Dec. 2011 Cascade Courier

Make your year end tax-deductible gift to the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation at www.cbcef.org

DECEMBER 2011 / Vol. 41, No. 12

Major Taylor Project starts fourth year strong

Announcing Cascade’s 2012 Legislative Agenda

by Ed Ewing, Major Taylor Project Manager

he dust has barely settled from Election Day, but the State Legislature has already rolled up their sleeves and gotten to work. Facing a $2 billion budget shortfall, Governor Gregoire called legislators to Olympia for a special legislative session which began on Nov. 28. Cascade staff and volunteers will be in Olympia from the start of special session to sine die (the fancy word for the close of the legislative session). Why? Because we have a responsibility.

We have a responsibility to make smart decisions that will improve our lives right now and build a Washington worthy of our grandchildren. A responsibility to build a transportation system that will make Washington work now and into the future.

A transportation system that generates local prosperity, connects our neighborhoods, protects our most vulnerable, creates better communities and provides everyone with the freedom to safely get where they need to go.

But we can’t fulfill our responsibility unless we have an open and honest conversation about the problems that we’re facing today and the problems we’ll face in the future.

And that’s exactly what we plan to do this session.

Washington faces an unprecedented fiscal crisis. The Great Recession has already forced our state to cut more than $10 billion in spending over the past three years, and this year we’re facing another $2 billion deficit.

Things we all care about - like education and health care - have already been cut to

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his fall, the Major Taylor Project rolled into its fourth year with the strongest showing ever. At SeaTac’s Global Connections High School, 50 students have registered for the fall Major Taylor cycling club, triple the enrollment of previous years. “Bike Club” popularity is so high, after school rides are lead twice per week with 18 to 22 consistent riders, rain or shine. Registration of girls has dramatically increased, representing 40% of total enrollment. Popularity and high enrollment are largely due to student lead planning, marketing, and word of mouth.

On campus, “Bike Club” is cool, and Major Taylor himself would be tickled by its success.

The Major Taylor Project experienced a great deal of success and reached several milestones over the last year. We reached project expansion goals by adding new Major Taylor cycling clubs at Chief Sealth High School and Union Gospel Mission/ Seattle Urban Academy. Year-to-date, five Major Taylor cycling clubs are in operation.

Each location serves and represents the rich cultural diversity of South King County.

The Major Taylor Project serves race, gender, ethnicity, and religion equally with a bike and is Cascade’s mission in action.

In addition to project expansion, the Major Taylor youth had their strongest showing at this summer’s STP event.

Twenty-five teens and 20 adult volunteers

participated in the two-day, 206-mile journey. For many, STP was their first trip out of Washington, and for others it was their second and third ride to Portland. Student volunteerism was strong in 2011 as well.

Major Taylor teens from Global Connections High School were “sales representatives” and “accountants” at the Seattle Center Bike Swap. Students from Global Connections High School also ran Kids Club at last spring’s Bike Expo.

“The more experiences like Bike Swap and Expo the students attend, the more their world expands,” Rick Harwood, Global Connections Principal said. “For many students, Bike Expo was their first trip through downtown Seattle.”

Major Taylor teens were also activists in 2011. Global Connections juniors partnered with the City of SeaTac and Tessa Greegor, Cascade’s Principal Planner, to better understand the need for bike infrastructure in the SeaTac community. Their fourmonth Junior Activism project culminated with a PowerPoint presentation to SeaTac city officials and the Global student body.

The Major Taylor Project reached new milestones for volunteers, support, funding and grant awards in 2011. Over 30 volunteers and the “Friends of Major Taylor” group donated their time, expertise, knowledge and guidance in leading weekly rides and weekend STP training. Continued support from Group Health and new continued on page 10

by Craig M. Benjamin, Policy and Government Affairs Manager

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2012 Legislative Priorities · Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill (HB1217) · Safe and Flexible Street Design (HB1700) · Transportation Goal of Public Health (Rep. Billig) · Proportional Federal Rescissions the bone. In addition, Washington’s primary transportation revenue source, the gas tax, is limited, committed to existing projects and not keeping up with inflation or our future needs. Meanwhile, local jurisdictions have slashed funding for road repair and transit in the face of declining property and sales tax revenues.

Making matters worse, a decade’s worth of Tim Eyman-backed state initiatives have eliminated many funding sources, leaving our transportation system in disrepair and our state with few options to fund necessary investments like fixing broken roads and bridges, improving transit and expanding family-friendly bicycle infrastructure.

With this fiscal crisis demanding nearly all of our legislators’ attention, they’ve had little time to consider how to fund and build a transportation system that reduces our contribution to climate change, our state’s growing obesity epidemic and our dependence on oil and $4 a gallon gas – and even continued on page 12

ANNOUNCING A NEW CYCLING EVENT!

World Bicycle Relief: Red-Bell 100 A Cascade Bicycle Club Event Saturday, June 30, 2012 Registration opens Jan. 25, 2012

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n 2012, Puget Sound cyclists will have the opportunity to participate in a new, fully supported one-day century ride from Redmond to Bellingham. Following a similar route to the first day of RSVP, this ride will offer low-traffic road and trail riding through beautiful rural countryside.

Departing from Redmond’s Marymoor Park, the ride will wind through Snohomish,

Lake Arlington, and the Skagit Valley via Conway to Whatcom County. After climbing the stunning Chuckanut Drive, riders will roll into downtown Bellingham for a finish line party and fully catered dinner at the legendary Boundary Bay Brewery.

The World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 will be limited to only 600 riders, and is being produced by Cascade in partnership

continued on page 7

In This Issue Giving the Gift of Life....................................2 MAP-21 will only get us lost.........................3 Election Results................................................3 Concord kids conquer South Park.................3 Joe Kurmaskie...................................................3 Cascade Training Series 2012.........................4 RAW 2012: Pedal Palousa..............................4 Ride Leader Certification.................................5 December Rides............................................5-7

Going the Distance..........................................7 Cascade Regional Tours...................................8 2012 UCI World Championships.....................9 Beer, Bikes&Belgium Tour................................9 Cyclist of the month.....................................10 Bicycling is the hot topic on the streets...10 Membership form...........................................11 Cascade Contacts............................................11 Welcome New Members................................12 Mark these dates for 2012!.........................12

December 2011

From the Executive Director: Giving the Gift of Life

by Chuck Ayers, Executive Director

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ast week I was riding from downtown Seattle to the Cascade office at Magnuson Park. While waiting at the stop light at Fourth and Marion, I witnessed a cyclist clearly make the decision to run the red light. Fortunately the roadway was clear and he made it safely through. I guess some might say “No harm, no foul.”

Yet there was a foul. And there was harm.

The foul committed here was not only the illegal running of the red light but also the offense against a civil society which creates rules, policies, and laws to not only maintain its civility but also to ensure to its best ability the safety of its citizens. In our society, much effort is extended to balance our civil society with the rights of each individual (but that’s for another day).

The harm inflicted by this conscious choice to break the law is unpredictable.

What’s the impact to the psyche of those who witnessed this act? Did car drivers just shrug it off saying “No harm, no foul?”

Did pedestrians? Or did someone, anyone, say “Typical cyclists!” or “What a jerk.”

And what will be their response when they see another cyclist? Are we cyclists less safe because of this cyclist’s decision to break the law? While I hope not, I fear we are.

But there’s more to the story. After witnessing this incident, I decided to count the number of infractions committed by cyclists and drivers on the rest of my ride to the office, maybe six or seven miles. For fun, I also decided to count the number of “maybe legal but stupid” moves I witnessed (my more civil side would call these “unsafe maneuvers”).

Cyclists: One bonehead move on the Burke Gilman Trail which could have lead to a cyclist-pedestrian crash.

Drivers: Eight talking on their cell phones (illegal); one flooring the gas to make a light which clearly turned red before he even entered the intersection (illegal – they clearly ran a red light); and five speeding up to get through yellow lights (speeding up is actually an understatement for what I saw and from my perspective all of them could have, and should have, stopped for the light. I didn’t count those who would have posed more danger by trying to stop for a yellow light. I also didn’t count those who may have been speeding).

Here is the non-scientific, small sample conclusion. There isn’t an epidemic of poor

and illegal cycling or driving in our city.

Clearly these dangerous actions were made by a very small segment of those using our public spaces, both cyclists and car drivers. In fact, the vast majority of cyclists and drivers I encountered were operating their “vehicles” legally and in a safe and courteous manner. Some yielded their right-of-way; some smiled at me; almost all were being relatively observant, attentive, and going about their business.

The bad news is that even this small minority of public space users can and do inflict great bodily harm to others, and people die. And, unfortunately it’s not just the reckless. It’s also the inattentive. Furthermore, they do great harm to the public psyche. We start generalizing, making the assumption that things are worse than they are. We start dehumanizing each other, caring less about each other, and thus, treating each other poorly—even to the point of verbally and physically abusing each other. We become the “we” against the “them.”

While I’m not sure we can ever totally stop the small, self-focused, self-absorbed minority from acting poorly, being inattentive and even behaving illegally, I believe “we” in the majority—drivers and cyclists alike— can and must do better as civilized and compassionate people to protect each other on our roads, trails and sidewalks. This means not letting the minority set the norm for our behavior. Not letting the minority influence how we treat others or how we operate our vehicles. Yes, we might get upset when we see or experience the illegal and dangerous actions of others but we can nullify this anger by exhibiting compassionate behavior to the next user. We do not have to let the actions of one jerk determine our own actions.

As cyclists and drivers, we almost always have the ability to give the gift of life. We decide how to operate our cars and bikes.

We decide whether we are going to be attentive when operating our vehicles rather than talking on our phones. We decide whether we are going to run a red light, blow through a stop sign, or fly through a yellow light.

Sadly, we will not be able to save everyone.

But our collective behavior will impact how many of the people trying to get to school or work, or home today will actually make it.

M.J. Kelly, Editor Diane English, Editorial Assistant; Susan Hiles, Photography; December Contributors: Chuck Ayers, Becky Bottino, Craig Benjamin, Sander Lazar, Serena Lehman, John Mauro, Erica Meurk, Robin Randels, Elliott Sherburne, Anna Telensky, Peter Verbrugge The contents of this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of the Club or any of its members. The views expressed are those of the individual contributors.

Submissions guidelines: Article ideas should be discussed with the Editor in advance as the publication calendar is planned two months prior to publication. Final materials are due the first Tuesday of the month, though earlier is appreciated. Articles submitted after that will be considered on a space-available basis. Items can be emailed to. m.j.kelly@cascadebicycleclub.org. If you send text attachments, please format files as native MS Word files or .RTF. For line art please use an .eps format and for photos please use .jpg or .tiff format. The Courier is printed at 300 dpi, so a small 72 dpi photo will not reproduce. If you attach your name and phone number, I will do my best (conditions permitting) to discuss any major changes with you.

All submissions are subject to editing for comprehension, grammar or space requirements. Please be concise!

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Inserts: We have room for 6 single sheet qualifying inserts in each issue. Please contact Leah Pistorius, (913) 579-7628 leah.pistorius@ cascadebicycleclub.org, for a copy of our insert policy and request form. The request and fee are due by the first of the month prior to the desired month.

Advertising: Advertising: Display ads can be placed in the Courier.

To check availability and reserve space, contact Leah Pistorius, (913) 579-7628 leah.pistorius@cascadebicycleclub.org Reprints: Articles may be reprinted or abstracted in publications of nonprofit groups provided that the author and Club are credited.

Please send us a copy of the reprinted material.

Membership Information: Club records and finances are available to members upon request from the club office at 206-522-3222.

Thanks for supporting our work this year-end!

Cascade Bicycle Club’s Education Foundation: Bringing the joy of

bicycling to kids across the region

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ascade Bicycle Club’s Education “By learning safe cycling techniques now Foundation, the education and they will be safer cyclists in the future. advocacy arm of our work, plays Eventually, when they become drivers, they a pivotal role in the kind of community will learn how to better see bicycles on the we want to build through bicycling, by road making them both safer drivers and educating people who bike, helping kids safer cyclists. It also encourages students to find safe routes to school, promoting get exercise outside of school. Bicycling is bike-friendly policies and so much more. a lifelong sport; you can do it when you’re This month, we caught up with young or do it when you’re old. And the Jennifer McCloughan, P.E. teacher at parents LOVE that they are learning to Maplewood Elementary, one of the new- ride safely. I can’t wait for Basics of Bicyest locations of our Basics of Bicycling cling to come back next year.” program in Edmonds.

