ACTIVITY NEWS: April
2006
President’s Draft
As I write this in early March on a dreary, rainy evening, I'm growing increasingly
eager for weather and roads that are once again suitable for riding on road
bikes. I keep telling myself that our 25-30 mile winter club rides on heavy
mountain bikes are good training, but once spring really rolls around I'll
be happy to be back on smooth, skinny tires once again. After a winter of
finger-numbing outdoor rides and sweaty indoor workouts (I won't call them "rides"),
it always feels like I'm an unwound rubber band on that first real outdoor
ride on the road bike.
By the time you read this, I hope that we will have had some good early
spring rides and that you’re well on your way to preparing for the
Minnesota IRONMAN Bike Ride or for whatever else you have planned this riding
season.
Speaking of the Minnesota IRONMAN, I hope many fellow TCBC members are planning
to ride or volunteer (or even better, do both) at this year's 40th anniversary
event on Sunday, April 30, in Lakeville. As many of you know, TCBC and the
IRONMAN go back many years. TCBC was once part of the Minnesota Council of
Hostelling International -- American Youth Hostel, which hosts the ride as
its major fundraiser each year. TCBC and HI-AYH have been close partners
for most of the ride's 40-year history and TCBC members continue to generously
donate their time and talents to this unique Minnesota event. The ride serves
as a great introduction to bicycling for many new riders and TCBC benefits
by attracting new members through this ride each year.
If you've never ridden the IRONMAN (if that’s possible?), the 40th
year would be a great time to give it a try. While some riders may prefer
smaller rides, I get a big kick out of seeing the thousands of riders who
turn out every year, enjoying bicycling at its finest, stretching as far
as you can see along quiet back roads. It's truly a spectacle worth participating
in. There's plenty of room on the course for everyone and the spirit of the
IRONMAN is always terrific, no matter what the weather! We're very lucky
to have this event to enjoy and to challenge us.
I’ll also put in a quick plug for what has become TCBC’s pre-IRONMAN
tradition of training rides, organized by ride leader Liz Sands. On each
of the four Sundays in April preceding April 30, Liz will be hosting her
always-popular Paper Man, Straw Man, Aluminum Man, and Tin Man rides, each
progressively longer and more challenging. Even if you’re not riding
the IRONMAN, these rides are a great way to get back in the saddle after
the long winter.
I'd also like to mention another Minnesota event, the recent Bicycling Travel
and Fitness Expo, which was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Under
the excellent guidance of Mike Beadles, the Bike Expo Action Team ("BEAT")
did some great planning and executed a perfect TCBC presence at the Expo.
The team created and built a sharp TCBC booth (which we can use at future
events) and they rounded up a full roster of cheerful TCBC volunteers to
staff the booth during the event. It was a good way to meet many prospective
TCBC members, network with other bicycling-related organizations, and to
see a lot of great bicycling gear. Mike Fredericks, publisher of MINNESOTA
CYCLIST, did a great job organizing the whole expo and we look forward to
it becoming another Minnesota tradition.
Hope to see many of you out on the road before too long!
Charles Breer
3rd Annual TCBC Swap Meet is April 15th
by Valerie Olson
The 3rd Annual TCBC Swap Meet will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday,
April 15th. The new location for this year is the Bloomington Knights of
Columbus at 1114 American Boulevard West (2 blocks southwest of REI). We'll
be using their large meeting room downstairs.
This is your opportunity to buy, sell, or donate new or used bicycling gear
including ready-to-ride & incomplete bikes, tag-a-longs & trailers,
bicycle component parts & accessories, cycling clothing & shoes,
bicycling books, etc. Just about any bicycling-related item is acceptable.
No commercial sales or non-cycling items like snowboards, grandma's china,
or pet hamsters please.
No admission, fees, or commissions are required. This event is open to the
general public and is provided as a benefit to TCBC members. Buyers do not
need to be TCBC members. All sellers must be current TCBC members. If you
know someone who'd like to sell, but isn't a TCBC member, just remind them
that our $25 membership fee is less than what other swap meets charge just
to rent table space.
