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ACTIVITY NEWS: May 2005

     What's in this Issue?

1. The President's Draft
2. Annual TCBC Watermelon Ride
3. In Brief
4. Bike To Work Events in the Twin Cities
5. Mileage and Stats
6. Upcoming Events
7. All-Club Memorial Ride
8. League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit
9. Join Other New Riders at the "Ease Into Biking" Series of rides!
10. New TCBC Ride Leaders for 2005
11. Trails and Routes News
12. Weekend On Wheels 25: Food, Fun and Bikes Forever
13. Weekend On Wheels History 1999-2004
14. TCBC Board of Directors and Contacts

The President's Draft

It's early April as I write this - the temperature outside is a very nice 70 degrees, and dreams of this year’s upcoming bicycling season are dancing in my head!

I see fabulous scenery, safe routes, law-abiding bicyclists, and smiles. I feel the excitement for the 2005 bicycling season because it is all shiny and new! I look forward to meeting new friends, seeing long-time friends and getting the bike back out on TCBC club rides!

I feel enthusiasm too for where the club itself is heading - we have five Club Focus Items that will help us build an even better club. The Focus Item Task Groups are – New Member Welcoming, Rider Education, Outreach, Rider Recognition, and Our Club’s 25th Anniversary Weekend on Wheels. If you have an interest in partipating in any of these, please e-mail me at mrbikey@mn.rr.com or call me at 612-432-5393.

So, welcome Minnesota IRONMAN Bicycle Riders (you are receiving this copy of the Twin Cities Bicycling Club ACTIVITY NEWS because you pre-registered for this year's Minnesota IRONMAN Bicycle Ride)! Welcome to our newest TCBC riders! And finally, welcome back to our long-time TCBC riders!

Please take a few minutes to look through this 10-issues per year
publication to find a variety of TCBC rides, with varying distances and
various ride key ratings. Last year our club’s ride leaders led over 900 rides. Our riders pedalled a total of 415,000 miles – that’s almost 17 times around the equator - just for fun - at a 15 MPH pace with riding 24 hours a day for 7 days a week, it would take over 3 years for one person to complete such a ride!

If you are not a member of the club yet, you are welcome anytime to join us on a ride. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the depart time listed in the ride description. This will allow yourself enough time to get your bike ready and yourself ready. Sign up with the ride leader, pay a non-member fee of $2 per ride, get a copy of the map, and listen to the ride briefing.

Or better yet, become a TCBC member for $25 and ride as many TCBC rides as
you would like for a whole year!

TCBC rides are varied and diverse. Each ride is rated from A rides (which are the most difficult and challenging) to C rides (which are the most social and good for starters) and every ride rating in between. See the Ride Ratings on the schedule pages for more details.

This winter's paltry snow has melted and the sand on the roads is getting swept up by the cities. Now is the time to get back out in our Minnesota and
Wisconsin warmth and sunshine to ride with TCBC!

Looking forward to seeing you on a TCBC ride real soon!

Mike Beadles

Annual TCBC Watermelon Ride    

by Marina Lim

Looking for something fun to do on July Fourth? The 24th Annual Watermelon Ride is coming up soon. How about getting some fresh morning air, exercise, and the reward of a tasty picnic lunch afterwards? Come and enjoy a ride on your bike with lots of people, then have lunch and socialize, or enjoy the lake scenery while giving your legs a rest. Spouses, friends, and families are welcome to come along. You do not need to be a TCBC club member to ride in this event, but each rider must be registered.

At registration we will be promoting safety and education by holding a bike rodeo, designed for both kids and adults. Come early to participate in the rodeo before you start the ride. Learn skills on how to approach intersections and driveways safely. Have your helmet checked and adjusted for proper fitting. Ride the course and learn new bicycle skills such as figure 8’s, circles, and riding between parallel lines. The rodeo will be held in the parking lot of Deluxe Corporation -- the same location as the ride start.

There are three rides to choose from: 15, 25, and 55 miles. The 15-mile ride is held on mostly paved trails and is perfect for those new to cycling, and children riding with adults. The 15-mile ride has a rest stop at Vadnais Lake. The 25-mile ride loops through Shoreview, White Bear Township and Vadnais Heights, with one rest stop at Tamarack Park. The 25-mile ride will have mechanical support available.

For a challenge try the 55-mile ride. This ride follows the 25-mile route and rest stop, and then has a 30-mile unsupported segment before returning to the 25-mile route. Riders on the 55-mile route should be prepared to fix their own flat tires or other repairs. At the end of all the rides is a delicious hot dog, baked beans, and watermelon lunch at Snail Lake Park in Shoreview for all the riders (lunch is included in your registration fee).

Pre-register for the rides by mail, using the form in this newsletter, or go online to www.biketcbc.org. Unsure of your schedule that day? You can register at the ride start, which is at Deluxe Corporation, 5689 Victoria Avenue, just south of Hwy 694. You can start riding anytime between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

On site registration for the 55-mile ride opens at 7:30 AM, and at 8:30 AM for the shorter rides. There is a discount for early bird registration and TCBC members, so if you are thinking of joining TCBC, now is a great time to save a few bucks. Every rider must sign a waiver and parents/guardians must sign for participating minors. Helmets are required. See you then!

