Summer is here, and the roads and trails are calling. The BICYCLIST Event Calendar is bumping into 2020, including a range of events and races to challenge, entertain and reward. More information starting on page 16 for some of the best events celebrating and motivating the turning of pedals.

For the latest installment of ‘Ask the Coach‘, Rick Schulz looks at the dreaded car door and surrounding safety issues bicyclists will encounter, especially in beach cities. With more drivers distracted by technology, it can be the ‘Wild West’ out there and the more you know, the better you’ll fare.

Along the same lines of ‘knowledge is power’ we detail a web project that serves to help bicyclists catalog dangerous conditions along the road. For the amount of time we all spend in the saddle, the Hawkeye Road Hazards app acts as a virtual compendium of reported potholes, unmarked ditches and dangers that go unfixed by city governments. Not only does it provide the benefits to the community. It also aggregates the existing resources that cities have implemented to do a similar task. Learn more about the initiative on page 7.

In our Asphalt, Please and In Search of Dirt columns, we adventure through some exciting portions of the western United States. John Woodson takes us through a classic ride, the Tour de Palm Springs, one of the fan-favorite philanthropic rides taking place next in February 2020. Learning more about the good work done by the event organization can bring the efforts of lonely training miles to a place of devoted purpose. That may be just what your ride is missing. For ISOD, James Murren takes us on his Mesa experience with a trip just outside Zion National Park, to Gooseberry Mesa in Utah. The circumventing adventure avoids the crowds and tourists while taking the plunge directly into the desert landscape. Nestled amongst the desert scrub, a sturdy yurt acts as shelter and home base for the exploration. Learn more about his trip on page 14 and be inspired on your own search for dirt.

Taking a trip to the VELO Sports Center in Carson, a western city in Los Angeles County, photographer Stacy Herzing draws her focus on the riders of the USA Cycling Junior and Elite Track Nationals earlier this month. We selected some favorites for your consideration in this issue’s Wandering Photographer on page 6.

Lastly, if you enjoy this magazine, or if you would be disappointed to find out it was no longer in print, please pledge your support on Patreon. In exchange, all supporters receive early release of the magazine, delivered as a digital PDF, ready for import to your favorite reading device along with full episodes of the podcast (+4 hours of additional laughs, humor and witty banter every month). Higher levels of support rewarded accordingly. Visit www.BICYCLIST.team to learn more and pledge your support of independent and free media dedicated to guiding and promoting a life traveled by bicycle.

See you on the route. Stay safe. Peace,

– Chris Reynolds

(@chrsrnlds)