TWBC Newsletter - August 1995
TACOMA WHEELMEN'S CLUB
bn.
Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 112078*TACOMA, WA 98411
RIDELINE (206) 759-2800
Wn
Tacoma Wheelmen’s
TWBC
NEWSLETTER
Founded In 1888
D. A. R. E. Ride Helps
Fight Drug Abuse
by Kent Wienker
The Tacoma Police Department D. A. R. E.
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) unit will
. host a family bicycle ride on August 19, 1995.
Inside This Issue:
“Around The Wheel”
on page 2.
August ride calendar
on pages 3-5.
“Commuter Of The
Month” on page 6.
STP “thank you”,
Mini Minutes, and cy-
cling ad on page 7.
The next TWBC Board
meeting is on Tuesday,
August 1, 1995, at the
Skyline Village Apart-
ments Recreation Build-
ing, 5702 N. 33rd St.,
Tacoma, WA.
The meeting starts at
7:00 p.m. All members
are welcome. Bring
your own food and bev-
erage. Call 759-4464
for directions.
The proceeds from this ride are used to pres-
ent programs in schools combating drug
abuse. :
Registration is from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at
Tacoma Dome parking lot “G”. The cost is
$18.00 for an individual or $12.00 for the
family. Good food is provided at two rest
stops.
Riders have a choice of two routes—11 miles, or 18 miles. The ride leaves the Tacoma Dome and goes along Dock Street. At the Shuster Parkway, one of the two lanes will be coned off for bicycles only. After the 30th Street exit the route continues on the sidewalk along Ruston Way. The turnaround for the short route is where the sidewalk meets the ASARCO property. The long route goes to Point Defiance.
The ASARCO tunnel will be closed to auto-
mobile traffic. The route returns along Ruston
Way in the street and then on the sidewalk
along Shuster Parkway. This route will allow
families with children to ride safely.
A bicycle rodeo with low cost helmets will
be conducted at the start.
The following Tacoma area bike shops will
be participating to help the Tacoma Police
Department: Bike Tech, Bridgeport Cyclery,
Northwest Mountain Bike, Olympic Sports,
Rainier Cycle Sports, and Rock and Road
Cyclery.
Our Club is assisting Tacoma Police with
their ride. If you want to volunteer call 752-
0764. Information about the ride is available
by calling 591-5917.
Bring a friend, neighbor, someone, and help
boost this organization. Our kids need their
help.
r
t
80 1095
August, 1995
September—
Picnic Time
by Karen Forbush
Yes, there will be a picnic this year. Date and
location will be in the September newsletter. A
planning meeting will be held on Tuesday, 15
August 1995 at 7:00 p.m. at 1301 N. Proctor.
If you want to help with planning or have any ideas for fun, come to the meeting or call me at 752-0764, or Jan Brame at 759-6984.
Galloping Goose
Regional Trail
by Steve Brown
Over the 4th of July weekend we ventured : north of the border to Vancouver Island in. search of the Galloping Goose Regional Trail.”
This is the first major rail to trail project in=
Canada. The trail starts in Victoria, but it is a
little tricky following the route until you are
two miles north of town. Though primarily
gravel, we were able to ride about 25 miles at
a pace of 8-12 mph. Because this was a rail-
road right-of-way, we only gained 200 feet of
elevation over 25 miles.
In the near future the plan is to connect the trail to downtown Victoria. The route will go over the Selkirk Trestle, which is an aban- doned rail drawbridge. Before winter we plan to schedule a Club ride over the trail. This time we plan to find the end of the trail. Keep listening to the rideline for details.
The Tacoma Wheelmen's
Bicycle Club
Board Members
PRESIDENT
Dave Tison -272-4571
VICE-PRESIDENT
Mat Reitzug -265-2127
SECRETARY
Dena Wessels -857-5658
TREASURER
Jan Brame -759-6984
TOURING CAPTAIN
Connie Reitzug -265-2127
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
William Hoehne -759-4464
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick -473-7455
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Karen Forbush - 752-0764
PAST PRESIDENT
Kent Wienker «752-0764
Staff
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay:759-1816
PUBLICITY
SAFETY & EDUCATION
Jan Wieser - 833-6346
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Steve Brown: 752-4038
RIDE LINE
Connie Reitzug-265-2127
MAILING
Don Izenman- 565-2720
Annual Committees
DAFFODIL CLASSIC
Joyce Clifford: 759-2393
PENINSULA METRIC Carla Gramlich -752-4038 BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH Kent Wienker- 474-9395 S.T.P. COORDINATOR BANQUET COMMITTEE Bob Myrick: 473-7455 ANNUAL PICNIC
Joy Roelofsz- 847-1843
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995 Page 2
Around The
Correspondence from Club member Lewis Jones Jr. reminds us that confrontations between motorists and cyclists are on the increase, as more people cycle and more people drive cars. He included an article from the June 28, 1995 “Peninsula Gateway” which tells of him and his wife Gail being assaulted by a motorist who saw some other cyclists runa stop sign. While the motorist may have had good intentions to point out the error of cyclists running a stop sign, she ended up grabbing Lewis and Gail's tandem, causing them to crash. Several injuries were inflicted, including a shoulder separation for Gail. So much for training miles this season. The motorist has been charged with two counts of simple assault.
Such events remind us of the importance of both motorists and cyclists obeying traffic laws and using common sense in our behavior toward one another. More cars and bicycles are on our roads everyday, and we live in an area which is behind in providing safe streets and lanes for bicycles, and, in some cases, for cars. Tacoma, for example, is turning into one big traffic jam. Traffic laws, helmets, and choosing the safest route available for cycling are essential elements in coping with the traffic jam from hell.
Meanwhile, may Gail and Lewis heal and get back on their tandem as soon as possible.
Miguel Indurain has won the Tour de France for the fifth time in a row, 4’ minutes ahead of the rest of the pack. Is this discouraging for the rest of the competitors? Sadly, one cyclist died during the Tour de France this year. Head injury. No helmet.
