March Club Meeting

Goes To Sicily

TWC Club members Bill & Ruth
Daugherty will present their
bicycle trip of the island of Sicily,
at our monthly Club meeting on
March 16th.

Bill & Ruth spent almost six
weeks touring this southern island
of Italy. Their surprise was how
great the roads were for bicycling.
This should be an informative
night from these world travelers.

Club business will start our meeting at 7:00 pm. This is a time to be up-dated on Club activities for the spring and summer. After business, you can get some food and drink and sit back to tour Sicily.

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.

Door prizes are always a feature
of our Club meetings, so come out
and see what you might win.

For information call Carla Gram-
lich at 752-4038.

Next Month: Mike Dornfield, our
State Bicycle Coordinator.

TWC
NEWSLETTER

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

TWC Officers will meet for a Board
of Directors meeting on Tuesday,
March 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.

Planning Meetings
Scheduled For Daffodil
Classic And Peninsula
Metric

Four planning meetings are
scheduled for the Daffodil Classic,
and three for the Peninsula Metric
Century Club rides held in April
and June respectively. Dates and
other exhortations follow:

It is Daffodil Time! There will
be four scheduled meetings
between Expo and the Daffodil
Classic on April 18th.

«Tuesday March 9th, 7:30 pm—
major planning session. Those who
have been talking with Jim Davis
should be at this meeting.

‘Saturday, March 13th, 6:00
pm—Jim’s publicity party.

yes: March 30th, 2:30
pm—Jim’s “making sure” session.

eFriday, April 9th, 6:30 pm—
Jim’s Day OF planning session.

Pizza will be served to active (very
active) committee members.

All above meetings will be
located at Jim Davis’ home at 1369
Bel Air Road N., Tacoma, WA. Call
Jim at 759-5616 for directions.

Daffodil shirts are again

Page One

Founded In 1888

SS
March, 1993

available, and were very popular at
the Bike Expo. You can be proud
of the TWC shirts so order yours
soon.

Be sure to pre-register for the Daffodil Classic. This is the only way that you can be sure to get all of your beautiful Daffodil Classic shirts and jerseys. Registration forms have been inserted in this issue of the Newsletter.

For the willing, the interested,
the just curious, or the hungry. .
-The Peninsula Metric Century
(PMC) planning committee will
have its first of three meetings on
the second Tuesday of March. The
additional two meetings will be on
the second Tuesdays in April and
May.

The Time: 7:30 pm. The Place:
Cynthia Hammer’s home at 4116
N. 39th Street, Tacoma, WA. Call

752-0801 for directions. The
Purpose: Eating a variety of
desserts while incidentally

discussing how to put on the best
PMC ever! Please join us. It really
is fun (and manageable) to work
on an organized ride.

Wednesdays Are

Oil Smart In March During the month of March every Wednesday will be an Oil Smart Wednesday. This is part of a challenge by the Pierce County Air Quality Committee to change the (Continued on page 5)

March, 1993

TWC RIDE CALENDAR FOR MARCH 2 to APRIL 4, 1993 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!

Call The Ride Leader.

Tuesday Ride.

Carol Rushton
537-3888
Louis Boitano
922-6156

Greg Grenier’s Home
3715 N. Shirley

4

TWC Board Meeting.

=

Greg Grenier
752-4348

Pattison’s West

In-Line Skating.

All

Bob Myrick

3/20

N. 11th & Union

Spanaway Senior
Center.

Sun Sumner Library. Interurban Trail Ride. 23 Bob Myrick
3/7 473-7455
un laa Defiance Zoo Easy Rider. 1 | fora Hansen
3/7 Parking Lot on top of 627-7240
hill.
Tues Call The Ride Leader. | Tuesday Ride. 3 Carol Rushton
3/9 537-3888
Louis Boitano
I = 922-6156
Tues Cynthia Hammer's Peninsula Metric Cynthia Hammer
3/9 Home—4116 N. 39th Meeting—all inter- 752-0801
Street. ested & warm bodies
welcome.
Sat 30+ McDonald’s Westgate | Southend Ride. 2 Se Fleming-Jones
3/13 N. 21st & Pearl Snow will cancel. 565-7285,
Sun Roy ’Y’ Park N’ Ride. | MC Hammer Ride Cynthia Hammer
3/14 Series—McKenna 752-0801
Loop.
Sun UPS Fieldhouse Easy Rider—North. 1 ‘| John Hansen
3/14 N. 11th & Union 627-7240
Tues 30+ Call The Ride Leader. | Tuesday Ride. 3 Carol Rushton
3/16 537-3888
Louis Boitano
fe 922-6156
‘ues South End Commun- | TWC Club Meeting. Carla Gramlich
3/16 ity Center & Pool. 402 | See Sicily with Bill & 752-4038
E. 56th Street. Ruth Daugherty. | _|
Sat 10) UPS Fieldhouse Pancake Breakfast 2 Steve & Phyllis Lay

759-1816

(TWC Ride Calendar continues on page 3)

Page Two

March, 1993

(TWC 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!

Ride Notes:

Marvelous Cycling—Mark has moved to Seattle, although Cynthia is still here. What will happen
to Marvelous Cycling?

Cynthia Hammer is looking for a ride co-leader named Marvin, Marybelle, Michael, Martha, or, she would be happy to change the name to Awesome, Beautiful, Celestial, Delightful, Entrancing, Frolicsome. Call her with your name and you can work it out—752-0801.

P.S. Marvelous Cycling is a series of two hour rides offered once a week, with a usual pace of 15
mph.

Bike and Hike—An opportunity to visit the Buckley section of the Foothills Rails to Trails will be provided on Sunday, March 21st. If you are a bicyclist and a hiker this trip is for you.

We will leave from the Proctor District Starbuck’s at 9:00 am, and ride out to Buckley. In Buckley we
will participate in a 10K Volksmarch sponsored by the Daffodil Valley Volkssport Association. We will do
all or part of the volksmarch and head back to Tacoma by 3 pm. This will be a full day of biking and
hiking.

For more information call Carla Gramlich at 752-4038.

Millersylvania Camping Trip—tt is time for the first TWC camping trip of the year. Yes, that is right—March 27 & 29 are the dates for the first camping trip of the year.

We have been going on this trip since 1979, when Ken & Mary Neukom and Steve & I decided that
a weekend of good weather in March was too good to pass up. We loaded our bikes and rode to
Millersylvania State Park to camp.

We have missed a couple of years since then (like a down pour on Saturday morning!), but we have
scheduled this trip every year.

This is a self-contained trip—you carry the gear on your bike. There is no sag unless you want a
personal sag.

You will need a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, warm clothes, food, and a stove, unless you want
cold food. Sometimes you can share a stove with another camper. You will also need a rack for your bike,
and bags to carry your supplies.

There are hot showers at the park, and we try to get the group site with the kitchen shelter, so we
have cover in case of rain.

If you decide this is too much for March, join us the last weekend in April for the next TWC
camping trip.

Harvey & Diane Lister will lead the “meet the campers” ride on Sunday to meet us crazy (I mean hardy) people who camped. We will be eating brunch at Hawk’s Prairie Inn on Sunday.

If you have questions call Steve or Phyllis at 759-1816. See you on the camping rides.

Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition First Annual Banquet On March 26th the Tacoma Mountaineer’s Clubhouse is the location for a celebration to honor all the hard work that volunteers have done over the last several years. Information about the trail, and plans for the upcoming year, will be presented. Food will be catered from Grazie Ristorante. The celebration will include music, door prizes, an auction, and more. Price is $15.00 per person. For more information call Carla Gramlich at 752-4038.

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Four March, 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.

Wednesdays Are
Oil Smart In March

(Continued from page 1)
way we commute.

As a bicycle club we encourage all our members to brave the winds of March and commute by bicycle. If the weather does not make this a valid option, please try car pooling, the bus, tele- commuting or walking to help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

This program has been very popular in other counties. It has made a difference in congestion on our freeways. Please accept the challenge and try some new way of commuting if you are a single occupancy vehicle (SOV) user.

SOV bicyclists are encouraged!

Carless Commute

Update
by Carla Gramlich

This year the Carless Commute Program of Pierce County will take place from May 17th to May 31st. During this period residents will be encouraged to ride their bicycles to and from work. Mileage for riding to a destination, like a store, will also be included in this fun program.

Again, TWC is helping to
publicize the bicycle as a way to
reduce pollution and improve
fitness. I am looking for help to
provide bicycle rides to major
commuting destinations during the
month of May. I would also like to
present bicycle commuting as the
topic during the Club meeting in
May, and would be interested in
some ideas. Articles on commuting
by bicycle for the May newsletter
would also be welcome.

Please think about ways to
present this program at your work
place. Become a team captain at
your work place, and help others

Page Five

find alternatives to driving alone.
Seminars will again be available to
help people find alternative ways
of commuting.

Get out, bicycle and record those
miles to win fabulous prizes
during May 17 to 31.

