SLO Coaster - San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
Transcription
SLO Coaster - San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
SLO Coaster December 2008 Volume 38 Edition 12 San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club Newsletter To promote safe and legal riding of bicycles and encourage bicycle riding as an acceptable mode of transportation A TRIP TO REMEMBER By Jacque Wheeler Chuck and I just returned from a four-week trip to Turkey. It was the most beautiful and interesting vacation we have ever taken. I’m just going to talk about the biking part because that’s probably of most interest.. We flew to Izmir and met the five other riders (all from California) in Selcuk a little town adjacent to Ephesus. We met out guides and driver and the guides’ two month old baby, Boron. He became the definite favorite and was a great addition. Because the roads in Turkey are a bit rough the guides provided Trek mountain bikes, which proved up to the task of steep hills. We spent our first day with a special guide climbing over the ancient ruins of Ephesus that date back thousands of years. The next day we rode to Milletos another ancient site known for its extraordinary Roman Theater. That night we stayed in one of our more interesting stops. We rode through beautiful agricultural land filled with birds of all kinds to a little town near Lake Bafa. It was a real Turkish agricultural village with mostly women working the rocky soil, growing olive trees and fruit trees, and tending the livestock. Our lodgings were adequate if a bit unfinished but it was a wonderful experience to see how the people live and it was really pretty. In their spare time the women make all kinds of handicrafts, which of course they were most eager to sell. The next day we rode to Bodrum, quite a contrast to the previous night. It is on the Aegean with a big harbor filled with huge yachts, lots of restaurants, and swimming. We rode about 40 km a day which seemed a bit longer because of the roughness of the roads. We mostly were on small country back roads but when we rode on the main coast highway it was perfectly safe with a wide bike lane. It was “chip-sealed” rather than paved providing a rather bouncy ride. When cars passed they usually greeted us with a little friendly beep. I can’t adequately describe the beauty of Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. The water is so clear and the many colors of blue are striking. We weren’t always along the sea but we usually returned at some point. For two days we sailed on a gulet, a low slung Turkish yacht. The sailors were three young men who cooked the best food and waited on us. When we felt like it we could just dive off the boat and swim. The hardest hill we did was about 15 km long with a grade ranging from 6 to 10 degrees. The steepest hill we climbed was very short and was measured at 20 degrees. Thank goodness for the mountain bikes. Most of the riding was on roads with rollers although there were a couple of other pretty steep climbs with wonderful downhills. One beautiful twisting descent led us to the gorgeous harbor town of Kas, our favorite stop. It consisted of little walk streets, strung with decorative lights— like a miniature Carmel. Chuck had his usual crash when he went to pass me on a steep downhill and came upon the biggest pothole imaginable. He had to leap or stop; so he stopped which cost him a good bruise on his palm and a deep cut on his arm. My most exciting experience was getting lost from the group for about three hours. The guide thought I was ahead of him and turned. I blighthly went straight and ended up in a village and then went down a very steep and rocky hill. When I realized that I must have missed a turn I decided that I should go back to the town where we had had coffee in the morning. Finding it was a bit challenging but I did get to see a lot of rural life and even three wandering camels. After searching in vain all over the area asking if anyone had seen an old lady in weird clothes on a bike, the driver went to town and found me sitting in front of the café. We had so many more experiences than this space permits but I can certainly encourage people to think about biking in Turkey. The people are so friendly, the views are magnificent, and the food is wonderful. The SLO Coaster www.slobc.org/Newsletter.html Pamela Nargie & Stu Goldenberg The SLO Coaster is the monthly newsletter for the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. It is distributed to all members, local bicycle shops and some bicycle organizations. No subscriptions are available to non-members. Circulation is approximately 500. All letters, stories of bicycling experiences, appropriate classified ads, artwork etc. are welcome. Email submittals To: Pamela Nargie - [email protected] Stu Goldenberg - [email protected] Camera-ready material, including artwork, may be used as provided or edited in order to conform to our newsletter standards. Nothing will be accepted verbally. The newsletter is available on-line, so please indicate if you do not wish submitted material to appear on-line The editor reserves the right to edit or reject material. Each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily represent the opinion or endorsement of the SLOBC or the editors. The Board of Directors Frank Mullin 518-9003 Sharon Sutliff 544-4034 Treasurer Alston Paff 462-8662 Secretary Larry Rutter 784-9450 Ride Coordinator Mark Lyon 929-5998 Membership Chris Broome 772-5900 Advocate Dale Sutliff 544-4034 Historian Janie Goldenberg 544-4720 Co-Newsletter Editors Directors at Large Past President December 2008 Pamela Nargie Stu Goldenberg Warren Hockenbary Will Benedict Robert Davis SLO Coaster Thursday, December 11 (6:00PM): Board Meeting Coast National Bank, 500 Marsh Street, SLO. All Club members are welcome to attend Board meetings. Special thanks to Coast National and to Ms. Carol Williams for providing this meeting place. SLOBC Contact Information Club Web Site: www.slobc.org Formats: Provide text in an email or as attachments in Word (.doc) Vice President Thursday, December 4 (6:00PM): SLOBC Members Meeting Pot Luck Trinity Hall in Old Edna, 6565 Edna Road, Highway 227, San Luis Obispo. See details page San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. Inc. P.O. Box 1585 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Club Hotline (answering machine) at 543-5973. Submittal Deadline: 15th of each month President SLOBC Meetings 434-1920 544-4720 474-4347 544-3504 772-0874 Table of Contents Substitute President’s Message 1 General Information 2 Penear – Alston Ann Paff 3 General Meeting Minutes The Evolution of the Aerodynamic Helmet 4–5 5 Safety Tips Lighthouse Jersey Design Advocate’s Report 6 Pedaling through the Past 8 Calendar and meetings 9 Weekly Rides 10 Directions to Starting Locations 11 Special Events Survey Announcements and Letters 12 7 13, 14, 15 Photos 16 Membership 17 Nearly blank 18 Budget 19 Entertainment – Pot luck information 20 Page 2 ALSTON ANN PAFF Exercise and eat right. We have all heard it, and maybe some of us adhere to it, but one who does for sure is Alston. As an undergrad at San Diego State College (now University), she studied foods and nutrition, followed by a Highland/Oakland County Internship in the bay area. Back then, she was paid $24 per month, plus receiving room and board. Now interns pay to attend. With this background, she obtained an unsolicited job in the US Virgin Islands, thanks to a good friend who was 6 months ahead of her in the dietetic school. She became a Public Health Nutritionist in all three of the islands, teaching nutrition in hospitals, clinics, and to Peace Corps students. Bill Paff, her fiancé, came to the Virgin Islands for awhile, and then they went to San Diego, where they were married. They did not return to the islands, but started a family when their daughter Carrie was born. While in San Diego, Alston had two jobs; one was in a hemo-dialysis unit, and another at La Costa, where she met several celebrities. After a stint in San Diego, Bill, Alston, and Carrie traveled up the coast in their VW van. They stopped at the Mission Plaza in SLO, and decided that the Central Coast was where they wanted to live. They went to the Morro Bay campground, living in the van while Bill looked for and found a job. They lived in Los Osos, and then Paso Robles, and their family grew with the arrival of a second daughter, Stephanie. Alston took five years out of her profession, and was a full time mom. When she and Bill divorced, she returned to the work force, but this time as an administrator. She worked at Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton, and then became the dietary department head at General Hospital in SLO. While at General, she attended the Culinary Institute in New York. When the position at General Hospital was eliminated circa 1988, she found a job in Santa Barbara, working for Women Infant Children (WIC). It was a federally funded program teaching and providing nutrition to the low income population of that county. She was in Santa Barbara from 1989 to 2001, and then in Lompoc until 2004, still with WIC. While in Santa Barbara, she remarried, but her second husband passed away in 2000. She retired in 2004, and knew that she still had ties to SLO County, with numerous friends and interests here, including the Mozart Festival, the county fair, vocal arts programs, and other attractions. Alston was called by her middle name Ann for over 50 years. She grew up in San Bernardino, learned to ride a bike, and was a self described daredevil. Then she quit riding until the age of 42, when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She had taught exercise as an important augmentation to nutrition, and was very disciplined, so she became a bicycle rider again. She got a garage sale bike, probably a threespeed, and rode alone, just for exercise. She rode from Paso Robles down to Hwy 46, usually before work. When she moved to Lompoc, she joined the bike club for her first social biking. While in Santa Barbara, she rode the Tour de Cure, a charity ride for diabetes. Before moving back to SLO County, she was visiting Elaine Simer in Santa Margarita, when Anne Kelly rode up on her bike. That was the beginning of the path that led Alston to join the SLOBC after moving to Atascadero in October of 2004. She joined the club about a month later, and served for two years as Treasurer. She has volunteered at both century rides, and has worked in clothing sales, registration, clean-up, and at the lunch stops. She rides with the SLO Pokes, and the Tortoises, and she and Elaine have ridden in the San Juan Islands, and in the Bay Area, staying in hostels and couch surfing (ask her about that one). They have also traveled in Norway and London, without bikes. Stateside travel has been in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and Alston travels to Spain to visit her daughter Stephanie, who lives in Barcelona. Daughter Carrie is an actor in San Francisco. While married to Bill, they traveled for 6 months in France, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Italy, mainly camping and utilizing the book about living on $5/day. She currently volunteers at local radio station KCBX for fund raising. Alston and Anne Kelly are now neighbors. Alston used her middle name for a long time, she now prefers to be Alston. December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 3 Minutes - General Membership Meeting November 6, 2008 Submitted by: Laurence George Larry Rutter Ph’D, AFDC, RSVP, secretary. I mean if ol’ Red can become the distinguished Robert Fuller Davis, why can’t I get some distinction? President Frank called the meeting to order. Why can’t we start on time? Getting people from stuffing their faces at the snack table is like herding cats. And all these people who went to Germany and Austria are back. Heard Sue Lyon took a nasty spill. Ouch. Heal, Sue. They’re all bragging about how worldly they are and everything. Phooey. I have this great slide show about our visit to Rio Vista, yet Veep Sharon keeps telling me, “Maybe next month.” Flyboy Dave Williams is still trying to hawk those tee shirts from the 2008 Wildflower. He’s like Mervyns. One of these days we’ll walk in and there will be so many discounts he’ll be paying us to take the shirts off his hands. Geez. Visitor Mike Robinson from Morro Bay introduced himself. As did new members Joe Keller and J. D. Barrett from Nipomo. Mike Balster announced that a group of French cyclists will be visiting the area next year and hosts are needed for their five day stay. There will be eight couples. Members may remember Mike and Marian’s recent presentation of their bicycle adventure in France. Whoever serves as hosts better get in touch with Bruce Collier to lay in a supply of wine. Six couples, five days. I figure that means twelve cases. Seems to me they drank all day while they rode. Wonder what they do in the evening. Is vino French for wine? Approval of the minutes for the September 2008 meeting was moved by Tony Leap and seconded by Mike Balster. The motion carried. You know, Tony is such a big promoter of recumbents because it reminds him of his Barcalounger, where he spends all his time when not recumbing. Maybe I should try one out. Meanwhile, Frank can’t wait to gloat when somebody asks for some changes in