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ACTIVITY NEWS: March 2005

     What's in this Issue?

1. WEAR YOUR CLUB PRIDE ON YOUR SLEEVE! TWO JERSEYS FOR 2005
2. 2005 WAIVER TIME
3. TCBC FOCUS ITEM TASK FORCES – WE WANT YOU!
4. TCBC ANNUAL RECOGNITION BANQUET
5. BAHRAM DANESHVAR
6. REMEMBERING BAHRAM
7. LAST-MINUTE ADDITION: BIKE U ON FEB. 26
8. INVITATION TO BIKE U ON MARCH 5
9. MINNESOTA IRONMAN RIDE – WELCOME BACK!
10. MINNESOTA IRONMAN BIKE RIDE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
11. SPRING JERRY LOOMIS MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE WEEKEND
12. IN BRIEF
13. A BIKIE WANNABE
14. NEW TCBC MEMBERS
15. STATISTICS FOR 2004
16. TCBC Board of Directors and Contacts

WEAR YOUR CLUB PRIDE ON YOUR SLEEVE!
TWO TCBC JERSEYS TO BE OFFERED IN 2005

Want to cut a daring fashion statement on the roads this summer? Look no further than TCBC’s two great jersey designs for 2005. We’re offering our great TCBC club jersey, as well as a special jersey commemorating the 25th anniversary of WEEKEND ON WHEELS!

By popular demand, our purple-and-gold TCBC “Banana” Jersey will be offered again this year. By wearing this jersey, you’ll truly be a part of the TCBC peloton! The chic design lets people know that you’re a part of the biggest bike club in the Twin Cities, and looks great whether on road or on trail. Order by April 30th for delivery at the July 4th Watermelon Ride.

New this year, and soon to be debuted in the next issue of the newsletter (and on the e-groups sooner), is the 25th Anniversary Weekend on Wheels Jersey. Celebrate one of the club’s oldest traditions with a “Divine Bovine” jersey in blue, green, black, and white. It’s available to all TCBC members, even if you aren’t planning to attend WOW. Order by June 10th for delivery at WOW, to be held in Menomonie, WI, August 12-14 (or by arrangement afterwards).

Both jerseys will be available in men’s and women’s sizes, with sleeves or without. Voler is once again making the jerseys, this year of their all-new SQ Pro micro-mesh fabric, which is highly breathable and offers an SPF of 50! We’ll also have sporty unisex wind vests in each design. Pricing is only $56 for any jersey or wind vest. Not sure of your size? The WOW Committee has arranged try-on samples at Sunrise Cyclery (3031 2nd Ave S, in Minneapolis) starting March 5, so if you’ve never order a Voler jersey or wind vest, or want to confirm your size, you can.

SEPARATE ORDER FORMS WILL BE USED FOR EACH JERSEY! The WOW “Divine Bovine” Jersey order form will be in next month’s newsletter. Look in this current issue for the “Banana” Jersey order form.

2005 WAIVER TIME
By Pete Hawkins, TCBC/LAB Insurance Coordinator

Dear TCBC members: This is a reminder that it’s time once again to sign your yearly Release and Waiver of Liability Form for TCBC. Yearly signing of this form is required by the insurance company that provides our League of American Bicyclists (LAB) liability and supplemental medical coverage for all TCBC members when they participate in scheduled TCBC bicycle rides. Our insurance year runs from Feb. 1 through Jan. 31 of the following year.

Members need only sign one waiver per year, unless they attend a special event wherein all participants must sign a waiver (i.e. the Watermelon Ride). You can find the waiver form on our website under “Documents” (there are two forms, make certain to use the one for members), print it and mail it to our P.O. Box. Alternatively, you can sign one on your next TCBC ride and give it to the leader. All leaders should have the form available on all rides.

Simply put, our LAB insurance policy provides up to $1,000,000 of liability coverage for our club, its officers and Board of Directors, and for members when participating in a TCBC scheduled bicycle ride. It also provides a $10,000 supplemental medical coverage with a $500 deductible that kicks in after your primary medical insurance, if you have it, stops paying for injuries incurred on a TCBC scheduled bicycle ride. Additionally, there is a $5,000 per person accidental death and dismemberment coverage for members on scheduled TCBC rides. If you need further information about our LAB insurance coverage, please contact me.

TCBC FOCUS ITEM TASK FORCES – WE WANT YOU!

TCBC will have four focus item task groups starting to meet in early March, based on the results of the new TCBC Board of Directors Mini-Retreat that was held in December.

