I recently pedaled past what used to be Gilroy’s Sunshine Bicycles. Instead of all those shiny new bikes in the windows, all I saw was a lonely, little “For Rent” sign. Truly the end of an era.
Shifting gears from sad to happy…
A super Cycle Guy salute to Garrison “Ziggy” Gemar, recent winner of Gilroy Councilmember Zach Hilton’s 2023 Bike Person of the Year! Here’s a young man who cycles to school and around town, and goes out of his way to encourage others to pick up two-wheeled habits. Congrats, Ziggy!
A second shout-out goes to Morgan Hill cyclist James Hibbard, author of the recently released “The Art of Cycling: Philosophy, Meaning, and a Life on Two Wheels.” Can’t wait to give it a spin. Check it out at BookSmart or Amazon!
Third, how ‘bout a cheer for July 29’s Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge? Identifying climate change as “…the highest ‘mountain’ of our time,” the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club will be donating a portion of the ride’s proceeds to Ecology Action and their Resilient Central Coast Campaign. Choose from among four routes (from 36 to 125 miles), enjoy the post-ride burritos and Marianne’s Ice Cream, and revel in knowing that you are doing good for our Mother Earth.
And finally, a huge happy 247th birthday to the good ol’ U.S. of A. Can your 250th be only three years away? I still remember celebrating your bicentennial! Man, I’m getting old.
Save the Dates
• July 16: Ride for Palestine,Berkeley–rideforpalestine.com
• July 22: Giro Vigneti, Healdsburg, girovignetihealdsburg.org
• July 29: Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge, Santa Cruz, santacruzcycling.org
• Aug. 5: Marin Century/Mt. Tam Double, Novato, marincyclists.com
• Aug. 6: Civilized Century, Redwood City, civilizedcentury.com
• Aug. 20: University Road Race, Santa Cruz, velopromo.com
Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke is a cyclist, seeker, song farmer and scribe. Send your cycle celebrations and cerebration to he*********@gm***.com.