the minutes. The Queen of Nosh, Kathy Cohon, thanked contributors George and Kay Birk (right, I’ll bet George had a lot to do with it), Chuck and Susan Atlee, Susan reads these minutes. So I better think of something nice to say. Okay: Where the heck were the figs this time?!, Gail and Glenn Vanderlinde, Martin Howell and Tony and Sylvia Leap. President Frank thanked greeters John Long and Ken Price. Nobody greeted me … again. Just handed me a badge and said “Write, scribe!” Alston Paff, treasurer extraordinaire, reported combined bank balances of $90,754.41. Could you believe her? Walking up there without a cane and walker. Brother. And Anne Kelly seemed to be getting around pretty good as well. I thought they took spills on their bicycles. Didn’t look like it to me. They’re just looking for sympathy. What’s a few broken bones for heavens sake? Next thing you know Flyboy Williams will be selling jerseys for “The North County Walking Wounded.” Say, not a bad idea. Make sure you order one in XXXXXXXXL. Kathleen McHugh, volunteer coordinator for the 2009 Wildflower, made a plea for more volunteers. Also for a ride chairman. Preaching to the choir. Most everyone at the meeting is a regular volunteer. What we need are volunteers who go on the rides but don’t come to meetings. Safety Czar Director-at-large Warren Hockenbary hit the nail on the head repeatedly -- again. Pointed out the website roadbikerider.com, with a weekly, free, newsletter filled with all kinds of useful info. Talked about how to replace tires and the perils of visors. See article elsewhere in this issue. Elsewhere!? What the heck. If it’s at the meeting, it’s in the minutes. What’s he trying to do to me? Next thing you know Janie Goldenberg will be writing the historian’s report for the newsletter. What’s that? You say she is. Well she shouldn’t! No Historian’s report. No Historian. Did seem strangely quiet in this corner. Missed ya, Janie. Stu Goldenberg wants enterprise pieces for The SLO Coaster. Then there is our own “transition problem.” Outgoing Ride Coordinator, Mark Lyon, announced ride leaders dinner for January 10, at Madonna Inn. Ride Coordinator Elect Dave Abrecht also made some announcements: Well, not exactly “elect”, because the ballots haven’t been sent out. But what other dummy would want the job. December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 4 Minutes continued: There will be the now nearly annual North Coast New Years Day ride, beginning at Shamel Park at 9 AM. Then he and the lovely and long-suffering Debbie are planning a club ride at the Tour of California Time Trials. More later. Adam Fukushima reported on the recent triumphs of the Bicycle Coalition. They include the $900 thousand grant to the city for extending the bike trail, working to get the bicycle commuter tax benefit in the financial bailout bill passed by Congress, and working to make bicycle commuting improvements part of a new economic stimulus bill. Big deal. AIG gets a gazillion and we get droppings. Joan Petersen reported for Nominating Committee Chairman Robert Fuller Davis. (See ballot information elsewhere in this issue.) What a bunch of losers. Advocate Dale Sutliff said that about 10 years ago the club surveyed its members and learned a lot. It’s time to do another one. The survey questionnaire is being prepared and should be available on-line in December. Vice President Sharon Sutliff introduced the program, long distance cyclist Bernie Barge. His presentation was on the Race Across America, where he was on a team who, in relay, finished in seven days. Fascinating. And one of those things, like climbing Everest, where you can’t take your eyes off it while asking yourself “Why?” “What possesses him?” “Riding at night with no light. What!” “Glad I don’t write his insurance.” “He broke what!?” “Oh mi gosh!” “How did he survive?” “Why?” “For heaven’s sake, why?” Great program. Meeting adjourned. The Evolution of the Aerodynamic Helmet By Stu Goldenberg Have you ever been out cycling when a thunderstorm snuck up on you? Most of us have been told at some time in our life that we are safe in an electrical storm when inside a car and if you asked why, it is likely you were told you were safe because of the rubber tires. After all, rubber is a great insulator. In fact, this past summer while we were cycling in The Netherlands, we found ourselves near the edge of a thunderstorm. One of the participants, who happened to be an engineer, tried to reassure us that we were safe on our bicycles because of the rubber tires. If you believed him, perhaps I could offer you a deal on the Brooklyn Bridge. Lets consider the logic here. Assume the lightning just traveled a couple of miles to find you while sitting on your bicycle, do you really think an inch of rubber is going to help? Of course not. But what about being safe in a car. That will depend on the car. What protects you inside a car is that you are inside a metal shell, which is referred to as being inside a Faraday shield. If you stick your arm out of the window you will lose the protection of the Faraday shield. If you are inside a plastic or fiberglass car, you are also at risk. Our daughter teaches outdoor education that includes backpacking, sometimes in areas that are prone to electrical storms. She teaches that one should sit, feet together on the ground, arms curled up like an armadillo so no limbs or sharp edges are sticking out. She says this is the preferred position because it is impossible to sit in the recommended Lightning Safety Position, balancing on your feet with heels touching, for more than a couple of minutes, which is not long enough. With your feet and butt on the ground, a ground current, often the killer, will pass through your feet and butt, but not through your vital organs. So now you need to decide: Is our hero getting into the armadillo position or praying to Thor, God of thunder and lightning. December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 5 Safety Tips By Warren Hockenbary The following article is a quick summary of the Safety Tips that I presented at the General Meeting of the SLOB on Thursday, November 6, 2008. I signed up for the free email newsletter that is published weekly. It’s called RoadBikeRider.com It’s a wonderful source of current cycling information. Here is a great article on tire rotation from a recent RBR newsletter: Tire Rotation: You may see it recommended to swap tires front/back every thousand miles to get the most life out of a pair. But if you do that, you’ll be putting a worn tire on the front and that’s never a good idea. A front flat jeopardizes bike control while a rear flat isn’t nearly so dicey. So here’s a better technique: Ride a pair of tires until the much-faster-wearing rear is shot. Then buy a replacement, but put it on the front and move the slightly worn front tire to the rear. This way, you’ll always have your freshest, safest tire with the thickest tread on the wheel that has the most to do with bike control. Visors on helmets: I have learned that several club members have experienced crashes that were probable caused because their view was obstructed by the visor on their helmet. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind about helmet visors and your safety: 1. Visors can be a great way to keep the sun from coming in over the top of your riding glasses and also to keep as much sun as possible off your face. Visors are not a problem for people who ride commuter bikes, mountain bikes and other bikes with flat handlebars. When you are on a road bike and especially when you are down in the drops, a visor can really limit you forward view to only a few feet. 2. BMX and some Mountain bike helmets have even longer visors, but these riders have straight handlebars and they sit upright when they ride. I recommend that you do not use this type of visor if you are riding a conventional road bike. Limited visibility can be very hazardous anytime and especially when you’re cruising along at 15 mph or faster. Call For Lighthouse Jersey Designs Ideas This is the first call for 2009 Lighthouse jersey design ideas. The ideas will be presented at the February 2009 club meeting. This year all ideas will be presented in a standard jersey format. For format specifications and assistance in illustrating your idea or putting your idea into the standard format, email Will Benedict at [email protected]. December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 6 Advocate’s Report By Dale Sutliff Bob Jones Trail Moving Forward – You Can Help “It is a generational project,” said San Luis Obispo County Parks Director Peter Jenny, speaking on the status of the Bob Jones Recreational Trail in October. He was talking about the scope of challenges ahead in obtaining the funds and property to accomplish the entire separated trail from Avila Beach to San Luis Obispo. It seems like the Bob Jones Trail has already taken a generation. Many users, myself included, would like to see the trail completed while they are still physically able to experience it, and for it to benefit the overall community sooner rather than later. The completed section of the BJT is enormously successful – so imagine what having the whole trail done would do for the larger community. Because of the desire to keep moving forward toward completing the Bob Jones Trail, a new group: “Friends of the Bob Jones Trail”, is forming. A steering committee will be created, and members are being sought. Further announcements and opportunities will be made at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and benefit for the BJT ($15 per person) to be held on the evening of December 3 at the Avila La Fonda Hotel in Avila Beach. Your donation will make you a founding member. For more information call 595-1700 and reserve your space, or purchase tickets in person at the hotel or at Joe Mommas Coffee in Avila Beach. Interested SLOBS, and others, may want to attend, learn more, and get involved. While it will take a while to get the Friends of the Bob Jones Trail rolling, the steering committee formulation is a key first step. They will set the direction for what will follow in order to support the completion and utilization of the trail. More good news: according to Jan Di Leo, County Parks Planner, by December a contractor will be building the next part of the BJT – a segment along the Avila Bay Golf Course from San Miguel Avenue to the San Luis Creek Bridge in Avila. This will make travel along this stretch safer for all. The County has nearly one half of the estimated $10m dollars needed to complete the entire BJT from Avila Beach to the San Luis Obispo city limits – a roughly five mile length from the Octagon Barn (on South Higuera St.) to the current trail head at Ontario Road. A big part of the cost will be a bike/pedestrian bridge across Highway 101. While all plans are nearly complete for the County’s portion of the Bob Jones Trail, it will require nearly a year to gain necessary agency and environmental approvals. Now is a good time to muster additional energy to keep on track and get the trail done. In a related matter, the San Luis Obispo City Council has authorized the inclusion of a safe bike crossing and Bob Jones Trail extension at the future Los Osos Valley Road and Highway 101 intersection. While this will take a few years to accomplish, it will set the stage for the link between that intersection and the Octagon Barn Staging Area. Mark your calendar, the January club meeting will be at the Ludwick Center – not the Library. December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 7 PEDALING THROUGH THE PAST BY JANIE GOLDENBERG, HISTORIAN DECEMBER 2008 Here are some excerpts from The President’s column in The SLO Coaster 20 years ago, December 1988: What’s Happening By SLOB Bob Garing The new jersey’s have taken off like wildfire. We are out of some sizes already and have reordered. Those that haven’t received theirs, please be patient but still needle us. We are a volunteer organization. Did you notice that in the last SLO Coaster that we had four contributing authors of bicycle rides and news. I appreciate that and so do the readers. Wendy Fertschneider and Jim Delany stories are the type of stories we need. There are several club members who have done fabulous rides but haven’t written about them. Last meeting we had pizza and a marvelous slide show by Martin Howell. He attended the League of American Wheelmen get together in Flagstaff Arizona in June. He rode his bike and so did Paula Scott from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff. After a couple of days at Flagstaff, he and Paula rode from there to Colorado via the Monument Valley up to Monticello in Utah and over to Ouray and other beautiful areas in Colorado. Did you know we now order 180 SLO Coasters a month? They go to members, local bike shops and other bicycle clubs. We even get requests for reprinting some of our material. Whenever anyone asks about joining the club we give them a SLO Coaster to read and it has an application for membership in it. December 2008 SLO Coaster When was the last time you paid your dues? $5.00 is a bargain just to read the newsletter. I want to thank John Rogers and Stu Goldenberg who work throughout the year with their computers. John because each month he turns out a mailing list for the SLO Coaster and a couple of times a year a membership roster. Both