Swami's Cycling Club: Guru News

May 2026

President's Corner

One of the joys of riding in the spring is seeing so many people back from their off-season or re-committing to their cycling regimen. It is so awesome to see so many of you in the peloton again, and I'm looking forward to all the summer adventures ahead!

One reminder: make sure you have the latest version of the rides downloaded to your computer. Many of you have had excellent suggestions for improving the rides, and we've updated the routes accordingly.

Also, if you want another way to stay on top of our activities, join the Swami's Strava Club. You can get notifications on whichever device is most convenient.

Finally, a record number of Swami's members raced for the first time last month. If you've been thinking of trying it out, there's never been a better time to start racing with Swami's. Contact Swami's team captain Scott Claes at scott@claes.biz for more information.

See you on the road!

Michael Reich

5/3 Social Ride

On Sunday, May 3, we're hosting our monthly Swami's Social Ride. It’s a conversationally-paced ride where you can meet long-time as well as new Swami’s members. Check out all of the details here. We start and finish the Social Rides at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in Bressi Ranch (map). Wear a Swami's kit from any year to get a coffee and baked good on Swami’s! Have a classic bike you like to show off? This is the ride.

Route: 33.5 mi/1539’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48626897

5/16 Cabrillo Ride

On Saturday, May 16, we’ll head down to Cabrillo National Monument. Once there, you can ride down to the tidepools and then back up, or stay around the gift shop and take in the views. If you have an annual Cabrillo pass, bring it along - it will provide admission for you and 3 other cyclists. There are usually enough passes to cover everyone, but in the unlikely event you need one, a 1-day; cyclist pass is $10 at the gate.

Route: 66 mi/2648’ https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44164504

5/21 Bike Anywhere Day

Whether you’ve been looking for a good reason to bike to work or are just low on t-shirts, samples, and other swag, we invite you to participate in SANDAG’s Bike Anywhere Day on Thursday, May 21. WIth 100 pit stops throughout the San Diego and North County areas, chances are there are a few close to you. To participate, register now at SANDAG.org/BikeMonth.

Make sure to stop by the Swami’s pit stop at Cadence Cyclery (map) to hang out and grab some goodies! Want to help? We welcome volunteers to help set up, staff, and tear down - just come by any time between 6:00 and 9:30 am.

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5/30 Poker Ride

The Poker Ride is here again! On Saturday, May 30, we will have our non-race up and down North County in pursuit of the best (or worst) poker hand, the most (or least) elevation, the best (or worst) team name, and more.

Here are the basics - for all the info, see our Poker Ride web page. Start getting your teams together, and remember, every team member must register.

We start and end at Alga Norte Park (map).
You need to be in a team of at least four riders.
There will be five card stations, including the start, where each team will receive a playing card and the location of the next station.
There are NO route sheets - each team figures out how to get to the next station.
Teams roll out as soon as all members are present and checked in. Check-in begins at 7:45 AM.
Every participant must register. You can register here.
There is no charge for Swami’s members. Registration for non-members is $10.
There will be plenty of food and drinks at the end, but during the ride, make sure that you have enough nutrition for 50-60 miles. The stations will have water.

PS We are looking for volunteers for check-in and lunch pickup. If you can help make the fun happen, contact Susan Anthony at treas@swamis.org.

For a complete schedule of our rides, see the Swami's ride calendar.

Last chance for 2026 kit

Swami’s members have just a few days left to order your summer (or fall) kit! This is your chance to order high-quality Eliel kit in both the summer and original 2026 designs at a significant discount from the Eliel retail price. For an even better deal, you can purchase jersey plus bib bundles.

Choose from the summer-friendly Diablo and versatile Laguna Seca Performance styles, and add to your accessories with lightweight vests and arm coolers.

This is the last time the 2026 design will be offered - don't miss out!

The kit store closes at 11:59 PM on Sunday, May 3.

Order Your Kit

Racing in the streets

The Swam's racing team had a great showing at the San Luis Rey Road Race on April 19 and the Triton Crit on April 26. Racers Elijah Auer, Adam Cordi, Jorge Franco, Mark Palmer, Ryan Star, Jason Stahl, and Vargha Dameshgi battled it out, slipping through a few close calls, taking their share of the points, and with Ryan finishing in 2nd place in the Masters 35+ Cat 4/5 field at SLR!

Check out Vargha's wild play-by-plays for San Luis Rey and the Triton Crit.

Coming up this month are more exciting races: Barrio Logan Grand Prix on 4/16 and the Hunte Parkway Road Race on 4/17. Show up and support Swami's racing!

Kenetik energy ⚡️

Another reminder of our new nutrition sponsor, Kenetik. Kenetik drinks provide bioavailable ketones in a variety of flavors and have gotten rave reviews from Swamis on both taste and performance benefits. Swami’s members get a 15% discount.

To take advantage of the discount code, head to https://drinkkenetik.com/discount/KCP-SWAMIS or use KCP-SWAMIS at checkout. To learn more, download the Kenetik guide.

Save the Date

6/27 Kitchen Creek

The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.

– Iris Murdoch

Do you know a cyclist who would make a good Guru?

Please share this newsletter with them and invite them to join Swami’s Cycling Club!

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Guru News: Swami's Newsletter, May 2026