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The Fort Worth Bicycling Association Newsletter Febuary2012
Paceline The
Check us out
www.fwbaclub.orgwww.fwbaclub.orgwww.fwbaclub.orgwww.fwbaclub.org
An eating club with a cycling problem.
Happy Valentine’s Day
February is already here and it is time for another FWBA Tradition. The Annual Super Bowl Ride takes place on Sunday February 5, 2012. We will meet at 8:00 AM in Downtown Fort Worth at the Trinity Railway Express Station (ITC) at the corner of 9th and Jones. Jerry Trimble will be your ride leader and he always promises a great day. The tradition includes the ride from Downtown Fort Worth to Downtown Dallas, where lunch will be at Dick’s Last Resort. After we all eat, we then return back to Fort Worth. Last year, we had to vary this ride because the Super Bowl was in Arlington right along our bike route. Also, the icy and snowy weather eventually cancelled the event for safety reasons. The round trip is about 66 miles, and since it is early in the year, a lot of our members either ride to Dallas and then have someone pick them up and take them back to Fort Worth, or there are other ride start locations that offer shorter distances. The link on the web to find those locations is: http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/specialevents/superbowlsunday2012.html. There will be rides from the Bicycles Inc. Store in both Hurst and Arlington for shorter distances. If you can’t ride that far, you can pick up one of the rides from the Dallas area. Be sure to wear your Red FWBA Jersey, or windbreaker, or both. Spring is just around the corner, and it is now time to dust off the bikes and get them out on the road. During the month of February, I will be tuning up my bicycles, replacing chains and tires, and getting them ready for some of the year’s big events. By the way, it is not too late to set your cycling goals for the year. We’ve had a warm, but a kind of crazy month of weather in January, so if you are falling behind, you can use the longer days of February to ride some extra miles. Most of us keep our mileage online at www.bikejournal.com and then you sign up with the “FWBA – Fort Worth
Bicycling Association”. That will put you in with the majority of the club. Gary Gottlieb and Jim Burrow are our ride leaders, so far. We have a “no drop” policy on our rides and our ride leaders and their sweepers try their best to make sure that no one rides alone. We also try to “re-group” at the major turns and intersections along our routes so that the slower riders can catch up to some of the faster cyclists. The ride leaders do everything they can to make our club rides a pleasant experience for people coming out for the first time. So, if you haven’t ridden with us, come out and give us a try. You will have a lot of fun. Until April, I will sound like a broken record because 2012 is the Fort Bicycling Association’s year to host
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Weekend ORGANIZED CLUB Rides for January
The following rides are open to all riders, club members and non-club members alike. Rides which require a fee are indicated with a ”$” sign. Those indicated with
a “♣♣♣♣” are normally free, except for park entrance fees. Questions should be addressed to the Ride Starter. If you want to start a ride, contact the Rides
Coordinator, Gary Gottlieb, at 817-675-0292, or e-mail [email protected]
C, Saturday, February 4, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Glassblowing at the Cliff House, Fort Worth TX Richard Wilks, 817-371-2230, [email protected], Come join the Lone Star Cyclists and Greater Dallas Bicyclists as we return to the Cliff House Studio, where artists Raymond Rains and Pamela Summers live and work. We're invited to watch as Raymond demonstrates glassblowing inside his warm and cozy studio at Eagle Mountain Lake. We'll leave Montgomery Plaza on West 7th Street in Fort Worth and ride to the Cliff House on a 40-50 mile route. There will be refreshments at the studio for the riders and stunning views of downtown Fort Worth. We'll even be able to see where our ride started, 13 miles distant (as the crow flies). After the demonstration we'll wind our way back to our starting point through neighborhoods both new and old. C, Saturday, February 4, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie TX Andy Sadowski, 817-919-3101, [email protected], Ride with the Rusty Chain Gang through the beautiful Lake Ridge development, through Britton, toward Mansfield, then back to the marina for rides of 26 or 32 miles (longer routes are available). All types of cyclists are welcome. We travel slow and stop often, and have lunch at the Oasis after the ride. E, Sunday, February 5, 2012, 8:00 a.m. Super Bowl Sunday Ride, Fort Worth TX Jerry Trimble, 817-851-8597, [email protected], www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/specialevents/superbowlsunday.html Join Jerry for a local area tradition where cycling clubs from all over the Dallas / Fort Worth area ride to the Dallas West End for lunch on Super Bowl Sunday. This year we will be eating at Dick’s Last Resort. Jerry starts the FWBA ride at the Trinity Railway Express Station at the corner of 9th and Jones, in downtown Fort Worth. For more details see the special events section of our web site. Wear your red FWBA jerseys.
C, Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble, Fort Worth TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , Meet at the City of Fort Worth parking lot at 4100 Columbus Trail. From I-20, take Hulen south to Columbus Trail, then go east on Columbus Trail for about four blocks. (Additional 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1) C, Thursday, February 9, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Burleson and Beyond, Burleson TX Neil Sawyer, 817-426-0922, [email protected], Enjoy the quiet, beautiful rural roads of Johnson County with lots of shade in the hot summer months. Routes of 40-54 miles are available and no one gets left behind. Take I-35 South to Exit 36, Renfro St., in Burleson (10 minutes from loop 820/20). Turn right (West) onto Renfro and left on Commerce just before the railroad tracks. Please park across the street from Babes. We usually eat after the ride at "The Porch" just a couple blocks from the start point. Fun had by all. Come join us. (Early 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1) C, Thursday, February 9, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Romp, Benbrook TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , All skill levels are welcome! Meet at the ball fields behind the YMCA in Benbrook. Exit off I-20/820 (Exit 29) at Winscott Road. Go south about 1.5 miles. Please arrive early enough to get you and your steed ready to pedal at the start time. An additional start of 8:30am is available for early risers wanting to beat the heat. B, Saturday, February 11, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Bicycles Inc. Century of the Month, Arlington TX Rickey Wray Wilson, 817-313-5177, [email protected], Come on out and join Rickey for the "Century of the Month More or Less" series with a century or less starting at 9:00 am from the Bicycles Inc., in Arlington. Routes of 12, 23, 42, 61, 81, and 102 miles will be available. The Ride starts at the Bicycles, Inc. store in Arlington located at the intersection of I-20 and Green Oaks Blvd. on the southeast
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Beginner’s Clinic/Biking 101/ When: Another year, time go get back on the bike. February 21st 10 AM (to let it warm up)
Where: Art’s Park Trail Head in Benbrook. Go south on Winscott to Memorial Oak. Trail Head is
at the end of the road.
Cost: 1 dollar for entrance to the State Park.
Distance: up to 21 miles all on trails and park roads. Ride will be from Trail Head up thru
Benbrook Lake park to HI 377 and back.
This is primarily a training ride for those new to cycling. Any level cyclist is welcome and club
members will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. The goal is to introduce riders
to the club and to help those new to our sport gain the skills they need to allow them to enjoy the
normal club rides.
Note: Helmets are required . Under 18 needs parent in order to sign ride waiver.
Afterwards we will go out for lunch/brunch nearby.
Contact: Mark Poulson for more information ([email protected])
corner. C, Saturday, February 11, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie TX Andy Sadowski, 817-919-3101, [email protected], Ride with the Rusty Chain Gang through the beautiful Lake Ridge development, through Britton, toward Mansfield, then back to the marina for rides of 26 or 32 miles (longer routes are available). All types of cyclists are welcome. We travel slow and stop often, and have lunch at the Oasis after the ride. C, Sunday, February 12, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The County Road Cool Breeze Ride, Arlington TX Jim Brown, 817-781-0393, [email protected], Jim's Tarrant-Johnson counties ride that takes in Arlington, Kennedale, Retta, Burleson, Lillian, and Mansfield, and hits almost every shady tree lined road in the county. It is 60 miles and it has enough hills to make you tired and has enough trees to keep you cool and not much traffic either. Come on out and join Jim for a great recovery ride. There are also 20, 35, and 48 mile versions. Starting location is southwest corner of Highway 287 and Sublett Road in parking lot below Subway facing service road. C, Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble, Fort Worth TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , Meet at the City of Fort Worth parking lot at 4100 Columbus Trail. From I-20, take Hulen south to Columbus Trail, then go east on Columbus Trail for about four blocks. (Additional 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1)
C, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Burleson and Beyond, Burleson TX Neil Sawyer, 817-426-0922, [email protected], Enjoy the quiet, beautiful rural roads of Johnson County with lots of shade in the hot summer months. Routes of 40-54 miles are available and no one gets left behind. Take I-35 South to Exit 36, Renfro St., in Burleson (10 minutes from loop 820/20). Turn right (West) onto Renfro and left on Commerce just before the railroad tracks. Please park across the street from Babes. We usually eat after the ride at "The Porch" just a couple blocks from the start point. Fun had by all. Come join us. (Early 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1) C, Thursday, February 16, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Romp, Benbrook TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , All skill levels are welcome! Meet at the ball fields behind the YMCA in Benbrook. Exit off I-20/820 (Exit 29) at Winscott Road. Go south about 1.5 miles. Please arrive early enough to get you and your steed ready to pedal at the start time. An additional start of 8:30am is available for early risers wanting to beat the heat. C, Saturday, February 18, 2012, 9:00 a.m. River View Fling, Rio Vista TX Mike and Cindy Edmison, 817-675-2944, [email protected], Come enjoy the southern part of Johnson County for a very scenic and low traffic ride with some good hills to climb. Routes include new 23, 44, 60, and 76 miles, with some new changes but still old favorite roads. Meet at the Rio Vista High School at 501 South Cleburne Whitney Road, Rio Vista, TX 76093. It is on south end of Rio Vista, the