As we near the end of the year, we hope During their P.E. classes, the thirdyou will consider making a tax-deductible through fifth-graders in our Basics of Bicycling program learn how to use handsignals, practice starting and stopping, hone their maneuvering abilities and gain other skills that will keep them safe on the road for life. Cascade works with the schools, training P.E. teachers in the finer points of bike safety and maintaining and delivering a fleet of nearly 300 bikes. The program serves a whopping 14,000 children per year in 50 schools within four school A lifetime love of bicycling starts with big smiles. districts. And every year, more than 400 Basics of Bicycling participants donation to Cascade Bicycle Club’s ride on two wheels for the first time.

Education Foundation, the education and Jennifer McCloughan, along with advocacy arm of our work. When you several other dedicated volunteers on give to Cascade Bicycle Club Education the Edmonds Bicycle Advisory Group, Foundation, you’re helping us introduce helped bring Basics of Bicycling to Edinner-city kids to the joy of riding bimonds in 2011. cycles, and you’re with us as we educate “Many of our students don’t have our elected leaders about the importance access to bicycles because they live in of building world-class bicycling infraapartments or they don’t have a safe structure. You’re supporting programs that place to ride.” encourage people across our region to show For several years, the Edmonds Bicycle up for work on bicycles, and you’re ensurAdvocacy Group has tried to offer a ing that more families can pedal safely in bicycle safety program for local children, their neighborhoods. In short, by giving to but group members found that they Cascade, you’re investing in our commuwere spending most of their time fixing nity. And you’re making that community a the bicycles the children brought to better place for us all to live and bike in. ride – with little time left over for actual Many of you received a special letter in instruction. the mail asking for your support of the With the Basics of Bicycling program, Education Foundation. Please mail in Cascade provides well-maintained, safe your check today or give online at bikes for everyone to ride. The focus is www.cbcef.org. on safety and developing a life-long love Thank you for helping us create a better for cycling. community through bicycling!

“It warms my heart to see kids riding bikes. If you get kids riding, it’s easier for them to make cycling a lifelong habit.”

— J I MMY SC H U L Z

www.cascade.org/donate www.cascade.org

Vol. 41, No. 12

Adrift in Congress: MAP-21 will only get us lost

Concord kids conquer South Park

by John Mauro, Director of Policy, Planning and Government Affairs

by Robin Randels, Classes Coordinator

ith a good map, you can get just about anywhere—to work on a buffered bike lane, from Puget Sound to Long Island Sound, or from now to a time (soon?) where biking is easy, connected, safe and convenient.

But with a bad map? Or a really, really bad map?

That’s the kind of map that the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works committee threw down on the table last month. And I’m certain that it’s not going to get any of us anywhere. In short, it turns back the clock 20 years on the progress we’ve made in getting dedicated funding for bicycling.

Dubbed “MAP-21,” it’s a draft of the new transportation bill that we’ve been waiting for over two years since the last bill (“SAFETEA-LU”– what’s up with these acronyms?) first expired in September, 2009. Since then, Congress has passed a series of extensions that has kept our transportation system’s doors open. We’ve fended off attacks on bike funding along the way, recently from both Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY). As a coalition of national partners, we sent well over 50,000 emails in 24 hours to members of congress and have kept bicycling alive and funded.

Our hope has never been in the House.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair John Mica (R-FL) has been clear about his intentions to gut funding for biking since day one. “The focus of the bill is on the national highway system,” Mica replied when asked about biking and walking.

So that left us with the Senate. Senator

ime flies when you are having fun biking! Just ask the fifth graders at Concord Elementary school the beneficiaries of the latest phase of a grant from Safe Routes to School. For the past two years, instructors from the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation have been working with students at Concord to teach the ins and outs of riding bikes to school and around the neighborhood. Past activities have included a bike/walk audit, family ride and BBQ, Basics of Bicycling for third to fifth grade, free helmets, Bike to School Day festivities and an exhibition by the fabulous artistic cyclists from Germany. For the 2011 fall program, Cascade brought bikes with gears and hand brakes -- necessary for much of the riding on our hilly Seattle terrain.

One of the extra challenges that children face when riding is that they have very limited knowledge of what traffic around them might be expected to do. Our program teaches traffic laws, allows kids to practice bike handling skills, learn good decision making and then culminates with road rides on the local neighborhood streets.

It begins on the playground with proper helmet fit and the ABC Quick, Check — our “every-time-you-ride,” bike safety check.

It progresses to bikes-ops with how-tosessions on starting, stopping and changing gears. Then it’s on to skills building – riding in a straight line, looking back over a shoulder without drifting, dodging potholes, rocks and road kill without swerving into the lane, and stopping on a dime without going over the bars.

The best part is the road ride in the street with real traffic infrastructure -- sharrows, bike lanes, stop signs at the correct height.

The hills are steep and controlling the speed takes concentration and skill. Most kids know that stop signs and red lights mean – stop. But the difference between a two-way and a four-way stop sign poses a challenge such as when it’s safe to go. Deciding when to use the sidewalk and crosswalk versus the road is also a large part of the program with skill level, age and comfort level factoring into each situation.

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Barbara Boxer (D-CA), one of the “Big Four” (along with Inhofe, Vitter and Baucus), has been our hope in preserving dedicated funding for bicycling. But for some reason or another (have negotiations with Inhofe eroded Boxer’s promise to preserve bike funding?), they’ve taken a devastating first step.

What does MAP-21 do? Three zingers.

The draft Senate bill: 1. Offers far less money for biking (and walking) 2. Adds a pile of new categories eligible for this smaller pot of funding 3. Allows an opt-out option that many states will likely take With MAP-21, some states might just cease spending any money on bicycling and walking! Remember the rescissions issue?

States could simply send back those millions of dollars that could be building safe, connecting bicycle infrastructure.

What can we do? At this point, our Senators Murray and Cantwell are aware of the threat and have been long-time supporters of our goals. At press time, the federal budget “super-committee” was getting all the ink but the focus will turn to transportation by year’s end—or at least by March when the (extended) current bill expires. And we’ll need you to stand up for federal funding for bicycling.

So stay at the ready. You don’t need a map to know that D.C. feels far away. But these decisions dramatically impact what we can do at a local and regional level to fund and build infrastructure so that bicycling is safer, convenient and connected for everyone. And that is one thing we need a really good map for.

Election Results

by Chris Rule, Political Program Manager

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hile local, off-year elections tend to fly under the radar, 2011 was a crucial year for Washington’s transportation future. Statewide initiatives, local candidates and transit ballot measures all affect our safety on the road and the quality of our infrastructure long into the future.

This year Cascade Bicycle Club endorsed 45 candidates and took positions on three ballot measures. Cascade members and bicyclists atlarge also contributed record amounts to Bike PAC to help elect these local leaders.

With thousands of ballots left to count as of this writing, 70% of Cascade’s endorsed measures and candidates are poised for victory - but some races are too tough to call.

A slate of pro-bike candidates in Bellevue will likely make that city’s government much more friendly to 21st-century transportation.

Incumbents Claudia Balducci and John Chelminiak cruised to victory, and John Stokes is narrowly ahead as of press time. These candidates had to combat misinformation and outside expenditures. Thanks to record contributions, Bike PAC teamed with partner organizations to educate thousands of voters about their transit- and bike-friendly records.

For John Stokes, your contribution may have made a positive difference and swung the balance on the Bellevue City Council.

Unfortunately there are always losses in an election year that remind us why we work hard to promote positive leadership. Candidates like Spokane Mayor Mary Verner and Dwight Thompson of Lake Forest Park (the current deputy mayor, running for mayor) did not survive an onslaught of dollars against them. We would have appreciated their good governance for another four years, not just their support for bicycling.

Thankfully Tim Eyman’s I-1125 failed.

That statewide initiative would have put restrictions on transportation funding that jeopardized important projects around the state by making them impractical and more expensive for taxpayers. It would also have

banned sensible measures for managing traffic in urban areas.

As for local ballot measures, Seattle’s Proposition 1 did not pass – but your support cemented Cascade Bicycle Club as a coalition builder and an important partner to our city leaders. We commend the City Council for putting a package of road maintenance, transit, bike and pedestrian improvements in the face of budget cuts and a down economy.

Many in Seattle felt the price tag was too big, or felt the measure was too small to provide visible progress on major transportation infrastructure.

On balance Cascade Bicycle Club took action because without it, the city is falling further behind on its promises to fill potholes, provide adequate transit and complete plans for bike and pedestrian safety projects. Cascade and the rest of the Streets For All Seattle coalition will keep fighting to build a 21stcentury transportation system and finding the tools we need to fund it. Moving forward, a broad coalition of transportation, business, labor, environmental and social justice groups – as well as hundreds of volunteers – are working together for solutions.

A big thanks to all those whose donations amounted to record fundraising for Bike PAC this year. These contributions helped promote bike-friendly policies that will make a real difference on the ground for livable communities. Cascade will continue working to elect leaders and create laws that build bicyclefriendly communities in our state. The 2012 legislative session and election are around the corner, and challenges at the state and federal level are in the spotlight. Safe Routes to School and other projects are under attack, and we face ongoing budget cuts. We have the opportunity to elect a governor, legislators and members of Congress who will show leadership for bicycle-friendly Washington. Stay tuned for opportunities to make your voice heard in Olympia and at home.

“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling”

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Concord Elementary loves bikes!

Kids learn how to maintain a straight line while looking over their shoulder.

The fifth graders rose admirably to the occasion and demonstrated (under our careful supervision) that they could put into practice, right-of-way rules at four-way stops with any type of traffic that was present – including semi trucks. There are no doubt a few truck drivers who have gained a new respect for these young riders following the rules of the road and taking their responsibility to heart.

So what’s next? Students have suggested a bike lending library as most don’t own bikes but would like to practice their newfound skills on the weekends. We’ll be working hard to help this new generation of bike riders make it happen.

Thanks Concord, it has been a pleasure working with you.

Cascade Presentation Series

A Guide to Falling Down in Public with Joe Kurmaskie, The Metal Cowboy Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

Seattle REI, 222 Yale Ave N Tickets: $7 ($2 off for Cascade members) @ Brownpapertickets.com

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he fifth book in the Metal Cowboy series hits the open road in high gear and never looks back. Whether he’s outsprinting African elephants and dictators in Zimbabwe, or confounding Mexican freedom fighters in Copper Canyon with nothing more than broken Spanish, questionable geopolitical skills, and the magic of a bicycle, Joe “Metal Cowboy” Kurmaskie has mastered the painful art of of falling down and the flat-out rush of getting back up again. He celebrates beautiful wrecks on five continents, the extraordinary people met along the way, and all the awe-inspiring, sweat-soaked miles ridden in between.

This collection, a kaleidoscope of bicycle touring adventures told through exuberant stories spanning four decades and thirty countries, with many illustrations, embraces the absurdity of living at any speed, the fragility in each of us the world over, and simple wonders waiting just up the road.

This is the Metal Cowboy’s only scheduled appearance for Cascade Bicycle Club over the next 12 months, so don’t miss it!

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December 2011

Cascade Training Series 2012

RAW 2012: Pedal Palousa

by Sander Lazar, Rides Program Coordinator

by the RAW Committee

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ant to ride STP or RSVP, but not sure you can get ready on your own?

Want the skills to ride in large groups?

Have you ridden a major event before but want to do better this year?

Looking for friends who are also planning on riding RSVP or STP? …then the Cascade Training Series is for you!

This training series is designed specifically for those Cascade members who register for Cascade’s premier events, with the goal being physical and mental preparation for the Group Health STP, and RSVP. You and fellow event riders will be trained in group and safe riding skills that are key for all cyclists, and of particular value in these large events.

Since all riders will be preparing for STP or RSVP, you will get to know riders at your pace level and can make plans to ride events with them.

To participate in the series, you must register and pay a fee when you register for one of these events. Since there are limited CTS spots available, we recommend you register early.

If you have participated in CTS previously, please consider using Cascade’s Daily Rides as your training regimen, and allow new CTS participants the opportunity to learn about proper training and riding skills that you have already had the benefit of learning in your CTS sessions. Membersonly registration opens on January 10 for STP, and on January 11 for RSVP. Not a member? Join today to participate in CTS and take advantage of our many other member benefits.

