TWBC Newsletter - October 1995
TACOMA WHEELMEN'S CLUB
bn
Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 112078-TACOMA, WA 98411
Inside:
*Ride calendar begins
on page 2—Halloween
Ride and Potluck on
October 31, 1993.
*Ride and Activity
notes on page 4—Ride
To Ballard Locks.
eInsurance Assurance,
Insurance Information,
and have you been
biking too long? See
pages 4-5.
*Bikes to donate? See
page 5.
*September general
meeting report, and
bicycle, pedestrian
projects on page 6.
Do you have the sense
of a goose? See page 7.
TWEC Board Meeting:
All members are in- vited to attend the Board meeting on Octo- ber 5, 1993, at Carla Gramlich's home, 3218 N. 28th, in Tacoma, at 7:00 p.m.
This meeting starts
the Club's fiscal year,
and planning for our
Club rides will begin.
The Board welcomes
your help and ideas.
An
Tacoma Wheelmen’s
TWBC
NEWSLETTER
Cycle Washington One
Featured At October
Club Meeting—Bob
Who?
Cycle Washington One, a 700 mile camping trip some of our members partici- pated in, will be described in creative detail by Bob Myrick at our October Club meeting on Tuesday the 19th. Bob has already indicated that the trip was called “Wayne's World”, in honor (?) of the person who put it on, Wayne Martin.
Bob will give intimate information about
each rider who went on this trip, so he can
submit the report to the tabloids for a huge
fee. Anyone who goes on a 700 mile ride
deserves something.
Our Club meetings are held at the South End Community Center and Pool, located at 402 E. 56th Street, between Pacific and McKinley Avenues, just past Concordia Lutheran School. The building is about 300 feet off the street. This location is on a bus line, and is easily reached by bicycle.
Club meetings begin at 7:00 p.m., and are
characterized by door prizes and food and
drink.
If you need additional information about
our Club meetings, call Kent Wienker at
474-9395.
Comments From
The President
by Carla Gramilich
I would like to welcome Hazel Giddings
to the TWBC Board as our new treasurer.
Hazel brings experience and knowledge to
this position, plus a lot of energy.
Hazel was nominated by the Board, and
voted on by the members at the September
Club meeting. Hazel will receive help from
Joy Roelofsz. Joy has volunteered to learn
Page One
October, 1993
more about this position, and help with the
books for our upcoming events.
When the ride calendar lists the last
Thursday Night Ride, I know summer is
really over. The Thursday Night Ride is an
opportunity for riders of all skill levels to
socialize with old and new friends. Thanks
to everyone who took time to lead a ride on
this night. Special thanks go to Steve and
Phyllis Lay for organizing this series of
rides.
Leavenworth Trip Planned
For December 4, 1993
Set aside December 4, 1993, to kick off
the holiday season with the tree lighting
festivities in Leavenworth, Washington.
Peggy Fjetland will take reservations at
the October meeting, or you
may call her at 841-4458.
We will charter a bus
through American
Stagelines for $23.00 per
seat ($18.00 per seat if we
guarantee to fill 24 of 47
available seats). We
may be joined by a
friendly _ group of fire-
fighters from Spanaway.
A tour driver, cookies, and
coffee are pro-
can Stagelines.
We will spend the day in Leavenworth,
departing for home after carols are sung and
trees appropriately lit as darkness falls.
vided by Ameri-
Do not forget to update your ride
log for turn-in in November.
October, 1993
TWBC RIDE CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2 to NOVEMBER 2, 1993 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
| [ DATE TIME | MILES START POINT ACTIVITY CODE LEADER |
|---|---|
| Sat 9:00 10-20+ | Dupont, at Old Tour de Fort Lewis 2 Peggy Fjetland |
| 10/2 AM School parking lot. $3 Pancake Breakfast 841-4958 |
All you can eat. Joy Roelofsz
847-1843
Sat 9:00 50K 2nd & Pearl Manastash Metric All Belinda McMillan
10/2 AM 100K | Ellensburg, WA Reg-7-8:50 a.m. 509-925-2435
Support Provided. Pre-$7 ($9 Tandem)
Day of-$8 ($10 Tan-
dem)
Sat-Sun Call The Ride Leader | Portland Bike Expo & All Steve Brown
10/2-3 Ride. Carla Gramlich
752-4038
Sun 9:00 Steilacoom Park Trail Clearing Project Kent Wienker =
10/3 AM See Ride & Activity 474-9395
Notes below.
Sun 10:00 30 2nd & Pearl Mtn. Bike Ride 2 Bob Myrick
10/3 AM Ellensburg, WA Manastash Ridge 473-7455
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Leader | Tuesday Ride 3 Carol Rushton
10/5 537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156
Tues 7:00 Carla Gramlich’s TWEC Board Meeting Carla Gramlich
10/5 PM home, 3218 N. 28th 752-4038
Street, Tacoma, WA
Sat 8:00 90+ Pickle's Deli Farmboy for, lunch. 4 Bob Myrick
10/9 AM Spanaway 473-7455
Sun 10:00 30 UPS Fieldhouse Ride to Steilacoom to 2 Bob Myrick
10/10 AM N. 11th & Union watch the Steilacoom 473-7455
Cyclocross Race at 1
p-m. for one hour.
Sun 10:00 60 Gas Works Park Burke Gilman Trail & & Steve Brown
10/10 AM 30 Seattle, WA Winery Tour. 2 Carla Gramlich
752-4038
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Leader | Tuesday Ride 3 Carol Rushton
10/12 537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156
Sat 8:00 70+ Pickle's Deli Yelm, for late break- 4 Bob Myrick
10/16 AM Spanaway fast. 473-7455
Sat 8:30 30 UPS Fieldhouse Pancake Breakfast 2 Steve & Phyllis Lay
10/16 AM N. 11th & Union Spanaway _ 759-1816
(TWBC Ride Calendar continues on page 3)
Page Two
October, 1993
(TWBC Ride Calendar continued from page 2)
Sun McDonald's Westgate | Steilacoom Apple 2 Steve & Phyllis Lay
10/17 N. 21st & Pearl Squeeze. 759-1816
Tues
10/19
Call The Ride Leader | Tuesday Ride
Tues
10/19
South End Commun-
ity Center & Pool. 402
E. 56th Street.
TWEC Club Meeting.
Ride Report—Cycle
Washington One.
Fri
The Dome Room Bicycles Then & Now
3+ Carol Rushton
537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156
Kent Wienker
474-9395
A NowBike
10/22 The Arctic Building Now Bike auction & 206-654-0276
3rd_& Cherry, down- benefit. Pasta feed. See Ride & Activity
town Seattle. Auction tickets-$20 Notes below.
Sat H City Hall South Trails Work Party BBTC
10/23 Issaquah, WA Jeff Smith 285-5144
See Ride & Activity
Notes below.
Sat : Oakbrook Elementary | Black Cat Run ($7) 2 Bob Myrick
10/23 School. & Bob's Biathlon. 473-7455
Sat Fort Dent Park Ballard Locks. Louis Boitano
10/23 N. of 1-405 on Inter- Rain will cancel. 922-6156-See Ride &
urban Ave. S. Activity Notes below.
Sun Park 'N Ride lot, Watch Black Dia- 2 Bob Myrick
10/24 Hwy 18 & Green mond Cyclocross 473-7455
River Valley Road. Race at 1 p.m.
Tues AM Call The Ride Leader | Tuesday Ride Carol Rushton
10/26 537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156
Brian Wester
Sylvia Russell
862-3288
Sat 8:30 Sumner Library Black Diamond
10/30 AM Bakery.
