Kalamazoo Bicycle Club
Pedal Press

July 2014 President’s Letter

Bike Camp 2014 is in the Books

June has been a wildly busy and wildly productive month for the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.

Bike Camp, with over 60 people signing up this year for the educational and training program, wrapped up one of the most successful courses in its history. Lofty numbers aside, Bike Camp was a success on several different levels.

In response to exit survey responses, Rene Mitchell, KBC Education Chair and Bike Camp Director, continues to tinker with the format and venues with the goal of improving the Bike Camper experience. Presenters were asked to shorten and more closely focus their talks. And we feel as though we've got a pretty good handle now on what snacks everyone likes to eat after the rides.

But what makes Bike Camp tick is our vast contingent of committed volunteers who show up year in and year out to make presentations, lead rides, and generally make themselves available and useful. It is no exaggeration to say that, without the generosity and willingness of these wonderful people to share their time and expertise, Bike Camp could not function and likely would not even exist.

Congratulations and thank you to all of those who make Bike Camp such a special program. And let's do it again next year...

KalTour and the "Show"

It is commonly acknowledged that one of the things that separate individuals who make it to Major League Baseball and those who come close but never get to play is the ability to hit a curveball. Many players can tee off on a fastball and can slap it to any field or send it soaring over the fence. But curveballs have been the downfall of many a would-be MLBer; many careers have died in their infancy due to a shortfall in that particular department.

Fortunately for KBC, KalTour Director Mike Krischer has proven his mettle as a Big League Player. His performance this year, despite a major curveball having been thrown his way, is worthy of the Hall of Fame. He certainly gets my vote.

Here is the short version of the story:

KalTour, as many know, has several routes that ran partially on Van Buren County roads. KBC was contacted earlier this summer by the Van Buren County Road Commission and was asked, for the first time in the history of the event, to apply for a permit to conduct the tour on those roads.

The permit application has nothing to do with a bicycle tour. It is a document structured to request permission from Van Buren County residents to temporarily close a road to do work or to hold a parade. KalTour does and is neither of those, and does not require closing any roads, so we figured we didn't need to file for the permit.

Over the course of several weeks, there was some tense negotiating back and forth. The permit required a two million dollar insurance policy. Our club insurance covers up to three million, but the VBCRC said it wasn't in the correct format. Our club insurance carrier agreed to add several additional insured parties to KalTour's certificate of insurance, but refused to include the VBCRC's exacting "contract language" demanded by the permit. In the end, on the Tuesday when we were due to paint directional arrows on the roads, we were informed that our permit request had been denied.

And that's when Mike stepped up to the plate. Having anticipated being denied the permit, he was able - on the fly - to put together completely different maps for the 62 and 100 mile routes. Those routes avoided Van Buren County altogether.

We painted the roads that evening. KalTour took place on Sunday, June 29 and approximately 250 riders enjoyed themselves riding those routes. I would like to remind everyone that Mike is a volunteer with a job and a life outside of KBC. What he was able to pull off in a vanishingly small window of time was nothing short of miraculous.

So what happens next? Well, a number of us believe that the VBCRC overstepped its authority in demanding a permit and insurance coverage for a bicycle tour that happens to take place on Van Buren County's public roadways - a bike tour that does not require road closures or any other dispensation. Vice President Doug Kirk is collaborating with the League of Michigan Bicyclists to see what can be done to get the VBCRC and other road commissions in the state to back off on what seems to us to be a specious policy. We'll be following up on what progress is being made....

In the meantime, if you see Mike Krischer, give him a pat on the back. For he truly is the guy who makes KalTour's wheels go around. And he sure can hit a curveball out of the park.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank our many KalTour volunteers who painted arrows on the roads, staffed SAG stops, ran the SAG wagon, and did countless other tasks so that others could ride relatively carefree on the day of the event.

