CCC NEWS BLOG

Take Action on Transportation Legislation in Georgia

2011-04-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

HB 101 passes legislature- Take action to have Governor Deal sign this into law.

Late yesterday the Georgia state legislature approved HB 101 which requires a minimum safe passing distance of 3 feet when overtaking cyclists. In addition to the safe passing language, HB101 also cleans up Georgia state code in regard to bicycling by legalizing the use of recumbent bicycles, further defining bike lanes and updated equipment requirements.

Take action today to have Governor Deal sign this important measure into law. Use the link below to generate a form letter which you can personalize and email to Governor Deal. This only takes about 2-3 minutes to complete and is a great way to register the wider voice of the cycling community and its supporters.

League of American Bicyclists email coordination tool:
http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/2/?a=41943506&i=111279643&c=

If your email program does not recognize the URL as a link, copy the entire URL and paste it into your Web browser.

Connect and Be Counted

New Website is UP!

2011-04-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

At long last we finally have a new website. By its nature this is a work in progress since it should be a reflection of the activities and changes going on in the cycling community. See the new ride calendar for information on group rides, organized centuries and racing, as well as community events that impact cyclists and quality of life in the community. Also for those of you missing the pithy, irony of the Great Gabollini’s commentary on cycling, community and life as a cyclist, get ready for Gabollini’s Fire, his new blog and source wisdom and humor. To make suggestions or add new events, send an email to cccriders@gmail.com

Bookmark the address as follows -

http://columbuscyclingclub.org

2011-04-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

WHEELS O'FIRE CENTURY CYCLE TOUR

Saturday & Sunday, April 2, 2010
Harris County, Georgia

NEW DATE: Last weekend in March!

NEW LOCATION: Harris County Carver Middle School in Hamilton (Hwy 27)

WOF (Saturday) Tour Distance: 26, 45, 68, and 101 miles

Terrain: Rolling hills (Moderate-Strenuous)

Rest Stops: every 10-12 miles

WEBSITE: http://harriscountychamber.org/CycleTour/index.php

WHEELS O'FIRE CENTURY CYCLE TOUR

2010-01-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

WHEELS O'FIRE CENTURY CYCLE TOUR
Saturday & Sunday, March 27-28, 2010
Harris County, Georgia

NEW DATE: Last weekend in March!

NEW LOCATION: Harris County Carver Middle School in Hamilton (Hwy 27)

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE COURSE: 15 or 30 Miles on a beautiful farm setting

WOF (Saturday) Tour Distance: 26, 45, 68, and 101 miles

Terrain: Rolling hills (Moderate-Strenuous)

Rest Stops: every 10-12 miles

http://www.harriscountychamber.org/CycleTour/

VICTORIOUS

2009-12-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

All-

I would like to thank everyone who came out to the council meeting, expressed support, emailed the appropiate people, or contacted their councilmen in regards to Rails to Trails. As many of you know, the two issues that were of concern for the trail users were the hours of avaliability and the proposed speed limit of 10mph.

I am pleased to inform you that both issues were resolved in the manner in which we hoped.

The park ordinance 20-12.5 which reads "no person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent in the conditions exisiting" will stand true to the new trail. It was also agreed that the trail, since it is considered a linear park, will maintain the standard Columbus Park hours of 5am-11pm as stated in ordinance 4-41.1.

Again, thank you to all that showed their support. Remember, that although the police are out their doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, if you see anything suspicious or of concern, take the appropiate measures. Let's make this project more of a success than it is already.

Please take the time to send a note of gratitude to council.

Thank you!

Joanne Cain
President

IMPORTANT RAILS TO TRAILS

2009-12-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Dear fellow cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and those who just enjoy being outside:

As you probably know, the City will soon complete the new Rails to Trails Project. When completed this project will add 11 miles of paved trail between the Riverwalk and Flat Rock Park (Psalmond Road).

As with any new project there are issues that arise. The issue we face as cyclists and fitness enthusiasts are two items of concern in the proposed new rules for this project. The proposed city ordinance can be found here http://ccga1.columbusga.org/e-cap.nsf . The two proposed rules that are of concern are:

"Observe a safe speed"

Be aware of the trail's 10 mile per hour speed limit

" Don't use the trail at night"

Park is closed from dusk to dawn

Here is what has happened so far. At this past Tuesday's City Council meeting they had the first reading of this proposed ordinance. Several of cyclists went to that meeting and expressed concerns that the speed limit was too low and the dawn to dusk time frame was too limiting - especially this time of year when it gets dark at 5:30 pm. Council seemed very open to concerns and discussed these two issues at length. There hopefully will be no issue in removing the 10 mph speed limit. In fact, the City already has ordinance 20-12.5 which reads no person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent in the conditions then exisiting, and Council seemed to agree that was appropriate. There was more discussion about the time frame the trail is to be open. Apparently some of the residents near the trail have expressed concern about people using the trail late at night. Council seems willing to alter this time frame, but no consensus was reached on just how late to keep the trail open. During this time of the year, the majority of people who would enjoy the trail during the week do not get off work until after "dusk." This ordinance would also eliminate Columbus State University students from commuting after their 6pm classes. The simple solution seems to be to use the same ordinance 4-41.1 that is used for public parks in Columbus - open from 5 am until 11 pm. There was some discussion about the Trail not having lights like a lot of parks, but we can use our own lights to cycle, jog, and walk after dark.