John and Stu are busy two times a year when the Lighthouse and Wildflower rides are put on. They are handling over a thousand entry forms and over a thousand mailing labels for each ride. Stu puts out the ride flyers on his computer and updates them every year (for each ride). These two gentlemen make my being President easy. I want to thank Wayne Williams in his tireless bookkeeping of the club finances. He has to process hundreds of dollars in checks and cash from the two rides, the jerseys, the memberships and any other money processed through the club. He also checks the mailbox almost daily and is always coming around to the house delivering club information. Merry Christmas to all!! Page 8 December 2008 Ride Calendar by Mark Lyon Monday Tuesday 1 Breakaways Monday Ramblers Yellowjackets 2 BW-LO Ride 7 NC Brunch BW/LO 8 Breakaways Monday Ramblers Yellowjackets 14 NC Brunch BW/LO Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3 Flyers Frequent Feeders SLO Pokes Wednesday Ramblers 4 BW-LO Ride 5 Breakaways Friday Ramblers Tortoises Yellowjackets 6 Slabtown 9 BW-LO Ride 10 Flyers Frequent Feeders SLO Pokes Wednesday Ramblers 11 12 BW-LO Ride Breakaways Board Meeting Friday Ramblers Tortoises Yellowjackets 13 Slabtown Favorite 15 Breakaways Monday Ramblers Yellowjackets 16 BW-LO Ride 17 Flyers Frequent Feeders SLO Pokes Wednesday Ramblers 18 BW-LO Ride 19 Breakaways Friday Ramblers Tortoises Yellowjackets 20 Slabtown 21 NC Brunch BW/LO 22 Breakaways Monday Ramblers Yellowjackets 23 BW-LO Ride 24 Flyers Frequent Feeders SLO Pokes Wednesday Ramblers 25 BW-LO Ride 26 Breakaways Friday Ramblers Tortoises Yellowjackets 27 Slabtown 28 NC Brunch BW/LO 29 Breakaways Monday Ramblers Yellowjackets 30 BW-LO Ride 31 Flyers Frequent Feeders SLO Pokes Wednesday Ramblers Sunday SLOBC Meeting and Pot Luck Meetings Thursday, December 4 (6:00 PM) – Winter Potluck (SLOBC Meeting). 6:00 PM at the Trinity Hall in Old Edna, 6565 Edna Road, Highway 227, San Luis Obispo. Thursday, December 11 (6:00 PM) - Board of Directors Meeting (Board Meeting). Meet at Coast National Bank, 500 Marsh St (SLO). December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 9 Weekly Rides (Rain Cancels) Sunday (10:00 AM) - North County Brunch Ride (NC Brunch) (B-2). Meet at Vanderlinde's House (Atascadero). A different route each week of 20 to 40 miles. It may stop along the way for breakfast, or hold off until the end of the ride - depends upon the route. Led by Glenn & Gail Vanderlinde (466-4221). Sunday (8:30 AM) - Sunday Baywood / Los Osos Ride (BW/LO) (B-2). Meet at Nazarene Church (BP). Casual pace to coffee shop in Cayucos and nobody gets left behind. Led by Jack Robison (5283478). Monday (9:00 AM) - Breakaways Mondays (Breakaways) (D-3). The ride departs from Damon Garcia Sports Field and is led by Russ Robinson (781-0903). Monday (10:00 AM) - Monday Ramblers (North County) (Monday Ramblers) (B-2). Meet at Templeton Park. Distance will be 25 to 45 miles. The route, depending upon participants, will include an alternate extended leg so that a faster (15+ MPH) group is accommodated. Both will rendezvous at the same coffee stop. Regroups as requested to rest - or as necessary to wait for riders. There will be weekly reminders / routes sent prior to each ride. Led by Patti & Bill VanOrden (434-0542). Monday (9:00 AM) - Yellowjackets SLO Rides (Yellowjackets) (B-2). Meet at Ben's House (SLO). Ride supports one riding group (pace, 12-14 MPH) to various destinations. Be on time because the rides leave at the scheduled time. Led by Ben Patrick (543-2803). Tuesday (8:30 AM) - Baywood / Los Osos Ride (BW-LO Ride) (B-2). Meet at Nazarene Church (BP). Casual pace and nobody gets left behind. The route will go North, South or East to some coffee shop (the route and destination are selected by consensus). Led by Jerry Lundstrom (528-1069). Wednesday (9:00 AM) - Flyers (D-3). Ride starts at various locations and times. 3 The ride departs from French Park (SLO) and is led by Russ Robinson (781-0903). 10 The ride departs from Laguna Lake Park (SLO) and is led by Glenn Vanderlinde (466-4221). 17 The ride departs from Band Stand (AG) and is led by Larry Bradford (474-8764). 24 No Ride. 31 The ride departs from Dinosaur Caves Park (SB) and is led by Russ Robinson (781-0903). Wednesday (9:00 AM) - Frequent Feeders (B-2). Rides starts at various locations and times. 3 Meet at French Park (SLO). Harvey's birthday ride! Led by Harvey Cohon (594-1249). 10 The ride departs from State Park Marina (MB) and is led by Joan Petersen (772-2604). 17 The ride departs from Band Stand (AG) and is led by Jim Hanto (489-1520). 24 The ride departs from State Park Marina (MB) and is led by Dave & Debbie Abrecht (528-2571). 31 No ride. December 2008 SLO Coaster Wednesday (9:00 AM) - SLO Pokes (A-2). These rides start at various locations and times. They are tailored for riders wanting to travel no more than 12 miles per hour. 3 The ride departs from Meadow Park (SLO) and is led by Bruce Collier (543-9514). 10 Meet at Lila Keiser Park (MB). Canyons and Cayucos. Led by Kay Birk (595-7124). 17 Show & Go from Laguna Lake Park (SLO). 24 Meet at Sinsheimer Park (SLO). SLO circuit. Led by Stu & Janie Goldenberg (544-4720). 31 Show & Go from Bob Jones Trail Head. Wednesday (10:00 AM) - Wednesday Ramblers (North County) (Wednesday Ramblers) (B-2). Meet at Atascadero Zoo. Distance will be 25 to 45 miles. The route, depending upon participants, will include an alternate extended leg so that a faster (15+ MPH) group is accommodated. Both will rendezvous at the same coffee stop. Regroups as requested to rest - or as necessary to wait for riders. There will be weekly reminders / routes sent prior to each ride. Led by Bent Daugaarrd-Hansen ([email protected]). Thursday (8:30 AM) - Baywood / Los Osos Ride (BW-LO Ride) (B-2). See Tuesday Description. Friday (9:00 AM) - Breakaways Fridays (Breakaways) (D-3). The ride departs from Band Stand (AG) and is led by Larry Bradford (474-8764). Friday (10:00 AM) - Friday Ramblers (North County) (Friday Ramblers) (B-2). Meet at Railroad Station (PR). Distance will be 25 to 45 miles. The route, depending upon participants, will include an alternate extended leg so that a faster (15+ MPH) group is accommodated. Both will rendezvous at the same coffee stop. Regroups as requested to rest - or as necessary to wait for riders. There will be weekly reminders / routes sent prior to each ride. Led by Mike Duffy ([email protected]). Friday (9:00 AM) - Tortoises Introduction Rides (Tortoises) (A-1). This group is intended for people that just want to get out for a short, easy, slow ride. We will ride approximately10 miles and average 10 miles per hour. We will also try to minimize hill climbing. A coffee stop is included. 5 Meet at Bob Jones Trail Head. Explore some of the canyons. Led by Julie Jarvis (773-1567). 12 Meet at Atlee Home. Cruise Corbett Canyon (brown bag lunch afterwards). Led by Chuck & Susan Atlee (544-6298). 19 Meet at Sinsheimer Park (SLO). Explore Cal Poly. Led by Stu & Janie Goldenberg (544-4720). 26 Show & Go from Sinsheimer Park (SLO). Those that participate will pick the destination and route. Friday (9:00 AM) - Yellowjackets SLO Rides (Yellowjackets) (B-2). See Monday Description. Saturday (8:00 AM) - Slabtown Rollers (Slabtown) (C-4). Meet at B&A Realty (Cambria). Variable itinerary, call for details. Led by Tom Parsons (927-5514). Page 10 Directions to Starting Locations Atascadero Zoo Take 101 north from San Luis Obispo to Atascadero, take the Santa Rosa exit (218A), turn left on to Santa Rosa Rd for 1.4 miles, turn right on Highway 41, continue 0.2 miles to zoo on right. Atlee Home Call for directions. B&A Realty (Cambria) Take 101 to Highway 1 west, continue 34 miles to Cambria Rd, then turn left onto Main St. Continue 0.4 miles to B&A Realty on the left. Band Stand (AG) Take 101 to Grand exit in Arroyo Grande. Turn right (east) 0.2 miles to Traffic Way, right 0.2 miles to Nelson St, left 0.1 miles to Short Street. Park on street. Ben's House (SLO) Take 101 to Los Osos Valley Road. Go east 0.5 mile to Higuera, left 0.4 mile to Tank Farm Rd, right 1.9 miles to Poinsettia St, right 0.1 mile to Alyssum Court, left one house -- Ben's house is first on left. Bob Jones Trail Head Take 101 toward the five cities. Exit at San Luis Bay drive. Go left on Ontario for 0.8 miles. Park in the lot on your left. Damon Garcia Sports Field Take 101 to Los Osos Valley Road exit, east 0.4 miles to Higuera, left 0.2 miles to Tank Farm, right 1.5 miles to Broad, left 0.2 miles to the park on the left (across from Industrial Way). Dinosaur Caves Park (SB) Take 101 south to Spyglass Drive off ramp, go right to light, left on Shell Beach Road 1.4 miles to Cliff Avenue, right 0.1 mile to park on left. French Park (SLO) Take 101 to Los Osos Valley Road. East 0.5 mile to Higuera, left 0.4 mile to Tank Farm Rd, right 1.9 miles to Poinsettia St, right 0.4 miles to Fuller, left 0.1 mile to park (on the left). Laguna Lake Park (SLO) Take 101 to Madonna exit in SLO. Going west, 0.7 miles to entrance to Laguna Lake Park on your right. Generally park in second lot to the left (near the bathrooms). Lila Keiser Park (MB) Go north/west on highway 1 from 101 to Morro Bay. Take highway 41 off ramp and turn left. Go 0.1 mile and turn left into the park. Los Alamos Park Take 101 South to Los Alamos. Exit at Bell St. Continue 1.2 miles to Highway 135, left 0.4 miles to Centennial St, right 1 mile to park. Meadow Park (SLO) Take 101 to Madonna Rd exit in SLO. Go east 0.4 miles to Higuera, left 0.1 mile to South St, right 0.7 mile to Meadow Street, right 0.2 mile to lot on your right. Nazarene Church (BP) Corner of Santa Ysabel and South Bay Blvd in Los Osos. From 101, take Los Osos Valley Rd exit. Travel west for 9 miles to South Bay Blvd. Travel right about 1 mile to light, church is on your right. December 2008 SLO Coaster Railroad Station (PR) Take 101 north to the Spring Street exit, continue 1 mile to 8th street, right to Pine street and park. Shamel Park (Cambria) Take 101 to Highway 1 and go north to Cambria. At the north end of town, turn left at Windsor Rd. The park is 0.3 miles down the road. Sinsheimer Park (SLO) Take 101 to Madonna exit. Travel east 0.2 miles to Higuera, left 0.1 mile to South Street, right 0.8 mile to Broad Street right 0.7 miles to Orcutt Road, left 0.4 miles to Laurel Lane, left 0.3 miles to Southwood Drive, left 0.2 miles to park. State Park Marina (MB) Take 101 to Highway 1. Go west 12 miles to the Los Osos/Baywood Park exit. Left to 0.3 miles to State Park Rd. Right 1.7 miles to marina parking area on the left. Templeton Park Take 101 to the Vineyard exit in Templeton. Turn right for 0.2 miles to Old Country Road, turn left for 0.4 miles to 6th Street. Park is on your right. Vanderlinde's House (Atascadero) Take 101 to highway 41 off ramp in Atascadero. Go west 0.3 miles and take left on Atascadero Road. Vanderlinde's house (7175) is about 0.1 mile on the left. Patti and Bill Van Orden North County Ride Leaders Page 11 Special Events (Rain Cancels) Saturday, December 13 (9:00 AM) - Favorite Ride Series (Favorite) (C-3). Meet at Band Stand (AG). Do the Tuesday Night Ride "2006" ride which features over 4,000 feet of climbing in about 30 miles. "You will find yourself backtracking and crossing your route, but you will never travel on the same stretch of road in the same direction more then once." See map/profile chart at our website - use Local Ride button. Be sure to call if you plan to participate in case of late changes in schedule. Contact Frank Mullin (518-9003) for more information. Thursday, January 1 (9:00 AM) - New Year's Day Ride (Ragged Point) (B-2). Meet at Shamel Park (Cambria). Join us for our annual club ride to the Ragged Point Inn. The pace will be modest; no one left behind. If the ride is rained out, it will be rescheduled to Sunday, January 4. A post ride no-host lunch will be held at the Main Street Grill in Cambria for those who wish to attend. The ride leaders have a special treat for all participants; a patch to celebrate the first club ride of 2009. Led by Dave & Debbie Abrecht (528-2571). Saturday, January 17 (9:00 AM) - Favorite Ride Series (Favorite) (C-3). Meet at Los Alamos Park. Ride Alisos and Foxen Canyons to Los Olivos, continue over Ballard to Buellton. Return on Highway 246 and Drum Canyon. The length is about 42 miles. See map/profile chart at our website - use Local Ride button. Be sure to call if you plan to participate in case of late changes in schedule. Contact Frank Mullin (518-9003) for more information. Do the SLOBC Member Survey! Let the Club know what you think. The Member Survey will be available either online or as a hardcopy. • Those who receive the e-Newsletter will have the URL link to access and complete the survey. • Those who choose to do the survey “by hand” can obtain a survey at the Club Potluck meeting on December 5. • Those who can’t attend the potluck or do the survey online may obtain a copy by contacting Dale Sutliff, Club Advocate, [email protected], or call 544-4034. All surveys should be submitted by January 8, 2009. Hardcopy surveys may be mailed to: San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club P.O. Box 1585 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 or may be brought to the regular SLOBC meeting on January 8. All survey participants will be anonymous. Results of the survey will be made available when they are compiled. December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 12 Announcements and Letters to the Editors Please submit your letters to Pamela Nargie’s e-mail: [email protected] and copy Stu Goldenberg at [email protected] in WORD format. Every effort will be made to print them all in their entirety. Your letter may be edited for format but not for content and acceptance for publication is at the discretion of the editors. Thank you, Pamela Nargie & Stu Goldenberg For Sale: Softride Powercurve Qualifier 650 48 cm/650 wheels, Shimano 600 STI/8 speed rear gear set Shimano pedals, Softride beam-fit accessory bag $500Santana Sovereigh S model tandem (very fast) 56 cm mavic open 4CD wheels Durace 8 speed rear gear set/STI shifters Matching regal Girardi white seats, New Bontrager tires Shimano pedals $800Thank you, Carol Phillips 544-3269 452.5432 December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 13 Letters and Announcements continued: Thank you! On Saturday November 1st at 10:00 AM nine brave volunteers from SLOBC descended on Kirk Zirion's house to provide muscle power for the many chores which have not been done lately. It seems that Kirk has been sidelined by ALS, a PEG tube into his stomach and blood clots in his leg. Consequently he has not been able to accomplish many tasks around the home. And, because Pam is his primary caregiver, she has not been able to do much else except care for Kirk and coordinate home health care providers. So, when Shelley and Tim Long came to visit, Shelley suggested that she email a few people to help with chores. Pam put together a list, and Shelley got people to do those tasks. On Saturday, the 1st, you could see Harvey Cohon changing oil in Kirk's pickup; his wife, Kathy, and Judy Rutter pruning roses; Chris Fylling and Gary Spelbring cutting wisteria; Tim Long replacing a gutter; Larry Rutter dusting 20 foot high windows; Shelley Long washing windows; Jose Ortiz commanding the troops and helping Tim Stewart install grab bars throughout the house. All were very industrious and enjoyed Nucci's pizza for a reward. Not to be forgotten, Willi and Bob Zilkey have stayed with Kirk while Pam did errands. And Lenore Spelbring has helped immeasurably wade through the intricacies of the home health system, as well as giving sage advice concerning Hospice and Hospice Partners. Kirk and I very much appreciate all the good work of these people, and words are not enough for the kindness you have shown to us. Bless you all. Kirk and Pam Zirion Dear Club Members, On behalf of the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees and Administration, I would like to thank you for the very generous donation of $2,500.00 to the Creston Elementary School. Your gift was formally accepted by the Atascadero Unified School District Board of Trustees at their meeting on October 07, 2008. Your gift is greatly appreciated by the Board of Trustees, the District Administration, and the Creston Elementary School staff members and students. The money will benefit our students throughout the year and offer them educational opportunities that may not be available to them without your generosity. Again, thank you for your tremendous support. Sincerely yours, JOHN ROGERS District Superintendent Grateful Thanks!!! Thanks to Stan Cherman and his knowledge of trailer wiring, the club trailer is in great shape. The lights have been relocated and the license plate is in a more visible place. Quick releases are ordered as well as straps. Thank you, Stan! Norm Brown December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 14 Letters and Announcements continued: To the editor: As a professional bike fitter, and a road cyclist (albeit a younger one than most members), I find your cartoon regarding drop handlebars to be misleading to the public. Drop handlebars, set up properly for the rider and riding style do not strain the neck, or force you to look down. IF someone gets an improperly fitted bike, that's one thing, but on, for example, a touring bike, even with drop bars, the rider would be set up to be very upright. I would say that flat bars have distinct disadvantages as well. First, even with bar ends you have at most 2 hand positions to work with. Second, with ones arms far out there is a lot more wind drag. Third is that if you put out your arm and hand naturally, the normal position of the hand isn't flat, but sideways like a handshake. I don't know the specifics of everyone you reference in your article however, I would wager that they are fit issues with each of them and their bike set ups. You are of course entitled to your opinion, however, I hope that you would at least consider this one main point. I can set up a rider to be as upright on drop bars as I can on flat bars, and with drop bars offer them many more hand positions without straining their necks or causing them to crash into the backs of cars or not see things while they are out touring. Josh Cohen, Foothill Cyclery, 896 Foothill Blvd STE A, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, ph: 541-4101, fax: 541-5128 Road trip to the Tour of California's Stage 7 Time Trial in Solvang on February 20 The SLOBC is planning a road trip to the Tour of California's Stage 7 Time Trial in Solvang on February 20, 2009. The purpose of this letter is to update last year's list and to extend the invitation to any club member. The plan is to meet in Buellton on Friday morning, February 20, and ride to Solvang. From there, you can ride the time trial route prior to the event; you can enjoy the Lifestyle Festival; you can eat Danish pastry. The day is devoted to cycling and fun. (If you have doubts, see the attached picture of Dale Sutliff) After the time trial, we will host a BBQ / potluck at Flying Flags RV park in Buellton. More complete information will be coming soon. On Saturday, February 21, we will have several club rides in the Santa Ynez Valley. There will be a hilly ride (a la Drum Canyon or Harris Grade) of about 45 miles and a shorter, flatter ride (Los Olivos and Happy Canyon), about 30 miles. Or, you can create your own ride. If you plan to spend Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights in Buellton (or some combination there of) I strongly suggest you make reservations NOW. For those of you who have an RV or want to tent camp, Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton is your best bet. If you want to "credit card" camp, Buellton has a Day's Inn, an Andersen's Best Western and a Marriott Hotel. Solvang also has many motels. You must make your own motel / camping reservations and arrangements. If you plan to attend and have not already signed up, please send us an e-mail so we can begin to develop a complete list. If you have questions, feel free to e-mail or call us. Dave and Debbie Abrecht December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 15 Photos Whoosh! Club member Myla Collier received notice that her tapestry work-Whoosh! has been accepted for the Art Center Show "Cutting Edge Fiber Art" opening Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 at the Art Center in Downtown SLO. This piece was done after we viewed and photographed the 2007 Tour de France in Kent, England. Please join us for the opening on Saturday evening. Bruce Collier Picture of the Month North County Monday Ramblers December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 16 SLOBC Membership News By Chris Broome Note that most of our memberships expire on January 1st, 2009, so please check your date. Your membership expiration date is printed above your name and address on the cover of this SLO Coaster. A renewal form and instructions can be found on the SLOBC website at: http://www.slobc.org/ApplicationForm.html Note that you now have options for receiving the SLO Coaster and the Membership directory by email, in printed form or not at all. You can check off the options you want on the renewal form. If your membership is current, just send an email to [email protected] indicating how you prefer to receive the publications. If you live in SLO County, or Santa Maria, and you have recently renewed, please pickup your new membership cards at the monthly meeting. We only mail new cards to members who are outside the area – this saves the club a lot of time and money. Where are they now ? The club no longer has correct email addresses for any of the following people. If your name is on the list, or you know their current email address, please send a message to [email protected] Adams, Tracey Andreen, Kenneth Arel-Davis, Madeleine Baggett, Tamara Ballinger, Jeff Belford, Mike Bergstrom, Bruce & Dayna Brooks, Lea Brown, Gregg Brown, Norm & Liz Camba, Bernard Carman, Ken Chadukiewicz, Leona Chenot, Ross Clark, Kelly Cletsoway, Emily Cleveland, Lucia Cruz, Trisha Daugaard-Hansen, Bent DePalma, Vicki December 2008 Doss, Ken Ernstrom, Jenny Exner, Bob Fosse, Dave Geltner, Elaina Gerpheide, Jim Ghiringhelli, Laura Gier, Judith Graham, Carol Greco, Laurie Greco, Paul Gross, Marvin Hanysz, Jeanne Henry, Joan Herd, John Hillman, Richard Holman, Mary Jane Hosp, Jim Howell, Martin Huston, Mike Huston, Shirley SLO Coaster Hutchison, Sue Jarvis, Julie Jensen, George Joe, William Kaiser, John Keller, Joe Koalska, Cheryl Krska, Cliff Krup, Lauren Kuczwara, Laurene Kuenzli, Michael Lopez, Jacky Luddington, Frank & Joyce Lyon, Jean March, Donna McHugh, Kathleen McKee, Bonnie McLain, Mary McLain McNeely, Shannon Moore, Carol Anne Moore, Larry N. Murphy, Bill Nakai, David Otter, MaryAnn Parker, Lance Parks, Jerri Policastri, Gene Potter, Thomas & Caroline Preach, Marie Preach, Mike Ratekin, John & Barbara Richard, B.K. Richman, Betsy Richman, Ron Ridgway, Joyce Robert, Karen Rodgers, Richard Rose , Susan Ross, George Seidewitz, Doug Shaver, Rosanne Siegel, Sherrie Siemsen, John Siemsen, Virginia Simoes, John Souza, Larry Stallard, Mary Stevenson, Chuck Stevenson, Shelly Stockton, Lex Swafford, Bonnie Talkin, Corinne Thomas, John K. Tokar-Hazlett, Patricia Tutino, Gail VerWest, Jim Villa, Marcy Wafer, Kathleen Walker, Margaret Weber, Bruce Welden, Kent Page 17 This page left mostly blank While in Greece this October, we had the pleasure of observing the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Greece. Missing from this comic interpretation are the rifles that the guards were carrying. Yes, what they did looked more like a dance than military maneuvers! Other than the missing rifles, the sketch is fairly accurate, with pom-poms on the ends of their shoes and white tights. Stu and Janie Goldenberg December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 18 December 2008 SLO Coaster Page 19 Advocacy Clothing Club Programs/Picnic Contributions Lighthouse Ride Wildflower Ride Membership & Directory Newsletter Operations Ride Coordinators Indulgence Ride Safety Sunshine Reserve Account** Expenses 1,500 105,000 110,000 2,500 4,500 300 16,800 Clothing sales Lighthouse Ride Wildflower Ride* Indulgence Ride* Membership Dues Miscellaneous Surplus Carryover from Prior Year 240,600 550 0 3,000 37,500 70,000 72,000 1,350 9,000 12,000 2,300 2,500 300 500 29,600 240,600 Budget Income 2009 Budget Worksheet All units are U.S. dollars 37,500 2,000 unplanned contributions TOTAL 4,000 2,000 2,500 500 3,000 20,000 500 1,000 1,000 1,000 35,500 2009 Cal Poly Wheelman Scholarships CCCMB Creston School Christmas Helmet Fund Shandon Scholarship Fund SLO County Bicycle Coalition SLOECC Rideshare Tour of California SLO Criterium Sub total Donee Contributions worksheet 2009 **a reserve account, which had been called surplus carryover in previous years, to provide financial back-up stability for the club. *augmented income from the two century rides due to an increase in registration fees from $50 to $55 Here, for your review, is next year's budget approved at the November SLOBC board meeting. You might notice several changes this year-- By Alston Paff, treasurer Annual Budget Report SLOBC December Potluck By Will Benedict December’s semiannual potluck will continue our goal of celebrating with minimal impact what started with the June potluck. Everyone is expected to bring what they need and take it home to minimize our environmental impact. As part of this we will act like a big family with everyone that attends helping with setup and cleanup. Given that this is our holiday celebration, the challenge is to bring something to create a festive table setting with your fellow dinners. There will be prizes for exceptional results. If you feel that good food, conversation and a short meeting is not enough and you want to plan a program or event to occur at the potluck, send me an email with your proposal and plan. Date & Time December 4th, 2008 6:00 to 9:00 pm Location Trinity Hall in Old Edna 6565 Edna Road, Highway 227 San Luis Obispo, CA Food to Bring A - F: Desert G - O: Salads P - Z: Main Course A - Z: Other Things To Bring Plate Cup/Glass Desert Plate (or use your dinner plate) Fork & Spoon Drinks other than water Serving Utensils for your dish Place Mat (if desired) Napkin (if desired or use your sleeve) Tablecloth (several have volunteered and we could use a few more) Email Will Benedict if you have questions or will bring a tablecloth: [email protected] San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club P.O. Box 1585 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Return Service Requested