Volume 52, No. 2 May 2019

President’s Corner Empire State Trail Update By Bill Leahey MHCC President

fter months of Aanticipation, the 2019 cycling season is in full swing! Unlike some of my cycling friends, I don’t cycle through the winter months, and I don’t start riding until the temps get above 50. I actually love winter and ski every opportunity I get, but do spinning once in awhile to stay in some kind of shape and catch up on the latest pop music. (I wear earplugs to get through it.) But the skis have been bedded down for the summer, and it’s time to get on my bike. As I write this column, it’s the middle of There are now more places than ever before where MHCC members can escape traffic and ride safely. April, and spring is just starting to gather Dedicated trail options continue to increase for Capital Region cyclists steam. I’ve lived in this area my entire life, and spring always takes about a month too pedestrian route in Rensselaer and Columbia long to warm up. Watching the Masters is a t’s the dawn of a new age for Capital Counties. The majority of the AHET Trail springtime ritual, and the lush grass, leafy IRegion cyclists. Progress is continuing in will be built on an abandoned rail corridor, trees, flowering shrubs, and happily chirping the Capital Region and beyond on the Empire now owned by National Grid. The remainder birds is a nice contrast to the mostly brown State Trail that will make State one of the AHET route will be designated along landscape in my neighborhood. Congrats to of the foremost cycling tourism destinations public roadways. Tiger Woods! The poet TS Eliot nailed it when in the country. Many of the projects underway As of this time, The Greenway has awarded he wrote “April is the cruelest month,” though to complete the trail will benefit Capital a construction contract for a 17-mile section I don’t believe he was talking about cycling. Region residents, and MHCC members in of the trail in Rensselaer County from Our Ride Leader Recognition Dinner on particular, who are looking for well-designed, Rensselaer through East Greenbush and March 28 kicked off the new season, and safe places to ride for fitness, pleasure, or Schodack to the village of Nassau. about 80 members attended. Ride leader daily transportation. Another contract has been awarded for jerseys were given to 6 new ride leaders with construction of the next 12-mile section 10 rides last year: Chris Hess, Kevin Kralovic, Albany Hudson Electric Trail going south through the towns of Chatham, Jacques Roeth, Dan Vickery, March Walling, The Valley Greenway is Kinderhook, and Stuyvesant, including the and Steve White. creating the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail Continued on Page 5 Continued on Page 2 (AHET) that will be a 36-mile bicycle and

Check for up-to-date ride information at: mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/calendar/rides MHCC Team Store Opens May 15 - See page 7 For Story & Link

THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Editor’s Note By Dave Kraus

- and increased participation for the public. Lastly, don’t forget to send me your news, elcome to the May newsletter! Our You can already see the influence as groups whether it’s ride photos or stories. Get Wextensive BikeAbout staff has been hard like Cycle Schenectady coalesce and begin involved! at work these past two months to get together their own efforts to promote cycling. Again, welcome to cycling season, and I a smorgasbord of club and regional cycling Also, don’t miss the story on page 7 hope you enjoy this new BikeAbout. news that will simultaneously inform and with all the details about the MHCC Voler entertain you. team clothing store opening May 15 for an I hope you are as thrilled as I am to see exclusive two-week run. The new MHCC how the Empire State Trail is progressing. style is smart, efficient, and visible on the It’s completion in 2020 is going to change road. Huge thanks to Howie Diamond, Bill cycling for the better across the entire state. Leahey, and Jon Benn for all their work on Kraus Grafik Services Segregated cycling lanes and trails equal safety making it happen. [email protected]

President’s Corner By Bill Leahey / MHCC President

Continued from page 1 We also had a Ride Leaders Meeting on • Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder Thank you for stepping up and leading club April 4, managed by Howie Diamond and is May 19. rides! We had a presentation by Tour de Cure Bill Little, with tech support ably provided • The Tour de Cure is June 9. on their June 9 event, and Andy Swartz is by Frank Kelly. We had about 30 ride leaders • The David Ryan 15th Anniversary leading an MHCC team this year (he’ll pay who learned about the new forms needed for Memorial Ride is June 29, led by for half your registration fee if you sign up). rides, and we had much discussion about how Dave Kraus. Dan Craven gave a moving talk about The to make the rides safer, how to keep a ride Our season is just beginning, and as I look Ride for Missing Children being held Sept. 9, together with sweeps and regrouping, and out the window, it’s sunny, no wind, and it’s and we had an interesting talk and slide show making rides a welcoming and fun experience. about 60 degrees. I’m going out for my first about Cycling Southeast Asia by Mike Cashin Here are some upcoming cycling events you warm ride of the year! Maybe April isn’t the and David Kircher. It was a good evening, but should have on your radar: “cruelest month” after all. I’ll make an effort to keep dinner meetings • May is National Bike Month, and May shorter in the future. 17 is Bike to Work Day. Bill

