Riding Home In Winter

Evening on Campus.

Whoa! Winter showed up, Gentle Readers of This Blog! The day before rain and sleet--and sometimes snow fell. The wind was fierce and wicked cold too! After work today I came out, and the Sun was beginning to set and I wanted to get better shots for you, mes amis--because I thought it was kind of pretty. Only a bit of the snow could hang on as the wind was brutal all day!

Remember Your Relatives.

The Arch was built by Indian Veterans who donated money to honor their fellow soldiers--Indian, White, Black--all Americans--who fought in World War I.

Its symbolic of all the men and and women who have served in the military then and now.

Indian people have the Warrior tradition--its more like stepping up in a time of need--to protect and defend those who cannot defend themselves--being selfless--and if need be, fight to keep the people safe. Indian Veterans take this very seriously.

I believe that there's a feeling that the people of the past made sure that the people of the present--you and me--had a chance in this world. They gave up, some of them, everything--so that we could live to work, play, love, create, and be all that we are. Wouldn't you do the same for them?

We should take care of their memory just as we should take care of our vets coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan--no matter what we felt about the war and the mistakes that were made. What we have enjoyed, and what we will enjoy in the future has been solidified by their efforts and their blood.

Oh the times I have wished to trade places with Little Egypt--why her and not me? Why us and why this time?

Okay--well, I need to hit the sack. One week at the new job! That is a good thing!

Cheers! Bruce

New Job At Haskell

Sunrise and the Victory Arch--built in 1926 (I'll have to check that date for sure)

I started the new job and again, my goal will be to ride into work every day. I can't take the bike path as there's construction--but I can still ride fairly safely on the surface streets. It's pretty much a straight shot, takes about 8 minutes, and is just under 2 miles from the Little House to the Library.

On my way to work! Day One!

Gotta be a bit careful because the street I take to Haskell is what I would call a secondary artery for car drivers--they just have to be patient. I can ride at a pretty good clip and the speed limit is supposedly 30 mph--but people are always in a hurry and they realize that they can't pass me so easily. Still, there might be one or two cars so their wait is only a few seconds to go around a bike commuter.

Here's the Library, Gentle Readers of This Blog.

I'll be able to park my Desert San commuter bike inside the library back in one of the spacious work areas. The Director is quite pleased that I am going to ride my bike--even in this cold weather.

One of the old buildings on Campus--this is Sequoia Hall--Boys Gymnasium.

Hiawatha Hall, built in 1884.

Hiawatha is one of the original buildings on the Haskell Campus. Sadly its in a bit of a sorry state--it was for a very long time the Women's Gymnasium. There's also a swimming pool in the basement--however many years ago a student drowned in there. Indian people are very superstitious so the pool has not been used, and now the building. Some people want to save and revive Hiawatha because they say when a building is not used--it dies.

Riding home after my first day on the job!

Wish me luck as I embark on a year as University Librarian. If you are ever in Lawrence, Kansas--and find yourself at Haskell--please come by the Library and say hello!

Cheers! Bruce

Tucson Vacation or Bury Me with My Bicycle

Back on Tucson roads for a week of cycling and visiting friends.

I arrived in Phx from KC on Saturday night and then took a quick shuttle to Tucson. Little Egypt, having just packed for deployment for a mission in Iraq, told me I was taking too much! So I re-packed and well, Gentle Readers of This Blog--I did not bring enough warm clothes for my journey. It was cold in the mornings as well as the evenings. When the Sun starts to go down, things cool down pretty fast.

35 miles from my house is the base of Mt. Lemmon, a route many of us know well...

First thing I do Sunday morning is walk up to the storage place to fetch the Grand Prix. We've been renting our place up in Dog Mtn, by the way, and we have some of our things in a storage unit just up the road. I left my 1977 Raleigh Super Grand Prix ready to ride if I came back for a visit, or to ride El Tour given the chance. There she was and all I needed to do was put a little air in tires and I was ready to roll, mes amis! Meeting a friend for an early lunch, I set out for our meeting place down at Ina and Oracle about 15 miles ride for me. Mt. Lemmon, The Stoic Old Man can be seen from quite a distance up ahead!

He's the saguaro for you, mes amis! Mornings are cold but the Sun warms you up pretty quick!

Entering Rancho Vistoso and there's Pusch Ridge with Oro Valley laying at the base.

I'll have to ride around the Ridge to meet my friend for my lunch date. My appetite is growing as large as this range, mes amis! I'm starving! and I need coffee too! I'll get a little speed going as I fly down from Dog Mtn and Rancho, but then I'll have to make the big climb back out of Oro Valley for the last leg.

The Northwest side of Tucson where I live still feels rural. Things are spread out. Fortunately the roads are pretty good and you can roll at a good pace.

