Iowa Bicyclist Summer 2012
IOWABICYCLECOALITION.ORG
Lewis & Clark Trail
Beverly Park Dirt
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Cover Photo By Courtney Drury
Recognizing our Gold Level Sponsors
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Get Your NEW Iowa DOT Transportation Map For Bicyclists
Find more information about: Hundreds of miles of multiuse trails Traffic levels on paved roads Iowa bicycling laws Cycling safety tips
The Iowa Transportation Map for Bicyclists shows hundreds of miles of multiuse trails that pass through woodlands, prairies and parks – all highlighting the beauty of Iowa’s landscapes. In addition, traffic levels are indicated for all paved roadways so bicyclists can choose the road routes that match their level of riding experience to enhance safety. Information highlighted on the back of the map includes trail maps of the state’s largest cities; a summary of Iowa bicycling laws; information about 50 multi-use trails that are five miles or longer; cycling safety tips; and contacts, including Web sites, for additional information on cycling in Iowa.
ORDER YOURS WWW.IOWADOT.GOV/IOWABIKES
Advocacy News
The 2012 Top Five Campaigns for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition:
Welcome to the summer edition of the Iowa Bicyclist. I’m sure you noticed that we have made a few changes with this issue. We have condensed into a digest size but doubled the amount of pages. This format has the same number of square inches as the previous editions.
1. Safe Routes to School 2. Mainstreaming alternative transportation 3. Bicycle and traffic safety education 4. Monitoring legislation and government 5. Complete streets education
This publication will include more information on places to rides. We will be using the Iowa DOT Transportation Map for Bicyclist to help you find road routes, trails, and dirt for your adventures. The new format will allow you to take a page with you to navigate or find activities, lodging, and more.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.
The Iowa Bicyclist is published quarterly by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, P.O. Box 5562, Coralville, Iowa 52241. Creative Commons licensing, Attribution, No Commercial Use, No Derivatives, Share Alike. Subscription is included with the price of a $25 or more membership. Please see the application later in this publication. Opinions expressed by writers are are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Inc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeri Neal - President Forrest Ridgway - Vice President Stephen Schnitker- Secretary Lisa Hein - Treasurer Steve Schurtz Stephen Schnitker Aran Rush Ben Clark Charlie Smith Kay Snopek Tim Nelson Jason Systma STAFF Mark Wyatt Executive Director Nick Sobocinski Safe Routes To School Director Nicky Darling Development & Events Coordinator IowaBicycleCoalition.org
I would like to welcome two new board members to the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Benjamin Clark of Des Moines and Aran Rush of Sioux City have accepted positions and will be helping the Iowa Bicycle Coalition become an even better bicycling advocacy organization. Be sure to visit our booth at the RAGBRAI Expo. We are going to have plenty of time to visit and some new t-shirts and jerseys to sell. This is pretty exciting because they are all Iowans: This summer Above + Beyond Cancer will field a team of cancer survivors and professional cancer caregivers in the 2012 Race Across America (RAAM). The eight-person team will ride 3,000 miles across America in seven days. Members of the team represent five different types of cancer and an age span of 29-65. Each of the members are racing not in spite of their cancer, but because of their cancer. In finishing the race, they will have overcome unbelievable odds while proving that there can be deep meaning and fulfillment in reaching for a goal that is just out of the reach of what is knowingly attainable. The team will then use their story to create an exciting backdrop for a multi-platform cancer advocacy campaign that will begin this fall. Another one of the exciting things to happen is the new BikeIowa.com website. Scott Sumpter has been doing the BikeIowa.com website rewrite for some time. It has finally gone live and looks great. It still has your favorite features and events calendar, but also a lot more information. Congrats to BikeIowa.com.
