January in Yuma -- phase I

We're finally settled into the normal winter events here in Yuma -- for those of you who haven't been counting, this is our sixth winter here in the sun of the desert southwest, and we're still enjoying it as much as when we first arrived.
The main thing for us is getting back in shape cycling with our friends in the Foothills Bicycle Club (link).  The club has "organized" rides four days a week -- with two days being relatively easy (20-25 miles, 13-14 mph pace) and two days of a more adventuresome type (30-60 miles, several pace groups depending on ability and inclination).  Each month we schedule a century ride (100 miles -- or 100km), and we have several traditional once-a-year rides.  We also "organize" several ad-hoc hikes into the surrounding desert areas, just to break things up.  We don't forget about the fat-tire side of cycling either -- each week there is at least one mountain bike ride exploring the area.  Its all pretty loosely organized, with the only rule mandating the wearing of helmets on the bike rides.  The club has no officers, no published route maps, no sag wagons -- just folks who love to ride.  We do have a website with basic information, and a ride calendar, but that's about it as far as organization -- and about all we've found we need.
Mandy and I usually don't remember to take our camera when we go out on a ride, but fortunately we grabbed it today for our Sunday short-and-easy ride around the foothills.  Here is a couple of shots of the 40+ riders who were out having fun today.


     

Of course, there are a number of other things to keep us busy and occupied during the mild winter here -- Algodones, Mexico is only a couple of miles away, and we go there a number of times during the season for drugs (prescriptions!!), dental work, and just to enjoy the fish tacos and margaritas.  All the merchants there get together and usually have a yearly party for all the "winter visitors" who keep their economy going. 

The Quartzsite RV show and the associated gem and mineral show bring over 200,000 people to the surrounding desert in late January each year.  We sometimes take the motorhome up and boondock in the desert for 3-4 days, and other years we've just driven up for a day of adventure -- its only 65 miles north of us here in Yuma, and if you're in the area, don't miss it -- its truly a unique experience.
Our good friends, Jim and Yvette have arrived here for the season, and we'll be joined this week by Claire and Al from Texas, and we all are getting together to spend a day in Quartzsite and -- bet you could guess -- a day in Algodones.  We're also looking forward to doing some additional playing around -- probably some geocaching, and some local tourist stuff, as well as just having a good time with great friends.  We will be bringing our camera on our events over the next week or two, and the blogging of that will be the "phase II" of our January in Yuma post -- stay tuned!!