SPRING 2015 FREE

Get ready for CycloMesa

+ Commute with Kids + Best Bike Locks + Pedal in a Skirt + 2-Wheel Overnights Bike2Work + Meet Local Shops Day is April 22 Pullout BIKE MAP Inside! Pedaling Fun at Desert Trails ENTER TO WIN see Mountain Bike Park Take our Bike/Ped Survey pg. 3

FOLLOW US: Facebook.com/BikeLifeCities // @BikeLifeCities They take a lot of energy to make. But it’s nothing compared to the energy they create.

On January 31, 2015, over 200 Eastmark Originals, our first residents, received custom Eastmark beach cruisers. These were specially designed by Jim Decker, a local bike enthusiast and owner of Soul Beach Cruisers. Jim is a big believer in the power of community and promoting healthy environments. That’s why the Eastmark Cruiser Culture program was a perfect fit for this partnership.

The Eastmark Cruiser Culture movement is gaining traction by helping neighbors meet neighbors, and families connect to our growing community. It’s just another way Eastmark comes to life, and why Eastmark has quickly become the most desired community in the East Valley.

Eastmark. The Mark of Something Special.

Visit Eastmark today. Homes from the Valley’s finest builders from 1,500 to 5,700 sq. ft. and from the low $200k to $500k+.

The Eastmark Visitors Center | Ray Road & Ellsworth Road, Mesa Eastmark.com

© 2015 DMB Mesa Proving Grounds LLC. Obtain the Property Report or its equivalent, required by Federal and State law and read it before signing anything. No Federal or State agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. All features, dimensions, drawings, renderings, plans, and specifications are conceptual and subject to change without notice. The information provided in this advertisement is strictly for informational purposes and shall not be construed as an offer to sell real property. Sales terms and prices are established by builders and subject to change without notice.

DAN BAUM The author of several books, including “Gun Guys: A Road Trip,” “Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans” and “Citizen Coors: An American Dynasty,” Dan was also a staff writer for The New Yorker and has reported for the Anchorage Publisher Lynn Guissinger Times, The Atlanta Journal- Constitution and The Wall Editor Becca Heaton Street Journal. Art Director/Designer Kristal Boni Production Beth Prehn Contributors Ashley Barinka, Dan Baum, Duncan Benning, DUNCAN BENNING Jeanne Eisenhaure, James Hash, Jim Sayer, Andrea Tollefsrud When he’s not managing his bike Online Ryan Amirault, Greg Thomas shop, Transit Cycles, Duncan can usually be found biking Finance Shirlee Adolfson with his wife, Rebecca, and his Sales Brian Bauer // [email protected] // 303-444-5545 x112

kids, Camilla (9) and Benito (6), CONTRIBUTORS Russ Chandler // [email protected] // 303-444-5545 x107 to school and then pedaling to Lynn Guissinger // [email protected] // 303-444-5545 x106 work. The family loves to ride Gregg Thayer // [email protected] // 303-444-5545 x103 because it allows them to spend Matthew Reece // [email protected] time together, be good to the environment and stay connected with the community. Editorial Office BikeLife Cities // 1515 Walnut Street // Boulder, CO 80302 Tel: 303-444-5545 // Fax: 800-579-1515 JEANNE EISENHAURE www.bikelifecities.com Through her Bike Stylish Advertising Contact [email protected] for media kit and rate card. project, Jeanne is on a mission Story/Photo Submissions Contact [email protected] for submission information. to help further the perception of biking as fun, accessible Distribution Contact [email protected] for information. and aspirational. Always well BikeLife Cities is a program of Catalyst Communication, Inc., dressed, Jeanne shares her tips launching in multiple cities. ©2015 Catalyst Communication, Inc. on biking stylishly in this month’s issue. Follow her on Facebook at “Bike Stylish” and Twitter ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of VisitMesa @bikestylish. Mountain bikers explore the trails at Lost Dutchman State Park, a popular spot for residents and visitors to explore the Sonoran Desert and its varied landscape. TAKE OUR & PEDESTRIAN SURVEY — BE ENTERED TO WIN A PRIZE!

The City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program wants to hear from YOU about biking and walking in Mesa. Your input will help the City reach its goals and objectives, and continue to plan for great bicycle and pedestrian facilities for everyone.

It will just take a few minutes. Fill in the survey and you’ll be entered to win a Downtown Mesa gift certificate! BikeLifeCities.com/MesaBikePedSurvey2015

Please ask your friends, family and co-workers to fill out the survey too! The more responses we have, the better our ability to know what the community really needs for our cyclists and pedestrians.

For more info on the City of Mesa’s Bicycle and Pedestrian program, contact Jim Hash, Bicycle/Pedestrian

Coordinator at 480-644-3556 or [email protected]. ©mel-nik/iStock ON THE WEB BikeLifeCities.com

READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE You can access this issue anytime. Share it with your friends by sending a link so they can read it too! BLOGS Read fun stories and news City of Mesa about biking. RESOURCES We’re your one-stop shop for everything biking in Mesa, from places to ride to events, bike shops, groups and more. TAKE OUR SURVEY What do you think about BikeLife Mesa? What would you like to read DESERT TRAILS (or write!) about? We want to hear MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK 12 from you. 5 Welcome Letter 15 Pedal Smart Riding 28 Two-Wheeled against traffic is a no-no Vacations Planning SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER 6 I Bike Mesa a bike overnight Meet locals who like to 17 Mesa Bike Map We’ll keep you up to date year- travel on two wheels Pull it out and get riding 30 Protect Your Ride round on all kinds of fun, interesting 4 great bike locks, plus 8 It’s CycloMesa Time 21 Don’t Get Doored locking dos and don’ts and newsworthy bike-related stories. A weekend of biking fun Stay alert when you’re for everyone biking in a door zone 32 Meet Your Local Bike Shops Meet four local 11 Get Ready for 22 Need to Knows shops and their owners Bike2Work Day Quick and easy Mesa’s annual tips 33 Calendar of Events celebration on April 22 Plus local bike shops, 24 Kidding Around groups and clubs 12 Desert Trails 3 ways to commute FOLLOW US Mountain Bike Park by bike with your kids 34 The Final Mile Facebook.com/BikeLifeCities Mesa’s playground How to train yourself 26 How to Bike Stylish for biking to travel via two wheels @BikeLifeCities in a Skirt Avoid the instead of four dreaded ‘flash’ with these easy tips

