This is a reminder for the HDC Club Meeting tonight at Nick’s Pizzeria at 7PM.
13
May 2013
This week is a BIG Bike Week in more ways than one!
There are many cycling activities happening in the Antelope Valley this week. For spectators, Stage 3 of the Tour of California, a 110 mile loop from Palmdale to Santa Clarita will start Tuesday from Marie Kerr Park at 11:15AM. For more info on the TOC:
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage3.html
This week is Bike-To-Work Week. Thursday, May 16th is Bike-To-Work Day! The High Desert Cyclists, in coordination with LA Metro, has set up a bike-to-work day Pit Stop at Bicycle Johns, Lancaster from 6AM to 9AM. Coffee and snacks will be provided. For more info on bike-to-work day and week:
http://www.metro.net/bikes/bike-week/
Finally, this is a big cycling week for me personally. This past Saturday I completed the Central Coast Double Century in 13:25. Tuesday, May 14th, I’m cycling a “staff ride” for the Heartbreak Double Century with my good friend John Clare. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to watch the Tour of California cyclists race on our local roads. For bike to work day, I’m going to ride to NASA (70 miles round trip) with some old work friends. This Saturday, May 18th, I’m riding the Davis Double Century with John Clare.
Remember, when cycling in the heat: stay hydrated, use electrolyte replacement products, and always wear a helmet.
Kevin Walsh
15
Apr 2013
AV HDC Meeting tonight at 7PM, Nick’s Pizzeria
Sorry for the late reminder but the HDC meeting is tonight at 7PM at Nick’s Pizzeria. The club will be picking up the pizza tab tonight.
04
Mar 2013
MONDAY APRIL 15, 2013
Monday, April 15 will be the final day for you to help us bring on new sponsors to The High Desert Cyclists Bike Club for 2013. We are looking for, but not limited to, small businesses local to the A.V. willing to either provide discounts to our members and/or advertise through our bicycle club. We’re asking that you by approaching locations that you visit often. A club sponsor does not need to be a cycling related business. We are a club designed to represent cycling throughout the Antelope Valley and we feel local businesses would prosper most from our program. We have a sponsorship proposal available for you to view or use, upon request. If you would like to recommend a business or have any questions about becoming a sponsor yourself, feel free to contact us at info@highdesertcyclists.com. Thanks.
22
Feb 2013
Elections!!!!
March is election month for us High Desert Cyclists. So make sure you show up to our next meeting on March 18, 2013 @ 7pm at Nick’s Pizzeria (Lancaster, CA) to not only place your vote for members who you feel have the best interest of our club as board members, but to enjoy some of the best pizza in the A.V. at HDC’s expense!!!
Also, for members who have not renewed their dues yet this year, they will be due next month. The annual fee is $20 payable by cash, check or money order.
23
Nov 2012
Weekend Mountain Bike Ride-Golden Eagle Trail Liebre Mountain
If you are a bit on the wild side, or simply want to break up your relationship with your old road bike and see a different bike, this weekend’s mountain bike ride is for you. Think about the change of scenery your new bike will give you, a new seat, bright shiny handlebars, shock absorbers, more room, and a slightly different feel.
It will be just like having a new date if only for a few hours. And after the ride is over, you can leave the bike in the garage for as long as you want with no repercussions…. It’s almost like a first date without the commitment!
Mark Stiver and Greg Ebert are putting this together. Ride details are available at http://www.meetup.com/bicyclejohns/events/92393072/
The first few miles are downhill on partially paved road. It is then a long climb up along Liebre Mtn. After a few miles of some up and down we will get on the Golden Eagle trail and take this all the way back down to where we started.
This ride is not for beginners.
To get to the ride start take Hwy 138 west towards Gorman. Just before you get to Quail Lake make a left hand turn onto the Old Ridge Route. Go a couple miles and not too far after you pass Pine Cyn Rd (State Rd N2) look for a large open area with some building remains on the right. Park here. A forest adventure pass is required to park.
Anyways, have fun if you go.
13
Nov 2012
Upcoming Ride Schedule
By Colin Baird
This week a few friends and I traveled to Upland to chase down a few riding memories while we followed in the footsteps of Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie, and Chris Horner. For a moment in time we were all living the dream as we chased down eternity heading up Glendora Mountain Road (GMR), and suffered while going up Mt. Baldy Road in the Angeles National Forest.
As we tripped the timing chip at the top of GMR, the crowd had set in cheering us on. (Ok. it was only 8 people!) As we steadied up the storybook climb while dancing on our pedals, (and me in my big chain ring….), we found ourselves lost in the continuum between our sense of reality, and the fact we really aren’t that fast. However, for just one moment, we were in mecca.
At the top of GMR I knew that I had traversed the initial climb of 4,000 feet in 12 miles, but Mt. Baldy (with it’s additional 4,000 feet) awaited me. It didn’t bother me however as I turned down the hill to race through the San Gabriel Canyon reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour…..
If cycling hasn’t infected you yet, perhaps it is time.
Grab a bike, join us for a ride this week. Get moving, life’s short. Bring your family. Let’s go.
