cascade courier june 2016

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PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Seattle, WA PERMIT No. 2172 TIME DATED MATERIAL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 7787 62nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98115 www.cascade.org free group ride! June 2016 / Vol. 46 No. 6 cascade.org improving lives through bicycling My daily commute By Rich Brown, Major Taylor Project Coordinator p. 6-7 I used to think riding bikes was only for kids and for fun. Now I see the bicycle as a form of transportation, recreation, fitness and meditation. I grew up in Los Angeles, Calif. At age 14 my parents moved to the suburbs. That was a life changer. I went from the inner city to a predominantly white school and community. My parents had prepared me for this transition by raising me to be aware of my skin color and how some people will make prejudgements about me. Soon, that all began to sink in. I started racing BMX and mountain biking in Southern California during the 80s. The sport was not very diverse, but I really enjoyed competing with my peers. I do recall the looks I got for being the only person of color; or for having the make-shift bike, while my white peers were flaunting their new polished Diamond Backs GTs and Haros. Comments like, “what’s he doing here?” or “shouldn’t you be playing basketball?” were very confusing to me; I was not raised that way. Knowing that I wasn’t accepted pushed me to compete even harder, but it was exhausting. My parents supported me in following my passion, but I did not feel welcomed. I dropped the bike and got into football. On the Gridiron I felt welcomed, and the camaraderie helped shaped my values. The feeling of being an outsider still came up, just not as often. Twenty-two years later, I decided to get back on the bike. My employer at the time supported cycling, and most of our staff commuted to work by bike daily. I was inspired. I bought my first road bike (Raleigh SuperCourse steel frame) and it was on! I rode that thing everywhere. I fell in love with biking again. This new bicycling culture embraced me and supported me, and that felt awesome. To this day, I am still reminded that at times, I will be the only one. I hear unconscious racial bias from my own people — things like, “blacks don’t ride bikes; or if they do, they are not cool or they are poor.” A few years ago I was chased, run off the road, and had racial slurs screamed at me while mountain biking in North Bend. So I know we still have a long way to go. Despite these discouraging events, I refuse to give up the thing that I love again, my bicycle. This is my daily commute as a Black man. I refuse to give up the thing that I love, my bicycle. My daily commute By Ed Ewing, Major Taylor Project Director Like Rich, I experience the isolation, the looks and the slurs. On Monday, April 25, I was reminded of my skin color and racism with a slur yelled from a person driving by in West Seattle. I was just riding my bike, enjoying my day, pedaling to my home, just like you. Like Rich, I dismiss ignorance and hate with every pedal stroke and refuse to give up the thing that I love, the bicycle. This too, is my daily commute as a Black man. We believe stories are powerful, and we’d like to hear yours. To share your daily commute story, visit cascade.org/your-story or share online by tagging @cascadebicycle on Twitter or Instagram with #mydailycommute. 2016 Bike to School Day was a success! By Emily Kotz, Youth Programs Assistant & Shannon Koller, Senior Director of Education The 2016 National Bike to School Day was May 4, and communities across the state of Washington celebrated by greeting students on their morning rides to school. Youth on bikes, scooters and tricycles took part in prize giveaways, enjoyed healthy snacks and went on their way, ready to learn. “It was glorious! Too many for the bike racks!” said Lynne Peck-Theis, parent champion at Cascadia Elementary. “At least 65 student cyclists signed in, so about 10 percent of the school rode a bike or unicycle.” Lynne participated in a bike train with other parents and kiddos and said, “the littlest one was a first grader who was on a bike that seemed barely bigger than a balance bike. She was in the back of the pack saying, ‘I wish I could go faster!’ in a hopeful voice. With a small downhill length, she caught up to another student, and her grin was huge as she pedaled past.” More than 3,000 students across the state rode on Bike to School Day. Newcomer to the Challenge, Coe Elementary School in Seattle had 100 students ride — a ridership equaling 20 percent of its total student body! New participating schools across the state included Lincoln Middle School (Pullman), Foothills Middle School (Wenatchee) and Island View Elementary (Anacortes). Reflective spoke card prizes were handed out to every rider who rode on Bike to School Day. A student at West Woodland claims his reward for riding! Students at Coe Elementary smile with Bike to School Day prizes and snacks in hand. Congratulations to all the students who rode, and a huge thank you to the Bike to School program coordinators, volunteers, parents and our sponsor, Seattle Children’s Hospital, who made this year’s Bike to School Day possible and a true success! Join us for a

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Page 1: Cascade Courier June 2016

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June 2016 / Vol. 46 No. 6 cascade.org

improving lives through bicycling

My daily commuteBy Rich Brown, Major Taylor Project Coordinator

p. 6-7

I used to think riding bikes was only for kids and for fun. Now I see the bicycle as a form of transportation, recreation, fitness and meditation.

I grew up in Los Angeles, Calif. At age 14 my parents moved to the suburbs. That was a life changer. I went from the inner city to a predominantly white school and community. My parents had prepared me for this transition by raising me to be aware of my skin

color and how some people will make prejudgements about me. Soon, that all began to sink in.

I started racing BMX and mountain biking in Southern California during the 80s. The sport was not very diverse, but I really enjoyed competing with my peers. I do recall the looks I got for being the only person of color; or for having the make-shift bike, while my white peers were flaunting their new polished Diamond Backs GTs and Haros. Comments like, “what’s he doing here?” or “shouldn’t you be playing basketball?” were very confusing to me; I was not raised that way. Knowing that I wasn’t accepted pushed me to compete even harder, but it was exhausting.

My parents supported me in following my passion, but I did not feel welcomed. I dropped the bike and got into football. On the Gridiron I felt welcomed, and the camaraderie helped shaped my values. The feeling of being an outsider still came up, just not as often.

Twenty-two years later, I decided to get back on the bike. My employer at the time supported cycling, and most of our staff commuted to work by bike daily. I was inspired. I bought my first road bike (Raleigh SuperCourse steel frame) and it was on! I rode that thing everywhere. I fell in love with biking again. This new bicycling culture embraced me and supported me, and that felt awesome.

To this day, I am still reminded that at times, I will be the only one.

I hear unconscious racial bias from my own people — things like, “blacks don’t ride bikes; or if they do, they are not cool or they are poor.”

A few years ago I was chased, run off the road, and had racial slurs screamed at me while mountain biking in North Bend.

So I know we still have a long way to go.

Despite these discouraging events, I refuse to give up the thing that I love again, my bicycle.

This is my daily commute as a Black man.

I refuse to give up the thing that I love, my bicycle.

My daily commuteBy Ed Ewing, Major Taylor Project

Director

Like Rich, I experience the isolation, the looks and the slurs. On Monday, April 25, I was reminded of my skin color and racism with a slur yelled from a person driving by in West Seattle. I was just riding my bike, enjoying my day, pedaling to my home, just like you.

Like Rich, I dismiss ignorance and hate with every pedal stroke and refuse to give up the thing that I love, the bicycle. This too, is my daily commute as a Black man.We believe stories are powerful, and we’d like to hear yours. To share your daily commute story, visit cascade.org/your-story or share online by tagging @cascadebicycle on Twitter or Instagram with #mydailycommute.

