Untitled - the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey

2
President’s Message
1295 and Counting
Ethan Brook
Raise your hands if you didn’t get a chance
to see the Year in Review presentation. Just
hold them up a little longer. O.K. Got it.
Hands down.
We have 1,295 members, 180 attended. That
means 1,115 BTCNJ members did not. Where were you? We probably could have squeezed in another 20 of you along the side walls
of the auditorium.
Aside from enjoying another hit show by Carver Washburn and
his crew, I felt the “buzz” . What “buzz?” It’s February. Spring is just
around the corner. I’m ready to roll. New rides, old rides, trips, tours,
new friends, old friends, Ramapo Rally, and lots more.
Speaking of new friends, did you know that in the past year we have
added about 400 new members to our roster? What great timing!!
The 33rd Annual BTCNJ Anniversary Party is being held this year
at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. If this isn’t a timely coincidence, I don’t know what would be. The venue will hold twice the
number of members than any previous party and at the same time
we have had a large influx of new members. HE/SHE works in mysterious ways. Check out the web site for more details.
“I don’t know anybody.” That’s exactly why you should be there.
Another good reason to be there? Food. Great menu. We may have
to temporarily change our slogan to: “You Don’t Have To Ride To Eat.
Just Come To Eat.”
There are many events coming up in the next few months in addition to our weekday and weekend rides. There will be new listings for
our monthly programs, new tours, new special events, and major recurring events. It is important to check the website, the MasterLink,
and your e-letters. Stay informed. Keep up to date. Remember, this is
a volunteer organization. Uncle Sam may not want you anymore, but
we do. If you have an interest in volunteering, or have a special skill,
let us know. Our operators are standing by to take your call.
For those of you who are riding during the winter, be careful, stay
warm and keep safe. Cold weather produces new riding hazards.
See you on the road.
- Ethan Brook
The following excuse for missing this event is no longer acceptable.
BTCNJ 2011 OFFICERS
MASTERLINK SUBMISSIONS
PRESIDENT • Ethan Brook
[email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT • Charles Cino•
[email protected]
SECRETARY • Diane McNally
[email protected]
RIDES CAPTAIN • Laura VanRiper
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP • Terry Griffin •
[email protected]
LEGISLATIVE ACTION • Ted Semegran
[email protected]
MASTERLINK • Larry Schwartz
[email protected]
WEBMASTER • Thomas Hobbick
[email protected]
TOURS • Barbara Augenblick
[email protected]
VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT • Steve Greenberg
[email protected]
SPECIAL EVENTS • Linda Krauss • [email protected] and
Diana Shikiar • [email protected]
PUBLICITY • Joel Ringer
[email protected]
TREASURER • Joe Montigelli
[email protected]
PAST PRESIDENT • Ken Stahl
[email protected]
Materials for the MasterLink are due the 23rd of each month for publication in the following month’s issue. Please send articles, photos,
letters, ideas, suggestions or comments to MasterLink, at our email
address [email protected]. Materials may be edited by
the MasterLink staff for length and clarity. All materials submitted for
publication become the property of BTCNJ. Publication of materials
submitted is at the discretion of the Editor.
Issues related to MasterLink advertising should be addressed to the
Advertising Coordinator. Please forward such material to our email
address [email protected]
All rides are submitted by the ride leader, ride coordinator, or other
BTCNJ member. Rides are listed online only, and are not printed in
the MasterLink.
Please note: on occassion members will send articles, photos,
cartoons, art, etc., that have appeared in other publications. Due to
copyright laws, some may not be published in the MasterLink without written consent of the copyright holder.
February 2011, Volume 34, Number 2. Circulation:1,300 via electronic
download. The MasterLink is published 12 times per year as the official publication of the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey, P.O. Box
839, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Our website is www.btcnj. com.
©2011 by the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey, all rights reserved.
3
Membership Matters - Spring ahead
As I sit here and the weather outside is about 11 degrees, I can’t help
but think about the countdown to spring. When I walked into the
supermarket this morning I grabbed a pot of mini-daffodils to have
a visual reminder that spring is just around the corner. 41 days until
Daylight Savings (March 13th) and 48 days until the first day of
spring (March 20th) These thoughts make me want to do the Snoopy
dance with my George Winston CD playing loudly in the background. Meanwhile I will get out there and do as much winter riding
and running as I can fit in (as long as the weather is over 32 degrees)
with spin classes at the gym sprinkled in between.
For new members, something else to look forward to is our New
Member Dinner being held this spring. Our last New Member Dinner
was such a success that we are now planning two per year to be held
in May and November. We are targeting Thursday, May 5th for the
Spring New Member Dinner for all new members who joined the
club since last November, venue TBD, so please save the date. It will
be a dinner gathering to look forward to where you can meet other
new members and board members. And that’s 94 days until the next
new member dinner and 110 days until the annual BTCNJ picnic….
while we are counting!
- Terry Griffin, Membership
special events
Your Special Events duo, Linda Krauss and Diana Shikiar, hope you’ll
enjoy a fuller program of activities than we’ve organized recently.
Our thinking is that members who ‘play’ together and make the effort to socialize more, ultimately have a more enjoyable experience
as members of BTCNJ. We’re surely one of the friendliest clubs in
New Jersey, and probably beyond. If you’re a new member these
group activities will help break the ice. Make the effort, and join us
for some/all of the following:
Free Showing on February 20th
ANNIVERSARY PARTY - It’s time to register for our party on Saturday, February 26th.
BTCNJ’S SINGING CYCLISTS - No matter your riding level, come
and sing with us. This rapidly growing group is out to have FUN!
After several false starts, we’ve scheduled regular rehearsals at 5pm
on the first Sunday, and 7.30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
So many riders have been heard singing their heads off, this group’s
a natural. Easy songs, and weaker singers can hide behind the big
guys. We eventually intend to perform in public..............stay tuned!
Tell Diana if you’re interested. (No embarrassing auditions.)