CLUB OFFICERS Ex Officio member: OTHER COMMITTEES Andy Swartz 518-322-1858 PRESIDENT [email protected] MAPS & REPORTS, CLUB HISTORIAN Bill Leahey 518-961-6001 John Berninger 518-439-6473 [email protected] CENTURY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR & RENEWALS, VICE PRESIDENT CHAIRPERSONS DATABASE MANAGER William Little 518-861-8769 Chet Lasell 518-708-3762 Joanne Petrozzi-Jones 518-831-1707 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] William Little 518-861-8769 SECRETARY [email protected] WEBMASTER Jude Sagor 518-729-3933 John Petiet 518-438-9102 [email protected] TOUR COMMITTEE [email protected] TREASURER CHAIRPERSON BIKEABOUT Becky Lazorchak 518-369-8401 William Little 518-861-8769 [email protected] EDITOR & DESIGNER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dave Kraus 518-852-9612 CASUAL & SPORTS RIDE COORDINATOR [email protected] Jon Benn 518-577-5943 Eric Randall 518-366-5353 [email protected] [email protected] ADVERTISING Robin Obrecht Krumanocker Christian Hess 518-281-0271 QUICK RIDES COORDINATOR [email protected] [email protected] Bruce Curtiss 518-587-4408 PHOTOGRAPHER Terry Peters 518-428-4069 [email protected] Bob Cohen 518-877-5552 [email protected] TOUR RIDES COORDINATOR [email protected] Howie Diamond 518-441-3519 Henry Wilkie 518-482-3902 [email protected] [email protected]

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 2 Ride the 2019 Tour de Cure With Team MHCC

worthwhile cause. iabetes is the seventh leading cause of Since this is first and foremost a fund raiser, Ddeath in the United States, and as of there is a $200 fund raising minimum per 2015 over 30 million Americans are living rider. You’ll find that raising that amount from with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Even friends, colleagues and local businesses is far worse, another 84.1 million have prediabetes, easier than you might think. a condition that if not treated, often leads to Registration from May 15 through June 8 is diabetes within five years. No matter who $25, but the Club is offering an incentive: If you are, it’s almost certain that you know you purchase and wear our new club jersey at someone who either has Diabetes or is in the Tour, the club will rebate you $10 of the danger of getting it. registration fee. On June 9, an MHCC team will be joining For further details, email team captain the fight against this serious disease at the Andy Swartz at [email protected], or American Diabetes Association’s Annual Tour register by going to www.diabetes.org, click de Cure at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds ride lunch and party. This is a very well-run on “Ride” in the nav bar, and do a search to in Ballston Spa. This is a great fund raiser for event that attracts over 1,000 riders annually. find the Capital Region Tour de Cure page. an important cause, and it’s an opportunity With a team of at least 30 riders, MHCC Then click on “Register” and you will be given for fun and fellowship that you won’t want to will have a meaningful presence at the Tour the option to join the MHCC team. miss! with the added benefit that club members As the premier cycling club in the Capital For those who have not participated before, will be assured there are fellow members to District, let’s do our part to beat diabetes! the Tour offers fully supported 10, 30, 50, 62 ride with at every distance. Don’t miss this - Andy Swartz and 100-mile recreational rides with a post- chance to make new friends and support a June 29 Ride Will Mark 15th Anniversary of David Ryan Riverview Road Death speeding at over easily been mine on one of my own regular n Saturday, June 29, I will be leading a 80 mph on the rides on that route. O memorial club ride to honor the 15th narrow, two Ryan’s death is symbolic of the dangers anniversary of the passing of David Ryan on lane road where cyclists face every time they go out on the June 29, 2004. the posted road. We shouldn’t forget David Ryan or any David was only 33 in the summer of 2004 speed limit was of our other cycling brothers and sisters who when he went out on his regular training ride 45. Paniccia have continued to pay the ultimate price on on the “river loop” route along the Mohawk eventually regional roads. River. He was a brilliant young scientist with pled guilty - Dave Kraus great potential for the future, working at the to criminally GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna. negligent When: Saturday, June 29, wheels down at 9 a.m. He was on Riverview Road on the north homicide and Where: Far east end parking lot at Shoprite Plaza, side of the river when his ride–and his spent three years in prison. off Nott St. just east of Balltown Road in Niskayuna. life–were ended by a speeding car. The driver, I never met David Ryan, but when I heard Who: Anyone who wants to attend. We will ride to the Joshua Paniccia, lost control as he rounded of the circumstances of his death I got a lump ghost bike site for a moment of silence, then turn a corner just east of Sugar Hill Road while in my throat, because his death could have back or continue on the river loop route. 2019 Club Events Calendar Club Board Meeting Century Ride Weekend Gravel Gobbler Ride