Sat-Sun 8:00 Call first—bad Explore Puget Island Bob Myrick
10/30-31 AM weather may cancel. & Skamokawa. 473-7455
Sun Call Steve & Phyllis Halloween Ride & Steve & Phyllis Lay
10/31 for details. Potluck. 759-1816
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Leader | Tuesday Ride Carol Rushton
11/2 537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156
(Ride And Activity Notes follow on page 4)
TWBC NEWSLETTER Page Three October, 1993
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.)
Wear A Helmet, And Carry Repair Items And First Aid Supplies On Your Ride!
Ride And Activity Notes:
Trail Clearing Project, October 3, 1993: Kent Wienker has been working with the Pierce County Parks Department to obtain approval for a trail clearing project at Steilacoom Park. Many of the trails have become over grown with scotchbroom and black berries. Mike Brazel of Bridgeport Cyclery and Kent are going to try and schedule this for October 3 at 9:00 a.m., upon approval of the Parks Department. Bring pruning shears and leather gloves, a
water bottle and your mountain bike. Please call Kent at 474-9395 for an update.
Bicycles Then And Now—NowBike's silent auction and benefit on October 22, 1993: The Northwest Bicycle Foundation (NowBike) will hold its first auction and benefit on October 22 at The Dome Room, The Arctic Building,
. Third and Cherry, downtown Seattle, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. This is a silent auction with tickets at $20.00 each. This event will feature some great deals on bicycles, bicycle gear and lots of other stuff, and a display of bicycles from then and now—bicycles from the early part of the century, and models so new you have yet to see them in any of the stores. In addition, a fashion show of bicycle gear, a pasta feast, and live music will fill the evening.
Auction items are needed: anything bicycle related of course, but also other goods and services are welcome, such as restaurant and hotel gift certificates, use of a summer home, business services, event tickets, and sports
equipment. Use your imagination.
Volunteers are also needed, to help with planning and on the day of the event.
To donate items, find out about volunteer opportunities, or buy tickets, call NOWBIKE at 206-654-0276.
Trails Work Party, October 23, 1993: The Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) has scheduled a work party to finish the waterfall trail in the Tiger Mountain area at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23, 1993. This trail was an old 1920's logging railway, and was scouted by Fred Wert and partially cleared by the D.N.R.
Meet point is City Hall South in Issaquah. Go east on 1-90, take Exit 17 to downtown Issaquah. Turn left at
Sunset Way. City Hall South is one block on the left. Bring gloves, work boots, lunch and drink. Call Jeff Smith, 285-
5144, or Kent Wienker, 474-9395, for more information. Does anyone want to carpool?
Ride To Ballard Locks, October 23, 1993: The ride will go from Fort Dent Park through downtown Seattle along the water front to Ballard. At the locks riders will picnic and visit the locks.
The return trip will be east along the Ship Canal to Lake Washington, then south to Renton and Fort Dent
Park.
To get to Fort Dent Park drive north on I-5, exit toward Renton onto 1-405. Exit 1-405 at Exit 1. Go left on Valley Avenue, across the Green River, then right into the Park.
Insurance Assurance
by Bob Myrick
If you ride a bike, you need to check out your insurance situation. Fortun- ately, we have received a letter from the Insurance Commissioner's office explaining their views regarding bicyclists and insurance coverage. The letter is reproduced in this Newsletter for your reference (see page 5). The City's Transportation Planning Citi- zen's Committee asked for this infor- mation due to their concern regarding liability.
There are four insurance policies
you need to consider before riding
your bike as follows:
eHomeowner's or Apartment
Dweller's Insurance.
*Medical Insurance.
eAuto Personal Injury Pro-
tection Insurance.
¢L.A.W. Club Insurance.
If you should cause an accident
while on your bicycle, any liability
claims against you would be covered
by your homeowner's personal liability
coverage.
Page Four
If you should hurt yourself while on your bicycle and no car is involved, your own medical insurance would provide some coverage. If you should hurt yourself or others on a Club ride, L.A.W. Club insurance _ provides liability coverage and medical cover- age. L.A.W. insurance pays when you spend more than $500.00 on medical costs, or when your other insurance does not pay.
If you should be hurt by a car while
walking, running or bicycling, your
(Continued on page 5)
October, 1993
The Tacoma Wheelmen's
Bicycle Club
Board Members
PRESIDENT
Carla Gramlich -752-4038
VICE-PRESIDENT
Kent Wienker - 474-9395
SECRETARY
Dena Wessels - 857-5658
TREASURER
Hazel Giddings - 894-2643
TOURING CAPTAINS
Steve & Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
William Hoehne -759-4464
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick -473-7455
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Sue Given - 565-0535
PAST PRESIDENT
Greg Grenier -752-4348
Staff
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
PUBLICITY
Cynthia Hammer - 752-0801
L.A.W. REPRESENTATIVE
Sue Given -565-0535
B.E.W. COORDINATOR
Diane Lister -752-8636
SAFETY & EDUCATION
Jan Wieser - 833-6346
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Steve Brown «752-4038
RIDE LINE
Steve Lay -759-1816
MAILING
Don Izenman - 565-2720
Annual Committees DAFFODIL CLASSIC Jim Davis «759-5616 PENINSULA METRIC Cynthia Hammer - 752-0801 BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH Sylvia Russell - 862-3288 Brian Wester - 862-3288 S.T.P. COORDINATOR Hank Giddings - 894-2643 BANQUET COMMITTEE Bob Myrick -473-7455 ANNUAL PICNIC Hank & Hazel Giddings - 894-2643
ifficer, and send to: The Tacom
Wheelmen's Bicycle Club, P.O. Bo:
112078, Tacoma, WA 98411.
For correspondence, indicate appropriat
Insurance Assurance (Continued from page 4) own medical insurance may provide some intermediate coverage. Your auto personal injury protection insurance will provide medical coverage, and will provide some compensation for lost wages if you cannot work.
Ultimately, the car driver's insurance
may reimburse these costs, your
personal property losses, and your
pain and suffering losses. Generally,
pain and suffering losses may amount
to about six times your medical bills,
but you should consider consulting an
attorney before settling with an
insurance company. You are usually
asked to give up any future claims in
exchange for your pain and suffering
settlement.
Speaking from personal experience,
it is better not to be involved in any
accidents. Have a safe ride.
Insurance Information
Provided To Cyclists
By Commissioner
(Editor's note: The following information was
provided to the City of Tacoma by Mike Redmond,
Insurance Sales Examiner, of the Washington State
Insurance Commissioner’s Office, by letter dated
August 19, 1993)
Regarding liability insurance
coverage available to a bicyclist in this
state:
Since bicycles are classified as personal property, they are usually included under the personal property coverage on a Homeowner policy and any liability claims resulting from the use of the bicycle would be covered under the comprehensive personal liability coverage included in the Homeowner policy.
If the bicyclist were injured in the
accident, the Personal Injury Protection
coverage under his/her family
personal automobile policy would
apply, or the family medical plan.
In the event that the bicyclist was at
fault and did not have the
comprehensive personal _ liability
insurance available, he/she could be
required to make restitution on a
personal basis.
With the increasing popularity of
Page Five
bicycling, it is very important that all bicyclists be made aware of the liability exposure they present when riding on a public street or sidewalk and why it is important to ride defensively and wear a helmet to prevent serious injury.
We are not aware of any special
policies that provide liability insurance
protection exclusively for bicyclists.
For more information call the
Commissioner's Tacoma office at 206-
589-7110.
Ten Ways To Tell
If You Have Been
Biking Too Long
by Louis Boitano
10. The first number on your
automatic dialer is the ride line.
9. You need a mirror on your glasses
to walk down the street.
8. The message on your answer
machine says: “Sorry, I am out riding
now...”
7. You find yourself driving your car
on the shoulder of the interstate.
