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President’s MessageBy Robert Fuller Davis

In honor of our club members who are training for Solvang this month, I offer this account of my adventure in 2006. When my handlebar broke and I pitched to the pavement in the middle of the southbound 101 on-ramp in Buellton, I knew it was over. I scrambled back to the sidewalk and checked the bike. In addition to the right handlebar dangling from cables, the front wheel was bent to the point where it would not pass through the brake shoes. I reached for my cell phone to call Mrs Davis to come pick me up. This was the end of my quest for Triple Crown, completion of three 200-mile bicycle rides in California in the spring of 2006.I had done Butterfield and I was headed for Hemet after this one. About 500 riders left Solvang between 4:30 and 7:30 a.m., under the supervision of Planet Ultra who organized the event. I took the early start with a few other cyclists and we headed east toward the sunrise under a cloud-covered sky. I had looked forward to Solvang. I knew the route and John Lindsey predicted southeasterly winds on Saturday morning and northwesterly winds in the afternoon. That meant a tailwind both ways, from Solvang to Morro Bay and back again, a rare treat for cyclists. As we started to climb Foxen Canyon Road, the sun rose over Figueroa Mountain and illuminated green hills and budding oak trees. Spring flowers bloomed outside the wineries and ranch houses as we headed for the first control point at Sisquoc.

It started to rain just outside Santa Maria. We rode past Nipomo, through Arroyo Grande and into San Luis Obispo with wind-driven raindrops beating down on us. The end of the storm came with a furious gale out of the west as I pedaled past Stenner Creek Road on Highway 1. John Lindsey was right about the wind shift. Unfortunately, the wind changed direction before I did and I crawled from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay at six mph. We turned in a poker chip with our number on it at the Shell Shop on the Embarcadero to prove we were there. My back tire punctured as I rode away from the waterfront. I stopped and began the repair process and an angel in a Planet Ultra sag truck stopped and asked if I wanted to use her floor pump to inflate my tube. I did. We had a lovely tail wind to Los

Alamos, with stops at Laguna Lake and Guadalupe for food and refreshments. I never took my rain jacket off all day–a cold front followed the rainstorm and my cheeks were tingling as we ascended Drum Canyon Road, a “short cut” to Highway 246. The climb warmed me and I made good time to the top. The road going down the other side bucked the bike like a rodeo bull and I kept pressure on the brake levers to maintain a reasonable speed around potholes and pavement cracks. The sun set behind us and the wind died as we rode into Buellton. I stopped and put on lights and reflective gear. Then, as I crossed Hwy 101 headed for Solvang, the handlebar broke and I fell in the middle of the on-ramp. I started to call for a ride, then decided that I was not going to fail this test. It was two miles to Solvang and I could finish if I had to walk. I opened the brake calipers and got a little better wheel movement though it still scraped both brake shoes as it went around. With one hand on the left handlebar and the other gripping the top of the stem and the headlamp pointing off somewhere to the right and no brakes and a front wheel that wobbled back and forth across the shoulder, I rode the last two miles into Solvang and finished the ride and got credit. Of the 540 riders who registered, 469 started and 383 finished. Four were disqualified–three for riding without lights and one for riding illegally on Hwy. 101. What were they thinking? I was thinking about Hemet in two weeks. All I needed was a bike.

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SLO CoasterThe SLO Coaster is the monthly newsletter of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. It is distributed to members, local bicycle shops and some bicycle organizations. Subscriptions are not available to nonmembers.All articles, letters, stories of bicycling experiences, appropriate classified ads, artwork etc, are welcome. The editor reserves the right to edit or reject material. Each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily represent the opinion or endorsement of the SLOBC or the editor.Submittal GuidelinesAll materials are due no later than 8:00 a.m. on the 15th of each month. Nothing will be accepted verbally. All materials should be emailed to newsletter-editor@slobc.org. Complete submittal guidelines are found on the club website. www.slobc.org/resources/support/newsletter-guidelines.html

SLOBC MeetingsBoard of Directors Meeting: Tuesday before the General Meeting (5:00 PM) odd numbered months.Location: Air Pollution Control District meeting room, 3433 Roberto Court (SLO). All Club members are welcome to attend Board meetings. General Membership Meeting: First Thursday (7:00 PM)Location: County Library, 995 Palm, downtown San Luis Obispo. Refreshments are served starting at 7:00 p.m., Meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. June and December meetings differ.

