Volume 14 / Issue 1 WINTER 2012
BIKE GEAR CLIMATE RIDE
ENFRENTE BIKE PATH NOW OPEN!
PO Box 1115, Fairfax CA 94978 • 415-456-3469
Volume 14 / Issue 1
WINTER 2012
www.marinbike.org STAFF Kim Baenisch, Executive Director Tom Boss, Membership Director Jo Ann Richards, Database Bob Trigg, Administrator Andy Peri, Advocacy Director Alisha Oloughlin, Advocacy Coordinator Erik Schmidt; Dirt Director Kristin Nute; Volunteer Coordinator Wendi Kallins, Safe Routes to Schools Program Director Laura Kelly, Safe Routes to Schools Volunteer Liaison Peggy Clark, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator Gwen Froh, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Program Coordinator Shumit DasGupta & James Sievert, Safe Routes to Schools Instructors DIRECTORS Maureen Gaffney, President Scott Klimo, Vice President Ian Roth, Treasurer Don Magdanz, Secretary Matt Adams Phil Brewer Mark Comin Vince O’Brien Scott Penzeralla Tom Woolley ADVISORY BOARD Mark Birnbaum Joe Breeze Tom Hale Deb Hubsmith Jim Jacobsen Patrick Seidler Julia Violich PEDAL PRESS Editor: Tom Boss Copy Editor: Connie Breeze Design: Jeremy Thornton Contributors: Tom Boss, Maureen Gaffney, Wendi Kallins, Cheryl Longinotti, Alisha Oloughlin, Andy Peri, Erik Schmidt, James Sievert and Scott Warner
CONTENTS President’s Winter Message ........................... 3 SMART Train & Pathway: On Track & Moving Forward.................................................. 5 Enfrente Pathway Open to Bicyclists............. 6 FAQ: Dooring & Shared Lane Markers........... 8 MCBC Spin Zone.............................................. 10
MARK WEIR / DIRT ROLL III see page 16
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS iWalk Photos...................................................12 MCBC Welcomes Shumit DasGupta.........12 Davidson Bike Club Students Learn & Earn Bikes.........................................13 Erik Schmidt, MCBC’s New Dirt Director.... 14 Central Marin Ferry Connection Pushing Forward................................................15 Mark Weir to Join Dirt Roll III.........................16
MCBC SPIN ZONE See page 10
Climate Ride California 2011...........................17 Bike Gear Reviews EVT’s Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror.............................................. 20 Marin Nail Trail 29er.....................................21 Ryders Defcon Eyeware...............................22 GU Energy Sampler......................................23 Winter Contest.................................................23
Dooring & Shared Lane Markers See page 8
MCBC Store.......................................................24 Join MCBC.........................................................24 Enfrente Pathway cover photo by Tom Boss
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MCBC President’s Winter Message
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011 was another great year for bicycle advocacy in Marin. The Cal Park Tunnel celebrated its first birthday, the Transportation Authority of Marin recently approved $8 million in funding for the SMART rail/trail project, and the Board of Supervisors showed continued support for the Alto Tunnel by allocating $600,000 for vital engineering and design studies. By the time this Pedal Press is released, the Enfrente Pathway in Novato will be open—and another key segment of the North-South Greenway will be complete. Safe Routes to School, founded here in Marin at the MCBC by Wendi Kallins, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. In 2000, nine schools participated in Safe Routes to School programs. Today the participation of 52 schools in Marin serving more than 23,500 students, and an 8% mode shift countywide from single-student car trips to walking, bicycling and transit, attest to the stellar success of this popular program. The program has been so successful that former MCBC Advocay Director Deb Hubsmith has transitioned to full-time leadership of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership—congratulations Deb! Change is hard, but change is also good. Andy Peri has stepped seamlessly and confidently into Ms. Hubsmith’s place as Advocacy Director, ably assisted by Alisha Oloughlin, the Coalition’s new Advocacy Coordinator. Under Tom Boss’ steady hand and collaboration with Access 4 Bikes, Biktoberfest was once again a great success in 2011 despite early threats of rain. The first annual Tour de Marin—a leisurely 40-mile ride designed to highlight several new bicycle facili-
ties along the North-South Greenway—was a sell-out. Kudos to our new MCBC Director Mark Comin for a brilliant event. Speaking of new Directors, MCBC added three in April 2011 and they are quickly demonstrating their value. Scott Penzarella, owner and founder of Studio Velo at Tam Junction, brings a savvy business and marketing acumen to our efforts; Phil Brewer’s keen eye for finance keeps us humming along in challenging times; and Mark Comin’s love of the ride brings MCBC to the public in the best possible light. A heartfelt thank you to all of our dedicated Directors. After serious and thoughtful consideration, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition has launched an offroad advocacy program designed to educate users about trail etiquette, the environment, and land stewardship. The Coalition will work with land managers to secure more trail opportunities for cyclists in much the same way we have worked with cities and counties over the last 13 years to secure better on-road facilities. To this end we have hired our first “Dirt Director,” Erik Schmidt. Erik comes to us from the environmental consulting world and is excited about helping represent the Coalition and our new Off-Road Program. Seed funding for this new position is provided by the Bicycle Trails Council (BTC) of Marin, long-time stewards of Tamarancho and a key force in mountain bike advocacy in the county for many years. In addition to the BTC’s generous gift, MCBC members have collectively donated over $32,000 to the cause. Thank you! The Coalition has and will continue to work closely with Access 4 Bikes, Marin Trail Stewards and BTC Marin as we turn a small part of our overall focus to off-road advocacy. Here’s wishing you and yours the happiest of New Year as we pedal into 2012!
The Coalition will work with land managers to secure more trail opportunities for cyclists in much the same way we have worked with cities and counties over the last 13 years to secure better on-road facilities.
Maureen Gaffney, MCBC Board President Electrical Contractor / C-10 HIC 823538
Electrical / Lighting Design Residential / Commercial Home Integration Tele / Data Communications Renewable Energies Fire Systems Security
ELECTRICALLYCONNECTED DENIS SOLAN ph 415.497.4248 fax 415.626.1317
denis@electricallyconnected.net
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SMART Train and Pathway: On Track and Rolling Forward
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n December 21, 2011, 100 SMART supporters turned out for a “SMART Jobs for the Holidays” rally in San Rafael in support of the SMART train and pathway. Labor, business and many current and former elected officials joined the Marin and Sonoma County Bicycle Coalitions in support of the SMART Project. This was the second such rally; both rallies demonstrated the diversity of support that exists for the SMART project in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Despite efforts by a small group of opponents attempting to derail SMART at the ballot box in 2012, SMART support remains strong as shown in a poll commissioned by the North Bay Leadership Council in December. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is a key member of the SMART Riders Coalition, which is working to protect SMART from opponents seeking to kill the train and pathway project. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition urges members to decline to sign the Repeal SMART petition. Please visit the SMART Riders Coalition webpage for updates on ways you can help protect SMART. Other significant SMART developments in December include the selling of $191 million in bonds for the project, clearing the way for the agency to award contracts for constructing the first segments of SMART from San Rafael to Santa Rosa. Further good SMART news came in late December when it was announced that the previously deferred Atherton station in Novato would be part of the Initial Operating Segment of SMART. SMART General Manager Farhad Mansourian said that the Atherton Station would be included in the construction package to be brought before the board in January. Other positive developments on SMART in Novato include the recent funding from the Transportation Authority of Marin for rehabilitation of the Bel Marin Keys/Frosty Acres pathway, which runs between Bel
Marin Keys and Hanna Ranch to the north. This segment is a key part of the SMART pathway in Marin. On December 13, another important segment of the SMART pathway received a green light from the Novato City Council with the approval of the Hanna Ranch development, located just south of the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center. This development will include an expensive and complex portion of the SMART pathway with no expense to SMART, allowing saved funds to be used for other portions of the pathway. MCBC has been working with the City of Novato and the Hanna Ranch land developer to ensure that a pathway would be included in that project. As we move into 2012, MCBC will continue to work with the SMART board, management and environmental and engineering staff to move the final design of the multiuse pathway toward completion, so that the pathway will be completed when train operations begin in 2015/2016.
Help oppose repeal efforts and support SMART. Contact Alisha@marinbike.org
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is a key member of the SMART Riders Coalition, which is working to protect SMART from opponents seeking to kill the train and pathway project.
proudly supporting the important work of the
marin county bicycle coalition 836 Fourth St. in San Rafael (415) 454-3747 #1 Gate 6 Rd. in Sausalito (415) 332-3200 Born and raised in Marin.
MikesBikes.com
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Enfrente Pathway Open to Bicyclists! New facility is safer, saves time for commuters
The Enfrente Pathway is an essential component of Marin’s North-South greenway. It provides cyclists and pedestrians with a much-needed connection from South Novato Boulevard, just before it merges with Highway 101, to Ignacio Boulevard and Alameda Del Prado
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n December 16th, 2011, after 30 years of planning and anticipation, bicyclists and pedestrians joined Novato elected officials and staff to celebrate the grand opening of the Enfrente Pathway, also known as the Novato Commuter Connection Project. The Enfrente Pathway, funded primarily with Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) funds, is a beautiful new facility, completely separated from cars. It provides cyclists and pedestrians with a much-needed connection from South Novato Boulevard, just before it merges with Highway 101, to Ignacio Boulevard and Alameda Del Prado. The only previous alternatives through this corridor involved
cycling on the southbound shoulder of Highway 101 between Highway 37 and the Entrada Drive exit, a very steep climb up Redwood Boulevard/Palmer Drive, or a one-mile detour via Sunset Parkway. The Enfrente Pathway links Novato with central and southern Marin communities and provides a connection for Hamilton, Bel Marin Keys, and Ignacio residents and workers to the rest of Novato. For residents near the southern end of South Novato Boulevard, the path provides easy access to retail shopping. The new pathway is also an essential component of Marin’s North-South Greenway (Route 5), a mostly car-free bicycle and pedestrian corridor stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge through Novato. Novato’s entire City Council was present to celebrate the pathway opening: Mayor Denise Athas, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Eklund, and Councilmembers Madeline Kellner, Eric Lucan and Jeanne MacLeamy. Supervisor Judy Arnold was there, as was Ernie Grey, a former Novato mayor who was on the Council in the late 1970s when the pathway was first considered. A group of Marin Bikes employees also participated in the celebration, including Steve “Gravy” Gravenites, The pathway will become a regular part of Steve’s commute to Marin Bike’s Novato office. MCBC member and Novato bicycling champion Mark Birnbaum was there with his family. Mark, who sits on the Novato Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), has been pushing for this improvement for years. The new pathway shaves 10 minutes off of his current commute between Novato and San Rafael; and of course the pathway is much safer for all and more pleasant than riding on Highway 101. MCBC would like to give our utmost thanks to the City of Novato for this wonderful new addition to Marin’s network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Take a ride to Novato and check out the new Enfrente Pathway. Visit our Facebook Page to see photos of the Dec. 16 ribbon cutting.
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FAQ: Dooring and Shared Lane Markers by Cheryl Longinotti Q - Is that why I see cyclists riding on the extreme left edge of a bike lane when parked cars are present on the right? Exactly. Some portion of a bike lane may overlap with the door zone. A painted line itself does not protect! Q - What if there is no bike lane? Some traffic lanes are too narrow to share with a motor vehicle. You’re right, and that situation is recognized in the California Vehicle Code. CVC 21202 states that when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side, the bicyclist can leave the right side of the roadway.
Your wheel track or line of travel should be at least 57 inches away from any parked motor vehicle.
