a publication of berks county bicycle club · skateboards 2573 perkiomen ave. mt. penn,...

10
Cyclists are better than most at mak- ing the most from what they're given. How else can you explain cyclocross, rain gear, headlamps, neoprene booties, and the ever-evil stationary trainer? The ability of cyclists to adapt and overcome had given us stories of riders using dollar bills to bridge holes in tires, wrapping a broken spoke around unbroken spokes, or adjusting derail- leurs into single-speed mode after breaking cables. These adaptations sure beat walking! Cycling in October is a subtler form of adaptation. Some of our rides get shorter. Others start later in the morning or end earlier in the evening. Official club rides dis- appear because not all of us ride with headlights. Long shadows are beauti- ful, but the low sun which makes them possible blinds motorists who share the road with us. Please be careful when riding in these conditions. Our club's weekend rides continue year-round, but, this year, our club's special events ended with Sunset at the Pagoda and the Shoo-Fly Classic, both in late-September. Thanks so much to the team that held these events together another year. Every spray-painted insignia in the road, orange cone at a busy intersec- tion, and shirt on a pre-registrant's back was made possible by people who volunteered their time. These volun- teers adapted and overcame, as they do each year. The Shoo-Fly has been following a recent trend of getting smaller each year. There could be many reasons for this. One of those is promotion and branding. The Bicycling Fall Classic has a built-in promotional machine our club can't match. The pool of enthusiasts who likely follow Bicycling on Twitter, alone, likely numbers in the thou- sands. Their brand has a pull which sets demand, and thus, pricing, at levels with which our club simply cannot compete, at least not via current levels of club volunteerism. Changing demographics and riding preferences cannot be ignored, either. Some riders will pay a premium to ride a mixed-terrain ride and get a beer-or-two at the end. Offering this type of event is easier to do if the main sponsor of the ride is a brewery and the ride finishes at a brew- ery already licensed to serve. Nothing is stopping our club from coordinating a completely different type of event, in partnership with pick-your-favorite-craft- brewer other than lack of people enthu- siastic enough to volunteer the time, effort, relationship-building, salesman- MEMBER OF LAB, SRGA NHA, RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club Founded 1973 October 2019 Volume 46, Issue 10 www.berksbicycle.com In this issue Meeting minutes, p. 3 Rides, start on p. 4 Sunset at the Pagoda, pp. 7-8. [See “Challenges,” page 4] The President’s Spin by Wayne Beaver Change brings new challenges our way

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Page 1: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

Cyclists are better than most at mak-ing the most from what they're given. How else can you explain cyclocross, rain gear, headlamps, neoprene booties, and the ever-evil stationary trainer?

The ability of cyclists to adapt and overcome had given us stories of riders using dollar bills to bridge holes in tires, wrapping a broken spoke around unbroken spokes, or adjusting derail-leurs into single-speed mode after breaking cables. These adaptations sure beat walking!

Cycling in October is a subtler form of adaptation. Some of our rides get shorter. Others start later in the morning or end earlier in the evening. Official club rides dis-appear because not all of us ride with headlights. Long shadows are beauti-ful, but the low sun which makes them possible blinds motorists who share the road with us. Please be careful when riding in these conditions.

Our club's weekend rides continue year-round, but, this year, our club's special events ended with Sunset at the Pagoda and the Shoo-Fly Classic, both in late-September. Thanks so much to the team that held these events together another year.

Every spray-painted insignia in the road, orange cone at a busy intersec-tion, and shirt on a pre-registrant's back was made possible by people who volunteered their time. These volun-teers adapted and overcame, as they

do each year.The Shoo-Fly has been following a

recent trend of getting smaller each year. There could be many reasons for this.

One of those is promotion and branding. The Bicycling Fall Classic has a built-in promotional machine

our club can't match. The pool of enthusiasts who likely follow Bicycling on Twitter, alone, likely numbers in the thou-sands.

