By Jim Schroeder
I've seen quite a few interesting signs on roads in southern Indiana since I moved here eight years ago. There's this one sign that always made me wonder and I've never gotten an explanation from fellow riders and I've never had enough guts to ask the county engineer.
All of you have ridden Vernal Pike just before the western end, haven't you? Remember the sign on both directions "Road Under Investigation"?
Well, it's gone!
It's been at least a long eight years worth of long hours of detective work, but it's been solved! What? I have no idea. All I can say is, "Good bye signs, hello new asphalt!"
Well, at least all the pot holes on this miserable pike have been patched with some decent asphalt. That stretch of road returning home for supper or a Bakehouse smoothie had always been a struggle, but tonight it was rather enjoyable.
Oh yeah, the case of Vernal Pike in the City has been solved, too. It's open!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Ride Planning Time
Club Tour Director Mike Finger passes along the following invitation to all club members. Now's the time to have a voice in the planning of club rides for the new season.
And do consider volunteering to lead a ride or two. For those new to the idea: After you get comfortable with going on some club rides, find a route you like, check it out by bike or car on your own if you need to, and then volunteer to lead it sometime. A great place to start on that would be the OWLS or FOWLS.
Let's also give a shout-out to the Sunday afternoon Nice 'n' Easy Rides and to Slow Spokes. It's these rides that have the potential to attract people who haven't been much involved with cycling before. In particular I hope some interested folks step up again with Slow Spokes options. The club is at its best when we have opportunities for all interest levels. But it often requires one or two people to accept the challenge of taking a turn providing some leadership.
And do consider volunteering to lead a ride or two. For those new to the idea: After you get comfortable with going on some club rides, find a route you like, check it out by bike or car on your own if you need to, and then volunteer to lead it sometime. A great place to start on that would be the OWLS or FOWLS.
Let's also give a shout-out to the Sunday afternoon Nice 'n' Easy Rides and to Slow Spokes. It's these rides that have the potential to attract people who haven't been much involved with cycling before. In particular I hope some interested folks step up again with Slow Spokes options. The club is at its best when we have opportunities for all interest levels. But it often requires one or two people to accept the challenge of taking a turn providing some leadership.
The Ride Planning Meeting will be held at my house on Friday Feb 10th at 7pm. I live at 4500 Blackstone Ct., in Parkridge East. Take 3rd St. east toward Nashville. At the top of the rise before you get to 446, take a left onto Parkridge Rd. Follow Parkridge Rd. past Morningside, the tennis courts and Cambridge, to Blackstone Ct. on the right. I'm down near the the end of the deadend street, on the right.There are a number of things to be discussed at the meeting, but the main purpose is to set the Saturday touring ride calendar for the season, and to assign leaders for these rides as much as possible. We will discuss the rides for OWLS, FOWLS and the women's specific training rides, as well as the traditional training ride. We will get to talk about the new UnRides that will be on the calendar, and many other things!Please join us for this annual event. There will be refreshments (beer) and snacks, and good company!Mike Finger
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Annual Meeting and Banquet 2012
The BBC marked the end of the 2011 biking season and the beginning of the 2012 season on Saturday, January 28, 2012, with its annual meeting and banquet. A group of about 60 members and guests gathered at Chapman's Banquet Center for food, fellowship, and (a little) business.
After some informal gathering, the evening began with the business part. President Keith Vogelsang reviewed highlights of the year past, with an emphasis on the success of RAIN, especially the club's emphasis on involving volunteers at all stages of planning and staging this big event.
Then several committee chairs made short presentations. Mark Villanova discussed plans for RAIN 2012: Jennifer Miers is handling registration; Jim Schroeder is doing the route and the start line; John Connell will be handling the finish line at Earlham College in Richmond; Sylvia Stoub is working to recruit additional volunteers needed to staff the event. Keith Vogelsang is also serving on the RAIN committee, as is webmaster Klaus Rothe.
Touring Director Mike Finger discussed plans for the coming year and announced an open meeting coming soon to establish the Saturday ride calendar for 2012. (Jim Schroeder, who is known for his frequent century-length additions to Saturday rides is also planning some "Un-Rides" with more of a focus on fellowship, fun, and food. Look for more details later.) Advocacy Chair Ron Brown mentioned some of the issues he dealt with over the last year. Membership Chair Tammy Berger said we now have about 230 members. Allan Edmonds, Blogmaster, mentioned that we have now completed our third year with the blog venue for sharing club information, with 50+ posts each year. Social Chair Sylvia Stoub talked about the new "second Monday" socials. The next one is Game Night, set for Monday, February 13. More information will be forthcoming by email and on the club web site.
Finally the nominating committee presented its slate of candidates for the elected officers of the club, including two carry-overs and two new people:
After some informal gathering, the evening began with the business part. President Keith Vogelsang reviewed highlights of the year past, with an emphasis on the success of RAIN, especially the club's emphasis on involving volunteers at all stages of planning and staging this big event.
Then several committee chairs made short presentations. Mark Villanova discussed plans for RAIN 2012: Jennifer Miers is handling registration; Jim Schroeder is doing the route and the start line; John Connell will be handling the finish line at Earlham College in Richmond; Sylvia Stoub is working to recruit additional volunteers needed to staff the event. Keith Vogelsang is also serving on the RAIN committee, as is webmaster Klaus Rothe.
Touring Director Mike Finger discussed plans for the coming year and announced an open meeting coming soon to establish the Saturday ride calendar for 2012. (Jim Schroeder, who is known for his frequent century-length additions to Saturday rides is also planning some "Un-Rides" with more of a focus on fellowship, fun, and food. Look for more details later.) Advocacy Chair Ron Brown mentioned some of the issues he dealt with over the last year. Membership Chair Tammy Berger said we now have about 230 members. Allan Edmonds, Blogmaster, mentioned that we have now completed our third year with the blog venue for sharing club information, with 50+ posts each year. Social Chair Sylvia Stoub talked about the new "second Monday" socials. The next one is Game Night, set for Monday, February 13. More information will be forthcoming by email and on the club web site.
Finally the nominating committee presented its slate of candidates for the elected officers of the club, including two carry-overs and two new people:
- President Keith Vogelsang
- Vice President John Bassett
- Secretary Kathy Cummins
- Treasurer Jerry Arveson
There were no further nominations from the floor, and after the formality of a voice vote, the candidates were declared elected by acclamation. According to the by-laws their terms begin immediately. They join the appointed chairs in forming the governing board of the club.
At that point attention turned to food. Club members enjoyed a nice buffet featuring a roast beef entré, pasta with two different sauces, twice-baked potatoes, green beans, carrots, rolls, and salad. For dessert there was cheesecake with raspberry sauce and carrot cake.
After dinner Jim Schroeder (with technical assistance from John Bassett and Glenn Berger) gave a video presentation related to his experiences at Cycle Oregon in the fall. This is a 7 day fully supported, camping and biking tour that quickly fills up to its limit of 2000 riders. Each year takes different routes through very scenic Oregon mountains, forests, and seashore.
The pleasant evening concluded with a door-prize drawing.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Stair Climbing
Note: This piqued my interest since I know some BBCers do some serious stair climbing in Ballantine Hall over the winter. - AE
American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb
Stair climbing is a great way for cyclists to increase both strength and endurance during the winter months.
Stair climbing works the legs in a more balanced way than cycling, primarily working your hamstrings and glutes, and engaging your core. Most of us naturally have stronger quads. Stair climbing works other muscle groups, which makes it a good cross-training activity for cyclists.
Stair climbing can also help cyclists build endurance. Stair climbing burns more fat per minute than almost any other form of exercise and it is the easiest way to increase your intensity and cardiovascular condition. When you bike, you are always putting stress on the joints in the same way. Stair climbing is easier on the joints than walking, and by supporting and moving your own body weight, you burn more calories and strengthen your bones.
Cyclists who do not bike outdoors during the winter could replace their rides with stair climbing to come back stronger and faster in the spring.
Interested in stair climbing? Challenge yourself by participating in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb on February 18, 2012. Participants climb 32 floors to the top of the Hilton in Springfield, Illinois, or compete in the “ultimate climb” where they climb 32 floors as many times as they can in 1 hour. For more information or to register, please go to www.lungil.org or contact Kelsey Dyckman at (217) 787-5864.
American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb
Stair climbing is a great way for cyclists to increase both strength and endurance during the winter months.
Stair climbing works the legs in a more balanced way than cycling, primarily working your hamstrings and glutes, and engaging your core. Most of us naturally have stronger quads. Stair climbing works other muscle groups, which makes it a good cross-training activity for cyclists.
Stair climbing can also help cyclists build endurance. Stair climbing burns more fat per minute than almost any other form of exercise and it is the easiest way to increase your intensity and cardiovascular condition. When you bike, you are always putting stress on the joints in the same way. Stair climbing is easier on the joints than walking, and by supporting and moving your own body weight, you burn more calories and strengthen your bones.
Cyclists who do not bike outdoors during the winter could replace their rides with stair climbing to come back stronger and faster in the spring.
Interested in stair climbing? Challenge yourself by participating in the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb on February 18, 2012. Participants climb 32 floors to the top of the Hilton in Springfield, Illinois, or compete in the “ultimate climb” where they climb 32 floors as many times as they can in 1 hour. For more information or to register, please go to www.lungil.org or contact Kelsey Dyckman at (217) 787-5864.
Friday, October 28, 2011
BBC Social Season Begins
From Sylvia Stoub, the new Social Chairman of BBC.
My mission is to have our large number of bicyclists get together in other ways besides on the bike. Why? We've got so many levels of riders. The hammerheads know all the hammerheads; the owls know all the other owls. Some of the BBC membership including me hardly ever ride with the club. You see the picture? We all love bicycling!
I've got lots of ideas that will enable our club to be even more viable in so many ways. Please join me for some free pizza, salad, cookies, beverages at Cafe Pizzaria, the corner of Grant and Kirkwood, Monday, November 7th between 7pm and 9pm.
The BBC website also has a new Socials Page with more information about this and upcoming events.
My mission is to have our large number of bicyclists get together in other ways besides on the bike. Why? We've got so many levels of riders. The hammerheads know all the hammerheads; the owls know all the other owls. Some of the BBC membership including me hardly ever ride with the club. You see the picture? We all love bicycling!
I've got lots of ideas that will enable our club to be even more viable in so many ways. Please join me for some free pizza, salad, cookies, beverages at Cafe Pizzaria, the corner of Grant and Kirkwood, Monday, November 7th between 7pm and 9pm.
The BBC website also has a new Socials Page with more information about this and upcoming events.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Bartlettsville Squared
By John Bassett
I was having a little trouble figuring out how last Saturday’s club ride got its name. Yes, the ride goes though the little north Lawrence County community of Bartlettsville. But, it was not apparent until I looked at the route map (south part shown here) that you actually go through Bartlesville twice (about mile 20 and 28). So, Bartlettsville x Bartlettsville = Bartlettsville2.
Saturday was one of those great, sunny fall days that begs a bicycle ride and served to break the funk associated with last week’s cold and rainy weather. It was a little brisk in the morning (31oF) but soon warmed up to the very low 60s. About 20 riders assembled at 10:00 at Bryan Park, and we picked up at least one rider along the way out of town. The basic “A” route was on the order of 52 miles. Jim Schroeder had laid out “B” and “C” routes of about 70 and 105 miles, and there were several takers for those distances. I’ll stick with the “A” route having decided it was best not to spend the entire day riding my bicycle.
Bartlettesville Squared is sort of a lop-sided figure-of-eight centered at Bartlettsville. The top loop goes around Lake Monroe with the smaller bottom loop following rural roads in northern Lawrence County. The county roads in this area are generally very good and traffic is low.
The loop south from Bartlettsville is particularly scenic. After a steep climb with a switchback at about Mile 21, there is a nice view back to the north into the South Fork Salt Creek valley,
Then follows a very pleasant peddle along Ramsey Ridge Road through a piece of the Hoosier National Forest.
Coming back off Ramsey Ridge, there is a nice level section running several miles back down the South Fork Salt Creek valley, to complete the lower loop of the figure-of-eight, and across the Salt Creek valley to head back north.
At Mile 34 this pleasantness comes to an end with a long climb up “No Name” hill to Judah. This one appears to have a couple of false summits. But, not to worry, as refreshments are available at a couple of places once you reach Old 37 a few minutes later.
The ride follows Old 37 back north to Bloomington. The total climb of about 3,300 feet is comparable to a day of the Hilly Hundred and was a good follow up to last weekend’s event.
This was a very pleasant Fall day on a nice route with a great group of people. Many thanks to Jerry Arvesen and Jim Schroeder for leading.
Bloomington Bicycle Club Web Site
I was having a little trouble figuring out how last Saturday’s club ride got its name. Yes, the ride goes though the little north Lawrence County community of Bartlettsville. But, it was not apparent until I looked at the route map (south part shown here) that you actually go through Bartlesville twice (about mile 20 and 28). So, Bartlettsville x Bartlettsville = Bartlettsville2.
Saturday was one of those great, sunny fall days that begs a bicycle ride and served to break the funk associated with last week’s cold and rainy weather. It was a little brisk in the morning (31oF) but soon warmed up to the very low 60s. About 20 riders assembled at 10:00 at Bryan Park, and we picked up at least one rider along the way out of town. The basic “A” route was on the order of 52 miles. Jim Schroeder had laid out “B” and “C” routes of about 70 and 105 miles, and there were several takers for those distances. I’ll stick with the “A” route having decided it was best not to spend the entire day riding my bicycle.
Bartlettesville Squared is sort of a lop-sided figure-of-eight centered at Bartlettsville. The top loop goes around Lake Monroe with the smaller bottom loop following rural roads in northern Lawrence County. The county roads in this area are generally very good and traffic is low.
The loop south from Bartlettsville is particularly scenic. After a steep climb with a switchback at about Mile 21, there is a nice view back to the north into the South Fork Salt Creek valley,
Then follows a very pleasant peddle along Ramsey Ridge Road through a piece of the Hoosier National Forest.
Coming back off Ramsey Ridge, there is a nice level section running several miles back down the South Fork Salt Creek valley, to complete the lower loop of the figure-of-eight, and across the Salt Creek valley to head back north.
At Mile 34 this pleasantness comes to an end with a long climb up “No Name” hill to Judah. This one appears to have a couple of false summits. But, not to worry, as refreshments are available at a couple of places once you reach Old 37 a few minutes later.
The ride follows Old 37 back north to Bloomington. The total climb of about 3,300 feet is comparable to a day of the Hilly Hundred and was a good follow up to last weekend’s event.
This was a very pleasant Fall day on a nice route with a great group of people. Many thanks to Jerry Arvesen and Jim Schroeder for leading.
Bloomington Bicycle Club Web Site
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Breaking Away Ride - The Video
Riders who attended the Bloomington Cycles – Breaking Away Ride led by Jim Schroeder on October 2 might be interested in this video of the event.
You Tube Link
From Dale Andrews
Bloomington Bicycle Club
You Tube Link
From Dale Andrews
Bloomington Bicycle Club
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