Arizona Flats bicyclists complete their Century Ride.
Grant Hachmann
PebbleCreek’s own Arizona Flats Bicycling Group completed its seventh annual 100 mile Century Ride on March 21. The weather was outstanding with little wind: a bicyclist’s dream. The ride took the group through the cities of Avondale, El Mirage, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West and Buckeye before returning to Goodyear. The Tri Chicks of PebbleCreek, along with other volunteers, provided the riders with much needed and appreciated drinks and energy food at mile 36. At mile 70 the group enjoyed a quick lunch which was catered by Bob Prest, Joy Bole and Gay Pappas. On-course support was graciously provided by Mike and Cindy Strong, Donna Gillen and Charlene Jones. When the Century Riders left the lunch stop they were joined by 10 additional riders who rode the last 30 miles making the group 33 strong. This greatly added to the overall camaraderie of the group. Completing 100 miles were Cliff Pappas, Grant Hachmann, Jean Hachmann, Walt Heitz, Bill Simmons, Julie Walmsley, Nancy McDonald, Mary Lacy, Ken Goos, Vicki Carter, Diana Bidwell, Ruth Bindler, Loree Bolin, Roberta Diles, Jeff Furnia, Jeff Gillen, Bill Kafitz, Laura Leno, Bill Walker and Susanne Vander Hayden. Completing the metric century (62 miles) were Bernie Dobrin, Ernie Coudert and Leslie Teuber. This year’s ride was by far the largest in number and note that the women outnumbered the men. Way to go, ladies. Arizona Flats welcomes road bike riders of all ability levels to join them for exercise and fun. Rides are planned for Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and depart from the Tuscany Falls Fitness Center. Each day is different as far as ability levels are concerned. If interested, please contact Group Leader Cliff Pappas at [email protected] or call him at 623-535-5674.