Kalamazoo Bicycle Club
Pedal Press

July 2013 President’s Letter

We Can All Sit a Little Taller Now...

Randy St. John, owner of Spine Physical Therapy, was a guest speaker at the June KBC meeting and gave members present a lot of good tips about how to keep our backs healthy and strong. His talk was so persuasive that I noticed a perceptible improvement in the posture of the attendees as he pointed out various areas of concern.

If nothing else, I, personally, was gratified to learn that my (occasional) habit of eating meals over the sink when I'm pressed for time can actually be considered beneficial. You see, according to Randy, sitting in a chair exerts 40% more pressure on the spine than does standing up. So, it seems, certain of my uncouth behaviors really are grounded in sound scientific principles. Probably not all of them; but certainly that.

KalTour 2013 - A Great Ride on a Great Day

KalTour Director Mike Krischer dug deep into his bag of tricks to come up with the weather on Sunday, June 30 - KalTour day. It was overcast; not too hot and not too cool. Had the Three Bears been riding, they would have declared it "just right."

Approximately 288 riders took part in the event and rode anywhere from 15 to 100 miles. At the SAG stop at the Briar Patch on Q Avenue, where I spent the better part of the day, I heard so many comments praising the organizers for running such a terrific tour. Mentioned most frequently were the routes and the food.

Compliments for the latter go to Maria at Victorian Bakery and Mark at Great Harvest Bread Company. Smiles lit many a face as sandwiches were unwrapped and cookies devoured.

As in years past, the group formerly known as Alive After Five, a division of the AMBUCS organization, showed up en masse to help staff the Briar Patch lunch stop with their competence and good cheer. Because they are in the process of merging with another entity, to be named Kazoo Valley AMBUCS, they even brought along some new volunteers. Half of the proceeds from KalTour after expenses, or $350.00, whichever is greater, will go to benefit this worthy group. Their mission is to provide AmTryke(R) therapeutic tricycles to individuals who are unable to operate a traditional bike.

So many people and groups helped out at KalTour that I would do a disservice by trying to list them all and possibly forget an important someone along the way. However, I would like to point out that the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club has been helping us out with this event for years, and their expertise and dedication is always appreciated.

And one of the unsung heroes of this year's ride was mobile SAG operator and KBC President Emeritus Mike Boersma, who rescued three cyclists who could not continue because of health or mechanical issues. The importance of having this type of service available is only apparent when it is needed, as it was this year. Thanks, Mike!

So, to all those who came out early and helped at the registration table, those who manned SAG stops, those who led rides, painted turn signs on roads, and those who did the many other tasks that need doing at KalTour...Thank You! KalTour wouldn't be as wonderful, or maybe wouldn't even exist, without you.

Finally, the biggest huzzah goes to Mike Krischer. He works on KalTour all year long, figures out routes, organizes road painting, manages volunteers and sets up schedules for rented tents, Porta-Potties and the SAG stops - and that's all in the weeks and months before the tour even occurs. On KalTour day he is a dervish of activity, arriving early and staying late, coordinating the miasma of things to accomplish and putting out fires. Day cats to the left! Night cats to the right! In short, Mike Krischer is the MAN!

Miller Energy Criterium at the BTR Park is Up Next!

Don't forget to put down on your calendars Saturday, July 13. That's the date of the BTR Criterium - a spectator-friendly short course bike race at WMU's BTR business park at the corner of Parkview Avenue and Drake Road. It goes on all day and offers plenty of great racing for either viewers or participants. Check the KBC website for more details.

Zolton Cohen, KBC President

Race Weekend - July 12 through July 14, 2013

Three big racing events are coming up during the second weekend of July. They are worth checking out as either a participant, volunteer, or spectator.

Priority Health Race Clinic - Friday, July 12

Team Priority Health is hosting a racing clinic Friday evening between 6:00 P.M. and 8:30 P.M at the Western Michigan BTR Park. Category 1 and 2 men and women racers will provide an introduction to the basics of racing and run some race drills, which will include riding the Miller Energy Criterium course. There will also be time for questions and answers throughout the clinic. This is free and open to the public with separate women's and men's clinics.