The series begins with a 25-mile orientation ride in April 2012. During that ride and the accompanying orientation, you will decide which of the three paces is best for your fitness level. The slowest pace will be 10-12 mph on the flats and a commensurate level of effort on hills. This is generally considered a “leisurely” pace, and you must be able to ride at this pace to participate. The fastest will ride at a moderate pace of 14-16 mph. If you want to ride faster than 14-16 mph, CTS is not for you.

Each group of about 20 riders will have two trained and certified Cascade ride leaders acting as leader and sweep. Maps and cue sheets will be provided, and since these are stay-together rides with frequent regroups, you can be confident about not getting lost.

The route mileage and level of difficulty will steadily increase for each of the following 12 rides leading up to STP. Riders will be able to move up to faster groups as their fitness and skill improve. And since all paces will ride the same route, falling back to a slower pace is easy.

Two weekends before STP, the ride will be a relatively flat century to give you the con-

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fidence that you are ready for that event. Following STP, there will be four “maintenance” rides to keep you in shape for RSVP, or if you rode in STP and are not riding RSVP, to simply stay in shape and keep riding with your fellow CTS riders. Either way, you’ll be totally ready for STP or RSVP!

BEYOND THE RIDES Cascade’s Group Riding Skills and Basic Bike Maintenance classes are included in the fee, and will be held within the three weeks before the first CTS ride. There will be several CTS seminars, which will include information on nutrition and riding techniques. Additionally, CTS riders will receive a unique Road ID bracelet, valued at $19.95, with your name and emergency contact information.

CTS riders will have a members-only website with all the details about the series, including maps, cue sheets and the master schedule. Riders will also have access to a rider/ride leader message board where topics such as equipment, training tips, and other subjects will be discussed. All of these benefits will make you that much more confident and prepared on event day.

Remember, you must register for the 2012 Cascade Training Series online at the same time that you register for STP and/ or RSVP. The onetime cost of CTS is $95 and must be paid at registration. Cascade’s refund policy applies.

2012 SCHEDULE The rides will start in April and run through August, right up through the weekend before RSVP. Check back soon for a more detailed calendar.

SUGGESTED REQUIREMENTS If you are not yet in condition to ride 25 miles or more at a 10-12 mph or faster pace or aren’t comfortable riding in a group, try some of the leisurely- or steady-paced rides listed in Cascade’s Daily Rides Calendar before starting the Cascade Training Series. As a registered CTS participant, you will have an opportunity to test your preparedness for CTS by going on one of two pre-CTS red-pace rides. These will take place during the month before the first CTS ride (dates TBD). We also recommend taking a class to improve your group riding skills through the Cascade Education Foundation.

Private lessons and personal coaching for any level is available from www.CycleU. com (Cycle University) to get you up to speed or progressing to the next color group.

Club members can also receive a ten percent discount on bike fitting, private lessons and coaching consultations.

Questions? Email sander.lazar@ cascadebicycleclub.org.

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ext year, the Ride Around Washington (RAW) celebrates its 14th year with a route that brings together the beauty and splendor of two of our favorite routes. The six-day loop ride, starting on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, begins north of Spokane, in the town of Chewelah, among the ponderosa pine trees. Riders will enjoy spectacular vistas through the Colville National Forest, along the Pend Oreille River into Idaho, and by the scenic Lake Coeur D’Alene.

Our route continues south where we enjoy three days of riding through the amber waves of grain and rolling hills of the Palouse. Along the way we pass through many small towns, the agriculture centers of the Palouse, and enjoy the panoramic views from Steptoe Butte.

We ride as far south as Moscow Idaho and Pullman Washington. Finally the route loops back north through Cheney, the Riverside State Park along the Spokane River, and back to Chewelah. The route covers over 400 miles of roads and trails in Eastern Washington and Western Idaho. With average daily climbing of around 3,000 feet (and 66 miles per day), plus a wonderful balance of Ponderosa tree lined roads and the beatuiful Palouse; this is the perfect ride for the nearly everyone!

On our first day, we ride 72 miles from Chewelah, Wash. to Spirit Lake, Idaho.

The name Chewelah comes from a Kalispel Native American word meaning watersnake.

We climb through the ponderosa pine trees to the top of Flowery Trail pass. At the top of the pass we enjoy great views to the east, west and south. Our reward for climbing is a downhill into the Pend Oreille River Valley.

Ambling south, with great vistas along the river, through Newport, Wash. we cross into Idaho towards Spirit Lake, Idaho.

The second day is a bit shorter as we travel 55 miles to Post Falls, Idaho. Enjoy the beauty of the drier inland empire climate and the cover from the ponderosa pines.

We ride along the shores of the sparkling Hayden Lake and continue south for a relaxing lunch on the shores of the picturesque Lake Coeur D’Alene. The name Coeur D’Alene, meaning Heart of an Awl, was given to the native people by French Canadian fur traders to recognize the shrewdness of the trading skills exhibited by the tribe.

For day three, the ride is 86 miles to Palouse, Wash. The route heads south through the rolling hills of the Palouse region. While the origin of the name “Palouse” is unclear, one theory asserts that the French Canadian fur traders converted the name of the Palus tribe into the more familiar French word “pelouse” meaning “land with short and thick grass or lawn.” Pine trees give way

to the beauty of the dry-land wheat farming.

The route goes by, around and over the rolling hills, formed during the ice ages.

On day four, riders can enjoy the wonderful town of Palouse; hailed by many riders as “RAW’s most friendly town.” Last time we visited, the town offered free “combine rides”! This year riders can enjoy a scenic optional loop ride with a 40-mile route south through Moscow and Pullman, the southern most point on the ride, and back to Palouse.

A highlight of the day is ice cream at Ferdinand’s Creamery on the WSU Campus.

On day five, the route turns back to the north to Cheney, Wash, 81 miles away. Steptoe Butte provides an amazing panoramic view of the Palouse country. As we approach Cheney we return to the ponderosa pine trees and the columnar basalt rock formations from ancient lava flows.

The final day of RAW 2012: Pedal Palousa is an 85-mile ride back to Chewelah. Paralleling the Spokane River we enjoy about ten miles of the Centennial Trail, including Riverside State Park. In the Spokane River valley, riders can see the tall columnar basalt cliffs that have been eroded away and exposed over the millennia. After climbing out of the Spokane River valley we have a comfortable ride through the rolling farmlands into Chewelah.

The Cascade Bicycle Club and the RAW organizing committee invite you and your family and friends to join us on this spectacular ride next summer. The ride is fully supported. Riders enjoy comprehensive on-road support; safety and food and water stops; comfortable and scenic camping venues; 3 meals a day; the always wonderful shower truck with unlimited hot water; and luggage transportation between camping venues. It’s an all-inclusive terrific value tour and priced well below all our week-long, large group competitors.

Please visit the Cascade website for more details and registration information for the ride. Registration for RAW 2012 will be available to Cascade members through the club website beginning Jan. 10, 2012.

www.cascade.org

Vol. 41, No. 12

DECEMBER RIDES For a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org/calendar and look for web-only posts.

Cascade Bicycle Club Ride Classification FOR MORE RIDES SEE WWW.CASCADE.ORG AND CLICK ON FREE DAILY RIDES CALENDAR. LOOK FOR WEB-ONLY LISTINGS. In order to pick the rides that suit your skills and energy level, use the following guidelines: • PACE: The speed on level ground without breaks: Easy: Under 10 mph Leisurely: 10-12 mph Steady: 12-14 mph Moderate: 14-16 mph Brisk: 16-18 mph Strenuous: 18-21 mph Super Strenuous: 22+ mph • TERRAIN: These descriptions should be considered in the context of the pace and length of the ride: Mostly Flat: Trails and/or mostly flat roads with a possible gentle upgrade Rolling: Climbs are short and easy, not too numerous.

Some Hills: A few short steep hills, some moderate upgrades and/or longer gentle climbs.

Hilly: Many true hills, but none outrageous.

Extremely Hilly: Steep & long climbs with grades >9% and/ or mountain passes Unlimited: “Out of category”; only for those very sure of their ability to climb any grade, any length at the advertised pace.

Off Road: Significant unpaved sections.

• MAP: Whether a map or cue sheet is provided.

• REGROUP: None and Occasional regroup categories expect experienced riders who can fix their own mechanical problems and follow a map/cue sheet if they are separated.

• RAIN: Weather conditions that cancel the ride.

Helmets are required on all rides. When using a cell phone you must pull off the road/trail and STOP. Put away all earbuds/headphones/music devices before the ride starts.

All riders are required to sign a waiver form. Rides are cancelled or are no longer considered Cascade rides in the event that the ride leader does not show up or does not provide a waiver form for signatures of riders. Riders are expected to be ready to ride at the time listed (i.e. that’s not the time to drive

into the parking lot with a full bladder and empty tires) and to ride in a safe, courteous, legal manner. Riders are expected to cooperate with the leader(s) and ride within the advertised pace.

If unsure of your ability to keep up, try a slower level ride to get an idea of ride paces. For “Hilly” rides, consider choosing a pace down from your usual level. Unless indicated, it is not necessary to RSVP the ride leader to participate in a ride.

Riders should: be able to ride at a strenuous effort level on the flats and in the hills; possess the endurance to ride more than 50 miles; be comfortable with, or have desire to, master paceline riding techniques.

Youth riders may also join regular club rides.

Permission must be obtained from the ride leader at least 24 hours in advance for youth to join a regular club ride. Children 15 and under must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian OR must have parent/legal guardian sign a consent form designating a guardian for them on the ride; youth ages 16-17 may ride without a parent or guardian

with advance permission of the ride leader AND a signed parental consent form (available at www. cascade.org) which must be given to the ride leader at the start of the ride.

Cascade does not sponsor or endorse any non-bicycling activities that people may participate in while on these rides.

Each cyclist is responsible for his/her conduct and decisions while on a Cascade ride.

Cascade membership and activities are open to anyone able and willing to participate in a safe, courteous and cooperative manner and in support of the purposes of the club. Ride information is also available at: www.cascade. org. Only Cascade certified ride leaders may post and lead Cascade Daily Rides. See Ride Leader Information on our website or email the Rides Chair at cbcrides@ cascadebicycleclub.org.

Thursday, Dec 1

Saturday, Dec 3

Alki Avenue to the finish. Possible lunch stop in Burien depending on group preference for lunch.

at 9 a.m. From Seattle, take I-5 south to Exit 157; merge onto WA-900 E/Martin Luther King Jr Way; turn right onto Hardie Ave SW which becomes Renton Certer Way SW; SBC is on your left; park away from the building.

Northern Exposures 40 mi • Moderate • Hilly • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • 18021 Alderwood Mall Pkwy • Steady rain cancels • Ken Condray, 425-745-1159, kcondray@comcast.net • Becky Bottino, 206-683-9220, bbottino7@ comcast.net Meet at 10 a.m. at Alderwood Cycle at 18021 Alderwood Mall Pkwy. Take I-5 north to Exit 183 and go left on 164th St SW to Alderwood Mall Pkwy. Take another left to Alderwood Cycle located on left across from the Keg. (DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF SHOP). Use spaces by street and south parking lot. We will do a 40-45 mile ride at moderate pace. Moderate to high traffic is expected, good biking skills required!

Contact condray3@comcast.net if have any questions.

More Cycle Tuesdays 25-35 mi • Super strenuous • Some hills • No Map • Occasional regroup • 5:45 p.m. • Gene Coulon Park/Next to Kidd Valley, Renton • Ice/snow cancels • Tom Baker, 425-221-0631, tommbaker@hotmail.com • Brian Ohlemeier, 425-985-6980 cell Year-round training rides for one day STP riders.

Rides stress safety, cooperation and group riding skills. Fast pacelines with regroups from Renton to surrounding areas. Large turnout splits into multiple groups. ** No parking in Coulon parking lot. Lights required.

Friday, Dec 2

FRUMPS: South Lake Washington 25-35 mi • Steady • Some hills • No Map • Stay together • 10 a.m. • Renton Community Center • Showers cancel • Cathy Masters, 206-713-8576, cmasters_inbalps@yahoo.com Weather permitting, we will ride the South Lake Washington loop (with an optional Mercer Island tour) to burn off any additional, accumulated turkey dinner calories. To reach the Renton Community Center take I-405 to Exit #4, which drops onto the Maple Valley Hwy/Hwy 169. Take the first right (at the light) into the community center. Meet over by the big blue and orange water slide.