6. You know what friction shifting is.
5. You quit listening to Jim Davis
telling how to fix a flat.
4. While driving an automobile you
leave the interstate when a sign says:
“Bikes Must Exit.”
3. You know that Bob Myrick's rides
are not as advertised.
2. You think motor homes are from
the evil empire.
1. You can remember when Harvey
Lister and Greg Grenier rode more
than 50 Club miles per year.
Bicycles Make Great Gifts
by Kent Wienker
I am looking for a few bikes that
could use a little TLC and a new
home—especially the smaller frames,
for children and young adults.
The Lakewood Kiwanis Club has
had a bicycle redistribution program
for three years, and they will help get
these reconditioned bikes to needy
families during the Christmas season.
Anyone interested in participating
can call me at 474-9395
October, 1993
Mini Minutes
TWBC General Meeting
by Dena M.E. Wessels, TWBC Secretary
On September 21, 1993, approxi-
mately twenty six members were
present at the General Meeting.
On the lawn outside of the South End Community Center and Pool, members were treated to a demonstra- tion of bicycle handling skills and maneuvers. Award winning riders Brian Cornman and Jeff Sahar and their friends put their bikes through paces up, on top of, and over pallets stacked from two to eight pallets high. They also demonstrated that a bicycle can not only go forward and back- ward, it can also go sideways. In this instance, the tires of the bike inched sideways on a set of 2x4s, placed on top of sawhorses about three feet off of the ground. Watch out, city and county curbs and drainage grates, our members now know how to maneuver over them.
After this demonstration of braking, balancing and muscle control, Diane Lister reminded members of the B.F.W. legislative retreat on September 25, 1993. Bob Myrick spoke about transportation issues that the Puget Sound Regional Council Enhancement Committee is working on. Joy Roelofsz announced that Fort Lewis is open to bicyclists who are members and are on the roster of TWBC. A pink ID card can be issued by the facility, though prior to any rides it is best to call so members do not end up as artillery targets. October 2, 1993, is designated as an exploratory ride of the grounds.
Peggy Fjetland spoke about charter- ing buses (with some local firefighters) to visit Leavenworth to view the Christmas tree lighting. Twenty five people at $18.00 each are needed for this round trip, probably on December 4, 1993. Kent Wienker reported on a letter he received from the Pierce County Public Works Department about a non-motorized plan for the region. The letter will be published in next month's Newsletter with the names of Club members who have and are working toward a non- motorized plan.
Hazel Giddings had accepted the
Board's request to fill in as Treasurer
until the September General Meeting.
Nominations were solicited and voted
on from the members present, who
chose to elect Hazel as TWBC Treas-
urer for the 1993-94 year.
The 1993-94 budget was then ad-
dressed. Items clarified for members
included donations, STP monies, and
the NW Cyclist paper. Through
amendments and discussions, the
budget was approved as printed in the
September, 1993 Newsletter, with the
following exceptions:
¢Under expenses in “dona-
tions’, B.F.W. is dropped from this
section.
eUnder expenses in “NW Cyclist Magazine”, the name of the magazine was replaced with “publica- tions”, with the Board looking at “The Bicycle Paper” as a replacement to the NWCM. The majority of members present indicated a desire to drop the NWCM.
¢Under income, the amount
for the Daffodil Classic was changed
from $5300.00 to $8000.00, and STP
was changed from $4700.00 to $2700.
This changed the total projected
income to $18200.00.
Make note of the above changes in
your Newsletter.
Ride Leader Certificates were
drawn. Stan Sanders and Louis Boi-
tano won $25.00 certificates. Phyllis
Lay and Louis Boitano won $15.00
certificates. Steve Lay and Louis
Boitano won $10.00 certificates.
Bob Myrick reminded members that
people are needed to help with the
banquet for this year, mainly in
decorating and in thinking up themes.
Bob will also be the featured speaker
for our October general meeting.
TWBC Welcomes The
Following New Members
For September, 1993:
Nettie Buhr, Dennis Diess, David
Greene, Cindy Orton, Jamie Pearsall,
Marta Robertson, and Margie Shank.
Page Six
Lots & Lots Of Bikeways!
Trails! Bike Lanes! Paths!
by Susie Stephens, NowBike
An unprecedented number of bicycle and pedestrian projects are underway around the state. Some have recently been funded. Some are under construction. Others have recently been completed. Here are just a few of the many projects that are underway:
*Olympia is matching $57,000 of ISTEA funding with $50,000 to build five downtown bicycle parking islands along narrow downtown sidewalks. The islands will displace auto parking spaces. They will be landscaped and have benches and bicycle racks.
¢Paving has begun on a three
mile section of the Woodard Bay Trail.
When completed this summer the trail
will run 6.2 miles from Olympia to
Woodard Bay.
*Blaine plans to construct a
half mile trail along Marine Drive for
the summer of 1993.
eWork on a trail in East
Wenatchee was to begin in July. The
trail will run from Ninth Street to the
Grant Road terminus along the
Columbia River.
eThe City of Issaquah has filed applications for a shoreline substantial development permit to allow improvements to the section of S.E. 56th within 200 feet east and west of Issaquah Creek. The development includes bikeways and _ trails, a wetlands enhancements project, land- scaping, a six lane bridge, curbs and lighting.
¢Kirkland has approved a half
mile boardwalk trail at Totem Lake.
*Seattle has filed an applica-
tion for a shoreline substantial devel-
opment permit for construction of a
trail along the south side of the Ship
Canal from 11th Avenue West to the
Fremont Bridge.
eThe Olympia City Council has voted not to widen the Fourth Avenue Bridge for auto traffic. In- stead, a transportation demand management strategy using transit, car pooling, bicycling and walking will be implemented to control traffic conges-
(Continued on page 7)
October, 1993
Lots & Lots Of Bikeways!
Trails! Bike Lanes! Paths!
(Continued from page 6)
tion.
eWith completion of the
Meeker Street trail in Kent, the Green
river Trail is now linked to the Inter-
urban Trail.
eThe Burke Gilman, Lake
Sammamish missing link was recently
opened to the public.
For more information contact
NOWBIKE at 654-0276.
Foothills Rails To Trails
Update
by Carla Gramlich
Back in June, more than 100 volun- teers helped clear several sections of trails during National Trail Days. Recently, trails supporters have spo- ken to the Pierce County Planning Committee in favor of the Trail. These small steps will build one great trail.
On October 23, 1993, you can help build the trail during another Coali- tion's Work Party. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the entrance to the River Bend Estates located off Highway 162 near Puyall- up River's Cement Highway Bridge. Bring tools to brush and clean one half mile of ground.
The Coalition is trying to clear
sections of the trail as soon as title has
been cleared on a piece of property.
For more information on the trail
call The Foothills Coalition at 841-2570.
TWBC Club Members
Attend NowBike
Workshop
by Carla Gramlich
Eight TWBC members took time from their schedules to attend Now- Bike's all day workshop on September 11, 1993, at the McCormick Library in Tacoma. The workshop presented information for non-motorized advo- cacy in communities and _ political groups. :
We were treated to talks by Bob
Vogel from Pierce County, and Mike
Dornfeld from Washington State. We
were also given information on how to
be successful in asking for improved
facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians.
In the afternoon, presentations were
given by Claudia Peters on the Foot-
hills Rails to Trails status, and Bob
Myrick described trails in Tacoma and
Pierce County.
Our members found the workshop
very informative, and they had an
opportunity to meet other people from
this area who are interested in making
cycling and walking safe in Pierce
County.
Lessons From Geese
by Angeles Arrien
Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings
it creates an uplift for the birds that
follow. By flying in a V formation, the
whole flock adds 71% greater flying
range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common
direction and sense of community can
get where they are going quicker and
easier because they are traveling on
the thrust of one another.
