Volume 52, No. 5 December 2019

BUILT TO LAST . . . MHCC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS By Linda Waxman Finkle “The MOHAWK-HUDSON WHEELMEN club, affiliated with the League of American Wheelmen, is a touring club. Members are bicyclists who enjoy the company of others in this exhilarating and beneficial sport . . . In addition to riding activities, the club endeavors to promote the use of by the public at large.”

These lines from the 1973 Mohawk-Hudson Wheelmen’s fact sheet lay out the essence of what MHCC has always been about: friendship, active Continued on page 7

were common all over the US, Woodstock this year, we reached out to President’s Corner happened just down the road in Bethel, Neil club “elders” to see if there By Bill Leahey, MHCC President Armstrong walked on the moon, and the were any remaining original Beatles released Abbey Road. Oh, and a minor members, or even members eason’s Greetings! This issue is a fact – I graduated from high school, and could from the early 70s, to give us Scelebration of the 50th anniversary of go to college because I got a high number in a flavor of the early years. We the MHCC, formerly known as the Mohawk- the first draft lottery, and wouldn’t be drafted. had no luck. Hudson Wheelmen. Our club was created And you thought we’re currently living in So, I looked at the first in 1969, a very historic year: the Vietnam perilous times! BikeAbout, published in September 1970, and war was raging, anti-war demonstrations When editor Dave Kraus started Continued on page 2 investigating how to write this story early

Check for up-to-date ride information at: mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/calendar/rides Gravel Gobbler Report: Page 21 Riding the TATR: Page 25

THE MOHAWK HUDSON CLUB President’s Corner By Bill Leahey / MHCC President Continued from Page 1 and white picture), while serving as sweep VP, and Christian Hess was elected Secretary, saw that the VP of the club was Ed Somers, on a 180 mile ride through the Adirondacks, all for 2 year terms. Jon Benn was elected to and his address was in Nassau. I went to the bike is long gone, sold in a garage sale… the board for a 4 year term. Congratulations Columbia HS, and had many friends in Clint’s brother is even in the photo of the to all! Nassau, one of them named Ed Somers. There Wheelmen’s first ride in October 1969. So, So have a great holiday season, and enjoy was a good possibility the VP was my friend’s we didn’t find out a great deal about the early the time with friends and family. My cycling father. I tried to find the young Ed Somers years, but we did our best. Dave Kraus will season ended about a month ago, after a 38 online, but couldn’t find him. Fortunately, have more articles about the anniversary in mile ride in 38 degree weather with Gary I had my 50th high school reunion in this issue. Toth and Walt Klimek, so all my bikes have September, and where was it held? The Nassau The other event of note was our festive been put to bed for the winter, and have been Sportsmen’s Club! Within minutes, I found Holiday Party, December 5th at McGreivey’s replaced in my garage with downhill and cross a classmate whose sister was married to in Waterford. The appetizers were tasty, and country skis. I love playing in the winter, but Clint Somers, whose Dad was the senior Ed the holiday drafts delicious, but damn was living here in the winter can be challenging. Somers. it noisy in that little room with about 60 Think spring! And dream of April trips to Clint had some interesting printed material, members in attendance! Fortunately, the cycle Majorca, or anywhere south of us where photos, and badges that his father earned on musician in the adjoining bar took a break, the temps are edging above 50. various rides, and though we have a picture and we got the election results announced. I of Ed holding his yellow Schwinn (in a black was elected President, Bill Little was elected Bill Planning Starts Early for 2020 MHCC Tour de Cure Team he Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club has it’s a great cause, amount from friends, colleagues and local Tformed a team to ride in the American allows us to businesses that you frequent is easy, and will Diabetes Association’s Annual Tour de Cure in give back to our soon have you meeting and exceeding this 2020. Registration is now open and is $10 to community and amount. join through 12/31/19 (after that it bumps up offers MHCC great For further details, email me at to $20). visibility to fellow [email protected] or register by going The Capital Region Tour de Cure will cyclists who may to www.diabetes.org and click on the “Get be held on Sunday June 14th, 2020 at the decide to join our club. If we can sign up 30 Involved” option and then the fund raising Saratoga County Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. riders for our team, we will have a meaningful option to bring up the Ride for Tour de Cure The Tour offers fully supported 10, 30, 50, 62 presence at the Tour with the added benefit link. Put in your zip code to do a search for and 100-mile recreational rides with a post that club members will likely be able to ride rides in our area and click on “2020 Tour de ride lunch and party. As those who rode in with fellow MHCC members at every ride Cure: Capital Region Ballston Spa, NY on past Tour de Cures will attest, this is a very distance. June 14, 2020”. Click on Register and then well run event that attracts over 1,000 riders As this event is first and foremost a “JOIN a team” and you will be able to join the annually. fundraiser, there is a minimum fund raising MHCC team. MHCC sponsored a Tour de Cure team last amount of $250. Remind yourself that it’s As the premier cycling club in the Capital year and this year my goal as team captain is for an important cause – the fight to prevent District, let’s do our part to beat diabetes! to continue the Club’s participation because and cure diabetes. You’ll find that raising that -Ron Stefanski 2020 Club Events MHCC Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 15, 2020, Ride Leader’s Ride Leader Recognition Dinner: Thursday, 6:00 p.m., Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Avenue, March 26, Italian American Club (Probable). Guilderland, in the Normanskill Room Ride Leaders Meeting: April 1, 2020, Location TBD. First Century Committee Meeting: January-February, Spring Kick-Off Ride: Saturday, May 2, Indian Ladder Farms Exact date and location TBD. (Probable). February Board Meeting: Wednesday, February 26, Gravel Gobbler Ride: Saturday, November 7 Location TBD. S&S Farm Brewery, Jefferson Hill Road, Nassau Adirondack Sports Expo: March 21-22, Saratoga Springs City Center. Volunteers needed for MHCC booth. Watch the MHCC website and Facebook page for updates as planning continues for all of these events.

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 2 Save the Date • May 9, 2020 – Tour of the Battenkill BikeAbout is published five - Cambridge, NY/ tourofthebattenkill.com times per year on the 15th of the month in March, • May 17, 2020 – Farmer’s Daughter Gravel Grinder May, July, October, and - Chatham / www.farmersdaughtergravelgrinder.com/ December, by: • September 5-6, 2020 – MHCC Century Weekend Mohawk-Hudson Cycling Club PO Box 12575 - Altamont Fairground, Altamont (preliminary location) Albany, N Y 12212-0575 www.mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org • November 7, 2020 – MHCC Gravel Gobbler - S&S Farm Brewery, Nassau, NY ABOUT MHCC The Club consists of over 650 members who live and cycle in the Capital Region of New York State. MHCC CLUB OFFICERS TOUR COMMITTEE sponsors road rides for all levels of cyclists within an 80-mile radius of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area. MHCC is affiliated with the League of American PRESIDENT CHAIRPERSON Bicyclists. Bill Leahey 518-961-6001 William Little 518-861-8769 [email protected] [email protected] JOIN US! VICE PRESIDENT CASUAL & SPORTS RIDE COORDINATOR Join online at our website at https://www. William Little 518-861-8769 Jim Anderson mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/purchase-mhcc- [email protected] [email protected] membership. Membership cost is $20 per year per individual. You will receive an email reminder to renew, SECRETARY QUICK RIDES COORDINATOR and you can renew for up to three years on our website. Christian Hess 518-281-0271 Bruce Curtiss 518-587-4408 [email protected] [email protected] CONTRIBUTE TO BIKEABOUT Send your submissions and ideas to Dave Kraus at TREASURER TOUR RIDES COORDINATOR [email protected]. The deadline for submitted Becky Lazorchak 518-369-8401 Henry Wilkie 518-482-3902 materials is the first of the month preceding the issue [email protected] date. Articles are accepted in DOC, ODF, RTF, or TXT formats. Photos are accepted in JPEG, TIFF and BOARD OF DIRECTORS EPS. Contact the editor regarding other formats. All OTHER COMMITTEES rights to material published in BikeAbout revert to the Jon Benn 518-577-5943 contributor following publication. [email protected] MAPS & REPORTS, CLUB HISTORIAN John Berninger 518-439-6473 ADVERTISE IN BIKEABOUT Jim Anderson [email protected] MEMBERSHIP CHAIR & RENEWALS, Contact our Advertising Director, Robin Obrecht DATABASE MANAGER Krumanocker, at [email protected]. Ads are Terry Peters 518-428-4069 Joanne Petrozzi-Jones 518-831-1707 accepted as PDFs, with all fonts and images embedded. [email protected] Commercial advertising rates per issue are as follows: [email protected] Howie Diamond 518-441-3519 WEBMASTER Full Page $90 [email protected] John Petiet 518-438-9102 Half Page $70 Quarter Page $50 Ex Officio member: [email protected] Andy Swartz 518-322-1858 Buy four ads and the fifth ad of equal size is free. [email protected] BIKEABOUT To advertise on the MHCC website, contact our webmaster, John Petiet, at [email protected] CENTURY COMMITTEE EDITOR & DESIGNER Personal classified advertisements for members are Dave Kraus 518-852-9612 free, and are published on the MHCC website. Contact CHAIRPERSONS [email protected] webmaster John Petiet for more information. Jim Anderson ([email protected]) ADVERTISING ADDRESS LIST Steve White ([email protected]). Robin Obrecht Krumanocker We offer our address list on mailing labels for purchase. Additional volunteers are needed and [email protected] Please contact our database manager, Joanne Petrozzi- welcome for this committee. PHOTOGRAPHER Jones at 518-831-1707 or [email protected] for more information. Bob Cohen 518-877-5552 [email protected]