Their brand has a pull which sets demand, and thus,

pricing, at levels with which our club simply cannot compete, at least not via current levels of club volunteerism.

Changing demographics and riding preferences cannot be ignored, either. Some riders will pay a premium to ride a mixed-terrain ride and get a beer-or-two at the end.

Offering this type of event is easier to do if the main sponsor of the ride is a brewery and the ride finishes at a brew-ery already licensed to serve. Nothing is stopping our club from coordinating a completely different type of event, in partnership with pick-your-favorite-craft-brewer other than lack of people enthu-siastic enough to volunteer the time, effort, relationship-building, salesman-

MEMBER OF LAB, SRGA NHA, RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY

[Continued on page 3]

A publication of

Berks County Bicycle ClubFounded 1973

October 2019 Volume 46, Issue 10www.berksbicycle.com

In this issue• Meeting minutes, p. 3

• Rides, start on p. 4

• Sunset at the Pagoda, pp. 7-8.

[See “Challenges,” page 4]

The President’s Spinby Wayne Beaver

Change brings new challenges our way

Page 2: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

BCBC BIKE SHOP DISCOUNTS

The following bike shops offer BCBC members discounts on merchandise. Members are required to show their current membership ID card in order to qualify for bike shop discounts.

The shops will give 10% off regularly priced accessories and 5% off regularly 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, 610-777-5253

SHIRK’SLigalaw Rd. East Earl, 717-445-5731

SKYLINE BICYCLES & SKATEBOARDS2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778

SPOKES BIKE SHOPRt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900

VILLAGE BIKE SHOP7 S. Village Circle, Reinholds 610-742-4786

WOLVERTON’S BIKE SHOP2904 Kutztown Rd, Hyde Park, 610-929-8205

SaturdaySeptember 29

Oley FairgroundsSee Page 9

for information

2018

Page 2

Next BCBC Club MeetingMonday, Oct. ??, 7 p.m.Wyomissing Restaurant

1245 Penn Ave.See you there!

October 2019

A hearty welcome tonew BCBC members

Dan RolandBrendan KingAndrew MegeJamal Hakim

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

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], 610-468-4063Newsletter EditorFélix Peña, [email protected], 484-529-1407

Advocacy & Trail LiaisonWalt Hug, [email protected], 484-686-6408Shoo Fly CoordinatorTom Reppert, [email protected], 610-927-1529Mileage MasterGary Rollman, [email protected], 610-926-0303WebmasterButch Ulrich, [email protected] Division PresidentGary Rollman, [email protected], 610-926-0303

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

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] & Trail LiaisonWalt Hug, [email protected]

Shoo Fly CoordinatorTom Reppert, [email protected] MasterGary Rollman, [email protected] Ulrich, [email protected] Division PresidentGary Rollman, [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.

BCBC CLUB OFFICERS 2018-2020

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 contact-ing 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.

Because of a lack of interested riders, the Social Stay Together Rides will not be continued next year.

This brings up the question of attracting new people to the club.

We do get new members, but BCBC has plenty of room to grow.

If you have any ideas about how to

attract new members to the club, please come to a meeting and share these with us.

The next meeting will be held at Bella Italia Restaurant in Oley on Monday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m.

Your input is welcome. Together, we can help the club grow.

Volunteers get the job done in little ways, too

Come to a meeting and share ideas for growing

Page 3: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

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

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.

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

Cycling Times welcomes contributions on cycling-related topics from BCBC members. Please feel free to suggest a topic or contribute something you have written, whether it’s about upcoming events, topical issues, or perhaps a short feature about one of our members or an up-and-coming technology. Photos are also welcome.

Contact: [email protected]

*Social Stay Together Rides ScheduledThe next Social Stay Together Ride, at a slow and

easy pace, will roll out from the OIey Valley High School parking lot on June 29 at 9 a.m.

The July 20 ride will be on the SRT from Douglassville to Pottstown and back. Park at the Fork and Ale, 1281 E. Main St., Douglassville. The ride starts at 9 a.m. and will cover approximately 18 miles.

