The Mid-Valley SPIN
Newsletter of the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club
image from From the President ...
by Dave Gifford, MVBC President
Your club is a very busy place, filled with remarkable people that are working behind the scenes to make some truly amazing things happen.
As this school year winds down, it has given me great pleasure to see those big trailers full of bikes come to all the schools. Watching the first day with all the bikes lined up, the cones out and arranged and then the kids riding through town all festooned with their safety vests with loyal volunteers leading and teaching is a wonderful thing.
You did know the entire bike ed program at our local school district is established, funded, and operated through the MVBC, didn't you? Maybe you didn't know that. Now, besides ensuring every fifth grader knows how to ride a bike safely, there is a new program to take the fundamental skills further and the middle school kids are having bike education integrated into their PE classes.
How about the little kids, though? Isn't it time that they had a chance too? Sure enough, your club has just stepped up, again! MVBC has ordered an entirely new fleet of single speed bikes for another new program, reaching kids as young as kindergarten. Members are supporting this through volunteering directly with the kids, and also through supporting our events.
The events keep coming too. There is a large group of volunteers working diligently to bring this year's Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour to pass again. This 45th anniversary event (discussed here in this newsletter) is currently our primary fundraiser to fund the great bike ed programs in the schools and many of our club activities. Like all things in our club, it couldn't take place without the loyal support of so many great volunteers.
Have you seen how many rides are taking place this year? Not just the regular well-run and organized rides each week, but the special events as well? The loop tours (full and mini), the gravel camps, the get-togethers. All run by volunteers from your club, making great things happen.
You should be proud to be members of a club that is accomplishing so much, on so many levels. You should also consider whether there is a place in the club for you to be involved. We can use more help at every level from the board of directors down to the distribution of stickers. Will you consider stepping up and giving back this year? We would love to have your help. At the top of this newsletter is a tab to Volunteer and we are always ready for any help you might have to offer. Thanks!
by Rob Upson, Bicycle Advocate
The MVBC Bike Month events (the Ride of Silence, Bike to Work Day ride to Block 15, and Ward 6 bike tour) were all well attended. Special thanks to Nancy Meitle for organizing helmet distribution and fitting at Corvallis Spring Roll!
Here are the summer events and projects which the Advocacy Committee are monitoring:
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Tyler Neighborhood Bikeway project online Open House and feedback survey, due by June 23rd
Intersection improvements at 35th and Campus Way. Look for work to begin this summer with additional striping and signage to make the crossing safer. This project should help reduce speeding on 35th.
- Corvallis Ward 6 projects - restriping and repaving projects this summer
- Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) state tour - expected transportation bill in the 2025 session. Open houses in Albany, July 16th; and Eugene, July 17th
- County road maintenance - Linn County and Benton County.
- Ongoing Benton County road projects, including the Albany/Corvallis path
As always, look for more updates at the MVBC Advocacy & Education webpage.
Upcoming Events ...The MVBC calendar lists MANY events in our area. (I recommend "month" mode.) Club Event Dates for 2024 June 22-30 Loop Tour 1 July 4 Marys Peak, Road & Gravel options July 20-28 Loop Tour 2 August 2-4 Family Mini-Loop August 11 Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour August 22, MVBC Summer Picnic, Walnut Barn Other area events June 22-23, Drop the Hammer, Independence July 5-7, 2024 Northwest Tandem Rally, Corvallis July 21 Open Streets, Corvallis September 22, Hophead Hundred, Independence | Save the date! Summer Picnic MVBC annual summer picnic will be Thursday, August 22, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Walnut Barn at 4905 NW Walnut Boulevard, in Corvallis. Join in the fun and celebrate a summer of riding, new friends and good food. MVBC will provide non-alcoholic beverages, hot dogs and burgers: salmon, beef and vegetarian. Please bring a side-dish to share. A few helping hands are needed to host this event. Please use this link to sign up for a volunteer task. Set up time: 5:00 pm. Many thanks in advance!