Wednesday, June 12th at Emblem Saturday-Sunday, September 7-8 Saturday, November 2, 12 noon Health, 1873 Western Ave, Albany, 6 pm. Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont S&S Farm Brewery All are welcome at this regular club board Purchase one ticket and ride both days, Jefferson Hill Road, Nassau meeting. explore the beautiful Albany County Watch the MHCC website, Facebook page, countryside. See page 8 for full story. and this newsletter for more details as this charity event takes shape.

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 3 Save the Date • April 30 and Beyond Erie Canalway Challenge BikeAbout is published five - Reach your one-of-a-kind, personal mileage goal – whether cycling, paddling, times per year on the 15th running, hiking or walking – with this program from the Erie Canalway National of the month in March, May, July, October, and Heritage Corridor. Go to https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge to December, by: get full information.

Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club • May 17 National Bike To Work Day PO Box 12575 - Everywhere! / bikeleague.org/content/bike-month-dates-events-0 Albany, N Y 12212-0575 www.mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org • May 18 Puck & Pedals Bike Tour ABOUT MHCC -Glens Falls / www.bikereg.com/41161 The Club consists of over 650 members who live and cycle in the Capital Region of New York State. MHCC • May 19 Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder sponsors road rides for all levels of cyclists within - Chatham / farmersdaughtergravelgrinder.com an 80-mile radius of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area. MHCC is affiliated with the League of American • May 19 Team Billy Ride & Walk for Brain Tumor Research Bicyclists. - Saratoga Springs / www.teambilly.org JOIN US! Join online at our website at https://www. • May 31 Whiteface Uphill Bike Race mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/purchase-mhcc- - Wilmington, NY / www.whitefaceregion.com/do/events/whiteface- membership. Membership cost is $20 per year per mountain-uphill-bike-race individual. You will receive an email reminder to renew, and you can renew for up to three years on our website. • June 8 Black Fly Challenge CONTRIBUTE TO BIKEABOUT - Indian Lake to Inlet, NY blackflychallenge.com Send your submissions and ideas to Dave Kraus at [email protected]. The deadline for submitted • June 9 American Diabetes Assocation Tour de Cure materials is the first of the month preceding the issue - Ballston Spa / main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/ date. Articles are accepted in DOC, ODF, RTF, or TourAdmin?pg=entry&fr_id=12754 TXT formats. Photos are accepted in JPEG, TIFF and EPS. Contact the editor regarding other formats. All rights to material published in BikeAbout revert to the • June 28-30 Cycle ADK Weekender Ride contributor following publication. - Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY/ http://cycleadirondacks.com/weekender/

