The Knickerbikers of San Diego County www.knickerbikers.com "Biking is my artform – my self expression. ~ Missy Giove - U.S. pro downhill mountain bike racer; world champion, World Cup winner THE BULL-A-TON OCTOBER 2012 Vol. 39 No 6 Bicyclists of a Feather Flock Together By Nancy Keates With our easy-to-follow guide, anyone can identify North America's five most dazzling species of two-wheeled friends. BIRDS WATCHING is a fine hobby for those with the time and inclination to traipse into nature, but the thrill of spotting different species of bicyclists can be just as rewarding. Why travel to Argentina to find a blackbreasted plovercrest when one can spy a similarly plumed "Commuter" at the neighborhood Starbucks? No need to squint into binoculars or get up at the crack of dawn, either—bicyclists are out and about at all hours. People don't just "ride" bikes anymore: They commute or race or cruise, with each activity spawning corresponding gear and attitudes. Here's our guide to identifying the various "bike tribes." Bicyclist-watching has become much more interesting in recent years as the number of two-wheeled riders has grown. High gas prices, better bicycles, concern about the environment, looking cool—they're all contributing factors. And with proliferation has come specialization. People don't just "ride" bikes anymore: They commute or race or cruise, with each activity spawning corresponding gear and attitudes. Those in the field categorize cyclists into groups known as "bike tribes." Instead of ducks, hawks and water fowl, bicyclologists might speak of Roadies, Cyclocrossers and Beach Cruisers. To identify a bike tribe, note distinguishing marks, patterns and habits. Start with the dominant color and materials of a cyclist's clothing. For example, garish jerseys and Lycra shorts indicate a Roadie, while padded gloves, mud-spattered jackets and black cleats are the territory of Cyclocrossers. Migration patterns are revealing. Observe the speed of travel and the treatment of other cyclists. Does the cyclist insist on riding amid cars even when wide bicycle paths are available? Probably a Roadie. Is the cyclist out in the pouring rain? Sounds like a Commuter. The presence of juveniles is telling, too; only a few tribes travel with offspring. Nancy Keates on The News Hub has a field guide to the new hobby of Bicyclist-Watching. Instead of ducks, hawks and water fowl, bicyclologists might speak of Roadies, Cyclocrossers and Beach Cruisers. Novices are advised to bring along a field guide. A handy companion is "Bike Tribes: A Field Guide to North American Cyclists," by Mike Magnuson, who pointed out a variety of tribe members on a recent bike safari I took with him in Portland, Ore. Here, I've put together information on the five most common tribes (special thanks, too, to fellow bicyclologist Andrew Bernstein, of Bicycling magazine, for his assistance). Tuck this page in your back pocket so you'll have it on hand when you chance upon a cyclist in his or her own natural habitat. The Roadie No bike tribe is more common in the United States than the Roadie. Their mien is sportiness and "performance" their goal. Roadies love passing other bike riders; they get annoyed when they have to dodge pedestrians walking with dogs or small children; they often ride in the middle of the road. They tend to travel in packs and spend time in small bicycle shops. Cannondale CAAD10 3 Ultegra Identifying Gear: You can spot Roadies by their Lycra uniforms, which usually include tight black shorts and neon jerseys with pockets in the back. Other telling marks are clip-on shoes and serious expressions. They ride sleek bicycles with curved handlebars called drop bars, like the Cannondale CAAD10 3 Ultegra ($2,450, cannondale.com ), which is made of aluminum instead of pricier carbon fiber. Roadies value the lightness because it lets them "feel" the road while providing a "supple" and "exciting" ride. Roadies can also be identified by their helmets, which tend to be pointy and made using the least amount of material possible. That's to increase ventilation (for those steep hills that Roadies like to be seen climbing) and to reduce weight (nothing should slow a Roadie down). A sure sign you've spotted a Roadie is the presence of a Giro Aeon (from $250, giro.com ), a helmet that looks like an alien skull and comes in a variety of brash color combinations. Roadies are attracted to eyewear that looks like a high-tech version of the safety glasses worn in high-school shop classes, like the Tifosi Podium ($70, tifosioptics.com). Since Roadies are competitive, proof of performance is necessary. For that, many use the Cycle Trainer 2.0 GPS Bike Computer ($250, timex.com ) which lets them download ride statistics so they can show everyone just how fast they completed that "century." Hear the term "century" (a 100-mile ride) and it's probably a Roadie. Illustration by Serge Bloch for The Wall Street Journal, F. Martin Ramin for The Wall Street Journal (Timex , Tifosi) Nancy Keates - nancy.keates@wsj.com A version of this article appeared September 22, 2012, on page D9 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: Bicyclists of a Feather Flock Together. Thanks to Dick for forwarding this article To be continued.. Outings OCTOBER 2012 SUN MON 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29 TUE 2 9 16 23 30 WED 3 10 17 24 31 THU 4 11 18 25 FRI 5 12 19 26 SAT 6 13 20 27 Want to cycle more? If you're looking for a moderate TUESDAY or THURSDAY ride, sign up on the TTBikers email list. http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=ttbikers We meet at various locations - leader's choice - at 9:30 AM. No requirements to lead a ride unless you want to become a regular, in which case the schedulers OCT bug you about it. If you have any further questions, contact Lois Horowitz at loalhoro@yahoo.com You’ll find a group of Knickerbikers ready to ride every Wednesday at 9:00 AM at Mission Bay. The meeting spot for the WEDNESDAY LITE RIDE is Mission Bay Visitor’s Center in the north parking lot (East Mission Bay Drive & Clairemont Drive). The ride is usually about 25 miles at an easy pace. First stop is usually a coffee break which gives us an opportunity to decide the ride route and lunch spot! To get to Mission Bay Visitor’s Center, take I-5 to exit Clairemont Drive. Go west to Mission Bay Visitor’s Center. Turn right on East Mission Bay Drive, then make an immediate left into parking lot, and another left towards Mission Bay Visitor’s Center. The ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY RIDE heads out every Wednesday at 9:00 AM. A large group of riders meet at the Target parking lot (1288 Camino del Rio North, corner of Mission Center Road and Camino de la Reina) in Mission Valley for a 9:15 AM departure. The rides are "brisk" and cover about 30 miles. Yes, there will be a lunch stop along the way. All riders are welcome! Bill and Jim welcome riders to join their SATURDAY LITE RIDE which leaves every Saturday at 8:45 AM from the Old Town Trolley station parking lot. The Old Town Trolley is located at 4005 Taylor Street. The ride is usually about 25 miles at an easy pace. First stop is usually a coffee spot where Bill and Jim decide where to ride and enjoy lunch! KNICKERBIKERS of SAN DIEGO COUNTY EXCURSION RATING KEY **** SIGHTSEERS - Leisurely riding. Destination and scenic oriented. Frequent stops. No extreme grades. 8 - 12 mph *** TOURISTS – Moderate to brisk pace. Scenic roads including hills. Stops every hour. No one gets dropped. 12 mph ** SPORTS RIDERS - Vigorous, peppy pace. Possible steep grades. Good workout. Stops every hour or two. 15 -17 mph * MASTER RIDERS (Animals) – Anything goes. Possible pace lines. Slower riders dropped. Ready for competition. ? mph PROMPT DEPARTURES Rides depart 15 minutes past scheduled assembly time. Please be ready and waiting for departure. Greet your ride leader! TUE OCT 02 6:30 PM 0 MILES **** KNICKERBIKER KNIGHTRIDERS Pho Point Loma & Grill (619 226 6502) 2788 Midway Drive (at Rosecrans St) Parking is in Michael's parking lot Forrest and Gail. Pho Point Loma & Grill is privately owned and was the first Vietnamese Restaurant in Point Loma. Pho Point Loma & Grill’s good yet inexpensive home-style cuisine offers choices for vegans, soup lovers and meat lovers. Check it out: http://www.phopointlomagrill.com/ Phở is a Vietnamese noodle soup, usually served with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). The soup includes noodles made from rice and is often served with Vietnamese basil, lime, and bean sprouts that are added to the soup by the person who is dining. Phở originated in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam. It