Saddle Post Intelligencer

SIGNS OF SPRING: RETRO RIDE BUDS BEGIN TO SWELL
By Ken Rasmussen
I
t is time to give thought to your
costume and your bicycle for
the Second Annual Retro Ride
which will occur in August. The
purpose of the event is to garner
as many style points as you can
by riding an antique bicycle while
in costume. The secondary
purpose will be to enjoy an
unusually festive social ride.
Speed and distance count for
nothing, so if you need exercise,
ride hard on your way to the
start. The length and distance
of the ride shouldn’t discourage
anyone from participating. We
had several riders use single
speed cruisers last year.
I’
ve got two projects in the
works for myself. One is the
1973 Schwinn Paramount track
racing bicycle I was planning to
use last year until I discovered
a crack in the frame. The
In This Issue
Rim Strip
Ride Descriptions
Board Briefs
Ride Reports
2
3
3
4
other is a 1950 Raleigh Sports
three speed. I’m trying to get a
completely enclosed chaincase
and fenders to complete it.
I
ran across a very attractive
looking 1952 Raleigh Ladies
Roadster 3 speed recently. It
is at www.thedevilsgear.com
<http://www.thedevilsgear.com>
The Devils Gear in New Haven,
Connecticut. Talk to Mat. (203)
773-9288. It is for sale for $200,
which sounds very reasonable to
me. It has rod brakes, enclosed
chaincase, and endless style-very much like a bike I’m
working on for myself.
M
any club members have
already acquired bikes for
this year’s ride. There is plenty
of time left, but if you can’t get
an old bike, come anyway. You’ll
enjoy looking at everyone else
just as much!
April 2008
Spring Classic Reg Form
5
Ride Calendar
6
Club Information
7
Application
8
Ride Leaders Needed
for Wednesday Night Rides:
As you can see we need
Wednesday night ride leaders.
There is only one leader each
Wednesday and we need both a
short ride leader and a medium/
long leader. If anyone wants to
volunteer, please call me!! Our
Wednesday night rides are our
club’s most popular rides. Come
on out and volunteer to lead a
ride as well. We look forward to
you joining us!
Jennifer McCoy 360 336 2528.
Announcement Concerning the
Wednesday night rides starting
from Maiben Park.
I requested permission to start
our rides at Maiben Park from the
Burlington Park Dept. They said
fine but they did ask that we park
at the curb as much as available
so that we didn’t fill the parking
lot completely with our cars. Also
that we didn’t spill over into the
Senior Center parking lot.
Thanks bicyclists!
Jennifer McCoy
Ride Coordinator
Where did it come from? When did it start? These
questions about our club were rolling around my head
the other day. So I did a little research, and here is what I
found.
1989 was the inaugural year for the club. Thom Gustafson
and Jan Selvig participated in the first organized meeting
in November of that year. The second club meeting was
held at the Deli at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op. At that
meeting the club name was changed from Skagit Valley
Cycling Club to Skagit Bicycling Club to avoid confusion
between the club and the local community college kids.
The newsletter, with its current title, started rolling off
the press in January 1990. Rose Ploeg became editor in
October of 1992, and has been faithfully doing a great job
of it every since. Rose – here’s a big “tip of the bicycling
helmet” to you!
In 1992 the club started the year with its first full slate
of officers: President Thom Gustafson, V.P. Jan Selvig,
Treasurer Janice Lisherness, Secretary Jane Monroe,
and Board of Directors Tim Holloran, Dave Hernley, Cindy
McGuiness, Linda White and Cheryl Calhoun. Do any of
those names sound familiar?
The first annual Jan Selvig ride from Marblemount to
Winthrop took place in August of 1992 with 7 riders
participating. Last year Kim Knapp organized the ride,
and there were 21 riders and 5 sag vehicle drivers. Jamie
Wells is coordinating this year’s August event.
In June of 1990, the first Wednesday night rides were
started by Jane Monroe and Jan Selvig to balance out the
“lightning” rides led by Thom Gustafson. They left from
Thrify Foods in Sedro-Woolley and were social rides with
dinner afterwards. They have morphed into fun rides with
short, medium, and long routes, as well as camaraderie
and competition to satisfy the needs of the diverse group
of riders that makes up our club.