In Brief

NEXT ACTIVITY NEWS DEADLINE will be Monday, May 9.

NOTE TO MEMBERS: Those of you who pre-registered to ride the IRONMAN by mid-April will probably be receiving two copies of this issue, because it’s being sent to all pre-registrants, in addition to TCBC members.

JULY 4 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Volunteering for the Watermelon Ride is a great way to be a part of TCBC. We have lots of opportunities for you to spend a couple of hours helping to make this – our 24th year – another successful event ride for the club. Volunteer for three hours and ride for free, and eat all the hot dogs you ever dreamed of! We need volunteers to help with the bike rodeo, registration, ride marshals, rest stops, and more. Check out the Watermelon Ride at BikeTCBC.org and reserve your volunteer spot now.

SCHEDULE NOTES: Rides listed beyond the current month are subject to change. Many will be added in each month to come. For example, for June rides, you should check the June newsletter, or check the web page at www.biketcbc.org.

REMINDER TO TRIPPERS: Our schedule lists the times a bike ride is actually supposed to be pulling out of the parking lot, so you should arrive at least 15-30 minutes before that, with enough time to get yourself and your bike ready, and probably have some fellowship too.

SAFETY TIP: Know which brake lever goes with which wheel. On most bikes, RIGHT IS REAR. Never use the front brake alone! ALWAYS use the rear brake FIRST. For quick stops, use both brakes and shift your weight to the rear of the bike. Many over-the-handlebar accidents are caused by incorrect use of the brakes, so learn how to use them properly.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION: Please be considerate of your family and fellow bikers and carry an ID, insurance card, and emergency contact numbers on your person when participating in a TCBC ride. It’s the responsible thing to do!

CEDAR LAKE TRAIL PROBLEMS: Minneapolis Police have reported at least four people were robbed on the trail in early April – the part nearer downtown. Unfortunately, there are bridge pillars to hide behind. Police have increased their patrols there. Trail users are urged to be cautious and alert and travel in groups if possible. There are alternative bike routes around that area too.

TREMENDOUS TURNOUT of at least 100 leaders at the Leader Forum on April 2. Thanks to those who organized and conducted it. Let’s have another safe and outstanding year!

INSURANCE WAIVERS: All TCBC members must sign a waiver yearly, so if you haven’t yet signed one for 2005, please either download it from our website (documents section), sign and mail it to the TCBC PO Box, or sign one at the next TCBC ride you attend (all leaders should have the form).

THE TWIN CITIES has been designated a BIKE TO WORK Bike Town for 2005 by Bicycling Magazine. That means they are in the process of giving away 50 bikes, especially to people who are not very active cyclists. (They check with the people later and write articles in the magazine about how their lives have changed.) Too late now to apply, but we will be hearing more about this months from now in the recap!

Bike To Work Events in the Twin Cities

Minneapolis Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 5
During the Metro Commuter Challenge Week

Join fellow commuters and elected officials for the Commuter Challenge Bike/Walk on Thursday, May 5. This year's event has six organized bike routes and three organized walk routes to Downtown Minneapolis. Elected officials will be accompanying some routes. All routes will commence at 7:00 am and will converge at the Hennepin County Government Center Plaza (on 5th Street) at about 7:30 am. Refreshments and prizes will be given away.

http://www.mplstmo.org/pages/bike_walk.htm

Bike Safely to Work Day, Thursday, May 19
National Bike to Work Week is May 16-20.

Join fellow bicyclists and dignitaries for Bike Safely to Work Day. This annual event encourages commuters who drive to work to leave their motor vehicles at home and, instead, take their bicycles to work.

Choose from more than a dozen bike routes in the Twin Cities area; routes and ride leaders provided by the Twin Cities Bicycling Club (TCBC). Rides will depart in time to arrive at their destinations by 8 AM. There are numerous routes going into both downtowns and a few other locations. The ride is free to the public. TCBC members get mileage credit for participating.

Routes lead by TCBC ride leaders include:

Taft Park to St. Paul – Hugh Gitlin
46th Street Transit Station on the Light Rail line to St. Paul – Lisa Austin
Gateway Trail to St. Paul – Ron Plinske
Roseville via Como Park to St. Paul – Pete Hawkins and Doug Nelson
Woodbury to St. Paul – Lucia Pierson
Roseville to Minneapolis – Kristine Poelzer and Irene Erickson
Edina to Minneapolis – Kristine Poelzer
Hopkins to Minneapolis and U of M – Mike Beadles and Dick Hartmann
Minneapolis to Richfield – Stephan Kieu
S. Minneapolis to Best Buy – Scott Larson
Coon Rapids to Minneapolis – Jim Dohogne
694 Park and Ride to Minneapolis – Liz Sands
St. Paul Sears to Minneapolis – Patt Seleen

Visit www.sharetheroadmn.org for routes and event details. Participants in TCBC-led rides must wear helmets.

