Ride in the Claremont 4th of July Parade

July 4, 2010

Thirteen CSBG members met at Claremont’s Memorial Park to ride in the city’s 4th of July Celebration Parade, the highlight of the 62nd 4th of July Celebration & Festival. The parade began at the corner of Indian Hill Blvd. & 10th St., moved south to Harrison then west to Mountain Ave., and ended at Larkin Park behind the Joslyn Senior Center. The parade had approximately 90 entries including bands, floats, specialty vehicles, musical and novelty groups, and dignitaries — including members of the CSBG!

Members wore their CSBG jersey and decorated their bikes (and, in some cases, themselves) with flags, streamers, stickers, hats, and other patriotic decorations. Riding about 2.5 mph, we rode serpentine or did circles in the street to the cheers of hundreds of parade watchers. One bystander raised her arms above her head, clapped her hands, and yelled “Claremont Senior Bike Group ROCKS!” Yes, we do!


Annual CSBG Picnic

July 4, 2010

The annual CSBG picnic took place on Saturday, June 19 preceded by a bike ride to either Shinn Rd. or Bonelli Park, depending on the riders’ preferences. After the ride, CSBG members and their families met at Larkin Park (behind Joslyn Center) for a wonderful picnic arranged by Kathy Pezdek and Joan Gerard. Prior to the bike ride, members of the group met in front of the Center for the dedication of the Bill Anderson Memorial Bike Rack. The picnic food included a sandwich buffet, Brie cheese and crackers, baked beans, homemade salads and desserts, and beverages.

Picnic Photos

Bill Anderson Memorial Bike Rack Dedication

July 4, 2010

On Saturday, June 19th, members of the CSBG gathered to honor the group’s beloved former president, Bill Anderson, with the dedication of a memorial plaque and a one-of-a-kind custom bike rack at the Joslyn Community Center in Claremont. Following the dedication, most members rode their bikes for one to two hours, then met at Larkin Park (behind the Joslyn Center) for the annual picnic. Bill Anderson was President of CSBG from 2007 until his death in 2009.


Olive Park to Newport Beach

April 5, 2010

Last Saturday’s ride was new for our group. It offered two options (long and short), new trails, a good downhill, and the beach! The destination was Newport Burgers on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach.

Larry Olson led this ride with a route slip obtained from the Covina Cycle Club. The long (50-mile) option began at Olive Park in Orange. From there, we rode to Heritage Park in Irvine and met Eugene. Climbing was moderate through attractive residential neighborhoods. In Irvine, we picked up the San Diego Creek Bike Trail which began with a fun (and steep) downhill. From that point on, the pace was fast to the beach and back.

Newport Burgers (located on the corner of Orange and PCH), is bright yellow and blue, bike-friendly, and very casual. The food was satisfying and included burgers, eggs, breakfast burritos, M&M pancakes, ice cream, and coffee.

Thanks, Larry, for leading a fun ride!

Photos:

2010Apr3: Olive Park to Newport Beach

Upper Santa Ana to Hidden Valley Nature Center

April 5, 2010

Date: March 27, 2010

This ride is 40 miles round-trip starting at the Quality Inn San Bernardino. The destination is the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Riverside, followed by lunch at Simple Simon’s (near the Mission Inn). Normally, the paved trail is easy and relatively flat.

Normally. On this particular day, we were faced (literally) with heavy head- and cross-winds which, at times, were so strong we felt as if we might be blown over. Imagine a 40-mile ride in a wind tunnel.

In spite of the heavy winds, the ride was fun as usual and we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the exhibits at the Nature Center. When we arrived at our lunch destination, we learned that Simple Simon’s was closed for renovation due to a recent fire (scheduled to re-open soon), so we enjoyed good food in the enclosed outdoor patio of The Upper Crust just a few doors away.

Larry estimates that an “easy” ride in 40 mph winds is approximately equivalent to an “easy” 50-60 mile ride. Or, a difficult 40-mile training ride. Any way you look at it, we had a fun time as usual and learned what we are capable of in challenging, unexpected conditions.

Thanks, Mike, for another fun ride!

Photos:

2010Mar27: Upper Santa Ana to Nature Center

Summer 2010: Glenwood Springs, Colorado!

March 21, 2010

Ride the paved bike path next to the Colorado River while enjoying the breathtaking scenic beauty… spend time with your CSBG friends… hike, walk, ride, sight-see, shop and eat! Don’t miss our first CSBG event in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, August 1-6, 2010!! Two main rides are planned for early in the week — you may ride part or all of each path. Visit our Facebook group (CSBG membership required) for all the details.

Here are some pictures to whet your appetite:


Rio Grande Trail

Glenwood Canyon Trail