Louis & Clark Trail Lewis and Clark's great journey west begins in Washington D.C. and zigzags along the eastern seaboard encompassing the states of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; then proceeds through Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The trail then meanders through the great plains of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and continues through the mountains and the valleys of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, concluding at the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Trail is a cultural destination that covers over 4,600 miles, crosses four time zones, and showcases some of the most beautiful and rugged areas of America. The Lewis and Clark Trail is one of the five statewide significant bicycle trails identified by the Iowa DOT. The Lewis and Clark Trail will extend from the South Dakota border at Sioux City to the Missouri border for a distance of approximately 160 miles on Iowa's Missouri River Valley. Recently, the Iowa DOT completed an alignment study for the trail. The study has created a route along low traveled roads following the Corps of Discovery’s route. Iowa’s Missouri River Valley is an environment of remarkable riches on many levels. The great American explorers Lewis and Clark followed the Missouri River in their quest to explore the Louisiana Purchase in search of a water and land highway to the Pacific Ocean. As they traveled along the Missouri River through Iowa, they moved from the familiar
regions of the eastern Midwest to areas fully known only to Native Americans and a few white traders. Lewis and Clark, great observers that they were, inspired a concept that more than two centuries later can open this beautiful and historic territory to a new generation of explorers – a series of interconnected pathways that guide people through diverse places and environments, while letting them control their passage and the nature of their engagement with the landscape and its communities. The Lewis and Clark Multiuse Trail's overall goal is to make the landscapes and natural and human history of the Missouri River Valley and the Loess Hills more accessible to a wide variety of users for recreational, transportation, educational and economic development purposes. The Lewis and Clark Trail features three phases of implementation. Phase One or the Today Route (pictured on following pages) is a series of roads hospitable to bicycling currently. Phase Two will provide improvements as the trail progresses using off road trails and paved shoulders. Phase three provides loops allowing for day trips originating in many destinations along the trail. The study also identified lodging, attractions, and cultural or historic amenities on the trail. Bicyclists should be encouraged to visit the Iowa DOT’s Lewis and Clark Trail website for more information to plan their trip along the trail.
More information at: WWW.IOWADOT.GOV/LEWISCLARKTRAIL
Louis & Clark Trail
TODAY ROUTE (SOUTH)
Louis & Clark Trail
TODAY ROUTE (NORTH)
Raccoon River Valley Trail RIDE THE RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL
The Raccoon River Valley Trails is one of the best bicycling experiences in Iowa. Travel from Waukee to Jefferson along scenic rivers and farmland on this paved trail. Visit the communities of Jefferson, Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel, Waukee, and Clive by bicycle. This trail is under expansion and will feature a continuous loop to Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson and Jamaica.
EAT
PJ’s Drive-In and the Port in Panora Bunkers Dunkers Bakery and the Downtowner in Jefferson
DETAILS
DISTANCE: 56 miles DIFFICULTY: Flat with slight elevation changes. PARKING: Jefferson, Cooper, Yale, Panora, Adel, Waukee, and Clive. RESTROOMS: Jefferson, Cooper, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel, and Waukee. Trail Pass Required. $2 per day or $10 per year Available to buinesses or trailheads. Visit www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org for more information.
Cafe in the Park, Italian Villages, and Brick Street BBQ in Adel Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe and Rube’s Steakhouse in Waukee
PLAY
Don’t miss: An elevator ride up to the viewing deck of the Mahanay Memorial Tower, which has a playing carillon. Glazed donuts at Bunkers Dunkers Bakery on the square. Monument outside Cooper Community Building heralding Johnny Carson as Cooper’s “Honorary 51st Citizen.” 80-year-old round gymnasium that was used by the basketball teams from old Yale High School. Guthrie County Historical Village. Ice cream trailside at P.J.’s Drive-In in Panora. Hanging Rock Park in Redfield. The fabulous Dallas County Courthouse in Adel. RVP-1875 furniture makers from the 1800’s
STAY
Check out Trailside Lodging in Jefferson to stay at the historic Lincolnway Hotel along the trail. Panora is home to the Prairie View Bed & Breakfast. Innkeepers Jim & Karen Seivers are cyclists and can help you with your trail experience. Find the Hotel Pattee in Perry when the loop is complete this fall. Be sure to request a stay in the RAGBRAI room.
EVENTS
Don’t miss the Iowa Bicycle Festival during Memorial Day Weekend in Jefferson. The Tour De Raccoon is the second weekend in June during the Bell Tower Festival in Jefferson. Finally, the BRR! Ride is the first weekend in February in Perry. DISCLAIMER: The Iowa Bicycle Coalition makes no claim to the suitability of these routes and advises riders to keep safety in mind.
