The Roadrunner - Santa Cruz County Cycling Club

The Roadrunner
RTC studies passenger train travel for MBSST
P
assenger rail service was part of the
deal when the Regional Transportation
Commission (RTC) purchased the rights
to the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail
(MBSST) with $14.3 million from the
State Transportation Commission in 2012.
Now the RTC is making good on its promise to provide train travel for Santa Cruz
city and county residents and tourists. With
a grant provided by Caltrans, the RTC held
a well-attended public workshop in midJuly, then conducted an online survey of
2,000 residents, asking what they thought
of passenger train travel in the county. Of
the respondents, 64% said they were either
extremely interested or very interested in
train travel. (12% expressed no interest.)
“We’re in the very early stages of
information gathering regarding passenger
trains,” said ROP Senior Planner Karena
Pushnik. “People think that trains mean
big, smoky engines pulling large boxcars
or passenger cars, but that’s not the case
today.” Indeed, the July 17 Passenger Rail
Study Open House/Workshop at the Live
Oak Senior Center featured photos of sleek
electric multiple units and single streetcars
to transport people on rails.
“We are asking the public if they think
passenger rail is even possible, and, if so,
what do you want?” added Pushnik, who
explained that RTC staff members are
visiting their “rail peer groups” in other
parts of California, as well as Oregon and
Washington, for feedback on passenger
trains. A recent “clinical stakeholder
meeting of city, county and metro personnel
examined five options to present to the
RTC Board at its September 4th meeting.
These options, or a combination of same,
are:
•
Santa Cruz to Capitola on
weekdays
• Santa Cruz to Watsonville during
peak hours weekdays and seasonal
weekends
• Daily train from Santa Cruz to
Watsonville, including weekends
• Daily train from Santa Cruz
to Cabrillo College, including
weekends
• Santa Cruz to Pajaro with
connection to Amtrak to San Jose
and Sacramento, or connection to
high-speed rail from Gilroy
The complete rail trail network will be 50
miles of multi-use bicycle/pedestrian trails
spanning the length of Santa Cruz County.
Cost is $124 million for 20 segments of
the trail, with three segments funded. More
info at www.scrtc.org.
—
­ Grace Voss
September–October, 2014
Volume 41–Issue 5
IN THIS ISSUE...
■ Club Shorts 2
Fall ride/potluck is Oct. 26th
■ Arana Gulch update 3
■ SCMC story, photos 4
■ Ride Schedule 6-7
A, B and C rides
■ Death Ride recap 8
Three Foot law starts Sept. 14
The Three Feet for Safety Act goes into
effect Sunday, Sept. 14, requiring drivers to
give bicyclists three feet of clearance when
passing. (Two earlier and more complicated
versions of this law (2011-2012) were
vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown. )
The new law requires drivers who pass
bicyclists from behind to stay three feet
away. If traffic or roadway conditions
prevent this, drivers must “slow to a
speed that is reasonable and prudent” and
only pass when the bicyclist will not be
endangered. Violations are punishable by a
$35 base fine, with $154 in additional fees.
Drivers who injure bicyclists by passing
too closely are subject to a $220 fine. AAA
is joining a public relations campaign to
publicize the new law.
Left to right: Bart Coddington, Kathy Ferraro, unidentified man, David Hemrick, Allison Garcia, Jim Wheeler, Judy
Isvan, Teri Ruegg complete Workers’ Ride July 19 , finishing uphill at Scotts Valley High School.
Lisa Deverse leads Aug. 19 ride from Gateway Plaza.
SCCCC ride leaders wanted
Do you want to bike your favorite route?
Consider becoming a ride leader. It’s easy!
First, go to the SCCCC Rides Library at www.
santacruzcycling.org to see a list of rides,
distance, elevation and starting point. Do so by
Oct. 15th to lead a ride in November/December.
Then, tell Peter Jones for A/B Saturday rides
at vwcafe@van-café.com or Jack Johnson for
Saturday C rides at jdj@baymoon.com). To lead
a Tuesday ride, contact David Lawrence (A/B
rides) at thewizarddavy@gmail.com or Bart
Coddington (lite rides) at bikerbart@sbcglobal.
net.Leading a ride is a good way to contribute
to SCCCC, and you will meet nice people in the
process. Give it a try!
SCCCC Meeting
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014
Simpkins Swim Center
979 17th Avenue
Club Shorts: Fall potluck/ride Oct. 26 in Aptos
J
im Wheeler and Harriet Wrye have
offered their Aptos home for the
SCCCC Potluck Ride on Sunday, Oct.
26. Festivities begin with a continental
breakfast at 9:30 a.m., with A, B and C
rides at 10 a.m., culminating in great eats
at 12:30 p.m. Please bring food according
to the first initial of your last name: U-Z
finger food, O-T salad, H-N side dish,
A-G main dish.
Open Streets Santa Cruz, a staple
of outdoor bicycling and walking in
early October for the past two years
for families and friends on West Cliff
Drive, has been cancelled due to lack
of sponsors. However Open Streets
Watsonville, set for Summer 2015, is
proceeding nicely, according to Saskia
Lucas, event organizer.
Jeff Brody has had to learn how to get
through each day using only his left hand
ever since he fell off his bike on the Wurr
Road Bridge in Loma Mar on Aug. 9.
Jeff reports the one–lane bridge with long
troughs between boards caught his front
wheel, and he fell into a vertical bridge
support, dislocating his right shoulder.
He is grateful to fellow cyclists for onsite support: Tony Rall, Debbie Teixeira
and David Giannini.
Radical Reels, a series of adventurous
bicycling, kayaking and skiing films from
the Banff Film Festival, comes to the Rio
Theatre at 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Tickets are
available at Epicenter Cycling, Tomboy
and online at brownpapertickets.com and
ticketweb.com
A very big thank you to the “Goathead
Herders” who pulled weeds and swept
the surface of the Scotts Valley Drive
Extension (off busy Highway 17) on
three different occasions to prepare for
the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge!