4 BIKELIFE MESA Mesa By The numbers welcome 1 of 10 The City of Mesa has collaborated with BikeLife Cities to share bicycling information with the top cities for residents of Mesa and Maricopa County in this . first issue ofBikeLife Mesa. Whether you are Forbes Magazine currently riding or just thinking about riding, our theory is the more you know, the more you ride. 5th highest Bicycling in Mesa is becoming more and more popular, and Mesa is proud of the facilities that bicycle infrastructure we have in place to accommodate that increase. per square miles of Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is continually 52 largest cities. striving to increase on-street and off-street facilities to accommodate riders Bicycling and Walking of all comfort levels. No matter if you are a fearless rider or an “interested 2014 Benchmarking Report but concerned” one, Mesa wants to provide facilities for you that will offer low stress and comfortable riding conditions.

What’s new in Mesa? The City is planning a number of off-street shared- use paths to be built in the next few years. By Spring Training 2016, you’ll 360 miles be able to travel between Mesa and Tempe without ever mixing with of on-street bike lanes traffic. The Rio Salado pathway will traverse the Salt River, giving you a scenic low-stress route to west Mesa and into Tempe. We’ll also soon be celebrating our first along 10th Street between Alma 58 miles School Road and Country Club Drive. of assorted off-street paths Our Grid Bike Share Program will launch November 15 with the expansion of light rail to Mesa Drive. Grid will kick off with a total of 25 stations housing 250 along the light rail line so you can get 140 miles to Downtown Mesa and the Fiesta District. of signed bike routes Your input matters, and we listen. Residents of Mesa were loud and clear about the necessity for more bicycle and pedestrian facilities that were Overall highest rate requested through the iMesa input period. Those projects were brought of forward to you and passed by you in the last two elections, which have at public schools with made a majority of these projects possible. 86 spots per 1,000 students We also heard from you that you wanted more events that featured Bicycling and Walking bicycling—we brought you CycloMesa. This year’s celebration of bikes 2014 Benchmarking Report is April 10-12. Learn more about it on pages 8–9.

Enjoy reading BikeLife Mesa, hope to see you out pedaling! 20,000+ people at annual CycloMesa

Jim Hash Mesa Bicycle and Pedestrian City of Mesa Resources & Contacts Program Coordinator 350+ days [email protected] mesaaz.gov/transportation of sunshine per year

BikeLife Cities is a program of ©Catalyst Communication 2015

5 [ WHY I RIDE ] I MESA Meet locals who like to travel on two wheels

Bob Lewis, 69 Retired Tool and Die Maker Where do you like to ride? I ride just about everywhere in the valley. My favorites are Mesa, Fountain Hills, and Central and South Phoenix. I have ridden the Answer to the Challenge, a three-day, 325-mile bike ride from Scottsdale to Strawberry, then to Prescott and back to Scottsdale multiple times.

How many miles do you ride each year? I typically ride 50-60 miles six days a week. In 2010, I rode 24,292 miles, an all-time high. Nowadays, it is more like 16,000 a year.

What do you like best about bicycling? I ride because I love the freedom it gives me. Maintaining my weight and health are also some of the main reasons I ride, too. And I have made many friends while riding over the years. My wife and I did a self-contained Laura Hyneman, 50ish cross-country tour 20 years ago. Best vacation we ever took! Deputy Director, Development and Sustainability Department, City of Mesa Where do you like to ride? All over the Garrett Topham, 35 valley, primarily on the road, occasionally on trails. Geographer, City of Mesa Where do you like to ride? Mesa canals, How often do you ride? About three North Phoenix parks, Sedona and Flagstaff. times a week, and at least one cycling vacation a year. How often do you ride? 4 to 5 days a week…when it’s under 100 degrees. Why do you ride? For recreation, fun and keeping fit. I tried commuting for a How many miles do you typically ride while, but there are no showers available a year? Prior to last year, I probably rode near my office. less than 1,000 miles annually. But in 2014, I rode 3,000 miles. What do you like most about bicycling? I love the people I meet while cycling, the Why do you ride? places and scenery I’ve seen while biking For fitness and adventure. and the restaurants I’ve been to—because I have discovered many cyclists love the What do you like most about bicycling? camaraderie of eating together after a good It’s unique in that it gets you healthy while ride. It’s also a fun way to stay in shape. getting you somewhere at the same time.

6 BIKELIFE MESA Eddie Chavez, 54

Manufacturing Engineer, Boeing Company* What is your daily bike commute? From Gilbert to Boeing Company in Mesa.

How often do you bike to work? Three days a week since 1994.

How many miles is your commute? I ride 12 miles from home to work in the morning, and I do an extra 20-30 miles of riding around Mesa after work before going home.

Where do you like to ride? I ride a single-speed bike and appreciate the wide city bike lanes and safe streets in Mesa. I enjoy riding along the Salt River, which provides a diversity of climbing and coasting up and down hills.

