2009 Bicycle Meetings and Events in Santa Barbara County, California

Meetings and Bicycling Events 2009

This is a record of bicycling events listed for the year 2009. Some links may no longer be active.

January 2009

January 1, Jack Carter Memorial Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club. This is the GVCC's annual climb up to La Cumbre peak. Meet at 8:30 AM at Tuckers Grove. Climb up Old San Marcos and Painted Cave; return from Camino Cielo down Gibraltar. Details from Doris Phinney 968-3143.
January 6, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This is another of our evening meetings so those who cannot attend our noon Downtown meetings can get together and help us consider bicycling improvements. Rusty's Pizza, 15 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
January 12, Youth Earn a Bike Class, sponsored by Bici Centro. This is a four-week class meeting twice a week, 3:30-6:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays. Ages 12-17. Students learn bicycle repair, street biking safety, and after successfully completing the course will receive a refurbished bike with lock, helmet and lights. 601 E. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara. Program info here.
January 12, Learn Your Bike Advanced Adult Class, sponsored by Bici Centro. This is an advanced eight-week class which focuses on troubleshooting and diagnosis of more complicated repairs. Monday evenings 7:00-9:00 PM. Completion of basic course is prerequisite. 601 E. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara. Program registration and details here.
January 14, Learn Your Bike Basic Adult Class, sponsored by Bici Centro. This is an eight-week class which focuses on troubleshooting and diagnosis of basic repairs. Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00 PM. 601 E. Montecito Street, Santa Barbara. Program registration and details here.
January 21-25, Vines to Coast Cycling Package, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend 3 nights in Solvang, then 2 nights in Santa Barbara with cycling every day 20-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, and local wines. Details here.
January 22, Carpinteria Road Project Public Hearing, sponsored by Caltrans. This public forum will consist of updated presentation on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for a project that includes bikelanes and bikepaths in eastern Carpinteria. You can read the Draft EIR here. It will take place 5:30-8:00 PM at Canalino Elementary School Cafeteria, 1480 Linden Avenue, Carpinteria.
January 22 and 24, Street Skills for Cycling Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road bicycling on Saturday. The class is being held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration are here. Direct any questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
January 23, Pascal’s Bike, sponsored by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This is the premier of Jacob Seigel-Boettner's film about a coffee farmer in Rwanda who finds that a bicycle is a way up and out of poverty. At 6:30 PM, Victoria Street Theater, 35 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara. Both Tom Ritchey and Siegel-Boettner will be there. A minimum SBIFF pass is $50 for four films during the Jan 22nd-Feb 1st festival.
January 24, Annual Ride 4 Rwanda, sponsored by Project Rwanda. Meet mountain bike legend Tom Ritchey and go on a 9-mile ride from Goleta Beach with him to raise funds for his Project Rwanda. That organization is devoted to using the bicycle as a vehicle for economic growth and regeneration in a post-genocide Rwanda. Project Rwanda details are at projectrwanda.org. The ride will meet at Goleta Beach County Park at 9:00 AM for coffee, baked goods, a T-shirt, and a short talk by Ritchey.
January 28, Isla Vista PAC & GPAC Meeting, sponsored by Santa Barbara County. This is a joint meeting of the IV Project Area Committee (PAC) and General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). They will meet with new Supervisor Doreen Farr and discuss changes on El Colegio, Pardall, and UCSB's Ocean Road. All of these effect bicyclists. At the Redevelopment Agency's office, 6:30 PM, 909 Embarcadero del Mar, Isla Vista. Phone 884-8082 for details.
January 31, Poor College Kids Road Race, sponsored by UCSB Cycling. This race starts on Zaca Station Road north of Buellton. It's a 17-mile out and back race on quiet country roads with rolling hills. Details here or from Daniel at danielbkatz@umail.ucsb.edu.

February 2009

February 1, Mothballs Criterium, sponsored by Echelon Santa Barbarta. There will be over $2500 in prizes given away at this Goleta series of races that run all day 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Races are held along a 0.65-mile loop course. Information at www.echelonsantabarbara.org.
February 1-6, Solvang Winter Break, Part 1, sponsored by Bicycle Adventure Club. Route sheets are provided for 20-to-30 mile rides from Solvang's Wine Valley Inn. Fee includes room, some meals, afternoon social hour; no van support. Membership in BAC is required. Details at www.bicycleadventureclub.org.
February 3, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
February 3, Goleta Valley Planning Advisory Committee Meeting, sponsored by Santa Barbara County. The meeting will consider mobility and transportation in the eastern Goleta Valley. DIscussion about roads, bikelanes, trails, sidewalks, train, trends, aesthetics, air quality, and sustainability. Meeting at 6:00 PM, Planning Commission Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. More details here.
February 9-14, Carmichael Training Camp, sponsored by Carmichael Training Systems. Join like-minded cyclists of all abilities as you lay the foundation for your cycling goals in 2008. CTS Founder Chris Carmichael returns to the Santa Ynez Valley each year because the roads are the perfect training ground for cyclists of all levels. The package includes, meals, hotel, nutritional analysis, and daily rides. Details are here.
February 10, Santa Barbara City Council Meeting, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. At this important meeting, staff will offer the Council alternative plans safety improvements for the State/De la Vina intersection. A favorable one was passed by the Transportation Committee last December, but the Council's approval means that a good project will be constructed there. 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, time to be announced.
February 14-22, Amgen Tour of California, sponsored by Amgen. This professional bicycle stage race will attract 16 professional cycling teams from around the world to compete across 750 miles of California roadway from Sacramento to San Diego. Santa Barbara County has been chosen to host the critical time trial in Solvang on February 20. It's estimated that nearly two million will watch the Tour in person. Solvang event details are here.
February 15-20, Solvang Winter Break, Part 2, sponsored by Bicycle Adventure Club. Route sheets are provided for 20-to-50 mile rides from the Solvang hotel. Fee includes room, some meals, afternoon social hour; no van support. Membership in BAC is required. Details at www.bicycleadventureclub.org.
February 15-21, Solvang Wine Country Tour, sponsored by Cycling Escapes. This 6-day tour includes 409 miles of challenging rides out of Solvang, encompassing 26,000 feet of climbing. Includes watching the Tour of California. Includes 7 nights lodging, all meals, sag support, full lunch stops, airport shuttle from Santa Barbara. Registration and details here.
February 16-21, Carmichael Training Camp, sponsored by Carmichael Training Systems. Join cyclists of all abilities as you lay the foundation for your cycling goals in 2008. CTS Founder Chris Carmichael returns to the Santa Ynez Valley each year because the roads are the perfect training ground for cyclists of all levels. The package includes, meals, hotel, nutritional analysis, daily rides, and exposure to the Tour of California. Details are here.
February 17-23, Tour of California Cycling Vacation, sponsored by Velo Echappé. This tour follows the Amgen Tour of California from Monterey to San Diego, with daily rides from 25 to 65 miles. Includes two nights in Santa Barbara with the Solvang time trial in between. Details are here.
February 18-22, Follow the Race Cycling Vacation, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. This guided tour will include riding several stages of the Amgen Tour of California¸ including the pivotal Solvang Time Trial, and seeing Lance Armstrong and other top professional cyclists in the world. Deluxe accommodations, gourmet dining, and a wine tasting dinner. Details and registration here.
February 18-23, Tour of California-South, sponsored by Trek Travel. Exclusive bike trip that offers a front-row seat for the 2009 Tour of California. Stay in Santa Ynez and San Diego as the Tour progresses through its final stages. Bike on the Tour route 15-70 miles a day. Daily rides, meals, accommodation. Details here.
February 19, Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting for our Board members and Advisors will take place at Ralph Fertig's home, 7:00 PM.
February 20, Tour of California Gala Evening, sponsored by the Solvang ATOC Organizing Committee. Held at the Hotel Corque (formerly the Royal Scandinavian) in Solvang, this year's Gala brings you an evening of dinner, wine, food, dancing, special guests, a raffle, and an auction for $75 per person. Buy your tickets here.
February 23, Safe Routes to School Meeting, sponsored by the SR2S Task Force. Various measures that make it safer for kids to walk and bike to South Coast schools will be discussed. Successful programs and planned measures will be on the agenda. La Colina Junior High School, 7:00 PM, Teachers' Lounge, 4025 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara. Direct questions to Eva Inbar, eva_inbar@cox.net.
February 23-March 1, Vision Quest Training Camp, sponsored by Vision Quest Coaching. Organized by professional cyclist Robbie Ventura, a former US Postal Cycling Team member, this week-long camp is for everybody. It runs out of Solvang and is scheduled to follow the Amgen Tour of California. Camp details are on their website www.visionquestcoaching.com.
February 24, Cottage Hospital Transportation Meeting, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. This meeting follows up on one held last November 18 where Hospital workers were asked what might improve access, emergency and otherwise, to the area. This meeting will consist of a report of the best ideas, and the public is invited to comment. Burtness Auditorium, Cottage Hospital, 320 West Pueblo Street, Santa Barbara, 6:30 PM. Direct questions to Rob Dayton at 564-5390.
February 28, Video Production Class, sponsored by SBCAG Traffic Solutions. This free class is being offered for those interested in submitting a "Green Shorts" video for the Earth Day contest. Contest details are here. Class is at WhizKidz, 189 South Turnpike Road, Goleta, 9:00-12:00. Phone Traffic Solutions at 963-7283 to reserve a space.