was first sold by vendors from large boxes, until the first phở restaurant opened in the 1920s in Hanoi. SAT OCT 06 8:45 AM ±25 MILES *** SPIN THOSE WHEELS! Old Town Trolley station parking lot 4005 Taylor Street Today we’ll join the Saturday Lite Riders. The ride leaves from the Old Town Trolley station parking lot at 9 AM. The ride is usually about 25 miles at an easy pace. First stop is usually a coffee stop in Ocean Beach. There we’ll decide where to ride and enjoy lunch! SUN OCT 07 9:30 AM 25 MILES *** OKTOBERFEST IN EL CAJON SANTEE TROLLEY SQUARE corner of Mission Gorge & Cuyamaca Judy. To meet your fellow riders, head east on Mission Gorge to Cuyamaca, make a left and take the first right turn into the parking lot by Chili's. We will bike out to El Monte Park and then on over to the annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon at the German American Club. Good music, good food, good times! To learn more about the festivities check out the website at www.germanclubsandiego.org Get ready to do the Chicken Dance! (There is a charge to get into Oktoberfest, so look for 2-for-1 coupons in The Union-Tribune and other publications.) TUE OCT 09 6:30 PM 0 MILES **** KNICKERBIKER KNIGHTRIDERS Tender Greens Westfield University Towne Center (UTC) 4545 La Jolla Village Drive On the main plaza next to the clock tower Sharon and Eric. Westfield UTC has remodeled its food court. Let’s check it out; starting with Tender Greens. While there we can look at the updated dining terrace with more natural light, wood and stone accents, orange leather "pod" bar stools and new lighting. The restaurants have a fresh look, with digital menu boards. The renovation is part of the ongoing $180 million renovation at Westfield's flagship regional mall in San Diego County. SAT OCT 13 8:45 AM ±25 MILES *** SPIN THOSE WHEELS! Old Town Trolley station parking lot 4005 Taylor Street Today we’ll join the Saturday Lite Riders. The ride leaves from the Old Town Trolley station parking lot at 9 AM. The ride is usually about 25 miles at an easy pace. First stop is usually a coffee stop in Ocean Beach. There we’ll decide where to ride and enjoy lunch! SUN OCT 14 9:00 AM ±25 MILES *** TO THE MIRAMAR AIRSHOW – VIA THE COAST! Costa Verde Shopping Center La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee La Jolla Strip Club parking lot 4282 Esplanade Court, University City Gayle and Barbara. The entrance to Costa Verde Shopping Center is on Genesee just south of La Jolla Village Drive. From Costa Verde, we will head out to Mira Mesa for lunch. From there, we will head out to the Air Show. Entry is free and there is bicycle parking. Stay and enjoy the air show as long as you want. TUE OCT 16 6:30 PM 0 MILES **** KNICKERBIKER KNIGHTRIDERS Pita Jungle (619 255 7482) 1045 University Avenue Eric and Sharon. Pita Jungle is a healthy restaurant specializing in Greek, Mediterranean, Lebanese food; chicken, fish, vegetarian and vegan. Everything at Pita Jungle is prepared to help you eat better, feel healthier, and make a connection to the natural world. The menu abounds with choices that are healthful and delicious. You can rely on the wait staff for healthy eating tips, and the resident dietitian can answer your questions about nutrition facts, food allergies, vegan meals, and all the benefits of eating at Pita Jungle. Treat yourself to a meal at Pita Jungle and discover the art of eating healthy! The Hillcrest restaurant is housed in a historic building that once was home to a furniture store. Open and spacious, the restaurant has a large and stylish bar. Paintings by local artists grace the walls, and bird-cage lighting adds to the artsy feeling. Enjoy! http://www.pitajungle.com/ SAT OCT 20 10:00 AM ±40 MILES *** FOLLOW JEFF! Carmel Valley Park & Ride I-5 and Carmel Valley Road Jeff. To meet up with your fellow riders, head along I-5 to Carmel Valley Road exit. Turn west and go to the first traffic light after the freeway bridge. Turn left into the Park & Ride. Jeff will lead us through Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and along the 56 bike path. SUN OCT 21 9:00 AM 46 MILES *** PAUL’S BIRTHDAY RIDE Old Town Trolley station parking lot 4005 Taylor Street Paul M. Paul will lead us up the coast and back. Lunch will be at Java Depot. Happy Birthday Paul! TUE OCT 23 6:30 PM 0 MILES **** KNICKERBIKER