Fact 2: When a goose falls out of
formation, it suddenly feels the drag
and resistance of flying alone. It
quickly moves back into formation to
take advantage of the lifting power of
the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as
a goose we stay in formation with
those headed where we want to go.
We are willing to accept their help and
give our help to others.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it
rotates back into the formation and
another goose flies to the point posi-
tion.
Page Seven
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing
the hard tasks and sharing leadership.
As with geese, people are interde-
pendent on each other's skill, capabil-
ities and unique arrangements of gifts,
talents or resources.
Fact 4: The geese flying in formation
honk to encourage those up front to
keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation, or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as
geese, we will stand by each other in
difficult times as well as when we are
strong.
Would you like to submit an
article for our Newsletter?
Articles, information, and let-
ters to the editor are welcome.
Send your copy to: TWBC
Editor, 5702 N. 33rd, Apt. 17B,
Tacoma, WA 98407.
Copy can also be delivered to
the editor at our Club meetings
on the third Tuesday of each
month, or, via Compuserve e-
mail, user #71570,446.
Deadline for all submissions
is the third Tuesday of each
month.
Call the editor at 759-4464 if
you would like to discuss your
ideas. Articles from our own
members makes a good News-
letter.
October, 1993
bn.
Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 112078-TACOMA, WA 98411
RIDELINE (206) 759-2800
Inside This Issue:
“Tire Tracts” on page
2.
October ride calendar
on pages 3-5.
Ride Notes on page
5.
Commuter Of The
Month on page 6.
Mountain Bike Mara-
thon Race, “Bicycles
From Heaven”, GAC
news, and cycling ad
on page 7.
The next TWBC Board
meeting is on Tuesday,
October 3, 1995, at the
Skyline Village
Apartments Recreation
Building, 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.
An
Tacoma Wheelmen’s
TWBC
NEWSLETTER
Founded In 1888
Adventure Sell & Swap
At October Club Meet
by Mat Reitzug, TWBC Vice-President
The October 17, 1995 Club meeting gives
you the opportunity to bring in bike parts
you wish to sell or swap. I suggest you
come early so you can check out everyone
else's parts and set up your own.
In keeping with this sharing spirit, Bob
Myrick will be featured presenter, relating
his grueling adventures en route to Crater
Lake this past summer.
Our meeting will be on Tuesday, October
17th, at 7:00 p.m. Club meetings are held at
the South End Community Center, 4851 S.
Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA.
Give me a call at 265-2127 if you have
any questions, suggestions, or ideas for
future meetings.
Hope to see you there!
Festival Of The Rivers
And NowBike Offer
Activities
by Bob Myrick
TWEC has agreed to help with Washing-
ton State's Festival of the Rivers annual
celebration. On Saturday, October 14, two
rides will start from the Auburn Interurban
Trailhead to help celebrate the Green River.
For long distance riders a 45 mile ride to Flaming Geyser, Black Diamond, and the Green River Gorge will start at 10:00 a.m. Also, consider joining us for a 15 mile ride from the trailhead to Van Doren's Landing Park. Suitable for families, the ride will leave from the trailhead at East Main Street between Hwy 167 and C Street. Significant celebrations will occur at Van Doren's Land- ing, Kent, and Flaming Geyser.
NowBike has a three day series of impor- tant activities on October 20, 21, and 23. A pedestrian and bicycle safety conference starts on Friday in Bellevue. The conference includes the 1995 ProBike Northwest. Please call me at 473-7455 if you would like to attend on behalf of the Club. You can
October, 1995
attend either one or two days.
The annual auction and party to support better bicycling in Washington State will be held Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Seattle Center's Alki Room. This is the social event of the season in Seattle. TWBC has agreed to subsidize half the admission cost for the first ten members who sign up. Tickets are $25.00, and can be ordered by calling 654- 0276.
On Sunday, the annual legislative confer-
ence will be held at noon, with a brunch
meeting in Bellevue.
I will try to put on a ride to the meeting
starting at Gene Conlan Park in Renton.
Everyone is cordially invited to these
important activities.
Member Alert: Members attending the
September 19, 1995 Club meeting approved the
proposed budget for 1995-96. All members are
encouraged to save the budget published on page
7 of the September, 1995 Newsletter for future
reference.
Balloon Stomp, Good
Steaks Make Picnic
by Karen Forbush, TWBC Director of Special Events
Thanks to everyone who came to the picnic on the 18th of September at Wapato Park. About 30 people enjoyed the activities, food, and companionship. Most cycled to the picnic, either with one of the organized rides or by themselves from home.
The weather did not exactly cooperate.
Clouds and cool temperatures stayed for
most of the day. The favorite gathering
place was around the barbeque to get
warm.
Everyone enjoyed the balloon stomp. Ralph Wessels out stomped the competition to win the event. Dave Parker was an excellent cook. The steaks were just right. Chicken and veggie burgers were also popular. Make your own ice cream sundaes put a nice finish on the 1995 picnic.
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- 756-6711
Annual Committees
DAFFODIL CLASSIC
Joyce Clifford- 759-2393
PENINSULA METRIC
Carla Gramlich - 752-4038
BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH
Kent Wienker- 474-9395
BANQUET COMMITTEE
Bob Myrick: 473-7455
ANNUAL PICNIC
Jan Brame 759-6984
Karen Forbush - 752-0764
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 1995 Page 2
Tire Tracts
by Dave Tison, TWBC President
TWBC was well represented at the Courage Classic. Our team members were Carla Gramlich, Janice Jensen, Connie and Mat Reitzug, Tony and Ruth Thomas, and me. Several other Club members also rode, including Peggy Fjetland, with a broken toe obtained when one of her horses stepped on her a few days before the ride. Several of our spouses were also along for support.
There were 424 cyclists this year, who were well cared for at lunch and rest
stops by a number of the Tacoma Rotary Clubs. The Leavenworth Lion’s Club
fed us well for dinner Sunday and breakfast Monday morning. A team of
massage therapists were available at the end of each day to soothe aching
muscles.
Our first day took us from the Snoqualmie Winery in North Bend up to the pass via Denny Creek, rather than I-90. This is a much more scenic ride, with very little car traffic but a bit harder of a climb than the main highway. The ride down the east side of the pass was much nicer than last year—no headwind and the shoulder was in better condition. We breezed into the school at Cle Elum. A treat this year were the refreshments served at the school by the downtown Tacoma Rotary. Thanks Ray!
I took an alternate route on the second day of the ride this year. Rather than continue over the new Blewett Pass highway, I rode up to the summit for lunch, then back down to the Old Blewett Pass road which is a narrow, winding two- lane road. The cyclists climbing up the highway thought I was crazy, which is open for debate! I had heard that the old road was in bad shape, so I was prepared for a rough ride. However, the road was in very good shape, with any potential hazards already marked from an earlier ride. I rode over the actual Blewett Pass, then down to where the old road intersects the new highway, about two-thirds of the way down from the summit. There was still a good descent on the new highway, and also through the apple and pear orchards into Leavenworth. This side trip only added an hour to my day, which totaled 65 miles of cycling. :
Monday morning was team picture time. After breakfast, we climbed out of
Leavenworth for some great cycling. A rest stop helped break up the early part
of the ride. The climb up to Stevens Pass wasn’t as long or hard as I recalled
from past years. We had another good lunch at the summit, then it was off
down the west side. We didn’t have winds like last year so the descent was
faster. I passed a logging truck. The adrenalin was still pumping as I finished
the last few miles on the flat riding to Skykomish park. Another great ride, over
too soon...