Here is where we need your help. The second reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for the next Council meeting which is at 9 am, Tuesday, December 15th at the Government Center. This is the meeting where the ordinance becomes a law. We need everyone who can to attend this meeting to come and express support for the changes outlined above. There will be staff from the local bike shops attending, but we need more people to get noticed by Council. You can be sure the residents opposed to changing the dawn to dusk time will be there. If you cannot attend, at a minimum please contact city council, the mayor, and the city manager to express your support for the changes above. Please contact them in a positive tone - they seem willing to make the changes - and we want to keep the momentum in our favor. The more people they hear from, the more likely the changes will occur. You need to contact them before close of business Monday since the meeting is first thing Tuesday morning.

Here is the link to the Council contact information http://www.columbusga.org/counc.htm http://www.columbusga.org/citymanager/ http://www.columbusga.org/mayor/

Please pass on the information to others who will support these changes.

Thank you,
Joanne Cain
President

2009-12-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

The Legend continues.......

The time of year has come for reflection and remembering the important things in life ..... and that must mean it is Elvis time again! Join the throngs (no exaggeration) who turn out in lycra and sideburns each winter for this amazing event of spontaneity, reunion and new-year fun. No organizer, no fee, no nothin' ... it just keep 'happening' year after year.

September/October Club Meeting Minutes

2009-10-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our president, Gabe Denes, convened our monthly group meeting at the El Carrizo restaurant Monday, Oct 5 at 7:30pm.

We had about 25 in attendance for an excellent program presented by Cecil Cheaves about his 60/60/60 run, bike and swim for his birthday. With multimedia and a very personal account of this event, it was clear what a challenge, celebration and very personal adventure this represented for Cecil. Thanks to Cecil for generously sharing this milestone and reminder to dream big and to live as actively as health permits.

President Gabe reviewed updates on the following:
-Need to communicate and coordinate more local riding groups (please send info on your rides to Gabollini@bellsouth.net or Barolcar@aol.com to advertize in the newsletter and place on the website.
-Website updates are in progress with the aim of making the site more practical, easier to post updates, and cleaner to navigate (should be up in the next couple of days).
- Bike Paths: while the new rails to trails line is not complete, the sections that have been paved between Buck Ice and Hilton Avenue are very scenic and will represent myriad new opportunities for kids and adults to get across town by foot, bike, skates or whatever your chosen non motorized means of transport. Also, the section of the River Walk north of the River Club is coming along well and should soon connect to the 14th street bridge by TSYS campus. On the Phenix city side of the river, word has it that plans are moving to connect from the 14th street bridge all the way up to Idle Hour Park. Altogether, Columbus is coming on the stage of towns with alternative means of transportation and healthy living in a big way!
- Numerous rides and Centuries are on tap for October and November - see the latest ccc newsletters for updates.
- Ben Pike gave an update on the BRAG organizations plans for the fall ride and urge local riders to attend and enjoy. Our presence could help push the balance to electing Columbus as an ongoing host for this ride, which would be a huge economic boost to the area as well as adding to the many cycling opportunities we have in the area. See the Brag website (link in left panel of ccc website) for more details on this and the 2 day stay over of the summertime BRAG ride in 2010.
- Our president is planning early for a Christmas season cycling party in the first week of December. Be on the lookout for details to come.

2009-04-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
GEORGIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS SERIES
FLAT ROCK PARK – COLUMBUS
SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Come see the best Pro and Amateur racers in the Southeast compete for cash and prizes! This is the second stopover of the eight event series (March-August) to crown the 2009 USAC State Champions.

The race day events will include:
· The Best spectator venue in the southeast
· Bike races for Kids (3-12, various groupings)
· First Timers’ Race – great opportunity to try on the excitement of MTB racing!!
· Bring a Pic Nic - Race action and natural beauty in the historic setting of Flat Rock Park

SCHEDULE (Go to http://www.goneriding.com/ for the more details.)
8:30 am – Kids Races – Everyone gets on the podium!
9:30 am – 1st Wave – Yellow Numbers (Pro’s, Expert, Sport)
11:30 am – 2nd Wave – White Numbers (Clydesdales, Grand Masters, Beginners)

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The trail consists of 95% single track with marked crossing walks where crossing the paved park road. Technical difficulty ranges from beginner to expert level ability. See the Flat Rock tabe on the Columbus Cycling Club website (http://www.columbuscyclingclub.org/).

DIRECTIONS - To the Trail Head and Registration
· The trail head is 0.7 mile into the park from the park entrance (stay on the paved road)
· After you cross the first bike/ped cross walk, parking will be on the right.

Volunteers Needed:

If you are interested in volunteering for trail work crews or to help on the day of the event, email Barry at barolcar@aol.com for information.

ITS ELVIS TIME AGAIN!!!!

2008-12-20T17:38:00.001-08:00

You are invited to the 21ST Elvis’s Birthday Ride

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Meet at the courthouse, Greenville, Georgia, Intersection of Ga. Hwy 18, US Alt 27, GA 109 and Ga. Hwy 100.

Ride rolls 2:00 PM EST SHARP!

Believed to be the largest ELVIS’S BIRTHDAY
RIDE in the world. Choice of three courses: 50, 35
or 15 miles. Pavement surface is mixed: some rough
county roads, some excellent state asphalt.
Automobile traffic is light. There will be dogs!

Definitely not a race. Ride your own pace, fast or slow.

This is only a group ride on a winter day. There are no restrooms at the ride site! (there are restrooms at two convenience stores and a Piggly Wiggly nearby.)

There is no water at the ride site! There is no sag wagon!

No entry fee. JELLY DONUTS FOR ALL. Sideburns optional.
Wear helmets, please!

Elvis’ Birthday Ride began in 1989, when Scot Angus, Ron Cole, Glenn Kersey, Doug Mote and Pat Murphy were looking for a reason to ride on the first weekend of the new year. We declared a ride for that Sunday afternoon. The ride needed a name. It has always troubled the rest of us, that Glenn knew that Elvis’ birthday was that weekend. The name stuck.

The first year had the smallest number of riders: the five named above. Twice we have had 94 riders: 2005 and 2008. Five out of the last six years we have had sunny and very warm weather. But, take note: THIS RIDE GOES NO MATTER THE WEATHER CONDITIONS! In 1996, only the ride leader showed…there was three inches of snow on the ground. In 2002, there was rain until ride time and the temperatures never went over 43 degrees.

Only nine were brave enough for 2002: L-R, Joel Glass, Gabe Denes, Teresa Bruce, Nathan Boddie, Doug Mote (kneeling), Frank Willingham, Scot Angus and Nick Angus. Ken Bruce took the photo.

DIRECTIONS TO GREENVILLE, GA:

FROM AUBURN AND OPELIKA
I-85 NORTH, SOME 40 MILES, TO GA EXIT 18. TURN RIGHT ON GA HWY 109. EAST ON GA 109 FOR 15.5 MILES UNTIL THE GREENVILLE COURTHOUSE IS IN YOUR WAY. TURN RIGHT ONTO TALBOTTON ST. ONE BLOCK TO PARKING ON THE LEFT. ABOUT 55 MILES TOTAL.

FROM COLUMBUS
I-185 NORTH, SOME 36 MILES, TO EXIT 46. TURN RIGHT ON UPPER BIG SPRINGS ROAD. EAST FOR .33 MILES UNTIL A CHURCH IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, TURN LEFT ON KNOT RD. GO EAST .25 MILES, CROSS RAILROAD TRACKS. NOW STRAIGHT 1.8 MILES TO A STOP SIGN, GO STRAIGHT AT THE STOP SIGN. AFTER THE STOP SIGN THE ROAD IS NOW THE THRASH ROAD. 3 MILES ON THE THRASH ROAD TO A STOP SIGN. TURN RIGHT. THIS IS GA HWY 109. 10.8 MILES UNTIL THE GREENVILLE COURTHOUSE IS IN YOUR WAY. TURN RIGHT AT THE STOP SIGN ONTO TALBOTTON STREET. ONE BLOCK TO PARKING ON LEFT. SOME 54 MILES TOTAL.
--OR--
MORE SCENIC, BUT SLOW
GO TO PINE MOUNTAIN AND PICK UP GA HWY 18 NORTH. FOLLOW HWY 18 FOR 16 MILES UNTIL THE GREENVILLE COURTHOUSE IS ON YOUR LEFT. GO 3/4 AROUND THE COURTHOUSE TO TALBOTTON STREET. PARKING ONE BLOCK ON LEFT.

FROM NEWNAN, ATLANTA, AND POINTS NORTH
FROM THE MORELAND EXIT ON I-85, GO SOUTH ON US 29 & US ALT. 27 FOR 3.1 MILES. US 29 GOES RIGHT, STAY ON ALT US 27 SOUTH FOR 5 MILES TO LUTHERSVILLE. STILL ON ALT US 27 SOUTH, GO 13.1 MILES TO THE GREENVILLE COURTHOUSE. GO 1/2 AROUND THE COURTHOUSE TO TALBOTTON STREET. ONE BLOCK TO PARKING ON LEFT. SOME 21 MILES FROM MORELAND.

REVIEW THESE DIRECTIONS AHEAD OF TIME.
THE KING IS NOT KNOWN FOR PROOF READING.
------------------------------
VIRTUAL RIDERS MEETING
FIRST AND LAST: THERE ARE CARS OUT THERE, LOTS OF THEM. BE CAREFUL!
SAME COURSES AS LAST YEAR
>PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO COURSE MARKERS GOING AROUND THE COURTHOUSE. THAT IS BECAUSE WE GO OUT AND COME BACK AROUND THE COURTHOUSE. IT COULD BE CONFUSING HAVING THE OUT MARKERS AND IN MARKERS ALL IN THE SAME PLACES.
>THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO MARKERS PAINTED ON THE ROAD BEFORE EACH TURN AND AT LEAST TWO MARKERS AFTER THE TURN TO CONFIRM THAT YOU ARE ON THE COURSE.
>RIDE AT YOUR OWN PACE. SOME RIDERS WILL GO FAST, SOME WILL GO SLOWER

THE 15 MILE RIDE
>THE 15 MILE COURSE FOLLOWS THE GREEN ELVIS GUITARS.
>CIRCLES THE COURTHOUSE AND HEADS WEST ON GA HWY 109. A RIDE LEADER WILL BE DESIGNATED TO LEAD THE GROUP AWAY FROM THE COURTHOUSE.
>THE 15 MILE COURSE LEAVES TOWN, DOES A 12.2 MILE LOOP, WAY OUT IN THE COUNTRY, AND HEADS BACK TO TOWN.
>15 MILERS WILL ENCOUNTER SERIOUS DOGS AT 11.9 MILES, NEAR THE TOP OF A HILL.

