Here is a map of the route.

To my knowledge, this is only the second organized “C” ride in the last several years. A “C” ride presents a great opportunity to get out, and to meet other cyclists who are either just getting started or just getting back into riding. With the near-perfect weather we’ve had this Spring, you owe it to yourself to air up your tires and get out on the road again.

Here is the VVBC Facebook page, which contains ride announcements and other local cycling news.

If you’re too fast for a “C” ride, the VVBC also offers faster “B” and
still faster “A” rides on Saturday and Sunday. Here is the website of
the Victor Valley Bicycle Club (VVBC) with all the details.

Here are the specifics about Stage 6, which is closest to our area:

START: Palmdale — Friday, May 18th, 10:25am
DISTANCE: 115.7 miles
SPRINTS: Crestline, Fawnskin
KOMs: Mt. Emma, Wrightwood, CA 138, CA 18
FINISH: Big Bear Lake
ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL: 3:49pm

• Amgen Tour of California — Stage 6
• Stage Map (PDF)
• Stage Profile (PDF)
• Stage Log (PDF)

• Palmdale Info
• Big Bear Lake Info

This ride is open to all members of the community. Bring your bike and your helmet and help promote bike awareness.

Click here to see the flier (PDF).

More questions? Contact Pat Hansen at 760-961-2708.

This padded bag holds two wheels and spare tires. It is internally re-enforced with axle protectors. There is also a small detachable inside bag to hold quick-release skewers or pedals. It comes with a shoulder strap that attaches with heavy duty “D” rings, and full double zippers (two for each wheel/tire compartment).

Suggested retail price: $50.00.

To make offer, contact Greg at 760-523-3548.

Kenda wheel/tire bag

Sentencing has been scheduled for April 10th at 8:30 in Department V6 (case number FVI1101780).

Here are the results for each group.

Metric Century

Metric Half Century

Source: Town of Apple Valley Parks & Recreation Department

In the past, the Town of Apple Valley has mutilated Outer Highway 18 in front of St. Mary, Walmart/Albertson’s, in front of Target (across the street from Albertson’s), and in front of the Historic Apple Valley Inn.

If the Town had some kind of master transportation plan aimed at improving travel through this critical corridor in north Apple Valley, it would be one thing. However, the effect of these mutilations is that cyclists (as well as everyone else wanting to use the Outer Highway) is turfed off onto Highway 18. For motorists, this isn’t a huge deal. For cyclists, though, this is potentially a very bad turn of events. While there is usually a wide emergency lane on either side of Highway 18, Highway 18 itself is controlled by the notoriously anti-bicycle CalTrans. If you think getting Apple Valley to respond to cyclists’ needs is tough, you ain’t seen nothing until you’ve tried to deal with CalTrans.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The past implementations of the Outer Highways have their flaws, but at least the Town had the rights of way in case some future leaders finally saw the light about the importance of bicycle access to our town. Outer Highway 18 could serve as the backbone of an extensive bicycle-access system in our community.

As the Town leaders chip away at the Outer Highways, though, more and more sections of Apple Valley become Balkanized, and a bicycle-friendly future for Apple Valley becomes increasingly dim.

However, it did not seem that anyone had earned the reward, bank fees were gradually eating into the balance, and then there was the matter of how to declare these monies on my income tax. The best approach seemed to be to return each donation and avoid any complications.

Thanks to each person who contributed. It was gratifying to see the response of the local cycling community to this near tragedy.

Here are the details on this reward pool.