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Tie NEWSLETTER

Tacoma Wheelmen’s

Bicycle Club

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

Inside This Issue:

June ride calendar on

pages 2 & 3—Peninsula

Metric Century.
Bicycle Rodeos on

page 3.

S.R. 509 bike lanes,

Ruston Way traffic

circle, on page 4.

Pierce Transit
"Spokes" person, nude
riding, and new mem-
bers, on page 4.

Kent's Corner, Board
meeting Mini-Minutes,
and padlock, on page
5.

Race!, and classified
ads on page 6.

Non-motorized Trans-

portation Plan sugges-

tion form on page 7.

Club Meeting Place Changes
Elections And Mike Brazel
Make Our June Meeting

All Club members are encouraged to come out to our June 21st Annual Meeting to elect Club officers for the 1994-95 fiscal year. You can nominate and vote at the meeting, but you must be at the meeting. The Club secretary will hand out printed ballots. Who is running for what, and Club By-Laws, will be presented at the meeting.

Mike Brazel from Bridgeport Cyclery will
demonstrate wheel truing, and show us some
tricks of the trade.

Our meeting place changes to the South End Community Center at 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA. This large white building is across the street from the Standard Brands paint store. After turning either left (if going south) or right at 50th Ave. S., turn into the parking lot on the left. If you are riding your bike take it around to the fenced enclosure on the northwest corner of the building.

Our meetings start at 7:00 p.m., and food,
drink, and door prizes are customary.

Remember, no Club meetings in July and
August. :

Call Kent Wienker for more information at
474-9395.

Peninsula Metric Time—
June 5, 1994 7:00 A.M.

Riders and volunteers are still welcome to
our second premium ride of the spring.
Thanks to all who are already involved. Call
Kent Wienker at 474-9395 if you want to ride
or volunteer.

Comments From The President
by Carla Gramlich /

With great sadness and some/joy I decided not to run for President for another year. Per

Page One

Founded In 1888

June, 1994

the By-Laws I willbe on the Board for another
year as Past President. I hope to help the new
president and the direction of the Club in this
position.

Other people should have the opportunity to
provide leadership for the Club. The expand-
ed Board has added more voices to guide the
Club. This has been very healthy for the Club,
and I encourage more people to take the time
to serve on the Board.

My decision not to run again was also due to
a project at work requiring extra time. To
prepare for an eventual lay-off, I will continue
my education. My company pays for retrain-
ing tuition, and I have not been taking advant-
age of this program.

Many days gave only 4 to 5 hours sleep because of 12:00 noon phone calls. A night shift put me to bed at 8:00 a.m. I remind mem- bers that I was able to serve the Club on many different levels because of my work schedule. Please help the incoming board by resolving - any troubles at the lowest level possible. Also, patience and help will be needed from every- one so our volunteers are not run ragged.

My retirement as president will still include a busy schedule. I will serve the Club as a board member for the Foothills Rails To Trails, and as a committee member of CarLess Com- mute and Helmets on Wheels. Because of my interest in safety education I will be available to help with bicycle rodeos.

I would like to thank everyone that served on the Board this past year: Kent, Dena, Hazel, William, Steve and Phyllis, Bob, Sue, and Greg. 1am happy that some individuals were able to commit for another year. Also, the staff and committee chairpersons should be ap- plauded for their help for a very successful year. It was great to see so many people vol- unteering for different events. The more peo- ple who help makes the job easier and pre- vents a few from being overworked.

Good luck to the new Board, Staff, and
Committee chairs!

June, 1994

TWBC RIDE CALENDAR FOR JUNE 2 to JULY 4, 1994 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!

June, 1994

TWBC NEWSLETTER Page Two

(TWBC Ride Calendar continued from page 2)

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!

Bicycle Rodeos
by Carla Gramlich

In March, Karen Forbush, Dena Wessels, and myself attended and completed the Cascade Bicycle Club's half day class on how to put on a Bicycle Rodeo. We are now trying to help our community whenever possible to provide information or volunteers for Bicycle Rodeos. Bicycle Rodeos help children learn proper skills for riding their bicycles on the street. Part of the rodeo is checking bicycles and helmets for safety.

During May, TWBC members
helped with two Bicycle Rodeos. On
May 11, Dena Wessels, Judy
Wagonfeld, and myself helped check
helmets for 50 students at Oakbrook
Elementary School. This Bicycle
Rodeo was sponsored by the local

PTSA, and TWBC provided some
expertise and volunteers. During the
event we had three helmets replaced
because the helmets had _ been
involved in accidents.

On May 14, TWBC sponsored a Bicycle Rodeo as part of a Health Fair at Elmhurst Elementary School. Karen Forbush, Steve Brown, and Peggy Fjetland helped set up and take about a dozen children through the course. CarLess Commute Co- ordinator Laura Widmer, and her sister, Lonna, helped in the afternoon.

TWBC will be involved in June with two more Bicycle Rodeos. On June 4, Dena will need volunteers to help fit almost 200 helmets as part of the Ki- wanis Bicycle Rodeo in Gig Harbor. Some additional volunteers are needed on June 11, to help Group

Page Three

Health with a Bicycle Rodeo at
Edison Elementary School.

Tour de Pierce will have a rodeo as part of this all day family bicycle ride. TWEBC will provide the volunteers for this event. This is a great chance to educate riders, and the rodeo is free. Younger riders who are not ready to ride the Tour de Pierce can take part in the rodeo.

Please call Dena, 857-5658, or Carla,
752-4038, to volunteer. Information
on the next rodeo class, and a manual
are available. The class is helpful, but
not required.

Alert!
Did you notice the new
location for the June general
Club meeting?

June, 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 S.T.P. COORDINATOR Hank Giddings -894-2643 BANQUET COMMITTEE Bob Myrick -473-7455 ANNUAL PICNIC 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 fat: 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 July, 1994 issue is June 21, 1994,

S.R. 509 Bike Lanes
Threatened—traffic Circle

Poses Endless Raceway
by Carla Gramlich, TWBC President

A rumor has it that the new S.R. 509, a
la Marine View Drive, has been changed
from 3 to 4 lanes, eliminating the bicycle
lanes (wide shoulders).

This change makes sense if you are
driving a car, because Marine View
drive links two 4-lane roads. However,
the Club was looking forward to seeing
bona fide bike lanes across the tideflats.

Thave sent a letter to the City asking for clarification of the City’s new policies supporting bicycling and multimodal thinking as it pertains to this project. This is a city issue, and also a regional and state issue, so we expect to have support from people inside and outside the Club. Anyone interested in this and other similar issues please call Bob Myrick (Government Relations) or me.

Consultants Merritt & Pardini, architects for ASARCO, have been holding public meetings to identify issues that will shape future site development at the dismantled copper mill. Several Club members have noted the design has paths for bicycles and pedestrians, but creates problems for bicyclists on Ruston Way.

There is a traffic circle, like the endless
raceways in Massachusetts, that are
terribly dangerous for us bicyclists.

We will let them know our feelings
about this. If you have ideas, please call
me or Merritt & Pardini.

Be A Pierce Transit

“Spokes” Person!

Make your commute easier by riding
your bike. Or the bus. Or both.

Pierce Transit's Bikes on Buses program lets you bring your bike on board any route (except the Seattle Express) for no extra charge. Or, you can ride your bike to the transit center or Park & Ride and lock it up at a bike rack or bike locker.

Bike lockers are provided at the I-5,
§.R. 512 Park & Ride in Lakewood, a
popular departure point for the Seattle
Express or Olympia Express. The bike

Page Four

lockers are like mini-garages that offer
protection from theft or weather
damage. The rental fee is only $5.00 per
month. Also, a $15.00 key deposit is
refundable when you terminate your
rental agreement.

Get your bike locker now, before
summer cyclists grab the remaining
spaces. Call Pierce Transit Customer
Service at 581-8000 to reserve a locker or
get more information.

Warm Weather Brings

Disadvantages To Cyclists
by Louis Boitano
Last month IJ listed the advantages of

cycling nude. Those of you who have

done it know there are disadvantages.

For those of you who have not cycled in

the buff, here are some disadvantages.

¢ You will have no excuse to shop for
bike clothes.

* You will be unable to make a
clothing fashion statement.

¢ It is not feasable to cycle in cold
weather.

* You must carry clothing in order to
go into a cafe.