*Boeing Mesa currently has 131 bike commuters registered in its Trip Reduction Program. Mike Goettings, Boeing Company

Cool Cruisers Eastmark Community Gives Bikes to New Residents

Talk about a bike-friendly community. Along with designing every neighborhood “The real joy I saw in the faces of residents as they received their bikes was street to be bicycle and pedestrian friendly, Eastmark in Mesa’s East Valley is amazing,” says Decker. “Eastmark is really innovative in terms of offering their giving away cool orange cruiser bikes to new residents to inspire and encourage community that connection through cycling and a healthy outdoor lifestyle. them to bike more. Residents are contacting their neighbors and going out on rides. It’s exactly what we wanted to see happen.” At their inaugural “Let’s Ride, Eastmark!” event, 200 lucky residents received a custom-designed cruiser from local designer and cycling enthusiast Jim Decker, Learn more about this great bike-friendly community at Eastmark.com. owner of Soul Beach Cruisers in Tempe. Only 400 of the limited-edition bikes will be produced. More than 200 Eastmark residents picked up their Eastmark Original i Cruiser and took part in the inaugural community cruiser ride. ©2015 Mark Skalny

7 [ FUN STUFF ] It’s CycloMesa Time A weekend…unchained

alling all bike lovers: Pump up your Johnson. “The event is special to me bike tires, oil your bike chain and because it travels around all of the areas Cget ready for a weekend celebration that I love to ride in.” Johnson also loves of everything bikes at the fourth annual what comes after the ride: the huge Kids’ CycloMesa Unchained bicycle festival in Zone and Extreme Sports Zone with a downtown Mesa, April 10 thru 12. zip line, bungee trampolines, rock wall, kids’ bicycle rodeo, BMX freestyle show, Experience bike racing up close on Friday beer garden, custom bicycle competition, as cyclists race through the streets for the vendors, food truck alley and more. fast-paced El Tour Criterium. This year the event is host to the Arizona State Criterium “My kids loved the Kids’ Zone last year, Championships with the best of the best climbing on the rock wall, eating snow riders competing from around the state. cones and pedaling the one-mile fun ride,” Then stick around for the glow festival says the mother of three. “We can’t wait to with a beer garden, local vendors, gourmet get back there this year!” food trucks, live music…and lots and lots of lights. There’s more championship criterium The CycloMesa Unchained bicycle festival is put on by the City of Mesa, racing on Sunday, plus Mesa’s own Downtown Mesa Association, Festivities continue on Saturday with the “Amazing Race,” aka the Mesa Adventure Perimeter Cycling and Two Wheel Jones. El Tour de Mesa. Celebrating its silver Cycling Challenge. This fun event requires anniversary, the event is open to cyclists teams to solve clues, complete challenges of all ages and abilities with a ride distance and, best of all, ride their bikes from for everyone—choose from 6, 11, 28 destination to destination enjoying Mesa’s or 70 miles. great bike lanes and multi-use paths.

“I’ve participated in the El Tour de Mesa It’s three days of endless biking fun! the past four years and love the fun Get all of the details at CycloMesa.com. atmosphere,” says Mesa resident Kimmy

stunt show el tour criterium

8 BIKELIFE MESA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, April 10 2 pm–10 pm › El Tour Criterium: Races start at 2 pm › Glow Festival Party in the Streets: 4–10 pm

Saturday, April 11 6:15 am Holualoa Companies El Tour de Mesa race starts

Saturday, April 11 10 am–2 pm CycloMesa Unchained: › Extreme Sports Zone › BMX stunt show › Zip line › Bicycle rodeo › Banner Children’s Kids’ Zone › Adult fun zone › Custom bicycle competition

Sunday, April 12 7 am El Tour Criterium races start

Sunday, April 12 10 am–2 pm CycloMesa Unchained: › Kids’ Zone

All photos courtesy of City Mesa › Adult fun zone

Sunday, April 12 10 am–1 pm Mesa Adventure Cycling Challenge bmx rider flying over the banner children’s kids’ zone

9 IMBA supports trails in Arizona and across the nation. Special gifts and prizes available during our spring membership drive*

Join, Renew, or register now at imba.com/join

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. US Residents only. See imba.com/join for rules and details.

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Get Ready for BIKE2WORK DAY City of Mesa

Mesa’s annual celebration on EARTH DAY, APRIL 22

Riding a bicycle can be a fun way to get to and from work. And there are so many benefits: you get exercise, you help reduce traffic congestion, you help the environment by leaving less of a carbon footprint and you save money!

id you know that Here in Mesa, we hold our the average annual annual Bike2Work Day Dcost of owning and celebration on Earth Day. Pedal operating a car is over $9,000, to Mesa City Plaza and enjoy or 18 percent of the average a pancake breakfast ($3–$5) household’s income? Compare and Earth Day celebration it to this: Owning and green fair from 6 to 8 a.m. maintaining a bicycle can cost All proceeds are donated to a Last year’s photo contest winner, Mike Samers (center) with Chris Brady (right), as little as $120 per year. Now local bicycle-related charity. City of Mesa Manager, and Lenny Hulme (left), City of Mesa Transportation that’s some serious savings! The event is hosted by the Department Director. City of Mesa Transportation April is Valley Bike Month, Department’s Bicycle and In addition to the public portion of Bike2Work Day, the City of Mesa also and communities around the Pedestrian Program. conducts an internal City department challenge. Staff members from region host all kinds of great various departments compete against each other to rally the largest Bike to Work events. This year, Even if you’re not a cyclist, percentage of employees in their department to pedal to work. Prizes are Bike to Work Week is April come and join the fun! awarded for riding, a slow race and a photo contest. Winners take home 20–24 and Bike2Work Day is Questions? Call 480-644-3219. the traveling trophy, bragging rights and a free catered luncheon with the City Manager, hosted by the City of Mesa Transportation Department. Wednesday, April 22.

