Spring Pedal Press by Tom Boss

VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 2 SPRING 2011

Lincoln Ave. Pathway Now Open!

MAY IS BIKE MONTH 2011 Bicycle Network Geology by Bike SEE PAGE 8

PO Box 1115, Fairfax CA 94978 • 415-456-3469

Volume 13 / Issue 2

SPRING 2011

www.marinbike.org STAFF Kim Baenisch, Executive Director Tom Boss, Membership Director Jo Ann Richards, Membership Bob Trigg, Administrator Deb Hubsmith, Advocacy Director David Hoffman, Director of Planning Andy Peri, Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator Wendi Kallins, Safe Routes to Schools Program Director Laura Kelly, Safe Routes to Schools Volunteer Liaison Peggy Clark, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator Aviva Joseph, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Program Coordinator Gwen Froh, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Program Coordinator Frances E. Barbour, Safe Routes to Schools Instructor DIRECTORS Maureen Gaffney, President Scott Klimo, Vice President Ian Roth, Treasurer Don Magdanz, Secretary Matt Adams Jerry Edelbrock Terry Graham Stephen Hesson Vince O’Brien Tom Woolley ADVISORY BOARD Mark Birnbaum Joe Breeze Tom Hale Deb Hubsmith Jim Jacobsen Patrick Seidler Julia Violich PEDAL PRESS Editor: Tom Boss Copy Editor: Connie Breeze Design: Jeremy Thornton Contributors: Frances Barbour, Holly Bogin, Tom Boss, Amanda Eichstaedt, Miguel Farias, Gwen Froh, Maureen Gaffney, David Hoffman, Wendi Kallins, Cheryl Longinotti, Andy Peri, Lawrence Nigro, Scott D. Warner

IN THIS ISSUE Lincoln Avenue Pathway �� 3 2011 Bicycle Network ��4 Bike Locally Campaign ................................6 Route 5 Passport ��7 May is Bike Month....................................... 8 Sibling Suffers Cyclists...............................10

May is Bike Month! SEE PAGE 8

National Bike Summit..................................11 Interview with Mark Slate......................... 12 San Quentin Bike Program........................14 Green Ways to School Challenge............ 15 Geology by Bicycle...................................... 16 My Wildest Commute...............................19 BIKE PRODUCT REVIEWS Brooks B-17 Saddle, Part III.................... 21 BMC Bike Frame...................................... 22

San Quentin Bike Program SEE PAGE 14

Garmin Edge 500.................................... 22 Competition ��23 MCBC Store ��24 Join MCBC ��24 Cover photo by Miguel Farias.

Bike Product Reviews SEE PAGES 21 – 23

Geology by Bike SEE PAGE 16

Lincoln Avenue Pathway Now Officially Open! It’s taken a little longer than we anticipated, but the Lincoln Avenue Pathway is now open! This $12 million pathway project was funded by Measure A. This segment of Bicycle Route 5 on the North-South Greenway connects Terra Linda with downtown San Rafael and includes a break-away path to Linden Lane for community access, as well as a mini-tunnel at the top of the hill to allow riders and pedestrians to avoid the dangerous on-ramps and offramps on Lincoln Avenue. The pathway is located between the sound wall separating the future SMART train and the newly widened segment of Highway 101 between the Lincoln Avenue offramp and the Central San Rafael off-ramp. Access to the pathway from Central San Rafael is at the corner of Mission and Hetherton. From the top of Lincoln Avenue where it meets Los Ranchitos, a crosswalk shows the way to the multi-use path. The Lincoln Avenue Pathway has a lot of great features built in for year-round safety: video monitoring cameras at key sections, a path wide enough for regular sweeping and maintenance, lighting from beginning to end, and a centerline stripe to encourage orderly riding and walking. MCBC Board President Maureen Gaffney attended the official opening ceremony on Friday, March 11th, as other MCBC staff members attended the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. “This is an absolutely gorgeous pathway, and it makes the riding between north San Rafael and central San Rafael a real pleasure,” added Gaffney. “Cyclists in Marin should be proud of this great new facility—it really compliments all of the work that is being done along Bicycle Route 5, including the opening of the Cal Park Tunnel and new bike lane network in northern San Rafael.” This project was one of MCBC’s first big efforts, and it has been years in the making. Along with the opening of the Cal Park Tunnel, this project represents a significant gap closure in the North-South Greenway. It took a multi-agency effort to get the project funded and constructed. Key partners were the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), Caltrans District 4, and the City of San Rafael. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Transportation Alternatives for Marin, along with countless citizens, fought to keep the project moving forward – especially in the face of funding shortfalls and changing timelines. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who has worked to conceive of, push for, fund, construct, and maintain this fabulous addition to the Marin County Bicycle System.

Photo by Miguel Farias.

LINCOLN AVENUE MULTI-USE PATH FAQs Q: Why are there level spots on the north end of the multi-use path? A: The level spots are an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirement. If the grade of the pathway is greater than 5%, a level resting spot is required at intervals of at least every 400 feet. Q: What are the decorative crescent graphics on the path? A: The crescents are an architectural feature that are meant to tie-in with the crescents on the retaining walls adjacent to the path. According to the landscape designer, they are modeled after an elephant tusk. Q: Why is the path access on the north end located near Fair Drive and why can’t the path be accessed at the top of Los Ranchitos? A: The traffic engineers determined that the Fair Drive location was the safest location for bicycles and pedestrians to cross traffic to enter the pathway. This location provides the most visibility to drivers. The top of Los Ranchitos is located at a curve in the roadway and bicycles/pedestrians are not visible to drivers. Q: Why does the south end of the path end at Mission Avenue and not continue to the San Rafael Transit Center? A: There is a follow-up project that will ultimately extend the pathway from Mission Avenue to the Transit Center.

2011 BICYCLE NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION IN MARIN CITIES AND TOWNS Corte Madera Corte Madera is at one end of the historic Alto Tunnel—the other being in Mill Valley. MCBC has been working with local advocates to keep moving forward our campaign to reopen this old railroad tunnel. When it is reopened, it will connect Corte Madera and Mill Valley with a nearly flat route that will significantly improve cycling conditions for everyone traveling between Corte Madera and Mill Valley.

Fairfax Fairfax has completed a study of an East-West bikeway that will span Fairfax through San Anselmo to San Rafael. With a preferred alternative in hand that the three jurisdictions agree to, construction funds can be sought to make the corridor improvements. This study has been adopted by two of the three Town Councils, Fairfax and San Anselmo. It will be included as an appendix in the upcoming San Rafael bike plan (see below). Fairfax is also working to build a segment of bike lanes on Sir Francis Drake eastbound that will connect the Fairfax Library with downtown.

Larkspur Larkspur has been busy improving its non-motorized network during the past year. Most recently, intersection improvements and new bike lanes have been installed along popular cycling routes. Local advocates Cindy Winter and Dwayne Price have been working diligently with Larkspur to install dozens of new bike racks. Perhaps most importantly, the Cal Park Tunnel is now open—connecting Larkspur and San Rafael!

By David Hoffman, MCBC Director of Planning

Every spring, Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) reports on what’s been happening with implementation of the bicycle network in each of Marin’s 11 incorporated cities and towns. We’re continually collaborating with public works directors to expand the network of bike lanes, pathways, bike parking and access to public transit. Since last spring we’ve seen tremendous progress on key gap-closure projects in Marin County, including the Cal Park Tunnel, the Lincoln Avenue Pathway, and projects in central San Rafael and in the Northgate and Terra Linda communities. Each project will connect communities and provide a safer, more accessible route for cyclists. We’ll also be publishing a North-South Greenway update this summer. Photo by David Hoffman

Mill Valley The Miller Avenue Precise Plan (MAPP) has been in progress for more than ten years. MCBC continues to follow this project and provide input for improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. A resurfacing of a short portion of Sycamore Avenue just past Mill Valley Middle School as it approaches the multi-use path will take place later this year. The resurface of this segment will include new bike lanes. A proposed multi-use pathway between Sycamore and Miller Avenue in front of The Redwoods retirement community is currently under consideration. MCBC has provided significant design input for these projects.