Imagine. . .

Bicycle advisory boards
AND Bicycle coordinators
working in the City of
Tacoma AND Pierce
County. . .Some dream, and
the dream is worth reality.

The TWC has a dream that both Pierce County and the City of Tacoma each have hired a Bicycle Coordinator and formed a Bicycle Advisory Board. When this dream becomes a reality, many of you will have the opportunity to work on a board with government staff and see real improvements in bicycling.

Bike paths, bike lanes, bike parking,
better signs, improved railroad
crossings, filled potholes, a completed
foothills trail and other not-yet-
imagined trails, wide shoulders on
roads, and more are needed.

With new transportation plans now
in the works, and the great state,
federal, and local interests promoting
other ways to travel, the TWC has’an
enormous opportunity to make this
dream happen.

We need PEOPLE to write
letters, attend public
hearings, attend meetings,
and make phone calls.

The time is right! Join us
and tell a friend.

Just DO IT

Call Bob Myrick at 473-
7455 or Carla Gramlich at
752-4038.

March, 1993

fa fie

Tacoma Wheelmen’s

Bicycle Club

P.O. Box 112078-TACOMA, WA 98411

Inside This Issue:

March ride calen-
dar on pages 2-3.
Tea rides, and “or
something.”

Ride notes, activ-
ity notes, and get
your apron, on
page 4.

“From The Cac-
tus Patch” on
pages 5-6.

Government Rela-
tions Committee
news on page 6.

Commuter of the
Month on page 7.

Kent’s Corner,
PMC Update, and
Club Insurance on
page 8.

Street Improve-
ment Suggestions
needed and TWBC
Board Mini-Minutes
on page 9.

Foothills Trailon
page 10.

Classified Ads on
page 11.

©

The next TWBC Board meeting is on March 7, 1995, at the Skyline Vill- age Apartment's Recreation Build- ing, 5702 N. 33rd Street, Tacoma, WA. Call 759-4464 for information.

TWBC |
NEWSLETTER /

Seat And Stem Night
At March Meeting

Is your seat height correct? Is that stem
the right length? Les Schroel from the Mt.
Constance Mountain Shoppe in Gig Harbor
will discuss bicycle fit and sizing at our
March TWBC meeting.

He will demonstrate how the Serrota dynamic fit machine can be used to deter- mine proper bike fit. Improper bicycle fit can not only result in an uncomfortable ride, it may lead to injury. Les has many years of cycling experience, and he will explain the importance of determining proper bicycle fit before you invest in your dream bike.

Our TWBC meeting will begin at 7:00
p-m., at the South Park Community Center,
4851 S. Tacoma Way. For more information
call Dave Tison at 272-4571.

a,
oo

Daffodil Update

by Joyce Clifford

The t-shirt design was displayed at Bike
Expo. The flyers are printed and are being
distributed. The pre-rides and stuffing party
have been scheduled. We are printing
aprons to be used at the rest stops. Work
has started on the ride souvenir.

Now it is time to get ready for all that
day of stuff. Lots of new and seasoned
volunteers are working to make this a great
ride. If you would like to help with all this
planning call me at 597-2393.

Plan on joining us for the two pre-rides.
These rides are listed in our ride calendar
and will help you train this spring. If you
can, plan on helping for a few hours on the
day of the ride, Sunday, April 23, 1995.
Remember, this is our 20th!

Daffodil Classic Calendar Of Events

Event

Location

Kapowsin Loop Pre-Ride

Carla Gramlich's Home.
Sumner High School
Orting City Park

Orting Lion's Chicken BBQ

Orting City Park

aS Pre-registration Cut-off Date

4/11 7:00 p.m Final Planning Meeting

Joyce Clifford's Home.

6:00 p.m. | Packet Stuffing Party /Potluck

Pacific Lutheran University

6:00 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast

Orting Elementary Cafeteria

7:00 a.m.

4/23
4/23

Hamburger BBQ

20th Annual Daffodil Classic

Orting City Park
Orting City Park

Volunteer's Pizza Party

To Be Announced

TWBC RIDE CALENDAR FOR MARCH 3 to APRIL 2, 1995
Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader!
6.2 walk. 18 bike.

752-4038
Daily.

2

Spanaway Hank’s Birthday Ride 2 Hank & Hazel
McDonald’s Giddings 894-2643
Auburn HS Krain Tavern Cafe for 4 Bob Myrick

lunch.
McDonald’s Breakfast Ride 2 Louis Marret
N. 21st & Pearl 564-8599
Call the Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call Ride Line
(759-2800) 759-2800

TWBC Board Meeting Kent Wienker
Recreation Building Call 759-4464 for 474-9395

5702 N. 33rd Tacoma directions.

20 1-5 Exit 119, Old Tea at Baird Drug in
Dupont School Steilacoom.
Parking lot.
7
Sat 9:00 a.m. 35-40 | Freighthouse Square Lunch in Orting at
3/11 Jerries

ane

Tea and window
shopping on Main
Street in Auburn.

Peggy Fjetland
841-4458

Hwy 512 Park & Ride
McDonald’s side.

Ocean Shores Volks- Carla Gramlich

march and Volksbike.

Sun
3/5

Tues
3/7

Tues
3/7

Skyline Village Apts.

NJ n (si 3 e S S) r)

Fri
3/10

11:00 a.m. Cathi Spitser

964-8016

5 i i 2 Connie Reitzug
. 265-2127
Sat 9:30 a.m 50-60 Sumner Library Out Around Victor 3 Jan Wieser
3/11 Falls, or something. 833-6346

Sun 10:00 a.m. 50 Spanaway Tour of Fort Lewis and 4 Bob Myrick
3/12 McDonald’s Steilacoom for lunch 473-7455

Sun 10:00 a.m. Spoke & Sprocket Decide To Ride Call the Ride Line
3/12 759-2800

Tues AM 30+ Call the Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call Ride Line
3/14 (759-2800) 759-2800

2804 N. 19th Street
Tacoma, WA
Scott Pierson’s home.

Government Relations Bob Myrick
Committee Meeting. 473-7455

3/14

Fri Noon
3/12

Sat
3/18

oO
D

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 2

Skyline Park & Ride Point Defiance,
Ruston, Peggy’s &
cinnamon rolls.

Sat 10:00 a.m. | 20,4053 | Monroe HS McClinchy Mile All Bob Myrick
3/18 Main Street 473-7455
Sun 70 Auburn HS Tiger Mountain 4 Jan Wieser
3/19 833-6346

2 Stan Sanders

564-4280

Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
3/21 (759-2800) 759-2800

South End Community | TWBC Club Meeting Kent Wienker
474-9395

Tues
3/21

Center, 4851 S. Tacoma | Les Schroel and proper
Way. bike fit.

Sat-Sun | 8:00a.m. | 50/50 | UPS Millersylvania Steve & Phyllis Lay
3/25-26 N. 11th St. & Union Camping. 759-1816
Sat 10:00a.m. | 85-90 | Gene Coulon Park, Lake Washington 4 Bob Myrick
3/25 Renton. Exit 5 off 405. | figure 8. : 473-7455
Sun 10:00 a.m. 65 McDonald’s Yelm for lunch. 4 Bob Myrick
3/26 Spanaway 473-7455
Tues AM 30+ Call The Ride Line Tuesday Ride 2 Call The Ride Line
3/28 (759-2800) 759-2800

les)

i Noon 20-30 | Call The Ride Line Friday Tea Ride 2. Call The Ride Line
3/31 759-2800 759-2800
20 Fred Meyer Parking Car pool to Snoho- 2 Carla Gramlich
Lot, Puyallup. mish, Arlington 752-4038
Centennial Trail.
Lunch at Snohomish.
ze

Buckley Loop

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.)

Jan Wieser

Bob Myrick
Dave Tison
473-7455

4/2

a a
5 ae

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

; TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 3

ie ei

Ride Notes:

Ride Around Clark County (RACC): The Vancouver Bicycle Club sponsors the 11th annual Ride Around Clark County (RACC) on May 6th (the first Saturday of May). Three distances (31, 62, or 100 miles) offer a course for every fitness level. The longer the distance the more elevation gain. Riders may start any time between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. from Clark College. Massage therapists will be available at the finish area.

Pre-registration cost is $10.00 (entry form must be post marked by April 26, 1995. Day of race registration is $15.00.
Commemorative T-shirts are available via pre-registration only for $10.00. Don’t miss the fun. Contact Mike Viles at 206-
693-0195 for more information.

Adventure Filled Summer Bike Trip In South Western Washington: We are planning another fun-filled week long
bike trip this summer. The dates are August 12th to 20th. The trip will begin in our own back yard, and stay in western
Washington.

We will ride to the coast, then to Westport, down the coast to Ilwaco, up the Columbia to Vancouver, and come
home via AMTRAK, if all works out.