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 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 F. 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 OCTOBER 1 to NOVEMBER 5, 1995 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
4M
Sun 7:30 to 13 to 72 | Edmonds, Kingston. Kitsap Color Classic All Cascade Bicycle Club
10/1 11:00 a.m. | miles 206-522-BIKE
Sun 8:00 a.m. 50 Park & Ride Brown’s Point Loop & 2 Janice Jensen
10/1 6th & Skyline Point Defiance. 566-1822
Sun 11:00 a.m. 10 UPS Fieldhouse Ride to Stan & Helen 1 Carla Gramlich
10/1 N. 11th & Union Engles’ home. 752-4038
15
Sun Stan & Helen Engles’ Mountaineers ride i
10/1 home, 4011 Alameda. j around Point Defiance.
Salmon Bake. See ride
notes below.
Sun 3:00 p.m. 40-50 | McDonald’s Freewheel Ride. S Terry Melvin
10/1 Spanaway 472-4994
Tues 30+ Call The Rideline Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Rideline
10/3 759-2800
Tues Skyline Village Apts. TWEC Board Meeting Dave Tison
10/3 Recreation Building Call 759-4464 for 272-4571
5702 N. 33rd, Tacoma. | directions.
Thur 5:45 p.m. 12 Fort Steilacoom Park Mountain Biking All Kent Wienker
10/5 752-0764
Sat 8:00 a.m. 120 Fred Meyer Valley to Centralia for 3 Terry Melvin
10/7 72nd & Pacific lunch (all day). 472-4994
Sat 62 Public Safety Building | Manastash Metric. All
10/7 Ellensburg, WA TWEC meet at 10:00
a.m.
Sat 9:30 a.m. 25 Sumner Library Stan’s Birthday Ride 2 Stan & Joan Sanders
10/7 564-4280
/
Sun 25 Spoke & Sprocket Watch Cyclocross Race, 3 Bob Myrick
10/8 27th & Bridgeport at Fort Steilacoom
30+
Carla Gramlich
752-4038
473-7455
Way. Park.
Tues a.m. Call The Rideline Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Rideline
10/10 759-2800
Tues Scott Pierson’s home, | Government Affairs Bob Myrick
10/10
2804 N. 19th Street,
Sat
10/14
Meeting. 473-7455
Tacoma, WA.
Carla & Steve
752-4038
Car pool from Fred Foothills Rails to Trails
Meyer, Puyallup, WA | & TWBC Camping
Trip. See ride notes
below.
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 1995 Page 3
9:00 a.m. Ee Buckley by Rails to Black Diamond Bakery Rich Walter
10/14 Trails. for lunch.
Sat 45 Auburn Interurban Festival of the Rivers
10/14 Trailhead, E. Main Ride to Flaming
between Hwy 167 & C_ | Geyser, Black Dia-
Street. mond, & Green River
Gorge.
at Auburn Interurban Festival of the Rivers
10/14 Trailhead, E. Main Family Ride to Van 473-7455
between Hwy 167 &C | Doren’s Landing Park.
Street.
Index Cafe Old Steven’s Pass Hwy Jan Wieser
with one water 833-6346
crossing. Rain will
cancel.
McDonald’s Cyclocross at Fort No Leader
Spanaway Lewis. Inquire at main Call The Rideline
Sun
10/15
Sun
10/15
os [OO
Sun 3:00 p.m.
10/15
Tues
10/17
4
1
3
gate. 759-2800.
3. McDonald’s Steilacoom Apple 2 Steve & Phyllis Lay
Westgate Squeeze. 759-1816
40-50 | McDonald’s Freewheel Ride 3 Terry Melvin
Spanaway 472-4994
3 Call The Rideline Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Rideline
‘| 759-2800
1
7
3
0 5 0 5 0+ South Tacoma Com- TWEC Club Meeting. Mat Reitzug munity Center, 4851 Sell or Swap meet. 265-2127 South Tacoma Way, Crater Lake Adven- 2 5 0+ 12
»|
, Tues
10/17
Tacoma, WA. tures by Bob Myrick.
Thur 5:45 p.m. Fort Steilacoom Park Mountain Biking All Kent Wienker
10/19 752-0764
Sat 9:00 a.m. McDonald’s Decide To Ride 2 Call The Rideline
10/21 Westgate 759-2800
Sun 8:00 a.m Starbuck’s 2000 Miles 2 Janice Jensen
10/22 Proctor Zoopa’s Lunch. 566-1822
Sun Gene Conlan Park Hilly Ride to Cougar 3
10/22 Renton, WA Mountain & Legisla-
tive Conference. Con-
ference is optional.
Rain may cancel.
Tues a.m. Call The Rideline Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Rideline
10/24 759-2800
7
Thur 5:45 p.m. Fort Steilacoom Park Mountain Biking All Kent Wienker
10/26 752-0764
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 1995 Page 4
50-60 Bob Myrick
473-7455
Z% 10-15 Ride & Dine.
Power House in
Sat
10/28
Mat & Connie
DeCoursey Park in
Puyallup.
Reitzug 265-2127
Puyallup. Bring lights.
Ashford, WA
Mountain Bike to High
Rock Lookout & hike
to viewpoint. Rain
may cancel.
Bob Myrick
473-7455
Sun 45 Auburn Trailhead. Watch Cyclocross Race 3 Bob Myrick
10/29 Sunbreak Cafe. at Black Diamond. 473-7455
Rain may cancel.
sun 12:00 Steve & Phyllis’ home, | Halloween Party. 1 Steve & Phyllis Lay
10/29 noon for 1320 N. Cedar, Costume Ride & Pot- 759-1816
ride. 3:00
Tacoma, WA. luck. See ride note
below.
p-m. for
potluck.
~ Sun 10:00 a.m. 30 McDonald’s Watch Cyclocross at 3 Bob Myrick
11/5 Spanaway ‘ort Lewis. 473-7455
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.)
Wear A Helmet, And Carry Repair Items And First Aid Supplies On Your Ride!
October Ride Notes:
Stan & Helen Engles Salmon Bake: October 1, 1995 is the date for the famous Stan and Helen Engles Salmon Bake. The price is a bargain at $8.00 for adults and $4.50 for children. Join Carla and Steve at noon and bicycle to the Engles’ home. An option for more riding to Point Defiance Park will be available at 1:00 p.m. The salmon will be served at 3:00 p.m. Please bring a salad or dessert, something to sit on if desired, and eating utensils. Other activities are planned, and all proceeds go to the Foothills Rails to Trails. Call Carla now at 752-4038 to reserve your meal.
Foothills Rails To Trails And TWBC Camping Trip: On October 14-15 join with TWBC and Foothills Rails to Trails
members to explore some trails in Eastern Washington. We will drive to Wenatchee on Saturday morning, leaving at 7:00
a.m. from the parking lot at Fred Meyer in Puyallup. In Wenatchee we will set up camp at Confluence State Park, and then
spend the rest of the day exploring the river trail. Bicycle, walking, and in-line skating will be our means of transportation
on the 10 mile paved trail. On Sunday we will visit Yakima to explore the Yakima Greenway Trail. Call Carla at 752-4038
for more information.
Halloween Party, Ride And Potluck, on October 29, 1995: It is time for the annual haunting of 1320 N. Cedar by the Tacoma Wheelmen by way of TWBC’s Halloween Party on Sunday, October 29th.
The ride will start at noon. Wear a costume, and be sure you can ride safely with a helmet! The potluck will start at 3:00 p.m. Bring your favorite dish. You may come for all ora part of the festivities. (Don’t forget to turn your clocks back!)