Novato Novato continues to expand its bicycle network with new facilities expected to be completed within the year, including the Alameda del Prado bike lanes being 4

completed by the County later this spring. The Novato Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is one of the most active in the County. The Novato BPAC also commented on the Novato General Plan to ensure complete streets and other provisions for bicyclists. MCBC welcomes Jason Nutt as the new Director of Public Works of Novato. We are very pleased to announce that the Enfrente Road Commuter Project is finally kicking off! This will provide a separated multi-use path along the section of Highway 101 where cyclists are currently forced to ride on the shoulder. We’ll be bringing you more updates on this important project as we have them.

Ross The greatly expanded Ross Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan has been completed and was adopted along with a Complete Streets policy, ensuring that all projects built in Ross will include bicycling and/or waking elements whenever feasible.

San Anselmo San Anelmo saw installation of new sharrows (“sharing arrows”) along key bicycle routes within the Town. These sharrows have the dual purpose of showing cyclists where they should be positioned on the road so to avoid being “doored,” and acting as subtle trafficcalming tools. MCBC says “Welcome” to Barry Hogue, the new Public Works Director, and “Thanks” to outgoing Public Works Director Steve Myrter for all of the work that he has done in the past year!

San Rafael San Rafael is just on the cusp of adopting its new Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and a Complete Streets Policy, as of the writing of this article. The new bike plan will be a vast improvement over the old one, and MCBC thanks everyone involved—BPAC members, local advocates, and City Staff for moving this plan forward. MCBC also congratulates Nader Mansourian in his promotion to Director of Public Works. MCBC has been heavily involved with SMART station-area planning efforts over the past year, and we will continue to remain closely involved.

Tiburon

Photo by Miguel Farias.

Tiburon was just awarded a pathway study by the San Francisco BayTrail to look at improvements along this extremely popular cycling corridor. We look forward to working with both Tiburon and the BayTrail in the coming year to make this the best possible study.

Marin County and West Marin The County of Marin has been busy this year expanding and enhancing its bicycle network. The Countywide Bicycle Guide Sign system has been completed; all signs are installed including West Marin (new for this year!) The proposed repaving of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through Samuel P. Taylor State Park continues to move forward, and may commence later this summer. Design has been completed on the soon-to-be-built Tennessee Valley Pathway that will connect the Tam Valley community to the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-Use Path; improvements include a proposed stop light at Tennessee Valley Road and Shoreline Boulevard, and a raised boardwalk over the wetlands (this area has substantial pavement degradation and occasional submersion of the current pathway). MCBC is working with the County of Marin to help identify locations for, and deploy, hundreds of additional bike racks; we hope to have a more detailed report on this effort later this year.

Sausalito Sausalito recently adopted a Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) study, which looked at the best route (off of Bridgeway) between Gate 6 Road and the Sausalito Ferry Landing. This year-and-a-half effort was unanimously adopted by the City Council. Next up: re-formation of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the development of a Complete Streets Policy. MCBC sincerely thanks the City of Sausalito for all of the attention that they have given to bicycling in the past several years!

11101 State Route 1, #B Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 Tel/Fax 415-663-8125 blackmtncycles@gmail.com www.blackmtncycles.com

Black Mountain Cycles cross & road frames Steel road, touring, ‘cross, and adventure bikes Salsa, Surly, Bruce Gordon, Soma Swobo, Ibex, Ortlieb, Tubus Custom wheels, custom bike builds

SEEKING SIX BIKECURIOUS PEOPLE MCBC’s Bike Locally Challenge Returns This May

Apply March 28 – April 18, 2011 Bike Locally Challenge is on Facebook

Two of last year’s winners, Anjuli Elias and Peter Meringolo.

Have you considered riding a bike to work, or for local errands, but haven’t tried it yet? Are you a student who would love to ride to school, but you can’t afford to buy a bike? Well, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) Bike Locally Challenge is for you. The Bike Locally Challenge returns this May. The goal is to find a diverse group of six novice or non-

cyclists and convert them from fossil-fuel-burning to calorie-burning commuters. We’ll give the chosen six the training and equipment they need to succeed, and we’ll watch as their journey inspires hundreds more to try transportation bicycling for the first time. The Challenge will also highlight the many new bicycle facilities that have recently opened, including the Cal Park Tunnel!

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1. If you are a novice or non-cyclist you can apply for one of six Bike Locally Challenge positions by writing a one-page essay on why you want to take the Challenge. 2. Fill out the Bike Locally Challenge application. 3. If you are selected, MCBC will loan you a brand new Globe bicycle and accessories for 6 months (May-October) 4. You make a commitment to ride your Globe bicycle a minimum of 12.5 miles a week and you agree to document your bicycle riding via Facebook, Twitter and/or blog posts. 5. MCBC will provide you with a Bicycle Mentor for the duration of the challenge to train you and help plan your routes.

6. Each ride will earn you points for miles ridden and the type of ride. If you accumulate 500 points over six months, you get to keep the bike! WHO’S ELIGIBLE? You must be a Marin County resident who has not used a bicycle for transportation or frequent recreation. All applicants need to have health insurance, and applicants under 18 years of age need written permission from their parents.

You can apply anytime between March 28 and April 18, 2011. Visit www.marinbike.org/BLC or call Tom Boss at 415-272-2756.

Bike Locally Challenge sponsors:

Route 5

Route 5 Passport

NOVATO Vintage Oaks

Take a ride down Route 5 for shopping, dining and entertainment The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) is launching our newest public outreach effort called the ‘Route 5 Passport’ campaign from May to July 2011. This spring, the campaign will encourage bicyclists to patronize local businesses along the Route 5 bicycle corridor and connecting routes, while increasing their use of Marin’s growing bicycle network. For three months people will be able to use the Route 5 Passport (10,000 available countywide) and receive great deals at 100 participating businesses, all while discovering new stores, restaurants and health services by bicycle. To engage new cyclists to use Route 5, MCBC is scheduling 6-10 weeks of free guided bicycle activities along the corridor and feeder routes. Locations like the Marin Country Mart, downtown San Rafael and Northgate Mall will serve as start and end points for our rides, bringing new cycling customers to those local businesses. Passports will be available at participating businesses, MCBC spring outreach and bike parking events and at bike shops; or look for one in your free Bike to Work Day tote bag on Thursday, May 12. Check out www.marinbike.org/Route5 for the schedule of activities and participating businesses. Bicyclists who use the Passport will receive special offers simply for riding their bikes to merchants on the Route 5 corridor (Novato to Corte Madera). A sampling of deals that await bicyclists include: buy one beverage, get one free at Tully’s Coffee; buy one ice cream dessert, get one free at Double Rainbow; 50% off your first laser hair removal treatment at The Laser Center of Marin; and 20% off one item (some exclusions apply) at Z-Gallerie. Watch for the Route 5 Passports coming this May!

Electrical Contractor / C-10 HIC 823538

Northgate Shopping Center

Marin Civic Center

SAN RAFAEL

Lincoln Ave. Pathway

Fourth Street San Rafael Transit Center

Cal Park Hill Tunnel

LARKSPUR Magnolia Avenue

Bon Air

Marin Country Mart Larkspur Ferry Terminal The Village at Corte Madera

CORTE MADERA

Participating Businesses Reap the Following Benefits: »»

»»

The campaign will help businesses reach the one-infive Marin adults, or more than 50,000 people, that already ride bicycles (MRI 2008) and the 200,000 others we want to get started.

