a publication of berks county bicycle club hang on; better ... · skateboards 2573 perkiomen ave....

8
Our strange times have continued as the wave of disruption related to novel coronavirus COVID-19 makes its way from New York City westward along Interstate 78 and southward along Interstate 95 into Pennsylvania. Despite more than a month of lock- down, what's left of the local newspa- per seems to be filling with an increasing number of stories about COVID-19-related infec- tions and deaths. The situation changes so often, and news- media alternatives are so ubi- quitous, that it would be near-futile to mention many details in the “Spin.” They could be obsolete by the time you read them. Despite all that, it's still legal to ride your bicycle outdoors in Pennsylvania at the time this “Spin” was written. Strava feeds seem to be updating more slowly than during more normal times, but they're updating nonethe- less. Berks County riders seem to be following advice about riding alone or close-to-alone. A Dutch study surfaced in April that explained the risks of riding in each others' respiratory slipstreams. It was posted on our club's Facebook page more than once and referenced repeatedly. Data from the study sug- gest it's much safer to ride side-by- side than in pace lines, but most of us had probably already guessed as much. Still, it feels better to know at least a little something when so much else about this virus, or about our futures, remains unknown. COVID-era Strava-posts seem sud- denly more in tune with the simple joys of riding. They contain more photos of isolated places, dirt roads, and obscure histor- ical markers. These rides are sometimes slower, with more hills, and seem to care more about the journey than the destina- tion. Riders here and everywhere are making lemons from lemonade. Ten pros from five teams lined up in early April to compete from home, on their trainers, in a virtual Tour of Flanders. Sure, there was no wind, no echel- ons, no wet cobbles, no crashes, and no screaming fans waving yellow flags emblazoned with lions. They seemed relatively happy to ride non- etheless. Pros are making more-frequent appearances on Zwift, too. This past week, I rode with Andre Greipel and Ben King. I took photos of my com- MEMBER OF LAB, SRGA NHA, & RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Founded 1973 May 2020 Volume 47, Issue 5 www.berksbicycle.com In this issue Coping with quarantine, p. 3 Radsport Climb, Shoo-Fly Classic, p. 4 Officers, meetings p. 5 Rides suspended, p. 5 … Annual picnic, p. 8 [See “Better days,” page 6] The President’s Spin by Wayne Beaver Hang on; better days are ahead

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Page 1: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Hang on; better ... · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61, Hamburg 610-562-8900 VILLAGE BIKE

Our strange times have continued as the wave of disruption related to novel coronavirus COVID-19 makes its way from New York City westward along Interstate 78 and southward along Interstate 95 into Pennsylvania.

Despite more than a month of lock-down, what's left of the local newspa-per seems to be filling with an increasing number of stories about COVID-19-related infec-tions and deaths. The situation changes so often, and news-media alternatives are so ubi-quitous, that it would be near-futile to mention many details in the “Spin.” They could be obsolete by the time you read them.

Despite all that, it's still legal to ride your bicycle outdoors in Pennsylvania at the time this “Spin” was written. Strava feeds seem to be updating more slowly than during more normal times, but they're updating nonethe-less. Berks County riders seem to be following advice about riding alone or close-to-alone.

A Dutch study surfaced in April that explained the risks of riding in each others' respiratory slipstreams. It was posted on our club's Facebook page more than once and referenced repeatedly. Data from the study sug-

gest it's much safer to ride side-by-side than in pace lines, but most of us had probably already guessed as much. Still, it feels better to know at least a little something when so much else about this virus, or about our futures, remains unknown.

COVID-era Strava-posts seem sud-denly more in tune with the simple

joys of riding. They contain more photos of isolated places, dirt roads, and obscure histor-

ical markers. These rides are sometimes slower, with more hills, and seem to care more

about the journey than the destina-tion.

Riders here and everywhere are making lemons from lemonade. Ten

pros from five teams lined up in early April to compete from home, on their trainers, in a virtual Tour of Flanders. Sure, there was no wind, no echel-ons, no wet cobbles, no crashes, and no screaming fans waving yellow flags emblazoned with lions. They seemed relatively happy to ride non-etheless.