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image from Bike education celebrates 25 years with a big milestone
MVBC has worked with the Corvallis School District to create one of the longest running programs in the state and after 25 years of bike education in the Corvallis Schools, it’s no longer an add-on program but it is being incorporated as a part of the curriculum in Corvallis School District.
Nancy Meitle has been key to organizing and coordinating the bike education program for the area schools and MVBC’s helmet distribution program.
“The best news that I’m so excited about, is the district approved a “Learn to Bike” program for the kids at the kindergarten and first grade levels, so the kids will get it two years in a row and have an opportunity to build their skills," Nancy said.
With the addition of this new K-1 program, the school district will now be able to have a curriculum plan where certain skills will be taught in certain grades, starting in K-1, creating an opportunity for kids to build on the skills from previous bike education classes.
“Getting it in writing as part of the school curriculum is a big deal,” Nancy said.
Bike education started 25 years ago with the 5th grade level. The program for the middle schools was added in the fall of 2022 with the PE teachers taking responsibility for the bike ed programing.
Two years ago, Nancy applied for and received a grant from Safe Routes to Schools, which helped fund interns from OSU to help with the bike education program. This year, the school district applied for a Safe Routes to Schools grant to help fund and support these programs further. (The grant will be awarded in July.)
While Nancy has been at the forefront of the bike education program, she is quick to share praise for some of the key people who have been involved this spring:
Special thanks …
Through the generous support of Peak Sports, MVBC was able to purchase 40 Specialized bikes for the new kindergarten program at a significant discount. These bikes have been ordered and will allow teachers to use some of the bikes as balance bikes and some as peddle bikes to help ease the transition for these new riders.
Reed Lacy has been involved in the bike education program for years and returned this year to teach.
Abbey Swanson, who was an intern last year, came back this year, helping to add continuity to the program.
Trevor Schwealdson, a local bike mechanic, serviced all of the bikes for the 5th grade program. This was made possible by a generous donation from the Dave Codo Family Fund.
Art Cobel: Art uses the bike education equipment and works with the CSD WINGS program to help young adults learn biking skills to help them get to jobs in the community.
MVBC club members Rob Upson, Jay Thatcher and Mike Wilson all helped lead Friday rides and this program would not happen without the help of club members.
If you would like to make a donation towards the bike education program or volunteer please contact Nancy at 541-740-0668 or email her at meitle@comcast.net.
Loop Tour 2024: Coasting Six Rivers
Loop Tour is near! The SAG drivers for LT1 have collected the gear and the committee is putting the finishing touches on the routes for the Coasting the Six Rivers Loop Tour. Are you building your miles? Packing your bags?
Since 1976, the MVBC Loop Tour has been rolling along (almost) ever year treating riders to the spectacular sights of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Each year, club members can sign up for a 9-day supported (or self supported) trip. This year, LT1 has a few spots and LT2 also has a few spaces left (at time of the newsletter publication). Join the fun!
Loop Tour One will be heading out 22 June with a full group. There are still a few spots on Loop Tour 2. If you want to join in or have any questions, please email loop@mvbc.com.
If you need a refresher on the plan, Loop Tour 2024 Presentation Slides.
For the full Zoom meeting recording, click here.
As always, the Rider Brochure and other useful documents are at rider.looptour.org.
Artwork by Chuck Meitle
Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour ramps up for 45th year
It's that time of year and the CBBT is just around the corner! As the ride continues to grow in popularity, all profits continue to go directly back to our local communities to support bike education in the schools. In addition to a great ride, as always, there will be root beer floats at the finish line and this year's music at the finish will be provided by The Easy Targets. This Corvallis-based band plays "Rock-n-Roll you'll remember!
We’re always on target with fun danceable songs!"
Rick Olson, CBBT director said, "This year, we expect more than 500 riders. So that's why we need lots of volunteers, to impress even that
many bicyclists with our hosting abilities. And also, it's enjoyable to work together for a good cause."
