.

GigE

Tacoma Wheelmen’s
Bicycle Club

P.O. Box 112078-TACOMA, WA 98411
RIDELINE (206) 759-2800

Volunteer Alert—

For Peninsula
Metric Century, see
this page.

For STP check-
point, see this
page.

For Bicycle Ro-
deos, see page 4.

For Kids and Hel-
mets, see page 9.
(Don't say you are not
wanted in this Club.)

Also in this issue:
¢Celebrate National
Bicycle Month, ride
calendar begins on
page 2.

*Ride and Activity
notes begin on
page 4.

eRide Reports begin
on page 5.

eKent's Corner,
Comments From
The President, and
New Members on
page 6.

eCarLess Commute on pages 7 and 11. *Classified Ads on page 8. «Shepherds, Sheep, Kids, Helmets, and Minutes, on page 9. eAdvantages of Warm Weather, and photos on page 10.

TWBC
NEWSLETTER

Peninsula Metric Century

Is Next
by Kent Wienker, TWBC Vice-President

Check your calendar—June 5th is the time for our Club to come together again. To those who have already offered some of your time, thanks. I will be calling all of you to work out details. This 12th annual Club fund raiser has characteristically had fewer participants than the Daffodil Classic, but what if 2000 people show up? We cannot have enough volunteers, so please call me.

All routes are the same as last year. Air Waves Communications, Inc_—Bob Fleming Jones, will donate cellular phones for coordination and emergency use. Mt. Constance Mountain Shoppe will offer mechanical assistance, as well as Spoke and Sprocket from Tacoma. Noel Canning of Yakima has provided 50 gallons of apple juice. There will be a Power Bars distributor selling these energy bars. We will have an espresso truck. Four massage therapists will sell their services. Dena Wessels says there will be a bike corral at Southworth, staffed by Girl Scouts.

The registration areas of Southworth and Gig Harbor are also rest stops. TWBC will also have rest stops at Manchester State Park, Purdy, and Fox Island. The Port Orchard Jaycees will provide a rest stop to promote their town. Be sure to thank them when passing through.

Remember, volunteers ride free, enabling
you to ride with others who love cycling.
Enjoy the good food, and wear the partici-
pant's pin proudly.

The pre-rides are May 15th at 10:00 a.m.
Refer to the ride calendar and come and
ride.

Missing: A number of large signs are missing. They
were last seen in the Daffodil registration area at the
end of the ride day. If these items ended up in your car
or garage, please call Sylvia at 862-3288, or Steve at
759-1816.

Page One

Founded In 1888

May, 1994

Volunteers planning to help at the Spana-
way STP rest stop on June 25th or 26th—
please contact Hazel Giddings at 894-2643,
and reserve the choice tasks early!

TWBC Goes High Tech

Control Tech Bicycle Components-U.S.A. will show most of their line of light weight stems, seatposts, skewers, and bar ends at our May Club meeting on Tuesday the 17th. They have their own design for a front shock for mountain bikes. Three major bicycle companies’ use their aluminum frames, and the company participates in local and regional racing.

We meet at 7:00 p.m. at the South End Community Center and Pool at 402 E. 56th Street. This location is between Pacific and- McKinley Avenues, just past the Concordia Lutheran School. The building is about 300° feet off the street. Bicycle or bus will get you” there.

Join us for refreshments, door prizes, and
Club business, as well as the feature
presentation.

If you want more information about our
Club meetings, call Kent Wienker at 474-
9395.

And the winner is ...
Steve Brown!

Recently, Steve Brown's bike was stolen, but he is on the way to a new bike after winning the door prize at the Daffodil Classic Volunteer's Pizza Party. Steve won a pair of Mavic Open 4-CD SUP rims. The rims were donated to the Daffodil Commit- tee by Mavic, Inc.

All Daffodil volunteers, including those
not present at the pizza party, were entered
in the contest.

Now, if Steve could win a frame...

Have you volunteered yet?

May, 1994

TWBC RIDE CALENDAR FOR MAY 1 to MAY 31, 1994 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!

Carol Rushton
| 537-3888
++
Tues 7:00 Carla Gramlich's TWBC Board Meeting em Gramlich
5/3 PM home, 3218 N. 28th 752-4038
E | Street, Tacoma, WA LE |
Wed 10:00 15 Jeresich Park Crescent Valley Loop 1 Connie Reitzug
5/4 AM Down Town Gig 265-2127
L J Harbor
| Sat 8:20 46 Ferry—Point Defiance Vashon & Maury | 2 Mat & Connie
5/7 AM ; to Vashon Island Island—Ferry $2.15 Reitzug—265-2127
r
Sat 9:30 15-30 | Green Heron Carpool from West- All No Leader
5/7 AM Espresso—Poulsbo, gate McDonald's at 779-6676
WA. See ride notes 8:00 a.m. to Poulsbo 779-5922
| | for related ride 5/8. Country Clee le | al
Sun 8:00 100 Kulshan Cycles Museum Ride 4 Kent Wienker
5/8 L AM =| | Bellingham, WA 474-9395
2 Sun 8:30 20 Sprinker Recreation Pancake Breakfast at | 1 | Joy Roelofsz
5/8 AM Center. PCED #7. 847-1843
Le = [- |
Sun “9:00 30 Larbee State Park South of Bellingham 2 Carla & Steve
5/8 AM [on Chuckanut Drive. 752-4038
{- = =
Tues 9:00 30+ Fred Meyer Puyallup | Tuesday Ride 2 Louis Boitano
5/10 AM Celebrate National 922-6156
Bicycle Month. Carol Rushton
| | 537-3888
Wed 10:00 20+ Spoke & Sprocket | Historic Tacoma 1 Connie Reitzug

5/11 AM 265-2127
Thur 6:45 10-15 | McDonald's Westgate | Thursday Night Ride 1 Steve & Phyllis Lay
5/12 PM N. 21st & Pearl Celebrate National 759-1816

Ee Bicycle Month.

(TWBC Ride Calendar continues on page 3)

TWBC NEWSLETTER Page Two May, 1994

(TWBC Ride Calendar continued from page 2)

r
DATE TIME MILES START POINT ACTIVITY CODE B LEADER
Sun 10:00 50K Southworth Ferry Peninsula Metric Pre- 2 Karen Forbush
5/15 AM Route | dock. ride. 752-0764
Sun 10:00 100K Gig Harbor Peninsula Metric Pre- 3) Mat Reitzug
5/15 AM Route | Fire Station #5 ride. 265-2127
Sun 10:00 100 mi. | Gig Harbor Peninsula Metric Pre- 4 Kent Wienker
5/15 AM Route | Fire Station #5 ride. 474-9395
Tues 9:00 30+ Fred Meyer Puyallup | Tuesday Ride 2 Ce Boitano
5/17 AM Celebrate National 922-6156
Bicycle Month Carol Rushton
537-3888
Tues 11:45 10 Pantages Theater CarLess Commute to 1 Carla Gramlich
5/17 AM Downtown Tacoma Freighthouse Square 752-4038
for lunch.
Tues 5:45 15 Starbucks CarLess Commute to 1 Carla Gramlich |
5/17 PM N. 26th & Proctor TWBC Club Meeting. 752-4038
Tues 7:00 South End Commun- | TWBC Club Meeting. Kent Wienker
By PM ity Center & Pool. 402 | High Tech Bicycle 474-9395
E. 56th Street. Components.

Spoke & Sprocket Fircrest Jaunt. Connie Reitzug

265-2127

Scott Pierson
759-9519

Bertolino's Coffee Bar
2421 S. Union

Thursday Night Ride
#2. Celebrate National
Bicycle Month.

Amity /Salem/Port- Reach The Beach All
100 land, Oregon. Lincoln City, Ore.
25-100 | Howard Amon Park Inland Empire All
Richland, WA Century.
2

25 UPS Field House CarLess Commute to
N. 11th & Union

5/19

No Leader
503-224-5145

Bob Myrick
473-7455

Carla Gramlich
Sprinker Recreation 752-4038

Center—Ice Skate.
All Bob Myrick
473-7455

Fred Meyer Puyallup | Tuesday Ride 2 Louis Boitano
Celebrate National 922-6156

Bicycle Month. Carol Rushton
537-3888

Millersylvania State
Park—10 mi. south of
Olympia.

Two County Double
Metric Century.

Tues AM 30+
5/24

Spoke & Sprocket Decide 1 Connie Reitzug

265-2127 |

(TWBC Ride Calendar continues on page 4)

TWBC NEWSLETTER Page Three May, 1994

(TWBC Ride Calendar continued from page 3)

Lot, Puyallup, WA. loop.
Sat 8:30 40 UPS at 8:30 a.m. Nisqually Valley Hot 2 Karen Forbush
5/28 AM Lost Lake at 9:00 Tub Ride. $1.00 for 752-0764
a.m., on Reservation pool and hot tub. Jan Brame
Road. 759-6984
Sat-Mon 8:00 224 || Artrak—tacoma ae Day Ride—Train to 4 Bob Myrick
5/28-30 AM Vancouver, ride to 473-7455
Carson, Packwood,
and Hot Mineral.
Masseuse, Hot Tub. |
Sat-Mon | 9-12:00 | 3 Day | U of P. 9th Annual N.W. For more info:
5/28-30 AM Event | Portland, Oregon Tandem Rally. Re- 503-222-4922
gister before 5/10
lI and save $10.00. lo

Ride Code Definitions (See column six in ride calendar): 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.

For More Information About Rides, Call The Ride Line At 759-2800. (To record
your message on the ride line without waiting for the other messages to play, press the
-* button on a touch tone phone.)

Wear A Helmet, And Carry Repair Items And First Aid Supplies On Your Ride!

Ride And Activity Notes:

TWBC Rounds-Up Volunteers For A Bicycle Rodeo: TWBC is helping whenever possible to provide leadership
and support for bicycle rodeos around Pierce County. Interest has increased due to the passage of the County's bicycle
helmet law. Help is needed on the following dates: May 11 from 2-5 p.m., volunteers are needed to help fit helmets.
May 14, volunteers are needed to conduct a rodeo at a health fair. June 4, volunteers are needed to help fit new
helmets at a bicycle rodeo in Gig Harbor, the day before our Peninsula Metric Century. July 10, Tour de Pierce will
have a bicycle rodeo for younger children who cannot ride Tour de Pierce. TWBC will be in charge of the rodeo. Also,
help will be needed to add to the equipment we currently have to perform a rodeo. Call Carla at 752-4038 to

volunteer.

May 7 And May 8: If you plan on riding with members on May 7 in Poulsbo, plan to stay up north and ride
in Bellingham on May 8. Steve and Carla will stay in Oak Harbor on Saturday, and then ride from Larbee State Park
to Bellingham to visit a vintage bicycle exhibit at the museum.

Celebrate National Bicycle Month: During the second week of May, TWBC will sponsor several rides to help celebrate National Bicycle Month. Rides will be designated “Celebrate National Bicycle Month” in the ride calendar. We encourage you to attend one or all of these rides. TWBC will provide some treats as a well deserved reward for

doing some pedaling. Dust off that bicycle and come out and ride with your Club.

Yakima River Canyon Bike Race And Tour—May 15: The Yakima River Canyon Bike Race and Tour is
scheduled for May 15 along state hwy. 821, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The road will be closed to motor vehicles with
the exception of local traffic.

The 42 mile round-trip will have a road race division and a mountain bike race division, sub-divided by age,

Page Four

(Continued on page 5)

May, 1994

Ride And Activity Notes: (Continued from page 4)

for cyclists wishing to test their skills and compete for cash, or have a leisurely tour. Bike mechanics and a sag wagon will support and assist riders. This is a scenic code 2 or 3 ride, with a couple of attention getting hills. The ride starts and finishes near the Sundown M Ranch just outside of Selah.

Race rider's fees are $13.00 pre-registered, or $15.00 on day of ride. T-shirts are included. Tour rider's fees are $5.00, with T-shirts extra. At 2:30 p.m. there will be drawings for “cell” phones and bicycles. For additional information write or call: Elite Athlete, 1601 W. Lincoln, Yakima, WA 98902. Phone: 509-457-6459.

Bicycle To The May Club Meeting: May 17 is National Bicycle to Work Day as part of the CarLess Commute
observance. It only makes sense that a bunch of bicyclists should ride to the monthly Club meeting. A group will
leave Starbucks at N. 26th and Proctor at 5:45 p.m., or ride from your home. Because the meeting may end after dark,
lights are required if you plan to stay for the entire meeting. The mileage from Starbucks is about 15 roundtrip. Call
Carla at 752-4038 for more information.

Memorial Day Train Trip, by Bob Myrick: If you are not going to The Northwest Tandem Rally in Portland, consider my little train trip. On Saturday morning, we board the train in Tacoma at either 8:24 a.m., or 10:37 a.m., depending on your mood. After several pleasant hours, we arrive in Vancouver, WA and re-install our pedals and handlebars. Then, we ride 50 easy miles to Carson Hot Springs on the Columbia River. Enjoy a comfortable mineral bath and maybe a massage. Then, take a hike and prepare for a delicious meal. I understand they cater to vegetarians.

Next morning, we hope you are rested, because we head north through some hills called the Cascades. We
pass between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. Sorry, no 16 miles of gravel this year, as we follow a different road.
Ultra tour claims The Packwood Hotel is 101 miles away, with 7000 feet of climbing along the way. Who knows for
sure? There is an alternate route reported to be 130 miles with 10,000 vertical feet. This will definitely be a two power
bar day, maybe three. We can eat well at Randle, 85 miles into the ride. You may want to eat again in Packwood, after
you are dragged out of the hot tub.

Next day is Monday, and we memorialize the riders who have been left behind in the mountains. After a hearty breakfast, I know it is 74 easy miles to my house, and about 78 miles to the Tacoma train station. We will stop for a latté in Ashford at the Bunkhouse. Maybe we will stop in Eatonville for lunch.

This three day ride sounds wonderful. The basic cost will be about $70.00 for lodging and transportation. Bring about $70.00 for food, 3 power bars, and enough Gatorade for 4 bottles. A mineral bath is $8.00, and a massage is $32.00. Call very early in the month, as I must confirm our reservations. This is probably a code 4 ride, but I think- any reasonably fit person will survive. My number is 473-7455.

Ride Reports:

The Good Times Rolled, by Peggy Fjetland: Take great weather, add daffodils galore, a variety of entries, and high enthusiasm, and you have the Junior Daffodil and Daffodil Grand Floral Parades for 1994.

On April 2 Karen Forbush and grandsons Stephen and Skyler Nichols, Jamie Pearsall and grandson Nathan, Flora, Jim Davis (no, not a misprint), William Hoehne, Cy Davis, Steve Brown, Carla Gramlich, Joy Roelofsz, Brita Fjetland, Peggy Fjetland, Larry Foster, and the scouts of Pack 679 participated in the Junior Daffodil Parade on road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, a tandem, a scooter, and various youth bikes.

On April 16 Leonard Shumway, Steve and Phyllis Lay, Kent Wienker, Karen Forbush, Louis Boitano, Don Partington and children, Steve Brown, Carla Gramlich, Joy Roelofsz, and Peggy Fjetland rode in the Daffodil Grand Floral Parade. A recumbent, a counterpoint, and a trailer added additional variety.

An extra special thanks to Larry Foster for recruiting our banner carriers. Jeffrey Olson and Mac Foster carried our Club banner in the Junior Daffodil Parade, and Mac Foster, Joseph Stepham, and Kyle Lenderman did the same in the Daffodil Grand Floral Parade. Many thanks!

Daffodil Pre-Ride Trip Report, by Bob Myrick: On April 2, over 22 riders reported in Sumner to ride the Lake
Tapps 50 mile loop for our annual pre-ride event. Riders of all code levels and ages showed up. Bikes ranged from
mountain to road to recumbent to tandem. The weather was moderate and partly sunny. Most of us stopped in
Buckley for a late breakfast.

On April 10, 37 riders reported to Orting to ride the Lake Kapowsin 20 or 50 mile loops. Again, a wide range
of riders showed up. The weather was a little warmer, but some of us were sprinkled slightly with liquid sunshine.
Most of us enjoyed barbecued chicken sold to us by the Orting Lion's Club. The “pie ladies” were there, selling whole
pies for our enjoyment. One member brought his own chicken because he thought we were doing a barbecue. Where
was Jim Davis when we needed him?

It was very satisfying to see so many old and new Club members out on this traditional event.

Daffodil Classic Report, by Sylvia Russell: Warm, sunny weather brought a record number of riders to Orting to ride in the 19th annual Daffodil Classic. Over 2,000 riders participated!

(Ride Reports continues on page 6)

TWBC NEWSLETTER Page Five May, 1994

Ride Reports: (Continued from page 5)

As ride chairmen it is always great to be able to report sunny weather and a record number of riders, but there were other successes associated with this ride, and we think they are the real success stories of the 1994 Daffodil Classic. This year the Daffodil had a record number of volunteers, and stronger ties were formed with the

communities along the ride course.

*TWBC worked more closely with the City of Orting. One of the many ways Orting helped us with this event was scheduling an extra police officer for duty the day of the ride.

With the help of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, the Daffodil Committee opened a new rest stop in Buckley so the North Loop riders would have a second stop. The City of Buckley and the Buckley Chamber of Commerce were very supportive of this effort. They provided us with more than we asked for, including water and sanitation. This new rest stop was staffed by volunteers from the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition.

°Thanks to the help of the Kapowsin Grange and their volunteers we improved services at the Grange, the busiest rest stop on the ride. The Kapowsin Grange provided storage prior to the ride and offered assistance with food

preparation, volunteers, and even coffee.

°The other real success of the 1994 Daffodil are the volunteers! There were almost 100 volunteers who contributed to the success of the Daffodil. There are over 75 Tacoma Wheelmen on the list we compiled. Many familiar names are on this list, but there are also many new Club members on this list, too. “Thank you” to all of the

Daffodil volunteers!

1994 Daffodil Classic Volunteers: Sue Batali, Bud Blancher, Louis Boitano, Jan Brame, Alice Brown, Dan Brown, Hank Brown, Steve Brown, Helen Burgess, Phil Burgess, Jocko Burks, Roberta Chan, Joyce Clifford, Jason

Cohen, Arlene Conde, Cindy Crooks, Jim Davis, Stacey Dean, Ray Dezutter,
Betty Fleming-Jones, Bob Fleming-Jones,

Karen Forbush, and Pat Foster.

Mike Dobb, Chris Filey, Peggy Fjetland,

Hank Giddings, Hazel Giddings, Carla Gramlich, Gina Grenier, Greg Grenier, Janis Grenier, Lisa Grenier, Rocky Hauge, Bill Herring, Bill Horn, Fran Jones, Fred Knox, Edna Lay, Phyllis Lay, Steve Lay, David Lee, Dale

Longfellow, Jodie Longfellow, Bob Mohr, John Morgan, Shirley Morgan,

Don Partington, Jamie Pearsall, and Scott Pierson.

Sheila Pudists, Connie Reitzug, Matt Reitzug, Joy Roelofsz, Carol Rushton, Sylvia Russell, Joan Sanders, Stan Sanders, Heinrich Schmidt, Irmgard Schmidt, Bud Schroeder, Fran Schroeder, Dave Tison, Reggie Tison, Greg Torfin, Linda Walter, Richard Walter, Bob Warfield, Ralph Wessels, Brian Wester, Karen Whitney, Kent Wienker, Jan Wieser, Gary Williamson, Mike Wood, Bob Yucker, and Zeny Yucker.

We apologize if your name is missing

this size and scale it is difficult to keep the list accurate.

Carla Moschetti, Bob Myrick, Dave Parker,

from this list. We tried to compile a complete list, but with an event of

Kent's Corner
by Kent Wienker, TWBC Vice-President

Jan Wieser's ride out of Coulon Park
in Renton was good—about ten people
showed and went around Lake
Washington along the Burke-Gillman
Trail. Ray Dezutter cracked the whip.

Jan's other ride (65 miles) over Tiger
Mountain really followed a scenic
route around her neck of the woods,
which was beautiful.

The annual Millersylvania State Park
overnight camp ride had a good
turnout and great weather. I did not
hear who was the best cook.

The Don Hatch presentation at our
Club meeting should inspire someone.
I think I will shut off the alarm and
sleep in.

Please be careful of the wheel in
front of you, and warn others of your
intentions, in close riding quarters.

Bye.

Comments From

The President
by Carla Gramlich

The 1994 Daffodil Classic is now cycling history, and what a success. Thanks to Brian and Sylvia for organ- izing, and to all the volunteers. Now, on to the Peninsula Metric Century and the Seattle To Portland check- point.

Joy and Peggy helped organize
members for the Junior Daffodil
Parade, and the Daffodil Grand Floral
Parade. It was fun to represent the
Club and be in a parade. Try it next
year.

All the Club's effort is now directed
towards the Peninsula Metric Century.
If you did not help during the
Daffodil Classic, this could be your
event. Call Kent to volunteer.

Scott Pierson is helping to get
people signed-up for CarLess Com-

Page 6

mute. Be a team captain this year!

Hank and Hazel are taking names
for the STP checkpoint. This is a great
event, because you are right in the
middle of all the action.

Looking ahead...the Tour de Pierce
in July, and the annual Club picnic in
September.

New Members For April

Welcome!

Joining TWBC in April, 1994 were:

Steve Berman, Charlie Brown, Steve
Forsness, Eric Giacchino, Linda
Heaton, Debbie Johnson, Nancy Grant
Lopez, Scott MacDonald, Marion
Miller, Tom Vagen, Susan Weitzel, and
George Whipple.

Volunteer For The P.M.C.

May, 1994

The Tacoma Wheelmen's
Bicycle Club

Board Members
PRESIDENT
Carla Gramlich -752-4038
VICE-PRESIDENT
Kent Wienker -474-9395
SECRETARY
Dena Wessels - 857-5658
TREASURER
Hazel Giddings 894-2643
TOURING CAPTAINS
Steve & Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
William Hoehne -759-4464
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick -473-7455
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Sue Given - 565-0535
PAST PRESIDENT
Greg Grenier -752-4348

Staff
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay -759-1816
PUBLICITY
Cynthia Hammer - 752-0801
L.A.W. REPRESENTATIVE
Sue Given -565-0535
B.E.W. COORDINATOR
Diane Lister -752-8636
SAFETY & EDUCATION
Jan Wieser - 833-6346
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Steve Brown - 752-4038
RIDE LINE
Steve Lay -759-1816
MAILING
Don Izenman -565-2720

Annual Committees
DAFFODIL CLASSIC
Brian Wester 862-3288
Sylvia Russell - 862-3288
PENINSULA METRIC
Kent Wienker -474-9395

BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH
Sylvia Russell - 862-3288
Brian Wester - 862-3288

Hank Giddings - 894-2643

BANQUET COMMITTEE
Bob Myrick - 473-7455

Peggy Fjetland -841-4458
Joy Roelofsz -847-1843

Send correspondence to: The Tacoma
Wheelmen's Bicycle Club, P.O. Box 112078,
Tacoma, WA 98411.

Send articles, for our Newsletter, to the
editor at: 5702 N. 33rd, Apt. 17B, Tacoma, WA
98407.

E-mail can be sent to the editor via
Compuserve, User # 71570,446.

Article deadline for the June, 1994 issue is
May 17, 1994.

CarLess Commute—

Drive Less Than More!

Ride your bicycle, take the bus, or
walk. Join a carpool or vanpool during
CarLess Commute month. The CarLess
Commute program takes place May
16-30, 1994, and is an innovative effort
designed to minimize the heavy
reliance on the single-occupant vehicle
(SOV) through the promotion of
bicycling, walking, ridesharing or
other alternative forms of
transportation.

The great thing about participating in CarLess Commute is that all your destination based trips count, not just your work commute! You can count your walk to the grocery store for eggs and milk, or your bike trip to the video store for the latest hot release. This is also a fun way to get the family involved, and learn the affects driving alone has on the environment. The lowest score wins, and the more you walk or bike about, instead of driving, the lower your score will be.

Everyone is encouraged to sign up
and participate. Fill out the blue
participation log included in this
Newsletter. At the end of CarLess
Commute participation logs should be
turned in to your CarLess Commute
Team Captain, Scott Pierson, by June
8th. The logs will be tabulated for the
number of miles and points. Our Club
is competing for prizes with other
groups in the same size category for
lowest average score and highest
participation. Individuals who drive
less than more also qualify for prizes.
Employees are also eligible for
inspirational awards for innovative
commutes.

To be a part of this, fill in the form _

and return to Scott Pierson, Tacoma
Wheelmen's Bicycle Club, P.O. Box
112078, Tacoma, WA 98407, by June
8th. Please photocopy the form for
other members of your family and
friends.

We hope everyone will turn in a
form so the Club can win the group
prize. The Club will also award prizes
at the June meeting to the best CarLess
Commuters in the Club.

For more information, call Scott
Pierson, at 759-9519.

Page Seven

CarLess Commute

Offers Daily Vacations
by Scott Pierson

In the mid 1980s, my family spent vacations on Cape Cod in a cabin located on a winding road between Wood's Hole and Falmouth. There is a rail trail connecting the two towns. While my wife worked at the Marine Lab in Wood's Hole my young son and I would wander the area on our bicycles. Wood's Hole is especially wonderful because it has virtually no sprawl development, but what made it a wonderful vacation for me was using bicycles.

Wood's Hole is a tiny town, and driving a car there feels I am participating in some monstrous mechanical invasion. Besides, there was hardly anywhere to park. So we rode our bikes. We shopped, we went fishing, we went to the beach. Everywhere we went, it was easy because it was bicycle friendly. It was a great vacation.

For me riding really is an aesthetic, fun experience. It can be an athletic event as well, depending on how enthusiastic I feel. Since that time on the Cape, I have felt that when I ride my bike, whether in meander mode or sweat mode, I'm on a vacation.

If I ride around the Point, I'm on a vacation. When I ride to the store, hey, I'm on vacation. Riding to work is even a vacation. It's a time to feel the morning air, maybe some rain, maybe the sunrise. It is a painless way to arrive at work fully alert.

After work in the summer, I often
connive to take another vacation. I
take serious bike clothes and ride a 15
mile detour to go the 2 miles to my
house, often planning a route that will
enable me to shop. I try to vacation at

(Continued on page 8)

May, 1994

CarLess Commute

Offers Daily Vacations
(Continued from page 7)
least a hundred miles a week. Going
on vacation surely keeps me in shape.

Now that you know my secret, here is a way to go on your own vacation without revealing your purpose. If you do Club rides you are on the right track. You know the ropes. If you do not ride much, you still need a vacation. Here is how to get two vacations in every day.

The last two weeks of May are CarLess Commute weeks. You can ride your bike to work under the guise of doing something for the environ- ment. You will be a participant, a real, positive statistic for those TDM (Tran- sportation Demand Management) folks. You think you will look strange to other car commuters without lots of other lycra dressed groupies around you. Actually, they will think you are having fun while they are going to work. If you are slightly devious, you can take a change of clothes in a back pack or an airlines bag. For all they ‘know, you could be a tourist from Switzerland, Zimbabwe, or Singapore. But what you will really be doing is

“going on vacation, while everyone else
is commuting to work!

Now this is starting to make sense. Combining a little exercise with your commute saves time and money. You are already planning your next bike vacation. During the next couple of weeks, while you are driving to work, imagine riding your bike. You plan out a route that is bike-friendly. You plan a practice ride on the weekend when the traffic is light.

You know what to wear (dress lightly) and how slowly you have to go (probably about 10-12 mph) so you do not really sweat. On cold mornings (40-50 degrees) a pair of thin gloves under your riding gloves, and a light windproofed jacket with casual office clothes are adequate.

You remember to pack a lock, and
make sure the key is on your key
chain! You notice where to park your
bike, preferably near a doorway where
there is visibility and pedestrian
traffic, for security.

Having arrived at work you dis-
cretely detour into the rest room to
change, with the words, “How was
your CarLess Commute trip this
morning?”, ready on your lips in case
you are discovered by a co-worker.
This will give you the high road is
subsequent discussions. After all, you
may be a beginner, and sweating ever
so slightly.

If you have showers at work, or have only 2 to 3 miles to go, breaking a sweat will not be a problem. But heck, with practice, you can ride for miles without sweating, but it takes concentration not to forget yourself and get caught up in your ride. Hormonal types really have it tough in this area. Experienced bike commuters can even climb hills without sweating. If you must sweat, save it for the trip home, where you can be funky, or take a shower.

So now you know. CarLess Com-
mute is just an excuse to take a
vacation. Be good to yourself. Plan on
it for the last two weeks of May. There
is a participation sheet in this News-
letter.

There is more good news. The Club
is planning some special rides for
CarLess Commute, and you are in-
vited. There will be a downtown “bike
power ride” to Freighhouse Square for
lunch and back, an evening ride to
Sprinker for $1.00 ice skating, a
Thursday ride from the Pantages
theater to a great place to end up, the
Proctor District, and more. See the ride
calendar.

CarLess Commute for bicyclists is
our season. We have the best answer
to local transportation ever invented.
People will notice. That there is
strength in numbers is true. Be a part
of this year's CarLess Commute. -

(For detailed plans on how to build your
own Commuter Bicycle Box, see page 11
in this Newsletter.)

Have You Volunteered For
The STP Checkpoint?

Page Eight

TWEC Board Elections
Approaching Soon

by Dena Wessels, TWBC Secretary

The June general Club meeting brings the arrival of elections for the Board Members of TWBC. If you would like to become more involved with your Club, and be a greater part of the decision making process, plan on attending the May general meeting to read the duties of each Board Member. Then, consider running for a position on the Board.

If you would like to be on the voting ballot, or nominate someone else, send in your choice to the Club P.O. Box in care of “Election Ballot.” At the June general meeting, printed ballots will be passed out to all attend- ing members. After any additional nominations are taken, we will then vote.

Classified Ads

For Sale: :

Miyata 618 GT Touring Bike. 50cm.
Indexed shifting. 18 speeds (Granny
Gear). Gel saddle. Cantilever brakes.
Avocet 30 and mirror. Excellent con-
dition. $275.00.

Call Carol Wilson at 272-0804.

For Sale:
44x8 Fairing (1) $35.00
Sport ski mounts (2) $25.00
Canoe saddles (4) $5.00
New wheel fork (1) $15.00
Tandem mount (1) $50.00

Call John Morgan at 627-7486.

For Sale:
Cannondale 24% inch frame.
w/ rack and fenders. $275.00 O.B.O.
Call 473-2974

For Sale:

1 long sleeve 1994 Daffodil Classic
T-shirt. Size, large.

2 1994 Daffodil Classic Jerseys,
large or extra-large.

Call Sylvia at 862-3288.

May, 1994

TWEC Shepherds And
Sheep Needed For The
1994 Seattle To Portland

by Dena Wessels, TWBC Secretary

No, this Club is not planning on shepherding, by bicycle, a bunch of four legged sheep on the 1994 STP route. However, there are several human TWBC members who are new to bicycling who have expressed interest in riding in the STP, but have apprehensions about the challenge.

Do you remember your first STP?
How about relieving some of our
member's anxieties about riding in the
STP by becoming a TWBC STP Shep-
herd?

To be a shepherd you should have
ridden in at least one STP to comple-
tion, be able to give constructive
advice, know how to fix a flat tire, and
be willing to ride at the sheep's pace
for the majority of the ride.

Sheep requirements are that you
have trained in earnest for this event,
are willing to listen to the recom-
mendations of your shepherd, and can
ride on your own for a few times, for
a few miles along the route.

It would also be beneficial if the
shepherd, and up to three sheep of
similar abilities, could get together for
a ride or two prior to the STP.

If you are interested, send a note to the Club P.O. Box, and indicate if you want to be a shepherd or a sheep, and what pace you would be willing to ride as either a shepherd or a sheep. I will post a listing at the May and June general meetings, and maintain a list with phone numbers up to one week prior to the STP.

Kids And Helmets

Need Volunteers

by Dena Wessels, TWBC Secretary

On Saturday, June 4, 1994, the Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club is staging a Bike Rodeo for 200 young riders. Together with the Washington State Patrol, the Kiwanis Club is emphasizing proper bicycle skills and safety maneuvering in simulated traffic situations.

They are placing new helmets on all
of the heads of the youngsters who

attend this yearly Bike Rodeo. The Club is asking for a few hours of your time on that day, to assist in protect- ing the heads of these young riders. All helmets have to be fitted correctly to these youngsters, and instructions given on the proper method of wearing these new brain cages.

Spending 10 to 15 minutes on each kid to fit the helmet properly gives an indication on how many volunteers the Club needs. Three TWBC members recently attended the Cascade Bike Rodeo Class, and we could give you easy instructions for performing this task.

How about getting some friends
together, meet at the TCC parking lot,
and take a ride over the Narrows
Bridge to the fire station in Gig
Harbor, where the Peninsula Metric
Century will be starting the next day.

Contact me (857-5658) for more
information on the Bike Rodeo. Let us
give these young cyclists a chance to
become older cyclists!

TWBC Mini Minutes—

Board And General

Meetings
by Dena M.E. Wessels, TWBC Secretary

eOn April 5, Hazel Giddings re-
ported a bank balance of $13,158.01, as
of March 31, 1994. $1,148.14 was spent
in March.

eThe Junior Daffodil Parade went
off without a hitch, even though the
members had to wait longer than
expected to ride their 4.5 blocks!

¢A motion was made and passed to
purchase 500 TWBC pins.

¢A motion was made and passed to
start mailing the Newsletter flat as
opposed to folded, due to the in-
creased number of pages and inserts,
which make it difficult to fold. Cost
difference is an additional $10.00 per
month.

The word “optional” will be in-
cluded on the NW Cyclist and The
Bicycle Paper lines.

Daffodil pins are in and paid for.
The second half of the jersey and t-
shirt order is being made up. The
construction by Lake Tapps is not
expected to be a problem. Tech sup-

Page Nine

port is still needed. PMC flyers may be in the Daffodil packets. High tech rims will be raffled off to volunteers, who will meet for their pizza party at the City Brewery Pizza in Puyallup. Evergreen Produce will deliver food to the Grange.

The PMC will have the Port
Orchard Junior Chamber of Commerce
set up their rest stop again at a new
fire station on the right side of the
road. A new rest stop is on Fox Island
for the 100 mile ride. 500 “94 PMC
Hardest Hundred Pins” have been
ordered.

eCarla reminded Ride Chairmen
that the $ 50 B.F.W. donation is
considered part of the expense of the
ride, and is up to the discretion of the
ride chairmen to donate the amount,
depending on ride profits.

May is National Bike Month. The
Club may purchase ice cream for
Thursday night rides, and coffee and
doughnuts for Tuesday morning rides.
Steve Lay has authority to buy, as
Touring Captain.

°CarLess Commute is scheduled for
May 16-30. Inserts will be in tke
Newsletter. The Club will attempt to
get the public involved in the TWBC
night rides. :

°A place still must be found for the
June Club meeting. Suggestions should
go to Kent Wienker. Watch the
Newsletter for information. This will
be the annual meeting, at which
elections for Board Members takes
place. Ballots will be printed, and
nominations can be made at the
meeting.

Bike Rodeos are being held in May
and June. Volunteers are needed to
assist kids in the proper fitting of their
helmets. Cascade Bicycle Club rodeos
will be the example.

eRide Leader information will be
presented at the April meeting. If you
want a printed copy of this informa-
tion send the Club secretary a SASE.

Greg Grenier is still pursuing Club
logo t-shirts. A shop in Freighthouse
Square might fill the need. Decisions
will be made after the Daffodil, while
artwork on the logo is proceeding.

*Steve Brown made sleeves for the
Club road signs. 27 will be available

(Continued on page 10)

May, 1994

Mini Minutes

(Continued from page 9)

by the Daffodil. Two free standing
tarps have been purchased, and while
they were more expensive than others,
they are easier to set up and move
around.

Maps for ride leaders were discus- sed. Maps could be purchased by the Club from commercial map stores, with members checking them out from the non-existing “librarian.” Members could also provide their own maps and seek reimbursement from the Club treasurer by submitting the proper form.

eFunds are coming to the South Puget Sound area via the Puget Sound Regional Enhancement Committee. Ranking commitments for the coming year is equalizing the ISTEA funds to counties via population counts. Most of the funds went to King County the first two years. Acquisition of prop- erty, and bike racks on Pierce Transit buses, are ranked according to priorities. The Gig Harbor area may have an 85 mile trail system if current ‘problems can be solved.

‘Warm Weather Brings
Advantages To Cyclists

by Louis Boitano

Now that May is here with its
warmer weather, we can consider the
advantages of cycling in the nude.

eThere is no need to purchase
expensive cycling clothes.

A naked rider will have no ugly
tan lines.

*There will be no loose clothes to
get caught in the chain ring.

There will not be any problem of
chafing from clothing while cycling.

*You will have a good excuse not to
ride in cold weather.

eAuto drivers will notice you.

¢You will have a good following.

*You will not need expensive rain
gear, just a good towel.

*You will not have to ride in wet

clothing after a rain shower.
*No one will recognize you, because
no one will look at your face.
eCycling nude will guarantee an
award at the annual TWBC banquet.

Packet Staffing Party At
PLU For Daffodil Ride
Brings Out A Strange
Group: Can anyone identify
these people?

Page Ten

ee
8

4

May, 1994

Commuter Bicycle Box

A do-it-yourself project using a packrat's accumulation of wood scraps

By Scott Pierson

This utilitarian wooden box is extremely handy for shopping and commuting to work. It holds at least 4 bags of groceries and can hold more. The box itself easily goes on and off the bike in 15 seconds. A bungee cord is all you need to stabilize it on the bike. The platform is permanent and gives a broader base for the box and for loads without the box. It also protects soft loads (eg. gym bag, sweatshirt) from falling through the rack to the wheel. The platform acts like a fender. The platform or the box may not work with some bike racks.

brass hook (bolt thru)
brass drawer pull

Recess inside
edge of cedar to

or cleat

oak reinforcing strip -
front and back.

install mount for light on
block of thin wood and
glue to box

receive front, bottom

and back.

20-1/4"

12"

2-sides

3/4" cedar
Recess cedar to receive
front, bottom and back.

front
1/8" plywood

bottom - 1/4" plywood

10-1/4"x 18-1/4"
height- see notes

reinforcing strip
slot to receive rack

Machine bolt directly into drilled
oak block or through steel bracket

Page Eleven

glue small blocks under box to
fit around platform

Notes- Glue all joints of
box. Attach front and
back with long brads.
Attach bottom with thin
1" nails @ 3" apart.
Box is fairly weather
resistent for riding but
back extra precautions (paint,
1/8" plywood a cover) would be
needed for outdoor
storage. Cedar is used
| for sides because of its
10-1/4" light weight and weather
resistance. The height of
the front should be
measured to clear your
seat bag.

9-1/4"

Platform - mount on rear rack. (Blackburn
rack with three supports each side is strongest.
rack bed should be flat at rear.)

1/4" plywood - prime and
coat with silicone caulk (tool: scrap 1X2)
caulk keeps load from sliding.

May, 1994

The Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club presents

The 12th Annual Peninsula Metric Century
Sunday, June 5, 1994

THE RIDE:
Enjoy a gentle excursion, or a great
training ride on the rolling hills through
the south Kitsap and north Pierce
Counties, seeing great marine views,
and going through the communities of
Southworth, Manchester, Port Orchard,
Purdy, Rosedale, Kopachuck, Fox Island,
& Olalla.
THE ROUTES:
Offering 4 different choices depending on individual
rider abilities, desires, or locations:
From Southworth: # a 20K level, gentle loop to
Manchester State Park, great riding for families with
children; ¢ a SOK loop, through Port Orchard, half of
it on the flat roads along Puget Sound, the other half
over varied rural terrain with rolling hills.
From Gig Harbor or Southworth: # a 100K loop
with views of Puget Sound, , a great STP training ride;
¢ a 100Mile loop, introduced in '92, similar to
the 100K, but a more challenging & difficult ride--a
great STP or RAMROD training ride, with 6,000 feet of
elevation change. ***Finishers of the 100Mile receive
a "Hardest Hundred" pin.***
START / FINISH:
(Seattle area riders: remember the availability of
utilizing the WSDOT ferries at Fauntleroy for the
beginning/ending part of your day's adventures):
Southworth Ferry Terminal: Exit off of HWY 16 at
Sedgewick Rd, & go east to the Southworth. Ferry
Terminal. Ferry Tickets for those crossing Puget Sound
may be purchased at the TWBC table along with their
registration at the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
Gig Harbor Fire Station #5/: ¢ Westbound HWY 16,
take the 2nd Gig Harbor City Exit, turn R @ stoplight,
then R onto Kimball Dr.; Eastbound HWY 16, take
the Gig Harbor /Fox Island exit, turn L, then R onto
Kimball Dr. _ Follow PMC signs & marker balloons.

REGISTRATION: 7 AM to 1 PM. Before May 27, 1994...............:008 $8.00 Day-of-Event = Family prior to 5/27.. Family Day-of-Event.. Mail Pre-Registrations to: TWBC Peninsula Metric PO Box 112078 Tacoma, WA 98411

Day of ride registration at two locations, from 7 AM to
3 PM. A total of six well-staffed rest stops, each with a
variety of beverages, food, emergency cellular phones &
first aid kits. Available for each rider will be maps for
the individual routes, bib number, & commemorative
souvenir for the first 500 registered riders. Limited
mechanical assistance will be available. Lost & Found
as well as Message Boards will be available at
Southworth & Gig Harbor.

Cyclists should carry a tire pump, patch kit, & tool kit. The well marked course will be swept throughout the day by our official sag wagon, who will assist stranded riders, & make its final sweep beginning at 4 PM. T-SHIRTS: : Custom designed, short sleeve tye-dyed T-shirts displaying the Metric Logo on the front. Available Day of the Ride only. z FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Kent Wienker at 474-9395, or Ralph & Dena Wessels at 857-5658, or leave a message on the TWBC Rideline, 759-2800.

HELMETS: We require that you wear a
SNELL or ANSI-approved helmet on this ride.
IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Mail pre-registrations to: TWBC Peninsula Metric Century, PO Box 112078, Tacoma, WA 98411

Name (Please Print)

FEES (make checks payable to
Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club)

Address Before May 27, 1994:$8
Day-of-Ride: $10
City/State ‘ Zip Family prior to 5/27: $22

SY a ee

Family Day of Ride: $25

In signing this release for yourself or the named entrant (if the entrant is under 18 years of age) I understand the intent
of this release and agree to absolve all of the organizations singly and collectively, of all blame for any injury,
misadventures harm, loss or inconvenience suffered as a result of taking part in the Peninsula Metric Century or in
connection with any activity associated or related to such an event. I further understand that I will be asked to read
and sign a more complete release form on the day of the event. I understand I am required to wear a SNELL or ANSI
approved helmet on this ride.

Signature of entrant (or parent or guardian if entrant is under 18 years of age) Date Signed One name per entry form. Please copy this flyer for additional registrations.

¢ Use proper hand signals for slowing, turning & stopping, to alert those around you of your intentions. ¢ Stop at all red lights & stop signs. ¢ Remember that some of the rural roads have graveled shoulders.

¢ Ride in single file. Be courteous to local traffic.¢
Follow the rules of the road.
RIDE PROCEEDS:

Gig Harbor Fire Station #5, Pierce County Sheriffs Dept., Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce, City of Gig Harbor Police Dept., WSDOT, Kitsap County Sheriffs Dept., Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, City of Port Orchard Police Dept., the WA State Patrol, & all of the individuals & groups of volunteers who gave their time.

In 1994 the Tacoma Wheelmen will give support to Pierce County Sprocketwoman program for bicycling safety education, Foothills Rails-To-Trails Coalition, Bicycle Federation of Washington, Carless Commute, and the Tour-

de-Pierce family bike ride.

WSDOT tentative ferry
schedules for Fauntleroy
& Southworth
(approximate crossing
time 35 minutes):
Leave Fauntleroy:
7 AM, 7:40, 8:25,
9:00, 9:45, 10:30,
11:15, & 12 Noon.
Leave Southworth:
12 Noon, 12:45,
1:30, 2:15, 3:00,
3:40, 4:30, 5:15,
6:00 & 6:45.

The Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club

The Tacoma Wheelmen welcomes riders of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. We offer a Variety of rides each month, so a person can find a ride appropriate to their abilities, experience, & knowledge. Originally founded in 1888, the purpose of the TWBC is to promote and develop safe bicycling for recreation, health, and as an alternate form of transportation.

As a TWBC member you will:

* receive a monthly newsletter with a year-round schedule for touring, road, & mountain bike rides.

+ receive discounts at participating bicycle shops.

+ be able to exercise any interest you have in bicycling--from recreation to legislation.

You also get to learn. new cycling routes, learn to ride

better & safely, attend social activities planned for Club

members, & of rse, have lots of fun

Join The Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club

Name (Please Print)

Address $$

City/State Zi

Phone (Home) (Work)

@ Membership: (Circle which one)
Individual Membership...
Family Membership..... pesrasioa nose
**One time initiation fee for new members.
NW Cyclist subscription (optional)...
The Bicycle Paper subscription (optional).

Total Enclosed.................sssssssccsssssessscsscerceee Circle here if you do not want your phone & address

included in club listings.

New** / Renewal

Enclose with Peninsula Metric Century
registration, or send application & check to:
Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 112078

Tacoma, WA 98411

Please circle activities you would
like to work on:

Leading Rides
Special Events
Newsletter

Meeting Programs