improving lives through bicycling
2016 in Review p. 6-7 December 2016 / Vol. 47 No. 10
An end; a beginning by Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director
Elizabeth Kiker (top right) with her family. Photo courtesy of Shiz Photography.
I biked to my first day at Cascade on Sept. 5, 2013. That day there was a hard, driving rain — rare for Seattle, I’ve since learned. My family and I had arrived the night before with a truck filled with our lives from Washington, D.C.; I pulled my bike off the back of the truck and set out. My first-day outfit was a red dress and brand-new, slick-bottomed
shoes: my foot slid off the pedal, and I jammed myself into my seat very uncomfortably before I’d even left the driveway. One block later, following directions I’d printed out, I was supposed to turn right. When I realized where I was supposed to turn, I gasped. It was the steepest hill I’d ever seen — looking down it felt like peering off the edge of a cliff. I stood there, staring down the fearsome drop in the pouring rain in my slippery shoes, and — of course — four polite Seattle drivers stopped to wave me in front of them. I declined, waving them on, peering downhill, wondering if I dared to do it. Finally, I set out. I cursed like a sailor — a loud one — the entire white knuckle ride down that hill. A pedestrian stopped to encourage me: “You can do it!” he shouted from the sidelines. I barely heard him through the blaze of my fear. And yet he was right: I made it. I could have worn a waterproof
cascade.org
raincoat; I could have had fenders; I could have put on better shoes — but I rode to work and I took the reins of the best bike advocacy organization and club in the nation. That ride was a memorable start to the wild three years, three months and 26 days I worked at Cascade. That first morning, the board and staff challenged me to do three things: 1. build a strategic plan, the organization’s first in 11 years; 2. create a huge, relatively short new bike ride; and 3. build a new space for Cascade worthy of its grand ambitions and concrete successes. While it wasn’t always sunshine (it is Seattle, of course) and roses, together with our supportive and growing membership, our tremendous staff accomplished all three; and for good measure we also merged with Washington Bikes and expanded our mission statewide.
I’m also inordinately proud of the work we did to build deep collaborations with partners too many to name, from Bike Works, Puget Sound Sage, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways and Transportation Choices Coalition; to King County Parks, the cities of Bellevue, Kirkland and Seattle; and Group Health and Alaska Airlines, among many others. I am thrilled to see the Wilburton Trestle funded for the Eastside Rail Corridor. I am saddened that the Ballard Missing Link remains unconnected; and while it will be completed by staff, I won’t be here to see it. I have been awed to see what this staff can accomplish while remaining deeply committed to the work. I look forward to moving back home to be closer to family. Thank you all for letting me join you for part of the journey; I wish each of you the best in everything.
Elizabeth Kiker announces departure from Cascade Bicycle Club & Washington Bikes
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
7787 62nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98115 www.cascade.org
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By Nate Glissmeyer, Board Vice President
After over three years of inspiring leadership and accomplishment, Executive Director Elizabeth Kiker has decided to move on from Cascade Bicycle Club and Washington Bikes. Her last day will be Dec. 31, 2016. On behalf of the staff and board, please join us in wishing her all the best as she transitions to the next chapter in her career. Elizabeth had a tremendous positive effect on both Cascade Bicycle Club and Washington Bikes, and her departure will be a loss for both organizations. “We owe Elizabeth an enormous debt for all she’s achieved in three short years,” said Board Vice President Nate Glissmeyer. “Even putting together a list of her successes was awe-inspiring. She’s made such an important difference for these organizations and for bicycling across the state.” Elizabeth brought outstanding and energetic leadership to the organizations. Her can-do attitude led us to take on and succeed with projects that would have seemed impossible to many. Elizabeth led a gigantic $2+ million capital campaign, taking us from a dusty, damp and cramped office into our new spacious location; she created a true Bicycling
Center with a first-of-its-kind traffic garden, Fix-It Garage and Ride Leader Welcome Pavilion. She led the orchestration of a successful merger, making Cascade and Washington Bikes the largest statewide bicycle nonprofits in the nation. With the development of new 5-year strategic plans for both organizations, we are poised for continued growth and success. Under her leadership, Cascade membership grew dramatically from 15,000 to over 17,000 people across the state. We unveiled multiple new and successful major rides, including the Emerald City Bike Ride, which had more than 7,000+ participants in its first year, and expanded the variety in our rides to attract new types of riders. We grew our education programming more than 50 percent statewide under Elizabeth’s leadership. We pushed the passage of the Move Seattle Levy, Sound Transit 3, Bellevue Transportation Levy, and multi-modal funding statewide. We increased the reach of the Major Taylor Project. We led the charge for significant Eastside Rail Corridor funding, Missing Link advocacy and so much more. We fostered positive partnerships with
communities and organizations to help make biking more accessible and inclusive — a deeply personal commitment of Elizabeth’s — most recently in our partnership with King County Parks, the YES! Foundation and the White Center Community Development Association to launch the White Center Bike Playground. “I’m proud of all that has been accomplished during my time at Cascade and Washington Bikes,” said Elizabeth. “We have talented and dedicated staff, board, members and partners that will achieve even greater fulfillment of our vision, bicycling for all, and our statewide mission of improving lives through bicycling. We thank our members and supporters for their commitment to Cascade and Washington Bikes during this transition.” We all feel so deeply fortunate to have benefited from Elizabeth’s strong and effective leadership over the past three years. We thank Elizabeth for building Cascade and Washington Bikes into the successful organizations they are today. She leaves a legacy that positions us for unparalleled growth and success.
