btcnj masterlink/august 2014
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masterlink / AUGUST 2014
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Contents4 President’s Message
Not Acting Our Age
6 Ride Captain’s CornerMore Detailed Ride Descriptions Needed
7 CyclingBeen to Red Hook Lately?
10 Tour AnnouncementsCape May Weekend Tour
This Month5 August Membership Meeting
Thursday, August 14, 2014, 7:30pm
11 Local Cycling Event RidesSeptember 1: Donut Derby 2014September 5-7: Gran Fondo NJSeptember 26-28: Sea Gull CenturySeptember 27: Tour de Farm New Jersey
5
10
9
On The Cover:Jeff Goodnow, Rich Brookler, Eric Schmidt and Nate Morgenstern poseon the Bear Mountain Bridge during a July 5 ride from Harriman StatePark to Cold Spring.Photograph by Jair Valencia
masterlink / AUGUST 2014
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PRESIDENTRalph Monti
VICE PRESIDENTAlan Scherl
SECRETARYRhonda Pekow
RIDES CAPTAINAndres [email protected]
WEBMASTERLarry [email protected]
SPCL. EVENTS/VOL. DEVELOPMENTLeslie Felsen
TREASURERFranklin Wimer
MEMBERSHIPHarold [email protected]
RALLY CHAIRPERSONStephen [email protected]
MASTERLINKMarc Soloff
PUBLICITYBarbara Augenblick
TOURSBill Telgheder
PAST PRESIDENTEthan Brook
MasterLink Submissions:Materials for MasterLink are due the 23rd of each month for publication
in the following month’s issue. Please send articles, photos, letters, or comments to MasterLink, at our email address [email protected]. Materials may be edited by the MasterLink staff for length and clarity. Publication of materials
submitted is at the discretion of the Editor. All materials submitted for publication become the property of BTCNJ. Due to copyright laws, any articles, photos, cartoons,
art, etc., that have appeared in other publications may not be published in MasterLink without written consent of the copyright holder.
Photos in MasterLink may not be reused or republished without prior permission.
Protection of the Intellectual Property of BTCNJ
We welcome your creative suggestions for promotional activities using the Club’s brands, however, the Club’s name, slogans, designs and logos are its intellectualproperty, which embody the “goodwill” of the Club as developed over the yearsthrough service to its members and the community, with thanks to the volunteer efforts of countless members. In order to preserve and protect our goodwill, it is critical that all use of the Club’s intellectual property be properly regulated. Please do not reproduce or simulate the Club logo, the names “BTCNJ” or “Bicycling Touring Club of North Jersey”, or any other brands such as “Ramapo Rally”and “MasterLink” on shirts, caps, jerseys, bottles, stickers, or any other merchandisewithout authorization from our Merchandise Chair, Harold Todman.
August 2014, Volume 37, Number 08. Circulation: approx. 1,500 via electronic download.MasterLink is published 12 times per year as the official publication of the
Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey,PO Box 853, Ridgewood NJ 07451. Our website is www.btcnj.com.
©2014 by the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey, all rights reserved.“MasterLink”, “BTCNJ”, “BTCNJ.COM”, “Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey” (words and
logo), and “Ramapo Rally” are trademarks of the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey.
Did YouKnow...• That your club has an
OUTREACH program?
• That there’s a dedicated group ofclub members who’ve offered tolend a hand, an ear, a shoulder, to visit or other assistance tomembers in need?
• That you can volunteer to join thisterrific group of people and feelreally good about doing so?
• That you too might be in need of OUTREACH one day?(We hope not, but you neverknow.)
• That offering your services is as easy as contacting one of us below.
If you become aware of any members who are ill, have had anaccident or a death in the family,please let us know by getting intouch with our contact for themonth listed below.
If you would like to joinour Outreach committee, please contact:Barbara [email protected]
It’s a bit jarring when you’re bikingalong a road, enjoying a calmsummer’s evening ride, when
suddenly a motorist pulls up alongside you, and the driver or passenger (or both) harasses you for no good reason. This scenario recently played out for me and threeother BTCNJ members as we pedaled along Ewing Avenue inFranklin Lakes.
We were cruising in single filesplendor, not one of us blocking traf-fic, when an SUV pulled alongsideus. Hanging out of the passengerside window was a flail-ing teenager. For some inexplicable reason thisbright-light was intenton flipping us the birdwhile yelling a tirade ofobscenities.
I’m still unclear whatour perceived trans-gression was that pre-cipitated his hostile behavior, but itwas obvious this lad really didn’tneed one. As a wild and wooly post-adolescent, it was clear his perform-ance was standard operatingbehavior.