We're inviting any bicycling-related non-profit organization to request
display space by contacting us in advance. Check the web site for the current
list of organizations that will be represented and which will be accepting
donated bicycles, parts, or equipment. Details about which items each organization
can use will be communicated later via the TCBC eGroups.
All the details and additional information for buyers, sellers, and non-profits
is posted on the TCBC web page at http://www.BikeTCBC.org/swapmeet. We're
also looking for volunteers to staff the information tables and the TCBC
booth - you'll also get prime real estate to sell your stuff! Contact SwapMeet@biketcbc.org.
TCBC is grateful to all our exceptional members. We're glad to offer this
event as another great benefit of being part of the best bike club anywhere!
We hope to see you all there!
SPRING JERRY LOOMIS MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE WEEKEND
The spring 2006 JLMBW in the woods outside of Cable, WI, on Fri-Sun, May
19-21, is the time for mountain bikers to enjoy the Chequamegon Area Mountain
Bike Association (CAMBA) Off-Road Bike Trail System. There are 300 miles
(30 miles of single track) of marked and mapped routes for mountain bikers.
Check them out at CAMBA's website: www.cambatrails.org.
NEW TO MOUNTAIN BIKING AND RENTALS: The CAMBA mountain bike trails are for
ALL skill levels. Mountain bike rentals are available at the New Moon Ski
and Bike Shop in Hayward, WI, at 715-634-8685 or Riverbrook Bike and Ski
in Seeley, WI, at 715-634-5600.
LODGING, MEALS, SIGN-IN, AND MILEAGE CREDIT: Make your own lodging reservations
at our headquarters, the Lake Owen (Alpine) Resort (toll free 800-872-9370),
or at any of the other area resorts or campgrounds. Meals will be on your
own, but plan on joining the group for the JLMBW breakfast and dinner as
listed below. TCBC mileage credit for the weekend will be 50 miles. All riders
must sign in, and non-TCBC members will have to pay the $2 non-member fee
and sign a ride waiver.
FRIDAY RIDE: Depart at 2 PM from the Telemark trailhead (park next to the
tennis courts) to ride the Ojibwe Trail. A/B, B, C levels. Gather for a traditional
Wisconsin Friday fish fry afterwards.
GATHERING AND MEALS: Gather at the Alpine game room anytime after 6:30 PM
on Fri for conversation, ride discussion, and mileage signup. Meet at Telemark
Resort on Sat and Sun between 8-8:30 AM for breakfast (no signup needed for
breakfast). Saturday’s dinner will be pot-luck and grilling at the
Alpine or go out to eat if you prefer. Complete Sat and Sun ride details
will also be available on Fri evening and at the Sat breakfast.
SATURDAY RIDES: Depart at 10 AM from the Namekagon Town Hall trailhead.
There will be an A/B level 25-30 mile all-day affair, a B level medium-paced
12-15 mile ride, and a C casual 10-12 mile ride. SUNDAY RIDES: Your choice.
Do the traditional Esker Trail meditation ride, or a slower, more casual
ride on the Glacier Trail, or ??? All rides depart at 10 AM.
CAMBA: Get free maps of the 300-mile CAMBA trail system by joining this organization.
At the same time, you'll be supporting the wonderful organization that maps,
marks, and maintains these outstanding trails. This is money very well spent!
www.cambatrails.org has complete details.
FOR MORE INFO or if you would like to help lead these rides, contact Bob
Bryan, 952-926-8848, bobbkr@aol.com. Please let me know if you are planning
on coming.
- Bob Bryan
IN BRIEF
NEXT ACTIVITY NEWS DEADLINE will be Monday, April 10. (This is later due
to the Leader Forum on April 8.) This will be the big May issue, the chance
to reach our largest audience. Everyone with newsletter material must get
their material in by this date, or even a few days early would be cheered
heartily.
