Kalamazoo Bicycle Club
Pedal Press

April 2014 President’s Letter

Spring Rides

So, I guess this is the time of year when the President of a bike club located in southwestern Michigan ought to issue an enthusiastic and optimistic prediction about the upcoming ride season. That report would be rife with anticipation about all the deliciously warm weather that is to come and all the lovely group rides that will take place on spectacularly sun-kissed days.

But I'm just going to skip all that this year. Today is March 23. It is 22 degrees outside. Weather forecasters predict two to four inches of snow two days later in the week.

Today the sun is shining. If it weren't so bloody cold, it would be a great riding day. Mother Nature is finally, grudging, relinquishing her grip on the icy edges of our roadways that she (and municipal snowplows) have piled up there this winter. And, by next weekend, there are rumors that a warm-up is on its way - 50 degrees! That's all great. But it is in the future; too far away to contemplate on this frigid spring day.

Know that the KBC ride season will eventually get underway. People will start showing up on Monday evenings at the Texas Drive Park near Texas Corners and on Wednesday evenings at the Kal Haven Trailhead parking lot on 10th Street. Numbers will likely be sparse for a few weeks. And, because most of us who haven't had the time or wherewithal to take our bikes on vacation to southern climes, the pace will probably be moderate in the early going, and ride distances might be shortened due to the still early fall of dusk. It all will unfold eventually. But it will be later than usual, due to this interminable winter.

Doing Good through Cycling

The Kalamazoo YMCA on Maple Street, where KBC holds its monthly meetings, conducts a youth program fund-raising event each year called Bike 'n Burn. Bike 'n Burn consists of volunteers who solicit monetary pledges and then, on a Saturday in March, get together in one of the Y's basement rooms and spin-cycle the morning away.

I visited Bike 'n Burn this year, primarily to see how my friend and KBC member Jeff Newman was doing during his four-hour marathon spinning session. Wisely, Jeff had brought his own seat to affix to the Y-supplied spin bike, and he appeared none the worse for wear about two hours into the event. There was a healthy sheen of sweat gilding his brow but he looked fresh and cheerful. Jeff's son, Graham, a Loy Norrix high school swim team member, was volunteering as well, ferrying drinks and snacks not only to Jeff but to the others in the room.

Jeff has been the largest fund-raiser at Bike 'n Burn for the last three years. His pledges have accounted for as much as half of the amount raised by Bike 'n Burn for the scholarship program that helps individuals without sufficient means to become Y members. This year his efforts brought in almost $2,800. Not bad for half a day's spinning work.

I saw a handful of other KBC members at Bike 'n Burn as well, and wanted to express my admiration to them and to Jeff for using their cycling abilities to generously enrich this noble cause.

Jeff Newman, on bike, consults with son Graham during the YMCA's Bike 'n Burn fundraising event on March 15, 2014.

Bike 'n Burn participants, including several from KBC, pedal on spinning bikes during the fundraiser

Iron Man

Have you ever been shot? I've heard it described as being akin to having someone wind up and hit you as hard as he can with a ball peen hammer. Skin rips and then vaporizes, and the shock and trauma causes blood vessels in the vicinity of the bullet's entry site to rupture - inner-body hydraulic fracturing.

The same thing occurs when a projectile other than a bullet enters the body at a high rate of speed; for instance a shard of steel from the top of a steel wood-splitting wedge that breaks off after being struck with a sledgehammer.

You may well be asking yourself why I'm describing this grisly scenario. Well, it just happens to be my latest excuse for not being in any kind of condition when the early bike season begins. I now have a 6mm long piece of steel permanently embedded in my lower right leg, and it's not coming out. On the upside, with such a wound to exhibit I now have at least a modicum of street cred.

An orthopedic surgeon informed me last week that operating to remove pieces of random metal that are not causing infection (it isn't, due to my ingesting huge doses of antibiotic drugs) can cause more harm than good. So, it is usually best to leave the foreign object alone and let the body eventually wall it off.

Sounds good to me. I'm in no hurry to leap into an operating theater and then undergo lengthy post-surgical recovery. But along with all the other misery this high-velocity projectile caused, it damaged some nerves as it tore through my leg. For the past two weeks I have felt as though I have a wooden leg - and also like someone has been playing a lit propane torch over the top of my foot. Weird.

Recovery will take time, I am told, but it should be relatively complete. In the meantime, you are free to offer helpful advice, like this from my friend (and newly-minted Ph.D), Dr. Kathleen Kroll: "You really need better supervision, Zolton." That is probably true. And now that she is an official Doctor, I should probably take her advice.