In Portland, Oregon you can pick a bicycle up off the street, ride it, and then leave it
in the street for someone else to ride, for free! Tom O'Keefe started the program last
September by painting 10 bicycles yellow and putting them around town. Now, there
are 300 bicycles available, and the popularity of the program will lead to 1000 bikes
within the next year. The bikes are donated, and when repairs are needed someone calls
in and the bike is picked up. Anyone in Tacoma interested?
Thanks to Club member Steve Brown, TWBC is now on the internet with a home page. The address is: http:/|pages.prodigy.com/WA|tacomawheelmensbicycleclub/. The page gives our founding date, purpose, notes our two major rides, the Daffodil Classic and Peninsula Metric Century, our Ride Line number, an e-mail address, and the Club's postal address. Our neighbors to the north, the Cascade Bicycle Club, also have a home page. The address is: http:|/cascade.org/. You can view the pages using Prodigy, America Online, Compuserve, or an internet browser. If you have suggestions for our home page, give Steve a call at 752-4038.
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995
TWBC Members are encouraged to submit articles, information, and letters to the editor for our newsletter. All
submissions must be signed and written by the signatory, and are subject to editing. Views expressed in this
newsletter belong to individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Tacoma Wheelmen’s
Bicycle Club or any of its members.
Deadline: Deadline for all copy is the third Tuesday of each month for the following month’s newsletter. This is also our regular Club meeting day. Copy can be given to the editor at the meeting or mailed to: William 18 Hoehne, 5702 N. 33rd, Apt. 17B, Tacoma, WA 98407. Articles and correspondence can also be sent to the editor via e-mail and fax modem. Send e-mail to Compuserve, User #71570,446, or America Online, WHOEHNE. Send faxes to 206-759-4464 after calling the editor first to ensure the computer is on.
Cycling Ads: Ads must be directly related to bicycling, and will be printed free of charge to Club members. Space limitations may require editing. All ads must be accompanied with name, address, and phone number of person submitting ad. Budget costs for the newsletter preclude publishing ads for non-members. Ads for local bicycle shops will be printed free of charge if the business offers a discount to TWBC Club members. “Local” is defined as within the Puget Sound area. Bicycle shop ads can have a maximum of 6 lines, and each shop can have up to two ads per year. These ads are also subject to editing and space limitations.
Inserts: Inserts for TWBC Club rides and activities must be coordinated with the ride leader or chairperson in terms of format, cost, printer, and distribution. The cost of inserts for bicycle related activities by agencies or businesses outside the Club will be bome by the agency or business. Mailing costs may limit number of inserts. TWBC Internet Address: http://pages.prodigy.com/WA/tacomawheelmensbicycleclub/
TWBC RIDE CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 1 to AUGUST 31, 1995 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
DATE MILES START POINT ACTIVITY CODE LEADER
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
8/1 759-2800
Tues Skyline Village Apts. TWEBC Board Meeting Dave Tison
8/1 Recreation Building Call 759-4464 for 272-4571
5702 N. 33rd, Tacoma. | directions.
Wed 5:35 p.m. 28 Point Defiance Ferry Joyful Cycling 3 Joyce Clifford
8/2 Vashon Island 759-2393
Thur 12 Metropolitan Parks Mountain Biking A
8/3 Building, S. 19th, Cheney Stadium
Tacoma, WA.
Thur 6:00 p.m. 15-20 | Park & Ride Thursday Night Ride
8/3 6th & Skyline Belated Birthday Ride
Fri 20-25 | UPS Fieldhouse Friday Tea Ride
8/4 N. 11th & Union Border’s Books and
beyond.
Sat-Sun 151 Marysville, WA 15th Annual
8/5-6 T.OS.R.V.
ee
50
62
Kent Wienker
752-0764
Janice Jensen
566-1822
Connie Reitzug
265-2127
aN
1
2
2
Patty Garrett
206-348-7430
Sat 9:00 a.m. Fred Meyer, 72nd & Hawk's Prairie Terry Melvin
8/5 Pacific, Tacoma, WA. 472-4994
Bob Myrick
473-7455
Sat 10:00 a.m. Sumner Library Victor Falls, Buckley,
8/5 & Sumner Summer-
fest.
Connie Littlejohn
206-888-4440
Carla Gramlich
752-4038
Interurban Trailhead “Go Someplace For
Sun . | 8,32, or | Log Pavillion Railroad | Tour de Peaks All
8/6 Park, Snoqualmie,
3 WA.
Sun 10:00 a.m. Z,
8/6 at Pacific. Lunch” Ride. Bring
money.
Tues AM Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
8/8 759-2800
Tues 5 Entrance, Fort Steila- Work party to clear Kent Wienker
8/8 coom Park. trail. Bring pruning
a 30 Starbuck’s Joyful Cycling
Proctor District Crescent Valley
12
752-0764
Joyce Clifford
i 739-2393
Entrance, Fort Steila- Mountain Biking Dave Tison
coom Park. 272-4571
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995 Page 3
sheers.
wm
jo}
Joy Roelofsz
847-1843
Dairy Queen, 178th & | Thursday Night Ride
Pacific, Tacoma, WA Tour de Ft. Lewis, off
road.
Thur
8/10
10-15
ee
Park & Ride
Tacoma Mall
12-15 Ride & Dine Connie & Mat
Marzano’s Reitzug.
Bring a light. 265-2127
Tacoma South Western Wash- Stan & Joan Sanders
ington camping trip. 564-4280
Jackson Prairie Ramble Jim Lazar
360-956-3321
150 UPS Fieldhouse To Long Beach. 4 Kent Wienker
N. 11th & Union 752-0764
70
8/11
Sat-Sun
8/12-20
Sat-Sun
8/12-13
Sat
8/12
6:00 a.m.
Sat
8/12
Sat 9:00 a.m.
8/12
Sat 10:00 a.m.
8/12
Sun 10:00 a.m.
8/13
8/13
Park & Ride Shelton Schafer State 3 Steve & Phyllis Lay 6th & Skyline (carpool) | Park Loop. Start at
759-1816
(See ride note) Kneeland Park,
Shelton, WA at 8:00
ale
a.m.