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 3 MHCC at 50 Years–and a Crossroads experienced, mostly male riders. That needs to fter fifty years and hundreds of Editor’s change. There’s a large audience out there of Athousands of miles on the road, the new and casual riders, including the group of Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club’s long ebike riders that’s sure to grow. This club needs group ride has reached a crossroads. The Column to create more regular club rides, events, and direction we turn will decide whether services to serve those audiences, then make sure those potential customers find out about this club will endure for another fifty by Dave Kraus years. them. As a club member for quite a few years now, If we don’t control the conversation, we will be 700 riders at the annual century event! Today I’ve seen a pretty good cross section of the controlled by the conversation. This isn’t so much club membership hovers between 650-700 and participation in club rides and events, including one action as it is a revision of the way we think this year’s century weekend had 249 unique the annual Century Weekend. Since this is my every day as we plan and execute rides, events, participants. last column as BikeAbout editor, I’m going to and services. This only confirmed what I’ve been seeing, take this opportunity to make a few observations • The club’s online presence needs to be and over the past year I’ve been voicing my and give you my take on what’s going on. So this updated to better reach out to those new concerns to Bill Leahey and Bill Little by making column may be pretty long. I hope you will stay audiences. several suggestions. I’m gratified that they have with me till the end. Our website has a host of useful features, been listening to me and others and taking My biggest impression is that club riders are courtesy of great work by Frank Kelly and action. getting older, and there are fewer new faces others over the years. But the design and user- • MHCC needs to make a concerted among the group that volunteer their time and friendliness has fallen behind current trends. The effort to market the club to younger effort to make things happen in the club. Linda time is right to re-think how our website works, riders, casual riders, and families. Finkle’s superb retrospective 50th anniversary how it represents the club, and how all our Any product needs to appeal to as large an story in this issue points out that, during the other public promotions including social media, audience as possible to ensure success. And 1990’s, our club membership was over 1100, email marketing, and the club newsletter can be make no mistake, MHCC, it’s rides and events, with club rides almost every day of the week leveraged to drive prospective club members to are a product. Right now, it’s a product that and 59 ride leaders. One year there were over the site. Continued on page 5 seems to be aimed pretty squarely at older, more

There’s a bright future on the horizon for MHCC, but we must ride toward it together and pitch in to help each other–and all cyclists in the Capital Region.

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 4 Continued from page 4 rebranding effort, and I’m being helped by need to be a rider to do this. Christian Hess, Dan Craven, and Jim Anderson. • Give us your ideas. Do you have ideas That includes revamping the BikeAbout. It’s We will be working closely with Jim and Steve for the website? For the Facebook page? For been rewarding to be editor, but simply doing White, who have volunteered to be the new new ride events? How about a catchy, Capital the same 8.5 x 11 newsletter on a screen is not Co-Chairs for the Century Committee. Our Region appropriate name and mascot for the the way to the future. We need to be able to post goal is to create a new brand personality that is century event? Tell us! Email Bill “BL” Leahey active links, use video, and take advantage of any engaging, friendly, portable, and accessible for ([email protected]), Bill “BL2” Little other new online capabilities. My suggestion novice and casual riders. ([email protected]), or myself (dbkgrafik@ to the Bills has been to add an easily accessible Now it’s YOUR gmail.com) and share your ideas. news page to the website, link to it from social turn to decide • Spread the word. Help us promote the club media promotions, and add to the package with he average whether you want by sharing publicity for rides, events, and club a monthly email digest to all members. to be part of this features using your own social media network, Our web home must be the ultimate target of Tage of riders success and keep whether Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any all our promotions. I’m currently participating it going. It’s not other. in a work group with Frank Kelly, Howie at this year’s as difficult as you • Attend a meeting. Any meeting is fine. Just Diamond, John Petiet, and David Liebschutz Century Weekend may think. Here’s show your face and your interest! Learn about to make that happen. We could use your help, a few suggestions: your club and meet some fellow members. ideas, and experience, and we’re having our event was 57. • Lead a ride. MHCC is you, and you are MHCC. If meeting on January 4. Just ONE good people like you don’t help us spread the • The Century Weekend event needs to Need I say more? ride. We’re in word about the club and the incredible benefits be re-branded to create a new, more particular need of of cycling, then there may not be another fifty accessible, more fun event. ride leaders for easy, casual, flat rides for new years to celebrate. That 1,000 member plateau Like the website, MHCC’s signature annual members on area back roads and bike . is a good goal. Thanks for staying with me and event is a great idea that needs some refreshing We have a whole new page on the website that reading all of this. to attract new audiences. The average age of lists many of these rides along with resources Postscript: As I mentioned, this is my last riders at this year’s event was 57. Need I say for easily making cue sheets: issue as editor of BikeAbout. I’ve enjoyed the more? Plus, from my own experience trying https://www. experience of serving club members, and thanks to promote it to friends, the name itself is mohawkhudsoncyclingclub.org/about-mhcc- to Bill Leahey, Bill Little, Chet Lasell, and intimidating to new and casual riders. “A rides/casual-and-bike-path-rides-new- everyone else who contributed over the past century? One hundred miles? Oh, I couldn’t riders • Become a ride “Hospitality Leader.” year. Special thanks to Linda Finkle for all her ride that far.” Help the ride leader by riding sweep and helping exceptional help with writing stories for this Fortunately, we already have some great pull slower riders back up to the group. Better 50th anniversary issue, and double special thanks examples of how to move forward, courtesy of yet, appoint yourself the official “Hospitality to Ruth Morrow for her patience with me Chet Lasell and Bill Little. First, over the past Leader” and make it a point to speak to every working on this all year! You are the very BEST, two years they have moved the event to a new other rider before the ride start to find out who Sweet Lady! location at Altamont Fairgrounds, introduced they are. If it’s their first ride, make them feel some new features, and gotten us some good welcome! This is a hugely important role we feedback on what works­—or not—to attract need to emphasize on every ride. You don’t even new riders. New routes, more challenging routes, a bit of gravel road, food trucks, expo There’s a place for every kind of rider and every kind of bike in MHCC. type vendors: all are good things to try. Chet has also shown us with the Gravel Gobbler how a totally new event with the right vibe can be hugely successful for cycling in the Capital Region–and for our club. He’s created a new brand with a great idea, name, mascot, slogan, and cause. The Gobbler attracted 94 riders in its first year in 2018. There were lots of riders I’d never seen before and a healthy number who had never tried a gravel ride. Chet’s determination to create a relaxed, friendly, no-drop vibe worked great. Word spread, and this past November 2 we had over 220 riders! That’s a 135% year-over- year growth. The charity component was also a positive, and we raised $6,000 for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. We owe Chet a huge thanks for showing us the way. Bill Leahey has asked me to lead this

