BICYCLIST Magazine - #134

Page 1

shaking down theMARIN four corners elite

+ FIRST IMPRESSIONS commuting at 28mph with an e-bike + BIG BEAR LAKE cycling capital of southern california + HELMET WANTED

in search of comfort, value and bliss: a style guide

+ JON HORNBECK

we talk to the professional racer after his finish at the 2016 AToC

2016 CYCLING CALENDAR

#socalbicyclist

Socalbicyclist.com

provisions + SCHWALBE tires + DROMARTI shoes + ELEVENPINE apparel + ROCK “N” ROLL lubes + MAGNUM CYCLING photos

issue #134

always free events | culture | lifestyle




Contents 16

Events | Culture | Lifestyle

20

events

#134

34

provisions

profiles

BIG BEAR MARIN BIKES AMGEN TOUR CYCLING FEST FOUR CORNERS ELITE OF CALIFORNIA REGULARS

EDITOR'S NOTE Glimpses Of The Future 5 NEW & NOTEWORTHY Did You Hear About... 6 READER'S RIDES Your Photos #socalbicyclist 7 BASICS Helmet Wanted: A Style Guide 12 THE ELECTRIC AGE Trek XM700+ 28mph E-Bike 18 THE CLIMB Central Coast Classique Climbs 31 LAST PAGE India By Bicycle 46

PROFILES

EVENTS SugarWatch 11 EVENTS Great Western Bicycle Rally 14 PLACES Big Bear Lake, CA 15 EVENTS Big Bear Cycling Festival 16 EVENTS Malibu Gran Cookie Dough 26 PEOPLE Jon Hollenbeck 32 EVENTS Amgen Tour of California 34 PEDDLER’S CREAMERY Downtown Los Angeles 44

WANDERING PHOTOGRAPHER

WOLFPACK HUSTLE SHORTLINE CRIT Long Beach, CA 8

PROVISIONS

APPAREL Elevenpine Shorts BIKES Marin Bikes Four Corners Elite TIRES Schwalbe Durano DD LUBE Rock “N” Roll Chain Lube SHOES Dromarti BOOKS Magnum Cycling

10 20 29 30 36 37

EVENTS

2016 CYCLING EVENT CALENDAR 38 COMPETITIVE MTB Get Dirty, Ride Clean COMPETITIVE ROAD Test Yourself RECREATION Help A Cause, Make New Friends GRAVEL Adventure Racing / Grinders ULTRA LENGTH 150 Miles And More ARTS & CULTURE Off The Bike

CLUBS

DIRECTORY Find Your Future Peloton

45

COVER The Marin Bikes Four Corners Elite hungers for dirt. Read the full report on page 20

4

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


REGULARS

Glimpses of the future

F

or this summer dispatch of the Southern California Bicyclist experience, we’ve brought together a mix of adventure, utility, glimpses of the future, and a look over the shoulder. We were particularly inspired by the work of the Belgian Waffle Ride team and their special addition to the last issue of the magazine. Be sure to check out the interview by Jenna Klein, editor of that BWR addition, as she speaks with professional racer Jon Hornbeck after his finish of the

Editor's Note

And A Look Over The Shoulder

Amgen Tour of California (pg. purpose-built bike suitable for adventure touring, where asphalt 32). This month’s Electric Age column on roads is not always a given. reviews the first 28mph electric Read the piece by David Manski bike we’ve had in our stable, on cycling in India for more on this. The Trek XM700+, a stealthy (pg. 46) We appreciate you taking the hybrid that makes commuting in SoCal much easier. The 28mph time to spend with us and hope top speed makes commuting you enjoy our view of the West a reality for many people who Coast cycling landscape. would otherwise find the distance See you on the route, untenable. We spent some time with the MARIN Four Corners Elite (pg. 20) and are excited to see a

Chris R .

Chris Reynolds

Editorial Director

REGULARS

About

#134 - Summer Pt. 2

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

Kelley O’Toole - KO | Managing Editor kelley@socalbicyclist.com

READ/FOLLOW/LIKE

Chris Reynolds - CR | Editorial Director chris@socalbicyclist.com

Victor Prestinary - VP | Editor-at-Large victor@socalbicyclist.com Catherine Latour | Senior Editor catherine@socalbicyclist.com Tim Wilson - TW | Associate Editor tim@socalbicyclist.com Bob Becker - BB | Senior Writer bob@socalbicyclist.com

ADVERTISING

Robert Gleim | Advertising Director robert@socalbicyclist.com

ONLINE

Chris Reynolds | Design & Development chris@socalbicyclist.com Kelley O’Toole | Social Media   kelley@socalbicyclist.com Tim Wilson | Social Media  tim@socalbicyclist.com

DISTRIBUTION & LOGISTICS Victor Prestinary | Director victor@socalbicyclist.com

PUBLISHING

Chris Reynolds | Director chris@socalbicyclist.com

Cate Clark, Jenna Klein, Justin Macias, David Manski, Andreas Moore, Samuel Parks, Shari Sullivant www.socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   /socalbicyclist  #socalbicyclist

SUBMISSIONS & CONTACT

Contact info@socalbicyclist.com for editorial guidelines and information. Southern California Bicyclist 14252 Culver Drive Irvine, CA 92604 (949) 264-3346 contact@socalbicyclist.com Designed and Printed in SoCal Founded by Will Decker All photography and design performed in-house by Chris Reynolds & Victor Prestinary unless otherwise noted.

VITALS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Southern California Bicyclist is a multiplatform lifestyle and destination guide celebrating the arts, skills, events, and culture of the cycling life in Southern California and other locations in the Western U.S. SCB is published 10 times per year. The print edition can be found at more than 1000 locations and events throughout California and adjacent states. Find a location near you or view the interactive, digital version at www.socalbicyclist.com Print copy subscriptions are $20 per year for 10 print issues delivered to the destination of your choice in the United States. International print subscriptions are $35. For more information, visit www.socalbicyclist.com/subscribe Copyright ©2016 All rights reserved.

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 SCB’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 electronic] 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.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

5


REGULARS

New & Noteworthy

Have something to say Did You Hear About The...

MAKER State BICYCLE COMPANY

15 Pound Track Bikes Under $1000

State Bicycle Company, a direct-to-consumer supplier which had its hardtail MTB tested in Issue # 131, announced the release of its newest bike, the Undefeated II. This model is an aluminum-framed, fixed gear racing bike with a super-light carbon fork and premium components. The Undefeated II reportedly weighs 15 pounds with a price under $1000.

OLYMPICS womens cycling team Strong Contenders For Medals

The US Women’s Olympic Cycling Team should be a strong contender for medals in both the road race and time trial competitions. Final team selections, slated to go public on June 24, will be extremely difficult with a plethora of talented athletes and only Megan Guarnier guaranteed a spot based on her second place finish in the 2015 World Champion road race.

events | culture | lifestyle

Send your news, updates and corrections to editor@socalbicyclist.com

FIND THE CHAIN LINK

A small icon (exactly like this one: ) is hidden somewhere in this issue. If you locate it and enter our Find The Chain Link contest, you may win a FREE one-year subscription (or an additional year for existing subscribers) to the print edition of SCB. To enter, go to socalbicyclist.com/ftc and complete the online entry form or send an entry with your name and phone number to FTC c/o Southern California Bicyclist 14252 Culver Dr. Irvine, CA 92604. Entries must be received by May 20, 2016 for consideration. The winning entry will be selected using a random-number generator and announced in a future print issue.

6

Riders race track bikes on a closed course at the Wolfpack Hustle Shortline Crit race. Held in Long Beach, it was preceded by a bicycle festival with music from local bands and food purveyors.

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


REGULARS

#Socalbicyclist ď…­

Reader's Rides

Liked

Summer Travels In Bruges

Great Park Crit Racing

Have Bike, Will Travel

Windy Days At Cooks Corner

Glenn Hollingshead IV @glennthefourth

Jan Michaelis @kleinrider6

Vincent Liu @spank8monkey

Rudy Miramontes @juiced76

Show Us Awesome &win All chosen photos win the highly coveted, much sought after awesome sauce Purist water bottle. To be considered, follow @socalbicyclist on Instagram and tag your rides with #socalbicyclist. Congratulations to this month's winners!

southern california BICYCLIST #134

7


Wandering photographer

Wolfpack Hustle’s annual Shortline Crit was held in Downtown Long Beach on May 3rd. The fixed-gear Men and Women’s race, presented by SCB sponsor Thomas Forsyth, is the second of three stages in the 2016 Unified Title Series. Elm Street, Broadway, Atlantic, and 1st Street bounded the rectangular course with aggressive turns that inevitably led to multiple crashes in the dim streets. Spectators enjoyed the view from a pedestrian bridge crossing over the back side of the loop. Riders endured cracked pavement, bright lights, and dim straightaways as they circumnavigated the course for an hour, pausing multiple times to clear the way after cringe-inducing tumbles. Truly, a sport for the fearless, the finishers are as bold as they are strong.

Complete photo gallery from event at socalbicyclist.com Search "Shortline"

8

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


WOLFPACK HUSTLE

SHORTLINE CRIT Long Beach, CA

SEE YOURSELF? LET US KNOW!