Because three out of the four of uswere old enough to be—dare I saythis—his grandfather (or grand-mother), I wondered if our age hadanything to do with his behavior.Would he act the same to cyclists hisown age? Was it the fact he found usnon-threatening that he could takesuch liberties? Did he find it discom-forting that a bunch of what he mayhave perceived, old fogies, should
even be cycling onthe road? As hesped past us, all ofus chatted howoddly amusing andperplexing this guy’santics were. Not oneof us responded to hisbehavior nor did we bub-ble up with rage. All of ushad seen this type of irrationalhostility before so there was nopoint to reacting to it. He was actinghis age and so were we, in our wiserestraint, acting ours. Or were we?
Lets’ face it, in the grand schemeof national demographics we gray-haired cyclists are an infinitesimalminority when compared to the general populace. Yes, our numbersare growing but we’re still small potatoes. It’s not every day that you run into a 50+, 60+, 70+, or 80+ cyclist who can pedal 40+ , 50+70+, (take your pick) miles, andcome back the next day and want do it again. But we have aboatload of members who do exactly that, and smile while doing it.And many of them are well pastMedicare age. So, are we really acting our “normal” age?
Unlikethe per-
c e p t i o nthat golf, ski-
ing and tennis areadult sports, it’s my
sense that most of the civilian pop-ulace perceives bicycling as child’splay. There is a deep-rooted, nostal-
gic connection mostpeople have with child-hood and bicycling.Probably the best holi-day or birthday gift youcan get when you’re akid is a shiny new bicy-cle. And the freedomyou discover when youfirst pedal away from
you parents is an adventure like noother. These are also the days when
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masterlink / AUGUST 2014
“The really cool thing about us well-seasoned bicyclists who never loseour fascination for cycling, is thatmany of us are not only acting our
age, but we don’t look our age too.”
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
Not ActingOur AgeBy Ralph Monti
parents, older sibs, teachers, etc., areconstantly exhorting you to “ActYour Age!” But as we get older, andwe graduate to four wheels, most ofus move on from bicycling, and soonthat shiny bicycle is relegated tolife’s dust bin. So the cultural mind-set is that cars are for adults andbikes are for kids. Except for thelucky few.
The really cool thing about us well-seasoned bicyclists who never loseour fascination for cycling, is thatmany of us are not only acting ourage, but we don’t look our age too.On this particular ride where theteenager had done his shtick, wewere celebrating a member’s birth-day. At the end of the ride we sangher a very off-key rendition of HappyBirthday.
After our little parking lot sere-nade, she revealed that she was cel-ebrating her 62nd birthday. We werestunned to hear her age, as shelooks much, much younger.
And the good news is our vim andvigor impresses strangers too. The weekend before last Labor Day,I had the misfortune of crashing onthe Westway in Manhattan. I wasbrought into the emergency room to get several stitches to close a laceration on my hand. Accompany-ing me were two of my cycling com-panions who were waiting just offthe area where I was being treated.
The admitting nurse asked me abunch of questions, including mybirth date. She paused when I toldher my age and was even more surprised when I told her how far werode, and pointed to my cyclingbuddies. When I revealed their ages,one of whom is 70+ and can ride likethe wind, she genuinely exclaimed,“You guys are in really great shapefor your age!” I couldn’t agree more,I said, notwithstanding the deep cuton my hand and the road rash stinging my left thigh.
And as I looked down at my wounds, I had an odd and perverse moment of nostalgia,thinking here I was being a kid again, and loving every minute ofnot acting my age.
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August Membership Meeting:Zambia and World Bicycle Relief
Join us on August 14 (AugustMembership Meeting) for a presentation by Sandy Chapman(President of Tifosi Sales, localracer and the Northeast Representative for SRAM) andCyndi Steiner (BTCNJ memberand Executive Director of the NJ Bike & Walk Coalition) abouttheir recent trip to Zambia withWorld Bicycle Relief.
Sandy and Cyndi joined seven other cycling enthusiasts and advocates for a week-long visit to Lusaka, Zambia in May, to learn about how WBRuses bicycles to empower the people of rural African communities.
Listen to their moving accounts of their visits to several remote tribal villages where WBR’s operations have dramatically changed both adultsand children’s lives.
Refreshments for the August Meeting will be provided by Bonnie Weller.As always, the meeting will be at the Ridgewood Public Library at 7:30PM.Directions to the Library can be found at www.ridgewoodlibrary.org/directions.htm.
In Other NewsAlso, for those of you who couldn’t make the July Ice Cream Social, you missed an opportunity to give your feedback on the Central BergenBicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Representatives from Bergen County andtheir transportation consultants were in attendance and were thrilled with the input from our club members. But it’s not too late to let themknow what you think. Visit their website www.centralbergenbikewalk.comto learn more about this project. Got a favorite route or know of a dangerous intersection, you can click on the interactive map link or go to http://wikimapping.com/wikimap/Bergen.html#.U3T1f1hdX8E to leavefeedback or draw right on their map.