We are looking for interested persons to help by joining us and giving your ideas, helping in providing direction, to help in thinking outside the box, and finally by implementing doable action items. To generally go where no one has gone before! The TCBC Focus Item Task Force groups are:

New Members
Outreach
Education
Recognition

Each group will begin meeting in early March to develop plans and action items. Your current TCBC Board members have chosen which task force they would like to be a part of already. Now we would like to ask you to consider and join one!

If you are interested in helping out on one of these groups, please contact Mike Beadles. We would especially like to see some new or newer members join one of the groups! It’s a great way to help out the club and meet other members.

TCBC ANNUAL RECOGNITION BANQUET
By Mary Derks

On Saturday, January 22, 2005, nearly 130 TCBC members and their guests made their way to the plush Golden Valley Country Club for TCBC’s Annual Recognition Dinner---an evening of food, camaraderie, and recognition of the many, many members who make TCBC so successful. This was our biggest year yet in many ways, including 110 leaders, 920 rides, 11,700 rides ridden and 427,000 miles ridden!
After the attendees became accustomed to the upgraded surroundings and fancy clothes worn by their fellow members, the proceedings got under way with introductory remarks from club president Mike Beadles. Sporting a sharp tuxedo, Beadles was the Master of Ceremonies and he, along with other speakers, ably kept our attention focused throughout the evening.

Reserved seating was arranged at tables named for popular TCBC rides and each table was sequentially dismissed to the dinner serving area, which featured a salad bar, chef carved turkey, and three pasta selections. The meal was capped by an “alternating served dessert” consisting of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing or Chocolate Decadence. The intended sharing and exchanging of desserts allowed everyone to sample both, if they so desired.

The program began with recognition of the top male and female mileage leaders for the 2003-2004 riding year. Tony Stifter, who accomplished an impressive 8,117 miles, introduced his family and touchingly described how he had overcome health issues, then discovered cycling and became an active TCBC member. Katie Angle, with 5,259 miles, having bounced back from an injury last season, noted that she rides just for the fun and fitness, while miles are secondary.

Other notable awards, as voted on by TCBC members in advance of the banquet, included Mary Derks, Julie VanMersbergen, and Tony Wanschura for Ride Leaders of the Year, Herb Schultz for Best “C” Ride Leader and Jan Kujawa and Paul Huntington for Best New Ride Leader, each of whom will receive a TCBC jersey. More than 80 Ride Leaders who led more than 4 rides were presented with gear bags in various colors featuring the TCBC logo, while over 200 members who rode over 500 miles received personalized bike license plates that can be attached to their bikes. More than 30 volunteers were presented with a gift certificate in recognition of their various contributions to the club. While ALL TCBC volunteers are appreciated, and everything that everyone does makes this club great, the Board recognized two "exceptional" volunteers from the past year, each of whom will receive a TCBC jersey. Exceptional Volunteers of the Year were Kristine Poelzer for her contributions towards advocacy, advertising and the bike atlas and as a Ride Leader and Leader Liaison, and Tony Stifter for his tireless service, almost daily, behind the scenes as club treasurer and “virtual office manager”, basically getting involved in almost every activity of the club as a result. A complete listing of all award recipients follows this article.

The level of volunteerism in this club is truly remarkable! A big "THANK YOU" to everyone who volunteered this past year! Know that the contributions you've made to TCBC are the reason the club is so outstanding!

Also, many thanks to the Planning Committee consisting of Perry Broste, Phil Doi, Irene Erickson, Dan Miller, Mary Nelsen, Kristine Poelzer, and Tony Stifter, and the Recognition Committee of Charles Breer and Mary Derks, for this year’s superb Annual Recognition Dinner.
AWARDS LISTING:
MILEAGE LEADERS:
Men: Tony Stifter (8,117 miles, 228 rides)
Women: Katie Angle (5,259 miles, 130 rides)

RIDE LEADERS:
Leaders leading 30+ rides, followed by the number of rides they led: Herb Schultz 60, Dave Swaab 52, Augie Muller Jr. 48, Jan Kujawa 37, Julie VanMersbergen 37, Mary Derks 36, Kate Kovar 31, Clareyse Nelson 30, & John Pugh 30.

Leaders leading 20-29 rides: Tony Anthonisen, Mike Daniels, Susan Evan, David Gepner, Paul Huntington, Jim Joy, Kay Mitchell, Kristine Poelzer, Chuck Sunder, Julie Timm, and Tony Wanschura.