Pictured cyclists can email us at wp@socalbicyclist.com and receive a FREE one-year subscription to the print edition of Southern California Bicyclist magazine. Well done!

southern california BICYCLIST #134

9


PROVISIONS

Apparel

ELEVENPINE

The Everywear Shorts

S

ome riders may be “allergic” to Lycra cycling shorts. That is, they seem to break out in lumps, and it’s not uncommon for them to hear comments like “ten pounds of potatoes in a fivepound sack” - or some reference to an over-stuffed sausage. Enter Jeff Curran, owner of ELEVENPINE, who offers relief from the ignominy of this lycra adversity with his new, patented “Uprising” shorts. This model is form-fit, but not Spandex-tight, and can also be worn for more leisurely activities. Constructed of a light, comfortable fabric, the shorts have an elastic waistband with drawstring, and two front pockets with zippers. The features that elevate these shorts is a unique side zipper and Velcro closure system that effectively loosens them when you’re off the bike and foraging for a cold one drink. In addition, the shorts still looked great and remained comfortable after a month of constant wear and many wash cycles. These shorts are one of the best innovations in cycling sportswear. - BB

Women’s Uprising Shorts, $90

W

hile comfort and performance are the most important features of a cycling short, good looks are an added bonus. ELEVENPINE Uprising Shorts for women are made of lightweight, breathable, stretch fabric and feature a wide, flat waistband for a flattering fit. Their unique feature are the side zippers. When zipped, they become a formfitting performance short . When unzipped, a looser, casual-fit short, suitable for an after-ride coffee or errands. Paired with the well-performing Liberator Liner from ELEVENPINE, these shorts are a handsdown winner. Wear them on mountain bike rides, around town and even hiking. Super comfortable and durable, their lightweight fabric makes them a good choice for warm Southern California all year round. And they wash great. If you are looking for an alternative to Lycra, but don’t like baggy mountain bike shorts, check out these and other clothing items at ELEVENPINE.COM. - SS

10

Men’s Uprising Shorts, $90

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


PROFILES

L

SunsetFundraiser Bike-a-Thon and Fruit Roast To Build A Mobile Farmer’s Market

os Angeles schoolteacher and the founder of SugarWatch, Brent Walmsley, realized that his health had become out of control when he reached 320 pounds. With high blood pressure and cholesterol, just about every other measure of his health was also problematic. It even impacted his ability to obtain life insurance at 32.

Advocacy

With his newfound awakening, Brent enlisted teachers, farmers, and community advocates to collaborate and launch SugarWatch. The goal is to partner with schools to educate the community about the health impact of sugar, make fresh produce available through a mobile market, and advocate for improved nutrition policies.

Brent is not alone. One in two Californians are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Thirty-one percent of California school-aged children are obese. Chronic heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are the #1, #2, and #6 causes of death, respectively, in LA County.

In the spring of 2015, SugarWatch piloted programs and educational opportunities in schools in Los Angeles, Compton, Long Beach, Wilmington, and Gardena. SugarWatch was also recently named the recipient of a Kaiser Permanente Community Realizing the consequences of his obesity caused Benefit Grant. Brent to make big changes. He began to research and This August, SugarWatch will be hosting its inaugural better understand nutrition, got back on his bicycle, Sunset Bike-A-Thon. The 15-mile ride will raise and lost 70 pounds. His research revealed just how funds for SugarWatch programming and help the much sugar is in everyday food products, and how organization reach its goal of retrofitting a school bus this has lead to the staggering rise in obesity. What to serve as a mobile farmer’s market. This beautiful made the data especially compelling to Brent was beachfront ride, with the ocean always on the rider’s how major food companies were saturating the side, will turn around in Redondo Beach. All riders predominantly low socio-economic communities he will be invited to enjoy a beach bonfire and fruit roast worked in with marketing for products with sugar. celebration at the end of the ride. - KO SugarWatch’s goal is to expand its impact throughout Southern California and help kids make changes to their dietrelated habits, help families prepare more nutritious meals, increase access to healthy food, and help build healthier communities.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

11


REGULARS

BASICS

B

helmet wanted

In Search Of Comfort, Value And Bliss - A Style Guide

uying a new helmet or upgrading from an old one can be hard if you don’t know where to start. Due to advancements in modern helmet technology, many options are now available. Depending on a rider’s budget, type of biking, style preferences, and comfort needs, a suitable helmet exists for everyone. But knowing what you want can make your search easier. Ideally, you would have purchased a helmet when you bought your bike. But, if that wasn't the case, consider making a visit to your local bike shop where you can determine your perfect fit. You may be concerned that some helmets are not as safe as others. But rest assured, federal regulations ensure that all helmets provide the same measure of safety. Since 1999, federal law requires that all bicycle helmets sold in the United States meet the standards set by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission). The models that are higher in price aren’t necessarily safer; usually the cost is associated with additions to the helmet that improve riding performance in terms of comfort and convenience. To narrow down the available choices for the perfect helmet for every riding style, I asked some of our contributors and local riders about their goto helmet. These riders leaned toward one style of riding over others, which was reflected in their choice of helmet. Match your riding style to that of one of our contributors and you may discover a new favorite helmet. -KO

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A HELMET?

art by okalinichenko

Me (Commuter) - I lean towards helmets that are Krystof A. (Racing) – “I look for three things in affordable and well-ventilated because I have a lot of hair and my head can get sweaty. My current helmet is a Bell Tempo. I like the Tempo because it has many open vents that allow the cool air to flow through my helmet. Plus, the ErgoDial fit system makes adjustments really easy." $40, (268 g)

Justin M. (Road) – “I like to have a couple options to choose from. The Specialized S-Works Prevail is my go-to for weekend training rides, and the Giro Reverb is my helmet for commutes. I like the look of the Reverb, and the S-Works Prevail is lightweight and well ventilated; it performs really well." $225 (185 g) / $60 (270 g)

12

a helmet: style, comfort, and weight. Sometimes I'll be excited about the look of a new helmet, but when I try it on it doesn't always fit comfortably. My favorite helmet right now is the Kask Protone. It is super sexy and very comfortable, but it’s not the lightest. The perfect helmet has to have a balance between all three.” $299.95 (250 g)

Victor P. (gravel) – “For gravel adventures, I

go for Mavic's Crossride Helmet. It's light enough for long hours of riding cross country, but durable enough to feel protected. It's also got a removable visor for when the sun goes up, and down." $100 (310 g)

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


helmets

WHAT IS MIPS? Some bicycling helmets have additional safety features that claim to be more effective against traumatic brain injury. One such feature is MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), a Swedish technology “created to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head… When a helmet with MIPS technology is subjected to an angled impact, the low friction layer allows the helmet to slide relative to the head.” (MIPS.com 2013). However, not everyone is convinced of MIPS’s effectiveness. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), says that the new technology hasn't proven to be any more effective than the technology used in other modern helmets. According to BHSI research, helmets will always slip, "The scalp (nature's MIPS) ensures that, and skin does not stick to EPS [expanded polystyrene] much, given sweat, hair products and sunscreen…So the tendency for the helmet to slide on the user's head and to slide on pavement or other impact surfaces is substantial." (BHSI, 2016). The MIPS patent incorporates a concept called “the slip plane” in helmet design. It may or may not help a rider avoid rotational injury to the head with more independent research needed to determine the validity of the claims.

Chris (Road, Endurance) –

“The lighter the better. Paying a little extra for a lighter helmet prevents headaches and neck soreness on longer rides. For SoCal residents, breathability is paramount due to the heat. Additionally, lighter colors are going to be cooler when slogging through steep climbs under the full summer sun. The Lazer Z1 helmet meets my requirements and ups the game with some innovative options that aren't available with other helmets, my favorite? Integrated heart rate monitor." $300 (190 g)

Cate (City) –

“I go for classic or primarily functional designs, and look for quality materials and a comfortable fit. The Abus Hyban helmet accomplishes both for me. The Hyban has additional safety features that some riders might appreciate. For example, to adjust the fit, a padded knob at the back of the helmet allows the wearer to change the circumference of the internal band that encircles the head. Other features include a backlight and detachable visor. I recommend the ABUS Hyban helmet for the casual commuter.” $100 (380 g)

Bob (MTB) – “My favorite helmet is a Fox Flux, I Everyone agrees - try before you buy own two. They are comfortable and airy with 20 ventilation ports to enhance airflow.” $70 (390 g)

Visit your LBS and try on different brands - Your noggin' is unique and what fits for one person may not fit as well for someone else.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

13


EVENTS

Over The Shoulder

T

Great Western Bicycle Rally Paso Robles, CA

he Great Western Bicycle Rally has been a recurring Memorial Day tradition for bicyclists from all across California who descent on Paso Robles for Memorial Weekend. The four days of the festival include guided rides every morning and afternoon, route-maps for self-guided exploration of the central coast, and a multitude of family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the 4-day weekend. Alongside the GWBR is the Paso Artsfest, an annual festival in the historic center of town. The combination of the two events provides a wonderful backdrop for relaxing and enjoying the good life that Paso has to offer.

GWBR does all the hard work of mapping bicycle-friendly routes LEFT and offering a schedule of activities, such as the bicycle safety demonstration that led into a BMX stunt demo RIGHT. Who better to herald the virtues of helmets?

The PASO ARTSFEST coincides with GWBR and showcases the arts and culture of the central coast, with many opportunities for exploring creativity and appreciating local art.

14

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


PROFILES

Big Bear Part 1: MTB Without The Ski Lift

Places

Many lesser known riding options are worth exploring in the Big Bear area. Skip the lift and search out some of the gems that are tucked amongst the trees, flowers and mountain air in this backyard destination for all SoCal residents.