Jim Denton and Tony Rall worked July
19th, followed by Judy Isvan, Grace Voss,
Leo Moll, Willard Schwartz and David
Giannini. On July 26, SCMC Day, three
more volunteers made quick work of the
remaining burrs.
Why all this road and weed work?
Many of 2013’s riders experienced flat
tires in the last two miles of the challenge.
2
Tim O’Heron and
his rat terriers
Maddy, left,
and Cody, right,
spend some time
at registration
for The Santa
Cruz Mountains
Challenge. (More
photos on pp.
4-5)
(Goatheads are devious burrs that imbed
themselves into tires, causing multiple
punctures. The 2014 SCMC staff was
determined to prevent flat tires on this
stretch of roadway. To survive goatheads
year round, club members have various
opinions. Jim Denton recommends a
Mr. Tuffy liner in the front tire. Charles
McCaffrey says he uses Tuffys and Slime
when touring. John Armstrong likes
Continental Four-Season Grand Prix
tires for “zero puncture problems”, while
Tim Thomas advises staying away from
the road’s edge while on the bike. “I think
cars grind them up, so ride in the road, if
you can do so safely,” he says.
Final advice is from Osman Isvan.
“In my experience, for long, piercing
objects like thorns, staples and wires,
the thickness of the tread is effective,
but the mesh under the rubber tread
is not. Against goat heads, the best
puncture protection is if the rubber is
thicker than the thorn is long. Kevlar and
other protective meshes can be effective
only against flat objects with a wide
cutting edge like pieces of broken glass.
A goathead thorn will go through the
holes in the mesh. (if the protective layer
wasn’t full of holes it wouldn’t be called a
mesh).”
Four dates this fall remain for the
Wednesday night cycling events at
Laguna Seca Raceway: Sept. 17, Oct. 8,
Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. The venue boasts
an 11-turn, 2.238-mile course. The ride is
highlighted by the legendary Corkscrew
Turn that drops 5 1/2 stories. Rides
generally run from 5:30–7:30 p.m. (5-7
p.m. in Nov/Dec), and are open to all
levels of cyclists. Helmets required; cost is
$10 per rider.­—Rhoda Bike
www.santacruzcycling.org
The Roadrunner is the official
newsletter of the Santa Cruz County
Cycling Club. It is published bimonthly,
sent out via email to members and is
available at local bicycle shops, the Santa
Cruz Visitors Bureau and local libraries
and chambers of commerce. Submissions
(articles, photos, and letters) are gladly
accepted. Email is easiest, but we’ll entertain all options. Contact us at: Santa Cruz
County Cycling Club P.O. Box 8342 Santa
Cruz, CA 95061-8342
or www.santacruzcycling.org
The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club is a
nonprofit organization pursuant to Section
501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service
code. The club’s mission is to bring
cycling to all levels of riders and encourage healthy lifestyles through education,
friendship, teamwork and fun. The club is
known for its annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge held the last Saturday
in July. Proceeds from this event go to the
club’s educational activities.
SCCCC officers
President……………………..........Maura Noel
pres@santacruzcycling.org
Vice President…………….........John Marshall
vp@santacruzcycling.org
Secretary...........................................Bill McBride
secretary@santacruzcycling.org
Treasurer…………………..............Tina Ensign
treasurer@santacruzcycling.org
Membership…………......................John Bono
membership@santacruzcycling.org
Santa Cruz Mtns Challenge......David Giannini
century@santacruzcycling.org
Ride Coordinator……...............Myrna Sherman
rides@santacruzcycling.org
Award-Winning Newsletter……......Grace Voss
rr@santacruzcycling.org
Race Team Director............................John Bono
teamsc@santacruzcycling.org
Social…................Chris Benkert/Cathy Bonino
social@santacruzcycling.org
Education...................................Myrna Sherman
ed@santacruzcycling.org
Publicity…………............................ Grace Voss
pubsantacruzcycling.org
Webmaster……….............................John Bono
web@santacruzcycling.org
September–October, 2014
T
hey say your tastebuds change over the
course of your life, and so foods you
may have initially found repellent magically
become delicious at some spontaneous time
as you go through life. We can all remember vehemently disliking some food that
our parents urged us to eat when we were
young that we now can’t wait to buy and
eat. But if we forget this tidbit of knowledge about human taste, we tell ourselves
(and everyone around us) that we cannot
tolerate the offending food: brussel sprouts,
eggplant, sushi, etc. I maintain the same
can be said of one’ s attitude toward riding
a tandem bike.
When I was younger, the thought of
forever being the secondary one of a pair
was just not an option for me. (Thank
goodness I’ve mellowed.) To be “the stoker”
on a tandem bike was surely going to mean
staring at the broad back of some guy
(or gal) who was taller and wider than I.
Boring! No thank you. If I couldn’ t be up
front, I was definitely not going to give
it a try. Everyone I spoke to said that the
larger person goes in front because he was
the stronger one to steer and shift, etc., so I
discarded the possibility.
I also thought that tandem bikes were
Riding a tandem is new experience
Maura Noel and Peter Jones on tandem bicycle
too bulky, too heavy, too unwieldy. Why
would I sacrifice my independence, my
ability to take the slightly easier hill, the
alternate-and-more-scenic ride home?
What if I didn’t want to go where the other
person wanted to go? Nope, too much
compromise.
And descending on these things? The
aforementioned weight and sluggishness
would surely cramp my reckless abandon as
I weighed the likelihood of crashing at 50
mph because said driver swerved to avoid
a squirrel or something. No, if I was going
down, it would be my own darn fault.
In more recent years, the tandem has
started to grow on me. Not feeling like
hammering after the A riders? Take your
boyfriend up on his offer to do the B ride
on the tandem. Only have time for a short
ride? Zip out to Davenport and Swanton
and back - it’ll feel effortless. The learning
curve was shorter and less terrifying than
I expected. Just like so many relationship
scenarios, it’s all about communication.