The ride is open to all TWBC members. Number of riders will be limited. Several people have expressed a desire to
join the group, and as always, registration is on a first come basis. So, if you want to have a different vacation of riding,
camping, and exploring southwest Washington, see Jim Davis early for your kite, and call Stan and Joan Sanders, 564-4280,
for registration or more information.

Summer Road Trip(by Bob Myrick): Some time this summer, there will be an excellent adventure down the spine of
The Cascade Mountains. You see, I have been reading a book entitled The Pacific Crest Bicycle Trail. This trip can be made by
any reasonably fit cyclist. 1am looking for a person or persons to drive a sag and luggage car. The car will allow cyclists to
share a day’s cycling or to rest a day along the way. Some of us are willing to do this trip without a car—just the bikes and
the credit cards.

The trip itinerary looks like this:

Day 1: Tacoma to Packwood Hotel. 74 easy miles. A good dinner and a hot tub in a remodeled 1910 hotel. Day 2: Ride a few miles to Randall for a big breakfast. Turn south and ride between Mt. Adams and Mt. St.

Helens. 92 miles of riding delivers us to the Carson Hot Springs and Mineral Baths, an unremodeled 1910 era hotel

with vegetarian food, and massage therapy.

Day 3: Ride 75 miles to the lodge at Mt. Hood and enjoy an excellent dinner in the world famous 1930's lodge. Go for a swim in the pool and take a sauna. Day 4: Ride 74 miles down and over the crest to Detroit, Oregon and stay in an excellent B & B or motel.

Today, we pass the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort along the way.

Day 5: Ride 89 (?) miles over Santiam Pass, through Sisters and Bend, and arrive at the Inn of The Seventh

Mountain at Mt. Bachelor. Soak in the hot tub. You will need it.

Day 6: Ride 114 adventure miles and enjoy 22 miles of gravel road over 5850 foot Windigo Pass. Keep riding and arrive at Crater Lake and the historic lodge.

Day 7: Tired? Ride 59 miles to Klamath Falls or take a longer 106 mile trip to our hotel.

Day 8: Take off your pedals, turn your handlebars, and get on the train fora restful and beautiful ride back
to Tacoma.

This great 566 or 613 mile exploratory trip can be done before or after the RAMROD ride. I am sure there is some climbing involved along the way. The trip will be sometime between June 15 and September 15, 1995. If you are interested, please call me soon, very soon, at 473-7455.

Activity Notes:

Foothills Rail Trail Upcoming Work Parties: Work parties are scheduled for the third Saturday of every other
month: March, May, July, September, and November. We will be planting trees at the March work party.

Date: March 18, 1995. Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Duane Hankins’ house (893-5743), east of Orting. Follow Rt. 162 east from Orting to the Fish Hatchery, continue east 1 mile to Patterson Road. Turn right on Patterson, after 400 feet turn left on 212th. Go to the last house on the right.

Contact: Don Partington at 863-5307. Tools: Shovels (long handled spade). Gloves. Lunch.

For details on the May work party, or if you would like to be included in the phone tree for work parties and special events, call the hot line at 841-2570.

Cooks, Bakers, And Candlestick Makers—Order Your TWBC Apron Now!

Would you like your own TWBC logo apron? They will be royal blue with the bright yellow TWBC logo on the bib.
The apron is made of heavy weight cotton with an adjustable neck strap and pockets in front. Send $11.00 to TWBC Attn:
Aprons, P.O. Box 112078, Tacoma, WA 98411. Please order by March 24th. Aprons available at April Club meeting.

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 4

ss —

Ride Report:

From The Cactus Patch
by I. B. Bikin (Dave Tison)

Our recent snowy weather gave me some time to reflect on
my 1994 cycling year. Some of my best memories of the year
are of my trip to Tucson.

Tucson Or Bust

I was in Tucson the last two weeks in May for computer training. Two weeks without my bike? No way! I had my commuter bike (a Trek 820 mountain bike) boxed by a local bike shop and shipped by UPS to a bike shop in Tucson. I was able to talk with several people in bike shops there about where to ride while I searched for a computer battery. The last battery died during shipping. Somehow it was accidentally left on.

A Great Biking Town!

On my first evening in town I rode out to the East Saguaro National Monument. This was a 10 mile commute, on bike lanes to the edge of town, then a bike path all the way out to the park. The major streets have diamond lanes which are limited to buses and bikes. My first day out told me I was ina great biking town! There is an eight mile road that loops through the park, with a trail open to hikers, horses, and bikes. No time for the trail ride that night, but I would make a point of getting back to ride the trail another day.

Sabino Canyon

Monday evening I rode over to the University of Arizona
campus and explored that part of town. Tuesday I rode out to
Sabino Canyon, a natural preserve which has tram tours up a
road about 10 miles into the canyon. The road is open to bikes
in the evening during the week, and closed during the day
and weekends. This resulted from an access dispute where a
compromise was reached and cyclists did not lose out.

The canyon is an excellent example of how elevation, moisture, etc., affect habitats. You start out in the low desert, move up into a belt of saguaro cactus, then up into a section that has a stream flowing for most of the year where there are trees, numerous birds, including cardinals and owls, and I even saw my one and only rattlesnake. He was not interested in me, so I did not bother him! Further up the canyon you moved into a high desert habitat. On the ride back down, at dusk, I saw lots of what looked like small birds zipping around the cacti and trees. I later found out that I saw bats. These little guys are responsible for pollinating many of the cacti which were in bloom, including the saguaros.

Ride The Rabbit

My next evening’s adventure took me back out to the Saguaro National Monument. My $2.00 admission pass purchased on my first visit was good for a week, a bargain by any account. I rode half way out the paved loop to the trail which cuts through the center of the loop. Pedaling down a path lined with a variety of cacti helped remind me to slow down and concentrate on my riding! I saw quail, roadrunners, Gila monsters, cottontail rabbits, and the biggest jackrabbit on the face of the earth during this ride. I rode back into town in the dark, along the bike path. Happy I had my bike lights, I felt like I was in cycling heaven.

Heat

Free of computer training for four days, I planned to explore some new areas. On Thursday I rode out to the west into Old Tucson, and out to the Pima County Parks and Recreation district office. I picked up a map of the town showing all of the cycling routes, and a map of the Tucson Mountain Park—several hundred acres on the edge of town limited to foot, horse, or bike access. I rode back to town on the paved path along the Santa Cruz river, over to the University of Arizona campus, then followed a bike route through the neighborhoods back to our hotel.

I saw several roadrunners and “fanbelt” snakes. Every broken fanbelt looked like a snake laying in the road in front of me! This was the first time I had been out during the heat of the day, and I went through water like crazy, but hardly broke a sweat. The temperature was in the high 80s, but the humid- ity was very low. I knew I had been sweating when I changed out of my cycling shorts and saw the line of dried salt on them. (lused a baby shampoo and washed out my cycling clothes after each ride, hung them in my room, and everything was clean and dry for the next day’s ride.)

Buzzards

On Friday I headed to the north side of town, up into the foothills of the Catalina mountains. I stopped by a bike shop and bought a visor for my helmet, required equipment for desert riding. After chugging up a four lane boulevard for about an hour, I reached the plateau where there was a lot of new development and, thankfully, an air conditioned store with cold Gatorade. I then cycled through some of the exclu- sive residential areas, enjoying the views across Tucson to the mountains beyond. When I saw a couple of buzzards circling overhead I decided not to tempt fate, and I rode back to the hotel. The temperature on the sign in front read 94 degrees.

Gotcha!

On Saturday I went down to Nogales, Mexico with several
(Continued on page 6)

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 5

of my co-workers, who were staying for the second week of computer training.We had fun sight seeing, and I haggled with a street vendor fora couple of silver bolo ties.

Sunday included a big adventure into the Tucson Mountain
Park. I picked up a book describing rides around Tucson, had
my map from the parks office, and a recommendation from
the “wrench” in the shop where I picked up my bike. I do not
recommend trail biking alone, but I had not been able to line
up a local partner, so I was off on my own. The temperature
was supposed to exceed 100 degrees, so I left about 9:00 a.m.,
planning to be back on the road by noon.

Well, we all know what they say about the best laid plans—the trail head at the Starr Pass golf course (designed by Arnold Palmer) was farther from town than I had figured. Once I made it to the golf course the trail head was not as easy to find as had been explained to me. After filling up my three large water bottles, and getting directions, I was finally off.

After an hour or so of fairly easy trail riding I made it to the
pass. From there you could see “all the way to California”, as
I was told by one of the people I had talked to beforehand
about the ride. He was right—nothing but flat desert out to the
horizon.

I decided to ride over to another pass to catch the road back
into town rather than just do an “out and back”, as I had
originally planned. I could see the pass I wanted to get to—
finding a trail to it proved to be a different matter. I was not
really lost but, it was past noon, it was hot, and I was almost
out of water.

Brief flashes of fear are what make for a great mountain
biking adventure, right? Besides, I had my cellular phone so
I could always call and let someone know where to find my
body!