Finally, as I work my way through this circumstance I'd like to send best wishes to a fellow injured cyclist. This winter, KBC cyclocross guru Monica Tory, EFC (Everybody's Favorite Canadian), broke her leg and sustained severe knee injuries after suffering a fall while cross country skiing. We both promise to be back on the bike as soon as we are able. But don't wait for us. Get out there and ride.

Zolton Cohen, KBC President

KBC Bike Camp 2014

Do you have family and/or friends you'd like to ride with, but you can't seem to convince them to hop on a bike? Are they hesitant to ride on the roadway, because they don't know how? Do they need to know the basics of safe cycling?

If you answered "yes," encourage them to sign up for KBC's Bike Camp 2014. Bike Camp is a training and informational program targeted toward bicyclists who desire to improve their biking skills, fitness, and knowledge of the sport in a friendly group environment. They will learn how to ride a bike properly, efficiently, and safely on public roads. Bike fitting, fitness goals, nutrition, and maintenance are all covered. Families, adults new to road cycling, and those renewing their interest in the sport would all benefit from Bike Camp.

Dates

• Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. - The first session is held at the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors (GKAR) Auditorium located at 5830 Venture Park Drive, Kalamazoo (no equipment needed).
• Saturdays, May 17 - June 7, 2014 at 8:30 A.M. - Continues with 4 informational and training sessions held at the Portage YMCA, 2900 West Centre Avenue.
• Sunday, June 29, 2014 - Concludes with participation in KBC's KalTour, the Kalamazoo Scenic Bicycle Tour, which starts at Bronson Athletic Club.

Cost

• $50.00/$60.00 for individuals signing up on or before May 1/after May 1.
• $60.00/$70.00 for families signing up on or before May 1/after May 1.

For additional information or to register, go to www.kalamazoobicycleclub.org/club/bikeCamp.php

If you would like to volunteer for Bike Camp or have questions, please e-mail bikecamp@kalamazoobicycleclub.org .

Thank you!

KBC's Bike Camp Committee

KalTour Registration

Last year, we ended the previous practice of printing and mailing brochures to all KBC members. This change saved the club a considerable amount of money and allowed us to increase our donation to the AMBUCS folks. We will be following the same procedures for KalTour registration again this year.

We will again rely primarily on online publicity and signup. Go to the KalTour page on the KBC web site and click on the "Register" tab. You will be able to sign up and pay for KalTour with your credit or debit card using PayPal just as you do when you pay your KBC dues. There are no surcharges, fees, or postage costs when you sign up this way.

For those of you who would prefer to write a check, there is also a registration form that can be printed out and mailed.

We have held the line on prices again this year, so signing up for KalTour has to be one of the best bargains around. For a full day of riding on a mapped and marked course with rest stops with snacks and a tasty lunch, the cost to KBC members for either online or mail-in registration prior to June 15 is only $15. Families of KBC members (up to two adults and minor children) pay only $25.

I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, June 29, 2014 for the 23rd annual KBC summer tour.

Mike Krischer, KalTour Director

The 14th Annual W Ride

Ah, the spring classics. Paris-Roubaix! Liege-Bastogne-Liege! The W Ride! And, unlike the former two rides, you can actually ride in the 14th Annual W Ride! This year, the ride will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 A.M., and we'll meet at the east parking lot of Vicksburg High School.

For the second time in the history of the W Ride, we'll be doing the east-west-east route. After leaving the high school parking lot, we'll turn left and ride on W Avenue until we reach the Calhoun County line. Then, we'll turn around and ride back to Vicksburg and take a break at the local convenience store, where we'll have the opportunity to replenish important nutrients with combos and tasty granola bars.

And then, for Act 2 of the day's ride, we'll continue to ride west to the Van Buren County line, where we'll turn around and ride back to Vicksburg. 48 miles. One road. A once in a lifetime experience, at least until next year. And, as always, superfluous maps will be provided.

Rick Whaley will lead the main group of riders, and the speed will probably be around 15 to 18 mph, depending on who shows up. And there will likely be other groups of riders who will be riding either slower or faster. Don't miss the only chance you'll have to ride the W Ride in 2014!

Rick Whaley, W Ride Leader

The 5th Annual Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival

(Editor's Note: The following is from a Press Release for the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival)

Bicycle enthusiasts will be gathering May 13, 2013 for the 5th year of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival's "Bike Shorts" program. This program is a collection of short films that celebrate bicycles and the culture that surrounds them. Each one is 12 minutes or less. The films feature a wide spectrum of experiences, stories, and images of bicycling. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you think. The common theme is that they are all for, about, or inspired by bicycles. The final line up of 20 - 25 films will be determined after the April 21entry deadline. The films originate from the United States and internationally.

The "Bike Shorts" program will be presented during Kalamazoo's Bike Week at Bell's Eccentric Cafe located at 355 E Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Show times are 6:00 P.M. (all ages) and 8:15 P.M. (ages 21 and older). Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. Bring cash for bicycle themed merchandise such as film festival posters, stickers, and t-shirts. This night of bike films is made possible by Breakaway Bicycles, Pedal Bicycles, Alfred E Bike, and the good folks at Bell's Brewery. More program and entry information can be found at www.KalamazooBicycleFilmFestival.com.

Marc Irwin, KBC Public Relations Chair

Rules of the Road Reminder

With spring here, we'll soon be dusting off our bikes, greasing our chains, pumping up our tires, checking our brakes and hitting the roads. It's important to prepare our bikes after the winter months, but it's also important to prepare our minds for the wonderful riding season ahead. Listed below are the League of American Bicyclists five Rules of the Road to remind us all that we are not alone on the roadways and it's important to follow these rules to be safe and confident cyclists. If you have any questions about these rules, you can check out LAB's website at www.bikeleague.org or e-mail educationchair@kalamazoobicycleclub.org.

League of American Bicyclists - Rules of the Road

The League's five "Rules of the Road" are the core of LAB's Smart Cycling program and will prepare you for a safe and fun bike commute no matter where you are riding.

Follow The Law

Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.

Be Predictable

Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don't swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

Be Conspicuous

Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light, and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don't ride on sidewalks.

Think Ahead

Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

Ride Ready

Check that your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.

Source: www.bikeleague.org/content/rules-road-0

Renee Mitchell, KBC Education Chair

Opportunities to Host Students who Like to Bicycle

ASSE International Student Exchange, which places more than 2,000 exchange students across the country each year, is currently in search of volunteer families to host students arriving in Southwest Michigan for the 2014-2015 school year.

Several of these students have shown particular interest in bicycling and are described below:

Niklas from Germany enjoys biking, soccer, basketball, hiking, and cooking. He says he is looking forward to his year abroad and getting to know his host family.

Aytak from Azerbaijan enjoys volleyball, biking, dancing, running, and music. People describe this FLEX scholarship winner as very communicable and active.

Sergey from Russia enjoys biking, basketball, photography, music, and reading. Sergey says his dream is to travel to every single corner of the earth.

Louise from Germany enjoys karate, biking, skating, and reading. She comes from a hardworking family and her family is important to her; they support her dream to go to the USA.

Shan Po from Taiwan goes by Bob. He enjoys biking, basketball, reading, baseball, and golf. Bob has been studying English for 13 years and comes from a close knit family.

ASSE students are 15-18 years old and represent over 58 countries. Students arrive with their own medical coverage and spending money and are hoping to become part of a family and be involved in their daily life.

For more information about hosting one of these students, please contact KBC member and ASSE Area Representative Kate Rizor at (269) 201-2346 or katerizor@att.net or by visiting www.assehost.com to view more student profiles or fill out an application.

Kate Rizor

Monthly Meeting Minutes

The March 11, 2014 meeting of the KBC was called to order by President Zolton Cohen at 7:04 P.M. Those in attendance were: Zolton Cohen, Jon Ballema, Peter Post, Michael Krischer, Marc Irwin, Jim Kindle, Renee Mitchell, Colby Novar, Gordy Vader, Mike Boersma, John Olbrot, Rick Whaley, Sandra Kominek, Scott Baron, and Aliceanne Inskeep.

John Olbrot gave the treasurer's report:

Mike Krischer gave a brief update on KalTour and stated that the registration for this event will be up and running on our website by early April.

Renee Mitchell discussed KBC's upcoming 10th Annual Bike Camp, noting that the Information Night will be on Wednesday, May 14 at the Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors Auditorium. This is a change from the usual Tuesday Information Night and this will need to be changed on our website. The brochure has been redesigned and will be available in about a week. There will also be four Saturday sessions covering topics such as bike fit, bike maintenance, and nutrition tips. The cost is $50 for an individual and $60 for a family before May 1. This fee includes membership in the KBC and a KalTour entry. (Editor's Note: See the article elsewhere in this Pedal Press for more information about Bike Camp.)

Jon Ballema requested $1000 from the KBC for the 9th Annual Miller Energy /BTR criterium on Saturday, July 12. Zolton asked him what we get for our donation and Jon replied that KBC would be promoted in places such as the race banner, registration materials, and the electronic billboard. The race will be held again at BTR Park at the corner of Parkview Avenue and Drake Road. Jon stated that this is a make or break year for the event, as the event lost $1400 last year, and Western Michigan is not donating as much money to the event this year as in recent years. The event needs to make a profit in order to ensure the longevity of the race.