DeCoursey Park Orting, Puyallup 2 Len Shumway
Clark Creek Area #3. Valley. 841-2713
Parking Lot Sumner Bakery. 2. Janice Jensen
“L” & Division. 566-1822
Go Cart Track To The North Jetty. 2 Kent Wienker
Long Beach. 752-0764
Fred Meyer Freewheel Ride 2 Terry Melvin
72nd & Pacific 472-4994
Tacoma, WA
30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
759-2800
McDonald’s Joyful Cycling © Ad Lib (Leader gone
Westgate Decide To Ride. campin’).
0 McDonald’s Mountain Biking All Kent Wienker
Hwy 512 &S. Tacoma | Capitol Forest. 752-0764
Way.
Fe
+
30:
30
0:
30-40
Tues AM
8/15
Wed 5:45 p.m.
8/16
Thur 8:00 a.m.
8/17
Thur 6:45 p.m. 10 Entrance, Fort Steila- Thursday Night Ride. 1 Connie Reitzug
8/17 coom Park. 265-2127
Fri AM Call The Ride Line Friday Tea Ride, 2 Call The Ride Line
8/18 Maybe! 759-2800
Sat
8/19
7:00 a.m.
to
11:00 a.m.
10 or 18 | Tacoma Dome. Tacoma Police Family All D.A.R.E.
See article on page 1. D.A.R.E. Ride. 591-5917
Fees: $8 single, $12
family, day of ride.
Sun 8:30 a.m. 100 McDonald’s Spanaway to Johnson 4 Bob Myrick
8/20 Spanaway Creek. 473-7455
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995 Page 4
Sun
8/20
2:
30-40 | Fred Meyer Freewheel Ride Terry Melvin
72nd & Pacific 472-4994
Tacoma, WA
Tues AM Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2, Call The Ride Line
8/22 759-2800
Joyce Clifford
BE
Wed 0 Mountaineer’s Club- Joyful Cycling
8/23 house, N. 30th, 759-2393
Tacoma, WA
Thur 6:00 p.m 2 Victor Falls Mountain Biking Dave Tison
8/24 272-4571
5 ;
30;
Sat-Mon | 7:00 a.m. 16 North Bend, WA Courage Classic Dave Tison
8/26-28 $40/$300 pledges. 272-4571
Sat 10:00 a.m. McDonald’s Decide To Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
8/26 Westgate 759-2800
Sun 3:00 p.m. | 30-40 | McDonald’s Freewheel Ride 2 Terry Melvin
8/27 Spanaway 472-4994
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
: 8/29 759-2800
Wed PM 30 Call The Ride Line Joyful Cycling 3 Joyce Clifford
8/30 759-2393,
8/31
Ride Code Definitions: (See column six in ride calendar): 1: Easy pace—frequent stops to catch-up and re-group. 10-13 mph.
2. Moderate pace—occasional stops to catch-up and re-group. 13-16 mph. 3. Steady pace—limited stops. Cue sheets or map
provided. 13-16 mph. 4. Fast pace—very limited stops. Cue sheets or map provided. 16+mph. Maps provided for all rides
over 35 miles.
For More Information About Rides, Call The Ride Line At 759-2800. (To record
your message on the ride line without waiting for the other messages to play, press the *
button on a touch tone phone.)
Kent Wienker
752-0764
Wear A Helmet, And Carry Repair Items And First Aid Supplies On Your Ride!
August Ride Note:
Shelton-Schafer State Park Loop: Carpool from Park & Ride, 6th & Skyline at 6:30 a.m. Ride begins from Kneeland Park on Turner Avenue in Shelton at 8:00 a.m. To get there, take exit 104 (Hwy 101) from I-5 to Shelton exit (SR #3). One block after first traffic light at bottom of hill in Shelton, turn left on Turner Avenue.
TWEE rays “welcome” and “thank you" te the following new members and renewing members for Yuly, 1995: New members: Mike Conley, Dwain Dakarai, Jim Logg, Don Nelson, Deborah Ottow, A.L. Parker-Winford, Barb Root, Ann Dahil, Jeff Stahnke, Charles Turner, B. Vicek, and Carole White. Renewing members: Tom Barocan, Kenneth Blaha, Jan Brame, Gary Cousins, Larry Flatness, Karen Forbush, Steven Forsness, J.M. and Tim Fredrickson, Janice Jensen and family, John, Joyce, Steve, Mary, and Scott Kubsizewski, Virginia Lancaster, Dale and Jo Anne Longfellow, Chris Miller, Bob Myrick, Carol Nichols, G. Rivers, Doug Shipman, Mimi Stieler, Greg Swensen, Marcia and Jim Tesarik, Bob Vogel, Brian Wester and Sylvia Russell.
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995 Page 5
Commuter Of The Month
J.D. Fitz
Reforming The Doctor Image
by Judy Wagonfeld
“For a while, cycling to work was sort of a bragging thing. You know, the only weirdo doc doing it,” laughs J. D. Fitz, a bit embarrassed. But now, from Tacoma Family Medicine’s latest crop of eight medical residents, 2-3 cycle daily. Not weird, just a forerunner indicating the changing face of health care and health workers. Evolving from early commuting braggadocio, J. D. finds cycle-commuting effortless aerobic exercise and a lifestyle habit, especially because he steers clear of indoor gyms. Living three miles from work, he loops to Ruston Way to attain 8-10. “I get antsy when I must take my carand can’t ride.” When starting a day with cycling, he feels focused and calm—ready to dig in.
Rain Rider
No grass grows under J. D.’s feet. If not cycling he jogs, or joins the sunrise at American Lake, braced for a bout of brisk water skiing. Unlike most cyclists, J. D. likes riding in the ‘rain—anyone outside (and many in) the Northwest might question his sanity. However, the rain prompted switching to a mountain bike’s stability, and no flats. With continuous bead ‘tires at 60 pounds, he avoids off-road tread drag. For safety he uses a handlebar battery light and backrack and helmet blinking lights. A helmet mirror and yellow Gortex top lets him see and be seen.
Green Shirt, With Tie
Raised by Minnesota’s safe, flat bicycle paths, J. D. relin- quished cycling during medical training, equating Washing- ton, D. C. cycling with suicide. Later, in San Francisco, he cycle-commuted, more due to economic need than safer conditions. Tall, lanky, and rock solid, J. D. radiates health and energy. Casually dressed in tan chinos, a green shirt, tie, and Birkenstocks, he fits the relaxed clinic atmosphere.