March 2009

March 2, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Night 1, sponsored by UCSB Arts & Lectures. This first evening collection of films relating to mountain action includes Crux, a trials bike film "Combining sheer difficulty with an elegant and creative style, this film redefines technical riding standards." Actually the 31-minute film was cut to 12 minutes for this showing. Campbell Hall, 7:30 PM. Details here.
March 3, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
March 3, Banff Mountain Film Festival, Night 2, sponsored by UCSB Arts & Lectures. This second evening collection of films relating to mountain action includes the 25-minutes film Seasons (cut down from the original 60 minutes). "The film explores what it means to be a full-time rider, as told through the lives of downhill racers, slopestyle competitors, and big-mountain freeriders." Campbell Hall, 7:30 PM. Details here.
March 7, LA Bike Summit, sponsored by the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute. A day of free presentations and workshops on all aspects of urban bicyling. The emphasis is on Los Angeles, but nearly all applies elsewhere. 9:00 AM-4:00 PM at Los Angeles Trade Tech College, 400 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles. Details and registration online here.
March 7, Island View Criterium, sponsored by UCSB Cycling. Returning to the South Coast for the third year, this day of events includes collegiate and public criteriums. Details at UCSB Cycling.
March 8, UCSB Road Race, sponsored by UCSB Cycling. This 33, 43 or 65-mile course is for collegiates only, in Sisquoc. Details at UCSB Cycling.
March 8-13, Vines to Coast Cycling Package, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend 3 nights in Solvang, then 2 nights in Santa Barbara with cycling every day 20-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, and local wines. Details here.
March 12, Joint PC and TCC Meeting on Hospital Circulation, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. This joint meeting of the Planning Commission and Transportation & Circulation Committee will discuss proposed circulation improvements in the vicinity of Cottege Hospital, including making three more blocks of Castillo and Bath one way with bikelanes. Meeting at 6:00 PM, City Hall council chambers, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Address questions to Jessica Grant at JGrant@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
March 12, UCSB Development Plan Workshop, sponsored by UCSB. This public workshop will present information about the revised Draft Environmental Impact Report on the University's Long Range Development Plan. The Draft EIR is available here. The meeting takes place in Santa Catalima Hall, Linda Vista Room, 6850 El Colegio Road, Goleta 7:00-8:30 PM. Send questions to info@UCSBVision2025.com.
March 13, Transportation Alternatives Board Meeting, sponsored by UCSB. This meeting will consider configurations and safety on the proposed Ocean Road development. Associate Vice Chancellor Marc Fisher, Bicycle Coalition President Ralph Fertig, and AS BIKES chairman Nathan Pfaff will address the board. Meeting at 1:00 PM, Room 3101 Student Affairs Administrative Services Building (SAASB), one building west of Campbell Hall.
March 14, Solvang Century, sponsored by SCOR. The West's big seasonal kickoff ride. Choose 100 or 50-mile rides starting from Solvang. Raffle, Cycling Expo barbecue, and thousands of cyclists. Info and online registration www.bikescor.com or phone SCOR 562-690-9693.
March 14th, Trail Leader Training Day, sponsored by SB City, SB County, and the US Forest Service. This free training session will qualify individuals to lead work crews on our local trails. It's at Stevens Park, 258 Canon Drive, Santa Barbara, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For details and to register for the session, email multiusetc@gmail.com before March 1st.
March 16, Linden and Casitas Pass Project Meeting, sponsored by Caltrans and SBCAG. This public forum will consist of updated presentation on the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment for a project that includes bikelanes and bikepaths in eastern Carpinteria. You can read the EIR/EA here. It will take place 5:30-7:30 PM at Canalino Elementary School Cafeteria, 1480 Linden Avenue, Carpinteria.
March 16, Santa Barbara County Trails Council Annual Meeting, sponsored by the SB Trails Council. Bicycle Coalition member and champion for better trails, Chris Orr will be honored with an award. Speakers are Rick Halsey of the Chaparral Institute and Ray Ford, author and trails coordinator for the Council. Santa Barbara Public Library, Faulkner Gallery, 40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, 7:00 PM. Read about the Council on their website.
March 16-22, Solvang Spring Tour, sponsored by Planet Ultra. Seven days of rides out of Solvang, each ride 30-110 miles long, returning to Solvang each night. Chose each day from a shorter or longer ride. Unique back roads that other organized tours miss. Unsupported, but suggested rest and meal stops are offered along the way. Elevation gains vary from 1500-5000 feet. Details at www.planetultra.com.
March 19 and 21, Street Skills for Cycling Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road bicycling on Saturday. The class is being held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration are here. Direct any questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
March 22-27, Central California Coast Cycling Tour, sponsored by Bicycle Adventures. This 6-day tour starts in San Luis Obispo, includes Hearst Castle, and ends with three nights in Solvang, with rides in the Santa Ynez Valley and down to Jalama Beach. Details and registration at www.bicycleadventures.com.
March 26, Why Do We Need to Think Beyond Oil? sponsored by the Community Environmental Council, our Bicycle Coalition, and others. Environmentalist Michael Brune, director of the Rainforest Action Network, will offer a planet-wide view of our future. He will be joined by CEC director Dave Davis. This is the first of three "Life After Oil" evening presentations leading up to Earth Day. It's free at 7:00 PM, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Fleischmann Auditorium, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Details here.
March 26-29, IMBA Trail Care Workshop, sponsored by the International Mountain Biking Association. The school starts with an evening advocacy workshop on Thursday and ends with weekend trail building and maintenance class with hands-on application on trails. Contact Chris Orr at chris.orr@sbmtv.org for details and to register.
March 27-29, Solvang Getaway Weekend Bike Tour, sponsored by Undiscovered Country Tours. Enjoy the rolling countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley. Three days of riding 40-75 miles each day, two nights lodging, most meals, guides, van support. Details at www.udctours.com.
March 28, Solvang Double Century, sponsored by Planet Ultra. A whole 193 miles from Solvang to Morro Bay and back. Riders must be pre-registered; staggered starts between 5:00 and 7:30 AM, depending on your estimated total time. Rest stops along the way, sag support. Limited to 550 cyclists. Elevation gain is 7500 feet. Further information at www.planetultra.com/solvang.
March 28, Choo-Choo Ride, sponsored by Tailwinds Bicycle Club. This bike ride starts at the Guadalupe Amtrak station, goes to Santa Barbara for dinner, then cyclists take the train back north. Includes SAG support, lunch, Amtrak return ride. Reserve and pay before March 21. Details from Tim Brookshire at 934-4755 or at timbetty@verizon.net.
March 28-April 4, Solvang Wine Country Tour, sponsored by Cycling Escapes. This 6-day tour includes 409 miles of challenging rides out of Solvang, encompassing 26,000 feet of climbing. Includes 7 nights lodging, all meals, sag support, full lunch stops, airport shuttle from Santa Barbara. Registration and details here.
March 29, Kendra Chiota Payne Memorial Triathlon, sponsored by the UCSB Triathlon Team. This early season olympic distance race is ideal for beginners and veterens alike. The triathlon includes a 25-mile bike leg. Group starts between 8:00-8:50 AM from Campus Point. Details and registration at www.ucsbtriathlon.org.
March 31, Commuter Challenge Surrey Race, sponsored by Traffic Solutions. The annual Commuter Challenge will take place in May and June, however a kick-off press conference and surrey race among last year's 5 winning teams will take place starting at 5:30 PM. It's at the Farmers Market, Cota and State Streets, Santa Barbara. Details about the Challenge are here.

