Columnists

This year I have decided to make some New Year’s Resolutions. This was very difficult for me, because in the past I have not stuck to any of the resolutions I’ve made. I think that was because they were too hard. I mean, I had stuff on my list like “accomplish world peace” and “stop playing Angry Birds 24/7.”

If I were to rate Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve based on my first visit, I would award it just two stars out of a possible five. But that was four years ago and things have changed.

Bicycling will be the big activity in Morgan Hill this weekend and you can follow up with a cool down ride on Monday too.This weekend will see the second annual “Bicycling” Spring Classic. This event is organized by “Bicycling” magazine, which just happens to be the world’s largest bicycling magazine. it is sponsored by our own Specialized Bicycle Components, one of the world’s largest premium bicycle manufacturers.The Spring Classic will be held Sunday, May 3. Make no mistake, the event isn’t a big bicycle industry show. Rather, it focuses on three rides around our beautiful countryside that Specialized employees use to test bikes and equipment and even as backdrops for their ads. They are now sharing this with you.The three rides promise to offer something for everyone: a 25-mile ride for new riders and families, a 60-mile route that will be faster paced but remain social, and a 90-mile loop where there can be an element of formal and informal competition. All rides end right where they began at the Specialized headquarters on Concord Circle in Morgan Hill.The returning riders will be greeted by a bike industry exposition and family friendly activities. A lunch will also be provided along with free massages and, get this, beer. Food trucks will be brought in and anyone can grab a quick bite and stroll the expo even if you didn’t participate in a ride. Hopefully the Specialized museum will also be open to the public as well as the wind tunnel like last year.This event serves to highlight that Morgan Hill is a bicycling destination. Last year one blogger called Morgan Hill a bicycling mecca. Speaking with those returning from last year’s rides I had the opportunity to chat it up with riders from Texas and Southern California. There must be something about Morgan Hill and the surrounding area to draw this kind of interest, and there is. We have a nice combination of hilly terrain and flat roads, and the natural beauty of the area as well as resources like Concept Cyclery and Sunshine Bicycles to service needs and of course, Starbucks and Peet’s which have become regular meeting places (keep an eye out, I hear you might see some world class cyclists at these locations).Whether or not you participate in a ride at the Spring Classic you should treat yourself to what is likely a well-deserved break at lunch on Monday.The first Monday of the month is the day that Specialized and the City of Morgan Hill (with a big dose of support from Concept Cyclery) put on the Lunch Time Bike rides. This event is growing as more and more riders decide that getting out and riding at lunch this one day a month is great for their health, spirit and outlook for the rest of the day. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll probably make a few new friends like I did.Like the Spring Classic rides there is a riding level for everyone. Typically there will be an easy ride (that’s me, folks), an intermediate, and one that is pretty much moving as fast as I can ever pedal the whole distance (I’ll pass).These rides are a lot of fun and you get to ride with Specialized staff who are always willing to talk about their work and passion—bikes and bicycling.Please get out this weekend and ride a bike or attend an event and pack a bag lunch and ride this coming Monday.We have what others will travel to enjoy so I hope you can enjoy what we have too.Bicycling Spring Classic:bicycling.com/ride-maps/featured-rides/2015-bicycling-spring-classicLunch Time Rides:morgan-hill.ca.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3699&month=5&year=2015&day=4&calType=0 andfacebook.com/events/1587060811537632/John McKay is a longtime Morgan Hill resident, city planning commissioner and member of the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance.