Touchstone Blog Archive
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club 4th of July Scavenger Hunt
The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club had its annual 4th of July Sacenger Hunt last week. The highly anticipated cycling event brought together more than twenty people who competed in a photo scavenger hunt, which relied heavily on creativity and teamwork, and kept the physical hardships to a minimum.
Each team of three or four, was given a checklist, and an hour and forty-five minutes to collect as many photos from the list as the could. Some of the items were slightly abstract and so an open mind was necessary.
Below is a just a sample of items asked for:
1776
5 mph miles per hour posted speed
American Flag clothing
Apple Pie
At least $10 cover charge
$1000 reward offered for missing pet
At least 10 bicycles in one image
Backhoe
Baseball
Cannon
Circle, triangle, square (all in one shot)
Community garden
Eagle
FitCore workout station
Gargoyle
Gravestone
He shoots! He scores!
Horse
Hot dog
Invisible
It’s ok to color outside the lines
Jimi Hendrix
Lion
Midnight
Pimped my ride
Pink slip
President on Mt. Rushmore
Prickly pear cactus
Rotary phone
Shiny
Skate or die
Solar panel
Some assembly required
Something old, something new
Truck nuts
View from the second floor or higher
Weather Vane
What is Scott doing here?!
When animals attack
Bonus points for figuring out a foreign language item:
German: Blumengarten
German: Trinkwasserbrunnen
French: Écureuil
French: Distributeur automatique
Italian: Isola rotatoria
Italian: Tazzina da caffè
After the hunt, there was a food-related challenge. This years theme celebrated that which makes American great - party affiliation. Participants were asked to bring a dish that highlights the glory of partisanship. Members were encouraged to do anything from life-sized butter sculptures of Rush Limbaugh, to an empty plate symbolizing the zero electoral votes earned by 2009 Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader. Luckily, the food turned out to be far better than those two suggestions.
Check out some of Scott Clark's photos.
The Sacramento Pipeworks bike club meets every Saturday for rides of varying lengths.
To join, check our message board and then show up for a ride!
Stay updated with The Touchstone Cycling Club by checking their Blog Site.
Each team of three or four, was given a checklist, and an hour and forty-five minutes to collect as many photos from the list as the could. Some of the items were slightly abstract and so an open mind was necessary.
Below is a just a sample of items asked for:
1776
5 mph miles per hour posted speed
American Flag clothing
Apple Pie
At least $10 cover charge
$1000 reward offered for missing pet
At least 10 bicycles in one image
Backhoe
Baseball
Cannon
Circle, triangle, square (all in one shot)
Community garden
Eagle
FitCore workout station
Gargoyle
Gravestone
He shoots! He scores!
Horse
Hot dog
Invisible
It’s ok to color outside the lines
Jimi Hendrix
Lion
Midnight
Pimped my ride
Pink slip
President on Mt. Rushmore
Prickly pear cactus
Rotary phone
Shiny
Skate or die
Solar panel
Some assembly required
Something old, something new
Truck nuts
View from the second floor or higher
Weather Vane
What is Scott doing here?!
When animals attack
Bonus points for figuring out a foreign language item:
German: Blumengarten
German: Trinkwasserbrunnen
French: Écureuil
French: Distributeur automatique
Italian: Isola rotatoria
Italian: Tazzina da caffè
After the hunt, there was a food-related challenge. This years theme celebrated that which makes American great - party affiliation. Participants were asked to bring a dish that highlights the glory of partisanship. Members were encouraged to do anything from life-sized butter sculptures of Rush Limbaugh, to an empty plate symbolizing the zero electoral votes earned by 2009 Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader. Luckily, the food turned out to be far better than those two suggestions.
Check out some of Scott Clark's photos.
The Sacramento Pipeworks bike club meets every Saturday for rides of varying lengths.
To join, check our message board and then show up for a ride!
Stay updated with The Touchstone Cycling Club by checking their Blog Site.
Labels: Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Saturday, July 11, 2009 0 Comments
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Touchstone Bike Club Member Rocks Sacramento
Just got this one from Vaughn, our GM at our Sacramento Pipeworks gym and it shows a lot about just how impressive our Touchstone Bike Club members and riders really are. One of our riders, Peter Harney recently took part and competed in the Prairie City Race Series in Sacramento and did amazingly well.
Peter races in the Sport 34-39 Division and just took 8th place in the very first race of the series, and then 7th this week. What's more impressive is that he actually plans on racing in all 12 events that constitute the Prairie City Race Series and also just signed up to do the Downieville XC. We feel lazy just writing that.
To top it all off, and what I'm sure Peter would say is even more important than these races, is the fact that he is the proud Dad of a brand new two-and-a-half week old baby girl. Bottom line: Congratulations Peter, and keep up the great work...you're making Touchstone look very, very good.
Just got this one from Vaughn, our GM at our Sacramento Pipeworks gym and it shows a lot about just how impressive our Touchstone Bike Club members and riders really are. One of our riders, Peter Harney recently took part and competed in the Prairie City Race Series in Sacramento and did amazingly well.
Peter races in the Sport 34-39 Division and just took 8th place in the very first race of the series, and then 7th this week. What's more impressive is that he actually plans on racing in all 12 events that constitute the Prairie City Race Series and also just signed up to do the Downieville XC. We feel lazy just writing that.