Consider riding into the Capitol that day, even if you aren’t going to work to help kick off Share the Road, a new bicycle safety education program, aimed at bicyclists and motorists to reduce bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. Some St. Paul rides will terminate at the Capitol Complex, where a news conference announcing Share the Road will be held following the rides. For more information on bicycle safety, visit the Web site.

Enjoy snacks and beverages and visit biking booths at the Capitol complex!

Bicycling Magazine Biketown representatives will also be on hand to present the 50 recipients of the FREE commuter bikes. Join the winners for an inaugural ride around the Capitol after the news conference.

Encourage others to ride and encourage your friends, family and neighbors to ride to work!

Bike Safely to Work Day is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the State Bicycle Advisory Committee with rides led by the Twin Cities Bicycle Club.

Mileage and Stats

Here are the trip report totals submitted since November 1. This winter ended up pretty wimpy, with only 25 inches of snow, and each month from September through February had above-average temps. Both of last year’s mileage champions are leading again!

MEN
1032 TONY STIFTER
969 JOHN GESME
871 SCOTT LARSON
855 MICHAEL MCNUTT
735 JIM JOY
687 JEFF JOHNSON
663 RICHARD FRANCO
661 LEE THIELMAN
627 MIKE NIZIELSKI
625 JOE HAMLIN
596 CHARLES BREER
587 TIM MILLER

WOMEN
1127 KATIE ANGLE
793 PATT SELEEN
787 SUE BLUM
703 CINDY HANSON
613 MARY NELSEN
601 LISA DUST
526 SUSAN EVAN
468 MARY DERKS
446 KATHLEEN LEPP
411 KATE KOVAR
408 KRISTINE POELZER
383 ROHANDA VICTORSEN

TOTAL RIDES: Larson 36, McNutt 30, Joy 28, Stifter and Hamlin 27. Angle 39, Seleen 24, Dust and Hanson 22, Blum 20.

Upcoming Events

MAY 21-22 CRUISIN' THE COULEES OVERNIGHT. A/B. Meet at 10 AM both days. Experience some splendid riding through the “lost in time” valleys of beautiful southwestern Wisconsin! The Saturday ride, with options of 65 or 50 miles, departs at 10:30 AM from Pepin, Wisconsin. Pepin is about 70 scenic miles southeast of the Twin Cities on WI Hwy. 35. In Pepin, turn right on Prairie St for two blocks to 1st St. Veer left, cross the R.R. tracks, and park in the lot along the riverfront by the Pickle Factory Restaurant. After the ride we’ll scrub up and meet for some good eatin’ at the famous Harbor View Restaurant. (Note that the Harbor View accepts cash or checks only, no credit cards). We’ll stay overnight in Pepin. Please check the web (search Pepin WI) for lodging options.

The Sunday ride departs from Alma, Wisconsin at 10:30 AM, with options of 65, 58 and 44 miles, with the first 27 miles in common. Alma is about 16 miles south of Pepin on Hwy 35. Meet and park on Main St (WI 35) at the north end of town near Lock and Dam #4. The official breakfast will be at the Pier 4 Cafe, 600 North Main St in Alma, just north of the Lock and Dam. The leaders will meet there around 9:00 AM. Please join us. Both days feature beautiful back roads into the hills and dales of Wisconsin's famed "coulee country". Be ready for lots of ups and downs. Bring strong legs! Day-trippers most welcome. Leaders: Bob Hoffman, 651-430-2676, and Rebecca Lawrence.

JUNE 9-11 CENTRAL LAKES TRAIL. We invite you to help join in on this discovery trek of the scenic Central Lakes Trail, a Century+ ride over three days at a C pace. Smell some roses along the way and recreate at end of day. We'll trek from Osakis to Fergus Falls in near-equal round trip segments. Day 1, Osakis to Garfield and return. Day 2, Garfield to Ashby and return. Day 3, Ashby to Fergus Falls and return. Optional post-ride activities centered in and around Alexandria. Make your own lodging accommodations. "EARLY IS BETTER". Terry Osell is Ambassador for this trip. Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381 and Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009. Cell phone at ride: 952-334-5382. See the schedule.

JUNE 16-18 SAKATAH SINGING HILLS STATE TRAIL - RED JACKET - SOUTH ROUTE TRAILS C RIDES. 25-45 mi/day. Ride the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail the complete distance in both directions and the Red Jacket Trail and South Route trails on the same trip. Join in on 2 days of biking the Sakatah Singing Hills (paved trail) from Faribault to Mankato. We'll divide daily mileage with Elysian as the midpoint, making round trips each day. On Saturday, our 3rd day, we'll bike the Red Jacket and a portion of the South Route Trail out of Mankato. Make your own lodging accommodations or commute daily from your home base. Optional fun post-ride activities. Come for 1,2, or all 3 days. Don Picard, 952-894-3431 and Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381. Cell phone at ride: 952-334-5382. See the schedule.