WOMEN’S READING GROUP - Monday, February 7th at 7.30pm at
a member’s home in Mahwah. Book selection is “The Falls” by Joyce
Carol Oates. The group has regular meetings on the first Monday of
each month. Interested in this or a future meeting? Contact Diana.
MEN’S READING GROUP - Thursday, March 3rd at Steve Greenberg’s home in Mahwah. Book selection is “Unbroken” by Laura
Hillenbrand. Described as a World War II story of survival, resilience
and redemption. For further details contact Steve: email him at
[email protected] Their next meeting is scheduled for
Monday, March 21st in Suffern at Charles Cino’s home. They will be
reading “Into Thin Air” by John Krakauer. An astonishing account of
summiting Mount Everest.
And finally, let us know if you’d like to help organize future DINING
CLUB events. Time to resurrect this really popular activity. Having run it for several years, researching new and interesting ethnic
spots was enjoyable, and sharing them a pleasure. Generally held
on a weekend evening, the organizers put their individual stamp on
these adventures. From Greek belly dancers to Thai in Montclair, a
Mongolian in Orangeburg, a beautiful Ethiopian restaurant in New
Brunswick, a Turkish in Carlstadt, Park and Orchard in East Rutherford you can tell we venture far afield. We’re looking for a couple of
creative organizers.
Most importantly, send us your ideas, especially if they’re cycling
related. We’re open to new experiences to share with BTCNJ.
FREE SHOWING OF BICYCLE DREAMS - Winter is a good time to
gather on a weekend afternoon, when riding’s possibly questionable. Our first selection is called “Bicycle Dreams”. This awardwinning full-length documentary is about the 2005 Race Across
America (RAAM). The participants are “seekers, madmen and angels
hell-bent on riding across America on a bike in less than ten days!
It’s an epic 3,000-mile race from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans.”
Come and join us at the Franklin Lakes Library at 2pm on Sunday,
February 20th. We’ll have an hour for snacks and socializing, and
screen the movie promptly at 3pm. Best of all it’s FREE! Since the
room holds only 120 people, please commit via email to Linda and
Diana. Don’t reserve a spot unless you’re sure you’re showing up,
ok?
Diana Shikiar, [email protected]
Linda Krauss, [email protected]
4
The Primary
Basic Guide to
Elementary
Bicycle
Maintenance
for Dummies
BEGINNEr’s CORNER
By kevin gately
Winter seems like a strange time to open the subject of bicycle maintenance, but it fits. If you’re really a beginner, chances are that a lot of
your maintenance is going to be done at the bike shop, and this is a
great time to get their attention, while they have little else going on.
Wait until the Friday before the first nice weekend in April and waltz
in there wanting your hubs repacked while you wait, and see what
you get.
On the other hand, if you are going to try doing your own work,
winter is also good because you have time for the elaborate trial, error and cursing ritual that is the rite of passage for would-be bicycle
mechanics. The subject can be intimidating, but be of good cheer.
It’s hard to know all about bicycle maintenance but fairly simple to
know what you don’t know. Think of bicycle maintenance as having
three levels: routine maintenance, periodic maintenance, and true
shop jobs.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance: Need to know. These are the simple jobs that
have to be done all the time on any bike that is actually being used.
Every cyclist should know how to do them. These include:
•
•
•
•
•
Tire and wheel maintenance, including fixing flats, mounting
and removing wheels and spotting tires in need of replacement.
Lubrication of chains and moving parts.
Installing, adjusting or replacing simple common items like
bottle cages, gear racks and saddles.
Tightening (without over-tightening) loose bolts.
For some people, replacing broken spokes and mending broken
chains. (You know who you are, big guys.)
Periodic Maintenance
Periodic maintenance: Nice to know. This consists of procedures
that are somewhat harder but that bikes only need once in a while.
Knowing how to do them yourself will save you time and allow you
to get the work done on your own schedule. It can also save you
some money, depending on what your bike shop charges for the
parts and labor. These might include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Truing wheels.
Replacing chains, cassettes and chain rings.
Replacing cables and housings.
Replacing pedals (and setting up bike shoes).
Adjusting gears, i.e., derailleurs.
Re-taping handlebars.
Re-packing bearings in wheels and headsets.
Shop jobs
Shop jobs: Playing mechanic. These are the jobs that the great
majority of cyclists don’t need to know how to do. Essentially, those
who start playing at this level are adopting a hobby within a hobby,
enjoying the fun of being their own wrench. Shop jobs include:
•
•
•
•
Building bikes, either from used parts or new ones.
Major overhauls and rebuilding.
Replacing major broken parts like shifters, derailleurs or bottom
brackets.
Troubleshooting mechanical problems generally.
A Few Hints
So how deep into it do you want to go? Here are a few hints.
You must know routine maintenance, but it is quickly learned and
requires only a few tools that you carry in your saddle bag. BTCNJ
conducts an annual bicycle maintenance clinic that covers the topic
well, but you can also learn from just asking people plus a little trial
and error. (There are only three mistakes that can accidentally ruin
your bike. Send a check for twenty dollars and I’ll tell you what they
are.) If you own only one bicycle and ride less than 2,000 miles a year,
this will probably be as far as you want to go. Take your bike to the
shop for annual maintenance – while it’s still winter, remember?
Periodic maintenance takes more tools and learning time, also more
money. You’ll need a bike stand and special tools. Figure about two
or three hundred dollars. The Park Tool kits offered in the catalogs
are a good starting point. You’ll also need to study up. Zinn & the Art
of Road Bike Maintenance is a popular reference and possibly the
best. If you own more than one bike, have an older bike, or just feel
like tinkering, this level might be for you.
Finally, the home bike shop level is strongly recommended if you
have a lot of time, a lot of money and a little something wrong with
you. You’ll never recover your investment with the few dollars of
shop costs you’ll save, but you’ll gain the immense satisfaction of
truly understanding your machine and of making loud noises in your
basement late at night. If, in a certain case, you do find that it’s just
too stupid and crazy to spend big bucks on a strange specialized
tool that will only be used once, no problem. You can come over and
borrow mine.
