Dave Cantero - Tailwinds Bicycle Club of Santa Maria

July/August 2011
http://www.tailwindsofsantamariabc.org
Editor: Diana Cantero
Tailwinds of Santa Maria BC is a member of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce
FROM THE PRESIDENT
As of this writing, our annual fundraiser, the Windmill Century is just around the corner. Registration has been a little light
this year but I’m sure we will have a good turnout. If you haven't already been picked for a job and want to volunteer call
Tom Murphy or myself and we can find a spot for you. This is a great opportunity for club members to get to know each
other better while working together for a good cause. The money obtained from the ride’s registration fees, after expenses, is used to purchase the bikes and helmets we give away every year as part of our kids’ bicycle safety program.
For those of you who are not familiar with the program, it goes like this:
Each year the Club Invites three to four local elementary schools to participate in a bicycle safety essay contest. Each
school can select up to four winning essays from grades three to Six. Teachers at the participating schools select the
winning essays and a general assembly is held at which time the names of the winners are announced. Several members from the bike club attend the assembly and present the winners with new bikes, helmets, and locks. In addition,
club members give a talk on safe riding, emphasizing the importance of always wearing a helmet and taking care of their
bikes. The essay contests are well received by both students and staff. This year we were able to give bikes away to
three local elementary schools.
In addition the club was also able to financially support the “Distracted Driving” program put on by Dr Bob Okerblum,
whose son was killed by a distracted driver a year ago, as well as several worthy, bike related causes.
Our thanks to Howard Coolidge for the bikes he obtained for us from Wal-Mart. These bikes were in need of a little repair
and Wal-Mart was not going to be able to sell them. They contacted Howard who accepted them on behalf of the club
and after Victor Cabatuan and Tim Brookshire made the necessary repairs, the Tailwinds donated the bikes to various
churches, schools and needy children in the Santa Maria, Guadalupe area. Thanks to “Tiny” Tim and Victor for their
efforts on our behalf.
I don't know about you, but normally the Santa Maria wind does not bother me much. However, let me tell you, I’ve had
about enough of the nasty, cold and persistent winds. Thank God, I think they've finally gone away and June is almost
back to normal once more. These past few months, with the wind and extra rain, have really been hard on “Chewy”.
It seems to me that most of the “regular” club riders have built up their riding endurance and progressed to where they
can go faster than me. Maybe I'm just slowing down because of “old age”. I just turned 70 on June 5 th and I am beginning to feel a little like the proverbial “tortoise”. But I still love to ride and I especially enjoy the camaraderie that we share
as we ride and talk and look out for one another.
I’ve been talking to several club members who have not been participating in the Saturday rides lately and they all
mention that they would like to see shorter (2 -2 ½ hour) rides with an easier pace of about 11 to 14 mph. Some of these
folks work during the week and can only ride on Saturdays. In order to provide rides, as advertised by our club, for every
fitness level, I have decided to lead a two hour long, local ride, on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Faster, more energetic riders can start out with us and then continue on further and faster if they wish or a second, more
challenging ride, may also be posted for the same day. Hopefully this will bring back some of our members who have not
been riding lately and encourage new members, who don't feel that they can keep up with the stronger riders, to join us
in a nice social ride around the Santa Maria area.
We are blessed with beautiful country roads and perfect biking weather and remember,
Chewy says: “JUST RIDE”!!!!!!
Dave Cantero
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RIDE CALENDAR
All rides start at the Loading Dock in Old Orcutt unless otherwise specified. Be ready to ride at 8:30AM.
Tuesday and Thursday rides require the rider to be able to maintain a minimum speed of 10-16 mph. These rides vary
from 25 to 35 miles with occasional climbs.
The Saturday “Social Rides” are a two hour long, local ride, on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. These
rides are designed for riders who are interested in a shorter, more “social’ ride and for beginners. Faster, more energetic
riders can start out with the group and then continue on further and faster if they wish or a second, more challenging
ride, may also be posted for the same day.
