May

MAY 2015
Michiana Bicycle Association
From the President:
STARTER RIDES
Hello fellow cycling enthusiasts,
Another month and another Newsletter. It’s good to see everyone out on the roads again and I hope this year will bring many
beautiful days to go out for a ride. I really enjoy meeting up
with all of you after our winter hibernation. I truly value the
friendships I have with the members and I feel like a kid when
out there just feeling the sun and the wind in my face.
The MBA is going to host a "starter"
ride at each Saturday ride starting in
May.
I woke up the other night, about 3:00 in the morning and the
wind was blowing like crazy. A few years back, my neighbors
tree feel on my house close to my bedroom and ever since then I
get very anxious when the wind blows hard. So, since I couldn’t
sleep, I started thinking about what to write for the next Newsletter and maybe I should work a little bit on my taxes. Well,
quickly giving up on tax idea, I started thinking about a story
that might be interesting and I slowly started coming up with an
idea. I remembered that, one particular member always wanted
me to write a story about some great ride, that I had been involved with. His name will go unknown, (RR). Well I couldn’t
really think of any great ride that I had done, maybe I’ll ride
across America or something someday but that’s only a thought.
Not probably a good thought. I’ve never done any bike racing
and I’ve never rode in any exotic or foreign places. Troubled by
my lack of good subject matter, I felt maybe I should try to get
some sleep as my 6:00 o’clock wakeup call was drawing ever
near. Then a little thought occurred to me and it was so obvious, what I should say. I started thinking of all the miles, all
the years, I have rode side by side, wheel to wheel, with family
and friends. And it dawned on me that what we do isn’t so
much about riding as it is about the friendship. We are a family
These rides are designed to provide a
predictable group ride for new or casual road bike riders. The group will be
lead by 2 experienced MBA bikers. The
group will go 15-20 miles at 12-13 mph
and stay together (no drops) for the
entire ride.
We need MBA volunteers to lead these
rides. Leaders, please go to mbabike.com.
Continued on page 4
1
The newsletter is published monthly
for distribution to the club members
and to other bicycle related organizations. Submission of local and
state bicycle news is encourages as
well as cycling experiences and tips
on improving the sport of bicycling.
Submissions should be in writing.
Members may place classified ads,
notices of ride companions wanted,
and reports of stolen bicycle without
charge. Deadline is the 10th of the
month for the following month’s
newsletter.
Greg Hicks (574) 323-5203
Bonnie Yoder (574) 243-9027
[email protected]
Kristin Brandon (574) 304-2516
[email protected]
Dick Kuehl (574)256-5797
[email protected]
2015 DIRECTORS
Dick Couch
(269)357-6933
[email protected]
Gary Grabrich
(574)271-0102
[email protected]
John Lanning
(574)255-6207
[email protected]
Laura Ray
(574)273-2081
[email protected]
Randy Shaull
(574) 243-9046
[email protected]
Chris Vanden Bossche
(574) 234-1035
[email protected]
Club dues are $25.00 per year. 2015 membership expires on March 31, 2016. The hot-line
has been discontinued. Information on club rides
and up-coming events is available on our website www.mbabike.com.
2
MBA WEB SITE
Larger Area Ride Information
http://www.mbabike.com
Here is a list of some web sites that have schedules
of rides in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.
http://bicycleindiana.org/
http://www.cibaride.org/regional/regional.htm
http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/ilrides.htm
(Illinois)
http://www.LMB.org (Michigan)
http://www.bikeleague.org
http://www.adventurecycle.org
Look at the website for details of
rides for 2014 club season.
Ride maps are also on the site.
Amishland & Lakes Bicycle Tour
Www.amishlandlakes.com
WEARING AN APPROVED HELMET IS MANDATORY
WHEN RIDING A BIKE WITH THE MBA
The businesses that advertise in the MBA Newsletter extend a 10% discount to members, generally on non
-sale items. You must show your membership card to be eligible for the discount.