Sponsored by

For only $25, their name and location will appear on the 10,000 printed Passports. Their customers will know that they care about the environment and their customers’ safety by collaborating with MCBC to encourage them to shop and ride locally.

If you own a business and would like to participate fill out the Route 5 Passport Business Agreement and return to MCBC. Call Tom Boss at 415-272-2756 for further details.

Electrical / Lighting Design Residential / Commercial Home Integration Tele / Data Communications Renewable Energies Fire Systems Security

ELECTRICALLYCONNECTED DENIS SOLAN ph 415.497.4248 fax 415.626.1317

denis@electricallyconnected.net

MAY IS BIKE MONTH! HERE ARE ALL THE ACTIVITIES PLANNED AROUND BIKE TO WORK DAY

Thursday, April 28 - 7 p.m. Commuter Light Workshop and Demo at Tam Bikes, 357 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley Come learn about the safety benefits of being visible at night at this commuter light workshop and demo. Following a presentation by Light and Motion, we’ll head out on a ride thought Mill Valley and discover the joys of riding at night!

May 1st to July 31 Route 5 Passport 100 special offers along bicycle Route 5 just for riding your bike!

Ride Marin's North-South bicycle corridor including the Cal Park Tunnel! Click the Route 5 sign at www.marinbike.org for three months of rides and activities starting in May!

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition’s Passport campaign will encourage bicyclists to patronize local businesses along Marin’s Route 5 North-South bicycle corridor and connecting routes, while increasing their use of Marin’s growing bicycle network. For three months people will be able to pick up a Route 5 Passport, ride along Marin’s bicycle network and receive great deals at 100 participating businesses, all while discovering new stores, restaurants and health services.

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Bike to Work Day (BTWD) 18 Energizer stations throughout Marin Stop by a Marin Energizer Station on the morning of May 12 for goodies and lots of cheer. Leave home a bit earlier to check out as many stations as possible and score a tote bag full of goodies. The celebration continues from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the all-new BTWD After Party and Bike Expo!

Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. BTWD After Party and Bike Expo at Marin County Mart (formally Larkspur Landing) Friday, April 14 Have you voted for your Bike Hero? Bike Commuter of the Year nominations now open Your favorite Marin bike commuter could be selected along with one person from each of the other eight Bay Area counties to receive an award in recognition of their dedication to commuting by bicycle. This person is a living example of the benefits of bicycling, making every day a Bike to Work Day. Nominations for the Bike Commuter of the Year Award will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on April 14; don’t wait until the last minute.

Come celebrate with your fellow cyclists at the courtyard at Marin County Mart. Beer and food will be available at Marin Brewing Company and there will be a bike expo with many great companies showing off their latest bicycle accessories and services. We’ll honor Marin’s Bike Commuter of the Year, give out Cal Park Tunnel awards and much more! Sponsored by WTB, Mike’s Bikes and Marin Brew Co.

MAY IS BIKE MONTH continued NOVATO MARINWOOD

Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m. MCBC Fun Ride/Locust – 1st of the season! Mixed-terrain endurance ride on roads, fire roads and trails!

CIVIC CENTER

The 4–5 hour ride covers 30–40 miles of road, fire road and multi-use trails and there’s a lot of climbing! You’ll get a lesson on trail and road etiquette at the beginning of the ride, so that we’re bicycle ambassadors on the ride. The Fun Ride is free, but we suggest a $15 donation to MCBC. Prizes are awarded for good deeds (details day of event). Check www.marinbike.org in May for start location.

FAIRFAX SAN ANSELMO

SAN RAFAEL

ROSS

LINCOLN AVE. PATHWAY CANAL COMMUNITY CAL PARK TUNNEL

LARKSPUR

LARKSPUR FERRY TERMINAL CORTE MADERA

Sunday, May 15, 7 p.m. Movie: With My Own Two Wheels MYC Teen Center 1115 Third Street, San Rafael With My Own Two Wheels weaves together the stories of five individuals across the globe into a single narrative about the bicycle as a vehicle for change. The documentary was shot on location in Zambia, Ghana, India, Guatemala and California and was produced in collaboration with bicycle-driven development organizations including World Bike Relief and Santa Barbara’s own Bici Centro. The screening is a fundraiser for MCBC’s Teens Go Green and The Bicycle Works.

Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. -4pm Ales and Trails at China Camp State Park Ales and Trails is a benefit for the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s California advocacy efforts to improve trail opportunities throughout the state. Join us at China Camp’s Miwok Meadows for guided mountain bike rides and professionally led skills clinics with pro riders. Enjoy beer tasting, live music and a gourmet BBQ.

MILL VALLEY MARIN CITY

SAUSALITO

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

NOVATO »» Alameda Del Prado at Nave Drive hosted by Classcycle

ROSS »» 7 Ross Common hosted by Breaking Away Bicycles

SAN RAFAEL »» Las Gallinas Rd. at Lucas Valley Rd. hosted by Marin Bikes & Miller Creek School

CAL PARK TUNNEL »» Bike path at south end, near Larkspur Theatre. hosted by REI, Corte Madera

»»

»» »»

»»

May – October Bike Locally Challenge Bike Locally Challenge awards six novice cyclists with bicycles, accessories and mentors to convert them from fossil-fuel burning to calorie-burning commuters.

TIBURON

4th and H Streets hosted by Summit Bicycles Lincoln Ave. Pathway Marin County Civic Center South Arch at Memorial Drive San Rafael Canal Bellam and Francisco Blvd. East

FAIRFAX »» 737 Center Blvd. hosted by Sunshine Bicycle Center SAN ANSELMO »» Sir Francis Drake Blvd. & Saunders Ave. (7 – 9 a.m.) hosted by Drake High School students »»

702 San Anselmo Ave. hosted by Paradigm Cycles

LARKSPUR »» Redwood High School (7 – 9 a.m.) hosted by Redwood High School students »»

Larkspur Ferry Terminal

MILL VALLEY »» Richardson Bay Bike Path, north end hosted by Whole Foods Market SAUSALITO »» Richardson Bay Bike Path, south end (6:30 – 9:30 a.m. & 4 – 6 p.m.) hosted by Mike’s Bikes »»

Vista Point at Golden Gate Bridge (5:00 – 9:30 a.m.) hosted by MCBC, BABC, Kaiser Permanente, Clif Bar, and WTB

SIBLING SUFFERS CYCLISTS MCBC member and League Certified Instructor, Cheryl Longinotti, offered to share her responses to her sister’s questions about “those dang cyclists,” since she imagines that many other people have them too. If any of her responses resonate with you, feel free to share and elaborate on them when you need to explain how and why cyclists use the public roads. My sister made me do it. I volunteered to write this article to silence her complaints about cyclists. What follows is a sample of our exchanges. I hope there’s a tip here worth sharing with the cyclists and motorists in your life.

“You cyclists get in the way of traffic.” All road users slow other road users on a routine basis. A motorist waiting to make a left turn from a two-lane street slows motorists behind him. A school bus or large truck can likewise delay others. Cyclists are traffic, though it’s rare for cyclists to cause a delay longer than a typical traffic light.

“Why do you ride two abreast? Isn’t it against the law?” California law does not require single-file riding or forbid riding two abreast. A fundamental rule of the road is: slower traffic moves on the right. Ride Right is a universal mantra applying to all road users. For cyclists, it means riding on the right unless there is cause to move to the left. So you’ll see cyclists controlling a lane when

it is too narrow to share, when passing a slower vehicle or parked car, when avoiding a hazard, or when preparing for a left turn.