2016 Bike to School Day was a success!By Emily Kotz, Youth Programs Assistant & Shannon Koller, Senior Director of Education

The 2016 National Bike to School Day was May 4, and communities across the state of Washington celebrated by greeting students on their morning rides to school. Youth on bikes, scooters and tricycles took part in prize giveaways, enjoyed healthy snacks and went on their way, ready to learn.

“It was glorious! Too many for the bike racks!” said Lynne Peck-Theis, parent champion at Cascadia Elementary. “At least 65 student cyclists signed in, so about 10 percent of the school rode a bike or unicycle.”

Lynne participated in a bike train with other parents and kiddos and said, “the littlest one was a first grader who was on a bike that seemed barely bigger than a balance bike. She was in the back of the pack saying, ‘I wish I could go faster!’ in a hopeful voice. With a small downhill length, she caught up to another student, and her grin was huge as she pedaled past.”

More than 3,000 students across the state rode on Bike to School Day. Newcomer to the Challenge, Coe Elementary School in Seattle had 100 students ride — a ridership equaling 20 percent of its total student body!

New participating schools across the state included Lincoln Middle School (Pullman), Foothills Middle School (Wenatchee) and Island View Elementary (Anacortes).

Reflective spoke card prizes were handed out to every rider who rode on Bike to School Day. A student at West Woodland claims his reward for riding!

Students at Coe Elementary smile with Bike to School Day prizes and snacks in hand.

Congratulations to all the students who rode, and a huge thank you to the Bike to School program coordinators, volunteers, parents and our sponsor, Seattle Children’s Hospital, who made this year’s Bike to School Day possible and a true success!

Join us for a

Page 2: Cascade Courier June 2016

2 www.cascade.org

June 2016

Clint Loper, past board member of the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation, strong advocate of kids on bikes and co-founder of WalkBikeSchools, died on Wednesday, May 18 of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Clint was a beloved community leader, friend and father of two teenage children. Shannon Koller, Cascade’s Senior Director of Education, shares some of her memories of Clint in this space. Peaceful journeys, Clint. – Elizabeth Kiker, Cascade Executive Director

The Bike to School community lost a beloved member this week with the passing of Clint Loper. As co-founder of WalkBikeSchools, a group formed to foster and connect parent champions interested in kid-powered transportation, Clint was the first person with whom I connected to soundboard what I thought was a crackpot idea for changing the way that kids get to school in my neighborhood. I could not have found a better mentor, friend or connection to the already robust Bike to School movement in Seattle. It felt great to find such fellowship with others who cared so deeply not only about healthy and active kids, but also safe streets and vibrant, connected communities. Clint helped me see how much this work matters, which eventually led me to leave a career that I loved in international education to join Cascade and do something that I love even more. As I watched dozens of kids stream into my neighborhood elementary schools this week, I thought about the 3,000+ students in the area riding their bikes during Bike Month and the kid-powered revolution that Clint helped to spark.

Clint and I shared the same favorite holiday, Bike to School Day, which was celebrated on Wednesday, May 4 this year. How fitting that our last words to each other were on and about Bike to School Day. After we acknowledged the greatest day of the year, Clint said, “honestly it was really inspiring this morning to see kids in my neighborhood streaming up the hill toward Top Pot for the annual Bike to School Day bike ride to Bryant, and knowing that Jessica, Heather and Robin were hosting kid bikers at Eckstein too! And knowing there was a lot more of the same going on around the city and region. Seeing so many kids and families on bikes today made my day! I can’t tell you how much days like today with huge numbers of smiling kids on bikes help to keep my spirits high!” Clint continued. “Well done today everyone! Cheers and happy biking!”

Cascade will create an award named after Clint to honor an exceptional parent champion who fosters active transportation in their community during Bike to School Month each year.

We are keeping Clint’s family in our hearts and minds as we celebrate his life. Honored to have shared the bike lane with you, Clint. Ride on.

STP Spotlight: Spanaway Middle School helps cater for 10,000By Rebecca Sorensen, Events Director

Group Health STP presented by Alaska Airlines is just around the corner on July 16-17. The 37-year-old event is the largest annual fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club and Washington Bikes. Registration fees from STP support Cascade’s bicycle education programs for children, families, school groups and everyone else who wants to ride a bike. STP fees also support the state policy work of Washington Bikes. They also help us give back to other organizations that help make the ride possible.

Spanaway Middle SchoolMile mark 54.1

For 20+ years, Spanaway Middle School has been the location for the STP’s main food stop on Day 1. From the school’s remodeling and expansion to STP’s major growth in ridership (now more than 10,000!), both organizations have grown together over the past 20 years, and now the ride is a major fundraiser for the school.

Recruiting and training of volunteers begins in the spring and is highlighted by a skit written by the students and performed by them at one of the school assemblies. The volunteer crew is comprised of a team of administrators, students, parents and even former students who come back to help out each year.

During the week of the event, a small group prepares the storage, labeling and other supplies needed

to support the riders. The work starts on Friday before the event, when 80 to 90 people gather to spread, cut and sort all of the food into the school’s refrigerator. On the day of the event, a crew of 150 to 200 volunteers work hard to keep up with the participants’ consumption of over 15,000 sandwiches, 7,400 bananas and 1,044 pounds of grapes during the seven hours the food stop is open. That’s a lot of spreading, cutting and peeling!

The funds raised by STP help Spanaway Middle School support the school’s clubs and other extracurricular activities. STP is also an important exercise in team building. According to Alicia Porter and Jen Bonner, the lead organizers for the STP food stop, “What started out as a few workers in the athletic department has grown to be a school-wide, and even community-wide, event. SMS feels proud to be a part of the STP event, and it is inspiring to our students, families and surrounding community.”

A big thank you to the Spanaway Middle School students and staff for all their continued support in making the STP possible. We’ll see you there in July!You can still register for the STP and support organizations like Spanaway Middle School: cascade.org/stp.

Thanks to our sponsors

TM

Celebrating the life of Clint LoperBy Shannon Koller, Cascade Senior Director of Education

From left to right: Clint is survived by his daughter, Berkeley; wife, Leslie; and daughter Emmie.

Page 3: Cascade Courier June 2016

3Improving Lives Through Bicycling

Vol. 46, No. 6

Make connections at the Seattle Employers Bike Summit By Kelli Refer, Seattle Policy Director

Join fellow business representatives to learn about the rising importance of bike commuting and its effect on your bottom line. Cascade has teamed up with Regence, Commute Seattle, Metro King County and Seattle Department of Transportation to host the second annual Employers Bike Summit on June, 10.

Hear keynote speaker Lisa Brandenburg, President of Children’s Hospital (and bike commuter), and join workshops such as: Getting There by Bike and Transit; Building Bike Friendly Business Networks; Bike Parking: Best Practices and Current Options; and Encouraging More Women to Bike.

This event is free, but space is limited so please RSVP at cascade.org/employerbikesummit.