Albright’s Cycling & Fitness
2720 Lincoln Way West
Mishawaka, IN 46544
1-574-255-8988
All About Fitness
133 Easy Shopping Place
Elkhart IN 46516
574-970-1090
The Avenue Bicycle Station
2716 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
574-855-2453
Cycle and Fitness
211 E Main Street
Niles, MI 49120
Lincoln Avenue Cycling
430 W Lincoln Avenue
Goshen, IN 46526
1-574-533-7425
269-684-2000
Elkhart Bicycle Shop
All About Cycling
401 East Jackson Blvd.
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-7243
Metro run & walk
Outpost Center
3522 N. Grape Road
Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-257-7867
Family Bicycle Center
3410 South Main Street
Elkhart, IN 4651
1-574-294-2865
OutPost Sports
3601 N Grape Road
Mishawaka, In 46545
1-574-259-1000
Pro Form
2202 South Bend Avenue
House of Bicycles
10140 McKinley Hwy
Osceola, IN 46561
1-574-679-4992
3
South Bend, IN 46635
574-272-0129
Spin Zone
51345 Bittersweet Road
Granger, IN 46530
1-574-243-4994
Wakarusa Pro Hardware
108 S. Elkhart Street
Wakarusa, IN 46573
574-862-2775
From the President (continued from page 1):
ones that pedal, pedal, and coast. Pedal, pedal, and
of riders and the miles we cover are a testament to how strong we are.
That is my story, and I’m sticking to it.
coast, Going forward and back driving you nuts trying to ride a smooth pace. When leading you must
We held our annual bike swap meet at the red barn at St. Patrick’s
Park. It was a great success and the building was full of buyers and
sellers. I was told several times how grateful people are that we don’t
charge for this event. Obviously that makes and impression on people
in this day in age when nothing seems to be for free. Thanks to
NIMBA for their participation too! Also, thanks to those of you
that helped with moving those heavy tables and chairs.
not exceed the agreed upon pace. Suffering a good
chewing out if you do. Also never ride along the
right side of a cyclist. That is a big no-no here.
Then there is the “On your left” and also calling
out “Slowing” and or “Stopping.”
No long rides here. The longest the club does is 48
miles. Rides take place every day of the week. Dif-
Please, check out the website for upcoming events. The website is undergoing some changes with how events are posted and I really like the
new calendar format. There is a ton of info on the website, so take a
look.
ferent places route and distance. The club has ride
leaders who lead their group. There are 3 and
sometimes 4 groups with different speeds. This is to
accommodate the different skills of the many snow-
Be careful out there, some roads are really torn up from the long winter. Until next month, be safe and keep on riding!
birds. Speeds from 12-14 to 20-23 MPH. Most of
the daily rides are on main roads with detours into
Thank you,
suburban home areas. Weekend rides are some-
Greg Hicks
times in the country, those are the ones I enjoy the
most.
Riding in Bradenton Florida
Every ride has a rest stop about halfway through.
Sometimes in a park, sometimes at a convenience
By Rod recla
store or just alongside the road. This is where you
mingle and talk to other riders. Plus there is a
3 years of riding in Bradenton Florida with the Sar-
chance to mix up the pace line and follow some-
asota Manatee Bicycle Club brings these thoughts
body else’s wheel as you leave the rest stop.
to mind.