11 [ FUN STUFF ]

Desert Trails Mountain Bike Park Mesa’s playground for biking

hether you want to cruise the and features for all levels. Three flow trails “This park has really blown away people cross-country trails, test your for downhill biking are beginner green level that use it,” says Chris Head, a board W skills on dirt jumps or launch (Runaway Train Trail), intermediate blue member with GRO-AZ and a frequent park yourself in the air on the , Desert level (Squirrel Catcher Trail), and expert user and trail maintenance volunteer. “It’s a Trails Mountain Bike Park is the place to go. black level (Double Trouble Trail). world-class park for off-road riding, and it’s so cool to see people of all ages from 6 to 60 “This park is amazing,” shares one local There’s also a pump track where riders out enjoying it.” mom and rider. “We’ve been waiting for can improve their riding skills before this for a long time and my kids and I just tackling the flow trails. The track was built The 35-acre park also includes a three- love it. It’s the best thing the city could have by volunteers from the Gravity Riders quarter-mile perimeter trail for people who done for people who like to ride bikes.” Organization of Arizona (GRO-AZ), a local just want to hike, walk the dogs, push a not-for-profit bike advocacy group that also stroller or ride through the desert landscape. Opened in November 2014, the park—one helped consult on other park features and of the busiest in the city—is host to trails continues to help maintain the trails. City of Mesa

Desert Trails Mountain Bike Park is located at 2955 N. Recker Road and is open from sunrise to sunset. For info, call Mesa Parks and Recreation at 480-644-2352.

12 BIKELIFE MESA

TAKE THE CITY SURVEY & be entered to WIN a Downtown Mesa gift certificate! BikeLifeCities.com/MesaBikePedSurvey2015

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LAYAWAYS $35 $65 $39 20% off Per wheel any one item basic tune pro tune No flat guarantee (reg. $59) (reg. $89) Never get a flat again!* Excludes wheeled items and Tandems & recumbents Tandems & recumbents special orders. Expires 6/15/15. additional. Expires 6/15/15. additional. Expires 6/15/15. *Restrictions apply. Expires 6/15/15. [ NEWS & NOTES ] Pedal SMART Riding against traffic is a no-no

ctor Alec Baldwin made headlines last May when he was arrested for WALKING LAWS A riding his bike the wrong way on a New York street. His actions were dubbed We often see pedestrians “salmoning,” a term coined years back by walking and running in the bike lanes. This is a prolific urban blogger, Bike Snob NYC. extremely dangerous for It’s a problem that can be a risk to many— bicyclists, pedestrians other cyclists, pedestrians, even drivers. and motorists! Please Always pedal with the flow of traffic. be aware of Arizona law A.R.S. 28-796 The greatest danger to a wrong-way cyclist about pedestrians and occurs at intersections and driveways. roadways. Drivers often don’t see bicyclists traveling › If sidewalks are in the wrong direction. A driver is looking provided, a pedestrian for traffic to come from the other (correct) shall not walk along direction and may unintentionally turn and on an adjacent into the wrong-way bike rider’s path. roadway. Wrong-way bicycle riders traveling on one- › If sidewalks are not way streets are not able to see signs and provided, a pedestrian walking along and on traffic signals. Riding the wrong direction a highway shall walk in a can cause head-on collisions when practicable only with other bicyclists traveling in the proper on the left side of the direction, or can cause one cyclist to move roadway or its shoulder into traffic to avoid such collisions. facing traffic that may approach from the So please ride on the right with the flow opposite direction. of traffic—NEVER ride against traffic on › A person shall not stand the road, in a bike lane or on a sidewalk. in a roadway for the Drivers turning from the side cannot purpose of soliciting a see you and approaching drivers will not ride from the driver of a expect you to be riding the wrong way. It’s vehicle. the law here in Arizona (A.R.S. 28-815). ©2014 Igor Stevanovic/iStock

NEVER RIDE AGAINST TRAFFIC According to the 2010 City of Mesa Annual Bicycle Crash Analysis, PedalCyclists riding against traffic on sidewalks, in crosswalks, in bike lanes or in roadways were a contributing factor in 63.6% of all pedalcycle crashes.

15 Open SPEND LESS Daily RIDE MORE! We’re Tempe’s Down to Earth Bike Experts

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[ NEWS & NOTES ] Don’t Get Doored Stay alert when you’re biking in a car door zone

etting “doored.” The word says it all. You are biking along when a parked vehicle door swings open and wham!, you Grun into it. Not a pleasant situation at all, and one that many cyclists worry about. The solution: Keep your personal radar on and always stay alert when pedaling.

On light rail corridors in Mesa, bikes and automobiles are sharing the same space. So when you’re biking between cars or a light rail and parked vehicles, always be aware of the door zone—when a driver in a parked vehicle suddenly opens his or her door into your travel space or when a vehicle is getting ready to pull out. Cars often pull out from parking spots or open their doors without looking for oncoming bikes, so be READY.

TIPS LEAVE 3 FEET. Give yourself no less than 3 feet of space when passing a parked car.

LOOK FOR PEOPLE IN CARS. Keep scanning as you ride, look through back windows of cars to see if you see a person or movement, particularly on the driver side. Also look at the side rear-view mirror if you see any reflection of a person. Both are red flags that someone may be opening their door, so pass with caution.

ANNOUNCE YOU’RE APPROACHING. Ring your bell or horn, or shout “coming on your left” as you approach parked cars with people in them.

KEEP AN EYE ON TAIL LIGHTS. If brake lights or reverse lights come on, the car is likely getting ready to pull out.

PAY ATTENTION TO FRONT WHEELS. If wheels are angled, a car might be getting ready to pull out. ©Henk Badenhorst/iStock

21 Need-to-Knows By Andrea Tollefsrud

Prepare for a Stop Anticipate your stop by shifting down into an easier gear. This assures a much quicker start. No time to “downshift”? No problem. You can change your gears while stationary. How? Three words: Shift—Lift—Turn. Easiest performed while standing to the side of your bike. 1. Shift your gear lever to an easier gear (either right to control rear or left shifter to control front RIDING derailleur). BUMPY STUFF 2. Lift up the bike by the › Use your body for a shock absorber. saddle with one hand Keep knees and arms bent, gripping the bars. (to get rear wheel off ground). › When approaching obstacles—railroad tracks, potholes, debris—get up off the 3. Grab the pedal/ saddle (very slightly, no need to stand all the crank arm and rotate way) to let bike float underneath you. FORWARD until you › Keep pedals level at the 3 and 9 o’clock hear a clean change position; this allows for even weight of gears and no more distribution to right and left side of bike “grinding.” for better control and balance. You’re now in a low gear › Once through obstacle, to start pedaling with take a seat! more ease!

22 BIKELIFE MESA Need-to-Knows Quick and easy cycling tips for a safe and comfy ride

BE HEARD Have a bell and don’t be shy about using it. Be vocal. Whistle. Yell if you need to get noticed by a car you feel is a potential threat. When passing anyone, YOUR HELMET ALWAYS announce yourself SHOULD BE LEVEL (“On your left”). ON YOUR HEAD— not tilted back, forward or to the side BEFORE › Adjust straps and tighten retention knob to achieve a snug, level fit. EVERY RIDE Check Wheels › Leave two fingers of space between strap and Be sure they’re not underside of chin. “wobbly,” and be sure › Helmet fit is tricky sometimes. quick-release lever is Don’t be afraid to ask your local tight so wheel is locked bike shop staff or another into place. experienced rider to help.

Check tire pressure and pump IF tires feel soft Not sure how much air to pump? Check tire sidewall to find the PSI number to pump to. EYES & EARS Awareness is your friend. You need both eyes and Check that brakes ears when riding. are not rubbing on That said, it’s best not to the tire or rim wear headphones while Check by spinning the biking. Check your local wheel (off the ground). If rubbing, center brakes. ID laws on headphone use. Always carry some form While you can see in of ID in case you get hurt or front of you, there is a need to show identification. whole world behind you Check chain to be Once that you need to hear sure it’s adequately If you have a saddle bag, A Month and sense. lubricated make a copy of your Check wheels, If it looks dirty or rusty, driver’s license and add drops of lube to the brakes and shifting chain while turning pedals store in the bag. and suspension backwards, then wipe off systems. excess lube with a rag. Illustrations by Alece Birnbach, www.GraphicRecordingStudio.com

23 24 BIKELIFE MESA kidding around yuba cargo bike with kidsthatareeasyand safe,andsuretobringasmile toeveryone’s face. timidating, withalittleplanningit’s quitedoable.Readonfor threewaystotravel kids involved,too.Ifthinkingabouttransportingyour kids viatwowheelsseemsin- Commuting aroundbybikeisfun.Andit’s evenmorefunwhen youcangetyour 3 waystocommutebybikewithyourkids By DuncanBenning

©Martin Sundberg yepp maxi

thule cadence xtracycle BIKE TRAILER CARGO BIKE CHILD BIKE SEAT A bike trailer is a great option for carrying Cargo bikes are another fun way to Child seats are similar to automobile kids (ages one to six) as well as cargo, like commute with kids. They come in two booster seats and are designed to attach groceries or backpacks. Most trailers have a general categories, Long Tails and Long over the top of the back wheel of most maximum load limit of 100 pounds. Many Johns (see sidebar). Long Tails carry the standard bicycles. These seats make trailers also offer various types of quick- bulk of the load behind the rider, while great child carriers for a younger child, release hitches enabling you to quickly Long Johns place the load in front. beginning at about one year old. Most remove them from your bike so you can Xtracycle ($1,499–$2,899) and Yuba seats have a maximum weight limit of ride unencumbered. ($1,299–$3,499) are popular Long about 45 pounds. Tail brands. They each offer an array Models come in a broad range of prices. of accessories to help adapt their bikes One popular brand is Yepp’s Maxi The Thule Cadence ($299.95) and to various types of use. For example, Rear Bicycle Child Carrier ($229.95) Burley’s top of the line D’Lite ($629) XtraCycle allows you to use two child made of shock-absorbant, water- are shown. seats at the same time, a child seat resistant rubber. Topeak’s Babyseat III along with an older child, or as many ($159.99) offers lots of as three kids all sitting on the rear deck. features and adjustability All of this with plenty of space for cargo. at a good value.

Worried about carrying such a heavy load? Some cargo bikes come with electric assist for an extra boost when pedaling. topeak burley d'lite babyseat iii

WHAT’S A LONG JOHN? Also called a “Bakfiet,” this bike style is very popular in Europe. Because of their size, though, they are difficult to find in great numbers on shop floors in the U.S. That said, if you look around, cetma cargo bakfiet you can find shops in many bike-friendly cities that sell them. Cetma Cargo is a brand built in southern California. They offer three different sizes; the most popular is the Largo ($4,395) with space for two or three kids, plus room for groceries. cetmacargo.com

Do you get sticker shock looking at prices of the ways to commute with kids by bike? Consider the following: » It costs an average of $9,519 a year to operate a mid-size car. (Source: AAA) » 50% of all trips Americans make are 3 miles or less, 40% are 2 miles or less, 28% are shorter than 1 mile. (Source: PeopleForBikes) What if you invested in some kid-carrying gear and took a few of these trips via bike? Just think of the longer-term savings. PLUS, you’ll leave less of a carbon footprint, you’ll get exercise and you’ll always find a free parking space!

29 ©TanyaDueriPhotography I get this question all the time: “I would bike, but…how would HOW TO I wear a skirt and ride without flashing everyone?” BIKE STYLISH My answer: It’s simple! Here are a few tricks to make pedaling in a skirt— IN A SKIRT no matter what the length—a breeze. Avoid the dreaded ‘flash’ irst, a quick discussion about the type of with these easy tips bike you ride: If you have a step-through Fframe (a bike with a dropped center tube), biking in a skirt is much easier. If you have the standard triangle-framed bike, you have to get a little creative.

Here are my top tips based on the type of skirt you want to wear.

