Volume 36, Issue 5, May 2008

Photo and article submissions for each month’s e-Newsletter must reach Wei Sun (wps20a@yahoo.com) by the 20th of the month.

PRIMAVERA 2008 Issue

  
Photo by Steve Wilson                                 Photo by Dale Blanchard

Visit our website at www.fremontfreewheeler.com.

This newsletter can be found on the web at http://www.pbcsmarketing.com/fremont/newsletter.htm

Reminders & Happenings
MAY BUSINESS MEETING
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Board Meeting at 6:30pm
Members Meeting at 7:30pm
Silliman Activity Center, 6800 Mowry Ave, Newark, CA 94560
Phone number: 510-742-4400

MAY 15th, BIKE TO WORK DAY
Get ready for this year’s Bike to Work Day. See FFBC’s contribution. Contact Wynn Kageyama if you are interested in helping at davitusrider@yahoo.com.

FFBC Gear - Get in the program
FFBC Logo Bike Clothing & Custom-made Clip-On Bike Mirrors: Jerseys ($52), windbreakers ($45), vests ($45), arm warmers ($20), headbands ($5), and DeFeet socks ($6) are available for sale. Mirrors ($10) adjusts to fit the earpiece of almost any glasses frame gives you a broader field of view, and are guaranteed for life. These items can be purchased either at FFBC's monthly meeting or by calling for an appointment at my home. Ed Tanaka (510) 657-5068 for clothing, and Molly and Neil Michelfelder (510) 797-6458 for mirrors.

FROM THE SUMMIT

Do you remember what got you started riding a bike?  Like a lot of people, when I was a kid, my bike was my means of transportation and imagination.  When I played with my friends, it was the Millennium Falcon to my Han Solo and the CHP motorcycle to my Ponch.  As I got older, my connection to my bike changed.  It was as if, all of a sudden, my world got bigger and my bike was my main tool of exploration.   Last month, I met a kid who helped me rediscover those things that I love about cycling.

Recently, I began mentoring a junior cyclist named Noah.  He’s thirteen years old and is excited to start racing.  His parents contacted the team to see if there were any rides that their son could join us on.  I invited Noah out for my Monday and Friday recover rides for a chance to introduce him to organized cycling and to get to know him a little more.  Meeting Noah was like stepping back in time 25 years to when I started riding. 

I first became a Fremont Freewheeler back when I was 14 years old.  After watching the movie “Breaking Away” during the summer of 1983, I fell in love with the sport.  I was completely new to cycling and in need of some serious guidance.  That is when I met the Fremont Freewheelers. 

John Tarbert stepped into the role of teacher for me when I joined the club.  His instruction and coaching has left a huge impression on me.  In this day of training with power meters and heart rate monitors, I find myself returning to the lessons that I learned from John, learning how to “feel” the efforts on the bike and gauge my training accordingly.

When I started riding, I was on a Suteki 10 speed my parents bought me from Sears.  I wore a cycling cap and t-shirt from Mervyn’s and my “cycling shorts” were a pair of rubberized exercise shorts used to make people sweat that I had turned inside out so they would look like the black shorts I’d seen on television.  Didn’t realize that I could buy cycling shorts.  Following John’s advice, I went to Tri-City and bought my first real cycling clothes.

Noah is riding a 20 year old Centurion with stem shifters, bar top brakes and rat trap pedals.  It was a bike that had been donated to his middle school bicycle club.  When we ride along and I hear him shifting his gears behind me, I smile.  I can remember those days on my Suteki, hunting for the right gear as I pedaled behind John on his shiny Colnago.  Noah rides in board shorts, Nike running shoes and has his Discovery Channel jersey hidden underneath his sweatshirt.  There’s no complaining from Noah, not one bit.  He’s just excited to be out on his bike. 

As I ride with Noah now, I find myself stepping into the role of mentor that John had been for me.  I hear him ask many of the same questions I asked John long ago.  “Why are cycling shoes stiff?”  “Why do racers shave their legs?”  “What is the pad in the shorts for?”  I do my best to answer his questions and watch as he absorbs all of the information.

So, as you head out on your rides this month, take a minute to remember what it was that you love about cycling.