Brisk Alki Coffee Run 35 mi • Brisk • Mostly flat • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Bicentennial Park (6000 Christensen Rd), Tukwila • Showers cancel • Jake Wright, 206-271-6703, vaelin4@gmail.com We start at Bicentennial Park in Tukwila and follow the Green River/Duwamish River Trail to South Park and on to Alki. There will be a coffee and pastry break at Tully’s at Alki before returning to Tukwila. Arrive early enough to ready your bike and sign the ride waiver. The pace of this ride is based on having no wind. If we have a headwind, the pace will be lower, if we have a tailwind, the pace may be higher. Keep this in mind when deciding to do this ride. Take Exit 1 from I-405; turn south on W. Valley Hwy and turn right again at Strander Blvd; go over the small bridge and immediately turn right into the park.

Mercer Island/Bellevue Scenic Loop 30 mi • Moderate • Some hills • Map • Frequent regroup • 10:30 a.m. • Enatai Beach Park, Bellevue • Showers cancel • Alan Lawrence, 425-891-7079, alan@jazzloft.com We’ll take a scenic loop from Mercer Island down through Bellevue to Marymoor Park where we’ll take a Starbucks break at Redmond Town Center.

We’ll do one climb out of Lake Sammamish and over to Kirkland before returning through Bellevue to Mercer. This ride will be STRICTLY moderate with slower speeds on the hills and frequent regrouping at the tops. Ice, snow, rain or freezing temperatures cancels.

West Seattle to 3 Tree Point 32 mi • Moderate • Some hills • Map • Occasional regroup • 11 a.m. • 61st and Alki at the Statue • Showers cancel • Monica Zaborac, 206-226-8514 Ride pace will be high-social to low-moderate.

Ride leader is still recovering from an 8-month injury so I will be slow on the hills. This is one of my favorite routes. We will ride from Alki along the water, up Marine View Drive through White Center, Burien and down around scenic 3 Tree Point. Route back will be through South Park, West Marginal way and Harbor Ave to

Ride Leader Certification

Thursday, January 5, 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Cascade Office Class size will be limited to 15, and you must be registered to attend.

H

ave you cycled on five or more Cascade Free Daily Rides this year or last?

Would you like to lead your own rides? Become a certified Cascade Ride Leader!

Attend our next training sessions. To register, email rlcert@cascadebicycleclub.org with your name, member number, phone (work, home, or cell). Find more information on becoming a Ride Leader at http://www.cascade.org/EandR/Ride_Leader_Info.cfm.

Questions? Email rlcert@cascadebicycleclub.org.

“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling”

SPOKESPEOPLE rides!

8 mi • Easy • Rolling • Map • Stay together • 2 p.m. • 4219 Wallingford Ave N. at the south end of Wallingford Playfield • Steady rain cancels • Cathy Tuttle, 206-547-9569, 206-713-6269, cathy.tuttle@gmail.com • Michael Snyder, 206-781-7221, msnyder@ zserf.com Please join SPOKESPEOPLE, http://www. spokespeople.us/ride.php, on the first Saturday of every month for a fun, low-carbon, community ride. All Spokespeople rides meet at the south end of Wallingford Playfield at 42nd & Densmore and ride on the road to an adjacent urban center.

New riders welcome! Please come by 1:45 if you are new to riding in groups or if you need help with adjusting your helmet or bike. All ages and skill levels welcome! All rides are on the road with traffic, and include expert commuters who accompany us to offer encouragement and model good road riding techniques for new, returning and reluctant cyclists. Please join us! This is a Bike Smart Seattle ride. All are welcome!

Sunday, Dec 4

Crepe Cruise 25-35 mi • Leisurely • Some hills • No Map • Stay together • 9 a.m. • Gas Works Park, Seattle • Steady rain cancels • Don Martin, 206-363-9964 Come and join us with an empty stomach and $9.00. We head immediately to the nearby Swedish Club for their Sunday pancake breakfast, then spend the rest of the day cruising the city working off all the Ham & Crepes we ate. If weather is questionable, check with leader.

December Populaire ~65 mi • Varied paces • Some hills • Map • No regroup • 9 a.m. • Seattle’s Best Coffee, 365 Renton Center Way, Renton • Ice/snow cancels • Albert Meerscheidt, 253-797-4647 cell, albert.meerscheidt@gmail.com Join us for a scenic tour going: down the KentAuburn valley; an exhilarating climb up to Black Diamond with a stop at the Black Diamond Bakery; a quick and fun descent down to the Green River Gorge and back up; then rolling hills towards Cumberland; more rollers from Cumberland before descending again towards Ravensdale; then one last climb before getting on the Cedar River Trail and back into Renton.

(NOTE: we will ride on the unpaved portion of the Cedar Trail for ~2.5 miles.) For full description of the Monthly Populaire series and Randonneuring go to the Seattle Randonneurs website (Seattlerando.org). Though there will be a number of certified ride leaders out on the course, these are self-paced and self-guiding rides with friendly encouragement and lots of camaraderie.

THERE ARE NO REGROUPS OR SWEEPS IN THIS SERIES. Please be at the start for signin no later 8:30a.m. since we will start promptly

Wandering West Seattle 50 mi • Moderate • Hilly • Map • Frequent regroup • 10 a.m. • 200 Mill Ave So., Renton • Showers cancel • Jake Wright, 206-2716703, vaelin4@gmail.com PLEASE NOTE RIDE START: Ride starts at old Renton City Hall, 200 Mill Ave S, and follows the Green River Trail out to South Park and on to Alki where we’ll have a quick stop at the Beachside Café before climbing to West Seattle for a stop at a local deli where riders can relax over lunch before heading back to Renton.

Black Diamond Loop 40 mi • Moderate • Some hills • No Map • Frequent regroup • 10 a.m. • Ron Regis Park, Renton • Showers cancel • Jenny Anderson, 702-882-3040, jandrsn@gmail.com Ride out to Black Diamond from Ron Regis then back via Petrovitsky Rd. From I-405 South, take Exit 4 (Renton/Enumclaw); go east on Maple Valley Hwy past the Maplewood Golf Course; turn left (north) on 149th Ave SE/Orcas Ave; the entrance to park is on the left (Orcas Ave).

From I-405 North: take Exit 4A (Maple Valley/ Enumclaw); go east on Maple Valley Hwy past the Maplewood Golf Course; turn left (north) on 149th Ave SE/Orcas Ave; the entrance to park is on the left (Orcas Ave). WARNING! The park is misnamed on Yahoo.

Tukwila to Alki Coffee Run 35 mi • Moderate • Mostly flat • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Bicentennial Park, Tukwila • Showers cancel • Jeffrey Silbaugh, 206-399-3221 cell We start at Bicentennial Park in Tukwila and follow the Green River/Duwamish River Trail to South Park and on to Alki. There will be a coffee and pastry break at Tully’s at Alki before returning to Tukwila. Arrive early enough to ready your bike and sign the ride waiver. The pace of this ride is based on having no wind. If we have a headwind, the pace will be lower, if we have a tailwind, the pace may be higher. Keep this in mind when deciding to do this ride. Take Exit 1 from I-405; turn south on W. Valley Hwy and turn right again at Strander Blvd; go over the small bridge and immediately turn right into the park.

Monday, Dec 5

MUMPS: Do The Lake 40-60 mi • Moderate • Hilly • No Map • Frequent regroup • 10 a.m. • Tracy Owen Station/Logboom Park, Kenmore • Steady rain cancels • Craig Mohn, 425-890-5234 cell, 425-313-3669 The basic route is a counterclockwise loop of north Lake Washington with a food stop en

5

December 2011

DECEMBER RIDES route. Because of the Burke-Gilman Trail closure, the option to join the group in Leschi will be somewhat later than usual—contact the ride leader for more details. Distance and route may vary to suit weather conditions and group. A brisk pace group may be added only if a certified ride leader volunteers to lead it. Check with leader if weather appears questionable.

Tuesday, Dec 6

TREATS: Poinsettias and Pastries 15 mi • Leisurely • Mostly flat • No Map • Occasional regroup • 10:30 a.m. • Logboom Park, Kenmore • Steady rain cancels • Norm Tjaden, 206-525-2366 NOTE: Late start! We’ll do a loop trip on the back road to the wineries (and possibly briefly stop there) then onto the trail to Woodinville.

Otherwise a short ride directly to Molbak’s for some free Danish pastries. Ice and snow also cancel.

Cycle Tuesdays 25-35 mi • Super strenuous • Some hills • No Map • Occasional regroup • 5:45 p.m. • Gene Coulon Park, next to Kidd Valley, Renton • Ice/snow cancels • Russell Moul, 206-2007314, 253-657-9568 • Pete Grey, 425-5580451, pgrey@hotmail.com Year-round training rides for one day STP riders.

Rides stress safety, cooperation and group riding skills. Fast pacelines with regroups from Renton to surrounding areas. Large turnout splits into multiple groups. No parking in Coulon parking lot. Lights required.

Wednesday, Dec 7

WRUMPS: In and Out of Kirkland 30+/- mi • Steady • Hilly • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland • Showers cancel • Don and Jane Volta, 425-828-0138 A HILLY ride in and out of Kirkland with a lunch stop. Ride distance and route are weather dependent. Snow and Ice also cancel.

Thursday, Dec 8

More Cycle Tuesdays See More Cycle Tuesdays, 12/1.

Friday, Dec 9

FRUMPS: Gas Works to Edmonds 30-35 mi • Moderate • Hilly • Map • Stay together • 10 a.m. • Gas Works Park, Seattle • Steady rain cancels • Peter Hallson, 425-6734816 Let’s go for lunch in Edmonds.

FRIDAY RIDERS: Go to Swansons/ Carkeek Park/Golden Gardens ~25 miles • Leisurely • Some hills • No Map • Frequent regroup • 10 a.m. • Gas Works Park, Seattle • Steady rain cancels • Bill Lemke, 206-284-2843 We’re pedaling to Swansons to see the reindeer and holiday decorations and then on to Carkeek Park. Newer riders, young and older, are encouraged to come. We’ll ride the Burke-Gilman Trail to 8th Ave NW and then it’s a slow and steady uphill most of the way to Swansons and Carkeek Park, then mostly downhill to Golden Gardens and return through the Locks and on the newly finished Ship Canal Trail. We’ll be on paved trails, streets and some unpaved trail in Carkeek Park. Lunch or snack stop planned.

Saturday, Dec 10

Saddletime I 117 mi • Strenuous • Some hills • Map • Stay together • 6:30 a.m. • NE 65th St Park & Ride under I-5, Seattle • Ice/snow cancels • Gil Flanagan, 206-524-9428, gilflanagan@earthlink.net This month we will ride to Enumclaw. We stop and pick up additional riders at Leschi and Bicentennial Park. Total elevation gain is about 4600 feet. We’ll do some of the areas more

6

popular roads and trails including the Green River Road, Green Valley Road and the Cedar River Trail. Try to carry enough water/drink to make it 3 hours since water may not be available in the parks. Lunch is at the Rainier Bar & Grill in Enumclaw. The pace will be a flat effort level of 18 or 19 mph with regroups after hills. We will stop for flats. Cue sheets provided. I expect to be back at NE 65th St Park & Ride by 6 p.m.

Sunrise and sunset are 7:46 a.m. and 4:18 p.m. so lights are required. We’ll leave promptly at 6:30 a.m.

Saddletime II 103 mi • Strenuous • Some hills • Map • Stay together • 7:15 a.m. • Leschi Starbucks, 121 Lakeside Ave, Seattle • Ice/snow cancels • Gil Flanagan, 206-524-9428, gilflanagan@earthlink.net Stay in shape over the winter. Come ride a century with us. We’ll have a little warm up on Lake Washington Blvd and then some nice hills down to Tukwila. The loop from Bicentennial Park is described in Saddletime III. Total elevation gain is about 4000 ft. Lunch is at the Rainier Bar & Grill in Enumclaw. Try to carry enough water/drink to make it 3 hours since water may not be available in the parks. The pace will be a flat effort level of 18 or 19 mph with regroups after hills. We will stop for flats. Cue sheets provided. I expect to be back at Leschi at 5:15 p.m. Sunrise is 7:46 a.m. and sunset is 4:18 p.m. so lights are required. We’ll leave promptly at 7:15 a.m.

Saddletime III 77 mi • Strenuous • Some hills • Map • Stay together • 8:30 a.m. • Bicentennial Park, Tukwila • Ice/snow cancels • Gil Flanagan, 206-524-9428, gilflanagan@earthlink.net We’ll do a couple of climbs on Kent’s East Hill then Green River Rd and Green Valley Rd to Whitney Hill. The climb up 212th Way is 430 ft with the last 300 ft at about an 11% grade.

