February events: Feb. 10: Seattle Bike Swap Feb. 16: HPC open house Feb. 22: Nelson Vails Feb. 24: Chilly Hilly
JANUARY 2013 / Vol. 43, No. 1
Here’s what you need to know about 2013 event registration by Ellison Fidler, Administrative Coordinator
2013 EVENT DATES Feb. 24 Jun. 8 Jun. 29 Jul. 13–14 Aug. 3–9 Aug. 16–17 Aug. 17–18 Sept. 8 Sept. 29
Chilly Hilly Flying Wheels Summer Century Red-Bell 100 Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic Ride Around Washington RSVP RSVP2 High Pass Challenge Kitsap Color Classic
T
he 2013 event registration is about to begin, the following information will help ensure the process is a smooth one for you. As a Cascade member you can register for our events ahead of the crowd. Online registration opens to current Cascade members on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and to the general
public on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Register online by logging in to http://shop.cascade.org. If you have not logged into the website before, you’ll need to create an account with a username and password. In order to register during early registration your membership must be current. You can check your membership expiration date, find your member number or view other people listed as part of your household by logging into the your online account. If you have lost your username/ password, email support@cascadebicycleclub.org.
New for 2013 There are a few changes to events this year. If you don’t want to take your chances by entering the lottery for RSVP, you can bypass the lottery by registering at the “buy it now” price of $200. There are only 250 continued on page 2
Preview for the 2013 legislative session by Matthew Green, Legislative Affairs Manager
Congratulations to our 2012 “Ride Leader of the Year” – Jan Johnson
I
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115 www.cascade.org
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Seattle, WA PERMIT No. 2172
On the positive side, the Cascade Bicycle Club looks forward to working with Governor-elect Jay Inslee, whom we endorsed. We believe Gov. Inslee will be a strong supporter of bicycling, while knowing many other issues, notably education funding, will demand his attention. In recent years, the state House of Representatives has supported pro-bicycling legislation, and we expect that to continue. The House remains controlled by Democrats, and bicycle champions such as Representatives Judy Clibborn (Bellevue, Mercer Island), Marko Liias (Edmonds, Mill Creek) and Joe Fitzgibbon (Burien, West Seattle) remain on the House Transportation Committee, where most bicycle issues get decided. Some supportive Republicans are also returning. The big changes are in the state Senate. Last year, Democrats who mostly supported bicycling controlled the chamber. Unfortunately, the senator who chaired the Senate Transportation Committee was openly hostile to the needs of bicyclists, meaning various bills we cared about stagnated. That senator, however, lost her re-election bid, opening the committee to new leadership. Still, the Senate remains uncertain. The most pro-bicycle voice among Republican Senators also lost re-election, while a Democratic bicycling champion from the House (Andy Hill (Spokane)) successfully continued on page 10
Is your membership expiring?
RENEW AT
www.cascade.org/renew
A
t Cascade’s annual Volunteer Recognition Party in December, the Rides Committee announced Jan Johnson as the 2012 Ride Leader of the Year! A critical selection process was involved, giving consideration to 15 qualified candidates and ultimately reducing the list to four outstanding ride leaders. In the final analysis, Jan was the clear choice. Jan goes above and beyond expectations on behalf of the Club and is an outstanding ride leader who truly deserves this award. She has consistently led more than 30+ rides annually for the past 10 years, possibly a Club record. For at least the last five years she has been coordinating the weekly TREATS rides. Jan is always helpful to riders who are new to Cascade and group cycling, and she has recruited and trained many outstanding new ride leaders. She has demonstrated leadership and commitment to the Daily Rides Program over the years and was responsible for organizing and teaching the ride leader certification program. Beyond being a ride leader, she devotes her time tirelessly working in many other areas of the Club. She demonstrates the qualities that make her an excellent ride
In This Issue Transforming old BMX bikes..................................2 Black History Month with Nelson Vails................2 Seattle Brews Cruise...............................................2 Red Bell-100............................................................3 Chilly Hilly .............................................................3 Seattle Bike Expo...................................................4 Bikeconomics............................................................5 Doping in Cycling: An Insider’s View.....................5
leader and has earned her recognition as Cascade’s Ride Leader of the Year. Jan, thank you for all you do for Daily Rides! The “Ride Leader of the Year” award began in 2005 to publicly recognize outstanding ride leaders for their contributions to the Daily Rides Program. Since that time, we have recognized Per and Shana Sunde (2005), Norm Tjaden (2006), Mike Kelly (2007), Gary Strauss (2008), Scott Kralik (2009), Craig Mohn (2010), Francis Gan (2011) and now Jan Johnson(2012). The selection criteria for this award includes consistently demonstrating excellent safety practices (S.M.A.R.T.) as well as interpersonal and leadership skills, creating a variety of routes and themes, providing maps and cue sheets, giving clear directions at the start of the ride, and leading rides throughout the year.
January Rides......................................................6-7 It’s a whole new year for classes........................8 High Performance Cycling......................................9 Ride Referee roll call.............................................9 Cyclist of the month............................................10 Find us online.......................................................10 Welcome new staff...............................................11 Cascade contacts...................................................11 Membership form..................................................11 Puget Sound Bike Share closer to launching....12
Photo by Julie Newcombe
by Peter Hallson, Rides Committee
t’s January, meaning it’s time for a new session of the Washington State Legislature. While the outlook for bicycling is difficult to predict, there are reasons for optimism and pessimism. The difference may depend on the activism by citizens like you from across the state.
TIME DATED MATERIAL
Congratulations to our 2012 Volunteer of the Year, Mel Roberts! Read more about December's Volunteer Appreciation Party on page 8. Thank you to all who volunteer throughout the Club. We couldn't do it without you!