nov ml - the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey

masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
Contents
4
President’s Message
Patience and Respect
5
BTCNJ Tours
Southern Andalusia
6
Rides Captain’s Corner
The Results Are In:
Tie-Breaker Necessary (Again)
4
This Month
3
November Membership Meeting
Thursday, November 12, 2015, 7:30pm
8
Turkey Bike 7
Saturday, November 21, 2015
5
On The Cover:
Andres Tiribocchi led a 35-mile ride from Haverstraw, N.Y. to the top of
Perkins Memorial Drive.
Photo courtesy of Angelo Chavez
PAGE 2
8
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
November
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
Ethan Brook
heinschlag@gmail.com
ethanbrook@gmail.com
RIDES CAPTAIN
MASTERLINK
Andres Tiribocchi
Marc Soloff
andrestiri@yahoo.com
marcsoloff@optimum.net
WEBMASTER
PUBLICITY
Larry Schwartz
Barbara Augenblick
larryjet@gmail.com
beejayaug@gmail.com
SPCL. EVENTS/VOL. DEVELOPMENT
TOURS
Leslie Felsen
Don Schlenger
felsenleslie@gmail.com
aschleng@optonline.net
TREASURER
ADVOCACY AND SAFETY
Franklin Wimer
Tom Conlon
FBWimerjr@gmail.com
tqconlon@gmail.com
November 2015, Volume 38, Number 11. 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.
©2015 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art, etc., that have appeared in other publications may not be published in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.
Have you ever thought about
cycling across the country coastto-coast when you were young?
Or when you
were not so
young? And
then actually
did it, twice.
Well that’s
what New York
Times obituary
columnist
Bruce Weber
did. After riding
from sea to sea when he was
in his thirties, he decided to do
it again at the age of 57, and this
time he wrote a book chronicling
his second cross-country
adventure.
Back in 2011, the Teaneck native
started his journey from the
Oregon coast, crossing the
northern plains and industrial
Midwest and Northeast, concluding his trip by riding across
Bergen County to the George
Washington Bridge into his
current home of Manhattan.
He tells of the people, places,
and the events he encountered
along the way. From the long,
seemingly endless climbs
through the Rocky Mountains,
to the long, hot, treeless days
while crossing The Great Plains,
Bruce gives us an intimate look
at America and at life in general
from the unique perspective of
his bicycle seat.
When: Thursday, November 12
Time: 7:30 PM
Where: Ridgewood Public Library
125 N Maple Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
PAGE 3
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
Patience and Respect
By Bill Telgheder
While you were enjoying late
summer cycling with the club in
Amagansett, Cape May, Martha’s
Vineyard, or one of the club rides
in North Jersey, Peggy and I were
vacationing in Spain. We spent many
days exploring on foot, and we
cycled two days in Barcelona, two
days in Seville, and five days among
the white villages of Andalusia.
I was surprised by the patience
and respect that motorists, cyclists,
and pedestrians exhibited toward
each other as everyone followed the
rules of the roads and paths.
I’m sure that those of you who
have traveled to Europe have
witnessed the same. Motorists
were patient with cyclists and
cyclists
were
respectful
to
pedestrians.
Most
everyone
followed the rules and moved along
as they should. However, those
cyclists and pedestrians who did
not follow the rules were taking
higher risks, as the patience of the
motorists weaned.
I was particularly impressed
with paths used by cyclists and
pedestrians together. The pedestrians stayed to the right, and the
PAGE 4
cyclists yielded to pedestrians.
The cyclists did not ring a bell or yell
out when passing a pedestrian, and
the pedestrian did not jump with
surprise when a cyclist passed.
It seemed that the pedestrians
always expected that a cyclist would
pass and would yield to them.
For many years, Europeans have
been bicycling and walking as a way
of life—shopping for groceries,
commuting to and from work, and
moving around their environment.
They have worked out how to share
the roadway safely, pleasantly,
and efficiently. We Americans,
“pound out the miles” on our bikes,
then jump into our beloved cars
to get to and from just about
anywhere. Americans have a way to
go to develop the level of patience
and respect that we saw in Spain,
but I believe we are moving in that
direction.
Okay, vacation is over, and it’s time
to get back to life in North Jersey.
We have filled all the vacancies on
the Executive Committee except
one: Rally Chairperson. I am asking
for one or two members to step up
and lead next year’s Ramapo Rally.
I know that sounds like a big
commitment with a lot of work, but
it really isn’t as big as it seems—and
you will receive lots of accolades,
praise, and support.
Many of the rally team leaders
are seasoned in their roles. Two
of the more time-consuming
and difficult positions are filled:
Sponsorship, which recruits organizations that contribute funds and
goods, and Registration. The rides
captain will handle the routes.