Some Saturday rides may be more difficult/longer and may require .the ability to climb well in order to keep up with the
group and/or maintain a pace line.
To post the Saturday rides, Ride Leaders are needed. If you would like to lead a ride, contact Maureen Black
at:blackmm42@hotmail.com
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
Tuesdays Show and Go...Meet at The Loading Dock in Old Orcutt...8:30 ...A 25 to 30 mile ride with the destination to
be decided by the group. At times there may be some climbing….Ride Leader is Dave Cantero
Thursdays...The Larry Moore “Breakfast in Guadalupe” ride...Meet at Master’s Donuts, Betteravia and Miller, at 8:30 …
Ride to Guadalupe, stop for coffee and/or breakfast and return to Santa Maria....This ride is mostly flat and good for
beginners who ride at least 12 to 16 MPH…. Some, more energetic riders, may choose to continue up to Pt Sal.
Thursday Evenings…...Summer Ride….Pt Sal ...5:15/5:30 pm. Fat tires only. Meet at the Pt Sal gate and climb. Short
and steep ..Janelle Hann is the Ride Leader
JULY/AUGUST …...….SATURDAY RIDE CALENDAR
July 2
Ride #2/Village Café...34.3 miles...Loading Dock-8:30 Hwy 101 & return Harris Grade or Reverse route..Tiny
July 9
Windmill Pre– Ride....First 50 miles………….sagged by Tiny
July 10:
Windmill Pre- Ride….Second 50 miles……….Ride Leader to be announced.
July 12
CLUB MEETING 6:30 PM Social Hour….7:00 PM Business Meeting. …..Edwards Community Center
July 16:
WINDMILL CENTURY…….PIONEER PARK…….0630 AM TO 1630 PM
July 23
Social Ride...2 Hour Ride...Meet at Panera Bread, College and Betteravia, at 8:30 AM….Dave Cantero
July 30:
Old Creek Road & Santa Rosa Road Ride…..Meet in Cayucos at 9AM - Victor
August 6
August 9
CLUB MEETING 6:30 PM Social Hour….7:00 PM Business Meeting. …..Edwards Community Center
August 13 Social Ride...2 Hour Ride...Meet at Panera Bread, College and Betteravia, at 8:30 AM….Dave Cantero
August 20: Sylvester's Hamburger Ride/ Los Osos……..,.Meet at the Dinosaur Caves Parking lot at 9AM - Victor
August 27 ( Ride # 10 ) Jalama Beach Ride…….Laurie
Social Ride...2 Hour Ride...Meet at Panera Bread, College and Betteravia, at 8:30 AM….Dave Cantero
TAILWINDS BICYCLE CLUB MEETINGS
The second Tuesday of every month….Edwards Community Center, 809 Fremont Dr, Santa Maria., between Domingues and
Main Street.
6:30 PM is Coffee and donuts social time. Save your desert for this time.
7:00 PM begins the business portion of the meeting. Bring your ideas for rides, biking news and general bike related, social exchange.