ANNUAL LEADER FORUM will be Saturday, April 8, from 1:30 – 4 at the
Brooklyn Center Community Center. Contact leaderliaison@biketcbc.org if you
have questions or concerns.
COMO PROBLEM: Como Avenue SE, near Dinkytown in Minneapolis, passes under
a railroad overpass between 22nd and 23rd Aves SE. The road beneath the bridge,
a frequent bike route, will be closed to all bicycle and vehicle traffic
from now until sometime this summer.
NOKOMIS PARKWAY REPAVING: This will be done around the northern half of
Lake Nokomis from Cedar Avenue South to East 50th St. The road is scheduled
to be closed from April 20 to early June.
EAST RIVER PARKWAY: will be closed north of Franklin Ave SE, along the Mississippi,
for a bridge replacement. However, bike and pedestrian traffic will be able
to get through “adjacent to the construction site.” This will
last from spring until fall.
MIDTOWN GREENWAY PHASE III: From Hiawatha to West River Road in Minneapolis
is scheduled to be paved and completed by this fall. A bike/ped bridge across
Hiawatha should be done by 2007.
ONE MORE YEAR: The reconstruction of Hwy. 36 through Maplewood and North
St. Paul will not begin until 2007. It will include many safety improvements,
including some on the Gateway Trail, part of which will need to be rerouted.
SHOW US THE MONEY: Millions of dollars for paved trail projects around Minnesota
is being sought from the Legislature, including some very interesting proposed
new routes. We’ll see within a few months how it works out and what
might be funded.
WHERE WAS WINTER? It was much warmer and drier than normal, with only six
nights below zero and just 25 inches of snow at this writing. Not so good
for skiing, but not so bad for biking!
BIKE COFFEE SHOPS: A February 26 article in the PIONEER PRESS featured two
intriguing locations in Minneapolis, which cater to bicyclists instead of
motorcyclists, and promote caffeine. Is this a new trend? ONE ON ONE is at
117 Washington Avenue North downtown, including a bike shop and art gallery.
CARS-R-COFFINS COFFEE BAR is at 3346 Lyndale Avenue South, with some merchandise
available.
IRONMAN UPCOMING
Late April is IRONMAN time, with the big date on April 30. See last month’s
articles or this month’s schedule. Thanks to all those who have volunteered
so far. We still need more volunteers – contact Sarah Hartmann at 952-545-6151
or sarahart@juno.com for info.
Registration is still underway for the ride. You can register on-line at
www.IronmanBikeRide.org or get a registration form from the website. Any
questions: call the IRONMAN Hotline at 651-251-1495.
Riders should remember to visit the TCBC booth at the start, Lakeville North
High School, for fellowship and fun. Also, riders should sign up there for
their TCBC mileage credit after the ride.
IRONMAN HISTORY BRIEF NOTES
What became Minnesota’s largest bicycle ride was started by the late
Stan Bezanson in 1967. It was named IRONMAN “because of the time of
the year, the obvious lack of training, the probability of inclement weather…” It
began, and remains, a fundraiser for the Minnesota Council of American Youth
Hostels (now known as Hostelling International – Minnesota AYH). The
ride has always (except once) been held the last Sunday in April. From 1967-1980,
the ride started at Calhoun Beach North in Minneapolis, with no building
to use as shelter. The route went west and north into the countryside, including
St. Francis and St. Michael.
By 1974, the ride topped 1000 riders for the first time. Starting in 1981,
the ride began at the hilltop shelter at Theodore Wirth Park off Glenwood
Avenue in Minneapolis. (The current City of Lakes Loppet ski race course
passes within 20 feet of that shelter now.) Also that year, there was no
more time-keeping and no starting in groups, with food changes too that included
no more hot dogs served, a decision credited/blamed to Pete Hawkins.
By the early 1980’s, the famous stuffing party a few nights before
the ride was begun, in which information is stuffed into envelopes or bags.
