it now - the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey

masterlink / AUGUST 2016
Contents
4
President’s Message
Ramapo Rally Month
4
This Month
3
August Membership Meeting
Thursday, August 11, 2016
5
On the Cover:
Ralph Pantuso led “The Annual Arden Valley Hill Festival” on July 30.
Photo by Nate Morgenstern.
PAGE 2
6
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
August
Membership
Meeting
PRESIDENT
Bill Telgheder
telgheder@aol.com
VICE PRESIDENT
MEMBERSHIP
Alan Scherl
Harold Todman
ajscherl@gmail.com
htodman@aol.com
SECRETARY
RALLY CHAIRPERSON
Harriet Einschlag
Alain Chahine
heinschlag@gmail.com
alainchahine2014@gmail.com
RIDES CAPTAIN
MASTERLINK
Keith Schlanger
Marc Soloff
keithschlanger@gmail.com
marcsoloff@optimum.net
WEBMASTER
PUBLICITY
Larry Schwartz
Karen Rose
larryjet@gmail.com
karen_rose3@verizon.net
SPCL. EVENTS/VOL. DEVELOPMENT
TOURS
Chuck Solomon
Don Schlenger
csfoto@aol.com
aschleng@optonline.net
TREASURER
ADVOCACY AND SAFETY
Don Kaplan
David Pawlyk
dhkcpa@optonline.net
david.pawlyk@xerox.com
August 2016, Volume 39, Number 8. Circulation: approx. 1,500 via electronic download.
MasterLink is published 12 times per year as the official publication of the
Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey,
PO Box 853, Ridgewood, NJ 07451. Our website is www.btcnj.com.
©2016 by the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey, all rights reserved.
“MasterLink”, “BTCNJ”, “BTCNJ.COM”, “Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey” (words and
logo), and “Ramapo Rally” are trademarks of the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey.
MasterLink Submissions:
Materials for MasterLink are due the 23rd of each month for publication
in the following month’s issue. Please send articles, photos, letters, or comments
to MasterLink, at our email address btcnj.masterlink@gmail.com. Materials may
be edited by the MasterLink staff for length and clarity. Publication of materials
submitted is at the discretion of the Editor. All materials submitted for publication
become the property of BTCNJ®. Due to copyright laws, any articles, photos, cartoons,
art, etc., that have appeared in other publications may not be published in
MasterLink without written consent of the copyright holder.
Photos in MasterLink may not be reused or republished without prior permission.
Protection of the Intellectual Property of BTCNJ®
We welcome your creative suggestions for promotional activities using the
Club’s brands, however, the Club’s name, slogans, designs and logos are its intellectual
property, which embody the “goodwill” of the Club as developed over the years
through service to its members and the community, with thanks to the volunteer
efforts of countless members. In order to preserve and protect our goodwill, it is
critical that all use of the Club’s intellectual property be properly regulated.
Please do not reproduce or simulate the Club logo, the names “BTCNJ” or
“Bicycling Touring Club of North Jersey”, or any other brands such as “Ramapo Rally”
and “MasterLink” on shirts, caps, jerseys, bottles, stickers, or any other merchandise
without authorization from our Merchandise Chair, Harold Todman.
4th Sort-of-Annual
BTCNJ Film Festival
Back by popular demand,
on August 11, for one night only,
it’s the 4th Sort-of-Annual BTCNJ
Film Festival featuring cycling
films from around the world.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll
yawn at the selection of video
and movie clips gathered at
great expense from free websites
all over the Internet.
But there is still room for more.
If you have a favorite video that
you would like to share with the
members of the club, please
submit them to the selection
committee at ajscherl@gmail.com
postmarked no later than
midnight Thursday, August 4.
All submissions will be considered as long as they are no
longer than 6 minutes in length.
Winning submissions will get
you a free pass!
Admission is free and the
refreshments are provided at
no additional charge, so bring
a date along and look like a big
spender!
Free popcorn before the show
and more free food at the After
Party catered by ??? (It could be
you. Let me know if you’re interested.)
PS: Black Tie Optional.
When: August 11, 2016
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Ridgewood Public Library
125 N Maple Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
PAGE 3
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
WIN
A GIANT
ESCAPE CITY
BICYCLE
By Bill Telgheder
Yes, it’s Ramapo Rally month — BTCNJ’s signature
event with more than 1000 participants, six rides
of varying distances, six rest stops, BBQ lunch,
Giant Escape City bicycle raffle, and a variety of
vendors. Come join the Rally by registering at
http://ramaporally.btcnj.com/.