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C, Thursday, February 23, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Burleson and Beyond, Burleson TX Neil Sawyer, 817-426-0922, [email protected], Enjoy the quiet, beautiful rural roads of Johnson County with lots of shade in the hot summer months. Routes of 40-54 miles are available and no one gets left behind. Take I-35 South to Exit 36, Renfro St., in Burleson (10 minutes from loop 820/20). Turn right (West) onto Renfro and left on Commerce just before the railroad tracks. Please park across the street from Babes. We usually eat after the ride at "The Porch" just a couple blocks from the start point. Fun had by all. Come join us. (Early 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1) C, Thursday, February 23, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Romp, Benbrook TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , All skill levels are welcome! Meet at the ball fields behind the YMCA in Benbrook. Exit off I-20/820 (Exit 29) at Winscott Road. Go south about 1.5 miles. Please arrive early enough to get you and your steed ready to pedal at the start time. An additional start of 8:30am is available for early risers wanting to beat the heat. C, Saturday, February 25, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Rock and Roll Gravel Ride, Walnut Springs TX Mark Reuter, 817-996-1094, [email protected], Join Mark for a very scenic gravel ride starting out of Walnut Springs Texas. Cyclist will explore the interior hard packed and well maintained gravel roads of Bosque County. Cyclist will experience gravel road cruising through many hills and valleys that roadies seldom get to enjoy. Rest stops will available for both routes. Ride distance of 30 and 50 miles, so air up those Mountain and Cyclocross bikes for a country style romp. Ride start is TBA so stay tuned for details. Updates to follow. C, Saturday, February 25, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie TX Andy Sadowski, 817-919-3101, [email protected], Ride with the Rusty Chain Gang through the beautiful Lake Ridge development, through Britton, toward Mansfield, then back to the marina for rides of 26 or 32 miles (longer routes are available). All types of cyclists are welcome. We travel slow and stop often, and have lunch at the Oasis after the ride. $, Saturday, February 25, 2012, 7:00 a.m. ACP 200K and 300K Brevets, Cleburne TX Lone Star Randonneurs, 817-675-0292, [email protected], www.lonestarrandon.org The Lone Star Randonneurs offer longer distance rides to challenge experienced cyclists. Proper equipment and RUSA membership is required. Please see their web site or call for more details.
east side of Highway 174. Post Office will be on the right and the Donut Shop on the left. Turn left after the Donut shop, cross the railroad tracks, take the first right to High School parking lot. C, Saturday, February 18, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie TX Andy Sadowski, 817-919-3101, [email protected], Ride with the Rusty Chain Gang through the beautiful Lake Ridge development, through Britton, toward Mansfield, then back to the marina for rides of 26 or 32 miles (longer routes are available). All types of cyclists are welcome. We travel slow and stop often, and have lunch at the Oasis after the ride. C, Saturday February 18, 2011, 10:00 a.m. Art’s Park Trail Head, Benbrook. Mark Poulson, 817-235-5287, [email protected] Go south on Winscott to Memorial Oak. Trail Head is at the end of the road. Cost: 1 dollar for entrance to the State Park. Distance: up to 20 miles all on trails and park roads. Ride will normally be from Trail Head up thru Benbrook Lake Park to HI 377 and back. This is primarily a training ride for those new to cycling. Any level cyclist is welcome and club members will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. The goal is to introduce riders to the club and to help those new to our sport gain the skills they need to allow them to enjoy the normal club rides. C, Sunday, February 19, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Grandview Gallop, Venus TX Jim Burrow, 817-705-2214, [email protected], Don't miss this beautiful stroll from Venus to Grandview. This ride has great scenery, nice low traffic roads, plenty of shade, and great company. There are distances for everybody with routes of 25, 40, & 52 miles, and all are rated 1-2 on the difficulty scale of 5. It is a great way to recover after a tough Saturday ride. You do not want to miss this great new ride. Bring your newbie friends for the 25 mile route, they will love it. We meet at the square in Venus at 9:00 a.m. so don't be late. C, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble, Fort Worth TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , Meet at the City of Fort Worth parking lot at 4100 Columbus Trail. From I-20, take Hulen south to Columbus Trail, then go east on Columbus Trail for about four blocks. (Additional 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1)
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Dinner and Bikes Tour, Fort Worth – April 15th |
Fort Worthology hosts a traveling roadshow of vegan
food and bike advocacy, visiting Fort Worth from
Portland, Oregon!
Please join us on April 15th from 7pm to 9pm for
Dinner and Bikes, a traveling road show of vegan
food and bicycle inspiration. Vegan chef Joshua Ploeg
(author of In Search of the Lost Taste) will delight
with an extensive buffet, and bike journalist Elly Blue
(author of Taking the Lane, Bikenomics, Our Bodies,
Our Bikes, and co-founder of PDX By Bike) and
publisher/filmmaker Joe Biel (founder of Microcosm
Publishing and Cantankerous Titles) will present short
videos and a slideshow about bicycle culture, activism,
and the economy. Fort Worthology author Kevin
Buchanan will also talk briefly about Fort Worth bike
projects and advocacy. There will be time for
questions, discussion of local issues, and perusing of
the traveling bookstore.
