SUMMER 2011 NOVICE RIDE SERIES

Non-Members Welcome!

Join us.....you have a shiny new bike...or a dusty old one...and you'd like to take it out for a spin? Or, maybe you've heard what an incredibly recreational sport bike riding is, and you want to check it out? Join us...this ride series is for you!

Welcome to the Club....

Grizzly Peak Cyclists is a recreational road-riding bicycle club based in the East Bay. Our rides span the Bay Area and beyond. We have members of all ages and levels, from novice riders to long-distance endurance cyclists. We are dedicated to the principle that cycling is fun, social, and friendly. Our unofficial moto is “ride to eat, eat to ride,” and we do plenty of both. Most rides include hanging out and eating, either at a lunch stop or after the ride.

Our club holds one or more rides nearly every weekend day throughout the year. Rides vary from very easy leisurely rides, to advanced unsupported 100+ milers and everything in between. The current schedule, and other information, are on the club's web site www.GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org. Additional rides and a wide range of bike related topics are discussed on the club's e-mail list, which is open to club members. Club members receive discounts at a number of local bicycle stores.

The Novice Rides

This summer, GPC is giving a series of six rides expressly designed for less experienced bicyclists who want to ride more and in the process increase their cycling abilities, learn about responsible group riding, and just plain have fun. The rides will be on six consecutive Sundays, August 7 through September 11, and will gradually progress in distance from about 25 to about 40 miles. The routes cover a variety of cycling options in the East Bay & Marin, including some lesser-known and very scenic areas. The first two are over flat terrain; the remainder include some gentle hills, with the final ride including a challenging climb up Lucas Valley Road in Marin. Those who complete this series will be well-prepared to enjoy many of our easier club rides. All rides in the series start at 10am, and (nearly) all start at BART stations to encourage auto-free transit. It's easy to take a bike on BART; we recommend you learn how. Using BART can greatly expand your riding area and give you the flexibility of beginning and ending a ride at different places. Everyone is welcome at the ride series. There is no fee and no need to sign up in advance. All participants are encouraged to read the online booklet Bicycling Street Smarts: Riding Confidently, Legally and Safely by John S. Allen to gain essential insights into riding the bicycle on the road safely. Next spring we plan to offer our Century Prep Series, a more challenging series, aimed at preparing intermediate cyclists to complete a hilly century course.

The Ride Leaders

Each ride will have several club members designated as leaders. They will have planned the route, printed cue (route) sheets or maps, and will have everyone sign in. The ride leaders will guide people through the route, make sure no one is left behind due to mechanical or physical problems, and/or suggest a `bail-out' route to those unable to complete the ride. We encourage calling the leaders in advance with any questions about the ride. In addition, other GPC members will be on the rides to offer assistance, helpful hints, or just moral support.

Your Bicycle

Each rider is responsible for bringing a suitable bicycle. For the novice rides, a road bike is not necessary. No safety inspection will be performed, but riders with obviously unsafe bikes will be discouraged from participating. Bicycles should be lubed and tires fully inflated to the pressure marked on the side of the tire. Riders are encouraged to carry a basic tool kit with at least a spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, and pump. Assistance from GPC members will be available for roadside flats and adjustments.

Bicycle Safety

Bicycles are vehicles operating on public roads and must obey all traffic regulations, including traffic signals, pedestrian and other right-of-way rules, lane indications. Just use plain common sense. Riders should remain single file unless conditions clearly permit otherwise. Ride series participants must wear approved bicycle helmets. The first two rides begin with short safety sessions / advice clinics.

Personal Comfort

Riders should carry at least one water bottle and drink regularly, and they should also carry an energy bar or similar small snack. Longer rides usually have a food stop, so bring money or lunch. Clothing is a matter of personal preference. Lycra is not required; however, riders should choose comfortable cycling clothing and should dress in layers to be prepared for all reasonable temperature extremes. Rain cancels the ride. If weather is questionable, call a ride leader.

GPC Summer 2011 Novice Ride Schedule

Sun Aug 7 Ride #1 — Alameda Creek Trail.

Flat terrain, 8-9mph, 21 miles

Meet 10:00am at Union City Bart, west side station entrance near bike stowage boxes. The ride will be easy paced and completely flat. We'll ride the Alameda Creek Trail to Coyote Hills and back. Finish with optional lunch in Union City — bring your own or $ to buy. No water on route; bring a water bottle and energy bar. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Ride leaders - Jeff Kurtock, (510)653-1771, jkurtocksbcglobalnet, John Buenfil, (925)686-9077, eleganttypemaccom, Melarie Johnson, Marlena and Peter Genau.

Sun Aug 14 Ride #2 — Alameda and Bay Farm Island.

Flat terrain, 8-9mph, 22 miles

Meet 10:00am at Fruitvale BART. Meet near the bike racks. The ride will be easy paced and flat, with great bay views. Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Ride leaders - John Buenfil, (925)686-9077, eleganttypemaccom, Mike Cox, Roxanna Hoover, David Block, Mike Briggs.

Sun Aug 21 Ride #3 — OrLaMor.

Few low hills, 8-9mph, 22 miles

Meet 10:00am at Orinda BART. The ride will be easy paced and cover some gentle hills. We will ride from downtown Orinda to downtown Lafayette to downtown Moraga and return, using the St. Stephens bike trail, the Lafayette-Moraga bike trail, and also regular roads. Finish at Orinda Theatre Square for optional lunch — bring your own or $ to buy. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Ride leaders - Jeff Kurtock, (510)653-1771, jkurtocksbcglobalnet, Mike Briggs, Melarie Johnson, Mike Cox, Ann Lehr.

Sun Aug 28 Ride #4 — Roundhill Loop.

Few low hills, 8-9mph, 27 miles

Meet 10:00am at the west side of the Pleasant Hill BART station. The ride can get hot, so it will roll promptly at 10:15. We'll ride through Walnut Creek and down Danville Blvd, circling back through the neighborhoods of Danville, Alamo & Walnut Creek. Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Ride leaders - John Buenfil, (925)686-9077, eleganttypemaccom, Karen Street, karen_streetsbcglobalnet, Janet Noble, Jim O'Melia, David Block.

Sun Sep 4 Ride #5 — Franklin Canyon and Carquinez Scenic Drive.

Moderately hilly, 8-9mph, 32 miles

Meet 10:00am at Pleasant Hill BART. Ride through Pleasant Hill and out Franklin Canyon with a longer but gentle hill. A fabulous descent into Crockett is followed by great views of Carquinez Strait from a secluded road on the return. One spot is frequently foggy/cold, so carry an extra layer (jacket). Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Ride leaders - Estella Garcia (510)540-6449, Ross Simkover, Barb McQuinn, Jeff Avruch, (303)475-6249, javruch53gmailcom, Steve Mendelson.

Sun Sep 11 Ride #6 — Central Marin Redwoods.

Moderately hilly, 8-9mph, 22 & 40 mile options

Tour the redwoods of central Marin County through Nicasio and have lunch at the Bovine Bakery on Highway 1. Return through Olema back to Nicasio and Lucas Valley. The 22-mile ride joins the 40 mile ride in Nicasio and loops back to Nicasio. There are hills, but we will ride them gently.

— For the 40 mile ride, meet 10:00am across from the Miller Creek Community Center: exit Hwy 101 at the Lucas Valley exit just north of San Rafael and head West on Lucas Valley Road. Make a right turn at Miller Creek Rd. and park on the street across from the community center.

— For the 22 mile ride, meet at 11:00 am in Nicasio for an 11:15 departure. From Hwy 101, take the Lucas Valley Rd/Smith Ranch Rd Exit. Go 10 miles west to Nicasio Valley Road. Turn right and go 0.3 mile to a parking area with convenience store. You will pass the 44-mile bicycle riders on Lucas Valley, so please take extra care.

— For carpools, meet 45 minutes before ride departure time at North Berkeley BART, east side (by Wed Sep 7th, please contact Toshi Takeuchi, ttoshigmailcom, (510)919-7876 who will coordinate interested riders).

Bring lunch or $ to buy. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader. Ride leaders Janet Monks, icpurple7yahoocom, Estella Garcia, (510)540-6449, Lori Terada, Phil Morton, Mike Briggs, Karen Street, 22 mile ride, karen_streetsbcglobalnet.