Read & Ride: Biking memoirs inspire - CycloMesa 2019: Arizona's largest bike festival returns to Mesa How Indoor Cycling Improves Your Outdoor ...
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SPRING 2019
Read & Ride: Biking
memoirs inspire
CycloMesa 2019: Arizona’s largest
bike festival returns to Mesa
How Indoor Cycling
Improves Your Outdoor Ride
How to
Shop Helmets
Welcome
The City of Mesa has proudly ranked a “Silver Status” as a Bicycle Friendly
Community by the League of American Bicyclists since 2015. Mesa’s Bicycle
and Pedestrian Program provides many services and educational opportunities
to enrich the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in the City. The goal of the Bike
A Letter From and Pedestrian Program is to increase the ridership and activity throughout
the City so residents can take advantage of this form of affordable and healthy
transportation.
The Team
Mesa in the spring is just about perfect, isn’t it? Not only do we have spring
training season (and the Stadium Connector shared-use pathway to help you
enjoy a double header at Hohokam and Sloan Park, but it’s also Valley Bike
Month in April.
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut—even for cyclists. Valley Bike Month’s events are
created to offer inspiration for riders to try something new. Here’s a few ideas
of ways to keep your ride interesting:
• Try a road race, like El Tour de Mesa, part of CycloMesa on April 6
• Ride a new shared-use pathway—we just posted videos to let riders preview
the pathway routes to help plan your ride at mesaaz.gov/bikeped
• Commute to work for Bike 2 Work Day on April 17 Spoke Life Mesa received a Platinum Award in the Print Media
Publication category by the MarCom Awards for the fall 2018 issue.
Remember, when trying new paths and skills on two-wheels, to stay safe. This The MarCom Awards is administered by the Association of Marketing
issue is all about safety just for that reason. From learning how your helmet and Communication Professionals and is one of the largest international
creative competitions for marketing and public relations.
should properly fit, to preparing the kids to join you on your bike rides, we are
coasting into all the tips and tricks in making sure your family has a safe ride. If
that isn’t enough, don’t forget you can still sign up for our bicycle basic safety Valley Metro Honors Mesa’s Bike and
classes, both for adults and children, taught by our Bicycle Safety Educator Pedestrian Program as Champion for Clean Air
across the Mesa library branches. We’ve added classes for the season, check The City of Mesa Transportation Department’s Bike and Pedestrian
out the Mesa Library events page to register. Program joined more than 50 Maricopa County Travel Reduction
Program employers and individuals on stage to be recognized for their
Thank you to all that took time to fill out our annual survey to provide exceptional clean air activities this year at the 31st Annual Clean Air
Campaign Awards and Luncheon. In attendance were nearly 500 guests
feedback on Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program programming and the who continually support and promote trip-savings as a way to keep
cycling infrastructure in Mesa; check out page 18 for the biggest trends from pollution from Valley skies.
the survey. Mesa’s Bike and Pedestrian accepted the Outstanding Marketing and
Creativity Award, in the category of events with a budget of more than
$500 dollars to execute, for last year’s Bike to Work event. Coinciding
with Earth Day, the annual event hosted a pancake/smoothie breakfast
benefiting local non-profit, We-Cycle-USA, boasting nearly $600
Happy Riding! dollars donated and more than 1,336 miles logged by 93 employees
cycling to the City, an eight percent increase over the last year’s log.
City of Mesa Bike & Pedestrian Program team
2 Spring 2019 3
Contributors
Networking
Idea Sharing 3 Welcome A Letter From the Editor
Inspiration
7 Two Wheel Tip Head Gear 101
4 Contributors
2019 6 I Bike Mesa
10 Maps 8 Read & Ride Book Review: Full Tilt: Ireland to India With a Bicycle
Friday, April 5,
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mesa Convention Center,
263 N. Center Street, Mesa AZ
Jackie Dishner, mountain bike enthusiast, journalist and author of Backroads & Byways of Arizona
(The Countryman Press, 2010), has been riding for 15 years. For one of her assignments for
SpokeLife magazine, she finally learned how to change a flat tire. But she’s still not giving up thick $25 in advance, $35 at the door,
inner tubes.
