=========== 5BBC Weekly Member Update Here is the weekly member update of the 5BBC (Five Borough Bicycle Club). Thank you for your support – it’s what keeps us riding together! Be sure to check out the 5BBC Facebook, Google and home pages to see if a ride is going out. ============ This weeks 5BBC day rides Saturday October 19, 2013 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY: QUAINT TOWNS AND HISTORIC ESTATES 7:00 AM, Dunkin Donuts at 93rd Street and 4th Avenue, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, 60 miles, 13-16 mph pace. NOTE START TIME/LOCATION CHANGE Come join us for a scenic ride through quaint towns, preserved farmlands and beautiful back roads in Central New Jersey. THIS RIDE REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION AND WILL BE LIMITED BASED ON AVAILABLE CAR POOL SPOTS. We will meet early in Bay Ridge near the R train and carpool to Cranbury, NJ. Options exist to meet in New Jersey. We will stop at the historic Walnford site for a quick tour and a picnic lunch and later ride into a winery. The terrain ranges from somewhat flat to rollers. Although many roads are quiet, we do ride on some busy New Jersey roads, especially near the end. If interested in the ride, please contact Bill Mastro, [email protected] with information on whether you need a ride or whether you have a car and whether you can take others. There will be a required contribution of $15.00 for those carpooling to help offset the cost of tolls and gas. Leaders: Bill Mastro and Kathryn Baur DELAWARE WATER GAP - GREAT FALL FOLIAGE 7:00 AM (for a 7:11 train), NJ Transit at NY Penn Station, 70 miles, Quik Spin (17-18mph on the flats), challenging and gorgeous hilly route 7:11 AM NJT rail to Gladstone (change at Summit NJ); arrive 9:08AM. Very pretty route oer hill (6k climbing) and dale, crossing the Appalachian Trail, dropping us midway into the Delaware Water Gap. Mostly paved roads. Some technical riding on hills and back roads. A few refueling stops/supplies along the way. Challenging out-of-bounds ride with limited support; clearance from leaders will be needed to finalize your spot on list after you sign up. Cue sheets provided in advance to confirmed/accepted riders. BYO climbing legs and back roads skills, pocket food and plenty of hydration, good lights for bike and yourself, reflective bands/gear, cash for local purchases. ETA Milford PA, 5PM-ish. As time permits and based on desired return train (NJT trains Port Jervis 5:27 PM, 8:26 PM) dinner in Milford, OR yummy ice cream or beer/dinner in Port Jervis. Bike permits required. Rail fare $36 round trip. Ride is cross-listed with NYCC. Indicate interest via email to [email protected]: Susan Rodetis and Howard Hall. OY OY OYSTERS 9:00 AM, Cunningham Park, Queens, 50 miles, moderate pace with hills They may look slimy but they sure taste good. So do their cousin shrimps, clammies, steamers and other nautical delicacies plus the best chowder this side of Cape Horn. Before ye swab the decks, unfurl those sails for our fall foliage visit to Oyster Bays 29th annual Oyster Festival with music, crafts, souvenirs, tall ships and maybe a turkey leg or two. Free admission but bring pieces of eight for goodies, a lightweight bike lock, wooden pegleg and a parrot - dead or alive. Capns: Claire Mordas and Julie Blackburn Sunday, October 20, 2013 CROTON RESERVOIR TRIPLE CROSS 9:00 AM Van Cortlandt Park, (242nd Street & Broadway), Bronx, 40 miles, 12-14 mph pace. You can have your water and drink it too. Get your fill of Westchesters Croton Reservoir with three lake crossings - the Putnam Trail railroad bridge, Old Croton Dam (Gate House) Bridge, and New Croton Dam - plus a splendiferous (although slightly bumpy) ride along the lake shore. Ice cream at The Blue Pig. Ride ends at Croton-Harmon Metro North station. Bring $ for lunch, $9.75 train fare for return ride, MTA bike permit. Ride is co-listed with the NYCC. Leaders: Jim Zisfein and Claire Mordas. RIDE TO THE KENSICO DAM 10:00 AM, East 241st St & White Plains Rd, Bronx (Wakefield), 30 miles, 10-15 mph pace, moderately hilly This is an Off Road Vista bike journey for a regular bike. In the depths of the Great Depression, the government did a lot of projects to make work. This one is a jewel. Flowing water, small dams and bridges, ducks, geese and swans make for a most pleasant rolling ride. Well follow the Bronx River Parkway bike path up to the dam and back. A paved path; some flowing traffic. Bring MTA Bike Permit, just in case. Leaders: Ed DeFreitas & TBA Saturday October 26, 2013 STATEN ISLAND PERIMETER 7:00 AM, South Ferry, to leave on 7:30 