The Newsletter of the Grizzly Peak Cyclists

august
2 0 0 8
The Newsletter of the Grizzly Peak Cyclists - A Bicycle Touring Club
My Ride With
Captain Sue
The Conquest of King’s Ridge
The image is still vivid in my mind ... going up one of the
steepest sections of King’s Ridge, and the tandem, with a mind
of its own, did not want to get into the granny ... and it did not
... I felt how powerful Captain Sue’s legs were; I tried to match
her power. Standing was out of the
question, since the stoker handlebars
were too wide for me; they felt like
airplane wings, and since I was at
the edge of them I had no power to
stand up or to keep my balance on
the standing position. The situation
was so hilarious that it became comic;
I felt like teasing Susan, saying, “This
wasn’t in the program, climbing
in the middle ring”, but I didn’t
say anything, instead I continued
pushing as hard as I could ... And
guess what? We made it.
Then, the first downhill ... Wow!
It felt so good to be in the back of
the tandem, behind such a skillful
captain; we were going fast, but
the way she took the turns was so
incredible, it made me feel very safe.
I imagined that I was a bird soaring
down the valley ... It was so nice to
feel the wind, and be able to look
all around ... This one of the great
pleasures of being a stoker, to be
free to look ...
Berkeley late, had coffee in Occidental, the back wheel, when
we first took the tandem out of the car, didn’t want to cooperate
and get into the dropouts as it should ... and last we had an
improvised rest stop at the Fire Station in Cazadero; we stopped
for water, but this led to a friendly conversation with one fireman,
and two fire-women, one of them a very avid cyclist, as we savored
some delicious brownies, that they had offered us. This really set
up the mood for the challenge to come; we were eager to start our
adventure, the conquest of King’ s Ridge.
Having left behind the steepest sections of the climb, we were
missing the 200 miles group. The first rider passed us; it was Bob
Pacenta. A little bit later, Mark Abrahams was behind us, very
impressed with our cycling abilities.
He was intrigued by the gearing of
the tandem that made possible such
an undertaking.
We approached a downhill section,
and Captain Sue demonstrated once
more her superb descending skills,
while I was just trying to match
her technique. Looking at Mark’s
expression of admiration was a real
delight. He dropped us on a uphill
section.
Finally we got to our first official
regroup with everybody. We found
Mark Abrahams sound asleep under
a tree. Unbelievable! ... One by one,
all the 200 milers came. Everybody
looked so relaxed!
Such a bucolic scene was interrupted
by some “hot” latin rhythms, yes,
“hot” latin rhythms, in the middle of
nowhere. It was Ernesto ... smiling
... he had left one hour behind
everybody else, and he had just
Sue and Estella
caught up with us. The amazing thing about
Ernesto is that he is always smiling, and in an upbeat mood,
After we reached the “plains” we began to wonder where the 200 regardless how hard he rides; maybe his secret is the “spicy”
miles group was ... They should have passed us by now ... We music he listens to.
were really behind the schedule, for a variety reasons, we had left
(My Ride...continued on page 12)
Page 2
August 208
FROM THE PRESIDENTS, OLD AND NEW
ROTATING PACELINE
As we all know, pacelines work best when no one takes too
long a pull, but instead rotates
off while still reasonably fresh
in order to keep working within
the line.
work well together, and have good sense of humor. As I am
coming on board, I encourage all of you to become more active,
and come to the meetings more often. In matter of fact, the
meeting this month is going to take place at the home of Mike
Stein and Dolores Apton (see meeting announcement), who
are graciously hosting the event
as an act of recognition of the
Officers of the Club. Thank you
Mike and Dolores.
It has been a pleasure and an
honor to serve GPC as President
for the past year. It was fun, but
it required significant work. Now
is my time to rotate off and let
someone else take a pull.
Estella was somewhat reluctantly
drafted for the job as President
— just as were so many of her
predecessors! — but she has very
gamely said that she will take her
turn at the front and give us all a
pull. Now that she has accepted
and been elected, she is brimming
with enthusiasm and ideas to keep
GPC new and fresh.
One of the topics of the meeting agenda is going to be the
revision/update of the Ride
Leader Credit Policy (see article
below); this subject affect many
of you directly. Please, come and
express your opinion, if you can.
You will also have the opportunity
to meet the new officers ... Let’s
celebrate the fact that we are a
group united by the same passion,
cycling, and that they are people
very dedicated to keep the Club
running ... “Ride and Smile”
Lisa and Jason McPhate, Michael Edwards, Nancy Yu,
At the meeting when she was
Estella Garcia and Mark Abrahams
nominated, Estella spoke very
movingly that she would be able to take on the job only if we all
agreed to help her and support her. I’m sure we all will.
—Mark Abrahams, outgoing President
Is it really true, that I am the one taking the pull? Have you
ever had the experience of being in a situation, and at the same
time being able to see it as an outsider? It is the dual perception
that happens in dreams quite frequently, but sometimes it also
happens during our awake state. And that is what it is happening
to me now, as I write these lines.
Me, being the President? I can’t believe it, but I am ... How did it
happen? There were a series of events leading to an e-mail that I
received the day before the elections saying, “some people think
you should be President” ... “Oh, my God”, I thought.
Then, I remembered Mark Abrahams’ words, “everybody should
take a turn”, and I thought, “if I get elected, that means that it
is my turn”. Very quickly I realized that in case of being elected I
was only be able to do if I got everybody’s support. And that was
what I said at the meeting, after being “elected”, and I was talking
I was looking around the room watching people’s expressions ...
everybody was listening very attentively, and with a smile in
their faces. That made me feel completely at ease, relax, and
confident; “what a great group of people! We’re going to work
together very well”, I thought.
The new elected Board, is a nice, very capable, group of
individuals, who care a lot about the Club; they are friendly,
—Estella Garcia,
Madame la Presidente
Rider Leader Credit
Policy Changes
A portion of the August Club meeting will be devoted to rider
leader credit policies. If you feel strongly about partaking in these
discussions, please join us at the August meeting
Two proposed changes are:
1. Increase the minimum number of riders per leader on 2 or
more leader rides. Currently, 2 leader rides require a minimum
of 4 riders in order for both leaders to receive a ride leader credit.
The proposal is to change 2 leader rides to have a minimum of
“x” number of riders. One suggestion was to set the minimum
at 8 riders. If the minimum riders are not met, the 2 leaders
would decide who would receive credit. Further discussion
will take place.
2. A substitute leader (or co-leader) may receive credit if the
originally listed leader (or co-leader) is unable to lead the ride.
Credit is only given when leaders actually ride in the ride. Simply
handing out a route sheet or “making arrangements” is not
sufficient. If you can’t lead a ride you listed, find a substitute and
that substitute is entitled to the ride leader credit.
If you can’t make the meeting and would like to give your input,
please e-mail [email protected].
August 208
Page 3
MINUTES
OF THE
MEETING
7/7/08
The July 9th meeting was held on a warm and foggy evening in
El Cerrito at the home of Bosco, Mike, and Melarie. We dined
on pizza, potato bean salad, and a luscious fruit salad. For
dessert we enjoyed fruit tart. John Steinberg brought his bear
sculptures modeled after the GPC jersey bears. There may be a
photo in this issue of the WT.
The meeting was called to order at 7:33. Mark Abrahams handed
out GPC business cards. If you need additional cards, ask Mark.
Our treasury stands at $31,090. All century expenses have been
paid. We have 439 members comprised of 263 memberships, 89
family memberships, and 2 honorary memberships.
The newsletter deadline is the 22nd. The ride listing deadline
is the 21st. All members are encouraged to submit articles, with
photos if possible. If you don’t see the rides you like in the
listings, write up and list your ride.
The Novice Ride Series is on. Toshi Takeuchi is organizing the
series. It will be 6 Sundays in a row, starting August 10th. If you
can help lead one or more rides, please contact Toshi. This month
ride leader credit earned went to Mark Abrahams, Bruce Berg,
Bob Hallet, Christine Long, and Lewis Nusgarten. Christine
was awarded shorts.
August 10th will be our first GPC Tandem Rally. It will start
at Pleasanton BART. Lunch will be at the end at someone’s
favorite taqueria. Estella Garcia and Mark A are organizing this
event. If you want to try out a tandem or have a tandem to lend,
contact Estella or Mark A.
Alan Forkosh, not present, suggested we have a second signature
on the bank card. Just in case the treasurer is unable to do the
banking or check writing. Bob Hallet will make sure we have an
updated signature card at the bank.
Elections were held this month. The new officers and additional
directors are as follows. President- Estella Garcia, Vice PresidentMark Abrahams, Secretary- Melarie Johnson, Treasurer- Jeff
Kurtock, Additional Directors- Bruce Berg, Mark Sapiro, and
Nancy Yu. The new officers start on August 1, 2008. The Century
Chair position is open at this time.
The Ride Leader Credit rules and guidelines have been somewhat
ambiguous. Veronica and Mark A have been working on
formalizing the RLC policies. The goal is to have the policies in
writing and on our web site. There may be some changes afoot. If
this subject is near and dear to you, please attend the Aug meeting
for further discussion. Meeting adjourned at 8:48.