Contact InformationSan Luis Obispo Bicycle Club, Inc.P.O. Box 1585San Luis Obispo, CA 93406Club Hotline Answering Machine: 805.543.5973Website: www.slobc.org Email: info@slobc.org Members only site: http://www.slobc.net/membership

Board of Directors

.........................President: Robert Fuller Davis president@slobc.org ................. 805.772.0874

...............................Vice President: Ann Smithvice-president@slobc.org

.................................Treasurer: Chris Broometreasurer@slobc.org.................. 805.772.5900

............................Secretary: Craig Armstrongsecretary@slobc.org

......................Ride Coordinator: Will Benedictride-coordinator@slobc.org ...... 805.544.3504

.................Membership Director: Mike Balstermembership@slobc.org

..................................Advocate: Dave Abrechtadvocate@slobc.org ................. 805.801.9211

..................................Historian: Martin Howellhistorian@slobc.org

............................Newsletter Editor: Tim Longnewsletter-editor@slobc.org

...............................Safety Director: Ken Pricesafety@slobc.org ...................... 805.489.9779

...............Director-at-Large: Kathleen McHughat-large@slobc.org ................... 805.528.6686

............................Past President: Frank Mullinpast-president@slobc.org

CONTENTSPages 3 Minutes of the General meeting Aerodynamic HelmetPage 4

Minutes of the Board meetingPage 5

Ride Coordinator ReportWildflower Brunch

Page 7Sunday in Mexico

Pages 8 - 10

Ride Info

Page 11

Public Relations & YouCall for Windbreaker Designs

Page 12Advocate’s Report

Page 13Lighthouse Volunteer Form

Page 14Road Trip to the Desert

Back Page

Calendar & Program

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MINUTES OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO BICYCLE CLUB GENERAL MEETINGSan Luis Obispo Library Community Room

995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo CAThursday, March 7, 2013 7:15 PM

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President Davis called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM.

Members observed a moment of silence in memory of John Kaiser.

Clipboards were passed for volunteers to help on the Los Osos farmers market booth, June potluck committee, and Cycle de Mayo event in Atascadero and to serve as a greeter or provide refreshments for future meetings.

Robin Dery gave an update on bicycle club activities at Atascadero High School as well as the Cycle de Mayo family bicycle event scheduled for May 4th.

President Davis thanked Kathleen McHugh and Ernest Cole for serving as greeters, and Kathy Cohon, Kathleen McHugh, Ernest Cole, Robin Dery, Judie Prock, Rosemary and John MacKeen, and Cil Boughton for providing refreshments.

The minutes for the February 7, 2013 meeting were approved (MSC:MBalster/HCohon).

President Davis reported that thank you letters for club contributions had been received from the Morro Bay 4th of July Bike Parade and the Piedras Blancas Light Station Association. Rideshare will be publishing a new bike map not later than May.

Chris Broome reported that club assets were approximately $213,000 and that year-to-date contributions were approximately $43,000.

President Davis gave an update on the status of the chip seal problem on Highway 1. He thanked those who attended the recent SLOCOG meeting and announced that the club was contributing $5,000 to the Slabtown Rollers to support their continuing efforts to have the chip seal problem corrected by June 1. Current plans are to go forward with the regular Lighthouse route and to provide extra sag vehicles.

San Luis Obispo City Council member John Ashbaugh commented on the recent $600,000 grant to extend the Bob Jones Bike trail to Los Osos Valley Road and noted that the city bicycle plan was going to the city council.

In response to a question from a member, President Davis advised that the club has not been asked to do anything in regard to the upcoming Tour of California.