The CBBT takes the efforts of more than 70 volunteers on the day of the event but also many volunteer hours prior to the event. Please contact CBBT directors Rick Olson or Sam Stern to help be a part of this 44-year-long tradition.
For those of you riding, whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a challenge or a leisurely pedaler seeking scenic views, we've got you "covered."
CBBT routes include a full century, "almost" century (85-mile), Metric Century, 44-mile and the most accessible 23-mile route.
While the ride will start and end at the Linn County Expo Center as it has for years, there is a small change to the Calapooia Arena building, which is just slightly southwest of the previous location. Watch for signs to lead you to registration.
Looking for more inspiration? Here's the latest:
Pedal with us through the enchanting Willamette Valley and experience the historic charm of five beautiful covered bridges on the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club's Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour.
Imagine the sensations that come from riding through these timeless structures:
- Sights: Marvel at the intricate wooden beams and the craftsmanship of the historic bridges, each telling its own story of a bygone era.
- Sounds: Hear the gentle echo of your bike tires as you roll across the wooden planks, mingled with the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
- Smells: Breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of the surrounding forests and fields as you pass through these picturesque landmarks.
- Feelings: Feel the cool, shadowed air as you enter the bridge, a brief respite from the warm sun, and the textured wood under your fingertips if you pause to admire the construction.
- Flavors: Relish the refreshing snacks and drinks at each rest stop, enhancing the overall sensory journey. Dream of that refreshing root beer float at the end of your ride!
These covered bridges are more than just structures; they are gateways to the past, offering a unique and memorable experience. Join us for a ride that engages all your senses and connects you with the rich history of the Willamette Valley.
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Register now and embark on a journey through time and beauty on two wheels!
We can't wait to share this incredible experience with you!
Critical dates
June 24th - Last day to order special edition, 45th anniversary Covered Bridge Tour jerseys by Voler for delivery in time for the Tour.
July 22nd - Last day to purchase 45th anniversary T-shirts with registration or in the CBBT Gear Shop
August 1st - Late registration fees begin ($5.00 increase)
Accessing and Downloading MVBC routes with your Free RWGPS Account
MVBC Members get, at no cost, an enhanced experience from Ride With GPS, a route creation and guidance application you can install on your phone.
- Download the Ride with GPS mobile app from your phone's app store
- Start with a free RWGPS account
Then click here to join the MVBC Ride With GPS program . You will then have access to RWGPS features usually only available to paid subscribers at the BASIC level. That's a savings of $50/year - more than the cost of your MVBC membership!
See RideWithGPS Club member benefits
When you are enrolled with a free RideWithGPS account as a club member you will be able to get these added features not available on the free version, for club routes:
- Turn-by-turn navigation on a club routes
- Navigating a club event
- Using club Collections
- Offline maps on the mobile app
- Estimated Time
- Advanced Turn Notifications
Print PDF Maps & Cue sheets
Annual Membership Discount
MVBC members are provided a 20% discount on subscriptions for Ride with GPS. Visit the membership benefits page for this year’s updated code.
Any of our members who previously redeemed the discount do not need to do so again to continue receiving the 20% discount. This discount is applied indefinitely. This new code will only need to be used by those who are looking to get the discount for the first time.
If you are applying for the discount for the first time here are your instructions:
From your ridewithgps.com homepage, click your profile icon in the upper right corner
- Click Settings
- Click Access Token on the left column
- Enter "the updated code from the membership benefits page"
- Click Activate
- Your discount is applied. New subscribers will get 20% off of new annual subscriptions.
OR
The discount code can be redeemed at https://ridewithgps.com/access_tokens/use
Get details on applying your discount and see other MVBC membership benefits on the Membership Benefits page
June RWGPS Challenges – distance, elevation, time!
by John Wiesinger, MVBC Ride Committee Chair
So, what’s up with all this? Fair question.
In the ride committee’s search for an application to use to log club members mileage, we’ve stumbled upon Ride With GPS as a tool, which appears to be the closest app to meet our needs. And now, we need to test the process before launching a full year of mileage logging. Thus, the June Challenges.