His office serves as a comfy den: antique ship prints in dark wood frames, books stacked on shelves, tables and floor obscure beneath journals and papers. A computer screen displays a half-finished project, its resource materials imping- ing on the keyboard. Family photos crowd his desk and file tops, a joyful pictorial history of his wife, two daughters, and son. A worn, black, Jando bikebag briefcase leans against a toiletry kit (one of several stashed in different locations) on the carpeted floor, belying a serious bicyclist. Compartmentalized like life, it divides work from clothing. Shoes wait at work.
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995 Page 6
Break The Habit
Not having time to cycle commute seems a fallacy to J. D. “Usually, it takes me twice as long to bike as drive.” Cars, he feels, present a hard habit to break. Doing so requires a cycling mind set: preparing, keeping the bike clean, enjoying the monetary savings, and mastering mind barriers. He realizes he is privileged to be unencumbered by child trans- portation, shopping, and travel between hospitals, any of which can hamper cycle commuting. Personal hygiene, he says, occurs anyway so why not at work rather than home (if one has resources). He adapts with sink baths when necessary. J. D. has considered chucking one car but the hassles dis- courage him, especially with teens. Instead he saves gas and mileage wear, and hopes his kids will cycle.
Courage, Compassion, Training
Each year J. D. rides Mary Bridge’s Courage Classic, a fund raiser to fight domestic violence. Luring bicyclists to top three mountain passes in three days, he says, “the treatment and food are great! The Rotary Clubs compete with terrific spreads.” At work, J. D. displays compassion in this and other areas. Training church and retired folk as resource volunteers allows a free service that hooks patients to resources. With medical staff cutbacks, he knows staff must be creative to meet patient needs.
Get Caged
For several years J. D. and fellow cyclists agitated for safe bike parking at Multicare. Last month bike cages blossomed at Tacoma Family Medicine and in the Baker Center garage. J. D. has yet to use them, now accustomed to the basement stairwell rail, a habit he intends to break.
Beat The Bus
When arranging an interview, I mentioned I had heard Dr. Fitz bicycle commuted. His bubbly receptionist chuckled, “Yup, he’s the one. Everyone knows he rides. He’d love to talk.” And he did. Defying the “no time to cycle commute”, he describes riding across 6th Avenue and arriving at the same time or beating the bus. With challenges like that, commut- ing’s an offer you can’t refuse (without at least a bit of guilt).
A Lot Of Folks Helped
At Spanaway STP Stop
by Hank & Hazel Giddings
The following is a list of members and
friends of TWBC who worked at the
Spanaway STP rest stop during all or
part of the weekend of June 24-25.
There were 82 volunteer workers bas-
ically associated with our Club, not
counting paramedics, sheriff deputies,
Washington State Patrol officers, Gold-
wing Club members, and many other
people associated with this event.
Ron, Joan, and Jenni Ahre, Michael
Alexander, Candle and Mary Beell, John
Bierman, Phil Blenkush, Louie Boitano,
Jan Brame, Steve Brown, Helen Burgess,
Joyce Clifford, Steve Cole, Elaine
Corley, Jim Davis, Ray and Jennie
Dezutter, Peggy Fjetland, Karen
Forbush, Shella and Ralph Furlong,
Carla Gramlich, Janis, Lisa, David, Alex,
Taylor, Anne, and Gina Grenier, Wil-
liam Horn, Laurie Huff, Sam, Joe, Kim,
and Don Izenman.
Joan Johnson, Karla Kleppen, Steve
and Scott Kubiszewski, Edna, Phyllis,
and Steve Lay, Foy Leatherman, Peter
Lindahl, Mary C. Lynch, Monique Mar-
tin, Martin Mayock, Bob Mohr, Bob
Myrick, Ken and Mary Neukom, Scott
and April Ohalloran, Gail Palumbo,
Dave Parker, Amie Ray, Connie and
Mat Reitzug, Joy Roelofsz, Christopher
Roger, Sylvia Russell, Stan Sanders,
Richard Severy, Tom Sharp, Len
Shumway, Scott and Larry Spitser,
Mary, Howard, and Stephanie Stidham,
Clay Stoner, Randy Telling, Greg Torfin,
Jon Turnipseed, Jane Wakasa, Rich and
Linda Walter, Troy Wells, Kent
Wienker, and David Zehnder.
Many thanks from the STP Coordinat-
ing Committee to all of you for spend-
ing so much of your time on such a
beautiful weekend to help a bunch of
other people have a great ride!
Mini Minutes
TWBC Board Meeting
by Dena Wessels, TWBC Secretary
The new Board met on July 11, 1995 at
7:00 p.m. at the Skyline Village Apart-
ments.
Old Business
STP: There were fewer accidents on the
course this year. A few Cascade mem-
bers assisted at the Spanaway check
point. Further reports will follow when
Cascade has final figures.
Annual Picnic: Up till now, no one has
stepped forward to head this activity.
Jan Brame and Karen Forbush will get a
committe together. Catering was dis-
cussed. As catering nearly doubles the
food costs, and from 40 to 70 people
take part, this year’s event will not be
catered. Mat and Connie Reitzug of-
fered their home for the location of this
year’s picnic.
D.A.R.E Ride: The date is August 19.
Two rest stops need to be organized.
Tacoma Police have budgeted funds for
this event. TWBC volunteers can contact
Kent Wienker to assist with this family
event.
Annual Audit: Steve Brown and Stan
Engle will complete this soon. Books
and information have been transferred
to Jan Brame. Suggested treasurer's
report for each board meeting was to
include total income, total expenditures,
and current bank balance for the pre-
vious month.
Expenditures: Checks were written for
the following budgeted items: Sprocket
Person, $1000.00; Helmets On Wheels,
$500.00; CarLess Commute, $500.00;
Northwest Bicycle Federation (Now-
Bike), $1568.00; and Foothills Rails To
Trails, $1000.00.