Mini-Skirt or Pencil Skirt. Since these are often tight, I recommend choosing a stretchy option that will allow for more comfort and flexibility while you ride. If your skirt is super short and tight, one option is to hold down the center of the skirt to your seat with one hand while you ride. There is no getting around the awkwardness of this move and it can be tricky and possibly dangerous, so I recommend wearing short spandex shorts underneath your skirt to avoid flashing your skivvies. Bikie Girl Bloomers are a fun option (bikiegirlbloomers.com).

Knee-Length Skirt. These are the easiest skirts to bike in with enough material and coverage to easily avoid flashing as you ride. Wind can be an issue with these skirts, so consider investing in a skirt weight (visit TandemNY.com for more on this cool product), or check out the “Penny in Yo’ Pants” video on YouTube. When you get off your bike, scoop the skirt material between your legs so you avoid flashing.

Long Skirt. Tie the extra material in a knot at the side of your thigh so it doesn’t get caught in your pedals or bike chain. When you dismount, hold the material between your legs or find a wall or an alleyway to hop off your bike near your destination. Remember, flashing a wall is fine!

Now throw on your cutest skirt and get out and bike stylishly!

By Jeanne Eisenhaure Jeanne Eisenhaure writes about being bike stylish on her blog BikeStylish.com.

27 What Do I Need? Probably the easiest tour of all, a bike overnight is most often a one- or two- night bike trip from your front door (or launching from a place you can drive or take a bus to). The beauty of a bike overnight is that you can use whatever bike you have handy and organize your trip around the bike, your fitness level and where you want to go. A simple bike overnight involves taking a credit card, toothbrush and maybe a change of clothes, and riding light to a hotel or hostel nearby for an overnight stay. If you have a rack on your bike, you can strap on a camping kit and ride to a campground for an inexpensive escape.

How Do I Get Started No matter what your approach, check out BikeOvernights.org for how-to articles and packing lists, and dozens of stories for inspiration. They include the simple kind of overnights described above, and a whole host of others, including luxury TWO-WHEELED overnights and big family gatherings. In fact, the biggest category of stories covers family trips, and bike overnights are a By Jim Sayer convenient, economical way to introduce VACATIONS kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews to the wonders of bike travel.

Planning a bike overnight One of my favorite family stories is Jeff Moser’s 10-mile trip from home to a nearby state park with his wife, Kristy, and son, Charlie. It turned out to be their best Over time, I’ve come to realize that many people family camping trip ever, and got them have bikes—or at least easy access to one—and hooked on bike travel. yet not that many folks use it for one of the greatest experiences you’ll ever enjoy: a bike tour. The usual “I had been reading Joe Kurmaskie’s book reason I hear is that their bike isn’t the “right kind” Metal Cowboy, Tales from the Road Less for a bike trip, or they don’t have all the gear needed Pedaled, a collection of essays about his to travel by bike. bicycle travels around the world, which got me yearning for my own two-wheeled If that’s your thinking too, here’s some good news: adventure,” shares Jeff. “So my wife and A wonderful, refreshing bike trip with minimal I decided to plan a bike overnight to a hassle and maximum fun is available to you right nearby state park with Charlie.” now. The bike overnight. The family had a good mix of camping gear and was able to use their existing bikes, along with a Chariot trailer, to carry everything. “Since we weren’t going too far away, I figured we could carry a surplus of stuff and not suffer too badly,” says Jeff, laughing that next time, though, he would hold off carrying a 5-pound Presto log. Chuck Haney The Mosers took their time Don’t Wait, Life is pedaling, and once at the park, Not a Dress Rehearsal “Since we they set up camp and enjoyed That’s a useful reminder from a weren’t going dinner and a beautiful evening by friend of mine. I can’t tell you moonlight, falling asleep to the too far away, the number of people who tell howls of coyotes in the distance. I figured we me they are going to try a bike “On the way home the next day, I could carry trip, but never do. The reasons was already thinking about where a surplus of are legion, from lack of gear we could go next,” says Jeff. stuff and not to lack of time. But now you know: bike travel is as simple as suffer too hopping on a bike, any bike, and Getting Your Friends badly,” riding a few miles to a nearby in on the Ride says Jeff. campground or lodge. Don’t let Elle Bustamente is another excuses get in your way. Commit fan of bike overnights. She right now to taking a bike trip in and her husband and two kids the next couple of months. Set a have done numerous fun trips date and destination, and invite together. Elle decided to plan friends or family. Once you try a camping overnight with two your first bike overnight, Photos: Jim Moser close girlfriends. “One of my you’ll wonder why you never most favorite vacations was a tried one before! 40-mile weekend trip with two of my dearest friends,” says Elle. “Neither of them had really been on a bike in a while, but still were willing to follow me on this mini-adventure.” Jeff Moser, wife Kristy (above) and their son Charlie Elle notes that planning a short enjoyed a bike overnight to a local state park. trip helps ease the fear of heading Read more stories on out on a grand adventure. With only a couple of nights on the fun bike overnights at road, it doesn't really matter how BikeOvernights.org. light your bags are, whether you forgot something or need to find Share your stories on the time to train. “We might our Facebook page. not have looked much like ‘real’ cyclists, but we had plenty of food, warm clothes and bikes that worked well enough,” shares Elle. “And we were able to experience the local beauty at a pace that we “One of my most favorite vacations could absorb it all in.” was a 40-mile weekend trip with two of my dearest friends,” says Elle. Elle and her friends also took their time. “We stopped as often as needed and had plenty of chocolate to stave off any bonking,” she says, adding, “It Jim Sayer is Executive Director of the Adventure Cycling Association was an incredible feeling to share (AdventureCycling.org), which produces that with my friends and watch Photos: Elle Bustamente state-of-the-art maps, organizes tours, their love for bike touring grow. advocates for better cycling conditions and publishes Adventure Cyclist magazine. We had the chance to catch back One of his favorite bike overnights was to up, tell new stories and sing as Yellowstone Park with his teen daughters. loudly as we possibly could while Highlights include having loads of time to talk (and groan) while they climbed 7,000 riding uphill!” feet on Beartooth Pass, enjoying a cramped hotel room and a pretty lame Adam Sandler A fan of bike overnights, Elle Bustamente (far right) planned a movie, and cruising the streets of beautiful fun trip with two girlfriends, Bekah (left) and Marnie (middle). Red Lodge, Montana, and finishing with a Mexican food and ice cream feast.