Thanks also go to Breakaway Bicycles and Pedal, who provided employees to help pump up tires, fix flats, and make seat adjustments. Several riders commented that their tour had been "saved" by the presence of these helpful mechanics.

As well, the Briar Patch has provided us with a terrific place for our lunch SAG stop for quite a few years. I watched several riders walking around inside their greenhouses, marveling at the beautiful flowers and lush foliage on display. It really is special to be able to have a nice lunch on a bike tour in such pleasant surroundings.

The Kalamazoo Valley AMBUCS once again showed up in force at the Briar Patch, running the SAG stop with verve, energy, and enthusiasm. They have become an integral part of the event; we would be significantly poorer without them.

The Great Harvest Bakery and Victorian Bakery came through with tasty sandwiches and powerfully delicious cookies, respectively.

Whew! What a month it has been. And it's only the end of June! Let's take a breath, think back on all that we've accomplished so far this year, and then get back on our bikes and ride...

Zolton Cohen, KBC President

Race Weekend - July 11 Through 13, 2014

OAM/NOW Athletic Mentors Race Clinic - Friday, July 11

The OAM/NOW Athletic Mentors Cycling Team is hosting a men's and women's racing clinic Friday evening between 5:45 P.M. and 9:00 P.M at the Western Michigan BTR Park. The women's clinic will be held from 5:45 to 8:00 P.M. and the men's clinic will be held from 6:45 to 9:00 P.M. An introduction to the basics of racing will be provided and hands on instructions, including racing drills, will also be conducted on the Miller Energy Criterium course. There will also be time for questions and answers throughout the clinic. This is free, if registered before the day of the clinic, and open to the public. Information on this event can be found through the website www.btrcrit.com.

Miller Energy Criterium - Saturday, July 12

The 9th 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 be providing food and beverages during the events. There will also be a Saturday evening race party at Arcadia Brewing Company. The website for this event is www.btrcrit.com.

Maple Hill Race for Wishes - Sunday, July 13

The 4th annual Maple Hill Race for Wishes presented by Maple Hill Auto Group will be taking place on Sunday, July 13 in Lawton. There are 13 events of various distances on the 14.8 mile course, starting between 8:00 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. There will also be a Kid's Race at 12:00 P.M. This event benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Michigan. For more information, please visit the race website at www.midwestcharityracing.com.

The Ride to South Haven

The Ride to South Haven will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014. The ride will begin at 8:00 A.M. from the southwest corner of the KVCC parking lot on O Avenue near the tennis courts and will be led by Rick Whaley. Come find out why Lake Michigan is not called "Just a Pretty Good Lake." Come treat yourself to sub sandwiches and ice cream (although not simultaneously, unless you want to) in South Haven! Come dine on the finest snack food that a convenience store in Lawrence has to offer! 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.

So, let's spread far the fame (in this case, 50 miles) of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club's name!

Rick Whaley

Monthly Meeting Minutes

The June 10, 2014 meeting of the KBC was called to order by President Zolton Cohen at 7:00 P.M. Those in attendance were: Doug Kirk, Zolton Cohen, Paul Selden, Aliceanne Inskeep, Mike Boersma, Mike Krischer, Marc Irwin, Tom Keizer, Doug Wales, Jeff Newman, Rick Whaley, David B. Jones, John Olbrot, Terry O'Connor, Pete Post, and Mary Gerger.

John Olbrot gave the treasurer's report:

Income	$1,402.19
Expenses	$393.77
Checking Account	$8,536.44
Certificate of Deposit	$11,136.50

Director of Road Safety Paul Selden announced the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study (KATS) has completed their "Complete Streets Policy" which takes non-motorized transportation into account when building new roads and making improvements. Please contact Township Supervisors, Portage Representative Terry Urban, and Kalamazoo Representative David Anderson to support the "Complete Street Policy."

KBC/CMS Race Team Captain Pete Post gave an update on the Tuesday Night Time Trials. He also mentioned that several Cat 5 race team members are active and are moving up to Cat 4.