$10 for students
Michelle Turner is an Arizona native who is excited about the idea of biking to a grocery store that
is being built close to her house. She has already planned a route that will take her along side streets
and has bought a bike helmet in anticipation of her grocery store trips. Breakfast provided by:
Meghann Finn Sepulveda is a local freelance writer and communication professional. A native Lunch provided by:
of New York and ASU grad, Meghann enjoys spending her free time running, cooking and
volunteering at the school where her children attend. She lives in the East Valley with her husband
and three children. The Summit gathers leaders, Pg14 Pg 16 Pg 18
Gretchen Pahiar is an Arizona native and NAU alum. She keeps active by running, working out, educators, planners, public health
playing sports and watching movies with her husband and two kids. Gretchen has been writing in professionals, event promoters, and
the Valley for more than 15 years and is Principal and Owner of Media by Connection.
cyclists of all kinds to discuss current
Amy McConnell is a City of Mesa PIO by day and a lover of shopping local, supporting the slow- issues related to bicycling in Arizona.
foods movement and connoisseur of Broadway shows by night. This is SpokeLife’s fifth issue with
Amy at the helm.
The Summit includes:
15 Register Your Ride
17 On the Road 14 Ride Now Kids & Riding Bikes: The Safety and Fun on Two Wheels
Panel Discussions on Active Transportation Plans 20 What/Where/When
and Shared Active Transportation Devices
Presentations on:
• The Loop, a shared-use path around metro Tucson
16 Cover Story CycloMesa rolls into Downtown on April 6
• Bicycle Education
18
• Bicycle Touring How the 2018 Bicycle & Pedestrian
• Bicycle Improvement Funding Survey Says...
Survey Helps to Shape New Projects
www.cazbike.org/summit2019/
Sign up for e-notifications on Report potholes, graffiti, street light outages and more,
Mesa’s Bike & Pedestrian Program download the City’s free mobile app. Search Mesa CityLink
TRANSPORTATION
at mesaaz.gov/bikeped to download from the App Store or Google Play.
MesaBikePedProgram @cityofmesa @cityofmesa
City of Mesa Bike & Pedestrian Team: Mark Venti, Jim Hash, Ashley Barinka,
Al Zubi and Maria Angelica Deeb (left to right)
4 Spring 2019 5
Who’s Who on our Paths & Trails? Two Wheel Tip
Head Gear 101
By: Jackie Dishner
Mike Sowers Bicycling background: I’m a mountain biker! I’ve been riding for about twenty years
and have ridden all over the Southwest. Recently my interest has been in longer
If you ask a group of cyclists for their crash stories, be prepared for the Bike Safety for Kids
The City of Mesa Bicycle and
Age: 38 multi-day bikepacking rides and races. The Southwest is a beautiful place full of open gory details — road rashes, bruises, concussions, and maybe pictures of Pedestrian Program is giving
away free CPSC-certified
space and it’s great to experience it from a bicycle.
GIS Specialist
stitched up muscle tears or facial cuts. Chances are, they lived to tell about helmets to kids, ages 5-11, this
spring.
How many miles do you ride or commute each year? 1,000 it because they wore a helmet. To get one, kids must attend
one class of Bicycle Basics for
Average length of ride? 15 miles
Virginia-based cyclist Robert Alan Duncan mentions what happened after he rubbed tires with a guy in front of him during Kids at participating branches
a 105-mile ride, “I never felt my head hit the ground. But when I took off my helmet, it was smashed flat in the back.” of the Mesa Library.