“I hate packs of cyclists. They’re like swarms.” Just remember your little sister could be in that group! Perhaps it’d humanize the situation if we cyclists waved to acknowledge your presence and did our best to facilitate passing by cars. Breaking up into twos and threes can help.

“Passing! On winding West Marin roads, I often can’t see ahead to judge whether to pass or not.” That’s right. Do always allow for a margin of error, and only pass when you are sure it’s safe and you can allow more than three feet of clearance from nearby cyclists. Any closer and the wind turbulence created by your vehicle can throw a cyclist out of control. Cyclists can help by signaling whether the roadway ahead is clear or not clear of oncoming traffic. By doing so, a cyclist is affirming that roads are for all people. When you in your car can’t pass immediately, it’s like earning a “Get Out of Jail/Stress” card. It’s a moment to kick back, breathe deeply and appreciate all that is Marin, including its colorful cyclists.

We Are Lawyers Who Ride Let Us Fight Your Fight personal injury • professional malpractice www.rahmanlawsf.com Contact us for a free consultation 415.956.9245 or info@rahmanlawsf.com 369 Pine Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94104 Active members of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, the Marin Co. Bicycle Coalition & the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. Follow our Two Wheeler Blog at http://bikelaw.tumblr.com

This does not constituate a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

– Andy Peri, MCBC Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator

This year’s journey to Washington DC for the National Bike Summit presented a significant change of climate, politically, as compared with last year. In the wake of the recession, the electoral loss last November of Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), cycling champion and former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and with a significant change of power in the House to Republican leadership, this year’s national cycling agenda shifted significantly. In contrast to last year’s ambitious agenda, which included four major initiative requests, this year we traveled the halls of Congress to urge that funding for cycling be maintained—not cut—for Safe Routes to School, Recreational Trails Programs, and Transportation Enhancements. (Transportation Enhancements is a significant program that funds many kinds of bike/ped programs and projects, such as partial funding for the Cal Park Tunnel and the Inkwells Bridge in Marin). Some 767 attendees of the National Bike Summit visited more than 400 offices of Senators and Representatives to bring the message that cycling provides significant economic stimulus for the nation. Bike Summit members from throughout the country brought to their representatives district-specific information about the number of bike shops and jobs that have been created by the bike industry in addition to the amount of job-producing funding that was spent in their district on bicycle/pedestrian-related road, trail and pathway projects. We also shared with our representatives new data that is showing that bike/ped infrastructure projects create significantly more jobs than many kinds of road projects. Some bicycle infrastructure projects create more than double the number of jobs as roadresurfacing projects, per million dollars spent. Once again the National Bike Summit attendees were graced with a keynote address by Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. He reaffirmed the Obama Administration’s commitment to national multi-modal

ADVOCACY

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2011

transportation policy and funding priorities. “Not everyone knows about the enormous economic, health and environmental benefits of cycling and pedestrian investments,” stated LaHood in his blog following his address at the Summit. That’s a reflection of the importance of our mission in DC this year. We also heard from Robin Schepper, executive director of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative. Schepper got her start in her work to reverse childhood obesity when she advocated for a bike rack at her child’s DC school. As usual, our meeting with Rep. Lynn Woolsey of the Sixth Congressional District (covering Marin and Southern Sonoma County) was fabulous. Rep. Woolsey is and always has been one of our strongest supporters. She understands that bicycle infrastructure and programs help to create a healthier and more environmentally sound nation that is less dependent on foreign oil. For me, each year our meeting with Rep. Woolsey is like the dessert of the Bike Summit: We are always welcomed with open arms and full, kind support. Members of the Summit’s 70-person California delegation also had good meetings with staff from the office of Senator Boxer (who chairs the Environment and Public Works Committee, which crafts the transportation bill on the Senate side), and with Senator Feinstein’s staff. Both were supportive and urged us to continue our outreach with members across the nation and in particular to show the economic benefits of bicycling. This year marked the 11th National Bike Summit. Policy makers understand that we are a growing movement that is here to stay. Many are deepening their understand about what Bike Summit advocates, industry and community groups want to see: a substantial shift in our transportation policy nationwide to one that includes all modes as part of the system, so that we can have safer, healthier and more vibrant communities throughout the United States.

MARK SLATE, Chief Designer at WTB – The MCBC Interview bridge, who was working at the CyclePath bike shop in Santa Rosa. Bainbridge introduced the design team to Mike Sinyard, owner of Specialized Bicycle Components. Sinyard asked what they could do to make a better mountain bike tire. Mark and crew answered the call and created the Specialized Ground Control, which became a best-selling tire. Mark remembers fine-tuning the design right up to the point where the drawings needed to catch a flight to Japan, where the tires were manufactured. After twelve years designing great products for other companies such as Suntour, Trek and Specialized, it was time for WTB to spread its own wings. In 1994 the company took a leap of faith and released two WTBbranded components, the SST saddle (named for its resemblance to the Super Sonic Transport jet) and what became some of the best known WTB mountain bike tires, the Velociraptors. Velociraptor tires are a front and rear combo with a very aggressive and distinctive tread pattern. A lot was riding on the success of the Velociraptors because the company’s investment in the tire mold was significant. Mark said that if the tires had not been a success, we probably wouldn’t be interviewing him. Luckily, it all worked out. The tires are still popular today after 17 years on the trails. Now that we’d had our history lesson, it was time to learn how Mark designs tires and saddles.

Any negative impression can be valuable. Positive impressions are usually not about change, but if something is working, knowing to retain it can be helped by positive comments. – Mark Slate

I’m always surprised when I mention WTB to someone from Marin County and they say, “what is WTB?” WTB is the acronym for Wilderness Trail Bikes, which is Marin County’s largest bicycle component manufacturer and a leading innovator. The company formed back in 1982, when Mark Slate, Charlie Cunningham and Steve Potts decided to make components for mountain bikes. MCBC had a chance to interview Mark Slate about his 29 years with the company and about what goes into designing some of WTB’s most popular tires and saddles. Mark started out by reminiscing about WTB’s first project, a mountain bike fork called the Type II. He recalls that those forks were labor intensive to produce, but they tracked like nothing else. Following the fork was the Toe Flip, which allowed easy entry into toe-clip pedals. Next were the Roller Cam Brakes and Grease Guard hubs. Things really got rolling for the fledgling business following a serendipitous encounter with Bryant Bain-

MCBC: So how do you design a tire? How do you know they are going to work before the molds are made? MS: For the most part, tire design is conceptual. You really don’t know how it’s going to ride until it comes out of the mold. And if it’s not right, you learn from your mistakes and make a better tire. One of the biggest things that counts is the profile, which is the width of the tread relative to the casing, and how tall the blocks are at the outside edge compared to the center. Small differences can be felt. Pattern building is a development that seems to follow a life of its own for me. Following what comes to mind is fun, but eventually it has to all gel and repeat. After the tire is cooked [the mold has been built and tires have been produced] the next version or variation gets consideration based on ride performance of the existing tread. MCBC: How regularly do you involve test riders for feedback on designs? MS: Anyone may offer valuable input, so the answer is all the time. I try to listen to what people say and

separate subjective impressions from something that may be an aspect I had not considered.

guys in the early days I felt (maybe even knew) that WTB was a leader in equipment.

MCBC: What is the most valuable kind of feedback test riders can give you?

MCBC: Where, in your opinion, is the future of mountain biking; what will we be seeing in five to ten years?