December 2016
Barb Chamberlain, MPA, Chief Strategic Officer
Barb came to Cascade following the merger with Washington Bikes, where she served as executive director for three years. In 2014 she co-chaired the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation with Doug Walker. Prior to working professionally in bike advocacy she volunteered in Spokane, where she founded Spokane Bikes and served on several transportation boards. Barb led communications and public affairs at Washington State University Spokane for over 14 years and served nine years as an elected official in Idaho. She lives a mile north of the White Center Bike Playground; she and husband Eric Abbott have four children. David Douglas, Senior Director of Events & Rides
David has been producing cycling events in the Northwest since 1990, when he created the Seward Park Cycling Series and many other regional races. He got into large-scale events when he was the race director for the 1995 Microsoft Grandprix Road Race and the 1996 Olympic Trials, both held on a very challenging Seattle course. He came to Cascade in 1998 as a contractor to take the ride director role for the 1999 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. Since 2015 he has managed a team of seven superstars who are continuing the Cascade tradition of producing the best cycling events in the Northwest. David lives in West Seattle with his wife, Laura and two teenage sons. Shannon Koller, Senior Director of Education
S h a n n o n came to Cascade with more than 20 years of experience in the field of education. She joined the Cascade team three years ago with a strong interest in youth wellness, development, and encouragement. Shannon is committed to expanding the reach and depth of our school-based programming, particularly our equity-focused programs like the Major Taylor Project. 2
Tarrell has been helping organizations build capacity for 23+ years. She came to Cascade five years ago and her proudest accomplishments include creating the Cascade Champions major support program and the successful completion of the $2 million capital campaign. A passionate environmentalist, Tarrell believes that bikes can save the world. (Or, at least make us a lot happier while we try.) Tarrell lives in Ballard with her frame-builder husband Max Kullaway and son. Kathy Mania, Senior Director of Finance & Operations
Kathy has been with Cascade in the finance department since 2006. Prior to taking this job, she worked as a private tutor working with special needs students. Kathy lives in Greenwood with her partner Jennifer. Brent Tongco, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing
Brent came to Cascade with more than a dozen years of marketing and communication experience, including more than seven years within the bicycle industry. In addition to working at Bicycle Transit Systems and Trek Bikes, he’s served as Communication & Marketing Director for nonprofit Bike New York as well as for Denver Bike Sharing. Brent looks forward to Cascade helping increase the diversity of ridership across the state. Brent lives in Ballard.
Now seeking bike donations for Major Taylor Project Build-a-Bike! By Eugene Pak, Major Taylor Project Coordinator
Not long ago we put a call out for bike donations for the Major Taylor Project Build-a-Bike program, and were floored by the generous donations that immediately began pouring in. Thank you all so much for your support! By mid-December 2015, 16 students at three King County high schools had left for winter break with bikes they had diligently repaired and earned for themselves. Without your generosity, their accomplishment would not have been possible. Now we are preparing to kick off another round of Build-a-Bike clubs. One major obstacle remains, however: we are in dire need of bicycles! Due to more involvement and greater gender and ethnic diversity than ever, we also have an unprecedented number of youth who ride youth/small adult bikes. Are you yourself a cyclist with a bike you no longer ride? Or, are your kids’ bikes, long ago outgrown, still collecting dust in your garage? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of your smaller bike to the Major Taylor Project today.
to adjust their derailleurs. At the end, if they have attended every lesson and worked to make their bike function safely, students officially earn their bike along with a helmet, front and rear lights and a u-lock. Dropping off your donation
If you or someone you know has a gently used bicycle that you are considering donating, please get in touch. You can email Eugene at mtpa@cascadebicycleclub.org to discuss your donation, or simply bring your bicycle into our office during business hours. Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cascade Bicycling Center 7787 62nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA, 98115 Detailed directions at cascade.org/ contact We thank you sincerely for your support; we can’t do this without you! With your support, we will double the number of students served by the Major Taylor Project. Please send your year-end gift today in the enclosed envelope or at cascade.org/give.
What is Build-a-Bike?
Over the course of the eight-week Build-a-Bike program, each student is given a bike that fits them and their basic biking needs, then taught to do everything from replace their chain
Blake Trask, Senior Policy Director
Blake came to Cascade following the merger with Wa s h i n g t o n Bikes, where he served as state policy director for four years, leading state government relations work that led to the passage of a historic 16-year $500+ million state transportation package investment in biking, walking, complete streets and safe routes to schools. Additionally, Blake has served on the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board. Leading Cascade’s policy department is one of the most rewarding endeavors of Blake’s professional life because of the talent, passion and excitement that each teammate brings. Blake lives with his wife and two daughters in Seattle. Learn more about all our staff at cascade. org/staff.
March 4-5, 2017
March 5-6, 2016
N E EV
T
As we head into 2017, Cascade Bicycle Club is poised for continued success. With a 5-year strategic plan in place, we see opportunities for significant growth and effectiveness statewide. Cascade’s senior leadership team is ready for the next phase of this great organization’s legacy. Meet the people who head up Cascade’s departments and programs.
Tarrell Kullaway, CFRE, Senior Director of Membership and Development
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www.cascade.org
Vol. 47, No. 10
EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR:
Dreaming of summer? Grab our Summer Fun Pass! By Briana Orr, Communications & Marketing Manager
We are excited to bring back the Cascade Summer Fun Pass, your ticket to the sunny season’s best riding. This package is a fantastic deal and only available until Sunday, April 30, 2017, so get yours today at cascade.org/summer-fun-pass! The Cascade Summer Fun Pass includes registration to the following events: • Seattle Bike-n-Brews Sunday, May 7 • Woodinville Wine Ride Sunday, June 4 • Seattle Night Ride Friday, July 7 Added bonuses:
• FREE annual Cascade membership to use for discounts
The Season Pass includes:
on all of our rides! • FREE Cascade wool socks or bandana! This package is valued at $155, and we’re selling it for just $99! The fine print: *This pass is non-refundable
By Rebecca Sorensen, Events Director
Enjoy:
• A scenic cruise on a Washington State Ferry (Seattle start) • 2,191 feet of climbing • Free food stop at Battle Point Park
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
By Briana Orr, Communications & Marketing Manager
Back again for 2017! We are excited to continue the Cascade Season Pass, the ultimate rider’s package for active Cascade participants. This package is only available until Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017 so get yours today at cascade.org/seasonpass.