Pros are making more-frequent appearances on Zwift, too. This past week, I rode with Andre Greipel and Ben King. I took photos of my com-

MEMBER OF LAB, SRGA NHA, &

RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY

[Continued on page 3]

A publication of

Berks County Bicycle ClubFounded 1973

May 2020 Volume 47, Issue 5www.berksbicycle.com

In this issue• Coping with

quarantine, p. 3

• Radsport Climb,Shoo-Fly Classic, p. 4

• Officers, meetings p. 5

• Rides suspended, p. 5 …

• Annual picnic, p. 8

[See “Better days,” page 6]

The President’s Spinby Wayne Beaver

Hang on; better days are ahead

“New quote from story“

Rodger story

Page 2: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Hang on; better ... · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61, Hamburg 610-562-8900 VILLAGE BIKE

BCBC BIKE SHOP DISCOUNTS

The following bike shops offer BCBC members dis-counts on merchandise. Members are required to show their current member-ship ID card in order to qualify for bike shop dis-counts.

The shops will give 10% off regularly priced accessories and 5% off reg-ularly priced bikes (unless stated otherwise).

BICYCLE BARN839 Reading Blvd. (Rt.625), East Earl, 717-445-8508 JB’S BIKE SHOP(formerly JB Mountain Bikes) 214 W. Lancaster Ave, Shillington, 610-777-5253SHIRK’S BIKE SHOP1649 Ligalaw Rd., East Earl, 717-445-5731SKYLINE BICYCLES & SKATEBOARDS2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778SPOKES BIKE SHOPRt. 61, Hamburg 610-562-8900VILLAGE BIKE SHOP7 S. Village Circle, Reinholds 610-742-4786WOLVERTON’S BIKE SHOP2904 Kutztown Rd., Hyde Park, 610-929-8205

SaturdaySeptember 29

Oley FairgroundsSee Page 9

for information

2018

Page 2

Next BCBC Club Meeting

Monday, Oct. ??, 7 p.m.

Wyomissing Restaur-ant

1245 Penn Ave.See you there!

May 2020

Meeting minutes in next issueBecause the March BCBC meeting was held at the

Awards Dinner, after the publishing date of the newsletter, those minutes will run in the May issue.

Next club meetingMon., April 8, 7 p.m.,

Wyomissing Restaurant, 1245 Penn Ave., Wyomissing

Newsletter EditorFélix Peña, [email protected], 484-529-1407Advocacy & Trail LiaisonWalt Hug, [email protected], 484-686-6408Shoo-Fly Classic CoordinatorBrian Kovatch, [email protected] MasterGary Rollman, [email protected], 610-926-0303WebmasterScott Franzen, [email protected] Division PresidentGary Rollman, [email protected], 610-926-0303

PresidentWayne Beaver, [email protected], 610-547-4042Vice PresidentRandy Gonzalez, [email protected], 610-914-0217SecretaryAnn Rollman, [email protected], 610-926-0303TreasurerAlan Fineman, [email protected], 610-944-6266Ride CoordinatorJeremy Rapp, [email protected], 610-587-5608 MembershipKathleen Casner, [email protected], 610-468-4063

For privacy reasons, the BCBC officer list will not appear with phone numbers in the web-based issues. PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD this version to non-club members! Feel free to point others to the website version. Officer email contact information will still be offered on our website.

BCBC CLUB OFFICERS 2018-2020

Advocacy & Trail LiaisonWalt Hug, [email protected] Classic CoordinatorBrian Kovatch, [email protected] MasterGary Rollman, [email protected] Franzen, [email protected] Division PresidentGary Rollman, [email protected]

BCBC CLUB OFFICERS 2018-2020

PresidentWayne Beaver, [email protected] PresidentRandy Gonzalez, [email protected] Rollman, [email protected] Fineman, [email protected] CoordinatorJeremy Rapp, [email protected] MembershipKathleen Casner, [email protected] EditorFélix Peña, [email protected]

For privacy reasons, the BCBC officer list will not appear with phone numbers in the web-based issues. PLEASE DO NOT FORWARD this version to non-club members! Feel free to point others to the website version. Officer email contact information will still be offered on our website.

Our club depends on volunteers to plan and help out at our events.

Some give a lot, and we are very grateful for the sweat equity and time they put into club activities, but we also need people who can put in less time or contribute less frequently.

If you can give us a few hours of your time, please do so by contacting Wayne Beaver, [email protected].

Every minute counts!And please let us know as soon

as possible, so we can plan

events that are fun and run smoothly.

To volunteer, contact the president at the number or email address above.