Dinner and Bikes will be held Sunday, April 15th
from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Avoca Coffee, 1311 W.
Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth’s Near Southside,
easily accessible by bike on the Magnolia Avenue bike
lanes and the 6th Avenue bike route. Tickets are now
available for just $10, which includes the whole night
– food, drinks, presentations and films, talk, and bike
advocacy. Please join us for a fun and inspiring night!
http://fortworthology.com/dinner-and-bikes/
C, Sunday, February 26, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Mid City Sunday, Bedford TX Dave Clowers, 214-208-9470, [email protected], www.midcitysunday.com Meet at Meadow Park Athletic Complex at 3101 Meadow Park Drive in Bedford for a scenic Sunday spin around Hurst, Grapevine, Bedford, and beyond. Come enjoy a few "little" hills, mostly smooth roads and mellow Sunday morning traffic. Routes of 26 and 52 will be available. Dave will provide maps and cue sheets, and will sweep the course. C, Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m. The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble, Fort Worth TX Sherwin Rubin, 817-483-8385, , Meet at the City of Fort Worth parking lot at 4100 Columbus Trail. From I-20, take Hulen south to Columbus Trail, then go east on Columbus Trail for about four blocks. (Additional 8:00 a.m. start time June 1 to September 1)
the Easter Hill Country Tour in Kerrville, Texas. If you haven’t been, it is one of the best three day tours in the state. Betty Brown is the coordinator for this year’s event and she is always looking for some great volunteers. You can also volunteer some and ride part of the time, as well. If you are not a member of the FWBA, this is your chance to come down to the Hill Country and ride some of the best roads in the State of Texas. I have another major topic to bring up this month, and that is an early reminder that everyone’s membership is due for renewal on April 1st. Your membership helps to provide the FWBA with the day to day expenses that keep the club operating. I am hoping that everyone in the club will renew their membership before the April 1st deadline. Membership to the FWBA is really a bargain at $25. Even though I enjoy my professional and community organizations, I have more fun with the FWBA than I do with the other groups. None of the other organizations to which I belong, offer me a chance to increase my level of fitness. The FWBA is the largest cycling club in North Texas, so let’s keep our membership numbers up. I hope everyone has a safe and happy month, so keep riding those miles,
John
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About 11 miles of city streets have been marked with bike lanes. Downtown bike racks are mostly empty, and the lanes are not filled with bicyclists. City officials say they hope to attain the designation Bicycle Friendly Community through the League of American Bicyclists. In Texas, only Austin, San Antonio and The Woodlands Township have qualified. Are costs justified? City officials point to a recent study by the Wellness Council of America and the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity showing that if as few as 5 percent of inactive employees exercised, a city staff the size of Fort Worth's could save more than $500,000 a year. That includes reduction in medical and workers' compensation costs and improved productivity. On the other hand, sometimes well-intentioned, government-initiated projects do not go as planned. Example: North Richland Hills used part of a $2 million federal grant awarded in 1999 to develop its Walker's Creek Park trail. That included money to install lockers under a large canopy near the water park for bicycle commuters to stow their belongings.
In 2009, the lockers were removed because officials feared they could be vandalized or someone could get locked inside. Those lockers remain in storage today. Bill Thornton, assistant parks and recreation director, told me the lockers are being altered and will return one day. John Roberts, president of the Fort Worth Bicycling
Association, said of City Hall showers: "I can say there is
some demand for it, but I can't say how much. But then again,
you put them in, and more people might be encouraged to do
that. It is one of those things we just don't know for sure."
