This article refers to a program I donated some of my old or unused bicycle equipment and clothing to.

RBR Roadies to the Rescue
Many of the 50 boxes of donated cycling parts and clothing for disadvantaged Peruvian riders came in response to RBR newsletter notes, reports project organizer Lon Haldeman of PAC Tour.

Great job, roadies! The gear was recently put to use in Peru’s Bike Race Across the Jungle.

Chief beneficiaries were riders in the Amazon city of Iquitos, where, as Lon puts it, “To own a basic one-speed bicycle is a luxury. To own a racing bike that actually shifts is as rare as owning a Rolls Royce in the United States.

“There is a serious core group of about 25 road racers in Iquitos who are fanatics about cycling and physically talented. These are the riders we have been trying to help with equipment during the past three years.”

This is a topic near and dear to me as I get close to retirement.

ASK COACH FRED (from www.roadbikerider.com)
Is Retirement Dangerous to My Cycling Future?
Q:  Because of my work schedule, I have ridden sporadically for the last 20 years, logging about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) annually and doing a couple of centuries just for fun.

Last winter I took early retirement and decided to devote full time to cycling. I rode 5,000 miles (8,000 km) in the last 8 months and improved a lot. But now I’m tired and can’t stand the thought of hammering with the young guys on another group ride.

What happened? I thought hard work was supposed to make me better. — Harry N.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies:  I only have anecdotal evidence, but I suspect that there’s a large number of new retirees who try to cram into 6 months all the things they wanted to do during their working lives.

And I’d bet that a fairly sizeable percentage are cyclists who go from 100 miles (160 km) a week to 300-400 miles (480-650 km) after retirement. They add interval training, racing and hard group rides, too. Eventually they’re exhausted. …

6:00pm – Corinth Trail Ride
from Corinth Cycling Club by Scott Franklin
When: Thu Dec 23, 2010 6pm to 7pm  CST
Where: Corinth City Hall
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description

8:00am – CCC Road Ride
from Corinth Cycling Club by Scott Franklin
When: Sun Dec 19, 2010 8am to 10:30am  CST
Where: Ronny Crownover Middle School – Corinth
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Base mileage type ride of 35 – 50 miles depending on route. This ride sometimes meets up with the Bicycle Path Group Ride in Denton. This is normally a no drop ride and is group led. Email: scottfranklin@gmail.com for additional information.

Twinkle, Twinkle Ride 2010
from Shawnee Trail Cycling Club by sooner1
Friday December 10th, 6:30pm.  Yes, the Twinkle, Twinkle Ride back.  Whether you’re a member of Shawnee Trail CC or not, one more time we’re going to get the families together and take a tour to see some of the brightest Christmas lights in Frisco.  This year is a little different.  We are starting from the parking lot of the Main Burger/Bar (same start location as our Thursday night ride).  We’ll wander through some of the surrounding neighborhoods and finish up with a tour of our own Frisco Square Christmas Light Show. …