How fast to descend, when to downshift,
what to threaten the captain with, “ If we
don’t pull this thing over right now!” ( Just
kidding!) An unintended positive effect of tandem
riding is that other people tend to smile
when they see you. That’s cool. And you’ll
start to notice other tandem riders. There
are quite a few in the club and in town. I
still do plenty of other rides on my own
bike, but it’s become a lovely shared option
to pedal as one sometimes. So don’t be
so quick to dismiss the idea. Give it a
try! And who knows? Maybe, someday
you’ll try a recumbent!
—Maura Noel, SCCCC President
Arana Gulch project nears completion; Land Trust to fundraise for rail trail
T
he Arana Gulch Multi-Use Path
is progressing. The pouring of
concrete for the deck of the Causeway Bridge on the Brommer Street
side of the gulch is scheduled for the
first week of September. This bridge,
located behind the boat storage yard,
begins near the downhill turn into the
Small Craft Harbor. When completed,
it will connect with the Arana Gulch
bike/ped path, constructed of permeable concrete, which travels west to a
stress ribbon suspension bridge over
Hageman Gulch. This path ends at the
intersection of Broadway and Frederick
Street. Another bike/ped path connecting Arana Gulch to Agnes Street
will be completed by mid-September.
(What this means is that bicyclists and
pedestrians will be able to ride/walk
Santa Cruz safely from east to west or
vice versa, and north-south.)
Work was halted on the Hageman Gulch
bridge due to a poorly executed connection
September–October, 2014
Causeway Bridge near Brommer Street nears completion
detail for the precast concrete deck panels.
The panels are being repaired and will
be placed on the bridge cables in early
September. City Engineer Chris Schneiter
says ribbon cutting ceremonies will take
place in November.
Land Trust Endorses Rail Trail
The Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz
Land Trust has endorsed the Monterey
Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (aka Rail
Trail) for fundraising. According to Board
Member Stephen Slade, “The trail will be
built sooner if there are significant private
funds to match the array of grants expected
www.santacruzcycling.org
to provide the bulk of funding for the
trail. This trail will be a huge asset for our
community for generations to come.
“We think of it as a road without cars,”
added Slade, “an eight-foot wide path just
for walking and biking. It will provide easy,
safe, beautiful access to parks (92), schools
(44), and shopping, for half the population
of the county who live within a mile of the
trail. It will take years to finish, but the first
segments in Watsonville and Santa Cruz
will be completed in a few years.
“This fall we are working on a partnership
agreement with the RTC and Friends of
the Rail and Trail (FORT). RTC owns
the rail line right-of-way and is in charge
of implementing this legendary trail
project. FORT has been advocating for the
trail for 15 years and will continue doing
community outreach. Most of the funds to
build the trail will come from government
grants, and virtually all of these grants are
competitive and require matching funds.
The Land Trust is going to take the lead
in raising these matching funds, and
therefore help build the trail ASAP!”
3
Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge earns praise from participants
T
L to R: Max Burkhardt, Geneva Burkhardt, Dietmar
Burkhardt (coach) , Chester Charlton of Kirby Bike Team
Paul Rode of San Jose, on arrival at top of Jamison, left, and 10
minutes later, after rest, water and shade! (right)
he 16th annual version of the Santa
Cruz Mountains Challenge was a big
success! Thanks to a return to the last
Saturday in July, event organizers avoided
direct conflicts with other distance events
elsewhere, as well as local events. Close to
500 hard–core riders signed up for one of
four routes (486 riders), or 90 more riders
than last year. Thanks to the ‘graduated’
entry fee system ($55 for early registration; $85 for day of event), SCCCC’s gross
revenue was about $32,000. (Net revenue
will be much less due to the high cost of
offering riders two meals, three rest stops,
five water stations and CHP cost.)
About 150 volunteers made the SCMC
a success, earning much praise from the
riders. “Very well-organized ride,” reported
one rider. “Great food at rest stops and
post ride. Most importantly, the amazing
volunteers were the best!”
Other comments:
• I have to say that this was the
best organized event I have
ever attended. Great food. Great
people.
• Best ride in California!
• First time ride and I loved it.
So little traffic on the first part;
helpful folks, screaming descents,
very challenging. I’ll be back!
• My first time on the 35-miler;
great course. Great tune up for
my Leadville Ride!
• The breads were amazing!
Suggestions included more coke, larger
arrows on the road and a return of the
“Burma Shave” signage on the difficult
Jamison Creek climb, plus a new way to
return to the high school other than Mt.
Herman Road for the 100K riders.
“Loved it...was so impressed with the organization,
volunteers...and the food!” (SCMC 100–mile rider)
Scotts Valley family, l to r: Terrie Mrnak, (aunt), Wheeler
Handley, Chip and Roberta Handley
Thank you SCCCC ride leaders
Grace Voss (3), Jim Denton (2), Alan
Eklof (2), Isabelle Magnin (2), Ric
Eiserling,David Lawrence, Marianne
Benforado, Lisa Deverse, Charles
McCaffery, Lilly Ann Popken (2) , Marilyn
Marzell, Jack Johnson (5), Bart Coddington
(2), Bruce Fihe,Sandra Lee, Myrna
Sherman, Tom Pennello, Peter Jones,
Maura Noel, Nelson Crandall, Petronella
van Dam, Tom Mattinson, David/Jeanni
Kadotani and ArleenPietrzak
Welcome new SCCCC members
Carlos/Erin Abrahams, RichardBurton,
Ambar/Mark Corbridge, Peter Curtis,
Caroline Dalton, Morgan Dees,John/
Nancy Eldridge, Darwin Frick Heady,
Winifred Frick, Emma, Jo/Paul Heady,
Lyn Heinrichs, Grace Hernandez, Patrick
Hung, Elizabeth Kalb, John Kocal,
Thomas McDonnell, Stephen Pierce,
Gerald/Julie Rooney, Neil Snyder, Janie
Tibbals, Casey Van Wendelen, JonWright
andChris Zemny
4
Left to right: David Giannini, Debbie Texeira, HAM radio man Donald, Allison and Douglas Garcia and Leo Moll
L to R: Safety folks Norm Boehner and Pat Lawson, Dan Selling, HAM, Teri Ruegg and Larry Puretz (Water Stop #2)
Friday prep group, l to r: Chris Sandoval, Michael Burns, Isabel Magnin, Bruce Fihe, David Giannini, Dan Hoggatt
andTom Mattinson. Single shot photos at right: Conrad Sudduth at Rest Stop #2 and Shalom Compost at Water #4.
www.santacruzcycling.org
September–October, 2014
“Everything was great; can’t imagine how it could be better!”