29 ©Wil Matthews 2013/Abus Protect Your Ride By Becca Heaton 4 great bike locks, plus locking dos and don’ts ace it, having your bike stolen stinks. Close to So consider this: The more money you invest in a 190,000 bikes are stolen in the U.S. every year, good, sturdy lock, the harder it will be for a would-be Fand that doesn’t include the incidents that go thief to steal your bike. And a new bike costs a heck unreported. It’s important to lock your bike. of a lot more, too. No lock is completely foolproof, though. That said, the following four locks will help A good lock offers two types of protection: visual protect your bike from the bad guys. deterrence and a longer, louder effort to break it. That’s why you’ll hear people singing the praises for U-locks. They look tough and take longer to saw through. Cable locks are more affordable, but they can be clipped with a single effort—if a thief has the right tools.

30 BIKELIFE MESA 10,000 lock combinations CABLE LOCK WITH KEVLAR TO LOCK SMARTS INCREASE CUT RESISTANCE It’s a brutal reminder to come back to your The Kevlar sheath around this cable bike and find your wheels missing. Even lock’s hardy braided steel makes worse is finding just one locked wheel the Angola 50 percent harder to and no bike. Opportunistic thieves look for cut for would-be bike thieves. And unsecured or improperly secured bikes. the price is right for commuting. blackburn angola combo cable lock $29.99, blackburndesign.com WRONG!

Folds up like this

SECURITY OF A U-LOCK WITH THE FLEXIBILITY OF A CHAIN Made of hardened steel, this accordian-style lock makes it easier to secure your bike in WRONG! Courtesy of Ann Chanecka/Tucson sometimes awkward or tight places. It’s simple to carry too: the lock folds up and fits in a carrying case that attaches to the frame abus granit x-plus via Velcro straps or screws into bottle-cage bordo 6500 mounts. $149.99, abus.com/usa

DON’T lock just your frame or just your wheel to the bike rack. Bicycle thieves can (and likely will) remove your A U-LOCK WITH EXTRA REACH Extension for wheel and steal the rest of your bike—or odd-shaped Securing your bike in the city is changing vice versa. Also make sure your bike bike racks with different styles and shapes of bike cannot be lifted over the top of the object racks. To accommodate this, the Mini+ has to which it is locked. an extender that allows for more variety in how and where you lock your bike. Lock your bike frame to a bike rack, and capture either your front or back wheel with the extender. $85.95, kryptonitelock.com RIGHT

kryptonite messenger mini+

Launched with a Kickstarter campaign A NEW TAKE ON THE STANDARD BIKE LOCK DO Lock BOTH the frame and your This lock may not be right for wheel to the bike rack. If it’s easy to your old refurbished commuter, release your front wheel, place it by the but if you have a nicer ride to rear wheel and lock both of them with the frame to the rack. protect and appreciate good design, this sleek new lock may DO lock your bike in a high-traffic be worth the money. What we area, ideally with a constant flow of love: A father-son engineering people going by and good lighting (at night). tigr team designed this solid, 125 bow DO register your bike and serial titanium lock to complement the lock number with a local registration beauty and simplicity of bikes. service or via the National Bike Registry $159.99–$199.99, tigrlock.com (nationalbikeregistry.com). Take a picture of your bike, too.

31 [ RESOURCES ] Meet Your LOCAL BIKE SHOPS Looking to buy a new bike? Does your bike need a tune-up? Have questions about where to ride? Your local shop can help. See our full list of bike shops on the next page.

PARAGON CYCLING 1106 N Gilbert Rd. // paragoncycling.com Owner Ray Kidd’s love for cycling started when his father gave him a bike for his 5th birthday. “I started Paragon in 2004 to encourage everyone to discover the joy of cycling and share my excitement for this healthy lifestyle and sport,” says Ray. As a result, his staff is always available to offer up general information, give honest opinions or recommendations on specific products, provide a quick adjustment or full service on your bike, or help you find the perfect new ride.

TWO WHEEL JONES Jim Hash 917 S Signal Butte Rd. // twowheeljones.com Two Wheel Jones is a family-owned neighborhood bike shop open since April 2008. “We believe that bike fit is as important to your riding experience as the components that drive your wheels,” says owner Travis Jones, “so we offer professional fitting services with all road bike sales, or we’re happy to fit you on your existing bicycle.” The shop is also proud of its community involvement, hosting weekly Saturday rides, monthly mechanic clinics, quarterly skills and drills clinics, plus nutrition, coaching and training services.

FREERIDE BIKE CO. 3640 East Main St. // freeridebikeco.com Lights Camera Love Photography “We support a lifestyle that incorporates cycling into your everyday life,” say owners Brian and Ashley Morris. In 2010, they GLOBAL BIKES started the “Freeride Bike Co.” brand and Four locations in the Southeast Valley // globalbikesbikeshop.com their own line of bicycles. “As a family, we Alan Lepak always knew he’d own a bike and repair services, Global Bikes has a non- love to ride and live the ‘cruiser’ lifestyle,” shop, particularly after working in shops profit, Trips for Kids Phoenix, to expose they share. The Morris’s shop offers their all through high school and college. He underprivileged kids to mountain biking. own brand of beach cruisers and fat tire opened Global Bikes in 2001, and now The shops also offer free maintenance bikes, along with several other bike brands. owns four stores. “We’re known for our clinics and group rides, plus a range of The shop is also full of accessories, from lifetime free service for bikes purchased presentations on nutrition, stretching colorful tires and comfy saddles, to bells, from us and we have something for and more. baskets and bling. everyone,” says Alan. Along with retail

