American Bicyclist Jan/Feb 09

Jan./Feb. 2009 www.bikeleague.org

League of American Bicyclists

ALSO: 2009 Tourfinder and Ride Guide Florida’s Dive into the Loop

Working for a Bicycle-Friendly America

Going Green!

FOR THE

2009 National Bike Summit March 10-12, 2009

CONTENTS

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FEATURES

GOING FOR THE GREEN Be a part of the 2009 National Bike Summit and be part of the transportation movement.

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FLORIDA’S DIVE INTO THE LOOP

2009 TOURFINDER AND RIDE GUIDE

Revisit Kay Semion’s inaugural Sea Loop ride.

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lci flashback It’s back to the 1980s for Claudia Nix as she recalls the events leading up to her LCI certification.

Your resource for where to find your perfect ride or tour. For a complete 2009 Almanac, visit www.bikeleague.org.

DEPARTMENTS 2........................... VIEWPOINT 3........................... CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE 5........................... LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES 26.......................... GIVING

Cover shot: Summit 2008 attendees participate in the Congressional Bike Ride. The 2009 ride will be held on Friday, March 13.

American Bicyclist 1

VIEWPOINT

bICYCLES ARE HERE TO STAY Riding home from work in Washington, D.C., the Friday after New Years was a treat.

The weather was surprisingly warm, and it just felt good to get some exercise after a somewhat lazy few days over the holidays.

Passing through Falls Church, Va., on the W&OD Trail, I passed a family with two small kids who were obviously trying out their brand new bikes – the kids were smiling broadly; the parents looked a little more apprehensive. “That’s the future of cycling, right there,” I thought.

A little further along, a guy on in-line skates rolled by me headed in the other direction. I wondered how many kids got in-line skates for Christmas this year. Ten years, even five years ago, the trail would have been packed with new skaters. Twenty years ago, probably skateboards or some other device were all the rage. Today, we worry that the Wii or latest Playstation game is capturing our kids’ imagination and their willingness to get outside and play in the real world.

And yet, somehow through all the fads, distractions and fancies, the bicycle endures. Sure, technology, gadgets and new materials have improved our bikes and the equipment that goes along with them but the basic design and operation of the humble bicycle remains constant. Remarkably efficient. Simple. Clean. Healthy. Fun. Heck, the way Detroit’s big three automakers are headed, we should easily outlast the age of the internal combustion engine!

Our job in 2009 is to keep reminding lawmakers, the media, our neighbors and co-workers of the marvels of bicycling. As we debate economic stimulus packages, climate change legislation, transportation funding and health and wellness policies, we need to keep telling the enduring story of the bicycle. As we invest in our communities and in our own futures, we must remind ourselves of the incredible potential of bicycling to improve our lives.

Make this the year you volunteer to help your local group, teach others about cycling and explore your own community from the saddle of a bike. You’ll never regret it, and your enjoyment of bicycling will endure.

STOP PRESS: Congratulations to incoming Board Members Rob Sadowsky and John Siemiatkoski, and returning member Amanda Eichstaedt. We sincerely appreciate the huge contributions given by outgoing (retiring) Board members John Allen and Jim Sheeshan.

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THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS THELeague LEAGUEofOF AMERICAN bICYCLISTS The American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the The League of American Bicyclists, founded in 1880 as the for fun, League of American Wheelmen, promotes bicycling Leagueand of American Wheelmen, bicycling advocacy for fun, and fitness transportation, andpromotes works through fitness andfor transportation, and works through and education a bicycle-friendly America.

Theadvocacy League represents education bicycle-friendly The LeagueWith represents the interestsforofa the nation’s 57America. million bicyclists. a current the interests of nation’s affiliated 57 million cyclists, bicyclists.including With a current membership ofthe 300,000 25,000 membership of 700 300,000 affiliated cyclists, includingworks 40,000to bring individuals and organizations, the League individuals and 600 organizations, the League works to bring better bicycling to your community.

Contact League officers, better bicycling community.

Contact League1612 officers, directors or staff to at your League of American Bicyclists, K Street, directors staffWashington, at League of American Bicyclists, 202-822-1333; 1612 K NW, Suiteor 800, DC 20006-2850, Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006-2850. Phone: bikeleague@bikeleague.org, fax: 202-822-1334.

202-822-1333; e-mail: bikeleague@bikeleague.org, fax: 202-822-1334.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Allen, johnallen@bikeleague.org bOARD1OF DIRECTORS Region (CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT) John Allen, johnallen@bikeleague.org, Region 1 (CT, MA, ME, Harry Brull, harrybrull@bikeleague.org NH, NY, RI, VT) Secretary, Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE,brull, NM,harrybrull@bikeleague.org, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY) Harry Region 5 (AR, AZ, CO, IA, KS,Brustin, LA, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY) Gary garybrustin@bikeleague.org, AtWI, Large Amanda Eichstaedt, amandaeichstaedt@ Gary brustin, garybrustin@bikeleague.org, At Large bikeleague.org, Chair, Region 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) Amanda Eichstaedt, amandaeichstaedt@bikeleague.org, RegionFalvy, 6 (AK, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA) Lisa lisafalvy@bikeleague.org, At Large LisaHoffman, Falvy, lisafalvy@bikeleague.org, At Large Bill billhoffman@bikeleague.org, Region 2 (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV) Mike Greehan, mikegreehan@bikeleague.org, At Large Mike Nix, mikenix@bikeleague.org, At Large Ellen Jones, ellenjones@bikeleague.org, Region 2 (DC, DE, MD, Bruce Rosar, brucerosar@bikeleague.org, Region 3 NJ, PA, WV) (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA) Martha Roskowski, martharoskowski@bikeleague.org, At Large Jim Sheehan, jimsheehan@bikeleague.org, Region 4 (IL, IN, MI, OH) Jim Sheehan, jimsheehan@bikeleague.org, Region 4 (IL, IN, MI, OH) Eric Swanson, Treasurer, ericswanson@bikeleague.org Don Sparks, donsparks@bikeleague.org, Region 3 (AL, FL, GA, Hans Van Naerssen, At Large, hansvannaerssen@ KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VA) bikeleague.org Tim Young,Tyree, timyoung@bikeleague.org, AtAtLarge W. Preston prestontyree@bikeleague.org, Large Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, phyllis5377@cs.com Paul Wessel, paulwessel@bikeleague.org, At Large STAFF Phyllis Harmon, Director Emeritus, phyllis5377@cs.com Meghan Cahill – Director of Communications Andy Clarke – President STAFF Alison Dewey– –Executive BFC Program Andy Clarke DirectorSpecialist Walter Finch –– Advocacy Director Dana Dudley Staff Accountant Lorna Green – Director of Operations Lou Elin Dwyer – Advocacy Coordinator Elizabeth Kiker – Vice President Walter Finch – Advocacy Director Bill Nesper – Director, Bicycle Friendly Community Program Lora Golann – Membership Assistant Jeff Peel – BFC Program Todd McDonald – ProgramSpecialist Coordinator Lisa – –Membership and Events Assistant Bill Reitz Nesper Program Manager Sharon Thorne – Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Preston – Director of Communications Preston Tyree – Education Director Director Marthea Wilson – Deputy Executive AMERICAN MAGAZINE LEAGUE OFBICYCLIST AMERICAN bICYCLISTS MAGAZINE Editor: Editor:Meghan ElizabethCahill Preston Art ArtDirector: Director:Studio StudioDD Design Design Editor EditorEmeritus: Emeritus:Phyllis PhyllisW. W.Harmon Harmon American 0747-0371)isispublished publishedsixsixtimes times yearly AmericanBicyclist Bicyclistmagazine magazine (ISSN (ISSN 0747-0371) byyearly the League of American Bicyclists, Inc.Inc. © 2008 League by the League of American Bicyclists, © 2007 LeagueofofAmerican Bicyclists. in wholeinor in part permission AmericanReproduction Bicyclists. Reproduction whole or inwithout part without permis- is prohibited.

Article queries addressed to elizabeth@bikeleague. sion is prohibited.

Articleshould queries be should be addressed to the editor at org.

Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, or artwork, is your elizabeth@bikeleague.org.

Your submission of manuscripts, photographs, warranty that the material infringes rightson of others or artwork, is your warranty in thatnotheway material in no on waythe infringes and material be material published additional thethat rightsthe of others andmay that the maywithout be published withoutapproval. adOpinions expressedOpinions by writers are their and notown necessarily ditional approval. expressed byown writers aredotheir and do reflect not the policies of the the League. necessarily reflect policies of the League.

CHAIR’S PERSPECTIVE Amanda Eichstaedt

Chair, League of American Bicyclists

EQUALITY FOR CYCLISTS

L

ast year Dan Gutierrez and I wrote an article entitled “The Sixth E,” in reference to adding an additional E to the existing five E’s commonly used in transportation: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Evaluation. The sixth E is Equality as it relates to the other five and how that pertains to bicyclists having equal status under law as users of the transportation system, including public roads and facilities.

At a recent board meeting the League of American Bicyclists Directors adopted an Equity Statement adding this sixth E (Equity). As a policy statement for the organization this means that in addition to the above five standard E’s, the Bicycle Friendly Community Program and other programs will consider Equity when considering a community, business or state for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum recognition.

If you have ever had anyone shout at you while you were bicycling on a street to get in the bike lane/ path etc., you can relate to why we need this sixth E. There are states that have mandatory side-path laws on the books and other states that prohibit bicyclists from leaving the bike lane (some exceptions generally apply). But what if the bike path that is suitable for your early morning commute is not suitable for your bicycling use on

a Saturday afternoon when families, skaters and dog walkers abound? You want the right to ride the road. What if you leave the bike lane to make a vehicular left hand turn and have a crash, even if you are not at fault in the crash? Because you left the bike lane you have fewer rights? Not cool.

While several of these types of laws are on the books throughout the US, many of them are not actively enforced and are often overlooked. We do not want to lose our rights to ride the roads. Cyclists rallied for the Good Roads Movement – and we are still rallying – for equitable status.

The Equity Statement and the “Sixth E” article can be viewed at the LAB web site www.bikeleague.org. The chart below shows the relationships of the six E’s and how they relate to one another.

Although this is not the stuff of glamour and glitz, it is exactly the type of work that the League is doing day in and day out to protect your rights as cyclists. I’m proud of this work and pleased to work with a supportive and engaged board and a skilled and talented staff at the League – we are working for you!

American Bicyclist 3

LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES

letters to the EDITOR EMBARRASSED ON TWO WHEELS

DEAR EDITOR,

Yes, I have been embarrassed while commuting but it was when I offered to help someone with a flat. I stopped and asked them if they needed assistance, and they accepted. I kindly removed a tube from my seat bag and changed the tube for them. When we inflated the tire, air was leaking. It was funny but also a bit embarrassing.

I did have another tube in my pack and put that tube on. That one was good to go.

The tube in my seatpack had been there a long, long time. The tools and CO2 cartridges had worn not one but multiple holes in the spare tube. I was glad I had an extra but that left me without a spare the rest of the day. Luckily, I had no flats. Murphy liked me that day.

So yeah, check your spares every once in awhile. I now put my spare tubes in a paper towel, then a plastic baggy before I put the tube in the seatbag. At least that is what my girlfriend tells me to do.

So far, so good.

Shad Holland, Saint Paul, Minn.

CROSSWALK IS GETTING CROSSED OVER

DEAR EDITOR,

The letter in the Nov/Dec 2008 issue uses a picture of cyclists crossing an intersection of a designated bike path and a surface street. It is then implied that this appears to be an infraction of the law.