Well, I finally made it to the pass, although I somehow got off the main trail and ended up on a lizard path that was unridable. I was relieved to see the parking area at the trail head, but I could have cried when I saw that I _had a climb up the road on the back side of the pass to get back to town. I did not appreciate the cute comments like “pain is good” and “more pain starting here” which were painted on the road up to the pass. (I later found out this climb up Gates Pass is one of the killer spots in the Tour de Tucson.) I must have looked like buzzard bait by the time I got to the edge of town and found a convenience store. Ah, air conditioning and cold Gatorade. I was saved! When I finally got back to the hotel it was 2:30 p.m. and 102 degrees hot. Jeez, you think a kid my age would know better.

Gotcha Again!

Monday was my last cycling day and I planned to ride just
a few miles around town. My rack was rattling so I stopped at
a hardware store to see if I could find a small wrench. When
I returned less than 15 minutes later my bike was gone, ripped
off! There was no sign of my lock, sol figured some @!#*! must
have lifted the locked bike over the top of the signpost. In
retrospect I should have wrapped the extra length of my cable
lock around the pole, but I didn’t so... The people in bike

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 6

shops I spoke to over the next few days all told me the same story—this is a university town and bike theft is big business.

150 Miles And More

Asad ending to an otherwise great cycling experience? Yes and no. I found a bike at a great price, probably because it was a year-old model with a small frame that did not fit most people, except pygmies like myself! I traded the bike shop their usual 30 day after purchase tune-up for shipping the bike to me in Tacoma. That is how my cool green and blue Iron Horse ended up in the Pacific Northwest instead of roaming the deserts of Tucson.

All in all, it was a great experience—150 plus miles of exploring Tucson, a couple of great trail rides, a ripped-off bike and a new bike. It was quite an adventure!

Government Relations Committee News
by Scott Pierson
Bicycle Routes Given To City Staff

The January and February meetings were led by Lori Larkin and Scott Pierson of the Tacoma City staff. We discussed the bicycling issues city staff should consider in the upcoming non-motorized plan. We created a list of criteria for staff to use in choosing bicycle routes, and the Club provided several maps of Club routes and best case routes. Thanks to everyone who took the time to come to these meetings. Our next meeting is on March 14, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. at Scott Pierson’s home, 2804 N. 19th Street, Tacoma, WA.

Bike Lanes Out Of SR 16 Plan The Washington DOT has proposed a plan to widen the bridge and approaches over S.R. 16 at the most southerly Gig Harbor interchange to four lanes. Based on information from Pierce County in 1993, the state is providing no special provisions for bicyclists. $.R. 16 divides Gig Harbor and Pierce County, and state projects normally conform to local juris- diction plans. Dena Wessels learned that Gig Harbor’s bike plan extends to $.R. 16. Pierce County/Tacoma’s published map also shows this route, although it may not be “official”. The Club has an interest in having proper bike lanes included in this project. The GRC will focus on this issue at its March 14th meeting. Senate Bill 5825

Senate Bill 5825 would allow state road funds to be used for
bicycle and pedestrian facilities located away from the
roadway. The GRC will review this bill at its March 14th
meeting.

Public Forum Cancelled

The City of Tacoma Public Forum, scheduled for March 1st at the Snake Lake Nature Center to discuss non-motorized planning issues, has been cancelled. I will keep you posted.

TWBC Welcomes Robert Gramenz, Patrick McCutcheon, and Joe & Judy Robinette, our new members for February, 1995.

Commuter Of The Month

e
© Prick NO

Bille
Beating Traffic
by
Judy Wagonfeld

Pen poised above Highland Hill Music’s worn wood counters, I slipped questions to Bill between the hectic retail pace. Shifting back and forth without missing a beat, he solved daughter Jen’s “what to eat for lunch” dilemma, responded to strut and mando- lin queries, clarified clarinet rentals, and assisted a bearded, blue-jeaned customer who sat strumming assorted guitars. Though Bill would not consider himself a bicycle commute guru, he unwittingly dispensed Commuting Philosophy 101’s top-notch sound bites. Madly scribbling, I marveled at his single fatherhood status (two kids) and bike-to-work efficiency— organization worthy of the perfect crime.

Novice Initiation

However, no sinister or even politically correct, environmental
ideas wrenched Bill from his pick-up to a bike seat. Three years
back, Bill merely found it impossible to exercise while raising
two young kids and retailing 50 hours a week. Distressed by a
bulging stomach displaying evidence of 25 extra pounds, he
vowed to do “something”. Mustering sorely lacking energy, that
something blossomed into pedaling a prehistoric 10 speed 12.5
miles from Purdy to 6" Avenue. “I wasn’t a bicyclist. I set out in
tennis shoes, sweats, and a helmet and struggled for two
months. Then, on my birthday, I broke a spoke.” As if a comet
struck, the bike bit the dust, just when commitment reared its
addictive head. Bill splurged on a Bianchi Cross bike with drop
handlebars and updated his outfits to synthetics. Voila! Instant
conversion to the 90’s bicycle affectionado look.

Endorphin Rewards

Now, after 15 to 18,000 miles, he is fit as a fiddle from his shop. Muscular arms and legs augment his taut, fresh air look. Spar- kling eyes and brisk activity depict his endorphin highs. “If I don’t cycle, I feel irritable all day.” Luckily, commuting remains feasible as Highland Hill owner (Bill’s stepfather) provides a truck for business errands. The building, once a restaurant, sports quarry tile floors and bathroom drains perfect for a hand- held shower. Work clothing travels in panniers, and the sturdy bike slumbers the day away between electronic keyboards and drums.

Bike veteran Bill insists the commuting ride makes life easier. “T know exactly how long my trip home takes—40 minutes. I don’t sit in traffic jams anxious about getting to my kid’s soccer game on time.” Flats barely hinder his speed. Like a hawk swooping

upon prey, he swiftly attacks and seals punctures in five minutes max, except in the dark. At night, “I use flashing Vista Lights and reflectors, and I pray.” This has worked so far.

No Delays

Cycling a freeway is not every biker’s cup of tea, but neither Route 16 nor the windy Tacoma Narrows Bridge daunts Bill’s animated spirits. He laughs, “nothing’s more fun than passing five mile back-ups and beating cars.” Displaying mountain bike techniques, he deftly comers bridge posts. What bugs him are impatient, rude drivers at on-off ramps and the Purdy Bridge, wrenching thoughts from complacency to human mortality. But, once across the Purdy Spit, Bill relaxes for the homestretch, steep, Goldman Drive climb. There, as if a butterfly re-entering his cocoon, he slips into his suburban motorist, kid hauling, Pop mode.

Stuck on cycling, Bill’s life blossomed. Losing weight and higher carbohydrate foods fostered well-being and motivation. A Cyclo-Cross rendezvous triggered a dormant competitiveness, bestowing a Master’s Category B and seducing Bill into moun- tain biking time trials and road racing. Captured passions cul- minated in arduous Mt. Rainier Ramrod training last year. Vaulting from bed to car at 3:00 a.m., three days per week, he sped to the Mountain, ravenous for the grueling Paradise pedal.

Commuting Counsel

Succeeding equals coping with cold, wetness, traffic. “I find it easy to deal with discomfort, it’s misery like snow that’s no fun, and deters even me.” To test commuting Bill advocates late spring. “That way you work out the kinks and feel hooked before nasty weather.” Facing dark, wet Novembers requires fortitude and a kick-in-the-butt attitude. However, February divulges sub- lime hints of impending warmth and daylight. It’s those majes- tic, crystalline northwest months that kindle Bill’s cloudy, dampened fires on winter’s darkest days.

Plugging into a “good bike shop with good service,” advises Bill, “makes all the difference.” Skilled repairs and component tips anoint Spoke and Sprocket as Bill’s personal pick. Bicycle commuting, with a bike languishing in disrepair, works as well as a car without gas. A reliable commuting bike, minimum $700.00, saves down time and greenbacks, lowering auto insur- ance 15% because your car serves as pleasure only.

Benefits To Bill

Cycling’s payoffs, percolating subliminally like coffee grounds
in a press pot, roused Bill’s self-care. He rarely suffers even a
cold. Uplifting cycling highs spill over as energy, giddiness, and
well-being. Bicycle clubs and competitions nurtured hidden tal-
ents and brought friends. In fact, he fell in love not only with
cycling, but with a cyclist named Berrit. Heeding the turbulent
winter weather, Bill pedals toward the blissful seasons ahead
that spawn a new beginning and a poignant ending—a July
marriage and single parenthood closure. Salude to these bicy-
cling mates and their rosy realm of dreams.

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 7

Kent’s Corner
by Kent Wienker, TWBC President
Spring

Cherry blossoms have arrived, the days are getting longer, and the rid- ing season is here—the chance to once again come over the rise, or go around the corner and look way off in the distance and know you will pedal there.