TWEE welcomes and thanks the follouing new and renewing members far September, 1995: New Members: Marie Bactey, Linzee Langford, Mary Ja Mallan, Joan Meaney, Brian Norris, Cherie Pasternak, WMarcia Renewing Members: Louna Cain, Michal, Kim, Nena, & Neyloun Cuntey, Ray Dezutter, Derryl Finney, Jerome Geissler,
William, Rowena, John, & Chris Horn, David Lee, Carta Moschetti, Waren Lew, Jeanne O'Brien, Doug Ringenbach, Marta
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 1995 Page 5
Commuter Of The Month
Judy Wagonfeld
Foray To Fifty
by Judy Wagonfeld
“Every Hill Has Its Valley”...Italian Proverb
At nine years old my first job required a bike. I bought a black one-speed and, intent on delivering newspapers, set out for the Suburban News office. Located in a one-story, brick storefront, it reeked of dust, smoke, and newsprint—the kind of shop where grimy wood floors creak. Facing the street, a gold-lettered window sank into a seat-high display counter, used as junk collector and bench. On it sat a contingent of rambunctious, wrestling newsboys.
Chauvinism Writ Large
Entering by the front door jangled its bell, summoning stares
and a fleeting quiet. I requested an application. Behind the
counter a man growled, “Forget it, we don’t hire girls.” Ever
alert to evil, the boys howled, “Your skirt will get dirty,” and
“Go play with your dolls.” Humiliated, I escaped to the street,
racing home through tears.
Courage
Either now or in the 1950s, bucking the system demands courage. Not the kind of courage wimps dredge up to bungee jump, but courage, nevertheless. However, desperation defeats fear and I felt frantic. Passionately, I had plunged into ice-skating classes, seduced like a dog chasing a ball. I could- n‘t stop. I needed money. Headstrong, I risked a second debacle. Marching in, I insisted girls could do a route. Despite antipathy, I stood my ground. As if to appease me, the balding, beer-bellied manager peered over his glasses, “Okay, honey, we'll try you out.” Hardly a threat to my stubborn nature, Bud.
Honey?!?
Square wire basket secured to the handlebars, I tackled Chicago’s daunting challenges: frigid temperatures, ice, snow, massive heat, debilitating humidity. Stuffed with rolled, rubber-banded papers, the top-heavy basket defied gravity. On icy streets and alleys, steering the bike produced as much effect as aiming at the sky to photograph the ground. At least the terrain was flat. Rolling along sidewalks, I established a rhythm: one-handed control, yank a paper, toss, re-establish control. Hitting the porch offered a slim hope of a tip from my neighborhood’s blue collar Motorola factory workers—the type that inhabited the prolific taverns—and coffee klatching wives burdened with five or more kids. Despite the riding hazards, the worst occurred at monthly collections when ladies asked, “Are you collecting for your brother, honey? Be sure he gets the money.”
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 1995 Page 6
Gasoline Misted Purgatory
Since then, my “honey” status hampered life at times, but not cycling. Landing another bike job (writing a book), no one mentioned gender, only whether my writing met their publication standards. Revolutionary. Now, as part of my work, I relish profiling bicyclists but, unfortunately, I can’t bike to work. My gas guzzler drives to bike commuter interviews catapult me to feeling like a sloth. I mean, what's my measly 12-20 mile workout against peddling in the dark through sain, sleet, and traffic? Nineties postal goals at work. Okay, some commuters admit to fair-weather cycling; mere second-class citizens to members of Macho Maniacs. Me? I work at home—a bicycle book author exiled to a gasoline misted purgatory.
Get A Bike Rack!
To combat guilt I devise obligatory bicycle commutes—shopping, errands, and travel to “sweat accept- able” appointments. I even peddle to Costco for pharmacy and film trips, but forget those twelve pack toilet papers and fifty pound cat food bags. Also, Costco, “Get a bike rack!” Sticky soda and mustard encrusted picnic tables make poor hitching posts. Safeway lacks even a post. No U-Locks need apply. Protesting, I roll the bike, as if attached via an umbilical cord, past dairy cases, bread racks, and the meat counter. I figure my green backs work as well as traditional cart shopper's cash. Where I go, so goes my bike.
The Great Equalizer
Why? For bicycling affectionados that is like asking why master chefs don’t just open a box and heat. Bicycling’s incomparable to other travel. On a bike I appear human to people, no matter where or the language spoken. Chilean, Salvador Allende’s Secretary of Justice hit the nail on the head, insisting, “Socialism can only arrive by bicycle.” Bicycles serve as the great equalizer, another form of denim.
Going Down Is Easy For me the only down side rears its ugly head as obnoxious drivers—those rubes ejecting nasty epitaphs or objects. Heck, in lieu of bike lanes, that white line is mine. But, then again, as Solzhenitsyn said, “When you're cold don’t expect sympathy from someone who’s warm”, or, ina pick-up blasting music as if on stage at a rock concert.
So, ignore the loathsome bunch. Silently, cycle on in a
Yiddish proverb’s spirit, “A mountain cannot be moved with
a splinter.” But, I got the paper route, learning rewards fall to
those who struggle up mountains. Without a doubt, they glide
blissfully down.
(Editor's note: Judy, a freelance writer, turned 50 in August. She
has authored “Short Bike Rides In Western Washington”, just
out in its second printing.)
Mountain Bike
Marathon Race
by Karen Forbush, TWBC Director of Special Events
Twenty four hours of capital
punishment was an apt description
for the first 24 hour Mountain Bike
Marathon Race in the Northwest.
The race was sponsored by the NW
Mountain Bike Shop and head
mechanic Eaman Stanley.
This race involved 21 teams of 4-5
riders each, both men and women
ranging in age from teens to some in
their 40s and 50s. The riders took
turns riding an approximately 10
mile course through the woods of
Capitol Forest, starting at the ORV
Park. This continued from noon
Saturday until noon Sunday.
Club members Dave Tison, Steve Forsness and I were volunteer time keepers. We took turns in 2-3 hour shifts around the clock, with 5 other volunteers. The sleep opportunity was slim, but we did have a good time and all the pastry we could eat.
Kent Wienker was also to have been
a volunteer, but after riding his bike
50 miles from Tacoma, and arriving
at 8:00 p.m., we found that one of the
teams was a member short, which
would have meant a 40 minute
penalty for the team. Kent thought it
over and volunteered to fill in.
Steve was busy scouting around for a bike Kent could ride. The coach of the Spoke and Sprocket team, Jim Couch, graciously loaned him a great bike, and he started his first run at 11:00 p.m. Altogether, he completed three runs to complete the necessary four hours, and turned in a very good time.
The weekend was very good for all,
and I hope to see more of you next
year to ride or volunteer for this
event.
Bicycles From Heaven
by Kent Wienker
I know itis early, but you know how
busy we get at Christmas time.
Our Club is once again asking for
bikes that you or a neighbor might
have lying around unused. For parts,
we can take bikes which are very
used. All bikes are welcome. The
smaller, the better.
The Clover Park Kiwanis Club will
organize the final redistribution.
This year TWBC will provide
$500.00 for helmets for every bike
given away. Club members will
collect, repair, and deliver bikes.
Call me at 752-0764, or Kiwanis’
Dave Sellars at 582-1630, to find out
how you can become involved.
GAC Topics
(Editor's Note: This information was submitted by
Scott Pierson and Bob Myrick, and summarized by
the editor.)
The following items were discussed
at the Government Affairs Commit-
tee meeting in September:
Another Conference: The Board
members approved $65.00 each for
three people to attend the Bicycle
Pedestrian Conference in Bellevue
October 20-21. Call Bob Myrick for
information at 473-7455.
NowBike Events: The NowBike Annual Auction will on October 20th. Board members approved to pay half the cost of one table so members can go and bid. NowBike’s legislative retreat is scheduled for October 22nd, just after the conference.