New Business
1996 Bike Expo: TWBC still needs to rent a booth (about $120.00). Kent Wienker is working on the arrange- ments. TWBC Equipment: Steve Brown re- ported that the Tour de Firefighters asked to use some of our equipment. Motion was made and passed (one opposed) that local bike affiliated event coordinators may borrow TWBC equip- ment when a deposit is exchanged for an inventory of equipment to be used. The amount of the deposit is left to the discretion of the equipment manager. Usage of TWBC equipment by other groups is left to the discretion of the current Board.
The lack of a Club policy for recently
purchased bike boxes was discussed,
but no action was taken.
Daffodil, PMC Logos: The Club pur- chased two Daffodil Classic jogos, one of which was used in 1995. Mat Reitzug and Dena Wessels suggested approach- ing the local middle and high schools in the areas the rides occur, for the possibility of encouraging local young artists to develop the ride logo within specific guidelines. Suggestion was made to offer a $100.00 prize to the winner, and $50.00 to second place. The PMC does not have a logo for 1996. Dena Wessels will contact schools in north Pierce and south Kitsap Counties, so art teachers will be ready to an- nounce this project at the beginning of school in September. Logos need to be ready by November at the latest, in order to be ready for the 1996 Bike Expo.
1995-1996 Budget: A preliminary bud-
get meeting will occur at Dena Wessels’
home on July 25, 1995. The proposed
budget will be reviewed by the Board at
its August meeting and published in the
September newsletter. Club members
will have the opportunity to vote on the
final budget at the September Club
meeting. 2
Cycling Ad
For Sale:
Mike Melton Custom Tan-
dem. 23%” 21%". Great shape.
$1300.00.
Call 537-3888.
TWBC NEWSLETTER August, 1995 Page 7
August Board Meeting
Includes Budget Plans
The August TWC Board of Di-
rectors meeting will be held on
Tuesday, August 11th, at 7:00 pm,
at Greg Grenier’s home, 3715 N.
Shirley, Tacoma, WA. Please note,
this is the second Tuesday in Au-
gust.
This meeting will serve as a preliminary budget proposal meet- ing for 1992-1993. Members are requested to submit budget and special money requests to the Of- ficers at this meeting either in person or in writing.
The final budget decision will be
discussed and made at a special
budget meeting in September. This
meeting will be in addition to the
regular TWC Club meeting. Date
for this meeting will be in the
September Newsletter.
All members are invited to our
Board meetings. If you have ques-
tions please call Greg Grenier at
752-4348.
TWC
NEWSLETTER
Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club
P.O. Box 112078
Tacoma, WA 98411
@r
Annual Club Picnic
Mark Your Calendar!
September 12, 1992
by Diane Taylor
This year the fun and games will
begin at Spanaway Park. There will
be rides to and from the picnic.
Those wishing to lead the rides
please contact me at 759-4971.
The food this year will be ca-
tered by Snuffin’s of Gig Harbor.
Watch your September Newslet-
ter for more details.
Club Insurance Program
Provides Coverage
by Bob Myrick
Those TWC members who par- ticipated in the Daffodil Classic or Peninsula Metric Century, noticed a signature was requested on a new “release and waiver of liabil- ity” form. A similar form will soon be available for ride leaders to gather signatures on Club rides. These forms are important for you and the Club. They protect the Club from frivolous lawsuits by members who may be injured on rides, and they provide liability
Page One
Founded In 1888
nee
— August, 1992
coverage in case we should injure someone while out on a Club ride. Additionally, there is important medical coverage available to you in the amount of $10,000.00, and accidental death insurance in the amount of $5,000.00.
The medical coverage applies after a $500.00 per claim deductible has been paid, and after any other valid and collectible insurance has been paid. The medical coverage does not include physical therapy, chiropractic, or dental expense. The insurance coverage applies to Club members who are registered by signing the liability form.
The League of American Wheel- . men provides this insurance pro- gram as a service to member clubs. This is the first year that medical coverage has been provided. This insurance is reasonably priced at this time—only a dollar per mem- ber. If you are underinsured, it provides important coverage for you.
Important Note: Your homeowner's insurance may have value to you while out on your bicycle. If your bicycle is lost, stolen, or damaged, your home- owner's insurance probably covers your loss in excess of the policy's deductible. It also appears there may be significant liability protection if you should injure or damage another per-
‘son or their property while out on
your bicycle. Your automobile liability
insurance probably only covers you
while operating motor vehicles.
August, 1992
TWC RIDE CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 1 to SEPTEMBER 10, 1992 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
DATE TIME MILES _ START POINT ACTIVITY CODE LEADER
Sat McDonald’s Yelm 2 Tom Cornell
8/1 112th & S. Pacific 582-0903
Sun 8:00 “ Railroad Park Tour De Peaks All M. Norton
8/2 AM Snoqualmie, WA 888-4813
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride 3 Call The Ride Line.
8/4 759-2800
Tues 6:00 Mountaineer’s Club MC Ride Series 3,4 Cynthia Hammer
ey 4 PM N. 30th Street Brown’s Point Loop 752-0801
8-12 Wright Park Thursday Night Ride. 1 Steve & Phyllis Lay
Conservatory 759-1816
Anacortes Ferry 3 Day Kayak Trip 1 Bob Myrick
473-7455
Sat 8:30 25-35 | McDonald’s Westgate | Anderson Island-Take 12 Diane Taylor
8/8 AM N. 21st & Pearl 10:00 am ferry from 759-4971
Take food for picnic. | Steilacoom dock.
Store on island.
Sun 9:00 40-50 | Fort Dent Park Ballard Locks & 2 Louis Boitano
8/9 AM Interurban Avenue Picnic. 922-6156
Sun 10:00 20+ McDonald’s Westgate | Coffee Break Ride. 1 Jim Davis
8/9 AM N. 21st & Pearl 759-5616
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride 3 Call Ride Line.
8/11 759-2800
6:00 30 Tides Tavern MC Ride Series 3A Cynthia Hammer
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor Loop
752-0801
Greg Grenier’s Home
3715 N. Shirley
Centralia High School
TWC Board Meeting.
Budget proposals
due.