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There is a green traffic signal for the bike path. This is an actual green light on a traffic signal, typical of any at intersections nationwide. This crossing is not a designated crosswalk, as the bike route sign clearly indicates with “BIKES ONLY” and is posted directly beneath the traffic signal!

Simply stated: This does not appear to be an infraction of any law. This bike route most likely would be governed under laws similar to those for bus or carpool lanes. Only bikes should make use of this portion of the thoroughfare.

Gail Lawveri

SMOOTH RIDE

DEAR EDITOR,

As I rode in this morning in Houston, I was amazed at how smooth and quiet my ride was. Of course, I bought a $2 break-apart link for my chain and took it off Saturday, dumped the chain in some kerosene and brushed off all the sprockets and other moving parts with a paintbrush, toothbrush and solvent — it made a huge difference. I’d love to hear tips from other readers and riders on how to cheaply and easily improve a bicycle.

John Preston, Houston, TX

HELMETS REVISITED

DEAR EDITOR:

America was founded as a free society, where adults may engage in risky activities if they consider the risk acceptable. Adults may

ski, skydive, and ride a bicycle, for example, though many consider these activities too risky for themselves. I occasionally commute to work by bicycle, though a portion of my ride is in a city where there is an obvious risk of being hurt by a car. Some co-workers do not do so because of this risk.

Many of the “helmet” letters published use an argument based on financial loss to others. The ongoing socialization of medical care is often used to make a wide variety of activities illegal. The problem is how medical care is funded, and this is independent and irrelevant to the question of a helmet law. If the risk was financially significant on a large scale, medical insurance companies would require helmet use for coverage or require separate insurance policies for bicycle riding. Note that they don’t bother. Those using this argument should work on fixing the medical care funding problem, rather than imposing limits on an infinite list of fun activities.

Please be concerned that the same argument can and will be used to limit where bicycles can be ridden. It applies equally well to my commute through the city.

Regardless of the presence or absence of a helmet — nearby cars are a significant risk. The bicycle helmet is helpful against falling on the pavement but does very little against a car at more than 10-15 mph impact. Anyone using the medical care argument to make an adult helmet law must also argue that bicycles should be illegal in high traffic areas.

By the way, I always wear a helmet and encourage everyone to do the same. But covering your head is your choice, not mine.

Keith Bessette, Mullica Hill, N.J.

DON’T RING MY BELL

DEAR EDITOR:

I cannot agree with Elizabeth Kiker’s “Viewpoint” in Nov/Dec 2008 issue, “Say ‘on your left’ or ding your bell. Loudly.” when passing another bicyclist. In my experience, either can cause negative reaction. More so, I’m sure, if either is done loudly.

The League would do better removing the requirement that in many jurisdictions bicycles need to have a bell. Not usually enforced, I know, but has been source of police harassment.

Demetri Kolokotronis, Life Member, Saugerties, NY

right hand lane. The other rider was on the sidewalk. As soon as the gate started to go up, the rider rode around it and cut into the street. I proceeded to follow the rider, who ran three red lights. I passed the rider when they were going straight through a right turn only lane. The rider was wearing a helmet and a yellow visibility vest.

My wife may know who this rider is but I’m deliberately leaving out any description.

Does anyone reading this have a suggestion on what to say to someone when their riding habits are, how shall we put it, creative?

Steven Leiby, Life Member, Lansing MI

TINY TYPE REVISITED

DEAR EDITOR:

In the Nov/Dec issue of American Bicyclist a reader complained about small type and especially on colored backgrounds. You agreed, and the next page included a small print article on an orange background. Page 9 had an article on a light yellow background but was legible because the print was boldface. Page 10 was back to small print on color. And on and on.

I know you’re trying to be visually pleasing, but at the expense of legibility and everyone else who is

reading it. Yes, I’m a crabby senior who hopes good sense will win out.

Howard Paul, Des Plaines, Ill. Editor’s Note: We are working to improve our readability with lighter backgrounds and larger fonts. I’m sorry you still weren’t able to read it all clearly … we will continue to strive to improve!

OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH

DEAR EDITOR:

Thank you for subscribing me to American Bicyclist magazine.

And congratulations to Elizabeth Kiker on her new addition.

The only thing that is disappointing regarding your magazine is that the majority of its content is mostly relevant to USA residents. I still enjoy the magazine.

Helge Buddenborg, Sarnia, Ontario

BREAKING THE RULES

DEAR EDITOR:

I’ve been debating how to frame the following question.

While riding to work last summer, I encountered a bicyclist who works in a different downtown building than I work in. I was stopped by a train the last time I saw this other rider. I was in the

thanks for your letters

We eagerly await all of your comments — good and bad — on cycling, the League, our publications, and just about anything else you want to tell us about. E-mail meghan@bikeleague.org, fax your letter to 202822-1334 or mail it to us at 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006.

Letters may be edited for style and length.

American Bicyclist 5

LEAGUE NEWS & NOTES

SAVE THE DATE! 2009 Bike Rally July 31 - Aug. 2, 2009 Winona, Minnesota www.bikewow.org

Upcoming Events National Bike Summit March 10-12, 2009 Washington, D.C. Be a part of the smart transportation movement and help build bicycling into the transportation bill.

Bike to Work Week May 11-15, 2009 Check www.bikeleague.org/ programs/bikemonth for info and special events.

Smart Cycling Conference June 18-20, 2009 San Jose, Calif.

Learn about Smart Cycling and network with your peers.

National Bike Rally: Weekend on Wheels July 31 - Aug 2, 2009 Winona, Minn.

The League National Rally of Cyclists.

WEEKEnd On

WhEELs

2009 Bike Rally Winona, Minnesota Join the League at our 2009 Annual Rally: The Twin Cities Bicycling Club’s Weekend on Wheels in Winona, Minnesota.

Participants will enjoy southeastern Minnesota’s majestic bluffs and Mississippi River views, along with scenic country roads and charming rural vistas. Winona is a past host to numerous national cycling events, as well as an annual triathlon, and is legend among regional cyclists for the variety of cycling experiences it offers.

Weekend on Wheels is a three-day weekend that caters to all cycling levels and needs. Ride one, two or three days, with your choice of mileages. Choose dorm-style lodging at Winona State, or choose locally available hotels and B&B options. Join your cohorts for a social or a meal … or not. It’s all up to you!

Weekend on Wheels offers several routes each day, specially mapped by local experts. Routes feature both planned rest stops and routing that allows for stops at gas stations and parks for additional refills of bottles and hydration packs.

The Rally will also include: • League Traffic Skills 101 class on Friday • Welcome Social on Friday evening • Information from regional cycling organizations • Mountain biking!

Watch for more details! Visit www.bikeleague.org.

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Congrats

2008

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DS &S R A AW CTION SELE

Clubs of the Year!

Congratulations to the 2008 Clubs of the Year, as determined by League staff and Board. If you think your club deserves to be on this list next year, contact your regional board member in the fall and let them know: we’ll let you know when!

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REGION 1.

Narragansett Bay Wheelmen (Rhode Island) The NBW is a stalwart member and supporter of the League’s education programs. One of the largest and most active clubs in the Northeast, they offer hundreds of rides each year — there are cue sheets for more than 150 great rides on their website — and maintain close connections with statewide and local advocacy issues, including the Providence Bicycle Coalition.

REGION 2.

Sussex Cyclists (Delaware) Sussex Cyclists is a relatively new, small club that took the initiative to address a high bicycle crash rate among international workers in the resort areas of the Delaware shore.

REGION 3.

Richmond Area Bicycle Association (Virginia) Another long-standing League affiliate with an incredible ride schedule — a dozen members rode more than 100 club rides in 2008, including one who rode on 245 rides — they play an increasingly active role in local advocacy and charitable activities.

REGION 4.

Silver Wheels Cycling Club (Ohio) Silver Wheels is a classic League club! Just over 10 years old, they have around 200 members, one major ride (Dog Days Wine Tour) and a menu of more than 400 rides during the year. They have an active education and outreach program to draw more people into cycling in northern Ohio.

Thanks to all our affiliated organizations — clubs and advocacy groups — for the incredible work they do to give people the opportunity to ride.

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REGION 5.

Twin Cities Bicycle Club (Minnesota) and Colorado Springs Cycling Club (Colorado) This region covers such a vast amount of territory we had to pick two winners this year. The Twin Cities Bicycle Club boasts one of the most extensive and well-run ride programs in the country and one of the most informative websites around. The Colorado Springs Cycling Club offers every kind of ride from beginner to monstrous hill climbing and advocates locally for bicycle trails, lanes, paths and rider support facilities throughout the Pikes Peak region.

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REGION 6.

Conejo Valley Cyclists (California) We love the CVC because their members are our members, and in recent times they’ve been getting quite involved in making Thousand Oaks and surrounding communities more bicycle friendly. This year they celebrate the 25th anniversary running of the Cruisin the Conejo ride.

American Bicyclist

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Going Green!

FOR THE

Dave from Juneau, Alaska could scarcely believe his luck. He was walking the corridors of the United States House of Representatives flanked by John Burke, president of Trek, and three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond. He made sure we stopped for photos well before we got to our actual destination — the office of Alaska Congressman Don Young, then chairman of the influential Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

BIKE SUMMIT

2009 March 10-12 Washington, D.C. 8 American Bicyclist

In the months leading up to passage of the 2005 transportation funding bill, getting the support of – or at least not being opposed by – Chairman Young was critical for the bicycling movement, and we brought out the big guns to try and make sure that happened. The National Bike Summits of 2004 and 2005 were instrumental in making the case for expanded funding for bicycling – and even though we didn’t get to meet with Chairman

by Andy Clarke Young himself that day, the presence of hundreds of bicycle industry leaders and local advocates on Capitol Hill for one day made a huge difference to the eventual outcome: $4.5 billion for bicycle and pedestrian projects, programs and policies.

Why YOU should go to the

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT

by Hans van Naerssen

“THE PROBLEM IS THIS: If I — mother, wife, teacher, resident, voter — don’t attend the National Bike Summit and let them know that this matters, then other issues will take priority ... bigger roads, etc. will be funded ... and our “HOMEtowns” will lose all that makes them great places to live. I just want to cross the street — without my car, sometimes.”

— Michelle Barrett

Michelle Barrett’s once quiet town is now threatened by proposed development and “improvements” that will prevent her from walking or bicycling with her young kids to school and will require that she drive a half mile to her neighborhood stores. She has discovered that transportation decisions are made at all levels — township, county, regional, state and federal — and that she has to be in touch with all of the players to fight for her rights to walk and bicycle safely.

Last year she took time off from taking care of her children to attend her first National Bike Summit in D.C. The outcome: she met her local congressman who is a member of the transportation committee. He listened to her concerns, followed up and is now supporting her efforts to make the community bike and walk friendly.

This is similar to my experience. As a result of going to the National Bike Summit for the past few years and visiting with a number of local congressional representatives, senators and their aides, more bicyclist needs

are now on their radar.

Why do they take time to listen? Not many local voters go to D.C. Usually it is the endless stream of beltway lobbyists, the suits. When a local voter makes an appointment, they take the time to meet and listen.

As a result of our Bike Summit efforts, they ask how they can help. They share how they have supported bicycling. And they remember me and our concerns for bicycling.

And it just feels good going there, expressing our opinion and having the chance to be heard.

Conversely, if we did not go to D.C. and did not have a good showing of concerned bicyclists, we would be a non-issue — our fight for bicyclists’ rights on the road, for equitable funding and policies would fall on non-existent ears.