April 2009

April 2, Organizing our Communities for Life After Oil, sponsored by the Community Environmental Council, our Bicycle Coalition, and others. Ventura city manager Rick Cole will talk about what cities can do to plan for our future. This is the second of three "Life After Oil" evening presentations leading up to Earth Day. It's free at 7:00 PM, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Fleischmann Auditorium, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Details here.
April 2-5, Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend, sponsored by Trek Travel. One night in Solvang, then two in Santa Barbara. Options of 10-50 miles each day. Sunny days promised along with ocean-side cycling, gourmet cuisine, and fine wines. Afternoons off to stroll or bike some more in the two areas. Details here.
April 5, Family Bike Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. This 2-hour ride for adults and kids goes from Vieja Valley School to Goleta Beach and back, stopping to learn about bird rookeries, Chumash sites, and other features. Bikes, helmets and registration required. All children ride free, adult Museum members get a discount. Starts at 9:00 AM. Details and registration here.
April 5-10, Morro Bay to Santa Barbara Cycling Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend two nights in Morro Bay, two in Santa Ynez, and one in Santa Barbara with guided cycling every day 15-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, bicycle, helmet, and regional wines included. Details here.
April 6, Mission Street Bikelanes Ribbon-Cutting, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. It's taken over a decade to get bikelanes on Mission Street between Castillo and Modoc, including the Highway 101 undercrossing. It's time to celebrate their arrival. Ceremony at 3:00 PM. Please bike there to show our appreciation.
April 7, Santa Barbara Car Free meeting, sponsored by the APCD, the Bicycle Coalition and others to promote car-free travel in our county. The project has a website www.santabarbaracarfree.org, hosts programs and has developed a free map. Meeting at 11:00 AM, the Upham Hotel, 1404 De la Vina Street, Santa Barbara. Details from Mary Byrd at 961-8833 or byrdm@sbcapcd.org.
April 7, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This is another of our evening meetings so those who cannot attend our noon Downtown meetings can get together and help us consider bicycling improvements. Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant, 3524 State Street, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner 6:00 PM, meeting at 7:00 PM. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
April 9, Organizing our Neighborhoods for Life After Oil, sponsored by the Community Environmental Council, our Bicycle Coalition, and others. Members of Santa Barbara's Mesa Homeowners Association will consider what individual neighborhoods can do to plan for their future. Architects John Kelley and Dennis Thompson will be joined by ecotherapist Linda Buzzell-Saltzman with presentations. This is the third of three "Life After Oil" evening presentations leading up to Earth Day. It's free at 7:00 PM, at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Fleischmann Auditorium, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara. Details here.
April 9-13, Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend, sponsored by Trek Travel. Same as the April 2-5 weekend listed above. Details here.
April 11, Goleta Earth Day, sponsored by Goleta Family School. The celebration includes our Bicycle Coalition's and other information booths, demonstrations, food, drinks, a raffle, live music from local bands, earth friendly activities, games, and fun for the whole family. Stow Grove, 580 La Patera Lane, Goleta, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.
April 14, Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting for our Board members and Advisors will take place at Dru van Hengel's home, 7:00 PM.
April 16-19, Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend, sponsored by Trek Travel. Same as the April 2-5 weekend listed above. Details here.
April 18, North Tunnel Trail maintenance, sponsored by Los Padres Forest Association. As part of this year's State Trails Day, you're invited to help clear the neglected local trail that connects Camino Cielo to Gibraltar Dam. Meet at the Mission parking lot at 8:30 AM to carpool to the trailhead. Details from Jasonn Beckstrand.
April 19 -24, Central California Coast Cycling Tour, sponsored by Bicycle Adventures. This 6-day tour starts in San Luis Obispo, includes Hearst Castle, and ends with three nights in Solvang, with rides in the Santa Ynez Valley and down to Jalama Beach. Details and registration at www.bicycleadventures.com.
April 19, Bike to Earth Day, sponsored by Bici Centro. Join others on either of two rides that will take you to the valet bike parking area at the Earth Day festival, arriving about 11:15. The UCSB ride begins at the Henley (East Gate) lawn at 10:00 AM; others can meet along the Obern Trail or at the Java Station lot (4447 Hollister Avenue) before 10:45 AM for regrouping. The Carpinteria ride begins at Rincon Cycles (5100 Carpinteria Avenue) in Carpinteria at 10:00 AM; others can join the ride along the Coast Bike Route or meet at the East Beach Grill before 11:00 AM for regrouping.
April 19, Santa Barbara Earth Day, sponsored by the Community Environmental Council. The most pleasant festival in Santa Barbara. It runs from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM and has moved a block north this year to Alameda Park. We are offering our community a booth, bike parking, and free bike check-ups. Earth Day info here.
April 22, Purisima Road Improvement Meeting, sponsored by Caltrans. The public is invited to consider what Caltrans has determined is the safer intersection management configuration for Purisima Road at Highway 246. Instead of traffic signals, they conclude that a roundabout will result in greater safety. Lompoc City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, 5:30-7:30 PM. Presentation at 6:00.
April 23-26, Santa Ynez Valley US Mountain Bike Cup, sponsored by Stump Grinder Productions. This is one of 13 US Cup races. Cross-country, Super D, Down Hill, and Slalom races. Event details here.
April 24-26, Solvang Getaway Weekend Bike Tour, sponsored by Undiscovered Country Tours. Enjoy the rolling countryside of the Santa Ynez Valley. Three days of riding 40-75 miles each day, two nights lodging, most meals, guides, van support. Details at www.udctours.com.
April 25, Tri-For-Fun Triathlon, sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley YMCA. This race has a cycling leg of 12.5 miles. You can do everything by yourself, or join a team and choose what you're best at. Starts at the YMCA, 3400 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Details and registration at www.smvymca.org.
April 26-May 1, Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour, sponsored by Trek Travel. Three days of rides out of Solvang, then three out of Santa Barbara. Options of 10-50 miles each day. Sunny days with ocean-side cycling, gourmet cuisine, and fine wines. Afternoons off to stroll or bike some more to enjoy the area. Details here.
April 30, Pardall Road Opening Celebration, sponsored by Santa Barbara County. The County's Redevelopment Agency has been creating a bicyclist-friendly, pedestrian-friendly Pardall Road for two blocks in Isla Vista. No car parking, wider sidewalks, no through motor vehicles, new landscaping, stop signs for traffic on the Embarcaderos where they cross Pardall. Come for live music, food, drinks, new UCSB student banners. From 4:00-7:00 PM. Details from Heather Hallen at 884-8082.