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 5 name – like the Gravel Gobbler, a very successful event created by Chet Lasell. Guiding MHCC • Century Weekend Committee: Co-chairs are Jim Anderson ([email protected]), and Steve White ([email protected]). Long Through time volunteer coordinator Jude Sagor has been replaced by Margaret Carle ([email protected]). So far we The Next have Dave Cooper keeping his role as the manager of the food vendors, and providing food for rest stops, and Dave Higgins will work with routing and route 50 Years marking. Many more volunteers are needed, both to plan where and how the event will happen, and on the day of the By Bill Leahey, Club President event.

years, and has hovered around 650 for • Adirondack Sports Expo his issue of BikeAbout has been the past five years. While this is a healthy Committee: March 21-22 in Saratoga. Ta celebration of the MHCC in its membership level, it’s apparent that we’re We don’t have a chairperson yet, and we first 50 years, and it’s a good time to an aging group, and younger members are need 4 booth volunteers for Sat and , consider how to make the club thrive urgently needed. At the last Century, the with the average shift being about 41/2 for another half century. The aims of the average age of the participant was 57! hours. Please help to reach out to new club were established in the bylaws of the If you look at the picture of the first members. corporation, and can be found below. ride of the Mohawk-Hudson Wheelmen, • Website Redesign Committee: there are many young riders in the group, AIMS: The corporation is established for Consists of Frank Kelly (fkelly12054@ something rarely seen on present rides, the benefit and social enjoyment of its gmail.com), Howie Diamond and this is something we need to address. members and guests. Its primary aims ([email protected]), Dave I thank the ride leaders who led rides are: 1. To promote bicycles and bicycling Kraus ([email protected]), and in 2019, and look forward to new ride in all its aspects, including but not John Peteit ([email protected]). Our leaders stepping limited to bicycling as a recreational, website software is no longer supported, up for 2020. social, athletic, and transportation “If you look at the and we need an updated website that can But in addition activity. 2. To promote all forms of picture of the first ride be easily accessed via smart phones, and to leading rides, recreational and athletic activities. can be integrated with commonly used of the Mohawk-Hudson you can help apps. If information technology is up your While this has worked for the first half Wheelmen, there are shape the club alley, please contact one of the committee century, maybe it’s time to rewrite the many young riders in in the next members. Our next meeting is January bylaws, or even have a mission statement the group, something half century 4th. that reflects what the club is now, and rarely seen on present by becoming what it wants to become. Because we rides . . . “ involved with a promote bicycling, we don’t promote club committee Happy New Year! other recreation and athletic activities. We or event. are primarily a club that provides rides, on Here are some of the groups that look And I’ll see you on most days of the week, where members forward to hearing from you. the road in 2020 can safely participate in group rides, • Century Rebranding Committee: and share the experience with other like Led by Dave Kraus (dbkraus@earthlink. minded individuals. –Bill net), the goal is to have a name for our In the early years of the club, September event that doesn’t suggest membership was in the hundreds, grew it’s only a century, and have an appealing to about 1000 in the Lance Armstrong

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 6 Continued from page 1 lifestyle, and safe riding for all. Founding Member Ed Somers said it best: “My idea of the club was just to have a group of people enjoy riding with each other.” With Randy English, Bill Himmelwright, and Pete Margiotta, he started an organization that has thrived for fifty years, and created bonds that have lasted lifetimes. Shari and Dick Gibbs, ride leaders and active members since the mid-80s, speak fondly of the many close friendships they’ve made through the club. Bernie 1973: The century Mansbach, a weekend rides attract 42-year member, fifty riders over two talks about the days wonderfully interesting The 1981 BikeAbout staff. There’s also mention of a Fifth Avenue people he’s met, and Frank Kelly, provided a summary of local activity: Bike Club in Troy that had 25 members in whose bathroom is covered in bike “One of the groups on the local scene the summer of 1974 but only lasted about maps, remembers the many dedicated was the Heldeberg Wheelmen, later the six months. Even earlier, in The Wheel and individuals who lead rides. Heldeberg Cycle League, an Albany based Cycling Trade Review in the late 1800’s, the organization that lasted two or three years. following appears: he Wheelmen were not the only At the same time there was a Schenectady “Cycling is somewhat on the decline at Tcycling club in the region. In March oriented racing group, the Adirondack Troy, N.Y. on account of the poor and 1977, President Geoff Stein, who Road Club. In Cohoes, there was a branch Continued on page 8 often included the title, “The President’s of the Century Road Club Association. In Message” in a different language Saratoga, there were the Free Wheelers . . (Die Botschaft Des Prasidents, Messaggio . they recently split into two groups, one Presidenziale, etc.), in the BikeAbout, keeping the original name and the other Riders gather at the Washington Park calling itself the Saratoga Velo Club.” Lakehouse on November 19, 1971 for the Wheelmen’s first Albany Bikeway Tour.

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 7 Continued from page 7 BikeAbout were Henry’s Schwinn hilly conditions of the roads. The Trojan Cyclery in Schenectady, Meyers Wheelmen have about fifty members, Bicycle Center in Delmar, and Down but few of them ride nowadays, and the Tube Cycle Shop in Albany. Bike Troy Bicycle Club, although it has a large racks were ordered by Five Rivers membership, is not often represented on Environmental Center because of two the road.” club rides through there. Betty Lou And, in the June 1996 BikeAbout, Bailey and other members joined the information is provided about the Albany Bennington Club for a ride around Bicycle Club, the Troy Bicycle Club, and the Tomhannock Reservoir, John the Saratoga Bicycle Club, all formed in Hanrahan hosted a Lake Luzerne 1880. outing and ride, and Dave Dembling Let’s look at a few BikeAbouts over the and five members did a 25-mile New decades for clues to MHCC’s success. York City Ride, reporting: “East Side, West Side, All Around the Town . . . Central Park was a pure The 1970s delight with all the bicyclists, pedestrians and horse cabs out doing their thing . . . In March 1973, President Pat We all plan to do it again next year, and Gerfin reported that MHW officially maybe even a tour of Boston will occur, became Mohawk-Hudson Wheelmen, so think about it.” Inc. Membership stood at around 200, Other ride leaders included Bob with dues at $3.00. Rides took place Wilcox, Steve Brown, Don Gerfin, on weekends, and went as far as the Sr.. John Fuerst, Claire Boink, Johnstown Fish Hatchery and Doug Maeder, Bill Beam, Walt Catskill Game Farm. There were two Peterson, Luke Sherameta, and classes of rides, Tour: Medium Pacing, Alex Roberts. Memorable ride and Casual: Reduced Pacing, “…usually names included the Beats Me What half the mileage of Tour.” It’s Called Ride (East Greenbush), The club’s Century Rides started in Almost to Charlton Ride, Catskill View the 1970s, and by 1973, 50 participants Conditioner, Boustrophedonic One came out over the two days, with Bob Hundred (the club’s first Century), Ellis at the top, completing Toure De Schenectady, and 100 miles in 6:42. By 1975, Afternoon After Meeting 99 Century Ride Patches 1973: MHW officially Ride. were handed out. Time trials became Mohawk- Not everything was had also begun, sponsored by Hudson Wheelmen, Inc. perfect. President Pat Inside Edge Bicycle Shop Gerfin also noted: in Schenectady. These took “Two of the worst faults of place at Riverview Road over the club when we are riding as a group 10 miles, and Bradford Knipes had are wandering over too much of the road the best of the season at 24:37, out of 69 and not getting off the road when we riders. The July 1973 BikeAbout notes, take a rest stop. Second is consideration “For members who’ve been wanting to of each other. It would be nice to get go beyond the ‘touring’ area of bicycling, through this whole year without having this is a start in that direction. MHW a complaint that someone felt they will be increasing this phase of bicycling weren’t wanted on a ride. Let’s be in the future.” patient with new riders and the riders In addition to Inside Edge, other who overestimate their capabilities.” local shops that advertised in the Continued on page 9

THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 8 Continued from page 8 The club also had its second hit & run accident on the Saratoga Battlefield. At right, Dick Gibbs A proposal was put forth to have the club with some of the mountain bikers he sponsor and run a bicycle course open to and Shari welcomed all ages that would include instruction on to their homemade trails. riding, maintenance, nomenclature, safety, and long-distance riding. Below, Bill Himmelwright, along with Ed Somers, Randy English, and The 1980s Pete Margiotta, were the original founders The 80s saw growth in membership of the club. numbers to 1,000 riders, with Century Ride participants coming in at around 400. Wednesday evening Leader’s Choice rides were now part of the regular schedule, and a Quick Tour category of 13-16mph was added early on, emphasizing that cyclists should be capable of riding 100 miles in eight hours. Toward the end of the decade, other pace guidelines came into play including Slow, Rapid Ride, You’re On Your Own, and Mountain Bike. Club rides took place in every month, with at least six per weekend in the six prime riding months. Many shops ran display ads in The BikeAbout, including new entrants Bracken’s Ski and Bike in Clifton Park, Clifton Park Schwinn, Lou Plaine’s Warehouse in Schenectady, Adirondack Bicycle Repair & Touring Shop in Scotia, PJF Bicycles in Albany, Yankee Doodle Bikes in Rensselaer, Steiner’s Sports near Valatie, The Bike Shop in Saratoga Springs, Down-to-Earth Bike Works in Watervliet, The Heritage Bikesmith in Defreestville, Freeman’s Bridge Sports in Scotia, Plaine’s Bike & Ski Warehouse in Schenectady, Carman Bicycles in Schenectady, Ski Market in Latham, The Bike House in Troy, Pedal Power Bike Shop in Ravena, Spring City Cycle Center in Saratoga, and Klarsfeld Cyclery in Albany. Classified ads took up more than a full page and cost $1.00/line (but free to MHW members), and the price of membership increased to $15 annually. Bernie Mansbach, who was a certified Effective Cycling Instructor, began to teach Continued on page 10

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 9 Continued from page 9 a ten-week, two-hour class that covered everything from bicycle design to cycling techniques, and included maintenance, safety, bicycle handling and traffic. Former Club President and Associate Curator of the NYS Museum, Geoff Stein, mounted an exhibit, “The Ideal Wheel: New York Bicycle Design, 1868-1985.” Keith and Ruth Smith in Rexford ran Pathfinder Bicycle Tours, offering weekend and 5-day tours in the Adirondacks and Cooperstown. In the Racing Notes column of the October 1985 BikeAbout, Tim Miller compares marathon runners and racing cyclists. After discussing eating habits and stress on the body, he gets to something else that really bothers him: Above, in 1987, Geoff “When racing cyclists race, they turn Stein and his 1901 themselves out in really spiffy team shorts Crescent Drive and Charles Meinert with and jerseys and every rider looks like a his Columbia Hard million bucks, at least at the beginning of Tire Safety appeared as extras in the the race . . . But runners turn out in a kit trolley strike scene that is often difficult to distinguish from of Ironweed, the film based on William worn out pajamas lopped off at the thighs Kennedy’s Pulitzer- and elbows. The end of the Stockade-a- prize winning novel. thon looks to me like a horde of destitutes At right, Dick Gibbs hurrying away from-or perhaps towards- and another rider on the end of the world . . . If you have any the road. runner friends, pass this on. Urge them to Below, Dick and brighten up and buy a bike.” Shari pose at their The cost and availability of liability Rensselaer County home. insurance was a constant issue, and Vice President John Podgorski worked on bringing club insurance costs down by requiring ride leaders (about eighty) to have some First Aid and CPR training. Consideration was also given to affiliating with American Youth Hostels who provided insurance coverage to everyone in the Five-Boro Bike Ride in NYC. As membership numbers grew, so did interest in other kinds of cycling, and meetings were held to discuss mountain bike, tandem and family rides. Geoff Stein and his 1901 Crescent Drive and Charles Meinert with his Columbia Hard Tire Safety appeared as extras in the trolley strike scene of Ironweed, the film Continued on page 11

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 10 Continued from page 10 members volunteered. Frank Kelly Instead he discovers based on William Kennedy’s Pulitzer-prize recalls that the event made the club A few hundred others winning novel. thousands of dollars and was a wild Companions, all just as insane. GEAR ’89 (Great Eastern Area Rally) success. During the limerick contest, New committees were added including Saratoga was a full weekend of rides, Jonathan W. Sands had the winning Government Relations and Education workshops and special events hosted entry: & Safety. Working with New York State, by MHW and LAW, where 120 club A biker at GEAR braves the rain, the club co-sponsored the first annual Fearing he’s lost half his brain. bike-to-work day, and helped with implementation “I didn’t know how of bicycle good I had it. The parking for Mohawk-Hudson was state employees at the Empire there for me when I State Plaza. was hopelessly out And, through of shape and just the work of trying to get my blood Government moving. As I got in Relations chair shape, the club was Herb Alfasso, the Delmar there to encourage Bike Ban was me and to motivate repealed. Lastly, me.”- Chuck Pasteros, the club worked a former member who closely with St. had moved to southern Peter’s Helmet California Safety Program during the summers. The 1990s

BikeAbouts in the 90s show rides added on Wednesday mornings, and Thursday and Friday evenings. Women’s Only Rides and Biking for Beginners Rides were introduced. Membership had grown to over 1,100, with over 700 on the Century Rides. In 1991, 2,447 riders participated in 207 rides run by 59 leaders. Mountain bike clinics and time trials were held every Monday evening at Shari and Dick Gibbs’ farm. Shari said that they were highly attended, and to this day the trails behind their home are used by mountain bikers. Club members were even invited to spend a weekend at the Schenectady Wintersports Club lodge in Stowe, VT during the summer at a reduced rate, to enjoy road and off-road cycling. In Continued on page 12

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 11 Continued from page 11 the April 1992 BikeAbout, Rick “Nasty” Crowe offered the following tips for : “Don’t dress fashionably. They only do this on magazine covers and road bikes. If you do, the ‘Hammerheads’ will take great delight in splashing you at every opportunity . . . Never show up with a clean new bike. If there is no mud around, try this: Mix two cups flour with one cup cocoa and 1 ½ cups water. Splash liberally all over bike. If this doesn’t work, scrape it all off with a sharp tool, mix in a cup of pecans, a cup of sugar, and 1 ½ cups of water. Bake until done. At least you’ll have brownies to bring along with a scratched-up bike.”

ach Tuesday evening at 5pm for Ealmost twenty-five years, Shari 1991: 2,447 riders ran a 30-mile Quick Tour ride near participated in 207 the Rensselaer Plateau, leading 20-40 rides run by 59 riders. In addition to spending hours leaders. checking out roads and mapping out interesting and safe rides, she would often bring desserts for the end of the ride, or the group would go out for pizza, pasta or rice pudding after at Villa Valente in West Sand Lake. Dick recalled, “Shari and Charlie Cramer were stronger riders than I was, but the group stayed together. Everyone was having a different experience on their bike, and it was fun to hear about people’s Above, this was a “spin bike” in 1989 in this BikeAbout ad from Freeman’s rides when the ride was done.” They also mentioned Barb Bridge Sports. At left, Les Plaine welcomes customers to his store on upper State Street, “1 mile west of Mohawk Mall.” in the same 1989 issue. Plaine recently retired and closed his store in Schenectady. Benson, who was a very strong rider, and whose mom worked in a bakery and who would also bring a supply of cookies and carrot cake. Shari led many other rides, including an 81-miler to Mount Greylock, the Stephentown Stump, and Intro to Hills 101. Chuck Pasteros, a former member who had moved to southern California, wrote in to The BikeAbout after six years away: “I didn’t know how good I had it. The Mohawk-Hudson was there for me when I was hopelessly out of shape and just trying to get my blood moving. As I got in shape, the club was there to encourage me and to motivate me. It’s a lot harder to ride every Tuesday night without Shari Gibbs and Villa Valente pasta. I will always remember my first ‘Assault on Mount Greylock’ when Dick Gibbs circled back from the pack and rode with me on the approach. He convinced me I could make it at least to the Nature Center at the beginning of the hill, which I did…I know that Dick was just giving back some of what the club had given him, and I tried to do the same myself.”

Continued on page 13

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 12 and sponsoring cycling events of other organizations. A new committee, Share the Road, headed by John Grasso, helped in the production of a TV piece on children and bicycle helmets with Benita Zahn, while Al Cannistraro and Herb Alfasso worked to build bridges with state transportation officials to help identify problem roads. And, the club became MHCC during these years, after much discussion. (See story on page 15.) Peggy Day and Barb Benson led a Tour Day Casa in July of 1992, to celebrate Peggy’s new home. After a forty-mile ride, everyone was invited to her home for a potluck housewarming party, typical of the friendliness of club members. The November before, the two Photos were few and far had led a Bike and Bakeoff from Barb’s between in past BikeAbouts, but there were occasional glimpses home. Monthly meetings had interesting of club members distinguishing speakers, with presentations by club themselves on the road and elsewhere. Above, Steve White members who had gone on trips, talks and Camille Hehn get ready to on new mountain bikes by shop owners, do some wine tasting on club training talks by coaches, and eating for member and ride leader Bill Maurer’s Wine Country Tour in cycling by nutritionists. 1995. At right, in another 1995 photo, The Early 2000s BikeAbout photographer Darryl Caron shows off his cycling style during the Killington Biathlon The new decade and century saw more in this photo from the Rutland rides on the club’s calendar, with each Herald. Today Caron is the long day of the week having anywhere from time editor and publisher of Adirondack Sports magazine two to five options available. Ride leaders (www.adksports.com). who led ten or more rides were awarded Ride Leader jerseys, and all members could now get discounts at several local cycling shops. Club meetings sometimes were held in pubs and the traditional ride leaders meeting became the Spring Kick Continued from page 12 were popular. Tandem rides became Off with raffles, a human scavenger hunt, more popular due to the efforts of Rick good food and drink, and information on upcoming events and leading rides. ally North, which took two years Crowe, and Bernie Mansbach often road tandem with his late wife, Sonya, MHCC had their own team for the Rof planning by Dan Vickery Tour de Cure, helping those who live with who had multiple sclerosis, but could still and his committee, went very well. diabetes. (The club still has a Tour de Cure Special Rides included Beginner’s ride. He also rode tandem with Barb Benson when she developed MS. Team. See the story on page 2 of this issue for Bike Camping-Malta to Moreau, information on participating.) We joined the Martha’s Vineyard, and Stowe Hot Issues which came to the fore in the 90s included making sure that participants Orange County Bicycle Club and the Tub III. Interest in mountain biking Mid-Hudson Bicycle Club for the continued to grow and a series of rides in in casual pace rides stayed within the guidelines, getting the membership to Tri-Club Ride and Junk Food Fest, the wild forest areas of the Adirondacks, benefitting the Dutchess County the Adirondack Discovery Series, become more active outside of riding, increasing club education offerings, Continued on page 14

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 13 Continued from page 13 opt out of receiving a printed version of the BikeAbout, and SPCA. Frank Kelly completed the online registration and most did. President Skip Holmes worked with the Town of renewal module, and Service Awards were established as a Bethlehem Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee new tradition with Frank receiving one for his many years of to develop lawn signs which reminded motorists to watch out dedicated service to the club. for pedestrians and cyclists. Membership hovered around 700, Chris Roe and the mountain with over 300 member led rides bike crew started work on an each season. A new mini-century MHCC Mountain Bike weekend kick-off was tried out Festival at Grafton Lakes in the spring of 2016, and free State Park, and the BikeAbout spinning classes were offered now had a separate Mountain to all members in conjunction Ride Calendar. Dave Kraus put with the Capital Bike Racing together singles rides for those Club and the Bethlehem Tri looking to, “…find a Significant Club. Plans were also put in Other who likes cycling as much place to hold events with the as you do…” Inserts about Cambridge Valley Cycling the club started to appear in Club. former BikeAbout editor Darryl In May 2016, MHCC co- Caron’s Adirondack Sports & sponsored the Northeastern New Fitness magazine, and the club York Regional Bike Meeting, had a booth at their expo at well. which brought together many Between 2004 and 2005, local stakeholders to discuss tragedy struck as three MHCC bicycle issues like the “Three members lost their lives to Foot Law.” And, the Membership cycling related crashes: David Survey in early 2017 saw over Ryan, Bill Page and Mark 170 responses, and highlighted Fiato. Memorial rides were the need to bring in younger held, and in the June 2005 BikeAbout, members and to try new approaches to President Brian Daniels wrote: “We’re good to cycling some club activities. “A grief counselor might ask, ‘If one good In the July 2006 BikeAbout, Shari thing could come out of this, what would it and cycling is good to Gibbs said, “We’re good to cycling and be?’ I don’t know the answer to that question. cycling is good to us.” For fifty years, Maybe it’s in the way we respond to these us.” - Shari Gibbs hundreds of cycling enthusiasts who accidents. Don’t mothball your bike. Come became dedicated and hard-working out and ride. Make a point volunteers have made of meeting new people on MHCC what it is today, rides. Do some favor, big a critically important or small, for a fellow rider. organization well-known Consider staying back with for inspiring, challenging, someone who gets dropped and fun rides, trips, and on a ride. People will need events, that also plays a to talk about this tragedy. pivotal role in education, Be willing to listen to them. advocacy, and safety. Engender comradeship and Thousands have enjoyed new friendships. From all riding with us, have learned I’ve learned about Mark much from us, and have over the past few days, I become healthier because think he’d like that.” of us. We’ve ridden an outstanding Half-Century. Let’s make our second Half-Century even more memorable! he ride calendar started to be updated online, a new Twebsite was developed, and members were also able to

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 14 A Wheelman by Any Other Name . . . The Great Bike Club Name Change Controversy

By Linda Waxman Finkle Both women and men argued that wheelmen was obsolete, patriarchal, inappropriate, and sexist. Joe ver MHCC’s fifty-year history, no issue has and Lynne Zoske wrote: Oengendered the kind of controversy that “For if progress and change should be halted the name change has. From the very early days, because of their ‘bothersome’ nature, we would all voices rose up against the name “Mohawk-Hudson still be living in caves . . . so let us all have the Wheelmen,” first suggested by Ed Somers, one of the courage to rise to the challenge of bringing our club club’s four founders. In a letter in the January 1985 into the 1980’s!” BikeAbout, he vociferously defended the choice: In early 1985, a vote was taken, with the majority “Are the Dallas Cowboys, cowboys? Are they boys? voting to change the name; however, it was not Are the Giants, giants? The name Wheelmen does not 75% of those voting, as required by the by-laws. have anything to do with men. Those who claim it does Out of the 39 who voted to keep it, 15 were are the personification of bigotry, they express sexism women. The issue seemed to be settled . . . for a in its lowest forms.” few years. Betty Lou Bailey, arriving in 1970 from Things bubbled to the surface again in the Philadelphia (where she’d been President of the Valley summer of 1994, as letters appeared stating that Forge Cycling Club) argued that the name made women were not joining the club in protest of the one think of a motorcycle club. Apparently, though, name, that some female members would not buy or wear club jerseys, and repeating the arguments of embroidered club patches had already been ordered Betty Lou Bailey and there was a bicycle on them, so the name stuck. the past calling wheelmen an anachronism. The LAW In the May 1983 BikeAbout, Geoff Stein wrote of a pending had already changed their name to the LAB. Shari and drive to change the club name, and letters continued for the next Dick Gibbs weighed in: two years, collected by Herb Alfasso in The MHW Name Change “Look to the future. The club seems well established as the Chronicles. Stating that the name was chosen to be in concert with leading advocate for cycling in this region. Yet it cannot rest on the League of American Wheelmen, Stein felt that women were past accomplishments. We must constantly ask ‘How can it perform never discouraged from membership; indeed a woman served better service to a greater number of riders?’, or risk being pushed as President for three terms in the early 70s, and the current aside to the margins… . . . over time it will become an ever bigger President was also female. He also mentioned the inconvenience, issue to not bring the club name into the current era than to do costs, and possible legal implications of changing the name. Joy something relatively simple now.” Beeson, BikeAbout Editor, also supported keeping the name, feeling that MHW was well-known in the area and a change like Joy Beeson, still the Editor in November of 1994, noted: this could mean “losing ground.” “It was the consensus at the general meeting that discussion of the club’s name should be concluded as soon as possible, in the interest of having members on speaking terms at the start of next year’s riding season.”

