1. Art and Diseño

January 2015
C
PPT
ard
Aw ations
min
No
iii
i
Non-profit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
Merrifield, VA
Permit 58
The Club presents a number of awards to members at the annual meeting.
The Good Shepherd, Rookie Ride Leader and Best Original Ride Awards
are presented each year. The Neal D. Molloy Volunteer and Linda Tischer
PPTC Lifetime Awards are only presented to exceptional candidates, so they
will not always be given. All awardees receive a plaque. The PPTC Lifetime
Award also comes with free lifetime PPTC membership. Any member can
nominate a PPTC member for any of these awards by emailing Rich Tepel
([email protected]) or any other ExCom member with the name of the
nominee and a brief statement about why the person deserves a particular
award. Email addresses of the ExCom members are on page 2 of the Pedal
Patter and on the website under “Club Officers.” Awardees will be selected
by the ExCom from those nominations received by 6 pm on January 2,
2013. Detailed descriptions of the awards can be found in the December
2014 Pedal Patter.
by Nancy Avitabile
The PPTC Annual Meeting and potluck lunch will be held Saturday
January 31, 2015 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the River Road Unitarian
Universalist Congregation, 6301River Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817.
The potluck lunch is a great opportunity to socialize with friends old and
new and to see some of your cycling friends in street clothes. So bring
your favorite dish, consider running for a position on the ExCom and
just plan to have a fun afternoon! This year our speaker will be Derek
McGinty, the weekday anchor for WUSA 9 News at 7 PM and weeknight
co-anchor for WUSA 9 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 11 PM. Additionally, Derek
was a correspondent for HBO’s Real Sports for 4 years. Previously, he
hosted the nationally broadcast “Straight Talk with Derek McGinty” for
PBS. Derek is a local Washingtonian,
attending Woodrow Wilson High
Submit your
School and American University here
Cast-Iron
Crotch Miles
in D.C. Most importantly, Derek has
See page 15
been an avid cyclist for over 20 years
and has participated on many of our
PPTC rides. Derek will talk to us about how bicycling has changed in the
DC area, what changes he sees coming and will shares his best biking
stories.
If you ordered a Back Roads t-shirt and haven’t picked it up, they will
be available at the volunteer meeting. Back Roads t-shirts will also be
available for sale for $5.
Pedal Patter
c/o Core Association Services, Inc.
10378 Democracy Lane, Suite A
Fairfax, VA 22030
We will need volunteers to set up and clean up before and after the
meeting. If you are willing to volunteer, contact Nancy Avitabile
([email protected]).
The River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation served as the home
of our Annual Meetings for many years, and we are returning there once
again. If you are coming from I-495, take Exit 39, River Rd., towards
Washington. Take a left on Whittier Blvd., then an immediate left into the
church parking lot. The church is less than 2 miles from the beltway. You
can also get there by biking on the Capital Crescent Trail to River Road.
Get off the trail there and head north on River Road to the intersection at
Whittier Blvd.
We look forward to seeing you January 31st!
PPTC ExCom
Election Bios
See page 3.
1
PEDAL PATTER
Pedal Patter is published monthly by Potomac Pedalers Touring Club,
Inc., a non-profit, educational, and recreational organization for bicycle
enthusiasts in the DC metro area. Opinions expressed in Pedal Patter are
of the authors, not necessarily reflective of PPTC’s official position. Editor
reserves the right to refuse ads or material inappropriate to the Club’s
purpose. Pedal Patter is mailed to current PPTC members, member
businesses, and bicycle clubs.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair Rich Tepel, [email protected]
Chair-elect Matt Birnbaum, [email protected]
Treasurer Nancy Avitabile, [email protected]
Membership Secretary Mike Divine, [email protected]
Recording Secretary Bob Manka, [email protected]
Delivery Problems
Please call PPTC at 703.385.1688 to report missing issues.
Members-at-Large
Sue Gunter [email protected]
Editor: Carol Linden
[email protected]
Eric Lengel [email protected]
Linda Schwartz
[email protected]
Bulletin Board: Jo Keister
[email protected]
Chris White 703-678-9498
On The Road: Gary Timmons 301.718.4327, [email protected]
Out of Bounds: Teresa Noonan
[email protected]
Road Captain
Layout: Julia Rosenbaum 301.527.2300, [email protected]
Cue Sheets/Map Librarian Eric Pilsk, [email protected]
Advertising Manager Kate Schwarz [email protected]
Commercial Ads
Ad rates are as follows: full page– $550; 1/2 page– $350; 1/4 page– $200;
1/8 page– $130; 1/16 page– $80. Discounts available for durations of 3 or more
months. Contact the Advertising Manager at [email protected].
Submitting Material
Photographs and articles from Club members are welcome. Please send
submissions to Carol Linden – [email protected].
Deadline
Editor must have material by the 5th of the month. If the 5th falls on
a weekend, deadline is the preceding Friday.
Web Site
www.potomacpedalers.org
Please visit the web site for address changes, joining the club and other
requests.
Website Technical Support
For website technical support and to contact our webmaster, do the following..
v Go to www.potomacpedalers.org
RIDE COMMITTEES & COORDINATORS
Dan Lehman 703.241.9113, [email protected]
Sign-Up Sheets Archives Dan Lehman 703.241.9113, [email protected]
Ride Coordinators–Area Wide
Tandem Don Schneider 301-942-6330
Family Rides Team Brugman 703.339.3948, [email protected]
Sunday Picnic Rides Tom Doerr [email protected]
Ride Coordinators–Maryland/DC
D Chris Moriarity 301.270.3416 [email protected]
C Linda Borst-Kolko 301-785-1342 [email protected]
CC Carol Linden [email protected]
B Jim Quinn [email protected]
BB Karen Berlage, 301.963.1482, [email protected]
A/AA Karen Berlage, 301.963.1482, [email protected]
Ride Coordinators–Virginia
D Woody Lipinski 703-203-4934, [email protected]
C Teresa Brooks H 703-971-3617, [email protected]
CC John Ordway 703-518-8941, [email protected]
B Dan Lehman 703.241.9113, [email protected]
BB Dan Lehman 703.241.9113, [email protected]
AA/A Dan Lehman 703.241.9113, [email protected]
v Click on Contact Us (top of page)
v Click on Website Technical Support
v You’ll be taken to the Website Technical Support contact form
v Complete the form and press Submit
You can expect a response within 24-48 hours.
PPTC Business Office Mailing Address
10378 Democracy Lane, Suite A, Fairfax, VA 22030
[email protected]
PPTC ExCom Meeting Schedule
The Executive Committee meets in the evening on the third Monday of every
month. Locations of the meeting may vary. Members of the club who wish to attend
should contact a Committee member the week before to get the exact location and
time of the meeting. ExCom meeting minutes are available on our website.
Mailing Information
To receive Pedal Patter via first class mail, members must pay an extra $13 per
year. Otherwise it is sent standard mail, which can take as long as 3 weeks, but
usually only takes days. Pedal Patter is mailed between the 15–18th of the month.
If yours hasn’t arrived by the 4th week of the month, call the Business Office
to report this or any change-of-address. Remember to check your membership
expiration. Membership remains uninterrupted only if renewed by the 5th of the
expiration month.
2
OTHER COMMITTEES
Century Coordinator Open
Communications Coordinator Deborah Reynolds
Communications Committee Eric Pilsk, Bob Bernstein,
Kate Schwarz, Tom Humphrey
Web Site Coordinator Eric Pilsk
Message Committee Teresa Browder, Janet Cyphers, Irmgard Dugge,
Lois Lightfoot, Susan Fullenbaum, Beth Merricks, Joan Oppel
Special Events Committee Rich Tepel, [email protected]
Advocacy Coordinator Denise Cohen
Bike Case Coordinators Rita Zeidner, 703-998-7489, rzeidner@
gmail.com; Bob Bloomfield, 301.253.9481, [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator Open
For questions regarding Ride Committees please call the Road Captain. For questions or changes
regarding other areas please call the appropriate coordinator, committee member, or any ExCom member.
For changes regarding this listing please e-mail Julia Rosenbaum at [email protected].
Notes From the Chair
by Rich Tepel
Thank you. This is my last Notes from the Chair. I would like to thank
all of the many people who have volunteered with the club for the past
two years. You are how the club functions.
We had a great two years. For me, it was a lot of fun. The club is
in strong financial shape, we get compliments from outside the club on
our website, and we are growing! Although all the many volunteers are
responsible for this, the Excom members and the special coordinators
really dedicated a lot of their time to make the club successful. Over
the past two years these were: Mike Divine, Nancy Avitabile, Roslyn
Rubin, Bob Manka, Denise Cohen, Eric Pilsk, Linda Schwartz, Chris
White, Matt Birnbaum, Sue Gunter, Eric Lengel, Deborah Reynolds,
Carol Linden and Barbara Miller. Finally, we all need to recognize our
business manager, Sherri Core, for the essential support she has provided
to the club’s success.
My goals this year were to increase the number of rides, and increase
the number of ride leaders. The number of rides was up quite a bit.
We had 1,501 rides this year (as of the middle of December) and many
new ride leaders. New initiatives, such as training for new ride leaders
and the post ride food/entertainment subsidy program seemed to help
increase the number of rides and leaders. Of course, setting up goals
is easy - actually achieving them is the difficult part. For these new
programs, we can thank Matt Birnbaum, Rudi Riet, Denise Cohen, Eric
Pilsk, Johanna Nathanson, Jim Quinn, and Geng Chan. Getting people
to submit rides, making it easy to submit those rides and being able to
manage 1,500 different rides helps too. For that we can thank Mark
Alpert (our webmaster), Dan Lehman (our former road captain), and our
past and current ride coordinators (see page two of the Pedal Patter).
Thanks everyone,
Rich Tepel
Chair (soon to be former), Potomac Pedalers Executive Committee
Coming Events: Remember! The Annual Meeting is January 31st. It’s
in Maryland at the same place as last year, the River Road Unitarian
Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817.
Bring and share great food, thank the many volunteers, hear more about
what’s going on with the club, and vote for the club officers. See the
article in this month’s Pedal Patter.