New BCBC member:

Debra MontaninoWelcome

to the club!

BCBC depends on your help

Page 3: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Hang on; better ... · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61, Hamburg 610-562-8900 VILLAGE BIKE

Page 3

Courtesy of Walt Hug

Volunteers get the job done!Our club depends on volunteers to plan

and help out at our events. Some give a lot, and we are very grateful

for the sweat equity and time they put into club activities, but we also need people who can put in less time or contribute less frequently.

If you can give us a few hours of your time, please do so by contacting Wayne Beaver, [email protected].

Every minute counts!And please let us know as soon as

possible, so we can plan events that are fun and run smoothly.

May 2020

Attendance: Wayne Beaver, Ann Rollman, Gary Rollman, Félix Peña, Marge Ehst, Wendy Davis, Rick Davis, Tom Reppert, Ky StoebenauThe meeting was called to order by Club President Wayne Beaver at 6:57 p.m.President’s Report: No report. Vice-President’s Report: No report.Treasurer’s Report: Financial report submitted via email.Ride Coordinator’s Report: No report.Membership Coordinator’s Report: Report submitted via email – 216 club membersNewsletter Editor’s Report: Félix reports that 16 club newsletters are mailed. All others are emailed. There is a one-week turnaround for the printing company. A request was made for more timely emailing of the newsletter. Wendy to contact Kathleen.Racing Division Report: No report.Advocacy & Trail Liaison’s Report: No report.Shoo Fly Coordinator’s Report: Shirts – decided on color, Wayne will order, get volunteer shirt sizes to Tom Reppert. Route marking underway. Discussion about plan for signage at crossings and new signs for rest stops. Rick Davis has graciously printed new signs. Gary will mount on boards. Alan has secured cones. Wayne to purchase cinder blocks to secure sign boards. Jeremy has supplies from last year. Wayne to pick up and deliver bins of supplies to Wendy who will update supplies. Food will be delivered to fairgrounds at 8:00am. Supply of route sheets and arm bands is sufficient. Volunteer numbers seem to be sufficient. 30 riders have registered at this point. Mileage Master’s Report: No report.Social Stay Together Report: No report. Webmaster Report: Most recent discussion outside of the meeting was that there are members interested in the role. No final details available.

Old BusinessSunset at Pagoda is planned for September 20th. 13 RSVPs not including the club officers.

New BusinessKy Stoebenau, club member presented “4 feet” safe cycling signs to the Board. Suburban Cyclists have them available for donation. Will offer these signs through the club newsletter for interested club members.Begin thinking about Club Elections! At this point the club will be in need of a new President, Ride Coordinator and Shoo-Fly Coordinator. Next Meeting: October 21 at 7 p.m. at Bella Italia Restaurant in Oley. Feel free to come early to eat!Meeting adjourned at approximately 8 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,Ann Rollman

Kutztown Road, at 6 p.m.Please join us for a ride and a bite to eat or

refreshment after the ride.

Rides on the first Wednesday of every month start from Saucony Creek Brewing Company, just west of the Kutztown Airport, at 15032

First Wednesday Rides roll out from Kutztown’s Saucony brewpub

NEW AD NEW AD NEW AD.Classified Ads

FOR SALE

If you have something that you want to give away or sell you can place an ad in this newsletter at no cost. The ad will run for at least 3 months or until sold or withdrawn. Send all ads to [email protected].

All Jerseys $55.00Lots and lots of BCBC Socks: L/XL, $5.00

Contact: Randy Gonzalez, [email protected]

Tires & tubes for saleThe Racing Division is again subsidizing the

purchase of tires and tubes for next season. Items available for club members to purchase:

Continental tubes with 42mm stem (700x18-25): $3 ea.

BCBC socks: L / XL, $5 a pair. (see below)Please contact Gary Rollman either at a

club ride or at [email protected] to reserve/purchase tubes.

Please sign in for each rideBecause of liability issues, it is important that

everybody going on an official club ride signs in.if a non-member is joining us, he or she should

sign in as well.We appreciate your cooperation on this important

issue.

BCBC Jerseys

are hereThe new BCBC jerseys have arrived. Please

contact Randy (see email address at bottom) to pick up your jersey.

Extra inventory from last year is available in mens and women’’s sizes.

Men'sShort Sleeve Full Zipper: XL and (2) MediumsShort Sleeve 3/4 Zipper: L and (4) SmallNo Sleeve 3/4 Zipper: L and XL Full Zipper

Women'sNo Sleeve 3/4 Zipper: (2) Mediums and (1)

XS.

Hear ye! Hear ye! BCBC Jerseys available

Please contact Randy (see email address on page 2) to pick up your jersey. Extra inventory from last year is available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Tires & tubes for saleThe Racing Division is again subsidizing

the purchase of tires and tubes for next season:

Continental tubes with 42mm stem (700x18-25): $3 ea.

BCBC socks: L / XL, $5 a pair. (see below)

To purchase, please contact Gary Rollman at a ride or at [email protected].

Got something to share or say?Send it in to Cycling Times

Cycling Times welcomes contributions on cycling-related topics from BCBC members. Feel free to suggest a topic or contribute something you have written, whether it’s about upcoming events, topical issues, or

one of our members or an up-and-coming technology. Photos are also

welcome.Contact: [email protected]

Next Club Meeting:Friday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.At Annual Awards Dinner

Mimmo’s Italian Restaurant290 Morgantown Road

See page 6 and back pagefor info and registration form

Berks County Bicycle ClubMeeting Minutes, March 2, 2020, Bella Italia Restaurant

BCBC members find ways to cope with quarantine

Pete Githens: I'm a warm weather rider. So if it's cold (below 60) I ride the trainer anyway. For now I am still gainfully employed so during the week I still have to ride early in the morning, and it has been cold, so mostly trainer work. This isn't different from any other year so far. I have gotten out on the roads and trails a couple times when it has been warm on the weekends.

As a triathlete, I'm used to riding alone a lot. It doesn't bother me. In fact, often times I like to be able to just ride my own pace and not worry about the group. From a cycling perspective, no big deal for me so far.

Dylan Seyler: Since I’m forced to work from home, I’ve got way

more time to ride. I’ve gone from 10-20mi/week to 80mi+/week just to get out of the house. Solo rides. I’m not much of a trainer rider.

I’m in far better cycling shape than I would be if the rona hadn’t struck.

Kurt Bauder: Riding with my wife and some solo. Missing Seasoned Spokes rides and Tues-day night rides a bunch! I told my wife I am taking the first Thursday off as soon as Seasoned Spokes rides kick off again!

William Snelling: I joined Bikes and Beers Social Distancing Cyclists. It is something of a vir-tual club to help people get through this challenging time. My wife and college-age daughter (stuck at home with us!) have joined me in this experience.

My wife and I have ridden together on our tandem for years and have starting exploring some topography we have been previ-ously reluctant to attack; the res-ults have been rewarding. My

daughter is rel-atively new to road cycling and I've had the opportunity to introduce her to some of the great roads in Berks County.

Cycling has been beneficial in multiple ways: the cath-arsis of exercise, the mental acu-ity needed while on the road, the setting of goals, and scheduling a means to achieve them, con-trolling some aspect of our lives in a time of chaos.

Jane Brown: I miss my cycling friends, really miss being out-doors and chatting away on a ride. Yes, I do ride by myself. It is not nearly as much fun and I cer-tainly don’t ride as often or as far. Yeah, there is the spin bike in the basement.

Like I was saying, I really miss my cycling friends and look for-ward to better days. Please stay healthy and safe!

Don Rozette: Weekly mileage is about the same. I miss being pushed by the group to ride farther and faster than I would have while riding solo. Also miss the security of riding with others in case of flat or mechanical prob-lems.

Alan Fineman: Bill Roberts and I have been out on the road a couple of times a week when the weather permits, social distancing as best as possible. Since I am now retired, plus the mild winter, I have gotten in a lot more miles than normal for this early in the year.

On the downside, I am getting tired of the cold and wind, and I'm looking forward to some spring-like riding weather.

Stuck at home? Not necessarily. Members find ways to get miles in, indulge their love of cycling

Clockwise, from top left: Don Rozette, William Snelling, Pete Githens. Thanks for photos!

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Radsport Virtual Climb is on now!Record your solo effort on Strava

How’s this for rad? The Reading Recreation Com-mission and Reading Radsport have teamed up to raise money to help feed local kids.

The Reading Radsport Festival has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but cyclists and runners can still participate and help local kids.

Per a Facebook post by Reading Radsport: “”We encourage the community to join us in our friendly com-petition to record the fastest road cycling, road running, trail running and mountain bike times up the designated routes on Mt. Penn.

“These solo efforts will comply with the current requirements of physical distancing in place. Parti-cipants will be required to make a minimum dona-tion of $20 to RRC and then record their solo efforts up Mt. Penn using Strava.

“All proceeds will go to RRC’s mission to continue to provide food security to the youth of Greater Reading. Bragging rights will go to the fastest time and most times summited up Mt. Penn.”

When? Daily, until May 31.BCBC member Jim Borden noted on his Cranks-

giving Facebook page, seen April 23, that the event raised $345 in the first day.

Thanks, Jim, for bringing this to our attention, and we echo his praise for Gabe Lloyd @Kacey Mander-field Lloyd for putting this together.

More info on the Radsport Facebook page: https://tinyurl.com/ReadingRadsportClimb. Get tick-ets to see the routes.

See you on the mountain!Shoo-Fly Classic set for October 3will benefit mental health association

The Oley Fairgrounds have been reserved, and BCBC’s 2020 Shoo-Fly Classic is set for Oct. 3.

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are invited to meander through gently rolling farmland, covered bridges, and historic landmarks of the Oley Valley and beyond.

Options include 20, 40, or 60 miles. This year, ride participation will help raise

awareness around teen and young adult mental health, with proceeds benefitting the Greater Reading Mental Health Alliance and their work to support Berks County families.

The ride will offer fully-stocked rest stops, SAG support, and a full lunch. A commemorative shirt is included for all participants who register before September 18.

The cost will be $35 pre-registered, $40 day of event.

May 2020Page 4

If you have something that you want to give away or sell you can place an ad in this newsletter at no cost. The ad will run for at least 3 months or until sold or withdrawn. Send all ads to [email protected].

Looking ahead: Cycling and related events

NYC tribute ride postponedAl Ottinger sent BCBC information about a

ride that friends of his are putting together in New York City.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has been postponed.

Ride infoDate: May 17, 2020Distance: 20-25 miles, Lower Manhattan to

Central Park.Start time: Teams will coordinate travel on

their own to meet at Staten Island Ferry ~9 a.m..

Return: Battery Park to catch the ferry ~6p.m.

Donation: $50More specifics/updates: alan.ottinger@

gmail.com, 610-780-9464

CANCELLED

Pending: Final decision by early May

CANCELLED

See page 5 for information about the

2020 BCBC PicnicPOSTPONED

Page 5: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Hang on; better ... · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61, Hamburg 610-562-8900 VILLAGE BIKE

May 2020 Page 5

If you have something that you want to give away or sell you can place an ad in this newsletter at no cost. The ad will run for at least 3 months or until sold or withdrawn. Send all ads to [email protected].

MATT’S ADVENTURE RIDES

May 23 CW 35 Mount Joy Columbia Century, modified101 miles, 5,635 ft of climbing(based on unmodified ride)

June 27 BN01 Summer RideStart time TBD, at Bernville Elementary98 miles, 6,273 ft of climbing

July 18 PL01 Delaware Water GapStart time TBD, at Portland Pa. Park & Ride78 miles, 5,606 ft of climbing

Aug 22 OL48 Adventure Around AllentownStart time TBD, at Oley Valley High School103 miles, 5,706 ft of climbing

Sept 19 WI35 Hershey Start time TBD, at Wilson High School100 miles, 4,076 ft of climbing

Oct 24 ST01 Strausstown-Pine Grove-Hamburg LoopStart time TBD, at Strausstown Ball Field80 miles, 4,430 ft of climbing

Questions? Contact Mattat [email protected]

Although all BCBC rides have been suspended for now, below is the schedule for Matt’s Adventure Rides, in case the suspension is lifted. These excursions are long-distance excursions that include rest stops along with a chance to enjoy the beautiful countryside and charming towns and attractions along the way.

Here’s a peek at this year’s schedule, in the hopes that we can safely ride together again.

Photo credit: en.wikepdia.orgCentral Hotel, Mount Joy, Pa.

See a ride you like? Join us!Here’s basic info that you need to know:• All riders must wear Snell/ANSI rated

helmets. Riders without helmets will not be provided with cue sheets, nor considered official participants of the club ride.

• Have your bike in proper working order before the start of the ride.

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before the posted start time.

• Make sure to have a spare tube or patch kit and at least one water bottle.

• If weather conditions are questionable, the ride host may notify club members through Facebook, tinyurl.com/BCBCFB, or make a decision at the starting location.

All riders are welcome on BCBC rides!

Note: All BCBC club rides have been suspended because of the COVID-19

pandemic. Check the club Facebook page for updates: tinyurl.com/BCBCFB

The following positions will be vacant as of June 20. If you are interested in taking one of these posts, please contact an officer.

Contact information is on page 2.President: shall be the chief administrator

who shall call and preside at all meetings; shall schedule at least 3 meetings per year; be an ex officio member of all other committees; per-form any and all such powers to effectuate the

powers of the President in his absence;Ride Coordinator: Shall schedule club rides;

provide the schedule to the newsletter editor for publication on a monthly basis;

Newsletter Editor: shall prepare, review, edit and compose the monthly newsletter on a timely basis to be distributed by the 25th of each month. He/she shall send complete ride list to webmaster.

BCBC officer positions open June 20; applicants welcome

No BCBC meeting was held in April, nor is one tentatively planned until the June 20 club picnic.

Officers are communicating online re club

events and policies.Please contact officers if you have any

concerns that need to be addressed.Their contact information is on page 2.

Meetings on hold, officers conducting business via email

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May 2020Page 6

If you have something that you want to give away or sell you can place an ad in this newsletter at no cost. The ad will run for at least 3 months or until sold or withdrawn. Send all ads to [email protected].

These are group rides of roughly 20 miles that usually take a little less than 2 hours to complete. Many of the rides have a pre-post ride option that add an additional 10 to 20 miles. The pre-post ride options are announced each Monday by email. Rides are rated 1, 2, or 3, with 3 being the hilliest and most difficult. Lunches are scheduled after some of the rides during the warmer months. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time with a bicycle in good condition, a bicycle helmet and anything you need to repair a flat tire.

For additional Seasoned Spokes information contact David Cruzan, 610-376-5048; [email protected]

Bert Eardly has a CycleOps Mag 9005 trainer that was used once (=like new). Similar on eBay for $120; will sell for $40, or best offer.

Contact information: [email protected]

.

Classified Ads

FOR SALE

Note: All BCBC club rides have been suspended because of the COVID-19

pandemic. Check the club Facebook page for updates: tinyurl.com/BCBCFB

Suspended

Suspended

By Jeremy Rapp, Ride Coordinator First Number: Terrain Rating Terrain rating 1-5 rates the total hilliness of the ride. 1 = FLAT – easiest2= GENTLY ROLLING HILLS–moderate terrain with easiest of hills (Almost anyone can handle). 3= SOME HILLS–Moderate hills with some steeper grades (Moderately Challenging–but within the ability of most riders). 4= HILLY – The number and difficulty of hills is quite substantial (Very Challenging).

5= EXTREMELY HILLY Extreme Challenge- steep and long hills most of the ride–Requires a very high fitness level). Second Number: Total Mileage for ride

Please note the Club policy on protective headgear: ALL Riders must wear Snell/ANSI rated helmets. Ride Host/Hostess will NOT give cue sheets to riders without helmets and that rider will not be considered an official participant of the Club ride. Please have your bike in proper working order BEFORE the start of ride. Arrive 10-15 minutes before start time so that all rides leave on time. Make sure you have a spare tube or patch kit, and at least one water bottle.

If weather conditions are questionable, the ride host may notify club members by posting a message on Facebook prior to the ride or make a decision at the starting location based on road conditions and the weather forecast,

SPECIAL RIDE DETAILSSpecial rides during the months will be

highlighted in color. If you are hosting a special ride, please contact Newsletter Editor Poncho (aka Félix) Peña or Ride Coordinator Jeremy Rapp before the 18th of each month to tell other club members about it. Did you have a great experience on a ride? Let us know and we’ll add pictures and stories about your ride!

BERKS COUNTY BICYCLE CLUB RIDE SCHEDULE

Note: All BCBC club rid

es have been suspended because of the COVID-19

pandemic. Check the club Facebook page for updates: tinyurl.c

om/BCBCFB

Usually, beginning in May, rides the first Wednesday of every month start from Kutztown’s Saucony Creek Brewing Company, 15032 Kutztown Road, at 6 p.m., with riders

enjoying a ride and a bite to eat or refreshment after the ride. Because of the ongoing pandemic, these remain suspended.

First Wednesday Saucony Creek Rides remain suspended

Suspended

of mental toughness is acceptable long-term. Cracking doesn't just happen on tough days in the peloton.

Hang in there, folks. Better days are ahead. The upside of riding in the draft of nobody for months on end is that we'll all be Grade-A pullers the next time we ride together.

puter screen to prove it to my kids (who could scarcely be less interested, of course). A week or so prior, I was passed on a virtual dirt road by Thomas De Gendt. He streaked by so quickly a photo was not possible. If you happen to see any of these guys in real life at some time in the future, be sure to drop my name. They cer-

tainly dropped me!There are early signs this

alternate-universe of fun may only last so much longer. Stories emerged in late April of pros rid-ing outdoors in violation of local stay-at-home orders.

Even the most hardened of pros are finding it difficult to trick themselves into thinking this test

Better days ahead (from page 1)

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214 West Lancaster Ave, Shillington, PA 19607

OUR HOURS:SUN & MON-ClosedTues: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.Wed: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.Thurs: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.Fri: 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.Sat: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

GIVE US A RING: 610.777.5253 800.378.1843

Design and productionCycling Times is produced using Xara Page

& Layout Designer, which is inexpensive and does the job well, including exporting to PDF.

It is printed by cheapercopies.com, via the Philadelphia location, sent in over the Web and delivered by USPS. This is the most cost-effective option found to date.

See page 2 for the editor’s contact information.

Specialized, Cannondale, Fuji,Masi, & Magnum Electric bikes

May 2020 Page 7

Jerseys, tires, tubes, socksPlease contact Randy (see email address

on page 2) re jersey purchases.The Racing Division has tires and tubes

available at subsidized prices: Continental tubes w/ 42mm stem (700x18-25): $3 ea.

BCBC socks: L / XL, $5 a pair. (see below)

See Gary (info on page 2), re purchases.

Page 8: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Hang on; better ... · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61, Hamburg 610-562-8900 VILLAGE BIKE

Berks County Bicycle ClubMembership Coordinator Kathleen Casner 240 Spies Church Rd. #118 Reading, PA 19606

THE BERKS COUNTY BICYCLE CLUB, INC.2020 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM

Names of people in household* (see “Dues,” below) who will be riding on BCBC rides ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________Street___________________________________________ City _____________________________ State_______ Zip Code______________ E-mail Address________________________________Phone___________________ Please Check one: ( ) New Applicant, or ( ) Renewing Member THE BCBC Cycling Times newsletter is published monthly via email to members and on our website www.berksbicycle.com.May we publish your name, address, and telephone number in a club directory? ( ) Yes ( ) NoPlease indicate your interests by checking as many items as may apply: ( ) Ride Host/Hostess ( ) Updating Ride sheets ( ) Road Rides ( ) Trail Riding ( ) Social Events (Helping with picnic and/or annual banquet) ( ) Helping with our Shoo-Fly Classic Bike Ride How did you find out about BCBC? Friends or family ( ) Newspaper ( ) Online ( ) Other: _____________________________________________________________________________Signature _________________________________________________________________________(If applicant is under 18, parent or legal guardian must also sign.) Dues: $20 per household, per year. Renewing memberships are due and payable by MARCH 31 of each year. Dues include monthly newsletter and a membership card for discounts at bike shop listed in newsletter. Make all checks payable to: The Berks County Bicycle Club, Inc.,Mailing address: 240 Spies Church Rd. lot 118, Reading, PA 19606 Membership Coordinator: Kathleen Casner

Photo: Félix PeñaSeasoned Spokes riders take a break on the Cocalico Creek Bridge of the Ephrata to Warwick Trail on April 11.

Grant Stetzler, left, and Bill Ruth on Grant’s 80th birthday ride, the

Strawberry Festival from Oley,on June 11, 2005.

Grant passed away in April..

Saturday, June 20Laurel Run Park on River Road (same place as last year)

Picnic starts at 1 p.m. We will be eating at 2 p.m.General membership meeting, election of officers:

about 3:30 p.m.FREE to members! $10 per guest

Menu to be decided Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Let Ann Rollman know what you are bringing. RSVP by Monday, June 15, to Ann Rollman [email protected]

BCBC ANNUAL PICNIC & Meeting