The December 1994 BikeAbout is the last with MHW on the cover. Inside are letters both for and against, and a ballot submitted by Gary Thomann that the name be changed to MHCC. The by-laws had already been amended requiring only a 2/3 majority, and the timing was right. The rest, as they say, is history.

THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 15 MHCC 1971 Gr o u p Ri d e

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 16 State-of-the Art . . . 1969 Style If you rode an adult bike in the first years of the Mohawk- Hudson Wheelmen, that bike was most likely a Schwinn Varsity. My own first serious “grown up” bike was an orange Varsity, purchased with the first $100 bill I ever saw; profits from my Suburban Life paper route. Schwinns were built like tanks, put together with heavy steel and lots of chrome. A typical Varsity tipped the scales over 40 pounds, tricked out with a full set of “Schwinn Approved” components. Schwinns were also everywhere, by far the most popular brand in the country. Take a closer look at that cover photo of the first club ride, and the vertical oval of the Schwinn head badge is on every bike in the picture, whether it was a banana seat “Stingray” model, or one of the drop bar bikes, usually a Varsity. By Dave Kraus The Varsity was the flagship, the everyman’s VW Beetle of bikes that introduced millions of Americans to and the words “ten” and “speed” used together. From 1951 till 1986, it was the bicycle almost every American teenager wanted, and perhaps more than any other bike, it was what enabled the growing popularity of cycling that made the founding of MHCC possible.

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 17 As MHCC celebrates its first 50 years, we thought it would be fun to show very early versions of the bicycle itself. Clearly, this was an engineering problem to be solved by creative individuals around the world in about 100 years. HOW DID

1790 WE GET HERE? Frenchman Comte de Sivrac invents the Celerifere. It is wooden, with no pedals or steering. 1817 German Karl Drais creates the steerable Draisienne (laufmaschine, swiftwalker, hobby horse). Equipped with a steerable front wheel, it is wooden, and still driven by kicking the ground with your feet.

1839 Scottsman Kirkpatrick Macmillan develops a system of levers and pedals allowing riders to propel with their feet off the ground.

1858 French father and son duo Pierre and Ernest Michaux invent first or boneshaker. Wooden with steel wheels, cranks and pedals are now connected to the front wheel. 1866 English engineer James Starley invents the Penny Farthing (high wheeler, ordinary bicycle). This is the first metal machine with rubber tires. Front wheels are larger to increase distance traveled with each rotation, but the bicycle is difficult to mount and accident prone. 1885 English inventor John Kemp Starley creates the first . With a steerable front wheel, and a chain connecting pedals to the rear wheel, this is the predecessor to what we ride today.

Research by Linda Waxman Finkle

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 18 1969

Research by Linda Waxman Finkle A Year to Remember MHCC officially began in 1969 as the Mohawk-Hudson Wheelmen. What was the rest of the world doing that year?

• Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon with • 250,000 stage a peaceful protest against the Vietnam War in DC Apollo 11 • The Jackson 5 make their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show • The Beatles have their last public performance on the roof of • The US, USSR, and about 100 other countries sign the nuclear Apple Records non-proliferation treaty (NPT) • Boeing introduces the • The Stonewall Riot in NYC marks the start of the Gay Rights 747 jumbo jet Movement • The Manson Cult kills 5 • Sesame Street is introduced by the Children’s Television Workshop people • The FCC bans all cigarette ads on TV and radio • Pontiac debuts the Firebird Trans Am • The International Labour Organization wins the Nobel Peace Prize • 350,000 fans attend the • At Wimbledon, Rod Laver beats John Newcombe, and Ann Jones Woodstock music festival defeats Billie Jean King • The Concorde has its first • The Dow closes at 800 test flight in France • The average cost of a new home • Richard Nixon becomes is $15,550 our 37th President • The Mets defeat the Orioles in • The Jets defeat the Colts in Super Bowl IIII the World Series • The Saturday Evening Post publishes its last edition after 100 years • The Godfather by Mario Puzo is distributed to bookstores • Oliver wins for best picture at the Academy Awards • A little-known kids show host, • Senator Ted Kennedy’s car plunges off a bridge in Chappaquiddick Fred Rogers, speaks and sings at a • ABC premieres The Brady Bunch Senate hearing and saves $20 million in funding for PBS

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 19 Bernie Mansbach: A Life On Wheels With MHCC Story by Bill Little/MHCC Vice-President

fter this year’s Century Weekend, where Bernie Mansbach Aacted as guest ride starter Saturday morning, I caught up with him for a chat about the club and his riding lifestyle. Bernie recalls that he has been a member of the club for about 42 years almost since it’s inception. He recalls that when MHCC was first born they called it the Mohawk-Hudson Wheelmen, a product of the minds of a few dedicated local cyclists who wanted to have more fun on two wheels with more friends. In 1994, the name was changed to Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club with the urging of Jackie Skolnick, club president at the time, and obviously a visionary when it came to equal rights for women. “We were not a big club in those days,” Bernie remembers, “And members had meetings every month during the season, until it grew in numbers to the point where such gatherings became too ungainly.” All rides were posted in a monthly or seasonal newsletter that advised members when and where to show up for different types of rides. Bernie was one of the ride leaders, leading multiple rides for many, many years, including when he was the club President during its Wheelmen days. Century Weekends were a big thing then for the club, just as they are now. Bernie recalls how a number of Century Weekends were run from Shenendehowa High School and riders could do four 25- mile laps to complete a Century. He remembers doing his own four laps to do his Century but sometimes others did a double Century (eight laps), starting early on Saturday and ending after midnight. I know of that he hadn’t tackled. He and his wife did bike touring One year the Century was based out of the Town of Summit and camping in the U.S. and Europe before many people even in Schoharie County, where the elevation is 2164 feet above sea thought it was cool. Whether it was camping or on a supported trip, level–and the only way back to the starting line from anywhere he has ridden in the U.S., Ireland, Denmark, Greece, France, Spain, on the route is back up to that same elevation. Bernie recalls that and the list runs on and on beyond recall. location happening only once. Adding to his accomplishments, Bernie is also a former cycling The club has grown over the last four decades since Bernie joined. instructor certified by the League of American Bicyclists. He used Elected officers to travel to various LAB rallies around the east, including a number and Boards have of tandem rallies with his wife. come and gone, the Bernie never owned more than four bikes at once, including a ride information is couple of Trek aluminum bikes and the aforementioned tandem now all online, and rig. He is now holding steady at two. When I caught up with him we communicate recently at the Altamont Bagel shop mid-point for the Sunday through MHCC’s morning Century Weekend ride he was riding a cherished, rare Facebook page. Bill Lewis custom, built in Scotia in the 70s. This is featured in the But Bernie has accompanying photo, with Bernie astride this classic frame speaking never stopped riding. with Tom Harrison, another long-standing club member. I couldn’t bring up Check out the hot red shoe covers. The pleasure was all mine, Bernie, left, and Bill Little get ready to start one any local routes that Bernie! of the rides at Century Weekend.

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 20 2019 Gravel Gobbler Draws Almost 230 Riders, Raises $6,000 for Regional Food Bank

Riders head out on the 38-mile gravel route at the second annual MHCC Gravel Gobbler at S&S Farms in Nassau. Dave Kraus Photo Gobbler and how to make improvements to enhance the overall n December 3rd, club members presented a check for the experience. It’s not too early to put this event on your 2020 cycling Oproceeds from the Second Annual Gravel Gobbler–$6,000–to calendar! The Third Annual Gravel Gobbler is scheduled for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY to help serve hungry Saturday, November 7, 2020. (More photos on following pages.) and disadvantaged people in 23 counties. The contribution was made possible by the nearly 230 bike riders who registered for the club’s event held on November 2 in Nassau. Held on the dirt roads surrounding Nassau and Chatham, NY, the event has allowed MHCC to contribute a total of $8,400 over the past two years to support the Food Bank’s mission. A big thanks to all the riders who participated in the Gravel Gobbler and to those who volunteered. Many Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club members, and club friends, had a hand in making this year’s event special. The club would like to say thanks to the following individuals for their help: Dave Beals, Jon Benn, Colleen and Sean Bryar, Bob Cohen, Art Goedeke, Christian Hess, Dave Kraus, Mary Lasell, Bill Leahey, Bill Little, Karl Miller, Ruth Morrow, John Petiet, Jude Sagor, Ellen Tarbay and Gary Toth.

This event would not have been possible without the support Mary Lasell Photo of our hosts S&S Farm Brewery, as well as Bountiful Bread and Gravel Gobbler organizer Chet Lasell, at right, and MHCC member Dave Kraus present the Gravel Gobbler check to Mark Quandt, Executive Director of the Gourmeli’s Taste. Food Bank of Northeastern New York, on December 3 at the Food Bank’s Event organizers will be talking over the winter about the 2020 Latham Headquarters.

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 21 Dave Kraus Photo TOP: Gravel Gobbler organizer Chet Lasell gives the pre-ride safety talk before the 23-mile gravel ride.

LEFT: The beautiful Gravel Gobbler cookies were handed out to all advance registration riders, courtesy of the strong support for cycling events from Bountiful Bread in Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany.

RIGHT: A big thanks to the registration desk volunteers who helped check in the record turnout for the growing Gravel Gobbler .

BOTTOM: Riders on the 23-mile gravel ride pass a barn on 7 Bridges Road near Old Chatham. Dave Kraus Photo Dave Kraus Photo

Dave Kraus Photo The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 22 Walt Klimek Photo Bob Cohen Photo Time for a hydration break at the corner of 7 There was no shortage of every kind of bike and rider at this year’s Gravel Gobbler, where the Bridges and Ford Roads relaxed, friendly vibe is the theme of the day.

Riders cruise through the trees on White Bridge Road during the 23 mile gravel ride.

Dave Kraus Photo The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 23 Dave Kraus Photos TOP: Riders leave on the 23-mile gravel ride from the familiar landmark silos at S&S Farm Brewery. LEFT: The friendly mechanical services of Velofix were on hand to provide mechanical support for Gravel Gobbler riders. BOTTOM: Art Goedeke brought (almost) all the comforts of home to help him prepare to lead the 38-mile gravel ride.

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 24 ‘Dacks to the Max

Inge and Carl Aiken Ride the Road to Adventure on the 580-mile Adirondack Ride

Bryan Chambala Photo Story by Linda Waxman Finkle Photos by Jeremiah Reiner, Bryan Chambala, and Miles Arbour month), runner, skier and all-around multi- that these days, most of her exercise had been sport athlete, she wanted to tackle TATR since coming from because of recurring hat do you get when you mix six she’d first heard about it. “It sounded like a foot problems. This year, heavily recruited by Wmillion pristine acres of mountains, great way to explore the Adirondacks’ farthest Intrabartola, she agreed to give the TATR a valleys, lakes and cliffs, with one of the fastest backroads after falling in love with these High shot if her husband, Carl, would do it with her growing types of bicycle travel–and throw in Peaks twenty years ago.” to celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary. individuals who live for extreme physical chal- Over the years, she test-rode various sec- “To my great surprise, he said ‘yes’! For the lenges? The Adirondack Trail Ride (TATR), of tions of the route, and grilled Intrabartola course! Conceived by local Mikey Intrabar- Continued on page 26 about the event. Her biggest concern was tola, just five short years ago, this ride/race is already achieving legendary status. TATR is a solo, self-supported 550+ mile bikepacking ride through some of the most challenging parts of these mountains. The route promises and delivers trails that are rugged, technical, rocky, and full of routes on pavement, dirt road, single and double track. And, just for fun, it also features bushwhack- ing, river crossings, creeks, lots of insects, and all kinds of weather. Typically, half of those who start don’t finish, and no more than fourteen have registered per year, with several racing multiple years to try and improve their times because, amazingly, it’s also a race. So, who would actually want to put themselves though this cycling version of “Naked and Afraid?” Inge Aiken’s infectious excitement for life is evident from the moment you meet her. As a former pro cyclist, multiple Adirondack Jeremiah Reiner Photo 46er (completed in every season and every Inge and Carl join other racers in reviewing the course and navigation aides before the ride start.

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 25 Adirondack Trail Ride Continued from page 25 majority of our marriage, I was the one drag- ging him on hikes, runs, etc., and he happened to greatly increase his fitness level this year. Being into swimming meant my bike fitness was not up to par, so we had a bit of a role reversal.” Into the Woods The two 58-year-old engineers set out on the traditional second Friday of September race start with the other riders in the “Grand Depart” from Northville’s Waterfront Park. Participants can also go on their own anytime May through October. There were times during the ride that Inge describes as “soul crushing.” The first day and the last, wading through river crossings with water almost waist-deep, plus a slog on foot up a hill where it felt like in quicksand, Jeremiah Reiner Photos only to realize they had gone the wrong way, Inge and Carl head out with other riders from Northville on their TATR adventure. were especially challenging. They averaged 75 to stay at an inn. Riders can camp anywhere, miles a day, covering 300 miles of pavement, except private land, and there’s plenty of 200 of gravel, and 100 of rugged single track, water around, if there’s a way to purify it. including twenty miles on day one. But other re-supply options are few and far “I was being pushed to my limits, and Carl between, and can require long detours off the coaxed and encouraged me every day. He’s a race route. The Aikens did their best to plan much stronger mountain biker than I am, and carefully for the challenges they might find he learned patience as I tried to be tough. But, along the route, and for their on and off-bike the constant change was a bonus for us because equipment. we were never bored!” TATR has official rules, including no support Trail Magic crews and finishing with the bicycle you start The first re-supply opportunity is at with. Participants are lucky to see even one Speculator at mile 70, the next at Indian Lake of their fellow racers over the ten or so days at mile 108; many times, good choices are at that they’re out on the course, and human least 50 miles apart. According to the rules, contact typically occurs when restocking at a however, “Trail magic” is allowed, like when Stewart’s, a hardware store, or if they choose free apples and coffee appear unexpectedly Adirondack Trail Ride Route at a stop, or better yet, Lobster Scampi and steak. That was the surprise in Oswegatchie, a tiny town in St. Lawrence County. TATR is a big deal for the residents, who track the Jeremiah Reiner Photo Inge rode her Santa Cruz Highball bike with a single riders, and folks from the town’s Education front chainring, Blackburn bikepacking bags to carry Center wanted to prepare something special. gear, and other modifications to increase comfort and practicality. The magic continued that night with hot Jeremiah Reiner Photo showers and a dry bed, as they listened to heavy rain. “I was getting run down, so the timing was ideal.” It happened again, about 150 miles later in Essex, near Lake Champlain. “Rolling in at 9:00pm, we found that the town was basically shut down. We called the Continued on page 27

