Representatives of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club participated recently in the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Wellness Fair. The fair emphasized the importance of well-being in all areas of life – physical, spiritual, mental, social, etc.  With KBC’s help, the fair was very successful.  Approximately 400 students, staff, and faculty attended.

Paul Wells and Thom Brennan, members of KBC’s Education Committee, promoted healthy lifestyles through bicycling while “flying the colors” of KBC.  Thanks Paul and Thom.

On September 8, 2018, Kalamazoo resident Valerie Litznerski will attempt to become the first woman to ride a bicycle from Sturgis, along the southern border of Michigan, to Sault St. Marie in the Upper Peninsula, a distance of approximately 350 miles. Litznerski, 35, hopes to complete the ride, with its starting and end points sanctioned by the World UltraCycling Association, in less than 24 hours.

In 2012, Litznerski rode from Muskegon to Port Sanilac, a distance of 206.9 miles, in 11 hours and 19 minutes, an average of 18.28 miles per hour, and is the current women’s West-to-East across-Michigan cycling record holder for that route. On June 17, 2018, she competed in the National 24 Hour Challenge cycling event in Middleville, Michigan and logged 424.3 miles in 24 hours, finishing second overall for women.

One of Litznerski’s reasons for attempting the ride in September is her desire to raise awareness of, and funds for, issues related to the safety of cyclists on the nation’s roadways.  She was hit by a car while on her bike in August of 2011 and spent seven months recovering from surgery to correct torn ligaments and other severe injuries. Funds raised will go to the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club’s Education Fund to disseminate information regarding safe practices  for drivers and cyclists.

Litznerski’s parents and sister will staff a follow-and-support-vehicle equipped with signage and flashing yellow lights during the record attempt. World UltraCycling Association rules stipulate that an official record the time every time she completes ten miles. No cyclists will be allowed to accompany Litznerski on the route and she cannot disobey any traffic laws. The official timing clock will pause while she is driven over the Mackinac Bridge.

Click on Val’s photo to see full picture

Of the attempt, Litznerski says, “350 miles is a long way to pedal; it’s stressful. But it is an opportunity to challenge myself to stay focused and put in an effort that I can be proud of. At the end of the day I’ll know it’s something I did myself. My hope is that it will inspire others while reminding everyone that we need to share our roads safely.”

Media coverage of Val’s ride includes the following:

https://www.heraldpalladium.com/features/cyclist-plans-record-breaking-ride-to-raise-safety-awareness/article_b7e0f8ec-2ff2-5804-871b-ddb3f882f5f7.html

And… https://www.facebook.com/miohsp/videos/2161689817419933/

KBC jerseys are available to purchase from Voler. The design is nearly identical to the club’s 2015 design, with the red star marking Kalamazoo, but with lighter blue sleeve edges and collar. Both men’s and women’s cuts/sizing are available.

So…if you are new to KBC, or missed an opportunity to order a club jersey in the past, and have been wishing you could wear a KBC jersey while riding, your wish is about to come true. KBC Jerseys are available again! Order yours now and start wearing your KBC colors with pride!

Cost is $77, shipping is free, and 20% of the purchase price will go to KBC’s Education Committee to fund projects like promoting the 5 Foot Rule and Bike Camp.

Jerseys are ordered on Voler’s website.  Click on this link https://www.voler.com/browse/collections/details/li/KalamazooBicycleClub to place your order.

Once payment is confirmed, Voler will make your jersey and ship it to you.  This very efficient process will take about one week, from order placement to shipping.