ADVERTISE IN BIKEABOUT • July 21 Cycle ADK Ride for the River Contact our Advertising Director, Robin Obrecht - Wilmington, NY/ http://cycleadirondacks.com/ridefortheriver/ Krumanocker, at [email protected]. Ads are accepted as PDFs, with all fonts and images embedded. • July 27 Adirondack Mountain Club Ididaride Commercial advertising rates per issue are as follows: - North Creek / www.adk.org/play/cycling-information/ididaride/ Full Page $90 Half Page $70 • August 4 Chrissy’s Fund Memorial Ride Quarter Page $50 - The Hub-Brant Lake / www.chrissysfund.com/events/memorial-bike-ride/ Buy four ads and the fifth ad of equal size is free. • August 17-23 Cycle ADK Ultimate Cycling Vacation To advertise on the MHCC website, contact our webmaster, John Petiet, at [email protected] - Loop from Ticonderoga, NY/ http://cycleadirondacks.com/ultimatecyclingvaca tion/ Personal classified advertisements for members are free, and are published on the MHCC website. Contact • September 12-15 JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes webmaster John Petiet for more information. - Saratoga Springs/ https://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR/Ride/ ADDRESS LIST JDRFNationalRide?pg=entry&fr_id=7736 We offer our address list on mailing labels for purchase. Please contact our database manager, Joanne Petrozzi- • September 22 Cycle ADK Harvester Ride Jones at 518-831-1707 or [email protected] - St. Lawrence Co., NY/ http://cycleadirondacks.com/harvester/ for more information.

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 4 The new Pattersonville-Amsterdam trail connection allows cyclists to ride west from Pattersonville all the way to Little Falls on dedicated bike trail. Continued from page 1 short gap between Rotterdam Junction and the previously completed trail westward. Villages of Valatie and Kinderhook. Pattersonville forces cyclists out onto the Cyclists can now use the trail without riding Further planning is underway for the shoulders of Route 5S. along Route 5S and bypass the Cranesville remaining 7-mile section through the towns According to James Boni, Empire State Block quarry with its weekday heavy truck of Stockport and Greenport to complete this Trail Coordinator for Region 1, both of these traffic. Riders can go west from Schenectady Empire State Trail segment to Hudson. gaps will be eliminated by fall 2020, including more than 50 miles all the way to Little Falls Trail construction was slated to start by re-routing of the bike trail and construction of on dedicated bike trail. Once the Rotterdam the middle of April, and work will continue a new trail underpass at Scrafford Lane. Boni Junction sections are complete, that distance in various locations along the route during said contracts for both sections are scheduled from Schenectady will increase to 58 miles summer 2019 and 2020, with completion to be let in December, 2019, and construction one way. of the entire trail scheduled for fall 2020. will be largely finished by the end of fall 2020. The trail offers many scenic views so riders When completed, the trail will give cyclists Further improvements for cyclists and can experience picturesque vistas of the and other alternative road users a modern, pedestrians have also recently been funded Mohawk River, along with great opportunities continuous connection from Rensselaer south along Route 5S in the village of Rotterdam for viewing nature. Visitors can also take in all the way to Hudson. Junction, where a lack of sidewalks and the scenery from the multiple benches placed crumbling pavement have made cycling along the new section of the trail. For more information and updates on the Electric difficult alongside highway traffic speeding MHCC riders will have many opportunities Trail, visit their website at www.ahettrail.org/. through the village. to experience this new section of the Empire Scheduled improvements include new State Trail in 2019 with the “Saturday Spin” Rotterdam Junction-Pattersonville sidewalks, traffic slowing measures, and ride series frequently using the trail to give Sections & Scrafford Lane Underpass solar powered radar speed signs, plus members a safer and more enjoyable cycling This short missing section of the trail has comprehensive signage to guide cyclists experience. long frustrated cyclists going west from through the village to follow the trail. For a ride route map of the current Empire State Schenectady. The current trail dead ends Pattersonville-Amsterdam Empire Trail west from Schenectady to Little Falls, go to at Scrafford Lane in Rotterdam Junction at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29842672 the railroad tracks connecting the SI Group State Trail Connector A new 4.7-mile section of the Empire State chemical plant in Rotterdam Junction with For more information and updates on the Empire Trail between Amsterdam and Pattersonville the CSX railroad mainline. State Trail, visit their websites at https://www. opened in October 2018. This trail addition Trains are often parked on the tracks, ny.gov/programs/empire-state-trail and https:// follows an abandoned railroad bed and blocking further trail access. Even if the route www.ny.gov/empire-state-trail/about-empire-state- includes a mile in Rotterdam and four more is clear, users must awkwardly carry their trail. miles in the Town of Florida to hook up with bikes across the tracks. Further west, another - Dave Kraus and Christian Hess

