Archive for the 'arizona' Tag
October 23rd, 2009, 12:00 pm by Mike Gossie
East Valley cyclists have plenty to do this weekend.
• There’s a free emergency bicycle repair class Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at Gilbert’s Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd. Global Bikes will walk you through basic bicycle maintenance to help build your confidence. Workshop leaders will cover what you should ride with, pre-ride checks, how to change a flat, booting tires, chain repair and care. This class is offered through the Town of Gilbert’s Leisure Pursuits Classes. Call (602) 652-3000 for more information.
• Global Bikes is also hosting a pair of MS 150 training rides, with two mileage options — 30 miles or 45 miles. Even if you’re not training for the MS 150, you’re welcome to tag along for the ride. Cyclists will meet Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7 a.m. at Global Bikes, 835 N. Gilbert Rd. #111, Gilbert.
The 30-mile course is mostly flat with a slight uphill grade as McKellips pitches up after Power Road to Ellsworth. There can be some wind at times and two water bottles is the minimum recommendation. Approximate ride time is 1:45 to 2 hours, depending on ability and wind conditions.
The 45-miler is a demanding ride that takes cyclists over the steeper side of Usery Pass. This ride has a lot of climbing, even before you hit Usery Mountain. There is rough pavement and wind can be a major factor. This is a 3-4 water bottle ride and a few gels or cliff bars are also a good idea. Approximate ride time is 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on ability and wind conditions.
Global Bikes will be providing S.A.G. (support and gear) for the rides, which will include water, tubes, tires, emergency repairs, etc. Global Bikes will also be providing drinks and snacks after the rides. Call (480) 892-1315 for more information.
• The Phoenix Area Biking, Hiking Etc. Meetup group has put together a beginner’s mountain bike ride Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. on the Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Park Road, Fountain Hills.
The ride is for those who want to explore mountain biking or trail riding. Cyclists will meet at the main trailhead, get organized, check out each other’s bikes and equipment for safety purposes, then head out for a casual, easy-paced ride on the Pemberton Trail.
Organizers describe it as a fun ride for beginners to give them exposure to the sport of mountain biking. Organizers say riders need to have a helmet and plenty of water.
There is a $6 park fee to get in. You can write a check if you don’t have the cash. If you need directions, or have any other questions, call (480) 433-9126.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • cycling • cyclists • gilbert • mountain bike • mountain biking • MS150 • Pemberton Trail | Post a Comment »
October 22nd, 2009, 6:17 pm by Mike Gossie
There are a couple cool events this weekend if you’re looking to challenge yourself.
• Talk about your step aerobics! Climb Phoenix is Sunday, Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. at Renaissance Square, 40 N. Central Ave. in downtown Phoenix. Participants start in building one, climb up 26 floors, elevator down, go to building two, climb 27 floors, then elevator down to the finish. Participants will cover 1,272 steps before their day is done. The event benefits the American Lung Association.
For more information, call (602) 258-7505 or visit http://www.lungarizona.org/climbphoenix/index.html.
• One of my favorite Valley races returns Saturday, Oct. 24 to South Mountain, 10919 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix.The YMCA Half Marathon and 5K is back for the 41st time with a new sponsor — GoDaddy.com. Arizona’s oldest half marathon features a challenging, scenic course with a unique sendoff for runners: Wyatt Earp starts the race with a double-barrel shotgun in the tradition of the old west.
For more information, call (602) 212-6178 or visit http://www.raceplaceevents.com/.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • GoDaddy.com • half-marathon • phoenix • running • steps • YMCA | Post a Comment »
October 11th, 2009, 2:08 pm by Mike Gossie
Next weekend is going to be HUGE for runners, walkers, bikers, hikers, swimmers and triathletes throughout the Valley, with an amazing array of events that will help you get your sweat on. Here are five to choose from if you want to get in on the action:
• The Chandler Challenge: Saturday, October 17, 8 a.m. at Tumbleweed Park. Consists of a 5K fun run-walk and a 10K run. The 5K course leaves Tumbleweed Park, crossing McQueen Road, and heads south on the Paseo Trail with the turnaround at Queen Creek Road. The 10K course leaves Tumbleweed Park, crossing McQueen Road, and heads north on the Paseo Trail to the turnaround at Chandler Boulevard. Benefits the Chandler Education Foundation and Chandler Unified School District. For more information, visit http://www.4peaksracing.com/ or call (623) 330-0913.
• 18th Annual Frank Kush 5K and Family & Dog Run: Saturday, October 17, 8:35 a.m. at Tempe Town Lake. Great event for families and athletes of all ages, shapes, sizes and species. You’ll see lots of strollers, dogs, runners and walkers. For more information, visit http://www.arizonarunningeventsco.com/kushregistration.htm or call (480) 921-9341.