Cheers,
Brian Meiers
FFBC - Guest Message Bearer

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors Meeting of the Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club
Date:           April 3, 2008
Time:           6:30 pm
Location:    Silliman Center, Newark CA

Attendance:
Jeff Girard
Jean O’Donnell
Jim Herman
Dan Lucchesi
Jason Sage
Conni Smith

REPORTS

The checking account dropped during March due to purchase of the new club jerseys and new Race Team clothing, but was restored by incoming Primavera registrations and jersey orders.

• The May Ride Calendar is open and needs ride listings.  Ride leaders are also needed for the Primavera workers rides. 
• A pizza party for the Primavera workers will be held Sunday, April 27 at 5:30 pm at the Pizza Patio in Fremont.  The Pedal Pounders Awards will also be presented at this time.
• Jim was absent from the March meeting and has prepared Ride Leader drawings for both February and March to be held later at the members meeting.

Donations Committee: 
Jim Herman distributed a list of five donations proposed by the Committee and to be voted on by the members later in the evening.  Two thousand dollars was budgeted for donations.  The vote will be for all or nothing.  If not approved, the proposals will go back to the Committee for reconsideration.

• East Bay Bicycle Coalitions - $500 earmarked for two programs:
• “Street Smarts” bicycle classes - $250
• Legal Fund - $250
• Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition - $500
• Hellyer Velodrome - $500  (a Santa Clara Parks and Recreation facility)
• Sunol Train Station - $100 (earmarked for restroom facilities)
• Bay Trail - $400

Race Team - Jason Sage’s report and Board discussion

• Jason and Brian Meiers requested a meeting with Sugar CRM to discuss the title sponsor’s money issues and the possibility of restored funding for this year’s race series.
• The Team is looking at other possible revenue generating events:  twilight races, gold sprints or a hill climb time trial.
• On Sunday, April 6, the Team will paint the arrows on the roads for the Primavera routes.
• The Board discussed the cost of hosting the Criterium and the large debt the Club incurred last year due to poor proceeds.  Jason reported that the City of Fremont’s charge of approximately $7,000 for use of the downtown race site is the primary cost of the event.  The City offers to take $1,800 off the top if there are two registered nurses on site at all times during the race. 
• The Board further discussed other race team expenses and issues – advance payment for team clothing, team members who have not renewed membership, the small number of active team members and increased work involved for the Club’s Treasurer who now serves both FFBC and the race team organizations.  Jean suggested the race team have its own treasurer and its own bank accounts.
• Jeff asked for a current list of active race team members at next month’s meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Primavera – Ed Tanaka
Proposed the Club sell the old and new Club jerseys during the Primavera, possibly in combination with club membership.  T-shirts from prior years may also be sold (cheaply) or given away.  The Board approved the plan and Ed will work out the price details and work with the volunteer coordinator for staffing.

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm

Date:            April 3, 2008
Time:           7:30 pm
Location:      Silliman Center, Newark CA

REPORTS

Membership – Dave Ransom
Currently there are 223 members and 153 memberships. 
Dave announced that as of March 31, prior year’s members who have not renewed their memberships will no longer accrue Pedal Pounder miles.  PP miles are compiled only for current members.

• The May calendar is open for new ride listings;
• Wynn Kageyama has already posted three L-T rides to prepare beginners for Bike-to-Work Day.  The San Francisco Bay Area’s 14th annual Bike to Work Day will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2008 with all nine Bay Area counties participating in the celebration. The event is part of National Bike Month.
• Wednesday’s summer Pizza Rides start in May and run through September.  Monthly ride leaders are needed.
• Ride leaders are still needed for two of the scheduled Primavera Workers Rides on April 12.  Riders will be asked to verify that the maps and road markings for the Primavera routes are correct.
• Ride Leader Drawings:  (Jim was absent at the March meeting, so drawings were held for February and March ride leaders):   

  February:      (1)  Donna Boomershine             (2)  Jan Johnson
  March:          (1)  Nikki Grimes                        (2)  Vicky Timmons

• East Bay Bicycle Coalitions - $500 earmarked for two programs:
• “Street Smarts” bicycle classes - $250
• Legal Fund - $250
• Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition - $500
• Hellyer Velodrome - $500  (a Santa Clara Parks and Recreation facility)
• Sunol Train Station - $100 (earmarked for restroom facilities)
• Bay Trail - $400

Treasurer – Jean O’Donnell

Reported the bank account balances: 
Checking:  $8,319  
CD1:  $10,625       
CD2:  $10,679

The checking account dropped during March due to purchase of the new club jerseys and new Race Team clothing, but was restored by incoming Primavera registrations (~300 so far). Primavera jersey orders brought in an additional $1,000.