Raccoon River Valley Trail Map courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation
E41
30 Beaver Grand Junction
Moingona
P4 6
H
R30
P5 8
R1 6
F31
141
Dallas Center
P4 6
44 P3 0
Granger R30
P4 6
P3 0
17
k
Minburn
F31
Panora
141 ee
er Riv
4 Lake Panorama
Madrid
Bouton Cr
F25
Yale
R2 6
R1 8
Perry
Dawson
F25
E52
17
R2 2
P1 8
r
Woodward
ve
Jamaica
Grimes
169
F51 F51
F65
6
F6 0
P4 8
80
F65
6
F90
Trail Future Trail
More information at: www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org
R1 6
Redfield
P2 8
Stuart Dexter
6
F60
F59
Menlo
Adel
Waukee Clive
80
R2 2
Linden
P5 8
F51
8 6
169 a Be
P3 0
144
n
coo
E57
P5 4
P3 0
P4 0
E57
Rac
Cooper
E57
Berkley
Rippey
30 R27
P14
H
R23
Jefferson
H
F90
Booneville
Beverly Park, Cedar Rapids
By Michelle Barker
Beverly Park? Never heard of it. Mountain biking in Cedar Rapids? Really? Until 2006, those would have been typical response. That year, LAMBA (Linn Area Mountain Bike Association) was formed and entered into a user agreement with the City of Cedar Rapids to build and maintain singletrack trails in the park. That initial group has continued to grow and the miles of trail within the park have increased as well. The group currently works with three different municipalities and has trails in three different parks in the Linn County Area.
powerline crossing over and over again. This section takes a rider from the top of the front side, down and over dirt rollers to the back side of the park. Along “Auto Alley”, relics from the past reside, although often overlooked! Due to the two-way nature of the trails at Beverly Park, a rider could simply session any part of the trail system they want. Once in the back side of the park, users can select from a myriad of ride options; “Green Tour” and “Blue Tour” are two popular routes, with a few black label offshoots to challenge the more daring rider. Along these trails are some of the original farm foundations, native century oaks, and abundant wildlife. Many technical trail features exist off of the main trails, with ride around options for those still working on technical skills. Points along the trail make for sweeping views of the southwest side of town, and the occasional train whistle and Highway 30 traffic noise remind riders that they are indeed in the heart of civilization.
Beverly Park is an urban gem. Once derelict and left to the devices of those less savory characters, LAMBA has taken the initiative to turn the park into a family bicycle wonderland. The main parking lot off 37th Street houses a large kiosk (Boy Scout project) with trail maps, upcoming mountain bike events, and generally understood mountain bike riding etiquette. From this point, there are two trails, one that is the “Kids’ Trail”, an out and back short loop, and the other the main connector to the entire six mile system. Within the system are two meadow trails, providing gorgeous views during the golden The trails are signed according to IMBA hours, although warm during the heat of the (International Mountain Bike Association) day. The statuesque oaks, along with other standards and are color-coded. As a user, you trees and vegetation, provide shade throughcan choose your own adventure: begin with a out the rest of the system. During the short sustained climb, or cruise to the top of summer, berries are ripening along side the the front side on a meandering trail. The two trail, and lilies bloom along side trails in the reconnect at the top, so beginners or young system. riders can simply ride the front side and return to the main parking lot. You will The trails inside of Beverly Park were built encounter parts of the old gravel farm drive with the user in mind to provide smiles per on the meandering route and pass the mile. It is a decidedly fun urban system with a foundation of a former park pavilion that, very social user group; during any given ride, according to local lore, burned down and was it is typical to see other riders, walkers, or never replaced. runners an the front parking lot provides an excellent home base for grilling and chatter. Those who enjoy a little rollercoaster of a ride There is a porta potty on site, but no running will want to circle back and complete the water. (next page)
More Information at: wwww.lambaonline.org
Beverly Park, Cedar Rapids
(continued) The local group rides occur on Wednesday nights, and whether you are a brand new rider or simply getting the bike out of the rafters, there is always a friendly regular ready to give you a tour. The genial group will offer a newcomer post ride food and beverage if
they didn’t bring their own. Family is the focus of many in the group, so don’t be surprised to see more kids than adults on some evenings. Take some time to see the urban gem that is Beverly and experience a great metro trail system that will reconnect you with nature.