W

hen you think about mountain biking in the Big Bear area, a first thought may be of riding up the chairlift at Snow Summit for some downhill action, or riding the famed Santa Ana River Trail. While these are great ways to spend a day in the local mountains, many lesser known riding options are worth exploring. An alternative to taking the chair up the mountain at Snow Summit would be to pedal up and get a good aerobic workout. Park at the Aspen Glen picnic area on Mill Creek Road, just off Bear Boulevard on the south shore of the lake. The climb starts up Mill Creek Road which eventually turns to dirt and becomes Skyline Drive. Once at the top, you can explore the area, including aptly named Grand View lookout. When you are ready to head back, Pine Knot is a fun single track trail that will take you back down to your start at the picnic area. Another option would be to ride up to Gray’s Peak, a 1,200 foot ascent to the 7,920 foot summit in just 3 ½ miles. For this ride, park at the trail head across the road from the Grout Bay picnic area on the north shore of the lake as you head towards Fawnskin. A twisting, sometimes challenging single track trail, mainly used by hikers, will take you to the

peak for beautiful views. You cross a fire road near the midway point of this trail, which will lead to a series of easy, fun single track trails that eventually land you at Hanna Flat Campground. Exploring these trails on the way down is fun, and the campground is a good spot to replenish your water and take a break before heading back. Continue on 3N09, being aware of vehicular traffic, to a series of forest service roads that tour you through the historic settlement, including what’s left of Two Gun Saloon, Hangman’s Tree, and an old log cabin. A fun, easy ride with some historical exploration the whole family would enjoy. These are just a few of the many possibilities for riding in the Big Bear area. There are rides for everyone, from the paved trail along the shore of the lake to challenging single track. Consult a Big Bear trail map or guidebook for more details and possibilities. Take a picnic lunch, or explore the many restaurants and shops in town. Worth visiting are Bear Valley Bikes and the Grizzly Manor Café, which serves delicious breakfasts until 2:00 pm. Spend some time in SoCal’s beautiful local mountains where it is bound to be cooler than the flatlands during our warm summer months. -SS

southern california BICYCLIST #134

15


EVENTS

GUIDES

Big Bear CYCLING FESTIVAL July 30th -August 7th

FRIDAY July 29 REGISTRATION OPENS

On Friday, July 29 3:00 pm, meet at Nottingham's Tavern to pick up registration for the Big Bear Mountain Bike Gran Fondo and Grizzly 100. If you're not riding in these races, Nottingham's is worth a visit. The family-owned restaurant was established in 2003, but the lot has been the site of local restaurants for decades. In this location stood the Robinhood Inn in the 1960s, Friar Tuck's in the 1970s, the Rusty Anchor in the 1980s, and Mongolian Palace in the 1990s.

Saturday July 30 MTB Gran Fondo | GRIZZLY 100

Wednesday august 3

Get to know the professionals Dinner with the Pro's at Knickerbocker Mansion, but not before the Knickerbocker Mansion Bike Biathlon (Road & MTB) begins at 4:00 pm. The Knickerbocker Mansion is a treat for your historical senses and a scenic reprieve from suburban life. Check out the views from this three-story log mansion that rests on two and a half acres of land above Big Bear Lake.

Thursday august 4

After another round of acclimation rides and a shot of espresso at Copper Q, there will be some opportunity for you to adventure on your own. If you've got little ones, the kids riding event, Cyclefest, starts at 3:00 pm in the Knickerbocker parking lot. If you're flying solo, join back up with your fellow cyclists at the community concert and beer garden at 6:30 pm. Soak up the beauty of summer nights in Big Bear.

The festival week officially kicks off on Saturday with the Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo and the Grizzly 100. Grand Marshalls David 'Tinker' Juarez and Freddie Rodriguez will be riding many of the routes throughout the week starting with Saturday's events. The Grizzly 100/75 is one of the most challenging mountain bike races in Southern California, and offers a $5,000 purse for the Men’s and Women’s FRIDAY august 5 Open, Masters and Single Speed divisions. The 75k Go easy on Friday, especially if you're riding the Tour de Big Bear the following day. Return to Nottingham's Over the Top offers a $1,000 purse. Tavern at 4:00 pm for the Road Bicycle Concours, a SUNDAY July 31 competitive event where judges score your bike in Recover from your day of riding the mountains of Big categories such as uniqueness, cleanliness, staging Bear with the Gran Fondo and Grizzly recovery ride style, and more. at 9:00 am on Pine Knot ave. at 572 Social. By the time you get back to restaurant, the kitchen will be SATURDAY august 6 Tour de Big Bear buzzing with chefs preparing food for lunch. If you The Tour de Big Bear presented by REMAX is a stay for lunch, we hear very good things about the great way to reach your elevations goals during the summer months. If you're riding the century route, Egg Burger. you can expect to be climbing towards the sky at elevations of 8,000' ft on the KOM segment, Onyx MONDAY august 1 Your training commences on Monday with a 'Altitude Summit. Alongside the Tour de Big Bear is the Big Acclimation Ride'; recreational riders will take the 25 Bear Cycling Expo at Village & Pine Knot from 9:00 mile route (9:00 am), while intermediate riders can am to 4:00 pm. Ride into the festivities after your participate in the 50 mile route(10:00 pm). Meet and Tour, or cheer on the finishers as they come in. finish at The Copper Q, a family owned and operated 'culinary experience' with a full service Espresso and Sunday august 7 Last Day Pastry Bar. Grab a shot of espresso shot before you Spend your last day riding slow enough to appreciate start your route to get the heart pumping. At 3:00 the beauty of Big Bear, or fast enough to be a time pm grab your chains (required) and head to Snow trial champion. The Tour de Big Bear recovery ride begins at 8:30 am at Copper Q. If you're participating Summit for a day of mountain bike adventures. in the Big Bear Cycling Time Trial, head over to North TUESDAY august 2 Shore Drive & Highway 38 at 9:00 am. If the intermediate riders are feeling advanced, there's a 70 mile options for the 'Altitude Acclimation Visit BigBearCyclingFestival.com Ride' at 3:00 pm on Tuesday. Recreational riders will take the familiar 9:00 am 25 mile route starting at the usual meeting place, The Copper Q. Join Tinker as he leads a nighttime single-track ride starting at the North Shore Trading Company at 7:00 pm.

for the most current schedule. See you in Big Bear!

16

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


Photo by Kit Leong Photo by David Art

ABOVE Trails wind across the ski slopes and fire roads of the Big Bear area and provides opportunities for many different disciplines of mountain biking. The Big Bear Cycling Festival does the hard work of organizing the rides and for this year, SoCal MTB legend Tinker Juarez has joined as the grand marshal of the MTB festivities. BELOW The namesake Big Bear Lake provides a central hub for glorious and scenic road rides around the lake. At 6,752' of elevation, the region provides a cool climate to escape the summer heat of the flatlands.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

17


REGULARS

Electric Age

The 28mph commuter Trek XM700+ Electric Bike

A 28mph Class 3 e-bike like the Trek XM700+ can be fully utilized on Class 2 and 3 bike routes in California, but can also be used on Class 1 trails with the electric system disengaged. You'll have a tough time depleting a full battery, but the bike makes an excellent hybrid even without the pedal assist.

T

This was a beautiful package if you love black bicycles with superior technology as much as we do. Also noteworthy is the two-year comprehensive warranty offered by the manufacturer.

We corralled the bike at the Jax Irvine location and were briefed on the specifics by their e-guru, Chris King. He was extremely knowledgeable about e-bikes in general and, since he had just attended a tech session on Bosch-powered models. The XM700+ is a Class 3 California e-bike, 28 mph pedal assist (PAS) only. It is equipped with the superb Bosch CX Performance Speed Drive motor first evaluated on the Haibike Xduro 29 in SCB issue #130. Four levels of power assist are available on the XM700+: eco, tour, sport, and turbo. The bike was also equipped with a Shimano drivetrain and brakes, as well as many Trek-owned Bontrager components that functioned perfectly. Additional accessories included front and rear plastic fenders, a high-intensity headlight, and a kickstand that retracted automatically when you mount the bike. Cables are routed through the frame to prevent snags and enhance the bike's appearance.

Of special note is the front "monoshock" suspension contained in the head tube. It provided 35mm of smooth travel and was especially appreciated on the infrequent bumps in the road. The XM700+, Trek's current e-commuter flagship, is a truly impressive bicycle. -BB

he rich heritage of Trek Bicycles dates back to 1976 in Waterloo Wisconsin where the production of steel bike frames began in a barn. Now Trek Bicycles is one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world. A few years ago, they added electric commuter bicycles (e-commuters) to their European line up. Having become a significant presence overseas, Trek Bicycles recently entered the U.S. market with several e-commuter models. Jax Bicycles in Irvine is one of six Trek stores nationwide piloting the effort to test the U.S. market for e-bikes.

18

The XM700+ was tested on bike trails and roads in Orange County. It accelerated rapidly to a top assisted speed of 28 mph, and could be maintained at that level for long intervals on flat terrain. The 10-speed 11-36 Shimano drivetrain was very useful as it shifted silently on the hills, even though it was rarely necessary to use any of the higher gears because of the assist. Shimano hydraulic brakes, the industry standard, stopped the bike quickly and decisively. Schwalbe Energizer Pro 700x38c tires, with GreenGuard kevlar belts that reduce punctures and reflective stripes on the sidewalls that can be seen at night, provided a smooth ride. It felt as though the tires were glued to the concrete even when cornering on a serpentine trail at 28 mph. The swept-back handlebars and rubber ergonomic grips provided a comfortable cockpit for long sessions on the road.

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


REGULARS

Did You Hear About THE...