The first Spring Classic was held on April 28, 1991.
Leaving from Bayview State Park, the 66 riders had the
option of 22, 35, and 53 miles routes. The profit from that
event was a whopping $120.96.
Contrast that with our recent Spring Classics. Leaving
from Bayview school, the 750+ riders have the options
from 25 miles up to a full century, and proceeds in
the neighborhood of $5,000 per year are donated to
bicycle related causes.
What strikes me as I write this is that as the club
has evolved, the heartbeat of the organization has
continued to be the dedication and generosity of the
volunteers who make the club “happen”.
Two fine examples of this are Kim and Eric Knapp.
In addition to the time and energy that they have
devoted to their church and community, they are
active participants in the club.
This year Kim and Eric are coordinating the Spring
Classic. In order to pull off a successful Classic, Eric
& Kim have to count on volunteers from the club.
The tasks are many: developing the routes, securing
permits to use the roads for the event, organizing
and staffing the food stops, marking the routes with
Dan Henry’s, purchasing and distributing food for the
rest stops, stuffing registration packets, manning the
registration booth, directing traffic, and driving sag
wagons. And let’s not forget the baking of cookies for
the rest stops!
I encourage you to volunteer some of your time and
energy to our club’s premier event. Give Eric & Kim a
call at 360.422.5167 or e-mail erickimswim@wavecab
le.com, and ask what you can do to help out.
Thank you.
P.S. Don’t wait until the last minute. Bake a bunch
of cookies now, put ‘em in the freezer, and you’ll be
ready for the Classic!
“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is
its engine.”--John Howard, member of the 1968 U.S.
Olympic cycling team.
April 3,10,17,24
Is your bike slow? Just
lacks the zip to keep up with
the young crowd? Is it prone
to stop occasionally and find
someplace to rest while you
socialize or eat lunch with
other riders? Is it prone to
go riding in the middle of the
day when the temperature is
warmest?
If your answer to these
tends to lean toward yes,
you may want to join us
every Thursday in April at
10:30am. at the Farmhouse
resturant. Our bikes will go
out foraging in a different
direction each week looking
for a good place to rest
while we sample the local
fare during lunch. About
20 miles, longer toward
months end, level, 10 to 12
mph. Rain or extreme wind
cancels. (we may transport
our bikes to another starting
point) Call -Ride Leaders
Lanney 360 757 1701
Barb Kline 360 421 4669
April 16
Road Ride to Lake
Cavanaugh
Meet at Big Lake School in
east parking lot by 10:00 am.
Ride options 8 to 58 miles at
own pace. Bring plenty of
water and snacks. Limited
support. Rain or snow
cancels.
Ride Leader
Janice Lisherness
ABC QUICK CHECK
1.
A is for air
✓Inflate tires to rated pressure
as listed on the sidewall of the
tire
✓Use a pressure gauge to
insure proper pressure
✓Check for damage to tire
tread and sidewall; replace if
damaged
2.
B is for brakes
✓Inspect pads for wear;
replace is there is less than 1⁄4”
of pad left
✓Check pad adjustment; make
sure they do not rub tire or dive
into spokes
✓Check brake level travel; at
least 1” between bar and lever
when applied
3.
C is for cranks, chain and
cassette
✓Make sure that your crank
bolts are tight; lube the threads
only, nothing else
✓Check your chain for wear; 12
links should measure no more
than 12 1/8 inches
✓If your chain skips on your
cassette, you might need a new
one or just an adjustment
4.
Quick is for quick releases
✓Hubs need to be tight in
the frame; your quick release
should engage at 90°
✓Your hub quick release
should point back to insure that
nothing catches on it
✓Inspect brake quick releases
to insure that they have been
re-engaged
5.
Check is for check it over
✓Take a quick ride to check
if derailleurs and brakes are
working properly
✓Inspect the bike for loose or
broken parts; tighten, replace or
fix them
✓Pay extra attention to your
bike during the first few miles of
the ride
League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800,
Washington, DC 20006. 202-822-1333
SBC GENERAL MEETING
MARCH 4, 2008
Washington Federal Savings Bank
Burlington, WA
Present: Charlie Schultz, Bill Woyski, Jen
Woyski, Jane Monroe, Chris Hanson, Jean
LaBossiere, Marshall Will, Jim Finch, Rose
Ploeg, Jennifer McCoy, Bill Thayer, Janice
Lisherness, Kim Knapp, Eric Knapp and Jamie
Wells.