Most cyclists are aware of the dangers of dooring, the sudden opening of a car door into your line of travel. Yet some still ride in the door zone—and some get injured as a result. Here’s a FAQ sheet that clarifies this safety issue. Q - What’s complicated about dooring? Bike meets stationary door. Wham! In the abstract, it is simple. In specific situations, cyclists have many choices for dealing with the risk, and mistaken beliefs may skew one’s choices. First of all, many people ride only about three feet (36 inches) away from a parked car but in fact, many doors extend 45 inches into the roadway when fully opened. Q - So door zones are often wider than we realize? Yes, and remember that the end of your right handlebar must clear the door. So you need to add half your handlebar width or about another 12 inches. That means your wheel track or line of travel should be at least 57 inches away from any parked motor vehicle. Q - Fifty-seven inches! That’s almost 5 feet! Doesn’t that put the cyclist into traffic? Bicycles ARE traffic, and grazing the handlebar can be more dangerous than a head-on collision into a door. When the bar hits the door, it turns the front wheel to the right, hurtling the rest of the bike and you the rider to the left, into traffic. So you can either ride as part of traffic by choice, or risk being thrown into traffic by a random door .
Q - Is that what’s meant by “taking or controlling a lane?” Yes, and there are several ways to do it. First of all, before you change your line of travel, always check over your shoulder and signal, before starting to make your move. Acknowledging the presence of other road users buys a lot of patience from following motorists. If cars are grouped behind, then soft pedal and wait for a gap to make your move. You may lose a few seconds, but the quality of your ride prevails. Second, make it clear to following motorists that they must change lanes to pass. Q - “Make it clear to following motorists that they must change lanes to pass.” How do I do that? Your best line of travel will depend on specific circumstances. But several principles are constant. You need to make your intentions clear to other road users and be conspicuous. Riding in the right tire track seems to invite motorists to pass, often unsafely. By riding a bit more to the left, between the right track and the center of the lane, a cyclist will stand out and still avoid that portion of the lane that collects debris and oil. Q - So if I ride toward the center of a lane, motorists will see me earlier? Exactly. You are closer to the center of their visual field. Q - I’m not comfortable riding in the middle of a lane. Are you saying it may be safer to do so? It is important to feel comfortable, because then your full attention can be on the road. But what you are comfortable with may only reflect longstanding habits. Practice taking the lane in familiar, calm traffic 8
designed to guide bicyclists to a proper position on the road and alert other road users of the position riders are likely to use. It tells other road users that bicyclists might occupy the lane. Q - So the shared lane marker guides a cyclist’s line of travel? Yes, it’s equivalent to a “Bicyclist Allowed Full Use of Lane” sign. Many road users are unfamiliar with the shared lane marker because the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) only approved it in 2009. Now that you know, you can help educate other motorists and cyclists.
situations, and then advance to other situations. In some lanes, there will be a shared lane marker painted in the lane. Q - What’s a shared lane marker? A shared lane marker or “sharrow” is the outline of a cyclist and a chevron painted on pavement. It’s
Curbside Haiku by John Morse
A sudden car door, Cyclist’s story rewritten. Fractured narrative Car stops near bike lane Cyclist entering raffle Unwanted door prize
Q - But didn’t you say that paint does not protect? Yes, don’t follow a shared lane marker blindly. The standard for placement allows it to be placed within a door zone. For example, to ride outside the door zone on Fourth Street in San Rafael, you’ll need to ride on the left side of the marker. We hope the FHWA will correct the standard in the future.
We Are Lawyers Who Ride Let Us Fight Your Fight personal injury • professional malpractice www.rahmanlawsf.com Contact us for a free consultation 415.956.9245 or info@rahmanlawsf.com 369 Pine Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94104 Active members of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, the Marin Co. Bicycle Coalition & the East Bay Bicycle Coalition. Follow our Two Wheeler Blog at http://bikelaw.tumblr.com
This does not constituate a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
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MCBC Spin Zone: California Bike Summit, Cranksgiving, Off-Road Forum and Appetite Seminar By Tom Boss
MCBC in Los Angeles for California Bike Summit
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Click here for more info.
our MCBC staff members headed south in November to attend the California Bike Summit in Los Angeles. It was a great opportunity to network with our coalition counterparts from across the state. The focus of the three-day summit was how the California Bicycle Coalition can best serve the regional coalitions. Key suggestions included making bicycle education a required curriculum at all California schools, working with Caltrans to make the transportation bureaucracy more bike friendly, and improving lawenforcement education regarding bicycle traffic laws. Inspiring workshops included one on the financial rewards for communities that embrace bicycle tourism and another on a successful Bike Friendly Business District program that reinforces our own Route 5 Passport effort. An inspiring closing speech by SRAM Advocacy Director Randy Neufeld questioned the logic of spending the bulk of resources on events, activities and education and instead suggested that more time be spent making powerful friends where “upstream” policy decisions are made. He also gave a call to action to change the culture of the people and agencies we rely on to accomplish our goals.
Cranksgiving Collected 978 Pounds of Food to Help Those Less Fortunate During the Holidays
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n November 12, bicyclists showed up at the Marin Country M art for Cranksgiving, a food drive on bicycles. Twenty-five riders hit the pathways and streets of central Marin on a scavenger hunt for specific food items at a number of grocery stores. As riders arrived they signed in and each received a manifest listing grocery stores and specific items to collect at each store. Some riders decided to stop at all six grocery stores on the manifest: Whole Foods, two Trader Joe’s locations, Woodland Market, United Market, and Mollie Stone’s. The riders all left at 2 pm sharp to start their hunt. Jacquie Phelan was the first to return with food. She
completed the entire route in two hours flat. Next was a group of MCBC members, who came in 30 minutes later. Then the cargo bikes rolled in, starting at about 4:45 with a large group from the The Bicycle Works. That group returned with over 500 pounds of food, worth an estimated $1000! Then at 5:30, with the twilight almost gone, a cargo bike team organized by Yuba Bikes rolled in with 206 lbs of food. A big MCBC Thank You to our partners Yuba Bikes, The Bicycle Works, Marin Food Bank, Marin Country Mart, vendors at the Marin Country Mart Farmers Market, and our members who came out and made a difference!