Would you like to volunteer at the Rally? Volunteering
comes with many benefits. You receive a cool tee-shirt
newly designed by our MasterLink editor, Marc Soloff;
an invitation to a Volunteer Ride the weekend before
the Rally; BBQ lunch at the rally; invitation to a
Volunteer Party on August 28; satisfaction of helping
raise funds for charity; and happiness connecting with
BTCNJ friends and making new ones. Please don’t
miss out on the remaining open positions.
Register to volunteer at
https://signup.com/login/entry/236254894047.
BTCNJ member Kevin Gately has graciously offered
PAGE 4
to rerun his safety articles that appeared in MasterLink
issues many years ago. Our club has been encouraging
all members to ride safer. Please take time to read
these articles when they appear and incorporate his
suggestions into your defensive biking skills.
Last, I want to share an unsafe experience I recently
observed on a ride. We were finishing the ride and
approaching a red light about two blocks away from
our vehicles. We needed to turn left at an intersection.
It was raining lightly, and we were already moderately
wet. The light turned red. Three riders sped up and
turned left through the red light.
One of the riders had to cut so sharply left to avoid
oncoming vehicles that he ended up on the other side
of the road riding against traffic. It was frightening.
The drivers were shaking their heads.
Be safe out there.
masterlink / JULY 2016
PAGE 5
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
Looking for a home for your
unused or outgrown bicycles and
equipment? We collect and
refurbish bicycles and donate
them back to the community.
Over the past ten years we
have donated 1300 refurbished
bicycles to children, teens,
and adults in need through the
Salvation Army. We have an
event just before the Holidays
and another in July just for fun.
Children have an opportunity to
pick out a shiny, rebuilt bicycle.
Teens and adults use the bikes
for transportation to school,
work, and fun.
Our goals are to provide healthy
activities, transportation,
reduce/reuse/recycle, and
community support. A new
helmet is provided with every
bike courtesy of the New Jersey
Safe Routes to School and the
Union County Police Department.
Every bike is completely overhauled, cleaned, broken or worn
out parts are replaced, and training wheels added for small bikes.
We have partnered with local
bike shops who help us tremendously with bicycles, parts, and
technical support. Most notably
The Bike Stand in Scotch Plains
and Jay’s Cycle Center in Westfield.
Great News! BTCNJ has
automated the Ramapo Rally
volunteer process using
SignUp.com software.
The Ramapo Rally is Sunday,
August 21, 2016, and requires
many volunteers to ensure a
successful event. Thank you,
in advance, for volunteering...
and for continuing to make
the BTCNJ Rally the continued
success it is!
We need your help with:
• Arrow Painting
• Clean-Up
• Cue Sheet Table
• Membership & Merchandise
• On-Site Lunch
• Parking
• Recycling
• Rest Stops
• Ride Leaders & Marshalls
• SAG/Service & Gear
• Signage
• Welcome Back Cyclists
Volunteers receive:
• A free T-shirt and BBQ lunch!
• Invitation to the Volunteer Ride
the weekend before the Rally!
• Invitation to the Rally Volunteer
Party on Sunday, August 28
(1 week after the Rally)!
• Satisfaction helping BTCNJ raise
funds for charities!
• Happiness connecting with
BTCNJ friends and making
new friends!
To donate, simply e-mail
Rjdemair@nexeosolutions.com or
call 908-391-9996 and we’ll figure
out how to make your bicycles
useful again. We will take any size
bike, trike, or parts, in any condition. I travel all over New Jersey
and New York so pick up is possible. Monetary contributions are
not required.
The majority of the volunteer
positions are on the day of the
Rally, but there are a few positions
that are days to a couple of weeks
before the Rally. For more
information and to volunteer, go to
https://signup.com/login/entry/23
6254894047
-Rich and Donna DeMair
-Alain Chahine,
Rally Chairperson
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masterlink / AUGUST 2016
BTCNJ TOURS
In the table below is a summary of the upcoming tours hosted by BTCNJ.
For a full description of the tours, please visit our website. You must be
a BTCNJ member to participate in a tour hosted by BTCNJ.