Kevin Gately is a 12-year member of BTCNJ who has ridden 60,000
miles since 1998, including two rides across America and two Longest Day completions. His opinions are his own.
5
6
BTCNJ Tours
Below is a summary of the upcoming tours hosted by BTCNJ. For a full description of the tours, please visit our website at
www.btcnj.com. You must be a BTCNJ member to participate in a tour.
DATE
TOUR
TERRAIN
DISTANCE
PRICE
CONTACT
May 27-30
Mirimar Ski Club Memorial
Day Cycling Getaway
Rolling to
hilly
40 - 50 miles
per day
$285
Steve Jackson, [email protected]; To reserve a
spot, contact Diane Grunthal at dgrunthal@yahoo.
com, phone: 973.728.8057.
June 3-18
The Search for Spartacus
Puglia, Italy
Varied
40 - 60 miles
per day
$2,600 pp
dbl occ
Ethan Brook, [email protected]; Barbara
Augenblick, [email protected]; 201-224-0316.
Tour full, wait list only.
July 24-30
RAGBRAI
TBD
60+ per day
TBD
Jim Parlagi: Phone 201-529-5816; e-mail: [email protected]
Sept 9-11
Saratoga, NY
TBD
TBD
TBD
Linda Krauss, Don Schlenger and Jeff Schreck
Sept 23-25
Amagansett, NY
TBD
TBD
TBD
Peggy and Bill Telgheder
Miramar Ski Club’s Memorial Day Weekend Cycling Getaway
May 27 – May 30, 2011
Waitsfield, Vermont
We have space for 16 BTCNJ members to join the Miramar Ski
Club's Memorial Day weekend in historic Waitsfield, Vermont, May
27 to May 30. Here is what is included:
•
•
•
Bike riding (levels from C* to B*): at least one 40/50 mile ride
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with options to extend. Some
routes are just rolling, and some are hilly. There will be a Ridethe-Gap Challenge as well.
Two guided mountain hikes. Participants may also play tennis,
swim, or take part in rafting, kayaking, craft fairs or just stroll
about this quaint New England town
This perfect summer getaway Friday night through Monday
morning includes three full breakfasts, two bag lunches, two
dinners, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres before dinner, and an open
bar after dinner
The price is right at $285 for a stay at a picturesque renovated old
Vermont mill. Rooms are double occupancy with a shared bath
for every two rooms. See pictures at www.miramar.org. For more
information, please contact Steve Jackson at jaxxuns@optonline.
net. To reserve a spot, contact Diane Grunthal at dgrunthal@yahoo.
Photo taken on Amagansett, NY Trip
If We Ran Our 7th Annual Memorial Day Southern Vermont
Cycling Weekend At The Landgrove Inn From May 27 - 30, 2011,
Is That Something That Would Interest You?
By Linda Krauss
The Landgrove Inn
For the past few years, Diana and I have been running a BTCNJ
weekend in southern Vermont and many of you have joined us
at our favorite place, the Landgrove Inn. The Inn is truly special
-- a quintessential Vermont country inn, warm and inviting, with
welcoming and charming Innkeepers (and BTCNJ friends). The
cycling is scenic and just hilly enough. This weekend is also the
Open Studio weekend, when many local artists open their galleries
and workshops -- we pass by and visit quite a few of them on our
rides. The rides are all remote starts since the Inn is on a dirt road,
and we do not plan to change the routes we have (we love them
as they are). Breakfasts and dinners are, as usual, in the Inn’s lovely
dining room.
So here’s the big question...are you interested? If so, please let us
know -- soon. This weekend has always been a sell-out, but we
want to be sure the interest is still there, before we reserve the Inn.
If we don’t hear from enough of you, we’ll assume we’re taking the
year off from this tour.
The cost last year was $295 per person for three nights lodging,
three breakfasts, two dinners, two cocktail hours (price should be
similar this year). If you’re interested, please respond to us. We’re
not collecting any money yet -- just want to be sure we should organize this again. If you’re interested, please reply to: Linda Krauss,
[email protected] and Diana Shikiar, [email protected].
7
January Club meeting recap
2010 Volunteer of the Year Award Presented
Nick and Andrea Mangino were presented
with the Volunteer of the Year award for 2010.
Our thanks went out to Nick and Andrea who
tirelessly lug the boxes of club merchandise to
the meeting each month, as well as to all the
various club functions like the Ramapo Rally,
etc. They also volunteer in many other areas
and truly earned this distinction for 2010. Volunteers like Nick and Andrea are what makes
BTCNJ the great organization that it is.
Year In Review was a Big Hit
We also want to thank Jennifer Clark, Harriet Einschlag
and Mary McGreal for the
wonderful cake and other refreshments that they picked
up for the January meeting.
They knew there would be a
full house and prepared accordingly. Thank you all for a
job well done!
Volunteers are needed to pick up refreshments for future monthly
meetings in 2011. It is a simple process and if you have time and can
help in the future - just drop me a line at [email protected].
All your expenses are reimbursed. Thanks.
The BTCNJ YIR Committee came through again this year with a
multimedia barrage of over 800 photographs of the glorious times
we all had in 2010. The room was full and our thanks go out to the
YIR Committee, and especially our master YIR craftsman, Carver
Washburn. Our thanks also go out to Ralph Pantuso who was in
charge of the music.
- Charles Cino, VP Programs
February meeting - healthy eating strategies
You asked us to find someone to teach us about nutrition. Well,
please join us at the BTCNJ Monthly Meeting at the Ridgewood
Library on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30 pm for an interesting
program on Healthy Eating Tips presented by registered dietitian
and nutritionist Janet Brancato, MS, RD from Valley Hospital's Health
Program.
The Center for Food Action Needs Food Donations
As we all know, there are many needy families right now that could
use the help of those of us who are more fortunate. You can bring
food donations to the February meeting in a shopping bag. Anything you have or wish to buy would be greatly appreciated, from
alphabet soup to ziti. Just make sure it is not past the expiration
date. Toiletries such as toothpaste or deodorant and toilet tissue or
paper towels are also welcome.
