Bike Month Photo Collage Pg. 3 June 2014 / Vol. 44 No. 6
cascade.org
What You Missed at the Bike to Work Breakfast
Introducing Pronto! Emerald City Cycle Share
The Sheraton Hotel was the place to be on Tuesday, May 6, as more than 900 people packed the banquet room for our 10th annual Bike to Work Breakfast. Guest speaker Jim Zorn—the first Seahawks quarterback—gave MC Willie Weir a run for his money in who was the better comedian while Alaska Air’s CEO Brad Tilden and our very own Elizabeth Kiker moved the room with personal stories. Each year, Cascade presents the Doug Walker Lifetime Achievement award to an individual or company showing exceptional commitment to creating a better community through bicycling in the Puget Sound Region. This year, we chose two recipients: Pat Thompson, Executive Director of the YES! Foundation of White Center and Rick Harwood, Principal of Global Connections High School, for their partnership in bringing the Major Taylor Project to the communities of White Center and SeaTac.
Seattle’s first bike share program “Pronto! Emerald City Cycle Share” will launch in September 2014 with Alaska Airlines as its major sponsor. “Dedicated bike share supporters have been pulling together the pieces of this program, including funding, local partnerships, hardware and the technology,” said Emerald City Cycle Share executive director Holly Houser in a statement. “The presenting sponsorship by Alaska Airlines and passionate support from Mayor Murray put bike share across the finish line and guaranteed that we will put 500 bikes on the street in September 2014.” The first 500 bikes and 50 docking stations of Pronto! Emerald
By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
“You give a kid a bicycle in my neighborhood and it means confidence, it means another path, it means a future,” Pat Thompson stated in her acceptance speech.
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Seattle, WA PERMIT No. 2172
But perhaps the most exciting news came from Mayor Ed Murray, who announced that a pilot project for the 2nd Avenue Protected Bike Lane will be in place before the launch of bike share this fall. The city's pilot bike lane project will help ensure safe trips for anyone biking around downtown, be it on the new bike share bikes or their own bicycles. The pilot project is made possible in part thanks to funding from the Green Lane Project, which selected Seattle as one of six cities to receive financial, strategic and technical assistance to install protected bike lanes. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
TIME DATED MATERIAL
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115 www.cascade.org
The Major Taylor Project (MTP) is a year-round, youth development cycling program produced by the Cascade Bicycle Club that integrates bicycling, healthy living, leadership, bike maintenance, safety awareness and the importance of working toward individual goals. MTP is focused on introducing youth from diverse communities to the recreation of cycling and creating an equitable and inclusive community of bicycling that will continue to future generations. Ms. Thompson and Mr. Harwood have been exemplary proponents of the Major Taylor Project and the students served since its inception.
By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
City Cycle Share will link the University District, South Lake Union, Downtown and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. For the latest news on the launch of Pronto! Cycle Share, visit www.prontocycleshare.com or follow on Twitter at @CyclePronto.
Safe Routes to School by Khatsini Simani, program coordinator
The Cascade Education Department has been busy! In recent months, many communities benefited from Cascade-led assemblies, bike rodeos and school-based programming, such as Basics of Bicycling. And thanks to local and federal support through Safe Routes to School grants, we’ve been working hard to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to school. In April, we collaborated with Feet First, Lake City Greenways and the Seattle Fire Department to host a “Day of Play” at Olympic Hills Elementary in Lake City. More than 150 adults and children filled the playground on a Saturday morning to ride bikes, practice bike handling skills, receive free helmets, hula hoop and get active. Cascade and our partners put on another fun and educational event in White Center: the Westwood & Longfellow Bicycle Rodeo and Block Party. The event included a small Mother’s Day celebration, a bouncy house and a DJ (who played an amazing array of mu-
sic – cue “Cha Cha Slide”), along with a bicycle skills course and free helmets to fit and distribute. West Seattle Cyclery even donated their time and tools to help fix several bikes. Another 150 children and adults attended the Roxhill Block Party. Thanks to a generous donation, we were able to secure two bikes to raffle at the party. That means two lives improved through bike ownership and many more kids with safe riding know-how. The Block Party was a great example of an open and inviting event— it was accessible by foot, wheelchair, bike and bus, and parents helped translate announcements into Spanish so even more people were able to participate. Special thanks to our volunteers from Nathan Hale High School, Cascade Bicycle Club and West Seattle Cyclery who gave their time to help out at these events. For Education Department news, events, photos and more, follow me on twitter @CascadeKhatsini
IN THIS ISSUE: What Biking Means to Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.2 Major Taylor Youth Retreat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.2 An Unforgettable Safety Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.5 Commuter Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.7 Women Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.11
June 2014
What Biking Means to Me By Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director
So, May is wrapping up, and that means my favorite month of the year is over. Back when I still worked in nonprofits in Washington, D.C., a poster on my wall promoting Bike Month got me thinking. “We work in Tyson’s Corner— who could bike here?” I asked my colleagues over lunch. Bob, a seasoned staff member with great style, said, “you could. It’s easy.” I scoffed, and then followed up: “I could? How? “ Elizabeth sports the 2014 Bike to School T-shirt on Bike to Work Day He agreed to meet me on the trail and to bike with me. He showed up in shorts and T-shirt, at 7:30 a.m., and we biked from my home in Washington, D.C. out to the suburbs where we worked—and there was a bike trail the ENTIRE WAY. I had taken the subway along the trail, walked some of the way and driven past it, but I hadn’t biked. It was a life-changing day. These days, these connections, these possibilities are what Bike Month is all about. Just a few weeks ago, as I was riding to work, I struck up a conversation with a woman who worked at the University of Washington. She had started biking to work because of a Commute Challenge team in her office last year, and kept it up all year long. “I even biked in November,” she told me proudly, “and it’s mostly faster for me to bike than to bus or drive!” Days later I watched hundreds of kids ride their bikes to school smiling and empowered. These are the stories of the Commute Challenge. These are the stories of Bike Month. These are the stories we celebrate and share this month. Let’s keep it going all year round—‘even in November!’ See you on the road,
Cascade is working on our strategic plan and we are talking about road safety and what we can do about it. I want to hear from you. Send your ideas to elizabeth.kiker@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Heard at the front desk: Potholes & roots By Dave Eggleston, Front Desk Operative
With Bike Month just finished, a lot of us are back to bicycling, enjoying the fine weather and the many new pathways and road shares around Seattle which are making the region more connected than ever. Unfortunately over the winter new cracks, potholes and roots lifting pavement have occurred around the region. The Front Desk is getting more calls about issues with the roads. Help us get these fixed! If you spot a problem in Seattle, we urge you to do a couple things: • Report it to SDOT, numbers can be found at www.seattle.gov/transportation/contact.htm