It takes a village...of captains!
Left photo: Petronella van Dam (top) and Karla Stevens; Group l to r: Petronella, Bruce Fihe, Tim O’Heron, Jack Johnson, Debbie Texeira, Jeff Brody, Barbara Dahl, Angelo Karampelos, Lisa Deverse; kneeling Karen Burman and Karla.
Water Stop #4: Herb Greenfield and Isabel Magnin, Bruce Fihe, Charlie Berrie and Ric the HAM operator at Water #1
Rest Stop #2
staff, l to r: David
Lawrence, Leonard
Foreman, John
Armstrong, Ken
Bralie, Peter Lu,
Jim Wheeler, Paula
Bradley and Lisa
Beaudreau.
Event Director David Giannini
A.M. Deliveries Alan Eklof
P.M. Deliveries Bruce Fihe
Parking John Bono
Registration Jeff Brody
Rest Stop #3
Maura Noel
Water Stop #4 Shalom Compost
Water Stop #5 Myrna Sherman
Radio
Ric Eiserling
Lunch
Tina Ensign
SCMC website Bart Coddington
SAG
Doug Huskey
Rest Stop #2
Lisa Beaudreau
Rest Stop #1
Peter Jones
Porta Potties
Ed Kilduff
Water Stop #2 Larry Puretz
Donations
Marilyn Marzell
Water Stop #1 Barbara Meyer
Sign Maker
Tom Mattinson
Route Designer Tom Pennello
Workers’ Ride Tom Pennello
Supply Locker Committee
Post Ride Meal Petronella van Dam
Volunteers Grace Voss
Caltans Permit Sally Salmon
T Shirts
Janet Fogel
Clean Up
David/Jeanni Kadotani
Recycling/Trash John Marshall
Water
Alan Eklof
Sign Placement Tom Mattinson
Sign Pick Up Bart Coddington
Route Marking Leo Moll
Food Buy
Isabelle Magnin
Post Ride Drops Aram Hartounian
Safety
Jim Denton
Mt. Charlie Water Allison, Douglas Garcia
Barbara Meyer and Karen Silveira
Lunch staff: l to r: Debbie Hale, Sue Walker, Tina Ensign, Patti Bostard and more
Left photo: Willard
Schwartz, Mattie Saunders and
Myrna Sherman; Left
bottom: Rex Chung,
John Bono and Debbie Berardo; R photo:
Pat Lawson, Kathy
Ferraro, John O’Hara,
David Giannini, John
Grady, Leo Moll,
Mike Grey, Grace
Voss, Tony Rall, Jack
and Judy Johnson.
September–October, 2014
www.santacruzcycling.org
Driving SAG are, l to r: Jerry Inman, Doug Huskey, John
O’Hara and Leonard Foreman.
Left photo: Wade Hall of Spokesman. Right photo: Tori
Dubiel and Paul Andrews (Other bike shops helped also.)
5
Rider Levels
Saturday, September 13
C Rides are between 25-35 miles, at 10-14 mph, with up to
2,000 feet of elevation.
B Rides are for intermediate riders and are between 25-50
miles, at 12-16 mph pace, with up to 3,000 feet of elevation
A Rides are for experienced riders looking for a challenge.,
These rides are from 40 - 80 miles, at a 15-20 mph pace,
over 3,000 feet of elevation.
Bicycle club members lead social group rides for the enjoyment and pleasure of the bicycling community. While
riders regroup along the way, we recommend riding with a
buddy. If you don’t come with someone, feel free to ask one
of the other riders if you can ride along with them. Come
prepared with extra tubes and know how to change a flat
tire. Bring water, a snack and ID. Before the ride starts,
every participant must sign a League of American Bicyclist
(LAB) approved waiver stating that the Santa Cruz County
Cycling Club is not responsible for any incident occurring
during the ride. Saturday bicycle rides (or carpools) usually
start from the Capitola Community Center ( Jade St/45
Ave) just off 41st Avenue in Capitola. Route sheets will be
emailed to the club mailing list about two days before each
ride. Rain cancels rides.
Tuesday ride: Meet at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start for
this social/leisurely paced road ride. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
of month, start at Gateway Plaza (the shopping center
on River St. near Hwy 1). No public water or restrooms
available.. On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, meet at parking
lot by the entrance to Nisene Marks Park, Aptos. The fifth
Tuesday of the month is a leader’s choice for start location.
Distance will vary from 20–40 miles. Destinations include
a lunch stop. Bring water and snacks. Questions? Contact:
David Lawrence at davidandmarianne@yahoo.com
“Light” rides are offered in conjunction with the regular
Tuesday rides for a less strenuous, generally shorter ride.
Saturday, September 6 A/B Ride
Monterey Bike Path and Hills behind Town
Meet at Pezzini Produce stand, Nashua Rd and Hwy 1 at 8:45 for
9 a.m. start; A Ride=50mi/3000’; B Ride=40mi/2000’; Lunch in
Monterey
Ric Eiserling ………..................................................831-475-5397
Saturday, September 6
C Ride
Natural Bridges to Glen Haven via West and East Cliff Meet on
Delaware Ave. near Natural Bridges SP at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m.
start. C Ride=32 miles/1900’.