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CENTURY AND FUN RIDES CALENDAR FOR JULY
From Cycle Ca Magazine
7/9 Death Ride: Turtle Rock Park, Markleeville. Five mountain passes to test your mettle: Monitor Pass: 8,314ft.; Ebbetts Pass 8,730
ft.; Carson Pass, 8,573 ft.! 129 mi. and 15,000+ feet of lung busting climbing. You also have the option of riding one, two, three or four
passes. The first four passes will be closed at specific times to vehicular traffic. Reg. opens 12/09/10. For more info, go to
www.deathride.com
7/9 Central Coast Century Ride to Defeat ALS: Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo. 15, 62, 100 mi. supported routes. All routes include
great rest stops, energizing snacks, SAG and a Santa Maria style BBQ at the end of the Ride. The 100 and 62 mile routes include a
lunch stop as well. For more info or to register go to www.centralcoastcentury.org
7/10 Tour of Loleta: Thomas Carr Park, Loleta. 12.5, 30, 45, 75 mi. routes, flat to moderate hills. The 12.5 and 30 mi. routes are fun
rides; the 45 & 75 mi. routes are race/tours. Pre-reg.: $25 by 7/1. There is day of registration. This event is a fundraiser put on by the
Loleta Community Chamber - All money from entry fees goes to building a track at the Loleta Elementary School. For more info go to
www.LoletaChamber.com or call (707) 498-6348
7/10 Team LIVESTRONG Challenge Davis: Central Park. Choose from one of multi-distance bike rides, including a 15-, 40-, 65- or
100-mi. option and enjoy a post-event party with your fellow cyclists, family and friends following your ride. Pre-reg.: $45, by 3/31; $50,
4/1-7/10. Last year, 1,600 dedicated participants raised over $1.1 million for the fight against cancer. This generous donation will continue to help cancer survivors live life on their own terms and build and support programs and initiatives to help raise awareness of
and improve the lives of the 28 million people living with cancer today. For more info, go to Livestrong Challenge
7/16 Windmill Century: Santa Maria. Quarter, half or full century routes around the beautiful central coast area
near Santa Barbara. Pre-reg.: $55, by 7/9 guarantees a t-shirt. Fee includes delicious Santa Maria Style BBQ, featuring top sirloin, chicken or veggie, SAG, rest stops, route markings and maps, ride lists, and lunch on the century route. For more info, go to www.TailWindsofSantaMariaBC.org
7/16 Fall River Century: Fall River Mills. 25 mi., 100 km., 100 mi., 200 km. routes in the shadow of Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak. The
climbing is about 2,200-4,000 ft. This one is limited to 500 pre-registered and 100 day of reg. Reg.: 25 mi., $25; 100 mi., 100 km., $40;
200 km., $45. Fee includes well-stocked rest stops, gourmet dinner after the ride, For more info, go to www.FallRiverCentury.com
7/16 Hell's Kitchen Century: Markleeville. A part of the Alta Alpina Wild Hillacious Century Series! Semi-supported 62 or 100 mi.
7,200/10,400 ft elevation gain. A summer-long series of climbing centuries and metric centuries in the Tahoe Sierra. Riders who complete 3 centuries or 5 metrics totaling 300+ miles and 30,000+ ft of climbing receive a frameable Finisher's Certificate, recognition on
the Wild Hill Stats page, and are eligible for the Finisher's Jersey. The only cost is club membership of $25. For more info, go to
www.altaalpina.org/hillacious/2011%20HillaciousSeriesIntro.htm
7/23 The Dream Ride: for human rights. San Francisco Bay Area. 50 km.; 100 km., 100 mi. routes. This event is a fund raiser for
CARE International, an organization dedicated to empowering women around the world. Pre-reg.: 50 km., $39; 100 km., $49; 100 mi.,
$59. Fundraising beyond the base reg. is encouraged. Raise $200 or more by the 7/9 reg. deadline and you receive a commemorative
Dream Ride jersey. For more info, go to www.Dream-Ride.org
7/23 Bike for Breath: Life Technologies, Foster City. 10, 18, 50 or 62 mi. routes around the San Francisco Bay and the hills of the
Peninsula. Start your own team or register as an individual at www.bike4breath.org. Every dollar raised stays in the community to help
improve care and find a cure for lung disease. Reg.: $25-50, depending on age and route. For more info or to register, go to
www.Bike4Breath.org, or call (650) 994-5868.
7/30 Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge: Scotts Valley HS. Beautiful and difficult; a new 125 mi. route with 10,000 ft. of climbing; a
100 mi. route that includes 10,000 ft of elevation; 100 km has 6,000 ft. Jamison Creek Time Trial offers $100 each to fastest man
(record is 19 minutes 43 seconds) and fastest woman (record is 22 minutes 15 seconds) up Jamison Creek. Pre-reg.: $50 by 7/15 or
$60 after; reg. closes 7/26 or when event is full. Fee includes lunch and post-ride meal provided. For more info, http://
www.santacruzcycling.org/scmc
7/15-17 7th Annual Cycling for Sight: with the Blind Stokers Club! San Diego to Irvine and back. 75, 35, 75 mi. This all-comers tour
is a benefit for blind and visually impaired students at the San Diego Center for the Blind and members of the Blind Stokers Club.