Robin Dery and Kyle Milliken presented a program covering their 1,000 mile “Tour de Donut” self-supported ride from Portland, Oregon to Missoula, Montana.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 PM.

Craig Armstrong, Secretary

The Evolution of the Aerodynamic Helmet

By Stu Goldenberg

It has been awfully dry this year. Also we have had more warm days than typical. One can only wonder what impact this is going to have on agriculture.

More directly on our Wildflower ride. One of our colleagues commented about this the other day and had a great suggestion to reduce disappointment for the participants.

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Board members present: Robert Fuller Davis, Dave Abrecht, Craig Armstrong, Mike Balster, Will Benedict, Chris Broome, Martin Howell, Tim Long, Kathleen McHugh, Ken Price, and Ann Smith. A quorum being present, the meeting was convened.

Visitors included Bruce Collier, Gary Havas, Bob Tuman, Tom Parsons, Mike Evans, and Sharon Evans.

No one reported a conflict of interest with any agenda item.

Tom Parsons and Mike and Sharon Evans reviewed the various actions taken by the Slabtown Rollers regarding the chip seal problem on highway 1 and reported that volunteers had raised $5,000 and spent approximately 1800 hours on the Fix Highway 1 Campaign. Mr. Parsons requested $5,000 in funding assistance from SLOBC to continue their efforts to get highway 1 fixed by June 1st.

The minutes of the January 8, 2013 board meeting were approved (MSC:Price/Benedict).

Bob Tuman updated the board on the club’s liability insurance coverage. The current policy covers club rides which start within 150 miles of the city of San Luis Obispo. Mr. Tuman also discussed potential liability exposures related to conducting club rides on roads with known safety risks. The board will review risks associated with using parts of highway 1 for the Lighthouse at the April 30 board meeting.

President Davis reported that the club had received a thank you note for the club’s contribution to the Morro Bay July 4th bike ride, an email regarding the passing of John Kaiser, and a request from Robin Dery for assistance at a May Bike Month function in Atascadero.

Chris Broome reported that club assets totaled $213,000 and reviewed year-to-date financial activity.

Martin Howell reported that he has not found any justification for SLOBC rejoining CABO.

President Davis noted that the board needed to set a budget for the upcoming club sponsored bike breakfast. After discussion, the board approved $400 (MSC:Abrecht/Balster).

There was an extensive discussion regarding the assistance request submitted by the Slabtown Rollers for the Fix Highway 1 Campaign and the role and need for the consultant the campaign hired. The board approved a one-time $5,000 contribution to the campaign (MSC:Abrecht/Benedict). Chris Broome will follow up with Tom Parsons as to payment details.

President Davis reviewed the list of strategic planning feedback comments received at the February general meeting and asked that board members identify which recommendations should be implemented and develop plans for implementing those recommendations. Project teams are Bike Safety (Abrecht, Price, Smith), Financial Management (Armstrong, Broome), Recruiting and Retention (Balster, Howell), Volunteer Management (Benedict), and Event Management (Benedict, McHugh).

Will Benedict passed out updated drafts of the proposed safety card to be distributed at bike shops and of the membership guidelines included on the club’s web site. Mr. Benedict will follow up on several suggested changes. The board agreed to move forward with the program and approved a not-to-exceed budget of $500 for printing the safety cards (MSC:Armstrong/Abrecht).

President Davis reviewed Robin Dery’s request for SLOBC participation in the Atascadero Cycle de Mayo event. Kathleen McHugh will organize activities for the event, and the board approved a $200 budget for related expenses (MSC:McHugh/Balster).

President Davis announced that he will be out of town in June and that Vice President Smith would handle the June general meeting. He also noted that the Shandon high School graduation is on June 12th and that any member wishing to represent the club may do so.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:35 PM.

