Spring Training in Arizona 2022
#1
Bike Butcher of Portland
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,638
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4667 Post(s)
Liked 5,766 Times
in
2,271 Posts
Spring Training in Arizona 2022
Almost exactly 2 years later, we're headed back. As usual, @nlerner instigated, many followed. Even if that ain't true, it's a good story. After two years of starts and stops, we're chomping at the bit to hit the road.
This issue of Spring Training includes some recividists as well as some noobs - new to Spring Training, but old faces nonetheless.
- @rccardr, aka Doc stepped up as Capo this time. Rather than stuff us all in an RV for a week, he found a palatial AirBnB in Tucson to work as our base camp. He's flying in from Virginia. Doc seems to be everywhere. Two things are equaly true - he's my bike riding hero, and I hate him for living the life I'd like. Well, less than 1 year till retirement and I won't hate him anymore. There was a time period a few years ago that I saw him at vintage bike events so often I thought he moved to the West Coast.
- @nlerner is here just as much for his easy going temperment and riding ability as well as his well known ability to make the weather favorable just by his presence. Even though we live on opposite coasts, I've gotten in five multiday tours, an Eroica California and a Cino with him. We worked at the same LBS as I did eons ago, although about 6 months apart. He's leaving from Boston, Mass.
- @Spaghetti Legs is returning, happy that he doesn't have to share a queen sized mattress in an RV with me this time around. I still remember driving an enormous Winnebago around near the Santa Clara, California Caltrain station looking for this random guy that signed up to stay several days in an RV with 4 other guys he had never met. Since then we've met up a few times for multi-day tours and Eroica California. He needs to do Cino, even if I have to send @northbend to him so he can do his hypnosis thing - "you really need to do Cino." Oh, and he's an actual medical doctor, so we've got our doping under control.
- @SquireBlack took an early retirement from a computer science professorship at Portland State, just as many have done when all classes went online the past year or so. He's quickly getting on my nerves - "hey Mark, want to ride The Gorge this Wednesday?" Soon, Andrew, soon. He was on that Magic Bus tour for Eroica Cali in 2018. We all found out that you need a guy like Andrew on a tour. Andrew was the only one who could figure out how the RV worked - something about "read the directions." What kind of b.s. is that?
- @VRJAKE is a fellow Portlandian, someone I've gotten to know a bit the last couple of years. He did Cino last year (see a theme here, folks?) and is ready to return. He lived in Tucson not too long ago, so we'll lean on him for local knowledge.
Now that I've spilled the beans, the rest of the knuckleheads will probably soon deny they're doing this.
Damn, rereading this it looks like a Cino thread. It's not, but I promised @mountaindave I'd pimp the heck out of it so we can fill the roster and have the A+ lunch and dinner again.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Last edited by gugie; 03-21-22 at 11:29 PM.
Likes For gugie:
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
Will there be a visit to Rivendell?
Likes For nlerner:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 7,445
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 826 Post(s)
Liked 2,048 Times
in
545 Posts
Oh, man, that sounds awesome. I hope you all have a fantastic redux of the spring training tour.
I missed the dates. With the new CBA, MLB spring training starts this week. When do you plan to convene your tour?
Oscar Wilde said, "Work is the curse of the drinking class." I'd like to revise that to: "Work is the curse of the cycling class."
I missed the dates. With the new CBA, MLB spring training starts this week. When do you plan to convene your tour?
Oscar Wilde said, "Work is the curse of the drinking class." I'd like to revise that to: "Work is the curse of the cycling class."
#4
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
Posts: 4,548
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1166 Post(s)
Liked 962 Times
in
480 Posts
That sounds like a blast. Having spent this second to last hockey season jetsetting around with my oldest daughter, spring break will be very close to home this year. There will come a time…
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
#5
Bike Butcher of Portland
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,638
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4667 Post(s)
Liked 5,766 Times
in
2,271 Posts
#6
Bike Butcher of Portland
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,638
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4667 Post(s)
Liked 5,766 Times
in
2,271 Posts
My bike: an audible the day before we start
Last year I got a text message at 4:30 in the morning from Brookline, Mass, home of @nlerner. "Mahk, there's a Ritchey Breakaway in your size for sale on Craigslist in Santa Cruz, CA." The time difference kinda explains the early text, but what the heck is Neal looking for a travel bike in my size? Ah, I get it, he's got plans, and they include me getting on a plane for a bike trip sometime in the future, location TBD. So somehow I got the dingus, and I've already taken that trip to be named later with most of the gang listed, above. It's really convenient having a suitcase sized travel bag with a bike inside that was made to travel. I've been riding it so much I forgot that it doesn't have fenders.