To top it all off, and what I'm sure Peter would say is even more important than these races, is the fact that he is the proud Dad of a brand new two-and-a-half week old baby girl. Bottom line: Congratulations Peter, and keep up the great work...you're making Touchstone look very, very good.
Labels: Congratulations, Featured Members, Touchstone Bike Club, Touchstone Climbing
¶ Tuesday, April 14, 2009 0 Comments
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Touchstone Bike Club 2009
It's a new year for all you Touchstone Cycling fans and as such, I thought it'd be a good idea to let all of you in on what's going on and what WILL be going on in the Touchstone Bike Club for 2009. You can also check out the Touchstone Cycling Blog to stay up to date with everything happening with the Cycling club.
It's a new year for all you Touchstone Cycling fans and as such, I thought it'd be a good idea to let all of you in on what's going on and what WILL be going on in the Touchstone Bike Club for 2009. You can also check out the Touchstone Cycling Blog to stay up to date with everything happening with the Cycling club.
Happy New Year, Happy Cyclists!
We don't know about you, but our resolution is to get back on the bike, whether it be road, mountain or cyclocross – or all of it. Lance is doing it, so why not us? All rides and cycling-related events will be posted on the Blog Calendar for quick and easy reference (http://touchstonebike.blogspot.com/).
With the whole year ahead of us, there are many things to consider.
Ride a 100 miles or two. Here's a smattering of centuries to train for:
1. Wine Country Century – 5/2/09
2. Grizzly Peak Century – 5/3/09
3. Davis Double – 5/16/09
4. Terribly Two – 6/20/09
5. Death Ride: Tour of the California Alps – 7/11/09
6. Marin Century – 8/1/09
Cheer on our team (or even join the team?):
The Touchstone Road Racing Team is primed for the 2009 season. Stay tuned for race results from racers in the following categories: Pro Women Elite, Men's Masters Cat 3, Cat 4, and Cat 5, and Women's Cat 3. If you're interested in joining the team, please contact Markham at markham@touchstoneclimbing.com.
Club rides not limited to road…
Many Touchstoners have been spotted on the vast number of singletrack routes around the Bay Area. Let us know when you'll be riding next and need some company.
And, if you need inspiration, see the pros ride our roads!
Amgen Tour of California – Feb. 14-22
Stage 2, from Sausalito to Santa Cruz, takes the peloton over the Golden Gate Bridge! (And I don't think the route will take them around the towers either…!)
If you have any suggestions for the Touchstone Bike Club or would like access to post rides, please send an email to touchstonebike@gmail.com.
Labels: Biking, cycling, Touchstone Bike Club, Touchstone Climbing
¶ Wednesday, January 21, 2009 0 Comments
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Clubs 5th Anniversary!
Can you believe it has been FIVE years since the very first Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club ride?! FIVE years! Well my friends, believe it as just this last Saturday the members of the Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club commemorated the awesome event with a very special group ride.
On Saturday, the members of the SPBC braved the 40 degree weather to ride the very same route they rode 5 years ago to kick off the amazing club. While the route was 16 miles and probably seemed long back then, for the members today it seemed altogether brief. The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club now averages 40-50 miles for a typical bike club ride. How far they've come!!
Vaughn sent us in this information and was quick to tells us all just how tight-knit a group they all are. According to him, their riding ability is equaled to only one thing...their ability to eat. Keep in mind, if you're in their area, the SP Bike Club is open to anyone who has a road bike and can comfortably handle riding 40-50 miles in a single ride. They'd welcome you with open arms, so if you're into it, get with them and who knows, we might see you in the next 5 year anniversary photo!
Can you believe it has been FIVE years since the very first Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club ride?! FIVE years! Well my friends, believe it as just this last Saturday the members of the Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club commemorated the awesome event with a very special group ride.
On Saturday, the members of the SPBC braved the 40 degree weather to ride the very same route they rode 5 years ago to kick off the amazing club. While the route was 16 miles and probably seemed long back then, for the members today it seemed altogether brief. The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club now averages 40-50 miles for a typical bike club ride. How far they've come!!
Vaughn sent us in this information and was quick to tells us all just how tight-knit a group they all are. According to him, their riding ability is equaled to only one thing...their ability to eat. Keep in mind, if you're in their area, the SP Bike Club is open to anyone who has a road bike and can comfortably handle riding 40-50 miles in a single ride. They'd welcome you with open arms, so if you're into it, get with them and who knows, we might see you in the next 5 year anniversary photo!
Labels: 5 Year Anniversary, Road Bike, Sacramento Pipeworks, Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Monday, January 12, 2009 0 Comments
Monday, October 13, 2008
Club Revival!!!
The Touchstone Bike Club is back. With the races finally over, Biketoberfest seems to be the perfect time to kick off the fall season with some mellow rides. All riders welcome to join in on a casual road ride (approx. 50 miles; consistent pace with limited stops) this coming Saturday, culminating in time to for some beer tasting, music, and food at Biketoberfest in Fairfax.
When: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Where: Riders will meet at Fairfax Coffee Roastery (4 Bolinas Road, Fairfax) at 9:15am (earlier if you need your java!)
Roll-Time: 9:30am sharp!!
Route: TBD but will head north toward Tomales Bay. Plan for 50+/- miles! Bring money for potential bakery stop.
Biketoberfest Info: http://www.biketoberfest2008.org/
Hope to see you all next week!!
Gary, Brian, Amy & Jess
The Touchstone Bike Club is back. With the races finally over, Biketoberfest seems to be the perfect time to kick off the fall season with some mellow rides. All riders welcome to join in on a casual road ride (approx. 50 miles; consistent pace with limited stops) this coming Saturday, culminating in time to for some beer tasting, music, and food at Biketoberfest in Fairfax.When: Saturday, October 18, 2008
Where: Riders will meet at Fairfax Coffee Roastery (4 Bolinas Road, Fairfax) at 9:15am (earlier if you need your java!)
Roll-Time: 9:30am sharp!!
Route: TBD but will head north toward Tomales Bay. Plan for 50+/- miles! Bring money for potential bakery stop.
Biketoberfest Info: http://www.biketoberfest2008.org/
Hope to see you all next week!!
Gary, Brian, Amy & Jess
Labels: cycling, members, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Monday, October 13, 2008 0 Comments
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Kent Gets Olympic Training
Long-time Sacramento Pipeworks bike club member Kent Gillis has recently been selected for a special one week Para-Cycling Training Program to be held at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs! Training will begin September 23rd. Being one of only 30 people picked in the country, as well as one of merely 8 hand cyclists, he can now officially be regarded as a cream of the crop athlete. Congratulations Kent!
Long-time Sacramento Pipeworks bike club member Kent Gillis has recently been selected for a special one week Para-Cycling Training Program to be held at the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs! Training will begin September 23rd. Being one of only 30 people picked in the country, as well as one of merely 8 hand cyclists, he can now officially be regarded as a cream of the crop athlete. Congratulations Kent!
Labels: members, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Wednesday, August 27, 2008 0 Comments
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sacramento Bike Club 4th of July Challenge
Weather was mild and smoke from the nearby fires had cleared by the start of the first annual 4th of July challenge. Instead of their usual lightweight rides, 24 hardy bike club members showed up at 9am on Independence Day with single speed cruisers, townies or mountain bikes, for an urban photo scavenger hunt.
“The Challenge” was the brain child of club member Scott Clark, who broke the group down into teams of 3 or 4, gave everyone a digital camera and issued instructions along with a list of potential pictures. Among the list of nearly 50 possibilities: a statue of a naked man, a yellow cat, a misspelled sign, American flag clothing, a bike locker, a line with 4 people. More esoteric required photos were: “something fishy”, “guilty”, “lucky”, or “that’s not what that’s for”.
Teams were given just an hour and a half to collect as many photos on the list as possible, and were limited only by how far or how fast they could ride together as a unit. Re-grouping after the ride, everyone enjoyed a massive pot-luck while Scott compiled pictures and scored each team. It was widely agreed that this was the best event ever held by the fun-loving Sacramento group, so kudos to Scott Clark! To see some of the results of the scavenger hunt go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/ScottinSacto
For information on your local Touchstone bike club events or rides, go to our message board and look under cycling: http://touchstoneclimbing.com/board/
Weather was mild and smoke from the nearby fires had cleared by the start of the first annual 4th of July challenge. Instead of their usual lightweight rides, 24 hardy bike club members showed up at 9am on Independence Day with single speed cruisers, townies or mountain bikes, for an urban photo scavenger hunt.
“The Challenge” was the brain child of club member Scott Clark, who broke the group down into teams of 3 or 4, gave everyone a digital camera and issued instructions along with a list of potential pictures. Among the list of nearly 50 possibilities: a statue of a naked man, a yellow cat, a misspelled sign, American flag clothing, a bike locker, a line with 4 people. More esoteric required photos were: “something fishy”, “guilty”, “lucky”, or “that’s not what that’s for”.
Teams were given just an hour and a half to collect as many photos on the list as possible, and were limited only by how far or how fast they could ride together as a unit. Re-grouping after the ride, everyone enjoyed a massive pot-luck while Scott compiled pictures and scored each team. It was widely agreed that this was the best event ever held by the fun-loving Sacramento group, so kudos to Scott Clark! To see some of the results of the scavenger hunt go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/ScottinSacto
For information on your local Touchstone bike club events or rides, go to our message board and look under cycling: http://touchstoneclimbing.com/board/
Labels: cycling, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Monday, July 14, 2008 0 Comments
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Worth 1,000 words
“It’s too sweet now. I can’t ride it.”
– Member, after putting top-end alloy wheels on his road bike.
“The crux is being hungry all the time.”
– Member trying to slim down for a redpoint attempt.
“I think I finally found a sport I might be good at.”
– 4th grader climbing at Sacramento Pipeworks.
“Seats are for sissies.”
-- Touchstone Bike Club member, asked how he managed to ride the last 30 miles of the high-altitude, 123-mile Sierra Century standing up after his seat post broke.
– Member, after putting top-end alloy wheels on his road bike.
“The crux is being hungry all the time.”
– Member trying to slim down for a redpoint attempt.
“I think I finally found a sport I might be good at.”
– 4th grader climbing at Sacramento Pipeworks.
“Seats are for sissies.”
-- Touchstone Bike Club member, asked how he managed to ride the last 30 miles of the high-altitude, 123-mile Sierra Century standing up after his seat post broke.
Labels: climbing, fitness, members, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Tuesday, April 29, 2008 0 Comments
Friday, January 25, 2008
New Bike Club Blog
The Touchstone Bike Club has grown up and is graduating from weekly email announcements. From this point on, all club announcements, ride info and last minute updates will be posted on http://touchstonebike.blogspot.com/ -- easy for you to access and leave your comments for others to view real-time. If you still prefer to receive these updates through email, you can sign up for an email subscription which will email any new posts once a day (between 7pm – 9pm).
If you're interested in contributing your own posts to the blog (new route ideas, Sunday/mid-week ride call out, need for carpool to get to a ride start, etc.), send us an email and we will invite you to be an "author". (Note: You'll have to sign up for a gmail account if you don't already have one.) Otherwise, you should be able to leave comments.
Blog Rules: This site was created in the spirit of community. Please limit your comments and posts to Club/bike-related matters only. Any inappropriate postings will be deleted and we'll have to limit site access to members only.
Suggestions for making the site better are welcome!
Happy blogging...
The Touchstone Bike Club has grown up and is graduating from weekly email announcements. From this point on, all club announcements, ride info and last minute updates will be posted on http://touchstonebike.blogspot.com/ -- easy for you to access and leave your comments for others to view real-time. If you still prefer to receive these updates through email, you can sign up for an email subscription which will email any new posts once a day (between 7pm – 9pm).
If you're interested in contributing your own posts to the blog (new route ideas, Sunday/mid-week ride call out, need for carpool to get to a ride start, etc.), send us an email and we will invite you to be an "author". (Note: You'll have to sign up for a gmail account if you don't already have one.) Otherwise, you should be able to leave comments.
Blog Rules: This site was created in the spirit of community. Please limit your comments and posts to Club/bike-related matters only. Any inappropriate postings will be deleted and we'll have to limit site access to members only.
Suggestions for making the site better are welcome!
Happy blogging...
Labels: cycling, touchstone, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Friday, January 25, 2008 0 Comments
Monday, January 7, 2008
Bike Club Sees Lights
The Sacramento Pipeworks bike club met on a recent cold winter night for their 2nd annual Christmas lights bike ride. Bundled up, riding bikes decked in lights and armed with thermoses of hot chocolate or “holiday cheer”, club members followed a 10 mile route through some of the most beautiful holiday light displays in East Sacramento. Started in 2006 by club member Scott Clark, the ride has already become a tradition looked forward to by all club members. For pictures of more bike club events and activities go to online gallery.
The Sacramento Pipeworks bike club met on a recent cold winter night for their 2nd annual Christmas lights bike ride. Bundled up, riding bikes decked in lights and armed with thermoses of hot chocolate or “holiday cheer”, club members followed a 10 mile route through some of the most beautiful holiday light displays in East Sacramento. Started in 2006 by club member Scott Clark, the ride has already become a tradition looked forward to by all club members. For pictures of more bike club events and activities go to online gallery.Labels: cycling, members, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Monday, January 07, 2008 0 Comments
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Sacramento Attends Cycle Oregon
For the 3rd year in a row, Sacramento Pipeworks bike club sent 4 representatives to the bicycling endurance event called Cycle Oregon (CO). This year’s route was a loop starting at Sisters Ore. and returning back to the start via Crater Lake, featuring 481 riding miles spread over 7 days. To celebrate the events 20th anniversary, there was nearly a Mount Everest worth of climbing: 28000’! The event is a portable mini-city with amenities that include a daily CO newspaper, showers, a mobile pizza parlor, beer and wine garden, nightly music or entertainment, and a transportable kitchen with facilities to provide 3 meals a day for 2500 riders and staff.
Our group was required to supply their own sleeping accommodations (a tent), and they unanimously agreed that the hardest thing about the whole ride was getting up to pack their camping gear in the bitter cold, oftentimes before sunrise. According to Kimberly, “breaking ice off the tents rainfly” was a daily chore. More than anything, CO is about extremes: the longest ride was 100 miles, the shortest 45, and temperatures ranged from a low of 28 degrees to a high of 95 on the same day. Will, a veteran rider with 3 CO’s to his credit admits that our group has been lucky: “There has not been one single flat tire in 2 years!”
Congratulations gang!
For the 3rd year in a row, Sacramento Pipeworks bike club sent 4 representatives to the bicycling endurance event called Cycle Oregon (CO). This year’s route was a loop starting at Sisters Ore. and returning back to the start via Crater Lake, featuring 481 riding miles spread over 7 days. To celebrate the events 20th anniversary, there was nearly a Mount Everest worth of climbing: 28000’! The event is a portable mini-city with amenities that include a daily CO newspaper, showers, a mobile pizza parlor, beer and wine garden, nightly music or entertainment, and a transportable kitchen with facilities to provide 3 meals a day for 2500 riders and staff.
Our group was required to supply their own sleeping accommodations (a tent), and they unanimously agreed that the hardest thing about the whole ride was getting up to pack their camping gear in the bitter cold, oftentimes before sunrise. According to Kimberly, “breaking ice off the tents rainfly” was a daily chore. More than anything, CO is about extremes: the longest ride was 100 miles, the shortest 45, and temperatures ranged from a low of 28 degrees to a high of 95 on the same day. Will, a veteran rider with 3 CO’s to his credit admits that our group has been lucky: “There has not been one single flat tire in 2 years!”
Congratulations gang!
Labels: cycling, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Tuesday, November 13, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
BORP Ride This Weekend
The Touchstone Bike Club would like to invite everyone up to Sonoma County this weekend to ride with them in the BORP Revolution 2007 event.
Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to improve the health, independence and social integration of people with physical disabilities through sports, fitness and recreation programs. At BORP, we believe that sports and recreation provide a path to greater achievement to which all people should have access, and we continually strive to make this a reality. - from www.borp.org
Saturday, 10/6/2007 - SONOMA
BORP Revolution 2007!
All levels welcome! This event benefits athletes with disabilities in the Bay Area Outreach Program (aka "BORP"). Rides range in distance from 25 – 100 miles through scenic Sonoma County. Ride ends with a massage and feast at Trentadue Winery.
Visit http://borp.org/revolution/index.htm for more information!
Volunteers needed too!
The Touchstone Bike Club would like to invite everyone up to Sonoma County this weekend to ride with them in the BORP Revolution 2007 event.Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization working to improve the health, independence and social integration of people with physical disabilities through sports, fitness and recreation programs. At BORP, we believe that sports and recreation provide a path to greater achievement to which all people should have access, and we continually strive to make this a reality. - from www.borp.org
Saturday, 10/6/2007 - SONOMA
BORP Revolution 2007!
All levels welcome! This event benefits athletes with disabilities in the Bay Area Outreach Program (aka "BORP"). Rides range in distance from 25 – 100 miles through scenic Sonoma County. Ride ends with a massage and feast at Trentadue Winery.
Visit http://borp.org/revolution/index.htm for more information!
Volunteers needed too!
Labels: cycling, event, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Tuesday, October 02, 2007 0 Comments
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Bike Club Rides Bodega Bay
The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club, always willing to travel long distances for a beautiful ride, had a camping and riding get-together one recent weekend in Bodega Bay! The club took over 2 camp sites at the Bodega Dunes Campground on Friday and Saturday night, with 12 members showing up for the festivities. Friday night’s dinner was held at a great local family–style Italian restaurant in Valley Ford, before adjourning to the campsite to rest up for the following days ride. On Saturday morning a large breakfast was served before the group departed for a long day in the saddle. One group rode a 35 mile loop that included good amounts of flatland pedaling along with more serious hill climbs, while the second group added about 25 extra miles of strenuous climbing for a 60 mile day. Both rides featured gorgeous scenery and perfect weather. While lounging around the campfire that night, the days ride was relived over drinks, along with a good amount of teasing and joking. The huge post-ride dinner, prepared by Rhonda and friends, along with s’mores prepared by Tanya sent everyone off to their tents with a full belly and a smile on their face.
Sacramento area riders who are interested in the club can be added to the email list by contacting Rhonda at: rosa_alba@msn.com
The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club, always willing to travel long distances for a beautiful ride, had a camping and riding get-together one recent weekend in Bodega Bay! The club took over 2 camp sites at the Bodega Dunes Campground on Friday and Saturday night, with 12 members showing up for the festivities. Friday night’s dinner was held at a great local family–style Italian restaurant in Valley Ford, before adjourning to the campsite to rest up for the following days ride. On Saturday morning a large breakfast was served before the group departed for a long day in the saddle. One group rode a 35 mile loop that included good amounts of flatland pedaling along with more serious hill climbs, while the second group added about 25 extra miles of strenuous climbing for a 60 mile day. Both rides featured gorgeous scenery and perfect weather. While lounging around the campfire that night, the days ride was relived over drinks, along with a good amount of teasing and joking. The huge post-ride dinner, prepared by Rhonda and friends, along with s’mores prepared by Tanya sent everyone off to their tents with a full belly and a smile on their face.Sacramento area riders who are interested in the club can be added to the email list by contacting Rhonda at: rosa_alba@msn.com
Labels: cycling, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Thursday, August 23, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
3 Wheeled Hand Cycle
A while ago, long-time Sacramento Pipeworks bike club member Kent “Touchstone Man” Gillis was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that would ultimately prevent him from riding conventional 2 wheeled bicycles. Never one to give up easily, Kent began looking for alternatives to the 2 wheeled machines and soon purchased a custom-built 3 wheeled hand cycle. He knew it would take months of training to pack enough muscle onto his upper body to propel himself forward using only arm strength, but that thought just made him train harder. Eventually he decided it was time to try his hand at racing, with his first foray taking place recently at the Truckee Criterium. The hand bike race, a fairly flat .8-mile circuit around downtown, was the warm-up act to the pro criterium, so there were quite a few enthusiastic spectators lining the streets. Kent describes the race: “...gnarly crash right in front of me on the very first turn, two bikes got together and one guy splashed on the pavement....welcome to crit racing! I hit 21.5mph on the slight downhill back-stretch, followed by a hard right-hander executed on two wheels (NOT intentionally). The rest is a blur, but I think I did seven laps, came in 6th place and was lapped by the winner twice.” Kent got to do it all over again the next day in downtown Reno on a longer circuit that had a short arm-crushing climb. More spectators, more speed and more fun.
“Unfortunately, the downhill to the start/finish line was into an insane headwind, so what should have been a 35mph screamer was only 25mph” Kent remarked. “I was more relaxed this time, being a veteran racer and all, and enjoyed the experience more, but was toast by the end. This time around I finished 7th and was lapped once.”
Everyone in the Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club looks forward to watching Kent flash by in his Touchstone jersey at the next hand bike criterium!
A while ago, long-time Sacramento Pipeworks bike club member Kent “Touchstone Man” Gillis was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder that would ultimately prevent him from riding conventional 2 wheeled bicycles. Never one to give up easily, Kent began looking for alternatives to the 2 wheeled machines and soon purchased a custom-built 3 wheeled hand cycle. He knew it would take months of training to pack enough muscle onto his upper body to propel himself forward using only arm strength, but that thought just made him train harder. Eventually he decided it was time to try his hand at racing, with his first foray taking place recently at the Truckee Criterium. The hand bike race, a fairly flat .8-mile circuit around downtown, was the warm-up act to the pro criterium, so there were quite a few enthusiastic spectators lining the streets. Kent describes the race: “...gnarly crash right in front of me on the very first turn, two bikes got together and one guy splashed on the pavement....welcome to crit racing! I hit 21.5mph on the slight downhill back-stretch, followed by a hard right-hander executed on two wheels (NOT intentionally). The rest is a blur, but I think I did seven laps, came in 6th place and was lapped by the winner twice.” Kent got to do it all over again the next day in downtown Reno on a longer circuit that had a short arm-crushing climb. More spectators, more speed and more fun. “Unfortunately, the downhill to the start/finish line was into an insane headwind, so what should have been a 35mph screamer was only 25mph” Kent remarked. “I was more relaxed this time, being a veteran racer and all, and enjoyed the experience more, but was toast by the end. This time around I finished 7th and was lapped once.”
Everyone in the Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club looks forward to watching Kent flash by in his Touchstone jersey at the next hand bike criterium!
Labels: cycling, members, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Tuesday, July 03, 2007 0 Comments
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Touchstone Cycling Does It Again
This weekend was another great weekend for the Touchstone Race Teams. Pat Ross of the Women’s Elite team won the Orosi Road Race by a huge margin. Known to be a climber’s race, the Orosi Road Race is a 60 mile course (two 30 mile laps) with 4,000 feet of climbing. On the first major climb Jane Despas (Klein Real Estate) set a hard pace. Near the top, though, Pat moved to the front of the group and after a minute or so she looked back to discover that no one was behind her. She immediately bolted to create a larger gap between her and the rest of the field. Low and behold she stayed away the next 50 miles to finish over 8 minutes in front of the others. Can you say stamina? Congratulations, Pat!
Closer to home the Cat 4 women’s team participated in the popular Berkeley Bike Club Team Time Trial set on the other side of the Berkeley Hills. The race is a 16.6 mile two person team time trial with 3 climbs and 3 fast descents. The time is based on the second rider crossing the finish line. Anne Taupier and Vanessa DeGier crossed the finish line with the winning time of 53:02. Jessica de Jesus and Lisa Stefke placed third with a time of 54:01. Ken Dick and Chris Ackerman raced together to cross the line with the 3rd best time of 47:31. Congratulations to all our Touchstone Racers for another great showing.
This weekend was another great weekend for the Touchstone Race Teams. Pat Ross of the Women’s Elite team won the Orosi Road Race by a huge margin. Known to be a climber’s race, the Orosi Road Race is a 60 mile course (two 30 mile laps) with 4,000 feet of climbing. On the first major climb Jane Despas (Klein Real Estate) set a hard pace. Near the top, though, Pat moved to the front of the group and after a minute or so she looked back to discover that no one was behind her. She immediately bolted to create a larger gap between her and the rest of the field. Low and behold she stayed away the next 50 miles to finish over 8 minutes in front of the others. Can you say stamina? Congratulations, Pat!
Closer to home the Cat 4 women’s team participated in the popular Berkeley Bike Club Team Time Trial set on the other side of the Berkeley Hills. The race is a 16.6 mile two person team time trial with 3 climbs and 3 fast descents. The time is based on the second rider crossing the finish line. Anne Taupier and Vanessa DeGier crossed the finish line with the winning time of 53:02. Jessica de Jesus and Lisa Stefke placed third with a time of 54:01. Ken Dick and Chris Ackerman raced together to cross the line with the 3rd best time of 47:31. Congratulations to all our Touchstone Racers for another great showing.Labels: cycling, touchstone, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Thursday, March 29, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Bike Clubbers Go For A Run
As reported several months ago, 8 members of the Sacramento Pipeworks bike club formed two 4-person relay teams to complete the California International Marathon (CIM) held in Sacramento last December 2nd. Of those 8 people, 7 committed to training for the Chico Bidwell Classic Half Marathon that was held Saturday March 3rd. Injury and illness sidelined a couple runners, but 5 were left to stick it out. Rhonda Hurst ran the 5K and placed 10th in her age group, with the remaining 4 bike clubbers running the half marathon. Tina Johnston placed 5th in her age group and 97th overall; Scott Clark placed 6th in his age group, 40th overall; Kristen Venditelli placed 16th in her age group, 353rd overall and Pipeworks manager Vaughn Medford placed 23rd in his age group, 269th overall. “We plan to continue running as a group but I think we all agree that it’s time to get back on the bike – at least until this years CIM!” Medford said. Congratulations everyone!
As reported several months ago, 8 members of the Sacramento Pipeworks bike club formed two 4-person relay teams to complete the California International Marathon (CIM) held in Sacramento last December 2nd. Of those 8 people, 7 committed to training for the Chico Bidwell Classic Half Marathon that was held Saturday March 3rd. Injury and illness sidelined a couple runners, but 5 were left to stick it out. Rhonda Hurst ran the 5K and placed 10th in her age group, with the remaining 4 bike clubbers running the half marathon. Tina Johnston placed 5th in her age group and 97th overall; Scott Clark placed 6th in his age group, 40th overall; Kristen Venditelli placed 16th in her age group, 353rd overall and Pipeworks manager Vaughn Medford placed 23rd in his age group, 269th overall. “We plan to continue running as a group but I think we all agree that it’s time to get back on the bike – at least until this years CIM!” Medford said. Congratulations everyone!Labels: cycling, fitness, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Tuesday, March 20, 2007 0 Comments
Friday, March 2, 2007
Touchstone Cycling Teams off to Great Start
Wow! The Touchstone Climbing Race teams have started the 2007 season with a bang. Let’s start at the highest level. The Touchstone Women’s Elite team have won Northern California’s first two major road races. Maria Monica, one of our fine climbers, won the Pine Flat Road Race, a race for climbers in the Sierra foothills near Fresno. Jill McLaughlin, one of our fine sprinters, easily powered through to win the sprint at the Snelling Road Race. Well Done!
The Touchstone Men’s Master’s team have had similar success. John Ormsby, our power master, sprinted for 2nd place in front of a huge field at the Early Bird Criterium. Scott Herring, another power boy, etched by Eric Hoffman, a Mission Cliffs member, at the finish line of the ever so popular Snelling Road Race. As Eric came to the line, Scott snuck by him with a photo finish win. It was a pretty exciting finish.
The newly formed Category 4 Touchstone Women’s Team has started their first racing season with two wins at the Early Bird Crits. Vanessa DeGier in both races darted from mid pack to sprint for easy 1st place finishes. Amy Padula, came 4th at the Pine Flat Road Race.
Congratulations to all the Touchstone Climbing Cycling Teams to a great start. For more information, please visit the bike club page.
Wow! The Touchstone Climbing Race teams have started the 2007 season with a bang. Let’s start at the highest level. The Touchstone Women’s Elite team have won Northern California’s first two major road races. Maria Monica, one of our fine climbers, won the Pine Flat Road Race, a race for climbers in the Sierra foothills near Fresno. Jill McLaughlin, one of our fine sprinters, easily powered through to win the sprint at the Snelling Road Race. Well Done!The Touchstone Men’s Master’s team have had similar success. John Ormsby, our power master, sprinted for 2nd place in front of a huge field at the Early Bird Criterium. Scott Herring, another power boy, etched by Eric Hoffman, a Mission Cliffs member, at the finish line of the ever so popular Snelling Road Race. As Eric came to the line, Scott snuck by him with a photo finish win. It was a pretty exciting finish.
The newly formed Category 4 Touchstone Women’s Team has started their first racing season with two wins at the Early Bird Crits. Vanessa DeGier in both races darted from mid pack to sprint for easy 1st place finishes. Amy Padula, came 4th at the Pine Flat Road Race.
Congratulations to all the Touchstone Climbing Cycling Teams to a great start. For more information, please visit the bike club page.
Labels: cycling, touchstone, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Friday, March 02, 2007 0 Comments
Monday, February 19, 2007
On The Road Again
Touchstone bike fans are getting pumped up to watch the return of the Amgen Tour of California from Feb. 18 through 25, 2007. Professional teams will compete over a 700-mile route that includes the redwoods, the wine country and the Pacific Coast. The first three teams to be announced were The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, Team CSC and Predictor-Lotto. A total of 16 teams are expected.
A new element that was missing from last year’s inaugural race is a loop through the Central Valley. Individual time trials start in San Francisco Feb. 18. The tour itself begins the next day with a stage from Sausalito to Santa Rosa, and the following day to Sacramento. Then riders will skip south to Stockton for the Feb. 21 stage to San Jose. From there the race shifts down the coast with a leg from Seaside to San Luis Obispo. Subsequent stages go to Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita and Long Beach.
The sponsor, Amgen, a pharmaceuticals developer based in Thousand Oaks, is hoping the California tour will someday eclipse the Tour de France. While it has a long way to go, the California tour got off to a good start. The first one drew 1.3 million spectators.
“I was out watching the first three days of the race last year and it was definitely worth the hype,” says Jessica de Jesus, who helped start the Mission Cliffs Bike Club. “It's pretty special seeing all these guys riding the roads we ride all the time at the blistering pace they set. One of the most impressive things was seeing the amount of spectators out on the road, even mid-week! I was just in France this past summer watching the Tour de France and it was very similar in many aspects, which is a very stunning comparison to be able to make.”
The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club will definitely make plans to attend the tour as a group, says Pipeworks manager Vaughn Medford. “The Amgen tour is certainly everything they say it is. Still too young to be considered on par with world class rides like The Tour De France or Paris-Roubaix, it is already equal to something like The Tour of Georgia.”
Mission Cliffs will be out in full force as well.
“In addition, we will probably organize the last club ride in February to be a portion of Stage 1 of the race,” says de Jesus.
Aside from being an exciting sports event, the tour also raises funds for cancer care and treatment. Last year, Amgen raised more than $1 million for The Wellness Community. This year the tour also will support the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.
Touchstone bike fans are getting pumped up to watch the return of the Amgen Tour of California from Feb. 18 through 25, 2007. Professional teams will compete over a 700-mile route that includes the redwoods, the wine country and the Pacific Coast. The first three teams to be announced were The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, Team CSC and Predictor-Lotto. A total of 16 teams are expected.A new element that was missing from last year’s inaugural race is a loop through the Central Valley. Individual time trials start in San Francisco Feb. 18. The tour itself begins the next day with a stage from Sausalito to Santa Rosa, and the following day to Sacramento. Then riders will skip south to Stockton for the Feb. 21 stage to San Jose. From there the race shifts down the coast with a leg from Seaside to San Luis Obispo. Subsequent stages go to Solvang, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita and Long Beach.
