Temecula Velo created the Coffee Cruisers which is geared towards those that are new to cycling, rediscovering cycling or just out for a leisurely weekend ride amongst friends.  In January 2013, Lilia Kleinman, a new member of the Velo club volunteered to spearhead the ride every Sunday.  For the past five months, she has grown the Coffee Cruiser ride and joined several new members to the club.  Last Sunday, 19 riders showed up to participate in the Coffee Cruiser ride.  More riders showed up for the Coffee Cruiser ride than the regular rides!   The Coffee Cruiser ride was developed to help others conquer their fear of riding on the roads and in groups as well as build confidence to do things that they would otherwise not feel possible.  I have personally witnessed Lilia recruit riders who had never ridden in an organized ride to see them accomplish 10 miles and then slowly build their base to over 20  miles.  Some of the riders have even completed a century! What a sense of accomplishment! The Coffee Cruiser ride boasts participants from children, beginning cyclists, intermediate to advanced.   At the conclusion of each ride, riders are treated to a cup of joe and socialize.   We are so proud of Lilia and what she has accomplished for Velo since taking on this group.  Without her tireless dedication, motivation and support, the Coffee Cruiser ride would not be what it is today.  It's people like Lilia and the participants that make Temecula Velo what it has grown to.  So get out there on Sunday mornings, grab a cup of joe and go riding!!!    

Temecula Velo members, Roland von Kriegenbergh, George Niotta, Mary Diaz, Doug Joseph, Matt Hughes, Mark Mitchell, Lorie McCormick, Hellen Do, Joel Jankowski, Tom Ray, Paul Cornish and soon to be member Dave set out this morning to do a training ride in preparation for the Borrego Springs Double Century on May 25th.  While it was only 72 miles, it had over 6200 feet of climbing and lots of headwind.  The first part of the ride was fast with lots of quick downhill turns.  About an hour into the ride, it started to get warm as we headed into Borrego Spring.  We stopped briefly for water, gatorade, ice and snacks before starting the climb up Montezuma Valley Road.  We passed some beautiful iron statutes along this section that still appeared small against the desert background.  As we proceeded to climb Montezuma, Paul's chain broke and flew off onto the road.  The Velo peeps helped to get Paul back on the road (thankful for any excuse at that point to take a break).  The climb up Montezuma (approximately 12 miles) proved, long and hot with plenty of headwind.  After what seemed like a lifetime, we stopped at a small general store guarded by a tall white Yettie (can someone please tell me what a Yettie is!)  We got some good conversation from the locals and then continued on for the remaining 40 miles to Julian.  The last seven miles of the ride where climbing which seemed to go on for an eternity.  Finally, we were back in Julian and treated ourselves to some of that famous pie from Mom's.  What a ride with some Velo peeps that can also be considered LOCO!  P.S. For some reason everytime we hang out with Roland we end up doing something crazy!!!! Great climbing today Velo!

The City of Temecula hosted the Bike Rodeo on May 3, 2013 at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park. The rodeo helps give kids and adults an opportunity to learn and demonstrate

safe bike handling and maintenance.  An obstacle course was set up in the hockey rink to simulate a real world situation that kids might encounter while riding to school or in their community.  Prior to riding on the course, Temecula Velo cycling members performed helmet and bike checks.  A checklist was used to ensure that the children wore properly fitting helmets and that their bikes passed a series of specific safety checks.  If they did not pass, Velo members showed and performed routine bike maintenance on those that did not pass. Temecula Velo not only loves to ride, but they are also committed to the promotion of safe cycling. Thank you Temecula Velo for volunteering your time for a great cause. 

Five Velo members participated in the Tour de Cure ride today in support of the American Diabetes Association.  Riders, Lila Kleinman, Nicole von Kriegenbergh, Gina Ruiz, Sherman and Bill all rode and completed the 100 mile ride today.  I drove to Long Beach to take pictures of our peeps and provide some Velo support to let them know we are all so proud of them.  I found Nicole and Bill past SAG 4 already close to the half way point.  Since I am not used to driving in Long Beach it was hard to navigate the route and the ONLY way I found them was when in a group of riders I spotted the TEMECULA VELO kit!  It was so easy to pick out!  After stopping Nicole and Bill to take a couple of shots, I went to SAG 5 to see if I could catch Gina and Lilia.  I had only been sitting there for 20 minutes when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted two more VELO kits flying by at mock speed!  I yelled to Gina and Lila and thankfully they heard me....(they literally passed SAG 5 they were going so fast!)  They hung out with me for a little while and refueled before heading out to finish the ride.  Sherman showed up at SAG 5 with his Tour de Cure jersey in support of his friends.  What an awesome event and we are so proud of our Velo riders for taking on the challenge (trust me riding in Long Beach is no easy task).   Congratulations to all the Velo riders that participated and completed this ride today!