Photo: Ken Barker
A Letter From IBC Member Bob Harding Anyone who has ever ridden a bike has most likely had an accident or soon will. Back on July 3, 2003 I had my biking accident. My accident was unusual , yet all too common, in the fact that it left me with a Traumatic Brain Injury and with disabilities I will endure for the rest of my life. I used to participate with a bicycle road racing club in Eastern Iowa. My last race with my group in 2003 was from Iowa City to Williamsburg and then back to Iowa City. The last thing I remember was being 5 miles from the finish line. Witnesses tell me, I crossed the finish line and had turned around to join my group when a truck pulling a trailer passed me in a No Passing Zone. Somehow, the trailer ran over my head. My helmet saved my life. The accident, the sudden acceleration and deceleration of my brain against my skull, did a lot of damage to my brain. I was paralyzed on my left side. I had to relearn how to walk and re-use my left side. I had a non-displaced neck fracture at the base of my skull. Many of my neural connections were torn or damaged. I still have memory and balance problems. I do not remember the accident, the ambulance ride, or my stay at the University of Iowa Hospital. I was later transferred to St. Lukes in Cedar Rapids. I underwent 6 months of therapy at St. Lukes and UIHC. Thanks to some dedicated professionals and their excellent care, I am once again a functioning and employed individual. I am now a peer mentor and and spokesperson for the more than 90,000 Iowans, like myself, who have received a brain injury. I am a strong advocate for bicycle helmet laws...especially for children. I belong to the Iowa City Brain Injury Support Group and serve on the Board of Directors of the Eastern Iowa Brain Injury Association.
I am once again able to ride my bike and continue to ride it every chance I get. It's a Specialized S-works Roubaix and I love it and the therapy it provides. I plan on riding one day of RAGBRAI from Marshalltown to Cedar Rapids, a distance of 84 miles. As an advocate for any and all of the more than 90,000 individuals in Iowa with a brain injury and in an effort to prevent others (especially children) from acquiring a brain injury, I'm asking my fellow bike riders for their help. The Brain Injury Association needs money to function in it's role of helping those with a brain injury, their families, and in education and prevention activities so others will not suffer the same obstacles and difficulties I and the other Iowans with a brain injury have to endure each and every day. Would you be willing to sponsor or provide financial support for my "ONE DAY OF RAGBRAI" ride from Marshalltown to Cedar Rapids? Any funds you could donate would go a long ways in helping individuals, as well as their families, who struggle each and every day as the result of a brain injury. Please make your check out to East Central Chapter of BIA. I thank you for your time and for your compassion for helping others who really need our help. Bob Harding
Do you want to help us make walking and biking a safe and viable way for Iowa’s students to get to and from school? The Iowa Safe Routes to School Program is looking for local volunteers across the state! Whether you are a parent, teacher, grandparent, or a community volunteer, we want your help in educating and encouraging young Iowans on safe walking and bicycling habits. The Iowa Safe Routes to School Program offers variety of programs so there are many ways to help: - Organize a bike rodeo - Conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety class - Promote a walk or bike to school day - Coordinate a walking school bus No one knows YOUR community better than YOU! Help bring the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s Safe Routes to School Program to your town and increase the number of students choosing to walk or ride their bike to school. For more information visit www.iowasaferoutes.org or contact Nick Sobocinski, Safe Routes to School Program director at nick@iowabicyclecoalition.org, to become a local volunteer.
The Get Up & Ride National Bike Challenge encourages biking not only for the fun and joy of riding, but also for the benefits of improved health, cost savings and promoting environmental sustainability. May 1 through August 31, 2012 Sign up at www.iowagoesbybicycle.com Ride for a day, a week or for the entire Challenge. Log your rides quickly and easily on the website. This challenge allows Iowa to compete against other states in points per capita. Start logging your miles to put iowa on top!