Reg.: $50 + $1,000 fundraising per cyclist ($800 per tandem cyclist). For more info, go to www.CyclingforSight.org
7/24 Beach Babe Bicycling Classic: Hotel Maya, near the Queen Mary, Long Beach. 18, 38 mi. rides on bike trails, bike lanes along
the ocean. A women-only ride. Pre-reg.: $55; $65, week prior; $75, day of. For more info, contact Noble Pursuit Inc.,
www.NoblePursuitInc.com or (916) 705-3443
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“THANK YOU” TO EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED TO HELP WITH THE WINDMILL CENTURY THIS YEAR
It takes a lot of people, working together, to put on our yearly fund raiser. Special thanks to our Captains and their crew:
Chairperson: Tom Murphy
Registration: Victor Cabatuan
SAG: Sue Nunn; Rest Stops and Lunch: Jim Hosp and Janelle Hann
Tee shirts: Maia and Steve Lewis
Sponsors: Maureen Black
Advertising: Carol Moore
Course Layout: Tom Murphy;
Rest and Lunch Stops: Jim Hosp
Course Marking: Tim Brookshire
BBQ: Dave Cantero.
To all who volunteered to do the smallest of jobs: We thank you.
To all who volunteered to do the toughest of jobs: We thank you
Pictures and a report on the 2011 Windmill were not available as of this issue.
Look for lots of pictures in the September/October issue of the Newsletter.
Last year’s Registration crew.
THE THURSDAY EVENING RIDE TO POINT SAL
Riders enjoyed Janell Hann’s first Thursday evening
ride up to Point Sal on Thursday, May 5th. Good way
to celebrate “Cinco de Mayo”. This ride is now available every Thursday evening starting at 5:15/5:30
pm. Meet at the Point Sal gate and climb. Short and
steep. Fat tires only.
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THE AMGEN AND THE WHEELIN’ WARRIORS
The Wheelin’ Warriors held their fund-raising barbecue on the day of the Amgen Solvang time trial. The Amgen riders
passed through, on a private ranch road, and the ranch owner allowed the WW to hold a BBQ there, selling tri tip sandwiches, etc, as a fund raiser for their group. Spectators had a great view of the racers as they went by while munching
on a great Tom Juarez/ Cheryl Dettrick BBQ tri-tip sandwich. Parking was available on the long driveway to the ranch.
All donations went to the Wheelin’ Warriors and will be used to purchase equipment and pay for ride entry fees during
the year. Once again, a big “Thank you” to Tom and Cheryl and all who support the Warriors in their rides
and endeavors.
Maureen Black and Sandy McNeil cheered the
cyclists at the Finish line.
Paul Hoffman films the riders.
GO
WARRIORS!!!
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Sue Nunn, Sandy McNeil and Jim Rainville enjoyed the
AMGEN.
Jason and Steven have big smiles for the camera.
Sun N Fun (?) by John Klingensmith
Editor's note: This article has nothing to do with cycling except that the writer, a Tailwinds member, has shared his
adventures and love of flying with us
Some of you are wondering what happened to my story about my flying to Florida? Well it’s something like the old
story about how the dog ate it. In this case it was the computer just as I was getting near the end. Oh I tried a
search hoping it was in the belly of the beast somewhere but it just wouldn’t regurgitate the tale. If I was a girl I would have
cried. Instead I thought about choking my computer if I just knew where to grab it. Five pages-gone! It was too long anyway. Stay
Tuned.
Every now and then I am drawn by the siren call of adventure. No I’m not into dangerous stunts although I’ve had more than my
share of things that didn’t quite go as planned.