How often do you ride or commute? I ride 3-4 times per week
The helmet did exactly what it was supposed to do, says Randy Archer, owner of Archer’s Bikes on Country Club Drive in Each one-hour class, starting at
What do you like most about riding in Mesa? Mesa is a great place to ride! I’ve lived Mesa, “It took the impact.” Once impact happens, manufacturers recommend replacement. When buying that next helmet, 3 p.m., covers the importance
of wearing helmets and other
in Mesa for over ten years and have seen the extensive network of bike facilities grow Archer says to consider the following:
safety gear, brain education,
to connect great destinations. Living in a community that can be safely navigated Budget. Price points can range from $50 to $400. Expect to pay more for better design and materials, lighter feel, more road signs and safety signals,
by bike is important to me and it’s clear that Mesa continues to make this a priority. padding, ventilation and comfort, and more shade. and a short video. When the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC certification means the helmet meets standard safety requirements. program ends, kids are fitted
Look for at least that and skip the cheap $20 models that are unrated. Higher rated helmets cost more but provide an extra with their new helmets. Pre-
Isaac King Bicycling background: I’ve been riding recreationally since I was a kid—maybe since registration is required at
layer of protection, such as dual density foam. mesalibrary.org/events.
age eight. For the last 10 years though, I’ve been racing. Right now, my favorite place Functionality/Style. Helmets are designed to fit the type of cycling you’ll do. But that doesn’t mean a road cyclist shouldn’t
Age: 38 to ride is near Power Road and the 202 on Hawes. opt for a full-face feature typically meant for downhill rides. Buy what you like and what fits right, so you’ll be sure to wear it.
Emergency Room Tech
and Nursing Student How many miles do you ride or commute each year? Last year I hit 2,000 miles on
2019 FALCON FIELD AIRPORT
156 rides!! The elevation gain total was 156,000 feet.
Average length of ride? 15 miles
How often do you ride or commute? I ride 2-3 times per week right now. My nursing
school is starting to eat into some of my ride time.
SATURDAY,
30 Open House
What do you like most about riding in Mesa? The scenery and desert beauty across
MARCH
Mesa’s trails make me feel like I’m out on the edge of civilization. It’s amazing that the
trails can feel so remote, but still be so accessible.
9 AM – 3 PM
• Free Admission & Parking • Historical Exhibits
4636 E. Fighter Aces Dr. • Airplanes & Helicopters on » CAF Museum & Southwest Military
(McKellips Rd. & Falcon Dr.) Display Transport Show open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mesa, Arizona » Discounted admission $5/person or
• Aviation Careers Information $10/family of 4
www.falconfieldairport.com
• Classic Car Show & Model • 100 Club of Arizona
*Canned food donations for
United Food Bank Railroads » Public safety picnic
7
Read & Ride
Book Review: Full Tilt: Ireland
to India With a Bicycle
Mesa Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
By: MariaAngelia Deeb
Photo credit: Ivan Martinez
s a staff member on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Program,
N I G H T !
US TO
I talk all things bike. I read bike plans, social media
ON
posts about bikes, and over the holidays, even curled
p !
up with a memoir about a woman’s bike voyage in
UConnectMesa P op -u d
India back in the 1960’s.
an
Full Tilt: Ireland to India With a Bicycle by Dervla
Murphy is the story of Murphy’s 1963 bicycle trip to India. The book
is based on her travel journal. Traveling alone through rough country
at Th e P a rk
the journal is her only companion which captures, Murphy’s humor,
Ride-in-Movies
challenges and resolve. So much happens along this trip that her
adventures are the muse for a life-long series of books.
True adventures are described where different cultures and people
are met, pistols are drawn, and tears are shed. She regales readers with
stories of fending off wolves and the occasional individual with bad
intentions, but most of her interactions showcase the beauty of the land
and the people she encounters. (There was much more of a plot than
the usual bike plans I typically read from our traffic engineering team!) You bring blankets and we will supply the popcorn! We
One of the neatest parts of the book is the map which highlights encourage families to ride their bicycles or walk to the
park. Remember your helmets and bike lights!
Transportation and Neighborhood Outreach are teaming up to invite you to join us for a fun night with a Movie
at the Park along with the next UConnectMesa Pop-Up! event. Stop by with the family for free Mesa giveaways,
meet city staff, learn about helpful city resources, and enjoy a movie on us! SRP will provide the FREE kettle corn!