Leaders leading 10-19 rides: Katie Angle, Mike Beadles, Sue Blum, Charles Breer, Dona Devine, Tom Devine, Elizabeth Dohogne, Jim Dohogne, Phil Doi, Dave Dugan, Lisa Dust, Dave Erick, Eric Feld, Hugh Gitlin, Mark Gregory, Dave Haerle, Kelly Hazel, Stan Hinich, Bob Hoffman, Jeff Johnson, Stephan Kieu, Scott Larson, Michael McNutt, Paula Meserve, Doug Nelson, Ron Plinske, Dave Rusinko, Liz Sands, Steve Scott, Lee Stagg, Mary Swanstrom, and Evie Walters.

Leaders leading 4-9 rides: Jim Angle, Lisa Austin, David Baird, Diane Boushek, Bob Bryan, Carolyn Caswell, Diana Cohen, Andy Danielson, Doug Duoos, Irene Erickson, John Gamradt, Dick Hartmann, Pete Hawkins, Fran Howley, Edie Kalweit, Philip Lawson, John Lindblom, Larry Miller, Liesa Miller, Shelby Miller, John Murphy, Linda Peterson, LeAnn Plinske, Joe Schlechter, Patt Seleen, Nancy Selz, Joel Stenoien, Tom Sullivan, John Swoyer, Lee Thielman, Alan Wichman, and Cliff Wilson.

RIDE LEADERS OF THE YEAR:
The top ten Ride Leaders receiving the most votes were recognized and the top three leaders were recognized as “Ride Leaders of the Year”.
Top 10 Ride Leaders: Mary Derks, Paul Huntington, Kate Kovar, Scott Larson, Augie Muller, Kristine Poelzer, John Pugh, Herb Schultz, Dave Swaab, Julie VanMersbergen, and Tony Wanschura.

Ride Leaders of the Year: Mary Derks, Julie VanMersbergen, and Tony Wanschura.

The top three “C” Ride Leaders receiving the most votes were recognized and the top leader was recognized as ““C” Ride Leader of the Year”.
Top 3 "C" Ride Leaders: Paul Huntington, Herb Schultz, and Dave Swaab.

“C” Ride Leader of the Year: Herb Schultz

The top New Ride Leader of the Year was recognized.

New Ride Leaders of the Year: Paul Huntington and Jan Kujawa (tie)

OTHER VOLUNTEERS:

Other volunteers were recognized as well - all who went the "extra mile" by committing time and effort to specific tasks and committees. They are as follows:

Activity News Editor: Doug Nelson
Advertising Coordinator: Kristine Poelzer
Board Members (2003-04): Tony Anthonisen, Lisa Austin, Mike Beadles, Charles Breer, Carolyn Caswell, Mary Derks, Pete Hawkins, Kay Mitchell, Liz Sands, and Dave Swaab
Board Nominating Committee: Rebecca Lawrence, Liz Sands, & Steve Scholl
Budget Committee: Mike Beadles, Charles Breer, Pete Hawkins, Tony Stifter, & Terry Quam
E-mail Group Moderators: Jim Graves, Valerie Olson, and Darryl Zurn
Financial Reports: Paul Arsenault & Terry Quam
Holidazzle Coordinators: Kristine Poelzer & Mary Swanstrom
Hotline: Larry Miller
Insurance Coordinator: Pete Hawkins
Jersey Committee Coordinator: John Murphy
Leader Liaisons: Pete Hawkins, Kristine Poelzer, Patt Seleen, and Dave Swaab
Membership Coordinator: Dave Erick
New Member Welcoming Committee: Carolyn Caswell, Mary Derks, Tony Stifter, & Dave Swaab
Photo Albums: Phil Doi & Valerie Olson
Ride Schedule Coordinator: Jim Pederson
Ride Statistics Coordinator: Julie Timm
Rider Safety Education Task Force: Pete Hawkins & Liz Sands
Treasurer: Tony Stifter
Volunteer Coordinator: Stephan Kieu
Watermelon Committee Co-Chairs: Sharon Boesch, Irene Erickson, Susan Hacking, and Patt Seleen.
Web-Ride Task Force: Charles Breer, Mary Derks, Phil Doi, Pete Hawkins, Kate Kovar, Jim Pederson & Liz Sands
Webmaster: Phil Doi
WOW Committee: Lisa Austin, Hugh Gitlin, Jim Graves, Jan Kujawa, Michael McNutt & Julie VanMersbergen.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR:

Kristine Poelzer and Tony Stifter

Again, congratulations to all award winners and a special THANKS to ALL VOLUNTEERS! Your efforts are what make TCBC such a great club!

BAHRAM DANESHVAR

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that TCBC member Bahram Daneshvar, 50, tragically lost his life in a bicycling accident on February 3rd while cycling with other members of TCBC in Central Texas. Fellow club member Charles Thiele, who was riding with Bahram at the time, was hospitalized as a result of the accident.