MS: Any negative impression can be valuable. Positive impressions are usually not about change, but if something is working, knowing to retain it can be helped by positive comments. MCBC: Who’s your favorite test rider, and why? MS: Mark Weir has been great. He can push the edge and hold on to the limit of traction. When he’s giving me feedback he’s not trying to design the tire, he’s just saying what it does. For example, Mark noticed that the first Weirwolf tire (named for Mark Weir) works better after it gets used a little. He said he thinks it’s because the inside edge gets chafed or abraded. I can apply that in the next iteration of the tire. When we made the 2.3 version, Weir said it bounces off of stuff a little too much. He felt the blocks were too close to each other, so we opened up the tread. In the latest version we added a terraced step to the knob, which is getting great feedback. MCBC: Tell us about your R&D process for saddles.

MS: Land access has been an issue since the start. In my opinion the idea of riding a mountain bike is about the adventure. That can take place on a closed course, but my preference is to experience a ride that starts without an end in mind. I think the freedom a mountain bike can provide is awesome. The earth is a large playground. Festivals are popular for good reason. I would like to think that the future of mountain biking will involve more destination events—but close to home is greener and adds more to the local community. Growth for mountain biking needs to be about involving new people. I would hope that mountain biking will be a greater part of more people’s lives in five to ten years. But to make that happen we need to be more inclusive. Bike people (especially the elite) tend to be exclusive. So, the future should be about more bikes for more people in more places.

– Mark Slate

For more on WTB and all their products, visit www.wtb.com.

MS: The wooden saddle is a sort of legend. We would carve them, bolt them onto a seat post, get the angle right and ride them. Riding a carved wooden shape will let you know if the fit is wrong or the curves not ideal. Now, with so many WTB designs to build from, [the wooden saddle] is less important. We can improve a saddle or create a new variation by making a new foam shape. The final shape-tuning usually takes place after initial prototype rides. At that point I’m working with the manufacturer, making subtle tweaks to the foam before production.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Our Speciality Concrete & Asphalt

MCBC: We imagine you see your designs out on the trails. Do you get pleasure from that? MS: Yes, I do. When I’m on a trail and I see a lot of WTB tread design, it’s like “wow, I’ve got a lot of presence out here!” I usually don’t say anything, but once in a while I’ll ask “how do like that tire?” My riding buddy tends to introduce me and I’m like “Man, you’re busting me, don’t do that.”

• Driveways

• Sidewalks

• Patios

• Curbs & Gutters

• Sports Courts

• Stamped Concrete

FREE ESTIMATES Call Al Dalecio x 2252 415-454-7011 privatework@ghilottibros.com

MCBC: Tell us about one of your very favorite moments or experiences on your journey at WTB since forming it in 1982.

Please reference this ad

www.ghilottibros.com 525 Jacoby Street, San Rafael Lic. No. 132128

MS: Discovering Moab and all of the experiences that it brought me stands out as a particularly amazing time. In the early days of National Off Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) racing we had a great group of top athletes that were fun to be around. When I built bikes for those

The wooden saddle is a sort of legend. We would carve them, bolt them onto a seat post, get the angle right and ride them. Riding a carved wooden shape will let you know if the fit is wrong or the curves not ideal.

SAN QUENTIN PROGRAM BRINGS BIKES TO KIDS AND LIGHT TO INMATES

The bike program gives us a unique ability to give back to the community. The inmates put a lot of love into the work they do and some of the bikes look brand new. It is wonderful to see the reaction and the response of the communities that receive the bikes. – Lt. Samuel Robinson, Public Affairs Officer at San Quentin

Prison inmates are not usually thought of as heroes in our society. But for the Safe Routes to Schools program and for needy children across the county, there are a few angels at San Quentin prison, working in its bike repair and donation program. The San Quentin Firehouse receives bikes from a variety of places, including police departments in the Bay Area and from the Safe Routes to Schools Bike Donation Drives. Over 90 bikes were recently collected by students at White Hill Middle School and Drake High School. The bikes are delivered to the firehouse, where certain inmates work to repair them to almostnew condition. Mike’s Bikes donates its truck to transport the bikes to and from San Quentin and does some mechanical training, and they also sell bike parts to the San Quentin program at cost. Funds for the parts come from recycling the metal from bike frames or parts that are beyond repair. Roughly 1500 bikes pass through the program each year. Most go to kids in need. Some are retained by the SR2S program and are used in its fleet for bike skills classes. One inmate, Mr. Vinny Sharper, has been working on bikes for over three years. When he first went to the shop, he thought he knew how to repair bikes. “I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know,” he said. He was trained by a captain who has since retired; now, Vinny himself trains inmates who are new to the program. Recently some SR2S staff members showed him some “tricks of the trade.” “I went to a new level,” he says, smiling. “What used to take half-an-hour to fix a brake, I can now do in ten minutes.” Vinny is part of a small group of Level 1 inmates who work at the Fire House. He began working on bikes just

to pass time but became dedicated to the work when he saw photos of kids riding bikes that he had refurbished. “When I see the pictures of kids smiling because of what I do, it warms my heart. I’d do it all day.” Vinny was very excited to work on a vintage blue Stingray that was recently donated to SR2S. He got it back to mint condition and it gleams in the shop. That particular bike will likely be a highlight at Teens Go Green events around the county this spring. Vinny Sharper will be leaving San Quentin soon. He says the bike program was fantastic, both mentally and spiritually. In his future he sees himself, “with a bike shop in my garage where the neighborhood kids can come and hang out, drink Kool Aid and learn about fixing bikes.” We wish Vinny the best of luck in the future, and we send our gratitude for all of the work he did for Safe Routes! To find out more about the San Quentin program or to donate bikes for the program contact Frances Barbour frances@marinbike.org.

Tim P. Cooper, CFP® 415.391.6644 Financial Advisor SPECIALIZING IN: • 401(k) plans for small business and self-employed individuals • Conversions to Roth IRA 550 California Street, Suite 700 San Francisco, CA 94104 Securities & investment advisory services offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC.

GREEN WAYS TO SCHOOL CHALLENGE

Cash Awards Available for Second Year WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE? Safe Routes to Schools is pleased to offer the Green Ways to School Challenge for the second year thanks to a continuing grant from the Marin Community Foundation. Schools participating in the Green Ways to School Challenge strive to increase green trips to school significantly by the end of the 2010–2011 school year. Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) will donate $500 to $1500 to the winning schools.

GREEN TRIPS TO SCHOOL AWARD: Awarded to the schools with the highest percentage increase in green trips for the year »»

1st Place $1500

»»

2nd Place $500

»»

Honorable Mentions

SCHOOLPOOL AWARD: Awarded to the schools with the highest total number of registrations on the SchoolPoolMarin.org website. »»

1st Place $1000

»»

2nd Place $500

»»

Honorable Mentions

• In Marin County, 62% of greenhouse gases comes from transportation. • Up to 26% of traffic in the mornings is from families taking their kids to school. • Walking and biking to school provides much needed exercise to start the day. PLUS IT’S FUN!

PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Awarded to the school with the highest percentage increase of green trips since joining SR2S programs. »»

Award $1000

»»

Honorable Mentions

Twenty-seven elementary schools are boosting their chances of winning by participating in the Go for the Green contest, in which classrooms compete to see who can create the most green trips during the period from March 14 through April 9th. Middle schools are also holding contests this spring to boost their green trips.

The online SchoolPool Marin program assists with match lists of families who’d like to travel to school together.

WHAT IS A GREEN TRIP? Walking, biking, carpooling or taking the bus to school are all examples of “green trips.” To help interested parents find others, the online SchoolPool Marin program assists with match lists of families who’d like to travel to school together. Parents who may not need a SchoolPool can register on the site to take the Green Ways to School Pledge, which counts toward the school’s total green trips for the year.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CHALLENGE, SCHOOLS: »» »»

»»

administer the student and parent travel surveys

Visit the new Safe Routes to Schools website to find out more about Green Ways to School: www.saferoutestoschools.org

distribute program e-mails from SR2S via e-mail or newsletters publish the SchoolPoolMarin.org link on their website home pages 15

GEOLOGY BY BICYCLE – Two Marin County Rides

by Scott D. Warner, MCBC Member

Marin County is one of the most active geologic areas in the world as it straddles two of earth’s great tectonic plates (the North American Plate and Pacific Plate), which grind past each other at a geologically quick speed of a couple of centimeters per year.

The recent tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan are heavy reminders that we live in a constantly changing natural world. These events have occurred frequently over the life of the planet, but rarely during human existence. We can see the remnants of such dramatic events in the terrain we live on—hills, valleys, and bedrock outcrops. Touring by bicycle is one of the best ways to see how natural processes have worked for millennia to create the landscape we live on today. Historically, Marin County was shaped by a multitude of geologic processes including the results of explosive volcanism as seen in the 12-million-year-old rocks at the summit of Mt. Burdell; the incredible array of subduction zone processes that gave rise to the 20-to-60-million-year-old rare minerals found at Ring Mountain; and the much older (some older than 200 million years) rocks and formations, including sea floor volcanics that appear as rounded pillows of basalt in the Marin Headlands. Marin County is one of the most active geologic areas in the world as it straddles two of earth’s great tectonic plates (the North American Plate and Pacific Plate), which grind past each other at a geologically quick speed of a couple of centimeters per year. Sometimes the San Andreas Fault gives way to great pressure, allowing the Pacific Plate to blast northwestward past the North American Plate. In 1906 it shifted more than 25 feet in less than one minute! This article provides a glimpse into our geologic framework, with two rewarding geology-by-bike trips: a loop around the Marin Headlands, and the northern Marin crossing from Mt. Burdell to the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

THE MARIN HEADLANDS This ride showcases some of the most important geologic features in the County in a relatively short ride, and includes some of the most diverse and dramatic scenery in the San Francisco Bay region. For the cyclist this ride includes the heavy grunt and slow pace of steep climbs (westward up Conzelman Road) and the breathtaking and dramatic downhill from Hawks Hill (down Conzelman Road) as you ride along the precipice above the Pacific Ocean. You can read an excellent, comprehensive discussion of the Marin Headland geology, Chapter 3 in U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B2188, Geology and Natural History of the San Francisco Bay Area, by Bill Elder. This 14-to-20-mile road ride through the Marin Headlands takes you in a primarily clockwise direction. Start at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. On Conzelman Road you go up and over the southernmost edge of Marin County, down past Point Bonita (take the side road over to the lighthouse area if you have time), northward toward Rodeo Lagoon (with a side trip to Rodeo Beach and the Marine Mammal Center), then eastward along Bunker Road, where you can either ride back up McCullough Road to the saddle with Conzelman Road, or continue eastward through the tunnel that burrows through the geological formations you’ve just seen and down to Fort Baker. From there you can go back up to the Golden Gate Bridge or take a new route northward to Sausalito. The Marin Headlands are special not just because of the incredible views, but because this area provides a look into 200 million years of Marin’s geologic past, with

GEOLOGY BY BICYCLE

great outcrops of the famous Franciscan assemblage of rocks and minerals. As you head up Conzleman toward Hawk Hill (the route’s highest elevation), you pass on your right side alternating zones of massive brownish basalt, and highly folded bands of reddish–to-brownish chert, which make up about 25% and 50% of the rocks in the headlands respectively. Each represents a geologic terrane—a fragment of crustal material from one tectonic plate that has become attached to a different plate. They formed about 200 million years ago on the sea floor hundreds if not thousands of miles from this current location. The “pillows” of basalt formed near a mid-ocean ridge hot spot that periodically erupted basaltic lava into the open ocean. The chert, a silicabased, fossil-rich rock, formed millions of years later

(and possibly near the equator) as the basaltic material rode the tectonic highway closer to the continental shelf as part of the ancient Farallon Plate until most of it was subducted under the continental plate. Some remnant terranes, including this chert, were accreted onto the continental plate and were subject to intense folding and faulting. Once this terrane became “locked” onto the continent after a variety of dynamic earth processes, it rode the tectonic beltway northwestward. All the while, sediments that eroded from the continent were deposited in sea-floor trenches on top of the older material. Finally, younger sand and gravels were deposited (as seen in bluff areas of the Headlands). If you have time, pedal over to Rodeo Beach. Its dark, large-grain, chert-rich sand is unique among West Coast beaches.

Take your time, enjoy the sights, and be prepared for hiking, picnicking, and photography along your ride.

THE NORTHERN CROSSING – NOVATO TO POINT REYES A favorite full-day geologic ride takes you from the northwestern edge of San Pablo Bay and westward through West Marin with a final western destination of the Pt. Reyes lighthouse. There are several ways to make the return trip once you get back to Pt. Reyes Station. The one-way distance is approximately 40 miles. This fascinating ride traverses nearly the entire northern end of the County from its eastern shore along San Pablo Bay, around the southern flank of 1508-foot high “Vulcan” Mt. Burdell, westward into the wide open West Marin dairy land past Black Mountain, to the edge of the North American plate along the San Andreas Rift Zone at Point Reyes Station. Then, in its final westward leg, it traverses the less vegetated Point Reyes Peninsula landscape, where rolling and hummocky hills represent a geologic foundation unlike anything east of the San Andreas Fault. This entire triangle of Point Reyes land is a visitor to our area. It started its voyage hundreds of miles southeast of Marin, and could finish its trip hundreds of miles to the northwest.

The shortest westward route starts at the base of 12-million-year-old volcanic Mt. Burdell in northern Novato and follows Novato Boulevard (from the northern extension of Marin County Bicycle Route 5) past Stafford Lake. The somewhat steep-sided hills that you pass as you ride westward toward the Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road are composed of the Cretaceous (16 million year-old) metamorphic Franciscan rock assemblage. Some cyclists opt for the steeper northern route (Hicks Valley Road to Marshall-Petaluma Road), up and over the Marshall Wall to Highway 1 at Marshall (yes, barbecued oysters!). For that route, turn right on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road and then left on Hicks Valley Road. The flatter ride past Nicasio Reservoir to the Painted Bridge and Point Reyes Station also provides excellent vantage points. For this route, from Novato Boulevard you’ll turn left on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road and pass the Cheese Factory. On the latter route, as you pass the Cheese Factory and reach the pass above Nicasio Reservoir, the 17

GEOLOGY BY BICYCLE

Stay tuned for weekend “geology” rides that we will advertise through MCBC later this summer. The earth is as dynamic in Marin County as anywhere, and cycling can lead you to our many fascinating geologic features.

ridge you ride over is Cretaceous-aged sandstone and shale. Note that most of these hills and ridges have a northwest-southeast orientation. The San Andreas Plate boundary forced the landscape into this position. Bolinas Ridge (which forms the eastern highlands above the San Andreas Rift) and Tomales Bay (which is the submerged expression of the San Andreas Rift) share this orientation. After you cross the northern leg of Nicasio Reservoir, pass its spillway on your left, and reach the painted Platform Bridge, you’re in the middle of a band of Jurassic greenstone that makes up much of the northwesttrending ridges in the area. At this point, you can either turn right for a three-mile, relatively flat route to Point Reyes Station; or, continue straight on Platform Bridge Road and at Tocaloma turn right on Sir Francis Drake and ride up and over Bolinas Ridge (from which you get a tremendous view of the San Andreas Rift zone) and down into Olema, where you’ll turn north. Olema Valley straddles the San Andreas Plate boundary between Bolinas Lagoon and Tomales Bay. Whichever way you go, you’ll want to fuel up in Point Reyes Station or Olema. Then, head toward Inverness and the Point Reyes Peninsula along Sir Francis Drake. If you take the Olema route, then rather than taking Drake north out of town, turn left onto Bear Valley Road. No geology-focused ride in this area is complete without a stop at the Bear Valley Visitor Center (on Bear Valley Road just west of Olema) and a walk along the famous Earthquake Trail, where you’re on the trace of the San Andreas Fault that ruptured in 1906. It is okay to walk your bike on the trail. The Visitor Center is a good spot to fill up on water before you head out to the lighthouse. In its shop you can find guides to the area’s geology—and many other aspects of this great National Seashore. From the Center, continue north on Bear Valley Road; it will meet up again with Sir Francis Drake about 2 miles north. Once you’re past Inverness there will be no services along the rest of your ride to the edge of the continent. On the 21-mile ride from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the lighthouse, you’ll first continue northward along the San Andreas Rift zone, on Sir Francis Drake

Blvd. through Inverness. Then, (staying on Drake), you’ll head westward up and over the spine of the eastern part of the Point Reyes Peninsula. The road will then take a southerly route out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which is at the western end of the granitic head of the peninsula. The most prominent rock type near the lighthouse is Point Reyes conglomerate, which is visible only at the “whale’s-tail” end of the peninsula. The Point Reyes Peninsula’s dynamic past includes: a period of metamorphism beneath the sea floor, intrusion by granitic rocks, several periods of alternating submergence and uplift, deposition and erosion, formation of various alluvial and stream systems during the latest ice ages, and beach, dune, and sediment deposition to recent times. Rock formation names in this area include the Monterey Formation, the Laird Formation, and the Drakes Bay Siltstone. It’s all more than can be covered in this article, but if you’re interested, check out the many books and online resources available. The Point Reyes area’s amazing array of geologic features is unique to Marin County—and the riding is great.

Things to Remember Take your time, enjoy the sights, and be prepared for hiking, picnicking, and photography along your ride. Your pace may be slow and your rides may be long, so be prepared and safe. Take supplies for flats and other simple bike repairs along the road. Be well fueled, take extra food, and make sure you are well hydrated. Bring a good map, such as the MCBC map. Sunscreen is critical, and safe riding (single-file on the narrow west Marin roads) is a must. If you pull off the road to view an outcrop of pillow basalt or chevrons of chert, park as far off the road as possible. As you ride, remember the dynamic forces that created the hills and valleys of our area. We live in one of the most well-studied geologic regions on earth, yet much still remains to understand. Take along a field guide and a geologic map, which you can find online or in the public library. Online resources such as http:// www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geotour/Pages/Index. aspx provide a good overview of geologic features in the area. 18

MY WILDEST COMMUTE The more days you commute on a bike, the more strange, interesting, and beautiful things you see. On the bike you notice things you would never have seen while driving a car. For example, how well a road is built, the shoe lying in the shoulder of the road, and the sunset blazing over your shoulder when the road hits the top of the climb. But what’s the absolute wildest thing you’ve ever seen on your commute? If your commute includes a day or two per week off-road (entirely possible if you pedal through Marin), you’ll be riding when the trails are empty and the rabbits are jumping. Something really primal may be around the next switchback. My wildest sighting, after a lifetime of commuting, came last year during the week before Mother’s Day. I commute by bike each day from Fairfax to San Geronimo to teach first and second grade. Two or three of those days I’m on my mountain bike. While I have several different off-road routes, my go-to ride is to go up Iron Springs Road and turn left onto the trails of the Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp. On that particular May day, I was riding up Broken Dam Trail in the heart of the scout camp when I heard a grunting sound coming from up ahead on the trail. The sound was disturbing enough that I put a foot down and paused. My thoughts on the noise ranged from wild pig to very disturbed human. But I had to get to work, so I continued up the trail. As I neared the next switchback, I saw a large bobcat perched about twenty feet up a tree on a thin branch. The bobcat’s strong, high haunches faced toward me. Draped from its mouth was the neck of a dead and very young spotted fawn. I came to a stop. The source of the noise was at the base of the tree. It was the doe, rhythmically and angrily barking at the bobcat. Neither paid any attention to me. I’ve heard that fawns are born with no scent, to help hide them from predators. For one moment, the doe must have left the nest or been distracted, and she lost her young.

By Lawrence Nigro

I watched the standoff for perhaps a minute, than resumed climbing. The barking of the doe followed me up the tail. I would have stayed and watch the drama play out, but this was my commute— I had to get to work. I rode up and out of the camp and onto the fire road. Then I turned down the single track, known as the Edgewood Trail, to Buckeye Circle above Woodacre. I call Edgewood Trail “Wedding Trail,” because I rode it to my wedding nine years ago—my happiest day commuting. From the bottom of Wedding Trail, I raced to work on pavement through the San Geronimo Valley. I always feel especially energetic and ready for an early snack time when I commute off-road. Of course, the bobcat and the doe made me a quite a bit more contemplative that morning. And truthfully, pumped up with a trail story. As I think about my off-road commute, the details of each individual ride mesh together into warm thoughts of mornings high on the ridge with the rabbits. I love being above the low-lying fog on the almost empty trails, with the view of the Bay and the smiles from the same couple of hikers. But that ride stands out as the wildest. Seems to me I’ve been commuting all my life to get to that tree on that day.

The Bobcat is a common but elusive resident of the Bay Area. Growing to about two feet high and only about 20 pounds, these beautiful felines are not dangerous to humans, but they are very hazardous to small rodents! Usually seen in grassy or somewhat wooded areas, Bobcats have a distinctive profile with the bobbed tail and tufts at the top of the ear. – www.wildcarebayarea.org Photo courtesy of www.animalpicturegallery.net

REVIEW: Brooks B-17 Saddle, Part III by Tom Boss Surviving the Winter This is part III of a series documenting a 12-month experiment to see if Brooks Saddles become comfortable over time. When I was younger I would purchase the stiff, dark-blue Levi’s 501 jeans to save money (the prewashed 501s were usually $10-$20 more). Eventually the stiff pants would become comfortable and develop that naturally wore look that is appealing. Today I can afford to pay the extra $ to avoid the break-in process, but unfortunately Brooks does not sell pre-washed saddles; and purchasing a used one can be tricky since the saddle forms to a riders derriere over time. So on I go trying new methods to speed-up the process. Winter became an integral part of my experiment. I was at a Soil Saloon event at Golden Gate Park in February when, by chance, I found myself in the middle of a conversation between Gary Fisher and Eric Zo about the best way to break-in a Brooks Saddle. There was talk of boiling the leather, soaking it in Neatsfoot oil and beatings with a baseball bat. I wanted to learn more about the various saddle break-in techniques, but my friends were leaving so I missed the rest of the conversation. The next day I got ready for my Sunday ride and discovered that my Rivendall rain cover was missing from my saddle (see Winter PP story). Did some hipster snag it at the Soil Saloon? I didn’t have time to retrace my footsteps because I had a 9 a.m. D-Off time (D for dirt). I headed off to my ride without a cover to protect the saddle from the damp ground (it had rained the night before). Not far into the ride water was splashing up off my rear tire getting the underside of my saddle wet. Months earlier I had put a thick coat of Proofide on the bottom of the Brooks, so I figured the saddle would remain dry. What I hadn’t considered was that my shorts were getting wet as well and were soaking the topside of the saddle when I would sit. It wasn’t until late in the day that I realized that my Brooks saddle was soaked through and through, something I was told to avoid. Was the saddle damaged for good? Would it lose its shape? The first thing I noticed when I got home was the wear to the finish that came from the mud that accompanied the water coming off my rear tire. The mud had acted like sand paper and wore the nice dark brown color into a light, rough finish on the corners of the saddle. I wiped the dirt off the saddle and let it dry out over night. The next morning I put a nice coat of Proofide Saddle Dressing on the topside, which brought the dark brown color back and smoothed out the finish. Then I hopped on my bike and discovered that

the moisture had stretched out the saddle. I used the supplied Brooks saddle wrench to tighten it up a little. As it turned out the saddle kept its shape, while becoming plusher from the experience. A seasoned Brooks user confirmed my discovery: while water can damage a leather saddle, it can also help with the breakin process. While I don’t suggest you get your Brooks saddle wet, know that if the unthinkable happens, it may not be the end. Stay tuned for my final report in the summer issue. By then I will have put many springtime riding miles on the Brooks.

