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DECEMBER 2012 / Vol. 42, No. 12

Thank you for remembering the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation this holiday season!

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How bike friendly is your work-place? No matter where you are on the spectrum, Cascade’s newest

program, BizCycle, is the answer. BizCycle features two key strategies to

make local businesses more bike-friendly: provide technical guidance on bike-friendly best practices, and rigorously rate bike-friendly businesses.

We were inspired to create BizCycle by demand from the business community as commuters alike. Businesses were increas-ingly recognizing that bicycle commuting benefits their employees, their communities and their bottom line. They were curi-ous about what their peers were doing to

Improving business and the bottom line with BizCycleby Stephanie Frans, Commute Programs Manager

promote cycling. They wanted to see what more they could do to improve and how they stacked up against each other.

Rightly so. Research has shown that end-of-trip facilities (such bike parking and showers) are a significant motivating factor for those who are on the fence about bicycling to work. For example, researcher Ralph Buehler of Virginia Tech found that commuters with access to showers, clothes lockers, and bike parking at work are as-sociated with a nearly five times greater likelihood to commute by bicycle.

As a new AmeriCorps with Cascade, one of my responsibilities is to help with the Bicycle Ambassador

program. Last month I represented at events with Sound Transit, the Columbia City Farmers Market, and the Rainier Valley Community Center in order to get to know the Ambassador program. Some attendees I spoke to hadn’t ridden a bicycle since they were a child, some wanted to learn about classes for themselves or their children, and others rode more frequently, often commuting to work. Conversations ranged from how and where to purchase an affordable bike, where to learn to ride, and how to help make Seattle safer for people on bikes.

These one-on-one conversations are not unusual for the Cascade Bicycle Ambassa-dors: friendly, knowledgeable bicyclists who are armed with maps and safety brochures. They’re itching to talk to you about safe rid-ing, commuting options, bike infrastructure and the services that Cascade offers.

2012 has been an amazing, outstanding, and very impressive year for the Ambassador team. If you’ve gotten your tires pumped up at an Energizer Station, or stopped to chat and grab the newest bike map at a com-munity health fair, then you’ve been to one of the 170+ events that the Ambassadors attended this season. These experienced per-sonalities have spread the bicycle enthusiasm and information by speaking to more than 4,450 people over the past several months.

A 2012 Bike Ambassador year in reviewby Hanna McFall, AmeriCorps, Community Programs Assistant

Phew! During a Greenwood Summer Streets

event, the Ambassadors said “This was fun! We organized a bike parade and had lots of local kids and families join us. The bike decorating was a hit!”

If you’d like to get to know them, read their bios on the website. If you’re interested in learning more about the Ambassador Program (or perhaps becoming an Ambas-sador yourself ), don’t hesitate to ask! Contact the Community Programs Assistant at [email protected].

The Bicycle Ambassador program is made possible through your support to the Educ ation Foundation. Please return the enclosed envelope with your year-end gift today or give online at:

www.cascade.org/donate

Back by popular demand, we are happy to offer riders the chance to participate in the World Bicycle

Relief Red-Bell 100!In 2012, this fully supported one-day

century pledge ride from Redmond to Bell-ingham received tremendous reviews. The spectacular route offers riders the chance to enjoy low-traffic road and trail riding through beautiful rural countryside. De-parting from Redmond’s Marymoor Park, the ride winds through Snohomish, Lake Arlington, and the Skagit Valley via Con-way to Whatcom County. After climbing

Ride the second annual World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100, a Cascade Bicycle Club eventSaturday, June 29, 2013 by Peter Verbrugge, Event Producer

the stunning Chuckanut Drive, riders will roll into downtown Bellingham for a finish line party and fully catered cookout at the legendary Boundary Bay Brewery. This is a great ride to invite your friends along. It’s a terrific early-season or first century, not too hilly with killer road and food support all along the way.

The World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 will again be limited to only 600 riders, and is being produced by Cascade in partner-ship with World Bicycle Relief as a unique fundraiser. Proceeds will be distributed both locally to support Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation’s extensive youth programming, and globally to support the amazing work of World Bicycle Relief in Africa. Last year we raised $50,000 for Cas-cade youth programs, and in 2013 we know YOU can help us double that figure!

Here’s what you need to know about 2013 event registrationby Ellison Fidler, Administrative Coordinator

general public on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Register online by logging in to http://shop.cascade.org. If you have not logged into the website before, you’ll need to create an account with a username and password.

In order to register during early registra-tion your membership must be current. You can check your membership expiration date, find your member number or view other people listed as part of your household by logging into the your online account. If you have lost your username/password, email [email protected].

New for 2013There are a few changes to events this

year. If you don’t want to take your chances by entering the lottery for RSVP, you can bypass the lottery by registering at the “buy

2013 EVENT DATESFeb. 24 Chilly HillyJun. 9 Flying Wheels Summer CenturyJun. 29 Red-Bell 100Jul. 13–14 Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle ClassicAug. 3–9 Ride Around WashingtonAug. 16–17 RSVPAug. 17–18 RSVP2Sept. 8 High Pass ChallengeSept. 29 Kitsap Color Classic

The 2013 event registration is about to begin, the following informa-tion will help ensure the process is a

smooth one for you.As a Cascade member you can register

for our events ahead of the crowd. On-line registration opens to current Cascade members on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and to the

SAFETY 24%

COMMUTING 18%

ADVOCACY 10%

HELMETS 5%

NEGATIVE 3%

GENERAL CLUB 8%

BIKE MAINTENANCE 2% OTHER 5%

CLUB RIDING 14%

YOUTHPROGRAMS 12%

IMPORTANT DATES!Volunteer recognition party: Dec. 6

Office closure: Dec. 24 through 28 and Jan. 1.Members-only event registration period starts Jan. 8

Is your membership expiring?

RENEW ATwww.cascade.org/renew

www.cascade.org2

December 2012

M.J. Kelly, EditorDiane English, Editorial Assistant; Susan Hiles, Photography;

December contributors: Ed Ewing, Ellison Fidler, Stephanie Frans, Max Hepp-Buchanan, Sander Lazar, Hanna McFall, Lindsey Parker,

Anne-Marije Rook, Julie Salathé, Peter Verbrugge

Inserts: We have room for 6 single sheet qualifying inserts in each issue. Please contact Leah Pistorius, (913) 579-7629 [email protected], for a copy of our insert policy and request form. The request and fee are due by the first of the month prior to the desired month.

Advertising: Advertising: Display ads can be placed in the Courier. To check availability and reserve space, contact Leah Pistorius, (913) 579-7629 [email protected]

Reprints: Articles may be reprinted or abstracted in publications of nonprofit groups provided that the author and Club are credited. Please send us a copy of the reprinted material.

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

The contents of this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of the Club or any of its members. The views expressed are those of the individual contributors.

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

Cascade Presentation Series

Beyond the Doping Clean cycling: A new road aheadTuesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m. Seattle REI Store, 222 Yale Ave N Free!

Learn about pro cycling’s new passport testing for doping and hear about legal ways to go faster. Join dean of Cycle University, Craig Undem, with special guests Dr. John Amory and Bridget Nichols. Dr. Armory is professor of

medicine and section head at University of Washington, and he served on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) anti-doping panel from 2004 to 2007. Dr. Armory also testified in the Floyd Landis trials for the straight scoop on dope. Nutritionist Bridget Nichols, who has a masters in nutrition from Bastyr, will discuss ways to legally boost your engine.

Who: You! Basic bike mainte-nance skills recommended but not required.What: Work on the BMX bikes that are used in the Basics of Baicycling Program in elemen-tary schools.Why: To help prepare the bikes to go back out to schools in the spring .When: Weekly at 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 11 and 19 and Jan. 2, 8 and 16.Where: Cascade Bicycle Club office in Magnuson ParkHow: If you are interested, contact Lindsey Parker at [email protected]

We need your help to maintain almost 300 20-inch wheel BMX

bikes for the Group Health Basics of Bicycling Program!

These bikes are from our fleets that travel from school to school, and are used to teach bicycling and bike safety to school kids. Keeping these bikes working and in top shape, is critical for us to help elementary school students learn to ride safely.

Starting at the end of November, weekly Bike Maintenance parties are on the schedule. Some of the work we will be doing includes adjusting coaster brakes, repairing flat tires, lub-ing chains and tightening handlebars.

Don’t worry if you’re not a mechanic. You don’t need extensive bike maintenance expe-rience. Every hand will be put to work and even pumping up tires is extremely helpful! Expla-nations of all work will be given, and there is plenty of guidance throughout the maintenance party.

You can come for one night or for all of them, any support is huge. Please contact Lindsey Parker at [email protected] if you are interested in an evening of bikes, pizza and company.

Wrench bikes, eat pizza, do good, have fun!

Here’s what you need to know about 2013 event registrationcontinued from page 1

it now” price of $200. There are only 250 “buy it now” spots available, and once they are all sold, you’ll have to enter the lottery.

Don’t like to gamble? This year RSVP2 will not use a lottery and instead you can register for it online beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m.

If you’re new to Cascade events and regis-tration, be sure to head over to our website and check out the Frequently Asked Ques-tions page. There is a plethora of information about registration listed. We look forward to seeing you at our 2013 events! Registration schedule:Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m.• Members-only registration opens for

Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, Red-Bell, STP and RAW.

• Members-only “buy it now” opens for RSVP1.

• Members-only lottery opens for RSVP1.

Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.• Members-only “buy it now” closes for

RSVP1.• Members-only lottery closes for RSVP1.

Registration process details will be sent with notification of lottery draw on Thursday, Jan. 17 to those with an email address.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m.• Members-only registration opens for

RSVP2.

Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m.• General public registration opens for

Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels. Red-Bell, STP, RAW and RSVP2 (if the events are not sold out).

Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 10 a.m.• Members-only lottery opens for Tours

- Bend and Central Ore, Long Beach Cruise and Wallowa and Hell’s Canyon.

Tuesday, Mar. 5 at 12 p.m.• Members-only lottery closes for Bend

and Central Ore, Long Beach Cruise and Wallowa and Hell’s Canyon Tours. Registration process details will be sent with notification of lottery draw within two days.

Tuesday, Apr. 2 at 10 a.m.• Member and public registration opens for

High Pass Challenge and Kitsap Color Classic.

Cascade’s youth programming reaches 25,000 local kids per year; World Bicycle Relief just distributed its 116,000th life-changing bicycle for transportation in Africa this year. This exciting partnership and ride offers participants a true way to affect direct change though their support and giving.

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

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

We hope you join us in “Thinking Globally and Riding Locally” to help make the World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 a staple of the Pacific Northwest cycling calendar for many years to come. Event registration costs $100, with a minimum fundraising pledge also required. Online registration opens to Cascade members on Jan. 8, 2013 and to the general public Feb. 5.

World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100continued from page 1

“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling” 3

Vol. 42, No. 12

advocate for the policies, plans and funding necessary to create a more bikeable Seattle. To help mix things up over the course of the program and cater to different learning styles, we will host a number of VIP guest speak-ers who can speak passionately and in detail about the topic at hand, giving you firsthand knowledge from the experts.

Upon completion of the program in late March, you will be awarded the title of “Community Bicycle Advocate” (and get a certificate and t-shirt), but more importantly, you will have the skills and knowledge to organize, advocate, and hold City of Seattle staff and leaders accountable for making Seattle a more bike-friendly city. In addi-tion, we’ll continue to offer opportunities for you to develop new skills and apply them, network with other leaders within the bike movement and engage with Cascade Bicycle Club’s staff, board members and executive director.

For information, including the applica-tion, are online at www.cascade.org. Ap-plication materials are due by Wednesday, Jan. 2. To apply, please submit your resume and completed application to [email protected].

Admittance to the Advocacy Leadership Institute at the Cascade Bicycle Club will be based on your passion for making Seattle a world-class city for bicycling. Minorities, women and people of all ages are encouraged to apply. Interviews will be conducted the week of Jan. 7 and applicants will be notified of acceptance on Jan. 11.

We look forward to reviewing your application and working with you to make our streets safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.

VOLUNTEERSV O L U N T E E R

A P P R E C I AT I O NPA R T Y

FabulousW E

FabulousLFabulousFabulous

CFabulousFabulous

O M E

Thursday, Dec. 6, 6-10 p.m.Seattle Mountaineers Building

Warren G Magnuson Park

q wS H O W S P R I Z E SV E G A S - S T Y L E C A S I N Or e

6 p.m. Casino opens 7 p.m. Buffet dinner & show8 p.m. Volunteer Awards8:30 - 10 p.m. More casino fun!No R.S.V.P. necessary

Club helmet donationsby Hanna McFall, AmeriCorps, Community Programs Assistant

Cascade sells helmets for $15 and also provides them for free* throughout the Puget Sound region to those in need. Last month, the following organizations received a helmet donation:

• The Seattle World School • Lincoln Elementary APP ProgramNeed a helmet yourself? You can be fitted for a helmet at the Cascade office Monday

through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by making an appointment with the Commu-nity Programs Assistant at (206) 957-6623 or emailing [email protected].

*Funding for our free helmet program is generously provided by the Sitcov Law Group.

Last July, Cascade debuted a new and exciting program called the Advocacy Leadership Institute, or ALI for short.

Between July and September, we trained 18 passionate activists from across Seattle and the region to be effective and strategic Com-munity Bicycle Advocates. And this winter, we are back for another round.

ALI was such a success last summer that we are launching Round 2 this January. The goal of the program is to develop another 10 to 15 local bicycle advocates and enthusiasts into leaders that will help us achieve our shared vision of a fully connected Seattle where everyone – from an eight-year-old child to her eighty-year-old grandmother – feels safe and comfortable riding a bike to where they need to go.

ALI Round 2 is incredibly timely. In case you weren’t already aware, the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan is in the process of being updat-ed by the Seattle Department of Transporta-tion, and a draft plan should be finished this spring. Adopted in 2007, the original Bike Master Plan was a strong plan for its time, but right now we have the opportunity to rally the community around a new blueprint for bicycling in Seattle, one where our streets are safe, convenient and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities.

That’s where you come in, should you choose to apply for the Advocacy Leadership Institute.

This three-month program will run from Jan. 23 through Mar. 27, meeting on Wednesday nights in downtown Seattle for a series of eight two-and-a-half hour workshops. At these sessions, we will teach you how to organize in your community, communicate our shared vision for bicycling in Seattle, advocate for better bicycle plans, policies with the funding to implement them, and execute the strategies and tactics necessary to get a connected network of world-class bikeways built in Seattle.

ALI is a rigorous leadership development program and while we offer it at no charge to you, if accepted, you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the Cascade mission of creating better communities through bicycling, attend at least seven out of the eight trainings, engage in the update of the Bicycle Master Plan, and continue to

Now accepting applications for the Advocacy Leadership Institute, Round 2by Max Hepp-Buchanan, Advocacy Campaigns Manager

The Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible through your support to the Educa-tion Foundation. Please return the enclosed envelope with your year-end gift today or give online at: www.cascade.org/donate.

Lots of bikes, excited kids, motivated adults and busy staff characterized Cascade’s 2012 Education programs. • Basics of Bicycling, our largest

program, served 14,579 elemen-tary school students in the 2011-12 school year in four districts. In this program, 399 students learned to ride for the first time.

• Our events served 1,000 kids; safety assemblies served another 850.

• Summer camps, our most intensive programs, taught 272 kids skills in week-long road and mountain-biking sessions.

• Bike Month had 3,000 school par-ticipants around the region.

• The Trips for Kids Program taught 200 disadvantaged teens to ride mountain bikes.

• The Major Taylor Project reached 152 students through six clubs; 27 participants earned bikes, and 32 rode the Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle classic.

• Twenty-three middle school students from Brettler Place and Sand Point Housing took part in the Scraper Bikes program and earned bikes.

• We sold 1,000 helmets and gave away 500 free helmets with the spon-sorship of Steve Sitcov Law Group.

• Finally, we taught nearly 1,000 adult students with riding, maintenance and commute classes.

I want to highlight how the lives of volunteers, students and teachers have been affected by our programs.

Volunteers put in amazing efforts. Our Major Taylor Project, a youth develop-ment program, now in its fifth year, serves high school students in South Seattle and South King County, at five schools. We saw a three-fold increase in committed volun-teers this year, from 15 to 45. One of these volunteers, on completing the two-day STP along with the 32 Major Taylor students, said “Wow! Going back to work on Monday is going to be really boring after this amaz-ing weekend. I had such a great time riding and helping the students!” Many thanks to our great volunteers.

Students can do anything they set their minds to. One of the Major Taylor students, a 16-year-old named Maria, liked to ride with the club but had never done more than 25 miles by the time it came to decide about riding STP. Emma, our Major Taylor AmeriCorps assistant, told her that she was welcome to set a goal of 25 miles each day

Education department highlights for 2012, on the move in schools, classes and campsby Julie Salathé, Education Director

and ride as far as she could before travel-ling in the sag wagon. Not only did Maria finish the first day, but she crossed the finish line on day two with the whole group of 32 students. Maria, now a freshman at WWU, called us to say she went on the freshman tour of Bellingham by bike.

Students are leaders: the Major Taylor Project is not simply a riding club but a youth development program that teaches leadership skills and builds community involvement. Two students who took part in our two-day leadership retreat last April, have stepped up to help with the fall riding clubs, leading and sweeping club rides and helping organize equipment. They also plan to complete a community service project this year involving bicycling.

On the theme of students, I want to com-mend our adult students for going outside their comfort zone in order to achieve better bicycling skills.

One told us recently, “Even though I had been riding for years, I never developed any skills and have been fearful of going on roads with my new skinny wheels. The great tips you gave us on safety, proper starts and stops made me feel empowered!! I loved the hill climbing, gear changing and especially the best way to get going. Thank you for helping me feel more confident.”

Teachers achieve great results! Edmonds Advanced Basics of Bicycling teacher from Alderwood Middle School, Breanne Short-house, was first to receive the bike unit this fall, and was assisted by Jenny Almgren, Cascade’s Education Program Assistant, on her first day of teaching the unit. The first on-bike day focused on basics: starting, stopping, standing and shifting, a significant lesson since it laid the groundwork for the remainder of the unit. At the end of the day, Breanne told Jenny how nervous she had been about the entire unit. She said, “I was so nervous about having bikes come to our school. I know how to ride a bike, but I am not a great rider. I had nightmares last night, worrying about how I would teach these kids, get them on bikes and riding. Instead, you showed up and the classes went bet-ter than I ever could have imagined. It was organized chaos. Kids were riding. Kids were listening. And kids were doing exactly what was asked of them. I have the confidence now to teach riding skills while having fun with it.”

We look for great results and more confident student riders from Breanne and others like her who put their efforts into teaching Cascade’s Basics of Bicycling.

The work our education team does in schools is made possible through your support to the Education Foundation. Please return the en-closed envelope with your year-end gift today or give online at: www.cascade.org/donate.

www.cascade.org4

December 2012

BIkECONOMICS

Single-origin coffees delivered to you by bicycleBusiness: Conduit CoffeeOwner: Jesse NelsonIndustry: Food & Drink

Behind a big white roll-up door of an industrial-looking building along Westlake Ave. hides a small busi-

ness with a big future. The remnants and oil smells of the previous motorcycle repair shop still remain in the recently cleared out front room, but the tiny studio in the back beck-ons with warmth, music and the welcoming aroma of fresh coffee. Standing in the center of the small room is a blue Dietrich roaster surrounded by sacks and big containers of coffee beans.