Klein Classic
Greg Grenier
752-4348
Steve & Phyllis Lay
759-1816
Klein Classic Hotline
262-3305
30
Buckley Park
South Prairie Creek
Ride—Picnic at
Creek, then ford
Creek. May need
water walking shoes
and a towel.
(TWC Ride Calendar continues on page 3)
Page Two
Steve & Phyllis Lay
759-1816
August, 1992
(TWC Ride Calendar continued from page 2)
DATE | TIME | MILES START POINT ACTIVITY CODE LEADER
un 8:30 50 Freighthouse Square Ride to Sumner to 23 Bob Myrick
8/16 AM watch REI Criterium. 473-7455
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride. 3 Call The Ride Line.
8/18 M 759-2800
Tues 6:00 30 Pickle’s Deli MC Ride Series. 3A Cynthia Hammer
8/18 PM Spanaway McKenna Loop 752-0801
Thur Call The Ride Line. Thursday Night Ride. Call The Ride Line.
8/20 759-2800
lee 9:00 30-50 | UPS Fieldhouse Tacoma Interurban. 2 Jim Davis Family
8/22 AM N. 11th & Union 759-5616
SatSun 8:00 200 Olympia, WA Jackson Prairie All Jim Lazar
Ls 22-23 AM Ramble. 786-1822
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride. 3 Call The Ride Line.
8/25 759-2800
| Tues 6:00 30 ‘| 555 pm Point MC Ride Series 34 Cynthia Hammer
8/25 PM Defiance Ferry. Vashon Island 752-0801
Return on 8:10 ferry.
Thur Call The Ride Line. Thursday Night Ride. Call The Ride Line.
8/27 759-2800
Sat/Sun, 7:45 | 230 Amtrack Station 3 Day Trip, Tacoma 234 Bob Myrick
Mon AM Tacoma, WA to Trout Lake & 473-7455
8/29-31 return via Packwood.
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride. 3 Call The Ride Line.
9/1 759-2800
Tues 6:00 30 Park & Ride MC Ride Series. 3A Cynthia Hammer
9/1 PM Auburn Black Diamond Loop 752-0801
Thur Call The Ride Line. Thursday Night Ride. Call The Ride Line.
9/3 759-2800
Sat,Sun, 7:00 Anacortes, WA 3 Day Kayak Trip 1 Bob Myrick
Mon AM 473-7455
9/5-7 Ferry
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Ride. 3 Call The Ride Line.
9/8 759-2800
Thur 6:45 6-12 UPS Fieldhouse Thursday Night Ride. 1 Steve & Phyllis Lay
9/10 PM N. 11th & Union (Last one of season) | 759-1816
Ride Code Definitions (See column six in ride calendar): 1. Easy pace—frequent stops to catch-up and re-group. 10-13 mph. 2. Moderate pace—occasional stops to catch-up and re-group. 13-16 mph. 3. Steady pace—limited stops. Cue sheets or map provided. 13-16 mph. 4. Fast pace—very limited stops. Cue sheets or map provided. 16+mph. Maps
provided for all rides over 35 miles.
For More Information About Rides, Call The Ride Line At 759-2800. (To record your message on the ride line without waiting for the other messages to play, press the # button on a touch tone phone.)
Page Three
August, 1992
Ride Notes (and other adventures):
Wear A Helmet, And Carry Repair Items And First Aid Supplies On Your Ride!
3 Day Kayak Trip—You may still be able to sign-up for the 3 day San Juan Island Kayak Trip that
runs from August 7-9 and costs $229.00. The September trip will be over the Labor Day weekend.
These trips are suitable for beginners. Food and equipment are provided. The leader is a naturalist who will enrich us with knowledge about the San Juan Islands.
The sight of Orcas and the island setting will give you a memory of life and scenic beauty that will
last forever.
These trips will stop at Stewart Island and Spieden Island. Spieden is the island that was stocked
with four species of deer and mountain sheep. The famous Japanese barking deer lives on the island. Minke
whales feed right off the camping spot.
If you would like this experience, call Bob Myrick at 473-7455 as soon as possible.
Ballard Locks And Picnic—Meet at Fort Dent Park at 9:00 am on Sunday, August 9, 1992. Fort Dent Park is just north of Hwy 1-405 on Interurban Avenue. Take exit 2 from 1-405.
We will ride to downtown Seattle along the waterfront, and take the Elliot Bay Bicycle Path to
Ballard. At the Ballard Lock we will have a picnic lunch and spend an hour or so watching the rich people
drive their boats through the locks.
We will then ride across Seattle along the ship canal to the University of Washington. A turn south
will take us through the Arboretum and along Lake Washington to Renton. From Renton we will return to
Fort Dent Park.
The ride will be a Code 2, and will cover 40 to 50 miles. In the event of rain bring your Gortex sun screen! Call Louis Boitano if you have questions—922-6156.
Tacoma To Trout Lake And Return Via Packwood—There will be a three-day trip on August 29-31,
staying overnight in rooms at Trout Lake and Packwood. Basic cost will be about $70.00 plus food. There
are hot tubs at both overnight stops.
We will take the train to Vancouver and proceed to Trout Lake. You can also camp out along the way. The pace will be moderate according to your own abilities.
Plan on 78 to 88 miles to Trout Lake, 75 miles to Packwood, and 75 miles on Monday to Tacoma. Call Bob Myrick at 473-7455 early this month if you want to go.
Third Annual Fall Tandem Rally—Louis and Marie Boitano invite you to join them on this rally, held on the Monterey Peninsula, California on October 3-4, 1992, and sponsored by Bay Area Roaming Tandems. Pre-registration only deadline is September 1, 1992. For an application form send SASE to: BART, PO. Box 2176, Los Gatos, CA 95031. The form lists three motels with discounted rates if reservations are made by August Ist. A list of area campgrounds is available upon request.
This tandem rally will be a part of Marie's birthday ride. People may join us for all or part of the ride which is expected to last about 4 weeks.
In mid-September we shall drive to St. Helena in the Napa Valley. We shall bike to Monterey, visiting San Francisco on the way. Following the rally, we may bike along the coast to Cambria, ride inland, and then north again. Our route to Sacramento is not yet planned. We then return to St. Helena.
This is mainly a camping trip. Singles may join us, and could ride on their own during the rally.
