Upcoming events

The December Monthly Metric Century ride was held December 7. The ride started at El Estero/Dennis the Menace Park, went out to Laguna Seca via Canyon del Rey Blvd., up the steps, down Barloy, out to Watkins Gate working our way back to the rec trail via Normandy and Coe. Once back in Monterey, riders headed around the water through Pebble all the way to Carmel River Beach, then back through Carmel, back into Pebble via the Hwy 1 Gate, up Huckleberry, out and back to Monterey.

The annual VCM Holiday Party at the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club was a huge success. In addition to the food and dancing, donations for the Monterey Food Bank, and clothing for Friends of Al were collected. It was gratifying to see the generosity of VCM members.

Despite some iffy weather, the Santa ride took place on December 20. After a trip through Cannery Row and down the rec trail into Pacific Grove, riders made their way to Rich Cambell’s house for some light refreshments. Thanks Rich! From there we did a lap through downtown PG, back to the rec trail, back through Cannery Row, finishing at Dust Bowl Brewing. We raised $480 for Gathering for Women.

In early December, Mark Chaffey collected unwanted bicycles and bicycle parts to donate to the Greenfield Science Center for their Bike Education Lab/Bike Repair Workshop. He ended up with a van full of bikes and parts for this terrific program.

Unfortunately, the annual New’ Year’s Day ride up to Cahoon summit had to be canceled due to the weather.

The November Monthly Metric was held Sunday, November 2, taking the Carmel to Pezzini's via Pebble Beach route.

For the October Monthly Metric Century several riders tackled the Big Loop starting in Carmel Valley Village, over Laureles Grade, out River Road, and over Cahoon Summit. The route covered 87.1 miles with 5065 feet of climbing. The weather was excellent.

The Mad Dogs and Englishmen bike shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea hosted us for a fun filled Trivia Night. The competition was heated with a sudden death tie breaker required.

October 20/21 a large group headed down to Big Sur for riding and camping. There was a gravel ride Monday morning, a potluck dinner and pumpkin carving Monday evening, and a road ride Tuesday morning.

Thanks to all the volunteers who turned out for our regular bike path cleanup. We will do it again in January.

The annual Labor Day Pie Ride to Gizdich Ranch took place September 1 with an excellent turnout. Sorry, no pictures.

The annual VCM Summer Picnic and Ride was held Sunday, August 10. Fourteen riders tackled the Big Loop, and many others, including a large group of Juniors, rode up Cahoon Summit. A good time was had by all. Thanks again to Mark K. for hosting.

VCM members continued exploring the world on their bikes this summer. Kevin Cooper shared this photo of he and his wife Nancy biking through Denmark.

The Monthly Metric took place July 6. A large contingent rode from Carmel Valley Village out and over Cahoon Summit, then descended the other side to Arroyo Seco Campground where we loaded up with water before heading back. The heat took its toll, but everyone survived.

This group of VCM riders and friends spent six days riding in western Idaho and eastern Washington.

Another VCM contingent went further afield riding for 13 days from outside Frankfurt, Germany to Vienna, Austria.

On June 14th, VCM members engaged in an evening of “Stretch & Flow for Cyclists” at Balance Yoga & Wellness in Pacific Grove. The class blended foundational yoga poses with mobility work, deep stretches, and a touch of core and balance training. A huge thank you to Julie Schnitzer for putting on this terrific event. Check out Julie’s studio at 318 Grand Ave. in Pacific Grove (the space formerly occupied by Winning Wheels).

The May Monthly Metric took place May 4 with a relatively small group. Several regular riders were participating in the Tierra Bella that weekend.

This year’s Memorial Day Gizdich Pie Ride was a huge success with great weather, although a bit windy.

The April Monthly Metric saw one of our biggest turnouts yet. And the weather was spectacular.

We conducted our quarterly bike path cleanup on April 8. Thanks to all who came out and helped.

As it has for several years, VCM supported The Sea Otter Classic Bike Festival by staffing the first two aid stations/rest stops for the Gran Fondo Carmelo. Thanks to all the volunteers and a special thanks to Lou Zabala for hosting the second rest stop at his Arroyo Seco vineyard and for the fabulous BBQ afterward.

On April 16, we tried a different sport, bowling. No perfect games but everyone had a great time.

On March 3, Dave Koesel at Epicenter Cycling in Monterey hosted an excellent bike maintenance clinic for VCM members. The event was well attended and there were lots of good questions. Dave’s extensive knowledge of bikes is surpassed only by his hospitality. We are discussing a follow-up later in the year focused on proper bike fit.

After a week delay the Monthly Metric Century ride headed down Highway 1 to Rocky Creek, back up to mid-Valley, then out Robinson Canyon. It was a chilly start but turned into a terrific day.

March 23, Patrick Tregenza led a group on a Spring hike in Toro Park. The scenery up Wildcat Canyon and down Marks Canyon was spectacular and the weather was perfect.