This is the home of Conduit Coffee, a new coffee company specialized in single-origin coffee from around the world and evolving blends.

“Company” seems too cold a word. Conduit Coffee is more than a company, it is Jesse Nelson’s passion, vision, and true labor of love.

Nelson fell in love with coffee when visiting a friend in Guatemala a few years ago. And upon his return, he started home-roasting.

“It was a great hobby to have in grad school,” Nelson said.

Working in the agricultural and sustainable development nonprofit world, Nelson soon “grew tired of the political fighting” and took some time off to farm in Sicily.

“I decided I wanted to make more beauty and play with food,” he said.

When he returned from Europe, Nelson was serious about getting into the coffee busi-ness and completed an apprenticeship with a coffee roaster in Colorado.

Since November of last year, when Nelson obtained the tiny studio, he’s been hard at work to grow his hobby into a business, sourcing the best coffee, scrounging up funds to acquire a coffee roaster, and experimenting with blends.

He officially launched Conduit Coffee in May, 2012, and started selling his coffee at a handful of grocers and cafes and at the Fremont Farmers Market.

While he dreams of ultimately travelling to the various coffee countries throughout the world to be involved in the entire process from the farm to the cup, for now he’s work-ing with an importer who specialized in beans from El Salvador, Brazil, Guatemala, and Hawaii.

“I taste a lot of coffee,” Nelson said. “The Seattle coffee market is very saturated with lots of niches to get into.”

His niche is single-origin coffees, light roasts and blends, which he enjoys educating people about.

“No, it’s not sacrilegious to add milk and sugar to coffee, but it is a frustrating part of the industry that there is so much bad cof-fee that needs to be masked with milk and sugar,” he said. “Part of being in this business is about educating people. Even for me, it’s a constant learning process with the coffee selection, the chemistry, marketing, etc.”

But he seems to be doing something right. At barely six months old, Conduit Coffee has already received lots of press and accolades, including being awarded the second best espresso in America at the Seattle Coffee Fest this past September.

“We had no idea what we were getting into when we applied [for the competition] but it was a heck of a lot of fun,” Nelson said. “I feel humbled. People respect us more because of the recognition and we are not stepping on anyone’s toes.”

Nelson insists on using the pronouns “we” and “us” but really it’s just him with the occa-sional help from his friends. He’s the person roasting the beans and tasting the coffee, the person that will greet you at the Fremont market, and the person that shows up at your door to deliver your coffee order.

Not only does he deliver to your door, he delivers by bicycle, hauling a trailer that can be loaded with up to 300 pounds of coffee and supplies.

“A lot of it comes from wanting to offset carbon usage, challenging the status quo and to show that it is possible to do it. We need to change our car habits even if it’s not as efficient or it’s pouring rain,” Nelson said, while pointing at the pile of wet clothes laid out to dry from a trip earlier that day. “And it’s just so much fun to show up on a bike to the local market.”

Six months in, Conduit Coffee is already expanding. Nelson now also rents the two front rooms of the building, adding space for an espresso cart, visits, parties, and a bicycle repair area in the near future.

“I want to encourage people to come bike by, visit, and buy a bag of coffee,” Nelson said. “For me Conduit is really about quality coffee, community interaction, and celebrat-ing this amazing fruit that’s grown through-out the world.”

Bikenomics is a feature series to spotlight the greater Seattle area’s growing bike businesses. Know a business that should be featured? Send me an email at [email protected].

2012 has been a momentous year for the Major Taylor Project by Ed Ewing, Major Taylor Project Manager

The Major Taylor Project work is made possible through your support to the Education Foundation. Please return the enclosed envelope with your year-end gift today or give online at:

www.cascade.org/donate.

BizCycle: improving business and the bottom linecontinued from page 1

Talk to any bike commuter, and they will confirm the importance of workplace sup-port. Eleanor Kirtley, a marine engineer who lives in Phinney Ridge, starting regularly commuting by bicycle only after starting at The Glosten Associates, a downtown Seattle naval architecture and marine engineering firm where employees have access to showers and secure bike storage.

“Biking to work has now become part of my normal routine year-round,” Kirtley said.

Currently, the level of support for bicy-cling varies from workplace to workplace. Some organizations are actively investing in bicycling through amenities, incentives, education and advocacy. The results are

dramatic, with some employers achieving as much as 10% of commute trips made by bicycle, compared to an average of 3% of trips in Seattle (and less elsewhere).

Through encouraging and rating bike-friendly practices, BizCycle will support the continued growth of bicycle commuting in the region. Further, because bicycle commut-ing is such a smart business move, BizCycle will support the growth of our thriving local business community.

Whether you think your workplace deserves accolades, or desperately needs to start making improvements, BizCycle is here to help.

From record numbers of students at-tending weekly rides and completing the Group Health Seattle to Portland

Bicycle Classic to triple the number of com-munity volunteers riding with the Major Taylor students, 2012 has been a game changer.

This year, we’ve seen the Major Taylor Project transform and grow beyond the bike. We’ve seen possibilities and opportunities for youth transformation, development, and leadership. We’ve seen the realization of mentorship in community volunteers. We’ve also experienced the Major Taylor students asking for the next challenge and becoming actively involved in the direction of this great project.

The Major Taylor Project completed a record 15 community events in 2012. The community events were in addition to weekly rides with students and volunteers. The season opened with students volunteer-ing at the Seattle Bike Swap and the Seattle Bike Expo. For several of these students, the Swap and Expo experience were their first time north of downtown Seattle. Yes, north of downtown. Not only did students have the opportunity to travel beyond their neigh-borhoods and communities, they had the opportunity to engage with the greater Se-attle cycling community. With each experi-ence, students gained a better understanding of themselves and how they see themselves in the community.

The 2012 season also opened with the sec-ond annual Major Taylor Project Spinathon fundraiser. This year’s Spinathon, held at Allstar Fitness in West Seattle, was a record-setting event bringing Major Taylor students, program volunteers and the greater Seattle cycling community together in support of project expansion. Students, seated next to fitness enthusiasts and local bike racers, pedaled for one to three hours exceeding Spi-nathon expectations and raising more than $20,000. Students and community members saw the effects of working together towards a common goal. For many, it was a transfor-mative experience and that was the adults!

The spring and summer months were filled with more record-setting events. An all-time high of 42 volunteers attended the one day Major Taylor Project volunteer training in March. The diversity of volun-

teers not only mirrored the diversity of the students we reach with the Major Taylor Project, it was also reflected in their age and occupation. They are lawyers, doctors, project managers, accountants, and pilots. They are 18 and 72 years old. They are also mothers and fathers who understand and see the vision of the Major Taylor Project. They started 2012 as volunteers and finished 2012 as mentors.

Records continued to break with this summer’s Seattle to Portland Bicycle Clas-sic. Thirty-five Major Taylor students and 20 Major Taylor adult mentors completed the 206-mile, two-day journey. One Major Taylor student, Isaias Amador, accepted the one-day STP challenge and completed the ride handily. The rest of the Major Taylor crew dominated the 206-mile challenge. We landed at the Chehalis camp site and established Camp Major Taylor. We rolled into Portland shouting “Ma-jor Tay-lor,” and the Rose City saluted.

The game changer and most transforma-tive experience in 2012 was the first annual Major Taylor Project Youth Leadership Retreat. In April, 25 students from the project participated in the two-day retreat at West Seattle’s Camp Long. In the MTP Youth Leadership Retreat, the project moved beyond the bike. Students explored and discussed leadership, community activism, diversity, race, and identity. They discovered how to affect change in their communi-ties with their voices and actions. They also learned that we will listen to them and advocate on their behalf. Youth leadership, development and transformation are clearly the future direction of the Major Taylor Project.

As stated before, 2012 was a momentous year for the Major Taylor Project. As director, I am extremely proud of the evolution and growth of the project. I see transformation in the youth we reach and in the volunteer mentors involved. The success is largely due to the many community supporters like you. You’ve volunteered, donated, offered your time, your energy, and your guidance. You’ve given bikes, jerseys, and food. Most of all, you’ve given your belief in the vision and mission of the Major Taylor Project. We have more work to do and more students to reach.


Vol. 42, No. 12

Would you like to ride STP or RSVP, but you’re not sure you can get ready on your own?

Want the skills to ride safely in large groups?

Are you relatively new to cycling?Have you ridden a major event before but

want to do better this year?Looking for friends who are also planning on

riding RSVP or STP?Then the Cascade Training Series is for you! This training series is designed for Club

members who register for the Group Health STP or RSVP, with the goal of physical and mental preparation for these premier events. You and fellow event riders will be trained in group and safe riding skills that are key for all cyclists, and of particular value in these large events. Since all riders will be preparing for STP or RSVP, you will get to know riders at your pace level and can make plans to ride events with them.

HOW TO REGISTERTo participate in CTS, you must register

for it when you register for one of these events. Since there are limited CTS spots available, we recommend you register early. Event registration for Club members opens in January.

WHAT TO EXPECTThe series begins with low-mileage rides

in early April. During these early rides you will decide which of the four paces is best for your fitness level. The slowest pace will be 10 - 12 mph on the flats and a commensu-rate level of effort on hills. This is generally considered a “leisurely” pace, and you must be able to ride at this pace to participate. The fastest will ride at a brisk pace of 16 - 18 mph. If you want to ride faster than 16 - 18 mph, you should consider more advanced Cascade training series like CATS or RTS, both of which are posted on the daily rides calendar.

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

During the 13-ride series, the route mile-age and level of difficulty will steadily in-crease leading up to STP. Riders will be able to move up to faster groups as their fitness and skill improve. The distance progression culminates in a “century” ride shortly before STP. After the last CTS ride, we celebrate the times we’ve spent together and how far we’ve all come with an open- air party. After CTS, it’s time to ride STP or RSVP with your new riding buddies!