Some folks never stopped riding through the winter, others did some- thing else to maintain aerobic and physical fitness. Some will continue the proven formula—build by 10% a week in total mileage so tender liga- ments are not strained.

Now we can string together the
months until they become a_ year.
Then we can look back and say we
did our best, we just had fun, or Iam
glad its over. Some commute, or do
short rides. Some ride only on week-
ends, some go around the block, or
down to the store.

Join A Ride

For those of you who are new to the
Club, I invite you to participate in our

Street Improvement
Suggestions Needed

by Bob Myrick

The City of Tacoma and Pierce County
have budget monies available for Amer-
icans with Disabilities Act (ADA) im-
provements, and maintenance improve-
ments,

During my commute, I often ride the sidewalks for my safety and not to offend motorists during congested times of the day. Quite often, I have to get off my bike at intersections because of curbs. When riding on the street, I some- times see storm sewer grates that are in need of repair to make them safe for bikes.

During your spring commute, please consider listing locations where minor improvements need to be made for your traveling convenience. The Government Affairs Committee will gather your suggestions and present them as a package to the various public works departments.

Please include the following types of
improvements and any other types you
think of:

¢Curb ramps.

¢Missing sidewalks.

¢Storm sewer grate cross bars.

Need for mid-block street
crossing.

Scott Pierson and I will gather these
lists. You may send them to our
attention at the Club’s address, call us,
or give us your list ata Club meeting.

Mini-Minutes
TWEC Board Meeting

by Dena Wessels, TWBC Secretary
TWBC Board members met at the
Skyline Village Apartments recreation
building on February 7, 1995. Present
were Kent Wienker, Dave Tison, Dena
Wessels, Hazel Giddings, Connie Reit-
zug, William Hoehne, Bob Myrick, Mat
Reitzug, Carla Gramlich, Ralph Wessels,
Hank Giddings, and Scott Pierson.
January minutes were reviewed and
accepted.
Old Business:
New shirts/logos: Scott Pierson
requested funds for a new t-shirt design

utilizing the TWBC logo with the phrase
“Bicycling is a Clean Air Act.” These
shirts could be sold at the booth at Bike
Expo. Set up fees for the shirts totaled
$80.00.

After discussing pros and cons the
Board approved $360.00 maximum to
produce 120 transfers instead of shirts,
in Club colors or black, and sell them at
the Expo. Scott will make arrangements.

Banquet Wrap-up: Kent thanked
Bob Myrick for all that was done. Lots of
good comments came in about this
year’s banquet. Mat and Connie brought
a fresh approach to the rides, shirts, etc.

Bike Expo: Sylvia is getting the
banners printed up at a cost of $90.00
each for a total of 2.

Bike Boxes: Greg’s Greenlake Cycle rents bike boxes at $40.00 per week with a $200.00 deposit. This de- posit is roughly half the cost of the box. Capital Bike Club rents theirs at $10.00 per week with a $125.00 deposit. They drew up a legal document naming the user as responsible for any damage. Our proposed charge of $20.00 to $25.00 is about right. Right now the demand is small.

New Business:

Treasurer's Report: Hazel
reported a checking account balance on
January 24, 1995 of $25,220.71.

NowBikeBob handed out a new
NowBike listing which provides infor-
mation on NowBike and other bike
clubs and organizations in the state.

Daffodil/PMC: Information was given regarding t-shirt designs and costs. Custom Shirt on S. Tacoma Way is making the shirts for both rides. The Daffodil Classic flyer has been accepted by the Cascade Bicycle Club for distri- bution in their Newsletter. There will be no jersey this year.

Spoke and Sprocket will supply tech support for the Daffodil Classic. For the PMC there will be two tech supports: Spoke and Sprocket in Gig Harbor, and Bike Tech in Port Orchard. The bike mechanics will receive free t-shirts for the PMC. Orting’s Lions will have the hamburgers and Orting Nursery will have the pancakes for the Daffodil Clas- sic. Chris Goodman will contact the Port Orchard Fire Station for use of their area for a checkpoint. Chesapeake Bagels of

Gig Harbor is donating 900 bagels.

Selective mailing will be used for
bicycle shops to combine the rides and
save money. Volunteers will be reward-
ed with items yet to be decided. Govern-
ment permits are being sought.

Helmets on Wheels: Mary Bridge
no longer runs Helmets on Wheels. This
is now a separate organization which is
statewide for kid safety. This was done
so Helmets on Wheels is not identified
with one health provider.

Carla asked the Board to pay fora bill for the helmets that went with the bicycles donated for Christmas. The bill is $176.00 for fourteen helmets. The Board approved this payment. The $176.00 will come out of the education budget.

Government Affairs: Bob wrote a letter for the Club commenting on the Vision 2020 program. The letter voiced our support of non-motorized efforts, and noted weaknesses in environmental statements. A copy of this letter is avail- able for member's reading.

State helmet bill: Bob reported
we are now working through NowBike
on this. The Head Injury Foundation
will present the issue this year, as edu-
cation is the main focus, rather than
safety.

Insurance: Bob reported that the
new insurance is 11 cents per rider. Both
the Daffodil Classic and the Peninsula
Metric Century are signed up. After
April 1, 1995 the new agent is the
McKay-Fee Insurance Agency in Iowa.

Newsletter: William asked that
the cost of two flyers for Carless Com-
mute in the February Newsletter be
paid out of the Government Affairs
budget. The total cost was $79.32. The
Newsletter budget does not cover flyers.

Submissions to the March Newsletter
must be on time. The late Tuesdays and
short month in February wipe out extra
time for getting the Newsletter out by
March Ist.

NowBike Calendar: Connie re-
ported that the revised calendar will be
in the March Newsletter. A preliminary
calendar was sent out, but some changes
will be made.

Ride Line 759-2800

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 9

Paving Begins On
Foothills Trail

Dr. Ernest Bay, Foothills Trail Coalition president, reported today (January 29, 1995) that The Foothills Trail is finally underway. Paving began in Orting last Friday on the first segment of the Foothills Trail Model Mile. Tucci & Sons Inc. Of Tacoma was the successful bidder at $98,750.00 for approximately one half mile of trail including amenities. Construction funding is being provided entirely by the Foothills Trail Coalition, a private non-profit citizen’s organization. Dr. Bay said that the Coalition was founded in March, 1987, to assist the Pierce County Parks Department in obtaining an abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad corridor and developing it into a linear park trail for walking, bicycling, wheelchairs, and horseback.

Some call the Orting segment the “Miracle Mile” because ten years ago, soon after the project began, Orting became the seat of intense and pro- longed trail opposition. The city admin- istration was mostly hostile, and some neighboring property owners feared crime, litter, and loss of privacy. Others claimed reversionary property rights despite the fact that many parcels were federally granted to the original Northern Pacific Railroad, or had been purchased outright by the railroad.

In 1990, after the Pierce County Coun- cil unanimously passed a trail enabling ordinance, 90-6, an alliance of adjacent property owners, Citizens Against The Trail, launched Referendum 91-3, in an attempt to invalidate it. They failed and the ordinance survived by a vote of 53.6% in the 1991 general election. CAT tried again in 1992, by initiative, to divert the trail to the Tacoma water pipeline, but failed to gather enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot.

The Orting Model Mile was first proposed in early 1993, when the Foothills Trail Coalition was encouraged by a long supportive local foundation to submit a $50,000.00 grant for a “teaser” section of completed trail. The award was made contingent upon the Coalition finding a $25,000.00 match. A matching

grant was later made by the Ben B. Cheney Foundation of Tacoma. Five thousand dollars of the original grant were required to be used for amenities. These will include signage, bicycle racks, equestrian hitching posts, and restroom improvements for the Orting City Park. Bay said that the balance of the funding will come from a com- bination of private contributions and unrestricted Coalition monies. He said that these monies will also allow the Coalition to add a bid alternate of $33,600.00, which will extend con- struction 1,100 feet to Whitesell Street.

The Model Mile was first intended to extend north from Whitesell Street across from the Orting High School, but was delayed for lack of title clarifications and a change of ownership of the nearby Whitehawk housing project. The original developer had planned to develop 1,400 feet of the trail.

Under the leadership of present Orting
Mayor Sam Colorossi, Orting trail sup-
porters became more outspoken, and
the city began to cooperate with the
Pierce County Parks Department and
the Foothills Trail Coalition in achieving
the trail.

The city, meanwhile, obtained a Con- servation Futures grant to purchase the city park which it had previously leased for many years from the Burlington Northern Company. The Pierce County Parks Department was at the same time negotiating with Burlington Northern to purchase their remaining land holdings within the city between Calistoga Avenue and Whitesell Street.

Thus, it was agreed by all parties to
shift the first Model Mile segment south-
ward from Whitesell Street. Further
delays ensued when the trail route had
to be detoured to accommodate expan-
sion of the Orting Food Center, and to
allow Pierce County Parks to recoup its
BN purchase by salvaging and selling
commercial properties outside those
needed for the 40 foot wide trail
corridor.