Be safe! Make sure drivers can see you at this time of year.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PPTC ExCom
Election Bios
Liz Ginexi (Recording Secretary)
After the cheap car I owned during my first year of college was destroyed
in an unfortunate accident (not my fault) I used the ~$500 insurance check
to purchase my first multi-speed bike, a Trek hybrid. That Trek became
my main mode of transportation for the next decade during college and
graduate school. When I wasn’t riding the bus or the train I was riding
the bike. Several years after graduate school in 2002 I was taking weekly
spinning classes at my local gym where the instructor who was a cycling
coach talked me into taking up road cycling. He helped me purchase my
first road bike in 2003 and he taught me the basics about riding in a group. I
rode with this small group of friends doing short 20-60 mile weekend routes
locally from 2003-2006. When I completed my first century ride in 2004 I
was hooked. It took me three years after meeting my (then future) husband,
Kurt, to convince him to get out on a road bike with me, but I finally got
him hooked too. In 2011, at Kurt’s suggestion, we decided to check out
some Potomac Pedalers rides. After really enjoying the routes and having
a great time meeting the fellow riders, we joined as full members in 2012.
It was not long before I was recruited to volunteer as a ride leader. Since
joining the club I have made so many new cycling friends who I admire and
who inspire me every time I ride. They encourage me to try adventurous
new rides and to challenge my stamina. By day I am a Health Scientist at
the National Cancer Institute where I lead research in community health
promotion and public health. After work, I promote fitness and health
in my community by teaching indoor cycling, weight training, and core
strength classes at my local gym. Being a part of a club like the Pedalers
has been a perfect complement to my indoor work as a Certified Group
Fitness Instructor and Coach. It’s a true joy to get out on the road with other
like-minded cycling enthusiasts. I enjoy leading rides, meeting new people,
and trying out new and exciting routes. I hope to bring positive energy and
enthusiasm to the club.
Linda Borst Kolko (Membership Secretary)
I’ve been biking since I was a kid, riding to school and around my
neighborhood in Queens, NY. I have enjoyed riding my bike throughout
Burlington and Shelburne, VT while in college, in Belize in the Peace
Corps and in the People’s Republic of Takoma Park where I live. I’ve
been a member of Potomac Pedalers since the 1990’s. I became a ride
leader shortly after I joined, thanks to the mentoring of several C and D
ride leaders such as Al Jones, Jack Marney and Chris Moriarity. I’m happily
retired after 40 years of federal service and enjoy leading C/D and Beginner
D rides, and serving as the MD C ride coordinator, recruiting new ride
leaders on every ride I lead (or at least attempting to!!) I’ve enjoyed several
PPTC bike weekends and have volunteered at the Backroads Century a few
times. I did this year’s Backroads half-century and hope to finally complete
a century in the next year or two (need to get my speed up!) If elected as
the membership secretary for Potomac Pedalers, I would like to develop
strategies to recruit and mentor more ride leaders, especially in the C and D
levels. I would also be happy to promote membership in the club through
Meetup and other avenues. 2
Club Information
3
Notes From the Chair; PPTC ExCom
Election Bios
4
Lewes, DE Weekend
5
Release Form; The Perfect Road: Cycling
Through Italy with Andy Hampsten
7
Ride Schedule
Joe Pixley (At Large Member) 14
Ride Report: Jamaica Northern Coast
15
Butt Perch; Spring Thaw at Cambridge, MD;
Annual 5k-Miles-or-Bust Survey
16
PPTC Calendar; PPTC Membership Form
I have been a member of the club since around 2008, and a regular with the
Tuesday night Lake Barcroft ride (before it was discontinued), the Thursday
night Belle Haven ride, and have started the Downtown Breakaway. I am
a recumbent rider, with a Carbent and a Barcroft Virginia (yes, named after
Lake Barcroft, the builder is local). I ride the Back Roads Century every
Continued on page 13.
3
Save the Date!
PPTC Lewes Delaware Weekend
April 24 - 26, 2015
Get Your Cycling Event Posted
on our Website
We post area cycling events such as Century and charity rides on our
website Regional Cycling Events calendar at no charge. To get your
ride posted online, do the following…
Be sure to get an early jump on spring 2015 by joining PPTC for a
weekend at the beach in late April. Lewes is a small, picturesque, and
historic town near Rehoboth Beach. This weekend is noted for its
sociability and ease in meeting new people, so come alone or with a
friend or spouse. This year we will limit attendance to 84 people, so
sign up early – it has sold out the last two years.
We will have rides ranging in length from 20 to 65+ miles, all flat
(although we reluctantly admit sometimes there are headwinds at
the beach). Many rides visit nearby wildlife refuges, a winery, and
beaches. Lorraine McCall is planning more excellent food (last
year’s food was totally the best). Reservations will only be on the
website this year. Pricing and other details will come soon!
u
Go to www.potomacpedalers.org
u
Hover over the menu item Ride Schedules
u
Hover over the menu item Regional Cycling Events
u
Click on How to Submit an Event
u
You’ll be taken to the Regional Cycling Event Submission form
u
Complete the form and press Submit
Regional Events are typically posted within 48-72 hours of submission.
PPTC Member Discounts / Participating Merchants
4
Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk,
and Indemnity Agreement (“Agreement”)
The Perfect Road:
Cycling Through Italy with Andy Hampsten
(The Dolomites)
by Bob Goulder
What cyclist hasn’t dreamt of riding through Italy? For years I aspired to
take such a journey, but work and other obstacles always got in the way.
This past summer my schedule cleared and I finally decided to give it a
go. I would be pedaling through La Bella Italia with Cinghiale Cycling
Tours, the travel company operated by former professional cyclist Andy
Hampsten.
Although I’ve never seen an advertisement for Cinghiale, I heard by
word-of-mouth that their tours were first rate. Besides, I had been a fan
of Andy for many years dating back to the 1980s. His racing exploits
during that period are among the principal reasons why I became a
cyclist. Then there’s the fact that Andy was the first non-European (and
only American) to win the Giro d’Italia. If one’s ambition is to explore
the fabled terrain of Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartoli, you can’t do better
than ride in the company of a modern-day Giro champion. Simply put,
Andy is cycling royalty.
I had two options: a trip across the Dolomites and Alps, or an adventure
through coastal Tuscany. After trading emails with Andy’s wife and
business partner, Elaine Lauterbach, I decided to register for both tours.
Indulgent, perhaps, but you only live once. This article focuses on the
Dolomites.
Andiamo Amici
Our adventure began in Verona. The city’s international airport makes
it a convenient gateway to the Dolomites. I arrived a few days early
to partake in some off-bike tourism. Exploring Verona’s piazzas and
cathedrals can easily fill a day or two.
On the eve of our departure to the mountains I transferred to a hotel near
the airport. There I meet the other cyclists who would be my traveling
companions for the next eight days. That’s also where I met Andy, Elaine,
and their irresistibly cute toddler, Oscar, who proved a constant source
of amusement. It was also where I met Andy’s right-hand man, Gerardo
Carpentieri. Gerardo does everything on these tours from fixing your
bike, to fixing your lunch, to making sure you don’t get hopelessly lost.
Despite owning a travel case, I decided to rent a bike locally. I wanted
to avoid hauling the oversized contraption through multiple airports
and train stations. Strictly speaking, Cinghiale does not rent bikes. The
rentals are made through Gerardo’s bike shop in Donoratico; Andy and
Elaine merely function as intermediaries. You email them your frame
measurements, and Gerardo delivers a matching bike at the start of
the tour. This allowed me to travel light and keep the wrenching to a
minimum.
A bad rental bike can spoil a vacation. Thankfully, Gerardo’s rental fleet
was excellent. The standard issue was a carbon fiber BMC Gran Fondo
with an Ultegra grouppo and Easton wheelset. These were beautiful
bikes with a smooth ride quality. Under close scrutiny, my bike showed
no obvious signs of wear and tear. The chain and components actually
looked new. The gearing consisted of a compact crank (50/34) and 12-28
cassette. Low-range is a practical necessity given the steep roads we’d
be riding.
In consideration for being permitted to participate in any way in
(event name): __________________________________________
on (dates)____________________, an event sponsored by Potomac
Pedalers Touring Club, Inc., I, myself, my personal representatives,
assigns, heirs, and next of kin:
1. ACKNOWLEDGE, agree and represent that I understand the nature
of Bicycling Activities and that I am qualified to participate in such
Activity. I further acknowlege that the Activity will be conducted
over public roads and facilities open to the public during the Activity
and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further
agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe,
I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Activity.
2. FULLY UNDERSTAND that: (a) BICYCLING ACTIVITIES
INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY
INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS
AND DEATH (“RISKS”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be
caused by my own actions, or inactions of others participating in
the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or THE
NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” NAMED BELOW; (c)
there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
LOSSES either known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time;
and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND
ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES
I incur as a result of my participation in the Activity.
3. HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT
TO SUE, AND AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND
HOLD HARMLESS the Club, its administrators, directors, ride
leaders, volunteers, agents, and employees, other participants, any
sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and releasers of
premises on which the Activity takes place (each considered one
of the “RELEASEES” herein) FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS,
DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES ON MY ACCOUNT
CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR PART
BYTHE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” OR OTHERWISE,
INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS.
I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND
ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP
SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE SIGNED IT
FREELY AND WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE
OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND
UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE
GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT
IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD INVALID
THE BALANCE, NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE
IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.
Participant’s Signature:____________________________________
Printed Name:___________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
The next morning we piled into vans and headed north, crossing through
the Veneto region to the province of Belluno. Our destination was the
Continued on page 6.
5
The Perfect Road, Continued from page 5
Sport Hotel in Alleghe, a tiny hamlet on a picturesque alpine lake.
After checking-in to our rooms and grabbing a quick lunch, we set out
for an afternoon spin. Andy took us through the village of Digonera and
over a few modest climbs, including the Colle San Lucia. It was cathartic
to be pedaling a bike again after the discomfort of overnight flights and
jet lag. The pace was conversational. We logged 23 miles with 2,500 feet
of elevation gain. Andy was easing us into the Dolomites, knowing the
rigors that lay ahead.
The next morning we awoke to sunny skies and dry roads. Rain was in
the forecast, but it never materialized. This would be our initiation to
real mountains. The route sent us over two significant climbs: the Passo
Duran and Passo Staulanza.