JULY 14-17 A really “cheesy” long weekend in south-central WI focusing on the Sugar River and Military Ridge Trails. This four-day tripful of C rides starts in New Glarus with the Sugar River Trail. We’ll combine the 46-mile round-trip trail ride with a cheese fondue dinner at the Chalet Landhaus, shopping the gift shops of “Little Switzerland” and touring one or more of the great WI cheese factories in the area. Then we’ll head to the Military Ridge Trail, starting at Mount Horeb, site of the world’s only Mustard Museum, and the only city officially designated as a “trollway” complete with statues of trolls. The trail connects, via the Capital City Trail, to the Glacial Drumlin Trail, so the truly ambitious pedal-pushers will have an extra-miles option. The area is close to Madison and several major cheese producers, so there will be plenty of after-ride things to do. All trails are crushed limestone except the paved Capital City Trail. Leaders will be Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381, and Don Picard, 952-894-3431. Complete details in June issue.

AUGUST 19-21: Ride “da Range” on the Mesabi Trail. $3.00 daily wheel pass is required. Join this C-plus ride on the Mesabi Trail and experience Minnesota’s Iron Range up close and personal. We will bike on paved surface trails joining the bustling cities of Eveleth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Chisholm. We’ll visit Ironworld, which features a museum with exhibits telling the story of the Range’s geology, mining, immigration, life skills, and traditions. There is a 1920’s Mesabi Railway trolley ride taking us through a mining “town” and showing us the spectacular views of the Glen-Godfrey Open Pit Mine. There will be motel and RV park campground lodging options that you will book on your own. After-ride activities (optional) include dining at the Whistling Bird in Gilbert, a night out at Zimmy’s featuring Bob Dylan memorabilia, and a play at the Hibbing Community Center, or a visit to the Palucci Planetarium. Yes, there are hills – this is the Range. Ambassadors will be Duane and Diana Kasper, 952-448-1608, or kasperddt@aol.com. Leaders: Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381; Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009. Complete details will be in future issues.

SEPT 16-18 ROOT RIVER VALLEY TRAILS WEEKEND. Welcome C riders and friends to our three days in Lanesboro! We hope you can join us for our third annual event to explore this beautiful area in SE Minn. We will be riding all three days, but come when you can. Some of us will go to the Commonweal Theater to attend their productions. Friday night’s is Moliere’s “Scapin” and Saturday’s will be Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” which is a classic comedy of wit and satire. Call Herb Schultz to reserve your tickets. This is a popular area on weekends, so be sure to reserve a place to stay soon. The Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce number is 1-888-223-4258. Some of us also camp in Lanesboro. Looking forward to seeing old and new friends there! Call us if you have questions and also let us know you will be there! Clareyse Nelson, 612-623-3009, or Herb Schultz, 952-941-4381.

All Club Memorial Ride

For Memorial Day Weekend this year, the TCBC Board has decided to organize an All-Club Memorial Ride to celebrate and remember TCBC members who have passed away over the years, such as Paul Grisim, Gail Elliott, and recently Bahram Daneshvar. We will reminisce about them briefly as a group before the ride. The ride itself, named after Paul in 1994, will not change.

This ride will be Saturday, May 28. We will use the three basic routes we have been using for a few years. We think of this event as a great chance to socialize and start the summer together, and we hope you can join us. Last year’s Labor Day Weekend All-Club Ride had around 150 people attending.

We’ll be starting again at Snail Lake Park in Shoreview, the big pavilion at the top of the hill, NOT the parking lot by the beach. It has bathrooms, tables, and a big play area. Other recreation, such as volleyball and frisbee, may be possible. The location is on Snail Lake Blvd in Shoreview. From 694, go north on Victoria and east on Snail Lake Blvd.

Routes will again be northeast into Washington County. Mileages on the overlapping routes will be about 29, 48, and 63 miles, with the longest route running through Marine on St. Croix. Route leaders will include Doug Nelson, 651-639-9917, tcbcdoug@mtn.org, and Pete Hawkins, 763-786-3792, pmh@peoplepc.com.

We will not be reserving the picnic shelter, but riders are welcome to bring their own snacks or lunches to enjoy after the ride. There is a pop machine and rest rooms. There’s no need to make reservations for the ride.

Please arrive in time to form into three groups for the leader briefing, which will start around 9:30 AM. Groups will start a few minutes apart. We hope to see many of you there!

League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit

By Lisa Austin

Over 300 people from 47 states attended the Fifth Annual National Bike Summit sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) in Washington D.C. on March 16-18. The purpose of the National Bike Summit is to make the interests of bicyclists more visible to representatives of the House and Senate. I was honored to represent both the Mn/DOT State Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Twin Cities Bicycle Club.

Widespread Support
It is an exciting time to be advocating for bicycling issues. We are no longer a small special interest group. There is bipartisan support from many agencies including Public Health Departments who are interested in seeing the public exercising in their daily lives and Transportation Departments seeking to mitigate traffic congestion any way they can. A relatively small investment in bicycling facilities can potentially save a lot of money in the long run on health, environment and transportation costs.