La Canada! Pronounced "La Can Y'ought Ta" not "La Can ah Duh" he he he...

It has been many years under construction but La Canada is complete from Moore Road up in Dog Mtn, straight South all the way to Ina Rd--this is good for me because it's a straight shot with new roads and awesome new bike lane! For my ride to work, and for most of us Tucson Cyclists, we had twits and turns through side streets in Oro Valley to get down that far--car drivers had to do the same--so although there was a bike lane, it could get busy, crowded, and the pavement was beat up a long the way.

Traveling La Canada is a breeze, Gentle Readers of This Blog--I easily cruised down the bike lane at 22 mph. I was also lucky when a couple rode up beside me and they gave me some more detailed information about the new bike lanes in the city. I have to say as we chatted there we smiles all around because like most of us Tucson Cyclists we've been supporting and waiting for these kinds of routes for years.

This new road will be my life-line to my friends and my house up in Dog Mtn. I can get down into the city quickly, but of course going home will be mostly an up-hill slog for 15 miles. Every adventure I have this week will require the long climb back to Dog Mtn. I am grateful for the new safe and fast route. I'll be putting in the miles, mes amis.

Big Sexy on Super Grand Prix.

The Super rode like when I was taking her out on the hot muggy streets as a skinny punk-kid back in my Tulsa Days. Steel lugged but still light as a feather, I was comfortable and riding solid and fast! When that Glorious Day comes Gentle Readers of This Blog--Bury me with this Bicycle!

Cheers! Bruce

Bike to Work Interzone

Every day is Bike to Work Day!

I wanted to drop by the LBS for a free breakfast, being Nat'l Bike to Work Day. So I ride through parts of old East Lawrence near where I live early this Friday morning, through the rugged brick-paved neighborhoods, for coffee and cakes.

Local Bike Shop at 8:45 a.m.

There's not much traffic this cool morning--only the most intrepid cyclists are out--rain is forecast for later in the morning. I believe I'll have plenty of time to talk to the friends I've made at the shop, and get a cup of coffee before I head up to Mt. Oread.

The Desert San Campus Bike, now my Interzone Commuter.

I was told that about 40 riders showed up and I think that's awesome! I don't go into the office until late morning on some days, so most of the real rush hour car traffic has faded out. My bike is a real commuter--most everyone else rides an old road bike or a cheapee mountain bike. I have fenders, a basket, a bell, and of course my wool cap. I only ride just over a mile--all up-hill--and I don't rush to get to the office on time--that would take too much work! Instead I leave The Little House with plenty of time to spare so I can take my time with a steady pace.

Coffee and cakes, and a cool brand-new Lawrence Bike Map.

Guy in the blue shirt is my neighbor and one of the managers of the LBS--he's also just turned 40 and has joined the Lawrence Fire Dept. Quite a feat I must say! He worked hard to reach that goal, competing with much younger men for the few slots at the Dept.

Historic old downtown--the bike shop is a real hub of the community where everyone is friendly and helpful--they have been to me, mes amis.

Did it ever rain!

After I talked to the guys, and met the local bike racing coach (Professional Ranked Coach) who I would really consider getting some coaching from because he was a great guy--some really dark clouds full of loud cracking thunder and flashing lightening, arrived and it began to rain. No worries because I had my rain gear stowed on the bike.

But as I got up Mt. Oread and just a few blocks from my office, it really let loose in a torrent, Gentle Readers of This Blog--and I was soaked to the bone in a matter of a few minutes! Rivers of water rushed down the streets of Mt. Oread, washing all the beer cans, cigarette butts, litter, and junk out of the gutters.

I made it to work--I had ridden my bike to work--but now I had little choice but to ride back home, change into dry clothes--and get a ride in with Little Egypt. She met me at home, I got out of the wet clothes and into dry--and she drove me up the Mountain to my office. The whole time it was raining cats and dogs--thunder was ear-splitting, and lightening bolts jolted all around.

Well, mon ami, I hope your Bike to Work Week and Day was a good one. Every day is Bike to Work Day for me for the last two months. This was the first day I rode in by automobile.

Cheers! Bruce

Time For Gloves on My Rides

Morning ride into the office--gloves this morning, mes amis!

I'm enjoying the rides into work--the route is a bit more urban jungle--but hey that's just about all Tucson now it seems. My new office is in the heart of an aging Tucson neighborhood. Still seems like there's room for bikes but oddly I feel out of place. I'm a fast roadie and everyone else on bikes rides them because they don't have or can't afford a car.

So the mornings are just such that under-armour and gloves are needed--going home is perfect. Going home means a lot of traffic but the traffic lumbers along slow. I find it surreal that I'm passing cars fast and close instead of the other way around. I squeeze past everyone as the bike lane runs out the last few miles to Arthur Pack Park.


