Bob Ross' NW08 SatRide B/3/37 StPhilipsUofATrailsEndRillitoRen

ROUTE 36.6 miles/1400 feet ascent, 16-18 MPH average speed.

Weather Forecast (7 days out).
6am 80 Degrees, Sunny, Winds 2 mph ESE with Gusts to 4 mph
9am 85 Degrees, Sunny, Winds 4 mph WSW with gusts to 11 mph.

If you want to go on a slightly shorter and slightly slower ride, sign up with the Cliff's (14-16 MPH average) ride HERE which will be starting/ending at the same place and time.

Route: We will share the roads with traffic for ~60% of route which will have shoulders/bike lanes. There is almost no traffic on the 4 mile climb on the Trail's End spur. Approximately 40% will be on the loop.

Begin: St. Philips Plaza South parking lot
End: Feel free to join us at Ren's Coffeehouse after the ride.

Water/Bathroom Breaks:
9 miles - 1161 W Silverlake Rd (short stop)
21.0 miles - Feliz Paseos Park (long stop)
30 miles - Rillito Park at Camino De La Tierra (if needed)

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. If you sign up for the ride and are running a couple of minutes late call Bob at 917-566-8364 and we will wait up to five minutes before leaving.

Load the route into your bicycle computer, it will help if you get separated from the group or if your leader doesn't load it correctly.

If you haven't ridden with me before, I will not have your contact information. If so, please send your name, phone number, emergency contact, emergency contact phone number (NOT 911) to Bob' admin person (Cliff at cliff55@gmail.com). The ride waiver will be filled out prior to the ride, you will just need to verify the information and sign it.

There is a good chance that this B ride will end with an average speed of between 16-18 mph. If you are not comfortable or not capable of this expected pace average, please do not participate in this ride. Note that this is a full drop ride. If you can't keep up, you will be dropped. If you have the breath for it, this will be a social ride with lots of conversations. Riders are expected to ride at the pace of the ride leader and between the ride leader and the sweep (if there is a sweep). There will be ride-at-your-own-pace sections and regroup areas designated by your ride leader. If you can't keep up, you can drop back to Cliff's slower group until the routes diverge at Paseo Feliz Park. If you drop after that, you are on your own and we will see you back at St. Philips plaza at the end.

If you are not a member of our cycling club, please join: Sign Up Link

WARNING
Recently an expensive Cervelo road bike was stolen (cable cut) off of a bike rack that was mounted on the back of a car while the GABA member was having coffee at RENs coffeehouse. This bike will most likely be sold for $1,000–$2,000 on the black market in another city. A report was filed with the Pima County Sheriff's office and sadly they want to close the report because they have no leads. Although the bike was partially covered by insurance, it resulted in a lot of time and energy to deal with this crime. Let's talk about it.....
Unfortunately, bike theft is a common issue, especially in urban areas like Tucson, where bikes are popular for commuting and recreation.
Here are best practices to minimize the risk:
Use High-Quality Locks and avoid cable locks: Cable locks are easily cut with basic bolt cutters in seconds. Instead, use a U-lock (e.g., Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit or Abus Granit X-Plus) or a heavy-duty chain lock (e.g., Kryptonite New York Chain). U-locks are harder to cut and resist most portable tools.
Double-lock strategy: Use two different types of locks (e.g., a U-lock for the frame and front wheel, and a chain lock for the rear wheel and seat). This forces thieves to carry multiple tools and spend more time, deterring them.
Lock quality matters: Invest in locks rated “Sold Secure Gold” or “ART 4/5” for maximum security. Expect to spend $50–$150 for a good lock.
Secure the Bike Properly: Lock to a fixed, immovable object: Ensure the bike is locked to a sturdy bike rack or pole that can’t be lifted or broken. Car bike racks are less secure because they’re detachable or less robust than ground-anchored racks.
Lock the frame and wheels: Always lock the bike’s frame and at least one wheel to the rack. Use the U-lock through the frame and rear wheel (inside the rear triangle) for maximum security. Remove or secure the front wheel if it’s quick-release.
Minimize leverage points: Position the lock close to the frame to reduce space for thieves to insert tools like jacks or pry bars.
Choose Safer Parking Locations: High-traffic, well-lit areas: Park in busy, visible spots or similar locations where passersby or staff might notice suspicious activity. Avoid secluded or dark areas.
Indoor or monitored parking: If available, use indoor bike storage or racks near security cameras. Some cafes or businesses in Tucson may offer bike valet services or indoor storage for customers.
Avoid long-term parking: The longer a bike is left unattended, the more time thieves have to work. In this case even a short coffee break gave thieves a window of opportunity.
Make the Bike Less Appealing: Remove valuable components: Take off easily removable parts like lights, computers, or saddlebags before leaving the bike. For high-value bikes like this Cervelo, consider removing the seat if it’s quick-release.
Customize or disguise: Add unique markings, stickers, or paint to make the bike less attractive for resale. High-end bikes like this Cervelo are often targeted for their resale value.
Use security skewers: Replace quick-release skewers with locking skewers (e.g., Pinhead or Hexlox) to secure wheels and saddle, making them harder to steal.
Use Technology:GPS trackers: Install a discreet GPS tracker (e.g., Apple AirTag, Tile, or BikeTrax) hidden inside the frame or under the saddle. These can help locate a stolen bike if acted on quickly.
Smart locks: Some locks, like the Abus Bordo Alarm, have motion-sensitive alarms that deter thieves.
Register the bike: Register the bike with services like Bike Index or 529 Garage, which are widely used in the U.S., including Tucson. Include the serial number, photos, and description. If stolen, report it to these registries to flag the bike on resale markets.
Insurance:Get bike insurance: For an $8,000 bike, consider specialized bike insurance (e.g., Velosurance or Markel) or add it to a homeowner’s/renter’s policy with a rider. This won’t prevent theft but can mitigate financial loss.
Document the bike: Keep receipts, photos, and the serial number in case of theft for insurance claims or police reports.
Best Practices for Securing Bikes on Car Racks: Here are specific tips for this scenario:Use a rack-specific lock: Many car bike racks (e.g., Thule, Yakima) come with integrated locks, but these are often flimsy. Supplement with a high-quality U-lock or chain to secure the bike to the rack and the car’s hitch or frame.
Park in visible areas: When parking with a bike on a car rack, choose spots near the coffeehouse entrance or under streetlights where activity is more likely to be noticed.
Remove the bike for long stops: For extended stops (e.g., coffee with friends), consider removing the bike from the rack and locking it to a ground-anchored bike rack instead.
Use a hitch lock: Secure the bike rack itself to the car with a hitch lock to prevent the entire rack from being removed.
You might see this info next month in the Paceline.