I hope you will join us this March in D.C. to ask for our fair share of transportation funding (we now get 1.5 percent), to ask that Complete Streets and Safe Routes to school become a reality everywhere and to help make a difference for all bicyclists.

American AmericanBicyclist Bicyclist 99

For more information, visit bikeleague.org/conferences/summit09 The contacts made during these pivotal meetings in Washington, D.C. have helped swell the ranks of the Congressional Bike Caucus to more than one-third of all members of Congress, and have resulted in countless local projects being funded, ribbons being cut and bike rides being taken by members and their staff.

We gain [so much strength] in presenting an organized, single voice on Capitol Hill for one day: bicycle dealers, tour operators, local advocates, business leaders, mountain bikers, racers and everyday cyclists alike, speaking with one voice.

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Last year’s National Bike Summit, with a record number of 525 participants, helped pave the way for passage of the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act — something we had asked for in almost every previous Summit — and a Resolution of the House of Representatives endorsing the need for a national bicycling strategy. The case statement made by this resolution documents the many benefits of getting more people riding, an essential precursor for catching the attention of busy lawmakers being buttonholed by everyone from librarians to chicken processing equipment manufacturers.

Fast forward to March 10-12, 2009. The stakes at the National Bike Summit this year are incredibly high.

In the next few months, Congress and the new administration will debate

how massive economic stimulus packages and climate change programs will be implemented. A new transportation bill — which some estimate could have a half-trillion dollar price tag on it – will be written. The funds from these three pieces of legislation will indelibly shape our communities for decades to come, at least as profoundly as the Interstate Highway System has transformed our communities and our travel habits: bicyclists have simply got to be at the table.

And that’s why we convene the National Bike Summit every year. To be at the table. To speak up for cyclists and cycling issues. It’s a lot of work to put together and a major investment of time and money — and the impact of the National Bike Summit has been priceless, both to the League and the

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE TUESDAY, MARCH 10 Orientation for First Timers Welcome & Opening Keynote Dinner

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 Continental Breakfast General Session

• • • • •

Breakout Sessions The America Bikes agenda for transportation policy Bicycle advocates and industry leaders united for change Enhancing the National Park Service Climate Change: transforming ideas Making local transportation choice a major national priority

• • • •

Breakout Sessions Complete Streets: the next generation Getting our fair share in the transportation bill Urban trails and jump parks Becoming best friends with transit Keynote Luncheon

• • • • •

The Congressional Bike Ride is a favorite of every Summit; it will be held this year on Friday, March 13.

Breakout Sessions Safe Routes to School times three An urban agenda for the next transportation bill The case for federal investment in bicycling and promoting natural surface trails to real estate developers Back to the Future: affirming the rightful place of bicyclists in transportation policy Creating a Bicycle Friendly America Delivering Our Message Amphitheater State Delegation Coordination Amphitheater IMBA Delegation Wrap Up IMBA Delegation Wrap Up & Dinner League Annual Meeting Amphitheater

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Capitol Hill Rally and Continental Breakfast Rayburn House Office Building Meetings with Members of Congress Capitol Hill Increasing the Number of Bicycle Friendly Workplaces International Trade Center Congressional Reception Russell Senate Office Building

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 Congressional Bike Ride Garfield Circle, Capitol Hill

American Bicyclist 11

Last year’s National Bike Summit, with a record number of 525 participants, helped pave the way for passage of the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act — something we had asked for in almost every previous Summit.

broader cycling movement. Indeed, we have always said that we “convene” the Summit because of the strength we gain in presenting an organized, single voice on Capitol Hill for one day: bicycle dealers, tour operators, local advocates, business leaders, mountain bikers, racers and everyday cyclists alike, speaking with one voice.

A lot of people come to the Summit having never participated in anything like this before; some have never even been to Washington, D.C. Your high school civics lessons will flood back to you as a team of Washington insiders give you the low down on meeting etiquette, the topics of the day, where to find bathrooms between

2009 National Bike Summit

keynote Speakers announced

Keynote speakers have been announced for the 2009 National Bike Summit! The opening banquet of the 2009 National Bike Summit, Tuesday March 10 at 6 pm, will feature Andreas Rohl, head of the City of Copenhagen’s Bicycle Program Office — 36% of trips in Denmark’s capital city are made by bike, and Andreas’ job is to increase this to 40% or more! Also on the program for that evening is the presentation of the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools’ James L. Oberstar prize. The award will be given by none other than Congressman Oberstar himself.

Wednesday morning’s opening plenary will be kicked off in traditional style by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), with a discussion to fol-

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low featuring prominent players in the upcoming transportation bill authorization.

Wednesday lunchtime our focus shifts to the critical links between transportation, land use, recreation and physical activity. Our featured speaker is Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in metropolitan Washington, DC. The Conservation Fund protects the nation’s legacy of land and water resources in partnership with other nonprofit organizations, public agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals. Through land acquisition, community initiatives, and leadership development, The Fund and its partners demonstrate sustainable conservation solutions emphasizing the integration of economic and environmental goals.

meetings, what arguments you need to present and how a bill becomes law in reality. This year we are beefing up the pre-Summit training and preparation to make your meetings on the Hill a bigger success.

All around you are Summit graduates who not only know the ropes but have actually developed relationships with their Congressional offices and members of Congress over the years.

Because the Summit is just one day in the year, it’s a critical day — and an exhilarating one — as you see hundreds of others walking the halls with garish bike pins on their freshly pressed suits. Ultimately it is just the start of a series of meetings and of a relationship in which you educate, inform and encourage your elected representatives to support an agenda that will enable bicycling to flourish in our communities.

The Bike Summit isn’t unique — you’ll see other groups following the same path on the same day. The Bike Summit isn’t rocket science — it’s about getting you in the door to meet with your Members of Congress. But the Bike Summit does have a bit of magic about it. Our participants are passionate, eloquent spokespeople for bicycling and our issue is so timely and relevant that even cynics who’ve spent a lifetime on the Hill are moved by our message, or at least by one of the pedicabs we have getting people from one side of the Hill to another! Every meeting with a member generates a story, a memory and an opportunity.

We’d love to have every one of our members come to the National Bike Summit – even if it’s not this year. You’ll get a better impression of what the League is all about and how we fit into the national bicycling movement. Ultimately, you’ll get an incredible and moving first-hand view of how our remarkable democracy works.

LEAGUE OpENS DOORS FOR ANNUAL MEETING The League invites all D.C. area cyclists to its Annual Meeting, Wednesday March 11th at 6.30pm, to hear two inspiring speakers: Andreas Rohl, head of the Copenhagen Bicycle Program, and Jeff Mapes, author of the upcoming book Pedaling Revolution.

Rohl will describe how Copenhagen has become a world class city for cyclists and how we can learn from his city’s example. Mapes will explore the growth of the bicycling movement as a political and cultural force, especially at the local level. Mapes, a two-time Summit attendee, will be signing copies of his brand new book.

Summit attendees are invited to attend the Annual Meeting and to bring family, friends and home-stay hosts to this open meeting.

American Bicyclist 13

Florida’s Dive

LOOP

into the

On November 21, the seventh day of the eight day inaugural ride of Florida’s St. Johns River to the Sea Loop, about 20 cyclists rode into Lake Beresford Park near DeLand to a cheering crowd. The roar though was not about us but about Florida being named four days earlier as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails.

The award recognized Florida’s 5,000 miles of trails, include kayaking and hiking trails in addition to bicycling and multi-use trails, built by partnerships that began in the late 1970s and have expanded as more people discover the benefits of trails, especially multi-use trails. The 266 mile St. Johns to the Sea Loop represents how visions can come together to make trails a reality.

This unique bicycle ride, which will be offered to the public as a weeklong annual tour by Bike Florida (www.bikeflorida.com), shows off the state’s unique ecology and culture: the prairie landscape along the meandering and powerful St. Johns River, once laden with steamships; historic St. Augustine, which is the nation’s oldest lasting settlement; the shores and marshlands along the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway; and the farmlands, wooded highlands and dark water creeks west of the oceanfront.

Now envision this trek filled with its awesome wildflowers and plant life.

The River to Sea loop will become the state’s first wildflower trail, supported by the Florida Wildflower Foundation

“The trail represents a combination of recreation, transportation, eco-tourism, pollution-reduction and health and fitness. [The Loop] emphasizes the history of the state as it moved from conquistadors to astronauts.”

- Herb Hiller

14 American Bicyclist

— a major sponsor of the River to Sea Loop.

Herb Hiller, one founder of the trip, articulates everything the ride has to offer. “The trail represents a combination of recreation, transportation, eco-tourism, pollution-reduction and health and fitness.” He notes that the Loop, “emphasizes the history of the state as it moved from ‘conquistadors to astronauts’.”

As one of the invited cyclists on the Loop’s trial run, the trip was alluring – full of breathtaking sights: porpoises diving alongside the water taxi on the Intracoastal Waterway; lessons in environmental evolution as the sea batters away at the coastline and development erodes natural habitat; and unique Florida oddities, like the seaside drive-in church and the weird unnatural statute of the Indian Chief Tomokie who never existed other than in the naturally beautiful Tomoka State Park.

Today the St. Johns River to the Sea Loop is a combination of bike trails, bike lanes and backcountry roads. By 2013, the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s discovery of “La Florida”, it will be fully developed with bike trails and lanes amongst flourishing wildflowers. This unprecedented commitment was put in writing in September and signed by officials from five east-central Florida counties: Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard. Representatives from state, federal and nonprofit organizations witnessed and supported the event. To

on

Semi y a

By K

emphasize the meaning of this trail, a memorandum of understanding will be placed in a shuttle at Cape Kennedy and flown into space.

The River to Sea trail is built on partnerships beginning 35 years ago.

The initiative started with bicycle activists Hiller, who is now of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Linda Crider, formerly with the state’s office of physical fitness and the University of Florida, who is with Bike Florida.

In 1978 they began working with the public and state government to make trails a part of Florida’s overall road plans. The concept was to tie trail-building to road-building – new roads would include bicycle or multiuse paths. The effort has waxed and waned but has evolved into being a part of public expectation. New state roads, at the least, leave lanes for bicycles.

Later the state opened the Office of Greenways and Trails to work to build trails with state, national and local agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Florida office of the Rails to Trails Conservancy and the Florida Bicycle Association.

The linchpin for the St. Johns River to the Sea Loop was the state’s purchase of a 51 mile rail bed in south Volusia and north Brevard counties.

The thread for that buy was spun about eight years ago within the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, led by Seminole County’s Sandra Glenn who died in 2005. Her mission to buy the rail bed and turn it into a trail was carried on with perseverance by Volusia County Council Member Pat Northey and then Brevard County Council Member Truman Scarborough. They worked steadily with people like Volusia County engineer John Harper to design the trail and gave the project credibility

to assure the state would take them seriously. Playing an important part of the acquisition was Glenn Storch, a Daytona Beach development attorney, whose client owned much of the adjacent land and who promised Northey early on that “we will make this happen.”

Many people worked hard, sorting through property titles and showing doubters how trails can transform communities. Florida’s West Orange Trail, for example, helped revitalize the city of Winter Garden, and the state’s Pinellas Trail helped restore Dunedin.

The state purchase of the 51 mile rail bed, in turn, motivated Hiller. As part of the East Coast Greenway Alliance he worked with the state to build bike trails and bike lanes going from DeLand north to Palatka, roughly par-

Above: About 20 cyclists participated in the inaugural ride of Florida’s St. Johns River to the Sea Loop.