Map courtesy of Mikey Intrabartola

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 26 Adirondack Trail Ride

Continued from page 26 owner of the Essex Inn and got a luxury suite with a gas fireplace to dry our gear. No hot meal, but hot showers, and Sprite and trail mix for dinner. We promised to return, and celebrated there a week later with margaritas and a delicious meal!” Their careful planning, lack of major mechanical issues, and good luck with weather paid off when they rolled back into Northville together, with Inge smashing through the previous women’s record of 11:06:02, completing the ride in 7 days, 11 hours, and 27 minutes. Zach Verhey holds the men’s record at a mind-blowing 3:12:43. “We didn’t need to modify our bikes,” said Inge,” who rode a Santa Cruz Highball, while Carl was on a Specialized. “They were super lightweight, and pretty high end with the best componentry available and tubeless tires. Knowing that we’d be out in the boonies for days, we wanted superior reliability with Despite the hardships on the race route, there were still plenty of lighter moments. minimal maintenance. We didn’t even need to pump Jeremiah Reiner Photos up tires, and just squirted some lube on from time to time.” Next Time? When asked how she would do TATR differently the next time, Inge cites hotel stays as a way to soften the rides’ impact on the body for both sleeping comfort and reducing needed gear weight. Logistics get in the way, however, with actual inns in this region located more than 100 miles apart, and the grueling real- ity of riding multiple 100-mile days to get to them. She didn’t miss anything that she hadn’t brought, but would carry fewer gadgets and clothing to lighten up the load, remembering those times when she needed to carry her bike over difficult terrain. She also says she wouldn’t worry as much about eating healthy food along the way, focusing on what’s available to build up energy and satisfy cravings, including subs, snack foods (think peanut M&M’s and chips), and lots of Gatorade. Already a fan of the Adirondacks, Inge was once again impressed by the stunning beauty of New York State. She also saw firsthand how depressed some of the small towns in the western part of the state are, especially those that rely heavily on tourism. What surprised her most? “I now know that, even at this age, I can still do re- ally hard things like TATR.” It sounds like that recognition, and the beauty and fun of the ride itself means that there are many more challenging rides, races, and adventures in Inge’s and Carl’s future. Congrats to the both of them on this impressive achievement! (More photos on next page.)

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 27 Adirondack Trail Ride

Jeremiah Reiner Photo Above, Carl and his bike slog through one of the many stream crossings on the race route. At left, Carl prepares his bike in Northville before the race start.

Provided Photo At left, Inge poses with her race rig in Northville. Above, the finish came after dark in Northville and Inge was thrilled to finish.

Miles Arbour Photo The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 28 COLD COMFORT Winter Cycling Options

By Linda Waxman Finkle ($25-50), or $100 for three days. Buying one will set you back about $1,600, but you can throughout the week, as well as many other also ride it on the beach… classes and varieties of training. Most require he snow’s falling and the wind is whip- membership, but allow for cross-training, Tping right through you, but the outdoors Inside: Spin Classes which is a good idea for everyone. is calling your name and your legs are really If you just want to spin, a dedicated studio missing that power phase/recovery phase might be the way to go. Between Total Ryder Inside: Personal Spin Bike or Trainer motion. What’s a cyclist to do? These days, in Motion in Colonie and The Revolution in Many of us have seen the now controversial winter doesn’t mean you need to get off your Albany, Clifton Park, and Loudonville, you (oy!) Peloton commercial, but nothing beats bike, or deal with weather if you don’t want can spin every day of the week, for about the convenience of spinning whenever you to. With mountain bikes, fat bikes, trainers, $15/per class or less for a package. With fun want to, in the comfort of your own home. and spin classes, you have plenty of options. music, trained instructors pushing you, and The cost for that is $2,245, which includes Outside: Mountain bikes other spinners close by, you’re sure to get a up to fourteen daily live rides, thousands of great workout. on-demand rides, metrics, challenges …the While not expressly made for snowy condi- Full-service gyms like Best Fitness, Vent Fit- works. Just remember there’s also a monthly tions, mountain bikes with winter or studded ness, and Retro Fitness all offer spin classes membership fee of $39. There are many other tires can work well in compacted snow and excellent options for at-home spin bikes, icy terrain. At Adirondack Ultra Cycling including offerings by Keiser, Sunny in Schuylerville, you can pick up a Health and Fitness, Schwinn and oth- mountain bike for about $800. Studded/or ers. These can range in price from $300- winter tires will set you back another $250 $2,000, and some come with workouts. for the pair. The nice thing about choosing Another option is to take your bicycle a mountain bike over a fat bike (if you have and put it on trainer, like Wahoo Fitness’s to choose just one), is the ability to KICKR products ($500-1,200). use the bike in every other season Coupled with the Zwift turbo training and through a multitude of varied game ($15/mo) hooked up to your terrain. own device, and the KICKR climber Outside: Fat bikes ($600), you’ll enjoy many hours With 4-5” tires, these fun bikes of cycling and training on your make riding in the snow a breeze. schedule. Let some air out of the tires and So, no excuses. Get out there riding is a little easier. Grey Ghost or stay right at home. Whatever Bicycles in Glens Falls, allows you you choose, stay in shape and stay to rent a fat bike for 12 or 24 hours motivated. Spring is just around the corner, and the outdoors is calling…

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 29 MHCC Ch r i s t m a s Pa r t y Th u r s d a y , De c e m b e r 5/McGr e i v e y ’s in Wa t e r f o r d

The BikeAbout/ December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 30 MHCC Ch r i s t m a s Pa r t y Th u r s d a y , De c e m b e r 5/McGr e i v e y ’s in Wa t e r f o r d

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 31 Ne w 11-Mi l e Ra i l Tr a i l Op e n s o n No r t h Sh o r e o f As h o k a n Re s e r v o i r

he Capital Region is not the only area close to MHCC members that Thas rapidly expanding options with dedicated cycling infrastructure. Opened this past October, the Ashokan Rail Trail (“ART”) is a shared- use recreational trail running 11.5 miles along the northern edge of the Ashokan Reservoir between Basin Road in West Hurley and Route 28A in Boiceville. The new trail was developed by the County of Ulster through a historic partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which owns and operates the Ashokan Reservoir and adjacent lands. The new trail is open sunrise-sunset year-round, and provides public access to the county’s scenic abandoned Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor without a DEP Access Permit for the first time since the Reservoir was constructed in 1911. The ART trail surface is highly compacted crushed stone ranging from 10 to 12 feet in width, and this flat trail is ADA compliant and accessible to persons with disabilities. It’s open for non- motorized uses, including hiking, bicycling, running, nature observation, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing and offers access from three large public trail heads. To Reach the ART: From the NewYork State Thruway exit at Kingston, head west on NY Route 28 (Onteora Trail) for approximately five miles until you reach the Stewart’s store at the traffic light at Basin Road. The entrance to the easternmost trailhead, at Woodstock Dike, is just west of the traffic light on the left.

The BikeAbout/December 2019 THE MOHAWK HUDSON CYCLING CLUB Page 32 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 Words to Ride By . . .

“The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of “Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There’s women than anything else in the world.” something wrong with a society that drives a car to workout in a gym.” - Susan B. Anthony, US Women’s Rights Activist - Bill Nye, US Scientist

“Riding a bike is everything to a cyclist. The friendship and camaraderie you have with other cyclists… to a “Embrace your sweat. It is your essence and your eman- cyclist, it was the be-all and end-all of your life.” cipation.” - Kristin Armstrong, American Cyclist - Tommy Godwin, English Long Distance Cyclist

“It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels.” “The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its - Heinz Stucke, German Long-Distance Touring Cyclist engine.” - John Howard, US Cyclist

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