The plan was to fly my Glasair II from Santa Maria, CA to an air show at Lakeland, Florida called Sun N Fun on Friday, March
25th arriving on Sunday, the 27th. I started preparing the plane a month ahead of time changing the filters, new tires and tubes
etc. As I was changing out a sometimes erratic oil pressure sensor it snapped off flush with the crankcase with no way to get at the
remaining threads without removing the engine. Trip over? A number of knowledgeable people came to my rescue and we found a
work-a-round solution. That’s the way it is around an airport.
I checked the weather everyday of the week before I left and it was perfect back East while we were having torrential rains in California. What could possibly go wrong once I got away from the Golden State? How about: tornados, hail, gale winds, turbulence, heat,
cold, exhaustion, cheap motels and even deadly junk food. Of course I wouldn’t have departed if I knew of the weather but then again
a lot of oceans would have never been crossed if the crew knew of the hazards ahead and the Indians would have this place to themselves.
I had also planned to join up in the air with six other planes air bound for the same air show from Sacramento. There wasn’t a break
in the weather at Santa Maria till noon so that didn’t work out either. It would have been nice because I have found that pilots always
seem to have many other interesting things going on in their lives.
After all the planning it felt good to finally get into the air climbing at first to 9500' but the clouds dictated 11500' which then became a
solid under cast with an occasional mountain poking through. After Mohave I was able to get glimpses of the ground which was good
because my GPS shut down on it's own. It never had done that before and of course I was flying near a lot of restricted areas like Edwards AFB at the time. I did get the ornery machine working again, but it shut down three more times on the way to Sedona, AZ, my
first fuel stop. The good news: I had ground speeds well over 200mph and one time 235mph with the throttle pulled back. There was
a high pressure area which rotates clockwise and it was to the south. The bad news: It was bumpy.
Flying the Glasair is somewhat akin to riding a spirited horse. They both love to go fast but require a light touch and constant attention. It’s fun but tiring after a few hours. In the plane a glance at the map for more then fifteen seconds usually results a change of
heading and altitude. An autopilot would have been nice.
Landing at Sedona was like landing on an aircraft carrier at 5000' elevation. They had cut off the top of a mountain for the runway
leaving sheer sides. I was going to take a picture on final approach but I had my hands full with the 90 degree crosswind just keeping
the plane straight. I was looking forward to the airport restaurant that had been recommended by other pilots but it was closed and I
used the airport courtesy car to go downtown to eat. I was hoping to make it to the west Texas boarder the first day but it was not to
be. I flew as far as I could but darkness overtook me at Roswell, NM. Roswell International used to be Walker AFB and I landed in the
first 200 ft out of habit on the 13,000 ft runway and had to taxi what seemed like 15 minutes to the first turn off. It wasn’t a problem as
it is a very low use airport. It’s also a place where old airliners go to die. There where a number of old 747s, MD-80s, DC-8s. Some
with markings I never heard of.
In 1947 a craft with strange markings supposedly landed at Roswell. Noting the arid landscape as I flew in, the aliens probably felt
right at home. The town plays the event to the hilt.
Taking off on the long runway the next morning, I could have made three touch and go’s in a straight line. Southeastern New Mexico
is featureless- at least from the air. The only difference for West Texas is there’s an oil well every ten feet with a windmill in between.
Again there was a nice tailwind pushing me along and after 4 ¾ hours and 3 energy bars I landed at Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was to
be my home for the next three days and I got to know everyone on a first name basis at the airport. Herman, a 20 year Marine
vet, securely tied the plane down. A good thing for what was to come. About that time a hangar door opened revealing a P-51 Mustang.
The Mustang was considered the best fighter plane in WWII and certainly the most beautiful. I grabbed my camera and took a few
pictures and of course talked to the pilot before heading back to the Glasair. I told him how I worked a summer at an airport in Ohio
and the owner had a ’51 and I almost got a ride in it. I failed to mention the owner got killed in a similar type of plane doing aerobatics
at an air show.