By Dave Lieber [email protected] A Fort Worth City Hall employee tipped The Watchdog that the city is spending almost $50,000 to build five showers so city workers can clean up after biking to work or exercising at lunchtime. "I have nothing against riding a bike to work," the tipster wrote. "What I do take issue with is the city, in such dire straits, on a dead run to spend money to build showers so that folks can ride bicycles to work at City Hall. "You can count the number of parked bikes around City Hall daily on two hands. The number of riders versus the cost of the showers seems rather cold when you have let employees go within the last few years, forced furlough days on the general staff and are already talking about how difficult next year's budget could be." The Watchdog investigates. Background Cost: A City Hall spokesman says the estimated cost to build the showers, using in-house crews, will be less than $50,000. In addition, the estimated annual cost for daily janitorial service will be $6,500. Location: The lower level of City Hall, where the Emergency Operations Center was. Two stalls for men, two for women and one that's accessible to disabled people. Each shower has an individual changing area. Lockers will be available in each room for use only while showering. Employees provide their own soap, shampoo and towels. Funding source: "The scheduled replacement of an air-conditioning system at the Animal Care and Control Center will be deferred until next fiscal year to allow this shower facility to be constructed now," a spokesman said. Did the city do a survey on need? No. Mayor Betsy Price, an avid cyclist, told The Watchdog: "Then we would have had to spend money on surveys. ... We know from employees' requests that they'll be used. Plus, it's the right thing to do. If you can help improve attendance and cut health costs, our productivity will get better. "We all need to focus on health and wellness. This is a small step to help move that forward." Councilman Joel Burns: "I had a number of employees say repeatedly they wish they had this type of facility. It's a customer service issue. You don't want folks coming into City Hall to interact with sweaty city employees. "Part of my support for this is we, as an employer, ask our employees to be healthy because we are self-insured. ... It's not an opulent health club. We're just providing the means to clean up and have a professional appearance after heeding our request [to exercise] and help us reduce the city's healthcare cost." Assistant City Attorney Doug Black, a cyclist, called it "a great idea" and said the lack of showers was "a barrier for a lot of people" to commute by bicycle. "I actually think employees will use it," Black said. "I hope it will change the commuting culture, and those who live within a comfortable mileage range will look at this as an opportunity to finally ride their bike to work." One problem, a city spokesman said: "There are racks on both the north and south ends of City Hall, and they can accommodate 24 bicycles." Is that enough? Biking in Fort Worth The city's new Bike Fort Worth plan is designed to promote bicycling as a safe and attractive alternative for commuting.
Come join us this Sunday for a local area tradition where over 1,000 cyclists from clubs all over the DFW area ride to the Dallas West End for lunch at Dick’s last Resort on Super Bowl Sunday. The FWBA ride starts at 8:00 a.m. the Trinity Railway Express Station at the corner of 9th and Jones, in downtown Fort Worth. The total ride distance for the round trip ride is approximately 68 miles. Since we have a break for lunch, you can look at is a two 34 mile rides. Wear your FWBA reds, bring bike locks, and come join us for this fun annual event. Hope to see you there!
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Combining walking and biking, the Walking Bike
adds recycling (those shoes aren't new) to
create what might be the most sublime -- and
certainly one of the weirdest -- two-
"wheelers" we've seen.
Let’s say you don’t want to sit down for some reason. Perhaps you’re restless, or you’ve got a raging case of hemorrhoids. No worries: there’s a bicycle for you, too. The bizarre ‘Hyper Bike’ by Body Rite Ltd is supposed to decrease the rider’s vulnerability on the road by offering more stability and balance. The rider has to use a total-body climbing, swimming motion to propel it forward. Good exercise, if nothing else.
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Arm & Knee Warmers - These are quite easy to pull on and off, they roll up small and can be easily stuffed into any space available such as pockets. The great thing about Arm warmers is that they can turn a short-sleeve Jersey into a long sleeve within seconds. Knee or full-length leg warmers can be added for those cool early morning rides. They come in great use when the weather suddenly cools or with the temperature differences due to winds or hills. Headwear - The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. Thin wool or polypro hats, balaclavas, ear warmers or helmet liners can be worn under your helmet. The material wicks moisture away keeping your head and neck warm and dry. The extra material to your head you might need to adjust your helmet by adding or removing that padding material. Your helmet should be a nice snug and comfortable fit and remember to readjust if you decide not to wear your winter headgear. Bike Gloves -Bike gloves can cut down finger injuries and discomforts such as blisters and finger cramps. In cold weather numb and cold fingers reduce your ability to control the bike. You can purchase cycling gloves to cover all sorts of weather conditions and temperature, from lightweight waterproof cycling gloves to insulated gloves. If you already have a pair of short-finger cycling gloves, a set of lightweight, inexpensive polypro glove liners can be worn underneath regular cycling gloves for extra protection in dry conditions. A nylon/GoreTex pair would be ideal for the wet weather emergency. Just pull them on over your regular cycling gloves keeping your hands warm enough to brake, shift, and most importantly still giving you control of your bike. Cycling Eyewear - Most cyclists wear some form of eye protection whenever they are riding, (sunglasses, regular eyeglasses or cycling goggles). Eye protection protects your eyes from dust, dirt, cold wind, pebbles, bugs and low hanging branches and many other dangers. In cool temperatures cycling glasses fog up when your warm breath mixes with the cool air creating condensation on the lenses. On the market are anti-fog sprays/wipes that you apply to the lenses. Make sure you read the directions and any warning labels as some chemicals in the products may damage special lens coatings. Bike Shoes - There is nothing more uncomfortable than numb, frozen, cold wet feet and toes! Depending on what pedaling system you using there are several footwear options that you can use. The first line of defense is socks. Lightweight woolen socks go a long way towards keeping your feet warm. Then over those you can pull on a pair of Neoprene socks which add an extra layer of warmth along with water/windproof protection. It is important that your shoes have enough toe room left. Too tight, and your feet will feel colder due to constricted blood circulation. 4. Cover your seat when you park the bike outside in wet weather. Carry a plastic shopping bag in with your regular gear so you can use it to cover your seat. stops you from getting a wet bum on the ride home