Electric Age

News From The Electric Front

DRIVETRAIN SRAM ex1

E-Bike Specific Drivetrain

SRAM, which has traditionally designed drivetrains around a high cadence-low torque usage, has reversed direction with the EX1 e-bike specific drivetrain, the first of its kind. Notable features are an 8-speed cassette with 1148t range, shifter that permits only one gear shift at a time to obviate being under powered or spinning out thanks to a mis-shift, wider/ stronger chain, and crank that is compatible with Bosch, Brose and Yamaha motors.

ADVENTURE EBike World Record Life After 27,000 kilometers

Gary and Gretchen Corbett have traveled more than 27,000 kilometers (16,000 miles) through Europe on their Haibike electric bikes. The pair decided to

The SRAM EX1 is an electric bike specific drivetrain for mid-drive e-bikes.

continue their European travels going through Spain, France, Germany, Hungary and Austria, and then explore Australia and the USA before deciding whether or not to terminate their world record aspirations in mid-2017.

MAKER

PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES

The Pedego Electric Bike Parade

Pedego Electric Bikes celebrated the opening of their new 38,000 sq ft. headquarters in Fountain Valley with a celebration and massive electric bike parade on June 18th. Pedego HQ: 11310 Slater Ave, Fountain Valley CA 92708

• 100% All Natural Ingredients

• Scientifically Proven to Stop Muscle Cramps™ • 10X Electrolytes as Sports Drinks

• Sugar Free, GMO Free, Caffeine Free, Gluten Free

southern california BICYCLIST #134

19


Marin Bikes

20

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist


Four Corners COrners Elite

southern california BICYCLIST #133

21


PROVISIONS

The albatross handlebars provide a gentle slope outward that staves off numb hands and sore shoulders

F

or their 30th anniversary this year, Marin Bikes released a fleet of steel bikes that revitalized classic bike making while utilizing modern technologies. Currently categorized as 'Utilitour' by Marin Bikes, The Four Corners Elite (FCE) appears to be a sweet retro Randonneur, but with closer inspection yields an array of considerations. Front and rear thru-axle fork ends and wide frame clearance allow the use of MTB wheel sets with 29er tires. The steel frame utilizes internal routing and a number of clever weight-saving techniques, while the SRAM Rival group set and hydraulic disc brakes provide durability and reliability in tough conditions. We tested the FCE through the Santa Monica Mountains, previewing the routes offered in this year's inaugural Malibu Gran Cookie Dough. The bike proved to be a powerful climber and controlled descender, perfect on dirt sections, and always stable. There are no mechanical or structural weak points on the FCE, an enduring machine from pavement to grip.

The Marin Four Corners Elite celebrates the 30 year anniversary of the legendary California bike maker.

22

The steel frame design leads to a very stable and comfortable ride. The material, Columbus Thron steel, is known for providing strength and Continued on page 24...

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


PROVISIONS

Naild 12-3-9 Thru Axles install intuitively and provide a bomb-proof axis for WTB KOM Alloy 29er to spin.

A wide variety of braze-ons ensure your racks and cages will fit and compliment the internal cable brazing.

Schwalbe G-One 28x1.5 tires provide comfortable cruising on pavement and excellent traction off-road.

The nubby tire pattern does especially well on the dry and dusty trails of the west coast.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

23


PROVISIONS responsiveness, while maintaining flexibility. The frameset acts as its own shock absorber, while the head tube angle and fork rake contribute to an autopilot-like stability. Schwalbe G-One 28x1.5 tires come stock on the WTB KOM Alloy 29er rims for long-lasting durability on rough country and fire roads. The tubeless gravel tires run smoothly on pavement, and provide plenty of traction and puncture-resistance offroad. The Naild 12-3-9 thru-axles install intuitively into place with a three-step locking mechanism, eliminating any error. Built for self-reliance, this bike will ride for thousands of hard miles without significant maintenance.

With a focus on touring, the Chromoly fork with thru-axle and disc brake includes eyelets for a front rack and fender.

Marin Bikes made excellent use of SRAM's adaptable new 1x11 Rival groupset on the FCE. The Continued on next page...

The rear chain-stays provide ample clearance for keeping your feet from interfering with racks or panniers. The SRAM Rival 1x11 drive-train is an appropriate choice with a wide gear range to cover any route you may run across.

24

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


PROVISIONS

All aspects of the FCE have been thought out and designed specific to the purpose of adventure touring. Even the swept albatross handlebars were designed in-house and offer a multitude of hand positions for comfort.

The tapered Columbus steel tubing is coated with a clear matte finish to prevent corrosion.

The 10-42 rear cassette provides a wide-range of gears to mesh with a 40 tooth front chain-ring. Internal cable routing keeps things clean.

mechanical shifting is responsive and accurate, and without a front derailleur, a great deal of regular maintenance is lost. We were impressed by the mechanics of the Rival when we tested the 2x11 road version on the DEAN El Vado (reviewed in SCB #128). The Rival has the responsive feel of a classic shifter with modern accuracy and smoothness. The 1x11 system includes the new SRAM 10-42 XG1150 Cassette that provides a wide range of gears with very little effort and strain on components. You can install a front derailleur and multi-speed crankset for more options and even wider range. As is, the single speed front crank set complements the reliability and minimalism of the steel frame. The Rival hydraulic disc brakes provide lots of power with the high degree of control you would expect from this system. The continuity of the disc brakes' power makes a noticeable difference on longer rides with steep descents and dirt sections. For repeated elevation changes while hauling

gear, good breaking is essential, and on the FCE, your mind will be free to concentrate on the road. The FCE has everything you need for long distance bike touring. There are a plethora of braze-ons for mounting racks, cages, and equipment for your trip. The custom handlebar features swept-out drops for plenty of options for hand placement, and the tall head tube makes it easier to stay in the drops. The consideration for detail on the FCE means that you can focus on the road instead of your bike. Ultimately the ride experience of this bike is smooth and steady even when faced with bad roads and dirt trails. The rider is free to enjoy their ride with a peace of mind. Why work harder when you can work smarter? Durable and steady, the FCE makes for a perfect companion to boost your confidence (and fun) on long-distance multi-surface Fondos. Take the Marin Bike challenge and put this bike to the test on the world's toughest touring roads and routes. Wherever you find yourself, the Four Corners Elite will have your back. -VP ($2309, marinbikes.com)

southern california BICYCLIST #134

25


EVENTS

PREVIEW

F

Malibu Gran Cookie DOUGH Phil Gaimon Shares His Favorite Training Routes

or those of us living in the southland, the arrival of summer seemed to begin many months ago. We experienced the heat first-hand when we spent some time with Cannondale pro Phil Gaimon and Jeff Mahin, owner of M Street Kitchen, in Santa Monica during a preview ride of the routes they're putting together for this fall's Malibu Gran Cookie Dough. We rode through the mixed road and dirt course seeing temperatures max out at 106F through Sycamore Canyon and Thousand Oaks - melted cookies anyone? Gaimon will be providing the wayfinding and encouragement, and Mahin will be supplying his gourmet cookies during the November 6th event - by that time, temperatures will be perfect for the ride. After a beautiful day of suffering, we headed to Pedaler's Fork in Calabases (reviewed in SCB #130)to discuss our favorite segments and eat a delicious dinner fit for a cyclist. While sweating out a morning's worth of cookies, SuperDomestik captured some of the best moments from the preview ride. - CR (philsfondo.com)

Phil Gaimon in his Cookie Jersey and green Cannondale Gear with SCB Publisher Chris Reynolds.

26

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


Krysof Andres, socalBICYCLIST perma-special guest, surveys the road and finds solace in the heat.

Climbing the back side of Latigo Canyon Road with the Marin Bikes Four Corners Elite (page 20). See a full profile of the Latigo climb in SCB #129.

106 degree heat never looked so good.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

27


REGULARS

28

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


Schwalbe Durano DD For Your Next Event

PROVISIONS

Tires

T

he Schwalbe Durano DD quickly proved itself as another SCB-favorite. This fondo-style tire now boasts a 28C size option, adding to the Durano family of endurance tires. This increasingly popular size is seeing widespread adoption as modern technologies allow cyclists to improve ride characteristics without sacrificing performance. The wider tire sizes make longer rides more comfortable and allow for some more traction on non-paved obstacles; they are a go-to for Gran Fondos. Further improvements in materials and research into bicycle dynamics allow 28C tires like the Durano DD to have strong durability while maintaining a relatively low weight. The Durano family varies in options, but I wanted to try the 28C DD folding tire to test its efficacy for conquering SoCal events.

The Schwalbe Durano DD clincher now available in 28C.

Quiet, smooth, and fast, the DD proved to be a perfect option for long rides to improve comfort and provide all of the traction needed for fast descents and steep climbs. Power transfer to the pavement is smooth and consistent, particularly on steep hills, without any wasted effort on straightaways. The tire also provides a fair amount of traction on dirt and powers uphill through light sand. Schwalbe protects the Durano DD with a double layer of Nylon fabric – a ‘level 4’ on their strength scale – which provides an excellent defense against punctures and long-term wear. This tire isn't quite as light as the competition, but we can sacrifice weight for excellent performance and longevity at a very reasonable price point.