Race Team – Jason Sage

• Bill Breyer placed second in a recent grueling race.
• On Sunday, April 6, the Race Team will paint the arrows on the roads for the various Primavera routes.

Member Outreach – Molly Michelfelder
Cards were sent to the following members in February and March:

• Jeff Girard – new baby
• Brenda Gambina – thinking of you (a long-term FFBC member is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy)
• Mike Williams – bike accident
• Terri Yi – bike accident
• Mabel Kwan – bike accident
• Heather Black – father’s death
• Ken Goldman – thinking of you; illness
• Louis Friedenberg – get well

Primavera – Ed Tanaka
Updates and announcements:

• The Primavera is Sunday April 20;
• Help is needed on the morning of Saturday April 19, to shuttle supplies from the Club’s locker to James Logan High School; rest stop supplies will be scheduled for picked up at Logan that morning also.
• This year only Primavera workers will receive event t-shirts; riders will receive a patch.
• Shelley and Jorge Wills asked for a volunteer to take over their captain duties at the Coyote Hills rest stop.  This stop is open from 9am – 1pm.
• The Board approved the sale of club jerseys (old and new designs) at the Primavera.
• The Workers’ Party will be held Sunday, April 27 at 5:30 pm at the Pizza Patio.  Pedal Pounder awards will also be presented at the event.
• Becky Denevan, baked foods coordinator, needs more cookies and loaves of bread.
• Logan High School normally charges fees totaling $3,500 for use of its facilities, but these fees will be waived in exchange for $2,000 in donations for scholarships.  FFBC offers four $500 scholarships to seniors graduating in June, who have a minimum 3.0 GPA, 100 hours of community service, plans to enroll in further education and submit an essay on their use of alternate transportation.

Ed Tanaka called a meeting with the rest stop captains and the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm

Club Member Spotlight

Solvang 2008 – Mark Neer and Susan Gibbs

On March 8th, Susan and I loaded up our bikes and headed south to “sun meadow,” more commonly known as Solvang, for the annual Solvang Century.  This tiny Danish community with a population of 5,352 is located in the Santa Ynez Valley, about an hour south of Paso Robles.  Solvang is home to bakeries, restaurants and merchants offering a taste of Denmark. 

Arriving in Solvang was a pleasure.  We drove past ranches of race horses and ostriches, not to mention acres and acres of vineyards.  The quaint downtown is speckled with windmills, colorful European styled buildings, and peppered with wine tasting rooms (remember the movie “Sideways”).  The entire town was over run with cyclists. Friday night in Solvang was a great venue to people watch while the excitement of riding in a new area continued to build.

Saturday morning we rolled prior to 8 a.m.  We weren’t too anxious to start much earlier as the valley was shrouded in fog and low clouds.  The ride out to Lompoc on Santa Rosa Road was crowded with the riders for both the full and half centuries.  Soon the skies cleared and so did the course; at mile 25 the half-century riders looped back leaving the century riders to complete our route to Vandenberg, Santa Maria, through Los Olivos and back to Solvang.  As with all rides, there were varying degrees of skill, experience and speed.  There were several sponsored teams who blew past us with very little etiquette for callouts. Team-In-Training riders had a large contingent that maintained a slower pace with a bit of squirreling up the slight roller hills.  Perhaps their aerodynamics were impeded by the cable car ornaments that adorned their helmets.  We even rode with tortoise and the hare, and also had a clown up experience passing by a real Bozo!!

We wrestled a head wind most of our northward route, but the wind was soft compared to the winds on Curtis’ Cal-Pal Special.  Rest Stop #3 at mile 60 was across the street from our hotel in Santa Maria.  The treat was to utilize our own personal accommodations and scarf down the chips we had stashed in the room.  Strange rest stop food choices for this ride – didn’t have any salty snacks, much less any V-8!  The last 40 miles were warm and sweet with the wind mostly at our backs. Foxen Canyon was filled with 20 miles of vivid shades of green grass covered rolling meadows with the road filled with dappled shade and shadows from tall, fragrant eucalyptus trees.   The “major” climb of the ride was out of the valley up to Ballard Canyon Road that set us up for a 35+ mph descent.  We flew past Fess Parker’s Winery (remember Daniel Boone) back into the middle of Solvang to the finish line.  