A final obstacle to trail completion
between Whitesell Street and the Moun-
tain View Mobile Manor, near the south
Orting city limits, is an abandoned
filling station located at the northwest

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 10

corner of Calistoga Avenue. The struc-
ture is scheduled for demolition by the
Orting Food Center upon completion of
sale.

Dedication of the Orting Model Mile,
Bay said, is planned for June as part of
the 1995 statewide National Trails
Month activities.

Jan Wolcott, Pierce County Parks
Director, said that he expects to let bids
for the extension of the Model Mile to the
Puyallup River Bridge in McMillin
before the end of 1995. Funding for this
3 mile section will be provided by an
ISTEA federal transportation grant.
Another ISTEA grant has been received
for completing property acquisition to
South Prairie.

The Foothills linear park trail, when complete, will extend 26 miles from McMillin through Orting and South Prairie into Buckley, and also from Cascade Junction to Wilkinson and Carbonado. It will further connect with the King County trail system at the White River, and from McMillin it will continue to Tacoma. A Puyallup River Trail is now being designed from Sumner to Tacoma.

Dr. Bay said that a three quarter mile
Buckley section of the Foothills Trail
that the Coalition helped to complete
last May has become popular with both
local citizens and visitors. The Coalition
is currently seeking funds to help com-
plete a missing paved trail link between
Monroe Street and the new Buckley
Armory.

The Foothills Trail Coalition was recently honored with a Certificate of Accomplishment by The National Awards Council For Environmental Achievement, Bay said. With the award comes a listing of the Foothills Trail project in Renew America’s 1995 Environmental Success Index. The index features 1,600 outstanding environ- mental programs from around the coun-

try.

For more information contact:
Ernest C. Bay 206-841-2570
Pierce County Parks 206-593-4176
Orting City Hall 206-893-2219

20th Daffodil Classic
April 23, 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 Fijetland- 841-4458
Joy Roelofsz 847-1843

Send correspondence to: The Tacoma Wheel-
’'s Bicycle Club, P.O. Box 112078, Tacoma, WA
8411.
Send Newsletter articles to the editor at: 5702 N.
rd, Apt. 17B, Tacoma, WA 98407.
Send e-mail to the editor via Compuserve, User
71570,446, or America Online, WHOEHNE.
Article deadline for the April, 1995 issue is
March 21, 1995.

Classified Ads

For Sale:
Mike Melton Tandem.
23%2 21%.
$1350.00.
Call 537-3888

Custom Frame Painting:

Make that cherished old bike look
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.

Stolen Bicycle Parts:

The following parts were on a Klein
Pulse stolen February 10, 1995, in
Corvallis, Oregon:

Frame: 20" 1995 Klein Pulse, silver
gray color. Serial #20P0994612.

Wheels/tires: Deore DX _ hubs.
Wheelsmith spokes. Campy rims.
Avocet Cross K Kevlar tires (front tire
starting to split side wall). Seven speed
rear hub (13-23). Ringle skewers.

Forks: 1994 Rock Shox Mag 21's.

Headset: 1% threadless A-head non-
sealed (approx. 22mm of shims).

Stem: Control Tech.

Handlebars: Klein Strandium 185s
(carbon/alum. with built in ends). Ends
wrapped with cloth athletic tape (one
side was freshly wrapped, and the other
side was brown and worn). Grips were
grab-ons.

Shifters/levers: Deore DX (7 sp.
thumb shifters).

Derailers: Deore DX 7sp indexed.

Post: Control Tech.

Post skewer: Ringle.

Seat: Redline Flight Group (tit. rails).

Cranks: Deore DX with seven % inch
holes drilled in each.

Brakes: Dia Comp., with freshly
installed eagle claw-2 pads.

Pedals: Shim. SPD 525 (very worn on
the sides).

If you have information call Chris Horn
at 503-752-1951, Bill Horn at 206-770-
0485, or the Oregon State Police.

Peninsula Metric Century
June 4, 1995

TWBC NEWSLETTER March, 1995 Page 11

March Meeting
Goes To The
Mountains

by Carla Gramlich

TWC’s March Club meeting takes
us to the mountains by way of The
Pierce County Mountain Bike Patrol,
and The Puyallup Valley Mountain
Bike Shop.

An officer from the Bike Patrol will tell us about this newly formed group. They have been out patrolling the Fort Lewis and Lakewood areas. This new group is asking for help. Join us to learn about the Patrol, and an opportunity to get involved.

A Bike Shop representative will
talk about mountain biking in Pierce
County. You can learn about ail the
different trails in the area.

Of course, all of this information
will follow our normal Club
business. Remember to stay for the
whole meeting to win our fabulous
door prizes.

Our March meeting is Tuesday, the 17th, at 7:00 pm. The 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. Ride your bicycle, ride the bus—but come on out.

P.O. BOX 112078
TACOMA, WA 98411

TWC Officers will meet for a
Board of Directors meeting on
Tuesday, March 3, 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 infor-
mation.

Time To Fertilize
The Daffodil

Put florescent yellow paint on your
calendar at May 3rd. This is the
Sunday for our annual Daffodil
Classic. Plans are underway. Ride
applications and T-shirts will be
ready for the Seattle Bicycle
Exposition. Ride fees have been
established(see below). Now we need
to enrich the soil with volunteers so
the Daffodil Classic will flourish.

The Daffodil Classic is a cycling
event. Almost 2000 riders show up,
and it takes lots of volunteers to run
the ride. Volunteering for this ride is
fun, and as a Daffodil volunteer you
will be invited to a post-ride pizza

party.

Your Daffodil chairmen(yes, they are all male this year)would like to hear from any volunteers, but they are particularly anxious to fill some key positions: eRegistration Table—runs registration table on day of ride. Rest Stop Coordinators—sets up rest stop in the morning, and makes sure area is clean at the end of the day. No, you do not have to spend

Page One

Mp

TWC ’
NEWSLETTER
TACOMA WHEELMEN’S CLUB March, 1992

the whole day at the rest stop. The Kapowsin and Lake Tapps rest stops are still open. Food Coordinator—purchases food for the event. eTransportation—drivesrentaltruck, picks up equipment and food and delivers them to checkpoints, and then collects leftovers at end of day. Ride Packet Stuffing Party—traditionally the Friday before the ride, including potluck supper . followed by stuffing ride packets. Tacoma location preferred. Cascade Newsletter Stuffing—volunteers are needed to go to Seattle to insert Daffodil fliers in the Cascade April Newsletter—an evening at the end of March.

Thanks go to Phil Burgess for being the Ride Pre-registrations Coordinator; Jim Davis for taking Barney’s rest stop; and Louis Boitano and Tom Cornell for Equipment and the Course. You are welcome to help any of these members.

Ride fees are as follows:
Pre-registered individual $7.00

Pre-registered family $20.00
Day-of-event individual $9.00
Day-of-event family $25.00
TWC members $7.00

Please call Bob Myrick at 473-
7455, or Brian Wester at 862-3288,
or Tom Cornell at 582-0903 to
volunteer for the Daffodil.

~

SC TWC RIDE CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 28 to MARCH 31, 1992 Questions about rides or activities? Call the leader! BAD

— ee
TIME | MILES START POINT ACTIVITY CODE LEADER _|

admission. | Sat Call The Rideline. Call The Rideline, Cali The Rideline. f 2/29 759-2800 759-2800 759-2800 | | Sun Car Pool from 6th Chilly Hilly-1992 All Steve & Phyllis Lay } 3/2 Pp Avenue & Skyline. Bicycle season’s 759-1816 (Park & Ride) opening day ride. : Sun Puyallup Fred Meyers. | Chilly Hilly 2 Jon Turnipseed i 3/1 H Near Shakey’s. Altemative. Food and 565-8654 Flat. Eat at Sunbreak i Cafe. | it |

Tues 20-40 | Call The Rideline. Tuesday Rides. 2 Ride Leader Potluck. |
3/3 759-2800 Call Rideline 759-2800

H Tues 7:00 Joyce Clifford’s Home | TWC Board Meeting. Bob Myrick H
3/3 PM 3811 North Madison Members invited. 473-7455
Hank Giddings |
894-2643
Cynthia Hammer |
752-0801

Sat 10:00 McDonald’s at Hank’s Birthday Ride.
3/7 AM Spanaway. Pacific Ave. | Distance depends on
& Military Road. how old he feels.

2
a

w
5
©
3

UPS Fieldhouse-N. Puyallup Valley Loop
11th & Union. Mostly flat. Finish by
1:00 pm.

10:00 20 Fred Meyers Burger Express in Louis Boitano AM Puyallup River Road. Federal Way. 922-6156

w
—
00

Wm [we fue
i ig

20-40 | Call The Rideline. Tuesday Rides. 2 Ride Leader Potluck.
759-2800 Call Rideline 759-2800

Evergreen State Fair McClinchy Mile.
Grounds-Monroe. Off $6.00 Pre Reg. ©
$8.00 Day Of.