Tips for Cycling in Wet and Cold Weather If your cyclists you'll need to get used to riding in the rain. Following is a few tips for making you wet weather riding safer and comfortable. When you’re out cycling you will find that rain comes from all directions: down from the sky, spray up from your wheels and sideways by wind and splashed up by passing cars. Rain is just something that you can't avoid while out cycling. Listed below are a few steps that you can take to protect you and your clothes. 1. Front and Rear Fenders Your front and rear wheels spray water up. Fenders will .make all the difference, they are cheap enough around the $15-$25 price range, and removable and easy to install with clips 2. Rainproof cycling clothes made of waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex are available in specialty shops. Your average lightweight spray jacket will do the job at keeping you dry underneath and a pair of rain pants will keep the bottom half dry. It might also be handy to carry a poncho in your pocket or bag for those surprise showers. Inner/Base layers: Inner/Base Layers should be wicking layers; they are designed to take the sweat away from your skin, keeping you drier. They are made of Quick drying high-tech sports materials made from polyester or polypropylene. Avoid wearing T-shirts or any other garment made out of cotton. When cotton gets wet, it stays damp and sucks the heat right out of you. Middle (or insulation) layers: Designed to provide insulation in cold weather and also they provide basic protection when worn alone in warmer conditions. When out cycling the last thing you want is to be bogged down in lots of heavy clothing. Modern lightweight synthetic fleece layers provide lots of warmth without the weight. The warmest insulation layers will probably not be needed since pedaling generates a lot of body heat. But it is always a good idea to keep them close in a waterproof bag. Outer layers: Designed to protect you from the elements such as the wind, rain on in the extreme conditions, the snow. It is important that it is of a bright color for greater visibility , its also a good idea for it to have a reflective material. Wind vests are a great as they keep your core warm due to the wind-proof material that blocks the cold blasts but still allowing for ventilation. The same rain/wind layers you use in moderate conditions should be fine for biking in colder conditions. It comes down to a bit of trial and error to find the outer layers that stops the wind from stealing warmth, while still providing enough ventilation to keep from overheating. Make sure the outer layers you use for cold weather riding are roomy enough to be comfortable with other layers on underneath. For your legs choose comfortable winter tights that move with your body and is made from a wicking and insulating material.
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6. Position your lock so that water doesn't run into the keyhole causing rust and damage to inner workings of the lock. Some added tips to remember when out riding in wet weather: 1. Take extra care when riding in the rain your brakes won’t work as good when they are wet, your stopping time will increase. Take your time adjust your riding speed go slower in wet weather, and practice braking. Pump your brakes in bursts not in constant braking 2. Puddles while they can be fun to ride through some puddles can be deep, and hide hazards such as glass storm drain grids, so always take extra care 3. Wet leaves can be rather quite slippery. So they are another thing to avoid. 4. Motor Vehicles also have less control and visibility in wet weather, vehicles braking times are increased.
WHEN RIDING IN WET WEATHER ALWAYS TAKE
EXTREME CARE
Come on, make your New Year’s Resolution to
volunteer during Easter Hill Country Tour. It’s that time again for FWBA to be the host club for the Easter Hill Country Tour in 2012. In 2008 the club set new standards of excellence from beginning to end and we want to do better this year. That will take lots of volunteers during the event. It’s never too early to put your name down so the organizing committee can concentrate on getting everything set up, not on finding folks to work. Right now we are looking to fill volunteer slots for: Sag Drivers Very much needed. Drive the course, watch people struggle up the hills then help them out when they need it. Lots of fun if you have never done this. Rest stop help This is really a fun activity being on the other side of the rest stop for a change. We did great last time running all the rest stops with FWBA members, family, and friends instead of hiring out to local groups. Rest stop transport. Need to have a truck or trailer and will be responsible for picking up supplies from the college in the morning and setting up the rest stop. We need 15 captains so please don’t be shy. If we can get enough volunteers then everyone can work one day and ride the next. But feel free to leave the bike at home and just come out and help the club, it is also a lot of fun. To volunteer just Email Mark Poulson [email protected] or [email protected]
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The Fort Worth Bicycling Association invites you to the
39th Annual Easter Hill Country Tour. Experience the
charm and hospitality of the Texas Hill Country and
three days of the best riding Texas has to offer for as
little as $45. Quiet, well-paved roads, challenging
terrain and panoramic scenery have made the EHCT
one of the premier cycling events in Texas. With no
mass-starts, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, friendly cycling
experience. All rides are fully-supported with rest
stops and SAG vehicles. Join around 1,000 riders and
see why the EHCT is an Easter weekend tradition.
The Fort Worth Bicycling Association is a 501 (c)-3
non-profit organization. Part of your registration fee
will go to supporting cycling access, safety and
education in Central Texas.
Founded in 1974 by the Lubbock Bicycle Club, the EHCT is hosted in rotation by the San Antonio Wheelmen, Houston Bicycle Club, Austin Cycling Association and the Fort Worth Bicycling Association.
Visit the Easter Hill Country Tour website at:
www.fwbaclub.org/ehct Club members: Don’t forget to sign up to for one
on the fun activities during Easter Hill Country
weekend. We need Sag drivers, rest stop workers and trucks to help deliver supplies and other fun
chores.
See next page for details.
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Tour the South of France and ride the
mountains of the Tour de France
Once again Neil and Lorna Rosen are opening up their home in southwestern France for some of the best biking routes in the world. There are openings in July, August and September. So beat the heat next summer and come and play in this medieval paradise--cycle, eat drink, sight see, and hike or spend the day on a Mediterranean sandy beach and gawk at the topless bathers while tanning. The Tour de France will again start a stage from our town for the second year in a row [stage 14 Sunday July 14th]. This is the height of the tourist season so book your flights early. Space will be limited. Our town of 10,000 accommodated 50,000 visitors for last years stage ! Our home is on the Aude River in Limoux. We have rooms overlooking the river and garden and also the city. All rooms have American queen size beds. Our prices are $1500/couple/week , $1200/single/week [queen size beds only]. You are responsible for your air fares and transportation. GPS's are essential. Prices include board and breakfast. Lunches and dinner are on your own at the many restaurants within walking distance from our home. Laundromat services are available in town. If interested, please contact Neil or Lorna at
Looks like fun
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FEBRUARY MEETINGFEBRUARY MEETINGFEBRUARY MEETINGFEBRUARY MEETING Our speakers for the February 5 meeting
will be Pete Cox and Alan Arabian, who
will be updating us on Bikes for Tykes
Inc., which is an all volunteer
organization started in 2001. Their
mission is to provide recycled bicycles
to deserving children of all ages.
Bikes for Tykes has repaired and
delivered over 6,000 bicycles to
children and adults in the Dallas/Fort
Worth area and abroad. I often hear
members stating that our club should
become more involved in activities
besides riding. Please come join us for
this informative meeting from members
who are involved in this very worthwhile
cause to benefit our community.
Monday February 6th @ 7:00
@ the University of North Texas
Health Science Center, Building #2
Room 100 Fort Worth
HOUSTON (AP) — A Wisconsin company
will install three solar-powered bicycle
kiosks in downtown Houston as part of a program designed to cut greenhouse gas
pollution in one of the nation's most
industrial cities.
The Houston Chronicle reported Saturday (http://bit.ly/usXJEl) that the Houston City
Council awarded the $105,000 contract to
B-Cycle LLC, a company that has installed a
similar system in San Antonio, Chicago, Denver and other cities.
The Houston program will begin with three kiosks and 18 bikes. Residents, visitors and
commuters will be able to hop off a bus or
light-rail and complete their downtown
journey on a bicycle. The idea is to generate enough interest to expand the
program to more locations.
In San Antonio, about 1,000 residents have
purchased annual memberships since the program began.
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Tuesday Mornings. 9:00
At 4100 Columbus Trail
The Rusty Chain Gang Ramble
Sherwin Rubin 817-483-8385
. Ride the many roads south of Fort Worth towards Crowley and Rocky Creek Park at Lake Benbrook. Depending upon the weather, ten to twenty cyclists are normally present to ride. Meet at the City of Fort Worth parking lot at 4100
Columbus Trail. From I-20, take Hulen south to Columbus
Tr, then go east on Columbus Tr for about four blocks.
Thursday Mornings. 9:00 am From the Benbrook ball Fields
The Rusty Chain Gang Romp
Sherwin Rubin 817-483-8385 All skill levels are welcome! Meet at the ball fields behind the YMCA in Benbrook. Exit off I-20/820 (Exit 29) at Winscott Road. Go south about 1.5 miles. Please arrive early enough to get you and your steed ready to pedal at the start time.
Saturday Mornings. 9:00 am
Joe Pool Lake Marina; 5700 Lakeridge Drive,
Grand Prairie. Andy Sadowski, 817-919-3101;
[email protected]. Ride with the Rusty Chain Gang through the beautiful Lake Ridge development, through Britton, toward Mansfield, then back to the marina for rides of 26 or 32 miles (longer routes are available). All types of cyclists are welcome. We travel slow and stop often, and have lunch at the Oasis after the ride. To get to the marina, take I-20 west (stay in the 3rd lane from the left) to I-360/Watson Rd. Go south to the 2nd light. Go left to the stop sign., then south/right for a half mile The marina is on the left
WEEKLY RIDES
Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. Watermelon Waltz. Jim Rimbey
Ride is done for the year but meet at 7pm or so at Joe’s for dinner and laughs while we wait for the sun to come back. Afterwards come to Joe’s Pizza and Pasta located off of I-35. Take the Sycamore School Road exit.
Thursday Mornings. 9 AM
Burleson and Beyond
Commerce St. Across from Babes,
Burleson
Neil Sawyer 817-426-0922
Enjoy the quiet, beautiful rural roads of Johnson
County with lots of shade in the hot summer
months. Routes of 40-54 miles are available and no
one gets left behind. Take I-35 South to Exit 36,
Renfro St., in Burleson (10 minutes from loop
820/20). Turn right (West) onto Renfro and left on
Commerce just before the railroad tracks. Park
across the street from Babes. We usually eat after the
ride at "The Porch" just a couple blocks from the
start point. Fun had by all. Come join us.
ADVERTISE IN THE PACELINE
Bicycling and sports related businesses
business card size ad…………………………………………………..$25.00/month ¼ page ad…………………………………………..$45.00/month ½ page …………………………………………..$80.00/month full page ………………………………………….$150.00/month
DISCOUNTS If your business offers a discount to FWBA members please send details and layout similar to those in discount list in this issue.
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15
DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
IS THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH!!
If you wish to put an article in the newsletter, please send it to Mark Poulson , by snail mail at:
4115 Kingsferry Dr. Arlington Tx, 76016 or by e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 817-561-1221
For the latest information about FWBA activities check the always up to date web page
at:
http://www.fwbaclub.org
To be put on the FWBA e-mail list, send a
blank e-mail to FWBA– [email protected]
Monthly Board meetings are held on the first Monday of the
month at 6:30PM (General meetings are at 7:00) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Building # 2. If this conflicts with a major holiday the meeting may be rescheduled and announced well in advance.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER MAP
Build #2; Room 100
Vice-President
Jerry TrimbleJerry TrimbleJerry TrimbleJerry Trimble [email protected]
817-919-6781 Rides Coordinator
Gary GottliebGary GottliebGary GottliebGary Gottlieb [email protected]
817-675-0292 Newsletter Editor
Mark PoulsonMark PoulsonMark PoulsonMark Poulson [email protected]
817-561-1221 Membership/Mailing
Lucia HoworthLucia HoworthLucia HoworthLucia Howorth [email protected]
817-991-4571
Ad Sales
Jim BrownJim BrownJim BrownJim Brown [email protected]
President
John RobertsJohn RobertsJohn RobertsJohn Roberts [email protected]
817-371-6759 Secretary
Tish LechonTish LechonTish LechonTish Lechon
[email protected] 214-850-5858
Webmaster
Casey GordonCasey GordonCasey GordonCasey Gordon www.caseygordon.com
817-312-9689 Treasurer
Linda SimsLinda SimsLinda SimsLinda Sims [email protected]
817 614 1905 Publicity/Special Events Mark ReuterMark ReuterMark ReuterMark Reuter [email protected]
817-996-1094 Clothes Vernon & Lorraine Vernon & Lorraine Vernon & Lorraine Vernon & Lorraine LeonardLeonardLeonardLeonard [email protected]
817-938-6454
FWBA Officers
Other Contacts
Additional discounters:
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IMPORTANT! Please observe Items 1 through 3 Fees are the same for Individual or Family Memberships
1. Individual and Family RENEWALS are always $25
Due April 1 and expiring March 31
2. Type of Membership: New � Renewal � Individual � Family �
Name _____________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________State__________ Zip______________ E-mail_____________________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________Date of Birth ____________________
In consideration of my membership, I, the undersigned, assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident that may occur to me during my participation in the Fort Worth Bicycling Association (FWBA). I hereby release the organizers of this club from any and all claims, demand rights or clauses, present or future, whether known, anticipated, or unanticipated, resulting from or arising out of, or incident to, whole or part, my participation in the bicycle rides and related activities, whether or not caused by negligence of the parties released hereby. I understand that I must ride in a safe manner. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide and wear my own "ANSI" or "Snell" approved helmet during my biking participation in the FWBA and I will observe all traffic laws. I understand that no one is authorized to make statements or representations, either verbally or in writing, which in any way contradicts this waiver and release of claims.
3. ____________________________________ Signature of Principal Member (MUST BE SIGNED) Date If principal member is under age 18, must be signed by guardian Other Family Members Name Relationship Birthday Rider? Yes/No ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Comments:_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
The information you give here is for FWBA cycling related activities for club members only. It is not sold, nor is it to be used to solicit business. Your signature is required, but respond only to those questions you wish. The information is used to list you in our directory and your date of birth, excluding the year, is printed in the newsletter.
The FWBA draws from its membership to provide the leadership , training, expertise, and assistance to promote safe, effective cycling for everybody. Please circle the activities for which you would volunteer your services: Board Member—Ride Leader—Repair Bikes for Kids—Teach Bicycle Maintenance—Anything (within my scope of expertise).
Membership Application Send this completed form and the appropriate fee to:
FWBA, PO Box 534, Fort Worth, Tx. 76101 Please make checks payable to the FWBA