If all goes well, you can expect a big push in 2025 for members to join RWGPS and member mileage logging. The IT gurus will be challenged to import the application of members mileage into our club members section of MVBC.com. From there, we can offer and view periodic challenges, and year-end recognition for the top riders in different categories.
Until then, there’s still time to join the other guinea pigs for the June Challenges. It’s easy, free and interestingly fun. There’s nothing wrong with a little spirited competition. Prizes and recognition will be awarded July 1st. Top three in each category win.
To be eligible, you must be an active MVBC member in good standing, and possess, at minimum, a free account with RWGPS and log your cycling efforts during the month of June. Lastly, you need to join the MVBC RWGPS club. Visit the MVBC Membership Benefits page for details to complete this task.
If you’re late to the party, no worries. RWGPS will backload your rides from June 1.
There are currently three challenges:
Distance, most miles.
Elevation, most climbing.
Time, most time riding.
If you choose to participate in our June Challenge(s), good luck!
Remote-Start Ride Series
Besides the fantastic ride offerings the club offers – loop tours, gravel camps, shakeout weekends, destination overnights/rides, and such – the ride committee wanted to host simple, one-day rides. The goal is to offer a nice collection of rides, May through October, monthly, in new areas and meet new friends. Additionally, we hope to invite other clubs to join us, or ride with folks in the areas we feature.
We have completed the first ride, and by the time this newsletter goes live, we will have hosted our second ride in Lebanon. Four remaining RSRS rides will take place as follows:
July 13 – Sweet Home to Yellowbottom CG [54 miles, +3177]
August 24 – Brownsville to Coburg [62 miles, +2152]
September 21 – Thompson’s Mills to Mountain Home Drive [50 miles, +1742]
October 17 – Newport to Philomath [62 miles +3333]
Yes, some of these rides may be old-helmet, but we’re testing the waters and laying a foundation for future rides and locations.
Do you have a favorite ride you’d like us to consider for next year? Kindly send remote-start ride ideas to mvbc.ride.committee@gmail.com. Please include the best time of year to ride, a RWGPS route and its special ride features (e.g. waterfalls, mountain peaks, serene meadows, etc).
Consider joining us on the next remote-start ride. Concerned we’ll ride too slow or too fast for you? No problem, download the route, bring a friend and meet us as we all roll out. Hopefully we can gather at the end of the ride to celebrate a good ride and share our experiences.
We hope to see you on 13th of July!
2024 Club Jersey
Club members are currently working on a new jersey design, one reflective of the past design with a tweak of color placement and logo sizing. It will look familiar with a fresh look. For example, a group of riders wearing a mix of old and new jerseys will reflect membership of the same club. Same but different.
We’re excited about the new kit and hope to open the Voler store within the next month. Keep your eyes open for more details. And make room in your closet for a new jersey!
Saddle pain making the news, searching for solutions by Bruce Martin, MVBC member, image from SQ Labs Recently, Bicycling Magazine shared an article regarding painful damage to the female body resulting from prolonged contact with a bicycle saddle. Surgery was needed in some cases (!) in order for the affected individual to continue riding. Of course saddle soreness and it's attendant problems doesn't affect only women. Numbness and even erectile dysfunction have been a problem for men from long days in the saddle. 
Curiously, the solutions recommended in the article, chamois cream, a professional bike fitting, trying yet another saddle, don't address the obvious cause of the problem: the placing of the most tender part of the human anatomy on a narrow saddle. The article caused quite a stir in the recumbent community because we have know that the standard bicycle design, which has been frozen in time by outdated regulations which prevent recumbents from competing in UCI events, causes not only saddle soreness but pain and discomfort in the arms, neck , shoulders and wrists. How many more people would be riding bikes today if riding wasn't so uncomfortable? If you read the piece check out the comments at the bottom. This video by GCN, shows a rider testing a Cruzbike at a time trial which shows it is possible to be fast AND comfortable on a racing bike. The time trial position is notoriously uncomfortable. The tester of the bike got some flak from Cruzbikers for not being properly fitted to the bike. His legs were not ex tended enough and the seat not adjusted properly and it takes time to get acclimated to the laid back position with the front wheel drive, moving bottom bracket. Overall though, he did remarkably well and deserves praise for even bringing up the topic of recumbents in a site devoted to high performance cycling.
Other helpful links for saddle relief: Sit bone measurements & saddle selection Free sit-bone measuring kit from SQ Labs Worth a listen! Like to bike? Your knees will thank you and you may live longer, too. NPR recently shared some research on cycling, knee health and longevity. You can read or listen to the story here. Something we cyclists already knew but it's interesting that science now proves that cycling is good for your knees and overall health. Summer Reading suggestions by Tracy Hug, newsletter editor While summer is a busy time for riding, it's also a great time to sit in the shade and read a book! My current book is the second of a series so I'll share a review after I finish book number two. There have also been a number of headlines on the web that have caught my eye and been interesting reads and provided a jumping off place for discussion with friends on rides. Ride the bike you have! Is it the bike or the rider? Maybe it's a combination. Bicycling Magazine shared a story about three male riders who rode Walmart bikes at Unbound Gravel's 200 mile course. Walmart Bikes at Unbound Ride around the world! Lael Wilcox on a record breaking ride attempt .jpg) Lael Wilcox is on a bike around the world to break a Guinness record. The current women's around the world cycling record was set in 2018 b y Jenny Graham. The Scottish rider completed her 18,400 miles (29,600km) trek in 124 days and 11 hours, besting the previous record, set by Paola Gianotti in 2014, by 20 days. Lael's planned route will go along the Oregon Coast, passing through Newport sometime in August. Dot-watchers can follow her progress on the Rapha website. photo of Lael on the Oregon Outback by Lori Wilson Man or Bear debate There has been a mainstream media debate asking women if they would rather run into a bear or a man in the woods. If you haven't heard the mainstream discussion, you can read that here in a Forbes article. For a more nuanced look from a cyclist perspective, Bikepacking.com offers an article with Laura Killingbeck's take on the debate. Killingbeck is a freelance writer and solo female cyclist and adventurer. |
Club members have been out and about exploring all the Northwest has to offer. Check out the photos from the Camp Sherman Gravel Camp and other recent MVBC events on our website. From the home page just scroll down and look for the photo galleries link, or go directly to gallery.mvbc.com or just click here.
Signage Update along 11th Street South Neighborhood Bikeway
from Corvallis Active Transport
In-street pedestrian crossing signs are plastic signs (or “paddles”) placed in the roadway that instruct motorists to “Stop for Pedestrians” at unsignalized crosswalk locations. These signs are found in several locations throughout our community, such as along NW Satinwood Street, adjacent to Letitia Carson Elementary School.
Earlier in the week, City crews installed in-street pedestrian crossing signs at the following locations:
- 11th Street and Monroe Avenue
- 11th Street and Jefferson Avenue
- 11th Street and Western Boulevard
Due to frequent large vehicle turning movements, these signs were immediately identified as problematic given how much physical space is available curb to curb. Anticipating that the signs were especially vulnerable to being struck, City leadership elected to remove the signage from the areas identified above. This does not preclude the use of the treatment in other locations, but helps City staff determine the best use case and placement when considering this kind of signage going forward.
Road work ahead ... Jefferson bridge work
A recent ODOT newsletter section of summer projects by area announced the OR 164 highway bridge in Jefferson will be “strengthened and re-paved” this summer to improve safety and provide a smoother ride. There will be single lane closures Mondays through Thursdays, 6am - 3pm. No start/end dates were noted. There should be minor delays experienced by individual riders and club rides. Unfortunately, the bridge will remain a narrow facility so be careful how you go.
Upcoming events
- No upcoming events