Daily news & Updates Follow on facebook facebook.com/Socalbicyclist

Ralf Bohle founded the Schwalbe brand in 1973 as a re-imagination of his family's half-century old bike component export business. In 1986, Schwalbe cemented its place in the industry with the release of the Marathon tire – a nearly indestructible option that continues its legacy with several modern adaptations. Check out other examples of Schwalbe ingenuity in this issue on the Marin Four Corners Elite and the Trek XM700+. -VP ($51.44, schwalbe.com)

southern california BICYCLIST #134

29


PROVISIONS

GEAR

A

Rock "n" roll gold chain lube Rock n' Roll Ain't Chain Pollution

s most chain lubricants require a cleaning step prior to application, Rock "N" Roll chain lubes stand out. It combines the two steps leaving one less thing to carry on a multi-day tour and one less thing to forget while traveling - not to mention the time-savings of being able to clean and lube at the same time. And all of this comes at a price well below the average of available alternatives.

Wait. Cleaner and lube in one?! For many bicyclists, we’ve been long told that chains must be spotless before applying chain lube. Adding a traditional lube to a dirty chain will leave you with a slimy mess of speed-eating grit and goo. The formulation of Rock "N" Roll and the specified application method of freewheeling the chain backwards bring grit and dirt to the surface of the chain where it can be wiped away. And in its place, the lube works down around the rollers and pins to create a protective membrane keeping out dirt and moisture.

The Dirt Jumps Out At You Bicycles, being on rubber tires, are not grounded, resulting in the bicycle serving as an electro-static generator. As you roll along, the bike develops a slight charge that attracts dirt particles that accumulate on the chain. Rock "N" Roll claims the protective membrane created by their lube offsets this charge, keeping the chain cleaner for longer.

Extreme, Gold and Absolute Dry Formulations (available in 4 oz. and 16 oz. starting at $7.99). We took an average of the available lubricants at a selection of our partner bike shops and found an average of $12.82 for 4 oz. of chain lube.

The different formulations available, Extreme, Gold and Absolute Dry, relate to the thickness of this membrane. The Absolute Dry formulation is intended for dry, road conditions where the thicker protective membrane limits the effects of the bikes inherent negative charge. For MTB, the dirt kicked up by the front tire is a magnitude higher than any positively charged accumulations. The Extreme formulation provides a thin membrane that does less for limiting the effect of these accumulations, but handles wet conditions or water crossings with aplomb. The Gold formulation provides the best of both allowing for a wider range of potential riding conditions and is excellent for cyclists with both road and mountain machines.

Chinese Water Torture Small squeaks and creaks of the cycling drive-train become attacks on the senses akin to water torture after long hours in the saddle. Finding a lube that keeps the peace on a double century or bike packing epic, while also providing the lubricity demanded by 11 and 12 speed drivetrains, makes Rock "N" Roll Gold stand out. Silence is golden and the gold formulation will be right at home on the shelf of not just the demanding enthusiast, but also the commuter, recreational rider and weekend warrior. -CR (rocklube.com)

30

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


EVENTS

Central Coast Classique Hi Mountain Road & Huasana Road

The Climb

Hi Mountain Road Arroyo Grande, CA 4.5 Miles, 646 feet The first three miles are smooth sailing around the mild grade as it passes the Rancho Arroyo Grande Shop and meanders next to the Sauselito Creek. The last 1.5 miles are when things get serious with the final quarter mile grade bumping into the mid-teens. For this section of the ride, the route is an out and back and riders have been known to cut their climb short. That won't be you as you'll know the end is right around the bend.

Huasna Road Arroyo Grande, CA 6.1 Miles, 736 feet Similar to Hi Mountain Road, Huasna Road is a gradual climb with a bite at the end. The climb is longer at 6.1 miles, but the sting on the top side isn't as strong as Hi Mountain, with 10% grades only found in the last mile of the climb. The climbs are managable due to the local topography that provides moments of respite on the march to the top.

Central Coast Classique AUGUST 27TH, 2016 Arroyo Grande, CA

100/64/30 mile route options

CentralCoastClasssique.com

southern california BICYCLIST #134

31


PROFILES

racing By Jenna Klein Jon Hornbeck

Photo By Brian Hodes

Holowesko-Citadel p/b Hincapie team

Jon Hornbeck, Holowesko-Citadel p/b Hincapie team, racing in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California

H

ailing from the Golden State, professional cyclist Jon Hornbeck took his first spin through the Amgen Tour of California this year as part of the Holowesko-Citadel p/b Hincapie team; a youthful crew of contenders on the rise. Though he’s continually on the roster for both domestic and international races, it’s Hornbeck’s background in motocross and outspoken humor—plus the ability to climb with fervor—that distinguishes him from other emerging talents in the professional peloton. Focused on bringing his own flavor to the community with the Spandex Stampede—a “GranFUNdo” that promises good times and scenic routes for riders of all levels—we caught up with Hornbeck on his way to Tour de Beauce to find out why the TOC ticked the box as his hardest race yet and what life really looks like between stages.

32

There were talks about this year’s TOC being one of the hardest yet. How did this race rank for you in comparison to others? I don’t know the exact mileage or time on the bike from this week compared to the Tour of Utah, but it was close. Even so, this was still by far the toughest race I have ever done. It was nice hearing from the Worldtour riders that this race was difficult for them as well. TOU was tough last year, but that race is more of a challenge in who can hold out the longest on the climb before being dropped, and the altitude plays a big role in results as well. At Cali we went full gas for quite a while, and after you add in all the transfers and little rest, it definitely makes for a hard but memorable experience.

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


work. Listening to people’s suggestions and thinking about what I’d improve also helps guide the type of Stage 7; Santa Rosa. This day was total anarchy, and event I want to create. the hardest day I’ve ever endured on the bike. The These rides are centered on good times with great fact that we had 40 guys at the finish doesn’t give people, but I’m also finding a way to give back to the enough credit to how hard those first 3 hours were. community. Part of the Spandex Stampede proceeds It was total hell. will go back to helping grass roots cycling teams, since everyone knows how hard it is to get cycling What was the highlight of the race for you? sponsorship in today’s world. Last year was the firstKnowing that I can climb with some of the top guys ever Spandex Stampede in Temecula, but I’m looking when I’m riding well, and finish within the top 20 forward to having three separate events this year during my first TOC, was nice. It’s no result worth that will all be different in their own way, and with bragging about, but considering how hard and different cycling/clubs teams on hand to represent stacked the field was, it’s a result I can be proud of. their club and receive some extra financial support.

With this being your first year in the TOC, which stage did you find the hardest?

What is the hardest part of a race like this when you’re off the bike?

The transfers. The transfers this year were insane, so we’d typically wake up early, have breakfast, then do a short or long drive to the start. After that, we’d race for 4-5 hours and then get back in the car for another 2-4 hour drive to our next location. Typically you’d hit the massage table once you arrive then head straight over to dinner. By then, it’s almost 10 pm and it’s time for bed. It varied slightly, but this was more or less the schedule for 8 days straight. After stage 3, I lost track of anything going on besides what was right in front of me.

What’s the best part about the Hincapie crew? We have such an awesome team and staff, which makes all the difference when the racing is brutal. When you’re going through a tough week of racing, having a great support system and fun people around to keep the vibes up is essential.

As a Californian, did you feel any extra support during this race? Well, I had chalk on the road written for me, so that was a first. There were some friends and family that followed a couple of stages, but unfortunately with how busy we were and the long transfers I barely got to catch up with them. I did have plenty of family come out of the woodwork on Facebook to support me, which I’d never seen before. Unfortunately I don’t have any cool or crazy stories from fans though… maybe one day.

What lead you to create the Spandex Stampede and what else can you tell us about it? Participating in a races and fondos over the past few years have lead me to create my own event, the Spandex Stampede. I haven’t quite ventured into the races yet, though one day I’d like to, but expanding the fondo is the current course I’m on. I’m fortunate enough to have been a part of a number of events, which means you find out what does and doesn’t

Warming up, Jon Hornbeck, Holowesko-Citadel p/b Hincapie team, prepares for stage 2 at the Amgen Tour of California. The young rider with a penchant for climbing is bringing his own flavor to the recreation event scene with the Spandex Stampede - a "GranFUNdo" to raise money for grass roots cycling teams. The event will be held in Temecula, dates TBA.

southern california BICYCLIST #134

33


voices of the athletes 2016 Amgen Tour of California

Photo By Justin Macias

Over The Shoulder

Photo By Justin Macias

EVENTS

Peter Sagan, Tinkoff (RUS)

Overall Winner (GC) Julian Alaphilippe, Etixx – Quick-Step

“For me it was a long, hard week. I was in the breakaway two days in a row, on Stage 2 and 3. Then I was just trying to recover for Santa Rosa, since that was a day with a lot of points….I had a couple KOM’s [King of the Mountain points] there yesterday, and it felt really good to seal up the jersey for the week, so I’m quite happy.”

“This victory is really important. It’s my first win of the season, and it’s the first time that I won a General Classification. It’s really something special to win this race, especially here in California, and I’m really proud of my team all week, especially today because it was a really stressful day for a lot of riders in the peloton. Everyone wanted to be in the front…It was a good day and I’m really, really happy.”

Mark Cavendish, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka “I’ve been coming to the Amgen Tour of California for many years. There’s a reason all the top riders in the world come over to America to race here. It’s always been a great race, and Kristin and AEG always put on a tremendous show, as well a great, relaxed race for the riders to come to….I’m happy to be here and I’m definitely coming back.”

34

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California began in Pasadena after the race made it's way from the first stage in San Diego. For the 11th year, the 8-day race hosts WorldTour professionals as they roll their way across the Golden State.

Best Young Rider Winner (White Jersey) Neilson Powless, Axeon Hagens Berman “Originally I was coming here with the team to see what it was like to race at this level, and experience the fast pace, and maybe play a support role. I ended up being pretty competitive, and I was really happy with that, and the rest of the week it was more about learning how to deal with all the time constraints that come along with having a jersey. It was really good. I enjoyed it a lot.”