More Information at: wwww.IowaGoesByBicycle.com
Bike Tools If you are riding on a regular basis, like a car, your bike will need to be serviced from time to time. Dropping your bike off at your local bike shop means you are almost guaranteed safety and proper function. Not to mention it’s stress free and the knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you might have about going by bicycle. Learning a few basic repairs to do on your own however will keep you from having to walk home with a malfunctioning bike or taking the bike in for something small like a flat tire. Our basic roadside repair kit is a list of take-along tools that keep you prepared in case of a flat. A well-maintained bike will generally run trouble free for a long time. A basic repair kit can easily be kept in a small seat bag or in your backpack. We suggest assembling a small kit of basic tools to have on hand at home for minor repairs and adjustments.
Basic Roadside Repair Kit
1 2 3 4
Small Pump Patch Kit and/or Spare Tube Tire Levers Multi-Tool
1 4 3 2 Tools For Home
• Screwdrivers • Adjustable wrench or small “channel lock” pliers • Hex keys to fit your bicycles allen head bolts • Pump • Chain lube • Rags Weekly maintenance includes checking your tire pressure, and wiping down and lubing the chain. The recommended tire pressure is always embossed on the sidewall of the tire. Chains should be cleaned regularly by wiping the chain with a dry rag while turning the crank. Drip a few drops of lubricant sparingly on the cassette and chain while turning the crank. Less is more when it comes to chain lubricant as excess lube attracts dirt. You can easily do this by turning your bicycle upside-down, making it easier to turn the crank while you wipe away dirt and lube from the chain.
Fix a Flat Flat tires don't happen often. Be prepared to fix a flat tire if you need to. Here are eight easy steps that you can follow to change the flat tire yourself. You can always visit your local bike store for assistance. Awlays refill with air to the proper pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.
1
3
2
4
The Steps:
1 2
3 4
5 6 5
7
6
8
Insert a tire lever between rim and tire. Pry tire to the outside of the rim. Repeat with a second tire lever. Use the second tire lever to remove one side of the tire away from the rim. You don't have to remove the other side of the tire. Extract the inner tube. Put a little air in the tube. Attempt to locate the hole. Patch if able. Replace tube if not able to patch. Inspect tire at location of leak. Find and remove offending debris. Replace the tube.
7
Seat the tube over the center of the wheel rim. Be sure the tube is not poking outside the tire.
8
Work the tire back onto the rim. Be very careful not to pinch or damage the tube.
Iowa Bicycle Coalition PROMOTING IOWA BICYCLING AS SAFE AND ENJOYABLE RECREATION AND TRANSPORTATION
YES! I want to make bicycling a priority in my community by: New Member
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Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization. Your membership gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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Complete and return with check payable to: Iowa Bicycle Coalition P.O. Box 5562 Coralville, IA 52241
Join Online at: IowaBicycleCoalition.org/join
New Iowa Bicycle Coalition Shirts and Jerseys for 2012! We have ordered new limited edition t-shirts and jerseys for the 2012 bicycling season. The jerseys come in a shortsleeved mens cut and a sleeveless womens cut. Both are club cut sizes produced by Primal.
Jerseys $60 +sh
The t-shirts are a quality cotton t with a four color logo describing the four seasons of the Iowa Bicyclist. You can purchase yours at IowaBicycleCoalition.org, World of Bikes Iowa City, Sioux City Sheels, or at the IBC Booth at the RAGBRAI Expo.
T-shirts $20 + sh
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
P.O. Box 5562 Coralville, IA 52241 www.iowabicyclecoalition.org (515) 309-2867
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Get a SHARE THE ROAD license plate TODAY! The Iowa DOT is continuing to take applications for Share the Road plates. Show your love of cycling and help make the roads safer for everyone. Whether you're a competitive racer, daily commuter or recreational rider, the Share the Road license plate is the ultimate cycling accessory. Transform your car into a bicycling billboard and remind others to share the road every time you drive. What do I need to do? Contact your county treasuer’s motor vehicles department. You can request a numbered or apply for a personalized plate. You may obtain a share the road at any time. It does NOT need to be on your renewal date.
What does it cost? There is a $35 initial fee and a $10 annual fee to the Share the Road Fund for numbered plates. If you would like to order personalized plates the fees are: $60 initial fee ($25 plate fee + $35 initial fee) and a $15 annual validation fee ($5 validation fee + $10 annual fee to the Share the Road Fund) Where do the funds go? 100% of the funds will be available as the Share the Road Fund to: * Educate motorists * Educate bicyclists * Outreach to law enforcement