MCBC Off-Road Forum a Big Success
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n early November seventy people attended a public forum, sponsored by the Marin County Bicycle Coalition to introduce its new off-road program and collect input on priorities for a successful program. MCBC’s Executive Director Kim Baenisch mentioned our many on-road successes and then introduced the four “E’s” that will guide the new off-road program: Environment, Education, Enhancement and Enforcement. After the introduction, a diverse audience of stakeholders broke-up into smaller groups and headed to four “E” stations. Each group spent 15 minutes at each station to suggest how best to address land stewardship, trail etiquette, compliance with rules, and trail 10
enhancement. Here are some of the things MCBC heard:
Enhancement ÄÄ Trail maintenance and quality design are key ÄÄ Focus on trail connections as a way to expand access between points ÄÄ Make better signage, from trail etiquette to interpretive signs
Enforcement ÄÄ Encourage self-policing to create good behavior through peer pressure ÄÄ Expand volunteer bike patrol ÄÄ Increased trail opportunities may increase compliance ÄÄ Hold traffic school for off-road citations to teach proper trail behavior
Education ÄÄ Need one place to learn all the trail etiquette rules for safe trail access ÄÄ Retail outlets for provision of education (handouts, rule books, workshops) ÄÄ Expand NorCal League’s “Spirit of Howdy” ÄÄ Consistent signage, trail rules and trail maps throughout Marin’s many parks ÄÄ Need more bike rider and equestrian education
Environment ÄÄ Trail adoption program for bike shops and trail user groups ÄÄ Volunteering for trail work and patrols ÄÄ Build sustainable trails to protect and improve the environment ÄÄ Reporting illegal activities, including rogue trails and marijuana farms ÄÄ Habitat protection and interpretive signage
on Thanksgiving morning in order to build up a significant appetite for the afternoon feast. This year the Marin Parks and Open Space and MMWD reached out to Marin’s bicycle organizations and asked for help addressing an environmental concern. The unorganized activity traditionally ends with a ride down Repack Fire Road (aka Cascade Fire Road), at the bottom of which riders need to cross Cascade Creek four times. The creek and the watershed support one of the area’s largest populations of steelhead trout. Representatives from the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Access4Bikes, BTC Marin and NorCal High School Cycling League huddled and decided to support a one-day closure of Repack, which represents a small portion of the overall route. The organizations went to work letting the bicycle community know about the change to the traditional route. They recruited volunteers, who were stationed at key locations along the ride with maps showing the alternate route. Rangers were also out at key locations to make sure bicyclists complied with the closure. To everyone’s astonishment, there was 100 percent compliance with the closure. Not a single bicyclist came down into Cascade Canyon during the one-day closure. A big thank-you to all who participated and cooperated this year. Marin’s bicycle organizations will be working with land managers to find a permanent solution that everyone can support.
1978 Seminar poster by Pete Barrett. For more about Appetite Seminar history visit Charlie Kelly’s web site.
MCBC thanks everyone who came out to participate. The input gathered at the forum will help guide the priorities of the new program. If you missed the off-road forum and want to provide your input on any of the four E’s, visit www.marinbike.org/Campaigns/MTB/FeedbackForm.shtml.
Another Great Appetite Seminar
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espite early morning showers, close to 700 mountain bikers participated in the 2011 Appetite Seminar (Turkey Day Ride) on Thursday, November 24. This year, bicyclists were asked to make a small sacrifice for Mother Nature by staying off Repack Fire Road to avoid the stream crossings in Cascade Canyon. All participants willingly honored that request. The first annual Appetite Seminar was in 1975 and the ride has become a holiday tradition, in which mountain bikers ride the famous Pine Mountain Loop
Proud Sponsors of Bike to Work Day & Biketoberfest Apple & Windows Operating System Upgrades
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iWalk 2011
52 schools in Marin, serving more than 23,500 students, participate in Safe Routes to Schools progams. Visit the SR2S web site.
MCBC Welcomes New Safe Routes Staff Member Shumit DasGupta
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afe Routes to Schools is pleased to welcome our newest instructor. Shumit DasGupta is a 10-plus year veteran in education in both Chicago and the Bay Area, and a fully credentialed California science teacher. He is also a staunch bicycle commuter and a writer, having published feature-length articles about winter commuting and the Tall Bike phenomenon. He has written curriculum for education.com, Chicago Public Schools, and Techsplosion!, and he teaches Lego Solar Engineering whenever he isn’t teaching kids great ways to get to school. 12
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afe Routes to Schools’ new weekly after-school bike club, funded by Kaiser Permanente, got an enthusiastic response at Davidson Middle School in San Rafael. The Davidson Bike Club quickly enrolled over 40 members, excited about the opportunity to ride bikes and build skills. The fabulous Cal Park Hill Tunnel and Corte Madera Creek Path hosted the first club ride, which had over 30 participants. Beyond riding, members learn valuable leadership and mechanical skills. Thanks to a partnership with Trips For Kids, students learn how to repair and maintain a bicycle in an actual bike shop. Each session earns the member credit, which can be used at the shop for supplies or even a new bike. The idea for the bike club started with the Physical Education staff at Davidson. Longtime proponents of the Safe Routes bike safety training courses, the five PE teachers each have a positive relationship with bicycling, from triathlons to commuting. They recognize the long-term health benefits cycling can provide. Davidson PE teacher Eugene Lang commented, “If they had a bike club when I was a kid, I would have joined it.” Thinking about my own biking experience
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Davidson Bike Club Students Learn and Earn Bicycles By James Sievert, Safe Routes Instructor DaviDson after-school Bike CluB
The Davidson Bike Club is provided by Safe Routes to Schools free of charge thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente’s Community Grants program.
For additional information:
www.DavidsonBikeClub.com www.saferoutestoschools.org Earn a Bike • Learn to Ride Fix your own bike • Go on Fun Bicycle Field Trips Influence your peers • And more…
www.tripsforkids.org/marin info.kp.org/communitybenefit
to an informationbreaking meeting October 20thclueless at 1:30 p.m. growingCome up—crashing, parts, about traffic laws—I’m glad the members of the Davidson TRIPS FOR KIDS Bike Club won’t need to take the long and bumpy road Taught by Marin Safe Routes to Schools & Trips for Kids. This activity is supported by a grant from Kaiser Permanente. to cycling proficiency. For them the ride can be as smooth as a freshly laid bike path.