Decide and ride......................................................(No ride leader)
Saturday, September 13
A/B Ride
Hollister to Pinnacles
Start at 9 a.m. at Ridgemark Golf Course. Bring money or card
for park entry fee and 2.5 hours of water. A Ride=70mi/3700’; B
Ride=48mi/2600’
Tony Rall…………………………...........................831-332-9216
6
C Ride
Taco Ride
Meet at Michael’s on Main in Soquel at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m.
start. Laurel Glen, Granite Creek, Bean Creek, Glen Canyon.
Lunch at El Palomar; 31.1miles/2136’
Maura Noel……………….......................................831-334-7848
Saturday, September 20
A/B Ride
Zayante Loop
Zayante/Big Basin or Zayante/Bear Creek. Start at 9 a.m. at
Felton Faire Parking Lot; A Ride=50mi/5000’; B Ride=38mi/3000’
John Bono…………….............................................831-459-4747
Saturday, September 20
C Ride
Marina to Castroville via Monterey
Meet at Walmart at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start. Answer the
question, “Where does the Monterey Bike Trail end eastbound?”
32.2 miles/1016’
JT Hart…………........................................................831-234-7726
Saturday, September 27
A/B Ride
Pescadero to Half Moon Bay for Lunch
Carpool from CCC at 8 a.m. or meet at lot by signal light at 9
a.m. in Pescadero; Tunitas Creek/Higgins Canyon/Hwy 1; 43.5
mi/4,035’
Grace Voss………………………............................831-247-8878
Saturday, September 27
C Ride
Marina to Asilomar Beach
Meet at Walmart at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start. Bring lunch for
picnic at Asilomar Beach; 31.6 miles/1200’
JT Hart…………….....................................................831.234.7726
Saturday, October 4
A/B Ride
Soquel and Aptos Hills
A Ride=53mi/3935’;B Ride=34mi/2290’
Alan Ekloff……………………................................831-332-1383
Saturday, October 4
C Ride
Gizdich Ranch via Browns Valley, Freedom Blvd.
Meet at Nisene Marks SP entrance area at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m.
start; 31.6 miles/1200’
Petronella van Dam…………..................................831.454.6010
Saturday, October11
A/B/C ride
North San Francisco Bay Frolic - Fleet Week
Meet at Capitola Community Center (Jade St./45th Ave.) at
7:15 a.m. to carpool. Starts from AT & T Park at 9 a.m. This ride
follows the perimeter of the North Bay to Larkspur for a ferry
ride back to San Francisco.
Frank and Vita Pritchard…………………............831-818-5656
www.santacruzcycling.org
September–October, 2014
Tuesday C riders, left, and Ed
Kilduff at his 86th birthday party
at Gizdich Ranch.
Saturday, October 18
A/B Ride
Big Basin
Meet behind Johnnies’s in Boulder Creek (park behind
market) at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start. Carpool from CCC at
7:45 a.m. Snacks available at park store; A Ride=45mi/4500’;B
Ride=30mi/2800’
Ric Eiserling…...........................................................831-336-1040
Saturday, October 25
C Ride
Soquel to Harbor and Return
Meet at the new starting location on South Main Street in
Soquel. Please arrive from 9:30 a. m. to 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m.
start. We will head first to the harbor and than out to Day Valley
and back. C ride = 25 miles/1330’
Jack Johnson………….............................................831-359-2501
Saturday, October 18
C Ride
Walmart to Lover’s Point
Meet at Walmart at 9:45 a.m. for 10 a.m. start. Suggested lunch
stop is The Wharf Marketplace on return leg; 26.1miles/954’.
Bill McBride…………................................................831-239-6081
Saturday, November 1
A/B Ride
San Juan Bautista via Crazy Horse Canyon Overpass
Meet at Kirby Park on Elkhorn Slough at 8:45a.m. for a 9 a.m.
start. Ride includes San Juan Grade, SJ Bautista, Aromas (and
Fremont Peak for A Ride) A Ride=63mi/5907’;B Ride=43mi/3200’
Tom Mattinson……………………….....................831-566-8247
Saturday, October 25
A/B ride
Mt. Hamilton Up and Down
Carpool leaves from CCC at 8 a.m. for 9 a.m. start. (Ride starts at
the intersection of Alum Rock Ave and Mt.Hamilton Road. Park
in the dirt area on the left side of Alum Rock Ave). A ride goes
up Mt. Hamilton down back side to junction and return. B rides
“just” climbs Mt. Hamilto. A–71 mi/7000’, B=37 mi/3200’
Jim Denton......................................................................461-0370
Saturday, November 1
C Ride
Hall School to San Juan Bautista
Meet at Hall School in Las Lomas at 9:45 a. m. for 10 a. m. start.
Lunch in San Juan Bautista; 30.3 miles/1786’
David/Jeanni Kadotani……………......................831-588-3561
Cycling for Starters teaches bicycling basics, six-week class begins Oct. 11
A
new series of six Saturday classes for beginning bike riders starts Oct. 11th, and culminates with the first–ever Week Six
Graduation Ride to be combined with the SCCCC Saturday “C” ride from Monterey to Pebble Beach. Some students
who graduated last April will help out on this series and receive ride leader training, resulting in new “C” ride leaders for the
November and December SCCCC Saturday ride series.
The class focuses on how to ride safely in groups or solo as well as other beginning bicycling skills, like how to change a flat
tire. Each class has a different starting point to “show the students some of the wonderful cycling areas in Santa Cruz County.”
Course content includes: how to use the bike’s gears, rules of the road, commuting/riding in traffic, skills for climbing and
descending and tire repair. The first class will start at the water treatment facility, 500 Clearwater Lane in Watsonville.
Requirements for the class are a bike in good riding condition, a helmet and the ability to ride five miles. Cost is $25 which
includes membership in SCCCC. This is a popular class limited to 20 participants, so get your name in early.