¢ Your boy or girl friend may not
accept your reason for no tan lines.

* You may meet your minister while
out riding.

e You will get sunburned on body
areas not normally exposed.

¢ You will havea larger sunscreen bill.

¢ You will cause a commotion from
bystanders.

* Fellow cyclists will not pay attention
to their own riding.

* In order to keep America beautiful
you may be asked to put your clothes
on.

Hooray For Our New

May, 1994 Club Members!

They are:

Kelly Bast, Jan Brewer, Steve
Cole, Liz Cooper, Ron Cooper, Ron
Cunningham, Jami Lee Evenson, Jeff &
Chery] Gill, Fred Gray, George Hauser,
Marcia Koren, Steven Larson, Randy
Liermann, Dan Oyama, Karen Oyama,
Mary Anne Paeth, Joe Roberts, Myra
Wall, Janet Witt, and Dean Wood.

June, 1994

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

Bob Myrick's Ramrod training rides begin this month. Last year I tried a few, and they range from mountain passes to Tacoma to Portland. Bob knows routes for rides all over the state, and this year Tam looking forward to tagging along again. His ride to the Farm Boy rest- aurant in May had an 18.7 mph average speed.

The Peninsula Metric pre-rides had 22 people on the three routes. We had rain in the afternoon, but this year has been great compared to last year at this time. Steve Brown was the mileage king by doing the “Hardest Hundred”, in ad- dition to riding to and from the start.

Steve, Carla, Karen, and I were treated when visiting the Whatcom County Museum in Bellingham. We were there to see the exhibition of antique and vintage bicycles and memorabilia of Pryor Dodge, on its last day. When the curator saw my camera she said, “No, No.”

Later, we talked with Pryor Dodge. He was there to pack the display and go to Omaha. Evidently, he likes to ride a couple of the big wheel bikes. He is also active in bicycle advocacy in New York State. He mentioned he has another 100 bikes! This collection is larger than the Smithsonian's, and was very compel- ling. The visiting patrons spoke quietly while viewing the display, realizing the importance and beauty of this collection.

My ride that day started in Oak Har-
bor, Whidbey Island. The main roads
have excellent bike shoulders. The clear
sky and the view of the Olympics, Cas-
cades, and Mt. Baker, and the cycling,
have me wanting to go back.

Mini Minutes
TWEC Board Meeting

by Dena M. E. Wessels, TWBC Secretary

On May 3, 1994, TWBC Board Mem- bers met in Carla Gramlich’s home. @Hazel gave the treasurer's report, and stated that from 1/1/94 to 4/30/94 the total income and expenses of the TWBC was $6,753.70. Income was $11,919.49, and expenses amounted to $5,165.79. Carla Gramlich spoke about articles

which had appeared in local newspa-
pers about the activity surrounding the
Daffodil Classic.

@Scott Pierson explained that full infor- mation about CarLess Commute would be in the Newsletter, and went over the participation log with Board Members. He also stated that the City has applied for matching grants toward the first mile of trail along the Puyallup River, but the selection of who receives the grant has not been made.

eCarla Gramlich gave information abouta rally to be held on 5/17 at 11:45 a.m.,at the Pantages Theater for CarLess Commute. On that same day, a reading of the City of Tacoma’s Helmet Law will occur at 5:00 p.m. Public testimony will be taken, and featured speakers will give information to City Council Mem- bers.

@kKent Wienker told the Board that the
South End Pool would be closed to the
TWBC as a general meeting place in
June. Alternate locations included the
South Park Community Center at 48th
and S. Tacoma Way, and the Spanaway
Senior Center. The Board decided to use
the South Park Community Center for
the 1994-95 general meetings, mainly
due to the central location for most of
the Club members.

@ Election of Officers takes place at the Annual Meeting in June. Current offi- cers do not automatically stay in posi- tion—they must stand for re-election by the general membership. A suggestion was made that the duties of Board Mem- bers should include regular attendance at Board meetings. Dena will make copies of the Club By-Laws, as well as copies of the duties of Board Members, available for reading by Club members at the May and June general meetings. Dena will also produce written ballots for the elections at the annual meeting. @A discussion was held regarding the distinctions between Chairpersons, Staff, and Club Committees. The By-Laws do not explain the staff positions. The Board decided to ask chairpersons and staff to define their responsibilities. ®@Bob Myrick recommended that the TWBC provide the money ($500.00) allotted in the current budget to the Helmets On Wheels. The Board passed a motion to write a check for the amount.

Page Five

e@Also noted was the amount of
$1000.00 allocated for CarLess Com-
mute. The Board approved a check for
$500.00.

®@Jim Davis, from the Daffodil Commit- tee, asked the Board to obtain clarifica- tion on the possible Bicycle Federation Of Washington (B.F.W.), Northwest Bicycle Foundation (NowBike) merger, specifically to discover what their fund- ing sources will be, as well as their in- tent. Some Club members want to help with advocacy, but the amount to do- nate to advocacy groups varies in the membership. Currently, $ 50 per rider from the Daffodil Classic and Peninsula Metric Century is donated to the B.F.W. General discussion ensued, with Bob Myrick providing some information. The Board passed a motion to hold the donation until such time as a formal review of the possible merger between B.F.W. and NowBike could be made. ®Kent Wienker reported on the prog- ress of the PMC planning committee. The new fire station in Port Orchard cannot be used for a rest stop, so last year's location will be used.

Greg Grenier said that the artwork for
the Club logotype for use on T-shirts is
holding, and will be discussed more
fully at a later Board Meeting.

Padlock Resists Road Dirt
by Daniel Newlander, TWBC member

If you are interested in bicycle secu-
rity, I have some helpful news.

T have depended on a chain and pad- lock to secure my bike from theft. Un- fortunately, I was not able to protect the padlock from the weather and road grime, and it seized up. It was not a cheap lock, but it had no chance of sur- viving against water and the ac- cumulation of dirt.

Al's Auto Supply offers the Hampton
Lock, which is encased and protected by
a rubber dam at top and bottom. It
seems to be able to hold its own, what-
ever the security need. Total cost is
$7.54.

12th Annual
Peninsula Metric Century
June 5, 1994

June, 1994

Race!
by Kent Wienker, TWBC Vice-President

The intent of this article is to inform you about, and bring together, some of the different bicycle teams, events, and people involved in Pierce and King Counties. Do not try to race in your home, as you need daylight and open space—maybe a track and no electricity.

I will start with BMX. Mike Raiche,
246-2661, sent information. The River
Valley BMX track is in the park used
by Tour de Pierce for a rest stop. This
is in Sumner. In June, Wednesday,
Saturday, and Sunday races are held.
ABA membership is required, and
can be purchased at the track. Fees
are charged for the race. Warm-up is
free. For information call 206-246-
2661.

Port Orchard provides a winter and
indoor track, which is popular, as you
can imagine. Dads and Moms also
have classes. There are other sports,
plus football for kids.

Team Tsunami, at the Mountain
Shoppe in Gig Harbor, has a racing

• and non-racing team. Craig Hether-

,

ington, who can be called for infor- mation at 858-8030, won his category at this year’s Volunteer Park Crite- rion, only to be disqualified by the referee for raising his arms in a vic- tory salute. Evidently, this was a local rule.

Team Vent Noir (TVN) of King’s
Cyclery in Tacoma (564-7760) has 50
members and reports that the Cat 3
squad and the Masters Team are do-
ing well.

Team RCS of Rainier Cycle Sports is headed by David Kretschmar, 756- 2116. Dave has given his four mem- ber Mountain Bike Team complete technical support, travel, and _ all equipment. They went to the Cactus Cup in Scottsdale, Arizona, and are in the Washington State Points series races. His sponsors include GT All Terra, Giro helmets, Sun rims, Pow- erbar, and Pacific Sports Medicine.

This year the Steilacoom Road
Racing Club is again racing at the SIR
race track in Kent. Kevin King re-
ported they race on Tuesdays, with

women at 6:00 p.m. and men at 7:00
p-m. Phone number unavailable.

Bridgeport Cyclery (588-2245) usu-
ally does two mountain bike races a
year. Their next one is June 5th, in
Capitol forest.

Northwest Mountain Bike’s race
series will begin in late July and
August. Call 565-9050.

Marymoor Velodrome’s number is
389-5825. They have grandstands and
a premier banked track. Beginner's
classes cost $37.00.