Inset: The River to Sea trail is built on partnerships beginning 35 years ago. The initiative started with bicycle activists Linda Crider (left) and Herb Hiller (right).

American Bicyclist 15

alleling the St. Johns River. There were already lanes and trails in the works to connect inland Palatka to oceanside St. Augustine. So Hiller contacted Bike Florida’s Crider and began planning the November trial run.

As Hiller and Crider see it, the trail could start anywhere along the route but this year it started in Palatka which sits on one of the prettiest vistas of the St. Johns River. We traveled north toward St. Augustine, stopping to view the development of a new nature trail and to visit with Tommy Lee, an Old Florida character who spins yarn about his Bulls Hit Farm, producing potatoes that are made into tasty chips and developing his Museum of Florida Antiques (once aptly described a “museum of stuff ”). In St. Augustine we ate lunch in one of the outside cafes while horse-drawn carriages and tourist trolleys rolled by. The next day we rode south for a spectacular 54 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and through an oak-canopied, marshland drive known as The Ormond Loop to Daytona Beach. We visited the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet where the specialists rehabilitate sea turtles and sea birds. Then we took a water taxi to New Smyrna Beach and rode 50 miles south on roads that paralleled

the 51-mile rail-trail, biking alongside the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and into Titusville where local leaders greeted us with the “Rocky Theme Song” playing on the park’s loud speakers. We then traversed farmland and wooded areas, again paralleling the rail-trail to return to the St. Johns River in Deltona, near DeLand.

Then from Deltona we rode north into DeLand and passed forests and fern-growing agricultural lands. On the last day we boarded a houseboat to journey the last few miles on the St. Johns River.

The end though, seemed like a beginning – a tour built on solid partnerships that were growing. Among the riders were Cyndi Stevenson, St. Johns County Commission chair; Billy Zeits, a St. Johns environmental planner; Jim Tulley, mayor of Titusville; and Charles Paiva, a city commissioner from DeLand – all of whom were sold on the benefits of cycling trails, not just for themselves but for their communities.

Kay Semion is owner of Semion Communications in Port Orange, FL. Read her blog about the trip at www.kaysemion.com. Gainesville Sun editorial page editor Ron Cunningham has wrote a daily blog: http://under.gainesville.com/

River to Sea riders take a break at a rest stop.

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ride guide

Ride Guide A L I S T I N G O F M A J O R M U LT I - DAY, P O I N T-TO - P O I N T O R LO O P R I D ES The National bicycle Tour Directors Association offers an extensive list of three-day and longer bicycle tours and touring events in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and France at www.nbtda.com.

Rides highlighted in yellow are American Bicyclist advertisers.

Winona, Minn.’s Weekend on Wheels is the 2009 League Rally. Visit www.bikewow.org to find out more.

AL AbAMA Johnny Ray Century East Alabama Cycling Club 9/26/09 www.auburn.edu/~lakwean/registrationform.html Terrain: Rolling Choose from 100, 63, 34, or 20 mile routes through the gorgeous countryside of the Alabama piedmont.

ARk ANSAS Arky 100 Arkansas Bicycle Club 10/11/09 www.arkansasbicycleclub.org Terrain: Flat to Hilly 25, 50, 62, and 100 mile loops through the beautiful Grant County countryside.

Highway 71 Classic Bicycle Coalition of The Ozarks 3/1/09 www.bconwa.com Terrain: Flat to Mountain terrain Routes from 30 to 75 miles.

Ozark - Ouachita Tour Arkansas Bicycle Club 4/13-4/20 www.arkansasbicycleclub.org Terrain: Hilly Visit Website for details.

C ALIFORNIA 11th Annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge Santa Cruz County Cycling Club 7/25/09 www.santacruzcycling.org/scmc Terrain: Mountain Terrain Two Challenging Routes: The Century and the Metric Century Challenge.

Cruisin’ the Conejo Conejo Valley Cyclists 5/9/09 www.cvcbike.org Terrain: Rolling to Hilly Conejo Valley Cyclists presents the 25th Anniversary of their great Cruisin’ the Conejo Century.

Grizzly Peak Century Grizzly Peak Cyclists 5/3/09 grizzlypeakcyclists.org/century Terrain: Very Hilly 100 km or 100 miles through the hills of the San Francisco East Bay. Great atmosphere, great roads, great food.

High Sierra Fall Century Sierra Cycling Foundation 9/12/09 Terrain: Visit Website www.fallcentury.org 100 mile course, no stoplights and only one stop sign, along the east side of the High Sierra and into the Mono Basin with views of Mono Lake and the White Mountains.

Los Angeles River Ride Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition 6/7/09 Terrain: Visit Website www.la-bike.org 6 great rides in one, 100, 70, 50, 36, 10 and a kid’s ride and fun fair. Ride through downtown neighborhoods and the LA River Bike Path.

Mulholland Highway Century Different Spokes of Southern California 5/16/09 www.differentspokes.com Terrain: Varies Half, metric, and full century with steep ascents, panoramic views, fabulous food, and fun people.

Northern California Adventure Bike and the Like LLC 5/30-6/6 www.bikeandthelike.com Terrain: Rolling to Hilly Bicycle from San Francisco, along the Pacific Coast, through Russian River Redwoods to Napa wine country!

CONNEC TICUT AngelRide Angelride - Angel Charitable Trust 5/23-5/24 Terrain: Visit Website www.angelcharitabletrust.org/ride Challenging, picturesque ride through Conn. Stay at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp started by Paul Newman for children with cancer and illness. Riders raise a minimum of $1000.

GEORGIA Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) Bicycle Ride Across Georgia 6/6-6/13 Terrain: Visit Website www.brag.org Discover Ga. by bicycle. BRAG is a family- oriented tour. It is not a race.

ILLINOIS 20th Annual Pumpkin Pie Ride Starved Rock Cycling Association 10/4/09 www.geocities.com/Colosseum/2947 Terrain: Flat to Rolling 20th Annual Pumpkin Pie Ride Road Rides, 25/62/100 Trail Rides on the I & M Canal, 15/20/30/45.

Le Tour de Shore 2009 Le Tour de Shore Cycling Club 6/19-6/20 www.active.com/page/ Event_Details.htm?event_ id=1649400&assetId=d7f4cc1a192c-4142-94d7-5a568b Terrain: Moderate 2-day charity bike ride through Ill., Ind. and Mich. via dedicated lakefront and duneland bike paths, and scenic secondary roads.

Ronald Reagan Heritage Bicycle Ride Rock River Valley Bicycle Club 8/16/09 www.rrvbc.net Terrain: Rolling Ride distances of 10/25/50/75/100 miles.

The Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Country Bicycle Tour Decatur Bicycle Club 9/19/09 www.decaturbicycleclub.org Terrain: Flat A bicycle tour through the Amish country side around Arthur, Illinois. An excellent ride for the whole family.

Udder Century - 27th Annual McHenry County Bicycle Club 6/7/09 www.active.com/event_detail. cfm?event_id=1659062 Terrain: Flat to Rolling Pedal (and steer..) along flat to rolling rural routes of 31, 50, 62, 75 (new) and 100 miles through the dairy lands of Northern Ill. and Southern Wis.

INDIANA Amishland and Lakes Michiana Bicycling Association 8/7-8/9 www.mbabike.com Terrain: Flat to Rolling Great short routes for families and longer routes that are more challenging.

Lakeshore Century Calumet Crank Club 9/13/09 wwww.bicycling.org Terrain: Flat to Rolling Cruise the shores of Lake Michigan along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Michigan City’s Lake Shore Drive to New Buffalo, Mich.

k ANSAS Cabin Fever Challenge with Bike Swap Meet and Bike Toss Wamego Community Foundation 3/28/09 www.wam-sag-man.org/cabinfeverchallenge.php Terrain: Flat to Rolling Three routes available: 16, 37 & 54. More information on website.

American Bicyclist 17

2009 ALMANAC Kentuck y Old Kentucky Home Tour Louisville Bicycle Club 9/12-9/13 www.okht.org Terrain: Rolling Weekend ride from Louisville, Ky. to Bardstown and back along the scenic backroads of Ky.

Louisiana 14th Annual Cruisin’ the Bayou Bayou Country Cyclists, Inc. 4/19/09 www.bccbike.org Terrain: Varies Annual fundraiser to benefit charity. Visit website for more details.

Maine 21st Annual Maine Bike Rally Bicycle Coalition of Maine 7/10-7/12 www.bikemaine.org/mbr Terrain: Moderate Over 30 rides to choose from, 10100 miles, both on and off-road rides with local ride leaders.

18 American Bicyclist

ride guide

The Maine Lobster Ride and Roll Bicycle Coalition of Maine 7/25/09 www.BikeMaine.org Terrain: Coastal Four great rides to choose from (16, 30, 50, 100).

Women’s Ride for Heart Health Bicycle Coalition of Maine 5/31/09 www.BikeMaine.org Terrain: Moderate A heart disease awareness event, registration includes 5, 10 or 25 mile ride.

Maryland Kent County Spring Fling Baltimore Bicycling Club 5-22-5/26 Terrain: Varies 4 days of bike rides from 15 to 100 miles. Entertainment in the evenings.

Massachusetts

Michigan

Blazing Saddles Century North Shore Cyclists, Inc. 8/22/09 www.nscyc.org/BlazingSaddles2009 Terrain: Rolling hills Century ride through the rural towns of Boston’s North Shore and southern N.H. Routes of 50, 62, and 100 miles.

3 Trails in 3 Days Friends of Pere Marquette Rail Trail 9/18-9/20 Terrain: Visit Website www.lmb.org/pmrt 3 Trails in 3 Days – bike/skate/run/ walk event encourages visits to the Saginaw Valley, Pere Marquette and Bay County Rail & River Walk Trails.

Cape Cod Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Bike and the Like LLC 9/11-9/18, 9/19-9/26 www.bikeandthelike.com Terrain: Rolling Enjoy the fall foliage season in New England cycling the nooks and crannies of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Climb to the Clouds Charles River Wheelmen 7/19/09 Terrain: Hilly www.crw.org A Century ride to Mt. Wachusett in Princeton Mass.

One Helluva Ride (OHR) Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society 7/11/09 www.aabts.org Terrain: Flat to gently rolling, rural Mostly low traffic, rural roads through Southeast Michigan, great lunch and rest stops.

Third Annual Stroll, Walk, 5k Run, or 20 Mile Bike Ride Pink Ribbon Trailblazers 9/12/09 www.pinkribbontrailblazers.com Terrain: Visit Website The Pink Ribbon Trailblazers raises funds for uninsured women to receive a free mammogram.

Minnesota Bicycling Around MinnesotaBAM Bicycling Around Minnesota 8/19-8/22 www.bambiketour.org Terrain: Visit Website The Fourth Annual ride showcases the scenic bicycle routes southeastern Minn. in the Blufflands region.

Twin Cities Bicycling Club Weekend on Wheels 7/31-8/2 www.bikewow.org Terrain: Visit Website.

2009 League Rally – three days of mapped bicycle routes for riders of all abilities, including scenic and historic rest stop sites.

MONTANA Tour of the Swan River Valley Missoulians on Bicycles 5/30/09 www.tosrvwest.org Terrain: Moderate A two day epic ride in the Swan River Valley. 39th year.

Nebrask a Kool-Aid Classic Bicycle Tour Hastings Unique Bicyclists 8/15/09 incolor.inetnebr.com/drewarc/ kaclassic Terrain: Moderate Tour the scenic, paved country roads surrounding the birthplace of Kool-Aid. Choose from 30 or 60-mile routes.