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Erik Schmidt Joins MCBC as New Dirt Director New Off-road Advocacy Program Launched cies’ trail and road planning processes, overseeing an education and outreach program, and building partnerships for improved trail access and user-group cooperation. Before earning a master’s degree in environmental and public policy from the University of Colorado, Erik competed at the elite level in road cycling, reaching the Olympic Trials and riding for the U.S. national team. He also was one of five pilots of the Daedalus aircraft, in an MIT-led project that set a distance record for human-powered flight. Later, he worked on the editorial staff of VeloNews and was head coach of cycling at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Today, he enjoys riding his mountain bike on Marin’s diverse roads and trails, and welcomes the opportunity to help increase our network of well-designed and challenging locations for off-road cycling. The MCBC Board of Directors and Executive Director Kim Baenisch welcome Erik and are eager to engage the community in our new effort: building partnerships and seeking common ground with advocates for recreational use and environmental protection on public lands and open space.
Erik will put to good use his expertise in habitat protection and restoration, conservation of rare species—particularly the salmon and steelhead found in Marin County streams—and collaboration to bridge the concerns of environmental groups with government agencies and the public.
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CBC is pleased to announce that Erik Schmidt has joined our staff as our first Dirt Director. Erik brings a unique background to the organization, including 17 years of professional environmental conservation work and a lifelong love of cycling. He has been a Marin resident since 2007, after living and working in Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties following graduate school. The new position marks the beginning of an important initiative in off-road cycling advocacy, education and outreach by MCBC, building on our success since 1998 in advocating for improved road cycling opportunities in the county. As our first Dirt Director, Erik will put to good use his expertise in habitat protection and restoration, conservation of rare species—particularly the salmon and steelhead found in Marin County streams—and collaboration to bridge the concerns of environmental groups with government agencies and the public. Responsibilities for the Dirt Director position will be guided by an off-road program strategy and vision, which Erik will develop based on input from the MCBC Board of Directors and the community. Initial efforts will include participating in land-management agen14
Central Marin Ferry Connection Project Pushing Forward
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he Central Marin Ferry Connection Project (CMFCP) continues to move forward with Phase I of the project, which will cross East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near the former train trestle adjacent to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. This project will close a significant gap in the North-South Greenway, allowing for safe and easy access to the Larkspur Ferry from the north and to the Cal Park pathway and Tunnel from the south and west. Currently many cyclists navigate dangerous traffic conditions in the vicinity; this project will eliminate many of these dangers for cyclists and pedestrians. The CMFCP was first identified in the 2001 Marin County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as one of the top 25 most important projects in Marin County because it is at the crossroads of many of the nonmotorized routes between central and southern Marin. The now fully funded project was funded primarily with Regional Measure 2 and Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) funds.
In November, the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) held an Open House to present four design concepts for the bridge structure, for public input and comment. TAM staff will soon select the best suited option, based on public input, cost and other factors. That will lead, ultimately, to completion of the project by the end of 2014. Phase II of the Central Marin Ferry Connection Project will provide a crossing over Corte Madera Creek that will be attached to the existing freeway overcrossing structure. It will be built as part of the Greenbrae/Twin Cities Corridor Improvement Project, after the first phase is completed over East Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The CMFCP is a major priority project for MCBC and a key feature in Marin’s bicycle/pedestrian network. MCBC is excited about the significant progress being made on this project and commends TAM staff and the TAM Board for its leadership in bringing this project toward completion.
The CMFCP is one of the top 25 most important projects in Marin County because it is at the crossroads of many of the non-motorized routes between central and southern Marin.
Tim P. Cooper, CFP® 415.391.6644 Financial Advisor
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Mark Weir to lead Dirt Roll III on Super Bowl Sunday Sign up today for the February 5 fundraising ride
The Dirt Roll is a No Drop Ride open to bicyclists of all skill levels! Register today at www.dirtroll.eventbrite.com
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he Marin County Bicycle Coalition and NorCal High School Cycling League are proud to announce that Mark Weir will lead Dirt Roll III this Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, 2012. Mark is one of the most accomplished mountain bikers around and he lives right here in Marin. When he’s not winning XC and downhill races like the Downieville Classic, he enjoys riding his backyard pump track and spending time with his newborn son, Gustin “Gus” Bradley Weir. He is also a key supporter of the proposed Stafford Lake Bike Park. Mark rides for Team WTB/Fox Racing Shox/Cannondale. SIGN UP NOW to ride the Dirt Bowl III. This ride’s pace lets you talk to the pros, and nobody gets dropped. This annual fundraiser benefits MCBC and the NorCal High School Cycling League. This year we’ll be starting from Fair-Anselm Plaza in Fairfax at 10 am, and we’ll have a post-ride BBQ in the courtyard below the MCBC office. The base fee for the ride and lunch is just $50. Those who wish to raise additional funds to support MCBC and NorCal can do so. Those who fundraise will be entered in a drawing for super prizes, including a shock fork and a wheel set.