The Universe of Bicyclists
Even though we have a lot of support it is still difficult to express how many people we represent because it is hard to define the universe of bicyclists. Bicyclists are a very large and diverse population, but many people who ride bikes don’t call themselves bicyclists. From BMX-ers, to commuters, mountain bikers, touring bikers, road racers, trail riders on hybrid bikes, and families with bikes who ride around the campground or to the Dairy Queen – we all ride bikes!

The Summit
Day One was devoted to a variety of workshops. For those newer to the process there were sessions on the legislative requests. For veterans of the cause there were more advanced topics including: “Running for Elected Office: Don’t Ask for the Vote, BE the Vote!”, “Economic Benefits of Bicycling” and “Improving Bike and Transit Connectivity”.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta delivered the keynote address. His participation is a good sign that bicycle-related issues are being taken seriously. Secretary Mineta’s very supportive speech can be found at htttp://www.dot.gov/affairs/minetasp031605.htm.

Day Two we went to the Hill. Five Minnesotans joined hundreds of others from around the country to lobby on Capitol Hill for bicycling. The neon bikes pinned to our suit lapels drew a lot of attention - people stopped us in the halls to ask: “What are the bikes for?” Conversations about bikes always bring forth smiles and good stories. The Minnesota delegation visited the offices of all but one of the Congressmen/women and Senators from Minnesota. It was a long day in which we recorded 10 miles on our pedometer.

Transportation Funding
Bills to fund transportation are introdued every 5-6 years. The last bill, TEA-21, officially expired in September of 2003 with a series of extensions. The current one expires May 31, 2005. All legislators were very eager to get a longer term bill passed this year. The entire transportation budget is almost $300 billion and includes all transportation projects including highways and bridges. The bicycling portion is still less than one percent.

At the time of the National Bike Summit, the House bill had passed and the Senate bill was just out of committee. By the time this newsletter is printed the Senate will have voted on their bill. Once passed, the next step then is for the House and Senate to negotiate the differences.

Our Messages to the Hill
We were asked to deliver the following messages to legislators from LAB:

1 – We are pretty happy with the funding levels for bicycling facilities, but we want to make sure what is in both the House and Senate bills remains there in the final version.

2 – Ask the Senate to include the “Safe Routes to Schools” program. (This program was in the House bill, but not the Senate bill.) Basically it provides resources for communities to create safe biking and walking routes to schools. Most kids are dropped off at school by car. Encouraging kids to walk would help get kids more active and hopefully start some lifelong habits of biking and walking for transportation.

3 – Ask the House to add the “Fair Share for Safety” program. (This one was already in the Senate version.) Evidently approximately 10% of all trips involve biking and walking, and account for 13% of all traffic fatalities. On average states spend less than two percent of federal safety funds on projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. We want the investment in safety programs for biking and walking to be more in-line with the risks.

4 – Ask for the Bicycle Commuter Act to be passed – This would extend the transportation fringe benefit in the tax code to include bicycle commuters. Under current law an employer can offer employees incentives to use alternative modes of transportation (including public transportation and carpooling) for commuting to work in order to reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and wear and tear on roads.

5 – Ask for the “Complete Streets” language to be added to the bill. In 2000 the U.S. DOT issued guidance saying, “bicycling and walking facilities will be incorporated into all transportation projects unless exceptional circumstances exist.” But by their own admission, fewer than half of the states follow this guidance. The new transportation bill says “bicycle transportation facilities and pedestrian walkways shall be considered, where appropriate, in conjunction with all new construction and reconstruction of transportation facilities…” This is weak language and should be changed to parallel the U.S. DOT guidelines. This “ask” has been on the list for many years and until it is adopted we will continue to request the language be made stronger so it mandates compliance.

Write your Congressmen/women and Senators
It is always good to let your representatives know your views. Please consider letting representatives from your district know you are a bicycle enthusiast and expect them to represent your interests.

Congressman Oberstar
As Minnesotans at the Summit we enjoyed some recognition. Congressman Oberstar is seen around the country as a hero and champion of all things bicycle. He has been a pioneer in getting federal support for all bicyclists. Sitting on the transportation committee for most of his career, and now holding the position of ranking Democrat, he is able to influence federal transportation funding for bicycling. His interest in bicycling is a personal one – he loves to bicycle. Bicyclists as an interest group have historically not contributed to politicians’ election campaigns.

On Day Three, Congressman Oberstar wanted to meet with the Minnesotans for breakfast. He entertained us in the private dining room in the Capitol for House members. I presented him with a TCBC water bottle, map clip and a Bike Atlas and on behalf of the Mn/DOT and the State Bicycle Advisor Committee, we presented him with the first copy of the new Mn/DOT Bicycling Modal Plan. This is a comprehensive plan that Mn/DOT has been working on for the past 22 months. It was recently approved by Lt. Governor / Commission of Transportation Molnau. The new modal plan can be found at: www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/modal_plan.pdf

Congressman Oberstar has been serving in Washington since 1963. He started on the staff of his predecessor Congressman Blatnik. Through the years he has developed a real interest and appreciation for the art and architecture in and around the Capitol. After breakfast he gave us a tour pointing out some of his favorite pieces of art and sharing personal and historical stories from around the Capitol. With the Congressman as our guide we walked freely past guards and in areas restricted to other tourists.