Bahram was Chief Engineer with Zeiss Corporation in Minneapolis, working in motion control and computer-aided manufacturing and measuring machines. He developed systems for Ford Motor Corporation, Boeing, General Motors, and numerous other international companies in the U.S. and Germany.

Bahram was adventurous and a fun-loving person who enjoyed this world to its fullest. He was often seen on bicycle rides with a big smile on his face. Bahram will be missed by many who rode, traveled, and enjoyed life with him. He had two children; a son, Mark, and a daughter, Parvin.

REMEMBERING BAHRAM
By Michael McNutt

I really don’t know how to explain to someone who has never been bitten about biking fever. Unless you have it you can’t understand. Many in the club have a mild case. More than a few have advanced cases from which I doubt they’ll ever recover. The thing that I find strange about this odd group of strangers who share this malady is how it binds us all. Even riders that we don’t know from the club and elsewhere are a member of your family if for no other reason than sharing this virus.

I’ve met plenty of riders I don’t like and many who no doubt don’t like me, but I always have felt a kinship and level of trust with them because of the disorder we share. From the C rider with their first pair of biking shorts to the AA who just finished the brevet, I know what they’re about and I love them for sharing this infection with me.

I got to meet one of those who were still in the early stages of the fever this last week on a trip to Texas with other members of the club. While I had seen Bahram at other rides, I had never had the chance to talk to him. A dinner at Bill Corty’s house last Monday night helped correct that. After several Shiner Bocks, Lance’s favorite, and a great meal, I sat by a wonderful fire and talked with Bahram along with Sue Blum and others.

Talking and listening to Bahram was an experience. A gentle and kind man who you could tell was very intelligent, he was careful to explain his views on the politics of the day while still getting his point across. He was happy to be in Texas riding and sharing food and fun with friends old and new. From Iran, and a Muslim, he brought a different view to things than you might hear from others. It was a fun evening and while driving back to the motel I remarked to someone how somebody who was from a different culture could have this disease we all share.

When the group split up Thursday, Charlie and Bahram went “short.” While all of us were at the bat overlook, Charlie and Bahram were hit by a pickup truck on the shoulder of Highway 16 coming back into town. Charlie was hurt but will be okay to ride again. By Friday he was asking about his Brooks saddle from the wrecked bike. He had ridden on it for over 30 years, a man with a long-term case of the fever. Bahram died at the scene, leaving behind not only a son and daughter as well as extended family, but a bike club and other riders who will miss him.

LAST-MINUTE ADDITION: BIKE U ON FEB. 26

Come join the ooooh’s and aaaah’s while viewing a power point presentation of our trip to Switzerland last August/Sept. It was Berway’s surprise anniversary trip to Mary Swanstrom. WOW!!!

We’ll have a potluck gathering at 6 PM and the slide show at 7:00. Bring goodies, snacks, and/or healthy food and come hungry! Beverages, utensils, plates, and cups provided.

Address is the Coldwell Banker Burnet, 1501 West American Blvd in Bloomington (where we used to meet 2-3 years ago). It’s on the west 35W frontage road, just south of 494. It’s across from the Saturn dealer.

INVITATION TO BIKE U ON MARCH 5
PAC Tour Ridge of the Rockies Video Presentation

All TCBC members and interested guests are invited to a special video presentation by our very own John Pugh, with assistance from Scott Larson. John and Scott will tell the story of their challenge to conquer the “Ridge of the Rockies” in September 2004 on a tour organized by the legendary Lon Haldeman and Susan Notorangelo.

The 18-day trip from Canada to Mexico averaged 108 miles per day with significant climbing on most days, adding up to over 85,000 feet of total climbing. The program will feature a DVD about two hours long that John produced from video and still images which he and Scott managed to shoot during the ride. The scenery was spectacular, the roads were mostly great for riding, and the winds were often ferocious. Come enjoy the show!

TIME: 4 PM – 6:30 PM, Saturday, March 5 (program will start at 4:30)

LOCATION: REI Bloomington store, at 494 and Lyndale. The presentation room is to the right through the shoe department. Come early and shop at REI!

 

MINNESOTA IRONMAN RIDE – WELCOME BACK!
By Jon Ridge, Executive Director, HI-Minnesota AYH

The 39th Annual Minnesota IRONMAN Bike Ride returns to Lakeville, MN on Sunday, April 24. We like to think of it as one large party, exclusively for bicyclists. While viewed by many as the official kickoff of the Minnesota bike season, we realize many TCBC members have been riding all year. Still, welcome to the IRONMAN and thank you for joining us as either a rider, volunteer, or both.