New MEXICO The Santa Fe Century Santa Fe Century and Trail Committee 5/17/09 www.santafecentury.com Terrain: Flat, rolling, moderately hilly A hundred miles of history pass under your wheels as you cycle down the ancient Turquoise Trail.

25, 50, 75, and 100 mile routes.

Tour of the Hamptons Massapequa Park Bike Club 9/26/09 Terrain: Varies Ride starts at Southampton High School, NY (Long Island).

Way North Century Ride Adirondack Cycling Team 9/14/09 www.adirondackcyclingteam.com Terrain: Road, Varies Join the Adirondack Cycling Team on our annual century ride through the beautiful North Country.

NORTH DAKOTA Candisc 2009 Candisc 8/1-8/9 www.ndparks.com/recreation/activities/candisc.htm Terrain: Visit Website Cycling Around North Dakota in Sakakawea Country.

OHIO Dog Days Wine Tour 3 Silver Wheels Cycling Club 8/8/09 DogDaysWineTour.com Terrain: Flat to Rolling Enjoy the dog days of mid-August while following routes of 35/65 miles.

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure 6/20-6/27 www.goba.com Terrain: Flat to Rolling Visit Website for details.

OKL AHOMA

PENNSYLVANIA

OBC Board Meeting Pre-Ride Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition 3/15/09 Terrain: Visit Website www.okbike.org Meet and ride with the OBC board. Members and non-members are welcome.

Girls with Gears: A Women’s Cycling Event Carol For Heart 4/19/09 www.carolforheart.org Terrain: Visit Website 10, 25, 40, 62 mile road rides are offered. All proceeds from this event benefit CAROL For Heart to help educate women on the prevention of heart disease.

OREGON Blackberry bRamble Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARs) 8/2/09 www.eugenegears.org Terrain: Visit Website Century ride with three ride options: 100 mile - 62 mile (metric century) or 43 miles.

Gorge Ride Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway 6/13/09 www.hcrh.org Terrain: Varries The Third Annual Gorge Ride.

Stone Cold Coldstone Creamery Tour Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition 7/12/09 washcobtc.org Terrain: Varies The average medium vanilla ice cream scoop contains about 450 calories; riding a bicycle consumes about 450 calories an hour. Have your cake (or ice cream) and eat it too.

13th Annual Scenic Schuylkill Century 9/12/09 www.phillybikeclub.org Terrain: Rolling to Hilly Join 1,000 fellow cyclists for a picturesque tour through some of the most beautiful and quiet roads Montgomery and Chester Counties have to offer.

SCU Quad County Metric Suburban Cyclists Unlimited 5/9/09 www.suburbancyclists.org/ Terrain: Rolling to Hilly Ride 21, 31, 45, 53, 68 or 76 miles at your own pace on low-traffic back roads.

SOUTH C AROLINA FestiVELO Festivelo 12/2-12/7 www.festivelo.org Terrain: Flat Visit Website for details.

Mad Anthony River Rally Toledo Area Bicyclists 8/1/09 toledoareabicyclists.org Terrain: Flat Visit Website for details.

New YORK Gold Coast Tour Huntington Bicycle Club 7/12/09 www.huntingtonbicycleclub.org Terrain: Varies Tours of the beautiful Gold Coast of Long Island. Various distances and degrees of difficulty.

American Bicyclist 19

2009 ALMANAC TEX AS Armadillo Hill Country Classic Austin Cycling Association 5/9/09 www.austincycling.org Terrain: Rolling Ride through broad valleys, sweeping vistas and gently rolling hills.

VIRGINIA Heart of Virginia Century & Bike Festival Richmond Area Bicyclists Assoc.

9/19-9/20 www.raba.org Terrain: Rolling Ride begins in Ashland, Va. and is through beautiful countryside in an historic area.

ride guide

Knotts Island Century Tidewater Bicycle Assoc.

5/16/09 www.tbarides.org Terrain: View Website Loops of 35, 63, 100 miles touring country roads in Va. and N.C. Century takes a ferry ride.

Surry Century Ride Peninsula Bicycling Association 9/19/09 www.pbabicycling.org/surrycenturyrides.html Terrain: Flat to slightly rolling Experience the heart of Southeastern Va. by bike.

Ride in the Heartland Charlotte Spin Club 9/26-9/27 www.bikeheartland.org Terrain: Rolling Piedmont 100, 64, and 28-mile rides through the rolling countryside of Charlotte County, Va.

WASHINGTON

Shenandoah Valley Century Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition 9/13/09 www.svbcoalition.org/events/ century Terrain: Rolling hills Scenic vistas, small towns, beautiful farms, quiet roads and more.

All routes are paved and have low traffic volume.

Inland Empire Century Tri-City Bicycle Club 5/9/09 www.tricitybicycleclub.org Terrain: Flat to Rolling Ride through open spaces, rivers, wheat fields and orchards of Washington State’s Inland Empire.

WEST VIRGINIA Cheat Mountain Challenge Centuries at Snowshoe Mountain West Viginia Cycling Foundation 8/15/09 www.bikereg.com/events/register. asp?eventid=7347 Terrain: Mountain Terrain Selected as one of the best road cycling rides by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. Jeremiah Bishop, marathon mountain bike rider, called it, “your basic Tour stage.”

Mentor Rides Mountain State Wheelers Bicycle Club 5/1/09 www.mswbc.com Terrain: Varies Every Wednesday May through October. Groups break into 1 of 4 classes A,B,C or D.

WISCONSIN KR Bike Club Annual Ride KR Bike Club 5/16/09 krbikeclub.com Terrain: Flat to Rolling A rcreational Ride through Southeastern Wis. to raise funds for local bicycle projects.

W YOMING Tour de Wyoming Cycle Wyoming 7/12-7/19 www.cyclewyoming.org Terrain: Varies 366 miles across Wyo. and a small area of Colo.

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2009 ALMANAC

tourfinder

Tourfinder contact information and description of commercial b i k e tourgroups Tourgroups highlighted in yellow are American Bicyclist advertisers.

Tourfinder The National Bicycle Tour Directors Association offers an extensive list of three-day and longer bicycle tours and touring events in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and France at www.nbtda.com.

Adventure Center (800) 228-8747 www.adventurecenter.com tripinfo@adventurecenter.com Affordable adventures worldwide including Loire Valley Cycling.

Adventure Cycling Assocation (800) 755-2453 www.adventurecycling.org tours@adventurecycling.org Road Events: Mont., Utah, Ore., Wash. Mountain Bike Events: Colo. Self-contained expeditions, introduction to bicycle touring tours, and leadership training courses.

Adventures in Good Company (877) 439-4042 www.adventuresingoodcompany.com trips@goodadventure.com Come and travel off the beaten path! We offer moderately priced cycling tours for women along the spectacular Maine sea coast.

Alaska Bicycle Tours 877-292-4154 www.cyclealaska.com sockeye@cyclealaska.com All inclusive road and mountain bike tours in Southeast Alaska and Canada of varied difficulty levels from 2 hours to 11 days.

Alaskan Bicycle Adventures (907) 245-2175 www.alaskabike.com bicycle@alaskabike.com Highest quality bicycle tours of Alaska and Canada’s Yukon. All tours are fully supported and include all lodging.

Alyson Adventures, Inc (800) 825-9766 www.alysonadventures.com info@alysonadventures.com Active, adventure vacations for gay men, lesbians and friends.

Bike tours in France, Italy, Iceland, Spain and the USA. America by Bicycle (888) 797-7057 www.abbike.com abbike@aol.com We specialize in long-distance, first class, fully supported bicycle tours featuring five cross country tours with 26 touring options ranging from 5-52 days.

Atlantic Canada Cycling (902) 423-2453 www.atl-canadacycling.com cycling@atlanticcanadacycling.com Fun and friendly tours of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.

Backroads (800) GO-ACTIVE www.backroads.com goactive@backroads.com Trips for all abilities in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Bicycle Adventure Club (858) 715-9510 www.bicycleadventureclub.org office@bicycleadventureclub.org Non-profit club touring all over the USA/world at varied difficulty.

Bicycle Adventures (800) 443-6060 www.bicycleadventures.com office@bicycleadventures.com Regional experts offering bicycling, hiking, multi-sport & crosscountry skiing vacations in the western US, Hawaii, Canada and New Zealand.

Bicycle Africa (206) 767-0848 www.ibike.org/bikeafrica ibike@ibike.org Small group, self-contained, cultural immersion bike tours of varying difficulty to Tunisia, Mali, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda and more.

Bicycle Beano Vegetarian Cycle Tours +44 1982 560471 www.bicycle-beano.co.uk mail@bicyclebeano.co.uk Guided on-road exploration of England and Wales. Delicious vegetarian cuisine, mostly organic (lunchtime veggie and meat options available).

Bicycle SA (South Australia) +61 8 8168 9999 www.bikesa.asn.au office@bikesa.asn.au Great events, advocacy, education and development to improve cycling in South Australia Bienvenidos Tours (248) 225-8199 www.bienvenidostours.com claudiovacas@msn.com Fully supported, reasonably priced bicycle tours in Spain. Native guides will take you through the best and most interesting roads. Great food and wine.

Bike & Cruise Tours (239) 431-6219 www.bikeandcruise.com Info@bikeandcruise.com A unique combo of cycling and cruising. Cycle in a new port daily — let the ship be your floating resort.

American Bicyclist 21

2009 ALMANAC Bike and the Like (877) 776-6572 www.bikeandthelike.com info@bikeandthelike.com Supported & and reasonably priced U.S. & Europe cycling toursNew England, Calif., C & O Canal, Canada, Bike and Barge Holland, Czech Republic & Prague to Budapest.

Bike New England (978) 979-6598 www.bikenewengland.com info@bikenewengland.com Scenic and affordable bicycle tours in the Berkshires, the Massachusetts North Shore and southern Vermont.

Bike Riders (800) 473-7040 www.bikeriderstours.com info@bikeriderstours.com Specializing in luxury travel in New England, Canada and Europe.

Small groups, gracious inns and wonderful dining.

Bike The Big Apple (877) 865-0078 www.bikethebigapple.com explore@bikethebigapple.com Leisurely paced, family friendly tours throughout NYC, on bridges and uncongested streets to vistas the typical tourist seldom sees.

Bike the Sites (202) 842-BIKE www.bikethesites.com info@bikethesites.com D.C. sites and with night tours offered regularly; specialty, custom and group tours available. Bicycle, stroller and scooter rentals available.

Bike the Whites (877) 421-1785 www.bikethewhites.com info@bikethewhites.com Unguided tours for all ages and ability levels offered through the White Mountains of N.H. Bike Vermont Inc. (800) 257-2226 www.bikevermont.com info@bikevt.com The friendly, more personal choice for inn-to-inn bicycle touring.

Superb inns, delicious food and peaceful cycling.

BikeTourReview.com (760) 753-3545 www.biketourreview.com. biketourreview@aol.com A fun and informative website that assists cyclists in finding the right commercial tour operator to fit their needs.

22 American Bicyclist

tourfinder

Blue Marble Travel (215) 923-3788 www.bluemarble.org info@bluemarble.org Small group tours for adults all over Europe. Trips from one to five weeks, prices include the bike.

Borton Overseas (800) 843-0602 www.bortonoverseas.com info@bortonoverseas.com Bike tours in Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Antartica and Kenya.

Breaking Away Bicycle Tours (310) 377-9806 www.breakingaway.com info@breakingaway.com Challenging routes through the French Alpes, Provence—plus world famous Tour De France and Giro D’Italia viewing trips.

