Post Meeting Social: Mike Henderson, Colin Loretz, Nico Aguilera

Each group did around a 5 minute presentation, and by the end, I think everyone was pretty amazed at how many people are putting in their time to make cycling better in Northern Nevada. Rather than try to discuss all that was presented, I’ve compiled a list of attendees with links to their organizations. Some groups weren’t able to attend, and others showed up that aren’t on the list below, so let me know if your group is not represented or if the links are not accurate. I wasn’t able to find links for all the groups, but it’s nearly complete. Go explore these links and see what’s going on in Northern Nevada! It should keep you busy for a while…

A Special Thank You to Tim Healion, Executive Director of the Tour de Nez Outreach Organization. Thanks for getting us all together and directing the summit!

Attendees:

• Alta Alpina Cycling Club:  http://www.altaalpina.org/
• Bike Carson:  http://bikecarson.com/
• Bike Tech at School
• Black Label Bike Club
• Black Rock Pedal Transportation
• BLM:  http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en.html
• Bootleg Bicycle Couriers:  http://www.bootlegcourier.com/
• Canoe Hill Trail:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Canoe-Hill-Trail/1695350779
• City of Reno Parks, Recreation, and Community Services:  http://www.cityofreno.com/Index.aspx?page=194
• Critical Mass:  http://twitter.com/RenoCM
• Disabled Sports USA:  http://www.dsusa.org/
• Free Wheeling Foundation
• Galena Fest:  http://renogalenafest.com/
• Gonads and Strife Bike Club:  http://gonads-n-strifebikeclub.org/index.html
• J Broski Delivery:  http://jbroskidelivery.blogspot.com/
• Kiwanis Bike Program:  http://www.kiwanisbikes.org/
• Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition:  http://www.tahoebike.org/
• Livestrong:  http://www.livestrong.com/
• MS 150:  http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/NVL/index.aspx
• Muscle Powered of Carson City: http://musclepowered.org/
• NDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Division:  http://www.bicyclenevada.com/bikeped_home.htm
• Nevada Bicycle Advisory Board:  http://bicyclenevada.com/
• Nevada Bicycle Coalition:  http://nevadabike.wordpress.com/
• Nevada Department of Public Safety:  http://ots.state.nv.us/Nevada_Bicycle_Pedestrian_Safety_Program.shtml
• Northstar at Tahoe:  http://www.northstarattahoe.com/
• Procrastinating Peddlers:  http://www.pedalers.org/
• Regional Transportation Commission: http://www.rtcwashoe.com/
• REMSA and Bike to School:  http://www.remsa-cf.com/POI/SKWC.html
• Reno Bike Project:  http://blog.renobikeproject.com/
• Reno Police:  http://www.cityofreno.com/index.aspx?page=198
• Reno Wheelmen:  http://www.renowheelmen.org/
• Ride to Defeat ALS:  http://www.ridetodefeatals.com/
• Sparks Police:  http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/governing/departments/police/
• Sparks Public Works Engineer:  http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/governing/departments/public_works/
• Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway:  http://www.tpbikeway.org/
• The Poedunks:  http://www.poedunk.com/
• Tour de Nez Outreach:  http://www.tourdenez.org/outreach.html
• Truckee Donner Lands Trust:  http://www.tdlandtrust.org/
• Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance: http://www.BikeNevada.org
• Truckee Trails Foundation:  http://www.truckeetrails.org/
• Tuesday Night Ride Group:  http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/TNRG/
• University of Nevada Cycling Team:  http://www.nevadacycling.com/
• VeloReviews:  http://www.veloreviews.com/
• Washoe County Safe Rides to School
• World Bicycle Relief:  http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/

2010 Northern Nevada / Tahoe Regional Bicycle Summit

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Jackrabbit Trail

The Jackrabbit trail crosses back and forth across a sand wash several times, so as expected, there were numerous patches of snow to port the bike over. Once the trail climbs to the south and becomes the Postal Route Trail, it was completely covered in snow, and required me to walk until the trail headed west again up on top of the hill. It was nice riding for quite a ways after this, and I didn’t encounter snow again until the upper half of Deer Run.

The snow got a little heavier towards the top of Deer Run, but the Baldy Green trail and Four Day Trail appeared to be more of the same, i.e. partly rideable with a few portages. I turned around at this point and headed down the dirt road to save time and energy. I was able to ride all the way back down without stopping, veering north at the water towers to reconnect with the bike path. Even though I rode down the road easily enough, it was still full of mud and snow, and would be tough climbing.

Deer Run

With no large amounts of precipitation expected over the next several days, I expect that the Ash Canyon trails should be good riding early next week. If you don’t mind a little mud and some walking, go check them out now!

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Amy Snowshoeing the Baldy Green Trail by Jeff Potter

First up is a photo of Amy snowshoeing the Baldy Green Trail on January 23rd. This picture was taken just a week after we rode mountain bikes on this trail. We haven’t been getting much precipitation from the recent storms, so we should be riding this trail again real soon!

Winter Legs by Brent Ruybalid

Here’s a photo from Brent, a pretty good image of how many have been getting their winter miles in. Cycling videos, tunes, wind machine, and a beer fridge nearly in reach.

The Flume Trail by Jon Bakkedahl

Here’s a photo of a Flume Trail ride from Jon Bakkedahl. It looks pretty hazy, so there must have been some fires raging that day. The Sand Harbor peninsula can be seen jutting out below. Man, I can’t wait to get back up there!

1946 Bike Trip in Maine by Charlie Moser

These next two photos are a couple that my grandparents took back in 1946 while out on a bike ride in Maine. I actually got to see these two bikes before they sold them a few years ago. I bet they made some lucky collector pretty happy. Last summer they told me stories of the all day trips they liked to do in the Boston area, that included a return trip home on the train.

1946 Bike Trip in Maine by Evelyn Moser

These pictures were selected from the Bike Carson Flickr Pool. Instructions for adding your photos to the pool can be found HERE.

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Centennial Singletrack

To celebrate the last day of January, Jeff Potter and I did a loop out at the Centennial Singletrack. I got a tip from Big Jon that the mud was drying up, and that the trails were in pretty good shape, so of course we had to get out there before the next series of storms comes through this week. We weren’t disappointed! The ground was wet, but the mud was compacted. There were only a few wet muddy spots, but nothing that bogged you down for more than a few seconds. In fact my bike stayed clean! And by clean I mean that there is no NEW mud on it. I still need to wash off the base layer of Silver City mud from over a month ago in December.

The snow has cleared to the east!

If I remember correctly, this was only my 2nd time riding on dirt in 2010 so far! The sunny days have been few and far between as well. But absence does make the heart grow fonder, and the bike and body were willing to have some fun. I barely felt the rock field at the beginning of the trail I was so excited. Climbing just seemed easier too.

Wild Horses

More often than not, you will see wild horses when riding the hills above Centennial Park, and Sunday was no exception. As we topped the climb, we ran into a herd of about a dozen or more. The final climb up the ravine was a bit slippery and spongy, so it was a perfect time to rest and watch the horses. They paid us very little attention, and kept on grazing.

A little snow and mud on the shady sides.

After thoroughly enjoying the fast swooping singletrack back to the trailhead, we chased the setting sun back to the west. Along the way we returned to the scene of some poor fool’s 4×4 FAIL. Earlier in the day we saw a group of guys hanging around this unfortunate Ford Bronco, but we kept moving. We didn’t want to get involved in a retrieval or vandalism mission, whatever it was they were up to. On the way back though, the Bronco was unattended, so we stopped to check out the situation. The Bronco was beat up. Broken tail light, broken side windows, missing license plates, and up to the running boards in mud. Just completely stuck in the thick marsh clay. Scenes like this really make me appreciate the portability and unstuckability of a sub 30lb bicycle.

Another failed OJ getaway.

Judging by the conditions out at Centennial, Pecos Potter feels it is time to round up the boys for a ride out at Iron Mountain. Stay tuned for dates. Come join the Posse.

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BikeCarson.com mobile – using WPtouch

In addition to the new mobile version, there are other ways to keep up on what’s happening on BikeCarson.com.  There are mobile apps for just about everything now, and all the resources below may also be used on your mobile device.

• Subscribe to Bike Carson’s RSS Feed and browse in your favorite feed reader: feeds.feedburner.com/BikeCarson

• Follow Bike Carson On Twitter: twitter.com/BikeCarson

Twitter has become a great way to keep up on what’s happening and communicate with others in the bike world.  Cyclists from around the world and even bike companies are making regular updates all day long.  I’ve started to create Twitter Lists for better organization. For an example, look for my list of Bike Companies on the Bike Carson Twitter page.

• Become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/BikeCarsoncom/71580744751. In addition to sending out Bike Carson Updates and using Facebook to organize events, there are also some links to other bicycle related fan pages off the Bike Carson page.

• Bike Carson’s images are hosted on Flickr.  Check out my contacts to view cycling pictures from all around the globe! www.flickr.com/photos/facilitybikeclub/

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Endura MT500 Overshoe

SPECIFICATIONS

Endura, a company based out of Livingston, Scotland, has become the largest brand of cycle clothing in the UK, and are known for their rugged and functional products. These are definitely two words I’d use to describe Endura’s MT500 Overshoes. These overshoes nearly convert your summer cycling shoes into a winter boot.

Here are the specs from the website:

• Tough Nylon faced Neoprene upper
• Rear zip with snap-down puller and Velcro heel tab to ensure snug fit
• Molded rubber toe cap with ridged/grooved underside to help when climbing steep and/or muddy slopes
• Neoprene meets behind the zip to improve water tightness
• Welded center seam for smooth finish and improved water protection
• Hard wearing Kevlar faced base and Kevlar stitching
• Reflective logo and zip panels at rear
• Available In Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Country of Origin: China
• Price: About $50 MSRP
• Product website: www.endura.co.uk/

Keep your feet warm and dry in the winter conditions

I’ve been using the MT500’s since the end of December, and they’ve been a big improvement over my previous overshoes, the All Terrain Booties from Gator Sports. While my old ATB’s are constructed from a respectable slab of neoprene, the front would constantly slip off the toe of the shoe. I’d often look down to see my shoes exposed and covered in snow, and realize why my toes were getting so cold. Winter riding in all terrain conditions requires you to frequently put your foot down, and even walk your bike on occasion. Overshoes that slip off easily defeat the purpose.

The MT500’s stay in place even when walking through snow

The Endura MT500 Overshoes almost completely cover your shoe, and they do not slip off. Additionally, the overshoe has a rubber toe cap and grooved underside like the sole of a rubber boot. This additional material on the bottom not only keeps the overshoe in place, but also creates a decent walking surface, and further blocks cold air, rain, and snow from entering the shoe. I really notice the wind chill reduction on high speed descents. The rest of the underside is made of a stretchy Kevlar mesh that you can stretch around to expose your clipless pedal cleat and shoe heal.

Another nice feature of the MT500 Overshoes is the Velcro closure strap that ensures a snug fit around your ankle. Whether your cycling pants go over the shoe covers or under them, you’ll be able to keep the cold air out.

Stitching Wear

SUMMARY

After about a month of use through some harsh conditions, some of the stitching around the bottom cleat and heal holes has worn away. Not a lot, but it’s going to have to be restitched soon to prevent further degradation. Even though there is a rubber toe area, most of the wear is directed to the mesh area on the ball of the foot. The stretch Kevlar fabric has held up remarkably well though, considering it has been walked on considerably.

The Endura MT500 Overshoes are the best shoe covers that I have tried or seen. The overbuilt rubber boot front end and mesh underside are what really set these apart from similar products on the market. The overshoes stay put, even after lengthy treks in the snow. This additional protection on the bottom of the over shoe keeps your feet warmer by creating a barrier from the winter wind, snow, and muck. I’ve ridden into places that ended up being a couple mile hike out, and the MT500’s stayed put and made walking easy.

Even though the MT500 Overshoes are shoe-like, they are not a shoe replacement due to durability issues. They are not designed for extended walking, and a little snow still finds its way up under the shoe cover. I still prefer my flat pedals and winter hiking boots for the coldest days and outings that may including a lot of walking, but for the cold days when you want the efficiency and stability of a clipless pedal, and will most likely have to trudge through the occasional patch of snow and mud, the Endura MT500 Overshoes will keep your feet dry and warm.  A top-notch product.

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• Northern Nevada Bike Summit

Muscle Powered to attend the Northern NV Bike Summit on February 3rd!

The Bike Summit is an opportunity for bike clubs, groups, teams, programs, advocacy folks and those with an agenda in the regional bike world to share their groups mission and for us to mediate a forum at which we can discuss how to work together and support each other. It will also be a chance for us all to find out who’s doing what and clear up misinformation.

• New Belgium Brewing Awards Adventure Cycling $30K for Bicycle Route System

Adventure Cycling Association announced that it has received two new grants in support of the organization’s work to establish an official United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS). The grants were awarded by Bikes Belong and New Belgium Brewing and will enable Adventure Cycling to continue its organizing and cartographic work with federal and state agencies and non-profits to establish what could become the world’s largest national cycling route network.

New Belgium Brewing awarded the Association $15,000 annually for two years. Bryan Simpson, media director for New Belgium Brewing said, “Adventure Cycling’s U.S. Bicycle Route System proposal stood out because it works to connect communities and create a safer, more bike-friendly environment nationwide. We’re excited to be able to contribute in whatever way we can to make this project a reality.”

Continue reading on Dirt Rag: www.dirtragmag.com/blogarific/new-grants-for-us-bicycle-route-system/

• New Belgium Brewing Donates $30K to Trips For Kids

Trips for Kids (TFK) announced that it has been selected to receive a $30,000, two-year capacity-building grant from New Belgium Brewing Company. The funds will allow TFK to provide more support to its chapters striving to get more low-income, at-risk children on mountain bike rides.

Continue reading on BikeRumor.com: www.bikerumor.com/2010/01/15/speaking-of-30000-new-belgium-brewery-donates-it-to-trips-for-kids/

• SUVs Go Home! School Allows Only Bikers and Walkers

Taking your kid to school in Carson City is one of the biggest traffic messes in town. Here’s an interesting idea from Canada…

P.L. Robertson elementary in Milton, which opened this week, has been designated a “walking-only school,” where students will be strongly encouraged to use their feet – or bikes or any other active way – to get there. It is part of a broader initiative at the Halton District School Board to stop traffic jams around schools and get students moving.

Continue Reading at Free-Range Kids: freerangekids.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/suvs-go-home-school-allows-only-bikers-and-walkers/

• Texting Driver On Way Home from Probation Officer Kills Cyclist, Gets 5 Years for Hit-and-Run

VANCOUVER, Wash. — An 18-year-old driver who struck and killed his former high school teacher last September pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and hit-and-run. Antonio Cellestine received a five-year prison sentence in the killing of Gordon Patterson, a beloved teacher at Hudson’s Bay High School.

Patterson was hit and killed on St. John’s Road while riding his bicycle home from the high school Sept. 15. At the time, Cellestine was on his way home from an appointment with his probation officer and was text messaging on his cell phone up until the crash.

Continue reading: www.kptv.com/news/22317957/detail.html

Interesting Note: According to Nevada DOT, 1.4 million car crashes are caused every year in U.S. by drivers on cellphones. Think we might have a problem with distracted drivers?

• Road Rager Gets 5 Years for Deliberately Injuring Cyclists

Los Angeles doctor Christopher Thompson was convicted of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon (his car), battery with serious injury and reckless driving causing injury, and sentenced to five years in prison.

Peterson and fellow cyclist Christian Stoehr sustained major injuries in the incident in Mandeville Canyon Road, California on 4 July 2008. Peterson hit the rear of the car and suffered a partially severed nose, broken teeth and lacerations to his face. Stoehr hit the car and crashed into the side of the road in the oncoming traffic lane and suffered a separated shoulder.

Continue reading over on Bike Radar: www.bikeradar.com/news/article/relief-of-la-cyclist-as-road-rage-driver-is-jailed-24606

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