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Shortly after pulling “ Charlotte’s Chariot” out of the Hangar the pilot came over in a golf cart and said in a very southern voice, “I’ve
got a hankering. You know what a hankering is? Would you like a ride?” Something like this requires deep thought. In 1/1000th of a
second I said, “YEEESS!!!!” I didn’t want to appear to be too eager. After all you’ve got to be cool about these things. “We’ll just go a
couple of times around the pattern.” Hell, I would have felt lucky to just sit in it!
After flying from New Mexico I was tired but now all my senses were alive. I loved the sound of the V-12 Rolls-Royce Merlin 1650
cubic inch engine turning the huge four bladed prop and the smell of the zinc chromate paint on the inside mixed with exhaust from
the open canopy while taxiing. After warming up the oil it was down the runway and into the air.
Dan Fordice turned out to be a very smooth and competent pilot. We toured downtown Vicksburg at 275 mph. The P-51D is capable of 430 mph but Dan said it gets bumpy at that speed and besides we didn’t have any Huns on our tail.
The mighty Mississippi was right at flood stage of 60 ft with the current running at 14 mph. A towboat pushing 30 barges hit a pier of
the bridge carrying Interstate 20 traffic a few days earlier with one barge lodging against it. Sixteen miles of traffic backed up while
engineers assessed the damage and figured out how to remove the barge. We were definitely in the fast lane. Dan announced that
he was going to do a “strafing run” on some trees and then a victory roll. I got my camera ready. The tree tops were just a blur with
the wings a foot or so over them. I thought maybe I’d get a picture of the scenery while we were upside down. Wrong. We pulled so
many G’s I couldn’t get the camera off my lap.
All too soon we landed. What was supposed to be a couple times around the pattern turned out to be a 45 minute adventure. Hanging on to the adventure Dan and I had supper and did some “hangar flying.’ He got his love of flying from his father who also flew and
as I found out later from others was a two term governor of Mississippi. The first Republican elected since reconstruction after the
Civil War.
The next day, now Sunday, it poured rain in the morning with a low overcast in the afternoon. Just 100 miles to the north in Tennessee it snowed and there was grapefruit size hail in the Atlanta area. Welcome to this world of weird weather. The weatherman said it
would be flyable on Monday.
I took advantage of the opportunity to tour the Vicksburg battle field and learn some of the history.The area around Vicksburg was the
key to controlling the Mississippi River. It would allow Union troops and supplies access to the South and isolate Texas, Arkansas,
and Louisiana and was heavily defended by the Confederates.
The battle was fought from April to July 3rd, 1863. General Grant’s Union forces took heavy loses at first. Reluctant to expend more
lives, Grant began a siege. He simply out camped the Confederates with the Federal Navy’s gunboats blasting the city from the
river. On July 4th Vicksburg was officially surrendered. It was the turning point of the Civil War. I was told that people in that area
never got around to celebrating the 4th of July until the 1950’s.
On Monday I was looking forward to getting back in the air and I headed to the airport. I was ready to launch as soon as the overcast
broke- the weather was great in Florida- but that didn’t happen. I checked by cell phone with the six plane group from Sacramento. They were stuck at Meridian, Mississippi, about 80 miles to the east and getting cabin fever. The weather report now was
less than sunny with the weather deteriorating in Florida as well. In a few days the Sacramento group would turn around and fly
home.
The next day, Tuesday, I finally surrendered and renting a van and drove the 12 plus hours to the Tampa area where I had
friends. The next day it rained and the day after there was nine tornados in the three county area around Tampa to Lakeland. One
touched down at the air show damaging and destroying 50 to 70 airplanes. Amazingly no one was seriously hurt. I wasn’t there but I
heard that solid water came down and one had to put their hand over their mouth to breath. People sought out any shelter they could
find. Some jumping into the outhouses which subsequently fell over in the 100 mph plus wind- a few on the door side. SOL took on a
literal meaning.