Club members Sherie Reineman and Amy Smolens gave a
presentation on the Albany Strollers and Rollers. This group
is working on bicycle access issues in Albany. See article on
page 11 in the issue.
—Respectfully submitted, Melarie Johnson, Secretary
GPC TANDEM RALLY
Yes, that’s right, we’re going to have our First Annual GPC
Tandem Rally.
DATE: Sunday, August 10. Mark this date in your calendar
of “fun” events.
MILEAGE: 40 miles approximately
TERRAIN: Flats, rolling hills, and one gradual, shady, beautiful
sustained climb up Calaveras Road (see Ride Description
for more details).
LEVEL: Multilevel, LT, T, TM, and M riders are welcome
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?: Everybody
Partners riding tandems.
Captains with tandems but without stokers.
Stokers without tandems or captains.
Tandems without captains or stokers.
People riding single bikes.
NOTE: If you don’t have a partner to ride the tandem with,
don’t worry about it, we’re going to form a pool of captains and a
pool of stokers ... and we’re going to mismatch captains, stokers
and tandems, of course way before the day of the ride, so as to
give you a chance to get together, make the necessary technical
adjustments, and go for a short ride before the rally.
HOW WAS THE IDEA BORN? Having had a great experience
riding a tandem, and having nearly fallen off the bike laughing
on numerous occasions, we would like to encourage other
people to do the same.
We know that there are many people who own tandems in the
Club, and some of them no longer ride them ... We would to
say to all of them, “Get these tandems out of the garage, blow
the dust off, get them ready for this great rally!” Let us know
when you will be ready.
By the same token if you’ve the desire to ride a tandem, as a
stoker, this is your opportunity. We know there are several
people who love riding tandems like us, or who would like to
try. Don’t be shy, let us know.
PLEASE LET US KNOW As soonas possible if you are a
cpatain without stoker, or a stoker without captain so we
could find a poartner.
—THE RALLY COMMITTEE
Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294
Estella Garcia (510)540-6449
Page 4
August 208
AUGUST MEETING
WEDS 8/13
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!
Come to the September Club Meeting at the home of Dolores
Apton and Mike Stein in Oakland for a Bar-B-Que in honor
of the people who work for us (behind the scenes most of the
time) -- some for as many as 15 years!
We will start with a potluck BBQ dinner at 6:30 p.m. As
entertainment we’ll have a once well known comedian as
we savor . . . DESSERT! . . . to show your appreciation for
your GPC officers!
What could be more appropriate for a club with a motto of
“Ride to Eat and Eat to Ride”? Dolores and Mike will provide
ice cream. If anyone wants to make a dessert that’d be great, but
please also provide a dinner item — salad, side dish, appetizer,
casserole, BBQ item, etc. It’ll be fun . . . provided the weather
accommodates us, or even if it doesn’t (just dress in layers).
Looking forward to seeing you!
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. The main issue in the
agenda will be the review/update of the Rider Leader
Credit Guidelines.
ADDRESS: 4159 Wilshire Blvd, Oakland PHONE:
(510)530-4248
DIRECTIONS
FROM BERKELEY: Take Highway 13 South to Lincoln/Joaquin
Miller exit. Exit takes you to the frontage road, Monterey. Go
left a very little ways. Turn right at Lincoln. Travel approx. 1/2
mile down the hill passing the Mormon Temple on your left.
Turn left at Carmel. Continue along Carmel until it dead-ends at
Maple. Turn left onto Maple. Follow up the hill (approx. 1/3 mile).
Turn left onto Carlsen, which turns into Wilshire.
FROM SAN FRANCISCO OR MARIN: Highway 580 East to
Fruitvale exit. At end of the off ramp, Fruitvale Ave, go straight
through light. Proceed to first stop sign, Champion, and turn
left. Drive to light at MacArthur. Turn right at MacArthur
and travel to stoplight at Maple. Turn left at Maple. Follow
up the hill (approx. 1/2 mile). Turn left onto Carlsen, which
turns into Wilshire.
FROM THE SOUTH: Highway 880 North to Highway 238 to
Highway 580 West (toward Oakland). Take Coolidge/Fruitvale
exit. At end of off ramp, Coolidge, turn right. Continue on
Coolidge, crossing light at MacArthur to first stopping, Carmel.
Turn right. Continue along Carmel till it dead-ends at Maple.
Turn left onto Maple. Follow up the hill (approx. 1/3 mile) Turn
left onto Carlsen, which turns into Wilshire.
Annual DONATION
COMMITTEE MEETING
THURS 14 AUGUST
Every year, GPC donates a large portion of the proceeds raised
from our Century to bicycle-related non-profit organizations
and causes. Last year we donated a total of $9,500 divided
among fourteen different causes. We expect to be working with
a similar amount this year.
A proposal for this year’s donation allocations will be prepared by the
Donation Committee — which consists of all members who attend
the donation meeting. At the regular club meeting, the proposal from
the donation committee will be voted up or down as a package, but
there will be no line-item tuning. The full procedure and guidelines -as well as our recent donation history — appear on the club web-site
here: http://www.grizz.org/donations Most years, the proposal winds
up being reasonably similar to the previous year.
If you would like to help craft this year’s donation proposal,
please come to the donation meeting. Time: Thursday 14 August,
7:00 p.m. Place: Bruce Berg’s home, 1419 McGee Ave (1/2 block
south of Rose St) in Berkeley. If you need directions, please
call Bruce at (510)525-3533.
It is an after-dinner meeting. As of this writing, at least 10 people
are expected to attend. In order to keep the meeting on schedule, we
have evolved a structured way to prepare the proposal. If this will be
your first time attending the donation meeting, I would encourage
you to contact me in advance so that you’ll know what to expect and
so that I can e-mail you preliminary information.
The organizations and causes we donate to appreciate it greatly
and put the funds to good use. Here are three of the many
thank-you letters we received this year.
From Cycles of Change (www.CyclesOfChange.org):
“Thank you for your incredibly generous support for Cycles
of Change over the past few years. We feel that the work
you all do inspires and strengthens the East Bay Cycling
community. Keep it up :) !”
From Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space:
“Thank you for your donation of $150 from your annual Grizly
Peak Century event. We are grateful to be recognized by your
organization. Your donation will be used for cleaning and
servicing the port-a-potties by the Nicasio field, as you requested.
Donations of any size are always truly appreciated, and will
help us to steward our park lands for enjoyment by current
and future generations.”
From BikeAlameda (www.BikeAlameda.org):
“Thank you so much for your gift of $250 . . . . With your
contribution we can continue to work hard to expand bicycle
facilities, increasing the safety and convenience of today’s cyclists. . .
. . Come check out the e-lockers in the new parking garage, the new
stripes on Central Ave, and the sharrows on Oak St.”
—Mark Abrahams
August 208
Page 5
Ride Ratings
GPC rides are rated by terrain/pace/distance. Ride pace is defined using average ride speed on a known course of mixed terrain.
The course used is the Bears loop (also known as the ITT loop), an 18.7 mile loop with about 1600 feet of climbing (average
of 85 feet/mile). The paces correspond to the following average speeds around the loop when ridden under ideal conditions, but
not treating it as a race or time trial. (XL pace is an exception; XL rides cover flat terrain only.) As used here, “average speed”
means average ride speed for the entire ride excluding rest stops or regroups, and “ideal conditions” means dry roads, moderate
temperatures, no precipitation, and no wind. For different terrain or conditions, the paces correspond to the same amount of effort
by the same rider, and may therefore have different average speeds.
Terrain Ratings
1 Essentially flat
2 A few low hills
3 Moderately hilly
4 Hilly, a few steep ones
5 Very hilly, considerable climbing
Pace Ratings
XL 7-9 m.p.h.
L
8-9 m.p.h.
LT
9-10 m.p.h.
T
10-12 m.p.h.
TM 12-14 m.p.h.
M
14-16 m.p.h.
MB 16-18 m.p.h.
B
18+ m.p.h.
Extra-leisurely: child-friendly pace with many long stops.
Leisurely: easy pace, frequent stops, good for new riders.
Intermediate between L and T.
Touring: steady pace, fewer stops, for experienced riders.
Intermediate between T and M.
Moderately fast pace: for strong experienced riders.
Intermediate between M and B.
Brisk: very strong riders; tight fast packs and pacelines.
Mileage follows the first two factors. For example, 3/LT/35 is a moderately hilly ride, at LT pace, of distance 35 miles. If you have
questions about the pace or terrain of a ride, please call the ride leader. The above is an abbreviated version of the full GPC ride rating
system, which is posted at www.GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org/RideRating.html.
• Grizzly Peak Cyclists strongly encourages all riders to wear approved helmets.
• A 30% chance of rain or showers will probably cancel the ride. If the weather looks doubtful on the morning of the
ride, please call the ride leader.
• The ride schedule, including post press updates, may be found on the Web at www.GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org/
• Club members may submit rides for the schedule to Ride Coordinator Lewis Nusgarten by the third Wednesday of
the month. Submit by email to [email protected], or by phone to (510) 848-0810, or mail to 1401 Allston
Way, Berkeley, CA 94701.