QUEBEC’S EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, AUGUST 6-13
PRICE:
CAPACITY:
$1,000/person (DO)
Wait-listed
TERRAIN:
DISTANCE:
Rolling
40-55 miles/day
CONTACT:
Don Schlenger, aschleng@opotonline.net
Harriet Einschlag, heinschlag@gmail.com
CYCLE ADIRONDACKS, AUGUST 20-27
PRICE:
CAPACITY:
$1,495/person
Open
TERRAIN:
DISTANCE:
Rolling
26-70 miles/day
CONTACT:
Richard Delahanty, delehantyrichard@gmail.com
AMAGANSETT, SEPTEMBER 23-25
PRICE:
CAPACITY:
$250/person (DO)
Check with Leader for Availability
TERRAIN:
DISTANCE:
Mostly flat
12-107 mile rides
CONTACT:
Robert DeMair, rdemair@optonline.net
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For information about
club merchandise,
contact Harold Todman
at htodman@aol.com.
You do not need to be
a BTCNJ member
to purchase BTCNJ
merchandise.
The color photos on your screen may differ
from the actual item color, due to differences
in computer monitors and settings.
PAGE 7
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
SUPPORT YOUR
LOCAL BIKE SHOP
The owners of all these shops support BTCNJ. Please tell them you saw their shop in MasterLink.
Show them your BTCNJ membership card for a 10% discount off accessories and parts. They are skilled bicycle
pros, and we urge you to use their services. Please note that the discount may not apply to sale items and
may not allow credit card payment. Please note that the individual shop owners have sole discretion over the
definition of “accessories and parts” and of the items in their stock to which any BTCNJ-related discount applies.
D.J.s’ Cycles .............................................Belmar
732-681-8228
Toga Bike ...............................................NYC, NY
212-759-0002
Brookdale Cycle .............................Bloomfield
973-338-8908
Nyack Bicycle Outfitters ..............Nyack, NY
845-353-0268
Get-a-way Cycle Center........Bloomingdale
973-291-4163
Pedal Sports .........................................Oakland
201-337-9380
Bikeland..................................................Caldwell
973-403-3330
CampMor...............................................Paramus
201-445-5000
Bikeland II.............................................Chatham
973-635-8066
The Bicycle II........................................Paramus
201-632-0200
Closter Cycle...........................................Closter
201-768-3086
Cycle Sport Cyclery......................Park Ridge
201-391-5269
Congers Bike Shop ....................Congers, NY
845-268-3315
Cycle Craft .......................................Parsippany
973-227-4462
Steve’s Moped & Bicycle ..................Dumont
201-384-7777
Bicycle Depot..................................Pearl River
845-735-8686
Urban Cycle Outfitters LLC. ............Dumont
201-790-2571
Heino’s Ski and Cycle................Pequannock
973-696-3044
Sam’s Bicycle Repair.............Elmwood Park
201-797-5819
Piermont Bicycle.......................Piermont, NY
845-365-0900
Bike Master......................................Englewood
201-569-3773
Cycle Center...........................Pompton Lakes
973-835-6339
Strictly Bicycles...................................Fort Lee
201-944-7074
Bicycle Source.......................Pompton Plains
973-835-7595
Carrera Cycles ..................................Glen Rock
201-857-0106
Bike & Ski Shop ....................................Ramsey
201-327-9480
Marty’s Reliable ........................Hackettstown
908-852-1650
Ramsey Outdoor..................................Ramsey
201-327-8141
Bike Pad ............................................Hawthorne
973-427-9400
Ultimate Cycle Shop...........................Ramsey
201-962-9000
Grove Street Bicycles ..................Jersey City
201-451-2453
Marty’s Reliable ....................................Randolf
973-584-7773
James Vincent................................Jersey City
201-420-5151
Cosmic Wheel ........................Ridgefield Park
201-440-6655
Ramsey Outdoor..........................Ledgewood
973-584-7798
Fit Werx....................................Ridgefield Park
201-440-2025
Bicycle Tech ..................................Lincoln Park
973-694-6775
Ridgewood Cycle .........................Ridgewood
201-444-2553
D.J.’s Cycles..................................Long Branch
732-870-2277
Bikeworks....................................Rochelle Park
201-843-6409
Peddler ..........................................Long Branch
732-229-6623
Original Bike Shop ...................Saddle Brook
973-478-6555
Cycle Craft ......................................Long Valley
908-876-5600
Valley Cycle .........................Spring Valley, NY
845-356-3179
Madison Bicycle Shop.......................Madison
973-377-6616
High Gear Cyclery................................Stiriling
908-647-2010
High Gear Cyclery ...............................Millburn
973-376-0001
Bicycle Workshop .................................Tenafly
201-568-9372
Diamond Cycle...................................Montclair
973-509-0233
Fusion Cycles..........................................Tenafly
201-266-6925
The Bikery............................................Montclair
973-744-7252
9W Bike Shop ....................Upper Nyack, NY
845-358-3455
Marty’s Reliable .............................Morristown
973-538-7773
Town Cycle............................West Milford, NJ
973-728-8878
Cycle World.................................New City, NY
845-364-2384
Albert’s Westwood Cycle ...........Westwood
201-664-1688
James Vincent...........................North Bergen
201-869-1901
Whippany Cycle ..............................Whippany
973-887-8150
Chelsea Bikes.......................................NYC, NY
646-230-7715
Wyckoff Cycle......................................Wyckoff
201-891-5500
Gotham Bike.........................................NYC, NY
212-732-2453
As proof of BTCNJ membership, you will need to print your membership card through the BTCNJ website.
Log onto the site, select Membership Card under the Membership tab. Printing instructions are provided.
PAGE 8
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
BTCNJ RIDE CATEGORIES
RIDE LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
A*
Average speed 19+ mph - for strong, experienced cyclists. Should be prepared to
ride Single and Double Paceline. Be able to work together with other riders as one
cohesive group. Stops every 30+ miles.
A
Average speed 17 – 18.9 mph – average speed on flats 19.0 – 21.0 mph. On Flat Rides,
the average speed can be closer to the average flat range than overall average.
For strong/experienced cyclists. Stops every 30+ miles.
B*
Average speed 15.0 – 16.9 mph – average speed on flats 17.0 – 19.0 mph.
On Flat Rides, the average speed can be closer to the average flat range than
overall average. For Strong cyclists. Stops every 20 – 25 miles.
B
Average speed 13.0 – 14.9 mph – average speed on flats 15.0 – 17.0 mph.
On Flat Rides, the average speed can be closer to the average flat range than
overall average. For solid cyclists. Stops every 15 – 20 miles.
C*
Average speed 11.0 – 12.9 mph – average speed on flats 13.0 – 15.0 mph.
For solid cyclists. Stops every 15 – 20 miles.
C
Average speed 9.0 – 10.9 mph – average speed on flats 11.0 – 13.0 mph.
For average cyclists. Stops as needed.
D
Average speed Under 9.0 mph – average speed on flats 10.0 mph.
For new, inexperienced cyclists. Frequent stops.
F
Family ride for families. Frequent stops, child friendly.
MTB-B
Mountain Bike - Single track with challenging surfaces, rocks, roots, logs and
technical terrain. Extended ascents and challenging descents.
MTB-C
Mountain Bike - Single and double track trails with uneven surfaces and
minimal obstacles. Gradual and moderate climbing and descents.
MTB-D
Mountain Bike - Unpaved wide trails and fire roads with obstruction-free riding
surfaces. Small and gradual changes in elevation.
A*, A, B*, B Categories: No obligation to wait for stragglers if advertised pace is kept and written directions
(cue sheets, maps) are issued. C*, C, D Categories: Group will wait for stragglers and assist those having
mechanical difficulty. MTB rides: The slowest participant dictates ride pace; no rider is ever left behind.
TERRAIN DESCRIPTIONS
Hilly: Numerous long and steep climbs
Moderately Hilly: Numerous climbs, with no “killer” hills
Rolling: Some small hills, farmland ups and downs
Flat: Minimal gear shifting required
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RIDERS
Riders must obey NJ motor vehicle laws. Bring tools:
tire irons, pump, and spare tube. Bicycle must be in
good working order. Don’t ride in a category that is
too difficult for you. Advise leader if you are making an
unscheduled stop or leaving the group. Rides will leave
15 minutes after the published meeting time (unless
otherwise noted.) Note: anyone under 18 years of age
must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on
all rides. Every rider is required to wear a helmet that
meets CPSC Performance Standards on all club rides.
Headphones are not permitted on rides.
PAGE 9
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
BTCNJ® EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Executive Summary of Meeting Minutes
July 5, 2016
Present:
Bill Telgheder, President
Alan Scherl, Vice President
Keith Schlanger, Rides Captain
Don Kaplan, Treasurer
Karen Rose, Public Relations
Alain Chahine, Rally Chair
Harold Todman, Membership
Dave Pawlyk, Advocacy and Safety
Chuck Solomon, Special Events and Volunteer Development
Marc Soloff, MasterLink
Not Present:
Don Schlenger, Tours
Larry Schwartz, Webmaster
Harriet Einschlag, Secretary
Call to Order
President Bill Telgheder opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
President:
• Bill motioned to donate $1000 of BTCNJ funds to the Kalamazoo Strong Organization to benefit the
victims of the crash that killed five bicyclists in Kalamazoo, MI. Keith seconded the motion, and it passed
unanimously.