Zolton thanked Education Committee/Bike Camp Chair Renee Mitchell for all of her hard work contributing to the success of the KBC's 2014 Bike Camp. Renee said 59 individuals/families and 6 couples completed all sessions. She mentioned the possibility of moving future sessions to an area closer to the country.

Jon Ballema and Zolton have been attending meetings for the July 12, 2014 BTR race. Volunteers are still needed for registration and course marshalling. Please contact Jon or sign up at www.BTRcrit.com, if you are interested in volunteering.

Jeff Newman was sworn in as a KBC Sanctioned Ride Leader for 2014.

Zolton led a discussion regarding some current KBC insurance issues. He is working with our agent and others to quickly resolve these issues as positively as possible.

KalTour Director Mike Krischer updated us on the June 29, 2014 KalTour. He mentioned that volunteers were still needed for Road Painting, scheduled for 6:00 P.M., Tuesday June 17.

It was announced that the League of Michigan Bicyclists recognized the KBC Bike Camp Committee with an award for their work with bicycle education in our community. In addition, Paul Selden won LMB's volunteer of the year award.

Zolton introduced new Social Director Kathleen Kroll. An Ice Cream Social is being planned after an upcoming KBC Monday night bike ride. There will be more information forthcoming.

Zolton read a letter from WMU thanking the KBC for their continued sponsorship of the annual BTR race. To show their appreciation, WMU is giving the KBC 6 free registrations for the upcoming BTR race. Zolton will be posting notification of these available registrations on the KBC YahooGroups and Facebook sites. He will draw six names on July 1, 2014 from those indicating an interest in one of these free registrations.

Paul announced KBC member Victor Van Fleet is selling his bicycle equipment. All proceeds from the sale will go towards purchasing an Amtryke for a Veteran. Detailed information will in the KBC YahooGroups site.

Zolton briefly mentioned that he, along with Doug Kirk, Paul Selden, Renee Mitchell, and Toni Thompson attended the LMB's Bike Advocacy Day, which was held in Lansing. The exciting news for all bicyclists to celebrate is the passage of a driver's education bill requiring that bicycle and motorcycle awareness be taught in all driver's education classes. Doug said there is a new bill coming up for a vote which will require drivers to give bicycles five feet of room when passing.

Paul expressed thanks to David Jones (our area LMB representative) for his work with the LMB. He also singled out State Representatives Sean McCann and Margaret O'Brien for their continued support of bike related issues.

Zolton adjourned the meeting at 7:58 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mary Gerger, KBC Secretary

Statistics

Active Subscriptions:
283

New members:

Bobbie Alkhamis · Ryan Alkhamis · Zack Alkhamis · Zackary Alkhamis · John Coll · Holly Cowan · Neil Cowan · Matthew Deighton · Tim Dirkse · Lindsay Epstein · Todd Gardner · Shawn Hansen · David Keyte · Mary Keyte · Sheldon Keyte · Theresa Keyte · Tommy Keyte · Jon Lumpkin · Micheal Matteson · Dan Robinson · Denise Steely · Kara Steely · Jim West

Expiring memberships:

David Areaux · Kevin Cleary · Ingrid Davis · Katie Jacobs · Todd Mora · Jeff Robertson Family · John Wunderlin

Renewed memberships:

Susan H. Peterson · Jim And Sally Van Buren · Terry Florian Family · Jason Nicolai · Daniel Victor · Liz VanderSloot · Aliceanne Inskeep · Leslie Scheffers Family · Doug Wales Family · Luanne St. Peter Family · Joseph Bernath · Issa Al-Kharsuy · Cyndee Clemann · Julie Knowlton · Matt Fleury · Robert Miller · Annette Isom · Matt Sides · Thomas Dewhirst

David Jones, KBC Database Manager

Editor's Letter - The National 24-Hour Challenge That Would Have Been

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail - Benjamin Franklin.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky.