Schedule
Weekly Rides
TUESDAYS 4/MB/32 Berkeley Tuesday Evening Ride Quick-paced hilly workout ride -- focus is on intensity, hillclimbing,
sprinting, positioning, and drafting. Meet 5:30 p.m. sharp for prompt 5:35 p.m. departure -- meet at Spruce and Grizzly Peak Blvd,
at the benches next to the reservoir (not the bus stop benches). We arrive at Grizzly/Skyline approx 6:15, for those who want
to join there. To keep the group together yet still give everybody a good workout, we have explicitly defined parts of the
course for easy, medium, hard, drafting, and regroups. Details regarding this are posted on-line at www.grizz.org/series/berk-t
ue.html. Please read that if it’s your first time doing the ride. This ride runs from the first Tuesday in April to the last Tuesday in
September. Rain cancels. Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294.
WEDNESDAYS 2/L/35 to 3/T/60 Deb’s Diversions/Pat’s Party 35+ miles and smiles, hills and thrills, lunches and
lattes. Meet at 10:00 a.m. (usually) for this ride with Deb O’Brien and/or Pat Evans. Helmets required. Rain cancels. Call
Deb, (510) 234-6736 or Pat, (510) 524-2181 for details.
THURSDAYS 3/TM/60-80 Duros West Check regular ride schedule for meeting times and location.
Page 6
August 208
THURSDAYS 4/T_TM/20-25 Thursday Evening Ride Meet at N Berkeley BART at 6:00 p.m. for PROMPT departure
at 6:10. Up Spruce, south on Grizzly for an out and back or down Claremont or Tunnel, depending on daylight. Ride
is appropriate for T and TM rider; don’t be alarmed at the 4 rating, the main climb is up Spruce, with total climbing
of 1000 feet in 7 miles. Ride repeats every Thursday. Keith Trummel, (510) 527-9832, ktrummel at adobe dot com and
Christine Long, cml94618 at yahoo dot com.
August Rides
FRI AUG 1 1/T/25 Bay Trail Loop Meet at the foot of the pedestrian bridge on Addison in Berkeley (near the Aquatic Park)
for a prompt 10:00 a.m. departure. We’ll ride out along Frontage Rd to the Emeryville Marina, down University and around Caesar
Chavez Park before looping back to hop on the Bay Trail out to Richmond Marina Bay and back. Lunch will be at the end of the ride
at Picante in Berkeley. Bring lunch $. Nancy Yu, nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com, (510) 697-7736.
SAT AUG 2 4/LTMB/18.7 GPC Individual Time Trial Meet at the corner of San Pablo Dam Rd and Bear Creek Rd by
9:40 a.m. for a race against the clock. First rider off at 10:01 with a rider a minute after that. Pre-registration is appreciated. Chip
Scarborough, (510) 222-4592, or dubose3 at msn dot com.
SAT AUG 2 3.5/T/40 Oakland Hills Meet at Rockridge BART at 9:45 a.m. for a prompt departure at 10. We’ll have
a short regroup in the parking lot at Lake Temescal then ride through Montclair, Butters-Burdeck-Robinson (aka BBR), over
Skyline, Redwood into Moraga and through Orinda. Lunch stop at Orinda Community Park (28 Orinda Way); bring lunch
or buy in central Orinda or at Safeway just beyond the park. We return via Wildcat, Grizzly Peak, down Old Tunnel. Janet
Noble (510) 653-6243 or janetnoble at yahoo.com.
SUN AUG 3 3!/TM/50-ish Coleman Valley Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Ragle Ranch Park for a trip through west Sonoma County.
We’ll make our way to the coast, and up Coleman Valley Rd, stopping at Wildflour Bakery in Freestone to fuel up for
the final leg. To Ragle Ranch: From Sebastopol, head west on Hwy 12 for about 1 mile. Right on Ragle Rd, and park near
the entrance. Try parking on Covert Rd to avoid the soccer moms at the park. It takes about 1 1/4 hours from Berkeley.
Carpooling recommended. For carpooling or any other questions contact Phil Morton pmorton at lmi dot net, (510)
847-7651 or Janet Monks (510) 534-7621.
SUN AUG 3 1/T/32 Flat Coffee Ride A true T-paced ride with a coffee stop at Peet’s in Danville. This is a perfect ride
for whatever reason you may be taking it easy today. Faster riders welcome, but out-of-sight, out-of-mind applies; anyone losing
contact with the group will not be pursued. Meet at Orinda BART at 9:15 a.m. for start at 9:30. Helmets required. David
Block, (510) 917-8339, dlblock at comcast dot net
TUE AUG 5 4/MB/32 Berkeley Tuesday Evening Ride Meet 5:30 p.m. sharp for 5:35 p.m. departure. For details
see the weekly listings or (better) www.grizz.org/series/berk-tue.html. Please read that if it’s your first time doing the ride.
Pace is true MB -- you may be dropped if not at regroups within 2 minutes of the first bikes there. Repeats every Tuesday.
Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294.
WED AUG 6 2/MBish/20.75 The GPC Path to Paradise - Midweek Happy Hour Ride Join me for a mid-week spin around the
Paradise Loop. This is the Paradise Express drop ride. Bad attitude and whining? Leave home without them. No crying allowed. Meet
in front of Corte Madera Peet’s (77 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera) at 5:15 for 5:30 p.m. departure. If it rains you are in the wrong state
(of mind) or universe or crying again. Veronica Tunucci, (415) 927-7665 or veronucci at comcast dot net.
THU AUG 7 3/TM/60-80 Duros West Meet across from the community center on Miller Creek Rd off Lucas Valley Rd at
9:00 a.m. for this Marin tour. Bob Hallet, (510) 236-5414.
THU AUG 7 4/T_TM/20-25 Thursday Evening Ride Meet at N Berkeley BART at 6:00 p.m. for PROMPT departure at
6:10. Up Spruce, south on Grizzly as far as daylight permits. Ride is appropriate for T and TM paces; don’t be alarmed at the 4
rating, the main climb is up Spruce, with total climbing of 1000 feet in 7 miles. Ride repeats every Thursday. Keith Trummel, (510)
527-9832, ktrummel at adobe dot com and Christine Long, cml94618 at yahoo dot com.
SAT AUG 9 2-4/LTMB/23,65,(55),77 Alex’s Second Saturday Ride NOTE EARLIER SUMMER START TIME. Three
regular routes, all pretty hilly, meet at Orinda BART lot at 8:00 a.m. for a prompt 8:15 departure. Sign up for one of 3 rides:
23-mile Larghetto, hilly but moderately slow; 65mi Allegretto, a bit faster, with a 55mi alternate option and an 80mi Presto, faster
yet. The Larghettos complete the three bears loop. The Allegrettos climb Pig Farm, Reliez Valley, Olympic, Danville to lunch
and then Norris Cyn and Redwood. The 55-mile Allegretto Alternate returns from lunch via Lafayette. Lunch at Diablo Deli
in the Diablo Plaza (just past Crow Cyn). Optional after ride snack on Moraga Way in Orinda near Europa and and newish
Peet’s. Rain cancels, if weather is ?, or for other questions, contact interim ASSR Coordinator, John Buenfil, (925) 686-9077,
eleganttype at earthlink dot net. Leaders TBA.
August 208
Page 7
SUN AUG 10 1/L/21 Novice Series Ride#1: Alameda Creek Trail Meet 10:00 a.m. at Union City BART, west side station
entrance near bike stowage boxes. The ride will be easy paced and completely flat. We’ll ride the Alameda Creek Trail to Coyote
Hills and back. Finish with optional lunch in Union City; bring your own or $ to buy. No water on route; bring a water
bottle and energy bar. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Toshi Takeuchi,
(510) 919-7876, ttoshi at gmail dot com, Frank Carothers, (510) 528-7048, frank_c at berkeley dot edu, Jeff Kurtock,
(510) 653-1771, jkurtock at sbcglobal dot net, John Buenfil, (925) 686-9077, eleganttype at earthlink dot net, Karen
Street, karen_street at sbcglobal dot net.
SUN AUG 10 1.5/T_TM/23 Recovery Coffee Ride; All Paces Welcome Push yourself on the hills on Saturday? Great, we
got a cure for what ails you; spinning the legs out and some coffee along the way. Meet at Lafayette BART at 9:00 a.m. for a 9:15
departure (BART train from east bay arrives at 9:10): ride to Danville Peets. We will decide from there if there is interest in looping
through Blackhawk before returning to Lafayette BART. Lots of options to ride to the start, or find a more challenging route home.
This ride is very doable by all but the most beginning riders, but we will sweep for T, so if you are slower you are more or less on
your own with the map. Helmets required, I don’t bring a brain scoop in my bike bag. Jennifer, jae510 at hotmail dot com and
Victor, victoringrassia at mac dot com, (510) 219-5422.
SUN AUG 10 3/LTM/40 GPC Tandem Rally: Pleasanton BART to Calaveras Rd Summit and Back Meet at Pleasanton
BART at 9:15 a.m., departure at 9:30 SHARP. Everybody is welcome: partners riding tandems, stokerless captains, captainless
stokers, and people on singles. We’ll start rolling on the flats for about 10 mi, then we’ll initiate the gradual climb up Calaveras Rd,
which is beautiful and shaded. At the top we’ll have a snack (you’d need to bring it from home) for later to enjoy the twisty but very
pleasant descent back to Pleasanton. A Mexican feast will be awaiting for us at El Balazo Taqueria (5331 Hopyard Rd, less than 1
mi from Pleasanton BART). Stokerless captains and captainless stokers, please contact us ASAP if you’d like to find a partner. Mark
Abrahams, (510) 524-1294, or Estella Garcia, (510) 540-6449.