Looking to pump up your
Please visit our website for up-to-date information on each movie,
two-wheeler wisdom?
From manuals to memoirs http://mesaaz.gov/bikeped
to mysteries, the Mesa
Public Library system
https://www.facebook.com/MesaBikePedProgram/
has hundreds more books
about bicycles.
The Libraries also partner DATE LOCATION TIME MOVIE
with City of Mesa Bicycle
and Pedestrian Program February 23, 2019 Red Mountain Park 6:45pm Incredibles 2
to provide bicycle safety
classes: Smart Cycling March 2, 2019 Mariposa Park 7:00pm The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
Fundamentals (ages 12+)
and Bicycle Basics for Kids
April 20, 2019 Whitman Park 7:30pm Peter Rabbit
(ages 5-11). These classes May 4, 2019 Rancho del Mar Park 7:45pm Show Dogs
rotate between library
branches and provide free
bicycle safety gear to movies subject to change or cancellation without notice
registered participants. Murphy’s route. She rode from Dunkirk, across Europe, through Turkey,
With around 200 other Iran and Afghanistan; She crossed the Himalayas into Pakistan and India.
free library events In the five decades since Full Tilt’s release, Murphy has traveled and
monthly, there’s much written other books, but this, her first, still provides perhaps the greatest
more to explore. Stop
in and get inspired by a
introduction to anyone seeking a life of adventure in a wide, wild world on
community of minds in two-wheels.
motion.
TRANSPORTATION
Delivering water and power.™
8 Spring 2019
10 11
12 Spring 2019 13
Ride Now Must-Do Mesa
Your Bike
If you heard the words, “Your Bike
Photo credit: Christie Captain Was Just STOLEN,” do you have all of
Kids & Riding Bikes Register
the necessary information to provide
to Police in order to get it back?
Was Just Fill out this card, Submit it On-Line, or
Print and Mail it to or Drop it off at any
your Ride
Mesa Police station to register your bike.
The Safety and Fun on Two Wheels
You can also create your own
By: Gretchen Pahia
STOLEN! personal property inventory at Leads On Line:
http://reportit.leadsonline.com/main/mainPage.aspx
Note: A Leads on Line Personal Property Inventory does not
register your property with the Mesa Police Department .
How to avoid bicycle theft
Do You Know Your Serial Number?
Bike riding is a longtime childhood right of
NEED YOUR BIKE?
Your Bicycle Serial Number is
~ PHOTOGRAPH IT
By: Michelle Turner located on the bottom of the
passage, and keeping kids safe while on the pedal casing. If your bike does
not have one, engrave your
~ REGISTER IT
~ LOCK IT
two wheels should be top of mind.
Driver’s License number in this
If you want to prevent your bike from being location and record that number
on the registration card below.
~ WEAR A HELMET
their own.” stolen, you must always keep it secure, say ~ OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS
For parents, encouraging a child to ride a bike is not only a way to establish It isn’t just physical benefits that come with bike riding it is also Mesa Police Department Crime-Prevention
healthy exercise habits but it can also help with learning development and mental great for the environment, which is a very timely lesson to teach officers.
health. kids. Using bikes instead of driving will reduce carbon emissions, It’s easy to think since you are going inside Bicycle Registration ~ Be sure to print a copy for your records before submitting.