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function - F. Scott Fitzgerald.

A couple of weeks before Father's Day weekend, I became a genius, thanks to the National 24-Hour Challenge. As a service to those of you who read vicariously through my life, I've written tales of woe in the last two July Pedal Presses about my attempts to achieve a sort of bizarre athletic glory at the National 24-Hour Challenge. Suffice to say that these attempts have not turned out well.

After the end of last year's race, I thought about the lack of respect that I had shown for this race, and after the weather had warmed up this year (no, it was actually longer than three weeks ago), I decided that I'd start showing the race more respect than I have the last few times I had done it. So, I rode a few century rides. I drove down to Springfield, Ohio the first weekend in May to do the Calvin's Challenge 12 hour race, the first time I'd done the 12 hour race in 9 years. I did a "Twice My Age" ride that I wrote about last month. And all of these rides had something in common. I didn't feel very good after doing them.

Of course, I have my excuses. For example, I set a PW (personal worst) at Calvin's Challenge, but the 25 mph wind with 30 plus mph wind gusts much of the day probably had something to do with that. However, what surprised me about this race was that my recovery was so slow. I spent the next day at the home of my younger brother and his family, sitting on his couch, while transfixed by a modern day form of morality plays in 60 minute increments, courtesy of Bar Rescue reruns. Or, perhaps, it was just that the effort to change the channel was too much for me, let alone the effort to get back on my bicycle for a recovery ride. My recovery after my other long rides was also less than satisfactory, although I was at least able to resist the lure of reality TV binge watching, but that was of lukewarm comfort.

So, in the couple of weeks preceding the race, I vacillated like a champion. My training wasn't good, but I won't know unless I try. I may not feel good, but there's a chance my wheels will fly. It will be hot, but maybe it won't, and damned if I do, but damned if I don't. And as the registration clock wound down, I finally decided not to do it.

Of course, the weather was great that day. The high temperature was in the low 70s, and there was low humidity and little wind. Three of the last 5 times I did the National 24-Hour Challenge, the high temperature had exceeded 90 degrees. The one time that I've broken 300 miles, my Holy Grail of 24 hour racing, at the National 24-Hour Challenge, the high temperature was also in the low 70s and it drizzled on and off all day and night. The other two times that I have broken the 300 mile barrier were at other 24 hour races, and in these races, the higher of the two high temperatures was in the mid-60s. So, perhaps, I didn't take a shot that I should have taken. Although I can console myself with the knowledge that if I had shown up, the day and night would have unfolded something like this.

I "woke up" at 4:30, using the term loosely, as I had not slept that night or the previous night due to a toxic mixture of nervousness and dread, to the sight of a strange luminous glow below the horizon. The temperature had been rising steadily for the last 3 days and it was 117 degrees outside. I drove to Middleville, as dawn broke, not unlike a broken egg frying on the sidewalk, noting the occasional chirp-thump; the sound of the few heat-addled birds that had not already flown off towards the North Pole, plummeting to the ground.

By the time the race started at 8:00, the sun was an angry orange extra-extra-extra large pizza in the sky with sunspots not unlike extra-extra-extra spicy sausage. The traditional bagpipe send off was marred by the fact that all of the bagpipes had burst. The bagpipers had to make do by drumming on car hoods with their hands, resulting in several occurrences of second degree burns. The temperature was 133 degrees with a sandblasting wind from the east, since that was the direction that we were going.

Soon after the first SAG stop at 37 miles, I turned south into the now southerly skin scouring wind. I had already gotten 3 flat tires and my tires were starting to stick to the pavement. So, I took off my tires and started riding on my rims. By the time I got to the second SAG stop at 72 miles, my water bottles had melted onto my water bottle cages. This didn't really matter, however, as I had been reduced to replenishing my lost body fluids via breathing in the 90% humid air. The temperature was now 152 degrees.

I turned west, along with the headwind, and reached the third SAG stop at 96 miles. The stop was oddly quiet, but then I realized that this was because most of the volunteers had died. The food at the stop had all congealed into a sticky mass that was too hot to touch, not that I had much of an appetite, anyway.

From there, I headed north, again against the wind. I rode through Yankee Springs State Park, the eerie silence broken only by the occasional shrieks of children who had unwisely decided to take a swim in an effort to "cool off." Back at the Middleville Middle School after finishing the 124 mile big loop, I took stock. I had lost 32 pounds and my nose and ears had turned black. To my dismay, with three flicks of my fingers, they fell off. But at least there'd be less wind resistance. So I rode on.

I began riding the 24 mile intermediate loop. The temperature had reached 169 degrees and I was sweating blood. The wind had picked up to 50 mph with an occasional thunderbolt and the woods around Yankee Springs had caught on fire. This really didn't ruin the scenery, however, as Gun Lake had already evaporated. My legs felt dead and the vultures were really beginning to annoy me.

After finishing the intermediate loop, I decided that it was time for massive intravenous fluids and rest. The Middle School had also caught on fire, so I slept on the parking lot. I dreamed of marshmallows. When I woke up, it was dark, except for the deep orange "full" moon that actually looked like a deflated beach ball. On the plus side, the temperature had dropped to 147 degrees. On the minus side, I discovered that I was too weak to stand.

So, I took the front wheel off my bicycle and I began to crawl around the 7.6 mile night loop, pushing my bicycle wheel with my head. I found that a couple of my competitors were doing the same, so I attempted to draft off them. This didn't work well. I also found it difficult to dodge the numerous heat stroked road kill, both of the animal and human variety. But I crawled on.

As I approached the end of the night loop, I was rewarded by a bloody red sky accompanied by flaming meteors. And soon after dawn, it also dawned on me that it was a just as well that I hadn't made any 4th of July plans. "Yet another wasted effort, but maybe next year," I thought. "But, then again, there's not going to be one."

So, that's what would have happened if I had shown up. National 24-Hour Challenge racers, you're welcome.

Rick Whaley, KBC Newsletter Editor

Classified Ads

Ladies Trek Road Bike for Sale.

Frameset

Size - women's 50.

Frame - Alpha Black Aluminum.

Fork - Bontrager Race, carbon; SpeedTrap compatible.

Wheels -Bontrager SSR.

Tires - Bontrager Select, 700x 25c.

Drivetrain

Shifters - Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed.

Front Derailleur - Shimano Sora.

Rear Derailleur - Shimano Tiagra GS.

Crank - FSA Vero T 50/39/30.

Cassette - SPAM PG 950-1126, 9 speed.

Pedals - Nylon body w/alloy cage; clips & straps.

Components

Saddle - Bontrager Race Basic FIT.

Seat Post - Bontrager Race Lite Basic.

Handlebars - Bontrager FIT VR Bend OS, 31.8mm.

Stem - Bontrager Race Lite OS, 7 degree, 31.8mm.

Headset - Aheadset w/ semi-cartridge bearings, integrated sealed alloy.

Brakeset - Alloy dual pivot w/ Shimano Sora STI levers.

$750.00 - Price also includes new speedometer/odometer and original regular pedals.

This is a great bike! It has less than 150 miles on it. I have not ridden the bike in 2 years; it's been covered with a sheet and hanging in storage. Unfortunately, I don't enjoy road biking like I thought I would.

Please contact Kathy Klage at (616) 886-2541.

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
Stock up at Gazelle Sports' Sidewalk Sale - July 24-27.
Run/lifestyle apparel up to 60% off!
Shoes up to 40% off!
Don't miss the great savings at Gazelle Sports!

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
"Nick's heart tightened as the trout moved. He felt all the old feeling." - Earnest Hemingway, Big Two Hearted River

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.