TUE AUG 12 4/MB/32 Berkeley Tuesday Evening Ride Meet 5:30 p.m. sharp for 5:35 p.m. departure. For details
see the weekly listings or (better) www.grizz.org/series/berk-tue.html. Please read that if it’s your first time doing the ride.
Pace is true MB -- you may be dropped if not at regroups within 2 minutes of the first bikes there. Repeats every Tuesday.
Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294.
WED AUG 13 2/MBish/20.75 The GPC Path to Paradise - Midweek Happy Hour Ride Join me for a mid-week spin around the
Paradise Loop. This is the Paradise Express drop ride. Bad attitude and whining? Leave home without them. No crying allowed. Meet
in front of Corte Madera Peet’s (77 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera) at 5:15 for 5:30 p.m. departure. If it rains you are in the wrong state
(of mind) or universe or crying again. Veronica Tunucci, (415) 927-7665 or veronucci at comcast dot net.
WED AUG 13 Regular Club Meeting and Potluck See page 3 for details.
THU AUG 14 3/TM/60-80 Duros West Meet across from the community center on Miller Creek Rd off Lucas Valley Rd at
9:00 a.m. for this Marin tour. Bob Hallet, (510) 236-5414.
THU AUG 14 4/T_TM/20-25 Thursday Evening Ride Meet at N Berkeley BART at 6:00 p.m. for PROMPT departure at
6:10. Up Spruce, south on Grizzly as far as daylight permits. Ride is appropriate for T and TM paces; don’t be alarmed at the 4
rating, the main climb is up Spruce, with total climbing of 1000 feet in 7 miles. Ride repeats every Thursday. Keith Trummel, (510)
527-9832, ktrummel at adobe dot com and Christine Long, cml94618 at yahoo dot com.
FRI AUG 15 5/TM/30 Mt Diablo North Meet at Heather Farms for a prompt 10:00 a.m. departure. Up Diablo via
Northgate to the junction and the summit. Reverse route back. Post ride coffee/tea at Peet’s. Bring H2O/snacks. Nancy Yu,
nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com or (510) 697-7736. Take 680 N, exit Ygnacio Valley Rd, R on Ygnacio, L on San Carlos Dr.
Park at the second lot adjacent to the ball field.
SAT AUG 16 3/LT/38 The Bagel Run You’ll enjoy this friendly “local” ride, with a surprising snack stop in the
middle. We’ll more or less trace the south half of the GPC Century, enjoying an idyllic coffee and bagel stop at a place
where you might not expect to find idyllic! (So bring a few bucks.) This is a hilly ride (about 3,000’), but we’ll ride at a
real LT pace. Meet at Sibley Volcanic Park (near the end of Grizzly Peak Blvd at Skyline Blvd) at 10:00 a.m. Jeff Kurtock,
(510) 653-1771, JKurtock at sbcGlobal dot net.
SAT AUG 16 5/M/100 Mt Tamalpais Scenic Circle-8 Enjoy some of Marin County’s best climbs and most scenic roads,
including the nicely reconstructed Hwy 1 between Muir and Stinson beaches, the Seven Sisters, Muir Woods and Bolinas-Fairfax Rd.
We will pick up coffee at Pt Reyes Sta, lunch at Stinson Beach, water at Mt Tam summit and, if needed, Woodacre, but otherwise
no stops are planned for this moderate-but-keep-moving-paced ride. Several shorter but equally scenic routes are possible, so all are
welcome. Meet across from the community center on Miller Creek Rd off Lucas Valley Rd at 8:00 a.m. for an 8:15 departure. Mark
Homrighausen, (510) 528-9339 homrighaus at aol dot com
Page 8
August 208
SAT AUG 16 4/TM/62 Monthly Metric 100K at a sane pace. Fairfax to Mt Tam summit; descend to Stinson Beach,
N to Pt Reyes Station, return via Nicasio. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Coffee Roasters, corner of Center and Broadway in Fairfax
for 9:15 departure. John Steinberg (510) 207-4951 or minimalist1 at sbcglobal dot net. Helmets required. Rain cancel email
will be sent out by 8:00 a.m. on day of ride.
SUN AUG 17 3/M/77 Morning in Marin ... and a few hours of the afternoon too. Meet at Miller Creek community center at
8:50 for a 9:00 a.m. departure. All the usual suspects: Nicasio, Cheese Factory, Wilson Hill, Chileno Valley, then Fallon-Twin Rock
Road to, surprise, Fallon for the return via Shoreline Hwy and Pt Reyes-Petaluma Road and Nicasio. An M pace on the bikes; stops
for fuel at Cheese Factory, Tomales, and possibly Nicasio on the return. Rain cancels, as well as surprises. Helmets required. Frank
Carothers, frank_c at berkeley dot edu, (510) 528-7048.
SUN AUG 17 1/L/22 Novice Series Ride #2: Alameda and Bay Farm Island Meet 10:00 a.m. at Fruitvale BART, south
parking lot. The ride will be easy paced and flat, with great bay views. Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop, helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. John Buenfil, (925) 686-9077, eleganttype at earthlink dot net, Chuck
Wunderlich, (510) 526-7570, chuckwun at speakeasy dot net, Melarie Johnson, (510) 237-5265, melariej at sbcglobal dot net, Paul
Koehn, (510) 527-1593 steamkoehn at yahoo dot com.
TUE AUG 19 5/TTM/50 Mt Diablo Twice Meet 9:00 a.m. at Diablo Vista Park in San Ramon. Climb South Gate
to the summit, then descend to Walnut Creek for refreshments, then climb up North Gate. Brenda Giese, brendagiese
at yahoo dot com or (925) 998-8013.
TUE AUG 19 4/MB/32 Berkeley Tuesday Evening Ride Meet 5:30 p.m. sharp for 5:35 p.m. departure. For details
see the weekly listings or (better) www.grizz.org/series/berk-tue.html. Please read that if it’s your first time doing the ride.
Pace is true MB -- you may be dropped if not at regroups within 2 minutes of the first bikes there. Repeats every Tuesday.
Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294.
WED AUG 20 2/TTM/50 Calaveras Reservoir Meet 9:00 a.m. at Pleasanton BART. Roll along the shady routes of Foothill and
Calaveras. Lunch or refreshments in Sunol. Brenda Giese, brendagiese at yahoo dot com or (925) 998-8013.
WED AUG 20 2/MBish/20.75 The GPC Path to Paradise - Midweek Happy Hour Ride Join me for a mid-week spin around the
Paradise Loop. This is the Paradise Express drop ride. Bad attitude and whining? Leave home without them. No crying allowed. Meet
in front of Corte Madera Peet’s (77 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera) at 5:15 for 5:30 p.m. departure. If it rains you are in the wrong state
(of mind) or universe or crying again. Veronica Tunucci, (415) 927-7665 or veronucci at comcast dot net.
THU AUG 21 3/TM/60-80 Duros West Meet across from the community center on Miller Creek Rd off Lucas Valley Rd at
9:00 a.m. for this Marin tour. Bob Hallet, (510) 236-5414.
THU AUG 21 4/T_TM/20-25 Thursday Evening Ride Meet at N Berkeley BART at 6:00 p.m. for PROMPT departure at
6:10. Up Spruce, south on Grizzly as far as daylight permits. Ride is appropriate for T and TM paces; don’t be alarmed at the 4
rating, the main climb is up Spruce, with total climbing of 1000 feet in 7 miles. Ride repeats every Thursday. Keith Trummel, (510)
527-9832, ktrummel at adobe dot com and Christine Long, cml94618 at yahoo dot com.
FRI AUG 22 5/TM/45 Mt Tam Meet in front of the Coffee Roastery located at the intersection of Bolinas Rd/Broadway Blvd
in Fairfax for a prompt 10:00 a.m. departure. Up and down Fairfax Bolinas Rd to the Dam then up to Tam. Down to Stinson
Beach via Pan Toll and Panoramic. Cruise along Bolinas Lagoon and then up Fairfax Bolinas Rd to Ridgecrest, drop back down to
the Dam, climb up and ride back down to Fairfax. Post ride coffee/tea @ the Roastery. Bring H2O, snacks and/or $ to buy. Nancy
Yu at nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com, (510) 697-7736
SUN AUG 24 2/L/22 Novice Series Ride #3: OrLaMor Meet 10:00 a.m. at Orinda BART. The ride will be easy paced and
cover some gentle hills. We will ride from downtown Orinda to downtown Lafayette to downtown Moraga and return, using the
St Stephens bike trail, the Lafayette-Moraga bike trail and regular roads. Finish at Orinda Theatre Square for optional lunch; bring
your own or $ to buy. No drop, helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Toshi Takeuchi, (510)
919-7876, ttoshi at gmail dot com, Mike Briggs, (510) 236-1698, Jeff Kurtock, (510) 653-1771, jkurtock at sbcglobal dot net, David
Block, (510) 235-7851, dlblock at comcast dot net, Valerie Colber, vcolber3 at earthlink dot net.