• JCC Scottsdale Fall Festival Adult & Youth & Relay Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon: Sunday, October 18, 7 a.m. at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, Scottsdale. The adult triathlon consists of a 250-yard swim, 9.5-mile bike and a 2-mile run. The youth triathlon consists of a 100-yard swim, 3.1-mile bike and a half-mile run. This is a great event for people wanting to dip their toes into triathlon for the first time. For more information, visit http://www.trifamilyracing.com/ or call (602) 564-0717.
• Arizona State Fair 5K Run/Walk: Sunday, October 18, 8 a.m. at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. The cool thing about this race in that participants get a T-shirt and four free tickets to the Arizona State Fair and are also entered into drawings for ride tickets and VIP concert tickets. For more information, visit http://www.runningmasters.net/ or call (480) 220-2019.
• Ride and Stride Series Race #2: Sunday, October 18, 8 a.m. at Market Street Park at DC Ranch, 20715 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. This unique event features a time-trial bike send off with participants starting at five-second intervals. This bike-run event is perfect for those wannabe triathletes who want to get into multisport competitions, but are still worried about the swim. For more information, visit http://pinnaclepeakevents.com/?page_id=157 or call (602) 206-4915.
The best of the rest:
• Arizona Open Water Swim Series #4: Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m. Lake Pleasant Harbor Marina , Peoria. 4,000-meter open water swim and 2,000-meter open water swim. Call (480) 460-5052 for more information.
• Arizona Road Racers South Mountain Classic 20K and 5K: Sunday, October 18, 7:30 a.m., South Mountain Park, 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. For more information, visit http://www.arizonaroadracers.com/ or call (602) 954-8341.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • biking • chandler • east valley • races • running • scottsdale • swimming • Tempe • triathlon | Post a Comment »
October 10th, 2009, 8:08 pm by Mike Gossie
Tempe Bicycle is hosting a free clinic Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for those who are just starting out in cycling and those who have been riding, but need some basic informtation to move further into the sport. The clinic will cover adjusting and sizing your bicycle, repairing a flat, lubricating your bike, tips on shifting, state and city laws and tips on riding for greater safety.
Tempe Bicycle is located at 715 S. Rural Rd. in Cornerstone Mall. For more information, visit www.tempebicycle.com or call (480) 966-6896.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • bicycle • clinic • free • Tempe | Post a Comment »
August 27th, 2009, 7:38 pm by Mike Gossie
Here’s your chance to watch the sun rise over the Sierra Anchas and get up close and personal with the Superstition Mountains’ wilderness.
Starting Saturday, Gila Community College will offer two levels of hiking classes taught by local hikers Bob Zache and Natalie Robb. Zache, a veteran of 10 excursions into the Grand Canyon, will lead four- to six-mile “urban hikes” exploring Pinal Creek, local trails around the Globe-Miami region, and Pinal Mountain foothills. Robb, program manager for Arizona Game & Fish Department’s Mesa office, will organize and lead treks farther afield — the Sierra Ancha range, the Superstitions and other charismatic trails.
Registration is $65 for a semester’s worth of hikes.
“Hikes are every other Saturday until the end of the semester on Dec. 14,” said Robb. “Hikes are moderately strenuous and will range from approximately three to seven miles. Transportation is provided from the college, or people can meet up at the trailhead. My class is geared for people who want to enjoy the outdoors, and anyone who walks on a fairly regular basis will have no
problem. This would be a great experience for people who want to learn more
about the local area, about hiking safety, wildlife, birds, and plants, and to meet new friends to hike with.”
Register for the classes at gilaccc.org, or by calling 928-425-8481.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • class • hiking • Superstition Mountains | Post a Comment »
August 6th, 2009, 3:57 pm by Mike Gossie
If you’re a woman in Chandler looking to get into shape, there’s a new Meetup group that might help you shape up.
“Get Movin’ in Chandler” is dedictated to helping women young and old and of all fitness levels get together for fun activities that focus on fitness. The group will get together for activities ranging from dancing and yoga to strength training and cycling. Organizers will also focus on helping members learn about nutrition and share diet strategies and recipes.
Want to learn more? Check out the group and learn about other Meetup groups.
The cool thing about most Meetup groups: They’re free.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • chandler • cycling • diet • fitness • nutrition • women • yoga | Post a Comment »
August 1st, 2009, 7:37 pm by Mike Gossie
 Marlene Irwin and Betty Swadling, both from Lake Havasu, paddle a canoe around Goldwater Lake during the 2008 "Becoming an Outdoorswoman" workshop. Here’s a great chance for female bonding without chick flicks or shopping malls.