Location and food vendors can
remain the same. Administrative
tasks such as obtaining permits and
insurance are well documented.
Only two or three meetings are
required to coordinate tasks.
Lastly, Peggy and I will help as
needed.
I am impressed at the skills and
abilities of our members and ask
that you please consider leading the
Ramapo Rally. Possibly, you could
team up with a friend and co-chair
the rally. A host of dedicated
volunteers will be working right
alongside you. And, yes, you
automatically earn a Ride Leader
jersey. Doesn’t that seal the deal?
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
BTCNJ TOURS
Southern Andalusia
June 10–25, 2016
Join us as we explore the southern Andalusia region
of Spain including the Mediterranean coast.
We’ll fly into Malaga by way of Dublin on Aer Lingus.
From Malaga, we’re looking at routing our trip
through Ronda, Olvera, Seville, the white villages and
lots more. We’re also working on possible side trips.
Air travel has been secured, and the remainder of this
trip is a work in progress. More information will be
forthcoming. Terrain will be rolling to hilly, and this trip is recommended for strong riders at the C* level and
above. The cost is expected to be $3,000.
To reserve your spot, please send a check for $500 made out to Barbara Augenblick, 200 Winston Drive,
Unit 2115, Cliffside Park, NJ. Please do not send a check to reserve a spot unless you are seriously interested
in joining us. Cancellations can only be accepted until January 15th. Questions? Contact your trip leaders,
Ethan Brook (ethanbrook@gmail.com) or Barbara Augenblick (beejayaug@gmail.com) at 201.224.0316.
DON’T DELAY,
submit your photos
and videos today
for the Year in Review
Email them to btcnjyir@gmail.com or upload them to:
https://dbinbox.com/BTCNJ-YIR-2015
Please place multiple photos/videos in a folder and either zip or compress the
folder with your name and photo info (tour name, Ramapo Rally, etc).
PAGE 5
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
RIDES CAPTAIN’S CORNER:
The Results Are In:
Tie-Breaker Necessary (Again)
By Andres Tiribocchi
The Ride Leader Jersey 2015 design
contest had its first round of voting
in October, and one more time, our
Ride Leaders had the chance to pick
their favorites designs.
The quality and variety of the eight
pieces guaranteed another tough
competition, and since the first Ride
Leaders started casting their votes
at least three designs were trending
as the favorites for our members.
After 70% of the qualifying Leaders
sent their vote two designs emerged
as the most popular but only
separated by 12 points. These two
artworks were the choice of more
than 50% of the Ride Leaders.
According to the rules of the
contest, the two top designs will run
a second and definitive round of
voting in November. Therefore, in
the following weeks all our Ride
Leaders who qualified for the first
round, will receive an e-mail with the
final instructions to cast their votes.
Each
Leader
will
have
the
opportunity to choose only one
design, and the artwork with the
highest number of votes will be
declared the winner of the contest,
which will be announced at the
BTCNJ December membership
meeting.
The final results of the first round
of votes is as follows (*designs go to
tie-break voting):
First Place*
Second Place*
Third Place
Fourth Place
Fifth Place
Sixth Place
Seventh Place
Eighth Place
PAGE 6
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
New Members Ride
October 11th
The fall 2015 New Members Ride was held on
October 11th. Once again we had an overwhelming
turn out from both new and existing members
who led rides and buddied with new members.
There were nearly 100 riders who signed in, and
participated in riding and socializing!
The event included B, C*, C, and D rides.
New riders sought tips, gained
confidence, and in some instances
learned that the level they chose
was either too fast or too slow for
them. The weather was bright and
sunny and everyone had a great
time. A fun day for all who
participated!
-Harold Todman,
Membership Chair
Andres Tiribocchi,
Rides Captain
Do You
Remember?
“Sunflowers on
BTCNJ Italy Trip”
See how many riders you can identify
in the picture.
Pat Gordon, Sharon Steeg and Lenora Cino
PAGE 7
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2016 • 7PM-11PM
INDIAN TRAILS CLUB • FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J.
Music & Dancing • Hors D’Oervres • Buffet • Soft Drinks
$42/Person • Cash Bar • Please do not bring your own
Music by our own DJ Chris Andres
Register now! Send your check for $42 made out to BTCNJ
To Leslie Felsen • 69 Monmouth Road • Glen Rock, N.J. 07452
Turkey Bike 7- Saturday, November 21st
Please join the Cycle Craft Family for our 7th running of our “Turkey Bike”
food drive to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in their
mission to bring food to families in need throughout New Jersey.
Turkey Bike will start at Cycle Craft’s Parsippany location. After a fun
ride up to the King’s Supermarket in Boonton we will cruise over to
SmartWorld Coffee in Denville to drop our Turkeys with the FoodBank.
The total ride is about 25 miles with 4 miles carrying your turkey.
To register visit http://cyclecraft.com/about/turkey-bike-seven-pg972.htm
PAGE 8
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
Submission
Instructions
Step 1
Create a new folder on your
desktop.
Step 2
Name the folder with your name
and a description of the contents,
Ramapo Rally, for example.
Step 3
Drag your pictures into the folder.
Please do not rename the picture
files, many people change the
filename to “Photo1,” this will result
in photos being written over.
Leave the orignal filename that
your camera gave the file.
Step 4
Right click on the folder and select
“send to” and then
“Compressed (zipped) folder.
Step 5
You will now have two folders, the
original and the new compressed
folder with a zipped folder icon.
Step 6
Go to https://dbinbox.com/BTCNJYIR-2015 and drag and drop the
zipped folder on to the blue box
(which will turn green).
Note: the process only allows up to
20MB of pictures at a time, if you
have alot of pictures split them into
multiple folders.
PAGE 9
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
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
Sam’s Bicycle Repair.............Elmwood Park
201-797-5819
Heino’s Ski and Cycle................Pequannock
973-696-3044
Bike Master......................................Englewood
201-569-3773
Piermont Bicycle.......................Piermont, NY
845-365-0900
Strictly Bicycles...................................Fort Lee
201-944-7074
Cycle Center...........................Pompton Lakes
973-835-6339
Carrera Cycles ..................................Glen Rock
201-857-0106
Bicycle Source.......................Pompton Plains
973-835-7595
Marty’s Reliable ........................Hackettstown
908-852-1650
Bike & Ski Shop ....................................Ramsey
201-327-9480
Bike Pad ............................................Hawthorne
973-427-9400
Ramsey Outdoor..................................Ramsey
201-327-8141
Grove Street Bicycles ..................Jersey City
201-451-2453
Ultimate Cycle Shop...........................Ramsey
201-962-9000
James Vincent................................Jersey City
201-420-5151
Marty’s Reliable ....................................Randolf
973-584-7773
Ramsey Outdoor..........................Ledgewood
973-584-7798
Cosmic Wheel ........................Ridgefield Park
201-440-6655
Bicycle Tech ..................................Lincoln Park
973-694-6775
Fit Werx....................................Ridgefield Park
201-440-2025
D.J.’s Cycles..................................Long Branch
732-870-2277
Ridgewood Cycle .........................Ridgewood
201-444-2553
Peddler ..........................................Long Branch
732-229-6623
Bikeworks....................................Rochelle Park
201-843-6409
Cycle Craft ......................................Long Valley
908-876-5600
Original Bike Shop ...................Saddle Brook
973-478-6555
Madison Bicycle Shop.......................Madison
973-377-6616
Valley Cycle .........................Spring Valley, NY
845-356-3179
High Gear Cyclery ...............................Millburn
973-376-0001
High Gear Cyclery................................Stiriling
908-647-2010
Diamond Cycle...................................Montclair
973-509-0233
Bicycle Workshop .................................Tenafly
201-568-9372
The Bikery............................................Montclair
973-744-7252
Fusion Cycles..........................................Tenafly
201-266-6925
Marty’s Reliable .............................Morristown
973-538-7773
Toga Bike..............................Upper Nyack, NY
845-358-3455
Cycle World.................................New City, NY
845-364-2384
Town Cycle............................West Milford, NJ
973-728-8878
James Vincent...........................North Bergen
201-869-1901
Albert’s Westwood Cycle ...........Westwood
201-664-1688
Chelsea Bikes.......................................NYC, NY
646-230-7715
Whippany Cycle ..............................Whippany
973-887-8150
Gotham Bike.........................................NYC, NY
212-732-2453
Wyckoff Cycle......................................Wyckoff
201-891-5500
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 10
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
BTCNJ RIDE CATEGORIES
RIDE LEVEL
DESCRIPTION
A
Average speed 17+ mph - For strong/experienced cyclists. Stops every 30+ miles.
B*
Average speed 15.0 - 16.9 mph - average speed on flats 17.0 - 18.0 mph.
For strong cyclists. Stops every 20 - 25 miles
B
Average speed 13.0 - 14.9 mph - average speed on flats 15.0 - 16.0 mph.
For solid cyclists. Stops every 15 - 20 miles.
C*
Average speed 11.0 - 12.9 mph - average speed on flats 13.0 - 14.0 mph.
For solid cyclists. Stops every 15 - 20 miles.