The weather will be fine, and the scenery stupendous.
Other than getting to the rally on time, where we shall meet Bob and Joyce Joyner (now living in Las Vegas) , the trip route is open. We can go out to Point Reyes and the Russian River area. Grape harvest will be on, and truckers do not appreciate bicyclists on the narrow roads during this time. Every minute counts between the picking and the crush, and sometimes they harvest 24 hours a day. So this will not be a winery tour, although a relative can tell you everything you want to know about the grape business from the vantage point of the Louie Martini winery.
Contact us if all or part of the trip interests you. Louie and Marie Boitano, 922-6156, message phone.
TWC NEWSLETTER Page Four August, 1992
Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Greg Grenier - 752-4348
VICE-PRESIDENT
Carla Gramlich - 752-4038
SECRETARY
Dena Wessels - 857-5658
TREASURER
Joyce Clifford - 759-2393
Staff
TOURING CAPTAINS
Steve & Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick - 473-7455
PUBLICITY
Cynthia Hammer . 752-0801
Sylvia Russell - 862-3288
L.A.W. REPRESENTATIVE
Sue Given - 565-0535
B.E.W. COORDINATOR
Diane Lister - 752-8636
SAFETY & EDUCATION
Jim Davis - 759-5616
Jan Wieser - 833-6346
EQUIPMENT MANAGERS
Tom Cornell - 582-0903
Louis Boitano - 922-6156
RIDE LINE
Steve Lay - 759-1816
Annual Committees
DAFFODIL CLASSIC
Tom Cornell-582-0903
PENINSULA METRIC
Cynthia Hammer - 752-0801
BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH
Sylvia Russell - 862-3288
S.T.P. COORDINATOR
Karen Whitney - 938-3706
BANQUET COMMITTEE
Jan Wieser - 833-6346
ANNUAL PICNIC
Diane Taylor - 759-4971
Newsletter
EDITOR
William Hoehne - 759-4464
MAILING
Don Izenman - 565-2720
For correspondence, indicate appropriate
officer, and send to: Tacoma Wheelmen’s
Club, P.O. Box 112078, Tacoma, WA
98411.
Foothills Rails To Trails Update
by Carla Gramlich
There have been numerous work
parties to open four miles of the
foothills trail.
Despite last year’s vote in sup-
port of the trail, the opposition is
still trying to mislead the public.
This group could also block Pierce
County from having any multi-use
trails.
The opposition is gathering sig- natures that would ban condem- nation of private property. The other initiative would change the Rails to Trails to the Tacoma water pipeline route. What is not explain- ed is that the pipeline trail would also involve condemnation actions.
With this information the Coali-
tion has decided to start a lawsuit
to allow the court to decide if the
public is being mislead.
How can you help the trail?
First, you can become a member of
Rails To Trails. Call me if you
would like membership informa-
tion. Rails To Trails can always use
donations.
This fall you can help at the
Rails To Trails booth at the Puyal-
lup fair. Call Mary Haire at 922-
7876, if you want to volunteer.
On October 16th an auction will
be conducted. You can donate an
item or service. Call Faye Neff at
265-2684.
As a new Board member for the
Trails, I feel positive there will be a
trail, but not without a lot of hard
work. If you would like to help,
call me at 752-4038.
Bikes On Buses Off To A Fast Start
by Marie Keister, PIO for Pierce Transit
Over 50 cyclists a day have put
their bikes on board Pierce Transit
buses since the agency started its
bicycle demonstration project in
May.
As part of a three-month cam- paign to promote alternatives to commuting alone in a car, the tran- sit agency started allowing bikes inside all buses traveling within Pierce County, on a space available basis, on May 18.
“We're hoping the added mobil- ity will get more people out of their cars,” said Nathaniel Jones, a senior planner at Pierce Transit. Jones explained that as part of the Commute Trip Reduction Law, employers with more than 100 employees will have to submit trip reduction programs to cities and counties by June 1, 1993. He said that Bikes on Buses represents a potential solution for these employ- ers should the program become a
Page Five
permanent feature.
Generally, bikes are stowed on board in the area reserved for wheelchairs. When this space is already in use, cyclists use the area of the bus with wider aisles. The cyclists are responsible for loading and securing the bike, as well as for respecting the comfort and convenience of other passengers.
Pierce Transit has worked with the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club and bike retail outlets in Pierce County to spread the word, and is inviting all riders to help identify ways to improve and ex- pand the program.
To test vehicle mounted racks,
Pierce Transit installed bicycle
racks on Route 10 buses. Seattle’s
Metro Transit and Intercity Transit
in Olympia use similar racks.
To learn more about this project,
call Pierce Transit at 581-8000.
August, 1992
Bicycle Statistics
by Ralph Wessels
Statistics can be a source of fascination for many of us. After all, isn’t that why baseball was invented? Well, maybe not. But statistics can also be used in the analysis of records, to indicate trends, and to predict future occurences.
Such is the case with accident statistics involving bicycles. Wash- ington state law requires that accident reports be filed for all accidents in which an injury, a fatality, or $500.00 or more proper- ty damage occurred. The data from these reports is entered into a database maintained by the State Patrol. The information is then used by the State Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Traffic Safety Commission, local governments, and others to iden- tify and target areas needing improvements.
So, now you must be eagerly
awaiting for some of those statis-
tics to appear. See how close you
can get to the correct answer in the
statistical quiz below.
1. How many accidents invol-
ving bicycles were reported in the
years 1989 to 1991 statewide?
2. How many of these accidents
occurred in Pierce County?
3. What was the age of the
youngest injury victim?
4. What was the age of the oldest
male cyclist involved in an ac-
cident? The oldest female?
5. What percentage of all ac-
cidents involved male cyclists?
6. Agewise, when do the most
accidents occur for males? For
females?
7. What percentage of accidents
occurred on city streets? On county
roads? On state highways?
8. What percentage of reported
bicycle accidents involved injuries?
9. How many fatalities involving
cyclists occurred in this period?
10. With all these accidents, isn’t
a bicycle a dangerous mode of
transportation?