Overall Winner (GC) Megan Guarnier, Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team “This one is up there. Being in America, winning a WorldTour event, and then taking a leader’s jersey. The crowds are amazing. It’s a little bit surreal, and I’m super proud to be here.”

King Of The Mountains Evan Huffman, Rally cycling “For me it was a long, hard week. I was in the breakaway two days in a row, on Stage 2 and 3. Then I was just trying to recover for Santa Rosa, since that was a day with a lot of points….I had a couple KOM’s there yesterday, and it felt really good to seal up the jersey for the week. The route and the racing I really enjoyed. I thought it was more challenging than last year, which was good for me and my team, so overall I’m happy.”

southern california BICYCLIST #134

35


PROVISIONS

Shoes

Dromarti RACE 'Black'

Traditional Style, Timeless Design, Modern Function The meticulous stitching of the contrasting cardinal red thread, made of an abrasion resistant textile, is not just for looks. It serves to join the many hand-cut pieces of leather that hug the foot snuggly, preventing blisters and uncomfortable pressure points. Synthetic materials are the norm for cycling shoes, but the ability of leather to conform and mold to your foot while cycling allow the shoes to match the unique profiles of your tired dogs. Photo courtesy Dromarti

Broguing details the sides of the shoes and provides unrivaled breathability. Rides with temperatures hovering in the low 100 F (40C) were remarkably cool in the foot department due to this venting, but also the inherent properties of the material. Leather The Dromarti Race shoes provide the lightweight of lace-ups with the is known for its tremendous durability and strength against breathability and durability of natural leather. abrasion, but where leather really t’s refreshing to come across the Dromarti Race cy- shines is in its ability to keep the foot dry and sweatcling shoes, a product that has durability and time- free. Paired with quality wool socks - another of lessness baked into the design. The natural ventila- nature’s miracles - you’ll have a combination suitable tion properties of leather far surpass even the most for all winter conditions encountered in California modern synthetics, providing a shoe that keeps feet and the surrounding Western United States. dry and funk-free, even on the hottest of southland summer days. THE MAKER Lace-up styled shoes for road cycling have made On opening the box containing the hand-made a recent comeback, though the folks at Dromarti Dromarti Race cycling shoes, the lightness of the would say they never left. The benefits of the laced lace-ups was most noticeable. There is an expectation shoe have kept them on the shelves in European that natural leather shoes will be heavy, as the closest bike shops, but now with more attention on the style experience many of us have with leather shoes is of in the states, we may begin to see offerings from a dress variety, or boot. In the case of the Race, the other manufactures. But this entire time, Dromarti has traditional laces remove significant weight normally been hard at work, iterating their two shoe designs taken up by ratchet or cable-tightening mechanisms and keeping to a tradition of quality and sensibility. offsetting the material weight, with a size 46 left shoe Both the Race and the Sportivo, an SPD variant with weighing in at a svelte 379 grams. recessed cleat and a tread suitable for extended hikes The extremely stiff, carbon-fiber composite soles or around the campsite, are available in either black of the Dromarti Race shoes are formed in Taiwan, the with finely seemed cardinal red stitching or a striking nexus of global carbon-fiber composite manufacturing chestnut brown with dark brown stitching. -CR technology. The shoe is assembled by hand, with premium shoe leather, complimented by red stitching and plush leather interior that hints at the purpose of COLOR SPEC Black (Also available in brown, ‘Classic’ the shoes. The black shoe leather is a rich and true PRICE $274 WEIGHT (size 46, left shoe, no cleat) 379 grams black under full sunlight, yet unassuming at home, in AVAILABILITY dromarti.com a coffee shop or passing through a lobby to the office.

I

36

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


PROVISIONS

Magnum Cycling A Look Into the Archives of Cycling’s Greatest Moments

Books

Magnum Cycling, Curated by Guy Andrews. Thames & Hudson 2016 $50 thamesandhudsonusa.com

M

agnum Cycling opened their archives to Guy Andrews, founding editor of Rouleur magazine, so he could curate a book of unique photos chronicling the history of cycling. Andrews supplements the historical information gathered from the archives with informal insights into the lives of the people in the front of and behind the camera. Readers will discover many unfamiliar photos and gain a new appreciation for it takes to be a professional race photographer. The second chapter was a particular favorite of this reviewer. It profiles photographers John Vink and Guy LeQuerrec, two photographers who followed the 1985 French and Belgian winter and spring cyclocross racing season. LeQuerrec’s training photos capture rugged, helmet-less riders on the icy streets outside Paris. John Vink’s photographs show a frenzied mix of mud and screaming spectators juxtaposed with photos of the serene Belgian countryside. Vink’s photographs have a certain musicality to them; some elements are as loud as a holler and others as soft as a whisper. In one particular photo, a man washes his bike in a river against a backdrop of lush trees. At that time, cleaning your bike meant removing mud “with a bucket and sponge" in any "nearby source of clean water,” which sometimes meant the nearest river. -KO

Each chapter is a bold and exciting adventure through the Peloton and from the sidelines. Chapter 6 takes a look at the spectators who made cycling the "peoples sport"

southern california BICYCLIST #134

37


EVENTS

Highlights

W

Event Horizon

Issue #134 Calendar Prologue

ith more than half the year behind us, we still have a large number of upcoming events of all disciplines. For Mountain Bike, the Kenda Cup West is coming to a close in early July, but look out for the second half of the Over the Hump series in Orange County. Coming up at the end of July is the Big Bear Cycling Festival (pg. 15) with Tinker Juarez leading the week-long MTB festivities. Also available for the dirt-seeker are Non Dot Adventures to keep yourself in event shape until racing resumes in the winter. For road racing, So-Cal Fixed Series continues through to August, promising exciting Sundays for fixed-gear racers and spectators. For the recreation rider, many experiences will be available through the year including the Tour de Lake Arrowhead, Tour de Big Bear (pg. 15), Ride with the Tide, Westlake Village Century, and the Victor Valley Bicycle Tour. For those looking for unique challenges , there are some excellent opportunities with the Tehatchapi Gran Fondo, Central Coast Classique (pg. 30) , and Phil Gaimon’s Malibu Gran Cookie Dough (pg. 26)

Be sure to look for the highlighting the events that are perfect for bringing your non-cycling friends or family to be entertained while you fuel your stoke.

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE! SUBSCRIBE AND RECEIVE EVERY ISSUE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

socalbicyclist.com/subscribe


EVENTS

2016 July

Ruta del Vino Valle de Guadalupe Bicycle Ride and Wine Festival ROAD: 36 miles / 25 wineries Guadalupe, MX

Tehachapi MTB BrewFondo Tehachapi Tehachapi Mountain Trails Association MTB: 27 miles / 3,500’ Willow Springs Rd, 93561

26 Tuesday

Over the Hump Week #8 Silverado Over the Hump MTB: 4+ mile course Irvine Lake, 92676

Cycling for Sight Blind Stokers Club ROAD: 2-day Tour Trek Bicycle Superstore, 92069

San Marcos

Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo Big Bear Cycling Festival MTB: 50k, 30k, and 20k Big Bear Lake, 92315

Beach Babe Bicycling Classic California Girl Series ROAD: 38, 15 miles Pierport Landing, 90802

Long Beach

Kenda Cup West: Crafts & Cranks Ride Biker Alliance MTB: Endurance, Downhill, and XC Snow Summit Resort, 92315

16 Saturday

Borrego Double Century California Triple Crown ROAD: 192 miles / 16000’ Hacienda Del Sol, 92004

TOUR DE TACO Eastside Bike Club ROAD Stan’s Bike Shop, 91016

17 Sunday

Pomona Criterium So-Cal Fixed Series ROAD: Brakeless Crit Pomona Metrolink Station, 91767

19 Tuesday

Big Bear

Borrego Springs

16-17 Multi

July

23 Saturday

8-10 Multi

9 Sunday

CALENDAR

Monrovia

Pomona

24 Sunday

30 Saturday

30-7 Multi

Over the Hump 2nd Half Begins Silverado Over the Hump MTB: 4+ mile course Irvine Lake, 92676

Telo Criterium So-Cal Fixed Series ROAD: Brakeless Crit Torrance, 90505

Torrance

Grizzly 100/75 Big Bear Cycling Festival MTB: 100k and 75k Big Bear Lake, 92315

Big Bear

Ninety Years of Masi Masi Bicycles Movie Screening, Book Launch, Ride Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad

Big Bear Cycling Festival Big Bear Cycling Rides and Festival Big Bear Lake, 92315

Big Bear

Big Bear

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.