KNIGHTRIDERS Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant (619 461 5757) 7005 Navajo Road Paul and Joi. Take the College Ave exit off the I-8. Make a right on Navajo Road. Nicolosi’s is just up the road! Nicolosi’s is a family run restaurant that has been in San Diego since 1952! It is mighty good! Psst.. Look for coupons on their website! http://www.nicolosis.com/ SAT SUN OCT 27 OCT 28 CYCLOCROSS RACING IN BALBOA PARK http://socalcross.org/events/san-diego-cx/ SAT OCT 27 9:00 AM ±25 MILES *** I MUST GO DOWN TO THE SEA Mission Bay Visitor Center 2688 East Mission Bay Drive North parking lot E. Mission Bay Drive & Clairemont Drive Mission Bay Gary. To get to Mission Bay Visitor Center, take I- 5 to exit Clairemont Drive. West to Mission Bay Visitor Center, right on East Mission Bay Drive, immediate left into parking lot, another left. Left towards Mission Bay Visitor’s Center. We will follow Gary to Cabrillo and to Spanish Landing. Gary has arranged for a Maritime Museum Representative to meet us at the "Build Site" for the San Salvador at Spanish Landing. It is billed as about a one-hour talk and tour of the project. There is a $5 fee for the "Talk and Tour" at the San Salvador, and there is the Cabrillo entrance fee which, as you know, can be covered by "passes" which admit 4-people on one pass. The Maritime Museum suggests we bring locks for the bikes, and are welcome to lock them to the chain link fence at the build site. Lunch at Liberty Station plus a chat about the sea and the Naval Training Center and the USS Neversail. I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying. I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over. From SALT-WATER POEMS AND BALLADS, by John Masefield, published by the Maxmillan Co., NY, © 1913, p. 55; the poem was first published in SALT-WATER BALLADS, © 1902 SUN OCT 28 9:30 AM 25 MILES *** MEMORIAL RIDE FOR AL MIRELES Old Town Trolley station parking lot 4005 Taylor Street Judy. We will ride over to the cemetery in Old Town and then head up hill to Balboa Park to ride through park and then down to Harbor Drive and over to Chicano Park to see the murals. From there we will head up to 25th and Broadway to the Los Reyes taco shop and the bakery that is nearby. If riders want to view the alters, we can go over to Sherman Heights after lunch. Costumes are optional...if riders want to do them. TUE OCT 30 6:30 PM 0 MILES **** KNICKERBIKER KNIGHTRIDERS Kaiserhof Restaurant & Biergarten (619 224 0606) 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach Rhonwyn. Enjoy Oktoberfest by enjoying great German food at the Kaiserhof Restaurant in Ocean Beach. For those Knickerbikers that have not dined in this restaurant, Kaiserhof has an established reputation for serving some of the finest Central European cuisine in San Diego. Kaiserhof is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Sunset Cliff Blvd and Lotus Street. You can sign up to lead a ride or schedule an event for the Knickerbikers in several ways: • • • call Sharon - 619 787 7427 email editor@knickerbikers.com www.knickerbikers.com Click on tab marked "Outings" and then click on -> Sign up to lead a ride! Once you are there you can also see the calendar and available dates. That’s all it takes to get your ride or event into an upcoming Knickerbiker Bull-A-Ton! ONE MORE CHANCE FOR A KNICKERBIKER JERSEY It looks as if we will have an unprecedented FIFTH order for Knickerbiker jerseys (15 minimum order). We have six ordered, so one last 30-day push and we'll be there!" So here's your last chance to own one (or a second one!). Voler reduced the price slightly, so the total (including tax and shipping) is now $85. You can send a $45 deposit or the full amount NOW, because we have 6 firm orders and Ken is going to order 9 more on his nickel, trusting that you will want one! How do you order? Send a check to Ken King, 8590 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037. The check won't be cashed until the order is placed. We need to know the size, the cut (race or club), short-sleeved or sleeveless, and men's or women's, Coming Events SUN NOV 04 THROUGH SAT NOV 10 PASO ROBLES TRIP Jeff (619 977 2486). It was two years since Jeff did this trip with a spur-of-the-moment group. They rode 4 of the Great Western Bike Rally routes, with great success....no crowds, plenty of places