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Climate Ride California 2011 The Bright Side of a Wet Northern California Bike Ride for Sustainable Solutions By Scott D. Warner
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t about 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 2, 2011, about 125 cyclists started south from the town of Fortuna in Humboldt County, as part of a five-day “green conference on two wheels.” Their destination, San Francisco City Hall, was about 320 miles away. This was the start of Climate Ride California 2011, the West Coast version of the self-billed national bike ride for sustainable solutions. Along with the East Coast ride in the spring from New York City to the Capital Mall in Washington D.C., this event attracts veteran and novice cyclists from throughout the United States. Each rider raises money for one or more beneficiaries working toward environmental, sustainability, and alternative energy and transportation solutions. With the global and local attention on climate change and the apparent inability of many governments to work toward a long-term solution for these complex issues, it was fitting that a group of cyclists, using nothing more than the power of their legs combined with a heck of a lot of persistence, would continue the dialogue while pedaling on the coastal roads of Northern California. I embarked on this challenge for several reasons. One, I work in the field of environmental restoration as a geologist, so this cause is near and dear to my heart. Two, I have been a recreational cyclist for decades,
and although I completed many century rides and long-distance tours many years ago, this seemed like the perfect challenge to get me back into top cycling shape. And three, in the approach to my 50th year, I decided to give back to society and focus on a cause that has great ramifications for my own kids, their kids and future generations. The concept of the ride was fairly simple. Take a group bus north from Golden Gate Park on October 1; disembark in Fortuna that evening, and on October 2, start riding down a combination of Highway 101, California State Route 1, and a few other coastal roads for lengths of 40 to 100 miles per day. Each rider was to raise a minimum of $2400 for their designated beneficiary. Beneficiaries included, among others, The Rails to Trails Conservancy, 350.ORG, the Alliance for Biking and Walking, 1% for the Planet, Green America, and several bicycle coalitions, including the San Francisco, Sonoma County, and East Bay coalitions. The route itself was a classic Northern California bike tour. Day 1 from Fortuna to the Richardson Grove of giant redwoods was 60 miles, including a 30-mile stretch through the Avenue of the Giants. Day 2 took us 60 miles up and over Leggett Pass to the coast at Fort Bragg. Day 3 was the 100-mile Century Day along the coast to Duncan’s Mill (near Guerneville
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For more information on either the California ride in September or the East Coast ride in May, visit www.climateride.org. If you decide to join the ride, be sure to sign up for MCBC’s team!
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Climate Ride is an epic ride—and I can’t say enough about the bonds that are created among 125 cyclists from all over the country. Many of us stay in touch, we ride together, we have “friended” each other. But most importantly, we remain committed to the overarching intent of developing sustainable solutions for human existence in a natural world.
on the Russian River), following Highway 1 through Mendocino, Gualala, Sea Ranch, Fort Ross and Jenner. Day 4 was a 60-mile Sonoma County wine loop with a final jog along Tomales Bay to Olema. Our final day was about 40 miles, a breathtaking ride along the Southern Marin coast, up and over the shoulder of Mt. Tamalpais, over the Golden Gate Bridge and into the City. The cyclists, including several from Marin County, represented a wide range of professions and perspectives. They included scientists, consultants, teachers, professional musicians, environmentalists, clergy, Olympic and world-champion cyclists, architects, retirees, engineers, counselors, software engineers, friends, parents and leaders. Each of us was there because we believe that we can capitalize on the human spirit to change our ways to work better with our planet, not against it. Day 1 of Climate Ride 2011 followed a hearty breakfast (thanks Climate Ride staff!) and an entertaining safety briefing. We were told that we would be riding on Highway 101 for a bit, and to be aware. But the 30-mile stretch along the Avenue of the Giants would make us forget about the trucks and cars racing way
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too fast down Highway 101. Under cloudy skies we were treated to fantastic views of the Eel River while marveling at the magnificence of the redwoods as they reached upwards into the ever-darkening skies. Passing the towns of Rio Del and Scotia brought out conversations of the history of these towns and how the logging industry ruled the day in these Northern California communities. Passing the many touristy carvings of Big Foot, Paul Bunyan, and countless forest animals near Confusion Hill made us wonder more about human nature and our often strange view of the world. That evening, Ruthie Mathes, the National Cycling Champion and Olympian who also rode with us on the route, gave a wonderful presentation. As we were setting in for the evening, several of us, knowing that the first in a series of unseasonable, strong Pacific storms was to hit that night, moved our tents and sleeping bags into the community hall of the campground. That turned out to be the correct decision for that night, and also foretold how the next several days of riding would be. On Day 2, our 60-mile ride intersected and then followed Highway 1 and climbed up and over 2,000foot Leggett Hill to the Mendocino Coast and Fort Bragg. The rain that began the night before never let up. Wearing wet-weather cycling gear, we persevered up and over the Coastal Range along Highway 1 from its junction with Highway 101 near the “Peg House” in the pelting rain while sharing narrow roads with logging and construction trucks. We were so weary after that ride that the majority of us elected to stay in a local motel rather than camp to rest and dry up before we began the most challenging third day of riding. On Day 3, with the forecast of rain continuing, we left Fort Bragg at 6 am. Riding early had its benefits. The roads were relatively empty of motor-vehicle traffic, the weather was cool, and the fog and mist gave an airy feel to our ride along the spray-soaked bluffs above Mendocino. Even though I had ridden many century rides earlier in my life, I had doubts I could take on this 100-mile ride with about 7,000 feet of climbing. Perhaps it was just lack of confidence, although I knew I was in relatively good cycling shape. After riding along the tough, though beautiful stretch of coastline to Fort Ross at the 75 miles marker, however, I chose to keep going, past the winding, spectacular, landslide-ridden and rain-soaked coast to Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River. While many riders opted for the sag lift, about 50 of us did complete the full 100 miles, and just in the nick of time. The strongest of the series of storms was just off the coast as we pulled into camp. A few hours later, in the middle of the night, a gale ripped through camp and scattered many tents and rain tarps, including mine. A 18
Each rider raises money for one or more beneficiaries working toward environmental, sustainability, and alternative energy and transportation solutions.
of “Climate Ride” we rode (following traffic laws) to the Civic Center, where we were greeted by family, friends and local politicians and dignitaries. Overall, the 2011 California ride raised more than $275,000 for the beneficiaries. Climate Ride is an epic ride—and I can’t say enough about the bonds that are created among 125 cyclists from all over the country. Many of us stay in touch, we ride together, we have “friended” each other. But most importantly, we remain committed to the overarching intent of developing sustainable solutions for human existence in a natural world. Will I ride in the next Climate Ride California, scheduled for September 9 to 13, 2012? As I write this column, be it known that I likely have signed up again. Backroads_MCBC:Layout 1
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number of us found different shelters in the luggage truck, under an awning or on a concrete pad to get a few hours of rest. Day 4 saw on-and-off rain as we rode inland through Sonoma’s Wine Country under relatively sunny skies before heading back toward the north end of Tomales Bay. This was a great 60-mile day, with stops for wine tasting at an organic vintner, ice cream and espresso at the Tomales Deli, and clam chowder and barbecued oysters at Marshall. We finished strongly, heading into Point Reyes Station and our final campsite in Olema. Day 5 of Climate Ride California 2011 would not have been complete without the downpour that greeted us during our 6 a.m. breakfast in Olema. The rain followed us off and on through the next several hours. But when the storm broke and showed us sun — and it did so in the best places, including Stinson Beach — many of us felt the emotions of having nearly completed our 320-mile, 20,000-vertical-foot ride through what seemed to be never-ending rain. This also was home turf for some of us: the spectacular Marin County coastline where there is never a shortage of incredible views and challenging hills to keep it interesting. I have cycled down Highway 1 into Sausalito and over the Golden Gate Bridge countless times—whether commuting to work, as part of a sanctioned ride, or riding with friends—but never has that ride been so sweet with the feeling of accomplishment. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge, now bathed in perfect sunshine, we all broke out into cheers as we gathered at Crissy Field and as we left en masse for the final leg through the Marina and up and over Polk Street to City Hall. With the cheering section cries
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REVIEW: A Little Reflection on Mirrors:
EVT’s Safe Zone Bicycle Helmet Mirror
F
The Safe Zone is a helmetmounted mirror, designed by a bicycle mechanic and made in the USA.
or years I rode without a mirror. I added mirrors to my gear only after getting surprised several times by cars that were overtaking me. Once I started riding with a mirror I recognized the advantages. Using the mirror I could quickly assess what was going on behind me; I could reserve a full over-the-shoulder check for changing lanes or line of travel. It’s important to keep in mind that mirrors provide a limited field of view and that convex mirrors (designed to widen the viewing angle) distort size and distance. Knowing these limitations, I’ve kept my habit of checking over my shoulder before changing my line of travel. The problem was I could never find a convenient, durable model. Handlebar-mounted mirrors took up real estate on the bars and they got in the way when I loaded my bike onto a rack. More importantly, glancing down to a mirror, not ahead, took my eyes off the road for a longer time. In response to my complaints, a riding buddy gave me my first eye-glass-mounted mirror. It took me a good month to learn to shift focus and deal with the jumpy, vibrating image. The mirror was only marginally secure on my sunglasses. Over just a few months I lost at least one and broke another. I became resigned to replacing my mirror frequently. Recently I discovered the EVT Safe Zone Bicycle Mirror. At $40, it costs almost three times as much as my eye-glass mirror, but it comes with a 5-year, nofault warranty. What did I have to lose? The Safe Zone is a helmet-mounted mirror, designed by a bicycle mechanic and made in the USA. Two features immediately impressed me. First, it offers two and a half times the viewing surface of my old mirror (it’s a 2.25-inch diameter circle, versus a square with sides of 1.25 inches; I did the math). Second, it uses a Loc-Line ® hose, a series of plastic ball-and-socket connectors, to extend the mirror in front of the helmet.
by Cheryl Longinotti
All this makes for a durable mirror that is easy to use—so easy I had no adjustment period. The mirror is large but it does not create a blind spot. It is stable and the field of view is big enough that I don’t have to strain to recognize what’s going on behind me. I can easily adjust the placement while riding and even push the mirror entirely out of my line of sight. Encased in injection molded plastic, this mirror is rugged. The only thing it doesn’t do for me is keep my water bottle cold. You wonder about installation? A video on the manufacturer’s website demonstrates installation but I didn’t need to watch it. I just snapped together the mirror-hose assembly to the bracket—this took a bit of muscle—and mounted the bracket along a rib of my helmet with the provided zip ties. EVT warns against tying the zips too tight and damaging the helmet. Alternatively you can use velcro ties, which allow you to move the mirror and bracket between helmets easily. To sum up, the Safe Zone Mirror is definitely worth a look. The author receives no benefit from EVT for this review. She does like to see safe and happy cyclists on the road.
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REVIEW: Marin Nail Trail 29er
By Tom Boss
A
t last year’s Biketoberfest, Marin Bikes Product and Marketing Director Mark Vanek offered to send MCBC a 2012 demo bike to try out for the season at no charge. So when I received the message that a Nail Trail 29er was built and ready for pickup, I wasted no time in collecting it. The Nail Trail 29er is a big-wheel hardtail bike with an aluminum frame and 100mm suspension fork. The bike is well spec’d with tried and true components like a Fox Float RL fork, Shimano drivetrain and Avid Elixer brakes. Keeping the bike connected to the dirt is a pair of Continental Race King tires. Rounding out the package is a set of tubeless-ready SUNRingle Black Flag Expert wheels, a custom WTB Silverado Comp saddle, an FSA seatpost and Marin’s own stem, riser bars and grips. I find a 29-inch-wheel hardtail to be the perfect bike for the type of riding we have in Marin County. The hardtail frame keeps the bike’s cost and weight down, while the big 29-inch wheels roll comfortably over the rocks, roots and ruts you experience on the trails and fire roads in Marin. I’m 5’8”, and Marin recommended a 17-inch frame for me. The bike fits me well and matches up with the geometry of my personal 29-inch bike, with one exception: The NT 29 wheelbase is about an inch shorter. I was interested to see how the shorter wheelbase would affect handling. My Nail Trail was built-up by legendary bike mechanic Steve “Gravy” Gravenites, giving me confidence that I could head straight for the trails with the new bike. I took the Nail Trail for its maiden voyage on the fire roads of Mt. Tam and the narrow trails at Camp Tamarancho. The Nail Trail matched up well with both the rocky fire roads and the smooth trails of Marin. The traditionally rigid 6061 aluminum frame and stiff Black Flag wheels keep the bike on track, though it did jar the bones a little on the bumpy stuff. The biggest surprise was the way I can whip the big wheels around tight switchback turns thanks to that wheelbase. That loss of an inch seems to add a foot of trail to tight turns. The low-profile rubber on the Race King tires turned out to be perfect for the dry conditions we had this December. The tires roll fast without losing grip. After a couple of rides I made a few modifications to the bike. First, I took advantage of the tubelessready wheels and tires. All I needed was a couple of valve stems and some sealant. The rims come with tape already installed, nice! It cost just $40 to upgrade to tubeless. I replaced the riser bars with some flat bars to accommodate my short legs and long torso, and put on some fatter grips for my big hands.
With the tubeless setup I am able to run the tires with about 3 to 5 pounds less pressure than with tubes. This makes for a more comfortable ride, without altering the advantages of the aluminum frame and stiff wheels. This one update alone makes the bike perfectly dialed for fun! The bike has a nice look. It’s mostly clear-coated aluminum, with some wide red and white pin striping. The raw aluminum is complemented by a shiny red, white and black WTB saddle. When I saw it online it looked attractive, but I found it even more appealing in person. Marin Bikes did a good job with geometry and component specs on the Nail Trail. It handles well, has parts that will last and it looks great. Its $2000 price is a good deal when compared to a similar spec’d suspension bikes. Unless you’re heading to the rocky technical trails of Tahoe, you don’t need much more than big wheels and Fox fork in my opinion. If you’re looking to buy a mountain bike and plan to ride primarily in the Bay Area, I suggest you check out Marin’s Nail Trail 29er.
The Nail trail handles well, has parts that will last and it looks great. Its $2000 price is a good deal when compared to a similar spec’d suspension bikes.
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REVIEW: Ryders Defcon Eyewear by Alisha Oloughlin
I
The Defcons are a high-quality product, particularly for the affordable price (listed as $39.99). They are lightweight, impact resistant, extremely durable and stylish.
am a daily, all-season bicycle commuter who is rarely seen riding without sunglasses. After misplacing yet another pair of expensive, polarized sunglasses, I decided to punish myself by wearing a cheap, poor-quality pair for several months. So when my co-worker and friend Tom Boss from MCBC invited me to check out the Ryders Defcon shades with polarized photochromic lens, I gladly accepted. In terms of craftsmanship, the Defcons are a high-quality product, particularly for the affordable price (listed as $39.99). They are lightweight, impact resistant, extremely durable and stylish. They feature shatterproof, polarized lenses with 100% UVA, UVB + UVC protection, and anti-slip rubber nose pads and temple tips designed to increase grip as you sweat. The Defcons are advertised as fitting medium to small heads. That’s my size and I don’t generally have a problem finding sunglasses that fit well. The Defcons fit me nicely and were comfortable for casual use and active use, as long as that active use didn’t involve wearing a helmet. They are designed to wrap securely around your face—a wonderful feature to help block the wind. However, as a result, the arms of the sunglasses seemed to extend further behind the ears than most. The arms rubbed up against my bike helmet straps and I had to repeatedly re-adjust the sunglasses to fit them securely against my face. For active uses such as running that don’t involve a helmet, they required little to no adjustment. The polarized, impact resistant, Defcon lenses showed great quality for the price. I found that they
reduced glare and sharpened the view. The only drawback was their tendency to fog up when I was cycling in colder temperatures. But this didn’t occur too often, and I would expect it to some degree given the very affordable price of these sunglasses. Overall, I’m pleased with the Ryders Defcon sunglasses and I will continue to wear them until they (inevitably) join my numerous other shades in the land of the lost. They are holding up well, come with a convenient hard case and with the exception of the arms’ interfering with my particular helmet straps, I would recommend them to others.
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REVIEW: GU Performance Energy Sampler By Tom Boss
I
t had been a while since I had used GU, so when a sampler box of all of their products arrived at MCBC I was eager to get my hands on the stuff. The first thing to catch my eye was the GU Chomps energy chews. The Chomps are gumdrop-size goodness, fortified with vitamins, amino acids and electrolytes. I especially like the Watermelon flavor. They are the perfect size and not too gooey, no pun intended. I found them most useful at the end of long rides, as they’re easy to eat and their electrolytes help ward off leg cramps. Next I tried the 12 flavors of GU, many of them new to me. The sampler reminded me how easy it is to get a quick shot of energy with GU gel. The names alone inspired me to take them on a ride. Espresso Love, Lemon Sublime, Mint Chocolate and Jet Blackberry did not disappoint. My favorite was the zesty Tri-Berry flavor. Also in the box were three Roctane GU’s. The website says “Roctane’s advanced formula amplifies GU’s
original Energy Gel recipe and adds new ingredients to boost your chances of success.” I wasn’t able to feel the amplification, though I did enjoy them as much as the other GU’s. Last up was the GU Brew electrolyte drink. Just pour the power into a water bottle and blast-off! I rely on electrolyte mixes to carry me through on medium to long rides and the GU Brew tasted good and delivered. My only complaint is the GU packaging. While it looks good, it leaves you holding that little foil tab that’s easy to lose on the trail. GU is based in environmentally-friendly Berkeley. It would be nice if GU were available in bulk, the way some other brands are offered. From now on there will most likely be a GU or two in my jersey pocket.
Win a Pair of Serfas ISLA Optics
A
nswer these three questions correctly and enter a drawing for a a pair of Serfas ISLA Optics with 4 RX Clip-in lenses. Value: $60. Rx compatible model with clip in frame. Includes Brown, Grey, Rose and Clear lenses. Infinite bend temples for customizable fit. Clue: the answers can be found inside this issue. 1. What Davidson PE teacher wishes he had a bike club when he was a kid? 2. The new Enfrente pathway is an essential component of what bicycle Route? 3. What is the name of human powered aircraft that MCBC’s new Dirt Director Erik Schmidt piloted?
Name Phone email Address City State Zip
Where to send your answers
Email tom@marinbike.org or mail this form to MCBC, PO Box 1115, Fairfax, CA 94978. The drawing will be held March 22, 2012, at the Pedal Driven screening. Thanks to Serfas for contributing our Pedal Press contest prize. 23
MCBC STORE Visit our online store for these items. All proceeds support safer cycling efforts in Marin.
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MCBCsocks–$10.00 MCBC Map–$12.00 A must-have resource for anyone The MCBC jersey–$69.00
riding in Marin!
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