An austere anniversary

Spring bike rides cancelled as pandemic continues

MORNING SUN The region has seen some spectacular sunrises as of late, which make for thrilling early morning rides. Photo: Curt Hentschke

In recent columns, I’ve shared that many of the spring rides (like the Solvang Century, Primavera Century and Tierra Bella) have understandably been cancelled. The Sea Otter Classic, that amazing April mainstay, has been moved to October, so hopefully it’ll be a reality in 2021. In the meantime, you can still cycle on your own (or with others, if you are following proper safety protocols). I might be wrong, but I think the sunrises have become increasingly spectacular as the pandemic slowly plods along.

When I need some positive bicycle news, I can always count on some of my South County cycling sources.

Gilroy City Councilmember Zach Hilton is currently working on two pieces of bicycle-related legislation. The first focuses on bike parking standards for multi-family developments; the second deals with a slow-streets program that “…reduces traffic and speeding problems on low volume streets to allow for walking/biking in the streets during this pandemic and recovery.” ([email protected])

Doug Hall at Morgan Hill’s Bike Therapy tells me that the South County Composite Cross Country Team is going strong! The “Coyotes” started their first team rides late last month, and they are still accepting new riders and ride leaders. ([email protected] or southcountymtb.org)

Steve Warner at Gilroy’s Sunshine Bicycles recently shared that, supply delays notwithstanding, many people are discovering (or rediscovering) bicycling everyday! I join him in hoping that “…this resurgence to get outside stays with people after the virus is gone.”

Happy (?) anniversary. Stay strong! Ride on!

Save the Date

May 8: I Care Classic, Morgan Hill, icareclassic.org

(Please check for last-minute changes before attending.)

Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke is a cyclist, seeker, song farmer and scribe. Send your cycle celebrations to [email protected].