The sun is going down, and I'm still a few miles out from my car parked at Arthur Pack.

As I got off the rive bike path--which was tricky because now its closed off and a rider has to maneuver through a parking lot--I met up with a strong young rider named Randy. Having two bikes helped us squeeze onto La Cholla, and then we had a green arrow for the left onto River.


Riding fast on the way home, even in that evening headwind that's always coming out of the West.

Randy was riding almost as far up as me on Thornydale, and he road fast and strong and I kept up with him all the way up. It was good to have a friendly roadie on the busy street. The sun was setting, and as we chatted we switched on lights and he put on reflective ankle straps.

Randy told me he road several times a week 23 miles one way to his office near the Tucson Airport. So when he told me he set out from home at 4:30 am I didn't feel so bad. I'm leaving the house here in Dog Mtn at 5:45 and rolling by 6 am. after parking the car. Randy is well on his way by the time I'm starting out. I'm sure I'll see him again on a trek home.


Bike light on my car--to the car just in time to see the stars...

Good to see the hardy bunch of cyclists out cutting that morning darkness with their determination and gusto!

Allure Libre--Cheers! Bruce

Bikes Save the World -- With Help from Bruce

Peace of Mind at the little park near my new office.

There is a little park not from from my new office. Its right at the start of the city's urban bike routes--kind of a quieter street more direct route through this older part of Tucson. Me, I'm a roadie and I'm good riding the narrow bike lanes with cars passing me by just a few feet.

But this park is like a sanctuary for me, and for all kinds of working people. Professional people, laborers, students--we all go just to get away, enjoy the trees and cool sun--and the mountains.

When I drive, I come here to get away from the chaos and often over-energetic students at the Art School. This morning I had to tell a bunch of them to be quiet, as other students, and my working on some sort of problem--had had enough. The park has a pretty calming effect, and its only a few minutes away.


Tall, graceful, and solid--a good vibe.

I sat at the base of this regal palm tree and ate my lunch. The grass was fresh and cool, and I could have just fallen asleep here for awhile.


My daily commuter--1977 Raleigh Super Grand Prix.

The morning ride is cool and the roads clear, Gentle Readers of This Blog. I have to hustle and get moving as I am the one in charge of opening and getting the command center up and going. The sun is just coming up over the Catalina Mtn Range as I'm arriving at the office. In that early morning light, I'm riding 19 to 22 mph -- here I'm just cruising down the neighbor hood streets to the park.


Wind -- storms coming into Tucson.

I got started later than I wanted, but that's okay because on the bike, I sail past the congestion of auto traffic. In the photo above, I'm usually on the other side of the river--that part is not paved yet--the south side is paved for bikes from Campbell Ave to the Country Club bridge that I've been using. Its faster, but that didn't make much difference this evening mes amis--a strong headwind made me work hard.


On the way home with all my stuff.

Doing or trying to do interval training on River Rd was tough because I had a strong headwind. As soon as River turned into Thornydale, the wind died down and I just have the home stretch and one big hill. At Ina, I came upon another commuter, and we rode together all the way to Arthur Pack Park. As we rode and talked, we both realized that our paths had crossed a few time before.

My route to work is actually my old University route from way back--and I explained to my riding partner that I was back on it again. "My name is Bruce, by the way..." I said. "Hey, I remember now--you're Bruce that used to work at AHSL, right?" and then I was like, "Wait a sec, you Bruce too, right? Your office is in the basement of the Library--in the telemedicine section." So that was cool, and we had nice chat and laugh or two.

Bruce turned off for home just a few streets before I reached the park. I'm sure we'll meet again on our commutes!

Cheers! Bruce

Friday Night Lights

I've brought out the commuter lights--its that time of year.

Undaunted by the stress of the new job, I'm determined to keep up the cycling and bike commuting into work. This ride would be another test ride--to see if I could get the timing right and distance right--to get into the office, clean up, and then open the Command Center. Since in this new appointment, I am actually at the helm of the Command Center, its important that I'm there and have the engines running by the time the students show up.

So I'm riding the route of a few years back when I worked at the University of Arizona--I drive just under 7 miles to Arthur Pack Park, then ride down Thornydale (newly paved with good bike lanes) and then into Midtown to the Art School. As it turns out, distance on the bike is almost 15 miles--about the same as when I had an office at UofA.

The morning ride was fast--traffic was thin, the road as I said was newly re-paved--so I rode at a nice clip of 19 to 22 mph. River Rd. is challenging and since there are no lights and turn ins and outs--most of the next few miles are a chance for interval-type training; high cadence and speed for long stretches. At River and Campbell I turned south and caught the bike path for a short ride to the Country Club Bike Bridge, and then on into the office. All went well I can say.