Butterfield & Robinson (866) 551-9090 www.butterfield.com info@butterfield.com The world’s #1 ranked active travel company, offers the best biking and walking trips in 34 countries.

CANUSA Cycle Tours (800) 938-7986 www.canusa-cat.com info@canusa-cat.com Fully supported, reasonably priced bicycle tours in the best of the Canadian Rockies. 10% Discount for League Members.

Carolina Tailwinds (888) 251-3206 www.carolinatailwinds.com info@carolinatailwinds.com Fully supported bicycle tours of the Carolina Coast, N.C. Wine Country, Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains with fine dining and charming inns.

CBT Tours (800) 736-BIKE www.cbttours.com information@cbttours.com European cycling tours, custom adventures and superior service at affordable prices.

Chain Gang Cycle Tours Limited 44 (0)1392 66 22 62 www.thechaingang.co.uk/ bernard@thechaingang.co.uk The Chain Gang offers guided tours through some of the most beautiful areas of France and Italy.

Challenge Unlimited (800) 798-5954 www.bikithikit.com info@bikithikit.com Tours of varied difficulty offered in Colorado, New Mexico, Nepal, Costa Rica, Ireland and New Zealand.

Christian Adventures (866) 796-HIKE www.christianadventures.org info@christianadventures.org Challenging youth and adults to grow together in Christ through outdoor adventure since 1978.

Ciclismo Classico (800) 866-7314 www.ciclismoclassico.com info@ciclismoclassico.com Italian and NE bicycling tour specialists. Dreamy, authentic itineraries, native guides, unsurpassed personal service, small groups, best rental bikes in the industry.

Classic Adventures (800) 777-8090 www.classicadventures.com info@ciclismoclassico.com World-class bicycling & hiking vactions since 1979. France, Greece/ Crete, Germany, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Finger Lakes, Erie Canal, Lake Placid, Natchez Trace.

Colorado HeartCycle Association, Inc. (720) 304-9572 www.heartcycle.org tourdirector@heartcycle.org Non-profit cyclotouring club with a 27 year history of multiday SAG supported tours in Colorado, the USA and Europe.

Compass Holidays +44 (0) 1242 250 642 www.compass-holidays.com info@compass-holidays.com Leisurely tours all over the UK. Self-led tours including accommodations in hotels or guest houses.

Country Inns Along the Trail (800) 838-3301 www.inntoinn.com office@inntoinn.com Self-guided tours for independent cyclists offered throughout Vermont. Road biking in the Champlain Valley. Mountain biking in the Northeast Kingdom.

Country Lanes Lakeside Cycle Hire Centre (0044) 07748 512 286 www.countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk lakeside@countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk Britain’s award-winning bicycle touring specialist operates day trips, short breaks and longer tours throughout England.

Country Lanes Windermere Cycle Hire Centre (0044) 015394 44544 www.countrylanes.co.uk windermere@countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk Britain’s award-winning bicycle touring specialist operates day trips, short breaks and longer tours throughout England.

CrossRoads Cycling Adventures (800) 971-2453 www.crossroadscycling.com info@crossroadscycling.com Ride 3,400 miles from Los Angeles to Boston. Vehicle supported, “Business-Class” hotels, free mechanic service, nutritious meals, extensive support!

Cycle America National Park Bicycle Tours (800) 245-3263 www.cycleamerica.com info@cycleamerica.com From the painted desert of the Southwest, to the Canadian Rockies, you’ll see the best North America has to offer.

Cycle Rides Ltd +44 (0) 1225 428452 www.cyclerides.co.uk admin@cyclerides.co.uk Cycling holidays in and around Europe featuring Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Eastern Europe.

Cycletours Holland 0031-020-521-8490 www.cycletours.com cycletoursholland@cycletours.nl Discover the Netherlands the way the Dutch do: from the water and from the saddle of a bicycle!

Cycletours Holland has combined these two unique aspects of Dutch daily life to create Boat & Bike Holidays!

CycleVentures Bicycle Tours (866) 894-0220 www.cycleventures.com info@cycleventures.com Fun, Freedom and Discovery... explore Europe, North America, Africa and Asia at your own pace.

Guided and van supported bicycle tours since 1972.

Easy Rider Tours (800) 488-8332 www.easyridertours.com info@easyridertours.com Bike Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Canada & New England. Spectacular routes, native guides, authentic inns & cuisine, & plenty of local color!

Elk River Touring (866) 572-3771 www.ertc.com ertc@ertc.com Tours of varied difficulty offered throughout W.Va. Escape Mountain Bike Tours & Road Bike Tours (800) 596-2953 www.escapeadventures.com info@escapeadventures.com Mountain biking & multi-sport vacations. Tours in the Southwest, British Columbia and Central America.

Euro-Bike & Walking Tours (800) 321-6060 www.eurobike.com info@eurobike.com Over 30 years experience. All ages and levels of ability. Luxury and Econo-Tours. 15 countries.

Europeds (415) 272- 4388 www.europeds.com info@europeds.com Europeds offers a wide variety of cycling trips for all ability levels in France. Families too!

Experience Plus! Specialty Tours, Inc. (800) 685-4565 www.experienceplus.com info@experienceplus.com Bicycle, Walking and Multisport vacations in Europe, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Family-run since 1972.

4Winds Specialty Tours (509) 736-1027 www.4windstours.com st4winds@earthlink.net Offers guided and self-guided cycling trips in Netherlands, Belgium, France, Denmark and Austria.

Freewheeling Adventures (800) 672-0775 www.freewheeling.ca www.freewheeling.ca/email.htm Guided or self-guided. Canada, Iceland & Europe. Small groups, cozy inns, fabulous food & attentive van support.

Gerhard’s Bicycle Odysseys (800) 966-2402 www.since1974.com gbo@since1974.com European cycling adventures — one and two week tours designed to appeal to all levels of experience. Sag wagon, good hotels & fine dining.

Hellenic Adventures, Inc. (800) 851-6349 www.hellenicadventures.com info@hellenicadventures.com Specializing in travel to Greece, Italy and Turkey: cultural travel, hiking, sailing. Custom trips of all kinds, including cycling trips for groups/individuals.

KE Adventure Travel (800) 630-4415 www.keadventure.com info@keadventure.com Worldwide, vehicle-supported mountain biking adventures and tours to the world’s great mountain ranges. Trips for intermediate to advanced riders.

HighPeaks Bicycle Adventures (518) 523-3764 www.highpeakscyclery.com brian@highpeakscyclery.com Guided road & mountain bike tours in the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. Also offering rock climbing, hiking and kayaking.

La Corsa Tours, Inc. (800) LACORSA www.lacorsa.com info@lacorsa.com Bike tours in France, Spain & Italy especially designed for avid cyclists. Charming hotels, gourmet meals, more miles & better value.

Historical Trails Cycling (402) 499-0874 www.historicaltrailscycling.com tomarmstrong007@yahoo.com Offering fully supported bicycle tours of the Lewis and Clark Trail and the Oregon Trail. Experienced pioneers in bicycle travel.

La Dolce Vita Wine Tours, Inc. (888) 746-002 www.dolcetours.com info@dolcetours.com Custom bike tours at all levels in Tuscany, Piedmont and Italy’s wine regions. Native guides, full cultural immersion, personalized service.

Howie Wowie Bicycle Tours (619) 437-7095 www.hwbt.com france@hwbt.com HWBT is a small bicycle touring company offering personalized discovery of France and Italy by bicycle.

Ibike Tours (206) 767-0848 www.ibike.org/ibike ibike@ibike.org Small group, cultural immersion bike programs for normal active people in Vietnam, Korea, Ecuador, Guyana and Wash. State/ British Columbia.

International Bicycle Tours (860) 767-7005 www.internationalbicycletours.com ibt@sbcglobal.net Van-supported bicycle tours in Austria, France, Italy, Holland, England, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Cape Cod/Nantucket.

Irish Cycle Tours & Walks +353 66 7128733 www.irishcycletours.com info@irishcycletours.com Irish Cycle Tours & Walks specializes in short break, weeklong & customized cycle/walking tours.

Italian Cycling Center (215) 232-6772 www.italiancycling.com info@italiancycling.com Touring and fitness rides from fixed base in Italy. Any length stay, any dates, all meals and wine included.

Le Vieux Moulin Bicycle Center (800) 368-4234 www.lvmoulin.com info@lvmoulin.com Tours of moderate difficulty offered in the Burgundy and Loire Valley regions of France.

Lost World Adventures (800) 999-0558 www.lostworldadventures.com info@lostworld.com Specializing in individual mountain biking adventure trips to the Andes and other Latin American regions.

Lynott Tours (800) 221-2474 www.lynotttours.com lynott@lynotttours.com Guided road tours of varied difficulty levels offered in Ireland, Britain, and New Zealand.

Midwest Scenic Bicycle Tours 800-675-2295 www.midwestscenic.com info@midwestscenic.com Tours connecting with local communities and cultures for a more engaging experience.

Mont Sainte-Anne (800) 827-4579 www.mont-sainte-anne.com info@mont-sainte-anne.com The most spectacular mountain bike network in eastern Canada: Explore our family designed trails or the thrills of the double black/ downhill trails.

Mount Snow Mountain Bike Center (800) 245-7669 www.mountsnow.com info@mountsnow.com Guided mountain bike tours of varied difficulty offered in the scenic Green Mountains.

Mountain River Tours (800) 822-1386 www.raftmrt.com info@raftmrt.com Family fun “mini-vacations” to wild Class V+ rafting. New and Gauley Rivers. Exciting mountain biking packages available.

Nantahala Outdoor Center (888) 905-7238 www.noc.com barbra.rodichok@noc.com Near famous Tsali singletrack, Pisgah, NC Fontana Village, Tanasi and our own trail, Flint Ridge.

New Zealand Pedaltours (888) 222-9187 www.pedaltours.co.nz info@pedaltours.co.nz Fully supported tours throughout New Zealand. Also Australia and Vietnam. Fabulous scenery, excellent bikes, great guides.

Nichols Expeditions (800) 648-8488 www.nicholsexpeditions.com info@nicholsexpeditions.com Guided & self-guided bicycle tours for all ages and experience levels offered in Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovenia, France & Peru.

Noo Funteers 866-539-BIKE cycler@noofunteers.com www.noofunteers.com Fully accommodated cycling trips suitable for beginners to advanced riders viewing some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.

North Iowa Touring Club (641) 435-4482 www.northiowatouringclub.com billneal@fiai.net In 2006, there will be a 900-mile, two-week tour of Nova Scotia in late June/early July.

Old Dominion Bicycle Tours (804) 399- 8349 www.vabiketours.com mike@vabiketours.com Tours through scenic, historic Va., Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace. Hotels, B&Bs, fine dining, custom tours also available.

American Bicyclist 23

2009 ALMANAC Outer Edge Expeditions (800) 322-5235 www.outer-edge.com adventure@outer-edge.com Small group, remote expeditions to destinations world-wide. We offer exciting and unique expeditions that involve biking, rafting, trekking and more.

Overland Adventures (800) 458-0588 www.overlandadventures.com info@overlandadventures.com Summer road and moutain biking adventures for young adults, ages 13-18.

PAC Tour (262) 736-2453 www.pactour.com info@pactour.com Tours, training camps for good riders who want to get better. Specializing in tours across America, Amazon Rain Forest, Provence France.

tourfinder

Pack & Pedal Europe (877) 965-2064 www.tripsite.com hennie@tripsite.com We offer biking, (also for road bikers), and bike & barge vacations throughout Europe at truly unbeatable prices.

