PRESIDENT .GREG GRENIER _752-4348
VICE PRES «BOB MYRICK 473-7455
SECRETARY JOANNA JOHNSON 927-7569 1
TREASURER....... ..JOYCE CLIFFORD —_759-2393 9
TOURING CAP'T..........: DIANE TAYLOR 759-4971
TACOMA WHEELMEN’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP... .PHYLLIS LAY 759-1816 9
PO BOX 112078 NEWSLETTER... DIANE LISTER —_ 752-8636 0
TACOMA, WA 98411

Yugoslavia By Bicycle INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Daffodil Classic Registration Form

While every bicycle tour is an adventure, some factors can really make life interesting. Heading into a coutry TWC Budget which hosts several different languages, several dif-

ferent alphabets, and several different religions can add a to the adventure, while poor roads and heavy traffic Call for Volunteers - give it another dimension. Bill and Ruth Daugherty Daffodil Classic and experienced all this and more when they spent 6 weeks Peninsula Metric

touring throughout Yugoslavia. New Maintenance Seminars
At our March club meeting Bill & Ruth will share tales

of their travels by bicycle, ship and train throush Sof =SURPWEY RESULTS the 6 republics of Yugoslavia. From Belgrad to : Slovenia, we can join them, through slides and stories, he TWC club surveys have been compiled

on another memorable bicycle adventure. and we're ready to share the results with
you. Reporting them in detail, however,

Don’t miss this great program - ~~ would require too much space in our
Tuesday, March 20 7:00 PM newsletter. SO - there will be a meeting for

t d
South Bad Neighborhood Ceater (7802 South Ly “1 EE Sub member to we an

hear the results, and to discuss just what
changes will be made in our club as a
result of the surveys. Join us -

Sat, March 17 1:00 PM
Swayze Library, 6th & Skyline

After the meeting all participants are
invited to a pizza party where the club will
pay the first $100 of the bill.

cis HO

Queena |

IMPORTANT
NOTICE

Legislative Issues

A couple of bills are still alive in this short
session of the Legislature which should be of
interest to bicyclists.

SB 6434 will institue a bicycle safety education program for elementary students throughout Washington state which will be implemented by the State Patrol. Amendments to this bill include a mandatory helmet law for children under the age of 16, the definition by law of a bicycle as a vehicle, and right hand edge striping on urban arterials where no curbs exist. Through the lobbying efforts of the Bicycle Federation of Washington, this bill has been improved to include a requirement that the State Patrol receive training, such as an Effective Cycling course, for their participants and that they consult with bicycling organizations in the curriculum development for their program; the mandatory helmet law would take effect in three years, giving time for the public to be educated in the benefits of wearing a helmet and the requirements of the law; and not wearing a helmet would be a secondary offense (much as the current seat belt law in our state), which will perhaps motivate better enforcement of the laws as they pertain to bicycling.

If you have an opinion about this law, please
direct your letters to your representatives, or
call the Legislative Hotline with your thoughts
1-800-562-5000.

The other bill of interest is supported by the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition. Through this bill $80 million in bonds would be approved for purchase to help fund efforts to save wetlands, wildlife habitats, and to obtain land for trails. If this is not approved by the legislature, it must go to a statewide referendum for passage. Again, letters and phone calls will really make a difference.

Our club has a new offering this month Bob
Myrick has decided to offer a series of Main-
tenance Seminars. He'll begin this month on
Thursday, March 8, with “Hubs and Chains”. The
group (which is limited to 6 people) will observe
and work on one bicycle as the hubs are opened
up, bearings replaced and repacked, and adjust-
ments made, and the chain is removed, cleaned,
and checked for needed replacement. If you would
like to be one of the 6 participants in this seminar,
RSVP to Bob 473-7455.

Weekend camping trips are back again, starting
with our favorite trip to Millersylvania State Park
on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 & 25. All
you hearty souls who enjoy loading your bike
down with your portable house (i.e. tent, cooking
equipment, sleeping bag, etc.) are encouraged to
come along. Brave the elements of camping in
March and enjoy some really nice riding. Ride
leaders, Steve and Phyllis Lay, can answer any
questions you might have.

For those of you who don’t have the time or
inclination to try this camping trip, join the
Sunday ride which will meet the campers at
Hawke’s Prairie for lunch Check the ride
calendar for further details.

THE MCCLINCHY MILE - ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIDE
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1990 - MONROE, WASHINGTON 8AM

HOW LONG IS A MCCLINCHY MILE? An in-depth search of Scottish folklore by the BIKES Tour Comminee could not yield an exact distance contained in a McClinchy Mile. However, we have narrowed it down to somewhere between 21 and 175 miles. We leave its exact distance for you to determine. We have established six loop rides which will begin and end in Monroe. Come join us and ride as many of the loop routes as you fancy through some of the most beautiful farmlands and genie hills our river valleys have to offer at a time when the weather is warming and the spring colors are their fines. BEGORRAH!

The Rails-to-Trails
Conservancy

WHEN AND WHERE The McClinchy Mile will begin at Monroe City Park (Hwy. 203 at the Skykomish River
Bridge). Registration will be from 8 AM to 1 PM with course closure at 6 PM. Parking is free at the Park
. Ss

At our February club meet-

; : Loop Distance Difficulty Course

ing we had the opportunity| 1 40 Moderate Monroe-Camation

to lear more about the| 3 a pnb Momee Eee ee steer i 4 50 Mod/Strenuous Monroe-Granite Fails

Washingt on State Chapter 5 19 Mod/Strenuous Monroe-Granite Falls-Arlington a

of the Rails-to-Trails Con-| 6 35 Moderate Stossel Ck.-Duvall (Ideal for Mm. Bikes) skyk®

servancy. This group, along Proceeds from McClinchy Mile will go to BIKES Education and Safety Fund, Bicycle Federation of Washington and with the national Conser-| ‘#8 °f American Wheelmen. ETC HER

vancy are doing much to| = -:- > ===>" -:-- =| = procur abandoned railroad right-of-ways for use as recreational trails. They offer help to local groups in the organizing and the fund raising necessary to make these trails a reality (Our own Foothills Trail project is a prime example). We want all our members to be aware of this organization and its services and have the opportunity to contribute to the Conservancy through membership. The member- ship form below serves both the national and the state chapter.

‘States = Zip: Age:

MCCLINCHY MILE RIDE (56 if postmarked by March 3) S$ 8.00 includes snacks and maps (first 250 registrants receive first aid kits) seeBIKES members ride free if they buy a T-shin***

MCCLINCHY MILE LONGSLEEVE T-SHIRT $s.
Enter quantity of each size shirt ordered in area below & include $11.00 for each shirt ordered.
Small__. Medium Large__ X-Large_

Mail registration & check payable to: BIKES-MCCLINCHY MILE BIKES
c/o Barbara Trenchi =
12823 9th Ave. W. 3203 o>)
Everett, WA 98204

RELEASE OF ORGANIZERS: tn signing this Release for myself or the named eotrant (if entrant is under 18), [ understand the intent of the Release and sgree to absolve all of the organizers of all blame for any injury, misadvenmare, harm, loss or inconvenience suffered as a result of aking part in the MOCLINCHY MILE or in connection with any activity associated with it,

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT: DATE:.
PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST SIGN IF ENTRANT IS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE.

imet on this ride. It could save: your life. :

YeS, 1 am interested in helping convert abandoned railroad corridors to trails in Washington and nationwide.

— ! want to become a member of the Rails-to-Trails Conser- ____ To help thie Conservancy even more, I'm enclosing an
vancy (My dues enroll me as a member of both the additional gift for the Washingion State Chapter of:
chapter and the national organmation.):

—518 Individual om —$50 Patron ir) — $10 $20 —$50 __s100
==325 Family mn —$100 Benefactor iw, :
2535 Sustaining os $100 Orgenization (SP) oe a

— Send me — copies of the RTC Convert. ___icw oe ing Rails to Trails: A Citizen's Manual. Please make check payable to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and ($12.00 members, $17.00 non-members; mail to: 1400 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. Please al- postpaid) low six to eight weeks for delivery.

— Send me _ copies of Preserving Aban- —__ium doned Railroad Rights-of-Way for Public Name Use: A Legal Manual. (332.50 members, Me hip Number 342.50 non-members: postpaid) lembership Nun

—— Send me — copies of A Guide to Ameri-. __icn Address
ca’s Rail-Trails, ($5.00 members; $6.50 City, State, Zip
non-members: postpaid)

—~ Send me a copy of Sampler of America’s —____ism) ‘Telephone (day) (eve)

Rail-Trails. ($2.00 for postage and han- Rails-To-Teals Conservancy is 2 non-profit. charitable organization a quali- dling) fled under Section $01(c)3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are

—— Send me _ RTC beverage mugs. ($7.00 -_imcr Re ee ae Coronet Ey Wee 2 22S ea members; $9.00 non-members: postpaid) WAN CONSERVANCY

ee ee

WASHINGTON
STATE CHAPTER

The Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club Presents

The Fifteenth Annual Daffodil Classic

PANCAKE BREAKFAST..... .
The Orting Co-op Nursery School will
be serving a hearty breakfast from
6:30 AM to 11 AM at the Orting High
School.

r Sunday, April 29, 1990
REGISTRATION

Before April 18, 1990........... $5.00

Day of Event:..0 2.2 a3 ae $6.00

Mail pre-registrations to:
TWC Daffodil Classic )
PO Box 112078 S
Tacoma, WA 98411 6)

Day-of-ride registration will be open
7 AM to 3 PM. Fee includes map, (
marked route, checkpoint snacks, \
and a custom embroidered patch for the first 2000
registered riders. :

Custom designed T-shirts are available. There is a
choice of white or black shirt with a 4 color neon
design. Order yours with your pre-registration, as the
limited quantity available on the day of ride usually sell
out early. T-shirts not claimed the day of the ride
become the property of the TWC.

Pre-ordered....
Day-of-event...

Enjoy 20, 50 or 100 miles of recreational riding through
scenic, rolling countryside. Starting and ending in the
City Park of Orting, WA, the course is open 7AM to
7PM, Sunday, April 29, 1990.

HAMBURGER BBQ .. The Orting
Lions Club will serve their delicious
burgers beginning at 11 AM in the
Park.

STORES AND RESTAURANTS can be found along the
route and in Orting.

Cyclists should carry a tire pump, patch kit and tool kit. A sag wagon will sweep the course to assist stranded riders.

You may contribute, in any amount, to the Foothills
Rails-to-Trails Coalition and/or the Bicycle Federation of
Washington. The BFW is a state-wide organization for
bicycle advocacy. The Foothills Trail Coalition supports
the development of a rail-trail through Orting, Wilkeson,
South Prairie, Carbonado and Buckley.

Call Greg Grenier 752-4348 or Steve Lay 759-1816 or leave a message on the TWC Rideline 759-2800.

HELMETS: We recommend that you wear an ANSI-approved hard shell helmet on this ride. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

ee ee

Name FEES
Address Before April 18, 1990...$5.00

: Apes $6.00
Citas Ose TWC members... $5.00
Phone. T-shirts @ $9.00

Circle your choice(s) (day of ride: $10.00)...

White Shirt (Men’s shirt sizes) SM MED LG XL Foothills Trail Donation Black Shirt (Men's shirt sizes) SM MED LG XL BFW Donation

In signing this release for yourself or the named entrant (if entrant is under 18), | waive any and all claims for myself and my heirs against all sponsors, their officers, and members, and any

. other parties connected with the Daffodil Classic for any injury, harm, loss, inconvenience or damage forseen or unforseen suffered as a result, directly or indirectly, from participation in the Daffodil Classic, or any activity associated with it . | also understand that wearing a helmet can minimize or prevent head injuries which may occur in a cycling accident and that the Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club strongly encourages ail riders to wear helmets.

Total Enclosed

Enclose check or money order with
entry form. Please do not staple check
to form.

Signature of entrant (or parent or guardian if entrant is under 18 years old)

Date signed

Join Tacoma Wheelmen's Club

Name Please check activities you i oe would like to work on. a _ Leading Rides City/State/Zip a —— Special Events a Newsletter Phone (home) a Meeting Programs Individual Mi Ip oe individual Membership send application and check to: Family Mi hi amily Membership Tacoma Wheelmen's Club New Renewal PO BOX 112078 Check if you do not wish your phone and address in a Teas Wh eee club list.

Nee ee a poss

DAFFODIL CLASSIG
Sunday, April 29, 1990

JOIN TACOMA WHEELMEN’S CLUB,
RIDE FREE

The TWC is offering a day of FREE riding to any first-time new members (sorry, no renewais). Have an experience you'll never forget and join a great bike club. Send both the membership form at the top of this page and your Daffodil Classic registration form, along with your check for membership dues (a limit of two free tiders with a family membership). Membership forms will also be available at the registration table on the day of the ride.

RIDE SAFELY
Please follow course signs and ride in the
direction of the course.
Roads are narrow, so please ride single file.
Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
If you stop to talk, rest, or repair your bike, move
completely off the road.
Use hand signals to alert others of your intentions.
Pace lines are discouraged.
Be considerate of other people's property. Don't
litter; don't loiter.

~~

A committe is being formed to organize the Peninsula Metric. Co-leaders Dan Niebrugge and Jon Turnipseed will welcome your involvement in this fun and rewarding project. The first commit- tee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 PM at Dan’s house (2829 North 26th). There are lots of jobs to do - so don’t be shy. Call Dan 756-9976 or Jon 565-8654 to sign up or ask any questions.

Our own Daffodil Classic is coming up in April.
The time is here to think about volunteering to
work the day of the ride. This event will need 60 -
70 volunteers, since we are planning on expanding
some of our activities. As an incentive for you to
volunteer we are offering the following:

1. You don’t need to register for the ride (we’d
rather have you working that day).

2. You will be treated to a Daffodil Classic all your own. A pre-ride for all volunteers is scheduled for Sunday, April 8, complete with a checkpoint, food, some sag service, and a patch! 3. At the end of our very busy day of work on the Daffodil, you will be treated to a pizza party!

Does this sound like a deal you can’t refuse? Call
Steve Lay 759-1816 or Greg Grenier 752-4348 to
volunteer.

P.S. In order to keep everything proper and legal, please send in a pre-registration form with your signature on the release, and write in that you are volunteering to work the day of the ride. This will also give you a chance to order T-shirts.

Due to the by-laws change adopted in November, hanging our fiscal year to June - June, the budgeting process was a little different. The board|

represents the bulk of our income producing activities, it does not show all the ways we spend| our money. Because of this the projected balance at the end of June will be larger than our previou:

our actual cash flow in 1989 and our budget fo

C Financial Report and Budget

Actual 1989 Budget Jan -
June 1990

7,059.18 10,594.

2,392.50
12,577.10
(6,282.27)

6,294.83

5,138.55
(3,569.73)

1,568.82

530.00 (1,276.30) (746.30) 1,000.00 422.20 221.50 10.49

11,164.04

Membership Dues Daffodil Classic-receipts disbursements NET Peninsula Metric-receipts disbursements NET Banquet - receipts disbursements NET STP Checkpoint Interest Club Jerseys Other (1988 error)

‘otal Receipts

2,000.

5,000.

1,000.

[Disbursements Newletter Equip. & Supplies Programs/Meetings Social Events Club Patches & Pins Affiliation Dues Membership Sec. Brochures Educ/Comm Serv Hotline Club Projects/Donations Banquet 1990 deposit Misc.

‘otal Disbursements

2,788.13
181.73
368.75

1,222.80

65.00
373.06

103.68
2,385.00
100.00
40.96

7,629.11
10,594.11

TWO FOR ONE:
MARCH MEETING

by Bob Myrick

Come to our March meeting for
a double feature presented by Jim
Lazar, a member of the Capital
Bicycle Club of Olympia, and
Chairman of the 1991 L.A.W.
National Rally.

Jim will tell us about the
National Rally and how we can be
involved as participants, presenters,
or volunteers. Read last month’s
Newsletter for more news about
this rally. Remember that Tacoma
Wheelmen will be presenting a
post-rally tour around Mt. Rainier
chaired by Sue Given, and you can
volunteer to help.

Jim will also bring a multi-media presentation on the annual tour along the length of the Baja. This is a tour several of our Club members have taken in the past. The daily mileages are long, the grades are steep, and there is no sag wagon. The tour runs from San Diego to the tip of the Baja.

A two-for-one offer like this is
not made very often. Attend this
meeting on March 19, 1991 at
7:00pm at the Oakland Community
Center, 4020 S. 3ist, and go for
the challenges.

MA
P.O. BOX 112078
TACOMA, WA 98411

FLOWER CHILDREN
UNITE!

by Jim Davis

Your duly elected, conscripted
co-chairmen Louis Boitano, Bob
Myrick, and Jim Davis have the
Daffodil Classic off to a great
start: brochures are ready, T-shirts
are here, and patches are ordered.

Now it is time to start thinking
about the “day of” activities. We
are planning to support over 2,000
riders, so there is much to

MEETING:7:30pm,
Wednesday, March 13th, at Jim
Davis’ house, North 1369 Bel
Air Road, next to the Highland
Golf and Racquet Club. Call
Jim at 759-5616 if you need
directions.

Our plan is to get the tasks organized and assigned. Spring is approaching fast. Like the plants you must start to grow again. Get to this meeting! Blossom forth. Burst into bloom. Fertilize your mind and body. The time has come to start thinking SPRING DAFFODILS, APRIL 28TH. . .

Page One

March,

BICYCLE GAINS
VEHICLE STATUS

by Diane Lister

1991 could be a very good year in the Washington State Legislature for bicyclists. A real push for clean air, energy conservation, growth managemeat and transportation planning will give the bicycle well deserved recognition.

House Bil 1028(ihe Ciesa Air
Act)includes the bicycle in its list
of transportation forms, as an
effort to decrease the number of
single-occupancy vehicles on our
roadways gains interest.
Companies are to encourage their
employees to consider all
alternatives in their commuting
plans.

This recognition for the bicycle makes more likely the passage of legislation favorable to the bicycling community. Of special interest to us is Substitute House Bill 1081. Sponsored by Representative Betty Sue Morris and 28 other legislators, this bill will create a state level position of Bicycle Program Manager within the Department of Transportation.

It further reinforces the definition
(Continued on page 3)

March, 1991

co) Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club P.O. Box 112078 Tacoma, WA 98411 FO
MARCH, 1991 RIDES AND ACTIVITIES

~
Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
DATE | ome | mes | START POINT ACTIVITY CODE LEADER
Sat oe ‘00 Under Burger King Wherever Hank wants Hank Giddings
3/2 25 123rd & Pacific to go. 894-2643
Sun 9:00AM Les Gove Park, 808 9th | Time Trial. Flat course. Duane Ross
3/3 Reg. tes : Green River Bicycle 939-7492
I: 2 Club. P.O. Box 1209,
Aubum, WA 98071. |
Call The Ride Line Call The Ride Line 759-2800
=
Tues ee Joyce Clifford’s Home | Board Meeting Jon Turnipseed
3/5 3811 North Madison 565-8654
Oa 30 Puyallup Shakey’s Ride to Tukwila. Stop 2 Louis Boitano
p River Road & at the Easy Rider 922-6156
Meridian.
Sun ae 30 Pacific Lutheran Tom’s turn to lose the 2 Tom Comell
3/10 University—Olson gang. 582-0903
Auditorium.
—— af — Us FR ethHeOMe | Sone CACHE z Seared PA oh!
Sat } 91.79 Monroe Fairgrounds McClinchy Mile, **+ Ne Barbara Trenchi
3/16 a Highway 2. sponsored by 462-4843(w) or
B.LK.E.S. of Everett. 348 -7410(b).
G cae —_ Se AA TA = Bee re es Yo ot = ver
1:00 20 McDonald’s Afternoon Coffee “* ‘+ 9) Fim Davis #22 -2 |
PM North 21st & Pearl. Break. 759-5616
7:00 Oakland Community TWC Club Meeting-—- Bob Myrick
PM Center. 4020 S. 31st. L.A.W. National Rally 473-7455
and Baja Tour with Jim
Lazar. See article in
this Newsletter.
Sat-Sun — ‘00 UPS Fieldhouse. ee Camping 5) Steve & Phyllis Lay = 2 € Z
L 3/23-3/24 ae Day | North 11th & Union. 759-1816 nt 8
ae 30 First Interstate Bank Breakfast--Hawkes 2 Harvey & Diane a Ke ¢
= Villa Plaza Prairie. Meet the Lister TORPES
campers, 752-8636 "1 moe F
x 4
Sat ae 00 Puyallup Shakey’s Ride Around Mercer c Jon Turnipseed: z% | 6 is
3/30 River Rd & Meridian. Island. 565-8654 qf; i Z
Sun McBunny’s Quick Easter Hop. i is 4¢ 2 * av
3/31 North 21st & Pearl. H a5 ia h
(rC bd
Sat Amtrak Station Black Diamond Bakery. 3 Carol Wilson," 5 oo
4/6 1001 Puyallup Avenue. 565-0606 f 9 « Sf
y
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE RIDE LINE--759-2800, AND LEAVE A es & 8
TWC NEWSLETTER Page Two Uh tari 1991 3 ‘ iS
} PES

Se BAe

Ride Code Definitions(For column 6 of rides and activities schedule on page 2):

1. Easy pace--frequent stops to catch-up and re-group. 10-13 mph. 2. Moderate pace—-occasional stops to catch-up and re-group. 13-16 mph. 3. Steady pace--limited stops. Cue sheets or map provided. 13-16 mph. 4. Fast pace--very limited stops. Cue sheets or map provided. 16 + mph. Maps provided for all rides over 35 miles.

Articles, information, and letters to the editor are welcome for our Newsletter. Deadline for copy is the third Tuesday of each month for the following month’s Newsletter. This is also our regular Club meeting day. Copy can be given to the editor at the meeting or mailed to: William F. Hoehne, 5702 N. 33rd, Apt. 17B, Tacoma, WA 98407. . .Do not forget to call Sue Given if you would like to register for the "Ride Around Rainier” July 8th to 13th. These dates follow the Probike Northwest ’91 and L.A.W. National Rally at Evergreen State College in Olympia, July 3-7.. Sue’s phone number is 565-0535. . .Many thanks to Jon Turnipseed, Don Hatch, and Dan Niebrugge for organizing the Peninsula Metric. . .

Our Club bank balance as of February Ist was $9,375.00. . .

(Continued from page 1)

of the bicycle as a vehicle in our
state law, includes bicycling in the
State Patrol’s safety education
program(with the use of trained
volunteers from the bicycling
community), and moves toward
roadway edgestriping standards
which will remove bumps and
turtles from the right hand edge of
our roadways. The Bicycle
Federation of Washington has been
working closely with the sponsors
of this bill through the efforts of
lobbyist Joe Ganem. All signs
indicate that this is the bill for
which we have long desired.
Another bill of interest is Senate

Bill 5115

which would

require that —=
elementary =

school children aid
receive 8 hours

of instruction per year in the areas of pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and school bus safety. This program would be developed within the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and would be presented by the State Patrol. Senator Patty Murray is the sponsor of this bill. To show your support for these

bills, please contact your legislators by mail, or by calling the legislative hotline(1-800-562-6000). In case you need help identifying who you should be contacting, or in getting an address, call Diane Lister at 752-8636.

THE ORDER
OF PRECEDENCE

A Cyclist’s
Point Of View

by James R. Steel

Nature has what is known as the “order of precedence” among animals. The elephant is at the top and so on down the line. In modern human society, however, there are countless orders of precedence depending on _ the particular environment one is in at any particular time. When going out to dinner on a date, for example, the woman orders first and therefore has precedence. When taking out the garbage, however, the man always has precedence whether he likes it or not. When someone climbs onto a bicycle to go for a ride, an order of precedence exists which can fool

even the most _ perceptive
participant. The following list
summarizes the order of

Page Three

precedence from a _ cyclist’s
standpoint. Study these carefully
and understand them well--they
may save you much frustration.

1. A common theory says all objects in the universe are relative. Everything is held together by an obscure force(those glue-ons I keep hearing about?). Nothing in the universe is random. Purveyors of this theory obviously spend their days and nights inside a locked room thinking about quarks and eating granola bars. As you and I know there exist objects that have a randomness unequaled in the

universe. Children. Especially
children on tiny bicycles with
training wheels. At any

moment(usually the moment you attempt to pass the little imp)they randomly change direction and dart across for no apparent reason. They often swerve directly into your path, but not always. This randomness makes them formidable and it is best to give them as wide a berth as possible, or better yet walk your bike around them.

2. Dogs, not far behind children
on the randomness scale, may
change their course while walking
but it is usually due to a scent they
are following, and is in most cases
less radical. There is a case where

dogs suddenly come to an abrupt
(Continued on page 4)

March, 1991

0)

PRESIDENT
Jon Turnipseed
565-8654

VICE-PRESIDENT
Bob Myrick
473-7455

SECRETARY
Joanna Johnson
927-7569

TREASURER
Joyce Clifford
759-2393

TOURING CAPTAIN
Diane Taylor
759-4971

MEMBERSHIP
Payllis Lay
759-1816

NEWSLETTER
William Hoehne
759-4464

Forcorrespondence, indicate appropriate
officer, and send to:
Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club
P.O. Box 112078
Tacoma, WA 98411

THE ORDER
OF PRECEDENCE

(Continued from page 3)

stop and squat. This action cannot be predicted. It is recommended that you NOT cycle in these areas anyway. Dogs can also be mean and intimidating and therefore deserve your respect. This does not mean they deserve the posterior area of your cycling shorts. Be alert and ready to protect yourself at all times. Carry a dog repellant and have it readily accessible. Yes, I think a .38 caliber pistol in the right jersey pocket is overkill.

3. Motorized vehicles. These fall into two basic categories: those vehicles driven by thoughtful and courteous people, and those driven by people who go through a metamorphosis when entering a vehicle and turn into the equivalent of Mr. Hyde.

State law leads you to believe bikes have equal rights and shall therefore be given equal precedence on roads and highways. Those drivers to be positioned into the second category above lead you to believe that if you do not get out of the way, the laws of physics shall be invoked stating that the momentum of their 4000 pound mass shall overcome that of you and your 20 pound bike, forever changing their physical structure. However, physics also proves that a 4000 pound vehicle cannot accelerate nearly as quickly as a good dog repellant. Once again, respect comes into play. Motorized vehicles are bigger than bicycles so stay alert and ride defensively.

4. Teenagers on skateboards are
predictable. Predictable in that you
can be assured they will try to

Page Four

intercept your intended path in every conceivable way including rolling their board directly in front of you. It is their job. A word of advice on this matter:determine their direction and at the last moment, steer where they ain’t.

5. Storm drain grates and railroad tracks clearly take precedence over bicycles. Certain types of storm drain grates are notorious for reaching out and grabbing bicycles, bringing them to a dead stop and causing the rider to either thrust their frontal parts into the handlebar stem or to mimic Super Dave Osborn being fired from a catapult. My personal record is 20 feet, 6 inches. Rumor has it these grates were designed back in the 1940s by a vindictive woman. Railroad tracks are devious, especially those at a 45 degree or less angle to the road. Unlike grates, there is no way to go around them. They are designed for 30 ton units traveling in a non-parallel direction to yours. You may attempt to jump the tracks, but one false move and your body may be in contortions you never thought possible. Use caution when crossing railroad tracks.

6. Cyclists are the last in the order of precedence. They earn this position by being lightweight, efficient, small and maneuverable. Not as easily seen as a car or even a motorcycle, they are vulnerable to abuse. A friend of mine suffered a permanent knee injury while at a stop sign. The offending vehicle took a right turn too fast, slid over and mashed the bike and rider. The moral is: ve alert, and do not wait too long at

intersections that have cars turning
(Continued on page 5}

March, 1991

THE ORDER
OF PRECEDENCE

(Continued from page 4)

the corners too fast.

If nothing else, these guidelines should give you something to think about. In conclusion, it is safe to say that during any bike ride it is a good idea to respect all things encountered(except maybe all those slimy, crawly bugs and things that you try to run over anyway.)

4

Letter To The Editor:

(The following letter was sent to THE
MORNING NEWS TRIBUNE on
February 12, 1991 and this newsletter.)

AIR FORCE
STRIKES AGAIN

On December 28, 1990, Pierce
County passed a_ resolution
declaring the County to be a
“bicycling community.” Also, the
County has been working on a
transportation plan for almost two
years.

I was shocked and dismayed
when I discovered the Air Force
has revoked a road easement on
Woodbrook Road which runs from
Lakewood and Steilacoom to the
Spanaway Lake area.

This quietly traveled back road
was a primary bicyclist’s access
between these communities. Now,
I understand the Air Force plans to
revoke more of this road in the

future. These actions isolate the
residents of American Lake
Gardens, affect emergency

services, restrict access to the
Woodbrook stables, and adversely
affects a prime bicyclist’s roadway,

The stated reason for this road closure is to protect McChord Air Force Base family housing from the “riff raff” in the surrounding community. I imagine that most of the “riff raff” are Air Force people. I don’t understand why Air Force family housing needs to be protected at a higher level than my neighborhood.

I believe the Air Force should
rectify this mistake by restoring
this roadway to Pierce County.
The County should certainly not
relinquish any -more of this
roadway. This action has been a
tragedy to the local community and
is certainly not consistent with the
County’s transportation planning
efforts or its resolution endorsing
bicycling as a means of health,

recreation and alternate
transportation.

Bob Myrick

Tacoma

(The writer is Vice-President of the TWC, and a member of the Pierce County Transportation Advisory Committee and Parks Trail Commission.)

1974 Schwinn Paramount
23" Touring Bike
Campi/Phil Wood

Racks, Fenders, Gen. Set
$500.00
Call Harvey Lister:

Days-564-1422
Evening-752-8636

ELEVEN SCORCHERS
FINED

A coup d’essai was enacted in the municipal court yesterday afternoon when eleven fin de siecle cyclists were lined up before the judicial desk to answer to the charge of rapid bicycle riding. These eleven recalcitrant wheelmen were D. J. Stein, Frederick A. Brown, H. S. Griggs, L. H. Boardman, A. E. Grafton, Frank B. Taylor, Fenley Bryan, M. R. Thompson, S. M. Hopping, Edward Eric Rosling and John T. Culver.

They had a whole lot of fun amid the strange surroundings of inflexible justice, for none of them had ever been there before as culprits. These eleven young men were riding down to their offices after breakfast, and pumped a little too fast--just a little. Officer Barek was there at the corner of C street, with his eagle eye, and when they scorched toward him he promptly corralled the lot, one by one, and ordered them to appear before Judge Reid at 2 o’clock.

The nine first named pleaded guilty, which cost them a dollar each. But H. S. Griggs demanded a trial. He conducted his own case, cross-examining the officer with his usual skill. But the evidence was against him, and the judge found him “innocently guilty”, which was worth eight bits. . .

The judge said that he had no
intention of being severe on them,
but that future offenders against the
ordinance regulating speed will not
ve dealt with so leniently. The
ordinance allows a speed of six

miles an hour. . «(Quoted from THE
DAILY LEDGER: Tacoma, Washington, Saturday,
May 23, 1896.)

March, 1991