Looking ahead to September, getout your tire irons and grease upthose pumps because it’s time forthe annual tire changing contest.Last year Karl Sarkozi dethroned TracyCicatelli as the clubs fastest tire changer.Can Karl hold on to the title? Will Tracy try totake it back? Will a new contender unseat Karl asthe champion? The suspense is overwhelming! Enter now for your chance to be the new Grand Pooh-Bah of tire changers. All participantswill receive a new tire tube. You supply the wheel, tire and pump. Email [email protected] if you think you’re up to the challenge.
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One of the most popular topics of discussion amongRide Leaders and Club
members is, without any doubt, theactual pace of the rides versus thedefinition of our Ride Categories; asa matter of fact, this is a debate thathas apparently been going aroundcycling clubs and groups for a longtime.
At BTCNJ, we often face complaints about rides advertisedwithin certain pace category that in the endexceeded the theoreticallimits of average speeds,leaving some membersconfused and some oth-ers annoyed. Then, thecalls for summoningRide Leaders fill ourmailboxes and we try ourbest to persuade mem-bers and Leaders to reach a friendlypoint of agreement.
One of the main problems aboutthe Ride Categories is that veryoften, cyclists tend to look at themas some kind of subgroup within anyclub; actually, it is quite common tofind cyclists referring themselves asX or Y riders and, in my opinion theyare missing the point. As one mem-ber put it clearly a while ago, the Categories we define for our clubare about the RIDES and not aboutthe RIDERS; in fact, BTCNJ does nothave a policy or established methodto categorize our members accord-ing to their speed, skill or experienceas cyclists. We only recommend aclassification of the rides accordingto the average speed that Leadersare willing to achieve for that partic-ular cycle trip.
But there is a problem with aver-ages: they just reveal the time ittakes a cyclist to cover certain distance. But, what is an averagepace?
For the sake of simplicity I will usea standard definition: the average isa value that represents the generalsignificance of a group of unequalvalues. And in the particular case of the speeds defining our ridingCategories the stress should go onthe word “unequal.”
The truth is that cycling rides cannot be described merely byusing a general measure of speedlike the average; if we consider a
Club ride posted in any category,there are a number of elements that create unequal circumstancesthat will change considerably thecharacter of the ride:1. Terrain: flat rides are normally
faster.2. Distance: longer distances may
lower the average speeds.3. Type of roads: urban or heavy
traffic roads do not allow highspeeds.
4. Weather conditions: extremecold or hot days, rain, and fog affect riding speeds.
5. Time of the year: rides usuallyget faster as the riding seasonadvances.
6. Purpose of the ride: speed varies from intense training rides to tours.Some members have noticed an
overlap in our categories, and this isthe result of those unequal circum-stances. For example, a 30-mile rideon flat, suburban and quiet roads ona sunny morning in March might be
perfect for a leisurely “social” rideaveraging 13-14 mph. On any givenWednesday evening in August, thesame group will average 16 at amoderate pace.
According to the table that ex-plains our Ride Categories a fewpages ahead in this magazine, bothrides may be called “true B pace.”The flat roads average shown foreach category is not limited to shortsegments of a route: if the whole
ride is flat, the averagespeed of the entire ridemay be higher, and itmakes sense to establisha higher upper limit forthe category.
By changing at leastone component of thelist (longer distance,hillier terrain, colder day,etc.) the character of the
ride may change completely. Thatsame group could be still consider-ing the ride as a “B”; however, theirfinal average for the ride may getsignificantly lower. That is the reasonwhy a correct ride description with complete information is so important for all of us.
Are those cyclists B riders? Maybe,or maybe not; the fact that a mem-ber regularly participates at a certainlevel of rides is just a reflection of hisor her preferences, and often, somemembers feel surprised when theytry a ride on a different category andthey discover they are capable ofgoing faster or slower and enjoy theride as well.
Among many ideas, some mem-bers have proposed to describe ourrides using the category letter andan expected speed (i.e. B15), likeother clubs in the area. The only lim-itation to this idea is that BTCNJdoes not promote “time trials” as afair and balanced procedure formeasuring our level as cyclists, and
RIDES CAPTAIN’S CORNER:
More Detailed Ride Descriptions NeededBy Andres Tiribocchi
When they asked the statistician how he felt, he replied: my head is
on fire and my feet are frozen, so in average I am fine.
(Old joke among statisticians and economists)
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The ride across the GeorgeWashington Bridge from NewJersey to the Hudson River
Greenway to the southern tip ofManhattan has become a cyclist’sdream. Beautiful scenery, no cars,and flat. This 36-mile ride starts atthe Fort Lee Historic Park, in FortLee. We leave the Greenway at mile12.7 and follow Warren Street to CityHall Park and the entrance to theBrooklyn Bridge.