Hostelling International – Minnesota AYH organizes and hosts the IRONMAN. TCBC serves as co-sponsor and partner. Last year 4,200 rode with us. Clouds and light drizzle marked the 2004 event…. with a traditional headwind on the home stretch from Northfield. Just another grand IRONMAN. Weather never seems to stop good riders. Many TCBC members have ridden on more than 20 IRONMAN events and other members have volunteered for more than the same.

Event organizers this year are making only minor changes to the routes. We’ll be scaling down the mileage on the 100-miler. We’ll confirm the exact mileage in the Rider Confirmation Newsletter. Again riders can expect great food and beverages at all our rest stops. Jordan, Belle Plaine, Montgomery, Lonsdale, and Northfield will serve as indoor rest stops to support the 100-mile riders.

PARK TOOL USA is back as our title sponsor. Having the world’s premier manufacturer of bike tools headquartered in our own back yard is a plus. Park Tool staff will again support the riders with their BOB trailers in tow. And the PIONEER PRESS has joined us as our media sponsor. We’ll be using March as our promotion’s month in the newspaper.

Thank you for joining us on April 24 (and possibly other volunteer dates) – It’s just too much fun to miss.

OTHER INFO: TCBC members can renew their membership on the IRONMAN registration form. Registration info (on-line and mail-in) can be found at www.IronmanBikeRide.org and is linked to the TCBC website. Routes of 30, 62, and 100 miles are offered. Start and finish are again at Lakeville High School. Registration fee is $30. IRONMAN Hotline is 651-251-1495. No safety presentation is planned this year. Riders will be reminded to ride responsibly and within the law.

 

MINNESOTA IRONMAN BIKE RIDE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Mark your calendars. The Minnesota IRONMAN Bike Ride is Sunday, April 24th, in Lakeville for its seventh year. Registration brochures arrived in riders’ homes in early February. Already cyclists are gearing up for the official beginning of spring...the IRONMAN Ride!

As is true with an event of this magnitude, hundreds of volunteers help ensure the success of the IRONMAN each year. Once again, WE NEED YOU! If you are a returning volunteer, share the fun by recruiting some friends or family members. If you are new to the IRONMAN, we are ready to welcome you. The IRONMAN makes a great service project for church groups, scout troops, and civic clubs too. We strive to provide a fun event for riders and non-riders alike. Following is just a sampling of the many volunteer opportunities available:

REGISTRATION PROCESSING: Join the group on Monday evenings after 5:00 P.M. to help process rider registrations. The location is the HI-AYH office, 622 Selby Ave. St. Paul. These 'work' parties (actually fun social occasions) will continue until the week of April 11. Bring a friend. No experience necessary. We can train anyone. Call the HI-AYH office at 651-251-1495 for details.

LEAFLET DROP: On Saturday, April 16, volunteers will meet to drive the routes and distribute flyers to notify the residents and businesses of Dakota County, a week in advance, that the IRONMAN will be coming through their communities. Sarah Hartmann, 952-545-6151, will determine a time and meeting place.

RIDER PACKET STUFFING PARTY: Come anytime after 5 PM on WEDNESDAY, April 20, to Hope Lutheran Church, 5728 Cedar Ave (the usual site, in south Minneapolis near Lake Nokomis) and join a jolly bunch of volunteers strolling along the tables and 'stuffing' 5000 rider packets. Bring your own 'rubber finger'. Food, beverages, and hospitality will be provided at this social event.

SATURDAY SETUP: April 23 is a big volunteer work day in Lakeville, starting at 10 AM at Lakeville High School. We have registration tables to set up, merchandise to sort and fold and bag for each registrant, merchandise tables to set up, supplies to pick up and deliver, etc.

REST STOP SETUP: Starting between 1 and 2 PM, we need lots of help as we set up the rest stops. There are hundreds of details all day in Lakeville, so you'll have plenty to do whenever you come. Lunch and beverages will be provided. The term 'the more the merrier' really applies here. A strong crew helps complete the work that much faster.

DAY OF RIDE VOLUNTEER POSITIONS: We provide a window of support to the riders that start at 5:30 AM and proceeds nonstop until after 5:30 PM. There are many volunteer opportunities for riders and non-riders alike to share in the excitement of this day long event. Choose a shift, or stay all day. Briefly they include: direct parking, rider registration, post-ride check-in, distribute t-shirts, rest stop worker, route corner marshal, ride marshal (TCBC ride leaders only), first aid certified medic, sag driver and sag co-pilot, ham radio operator, merchandise table and HI silent auction, TCBC booth, and evening pickup.