• Bill updated the committee on the status of the bike rack donations. Tenafly’s rack was delivered and we
are awaiting installation. Demarest’s rack is ordered. Nyack’s bike rack is awaiting the Mayor’s selection of a
rack. Bergen County’s rack for the Glen Rock Duck Pond has been approved by Bergen County and they are
currently selecting a rack.
• Articles will be run in the MasterLink and E-letter requesting Ramapo Rally co-leaders for the rally.
• Discussions were held regarding NJ anti-discrimination laws regarding BTCNJ rides and events.
All BTCNJ rides and events are open to all members without exception.
Vice President:
• Alan Scherl reported that July’s meeting will be the ice cream social hosted by Doug Chucka and
Barbara Klein. Movie night is scheduled for August.
Rides Captain:
• Keith Schlanger reported that the general descriptions for A, B*, B, and C* ride categories were changed to
include a phrase that extremely flat rides may exceed the category speeds. An A* category has been added
as a new ride level.
• Keith reported that 859 rides have been posted for this year as of May 2016. There were 245 rides posted in
May. BTCNJ needs 849 more rides in 2016 to match the number of last year’s rides of 1708. Our 2016 goal is
1991 rides.
• A formula was been proposed to determine the terrain of a ride. Divide the elevation gain by the miles, and
refer to a chart for the terrain description. It was suggested that two charts are needed — a chart for A* to B
rides and a chart for C* to D. These charts will be added to the BTCNJ website for reference.
• The Ride Leader jersey contest was announced in the MasterLink.
• Discussion was held regarding Wednesday night riders that do not abide by the rules of the road and those
PAGE 10
masterlink / AUGUST 2016
who speed ahead of the ride leader. Keith will encourage ride leaders to provide a detailed description of
the ride and emphasize these concerns in the pre-ride safety discussion.
• Discussion was held on cyclists passing vehicles on the right. Articles will be placed in the MasterLink and
E-letter requesting that ride leaders include this topic in their pre-ride discussion. Generally, passing vehicles
on the right is forbidden except when there are two lanes going in the same direction or when a vehicle is
turning left.
• The “Ride with GPS” club subscription issue was tabled for another month while the administrative tasks
are evaluated. The club would pay $250 annually and the members would have access to some enhanced
features. Basically, there would be a club account and registered users would have access to club ride cue
sheets posted with “Ride with GPS.”
Safety/Advocacy:
• Kevin Gately has gracefully offered to rerun his safety articles in the MasterLink.
• Cyndi Steiner of the NJ Bike and Walk Coalition has advised us that cyclists are being ticketed for not having
a bell on their bikes when crossing the GWB. Cyndi will inform the members at the July club meeting.
MasterLink:
• Marc Soloff is designing a high-tech Ramapo Rally volunteer tee-shirt that can be used multiple years.
Designs will be presented to the committee for comment.
Special Events/Volunteer Development:
• Chuck Solomon nominated a member for Volunteer Recognition that was unanimously approved.
Publicity:
• Karen Rose requested topics for the June E-letter.
• Karen reviewed timing of the E-letter, rally E-blasts, and rally volunteer E-blasts for July to minimize the
number of emails being sent to members.
Membership:
• Harold Todman recommended that future New Member Rides be restricted to new members. Several new
members were overwhelmed by the high number of club members and the speed of the rides at the last
New Member Ride. The committee agreed.
Ramapo Rally:
• Alain Chahine discussed upcoming Ramapo Rally status. He reported that 153 out of 207 function-slots have
been filled by 118 volunteers. Many volunteers are filling multiple slots.
• Volunteer Spot has been renamed to SignUp.com.
• Discussion was held on Pequannock’s road repaving and triathlon being held on the day of the rally.
• Harold Todman suggested we recruit another volunteer to process credit card payments at the rally.
• Alain, Bill, and Don Kaplan will work with the prior year’s rally leaders and arrange a meeting to discuss the
food distribution and rest stop functions.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bill
Telgheder
Bill Telgheder
President
PAGE 11