May 2009

May 2-3, Choo Choo Century, sponsored by the Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Take the Amtrak train to San Luis Obispo, bike to Pismo Beach hotel, then bike on home on Sunday. Must join the GVCC, and reservations have to be submitted by April 11. Phone Lori at 964-5822 for details.
May 5, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Gregg Hart from SBCAG will ask us about biking opportunities in conjunction with widening Highway 101 between Montecito and Carpinteria. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
May 5, Jesusita Trail Maintenance, sponsored by the Multi-Use Trails Coalition. Front Country Trail Crew members and others will clear brush. Meet at Tunnel Trailhead at 4:00 PM. Details at www.multiusetc.org. CANCELLED DUE TO JESUSITA FIRE.
May 6, Front Country Trails Task Force Meeting, sponsored by the City and County of Santa Barbara, and the Forest Service. This meeting will deal with trail maintenance, management and assessment survey. Check the agenda on the website linked here. Santa Barbara City Hall, Council Chambers, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 5:30 PM. CANCELLED DUE TO JESUSITA FIRE.
May 12, Board of Directors Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting will include discussions of our overall direction and finances. Meeting at Bici Centro, 7:00 PM.
May 14, UCSB Bike to Work Day, sponsored by UCSB. At UCSB, on the bikepath up from Goleta Beach for breakfast food, drinks, and raffle prizes. 7:00-9:00 AM. Details from Jamey Wagner at 893-5475.
May 14 and 16, Street Skills for Cycling Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road bicycling on Saturday. The class is being held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration are here. Direct any questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org. CANCELLED, WILL BE RESCHEDULED.
May 15, Bike Week Kick Off, sponsored by Bici Centro. Starts at 6:30 PM, with band Oso playing at 7:00. Cost is $10, with $2 discount for riding your bike. Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara.
May 16, Newcomers Ride, sponsored by the Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Nobody will be left behind on this free, leisurely ride. Meet at Anna's Bakery, 7018 Market Place Drive, Goleta, 9:00 AM ready to pedal. Contact ride leader Doris at cyclebug@aol.com with questions.
May 16, Children's Festival, sponsored by the Family Service Agency. This festival offers variety of sports and art activities, including bicycle helmets at the COAST booth. It's at Alameda Park in Santa Barbara, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Details from Jennifer Haake at jhaake@fsacares.org.
May 16, Beer and Bikes, unsponsored. A ride for those 21 and over. Meet Chase Palm Park Carousel, 223 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, at 2:00 PM.
May 16, BBQ and Bike Show, sponsored by Bici Centro and our Bicycle Coalition. Bring and display your classic or radical bicycle. 4:00 PM at Casa de la Raza, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara. Free admission.
May 16, Green Shorts Bike Films, sponsored by WheelHouse. This will be a showing of the Green Shorts video contest entries that relate to bicycling. At 9:00 PM, WheelHouse, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Free admission.
May 19, Bike to School Day, sponsored by COAST. Events are being arranged at individual South Coast and Solvang schools. Contact South Coast coordinator Kim Stanley-Zimmerman at ksz@linkline.com, or Solvang coordinator John Padfield at jpadfield@mac.com.
May 19, Jesusita Trail Maintenance, sponsored by the Multi-Use Trails Coalition. Front Country Trail Crew members and others will clear brush on either Jesusita or Tunnel trails. Meet at Tunnel Trail gate at 4:00 PM. Details at www.multiusetc.org. CANCELLED DUE TO JESUSITA FIRE.
May 19, Old San Marcos Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Meet at the swimming pool parking Lot across from 1030 North San Marcos and enjoy a workout up Old San Marcos Road. Ride at 5:00 PM. For details, phone Robert and Brigitta 448-0636.
May 20, Santa Barbara Bike to Work Day, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. This annual event is 7:00-9:00 AM. Bicycle there for free food, drinks, prizes at State and De la Guerra. Contact Sarah Grant for details.
May 20, Ciclovias and Sunday Parkways, sponsored by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. This web-based seminar will take place from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at the Granada Garage Conference Room 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. (Take the Anacapa Street elevator to the second floor). Individuals interested in crafting a street celebration like those in Bogota, New York, Baltimore, Chicago, and elsewhere should attend. Info from Sarah Grant, 897-2669.
May 20, Off Road Shore Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Meet at the Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, and enjoy a non-technical offroad ride through Hope Ranch, More Mesa, and Campus Point to Ellwood and back. Ride starts at 5:00 PM. No climbing or descending, Less than two hours, and 16-17 miles. Contact Jurij at cyclezen@hotmail.com for details.
May 20, Ride of Silence, unsponsored. This ride will commemorate those lost or injured in bicycling crashes in our area. The ride was started in Texas in 2003, and has since grown to over 250 locations worldwide. It's a slow, 12 MPH silent ride of about 6 miles, starting at 7:00 PM at De la Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara. To learn about the movement, look at www.rideofsilence.org.
May 23, Bird Refuge to Goob Loop Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Meet at the Bird Refuge in Santa Barbara, and ride the Gobernador Canyon Loop north of Carpinteria. Ride starts at 9:00 AM.
May 24, Java Station to Farmers Market Ride, sponsored by Goleta Valley Cycling Club. Meet at Java Station, 4447 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, and ride to Goleta Farmer's Market in the Calle Real Marketplace. Ride starts at 9:30 AM. Bring your recyclable bags.
May 27, Santa Ynez Valley Hearing, sponsored by Santa Barbara County. This is the last public hearing by the Planning Commission to receive public comments about the Environmental Impact Report for the Santa Ynez Valley Community Plan. There is a possiblity of adding a multipurpose trail along the River between Buellton and Solvang, not as part of the Plan, but as an "action item" to be considered in the future. Solvang Veterans Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, 5:00 PM.
May 29, Mesa Village Meeting, sponsored by Mesa Architects. This meeting will invite input on the vision of creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient neighborhood in Santa Barbara's Mesa. Holy Cross Church meeting room, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara. View the community vision here.