It was now Saturday, April 2nd and I finally got to the air show waiting a day for the mud to solidify. After all the drama that occurred just getting to Sun N Fun, the air show itself was anticlimactic for me. The sun came out as well as the crowds. The Blue
Angels performed, a F-22 performed a max takeoff climb and I was able to find the vender’s booths I was looking for. For me the best
part was being with friends.
On Monday I began the long drive back to Vicksburg. Going north on I-75, I came across a worn looking compact car and equally
worn driver trailering a beautiful homebuilt airplane with the fuselage sitting on damaged wings. Obviously he put all his time and
money in the plane. I imagined how many years the owner had spent building the plane only to fly it to the show and have it be damaged. At least it seemed rebuildable. Many were not.
At Mobile, Alabama the sky began to cloud over as I headed northwest on two lane roads. Just south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi at 8
PM the sky opened up. The rain pounded on the windshield and it was like trying to see the road through an aquarium complete with
surf. Ten mph was speeding. For a few seconds it rained mud. Shortly an overpass appeared and I pulled over and waited out the
storm. I wondered if I still had a flyable plane that was 80 miles to the northwest. My drive ended fifteen hours later when I arrived at
the same motel I had left six days earlier.
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Tuesday April 5th turned out to be sunny and warm by 8 AM. I tuned the van in and got a ride to the airport. Checking with the manager I mentioned the weather in Hattiesburg. He confirmed my suspicions that a small tornado had gone through that area when I
was passing through. The town should be spelled “Hadesburg.” The plane was fine although I did drain a lot of water out of the tail
section. Checking out the weather I headed up to Indianapolis to visit my daughter and family for a few days.
It felt good to be in the air again even if it was a bit on the warm side. That changed when I flew through a cold front in Kentucky. I
was now cold and couldn’t get at my coat packed in baggage space behind me. I never really warmed up till the next day.
My granddaughter, Kaitlyn, has all the attributes of a two year old plus a few more including her own strong opinion about
things. She was now studying hard as to how to operate the formally childproof locks. Ms. Houdini had one to her credit already.
There even was one on the lid of the toilet which I tried to figure out while hopping up and down. My daughter rescued me. Although I
enjoyed being there it made me appreciate how easy flying across the country is.
The next day the weather moved back in and a few days turned into five so I wasn’t able to fly until Sunday, April 10th. I figured it
would take two days to get back to Santa Maria staying overnight in Dalhart, Texas but again the weather had other plans.
As I approached the area near Kansas City, my refueling stop, the clouds began to form a solid under cast and referring to my new
iPad with an aviation app the weather ahead looked iffy. I descended through a hole and caught a downdraft which sent apples and
anything that wasn’t tied down flying around the cockpit. After landing the wind was so strong out of the west I had to tie the plane
sideways in the parking spot. There was a motel near the small airport but I had to walk three miles to the town of Harrisonville to get
a burrito.
The next morning the wind had died down and the clouds moved east. Dalhart became my refueling stop for both the plane and myself as there was a good café on the field. For some reason the name St. Johns on the NM, AZ boarder appealed to me and it was
where I decided to stay overnight. The field elevation is near 7000 ft and on final approach there was a strong 90 degree crosswind to
the runway. I went around for another try. This time the wind sock was hanging straight down. Such is the nature of the winds in that
area.
Gary, the airport manager, was friendly and very helpful. As soon as I arrived he advised me to take the courtesy car downtown and
quickly make a reservation at one of the two motels as a power plant was being overhauled by a number of out of town crews. I did
carry a tent and sleeping bag just in case.
Driving into town I could see St John’s was down on its luck as well as the motels. I first checked the less shabby one but it was full
and I felt lucky to secure a room at the Budget Motel before going back to the airport to unload the plane and tie it down. Gary directed
me to a restaurant, the only one, and then I went to the motel room. Only the sheets had been changed. The carpet was dirty, the
plastic sink was cracked around the faucets, no hot water or TV, the cupboard door was off the hinges, and a noise came through the
wall that sounded like a huge washing machine that was out of balance.