The sponsor, Amgen, a pharmaceuticals developer based in Thousand Oaks, is hoping the California tour will someday eclipse the Tour de France. While it has a long way to go, the California tour got off to a good start. The first one drew 1.3 million spectators.
“I was out watching the first three days of the race last year and it was definitely worth the hype,” says Jessica de Jesus, who helped start the Mission Cliffs Bike Club. “It's pretty special seeing all these guys riding the roads we ride all the time at the blistering pace they set. One of the most impressive things was seeing the amount of spectators out on the road, even mid-week! I was just in France this past summer watching the Tour de France and it was very similar in many aspects, which is a very stunning comparison to be able to make.”
The Sacramento Pipeworks Bike Club will definitely make plans to attend the tour as a group, says Pipeworks manager Vaughn Medford. “The Amgen tour is certainly everything they say it is. Still too young to be considered on par with world class rides like The Tour De France or Paris-Roubaix, it is already equal to something like The Tour of Georgia.”
Mission Cliffs will be out in full force as well.
“In addition, we will probably organize the last club ride in February to be a portion of Stage 1 of the race,” says de Jesus.
Aside from being an exciting sports event, the tour also raises funds for cancer care and treatment. Last year, Amgen raised more than $1 million for The Wellness Community. This year the tour also will support the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship.
Labels: cycling, event, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Monday, February 19, 2007 0 Comments
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Touchstone Kit
Now's your chance to check off that item on your New Year's Resolution List and get into Touchstone high fashion. We're placing a new kit order on Monday, January 29, same design. (Note that we are offering two **NEW ITEMS: a long sleeve jersey and wind jacket.)
Items offered: Wind jacket (unisex - $60-70), W's longsleeve jersey ($60-70), W's shorts ($55), W's full-zip jersey ($60), M's longsleeve jersey ($60-70), M's full-zip jersey ($60), M's shorts ($55), M's bibs ($55). View sizing chart here.
If you would like to place an order, please e-mail the bike club.
Please place your order by NEXT MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 3PM. (Pay at pick-up. Estimated delivery time to the gyms is early March.) This will probably be the only order we place this year, so hop on the train and don't get left behind!
Now's your chance to check off that item on your New Year's Resolution List and get into Touchstone high fashion. We're placing a new kit order on Monday, January 29, same design. (Note that we are offering two **NEW ITEMS: a long sleeve jersey and wind jacket.)Items offered: Wind jacket (unisex - $60-70), W's longsleeve jersey ($60-70), W's shorts ($55), W's full-zip jersey ($60), M's longsleeve jersey ($60-70), M's full-zip jersey ($60), M's shorts ($55), M's bibs ($55). View sizing chart here.
If you would like to place an order, please e-mail the bike club.
Please place your order by NEXT MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 3PM. (Pay at pick-up. Estimated delivery time to the gyms is early March.) This will probably be the only order we place this year, so hop on the train and don't get left behind!
Labels: cycling, touchstone, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Wednesday, January 24, 2007 0 Comments
Friday, December 29, 2006
Happy New Year
Touchstone Climbing would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We had an exciting 2006 at Touchstone. We saw the finale of our 1st annual Touchstone Bouldering Series, which had an amazing 440 unique competitors. The Touchstone Roped Series started with our biggest rope climbing comp ever at Mission Cliffs. There were many changes to the gyms including a complete bathroom remodel at Ironworks. 2006 was a huge year for both our men's and women's cycling teams and we are very excited for the 2007 season. The Touchstone Bike Club continued to grow and remains a favorite among members. Last year also saw the passing of Todd Skinner, Steve Karafa and Jeff Schoen, who all will be deeply missed. Touchstone's commitment to reach out to the community continued in 2006 with the Bike Corral in Sacramento, a blood drive in Concord, food and toy drives at Mission Cliffs, a climb for breast cancer research at Class 5 and a charity climb for homelessness at Ironworks.
We are looking forward to a wonderful 2007 including an exciting announcement during the first part of the year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Touchstone Climbing would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. We had an exciting 2006 at Touchstone. We saw the finale of our 1st annual Touchstone Bouldering Series, which had an amazing 440 unique competitors. The Touchstone Roped Series started with our biggest rope climbing comp ever at Mission Cliffs. There were many changes to the gyms including a complete bathroom remodel at Ironworks. 2006 was a huge year for both our men's and women's cycling teams and we are very excited for the 2007 season. The Touchstone Bike Club continued to grow and remains a favorite among members. Last year also saw the passing of Todd Skinner, Steve Karafa and Jeff Schoen, who all will be deeply missed. Touchstone's commitment to reach out to the community continued in 2006 with the Bike Corral in Sacramento, a blood drive in Concord, food and toy drives at Mission Cliffs, a climb for breast cancer research at Class 5 and a charity climb for homelessness at Ironworks.We are looking forward to a wonderful 2007 including an exciting announcement during the first part of the year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Labels: climbing, cycling, event, members, touchstone, Touchstone Bike Club
¶ Friday, December 29, 2006 0 Comments