There are a lot of older cyclist’s here and they are
The ever present bike lanes are both a boon and a
the best to ride with. No testosterone riding and
bane to biking here. Safer and more constrictive of
nothing to prove keeps the rides safer and saner.
cycling. You are confined to a single pace line and
We have riders who sometimes feel the need for
cannot easily change position in the pace line.
speed. They will leave the group and crank it up,
Talking is confined to the person in front of you or
but that is OK too. As long as everyone in that
behind you. Cars are very mindful of cyclists
group agrees and nothing unsafe occurs.
though and many will be careful and even allow
cyclists to be among them. Not always following
All the roads are flat, flat and flat. The only hill is
road rules to the detriment of cyclist’s safety. Case
an overpass over Interstate 75. About 100 feet up
in point: as I was turning left into a side street an
and down at a 6 % grade. Not good training for
oncoming driver stopped to allow me access, see-
Michigan hills. Did I mention that the roads are
ing a following car I stopped and the following car
smooth and well kept? As you ride down here you
passed the stopped one and would have possibly
almost never hear the word “HOLE!” Plus there are
ran into me.
the “bar dots”. Raised reflectors on the roads,
placed where the lines are painted. They are to be
Then you get all the snowbirds myself included. A
missed if possible as they create a semi jarring
lot of them are not very experienced cyclists. Do
bump on your ride. You can check out the club at :
not overlap wheels with any of them as some
WWW.SMBC.US on the web for more information.
weave side to side as they ride. Plus you get the
4
May10-16 Cover Indiana Bike Tour, Lafayette IN: Cover Indiana is an annual weeklong
bicycle tour through Central Indiana that raises funds and awareness for local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Created in 2004 by Habitat for Humanity of Indiana, the ride begins in Lafayette and concludes in Indianapolis. Doug Taylor (574) 404-9210 [email protected]
www.hfhcoverinsiana.org
May 15-17: Fat & Skinny Tire Fest Winona Lake & Warsaw IN: A fun filled weekend
of all things bicycling in the Village of Winona. The all size tire shindig has something exciting
for all riders including a kick off party, multi length road tours, road & mountain bike races, kids
activities and more. Mike Cusick (574)253-3971 or [email protected] or
www.fatandskinnytirefest.com
May 31Lee Potluck Bring your bike, bring a dish, and after the ride enjoy the
food and fellowship with your fellow cyclists. RSVP appreciated. Call or email Judy
at: Home 574 586-3472, Cell: 574 360-3472,
Email: [email protected]: From South Bend take SR 23 to North
Liberty. At the blinker light turn right (west) on SR 4 and go 2.5 miles to Walnut
Road (an old school house is on the northeast corner). Turn left (south) on Walnut
Road and go 1/2 mile to the bridge. Bill and Judy’s house (66841 Walnut Road,
Walkerton) is the first one on the right after crossing the creek.
JUNE 14-19 MICHIANA BIKE TO WORK WEEK: MICHIANABIKETOWORK.ORG:
June 14 - Bike the Bend - Start Recording your Miles
June 16 @ 7-9am Organic Pancake Breakfast at Lasalle Grill
June 17 @ 6pm - Bike Movie at The State Theatre
June 18 @ 7-9am - Carbon Waffle Truck at Emporium Parking Lot
June 19 @11:30-1pm - Bike to Lunch withFiddlers Hearth at the College Football Hall of
Fame.
June 20th PUMPKINVINE RIDE, GOSHEN, IN:
For more information on this annual ride to support the Pumpkinvine trail go to
www.pumpkinvine.org. It is a great ride with multiple lengths and they are adding chocolate
milk to the SAGs!!!
GO TO MBABIKE.ORG FOR A COMPLETE UP-TO-DATE LISITNG OF ALL MBA RIDES & ACTIVITIES
5
MICHIANA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION
PO Box 82
Granger, Indiana 46530
Secretary Email | [email protected]
March 22, 2015
MEETING MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT
Greg Hicks, Bonnie Yoder, Dick Kuehl, Teresa Sheppard, Dick Couch, Gary Gabrich, Randy Schaull, Chris VandenBossche
DISCUSSION
TREASURER’S REPORT
Current club balance is approximately $54,000.00 - Club financial information is available to members upon request.
Amishland and Lakes raised the second largest dollar amount in 2014.
COMMITTEES
Ride Committee
Chris VandenBossche organizing ride committee
A weekend introductory ride is needed; but need someone to take charge of it.