The routes now included Buffalo and Delano. 2300 riders rode in 1983.
By 1989, it was decided to start the ride at Buffalo High School and avoid
the metro area suburbs altogether. The ride remained there through 1998,
when we seemed to be wearing out our welcome in Wright County. The opportunity
arose to start the ride at Lakeville High School beginning in 1999.
Using the official Twin Cities weather stats for the 39 years of the IRONMAN,
I came up with this:
Lowest overnight temp – 28 in 1990.
Highest overnight low – 60 in 2001.
Highest temp for the day – 85 in 1970.
Lowest daily high – 43 in 2002 – the day after it snowed!
Days of over half an inch of precip – only 3, believe it or not.
Days with 0 rain – 21.
Days when temps reached at least 70 degrees – 13.
Days when the high temp stayed below 50 degrees – 4.
Days with measurable snow – a few, the worst being 1984 with eight
inches.
The 2006 ride will make April 30 the day when the ride has been held most
often – it will be 7 days. The ride has only been held 4 times on April
27. The worst date has probably been April 29. April 28 has been the only
day with no rain – but it was terribly cold in 2002!
- by Doug Nelson
2006 TCBC Jersey – Order Yours Today!!
By Mary Derks
With a design now chosen for the new TCBC jersey, it’s time to place
your order! Orders are due by April 8 which is just around the corner, so
don’t delay and order yours soon!!
Garment choices include unisex and women’s-specific jerseys in short-sleeve,
sleeveless, and long-sleeve, along with unisex wind vests and jackets. See
the order form (found elsewhere in this newsletter) for additional information.
As part of the production process, some modifications to the design that’s
on the order form and web-site will be made. This is necessary to meet manufacturer
specs and limitations and accommodate a wide range of sizes. In addition,
side panels will be added, the state capitol will look less like a spaceship,
and the pink on the collar and front bottom will be more of a red tone.
There are three ways to order:
1. Use the order form in this newsletter
2. Print off an order form from the web-site (www.biketcbc.org)
3. Order online at active.com (processing fees of 6.5% + $1 apply). http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1037947
For those of you utilizing your Ride Leader jersey discount, you will need
to know your Certificate # (found in the lower right-hand corner of your
certificate) to redeem your discount. Contact Kate Kovar (katekovar@hotmail.com)
with any questions.
Not sure what size to order? Samples (not containing the new TCBC design)
are available at two locations for those of you who would like to try them
on for sizing. One location (Erik’s Bike Shop in Roseville) has a complete
set of jerseys, vests, jackets. The other location (Erik’s in Bloomington)
has a set of jerseys only. Please note that Unisex XS and 3X are available
for ordering; however there are no XS or 3X samples at either location.
Erik’s Bike Shop - Roseville Store
Complete set of jerseys (Women’s XS-XL; Unisex S-XXL), Windvests (Unisex
XS-XXL), and Jackets (Unisex S-XXL)
This is a NEW STORE across from Har Mar Mall.
2059 Snelling Ave North
Roseville, MN 55113
(651)209-1990
Hours Weekdays 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
Erik’s Bike Shop - Bloomington Store
(Jerseys only at this site, Women’s XS-XL / Unisex S-XXL)
431 E. 78th Street
Bloomington, MN 55420
SW Corner of 494 and Portland
952-886-0800
M-F 10-8, Sat. 10-6, Sun 12-5
Order your jersey today! Don’t be left out in the (Minnesota)
cold without one (hopefully by the time you read this, the snow has melted
and it’s warm out!!)
For questions, contact jersey@biketcbc.org.
25TH ANNUAL WATERMELON RIDE
We have reached another TCBC milestone. The Watermelon Committee is hard
at work to make this a very special event with your help! So this is it,
folks! Start marking your calendars to take in the Watermelon Ride on July
4th – same time, same station. The most important thing at this point
is that you review the volunteer schedule on the TCBC website and let us
know what you will do.