Susan and I had an absolutely fabulous, scenic, and swift ride.  101.5 miles, time 6:27, 15.6 average speed with maximum speeds exceeding 43.5 mph, warm sun, blue skies, luscious green hills and minimal traffic.  We enjoyed riding part of the Amgen Stage 5 time trial course too. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon! 

Bicycling in Las Vegas – Wynn Kageyama

Wynn, Howard, and Dave overlooking Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas. Photo by R Hulskamp.

Las Vegas, NV. Easter 2008.  This year's Easter ride is Las Vegas, Nevada.  I found the website and ride calendar of the Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club.  A craiglsist.org search yielded up a number of number bike for sale opportunities on the cheap.

Bicycling in Las Vegas from The Strip is uphill in all directions other than south.  It seems that the grade is a consistent two percent, so even on what looks to be level, you are grinding at a low speed gear combination in one direction, and flying high in the other.

My first ride on Easter Sunday was the start point a few miles from my hotel.  An hour and a half later I arrived to find that I was thirty minutes late.  My guess is that is that the start point was more than 15 miles away, though it didn't look like it.  This would set the theme of cycling for the rest of the week in Las Vegas.

The casino building are large, the streets straight, and canyon walls to the west quite visible.  When I looked at them, they didn't seem to be that far away.  They are, and straight streets don't mean flat, they aren't.  So after missing the Sunday ride, I drove the start point on the club's Tuesday ride and nearly missed that too.

I did get a good feel for the community of Summerlin on the northwest of the city.  It's seems to be the best place to start your ride to Red Rock Canyon.  The Tuesday Club ride was a short 20 mile out and back, to the Red Rock Canyon Overlook as you can see from the photo above.  The overall climb was in the range of 2 to 3 percent with two short rollers packed in.  A worthy tip, ride early before the heat of the sun, wind, and dust gets kicked up.  The Red Rock Canyon area is as good as it gets and the local bicyclists know it.  Anyway, these guys don't dawdle, and if I figure to guess they get faster each day in the week.  Thumbs up.

SPECIAL HAPPENINGS

PRIMAVERA IN PICTURES!

Photos by Dale Blanchard

For more pictures, please see links below:

Dale’s SmugMug:
http://dale-b.smugmug.com/gallery/4778072_KtqVo#P-1-15

Steve Wilson’s Shutterfly
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?ap=&a=67b0de21b343e76a8497&pg=0

Spring’s warmth that comes throughout the years
Gives life to all the flowers:
Like Primavera volunteers
Who give their gifts of hours.

May 2008 Ride Calendar

This Months Calaveras Clockwise Ride
This month we have a T pace ride for our monthly Calaveras CW ride, thanks to first time ride leader, Julia Walker. Any riders that may have been intimidated by the faster paces that we usually have on the Calaveras ride, this is your chance to join the group.

WEDNESDAY EVENING PIZZA RIDE
Join Jeff Girard as he hosts the popular Wednesday evening Pizza Rides. For the month of May, the pizza rides will meet at Mission Pizza, located at 1572 Washington Blvd, Fremont, (510) 651-6858. This is the plaza on Washington between Paseo Padre Pkwy and the Washington exit from Interstate 680. Please park at the rear of the shopping complex rather than in front of the pizza parlor as this space is shared. As always, there will be two routes; a longer more challenging ride, and a shorter flatter ride. The rides meet at 6:00 PM for sign in to be completed by 6:10. When signing in, remember to check “YES” or “NO” on the sign in sheet for pizza so we have an accurate head count on who is staying after the ride. The pizza order is placed before we depart. Departure time is 6:15pm sharp. The cost is $5.00 per person and that includes three pieces of pizza and a soda per rider. No charge if you’re not staying for pizza.

1st Week in MAY

Thur. May 1    Thursday Morning Coffee Ride
9:00 AM     20-40 miles, 2-3M
Come ride with a fun, welcoming group. We meet at Newark Java in the Raley's shopping center parking lot. Sometimes we just go to Union City via Nike Hill. More often, we cross the bridge and ride to Shoreline, Robert's Market, do "Margaret's Ride", or we get adventurous and find new routes. There are no route sheets so we regroup as necessary. We stop for coffee so bring money. Faster riders are welcome to head back early if they know the route. Rain cancels.
Lori Sommer (510) 794-8624 home, (510) 693-8624 cell; lmsommer@sbcglobal.net