Starting from the village of Agordo, the Passo Duran rises for about 8
miles. I arrived at the top a bit flustered. My pedal stroke had been labored,
as if I were wrestling with the bike rather than spinning gracefully. After
spotting Gerardo’s support van, I grabbed a quick snack and rummaged
through my day bag in search of a wind jacket. Other riders opted for
helmet liners, toe covers and full-fingered gloves. Even in late summer
these descents can be cold.
Next up was the Passo Staulanza. The climb allowed me to chat with
our other guide, a local cyclist and ski buff named Richard (pronounced:
“RHEE-shard”) Feichter. He lived in the nearby region of Alto Adige
and knew the local roads like the back of his hand. Although an Italian
citizen, Richard’s mother tongue was Ladin, a rare language spoken only
in a few remote areas of Northern Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.
The Staulanza was demanding. It seemed just as long and steep as the
Duran. I was aided by Richard’s steady pace setting. My game plan was
simple: relax, breath normally, and stay on his rear wheel. The miles
seemed to fly by. It’s odd how a cyclist’s legs can feel so sluggish on one
climb, then so lively on the next. No doubt Gerardo’s delicious focaccia
contributed to my revival. For the day we rode 45 miles with 6,100 feet
of elevation gain.
That evening, shortly before dinner, Andy treated us to 90 minutes of
race stories. It was among of the highlights of the trip. He detailed his
back-to-back victories in the Tour of Switzerland and the year he spent
on the La Vie Claire team with Bernard Hinault and Greg Lemond. As the
recent book Slaying the Badger makes clear, Hinault and Lemond had a
complex relationship that dominated the 1986 Tour de France. Andy was
central to several of the plot twists. Hearing these details directly from
the source was endlessly fascinating.
The Sella Ronda
The next day promised to be epic and it didn’t disappoint. We rode the
Sella Ronda. The most basic version of this loop includes four famous
passes: the Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, and Campolongo. Andy’s preferred
route involves one variation, taking us over the Passo Fedáia in lieu of
the Pordoi. This allowed us to tackle one of the most scenic roads in the
area: the Sottoguda gorge – a narrow canyon carved into the side of a
mountain by eons of water erosion. The gorge is closed to automobile
traffic and forms a protected nature reserve (Riserva Naturale Serrai di
Sottoguda). Winding around its waterfalls and wildflowers was a feast
for the senses.
Turning on to the Fedáia one is confronted by a brute of climb. It’s about
8 miles long and very steep. Soon the temperature dropped and the wind
picked up. That morning Andy urged me to stash a wind vest and arm
warmers in my jersey pockets. I was glad I did; I’ve rarely encountered
such high winds. The routine at the col was now familiar. Locate Gerardo,
eat some food, drink some espresso, and above all get out of the wind. As
we began the long descent in to Canazei I glimpsed over my shoulder at
the Marmolada glacier towering above us. It’s not everyday you have the
opportunity to ride past a stunning mountain of ice. Back home I cycle
around industrial parks; here you pedal beside glaciers.
6
A few hours later we stopped for a picnic lunch. The clouds had dissipated
and we were bathed in sunshine for the rest of the day. The remaining
passes treated us to yet more spectacular vistas and thrilling descents.
Especially impressive was the view of Monte Sassongher as you ascend
the Passo Campolongo. You can ride your bike in a lot of beautiful places
around the world and never encounter scenery quite like that. Molto bene!
We paused in the town of Corvara for a surprise visit to the Dogma Café
& Lounge operated by Pinarello frame builders. On display you can find
Bradley Wiggins’ bike from the 2012 Tour de France and the time trial
bike Miguel Indurain used to set the hour record in 1994. Hanging on the
walls are Rui Costa’s rainbow jersey and Chris Froome’s maillot jaune.
Our Sella Ronda adventure was one of the most enjoyable days I’ve
spent on a bike. Four climbs totaling 62 miles and 9,000 feet of elevation
gain, but the magical quality of the roads can’t be reduced to data points.
Passo Giau
By the fourth day of the trip we reached a consensus about weather
reports in the Dolomites: They were to be interpreted with a dose of
skepticism. On this particular morning our forecast was for steady rain.
Instead, the overcast skies soon gave way to another golden afternoon.
Not a drop of precipitation to be found.
Andy promised us a challenging route. Our loop would take in the Passo
Giau and the Passo Falzarego, with an option for ‘extra credit’ along
the way. I foolishly thought the extra credit might involve a wine bar. It
turned out to be third col: the Passo Valparola.
The Passo Giau was another monster climb, about 7 miles in length with
29 switchbacks. One by one, riders crested the pass and regrouped at
the nearby rifugio, which boasts one of the more unique weather vanes
you’ll ever seen: a fully equipped vintage road bike with fanned spokes.
Looking east toward the ski resort of Cortina, we could see a series of
jagged ridgelines, each more dramatic than the last. Traces of new snow
had settled overnight on angular rock strata, not yet burned off by the
morning sun. At times it was difficult to keep your eyes on the road.
Plummeting down the Giau I was briefly positioned directly behind Andy.
His descending technique was something to behold. He tracked through
sharp corners as if on fixed rails. Even when sitting up to dig through his
jersey pockets (no-handed at well over 40 m.p.h.) his bike skills were
masterful. Professional cyclists -- even retired ones -- aren’t just stronger
than us mortals. They’re a different breed of athlete.
The Passo Falzarego rises through a dense pine forest. Hikers shouted
encouragement to us from nearby footpaths. At the top of the climb the
road split. To the left was the descent back to Alleghe; to the right was our
extra credit -- another two miles of climbing toward the Passo Valparola.
On the way up we rode by one of several World War I memorials in the
area.
It’s easy to forget that the “War to End All Wars” was not limited to the
fields of Belgium and France. From 1914 to 1918, Austrian and Italian
forces waged bitter warfare across the Dolomites. Thousands perished
here, especially during winter. Avalanches claimed more lives than
bullets. Today, a century on, the flag of a united Europe flies over former
military barracks.
Day four was soon in the books: 63 miles and 8,700 feet of elevation gain.
Over dinner that evening I confessed to another rider, an airline pilot from
Oklahoma, that my thoughts on our forthcoming rest day were evolving.
I previously dismissed the rest day as unnecessary. My colleague, Steve,
was on his tenth cycling vacation with Cinghiale. He urged me take full
advantage of the rest day. “You’ll need it,” he explained, “we haven’t
really gotten to the hard stuff yet.”
I paused to comprehend his comment. We had climbed over 26,000 feet
in four days, most of it in the last three days, but that wasn’t the hard
stuff.

PPTC’s Monthly
Ride Schedule
How to Read the Ride Schedule
Note: This ride schedule is accurate as of the editorial deadline for Pedal
Patter. For the most up-to-date listings, please consult the Ride Schedule
at www.potomacpedalers.org.
(H) *
45 *
MD * 9:30am *Poolesville HS (POO) *
40˚/35
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
g
PPTC rides are described according to a standardized, easy-to-read format that
always lists: (a) ride classification, (c) distance, (d) locality, (e) start time, and
(f) start location.
B
h
You may also see (b) a (F) “Flat” or (H) “Hilly” terrain indicator, (g) a start
location code, and (h) weather notes. Directions for ride starts given in the
Reference Manual.
January - Mondays
B/BB * 30ish * MD * 10:00 AM * Glen Echo Park (GLE)
The Usual Monday Ride From Glen Echo
Moderately hilly ride through Potomac, with a probable stop at a cafe
near the end. Leaders regroup periodically with an average speed of 16
- 18. Cue sheets and a longer ride option are usually available only on
holidays. No go in rain or on wet roads. Please park in the lower portion
of the lot, off Oxford Rd, farthest from Macarthur Rd.
BB: WarrenFarb [[email protected]] 301-320-4942
B: Cathy Wilson [[email protected]] 703-328-1029
January - Tuesdays
CC/B (MF) * 16 * VA * 6:00 PM * Wakefield Park, Annandale (WKP)
Winter Night Rides
Lights are required, of course. And I suggest bright headlamps such as
the ones from MagicShine on Amazon.com. For clothing, a bright and
warm jacket/vest is advised, and neoprene booties over your shoes if the
temperature is in the 30s. Ski gloves work fine for the hands. Will ride
Ride Classification Table
if temperature is above freezing and no ice is present; others might be
This table shows the range of average riding speeds, the range of typical ride distances,
even more intrepid. Note that we stay within 3 miles of the Park, and
and typical intervals between rest stops.
ride on lighted streets. Contact the ride leader to determine if ride will
Average Riding Speed (ARS)
(Miles)(Miles) go. The standard route is 16 miles long, but variations can be shorter or
longer as desired.
Ride
Route
Rest Stop Use of
Class (H)illy
(M)oderate(F)lat
Length Intervals Pacelines
Peter Klosky [[email protected]] 703-727-4939
The ride listing above is read a “B” class ride over hilly terrain (expected
overall pace of about 12, 13 miles per hour), about 45 miles long, with a ride
start time at 9:30am in Maryland from Poolesville High School. The ride will
go if the forecast high temperature is 40˚F or higher, AND the chance of rain
is less than 35%.
D 6.0–7.98.0–9.910.0–11.9
10–255–10 no
C
8.0–9.9 10.0–11.912.0–13.9 20–35 10–15
no
CC
10.0–11.912.0–13.914.0–15.9 30–50 15–20
occasional
B
12.0–13.914.0–15.916.0–17.9 40–60 20–30
occasional
BB
14.0–15.916.0–17.918.0–19.9 50–70 25–35
frequent
A
16.0–17.918.0–19.920.0–21.9 60–80 25–35
common
AA
18.0–19.920.0–22.022.0–24.0 60–100 30–40
common
R
Randonneuring is long-distance (endurance) cycling over scenic and
challenging terrain. Randonneur rides often leave early in the morning and
require lights, go under most weather conditions, and typically are challenging
all-day affairs with distance and speed determined by the participants. This
includes the annual Brevet series of qualifying rides between 125 and 625
miles in length.
ATB These are rides for all-terrain or mountain bikes. the individual
ride descriptions should be read for specific information regarding terrain
(e.g., single-track, double-track, or gravel roads), distance, and equipment,
requirements (e.g., type of bike or tire with).
T
Specialty rides for bikes with two or more cyclists. Tandem ride
leaders often choose routes that are particularly well-suited to these types
of bicycles, as they typically go much faster downhill and flat sections, and
slower uphill, than single bikes.
Weather Notes
A ride description may contain minimum GO conditions– limits of temperature
or chance of rain, given as “temp/chance” e.g., “40º/35% or less. Otherwise,
the ride will be cancelled. Temerature is a maximum in the summertime. A
general rule is that a ride is cancelled if there is rain at start time, or if it
is winter, snow is falling, or roads are covered with ice and/or snow. The
National Weather Service number is 703.260.0405. Call the Ride Leader if
you’re in doubt.
January – Thursdays
CC/B(MF) * 16 * VA * 6:00 PM * Wakefield Park, Annandale (WKP)
Winter Night Rides Lights are required, of course. And I suggest
bright headlamps such as the ones from MagicShine on Amazon.com. For clothing, a bright and warm jacket/vest is advised, and neoprene
booties over your shoes if the temperature is in the 30s. Ski gloves
work fine for the hands. Will ride if temperature is above freezing
and no ice is present; others might be even more intrepid. Note that
we stay within 3 miles of the Park, and ride on lighted streets. Contact
the ride leader to determine if ride will go. The standard route is
16 miles long, but variations can be shorter or longer as desired.
Peter Klosky [[email protected]] 703-727-4939
January - Fridays
C * 30 * MD * 10:00 AM * Viers Mill Park (VMP)*30/40%
Viers Mill Ride The regular Friday ride to Bethesda is moving south for the winter. We'll
start at Viers Mill Park and head out on a ride. We might go down to
the end of the CCT and then back up to Bethesda for lunch or we might
stay on the roads. We're planning on adapting our route to the weather.
If there is snow on the ground, we might head over to the trolley trail or
over to NIH and down to Bethesda. Don't forget locks, helmets and lunch
money.
Deborah Turton [[email protected]] 301-482-0675 7
C/CC * 27/35 * MD * 11:00 AM * Buddy Attick Park (BUD) * 50º
Bud Bike Friday
Join our crew for this rolling ride with a few nice climbs for your trouble.
Both routes reach rest stops together. Lunch after ride if temperatures
allow. There are 2 rest stops but only vending machine food.
C/CC (11:00 AM) Harold Goldstein [[email protected]]
301-854-0388 cell 202/997-2376
CC (11:00 AM) George Schneider [[email protected]]
C (11:00 AM) Janet Young [[email protected]] 301-854-0388 cell
202/997-2378
January 1 – Thursday
All Classes * MD * 12-45 mi * 12:00 PM * Mt. Airy Bicycles
Mt. Airy Bicycles 20th Annual "I've Ridden Every Day This Year!"
Ride
This is an all class ride with multiple distance options. There are no
formal ride leaders but they will self-organize at the ride start. Bring
snacks to share post-ride! Start point is Mt. Airy Bicycles, 4540 Old
National Pike (MD Rt 144), Mt. Airy MD. Restrooms for changing
available. Driving Directions: From the Beltway, I-270 North to Exit
16 (MD 27). Go North/East 12 miles (including twist through Damascus)
to MD 144, Old National Pike (Shell Gas on right). Turn right to head
east on 144 then 3/4 mile to the shop. Check the website www.bike123.
com for additional information.
All Classes (F) * 3.2-??? * 8:30 AM * DC * Hains Point (HAI)
Circle of Cycles, 31st Anniversary Edition
This is the one ride of the year where everyone's "equal" (you're no more
behind than ahead of others on this triangular circuit); distance is your
choice; and you can hardly be late (start and end as you like), or get lost;
you can change pace and companions as your whim and legs allow. Hains
Point (Buckeye Dr. and Ohio Dr.) is a short ride removed from the White
House Christmas Tree and associated state trees and other decorations,
and makes a possible side excursion (among others). Traditionally folks
bring hot drinks and snacks to “tailgate” during and after riding.
Dan Lehman [[email protected]] 703-241-9113
15 MINUTES EARLY as we plan to leave at 11:00 am sharp!
Linda Kolko [[email protected]] 301-785-1342
C * 28 * MD * 10:15 AM * Marley Station Mall (MSM) * 45°
Ride to Annapolis
A pleasant, easy ride mostly on the Baltimore-Annapolis (B&A) Bike
Trail to Annapolis, where we will have lunch. We'll ride along the B&A
trail to pick up D riders along the way. Locks and helmets please. Call
ride leader if weather is marginal. Street address is 7900 Ritchie Hwy,
Glen Burnie, MD. We will meet in the parking lot near the JC Penney’s
entrance (across from the B&A trail entrance). PLEASE ARRIVE 15
MINUTES EARLY as we plan to leave at 10:15 am sharp! Linda Kolko [[email protected][ 301-785-1342 C/CC(F) * 24 * MD * TBD * Veirs Mill RC (VMP) * 45°
Harriet Beacher Road
Ride honors the author of Uncle Tom’s Derailleur. The start time for
the ride will depend upon the weather forecast, though most rides will
probably start at 1 pm. I’ll try to announce the ride start time on the PPTC
Forum-Ride News before 8 am, but no later than 9 am. It is basically
a ride down Beach Drive to Broad Branch Road and back. If the ride
is also listed on Meetup, it will be updated there. Except for a short
distance from the Mormon Temple to East-West Highway, the entire ride
will be on Beach Drive (except for optional hill (Ridge Rd.-Ross Rd.)
after leaving the intersection of Beach and Broad Branch, for those that
cannot get enough of that kind of thing). Possible lunch after the ride at
a restaurant nearby.
Mike Divine [mikedivine74ATme.com] 301-258-7820
CC * 11-34 * MD * 11:00 AM * Laytons Village SC (LAV)
Laytonsville Loop
We will ride into Howard County via Riggs, Zion, and Howard
Chapel and return via Hipsley Mill and Griffith. There will be multiple
length options of the same basic route. Please don't park in front of the
bank. All ride classes welcome. No go in rain, sleet, snow, or temperature
less than 35o F at start. Johanna Nathanson [[email protected]] 202-812-0668
B * 39 * MD * 11:00 AM * Sherwood ES (SES)
Oxygen Cures Headaches 2
We organized a ride on January 1 last year. The weather was clear but
very cold. Still, perhaps half-a-dozen riders showed up and we had a fun
ride. (It felt good to be on the road and to get a start on the mileage log.)
This ride meanders around Triadelphia. All classes welcomed. (I usually
ride a B pace but no-one will get left behind.) I'll post on the forum and
the ride calendar if the weather makes the ride a no-go. I may have a
longer route in case weather is really nice.
Paul Huey-Burns [email protected] 202-255-2785
B/BB/A (MH) * 52-41 * MD * 10:00 AM * Riley's Lock (RIL)
Sugarloaf Mountain--hit or miss
It's been a while for me since I rode out of Riley's Lock. And even longer
since I went up Sugarloaf Mountain. I will have two cue sheets, one
for those wanting to go up Sugarloaf and another for those wanting to
circumvent it. There will be one rest stop at Dickerson before we head
towards Comus. Temperature needs to be at 32 degrees at ride start if the
ride is to go on. And of course no go in ice, snow and rain.
A-BB: Nick Clements [[email protected]] 240-432-6800
B: Jerzy Lamot [[email protected]]
January 3 - Saturday
January 4 – Sunday
D * 21 * MD * 11:00 AM * Severna Park Village Center Mall * 45°
Ride to Annapolis
A pleasant, easy ride mostly on the Baltimore-Annapolis (B&A) Bike
Trail to Annapolis, where we will have lunch. C riders will join us,
coming along the B&A trail from Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie.
Locks and helmets please. Call ride leader if weather is marginal. Street
address is 546 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., Severna Park, MD 21146
(meet us on the B&A trail behind Pedal Pushers Bicycle Shop, Mile Post
Five on the Baltimore-Annapolis Bike Trail nearby). PLEASE ARRIVE
D/C (MF) * 16 * VA * 9:45 AM * Shirlington Library/Signature
Theater (SHR) * 40°/30%
Lunch in Shirlington
Another great ride from the original Ride-To-Eat™ production team!
Both MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS are very welcome to join us
for this social ride, followed by lunch at one of the many restaurants
in Shirlington (free parking in garages and lots on weekends). NO
REGISTRATION is needed – just show up. We meet at 9:45 AM for a
10 AM departure on the brick plaza in front of the Shirlington Library
8
/ Signature Theater on Campbell Avenue in Shirlington (in Arlington).
We select a restaurant, then go to lunch at about 12 PM. See you there!!!!
[P.S. Between 10 AM and 12 PM you are welcome to join the leader
on the bike trails of Arlington (the Arlington Loop: traveling first on a
portion of the W&OD Trail, then the Custis Trail, the Mount Vernon
Trail, and the Four Mile Run Trail) with a rest stop in Lyon Village,
and a brief regrouping at Gravelly Point (cue sheet on PPTC website).
The 3-4 miles on the Custis Trail are hilly; the rest of the ride is pretty
flat. Leader rides a slow "C" pace; all levels welcome (those wanting
more or fewer miles January wish to continue up the W&OD and return
to join us for the main event: lunch!). The ride leader is very likely to
cancel the ride if the temperature during the hours of the ride is less than
40 degrees, or the chance of rain is greater than 30%. If the weather
looks doubtful it is particularly important to check the Ride Schedule on
the PPTC website for a late cancellation notice. Alternatively, you may
email the ride leader to see if the ride is a go.
Ron Trueworthy [[email protected]]
C (MH) * 27 * VA * 10:00 AM * Gunston ES (GES)
Lorton Springfield Loop
Here's a challenging ride that's Northern Virginia suburban with a little
bit of rural. Moderately hilly to hilly. Take a spin and judge for yourself.
Part of the route goes past a section of the old Lorton Penitentiary in
the latter half. Lunch afterwards at a nearby eatery. Call in the event of
questionable weather. For detailed directions, do an internet map search
on Gunston Elementary School, Lorton, VA, or contact the ride leader.
Jeff Mankie [[email protected]] 571-332-2130
CC/B/BB/A * 32/40/50 * MD * 10:00 AM * South Germantown Rec
(SGR)
The Winter Ride
Welcome back to the eighth annual installment of this ever popular
Sunday ride out of South Germantown Recreational Park. We will do
between 40 and 50 miles, depending on the weather. We will ride on
relatively flat roads up to Sugarloaf and back all in a big circle. All
bikes are welcome, but fixed gears are particularly invited. As usual I
will be riding my Cinelli. We will start at the Adventure Playground on
Germantown Park Drive. From I-270, exit west on 118, pass traffic light
at Richter Farm Rd, right Germantown Park Dr, left into 1st parking lot
(Adventure Playground). You will also notice a nice heated bathroom,
hence the reason for this location.
GPS tracks:
50 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3736119
40 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3736103
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6623422
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6454161
A: Tim Guilford [tim.guil4d.net] 301-704-2723.
BB: Karen Berlage [[email protected]] 301-963-1482
B: Paul Huey-Burns [[email protected]] 202-255-2785 and-or
B: Jim Quinn [[email protected]] 301-916-8868
CC: Reggie Beard [[email protected]]
CC: Carol Linden [[email protected]] 240-205-5035
January 10 – Saturday
C/CC * VA * 34/39/44 * 10:00 AM * Vint Hill Community Center *
38 degrees
Circling Coffee Pot Hill
This is a good winter ride in gently rolling Virginia horse farm country
with options for longer mileage for those who are interested. Lunch at
the Covert Cafe and-or Old Bust Head Brewery afterward. No go if roads
are wet or rain, snow or sleet likely and temperature at ride start time
is below 38 degrees. Calvert Cafe is open Mon-Sat, 10-4pm Old Bust
Head Brewery is open weekends 12-3 and W-F after 3pm. Bathrooms
at the start and then at mile 19.7, store with no bathroom at mile 20.
Directions to ride start location: I- 66W to exit 43B then L onto route
29 South, continue on 29S to L @TL route 215 Vint Hill Road, R @652
Kennedy Rd, to L at Aiken Rd. Community center is 4235 Aiken Drive.
Contact the ride leader for info or any questions.
John Zebatto [[email protected]] 540-680-0077
C/CC(F) * 24 * MD * TBD * Veirs Mill RC (VMP) * 45°
Harriet Beacher Road
Ride honors the author of Uncle Tom’s Derailleur. The start time for
the ride will depend upon the weather forecast, though most rides will
probably start at 1 pm. I’ll try to announce the ride start time on the PPTC
Forum-Ride News before 8 am, but no later than 9 am. It is basically
a ride down Beach Drive to Broad Branch Road and back. If the ride
is also listed on Meetup, it will be updated there. Except for a short
distance from the Mormon Temple to East-West Highway, the entire ride
will be on Beach Drive (except for optional hill (Ridge Rd.-Ross Rd.)
after leaving the intersection of Beach and Broad Branch, for those that
cannot get enough of that kind of thing). Possible lunch after the ride at
a restaurant nearby.
Mike Divine [mikedivine74ATme.com] 301-258-7820
CC/B/BB (MH) * 20-40 * MD * 9:00 AM * Cabin John Regional
Park
Cabin John Weekend Fever
Time to think about colder weather gear and joining some year-round
cycling fun! Join us for a challenging ride in the Potomac area. Learn
about neighborhood streets and trails connecting Potomac to Rockville,
Bethesda, and beyond. Different route each week! Cabin John Regional
Park is located at 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda MD. Use Tuckerman
Lane entrance to park (not Westlake Drive). The entrance sneaks up on
you so be careful when arriving. If you see the Cabin John park sign, you
are literally there and need to turn into the entrance IMMEDIATELY.
Meet near the exit of this parking lot (behind the Do Not Enter sign
that is visible from Tuckerman lane). Check the website regularly for
updates. Cue sheet will be provided at ride start. I will bring a shorter
route option if the plan is to ride 30-40 miles. Any cancelation will be
posted on the website by 8 AM on the ride morning – check if you have
questions. Length of ride depends on the weather. No-go in rain, wet
roads, snow, or ice.
Julie Marders [[email protected]] 240-750-0754 (cell, texts OK)
CC/B/BB * 40-50 * MD * 10:00 AM * Laytons Village Shopping
Center (LAV)
A Looping Ride to Glenelg
Depending on weather, we’ll do one of the routes that goes by the
Glenwood area and over to Glenelg and 10 Oaks. There will be a short
and a long route with a 13-14 mile shortcut back to LAV after the rest
stop if needed. The routes are on low traffic, moderately rolling roads
familiar to those who ride out of LAV and is a meandering set of loops,
never more than 15 miles from the start. Rest room at start. Watch the
website for cancellation notice in the event of sketchy weather.
B: Jim Quinn [[email protected]] 301-916-8868
CC: Carol Linden [[email protected]] 240-205-5035
BB: John Koehnlein ([email protected]) 240-252-0146
9
January 11 – Sunday
January 17 - Saturday
D/C (MF) * 16 * VA * 9:45 AM * Shirlington Library/Signature
Theater (SHR) * 40°/30%
Lunch in Shirlington
The ride is on the bike trails of Arlington, followed by lunch at one of
the many restaurants in Shirlington (free parking in garages and lots on
weekends). See January 4th ride description for details. The ride leader
is very likely to cancel the ride if the temperature during the hours of
the ride is less than 40 degrees, or the chance of rain is greater than
30%. If the weather looks doubtful it is particularly important to check
the Ride Schedule on the PPTC website for a late cancellation notice.
Alternatively, you may email the ride leader to see if the ride is a go.
Ron Trueworthy [[email protected]]
C/CC(F) * 24 * MD * TBD * Veirs Mill RC (VMP) * 45°
Harriet Beacher Road
Ride honors the author of Uncle Tom’s Derailleur. The start time for
the ride will depend upon the weather forecast, though most rides will
probably start at 1 pm. I’ll try to announce the ride start time on the PPTC
Forum-Ride News before 8 am, but no later than 9 am. It is basically
a ride down Beach Drive to Broad Branch Road and back. If the ride
is also listed on Meetup, it will be updated there. Except for a short
distance from the Mormon Temple to East-West Highway, the entire ride
will be on Beach Drive (except for optional hill (Ridge Rd.-Ross Rd.)
after leaving the intersection of Beach and Broad Branch, for those that
cannot get enough of that kind of thing). Possible lunch after the ride at
a restaurant nearby.
Mike Divine [mikedivine74ATme.com] 301-258-7820
C/CC * 28 * MD * 10:30 AM* LAV * 40 degrees
Laytonsville Views Starts in Layton Village parking lot near left side and stays rolling
through country roads. We take a scenic route through some farmingresidential neighborhoods. Two ride leaders for C and CC. This is a no
drop ride. Lightly hilly but with no steep climbs, this is a great ride for
any C-CC rider. After ride meal option at Juliano’s restaurant in Layton
Village, pizza and pasta – Let’s eat! Address for start is Layton Village,
6860 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Laytonsville , MD, 20882 No go if less
than 40 degrees at start or wet or icy roads. Dress for the weather! Come
15 minutes early, we leave on time. Cue sheets provided.
CC ride leader: Martine Palmiter, [[email protected]] 301-7874556
C ride leader Laurie Welch, [[email protected]] 301-928-1624
CC/B/BB/A * 32/40/50 * MD * 10:00 AM * South Germantown Rec
(SGR)
The Winter Ride
Welcome back to the eighth annual installment of this ever popular
Sunday ride out of South Germantown Recreational Park. We will do
between 40 and 50 miles, depending on the weather. We will ride on
relatively flat roads up to Sugarloaf and back all in a big circle. All
bikes are welcome, but fixed gears are particularly invited. As usual I
will be riding my Cinelli. We will start at the Adventure Playground on
Germantown Park Drive. From I-270, exit west on 118, pass traffic light
at Richter Farm Rd, right Germantown Park Dr, left into 1st parking lot
(Adventure Playground). You will also notice a nice heated bathroom,
hence the reason for this location.
GPS tracks:
50 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3736119
40 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3736103
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6623422
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6454161
A: Tim Guilford [tim.guil4d.net] 301-704-2723.
BB: Karen Berlage [[email protected]] 301-963-1482
B: Paul Huey-Burns [[email protected]] 202-255-2785 and-or
B: Jim Quinn [[email protected]] 301-916-8868
CC: Reggie Beard [[email protected]]
CC: Carol Linden [[email protected]] 240-205-5035
10
C/CC * an hour out and back * VA * 10:30 * Vienna Community
Center (VCC)
Just to Get Out
Well you really never know what the weather will be like in January. I’m
hoping for a moderately nice day with no snow or ice – we’ll meet and
everyone can ride an hour out to wherever you get to and then ride an
hour back. Then we’ll all assemble (if people want) and go to Anita’s for
lunch – it’s a little bit of a drive away. Possibly we could discuss another
restaurant but I’m pretty fond of New Mexican food and Santa Fe is far
away even by airplane. If the weather is bad in the morning and looks
like it might clear up later I’ll think about moving the start time to 1 pm.
Won’t go if it’s actually snowing or raining or if there is snow on the trail.
I will post a note on the ride forums early if the weather is iffy or if I am
going to move the start time.
Catherine Kitchell [[email protected]] 301-767-6919
CC/B/BB (MH) * 20-40 * MD * 9:00 AM * Cabin John Regional
Park
Cabin John Weekend Fever
Time to think about colder weather gear and joining some year-round
cycling fun! Join us for a challenging ride in the Potomac area. Learn
about neighborhood streets and trails connecting Potomac to Rockville,
Bethesda, and beyond. Different route each week! Cabin John Regional
Park is located at 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda MD. Use Tuckerman
Lane entrance to park (not Westlake Drive). The entrance sneaks up on
you so be careful when arriving. If you see the Cabin John park sign, you
are literally there and need to turn into the entrance IMMEDIATELY.
Meet near the exit of this parking lot (behind the Do Not Enter sign
that is visible from Tuckerman lane). Check the website regularly for
updates. Cue sheet will be provided at ride start. I will bring a shorter
route option if the plan is to ride 30-40 miles. Any cancellation will be
posted on the website by 8 AM on the ride morning – check if you have
questions. Length of ride depends on the weather. No-go in rain, wet
roads, snow, or ice.
Julie Marders [[email protected]] 240-750-0754 (cell, texts OK)
January 18 – Sunday
D/C (MF) * 16 * VA * 9:45 AM * Shirlington Library/Signature
Theater (SHR) * 40°/30%
Lunch in Shirlington
The ride is on the bike trails of Arlington, followed by lunch at one of
the many restaurants in Shirlington (free parking in garages and lots on
weekends). See January 4th ride description for details. The ride leader
is very likely to cancel the ride if the temperature during the hours of
the ride is less than 40 degrees, or the chance of rain is greater than
30%. If the weather looks doubtful it is particularly important to check
the Ride Schedule on the PPTC website for a late cancellation notice.
Alternatively, you may email the ride leader to see if the ride is a go.
Ron Trueworthy [[email protected]]
C * 35 * MD * 10:00 AM* Layton Village Shopping Center (LAV)*
30-40%
Laytonsville - Lisbon Loop
We’ll loop through around the hilly roads of Laytonsville, Lisbon and
Damascus. There are just enough flat areas to let us enjoy the great
scenery. At the end we’ll have lunch at Juliano’s Pizza in Layton Village.
Deborah Turton [[email protected]] 301-482-0675 CC/B/BB/A * 32/40/50 * MD * 10:00 AM * South Germantown Rec
(SGR)
The Winter Ride
Welcome back to the eighth annual installment of this ever popular
Sunday ride out of South Germantown Recreational Park. We will do
between 40 and 50 miles, depending on the weather. We will ride on
relatively flat roads up to Sugarloaf and back all in a big circle. All
bikes are welcome, but fixed gears are particularly invited. As usual I
will be riding my Cinelli. We will start at the Adventure Playground on
Germantown Park Drive. From I-270, exit west on 118, pass traffic light
at Richter Farm Rd, right Germantown Park Dr, left into 1st parking lot
(Adventure Playground). You will also notice a nice heated bathroom,
hence the reason for this location.
GPS tracks:
50 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3736119
40 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3736103
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6623422
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6454161
A: Tim Guilford [tim.guil4d.net] 301-704-2723.
BB: Karen Berlage [[email protected]] 301-963-1482
B: Paul Huey-Burns [[email protected]] 202-255-2785 and-or
B: Jim Quinn [[email protected]] 301-916-8868
CC: Reggie Beard [[email protected]]
CC: Carol Linden [[email protected]] 240-205-5035
January 19 - Monday
C (MF) * 28 * VA * 11:00 AM * South Run Rec Center (SRR) *
45°/50%
Loop de Loops
This ride is close in and takes us on three loops, all of which use bike
paths or quiet and wide neighborhood streets. The first loop is to Burke
Lake and short, gentle inclines inside Fairfax County Parkway and Ox
Road. The second is past the old Lorton prison and into Occoquan Village
- the hill out of the village is very LONG but gradual. The third loop
is along Lake Mercer and points east; a portion of this paved loop has
been improved, resulting in a great ride through the woods. HELMETS
REQUIRED. Directions: South Run Rec Center, 7550 Reservation Dr,
Springfield, VA. Go through the paved parking lot adjacent to the Rec
Center to the gravel lot at the lower field house. I may cancel if the
forecasted high is below 45 degrees or chance of precip is 50% or more.
Please call if weather looks marginal. Questions? Call me a day before
the ride or on my cell phone thereafter.
Len Wilkinson [[email protected]] HOME 703-455-0368 or
CELL 703-350-9209
C/CC * 33 * MD * 10:30 AM * Schooley Mill Park * 40 degrees
Holiday Highlands Scenic
We start near Clarksville at Schooley Mills Park and bike mostly on
lightly traveled roads. We take a scenic route through Triadelphia and
back to the Highland road area in Howard County. Two ride leaders for
C and CC. This is a no drop ride. Moderately hilly but with no steep
climbs, this is a great ride for any C-CC rider. Lunch afterwards at
Mimi's Kabobs or El Azteca 3 miles away-we'll decide before we ride–
Let’s eat! Your Exec Committee has graciously offered to buy the first
$100 of lunch! Address for Schooley Mills Park is 12975 Hall Shop
Road Highland, MD 20777. Come 15 minutes early, we leave on time. Park at the end of the long driveway near the buildings. No bathrooms at
start. No go if less than 40 degrees at start or wet or icy roads. Dress for
the weather! Cue sheets provided.
CC ride leader Martine Palmiter, [[email protected]] 301-787-4556
C ride leader Laurie Welch, [[email protected]] 301-928-1624
B/BB * 30ish-50ish * MD * 10:00 AM * Glen Echo Park (GLE)
The Usual Monday Ride From Glen Echo
Moderately hilly ride through Potomac, with a probable stop at a
cafe near the end. Leaders regroup periodically with an average
speed of 16 - 18. We will have longer cue sheets available on the
holiday. No go in rain or on wet roads. Please park in the lower
portion of the lot, off Oxford Rd, farthest from Macarthur Rd.
BB: Warren Farb [[email protected]] 301-320-4942
B: Cathy Wilson[[email protected]] 703-328-1029
11
January 23 - Friday
C/CC (MH) * 3, 6, etc. * VA 11:00 AM * Burke Lake Golf Course *
45°/50%
A Little Hill Training
I never liked hills, and I am not quick up them. But I want to improve,
and here is your chance to do the same. The ascent is 217 feet over
3 miles, or 72 feet per mile. You can do as many loops of the figureeight route as you want, ride as fast as you want, and bail out when you
want. The basic route is a nice little loop INSIDE the triangle of Fairfax
County Parkway and Ox Road on neighborhood streets. (It does not
go onto busy thoroughfares.) DIRECTIONS: Meet at the Burke Lake
Golf Course parking lot. (7119 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station; VA route 123)
We will then ride northwest about 1 ½ miles to the start of the figureeight loop, which is the intersection of Little Ox Road and Woodfair
Rd. HELMETS REQUIRED. No formal rest stop. Burke Lake Golf
Course has indoor heated restrooms and a food grill. I may cancel if the
forecasted high is below 45 degrees or chance of precip is 50% or more.
Please call if weather looks marginal. Questions? Call my home NLT 2
hours prior to ride start or on cell thereafter.
Len Wilkinson [[email protected]] HOME 703-455-0368 or
CELL 703-350-9209
January 24 - Saturday
C/CC(F) * 24 * MD * TBD * Veirs Mill RC (VMP) * 45°
Harriet Beacher Road
Ride honors the author of Uncle Tom’s Derailleur. The start time for
the ride will depend upon the weather forecast, though most rides will
probably start at 1 pm. I’ll try to announce the ride start time on the PPTC
Forum-Ride News before 8 am, but no later than 9 am. It is basically
a ride down Beach Drive to Broad Branch Road and back. If the ride
is also listed on Meetup, it will be updated there. Except for a short
distance from the Mormon Temple to East-West Highway, the entire ride
will be on Beach Drive (except for optional hill (Ridge Rd.-Ross Rd.)
after leaving the intersection of Beach and Broad Branch, for those that
cannot get enough of that kind of thing). Possible lunch after the ride at
a restaurant nearby.
Mike Divine [mikedivine74ATme.com] 301-258-7820
CC/B/BB (MH) * 20-40 * MD * 9:00 AM * Cabin John Regional
Park
Cabin John Weekend Fever
Time to think about colder weather gear and joining some year-round
cycling fun! Join us for a challenging ride in the Potomac area. Learn
about neighborhood streets and trails connecting Potomac to Rockville,
Bethesda, and beyond. Different route each week! Cabin John Regional
Park is located at 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda MD. Use Tuckerman
Lane entrance to park (not Westlake Drive). The entrance sneaks up on
you so be careful when arriving. If you see the Cabin John park sign, you
are literally there and need to turn into the entrance IMMEDIATELY.
Meet near the exit of this parking lot (behind the Do Not Enter sign
that is visible from Tuckerman lane). Check the website regularly for
updates. Cue sheet will be provided at ride start. I will bring a shorter
route option if the plan is to ride 30-40 miles. Any cancellation will be
posted on the website by 8 AM on the ride morning – check if you have
questions. Length of ride depends on the weather. No-go in rain, wet
roads, snow, or ice.
Julie Marders [[email protected]] 240-750-0754 (cell, texts OK)
12
January 25 – Sunday
D/C (MF) * 16 * VA * 9:45 AM * Shirlington Library/Signature
Theater (SHR) * 40°/30%
Lunch in Shirlington
The ride is on the bike trails of Arlington, followed by lunch at one of
the many restaurants in Shirlington (free parking in garages and lots on
weekends). See January 4th ride description for details. The ride leader
is very likely to cancel the ride if the temperature during the hours of
the ride is less than 40 degrees, or the chance of rain is greater than
30%. If the weather looks doubtful it is particularly important to check
the Ride Schedule on the PPTC website for a late cancellation notice.
Alternatively, you may email the ride leader to see if the ride is a go.
Ron Trueworthy [[email protected]]
C/CC (MF) * 35&50 * VA * 11:00 AM * Brentsville Park (BVP) *
45°/50%
Forward and Reverse
Mostly downhill and always a tailwind. The ride is a compilation of
mostly flat terrain in the Brentsville and Nokesville area, first traveling
clockwise. When just short of BVP, the direction of travel somehow
becomes counterclockwise and retraces itself. (Clever stuff !!) Traffic
is very light, and the flat route encourages friendly conversations or
pacelines, whichever you prefer. The short route is particularly appealing
to tandems. Ascent is a gentle 1,330 or 38 feet per mile for the short route
and 2,050 or 42 feet per mile for the long route. IMPORTANT NOTE:
Ride start is behind the Brentsville Presbyterian Church. I may cancel
if the forecasted high is below 45 degrees or chance of precip is 50% or
more. Please call if weather looks marginal. Toilet not available at start.
HELMETS REQUIRED. Questions? Call me at home NLT 2 hours prior
to ride start or on cell thereafter.
Len Wilkinson [[email protected]] HOME 703-455-0368 or
CELL 703-350-9209
CC/B/BB-A * 32-40-50 * MD * 10:00 AM * South Germantown Rec
(SGR)
The Winter Ride
Welcome back to the eighth annual installment of this ever popular
Sunday ride out of South Germantown Recreational Park. We will do
between 40 and 50 miles, depending on the weather. We will ride on
relatively flat roads up to Sugarloaf and back all in a big circle. All
bikes are welcome, but fixed gears are particularly invited. As usual I
will be riding my Cinelli. We will start at the Adventure Playground on
Germantown Park Drive. From I-270, exit west on 118, pass traffic light
at Richter Farm Rd, right Germantown Park Dr, left into 1st parking lot
(Adventure Playground). You will also notice a nice heated bathroom,
hence the reason for this location.
GPS tracks:
50 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com-routes-3736119
40 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com-routes-3736103
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com-routes-6623422
32 Miles: http://ridewithgps.com-routes-6454161
A: Tim Guilford [tim.guil4d.net] 301-704-2723.
BB: Karen Berlage [[email protected]] 301-963-1482
B: Paul Huey-Burns [[email protected]] 202-255-2785 and-or
B: Jim Quinn [[email protected]] 301-916-8868
CC: Reggie Beard [[email protected]]
CC: Carol Linden [[email protected]] 240-205-5035.
PPTC Election Bios, Continued from page 3.
January 31 – Saturday
C * 23 * VA * 11:00 AM * Pohick Bay Park (PHP) * 45°/50%
Pohick Bay Social Ride
This relaxing social ride that goes along lightly-traveled roads and
paved bike trails on this scenic peninsula near Occoquan. We will ride
through Mason Neck State Park, the adjacent National Wildlife Preserve,
Gunston Hall historic plantation, and some lovely neighborhoods facing
the Potomac River. There is even a covered bridge along the route. This
is mostly a flat ride (only one hill towards the end) with lots of shade
and natural beauty the whole way. There is no charge to get into Pohick
Bay Park if you have a driver's license showing you live in Alexandria,
Arlington, City of Fairfax, Fairfax County, Falls Church or Loudoun. If
you live outside these member jurisdictions then there is a $7 entrance fee
per car to get in the Park. Once inside the Park, continue straight to the
first parking lot on the right. I may cancel the ride if the forecasted high
during the hours of the ride is below 45 degrees, there is a strong wind
chill, or chance of precip is 50% or more. If weather looks questionable,
check the ride schedule or call the ride leader to confirm the ride is a go.
Peter Dassira [[email protected]] 703-851-2274
CC/B/BB (MH) * 20-40 * MD * 9:00 AM * Cabin John Regional
Park
Cabin John Weekend Fever
Time to think about colder weather gear and joining some year-round
cycling fun! Join us for a challenging ride in the Potomac area. Learn
about neighborhood streets and trails connecting Potomac to Rockville,
Bethesda, and beyond. Different route each week! Cabin John Regional
Park is located at 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda MD. Use Tuckerman
Lane entrance to park (not Westlake Drive). The entrance sneaks up on
you so be careful when arriving. If you see the Cabin John park sign, you
are literally there and need to turn into the entrance IMMEDIATELY.
Meet near the exit of this parking lot (behind the Do Not Enter sign
that is visible from Tuckerman lane). Check the website regularly for
updates. Cue sheet will be provided at ride start. I will bring a shorter
route option if the plan is to ride 30-40 miles. Any cancellation will be
posted on the website by 8 AM on the ride morning – check if you have
questions. Length of ride depends on the weather. No-go in rain, wet
roads, snow, or ice.
Julie Marders [[email protected]] 240-750-0754 (cell, texts OK)
B/BB * 8 – 45? * MD * 10:00 AM * Takoma Park Metro
Annual Meeting Ride
What better way to get to the Potomac Pedaler’s Annual Meeting than
to ride our bikes! If the weather is not too frightful, we’ll take the long
way out by first heading to Travilah and then going to the meeting. If
the weather is very cold or windy, we will shorten to accommodate the
mood and condition. I will ride at a mellow, Holiday-laden BB pace or
less, and will make sure that no one is dropped so A, B and CC riders
are welcome. Take the Metro to the start, or drive and find parking on
the street. If temperatures that day are predicted to stay below freezing,
check the Forums or Pedalers Group Friday night, or call my cell after
7:30 a.m., for possible revised start time and-or distance. No go in steady
rain or if there is frozen precipitation on the ground. Eric Pilsk [[email protected]]; 240-893-3499
b
year (and a lot of other events like Ragbrai), and this year I volunteered
on the Back Roads, which was a great experience. In the off-season, I get
my cycling fix by commuting 4 days a week on my Barcroft recumbent 20
miles each way to my job in downtown D.C. (except in snow and ice). I
work as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, and I am also
a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Volunteering on the century this year really opened my eyes to getting
more involved with the club. I have a particular interest in the Back Roads
Century, and wish to ensure the continued success of this premier event,
and our club’s many terrific offerings. Our club is a tremendous resource
that has something to offer every cyclist - my goal is to work to build the
best club possible that is responsive and relevant to our members.
Denise Cohen (At Large Member)
I’ve been riding with Potomac Pedalers since 1991 and have been an active
club volunteer for over eight years, including serving, in 2012 and 2013,
on both the Executive Committee and the Back Roads Century planning
committee. I have also represented the club before the D.C. City Council
and the Maryland Committee for Transportation and the Environment
on advocacy matters. The contribution of which I am most proud is the
partnership I developed between PPTC and Montgomery Countryside
Alliance. I worked with both to host the Montgomery County Farm Tour,
an event that I created and ran from 2007 to 2013. The 2013 tour attracted
close to 500 riders. If I am elected to a new term, I’d like to continue to
develop partnerships with other local cycling organizations to encourage
new riders to participate in our beloved sport and potentially grow our
membership. I would also like to work with local shops to offer basic
maintenance workshops to club members. No reason why we can’t take the
mystery out of the most routine maintenance, like fixing a flat or adjusting
a derailleur! Lee Langford (At Large Member)
I live in Fairfax, VA, and have been an active member of Potomac Pedalers
for many years. I lead multiple rides annually in Maryland and Virginia. So
far, I have not lost anyone yet! My favorite rides are anything through the
Agricultural Reserve in western Montgomery County.
I am running for the at-large position because I want to give back more
to the Club. I am presently working as a software engineer at the Naval
Research Lab in downtown, DC. If elected, I want to use my expertise and
experience with IT to help the Club improve its web-based technologies for
meeting member needs and to offer help in efforts to support aspiring and
current ride leaders.
Sign Up For Potomac Pedalers E-mail Newsletters
Potomac Pedalers sends out e-mail blasts once per month in the winter
and twice per month during the summer. We invite all cyclists to join
our mailing list and receive information about upcoming club events,
regional cycling events, the latest club news and more.
v Go to www.potomacpedalers.org
v On the right side of the screen you’ll see a dialogue box “Join Our Mailing List”
v Type in your e-mail address in the box and you’ll be presented with a series
of prompts to join
You can also use this same dialogue box to update your e-mail address or
to unsubscribe. Just type in your e-mail address and follow the prompts.
We hope that you enjoy our e-mail blasts,
and that they become a valuable part of your
Potomac Pedalers Membership!
13
Ride Report: Jamaica
Northern Coast
For her trouble, Robin will now be shopping for a new bike that is
suitable for a racer. Robin’s husband John confirmed this during the
awards presentations, with enthusiasm. For Amy, the race aspect of
the ride will be named “The Amy Peppa Race.”
We showed that PPTC can ride, all six of us staying in the first two
groups of the three ride classes offered. But we also supported each
other, sharing meals, participating in aquatic activities, making
ourselves available to help others.
DC racer Amy Ta and Billy Cordero from LA jump for joy that they have
received their “Certificate of Completion” on the Jamaica Reggae Ride.
by Peter Klosky
Six of us from PPTC completed the three-day Jamaica Reggae
Ride on November 10th. Our contingent showed two strengths:
expedition comradery and riding. The weather, lodging, food and
transport were all excellent. I’ll tell about the impromptu race first,
as that is the news.
On the last day of the ride, the tour director created two race teams,
each with one woman and one man selected from the 35 ride
participants. Each team had a coach selected from the 15 guides.
The guides were all top racers, from the Junior to Masters level.
Each coach was to ride with his team over the 18 mile course,
coaching and pulling. In the team format, the first team to bring
both members across the finish line first would win.
Both of the women selected, Amy Ta and Robin Mason, were with
the PPTC crew. Amy has been racing in our area with the District
Taco team, finishing on the podium more often than not. To give
you a feel for her strength and style, her Facebook profile picture
shows her winning the sprint finish of a road race in outstanding
form. Amy is one of the top young AA/A riders on PPTC rides, and
pulled well on our club Century, while on the same day producing
a set of photos for our club Facebook page. That Amy, at age 26
and active on the race circuit, would be chosen for the team was no
surprise.
That Robin would be chosen was more of a surprise, as she has not
been active on the racing circuit. Ever. Her bike has a luggage rack.
But a bike does not make a rider. She showed up and represented
for PPTC.
Both Amy and Robin put their teams in a position to win, which
included closing a 1:06 gap at one point. When the true test came,
both made it up the steep 12% climb to the finish, Black Hill, in
Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, ahead of the fellow that bonked. Amy
was first to the top, but her teammate was by the side of the road,
cooked. He was, in the local Jamaican cycling parlance, “peppered.”
14
For me, this ride has been a big motivator. Since signing up for the
April, 2014 ride on March 30, 2014, my weight has gone from 183
lbs. to 156 lbs. I tried to find the most challenging PPTC B rides
both days of the weekend for the month before the Jamaica Reggae
Ride, while continuing to lead 6 PM Tuesday / Thursday rides in
Annandale. As a result, I got more fit, wearing my rear tire down
to threads, unexpectedly. I only discovered this in Jamacia, but one
of the other PPTC riders, Lynda DiValentin, gallantly gave me her
spare from her suitcase. She and her husband Mario even managed
to add an extra day to the trip to spend on the beach in Negril.
There was time on the trip for events beyond biking, both with the
group and on your own, even without requesting any extra days
from the tour leader. There was an event at one of the rest stops
where local schoolchildren sang and danced, and optional aquatic
activities with the group. We were right on the beach every night.
Robin, while snorkeling directly off the beach in Montego Bay, saw
a spotted ray, grey with white spots, gorgeous, with a four foot span
and five foot tail.
On-road support on this ride is excellent. One of the riders had
a front puncture. Our following bus picked him up 30 seconds
after he stopped, bringing him and bike inside. After fitting a spare
front tire, he and bike were set out by the road, at which point one
of the motorcycle escorts gave him a push back to the group. Far
superior to calling on the cell phone for a SAG here in DC, which
can take hours. Worst case after a mechanical is to end up in the
bus, listening to music.
All six of us from PPTC brought our own bikes in club cases. The
non-stop from BWI to Montego Bay is convenient, a 3.5 hour flight.
We left Jamaica at 3 PM, arrived at BWI 630 PM, and were home
in DC by 8 PM. Love the Express parking at BWI, as their driver
helps load/unload the bike cases right at the car.
Please do join me April 17-21, 2015 for the next running of this
tour. While that is chosen as some of the best weather in Jamaica, it
is early for our season. If you sign up, you would likely train more
over winter and early spring, a good thing. As the Jamaica Reggae
Ride includes all local transport, hotels and meal arrangements,
planning is simple. Call or email me with any questions, or check
out the hundreds of pictures online.
Peter Klosky, PPTC
C: 703-727-4939
[email protected]
Butt Perch
Annual 5k-Miles-or-Bust Survey
(aka The Order of the Cast-Iron Crotch)
by Joel Katz
Bicycle seats get a bum rap. They are blamed for prostate problems,
numbness, boils, infection, chafing and impotence. Sounds like something
out of the Old Testament. Several months ago the Tuesday health section
of the Washington Post reported that male cyclists were six times more
likely to get prostate cancer than men who did not ride. MSN Health
and Fitness magazines critiqued the study. It said the sample of five
thousand men was too small. The study was conducted over the internet
and the incidence of prostate cancer was self-reported. There was lots
of opportunity for bias to creep in. Still, some believe that cycling raises
prostate cancer risk.
There are studies which show that sitting on a bicycle seat can reduce
blood flow to the perineum by as much as 70%, a potential cause of
erectile dysfunction or “E.D.” I find it interesting that I never heard of
E.D. until the drug companies developed a treatment. Suddenly there
was a reported epidemic of erectile dysfunction. I just love the ad for one
of the drugs that shows a man and a woman sitting in separate bathtubs
holding hands while looking out over a beautiful vista. I asked my
cycling buddies if any of them suffered from E.D. and except for one
they answered hell no. The one exception said he has never been close
enough to anyone in order to find out.
Lance Armstrong developed testicular cancer. He was treated with a bone
marrow transplant and was out of competition for several years. Medics
in the United Kingdom recommend that men get regular exams. They
suggest the exam is more effective if performed by a girlfriend.
The most common complaint about bicycle seats from women is
numbness in the pelvic area. A Swedish company is developing a battery
operated seat stimulator. That should make the ride more enjoyable.
Men might like it also.
Reference: Jim Langley “Bicycle Seats Explained”
by Dan Lehman
Fellow cyclists, with the beginning of a new year, it's time to compile
the mileage totals of members who cycled 5,000 or more miles in the
past year. To contribute your cycling data to the survey, please send the
following information to Dan Lehman, by e-mail (preferably) or snail
mail by FEBRUARY 15. Note: It is helpful to send a plain text message
with the data requested given per numbered item (NOT attachments in
Word or Excel)!
Also, please note #11 is "Number of zero mile WEEKS", not *DAYS*!
Item #12 asks for "days". If you don’t have all your data analyzed in this
detail, please feel free to just send what you do have.
1. Name
2. Age [yes, optional, for the age-challenged]
3. PPTC ride class
4. Total miles
5. Longest ride
6. % Miles commuting
7. % Miles PPTC rides
8. Date on which 5000 miles was reached
9. Most miles in a month
10. Most miles in a week
11. Number of 0-mile weeks
12. Number of 100-mile days
13. Most interesting cycling story [optional but inspirational]
Send your information to: [email protected] or to
Dan Lehman 134 Chanel Terrace, #T-1
Falls Church VA 22046-4112
he
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e
Sav ate
D
Spring Thaw
at Cambridge, MD
Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3, 2015
Once again, Potomac Pedalers will host and partner with Eastern Tandem
Rally to show off the wonderful Eastern Shore cycling. Spring Thaw is
a regional cycling event and attracts many people from the east coast and
mid-west. It offers four days of riding, with no hills, sparse traffic, wide
shoulders. Perfect for getting back into cycling after a long winter.
Routes will lead to the water with spectacular scenery among worldclass environmental ecosystems. The Saturday ride will be with the
Six Pillars Century (entry price will be included in the weekend price),
which visits the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. (The Six Pillars
Century also has shorter rides than 100 miles for those not up to the full
distance.) We expect about one third single bikes and two-third tandems,
but unicyclists are also welcome to join us.
You will need to make your own hotel reservations in Cambridge. The
host hotel is the Holiday Inn, (410) 221-9900. The event registration will
include food, entertainment, routes, and century registration. Registration
for the weekend will open in January. We are limiting the event to 100
partipants to better fit the hotel facilities.
PPTC Rents Protective
Bike Boxes for Travel
Potomac Pedalers has several wheeled, hard-shell bike boxes (and one soft
case) for short-term rental. The boxes are available exclusively to club
members, and help keep your bike safe while traveling.
Demand for the boxes is high, particularly in the summer and fall. So
reserve early.
The rental price is $20 per week, and $3 per additional day, with a $20
minimum fee (nonrefundable). You will need your own tools, including
Allen wrenches and a pedal wrench, to disassemble your bike. These are not
provided by the club.
Size: 46” by 30” by 10”. (Many airlines charge an oversize luggage fee of
$50 or more each way; be sure to get specifics from your individual carrier.)
For more information, or to reserve a box, please email coordinator Bob
Bloomfield in northern Montgomery County or Rita Zeidner in Arlington.
Include information on the dates of your trip AND approximately when you
would like to pick up and drop off the box.
Bob Bloomfield: [email protected] (301.253.9481) or
Rita Zeidner: [email protected] (703.998.7489)
15
PPTC 2015
Events Calendar
Contact Carol Linden at [email protected] to get an event on the calendar.
January 31
Annual Meeting
Bethesda, MD
Apr. 24 - 26 Lewes, DE Weekend
Apr. 30 - May 3 Spring Thaw
Cambridge, MD
Why Bike Alone?
Join PPTC!
www.potomacpedalers.org
Enjoy the benefits of social and recreational
bicycling in DC, MD, and VA by joining
the largest bike club on the East Coast!
POTOMAC PEDALERS offers hundreds of
year-roundbike rides for everyone.
With varying lengths and speeds, there are rides
to suit beginners to experienced cyclists
all over the Washington metropolitan area.
Plus we offer many weekend trips and
discounts to many bike shops and more!
Check out our website to find the best rides for you!
Pedal Patter First Class Mail
Pedal Patter is normally sent via bulk mail. You have the option of
upgrading to First Class postage for $13.00 per year. Go to our online
store to purchase the First Class mailing upgrade and we'll make the
change to your account.
No Longer Wish to Get Pedal Patter in the Mail?
Some people don’t want to get hard copy. Saves the club only
a small amount of money but it might save a small tree! To opt
out of receiving Pedal Patter by regular mail the instructions
below assume you have already logged onto the PPTC website
(www.potomacpedalers.org) as a member using your password.
To opt out you need to access your profile. To do this
1. Click on Manage Profile
2. Click on Edit Bio
3. In the Additional Information section you will see a
Yes/No selection “Receive Pedal Patter newsletter in the mail”
4. Make your selection and next month’s mailing will reflect your
choice. If later, you decide you wish to get it you can follow the same
instructions above to start receiving it again.
Potomac Pedalers Touring Club Membership Form
Name:________________________________________ New member  or Renewing 
Address:___________________________________________________________________
City:_____________________________________State:_______Zip:__________________
Home Phone:________________________Work Phone:_____________________________
E-mail address:______________________________________________________________
Emergency contact:___________________________________________________________
Number of cycling members if it’s a family membership:_______Today’s Date:____________
PPTC is mostly a volunteer organization, and we cannot function without the assistance of
many members. If you can help with any of the categories below, please circle the number.
This information will be added to the PPTC database.
1. Leading rides
5. Database/computer expertise
2. Organizing or planning rides or events6. Writing a column for Pedal Patter
3. Recruiting volunteers 7. Seminar and workshops
4. Membership Drives 8. Non-cycling jobs at Club events
Where or from whom did you hear about PPTC ? _________________________________
To ensure speedy processing, make sure you fill out the form completely and LEGIBLY!
Allow 3-4 weeks for your application to be processed. Enclose check or fill out payment
information. Do not staple check to form. Mail to PPTC, 10378 Democracy Lane, Suite A
Fairfax, VA 22030. You may also join the PPTC via our web site at www.potomacpedalers.org
Please DO NOT print the following in the Membership Directory:
 my entire listing  my phone number  my e-mail
16
Member Dues
1 year
Individual
$30
Family
$37
Lifetime
Student
$20
1st class postage $13
PPTC Membership Total:
Voluntary Contribution:
PPTC
PPTC Community Services Grant
Total Amount
Change of Address Form
2 years
$55
$69
$350
n/a
$26
$______
$______
$______
$______
Individuals must be 16 years or older.
Pedal Patter is mailed bulk rate. 1st class
delivery is availible for an additional $13
per year.
Payment: check
 credit card
VISA Master Card Discover
 American Express
Name on card______________________
Card #____________________________
Exp___/____Amount $_ ______________
Signature__________________________
-Notify the PPTC Business Office of your
move, especially if your Pedal Patter
arrives via third class mail (the Post
Office does not forward third class mail).
-Notify us by the 8th in order to affect that
month’s mailing.
-Include your phone number and legibly
PRINT all information. What you print is
what we will use as your record in the
database, as well as as your listing in the
Membership Directory.
-You may use this form to simply change
an e-mail address, phone #, a name, or
zip code.
-Mail this form, ALONG WITH YOUR
OLD MAILING LABEL, to: PPTC c/o
Core Association Services, Inc. 10378
Democracy Lane, Suite A Fairfax, VA
22030.
Name____________________________
New Address______________________
________________________________
City_ ___________________State_____
Zip______________________________
Day phone________________________
Eve phone________________________
e-mail____________________________
goes into effect on:_ ________________