State News: We have prepared
another letter requesting additional
project information on the Olympic
Bridge. Also, WSDOT is considering
selling off some excess properties
along route 16 in Purdy. We are
asking WSDOT to correct the very
narrow shoulder on a section of the
roadway. If you have headed up the
hill toward the Purdy rest stop east
of the Purdy Bridge during the
Peninsula Metric, you know the
dangerous stretch of roadway we are
concerned about. We hope to have
the WSDOT information when we
meet with Bob Steelquist (not yet
scheduled), our citizen representa-
tive on the Bicycle Advisory
Committee for WSDOT projects.
Bob’s Vision Thing Again: Bob
Myrick has a concern that the city is
not moving on building the trails in
its Recreation Plan. City employees could use city equipment on their own time. Some unions have objected. Some city workers willing to do this work on their own time are wondering where the balance is between employment and private life. Call Bob if you have any ideas, visionary or not.
Developers Purchase Trail Lands: The Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club has asked for help convincing Cascadia Development Corp., purchasers of Victor Falls, the huge tract of land east of Orting, to keep the extensive network of trails as part of its development. We are writing a letter supporting this idea. Trails help communities. Non-Motorized Plans: Pierce County has a draft plan ready. If you would like to review it, call Bob Vogel at 591-7172. Tacoma has scheduled a draft plan for January, 1996.
Cycling Ad
For Sale:
The Burley D Lite child trailer
for 2-6 year olds. 100 pound weight
capacity. Built in storage compart-
_ments. Fold down capability and
removable aluminum wheels.
Call Warren at 475-4816, or
845-7769 evenings.
TWBC NEWSLETTER October, 1995 Page 7
Cycling In Oregon
Tops October Meeting
Agenda
Bicycling in Oregon is the fea-
ture topic for our October meeting.
Touring the Oregon coast, day
trips of the valley, and organized
tours of the mountains will be
presented.
Two speakers will tell us of their
favorite trips in Oregon. They will
help make our meeting infor-
mative, and you will gain ideas for
some great tours.
The meeting will start with what
is happening in our Club. October
is the time to start planning events
for the upcoming year. Refresh-
ments and door prizes add to the
excitement.
We meet at the South End Com- munity Pool, located at 402 E. 56th Street, between Pacific and McKin- ley Avenues, just past Concordia Lutheran School. The Pool is about 300 feet off the street. This location is on a bus line, and is easily acces- sible by bicycle. Time is 7:00 pm.
If you need any information
about our Club meetings, call Carla
Gramlich at 752-4038.
Next Month: Bicycle repair while
on the road.
TWC
NEWSLETTER
Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club
P.O. Box 112078
Tacoma, WA 98411
TWC Officers will meet for a Board
of Directors meeting on Tuesday,
October 6, 1992, at Greg Grenier’s
home, 3715 N. Shirley, Tacoma, WA.
Time is 7:30 pm. Members are invited
to attend. Call Greg Grenier at 752-
4348 for information.
Spooktacular
Halloween Festivities
Planned
Hear ye, hear ye, all ye would-be
witches and goblins, vampires and
bats! Start thinking of a costume,
and come celebrate Halloween on
two wheels.
A costume ride will leave at 12:00 noon on October 31st from Steve and Phyllis Lay’s home, and will cover approximately twenty miles, as we parade around the streets of Tacoma. Be on time or your bike may turn into a pump- kin!
Please make sure you can ride
safely in your costume, allowing
for a helmet. (Yes, you can even
come dressed as a bikie.) Prizes
will be awarded to the two people
with the best costumes.
At 3:00 pm join us for a potluck
at Steve & Phyllis’ haunted house.
Page One
Founded In 1888
TT OTTE
October, 1992
You don’t even have to ride to eat,
so bring along the whole family.
Please bring your favorite salad,
main dish, dessert, or witches
brew. See you there!
Place: Steve & Phyllis’
home, 1320 N. Cedar, Tacoma,
WA, 759-1816.
Date:
31st.
Times: 12:00 noon—Cos-
tume Ride. 3:00 pm—Potluck. 6:00
pm—Costume ride through Proctor
Shopping District, with all the kids.
Saturday, October
Don’t Forget. . .
Ride Logs Are Due
Remember!?! Your ride logs are
due No Later Than November 7th.
This is your list of Club rides you
have participated in from Novem-
ber 1, 1991 through October 31,
1992.
Members who ride 250, 500,
1000, and 2000 miles will receive a
certificate of merit and a special
patch. A unique award will be
given to those who have ridden
2000 miles.
If you do not turn in a log we
will not have an accurate count of
each individual’s miles.
Logs need to be submitted early
so patches and awards can be
ordered.
Turn in your log to Steve or
Phyllis Lay at the Halloween Party,
or send it to the Club address.
October, 1992
TWC RIDE CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 3 to NOVEMBER 8, 1992 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
| DATE TIME | mites START POINT Ee ACTIVITY CODE LEADER |
|---|---|
| Sat, Sun 9:00 50 Per | UPS Fieldhouse Camping Trip 2 Jim Davis—759-5616 |
| 10/3-4 AM Day N. 11th & Union 2 Days—Kanasket, Stan Sanders—564- | |
| Palmer. 4280 | |
| Sanders/Davis/Lay Steve & Phyllis Lay— | |
| 759-1816 | |
| Sun 10:00 25 UPS Fieldhouse Rails To Trails Fund z Carla Gramlich | |
| 10/4 AM N. 11th & Union Raiser Salmon Bake. 752-4038 | |
| Fircrest. | |
| ae 7:30 Greg Grenier’s Home | TWC Board Meeting. Greg Grenier |
| 10/6 PM 3715 N. Shirley 752-4348 | |
| Sat 10:00 40 McDonald’s Blue Herron Deli 2 Tom Cornell | |
| 10/10 AM | 112th & Pacific Ave. Algona 582-0903 |
| Sun 10:00 30 McDonald’s Westgate | Annual Apple 2 Steve & Phyllis Lay |
| 10/11 AM N. 21st & Pearl Squeeze—Steilacoom 759-1816 | |
| Sun 9:00 30 McDonald’s Westgate | Vashon Island 2 Greg & Gina Grenier |
| 10/18 AM N. 21st & Pearl 752-4348 | |
| Tues 7:00 | South End Com- TWC Club Meeting. Carla Gramlich |
| 10/20 PM munity Center & Bicycling In Oregon. 752-4038 | |
| Pool. 402 E. 56th | |
| Street. —— le z | |
| Sat 10:00 20+ McDonald’s Westgate | Coffee Break Ride. 2 Jim Davis |
| 10/24 AM N. 21st & Pearl 759-5616 | |
| Sun 10:30 20+ UPS Fieldhouse Sunday Brunch. 2 Brion Lundgren = | |
| 10/25 AM Bring $. 862-9105 | |
| Sat 1320 N. Cedar TWC Halloween 2 Steve & Phyllis Lay | |
| 10/31 Party. See article on 759-1816 | |
| fo page 1. | |
| Sat 9:00 25 McDonald’s Westgate | Peggy's & more. 2 Diane Taylor |
| 11/7 AM N. 21st & Pearl 759-4971 | |
| Sun 9:00 35 McDonald’s Westgate | Phyllis’ Birthday 2 Phyllis Lay |
| 11/8 AM N. 21st & Pearl Ride. 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.)
Wear A Helmet, And Carry Repair Items And First Aid Supplies On Your Ride!
Page Two
October, 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.F.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.
From The Handlebars
Of Carla G.
by Carla Gramlich
Last month a three day weekend
allowed a bicycle ride around Mt.
Hood. This tour was sponsored by
the Portland Wheelmen. In three
days we rode 150 miles and climb-
ed almost 10,000 feet.