Ride for August 17 will start at 9 a.m. from the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail.parking lot on Route 419 at the stop sign where the Red Barrel refreshment stand is located. Distance will be 20 miles, or longer if you choose.

October 2019

Berks County Bicycle ClubMeeting Minutes, September 9, 2019, Bella Italia Restaurant

Next Meeting:Monday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m.

Bella Italia, Route 73, OleyEveryone is welcome!

Come share your ideas(and get there early to eat)

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

Sid Hill has a Bontrager 90mm stem for sale. New price is $60. It is in like-new condition. Will sell for $30. Phone 610-678-2195.

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].

Page 4: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

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.

All Jerseys $55.00Lots and lots of BCBC Socks: L/XL, $5.00Contact: Randy Gonzalez, [email protected]

October 2019

Possible space for Wed night rides

Berks County Bicycle ClubMeeting Minutes, Feb. 11, 2019, Wyomissing Family Restaurant

Cycling Times welcomes contributions on cycling-related topics from BCBC members. Please feel free to suggest a topic or contribute something you have written, whether it’s about upcoming events, currentissues, or perhaps a short feature about one of our members or an up-and-coming technology. Photos are welcome, too.

Contact: [email protected]

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

Hear ye! Hear ye! (stuff you need to know)Please sign in for each ride

Because of liability issues, it is important that members and non-members going on an official club ride sign in,

Pick up your jersey orderDid you order a BCBC jersey? If so, please

contact Randy Gonzalez to arrange a time and place to pick it up. You can reach him at [email protected].

Time to renew membership!If you haven’t renewed your membership, please

do so now. Renewals were due by March 31.Membership is for the entire household

and includes discounts at participating bike shops.

If you are going to the Awards Dinner March 29, you can pay for both with one

check.See the back page for the renewal form.

Hear ye! Hear ye! (stuff you need to know)

Attendance: Club membersThe meeting was called to order by President Wayne Beaver at 8:02 p.m.President’s Report: Wayne reminded the club members of the Annual Club Picnic on June 15. Check the newsletter for details. Wayne thanked Walt and Kate for identifying a new caterer. Vice-President’s Report: No report.Treasurer’s Report: Alan Fineman presented the updated financial reports. Ride Coordinator’s Report: Ride schedule is all set. First Tuesday night ride in Oley is April 2. First Wednesday night ride of the month will continue at Saucony Brewing Company. Kevin Claypoole will remind Saucony that the club will be riding from there.Membership Coordinator’s Report: Kathleen Casner reported 143 members so far for 2019. Total club members for 2018 was 237.Newsletter Editor’s Report: Félix asked that we send any club pictures to him for use in the newsletter. Racing Division Report: No report.Advocacy & Trail Liaison’s Report: No report.Shoo-Fly Coordinator’s Report: No report.Mileage Master’s Report: Mileage for 2019 up to date. Totals for last 18 years have been sent to Butch for publication on the website.

Social Stay Together Report: Rides will start in May. Check schedule in newsletter.Webmaster Report: No report.

Old BusinessGet Outdoors Day – no club interest.

New BusinessTrail Work Day: April 13. Meet at Fork and Ale at 9 a.m. Tubes and tires for sale. See Gary Rollman. Next meeting is May 13 at 7 p.m. at Wyomissing Family Restaurant. Arrive earlier to eat.Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,Ann Rollman

Berks County Bicycle ClubMeeting Minutes, March 29, 2019, Annual Awards Banquet, Oley Fairgrounds

Next BCBC MEETINGSaturday, June 15, 3:30 p.m.

Laurel Run Park, River RoadMuhlenberg Township

At the BCBC Annual Picnic(See page 5 for details)Everyone is welcome!

Come share your ideas, some good food, and plenty of fun!

Berks County Bicycle ClubMeeting Minutes, Feb. 11, 2019, Wyomissing Family Restaurant

Page 4

New webmaster soughtThe Berks County Bicycle Club is seeking a new

webmaster.Duties include placing updates on the club website,

usually about four or five a month.If you have the skills or can recommend somebody

for the job, please contact Butch Ulrich at [email protected], or Wayne Beaver, [email protected],

ASAP, please!

ship and promotional acumen to make it happen. Your part-time officers can only do so much.

In our September club meeting, the officers' group resolved to discuss the future of our club's yearly invitational ride in our upcom-ing fall meetings.

My knowledge of club history leads me to understand the Shoo-Fly Clas-sic as an affordable autumn invita-tional ride on relatively-flat and com-pletely-paved roads in the beautiful Oley Valley.

That sounds ideal – until the pres-sure of keeping the event solvent is added.

There's no time like the present for this discussion. Shoo-Fly Coordinator Tom Reppert has stepped down after many years of selfless service.

The current officers group is also entering the final six months of its

term. Our club needs a new group of folks to volunteer and lead.

When I accepted club presidency in 2018, I wrote in the Spin about regarding whatever level of service I

might provide as “taking a pull”.

We all gener-ally accept that the pace of a group is gener-ally the reflec-

tion of the extent to which the work of pulling the group is shared.

If you roundly estimate the size of the club's core volunteer group (not all may be officially “officers”), the number of that group is roughly ten.

Our membership is roughly two hundred. Over-simplified mathemat-ics suggest each club member could serve as little as two years, once every twenty years, to give back his or her share to the club.

The work of sustaining a viable club

with solvent events can likely never be so linear. A crew of twenty volun-teers, each serving a two-year term once every ten years, could be a bet-ter recipe for providing sufficient resources for growth and improve-ment.

As in a real riding group, on the road in real life, it may also not be reasonable to expect every single member to be able to take an equal turn.

Should this fall become the season in which you rotate forward to take a pull and serve our club, I'm hopeful you can one day be rewarded by your fellow club members returning that favor.

Change brings new challenges (continued from page 1)

“There’s no time like the present for this discussion … Our club needs a new groupof folks to volunteer and lead.”

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October 2019

October 26 ST01 Fall Foliage Adventure8 a.m. start at Strausstown Park just off Route 183 & Old Route 2280 miles, 4,400 ft of climbing

This is an entirely new route, with many different roads and trail being used. The route heads west along the southern slopes of the Blue Mountains to Lickdale and an optional stop at mile 20.

We then ride through the Swatara Gap towards Pine Grove without having to climb over the top of the hill.

We stop at the familiar Turkey hill in Pine grove before heading east along the north side of the mountain we passed going westbound.

As we near the Auburn area we use a “jeep” trail for a mile to access the John Bartram trail. The trail is hard packed crushed gravel.

We will be on the trail for 4 miles passing through

the Route 61 cut at Port Clinton before getting back on paved roads in Hamburg.

From Hamburg we head back to Strausstown on some new and some familiar roads. Please contact me at [email protected] if you have questions about the route.

MATT’S ADVENTURE RIDES Page 5

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]

Links to route maps are on the BCBC website Seasoned Spokes tab: http://www.berksbicycle.com/seasonedspokes

Starting Location Miles Rating Host3-Oct 9AM Cacoosing Meadows Park, Reedy Rd, Spring Township 20 3 Scott F

10-Oct 9AM Chapel Gate Park, Parkview Dr, Reinholds 21 3 Mark R17-Oct 9AM Leesport Farmers Market, Spring Garden St, Leesport 20 3 Alan F

24-Oct 9AM Community Memorial Park, E Jackson St, New Holland group lunch after the ride 21 2 Richard D

31-Oct 9AM Strausstown Ball Field parking lot, Oak St, Strausstown 21 3 Scott F7-Nov 10AM Maidencreek Community Park, Park Rd, Blandon 22 3 Jane B