Chow for now until we meet again at http://www.meetup.com/bicyclejohns/ for the listing of this week’s upcoming rides and events.
PS, if you haven’t purchased your raffle ticket yet which entitles you to an opportunity to win $600 in a Christmas gift certificate, and a membership in next year’s High Desert Cycling Club, you can do so at Bicycle John’s in Lancaster. Bicycle John’s is located at 1715 West Ave K Lancaster, CA 93534 and can be reached directly at (661) 951-8330. These are the perfect gifts for your cycling afficionados!
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Come join us at http://www.meetup.com/bicyclejohns/ for more information on our weekly rides. Our rides have a no drop policy. but we encourage you to ride with a member of the group that is like minded in pace and style.
We meet up at 1965 West Ave L Lancaster, CA. at 0800 on Saturdays and Sundays start times are 0800 sharp. We leave the lot at 0800, don’t be late.
An additional start site is available on Sunday beginning November 11th at 0745 at Bicycle Johns at 17th West And Ave K. This group will join our regular group ride starting at at 0800 from the Ralph’s site.
21
Oct 2012
A Big Thank You to All Who Participated and Volunteered in the Fall Memorial Century
Michael Lemos:
Another High Desert Memorial Fall Century in the books. Thanks to our awesome volunteers who spent the day supporting our riders. Registration crew, sag dudes, rest stop hosts and finish line lunch ‘caterer’…You all did the High Desert Cyclists proud!
Special thanks to Bicycle John’s Lancaster, Benz Sanitation and Starbuck’s for your support. And all the work that goes on behind the scenes, the advertising, permits, insurance, routes, reserving the College parking lot and just talking it up!
Our volunteers included Charlene Duran, Diana Miranda, Pat Hogan, Kevin Walsh, Colin Baird, Rich Coffman, Rob Laughton, Lu Quinn, Bob Macdonald, Elaine Macdonald, Michele Chavez, Sarge Chavez, Tony Miranda, Mark Stiver, Greg Ebbert and my very own specialist volunteer, Nancy Lemos.
Michele Chavez:
Thanks to all the amazing riders in the Fall Memorial Century, Metric Century, and 25-mile ride. It was incredible watching you all participate and brave our Antelope Valley winds to complete your rides. I salute you!
We received this comment from Eric Bruins of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, who rode the Century yesterday:
New favorite roads up in the western Antelope Valley. Like, Solvang quality. Want to come back.
Eric also sent these spectacular photos.
Yesterday’s ride in the Antelope Valley. Marine layer rolling over the ridge on Elizabeth Lake Road. Photo by Eric Bruins
Western tip of the Antelope Valley from Old Ridge Route. Photo by Eric Bruins
18
Oct 2012
2012 Christmas Party Raffle
For only $40, you can enter for a chance to win a $600 gift certificate to Bicycle John’s-Lancaster. Your entry will also include one 2013 family membership to High Desert Cyclists Bicycle Club, regardless of outcome.
There will be a limited supply of only 50 tickets this year. There is no limit to how many tickets you may purchase.You do not have to be present to win, but the winner will be anounced at the annual HDC Christmas party held at Texas Cattle Co. in Lancaster, CA, on Monday December 17, 2012 at 7pm.
Tickets may be purchased from any current HDC board member or at Bicycle John’s- Lancaster (661) 951-8330.
If you have any questions, feel free to Facebook or e-mail us at info@highdesertcyclists.
18
Oct 2012
New Cruiser Bike Rides Led by Elaine Macdonald
Monday Cruisers
The Club is offering a Monday morning ride for beginners or retirees who would like to cruise along at a slower pace. Elaine Macdonald will lead the Monday morning rides starting at 8:00 am. The rides leave on time! No one is left behind! The average speed is 10 miles per hour, and average distances are 20-25 miles. This is a good opportunity to learn the bicycle routes while riding on the surface streets, and bicycle paths in the Antelope Valley. Riding will help keep you in condition, is good for your health while loosing unwanted calories.
Rides will take place from different locations in the Antelope Valley on most Mondays. It is advisable to email an RSVP to Elaine before the Monday ride. If weather is bad, Elaine will cancel the ride by Sunday 6:00 pm. If you’re on the ride list, you will get cancelation notice.
Cruiser ride Monday, October 22nd
In the saddle at 8:00 am. Meet at Sierra Highway Bicycle Path on the south east corner of Avenue J. Ride is approximately 20 miles. Route will consist of stopping at the Palmdale train station for a short break. Continue to Paloma Vista Park and back to Technology and return on the bicycle path.
Please wear a helmet, bring water and a snack.
Please RSVP!
Special Cruiser Beach Ride Friday, November 16th
Mark your calendar! The Cruisers are riding the Strand in Santa Monica. Ride 20-25 miles or less. Riders are planning to stop at the pier for lunch, and then return to the car. It will be a long day so be prepared. The drive will be worth the time riding along the scenic beach path. The day will start at the Palmdale car pool lot at 7:00 am. It would be good to car pool and share gas. Please make arrangements ahead of time to car pool.
Please wear a helmet, bring water and a snack.
Please RSVP!