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4 weeks ago | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
It’s the fifth month, and I’m still finding it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that this is my final year with you. I see that I’ve been confessing a lot to you in 2025, so let’s keep that pattern going: for 25 years, May has always been my easiest column to write!Of course you know why! May is National Bike Month, and there is always so much to try to squeeze into a single column.
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2 months ago | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
Welcome to April! Happy/Hoppy Easter on the 20th!As you know from previous columns, 2025 will be my last year with you as your South Valley bicycle columnist. I will dearly miss many things about this assignment, especially the privilege of sharing the local bike scene with you.
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Mar 1, 2025 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
SAY IT AIN’T SO! I recently learned that, after 31 “remarkable” years, Morgan Hill’s I Care Classic has decided to discontinue their May favorite. My first ICC was back in 2000, when the ride was still based in San Jose. Proceeds from this event allowed the Almaden Super Lions Club to provide eye care services to so many who might not have been able to afford it.
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Jan 31, 2025 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
Last month, I shared that 2025 would be my final year writing this column; after 25 years of Spoking My Mind, I felt it was time to hang up my helmet. (Let me clarify: I’ll stop bike writing, but never stop bike riding.) Thank you for all the congratulatory messages. I look forward to making these last 11 months wonderful. “Bicycle-y” speaking, February is always an interesting month because the bigger event rides really don’t begin until spring, when the temps begin climbing.
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Jan 6, 2025 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
Happy New Gear! Welcome to 2025!January means new beginnings bicycle-wise. Many of you will start riding your new Christmas presents, the two of you getting to know each other. Many of you will begin looking to improve your two-wheeled talents, logging more rides and miles, upping averages and exploring special destination rides. Best of luck to all! January means many will resolve to drop weight.
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Dec 4, 2024 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
Ho, ho, ho! We’ve made it to December! Here is my yuletide gift to you, my dear readers! ‘Twas the night before Christmas, a time we all like, Not a creature was stirring, not even my bike! The tires were hung by the chimney with care, With hopes that St. Nick, he would fill them with air! And I was all nestled, so snug in my bed, While dreams of gifts “bicycle” danced in my head: Clothing and helmets and brake pads and tubes, Headlights, reflectors, degreasers and lubes! When out in the...
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Nov 1, 2024 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
Recently, I’ve begun to feel very sorry for November. It seems like every year now, just about the beginning of the 10th month, October and December start to battle for supremacy. In more and more stores, Halloween skeletons battle Christmas trees in one aisle, while inflatable jack-o’-lanterns and Santas duke it out in the next. Poor old Thanksgiving gets lost in the shuffle. So, what can we do to negate November negligence?
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Sep 30, 2024 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
Happy October, the month when being a cyclist truly rocks. Our calorie-burning passion pays off perfectly when we’ve partaken in a little too much Halloween candy!And speaking of sweetness, thanks for the feedback on last month’s column item regarding bicycle donations.
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Aug 28, 2024 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
You know what the ninth month means, right? Well, it used to mean that the new school year was just beginning; these days, however, September means that most students already have two to three weeks under their belts. YOUR job is to stay extra alert as you drive past your local schools. Give those walkers and riders lots of extra space.
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Aug 1, 2024 | 
gilroydispatch.com | Curt Hentschke
To coin a cliché, hot enough for you? Sure, I’ve lived here long enough to know that some of the hottest days of 2024 have yet to hit us; still, we’ve already had our fair share of some terribly toasty temps. You longtime readers know what a proponent I am of sunscreen, solar sleeves and proper hydration. Keep them going and take heart; Cycle Guy has some pedal possibilities that really beat the August heat!Starting near the end of the month, consider leaving your bicycle at home on Aug.