Seattle Employers Bike Summit

Friday, June 10 Summit 1 – 4 p.m.

Optional Happy Hour 4–5:30 p.m. Cambia Grove 1800 9th Ave. (Second Floor)

YOUR BIKE YOUR WAY

180 N. Canal St. Seattle, WA. 98103www.cascadebicyclestudio.com(206) 547-4900

CASCADE BICYCLE STUDIO

The bikes we sell are as varied and unique as the people who ride them. That's just one reason why personalization from Seven Cycles

comes standard at no additional up-charge. Stop in to discover what’s possible with a bike designed and fit perfectly for you.

Join us for the fifth anniversary of the Red-Bell 100By Stacey Nakagawa, Cascade Events Director, & Jennifer Schofield, World Bicycle Relief Development Manager

The Red-Bell 100 features 104 miles of low-traveled back roads and bicycle trails through the scenic Pacific Northwest, with a fully catered lunch and finisher BBQ at Boundary Bay Brewery. The ride starts at Marymoor Park in Redmond, travels through beautiful Snohomish and Skagit County and over Chuckanut Drive, and includes spectacular views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains along the way.

Cascade Bicycle Club and World Bicycle Relief have formed a unique partnership for this fundraising event, with proceeds going to programs locally in Washington state and globally in rural Africa. By registering for this ride, your support funds two amazing programs and people like Francisco and Ethel.

Cause: Cascade’s Major Taylor Project (MTP) is a year-round youth development cycling program integrating bicycling, healthy living, bicycle maintenance, road safety awareness and the importance of working towards individual goals.

“It is simple. The Major Taylor Project showed me how to enjoy the outdoors on a bike. Before MTP, I used to play video games for about 10 hours every day. My favorite part is to discover things around my community, like when we went to Angle Lake Park.

I never noticed it when driving by. After we went there on bike club, I now take my little sister there every other weekend.”

– Francisco Juarez, MTP studentCause: World Bicycle Relief

provides simple, sustainable bicycle transportation, mobilizing individuals in the developing world where the Power of Bicycles can change lives and transform communities.

Before she owned a bicycle, 15-year-old Ethel walked more than two hours across hilly terrain each day to attend school. Now with a bike, her commute takes 45 minutes. She’s happy to arrive at school on time to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse. In addition to setting an example as a successful student, Ethel has mobilized her community by using her bicycle to transport fellow classmates to school.We hope to see you at the Red-Bell 100 this year! Register today at cascade.org/redbell.

Red-Bell 100Saturday, June 25

Ride from Redmond to Bellingham

Register at cascade.org/redbell

Photo courtesy of World Bicycle Relief

Photo courtesy of C.B. Bell

Page 4: Cascade Courier June 2016

4 www.cascade.org

June 2016

The Cascade Bicycle Club Board of Directors meets six times per year at the Cascade Bicycling Center, 7787 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle. Board meetings are open to the public.

Board of Directors meetings take place on the third Wednesday of the month. Upcoming meetings are: June 15, Sept. 21 and Nov. 16.

THE COURIER CREWEditor in Chief: Briana Orr

Editor: Diana Bryant

Layout: Sarah Kulfan

Additional design: Tom Eibling, Kotis Design

Photographers: CB Bell, Titus (Til) Biswa, Shaun Ivory, Briana Orr, Brent TongcoContributors: Rich Brown, Diana Bryant, Clarissa Allen, Jason Goodman, Meghna Jaradi,

Andrew Kopp, Emily Kotz, Morgan Michel, Stacey Nakagawa, Briana Orr, Daniel Perry, Kelli Refer, Rebecca Sorensen, Blake Trask, Craig Undem, Stacey Williams

We welcome your contributions!Got an inspiring story or a great photo? We welcome submissions. The editorial calendar is planned one month in advance. If you wish to contribute an article to a future issue, contact the editor as early as possible. Articles and photographic submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Articles submitted after that will be considered on a space-available basis. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space.

Queries can be emailed to: [email protected].

CONTACT US

Advertising: We welcome ads and inserts. To check availability and inquire about prices, please contact Briana Orr at [email protected].

Let’s be social! Follow CascadeFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.

@cascadebicycle

@cascadebicycle

cascade.org

facebook.com/cascadebicycleclub

www.cascade.orgOffice phone: 206-522-3222 Email: [email protected]

Cascade Bicycle Club7787 62nd Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Catherine Hennings • catherine.hennings@

Vice President Nate Glissmeyer • nate.glissmeyer@

Treasurer Alexa Volwiler • alexa.volwiler@

Secretary Sandi Navarro • sandin@

Director at large Charles Ruthford • charles.ruthford@

DIRECTORS

George Durham • george.durham@

Marie Dymkoski • maried@Ted Inkley • tedi@Haley Keller • Haleyw@Kevin McDonald • kevin.mcdonald@Bill Montero • bill.montero@John Pope • johnp@

Merlin Rainwater • merlin.rainwater@Tamara Schmautz • tamara.schmautz@Jim Stanton • jim.stanton@Don Volta • don.volta@Daniel Weise • daniel.weise@Ed Yoshida • ed.yoshida@

SENIOR STAFF

Note: All email addresses are @cascade.org

Tarrell Kullaway, Senior Director of Development & Membership (206) 939-4312 • tarrellk@

Kathy Mania, Senior Director of Finance & Operations (206) 939-4321 • kathym@

Brent Tongco, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing (206) 939-4307 • brentt@

Blake Trask, Senior Director of Policy(206) 310-4762 • blake@

Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director (202) 425-0627 • elizabethk@

Barb Chamberlain, Chief Strategic Officer (509) 869-2949 • barbc@

David Douglas, Senior Director of Events & Rides (206) 939-4323 • davidd@

Shannon Koller, Senior Director of Education (206) 939-4335 • shannonk@

Letter to the editorThe Emerald City Bike Ride was a big deal. Not just for the City of Seattle,

the other 6,999 riders, the countless volunteers or curious on-lookers, but in my personal history it is listed as a big deal. I got a scholarship to participate and that was a big deal in itself. No one loves 520 more than I do. No one. But that’s not the biggest part of the big deal on the timeline.

When I was 20, I was injured in a car collision and walked with a cane for nearly a year. Relearning how to walk made biking seem ludicrous. Flash forward 23 years of constant pain and a whole lot of self-care, massage, acupuncture and determination: the Emerald City Bike Ride was the hardest, furthest and biggest bike experience of my life. I had to be there — was oh-so-proud to be there. And I did it! Hills (so, so many hills) and all, one pedal push at a time. It was a singular, remarkable event, and I want you to know I am thankful for this big deal. Thanks to everyone at Cascade Bicycle Club for all you do to make Seattle great — both on and off wheels.

–Jenine Lillian Jenine teaches Gentle Yoga & Meditation at the University of Washington and is a Roaming Librarian for the Seattle Public Library system. She encourages all bodies to get out there and enjoy this beautiful city, whatever form that takes.

The gift that keeps on pedalingBy Clarissa Allen, School-Based Programs Manager

Did you know that Cascade owns over 300 singlespeed BMX bikes? These bikes are well-loved throughout the school year, traveling to new schools (throughout four districts) every three weeks to be used in our in-school bike and pedestrian safety unit. A core group of committed volunteers assist Cascade staff in maintaining the bikes twice annually, ensuring that they are safe and ready to roll for hundreds more kids.

In June, we are retiring and replacing a large portion of this fleet as part of our program expansion in 2016-17. Once the bikes are given a final Cascade tune-up, they’ll be donated to partner organizations across the state who provide direct service to youth – Outdoors for All, Treehouse, the YES Foundation of White Center, Lake City Greenways and Betz Elementary (in the Cheney

School District).For many of the students who

participate in our school-based education programs, access to a bike is the single biggest barrier in continuing to ride. Our hope is that in gifting our retired bike fleet to community-based organizations, we’ll be able to expand bicycle access to youth being served by our community partners. A life on a bike is a life well lived, and we are looking forward to many more youth living the joy of bicycling in their daily lives!Are you interested in joining a fun wrench session and supporting our school-based education programs? Then head to the Cascade volunteer portal at cascade.org/volunteerportal, and sign up for a June or July event. We look forward to seeing you there!

May’s crossword answer key By Andrew Knopp, Volunteer Program Assistant

Page 5: Cascade Courier June 2016

5Improving Lives Through Bicycling

Vol. 46, No. 6

Major Taylor Project expandsBy Sam Alcorn, Major Taylor Project Assistant

REGISTER › BIKEMS.ORG

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Ride for the challenge. Stay for the party. Bike to create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER NATIONAL SPONSORS $10 OFF WITH CODE › CASCADE

Seattle Night Ride coming to a starry night near you!By Meghna Jaradi, Events Coordinator

Summer night party by bike? Yes, please! Join us for the Seattle Night Ride on Friday, July 8.

Come in your best bikey costumes and bust out those colorful glow lights — they are heavily encouraged! Riders can join a rockin’ bike train before heading out for the night on this 15-mile loop. The ride will start and finish at Peddler Brewing Company in Ballard, with the route taking riders through the Myrtle Edwards midpoint.

The midpoint will feature live entertainment, snacks and more, with the perfect Elliott Bay backdrop. At the finish, unwind with a tasty local beer from Peddler Brewing Company at the Night Ride after party. Pick up your free ride souvenir, grab a bite from

Napkin Friends food truck and toss some beanbags in cornhole. Join the fun and register at cascade.org/nightride.

Let’s toast to the Woodinville Wine RideBy Meghna Jaradi, Events Coordinator

When in the Pacific Northwest can you go on a leisurely bike ride, sip on locally crafted artisan wines, enjoy a summer breeze off of Lake Washington, listen to live music and indulge in tasty bites all in one day? On Sunday, June 12 at one of Cascade’s newest signature events: the Woodinville Wine Ride!

Back for a second year, the flat and picturesque 30-mile route begins and ends in Woodinville at the Woodhouse Wine Estates, right in the heart of wine country, with riders utilizing the beautiful Sammamish River Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail into Seattle and back.

The waterfront midpoint at Cascade Bicycle Club will feature light snacks and a pairing of local wine, and artisan cheese courtesy of Cherry Valley Dairy.

At the finish line, enjoy live music, grab a bite from a gourmet food truck and sample from a selection of the Woodhouse Wine Estates finest wines. This is sure to be an event you don’t want to miss!

Registration comes with two complimentary wine tastings and a wine-themed giveaway item. To secure your spot, visit cascade.org/wineride.

Thanks to our sponsors

The Seattle Night Ride invites participants on a nighttime ramble to take in many Seattle sights.

The Major Taylor Project added four new schools this spring with the help of Group Health Cooperative. Franklin High School in Mount Baker, Cascade Middle School in White Center, and Mount Tahoma and Jason Lee Middle School in Tacoma all have Major Taylor Bike Clubs now. And student interest is booming — MTP rides with 100 students between these four schools!

The Major Taylor Project is now partnering with a total of 14 schools and has 230 students in South Seattle and Tacoma exploring their communities by bike! The MTP after school clubs take students on weekly bike rides around their neighborhoods and offers opportunities to participate in longer weekend event rides including the Group Health Seattle to Portland presented by Alaska Airlines.

“Major Taylor Bike Clubs introduce a wide range of youth to cycling,” said MTP Project Coordinator Rich Brown, “giving them the opportunity to build healthy habits, explore their community, make friends, learn about active and multi-modal transportation.”

In May, on one memorable ride, Rich took 13 student from Foster High School on the light rail to SODO, then back.

“MTP’s goal is to engage diverse youth in cycling and we are succeeding in that now more than ever. The number of students that

join our clubs speaks for itself,” Major Taylor Project Director and Founder Ed Ewing said. “These kids love to ride, and we are providing them with the opportunity, thanks to Group Health Cooperative and hundreds of other donors and supporters.”

MTP partners with schools in Seattle and Tacoma’s more ethnically diverse neighborhoods, with over 80 nationalities represented. Additionally, these are schools where 75 to 90 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch. The Major Taylor Project has lofty goals of taking 100 students on the STP this summer and adding programs at two more schools in the fall to engage even more students around the state.

Please support the Major Taylor Project by donating or volunteering your time to ride with our students! Give at cascade.org/givetomajortaylor. Email Sam at [email protected] for more information on volunteering.

Help us transform Washington State! Renew now at cascade.org/renew

Foster High School students celebrate diversity. Photo courtesy of Titus (Til) Biswa.

Woodinville Wine Ride participants sip a glass of wine with old and new friends as they enjoy live music.

Page 6: Cascade Courier June 2016

6 www.cascade.org

June 2016

FREE GROUP RIDESThe name says it allThey’re convenient, they’re plentiful, and as the name

suggests… they’re FREE! Cascade Bicycle Club offers more

than 2,500 Free Group Rides annually in the Puget Sound

region. No matter if you want to go near or far, slow or fast,

flat or hilly, for fun or fitness, our Free Group Rides provide

a supportive community to explore the region and keep you

pedaling. They’re open to anyone who wants to ride — all you

need is a bike, a helmet and a signed waiver to get you started.

cascade.org/grouprides

What type of ride is best for you?

Our Free Group Rides range from leisurely 10-mile jaunts

to longer endurance rides and are classified according to

pace and other characteristics. To pick the ride for your skill

and energy level, review the rides classification at cascade.

org/grouprides. If you’re unsure of your skill level, choose a

slower-paced ride first. You can always choose a faster ride

next time. With rides taking place all over the Puget Sound

region every day, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

NEW TO FREE GROUP RIDES?Looking for a way to make new friends and get more exercise?

Or maybe you’re new to town and would like to explore new

neighborhoods. Better yet, maybe you just love an excuse to get out

and ride. No matter the reason or the season, Free Group Rides is a

great choice for accomplishing all of the above.

Curious about how it works? It’s easy! Check out the full ride listing

and classifications. Then choose a ride that fits your schedule and skill

level, and simply show up ready to ride. You’ll want to read up on some

helpful tips about Cascade safety expectations and what to bring along,

and if you have any questions, be sure to contact the designated ride

leader listed in the ride description. You can find all this and more on the

Free Group Rides page at cascade.org/grouprides.

Free Group Rides are also a great way to train for one of Cascade’s

upcoming major rides, or they can simply help you reach your individual

fitness goals. In the summer months, you can find lots of weekday

evening rides designed to build on your summer fitness routine. Check

out MEETS (Midweek Evening Eastside Training Series), NERD

(Northend Evening Riding before Dark) or MORE (Midweek Outdoor

Riding in the Evening). Can you tell we love our acronyms?! And if

you’re looking for a shorter, more social ride, try our SLOW rides. These

are usually between 5 and 10 miles, are very social and only have one

requirement: that you ride SLOWLY!

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7Improving Lives Through Bicycling

Vol. 46, No. 6

Cassie AprilRiderWhy do you ride FGRs? I choose to ride FGRs because it’s a great way to explore the greater Seattle area and meet new people. Through FGRs, I’ve been able to increase my endurance and confidence as a new rider in a fun and supportive environment. I also love the variety of FGRs that are offered because I can easily find a ride at a pace and distance that matches my current ability.

What got you started with FGRs? A friend of mine actually referred me to the FGRs listed on the Cascade Bicycle Club website earlier this year because I was struggling to create and follow a route on my own. I decided to give it a try, so I registered online for a GR2R ride and I absolutely loved it! Everyone was extremely welcoming and I learned a lot of valuable information.

What is your favorite FGR? Although every ride I’ve attended has been a great experience, my favorite FGR is probably the MORE Hills series that occurs every Wednesday evening in Seattle. It’s a wonderful way to train during the work week and offers some incredible views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and Lake Washington.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE HANDLEBARSThe heart of the Free Group Rides Program is the 300+ volunteers who donate many hours of time not only leading rides, but also

planning and pre-riding to ensure routes are safe and appropriate for their riders. These dedicated ride leaders attend a certification

class, learn the skills for a great ride and share their love of cycling with those who join them. Our ride leaders like nothing better than

sharing their favorite routes, scenic views and coffee stops.

Last year we had 2,676 rides with more than 22,000 people in attendance. In 2016 we’d love to add you to our Free Group Rides family!

Interested in becoming a ride leader? Contact Stacey Williams at [email protected].

Stephen MareaRide LeaderWhy do you ride FGRs? I ride Free Group Rides because I like meeting fellow cyclists. I get to meet a wide array of people that I wouldn’t normally meet otherwise. I’ve heard a lot of great life stories and have grown comfortable riding with people of all skill levels. FGRs have taken me through every neighborhood in and around Seattle and have made me a more confident rider. The group rides motivate me to ride more frequently and for longer distances because they feel like a welcoming team.

Why did you become a ride leader? I started biking a lot in July 2015, and I went on my first Free Group Ride in August 2015. I started participating because I wanted to ride more frequently, and I didn’t know any good routes around the city. I decided to become a ride leader because I wanted to be in a yellow jersey! I viewed ride leaders as community leaders. They were always kind, knowledgeable and professional, and I wanted to embody those same traits when I rode my bike. I felt that my mentored rides were helpful in giving me the confidence to lead a group, and it helped me appreciate all of the planning and thought that goes into creating a positive experience for all of the riders. Now that I am a ride leader, I view myself as an ambassador for all bicyclists when I am riding.

What is your favorite FGR? My favorite FGR is any ride with a bakery stop. I like to ride hard, so I enjoy earning a treat for my efforts!

WHERE WE RIDEFree Group Rides are expansive across Seattle and the Puget Sound

region, from Everett all the way down to Tacoma and currently as

far east as Carnation. No matter where you live in Seattle or the

surrounding area, there’s a Free Group Ride in your backyard. And we

are looking at ways to continue to grow our FGR reach statewide, so

stay tuned!

Year 2014 2015

cascade.org/grouprides

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8 www.cascade.org

June 2016

Bike Camping 101 — get ready for the Swift CampoutBy Jason Goodman, Guest Contributor & Swift Industries Co-Founder

With the second annual Swift Campout on the horizon, we wanted to give a huge shoutout to all of you who are first-time bike campers!

Want to get started bike camping but aren’t quite sure where to begin?

Perfect!First things first — for a short

bike trip, chances are any old bike will do, but there are a few things that will make your outing a little easier. We recommend a bicycle with gears because your camping stuff might slow you down a bit, and those hills will take a toll with your house on board.

The most common setup is a

rear rack to carry your panniers full of food, camping supplies and shelter. It’s much more comfortable than riding with a heavy backpack! Let your bicycle do the heavy lifting so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of country roads.

Try to pack as minimally as possible. One of the most liberating things about traveling by bicycle is that when you’re stripped down to the daily essentials you pay closer attention to the landscape and people along the way. Gear designed for backpacking is perfect for bicycle travel; it’s lighter and more compact than ever, which makes bike camping pretty luxurious without a ton of weight.

Swift Industries invites you to pack up and skip town for a Solstice bike overnight June 25 & 26Swift Campout is pedaling to camp with all of your belongings strapped to your bicycle, and setting up camp in a serene spot with the sound of frogs chirping in the distance. Swift Campout is a celebration of the longest day and the first summer night. Sign up and join other bike adventurers for a global night under the stars. It’s a DIY, free, global event that inspired more than 600 bike camping trips on one weekend in 2015. Sign up at builtbyswift.com/swiftcampout.

On the menuFor a short ride take lots of freshies

along, or stop at farm stands along the way. Relish the open air kitchen while you chop and prep; enjoy turning those hot dogs at a ritual pace over the embers.

More of a “just get it done” cook? That’s easy too: you can take a burrito for dinner and no-cook breakfast like yogurt and granola for a delicious start.

Alrighty kids. We hope we’ve reeled you in. It can be a leap to try something new, and we’re excited and impressed that you’re pushing your comfort zone to give a bike camping trip a whirl! Sign up for the Swift Campout at builtbyswift.com/swiftcampout.

This excerpt was republished with permission from Swift Industries. Read the full blog post at builtbyswift.com/2559-2.

New opportunities for volunteers statewide with Cascade’s expanded education workBy Josh Miller, Education Programs Manager

Do you love working on bikes?We are excited to announce a

new set of volunteer opportunities all around the great state of Washington!

As part of our statewide expansion, Cascade now plays a key role in the Statewide Middle School Biking and Walking Safety Education Program (in partnership with WSDOT, OSPI and Feet First). Approximately 60 school districts around the state have implemented this program, which provides a three-week biking and walking safety unit in third through fifth grade PE classes. We are looking for volunteers to maintain the programs’ bike fleets.

You’ll need to know how to replace punctured inner tubes and brake and shift cables; adjust brakes and derailleurs; replace brake pads; adjust hub and headset bearings; and ensure that all fasteners are secure on the bikes. Depending on the location of the opportunity, you may be required to provide your

own tools and work stand.Many districts do not have

a system for keeping the bikes maintained, so this volunteer role is essential to keep the program running.

There are many perks to volunteering with Cascade! You can use your volunteer hours to earn a membership to the organization or register for your favorite Cascade rides. Volunteers also enjoy events like the annual volunteer party with free food, drinks and Cascade swag.

These opportunities will be posted on the volunteer calendar and on our volunteer portal once details are finalized.For questions about the Statewide Middle School Education Program and associated volunteer opportunities, please contact Josh Miller at [email protected].

For general questions about volunteering and volunteer benefits, please contact Dylan Joffe at [email protected].

S C E N I C T O U R SVia Bike

L E T ’S R I D E

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9Improving Lives Through Bicycling

Vol. 46, No. 6

Ride Leader Certification Class

Tuesday, June 7Ride Leader Certification Class6:30 p.m. Cascade Bicycling Center, 7787 62nd Ave NE, Seattle

EASY PACE (UNDER 10 mph)

Thursday, June 9Ballard and Beyond10 a.m. 10 miles from Sunset West Condominiums, Seattle • Ride Leader: Les Weppler

LEISURELY PACE (10-12 mph)

Repeating Wednesdays Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS): Leisurely to Vigorous 6 p.m. 25 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail, Redmond • Series Director: Sandi Navarro

Repeating Thursdays Gas Works Thursday Social6:30 p.m. 12 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Scott Kralik

Tuesday, June 7Flat Tuesday “Pie Ride” to Bothell11 a.m. 20 miles from Magnuson Park Tennis Center Parking Lot, Seattle • Ride Leaders: Don Martin, Dottie Smith

Tuesday, June 21Flat Tuesday “Pie Ride” to Bothell11 a.m. 20 miles from Magnuson Park Tennis Center Parking Lot, Seattle • Ride Leaders: Don Martin, Dottie Smith

Sunday, June 26Sunday Pedalers on Kinda Easy Streets (S.P.O.K.E.S.) Strawberry Festival Ride 201610 a.m. 23.20 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail, Redmond • Ride Leaders: Michelle Burton, Beth Enright, Jim Hunt

FREE GROUP RIDES

STEADY PACE (12-14 mph)

Repeating Tuesdays She Bikes - Seattle Cycle Sirens - Tuesday Evening Steady Spin5:30 p.m. 13 miles from Cascade Bicycling Center, 7787 62nd Ave NE, Seattle • Ride Leader: Almie Borromeo

Repeating Wednesdays Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS): Leisurely to Vigorous 6 p.m. 25 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail, Redmond • Series Director: Sandi Navarro

Repeating Thursdays She Bikes - Seattle Cycle Sirens, Ride around Mercer Island6:15 p.m. 14 miles from Luther Burbank Park - South Parking Lot, Mercer Island • Ride Leaders: Louise Johnson, Melanie Kelsey

Tuesday, June 7Coffee in Pioneer Square: TREATS10 a.m. 25 miles from Mt Baker Beach Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Lily Reid

Wednesday, June 15Midweek Outdoor Riding in the Evening (MORE) Hills on Wednesdays6 p.m. 22 miles from Lower Woodland Fields parking lot, Seattle • Ride Leader: Rob Snyder

Tuesday, June 28TREATS- Kenmore to Snohomish10 a.m. 50 miles from Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Peter Hallson

MODERATE PACE (14-16 mph)

Repeating Wednesdays Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS): Leisurely to Vigorous 6 p.m. 25 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail, Redmond • Series Director: Sandi Navarro

Repeating Thursdays She Bikes - Seattle Cycle Sirens, Ride around

This is a sampling of this month’s rides.For a complete listing, see cascade.org/calendar.

For full details of the listed rides, see cascade.org/grouprides. This is also where you’ll find ride

guidelines to help you select a ride that suits your style, skills and energy level.

Mercer Island6:15 p.m. 14 miles from Luther Burbank Park - South Parking Lot, Mercer Island • Ride Leaders: Anne-Gigi Chan

Thursday, June 16THursday Unemployed Merry PedalerS (THUMPS): Home for Lunch9:30 a.m. 30 miles from Leschi Starbucks, Seattle • Ride Leader: Mike Nelson

Thursday, June 30THursday Unemployed Merry PedalerS (THUMPS): Home for Lunch9:30 a.m. 30 miles from Leschi Starbucks, Seattle • Ride Leader: Mike Nelson

BRISK (16-18 mph)

Repeating MondaysSmall Chainring Monday6:30 p.m. 19 miles from Sam Smith Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: David Longdon

Repeating Wednesdays Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS): Leisurely to Vigorous 6 p.m. 25 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail, Redmond • Series Director: Sandi Navarro

Saturday, June 18Washington Pass Excursion: Newhalem to Winthrop 2-day9:30 a.m. 147 miles from Newhalem Main St, General Store, Marblemount • Ride Leaders: Wilfried Mack, Robert Onishi, Alexa Volwiler

VIGOROUS (18-20 mph)

Repeating Wednesdays Midweek Eastside Evening Training Series (MEETS): Leisurely to Vigorous 6 p.m. 25 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail, Redmond • Series Director: Sandi Navarro

Saturday, June 18Washington Pass Excursion: Newhalem to Winthrop 2-day9:30 a.m. 147 miles from Newhalem Main St, General Store, Marblemount • Ride Leaders: Wilfried Mack, Robert Onishi, Alexa Volwiler

STRENUOUS: (20-22 mph)

Saturday, June 18Washington Pass Excursion: Newhalem to Winthrop 2-day9:30 a.m. 147 miles from Newhalem Main St, General Store, Marblemount • Ride Leaders: Wilfried Mack, Robert Onishi, Alexa Volwiler

SUPER STRENUOUS: (22mph +)

Repeating TuesdaysCycle Tuesdays5:45 p.m. 25 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leaders: Vincent Haag, Russ Moul

Repeating ThursdaysMore Cycle Tuesdays5:45 p.m. 25 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leaders: Tom Baker, Lola Jacobsen

SELF PACED

Saturday, June 4RAMROD Training Series - Ride #98:30 a.m. 94 miles from Ron Regis Park, Renton • Ride Leaders: Paul Franks, Per Sunde, Shana Sunde

Saturday, June 11RAMROD Training Series - Ride #107:30 a.m. 108 miles from Bear Creek Park & Ride, Redmond • Ride Leaders: Paul Franks, Per Sunde, Shana Sunde

Saturday, June 18RAMROD Training Series - Ride #117:30 a.m. 104 miles from Bear Creek Park & Ride, Redmond • Ride Leaders: Paul Franks, Per Sunde, Shana Sunde

Saturday, June 25RAMROD Training Series - Ride #127:30 a.m. 101 miles from Challenger Elementary School, Issaquah • Ride Leaders: Paul Franks, Per Sunde, Shana Sunde

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10 www.cascade.org

June 2016

Volunteer of the Month: Elizabeth Spencer-SteffaBy Andrew Kopp, Volunteer Programs Assistant

For her determination to get any job done, Cascade’s Volunteer of the Month is Elizabeth Spencer-Steffa. Elizabeth has created a welcoming presence at our offices since she joined the volunteer team in November, and her hard work has not gone unnoticed.

“Elizabeth has spent her entire adult life helping people! She’s warm and funny, game for anything, and fearless in the face of monotonous tasks and technical challenges alike,” said Ariana Rundquist, Cascade Membership and Development Manager. “In short, she’s a treasure to the Cascade volunteer program.”

“Her attention for detail is valuable. She has the ability to greet and chat people and still make quick work of any tasks she is working on,” said Kim Thompson, Cascade Registrar.

Elizabeth hails from a farm in northwestern Illinois, between Mt Morris and Polo. She traveled to and from her one-room schoolhouse on a bike, until it closed when she was in fourth grade.

“In the summers, I would bike to and from my flute lesson in the nearest town, five miles away,” Elizabeth recalled. “I would schedule it as early in the morning as possible, to avoid the heat.”

She moved to Seattle in 1965 to attend the University of Washington. She has enjoyed a long career as an occupational therapist, specializing in hands, traveling extensively to educate other practitioners, in places as far away as Sweden.

Since graduating in 1969, she has lived in Redmond, Bellevue, Burien and Seattle proper. Elizabeth has seen Seattle change into a much more bike-friendly city.

“I’m so impressed that there are separated bike lanes. And the buses are much better,” she said.

She bikes to maintain her health

and wellness. “You can’t change your birthday, but you can change your lifestyle,” she said. Some of Elizabeth’s favorite rides are on the Burke-Gilman (by the Locks) and jaunts to Woodinville, Red Hook and Marymoor with her husband, Kendal.

Elizabeth volunteers because of the community, she said. “I do it to give back. A community is as good as the people giving back to it.”

She is also a member of the volunteer community at the Center for Wooden Boats, where she leads paddlers on the Umiaq, large “skin-canoes” traditionally used by the Yupik and Inuit peoples.

“Elizabeth is the kind of volunteer who can roll with anything. Every Sunday, rain or shine, she goes out on Lake Union in a giant canoe full of 12 strangers, partially because it’s fun for her, and partially because she’s just really passionate about the water and the art of paddling,” said Max Loos, Volunteer and Membership Coordinator at the Center for Wooden Boats. “She’s honestly one of my favorite Public Sail skippers.”

Thank you for all that you do, Elizabeth! You spread the joy of bicycling through your many contributions to Cascade.

Sneak peek of the upcoming Ride Around Washington tourBy Stacey Nakagawa, Events Director

Ride Around Washington’s (RAW) “Pedaling the Inland Empire” tour is just around the corner on July 31 - Aug. 6. This year’s route begins in Walla Walla with rolling vistas of golden wheat and ends in the Ponderosa pine forests of Metaline Falls. There are still a few spots left, so register today! Here are a few highlights on this year’s tour:

Take in the mesmerizing scenery of the Palouse, one of the most photographed areas in the state.

Pedal along the Spokane River on the scenic Centennial Trail.

Ride the Spiral Highway. The Old Lewiston Grade, AKA the “Spiral Highway” is a 10-mile stretch of old US 95 that climbs 2,000 vertical feet of the Lewiston Hill grade to the Palouse. Known for its 64 curves and panoramic views, the Spiral Highway first opened

in 1917 and was the primary route north for the next 60 years.

Celebrate finishing 437 miles in Metaline Falls at the historic Cutter Theatre!

This intimate, fully supported tour is limited to 250 riders, and we still have a few spots left! For more details and to register, visit cascade.org/raw.

On RAW, you’ll get to take in the mesmerizing scenery of the Palouse, one of the most photographed areas in the state.

bicycleadventures.com 800-443-6060

JOIN US FOR THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

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YOUR SEATTLE-BASED BIKE TOUR COMPANYMt Rushmore & Badlands Bike Tour

Volunteer of the Month Elizabeth Spencer-Steffa working the Cascade front desk.

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11Improving Lives Through Bicycling

Vol. 46, No. 6

Pardon our mess!By Diana Bryant, Writer & Editor

The Cascade Bicycling Center is about to get a facelift! Construction on the Center’s remodeling updates is under way with an expected completion date in August. Thanks to your support during last year’s capital campaign, the completed Center will be a world-class destination for all things bicycling. By the end of the summer, you can expect to see three exciting new additions.

Ride Leader Welcome PavilionMade possible through the

generous support of our dedicated team of ride leaders, this space will be a bright gathering spot for camp kids, daily riders, volunteers and those just pedaling by.

Fix-it GarageThis learning space will allow

Cascade to expand its class offerings and provide a place where riders can stop for a quick fix. The Fix-it Garage will offer hands-on learning opportunities where riders of all abilities can get involved in bike maintenance.

Magnuson Park Traffic GardenThis European-style learning

center will consist of painted lines replicating bike lanes and other street markings, and will include mock street signs and traffic lights. It will provide a safe and comfortable setting for children and adults to learn bicycle and traffic safety.

So if you stop by the Cascade Bicycling Center this summer (and

we hope you will), please bear with us during the construction. You might notice a bit more dust and a little more noise, but rest assured we’ll still have a place for you and your bike, and our kitchen and gathering spaces are still open and welcoming to all.

We’re over the moon with excitement to see the finished product in August, and we hope you’ll be there to join us. From all of us to all of you, thank you for your continued support of this project to help improve lives through bicycling.

We’ll keep you updated as things progress!

The Ride Leader Welcome Pavillion (pictured above), along with the Magnuson Park Traffic Garden and Fix-it Garage, are now under construction and will be complete by fall!

Bicycle racing for beginners By Craig Undem, Cycle University Coach Guest Contributor & Cycle University Head

Coach

So, you are getting faster on your bike. When you started, maybe you were averaging 8-10 mph on your longer rides, but now that you have been training for STP, RSVP, Flying Wheels or similar events, your average speed is getting closer to 15 mph and you are wondering what the next step is. Sound familiar?

I finished STP in one day in 1985 with 10 friends from the University of Washington, and after that I was so hooked I started hanging out at bike shops and reading every bike article I could find. Racing seemed risky and way beyond my ability, so I was happy to just study it.

When I moved to Colorado after college, I began working at the Moots bike shop, and they began taking me out after work to show me how to really ride. I learned how to race from those guys, and when the Steamboat State Race came to town that summer, I was ready to try my first race.

In the Northwest there are many races, but these three are the best choices for new riders in the Seattle region:1. Cyclocross 2. Pacific Raceways or Seward Park

weekly races, SBRP*3. Jerry Baker Velodrome

Which race is best for you?• Do you ride with racer types or

High Performance Cycling Team on the road and keep pace with them? (#2 or 3 above)

• Do you have a mountain or cyclocross bike and like the dirt? (#1, the safest and best intro to racing that will also make you a better rider on the road)

• Do you exclusively ride the road and are in your first three to five years of riding? (#2)

• Do you have any friends racing, and what kind of racing do they do? (pick that, instant support group)

There are clinics to help you learn each of these race options, and there are always “beginner” categories for your first race in each one. We have a link to all of these on our website and would be happy to answer any questions you have about getting into racing. For those of us who have tried it, there is no better thrill and workout in the world!*SBRP (Seattle USA Cycling Beginning Racer Program, is a series of five clinics with mock racing to teach you how to get started racing or improve your skills on the bike in a safe and controlled environment, held once in the spring and again in the summer). Learn more at cycleu.com/seattle-usac- beginning-racer-program-sbrp.