SUN AUG 24 1.5/T_TM/23 Recovery Coffee Ride; All Paces Welcome Push yourself on the hills on Saturday? Great, we
got a cure for what ails you; spinning the legs out and some coffee along the way. Meet at Lafayette BART at 9:00 a.m. for a 9:15
departure (BART train from east bay arrives at 9:10): ride to Danville Peets. We will decide from there if there is interest in looping
through Blackhawk before returning to Lafayette BART. Lots of options to ride to the start, or find a more challenging route home.
This ride is very doable by all but the most beginning riders, but we will sweep for T, so if you are slower you are more or less on
your own with the map. Helmets required, I don’t bring a brain scoop in my bike bag. Jennifer, jae510 at hotmail dot com and
Victor, victoringrassia at mac dot com, (510) 219-5422.
August 208
Page 9
TUE AUG 26 4/MB/32 Berkeley Tuesday Evening Ride Meet 5:30 p.m. sharp for 5:35 p.m. departure. For details
see the weekly listings or (better) www.grizz.org/series/berk-tue.html. Please read that if it’s your first time doing the ride.
Pace is true MB -- you may be dropped if not at regroups within 2 minutes of the first bikes there. Repeats every Tuesday.
Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294.
WED AUG 27 2/MBish/20.75 The GPC Path to Paradise - Midweek Happy Hour Ride Join me for a mid-week spin around the
Paradise Loop. This is the Paradise Express drop ride. Bad attitude and whining? Leave home without them. No crying allowed. Meet
in front of Corte Madera Peet’s (77 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera) at 5:15 for 5:30 p.m. departure. If it rains you are in the wrong state
(of mind) or universe or crying again. Veronica Tunucci, (415) 927-7665 or veronucci at comcast dot net.
THU AUG 28 3/TM/60-80 Duros West Meet across from the community center on Miller Creek Rd off Lucas Valley Rd at
9:00 a.m. for this Marin tour. Bob Hallet, (510) 236-5414.
THU AUG 28 4/T_TM/20-25 Thursday Evening Ride Meet at N Berkeley BART at 6:00 p.m. for PROMPT departure at
6:10. Up Spruce, south on Grizzly as far as daylight permits. Ride is appropriate for T and TM paces; don’t be alarmed at the 4
rating, the main climb is up Spruce, with total climbing of 1000 feet in 7 miles. Ride repeats every Thursday. Keith Trummel, (510)
527-9832, ktrummel at adobe dot com and Christine Long, cml94618 at yahoo dot com.
FRI AUG 29 1.5/T/36 Point Richmond Join me on this easy paced ride out to Pt Richmond for lunch at Little
Louie’s. Meet at the foot of the pedestrian bridge on Addison in Berkeley (near the Aquatic Park) for a prompt 10:00 a.m.
departure. We’ll ride out along Frontage Rd to the Emeryville Marina, down University and around Caesar Chavez Park
before looping back to hop on the Bay Trail out to Richmond Marina Bay. Bring H2O, snacks, lunch or $ to buy. Nancy
Yu, nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com or (510) 697-7736.
SAT AUG 30 3/TM/40_60 Breakfast Decide and Ride Meet at N Berk BART at 8:10 a.m. for an 8:15 start. We’ll ride the 9 mi
to breakfast at Kaliente and decide on the rest of the ride as we eat; we often split into long and medium groups. There is also a 25mi
option: Dam Rd after breakfast, up Wildcat and down Spruce. This route may not have an official leader, but it’s an easy route to do on
your own. Lewis Nusgarten, (510) 848-0810 or ridecoordinator at grizz dot org. Helmets required.
SAT AUG 30 2.5/M/110 East Bay Loop around Pleasanton Ridge and Calaveras Rd Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Rockridge BART.
We’ll head up Tunnel, then south along Skyline and Redwood through Castro Valley then over Palomares and head east on Niles
Canyon; then an out and back on Calaveras Rd. Then we’ll do a quick pace up Foothill, back through Lafayette and then over
Pinehurst and back to the start. If the high temperature in Pleasanton is forecast to be over 95, the route will be shortened. Contact
Bruce Berg at BruceBerg at USA dot net or (510) 525-3533.
SUN AUG 31 2/L/27 Novice Series Ride #4: Roundhill Loop Meet 10:00 a.m. at NE corner of Pleasant Hill BART. We’ll
ride through Walnut Creek and down Danville Blvd, circling back through the neighborhoods of Danville, Alamo and Walnut
Creek. Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop, helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. John
Buenfil, (925) 686-9077, eleganttype at earthlink dot net, David Block, (510) 235-7851, dlblock at comcast dot net, Bill
King, poubelle00 at yahoo dot com (510) 601-1404, Paul Koehn, (510) 527-1593 steamkoehn at yahoo dot com, Karen
Street, karen_street at sbcglobal dot net.
September Rides
SAT SEP 6 4/LTMB/18.7 GPC Individual Time Trial Meet at the corner of San Pablo Dam Rd and Bear Creek Rd by
9:40 a.m. for a race against the clock. First rider off at 10:01 with a rider a minute after that. Pre-registration is appreciated. Chip
Scarborough, (510) 222-4592, or dubose3 at msn dot com.
SUN SEP 7 3/L/32 Novice Series Ride #5; Franklin Canyon and Carquinez Scenic Drive Meet 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant
Hill BART. Ride through Pleasant Hill and out Franklin Canyon with a longer but gentle hill. A fabulous descent into Crockett,
followed by great views of Carquinez Strait from a secluded road on the return. One spot is frequently foggy/cold, so carry an extra
layer (jacket). Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop, helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Chuck
Wunderlich, (510) 526-7570, chuckwun at speakeasy dot net, Sara Atkins, (510) 520-4834, atkins dot atkins at sbcglobal dot
net, Nancy Yu at nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com, (510) 697-7736, Bill King, poubelle00 at yahoo dot com (510) 601-1404, Toshi
Takeuchi, (510) 919-7876, ttoshi at gmail dot com, Doug Brown, dougfb at jps dot net.
SAT SEP 13 2-4/LTMB/23,65,(55),77 Alex’s Second Saturday Ride NOTE EARLIER SUMMER START TIME. Three
regular routes, all pretty hilly, meet at Orinda BART lot at 8:00 a.m. for a prompt 8:15 departure. Sign up for one of 3 rides: 23-mi
Larghetto, hilly but moderately slow; 65mi Allegretto, a bit faster, with a 55mi alternate option and an 80mi Presto, faster yet.
The Larghettos complete the three bears loop. The Allegrettos climb Pig Farm, Reliez Valley, Olympic, Danville to lunch
and then Norris Cyn and Redwood. The 55-mi Allegretto Alternate returns from lunch via Lafayette. Lunch at Diablo Deli
in the Diablo Plaza (just past Crow Cyn). Optional after ride snack on Moraga Way in Orinda near Europa and and newish
Peet’s. Rain cancels, if weather is ?, or for other questions, contact interim ASSR Coordinator, John Buenfil, (925) 686-9077,
eleganttype at earthlink dot net. Leaders TBA.
Page 10
August 208
SUN SEP 14 3/LT/22-or-40 Novice Series Ride #6: Central Marin Redwoods Tour the redwoods of central Marin county
through Nicasio and have lunch at the Bovine Bakery on Hwy 1. Return through Olema to Nicasio and Lucas Valley. The 22-mi
ride joins the 40 mi ride in Nicasio and loops back to Nicasio. There are hills, but we will ride them gently. For the 40 mi ride, meet
10:00 a.m. across from the Miller Creek Community Center: exit Hwy 101 at the Lucas Valley exit just N of San Rafael and head
W on Lucas Valley Ro. Turn R at Miller Creek Rd and park on street across from community center. For the 22 mi ride, meet at
11:00 a.m. in Nicasio for an 11:15 start. From Hwy 101, take the Lucas Valley Rd/Smith Ranch Rd exit. Go 10 mi W to Nicasio
Valley Rd. Turn R and go 0.3 mi to a parking area with convenience store. You will pass the 44-mi riders on Lucas Valley, so please
take extra care. For carpools, meet 45 min before ride departure time at N Berkeley BART, east side (by Wed Oct 11th, please
contact Toshi Takeuchi ttoshi at gmail dot com, (510) 919-7876 who will coordinate carpools). Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop,
helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Janet Monks, (510) 534-7621, Mike Briggs (22-mi
leader), (510) 236-1698, Frank Carothers, (510) 528-7048, frank_c at berkeley dot edu, Sara Atkins, (510) 520-4834, atkins
dot atkins at sbcglobal dot net, Nancy Yu at nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com, (510) 697-7736, Veronica Tunucci (415) 927-7665,
veronucci at comcast dot net, Doug Brown, dougfb at jps dot net.