to have dinner---they had the backroads to themselves. Mark your calendars, my friends, the trip is afoot--or more aptly, the trip is awheel! Drive up from San Diego on Sunday, November 4, about 350 miles, so give yourself at least 5-6 hours driving time. Check in at the Holiday Inn Express, 2455 Riverside Avenue, in Paso Robles. The next 5 days will be exploring the countryside, including some of the wineries. Jeff will supply route sheets if you want to do your own thing. Jeff will lead his favorite rides and welcome all to join him. The room rate is $143.30 per night, including tax. Make sure you talk to AUDREY (805 226 4081), who is in charge of groups, to confirm the rate. Let her know you are with the KNICKERBIKERS, mention JEFF - this should help. Amenities include a full hot breakfast each morning, indoor pool and Jacuzzi, and fresh-baked cookies every afternoon. Please let Jeff know if you are going, so he can keep track of everyone and address any concerns or issues that come up. The plan is to drive back to San Diego on Saturday, November 10, after a good night's sleep........ HOPE YOU CAN COME! Wheely Good Recipes Easy Stuffed Peppers 2 large green bell peppers 3/4 lb ground sirloin 1/2 chopped onion 1 tsp Italian seasoning salt & pepper to taste 1- 8 ounce package pre-cooked whole grain brown rice 1 cup tomato basil pasta sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional Cut peppers in half, discard seeds. Place cut side down in microwavable dish for 6 or 7 minutes. In a pan, cook beef and onions until brown. Stir in seasonings, rice and pasta sauce. Cook for 2 minutes. Fill peppers, sprinkle with cheese, microwave for 3 minutes. 312 calories per 1/2 pepper. Submitted by Sandra from Cooking Light 15 minute recipes Botany on a Bike Pomegranate - Punica granatum The pomegranate shrub is drought tolerant, though irrigation is needed for proper fruit production, per the California Rare Fruit Growers. Water every 2-4 weeks during the dry season when you are establishing new shrubs. Pomegranate shrubs are one of the easiest fruits to keep, since they are usually not affected by many pests or diseases. The fruits are full of antioxidants and thought to have many health benefits. Fertilize in November and March for the first two years. Otherwise, not much fertilizer is usually needed in subsequent years. Propagation is through cuttings taken in winter, and air layering. Seeds may be used, but varieties may not stay true. Look for pomegranate bushes along the side of the road when we bike out to El Monte Park on Sunday October 7. Mammoth Lakes – July 2012 The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to making bicycling better in San Diego. It is done through educational programs, promoting awareness of bicyclists and bicycling issues, reviewing infrastructure improvements, and acting as a voice for bicyclists to elected officials and decision makers throughout the San Diego region. Visit www.sdcbc.org The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting for September 2012 featured: A presentation by Brian Genovese, a Senior Traffic Engineer with the City of San Diego whose staff works on "Complete Streets" issues (email bgenovese@sandiego.gov). A presentation by Beth Robrahn of the San Diego Association of Governments on the SANDAG bike plan. A presentation on Tour de Fat, a bicycle festival and SDCBC fundraiser on September 29th in the Golden Hills section of Balboa Park. Amendments to a simplified set of bylaws for the SDCBC. A wrap up of the mayoral debate between Carl DeMaio and Bob Filner held September 19th at USD's Shiley Theater. The SDCBC was one of the sponsors of this event, which focused on the City of San Diego's personal transportation issues. Nine people used the bicycle parking the SDCBC provided, but others had ridden there and locked up to signs, railings, and so on. Upcoming events: Newsletter folding party on October 10th, starting at 6 PM, at Standley Park Recreation Center. Bike Parking at the Miramar Air Show October 12-14 (Friday-Sunday). Please remind your friends MCAS Miramar, like all Department of Defense facilities, has a mandatory all-ages helmet requirement, which is a bit different from the State of California's juveniles helmet requirement for bike riding. The monthly San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Board