Photo courtesy of Cycle University.

Page 12: Cascade Courier June 2016

12 www.cascade.org

June 2016

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Tour disaster turned miracle thanks to Wenatchee’s Cycle Central!By Daniel Perry, Guest Contributor

I was so excited to be on my first multi-day tour with Cascade in beautiful Chelan! I was 20 miles in and going up a strenuous road climb on a glorious day when it happened. I came to an instant stop and unclipped just in time. I looked back to find my rear derailleur broken off and lodged between the rear wheel, seat stay and frame stay.

Enter the pit crew. One of the many benefits to riding with Cascade is all the incredibly helpful people you meet. I barely touched my bike as the mechanics went to work converting it to a single-speed so I could make it off the hill. We limped into the rest stop with a bent skewer barely holding the wheel on the bike.

After arriving back at the hotel, I jumped in my car and headed for Wenatchee, where a quick internet search left me hopeful I would find a

mechanical miracle.Enter Cycle Central, a fantastic

family bike shop in downtown Wenatchee owned and operated by Greg and Carmen Frislie. Greg greeted me at the door and hearing my need for a miracle, took me back

Donations make our work possible—Thank you!$1,000 and upMark & Heather BarbieriJim BeachToby Bright & Nancy

WardJohn & Amy CrichtonMary FosterPeter & Judith HallsonLisa & Don ImmerwahrShaun IvoryElizabeth & Jason KikerJane Kuypers & Dave

CarltonRef & Wendy LindmarkTamara SchmautzJerry & Edith StritzkeNorm Tjaden

Ed Torkelson & Kathy Kearney

Maarten van DantzichMaggie WalkerHeidi & Jim WoodEd & Marcy YoshidaEd Zuckerman$250-$999AnonymousSharon AndersonThe Anderson-

Bittenbender FamilyBob AndertonScott ArmstrongEric ArtzSally BagshawDon Barden

Nerissa BeaverMichael BennettStephen BishopBryn & Michael BlackAndrew BorgesTiva Brown & Josh

MillerArthur Burrill in Memory

of Nancy BurrillEmily CarlsonJennifer CarterJean-Pierre

ChamberlandColleen ChupikMatthew Cohen &

Kimberly KempAllan Conant

Sean CryanChristopher &

Stephanie Daley-Watson

Mark Davison & Kathleen Galloway

Deborah DonnellBrigitte DuboisJohn & Julie DugganRenee DuprelEugene George

DuvernoyKarla Easton & Michael

KlasnicDavid FriedtMitch FuruglyasAmy Godfrey

Demian GodonKongsgaard-Goldman

FoundationGabe GrijalvaJeffrey HargettCatherine & Tim

HenningsJackson HoltzPeter HummelMark JacokesJeff KoontzTim KornegayMark KramerAlyssa Kreider &

William SunderlandMarko LiiasJoseph Llona

Steve ManghiDoug McCallDan McGradyMark McGregorDavid McLeanPatrick McQueenSandy MelzerMoen Family - BikePTBill MonteroDeborah L MunkbergChris NobleJames O’CallaghanMark PetersonIngvar PeturssonBrett PhillipsJoe, Anne, and Lizzie

Platzner

Andrew PowersCynthia M PutnamMel RobertsHeidi RobinsonAlan RossBrian SaelensJames SandersDavid SchiffrinMark SchleckMary SchroederRobert SindelarJulleen SnyderGretchen SorensenDale & Carol SperlingDale SteinkeRobert StephensonTheresa Tamura

Alexander ThompsonRuth TrueSusan VisconAlexa Volwiler & Frieder

MackMarcia WagonerDana WarrenChristie WinterJohn & Suzi Zook

April Cascade Bicycle Club Donors

Greg Frislie (on left), owner of Cycle Central, lends me his Felt V55 to finish Cascade’s Chelan Tour Lite.

A plan takes shape for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail By Blake Trask, Senior Policy Director

What a difference a typo makes! Approximately 12 months after

a mistake in the Washington State Legislature’s capital budget saved almost 200 miles of rail trail from disappearing completely, the Washington State Parks has developed a set of next steps to realize a vision of developing the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, the longest rail trail in the United States, into an international destination. While not yet final,

State Parks will be compiling a set of recommendations for the State Legislature’s consideration in 2017.

Now the real work begins. To develop the trail, Washington

State Parks estimates estimates it will get close to $100 million. Still, much can be done in the interim to connect gaps and restore iconic crossings like the Beverly Bridge across the Columbia River, the Tekoa Trestle near the Idaho border, and numerous tunnels including

to the shop and introduced me to one of the mechanics, Justin. After finding they did not have the derailleur hanger in stock, Justin disappeared and came back with my exact model bike off of their showroom floor! Eager to put me back on the road, he made it impossible to sell that bike by cannibalizing the parts from it which my bike would need. That was about when he cleaned the dirt out of the dent in my seat stay and realized there was a crack. Correctly putting my safety first, he alerted Greg who immediately called their rep at Cannondale, who confirmed it would not be safe to put my bike frame back on the road. Greg’s next sentence went something like “...so I’ll loan you mine.”

What?! I had trouble finding words. He

confirmed his plans with Carmen and put my bike in the trunk of my car. When we got to his house,

Greg wheeled a beautiful Felt V55 adventure/gravel bike out of his garage and he and his son began setting it up for me.

With the bike tucked away in the backseat and suggestions about seeing the best views on my way back, I left Greg’s home elated!

“Just have it back to the shop on Sunday before 5!”

Greg and Carmen of Cycle Central totally saved the day! I feel privileged to have met such a wonderful couple with great hearts for people (not just customers).

After two more fantastic and challenging days of riding with Cascade over 133 more miles, I returned the bike to Greg. He was willing to snap a quick picture between customers — I mean, future friends for life. See you again soon, Greg and Carmen — hopefully to add a new gravel bike of my own to the stable!

those at picturesque Rock Lake. Making these basic connections will take time and coordination among local stakeholders, state agencies (particularly initiative from State Parks) and the thousands supporters who have already spoken on behalf of saving the John Wayne Pioneer Trail.

Stay tuned for how to be involved. Cascade Bicycle Club, in conjunction with partners like Friends of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, Washington

Trails Association and Washington Bikes, will be hosting events and building momentum to advance an agenda for the trail in the 2017 Washington State Legislature.

In the meantime, get out and discover the great trail opportunities that already exist on the trail. Find more information about the trail at friendsofjohnwaynepioneertrail.org, and for great ride information and maps and pictures, visit fernwehnw.com.