Rick Kait and Gene Marsh, BTCNJ members, will see to it that all donations are delivered to The Center For Food Action. Load us down
with shopping bags full on February 10th at the meeting.
We’d like to add a Letters to the Editor section and we’d love to hear
from you. Email us your comments, ideas or words of wisdom to
[email protected], and include “Letters to the Editor”
in the subject title. Letters selected for publication may be editied
at our discretion.
Topics will include finding a healthy balance using portion control,
increasing nutrient intake, how to make better choices away from
home, and behavioral strategies for a healthy lifestyle. You will learn
how to eat, have more energy and ride better. Handouts will be
provided and all your questions about proper nutrition and diet will
be answered.
- Charles Cino, VP Programs
HISTORY OF GANDALF THE WIZARD
Who is Gandalf? Where did he come from? This
question has been repeated for the past 30 years and
has not been answered until now.
In a land far, far away there dwelt a Wizard of
some repute who found himself enamored with a
bicycle. He heard from his Hobbit neighbors that
a bicycle club was being formed on earth and he
thought “that’s for me”. So he saddled up Shadowfax and set off for
earth (not a short journey mind you). He located the fledgling club and
asked if they could use a Wizard to help them grow. Immediately he was
recruited and began writing Timely Tips from Gandalf the Wizard which
eventually morphed into Gandalf Says. And so on it went, month upon
month dispensing his wisdom and commentary.He still rides Shadowfax
which he turned into a bicycle and carefully guards his identity. There are
club members who know who Gandalf is and he trusts they will keep the
secret. His magic has never waned and he keeps BTCNJ close to his heart
ever wary of The Dark Lord. Hopefully he will continue to regale you with
his wisdom and humor for years to come..
8
Volunteers of the Month
Carver Washburn and Ralph Pantuso
This month we honor two
outstanding volunteers –
Carver Washburn and Ralph
Pantuso – for a multitude of
volunteered tasks culminating
in their collaboration on the
Year in Review. This multimedia presentation for 2010 was
a wonderful montage of the
club’s activities in 2010. Ralph
selected the music to fit with
the various Year in Review
themes. Carver integrated the
show by choosing the pictures
and matching it to the music.
Carver Washburn
This is an amazing task considering that 62 club photographers contributed thousands of pictures
YEAR IN REVIEW UPDATE
T
hanks to all to the photographers
contributing to the 2010 Year in
Review. Special thanks to Justin
Fatuzzo whose name was not mentioned in the program credits. Justin
made major contributions to this successful multi-media event.
that had to be studied
and selected to make up
the final event. Carver
and Ralph extend them
grateful thanks.
Ralph and Carver have
collaborated on earlier
Year in Review presentations, most notably
in 2004 which was the
very first all-digital
multimedia show. In
addition, both Ralph and
Carver lead club rides,
volunteered in other
Ralph Pantuso
club activities such a the
Ramapo Rally and are there when the club needs people to get a job
done.
BTCNJ congratulates Ralph and Carver as our Volunteers of the
Month for February 2011.
- Steve Greenberg, Volunteer Development
For those members interested in having
a copy of the presentation, contact
Diane McNally. She will be happy to
make you a DVD disc suitable for playing on any DVD Player.
~ Carver Washburn
JAMES VINCENT BICYCLES
8 5 0 5 B E R G E N L I N E AV E N U E N O R T H B E R G E N , N J 0 7 0 4 7
201-869-1901
--CYCLE INDOORS -COME USE OUR COMPU-TRAINER
Bring
Yo u r
Bike
$10
Per
Hour
V I S I T U S O N L I N E - J A M E S V I N C E N T B I C YC L E S . C O M
Carver and grandson
9
How to Choose Cycling Shorts
By Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka of www.RoadBikeRider.com
You should choose road-cycling shorts based on the quality of materials and construction. But also crucial is how well they conform to
your unique anatomy. Sometimes a relatively inexpensive pair may
work better for you than a high-zoot model.
Shorts, like saddles, are tough to recommend because of differences in butts,
crotches, seats and riding positions. Every
rider has to try on shorts, buy the model/
size that fits snugly but comfortably, then
hope for the best on the bike. It’s hit or
miss, and some luck is involved. Just as with
saddles, there is no universal answer.
That said, here are guidelines that’ll point
you toward better choices.
Price. Generally, the more expensive the
shorts, the higher the quality. Avoid cheap
shorts because the material and construction may be substandard. They may be
sewn from only 4 or 6 pieces (“panels”),
which won’t give you the best anatomical
fit. The padded liner (“chamois”) may not be
large enough, soft enough or sewn without irritating seams. Cheap shorts aren’t as
durable, either, so in the long run they really
aren’t a bargain. When touring and washing
shorts by hand, wringing can break threads and blow out seams if
the manufacturer cut corners on quality.
Panels. The more the better. Usually, 8-panel shorts conform to your
body better than those made from fewer pieces. Better manufacturers use flat-seam stitching so additional panels won’t result in abrasion or other discomforts.
Liner. Crotch liners are synthetic nowadays (not real chamois
leather). That’s a good thing because the material can’t dry, crack and
cause more irritation than it prevents. A large, smooth, absorbent,
one-piece, moderately padded liner has the best chance of feeling
comfortable. Liners that have seams, grooves, distinct sections and/
or a waffle-like texture may work fine for you -- or maybe not. There’s
no way of knowing for sure before riding. Beware of thick padding, which can bunch and chafe. Also problematic are gel inserts.
Because they’re in plastic compartments, moisture transfer can be
blocked, causing excessive dampness and skin irritation.
Leg length. This goes up and down like hem lengths in the fashion
world. Long, so-called “Belgian” shorts will be in style for a while,
putting the legs just above the knee. Then the pendulum swings the
other way. Short shorts, like those marketed for spinning classes, are
favored by riders who want to avoid tan lines that show when wearing casual shorts. But they shouldn’t be so short that the nose of the
saddle rubs on bare skin.
Waist length. Proper cycling shorts are cut high in back to keep
skin covered in the bent-over riding position. Likewise, they are
low in front so you can bend forward without restriction. The front
shouldn’t be so low, though, that it’s below your hip bones with
nothing to help hold it up.