Congressional Caucus Bike Ride
The only fitting way to end an event like this is a bike ride. Bikes were provided for us to rent. The 10-mile ride around DC took us by many of the most notable landmarks. For photos of the ride and more information on the summit visit http://www.bikeleague.org/events/summit05.html

League of American Cyclists
For more on the National Bike Summit visit the www.bikeleague.org. Please consider joining the LAB. For only $30 a year you can support this very important organization. Membership includes a subscription to Bicycling Magazine which I know many of us receive. So next time your subscription is up for renewal, consider joining the League instead!

Join Other New Riders at the Elm Creek "Ease Into Biking" Series!

Fairly new to biking? Want to EASE back into riding after a long winter?
Welcome to a set of six C rides aimed at newer riders or those who want friendly rides at a relaxed pace.

We will be exploring the mostly-flat North Hennepin Trail Corridor between the Coon Rapids Dam and the more rolling Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove. Over 6 Saturday morning rides (May 14, 21 and June 4, 11, 18, 25), we’ll gradually increase our distance and challenge while having fun! (On May 28, the Saturday this ride doesn’t meet, our All-Club Memorial Ride will include a C-level route.) Come to one ride, several, or all. Stay afterwards for lunch at nearby Culvers.

Arrive about 9 AM so you have time to get your bike and yourself ready, especially if you want to check your tire pressure, adjust a seat, or review shifting. We will have a pre-ride gathering at about 9:20. Bring at least one filled water bottle, a spare tube, and any questions.

DIRECTIONS: from Hwy 694, take Hwy 252 north 3.4 miles to the new Hwy 610. Get in LEFT lane. Turn left (west) on Hwy 610 for 3 miles. Turn right (north) on Zane Ave. N./Co. Rd. 14 for 1.6 miles. Zane becomes Douglas Drive. At 109th Ave. N, turn right into Holiday lot. (If coming from the west, from Hwy 694 go north on Hwy 169 for 5.1 miles, turn right at the lights on 109th Ave. N. for 1.6 miles; left into the Holiday at Douglas Drive).

Please call either of us before the ride if you have ANY questions about biking, clothing, weather, or directions. We are looking forward to seeing you there! Carolyn Caswell 763-315-3687, or Paul Huntington 651-486-2731.

New TCBC Leaders for 2005 

Congratulations and welcome to another fine bunch of TCBC leaders who recently completed our Leader Training Course. Along with the dedication of our experienced leaders, this influx of new blood every year is what keeps our biking program so vibrant. Please keep in mind the great effort put forth by our leaders to provide you with so many and such varied rides and remember to say THANKS! Also, please be especially kind to our new leaders as they begin their new role in TCBC.

Pictured is the TCBC Ride Leader Class of 2005: kneeling or sitting from L-R: Peter Fischer, Dan Miller, Susie Anderson, Cindy Hanson, Steve O’Rourke, Pete Hawkins (instructor). Standing from L-R: Steve Block, John Hoffman, Walter Griffin, Gil Clounie, Mary Miller, Don Picard, Nancy Wall, Steve Scholl, Marina Lim, Steve Steuck, Jim Pederson, Leon Webster, Richard Franco, Kathleen Lepp, Jim Pittenger, Jeff Hofstede, David Pfuhl.

By Pete Hawkins

Trails and Routes News 

GREENWAY TRAIL in Minneapolis: part of it, between Park and 13th, will still be blocked off until sometime in May. There will be a grand opening this spring for the eastern section that opened to Hiawatha Avenue last fall.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER BLVD in St. Paul: the path along it, and possibly the road itself, will be blocked off until mid-May between north of Summit Ave and the Marshall/Lake Street Bridge. They are replacing a retaining wall on the north side of the ravine that the road jogs around near St. Thomas. There will be a detour on residential streets.

OLD CEDAR AVENUE BIKE BRIDGE: A recent Pioneer Press article recaps the problems of this bridge, built in 1920 and closed for safety in 2002. It now sits barricaded and unused. The bridge was a crucial link across the Minnesota River between Bloomington and Eagan. Legislators and officials have so far failed to find a funding source to fix or replace it, which could cost over $4 million. The problem seems mired in bureaucracy.

NEW BIKE BRIDGE: This long concrete structure is being built across the Hwy. 61 construction project in Newport, where 12th Street used to cross. It has spirals on both ends! Our South Washington County Tour on April 3 went right under the bridge. Group rides should be able to use it, eventually, to cross 61.

LINK BETWEEN THE PAUL BUNYAN AND HEARTLAND TRAILS: This three-quarter mile stretch of gravel near Akeley is scheduled to be paved this summer.

BLUE MOUND BIKE/HIKE TRAIL: This six-mile paved trail from downtown Luverne to Blue Mound State Park is completed. (EDITOR’S NOTE: This park in SW Minn is certainly worth visiting!)

BLAZING STAR STATE TRAIL, 6 miles, now links Albert Lea to Big Island State Park. In August, the Central Lakes Trail between Osakis and Fergus Falls will become a state trail – it’s all been open since last year.