TO BE CONTINUED… Watch the MCBC Facebook page for updates on my Brooks B-17 experience, and look for my next report in the summer issue of the Pedal Press.

REVIEW: Black Mountain Cycles Road & Cyclocross Frames By Amanda Eichstaedt

The bike handled beautifully on both pavement and dirt. A slightly longer wheelbase provides a comfortable ride on the pitted roadways and allows for a very solid feel on the descents.

Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes Station has some new offerings. In addition to carrying the things that you might need while on a ride in West Marin, such as a spare tube or extra layers or gloves for those foggy coastal days, proprietor Mike Varley is now offering Black Mountain Cycles framesets. A limited supply of both road and cyclocross Black Mountain Cycles branded frames were delivered on February 10 after making the trip from Taiwan, where they were fabricated and painted to Varley’s specifications. Varley has over 20 years of experience in the bicycle industry, including fifteen years designing bicycles for the Haro and Masi lines. When I learned that he would be designing a road frame I was intrigued, and put my name on the list. I’m riding a 53-centimeter BMC road frame in the color champagne (orange is also an option), built up

REVIEW: Garmin Edge 500 Garmin made significant strides with this upgrade. The Edge 500 menu system is more intuitive, the battery lasts 50% longer and the GPS receiver locks on to satellite signals much quicker.

with a compact double SRAM drive train and Varleybuilt 28-spoke wheels. The gearing is compact 50/34 crankset with a SRAM 10-speed 11-32 tooth cassette. My preference was for silver components when possible and Varley did not disappoint. The maiden ride to Kehoe Beach on Tomales Point included a jaunt out towards the beach on the dirt trail. The bike handled beautifully on both pavement and dirt. A slightly longer wheelbase provides a comfortable ride on the pitted roadways and allows for a very solid feel on the descents. The heat-treated chromoly steel tubing is lightweight. Built up with pedals before the fenders were installed, the bike weighed 20 lbs, 5 oz. I chose Honjo hammered aluminum fenders, which I think look fabulous. They’ll keep the wet-weather grime off of me. I may remove the fenders in summer, which will be a cinch since Mike designed the frames with specific bosses to eliminate extra hardware. My riding is recreational, often solo, for fitness and mental health. I’m no speedster and you won’t see me racing. I like a road bike capable of hitting the trails and dirt roads when desirable. The frame and fork can accommodate tires up to 33mm wide for a variety of riding conditions. I run Continental Gran Prix 4-Season 700x28c tires. Black Mountain Cycles is worth a visit if you’re spinning through West Marin. A museum-quality collection of vintage mountain bikes lives on the upper tier of the bicycle rack, a fitting tribute in Marin. The shop caters to utility road, touring and cyclocross needs, although Varley’s mechanical skills are limitless and parts can be ordered for any repair. And, he builds a mean wheel. If you’re in the market for a new bicycle, include Black Mountain Cycles on your list of shops to visit. I love my new bike!

By Tom Boss

Making a great GPS bike computer better! I’ve been using Garmin’s cycling-specific Edge series GPS devices for a long time. I use the Edge 305 to record my rides, then upload the data to one of many websites to review my ride stats and see my route on a Google map. So I was pleased to receive an opportunity to review the Edge 500 and see how Garmin could improve on the already excellent Edge 305.

When Garmin first launched the Edge series they offered two models, the 205 ($249) and 305 ($349). Both had the same form factor and allowed you to record your ride, including distance, duration, top speed, calories burned and elevation. The 305 added heart-rate and cadence recording, plus an altitude barometer for more precise elevation information.

Garmin Edge 500 Review

With the Edge 500, Garmin has updated and consolidated the Edge 205 and 305 units into one. Now everyone gets the altitude barometer at the $249 price point, and you pay extra for accessories if you want the heart-rate and cadence data. The first difference I noticed between the original Edge units and the new 500 is the size. The new unit is about a third smaller overall, but its LCD screen is the same size as on the earlier models. Garmin has reconfigured the data so it appears larger on the screen. The new model is also a few ounces lighter. All good stuff.

Another major improvement is in the mounting system. The original Edge units mounted with zip ties, which meant you couldn’t easily move the mount from one bike to another. The new design uses thick rubber bands. They make switching from my road bike to my mountain bike simple. The new unit also uses a bayonet fitting to lock into place rather then locking with a plastic pin. The plastic pin broke off my 305 mount a long time ago. These improvements alone might warrant an upgrade, but how about performance? Garmin made significant strides with this upgrade. The Edge 500 menu system is more intuitive, the battery lasts 50% longer (it now lasts 15+ hours) and the GPS receiver locks on to satellite signals much more quickly. The calorie data has been improved so it’s more accurate; and new power output information is available, which professional athletes demand. This unit, like its predecessors, does not support mapping functions. If you’re looking for that feature, you’ll need to upgrade to the Edge 800 ($449). That said, whether you’re a serious cyclist in training or just out to enjoy the scenery, the Garmin Edge 500 is a great way to gather data and re-live your rides.

Win a Pair of WTB Bronson 2.3 26” Tires Answer these three questions correctly and enter a drawing for a pair of WTB Bronson 2.3 26” tires ($150 value). The Bronson’s ramped center knobs roll fast while square-edged side blocks bite tenaciously at lean angles. Conquer all seasons and conditions, ride Bronsons. 1. Name one of the bike companies that Black Mountain Cycles owner Mike Varley used to work for. 2. What was WTB’s first branded tire?

MCBC’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS click here

3. How many feet did the Pacific Plate move in 1906?

Name Phone email

CLUE: the answers can be found inside this issue. Mail this form to MCBC, PO Box 1115, Fairfax, CA 94978 or email your answers to tom@marinbike.org. The drawing will be held May 21 at Ales and Trails. Thanks to WTB for contributing our Pedal Press contest prize.

Address City State

Zip

MCBC STORE Visit our online store for these items. All proceeds support safer cycling efforts in Marin.

MCBCsocks - $10.00

Men’s and Women’s Tee shirts - $25.00

MCBC bike shorts - $79.00

MCBC Map - $12.00 A must-have resource for anyone riding in Marin! The MCBC jersey - $69.00

BIKE EVENTS

Commuter Light Workshop (Tam Bikes) – April 21

Bike to Work Day May 12

BECOME AN MCBC MEMBER Name (first)

www.marinbike.org

I want to volunteer!

City

Zip

Phone (day)

(evening)

e-mail

How you heard about us

• $40 Regular • $60 Family • $100 Century • $250 Tour de France For Century members and above select your t-shirt size: S

• Do not share my name with other organizations Make checks payable to: Marin County Bicycle Coalition, P.O. Box 1115, Fairfax, CA 94978

Signature

or JOIN ONLINE:

(last)

Street / PO Box

Credit Card #

Ales & Trails May 21

Exp. date

• Attending public meetings • Advocacy in your town • Data entry • Events • Newsletter distribution/mailing • Phone tree calling • Safe Routes to Schools • Share the Road • Staffing an information table • Valet bicycle parking • Other