SAT SEP 27 3/TM/40_60 Breakfast Decide and Ride Meet at N Berk BART at 8:10 a.m. for an 8:15 start. We’ll ride the 9 mi
to breakfast at Kaliente and decide on the rest of the ride as we eat; we often split into long and medium groups. There is also a 25mi
option: Dam Rd after breakfast, up Wildcat and down Spruce. This route may not have an official leader, but it’s an easy route to do on
your own. Lewis Nusgarten, (510) 848-0810 or ridecoordinator at grizz dot org. Helmets required.
Wheel Truth is a publication of the Grizzly Peak Cyclists, Inc., published in a frequency that roughly corresponds to the
phases of the moon. Information on the club and the ride schedule can be found on the web at www.GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org
or www.Grizz.org Officers and Luminaries of the club are:
President:
Estella Garcia
Vice-President
Mark Abrahams
Century Chair
Jaz Zaitlin
Secretary and Board Member
Melarie Johnson
Treasurer and Board Member
Jeff Kurtock
Additional Director (Board Member)
Bruce Berg
Additional Director (Board Member) Mark Sapiro
Additional Director (Board Member)
Nancy Yu
Newsletter Editor
John Swanda
News Publisher
Mike Cox
Ride Coordinator
Lewis Nusgarten
Alex’s Second Saturday Ride Coordinator John Buenfil
Ride Series Coordinator
Toshi Takeuchi
Family Ride Coordinator
Open
Membership
Mary Allen
Program Director
Estella Garcia
Club Historian
Pierre LaPlant
Ride Leader Credits
Veronica Tunucci
Bike Case Librarian
Bruce Berg
Tool Librarian
Chris Witt
Advocacy Liason and LAB Rep
Al Forkosh
E-mail List Manager
Al Forkosh
Time Trial Czar
Chip Scarborough
Web Master
Mark Sapiro
Web Minion
Mark Abrahams
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
(510) 540-6449
(510) 524-1294
(510) 525-5363
(510) 237-5265
(510) 653-1771
(510) 525-3533
(415) 388-8910
(510) 697-7736
(415) 221-3312
(510) 237-5265
(510) 848-0810
(925) 686-9077
(510) 482-5840
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
TimeTrials@ grizz.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
(415) 661-8011
(510) 540-6449
(510) 524-8672
(415) 927-7665
(510) 525-3533
(510) 548-5790
(510) 655-4221
(510) 655-4221
(510) 222-4592
(415) 388-8910
(510) 524-1294
Newsletter submissions are all welcome. Just get ’em in by the 22nd of the month (the 20th in February). Please send
your stuff to John Swanda by e-mail ([email protected]). If you have no computer, send me anything legible; I’ll
News from Wyatt
GPC member Wyatt Wood has again completed the L.A.Wheelmen’s Quadruple Century. (400 miles in under 24 Hours, all time
included) He also completed it in 1985, 1986, 1991, 2003, and 2006.
August 208
Page 11
ALBANY STROLLERS
AND ROLLERS
Bridging the Gap for Human-Scale Transit
History: Albany Strollers and Rollers (AS&R) was founded in
2004 by Preston Jordan and Nick Pilch. The original impetus was
the dangerous freeway onramp crossing on westbound Buchanan
to reach the Bay Trail, and the need to create a safe alternative
to both the freeway onramp crossings and the available but
undeveloped pathway under the freeway accessed by crossing
the railroad tracks.
issues. Sometimes meetings that don’t seem to even be related to
cycling issues have a cycling aspect to them. As cyclists, AS&R
members are in a knowledgeable position to bring up questions
for the City or the Commission which might otherwise not be
considered. An attending member then does a write-up about
the meeting and sends it to the AS&R list so everyone is aware
of what’s happening and can get involved.
Albany is small, but in a crucial location as the crossroads of the
East Bay and to the Bay Trail, which we all use. GPC members
are likely users of Albany streets and bike facilities, as commuters
and recreational cyclists, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to
become involved in and support AS&R and Albany’s cycling
issues. We’d like to encourage GPC members who live not only in
Albany, but in contiguous communities, to join Albany Strollers
and Rollers (It’s free!) and become active in improving cycling
conditions in the East Bay.
GPC members Amy Smolens and Sherie Reineman, both
active cyclists and longtime bicycle commuters, joined AS&R
in 2005 to become better
informed and to have a
AS&R Bicycle Advocacy Events: Energizer
hand in steering the course
Station at Bike to Work Day (Annual - Marin
of transit and proposed
& Ohlone Greenway): In addition to the
development in Albany.
items donated by the official sponsors, we
Issues affecting bicycle and
negotiate directly with local merchants for
pedestrian transit included
extras -- Solano Avenue Cyclery, The Missing
Bay Trail connections at
Link, Tay Tah Café, Chipotle Mexican Grill,
the waterfront and the bike
Safeway – water bottles, patch kits, coupons,
lanes along Marin Avenue.
drinks – conveying a message that we want to
In 2005 AS&R had about
get people on their bikes, but also show the
40 members; it now has
community that there are a lot of cyclists
163, a 300% increase.
in Albany and they should respect and
Energizer Station, Bike to Work Day
The group’s mission, as a
welcome them. The number of commuters
part of the community, is to increase bicycle access, bicycle-safety, stopping by our Energizer Station increased from 93 in 2005
awareness, and safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians within to 364 in 2008.
Albany, especially those routes which funnel into the Bay Trail
and into our neighboring communities. We aim to improve Greening Albany — “A Community Event to Fight Global Warming” (June – Annual): Sponsored by the Albany Green Chamber
facilities in Albany, and provide support and
of Commerce, whose
guidance to the City of Albany within the goals
mission is to show local
of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the
residents various ways
State and Regional transit plans — with a focus
to live their lives in a
on maintaining our bike friendly and Green
Green fashion. In 2007
community.
Councilwoman Joanne
Albany has the second highest (to Berkeley) cycle
Wile approached us to
to work mode share of cities in Alameda County.
have a booth at the
in 2000, the most recent year for which statistics
event, saying “We really
are available, it was 4.1%. Judging from the
want a good bicycle
number of bicycles we’ve all seen on the roads lately,
presence at the event.”
those numbers have certainly risen dramatically
Members brought varisince then. Albany is in the top 3% nationally
ous types of bikes,
Commuter family, Bike to Work Day
compared to similar size towns with regards to
bicycle safety equipnumber of residents biking and walking to work.
ment (lights, reflective clothing, etc.) and accessories to
demonstrate options for using bicycles as viable means of
The beauty of a small city like Albany (18,000) is that the
transportation for commuting and daily errands. We spoke to
government not only pays attention to us but asks for our
residents of Berkeley, El Cerrito, Richmond, Kensington and
involvement. Our input is respected by city officials and we
Oakland, in addition to Albanians. The aim is to get everyone using
are in a position to get projects implemented. We make sure
their bikes as everyday transportation as much as possible.
to have at least one member at the monthly Traffic & Safety
Commission meeting as ‘watchdogs’ for cycling and pedestrian
(Albany Strollers continued next page)
Page 12
August 208
(Albany Strollers continued from previous page)
The Albany Spring Art & Music Festival is an annual event:
To get prospective cyclists in the community prepared for the
upcoming Bike to Work Day, AS&R teamed with Street Level
Cycles, who volunteered mechanics and a double work stand
for the day. The booth tuned up 60+ bikes in the five hours
of the Festival and signed up 25 new members. Better yet, we
saw a few of those people whose bikes we tuned up on Bike to
Work Day! Recently Amy saw one of the women with her kids
on BART with their bikes who reminded Amy that we tuned
up all three of their bikes!
We knew we were accepted in the community when earlier this
year the city asked for one of our members to be on the selection
committee choosing the firm to design the Buchanan Street bike
path and extension of Marin Ave bike lanes. That’s a crucial
link between the Ohlone Greenway and the Bay Trail. The
US Department of Agriculture is blocking the bikeway from
going on the South side of Buchanan on their property, due to
“homeland security” issues. Preston Jordan has contacted Barbara
Lee and other politicians to request their involvement. Again, this
access is important for anyone who uses the Bay Trail.
Why GPC??: As GPC members, we are aware of the club’s
involvement and interest in supporting local bicycle advocacy;
an example which comes to mind is GPC’s donation of the park
bench at Bovine Bakery which was purchased with GPC funds
and installed with Mark Sapiro’s generous labor as a good faith
“give-back” gesture to that community. Since bike advocacy,
especially locally, is high on GPC’s priority list, we think, as
club members, that Albany Strollers and Rollers is a worthy
organization and a logical choice for the club’s support.
GPC members interested in joining AS&R can email either
Amy Smolens ([email protected]) or Sherie Reineman
([email protected]) and we will sign them up. It’s a low volume
list but especially now with the Buchanan Street path on the
line, involvement is crucial.
(My Ride...continued from page 1)
After a while, we got back on our bikes ... And little by little
we began to climb another hill. It was so nice to see all the
riders wearing yellow jerseys; they looked like a procession
of laborious bees ...
They got away from us, but we saw them again at the regroups
... Always friendly, funny, and in an excellent mood. It was a real
pleasure to be part of that group, although it was only for part
of the ride; they were a source of inspiration to us. They made
it look so easy, to ride a very hilly unsupported double century.