Craig Armstrong, Secretary

Minutes of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club Board MeetingAir Pollution Control District Auditorium

3433 Roberto Court, San Luis Obispo CATuesday, March 5, 2013 5 PM

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Will Benedict, SLOBC Ride Coordinatorwillbenedict@me.com

King City to San MiguelThis first mini indulgence ride is planned for Saturday, April 6, 2013. We will start in SLO, pickup riders in north county, go to King City, ride to San Miguel, go to dinner and return to SLO. Slides showing this ride can be accessed at http://www.williambenedict.com/news-notes/index.html within the King City to San Miguel Bike Ride article. You can see the route at http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/65602936

A SAG vehicle will support the ride with a rest stop every 10 miles. It should take about 6 hours and participants will share the task of driving the SAG vehicle. It looks like we will be able to expand the ride to 28 club members—we currently have 22 signed up. It will cost $15 plus your meal afterwards. Send me an email to hold your place.

Davis RidePicture yourself biking on the beautiful and endless mostly flat bike trails in and around Davis.

Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, April 9, 10, and 11, 2013Accommodations: Hallmark Inn, 110 F St., Davis. 530-753-3600Ask for "Spring San Luis Obispo Bicycle Trip" Group ID 396 Rate: $119 per night ($132.09 with tax)Reservations must be made before March 8, 2013.

If you are interested, contact: Gini Stedman, 473-8287, sgstedman@gmail.comBob Tuman, 545-5976, bobtuman@gmail.com 

Riding Two AbreastI recommend reading “Let’s Talk Some Sense about Riding Side By Side by John S. Allen that can be found at the bikexpert.com website under references. It provides a very good discussion of the issue and identifies why we often choose to ride two abreast.

“There is no need to prohibit riding abreast since the rules on passing require cyclists to move right to permit overtaking and the slow-moving vehicle rule requires cyclists to keep to the right if going slower than other traffic. Eight states have no rule concerning the number of riders abreast. Fifteen other states prohibit bicycling more than two abreast, but permit riding two abreast. Twenty-one states permit riding two abreast unless traffic is impeded. Virginia’s rule permits two abreast riding when traffic is not impeded and adds that ‘Persons riding two abreast . . . shall move into a single file formation as quickly as is practicable when being overtaken from the rear by a faster moving vehicle.’ “ (From the Bicycle Driving reference)

There is no requirement in the California Vehicle Code for riding single-file either within the roadway or on the shoulder. (From the Wikipedia reference)

What I take from this is that our focus should not be on trying to limit or stop riding two abreast but on being aware and responsive as we cycle so that we do not impede traffic.

Referenceshttp://www.bikexprt.com/bicycle/sidebysid.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_law_in_California

http://bikeportland.org/2011/06/07/bike-law-101-riding-two-abreast-54334

http://northcountycycleclub.com/smf/index.php?topic=628.msg1458

http://bicycledriving.org/law/guide-to-improving-laws

CALLING ALL WILDFLOWER VOLUNTEERS!!!

We’re holding the Wildflower Brunch at a lovely NEW Location!

Join us Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the SOUTH BAY COMMUNITY CENTER, located at 2180 Palisades Ave., in Los Osos. The Center is adjacent to the Los Osos Community Park, just off of Los Osos Valley Road.

Are you volunteering for the Wildflower event and have not, as yet, signed up for the Brunch? Please log in to your SLOBC Members Only section and, under the Volunteer tab please indicate “Attending Lunch,” or “Skipping Lunch.” Thank you!

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CALTRANS/UC DAVIS TEST ROLLING OF HIGHWAY 1 SHOULDER TO BEGIN 3/17

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – Caltrans and UC

Davis pavement researchers are continuing work to

find an effective and affordable way to make cycling

a smoother experience along a recently paved

section of Highway 1 in northern San Luis Obispo

County.

The Caltrans Division of Research and Innovation in

cooperation with the University of California, Davis

Pavement Research Center will perform a test rolling

on the shoulder of a 1000 foot section of Hwy. 1 in

the Cambria/San Simeon area for the next 4-5 weeks

beginning Monday, March 18. The surface of the

shoulder will be measured before and after this test

rolling to determine its effectiveness.