14-Nov 10AM Community Pool, Adamstown 20 2 Jim H

21-Nov 10AMAmity Community Park, Weavertown Rd, Amityville group lunch after the ride

21 2 Bill R

28-Nov Thanksgiving no ride scheduled5-Dec 10AM Farming Ridge Park, Farming Ridge Blvd and Ritters Rd 20 2 Poncho P

12-Dec 10AM Cacoosing Meadows Park, Reedy Rd, Spring Township 19 3 Scott F19-Dec 10AM Fleetwood Community Pool, Vine St, Fleetwood 21 2 Kathleen C26-Dec 10AM Heidelberg Run West Recreation Area, Arthur Dr, South Heidelberg Township 20 3 David C

Date and Time

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].

Sid Hill has a Bontrager 90mm stem for sale. New price is $60. It is in like-new condition. Will sell for $30. Phone 610-678-2195.

Classified Ads

FOR SALE

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Page 6

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 question-able, 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 October 2019

Date Time Ride Name/Description Rating Mileage Location Host

Sat Oct 5 9:00 AM Ramble Ride CWW 02Scenic Lebanon County Ramble 3 65 Conrad Weiser West Jane B

Sat Oct 5 9:30 AM WY28 Terre Hill Loop 4 38Wyomissing H.S. off Clayton Ave. in

Wyomissing Diane R

Sun Oct 6 9:30 AM DB11 Oley Loop 2 25Daniel Boone Middle School Weavertown Rd. in Amityville Walt H

Sat Oct 12 9:30 AM Wl14 Charming Forge Loop 3 30Wilson High School off of Dwight St. in

West Lawn Bill R

Sun Oct 13 9:30 AM NT38 Shoemakersville - Lake Ontelaunee Loop 3 29

North Reading Plaza (Walmart) Rt. 222 in Temple (Behind McDonalds) Tom R

Sat Oct 19 9:00 AM Ramble Ride FL26 Modified 4 54Fleetwood Middle School Richmond St.

in Fleetwood Jane B

Sat Oct 19 9:30 AM FL29 Mertztown - Topton Coffee Shop Ride 2 36

Fleetwood Middle School Richmond St. in Fleetwood Alan F

Sun Oct 20 9:30 AM CW12 Another Trip To Kleinfeltersville 3 35Conrad Weiser East Elementary

School on Lincoln Rd. in Wernersville Matt F

Sat Oct 26 8:00 AM Matts Adventure Ride ST01 Fall Foliage Adventure 4 80

Strausstown Parkoff Route 183 & Old Route 22 Matt F

Sat Oct 26 9:30 AM BR01 Shady Maple 4 30Brecknock Elementary School Rt. 568,

just off Rt. 625 in Knauers Kent S

Sun Oct 27 9:30 AM OL07 Oley - Pine Forge - Boyertown Loop 3 29Oley Valley High School Jefferson St in

Oley Deb M

Sat Nov 2 10:00 AM CW22 Stouchburg Loop II 3 31Conrad Weiser East Elementary

School on Lincoln Rd. in Wernersville Matt F

Sun Nov 3 10:00 AM FL17 Virginville Loop I 3 26Fleetwood Middle School Richmond St.

in Fleetwood Alan F

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*See page 3 for Stay Together Ride

October 2019 Page 7

Date Time Ride Name/Description Rating Mileage Location Host

BCBC Memorial Ride

Photo by Randy Gonzalez

Sat Nov 9 10:00 AM WY08 Wooltown LoopWY20 Ephrata Main St Express

23

2444

Wyomissing H.S. off Clayton Ave. in Wyomissing

Diane R

Sun Nov 10 10:00 AM DB04 Pine Forge - Pottstown 4 25Daniel Boone Middle School Weavertown Rd. in Amityville Walt H

Sat Nov 16 10:00 AM Last Ramble Ride of the Season TBD Jane B

Sat Nov 16 10:00 AM Wl34 South Mtn - Middle Creek Loop 3 41Wilson High School off of Dwight St. in

West Lawn Bill R

Sun Nov 17 10:00 AM OL05 Oley Valley Ride 2 25Oley Valley High School Jefferson St in

Oley Deb M

Fri Nov 22 10:00 AM Black Friday Ride Saucony Creek Brewing Gary R.

Sat Nov 23 10:00 AM BR13 Adamstown-Bowmansville-Maple grove 4 26

Brecknock Elementary School Rt. 568, just off Rt. 625 in Knauers Kent S

Sun Nov 24 10:00 AM SL04b Oley Valley Ride 3 33M.L. Lausch Elementary School 2

Blks off of Rt 562 Brad S.

Sat Nov 30 10:00 AM NT10 Ontelaunee Watershed Loop4 36

North Reading Plaza (Walmart) Rt. 222 in Temple (Behind McDonalds) Tom R

1. These group rides are for longer distance riding. 2. Rides start around 40-50 miles in spring, and ramp up to 60+ miles during the summer and fall. 3. Rides are currently scheduled for 2 per month.

4. Although no one will be left behind, it is important that riders have the ability to do longer rides (no sag support). 5. Please bring food, water, and money (rest stops are usually every 20-30 miles).

Check the BCBC Facebook page for updates about this and other rides, including changes of changes of time, departure points, and cancellations:

www.facebook.com/groups/155856764590447/

Ramble Rides

The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. — Christopher Morley

Susan B. Anthony said that the bicycle did more to emancipate women than any other single thing. The bicycle was linked in the psyches of women at that time as a symbol of practical emancipation. Women could go places, wear their skirts shorter to manage the bicycle, and be independent. — Susan Vreeland

She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life. — Susan B. Anthony

Riding a bicycle is the summit of human endeavour: an almost neutral environmental effect coupled with the ability to travel substantial distances without disturbing anybody. The bike is the perfect marriage of technology and human energy. — Jeremy Corbyn

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me — Emo Philips

It’s far more than simply a bicycle

Page 8: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

Page 8 October 2019

The annual Sunset at the Pagoda was held on a cool and clear Friday evening, Sept. 20. The turnout was not huge, but the group enjoyed the wonderful evening, which included a beautiful sunset, and, after nightfall, a flyover by the space station.We can’t make promises about the weather or orbital vehicles, but the more members, the merrier. Put the event on your calendar for next year: the third Friday in September.

Jeff got a surprise at the Sunset event: a cake, brought by Raine, and a hearty rendition of “Happy Birthday” from his fellow cyclists.

Photo by Randy Gonzalez

Members gather for Sunset at the Pagoda, and it was a beauty

Photos by Michelle Ulrich (above), and Raine Fussner.

Photo by Kathleen Casner

Page 9: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

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

We carryall typesand modelsof Jamis Bicycles,including thehighly rated cross-bikesExclusive carrier in Berks of Xero Shoes and Hikers

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

October 2019 Page 9

Page 10: A publication of Berks County Bicycle Club · SKATEBOARDS 2573 Perkiomen Ave. Mt. Penn, 610-378-9778 SPOKES BIKE SHOP Rt. 61 Hamburg 610-562-8900 ... sign boards. Jeremy has supplies

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

THE BERKS COUNTY BICYCLE CLUB, INC. 2019 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 CyclingTimes 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 ( ) No Please 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 Signature _____________________________________________________________________________ (If applicant is under 18, parent or legal guardian must also sign.)

How did you find out about BCBC? Friends or family ( ) Newspaper ( ) Online ( )

Other: _______________________________________________________________________________________

*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 and send to: The Berks County Bicycle Club, Inc., 240 Spies Church Rd #118, Reading PA 19606

Best wishes from the Berks County Bicycle Clubfor a happy and prosperous New Year.

Keep riding!

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..

Sunset at the Pagoda, Sept. 20. Photo courtesy of Randy Gonzalez