Fri. May 2    The Friday Bike Club
8:30 AM      35-45 miles, 3-4 M/B
Meet at the Castro Valley Park & Ride Lot. Bring $$ for a coffee stop.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Sat. May 3     Calaveras Clockwise
8:30 AM     40 miles, 3 T-M-B
This is our traditional "1st Saturday of the Month" ride. We will meet in the Downtown Niles Parking Lot and ride up Niles Canyon into Sunol then on to Calaveras. Our traditional route brings us out in Milpitas and we return via a route that stays close to the hills. There will be a ride leader for the pace(s) listed below.  Rain or a serious threat of rain cancels
T pace: Julia Walker (510) 661-9422; walk9422@gmail.com
T pace: Becky Denevan (510) 651-4243, Becky.Denevan@kp.org
M pace: Jan Green 510-651-1557, jan_green@comcast.net
B pace: Dave Walker (510) 661-9422; dbwalker0min@gmail.com 

Sat. May 3    Bike to Work Day Training
9:00 AM        20 miles 1L
Around Fremont.  This for all of you who want to get prepared forBike to Work Day.  This ride is as flat as we can make it and still go around Fremont.  The pace is slow in the 10 mile per hour range.  It's a great way to build your confidence, knowledge of the roads around Fremont, and get some up to date bicycle driving skills.  Meet at Central Park Tennis Court parking lot.Helmet required.  Gloves, water, snacks, proper clothing, glasses or shades recommended. 
Wynn; 510-659-1360.

Sat. May 3     Slow Pokes & Old Folks
9:00 AM     25-30 miles, 2 T-M
Meet at Sunol School, for a ride out to Livermore. This is a good ride for people beginning cycling, lots of regroups and no one will be left behind. Bring money for coffee. Threat of rain cancels.
Dan & Susan Lucchesi; 510 797-2005 dllucchesi1@aol.com

Sun. May 4    Five Canyons
8:30 AM      45 miles, 4 B
A club favorite that we haven't ridden in awhile.  We'll start at the downtown Niles parking lot and head over Palomares to Crow Canyon and Norris Canyon.  After a quick break, we'll head back via Foothill and Sunol. A moderate ride leader and riders are welcome.
Todd Tracy (408) 685-5470; todd.tracy@comcast.net

Sun. May 4     Palomares
8:30 AM    35-40 miles, 3 B
"M" pace welcome to join us.  Meet at downtown Niles for the usual Palomares loop.  This will be a quick ride with no true lunch stop.  We'll make the usual regroups and have a short break at the Sunol train station before heading home.  Rain cancels.
Matt McGrane (H) 510-794-6286 (C) 510-363-0846  statboy@aol.com

Sun. May 4    Show and Go
8:30 AM     20-50 miles, 1-4, L-T-M
Meet at Newark Java in the Raley’s shopping center at Jarvis & Newark Blvd.

2nd Week in MAY

Mon. May 5    Monday Morning Recovery Ride
8:30 AM    40 miles, 1-2 M
Let's meet at the Bicycle Garage at 8:30 for an 8:45 start to an easy-going ride down Paseo Padre to South Grimmer. Then it's a flat ride down past Club Sport to the end of Fremont Blvd. We'll turn around and have a coffee break at a local Starbucks and make our way over to Coyote Hills for a trip back on the trail, ending our ride well before 12:30 (on rare occasions we may head directly home after coffee, shortening the ride to about 30 miles and getting back close to 11:30). Elevation gain is 465 feet. Rain or threat of rain cancels. If rain threatens, call me between 7:30 and 8:00 on the day of the ride.
Mike Northrup;  gmnorthrup@hotmail.com  (510) 796-8832

Tue May 6     Show and Go
9:00 AM     20-50 miles, 1-5 L-M-B
Meet at the Bicycle Garage, at the corner of Thornton and Balboa Way.

