Follow Mt. Tahoma Trails
At February Meeting

Members are invited to learn
more about the Mt. Tahoma Trails
Association, at the February 16th
Club meeting.

This group has started a trail and hut system that has 88 miles of trails and 4 huts. Cross country skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers will now be able to use the huts available on this trail system. Bob Brown will be the guest speaker. He will present a new slide show of the trails and huts.

Please note the ride calendar for
February 20-21, and the article
about a Copper Creek Ski Hut
weekend on page 3 of this
Newsletter. Members have an
opportunity to use the ski hut and
trails this month. For reservations
call Louis Boitano at 922-6156.

Our Club meetings are held at the South End Community Pool, located at 402 E. 56th Street, between Pacific and McKinley Avenues, just past Concordia Lutheran School. The Pool is about 300 feet off the street. This location is on a bus line, and is easily accessible by bicycle. Time is 7:00

m.

This meeting will start with Club
business, and the program will
begin at 7:30. Food and drink are

TWC
NEWSLETTER

Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club
P.O. Box 112078
Tacoma, WA 98411

&e,

provided, and door prizes are
awarded to several lucky people.

If you need any information
about our Club meetings, call Carla
Gramlich at 752-4038.

TWC Officers will meet for a Board of
Directors meeting on Tuesday, February 2,
1993, at Greg Grenier’s home, 3715 N.
Shirley, Tacoma, WA. Time is 730 pm.
Members are invited to attend. Call Greg
Grenier at 752-4348 for information.

Club Booth At Bike Expo
Requires Volunteers

by Sylvia Russell

The Greater Seattle Bicycle Expo
will be held Friday and Saturday,
February 26-27. The Bike Expo is
the kick-off for the 1993 bicycling
season. Exhibitors include retail
shops, frame builders, and
component manufacturers, as well
as sign-ups for rides like the STP
(Seattle to Portland) and RAMROD
(Ride Around Mt. Rainier In One
Day).

Tickets to Bike Expo are $4.00 for
adults, and $2.00 for children ages
6-12 and seniors 65 and older.
Tickets will be sold only at the
door. Chilly Hilly registrants will
be admitted free.

Bike Expo hours are 2:00 pm to
9:00 pm Friday the 26th, and 10:00
am to 6:00 pm Saturday the 27th,
at the Northwest Rooms of Seattle
Center. The Northwest Rooms are
located adjacent to the Coliseum.

Page One

Founded In 1888

February, 1 903

The Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club
will again have a booth to promote
the Club and our rides, the
Daffodil Classic and the Peninsula
Metric.

Volunteers, familiar with the Club and our rides, are needed to staff the booth. Shifts are two to three hours in length, and volunteers will have free admission to the Expo. Only volunteers who register in advance to work the booth will be admitted with Club passes. A change in Bike Expo policy will require volunteer names to be submitted in advance.

For more information, or to
volunteer, call Brian Wester and
Sylvia Russell at 862-3288.

From The Handlebars
Of Carla G.

by Carla Gramlich :
Rain and snow have made

© bicycling tough this winter. I have

tried to ski whenever possible, and
attend a few meetings. Here are
the highlights of these meetings
that affect bicyclists:

Carless Commute: This committee has had _ several meetings to plan for this annual event. TWC is being represented by Bob Myrick, Scott Pierson, and myself. Carless Commute will expand to two weeks this year. It will be in May, with the exact dates to be determined.

(Continued on page 4)

February, 1993

TWC RIDE CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 2 to MARCH 7, 1993
Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
ra TIME
Tues AM

Call The Ride Line

Tuesday Ride. Carol Rushton

2/2 759-2800 537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156

Tues 7:30

Greg Grenier’s Home | TWC Board Meeting. Greg Grenier
3715 N. Shirley 752-4348

Sat 9:30 Sumner Library Southcenter—Lunch. Louis Boitano

2/6 AM Fryar Avenue 922-6156

Sun 10:00 McDonald’s Westgate | Coffee Break Ride. Jim Davis

2/7 AM N. 21st & Pearl 759-5616

Sun 8:00 Carpool Park N’ Ride | Rock Candy Mtn. Kent Wienker

2/7 AM ne 512 & S. Tac Olympia 474-9395

Pein 3:00 Point Defiance park- | Easy-Rider. 1 John Hansen

2/7 PM ing lot on top of hill. 627-7240

Tues 0+ Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride. S Carol Rushton

2/9 759-2800 537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156

Scott Pierson’s Home
2804 N. 19 Street

Scott Pierson
759-9519

Carla Gramlich
752-4038

Decide & Ride. Call The Ride Line.
759-2800

Suggestion Letter
Meeting.

Freighthouse Square
Peggy’s Cinnamon
Rolls.

10 UPS Fieldhouse Easy-Rider—North. 1 John Hansen
N. 11th & Union 627-7240
McDonald’s Westgate | Presidents Day. Call The Ride Line.
N. 21st & Pearl Decide & Ride. 759-2800

30+ Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride. 3 Carol Rushton

759-2800 537-3888
Louis Boitano

922-6156

Carla Gramlich
752-4038

South End Commun-
ity Center & Pool. 402
E. 56th Street.

TWC Club Meeting.
Mt. Tahoma Trails
Association—Bob
Brown.

b
Sat 10:00 20-30 | McDonald’s Parkland | Southend Ride. 2 Hank Giddings
2/20 AM 152nd & Pacific : 894-2643

(TWC Ride Calendar continues on page 3)

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Two February, 1993

(TWC Ride Calendar continued from page 2)

TIME | MILES START POINT ACTIVITY LEADER
Sat-Sun Ashford XC Overnight Ski Louis Boitano
2/20-21 Trip—Ashford. 922-6156

RSVP. See article
below.

Kent Wienker

474-9395

Carpool from Park N’
Ride, Hwy 512 & S.
Tacoma Way.

Cooper Point,
Olympia.

1st Interstate Bank
53rd_& Pacific

Call The Ride Line
759-2800

Northwest Rooms,
Seattle Center.

35 Auburn Park N’ Ride, Black Diamond
Green Valley Rd. & Bakery—Green River
Hwy. 18. Gorge.

Easy Rider—East John Hansen

627-7240

Tuesday Ride. Carol Rushton
537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156

Cascade Bicycle

Club—523-3470

2/23

1993 Greater Seattle
Bicycle Expo.

3 Bob Myrick
473-7455

bee

Cascade Bicycle
Club—522-BIKE

Ferry Terminal, Seattle.
Winslow on Bainbridge
Island.

Chilly Hilly.
Bainbridge Island.
Adv. Reg. Req.

Park N’ Ride Easy Rider—South John Hansen

121st & C Street 627-7240

Call The Ride Line Hank’s Birthday Hank Giddings
759-2800 Ride. 894-2643
Sumner Library. Interurban Trail. 3 Bob Myrick
Fryar Avenue. 473-7455

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!

Copper Creek Ski Hut Is Reserved:

The Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club has reserved eight spaces in the Tahoma Trails Association's Copper Creek Ski Hut, at Ashford, for the weekend of February 20-21. The ski hut is at an elevation of 4200 feet, and about 3 miles from the trail head.

To stay at the ski hut there is a $25.00, refundable damage deposit, per person, per night. This deposit is forfeited for no shows.

Each person must bring food, mess kit, sleeping bag, the ten essentials, plus personal options. For reservations contact Louis
Boitano at 922-6156.

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Three February, 1993

Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club

Board of Directors
PRESIDENT

Greg Grenier - 752-4348

Carla Gramlich - 752-4038
SECRETARY

Dena Wessels - 857-5658
TREASURER

Joyce Clifford - 759-2393

Staff
TOURING CAPTAINS
Steve & Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay - 759-1816
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick - 473-7455
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

Annual Committees DAFFODIL CLASSIC Jim Davis - 759-5616 PENINSULA METRIC Cynthia Hammer - 752-0801 BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH Sylvia Russell - 862-3288 Brian Wester - 862-3288 S.T.P. COORDINATOR Rock Hauge - 752-6257 Steve Lay - 759-1816 BANQUET COMMITTEE Gina Grenier - 752-4348 Bob Myrick - 473-7455 ANNUAL PICNIC

Newsletter
EDITOR
William Hoehne - 759-4464
MAILING
Don Izenman - 565-2720

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

From The Handlebars
Of Carla G.

(Continued from page 1)

Our donation is allowing Pierce County to get a matching donation of $50,000.00. Plans are to spend more money on informing the public about alternatives to driving to work. The committee is considering an eight page insert in The Morning News Tribune. Articles and photos will be needed from TWC for our page of this insert.

Oil Smart Wednesdays: This
program will expand into Pierce
County during the month of
March. A Transportation Fair will
be held on February 4th to start
this program. Members from TWC
will be present to help offer tips on
commuting by bicycle.

Foothills Rails To _ Trails: Paperwork for grants to fund the trail are being submitted. We are hoping to qualify for money that will allow paving the trail this year. 1993 will be a very exciting year for the trail when we start seeing all the hard work come together.