Flight from PDX to Tucson leaves Monday, so Saturday I figured I'd break down the bike and get it in the travel bag. Except the damn seatpost didn't want to come out of the seat tube. I tried a whole buncha things, including 17 gallons of various anti-seize liquids.
For a guy with several bikes, I seem to only have one or two in operable condition at any given time. One of the closest to ready for prime time was a 1974 Raleigh International that was maybe 75% ready, so I spent all day Sunday getting it ready to go. Of course, with vintage bikes there's always some bit that you can't find, nothing that a quick trip to an LBS can't solve. It ain't exactly how I wanted it, but I've got it ride ready (I think). Nothing like a midnight build before 5 days of riding in another state.
I did get a 0.17 mile test ride in, so I'm sure it's good to go. Amazingly I got it broken down and buttoned up in my Trico Iron Case in 32 minutes flat.
It took me 2 hours to pick and pack my kit for the week.
Flight from PDX to Tucson leaves Monday, so Saturday I figured I'd break down the bike and get it in the travel bag. Except the damn seatpost didn't want to come out of the seat tube. I tried a whole buncha things, including 17 gallons of various anti-seize liquids.
For a guy with several bikes, I seem to only have one or two in operable condition at any given time. One of the closest to ready for prime time was a 1974 Raleigh International that was maybe 75% ready, so I spent all day Sunday getting it ready to go. Of course, with vintage bikes there's always some bit that you can't find, nothing that a quick trip to an LBS can't solve. It ain't exactly how I wanted it, but I've got it ride ready (I think). Nothing like a midnight build before 5 days of riding in another state.
I did get a 0.17 mile test ride in, so I'm sure it's good to go. Amazingly I got it broken down and buttoned up in my Trico Iron Case in 32 minutes flat.
It took me 2 hours to pick and pack my kit for the week.
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
BTW, high in Boston yesterday was 36F. High tomorrow in Tucson is predicted to be 86F.
#8
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,852
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2151 Post(s)
Liked 3,380 Times
in
1,198 Posts
Waiting to board at Reagan National. Bit of a kerfuffle at bag check with the EVOC bag, some agents don’t know their airline’s own rules.
Tracking scan not showing up yet on the app, so hoping it arrives in Tucson this afternoon.
Tracking scan not showing up yet on the app, so hoping it arrives in Tucson this afternoon.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
#9
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
Roswell, NM should be on your itinerary so you can add to any UFO* sightings.
Seriously, I hope you all have a great trip, with fair skies, gentle tailwinds, few mechanicals, and zero flats!
*Union (of) Fun-Loving Old-Farts
Seriously, I hope you all have a great trip, with fair skies, gentle tailwinds, few mechanicals, and zero flats!
*Union (of) Fun-Loving Old-Farts
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#11
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
Posts: 4,548
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1166 Post(s)
Liked 962 Times
in
480 Posts
I’m a little slow on the uptake - this is already in progress. Safe travels everyone, we look forward to the updates!
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
#12
weapons-grade bolognium
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Across the street from Chicago
Posts: 6,335
Bikes: Battaglin Cromor, Ciocc Designer 84, Schwinn Superior 1981
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 984 Post(s)
Liked 2,353 Times
in
882 Posts
Love Tucson!
Hope a trip up Mt. Lemmon is on the Menu.
Have fun and take a lot of pics!
Hope a trip up Mt. Lemmon is on the Menu.
Have fun and take a lot of pics!