Chilly Hilly Holiday Special Chilly Hilly has been kicking off the cycling season in the Northwest on the last Sunday in February for the past 44 years. The 33-mile route around Bainbridge Island starts with a scenic early morning ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle, or you can join the crowd directly on Bainbridge Island. Join us on Sunday, Feb. 26, for the ride Bicycling Magazine named “One of Four Classic Rides” in the nation. It’s guaranteed to be hilly, probably chilly and always a heck of a lot of fun. So get the dust off of your bike and get ready for cycling season early!
Ride all year with a Cascade Season Pass
2017 Chilly Hilly Sunday, Feb. 26 Registration is now open! Register at cascade.org/chilly-hilly. Holiday Special: Register for Chilly Hilly by Saturday, Dec. 31, and you’ll receive free packet mailing AND you’ll be entered into a raffle for one (1) pass to your choice of either 2017 STP or 2017 RSVP!
• Supporting local Bainbridge charities • Finish Line Festival with a fantastic chili feed benefiting a different Bainbridge Island nonprofit each year (additional cost). Registration is now open! Register at cascade.org/chilly-hilly.
• An annual individual Cascade membership • Choice of Cascade Bicycle Club jersey, Cascade Bicycle Club Shorts, Chilly Hilly jersey, STP jersey or RSVP jersey (Available in men’s and women’s cuts). • Guaranteed entry into*: °° Bike Swap Sunday, Feb. 12 (early entry) °° Chilly Hilly Sunday, Feb. 26 °° Ride for Major Taylor Saturday, April 29 °° Seattle Bike-n-Brews Sunday, May 7 °° Woodinville Wine Ride Sunday, June 4 °° Flying Wheels Saturday, June 10 °° Seattle Night Ride Friday, July 7
°° Group Health STP Presented by Alaska Airlines July 15 – 16 °° RSVP 1 or 2 Dates TBD °° High Pass Challenge Monday, Aug. 28 °° Kitsap Color Classic Sunday, Sept. 24 This package is valued at more than $825, and we’re selling it for just $650! The fine print: *The Season Pass does not include CTS, RAW or Tours. **This pass is non-refundable. ***If we add or change any of these events those will also be included with your Season Pass.
2017 Paso Robles Wine Country Tour By Stacey Williams, Rides & Outreach Director
Paso Robles Wine Country Tour 7 Days, April 23 – 30 Supported tour Cost $1,050
Come join us for a fixed base tour through California’s fastest growing wine region — Paso Robles. This area is home to more than 250 wineries, many of which are small boutique producers that dot the countryside amongst 26,000 vineyard acres. In addition to wine, the area is known for its distilleries and walnut, olive oil and cheese tasting rooms. The majority of the riding is on quiet, winding, hilly back roads through vineyards, farms and forests. There a few short stretches on major roadways. This approximately 300-mile, seven-day tour provides many opportunities for shutterbugs and early season days of touring in warm, sunny weather. This tour is rated Moderate. Although the basic tour mileage (300 miles) and total elevation gain (under 20,000 feet) are appropriate for a
moderate rider who is comfortable with climbing, the tour occurs early in the season and may appear more difficult initially. The daily mileage is roughly 50 miles with 2,000 – 3,000 feet of elevation gain. (Two days are 4,000+ feet) Since mileage is relatively short, there will be ample opportunity to stop and sample the local fare. Seven nights of lodging is provided at the Holiday Inn Express. This hotel is close to several restaurants and just a mile from the center of town. The hotel provides an ample breakfast each day as well as appetizers, beer and wine on several nights. You are responsible for your own dinner and most lunches on this tour. On two days (where lunch venues are not convenient) we will supply lunch. Visit cascade.org/paso-robles for registration and a detailed itinerary. 3
December 2016
Letters to the editor By Richard Woo, Major Taylor Project Volunteer
The wonderful testaments to the value of the Major Taylor Project family causes me to share this poem by Marge Piercy called “To Be of Use.” Whether we... • ride bicycles or vans, • are students or ride leaders, • pitch tents or prepare meals, ...we all yearn “To Be of Use.” When I worked for the San Francisco Conservation Corps in the 1980s, we occasionally read this poem aloud to staff and corps members alike to remind ourselves of one purpose before grabbing our tools, loading the vans and deploying to the far corners of the city to do public service projects:
To Be of Use
THE COURIER CREW Editor in Chief: Briana Orr Editor: Diana Bryant Layout: Sarah Kulfan Additional design: Tom Eibling Photographers: C.B. Bell, Briana Orr, Heidi Schillinger, Brent Tongco Contributors: Diana Bryant, Barb Chamberlain, Nicki Everett, Charlie Hockett, Nate Glissmeyer, Elizabeth Kiker, Tarrell Kullaway, Briana Orr, Eugene Pak, Stephen Rowley, Ariana Rundquist, Rebecca Sorensen, Stacey Williams, Alexa Volwiler
By Marge Piercy The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight. They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals bouncing like half-submerged balls. I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again. I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out. The work of the world is common as mud. Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust. But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident. Greek amphoras for wine or oil, Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums but you know they were made to be used. The pitcher cries for water to carry and a person for work that is real.
Help us transform Washington State! Renew now at cascade.org/renew
We welcome your contributions!
We welcome your submissions for Cascade’s blog and new publication, Pedal Washington. The editorial calendar planning begins Jan. 1 and is finalized two months in advance. If you wish to submit your article or photography for consideration, contact the editor as early as possible. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space. Submit your articles or photography to comms@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Advertising:
This is the last issue of the Cascade Courier. To inquire about advertising availability in our new publication, Pedal Washington, email Briana at brianao@cascade.org. Let’s be social! Follow Cascade Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. cascade.org facebook.com/cascadebicycleclub @cascadebicycle
Queries can be emailed to: brianao@cascade.org.
@cascadebicycle
CONTACT US Cascade Bicycle Club 7787 62nd Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115
www.cascade.org Office phone: 206-522-3222 Email: info@cascade.org
SENIOR STAFF Note: All email addresses are @cascade.org Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director (202) 425-0627 • elizabethk@ Barb Chamberlain, Chief Strategic Officer (509) 869-2949 • barbc@ David Douglas, Senior Director of Events & Rides (206) 939-4323 • davidd@ Shannon Koller, Senior Director of Education (206) 939-4335 • shannonk@
Tarrell Kullaway, Senior Director of Development & Membership (206) 939-4312 • tarrellk@ Kathy Mania, Senior Director of Finance & Operations (206) 939-4321 • kathym@ Brent Tongco, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing (206) 939-4307 • brentt@ Blake Trask, Senior Director of Policy (206) 310-4762 • blake@
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Catherine Hennings • catherine. hennings@ Vice President Nate Glissmeyer • nate.glissmeyer@
Secretary Sandi Navarro • sandin@ Director at large Charles Ruthford • charles.ruthford@
Treasurer Alexa Volwiler • alexa.volwiler@ DIRECTORS George Durham • george.durham@ Marie Dymkoski • maried@ Ted Inkley • tedi@ Haley Keller • Haleyw@ Kevin McDonald • kevin.mcdonald@ Bill Montero • bill.montero@ John Pope • johnp@
Merlin Rainwater • merlin.rainwater@ Tamara Schmautz • tamara.schmautz@ Jim Stanton • jim.stanton@ Don Volta • don.volta@ Daniel Weise • daniel.weise@ Ed Yoshida • ed.yoshida@
The Cascade Bicycle Club Board of Directors meets six times per year at the Cascade Bicycling Center, 7787 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle. Board meetings are open to the public. Board of Directors meetings take place on the third Wednesday of the month.
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www.cascade.org
Vol. 47, No. 10
Bike talk happy hours rolled through Washington By Barb Chamberlain, Chief Strategic Officer
“Come for the happy hour — stay for the bike talk.” That invitation brought out nearly 200 people in towns across the state. They came to get an update on the progress of the Cascade/Washington Bikes merger and resulting organizational roles, share their ideas and concerns for better bicycling in their hometowns, and connect people with local projects and groups. In Olympia, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Spokane and Tri-Cities, we reached out to local groups and Cascade members. From Cascade members we heard, “we’re so glad to see Cascade come to town.” From others we heard, “thanks for being a partner with our local group. We’re glad to see you’re taking the statewide mission seriously.” Some of the outcomes and stories from these gatherings and other meetings we also held while we were in town: • We heard in Olympia that they valued the idea of a collaborative event ride calendar meeting and held one in mid-November, inviting clubs and event organizers from all over the state to increase opportunities to ride. • In Leavenworth and Tri-Cities we were able to talk with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) regional bike/pedestrian coordinators about projects and progress. • You should see the abundant bike parking in downtown Leavenworth! • Ellensburg is already a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community and rolling toward even more improvements, including a “bicycle boulevard” on Seventh Avenue. • We explored the potential for expanding the Major Taylor Project in future years in Wenatchee, Spokane and Tri-Cities.
• Tireless volunteer David Beach of Bike Tri-Cities set up so many meetings for us with every jurisdiction and with economic development interests including Visit Tri-Cities and the Port of Kennewick. • Several locations for the permanent bike/pedestrian counter program we manage under a WSDOT grant were identified in these communities. The Cascade board adopted “Increase Ridership Statewide” as one of our strategic goals, along with “Promote Bicycle Friendly Policies and Investments.” Strengthening local groups that get people riding and speaking up for improvements in infrastructure helps accomplish both goals. In the Wenatchee Valley, we partnered with Wenatchee Valley Velo on a special membership offer for people who are members of one organization but not the other; we have a similar offer to help Bike Tri-Cities grow their membership. At every gathering we heard great ideas for development of the statewide resource hub that we’re creating as another of our strategic plan goals. Interested in a joint membership campaign? Contact Ariana Rundquist, Membership Manager, arianar@ cascade.org. If you’d like to see a Bike Talk Happy Hour in your town, contact Kelli Refer, Director of Statewide Engagement (kellir@cascade.org). We can’t promise we’ll get to every town, but when we do roll in, get ready to join us for a great time! !
With your support, we will improve lives through bicycling across Washington state. Please send your year end gift today in the enclosed envelope or at cascade.org/give.
Member of Cascade Bicycle Club & Washington Bikes Sponsor of Bikecafe, Bikesale.com, Dyna, Egencia Racing, Fell Swoop, Fischer Plumbing, Garage, Group Health, Lakemont, Project13, Recycled Cycles, SCCA/Starbucks, Snoqualamie Ice Cream Racing, SnoValley Velo, Spin, SPU and Taco Time NW Cycling Teams
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
For the love of cycling By Rebecca Sorensen, Cascade Events Director With help from Jeffrey, Joanna & Julian Roger
Julian Roger, age 8, completed over 600 miles on Cascade events in 2016 and now has his sights on finishing STP in one day.
I was ready to close down the Poulsbo food stop on the 2015 Kitsap Color Classic when a father/son duo rode up. I assumed they were locals out for a short ride due to the age and size of the child. But I realized they were both wearing bibs, and this young kid was halfway through our 59-mile route!
“I do love crossing those finish lines.” - Julian Roger, age 8
This is how I was introduced to Julian Roger, who informed me that he was seven years old, deaf and determined to be a 2016 STP finisher. According to his parents, Jeffrey and Joanna Roger, Julian’s interest in cycling began at age two on his push bike, and he quickly graduated to taking long rides on their tandem “limo” family bike. Julian developed a love for cycling that helped him navigate some difficult challenges in his young life. As a small child, Julian had a rapidly progressive hearing loss. By age four he was clinically deaf and received a cochlear implant. Despite the frustrations his hearing loss posed, Julian always found joy on his bike. When his dad decided to ride the 2015 STP, Julian insisted he ride with him. They expected Julian to ride a few miles with his mom providing support. He ended up finishing 80 miles over the two-day ride on a 20” single speed kids bike! Julian set his sights on the 2016 STP, determined not to allow anything to get in his way. In addition to regular rides around home, Julian’s training included Bike-N-Brews (30 miles), Flying Wheels (65 miles), Red-Bell (100 miles), and of course, STP (205 miles before the finish line closed!). You would think he had reached his goal
and would slow down, but Julian continued riding the lower loop of HPC (61 miles), Bike for Pie (32 miles), and again KCC (59 miles). He has completed over 600 miles on Cascade events in 2016 and is not stopping there. In his own words, he’s “not a quitting type of person.” According to Julian’s father, Cascade has provided a safe way for Julian to challenge himself. “Through the generous support of Cascade event organizers, who now know him by name, as well as the amazingly supported opportunities [they] provide for him, he has garnered accomplishments that have boosted his self-esteem in the world as an athlete who happens to be
Father and son Jeffery & Julian Roger rode more than 600 miles with Cascade this year.
deaf,” said Jeffery. We at Cascade want to congratulate Julian on his amazing accomplishments this year as Cascade’s youngest rider with the most miles. When we asked what his favorite part of the rides, it was tough for him to nail down just one, but Julian responded, “I do love crossing those finish lines.” Julian’s next big goal? STP in one day by age 10 or 11. We look forward to cheering him across the finish line! 5
L O O K W HAT W E DI D We supported each other
We collaborated with partners to build the White Center Bike Playground—the first of its kind in South King County
3,769 students rode their bikes and 79 schools participated on Bike to School Day
87 adults learned to ride a bike for the first time
We fostered new beginnings
The new Emerald City Bike Ride sold out with 7,000 riders
We created the Eastside Greenway Alliance in partnership with 6 organizations
We officially opened the Cascade Bicycling Center Traffic Garden, Fix-it Garage & Ride Leader Welcome Pavilion
TO G E T H E R I N 2 0 1 6 We grew bicycling across
Washington state We counted 78,576 people walking and biking in the annual statewide count
We supported 4 bike friendly ballot measures.
We helped pass Sound Transit 3 to invest $370 million over 25 years to make it easier to walk and bike to transit stations
We prioritized learning We expanded the Major Taylor Project to 450 students at 14 sites in 4 school districts
36,670 students received bicycle and pedestrian safety education programs
235 advocates learned how to support their communities through policy programs and trainings
Interested in helping us reach even more milestones with your 2017 sponsorship? In 2016, more than 30,000 riders participated in Cascade events. Our membership of 17,000+ is comprised of highly engaged bicyclists throughout Washington. Cascade offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities that can be tailored to fit marketing objectives of any business. Please contact our Sponsorship Manager, Mike Thompson, at miket@cascade.org or 206-939-4318 to get involved with Cascade Bicycle Club in 2017.
December 2016
Volunteer Mechanic Training By Stephen Rowley, Fleet Coordinator
With the generous support of volunteers, Cascade maintains a fleet of 650 bikes, dedicated to teaching youth how to ride.
Have you ever wanted the opportunity to really learn how to wrench on bikes? Well, the time is now. Cascade’s Volunteer Coordinator and Fleet Coordinator have come together to offer something new to the Cascade community. It’s called Volunteer Mechanic Training. Volunteer Mechanic Training is a bicycle maintenance course offered for free to interested Cascade volunteers in exchange for pledging to attend two Bike Maintenance Parties. What is a Maintenance Party? I’m so glad you asked. A Maintenance Party is when Cascade’s Fleet Coordinator and volunteers team up to safety check and tune up bikes used for our education programs in community schools. Did you know that Cascade owns and maintains a fleet of 650 bikes dedicated to teaching children how to ride? Through Cascade’s Let’s Go! and Major Taylor Project we serve thousands of students every year in Seattle, Highline, Edmonds, Tacoma, Tukwila and Lake Washington public
schools. Maintaining this fleet is no small undertaking, and Cascade could not do it without the help of our dedicated volunteers. And both programs are poised to grow, which means we need your help more than ever. Help us get kids on safe, properly tuned-up bikes and learn how to maintain and perform basic repairs on your own bike while you’re at it. Total win-win. So sign yourself up and come learn bike maintenance techniques and technical knowledge from our professional mechanic. Once you’ve completed a training session, then you’ll be even more ready to get your hands greasy at our upcoming Maintenance Parties. Challenge yourself to sign up for a couple, because, as we all know, “practice makes perfect.” Head to Cascade’s volunteer portal at cascade.org/volunteerportal to sign up for training sessions and maintenance parties this winter. The bikes will all come home for the mid-year maintenance. Hope to see you there!
Cascade Outriders are here for you! By Leo Stone, Cascade Outrider Co-founder & Guest Contributor
Cascade Bicycle Club would like to say a special thank you to our volunteer-run Outrider program. This dedicated group was present in great numbers in 2016, come rain or shine. If you are asking yourself, “Who are the Outriders?”, read on... If you rode a Cascade event ride, you may have seen the Outriders— those wearing white and black Outrider jerseys with the Cascade Green ‘C’ logo on the back, bags and pockets bulging with spare tubes, tools and medical supplies. The Outriders are a combination of ambassadors of cycling goodwill, the eyes and ears of the Cascade Events Team for realtime course conditions, and the first response on the scene for people with injuries or with a mechanical breakdown. Outriders 8
do traffic control to protect people riding the course, get motorists through crowds, and control the area around injured people, assisting the Medical Support Team. Outriders are volunteers; they buy their own equipment for tools and medical supplies. Once they sign on to ride an event, no matter how the weather changes, if people are on the course, then so are Outriders. Because Outriders have ridden these courses so many times and have briefings of the course before the rides, they can get you help faster and know the places to get help from. When you see us on the next Cascade event, say hello, we’re here for you! Enjoy the ride. More information at cascade.org/ about-volunteer/cascade-outriders
www.cascade.org
Vol. 47, No. 10
EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR CTS!
CHEW rides again in 2017! By Alexa Volwiler, Cascade Ride Leader and Cascade Board Member
Come join us for the fifth annual Climbing Hills Eastside in the Winter (“CHEW”) rides. This is a series of Free Group Rides that runs every weekend starting the first weekend in January through the last weekend in March (with rest week for Chilly Hilly). These will be climbing routes on hills in which target elevation is 85 feet per mile with distances starting at 30 miles and ending around 55 miles. Routes mix in a variety of areas, so you’ll get a good sense of what our local hills around Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond have to offer. We have a lot of fun staying in shape during
the winter, motivating each other over hard climbs and pushing ourselves to ride even in the rain. Riders will gain hill climbing strength and be ready to start the spring cycling season off strong. Look for ride listings with detailed information in the Cascade Free Group Rides calendar. We hope to see you on the rides!
New Year’s resolution: 200 miles or bust Join CTS and finish strong! By Stacey Williams, Rides & Outreach Director
For more information on dates and rides, visit cascade.org/calendar or contact Alexa Volwiler at alexa.volwiler@ gmail.com or Stacey Williams (Rides and Outreach Director) at staceyw@ cascade.org.
Getting ready to ride in 2017 By Deborah Munkberg, Cascade Ride Leader & Guest Contributor
New to bicycling or been off your bike for a while? Is 2017 your year to get active on your bike or tackle the Seattle to Portland (STP) or Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP)? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Cascade Bicycle Club has a special ride series designed just for you! The 2017 Getting Ready to Ride Series (GR2R) is an early-season eight-week progressive series that begins with a very doable first ride and adds a little mileage and elevation gain each week. By the end of the series, you will be off to a strong start toward meeting your goals for the season. Here is what a few alumni of the GR2R series have had to say: “If you have trouble keeping up with other bike riders or feel you are out of shape, this series will help you to develop confidence and stronger bicycle muscles.” “The GR2R series helped me increase my distance tolerance, grow friends in the community and find mentors who helped me through STP and onward.” Interested? Read on for the details: Who
GR2R rides are free and available to any rider. You will ride with others who share your pace level and enthusiasm for cycling. Rides are led by Cascade ride leaders, experienced volunteers who know the routes and are trained in bicycle safety. Improving Lives Through Bicycling
What
Routes are designed for new riders and progress in distance and elevation gain over the series. Two paces will be offered: a leisurely pace at 10-12 mph and a steady pace at 12-14 mph on the flats. Where
GR2R has start locations each week in Seattle, east King County and south King County. When
Weekly, beginning the end of January through March. How
Ride information will be posted on the Cascade website starting in early January. Remember that these are winter rides, so you’ll need warm rain-resistant clothing; also bring water or sports drink and a snack for refueling. If you are interested in riding in Cascade’s popular Cascade Training Series (CTS), GR2R is a great warm-up to the series. More information at cascade.org/ repeating-ride-series.
Are you planning on riding one of Cascade’s signature events? Not sure how you’re going to train? Or maybe you’re looking for a new group of fellow riders? Then sign up for the Cascade Training Series! This Seattle-area training series, known as CTS, is designed with the goal of physical and mental preparation for our signature events, the STP and RSVP. The Cascade Training Series has a number of elements to help you prepare for your next event. You will receive a training plan that complements your weekly CTS ride. There are fix-a-flat classes, group riding skills classes and some general maintenance classes. There are also seminars with resources and information to keep you fit and healthy throughout the training series. Of course the key element is the riding program, which begins in early April with low mileage rides. The slowest pace will be 12–14 mph on the flats and a commensurate level of effort on hills. This is generally considered a “steady” pace, and you must be able to ride at this pace to participate. New in 2017 is the addition of a “vigorous” pace which rides at 18–20 mph. The CTS ride schedule is set in advance and includes weekly rides that start and end all over the greater Seattle area, including Lynnwood, Edmonds,
Renton, etc. Be sure to allow for time to arrive to the starting point via car or transit if you don’t live within biking distance. During the ride series, the route mileage and level of difficulty will steadily increase leading up to STP in July. The distance progression culminates in a 100-mile century ride shortly before STP. CTS riders will have a members-only website with all the details about the series, including maps, cue sheets and the master schedule. All of these benefits will make you that much more confident and prepared on event day. Hope to see you there! If you are still unsure, listen to former participant Jeff Stranc: CTS training enabled me to have a tremendous STP. I can’t praise the program enough! Our ride leaders were instrumental not only in the physical preparation, but they also mentored us mentally to be ready for a safe and successful ride. Don’t get me wrong, my one-day STP experience consisted of a lot of hard work, but that really pales in comparison to the sense of pride and accomplishment that I received for my efforts. If you commit yourself to the program, you will not be disappointed — CTS works! For more details or if you have questions, email Stacey at staceyw@ cascade.org.
Join us for a Free Group Ride! Our volunteer Ride Leaders offer at least one
Please send your year-end gift to help us expand our Free Group Rides in 2017 in the enclosed envelope or at cascade.org/give.
Free Group Ride every day of the year — and
2,600+ rides annually in the Puget Sound region! Find all our ride offerings at cascade.org/calendar.