32 BIKELIFE MESA calendar 4

Phoenix Spokes CycloMesa – El Tour Criterium CycloMesa – El Tour de Mesa CycloMesa – Mesa Adventure People Bike Prom mesabikerace.com perimeterbicycling.com/el-tour-de-mesa Cycling Challenge phoenixspokespeople.org mesaadventurechallenge.com april Glendale Family Ride glendaleaz.com/transportation/ glendalefamilybikeride.cfm City of Mesa City of Mesa 22 24 25 2

City of Mesa Bike2Work Whiskey Off-Road Race, Prescott Chandler Family Bike Ride Chino Valley Grinder

Day and Earth Day Festival/ epicrides.com chandleraz.gov MAY azgravelrides.com Pancake Breakfast Arizona Bike Club mesaaz.gov/mesarides Desert Classic azbikeclub.com City of Mesa Brian Leddy bike shops groups Adventure Bicycle Electra Bike Shop Blazing Saddles Ride Club Company 1545 S. Power Rd. Group road and mountain bike rides for all levels. Skills and 2336 E. Baseline Rd. 480-428-2349 maintenance clinics, too. 480-649-3394 meetup.com/bike-masters-bikes-direct-blazing-saddles-ride-club adventurebicycle.com Freeride Bike Co. 3640 E. Main St. Gravity Riders Organization of Arizona Archer’s Bikes 480-981-2453 Advocacy, rider education and trail work. The gravity rider 1530 N. Country Club Dr. freeridebikeco.com community includes downhillers, freeriders, all-mountain riders, 480-275-5818 dirt jumpers and BMX riders of all ages. archersbikes.com Mike’s Bike Chalet gravityridersaz.com 5050 E. University Bikes Direct Mesa 480-807-2944 San Tan Shredders 1545 South Power Rd. mikesbikechalet.com Group rides for mountain bikers of all levels. 480-981-8901 meetup.com/santan-shredders bikesdirectaz.com Paragon Cycling 1106 N. Gilbert Rd. Tempe Bicycle Action Group (T.B.A.G.) Bike Masters Gilbert 480-830-1620 Working to make bicycling a prominent, safe and convenient form 2244 East Williams Field Rd. paragoncycling.com of transportation and recreation in the region. Also host group 480-857-7000 rides and events. bikemastersaz.com Performance Bicycle biketempe.org 1155 S. Power Rd. DNA Cycles 480-832-0034 We-Cycle-USA 2031 N. Power Rd. performancebike.com Help kids and adults in need recycle and refurbish bikes. 480-924-2453 wecycleusa.org dnacycles.com Two Wheel Jones 1917 S. Signal Butte Rd. 480-380-8222 twowheeljones.com

33 [ THE FINAL MILE ] changing habits By Dan Baum Training yourself to travel via two wheels instead of four

limate change, fitness and the groceries and pick up the dry price of gas are good reasons cleaning all in one bike trip, Cto transition from car to bike, but that can be a good thing. but the best reason is that using a bike When life slows to the speed of a bike, you for commuting or errands is infinitely don’t try to do too many things at once. more pleasant. When you ride, you have the breeze in your face, and you notice To make the leap from car to bike, don’t all kinds of things—from lawn art to demand too much of yourself. Your job sprouting crocuses—you miss from behind may be too far to bike to, but what about a windshield. You feel connected to your local supermarket, the hardware pedestrians and playing children, and you store, the movie theater or the post office? arrive at your destination with no parking Instead of hitting these places while hassles, your blood full of oxygen. driving home from work, try going home first and getting the bike; it’s a great way Studies by the British New Economic to unwind and move your body after Foundation reveal that “cyclists find their sitting all day. Put your helmet where mode of transport at least as flexible and you usually leave your keys so as you Illustration by Mike Reisel convenient as those who use cars, with reach, you can ask yourself, “Could I do this on a bike?”

It’s a matter of developing the habit, and studies show that it’s never too late … ask yourself, to break old ones and develop new ones. “ The Society for Personality and Social Could I do this Psychology has found that it takes from 15 to 254 days to develop a new habit, on a bike? and that it’s easier if you use a natural ” disruption in your life—moving, a new job, a vacation—to change one habit to keep lights, tools, a spare tube, a reflective another because the cues on which your windbreaker and a credit card. lower stress and greater feelings of freedom, habitual behavior relied disappear. Even a relaxation and excitement.” The trick is small change presents an opportunity. Once equipped, start exploring alternatives training yourself to reach first for the bike to the big, fast roads. Side streets, parks, helmet instead of the car keys. You’ll need, of course, a bike that you’ll be schoolyards and alleys are a parallel comfortable riding. It doesn’t have to be universe that you may never have seen Doing so is largely a matter of challenging brand new or cost a lot, but it should fit before, and they can get you across town your assumptions about how life has to be you and be in good shape. Your local bike with surprising speed. organized. Think you don’t have time to shop can help. get around by bike? For trips of three miles Start slow. Choose nice days. Do one or less, riding is about as quick as driving Your local shop can also help you with errand at a time. It’s a head shift as much because side streets and paths through the extras: a rack to hold either baskets as anything to switch from car to bike. parks make it easier to avoid stoplights, or panniers to carry things; a good lock; But it’s worth it. and you can zip right past traffic. The a helmet; lights for front and back; and workout you’ll get around town on a bike for wet streets, fenders. I got creative and Dan Baum is the author of four books and was a staff might even save you a trip to the gym. You zip-tied a seven-dollar lockable tackle box writer for The New Yorker. He and his wife, Meg, enjoy may not be able to buy a week’s worth of to my rack, so I have a secure place to biking, and use bike share to explore a city whenever they can.

34 BIKELIFE MESA

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