John asked if there had been any consideration about charging a fee for the classes that are held in conjunction with the race. Jon replied that the KBC does not conduct these classes. Gordy asked if there have been solicitations for other sponsors and Jon noted that there are sponsors who give cash and others who give merchandise. John wondered if the League of Michigan Bicyclists give grants for these sorts of events, but Mike Boersma thought that they did not.

Zolton noted that there was not a quorum of the KBC Executive Board to act on Jon's request, but Mike Boersma made an advisory motion from the KBC members to approve this request, and this motion was passed. Zolton stated that he will assemble a quorum via e-mail to decide whether or not to approve this request.

Jon also stated that he is passing of the torch of the CMS Race Team Presidency and Pete Post is going to be the Interim President. Pete noted that the race team is an extension of the KBC and is an organization that can help introduce people to racing. Zolton asked if the CMS Race Team will help at Bike Camp again this year and Pete stated that they would. Jon noted that there is "no jerk rule" for team membership. The team waits until they get to know a prospective team member before allowing a person to join the team. The attitude a person has is more important than how good a rider he or she is.

Since the CMS Race Team needs to have a bicycling club affiliation, Jon also requested $500 from the KBC. He noted that KBC gave them $500 last year for their license fee and, in return, the CMS Race Team helped with Bike Camp, and also ran the club's Tuesday Night Time Trial series. A KBC membership advisory motion to grant this request passed and the Executive Board will act on this request.

Those present at this meeting wishing to be 2014 Sanctioned Ride Leaders were sworn in by Zolton Cohen. Those members are as follows: Gordy Vader, Jim Kindle, Aliceanne Inskeep, Scott Baron, and Peter Post. Chris Barnes, who had a meeting conflict, also was sworn in as a Sanctioned Ride Leader slightly before the official beginning of the meeting. Gordy asked what a Sanctioned Ride Leader should do about discourteous cyclists and Zolton replied that a Ride Leader should speak up about this sort of unacceptable behavior.

Rick Whaley noted that the 14th Annual W Ride will take place on Saturday, April 26 and that he will provide more information about this ride in the April Pedal Press. (Editor's Note: See the article about the W Ride elsewhere in this Pedal Press.)

Mark Irwin indicated that he will be releasing articles to the press concerning Bike Camp. He stated that if anyone else has something to publicize to let him know. Marc will also be putting together a press release for the 5th Annual Bicycle Film Festival, which will be held at Bell's on Tuesday, May 13. (Editor's Note: See the article about this film festival elsewhere in this Pedal Press.)

Zolton adjourned the meeting at 7:53 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rick Whaley for Mary Gerger, KBC Secretary

Statistics

Active Subscriptions:
312

New members:

Kristen Berg · Cate Bradley · Conor Bradley · Matthew Bradley · Alec Bressler · Michael Bressler · Chee Cheong · Rachel Colingsworth · Larry Fitzgerald · Jose Mendoza · Mary Novak · Colby Novar · Tracy Reilly · Matt Stinson · Catherine Stoner · Robert Stoner · Zachary Stoner

Expiring memberships:

Issa Al-Kharsuy · Andrea Bau · Andrew Blackburn · Judie Bowen · Jen Brown · Chelsea Brown · Randall Button · Luanne Cali · Sue Catherman · Jamie Clark · Benjamin Clark · Cyndee Clemann · Tom Cross · Jerry & Chris Dahl · Gail Davis · Jessica Douglass · Gil Fernandez Family · Bill Figeley · Liza Foley · Chip Ford · Daniel Frazier · Brandie Fridley Family · Nikki Gates · Joao Graca Lobo · Kelley Green · Megan Grunert · Renee Haart · Anne Hoover · Sean Jagels · William Kannenberg · Michael Keenan · David Keyke · Shelley Klotz · Jason Kniss · Kathleen Kroll · Susan Kropscott · Stacey Lyon · Cindi MacDonald · Tomme Maile · Mike Mock · Jim Morris · Colleen Myers · Richard Neumann · Alan & Lynda Rea Family · Kristen Rice · Jesse Riegle Family · Jeffery Scott · T.J. Seiwert · Sarah Simmons · Lisa Szeles · Zarini Tahir · Gayle Underwood · Charles Webster · Ola Wettergren · Jennifer Young

Renewed memberships:

Joseph & Kara Nuismer · Timothy Mitchell · Andy Aardema · Kenneth Polidan · Marc Irwin · Jon Ballema · Doug Knudsen · David Fatzinger · Gary & Barb Foster · Michelle Karpinski · Susan Manifold

David Jones, KBC Database Manager

Editor's Letter - It's What I Do

"I say Ray, why do girls treat you nice that way?

He said it's not what I know

What I think or say.

It's what I do.

It's what I do.

It's deep beneath the skin.

It's what I major in.

It's what I do."

It took me two days and 1055 miles of driving to arrive at my Florida destination. I spent over 16 hours on the road that first day, sitting through a 2 hour 25 minute traffic jam; the appetizer for a 2 hour 50 minute traffic jam 100 miles later. I drove though torrential rain during part of the second day. I just wanted a warm place to ride.

And eventually, I found it. I spent 6 days in Monticello, enjoying the hospitality of KBC's Doug and Kathy Kirk (and not Thomas Jefferson, who's not a member of the KBC, either), staying in the house that they're renting for two months. The first day, I did a solo ride while it was still rather drizzly and dreary, and on the second day, we rode into Georgia and back in rather cool weather by the standards of the area; the temperature never even got into the 60s (brrrrr!). The third day was a transition day, and the fourth day ..... well, the fourth day was the beginning of my traveling pay-off days.

We rode through Greenville that day; a town I'd never heard of previously; a mark of my musical historical ignorance, as this was the boyhood home of Ray Charles. There was a nice statue of the man in the town park, and I sat at his feet while sipping a Gatorade, thinking about his life and mine.

Ray and me in Greenville, Florida

There aren't a whole lot of similarities between his life as a musical genius and my life as cycling musical non-genius; different culture, different race, different degree of disability (although I think I'd have to concede that his blindness trumps my near-sightedness - Gee, Mr. Pedal Press Editor, you think?), and different economic circumstances growing up. But he found something that he could do and do very well, and it became his essence, as Donald Fagen in musical tribute from his "Morph the Cat" CD noted above. Likewise, I found that cycling was something that I could do, albeit not as well and even though the occasional female driver hasn't treated me nice. So, there is that somewhat tenuous similarity between us.

The fifth day was another mid-70s weather ride, this time solo, and the sixth and final riding day was to be the climax of my visit, since I had requested earlier in the week that we do a Century Ride on my last day of riding. I knew that I was probably biting off more than I could chew, but I'd attempt to chew it anyway, and hope that it would be palatable. We rode 10 miles to meet a group of riders and we spent 30 miles riding with them. Then we were on our own. The day was beautiful and sunny, and the temperature reached 78 degrees. Doug and Kathy took turns pulling, and I didn't do my share, although I did occasionally get in front for shorter and slower pulls. By 75 miles, I was feeling the effect of the day's effort, and by 85 miles, soon after we arrived back at the hills that start about 10 miles south of town, I began to drop back. Fortunately, there was a country store at the 90 mile mark, where we stopped for some needed rest (for me, at least). We slowed the pace the last 12 miles, so I enjoyed the rest of the ride, and after 101.7 cycling miles, we drove to a restaurant in Thomasville, Georgia and ate pizza outside in shorts and shirtsleeves. And the pizza was very palatable. The next day, I started my drive home.

"He says Don don't despair - just take some time.

You'll find your bad self - you're gonna do just fine.

It's what I do.

It's what I do.

It's not some game I play.

It's in my DNA.

It's what I do."

So, while I was in Florida, I rode in drizzly weather. I rode in sunny weather. I rode up and down rolling hills. I rode on flatlands. I rode slowly. I rode fast. I rode alone. I rode with others. I pulled. I drafted. I got dropped. In other words, I did what I've usually done on various rides over the last 35+ years, the last 20 years as a "full time" cyclist. I came to this sport after being driven from my previous sport, and after all these years, I'd have to say that I have ultimately done just fine. And while cycling can be a game I play, it still could be the case that enjoying the act of movement via foot or via bicycle wheels is in my DNA.

A week after the Century Ride, I look at the snow mounds and remind myself that it may be warm enough in a couple of days for my first after work club ride of the year. Where we'll get together and ride up hills. We'll ride down hills. We'll ride on flatlands. We'll ride slowly. We'll ride fast. We'll pull. We'll draft. We'll hope that we don't get dropped.

It's what I do. It's what we do.

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.

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. Purchased for approx. $1530 - will sell for about half what I paid: $775. For detailed specs, see http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/nova/12_novapro.html. E-mail directorroadsafety@kalamazoobicycleclub.org to discuss.

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
Gazelle Sports' fabulous SOCK SALE runs now through April 30. Buy 3 pairs, get a 4th pair FREE!

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
"The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you." - David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest

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.