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 5 May 4 Spring Kickoff Ride Attracts 50 Riders

ednesday, check the weather forecast . . . Thursday, Wcheck the weather forecast . . . Friday, check the weather forecast, then roll the dice and make the decision. Saturday morning, it’s raining, but the forecast and radar look good. That was the week and hours leading up to the MHCC Spring Kick Off event at Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery on May 4. Fortunately, Lisa Stewart and her staff at ILFCB are pretty flexible. While we were not greeted with a sunny spring day, it was dry and warm enough for a great couple of rides. Fifty riders scoffed at the clouds and made it out to Altamont, with 17 on the Sport ride that covered roads familiar to the “Thank Goodness It’s Thursday” ride group in the villages of Altamont, Guilderland Center and Voorheesville. The 32-mile multi-pace ride attracted 33 riders with its climb up Bozenkill in at the finish and went in search of food and a libation. Road and descent though Thacher Park for a total of more than The after-ride cider, beer, brats and veggie tacos were enjoyed 2,000 feet of climbing! while club members traded stories about their ride, their winter Long time club member Frank Kelly summed up his ride with adventures, and plans for future rides. It may have been overcast, a post on Facebook that read in part: “The Helderbergs excursion but MHCC riders made it into a very bright day. Thanks to reminded me that there is big difference between dawdling along ILFCB for hosting the event. the and the occasional hill in Voorheesville and taking on - Jon Benn the escarpment for two hours.” Frank had a big smile as he rolled

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 6 MHCC Jersey Team Store Open May 15-June 2 “Retro-look”jerseys feature classic, simple graphics and a wide variety of items are available in men’s and women’s sizes

Front

Back Ride Leader Front

MHCC Team Store Link: https://www.voler.com/browse/cat2/?cat=grp&store=28870

aybe you missed the first opportunity to order the new and it’s a great advertisement for our club. Our first order Mjersey design back in January, but now you have the resulted in over 60 items sold, and now the selection of items is opportunity to order not only the new jersey, but also a variety much larger. of other items available as well, including: Also, note that you also get 10% of anything on the regular Voler retail side of their website if you order at the same time as • Short-sleeve Jersey your club gear. • Windshell Vest The Voler MHCC Team Store opens May 15, and closes June 2, • Windshell Jacket and items ordered in the team store will be shipped on or before • Thermal Jacket July 19. So don’t miss this two-week opportunity to order your • Pro Shorts new MHCC gear. • Pro Bib Shorts - Bill Leahey • Pro Knickers • Pro Bib Knickers • Arm, Leg, and Knee Warmers • Shoe covers • Cycling Cap and Thermal Beanie • Gloves Many of these are available in both men’s and women’s sizes. If you want to fly the MHCC flag from head to toe in any season, this is your chance! This new club clothing has a classic, simple design reminiscent of the Tour de France jerseys of the past. The large yellow panels have great visibility on the road, and all the pieces feature the new club logo. We picked Voler to design and produce our jersey, as we’ve used them in the past, and they create quality garments that last forever. It’s also a big plus that they’re made in the USA. I have the wind shell, and it’s a great design, very good quality,

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 7 Century Weekend Returns to Altamont Fairgrounds September 7-8

org) for a link to the 2019 MHCC Century registration page earing the call of the road? Another fantastic Capital that will include registration fees, routes, and start times. HRegion bicycling season has begun and it’s time to mark Reserve your spot early for the biggest MHCC event of the your calendars for this season’s biggest cycling events–like the season! annual MHCC Century weekend! • Register before July 1, 2019 for the early bird price. The 2019 MHCC Century is set for September 7 and 8, • Register for Saturday or Sunday –or ride both days if you 2019, based again at the Altamont Fairgrounds’ Dutch Barn. wish. Registration starts May 15th on BikeReg.com. Join us in • Each ride starts and ends at the Altamont Fairgrounds and September for some outstanding riding and socializing, and to includes a cue sheet, full route markings and staffed rest stops, celebrate MHCC’s 50th anniversary year. and SAG support. Watch the MHCC website (www.mohawkhudsoncyclingclub. Continued on page 10

Sponsored Content Sponsored Content Sponsored Content Cycle ADK Supports MHCC with “You Ride. We Give.” Initative When registering, use the code MHCC at bicycling and provide opportunities t Cycle Adirondacks, we strive to for cyclists to meet, ride and enjoy our checkout and we’ll give $100 back to the Abe good stewards – in everything sport. we do. Which is why we’ve made it a club. It’s that simple. Mohawk-Hudson members can priority for our events to give back to directly impact how much we give our host communities and supporting by participating in the August 17-23 organizations. It’s a cool way to connect Ultimate Cycling Vacation. When our riders directly with the Adirondacks. registering, use the code MHCC at One powerful vehicle for that checkout and we’ll give $100 back connection is our partnership with to the club. There is no limit to the Adirondack Foundation. Through this number of MHCC members who collaboration, we provide seed money use this incentive…the more you and raise funds for community generated ride, the more we give. It’s that simple. projects benefitting our three overnight So, gather your cycling pals and come hosts for the annual Ultimate Cycling join us on the shores of Vacation. this summer! Since the campaign was introduced CycleADKGives. These are just a few of the ways that in 2017, it has provided over $12,000 And new for 2019, we’re looking to cycling makes the world a better place in funding for community generated give back directly to the cycling clubs and we’re honored to partner with projects. You can read about these and bicycle related organizations around so many fine organizations, clubs and projects at CycleAdirondacks.com/ North America who work to promote communities.

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 8 Cycle Schenectady Takes Shape By Art Clayman

In 2001 the city of Schenectady adopted a bicycle master plan calling for infrastructure additions including bike lanes, links between the bike trail and downtown, and a series of greenway loops around Union College, Central Park and other places. That plan was never acted upon, and last year the city adopted an updated, improved version of the plan. But the same fate is also likely for this new plan unless someone continues to speak for cyclists and make sure the plan moves forward. That’s the major reason why I contacted 15 people I know who care about cycling and asked if they wanted to be involved in a bike advocacy effort for Schenectady similar to efforts that have been successful The bike lanes on Nott Terrace in Schenectady are a welcome addition to the city. Unfortunately they are in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and many only a few blocks long and end abruptly. Cycle Schenectady hopes to change that. other places. road with cars, because they’ve been there would be one bike lane going north To my surprise, most of them said yes. taught how to ride safely. And, finally, on Garner Avenue and another going We have since held two meetings with where motorists have been taught to south on Lexington Avenue. a dozen attendees. As I write this in late respect cyclists’ right to use the road. It also calls for connectivity — to other April, we are about to hold a third on May In places with a real bike culture there bike lanes, off-road paths, and to different 1. are group and community rides for neighborhoods. Current lanes like the one The group is enthusiastic about experienced riders as well as beginners; on Nott Terrace end abruptly and unsafely. incorporating, becoming a 501(c)3 bike races and other events; and times Connectivity is key if people are going to non-profit organization, and getting to when certain streets are closed to auto seriously consider using their bikes to get work. Our ultimate goal is to create a traffic and cyclists have them all to to work and otherwise get around. bike-friendly Schenectady in terms of themselves. There are coffee shops, bars Improvements in way finding are also safety, health, recreation, transportation, and other spaces where cyclists can gather, included, such as maps and kiosks showing economic development, and community hang out, and talk about bikes and cycling. distances and routes. These provide building. But all of this won’t happen unless important information to cyclists, and say Bike lanes are crucial. The city installed Schenectady first becomes a place to everyone that cycling is a valued and two last year on streets in the Hamilton that is safe and welcoming for cyclists. routine part of the community’s life. Hill neighborhood, and the new master Implementing the bike master plan is the Installing signage and bike racks is plan calls for more. But equally important key to doing that. relatively easy to do, and they are two is creating something more that can The new plan is an update of the earlier of the bike advocacy group’s short-term be found in any truly bike-friendly one, improved and more ambitious. In goals. Other objectives include getting community: a real bike culture. the last 18 years, as cycling has grown the city to adopt Complete Streets A successful culture effort creates in popularity, many communities have legislation and appoint a bicycle advisory a community where bikes aren’t just become bike-friendly, and the planners committee to make sure cyclists’ voices tolerated, but supported and encouraged. who did the update benefited from new are heard when the city repairs or rebuilds Where kids and adults ride bikes for fun, ideas, designs and practices. a road. Recent projects fail to do this, like health, recreation and transportation. Matched streets are one example of Where people aren’t afraid to share the Continued on page 10 these improvements. Under the new plan,

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 9 Continued from page 9 Amtrak services makes it possible on a the recently completed, multimillion- Upcoming Cycle limited basis to bring your bike, and while dollar reconstruction of Erie Boulevard, here, visiting cyclists would be sleeping which made no provision for bikes. Schenectady Events in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, How do you persuade city officials and Thursday, May 23, 5:30 p.m. perhaps gambling at the casino and politicians, many of whom don’t bicycle, Casual group ride from the Great Flats catching a show at Proctors. to get fully behind this plan and the idea Brewing Company, 151 Lafayette St., It’s clearly in Schenectady’s best interest of a bike-friendly Schenectady? There are a Schenectady to become a bike-friendly community, and number of ways. Mayor Gary McCarthy has told me he is First, show them the Electric City Bike Wednesday, May 29, 7:00 p.m., interested in working toward such official Rescue on open shop nights. The place is Group meeting at Electric City Bike status from the League of American packed with kids and adults looking to get Rescue, 189 Jerry St., Schenectady Bicyclists. That’s another goal of the bike an inexpensive bike, or get their own bike advocacy group. fixed. The group’s next meeting is May 29, Show them how bikes bring business Show them that bicycle tourists and but we are planning an introductory ride when 700 cyclists pedal through their disposable income will go a long way for Thursday, May 23, from downtown to Schenectady in mid-July each year on the to ride in a bike-friendly destination that the casino area and bike path. It will start annual Cycle the Erie tour. In the last two has things to do and see. at 5:30 p.m. from the Great Flats Brewery years, many of them have stopped and residents are already finding their way to on Lafayette Street in Schenectady and frequented downtown bars, restaurants the Capital Region to zip line at a new end there. Please come join us. and businesses, thanks to the facility in Glenville, and to rock climb introduction of a secure bike corral where now that Thacher Park offers facilities. Art Clayman is a serious recreational cyclist, the riders can leave their bikes and walk It’s easy to envision cyclists from the Big former bike commuter, and longtime Capital around worry-free. Apple making Schenectady a destination Region journalist. To learn more about how Show them that millennials — the kind to ride its bike-friendly streets and take you can make Schenectady a bike-friendly city, of people who want to live and work in a advantage of the many beautiful rides contact him at [email protected]. city, and who new businesses want to hire in nearby areas such as the Glenville — are looking for a place that is walkable hills, Albany Hill Towns, Pattersonville, and bikeable. Duanesburg and Saratoga. The city’s brand new train station with

lunch is provided to registered riders check in, rest stops and other tasks, Century Weekend . . . and volunteers. Join old and new riding including prior to the event. Volunteer Continued from page 8 friends at the Dutch Barn and refuel through BikeReg registration and ride • See the back roads, lakes, and with a healthy meal from Delmar’s Four for free or donate your ride to others. mountain views on 100, 62.5, 50, 25, Corners Luncheonette, including a Volunteer Saturday, ride Sunday or vice and 12-mile routes. refreshing adult craft brew from Brown’s versa. Pre-event volunteers may ride Experience some of the best scenic Brewing Company. So hang out and either or both days. roads in southern Albany County with compare stories about your Century For more information on volunteering, rides for everyone from hard-charging Weekend adventure. email Jude Sagor: [email protected]. enthusiasts to weekend warriors and We love and need volunteers for event Also at Century Weekend, MHCC newbies. The 25 and 12-mile routes will again collect charitable bicycle parts follow roads immediately around donations at the check-in to support Altamont, so bring the whole family. the Albany Bike Rescue. This is a great Find the perfect route to drink in natural opportunity to help others and recycle landmarks like Lawson Lake, Basic any bike parts stashed in your cellar or Creek Reservoir, Partridge Run Wildlife garage. Management Area, farmlands and forests - Chet Lasell & Bill Little in the Fox Creek Valley and vistas from the Heldebergs. Like last year, a post-ride catered Jude Sagor had a great time. You will too!