Pedal Pennsylvania (215) 520-5758 www.pedalpa.com Info@Pedalpa.com Fully supported cross-state, overnight and single-day tours, since 1995. Featuring the challenging Southern Crossing.

Pared Sur Expeditions 011-56-2-207 3525 www.paredsur.cl paredsur@paredsur.cl Full adventure tourism company throughout Chile, Patagonia, Torres del Paine, Atacama Desert, Easter Island.

Pedalers Pub & Grille (877) 998-0008 www.pedalerspubandgrille.com tours@pedalerspubandgrille.com Pedalers Pub & Grille specializes in bicycle tours in Asia and Alaska. Our philosophy is good rides, good food and good times.

Patagonia Mountain Biking Expeditions (++54-9-11) 5604-1404 www.patagonia-biking.com info@patagonia-biking.com One to four week trips, van supported in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Camping, meals provided, spectacular scenery, excellent leadership.

Planet Earth Adventures (800) 923-4453 www.planetearthadventures.com/ bike.htm info@planetearthadventures.com Specialists in cycling, walking and custom tours in Texas, Ireland, and Scotland since 1987.

Porto Club Travel Services (211) 30 2810 317358 www.portoclub.gr info@portoclub.gr Greece-getaways on two wheelsoutdoor and cultural activity holidays—cycling, mountain biking and multi activity holidays.

League members receive 8 percent discount.

Powwow Bicycle Tours/ Dennard Corp.

(414) 671-4560 www.wisconsinbicycletours.com powwowd@wi.rr.com College dorms, motels & camping. Lightly traveled black-topped routes through scenic Wisconsin farmland; all you care to eat.

REI Adventures (800) 622-2236 www.reiadventures.com travel@rei.com Worldwide trips since 1987. Cycle and multisport tours. Great hotels, food, guides and camaraderie.

Free catalog.

Ride Noho, Inc. (888) 817-6646 www.ridenoho.com info@ridenoho.com Daily rides plus camps and special events with great service in one of the best places to ride in the world.

Rim Mountain Bike Tours (800) 626-7335 www.rimtours.com info@rimtours.com Professionally guided mountain bike tours in Moab, Utah’s Canyon Country, Colorado’s Rockies, Grand Canyon, Oregon’s Cascades & Lake Tahoe since 1985.

Rocky Mountain Worldwide Cycle Tours (800) 661-BIKE www.rockymountaincycle.com res@rockymountaincycle.com Multi-day all-inclusive cycling and mountain bike trips in western Canada since 1977.

San Juan Hut Systems (970) 626-3033 www.sanjuanhuts.com info@sanjuanhuts.com Self-guided stocked (food, water, etc.) hut-to-hut tours of moderate difficulty from Telluride, Colo. to Moab, Utah.

24 American Bicyclist

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides (800) 231-4575 www.symg.com info@symg.com Let SYMG fully outfit your private group tour May-October, mountain biking in the rugged High Sierra backcountry. Meals, tranportation, guides.

Southwest Trekking (520) 296-9661 www.swtrekking.com john@swtrekking.com Road biking, mountain biking, camping, trail running, hiking/ trekking, rock climbing, primitive skills and more in Southern Arizona, Mexico and Alaska.

Southwind Adventures (800) 377-9463 www.southwindadventures.com info@southwindadventures.com Mountain bike touring of moderate difficulty for all abilities offered in Ecuador, Peru and Chile.

Spain Adventures, Inc. (877) 717-7246 www.spainadventures.com info@spainadventures.com Fully van supported bicycle and walking tours through Spain.

Summer Feet Maine Coast Cycling Adventures (866) 857-9544 www.summerfeet.net info@summerfeet.net Portland, Maine based company offering unique tours featuring the best of Maine and New Zealand.

T.C. Tours (314) 739-5180 www.touringcyclist.com info@touringcyclist.com Fully supported tours of varied difficulty and terrain offered in the U.S., Canada and overseas.

Tasmanian Expeditions +613 6339 3999 www.tas-ex.com info@tas-ex.com Twenty inspiring/meticulously researched trips: explore historic villages, quiet country back roads, the fabulous East coast. Support vehicle all the way.

Terrene Tours (206) 325-5569 sporttour@aol.com Tours around the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains. Biking, hiking and snow skiing tours.

Bicycle rental in Seattle.

Teton Mountain Bike Tours (800) 733-0788 www.tetonmtbike.com info@tetonmtbike.com Guided mountain bike touring service in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks and the BridgerTeton & Targhee National Forests and the Dubois Badlands.

Trek Travel LLC (866) 464-8735 www.trektravel.com sales@trektravel.com Luxury cycling vacations throughout the world including leisure, performance, weekend, family and specialty trips. A vacation for every cyclist.

Western Spirit Cycling Adventures (800) 845-2453 www.westernspirit.com biking@westernspirit.com Fully supported, mountain bike adventures all over the West. Our trucks carry all the gear and our guides do all the cooking.

The Bicycle Tour Company 888-711-KENT www.bicycletours.com info@BicycleTours.com BTC trips are geared for cyclists, romantics, history buffs and cultural explorers who want to enjoy getaway adventures guided by and in the care of cycling professionals.

Tulip Cycling +31 (0)33-2460040 www.tulipcycling.com info@tulipcycling.com A bicycle tour company specializing in self-guided individual tours in Holland. Freedom concept, excellent equipment.

WHEEL POWER Christian Cyclists (434) 385-5839 www.wheelpower.org info@wheelpower.org Bicycle trips with a purpose. Our purpose is to unite Christians to come together to Pedal and Proclaim the Gospel.

The Northwest Passage Outing Club, Inc. (800) RECREATE www.nwpassage.com info@nwpassage.com The Northwest Passage offers incredible cycling trips in Crete, Greece, Ireland and South Africa.

Van supported, full service adventure tours.

Thomson Bike Tours (888) 446-5502 www.thomsonbiketours.com paul@thomsonbiketours.com Thomson Bike Tours offer exciting and unforgettable trips to Europe to shadow the great Tours.

Timberline Adventures (800) 417-2453 www.timbertours.com timber@earthnet.net Bicycling & hiking adventure vacations throughout the western U.S & Canada including 38 national parks for those who love to cycle & hike.

Trailblazers Mt. Bike Tours & Rentals (473) 444-5337 www.adventuregrenada.com/ trailblazers.html info@grenadajeeptours.com The perfect way to explore some of Grenada’s most exciting mountain biking trails... and still feel like you are on a Caribbean vacation.

Travel Square One/Agama (800) 468- 6562 www.agama.net paula@travelsquareone.com Guided cycling cultural tours for small groups in Spain, such as: Cycling the Camino, Cycling Castille’s Canal, Cycling La Rioja.

Two Bicycles and a Map, LTD (608) 843-8412 www.twobicycles.com info@bikewisconsin.com Producers of friendly and scenic cycling tours in Wisconsin, France, and Italy.

Untours by Idyll, Ltd. (888) 868-6871 www.untours.com travel@untours.com Self-guided tours of 14-23 days offered throughout Europe and Vietnam. Newest tour- North Tuscany.

Van Gogh Tours (800) 435-6192 www.vangoghtours.com vangogh@vangoghtours.com Tours of easy to moderate difficulty offered in Austria, France, Holland, Italy, and Vermont. Also bike barge tours in Holland and self guided tours in Holland and France.

VeloSport Vacations (317) 642-0501 www.velovacations.com veloreply@velovacations.com Fully-supported cycling resorts and tours through Provence, the French Caribbean, the Pyrénées, the Alps, and in conjunction with the Tour de France.

VBT Bicycling Vacations (800) 245-3868 www.vbt.com vbtinfo@gct.com Tours of varied difficulty in the US, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Vietnam.

Whistler Backroads Mountain Bike Adventures (604) 932-3111 http://www.backroadswhistler.com fun@backroadswhistler.com Spectacular scenery, clear, clean mountain streams, untouched wilderness and great riding with a tasty dinner and warm comfortable bed at night. *WomanTours (800) 247-1444 www.womantours.com info@womantours.com Tours for women only with varied backgrounds and cycling experience. Cross country and week long trips in the USA, Europe and Asia.

World Expeditions (800) 567-2216 www.worldexpeditions.com info@worldexpeditions.ca 7-14 day self-guided tours in Italy, France, Austri, Ireland, Hungary, Scotland, Netherlands and a 20 day trip in Vietnam.

World Travelers, Inc. (800) 927-3876 www.travelsource.com/trekking/ adventure.html info@europeexpress.com Your choice for authentic biking, walking, skiing and customized vacations in Europe and the Canary Islands!

Wandering Wheels, Inc. (765) 998-7490 www.wanderingwheels.org Tours for all ages and abilities offered in the U.S. and Canada.

Established in 1964, coast-to-coast tours since 1966.

American Bicyclist 25

GIVING (NOV-DEC 2008)

O

On this page we acknowledge all those individuals who have contributed $100 or more to the League of American Bicyclists between November and December 2008. Your gifts help provide educational tools to national, state and city leaders; law enforcement; motorists and bicyclists; teachers and students; and parents and children. Above all, you inspire us to continue to reach for new and better ways to advocate on behalf of bicyclists and promote our shared passion. We are grateful for your support.

CHAMPIONS CIRCLE ($5,000 - $9,999) David K. Chase LEADERS CIRCLE ($2,500 - $4,999) Betty Huse Charitable Foundation THE PRESIDENT’S CLUB (Clubs and advocacy organizations that donated more than $1,000) Bike Clubs: Charles River Wheelmen Grizzly Peak Cyclists McHenry Bike Club THE MILLENNIUM CLUB ($1,000 - $2,499) James P. Baross Alan Cannon Richard M. Cashin J Howard DaBois Kevin Doi Bruce D. Dwyer Sam Mudie & Family Brenda Pulley Ron Schneider H. Paul Steiger Jr. Steven & Carolyn Vonderfecht Karin Weisburgh THE CENTURY CLUB ($100 - $999) Bike Clubs: Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Bluegrass Cycling Club Boeing Employees Bicycle Club - St. Louis Brandywine Bicycle Club Chehalis Bicycle, Inc. Cream City Cycling Club Cumberland Valley Cycling Club Delaware Valley Bicycle Club East Carolina Velo Cycling Club Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club Frederick Pedalers Bicycle Club Goleta Valley Cycling Club Hawkeye Bicycle Assoc.

Illinois Valley Wheelmen KR Bike Club Massapequa Park Bike Club Mid Ohio Bikers Onondaga Cycling Club Pequot Cyclists

26 American Bicyclist

Perimeter Bicycling Assoc. of America Inc. Reston Bicycle Club Santa Cruz County Cycling Club Santiam Slow Spokes Silver Wheels Cycling Club Team Hollyloft Toledo Area Bicyclists Velo Duluth Bike Club Wabash River Cycle Club Affiliate Organizations: Greater Houston Off-Road Biking Association Richmond Area Bicycling Association Dealers: Glacier Cycle Hollands Bicycles Foundations: West Viginia Cycling Foundation Individuals: Mark Abrahams Joe Adamick Rucker Agee Diane Albert Jacques Alimusa Gbriel Andaluz James D. Anderson Jill Anderson Aaron Angel Ronald Apfelbaum Leslie Arminski C. Kevin Armstrong Frank Aronson & Family Robert Arthur Russell & Carol Atha & Family Richard M. Auchter George Backus K. Denise & James Badgley W. Rodgers Baird Jeffrey H. Baker & Family Gary M. Bakken Marina Ball Gerald Barck & Family Jim Bartley Jayme Bassett Roger Baty Robert D. Bauer Thomas Bayard Robert Beaumont Bruce Beighley

Charles Beil Kevin R. Benson Daniel Berg Gary C. Berk Mark Bermal Jeffrey Bernstein Mark & Beverly Birnbaum Phil Black Randall C Blake Peter Blitzer Bruno Boettcher Colin Bogart Gerard Boisse Sarah M. Bolster Charles Bond Scott Booth Travis Bos Charlie Bosscher Kim Bottles Terry Bradley Jeffrey Braff Robin Brandt William Branstrup Jr. Kara Breems Ed Bridges David Brigstocke John H. Broocks IV Wesley Brooks Robert Buchanan Art Bull James Burakoff David Burnett Judi Burten Curtis & Debra Burton Max Buten Jerry Cahill Michael Cahn Joseph M.Calabro Ken Campbell James Campen Brain Canevari Greg Cantori & Family Dale Cantwell Aaro Carroll Jeffrey Carter Eric Case Virgil & Louise Castelli Peter Cerar James Chapman David Cheever Evelyn M. Chereson Charles Chesney Jonathan R. Childs John Cibinic John R. Ciecko William J. Cimonetti Scott Clark

Wayne C. Clark Neil Cohen Ala Cole Peter Coles Chris Cornwell John Cotham Jim Covault Arnold R. Cowan Thomas S. Cowles John Crandall Ada Crowl Eric Cutting Peter & Carol Danly Andy Dannenberg Shaun Darragh John F. Dashe Gerald & Arlene Davis Paul R. Davis Robert Davis Every Day Bob De Camp Terence N. Deeks Steve Dehmlow Dennis Delong Charles Denney Kenneth R. Dennis Paul R. Detmer Robert L. Dickinson Wendell Dilling Scott Dion Herman A. Dobbs & Family Ryan Dodge John S. Donovan William H. Drake Tom Drew Kathy Durham David & Carol Eibling Amanda & Ken Eichstaedt Kathleen Eiser Hugh M. Elliott Mike Ellis Marcus G. Engelhardt Walter S. Enomoto Mitchel & Robin Evans Richard W. Ezell Robert Fairfield Don R. Fell Warren L. Fellingham Jr. Harold Ferus Jr. John Fetzer Anthony Fischer Robert Fisher Warren Fisher Kevin Flaherty Arthur Flatau John Fleckenstein Peter Flucke

Michael Flueckiger John Fordham Bill Fouts Michael Freed & Family Beverlee French Bill & Connie Frey Roger Friend Clint Froke Howard Gallup James Gange Gary W. Gemmill Charles Gerhardt Douglas Gillis Ron L. Ginger John Ginther Ross & Donna Glasgow Jr. Phillip P. Godkin Eugene Godwin David Gold Normani Gold Steve Golden Daniel Goldschmidt Lawrence W. Gray Andrew Greenawalt Lee Greenhouse Michael Gridley Jacob Grigsby Phil Grinton Robert J. Gubler Guy G. Haff Patrick Haines Marshall Hall David Hammond Sarah Hancock Perry Haney Kris Hansel Mark K. Harder John D. Hardy Philip C. Heinicke Daniel Heintz Nancy Helm Ronald & Carolyn A. Henrikson Louis G. Hering Lee Herman Michel G. Hiatt Charles Hileman Roy Hill John Hiltner Gregory W. Hinchliffe Mark Hinrichs Robert Hoag Robert D. Hoel Bruce S. Hoffberger Brice L. Holland Charles Holzweissig Joyce Hounsell

Keith Howell Kerin T. Huber Harry Hugel Elizabeth Hunter Susan Immelt Kerry & Mary Irons Mark Ives George Ivey Andrew J. Janz Peter Jarausch Rafael Jauregui-Arias & Family William Q. Jeffries Eric Jensen Travis Jensen Rita Rose Joachim Terry Johannsen Dale S. Johnson G. P. Johnson & Family Joel D. Johnson Michael Johnson Tom Johnson Sandra Jolly Bryan G. Jones Jeffrey Jones Kevin Judson Kristal Kagy Renee & Alan Kailer Pam & Steve Kairies Ken Kasprzak Wendy Keem James J. Kelley Matthew Kelsch Clark Kemble James Kern Bill & Yolanda Kerr W. Joseph Ketcherside & Family Andrew Kilikauskas John W. King III Joseph & Patricia King Donald Kirk Doug Kirk Jeffrey Kirkwood Jennifer Klausner Patrick Kneeland Albert Kong Chet Kostrzewa Brian D. Kraft & Family James M. Kramer Rick Kunkle Steve Lafehr Mark Lander Bobby Landers Robert Lange Irving A. Laub & Family A. Laurino

David Lavelle Larry Layne John Lemire Jeff Levenson Matthew Liebman Ted Link-Oberstar Eric Loch Elizabeth Lohman Ross Lombard Shawn Lucke Carlos Luria Jon Luskin Ross Macartney John T. Magrane Mark Makulinksi Karl Malivuk Harry Manko & Family Paul A. Manley Timothy F. Marks Charles Marvin Russell F. Marx Jeff Maxfield Peter May Byron Mc Bride Ken Mc Caughey John A. Mc Coy Scott Mc Crary J. R. Mc Donald Louise Mc Grody Timothy Mc Guire Jr. George Mc Kenna & Family Hugh W. Mc Kinnon Mary K. Mc Lachlan Katie Mc Nett Liz Mc Nett Crowl Charles D. Mc Pherson Randy Mc Queen Paul H. Meijer Ben Meisler Daniel Mellish Gordon Messer Lori Meszaros Thomas S. Meyer Steve Michaels Joseph Mihalka Roxie Miles & Family Bob Miller William Miskovetz Deena Elkholy Mitchell James Moffitt Clifford Molloy Brian T. Montgomery Paul Montgomery Kirk Moore Magaret D. Moore Thomas A. Moran & Family Matthew Mosner Dale Murphy Mark D Nelson Randy Neufeld P. Andrew Newberry Eugene D. Newton John Nicolich Edward Nicolson Franklin Noel Jerry Norquist Tim Noteboom Van Nussbaum John Obermeier

Matt O’ioole Eric O. Olsen Thomas Olson Robert Oppliger Lawrence P. Pagano Anthony Palermo Dan Pappone Ben Parker Frank M. Parrish Doug Parrow Victoria Paskie James Paul Richard Pearce Barbara Pearson Alton & Vivian Penniman Roberto & Dalia Perelman Maurice Peve David Phillips Jon Pinter Diane Pittman Sue Pitts Theodore Pomarico Don Potts Andrew Poulos Thomas H. Powell James C. Powers John Preston Tom Propst David Pulsipher Merry Rabb & Family David Rakov Duncan Rarity Ricky L. Reaves Michael Regan Richard Reid Kirk A Reinede Ronald Reitz & Family Stewart Resnick Christopher Richtberg Jadine Riley Jennifer Risch William J. Roberts Wes Robinson Dan L. Rogalla Gerard F. Rogers C. Ray Rosentrater Veljko Roskar Gary Rossi Chris Ruona Robert P. Sabin Robert A. Sadowsky Maria Saiz Michael Sallaberry Thomas Samter Harriet & Alvin Saperstein Don & Beverly Sarton Barry Schacht John Schaffers Dave Scheel Kristen H. Scheller Koren & John Schindler Richard Schneider Walter L Senska Jr Gerald Serafino Daniel Shioman David Shreve Larry Shwartz Beth Silverwater Bedford J. Silvey Henry H. Slack

Richard Slaymaker Greg F. Smith Howard Smith Jules L. Smith John & Elaine Snively Joe Snow Parker D. Snowe Michael Snyder Paul H Snyder Brian Solan Stephen Sorensen Joe Stanis Patricia Staples Michael Stelmach Galen Stevens Jake & Pam Stevens Robert C. Stoddart William Stokke Jeff D. Storey Mel Storm John Stowe Nick Stowe Douglas Straight Donald Strauss Richard T. Stuhmer Alan & Barbara Sturges Mark Sullivan Rebecca Summer Mark Suri Richard Swent Linda & David Tacke John Tate John E. Tesner Donna Tew Joseph Thanhauser Mark U. Thomas Ray Thomas Torbjorn Tornqvist Tim Tovar Bruce Treiber Ken Udas Sybren Van Der Pol Kristen Van Metter Hans Van Naerssen Richard Veenstra Mark Velat Lee A. Venteicher Gary Vernon Joe Verreault Barbara Wagner Marilyn C. Waid Christopher W Walker Steve Walther Alan R. Ward Mark A. Ward Robert J. Ward Bellevue Washington Loni & Richard Weber Marian Webber Marilyn & Bill Weedon Elisabeth Wegner Roy Weil Norman S. Weinstein Bill Weir Karl Weis Warren B. Weisberg Patrick Welle John Westgate E. John Whelan

Kenneth Whipple Jr. Mark Whitchurch Adam White Tina Whiteford James Wiant Bobby G. Willett Howard Williams Melanie Williams Thomas M. Williams Anne Winter Steve Wiseman Christine & Michael Wolf & Family John B. Wronosky Leonard Xavier Doug Young Tim Young Victoria T. Zeldin David H. Ziegler Charles O. Ziemer Philip Zitello New Life Members Brian T. Montgomery Hans Van Naerssen William Skerrett Mark Sullivan Marilyn C. Waid Adam White Pacesetters Cindy Albert David & Barbara Anderson Tim Costello Lee Cryer Frederick Ellsworth Kathleen Gish Douglas Hauser Polly Heninger John Ivie David Jones Kevin Kerrigan Ira Lunsk David Madson Edward Matherly Kirk Morrow Timothy J. Ontko Richard W. Pauls Jesse Pelton Earl Pfeffer Roger Pierce Gerald R. Poissant Thomas R. Prager Jack Price Bob Regan Richard Roush William Smith Joe Spigner Balaji Subramanian Phyllis Wagner Cindy M. Winter

American Bicyclist 27

LCI FLASHBACK

By Claudia Nix, LCI Number 104

Claudia’s original LCI certificate, dated March, 1983.

28 American Bicyclist

My husband Mike wanted us both to get our Effective Cyclist Instructorships after we took the “Effective Cyclist” course at one of the League Rallies. We were working a lot with the Boy and Girl Scout programs to help them with their bicycling badges and felt that local adult bicyclists also needed bicycle education. I was a little reluctant about becoming an instructor myself. Mike followed through with becoming an instructor, was number 51, and began teaching classes. I usually helped him teach the classes, and most were held at the local YMCA and YWCA. After a year I figured that I should get certified as well. I remember the written test being very difficult and wondering why I was putting myself through it. I passed and got my certification in March 1983; I was number 104.

We taught a number of classes through our bicycle store, as well as teaching one class for the Rally in Charlotte. It was a great experience and a lot of fun. In the mid 1980’s I had to quite my job teaching adult basic education for the local technical school to run our bicycle business; our partners were no longer able to run it for us. It became difficult to continue teaching the classes, and we let our certification lapse. We continued to be involved in teaching safety programs for the scouts and working locally on bicycle advocacy issues but the time to teach a complete Road One class took too much time and effort. In the past couple of years our store has become more solvent, and now we have long term qualified employees running the day to day duties so Mike and I can take time to pursue other advocacy efforts. The bicycling community in the Asheville area has grown, and there are a lot of individuals returning to bicycle riding who need to be educated in appropriate riding behavior, as well as individuals needing to gain confidence in riding. We are excited about the opportunities available with the Smart Cycling Course, Rodeo Course and Confident Commuter Course that the League has developed with the grant from the National Bicycle Dealers Association.