• Use the Find It Fix It smart phone app to report it
www.seattle.gov/customer-service-bureau/find-it-fix-it-mobile-app
• In other areas of the region contact the local DOT agency. And, if you’ve been in an accident related to a road issue, contact your local police department and report the incident. Any future questions for our front desk? Call us at (206) 522-3222 or email info@cascadebicycleclub.org. 2
Mutual Aid: Reflections from the Major Taylor Project Youth Action Retreat by Matthew Metcalf, AmeriCorps Volunteer
Beautiful things always happen when community forms. I mean it: every time. Even when we gather to deal with conflict, to deliver bad news, or to grieve loss, our capacity increases when we come together. Peter Kropotkin called this power of cooperation “mutual aid,” which I believe to be an indispensable force in the movement toward a more just world for all. During one weekend last month, the Major Taylor Project Youth Action Retreat was a shining example of why we are stronger together. The Youth Action Retreat (YAR) is an annual weekend retreat at Camp Long in West Seattle. Designed by the Major Taylor Project team, it is intended to provide students with a chance to connect across schools, further explore their larger community by bike, and dive deeper into conversations about issues that affect our communities like structural racism, family, schools, and oppressions against youth. It is also a chance for students and adults alike to try new things and step into leadership roles as appropriate. The weekend kicked off Friday afternoon with students and adult volunteers riding from their respective south King County schools to camp. Upon arrival, it was apparent that everyone had been through a long week; we took a while settling in and getting to know one another through various games and activities. I had imagined that these “icebreakers” would set the tone for the weekend. And, as usually happens when I make assumptions regarding young people, I was wrong. It was not until that night’s barbeque dinner that I had my first taste of the potency of our group. Let me just say this: the adult volunteers who helped with the retreat were amazing! They came and went throughout the weekend, as their schedules allowed, and plugged in and out quickly and respectfully. But here’s the best part about the volunteer presence: they were always supportive, but they never took charge! Together, the adults provided some support for
the youth, yet always left space for students to step up and determine the outcomes for themselves. Starting with Friday night’s dinner, the young people made the most of their opportunities. Every student helped with dinner on Friday, and every meal thereafter. Some grilled burgers, washed produce, or scrambled eggs for their first time. Friday’s meal time became an allegory for the weekend at large: we all pitched in without being asked, much less coerced. Everyone had a say in what we did together and how we did it. With all this mutual aid, what did we accomplish? Some of us climbed West Seattle’s biggest hills without pause; some added anti-oppression vocabulary to their toolkits; some changed the way we view our food system; some went in search of a replacement for a bike wheel that broke at the end of a ride; others made art out of the retired spokes and cracked rim! It was a truly special team effort. I have no doubt that everyone, young, old, and in between, left Camp Long that weekend feeling enriched, energized, and hopeful. My deepest gratitude goes out to our wonderful students and their adult allies for a beautiful weekend of community. Thanks to their efforts, the Major Taylor Project and its YAR prove that we are indeed stronger together.
This July, many of the Major Taylor Project students will set out to accomplish an endeavor that once seemed utterly unreachable: on their bikes, and with the support of the Major Taylor Project family, they will traverse 200 miles to complete the Group Health Seattle-toPortland Classic. Your donation of $150 will provide scholarship funds for a Major Taylor Project student to complete one of the greatest physical challenges--and beautifully rewarding experiences--of his or her young life. Please visit www. cascade.org/donation and consider a gift of $150 to support a Major Taylor Project student today.
www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 6
Thank you to everyone who participated in Bike Month! Together, we showed that the bike can take you anywhere.
Some places we biked to this month: • • • • • •
the Mariners game the Farmers Market School Work the library the grocery store
• • • • • •
the park Bicycle Sundays the beach a new route dinner KEXP
• Bike to Work Day commute stations • Ballard Bike Street Party • a date • local breweries • and many more places
Where did your bike take you? Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
3
June 2014
Say yes to the dress...or slacks, or sweats or overalls.... By Kailey Duffy, AmeriCorps Volunteer
THE COURIER CREW Anne-Marije Rook, Editor Diane English and Chris Partridge, Editorial Assistants Contributors: Kailey Duffy, Dave Eggleston, Elizabeth Kiker, Miranda Kubasti, Matt Metcalf, Josh Miller, Tim O’Connor, Chris Partridge, Robin Randels, Kelli Refer, Anne-Marije Rook, Rebecca Roush, Carol Ryan. Layout by: Tom Eibling
We welcome your contributions! Got an inspiring story or a great photo? We welcome submissions. The editorial calendar is planned one month in advance. If you wish to contribute an article to a future issue, contact the editor as early as possible. Articles and photographic submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Articles submitted after that will be considered on a space-available basis. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space. Queries can be emailed to: amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Advertising: We welcome ads and inserts. To check availability and inquire about prices, please contact Anne-Marije Rook at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org. Let’s be social! Follow Cascade on Facebook and Twitter. @cascadebicycle facebook.com/cascadebicycleclub
CASCADE CONTACTS Home Page: www.cascade.org Office phone: 206-522-3222 or 206-522-BIKE Fax: 206-522-2407 Email: info@cascadebicycleclub.org For many commuters, the question of what to wear while biking can pose a real challenge. In a land where it seems like gear is king, it can be intimidating to hit the road without a full arsenal of made-justfor-biking clothing. That being said, I’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s no “right” outfit for riding your bike. If you wear what you want, what feels good to you while you’re riding and what makes you feel comfortable, you’ll look good and feel great on your bicycle. Maybe this equation leads you to lycra shorts. Perhaps you feel fabulous pedaling in your favorite summer dress. Or maybe you wear a head to toe wool outfit scraped together out of thrift store finds. Whatever it is, the answer is the same: wear what makes you feel good. Many people prefer to wear clothing that doesn’t chafe, that gives your legs plenty of mobility while pedaling and covers up any body parts you don’t want the general public to see (in the front and in the rear while bending over). Other than that, if you’re visible and you have the number one fashion accessory of all time (the helmet!) then you’re doing it right. But here are a few more tips that may make your commute and workday a bit more comfortable. Change at the office If you don’t feel comfortable wearing your commuting clothing during the work day, try packingwrinkle resistant materials (knits, wool, jeans, etc) and roll your clothing instead of folding. If you 4