Government Affairs; TWC
members sat down and started a
letter to the City of Tacoma with
suggestions on areas of
improvements for bicyclists. We
are holding another meeting on
February 9th to talk about a similar
letter to Pierce County. All are
invited to attend. The meeting will
be held at the home of Scott
Pierson, 2804 N. 19th Street. If you
can not make this meeting call
Scott at 759-9519 or myself with
suggestions on improvements in
Pierce County.

BFW Leadership Seminar: BFW (Bicycle Federation of Washington) presented another very informative meeting to help bicycle clubs. We were given a check list on what a bicycle club should be doing to maintain their records. Several bicycle clubs were represented, and

Page Four

this allowed discussion on what
the various clubs were doing to
obey tax laws. Thanks go to Diane
Lister, Mike Dolan, and BFW for
all their hard work in preparing
this seminar.

This is just a short summary of
what is happening. If you would
like to volunteer, receive more
information, or have any
suggestions, please call me at
home. The number is 752-4038.

Classifieds

For sale: Kestrel 4000—54 cm frame. 300 miles. Shimano 600 El Tigra Components, incl. pedals. Mavic MA40 rims. Unidisk rear wheel. Shimano Dura Ace bottom bracket. $2150.00 or best offer. Call Jeff Jacobs, (H)564- 8750, or (W)473-4161.

Will trade: 21" Schwinn Le Tour 21
speed bike with Speedo, for 23" bike of
like quality. Bike is one year old, hardly
used, perfect shape and tuned. Call
Stan Engle, 564-3112.

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.

Remember
The Ride Line
759-2800

February, 1993

Bicycle News

by Joe Kubera of the Staten Island Bicycling Association

Commuting

RIDER'S
BLOCK

Utility cycling is becoming a hot topic--even the glitzy bike mags and equipment catalogs have taken notice. So why aren't more of us doing it? I believe there are subtle (even subcon- scious) barriers to day-to-day cycling. Fortunately, a little thought and plan- ning can eliminate these.

First of all, few of us have escaped an all-American car-oriented upbring- ing. Part of that upbringing involves what Effective Cycling author John Forester calls the "cyclist inferiority complex," a set of misguided assump- tions about cycling manifested in fear- motivated childhood cycling training, dangerous and inefficient road use, etc. No wonder it's so much easier to reach for the ignition key than your helmet.

Secondly, we've been sold many
times over on the idea that cycling is a
leisure-time, sporty, somewhat exotic
activity. Utility is a dirty word in the
U.S. bicycle industry. Since at least the
late 60's, its emphasis has been on
bikes designed for sport or recreation--
racing, light touring and off-road use--
notably not utility.

Another problem is that your bike's setup or storage may actually discour- age utility riding. Let's say you sud- denly have to run down to the deli for a half-gallon of milk. Quick, which vehicle is instantly available and up to the task? It's not your bicycle if:

a) you have to drag it up or down
stairs, get it down off a ceiling hook,
or retrieve it from an obscure corner,

b) you have to don special apparel
to mount it,

c) you're concerned about darkness
or rain,

d) there's no place on the bike to
conveniently carry your purchases,

e) you're worried about theft,
f) you feel you don't have the time.

It's easy to skim over these points, but they are precisely the subtle kinds of things that affect your decision whether to drive or bike. Let's look at these items individually and see how we can correct them to make it easy to "think bike.”

a) If at all possible, keep your bike right near a home or garage entrance. Believe me, it makes a big difference. After all, your car is already at street level, and never move than a few feet from the roadway; that's why it's so easy to use. Theft worries keep us from leaving our bikes outdoors or on the front porch, so take a tip from our Manhattan friends whose bikes are poised just inside the apartment or loft door. Corollary: Keep your helmet, pump, trouser bands, maybe a jacket, with your bike--again, make it easy.

b) Clothing. You don't need cycling gloves; you're not going that far. And if your pedals require you to change out of your street shoes into bike shoes, forget it--you'll never do it. Get plastic or padded toe clips to pro- tect your street shoes; consider plat- form or double-sided ATB pedals.

c) You really do need lights for rid- ing after dark; it's not a lot to ask. Inexpensive battery lights are fine in my experience. And rain riding is more pleasant if lightweight, plastic fenders are installed. (Blackburn makes fender attachment points for frames without eyelets). A bike pon- cho is a good idea for rain, too.

d) Use a serviceable handlebar, or a rear rack with panniers or brackets (permanently attached for easy on/off). For big shopping trips, consider a trail- er. I do grocery shopping with one, and my U-lock secures both bike and trailer to the shopping-cart barricades.

e) The time factor. Your bike may well be faster than the car for a quick local trip. For longer trips (since you already enjoy cycling) think of extra riding time as a bonus, not a deficit. As you use your bike more, you'll easi- ly make mental "room" for this activi- ty.

f) Security. I keep my Kryptonite
lock bungeed to my rear rack. Or use
a cheap bike.

The type of bike you use is up to you. Many riders like doing errands on a mountain bike equipped for utili- ty. Used bikes can be had through classifieds (I once bought a handsome Schwinn 5-speed for $80 this way), garage sales, or the police auction in your city. It's fun to search out the ideal accessories for your ultimate util- ity bike, like racks, lights, internal hub gears, etc.

A final note. I feel utility cycling

_ can really enhance our visibility in

public. Cyclists are pretty easy to
ignore if we're only out on weekends,
in exotic clothing, on back-country
roads. By being out on the main
streets, day in and day out, and in
increasing numbers, we are demanding
respect for our right to the road.

u

Page Five

February, 1993

on

Bicycle Club

P.O. Box 112078*TACOMA, WA 98411

Inside This Issue:

February ride calen-
dar on pages 2-4. Tea
rides, Expo.

Ride and activity
notes on pages 4-5.

Commuter of the
month on pages 5-6.

Government Relations
Committee and Physi-
cal Therapy on page 6.

Banquet report, Club
insurance, and new
members on page 7.

TWBEC Board minutes
and Bicycle Law on
page 8.

y

The next TWBC Board
meeting is on Tuesday,
February 7, 1995, at
the Skyline Village
Apartment’s Recreation
Building, 5702 N. 33rd
Street, Tacoma, WA.

The meeting starts at
7:00 p.m. All members
are welcome. Bring
your own food and bev-
erage. Call 759-4464
for directions.

vy

Yn

Tacoma Wheelmen’s

TWBC
NEWSLETTER

Holland Tour Kicks Off
1995 Club Meetings

by Dave Tison, TWBC Vice-President

Judy Wagonfeld will help us start the 1995
cycling season at our first Club meeting of the
year on Tuesday, February 21, 1995.

She will relate some of the experiences with
her daughter during their bicycle tour of
Holland last year.

Judy has told us of her cycling experiences in
the past through her many contributions to
our Newsletter, and at our March, 1994 meet-
ing she presented slides of bicycle touring
with her husband Jim and their two daugh-
ters.

Judy is also the author of Short Bicycle Rides
In Western Washington, an excellent guide to
tours in our area.

This should be a fun and interesting eve- ning, motivating us to get out there and spin!

Our Club meetings are held at the South End
Community Center, 4851 S. Tacoma Way,
Tacoma, WA, and start at 7:00 p.m. This large
white building is across the street from the
Standard Brands paint store. Meetings include
food, drink, and door prizes.

Call me at 272-4571 for more information.

Volunteer For Expo
The Puget Sound Bike Show

by Kent Wienker, TWBC President

This year’s Bike Expo will be a two-day event, and the new location is the Exhibition Hall in Seattle Center. This building is adja- cent to the Opera House on Mercer Street, which is the Queen Ann Hill side of the Cen- ter. If you can find the Space Needle, you are teal close.

The dates are February 18-19 (Saturday and
Sunday), and the hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00
p-m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. respectively.

The Cascade Bicycle Club expects 30% more vendors for this year’s show as a result of more floor space. If you register for CBC’s

Founded In 1888

February, 1995

Chilly Hilly ride the following weekend,
admission to the Expo is free.

Our Club booth at Expo will promote our
20th Annual Daffodil Classic and the Penin-
sula Metric Century. Volunteers will hand out
flyers and will also gain free entry to Expo.
Please call me sooner than later to volunteer.

This is a good opportunity to be inspired to
ride for the new cycling season, and to become
familiar with everything under the bicycle
sun. Remember, this is the first sign-up for the
Seattle To Portland ride.

To volunteer for our booth call me at 474-
9395. For more information on Expo call the
CBC hotline at 206-522-BIKE.

March Brings The Carless
Commute Challenge

by Bob Myrick -

The Northwest Bicycle Federation is issuin a Car-Less Commute Challenge to commuters throughout the Northwest. We challenge commuters to leave their cars at home, drop the van or car pool, and even give up the bus to get from home to work pollution and con- gestion free!

What is it? How does it work?

The contest is modeled on the successful
Bicycle Commuter Contest held in Thurston
County for the past eight years. The purpose
of the contest is to promote bicycling as a
healthy, pollution free, efficient and fun way
to commute.