CLEAN-UP CREW: Exhaustion sets in and a fresh crew of volunteers is being sought this year to help us clean up. You’ll be our hero for helping to pack the trucks at Lakeville HS.

Contact Sarah Hartmann, IRONMAN Volunteer Coordinator, at 952-545-6151, or sarahart@juno.com to request the complete volunteer packet. All volunteers receive a complimentary IRONMAN or IRONWOMAN t-shirt. Finally, to request an IRONMAN registration brochure, contact the HI-AYH office at 651-251-1495, or check out the website: www.ironmanbikeride.org. You may even register for the ride on-line. We hope to see you at the IRONMAN!

 

SPRING JERRY LOOMIS MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE WEEKEND
By Bob Bryan

The spring JLMBW in the woods outside of Cable, WI, on Fri-Sun, May 20-22, is the time for mountain bikers to enjoy the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) Off-Road Bike Trail System. There are 300 miles (15-20 miles of new 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 Telemark Resort (toll free 877-798-4718), or our headquarters, the Lake Owen (Alpine) Resort (toll free 800-872-9370). 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 Fri, Sat, and Sun rides, signing in at the events. 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.

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 A/B, B and C rides from here. SUNDAY RIDES: Your choice. Do the traditional Esker Trail meditation ride. Or a slower, more casual ride on the Glacier Trail. Or??? Both 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 the rides, contact Bob and Karen Bryan. Please let me know if you are planning on coming.

 

IN BRIEF

NEXT ACTIVITY NEWS DEADLINE will be Monday, March 7.

2005 TCBC LEADER FORUM: Attention all TCBC active and inactive leaders! This year’s Leader Forum will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, April 2, at the Brooklyn Center Community Center. The exact times haven’t been set as of yet, but active leaders will receive a postcard in late March, and lapsed leaders should watch the website for details. All trained TCBC leaders are welcome to attend if they wish to lead rides this year. Please address any questions to your Leader Liaisons, Patt Seleen and Pete Hawkins.

POLAR BEAR RIDE on January 1 had 60 riders to start the year! Temp at ride start was 22 degrees, with no snow on the ground but light snow falling. Soon after the ride ended, freezing rain and slush was cascading down. That was a close one!

E-MAILS: Mike Beadles is now Mrbikey@mn.rr.com, and Katie Angle is at 763-208-3595, katie.jim@comcast.net.

BAY AREA TRIP in April has been cancelled.

ANNOUNCING the 2nd Annual Hello Hinckley overnight trip! Sun and Mon, July 31 and Aug 1. It’s a TCBC overnight A/B paced ride round trip from the Twin Cities to Hinckley. Co-leaders are seeking fun-loving comrades who enjoy riding in a group. Enjoy rest stops and lunch together, then group dinner – all Dutch treat. Must be self-sufficient cyclists with skills and experience of road and group riding plus equipment in riding 75-80 miles per day each day. Sunday has an optional extra 25-mile loop. Overnight bags will be shuttled to Hinckley and back, with no sag provided. Each rider pays portion of baggage shuttle fee and gas costs for scouting route. Hotel rooms at special group rate. Call for more details or check www.bikeTCBC.org. Co-leaders: Dave Swaab, 612-709-1174, swaabd@hotmail.com, and Kristine Poelzer, 651-633-1127.

WINTER WEATHER: Pretty favorable for biking. Only 11 total inches of snow as of early February! Ridiculous, as some of us view it. Each month from September on has had above average temps overall.

CENTERVILLE PROJECT: Anoka County will be reconstructing County 14, which passes through downtown Centerville between Interstate 35E and 35W. This will take place in 2006 and 2007. The full distance will have 8-foot shoulders, and some segments will have three or four lanes. Those of us who bike it know it really needs help.

RAILS TO TRAILS CONSERVANCY INTERNATIONAL TRAIL LINK CONFERENCE will be at the U of M campus the week of July 25.

Metro Transit has retrofit most of its bus fleet to include bicycle racks. SW Metro Transit is doing the same. Bike racks have been installed at most LST stations.

FORD BRIDGE: Both counties and cities have met to discuss improving safety at both ends of the bridge over the Mississippi. On the western end, the existing trail will be paved from the northern bridge approach down the hill to the parking lot near West River Parkway. This segment will curve towards the west and intersect with the sidewalk in a much safer location. Goal for this project is this spring.

PARKS AND TRAILS COUNCIL OF MINNESOTA has purchased Mississippi River riverfront property that will allow a trail to be built linking the Paul Bunyan Trail near Brainerd to Crow Wing State Park. Separate parcels total 1.7 miles of continuous river footage.