AM ferry. Please arrive 15 minutes before start time. Est. 40 miles @ 12mph pace on flat terrain Once we get off the Staten Island ferry, an earnest chance to go around this Big Apple borough. Made sure your bike is well tuned for this ride (e.g. properly inflated tires, brakes, shifting, etc. Bring tubes, irons, frame pump). Be prepared to go carefully on some bumpy roads, some busy traffic and some dull stretches (for mental toughness). Bring or buy food for lunch at Conference House Park. Your endeavors will be rewarded with a climb to a serene view of New York Bay from Ft. Wadsworth. Youll be glad you did. Optional loop at Great Kills Park. Leaders: Alfredo Garcia and TBD. BEER GEEKS II - ANOTHER PINT 10:00 AM, Grand Army Plaza, 23 miles, Moderate Pace From the cobblestone streets of Red Hook to the Beer Barons of Bushwick, Brooklyn has had a significant impact on the American beer industry. This tour visits the ghosts of breweries past: Leonhard Michel, Federal, Consumers, Ulmer, Hittleman, Budweiser and my namesake - Meltzer Brothers. Today, Brooklyn is again at the head of the pack with craft brewers Six Point, Kelso and Brooklyn Brewery. Find your inner beer geek. Lunch and beer will be consumed after the ride. Bring: Snacks [late lunch], lock, spare tube, $$ for lunch, and a thirst for knowledge. Leaders: David MEL Meltzer and Steve Vaccaro Sunday, October 27, 2013 WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION! Meet 8:30 AM, near corner of Varick and Vandam Streets, Manhattan (across from City Winery), or approx 9:45 am, Gateway/Old Bridge Shopping Center, South Amboy NJ (Garden State Parkway Exit 123, then Route 9 south about 1 mile to Ernston Road exit; ahead at light for shopping center entrance). 45-50 miles, mostly flat. Special Note: we will try to arrange car pooling to and from NJ start point; if you need a ride or have a car and can transport other bikers and bikes, please contact Ted at folkpro@aol Some seventy-five years ago, angry inhabitants of the Red Planet invaded Earth, causing widespread destruction, panic, and mass hysteria. Well celebrate this historic anniversary by cycling to the actual New Jersey site where the Martians landed. This very rarely scheduled ride (first held in 1988, last held in 2008) will include interactive construction of a special antenna that will capture space-wandering radio waves in an attempt to re-create the landmark Orson Welles broadcast that shocked the nation, plus a trivia contest with prizes! Ride may return after sunset; possible dinner stop afterwards. Working front and rear bike lights, reflective vest recommended. Rain at start may cancel or shorten ride. Leaders: Ted Martian Kushner and Phil Gykajzrn Goldberg OH! OH! DADDY-Os! NEW GET OUTA TOWN RIDE 7:25 AM, Grand Central Terminal for the 7:43 train, or 125th St at 7:35 for the 7:54 train to Poughkeepsie. Legend says that there are rewards at the end of a trail. Well, its true. At the end of the recently competed Dutchess County Rail Trail, theres a really good restaurant called Daddy-Os. Jesses legendary appetite met its match with plate of, what else, pancakes. He discussed bringing Tupperware for the leftovers. Here are the details: Well train to Poughkeepsie, hop on to the D.C.R.T. to Hopewell Junction and Daddy-Os. After lunch, we hit the trail again to the Walkway Over the Hudson and continue west from there. After a day of spectacular tree color changing, well hop the train back to NYC with memories of a day with good nature view and good natured folks. Round trip fares are $46 (Regular) or $22.50 (Senior). Leaders: Rodney Millard, Jesse Brown and Ed DeFreitas ============ 2014 Elections: Now Open AND a Monday, October 21st Meeting Yes, that’s right – another year has rolled by and we’re ready to take nominations for the 5BBC’s 2013 Executive Board. This past year, the Club has been energized by several shots of new blood and forward thinking. With a new website and database coming, there’s never been a better time to get involved. On Monday, October 21st, the 5BBC will hold a General Meeting and forum on the 2014 goals for the Club. It’s also the FINAL opportunity for anyone who wants to run for office to get nominated. It is currently scheduled to be held at O’Casey’s Saloon, located at 22 East 41st Street between 5th and Madison Avenues. Near the NY Public Library and Grand Central Station, there’s a pretty good amount of bike parking nearby. We’re looking to get things under way at 6pm and end by 8:30pm As with last year, there will be an online digital election. An in-person candidates’ forum will be scheduled for October, and an election date in November will be announced, Nominations will be accepted through mid-October. In addition, several non-elected positions need to be filled. That includes my job, Communications Coordinator. Current Nominees for the 2014 5BBC Executive Board President - Liz Baum Vice-President - David Meltzer Secretary - Andrea Mercado Treasurer - Bill Mastro Membership Coordinator - Shawn Carney Rides Coordinator - The team of Fritz Van Orden and Geoff Cohen Leadership Coordinator – The team of Manny Sanudo and Ed Sobin While all of the current Executive Board members have agreed to serve another year, we would all welcome new ideas and thinking about what direction the 5BBC should take. If there’s a job you want, SPEAK UP! So if you’re interested, contact me either at 646-734-1933 or [email protected] . ========== Non-Elected 5BBC Coordinator Positions Open There is a deadline for the seven elected 5BBC Board positions for 2014. However, the new Board can appoint new coordinators who simply want to do a great job. There are four such opportunities now available: Programs Coordinator, Bicycle Course Coordinator, Communications Coordinator and Weekend Trips Coordinator. Full descriptions are available by looking at the 5BBC’s Standing Rules. In summary, though, coordinators shall be appointed by the President subject to approval by the Executive Board. The number of Coordinators and the responsibility of the Coordinators may be changed from time to time by the Executive Board. Each Coordinator shall be deemed the Executive responsible for the matters within their respective purview. Coordinators shall submit a brief monthly report summarizing issues and activities. The title, powers, responsibilities and duties of the positions shall be as follows: - The Program Coordinator shall coordinate the Membership meetings and programs of education and entertainment for the Membership. - The Bicycle Course Coordinator shall oversee and schedule repair courses and other courses pertaining to the purchasing, maintenance or operation of a bicycle and shall assure that the courses are communicated to the Membership. - The Weekend Trips Coordinator shall plan, schedule, budget, oversee and implement a series of weekend trips to be offered to the Membership. - The Communications/Public Relations Coordinator shall publicize and promote Club activities, represent the Club with the media and other outside institutions and organizations as needed, assist in the Club’s use of social media and shall advise the Club on the public relations implications of Club activities and policies. - The Special Events Coordinator shall be responsible for the oversight and coordination of the Club’s special events, fund raisers and rides that are not within the scope of regular day trips or weekend trips. - The Advocacy Coordinator shall coordinate the Club’s position on matters of public policy regarding issues of concern within the bicycle community. Each role has no special requirements, and it can be shared with a friend who is also a 5BBC member. Interested in learning more? Please let me know at 646-734-1933 or write gotopengel@gmail. ========== TA’s “Know Your Rights” Forum, Thursday, November 7th On Thursday, November 7th, Transportation Alternatives and Long Island City’s Flux Factor art collective are producing “Cyclists: Know Your Rights & Responsibilities,” a panel discussion about staying safe while NYC figures out its bike culture. “Know Your Rights” answers such questions as: is it ever okay to cautiously ride through a red light on your two wheels of steel? Are cyclist ticket blitzes a real thing in NYC? Is the new Bike-Share program a boon or a burden for the reputation of cyclists here? It will discuss everything you should know about riding your bike, including what to do in case of a crash, insurance options, the anatomy of a ticket…and we’ll even delve into the inner-workings of a cop’s mind. The panel will be hosted Steve Vaccaro and Peter Beadle, both of whom are TA activists and attorneys representing cyclists, and Donald Aridas, a TA Queens activist and a police officer, will be speaking. fluxfactory.org/events/cyclists-know-your-rights-responsibilities/ Thursday Nov 7, 7 PM Flux Factory 39-31 29th Street, Long Island City ========== The 2014 Montauk Century The 2013 “back to basics” Montauk Century accomplished three important things: re-established the camaraderie and community spirit that had defined our Club’s past; showed that we didn’t need to do this ride on a big scale; and ensured that we didn’t lose money on an ambitious event. That will continue for 2014. The 5BBC Executive Board has decided that to repeat the formula of the 2013 “Back to Basics” approach. It will again be held on Sunday, May 18th, Last year, there were 50 participants. We anticipate being able to raise those numbers a bit more for 2014. The ride is only open to a dedicated and very limited number of 5BBC Members. We will update you on the 5BBC Members-only 2014 Montauk Century as more information becomes available. In addition to those who want to ride, we are as eager as ever for your ideas, input and availability to volunteer. All are highly-valued. ========== Save the Date: Saturday, December 14th for 5BBC Holiday Party It has been an exciting year with the 5BBC. Come celebrate we enjoy 2013 and look ahead to the future. WHEN: Saturday December 14, 2013 [Its not a school night!] TIME: 7:00 to 11:00 PLACE: Upstairs at the Dinosaur restaurant, 700 West 125th Street, Harlem, Manhattan. COST: $35 -$65 (including membership renewals) ========== TA Survey: 64% of Citibike Users Unhappy About Full or Empty Docks Transportation Alternatives’ survey of nearly 2,300 Citi Bike users that about 64% have one big complaint with the system – that docks are either completely full or completely empty. But 91 percent like the bike share system and want to see it expanded. WNYC’s Transportation Nation covers the story in depth here and has reported on the problem of rebalancing (cool graphics!) – or moving bikes around to accommodate user need. Empty docks are particularly acute in the morning rush near commuter hubs, like Penn Station, or areas where many residents live but dont work, like the Lower East Side. Dani Simon of NYC Bike Share said Citi Bike is still working to replace bikes lost during Sandy, which, she said, would alleviate some of the problems with empty docks. She said that was about 1000 bikes. Despite the problems with rebalancing, Citi Bike remains wildly popular among users, with 91% saying it should be expanded. Users seem to want it expanded everywhere: north of 59th Street, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Park Slope, Gowanus and Harlem are among the neighborhoods cited. In other survey responses, 84 percent said they felt safest in physically segregated bike lanes. About half said, in answer to which traffic violation should be better enforced, that the NYPD should ticket drivers parked in bike lanes. ========== Announcing the 5BBC Extra Mile Award For 2013, the 5BBC is introducing “The 5BBC Extra Mile Award.” Beyond the Golden Spoke, which specifically honors ride leaders, Club VP David Meltzer led us in creating this award because it’s time to acknowledge those who have stepped into other aspects of helping the 5BBC – and encouraging others to do so. Eligibility: There are three categories of 5BBC club members who will be eligible for the award: 1. A person who has successfully completed the Leadership class in the past two years. 2. A person who has sat on the Board during the past two years, and who has never sat on the Board before. 3. A club member who has been in the 5BBC for two years or less, and who has exhibited leadership skills. For the club to continue to grow, we need new people to step up and into leadership roles. On the road, or in the Board Room, leadership is a much needed quality. See how far you can go and Go the Extra Mile. ========== Great Biking Destination: New Amsterdam Market at South Street Seaport The old Fulton Fish Market site has been holding events to make people aware of its history and uncertain future. Keep these four upcoming market dates in mind during your fall rides: Sunday, October 27; Sunday, November 24; Sunday, December 15. Here are photos, a video, and stories from NY1 and other press. The Historic Districts Council has submitted a request to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to encourage the New Market Buildings inclusion as a contributing historic element in the South Street Seaport Historic District. ============ Any questions? Last minute ride updates: groups.google/group/5bbc More information on the rides:5bbc.org/rides Directions to start points: 5bbc.org/meetingplaces.shtml MTA service info: mta.info/ Questions relating to day rides, write [email protected] Read Bicycletter: 5bbc.org/membersonly.shtml Follow us on Twitter: twitter/5bbc Join us on Facebook: facebook/fb.5bbc To unsubscribe, send an email message with just unsubscribe rides in the body to [email protected] ======= Peter Engel 5BBC Communications Co-Coordinator ========
Posted on: Fri, 18 Oct 2013 15:53:08 +0000
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