Motorists will encounter one-way reversing traffic

control during the daytime hours with delays not to

exceed ten minutes.

This effort is in response to local bicycle enthusiasts

who say a recently completed 20-mile long chip seal

project along Highway 1 from Cambria to the

Monterey County line resulted in a rougher-than-

usual ride in sections along this scenic route.

“I am pleased this research effort is taking place on

location so that we can find some short and long-

term solutions which will benefit motorists and the

cycling community,” said Caltrans District 5 Director

Tim Gubbins.

This investigation will also include any potential long-

term improvements to Caltrans chip seal program

statewide.

Caltrans will continue to inform the public, elected

officials and the bicycle community regarding this

research effort. Caltrans will share plans for a short

and long-term strategy for Hwy.1 when this research

and on-site testing has been completed.

News release received from CalTrans regarding the Highway 1 paving project.

Log on to www.fixhwy1.com to check progress on the fix.

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What a surprise my sister and I had on our recent trip to M e r i d a , Mexico. An early morning Sunday walk turned into an i m p r e s s i v e revelation about this city that seems to have the lives and well being of its inhabitants as one o f i t s primary goals. M y fi r s t thought when I arrived at the sun dappled main boulevard called Paseo Montejo was “why is it so quiet?” The reason quickly became apparent. There were no cars nor buses, no exhaust fumes, no honking horns nor impatient motorists. Instead, everyone was traveling by bicycle, scooters, roller blades and every other type of movement possible on two wheels or two feet! This was “Domingo en Merida”.

As my sister Kathy and I walked on toward the center of town, we were delighted to see smiles on everyone’s faces. Families and neighbors greeted each other and said, “Buenos Dias.” Children from the various schools in town were dressed in special tee-shirts for the day. As we further explored this famous “Bici-ruta” (bike route) we saw tents along the boulevard staffed to fix broken bikes or flat tires. The goal was to get everyone riding again as soon as possible. Thousands of people road along this six mile route, many riding the route several times. Bike rental shops were available along the main street and we saw many visitors take advantage of this special opportunity and hop on a bike!

When we reached the central plaza, we were amazed once again. Here a live band was playing Latin music. People of all ages danced the salsa and kept time to the rhythms. Artisans filled the central park area selling their wares and open-air cafes offered savory lunches al fresco. Merida is one big fiesta every Sunday, hence, “Domingo en Merida!”

When we inquired about this family oriented celebration, we were delighted to learn that “Domingo in Merida”

takes place 52 Sundays each year from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. In fact, this celebration of life and Mexican culture has been taking place for over six years! And it continues to grow.

Over 77% of the Merida population is Catholic. The Catholic church helps out by offering Mass on Saturday evenings so families can get out and ride early on Sunday! But there is more. The various plazas found throughout the city have local bands playing throughout Sunday afternoon. Adults and children dance the salsa, cha cha, mambo and every other Latin dance possible. Best of all, it’s free and it encourages activity! It further sets the stage for the introduction of other educational programs.

While we viewed these activities,we could not help but think about our own communities, San Luis Obispo for me and Berkeley for my sister. What did our communities offer to encourage outdoor activities, total community participation and reduction in pollution? It made us think, and want to learn and do more.

Yes, we did go to Merida, a colonial city of over 800,000, to study Spanish in a language and cultural immersion program. What a time we had being immersed in the culture, especially, “Domingo en Merida”! Perhaps we should adopt Merida in the Yucatan, as our sister city. It would be a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas on successful public programs.

P.S. If anyone would like further information on the language immersion school we attended in Merida and how our home stays were arranged, please contact me at peggy_coon@yahoo.com. This is my sixth (and best) visit to a Mexican colonial city to study Spanish and live with a local family.