If you’ve picked a nice sunny dayfor your ride, you will see a hoard ofsightseeing walkers and runnerscrossing the bridge. Don’t panic.There is a designated bike lane onthe left side of the boardwalk. Mostpeople will stay out of the bike lanes.Just be extra careful as you move upto the midpoint of the bridge. Makesure you stop here and enjoy theviews. This is no ordinary location. Itis an amazing photo op.
The Brooklyn Bridge was openedon May 24, 1893 and is probably themost famous bridge in the world.150,000 people paid a penny a pieceand made the walk from New Yorkto Brooklyn. There are many storiesabout the construction of this one-mile suspension bridge.
The most important person in seeing to it that the bridge would be completed was a woman, EmilyWarren Roebling. Her husband wasin charge of the construction. He became paralyzed in 1872. Shebecame his “assistant engineer.” Sheoversaw the daily running of thebridge’s construction, and relayedhis orders to his on-site assistantsand made sure that everything ran as smoothly as possible. She was the first person to officiallycross the bridge.
Follow the bike lane into Brooklyn.Make a right turn onto Tillary Streetand follow your cue sheet to RedHook, an area that was once com-
pletely industrialized is becominggentrified, filled with many quainteateries, a museum and a greatplace to see old trolley cars still sitting on the tracks outside the Fairway Market. A good place tograb a bite to eat, refresh your water bottles, use the rest roomsand sit out at one of the picnic tables and enjoy the views of theharbor.
When you leave on Van Brunt, andget on Columbia Street look for thesigns to the new bike path along theBrooklyn Bridge Park Greenway. Theroad is usable and marked. It willtake you on a waterside path to theBrooklyn Bridge and towards theManhattan Bridge. If you haven’tbeen in this area before, you will bepleasantly surprised.
The views of Manhattan are stun-ning. Jane’s Carousel, with its 48horses, sits between the BrooklynBridge and the Manhattan Bridge onthe Brooklyn waterfront and ishoused in a magnificent glass pavil-ion. It is the first carousel that waschosen to be listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places.
You are now about to cross yourthird bridge of the day. The Manhat-tan Bridge will take you into China-town. You can follow the cue sheetthrough the streets of New York andthe East Side Greenway. OR you canfollow the bike signs to the WestSide and re-enter the Hudson RiverGreenway to reach the GeorgeWashington Bridge and your startsite. Enjoy.
For cue sheet of the route log on to: btcnj.com/cuesheets/ftLeeToRedHook.html
Oh. One more thing. The RamapoRally on August 17th is just aroundthe corner. It’s not too late to signup. If you have registered. Great. Ifyou haven’t, what are you waitingfor?
CYCLING:
Been to Red Hook Lately?By Ethan Brook
knowing exactly our speed group.For those interested, there is a proxyfor that and it is in your cycling computer or app: looking at a relatively long period of data storedfrom your devices (six months), youcan have an idea of your potentialaverage pace. However, beware thatin the event your cycling is very concentrated in one type of ride(flat, short, touring, etc.) your datamay be skewed and the results maynot be as relevant.
Until our club establishes a standardized procedure of measur-ing our cycling level, we should notrestrict ourselves and label our riding skills. In the meantime, mem-bers should choose the rides takinginto consideration all those factorsmentioned, and should experimentwith different cycling challenges tofind their real skills. Ride Leadersmust strive to avoid confusions anddisappointments; it is our responsi-bility to communicate our ridingplans in a clear and complete way.Let´s ride and keep the fun!
Submit YourPhotos for theYear-in-Review
Don’t wait until November or December to send your photos
in for the Year-in-Review. Send them in now while they’re
still fresh and you rememberwhere you took them.
Remember to indicate your full name, name and date of
the ride and ride level if applicable.Send them
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The Ramapo Rally is just a few weeks away. We still need many volunteers to make this year’s Rally a success. PLEASE step up and volunteers for one of the following:
PRIOR TO RALLY DAY:• Food pick-up - team members
DAY OF RALLY:• Rest stops• Breakfast• Lunch - clean-up• Signage placement and pickup• Parking• Site clean-up• SAG
This is a great opportunity to give back to the club and have fun doing it.
If you want more information on what is involved, call Steve Greenberg at 201-424-9056 or email [email protected]
PLEASE DO IT NOW!-Leslie Felsen, Volunteer Development
-Steve Greenberg, Ramapo Rally Coordinator
More Volunteers Needed forthe Ramapo Rally
RALLY VOLUNTEERS RIDE!