* Indicates REQUIRED Field
Ashley Brinka, Mesa’s Bike and Pedestrian Safety Educator, says there are ease traffic congestion and can help cut back parking issues. This the house or store for only a minute to just
some very simple rules to follow that will make everyone’s ride enjoyable. all helps leave our earth just a little bit of a greener and healthier leave your bike unlocked for that short time. *Name: _______________________________________________________________
“Everyone should wear a properly-fitted helmet, ride on the sidewalk if you place to live. “But then you get a phone call and that *Phone: (_______) _______ - ____________ *Age: _____ *Sex: M ___ F ___
can and if not, ride in the same direction as traffic. Kids and parents should also Best of all, the time spent riding bikes together encourages family second you were going to be inside the house *Bike Make: ____________________________________________________ Fenders? Yes ___ No ___
use hand signals, wear bright colors and use lights. And always, stick together communication, supports togetherness and is a great reminder that takes five minutes and your bike can be gone,’’
when riding with your children, until you are comfortable letting them ride on *Bike Model: ____________________________________________________________________________
there are a lot of things you can do as a family. says Lindy Marino, crime prevention officer
for Mesa Police Department Red Mountain *Bike Color(s): ______________________ ______________________ Bike Size: ___________________
District. *Serial #: __________________________________________________
A bike can disappear in seconds, taken by
When in
If No Serial # Found on Bike, Complete Next Line:
someone who wants it for their personal use or
ut Doubt
Owner Applied #: __________________________________ Driver’s Lic.? Yes ___ No ___ State: ______
t O
to pawn it, she said.
Keep i
Notes: __________________________________________________________________________________
Whether recycling at home, work or school, knowing what is and what is not accepted in the To thwart these thieves, Marino said cyclists _________________________________________________________________________________________
recycle bin can sometimes be a challenge. Nationally, 25% of the items placed in the recycle should use a high-quality lock with an equally
bin are actually not accepted. Unfortunately, this contamination is having a negative effect on high-quality cable or chain and secure their
Date Submitted: _____ /_____ /20_____ ___ Mailed In ___ Dropped Off ___ Submitted On-Line
the global recycling market, including jeopardizing Mesa’s recycling program. Non-accepted
t. It Matters.
bike to a post, tree, stairway or any other
* By checking this box you are attesting to the truthfulness of the information contained in the Registration Form and confirm that you
Recycle Righ
items cannot be processed and are ruining perfectly good recyclables. So what should you do? understand that false reporting to the Police is a crime.
Simply focus on recycling the basic core products below. And when in doubt, it’s always better
stationary structure. If no non-moving objects This Section for Mesa Police Department Use Only: RMS Bike ID#___________ SUBMIT FORM
to keep it out. Even though some things may say they are recyclable, they may not be accepted are available, bring your bike with you. You can Received ____ / ____ / 20___ Entered By: ______________________ Badge#__________
for different reasons. Want to learn more? Visit MesaRecycles.org. always put a towel down on the floor and store MPD 514(F) New 7/13
the bike inside of your home, she said.
Recycling Made Easy If you use a bike rack on your car, make sure
the bike is fastened to the rack and the rack
Items should be loose, empty, dry and relatively clean is fastened to the car. “It doesn’t matter if the
rack is on the hood, it just has to be secured.’’
Clean Boxes Marino said.
Metal Cans Remove and discard She suggests using a u-lock or a cylinder
Food & beverage only all liners, Styrofoam & lock which goes through the wheels and
plastic packaging the bike’s frame. Older devices that use a
combination local and cable are child’s play for
Clean Paper thieves, she said.
Keep Bottles, No paper towels, Make sure to register your bike with the
These Out Jugs & Jars napkins, tissues or city of Mesa. By registering, recording your
paper plates bike’s serial number and photographing your
of the bike, you greatly increase your chances of
Recycle recovering it if it is stolen, she said. If you
Bin own more than one bike, make sure each is
registered.
To register your bike, go to https://www.
Bagged Recyclables Food & Liquid Waste Plastic Bags & Packaging Textiles Yard Waste Foam Products mesaaz.gov/residents/police/services-forms/
(Remember items should be loose) (Ruins perfectly good recyclables) (Includes case wrap & shrink wrap) (Clothes, shoes, linens, rugs, etc.) (Green barrel service available) (No market for this material)
bicycle-registration Photo credit: Ryan Glauser
14 Spring 2019 15
Cover Story
Photo credit: Ryan Glauser
CycloMesa rolls into
Downtown on April 6
By: Meghann Finn Sepulveda
Photo credits: Christie Captain
Grab your bikes, gather your
kids and get ready to have
FREE EVENT
fun at CycloMesa, taking
place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 4/6/19 9am-1pm
Saturday, April 6 at the Mesa Mesa Convention Center
Convention Center. The 9th
annual family-friendly event, ZIPLINE
which is put on by the City of
Mesa Bicycle and Pedestrian
ROCKWALL
Program, includes plenty of
activities such as a zip line
and rock wall, along with food INFLATABLES
trucks and live music.
