Santa Fe Seniors on Bikes
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Unscheduled rides
While we have no formally scheduled Tuesday rides over the Summer, we will still keep the Tuesday meeting at Java Joes, De Vargas Center, at 10 AM, for a local ride, weather permitting.
We will also have an informal meet on Thursdays, 10AM at Java Joes De Vargas Center for a local ride, weather permitting
Just to be sure, if you would like to join in, please email info@santafesobs.com or add an entry to the blog so we will know to look out for you.
(see also comments at http://blog.santafesobs.com/
Check out the latest video click here
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SOB History and background..so far.
“You’re only young once but you can be immature forever.” –Germaine Greer
And just because you’re pushing 50—or 65 or 80—doesn’t mean you can’t wear spandex shorts and form-fitting shirts and ride around on a bicycle. Just ask any of the several dozen members of the whimsically named SOB bike club of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The concept for the SOBs, Seniors on Bikes, was imported by cyclist Joel Stein when he and his wife, Mary, moved to Santa Fe from Boulder in 1997. Through a newspaper ad, he put the word out that he was seeking riders-of-a-certain-age for regular Thursday-morning jaunts.
Among the charter members were Rennie Finlay, Jim Hallquist and Bob Hilley—all still active members…except when joints or other body parts need replacing.
Joel established regular routes and snail-mailed out the season’s plan to members. Word of mouth attracted Herb Schon, newly arrived from New York City and eager to have people to ride with. He brought in some of his Eldorado neighbors, and with the help of a computer—and his wife--took over the maintenance and dissemination of the membership roster and the annual ride plan. He instituted a Tuesday ski-hill ride and also injected a social aspect to the club by hosting a summer cook-out. In 2008, he designed and had manufactured a club uniform, nagging members unmercifully until they agreed to order enough to make the price break. Those bright red and yellow shirts are now collectors’ items!
Other innovations introduced since Joel came south include the formation of a board of
directors, heading by the unflaggingly enthusiastic Edwin Crosswhite, who established the club’s affiliation with the League of American Cyclists (and its liability insurance
coverage) and instituted modest dues to help defray the costs of his colorful weekly
newsletter. He also rounded up sponsors to provide discounts to card-carrying SOBs, and with his ubiquitous camera he supplies much material for the club web site,
"http://www.santafesobs.com" , which was created and is maintained by the brilliant
ex-Kiwi Ian Norrish.
The SOBs’ social side has grown too, and overnight rides introduced, most recently a
three-day Enchanted Circle trip, but the biggest change perhaps is the structure of the
Thursday rides: once a casual collection of riders of differing skills who did what they
felt like, Thursdays now offer a choice of longer, faster rides (40-60 miles) or rides that
average 30 miles at a gentler pace. Each is overseen by a leader, and a sweeper (or HERO—High Energy Rear Observer) is always designated to make sure stragglers aren’t eaten by coyotes. Route sheets are provided at each ride’s sign-in so getting lost isn’t as easy as it used to be. Most rides conclude with a coffee or snack before the members separate.
Though the name Seniors on Bikes implies geezerhood, in fact most members are in their 60’s and a number are a decade younger. And a few pushing 80, God bless ‘em. Some are retirees, some, alas, still work. There are currently about 50 members, a mix of men and women, and an average ride generally attracts half of them. Several rides offer an option for mountain bikes, but most are designed for road bikes. Members are required to wear helmets and obey all traffic laws. Those who flout the rules of the road risk the wrath of Judy Costlow and Devon Dalzell, both frequent ride leaders and sticklers for cycling etiquette. Members are encouraged to know how to fix flats and to carry the appropriate tools and equipment, although no one will be abandoned (unless Judy is late for her next caffeine fix).
The SOBs welcomes all: some of our members are really good, really fast riders, some are, um, less so. We do look for a sense of humor and a willingness to help out when needed (but we also have a number of cranky, dour characters we keep for old times’ sake, so don’t let that deter you).
Check us out and if you like what you see, and you think you’ll
look good in red-and-yellow Lycra, come join us.
SOB Notices:
Annual SOB Picnic Click here to view pics.
Enchanted Circle Tour September 2009 Click here to view pics
--------------------------------------------------------------SOB Board 2009
The SOBs cycling season started off with a ride planning meeting at the REI Community Room on Feb. 5th. Twenty members showed up and made several decisions that are now in effect. The treasurer's report was given, dues this year are $10, the League of American Bicyclists membership and insurance policy were discussed and the ride schedule was finalized.
The Board Members for 2009 are:
Edwin Crosswhite, President
Judy Costlow, Ride Director,
Steve Gitomer, Treasurer
Bill Pollock, Media Co-ordinator
Ian Norrish, Web Master
Steven Hazen, Special Events Overseer
Devon Dalzell, Social Director
Dave Simonson, member-at-large
The 2009 ride schedule was decided and is posted on the web at www.santafesobs.com. There will be two groups for each ride this year. An A group will ride longer distances (40 - 60 miles) at a faster pace with a 5 minute regroup time. The B group will ride a shorter distance (20 - 40 miles) at a slower pace with up to 20 minutes for regrouping. Other new things this year are; a ride to Taos, a new Santa Fe loop, and a couple of special events are being planned. Our first ride meets at the Museum Hill Complex, April 9th at 10:00 am.
Judy's position has been changed to Ride Director which means she will be asking some of you to lead rides this year. Ride Leader classes are going to be taught by a Certified Effective Cycling Instructor for riders who assume the ride leaders responsibility.
Edwin presented each member of last years board with a 60 page color photo history of the 2008 cycling season. There is a $30 charge for anyone interested in purchasing a copy.
The Santa Fe Seniors On Bikes (SOB) affiliated with the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) January 2009. An advantage of LAB membership is the general club liability insurance coverage for club rides and special events. American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc. is the underwriter. If you want additional information check their website at www.amerspec.com/lab.
The $10 dues should be paid by the end of April. If you want to pay by mail, make checks payable to the SOBs and mailed to 1428 Miracerros Loop S, Santa Fe, NM 87505 or paid in person to Steve Gitomer at one of the April rides.
We have a really good group on the board this year and I am looking forward to another great cycling season with you SOBs.
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