The Cascade Training Series rolls againby Sander Lazar, Rides Program Coordinator

NEW IN 2013In 2013, we are catering CTS more to the

needs of people at different paces, so routes will increase in length and challenge more gradually for people riding 10 - 14 mph than for people riding 14 - 18 mph.

BEYOND THE RIDESCascade’s Group Riding Skills and Basic

Bike Maintenance classes are included in the program fee, and will be held during the three weeks leading up to the first CTS ride. There will be several CTS seminars, which will include information on nutrition and riding techniques. Additionally, CTS riders will receive a unique Road ID wristband, valued at $19.95, with your name and emer-gency contact information.

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

Remember, you must register for the 2013 Cascade Training Series online at the same time that you register for STP and/or RSVP. The onetime cost of CTS is $95 and must be paid at registration. Cascade’s refund policy applies.

2013 SCHEDULEThe rides will run weekends from early

April through July, right up to STP. Check the Cascade website for a more detailed calendar.

SUGGESTED PREPARATIONIf you are not yet in condition to ride 25

miles or more at a 10 - 12 mph or faster pace or aren’t comfortable riding in a group, try some of the leisurely- or steady-paced rides listed in Cascade’s Daily Rides Calendar be-fore starting the Cascade Training Series. As a registered CTS participant, you will have an opportunity to test your preparedness for CTS by going on one of two pre-CTS red-pace ride, which will take place during the month before the first CTS rides. We also recommend taking on of our educational class to improve your group riding skills.

Questions? Contact me via email at [email protected].

It’s time to look into your files or get out there with a camera and start thinking about what photos to enter in the 2013

Seattle Bicycle Expo Photo Contest. This year’s Expo will be held at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91, which has a spectacular waterfront view. If you’ve never attended a Bike Expo, you are in for a great time. The Expo photo contest began in 1999, and the number of photos entered has grown every year, especially since almost everyone owns a digital camera or smart phone.

The six categories this year are: Action, Comedy, Still Life, People and Places, Black and White and Creative Digital. The Creative Digital category is where you can have fun using your Photoshop skills. All the photos will be judged and ribbons awarded for first, second and third places, as well as two honorable mentions in each category.

2013 Seattle Bicycle Expo 15th Annual Photo ContestMarch 9 and 10 at Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91by Susan Hiles, Expo Photo Contest Coordinator

Also, everyone who attends the Expo can vote for their favorite photo and that winner will receive a ribbon. Kenmore Camera is returning as the photo contest sponsor.

So start taking those bicycle-related pho-tos. The photo contest entry form is avail-able online now at www.cascade.org/expo. You can enter as many photos as you want but remember that the photos must be flush mounted or they will not be eligible for a prize. Also, there will be no entry fees again this year!

And, we encourage everyone to pick up their photo entries by 3:30 p.m. the last day of the Expo.

Good luck. I’m looking forward to receiving even more photos this year and meeting all the photographers! I will be taking lots of photos at the Expo, so “SMILE” when you see me.

The 39th Ave Greenway ribbon-cutting took place on Friday, Oct. 26! Watch our video of the event on the Cascade YouTube channel.

www.cascade.org6

December 2012

Cascade Bicycle Club Ride ClassificationIn order to pick the rides that suit your skills and energy level, use the following guidelines:• PACE: The speed on level ground without breaks:

Easy: Under 10 mph Leisurely: 10-12 mph Steady: 12-14 mph Moderate: 14-16 mph Brisk: 16-18 mph Strenuous: 18-21 mph Super Strenuous: 22+ mph

• TERRAIN: These descriptions should be considered in the context of the pace and length of the ride:Mostly Flat: Trails and/or mostly flat roads with a possible gentle upgradeRolling: Climbs are short and easy, not too numerous.Some Hills: A few short steep hills, some moderate upgrades and/or longer gentle climbs.Hilly: Many true hills, but none outrageous.

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

• MAP: Whether a map or cue sheet is provided.• REGROUP: None and Occasional regroup categories expect

experienced riders who can fix their own mechanical problems and follow a map/cue sheet if they are separated.

• RAIN: Weather conditions that cancel the ride.

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

All riders are required to sign a waiver form. Rides are cancelled or are no longer considered Cascade rides in the event that the ride leader does not show up or does not

provide a waiver form for signatures of riders. Riders are expected to be ready to ride at the time listed (i.e. that’s not the time to drive into the parking lot with a full bladder and empty tires) and to ride in a safe, courteous, legal manner. Riders are expected to cooperate with the leader(s) and ride within the advertised pace. If unsure of your ability to keep up, try a slower level ride to get an idea of ride paces. For “Hilly” rides, consider choosing a pace down from your usual level. Unless indicated, it is not necessary to RSVP the ride leader to participate in a ride.

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

form (available at www.cascade.org) which must be given to the ride leader at the start of the ride.

Cascade does not sponsor or endorse any non-bicycling activities that people may participate in while on these rides. Each cyclist is responsible for his/her conduct and decisions while on a Cascade ride.

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

DECEMBER RIDESFor a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org/dailyrides

Saturday, dec 1

Salvadorean Beach Cruise32mi•Leisurely•SomehillsMap•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•JackBlockPark(accessoffHarborAve.)•Steadyraincancels•JeffStewart,206-356-6755, [email protected]

Casual ride from Alki past South Seattle C.C. for brief stop at the college gardens, then thru Burien beach community with one steep hill on return. Then to Salvadorean Bakery/Cafe in White Center before returning by way of beach route to Alki. See route on bikely.com as West Seattle (Alki) to Burien. Optional stop at Bamboo Bar & Grille on Alki afterwards.

Sunday, dec 2

SUNDAY CREPES RIDE25-30mi•Leisurely•Somehills•NoMap•Staytogether•10a.m.•GasWorksPark,Seattle•Steadyraincancels•DavidBordewick,425-822-8546, [email protected]

Join us for a Swedish Pancake Breakfast at the Swedish Club on Dexter Ave. Afterwards we will engage in bicycle activity to burn off the consumed calories. Crepe Breakfast is $9.00—cash or check. Credit Cards not accepted. Pouring rain and/or freezing weather & snow will cancel event. Or check with the Leader.

Monday, dec 3

MUMPS: Do The Lake40-60mi•Moderate•Hilly•NoMap•Frequentregroup•10a.m.•Tracy Owen Station/Logboom Park, Kenmore•Steadyraincancels•CraigMohn, 425-890-5234 cell, [email protected], (texts preferred to VM)

The basic route is a counterclockwise loop of north Lake Washington with a food stop en route. Start at Logboom or meet us at the Leschi Starbucks at about 11:15 - contact the ride leader if you have questions about this. Distance and route may vary to suit weather conditions and group. A brisk pace group may be added only if a certified ride leader volunteers to lead it. Check with leader if weather appears questionable.

tueSday, dec 4

TREATS: GREEN LAkE TO EDMONDS30mi•Steady•Somehills•NoMap•Staytogether•10a.m.•GreenLake,Seattle,attheSWRestroomFacility•

Steadyraincancels•DavidBordewick,425-822-8546, [email protected]

If you’re driving to the start, park across W. Green Lake Way in the unpaved parking area on the west side of the street. We’ll take a lunch stop in Edmonds and return via Perkins Way and the Burke-Gilman Trail. Route subject to revision due to adverse weather conditions. Snow and/or freezing weather also cancel the ride.Cycle Tuesdays

25-35mi•Super strenuous•Somehills•NoMap•Occasionalregroup•5:45p.m.•GeneCoulonPark,nexttoKiddValley,Renton•Ice/snowcancels•PeteGrey,425-558-0451,[email protected]•VinceHaag,425-785-7451, [email protected]

Year-round training rides for one day STP riders. Rides stress safety, cooperation and group riding skills. Fast pacelines with regroups from Renton to surrounding areas. Large turnout splits into multiple groups. No parking in Coulon parking lot. Lights required.

thurSday, dec 6

More Cycle Tuesdays25-35mi•Super strenuous•Somehills•NoMap•Occasionalregroup•5:45p.m.•GeneCoulonPark,nexttoKiddValleyRestaurant,Renton•Ice/snowcancels•LolaJacobsen,425-641-7841•TomBaker,425-221-0631,[email protected]

Year-round training rides for one-day STP riders. Rides stress safety, cooperation, and group riding skills. Fast pacelines with regroups from Renton to surrounding areas. Large turnout splits into multiple groups. ** No parking in Coulon Park parking lot.

Friday, dec 7

FRIDAY RIDERS go to Lake Forest Park25mi•Leisurely•Mostlyflat•NoMap•Frequentregroup•10a.m.•GasWorksPark,Seattle•Steadyraincancels•BillLemke,206-284-2843

An easy trail ride on the Burke-Gilman. For some variety, we’ll leave the trail to see Magnuson Park and Windermere on the way to lunch. Lunch/brown bag stop at Third Place Books. Senior and new/slower-paced riders welcome.

FRUMPS: Just a little coffee run25mi•Moderate•Somehills•NoMap•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•TracyOwensPark,Kenmore•Steadyraincancels•SueMatthews,206-687-9338

A little shorter. Let’s get a few hills in to take advantage of the pastries with our coffee. We’ll wander over Juanita, with an extra hill, and cycle to Carillon Point...then meander back.