Wed May 7      Mid-week Morning Ride
8:30 AM    35-45 miles, 2-3 M/B
Meet at Newark Java in the Raley’s shopping center at Jarvis & Newark Blvd., for a ride across the Dumbarton Bridge to a destination on the Peninsula. This will be a fun ride en route to a coffee/snack stop, so bring $$.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Wed. May 7      Pizza Ride
6:00 PM     20-25 miles
Meet at Mission Pizza
Please see the full description at the beginning of the ride schedule. Arrive by 6:00 PM; Sign in by 6:10 PM: Departure at 6:15 PM sharp. At sign in remember to check the “Yes” or “No” box for Pizza.
Jeff Girard (530) 414-0114  live2ridetahoe@yahoo.com

Thur. May 8     Thursday Morning Coffee Ride
9:00AM   20-40 miles, 2-3M (M+, flats)
See the listing of Thur. May 1 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at Newark Java.
Lori Sommer (510) 794-8624 home, (510) 693-8624 cell; lmsommer@sbcglobal.net

Fri. May 9   The Friday Bike Club
8:30 AM   35-45 miles, 3-4 M/B
Meet at the Castro Valley Park & Ride Lot. Bring $$ for a coffee stop.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Sat. May 10   South End of the Bay Loop
8:00 AM     52 miles, 2 M
Please join Gary and Connie on one of FFBC’s favorite rides. We'll meet at Longs parking lot in the Warm Springs District, at the corner of Mission Blvd and Warm Springs. We'll head south through Milpitas catch Tasman to Central Expwy. Central to Mary then Fremont to Foothill. We will stop at Andronico's Market for refueling. We'll get back on Foothill head towards Palo Alto behind Stanford University, then down Santa Cruz Ave. and make our way back to Dumbarton Bridge. Please note..no one gets left behind.  Rain cancels.
Hey!  All you Cinderella riders, this one is for all of you.
Gary Liberti (510) 656-4113 H. (408) 813-2641C. garyliberti@aol.com
Connie Nelson (408) 956-1415 H. (408) 896-4581 C. cj_nelson@comcast.net

Sat., May 10     Death Ride Training #2
8:15 AM     82 miles, 5 M &B
Santa Cruz Mts.; RATING: 2 1/2 PASSES, about 8,000 ft.
This one starts in Downtown Los Gatos, on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road (take 880 South to 17, exit 20B Hwy 9 West Los Gatos-Saratoga, and turn right at the parking lot just beyond University Ave).  Try to park near the front of the lot.
We’ll head up to Saratoga Gap via Redwood Gulch, make our way thru Big Basin, then tackle the infamous Jamison Creek climb to Empire Grade.  After a stop for lunch in Boulder Creek, we’ll take Bear Creek Road to Summit, and then cruise down Highway 9 to get back to Los Gatos.  I expect total climbing of about 8,000 feet.
B pace: Mike Williams (510) 475-7215, cell (510) 364-4335, passline@bigfoot.com
M pace: M Pace: Tony Flusche, (510) 247-3220, TonyF@att.net

Sat. May 10    Bike to Work Day Training
9:00 AM   20 miles 1L
Around Fremont.  This for all of you who want to get prepared for Bike to Work Day.  This ride is as flat as we can make it and still go around Fremont.  The pace is slow in the 10 mile per hour range.  It's a great way to build your confidence, knowledge of the roads around Fremont, and get some up to date bicycle driving skills.  Meet at Central Park Tennis Court parking lot.  Helmet required.  Gloves, water, snacks, proper clothing, glasses or shades recommended.
Wynn; 510-659-1360.

Sun. May 11    Del Valle
8:30 AM    60 miles, 4 B
We'll start at the downtown Niles parking lot and head out to Livermore and Mines Road out to Del Valle Regional Park.  We'll have a quick coffee break in Livermore before heading back.
Todd Tracy (408) 685-5470, todd.tracy@comcast.net

Sun. May 11    Show and Go
8:30 AM    25-35 miles, 1-4, L-T-M
Meet at Newark Java in the Raley’s shopping center at Jarvis & Newark Blvd.

3rd Week in MAY

Mon. May 12   Monday Morning Recovery Ride
8:30 AM   40 miles, 1-2 M
See the listing of Mon. May 5 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at the Bicycle Garage.
Mike Northrup; gmnorthrup@hotmail.com  (510) 796-8832

Tue May 13   Show and Go
9:00 AM    20-50 miles, 1-5 L-M-B
Meet at the Bicycle Garage, at the corner of Thornton and Balboa Way.

Wed. May 14   Mid-week Morning Ride
8:30 AM   35-45 miles, 2-3 M/B
Meet at the Niles Staging Area parking lot located at the east end of the Alameda Creek Trail. We will do a loop around Fremont-Newark en route to a coffee/snack stop, so bring $$.  
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Wed. May 14    Pizza Ride
6:00 PM 20-25 miles
Meet at Mission Pizza
Please see the full description at the beginning of the ride schedule. Arrive by 6:00 PM; Sign in by 6:10 PM: Departure at 6:15 PM sharp. At sign in remember to check the “Yes” or “No” box for Pizza.
Jeff Girard (530) 414-0114  live2ridetahoe@yahoo.com

Thur. May 15    Bike to Work Day
Ride your bike to work today.

Thur. May 15    Thursday Morning Coffee Ride
9:00AM    20-40 miles, 2-3M (M+, flats)
See the listing of Thur. May 1 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at Newark Java.
Lori Sommer (510) 794-8624 home, (510) 693-8624 cell; lmsommer@sbcglobal.net

Fri. May 16    The Friday Bike Club
8:30 AM     35-45 miles, 3-4 M/B
Meet at the Castro Valley Park & Ride Lot. Bring $$ for a coffee stop.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Sat. May 17   Bike to Work Day Celebration Ride and BBQ
9:00 AM, 20miles, 1L
You Did It Ride Around Fremont.  Let's do the ride around Fremont and celebrate with a lunch on us!  Same as May 3rd, and 10th.  You might even want to join and be a member of our club.  Meet at Central Park Tennis Court parking lot.  Helmet required.  Gloves, water, snacks, proper clothing, glasses or shades recommended.  Headcount for lunch taken before ride.  Wynn; 510-659-1360.

Sat. May 17    Show and Go
8:30 AM    20-50 miles, 1-4 M-B
Meet at downtown Niles

Sun. May 18   Slow Pokes & Old Folks
9:00 AM   25-30 miles 2 T-M
Meet at Newark Java, for a ride around Fremont to Mission Coffee. This is a good ride for people beginning cycling, lots of regroups and no one will be left behind. Bring money for coffee. Threat of rain cancels
Dan & Susan Lucchesi; 510 797-2005 dllucchesi1@aol.com

Sun. May 18    Palomares
8:30 AM    35-40 miles, 3 B
"M" pace welcome to join us. Meet at downtown Niles for the usual Palomares loop.  This will be a quick ride with no true lunch stop.  We'll make the usual regroups and have a short break at the Sunol train station before heading home.  Rain cancels.
Matt McGrane (H) 510-794-6286 (C) 510-363-0846   statboy@aol.com

4th Week in MAY

Mon. May 19   Monday Morning Recovery Ride
8:30 AM   40 miles, 1-2 M
See the listing of Mon. May 5 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at the Bicycle Garage.
Mike Northrup; gmnorthrup@hotmail.com  (510) 796-8832

Tue May 20    Show and Go
9:00 AM    20-50 miles, 1-5 L-M-B
Meet at the Bicycle Garage, at the corner of Thornton and Balboa Way.

Wed May 21   Mid-week Morning Ride
8:30 AM     35-45 miles, 2-3 M/B
Meet at Newark Java in the Raley’s shopping center at Jarvis & Newark Blvd., for a ride across the Dumbarton Bridge to a destination on the Peninsula. This will be a fun ride en route to a coffee/snack stop, so bring $$.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Wed. May 21     Pizza Ride
6:00 PM    20-25 miles
Meet at Mission Pizza
Please see the full description at the beginning of the ride schedule. Arrive by 6:00 PM; Sign in by 6:10 PM: Departure at 6:15 PM sharp. At sign in remember to check the “Yes” or “No” box for Pizza.
Jeff Girard (530) 414-0114  live2ridetahoe@yahoo.com

Thur. May 22   Thursday Morning Coffee Ride
9:00AM   20-40 miles, 2-3M (M+, flats)
See the listing of Thur. May 1 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at Newark Java.
Lori Sommer (510) 794-8624 home, (510) 693-8624 cell; lmsommer@sbcglobal.net

Fri. May 23  The Friday Bike Club
8:30 AM   35-45 miles, 3-4 M/B
Meet at the Castro Valley Park & Ride Lot. Bring $$ for a coffee stop.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Sat. May 24   Al's Birthday Ride (10th Annual)
7:45 AM    59 miles, 3 M
Join us on this annual ride and help me celebrate ANOTHER 29th birthday (my 30th one)!  Meet on the west side of the Fremont BART Station at 7:45am. We will take the 8:10am Richmond BART train to Bayfair Station (arriving at 8:28am). We’ll then transfer to a Millbrae train (departing at 8:34am) going to Daly City Station (arriving at 9:19am), and then ride back to Fremont. On the way back we’ll ride on the scenic trail at Crystal Springs Reservoir. Bring money for BART ticket ($5.65) and a lunch stop in Palo Alto.
Al Quintana at (510) 760-9245 or alanq44@hotmail.com