For more information, contact: Myrna Sherman at rides@santacruzcycling.org.
September–October,
2014
www.santacruzcycling.org
7
Name says it all, but 2014 Death Ride not so difficult for SCCCC riders
M
ission: join the Cycling Mademoiselles (Isabelle Magnin and Lisa Beaudreau) as they rode their first–ever
Tour of the California Alps, (aka The Death Ride) on July
12th in Alpine County, for all of its 129 miles and 15,000 feet
of climbing.
Conflict: Being a wily veteran who had heard rumors
of their rigorous training regimen, I thought they might
need my help as much as a duck needs an umbrella! Add to
that the fact that I recently moved my creaking body 2,000
miles away to the flatlands of the Midwest, with only prairie
headwinds for training.
The ride: After two long days of driving, I arrive a day
early at event headquarters near Markleeville (5,500 feet’).
I pick up my ride packet on Friday, July 11, before meeting
five other riders at a cabin near Lake Tahoe. Here we eat,
play Uno, sit in the hot tub and drink adult beverages before
heading to bed. “This is going to be better than I thought,” I
tell myself!.
Death Ride Day: The alarm goes off at 4 a.m.. After a
flurry of activity, we arrive outside Turtle Rock Park by 5:30
a.m. Soon we are off, along with 3,000 other people who
actually pay money to do this to themselves! The road tilts
upward to Monitor Pass. We make it over the first pass of the
day at mile 17, (8,314’), absorbing great views to the east as
we descend to Topaz at mile 25, (5,040’), our first planned
stop. Here I rest, munching merrily on pretzels as Isabelle and
Lisa arrive, following up on cantaloupe as they leave.
Gradually I catch up and slowly pull away, hoping they
won’t notice. We ride up and over pass #2 (Monitor from the
back side at mile 33), followed by another high–speed descent
back to the Carson River (around 5,900’). I pull into the
lunch stop where I am charmed by a little girl in a hula skirt
offering a box full of goos and gels. What luck! After visiting
the sandwich bar, I see the ladies go by and follow them up
the stairstep road to Ebbett’s Pass (8,730’, at mile 56).
This ascent turns into a fast ride down to the Hermit Valley
Rest Stop (mile 62, about 7,000’), at Scossas Cow Camp
(mile 77). As I sample the Hermit buffet, the ladies joke
that I am the “worst domestique ever!” Thank goodness, they
have figured this out! The pressure’s now off, so I sample a
tempting tray of graham crackers with peanut butter.
Next it is up and over pass #4 (Ebbett’s again at mile 68),
then a twisty descent down to Scossas. After grabbing snacks,
a huge blast of air spins me around twice. It’s Isabelle passing
at top speed with “Five Pass Fever” visible in her eyes and Lisa
in hot pursuit. Mon Dieu! I remember when these two ladies
started cycling with the club, falling behind on long descents
until they became specks in the redwoods! Look at them now,
the Carbon Comet and Titanium Tornado! I rejoin my clubmates at the bottom, brake pads smoking, with a new plan
in mind...I will use my finely tuned flatlander, wheel-sucking
skills to draft them, in hopes of catching up for the final
8
Death riders 2014 are, l to r: Isabel Magnin, Geppetto Greppetto (aka Brian
Schaeffer) and Lisa Beaudreau. (Photo by Karen Nevis)
assault on mighty Carson Pass!
At Pickett’s Junction, (mile 99, 7,000’), I spy them not
far ahead. Urging my ancient Raleigh forward, I reach
almost seven mph on the flats before the last big climb.
Finally, Carson, the fifth pass (mile 108, 8,580’), appears
around 5:20 p.m. Nibbling on an ice cream sandwich, I
scan the crowd for Isabelle and Lisa. Aha! I see their two
perky, smiling faces as they help an overheated rider by
dumping water on his back! A few minutes later it’s time
to head back down to the team cars. It’s a wonderful
descent – almost no traffic on the two steepest grades.
Finally it’s time for a group photo, signifying the end to a
perfect day!
— Geppetto Gruppetto
Ride your bike for breast cancer
The U’ilani Breast Cancer Fund’s Fifth Annual Ohana
Ride is Oct. 25 with 25, 45 and 65-mile routes. Riders
may attend a luau in Pasatiempo at the end of the ride.
(Non-riders may attend for $25.) Number of riders
is 60 and they begin in different places, with the 65
milers starting at 8 a.m. at the Inn at Pasatiempo. The
45 and 25-mile routes start at 9 a.m. at the Capitola
Community Center.
Participants are asked to raise or contribute $100 to
the U’ilani Fund. All riders may judge home-baked
scones at the CCC, where Barbara Graves runs her
Scone-Off, to fuel up the cyclists. A Tina Ensign lunch
will be at Gizdich Ranch, with pies for dessert! The 45
and 65 milers are treated to a coffee drink at Surf City
Coffee on the return. At ride’s end, Patti Maxine and
her band will play and Leolani Lindsey’s Halau will
dance.
The U’ilani Fund, founded in 2000, honors the
memory of U’ilani Bermudez, a local physician who
died of breast cancer at age 42. To register, go to www.