Last edited by thinktubes; 03-14-22 at 01:08 PM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North Bend, Washington State
Posts: 2,938
Bikes: 1937 Hobbs; 1977 Bruce Gordon; 1987 Bill Holland; 1988 Schwinn Paramount (Fixed gear); 1999 Fat City Yo Eddy (MTB); 2018 Woodrup (Touring) 2016 Ritchey breakaway
Mentioned: 291 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 3,771 Times
in
664 Posts
Have a great trip guys!
#14
Bike Butcher of Portland
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,638
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4667 Post(s)
Liked 5,766 Times
in
2,271 Posts
Andrew, John and myself took the same flight from Portland to Tucson with no issues. Doc arrived early and beat us to the house.
waiting at the curb, John rented a pick up truck so we wouldn’t look like tourists
The casita Doc rented is large and comfy. After filling up the fridge with food and beer we got to work assembling our bikes.
Scott picked up Hugh. His flight was late. Neal’s flight was diverted to Abilene due to thunderstorms. He won’t catch up to us until Monday sometime. What could possibly go wrong?
waiting at the curb, John rented a pick up truck so we wouldn’t look like tourists
The casita Doc rented is large and comfy. After filling up the fridge with food and beer we got to work assembling our bikes.
Scott picked up Hugh. His flight was late. Neal’s flight was diverted to Abilene due to thunderstorms. He won’t catch up to us until Monday sometime. What could possibly go wrong?
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Soviet of Oregon or Pensacola FL
Posts: 5,339
Bikes: Still have a few left!
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 462 Post(s)
Liked 496 Times
in
253 Posts
I'll be watching y'all from far off Florida. I enjoyed early morning rides in the area whenever we visited my late father-in-law, but haven't been back for some years. Don
#16
tantum vehi
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Flathead Valley, MT
Posts: 4,548
Bikes: More than I care to admit
Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1166 Post(s)
Liked 962 Times
in
480 Posts
I guess Neal has to be on a bike for good weather?
__________________
1970 Gitane TdF; 1973 Gitane TdF
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
1979 Trek 710; 1981 Trek 412; 1981 Trek 710
1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1985 Specialized Allez SE; 1988 Specialized Sirrus; 1989 Specialized Rock Combo
1984 Ross Mt. Hood
1988 Centurion Ironman Expert
1991 Bridgestone RB-1
1992 Serotta Colorado TG
2015 Elephant NFE
Likes For mountaindave:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
Likes For nlerner:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
Are these riders having a good time?
#20
Junior Member
Hard life in Tucson
Gugie takes a pre-lunch nap
#21
Full Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tropical Montana
Posts: 401
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 223 Post(s)
Liked 1,094 Times
in
326 Posts
gugie rccardr et al
VERY IMPORTANT PSA:
If you’re not already planning it, you must ride the East Saguaro Park loop road under the full moon this weekend. No lights or headlamps needed but don’t go crazy. Check it out. It’s closed to cars after dark, it’s a unique and very special experience you’ll never forget. You can thank me later at Cino.
VERY IMPORTANT PSA:
If you’re not already planning it, you must ride the East Saguaro Park loop road under the full moon this weekend. No lights or headlamps needed but don’t go crazy. Check it out. It’s closed to cars after dark, it’s a unique and very special experience you’ll never forget. You can thank me later at Cino.
__________________
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Montana, where men are men and sheep are lying little tramps.
Last edited by majmt; 03-17-22 at 08:01 AM.
Likes For majmt:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
The fleet at rest before today’s climb up Mt. Lemmon.
#23
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1448 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
957 Posts
"Mom!!!!!!!" The boys brought their bikes in the living room!"
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,127
Mentioned: 480 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3788 Post(s)
Liked 6,573 Times
in
2,580 Posts
@gugie is in the background somewhere:
The crew at a rest stop mid climb:
Pink bike overlooks the desert landscape:
Tale of the tape (or GPS) at the top of Mt. Lemmon:
The crew at a rest stop mid climb:
Pink bike overlooks the desert landscape:
Tale of the tape (or GPS) at the top of Mt. Lemmon:
Likes For nlerner:
#25
Bike Butcher of Portland
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,638
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4667 Post(s)
Liked 5,766 Times
in
2,271 Posts
Sometimes we had help in the morning to get started
Some days we rode directly from the Casita, others we packed up and drove to the start
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie: