on the waters edge.

Photo by Cur tis Chen, @cur tis _ chen

W

e’ve recently become aware of the increasing popularity of alternative outdoor lodging i n Ca l i for n ia , es sent ia l ly c a mpi n g in caravans or cabins. These types of accommodations are attractive to people who are looking to get away, but may not be interested in the investment of equipment to make it a regular occurrence.

And for the bicyclist, the ‘home base’ of the locations allow for day-rides and discovery of places that are unfamiliar, without the encumbrance of bike-touring, carrying all your sleeping and eating gear with you.

T h i s k i n d o f c a r av a n c a m pi n g eliminates many of the challenges of a traditional campsite, but benefits from t he feat ures t h at m a ke c a mpi n g so popular. The accommodations include caravans and cabins for sleeping in, wash rooms either in the the trailer or on the proper t y, ample parking, and moder n decor t hat compl i ment t he woods, forests, and gardens that these locations are built upon.

For some, these locations fall into the category of ‘glamping’, a portmanteau meant to deride, but the frivolit y of buying hundreds of dollars of camping equipment for what may be a flight of fancy, must be considered. And not to mention having to find the space to store it when you’re not out adventuring.

These alternative lodging options allow for a foc u s on t he ex plor at ion a nd riding- without having to find a level place to pitch a tent.

Words By Kelley O’Toole

Photo by Cur tis Chen

wooden cabins in Running Springs, and is a respite for those looking to temporarily retreat into the peaceful, C a l i for n ia w i lder ne s s . E ach c abi n showcases the majestic wilderness with their icon ic wide-paneled windows that allow you to observe nature while indoors. Amenities in the cabins include comf y queen beds (or queen bunks), kitchenettes with two burner stoves and mini-fridges, hot showers, running water, toilets, an outdoor fire pit with grilling grate, outdoor seating, AC and heat. www.getaway.house

AutoCamp

Yosemite, Russian River, Santa Barbara

Caravan Outpost The charming Airstreams at Caravan Outpost coalesce together to provide a com muna l set t i ng i n a t ropica l garden. The grounds are conveniently located right behind the Ojai Valley Trail which runs parallel to Highway 33 and leads right into coastal scenery of Ventura. Additionally, the Outpost works with a local bike shop to offer on- site mecha n ica l work for a ny bike touch ups you may need before you hit the trail. The caravans can accommodate up to 4-5 guests, so it is ideal for a group trip or family reunion. www.caravanoutpostojai.com

Photo by Mariana Schulze

Ojai

Photo A utoCamp

Photo by Natasha Sadikin

There are three AutoCamp locations in California; Yosemite, Russian River and Santa Barbara. All three sites are in breathtaking locations, but the Yosemite camp makes a lasting impression. The Yosemite grounds are the largest and most secluded of the three, and they also offer the option of “luxury tents� in addition to their many Airstreams. The grounds are directly adjacent to the Yosemite Nationa l Park, and they work with R EI to offer hikes through the nearby trails. Amenities at AutoCamp Yosemite include a heated pool, communal fire pits, general store, daily shuttles to the Park, and spacious accommodations to fit the whole family. If Yosemite is just out of reach, the Santa Barbara location is ideal for beach bums. www.autocamp.com

BICYCLIST Issue 160 | 23

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