June 2009

June 2, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
June 3-5, AIDS LifeCycle Ride, sponsored by LA Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. This week-long, 545-mile ride takes place from May 31-June 6, and passes through our county over three days. Watch for the 3000 cyclists and cheer them on. June 3rd, Paso Robles to Santa Maria; June 4th, Santa Maria to Lompoc; June 5th, Lompoc to Ventura. Details here.
June 5, Bicycle Festival Sandpiper Prologue, sponsored by Elings Park. This year, the SB Bicycle Festival will include a road race around Sandpiper golf course on the paved golf cart path. It's a five-mile time trial with riders starting at 30 second intervals, and followed with a BBQ from 6:00-8:00 PM. Registration starts 4:00 PM, races start at 6:00 PM. Sandpiper is a world class venue with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
June 6-7, Santa Barbara Bicycle Festival, sponsored by Elings Park and others. Two full days in Santa Barbara featuring BMX racing and open riding; cross country and downhill mountain bike racing; kids race; live music; manufacturers demos; food and beer garden; and vendor area. From 7:00 AM-6:00 PM each day. Go to www.santabarbarabikefest.com for maps, details, and race registration.
June 8-12, Bike Skills & Safety Program, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition, Bici Centro, and Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation. Three hours a day for five days, starting on June 8th. Ages 10-14. Each day is another bike adventure. Pedal to different parts of Santa Barbara as a group while learning skills to be used for life. Details here.
June 9-18, 2009 SB Bicyclist Counts, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Every two years, we conduct counts of bicyclists at select intersections in the City of Santa Barbara. Two-hour counts are done on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday during a two-week period. Details from coordinator Ralph Fertig.
June 11, Cottage Hospital Transportation meeting, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. This will be a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and the Transportation & Circulation Committee. The agenda will include discussion of plans to improve circulation for all around the Cottage Hospital/Oak Park area. The agenda is here. Included is a proposal to extend the bikelanes on Castillo and Bath from Mission and Pueblo.
June 13, National Trails Day, sponsored by several trail groups. Restoration of four fire-damaged trails will include a meal afterwards. Meet at Scofield Park to carpool to trail sites, 8:00 AM-2:00 PM. Details at www.multiusetc.org.
June 13, Green Shorts Video Screening, sponsored by the Community Environmental Council. The best videos submitted to the "Life After Oil" contest will be screened, and winners announced. Center Stage Theater, Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, at 7:00-8:15 PM. WInners will later be shown on local Channel 17 and online at www.cecsb.org.
June 14-19, Morro Bay to Santa Barbara Cycling Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend two nights in Morro Bay, two in Santa Ynez, and one in Santa Barbara with guided cycling every day 15-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, bicycle, helmet, and regional wines included. Details here.
June 15-19, Mountain Bike Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. For ages 7-15. Great cross country and downhill mountain bike trails have been developed in Elings Park South. Experienced instructor Jacob Seigel-Boettner will guide your child through the basics of trail etiquette, bike maintenance, and riding skills. A functioning mountain bike and helmet are required. Daily 9:00-12:00 noon at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Registration details at elingspark.org.
June 22-26, Bike Skills & Safety Program, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition, Bici Centro, and Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation. Same as the June 8-12 program.
June 22-26, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. For ages 5-12. The camp is designed for riders of all abilities to improve basic skills and introduce track etiquette, while putting safety first. Each participant must bring a helmet and a functioning bike. The instructor is Chantel Blanchet, a BMX Champion. Participants must bring their own helmets and functioning BMX bikes. Daily 9:00 AM -3:00 PM at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
June 27, Los Flores Ranch Ribbon Cutting, sponsored by the City of Santa Maria. This is the grand opening of the 1774-acre Los Flores Ranch Park located east of Highway 101 eight miles south of Santa Maria. Mountain biking on the eight miles of trails is offered. Ribbon cutting at 9:00 AM. Park location is 6271 Dominion Road. Direct questions to 925-0951 x260.
June 29-July 3, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. Same as the June 22-26 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.

July 2009

July 1, Front Country Trails Task Force Meeting, sponsored by the City and County of Santa Barbara, and the Forest Service. This meeting will discuss the condition, reopening, safety, and management of the trails. 5:30 PM at Santa Barbara City Hall Council Chamber, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Agenda is being posted here.
July 2, Bike Moves, unsponsored happening. Join Santa Barbara's First Thursday events with an easygoing ride that obeys traffic laws. Meet at the WheelHouse at 7:30 PM, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Read about it here.
July 6-10, Skills and Safety Program, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition, Bici Centro, and Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation. Three hours a day for five days, starting on June 8th. Ages 10-14. Each day is another bike adventure. Pedal to different parts of Santa Barbara as a group while learning skills to be used for life. Details here.
July 6-10, Mountain Bike Camp, sponsored by Elings Park and Bici Centro. For ages 7-15. Great cross country and downhill mountain bike trails have been developed in Elings Park South. Experienced instructor Jacob Seigel-Boettner will guide your child through the basics of trail etiquette, bike maintenance, and riding skills. A functioning mountain bike and helmet are required. Daily 9:00-12:00 noon at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Registration details at elingspark.org.
July 6-10, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. For ages 5-12. The camp is designed for riders of all abilities to improve basic skills and introduce track etiquette, while putting safety first. Each participant must bring a helmet and a functioning bike. The instructor is Chantel Blanchet, a BMX Champion. Participants must bring their own helmets and functioning BMX bikes. Daily 9:00 AM -3:00 PM at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
July 7, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This is another evening meeting at Rusty's Pizza, 15 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner 6:00, meeting 7:00 PM. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
July 11, Cold Springs Trail Maintenance, sponsored by SB Mountain BIke Trail Volunteers. This will follow up the very successful trail cleaning on June 13th. Tools will be provided, wear sturdy shoes, long pants, gloves and helmet. Bring water, snacks, sun screen and consider a dust mask. Meet 8:30 in the SB Mission parking lot ready to carpool.
July 11, Eastern Goleta Valley Workshop, sponsored by Santa Barbara County. This workshop will consider goals for the future of the unincorporated county between Santa Barbara and Goleta, including transportation and other areas of interest. Vieja Valley School, 434 Nogal Drive, Santa Barbara, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, stop by any time. Info about the Plan here.
July 12-17, Vines to Coast Cycling Package, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend 3 nights in Solvang, then 2 nights in Santa Barbara with cycling every day 25-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, and local wines. Details here.
July 13, Bike Week 2010 meeting, sponsored by several groups. Help plan for a week or month of bicycling events in 2010. Bring your inspiration to Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 1:00 PM.
July 13-17, Off Road Skills Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition, Bici Centro, and Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation. Three hours a day for five days. Ages 10-14. Learn mountain bike handling skills needed on dirt paths and single-track trails. Each day will include riding off road. Details here.
July 13-17, Kid's Triathlon Camp, sponsored by Momentum 4 Life. This camp is for children ages 7-12 who can swim 25 yards in a pool and ride a two wheel bike. Class takes place at UCSB, 2:30-5:00 PM. Limited to 150 participants. For more information and registration, go to momentum4life.com.
July 13-17, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. Same as the July 6-10 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
July 14, Board of Directors Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting will include discussions of our Coalition's direction and finances. Meeting at Ralph Fertig's home, 7:00 PM.
July 15, Counting Bicyclists and Pedestrians, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. This free web-based seminar "webinar" will have descriptions of the latest technology for counting bicyclists and pedestrians. It runs 12:00-1:00 PM, with a discussion about implementing the technology locally. Santa Barbara Public Works Conference Room, 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara. Phone Sarah 897-2669 for details.
July 16 and 18, Street Skills for Cyclists Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road bicycling on Saturday. The class is being held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration are here. Direct any questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
July 18, Windmill Century, sponsored by Tailwinds Bicycle Club. Choice of full or metric century, or 26-mile rides out of Los Alamos County Park over lightly-traveled roads. Enjoy cycling past range land, vineyards, horse farms, hills, canyons, and yes, even windmills. Food stops, sag support, T-shirt, and Santa Maria style BBQ or vegetarian option at the end. Register and get info here.
July 18, Santa Barbara Kid's Triathlon, sponsored by several organizations. This is the third annual kid's triathlon, open to children aged 7-15, to help them establish a healthy foundation for life. Limited to the first 200 applicants. Starts at 8:00 AM at Los Baños pool, Santa Barbara. Details at www.sbkidstriathlon.com.
July 18, Lompoc Sprint Triathlon, sponsored by Lompoc Parks, Recreation and Urban Forestry. This race consists of a 500-yard poor swim, 11-mile bike ride, and 3-mile run. Races start at 8:00 AM from the Aquatic Center, 207 West College Avenue, Lompoc. Info and registration form at www.ci.lompoc.ca.us.
July 20-24, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. Same as the July 6-10 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
July 27-31, Mountain Bike Camp, sponsored by Elings Park and Bici Centro. Same as the July 6-10 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
July 27-31, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. Same as the July 6-10 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.