Ride home in the rain.

As the forecast was for 30 percent chance of rain--which means probably not rain--I didn't take any chances and brought my battery powered commuter light just as a back-up. As the evening rolled in, so did a storm, and leaving the office I found myself riding in a chilling shower of rain. Just about two miles on the jam-packed city streets and then on the bike path for most of the trip home.


Busy Campbell Ave. These commuters are almost to River Ave, and waiting to turn left.

Its one of the worst jammed intersections in Tucson. I roll past that jam you see above--that's why I ride my bike because this is typical Tucson rush hour traffic. This morning there was not a soul, now people are trying to get home, and they're having to deal with a rain storm.




I'm still not out of the woods yet--more rain on the way!

The bike path is empty tonight and I'm the only one out here--so I can ride fast and make good time.


Western edge of the bike path--still remote.


Bike Hinge!


Looks like I'll have a window of sunshine without rain to ride on the busy dangerous last few miles of my commute up to Arthur Pack Park.


River Rd and La Cholla--still under construction! Geez...

Okay I used to head North up La Cholla that you see up there in the photo I took for you, Gentle Reader of This Blog--but now I have to make a dangerous left turn onto River Rd and head West. After that, I can ride River and ride fast, so I make good time. While making my left turn last night, some driver thought that the forward lane was also a left turn lane--which it wasn't--and while I was turning left and then merging into the bike lane, the car driver came up behind me on the my right side--and almost hit me.

Pretty stupid of them and they sped around me in anger--the other cars had to stop and I could see that they were just as bewildered as I was with the other driver being so reckless. I will tell you that many people in this town, first thing they do when they get in their car, is insert their head in their ass...


Riding with the busy traffic on Thornydale.

The thing I do now is ride with the traffic on Thornydale, which is busy and congested. I'm good because I have a straight shot and just cruise on by. Its much better than sitting in a jam and crawling block by block--being behind somebody texting or on a cell phone--making things go even slower.


Traffic on on the Northwest Side.

People may think it too dangerous to ride, but when automobiles are only able to go 15 mph and only for a few blocks, I can ride at 20mph and be in the clear. I'm really trying to get to my car before the sun sets, mes amis.


I make it to the golf course at the park and to my car before the sun calls it a day.

I would spend the same amount of time driving but instead of being in the car, I'm getting a workout and keeping up on my base miles. The rain was a minor detail and had stopped, thank goodness, on the last of my route in the heavy traffic.

Its Friday night and there's going to be a football game there at the high school, which is here by the park.

The parking lot I keep the car at all day is for the golfers--its a public course--and spill over for the high school kids to park their cars. Only Seniors can park in the school parking lot, so the younger ones have to hike over to class from here. Best part about where I park is the shade from all the trees.

Cheers! Bruce

Old Roads and New

A cool October morning.

I'm back commuting to work on the bike. Blazing a trail to the new office was not too bad the other day--it was a short ride--mainly to see if I could do a clean-up in the mens room. I won't have a shower at the new office, mes amis.


On the bike path to the County Club Bridge. This bridge will take me across the river and to where the mid-town bike route starts.

My ride to the new office is about five miles shorter than the old Desert San. To the San was more direct, and to the Art School its more in the heart of old midtown.


Funky but it works.

All of the bike path is on the North side of the river for the most part. The bridge crosses over to the old Tucson Raquet Club. I actually have to ride through the parking lot of the club to then get on Country Club Rd. to head into work. So when I get off the bridge, I squeeze through this little path and into the parking lot. I found this a few weeks ago when I was driving in the area--I followed the other cyclist into the parking lot, and then walked out here--then I knew exactly where I was! Cool!


The new bike lane and newly paved roads begin!

Biking to work now is the best option for me, Gentle Reader of This Blog. It is very congested where the Art School is located--plus there's major road construction. I sail past the dead-lock traffic and make it to the office in no time.


The ride home!

It is great to be free of all that bumper to bumper traffic for the rush hour home, mes amis! I just hop on the bike and I am free!


Setting myself a good pace in the cool October evening air or Tucson.


My car stays parked in the shade of the trees all day at the River Park.

This was a short ride and mainly to see what I needed to pack for my "shower" at work. I just have a mens room in the back of the command center--and I brought a wash cloth and soap and just kind of wiped myself down. The trick I read somewhere is to shower before you leave and that keeps you cleaner for some reason. So yeah that worked--I didn't think I smelled too bad all day.

I really didn't even break a sweat riding in, or riding home. It was a beautiful trip coming and going, and with so many people out walking and running, I just had to sit back and relax and take my time. I've taken to heart what one of my reader said a few weeks ago-- "Keep Riding" and I shall-- no matter how tough the new job.

Cheers! Bruce