After a bad night and a good breakfast I headed west deviating to the northwest to fly over the meteor crater near Winslow and back
to Sedona following my previous route. The big difference of course was that the scenery didn’t go by as fast going west with head
winds as much as 70 mph at altitude. Coming to the Colorado River I began fighting sleep and had to stop at Daggett mostly to eat
an orange and refresh myself.
One and a half hours later I landed at Santa Maria on Tuesday April 12th at 2:30 PM. After regaling some of the pilots near my hangar about my exploits, I went home, threw all my clothes in the dryer after that motel (bedbugs?) experience, and slept for 12 hours. It
felt good to be home.
Half of me always wants to go somewhere and the other half wants to stay home so I am always in conflict but I think the stay at home
half is going to prevail for some time. But then who knows? Not me for sure. See You down the Road-or Airport,
TRIP STATS: Total Time: 28.2 Hours Total Miles: 4314 Average Ground Speed: 153 mph
Fuel Used: 206.4 Gallons ( 7.3 Gallons/ Hour)
Expense: Let’s not talk about it!
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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS of THE 2010 WINDMILL
IN ORCUTT
Now carrying
SPECIALIZED BIKES
IRA’S BIKE SHOP
107 BRIDGE STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CA
CYCLE STAR BICYCLES
560 E. BETTERAVIA ROAD
SANTA MARIA, CA 93454
11
OME
WELC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011
President: David Cantero…
dd.cantero@verizon.net
Lori Morrow
Manuel and Lupe Ojeda
Vice President: Tom Murphy
tommurphy@kcoy.com
Treasurer: Janelle Hann…
jhann10683@aol.com
Secretary: Maureen Black
mm42@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Diana Cantero
tailwinds@tailwindsofsantamariabc.net
NEW M
EMBER
S
MEMBERSHIP
Single 1 year membership $15.00 …..Family 1 year membership $20.00
For your convenience: Application and waiver may be found in this newsletter and on our website
http://tailwindsofsantamariabc.org
Mail change notification should be sent to::
Membership: Peggy LeDoux
nittanygirl85@hotmail.com
Tailwinds Bicycle Club,
PO Box 48
Santa Maria, California 93454
or
tailwinds@tailwindsofsantamariabc.org
Disbursement: Steve and Maia Lewis
lewisfamily904@verizon.net
BIKE FOR SALE
Giant OCR2 road bike. Men's medium (50cms) Red and Smoke (like silver) less than 900miles.Beutiful condition. Shimano Tiagra
shifters, Sram pg950 9 speed cassette. Shimano 105 deralleur. Xero XSR-4 rims etc. Selling for health reasons. $900. Call Pete
@929-1012
PARTICIPATING BIKE SHOPS
These bike shops offer a 10% discount to Tailwinds members
on most stock items Please show your membership card to the
sales person prior to the sale.
TAILWINDS BICYCLE CLUB
PEDAL POWER 349-2294 1740 S, Broadway, SM
P.O. BOX 48
MAIN STREET CYCLES: 922-5577 311 E. Main St. SM
CENTRAL COAST CYCLERY: 934-2003 1157 E. Clark,
Ste 1, Orcutt
TRINITY CYCLERY: 473-8324 1343 W. Grand, A.G.
BICYCLES UNLIMITED: 736-4064 660 N. H Street,
Lompoc
HART VELO BIKE SHOP: 929-2258 150 N. Thompson,
Nipomo
IRA’S BIKE SHOP: 489-2621 107 Bridge, A.G.
ART’S CYCLERY: 543-4416 2140 Santa Barbara St.,
S.L.O.
THE BIKE CONNECTION: 736-4849 200 W. Ocean,
Lompoc
CYCLE STARS 347-1950 College Square, Starbuck’s
Shopping Center, SM
WALLY’S BIKE SHOP 544-4116 306 Higuera St, San
Luis Obispo,
12
SANTA MARIA, CA 93456