prefer not to pack your clothing in and out everyday, stash extras at your workplace. Keep shoes by your desk, a suit in your office or drop off a few extra outfits on a day you do drive or bus. Ask your employer about end of route facilities For those of you who prefer to freshen up or shower at the end of a commute, reach out to your employer and find if your job has any onsite lockers or shower facilities. Cascade also offers a best practices guide and self-assessment to help businesses attract and accommodate bike commuting employees. Camping towels are a great packable item that can help get you ready for the work week. While some businesses have learned that a staff that bikes is happy, healthy and productive, some places may not have as many facilities as others to accommodate cyclists. Check out nearby health clubs whose locker rooms are usually equipped hairdryers, lockers and basic toiletries. Be comfortable, be yourself At the end of the day however, the message is the same—wear what makes you feel awesome, inspired and happy to get on your bike, for as fashion icon Gianni Versace one said, “Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” So with that in mind, ride your bike, be comfortable and in the end, the most important thing you’ll be wearing is a smile.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Note: All email addresses are @cascadebicycleclub.org President Charles Ruthford • charles.ruthford@ Vice President Daniel Weise • daniel.weise@ Treasurer Don Volta • don.volta@ Secretary George Durham • george.durham@ Executive Committee Member-at-large Catherine Hennings • catherine. hennings@ Directors Maggie Sue Anderson • maggiesue. anderson@ Dr. Rayburn Lewis • rayburn.lewis@ Mo McBroom • mo.mcbroom@ Joe Platzner • joe.platzner@
Cascade Bicycle Club 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Kiker • (206) 523-9495 or Elizabeth.kiker@ SENIOR STAFF Ed Ewing, Director of Diversity & Inclusion (206) 778-4671 • ed.ewing@ Thomas Goldstein, Advocacy Director (206) 799-7775 • thomasg@ David Lee, Events & Rides Director (415) 203-4578 • david.lee@ Shannon Koller, Director of Education (206) 696-4425 • shannonk@ Serena Lehman, Director of Membership & Outreach (206) 291-4032 • serenal@ Kathy Mania, Finance Director (206) 498-2607 • kathy.mania@
Merlin Rainwater • merlin.rainwater@
Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Ron Sher • ron.sher@
(208) 870-9406 • amrook@
Jessica Szelag • Jessica.szelag@
Tarrell Wright, Development Director
Ed Yoshida • ed.yoshida@
(206) 240-2235 • tarrell.wright@
Cycling? There’s an app for that By Tim O’Connor, Tech Manager
Looking to use your Smartphone to track your bike rides online? Join the club…no, literally - go to strava.com/clubs/cascade and join our Strava Club for Cascade Bicycle Club riders. Cascade is ramping up its presence on bike tracking apps and we’d love to have you join the online community with us! Strava is a free tool to track and automatically log your bike rides by seamlessly uploading them from your Android, iPhone or Garmin. You can follow your friends and coworkers, compete, compare, challenge yourself, share routes, explore
routes, give kudos and comment on your fellow Cascade Bicycle Club riders bike rides! Strava is not as feature rich as many bike apps out there. For the Cascade riders who’re a little more serious about bike fitness tracking, route creating and planning, and a few dozen other features for the more advanced user I recommend joining Cascade’s Group on MapMyRide and RideWithGPS. Keep up to date on the Fitness Tracking Apps by visiting cascade.org/BikePhoneApps
www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 6
An Unforgettable Safety Message By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Hanne and Anni revisit the site where Button was struck and killed by a cyclist
On a warm and sunny spring day on Wednesday, April 9, Anni, Hanne and little Button were enjoying a midday walk in Discovery Park. They come here frequently, escaping the busy city life. “You come here to enjoy nature and because you feel safe,” Anni said. But as they were crossing Illinois Avenue in the fading crosswalk, three cyclists came tearing down the steep descent. With an 8% grade, getting up to speed is easily done. The cyclists avoided the ladies but didn’t see little Button who, as he usually did, walked behind Anni. “I heard a yelp and then Anni screamed,” Hanne said. Anni screamed three times at the sight of her Chihuahua bleeding, dying. Unable to stop immediately, the cyclist returned up the hill and apologized for hitting and killing Button. “We rode single-file, 50 feet apart from each other on the far right of the road. We never saw the dog. We still can’t figure out where it came from,” one of the cyclists commented later.
The cyclist that struck the dog offered to walk Annie and Hanne home or call a cab to carry them there. In disbelief about what had happened, he continued to apologize profusely and offer assistance but nothing registered with Anni who was traumatized and in shock. And so Anni and Hanne walked home with the dead dog in their arms. Anni, a bicyclist and supporter of Cascade Bicycle Club, reached out
to us soon after the incident. Not in anger and not in animosity toward the cyclists, but to share a message of safety. This incident could have eas-
ily been prevented if proper traffic calming measures and signage had been in place. Even a simple stop sign could have brought the cyclists to a complete stop, allowing them to see the dog. We visited the incident site with Anni and were alarmed by the speeds cars as well as bicyclists travel on that steep road. Additionally, visibility is poor. The striping is fading and the sign indicating a crosswalk appears too late down the hill. We believe that speed bumps and increased visibility through better signage and striping can prevent incidents like this from happening again. “From my point of view – and I bike and use a car and walk – I think this park is primarily for people who walk, to get away from vehicles to enjoy nature. And the safety of pedestrians, the most vulnerable of road users, has to be prioritized. You don’t expect to have to fend for yourself here like you do elsewhere. What happened here shows that we are not safe,” said Anni. Cascade staff is meeting with SDOT, Councilmember Jean Godden’s office and others to enhance safety features in places like Discovery Park. While we work on making these roads safer through infrastructure, we’d like to remind all bicyclists that we are not the only vulnerable road and trail users out there. Please adhere to posted speed limits, be mindful of your fellow road users and slow down in pedestrians mixing zones.
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
ALI Graduates on the Move by Robin Randels, Community Advocate
May 14 marked graduation day for the third cohort of Cascade’s Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI). For nine weeks, these intrepid folks devoted their Wednesday evenings to learning more about how to advocate for the things they are passionate about. Those passions are varied and run deep, but all revolve around making it safer and preferable for people to walk and bike around their communities. Weekly guest speakers from city and county agencies included Esther Handy, Legislative Aide to Mike O’Brien; Councilmember Mike O’Brien, Strategic Advisor Bill la Borde, SDOT; Katherine Woods, Andrew Glass Hastings, Transportation Advisor to Mayor Murray; Tom Fucoloro, Seattle Bike Blog; Blogger Alex Miller, Washington Bus; and Cascade staff members. Topics ranged from “Understanding Transportation Decision Making in Seattle” to “Creating a campaign strategy” and “How to throw a great party to celebrate success.” Cascade put the party piece into action and threw a celebration in
honor of our 18 new advocates. And what better way to start off the evening than with a “bike-the-keg” bike train? Haley Woods, ALI grad and co-owner of Peddler’s Brewery, and her business partner Dan Keller, have devised a way to attach a dolly loaded with a keg to the rack of their bikes. The two of them pedaled the all-important brew from Ballard to downtown, picked up the rest of the train and continued on to Columbia City! Whoo Whoo! Thomas Goldstein, Director of Policy, Planning, and Government Affairs graciously hosted the affair. There was a photo booth, food from the amazing JusBar, and special awards for each new advocate given by a classmate. Cascade’s Executive Director Elizabeth Kiker gave the “Go forth and Advocate” farewell address. Look for these folks in your neighborhood and around the city in the future. Help them in their campaigns, and turnout to events as they advocate to make the Puget Sound Region the best place to walk and bike in America.
ALI - A testimonial
By Rebecca Roush, Sound Transit employee and ALI graduate
Cascade’s Advocacy Leadership Institute was interesting to me because I wanted to learn how to advocate on behalf of current and future bicyclists. I felt that what I’d learn in the course would help me be more comfortable speaking out publicly about the importance of high-quality bicycle infrastructure. (I’m easily tongue-tied when I speak of things I truly care about.) Most of my adult life I’ve been a bicycle commuter. As the Bicycle Program Coordinator at Sound Transit, I spend the majority of my time working on issues pertaining to bikes and transit. Personally, I’ve spoken with many people in Seattle who don’t feel safe bicycling. When I was accepted into Cascade’s program, I was thrilled to have this opportunity to learn how to speak up for other bicyclists. Like many things in life, what happened at ALI was different from my original idea. Over the eightweek course, I learned that there are many ways to advocate, and public
speaking is not necessarily the most effective. Because I don’t consider myself to be a convincing public speaker, this was a big relief to me. A variety of people spoke with us during the ALI course, some were elected officials or their staff, some were communications professionals while others worked for advocacy organizations. All were excellent advocates and each had different ways of championing bicycling. Being an introverted advocate, I’m most comfortable with my camera and my laptop, documenting bicyclists and what works well (and not so well) for those who ride the streets of Seattle. While I’m not an effective public speaker, I think I’m effective with what I do. The Advocacy Leadership Institute taught me how to discover what kind of advocate I am, to be comfortable with that, and to apply my skills toward improving Seattle’s bicycle culture. 5
June 2014
Biking to school? We can’t have that here... By Carol Ryan, Parent of a pedaling fifth grader
Bicycle Sundays
By Miranda Kubasti, AmeriCorps Volunteer
Bicycle Sundays are coming up on
June 1, 15 and 29 July 6 and 13
Curtis (left) and his mom Carol are finally able to bike to school
When my son, Curtis, was entering kindergarten, I looked forward to riding to school with him on our family trail-a-bike. This contraption allowed my then 6-year-old to ride behind me, gripping his own handle bar while on a “third wheel” attached to my bike. It was a great way for him to learn about safe bicycling with me as his pilot. I promptly was informed that kids did not bike to his elementary school. There were no bike racks. There was no bike culture. Strike one. I was outraged. What do you mean, kids can’t bike to school? No wonder there’s a childhood obesity epidemic! And how do we ever start to free ourselves from dependence on cars for transportation if we don’t encourage kids to ride their bikes? Bicycling for me isn’t just recreational. It’s my transportation-along with public transit. I ride the first mile from home, put my bike on the bus, and then ride the last mile to work. This is admittedly a fair-weather proposition for me, but if it’s not raining or freezing, I try to ride. After a few years, we moved to a new school and I approached the principal about biking to school. “We can’t have that,” was his response. Strike two. A year later, with a new principal more receptive to the idea of kids and bikes, the tide began to turn. We brought in a representative from Cascade Bicycle Club to lead a Bike Safety Rodeo. At this event, kids learned about safe riding, and with their parents, we built a community of biking-minded families at our school. The next year, I wanted to expand to a Bike to School Day. Our principal was supportive, but it would take PTA sponsorship for us to promote it to the school. PTA voiced legitimate safety concerns about kids biking to school. Our student crossing guards did battle regularly with impatient, aggressive drivers. Add kids on bikes 6
to the mix, and well, you can imagine what could happen... We ended up putting on a second bike rodeo ourselves, borrowing the Bike Rodeo kit Cascade makes available for free. We also regrouped on Bike to School Day. I continued educating myself about the safety issues of kids on bikes, and as spring biking season approached this year, I talked to the PTA about sponsoring Bike to School Day. To address safety concerns, I told them, we would hold the Bike Rodeo the Saturday before National Bike to School Day, and I pledged to make Bike to School Day a safety-first event. I was delighted when our PTA voted to approve a Bike to School Day. I felt the full responsibility of making sure this would be a safe event. We required kids to ride with an adult, we held the Bike Safety Rodeo and my husband fashioned ingenious temporary bike racks that we would erect the night before BTS on the periphery of campus. But days before Bike to School Day, no one signed up for Bike to School Day. And when the morning came, my son and I rode our bikes to school. We locked them to the temporary bike racks where we were met by two other kids also rode as well. In the afternoon, another biking dad was there with his two daughters. Still, after all that effort, how could I call Bike to School Day a success? But it comes down to this: Curtis and I rode our bikes to school— something that was out of the question when he was a kindergartner. He locked his bike to a rack on school grounds. And he wasn’t the only one doing so. Sure more needs to be done, but as he rode away from school, his lanky frame pumping uphill, I took in the moment. Families were actually biking to my kid’s elementary school. In my book, that is what success looks like.
The other day I was having a conversation with a colleague about interesting, wheeled contraptions seen while bike riding, like the occasional Elliptigo spotted on the Burke-Gilman trail. I shared a story about seeing a man with what seemed to be wheeled cross-country skis, skating on pavement (with poles and all!). “That sounds like it would take up a lot of space. Where did you see such a thing?” my colleague asked. For a moment I couldn’t recall; it was a wide, flat road completely car-free and lined with trees... Then I remembered- it was a Bicycle Sunday on Lake Washington Boulevard! For ten more Sundays throughout this summer, the wide street right along the shore of Lake Washington from Mount Baker Beach to Seward Park will again be closed to car traffic all day, leaving the road open only to non-motorized vehicles. In addition to the occasional rollerskaters, unicyclists, skateboarders and wheeled skiers, the boulevard is mainly filled with all kinds of bi-
August 10 and 24 September 14 and 21 cyclists. Families with young ones come through to practice riding, as well as racers on training rides who glide through without having to worry about car traffic for a change. So whatever your riding style or favorite type of human-powered wheels (or none; Lake Washington Boulevard is a great place to stroll as well), we invite you to enjoy the summer weather with Bicycle Sundays! For those who may be pulling out their bike for the first time this season and realizing that its time for a new helmet, Cascade will be selling $15 helmets near the entrance to Seward Park! If you know anyone in need, tell them they can come by our booth to purchase a helmet, or just learn how to fit their helmet properly. If you’re interested in keeping the helmet sales program running, we are always in need of volunteers! Sign-up online at cascade.org/volunteerportal, or e-mail ypa@cascadebicycleclub.org
www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 6
Commuter Corner: Fight (sweaty) back! By Chris Partridge, Communications Specialist
By Kelli Refer, Volunteer Coordinator
I started bike commuting in January, so here’s what I (lovingly) associate with my ride to work: a drizzly beard, puddle spray and billowing puffs of my own breath. I’m used to layers, rain gear, earmuffs—that whole business. But June is upon us, and I have an unexpected problem: sweaty back. Sweaty back is a disorder that affects nearly 100 percent of Chris Partridges (and many other bike commuters as well). But there is hope. If you’re getting to work/ the grocery/wherever a little more moist than you’d prefer, try some of these tips for riding in warmer weather.
get the weight off your back. The load feels lighter (which means less strain) and there’s no contact between your body and bag.
I know, I know. Why should you have to compromise? But I find that when I leave five or ten minutes early and take it just a bit slower, I arrive with more energy, less prominent sweat-stains and I’m actually on time (for once). When I’m going 12 miles per hour versus, say, 15, I feel like I could ride for days. My morning commute is just six miles, so the time difference is negligible, but I feel remarkably better when I take it slower.
You’re right! You shouldn’t have to compromise. Fly that sweaty back loud and proud. Let people know you’re an unashamed bicyclist with that trademark messenger bag sweat-sash across your chest, or keep your pant-leg rolled up all day. Sometimes the way to promote cycling is by blending in, by showing that bike commuters are just normal people who look, talk and act like everyone else in the office. But sometimes it’s about letting your commuter flag fly. It’s about peacocking that chainring grease mark on your calf. Bike commuters are awesome, so be proud! Now, to be fair, we don’t all have the kinds of jobs and responsibilities that can abide a sweat-soaked wardrobe, but hopefully these tips help make you more confident and comfortable bike commuting this summer. And one last reminder: Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water before, after and during your ride!
Be proud
Slow down
Wear breathable fabrics
I love a good cotton T-shirt, but they’re sweat-magnets. Try a wearing breathable fabrics like merino wool or a cycling jersey. Or squirrel away a couple extra shirts and socks (for rainy days) at the office. A quick change and no one will be the wiser. Bonus: Use your sweaty shirt as a Rorschach test to feel out potential hires.
Panniers and a rack
I love my messenger bag, but it’s the prime cause of my sweaty back. Adding a front or rear rack (and maybe a set of panniers) can help
Volunteers of the Month: Machiko & Alder
Registration is now open for
The High Pass Challenge and Kitsap Color Classic
cascade.org/ride
Real women, Real Bodies, Real Jerseys discover the tonik solution...
Machiko Threlkeld attends Cascade events all over town, from leading daily group rides and fixing up bikes to mingling at the Captains Bash. Bikes have always been a part of Machiko’s life, something she shares with her 15-year-old son Alder. This year both are training to ride Group Health STP together. Machiko started bike commuting in in the spring of 2011. In 2012 she wanted to start riding her Trek hybrid bike more. “At the time all I was planning on doing with a bike was to commute to work,” said Machiko. “I wanted to test ride it before spring, but since none of my friends wanted to go biking with me in winter, I joined Cascade’s Free Group Rides for the first time. While everyone showed up on in slick road bikes, I was there with a red pannier. It didn’t matter. I got hooked. After a season with the hybrid, I HAD TO get a road bike (Diamondback Airen 3). Now that’s what I ride almost every day from daily commute to weekend fun rides.” She was so inspired by the great people and experiences she had on the daily rides that she decided to become a ride leader. You can catch a ride with Machiko (and sometimes Alder) on Wednesdays and Thursdays as a part of the MORE series. Machiko says, “as a ride leader, I want to pass on good bicycling skills (techniques, safety, etc.) that I learned from other RLs to new riders. I love riding with people who want to go to the next level of riding. One day they are gasping for air to climb up hills, then soon they go up the same hills with ease and
smile. I get a kick out of it when they say ‘wow, I am getting strong! How did that happen?’” But Machiko doesn’t only volunteer as a ride leader. She and Alder also come into the office and assist at the bike maintenance parties for the Basics of Bicycling program. Years ago, Alder participated in the Basics of Bicycling program at school. Machiko remembers, “I remember him coming home and telling me excitedly that he rode a bike during PE (FYI, he always had a bike, but somehow, it was exciting to ride with his classmates).” Now both of them fix up bikes at the Bike Maintenance parties for the same program: “I wanted us to give back...we hope that the program keeps giving the joy of bicycling to other kids and their parents see the same smile I saw on my son’s face.” Volunteering is an important part of Machiko’s life, and being a parent continues to motivate her, “I want my son to see what it takes to carry out and goes behind a scene of a successful, large event like STP...I get excited when I see/hear so many people spending countless amount of time in youth programs like Major Taylor Project. I am a firm believer of ‘it takes a village to raise a child.’ Cascade is a great example of that!” We would like to extend a huge thank to Machiko and Alder for all they bring to the club. If you know a volunteer who would be a great volunteer of the month, please submit their name to Volunteer@cascadebicycleclub.org
Bicycle Accident?
Avoid The Mistakes That Can Leave You Holding The Bag.
ycle to bic on guide IMATE in Washingt The ULT
accide
Don’t make one of the 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Bicycle Accident Case.
es nt cas
ID E N
T
S B IC RET S ELCO C K E D ACC YC L E
UN Tricks
ps and tra
that
wreck
Wa shi
ngton
inju ry
cases.
Ever had a car turn left directly in front of you without even looking? If you are hit by a car do you know what to do? Do you know who to talk to and who you shouldn’t? Do you know what mistakes some people make in the days or weeks following the accident that wreck an injury case? Find the answers in this free book.
When the insurance company calls wanting a recorded statement and asking you to sign a few forms, what should you do? Politely hang up and get the MOST important information about Washington Bicycle Accident claims before talking to the insurance company, hiring a lawyer, or signing anything. Order this NO COST Book at:
www.WashingtonBicycleBook.com or call 425.242.5595 Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
7
June 2014
Wallowa & Hells Canyon Tour Sept. 22 – 27, 2014
Expect bucolic routes and memorable off-the-bike activities in Wallowa
Do you enjoy riding your bike but you’re looking for a different riding experience? Why don’t you join us on a Cascade club tour? The Wallowa & Hells Canyon tour explores an area rich both history and beauty. You ride through the stunning beauty of eastern Oregon, where cowboy country and wilderness meet the deepest canyon in the United States. The region was once home to the Nez Perce who occupied Hells Canyon for thousands of years. The most vivid evidence of the early inhabitants can be seen in the many petroglyphs in the area. Hells Canyon is a remnant of the last ice age and was formed by the flowing waters of the 1,000-milelong Snake River. The canyon measures a mile and a half from the river bottom at Granite Creek Rapids to the tallest mountaintop. The headwaters of the Snake River start in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and traverse six states.
Hells Canyon is a name given to the section of the Snake River which stretches from Hells Canyon Dam northward for 75 miles to the Washington-Oregon border. It is largely inaccessible except by river craft. This tour has many opportunities to explore the area with a tram ride gaining 3,700’ where you disembark to enjoy the views from miles of interpretive walks, a Hells Canyon jet boat tour and a visit to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, offering living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, exhibits and more than four miles of interpretive trails. You will also spend two nights at a B&B on a working ranch! Enjoy bucolic back roads, gorgeous landscapes and memorable off-bike activities. Bring your swimsuit for Wallowa Lake and, of course, your camera to capture it all!