Please do not delay. Let us make this a wonderful event.
Volunteer opportunities include registration, and we need more folks on
hand this year. We hope to have a record turnout and there will be a commemorative
t-shirt for sale in kids’, women’s, and men’s sizes. Further,
we will need more ride marshals this year as our committee wants them on
hand on ALL routes. The rest of the volunteers will be needed for the bike
rodeo and the rest stops (including the picnic). As always, volunteers ride
free.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JUNE 23-25: Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trail Weekend. Join in on a three-day
trek of C(+) trail rides and after-ride fun activities. Trails are railroad
grade with 10-foot blacktopped surface and generally level. Routes pass through
northern hardwood forests and stands of jack, red, and white pine. On Friday
we bike 34 miles from Pine River to Hackensack and return. We set up our
accommodations for the weekend in Walker and get acquainted at a local eatery.
Saturday is 43 miles from Walker to Cass Lake and back. Fun options include
dining at Brauhaus German Restaurant and an evening out at the Woodtick Musical
Comedy Revue at Akeley. Sunday we wind up with a 42-mile trek from Walker
to Dorset, with a feature lunch stop at the famous Mexican restaurant in
Dorset. You will book your own accommodations (motel, camping, etc.). Come
for one, two, or preferably all three days. Early bookings are suggested.
Ambassadors: Diana and Duane Kasper, 952-448-1608, or kasperddt@chaska.net
for motel, camping, theater and evening information. Co-Leaders: Herb Schultz,
952-334-5382; Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009. Cell at ride: 952-334-5382.
AUGUST 11-13: WEEKEND ON WHEELS will be held again in Menomonie, WI. Expect
similar great routes to last year, with some new surprises in the mix. Registration
and lodging in the next newsletter!
SEPT 15-17: Root River Valley Trail Weekend. Welcome C riders and friends
to our three days in Lanesboro. We hope you can join us again on this beautiful
trip in SE Minn. We will be riding for three days, but come whenever you
can. Some of us will be going to the plays at the Commonweal Theater for
two different plays on Fri and Sat nights. Further info about the specific
plays will be available. Call Clareyse Nelson to reserve your tickets at
612-623-3009. This is a popular biking area in the fall so be sure to reserve
a place to stay soon. The Lanesboro Chamber number is 1-888-223-4258. Some
of us also camp in Lanesboro. Call us with questions and to let us know you
will be coming. Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009, or Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.
MILEAGE LEADERS AND STATS
Here are some numbers submitted by new statistics person Richard Franco
for the new activity year, which started November 1. Just as a year ago,
Katie Angle has a large lead!
MEN
1276 TOMMY IRVIN
1077 JIM JOY
1032 MICHAEL MCNUTT
902 MIKE NIZIELSKI
738 RICHARD FRANCO
693 TIM MILLER
683 JOE HAYS
625 MARKUS BOHLER
610 GARRY GLUBKA
592 JOE HAMLIN
WOMEN
1229 KATIE ANGLE
425 ROHANDA VICTORSEN
421 LISA DUST
376 SUE BLUM
376 JULIE DILLON
310 SUSAN EVAN
278 SUE BURCHFIELD
258 MARY NELSEN
255 MARY MILLER
230 BARBARA LANDIS
TOTAL RIDES: Irvin 50, Joy 43, Angle 41, McNutt 36, Nizielski 32, Franco
31, Miller 27.
TOTAL RIDES LED: Joy 21, Katie Angle 8, Sue Blum 8, Susan Evan 8.
BIGGEST RIDES SO FAR:
Jan 1 54 Polar Bear
Nov 12 49 Done by Spring
Nov 5 31 Apple a Day
Nov 11 31 MMV
Nov 20 29 No Stinking Winter
Nov 6 28 Fall Fun
Jan 7 25 No Stinking Winter
Jan 15 25 Think Spring
|
Printable
PDF version of this newsletter (2 mb)