Saturday, dec 8

Redondo P&R/Tukwila Loop29mi•Moderate•Hilly•Map:Online•Frequentregroup•10a.m.•RedondoHeightsParkandRide,FederalWay•Ice/snowcancels•Geoff Jackson, 206-650-5370, [email protected]

This ride is half flat and half rolling with a few steep but not very long hills. Much of the route is on bike trail, designated bike lane, or good road shoulder. This ride follows the least difficult climb from the Green River Valley, over the big hill that separates the valley from Puget Sound. If the weather is clear you will have a good view of the Sound as we ride through the Des Moines Marina. We will travel on the newest bike lane in South King County. We will regroup frequently. Map and cue sheet are on ridewithgps.com. Rain does not cancel. Ice, snow, or truly awful conditions will cancel. Start at the Redondo Park and Ride lot in Federal Way, located just south of 272nd St, a short distance from the I-5 272nd St exit. Take Exit 147 (S 272nd St). Head west to Pac Hwy S. Turn left and get in the left lane. Turn left at the 276th St stoplight into the Park & Ride.

Sunday, dec 9For a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org.

Monday, dec 10

MUMPS: Do The LakeSee MUMPS, 12/3.

tueSday, dec 11

TREATS: Fall City to Northbend25mi•Steady Rolling•Map•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•FallCityCommunityPark,FallCity•Noraincancellation•ClariceSackett,425-478-8306

We’ll ride to North Bend on wooded

back roads for lunch after a brief stop at Snoqualmie Falls. If nice weather, we may add 5 miles distance. Start at Fall City Park, which is north of river on west side of Route 203 (Fall City-Carnation-Duvall Highway). Cycle TuesdaysSee Cycle Tuesdays, 12/4.

WedneSday, dec 12

WRUMPS: Winter on the Eastside~30mi•Steady•Hilly•Map•Occasionalregroup•10:30a.m.•JuanitaBeachPark•Showerscancel•JaneVolta,425-828-0138•DonVolta,425-828-0138, 425-503-7186, don.volta@cascadebicycleclub.

A HILLY ride in and out of Kirkland with a lunch stop. Route and distance are weather dependent. Ice/Snow also cancel. Note: Late start.

thurSday, dec 13

More Cycle TuesdaysSee More Cycle Tuesdays, 12/6.

Friday, dec 14

FRIDAY RIDERS: To Redmond Town Center

30-35mi•Leisurely•Mostlyflat•NoMap•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•LogboomPark,Kenmore•Steadyraincancels•NormTjaden,206-525-2366

Distance will depend on weather. We may visit the wineries only or go directly to Redmond if there is good weather. Ride will be both on road and trail. Lunch stop in Redmond. Ice and snow also cancels.

Saturday, dec 15

SPOkESPEOPLE-NE: Ride to Lake Forest Park- Bakeries, Shops, and More!

15mi•Easy•Rolling•Map•Frequentregroup•1p.m.•Cornerof35th Ave NE and NE 80th St, Seattle (morebelow)•Steadyraincancels•Alan Miller, 425-488-4567, 206-697-4603 cell, [email protected]

Ice/snow also cancels. Please join SPOKESPEOPLE NE for our third Saturday of the month community ride. This festive December ride will go north to Lake Forest Park and Sheridan Beach. At our destination there are bakeries, shops, and opportunities for you to find that last minute perfect holiday gift for someone (or for yourself!!) The route


Vol. 42, No. 9

DECEMBER RIDESFor a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org/dailyrides

will be via community streets and the Burke-Gilman Trail for a round trip of approximately 15 miles. There is a modest grade rise on the return route but the rest of the ride is flat or downhill. These rides start between the Wedgewood Presbyterian Church and the Hunter Tree Farm property near 35th Ave NE & NE 80th St. Please show up by 12:45 to hear about safe riding, proper helmet fit, and bike function check. These “Easy” paced rides start at 1 p.m., typically include a midway stop, and are approximately 10-15 +/- miles round trip. We’ll plan return to the starting point by approx. 3 p.m. All rides include experienced bike commuters who accompany us to offer encouragement and model good road riding techniques. This month’s draft route is shown at http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1854596.

Sunday, dec 16

S.P.O.k.E.S.: Tour de Poinsettias 20+/-mi•Leisurely•Somehills•Map•Frequentregroup•11a.m.•Sammamish River Park, 17995 102nd AveNE,Bothell•Steadyraincancels•Michelle Burton, 425-890-4936 cell

SPOKES will start at the Sammamish River Park in Bothell and head towards Woodinville to check out the poinsettias at Molbak’s. We’ll stop for lunch nearby and skirt the Snoqualmie Valley on the way back to Bothell. To reach Sammamish River Park, located off 102nd Ave NE, take SR-522 to 102nd Ave NE and cross the small bridge over the Sammamish River. Turn into the unpaved parking area on the right just after crossing the bridge. Please note ice/snow cancels too.

Monday, dec 17

MUMPS: Do The LakeSee MUMPS, 12/3.

tueSday, dec 18

TREATS: Winter Roads and Trails, Late Start

22-26mi•Steady•Somehills•NoMap•Frequentregroup•11a.m.•LogboomPark,Kenmore•Showerscancel•JanJohnson,425-672-0617

Icy conditions also cancel. A recreational ride using roads and some sections of trail. There could be a lot of turns, some hills, and a few sections of traffic. Route will depend totally on the WEATHER. There will be a food stop.Cycle TuesdaysSee Cycle Tuesdays, 12/4.

WedneSday, dec 19

WRUMPS: Monroe-Snohomish35mi•Moderate•somehills•Map•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•Monroe, Al Borlin park (on Lewis St) •Steadyraincancels•SueMatthews,206-687-9338

Let’s wander toward Snohomish. Distance and elevation wholly dependent upon weather. Plan on 30-40 miles, rolling to hilly. Lunch stop during last half of ride - bring snacks to tide you over. No sweep.

thurSday, dec 20


Friday, dec 21

FRUMPS: Licton Springs Ramble30-45mi•Moderate•Somehills•NoMap•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•LictonSpringsPark,N.Seattle•Showerscancel•DanGarretson,425-985-8570

We will ride from Licton Springs to an unknown location. The location and distance will be determined by the weather. Licton Springs Park is at 9536 Ashworth Ave N in Seattle. Meet by the playground. Ice or snow or a starting temperature below 37 degrees also cancels the ride.Winter Solstice Ride

10-15mi•Easy•Mostlyflat•NoMap•Staytogether•5:30p.m.•GasWorksPark,Seattle•Steadyraincancels•SerenaLehman,206-291-4032, [email protected]

Ice/snow also cancels. Let’s celebrate the holidays riding around checking out some of the best holiday lights in Seattle. Remember to deck out your bike with your own lights!

Saturday, dec 22For a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org.


Monday, dec 24

MUMPS: CANCELLEDMUMPS will not be scheduled on December 24 due to the holidays. Riders are encouraged to join the leisurely ride which departs Logboom at 10:30. ‘Twas the Day Before Christmas

20-30mi•Leisurely•Mostlyflat•NoMap•Occasionalregroup•10:30a.m.•TracyOwenStation/LogboomPark,Kenmore•Showerscancel•JanJohnson, 425-672-0617

It is time for the 13th Annual Day Before Christmas Ride. Are your holiday preparations done? Whether yes or no, you need to get out on your bike if the weather is fine. Let’s have a sociable ride to Redmond for lunch. There is one section of tricky traffic on the road not suitable for younger children on their own bike. Icy, snowy, frosty or slippery conditions will also cancel this ride.

tueSday, dec 25

TREATS takes the day offTreats takes a holiday for Christmas. See you in 2013.For a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org.

WedneSday, dec 26

A Boxing Day Ride! Logboom Park to Edmonds

30mi•Steady•Somehills•Map•Occasionalregroup•9:30a.m.•Logboom Park in Kenmore 6100 NE175thSt,Kenmore•Steadyraincancels•AlanMiller,425-488-4567,206-697-4603 cell, [email protected]•Ice/snowalsocancels.

A Boxing Day Special! Here’s a great chance to try out and show all of your new

bikey toys right away as we take a pleasant ride from Logboom Park (Kenmore) up to Edmonds (lots of coffee shops & pastries!) We’ll select from the available shops for a brief break for coffee and/or pastries. We will return via Woodway. Our routing tries to have us stay on quieter roads but we will be on some busier road for short stretches. The draft route & cues are at http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1785757. Riders should be able to sustain a steady pace, read a cue sheet, change a flat, and have a positive attitude in case it rains! Riders can ride on their own, in small groups, or with the ride leader. Faster riders and better climbers are welcome to join but for them the ride becomes self-guided. Printed cue sheets will be available at the start and riders can email the Ride Leader by the preceding Sunday noon for the final route cue sheet pdf and map url. More info at the Cascade Free Daily Rides group on Meetup.com. The ride leader is slow up hills but will always get there.

thurSday, dec 27


Friday, dec 28

FRUMPS: kent to West Seattle45mi•Moderate•Somehills•Map•Occasionalregroup•10a.m.•RussellRoadPark,Kent•Showerscancel•JimTaylor,253-537-7356,206-979-1941 cell

This is my traditional West Seattle to Kent route only we will do it in reverse and start in Kent. There will be a lunch stop in West Seattle at the eclectic Luna Park Cafe. Check the Cascade web site, “Ride Start Points,” for directions to Russell Rd Park. If the weather is questionable check with the ride leader at 253-537-7356, or if no answer try cell phone at 206-979-1941. I will not be at the ride start to cancel the ride if weather not appropriate.

Saturday, dec 29For a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org.


Monday, dec 31For a complete list of this month’s rides, visit www.cascade.org.MUMPS: CANCELLEDMUMPS will not be scheduled on December 31 DUE TO the holiday. Check the website for a possible late listing of a brisk ride on the Eastside, weather and schedules permitting.

www.cascade.org8

December 2012

Dates: Sept. 8 - 17, 2013 Pace & Distance: Suitable for all fit riders. Approximately 221 total miles, an average of 36 miles per day. Group size: 8 minimum, 20 maximum Cost: EUR 1,772 - 2,105 (Approx. US $2,259 - $2,683; depending on sign-up numbers and current exchange rate)Itinerary: Prague to Saltzburg (Austria) 9 Days / 8 nights

This biking adventure gives us a fas-cinating taste of the medieval towns and cities of the Czech Republic

and its impressive castles as we cycle on quiet country lanes through gently rolling hills. Crossing into Austria the excellent cycle ways continue as we bike first by the Danube and then head for the lakes and the mountains – a dramatic change in scenery.

You will have every excuse to sample the local Czech beers and of course, the strudel and ice cream in Austria. It’s a fabulous trip.

Cycling distances given are entirely optional; cycle as little or as much as you wish each day, the shuttle van will always be available.

DAY ONE: Meeting Day Lodging: Hotel Golden Star ( Located in a magnificent baroque building underneath Prague Castle).

You will be met at Prague Airport (Please notify us of your arrival details and look for the driver with the Pedaltours sign). Today is designed to allow you settle in and relax after your journey.

We will also fit you to your rental bike or assist you to unpack your own bike.

There is much to be said for arriving a day early to recover from the journey and to explore historic Prague by foot.

DAY TWO: Prague to TaborCycling: (85 km / 53 mi)Best Western Hotel Tábor: This histori-cal hotel, dating to 1892, has been newly renovated. Located in the city center of Tábor and a short stroll from the historic Old Town Square of this beautiful medieval town.

From Prague city centre we will drive 32 km to Kalstejn Castle; it dates from 1348 and is one of the most impressive castles in Europe. From here we bike, heading south east, crossing the Berounka and Vltava riv-ers, making our way on very minor roads, through rolling hills and valleys to Sedlcany. Joining Greenway 11 (one of the Czech Re-public’s many cycle routes) takes us to Tabor where we stay the night in the centre of the old town. Perched on a steep hillside the town, founded in 1420, has one of Bohe-mia’s most attractive town squares.

DAY THREE: Tabor to HlubokaCycling: 65 km / 41 mi (a longer ride avail-able if wanted)Lodging: PensionarestauraceKA•PR(guest-house and restaurant)

The Tabor region is wonderful biking with its forests and meadows, streams and lakes and gently rolling terrain. Hluboka nad Vltavou, our destination for the night, is a small town with a stunning chateau set on a

hill. Our guest house is in the center of town, a short walk from the castle.

DAY FOUR: Hluboka to Cesky krumlovLodging: Hotel Garni Myší Díra and Pen-sion Villa Margaria: Located in a quiet part of the historical center of Cesky Krumlov, just a 2 minute walk from the main square

Our route takes us to the attractive village of Holasovice and then over a small range of hills before dropping down to the valley and Cesky Krumlov, a truly spectacular fairy tale town. The town is car free; set in a tight bend of the Vltava River – rafting available - it is crowned by a stunning castle and has a maze of attractive little lanes and an impressive town square.

DAY FIVE: Cesky krumlovRest Day

There is much to see and do in Cesky Krumlov – explore the old town, laze the day away at a café in the town square or by the river, check out the

castle and its grounds, go rafting or kayaking or even go for a bike ride in the countryside.

DAY SIX- Ceský krumlov to SteyrCycling: 85 km / 53 miLodging: Hotel Minichmayr 4*: Situ-ated in the heart of the historic old town of Steyr, at the conflu-

ence of the rivers Enns and Steyr Leaving town we climb gently, follow-

ing the Vlatava River, through woods as we head for the now deserted border post with Austria. On reaching the first town (6 km) – time for a coffee break – we join the off road cycle way which takes us to the Danube. We follow the river for a short way to Enns and then make our way up stream to Steyr at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr Rivers. The town is one of Austria’s most attractive with all sites within an easy walk of our hotel. As with many European towns, the locals cycle everywhere .

DAY SEVEN: Steyr to GmundenCycling: 65 km / 41 miLodging: Keramikhotel Goldener Brunnen: Located in the city centre, near Lake Traun

We take bike route R8 out of town, following the Steyr River to the spa village of Bad Hall. From here the mountains of Salzkammergut can be seen in the distance, getting closer as we approach Gmunden on the shores of Lake Traunsee. The view from the lake front is spectacular – all achieved with very little climbing.

DAY EIGHT: Gmunden to Salzburg (Austria)Cycling:73 km / 46 miLodging: Goldenes Theater Hotel: A com-fortable hotel located near Salzburg’s famous Old Town.

Our last day of biking takes us over the one major hill on our tour as we cross from Lake Traunsee to Lake Kammersee – but what a downhill! Following the lake front – more cycleways – to Lake Mondsee we then take minor roads and cycle ways into Salz-burg, a spectacular but small (pop.147,000) city, “Mozart’s town”, on the river Salzach.

DAY NINE: SalzburgLodging: Goldenes Theater Hotel

In the morning we will take a walking tour of Salzburg. The afternoon is free to spend at your leisure. Reward yourself with some strudel and some ever popular ice cream.

DAY TEN: DepartureThe tour finishes after breakfast this

morning. We are happy to arrange a train to Vienna (around 50 euros) and accommoda-tion in Vienna.

The Fine PrintPricing

The Euro price for this tour is fixed. The US dollar price is dependant on the exchange rate and is included to give you an indication of the price at the current rate. The final cost of the tour will also depend upon how many people sign up, as follows - so encourage your friends and family to join you!• 8-9 cyclists: EUR 2,105

(approx US $2,683)• 10-11 cyclists: EUR 2,015

(approx US $2,568)

NEW INTERNATIONAL TOUR DESTINATION ANNOUNCED!

Czech Republic and Austria: Biking in Bohemia

• 12-15 cyclists: EUR 1,952 (approx US $2,488)

• 16-20 cyclists: EUR 1,1772 (approx US $2,259)

• (Single room supplement: $363 per person)

• Bike hire: $225 per personNote: Price guaranteed in Euro, but the

price in US dollars may fluctuate according to exchange rate.

Trip Inclusions:•Accommodation as specified•Breakfast and dinner each day except

dinner on rest day in Cesky Krumlov and on second day in Salzburg

•Transport in comfortable minibuses•Local cycle mechanic and guide with

good command of English•Czech and Austria maps, plus daily

maps, one per cyclist•Airport pick-up• Souvenir Cascade / Czech tour tee shirt•Trip Exclusions•Alcoholic beverages• Lunches•Airport taxes•Laundry• Sightseeing other than specified•Pedaltours clothing – will be available

to purchase.•Optional Train to Vienna – EUR 50pp• Airport drip off after tour • Sign Up

To sign up, please go to our secure Pedaltours Bookings Page (linked at cascade.org) and choose “Czech Republic” from the “select a tour” drop-down menu. Alternatively, please phone us on 1 888 222-9187. We welcome enquiries on the Toll-free number.


Vol. 42, No. 12

AmeriCorps Postcardby Julie Salathé, Education Director

Following our welcome to our four new AmeriCorps members last month, I thought I’d check in with our previous

members to hear what they are doing now. Cascade has hosted AmeriCorps members since 2005, and we’ve had 27 total (counting this year). Most came to us right after col-lege graduation, so there’s a certain satisfac-tion in seeing them move on to successful careers. Popular choices are a masters’ in urban planning (two members), outdoor education (two members), and nursing (2twomembers). And not surprisingly, three have remained at Cascade.

Serena Lehman, Anna Telensky, and Jenny Almgren currently work at Cascade. Serena serves as Community Outreach Manager, running the Ambassador Program and coor-dinating outreach programs. Anna is Events and Sponsorship Coordinator, assisting with all major events and Expo. Jenny is our Education Program Assistant, working with Safe Routes to School programs, Basics of Bicycling, and Summer Camps.

Here are some updates from other mem-bers:

Anna Crandall:I am working with at-risk youth in the arts

as well as in the professional theatre scene in Portland. This past summer I managed a the-atre arts program for Portland Public Schools Ninth Grade Counts program, which con-nects academically at risk incoming 9th-grad-ers with community resources and mentors. I also just finished directing a show, which opened this past weekend and went very well! Still biking everywhere, though it feels like cheating in Portland where everything is flat :) I’ve just been offered a job as Education Assistant at Northwest Film Center.

April Mae Bartelme Johnson:I’m living in Alameda, Calif, which is a

very flat and bike friendly island in the San Francisco Bay. The entire island is only 25 mph just for the purpose of being ped/bike friendly. Riding a green (powder coated) 52-inch bike made from all recycled bike parts except for the tubulars, internal hub and campus pedals. I designed the bike to my liking and it has treated me well the past five years. Recent Fun Stuff: Sean and I got married this summer in Tiburon, Calif, and spent a month in Indonesia for our hon-eymoon. I met Sean in Seattle back in my AmeriCorps days! He actually did a century ride on his ancient Motobecane cruiser in surf shorts and flops. You can take the surfer out of the water, but you can’t take the surfer out of his surf shorts! Also, I am in graduate school at SFSU to become a Speech Language Pathologist. I am currently doing clinical work with adults who have cerebral palsy and use Alternative Augmentative Communication. It is so much fun and my clients--I hate that word, I prefer communi-cation partners, teach me so much every day. In my spare time, I still do aerial circus arts three days a week and work as an emergency medical ASL interpreter. Love, Peace & Bike Grease.

Ashley Geisendorfer:I just graduated from the University of

Minnesota Law School this spring and have been working with an employment and labor law attorney in Minneapolis, but will be relocating to New Ulm to clerk with the Honorable Judge Docherty in Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District. I look forward to hearing what everyone else is up to!

Ben Schecter:I am currently in my senior year at Green

Mountain College in Vermont where I’m studying Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production. Still trying to figure out what will be next.

Danielle Rose I just moved to San Francisco last week

to work at the SF office of Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates (I was working at the Seattle office of the same company). I started working at NN when I was in graduate school for Urban Planning at the University of Washington. I was an intern until gradu-ating in June 2011 with my master’s, and am now a full-time associate. My work varies, and includes long and short-range transit plans, transportation and land use plans, spe-cial area studies, non-motorized plans, and parking studies. It’s really interesting work. When I get to work on bike-related plans, I definitely think about the young people I worked with in the Major Taylor Project at Cascade and continue to be inspired and motivated to push our work to be as progres-sive and innovative as possible, knowing that we have to create a safer and better transpor-tation network for the next generation. I still have my awesome dog Olive, who is now six, and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down yet!

Darcy Mullen:I’m currently working in outdoor educa-

tion.

Samantha Conley:I’ve worked at Theo Chocolate as a Tour

Guide for 3 years now and am looking to enroll in a nursing program fall 2013 to become a registered nurse.

Sarah Whitney: I just started nursing school in Philadel-

phia.

Sarah Bronstein:After my time at CBC, I moved to

Portland to get my master’s in Urban and Regional Planning with an emphasis on transportation from Portland State Uni-versity. While I was there, I worked on a trails plan for economic development in the rural community of Cascade Locks in the Columbia Gorge. I also volunteered with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, a Pedestrian Advocacy group akin to Feet First, and conducted research on Complete Streets Policy. After graduation this June, I relocated to Seaside, Ore., where I have a one-year contract as the Planning and Disaster Preparedness Assistant for the city. Ironically, I am being paid once again by AmeriCorps, this time through a program called RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments), which is a planning and community development oriented service program for rural Oregon communities. I am so grateful for the skills, experience and connections I made while working at CBC. I still ride every day, now on my trusty Soma Doublecross, and I still love helping others share the joy of life on two wheels!

Susannah Zeveloff:Getting a master’s degree in social work/

outdoor education at a school in New Hampshire.

Rebecca Szper:I’m working as a Technical Support

Specialist at Tableau Software in Fremont. After Americorps, I attended the UW to earn a MA, Political Science and MLIS Library and Information Science.

www.cascade.org10

December 2012

“Biking was one of the first things that made me feel empowered….when I was riding, I felt free.”

CYCLIST OF THE MONTH

ROBERTO ASCALONby Anne-Marije Rook, Staff Writer,[email protected]

Age: 38Wheels: Trek 520 with fenders, racks and a radio.Occupation: Teaching artist/youth worker. Major Taylor facilitator and Bike Club leader at Chief Sealth High School.

New York City in the early 1990s w ith its subway and taxi culture and lack of bicycle infrastructure

might seem like an odd place to fall in love with bicycling, but to a then high school-age Roberto Ascalon, none of that mattered. What mattered is that he could get away from his crowded home and go wherever he wanted to go.

“I really fell in love with biking when I was 15 and took a [bike] trip from New York City to Montreal with a group of friends. It was one of the best experiences of my life. But I rode all the time when I was in high school. It gave me indepen-dence and freedom and took me to places in New York City that I wouldn’t have gone had I not had a bike,” Ascalon said. “Biking was one of the first things that made me feel empowered. We often had eight people in a three-bedroom place. Biking allowed me to get away and ride to Central Park. When I was riding my bike, I felt free.”

Now, years later, Ascalon is trying to in-troduce that sense of empowerment, free-dom and adventure to the youth he works with at Chief Sealth High School. As a Major Taylor facilitator and Bike Club leader, Ascalon is part of a year-round youth development program, produced by the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation, that introduces youth from diverse communities to the recreation and health benefits of cycling while teaching them about the importance of working toward individual goals.

“I found that having a bike makes everything accessible,” Ascalon said. “It keeps me in touch with the essentials of feeling good physically, stopping, and making time for adventures every day. That sense of sensibility is especially ac-cessible by bike. That is something I want to bring to youth, and youth of color in particular.”

Ascalon is a man who wears many hats. He’s a poet, a cook, a teaching-artist, a youth worker. He’s involved with the King County Food and Fitness Initiative, Food Education Empowerment and Sustain-ability Team (FEEST), the Major Taylor Program and the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. If you’re a Delridge or White Center resident, chances are you or your child has heard of him.

“I had always wanted to be a teacher, but took a roundabout way to do it,” said Ascalon, who’s passionate about youth leadership development. “I love cooking, bicycling, and poetry. And those are great vehicles for dialogue with youth.”

The bicycle is one of his favorite tools of education, and he dreams of one day opening up a “full-fledged, fully-accredit-ed high school on bicycles”. He envisions a school that’s centered around the bicycle with time set aside for daily bike rides and

each module of the curriculum would culminate in a long-distance ride like the Lewis and Clark Trail or a ride that follows the local salmon migration.

“The bike for me represents adventure and freedom,” Ascalon stated. “But it’s also about fun and style for me. I love the human ingenuity that went into creating such an amazing machine.”

Ascalon’s bike is a Trek 520 touring bike complete with a little radio. “It makes running around town and going to the grocery store more fun. And on the STP I bring a full-on boombox that you can hear half-a-mile away,” he said.

“The bike culture should be an open culture but in Seattle, I find it to be a closed culture – you’ve got the hardcore road bikers and the hipsters on fixies. Neither of them are open,” he said.

The test to see if a culture is open and welcoming is simple, Ascalon said. “When you ride, do you smile, nod or wave at your fellow riders? And do they smile or nod back?”

Ascalon said the biggest obstacles faced by the youth he works with is inaccessibil-ity and closed cultures and communities.

“The cost of bicycles alone is inac-cessible and then there is this cultural understanding of needing all this fancy bike gear. A lot of the immigrant youth I work with come from cultures where they see the bicycle differently than we do. It’s their main form of transportation,” said Ascalon.

One of the goals of the Major Taylor Program is to empower youth by giving them the means to explore their neighbor-hoods and the neighborhoods beyond. MTP promotes bicycling as a form of exercise, recreation, and transportation.

“Major Taylor is about opening up possibilities and show these kids that they can be any kind of rider they want to be,” Ascalon said. “We’re not afraid of putting our kids in spandex even though we know there’s a culture clash for a black kid to hang out in spandex in the Rainier Valley. Major Taylor is very much about creating a community – a supportive, empower-ing, and safe community. That is the very thing I try to do in all my youth work.”

If Ascalon were to run into one of his Major Taylor students ten years from now, he’d like to see them “physically, emotion-ally and spiritually healthy.”

“I want them to have reached the goals they’ve set with us [in the MTP], I want them to be biking in some kind of way, but as long as they feel empowered, I don’t care what they’re doing,” he said.

Know a cyclist who deserves some special recognition? Nominate them for cyclist of the month! Send your ideas to Anne-Marije Rook at [email protected].


Vol. 42, No. 12

CASCADE CONTACTSHome Page:

www.cascade.orgOffice phone: 206-522-3222 or 206-522-BIKE

Fax: 206-522-2407 Email: [email protected]

Cascade Bicycle Club7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S

Seattle, WA 98115

STAFF Note: All email address are @cascadebicycleclub.orgJenny Almgren, Education Program Assistant

(206)694-9148•jenny.almgren@…Chuck Ayers, Executive Director

(206)523-9495•chuck.ayers@…Craig Benjamin, Policy and Government Affairs Manager

(206)713-6204•craig.benjamin@…Ryann Child, Americorps Member, Commute Program

(206)861-9890•cpa@…David Douglas, Event Producer

(206)522-BIKE•david.douglas@…Noah Down, Development Specialist

(206)245-0001•noah.down@…Liz Johnson, Americorps Member, Major Taylor Project

(206)957-6960•mtpa@…Ed Ewing, Major Taylor Project Manager

(206)778-4671•ed.ewing@…Stephanie Frans, Manager of Commute Programs

(206)522-9479•stephanie.frans@…Ellison Fidler, Administrative Coordinator

(206) 957-7944 [email protected] Greegor, Principal Planner

(206)204-0913•tessa.greegor@…Hanna McFall , Americorps Member, Community Programs

(206)957-6623•cmpa@…Max Hepp-Buchanan, Advocacy Campaigns Manager

(206)226-1040•MaxHB@…Mike Inocencio, Corporate Development Director

(206)522-2403•mikei@…M.J. Kelly, Director of Communications & Marketing

(206)853-2188•m.j.kelly@…Diana Larson, Volunteer Coordinator

(206)852-6827•diana.larson@…Sander Lazar, Rides Program Coordinator

(206)694-9108•sander.lazar@…Serena Lehman, Community Outreach Manager

(206)291-4032•serenal@…Kathy Mania, Finance Director

(206)522-4639•kathy.mania@…Evan Manvel, Director of Policy, Planning, and Government Affairs

(206)369-9049•[email protected] McCabe, Deputy Director

(206)409-0429•kathy.mccabe@…Erica Meurk, Grant Writer

(206)522-7517•erica.meurk@…Leah Pistorius, Communications Specialist

(913)579-7629•leah.pistorius@…

Robin Randels, Classes Coordinator

(206)390-3945•robin.randels@…Anne-Marije Rook, Staff Writer

(208)870-9406•[email protected] Salathé, Education Director

(206)523-1952•julies@…Lindsey Parker, Americorps Member, Youth Programs

(206)861-9875•ypa@…Kat Sweet, Youth Program Manager

(206)427-3090•kat.sweet@…Anna Telensky, Events and Sponsorship Coordinator

(206)778-6099•annat@…Kim Thompson, Event Registrar

(206)526-1677•kim.thompson@…Alan Van Vlack, Database and Accounting Coordinator

(206)226-1858•alan.vanvlack@…Peter Verbrugge, Event Producer

(206)399-9565•peterv@…Tarrell Wright, Development Director

(206)240-2235•tarrell.wright@…

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Note: All email address are @cascadebicycleclub.org

President

DanielWeise•[email protected] President

DonVolta•[email protected]

MichaelSnyder•[email protected]

EdYoshida•[email protected] Committee Member-at-large

CharlesRuthford•[email protected]

KevinCarrabine•[email protected]•[email protected]•[email protected]•[email protected]•emily.moran@…BillPtacek•[email protected]•ron.sher@...

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

FIRST NAME MI LAST NAME M/F DATE OF BIRTH EMAIL

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

HOME PH WORK PH CELL PH

To help promote cycling, we occasionally share names with other organizations. We never share telephone numbers or email addresses, only postal addresses. May we share your name? ◊ Yes ◊ No

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP 1 YEAR 2 YEARS GIFT SOCK SIZE OFFICE NOTES

Individual o $ 35 o $ 65

Household/Family* o $ 60 o $ 115

Supporter* o $ 100 o $ 195 Cycling socks S M L XL

Advocate* o $ 250 o $ 495 Cycling socks S M L XL

Champion* o $ 500 o $ 995 Cycling socks S M L XL

Student/limited income (e-news only) o $ 15 o $ 25

Tax-deductible donation to the CBC Education Foundation**

TOTAL ENCLOSED

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

o Please charge my VISA/MASTERCARD: — — —

Cardholder’s name (Please print): Exp. date /

Cardholder’s signature:

*Contributing members may include household and family members on their membership. **The Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation (CBCEF) is an IRS 501(c)(3) charity. Donations to the CBCEF are tax-deductible. Membership contributions or gifts to the Cascade Bicycle Club 501(c)(4) are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

MEMBERSHIP FORM

New membersSergey AdzhigireyRich ArechavaletaNathan BlinnJackie BlinnSteven BorkRob BornLeslie BrewerPat BuchananTom BugertChris BurtnerDennis CapinpinAaron CengizTamara CengizRyann ChildTammy ColvinRobert CookColin CousseauVicki DaySteve DemskeAnne DevoreDan DriscollChristopher DunkleGeorge EastmanMarge EastmanDaniel FasyGuston FieldhouseJeffrey FieldhouseRobert FieldhousePatrick Fitzgerald

Roberto FrancoJulie FullerChris FullerKate FullerIsabel FunkensteinKathleen GallowayDennis GloreSean GottschalkGwen GutowGary HarinskiRhonda HartzellThomas HaytonWylie HuiKate HulsmanLily HulsmanMatthew HutchinsLiz JohnsonBruce JohnsonRon KitchenerHenri KruseSue LamieKelley LaxamanaCharles LukeyJohn MackayBill MacKenneyMichael (Sandy) McClintonHanna McFallKarryn MeekerAngelito Mendoza

Gabe MillerAnn MosesMichael O’Leary Lindsey ParkerJohn ParnassShana Pennington-BairdAltaf RahmanJamie RawdingMadeleine RawdingMila ReidDonna RosmanSusan RousseauBruce SanchezBarbara SherCatherine SmithGail SpannAlexandra StanyonBryson SteadmanDennis TongTodd TuckerDavid UlreyNicole VanVoorhisJulie WellmanDonald WellsDoug WolfQuinn YackulicJudy Yorozu

Club apparel makes great holiday gifts!

Order online at www.kotis.com/cascade

www.cascade.org12

December 2012

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

Cascade Bicycle Club is celebrating the 15th Ride Around Washington (RAW) with a return to a favorite

route. For years Cascade members have been asking us to repeat the 2006 ride, which took riders down the middle of the state starting in Lake Osoyoos near the Canadian border and ending at Maryhill State Park on the Columbia River Gorge. The route is a favorite because of the diverse terrain, vegetation and climate; excellent roads; and striking beauty of the scenery. For 2013, we celebrate the 15th anniversary with a special seven-day edition of this event! The extra day provides ample time to cover the entire route and affords the luxury of a mid-week rest day in Leavenworth.

Day 1Curlew Lake State Park to Tonasket, 75 miles, 3,836 feet climbing, 5,301 feet descending

Our route starts at Curlew Lake State Park where Park ranger Ric Sanders is looking forward to our return. Curlew Lake was an overnight venue for our 2002, 2003, and 2010 rides. Once underway, we travel north toward the town of Curlew. At the Kettle River, we turn west and enjoy warming up as we traverse the scenic Kettle River valley. At Torada Creek, we turn south and start a gentle climb through ranch and farm land with unmatched beauty. Eventually, we return to our westward route as we enter the ponderosa pine forests and pass several finger lakes on our way to lunch in Chesaw. After lunch, we continue climbing until we reach the Sitzmark ski area and our highest elevation point for the week. Our reward for our climbing efforts will be a 20-mile grand descent on quiet roads into our overnight venue in Tonasket.

Day 2Tonasket to Chelan, 80 miles, 2,968 feet climbing, 2,760 feet descending

What would RAW be without rivers? For Day 2, we follow the Okanogan River south through one of the richest fruit growing areas of the state. As we pass through Riverside, we climb up onto Pogue Flats for great views of the river valley. The drier climate gives a sharp contrast to the lushness of the irrigated orchards. Continuing south through Okano-gan and Malott, we join the Columbia River at Brewster and enjoy our lunch at the river-side park. From Brewster, it’s south along the Columbia through deep valleys of columnar basalt as we head for Chelan. Along the way, we see more agriculture, hydroelectric dams, and sage brush. As we round the final hills surrounding the lake, the innate beauty is apparent.

Day 3Chelan to Leavenworth, 65 miles, 2,972 feet climbing, 2,920 feet descending

We start Day 3 heading west along Lake Chelan. After a good 10-mile warm-up, we climb out of the Lake Chelan valley. Then we go up and over the Barrett Grade, and enjoy another descent down the Navarre

Coulee. We rejoin the Columbia River for our ride to Wenatchee. We’ve mapped a new route from Wenatchee to Leavenworth. By staying close to the Wenatchee River and winding through the orchards, our ride will be nicer and quieter than it would be if we went straight up US 2.

Day 4Leavenworth, Rest Day

There are many activities available to you in Leavenworth. Enjoy the Bavarian architec-ture as you visit the various eating and drink-ing establishments. There are any number of bicycle routes up the Icicle and Wenatchee rivers and up the Chumstick Canyon to the Plains Grocery for ice cream. Maybe a trip to Lake Wenatchee is to your liking. There is always the opportunity to stay in camp trading stories with other riders, catching up with old friends, and maybe grabbing a much-needed nap.

Day 5Leavenworth to Yakima, 96 miles, 4,783 feet climbing, 4,969 feet descending

Over the years, riders have enjoyed our trips over Old Blewett Pass. With little or no traffic and a reasonable grade, the climb is a chance to enjoy the trees, scenery and view-points. Once over the pass, the route rejoins US 97. At the top of Horse Canyon Ridge, the entire Ellensburg Valley comes into view. While still an arid climate, it’s different from that along the Columbia. After a pleasant descent and lunch in Ellensburg, the route heads down the always-scenic Yakima River Canyon. The lushness along the Yakima River shore and the surrounding dryness paint a sharp contrast and highlight the im-portance of water to the region. Once out of the canyon we wind through Selah and onto the Yakima Greenway Trail for a quiet and peaceful end to a great day of riding. Our overnight venue is Sportsman State Park.

Day 6Yakima to Bickleton, 72 miles, 4,177 miles climbing, 2,179 feet descending

Where is Bickleton you ask? Well it’s on top of the gorgeous rolling Horse Heaven hills. When RAW rolls into Bickleton, we more than quadruple the population of the town. But first we need to get there. Out of Sportsman State Park, we head east and south through the plentiful Yakima Valley wine country. Irrigation and a rich, an-cient lakebed provide an excellent growing environment for grapes, hops, corn, fruit and many other crops. As in interesting note, we will cross Konnowac Pass, the state’s lowest at 1,300 feet. Passing through Zillah, we con-tinue down the Yakima River valley through Sunnyside and into Mabton for lunch. Out of Mabton we ascend onto the Horse Heavens Hills to enjoy acres and acres of dry land wheat farming and an excellent crop of windmills, new since 2006.

Hold on to your seats for the 15th Anniversary Ride Around Washington

Member of Cascade Bicycle Club, Bicycle Alliance of Washington and the League of American Bicyclists. Sponsor of Fischer Plumbing, Thumbprint Racing, Bikesale.com, Recycled Cycles Racing,

Garage Racing, Cucina Fresca, Blue Rooster Racing, Starbucks and Lakemont Cycling Teams.

Day 7Bickleton to Maryhill State Park, 60 miles, 2,486 feet climbing, 5,330 feet descending

Our route is coming to an end. As we move west, we find ourselves surrounded by more scrub brush and pine trees as we wind our way in and out and up and down the various drainage valleys to the Columbia. Lunch is in Goldendale. We continue west to Centerville and turn south to a viewpoint where we can see Mount Hood, Mount Ad-ams and Mount Rainier. Now we are ready for our grand plunge to the Columbia. This descent has to be one of the best in Washing-ton. Near the bottom of the hill we pass the Stonehenge replica war memorial. The small store at the memorial has great ice cream bars. After Stonehenge we make to final drop to the community of Maryhill where riders will be treated to a box lunch before busing back to Seattle.

For those of you who haven’t been tallying the distance and amount of climbing, the 2013 route covers 450 miles with 21,222 feet of climbing. If you think this is a ride for you, please mark your calendar and save

the date: RAW 2013 is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 11. Actual riding dates will be Sunday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Aug. 10. Registration for RAW 2013 will begin on Jan. 8, 2013 for Cascade Bicycle Club members. We expect this will be a popular route. Plan on registering early. For more detailed information on the event and pricing, please review the webpages at www.cascade.org. We look forward to seeing you on this great ride next summer!

Sincerely,The Ride Around Washington

Organizing Committee

december 2012 cascade courier

Documents

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