October 2012 President’s Letter

A Fond Farewell. . .

It is with great sadness that I must report that longtime KBC database manager Paul Bruneau will be leaving the organization. Paul was offered a position with the New York Times in software development and has decided to take the job.

Paul had expressed in recent years his desire to move to a large urban area, and it doesn’t get much bigger or more urban than where he is headed. While I am happy for Paul and his wife, Linda, this news is unsettling for a number of reasons.

One is that Paul has been a major contributor and volunteer at Bike Camp since its inception. He lent a different perspective to the Campers over the years – one based on his fast-paced, scientific, factual, and hilarious presentations on the necessity and pleasure of hydrating properly while on the bike; and also because of his promotion of and interest in recumbents as an alternative to “regular” bicycles.

On a more personal level, I have always relied on Paul for unvarnished opinions on many different subjects throughout my affiliation with KBC as Newsletter Editor, Secretary, Vice President, and now President. His views were unfailing ethical and accurate, and often pointed a direct route to resolution.

Finally, it would surprise me if many KBC members know that the club even has a database manager, and that Paul has been at the helm of the position for years and years. His work has been so efficient and seamless that things get done with little hassle and no fanfare. Though you might not realize it, we have all been the beneficiaries of his diligent and exacting work.

So, although we are so sorry to hear that Paul is leaving, we wish him and Linda the best of luck in their new life on the East coast. KBC’s loss is the New York Times’ gain!

When One Door Closes, Another Opens. . .

When news of Paul Bruneau’s impending departure first broke, David Jones, KBC’s current webmaster, informed me that he is interested in the database manager’s position. David has demonstrated his commitment to the club in the past and has the technical expertise that makes him well suited to take this on.

Frankly, the post of database manager is not exactly a high-profile, glory-filled one, and it requires unique skills – most of which David has. So, after consulting with the Executive Board of Doug Kirk, Vice President, John Olbrot, Treasurer, and Mary Gerger, Secretary, we quickly and gratefully decided to take him up on his offer. We’ll officially appoint David at the monthly meeting on October 9th.

David will give up his webmaster title, meaning that we’ll need to find another volunteer interested in providing those services. Look for that job posting elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter.

Anniversary Ride

We all had high hopes when Chad Goodwill stepped up last year to fill the post of Social Director for the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club. Not only were we thrilled that someone was willing to plan and organize KBC’s social events, his surname is so welcoming that we felt as though we had just the right person in place.

Well, Chad delivered on that promise on Saturday, September 29th, the date of the annual Anniversary Ride and Party.

Not only did he dial up an absolute corker of a fall Michigan day – sunny, mild, and pleasant – but he also introduced the 40 or so riders who showed up to delicious pizza from Jac’s, in Portage, and a pleasant and congenial environment under the pavilion roof at the Kal Haven Trailhead on 10th Street.

Those who participated on the 38 mile route (which actually is more like 32 miles) rode at a relaxed pace for most of the way, and the group largely stayed together. We had a dozen different conversations going on at once as we rode up past Otsego.

Although momentarily quieted during the climb up the big Jefferson Road hill west of Otsego, those dialogues continued back at the trailhead over plates of potluck salads, cider, brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and the aforementioned pizza – both vegetarian and with meat toppings. It was great to be able to catch up with so many different people with whom we often have only fleeting contact before and after the regular weeknight rides.

Well done, Chad! Thank you for organizing this great KBC event. . .

I would like to add a shout-out to John Olbrot, who saved my bacon by printing up maps of the ride routes. That was one of the only things I was responsible for bringing and at the last moment I realized I couldn’t find them; John came to the rescue.

Elections

According to the KBC Constitution, the October monthly meeting is when prospective Executive Board members announce their intentions to run for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. So, if you have an inclination in that direction, please plan to show up on Tuesday, October 9th, 7:00 P.M.at the YMCA on Maple Street in Kalamazoo. KBC holds its election, following the national model, in November … but with way less hoopla, acrimony, and money being spent. . .

Zolton Cohen, KBC President

 

Next KBC Monthly Meeting on October 9th, 2012

The next KBC Monthly Meeting will take place at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 9th, 2012 at the Kalamazoo YMCA on Maple Street. All KBC members are welcome to attend.

 

KBC Volunteer Position Postings

Webmaster - The club needs a webmaster to administer, manage, and update the KBC website. Current webmaster David Jones says an applicant would need to know HTML and web page coding and structure. Knowledge of PHP and JavaScript would be a plus. He adds, “The time commitment is no more than 8 hours a month. I try to set aside an evening to work on the Pedal Press; that is the only thing with a monthly deadline. In the spring, there tends to be a little bit of additional work to get the website ready for the season with Bike Camp and KalTour information. If someone has an interest in this position I am willing to work with them to get them going and up to speed.”

David’s contact information is on the KBC website, as well as this newsletter.

Public Relations Chair – For the past year or so, Director of Road Safety Paul Selden and I have had to take on the role of de facto public relations coordinators. I don’t think I’m insulting either one of us by saying that neither of us is very good at it; we’ve been limping along, making things up as we muddle along.

And that highlights the club’s need for a PR chair. We need someone who knows what he or she is doing and can develop and carry out public relations work on behalf of the organization.

These are great opportunities to get more involved with the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club; we need your input, expertise, and help. Anyone interested in the webmaster or PR Chair positions can contact me at: president@kalamazoobicycleclub.org . Or come to the next monthly club meeting on Tuesday, October 9, 2012.

Zolton Cohen, KBC President

 

Foliage in the Fall KBC Ride

We have organized a ride to enjoy the fall colors together on Saturday, October 20th.

We will gather at 9:00 A.M. at the Gun Lake Park located at 2397 Patterson in Wayland Township (not the village!). To get there take U.S. 131 to Exit 39, then east to Gun Lake, that is 124th Street. Go east until you run into Paterson Road. The parking is behind the United Bank of Michigan.

I have chosen 5 routes through and around the Yankee Springs area to enjoy the foliage and forests in the fall. They are as follows:
– A 22 mile shortcut ride.
– A 37 mile ride.
– Two 50 mile rides, one is a Hilly Challenge for the climbers to, ahh...enjoy? The other takes a more conservative route and descends the most challenging hill.
– A metric century (62 miles) in case the weather is great and we all want to stay out longer.

All routes stay together for the first 30 miles or so, and all begin and end with a 3 to 6 mile flat ride.

I will be releasing the links to Map My Ride later this week after I have verified the road conditions and we will be sending out reminder e-mails as the month progresses.

Watch the weather and hope!

Marc Irwin

 

Fall Bike Safety Reminder

With the change of seasons comes a daily reminder that daylight hours are getting shorter, fast. During this time of changing colors and falling leaves, it's worth remembering that darkness may creep up on a bike rider unexpectedly, so extra caution is in order.

All the usual bike safety reminders apply during autumn. But bicyclists need to pay additional emphasis on being easy to see and on being able to see where they are going.

Here are a few quick tips.

– If you will be riding at dusk or night with a dark backpack, wrap it with something reflective or put a red light on it, as well; wrapping a backpack in a white garbage bag may help make you more visible in a pinch.

– Use front and rear bike lights and check your batteries to make sure they are working well. Don't get caught after dark with a dead or weak battery on your primary light.

– Riding with traffic using a rear light may be obvious to those new to biking, but newbies sometimes ignore the front white light until a pedestrian or car pulls out in front of you, because you weren't seen — by them — in time.

– Invest and carry a second light for use as a back-up, especially for the rear light. Some of the lights out there are very good and very affordable, and are certainly cheaper than a visit to the doctor's office.

– Invest in a very bright front light if you are riding where you need to see potholes, ruts, or other obstructions. Regular bike commuters know the importance of a good light. Get one that has enough power to light obstacles far enough ahead to see them in time to avoid them. Some are rechargeable for easy daily use. Mountain bikers and trail riders should wear one on their helmet to shine light on turns and places where a bar light can't point.

– If you mount tires with white reflective walls or add some reflectors to your spokes, you greatly increase your chance of being seen from the side. Don't be concerned about the "extra weight" or appearance of a reflector; people who ride in the dark are usually going to or from work or running an errand, not working out or racing. Reflectors are smart commuter gear.

– Slow down, if the way ahead looks uncertain or congested. This increases your ability to react.

Riding in the dark is inherently more risky, but you can stack the odds more in your favor. I rode home after dark many times last winter without incident, but quickly appreciated being easy to see, and being able to light up and see the road ahead!

Paul Selden, KBC Director of Road Safety

 

Kudos

Kudos to WWMT / News Channel 3 for covering a number of bicycle related news items over the past year. Coverage included the Ride of Silence held this past May and serious accidents involving local bicyclists Mike Cutler and Max Tibbits. Their coverage helped raise awareness about road rage and the need for more careful motor vehicle operation around bicyclists. Directly or indirectly, the coverage may have helped secure assistance for these two injured bicyclists within the broader community.

Paul Selden

(Editor's Note: If there is any member of the bicycling community that you think is worthy of recognition, feel free to submit a Kudos of your own.)

 

Monthly Meeting Minutes

The September 11, 2012 meeting of the KBC was called to order by President Zolton Cohen, at 7:03 P.M. Those in attendance were: Jon Ballema, Terry O'Connor, Victor Van Fleet, Marc Irwin, John Olbrot, Zolton Cohen, Mary Gerger, Rick Whaley, Bob Allwardt, Michael Krischer, and Renee Mitchell.

Treasurer John Olbrotgave the Treasurer's Report. The income and expenses are as follows:

Income $194.17
Expenses2,041.38
Checking Account6,275.89
Certificate of Deposit11,116.13

According to John, 2012 KalTour expenses tracked very closely to last year. After a brief discussion of the 2012 KalTour numbers, it was determined that in accordance with KBC's commitment to give half of the KalTour profits to the Alive After Five organization, a second check should be sent to that organization, bringing the total amount donated to $500.00.

A short discussion was held regarding expenses to make KalTour a successful event every year. KalTour director Mike Krischer said it was interesting to see the breakdown of how the money is spent. He indicated the numbers show 52% of the money going directly to the riders, and 48% going to publicity and insurance. Mailings and publicity for the event were discussed, with the possibility of putting up small posters in area bike shops to help reduce actual mailing costs. Thanks and congratulations were extended to Mike Krischer for another very successful KalTour!

Zolton discussed the League of Michigan Bicyclist's upcoming "Community Bicycle Safety for Law Enforcement and Bicyclists" training to be held October 19, 2012, in Lansing. KBC has authorized funds totaling $175.00 for interested members of area law enforcement agencies to attend this training, at a cost of $25.00 per officer. David Jones and Zolton are contacting area agencies about this opportunity.

Jon Ballema gave a brief wrap-up of the 2012 Miller Energy BTR, stating that they are still working on the final numbers. They know they at least "broke even" and the event is getting bigger and better every year. Everything ran very smoothly and is a real "feather in the cap" for the Kalamazoo area bicycling community. Zolton added that he was pleased to see more and more publicity for the event, which was promoted in the Kalamazoo Gazette, on billboards, and by area radio stations.

In response to a question, Jon indicated there would indeed be another Time Trial opportunity this season, if there was any interest shown, and he would be happy to work that out. He said timing the individual cyclists is very easy, especially with a laptop and a full version of an Excel spreadsheet.

Zolton announced KBC election time for club officers is almost here. Per the KBC Constitution, the election is to be held during the November meeting. Those interested in running for a position should "toss their hats/helmets into the ring" during the October meeting. The Executive Board elected positions are: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

It was noted that Social Director Chad Goodwill is in the process of organizing the September 29, 2012 Anniversary Ride. A short discussion was held regarding having pizza versus having subs at the after-ride party.

Marc Irwin talked about the Fall Ride to be held on October 20, 2012. Various gathering points, start times, refreshments and routes, were discussed. John Olbrot indicated his support of paying the $25.00 County Park (on Gun Lake) fee for facilities use and parking. There will be more details provided in the October Pedal Press.

Zolton announced that Database Manager Paul Bruneau will be leaving for a new job in New York City, thus vacating his position with the KBC. A discussion was held regarding filling and transitioning a new person into this very important club position. Paul has graciously indicated his willingness to stay on for several months in order to help with the transition process. Webmaster David Jones has expressed interest in transitioning from his current position into the position of Database Manager, which would leave the position of Webmaster to be filled. The Executive Board will be consulting on this matter and it was agreed by all that time was of the essence, in order to have a smooth transition take place. Renee Mitchell asked about a "Thank You" to Paul in the next issue of the Pedal Press. This was unanimously approved as a great idea!

Zolton indicated he had been approached by someone wondering if the Thursday night rides were still taking place. John responded that if anyone shows up, then they go, but did not know beyond that. A discussion was held regarding incorporating Kalamazoo area bike shop rides into our KBC Ride Schedule, and publishing them on our website within our Ride Calendar. Zolton stated he felt this to be a good idea, and Jon said he saw this as a "win-win situation" for the KBC. Zolton will be contacting area bike shops for feedback and will report back at the October meeting.

Paul Selden and David Jones were not in attendance at tonight's KBC meeting, as they were attending a Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce forum to help decide "How Kalamazoo Rolls." Infrastructure in Michigan and in the Kalamazoo area relating to bicyclists was to be addressed at this forum. They will be reporting details of tonight's Chamber of Commerce Forum at the October meeting. Zolton indicated that Paul had e-mailed the club about local bike/vehicle accidents and stressed the continued importance of riding safely and with awareness of our surroundings.

Zolton mentioned Jeff Newman, Chad Goodwill, and Dave Warwick were confirmed as Lead Representatives on the 2013 Kalamazoo Bike Week Committee.

Bob Allwardt asked a question about renewing KBC memberships online and he indicated he had experienced some problems with the website. A short discussion followed and it was decided that these problems should be addressed very quickly.

Jon indicated an interest in possibly varying the Hammerfest Routes, and extending the distance from 45 to 60 miles, as these rides have stayed basically the same for approximately 15 years. Several options were discussed, including keeping the route the same for those that enjoyed the familiarity of the route and allowing the option of riding a longer distance. This topic will continue to be discussed at a future meeting.

Renee asked about the status of filling the position of Ride Captain. Zolton indicated he has someone in mind that he feels would be an excellent choice, should that person decide to accept the position.

There was a brief discussion of possible candidates to fill the position of Webmaster, should David Jones move into the position of Database Manager. Zolton thanked everyone for their suggestions, and indicated he will advertise for this position in the October issue of the Pedal Press. Zolton also mentioned we will have to find someone to replace Paul Bruneau at Bike Camp, as Paul was responsible for the hydration presentation during the camp. Jon expressed an interest in stepping in for a day of Bike Camp and some of the rides. Zolton said because of Jon's expertise, perhaps it would make more sense for him to discuss gear shifting or something of a more mechanical or technical nature, and find someone else to do the hydration presentation. Zolton thanked him for offering to help fill the void left by Paul's departure.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Gerger, KBC Secretary

 

Masthead

The electronically-distributed KBC Pedal Press comes out on or around the first of each month.

If you have an article or a notice that you want to go into the PedalPress, please email it to the newsletter editor, editor@kalamazoobicycleclub.org by the 20th of the month before its intended publication.

For example, if you’d like an article to be published in the November edition (distributed during the first week of November), have it to the newsletter editor by the 20th of October.

 

Statistics

Active subscriptions: 283

New members:
Ryan Frederickson · David Jarl

October Expiring memberships:
Lee Anderson · Mike Berry · Barbara & John Hart · David Karnes · Larry Kissinger · David Middleton Family · Robert Norton · John Shubnell Family · Mike St. Clair

Renewed memberships:
Jeffrey Pregenzer Family · John Idema · Michael Watson · Allen Tans · Katie Whidden · Robert Allwardt · David Jarl

Paul Bruneau, KBC Database Manager

 

Editor's Letter – Coming out to Play

We were doing a Saturday morning ride, cycling out of Decatur on our way back to Kalamazoo on Burgess Road, just to the right of the railroad tracks. We had finished riding on the rollers and were on the flats, traveling about 20 mph, when Dave, as is his habit, threw in a hard acceleration. Terry, as also is his habit, matched Dave’s move and got back on Dave’s wheel. I looked around to see if anyone else wanted to commit himself to the current task of catching these two, when Tim sped by on my left, caught up with Dave and Terry, and then accelerated ahead of both. Since I knew that Tim has a penchant for very strong accelerations when the mood strikes, the decision to commit or not commit to the chase was now at hand. With an inner sigh, the sigh of a man who had a feeling that he might soon be renewing his acquaintance with Mr. Lactic Acid, I committed myself.

Their surge was harder than I thought, and as I glanced down at my cyclometer, I thought I saw the number 32, and I knew that this was a pace sustainable only in yards. I was two bicycle lengths from the other three when my momentum stalled and I knew that if I didn’t catch them very soon, my acquaintance with Mr. Lactic Acid would blossom into a deep and abiding friendship. Then, the 3 riders behind me would fly by, and I would mournfully watch 6 riders disappear in the distance with only the company of my new BFF to sustain me. So, I made one last ditch acceleration and managed to grab onto the wheel of one of the riders ahead.

At this point, they slowed slightly, enabling me to pay back most of what I owed to Mr. Lactic Acid’s business associate, Mr. Oxygen Debt. I waited to see who would make the next move, because I knew it wasn’t going to be me, and it was Dave. We all covered it, some more easily than other(s), i.e., me, and we slowed again. Then Tim attacked, and no one responded at first, but finally either Dave or Terry (because I know it wasn’t me) accelerated, and we soon became 4 riders once again. The process then repeated itself. We slowed down prior to another attack, this time from Terry. Again, no one responded at first, but Dave decided to match Terry’s move and we were all back together again, only this time Dave decided to continue riding hard. I hung on at the back for about another mile, before we all slowed up for a mercifully longer period of time, letting the other 3 riders catch up. Playtime was over, at least for the next few miles.

Because that’s what we were doing, we were playing. We grow up and we put away our Max Rogers’ (a name that sounded particularly manly to my 9 year old imagination, befitting a manly green 3 inch plastic soldier with a manly pistol in hand), but we never throw them all away. Because, and, believe it or not, I’m not the first person to observe this; sports are a form of play.

Sometimes, the play is formal; a bicycle race with rules that define who wins and who loses, but the play can be as informal as we want it to be; each of us making up our own criteria for winning or losing as we go along. By throwing in that first acceleration, Dave wanted to know if we wanted to come out and play. Terry and Tim decided that they wanted to, and I eventually decided that I did, as well, while the other 3 riders decided that they weren’t able or just didn’t want to play. Each rider looked back after surging in front, daring the rest of us to match him. And match him we did, even me. My goal was just to hang on as long as the fireworks continued, and by doing so, I was a winner, at least in my own mind.

I was a winner that time, but the win was ephemeral; I doubt that I’ll be thinking about that “victory” 10 years from now. But there have been some occasions in my life where a self-defined victory when the game is trivial is something to be treasured, or at least looked back at with fondness. One of them was on a KBC ride, circa 2002.

Back in the late 90s and the early part of the 2000s, the Friday night KBC ride drew a mixture of racers, wannabe racers, and folks like me, who knew their limits. The racers were the alpha cyclists, driving a hard, but steady and rideable pace, at least most of the time, and during these rides, I’d take my usual position at the back of the peloton. I say “most of the time,” because there were a couple times during the ride when it was time to play “sprint to the stop ahead sign.” The sprinters would sprint and wins and losses would be tallied and soon forgotten, while we all regrouped. I usually didn’t play this game during the course of the ride, but I almost always participated in the final sprint to the stop ahead sign on 37th Street across from the then non-existent Galesburg-Augusta High School.

Logically, I knew that I was doomed to repeated failure by playing this game. In addition to being in the bottom quartile of the riders in terms of ability and with a lack of fast twitch muscles, the finish was also on a downhill; a finish that was not conducive to an abundance of weight challenged person such as myself. But that didn’t stop me from attempting to scheme my way to success. For about a year, I waited for an opportunity to attack on the small uphill just before the downhill in the hope that the alpha cyclists would let me go and wouldn’t react until it was too late. On one magic Friday, the opportunity finally presented itself. So, I attacked with reckless abandon about a hundred yards before the hill, only to die just before reaching the top. My downhill “sprint” was ugly, even by my already low standards.

So, having fired the one Friday night finishing sprint arrow in my quiver, I resigned myself to a life of final sprint mediocrity. Until another magic Friday.

There were about 20 riders on that particular ride. A couple miles from the final stop ahead sign, I was doing what I do best, which was to ride at the back of the pack, when I happened to look around and noticed that Mike was just in front of me. I found that sight to be most unusual, because Mike was the alpha-est of the alpha cyclists, the man who won the final sprint most of the time. And I also knew that Mike would soon be making his way towards the front of the pack and I realized that, like a vagrant stumbling across a 20 dollar bill, I had inadvertently found my meal ticket.

So, I immediately latched on to Mike’s wheel, as we began to weave our way through the peloton; the Robin to his Batman or, more accurately, the remora to his shark. Now, I’m not exactly the most aggressive rider in a group, but there were a couple of time when other riders, seeing an opportunity, tried to force me off Mike’s wheel, but I managed to fight them off. “Find your own wheel, he’s mine.” Soon, we were near the front of the peloton, climbing the aforementioned final hill and then descending to the finish sign of glory.

At this point, I became even more attentive. I knew that Mike would soon make his move and that I would have to make my move with him. And when he did, with about 150 yards to go, I was ready. We immediately rocketed to around 40 mph, although he was actually doing the rocketing and I was doing the reacting.

Now, I know at this point you’re imagining a fairy tale type ending. Twenty yards from the finish, I swoop around Mike, throwing my hands in the air to the sound of squealing delight from the cheerleaders who have inexplicably appeared at the sign. Then, a football team suddenly shows up and they carry me off on their shoulders. Yes, that could have happened, but it didn’t, because swooping around Mike would have been a jerk thing to do. Yes, that could have happened, but it didn’t, because I forgot to take my EPO that morning. Yes, that could have happened, but it didn’t, because, at that point, I was still a beta cyclist in an alpha cyclist world.

What did happen is that I ran out of gas about 75 yards from the finish. Finally cast adrift from Mike’s wheel, I pedaled as hard as I could, while awaiting the rush of cyclists flying by in a blur around me. I waited, but, to my surprise, only one did. I finished third.

Every once and a while, I open my imaginary safe deposit box and I gaze at my imaginary bronze medal. That was my only podium finish during those Friday night ride finishing sprints and thinking about it still makes me smile. Sometimes when the stakes are at their lowest, the result can be the most rewarding.

Rick Whaley, KBC Newsletter Editor

 

Some Upcoming Rides of Interest

Saturday, October 13. Colorburst Bicycle Tour. Lowell, MI. 17, 30, 62, 100 paved, 62 gravel. www.rapidwheelmen.com/rides.html.

 

Classified Ads

Bicycle for sale. It is a Trek Madone 3.1 C WSD 52 Grey Metallic 11 purchased from Breakaway Bicycles & Fitness in Portage MI on June 22, 2011. It has been ridden less than 100 miles. It was purchased new and is in new condition. In addition to the bike, I will throw in the blinking red light for the back and the bright light for the front. I also have a new pack behind the seat (JANDD) and I have a bike lock that is combination and has a lighted dial – all purchased from the same bike store. I will also throw in my GIRO Atmos helmet, size small, 270gm, Model G134, 51-55cm, dated September 2010. I think this helmet was $200 at Amazon.com. I would like to sell this for $1,400 for everything. In addition, I have other biking shirts, shorts, gloves, and socks – most never worn. All ladies size medium. A picture of the bike is shown below. Contact Kathy at kathapatter@gmail.com or at (269) 720-8417.
Trek Madone 3.1

New Bontrager (Trek) Bicycle Helmet... white in color... small size. Has convenient back-of-head adjustment, durable, good ventilation, lightweight, nice fit system/pads. Sells for $65, asking $30. Call Dale at 375-0114 to request photo.

Looking for a chromo frame touring bicycle with a 54 to 56 cm frame that is panier compatible. Respond to roachbrown@yahoo.com.

 

Shop Notes

Alfred E Bike

320 East Michigan, Kalamazoo, (269) 349–9423
www.aebike.com

Billy's Bike Shop

63 East Battle Creek Street, Galesburg, (269) 665–5202
www.billysbikeshop.com

Breakaway Bicycles

185 Romence at Westnedge, Portage, (269) 324–5555,
www.breakawaybicycles.com

Custer Cyclery

104 North Augusta, Augusta, (269) 731–3492
www.custercyclery.com

Gazelle Sports

214 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, (269) 342–5996,
www.Gazellesports.com
The NEW Nike Element Shield collection is now at Gazelle Sports! Stay fit and outside all winter with the protection of Nike Element Shield.

Johnson Cycle Works

5309 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, (269) 226-0001.
www.JohnsonCycleWorks.com

Pedal

611 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazo, (269) 56–PEDAL
info@pedalbicycle.com and www.pedalbicycle.com

Team Active

22 W Michigan, Battle Creek, 1–800–841–9494
www.teamactive.com

Village Cyclery

US 131 in Schoolcraft, 679–4242
www.villagecyclery.com

Zoo City Cycle & Sports

4328 South Westnedge, Kalamazoo (269) 552–3000
www.zoocitycycle.com

 

Bicycling Safety Disclaimer

Important: Riding a bicycle is an inherently dangerous activity. There are risks of injury or death. You could ride over something and fall, or get hit by an automobile or strike or be struck by another bicyclist. There are many other dangers to bicycling as well.

While nothing can eliminate all risks associating with bicycle riding, to minimize the danger, make sure you and your bicycle are in good riding condition. Know the rules of the road and also of the group you're riding with, and ride in a manner consistent with the protocols of that group. Always wear a bike helmet, use bike lights if riding in the dawn, dusk or dark, and consider purchasing and riding with additional safety equipment such as reflectors and rear view mirrors.