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY has declared 2005 as the Year of Fitness in Minnesota, “When Minnesotans make the personal choice to give fitness a higher priority in their lives.” The state will be promoting fitness as an important part of healthy living. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This conflicts with trends such as: state park budgets have been reduced 38 percent in the past four years; state trail budgets are below 1995 levels; routine trail repairs have been delayed.)

ACCORDING TO SILENT SPORTS magazine, there is a growing threat to parks and trails by ATV’s, all-terrain motorized vehicles. Wisconsin is considering granting control of state recreational trails from the state to counties and municipalities. This means, for example, that ATV’s could be allowed on some bike trails. The damage they can do to trails not designed for them is fairly obvious, plus there is the loss of quiet and isolation for silent-sports types like hikers, runners, and bikers. There are now over 200,000 ATV’s registered in Wisconsin, outnumbering even snowmobiles, and their owners are organizing and want access to ride on more public land. This issue will continue to grow, especially during state budget deficits.

RECOMMENDED FOR FUNDING by the LCMR, which need to be approved by the state legislature, include:
$1 million for the Mesabi Trail
$500,000 for the Gitchi-Gami Trail along the North Shore
$400,000 for the Paul Bunyan Trail near Bemidji
$300,000 for a Cannon Valley Trail bridge replacement

GREG LeMOND: The three-time Tour de France winner from Medina was awarded over $3 million recently by a federal jury. LeMond had a ten-year contract with a bicycle accessories maker, who dropped him before it expired because of Lance Armstrong’s “emergence as the dominant American cyclist.”

 

A BIKIE WANNABE
By Marina Lim

My first jersey was an ill fitting mens’ cut with overly-long sleeves in a zany combination of purple and fluorescent green with blotches of fuchsia. It read “Campagnolo” diagonally across the chest and had caricatures of a Pac man head & crossbones next to shouting words: Yo Eddy! Team Fat City Cycles. I thought it was cool.

Actually it was too hot because I used it in the summer not knowing it was a winter jersey. I wore black spandex cycling shorts with underwear lines that showed through. Under a purple helmet my long black hair rippled in the breeze- an attempt to draw attention away from my double roll of midriff flab.

The plan was to own 3 jerseys to use on 3 rides in a week, so they could be hand washed together once every 7 days. In time I discovered a market full of womens’ jerseys which fit better and come in numerous shades of pink. After a lot of retail and online shopping I eventually ended up with a different jersey for every week of the year. Meanwhile my brother informed me that cycling shorts are designed to be worn solo.

I rode around the block a lot, doing cardiac interval training. One day my neighbor determined that I must be a cycling enthusiast. He pulled me into his house and asked which of 4 different $300 bikes would I recommend that he buy. He presented printouts of specs and information of the bikes. The components listed were none I’d ever heard of before and were made by companies other than Shimano or Campy. My answer was “Hmmm.…”

I have a three-year subscription to BICYCLING magazine. When meandering in a bike shop the whiff of tire rubber makes my heart jump. Sometimes I hang around a bike store just to chat with the mechanics and customers (the store should install an oxygen bar and sell fruity drinks). Each week at the gym I lift weights with my workout partner and do 3 cardio sessions to get lean and fit, although I don’t seem to be getting leaner lately. A kitchen cupboard is stocked with Clif Mojo bars, Gu, Gatorade mix, Ultima Replenisher and many matching water bottles. Am I a fanatic?

I contacted my cousin, Larry Kemp, a 51-year-old racer in Seattle, WA, and I asked him how many bikes he has. He replied, “It’s almost embarrassing - six. I have a Fondriest compact aluminum for racing. A Schwinn Traveler that’s been converted to a fixed gear, a Seven Cycles coupled titanium and an Erickson steel with fenders for riding in the rain. I’m waiting for a Co-Motion time trial and I’m selling a steel Fondriest so that leaves five.” When not working as an engineering manager he vacations at racing camps in Europe. Larry is dedicated to his team, Jet City Velo, and he shows up at every training ride even when it pours rain. He calculated the gradient of every hill within 100 miles of Seattle and put the information in a database for his own use and for anyone in the club who wants to know.

When I learned all this about Larry, I decided I was not a true bikie. I have a really long way to go.

 

NEW TCBC MEMBERS

Welcome to the club:

Becker, Michele & William
Brown, Robert
Cullen, Dan
Erickson, Lee
Lonnee, Dominick & Michael
Lovhaug, Avonelle & Loren
McCabe, Scot
Nicholson, Bill & Peggy
Parsons, Chuck
Portnoy, Gary
Search, Jan
Sherve, Bruce
Zacher, Warren

 

2004 STATISTICS
By Doug Nelson

139 people biked over 1000 TCBC miles in 2004, a new record by one! Women over 1000 miles tied the record – again – of 47 women. A new record of 29 people had over 3000 miles.