New Members:
Randi Randall, Charles Gahn, Patti Mullin and
Jerry Wade.
Treasurers’ Report:
Between Charlie’s and Jean’s efforts, the club’s
non profit status with both the state and federal
governments should be completely up to date
now.
Ride Coordinator:
Jennifer McCoy reported the schedule for the
upcoming Wednesday Night Rides. It is as
follows:
April
Maiben Park
5:30
May
March’s Point Park & Ride 6:00
June
Skagit Valley Gardens
6:00
July
Bayview State Park
6:00
Aug
Mt Baker Middle School
6:00
Sept
Evergreen Elementary
5:30
Advocacy:
Charlie reiterated that on March 19, from 6:308:00pm at the EDASC building in Mt. Vernon,
Gordon Black, Executive Director of Bicycle
Alliance of WA, will be making a presentation
about the political direction of the Alliance.
He will also be discussing how local entities
can work succesfully with state and county
organizations on issues of bicycle safety.
New Website Development:
Charlie, Jamie and Rose met with our website
designer. The new graphic lay-out should be
ready for review in mid-March.
Spring Classic:
All plans for our annual Spring Classic are well
under way. The club will be offering online
registration thru Active.com
The next meeting will be on April 1 at 6:30 at
Washington Federal Savings Bank in Burlington.
Submitted by Secretary, Jen Woyski
3
Bicycle Commuter Specialist
Washington’s leading bicycle advocacy organization
is looking for a highly organized and out-going
individual to promote bicycle commuting and manage
programs that support bike commuters. As the bicycle
commuter specialist, you’ll make presentations,
attend transportation fairs and promote the role of
bicycling in a balanced transportation system. Dayto-day, you’ll manage two contracts and will be part of
a small, dynamic team that works tirelessly to make
Washington’s roads and streets safe and welcoming
for bicyclists. FT (40hrs), based in Pioneer Square.
Health benefits, paid vacation of 2 weeks first year,
employer-contributed IRA, salary range $30-$32K.
Details: www.bicyclealliance.org
Cookin’ in the Kettles
Mountain Bike Race - March 22
By Marshall Will
No, there were no ride leader points involved,
but with the help of Skagit Bicycle Club I was
able to put on a (first annual?) mountain
bike race at Ft Ebey State & Kettles County
parks on Whidbey Island. In my humble
opinion it was one of the better courses on
the local calendar on account of the epic trails
maintained by the local trails council. Helping
at the race from SBC were Becky Wade,
Charlie Schultz, Rod McDonald & Kayo, Dave
Harrington, Rick Hughes-Davies, Rick Stevens,
Justin Bannerman & Jean LaBossiere. I
couldn’t have done it without you guys! Racing
in the race was Tim Ryan (who happens to
print our newsletters), Malcolm McPhee, Brad
Furlong, and the open category was won by
Justin Bannerman’s son Nathan, who’s goals
are getting loftier by the day. Special thanks
to prime sponsor Gary & Bernie (the goddess)
Santiago of Skagit Cycle Center, and Darcy &
John Patterson of Bicycles NW of Oak Harbor
for promoting the trails and a very special kids
race. Proceeds from the race will be going
to the Skagit Cycle Center racing team. I
hope this can expand Skagit Bicycle Club’s
reputation for involvement in great cycling
events of all kinds!
By February 25, 2008
Jennifer McCoy
I definitely needed the endorphins that come with a
great mtn bike ride on a sunny day with a good friend
on this particular Saturday. Steve McDonald and I
headed out on the Armstrong Tract of the Pilchuck
Tree Farm. Much of the single track is in the woods
but we found lots of sunshine and blue sky as well.
We just explored new single track all over the tree
farm. Total 7.3 miles - short but sweet.
March 9
By Jane Monroe
We met at Northridge Condominium (ride leader’s
home) at 11:00am to get in a 20 mile ride on a cold
Sunday morning. Thanks to Rose Ploeg and Tom
Jacobson who showed up. Tom biked from home so,
of course he doubled our miles.