If you have volunteered for the Rally, please join other volunteersfor the volunteers ride on Saturday, August 9th.We will meet at Campgaw starting at 7:30AM
depending on the length of the ride you will do.The ride may be posted on the website or not.
This ride is for volunteers only.
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Come enjoy beautiful Cape May,New Jersey with BTCNJ. The tour includes nicely furnishednon-smoking rooms, cue sheetswith rides ranging from 12 to 70miles, organized group rides andthe famous Saturday eveninggourmet hors d’oeuvres and wineparty. The terrain is flat but maybe windy. In addition to riding,you can tour the Victorian homes,visit the lighthouse and bird sanctuary, and enjoy a variety of fine restaurants.
The cost for the weekend is $220 per person based on double occupancy. A few deluxe rooms are available for $250 per person. Single rooms are $360.The tour price includes lodging for Friday and Saturday nights, sport drinks, snacks, gratuities andthe Saturday evening party.
Please reserve early for this popular BTCNJ weekendby sending a check payable to Tina Boyer at 39 Harrison Ave. #19, Montclair, NJ 07042. Please contact Tina at (973) 744-0870 or [email protected] if you have any questions or need more information.
-Tina Boyer
Cape May Weekend TourOctober 17-19, 2014
TOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS
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For information about club merchandise, contact Harold Todman at [email protected].
You do not need to be a BTCNJ member to purchaseBTCNJ merchandise. The color photos on your screen
may differ from the actual item color, due to differences in computer monitors and settings.
Bicycle Touring Club
of North Jersey
Merchandise
Local Cycling Event RidesSeptember 1:Donut Derby 2014www.lehighwheelmen.org, Trexlertown, PA
The DD is a fun 36 mile race with a twist: Get a 3 minute timecredit for each donut eaten atstops positioned at mile markers12 and 24. Donut-adjusted time determines the winner in severalage categories.
The race starts at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Trexlertown at 9:00am. Lunch and an award ceremonyfollow the ride.
Register at:bikereg.com/lwa-donut-derby
Cost of the ride is $25 and the registration deadline is August 24th. No registrations on day of event.
September 27:Tour de Farm New Jerseywww.tourdefarmnj.com, Blairstown, NJ
Join us on a cycling and tastingtour of NJ farms in one of themost beautiful regions in thecountry.
We offer a gourmet breakfast,tastings at each farm, healthypost-ride hors d’oeuvres, and a Farm-to-Fork celebration prepared by the top chefs inMetro NY.
We offer a 5 mile “Family Friendly” Tour, a 35 mile “Weekend Warrior” Tour and a 78 mile “Extreme” Tour.
Sign up here: http://www.tourdefarmnj.com and check us out on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFarmNj.
September 26-28:Sea Gull Centurywww.seagullcentury.org, Salisbury University, MD
It’s a beautiful scenic century bicycle ride along the Chesapeakeon Saturday, September 27, 2014; a flat ride with five rest stops. I will lead the 62 mile ride on Saturday and plan to cycle onSunday as well. This event hasgreat reviews and is fun. Registration can be found atwww.seagullcentury.org/. The fee is $90 after August 30th.
There will be group dinners onFriday and Saturday. Participantswill arrange their own lodgingreservations.
Please contact Helene Blausteinfor recommended lodging andother information at (862)251-3152 [email protected].
September 5-7:Gran Fondo NJwww.granfondonj.com, Morristown, NJ
Gran Fondo NJ is back for itsfourth year. We offer challengesto cyclists of all abilities, from our107 mile Gran Fondo route withmore climbing than you could askfor (and great rest stops too) toour 18 Mile Breve route. Our goalis for you to have fun, be chal-lenged, and never have to look ata cue sheet during your ride.
Each of our 6 rest stops isstocked with the usual fare youwould expect on a challengingride, and featured treats that willsurprise you. With timing only onthe hill climbs, we offer a seriousathletic challenge for our compet-itive participants, with the abilityto wait at the tops of the climbsfor others in your group withoutworrying about “losing time”.
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BTCNJ TOURS
DATE
Aug. 29-Sept 1
OpenVermont Ramapo Labor Day Bike Tour
Varied 20-40 Miles $110/person Rich [email protected]
Sept.12-14
OpenBike the Amish Country Rolling Varied $150/personbased on dbl occupancy
Alan [email protected]
Sept.6-7
OpenMaine Lighthouse Ride Varied 25-100 Miles Self Pay Terry [email protected]
Oct. 17-19
OpenCape May Weekend Tour Flat butWind
12 -70 Miles $220-250/person based ondbl occupancy
Tina [email protected]
August 1-3
Wait ListOnly
Lake George, NY Varied 16-65 Miles $210/personbased on dbl occupancy
Barbara [email protected]
August22-24
OpenRhinebeck, NY Varied 30-55 Miles $190/personbased on dbl occupancy
Richard Fine or Amy [email protected]@amyhass.com
Sept.19-21
OpenAmagansett, NY Varied 12-107 Miles $225/personbased on dbl occupancy
Feb.16-28,2015
OpenNew Zealand’s South Island
Varied Varied $5,500 to $6,000
Harriet [email protected]
Sept.26-28
OpenSea Gull CenturySalisbury, MD
Flat toRolling
Varied Self Pay Helene [email protected]
CAPACITYTOUR TERRAIN DISTANCE PRICE CONTACT
In the table below is a summary of the upcoming tours hosted by BTCNJ.For a full description of the tours, please visit our website. You must be a BTCNJ member to participate in a tour hosted by BTCNJ.