Captain Sue and I would like to train to be able to do it too, or
maybe a shorter variation of 150, 170 miles ... We would like
also to be part of the gourmet breakfast at 5:00 a.m., and the
gourmet feast (second dinner) at the end.
Back at Occidental, after our glorious 85 miles, we couldn’t find
anybody; we learned later that they have decided to postpone
dinner there. Captain Sue and I decided to treat ourselves to
some delicious hors d’oeuvres, accompanied by some wine and
Perrier ... Seated outside in the courtyard we were transported
to the Mediterranean Riviera, was it the soft afternoon sunlight
that created this mirage, or the combination of hard climbs
and fast descents, or the fact that we were a team working
in unison?
—Estella Garcia
P.S. Many of you may wonder who Captain Sue is ... I have
known her for several years. She is a very experienced long
endurance rider, has participated in several Paris-Brest-Paris rides,
numerous brevets, and had years of experience as a captain and a
stoker. And ... she is a wonderful person.
The Double Century I am referring to is the “The Single Crown,
King Ridge Double”, lead by Mark Abrahams, and Veronica
Tunucci, on July 12, 2008.
—Amy Smolens and Sherie Reineman
Discounts For GPCists
The folowing stores offer discounts to GPC members:
• Alameda Bicycle in Alameda
• Bike Threads in Los Gatos
• Castro Valley Cyclery
• Cyclesports, Oakland
• Cycle ,City Alameda
• Encino Bicycle Center in Walnut Creek
• Fresh Air Bicycles, San Francisco
• Hank & Frank Bicycles in Oakland and Lafayette
• Istanbul Express, Berkeley (coffee)
• Left Coast Cycles, Berkeley
• Martinez Cyclery in Martinez
• Medina Cycleworks in Berkeley
• Mike’s Bikes in Berkeley
• The Missing Link in Berkeley
• Montano Velo in Oakland
• The Pedaler in El Sobrante.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sharp Bicycles in Layfayette
Solano venA ue Cyclery in Albany
Stone’s Cyclery in Alameda
Sumit Bicycles in Berkeley, Burlingame, Los Gatos
Transports in Oakland (good for GU)
Velo Sport, Berkeley
Wheels of Justice, Montclai,r Oakland
Most discounts are 10%, but policies vary from shop to shop
about discounts on bikes and items on sale. Be sure to ask
about the discount if you're unsure.
Many stores require members to show their membership cards
to get their discount, so be sure to carry your GPC card with
you during buying sprees. If you find new stores that wil offer
discounts to GPCists, please have them call John Swanda at
(415) 21-3312 so we can add them to this list.
August 208
Page 13
King Ridge Double
ride report
Each time I’ve done the climb up King Ridge, it has been a
wonder and a joy. Yes, of course, it is a hard climb, and it is a
long climb. The thing is, this climb has everything. The early
part rises steeply and from the right side of the road there is a
tremendous drop off to confirm you’ve gained a lot of elevation.
Later, there are some hairpin turns with steep entries, apexes,
and exits. Partway along, there are some sustained downhill
sections to give you some relief, and after some rollers you leave
the woods and gain the ridgeline where your socks are knocked
off by the vistas to the west, to the north and to the east.
Later you encounter some more tight turns, this time in open
landscape and that is followed by an easier section of climbing
past ranches and farms, terminated by the big oak at Tin Barn
and Hauser Bridge roads.
In 2006, Mark A. and Veronica T. put together a route that
linked many of the favorite roads in Marin and Sonoma Counties
and the King Ridge Double was born. The 2008 version of this
now annual ride was held last weekend, on July 12th. Photos
of the ride, some taken by me (using a pencam) and others
taken by Zach K. are intermingled in an album found here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rob.hawks/KingRidgeDouble A
short while after our planned 5:30 a.m. departure we actually
did roll away from the ride start. While civil twilight was in
evidence, we still needed
Mark A. was already sound asleep when I arrived,
our lights as we rolled
but Bob P. had barely gotten off his bike. Estella
through a series of quiet
and Susan had just rolled up before Veronica,
streets along the central
Jack and I joined them and Bruce. Ernesto,
Marin bike way between
starting a full 60 minutes after we did, pulled
Corte Madera and Fairup as we all rested and the group was complete.
fax. From Fairfax to
We left Tin Barn shortly after 1pm and climbed
Olema we climbed both
past the Temple and rolled down into Rancheria
White’s Hill and the
where Bob pointed out the water tap on the
Bolinas Ridge under
building next to the school. The group got
the marine layer of fog,
completely strung out here and I rode solo to
and while clear skys are
Stewarts Point, where I met more than half
always a joy, we still
of the group waiting. Zach disassembled and
were happy to have
reassembled nearly his whole bike as we waited
the fog layer around
for the berry pickers to arrived. I had somehow
for several more hours
Locals watch the riders. Photo by Rob Hawks.
not heard the siren song of roadside wild fruit
to keep King Ridge in
reasonable temperatures. From Olema we rode north on Highway and berries, but not all of us pass that opportunity by. Finally,
One, stopping in Tomales and passing through Valley Ford on we had all gathered and with Zach operational again, we
our way to Occidental where we made an unplanned stop. We headed south.
had hoped to meet up with Susan and Estella on the tandem and
Not every day is perfect. Sometimes the blemishes serve to help
thought we might also find Ernesto who we knew would start an
you focus on the good parts more intently. Along Highway One,
hour after us, but no luck on either count.
we had the one down
moment on the ride, save
The landscape from Occidental to Monte Rio
for the mechanical issues.
slanted down hill a bit and to the same degree
A group of five riders had
that the landscape tilts up from Highway 116
settled into a paceline.
to Cazadero, which is to say it was a fun run
Traffic was not bad at all,
to the Russian River and the ride along Austin
really. At a section where
Creek though uphill was still one where we
the roadway is curvy and
could maintain about a 20mph pace. We arrived
narrow, a Coastal Rescue
in Cazadero , and stopped at the General Store
vehicle came up from
around 10:45am. Jack J. had stopped at the
behind. The truck took
bakery south of the main section of town, later
the entire lane. With the
reporting that it is a much nicer place to stop.
sightlines compromised
We rolled out a bit after 11am as the fog had
by the curvy road, the
burned off and a heavy haze replaced it. David
driver decided to wait to
had to turn around just after we left Cazadero.
pass until it was clear.
The chain saw lubricant he tried to use to
Rest stop at Tomales. Photo by Zack Kaplan.
We negotiated a slight
mitigate the multiple stiff links on his chain
didn’t work. The stiff links caused terrible shifting problems. downhill and uphill as the roadway crossed a creekbed on it’s
From this point, David rode to Sebastopol and got effective way to the ocean. On the section where we were climbing
repairs, and later ran into a friend on his way home, salvaging the uphill, we heard a loud speaker announcement that ‘cyclists
must ride single file’.
day and making it a much better one than before.
Page 14
I was speechless. The only thing we had been doing for miles
was riding single file. No one had passed, no one had dropped
off. We heard a few more noises from the loudspeaker and at
a point where the guardrail on the right ended, we pulled off
the road, managing the several inch drop from pavement into
gravel with out mishap. Turns out the announcement was from
a sherrif ’s deputy, who was behind the rescue vehicle. Zach and
Bruce rode on, thinking there was no issue (we hadn’t been
riding two abreast and we had been riding to the right so
...). Jack and Veronica
were further ahead but
stopped, and I was alone
with the Deputy.
August 208
General Store, we headed east and south for the last long leg to
Nicasio and then the finish in Corte Madera.
Darkness fell as we made our way along Chilenos Valley Road. As
we approached Wilson Hill, there were only four big climbs to
face: Wilson HIill, Point Reyes-Petaluma by the Cheese Factory,
Nicasio Valley and White’s Hill. Wilson Hill was probably the
longest and steepest, and even though I left the Chilenos Valley
Road/Pt. Reyes Petaluma Road corner with the first riders, I
was soon the next to the last rider to the top.
Most of the group had stopped after the turn
at the bottom but I rolled slowly on. I needed
to stop at the Cheese Factory, even though it
was dark and shuttered. Having a full bottle
The Deputy told me that
of water was comforting and I needed to eat
I was not allowed to ride
something too. I was the last over the hill
two abreast. I responded
before Nicasio Road but managed to catch
that we were not, that we
the back end of the group before Nicasio.
had been riding single
What kept me with all the riders for the rest
file all along (there was
of the ride was not stopping when everyone
*absolutely* no doubt
else stopped but riding on instead. The climb
in my mind about this
on Nicasio Valley, never my favorite because
and it was confirmed by
it always comes late in a ride, was not so bad.
every rider in the group).
I ended up being the last rider to start the
He told me that was not Mark fits in a nap beneath the oak at King's Ridge and climb on White’s Hill, but Zach had one last
true and that he could cite
mechanical issue and I caught Mark and then
Tin Barn roads. Photo by Rob Hawks.
me for impeding traffic.