Lunch is at the Rainier Bar & Grill in Enumclaw.

After lunch it is Cumberland, Black Diamond, Ravensdale and the Cedar River Trail. Try to carry enough water/drink to make it the 3 hours to lunch since our morning stop will be in a park and the water will probably be turned off.

The afternoon stop is at the Ravensdale store/ park. The estimated total elevation gain is 2800 ft. The pace will be a flat effort level of 18 or 19 mph with regroups after hills. We stop for flats.

Cue sheets provided. Bicentennial Park is on the Green River Trail, just east of Southcenter. If you are driving take Exit 1 off of I-405 and go south on Interurban Ave/West Valley Hwy, then turn right on Strander Blvd. The park is on the right, right after the bridge. I expect to be back at Bicentennial Park at 4 p.m. Lights are not required but a good thing on a dark day. We will leave promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Salvadorean Beach Cruise 32 mi • Leisurely • Some hills • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Jack Block Park (access off of Harbor Ave.) • Steady rain cancels • Jeff Stewart, 206-356-6755, jeff@ cyclepathescapes.com Casual ride from Alki past So. Seattle C.C for brief stop at the college gardens, then thru Burien beach community with one steep hill on return. Then to Salvadorean Bakery/Cafe in White Center before returning by way of Beach route to Alki. See route on bikely.com as West Seattle(Alki) to Burien. Optional stop at Bamboo Bar & Grille on Alki afterwards.

Northern Exposures See Northern Exposures, 12/1.

Sunday, Dec 11

Renton to Issaquah Coffee Run 35 mi • Moderate • Some hills • Map • Frequent regroup • 10 a.m. • Ron Regis Park, Maple Valley Hwy, Renton • Showers cancel • Jeffrey Silbaugh, 206-399-3221 cell We will start this ride at Ron Regis Park. We will ride out to Cedar Grove Rd, take it to Issaquah-

Hobart Rd, on to Issaquah. We’ll stop for coffee and a pastry at the Starbucks in Issaquah before returning via Newport Way and the Lake Washington Trail. From I-405 South take Exit #4 (Renton/Enumclaw); drive east on Maple Valley Highway past the Maplewood Golf Course and turn left on 149th Ave SE/Orcas Ave; the entrance to the sports park is on your left. From I-405 North: take Exit #4A (Maple Valley/ Enumclaw); drive east on Maple Valley Highway past the Maplewood Golf Course and turn left on 149th Ave SE/Orcas Ave; the entrance to the sports park is on your left.

Monday, Dec 12

MUMPS: Do The Lake See MUMPS, 12/5.

Tuesday, Dec 13

TREATS: Winter ride in Redmond/ Woodinville 30 +/- mi • Steady • Hilly • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Redhook Brewery parking lot • Ice/snow cancels • Clarice Sackett, 425-478-8306 Winter ride over the hills in eastern King County. Lunch stop at QFC.

Cycle Tuesdays

SATURDAY, DEC 17 Please check the Cascade Internet Daily Rides Calendar for possible WEB-ONLY listings.

Sunday, Dec 18

Tukwila to Alki Coffee Run See Tukwila to Alki Coffee Run, 12/4.

S.P.O.K.E.S.: Tour de Poinsettias 20+/- • Leisurely • Some hills • Map • Frequent regroup • 11 a.m. • Sammamish River Park, 17995 102nd Av NE, Bothell • Steady rain cancels Michelle Burton, 425-890-4936 cell SPOKES will start at the Sammamish River Park in Bothell and head towards Woodinville to check out the poinsettias at Molbak’s. We’ll stop for lunch nearby and skirt the Snoqualmie Valley on the way back to Bothell. To reach Sammamish River Park, located off 102nd Ave NE, take SR-522 to 102nd Ave NE and cross the small bridge over the Sammamish River.

Turn into the unpaved parking area on the right just after crossing the bridge. Please note ice/ snow cancels too.

Monday, Dec 19

MUMPS: Do The Lake See MUMPS, 12/5.

See Cycle Tuesdays, 12/6.

Tuesday, Dec 20 Wednesday, Dec 14

City Lakes & Trails 32 mi • Leisurely • Rolling • No Map • Stay together • 10 a.m. • Magnuson Park, 7400 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle • Showers cancel • Don Martin, 206-363-9964 • Dottie Smith, 425-483-6586 An in-city loop ride on city streets and trails with rest/food stops. Includes a short (wide shoulder) section on Bothell Way NE, and a short, steep downhill section of road. Meet and park in large parking lot at east end of NE 74th St. Please do not use parking near CBC offices. Leaders will be arriving by bike.

WRUMPS: Woodinville to Snohomish for Lunch 43 mi • Moderate • Some hills • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Woodinville (see below) • Steady rain cancels • Ken Condray, 425-745-1159, kcondray@ comcast.net • Becky Bottino, 206-683-9220, bbottino7@comcast.net Join Becky and Ken for a moderate 43-mile ride from Woodinville to Snohomish for lunch and continuing on lower Snohomish River Rd before returning by way of Lowell River Rd through Mill Creek to Woodinville. Go north or south on 405 and take 522 toward Monroe; take first Exit, 131st Ave NE, and go right, crossing 175th St and continuing for about 3 blocks; park on left side by soccer fields. Contact Ken or Becky if you have any questions.

Thursday, Dec 15

More Cycle Tuesdays See More Cycle Tuesdays, 12/1.

Friday, Dec 16

FRUMPS: Licton Springs Ramble 30-45 mi • Moderate • Some hills • No Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Licton Springs Park, N. Seattle • Showers cancel • Dan Garretson, 425-985-8570 We will ride from Licton Springs to an unknown location. The location and distance will be determined by the weather. Licton Springs Park is at 9536 Ashworth Ave N in Seattle. Meet by the play ground. Ice or snow or a starting temperature below 40 degrees also cancels the ride.

TREATS: Lake Ballinger Loop de Loop-Late start 28-32 mi • Steady • Some hills • No Map • Frequent regroup • 11 a.m. • Ballfields

by Ballinger Lake Golf Course, 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace • Showers cancel • Jan Johnson, 425-6720617 ANY frost, ice snow, slippery conditions also cancels. This is not the route to Everett. There will be many turns, back roads and some hills, to a lunch stop. From I-5 take Exit 177 (“Hwy 104/Ballinger Way”); go west (as if to Edmonds); turn north on 76th at the light and then east on 228th which curves and the parking is on the right. (Note: there are many ways to get here; choose yours from the Internet if you wish.) Park in the parking lot at the ball fields adjoining the Ballinger Lake Golf Course, 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace, or along the street if there is a ball game going on.

Cycle Tuesdays See Cycle Tuesdays, 12/6.

Wednesday, Dec 21 Please check the Cascade Internet Daily Rides Calendar for possible WEB-ONLY listings.

Thursday, Dec 22

More Cycle Tuesdays See More Cycle Tuesdays, 12/1.

Friday, Dec 23

FRUMPS: Southend Lk Washington plus Mercer Is. 35 mi • Steady • Rolling • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Leschi area • Showers cancel • Loretta Goetsch, 206-5254714, lagoetsch@aol.com Ice/snow cancels. Start at parking lot south of Madrona Park and north of Leschi.

Counterclockwise ride around south end of Lake Washington with food break at 15.5 miles into ride. Return to Leschi via Mercer Is southern loop.

Saturday, Dec 24

‘Twas the Day Before Christmas 20-30 mi • Steady • Mostly flat • No Map • Occasional regroup • 10:30 a.m. • Tracy Owen Station/Logboom Park, Kenmore • Showers cancel • Jan Johnson, 425-6720617 It’s the 12th Annual Day Before Christmas

www.cascade.org

Vol. 41, No. 12

DECEMBER RIDES Ride (although the some were iced and snowed out). Are your holiday preparations done?

Whether yes or no, you need to get out on your bike if the weather is fine. Let’s have a sociable ride to Redmond for lunch. There might be one section of tricky traffic on the road not suitable for children. Icy or snowy or frosty or slippery conditions will also cancel.

sunday, dec 25 (chrisTMas day) Please check the Cascade Internet Daily Rides Calendar for possible WEB-ONLY listings.

Happy Holidays!

Monday, dec 26

TREATS: Winter on the Eastside 30+/- mi • Steady • Hilly • Map • Occasional regroup • 10:30 a.m. • Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland • Showers cancel • Don and Jane Volta, 425-828-0138 A HILLY ride in and out of Kirkland with a lunch stop. Ride distance and route are weather dependent. Ice and Snow also cancel.

Cycle Tuesdays See Cycle Tuesdays, 12/6.

Wednesday, dec 28

City Lakes & Trails See City Lakes & Trails, 12/14.

MUMPS: Cancelled Today Please check later for a possible WEB ONLY posting

Tuesday, dec 27

Thursday, dec. 29 More Cycle Tuesdays See More Cycle Tuesdays, 12/1.

Renton to Black Diamond Coffee Run 40 mi • Moderate • Some hills • Map • Occasional regroup • 10 a.m. • Ron Regis Park, Renton • Showers cancel • Jeffrey Silbaugh, 206-399-3221 cell A friendly ride out to Black Diamond with a midpoint break for coffee at the Black Diamond Bakery. From I-405 South take Exit 4 (Renton/ Enumclaw); go east on Maple Valley Hwy past the Maplewood Golf Course; turn left (north) on 149th Ave SE/Orcas Ave; the entrance to park is on left (Orcas Ave). From I-405 North: take Exit 4A (Maple Valley/Enumclaw); go east on Maple Valley Hwy past the Maplewood Golf Course; turn left (north) on 149th Ave SE/Orcas Ave; the entrance to park is on left (Orcas Ave). Warning!

The park is misnamed on Yahoo.

Friday, dec. 30

FRUMPS: Enatai/Bellevue/Issaquah Loop 38 mi • Moderate • Some hills • Map • Frequent regroup • 10 a.m. • Enatai Beach Park, Bellevue • Showers cancel • Alan Lawrence, 425-891-7079, alan@jazzloft.com This will be a friendly Friday morning ride.

We’ll start out at Enatai Beach in Bellevue, ride through Bellevue over to the east side of Lake Sammamish and grab a light bite in Issaquah before returning to Bellevue. Rain, snow, ice cancels. Sub-40 degree weather cancels. Email or call me the morning of the ride to confirm.

Cascade Presentation Series

Going the Distance: Insights from Pacific Northwest Cyclists Tuesday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Seattle REI, 222 Yale Ave. Free!

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he Pacific Northwest has perhaps the deepest bench of long distance cyclists in North America, if not the world. This evening’s presentation features some of the strongest longdistance cyclists in the area and will give you insights about what motivates these riders. Whether you are merely curious about the personalities doing these kinds of events (are they really crazy?), are planning to do your first big event, or already have an addiction to distance events, our presentation will be both entertaining and informational.

Speakers: Brian Ecker’s career highlights include top 20 finishes at USCF Elite National Championships, top 5 finishes at the Duathalon National Championships, several multisport solo category wins, and several podium finishes at the Furnace Creek 508 ultra marathon cycling race.

Chris Ragsdale is an ultra distance bicycle racer whose cycling resume includes

five-time National 24-hour winner and record holder, the 1000km road world record, and the fastest American finisher in the 2011 Paris-Brest-Paris.

Mark Thomas is a veteran randonneur, past president of Randonneurs USA, and current president of the Seattle International Randonneurs, the largest randonneur club in America. Mark has completed fourteen grand randonnees (1200km or longer) on four continents, including Paris-Brest-Paris four times. In the past three years, Mark has completed over 40,000km of randonneur events.

Mick Walsh is an ultra cyclist with a lengthy competitive resume: Irish Triathlon Champion 1983; Irish National Team 1987-89; Washington RR Champion 1999; Washington Best All Around Rider 1999; Race Across Oregon Solo Champion 2010 Each speaker will give a brief presentation followed by a panel discussion and questions and answers from the audience.

Hosted by David Longdon, co-manager of Cascade Bicycle Club’s High Performance Cycling Team and producer of Velocity: The Seattle Area Cycling Blog.

saTurday, dec 31 Please check the Cascade Internet Daily Rides Calendar for possible WEB-ONLY ride listings.

World Bicycle Relief: Red-Bell 100 continued from page 1 with World Bicycle Relief as a unique fundraiser. Funds raised will be distributed both locally to support Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation’s extensive youth programming, and globally to support the amazing work of World Bicycle Relief in Africa.

Cascade’s youth programming reaches 25,000 local kids per year; World Bicycle Relief just distributed their 90,000th lifechanging transport style bicycle in Africa this year. This exciting new partnership and ride offers participants a true way to affect direct change though their support and giving.

As a Cascade Bicycle Club event, riders can expect a high level of road support on this event; including full SAG and mechanical support and recommended hotel accommodations. The food and rest stop support will highlight top quality Pacific NW foods and themes, including a fully catered breakfast, lunch, and finish line cookout so cool you’ll want to invite the family to join you on the road to Bellingham!

“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling”

Riders can make their own travel arrangements, or take advantage of an optional bus ride back on Saturday night or Sunday morning. All participants will receive an amazing array of benefits for their minimum pledge of $250, including a custom event jersey, other unique souvenirs and a chance to win top name new bicycles and prizes.

We hope you join us in “Thinking Globally and Riding Locally” to help make the World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 a staple of the Pacific Northwest cycling calendar for many years to come. The event webpage debuts by Dec.15 and registration opens January 25, 2012. So get your “team” organized and let’s make a difference together!

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December 2011

CASCADE REGIONAL TOURS

by Becky Bottino, Regional Tours Committee

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f you enjoy bike touring, we have good news! Cascade is expanding its offering of regional tours in 2012. These tours have been immensely popular and have received high ratings from participants. At the request of club members, we have diversified the tour offerings next year to include more steady paced and four day tours. Next year there are five four-day tours and five week-long (or longer) tours. For more information visit the Cascade web site at www.cascade.org.

Because of the high demand for these tours, registration will be held by lottery.

Registration for the first five tours will open on Jan. 25. Registration for the second five tours will open on Feb. 29. Tours are rated (in descending order of difficulty) as Advanced; Advanced/Intermediate; Intermediate/Advanced; Intermediate; Steady or Leisurely.

For more information about the detailed itineraries (including daily mileage, elevation gain), the ratings and the lottery process, visit the Cascade web site at www.cascade.org.

Solvang Spring Ride April 7-14, 2012 Intermediate/Advanced Tour Leaders: Ralph & Carol Nussbaum

Based in the Danish-themed town of Solvang just inland of Santa Barbara, participants will stay in one hotel and take different routes out of this cycling town. which is a favorite training ground of pro cycling teams as well as a stop on the Tour of California. We will start with an easy, flat route and work our way up to progressively more difficult routes through the canyons and over the ridges towards the beach, climaxing with a challenging climb over Mt Figueroa and a scenic century route through coast hills and flat farmlands. This tour is challenging, but with a fixed base, participants can opt out of a day’s ride to enjoy wineries, olive bars, and farmer’s markets. Some days will also have shortcuts to return to town, making the tour appropriate for advanced or moderate riders. The average temperature in April is 75 degrees!

Central California Tour April 27-May 5, 2012 Advanced/Intermediate Tour Leaders: Sue Matthews & Ken Condray

The Central California Tour is an early season loop tour starting and ending in San Luis Obispo. The route explores little known roads in and around the Salinas and Carmel valleys, as well as the spectacular California coastline between Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Experience roads travelled

by Tour of California notables. Spend a rest day in Monterey visiting the famous Monterey Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman’s Wharf. One tour option pro-

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vides riders the opportunity to visit Pinnacles National Monument.

Yakima Exploration Tour May 17-21, 2012 Intermediate/Advanced Tour Leaders: Ralph & Carol Nussbaum

This four-day weekend tour is a replacement for one of the two Eastern Washington Tours that we have run for the last three years. This will be a classic “Hub and Spoke” tour with a fixed base in an upscale inn in Yakima. Each day the group will take a different route out of town, with varying lengths and elevation gains on each route. The first day’s ride will be about 75 miles through the Yakima Canyon to Ellensburg and back. The second day will take a longer and hillier route out to circumnavigate Rimrock Lake. The “Queen Stage” will be a challenging ride up Chinook Pass. Our final day is more relaxed as we go south and east through wine country. Most of the routes have bailout points, so the distance we go will be determined by our ambition and the strength in our legs.

Eastern Washington Tour May 31-June 4, 2012 Intermediate/Advanced Tour Leaders: Ralph & Carol Nussbaum

This is the flagship tour of the Regional Tours Program, having been run every year since 2003. It starts in Chelan and goes through the Methow Valley and over Loup Loup to Omak. The next day climbs over Wauconda Pass (or takes the longer, rolling route through Toroda Creek valley) to the tiny town of Republic. On the third day, we cruise down the Sanpoil River, over a big hill and down into Coulee Dam to stay at the base of the dam. The final day includes a climb out of the Columbia River Valley, a ride across a rolling plateau, a descent of stunning McNeil Canyon and the return to Chelan. This tour is gorgeous and has been considered by many repeat participants as the necessary training ride for a summer of great riding.

Willamette Valley Cruise June 15-23, 2012 Steady Tour Leaders: Ralph & Carol Nussbaum

This tour was our first steady-paced tour.

Last year’s participants gave it a definite two thumbs up. We start in Oregon City and ride to Silverton, stopping at the Oregon Gardens Hotel with plenty of time to tour the beautiful Oregon Gardens. The next day we ride up to Silver Falls to spend the morning admiring the many waterfalls in the park and end in Albany for the night. The third day is a tour of some of Oregon’s famous covered bridges. We then spend two nights in Corvallis along the Willamette River, taking a day

off to enjoy this pleasant college town. After the break we take parts of the Willamette River Greenway Route to Salem, riding a ferry, visiting a winery and riding a carousel on the way. The next day is a pleasant ride to McMinnville with stops at another winery and the Air and Space museum, home to the famous Spruce Goose. The last day is a ramble along the Willamette River back to Oregon City and our cars.

Park, the Canadian extension of Glacier, for a rest day. Fill the day with boating, biking, hiking or just relaxing in the small village.

The tour continues south to the United States and back to Whitefish, travelling first to Many Glaciers and over the iconic Going to the Sun Highway to Lake McDonald, all within Glacier National Park. Lodging at both Many Glaciers and Lake McDonald is at historic park hotels.

San Juan Islands Tour

Harrison Hot Springs Resort Tour

July 12-16, 2012 Steady Tour Leaders: Ken Condray & Becky Bottino

We invite you to experience the breathtaking scenery of San Juan Islands with us. This tour will start in Anacortes, Wash. The first three days of the tour we explore Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas Islands then return to the mainland for the 4th cycling day. Lodging will include two nights in Anacortes and two nights on Lopez Island. The scenery is guaranteed to be breathtaking with thick, green forests; spectacular coastlines, snowcapped mountain views and quaint island towns. This tour is rated steady with 40-50 miles per day to give riders a chance to enjoy the scenery, take pictures, and relax. The terrain on the tour is generally rolling with Orcas being “hilly.” An optional climb of Mt. Constitution will be included for those who are looking for a challenge.

August 22-26, 2012 Steady Tour Leaders: Ralph & Carol Nussbaum

This is a flat tour with easy riding and plenty of time to take in the sights. We start in Mount Vernon and work our way up the coast to the luxurious resort at Semiahmoo.

The next day we head east towards Lynden, across the border at Sumas and on to the elegant resort of Harrison Hot Springs. We’ll leave Harrison late, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and luxuries there and ride to Aldergrove. The next day we finish by riding directly back down the valley to Mount Vernon.

Southern Utah National Parks Tour

Trail of the Coeur d’Alene

September 7-16, 2012 Intermediate/Advanced Leaders: Ken Condray & Ralph Nussbaum

This cycling tour is designed for people who love to cycle through spectacular scenery without the worry of dealing with cars or traffic. The 73-mile Coeur d’Alene Trail in Northern Idaho takes you from high mountain splendor, through the historic Silver Valley, into the chain lakes region, along the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, over the Chatcolet Bridge to Heyburn State Park and finally climbs to the Palouse prairie.

As an added bonus, we will spend one day on the Hiawatha Trail. This trail follows an old railroad grade for a 15-mile, gentle downhill ride through ten tunnels and over seven high trestles. The route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country and is the “crown jewel” of the rail-to trail system.

This nine-day tour will introduce you to several of our nation’s most beautiful national parks during the prime fall color season. It’s guaranteed to take your breath away. Our tour starts in Cedar City, Utah and heads south for a leisurely ride to Springdale where you will be introduced to Utah’s magnificent Southwest Color Country. You will visit the flowing mammoth rocks of Zion National Park for the day before getting a good night’s rest in Mount Carmel Junction. We continue our journey to the red and white spires of Bryce Canyon where we will spend an extra day riding or hiking, your choice. From Bryce we head north on Hwy 12 referred to by some as a journey through time going by Escalante National Monument en route to Capitol Reef National Park—the land of the sleeping rainbow. We take another day off to hike or bike there before heading to the Rock in’ Ranch where we will put on our boots and dance the night away with a local band.

Our last two days will be spent working our way back to Cedar City through beautiful mountains and Cedar Breaks National Park.

July 26 – 30, 2012 Leisurely/Steady Tour Leaders: Ken Condray & Becky Bottino

Glacier Park Tour

August 3-11, 2012 Intermediate/Advanced Tour Leaders: Sue Matthews & Per Sunde This tour is a clockwise loop starting and ending in Whitefish, Montana. The route travels north to Canada to reach the spectacular Canadian Rockies, visiting fascinating interpretive sites before arriving at Waterton

www.cascade.org

Vol. 41, No. 12

Cascade Affiliated International Tours Beer, Bikes & Belgium Tour

Belgium and the Netherlands for 2012 UCI World Championships

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e are pleased to announce a special cycling trip that has just been announced for Cascade Bicycle Club members.

This exclusive, one-of-a-kind cycling tour is a celebration of Beer Bikes and Belgium. We will pedal on some of the finest roads in Belgium, experience the thrill and excitement of the UCI Men’s Road World Cycling Championships, and get introduced to the breadth and depth of Belgian beer making.

Perhaps you have heard of Belgium’s greatest cyclist, Eddy Merckx, you might have heard that the chocolate is outstanding, and maybe you are aware there are more than 400 different beers made in Belgium.

This tour will give you a taste of all this and more. This small county the size of Maryland is split into two distinct regions.

The northern part of Belgium is known as Flanders and the language spoken is Flemish, a form of Dutch. The southern part of Belgium is known as Wallonia and is inhabited by the French speaking population. Towns have quaint medieval squares, tree-lined canals, gorgeous architectural facades, world class museums and friendly outdoor cafes perfect for sampling local brews, making this a memorable cycling vacation.

The Beer Bikes and Belgium cycling tour will start in Flanders as we ride the worn cobblestones in Belgium and climb the legendary Koppenberg, Kemmelberg, Bosberg, and de Muur van Geraardsbergen (MuurKapelmuur) which are used in the Tour of Flanders. Most rides will be approximately 40 to 50 miles with short, steep climbs thrown in along the route. The Flanders region is mostly flat and at sea level, allowing fit riders to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region without suffering on long, continuous climbs.

After our days in Flanders, we will transfer to Wallonia and ride in the hilly Ardennes, home of the Liege-Bastogne-Liege. This extraordinary Spring Classic race is equipped with challenging terrain, cobbled roads, and steep climbs. The countryside is showcased by lush green forests and rolling hills, allowing you many photo opportunities while enjoying the valleys and landscape along the Meuse River basin.

When we finish a ride, we will recover the true Belgian way… with beer! For beer lovers on the tour you will visit distinctive regional breweries characteristic of the area. Raise your glass to a hearty Belgian beer at each brewery we visit and learn about the various types of the world’s best beer. Belgium has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for its specialty beers dating back to the Middle Ages. Connoisseurs favor Belgian beers for their variety, real flavor and character. The choices are endless when you consider raspberry beer, white beer, chocolate beer, geuze beer, cherry beer, brown beer, Trappist beer and, of course, the beer that Belgium is most famous for - the lambic beer. This unique variety is made with an ancient style of brewing depending on spontaneous fermentation to produce a bone-dry, profoundly tart, and a naturally effervescent drink that improves with years in the bottle, much like wine.

While visiting breweries we will earn specific techniques used to make a beer distinctive

Beer, Bikes & Belgium Tour Itinerary Date: Sept. 17-24, 2012 Length: 8 days/7 nights Location: Belgium and the Netherlands Pace & Distance: 30-50 miles a day depending on interest and fitness level. A unique trip for any moderate-level club rider who wants to experience the cobbled road of Belgium, watch professional racing, and sample some of Belgium’s finest beer.

Group size: 8 minimum, 16 maximum

to each community. Brewery entrance and samples following the tour are included in your tour. Every night with dinner you will be given a chance to sample another brew that complements your meal.

If the unparalleled riding and superb beer is not enough, we still have more to offer.

We will look at cycling history at the Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cycling Museum where you can interact with many exhibits, attempt your trivia knowledge, and even practice riding a bike over cobblestones. This year we also have the excitement of watching the UCI Road World Championships in the Netherlands. During the men’s time trial and road race we will be along the course and will be able to watch elite pro racing live and in person. This is a chance to watch the best cyclists in the world compete before your eyes.

In between riding and watching racing you can wander the historical district of Liege, stroll along the Meuse River, visit St. Lambert Square, or tour an art museum.

The options are endless in this 1,000 year old city.

Let us take you on your next cycling vacation by introducing you to a sampling of what this little country has to offer. Belgium is a cycling paradise with its quiet streets, narrow roads, and cycling-specific routes, outstanding beer, mild temps, and an inviting atmosphere.

At Finish Line Cycling we strive to satisfy your hunger for a grand cycling vacation, and your thirst for fabulous Belgian beer.

We are a family owned business with a passion for cycling and have devoted ourselves to taking fellow cyclists on bike trips we also enjoy. We have been riding for as long as we can remember and enjoy the fitness cycling brings to our lifestyle. Although we used to race we are now content on training with our club, and leading tours. For more details please see itinerary in this newsletter or visit our web site at http://www.bikebelgium. com/cascadebeer.aspx. If you prefer, you can call us at (720) 295-0758 and we will be happy to answer any questions.

“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling”

Day 1: Upon early morning arrival at the Brussels Airport, transport of bike and gear to our hotel accommodations in Oudenaarde. Group introductions, assemble bikes, settle in your room, and have lunch.

Warm-up ride of approximately 20 miles at a casual pace, followed by a large welcome dinner including a gastronomical affair, with distinctive Belgian cuisine.

Day 2: After breakfast we will ride part of the Tour of Flanders race route, including the legendary Koppenberg, Kwaremont, Paterberg climbs. Even though there are a number of climbs today, they are all very short and manageable. From the base of the climb you can see the top and it’s OK to walk with your bike! Many have smooth pavement while others are rough and cobbled. Get a true sense of what the pros feel when they race up them. We will stop for lunch in a small village along our route look around and eat lunch at your own pace, wherever you’d like to. We will regroup before heading back to Oudenaarde.

Approximately 40-50 miles of riding with a longer mileage option. Visit the Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cycling Museum. Later in the day we will relax during our first local brewery tour at regional brewery before heading to dinner.

Day 3: Short, easy ride in the morning of approximately 20-25 miles before we head to the Netherlands to watch the UCI Road World’s Cycling Championships. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes and a cowbell to cheer on the world’s best cyclists.

The Elite Men’s Individual Time Trial will finish on top of the Cauberg, a steep climb with a max gradient of 12%. This famous hill is also used in the Amstel Gold Spring Classic race every year. We will watch the final kilometers of this 45km time trial with thousands of our newest Dutch friends.

Group dinner after the awards presentation where we can discuss techniques and efforts of the elite riders we just watched battle it out to the finish.

Day 4: Breakfast in our new hotel, then bike ride on a section of the LiegeBastogne-Liege route. More hills today but still a moderate ride, averaging about 40-50 miles. Some cobbles, some climbs. Another brewery tour is on the agenda for the afternoon. Enjoy the differing landscape of the Liege Province with the lush green forests of the Ardennes, narrow roads, and peaceful countryside. Dinner in the heart of Liege.

Day 5: Day off of bike to explore on your own in the historical district of Liege, or optional bike ride will be planned. Stroll along the Meuse River, ride around the university grounds, visit St. Lambert Square, tour the art Museum, or take pictures of the Palace of the Prince-Bishops. The options are endless in the 1,000 year old city but don’t forget to buy some

chocolate. For those who would like to get a few more miles in we will organize a ride leaving in the morning immediately following breakfast, and continue riding another portion of the Liege Bastogne Liege course.

We will regroup for dinner late in the day.

Day 6: Ride near Liege on flat roads with moderate hills, approximately 40 miles with longer options available. For some cross training, climb the 400 stairs of Montagne de Bueren up to the Citadelle. Bring your camera for the best panoramic views of the city. We will visit another distinctive brewery to taste more local brews.

Day 7: After an early breakfast we will head to Marché de la Batte along the Meuse River in Liege. The market is one of the longest in all of Europe where fresh produce, clothing, and food are the center of attention. You will have a chance to pick up some snacks to eat while watching the race later in the day. After our stop we will continue on to Maastricht, in the Netherlands to be in the start town for the UCI Road World’s Cycling Championships. Today is a day off our bike as we get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the long 267km Elite Men’s Road Race. After the men leave town, we will head out along the race route to watch the five laps they complete before a winner is declared. Afterwards we will pack gear and bikes and have final dinner as a group.

Day 8: Breakfast at the hotel, goodbyes, then morning transport back to the Brussels, Belgium airport for early international flights.

Pricing $3,700 double occupancy $500 single supplement $375 road bike rental (if needed) The minimum number of riders required to run this tour is eight.

Registration Sign up online through Finish Line Cycling: www.bikebelgium.com/cascadebeer. aspx

Cancellations Finish Line Cycling lists booking conditions and the cancellation policy on their website at www.bikebelgium.com/terms.aspx

Trip Inclusions All lodging, most meals, transportation of all luggage, gear and bikes, entry fees into breweries, supported rides, local Englishspeaking guides, first drink at meals, and so much more. Find out the details at www. bikebelgium.com/cascadebeer.aspx

Trip Exclusions Airfare to/from Brussels, Belgium, gratuities for guides and leaders, single supplement, bike rental, miscellaneous personal expenses are not included.

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December 2011

Cyclist of the Month

Bicycling is the hot topic on the streets

Madi Carlson

by Serena Lehman, Community Outreach Manager

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by Erica Meurk, Staff Writer

Age: 39 Occupation: Stay-at-home mom Wheels: Bianchi Milano

M

adi Carlson isn’t afraid of the cold or the rain. And neither is her cargo.

All winter long, Madi rides with her kids – Brandt, who’s four-and-a-half years old, and Rijder, who’s just two – strapped into seats mounted to the front and rear of her Celeste Green Bianchi Milano city bike. The bike was a “push present,” given to her by her husband just before Rijder was born. Brandt’s been riding with her since he was a one-year-old, “strong enough to hold his head up.” With Rijder, she started even earlier, towing him in a Burley trailer when he was just eight weeks.

Impressed? So was I. I wanted to know: Who is this woman, and how does she do it? What motivates her? The notion that she’s saving our planet from excess CO2 emissions? Or that she’s instilling the value of active transportation in her children?

But Madi’s motivations are far from grandiose.

“I’m lazy. And I’m incredibly cheap,” she said. “Coming here in a car, I would’ve had to park four blocks away to avoid paying for parking.”

From her perspective, bicycling simply makes more sense than driving. It’s cheaper and more convenient. It’s maybe a little slower, but, she says, “When it’s your primary form of transportation, you just plan on taking extra time. I don’t go fast.

Someone jogging with a tiny dog passed me the other day.”

Though Madi’s no crusader, she’s aware that her presence on the road could help would-be bicyclists make the leap from mini-vans to Bobike mini-seats.

“It’s important for people to see a normal person riding. I mean, I’m pretty normal,” she said. “I don’t wear spandex or anything.”

And it’s true, she doesn’t. She’s remarkably low-key about the entire enterprise.

Baskets mounted on the sides of her bike hold extra layers, a cable lock, snacks and even her morning coffee. When it rains, she just dresses the boys in head-to-toe raingear and packs that stuff in giant Ikea bags to keep it dry.

As long as they’re prepared, it’s no hardship.

“We’re all happier on the bike. My kids don’t like the car. They’re always excited to take the ‘mama bike.’”

I spent half an hour riding with them – from the University District to South Lake Union Park – and that much was obvious.

The kids are engaged. They’re cheerful.

During the short time I was with them,

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they marveled at a crane (“Is it moving?

What do you think?”), a barge, a tow truck and more than one sailboat.

They’ve made discoveries on that bike that they never would’ve made from inside a car. Madi showed me the “secret train tracks” they found peeking out from behind the trees along Westlake Ave. “We’re all about trains. And I’m speaking for all three of us here.”

Family rides with groups like Kidical Mass and Totcycle have helped her make other (dare I say more practical?) discoveries – like Densmore Ave. North, which is a quieter alternative to Stone Way, her previous go-to route from the Burke-Gilman Trail to her Wallingford home. She counts on the support of other family bikers, both online and in person, for information and inspiration.

She doesn’t mention safety, so I bring it up. Does she ever feel vulnerable on the road? She just smiles. “That’s where the sidewalk comes in.”

Madi’s mom was Dutch, and she grew up travelling to Holland. Seeing those slow-pedaling, cycle track-riding Dutchfolk altered her perception. “It wasn’t a scary concept to ride a bike with kids.”

Even so, more separated bike lanes would make a huge difference for them. As we rode the bike lane on North 34th Street on our way to the Fremont Bridge, she mused, “I don’t know why they protect the cars with the bike lane. They should protect the bikes with the cars. Right now, I’m in the door zone.”

Even with the infrastructure, it seems to me that riding with those two kids would be a lot of work. But again, Madi is nonplussed.

“Carrying 70 pounds of kids keeps me warm. I like when people ask if I have a motor,” she adds. “Because I don’t have a motor.”

The kids will soon outgrow their seats on her Bianchi, and she’s in the midst of an upgrade. Her next bike is cargo bike, and it’s in the shop getting painted. She chose pink.

“Because who would steal a pink bike?”

She doesn’t say this, but I have to add: Pink bikes are also fun. And Madi Carlson is all about fun.

Nominate a cyclist of the month!

Send nominations to erica.meurk@cascadebicycleclub.org

his is time of year when it is easy to be thankful for all that we have in our lives. Do you know who I am thankful for? Our outstanding Bicycle Ambassadors. They spoke with more than 5,000 people at farmer’s markets, transportation fairs, school science nights, helmet sales and much more. And by “much more”, I mean 160+ more community events.

This year, we launched our new Energizer Stations. Our trusty Bike Ambassadors set up at three different locations for five weeks in a row to pump tires, grease chains, and hand out healthy snacks. The goal was to create a Bike to Work Day-like atmosphere every day of the week so all those “interested but concerned” people out there could feel supported giving bike transportation a try.

The most common thing I heard when we were out pumping tires was “I was thinking I needed more air in my tires.” The Energizer Stations were so successful we are getting requests to come to “my” neighborhood.

Well shoot me an email and let’s see if make that happen.

While the numbers do inspire me, I find that the stories are really what make me so grateful for our Bike Ambassadors. By far the most common type conversation we had was with people who were interested in riding but needed help with the route or wanted to know the laws. Luckily our Bike Ambassadors are knowledgeable and prepared to help people take that extra step to start riding.

I want to give a heartfelt shout out to our Ambassador team who handed out prizes in the rain, talked family riding at the farmer’s markets and who rode their bikes throughout the community just to talk to people about bicycling. Three cheers for Brian Bothomley, Lindsay Donnellon, Morgan Scherer and Stevie Roark!

As we look toward 2012 I hear echoing around in my brain the things people said to us: I want somewhere to ride safely with my kids, why don’t you cyclists follow the rules of the road, and what the %!?$ is that stuff painted on the road. So friendly reader, keep your ears open for word on the Bike Master Plan update, our new Peanut Gallery and more opportunities to ride as a family.

Major Taylor Project starts fourth Year strong continued from page 1 support from Raleigh Bicycles fueled growth and expansion efforts, enabling the project to reach more teens. Support from Recycled Cycles and Redline helped to strengthen and expand the fleet of Major Taylor bikes. STP support and encouragement was bolstered with involvement from Cucina Fresca, Allstar Fitness, Pike Place Brewing, Washington Partners, CB Richard Ellis, Ivars and Jones Soda.

A significant milestone was reached with the first annual Major Taylor Spin-A-Thon, held in West Seattle in February. More than 180 cyclists and project supporters, pedaled indoors for one-to three-hour shifts, generating over $10,000.