HIGHWAY 36 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT will involve redoing a segment of the Gateway Trail through North St. Paul. The trail detour will use North St. Paul streets. The project will eliminate many of the at-grade crossings and improve safety, including a new bike/ped bridge over 36. The project is scheduled to start in spring 2006 and end by spring 2008.

Mn/DOT LIST of construction projects is just out. Your editor didn’t see any plans seeming to cause disasters for bike routes in the northern or eastern metro. Washington County is not planning many road projects this year. Looks like the regular Paul Bunyan route between Anoka and Mille Lacs, though, will be seriously affected.

REMINDER: The St. Croix bridge crossing at Stillwater will be completely closed from August 1 until November 1. Also, it may be closed at irregular short intervals before that. Leaders, take note.

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL’s 25-year draft plan calls for acquiring and developing 123 miles of trails in the metro. Targeted areas include the Crow River corridor, north-south and east-west trails in Dakota County, connector trails linking Baker, Crow-Hassan, and Elm Creek Park Reserves, and an east-west trail in Scott County. Pressure is on and interest is high on acquiring more parks and recreation opportunities. Show us how to find the funding…..

“TRAIL USE IS JUST EXPLODING in our park system,” said Greg Mack, Director of Parks and Recreation for Ramsey County, in a Star Tribune article. “It’s one of the top requested improvements.” In the next year, Mn/DOT will for the first time publish a comprehensive map showing all the bikeways and trails in the nine-county metro area.

By Doug Nelson

Weekend On Wheels 25: Food, Fun and Bikes Forever

Where were you 25 years ago? Reagan was in the White House, gas prices stunk, and TCBC put on its first Weekend on Wheels. This year, we're celebrating a 25th annual WOW - wow! It’s August 12-14. Every TCBC member and friend of cycling is invited to join us for three days of fun in Menomonie, WI, an hour or so east of the Twin Cities.

This year's WOW will feature routes of 30-100 miles Saturday, and 30-60 miles on Sunday -- all designed by respected TCBC leaders who know the area, like Tony Wanschura (2004 Ride Leader of the Year) and Scott Larson (2003 Ride Leader of the Year). Routes will feature the challenging terrain of this region of Wisconsin, with the reward of riding on quiet country roads with beautiful scenery! (For those seeking a gentler day out, the trail ride option of 15-40 miles each day is on a flat, crushed limestone state trail.)

All routes include a fully-stocked rest stop, mechanical support from our friends at Sunrise Cyclery, maps, TCBC ride insurance, and more! You can even arrange to stay in the dorms at UW-Stout and attend the gala 25th Anniversary WOW banquet Saturday night. For those coming in Friday evening, we're also planning a TCBC ride, and a group gathering to partake of some pre-Saturday carb loading at a local fish fry. (Details forthcoming in future issues.)

There's also a chic and fashionable Weekend on Wheels jersey available to celebrate the event. See this issue of ACTIVITY NEWS for details on how to order by June 10 to wear this statement on your back during WOW.

Watch the TCBC web site for more developments and details about WOW 25, and fill out the registration form in this issue by July 25 to be a part of the fun!

Weekend On Wheels History 1999-2004

(This year is the 25th anniversary of the first Weekend on Wheels to St. Peter in 1981. WOW was originally designed as an out-and-back one-night weekend adventure. So far I have covered how the ride began and the first 18 years of it. Starting in 1994, WOW was based in one location with day loop rides. Quotes are from our newsletter.)

1999 recap: These were the same routes as the previous year, with the longest routes reaching Menomonie and Elmwood on Sat, and Maiden Rock on Sun. Very little was written about it. Friday evening routes were 35 miles and shorter, followed by root beer floats and a new prize drawing. Saturday was the coolest WOW day ever – a high of only 65.

2000: This was WOW #20, and the ride moved back to August after being in late June the previous four years. Reasons were to get stronger legs, to find less of a chance of rain, and because of fewer competing events. The routes were nearly exactly the same as the previous two years. This was the last of 10 straight years at River Falls, famous for its hilly and scenic routes. Co-chairs were Mike Beadles and Graeme Braithwaite. Near the end of all routes on Sat was the informal stop at Lebo’s Farm with lemonade and cookies being served by an obliging family.

“Ron Plinske conquered the infamous Esdaile Hill FOUR times! Other new additions were Subway sandwiches at rest stops, and a Hot Tub and Trivia contest, which seemed to promote more socializing.” About 120 riders put WOW at a record low, perhaps due to familiarity of the area, and also due to the controversy of the split from HI/AYH earlier that year.

2001: WOW was moved to Winona in the beautiful Mississippi Valley, the first time WOW had gone to a new location since 1989. A few brave souls actually biked there from the Twin Cities on Friday, and a Friday evening ride was offered to Fountain City. Off-road biking was also offered in the area on Sat, a WOW first. “This year we have designed WOW to be a social and biking event focused primarily on our members, old and new.”