Throughout the month of March, partici- pants keep track of the miles they walk or bicycle to and from work, and on errands. Individuals at a worksite can form workplace teams. Prizes are awarded to individuals and teams for distance and frequency (number of commuter days). Please indicate on the forms included in this Newsletter that you are a TWEBC member. Prizes will be awarded at the Third Annual Oil Smart Rally on the morn- ing of March 29th at the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle.

(Continued on page 9)

TWBC RIDE CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 4 to MARCH 5, 1995 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!

Sat 9:30 12-25 | I-5 Exit 109 Chehalis Western Trail 1&2 Carla Gramlich
2/4 AM Martin Way Park & Rails To Trails 752-4038
Ride.

Sun a 00 Hwy 512 & South Elbe Hills 3 Kent Wienker
2/5 Tacoma Way Park & Mountain Bike 474-9395
Ride.
Sun a 30 Round Top Mtn. Ski Cross Country Ski Bob Myrick
2/5 Park. along a flat road. 473-7455
Sun 10:00 20-25 | Jerisich Park Venture into Kitsap Ralph & Dena
2/5 AM Gig Harbor County. Wessels 857-5658
Tues 0+ Call the ride leader or | Tuesday Ride Louie Boitano
2/7 Ride Line (759-2800) 922-6156
Tues 7:00 Skyline Village Apts. TWEC Board Meeting Kent Wienker
2/7 PM Recreation Building Call 759-4464 for 474-9395
5702 N. 33rd Tacoma directions.
ae 7- ae 30 Pattison’s West Rollerblade or Skate. Bob Myrick
ae 8 Federal Way 473-7455
Fri Noon 20-25 — | 1-5 Exit 119 Friday Tea Ride Cathi Spitser
2/10 Old Dupont School 964-8016
parking lot. Connie Reitzug
265-2127
Sat 9:30 Auburn Trailhead Black Diamond Jan Wieser
2/11 AM

Interurban Enumclaw 833-6346
Buckley

Ashford, WA
Headquarters

Cross Country Ski
Snow Bowl.
Advanced, Please Call.

Bob Myrick
473-7455

Kent Wienker
474-9395

Carla Gramlich
752-4038

Dave Tison
272-4571
Call for entry forms.

Louie Boitano
922-6156

Belfair, WA Valentine’s Day
Challenge Mtn. Bike
Race.

Call the ride leader or | Tuesday Ride

Ride Line (759-2800)

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 2

Wed 6:45 Tacoma Municipal Non-motorized
DNS PM Building, 747 Market planning meeting.
Street, Tacoma, WA.
Fg
i Noon 30 Skyline Park & Ride Friday Tea Ride 2 Connie Reitzug
2/17 269-2127

Sat 7:30 Westgate Starbucks Ride to 7:50 a.m. 2 Carla Gramlich
2/18 AM Vashon Ferry. 752-4038
! ee

Scott Pierson
759-9519

'2e|

ps

Commute to Expo.
Overnight in Seattle.
Sat-Sun
2/18-19

Seattle Center
Exhibition Hall

Greater Seattle
Bicycle Expo.

Cascade Bicycle Club
522-BIKE

McDonald’s Greg’s Back. 2 Greg Grenier N. 21st & Pearl 752-2348 Crystal Mtn. Snow Cross Country Bike & Easy | Bob Myrick Park. Ski (Please call first). 473-7455 McDonald’s Decide To Ride. Connie Reitzug 112th & Pacific 265-2127 Call the ride leader or | Tuesday Ride 2 Louie Boitano Ride Line (759-2800) 922-6156 South End Community | TWBC Club Meeting Kent Wienker Center, 4851 S. Tacoma | Holland Tour with 474-9395

Way. Judy Wagonfeld.
Pattison’s West Rollerblade or Skate Bob Myrick
Federal Way 473-7455

Proctor Starbuck’s Friday Tea Ride

Carla Gramlich
752-4038

2
1 Mat & Connie

Reitzug
265-2127

Jan Wieser
833-6346

~~

NO A.
se] se

: 28 Ferry Terminal, Seattle | Chilly Hilly Cascade Bicycle Club
to Winslow.

522-BIKE
Chilly Hilly 2
Alternative (Very
hilly).

Dave Tison
272-4571

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 3

Tues AM 30+ Call the ride leader or | Tuesday Ride Louie Boitano
2/28 Ride Line (759-2800). 922-6156

Tues 7:00 Joyce Clifford’s home, | Volunteer’s Events Carla Gramlich
2/28 PM 3811 N. Madison, Meeting—Daffodil 752-4038

Tacoma, WA. Classic & Peninsula Joyce Clifford

Metric Century. 759-2393

Wed 7-9 p.m. Snake Lake Nature Non-motorized plan- Scott Pierson
3/1 Center. ning meeting. 759-9519
Fri Noon 20-30 | Call the Ride Line Friday Tea Ride 2 Ride Line 759-2800
3/3 759-2800
Sat 9:30 54 Spanaway Hank’s birthday ride. Hank & Hazel
3/4 AM McDonald’s

2:
Giddings, 894-2643.
Hwy 512 Park & Ride | Ocean Shores Volks-

Carla Gramlich
752-4038

McDonald’s side. march and Volksbike.

Sun 10:00 30+ McDonald’s Breakfast Ride Greg Torfin
3/5 AM N. 21st & Pearl ‘Rain may cancel. 537-5823

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 Notes:

Carla’s Biathlon: February 12th is the annual “Y Run For Kids.” Anyone interested in running or walking can join other TWBC members in the morning. Entry forms are available at any Pierce County “Y”. In the afternoon join Carla on a bicycle tour around Tacoma. You can participate in all or part of the day’s activities.

Bicycle To Bike Expo: On February 18th Carla and Steve will lead any interested cyclists to the Annual Seattle Bike Expo. We plan to arrive by noon on Saturday and spend the day volunteering, seeing the Expo, and spending the night in downtown Seattle. We will try to reserve a place near the Seattle Center. If you are interested, please call Carla or Steve at 752-4038 to be included in the overnight plans.

Ocean Shore Weekend: Last year TWBC members headed for the beach and participated in the annual Volksmarch and Volksbike in Ocean Shores. We are going back to spend the weekend walking and riding. Overnight accommodations have been reserved for 10 people at $15.00 each. Please RSVP to get in on this fun filled weekend. Call Carla at 752-4038.

Activity Notes:

Non-motorized Planning Meeting: Assist the City of Tacoma in selecting bicycle routes for the city’s non-motorized plan. A meeting is scheduled for citizen involvement on Wednesday, February 15th at 6:45 p.m., in the 7th floor conference room, Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street. Be sure to come on time. The building is locked at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will take the place of the regular Government Relations Committee meeting at Scott Pierson’s home for February. Call Scott Pierson at 591-5392 (w), or 759-9519 (h) for information. (Activity Notes continues on page 5)

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 4

Volunteer’s Events Meeting: Meet at Joyce Clifford’s home on February 28th at 7:00 p.m. to continue preparing for the Daffodil Classic and Peninsula Metric Century. We will also spend time preparing envelopes with ride information to

send to Puget Sound area bicycle shops.

If you want to learn more about the inner workings of a bicycle event, plan to attend this meeting. Joyce’s address is 3811 N. Madison, Tacoma, WA. Call Joyce at 759-2393 for directions or more information on the Daffodil Classic. Call Carla at 752-4038 for questions on the Peninsula Metric Century. Refreshments and beverages will be provided to fuel the energy

needed to stuff envelopes.

Commuter Of The Month

Living Better Through Cycling
by
Judy Wagonfeld

Nut, oddball, goofball, eccentric, enemy— all epitaphs Ray hears applied to bicycle commuters. My mind drifts more toward healthy and environmental. But, driving the snaking, narrow, wet, Weyerhaeuser Way to interview Ray, I did ponder the gutsiness of bicycling this shoulder less road in rush hour. Arriving at Weyerhaeuser’s Tech Center, I shook Ray’s hand and clipped an official I.D. to my black jacket. Entering the immaculate pastel inner sanctum, we settled at a glossy, round wood table in a comfy, airy lounge.

Ray, adorned in jeans and cotton polo shirt, oozes fitness and
health. Muscled arms, a slender physique, and a young face
hide a past of smoking and 55 extra pounds. Delving in, I
discovered his exponential lifestyle conversion, reflecting his
opinion that “people need to get past living longer to living
better.”

Watching illness plague unhealthful relatives prompted Ray to quit puffing eight years ago. Diet was altered later, over the last four years. From his slothful background, Ray blossoms as a dedicated commuter, fitness advocate, and accomplished bicyclist (best TWBC Ramrod time, 9:13:00; and an STP PR solo of 10:30:00). Currently training for his third marathon, a triathlon, and a half ironman, he is struggling to master swimming “so no one mistakes me for a sea lion and shoots me.”

Commuting Details

Bicycling grounds Ray’s life. Pedaling his “John Deer” commuter bike, he battles traffic, dark, rain, unmarked trail posts, fog, snarling dogs, a skunk, and rabbits—27 on one trip. Commuting, says Ray, who sets out at 5:45 a.m., is not for the timid. “It’s a learned skill, requiring more than commitment and recreational techniques. Like skiing, you’re not an expert day one. Riders must consider clothing logistics, carrying necessities, and variable northwest weather. It’s often cold, dark, and wet. My fingers and toes go dead immediately. Then I forget them.” Mellow morning drivers turn vicious in the afternoon rush. Impatient delivery drivers yell rude expletives. Ray responds that he is within the law, but mostly

he simply believes it.

Ray pictures himself as Superman riding to his phone booth (job). Swiftly showering and stashing polypro, he dons his locker wardrobe, transforming to a Weyerhaeuser worker. With an emergency sport jacket and dockers, he is corporate chic in a flash. “Work clothing must be geared to cycling, crumpable and foldable,” he emphasizes. For riding Ray prefers layers and a wind jacket, rather than rain suits, figuring he is wet anyway.

Ray transports “things” in a backpack, finding cumbersome panniers diminish speed—an utmost concern on spring and fall 37 mile round trips. In darker months Ray drives to the Interurban, biking 28 miles. On really “lousy” days he parks in Kent for a 16 mile total. By combining cycling with bus transport, he hopes to chuck the car. “You don’t experience surroundings in a car. You’re a victim of circumstances; not in control.” A prisoner.

The Bike

Ray dreams of a marketable 20,000 mile commuter bike, like Holland’s fully equipped “city bikes.” Currently, he rides a red Trek 930 equipped with VISTA lamps and flashers, Mavic wheels, Avocet Kevlar inverted tread 1.9 x 26 tires, and a double front gear. Weighing in at 33% pounds (minus water), the bike rolls 18 mph. Rumor has it Ray affects the speed. To purchase a commuter bike Ray says, “you must spend $500 to $900.00.”

Making It Work At Work

As Weyerhaeuser’s “Mr. Joe Commute,” Ray advocated bicycle storage, its lack a commuting impediment. Not believing the adage “build it and they will come,” Ray waited until three other commuters surfaced before requesting support from Weyerhaeuser’s Commuter Trip Reduction (CTR) coordinator. Bicycles, now protected in a covered, fenced, kennel-like structure, stay safe and dry. Riders clean up in the fitness facility.

Food—Baskets Full

“Sliding toward a non-meat diet,” Ray feels, results from “the body automatically migrating to things it needs.” Juicing vegetable drinks to enhance endurance clarified that meat and fat diminished performance. Rice, pasta, grains, peppers, beans, oatmeal, and supplemental protein—carbohydrate drinks fuel his overdrive engine. Though he eats poultry or fish weekly, steroid saturated red meat “scares me to death.” Ata comfortable 11% body fat, Ray’s not a total aesthetic. He occasionally craves and indulges in “cultural things”—cook- ies, chips, and ice cream.

(Continued on page 6)

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 5

Survival Advice

Asa kid, Ray cycled his loaded-down Sting Ray to camp and play. He feels he has always been a cyclist despite lapses. Now, happily addicted, he suggests: «Commute the same route at the same time—allows drivers to know you. ¢Never trust cross walk lights. Check for “right on red” drivers. ¢Do not push the law to DEAD RIGHT. ¢Develop a commute mode—even paced, relaxed, courteous. ¢Be SAFE, be SEEN (reflectives). ¢Thank the Lord for your safe journey.

Ray relishes his rides. Despite accidents, close calls, and
negative opinions, he perseveres. As a bicyclist advocate, he
attacks small, overlooked issues. And, though workers and
friends can’t, at first, comprehend his obsession, he savors that
they come to accept him. “Once they see bicycle commuting as
valid and viable, they don’t seem critical and even become
supportive.” Atta-way, Ray!

Commuting By Bicycle
by Scott Pierson

The Government Relations Committee discussed commuter
issues with Judy Wagonfeld, a writer and Club member
interested in writing about bicycling.

Bicycle commuters discover the same issues that any bicyclist learns over the years—the biggest problems are cars and traffic. Motorized traffic creates a safety problem and sends us scurrying, looking for safe routes. Many people will not ride because they do not feel safe riding with cars. There has not been much attention to bicycle routes in recent years, although Pierce County, Puyallup, and Tacoma are putting together non-motorized plans which should result in some improvements.

Many drivers and bicyclists cause problems because they do
not know the rules of the road. The Washington Traffic Safety
Commission is writing a Traffic Safety Plan. Ralph Wessels
hopes to influence them to add bicycle information to the
driver’s license booklet and test.

Kids also need better bicycle education. Most kids that we
see around town ride without helmets. When they ride at
night they are hard to see because of dark clothing and a lack
of lights.

Because of the traffic, some schools do not even have bike
racks, and children are discouraged from cycling to school.
Bicycle parking also is scarce.

Even with all of the problems, many people still commute by bicycle because it’s fun, you stay in shape, it’s environmentally smart, you can save a ton of money, parking is cheaper and easier once you figure out where it is, you can be a role model for children and colleagues, and you are not trapped inside a stuffy car. The rain, cold, and winter darkness can curtail one’s enthusiasm, but most people who give bicycle commuting a chance can become converts.

The Tacoma Planning and Development Services Depart-

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 6

ment is preparing a Non-motorized Transportation Plan and
Program. You are encouraged to attend a meeting in February
and in March to help write this plan.

On Wednesday, February 15, 1995, bicycle users are invited to discuss route selection and related issues. The meeting will be held in the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA at 6:45 p.m. Please arrive on time, because the Municipal Building is locked at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will take the place of the regular Government Relations Committee meeting for our Club in February.

On Wednesday, March 1, 1995, a public forum will be held at the Snake Lake Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler Street, Tacoma, WA, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and participants can make recommendations for the non- motorized transportation system in Tacoma.

TWEC Club members should try to attend both meetings. Call me at 591-5392 (w) or 759-9519 (h) for information.

Thud, Crunch...Physical Therapy
by I. B. Bikin, or, Dave Tison, TWBC Vice-President

After spending a couple of weeks under the care of my
physical therapist, I can finally turn without flashes of pain
exploding down my neck and between my shoulders. Thanks
Randy!

This came about as a result of a head-plant during a tame
mountain bike ride on a Saturday morning in mid-November.
It was my own fault—you’d think a kid my age would know
better.

I was riding too fast on an unfamiliar trail. Cruising down the power line trail...seeing the hump in the trail ahead...OK, keep your butt down and front wheel straight...going to catch some big air... WHAM! CRUNCH1!...I do not remember hitting the hump, let alone going over the bars head first, pile driving my head into the ground. WOW! Stars. What happened?

“Hey man, you alright?” “There’s some blood on your face.” “Jeez, look at his helmet, it is busted in half!”

After a couple of minutes gathering my wits (they were all
over the trail) and putting my chain back on the chainring, I
decided to get back in the saddle and ride again. I knew if I
did not I would really be hurting later. Damn, I rode in eight
races this year and only bloodied my knees a few times. I had
never crashed at speed before, and hope I never do again.

I rode for another hour or so, finished off with a latté and cinnamon roll, and headed to the Urgent Care Clinic to make sure my self-diagnosis of no major injuries was correct (I may be dumb, but I am not a fool). The doc agreed; no major damage, just a compaction of the neck and upper back. “Boy,

(Continued on page 7)

Thud, Crunch

(Continued from page 6)

you were lucky you were wearing a
helmet.” Some muscle relaxers and pain
meds and I was off to the bike shop.

I knew I had better have the ‘Cuda (my bike) checked out by the pros. A little self diagnosis told me I had “gack- ed” my front wheel. That is the “tech- nical” terminology my bike mechanic used the last time I crunched a wheel. “Looks like you ate some trail, man. What happened?” I showed them the remains of my helmet. “Damn, you OK?” “Did they have to take you out on a back-board?” “I’m OK. I rode out.” “You rode after biffing big time like that? You stud!” Yeah, it’s a guy thing...

Which brings me to the original point of this rambling (maybe that bonk on the head did more than I thought), physical therapy...these folks are real professionals. Their knowledge and care can really help speed the recovery from an injury and get us feeling better faster and back into action sooner.

The American Physical Therapy As- sociation is sponsoring its fourth sports injury hotline, February 8-9, 1995, be- tween 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (PST). Physical therapists will be on call at 1- 800-955-7848 to answer questions on the treatment and prevention of sports injuries. If you have any injuries or questions, give them a buzz. Iam going to call just to say “thanks” for all their good work, and for offering this service. (Information on the APTA hotline was found in the Dirt Rag, #41, page 15.)

Happy trails...

Another Great Banquet
by Bob Myrick

Over 90 people attended our annual banquet celebration last month. Grazies restaurant provided a Northern Italian menu featuring Campagnola salad, chick- en marsala, capellini primavera, and several other delicious items. Connie Reitzug’s mom baked and decorated some wonderful cakes.

Many members helped make this
banquet a huge success, including
Bernie Dixon, Stan Engle, Hazel
Giddings, Steve Brown, Carla Gramlich,

Kent Wienker, Connie and Mat Reitzug,
Steve and Phyllis Lay, Don Izenman,
Tom Barocan, Dave Tison, Troy Wells,
and Louie Boitano.

Kent presented our officers, committee
chairs, and staff with beautiful plaques
featuring the 1896 Tacoma Wheelmen’s
bicycle bridge.

Connie presented mileage awards.
This year 17 members received special
2000 mile t-shirts recognizing Club
mileage ranging from 2028 miles to 4292
miles.

Over 16 members were recognized for
going over the bars.

35 ride leaders received helmet covers
as special recognition. Look for these
members as they lead rides, and try to
lead a ride in 1995 so you can receive
your helmet cover.

Carla presented special t-shirts to 10
members who helped with bicycle safe-
ty rodeos.

Kent presented 332 certificates to
members recognizing their volunteer
efforts at our various events.

Steve and Phyllis Lay and Diane Lister
gathered a lot of slides for a thoughtful
show reviewing our riding in 1994,
concluding our banquet in style.

New Club Insurance
by Bob Myrick

Thanks to Sylvia Russell’s efforts, we have decided to place our 1995 insurance coverage with the McKay Fee agency in Knoxville, lowa. Dan McKay provides coverage to the famous RAGBRI (ride across Iowa) and many other clubs.

Sylvia’s investigative work will save us about $1700.00 in 1995 ($3200.00 minus $1522.00). An additional benefit allows us to resume use of our liability release forms. A disadvantage is that excess medical benefits will not be avail- able on Club rides.

Asa Club member, you should be sure to maintain your own personal medical insurance, and we strongly suggest purchasing medical insurance on your auto policies. Auto policies medical insurance provides important coverage if you should become involved in a car, bicycle accident.

Also, buy lots of uninsured and under

insured motorist coverage on your auto
policy. You should also consider buying
homeowner's or apartment dweller’s
liability insurance in case you cause an
accident on the road.

The new insurance provides $2,000,000.00 of commercial general liability coverage, $5000.00 of Club owned property coverage, $1,000,000.00 of non-owned auto _ liability, $1,000,000.00 of umbrella liability, and $10,000.00 per person coverage for poss- ible employee dishonesty. We will purchase accident insurance for our special events at 11 cents per person.

If any Club members have questions
about Club insurance, or your own
personal bicycle protective insurance,
please call me at 473-7455. Special
thanks go to Bernie Dixon for reviewing
these matters on behalf of the Club.

TWBC Welcomes The Following
New Members For November,
December, 1994, and January,
1995:

For November: Greg Rice and Al & Cheryl Truscott. : For December: Mr. & Mrs. James Bevier. = For January: Bill Keilman and Albert Ross. Enjoy your cycling in the new year!

“Did you know that there is roughly one bicycle for every person living in Washington State? This is more than twice the national average. Yet the number of cars and trucks is increasing rapidly. Roads are crowded with cars. There seem to be fewer and fewer places to bicycle comfortably and safely.” (From Susie Stephens of Now- Bike.)

The Romans spent up to 25 minutes get-
ting to work. We still do, and more.

Carless Commute In March
Walk, Run, Cycle, or take
the Bus.

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 7

Mini Board Minutes
by Dena M.E. Wessels, TWBC Secretary
On Jan. 9, 1995 Kent W opened the
meeting in William Hoehne’s recreation
room. The previous meetings’ minutes
were perused.
Old Business:
Banquet: Bob M _ reported that
reservations for the banquet are being
placed in the numbers that he had
desired. Things are going well. In
arranging for awards, he noted that the
Newsletter masthead may need to be
updated. When the Club reorganized
& changed the date to vote for officers
(from Dec. to June), we now recognize
people for service that they have not yet
completed. Hazel suggested that this
recognition be given at the Annual
Picnic, but to acknowledge the
volunteers at the Banquet. The picnic
would be a more appropriate & timely
occasion.
‘94 STP: Hank G reported that Cascade
released the money for our staffing of
the Spanaway checkpoint. It amounted
to about $4,600.
Mileage Logs: Connie R reported that
a member inquired as to when
“commuter log miles could be kept.
Since the Commuter Program just
started, this years’ log will run from
Jan. to Nov. The following year they
will be logged from Nov. 1, ‘94 to Oct.
31, “95, exactly as the Club Mileage is
recorded.
Bike Boxes: Kent & Dave T reported
that no rental agreement is forthcoming
from Cascade Bicycle Club as yet. A
racing club that Bob talked to does not
have one either. Kent will contact
Capital Bicycle Club & report his
findings at the next meeting. Hazel G
suggested contacting R & E, as a
business may provide a better avenue
for pursuit of a rental agreement.
Rails to Trails: Steve B reported that a
handout has been prepared by that
organization, & there is the question of
how to get it to TWBC members. It was
moved, seconded & passed to
“provide” the TWBC membership list
for the R to Ts’ use, as far as Don I
receiving the handouts, and putting our
members’ addresses on them is
concerned. Steve will ask the R to T
people if they would consider their

handout going into our Newsletter as
an insert, instead of mailing them
separately to Club Members. As to the
actual trail itself, the responsibilities for
adopting part of the trail are still being
investigated, as well as which part of
the trail the Club should adopt. A
package of rules & regs has been
handed out by the R to T committee.
Volunteers who adopt a portion of the
trail need to undergo a training class;
however, a more clear definition of
“maintenance” is required: chainsaw
usage vs. litter pick-up. A half mile in
Orting is scheduled to be paved; it is
located where the Daffodil registration
occurs. Kent is asking about a section
in Fort Steilacoom Park.

New Business:

Treasurer's Report: Hazel reported
more things were added in Dec., so the
figures for the last six months of 1994
have changed. Total income was
$7,680.11, total expenses were
$6,831.44, and the actual Total Income
from July 1 to Dec. 31, ‘94 was $848.67.
The checking account has $27,648.42
prior to receiving banquet money.
Yearly Audit: Kent reported that Steve
B will do the audit as a closure for the
94 year. William H brought up the
question if a Club member should do
the audit, since the By Laws require a
“disinterested person...,” to conduct it.
This could be interpreted to mean a non
member, i.e., an accounting firm. The
By Laws may need to be modified to
reflect that a non Board member will
perform the audit, rather than a non
member.

Bike Advisory Board: Kent reports that at a BAC meeting in Everett, one member who is dealing with helmet laws, is attempting to contact all local councils to urge them to pass helmet laws at the local level, since the State of WA refuses to do so. If the former is accomplished, it may be easier to accomplish the latter.

Daffodil/PMC: Joyce C reports that a
joint meeting for these two rides will
occur. Previous ride chairpersons still
have to deliver the master ride books
that were started for last years rides.

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 8

Bicycle Law
by Dena M.E. Wessels

Let’s face it, winter is definitely here. You can tell by the gray skies, the hours of darkness that creeps up at the end of each day (afternoon), and its reluctance to be banished (around mid morning). True to bureaucracy, those hours of darkness are defined by RCW 46.37.020. The government leaves nothing to chance. That means that if you ride during those hours of darkness, the light that you use to see is not left to chance, but to RCW 46.61.780 “Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.”

Your front light (“lamp”) is suppose to emit a white light “...visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front...” As a cyclist, you might also puta red light on the back of your bike. However, the law states that a light (amp”) emitting a red light “visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.” That does not mean in replacement of that red reflector, which you probably took off so that you could mount a rack, a rear bag, a set of panniers, whatever. By law that little red reflector must be there, and of course, the type of red reflector is regulated. The state patrol has to approve the particular type, and it must be able to be visible by “x” amount of distance by the “...lawful lower beams ...”of cars.

The January/February ‘95 issue of Bicycle USA, has an excellent article written by Bill Moritz (Effective Cycling Instructor at the U of W) titled “Into the Night,” based upon a survey conducted by LAB. It reveals what experienced riders, who pedal at night, do to increase their visibility. This issue also has an article titled “Night Riding Safety: Nine Recommendations to the Consumer Products Safety Commission,” that proved to very informative.

Club Meetings Resume On
February 21, 1995

The Tacoma Wheelmen's
Bicycle Club

Board Members
PRESIDENT
Kent Wienker- 474-9395
VICE-PRESIDENT
Dave Tison- 272-4571
SECRETARY
Dena Wessels: 857-5658
TREASURER
Hazel Giddings: 894-2643
TOURING CAPTAINS
Connie Reitzug-265-2127
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
William Hoehne: 759-4464
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick-473-7455
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Mat Reitzug 265-2127
PAST PRESIDENT
Carla Gramlich- 752-4038

Staff
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay-759-1816
PUBLICITY

SAFETY & EDUCATION
Jan Wieser - 833-6346
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Steve Brown - 752-4038
RIDE LINE
Connie Reitzug-265-2127
MAILING
Don Izenman-565-2720

Annual Committees
DAFFODIL CLASSIC
Joyce Clifford 759-2393

PENINSULA METRIC
Carla Gramlich 752-4038
BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH
Kent Wienker-474-9395

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 Wheel-
ee Bicycle Club, P.O, Box 112078, Tacoma, WA
8411.

Send Newsletter articles to the editor at:5702 N.
B3rd, Apt. 17B, Tacoma, WA 98407.

Send e-mail to the editor via Compuserve, User
# 71570,446, or America Online, WHOEHNE.
Article deadline for the March, 1995 issue is
February 21, 1995.

Carless Commute
Challenge

(Continued from page 1)

How To Participate:

Copy and circulate the enclosed
registration form. Registration forms
may be filled out and mailed
individually, or you may collect them
and send them in together. They must be
received by February 24, 1995.

Copy the enclosed Car-less Commuter
Challenge calendar for all contest
participants. Participants should track
commuter and errand miles on the
calendar and return it to NowBike by
March 27. Over the next two months we
will send out materials describing
prizes, other participating teams, and
the Third Annual Oil Smart Rally.

How you can help:

Publicize the event to all your co-
workers. Hang posters on bulletin
boards. Put the word out on e-mail.

We also need a variety of prizes, both large (grand prizes, first places, and team prizes) and small. Prizes can include sporting or bicycling equipment, edible or drinkable prizes, free or discounted services, gift certificates, etc. We need your help to make this work. Each business that donates prizes will be recognized in mailings to all participants and at the Oil Smart Rally. Because NowBike is a non-profit organization, your donation will be tax deductible.

We hope you will support this fun,
community based event. Please call
Susie Stephens or Louise McGrody at
654-0276 for further information or to
donate prizes.

Letter To The Editor:

Bicycles have always been actively
used in my life, but I have never really
appreciated the benefits (physical and
financial) until this year. Let me explain
what I mean.

I have been a commuter in Tacoma
since 1990, when I decided to give up
cars completely. It did not take long to
realize what the Firebird and Dart were
costing me over the individual years I
owned them. Repairs, insurance, and

restoration attempts drove my budget
out of sight. I had been a fool and a
slave to gas pumps, auto shops, and
insurance companies.

Iuse to ride a bicycle so much in high school I would come home shaking from muscle burn and exhaustion. I never gave up riding, not even on the next day. Five years later, after two cars and nothing gained from them, I went back to the bicycle. Erratic employment fora time made this decision a key to financial survival. Save for rough weather which I ride through, the years and thousands of miles have been good to me. I’m in great physical shape.

I have been commuting to Kinko's
Copies on South Tacoma Way since
June, 1994 on a reliable and
professionally maintained Schwinn
Worldsport. I have been late to work
only once, caused by a flat tire.

When I think of the barrels of oil saved, the pollution prevented, and the raw resources left for other uses, I wonder why so many people are unwilling to use a better means of getting around. Bicycle technology and affordability provide another alternative. S

I respect TWBC members who are
willing to drag our cause to the last mile
and the last word. May all your flat tires
be few and far between.

Daniel Newlander
Tacoma, WA

Classified Ad

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better than new. Glass bead to bare
metal. Epoxy primer. Acrylic or urethane
baked finish. One color, multi-color,
fades, airbrush customizing, graphics,
clearcoat.

Aluminum frames or parts polishing
and anodizing.

Call for pricing and information: Steve
Forsness, GForse Bikes, 2412 Milton
Way, Unit B, Milton, WA 98354.

Phone: 206-925-9158.

Ride Line 759-2800

TWBC NEWSLETTER February, 1995 Page 9

TACOMA WHEELMEN VOLUNTEERS
Recognized at 1994 Banquet as #1

Board Members CARLA GRAMLICH - president KENT WIENKER - vice-president DENA WESSELS - secretary HAZEL GIDDINGS - treasurer STEVE & PHYLLIS LAY - tour captains WILLIAM HOEHNE - newsletter BOB MYRICK - community & government SUE GIVEN - special events GREG GRENIER: past president

PHYLLIS LAY - membership
CYNTHIA HAMMER - publicity
SUE GIVEN - LAW representative
DIANE LISTER - BFW coordinator
JAN WIESER - safety & education
STEVE BROWN - equipment manager
STEVE LAY - rideline
DON IZENMAN.- mailing

Ride Leaders Picnic Committee Banquet Committee STP(contd)
Bob Myrick, Joy Roelofsz - Co-Chair Bob Myrick - Chair Sam [zenman
Brian Wester Peggy Fjetland - Co-Chair Steve Lay Rocky Hauge
Carla Gramlich William Hoehne Steve Brown Richard Walter
Carol Rushton Steve Brown Stan Engle Richard Severy
Connie Reitzug Linda Heaton Phyllis Lay Reggie Tison
Cynthia Hammer Karen Forbush Louis Boitano Ray Dezutter
Dave Tison Carla Gramlich Laurie Hatch Ralph Stewart
Dianne Koch Bob Heaton Kent Wienker Noel Hagens
Fred Swift Carless Commute Committee Hazel Giddings Monique Martin
Greg Torfin Bob Myrick - Co-Chair Don Hatch Mike Woods
Hank Giddings Scott Pierson - Co-Chair Dianne Lister Mary Stidham
Hazel Giddings Brian Wester Dean Wilkey Mary Neukom
Helen Burgess Carla Gramlich Carla Gramlich Mary Kubiszewski
Jan Brame Dena Wessels Bud Blancher Marty Mayock,
Jan Wieser Hazel Giddings Bernie Dixon Martha Hartley
Joan Sanders Joy Roelofsz STP Marie Boitano
John Hansen Karen Whitney Steve Lay-co-coordinator Marco Aftinen
Joy Roelofsz Kent WienKer Phyllis Lay-co-coordinator Louis Boitano
Joyce Clifford Larry Tennison Hazel Giddings-co-coordinator Lisa Grenier
Karen Forbush Louis Boitano Hank Giddings-co-coordinator Linda Walter
Kent Wienker Peggy Fjetland Viola McCabe Linda Goodman
Louis Boitano Phyllis Lay Vickie Myrick, Kim Izenman
Louis Marret Ralph Wessels Troy Wells Kent Wienker
Mat Reitzug Ray Dezutter Tony Thomas Ken Neukom
Mike Dolan Steve Lay Tom Bell Karla J. Kleppen
Peggy Fjetland Sylvia Russell Theresa Davis Karen Comer
Phil Burgess Tom Cornell Taylor Grenier Joyce Clifford
Phyllis Lay Helmets on Wheels Sue Batali-Knox Joy Roelofsz
Scott Pierson Carla Gramlich - coordinator Steve Brown Josh Severy
Stan Sanders Dena Wessels Stan Sanders Jon Turnipseed
Steve Brown Doug Jackman Stan Grochowski Jofin Morgan
Steve Lay Jan Wieser Stan Engle Joe Izenman
Steve Brown Judy Wagonfeld Shirley Morgan Jocko Burks
Sylvia Russell Karen Forbush Scott Pierson Joan Sanders
Tony Thomas Kent Wienker Scott KubiszewsKi Joan Johnson
Peggy Fjetland Scott Groff Jim Davis

Steve Brown

STP{(cont'd) Daffodil Classic(cont'd) Daffodil Classic(cont'd) Peninsula Metric(cont'd)
Jeri Jones Bob Warfield Mat Reitzug Joy Roelofsz
Jeff Powloski Bob ‘Yucker Mike Dobb John Wong
Janis Grenier Bud Blancher Mike Wood John Morgan
Howard Stidham Bud Schroeder Pat Foster Jim Couch
Greg Grenier Carla Gramlich Peggy Fjetland Jan Brame
Gina Grenier Carla Moshetti Peggy Higgins Jamie Pearsall
George Houser Carol Rushton Phil Burgess Greg Torfin
Gail Wienker-Palumbo Chris Filey Phyllis Lay George Hauser
Fred Knox Cindy Crooks Ralph Wessels Faye Grah
Fran Jones Connie Reitzug Randy Rydel Doug Jackman
Foy Leatherman Dale Longfellow Ray Dezutter Don Partington
Elizabeth Stewart Dan Brown Reggie Tison Dillon Stanley
Edna Lay Dave Parker Richard Walter Dena Wessels
Earl Perdue Dave Tison Roberta Chan David Lee
Doug Dretzke David Lee Rocky Hauge David Bourne
Don Izenman Don Partington Scott Pierson Dave Tison
Diane Fox Edna Lay Sheila Pudists Dan Brown
Davey Grochowski Fran Jones Shirley Morgan Cynthia Hammer
Dave Parker Fran Schroeder Stacy Deen Connie Reitzug
Dave Grenier Fred Knox Stan Sanders Chris Goodman
Cy Davis Gary Williamson Steve Brown Cathy Hall
Crista Marton Gina Grenier Steve Lay Carla Moschetti
Christa Dillard Greg Grenier Sue Batali Carla Gramlich
Carol Wilson Greg Torfin Zeny Yucker Brian Wester
Carol Rushton Hank Brown Peninsula Metric Bob Myrick,
Carla Gramlich Hank Giddings Kent WienKer - coordinator Bob Fleming-Jones
Brita Fjetland Hazel Giddings Warren Lew Bill Lindesmith
Brian Wester Heinrich Schmidt Tom Barocan Barry Farrath
Bob Myrick, Helen Burgess Sylvia Russell Alissa Forbush
Bob Fleming-Jones Holly Rydel Susan Bourne Bike Expo Volunteers
Bill Horn Inmgard Schmidt Steve Lay Sylvia Russell-co-coordinator
Betty Fleming-Jones Jamie Pearsall Steve Brown Brian Wester-co-coordinator
Bernie Dixon Jan Brame Stan Sanders Ray Dezutter
Arlene Conde Jan Wieser Stacey Dean Louis Boitano
Anne Grenier Janis Grenier Shirley Morgan Tom Cornell
Alice Brown Jason Cohen Shannon Nichols Bob Myrick,
Alex Grenier Jim Davis Scott McNabb Dena Wessela
Aaron Wisher Joan Sanders Rocky Hauge Ralph Wessels
Daffodil Classic Joan Sanders Richard Walter Karen Whitney
Brian Wester-co-coordinator Jocko Burks Reggie Tison Joy Roelofsz
Sylvia Russell-co-coordinator Jodie Longfellow Phyllis Lay Peggy Fjetland
Alice Brown John Morgan Peggy Fjetland Larry Tennison
Arlene Conde Joy Roelofsz Mat Reitzug Phyllis Lay
Betty Fleming-Jones Joyce Clifford Louis Boitano Steve Lay
Bill Herring Karen Forbush Linda Walter Kent Wienker
Bill Horn Karen Whitney Les Schroel Steve Brown
Bob Fleming-Jones Kent Wienker Laura Megenedy Carla Gramlich
Bob Higgins Linda Walter Larry Anderson Hazel Giddings
Bob Mohr Lisa Grenier Ken Blaha
Bob Myrick, Louis Boitano Karen Forbush

New Location For
February Club
Meeting

Louis Boitano
Crosses America

Our February Club meeting will be at a new location. The new location is the South End Community Pool at 402 East 56th Street, between Pacific and McKinley Avenues, just past Concordia Lutheran School. The Pool is about 300 feet off the street. It is on the bus line.

This new location is necessary
because the Oakland Community
Center is being converted into an
Arts and Cultural Center.

Your Board of Directors checked several agencies, including Tacoma Community College, Tacoma School District, WSU Extension Agent in Puyallup, and the Public Libraries, all of which had scheduling and distance problems, at least at present. If any Club member has connections with one of these groups, and finds a meeting place, call Carla Gramlich at 941-3752. For more details, see the “Mini-Minutes” on page 4 of this Newsletter.

The Pool site is seen as temporary,
until a permanent location can be

TWC
NEWSLETTER

TACOMA WHEELMEN’S CLUB
P.O. BOX 112078
TACOMA, WA 98411

found.

Louis Boitano will present his
slides and tell about his trip across
America, for our February meeting.
His 5250 mile trip covered 14 states
and 2 Canadian Provinces.

Starting at Bellingham,
Washington on June 2, 1991, and
concluding in Portland, Maine on
August 23, 1991, all weather
conditions were experienced. Louis
will have many stories to tell, so this
should be an interesting session.

Our February meeting is Tuesday,
the 18th, at 7:00 pm. A short
business meeting will precede Louis’
trip across America. Note the new
location, and join us for a good time
together.

TWC Officers will meet for a
Board of Directors meeting on
Tuesday, February 4, 1992, at Joyce
Clif ford’s home, 3811 North Madison,
Tacoma, WA. Time is 7:00 pm.
Members are invited to attend. Call
Bob Myrick, 473-7455, for
information.

Bike Expo!
by Sylvia Russell

The 4th annual Greater Seattle
Bicycle Exposition is scheduled for
Friday and Saturday, February 28th
and 29th, at the Seattle Center’s Flag
Pavilion. The Expo showcases new
bicycles, equipment, and services,
and offers the opportunity to register
for Chilly Hilly, STP, and other

Page One

February, 1992

cycling events.

TWC will participate in the Bicycle Federation of Washington’s (BFW) Expo Booth. In past years TWC has rented its own booth space, however, this year we will share a booth with the BFW and other Clubs. BFW rented a large sized booth for member Clubs to use to promote rides. :

Because TWC collects money for ride registrations and T-shirts at the Expo, we will need volunteers to work at the Expo. Because of new Bike Expo restrictions, and the smaller booth space, the number of volunteers will be limited. If you are thinking about volunteering for the Bike Expo, now is the time to call! There will be a limited number of volunteer spots. For more information, or to volunteer, call Sylvia Russell at 862-3288

Make My Day

by Cynthia Hammer :

Last week two TWC members
called and offered to help with the
Peninsula Metric Century(PMC).
Although this ride is still not
imminent(June 7th), their call “made
my day.”

Now I know I am not alone. Two
volunteers is a beginning. You could
“make my day” by calling me some
evening at 752-0801. I hope to hear
from you soon.

February, 1992

TWC RIDE CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY I! to MARCH 1, 1992 ‘ Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader! GAD

: 40 Park & Ride Hwy 18 Ride to Black Diamond 2-3 Jan Wieser
Near Auburn Joint ride with 833-6346
Mountaineers.
10:00 10-20 | Eatonville Mountain bike ride, All Bob Myrick
Tall Timbers Cafe and lunch. 473-7455
20-40 | Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Rides. 2 Ride Leader Potluck.
759-2800 Call Ride Line 759-2800

No Ve
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Noa
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Carla Gramlich ©
1-206-941-3752

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24:

a S S & z & I 4 § Z Q a oy a we a i 3

$10:00 Pre-Reg.
$15:00 Day of Reg.

Tues 7:00 Joyce Clifford’s Home | Board Meeting. Bob Myrick
2/4 PM 3811 North Madison 473-7455
Sat 10:00 24 Fred Meyers-Puyallup Mountain bike ride to Bob Myrick
2/8 AM Joint ride w/Rails to mouth of Puyallup 473-7455
Trails Group. River.
| Sun 9:00 Skiing | Eatonville Cross country Ski.
| 2/9 AM Tall Timbers Cafe All invited.

Nw

AM
Tues
2/1

4
i
~
S

Frank Tobey Jones
Retirement Estates
5340 N. Bristol Street

Cynthia Hammer
752-0801

v
iS
a
POs
<

Resource Mapbook
making meeting.
Bring ride maps.
Poker Run Ride with se

Puyallup Valley
Mountain Bike Club.
Call The Ride Line. President’s Day Call The Ride Line.
759-2800 Holiday 759-2800
20-40 | Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Rides. 2 Ride Leader Potluck.
759-2800 Call Ride Line 759-2800

South End Community | TWC Club Meeting. Carla Gramlich
Center & Pool. Louie Boitano’s ride 1-206-941-3752
402 E, 56th Street across America.
(Between Pacific &
Mckinley Avenues)

All
All

Victor Falls near
McMillen-call for
directions.

Xe
S58

McDonald’s Westgate
N. 21st & Pearl

Jocko Burks
564-5275

Ride around Tacoma—
Point Defiance to

Ruston Way to Nalley
Valley & return.

(TWC Ride Calendar continues on page 3)

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Two February, 1992

Tacoma Wheelmen’s Club

Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Bob Myrick + 473-7455
VICE-PRESIDENT
Carla Gramlich + 941-3752
SECRETARY
Sylvia Russell + 862-3288
TREASURER
Joyce Clif ford + 759-2393

Staff
TOURING CAPTAIN
Jon Turnipseed + 565-8654
MEMBERSHIP
Phyllis Lay + 759-1816
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Bob Myrick * 473-7455
PUBLICITY
Cynthia Hammer * 752-0801

Sylvia Russell « 862-3288
L.A.W. REPRESENTATIVE

Sue Given + 565-0535

B.F.W. COORDINATOR
Diane Lister + 752-8636

Jim Davis + 759-5616
Jan Wieser + 833-6346
EQUIPMENT MANAGERS
Tom Cornell + 582-0903
Louis Boitano + 922-6156

RIDE LINE
Steve Lay + 759-1816

Annual Committees
DAFFODIL CLASSIC
Tom Cornell 582-0903
PENINSULA METRIC
Cynthia Hammer +» 752-0801
BICYCLE SHOW BOOTH
Sylvia Russell « 862-3288
S.T.P. COORDINATOR
Karen Whitney + 938-3706
BANQUET COMMITTEE
Jan Wieser + 833-6346
ANNUAL PICNIC
Diane Taylor » 759-4971

Newsletter
EDITOR .
William Hoehne + 759-4464

MAILING
Don Izenman + 565-2720

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

Ride Notes

(Continued from page 3) :

On February 23, we will be setting off on a new adventure—riding the train, This ride is limited to eight riders due to baggage space limits on the 8:54 am train to Centralia. You should arrive one hour early to remove your pedals and turn your handlebars. Bob Myrick will have a pedal removal wrench, but make sure your pedals are loose before you arrive. Maps will be provided for the ride from the Farm Boy restaurant to Tacoma. If we survive the ride, we will put on a larger ride in the spring, using the 11:37 train, which has a larger baggage car. Please RSVP for this ride.