“It was an indoor party on bikes,” Pat Thompson, YES! Foundation Executive Director said.

The Major Taylor Project was awarded the Specialized Bicycles ‘Youth On Bikes’ Grant in June, recognizing the projects, dedication and commitment to youth in cycling.

The project was also awarded the Seattle Parks and Recreation Hope for Youth Grant.

The YES! Foundation of White Center was awarded a $5,000 grant for their community commitment to the Major Taylor Project.

The Major Taylor Project was also awarded a $6,000 grant from the King County Food & Fitness Initiative, enabling its expansion to Chief Sealth High School.

Major Taylor will be pedaling the “BIG ring” into the 2011-2012 program season.

Highline High School in Burien, is targeted for the next Major Taylor club, bringing the total to six. The Major Taylor curriculum will offer more opportunities for diverse youth on and off the bike. Youth leadership opportunities are being created through Cascade Bicycle Club, supporting organizations, and through the weekly curriculum.

David Stern, Major Taylor Ride Leader, is returning for his second year to expand the five-week Earn-A-Bike maintenance program. New Major Taylor AmeriCorps volunteer Emma Epstein brings a great deal leadership experience working with diverse youth.

The Major Taylor project is poised for exponential growth. At Cascade Bicycle Club, we are committed to that growth and to our mission of creating a better community through bicycling. The need for and impact of the Major Taylor Project in the diverse communities it serves are huge. There are more miles to explore and there are more youth to empower.

As Pat Thompson says: “We’ve started a movement.”

www.cascade.org

Vol. 41, No. 12

CASCADE CONTACTS Home Page: www.cascade.org Office phone: 206-522-3222 or 206-522-BIKE Fax: 206-522-2407 Email: info@cascadebicycleclub.org

CBC Office 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115

STAFF Note: All email address are @cascadebicycleclub.org

Erica Meurk, Staff Writer

Jenny Almgren, Education Program Assistant

(206) 522-7517 erica.meurk@…

(206) 694-9148 jenny.almgren@…

Leah Pistorius, Communications Specialist

Chuck Ayers, Executive Director

(913) 579-7629 leah.pistorius@…

(206) 523-9495 chuck.ayers@…

Robin Randels, Classes Coordinator

Craig Benjamin, Policy and Government Affairs Manager

(206) 390-3945 robin.randels@…

(206) 713-6204 craig.benjamin@…

Chris Rule, Political Program Manager

Mary Collins, Americorps Member, Commute Program

(206) 371-1242 chris.rule@…

(206) 861-9890 cpa@…

Julie Salathé, Education Director

David Douglas, Event Producer

(206) 523-1952 julies@…

(206) 522-BIKE david.douglas@…

Elliott Sherburne, Americorps Member, Youth Programs

Diane English, Office & Member Services Manager

(206) 861-9875 ypa@…

(206) 957-7944 diane.english@…

Kat Sweet, Youth Program Manager

Emma Epstein, Americorps Member, Major Taylor Project (206) 427-3090 kat.sweet@…

(206) 957-6960 mtpa@…

Anna Telensky, Events and Sponsorship Coordinator

Ed Ewing, Major Taylor Project Manager

(206) 778-6099 annat@…

(206) 778-4671 ed.ewing@…

Kim Thompson, Event Registrar

Stephanie Frans, Manager of Commute Programs

(206) 526-1677 kim.thompson@…

(206) 522-9479 stephanie.frans@…

Alan Van Vlack, Database and Accounting Coordinator

Tessa Greegor, Principal Planner

(206) 226-1858 alan.vanvlack@…

(206) 204-0913 tessa.greegor@…

Peter Verbrugge, Event Producer

Chris Hanger, Individual Giving Officer

(206) 517-4826 peterv@…

(360) 402-9743 chris.hanger@…

Tarrell Wright, Development Director

Erica Hann, Americorps Member, Community Programs

(206) 240-2235 tarrell.wright@…

(206) 957-6623 cmpa@…

Max Hepp-Buchanan, Advocacy Campaigns Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(206) 226-1040 MaxHB@…

Note: All email address are @cascadebicycleclub.org

Mike Inocencio, Corporate Development Director

President

(206) 522-2403 mikei@…

George Durham • george.durham@...

M.J. Kelly, Director of Communications & Marketing

Vice President

(206) 853-2188 m.j.kelly@…

Daniel Weise • daniel.weise@...

Diana Larson, Volunteer Coordinator

Treasurer

(206) 852-6827 diana.larson@…

Michael Snyder • michael.snyder@...

Sander Lazar, Rides Program Coordinator

Secretary

(206) 694-9108 sander.lazar@…

Don Volta • don.volta@cascadebicycleclub.org

Serena Lehman, Community Outreach Manager

Executive Committee Member-at-large

(206) 291-4032 serenal@…

Emily Moran • emily.moran@cascadebicycleclub.org

Kathy Mania, Finance Director

Directors

(206) 522-4639 kathy.mania@…

John Mauro, Director of Policy, Planning & Gov’t Affairs (206) 446-3688 john.mauro@…

Ron Sher • ron.sher@...

Kevin Carrabine • kevin.carrabine@...

Joey Gray • joey.gray@...

Kathy McCabe, Deputy Director

Bill Ptacek • bill.ptacek@...

(206) 204-0587 kathy.mccabe@…

MEMBERSHIP FORM Please detach form and return to: Cascade Bicycle Club •7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S • Seattle, WA 98115 o New member o Renewal FIRST NAME

MI LAST NAME

M/F DATE OF BIRTH

EMAIL

STATE

ZIP

ADDRESS CITY HOME PH

WORK PH

CELL PH

To help promote cycling, we occasionally share names with other organizations.

We never share telephone numbers or email addresses, only postal addresses. May we share your name? ◊ Yes ◊ No TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP 1 YEAR 2 YEARS GIFT SOCK SIZE OFFICE NOTES

Individual

o $ 35 o $ 60 o $ 100

o $ 65 o $ 115 o $ 195

Cycling socks

o $ 250 o $ 500

o $ 495 o $ 995

Cycling socks

S M L XL

Champion*

Cycling socks

S M L XL

Student/limited income (e-news only)

o $ 15

o $ 25

Household/Family* Supporter* Advocate*

S M L XL

Tax-deductible donation to the CBC Education Foundation** TOTAL ENCLOSED o

A check payable to the Cascade Bicycle Club is enclosed. ($20 fee for returned checks.)

o

Please charge my VISA/MASTERCARD: — — — Cardholder’s name (Please print):

Exp. date /

Cardholder’s signature: *Contributing members may include household and family members on their membership. **The Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation (CBCEF) is an IRS 501(c)(3) charity. Donations to the CBCEF are tax-deductible.

Membership contributions or gifts to the Cascade Bicycle Club 501(c)(4) are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling”

11

Welcome New Members Ronna Agree James Aliano Snowden Armstrong Dana Armstrong Judy Auten Abbi Barden Mitchell Bartholome Chris Bartholome Virginia Bartholomew Shannon Bartholomew Thomas Benedum Gena Berglund Deborah Bowler Guy Brook Jasper Chattra Jeffrey Chrisope Vanessa Coil Mary Collins Ray Darrah

Anable David Kristi Davis Rob DeMone Emma Epstein Dan Fealk Rosemary Flannery Kathy Frank Thomas Frank Nathan French Karin Frey Dennis Gaither Lori Gard Paul Gauthier Jessica Geenen KC Golden Geoffrey Gould Don Gray Mark Greenig Annika Greenig

Michael Halcrow Erica Hann Theresa Harding Marilyn Harnden Cathy HenschelMcGerry Arianna Hesterberg Zachary Hesterberg Hallie Holton Katie Holton Leia Jung Jaeyeon Jung Ahna Jung Dale Kaber David Kerr Kristofer Koehn Dennis Lacsina Dave Law Mark MacGillivray

Hilary MacGillivray Claire MacGillivray Wilfried Mack Douglas Mapes Virginia McCormick Andrea McFadden Bijal Mehta Casteel Michael Charlie Miracle Mike Morgan Sue Mullen Elise Mullen Sylvie Mullen Ross Mullen Richard Mullen Caroline Mullen Tina Neogi Nancy Norman Bruce O’Neill

Armando Paz Kurt Peterson Ross Peterson Leah Pistorius Barbara Pomeroy Danny Rasmussen Michael Rawding Michael Redman Jan Richey Anna Richey Shirley Riegsecker Norman Riegsecker Hope Rippeon Nataly Roberts Julianne Roberts Rachel Robinson Thomas Rose Robert Runge Mikayla Ryane

Elliott Sherburne Ann Silvernale Keith Slattery Marti Slattery Brad Smith Matt Stashin Brandon Torres Rob Trahms Judith Unger Brad Vanderburg Alexa Volwiler Dylan Wall Abby Wall Libby Williams Mark Wishnie

MARK THESE DATES FOR 2012!

Tuesday, Jan. 10 Wednesday, Jan. 11

Members-only registration opens for Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, STP, and RAW opens.

Bike Swap .................................Feb. 12

Members-only lottery for RSVP 1 opens.

Members-only lottery for RSVP 2 opens.

Seattle Bicycle Expo .........Mar. 10 – 11

Chilly Hilly...............................Feb. 26

Bike to Work Breakfast .............. May 4

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Members-only lottery lottery for regional tours 1- 5 opens, with one lottery per tour.

Friday, Jan. 27

RSVP 1 & 2 lotteries close. Registration process details will be sent with notification of lottery draw.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

RSVP 1 & 2 registration for lottery winners opens.

Public registration for Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, STP, and RAW opens.

Cyclefest ..............................TBD, July

Regional tours lotteries close. Registration process details will be sent with notification of lottery draw.

Ride Around Washington ....Aug. 4 -11

Friday, Feb. 10

Bike to Work Day .................... May 18 Flying Wheels ........................... June 9 Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic ................... July 14 - 15

World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 ............................ June 30

RSVP1 ..............................Aug. 17 - 18

Wednesday, Feb. 29

Members-only lottery for regional tours 6 – 10 opens, with one lottery per tour.

RSVP2 ..............................Aug. 18 - 19 High Pass Challenge ................. Sept. 9

12

Friday, Mar. 23

Regional tours 6-10 lotteries close.

Tuesday, Mar. 27

Registration for High Pass Challenge and Kitsap Color Classic opens.

Kitsap Color Classic ................ Sept. 30

Announcing Cascade’s 2012 Legislative Agenda continued from page 1 less time to think about how bicycling can help solve all of these problems. But that’s where Cascade enters the picture.

Despite tremendous challenges, this legislative session presents an opportunity to have an honest conversation about how we deal with our fiscal crisis and build a transportation system that will make Washington work for our future. This is an opportunity to develop smart, simple, innovative solutions that create safe neighborhood streets, improve public health, cut costly red tape and save our cities money. An opportunity to have hundreds of conversations about how we can create a better community through bicycling.

And we’re already on the ground in Olympia working to seize this opportunity.

Cascade’s 2012 legislative agenda will help our state deal with the problems we’re facing today while preparing for the problems of the future.

We’re working with our partners in the Transportation for Washington coalition to figure out how to fund and build a 21st century transportation system.

We’re collaborating with the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and dozens of other organizations and community groups to pass HB 1217 – the Neighborhood Safe Speeds bill, to make neighborhoods safer by allowing cities and towns the authority to set speed limits to 20 miles per hour on non-arterial streets without costly red tape.

We’re partnering with cities across the state to pass HB 1700, which gives cities and counties the flexibility to use updated guidelines for designing bicycle and pedestrian projects, helping to increase safety and reduce project costs.

We’re working with our friends in the public health community to integrate health in transportation policy, planning and investments by adding health to Washington’s transportation goals in order to reduce chronic diseases, reduce motor-vehicle related injuries and deaths and ensure transportation access for all people.

And we’re working to ensure our state gives back federal funds proportionately, so that pedestrian and bicycle projects aren’t unfairly impacted.

We had a successful session last year, passing the Vulnerable Users bill (SB 5326) and a bill creating a complete streets grant program (HB 1071). We’re working hard to build on these wins, but like last year (and every year!), we need your help.

Over the coming weeks and months, we need you in our corner to help advance this agenda and create a better community through bicycling. We’ll need your help contacting your legislators, writing letters to the editor, lobbying and testifying, so stay tuned about how we can work together to build a better future.

The Cascade Courier is printed on recycled paper. We support recycling. Please recycle this paper when you are finished with it.

www.cascade.org