Waist band. The elastic should be wide
enough that it doesn’t feel like a cord
around your middle. Some manufacturers
add a drawstring. Just elastic is fine. Just
a drawstring is not. If that’s the only thing
keeping shorts in place, you’ll feel restricted in certain positions or when breathing
deeply.
Leg grippers. Nothing is more frustrating
than shorts that ride up and let material bunch in the crotch. Check the leg
grippers to be sure they’re wide, made of
“sticky” rubber-like material and securely
sewn in. The legs should feel comfortably
snug, not tight.
Stretch. Most shorts are made of a stretchy
fabric generically called spandex. They’re
easy to pull on and don’t feel like you’re
wearing a 19th century corset. On the other hand, you may come across shorts with
fabric that purposely resists stretching.
The idea is to provide help to your pedal
stroke. The fabric “stores” kinetic energy on
the rear part of the stroke and releases it when you push down. This
concept is also used in competition suits for weight lifters. I’m not
aware of any studies that prove a benefit for cyclists.
Bibs. Shorts with built-in shoulder straps can’t sag. They keep the
chamois snug against the crotch to limit movement and irritation.
For men, this prevents the chance of things moving out of place
when pedaling out of the saddle. However, the high front makes it
difficult for guys to urinate. (Some prefer to roll up one leg instead
of contorting to pull down the front.) Women usually prefer shorts
without bibs so they don’t have to remove their jersey to take what
cycling commentator Phil Liggett calls a “natural break.” Bib shorts
are more expensive than standard shorts.
Size. It’s best to try on shorts before buying them. Sizing varies
among manufacturers. Fred is 5-foot-10 and just under 160 pounds,
but wears size XL in some shorts while M is too big in others. Some
U.S. manufacturers have noticed the “plumping of America” and cut
their clothing bigger. It’s risky to buy shorts by mail order unless
you’re replacing a model and size you’ve worn before.
Overall fit. In general, snugger is better. You don’t want any uncomfortable restriction, but you do want the shorts to stay exactly in
place. Remember that properly designed cycling shorts will look a
bit baggy in the butt when you’re standing in front of the dressing
room mirror. Then crouch forward into the riding position and watch
them mold to your body.
10
BTCNJ Goes Bowling
BTCNJ WENT BOWLING one cold and snowy night, and judging
by the number of requests that the evening be held again soon, it
was a successful event. A terrific group of new friends gathered to
bowl in Hackensack on January 9th. Look for a repeat of this soon.
“I’ve really had it with my dog: he’ll chase anyone on a bicycle.”
“So what are you going to do - leave him at the
dog’s home? Give him away? Sell him?”
“No, nothing that drastic. I think I’ll just confiscate his bike.”
11
Winter Strength Training
By Barbara Marrott
As the temperature starts to drop, most of us find that our desire to
bike ride outdoors drops right along with it. Luckily, spin classes and
indoor training are great ways to maintain cycling fitness in the bitter
months. And, if you want to add some real diversity to your winter
workout, consider sport specific-strength training. It’s exciting; it
will keep you from getting bored; and best of all, it is great for your
bones. There is evidence that cycling can contribute to bone loss in
both men and women, as it is not a weight bearing activity, so adding crosstraining to your routines will be beneficial in helping you
maintain bone health.
The following exercises can be done at home or in your fitness facility using a stability ball along any wall. Minimal space and equipment is required.
VARIATION ON WALL SQUAT
(focus on vastus medialis)
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from above. However add a soft ball in
between your knees. You may choose to do the WALL SQUAT or the
ADVANCED WALL SQUAT with this variation. If a soft ball is not available, roll up a towel and place it between your knees.
2. Repeat either squat 8-12 times.
These exercises should be done 3 times per week. As you become
stronger throughout the season, you may increase your repetitions
from 8 -12 to 12-15.
Most stability balls come in 55 and 65 cm diameters. The best way
to benchmark the correct size for you is to sit on the ball, and if your
knees bend to form a 90 degree “right” angle, it is the right size for
you.
The squat is the basic major muscle move for the lower body and will
strengthen your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Cyclists
will find this exercise particularly beneficial for hill climbing.
WALL SQUAT
1. Place the ball along a stable wall.
2. Place the small of your back against the ball – your feet should be
shoulder width or slightly wider apart.
3. By bending your knees, lower your body down to where your
quads are at a right angle to your calves. Hold for 3 seconds and rise
up from the squat. In the beginning you may not have this range of
motion, but practice makes better, and eventually you will achieve
the “right angle”. Repeat the exercise 8-12 times.
ADVANCED WALL SQUAT
1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from above.
2. Bend your knees and lower your upper body until your quads and
calves are at a right angle to each other. Pulse 3 times up and down
and then rise up only halfway. In this exercise, you will never fully
straighten your legs out when rising up from the squat. Repeat 8-12
times.
Photos above show proper form for Variation on Wall Squat
Photos above show proper form for Wall Squat
Barbara Marrott is the Fitness Director at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, NJ. For more information about fitness center programs
at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades please email [email protected] or
visit the JCC website at www.jccotp.org
12
shop talk - Pumping UP Tires
By Elliot Kalmus
I rode over 9,000 miles last year. I had four flat
tires. One was because of my own laziness to
fix a problem before it went flat, two were the
result of old worn tires, one was just the luck
of the draw...flats happen. In the past 10 years
I’ve ridden about 50,000 miles, about 5,000 per
year. On the average, I have a flat about every
2,000 miles. I attribute this low number of flats
to purchasing quality tires and a fanatical attention to tire pressure.
Once tires are pumped up, the laws of physics will cause the inside
pressure to want to stabilize to the outside pressure, therefore the
pressure inside the tires will go down - it never goes up. Its best to
practice “Topping Off” the tires instead of “Checking the Pressure”.
There’s no reason to check the pressure, it’s going to be less than it
was, there is a need to top it off.
