North Scottsdale In The Rain

North Scottsdale noted for exclusive homes, golf courses, and desert landscaping. Pinnacle Peak rises out of the Sonora Desert to an elevation of 3,170 feet, and was formed one million years ago. It used to be a glacier but due to "global warming" it's now a pile of rocks. If you believe that then you should watch "An Inconvenient Truth".Clouds threatened, and it did rain a little, but not enough to spoil a great ride.
Reata Pass SteakhouseReata Pass Outhouse

Many buildings blend in well with the landscape.Don't want to fall on this guy, -Teddybear Cholla

or this guy. -Yucca plantDid you know? The Saguaro cactus is the tallest cactus, lives about 200 years, and grows 4-8 inches a year. Its first "arms" sprout when the cactus is 40-50 years old. This old guy needs some help to stand tall. The holes in the cactus are made by birds which use them for their homes.If all paths could be as smooth as this. . . Legend Trail Parkway.Along Pima Road, a sign that says it all.

2006 California Coast Classic Video

I finally got my act together and made a slide show video of my San Francisco to Los Angeles 2006 Arthritis Foundation ride.

Biking for One Year

I started biking one year ago. My first ride was on March 2, 2006 and was 8.3 miles lasting 30 minutes. Here is my distance and time log for the past year:
6277 miles, 450 hours. Biked in six states, 2 centuries, 8 organized biking events, and the 8 day Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic. My goal for year two will be to work on my base building, increase my fitness ceiling, start strength training, and improve my riding skills and efficiency. Sounds like I've been reading too many biking books. And I'll try not to spend so much money at the bike shop.

Speaking of cycling books, I got to hear Chris Carmichael speak about his new book 5 Essentials For A Winning Life, and the Discovery Channel Cycling Team, and training Lance Armstrong, and the doping controversies. Carmichael was a member of the first American cycling team-The 7-Eleven Team-to compete in the Tour de France in 1986. He is founder of Carmichael Training Systems.