It is hard to get motivated after spending 10 days
in Yuma ,Arizona with Gary and Cheryl Minor.
We biked, hiked, went quading in 80 plus degree
sunshine. Also, dined with other Club “snowbirds”,
Gary and Sharon Hunter and Don and Diane Torset.
March 16
By Jane Monroe
We met at 11:00am at Conway School for a ride to
Stanwood and back, 29 miles. Bill thayer, Robert
Whitford, Jean LaBossiere joined me for a dry day.
Two flat tires slowed us down a bit. Our regular
stop for many years, The Cookie Mill, has closed.
Haggens was a good second choice for a snack and
a place for Bill to change his tire 3 times. Bill added
more miles from Conway to his home.
Check out this hot tip from the
roadbikerider.com newsletter:
www.stickonbifocals.com It would be nice to
be able to actually see to repair the flat tire or
read a map for a change. whit
4
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SUnDay
3
2
4
5
1
6
???
Ride Leader Needed General Meeting
6:30 pm
Contact
Jennifer MCCoy Washington
Federal
360 336 2528 Savings Bank
Burlington
10:30 Am
5:30 PM
Short Jane Monroe Road ride
Lanney Wixson
360 424 4619
360 757 1701
Farmhouse Inn
Med/Long: ???
9:00 AM
Bridge Sweep
Bill Woyski
360 293 9520
East parking lot
Berentson Bridge
10:00 AM
Road ride
Jim Finch 360
424 8511
Washington Elem.
School – MV
12
13
8:00 Am
Try It Indoors!
Eric Knapp
422-5167
Riverside Health
Club – Mount
Vernon
10:00 A
Road ride
Jim Finch
360 424 8511
Washington
Elem. School
Mt.Vernon
19
20
Deadline
25
26
27
Maiben Park
BurlingTon
7
8:30 AM
Breakfast ride
Kathea
Rasmussen 360
766 8720
BayView St.
Park
5:30PM Special
Olympics-SVC
14
5:30 PM
Special Olympics
Tim Holloran
360 428 5704
Skagit Valley
College truck
track
21
8
Med/Long:
Bill Thayer
360 757 2679
5:30 PM
Special Olympics
Tim Holloran
360 428 5704
Skagit Valley
College truck
track
10
10:30 Am
Road ride
Lanney Wixson
360 757 1701
Farmhouse Inn
11
Maiben Park
BurlingTon
15
16
5:30 PM
Short:
Janice Lisherness
360 424 5263
17
10:30 Am
Road ride
Lanney Wixson
360 757 1701
Farmhouse Inn
Med/Long: ???
Maiben Park
BurlingTon
22
5:30 PM
Special Olympics
Tim Holloran
360 428 5704
Skagit Valley
College truck
track
28
9
5:30 PM
Short: ???
23
5:30 PM
Short: ???
Med/Long:
Marshall Will
360 929 5003
Maiben Park
BurlingTon
29
30
5:30 PM
Short: ???