Sat. May 24   Calaveras to the Wall & More
8:00 AM    30 or 47 miles, 3-4 L-T
Meet at Sunol  Glen School
The Victorious Violet Vixens will lead our annual post Cinderella ride from the Sunol Train Station up Calavares to the Wall and back with an optional loop up Foothill to Pleasanton and back to Sunol. We will stop at Starbucks on Hopyard for a snack, at about mile 40. Bring water and snacks for the first part of the ride. This will be an easy touring pace.
Maureen O'Boyle; (H)510-582-2704 (out of the country from Apr 19-May 5) mobdesigns@yahoo.com
Judy Young; 510-487-2309 (for day of ride only use cell 510-331-9367 ) sjsyoung3@comcast.net
Annette Smith; 209-327-8154 annieks@comcast.net

Sun. May 25     Show and Go
8:30 AM     20-50 miles, 1-4, L-T-M-B
Meet at Newark Java in the Raley’s shopping center at Jarvis & Newark Blvd.

5th Week in MAY

Mon. May 26   Monday Morning Recovery Ride
8:30 AM   40 miles, 1-2 M
See the listing of Mon. May 5 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at the Bicycle Garage.
Mike Northrup; gmnorthrup@hotmail.com  (510) 796-8832

Tue May 27    Show and Go
9:00 AM   20-50 miles, 1-5 L-M-B
Meet at the Bicycle Garage, at the corner of Thornton and Balboa Way.

Wed. May 28    Mid-week Morning Ride
8:30 AM    35-45 miles, 2-3 M/B
Meet at the Niles Staging Area parking lot located at the east end of the Alameda Creek Trail. We will do a loop around Fremont-Newark en route to a coffee/snack stop, so bring $$.  
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Wed. May 28    Pizza Ride
6:00 PM     20-25 miles
Meet at Mission Pizza
Please see the full description at the beginning of the ride schedule. Arrive by 6:00 PM; Sign in by 6:10 PM: Departure at 6:15 PM sharp. At sign in remember to check the “Yes” or “No” box for Pizza.
Jeff Girard (530) 414-0114  live2ridetahoe@yahoo.com

Thur. May 29   Thursday Morning Coffee Ride
9:00AM     20-40 miles, 2-3M (M+, flats)
See the listing of Thur. May 1 for complete details of this recurring ride starting at Newark Java.
Lori Sommer (510) 794-8624 home, (510) 693-8624 cell; lmsommer@sbcglobal.net

Fri. May 30     The Friday Bike Club
8:30 AM     35-45 miles, 3-4 M-B
Meet at the Castro Valley Park & Ride Lot. Bring $$ for a coffee stop.
Al Quintana (510) 760-9245; alanq44@hotmail.com

Sat. May 31    AFTER SIERRA, ALL'S WELL(ER)
8:30 AM   50 miles, 5 B
Starting at Long's Drug in Warm Springs, we'll go down Piedmont and up Sierra Rd, go over the Calaveras wall to Sunol Park to re-water and re-fuel. Then we'll go back over Calaveras to Weller Rd to make the 3 mile climb close to Mt. Allison. WARNING: Weller Rd has about 1 mile of gravel for the climb/descent (the last mile). If you're not comfortable on gravel, you may want to meet the rest of us a Levin Park.
Dave Walker (510) 661-9422; dbwalker0min@gmail.com 

Sat. May 31    Los Altos Coffee Ride
9:00 AM    40-45 Miles, 3-4 M
We'll cross the bay, take Alpine, Arastradero and Purissima to Los Altos and return on Foothill and Sandhill before crossing the bay again. Meet at Newark Java. We'll regroup a few times and make sure nobody gets left behind.  Bring $ for a refreshment stop.  Rain cancels.
Gary Smith 510-797-7809 home, 510-304-0956 cell, GSMITH289@aol.com

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS
May thru September—Pizza Rides----ride leader volunteers needed for all months—now. 

New Members/Ride Leaders

Donna Boomershine
Jan Johnson

Nikki Grimes
Vicky Timmons

THANK YOU APRIL RIDE LEADERS