August 2009

August 3-7, Mountain Bike Camp, sponsored by Elings Park and Bici Centro. For ages 7-15. Great cross country and downhill mountain bike trails have been developed in Elings Park South. Experienced instructors will guide your child through the basics of trail etiquette, bike maintenance, and riding skills. A functioning mountain bike and helmet are required. Daily 9:00-12:00 noon at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Registration details at elingspark.org.
August 3-7, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. For ages 5-12. The camp is designed for riders of all abilities to improve basic skills and introduce track etiquette, while putting safety first. Each participant must bring a helmet and a functioning bike. The instructor is Chantel Blanchet, a BMX Champion. Participants must bring their own helmets and functioning BMX bikes. Daily 9:00 AM -3:00 PM at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
August 4, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
August 4, Eastern Goleta Valley Workshop, sponsored by Santa Barbara County. This workshop will consider goals for the future of the unincorporated county between Santa Barbara and Goleta, including transportation and other areas of interest. County Planning Commission Hearing Room, 105 East Anapamu Street, 1st Floor, Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM. Info about the Plan here.
August 6, Bike Moves, unsponsored happening. Join Santa Barbara's First Thursday events with an easygoing ride that obeys traffic laws. Meet at the WheelHouse at 7:30 PM, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Read about it here.
August 8, Greg LeMond's Le Tour de Montecito, sponsored by 1in6. This 50-mile ride through and around Montecito will be led by Greg LeMond. Includes 9:30 AM breakfast and photo opportunity with LeMond before the 11:00 AM ride. Limited to 100 people. Two levels of charity support. Details here.
August 9-14, Morro Bay to Santa Barbara Cycling Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend two nights in Morro Bay, two in Santa Ynez, and one in Santa Barbara with guided cycling every day 15-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, bicycle, helmet, and regional wines included. Details here.
August 10-14, Mountain Bike Camp, sponsored by Elings Park and Bici Centro. Same as the August 3-7 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
August 10-14, BMX Summer Camp, sponsored by Elings Park. Same as the August 3-7 class. Information and registration at elingspark.org.
August 15-21, Vines to Coast Cycling Package, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend 3 nights in Solvang, then 2 nights in Santa Barbara with cycling every day 25-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, and local wines. Details here.
August 17, Board of Directors Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting will include discussions of our Coalition's direction and finances. Meeting at Michael Chiaco's home, 7:00 PM.
August 21-23, Santa Barbara Triathlon, sponsored by many organizations. The Saturday Long Course race has a bike leg of 34 miles. The Sunday Co-ed Sprint and separate Women Only Sprint Courses both have a 6-mile bike leg . There are free race clinics on Friday. Details and registration at http://santabarbaratriathlon.com.
August 26, Safe Routes to School Meeting, sponsored by the SR2S Task Force. Various measures that make it safer for kids to walk and bike to South Coast schools will be discussed. Successful programs and planned measures will be on the agenda. Meeting 9:30-11:00 AM at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Conference Room, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Direct questions to Eva Inbar, eva_inbar@cox.net.
August 29, Sisquoc Road Race, sponsored by Mattie's Tavern and others. This is a series of races that include the Southern California/Nevada Junior Road Raace Championship. Cyclists race on one to seven laps of a 10.75-mile course starting at Clark and Dominion Roads near Santa Maria. Race details are here.

September 2009

September 1, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
September 2, Front Country Trails Task Force Meeting, sponsored by the City and County of Santa Barbara, and the Forest Service. This meeting will discuss the condition, reopening, safety, and management of the trails, especially those damaged by our recent fires. 5:30 PM at Santa Barbara City Hall Council Chamber, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Agenda is being posted here.
September 3, Bike Moves, unsponsored happening. Join Santa Barbara's First Thursday events with an easygoing ride that obeys traffic laws. Meet at the WheelHouse at 7:30 PM, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Read about it here.
September 6-11, Morro Bay to Santa Barbara Cycling Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend two nights in Morro Bay, two in Santa Ynez, and one in Santa Barbara with guided cycling every day 15-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, bicycle, helmet, and regional wines included. Details here.
September 12, Montecito Trails Foundation BBQ, sponsored by Montecito Trails Foundation. This event celebrates 45 years of Montecito trail work. Rides and hikes start at 9:00 AM, auction and lunch start at noon. Live music. All invited. Read more here.
September 12-13, SGDC Series Final Races, sponored by Stump Grinder Dirt Club. These two days will have cross country, downhill and dual slalom races. Starting at 9:00 Saturday, and noon Sunday. Overnight camping on site. Details and entry form here.
September 13-19, Solvang Wine Country Tour, sponsored by Cycling Escapes. Each day has a challenging ride, totaling 409 miles over six days, with 26,000 feet of climbing. Base hotel is in Solvang, with dining at various restaurants. Shuttle service from Santa Barbara airport. Information here.
September 14-November 2, Adult Bicycle Mechanics, sponsored by Bici Centro. This 8-week class entails a different bicycle component each 2-hour Monday evening 7:00-9:00 PM. Agenda is here. Register by email to info@bicicentro.org.
September 17 and 19, Street Skills for Cyclists Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road bicycling on Saturday. The class is being held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration are here. Direct your questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
September 19, Gourmet Challenge, sponored by Jim Sobell. This group of charity rides and runs out of Santa Ynez will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Choose from 62-mile or 31-mile rides, or 5K or 10K walk/runs. Includes rest stops, sag support, and a gourmet lunch with live music at the finish. Details and registration at www.thevineyardhouse.com. Fundraising required. Direct questions to Jim Sobell at 693-9456.
September 19, Choo-Choo Ride, sponsored by Tailwinds Bicycle Club. This club ride starts from Guadalupe and ends with dinner in Santa Barbara, followed by a train trip back to Guadalupe. Bring bike back on the train, or have it trucked back for free. For $35 you get sag support, lunch, and a train ride. Phone Tim Brookshire at 934-4755 for info or reservations.
September 22, COAST General Meeting, sponsored by the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation. Meeting at noon, fourth Tuesday of each month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Eva Inbar, 964-0472 for details.
September 26, National Public Lands Day, sponsored by the National Environmental Education Foundation. Last year 120,000 volunteers worked in over 1,800 locations, including Santa Barbara. This year work will concentrate on Cold Spring Trail. Meet at 8:00 AM Scofield Park, upper parking lot. Details are here.
September 27, Carpinteria Triathlon, sponsored by the City of Carpinteria. Choose from the Olympic Course with a 40K bike ride, or the Sprint Course with a 15K bike leg. Relay teams can compete in the Olympic Course. Limited to 800 participants. Bike in mountain foothills through agricultural lands. Start and finish at Carpinteria State Beach. Details available at www.carpinteriatriathlon.com. Registration required before September 18. Contact Ann Meyer at annm@ci.carpinteria.ca.us for details.
September 27-October 2, Central California Coast Cycling Tour, sponsored by Bicycle Adventures. This 6-day tour starts in San Luis Obispo, includes Hearst Castle, and ends with three nights in Solvang, with rides in the Santa Ynez Valley and down to Jalama Beach. Details and registration at www.bicycleadventures.com.
September 29, Santa Barbara Car Free Meeting, sponsored by the APCD, the Bicycle Coalition and others to promote car-free travel in our county. The project has a website www.santabarbaracarfree.org, hosts programs and has developed a free map. Meeting at 11:00 AM, at Fess Parkers DoubleTree Resort, 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara. Details from Mary Byrd at 961-8833 or byrdm@sbcapcd.org.