On the first day we left Gre- sham, Oregon, and headed east along the Columbia River. The first twenty miles followed the scenic route, including some great views and many waterfalls. At Mult- nomah Falls a break provided a great pecan roll at the lodge. The next 30 miles was made easy by a wonderful tailwind.
After lunch a few riders checked out Hood River, and then started the beginning of many miles up hill. We arrived at the campsite just in time for dinner. It was nice to roll in and have dinner waiting on the table.
The next day we rode only 32 miles, but it was almost all uphill. The pass was at 4500 feet, and that was the elevation gained for the day. When we arrived at Mamaza Lodge we were treated to a special event. A couple who had met on this ride two years ago were mar- ried at the lodge.
After the wedding and some cake, there was time before dinner to do the optional loop up to Tim- berline Lodge. Not letting 6 miles stand between me and the lodge, I did the climb. An hour of work was required to get up to Timber- line, but only 15 minutes to get down.
Early the next morning we pre- pared for the descent. Extra clothes were needed for the cool tempera- tures. The support van was waiting for us at the bottom, and picked- up the extra clothing. The nine miles was over too quickly after all that hard work.
I rode the hilly scenic route to
Page Three
get back to the start. This route followed Lewis and Clark’s jour- ney. Lewis and Clark did not pick a flat course, but after two days of hills I felt pretty strong and got back to the start around noon. Another day and another 48 miles.
This was a beautiful tour, and
the organizers provided very good
care to everyone. Most people
started together in the morning so
there was someone riding nearby
during the day. The support van
was at a prearranged spot during
the day with water and some food.
A few people rode the van on the
second day to be on time for the
wedding. My riding buddy Steve,
with me, managed to complete the
whole course.
Letter To The Editor:
I want to thank. . .all the Wheelmen and Women who have supported the Foothills Rails-To-Trails Coalition efforts for several years. Your current generous donation of $500.00 will be used to obtain rights-of- way for the project. We really appreciate your Club’s support!
One thing I would like to stress is that our group is also supportive of widening shoulders on roads for bicyclists, as well as turning abandoned railroad rights-of-way into safe corridors for bicycles and walkers. In fact, the Department Of Transportation should put more money and effort into all these alternatives. We have to give citizens more choices than just the automobile.
If there is anything our group can do to
help the Wheelmen please let me know. I
myself am also a member of the Wheel-
men, and have helped on a couple of
events to date. Again, thanks for all you
folks have done.
Stan Engle
Treasurer
Turn In Your Ride Log!
October, 1992
Mini-Minutes
TWC Board Meeting
The Board of Directors met on
‘September 1, 1992. Present were
Greg Grenier, presiding; Carla
Gramlich, Joyce Clifford, Steve
Brown, Gina Grenier, and William
Hoehne.
Old Business: A donation check
was written to the Bicycle Federa-
tion of Washington, as approved
by members at the June Club
meeting.
BFW Survey: The Board received
a survey form from the Bicycle
Federation of Washington and
decided more information was
needed. Greg will talk to Diane
Lister.
Ride Line: Board members dis-
cussed mentioning on the ride line
that no ride is scheduled when the
| Date | Time | Event / Destination | Mi. | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 3 | 1:00 pm | rd is the date of a na- tional celebration of the Rail to Trails Conservancy's com- memoration of the country’s 500th rail trail. Take time on this day to see the Foothills trail. The “Soler Mile” (accessible at Arline Road off highway 162 be- fore South Prairie), and the city of Buckley section at Ryan Road and South of the McMillin Bridge into Orting, are available for walking, biking, or horseback riding. If you stop to have lunch, or patronize the local businesses in Orting, South Prairie and Buckley, let the people know you are there because of the trail. The salmon barbecue fund-raiser for the Trail is October 4th at . Join other TWC members at the UPS fieldhouse at 11:00 am to ride over to the barbecue in Fir- crest. The barbecue is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under. | ||
| Friday, October 16 | th, is the an- nual auction at La Quinta Inn. Tickets are $15.00, and must be reserved by October 10th. Items and services to auction that night are still needed. A table or two of TWC members at this big event would be great. Page Four This month’s work party is on | |||
| October 31 | st, at Orting City Park. Here is your chance to be a part of building the trail. This event is free, but some work is involved. If you need more information on any of these items call me at 752- 4038. Government Relations Report by Bob Myrick PCTAC—The Pierce County Transportation Advisory Commit- tee has labored for four years and produced a plan that includes an overlay showing bicycle roads and equestrian roads. These roads will be made bicycle friendly on a spot basis and when general road im- provements are made. This plan now begins a nine month review process on its way to the County Council. We need advocates to request that the County set a goal of at least 5 percent of the budget being devoted to non-motorized facilities. We also need advocates to follow the City of Tacoma devel- opment of a plan for pedestrian facilities in the County. TCTAC—The Tacoma Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Commit- tee has just begun a similar plan- ning process. There is a vacancy on the committee, and we would like an advocate to be selected to work on this plan. I will have details about applying for this job by | |||
| October 1 | st. If you live in Tacoma and want to contribute to this effort, please call me. Pierce Transit—Pierce Transit’s Bikes on Buses program was fea- tured in the August issue of Bicycle Forum, a national BikeCentennial journal of bicycle advocacy. Our CarLess Commute Week was also featured along with the new State Commute Trip Reduction Law. Our $1000.00 contribution helped (Continued on page 5) October, 1992 |
Report
(Continued from page 4)
start a $20,000.00 effort for CarLess
Commute Week.
BFW—I will be serving as the Bicycle Federation of Washington Legislative Committee chairman this year. I am looking for advocates to work on state-wide and local issues. A big issue is motorist education and enforcement of the new bicycle law passed last year. If you have a burn- ing issue, I will ask you to work on providing an issue paper.
ISTEA—The Intermodal Transpor- tation Efficiency Act of 1991 provid- ed $10 million for non-motorized and other enhancement projects for FY92-93 in Washington State. Ta- coma submitted eight projects. Pierce Transit offered a project and Pierce County Parks submitted several trail projects. I worked with Tacoma and Pierce Transit in developing their projects. Projects of interest to us include a bike path extension on SR- 16, a new Ruston Way Bike Way, the Puyallup River Level Trail, the res- toration of the historical City Water Ditch trail, and a shoreline trail around Tacoma. Pierce County sub- mitted projects on the Foothills Trail near Buckley and Orting. Pierce Transit submitted bike projects at Transit Centers.
Pierce County Regional Trails
Commission—Pierce County has
opened trails in Chamber’s Creek
Canyon near Steilacoom. The Foot-
hills Trail has been roughed-in near
Orting, near South Prairie (The Soler
miles), and at Buckley. I hope to lead
mountain bike rides on these trails in
October. Check the ride line for
details regarding these adventures.
cel
Attention All Ride Leaders
Please submit all of your ride sign-up sheets
to Steve & Phyllis Lay, or mail to: Tacoma
Wheelmen’s Club, P.O. Box 112078, Tacoma,
WA 98411, Attn: Touring Captains.
This is the only means we have of keeping an
accurate account of the number of people
participating in Club rides, who they were, how
far they rode, and any special things that
happened on the ride.
And Furthermore...
For those wonderful members who lead rides, and for those of you who want to lead rides, please fill out the form below and turn it in to your touring captains. Lead a group on your favorite route. If you need any help on routes, cue sheets, or maps please let Steve & Phyllis, your touring captains, know. Their phone number is 759-1816.
Your Ride
Date: __Day:.
Title:
Starting Time(s):
Start Point(s):
Description: (Brief details of the ride, if riders should bring food or money, etc.)
Miles: Camping: Yes No
Number Of Days: Terrain: Flat Pace: Leisurely Rolling Moderate Some Steep Hills Fast Hilly Services: Full Limited None Leader(s): Phone:
Any Other Comments?
Page Five October, 1992