THE 35 AND 50 MILE RIDES
>THE 35 AND THE 50 MILE COURSES FOLLOW THE WHITE ELVIS GUITARS.
>THE 35 AND 50 WILL LEAVE THE COURTHOUSE TRAVELING NORTH ON GA HWY 100. RIDE LEADERS WILL BE DESIGNATED TO LEAD THE GROUPS AWAY FROM THE COURTHOUSE.
>THE FIRST FIVE MILES WILL HAVE LIGHT BUT FAST AUTO TRAFFIC. TURNING LEFT AT THE BROWN JUG YOU WILL BE IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE NEXT 8 MILES.
>AT MILE 7.2 YOU WILL ENCOUNTER SOME SERIOUS DOGS ON THE LEFT!
AT 14.6 MILES YOU WILL TURN RIGHT ONTO GA HWY 109. BE CAREFUL HERE!!! THERE WILL BE HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC AT HIGH SPEEDS. SINGLE FILE!! YOU ARE ONLY ON HWY 109 FOR .6 MILE. BE CAREFULL TURNING LEFT OFF OF HWY 109 ONTO MOUNTVILLE-BIG SPRINGS ROAD.
>AT BIG SPRINGS YOU WILL CROSS THE FIRST OF THREE RAILROAD CROSSINGS. THIS IS A GOOD CROSSING THE NEXT >AT MILE 25.2 THERE ARE DOGS ON THE RIGHT
>MILE 25.3 THERE ARE RAILROAD TRACKS. THESE TRACKS AT STOVALL ARE AT A BAD ANGLE - BE CAREFUL!!
>AT 29.3 MILES THE 35 AND 50 MILE RIDES SPLIT. THE 35 STAYS STRAIGHT, THE 50 MILER GOES HARD RIGHT.
>AT MILE 32.2 THE 35 MILERS WILL ENCOUNTER SERIOUS DOGS NEAR THE TOP OF A HILL.

…FINISHING THE 50 MILE RIDE
TAKES A HARD RIGHT AT MILE 29.3 AND DOES A 21 MILE LOOP AROUND GREENVILLE, TO NEAR WOODBURY AND COMES BACK INTO GREENVILLE FROM THE EAST.
>AT MILE 34.1 THE THIRD RAILROAD CROSSING IS THE WORST!!! TRACKS ARE AT A BAD ANGLE!

>AGAIN, WHEN ALL COURSES COME BACK INTO TOWN, THERE ARE NO COURSE MARKERS. FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE COURTHOUSE BACK TO THE CARS.

HAVE FUN!
LONG LIVE THE KING!

E

October 2008 Meeting Minutes

2008-11-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

CCC Meeting Minutes 10/27/08
The Loft, Broadway
Notes by Secretary Charlene Eason
Acting Prez Wade Harrison presided.
Attendance: 22

Introductions included some new members!

Committee Reports

TREASURERS: Wade gave the treasurer's report in Sheila’s absence. There is a balance of $686, with approximately $150 still owed for Pine Mtn Challenge expenses.

PINE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE: Thanks to Sheila for leading CCC efforts on this ride to all the volunteers who made it possible. Suggestion’s are welcome for future of PMC. Bigger easier-to-follow route markings and better marketing are the most popular suggestions thus far.

COLUMBUS BIKE RACING: Steve Murray described a great year despite somewhat low participation in wake of the team's Feb 3rd training-ride tragedy. Shout outs to Nicki Sutherland for her state mountain-biking championship, and to Steve himself (thanks Nicki and Barry) for his time trial championship. Keep up with CBR on their blog at http://www.columbusbikeracing.blogspot.com/ (photo Steve Murray's time trial embedded here courtesy of CBR)

FLAT ROCK: Barry Carswell reports that the Flat Rock Mountain Bike Race will be April 19th, to include a 5k or 10K trail run in addition to traditional mtn bike race and mtn bike time trial. Volunteers will be needed. Tentative plan is for time trial and companion run on Saturday and main race on Sunday. Columbus Roadrunners will help out on the trail run.

BICYCLE FRIENDLY CITY: Lower Chattahoochee Regional Devt Center working on executing a grant to put on a BIKE TO WORK DAY in Columbus in May 2009... check it out HERE:

http://www.activevalley.org/links_resources.htm ... as well as the other great local biking links and info on the ActiveValley website. ALSO, the rail to trail project connecting uptown and Flat Rock is actually in the works with rails being pulled up as initial construction phase.

RIDE GROUPS
We had good group rides during the summer months. At least one will stop over the winter months. Nicki and Charlene’s Class-3 group will continue on Monday, Tuesday’s (at 4:30) and Saturday’s. Donna will continue a Class-1 ride, during the warmest time of the day. Stay tuned for a round-up of other ride groups and leaders for the winter. YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO CCC'S EMAIL DISTRIBUTION TO RECEIVE THIS INFO. (send email to cccriders@gmail.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line).

NEW BUSINESS
We need a volunteer to host the annual Christmas Party and December meeting.
We need volunteers for next year's slate of CCC officers. Hope to have the elections at the Christmas party.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ben Pike spoke about recent and upcoming rides, like the Fair on the Square in Lumpkin, Ga, well supported, many riders came from Columbus. The Cruisin' in the Country century ride at Claxton, Ga, is a great ride, beautiful place, with well supported rest stops.

Steve Murray gave an update about the accident on Feb. 3. Jeff Davis who is back riding again despite an original diagnosis that made that sound unlikely. Thanks for all who are riding with Jeff and helping him get back into condition.