Sue Blum set a new record of nine years over 3000 miles, and Tony Stifter tied the record of six years over 4000 miles.

Tony S. had the 4th-highest men’s total mileage ever, and the 2nd-highest number of rides. He averaged 35 miles per ride. He is the fifth man to finish second at least one year and go on to become the champion in a later year.

Katie Angle led the entire year, wire to wire, and averaged 40 miles per ride. She had the 8th-highest women’s total ever, and the highest total since 1999.

TOTAL RIDES WOMEN: Angle 130, Seleen 123, Erickson 104, Nelsen 95, Derks and Dust 94.

TOTAL RIDES MEN: Stifter 228, Block and Johnson 158, Larson 152, Nizielski 146, Franco 137.

Mileage totals 2000-2004 (five years inclusive); the top three each:
MEN: Mike Nizielski 23,900; Tony Stifter 21,300; Jim Joy 20,200.
WOMEN: Katie Angle 13,400; Liesa Miller 13,100; Susan Evan 12,800.

LEADER TOTALS

LED THE MOST “C” RIDES:
60 Herb Schultz
44 Augie Muller
30 Clareyse Nelson

LED THE MOST “B” RIDES:
41 Dave Swaab
28 Julie Van Mersbergen
23 Jan Kujawa

LED THE MOST “A/B” RIDES:
24 Susan Evan
22 Chuck Sunder
22 Tony Wanschura

LED THE MOST “A” RIDES:
17 John Pugh

RIDER CAREER TOTALS

YEARS OVER 1000 TCBC MILES:
24 Doug Nelson
23 Pete Hawkins
22 Dick Hartmann
18 Meg Schaefer
17 Eric Kuno
16 Bob Hoffman
15 Dona Devine, Tom Devine, Jeff Johnson, Lee Thielman

YEARS OVER 2000 TCBC MILES:
12 Eric Kuno
11 John Raines
10 Sue Blum, John Miller
9 Dona Devine, Lee Thielman
8 Paul Arsenault, Tom Devine, Bob Hoffman, Ray Lujon, Jim Majewski, Shelby Miller, Tony Stifter

YEARS OVER 3000 TCBC MILES:
9 Sue Blum
8 John Miller
7 Shelby Miller, John Raines, Tony Stifter
6 John Beulke, Bob Dean, Susan Evan, John Gamradt, Lee Thielman

YEARS OVER 4000 TCBC MILES:
6 Bob Dean, Tony Stifter
5 John Gamradt, Paul Lee, Mike Nizielski
4 David Gepner, Mike Leibfried, John Raines

YEARS OVER 100 TCBC RIDES:
6 Sue Blum, Bob Dean, John Gamradt, Tony Stifter

LARGEST TCBC RIDES IN 2004

(Includes rides with people signing up for mileage credit)

Sept 4 All-Club Ride 157
April 25 Ironman 115
July 4 Watermelon 104
Aug 7-8 WOW 100
April 17 Tin Man 81
January 1 Polar Bear 76
April 3 Straw Man 72
Sept. 12 St. Paul Classic 63
October 30 Halloween 63
Sept. 12 Lord of the Rings 60
August 22 60/60 55
May 8 Done by One 53

TCBC Contacts

ACTIVITY NEWS is published by the Twin Cities Bicycling Club, formed in 1993.
Mail and checks should be sent to TCBC, PO Box 131086, Roseville, MN 55113.

TCBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT: Mike Beadles
VICE-PRESIDENT: Dave Swaab
SECRETARY: Charles Breer
Mary Derks
Lisa Austin
Pete Hawkins
Katie Angle
Scott Larson
Paul Huntington

OTHER TCBC POSITIONS

TREASURER: Tony Stifter
COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Kristine Poelzer
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR: David Erick
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Doug Nelson
SCHEDULE COORDINATOR: Jim Pederson
WEBMASTER: Phil Doi
RIDE STATISTICS: Julie Timm
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Stephan Kieu

Contact ACTIVITY NEWS Editor: Doug Nelson if you have information at 2800 Hamline, #208, Roseville, MN 55113. (651-639-9917) tcbcdoug@mtn.org  Deadlines will usually be during the first week of the month for the next month's issue.

To submit items for the Activities Schedule, send e-mail to Jim Pederson: schedule@biketcbc.org