A member should be identified to assist/lead once a month ride.
Member also needed to participate in a weekly Saturday ride to begin in in May.
Riders will be of a wide range of riding abilities; the leader should assess the riders’ abilities and assess speed. Gary volunteered for second Saturday in May.
Social committee
The Social Committee requires someone to lead it.
Vawn Recla may be available to volunteer again this year.
Solicit for volunteers to assist/ask.
John Lanning will ask his wife if she wants to head up social committee.
Marketing
Dick and Greg attended Spin Zone open house, signed up a few new members
Hand out marketing materials at Outpost and Spin Zone rides (leave postcard on car; possible signs along pike paths)
Need to develop ideas to market MBA
Insurance
Cost is increasing annually.
Currently have a directors and officers policy; coverage for Amishland and Lakes; property insurance (tables, water jugs, etc;
6
insurance on trucks used for Amishland and Lakes; coverage for people on club business.
Total cost around $3k
Amishland and Lakes
Registration for Amishland and Lakes is now 100% online
Fee tweaked to include credit card fee
Currently, there are 50-60 people registered
Company who provides the jersey has volunteered to provide a new design; 25% off normal cost of the jersey.
Shorts and caps also available.
Entertainment for the event is finalized; some the same as last year.
Volunteer registration will also be available on line
Had conversation with Sodexo (food vendor) about choice of food. Pay for food to vendor for number of meals
served. Last year 25% meals paid for did not eat
MBA Jersey
Greg wants to spearhead new MBA jersey design.
Idea is to show what Michiana represents.
Consists of a map that shows seven counties that make up Michiana on the back; on front MBA
Discounted price for members.
Ride Maps
Maps for MBA rides are currently being update; possibility of providing maps with GPS coordinates.
Starting with most popular rides.
Donations
In the past, Pumpkinvine and Granger Paths have each been given $1000. Proposal to give each $5000. BMC
ready to donate to the Indiana portion of the LaSalle Trail.
If we do increase our gifts to $5000, MBA should get good publicity!
Also donate $1000 to Howe Military Academy
A motion was made to increase the giving to each Pumpkinvine and Granger Paths; also, to provide funding to
LaSalle Trail when the time comes; SECONDED
4-Day Ride
MBA should organize at least one ride this year
Dick would head up organization of Galena, Illinois for the fall
Swap Meet
Held Sunday, March 29th
Traffic control and setup volunteers needed
Volunteers should park in the back.
Lee Ride
May 31- still on!
7
MBA NEWS
Michiana Bicycle Association
PO Box 182
Granger, IN 46530-0182
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:_________________________________________ Phone:_______________________
E-mail: __________________________________
Membership Year ____________ Memberships received after September 1st will be considered good through the end of the following year.
New Member _________ Renewal _________ 70 or Older __________
Membership is $25 per year for a family (immediate family members living in the same household).
If you are 70 or older membership is free, however you must complete a membership form every year.
May your information be published in the MBA handbook? yes___
no___
We will no longer be mailing newsletters. The newsletter will be e-mailed to the MBA membership and will also be available on mbabike.com.
HELMETS ARE MANDATORY ON ALL MBA RIDES
WAIVER MUST BE SIGNED BY ALL ADULT (18 OR OLDER) FAMILY MEMBERS
In signing this form for myself or the named applicant (if he/she is under 18) I agree to absolve all of the organizers, officers, sponsors and members of the Michiana Bicycle Association, be they individuals or organizations, singly or collectively, of all blame for any injury, misadventure,
harm/loss or inconvenience suffered as a result of taking part in the scheduled or non-scheduled activities of the Michiana Bicycle Association.
Signature:______________________________ Date:_________________
Signature:______________________________ Date:_________________
Signature:______________________________ Date:_________________
Signature:______________________________ Date:_________________
Mail to: Michiana Bicycle Association. P.O. Box 182, Granger, IN 46530
8