Answers:
- 4128
2. 449 or 10.9% of the total, mak-
ing Pierce County second behind
King County, which had 1604 or
38.9% of the total.
3.1
- 92 male, 79 female.
- 80.2%
6. 12 to 13 for males, 10 to 12 for
females. Females tend to have half
the accidents from ages 14 to 29
that they do at ages 10 to 12. From
30 on it drops even more. Males
have a linearly increasing number
of accidents from age 5 to 12. From
age 14 to 15 there is some decrease
with a pronounced decrease at age
16. (Unfortunately, I believe this is
caused by their entering a different
statistic.) A slight linear decrease
then occurs from age 17 to 30. If
you can make it to age thirty, sta-
tistically the odds are that you are
a safe cyclist and will not be in-
volved in a serious accident.
- 63.7%, 21.0%, 14.9%.
- 94.5%
9. 27 in 1989, 14 in 1990, and 5 in
1991. Let’s hope this statistic con-
tinues to improve!
10. Not when ridden safely and with the proper safety equipment, such as a helmet, safety glasses, and gloves. Statistically, being a pedestrian is worse. Riding a mo- torcycle is the most dangerous means of transportation, and riding the bus is the safest.
The School Of
Hard Knocks
by Bob Myrick
Since becoming a member of
TWC, four of my friends and my-
self have been seriously injured on
their bikes. My last encounter was
with a panel truck which ran down
Page Six
my left arm.
Throughout childhood I had a talent for using my head as a cush- ion for the rest of my body. “Hard Knocks” was definitely my school. Several more concussions have followed these early experiences, and now I try to avoid this method of education.
In 1988, I saw an article in Tri-
athalon Today entitled “On Being
Spattered and Knowledge There-
from.” The article gave four pieces
of advice:
1. Wear a helmet. Having ants in
your brain tissue can be fatal. My
helmet saved my brain when the
panel truck ran down my arm.
2. Learn the importance of unin-
sured, underinsured motorist cov-
erage (UM). This is cheap. Get at
least $100,000.00 of UM coverage.
3. Learn the importance of med-
ical payments coverage. Get at
least $25,000.00 of this stuff. When
you are unable to work, this is
very valuable.
4. If you are riding solo, light yourself up like a Christmas tree. Flags, vests, and strobe lights are available and light in weight. A four thousand pound truck wrap- ped around your seat post is heav- ier.
All of this advice assumes you have at least some good major medical insurance coverage. There is obviously an opportunity here for insurance companies to offer appropriate bicycle insurance cover- age for those of us who want to protect ourselves from road acci- dents. Our Club insurance program provides a modest amount of med- ical coverage.
August, 1992
Around The Wheel:
Carol Wilson has a ticket for sale to the “Ride Seattle To Vancouver And Party” (RSVP),
August 21 to 23. $100.00 includes entry fee, room, buffet dinner and bus for return trip. Call Carol
at 565-0606 (Home), or 383-4615 (Work).
Carla Gramlich, our Club Vice-President, wants to hear from you about ideas for our Club meetings. Possibly, you have a bicycle trip you can present to our Club, or maybe you would like to sing and dance. Please give Carla a call at 752-4038 with your ideas on how to make the monthly
Club meetings better than TV.
Bob Myrick reports that Pierce Transit has added five bicycles to their “car” pool for
employee use.
Pierce County Government is making preparations for an exciting, people-oriented display for the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup. The theme is “Managing Growth”, with special emphasis on transportation planning and human services related to transportation. Besides explanatory and interactive displays, seminars on ridesharing, carless commute, trails, bicycling, and walking will be a part of the every day experience throughout the 17 days of the fair.
The Fair display committee is looking for volunteers from TWC to help make the demonstrations and seminars more frequent and more fascinating to the public. The committee wants people who can discuss and demonstrate bicycle safety, maintenance, sizing and any other interesting aspects of bicycling, on a daily basis at the Puyallup Fair. The booth will be open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from September 11-27. If you would like to help, call Sloan Harris at 591-
7477.
Articles, information, and letters to the editor are welcome for our Newsletter. Deadline for copy is the third Tuesday of each month for the following month’s Newsletter. This is also our regular Club meeting day. Copy can be given to the editor at the meeting, or mailed to: William F. Hoehne, 5702 N. 33rd, Apt. 17B, Tacoma, WA 98407.
Letters To The Editor:
Dear Tacoma Wheelmen:
The purpose of this letter is to
thank you and the volunteers for
the wonderful ride, Peninsula
Metric Century (PMC).
I appreciated the completeness of the Dan Henry marks at all intersections and other points of possible confusion on the course. The great spread of food was wonderful. The volunteers were cheery and refreshing, even the ladies from the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce.
I want you all to know that the
highlight of the ride came at the
beginning for me. I was lost and
frustrated that I could not find
the Park-N-Ride (one of two) in
Gig Harbor. I was frustrated because it was not clear to me on the map that was part of the registration form. Having never been to Gig Harbor in a car be- fore, I asked directions from one of the citizens and was luckily directed to the right Park-N-Ride. Then the highlight came for me. There were Carla and Steve with their comedy routine. Carla and her dry wit, and Steve, straight man, Brown. What a team. Could they be George and Gracie?
I have ridden this event for 5
years in a row now, and have
always enjoyed it. You will be
seeing me at this event next year.
Once again, thanks for the great
ride.
R. F. Patrick
Portland, Oregon
Editor’s note: the following letter was
sent to Mr. Dennis Flannagan, Chair-
man of the Board, Pierce Transit
Board of Commissioners, by Bob
Page Seven
Myrick, past President of TWC.
As past President of the TWC, it is a pleasure for me to pass on my personal approval and con- gratulations to you and to Pierce Transit for the innovative and successful demonstration of bi- cycles on buses. These sentiments are shared by members of TWC who enthusiastically endorse your agency's bold step forward...
Your no-cost, no-permit, sys-
tem-wide approach has opened up
all corridors of the service area
for cyclists...Trips that would
have been made by car can now
be made with bikes on buses...
You have taken the initiative and made the first step, often the hardest step, to bring bikes and buses together, at transit centers, at park & ride lots, and at the neighborhood bus stop...l applaud your efforts...
August, 1992