BMX SHOWS
Fun for all ages
Adults and children are encouraged to bring
their bikes to the event and enjoy full, free access to
Plenty of food trucks and vendors will be on hand, along
with a beer garden for adults age 21 and older featuring
BIKE RODEO
dozens of activities. outdoor patio games like corn hole and Giant Jenga.
“This family-oriented festival was created to
inspire residents and visitors to be active and AERIAL ARTS
healthy and raise awareness about bicycling for Rock and roll
recreation and as an environmentally-friendly
Live music will be played on stage throughout the day and
mode of transportation,” said Al Zubi, bicycle
and pedestrian manager for the City of Mesa.
will include performances by local artists and amateur bands. EL TOUR DE MESA
Attendees can also cheer on the 1,500 bicyclists who are
“We expect nearly 10,000 people will attend this
expected to participate in El Tour de Mesa, professionally
popular event.”
organized by Perimeter Bicycling Association of America, Inc.,
The event includes roller derby races, a BMX
freestyle show, an Extreme Sports Zone, and an
that includes a 100K bike ride, 50K bike ride and 5 and 10-mile FOOD TRUCKS
fun rides through Mesa. A designated viewing area complete
Adventure Zone complete with a zip line and rock-
with bleachers will be set up for spectators who want to watch Mark your calendars!
climbing wall.
Children and toddlers will enjoy the Kids Zone,
the bicyclists cross the start and finish line.
“It’s exciting that this major bicycling event attracts
CycloMesa will be held
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on
& MORE
featuring multiple bounce inflatables, carnival Saturday, April 6 at the
thousands of visitors to Mesa each year,” Zubi explained.
games, circus performers and aerial workshops. Mesa Convention Center,
“We’re thrilled the festival will return for the ninth year.”
Kids can also participate in an educational bicycle located at 263 N. Center
A free bike valet is available to those who want to walk Street in Downtown Mesa.
rodeo and maneuver through an obstacle course to
learn about bike safety and proper equipment and
get fitted for a free helmet.
around the event, explore Downtown Mesa or enjoy a delicious
meal at one of the nearby restaurants. Plenty of parking will be
Admission is free. For
more information, visit
cyclomesa.com.
WWW.CYCLOMESA.COM
available.
16 Spring 2019 17
Survey Says...
Photo credit: Ryan Glauser
How the 2018 Bicycle & Pedestrian along the canal to the Arizona Department
of Transportation right of way along the 202
freeway will also get upgrades. Enhancements
Survey Helps to Shape New Projects to the rest of the loop will take place in 2020.
The recent survey results show loud and
clear that City of Mesa residents are interested
in cycling for fun and recreation as well as for
By: Michelle Turner
commuting reasons, Zubi said. A whopping
90 percent of the respondents say they bike
“Bike lanes that are separate and buffered for their health; almost 20 percent said they
from traffic.’’ commute via cycle.
Cycling for exercise certainly makes sense,
That’s what cyclists surveyed by the City especially in Mesa, Zubi says.
of Mesa believe will improve their biking “We have beautiful trails and are working
to make them safer all the time. When people
experience, according to a survey of more ride their bikes for fun or to go to work, they
than 550 city residents. are improving their own health but they are also
reducing congestion and improving air quality.
Every year, the City of Mesa Transportation “People are becoming more health conscious,’’
Department’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program surveys he added. “Maybe they are golfing less. Maybe
Mesa residents to get better insights in how to improve what we are seeing is that cycling is becoming
cycling in the city. This latest survey drew the most the new golf.’’
response ever -- thanks in part to a robust social-media
participation campaign.