Meeting begins at 7 PM on October 24th at the Coalition offices, 740 13th St, Suite 503. Robert Leone, Knickerbiker representative at SDCBC San Diego Bicycling Plan Calls For Bike Racks To Be Installed Thursday, September 6, 2012 By James R. Riffel, CITY NEWS SERVICE The city of San Diego has installed bike racks in three of its 17 Business Improvement Districts to encourage people to ride bicycles on short errands and to events, civic officials announced today. Andy Hanshaw, of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, said bicyclists will be welcomed at local shops in restaurants and could be eligible for discounts. Plans also include "Bike local, shop local'' events, community bike rides and instruction on safe routes, he said at a news conference. The racks are available at Fifth and University avenues in Hillcrest, the 2200 block of El Cajon Boulevard in front of the Lafayette Hotel, and at the intersection of 30th Street and North Park Way in North Park. Hanshaw said Business Improvement Districts along Adams Avenue, and in the East Village, Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach will also join the program. "Which communities are those? Those are the fun communities, the communities where people want to be in, the communities where people want to spend their time,'' Councilman Todd Gloria said. He represents several of the neighborhoods. Gloria said the bike plan will stimulate the economy because the new racks will attract large amounts of bicyclists to nearby shops at the cost of only three parking spaces each. Most of the city's BIDs are in older parts of town and could use an economic boost. The program will also help the environment and local road conditions, he said.Supervisor Ron Roberts said his office kicked-in $25,000 in neighborhood reinvestment grants to fund the program, which fits county goals of nudging residents toward healthy lifestyles. He agreed with Gloria that the program should pay off financially. "Make places fun and the economy will take care of itself,'' Roberts said. The districts are a 20-year-old collaboration between the city of San Diego and small businesses to help promote their neighborhood stores and special events. Many of the 17 BIDs in San Diego are in older parts of town. PHILOSOPHY. Our club, the Knickerbikers of San Diego County, was established on Friday, OCT 31, 1974. Forty-three charter members subscribed to the idea that a regular program of bicycle touring experiences could be offered without involving institutional encumbrances. In effect, our club was purposefully not organized. There are neither rules nor regulations, no club officers - aside from our tongue-in-cheek representative office of Knickercommander (the club servant) - and no business quorum. Everyone is still responsible for himself or herself. It was and still is a simple idea, which is to go ride our bikes! Two founding principles guide our group behavior: it’s nice to be noticed, and it’s fun to be a kid again. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Please make check payable to Knickerbikers and mail to 8590 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037 Or, easier still, just send it via PayPal to treasurer@knickerbikers.com. It's easy! Name(s) ________________________________ E-mail address____________________________ Phone __________________________________ 1-year e-mail subscription $10.00 All subscriptions include membership in the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. If you get emails at least once a month from the Knickerbiker club servants letting you know when the latest Bull-A-Ton is online and the location of the potlucks, etc., then you are a subscriber and you pay $10 a year to the club. Where does the money go? $5 pays for a personal membership in the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC). If you join directly, the cost is $25. To learn what the SDCBC is doing, check out the article in this month's Bull-A-Ton. The rest of your Knickerbiker subscription goes to support Adventure Cycling Association, the League of American Bicyclists, our web site hosting, and our photo gallery subscription. Got some friends you’d like to see on a bike ride? The Knickerbikers will be pleased to send a complimentary Bull-A-Ton if you send their name and email address to membership@knickerbikers.com