Pack Forest Loop
Promises New Routes

by Bob Myrick

The January 12th ATB ride to Pack Forest was a great experience. After we had breakfast, we rode three miles from Eatonville to the Pack Forest and explored the University of Washington forest. We traversed the area and arrived at the Alder Lake cut-off road. From there, Bud Blanchard of Eatonville took us to several sites on the Mashell River, and then to his home at the Eatonville airport.

We explored on Weyerhaeuser
land looking for some new routes.
We plan to continue riding near
Eatonville, as there is lots of new
territory to cover.

Mini-Minutes
TWC Board Meeting

The Board of Directors met on
January 7, 1992. Present were Carla
Gramlich, presiding; Joyce Clifford,
Jon Turnipseed, Cynthia Hammer,
Tom Cornell, Diane Lister, and
Sylvia Russell.

Meeting Place—This topic took up

Page Four

a large part of the evening’s
discussion. TWC has _ received
notification that Oakland Community
Center is not available to rent for the
Club’s monthly meetings. Oakland is
being converted to an arts and
cultural center. Many possibilities are
being explored. Carla will write up a
summary of the locations considered,
and this may be presented in the
Newsletter. A possibility in the
future is to meet at the new Snake
Lake Nature Center, which is
scheduled to open in June. That
option would mean finding a
temporary meeting place for the
spring months.

Mailing—The Rainier Roadriders
Club of Federal Way is disbanding.
A mailing to invite the Roadriders to
join TWC has been proposed. The
Publicity Committee will handle this
task. :

Daffodil & Peninsula—A joint
planning meeting is scheduled for
January 21st. This meeting will cover
policy questions common to both
rides, including budgets, ride fees,
membership discounts, etc.

Equipment Storage—There was a brief discussion about finding a permanent storage location. Equipment is scattered in at least 6 locations, and the Club has started to wear out its welcome at some storage sites. Several options were discussed, but the consensus is that a single storage place is the best solution. Tom Cornell will start to get prices on storage places.

Membership—A couple items
related to membership were brought
up, but these topics were tabled to
the Membership meeting scheduled
for January 14th.

(TWC Ride Calendar continued ae page a

aa |

Sun Amtrak—1001 Puyallup

Ave. Limited to 8 Centralia~bicycle 473-7455—Call for
home. Lunch at Bob’s reservations.
Big Boy.

N
=
nN
w

Ride Leader Potluck.
Call Ride Line 759-2800

OS)
-IS8

Fri-Sat Seattle Center Flag Greater Seattle Bicycle Sylvia Russell
2/28-2/29 Pavilion. $3.00 Exposition. 862-3288-Call to
admission. volunteer.

Sun

|
E
|
|

Chilly Hilly-1992 Cascade Bicycle Club.
Seattle or Winslow on Bicycle season’s P.O. Box 31299
Bainbridge Island. opening day ride. Seattle, WA 98103
522-3222

w
=
ay

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.

TWC RECOMMENDS ALL RIDERS WEAR HELMETS, AND CARRY REPAIR ITEMS AND FIRST AID SUPPLIES

For More Information About Rides, Call The Ride Line 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.)

Ride Notes:

Wake up! Pay attention. The Wednesday rides are now on Tuesday. If you find yourself free on
Tuesdays, call the ride line (759-2800), find out who the leader of the week is, ask your questions, and go. Bring
a picnic lunch and enjoy the pleasures of weekday riding. You can call Louis Boitano at 922-6156 for
information.

On February 1 there will be a joint Club ride with The Mountaineers. On February 8 there will be a joint
ride with members of the Pierce County Trail Commission. This is an ATB ride from Puyallup to the mouth of
the Puyallup River and back to Puyallup. We will probably have a short lunch at the Freight House Square
around noon. You may use a road bike and join the ride at noon. Bob Myrick will be riding back to Tacoma at
the conclusion of the formal ride.

Carla’s Biathton on February 9 is a “Y” run, walk for children, and a 20 mile bicycle ride. You can
meet Carla at 13th & Market by the Tacoma Convention Center sign at 9:45 am. At 10:00 am the 4 mile run,
walk begins. Pre-registration is $10.00, and $15.00 on the 9th. A drawing will take place at the Tacoma
Convention Center at 11:00 am, followed by the 20 mile bicycle ride and lunch stop at 12:15 pm. Meet at the
Bank on 24th and Pacific at 12:15 pm.

On February 16 there will be a poker run ride with the Puyallup Valley Mountain Bike Club. This ride is
an excellent way to discover the joys of single track riding in a safe environment. You can register between 9:00
am and 11:00 am.
(Ride Notes are continued on page 4)

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Three February, 1992

TWC Plans For
Seattle To Portland
Bicycle Classic

by Sylvia Russell

TWC members, including Joyce
Clifford, Tom Cornell, and Sylvia
Russell, are planning on riding a two
day STP. We are planning on
spending Saturday night at Toledo
High School. Any TWC member
interested in a two day ride is invited
to join the TWC contingent at
Toledo High School. The idea is to
let everyone ride their own ride, but
to have a TWC dinner together on
Saturday night.

Toledo High School is one of the official Seattle To Portland stops. The high school has carpeted classrooms for indoor camping, or tents can be pitched on school property. The school will reserve classrooms for a group. Dinner and breakfast is served at the school. For folks who want a bed, St. Mary’s Conference Center is just a mile up the road. Toledo extended lots of hospitality on last year’s STP.

For riders starting in Seattle, the
ride to Toledo is about 115 miles,
and the Sunday ride into Portland is
85 miles. For riders starting in
Tacoma, the Toledo stop is at the
half-way point. There is STP
baggage service from Seattle to
Toledo. If there is enough interest,
we will try to make arrangements for
Tacoma to Toledo baggage service.

This year’s STP is the weekend of
June 27th and 28th. It is not too
early to think about STP.
Registration for STP opens February
28th and 29th at the Bike Expo in
Seattle(see article on page 1). STP
registration fills fast. Last year,
registration closed the first week of
April.

For information about STP call
The Cascade Bicycle Club at 522-
BIKE. If you are interested in
joining TWC at Toledo High School,
call Sylvia Russell at 862-3288, or
Tom Cornell at 582-0903.

For Sale
Pinarello Montello Bicycle
SLX Tubing
52cm Center to Center
White, Rear Chrome Triangle
and Fork.

Ultegra Group Dura Ace Pedals Flyte Saddle Bar End Shifters Mavic MA-40 Rims Two years old—$800.00 Call:Doctor K. at 661-9203

Bob Myrick at 593-8212

Ride Leader’s Dilemma—
Where To Go?

by Cynthia Hammer

Often the worst part of leading a ride is deciding where to go, and feeling confident that the route chosen will offer a good ride. To eliminate the “where to go” anxiety of ride leaders, the Club plans to produce a Resource Mapbook.

“Fellow” Clubmembers(I do not think that is sexist)—please dig through your files and your brain cells to recall your favorite routes. I have heard there are members who have copies of all their ride routes. Could you duplicate and share your favorites with us? We particularly need Code 1 and 2 rides.

To put these ride routes together in one place, you are invited to a meeting on Tuesday, February 11, at 7:00 pm. If you cannot make this meeting, mail in your routes to the TWC’s post office box by February 7th.

As we will need a duplicating
machine that both enlarges and

Page Five

reduces, the meeting will be at my
place of work—Franke Tobey Jones
Retirement Estates, near Point
Defiance Park.

To get there, travel on N. Pearl to the Antique Sandwich Co. and go left at N. 51st Street. Go right on N. Vassault to directly in front of two large brick buildings with a large grassy area. Enter the drive-way, keep to the right, and park in the stalls. Enter the lower level of the building on the left—first room on the left. Follow the smell of fresh popcorn and coffee!

"Letter To The Editor

Re:January Newsletter comment
on page 5—“Mountain Bikes are still
banned from Point Defiance Park:”

As I am sure you realize, this
statement is inaccurate in that
mountain bikes are not banned from
Point Defiance Park.

All bikes are banned from the trail system in the park. All the main entrances to the trails are posted for no bikes. However, your statement gives the impression that mountain bikes are stopped at the park entrance and either locked up or sent home. To someone who has never been to Point Defiance with riding in mind, that could make the difference between going there with a bike in the car or not going at all.

I believe that bikers should
negotiate with the park district to try
to have the five mile drive closed to
auto traffic more than just on
Saturday mornings, instead of trying
to get bike access to the trails. Sound
like a good idea?

Scott W. Jones
Tacoma, WA

February, 1992