Med/Long:
Bill Thayer
360 757 2679
Maiben Park
BurlingTon
18
10:00 A
Road ride
Janice Lisherness
360 424 5263
Big Lake School
11:00 AM
Road Ride
Rose Ploeg
360 202 1716
1025 E Washington
Ave Burlington
Newsletter
24
10:30 Am
Road ride
Lanney Wixson
360 757 1701
Farmhouse Inn
6:00 Pm
Time Trial
Marshal Will
360 929 5003
Stanwood Velo
9:00 AM
Breakfast ride
Rose Ploeg
360 202 1716
1025 E Washington
Ave Burlington
10:00 Am
Road ride
Jamie Wells
360 424 9287
Mt. Baker Middle
School – Mount
Vernon
1:00 Pm
Road ride
Kim Knapp
360 422 5167
Big Lake School
AP2008
RI L
6
Saddle-Post
Intelligencer
Published by
The Skagit Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 363 Burlington WA 98233
Editor
Rose Ploeg
ploeg@cnw.com
The Skagit Bicycle Club P.O. Box 363 Burlington WA 98233
Club Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary
Co-Treasurer
Co-Treasurer
Past President
Charlie Schultz
Chris Hanson
Jen Woyski
Greg Vlasak
Jean LaBossiere
Marshall Will
tbcschultz@comcast.net
cahanson94@comcast.net
Jwoyski@gmail.com
Gvlasak@aol.com
cesiwill@msn.com
cesiwill@msn.com
Board Members
Cheryl Calhoun
Jim Finch
Dian Jahn
Bill Thayer
Jamie Wells
Bill Woyski
Calhoun@fidalgo.net
JimF@wabulb.com
dianstevejahn@hotmail.com
bhthayer@verizon.net
wells_003@hotmail.com
bwoyski@comcast.net
Ride Coordinator
Jennifer McCoy jlmccoy@ncia.com
Membership List
& Labels
Marshall Will
cesiwill@msn.com
George Haigh
Tom Jacobson
george@zappo.org
Tomandlori@comcast.net
Contributors for March 2008:
Janice Lisherness;
Jane Monroe; Jennifer McCoy
Ken Rasmussen; Charlie Schultz;
Whit Whitford Marshall Will
Lanney Wixson; Jen Woyski
Send articles to the Editor
Via E-mail ploeg@cnw.com
Indicate in the subject line, what is
being sent , Such as:
Ride description with the date
Ride report with date or title
NOT: “Newsletter Article”
or “for newsletter”
Article & Photos Guidelines:
Articles are accepted in
Word or Excel documents/format
or in the body of an E-mail.
Photographs will be accepted
in JPEG format
2008 Newsletter Deadlines
The Third Friday of each month
as listed below:
April: 18: May
May 23: June
June 20: July
July 18: August
August 22: September
September 19: October
October 24: November
November 21: December
Web masters:
Bike Travel Cases:
SBC Members can arrange to use one of the club’s bike travel cases. Deposit is $100 and is refundable upon the return of the case. The borrower is
responsible for the pickup and drop off of the case. To make arrangements
contact Bill Thayer at 360 757 2679 or email BillHThayer@aol.com.
Bike Racks:
SBC owns four Yakima bike carriers that attach to a roof rack (if your rack has
1 inch round bars front and rear). They are fork mount and we have mounts
for the front wheel too. They are available for Any SBC member to checkout
and use. They are currently kept in the Storgage Unit in Mount Vernon, to
check them out and arrange a pick up contact Bill Thayer 360 757 2679 or
Jane Monroe 360 424 4619
Library:
To check our books/videos/cd’s or to arrange a donation call 360 422-5167 or
E-mail Eric or Kim Knapp at erickimswim@wavecable.com.
Newsletter--Email Edition
If you have any problems or comments, please contact us through the
website or via Marshall Will at 360 929 5003 or cesiwill@msn.com. If you‚re
changing internet carriers or if the ol‚ printer is on its deathbed, feel free to
request a mailed copy of the newsletter.
7
Skagit Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 363
Burlington, WA 98233
Skagit Bicycle Club Membership Form
Use this form after you are finished with the ride calendar on the reverse side
Check One:
❑ New
❑ Renewal
Name_________________________________
Annual Dues: Individual $15.00
Family $20.00
Address_________________________________
City__________________________State_____ Zip_____________Phone Home _____________
Phone Work ____________________________ E-mail___________________________________
MAIL TO: Skagit Bicycle Club b P.O. Box 363 b Burlington b WA b 98233
We’d like to get to know you, check as many biking interests as you wish:
❑ Recreational Riding ❑ Touring ❑ Family rides ❑ Mountain biking ❑ Road biking
❑ Tandem biking ❑ Ride Leader ❑ Advocacy ❑ Volunteer Skagit Spring Classic
❑ Other
Membership benefits include 10% off at the following:
Skagit Cycle Center 1704 S.. Burlington Blvd... Burlington 360-757-7910bbbSkagit Cycle Center 1620 Commercial
Ave. Anacortes 360-588-791bbbRacks and Beyond 731 W. Division Mt.. Vernon 360-428-2665bbbVelo Sports
Viking Village Stanwood 360-629-6415bbbBicycles NW 31531 SR 20 Oak Harbor 360-279-8919bbbbbbb
8