Routes were possibly as scenic as around River Falls. All routes Sat climbed out of the valley (quite a task) to I-90, where the shorter loop headed back to Winona and the longer ones headed west through Stockton, Altura, and Rollingstone. The last rest stop was at Pork and Plants – “A working family farm where riders could stroll through greenhouses and even pet some piglets!” Doug Peterson set a new standard for rest stops. Sunday’s routes brought everyone to a rest stop at the historic Pickwick Mill. The longer routes climbed and climbed to reach I-90, then the longest route riders had the extreme pleasure of doing the Apple Blossom Drive, with panoramic views of the Mississippi, to La Crescent. >From there it was a long trek northwest to Witoka to another farm rest stop, then a long descent to Winona.

“In the shadow of Sugar Loaf Bluff on Sat night, Mayor Jerry Miller welcomed riders to the Irv Gepner Pavilion, named for WOW Committee member David Gepner’s dad! Tired riders enjoyed a picnic-style feast” and we even got to try canoes and kayaks on Lake Winona from near the pavilion.

2002: Winona again, pretty similar to last year, the hills were still impressive, nice weather again. The committee was Dave Swaab, Doug Peterson, Julie VanMersbergen, Tony Stifter, and Mike Beadles. “WOW does not make any money for the club…(it’s) about having fun and giving back to you, the members!” The committee stressed that they needed new ideas and input, and new committee members. Jim Graves and Lisa Dust completed their first-ever centuries on Sat. A cookout was held again near Lake Winona.

2003: WOW returned to St. Olaf College at “scenic yet convenient” Northfield, where it had last been in 1990. Volunteers were sought, including reasons of “Rest stop volunteers get first crack at the food” and “the sag van and rest stop feature comfy chairs”. New on the committee were Lisa Austin, Jim Graves, Michael McNutt, Dan Richardson, and Denny Thompson.

A new plan to make less volunteers needed, never used on WOW before, was to only have one staffed rest stop, at Sechlar Park on the outskirts of Northfield. Routes (with color-coded maps) started and ended here. Stores were available along the way. Saturday’s routes went west to Millersburg, south to Nerstrand, and east to Cannon Falls. Sunday’s went east to Randolph and west to Lonsdale. They were nice rolling farm country, but some bikers apparently wanted the types of hills on previous WOWs. Steady rain started in late morning Sunday, unfortunately.

2004: Northfield again, with about the same routes, and just a little light rain this time. Oops, no articles about it after. With about 100 riders, this was the smallest WOW.

(24 years of WOW: River Falls 12 years, Northfield 4 years, St. Peter 4 years, and Winona and Collegeville 2 years each. Seven days topped 90 degrees, and two days failed to reach 71. Only about seven days have had more rain than drizzle during the ride. This August, a new Wisconsin destination awaits.)

- by Doug Nelson

1999: June 18-20, University of Wisconsin at River Falls. 210 riders. 38/64/79/101 miles Sat, 33/56/73 mi Sun. Temperature highs were 65 and drizzle on Sat and 79 and dry Sun.

2000: August 4-6 at River Falls. 121 riders. 38/64/79/101 mi on Sat and 33/56/73 mi Sun. Temps were 74 and 83 with a trace of rain both days.

2001: August 10-12 at Winona State University. 110 riders. 28/63/100 mi Sat, 25/39/66 mi Sun. Temps were 80 and 85 and dry both days.

2002: August 9-11 at Winona. 130 riders. 28/63/100 mi Sat, 25/39/66 mi Sun. Temps were 81 and 89 and dry.

2003: August 8-10 at St. Olaf in Northfield. 125 riders. 31 + 33 + 34 mi routes on Sat, 28 and 39 miles on Sun. Sat was 85 and dry. Sun was 87 and dry in the metro area, but the Northfield area had heavy rain for awhile late morning on Sun.

2004: August 6-8 at Northfield. 100 riders. 33 + 39 mi Sat, 33 + 42 mi Sun. Sat was 73 with light rain, Sun was dry and 82.

TCBC Contacts

ACTIVITY NEWS is published by the Twin Cities Bicycling Club, formed in 1993.
Mail and checks should be sent to TCBC, PO Box 131086, Roseville, MN 55113.

TCBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT: Mike Beadles
VICE-PRESIDENT: Dave Swaab
SECRETARY: Charles Breer
Mary Derks
Lisa Austin
Pete Hawkins
Katie Angle
Scott Larson
Paul Huntington

OTHER TCBC POSITIONS

TREASURER: Tony Stifter
COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING COORDINATOR: Kristine Poelzer
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR: David Erick
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Doug Nelson
SCHEDULE COORDINATOR: Jim Pederson
WEBMASTER: Phil Doi
RIDE STATISTICS: Julie Timm
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Stephan Kieu

Contact ACTIVITY NEWS Editor: Doug Nelson if you have information at 2800 Hamline, #208, Roseville, MN 55113. (651-639-9917) tcbcdoug@mtn.org  Deadlines will usually be during the first week of the month for the next month's issue.

To submit items for the Activities Schedule, send e-mail to Jim Pederson: schedule@biketcbc.org

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