Do you have an event you’d like to list? Submit for free at socalbicyclist.com/events

SIGNS & SYMBOLS COMPETITION events with posted participants and results ROAD events with 90% or more paved route MOUNTAIN events with 90% or more dirt trail CYCLOCROSS closed course road/mtb hybrid GRAVEL fire roads, grinders and adventure rides BICYCLISM arts, entertainment and BIKES! MAGAZINE SUPPORTERS #keepSCBfree southern california BICYCLIST #134   

39


EVENTS

2016

CALENDAR

August

September

2 Tuesday

Saturday Over the Hump Family Night Silverado 10 Over the Hump MTB: 4+ mile course Irvine Lake, 92676

White Mountain Double California Triple Crown ROAD: 200 miles / 12500’ La Quinta Inn, 93514

9 Tuesday

Sunday Over the Hump Week #10 Silverado 11 Over the Hump MTB: 4+ mile course Irvine Lake, 92676

Sunset Bike-a-Thon Playa Del Rey SugarWatch Beach Bike Path Dockweiler State Beach, 90293

17 Saturday

Giro di San Diego CAF Operation Rebound ROAD: 105, 65, 38 miles Fletcher Cover, 92075

20 Saturday

Cool Breeze Century Ventura Channel Islands Bicycle Club ROAD: 125, 100(2), 60, 30 miles Ventura Unified School District Office

6 Saturday

16 Tuesday

Tour de Big Bear Big Bear Cycling Festival ROAD: 100, 70, 50, 20 miles Big Bear Lake, 92315

Big Bear

Tehachapi

24 Saturday

Rosarito Ensenada Bike Ride ROAD: 50 miles Rosarito Beach Hotel, MX

Carmel Valley Double California Triple Crown ROAD: 200 miles / 14000’ Carmel Middle School, 93923

Ride with the Tide Redondo Beach South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club ROAD: 62, 31, 15.5 miles Redondo Beach Pier, 90277

24-1 Multi

California Coast Classic The Arthritis Foundation ROAD: 525 miles San Francisco to Los Angeles

Carmel

Tour de Lake Arrowhead Twin Peaks Rim of the World ROAD: 100k, 50k, 25k Twin Peaks Recreation Complex, 92391

Tehachapi GranFondo City of Tehachapi ROAD: 100, 70, 50, 38, 18 miles Centennial Plaza, 93561

Solana Beach

Interbike Las Vegas International Bicycle Exposition The Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Over the Hump Finale Silverado Over the Hump MTB: 4+ mile course Irvine Lake, 92676

28 Sunday

Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle Best Buddies International ROAD: 100, 62, 30, 15 miles Carmel to San Simeon

Over the Hump Week #11 Silverado 21-23 Multi Over the Hump MTB: 4+ mile course Irvine Lake, 92676

23 Tuesday

27 Saturday

Bishop

Central Coast Classique Arroyo Grande Central Coast Classique ROAD: 100, 64, 30 miles Arroyo Grande, 93421

Bike the Bay San Diego San Diego County Bicycle Coalition ROAD: 25 miles Embarcadero Marine Park South, 92101

The END Criterium So-Cal Fixed Series ROAD: Brakeless Crit Santa Fe Springs, 90670

Santiago Oaks XC Race Non Dot Adventures MTB: 7.5 mile course Irvine Regional Park, 92869

Rosarito

Orange

San Francisco

Daily news & Updates Follow on facebook facebook.com/Socalbicyclist

Santa Fe Springs

SIGNS & SYMBOLS COMPETITION events with posted participants and results ROAD events with 90% or more paved route MOUNTAIN events with 90% or more dirt trail CYCLOCROSS closed course road/mtb hybrid GRAVEL fire roads, grinders and adventure rides BICYCLISM arts, entertainment and BIKES! MAGAZINE SUPPORTERS #keepSCBfree

40

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


EVENTS

2016 October

CALENDAR

October

1 Saturday

Tour de Camp Pendleton Solana Beach Hard Corps Race Series ROAD: 100, 75, 50, 25 miles Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

15-21 Multi

Million Dollar Challenge San Francisco Challenged Athletes Foundation ROAD: 620 miles San Francisco to San Diego

Westlake Village Century Westlake Village Stonehaus at the Westlake Village Inn ROAD: 100, 84, 40 miles Stonehaus, 91361

16-22 Multi

Honor Ride: California Challenge Ride 2 Recovery ROAD: 450 miles Palo Alto to Los Angeles

2 Sunday

CF Cycle for Life Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ROAD: 62, 31 miles Lakeview Park, 92869

OC Ride for AIDS AIDS Services Foundation ROAD: 100, 62 miles William R. Mason Regional Park

3-8 Multi

California Dream Ride San Luis Obispo California Bicycle Coalition ROAD: 280 miles San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles

8 Saturday

Share the Road Ride Soaring Spirits International ROAD: 100, 50, 25 miles Simi Valley DMV Office

15 Saturday

Solvang’s Finest Century Planet Ultra ROAD: 100, 60 miles Santa Ynez Valley Marriott

Buellton

Solvang Autumn Double California Triple Crown ROAD: 194 miles / 11500’ Santa Ynez Valley Marriott

Buellton

CF Cycle for Life Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ROAD: 62, 32 miles Church of the Nativity, 92067

San Diego

Orange County

Simi Valley

22 Saturday

Palo Alto

Oceanside Double Century California Triple Crown ROAD: 194 miles / 15700’ Oceanside Days Inn, 92054

Oceanside

Irvine

CF Cycle for Life Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ROAD: 100, 65, 25 miles Alosta Brewing, Covina

22-23 Multi

Bike MS: Bay to Bay 2016 National Multiple Sclerosis Society ROAD: 150, 125, 100, 25 miles Orange County to San Diego

29 Saturday

Los Angeles

Irvine

Victor Valley Bicycle Tour Victor Valley Deset Valley Medical Group ROAD: 100, 62, 25 miles Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville

Santa Barbara Endurance Race XC MTB Marathons MTB: 100 miles, 100k, 50k Lower Oso Picnic Area, 93105

Santa Barbara

29 Saturday

Big Orange Classic Ride 2 Recovery ROAD: 60, 40, 20 miles ARB Cyclery

30 Sunday

SLO Gran Fondo Presented by Avila Beach ROAD: 100, 61, 25 miles Avila Beach Golf Resort, 93424

Filthy 50 Escondido Quick N Dirty MTB: 50, 30 miles Lake Hodges, 92033

Irvine

Avila Beach

EVENT ORGANIZERS IS YOUR EVENT NOT LISTED ?

Event listings are FREE! Visit SOCALBICYCLIST.COM/EVENTS to submit your event. southern california BICYCLIST #134

41


EVENTS

2016

CALENDAR

November

4-6 Multi

Revolution Bike Fest Race OC Outdoor Festival Irvine Lake, 92676

Silverado

12 Saturday

Operation: Ride for the Red American Red Cross ROAD: 100, 50, 30 miles Camarillo, CA

Camarillo

6 Sunday

12-13 Multi

Malibu Gran Cookie Dough Malibu Phil Gaimon of Cannondale Pro Cycling ROAD: 114, 86, 42 miles Hyatt Regency Westlake, 91361

Tour del Toro Boys & Girls Club ROAD: 50, 25 miles Lake Forest Sports Park, 92630

Lake Forest

Casper’s Wilderness XC Race San Juan Non Dot Adventures Capistrano MTB: 4.2 and 6.5 mile loops Casper’s Wilderness, 92675

Ride the Point Point Loma Rotary Club ROAD: 62, 25, 10 miles Liberty Station, 92106

San Diego

Padres Pedal the Cause San Diego ROAD: 162, 100, 62, 40, 25, 10 miles Petco Park, 92101

10 Saturday

December

Dirty 30 TBA Quick N Dirty MTB: TBA TBA

Daily news & Updates Follow on facebook facebook.com/Socalbicyclist SIGNS & SYMBOLS COMPETITION events with posted participants and results ROAD events with 90% or more paved route MOUNTAIN events with 90% or more dirt trail CYCLOCROSS closed course road/mtb hybrid GRAVEL fire roads, grinders and adventure rides BICYCLISM arts, entertainment and BIKES! MAGAZINE SUPPORTERS #keepSCBfree

SCB.FM WEEKLY EPISODES WITH THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF

42

Search “SCB.FM” in The Apple iTunes store (or your favorite App) socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   Or visit www.scb.fm


PROVISIONS

Help Us Help You

Marketplace

“We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends”

Marin BIkes Marin, CA

dromarti Surrey, UK

marinbikes.com

dromarti.com

Trek Bikes

Waterloo, Wi

Elevenpine Boulder, Co

Schwalbe Victoria, BC

trekbikes.com Available at

elevenpine.com

Jax Bicycle Center

schwalbe.com Irvine, CA

jaxbicycles.com

Weekly email newsletter

visit socalbicyclist.com to join - always free

southern california BICYCLIST #134

43


PROFILES

Sweet Tooth Will Pedal for ice cream

By Kelley O’Toole

Organic, Fair Trade Ice Cream At Peddler’s Creamery in DTLA

Owner Edward Belden used a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 to raise funds to set up a permanent location for his mobile churning bike business. The campaign was successful and Belden held the grand opening celebration of Peddler’s Creamery in conjunction with the 2013 CicLAvia event. On that evening, all nine flavors sold out. Pedaling a bicycle to make ice cream is reason enough to check out Peddler’s Creamery, but their use of quality ingredients is the stand-out feature of their product. All ingredients are certified organic and the chocolates, coffees and vanilla are all certified fair-trade. The shop also offers sorbet made from fresh fruit with exotic and interesting flavors such as: Kumquat, Strawberry Basil, Orange Carrot Ginger, and Fig Ginger. That same creativity is displayed in stand-out dairy and vegan flavors, such as Simply Cardamom, Raspberry Poptart, and Local Lavender. But, as I found during my recent visit, even classic flavors like Dark Chocolate can be a delicious adventure. - KO

At Peddler’s Creamery, all ice cream is made the previous night using the shop’s stationary churning bike.