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December 2016
A bicyclist’s book review: From Sea to Shining Sea
Pedal Washington hitting your mailbox in January
By Ariana Rundquist, Membership & Development Manager
By Briana Orr, Communications & Marketing Manager
The self-published account From Sea to Shining Sea chronicles the 2007 cross-country cycling adventure of Alan L. Williams, MD. In the preface, Williams describes himself as a youth growing up in the suburbs of New Jersey, a “casual cyclist at best.” Clearly, something changed. Any reader over the age of seven, especially those dreaming of their own summertime cross-country adventure, will enjoy this book. From Sea to Shining Sea takes one stretch of road at a time. Each chapter is a journal entry describing one distinct leg of Williams’ group bicycling tour across the continental United States. The meticulous account precisely recreates Williams’ journey, from the first dip of his wheels in the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Beach in Astoria, Ore. to his arrival at the Atlantic Ocean Wallis Sands State Park in Portsmouth, N.H. The slim read manages to carry two months worth of the 3,700-mile journey,
We are so excited to bring you a new magazine in January 2017! With help from many of you who submitted ideas and feedback on a title, we’ve decided to call the publication “Pedal Washington.” Pedal Washington will replace the Cascade Courier, evolving it from newsprint to a magazine. And with it, we’ll be able to bring you in-depth feature stories and larger-than-life photographs from all around the state. And so… this is our last issue of the Cascade Courier. Our humble member newsletter started in 1970 as the “Freewheeler.” Volunteers used typewriters to distribute meeting minutes and announcements to Cascade members. In 2014, we published our first full-color newsletter. Keep your eyes out for the new magazine hitting your mailbox in January 2017. Our inaugural issue will feature a guide to all things Cascade 2017 — including onand off-the-bike events, classes and summer camps. Thank you for your membership, support and enthusiasm as we bring you an even more enjoyable publication next year.
complete with maps, road minutiae, daily stats and historical context for each region. Anyone considering a cross-country bicycle tour will appreciate the insight — and a few spoilers — of From Sea to Shining Sea. Even non-bicyclists can empathize with the mounting rear-end pain of the first two weeks (“an ominous sign”) or the tragedy of missing out on the famous berry pie, consumed by the faster riders ahead, at the Bridge Creek Cafe outside Mitchell, Ore. Williams is now semi-retired and lives in Blaine, Wash., remaining both a long-distance bicyclist and a longtime Cascade Bicycle Club member. You can find From Sea to Shining Sea in the Member Room at the Cascade Bicycling Center, or purchase your own copy from iUniverse.com or Amazon. com. (Don’t forget to use smile.amazon. com to have a portion of your purchase donated to Cascade!)
ADVENTURE
OREGON PREARRANGED TOUR:
on how we can celebrate bicycling across the state? We’re seeking guest contributors to Pedal Washington. Email your ideas and examples of your past work to brentt@cascade.org.
With your support, we will share the joy of bicycling across Washington state. Please send your year-end gift today in the enclosed envelope or at cascade.org/give.
Are you a good storyteller or photographer? Do you have ideas
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Support a bike friendly washington... even when you drive
A portion of proceeds from the license plate purchases and renewals now support Cascade’s safety education programs statewide.
Share your love of bikes with a Share the Road license plate.
Available at any license office. Details at cascade.org/sharetheroad 10
www.cascade.org
Vol. 47, No. 10
To see or to be seen, that is the question By Charlie Hockett, Rides & Outreach Coordinator
With the turn in season and winter solstice still out on the horizon, the likelihood of riding after dark (or before light) inherently increases. For many of us, riding in the dark can seem like a daunting endeavor which requires expensive lights and a fearless constitution. However, a few basic tips can help you light up your ride and keep rolling day or night. The Laws
Washington State Law (RCW 46.61.780) requires: 1. A steady white front light visible for 500 feet 2. A red rear reflector a. A red rear light may be used in addition to the required reflector So lighting up your bike is not only safe, it’s the law. The Basics
Bike lights can be broken down into two general groups: lights used to be seen, and lights used to see. The key difference between the two groups is the amount of light your bulb will put out (often measured by lumens). A light that you use to be seen will typically output less light (100 lumens or below) and will probably not be enough to light up a dark path in front of you. However, because they use less energy, these lights will typically be cheaper, smaller and have a longer battery life.
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
A light that you use to see will output more light (usually more than 200 lumens), which will illuminate the road in front of you, but will use more energy and cost more than a light used to be seen. These lights will typically have rechargeable or replaceable batteries, since the high output of power will wear down the power supply over time. When considering what type of lights to get, I recommend thinking about where you do most of your riding and your budget. My commute takes me on the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, which is dark at night. Because of this, I chose a powerful light combo that I can charge with a USB cord while at home or in the office. If your ride typically takes you in well lit, urban areas, you might be able to get away with a cheaper, self-contained lighting system that uses less power and helps draw attention to you. Although lights seem to get more expensive with the more light they emit, bike lights are getting more affordable by the day. A visit to your local bike shop can get you rolling safely with lights that fit your needs and budget. Whether you are commuting before the sun comes up or riding to meet up with your friends for dinner after dark, make your lights an integral part of your setup.
Top 5 gifts for the bicycle enthusiast in your life By Ariana Rundquist, Membership & Development Manager
Walnut Studio ‘Little Lifter’
Looking for something thoughtful and useful to give the bicyclist who has everything? You are not alone. Skip the bike-themed kitsch. These gifts will wow any bicyclist no matter their age, size, skill or bike style: 5. Bandanas are lightweight, colorful, cheap and just about the most useful item any bicyclist can carry! Tie 5-6 bandanas end-to-end for a creative stocking-stuffer, and label each with its intended use on the road: towel, sweatband, flair, napkin and more! Pro tip: check out the July 2016 edition of the Courier for more bandana bicycling basics. 4. A portage strap makes a great gift for your favorite bicycling commuter, especially in cold regions (nobody likes grabbing a cold top-tube). This little strap makes a big difference if you are loading your bike onto a bus every day. For the crafty readers out there, try making this yourself from scrap leather. 3. Bars or other on-the-road eats are excellent for long-distance or fitness bicyclists if you know their tastes well enough to avoid any dietary restrictions. Go for something unusual or a little pricier than they would buy for themselves, and you just might discover a new favorite. Pro tip: Cricket-flour protein bars are gluten-free, sustainable and quite the conversation-starter—but not for vegans/vegetarians.