Free Group Rides Ventures to Walla Walla
By Stacey Williams, Rides Coordinator
The Free Group Ride Program went to Walla Walla in early May with more than 100 ride leaders and participants! Thanks to our very active ride leader community, we had three great routes that explored various parts of the Walla Walla area. Day one, our route travelled through the local vineyards. We finished our ride at a local winery and enjoyed snacks and wine tasting. The second day’s route had more hills and explored Waitesburg and Dayton. This ride finished at Walla Walla Community College, where we again had the opportunity for wine tasting. This time it was the student produced wines at the Center for Enology & Viticulture. Walla Walla Community College was also the launch point for the 40th An-
nual Balloon Stampede and we had the opportunity to see the amazing hot air balloons. On day three, our route took us southwest of Walla Walla to the beautiful rolling wheat fields. This route was a shorter 30-mile route. This comment from one of the participants expressed exactly how everyone felt, “Thanks everyone for such an easy weekend to participate in...it was my first Cascade rides event and felt very welcome...and it was definitely the kick in the butt I needed to start getting back in the saddle. You guys are inspiring!” Special thanks for the the weekend organization go to Cascade Ride Leaders Alexa Volwiler and Wilfried Mack.
The gang riding the Palouse rollers in Walla Walla
New Cascade event ride! Sunday, June 8
With only 350 feet of total elevation gain and route options of 12, 38 or 48 miles, El Norte will be a blast for riders of all ability levels. So rally your friends and register today at cascade.org/elnorte EMONT FR BREWING
F
, E
Need to renew your membership? Renew now at cascade.org/renew 8
www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 6
FREE GROUP RIDES CATS: Cascade Advanced Training Series Cascade Advanced Training Series (CATS) offers training rides to prepare riders for the one-day STP and other big summer rides. In 2014 there are two CATS series to choose from: CATS Eastside and CATS Magnuson. CATS rides start in late March or early April. The rides will be every weekend until July. CATS rides are for riders that can maintain a 16 -18 mph flat effort level or faster. MEETS: Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (ride starts at Redmond and South Bellevue Park and Ride) The MEETS rides are Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. each week through the summer. These will be training routes that incorporate local hills, are between 20-30 miles, and will progress from ~ 1,000 to 2,000 feet of elevation. There will be four paces offered for riders – Steady (12-14 mph); Moderate (14-16 mph); Brisk (16-18 mph); and low-Strenuous (18-19 mph) , all will use a common course for that week. MORE : Midweek Outdoor Riding in Evening MORE is a weekly ride of about 20 miles with a few hills. It is a perfect way to add a little training for weekend riders without spending too much time. And it’s a great way to enjoy the long days of the Pacific Northwest! Don’t go to an indoor spinning class! Instead, ride with us! Start locations in North Seattle. Cycle Tuesdays / More Cycle Tuesdays These rides are on Tuesdays and Thursdays for More Cycle Tuesdays. Paceline skills, safe group riding and fitness are the focal point for the Cycle Tuesday rides. Classified as Super-Strenuous,
the rides are fast paced but give a fit rider the opportunity to learn, experience and practice all types of group riding skills. There are many experienced riders who enjoy the enthusiasm of riders new to the paceline. They willingly share their knowledge and experience. The goal is to develop skills, increase abilities and have fun doing it. TREATS, “Tuesday Regular Eclectic Active Tours” TREATS strives to be both eclectic and active. We offer steady paced rides in various locations. We always take the time to enjoy lunch at a local establishment or (weather permitting) a picnic, so come and check us out. FRUMPS, “Friday Ride for Unemployed Merry Pedalers”: FRUMPS offers rides at both steady and moderate paces, and occasionally leisurely as well. You do not, however, need to be unemployed to join us, but just “unemployed” for that day. Like TREATS, we range all over the area and include a lunch stop, so come join us. MUMPS, “Monday Ride for Unemployed Merry Pedalers” MUMPS began in 1989 as a STP training ride series that almost immediately grew to be yearround. The name “MUMPS” was swiped from the Friday FRUMPS to encourage the same group to ride both days. The name change never worked and the MUMPS rides have continued to attract stronger riders and longer and brisker rides than the FRUMPS.
Tuesday June 10
EASY PACE (under 10 mph) Saturday June 28 SLOW Ride: Seven Vistas, Three Hills, No Sweat! 11 a.m. 14 miles from Northwest African American Museum by I-90 Trail, Seattle Ride Leader: Merlin Rainwater
LEISURELY PACE (10-12 mph) Sunday June SUNDAY CREPES RIDE 9:30 a.m. 35 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Bordewick Thursday June 5 Gas Works Thursday Social 6:30 p.m. 18 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: Scott Kralik Friday June 6 Friday Riders Bike Queen Anne and Magnolia 10 a.m. 27 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: William Lemke Thursday June 12 Gas Works Thursday Social 6:30 p.m. 18 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: Scott Kralik Friday June 13 FRIDAY RIDERS go to Edmonds 10 a.m. 35 miles from Green Lake Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Bordewick Thursday June 19 Gas Works Thursday Social 6:30 p.m. 18 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: Scott Kralik
TREATS: Ride Around Mercer Island 10 a.m. 35 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Bordewick Tuesday June 17 TREATS: Eastside Meander 10 a.m. 37 miles from Crestwoods Park, Kirkland Ride Leader(s): Jane Volta, Donald Volta Tuesday June 24 TREATS: Eastside Urban Loop 10 a.m. 45 miles from Marymoor East (free) Parking Lot, Redmond Ride Leader: Clarice Sackett BRISK PACE (16-18
Monday June 2 MUMPS: Head Up North 9:30 a.m. 65 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Small Chainring Monday 6:30 p.m. 19 miles from Sam Smith Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Longdon Saturday June 7 RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #9 8:30 a.m. 94 miles from Ron Regis Park, Renton Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan CATS Eastside Week 10: Arlington/Bellingham 8:30 a.m. 110 miles from Twin Rivers Park, Arlington Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, David Mattson, Carl Wainwright, Laurie Bakke CATS Magnuson #11: Cumberland & Tiger Mountain 9:00 a.m. 77 miles from Bicentennial Park, Tukwila Ride Leader: Adam Palmer
Thursday June 26 Gas Works Thursday Social 6:30 p.m. 18 mile from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: Scott Kralik
Monday June 9 MUMPS: Head Up North 9:30 a.m. 65 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore Ride Leader: Craig Mohn
Saturday June 28 S.P.O.K.E.S Strawberry Festival Ride 10 a.m. 23.2 miles from Marymoor Park, Lot K, Redmond Ride Leader(s): Jim Hunt, Michelle Burton
STEADY PACE (12-14 mph) Tuesday June 3 TREATS: Go North from Mountlake Terrace 10 a.m. 28 miles from Ballinger Playfield, Mountlake Terrace Ride Leader: Jan Johnson
FRIDAY RIDERS These rides are at a leisurely pace and held at various locations around the Greater Seattle area. The ride leaders for these regular rides are some of our most experienced leaders and you are sure to enjoy some eclectic rides and learn something new!
Earthdream : “Team Eastside Ride The Hills DREAM”
Greater Seattle, Eastside-based group of cyclists interested in high performance cycling and group rides - explores various routes in the Redmond/ Bellevue/Sammamish/Issaquah/Snohomish area. It is designed to help Brisk/Strenuous-paced riders develop into Strenuous pace ability and beyond. Most rides are extremely hilly in nature except for recovery rides. Eastside Evening Tours Evening rides Tuesday and Thursday nights in Redmond, exploring the Eastside at a brisk pace. A few (or a lot - depends on leader’s workday) hills are always included. Head- and taillights are required September-May. Hills of the West Coast This is a great weekly ride for riders who like hills. Monday June 16 MUMPS: Head Up North 9:30 a.m. 65 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Small Chainring Monday 6:30 p.m. 19 miles from Sam Smith Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Longdon
Small Chainring Monday 6:30 p.m. 19 miles from Sam Smith Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Longdon Saturday June 14 RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #10 7:30 a.m. 109 miles from Bear Creek Park & Ride, Redmond Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan CATS Magnuson (Brisk) #12: Lowell & Paradise Lake 9 a.m. 78 miles from Magnuson Park, Seattle Ride Leader: Sandi Gold
Route and mileage may vary with the season, weather and group. Generally, we try to start out into the wind and return with it. An early start and few stops mean light traffic and an early finish. Road bikes are recommended. We ride hard but emphasize fun and safety. Racers please look elsewhere. SLOW : Senior Ladies on Wheels These rides are not just for senior ladies but for all comers. All riders of all ages welcome, as long as you ride S.L.O.W.! These are short distance, easy rides for those who want to ride slow and enjoy the sights of Seattle. RAMROD Training Series This ride series was created to assist advanced riders in their preparation for RAMROD and other big summer rides. The self paced (Brisk to Super -Strenuous) rides are held Saturdays starting in March. The routes will increase in distance and elevation every two weeks. Starting locations will rotate every week or every two weeks with a new route used each week. All riders are welcome, but note, this ride does not regroup nor does it have a sweep. The routes are designed for the experienced rider who is comfortable following cue sheets and riding independently. Cascade Training Series (CTS) This is a fee-based series of training rides (and support seminars) designed to prepare riders for Cascade’s major events, that take place every spring through summer. For a more complete description please see the CTS Training Series page.
STRENUOUS PACE (18-21 mph) Saturday June 7 CATS Eastside Week 10: Arlington/Bellingham 8:30 a.m. 110 miles from Twin Rivers Park, Arlington Ride Leader(s): Wilfried Mack, James Coliz, Alan Tagstrom Saturday June 28 CATS Eastside Week 13: Granite Falls/Arlington 8 a.m. 120 miles from Wilmot Gateway Park, Woodinville Ride Leader(s): Keith Hovda, Robert Dennis, James Coliz Super Strenuous (over 22 mph)
mph)
Friday June 20 FRIDAY RIDERS: Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands 10 a.m. 25 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle Ride Leader: Norm Tjaden
Friday June 27 FRIDAY RIDERS: Everett Waterfront 10 a.m 25 miles from McCollum Park, Everett Ride Leader: Jan Johnson
“WRUMPS and THUMPS “.......Ride for Unemployed Merry Pedalers” I am sure you are seeing a pattern here! WRUMPS and THUMPS have both grown from the FRUMPS and MUMPS rides. Riders who want to share their love of riding on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They can be any pace from any start point at any time on any route for any mileage. They can be listed in the Courier or web-only.
Saturday June 21 RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #11 7:30 a.m. 109 miles from Bear Creek Park & Ride, Redmond Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan Monday June 23 MUMPS: Head Up North 9:30 a.m. 65 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Small Chainring Monday 6:30 p.m. 19 miles from Sam Smith Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Longdon Saturday June 28 RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #12 7:30 a.m. 101 miles from Challenger Elementary School, Issaquah Ride Leaders: Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan CATS Eastside Week 13: Granite Falls/Arlington 8 a.m. 120 miles from Wilmot Gateway Park, Woodinville Ride Leader(s): Carl Wainwright, David Mattson, James Coliz, Laurie Bakke Monday June 30 MUMPS: Head Up North 9:30 a.m. 65 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Small Chainring Monday 6:30 p.m. 19 miles from Sam Smith Park, Seattle Ride Leader: David Longdon
Tuesday June 3 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton Ride Leader: Vincent Haag Tuesday June 3 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton Ride Leader: Vincent Haag Tuesday June 10 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton Ride Leader: Vincent Haag Tuesday June 17 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton Ride Leader: Vincent Haag Tuesday June 24 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton Ride Leader: Vincent Haag
Weather conditions may cancel the ride. Helmets are required on all rides. Earbuds/headphones are not allowed on any Cascade ride. All riders are required to sign a waiver form. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Riders are expected to be ready to ride at the time listed. Participants do not have to RSVP, simply show up to join the fun!
On Twitter? Tag your tweets and twitpics with #grouprides.
This is a sampling of this month’s rides.
For a complete listing, see cascade.org/calendar. For full details of the listed rides, see cascade.org/grouprides. This is also where you’ll find ride guidelines to help you select a ride that suits your style, skills and energy level. Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
9
June 2014
CycloFemme Unites Woman Riders Around the World by Robin Randels, Community Advocate
In Seattle on Mother’s Day, a large group of women, children and “man-bassadors” gathered in Flo Ware Park to take part in the third annual CycloFemme ride to Seward Park. CycloFemme is a Global Women’s Cycling Day uniting the globe with more than 300 rides worldwide. The event was created to honor the past and the emancipation of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, for the freedom to choose and the chance to wear pants. To celebrate the present and the riders who keep it rolling, bringing women’s racing to the forefront, pushing the limits, breaking down barriers and sharing the love of the bike with everyone along the way. To empower the future of women in cycling and the opportunity for positive social change. Encourage women to ride and they will change the world. In Seattle, the sun was out and happiness abounded as kids played in the park and riders bonded while checking out one another’s bikes, bags and kid-carrying accoutrements. There were veteran riders, mothers sharing the day with children and grandchildren, as well as brandnew family riders. The youngest, adorable Isla, was just three months old.
We even had three dogs along. The ride itself took a beautiful neighborhood route on mostly quiet streets, starting at Flo Ware Park in the Central District. Once on Lake Washington Boulevard, everyone could relax because it was Bicycle Sunday! With the street closed to cars, the kids were able to ride free with all of the other happy riders who flocked to Lake Washington Boulevard for this awesome Sunday summer event. Thanks to a grant from Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, our picnic in Seward Park provided time for the ladies to enjoy one another’s company, eat delicious food and chat while the kids played. There is something infectious and inspirational about being part of a global ride—the smiles told the story. These local women are riding together for fun and to “be the change.” Thank you to Critical Lass, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, CoolMom, Familybike, Seattle Kidical Mass, Spokespeople and Cascade Bicycle Club for making CycloFemme possible. Please bring your friends next year, encourage those who haven’t yet discovered the joy of riding over the course of this year. Together CycloFemme riders are changing the world!
,
Think Globally, Ride Locally! June 28, 2014 Join us on June 28 for the Red-Bell 100, a pledge ride to benefit Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation youth programming and World Bicycle Relief. The Red-Bell 100 is a stunning charity ride from Marymoor Park in Redmond to Boundary Bay Brewery in downtown Bellingham. Enjoy 104 miles of low-traveled back roads and trails along the scenic Pacific Northwest coast. This unique fundraising event supports Cascade’s youth programming, which reaches more than 25,000 local kids per year, and provides funds for bicycles to entrepreneurs, healthcare workers and students in rural Africa through the amazing work of World Bicycle Relief. If you register now, you can take advantage of our Give $25, Get $25 promotion! Give your friends $25 off registration, and receive $25 off your own registration. If you refer up to 4 people, your registration is completely FREE! See website for details. www.cascade.org and www.worldbicyclerelief.org/events.
Saturday Sept. 20 2014 For information www.tourdewhidbey.com tourwhidbey@whidbeygen.org Platinum Spoke Sponsor
Gold Spoke Sponsors
Physicians & Allied Health Providers of Whidbey General Hospital
Silver Spoke Sponsor Valic Financial Advisors
Ride country roads on beautiful Whidbey Island Washington State, USA
10
www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 6
Inspiring Your Exceptional Cycling Experience Serving Seattle Cyclist for over 81 years
Women Ride: Let’s talk about the things you don’t want to ask your mechanic by Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
As women, there are a lot of topics relating to cycling comfort which are either not frequently talked about or just too embarrassing to ask a male salesperson at the local bike shop. Topics like: “I’m hurting down there” or “Do you have any tips about riding while menstruating?” or “Why can’t I find cycling clothes that fit?” You get the idea: personal, women-specific and potentially awkward to explain. We’ll do our best in addressing these topics here. Today’s topic: saddle sores Most people on bikes—whether you’re a commuter or randonneur—will probably experience saddle sores at some point. While there are many theories out there on what saddle sores actually are—infected hair follicles, cysts, boils—one thing is for certain: they’re a total nuisance and not to mention painful. Luckily, they are somewhat preventable and 90 percent of the time, treatable at home. I’m by no means a medical expert but I do spend a lot of time in the saddle. As such, I can tell you from experience that saddle sores are largely caused by chafing. You are as likely to get them from an hour spin in jeans as you are from a long day in chamois. The best treatment for saddle sores is preventing them. A few simple steps can diminish your chance of getting them: • Get a proper bike fit If you’re reaching for your pedals, you’re creating more chaffing and more pressure on your sit bones. Likewise when you’re sitting too low. Also make sure your saddle isn’t tilted too far up or down. • Get a good saddle There are entire books written on what makes a good saddle but when it really comes down to it, it’s personal. However, I recommend women try a women’s saddle and to not ride whatever saddle the bike came with. Usually these stock saddles are fine for a mile or 20 but
any more time spent on it gets uncomfortable. Also, be sure to break in a saddle before taking it out on a six-hour adventure. (Learned that the hard way…) • Chamois cream They make it for a reason. You won’t need it for short commutes, but I highly recommend using chamois cream for longer rides. Beljum Budder, Udderly Smooth, DZ Nuts all make good chamois creams but personally, I like the forwomen-by-women Hoo Ha Ride Glide (despite the name). • Wear padded cycling shorts for longer rides And in case no one has told you yet: NO UNDERWEAR. This is probably the number one mistake new riders make and also the main cause of friction and chaffing. In fact, avoid any bottoms with apparent seams. Take off your chamois as soon as possible. Hygiene is key. Get out of your cycling clothes as soon as possible. • Increase mileage gradually Self-treatment • Clean with hot water after the ride. Soak for a while if you can. • Use antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin to aid healing. Diaper-rash ointments can help as well. • Go commando. Skip the underwear while sleeping that evening (and the next). Drying out the infected area speeds up the healing process. • Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Give it a break. Take a few days off the bike to let it heal. • If you must ride, wear a clean, different pair of padded shorts and/ or try to switch up the saddle. Limit the time in the saddle and slather on the chamois creme. If the problem persists or the sores are infected, go see your doctor for prescription antibiotics. Hope these tips help! Please email me your questions at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org and I’ll answer them anonymously here.
New this year - Duathlon | Olympic Challenge Sprint | Relay | Kids Beginner | Kids Intermediate
REGISTER AT SEAFAIR.COM
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
11
June 2014
Bike Trains: The new way to get to school By Josh Miller, Classes Coordinator
C Y C L I N G
AT T O R N E Y
Member of Cascade Bicycle Club & Washington Bikes Sponsor of Fischer Plumbing, Bikesale.com, Recycled Cycles, Garage, Cucina Fresca, Blue Rooster, SCCA/Starbucks, Lakemont, Bikecafe, Attachmate and Group Health Cycling Teams
206-343-1888 or 206-714-1085 john@dugganbikelaw.com Free Consultation Students bike train to Howthorne Elementary on Bike to School Day
If you haven’t heard of bike trains, it’s about time that you did! Bike trains are groups of students and adult chaperones that meet at a designated location to ride their bikes to school en masse. While bike trains have existed for some time, they are becoming much more commonplace and visible here in Seattle. I have the good fortune to work on bike trains as part of my job. All of the Fridays in May, I am leading a bike train from downtown Columbia City to Hawthorne Elementary School, just north of Genessee. In addition to the bike train, a group of walkers meet at the same time and location and form a walking school bus. After the journey to school, walkers and bikers meet at a Cascade greeting table and are given healthy snacks. We also distribute free helmets to kids who don’t have one as part of our Safe Routes to School work. Bike trains are an exciting expression of community and they require community resources and cooperation to run smoothly. As a corollary to that, bike trains are a great investment—the community building value of this work can’t easily be ignored. The physical education teacher and engaged parents at Hawthorne have been integral to the successful operation of its bike train.
12
The safety aspect of bike trains is important, but the social life of the bike train and the expression of joy are very compelling. In addition to those inward effects on participants, bike trains are also a spectacle of community growth in action. In addition to our work at Hawthorne, Cascade has been working with Seattle Children’s on a bike train research project. Our role has been to provide hands-on bike train trainings to adults and children. That is an ongoing project that will continue in the fall.
Celebrate Cycling in the Northwest!
NORTHWEST BIKE JERSEYS & RUNNING APPAREL Available online and in local stores
Emerald City Bike Lawyer
Sean Kuhlmeyer - Attorney
Making Seattle Safer for Bicyclists (206) 695-2568 Sean@emeraldcitylawyer.com www.emeraldcitybikelawyer.com Free Consultation
Helping Injured Cyclists Pursue Justice
www.cascade.org