O

n a recent trek through the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles, I stopped by Peddler’s Creamery for a double scoop of organic ice cream in a handmade, flaxseed waffle cone. Jasmin, an employee at the shop, stacked a scoop of Dark Chocolate on top of a scoop of Chocolate Peanut Butter. What made my indulgent treat so unique was that the ice cream had been churned the night before by the shop’s stationary churning bicycle. The bike sits at the center the shop with its chain running through the back wall and then connects to an ice cream churn. Pedaling is the only method used by Peddler’s Creamery to make ice cream. One of the best parts of churning ice cream by bicycle is that it is a portable operation. One of the shop’s “peddlers” rides the original churning bicycle (the shop has two bikes) to the farmer’s market in DTLA every Sunday, to create ice cream magic with every push of the pedal. She sets up their mobile unit at the market so pedestrians can purchase a scoop or two of the rich, freshly churned ice cream.

44

Originally a mobile operation, Peddler’s Creamery has set up shop in DTLA offering a variety of creative flavors.

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


CLUBS Racing Opportunity Advocacy

Orange County All-Mountain Trail Riders

meetup.com/allmountaintrailriders

3F Bicycling Club 3fbc.com

Off-Road Off-Road

Beach Cities Women Cyclists bcwcyclists.wix.com/bcwc

Road

Beach Area Recumbent Riders Road bikeroute.com/RecumbentRides.htm Bicycle Club of Irvine bikeirvine.org

Road

Canyon Velo canyonvelo.org

Mixed

Christian Cycling christiancycling.com

Mixed

Ciclistas Capistrano Bicycle Club ciclistascapistrano.com

Road

Cycles Veloce cyclesveloce.com

Road

OCrider.com ocrider.com

Mixed

OC Women on Wheels socalbicyclist.com/ocwow

Road

Orange Coast ocvelo.com

Road

Orange County Rebel Riders ocrebels.com

Road

Orange County Wheelmen ocw.org

Mixed

Rock n’ Road Divas rocknroadcyclery.net

Mixed

SHARE sharemtb.com

Off-Road

Supercolony supercolony.cc

Road

Team Velo Sport teamvelosport.com The Warrior’s Society warriorssociety.org

Mixed

Off-Road

Trail Angels trailangels.com

Off-Road

TRU Cycling trucycling.org

Mixed

Veloce Santiago velocesantiago.com

Road

VeloViet veloviet.com

Mixed

Cyclone Coaster cyclonecoaster.com

Road

Different Spokes (LGBT) differentspokes.com

Mixed

Girlz Gone Riding girlzgoneriding.com

Off-Road

Off-Road

Covina Cycle Club meetup.com/Covina-Cycle-Club

Road

Mixed

Ranchos Cycling Club ranchoscycling.org

Road Ride with Javi ridewithjavi.com

Los Angeles Wheelmen lawheelmen.org

Road

Major Motion Cycling Club majormotioncycling.com

Road

Marina del Rey Cycle Club mdrcc.org

Road

Over the Bars otbmbc.com

Off-Road

Palos Verdes Bicycle Club pvbikeclub.net

Road

Pasadena Athletic Association paacycling.net

Mixed

Pasadena Mountain Bike Club Off-Road pmbc.org San Fernando Valley Bicycle Club Road sfvbc.org Santa Clarita Velo santaclaritavelo.org

Road

SCOR bikescor.com

Road

South Bay Wheelman sbwheelmen.org

Velo Allegro Cycling Club veloallegro.org Velo Club La Grange lagrange.org

Road

Mixed Mixed

Mixed

Recyclers sdrecyclers.org

Road Road

San Diego Bicycle Club sdbc.org

Road

San Diego Bicycle Touring Society Road efgh.com/sdbts San Diego Cyclo-Vets cyclo-vets.org

Road

San Diego Wheelmen sandiegowheelmen.com

Road

Swami’s Cycle Club swamis.org

Road

Team Green (Vegan) officialteamgreen.com

Mixed

Valle Verde Velo vvvelo.com

Road

Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside Big Bear Cycling Association bigbearcycling.com

Mixed

Butts on Bikes Inland Empire bobie.org

Road

Channel Islands Bicycle Club cibike.org

Road

Conejo Valley Cyclists cvcbike.org

Mixed

Cycling Connection cyclingconnection.org

Road

Desert Bicycle Club cycleclub.com

Road

Bike Buddies bikebuddies.org

Road Girlz Gone Riding girlzgoneriding.com

Off-Road

Blind Stokers Club blindstokersclub.org

Road

West L.A. Cycling Club wlacyclingclub.com

Road

San Diego

Celo Pacific celopacific.org Girlz Gone Riding girlzgoneriding.com

Major Taylor Cycling Club mtccsd.org Road

Ramona Fun Riders ramonafunriders.com

Lightning Velo lightningvelo.org

Los Angeles Beach Cities Cycling Club bccclub.org

Mixed

Road

Knickerbikers knickerbikers.com

Road

North County Cycle Club northcountycycleclub.com

Grand Masters Cycling grandmasterscycling.org

meetup.com/Orange-County-Women-on-Wheels

Team Unlikely Cyclist

CORBA corbamtb.com

Directory

Southern California Clubs

Club not listed? socalbicyclist.com/clubs

Mountain Bike Assistance Unit cuyamacasp.org

Mixed Off-Road

North Ranch Mountain Bikers Off-Road nrmbc.org Project HERO Ventura socalbicyclist.com/projecthero

Redlands Water Bottle Transit Co. Road rwbtc.org

Road Ride Yourself Fit rideyourselffit.org Road Riverside Bicycle Club riversidebicycleclub.com O ff-Road

Road

Road Mixed

San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club slobc.org

Road Road

North Coast Velo northcoastvelo.com

Road

Tailwinds Bicycle Club tailwindsofsantamariabc.org

North County Cruisers northcountycruisers.org

Road

Temecula Velo temeculavelo.com

southern california BICYCLIST #134

Mixed

45


REGULARS

Last Page India by bicycle

By David Manski

Taking A Different Path To Improve Bike Handling

From these experiences, my rules for biking became: 1. Concentrate on the road ahead

and don’t become distracted by the surroundings, no matter how crazy the sights or sounds.

Photo courtesy David Manski

2. Ride defensively. Have an “out” in your mind if you need to take evasive action to avoid someone or something.

David Manski above was an American Fulbright-Nehru Environmental Leadership scholar in India in 2014, commuting by bicycle for 6 months.

W

hen I lived in India for six months in 2014 doing environmental research, I always traveled to my host institution in the northern Bangalore suburbs on my bicycle. It was 6 km away and only took me about 20 minutes. It was a lovely trip through a colorful neighborhood and I relished the sights, smells, and sounds. But, the rides were challenging, both physically and emotionally.

to accommodate even half the users. Everyone was territorial when it came to their use of the roadway. Cows didn’t budge; buses crowded the center of the street, and motorcycles weaved in and out of traffic as if they were on a motor-cross road race. If you showed any timidity on the road, you would get passed, pushed, and pissed! I should also mention that traffic moves forward on the left side of the road as it does in In India, I learned that the road England. belongs to everyone and to no India is an amazing democracy one. The concept of “yielding” to and equality applies to everyone on others doesn’t exist. Stripes that the road. Even as a noticeable nondefine lanes were meaningless. Indian, I received no deferential Passing and honking the horn, treatment from vehicles, animals, anytime and anywhere, was the or people. rule. Turn signals were rarely used During my ride to and from work, and traffic signals or stop signs I endured the same road hazards as were often ignored. The asphalt everyone else. In the daily ebb and road was one big sea of traffic that flow of traffic, we all had to dodge defied Western norms. wandering cows (please don’t let Buses, trucks, cars, auto rickshaws, motorcycles, pushcarts, pedestrians, cows, goats, and dogs all competed for street space that was often too narrow

46

me hit one!), inhale diesel fumes from belching buses, and avoid crumbling, cracked and cavernous pot-holed street surfaces.

3. Be assertive about the space you occupy. 4. Be seen and heard. I rode with front and back strobe lights blazing on at all times, ringing my annoying bicycle bell incessantly, and yelling when necessary. In spite of all the crazy road chaos and regular frustration with drivers, I actually improved my bicycle riding skills during that time in India. I learned to anticipate the unexpected, became more aware of my surroundings, and acquired more confidence in riding safely on terrible roads and among aggressive drivers. So, thank you India for a great six months exploring your beautiful and diverse country. By taking on your challenging roads, I’ve become a better bicyclist!

Next issue

Available in Print August 2016

#135

KONA

Adventure Bicycles

OLYMPICS

Searching for ‘84

FALL PREVIEW

MTB/ROAD/RECREATION/FOOD&DRINK SUBSCRIBE scbmag.com PODCAST scb.fm READ socalbicyclist.com

socalbicyclist.com @socalbicyclist   


“I have tremendous respect for his exceptional professional ability and am grateful for what he accomplished on my behalf.” -Timothy W.

SERVING THE CYCLING COMMUNITY SINCE 1995 Thomas Forsyth has been practicing law for 26 years and has been representing cyclists since 1995. Mr. Forsyth is an expert in his field and offers free legal advise to all riders. When represented by an expert, there is no learning curve.

“I could trust that my case was in good hands, and I could focus on recovering from my injuries. I was very pleased with the professionalism, and also the personal care that they took in handling my case.” - Judy H.

“After meeting Tom at his office I was pleased to discover that he himself is an experienced cyclist and knows firsthand the trials we face everyday, as well as the love we feel for the sport.” - Kevin J.

Bicycle Attorney: Law Offices of Thomas F. Forsyth Serving all of California with offices in both Pasadena and San Jose

Pasadena (626) 240-4633 San Jose (408) 573-3670

Se Habla Español Please see our website for further information

www.bicycleattorney.net



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.