October 2009

October 1, Aeolian Ride, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition and the Community Arts Forum. This ride in Santa Barbara entails a train of bicyclists sporting white nylon outfits that billow as they ride. It's kinetic art created by New York artist Jessica Findley who is coming here to orchestrate it. Details for participation in this late afternoon event are forthcoming, however, you can register for the ride here.
October 3, Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, sponsored by Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers. For kids aged 9-15, and parents, this builds an appreciation of the outdoors. Free tune-ups, snacks, trail naturalists, biking instructors. Elings Park, Santa Barbara at 12:00 noon. More into here.
October 6, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. This is an evening meeting at Madam Lu Chinese Restaurant, 3524 State Street, Santa Barbara. No-host dinner at 6:00 PM. Meeting at 7:00. Phone president Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
October 10, Family Bike Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Natural History Museum. This 2-hour ride for adults and kids goes from Foothill School to Goleta Beach and back, stopping to learn about bird rookeries, Chumash sites, and other features. Bikes, helmets and registration required. All children ride free, adult Museum members get a $5 discount. Starts at 9:00 AM. Phone 962-2526 (the Museum's Sea Center) to register.
October 11, Santa Barbara Duathlon, sponsored by Santa Barbara Action Pro. This run-bike-run event out of Santa Barbara's East Beach offers a long course with a 30K bike ride, or a short course with a 17K ride, both through Montecito and Summerland. Registration and info here. Or phone 962-3627.
October 17, Jesusita Fire Winter Trail Preparation, sponsored by the Forest Service and others. Attend this program as Garrett Villanueva, a US Forest Service trail engineer advises local users on water drainage techniques. There is a short classroom portion before volunteers head out to Tunnel Trail for hands-on training. Stevens Park at 9:00 AM. Reserve a space by emailing multiusetc@gmail.com.
October 18-23, Morro Bay to Santa Barbara Tour, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend two nights in Morro Bay, two in Santa Ynez, and one in Santa Barbara with guided cycling every day 15-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, bicycle, helmet, and regional wines included. Details here.
October 18-24, Solvang Wine Country Tour, sponsored by Cycling Escapes. Each day has a challenging ride, totaling 409 miles over six days, with 26,000 feet of climbing. Base hotel is in Solvang, with dining at various restaurants. Shuttle service from Santa Barbara airport. Information here.
October 20-25, Santa Barbara & the Santa Ynez Valley Bike Tour, sponsored by Woman Tours. Spend three nights in Santa Barbara and two in Santa Ynez with rides each day 22-69 miles. Van support, most meals, trained guides. Details and registratrion here.
October 22, Race Across the Sky, sponsored by NCM Fathom. This is a 2-hour film about the 100-mile Leadville Trail 100 bike race. Lance Armstrong contends against 6-time Leadville winner Dave Wiens. Film details here. Arlington Theater, 1317 State Street, Santa Barbara. Show at 8:00 PM.
October 22, TCC/PC Joint Meeting on Plan SB, sponsored by the city of Santa Barbara. This meeting of the Transportation and Circulation Committee with the Planning Commission will hear reports from transportation consultants about the effects of different scenarios of future city build-out and travel programs. Plan Santa Barbara is the name for the process or revising the city's General Plan for the upcoming two decades. Gebhard Room, 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, 6:00 PM.
October 24, Epicurean Century, sponsored by Lighthouse Cycles and Jalachichi Cycling Camps. This special ride features 70 miles of superb food and cycling in the Santa Ynez Valley. Details here.
October 24, Kinetic Sculpture Race, numerous sponsors. This fun race with human-pedaled vehicles is pure joy. The hand-constructed "sculptures" have to successfully navigate roads, sand, mud and water. Ventura harbor, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Details at www.kineticrace.com.
October 24-30, Classic Climbs of Santa Barbara, sponsored by Trek Travel. Ride options 15-60 miles each day with climbs averaging 2900 feet. Rides on Figueroa Mountain and Casitas Pass are included. Three nights in Santa Ynez, then another three in Santa Barbara. Details and registration here.
October 26 , Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting for our Board members and Advisors will take place at Ralph Fertig's home, 7:00 PM.
October 26-31, Santa Barbara & the Santa Ynez Valley Bike Tour, sponsored by Woman Tours. Spend three nights in Santa Barbara and two in Santa Ynez with rides each day 22-69 miles. Van support, most meals, trained guides. Details and registratrion here.
October 27, COAST General Meeting, sponsored by the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation. Meeting at noon, fourth Tuesday of each month. Conference Room at the Inn of the Spanish Garden, 915 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara. Phone president Eva Inbar, 964-0472 for details.
October 29, Bike Events/Bike Month Meeting, sponsored by Bici Centro and others. This meeting will consider details for planning South Coast bike events. Open to everybody. At Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 7:00 PM.
Oct 31-Nov 1, 24 Hours of Chamberlin Ranch, sponsored by SG Productions. This 24-hour race begins at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Suggested arrival on Friday to test the course. There will be camping, music, food, outdoor movies, and good times for all. The challenging race course is approximately 11 miles long consisting of fire roads, single track, steep descents and climbs over hills on the Ted Chamberlin Cattle Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley near Los Olivos. Details and registration at www.ridesb.com.

