Prologue
We’re very excited to reach our 150th issue milestone. Since 1994, this magazine has served to inform riders of all stripes about the events and races taking place here in our backyard, Southern California. Fast forward to today, and our editorial coverage has expanded while maintaining the same familiar and accessible tone that our readers have come to expect. The calendar of events contained in every issue provides the underlying structure for this publication, and is a dependable compendium of a wide range of cycling events and races that take place throughout the Western United States.
One such event is the series of Haute Route events that have become a recurring part of the recreational cycling calendar throughout the United States, after the event format made its mark in Europe. John Woodson breaks down the choice that will face all potential Haute Route riders: Do I do the 3-day or 7-day event? He applies a scoring system that evaluates the event in a way that most active cyclists will appreciate. I’m confident it will help illuminate your choice, or at the least gets you to consider it all together.
Along with our 150th issue, we’re also excited to be partnering with the SoCal Fixed Series to sponsor their 3 event series taking place over this summer at the Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. We bring back a report in photo from the first event held May 24. Stop by and say hello at the BICYCLIST booth for the upcoming June 24 and July 29 events. Check out the photos on page 8.
Richard Duquette brings a profile of the Nytro Women’s Team, a multisport group of inspiring female athletes that work to empower and inspire other women on and off the bike. With a focus on triathalons, the women are scheduled to compete at events throughout the Western US over the upcoming tri season. Read more
on page 9.
Our Ask the Bike Coach column looks to the dark arts of bike fit methodology and makes a case for the overuse of cleat wedges with a discussion of the problem that they only temporarily cure. It’s an issue that is common, and the treatment by many fitters is something our ATBC takes issue with. Read more on page 6.
Carl Lawton raises the alarm for cyclists racing on bike paths, a frequent criticism of our community. Ride fast, don’t stop – but keep it in the vehicular bike lane. The dog walkers and beach cruisers thank you.
Our Legal Cycling column sees the second part of a series that we started last issue. This issue looks at how video evidence captured by cyclists should come with an understanding of the law. With action cameras being more ubiquitous on the local club ride, it’s information that many may not be aware of and will
benefit from knowing.
Rounding out the issue is a first look at a new adventure bicycle developed by Wright Brothers USA, a collaboration with Co-Motion bikes to design a bicycle in the spirit of the Wright brothers, two Americans that are fundamental to the story of flight in our modern world. Not many know that the brother’s entire research of flying was funded by the bicycle shop owned by the brothers, Wright Cycle. What would a bike look like if they were alive today and focused on sourcing American components for an ultimate adventure bike? The bike on the last page will give you an idea. And not only is it a sweet ride, but the proceeds of the sale are specifically directed to the Wright Brothers Family foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the designated historic monument that was home to the brothers in their native Dayton, Ohio.
Every issue delivered is an achievement for us, and we couldn’t do it without the help of our editors, contributors, sponsors, friends, family, SuperFans, and most importantly, the support of you, our readers. Thank you, all!
See you on the route. Stay safe. Peace,