PROGRAM

How do you make it through the winter? Nicki and Steve gave several suggestions:
Having willing participants to ride with you for motivation. Layering is very important, to stay healthy, after a ride strip your riding clothes and put on something warm and dry . The type of material you wear is important, wear something that will pull away the wetness. Leg warmers and arm warmers helps to keep you warm and are easy to remove if needed. To keep your fingers warm, wear mittens. The liners that runners wear with the mittens is good. Wool socks helps keep the feet warm, sock liners can also help. You can wear a long sleeve layer with a long sleeve jersey, with a zipper, so you can open the jersey to help vent.

What kind of riding?
For maintenance, 1 long ride, 1 hilly ride and 1 fast ride. Mountain bike rides are effective in the winter months, a good workout in less time. During the winter, check out the spin classes at the gyms. Another cross training idea is to run in the winter months. Cross training is good (run, weights, etc.), it works different muscles and helps to strengthen your muscles.

Night riding
If you're riding in the dark, your need a good light in the front and rear. It is important for you to be able to see and for others to see you. The Riverwalk is probably the safest place for riding after sunset, but YOU STILL NEED LIGHTS.

A CCC moonlight "fun ride" will be Nov 13th. Riding from Rotary Park to Oxbow Meadows, meeting at 6 pm.

Meeting adjourned!

ADDITION TO THE MINUTES (just remembered): Barry Carswell and Charlene Eason will form committee to develop a new release of the Columbus Cycling Club jersey (concentric chainwheel design). Many have asked about this... we are on the job! Stay tuned and keep asking.

Check out these headlines!

2008-10-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ben Pike and Jimmy Lumley are 70

CCC celebrates with cake and icecream at Oxbow Meadows

CCC conducts September Business Meeting at Oxbow Meadows

Witnesses note greater efficiency without Wade presiding

2008 Pine Mountain Challenge declared success

Victor dominates with amazing finish time (4 hours and what?!?)...

CCC orchestrates gorgeous weather and heroic volunteers...

Valley Health Care team shows the right stuff for century support

McCain and Obama camps spar over who is more bicycle-friendly

Obama accuses McCain of "erratic" riding, claims Dems more qualified to lead pacelines.

McCain campaign issues denial, links Obama to doping scandal.

Okay, I made that last thing up, but seriously wouldn't it be nice if they were both saying more about transportation issues? Read on for a non-partisan analysis...

Assessing the Presidential Candidates

by Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists

The reporter from Reuters was quite insistent. “Which of the candidates would be best for bicycling?” It’s an obvious question, and most people follow that up with, “It’s Obama, right? I saw him in the newspaper riding a bike. And McCain doesn’t like special interests and earmarks, so he’d be bad.”

It’s true; Obama rides a bike, and was supportive of increased funding for Safe Routes to School and other bike projects when he spoke to the industry in June. Yes, John McCain has campaigned tirelessly against the pork barrel politics so closely identified with recent transportation bills. But is that really enough to go on? For example, most of the bicycle funding in the transportation bill comes from core programs, not earmarks and pork projects – and most people say they would love to have a “clean” bill next time around.

How about a side by side analysis of their views and positions on bicycling? Well, actually, you just saw it. You can scour their campaign websites and speeches and position statements and you won’t come up with a whole lot more from either of them. There are a couple of brief references to bicycling and walking in Obama’s urban policy and that’s about all.

Given all that bicycling has to offer in terms of health, energy, environment, congestion relief, transportation, recreation, climate change etc etc that’s a pretty frustrating showing. But don’t worry, if it makes you feel any better bicycling is not being singled out for lack of attention. Transportation as a whole gets scant recognition – it falls under “other issues” for Obama, and not at all for McCain. At a Presidential candidates forum back in January on transportation and infrastructure, sponsored in part by the League and NYC-based bicycle advocates Transportation Alternatives, most of candidates didn’t even bother to show up.

Both McCain and Obama have long and detailed policies and statements on climate change; on improving health care and reducing health costs; on reducing our dependence on foreign oil; on environmental protection. And yet they barely mention transportation – despite the fact that authorizing the next transportation bill is near the top of the Congressional agenda for 2009, and transportation has a massive impact on all these issues.

Indeed, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership is currently circulating a letter to congressional leaders encouraging them to set health outcomes for the upcoming transportation bill. In the letter, they point out that physical inactivity costs the nation $76 billion annually, traffic fatalities “cost” $164 billion, pollution from cars and trucks rack up a tab approaching another $64 billion a year in health impacts…numbers that dwarf our spending on the very highways that are generating these costs! And that’s just the health numbers. Imagine if we invested $60-70 billion in transportation dollars every year to actively promote more bicycling and walking, less driving, and fewer crashes.

This isn’t a new issue and it certainly isn’t the preserve of candidates running for President. Every year when the Administration releases it’s budget there’s more debate about millions of dollars in the National Park Service or EPA budget than the tens of billions being spent on highways and transit.

Maybe the McCain vs. Obama debates this fall won’t hinge on bicycling issues, or even on transportation policy – although if you get a chance to ask them what they’ll do to promote bicycling you certainly should. However, we should also remember that this November thousands of politicians are running for office, including every member of the House of Representatives and numerous Senators. Every one of them is going to be answering questions about gas prices, climate change, health costs, traffic congestion, and energy independence. Every one of them - Republican, Democrat or Independent - needs to hear that bicycling is a real part of the solution.

They also need to hear that bicycling isn’t a special interest issue; it’s very much in the public interest to get more people on bikes more often.

August Meeting Minutes

2008-08-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Minutes of 08/18/08 CCC Meeting
Submitted by CCC Secretary Charlene Eason

Acting Prez Wade Harrison presided
Around 30 in attendance, including some new members

Charlene reviewed minutes from previous meeting.

TREASURERS REPORT by Sheila Peeler:
$576.00 is in the bank right now. Future expenses will be the insurance for the Pine Mtn Challenge (likely around $100).

COLUMBUS BIKE RACING (CBR) REPORT: Barry Carswell gave a brief update on placing for local racers. The final race of the season is Labor Day. Meanwhile national time trials and road race championships will be in Greenville SC.

Barry also thanked the volunteers that helped out at the Flat Rock Mountain bike race they had this year. Niki Sutherland gave an update on mountain bike racing, short and intense season. She also presented Barry Carswell with a well-deserved plaque, on behalf of race promoters GONE RIDING, for CCC’s great support of mountain bike racing in Georgia.

Not be outdone, Barry awarded Wade with a CBR bike jersey for his continuous support of local cycling and willingness to step in (take over?) the club presidency. Still unclear is whether Wade, who seems quite taken with this new cycling fashion accessory, will actually wear it along with his riding sandals, or whether CBR will quickly take back the jersey if he does.

FLAT ROCK UPDATE: Barry said things are picking up at Flat Rock. He will be working on trail committee in a few months.

VALLEY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS “PINE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE”: Sheila Peeler is coordinating the second annual running of this new incarnation of this historic ride. Registration will be $35 non military, $30 military. Date is October 5th. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Starting at Midland Middle School, there will be a 30, 60 and 100 mile ride. Bring kids for safe-riding activities later in the day. If you’re not planning to ride, and would like to volunteer, contact Sheila or Wade.

Wade has mapped out a revised course with less highway mileage, less out-and-back, and more riding on Pine Mountain and more climbing.

Get all the details including the course map at http://www.freewebs.com/vhcspinemtnchallenge/

Look for online registration on Active.com

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1605211

BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMITTEE: Pat McHenry reported plans for a Columbus Bike-to-Work day in spring 2009, coincident with the national event. Very timely with more interest in bike-commuting due to high gas prices, air quality issues, and “carbon footprints.”

TECHNOLOGY: Wade apologized for some recent problems with email addresses but reported progress on better back and forth communications through the new gmail account. Thanks to Raymond Tuggle who has volunteered to keep update the online calendar updated. If anyone has an upcoming event to update the calendar send them to Raymond Tuggle at rtuggle@bcbsga.com .

Need some other volunteers, like someone to help with the programs for the meetings…. For a ride coordinator to keep up with different ride groups… for other email handling, etc.

PROGRAM: RAILS TO TRAIL
Pat McHenry gave an update on the Columbus plans to connect Uptown with CSU, Cooper Creek, and Flat Rock via a Rail-Trail project. In 1999 a group was formed for the project; in subsequent years a SPLOST was passed, the project was funded and planned. All seems to be done except for the construction itself. Sometime in October the plans are to take up the trails for scrap. Trail construction should start in January 2009. The public meeting on Stage 3 (Cooper Creek to Flat Rock) for public comments will be at Midland Middle School on August 19, 2008.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Kim Freeman - On November 8th there will be a Downtown Dash Duathlon in Columbus, a run-bike-run event. If you do not run, create a team with one of the many local runners. If you’re not competing at all, we need volunteers for this event. Interested in more details or in volunteering? Contact Kim at runbikeswimkim@hotmail.com

Other upcoming events…

Albany Nut Roll-Sept 13th
MS 150 at Calloway-Sept 13th
Fair on the Square (Lumpkin, GA)-October 18th
One Love Century-Labor day weekend
Savannah Century-Labor day weekend
6 Gap Century
Pine Mtn Challenge-October 5th

See the CCC calendar for more group rides and organized rides.

http://www.columbuscyclingclub.org/main/calendar.asp

OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS
Not covered because Wade was totally enraptured with the new CBR jersey and forgot all parliamentary procedure.

Meeting adjourned.

NOTE: THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF CCC MEMBERS (AND JOEY MIXON'S HAT) WE RAISED $130 TOWARD CLUB PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS! THANKS TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get connected to CYCLING in Columbus!

2008-08-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

To subscribe to our email list, send an email to cccriders@gmail.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

For group ride information, send an email to cccriders@gmail.com with GROUP RIDE in the subject line.

To volunteer to help with the Columbus Cycling Club, send an email to cccriders@gmail.com with VOLUNTEER in the subject line. Current volunteer needs:

*MANAGER FOR ONLINE CALENDAR*

*PROGRAMS CHAIR FOR CLUB MEETINGS*

*RIDE LEADERS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES*

***

To find or share an area bike route, go this website:
www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/ga/columbus

RIDE SAFE EVERYBODY!

RIDE SMART!

2008-06-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here’s a rundown of some safety tips and thoughts that have accumulated in my mind over the last several weeks of riding. If you have others, or if any of the issues below prompt discussion or argument, let me or your officers/ride leaders know and let’s talk about it. Thanks to Barry Carswell, Skip Baker, Gabe Denes, and Joey Mayhand for contributing to this discussion (whether they know they did or not).

--wade—
(acting ccc prez)

KEEP RIGHT! We are really fortunate to have so many miles of lonely roads to ride on Fort Benning… often with virtually NO traffic. But please remember they CAN have traffic at ANY time. I have too often seen riders all the way across both lanes, on blind curves or hillcrests. You never know when a fast-moving vehicle will appear. This works both ways. Vehicle-drivers on long hilly stretches of Sunshine or Buena Vista or Wildcat can fall into the same illusion… an open road with no obstructions. They may notice you too late, or not at all. Be careful.

WAIT FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR. Along the same lines, PLEASE be courteous to traffic ESPECIALLY on Fort Benning. I have too often witnessed riders pulling out in front of traffic, perhaps because they want to keep a paceline group together. Where the Riverwalk crosses Tenth Division Road (and riders usually turn right up the watertank hills) is an especially notorious place for this, as cyclists cut across the grass to merge into a traffic stream. This place has WAY too many near misses and accidents already, and if WE are the cause we could lose our privilege of riding on Fort Benning! Besides, cutting across the grass is illegal, discourteous, and dangerous, even if you’re not pulling out in front of traffic.

RESPECT AUTHORITY on Fort Benning. If an MP or security contractor tells you something you think is ridiculous, do what they say anyway, follow-up with authorities later. And BRING YOUR IDENTIFICATION. Again, lets not lose the privilege of biking Benning. New commanders are rotating in this fall. Lets keep our reputation clean.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR. Watch for expansion joints and other hazards on bridges! The bike-tire-sized slots on the Big Eddie Bridge over the Chattahoochee on Benning has caused more than one cycling injury, as did the “steel bridge” on Sunshine Road before it was replaced. Just got word that one of our former teammates now living in Atlanta went down due to a bridge expansion joint on a new bridge, and has 2 years of rehab ahead. Look out, go slow, and ride across slots with as much angle as you can.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR #2… We all know that the “new bridge” on the Riverwalk near the new infantry museum going on to Fort Benning, with the posts guarding either end, is pretty scary. When entering this bridge northbound (leaving Benning) you’re coming down a hill, into a blind curve, aiming for the gap between the post and the potentially-deadly bridge rail. If you have any speed at all, you have to take the “inside” (left of the post), and if an unseen oncoming rider happens to be almost-across the bridge when you do that, it won’t be pretty. So GO SLOW there (in both directions), but especially if you’re coming down the hill. Watch for oncoming riders and warn others if you see one.

BEWARE THE HEAT. Especially on a long-distance ride. Watch for signs (in you and in others) of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or hyponatremia. Feeling woozy, nauseus, disoriented on a really hot day is a danger sign. Flushed skin and lack of sweating is especially dangerous. Look this stuff up on the internet and know the symptoms. And think hard about whether you should be winning sprints, attacking the leader, or pulling for miles on days when the temps are in the high 90s are worse.

SIGNAL WELL. But don’t assume that motorists know (or care) what your hand signals mean. Look to the front and rear and make sure you’re clear before turning across traffic lanes. I’ve seen near misses related to this recently on both Fort Benning and in Midland.

SIGNAL WELL #2. Use hand signals consistently and unambiguously. Pointing to the left or right should mean you’re gonna TURN. If there’s an obstacle to avoid on the road surface, point down at it. If there’s an obstacle to avoid on one side or another (a walker, a parked car, an overhanging tree), use the behind-the-back “wave” for following riders. If the group ahead is slowing down, give the open-hand-down and yell “SLOWING!” If there’s a car behind you, yell “CAR BACK” and get yourself single file. Open up gaps in a paceline.

PACELINES AND PELOTONS ARE DANGEOUS. Riding with a bunch of people close together? Try at ALL costs not to slam on brakes or make sudden moves! Ride straight and steady and predictably. If you’re not confident, stay in the back with a nice cushion of space between you and the last rider, and let folks rotating off the front get in front of you. There’s no shame in “sitting in.”

THE YOYO IN FRONT OF YOU… if a rider somewhere in front of you is struggling to stay in the paceline, a “yoyo” affect may develop. It may or may not be the fault of the rider you’re about to hit! But anyone can fix this simply by leaving a generous cushion between you and the next rider. For those behind you, try to maintain the smooth predictable speed or effort that isn’t happening in front of you! If you’re too exhausted to leave that cushion, and all you can do is hang on to the wheel in front of you, a foot or two away, you’re not gonna react well to the yoyo and someone is gonna go down. Leave a cushion for reaction time, or get out of the paceline! If the paceline is so fast that you just can’t hang on without being only inches away from the wheel in front of you, you probably shouldn’t be in it.

PULLING OFF THE FRONT… This is not for everybody, but a common signal in many clubs and rides, that CAN serve to avoid mishaps, is to slap your thigh twice before you pull off the front. Then pull out to your left smoothly without slowing down until you’re sure you’re clear and can drop back. If you point left as a signal that you’re pulling out, an inexperienced rider behind you might think you’re turning, and just follow your swerve and then run into you if you slow down. Inexperienced riders may also do this if you don’t signal at all. But be aware that experienced cyclists and elite/racing cyclists familiar with riding together often do not signal (taking a hand of the bars at high speeds can be dangerous, or can create an inadvertent slow-down and wheel-overlap), so if you’re the new guy or gal in an otherwise well-oiled paceline machine, don’t automatically follow someone who is veering off their line, unless they’ve signaled you about an obstacle or a turn.

FULL DISCLOSURE… I have been an inattentive DRIVER on Ft Benning, not noticing a cyclist standing on a roadside talking on a cellphone until almost too late. I’ve followed pacelines blindly, regardless of motorists who were already slowing down because the paceline had cut them off. I have used all kinds of hand signals for all manner of different things, or not signaled at all. I’ve slowed down unexpectedly when I saw something or someone interesting. I’ve hung on to back wheels “like a tick on a dawg” following every swerve or slowdown mindlessly regardless of what it might mean to those behind me. I have been the yoyo! I think we have all done this stuff at one time or another and if you’re new to cycling, you probably WILL do it. But try not to, and be the first to talk about it when you real

June CCC Meeting Recap

2008-06-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Byron Thornton of Ride On Bikes takes the stage at THE LOFT for CCC's June meeting!

Minutes of 06/2/08 CCC Meeting

THE LOFT on Broadway

Acting Prez Wade Harrison presiding.

Thanks to all that attended, to Byron Thornton for the excellent program on bike maintenance/repair, and to Secretary Charlene Eason for taking these meeting minutes!

Thanks also to those who generously donated funds to the CCC Treasury... we made $67!

Monday, June 2, 2008

26-30 attended

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

No Treasurer's Report

Columbus Bike Racing... Steve Murray gave updated on racer turnout and results.

see http://www.columbusbikeracing.blogspot.com/ The race team will be in Union City on June 21st.

Flat Rock Park... Barry Carswell reports mountain bikers at Flat Rock are staying busy, new signage is being done. With the gas crunch, bike race sponsors like "Gone Ridin'" cannot clear as much "profit" as usual. So we might not get much of any fundraising benefit from the April race at Flat Rock this year. Not a huge concern since we don't do it as a fundraiser.

Announcements... Ben Pike mentioned the organized ride on Tuesday nights at 5:00 (sharp) 14-18mph, all welcome to join, no drop ride. Ben also talked about the BRAG ride, a way to learn a lot about riding, Georgia, and yourself. Wade agreed that BRAG is a good ride to do and mentioned the other rides available:
Ben Pikes ride on Tues at 5 at Rotary Park.(14-18 mph) no drop
Niki’s/Charlene’s ride on Monday nights at 5 at Rotary Park.
Cheryl Creek’s ride on Monday at 5:15 at Rotary Park
Chuck’s McManus ride (faster group) drop ride, 6:30
Teresa Bruce might be forming a Saturday group ride.

Wade promised to publicize these groups better for the local bike shops.

Mexico Beach ride, Gabe mentioned the ride to start at Rotary Park at 7:30, great tradition ride for 2 days.

Gabe also mentioned the Mini reverse at Ft. Benning (ride, bike and swim) this Saturday, June 7th.

PROGRAM

Byron Thornton talked about bike maintenance, how to clean the bike and how important it is to have the bike clean. He answered lots of questions and generated lots of discussion about maintenance schedules, tires and inflation, frame materials, and more.

OLD BUSINESS

Ride of Silence ... Lots of positive feedback! Discussion on what to do better centered on additional police help and how we can stay in a single group, things they will work on for next year. Pleased with the write up in the newspaper. If anyone has any comments or suggestions, email Wade or Donna Hernandez.

On the fund raising status, not a lot new. Research was done by Kin, Barry and Wade, we do have formal not for profit status. It’s ok to ask for donations, not legally taxable, but donations are not tax-deductable (no 501c3 status). Need to make decisions on how to proceed but awaiting work by brainstorming team on benefits of 501c3 status.

Website is not at the best right now. Need help on programming, email etc. If someone will volunteer in this to help, let Wade know.

Pine Mountain Challenge... Tabled until next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

The ride of silence might inspire additional events, such as the "Courteous Mass" ride. A friendly awareness ride, possibly Monday nights, looking at once a month. No drop ride, riding at your own risk, obey the road rules, be courteous. About an hour ride on a safe route. More casual, not an official event. Interested? see Jason at Ride On or Rachel our favorite tattooed BRAG rider.

Meeting adjourned

2008 Ride of Silence

2008-06-03T04:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all that participated in last month's Ride of Silence! Thanks to Donna Hernandez and Kay Denes for organizing, and to the 120+ cyclists who showed up. Feel free to add your comments and suggestions here, and let us know if you have photographs to post. Here are several from Donna Hernandez:

Cindy Garrard's prayer

Forming up for the procession

The CBR team leads us out

A lot more follow!

CBR team with loved ones

Return of the CCC blog

2008-05-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ride of Silence
May 21, 2008
7 pm
Lakebottom Park at the Bandstand
Columbus GA

CONTACT: Donna Hernandez, 706-464-1364
dhernandez@bcbsga.com

On May 21st of this year, cyclists around the world will join together in a Ride of Silence to remember those lost and injured while cycling on our public roads.

Almost all of us have been touched by the loss or injury of a cyclist, whether here or far away, recently or long ago. Whether it happened to you, to a friend or a loved one, or to someone who simply rides the same roads as you, our love of cycling bonds us all.

Our purpose for riding is to remember those lost, to honor those injured, and to raise awareness for the “Share the Road” message.

Ride Rules

Silence during the ride
Use hand signals
Ride route will be 10-12 miles.
Pace will be 12 mph maximum
Helmets Required

Dress in your usual high-visibility cycle-wear.
Armbands will be provided... black in memory of those lost, or red if you yourself have been injured while cycling.

Immediately following the ride, please join us at the Bandstand located in Lakebottom Park
Bring your favorite covered dish and lawn chairs. Beverages will be provided.
Non-riding Family members are welcomed.

The Ride of Silence...
Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacks
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride
- Mugai