November 2009

November 1-5, Central Coast Bike Tour, sponsored by Undiscovered Country Tours. This four-night guided tour is based in Buellton, offers daily rides of 30-60 miles each day. Most meals, SAG support, road bike supplied. Details here.
November 1-7, Women's Training Camp, sponsored by Revolution Coaching. Professional racers and trainers will help you gain skills and confidence. Training rides each day in the Santa Ynez Valley. Housing, meals, massage, ride support included. Details and registration here.
November 3, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
November 5, Bike Moves, unsponsored happening. Join Santa Barbara's First Thursday events with an easygoing ride that obeys traffic laws. Meet at the WheelHouse at 7:30 PM, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Read about it here.
November 6, Mechanics Module, sponsored by Bici Centro. This is the first of a series of Friday evening classes dealing with bike mechanics. The topic this time is Hubs and Axles. Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 6:00-8:30 PM. There is a $20 fee that pays for the instructor.
November 7, WheelHouse Workshop, sponsored by WheelHouse. This workshops will offer basic skills, "Fix a Flat" this time. At WheelHouse, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 2:00-3:00 PM. There is a $20 class fee.
November 7, Solvang Prelude, sponsored by SCOR Cardiac Cyclists Club. Traditional fall ride attracts thousands and closes out the local recreational season. Choice of 25, 50 or 63-mile rides out of Solvang. Roving sag support, food stops, vendor expo, optional barbecue at end. Information online at www.bikescor.com or phone 562-690-9693.
November 7-13, Solvang Cycling Clinic, sponsored by Fred Morini. A week of training advice and practice with Fred Morini, a professional European cyclist. Training rides each day out of Solvang. Special rates and support for those staying another day for Solvang's Finest Century. Details here.
November 8-13, Vines to Coast Santa Barbara Cycling Vacation, sponsored by Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours. Spend 3 nights in Solvang, then 2 nights in Santa Barbara with cycling every day 25-35 miles, or more if you wish. Gourmet lunches, fine dining, deluxe accommodations, vehicle support, and local wines. Details here.
November 8-13, Santa Barbara Wine Country Tour, sponsored by Trek Travel. Three days of rides out of Solvang, then three out of Santa Barbara. Options of 10-50 miles each day. Sunny days with ocean-side cycling, gourmet cuisine, and fine wines. Afternoons off to stroll or bike some more to enjoy the area. Details here.
November 10, Goleta/Gaviota Trails Workshop, sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Trails Council. This workshop to discuss the future and opportunities for trails in the Goleta and Gaviota Areas. Attend if you want more foot, bike or horse trail opportunities in those areas. Goleta taValley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, 7:00-9:00 PM. Further details are here.
November 12, Joint Planning Commission Meeting, sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara. The Commission will meet jointly with the Parks and Recreation Committee to consider the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for proposed changes to Elings Park, including moving the existing BMX track to a new location. City Council chambers, 735 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 5:30 PM.
November 13, Mechanics Module, sponsored by Bici Centro. This is the second in a series of Friday evening classes dealing with bike mechanics. The topic this time is Spokes and Truing Wheels. Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 6:00-8:30 PM. There is a $20 fee for the workshop.
November 14, Solvang's Finest Century, sponsored by Planet Ultra. These 100-mile and 100 kilometer charity rides benefit the Challenged Althetes Foundation that has raised millions to physically challenged individuals and around the world. The ride includes an event t-shirt, water bottle, a post-ride meal, route sheet, four fully stocked checkpoints along the course, and roving SAG. Registration and details at www.planetultra.com.
November 14, WheelHouse Workshop, sponsored by WheelHouse. This workshop will tell you how to "Turn Your BIke into a Car." At WheelHouse, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 1:00-2:00 PM. There is a $20 fee for the workshop.
November 14, Dunn School Children's Triathlon, sponsored by Dunn School. Open to children aged 3-14, this swim/bike/run event is a fundraiser for Summer Camp scholarships. Begins at 8:00 AM at the school's pool, 2555 West Highway 154, Los Olivos. Information at 686-2078.
November 14, Commissioner's Cup BMX Race, sponsored by Santa Barbara BMX. This California race is the first of the 2010 season. Race signup 7:30-9:30 AM, races start 11:00 AM. Track is at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Information at 564-8859.
November 14-15, Cowpie Classic, sponsored by UCSB Cycling and Stump Grinder Productions. This weekend of off-road racing includes cross-country races Saturday, and downhill races Sunday. The cross-country features a 9-mile loop with under 1000 feet of climbing, starting at 9:00 AM. The downhill races start at 11:30 AM, both at the Stump Grinder Dirt Club area near Los Olivos. Camping available. Further info here.
November 18, Building Political Will for Strong Bike/Walk Programs, sponsored by the APBP. This is a free "webinar" organized by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals to learn how the city of Columbia, MO succeeded in implementing sweeping changes. Granada Garage, 1221 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 12:00 noon. Details here or from Sarah Grant at 897-2669.
November 18, Bike Events Party, sponsored by Bici Centro and others. This is an opportunity to meet others, learn about what's happening, and suggest bike events for the next several months leading up to Bike Month in May 2010. The new name for Bike Month 2010 will be announced. Free food for all. Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 6:30 PM.
November 19 and 21, Street Skills for Cyclists Class, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Learn how to cope better with traffic in an urban setting. The class will help you foresee and avoid accidents, be visible day and night, position yourself in traffic, cross freeway bridges, equip your bike, and lots more including on-road bicycling on Saturday. The class is being held at the Granada Garage Bikestation, 1219 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Online info and registration are here. Direct your questions to CycleSmart@sbbike.org.
November 19-22, Santa Barbara Wine Country Weekend, sponsored by Trek Travel. One day riding around the Santa Ynez Valley, two around Santa Barbara. Choice of 10-50 miles each day, with afternoons off to stroll, shop and relax. Details and registration here.
November 20, Mechanics Module, sponsored by Bici Centro. This is the third in a series of Friday evening classes dealing with bike mechanics. The topic this time is Wheel Building. Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 6:00-8:30 PM. There is a $20 fee for the workshop.
November 21, Women's Mountain Bike Skillz Clinic, sponsored by Revolution Coaching. This 4-hour clinic will help you brush up on mountain biking skills. Lead by Susan Fish, it takes place in Elings Park in Santa Barbara, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Details are here.
November 28, L'Amérique à Vélo Film Shoot, sponsored by Swan Productions. This Canadian TV film production company is doing a series on America's best cycling places. On this Saturday will film a segment on biking in Santa Barbara, for which they are seeking volunteer cyclists to join their riders. They will gather at 9:00 AM at Santa Barbara's Dolphin Fountain, and ride up San Ysidro Road and along Mountain Drive to the old Mission, filming along the way.

December 2009

December 1, Bicycle Coalition General Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Meeting at noon, first Tuesday of the month. Community Room at the Santa Barbara Bank and Trust building, 1021 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Phone Ralph Fertig, 962-1479 or email him at sb-ralph@cox.net.
December 2, Elings Park Development Forum, sponsored by Our Mesa Neighborhood. The future of BMX racing in Elings Park is at stake. The park's proposal to move the track has met with strong opposition from nearby residents. The forum will include representatives from Elings board, city staff, city committees, and Mesa groups. Holy Cross Parish, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, 7:00-9:00 PM.
December 2, Front Country Trails Task Force Meeting, sponsored by the Forest Service and the City and County of Santa Barbara. The Task Force will discuss Jesusita Fire erosion projects, the UTAP trail assessment project, and recent trail maintenance projects. Meeting at 5:30 PM at the County Planning Commission hearing room, 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara.
December 3, Functional Bike Art Show, sponsored by WheelHouse. Come to this event that will benefit Cycle MAYnia 2010. Bike art, wine and beer, and an opportunity to share your ideas for Cycle MAYnia bike events. 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, 5:00 PM, prior to the Bike Moves ride.
December 3, Bike Moves, unsponsored happening. Join Santa Barbara's First Thursday events with an easygoing "Black Tie Affair" ride that obeys traffic laws. Meet at the WheelHouse at 7:30 PM, 528 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. Read about it here.
December 5, Grand Opening of Elings Park BMX Raceway, sponsored by Elings Park BMX. There has been a change of management and renaming of the former Santa Barbara BMX track in Elings Park. It will change from being a sanctioned NBL to an ABA track. There will be double points race Saturday, sign-ups starting at 11:00 AM, races at 12:30 PM.
December 5, Holiday Bike Assembly, sponsored by Kids and Bikes Foundation. Each December, hundreds of bikes and helmets are given to needy children through 10 South Coast charities. This year, 650 bikes will be given away and volunteers are needed to help assemble them. Bring allen and socket wrenches, plus phillips screwdrivers to 329 Vereda Del Ciervo, Goleta, starting at 10:00 AM. Read about it here.
December 8, Santa Barbara Car Free Meeting, sponsored by the APCD, the Bicycle Coalition and others to promote car-free travel in our county. The project has a website www.santabarbaracarfree.org, hosts programs and has developed a free map. Meeting at 11:00 AM, at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara Harbor. Details from Mary Byrd at 961-8833 or byrdm@sbcapcd.org.
December 14, Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. This meeting for our Board members and Advisors will take place at Erika Lindemann's home, 7:00 PM.
December 16, Public Health and Bike/Ped Issues, sponsored by the APBP and Santa Barbara City. This free "webinar," organized by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, will consider connections between public health and bicycling/walking activities. Granada Garage conference room, 1221 Anacapa, 2nd Floor, Santa Barbara, 12:00 to 1:30 PM. Details here and from Sarah Grant at 897-2669.
December 18, Lance Armstrong Book Signing, sponsored by FasTrack Bicycles. Buy Lance's new book Comeback 2.0 at Borders or elsewhere, bring it to FasTrack at 6:00 PM, & Lance will be there to sign it. 118 West Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara.
December 19, Christmas Bikes Giveaway, sponsored by Village Dirtbags. Each December, the Village Dirtbags mountain biking club teams up with Bicycles Unlimited to give away to needy kids at Vandenberg AFB. This year, 100 bikes and helmets will be given away at Bicycles Unlimited, 660 North H Sreet, Lompoc between 10:00 AM and noon. Read more here.
December 19, Holiday Ride, sponsored by GVCC, Bici Centro, and SB Bicycle Coalition. Carry on the old-time tradition of the Goleta Valley Cycling Club by getting dressed up with holiday lights, bells, decorations and costumes for this fun ride in Downtown Santa Barbara. It will start at 6:00 PM, at Bici Centro, 601 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara.