THE NEWSLETTER OF THE CHICAGO CLUB ERAILLEUR March 2009 MAILLEUR It wasn't until Sasha showed up that the 2009 D pace sped up. With his racing By Jim Kreps background he brought his strength and speed and took the pace up a notch. P-B-P, B-M-B you may have heard Not too many people passed Sasha, but about these rides from club members. we turned up every year to try (I, for What ride is this? Is it a race? What one, trailed the pack more than once makes a person want to participate? I t i s w h a t t h e F r e n c h c a l l On the Roadie and had to finish the ride solo). Though Randonneuring. By Rich Baumgarten elite riders show up, you never feel intimidated about joining the ride. “Randonneuring is long-distance There is no such word as “roadie” in the They always welcome you and unsupported endurance cycling. This dictionary relating to cycling. Though encourage you to do better, an aspect style of riding is non-competitive in Google did unearth the following that keeps me coming back. A certain nature, and self-sufficiency is cycling definition of a Roadie: amount of athleticism is needed, but paramount.” When riders participate in (Row+d) “A cyclist who puts his anyone is welcome to give it a go to see Randonneuring events, they are part of a rubber on something hard.” Whew! where you stack up. And just in case, a long tradition that goes back to the That's out of the way. Let's get down to route sheet is provided so, if you lose beginning of cycling as a sport in France the real story. the pack, you can find your way back. The same attitude holds true today. and Italy, in 1891, a few years after the invention of the “safety .” Monday and Wednesday night Cycling The Roadies are a loosely organized Friendly camaraderie, not competition, Club Training Rides: group, and the people who show up year after year have created a is the hallmark of Randonneuring. -Brest-Paris (P-B-P) is the Monday Rides fellowship that keeps us challenged as paramount event of Randonneuring. Sasha started the Monday night ride as well as connected. Just when you think Organized every four years by the host a cool-down exercise after racing over you've hit the ride's pace, someone Club Parisien, this ride is the the weekend. Instead of riding alone, raises the bar setting you on the road to oldest bicycling event still run on a he brought along new riders, people a new goal. And in other ways we've regular basis on the open road. This who were interested in learning what it broken the mold. For example, many 1200K ride is to be completed in less was like to ride in a group, but at a times we have to rein in Litespeed Bob than 90 hours. In 1891, Pierre Giffard, a slightly slower pace. It evolved into who likes to wave to passing kids in French newspaper publisher wanted a more of an instructional exercise with cars, threatening to break our persona “dramatic demonstration of its (the new an emphasis on safety. We wanted to as serious road cyclists. We do have safety bicycle's) power, range, and teach some of the more technical something of a reputation to versatility”. He created a test “not aspects of riding in a peloton. We work uphold.Both rides emphasize safety primarily of speed, but brains, skill and on group riding skills, sprinting and and traffic etiquette. Those who wish endurance.” Back then, he promoted a 9- pedaling techniques. These rides are to participate should have some day event. Nonetheless, 206 riders great for people to find out whether knowledge and athleticism, which is signed up, and the first P-B-P rider they're ready for the more strenuous stressed in our online criteria. Safety is finished in 71 hours 22 minutes. Wednesday night training. These have another reason we ask that only One American finished P-B-P in 1901, proved to be popular rides which traditional road bikes be used. These but Randonneuring did not really get started bi-monthly but now run every are popular club events, and it's not U.S. rider attention until 1971, and even Monday night. uncommon to have 10-18 riders in the group. If anyone would like more more so with the creation of RUSA in 1998. These days, Randonneurs train Wednesday Rides details, I'll be talking at the next club for 200K, 300K, 400K and 600K events, Former Club Presidents Steve Kramer meeting, Tuesday, March 10 at REI, all leading up to the ultimate 1200K, 90- and Mike Wasserman can tell you more and can answer your questions. hour endurance challenge. about the history of this weekly training event because they were there So, to sum up, these are physical rides. So then, who participates? The CCC when I first came around. At first it was They are fast rides. They will Roadies Group trains folks to ride a a fairly fast-paced social ride, very challenge you. And you'll have a good time doing them. century. much in line with my abilities at the (continued on page 2) time. 1 PREZ SEZ In the course of an average week, most of Spring's Coming - Where is Everyone? By Anne Alt us use at least one, if not all, modes of alternative transportation promoted by By Karen Shinners the new, broader scope of Active Transportation Alliance: bicycling, In recent years, the CCC has produced walking and public transit. Some of us an annual membership directory each take multi-modal trips regularly, so we fall, which is when the membership recognize that they are not mutually roster is at its peak. But since the exclusive. cycling season is winding down, that directory seems less timely. Safe Routes to School is an excellent Our club belongs to a larger local and example of the organization's newer So, this year we're planning a Spring regional cycling community with a programs. The program promotes safe Edition! We'll probably put it multitude of people, issues and ideas. walking and bicycling to schools by together in May and send it out in Our working relationship with Active emphasizing their benefits, including less early June. In the meantime, we need Transportation Alliance (formerly traffic around schools, reduction of help to lay the groundwork. Chicagoland Bicycle Federation) has a accidents and air pollution, more exercise Specifically: long history. Many CCC members first and better health. If children learn to get became involved with CBF as around safely under their own power, they 1) If you haven't yet, RENEW your volunteers: in the office, at the Boulevard gain independence and self confidence. membership! CCC memberships are Lakefront Tour, and later on Bike the Regular exercise can reduce the growing for the calendar year, more or less. Drive. CBF began in 1985 with a focus problem of child obesity. Children who Actually, it's mostly "more" - dues on making the Chicago area a better place learn how to get around safely in traffic paid after Labor Day cover the year's for bicycling through education, and are more aware of other types of end and the subsequent year (so if we advocacy, and improved facilities. That traffic around them are more likely to got your dues after 9/1/08, you're in mission has expanded and evolved with understand how to share the road when good standing until 12/31/09!) And if the addition of important initiatives such they are old enough to drive. Programs that's not enough, the first three as Bikes on Transit, Healthy Streets, Safe like this are a win-win for the community months of the year serve as a grace Routes to School, and Sunday Parkways. as a whole, not just the children and their period that lasts until our rides Their new name reflects that growth. families, promoting a healthier lifestyle calendar starts in early April. Don't get and sustainable transportation. dropped, renew today - go to the The scope of ATA's campaigns has been website or fill out the form on the last expanding and evolving for years, page and send it in! adapting to the needs of Chicagoland community by moving beyond their Randonneuring 2009 2) Send us updated contact info! If original bike-centric focus. This (continued from page 1) you've moved, changed your e-mail evolution hasn't necessarily been obvious address, decided you want us to share to those outside the circle of regular CBF Some gravitate to the next levels of your contact info more or less widely volunteers. Efforts to get the Bikes on Racing / Double Centuries / 12- or 24- than before, please e-mail the relevant Transit initiative rolling with CTA, Pace Hour Challenges / / Ironmans, d e t a i l s t o m e m b e r s h i p and Metra opened the door to transit etc. In cycling, there is Randonneuring. @chicagocyclingclub.org and we'll advocacy. Safe Routes to School, which update the database. uses both walking and cycling, is a bridge I look forward to continuing the to pedestrian issues. The Active productive relationship between Chicago 3) Lend a hand! CCC is an all- Transportation Alliance staff has grown Cycling Club and Active Transportation volunteer organization and we always over the years to meet the needs of its Alliance, and supporting campaigns to welcome folks who want to pitch in. expanded mission, enhancing and improve active forms of alternative So if you've got a little time available complementing their bike-related efforts, transportation in the Chicago area. this spring and you've been looking not taking energy away from them. for a chance to use or hone your To learn more about this sport, the Great desktop publishing and other Energy-related issues (and, subsequently, Lakes Randonneurs (GLR), who ride just directory-making skills, the transportation issues) have become much north of our border in Delavan, WI, is membership directory could have more relevant to all of us. President giving a presentation at the March your name all over it! Drop a line to Obama has made it clear that sustainable Cycling Club meeting. I personally [email protected] to energy and transportation will be discovered this sport after a double- sign up! priorities for his new administration, century on the Apple Cider Century route, making this a critical time to make a few 12-hour challenges, and a similar Hope to see you listed in the 2009 proposals and secure funding to advance presentation made to CCC back in 2001 membership directory and of course, these goals. or so. on the road!

Ready to try something new and challenging? See you on March 10. 2 All club members are invited to lead a CCC About the Club ride this year. Ride leaders introduce fellow club members to unique Chicago destinations, Mission help people ride safely, and provide fun social To facilitate recreational bicycling in a non- events during our city's warmer months. Jim competitive environment in and around the Adgate, our Rides Committee Chair, is happy Chicago area; to promote safe bicycling habits and proper bicycling etiquette; to to put your ride into the ride season calendar or provide bicyclists an opportunity to network help you plan a ride. Our route archive will with other bicyclists; to encourage bicycling make it easy for you. Email Jim at as a safe and viable alternative to other modes [email protected] to get started. of transportation.

The Ride of Silence, a silent procession JERSEYS Contact honoring cyclists killed or injured while Sleeveless ...... $50 Snailmail: P O Box 1178, Chicago, IL (Men: S - XL)(Women: S - 2X) cycling on public roadways, returns to Shortsleeves ...... $55 CLUB MEMBERS ONLY 60690-1178 Chicago and Chesterton, IN, on May 20, 2009. (Men: S - 3X)(Women: S - 2X) may purchase these items by Website: www.chicagocyclingclub.org Longsleeves ...... $60 contacting Duane O’Laughlin The nationwide series of rides calls attention to (Men: M - 3X)(Women: merchandise@chicagocyclingclub. General: [email protected] M - XL) org Newsletter: [email protected] cyclists' rights during Bike Safety month. WINDBREAKER - $60 773-612-8157 (Men: M - 3X)(Women: May not be shipped Rides: [email protected] Riders are asked to ride no faster than 12 S - 2X) We will meet you at a club event Telephone: 773.509.8093 m.p.h. and remain silent during the event. For GLOVES - $10 or ride or you may pick up items (XS-2X) by making arrangements to do so m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t SOCKS - $6 in advance. Officers (S-XL) www.rideofsilence.org. BOTTLE - $3 President: Anne Alt Vice President: Julie Sherman Treasurer: Alice Kroman March Club Meeting Endurance Rolling Along: March/April Calendar of Secretary: Michael Wasserman Cycling Events Member at Large: Jim Adgate, Art Gilfand You've read all about it on the front page. Mar 7 - Ride Leader Training, Humboldt Education: Kathy Schubert Now join Jim Kreps and other members of Branch Library, 1605 North Troy, 9:30 a.m. Newsletter: Justin Sondak, the Great Lakes Randonneurs, who will Mar 10 - Cycling Club monthly meeting, REI, Tom Grose 1466 North Halsted Ave, 7 p.m. See this page. discuss the whys and hows of Mar 28 - Training Ride to Winthrop Harbor, Announcements R a n d o n n e u r i n g : l o n g - d i s t a n c e , 18-20 m.p.h. Riders meet at Lincoln & unsupported, endurance cycling that dates California Avenues, Chicago, at 8 a.m. A ride leader training class for all new back to 1891 on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 Apr 4 - Tax Deadline Ride, 12-14 m.p.h., 30- and current ride leaders will be led by p.m. in the community room at REI, 1466 mile trip leaves from Clock Tower at Waveland Certified Instructor Jim Kreps on & Lake Shore Drive at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. at the N Halsted St., Chicago. The shop is Apr 5 - Annual Champagne Ride, 12-14 Chicago Public Library Humbolt Branch, located one block south of CTA's m.p.h., 30-mile trip leaves from Clock Tower at 1605 N. Troy Street. Weather permitting, North/Clybourn red line stop. Ample bike Waveland & Lake Shore Drive at 8:30 a.m. a short ride will follow, ending at a local parking is available. rest stop for lunch.

BECOME A MEMBER FILL OUT THE FORM AND MAIL IT WITH YOUR CHECK TO CHICAGO CYCLING CLUB I, for myself and for any other minor on whose behalf I sign this membership application, agree that 1) bicycling is a potentially hazardous activity and that accidents can occur from negligence or carelessness; 2) ride leaders’ maps and/or written directions are provided for my convenience only and not to guarantee a safe route or trip; and 3) I voluntarily participate in club events and assume all risks associated with participation therein, including but not limited to injury, falls, contact with other participants, weather, traffic, and road conditions, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Name(s)______Birthdate(s)______Name(s)______Birthdate(s)______Address______City ______State ______Zip______Primary phone______Secondary phone ______E-mail ______Emergency contact/phone ______I obtained this membership application from______I want to receive a paper copy of the members’ directory Yes No the club newsletter Yes No I would like to help with the following: ride planning newsletter publicity meetings social events Annual dues: Individual ($20) Family (multiple individuals at one address $25) Do not share my contact information: within the Chicago Cycling Club with other bike-related organizations

Signature______Date______

MAIL FORM TO: CHICAGO CYCLING CLUB, PO BOX 1178 CHICAGO, IL 60690-1178 3

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P. O. Box 1178 Chicago, IL 60690 - 1178