Tour leaders are seeking one female to share a room with another female, and one male to share a room with another male. Please contact Richard Fine at [email protected] if interested.
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BTCNJ RIDE CATEGORIES
TERRAIN DESCRIPTIONSHilly: Numerous long and steep climbsModerately Hilly: Numerous climbs, with no “killer” hillsRolling: Some small hills, farmland ups and downsFlat: Minimal gear shifting required
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LEADERSBring maps and/or cue sheets. Discourage riders with unsound bikes from joining the ride. Within thefirst few miles, urge riders who are unable to maintainthe advertised pace to leave the ride. Adhere to theadvertised speed of the ride. Advise riders exceedingyour intended pace that they will be considered to beon their own.
RIDE LEADERS MUST SUBMIT THEIR SIGN-IN SHEETSTO EARN RIDE LEADER POINTS.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RIDERSRiders must obey NJ motor vehicle laws. Bring tools:tire irons, pump, and spare tube. Bicycle must be ingood working order. Don’t ride in a category that istoo difficult for you. Advise leader if you are making anunscheduled stop or leaving the group. Rides will notgo in the following conditions (unless otherwise notedin the rides description): rain, snow, wet or icy roads,or temperatures under 32°. Rides will leave 15 minutesafter the published meeting time (unless otherwisenoted.) For rides longer than 15 miles, bring snacks, for rides over 30 miles, bring lunch (unless a deli stopis indicated). Note: anyone under 18 years of age mustbe accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on allrides. Every rider is required to wear a helmet thatmeets CPSC Performance Standards on all club rides.Headphones are not permitted on rides.
RIDE LEVEL DESCRIPTION
A Average speed 17+ mph - For strong/experienced cyclists. Stops every 30+ miles.
B* Average speed 15.0 - 16.9 mph - average speed on flats 17.0 - 18.0 mph. For strong cyclists. Stops every 20 - 25 miles
B Average speed 13.0 - 14.9 mph - average speed on flats 15.0 - 16.0 mph. For solid cyclists. Stops every 15 - 20 miles.
C* Average speed 11.0 - 12.9 mph - average speed on flats 13.0 - 14.0 mph. For solid cyclists. Stops every 15 - 20 miles.
C Average speed 9.0 - 10.9 mph - average speed on flats 11.0 - 12.0 mph. For average cyclists. Stops as needed.
D Average speed Under 9.0 mph - average speed on flats 10.0 mph. For new, inexperienced cyclists. Frequent stops.
F Family ride for families. Frequent stops, child friendly.
MTB-B Mountain Bike - Single track with challenging surfaces, rocks, roots, logs and technical terrain. Extended ascents and challenging descents.
MTB-C Mountain Bike - Single and double track trails with uneven surfaces and minimal obstacles. Gradual and moderate climbing and descents.
MTB-D Mountain Bike - Unpaved wide trails and fire roads with obstruction free riding surfaces. Small and gradual changes in elevation.
A, B*, B Categories: No obligation to wait for stragglers if advertised pace is kept and written directions(cue sheets, maps) are issued. C*, C, D Categories: Group will wait for stragglers and assist those havingmechanical difficulty. MTB rides: the slowest participant dictates ride pace; no rider is ever left behind.
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The owners of all these shops support BTCNJ. Please tell them you saw their shop in MasterLink. Show them your BTCNJ membership card for a 10% discount off accessories and parts. They are skilled bicyclepros, and we urge you to use their services. Please note that the discount may not apply to sale items and may not allow credit card payment. Please note that the individual shop owners have sole discretion over the definition of “accessories and parts” and of the items in their stock to which any BTCNJ-related discount applies.
SUPPORT YOURLOCAL BIKE SHOP
As proof of BTCNJ membership, you will need to print your membership card through the BTCNJ website. Log onto the site, select Membership Card under the Membership tab. Printing instructions are provided.
Allendale Bike Shop.........................Allendale 201-825-0952
D.J.s’ Cycles .............................................Belmar 732-681-8228
Brookdale Cycle .............................Bloomfield 973-338-8908
Get-a-way Cycle Center........Bloomingdale 973-291-4163
Bikeland..................................................Caldwell 973-403-3330
Bikeland II.............................................Chatham 973-635-8066
Closter Cycle...........................................Closter 201-768-3086
Congers Bike Shop ....................Congers, NY 845-268-3315
Steve’s Moped & Bicycle ..................Dumont 201-384-7777
Sam’s Bicycle Repair.............Elmwood Park 201-797-5819
Bike Master......................................Englewood 201-569-3773
Strictly Bicycles...................................Fort Lee 201-944-7074
Carrera Cycles ..................................Glen Rock 201-857-0106
Marty’s Reliable ........................Hackettstown 908-852-1650
Bike Pad ............................................Hawthorne 973-427-9400
Grove Street Bicycles ..................Jersey City 201-451-2453
James Vincent................................Jersey City 201-420-5151
Ramsey Outdoor..........................Ledgewood 973-584-7798
Bicycle Tech ..................................Lincoln Park 973-694-6775
D.J.’s Cycles..................................Long Branch 732-870-2277
Peddler ..........................................Long Branch 732-229-6623
Cycle Craft ......................................Long Valley 908-876-5600
Madison Bicycle Shop.......................Madison 973-377-6616
High Gear Cyclery ...............................Millburn 973-376-0001
Diamond Cycle...................................Montclair 973-509-0233
The Bikery............................................Montclair 973-744-7252
Marty’s Reliable .............................Morristown 973-538-7773
Cycle World.................................New City, NY 845-364-2384
James Vincent...........................North Bergen 201-869-1901
Chelsea Bikes.......................................NYC, NY 646-230-7715
Gotham Bike.........................................NYC, NY 212-732-2453
Toga Bike...............................................NYC, NY 212-759-0002
Nyack Bicycle Outfitters ..............Nyack, NY 845-353-0268
Pedal Sports .........................................Oakland 201-337-9380
CampMor...............................................Paramus 201-445-5000
The Bicycle II........................................Paramus 201-632-0200
Cycle Sport Cyclery......................Park Ridge 201-391-5269
Cycle Craft .......................................Parsippany 973-227-4462
Bicycle Depot..................................Pearl River 845-735-8686
Heino’s Ski and Cycle................Pequannock 973-696-3044
Piermont Bicycle.......................Piermont, NY 845-365-0900
Cycle Center...........................Pompton Lakes 973-835-6339
Bicycle Source.......................Pompton Plains 973-835-7595
Bike & Ski Shop ....................................Ramsey 201-327-9480
Ramsey Outdoor..................................Ramsey 201-327-8141
Ultimate Cycle Shop...........................Ramsey 201-962-9000
Marty’s Reliable ....................................Randolf 973-584-7773
Cosmic Wheel ........................Ridgefield Park 201-440-6655
Ridgewood Cycle .........................Ridgewood 201-444-2553
Bikeworks....................................Rochelle Park 201-843-6409
Original Bike Shop ...................Saddle Brook 973-478-6555
Valley Cycle .........................Spring Valley, NY 845-356-3179
High Gear Cyclery................................Stiriling 908-647-2010
Bicycle Workshop .................................Tenafly 201-568-9372
Fusion Cycles..........................................Tenafly 201-266-6925
Toga Bike..............................Upper Nyack, NY 845-358-3455
Town Cycle............................West Milford, NJ 973-728-8878
Albert’s Westwood Cycle ...........Westwood 201-664-1688
Whippany Cycle ..............................Whippany 973-887-8150
Wyckoff Cycle......................................Wyckoff 201-891-5500
masterlink / AUGUST 2014
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Present: Ralph Monti, PresidentAlan Scherl, Vice PresidentRhonda Pekow, SecretaryHarold Todman, MembershipAndres Tiribocchi, Rides CaptainSteve Greenberg, Ramapo RallyEthan Brook, Past President Bill Telgheder, ToursLarry Schwartz, WebmasterMarc Soloff, Master LinkBarbara Augenblick, Public RelationsNot Present: Leslie Felsen, Special Events
Call to OrderPresident Ralph Monti opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
President:• Ralph Monti discussed the results of the recent vote to amend BTCNJ’s bylaws. Ralph said that the votes
for the bylaws on term limits for executive board members and on gifts and gratuities for executive boardmembers overwhelmingly passed. 94 % voted yes for term limits. 93% voted yes for gifts and gratuities. We will now incorporate the two items into our by-laws.
• Ralph talked about insurance options for BTCNJ, explaining that he been in communication with one of ourmembers who is also an insurance agent, Liz Pagano. Liz reviewed our insurance policy and confirmed that it is reasonably priced. Liz explained specifics that we are not covered for in emails to Ralph, which he thenshared with the executive board.