C
Average speed 9.0 - 10.9 mph - average speed on flats 11.0 - 12.0 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, 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 LEADERS
Bring maps and/or cue sheets. Discourage riders
with unsound bikes from joining the ride. Within the
first few miles, urge riders who are unable to maintain
the advertised pace to leave the ride. Adhere to the
advertised speed of the ride. Advise riders exceeding
your intended pace that they will be considered to be
on their own.
RIDE LEADERS MUST SUBMIT THEIR SIGN-IN SHEETS
TO EARN RIDE LEADER POINTS.
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 not
go in the following conditions (unless otherwise noted
in the rides description): rain, snow, wet or icy roads,
or temperatures under 32°. Rides will leave 15 minutes
after the published meeting time (unless otherwise
noted.) For rides longer than 15 miles, bring snacks,
for rides over 30 miles, bring lunch (unless a deli stop
is indicated). 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 11
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
BTCNJ® EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Executive Summary of Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2015
Present:
Harriet Einschlag, Secretary
Alan Scherl, Vice President
Leslie Felsen, Volunteer Development
Barbara Augenblick, Public Relations
Andres Tiribocchi, Rides Captain
Marc Soloff, Masterlink
Don Schlenger, Tours
Tom Conlon, Advocacy and Safety Committee Chair
Ethan Brook, Rally Chair
Not Present:
Larry Schwartz, Webmaster
Bill Telgheder, President
Frank Wimer, Treasurer
Harold Todman, Membership
Call to Order
Vice President Alan Scherl opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
President (Alan Scherl on behalf of Bill):
• Alan opened the meeting by welcoming the committee members.
• Alan reported on Bill’s recommendations for the Anniversary Party admission cost of $42 per person.
BTCNJ will pick up the costs of the DJ and other ancillary party costs. Don Schlenger made a motion to
charge $42 per person, and Barbara Augenblick seconded. There was discussion and the motion passed
unanimously. Door prizes will be discussed at the next Executive Committee meeting.
• Alan announced that BTCNJ will contribute $10 per person toward the cost of the first aid class.
The cost for participant will be $50.
• Alan announced that plans for BTCNJ participation in Nyack’s Halloween parade are being dropped
due to lack of member interest in participation.
• Alan noted a recent article in the Bergen Record that Upper Saddle River wants to educate cyclists to
ride single file. The article stated that Borough public safety officials will launch an informational campaign
before ultimately take the enforcement route with bicyclists passing through Upper Saddle River.
Tom Conlon will contact the USR Mayor on behalf of BTCNJ.
Vice President:
• Alan Scherl reported that October’s meeting will feature Cosmic Wheel on what to look for when buying a
bike, November’s meeting will have Bruce Weber, author of Life is a Wheel, December’s meeting will be a
pot luck and announcement of the Ride Leader Jersey contest results, and January’s meeting will be
Year In Review and announcement of Volunteer of the Year.
Secretary:
• Harriet Einschlag reported on flowers sent to funeral home in memory of Pete Romano.
• Harriet reported that she will be inviting incoming Executive Committee members as guests to the
November Executive Committee meeting.
Rides Captain:
• Andres Tiribocchi reported that the Ride Leader Jersey ballots will be distributed to eligible leaders within
PAGE 12
masterlink / NOVEMBER 2015
the week.
• Andres reported that new member rides are scheduled for Sunday, October 11.
Special Events/Volunteer Development:
• Leslie Felsen reported that the Anniversary party will be announced in the next MasterLink.
The date is January 9, 2016 at the Indian Trail Country Club in Franklin Lakes.
Publicity:
• Barbara Augenblick requested topics for the October eletter. Topics will include the November meeting,
CPR class, and Anniversary Party date.
MasterLink:
• Marc will explain how to make YIR photo submissions at the November meeting and will write an
explanatory article in the MasterLink. He will also post a video illustrating YIR photo submission.
• Marc reported that so far he received 435 photos and 315 of those are of the Ramapo Rally.
Marc needs photos of all club trips.
Tours:
• Don Schlenger reported that there were approximately 15 tours this year, and all were sold out with waiting
lists. He will start soliciting trips for next year. There might be a new addition of a weeklong trip to Quebec.
• Ethan reported that the next Europe trip will likely take place June 10 through June 25, 2016
Advocacy and Safety:
• Tom Conlon reported that the CPR class will be on Sunday, November 8 at the Elmwood Park Ambulance
Corps from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will cover CPR and first aid. There is space for 20 participants.
• Tom reported that the bike path will be extended in Sparkill by Oak Tree Rd.
• Tom reported that Piermont will station bike police by the entrance to Piermont.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Harriet Einschlag
Harriet Einschlag
BTCNJ Board Secretary
PAGE 13