February 2000 Newsletter
Out front: the president’s column
by Sandy Kenny
Oasis (n): (1) a lush, verdant area surrounded by arid lands (2) a respite from ongoing drudgery
Here I was, in the middle of nowhere, in a driving rain. I had gone out for a ride because I was feeling guilty for not getting this article to Martha on time (I never feel guilty when I’m on my bike). I was doing the Kings Valley loop. I blew into the Kings Valley store, trying to wipe the worst of it off my face before presenting myself. As I wandered in, the proprietor looked at me, grinned, and said, "My, aren’t YOU brave, being out there today". I smile as I’m picking out a sandwich, explaining that "brave" is about the best spin that I’ve heard on it in quite some time: wacko, stubborn, looney…. "Brave" is a first, though, and I have to admit that I like it.
I don’t know about you, but I love the KV store. It’s just right, somehow, for where it is – a little funky, a little country, and a lot homey. It’s actually one of the longest-standing retail establishments in these parts.
They have coffee available all the time, brewed "to perfection" in a Mr. Coffee, since trade is slow enough that they don’t really need a commercial urn. They may or may not charge for it, depending on how they’re feeling, and how long it’s been sitting. They make their own sandwiches, too, rather than subscribing to a "service" that makes them in Portland and ships them down in a truck. Maybe that’s because they’re far enough off the beaten path that the truck won’t come, and maybe it’s because they like making sandwiches. I don’t know for sure, but I heartily recommend the ham salad.
I sat down at the bar, and scarfed a sandwich and coffee. The shopkeeper hung around to keep me company. We talked a little about biking through Kings’ Valley – how many cyclists she sees, whether the number is going up (it is), and about the weather and the traffic. I tell her that I was passed by a couple of trucks, but that they were all really polite and gave me a ton of room. She seems genuinely pleased.
This time of year, especially, a cyclist does need to have a good repertoire of places to find shelter from the vagaries of wind and weather. Although at some level, "any port in a storm" rings true, it is so pleasant to find a place that is warm and welcoming. One of the great things about biking around the state is that I’m starting to learn where some of these "oasis" are. Come to think of it, at this time of year, they may be "un-oasis" – dry spots surrounded by broad areas that are all too lush and verdant!
Let’s see…Allanne Brothers, for sure, is a great one; a really good cup of coffee with friends makes the Saturday ride special for me. If you don’t already, do come join us some Saturday; we try to meet around 8:30. And who hasn’t enjoyed steaming up the windows of the Main Street Bakery in Philomath after a damp Decker loop? Lately, I’ve enjoyed Ricks Café in Monmouth. The décor is "basic dark coffee house," and the service can be a little slow, but they keep it nice and warm, and the overall effect is quite charming. Just last weekend, I biked out to Newport, and visited The Cosmos – a wonderful spot where they make quite possibly the best grilled cheese sandwiches on the planet. The donut shop in Jefferson is so retro-funky it kills me…they’ve actually gotten an espresso machine, but they seem a little apologetic about it, especially when the "regulars" are in earshot.
And the list goes on…there are of course a bajillion other, similar places that I could mention, and some that you know, and I don’t. Some of these places come and go, and some, like the Kings Valley store, are permanent fixtures. If you know a good spot, share it! (How many of you have found Loafers in Albany yet?) What they have in common is warmth, food, shelter, and an inviting space for friendly conversation. Oh, yeah - and clean restrooms.
Try to stay warm, dry, and most of all safe and happy as you’re pedaling about this month. And keep up the waving! It looks really good.
Next month: invite a friend to ride (and earn double miles – but shhhhh! ’cause I haven’t told the ride leaders, yet)
Saturday ride etiquette: signup rules
The North Corvallis Beanery has been very nice to us and we need to keep being nice to them. Here are some rules that will keep us welcomed there:
These rules will be even more important as spring approaches and more of us go on Saturday rides.
A partial list of some area bicycle events
March 18 – 19, The Portland Bike Show
April 16, Daffodil Classic 20, 50, 70, 100 miles, www.twbc.org
April 16, Wildflower Century, 15, 65, 100 miles, www.chicovelo.com
May 7, Monster Cookie Metric Century, www.salembicycleclub.org
May 20, Davis Double Century, 200 miles, (916) 756-3540
June 9 – 11, Race Across Oregon, email: gcavet@aol.com
June 25, The Watermelon Rides, 200, 124, 100, 62 miles, www.salembicycleclub.org
July 8 – 9 STP, (Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic) 200 miles in one or two days www.cascade.org
July, (date not yet available) Markleeville Death Ride, www.chainreactionbicycles.com/markleeville
July 27, RAMROD, 154 miles, www.redmondcyclingclub.org
August 13, Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour, www.mvbc.com
September 10 – 16 Cycle Oregon XIII, www.oregonlive.com/cycleoregon
Mid-Valley Bicycle Club Board meeting minutes
January 24, 2000, Kell’s Restaurant
Present:
Richard Burgess, Susan Christie, Rob Gandara, Martha Hankins, Sandy Kenny, Nancy Meitle, Joe Monteleone, John Morris, Walt PrichardVisitor: Don Barsted
Next meeting, February 28, at Kell’s
Presentation by Don Barsted
Don came to us with several inter-related concerns. Here are some examples:
 | Apartment managers have to decide what to do with bicycles left behind when tenants depart. According to an apartment managers’ organization, as many as 400 to 700 bikes per year are abandoned in Corvallis. |
| Tom, Director of the Boys and Girls Club, would like to see a bicycle repair mentoring program. As part of the program, a child would get a bike. |
| Linn-Benton Community College, the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department, and Timberhill Athletic Club all have tried to stage bike events, but didn’t have the people or connections to make it happen. A lack of good communication is hindering the process, and groups are not aware of each other’s activities. |
| Don didn’t know about the MVBC and its variety of rides and events or about Getting There and its annual Bike Commute Month activities. |
Don’s main problem right now is what to do with the pile of bikes in his back yard. The Board discussed developing a bike mechanic apprentice program at the Children’s Farm Home, where there is space to store bikes, parts, and equipment. Martha moved that we add this whole topic as an item on our future agendas, so that we can explore ideas. The Board informally agreed to do so.
BTA Grant for Schools
Nancy met with principals of several schools, and with the BTA, to move ahead on the BTA grant. The program includes 20 new bicycles that will remain part of the ongoing program (not given to the kids permanently). The grant comes with paid staff for the first two years. Katherine Inman is interested in being part of the program as paid staff, if the school district agrees to accept the grant.
Events
Crater Lake, Nancy Meitle:
Nancy said she might be on an oceanographic cruise during the Crater Lake weekend. She will have all preparations made, but other people might have to help during the event. Two sag stops are taken care of already.CBBT, August 13, John Morris: John reported that no MVBC members have contacted him yet about finding sponsors. John has contacted 40 potential sponsors, 9 of whom have asked for more information. Dan Arbogast has the database from last year’s CBBT. The plan is to mail postcards to all last year’s riders and invite them to sign up for this year’s ride. The Board also discussed using an electronic sign up system for the CBBT. John is recruiting for members of the CBBT committee and several people have agreed to do the same tasks they did before. No one has volunteered for leadership roles yet.
Loop Tours, Richard Burgess: This year’s loop tour will be the Southern Oregon Tour, starting and ending at Winston. The cost should be $45.00 for the tour, plus $20.00 for gear transport. The committee is working on the sign up brochure. The next loop tour meeting will be on February 14. The first tour, beginning June 17, is limited to 25-30 riders; the second tour, beginning July 29, has a limit of 15 (flexible).
Annual Picnic, Belfountain Park, Saturday, July 15, Saturday: Richard will call Benton County Parks about reserving the park and also coordinate with the tour captains about planning for the Saturday rides to end at the picnic location.
Mary’s Peak ride, Lyle Dalton: No pressing issues for this July 4 ride. It’s planned to be a "play as you go" ride and there will be a sag stop this year.
Bike Saturday, Nancy Meitle: The Board agreed to commit $2000 for helmets (about $7 each) for Corvallis and Albany children. Don Barsted said he had heard that Kraft Food Foundation will provide free helmets for bicycle programs directed at children. Richard agreed to check with LAB on Kraft’s policy and also on the $7 helmets from SafeTech, the company Nancy is working with, which is the source the BTA uses. Joe and Maria will inform HP about both CBBT and the helmet program and see if the company might wish to use some of their resources for these causes.
Pig Out Ride, May 6, Joe Monteleone: The committee is withholding the details, but this year’s ride may have some surprises! Anybody ever hear of a bike poker pigout ride? Whatever happens, we guarantee terrific food!
Getting There Meeting, Walt Prichard: Walt reported on Getting There’s progress toward its annual Bike Commute Day events, which will be on May 19 this year. As part of the after work festivities, Getting There is hoping to have a 2 or 3-mile family bike ride around town and back downtown to Old World Deli for food and drinks. Getting There will do most of the work, but would like some support from MVBC, for example, monitors for intersections. Reports
Treasurer’s Report (No Treasurer Present)
Don Saleski reported, through Joe Monteleone, that he can keep the accounts and pay the bills, but that his schedule precludes him from attending board meetings, thus he would prefer to be replaced. There was general agreement that we need a treasurer who can attend the meetings and participate in the decision making. Sandy will explore options with Don. An important related issue is that we need to finish our commitment to get the club fully tax exempt, which will require a fully involved treasurer.
Newsletter and Club Roster, Martha Hankins and Lyle Dalton
Martha announced that her husband has accepted a job in Olympia, Washington, and that she and her family will move there sometime this summer. Martha sent a note to Burton’s Restaurant, expressing our appreciation for their support of the awards banquet in November.
Submission deadline for the next newsletter is one week from today, January 31. Martha and Lyle would like to distribute the club roster through the newsletter to members only. They hope to print the roster as a 2-page insertion.
Martha is working on guidelines for newsletter ads and presented an example. There was general agreement that we should have three sizes: small, medium, and large. All members agreed that Kell’s business card should appear as a small ad, at no charge, in return for their providing space for our meetings.
Bike Advocacy, Walt Prichard
Walt reported on the recent Speaker’s Bureau training. He will do a short article on it for the newsletter. The Board voted unanimously to sponsor Walt’s attendance ($170.00) at the Designing for Bicyclists and Pedestrians course that Michael Ronkin will teach April 12 and 13.
Membership, Lyle Dalton
Lyle presented examples of the membership cards he is preparing. Participating retailers will honor the card for a 10% discount. Joe proposed that we authorize Lyle to spend up to $100.00, using his own judgment, to get the membership cards done, printed, and distributed through the newsletter. The Board unanimously approved the motion.
Welcome Letter, Lyle Dalton
Lyle has drafted the welcome letter, but after reviewing materials from the club that Joe used to belong to, he intends to change the letter slightly, particularly the items about safety and merchant discounts. He will send the new draft out to the Board for review via e-mail.
Ride leaders, Rob Gandara
Rob reported that The Beanery is working out OK as a departure point for the rides, with the reminder not to block the door. Martha will put a sentence in the newsletter thanking The Beanery for their cooperation.
General Meetings, Richard Burgess
The February meeting will be about dogs. Richard expressed his concern that Charlie Steinmetz put on a great program in January, but only 11 people attended. Richard is concerned about attendance at general meetings. The April program will be on the loop tour. Forms will be out in late February or March. Meeting attendance will continue to be an agenda item.
URL, Joe Monteleone
Our URL is expiring. Joe will renew it for 2 years with his credit card.
Respectfully submitted by Susan Christie
Announcements
New editor needed
I’m terribly sorry to report that yours truly, editor of this fine publication, will be moving away. Alas I’m not moving for drier pastures, but for wetter ones. Because of my husband’s relocation we are moving to Olympia, Washington early this summer.
Needless to say, we are seeking a new editor for this newsletter. Job benefits: (1) learn important behind-the-scenes stuff before anyone else, (2) monthly meetings at friendly Kell’s Restaurant in downtown Corvallis, where the food, drink, and company are fine, and (3) the feeling of power that the written word provides. (Ok, I’m exaggerating. A little.) It has taken me a couple of months to get the process down, but it’s not that difficult and the rewards are certainly there.
Step right up. Let me know you are interested and I’ll invite you to join us at Kell’s.
-Martha
Wishing him well
SADLY MISSED (And he’s not even gone yet, quite): Randy Buchanan is leaving the Willamette Valley for San Antonio, Texas. Yes, it’s true – he’s even sold his rain bike! Randy has been a member of the club for several years, and has done a ton of low-visibility, behind-the-scenes, "grunt" work, volunteering for the club. Best of luck to Randy in his new job…and if you’re ever in Texas, look him up! With year-round riding weather down there, I’m sure he’ll be whupped into shape and ready to ride any of us into the dust in no time flat.
Need a haircut?
As of February 1, 2000, Nina Carlson will be working at Steamboat Annie’s, 401 2nd Ave SE, in Albany. Phone 926-1600. Her hours are Monday 2 – 6 pm, Tuesday 9 am – 5 pm, Thursday 10 am – 6 pm, and Friday 9 am – 5 pm.
Club mileage
From October through January our Wednesday riders have accumulated 3,963 miles, our Saturday Riders have accumulated 11,271 miles, and our total club ride mileage is 15,234. Just wait until the rain stops!
Report from the speaker's bureau workshop
By Walt Prichard (our man in the know)
On Saturday January 22 I reluctantly skipped the Saturday ride and attended a workshop put on by "Getting There," the local branch of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. The BTA is a statewide group that promotes bicycle use and works to improve bicycle conditions statewide. Sheila Lyons arraigned to have Linda Ginenthal, a public speaking trainer from the City of Portland, come down and help us learn how to put on a good face when we appear before community groups, city councils and ODOT.
We were guided through introductions and ways to appear more composed and not so nervous. We were told that "I don't know" is good answer. We were also coached on answers to very tough questions about why cyclists don’t stop at stop signs and don’t pay our way. Michael Ronkin spoke about how to talk to ODOT and city engineers and what they expect and need from us, and what we can expect them to do for us. We received some very good books from ODOT (Oregon dept of transportation) about bike pedestrian design and "MainStreet" a guide on a more livable downtown when a highway goes through it
This was a very good meeting and I feel a little more prepared to carry our message to community groups and legislative groups. If you know of any meeting that we should be represented at give me a call. Some of the other folks that attended from Corvallis were Susan Christie, Matt Matthews, Sheila Lyons, and Parker Swanson. There was also a group from Albany and Newport.
If you have any suggestions or you see something that you would like changed give me a call. No guaranties but I will look into it and do what I can and let you know what the situation is.
– Walt
I can always find excuses
ways to get to ride on warm, sunny days
and to evade riding on cold, rainy days
to avoid the cold,
I'll even work on taxes, filing, bills
The friend I ride with every week from May to October
is one I now call up to invite to a movie
and, wonder of wonders, the phone line doesn't work
leaving me no choice
I bundle up, ready to face the day
a favorite shortcut is barricaded with signs
crying "ICE! CAUTION!"
so I ride on, on up his hill
Feeling the aches of muscles that have
skied or walked or run up and down stairs
but feel hot and sore as I climb his hill
and, finding he's not home, I continue on up
When I was last here, I was flying along
on a summer day, over stumps, and muddy ruts
hearing dry grass tangle in my spokes
grasshoppers flying in front of me
but now it's all paved,
the biggest houses in town
lord their size and perfection
over the houses that dare to be
lower than they on the hill
and I ride on, feeling cold wind as I soar down the hill
then climbing the hill
that goes to my home
my hands, my arms aching from the cold
so I barely notice the burn in my legs
winded, 30 minutes on my timer
recalling days of past and future
when three hours will leave me
wanting to ride on and on
Upcoming events
Dogs and Bicycles
February 14 7 pm Highland View Middle School Room 2
A presentation by Pat Kennedy of the Corvallis Hartland Humane Society.
Across America!
March 13, 7 pm Highland View Middle School Room 2
Charles Daellenbach will regale us with tales of adventure from his recent bicycle trip across America.