Ninety-five percent of the survey respondents said
they wanted separate and buffered bike lanes to make
their recreation and commuting bike riding easier and
safer. Almost 80 percent said they plan their biking
routes so they can avoid vehicle traffic.
The City of Mesa is already working to install more
bike lanes. Later this year, the City will begin preliminary
work on Phase Two of a pathway that will go along the
Red Mountain 202 Freeway between Elliott and Hawes
roads, said Al Zubi, Supervising Engineer for the City of
Mesa’s Transportation Department.
The new path will be asphalt paved and will have
landscaping as well as benches for seating. Current plans that as much as we can.’’
call for it to cross the freeway at Elliott. And as a result After the Elliot to Hawes path is completed, work is
of feedback from cyclists, city engineers are looking to expected to begin on freeway-adjacent path that will
include surface parking near that crossing. go from Hawes to Power Road, a pathway that will
A similar pathway that runs from Baseline to Elliott allow cyclists to bike into Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe.
roads along the freeway has already been completed, Improvements along the Salt River Project’s Eastern
Zubi said. Canal that runs from Lindsay Road to Brown Road
“We know that our residents really appreciate being will be made beginning later this year. The Lehi
able to ride away from cars and we are trying to provide Loop, beginning on McDowell Road and following
18 Spring 2019 19On the Road
And you thought your commute was rough
How Indoor
Cycling Can
Improve Your
Outdoor Ride
By: Jackie Dishner
Summer’s not my favorite time for Where to Indoor
Group Cycle
bicycling in Phoenix — it’s too hot — but
I was training for a September 60-mile The following exercise facilities
ride. So I tried an indoor cycling class at in the Mesa area offer a variety
of indoor cycling classes, serving
the YMCA near my house. For the same beginner to elite. Several feature
ride the year before, I’d failed to train for drop-in options, so you can test
hills, and it showed in my performance. different classes out to find the
Fortunately, this indoor class leaned right fit without having to pay
membership fees.
heavy on hill climbs, and I was able to
Mesa Police Department
meet my outdoor challenge with less Desert Fitness —
North Mesa
grunts and more grins. I’d improved in
1927 N. Gilbert Rd.,
both strength and endurance. Suite 102, Mesa
That’s because my indoor rides 480-534-2740
mimicked my outdoor experience.
That’s how it should be, if you follow
desertfitnessaz.com
My Fitness Studio
“Hiring the Future”
the logic of Colorado-based Jennifer 3130 E. Baseline Rd.,
Sage, founder of the Indoor Cycling Suite 110, Mesa
480-813-3856
Association. She trains indoor
myfitnessstudioaz.com
cycling instructors to “keep it real”
and teach as if students were riding Radius Fitness • Various Detective • Competitive Salary
1839 S. Crimson Rd.,
actual bikes. Suite 102, Mesa Assignments • Comprehensive Benefits
“It’s best if you can find a facility that
uses bikes with power meters,” says Sage,
480-530-8318
radius-fitness.com
• SWAT • Tuition Reimbursement
and that students learn how to determine Ross Farnsworth East Valley • K-9 Unit • Public Safety Retirement
perceived exertion for quantifiable proof Family YMCA
when they’ve gained strength in turning 1807 S. Sunview, Mesa • Aviation/Airport Unit Plan
480-649-9622
the pedals. Instruction should also avoid • Traffic/Motors Unit
pedaling too fast with no resistance. It’s
valleyymca.org/eastvalley • Promotional
wasted energy. Instead, use resistance to • School Resource Opportunities
a cadence between 60 rpm - 110 rpm for
the best outcome.
Officers • Shift Differential Pay
And if instructors use weights or
upper body exercises while on the bike,
she says it can lead to injury. Besides, it
isn’t anything you’d ever do on the road
or trail. If that describes your class, Sage
says refrain from it, enjoy the music and
practicing full circle pedals. “You can
transfer all of this to your outdoor ride.”