uilanifund.org, click on Ohana Ride.—Janet Fogel
www.santacruzcycling.org
September–October, 2014
AIDS tour is journey to remember for new club members
O
n June 7, my wife Carola Barton and I completed the AIDS
LifeCycle 2014 bike ride, which goes
from San Francisco to Los Angeles
(545 miles) over seven days, along with
about 2,400 other riders and hundreds
of volunteer “Roadies”. It was a challenging, amazing, and gratifying experience. Over $15 million was raised for
the fight to end AIDS, a new record,
with each rider commiting to raising a
minimum of $3,000. The ride was extremely well organized
and the hundreds of volunteers along
the way were fabulous. We experienced
“moto safety volunteers” for turns,
merging onto dicey roads (gravel, sand,
sharp turns, pot holes), bike repair,
food, medical and chiropractic support,
massage and bike parking. Friendly
volunteers and staff were kind and
appreciative that we were riding. Meals were good! We had breakfast,
lunch and dinner, plus snacks at rest
Karola Barton and John Supan at finish in LA
stops, usually two in the morning and
two in the afternoon. (We needed
them!) Most stops offered a fun
theme, with Roadies outfitted in great
costumes (i.e. NASA, firefighters
moving to music such as “Light my
Fire”, bunnies, NASCAR pit crews,
forest rangers, orange is the new black,
RAGBRAI attracts local cyclist and her daughters
R
AGBRAI, is the acronym for the
Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride
Across Iowa. It is an annual seven-day
bike ride averaging about 450 miles
across the state. It is the oldest (42
years), largest and longest bicycling touring ride in the world, something like a
grand parade of 10,000 cyclists for seven
days. It began in 1973 by two Des Moines
Register journalists who invited a few
friends along. This year’s event was July
18–26.
Thousands of volunteers in the towns
we roll through show riders an amazing
hospitality that make us want to come
back again and again. Members of the
communities show support and smiles
just by setting out their lawn chairs
in their front yard and waving. Some
even have watermelon, cucumbers and
tomatoes for us from their garden
We launched from Rock Valley, then
on to Okoboji, Emmetsburg, Forest City,
Mason City, Waverly, Independence and
finally Guttenberg. And there are hills…
rolling hills and not so rolling hills. There
September–October, 2014
are rainstorms,
thunder, lightning
and brutal wind.
My two daughters
and I camped with
Lost and Found
Adventures, a group
that hauls camping
gear. Some bicyclists
stay with host
families.We saw entertainment each night
by the likes of Bret Michaels, and even
Lance Armstrong bartended a day or two.
We rode through beautiful Amish farms
and ate amazing pie and pork chops along
the way. And no RAGBRAI is complete
without the beer gardens and dancing (yup,
we can even dance after all those miles!)
All sorts of people do this ride: old,
young, big, small, dog trailers and rolling
DJs. It is a RAGBRAI tradition to
dip your front tire into the Mississippi
River when you complete the ride, raise
your bike overhead and shout “I did it”.
(Dorian in photo.) This was my second
RAGBRAI and I look forward to riding
it again. Go to http://ragbrai.com/ for
information.
—Dorian Jon
www.santacruzcycling.org
and many others,) all quite entertaining.
The route was well organized,
beautiful and off busy roads as much
as possible (some miles had to be on
Highway 101). Other riders were
helpful and courteous, both on the
road and in camp. The last day we both
had flat tires at the same time, and
immediately someone stopped with an
extra tube to get us going again. Also, it
was great to see supporters from local
communities come out and cheer us on,
providing donuts, strawberries, BBQ’s
and encouragement.
At the finish line we were greeted
by my three daughters, our son-inlaw and one daughter’s boyfriend. It
felt so good to see them and spend
some time together while beginning
to decompress. I encourage anyone to
do this ride; It sounds daunting, but
training makes it quite achievable.
And you’ll have an amazing, rewarding
experience. Safe riding!
—John Supan
Local AIDS ride Sept.21
Training rides are underway for
the annual Surf City AIDS Ride
on Sept. 21. The rides increase in
length each week, with the Aug.
30 ride starting from Spokesman
Bicycles downtown. (Length of ride
varies from 18 to 64 miles, with start
times of 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.) The
Sept. 6 training ride begins at The
Bicycle Trip and the Sept. 13 ride at
Epicenter Aptos.
The Surf City AIDS ride start
times are 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Spin
classes for $5 each are available at
6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
leading up to Sept. 21 at Toadal
Fitness Downtown (formerly The
Bike Dojo).
The event offers four routes: 12, 30,
65 and 100 miles, with the 12-mile
route free to riders under the age
of 16 if they are accompanied by a
paid adult. Volunteers are welcome
to help with the ride. Go to www.
surfcityAIDSride.org to register.
9
k
Local bıcycle shops
These shops are supporting our bicycle club with discounts on bicycling accessories. Discounts
vary according to the shop. Ask sales clerk for club discount.
Bike Station Aptos
Another Bike Shop
36 Rancho del Mar
2361 Mission Street
688-4169
427-2232
Monday–Friday–11am-6pm
Open seven days–10am–6pm
Saturday–10am-5pm
Sunday–Appointment only
The Bicycle Trip
1001 Soquel Avenue
Scotts Valley Cyclosport
427-2580
245 Mount Hermon Road
Monday–Saturday–10am–6pm
Scotts Valley
Sunday–10am–5pm
440-9070
Tuesday–Thursday–10a,–6pm; Friday 10am–7pm
Bill’s Bike Repair
Saturday–10am–6pm; Sunday–Noon–5pm
2826 Soquel Drive
477-0511
Watsonville Cyclery
Open seven days but call first!
25 East 5th Street
724-1646
Dave’s Custom Bikes
Monday–Saturday–11am–6pm;
910–A Soquel Avenue
Sunday–Noon– 5pm
423-8923
Tuesday–Sunday–9am–5pm
The Bike Church
703 Pacific Avenue 425-2453
Family Cycling Center
912 41st Avenue
Epicenter Cycling
475-3883
Aptos Station, 8035 Soquel Dr. Suite 23
Monday–Saturday–10am–6pm
662-8100
Sunday–10am–5pm
Monday-Friday–11am–7pm; Weekend–8am-4pm
and...
The Spokesman Bicycles
1730 Mission Street, Santa Cruz
231 Cathcart Street
423-9000
429-6062
Monday–Thursday 10am–6pm
Friday–10am–7pm
Saturday–10am–6pm
Sunday–Noon-5pm
The Bike Coop
1156 High Street
457-8281
Monday–Friday–10am–6pm
Sprockets
1420 Mission Street
426-7623
Monday–Friday, 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday—8 am to 6 pm
Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
The Roadrunner is printed by Maverick Mailing, which
is owned by Peter Glynn, right photo, who sometimes
delivers by bicycle. Call him for your mailing/printing
needs. Peter has been serving Santa Cruz for over 20 years;
Maverick Mailing uses 100% PCW recycled paper created
with wind power and is the only 100% solar powered
printing and mailing service in the nation.