When pumping up the tires, always
start with the valve stem up, at 12
o’clock. Why? Its very simple...you
don’t have to bend over as far to
secure the pump head to the valve,
its easier! After the tire is pumped
up, release the valve lock and with
your fingers push the pump head
off in one smooth motion. You’ll
hear a hiss of air, that’s coming from
the hose, not from the tire. Avoid
twisting and prying the pump head
off the valve stem, too much pulling on it can cause the valve to tear
away from the tube resulting in a flat tire.
My pump of choice is made by Serfas. I have the model FP 200 at
home. I’ve had it about five years (the FP 200 I had in New Orleans
was swallowed up by Hurricane Katrina, something tells me if it
hadn’t been destroyed by flood water, it would still work today). At
the shop we usually have an FP 500 floating around for our use and
for customers to use.
Both models come with the Serfas Smart Head. It’s designed for
both Presta and Shraeder valves. One opening, nothing to change
over, no leaks - and it comes with a needle so you can inflate your
basketball and a plastic insert so you can blow up your beachball
too! There is a large easy-to-read gauge, solid metal base on both
the FP 200 and FP 500. The FP 200 also comes in a shorter version
for better leverage when the operator is a shorter version...yes, they
are pink - the Ladies model. The hose on the FP 500 is longer and
braided steel so it’s a bit stronger and will get a road bike tire up to
pressure faster. The FP 200 retails for about $45, the FP 500 retails
for about $70. Both versions are bomb proof, pump up tires quickly
and available for sale at Ridgewood Cycle Shop.
Elliot Kalmus is a cyclist. He commutes, tours, pushes the pace on
group rides, climbs and, mostly, appreciates the freedom and joy of
cycling. He will often say...”cycling is like love, it’s all about balance
and trust” and “c’mon, it’ll be fun”. He can be found at Ridgewood
Cycle Shop.
Join BTCNJ Outreach
DID YOU KNOW......?
• that your club has an OUTREACH program?
• that there’s a dedicated group of club members who’ve offered
to lend a hand, an ear, a shoulder, to visit or other assistance to
members in need?
• that you can volunteer to join this terrific group of people and
feel really good about doing so?
• that you too might be in need of OUTREACH one day? (We hope
not, but you never know.)
• that offering your services is as easy as contacting one of us
below.
If you become aware of any members who are ill, have had an
accident or a death in the family, please let us know by getting in
touch with our contact for the month.
Diana Shikiar 201.995.9101 [email protected]
Henry Gozdz 201.892.4059 [email protected]
Our contact for the month of January is:
Jeff Schreck
[email protected]
13
Legistlative Acttion
Teaneck Township Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Study
About 20 Teaneck residents, almost half of them BTCNJ members,
came to the Teaneck Planning Board Meeting on Wednesday evening, January 19th, to support the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan Study. This should be considered a visionary project for Teaneck. It is notably the first such study in Bergen County.
It was presented by consulting firm Michael Baker, Jr., Inc. who had
worked on the Plan for the past seven months. They (Steven Wong
and James Van Schoick) presented specific cycling and pedestrian
related projects to create a safer environment in the Township. Harry
Kissileff, a BTCNJ member and bike commuter to New York City for
about 35 years, was instrumental in getting the plan started back in
2006. (See the December 2010 Masterlink article).
Among the projects suggested were a number of bike shoulders,
lanes and sharrows on roads such as Cedar Lane, River Road, Forest
Avenue, Palisades Avenue, Queen Anne Road and others. In addition
to bike related projects, Baker also recommended a number of sidewalk installations and replacements, and intersection improvements,
especially on Cedar Lane and Teaneck Road.
Their study involved significant data collection including a summary of the bike and pedestrian accidents from 2007 through 2009.
Surprisingly, there were 64 bike and 124 pedestrian crashes docu-
Above are a few of the slides presented at the meeting including a
summary of the Bicycle Accommodations. On the following page is
the Intersection Improvements Implementation Matrix plus associated costs for their implementation.
The slides show combined bicycle lane, paved shoulder and sharrow pictures. One of Baker’s recommendations is to include bike
lanes on River Road which is 36 feet wide. Even after adding two five
foot bike lanes along the roadway (on either side) there still would
be enough room for car lanes, each lane being13 feet wide. Some
might even suggest the narrower roadway would cause motorists to
stick to the designated speed limits.
The slides also show a typical “Share the Road” (Sharrow) Applications. As per Baker’s Matrix, they might be employed on Cedar Lane,
Degraw Ave and Palisades Avenue among other streets.
mented during that period. Most of the bike accidents included
wrong-way riding, failure to yield (cyclists and motorists), sidewalk
riding and left turn accidents (motorists).
The goal of the plan was to increase the use of bicycle and pedestrian travel in the township thereby improving personal health, traffic
conditions, and the natural environment.
It was prepared in cooperation with the Township of Teaneck and
Bergen County with assistance from the New Jersey Department of
Transportation - Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs (NJDOTOBPP). Bergen County engineering was informed about the proposals, particularly those involving county roads, such as Teaneck Road
and River Road, and their input will be utilized in formulating the
final report.
I was pleased to hear a number of BTCNJ members (also Teaneck
residents) provide their own commentary on how to make cycling in
Teaneck safer.
I would gladly assist anyone from our club interested in pursuing
such a project in their town. (See box below)
- Ted Semegran
GET A MASTER PLAN FOR YOUR TOWN
Why not get your town to apply for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan. Some suggested towns in Bergen County might include
Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Ramsey, Glen Rock, River Vale, and Westwood among others.
The first step to do this is to form a task force of like-minded
people. Next is obtaining the support of the appropriate local political leaders. Furthermore, New Jersey has resources to help local
groups develop transportation plans including improvements to
roads for bicyclists. Contact Bill Riviere at [email protected].
nj.us for further information.
14
15
2010 Mileage Totals
If I was asked on this 10-degree January morning what my bicycle would say if it could talk….it would be “Turn up the temps, melt this ice
and take me for a ride!” Many thanks to all for sharing their 2010 Mileage Totals and providing these original quote completions. Hope all
of you enjoy reading them as much as I have. Let’s all look forward to many miles in 2011 - Laura Van Riper, BTCNJ Rides Captain
Name
Miles
If my bicycle could talk, it would say....
Cliff Mortensen
14638.0
“it was a great season until I was hit by a truck on 11/30, but plan to come back strong.”
Nate Morgenstern
10410.0
“Not the rack! Anything but the rack!! I’ll carry you wherever you want, just don’t put me
up on that rack again!!!”
Ray Morro
9236.0
“You only put 2,800 miles on me, and no races! Then again, this is the replacement frame
that’s talking.…mileage is a personal best - highlights included winning my first bicycle
race, and riding in VA/WV for the first time”
Ed Eagle
8639.0
Bob Torres
7420.7
“It was a great year, completed a total of 9 brevets which includes 5-200K’s, 1-300K,
1-400K, 1-600K and the “Endless Mountains” 1000K ride. As usual, it is always great riding
with everyone!”
Paul McEvoy
7385.0
“rode to work over 150 times, great club rides and a awesome trip to South Africa.
Yaacov Metzger
7380.0
“163 bike commutes out of 226 days (72%)? You can do better than that!”
Julie Kavadlo
7380.0
“Another year of challenging rides, good company,and debriefings @ DD’s. Welcome back
Kevin!”
Vince Moran
7051.0
“RACE! Are you nuts?”....
Diane McNally
6497.3
”When’s the next ride, how many hills, who’s pulling, and where’s the coffee stop? Thanks
for the camaraderie and challenges of a memorable 2010”
Carver Washburn
6061.0
“I can’t wait for those winter rides!”
Ed Howard
6034.0
“You’re not going to let HIM pass me, are you?”
Rosario Joseph Lazzaro
5516.0
“had to change jobs to increase my mileage over last year, keep riding AKA Rasta Man!”
Gary Mass
5452.0
“This was my second best year which included 8 centuries and 2 double centuries. Looking towards 2011 to do longer distance rides”
Steve Felmeister
4872.0
“TIME TO ROLL”
Sandie Reilly
4834.2
MORE, MORE, MORE!!!
Fred Bennett
4762.0
“...lose that belly!”
Patty Menz
4580.0
“SPIN!! Stop pushing my gears!
Bob DeMair
4549.0
“Tell your wife you need to ride 6,000 miles next year”
Ed Weist
4500.0
“Nec ventum neque pluviam neque colles! (Neither wind nor rain nor hills shall stop us!)”
Carl Flaum
4500.0
“My best year EVER, so far!”
Barbara Flaum
4500.0
“Hope the old girl is up to it next year, cause I wanna do it again!”
Michael Caccavale
4444.4
“hurry up, get on, let’s ride some more.”
Don Schaller
4422.0
“Well Don we rode fewer miles then last year but enjoyed them even more.”
Rick Vara
4416.0
“something unprintable. Rick would like his mileage to speak for itself.”
John Siegel
4179.0
“you’re welcome” in response to the gratitude and thankfulness I feel on every bike ride I
do.
Duncan Patton
4046.0
Don Gurry
4029.0
“another year and you still love me.”
Bill Semanczuk
4009.0
“wash me!”
Mary Ann Brand
3896.0
thanks for all the amazing, wonderful places you’ve taken me. Where to next?
Sal Rizzo
3787.5
“Boy I’m tired, I have over 35,000 miles on in 9+ years!”
Laura VanRiper
3598.5
“take me back to Europe….I love the places near but France was certainly the highlight of
my 2010 cycling year!”
Tracy Cicatelli
3490.0
“lose the car”
Ethan Brook
3214.0
“this is Ethan’s personal best mileage however he is not talking to me at the moment!”
Harriet Einschlag
3180.0
“why don’t you get me clipless pedals already!!”
16
Name
Miles
If my bicycle could talk, it would say....
Ted Semegran
3090.0
if it weren’t for great food stops, I wouldn’t have made the 3000+ miles
Michael Semanczuk
3048.0
“one rider at a time please, I’m not a tandem”.
Ron Hall
3041.0
“More cowbell”.
Tim Warner
3038.9
“let’s try to get some more miles this year, but more importantly, continue to keep us safe
and sound again.”
Ken Powell
3005.9
“I love the Lincoln Park Loopie, weekly Posse rides with the girls, the Ramapo Rally, especially the 4th of July Parade Ride, everyone in BTCNJ and of course...Deadly Smedley!” It’s
not the miles, its the smiles!”
Kenneth Stahl
2913.0
“clean me, lube me, love me true!”
David Whieldon
2898.0
“Lower total than before. Stymied by travel, bad weather, and medical problem. But rode
a few miles in Japan! Special thanks to Nancy and Victor Martinez for stimulating rides.”
Dot Mortensen
2701.0
“Happy to be back on the road.”
Keith Schlanger
2679.1
“can’t he miss one pot-hole, why is he breathing so hard & what happened to the riders in
front of us!”
Bonnie Hall
2670.0
“Enough with the hills”.
Mike Pinker
2643.0
“I rode 2643 miles last year, spread over three bikes, better than 2450 last year, but if January ever ends I hope to have more by this time next year. Thanks to those kind enough to
ride with me.”
Lorraine Henderson
2630.0
“Wonderful biking miles with great friends.”
Allan Baer
2605.8
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed what you’ve been doing. Looking at all those other bicycles.
Ogling the Specialized, staring at the Cannondale, salivating when a Pinarello with its Italian accent is near. What’s the matter? Haven’t I been good enough?…great. I’ve let you
mount me nearly 90 times this year. Each time for about 30 miles. Many times for quite
longer than that I let you straddle your legs around me, continuously pump up and down,
get all hot and sweaty. What keeps me going is that I know you always come back to me.
So look all you want. But don’t touch. And always ride me.”
Alan Scherl
2552.0
“That’s all you could do? There are grandmothers out that can ride circles around you!”
Jeff Tarson
2524.0
Seymour Reiter
2509.0
“You again!”
Jeffrey Bunce
2461.0
“Hey, you made it through the year without vaulting over a guard rail. Now it’s lonely in
the garage so why don’t you put those skis down and take me out for a winter ride?”
Bob Reich
2386.0
“No Century rides in the rain for 2012.”
Mary Maki
2337.5
“I’m thrilled to have done my first Century!”
Surajit (mac) Mukherjee
2328.0
“__best year for me”
Barbara Kauffman
2310.0
“take me up a hill!
Terry Griffin
2274.0
“thank you for flying me to Toulouse…never had wine bottles in my cages before! Trip of
a lifetime! You neglected me a little by running 672 miles for all that marathon training. 2010 highlights: Tracy’s July 17th ride where we met Justin and his black Madone…love at
first sight! Leading rides with Allen were a blast! Leading rides to the top of Washington
Rock with Justin were breathtaking!”
Alan Horowitz
2112.0
“take me to Italy this year.” to which I say “Good idea! let’s go in June.”
Louis Wassong
2099.0
“we saw some of the most interesting sights on our travels and looking forward to a great
2011.”
Glenn Barnes
2087.0
“Well I made my 2,010 mile goal and then some. More importantly was lots of fun, fitness
and time spent with good friends.”
Barbara Klein
2012.0
“after 291 undulating miles in South Africa, undulating is a bad word. But thank you Jeff
and Mary Ann Brand for getting me out of the country!”
Barbara Augenblick
2011.0
“ Why did you wait until cold and snowy December 31st to finish the last 18 miles?”
Carmela Schaller
1731.0
“Carmela, we had fun together in your first year of bike riding. Stick with me for more
adventures in 2011.”
Gary Oppenheimer
1300.0
“ Where was that trip across the country you promised me? I’m not getting any younger
you know. “
17
Name
Miles
J Justin Fatuzzo
1066.0
“RIDE JUSTIN RIDE BOTH MOUNTAIN AND ROAD !”
Erica Conway
728.0
“Thank you for buying me! I’m so happy you’ve gotten to discover the joy, the freedom,
and the accomplishment of climbing hills and flying down them; of changing my tire
all by yourself; of getting to 50 miles in one ride; of falling down and getting back up. It
would tell me that it’s happy we get to share this passion together.”
Don Schlenger (he doesn’t
track his mileage but his
bicycle talks!)
If my bicycle could talk, it would say....
“There’s that smell again!”
Welcome New Members
For the months of
December 2010 and
January 2011
Katherine Allen of Summit,NJ
Kim Miller of Edgewater,NJ
Serena Berger of Somers,NY
Shawn Sabine of Mahwah,NJ
Bruce Cohn of Staten Island,NJ
Jean Shedlock of North Haledon,NJ
Pedro de las Heras Toledo of Elmwood Park,NJ
Brigid Siegel of Bloomfield,NJ
Linda Ditullio of Cedar Grove,NJ
Mark Silverman of Somers,NY
Bill Fisher of Woodcliff Lake,NJ
Mitchell Slodowitz of Glen Rock,NJ
Len Friedman of Short Hills,NJ
Suzanne Starace of Paramus NJ,NJ
Mika Katsuyama of Weehawken,NJ
Jeremy Tarife of Belleville,NJ
Rosalind Kaufman of White Plains,NY
Maureen Timony of Rochelle Park,NJ
David Lawler of Teaneck,NJ
Kevin Vicha of West Hartford,CT
Brigid Lundy of Waldwick,NJ
Wole Williams of Bayonne,NJ
Don Lutz of Belvidere,NJ
18
Support Your Local Bike Shop
The owners of all these shops support BTCNJ. Please tell them you saw their shop in the 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. Bike shops listed in bold are advertisers in this issue, look for
their ads. 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.
Allendale Bike Shop
Allendale
201-825-0952
Toga Bike
NY, NY
212-759-0002
D.J.s' Cycles
Belmar
732-681-8228
Nyack Bicycle Outfitters
Nyack, NY
845-353-0268
Brookdale Cycle
Bloomfield
973-338-8908
Pedal Sports
Oakland
201-337-9380
Get-a-way Cycle Center
Bloomingdale
973-291-4163
CampMor
Paramus
201-445-5000
Brielle Cyclery
Brielle
732-528-9121
Ramsey Outdoor
Paramus
201-261-5000
Bikeland
Caldwell
973-403-3330
The Bicycle II
Paramus
201-632-0200
Bikeland II
Chatham
973-635-8066
Cycle Sport Cyclery
Park Ridge
201-391-5269
Allwood Bicycle
Clifton
973-574-9001
Cycle Craft
Parsippany
973-227-4462
Pearl River
845-735-8686
Clifton Speed Center
Clifton
973-777-3512
Bicycle Depot
All Body Training
Closter
201-768-3086
Heino's Ski and Cycle
Pequannock
973-696-3044
Congers Bike Shop
Congers, NY
845-268-3315
Piermont Bicycle
Piermont, NY
845-365-0900
Steve's Moped & Bicycle
Dumont
201-384-7777
Cycle Center
Pompton Lakes
973-835-6339
Sam's Bicycle Repair
Elmwood Park
201-797-5819
Bicycle Source
Pompton Plains
973-835-7595
Strictly Bicycles
Fort Lee
201-944-7074
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
Cury's Sport Shop
Ramsey
201-327-4561
Randolf
973-584-7773
James Vincent
Jersey City
201-420-5151
Marty's Reliable
Ramsey Outdoor
Ledgewood
973-584-7798
Cosmic Wheel
Ridgefield Park
201-440-6655
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
Upper Nyack, NY
845-358-3455
Diamond Cycle
Montclair
973-509-0233
Toga Bike
The Bikery
Montclair
973-744-7252
Town Cycle
West Milford, NJ
973-728-8878
Marty's Reliable
Morristown
973-538-7773
Albert's Cycle
Westwood
201-664-1688
James Vincent
North Bergen
201-869-1901
Whippany Cycle
Whippany
973-887-8150
Chelsea Bikes
NY, NY
646-230-7715
Wyckoff Cycle
Wyckoff
201-891-5500
Gotham Bike
NY, 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.