• The Bike Corral that BTCNJ donated to Glen Rock has been installed at the Glen Rock Pool. Glen Rock hasexpressed gratitude for this donation and is planning a ceremony soon.
• Ralph has spoken with TransOptions, the company that provided a safety clinic for us this year. A tentativedate for the next safety clinic is September 20, 2014.
• Ralph asked board members to let him know by August 2014 if they are planning to remain on the board foranother term. The current board will end and the new board will begin its tenure on December 1, 2014.
Vice President: • Alan Scherl discussed the following schedule for upcoming membership meetings. • August 2014: Cindy Steiner will do a presentation on a recent trip to Zambia and the Bike and Walk Coalition• September2014: Alan will facilitate a bike tire changing contest. H. Rubin Opticians, a sponsor for the
Ramapo Rally, will also do a presentation on eyewear and cycling.• October 2014: A presentation will be given on riding a Tandem bicycle• November 2014: Representatives from Complete Streets Advocacy Movement are scheduled to talk with the
BTCNJ membership.
Rides Captain:• Andres updated the executive board on progress of the facilitation of BTCNJ’s 2nd annual ride leader jersey
design contest. As of now, 4 members have submitted designs. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2014.Andres will share submitted designs with the executive board in the August executive board meeting. In October 2014 membership will proceed with the voting process.
BTCNJ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Executive Summary of Meeting MinutesJuly 15, 2014
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• Andres discussed members who have recently been involved in a bicycle accident and their recovery.
Membership/Merchandise:• Harold Todman talked about the Ramapo Rally Jerseys that were ordered and will be shipped on August 4,
2014.
Treasurer:• BTCNJ Treasurer Frank Wimer reported that, financially speaking, this is a relatively quiet time of the year.
‣ Membership – Dues collection are running ahead of last year partly due to adding multiyear capabilityto the website. The rent and insurance bills have been paid for the year. The biggest expenses forMarch and April will be the purchase of the 2013 ride leader jersey for a total of $6,000.
‣ Merchandise – No new purchases this year yet .‣ Ramapo Rally – We have paid for the rally sites and are collecting some of the sponsorship money.‣ Bergen County Bike Tour – Suspended this year.‣ Annual Party – All income and expense was collected for the 2014 party through last month and the
party ended up with a loss of $700, right on budget.• Treasurer responsibilities and the Ramapo Rally – Frank Wimer will not be present on the date of the Ramapo
Rally. Ralph will take care of the checks that have to be written on the day of the Rally.
MasterLink:• Marc Soloff has received emails from other bicycle clubs to promote their rides and/or events. It was
discussed that the BTCNJ website has a link on our website for rides sponsored by other bicycle clubs. If we promote an event sponsored by another bicycle club in Master Link, that club should reciprocate.
• Marc Soloff discussed how he determines which pictures to use for the covers of Master Link publications. He explained that he has gotten pictures from Facebook, from individual member’s emails, and from year-in-review.
Ramapo Rally:• Steve Greenberg explained that more volunteers are needed. He requested that if anyone leads a ride,
it would be helpful to say something to riders (at the start of the ride) about volunteering for the Rally. Areas especially in need of volunteers are SAG drivers and people to work at the rest stops.
• Don Schlenger has been working on modifying some of the routes and will be complete by the end of theweek.
• Rest stop locations are almost confirmed.• Steve Greenberg discussed needing additional signs for the Ramapo Rally. It was decided that we take an
inventory of the signs we currently have to determine what is needed. We will then go to a sign company topurchase additional signs.
• Emails requesting information about the Ramapo Rally are being answered by Barbara Augenblick.
Webmaster:• Larry Schwartz explained that his goal is to make the BTCNJ website as user friendly as possible.
Larry spoke with WEDU and is in the process of making changes through them to create a repository and code review so future changes will be easier to implement.
Public Relations:• Barbara Augenblick is preparing the next e-letter and is thus requesting topics from board members b
y August 10, 2014. Barbara explained, however, that the next e-letter will not go out to members until theSaturday before the Ramapo Rally.
Tours:• Bill Telgheder talked about the following two new tours that have been added and are described in the
most current issue of MasterLink. ‣ Maine Lighthouse Tour, September 5, 2014‣ Cape May Tour, October 17, 2014
• Update of waivers and Releases – Bill Telgheder suggested inviting attorney and BTCNJ member Bob Zellerto the August 2014 board meeting to discuss waivers and releases. Bob Zeller will also be asked to discussissues related to waivers that executive board members may not be knowledgeable about. Bill Telgheder
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PAGE 17
said he would prepare questions ahead of time to focus Bob Zeller’s discussion for the August 2014 executive board meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda L PekowRhonda L PekowBTCNJ Board Secretary