Steve Huff
206-972-2929

Sat Peggy’s Freighthouse Point Defiance & Carla & Steve
3/14 Square. Near Tacoma Ruston Way. 206-941-3752
Sun Brian Wester-862-3288
3/15 Bring bike lock, lunch,

and walking shoes.

Yun
cB
oO
2%
Oo

Eatonville—Tail Mt. bike ride to Mashel 1,2 Bob Myrick Timbers Cafe. Falls. Lunch at Falls. 473-7455

Pickle’s Deli Eatonville to Mashel
Falls for lunch.

(TWC Ride Calendar continues on page 3) |

rs

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Two March, 1992

(TWC Ride Calendar continued from page 2) : |

20-40 | Call The Rideline. Tuesday Rides.
759-2800

|

: 50 Sumner Bakery. Indian Bookstore in 2 Louis Boitano
Enumclaw. 922-6156

ii

UPS Fieldhouse. Roy Loop. Bring Cynthia Hammer
snacks, Mostly flat. 752-0801 |

t

|

|

i

|

|

yf

|

|

|

:

i

|

{

Ride Leader Potluck.

3/17 Call Rideline 759-2800 |

a a

3/17 206-941-3752

~
ah

i 3
10:00 20-30 McDonald’s Westgate Coffee break ride. 152 Jim Davis
N. 21st & Pearl 759-5616
20-40 | Call The Ride Line. Tuesday Rides. 2 Ride Leader Potluck.
759-2800 Call Rideline 759-2800
3

eee

2
364-5275

: 40 Dunkin Donuts Gig Harbor Loop Jocko Burks AM 6919 6th Avenue. with lunch stop. | Sat-Sun :00 UPS Fieldhouse. Miflersylvania H 3/28-3/29 N. 1ith & Union. Camping Trip. day. | Sun 9:30 30-35 First Interstate Bank Breakfast, Hawkes Harvey & Diane Lister | 3/29 AM Villa Plaza(Lakewood) 752-8636 |

Tues 20-40 Call The Rideline. Tuesday Rides. 2 Ride Leader Potluck.

3/31 759-2800 Call Rideline 759-2800

Steve & Phyllis Lay
759-1816

“fos

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:

If you find yourself free of worldly concerns on Tuesdays, call the ride line(759-2800), find out who the leader of the week is, ask your questions, and enjoy your freedom with other cyclists. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the pleasures of weekday riding. Volunteers to lead this ride are welcome. You may have a favorite route or destination that has not been used before. You can call Louis Boitano at 922-6156 for information.

Bikes(Bikers Ideal Kinematic Exploration Society), of Everett, WA, sponsors the McClinchy Mile, their annual St. Patrick’s Day ride. Six different routes are used, with distances from 21 to 79 miles. Each loop begins and ends in Monroe. For information and registration forms call Steven D. Huff at 206-856-2728.

(Ride Notes are continued on page 4)

TWC NEWSLETTER Page Three March, 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,

112078, Tacoma, WA 98411.

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

Ride Notes
(Continued from page 3)

Green River Bicycle Club and
Team Legs present the 11th annual
Icebreaker Time Trial on March 8,
1992. Flaming Geyser State Park is
the location, 12 miles east of Auburn
on the Green Valley Road.

A $10.00 fee gets you USCF
rules, food, and awards. You can
call Amy Kelley for information at
206-939-7492, or write The Green
River Bicycle Club at P.O. Box
1209, Auburn, WA 98071-1209.

Mountain Bike Adventure

.. .and then some. ..
by Bob Myrick :

On February 2, four explorers set out on another great mountain bike adventure from the Tall Timber Cafe in Eatonville. Bob Myrick, Louis Boitano, Kent Winker, and Lew Jones went across the Nisqually River to find the Little Nisqually River where it enters Alder Lake reservoir. We found the Little Nisqually after we went over a little hill about 1500 feet high. Louis and I have paddled our canoes on the Little Nisqually. I guess that is why we wanted to see it again.

In trying to find the Nisqually
River again, we decided to follow a
different road back. Since you are
reading this article, it proves we
found our way out.

We passed by Clear Lake in the Bald Hills. When we crossed the Nisqually River, the 20 mile ride had developed into 30 miles and counting. Kent and Lew had to go home, but Louis and I decided to find Mashel Falls in the Park Forest, since it was such a nice day. We found the falls, and it was spectacular. Since our planned route was blocked, we followed the railroad tracks out to the Alder Lake cutoff road.

Look in the ride calendar for our

Page Four

lunch ride to Mashel Fails. It will be
worth the effort.

Central Washington
Bicycle Trip Promises

Laser Show
by Joan Sanders

Have you ever dreamed about seeing a laser show on the largest screen in the world? Have you ever wanted to explore the old river bed of the mighty Columbia? Have you ever wanted to take a bike trip to central Washington which covers about 50 miles a day, leaving lots of time to explore the area you are traveling and not feel rushed? How about a nice refreshing swim after a day of cycling?

Do all of these things sound
appealing to you? They did to us, as
we were planning this summer’s trip
with Stan Sanders and Jim Davis.

Here is what you get for your time
and effort. Travel to Ellensburg on
the evening of July 24, or meet in
Vantage at 10:00 am on July 25th.
We will ride to Soap Lake, then
Grand Coulee Dam to see the laser
show. That will be followed by a
ride along the river as it travels south
and west to Bridgeport, Chelan,
Wenatchee, and back to Vantage on
July 3ist, and home. If we can
swing it we will have a sag so we
will not have to carry our gear.

Sound like fun? Put it on your
calendar and contact Stan Sanders or
Jim Davis at 564-4280 or 759-5616
for information and reservations.

March, 1992

Annual TWC Banquet
Has Record Turnout

by Sylvia Russell

TWC’s annual banquet, held at the Best Western Executive Inn in Fife on January 25, 1992, had a record turnout to help make the occasion a success. Seventy-three Club members, family and friends attended the event. Joe Ganem, representative for the Bicycle Federation of Washington in Olympia, also attended.

Entertainment at the banquet was the work of many Club volunteers. Carla Gramlich and Steve Brown presented a running video show of Club events they recorded during the past year. The traditional finale for the evening was the slide show organized by Steve and Phyllis Lay, and Diane Lister.

The banquet gives everyone the opportunity to relive memorable events during the past year. Bob Myrick presented a State-Of-The- Club message. Jan Wieser and the banquet committee presented awards for distinguished service to the Club, and for distinguished performances at Club events. Jon Turnipseed presented certificates and patches for Club mileage and rider leadership. The lavish buffet provided plenty of food, and the cake was decorated with an accurate depiction of Bob Myrick’s Pickle’s, Packwood, Paradise ride.

TWC likes to honor as many Club
members as possible at the banquet.
Traditional awards at the banquet
include;
Volunteers—awarded to
volunteers.

Ride Leaders—awarded to Club
members who lead rides.

¢Mileage—awards are given for total annual mileage in categories of 250, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 miles. Rides listed in the Club Newsletter, Rideline, or in the BFW ride sheet receive mileage credit. If you would like to keep track of your mileage

Club

for the next banquet, TWC mileage
log sheets are available from Jon
Turnipseed, Touring Captain. These
log sheets are also sent out with the
December Newsletter.

elst Century Award—awarded to
Club members completing their first
century(100 miles in one day)during
the past year.

The Banquet Committee needs your help in remembering the year’s events. You can help next year’s Banquet Committee by making a record of what others want to remember or forget. Contributions are always welcomed for categories such as: e*The Over The Bars Club"—membership to those who ended up off their bicycle when they were trying to stay on their bicycle. e“The Lost Sheep Award”—awarded to Club members who lose their way, and to ride leaders who lose their flock,

“Rain Wienies’—to honor
Club’s fair weather riders.

Plan now for next year’s annual
banquet, with your imaginative,
creative ideas, and many thanks to
those who made our 1992 banquet an
enjoyable time.

the

Mini-Minutes
TWC Board Meeting

The Board of Directors met on
February 4, 1992, Present were Bob
Myrick, presiding; Carla Gramlich,
Joyce Clifford, William Hoehne, Jon
Turnipseed, Tom Cornell, Brian
Wester, Cynthia Hammer, Louis
Boitano, and Sylvia Russell.

Storage—Tom Cornell reported on
the cost of storage space for Club
equipment. A spot check on prices in
his south end neighborhood showed
a 5x10x10 space costs $30 to $35 per
month, and a 10x10x10 space costs
$50 to $55 per month. Other storage
spaces and options were suggested
for exploration.