831-234-4663
www.maverickmailing.com
10
www.santacruzcycling.org
September–October, 2014
JOIN AND RENEW ONLINE at www.santa cruz cycling.org/club
Santa Cruz County Cycling Club Membership Application/Renewal Form
The Santa Cruz County Cycling Club is a group of bicycling enthusiasts with a wide variety of interests and abilities. The mission of the SCCCC is to promote bicycling for all ages through
education and organized bicycling events. Included in your membership is a subscription to The Roadrunner, the club’s award-winning, bimonthly newsletter, which publishes a schedule of
rides and bicycling announcements. In addition, local bicycle shops offer a 10% discount for club members. The club’s website, www.santacruzcycling.org provides a home base for your club
activities. Annual memership dues must be paid to remain a remember in good standing. Dues become due on Jan. 1st of each year based upon the term of your membership.
Member First Name
*Member Family Name
*Member Contact Email
*Member Contact Telephone
2nd Member First Name
Member Ride Cell Phone
___New Member ____Renewal Member
____Include on Printed Roster
____Add to SCCCC Email list
2nd Member Family Name and Email
One Year Memberships
____Individual $25
____$30 for RR Mail*
____Famiy $35
____$40 for RR Mail*
____Junior $10
____$15 for RR Mail*
2nd Member Contact Telephone
2nd Member Cell Phone
Three-Year Memberships
____Individual $60
____$75 for RR Mail*
____Family $90
____$105 for RR Mail*
*Street Address
*City
*State
*Zip
*Roadrunner Newsletter delivered by US Mail
League of American Bicyclists (LAB)
Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement (“Agreement”)
Each applicant for membership shall read and sign the following Release Agreement
In Consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in Santa Cruz County Cycling Club (“Club”) sponsored Bicycling Activities (“Activity”) I for myself,
my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin:
1. Acknowledge, agree and represent that I understand the nature of Bicycling Activities and that Iam qualified to participate in such Activity. I further acknowledge
that the Activity will be conducted over public roads and facilities open to the public during the Activity and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected.
I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Activity.
2. Fully Understand that: (a) Bicycling Activities Involve Risks and Dangers of Serious Bodily Injury, including permanent disability, paralysis and death (“Risks”);
(b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, the actions of others participating in the activity, the condition in which the activity takes
place, or the negligence of the “Releases”named below; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable
at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs and damages I incur as a result of my participation in the Activity.
3. Hereby release, discharge, covenant not to sue, and agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless the Club, the LAB, their respective administrators, directors,
agents, and employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and leasers of the premises on which the Activity takes place (each
considered one of the “Releases” herein) from all liability, claims, demands, losses or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the
negligence of the “Releases” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations.
I have read this agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely and without any
inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional releaseof all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any
portion of this agreementis held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
___________________________________________________________________ Signature of Applicant
Date
__________________________________________________________________
Signature(s) of additional family members 18 years or older
Date
Please complete the following for any minor (18-year-old) family members:
Minor Release
_
And I, the Minor’s parent and/or legal guardian, understand the nature of bicycling activities and the Minor’s experience and capabilities and believe the
minor to be qualified, in good faith, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activities. I hereby release, discharge, covenant not to sue,
and agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless each of the releasees from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages on the minor’s account
caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releases” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations and further
agree that if, despite this release, I, the minor, or anyone on the minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the releasees named above, I will indemnify,
save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss liability, damage, or any cost that may incur as the result
of any such claim
_____________________________________________
Printed Name of Parent or Guardian
__________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian
___________________________________________
Signature of Minor
Please sign waiver — Incomplete Forms Will Be Returned
Enclosed is $________ dues for membership in the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club which entitles me to all the rights and privileges of membership.
Make check payable to SCCCC and mail to: Santa Cruz County Cycling Club, P.O. Box 8342, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-8342
September–October, 2014
www.santacruzcycling.org
11
September–October, 2014
Monday
1
7
8
14 Three Foot for
Safety Law goes into
effect today!
Board Meeting
7 p.m.
15
Tuesday
Wednesday
2
Club Ride
GP
3
9
Club Ride
NMP
10
16
Club Ride
GP
17 Laguna Seca
24
25
2
22
23
Club Ride
NMP
28
29 Ride Safely!
30
Club Ride
Leader’s choice
1
Club Ride
GP
8
5
6 Board Meeting
7 p.m.
12
19
Clean your
bike!
26
SCCCC social
potluck and ride
7
13
14
20
21
Club Ride
GP
22
27
28
Club Ride
NMP
29
Club Ride
NMP
4 Swanton TT
6 p.m.
11
bike event
21 Surf City
AIDS Ride
Thursday
Laguna Seca
bike event
15
18 SCCCC
Saturday
5
6 Club Ride
12
13 Club Ride
19
20 Club Ride
7 p.m./Simpkins
26
Swanton TT
6 p.m.
9
23 SCCCC
7 p.m. Simpkins
30
Go for
a bike ride!
3
Ride Safely!
31
Club Ride
10 Sign up
11 Club Ride
17
18
24
Clean your
bike!
Club Ride
25 Ohana Ride;
Cycling for Starters
31
GP is Gateway
Plaza
Clean your bike!
27 Club Ride
4
to lead a ride!
16
Go for a
bike ride!
Friday
NMP is Nisene
Marks Park
www.santacruzcycling.org (Valid only with member’s mailing label.)
Santa Cruz County Cycling Club Membership Card
SCCCC
PO B ox 8342
S a n t a C r u z , CA
95061-8342
Sunday