Bob and rode behind them the rest of the way
When I began to speak again, I was cut off with the remark that to the finish. We returned to our parked cars a few minutes past
“it’s no wonder that motorists hate you cyclists”. By this time 11p.m. We had a fabulous meal at the end of the ride, and by
Veronica and Jack had rejoined me, and they basically got the 2:30 a.m., I was home and falling off to sleep.
same load of bull, plus threats to ‘take you to court the next
This ride is a challenge,
time I see you’. The exchange ended up with
and as such, it felt good
the Deputy throwing up his hands in the
to complete. While I
air as if to say there was no talking to us.
would have wished to
How ironic.
have the same energy
Needless to say I was pretty steamed about
for all of the 200 miles,
this for a while, as was Jack and Veronica. We
I was happy enough
talked most of it out of our systems as we had
with how well I rode
lunch at the Fort Ross Store (which is exactly
for the first 150 miles.
the same place I had seen that very same deputy
This was the first time
before). By the time we rolled away, and began
I’ve ridden King Ridge
the climb after the Fort Ross state park site,
with so many miles
I was thinking of other things, which for me
behind me before I
included that flat out glorious, twisty, absolutely
started the climb. I
10.0 on the fun factor downhill to Russian
really didn’t think of
The feast at ride's end. Photo by Zack Kaplan.
Gulch. After an unstructured regrouping in
that so much and the
Jenner we made our way toward Occidental.
climb was still fun.
Along the way, Zach had a flat tire, and as we met to inform
everyone, the decision was made to skip dinner in Occidental Total climbing: 13,693” Total Miles: 198.32 (auto start probably
and ride on to Valley Ford to Dinucci’s. In spite of a very reduced dropped about 2-3 miles off the total) Rolling time: 13:56
schedule of riding so far this summer, I was pretty pleased that (again, auto start lowered that total) Ave. Rolling Speed:
so far I had been quite able to keep pace with the whole group. 14.8mph Max Speed: 48.2 Total Time: 17:23 (longest 200
Riding into Valley Ford, I was feeling quite good. So many times mile ride for me)
though, I’ve rolled out of a rest stop a different rider than when
—rob hawks
I rolled in and this was one of those stops for me. After we sat
eating sandwiches on the benches in front of the Valley Ford
August 208
Page 15
Ride Leader Credits
Congratulations to Mark Abrahams for earning 2 ride leader premiums in July and Bruce Berg, Bob Hallet, Christine Long, Luigi
Nusgarten for each earning 1 ride leader premium in July.
The following members are in the running for either the club jersey ($74 value) or arm warmers ($17-$20 value) or socks
($15 value) or a windbreaker ($60 value and earned once). Remember to send in your ride sheets. No ride sheet, no
credit. Please note: the List now includes credit for time keeping and holding a GPC monthly meeting. Outstanding
ride leader premiums earned are in ** **.
Mark Abrahams **4**
Brian Aldrich
Mary Allen
Dolores Apton
Sara Atkins
David Block
Liz Block
Doug Brown
John Buenfil
Frank Carothers
Sue Estey
Pat Evans
Gabrielle Friedly
Rich Fisher
Estella Garcia
Peter Genau
Brenda Giese
Ralph Goldsticker
Pat Greene
Bob Hallet
James Hand
Kirk Hastings
Allen Holub
Mark Homrighausen
Victor Ingrassia
Melarie Johnson
Michael Kahn **1**
Emily Kenyon
Bill King
Margie Kirk
Gretchen Kuntz
(3)
(1)
(1)
(6)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(6)
(6)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(5)
(1)
(6)
(1)
(4)
(2)
(2)
(3)
(1)
(4)
(1)
(7)
04/13/08
10/03/07
05/18/08
12/09/07
09/02/07
09/16/07
08/19/07
08/11/07
08/12/07
02/09/08
10/03/07
11/12/07
08/11/07
09/08/07
09/08/07
09/05/07
01/12/08
11/04/07
06/11/08 **24**
09/07/07
03/29/08
12/09/07
01/12/08
4/20/08
08/26/07
(3)
(1)
(2)
(1)
09/07/07
04/27/08
02/13/08
09/16/07
Jeff Kurtock
Michi Lee
David Lipsky
Christine Long
Bob Lynn
Elaine Manuele
David Madson
Steve Mendelson
Debbie Miskell
Janet Monks
Phil Morton
Carol Nacon
Mark Nienberg
Janet Noble
Lewis Nusgarten
Ivan Peterson
Francois Pohan
Gregory Pohan
Karen Rhodes
Kathy Ritter
Mark Sapiro
Jim Scott
John Steinberg
Toshi Takeuchi
Jim Thompson
Keith Trummel
Veronica Tunucci
Chris Witt
Chuck Wunderlich
Nancy Yu
(5)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(3)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(7)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(4)
(2)
(5)
(1)
(6)
(2)
(6)
(3)
(3)
(7)
(7)
(2)
08/12/07
12/16/07
10/13/07
07/28/07
03/05/08
08/05/07
08/19/07
09/08/07
06/04/08
05/18/08
06/08/08 ***1***
06/25/08
12/13/07
08/05/07
05/31/08 **5**
08/19/07
09/02/07
09/02/07
03/22/08
10/10/07
03/12/08 **8**
03/08/08
09/15/07
11/03/07
09/09/07
06/12/08
06/25/08
10/07/07
02/10/08
06/06/08 ***1***
Ride leaders have 12 months to collect 8 credits with the first ride setting the anniversary date. If the anniversary date arrives with
less than eight, only that date is lost, and the next date becomes the anniversary date. Multi-day tours receive a credit for each day
of riding (but not rest days). If you have sign-up sheets hidden away, I can’t count them, and sometimes I don’t receive my club mail
until after publication-but it’s never too late to turn them in. A valid sign-up sheet entails two riders (members or not) per leader.
Therefore, if the ride is a two-leader ride, four people must sign up. If not enough show, the leaders must decide between them
and specify on the sign-up sheet who gets the credit. Co-listed rides with another bicycle organization still require a separate GPC
sign-up sheet for credit and insurance coverage. (A Xerox of XYZ’s sign-up sheet is not legally a substitute for GPC). Remember, ride
submissions to Lewis Nusgarten 510-848-0810, [email protected] or [email protected], and sign-up sheets with map to
me, Veronica Tunucci, Grizzly Peak Cyclists, at 94 Meadow Valley Road, Corte Madera Ca. 94925
GPC Apparel Purchases
The following GPC apparel is available for purchase by members:
Club jerseys $74 Arm warmers (limited sizes $17 lycra, $20 fleece lined) Club socks $5
To purchase the above GPC apparel, contact [email protected].
We also have club windbreakers but they must be earned by leading rides; they are not available for sale.
Grizzly
Peak
Page
16 Cyclists, Inc.
Membership Chair, Mary Allen
377 Oak Park Drive
San Francisco CA 94131
August 208First Class
U.S. Postage Paid
El Cerrito CA
Permit No. 347
Grizzly Peak Cyclists
Membership Card
(This card is valid only with mailing label showing current expiration date.)
Membership Information
Want to join the Grizzly Peak Cyclists for the first time? Time to renew your
membership? The mailing label shows your membership expiration date.
1. Read the Release form below.
2. Sign and date the Release.
3. Fill in your phone number (important) and address. (Current members can
just circle their address label and send it in with any corrections.)
4. Check the “Renewal” box if applicable, and “Individual” or “Family” box.
5. Dues for one year are: Individual: $15, Family: $18. Double the amount if
you want to join for two years.
6. Send this entire page to the club return address above to the attention of
“Membership Chair.” Please allow 3 to 5 weeks for processing.
Grizzly Peak Cyclists, Inc. Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk
Agreement, and Parental Consent Agreement with Indemnity
In return for being allowed to participate in any activity by Grizzly Peak Cyclists, Inc. (GPC):
1. I acknowledge that I and other participants may be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury to me,
including permanent disability and death. I understand that these risks may be increased through my own actions, or
through the negligent action or inaction of Grizzly Peak Cyclists members or representatives. I therefore assume all risks
of injury or loss, even if caused in whole or in part by the negligence of Grizzly Peak Cyclists, its members, or other
representatives.
2. I Release from liability Grizzly Peak Cyclists, their officers, members, sponsors, and employees; and owners and
lessors of facilities used by Grizzly Peak Cyclists, for any injury or damage that I may incur as a result of their activities,
even if caused in whole or in part by their negligence.
3. California Civil Code section 1542 states: "A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not
know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially
affected his settlement with the debtor." I specifically waive the terms of that section, and agree to Release claims that I
may not yet know of, or which may be based on events that have not yet occurred.
4. If I am allowing children under the age of 18 to participate in any activity, I agree on their behalf to the terms of this
Release. I agree that if, notwithstanding this Release, I, the minor, or anyone on the minor's behalf makes a claim against
any of the persons or entities Released, I will indemnify those persons and entities and hold them harmless against all
expenses, damage or costs, including attorneys fees, arising out of that claim.
This is a Release. When you sign it, you forever give up certain rights to sue the persons and entities referred to in this
Release. READ IT CAREFULLY.
Name:
Date:
Signature:
Address:
State:
City:
Zip:
Want to Join Our Email List?
Email:
Phone:
additional family members sign below:
Name:
Signature:
Age:
Name:
Signature:
Age:
Please check one box in each group:
New
Individual $15
Renewal
(if under 18)
(if under 18)
Family $18
Individual 2 years $30
Family 2 years $36