Mileage Patches—Jon Turnipseed

Page Five

presented the 1991 mileage
patches—a take off of the larger Club
patch. The supplier charged the Club
a one time set-up fee. In future years
the Club can order patches of the
same design. The copy and year
around the patch design can be
changed. Mileage tabs are easily
added to the patch. Current cost for
the patch is $2.00 to $2.50.
Daffodit Classic—Brian Wester
reported that the Daffodil Classic
will charge $7 for pre-registration,
and $9 for day-of-event registration.
Members will ride for $7. Family
registration will be $20 pre-
registration, and $25 for day-of-
event. ;
Peninsula Metric—Ride fees will be
$7 for pre-registration, and $10 for
day-of-event. Cynthia Hammer also
reported she is exploring advertising
in the Cascade Newsletter and the
Northwest Cyclist Newspaper. The
rates are nominal for small ads. The
consensus was to experiment with
ads to increase ridership.
Newsletter—William Hoehne
proposed new graphics for the front
page of the Newsletter—a halftone of
the 1888 TWC highwheelers in
sepia. The picture would be pre-
printed on a year’s supply of paper
stock for about $275.00 per year.
Monthly printing costs for 450
copies of the Newsletter with the
picture at six pages would increase
about $16.00. This expense will have
to be submitted to the Club
membership for approval. The Board
wanted a report on current Club
finances before presenting this
proposal to the membership.
Treasurer’s Statement—Due to
various proposals before the Board
for expenses not in the budget, the
treasurer was asked to prepare a
year-to-date statement summarizing
actual versus budgeted expenditures.
Phone Listing And Rideline—Carla
Gramlich and Cynthia Hammer
reported on various aspects of
(Continued on page 6)

March, 1992

Mini-Minutes

(Continued from page 5)

proposed changes for the phoneline.
The consensus was that the Club
listing should be under the Club
name instead of an individual’s

name. Discussion followed on
whether the Club should add a
second line.

Cash Advance—TWC issued a
$300.00 cash advance for a ride
presented following the League of
American Wheelmen’s Pro-Bike
Rally. Bob Myrick will pursue return
of this cash advance.

Newsletter Mailing To Rainier
Roadriders—Bob Myrick announced
that the Newsletter was mailed to
members of the Rainier Roadriders
Club, a Federal Way based bicycle
club that is disbanding. Bob
proposed a second mailing to the
Roadriders.

Northend Neighborhood Bicycle
Event—The neighborhood association
has asked TWC to participate in their
bicycle event. Bob Myrick passed the
information on to the Education and
Safety Committee.

Carless Commute—Bob Myrick discussed Pierce County’s Carless Commute Week. Last year it was known as Bike-To-Work Week. The Club is supporting this event with a financial contribution and participation.

Insurance Costs Increase
For Club Rides

Insurance coverage will be a big part of the budget for this year’s Daffodil Classic and Peninsula Metric rides. Last year insurance coverage for both rides was $400.00. This year insurance costs will increase to about $1.00 per rider.

Based on 1991 ride attendance,
insurance for the Daffodil Classic
will be almost $2000.00, and
insurance for the Peninsula Metric
will be about $500.00.

These cost projections for this
year’s rides are given to help
members understand what bills have
to be paid to put on a ride. Ride fees
have to be adjusted to meet such
increases.

Bob Myrick and Diane Lister have
been working on insurance for the
Club, and the policy through the
League of American Wheelmen
appears to be the best available.

jap WI evar wn Lae Oe

Carless Commute—

Plans Are Underway

TWC and Pierce County Parks and Recreation Department are pro- moting a traffic reduction program this year entitled the Carless Commute. This activity will feature a designated Carless Commute Week slated for May 18-22. Last year, we co-sponsored Bike-To-Work Week with a $1000.00 donation, and we will provide another $1000.00 this year.

The program is an innovative effort designed to minimize the heavy reliance on the single occupancy motor vehicle through promotion of bicycling, walking, carpooling or a combination thereof, along with mass transit.

This program is of special interest during this interim year in light of the Washington Transportation Demand Management Law(HB 2929), which stipulates that next year companies with 100 or more employees reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle miles. The Carless Commute Program is designed to provide this education, and entice employees to try alternate ways of getting to work. A volunteer

Page Six

coordinator in each organization and business is needed to promote the program and to schedule a time and place for a free Carless Commute Seminar offered by Pierce Transit. Do not expect your company to find a coordinator. Take the initiative and volunteer through your group or business.

Employees will be encouraged to
sign-up and participate. At the end of
the week the coordinator will tabulate
the mode of travel, miles, and dates.
Participants can earn an assortment
of individual and team awards. In
addition, participation will help
improve air and water quality,
decrease transportation congestion,
and improve health and fitness.

For more information Club
members can call Bob Myrick, 473-
7455, or Mike Dobb, 593-4176.
Bob is our Club president, and Mike
Dobb is with Pierce County Parks,
Recreation and Community Services.

®

Sprocket Woman—

A Big Success

TWC and Pierce County’s
Sprocketwoman program reached
4,280 students at 18 schools from
February to September of 1991.

For 1992, there are already twenty
performances scheduled, with a
possible audience of 4,435 students.

Your Club provides $1000.00 each
year to support this effort, and Club
member Jan Wieser was
Sprocketwoman for 1991. Many

thanks, Jan.

March, 1992

Heimet Safety Tips
May Save Your Life

We all know the importance of wearing a helmet while riding our bicycles. Two important elements related to wearing our helmets are its fit, and placing emergency information in the helmet in case of an accident.

Recently, a bicyclist died after
being hit by a car while crossing
some railroad tracks. This cyclist
was wearing a helmet, but still
received head injuries, and carried
no identification.

Please remember to write a name
and an emergency phone number
inside your helmet. Adjust your
helmet so it fits snugly on your head.
Helmet straps can loosen after
regular use.

These steps just may give you the
margin of safety you need in case of
an accident.

Mandatory Helmet Law
Moves Through State

Legislature

(Editor’s note: The following letter,
dated January 22, 1992, was sent to
Bicycle Federation of Washington
members and interested parties, by Joe
F. Ganem III, Executive Director.)

On January 13th, the first day of the ’92 Session, a bill(SB 6030)proposing to create a state law fequiring all persons 16 and under to wear helmets while riding a bicycle was introduced. Senator Jim West, the bill’s sponsor and Chair of the Senate Health & Long Term Care committee proceeded to hold a hearing on the bill in his committee on January 16th. Clearly, this perennial issue is back again, and very early in this short (60 day) session.

The BFW has opposed Mandatory
Helmet legislation in the past,
especially when it discriminates on
the basis of age. However, last year,

the Board approved a position
statement which accepts Helmet
legislation that includes the following
components:

©The requirement for helmets affects
all ages.

eImplementation is delayed to
provide for a period of education
preceding enforcement.
eEnforcement is as a secondary
offense.

Warnings would be issued for a
time, before full enforcement.

The hearing ended with agreement
by the bill sponsor, Senator West, to
most of our concerns. Only the
enforcement as a secondary offense

did not survive. As it now stands, the |

bill, expected to come out of the
committee with a Do Pass

recommendation, includes the
following:
eAll bicycle operators and/or

passengers will be required to wear a
helmet (ANSI or Snell) approved by
the State Patrol.

Warnings may be issued beginning
July 1, 1993.

Traffic infraction citations may be
issued after January 1, 1994 (full
enforcement date).

Renters of bicycles are required to
be “reasonably satisfied” that a rider
has and will use a helmet.
Guardians must not knowingly
permit a minor to operate a bicycle
without a helmet.

®Sellers of bicycle helmets must sell
only helmets that meet the state
standards.

eApplies to the use of a bicycle on
all public roads, paths, trails, and
sidewalks.

Failure to comply is not negligence,
and can’t be used as evidence in a
civil action.

The bill, even as it was originally written, had the support of the Washington State Medical Association (a former opponent), Group Health, and the Traffic Safety Commission. With our amendatory changes, The Department of Health,

Page Seven

King County, and the Capitol Bicycle
Club testified in support of the bill.

This issue of mandatory helmets has long been a bone of contention within our ranks, and will probably continue to be regardless of the outcome here. But the board recognized last year that several factors now called for a change in direction.

Helmets have gained greater
acceptance, and nearly all organized
bicycle groups now require them in
their rides and events.

Statistics demonstrate the injury prevention value of helmets, which is supported by the fact that most of our members voluntarily wear them. Strategically, it does not make sense for cyclists, who have now gained greater public roadway respectability, to be seen opposing something they do anyway as they share roadway safety obligations. As a bicycle organization, our prime responsibility is to promote better and safer bicycling. When we ask for legislative support and relief, we need to demonstrate our political maturity and come to consensus, despite our individual attitudes.

The BFW board’s action to support this position is based in part on the belief that it serves our long term interest as bicyclists. Opposition based on issues not related to bicycle safety are the concern of others and a matter of independent choice. We hope you agree.

Please let us know your thoughts on this subject. We will endeavor to keep you informed on this, and other legislative happenings during the session. Our Federal Way office address and phone number are; BFW Administrative Office, P.O, Box 4033, Federal Way, WA 98063. 206-874-8630. FAX-206-874-8685.

a

March, 1992