“Becoming an Outdoorswoman” is a weekend workshop designed to help women to learn outdoors skills, including building campfires, packing for a multi-night hiking excursion, fly-fishing, rappelling and kayaking. Classes are held during the day and evenings are filled with night hikes, music and storytelling.
The workship will be held Aug. 14-16 in Prescott.
“There is always a lot of fun. I love to see the women interact and watch the camaraderie grow,” said Linda Dightmon, the “Becoming an Outdoorswoman” coordinator for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, which sponsors the program in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The only thing the participant needs to bring is her personal stuff, a good attitude and a willingness to learn.”
Equipment, materials, food and lodging in rustic cabins are all included in the $240 registration fee. The only exception is the outdoor photography class where participants will need to bring a camera.
For more information, a schedule of classes, and a registration form, please call the Arizona Wildlife Federation office at (480) 644-0077 or email them at awf@azwildlife.org.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • camping • hiking • kayaking • nature • outdoors • women | Post a Comment »
June 11th, 2009, 1:38 pm by Mike Gossie
Ever watch “The Biggest Loser” and say to yourself, “The promise of a payday is exactly what I need to make me put down the nachos and lace up the Nikes”?
Well, step away from the salsa. Here’s your chance.
Global Bikes in Gilbert and Chandler will host a “Biggest Loser”-style Weight Loss Challenge starting Monday. The contest ends two months later.
“I recently had two children and I am battling the bulge myself and thought this would be a great way to motivate myself and others,” said Brandee Lepak, events coordinator for Global Bikes.
To get in the game, it’ll cost you $20, but lose enough weight and it will be a very healthy (pun intended) return on your investment. The person who has the largest percentage of weight loss will take home 80 percent of the total pot, and the rest will be split between the second- and third-place finishers. The person who loses the most total pounds will also finish in the money.
To protect privacy, participants will be asked to assign themselves an alias and will be weighed in confidentially.
“We will be creating a blog to help them track their progress against other contestants,” Lepak said. “We hope that they will use these tools to feel the collective desire to be healthy.”
Participants will be required to weigh in every three weeks, but organizers are encouraging wannabe Biggest Losers to weigh in weekly.
“We have people come in on a daily basis expressing their desire to lose weight and hope that riding will help them,” Lepak said. “We thought that this would give incentive to people to lose the weight and stay motivated. We hope that this will encourage more people to get off of the couch and get moving in life.”
Weight Loss Challenge
When: June 15-Aug. 15.
Weigh-ins: Monday, June 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Global Bikes, 835 N. Gilbert Rd. #111, Gilbert; or Wednesday, June 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Global Bikes, 1055 S. Arizona Ave. #9 Chandler.
Cost: $20.
Prizes: The person with the greatest percentage of weight loss will earn 80 percent of the total pot, a $100 gift certificate from Midwestern Meats and a photo session with Moonsview Photography. The other 20 percent will be split between second and third place as well as the participant who loses the most total pounds rather than the greatest percentage lost.
Information: brandeelepak@gmail.com or www.globalbikesbikeshop.com/
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • athletes • chandler • gilbert • weight loss diet exercise chandler girlbert | 2 Comments »
May 14th, 2009, 9:06 pm by Mike Gossie
I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and welcome you to my new blog, Weekend Warriors. Through this blog, we hope to provide information so readers in the East Valley can get fit, stay fit and have healthy fun. The East Valley provides a wealth of opportunities for hikers, bikers, runners and rafters. We hope to use this space to make it easier to find those healthy options.
 Tribune photographer Ralph Freso captured my Ironman crash ... what a great memento. A little about me: I started running in upstate New York when I was 14 to help my then-overweight father lose weight. By the time I was 16, we had both finished our first marathons. A severe injury kept me out of the game for almost 10 years, but when I moved to Arizona in 1999, I rediscovered my love of running and took up triathlons as a way to do more cross-training, improve my overall fitness and protect my knee a little bit. Last year, I completed my 15th marathon and, despite a bike crash that left me with a broken hand and two broken ribs, I finished my first Ironman … even though I still swim like brick.
But this isn’t about me. It’s about you, too. Have an event, know a person whom others should learn about, want to share your favorite spot for trail running, looking for others to play sand volleyball, or have a training secret that worked great for you? Feel free to e-mail me at mgossie@evtrib.com and I’ll do my best to get the word out or find answers for you.
So please check back here often to learn about events you may not have heard about, read about East Valley folks who will inspire you or educate you, trails that will challenge you or get you moving, and activities that will help you maintain or establish a healthier, happier lifestyle.
In the meantime, keep moving and stay healthy.
Posted in: Uncategorized • arizona • athletes • biking • cycling • exercise • fitness • ironman • marathon • participant sports • running • swimming • triathlon | Post a Comment »
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