Miller Energy Criterium - Saturday, July 13

The 8th annual Miller Energy Criterium will take place at the Western Michigan BTR Park off of Parkview Avenue in Kalamazoo. Eleven races will be held throughout the day from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., including a kid's race. Scott's Pig Roast will again be providing food and beverages during the events. There will also be a Saturday night race dinner at Mangia Pizza and Pasta Company featuring Arcadia Ales. Volunteers are needed for course set-up and tear down, as well as with race registration and course marshaling. Call or e-mail Rick Updike at 269-207-7320 or rick.updike@yahoo.com, if you would like to volunteer. The website for this event is www.btrcrit.com.

Maple Hill Race for Wishes - Sunday, July 14

The 3rd annual Maple Hill Race for Wishes presented by Maple Hill Auto Group will be taking place on Sunday, July 14 in Lawton. And this year, this is also the Michigan State Championship Road Race! There are 12 events of various distances on the 13 mile course, starting between 8:00 A.M. and 12:25 P.M. There will also be a Kid's Race at 11:30 A.M. This event benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Michigan.

Volunteers are also needed for course preparation/set up and for course marshalling. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about volunteering, contact Bill Braun at bill@midwestcharityracing.com.

For more information, please visit the race website at http://www.midwestcharityracing.com.

The Ride to South Haven

The Ride to South Haven will be taking place this year on Saturday, August 3, 2013. The ride will begin at 8:00 A.M. from the southwest corner of the KVCC parking lot on O Avenue and will be led by Rick Whaley. And not only will we ride to South Haven and back we will 1) Stop for a break in Lawrence (twice!). 2) Eat delicious subs in South Haven, as is our custom. 3) Eat delicious ice cream, as is our custom, at least sometimes. 4) Wonder why no one has invented a bicycle that travels over water. The ride will be 102 miles and the pace will be around 15-18 mph, but other groups are welcome to ride at other speeds.

Last year, we had our biggest crowd ever; 26 riders, 18 doing the entire ride! So, let's build upon this momentum and swarm into South Haven like a horde of Mongol invaders! (O.K., I got carried away.)

Rick Whaley

Share your Passion for Cycling with Kids

Hi KBC,

There's a couple of kids events in the area coming up that KBC members have volunteered at in the past and the event organizers have approached us again for help. Below are the event details.

Event: Portage YMCA Kids Triathlon

Date: Friday, July 12, 2013.

Time: 5:30 P.M. (Volunteer arrival at 4:20 P.M. for pre-event activities, 5:15 P.M. otherwise.)

Location: Portage YMCA, 2900 West Centre Avenue.

Notes: KBC Volunteers oversee helmet fitting and bike checks prior to the event; a few volunteers are needed to ride the course during the event encouraging kids and others who are posted along the course for monitoring. The event is completed by 7:30 P.M.

Event: Safe Kids Bicycle Safety Camp 2013

Date: Tuesday, August 6, 2013.

Time: 9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. (Volunteer reporting time is 8:30 A.M.)

Location: Loy Norrix High School, 606 E. Kilgore Road.

Notes: For more information, see the pdf flyer at the website www.safekidskalamazoo.org. KBC Volunteers oversee the helmet fit portion of the safety camp.

If you are interested in helping at either of the above events or have questions, please e-mail me at rmitchell@arienne.com. We look forward to a great KBC turnout at both events!

Thank you and safe cycling!

Renee Mitchell

A Belated Long Rides SIG Report

Here is a belated report about a couple of rides by the Long Riders SIG (Special Interest Group). I meant to send this last month, but hit the wrong button, apparently. Paul Selden has since schooled me on that "wrong" button, "don't use that one!"

The KBC special interest group for long rides has had a few planned starts this year, but the late spring made planning difficult. On March 9, four of us met to follow an RUSA sanctioned route from Vicksburg to Shipshewanna and back. It was a 75 mile trip facilitated by a strong SE wind on the return trip. Paul Selden, Rick Whaley, and Jim Murray all recorded and documented the trip for the Randonneurs of USA. I did not, and it was good thing, since I took a little side trip to Three Rivers. We had put a little distance between ourselves and I missed a turn just before the airport. It was a simple mistake; all I did was pedal right past a 7 foot wide iridescent green and reflective sign indicating the right direction. While the rest were happily moving on to lunch at our halfway point, I was searching for my future in the riverside trailer park of the damned near Three Rivers. After the "bonus" miles, I was able to take a short cut and catch Rick and Jim at Centreville. I followed them back in to Vicksburg, Paul was not far behind, and everybody finished within their required time.

Paul and I repeated the trip in April and this time I was able to stay on track. With the wind in our faces, the mildly rainy weather put Paul a little behind, though we made it to Shipshewana in the nick of time. After lunch he proved himself wrong about his riding abilities - he is not as notoriously slow as he continually claims. When he needs to be there, he can haul it; though he still professes he can only do so with the wind and a strong dose of adrenalin! He made his time with a few minutes to spare, while I lagged back with my first flat tire in 16 months. But it was a nice ride for us both.

I had invited anybody interested in loaded cyclo-touring to join me on the annual Kal-Haven Trailblazer. I am actually glad nobody took me up on the offer. The ride itself was good, but sleeping that night was nearly impossible. I have years of experience camping in the winter at temperatures below zero, but the winds from the Big Lake that night kept any heat from developing in the tent. I can assure you any novice would have made it their last camping trip. It's the second year in a row that the weather was cold, wet, and windy; have they thought of holding the event in June? Starting from downtown Kalamazoo, Paul picked up his K-HT arm band at the 10th Street trailhead, and then rode out to the pier in South Haven on his built-from-scratch light touring bike. He turned back with the rain chasing him home, so he missed the "excitement" of sleeping in a tent flapping all night in a high wind.

Paul has some more monthly RUSA ride destinations to explore, and we are looking for more recommendations for the summer. Jim Murray and Paul checked out a rare M55 self-propelled howitzer guarding a VFW northeast of town during a ride that Paul wrote about last month. I am always up for a long weekend trip to the lakeshore, if anybody wants to experiment with overnight touring. We might even explore the rabbit logos dotting the town of Colon or some distant B&B's and wineries in the area. If you want to join us, drop us a line.

Marc Irwin

CMS Race Team Monthly Update

Le Tour de Mont Pleasant Criterium - June 9, 2013

Sunday morning started early. I woke up around 4:00 A.M. to drive 2.5 hours to Mount Pleasant, Michigan for Le Tour de Mont Pleasant criterium. The category 5 race started at 8 A.M. and was 25 minutes + 1 lap. I got in a good warm up and was able to get in a couple laps of the course. It was a technical loop with 7 turns and a round-a-bout.

I got to the starting line early, because I wanted to get a good starting position, so I could be in front to avoid any first lap mishaps/crashes. The whistle blew and I jumped to the front. I stayed in the top 3 for the majority of the race because I knew it would be hard to move up with all the turns. Every once and a while, a racer from behind would attack, but we would just pull him back in. Right before the last lap, I did my turn pulling and then got settled in third position. Going into the second to last turn, I was still in third position. As we approached the last turn, I swung around the two people in front me and hit the gas. I finished about a bike length ahead of second place and did a victory salute to complete my first win. Along with a big trophy I also received a $50 Amazon gift card, chain lube, bar tape, and a free massage! It was a really great day!

Gabe Rice

More results and race reports, including a report by Jeremy VanSpronsen on Le Tour de Mont Pleasant road race and a report by John Ballema on the Zeeland Criterium, can be found at www.cmsraceteam.com.

Jon Ballema, CMS Race Team Director

KBC Quick Tips

Quick Tip #18: Flat Tire Repair Tip

"Aside from an actual hole in the rubber part of a bike tube, another place to look for a leak is the tube's stem.

Many bicycles tubes these days are being manufactured with two-part stems. These valves can be identified by the small flats milled into the screw threads at the tip of the valve; the flats are there to provide purchase for a wrench during the manufacturing process.

The small mechanism at the tip that contains the rubber sealing ring is screwed into the body of the stem. Over time, the mechanism can back out of the stem body, causing a slow leak of air.

A small wrench or pair of needle nose pliers can be used to tighten, and thereby seal, the connection between the two.

If this connection isn't screwed tight, be aware that, especially during cold weather, another problem can crop up. It is possible, when unscrewing the small plastic cap that protects the end of the valve stem from the entry of dirt, to at the same time unscrew the sealing mechanism from the valve stem. The result is an immediate and dramatic outrush of air from the tire.

The plastic caps seem to contract in the cold, tightening their grip on the metal tip of the valve stem. Proactively tightening the valve stem mechanism can prevent this type of trouble." [Submitted by Zolton Cohen]

Do you have a Quick Tip(s) on an awesome summer tour(s), training for long distances, keeping hydrated during the hot summer months or other to share with our KBC community?
Please e-mail your tips to educationchair@kalamazoobicyclingclub.org. Your tips are needed (I'm running low) and appreciated by all! Thank you!

Renee Mitchell, KBC Education Chair

Kudos

Kudos to the Streets Maintenance Division at the City of Portage for their continued support of KBC's activities during Bike Camp and for its work throughout Kalamazoo Bike Week. Ray Waurio and his team coordinated and conducted street sweeping and pothole repair so that bicyclists would experience the city's bike lanes and streets in the best condition feasible.

Kudos to KVCC's Department of Public Safety, under the leadership of Director Richard Ives, for again providing traffic control to support KBC's annual KalTour. Captain Mark Sheffer worked with Public Safety Officer Marty Myers to make sure that bicyclists turning right from the KalTour start onto busy 9th Street would be shielded from traffic during the peak hours of departure.

Paul Selden

Monthly Meeting Minutes

The June 11th, 2013 meeting of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by President Zolton Cohen. Those in attendance were: Randy St. John, John Olbrot, Rick Whaley, Mary Gerger, Victor Van Fleet, Renee Mitchell, Terry O'Connor, Doug Kirk, Paul Pancella, Kathleen Kroll, Marc Irwin, Michael Krischer, Mike Boersma, Craig Freeman, Joe Thomas, Jon Ballema, Gary Foster, Barb Foster, David Jones, Leslie Mars, Paul Selden and Chris Gottwald..

John Olbrot gave the treasurer's report:

Income	$1,533.67
Expenses	$47.94
Checking Account	$7,753.87
Certificate of Deposit	$11,125.37

Marc Irwin said he had sent out a press release related to the upcoming Miller Energy BTR. Zolton thanked Mark for his hard work, recognizing him for the positive exposure the KBC is receiving through radio, print, MLive, etc.

Randy St. John (owner of Spine Physical Therapy), gave an informative talk, concentrating on back pain related to bicycling. Randy talked about the importance of strengthening the specific core muscle groups used while bicycling. He also stressed the necessity to stretch out the back with back extensions during and after bike rides and long car rides. The KBC thanks Randy for all of the valuable information he shared with us.

Education/Bike Camp Chair Renee Mitchell reported "many happy campers" attended our 2013 KBC Bike Camp. According to Renee, there were 30 campers on the final day of camp. Renee mentioned this was the 10th year for Bike Camp and that all of the members from this year's Bike Camp Committee have agreed to serve on the Committee again. Doug Kirk moved to officially acknowledge Renee, Zolton, and the rest of the Bike Camp Committee, for their dedication ensuring the success of KBC Bike Camp year after year. Renee and Zolton thanked all of the KBC members who volunteered to help with this year's camp. It was noted how important it was to have support for the campers on regular weekly club rides. We are already looking forward to Bike Camp 2014!

KalTour Director Mike Krischer gave an update on this year's KalTour, scheduled for June 30, 2013.

Jon Ballema indicated he needs more volunteers for this year's Miller Energy BTR Race, to be held on July 13, 2013. Please contact Jon if you are interested in volunteering.

KBC member Joe Thomas became a Sanctioned Ride Leader for 2013.

Zolton adjourned the meeting at 7:52 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Gerger, KBC Secretary

Statistics

Active Subscriptions:
318

New members:

Sandy Abshagen · Paul Banner · Susan Banner · Gregory Connors · Marty Flatland · Matt Fleury · Annette Isom · Mark Lemons · Mary McCormick · Thomas McCormick · Robert Miller · Michelle Newton Blair · Amy Novak · Grace Novak · John Novak · Sophie Novak · Alina Offerman · Carole Offerman · Don Offerman · Max Offerman · Bobby Patton · Hank Patton · Libby Patton · Sarah Grace Patton · Kaitlin Ragotzy · Gene Ramos · Ben Redenius · Amber Seifert · Connor Seifert · Gina Seifert · Jim Seifert · Katie Seifert · Westin Seifert · Zack Seifert · Eric Shaffer · Matt Sides · Robin Sides · Benjamin Siems · Brie Siems · Kellen Siems · Sean Siems · Robert Taylor · John Thomas · Christian Yavarow · Brian Zipp · Nate Zipp · Yvonne Zipp

Expiring memberships:
David Areaux · Jack Bley · Susan Bond · Kevin Cleary · Kathy Rubino & Dave Dunlap · Ian Heinicke · Katie Jacobs · Dan Kallewaard · Rob Krieg · Cathie Magill · Jim Mishler · Madhavan Murugesan · Britta Seifert · Rebecca Sinkoff · Bill Smyser · Cathi VanDyk Family · Janelle Werner · John Wunderlin

Renewed memberships:
Dave Hauschild · Robert Schuler · Tom & Celine Keizer · Jason Nicolai · Jim Hainen · Mike Hughes · Leslie Scheffers Family · Laura Harding Family · Barry Roelofs · Ingrid Davis · Candice Elders · Doug Wales Family · Kate Rizor · Phillip Kline · Dennis Otte · Nicole Pavlack · Amy Novak

David Jones, KBC Database Manager

Editor's Letter - From a Bicycle Seat

I was riding again at 4:30 A.M., attempting to settle into some sort of rhythm that my fuzzy head and unsettled stomach could accommodate. I was accompanied by fragments of a song called "From a Window Seat" by a band called "Dawes." I know nothing about this band, except that they're from California, and I've only heard the song a few times, complements of the Charter Cable "Adult Alternative" music channel. I sometimes listen to this channel while fixing dinner, because, as a sexagenarian, it's important for me to remain hep with the young adult music scene; to know what sort of hot wax those krazy kids are puttin' down. But I do like the song and it's not a bad earworm.

"And I think, maybe he's in town for someone's birthday.
Maybe he makes trouble everywhere.
But as much he resists the conversation between the rivers and the freeways.
He knows it's always there."

This was another disappointing National 24-Hour Challenge, just like my previous four; something I could have predicted at 2:00 A.M. the previous morning, when, due to a mixture of anticipation and some self-imposed pressure with a little bit of dread for seasoning, I was still awake. So, on about two hours sleep, I drove to Middleville, where I started the race at 8:00 A.M., already tired.

At least the weather was nice; not the usual 90 degree day I've come to expect from this race. However, what I didn't expect was that I'd start feeling nauseous after only about 90 miles, losing my appetite for food and drink. Seventy-five miles later, I decided that the best thing I could do was to rest for a few hours and hope that my appetite would come back. My goal of 300 miles was gone, but unlike previous years, I was ready to settle for 250 miles, if that was all I could do. So after a few hours of rest and fitful sleep, I got up to ride again, only to find that it was raining, with thunder and lightning moving in. With the likelihood that the race would be suspended, I returned to my sleeping bag for refuge for a couple more hours.

The race began again a few minute before 4:30 A.M. and all I was trying to do was to salvage a 200 mile race.

"So I reach out down for my notebook to see what impression could be spun,
But it's just buildings and a million swimming pools.
So I leaf back through the pages to see where I am from
Or for some crumbling map of what it's leading to."

I've been thinking about 1973. Forty years ago, in another athletic life, my distance running life, I was in my prime. In a five month period, I set personal records for 6 distances, ranging from the mile to the marathon. The record for the marathon was set 40 years ago to the day that I began writing this Editor's Letter. I could see where my running was leading to; another year of college, where I could improve my track times and then into the my post-college life, where I could improve my times on the road and maybe even on the track some more. A few years later, I ran a faster marathon, but I never achieved the times that I had set in the other 5 distances. And that faster marathon turned out to be my last one.

And these times are burned into my brain; they're not that impressive, but they're as much a part of my identity as my social security number. And the failures, as well as the successes, are in there, too; in cycling, as well as in running. Successes and expectations that lead me 40 years later, whenever I test myself on a bike. And the failures lead me, as well.

"And I find that the hero in this song that I am writing
Doesn't know he's just an image of myself.
But as much he resists the conversation between the rivers and the freeways
He's somehow always asking them for help."

I dragged my bike or the bike dragged me through 37.5 slow miles to put me over 200. And like the basketball player who jubilantly throws up the ball as time expires with another victory in hand, I celebrated by doing some throwing up of my own, although it was actually dry heaving. And about an hour later during the post-race breakfast, I found that I finally had my appetite back. But I doubt that even an Egg McMuffin GU would have enticed me a few hours earlier.

I could use the heat as an excuse for the past few National 24-Hour Challenges, but I couldn't use it this time. And I've yet to figure out that nutritional puzzle; finding fuel that's palatable and nourishing after a 100 or so miles on the road. But, upon reflection, there is also another issue that I need to resolve, the issue of respect.

During my college days, I never showed the marathon the respect it deserved. By that, I mean that I never trained hard enough for the marathon distance; I was always training for shorter events. It was only before my last marathon, when I truly attempted to train more like a marathoner, and it paid off. It still amazes me when I hear about people running marathons while training only 25 miles a week, but I guess their expectations are low, and maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing. But "maybe" is about all I'll concede.

When I think about my unsuccessful 24 hour races, including this last one, I think about the lack of training that I've put into it. I've said it before and I'm liable to be mumbling this in a nursing home someday: "Riding 50 miles is fun; riding 150 miles isn't." Sometimes, the long rides don't pay off, but I also know that I haven't had a successful 24 hour race without at least one ride of 150 miles or longer within several weeks of the race, as well as one or two hard 50 to 100 mile rides.

So, just how much respect do I want to show the National 24-Hour Challenge? How much respect should I show in order to even participate in the race? What really should be my expectations? Food for thought during the next few months and it might not be very palatable either.

"So, maybe I'm in town to ride a long time.
Maybe my mind makes trouble everywhere.
But as much I resist the conversation between my ambition and my past.
I know it's always there.
I know it's always there.
I know it's always there."

Rick Whaley, KBC Newsletter Editor

Classified Ads

NEW: Cycleops PowerTap SLC+ Power Meter (with accessories) - $2,000 (Best Offer). Accessories: Electro Pack, CycleOps matching front hub, Salsa skewers, Mavic Open Pro rims (hubs currently strung within). Cassette Type: Shimano. Electro Pack: YES.

Technical Specifications
* Wireless 2.4 GHz transmission with ANT+Sport
* Ceramic bearings
* 15mm alloy axle
* Carbon/alloy hubshell
* USB download
* Coded heart rate
* Hub weighs a mere 402 grams
* Patents issued and pending
* Displays and records:
* Peak Power
* Time in Zones
* Power (current, average, max.)
* Heart rate (current, average)
* Cadence (current, average)
* Speed (current, average, max.)
* Energy expenditure (total kjoules)
* Ride distance (miles or km)
* Ride time
* Programmable odometer

Contact Fred Hoffman at good2go49001@yahoo.com or (269) 312-2036.

NEW: Garmin Edge 705 - $250 (Best offer). Garmin Edge 705/Bundle Item is a GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer. Includes Heart Rate Monitor and Speed/Cadence Sensor. Contact Fred Hoffman at good2go49001@yahoo.com or (269) 312-2036.

New: 2012 Jamis Nova Pro 'cross bike (54 size). Carbon fiber seat stays and fork; road bike oriented 50-34 chainset paired with awesome 11-32 climbing cassette. Tremendous all-purpose bike: road, trail, dirt/gravel, and cyclocross, but way lighter than the typical hybrid. Brake and stay clearance for even wider tires and fenders, but works great with narrow tires. Tires and rims unused except for bike shop test ride. Almost new brake pads with relatively few miles on them. Maintained by Pedal Bicycles including full tune up this winter. Includes two bottle cages and original owners manual. Selling to make room for a touring bike so putting it on Ebay or Craigslist by the end of June if I don't sell it here first. Purchased for approx. $1530. Will sell for $995. For detailed specs, see http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/nova/12_novapro.html E-mail directorroadsafety@kalamazoobicycleclub.org to discuss.

New: Bike trailer in good condition. Suitable for two small kids. Used for store purchases and for transporting sprinkler tools and fixtures around our condo area. Another condo owner and I were the official sprinkler fixer uppers. It served the purpose well. Price: asking $75.00 or Best Offer. Call Victor Van Fleet - 269-375-7691 or e-mail vicvanf@yahoo.com

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.

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
Don't miss the SALE of the YEAR! Gazelle Sports' Sidewalk Sale is July 25-28. Great markdowns on hundreds of shoes, including soccer. Up to 50% off selected spring apparel and 25% off selected socks.
Check it out July 25-28 Downtown on the Mall!

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.