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 10 Scenes From The Road

MHCC club members took to the rolling terrain of Rensselaer and Columbia ride is a friendly, multi-pace, no-drop affair with regular regroups. Leaders Counties on March 21 for the first Tuesday Night Rensselaer County Ride, alternate between Gary Toth and MHCC President Bill Leahey. See the ride starting at the Schodack Park & Ride on Rt. 20 just east of I-90. The weekly calendar on the MHCC website for more information. (Photo by Walt Klimek)

The Farmer’s Fatty Ride on Sunday, March 17–St. Patrick’s Day–treated participants to a 25-mile course over mostly dirt roads around the S&S Farm Brewery near Nassau. The ride was hosted by Andy Ruiz and Jon Stillman, who also organize the Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder annually in Chatham. At left, cyclists enjoy brisk temperatures, blue skies, and dirt roads in this photo courtesy of Dan Marhafer. Above, John Berninger enjoys some special recovery treats that celebrated the holiday.

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 11 Scenes From The Road

Chet Lasell (in red, above) and Gary Toth (in orange) led the 2019 Gravel In the photo above, riders on Bachus Road head uphill toward the brewery Gobbler Preview Ride on Sunday, March 31. The first Gravel Gobbler last year to finish the ride. Below left, riders stop for a rest stop and some scenery on attracted over 90 riders and raised $2,400 for the Capital Region Food Bank. the bridge across the Kinderhook Creek on Spangler Road. Below right, new This year’s ride on the dirt roads surrounding the S&S Farm Brewery outside of MHCC club member John Gillivan is all smiles as he gets ready for his first Nassau is already scheduled for Saturday, November 2, this year. gravel ride. (He survived.)

The BikeAbout/ May 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 12 RIDE GUIDELINES CLUB MEMBER LCI’s

NOTE: All ride schedule listings are now hosted at the MHCC website to assure Tami Flanders the most up to date ride information – Go to: .mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/ [email protected] calendar/rides Bob Fullem | [email protected] Everyone is welcome on rides sponsored by required to follow all traffic rules and regulations. Claire Nolan | [email protected] the Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club, however, our Examples are stopping at stop signs and red traf- Bert Schou | [email protected] insurance policy only allows non-members to fic lights, as well as riding single file when being John Vendetti | [email protected] participate in one club ride per year. Riders should overtaken by traffic. arrive at least 15 minutes before the ride starting See below for information about ride pace League Certified Instructors are certified time. All riders must wear helmets. A rider groups, and ride coordinators to contact if you by the League of American Bicyclists, the will not be allowed on a ride if he/she does would like to lead a ride. national organization for bicycle advocacy. not have a helmet. Riders are expected and They are individuals interested in promoting RIDE CATEGORIES AND THEIR SUGGESTED PACE RANGES: safe and effective cycling as a means of • Casual: 10-12 MPH Listed speeds represent the intended average speed recreation and transportation for all ages. All • Sport: 12-14 MPH for the ride. Flats and descents may be faster and candidates must pass courses covering topics • Tour: 15-17 MPH climbs slower. including fit, maintenance, handling, vehicular • Quick: 18+ MPH cycling and the rules of the road. In addition, they review and reinforce the topics learned RIDE TERRAIN DESCRIPTIONS ARE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING “TGIF” and how to present them to others. They are (TOTAL GAIN IN FEET) GUIDELINES: qualified to lead classes in schools and other • Flat: TGIF less than 250’ per 10 miles groups for both children and adults. • Rolling: TGIF between 250’ and 500’ per 10 miles • Hilly: TGIF between 500’ and 1,000’ per 10 miles For more information or to set up a class, • Mountains: TGIF greater than 1,000’ per 10 miles contact any of the LCI’s or go to https:// Individual climbs on a ride that are potentially more difficult than the overall TGIF suggests should be www.bikeleague.org/content/become- noted in the ride description. instructor

RIDE THE TOUR de CURE on TeamMHCC The Tour de Cure, the annual fundraiser to benefit the American Diabetes Assn, is one of year’s the top cycling events.

 Fully supported 10, 30, 50, 62 and 100- miles rides.  Post-ride lunch and party.  Proceeds help fight a disease that afflicts 30 million Americans.  Ride with your TeamMHCC teammates.

To join TeamMHCC, register at www.diabetes.org or contact Andy Swartz ([email protected]) for further information. June 9th, Saratoga County Fairgrounds

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