MPDJOBS.COM
Joi nMP D
D@mesaaz.gov
@mesaaz.gov
20 Spring 2019 21What/Where/When
› BIKE CLUBS &
› EVENTS 2019 ORGANIZATIONS › BIKE SHOPS
March 2 May 4 Blazing Saddles Ride Club ABC Bicycle & Jetski Rentals
Movies in the Park at Mariposa Movies in the Park at Rancho de 3655 E. Main Street
Group road and mountain bike 480-641-2453
Park Mar Park rides for all levels. Skills and abcjetski.com
7 p.m. 7:45 p.m. maintenance clinics.
Mesaaz.gov/bikeped Mesaaz.gov/bikeped
meetup.com/bike-masters-bikes- Adventure Bicycle Company
1110 W. Southern Avenue
March 6 June 5 direct-blazing-saddles-rides-club 480-649-3374
Kids Bicycle Safety Class Kids Bicycle Safety Class 2336 E. Baseline Road
3 p.m. 3 p.m. 480-649-3394
Gravity Riders Organization adventurebicycle.com
Mesalibrary.org/events Mesalibrary.org/events
of Arizona
Archer’s Bikes
March 7 June 6 Advocacy, rider education and
1530 N. Country Club Drive
Kids Bicycle Safety Class Kids Bicycle Safety Class trail work. The Gravity Rider 480-275-5818
3 p.m. 3 p.m. community includes downhillers, archersbikes.com
Mesalibrary.org/events Mesalibrary.org/events freeriders, all-mountain riders,
dirt jumpers and BMX riders of Bikes Direct Mesa
April 6 June 12 1545 S. Power Road
all ages. 480-891-8901
El Tour de Mesa Bicycling FUN-damentals Adult bikesdirectaz.com
gravityridersaz.com
6:30 a.m. Class
perimeterbicycling.com/ 6 p.m. Bike Masters Gilbert
el-tour-de-mesa/ Mesalibrary.org/events San Tan Shredders San Tan Village Mall
2244 E. Williams Field Road
April 6 Group rides for mountain bikers 480-857-7000
of all levels. bikemastersaz.com
CycloMesa
9 a.m.-1 p.m. meetup.com/santan-shredders
DNA Cycles
Cyclomesa.com 2031 N. Power Road
480-924-2453
April 6 Tempe Bicycle Action Group dnacycles.com
Mesa Adventure Challenge Bike Working to make bicycling a
Edition prominent, safe and convenient Electra Bike Shop
10:30 a.m-12:00 p.m. 1545 S. Power Road
form of transportation and 480-428-2349
mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/ recreation in the region. Also
mesa-adventure-challenge hosts group rides and events. Mike’s Bike Chalet
biketempe.org 5050 E. University Drive
April 17 480-807-2944
Bike to Work Day mikesbikechalet.com
7-9 a.m. We-Cycle-USA
Mesaaz.gov/bikeped Paragon Cycling
Help kids and adults in need to 1106 N. Gilbert Road
recycle and refurbish bikes. 480-830-1620
April 20 paragoncycling.com
Movies in the Park at Whitman wecycleusa.org
Park Performance Bicycle
7:30 p.m. 1155 S. Power Road
Mesaaz.gov/bikeped 480-832-0034
performancebike.com
April 24
Bicycling FUN-damentals Adult Two Wheel Jones
2837 N. Power Road #110
Class 480-380-8222
6 p.m. twowheeljones.com
Mesalibrary.org/events
22 Spring 2019 23Recent trends continue to highlight a strong desire Stay up to date with current projects
and announcements!
for communities to be bike-friendly, and the City of Mesa’s Sign up for e-notifications on Mesa’s
Bike & Pedestrian Program at
Transportation Department Bike & Pedestrian Program mesaaz.gov/bikeped or follow us:
is continuously working on creating enhanced pedestrian
MesaBikePedProgram
pathways to provide safe connections for residents to travel
@cityofmesa
through the city on two-wheels.
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