Finally, the following three races are
under the banner of the Fresca Na-
tional Cycling Championships:

1. June 12th time trial. Starts at the
Northgate express I-5 freeway lanes
at 8:00 a.m. This race goes to the
AT&T towers in downtown and then
back. When the men get back the
women start.

2. On June 17th, the Sports Pep
Thunder Bar Criterium takes place at
Seward Park. Men’s pre-lims are
from 9:30 to 11:30, then a gap until
5:00 p.m., when the women race.
They do 50 laps. The course is 1.1
mile. Then, at 7:30, the men do 80
laps.

3. The big race is the Microsoft Grand Prix on Sunday, June 19th. Women start at 8:30 a.m., and do six laps on the 8.4 mile course. The men start at 12:30 p.m. and go 102 miles. I was given course directions, but I could not write fast enough. Basi- cally, get there early and follow the course until you find some grass, if you can.

The start is at the Westlake Mall. A lot of people will be at 4th and Yessler, where the cyclists will top 50 mph coming down a hill. Wow! “Name” cyclists will take part. Seat- tle’s Rebecca Twigg returns. This is part of the 1994 Korbel champagne series, and is a part of the selection process for the 1994 world champion- ship team, the 1994 Goodwill Games, and the 1995 Pan American team.

Call The Ride Line: 759-2800

Page Six

Classified Ads

For Sale:
1989%% Kestral Road Bike.
52 cm. 21”.
Campy Delta, white, 14 speed.
Aero slotted Ami Classic wheels.
Modulo and Profile bars.
Call 627-8996, and ask for Tim
days. :

For Sale:
Two Seattle To Portland (STP)
tickets. $50.00 each or best offer.
Call Morina Dustan, 759-4485.

SUGGESTIONS FOR
PLANNING RIDES

. Start the ride in an uncongested
area.

2. Specifically state any needed cau-
tions or dangerous conditions dur-
ing announcements before the
ride.

3. As muchas possible, plan the route
on lightly traveled roads.

1. Even when planning a route to

| access food stores and facilities,
avoid congestion as much as possi-
ble.

5. Clearly print emergency telephone
numbers on both the map and cue
sheet.

6. Be sure to locate stationary SAGS
well off roadways. Consider how
many bikes may stop at once, if
many are riding.

7. Protect cyclists by planning routes
to cross busy highways at signaled
intersections.

8. Protect cyclists by planning routes
to avoid left turns. Consider three
right turns instead.

9. If an accident does occur, first and
foremost, STAY WITH THE
‘ACCIDENTEE’; second. tell the

| next person to call for aid.

as. S06 ile a ct n

P.O. Box 8308, Missoula, MT 59807
(406) 721-1776

June, 1994

Editor's Note: Club members are invited to send in their recommendations for the Pierce County Non-Motorized Plan by
using the form below.

PLAN OBJECTIVE: To produce a plan that will guide the decision-making process for the funding, designing, constructing, and maintaining of Pierce County's nonmotorized system.

MAIN TASKS: Solicit Citizen Input
Study Existing Facilities
Develop Mission Statement and Policies
Determine Needs
Recommend Improvements
Recommend Implementation Strategies

TIMELINES: Study initiated in Spring of 1993. Target date for County Council approval of the Nonmotorized Transportation Plan is Spring of 1995.

NEEDS: Ideas for nonmotorized facilities needed by the walking, bicycling, and horse riding communities in Pierce County.

CONTACTS: Bob Vogel, Transportation Planner 591-7172 Jesse Hamashima, Transportation Planning Supervisor 596-2760

DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION FOR A BICYCLE OR PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT??? Please tell Pierce County - The Department of Public Works and Utilities

Location of recommended improvement(Roadway Name)

Roads bordering the improvement and

Improvement Description: i.e., parallel trail needed, bike lane, sidewalk, paved shoulder, etc.

Name and Phone # in case we need additional information(OPTIONAL)

Please mail to the following address or call Bob Vogel or Jesse Hamashima:

Mr. Robert Vogel, Transportation Planner

The Pierce County Department of Public Works and Utilities
Transportation Division

2401 South 35th Street

Tacoma, Washington 98409-7487

TWBC NEWSLETTER Page Seven June, 1994