Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club TWBC Blog

Best Islands to Bike on

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:45:16 GMT

I am new to the Washington area and amazed at the green beauty of everything around. It looked like it would be fun to ride on many of the islands; take a ferry boat to an island and check it out. Does anyone know which island is the best to ride on? Which is most bicycle friendly; best scenarie and activities?? Maybe an over night visit or weekend?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paul Stoddard

Fun Rides in Patzcuaro Mexico!

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:07:41 GMT

Kip, Here... My wife Janine and I are living in Patzcuaro Mexico for a few weeks. The weather here is like eternally late spring Tacoma sunny mildly warm and dry. Nights are very pleasent, unlike the coast where it was 90/90 some nights. The riding around here is amazing. Although I don't bring my high end (Cervelo) down here since Mexican roads are not known for adequate shoulders, I'm finding an incredible variety of nice rides in this high mountain country. Here's a picture (click link) of Janine Janine pedals past a 400 year old Dominican Convent

It is 7'200 foot elevation so you do notice less lung capacity up here. The people are just simply amazing. So nice everywhere we've been. On our first night in Patzcuaro I was in complete shocked as ALL to local streets, sidewalks, parks, and roads were filled jam packed with bicyclists! I asked around in my moderately OK Spanish and learned that a 37km pilgrimage was taking off at 5AM. I asked if I could come and they all said "Muy Bueno, Amigo!". I should have jumped out of bed when I heard many many very loud skyrockets at 3:15, because I learned that this was the wake-up call for the bike start (4AM). So, BooHoo, I was so very sad when I missed the pilgrimage ride. I raced outside at 4:45 and it was magical perfect. Full moon, cool, clear, and clean air, with just a hint of morning glow in the east. Next year for certain. (click link)Escort truck for BIG group of bicycle pilgrimage riders This pilgrimage ends at a little village high in the mountains where a volcano in 1959 buried the entry town except the top 50 feet of the church spire, so now it's a miracle site for some.

We're seeing lots of very useful and interesting bike applications in the smaller villages around here. (click link)The plastic re-cycle guy.

More pictures:

Our daily morning orange juice man, about 80 cents for a tall glass

Traditional Tamale-like steamed wrap sold in the square

In front of our posada, more escort vehicles for the big ride

Very happy street vendors try to sell me a rooster, for a cock fight?

See you all in May! Looking forward to another year of great Tacoma Rides. Where can I order a TWBC Jersey? Kip

Where's Rich?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:29:14 GMT

Hope you're pedaling back up to speed soon! Keep well.

training for the STP/ New member to club

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:53:35 GMT

I am a new club member and have made a decision to train and ride the STP this year. I guess I would be classified as a new rider as I have very little group riding, not skilled in extended mileage, and lack the knowledge or strength to climb any incline.

Sue Coley has taken me under her wing and set up a training schedule for the club. I admire her leadership and committment for this huge undertaking.

If any other club members have not take such a challenge, it is, in my opinion a lost opportuntity to teach, encourage, and mentor someone.

Kudos to Sue!!

Jenny Rugg- new member

Tax Deductible?

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 02:04:59 GMT

I received a query about the tax consequences of dues and fees for organized rides sponsored by the Club. The question was,"Are these fees deductible on my federal taxes?" If you are an accountant, I would appreciate a definitive answer.

Anne Seago

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:15:54 GMT

Wonderful news for both Anne & David Seago. Enjoy!

Nov 13 Public Hearing: 20 dollar car cab fees

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:53:40 GMT

A public hearing will take place on November 13 having to do with a $20 car tab fee that can be used for transportation.

The meeting is in Council Chambers and begins at 5pm.

Cyclists should attend this meeting in support of these fees since we want to invest in improvements in bike/ped infrastructure. Our Chair, Ken Peachey, will ask for some percentage of the collected moneys (from 10-20%) to be dedicated to bike/pedestrian projects. We can expect that many folks will oppose additional fees. Keep in mind that road work for cars is far more expensive than that for cyclists and pedestrians.

Please try to attend, Tacoma Wheelmen! Thanks for all you do on behalf of cyclists.

Bike Pedestrian Action Committee Seeking More Formal Status as an Advisory Commission

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 03:53:17 GMT

The Bike Pedestrian Action Committee will be presenting at EPW soon (either Nov. 14, 28, Dec. 12) to advocate for its changed and more formal status to Advisory Commission. In this capacity, committee membes will better be able to advocate for pedestrians and cyclists. What do we want from the Wheelmen? We want you to listen for the exact EPW meeting times and attend to show your support for this change. Show that you care about bike/ped infrastructure! Help Tacoma continue to inspire active transportation.

The Seagos

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:13:29 GMT

Good news recently about Anne Seago from David on his Facebook page!
Good thoughts to them both.
Ralph & Dena

Recommendations for good Bike Fit

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:08:48 GMT

I would like to get my son a professional Bike Fit. He has some lower back issues that have to be addressed and I believe his Local Bike Store (although very nice) just doesn't have the expertise. Before he can truly enjoy the bike he has to be free of any pain. He lives in Dupont; so, if you know of a good professional bike fit who has some certification I would appreciate the referral. You can email me at pstodd5772@aol.com

2nd Cycle Burglarized

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:13:24 GMT

On Thursday evening, June 21, a brick was thrown through the window of 2nd Cycle, the not for profit bicycle collective and DIY bicycle shop located at S. 13th and MLK St . The safe and cash register were stolen, but apparently no bikes or parts were taken. Initial estimates indicate the thief will cost the shop around $600. This is a blow to this DIY shop that relies on all volunteers to support cycling in the Tacoma community. If you have thought about visiting. They can use your support now. Follow them on Facebook

Anne & David

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:12:32 GMT

Thoughts & prayers toward Anne & David at time. From Dena & Ralph.

Looking for riding partners!

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:05:43 GMT

Hey all I'm a brand new member to TWBC and am looking to start riding with some other members ASAP!

I see in the ride calender there are a lot of rides but I am wondering if there are any members out there that would be interested in some evening rides as morning rides do not work well with my schedule...I'm looking for riding partners that want to challenge themselves and maybe some others doing race training rides and/or fast recreational rides to get ready for some races...and of course there is always a rest day with a nice recreational pace.

If you are interested in getting an evening ride going or if there is somewhere else I should be looking feel free to contact me.

e-mail: sb.justride@yahoo.com

See ya on the roads!

Jeff

Daffodil rider/

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:51:28 GMT

Any updates on our fellow cyclist who was struck by a vehicle during the ride? I wanted to be at the club meeting yesterday to sign the card, but my mobility is still pretty limited. Thanks.

Daffy Classic

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:45:50 GMT

Had a great time riding the Daffodil CLaSSic and volunteering too!! What a day to ride!!

Can I upload a pic I caught of a rider on the trail? Dianne Koch Thomas

Off The Couch Training Series April 14th

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:19:17 GMT

This is the graffiti ride we all have been waiting for. The chance to put your mark on the road (hopefully the route is so well marked we really don’t have to add Dan Henry’s) for all to see on the Daffy.

We have two routes to cover, 40 and 60 miles. The slower pace will go 40 and the slightly faster pace will check out the 60 mile route. Bring food and water since both of these routes have healthy stretches without stores.

Saturday April 14^th

09:00 (note the time)

Orting Middle School

Keep those fenders on!

Best regards,

Rollie Herman

TWBC endorses Pierce Co. Bus service

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:46:03 GMT

TWBC will add its endorsement to the letter asking the Pierce County Transit Board to bring funding to a vote as a ballot initiative this fall. The vote of the membership was: YES - 71, NO -6
Thank you to everyone who took the time to express their opinion.

Tom Reardon
President, TWBC

Jim Graham struck by car

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:41:25 GMT

Hey fellow Wheelmen,
"Just a heads up, another bicyclist (me) gets run down by car. I was headed eastbound on 6th Ave on Sunday, 3/25 @ about 12:35 pm and just as I crossed the intersection at Bantz, right in front of Tacoma Boys, I was side swiped by a car that approached from behind. I was hit on my left side and knocked to the roadway. The other driver did stop, police and fire were called and responded, and I had crawled to the sidewalk. I was taken by ambulance to Tacoma General. X-rays and CT scan found a fracture in the “neck” of my left femur and multiple fractures in my left radius and ulna. Surgery was done on my left wrist and it is hoped that the left femur will heal with immobilization; both limbs require “no weight bearing” for 6-8 weeks, during which time I will be unable to work. I was taken from the scene before police finished with the other driver; my wife was able to pick up a copy of the police report on 3/27. There is no indication on the police report that the other driver was cited. How can this be?
I was discharged in the late afternoon of 3/29. Today I spent the day making numerous phone calls to insurance and human resources bureaucrats and remain unsure of the personal, medical, financial and professional impact of this event.
(And yes, I obeyed traffic signals, was highly visible in bright yellow jacket, maintained my lane, wore my helmet, used my mirror)."
Done,
Jim Graham
253-507-3356

Fall Oregon Coast Trip - Sept. 8 -15

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:27:37 GMT

Fall Oregon Coast Trip - Sept. 8 -15

Sept 8-Sat. - Amtrak Tacoma - Kelso (leave 8:30 am - Arrives 10:00am)

Will be about $35 (including bike) this train, you will be able to hang your bike, not boxing if we reserve in advace.

Ride to Cathlamet, WA - 26 miles stay over at Bradley House B&B ($99) includes continental breaksfast

Sept. 9-Sun. - Cathlamet, WA (ferry over the Columbia) to Fort Stevens

(Yurt $49) 43 miles

10-Mon. - Fort Stevens S.P. - Nehalem S.P. (Yurt $44) 40 miles

11-Tues. - Nehalem S.P. - cape kiwanda rv park (cabin $70) 40 miles

12-Weds. - Cape Kiwanda Rv Pk. - South Beach S.P. (Yurt $48) 50 miles

13-Thurs. - South Beach S.P.(Just south of Newport) - Florence (motel) 48 miles

Old Town Inn is about $109

14-Friday - Florence - Eugene, OR 65 miles (motel) $99.00 plus Tax.

Expedia Itinerary #: [144380923005]

Old Town Inn

170 Highway 101, Florence, OR, 97439

Property information: +1 541 997-7131

Americas Best Value Inn Eugene

1140 W 6th Ave Eugene, OR $144 plus tax (3/16/12)

This motel is about a mile from Amtrak.

Sun Amtrak back to Tacoma

About $45 with bike, train is early am so we can hang up our bikes.

Total Lodging is $483 (there could be another $20-$30 for taxes)

483/3 = $128 (about $21 a night, with taxes closer to $25 a night)

Weekend bike Trip June 16-17

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:39:34 GMT

Some TWBC members will head to Centralia and stay overnight at McMenamins' Olympic Hotel.

I have included the link and you can find out about this unique hotel and make your own reservation if you would like to attend. There are other places to stay in Centralia but we always have a fun time dining and going to the movie that the Olympic Hotel offers their guests.

Mileage is about 50-60 miles each day, depending on where you start. We usually meet up in Parkland, to start the trip.

Let me know if you want to attend or have any questions.

Carla Gramlich 253 592 9156

ca_gramlich@yahoo.com