2. Gift certificates are no longer the lazy-person’s gift, trust me. Most bicyclists carry a wish list in their head of obscure upgrades or fancy gear they wish they had. You are not a mind-reader, so make everyone’s life easier and get them a gift certificate to their local bike shop. According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, most bikes (74% in 2015) are sold through mass merchants like Walmart. However, though the number of specialty bicycle retailers in the United States has declined steadily since the 1980s, 49% of bike spending happens at your local bike shop. 1. Give the gift of Cascade Bicycle Club membership to anyone who bikes or might like to start! All members will receive the new statewide Cascade quarterly magazine, Pedal Washington, in January 2017, but their membership benefits begin immediately from the date of purchase. This gift keeps on giving all year! Support Cascade’s work with a donation in honor of the bicyclist in your life, and give the gift of Cascade membership. Want to put a gift membership under the tree? Give in honor of your gift recipient by Tuesday, Dec. 20, to receive or send a personalized holiday card from Cascade Bicycle Club with gift membership. Visit cascade.org/give to give in honor of the bicyclist in your life!
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December 2016
2016 Volunteer of the Year: Larry DeBardi
Voters say yes to biking, walking and transit following 2016 Ballot Measure Endorsements
By Nicki Everett, Volunteer Coordinator
By Kelli Refer, Statewide Engagement Director
Voters sent the message that biking, walking, safety, and transit are important investments by passing three of the four ballot measures endorsed by Cascade Bicycle Club this election season. Sound Transit 3: Regional Prop 1 PASSED!
Regional Proposition 1 passed and will fund Sound Transit 3. The 25-year, $54 billion plan will build 62 miles of light rail, add additional bus rapid transit, express bus, and Sounder commuter rail improvements. In addition to building light rail, the package includes approximately $370 million to make it easier to bike and walk to transit. A huge thank you to the volunteers who joined in the Mass Transit Now campaign to make phone calls and knock on doors. Together we reached thousands of voters! Bellevue Levy for Transportation: Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion PASSED!
This 20-year property tax levy will raise approximately $140 million for neighborhood safety, connectivity and congestion improvement; as
well as sidewalk, bicycle, technology and maintenance needs. Notably, this levy will improve the potential for investments in Bellevue’s Bicycle Network. City of Bellevue staff are already working to develop project lists for the first two years, with a plan coming to the city’s transportation commission mid-December. Kenmore’s Proposition 1: Walkways and Waterways PASSED!
This $19.75 million bond measure will fund investments in five significant bicycle, pedestrian and placemaking projects in the city of Kenmore. The Juanita Drive improvements will add bike lanes from Kirkland city limits north to 170th Avenue/Simonds Road NE. An additional project would connect Safe Routes to Schools projects to downtown. Issaquah Traffic Improvement Projects Bond DEFEATED
The $50 million bond measure would have invested in four projects across Issaquah focussed on safety and traffic calming. While the bond measure received the majority of votes in Issaquah, it failed to reach the 60% threshold for passage.
All of the work we do is made possible by people like
YOU! Please send your year-end gift today in the enclosed envelope or at cascade.org/give.
Cascade staff presents Larry DeBardi with the 2016 Volunteer of the Year award.
Every year, Cascade has the opportunity to recognize one outstanding volunteer who has gone above and beyond. Larry helped to make 2016 one of our most memorable years. You’ve likely benefitted from Larry’s work as a volunteer, even if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet. Packet stuffing, route marking, event setup and breakdown, support driving, baggage driving, leading free group rides, being an Outrider and a dedicated CTS Ride Leader — Larry has an impressive volunteering resume. It’s not just the work Larry does, but his friendly and positive outlook while doing so, no matter how hard the job is. Larry also holds the distinction of earning a nickname, Penske, which
he earned after his baggage truck for STP broke down on the side of the highway. While most people would’ve seen this as a major roadblock, Larry just kept on trucking and transferred over 500 bags of luggage into new trucks, and he STILL made it to the STP finish line before the advertised time, all with a smile on his face. Above all, Larry is a fantastic guy to know, work with and simply grab a drink with. While we couldn’t do it without him, Larry is truly Volunteer of the Year thanks to his dedication and his constant can-do attitude. We are so fortunate to have Larry donate his time to Cascade, and can’t say thanks enough. Thank you, “Penske,” and we are looking forward to what 2017 brings!
September/October Cascade Bicycle Club Donors $50,000+
Dennis Madsen
$1,000-$49,999 Bud and Sue Hunt Ted Inkley Kato Takeda Steve & Sharon K Anderson
$250-$999
Ahmet Balkan Ameet Joshi Anonymous Antti Rissanen
David A Longmuir Dipak Pawar Don W Barden Doru C Nica Dragos Catalin Sambotin Evan Eccker Hao Feng Jason A Collier John Kesler Jon M Loreen Jose Maldonado Joseph Carmichael Julie B Goldberg Loretta A Goetsch
Mark and Melissa Eamer Matt Pisut Narayanan Lakshmanan Nigel I Stuke Noah Klimisch Onur Karaagaoglu Paul R Borth Philip Wood Rick Senechal Robert Humphreys Saurabh Mittal Taylor S Kendall
Businesses/ Foundations
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation The Boeing Company Google Microsoft Corporation Russell Family Foundation The Wyncote Foundation NW
Donations make our work possible—Thank you!
CE NT ER
March 4-5, 2017 • CenturyLink Field Event Center March 5-6, 2016 www.SeattleBikeShow.com
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BUY • SHOP • EXPLORE
EN V CE NTU DE RYLINK FIEL
Mountain • Electric • Road • Kids Bikes Travel • Accessories • Gear & More! www.cascade.org Tickets only $12 and everyone 17 & under is FREE