“Domingo en Merida”SLOPoke learns more than Spanish!By Peggy Coon

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SundayArroyo Grande (9:00 AM, C2)Start: Café Andreini, Arroyo GrandeCoordinator: Craig ArmstrongPhone: 619-7023

Baywood/Los Osos (9:00 AM, B2)Start: Nazarene El Morro, Los OsosDestination: Kelley’s, CayucosCoordinator: Will BenedictPhone: 544-3504

MondayAtascadero Breakers (9:00 AM, C4)Start: Charles Paddock Zoo, AtascaderoCoordinator: Kevin MatherlyEmail: matherlykevin@hotmail.com

Atascadero Scramblers (9:00 AM, B3)Start: Charles Paddock Zoo, AtascaderoCoordinators: Glenn & Gail VanderlindeEmail: ggvaderlinde@yahoo.com

Breakaways (9:00 AM, D3)Start: Damon Garcia Sports Fields, SLOCoordinator: Russ RobinsonPhone: 781-0903

Flaming Tortoises (9:00 AM, A2)Start: Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo BeachCoordinator: Julie JarvisPhone: 773-1567

Yellow Jackets (9:00 AM, B2)Start: Ben's House, San Luis ObispoDestination: Grover Beach or Los OsosCoordinator: Ben PatrickPhone: 543-2803

TuesdayBaywood Vacillators (9:00 AM, A,B2)Start: Nazarene El Morro, Los OsosDestination: South Coordinator: Marina MichelPhone: 528-1732

Tuesday Night Ride (6:00 PM, C,D/2)Start: Heritage Square Park, AGDestination: Surrounding Area Coordinator: John SasakiPhone: 474-1417

WednesdayFlyers (9:00 AM, D3)Coordinator: Russ RobinsonPhone: 781-0903

Date: April 3Start: Laguna Lake Park, SLOLeader: Bill BuckalewPhone: 543-9940

Date: April 10Start: Bob Jones Trail Head, Ontario RdLeader: Steve VinesPhone: 202-8114

Date: April 17Start: Santa Margarita Community Park, SMLeader: Glenn VanderlindePhone: 466-4221

Date: April 24Start: French Park, San Luis ObispoLeader: Bill GoodgerPhone: 608-770-1448

Frequent Feeders (9:00 AM, B2)Coordinator: Frank MullinPhone: 602-2058

Date: April 3Start: Santa Margarita Park, SMDestination: TempletonLeader: Chuck WheelerPhone: 541-1240

Date: April 10Start: Heritage Square Park, AGDestination: Trilogy via Los Berros, Thompson, MesaLeader: Sandy PittPhone:  805-489-0138

Date: April 17Start: Sinsheimer Park, SLODestination: Café Andreini, AGLeader: Dale SutliffPhone:  805-440-2412

Date: April 24Start: Bayside Café, Morro BayDestination: Coastal canyonsLeader: Debbie AbrechtPhone: 805-801-9211

Templeton Breakers (9:00 AM, C4)Start: Templeton Park, TempletonCoordinator: George DiMundoEmail: gdimundo47@yahoo.com

Templeton Scramblers (9:00 AM, B2)Start: Templeton Park, TempletonCoordinators: Patti & Bill VanOrdenEmail: pvanorden@charter.net

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

•Arroyo Grande•Baywood/Los Osos

•Breakers•Scramblers•Breakaways•Fl. Tortoises•YellowJackets

•Vacillators•Tuesday Night Ride

•Flyers•Freq. Feeders•Trikers•Breakers•Scramblers•Slo Pokes

•Baywood/Los Osos

•Breakaways•Tortoises•Breakers•Scramblers•Yellow Jackets

•Huasna Valley•Slab Town Rollers•SLO Velo•King City Hillbillies

Ride DetailsRide Program InformationGo to the club website slobc.org and click on the Ride Program tab to access the Ride Calendar, Ride Information, Ride Safety, Ride Ratings and Ride Organization web pages for the most current ride information.

Submitting Ride InformationSubmit ride information and updates to both Will Benedict and Frank Mullin to ensure the Ride Calendar is accurate and current.

Safe RidingAll cyclists taking part in club rides are expected to model Safe Cycling Best Practices as described on the club’s

website at Ride Safety under Ride Program.

Ride Start MapsA Google Map of each ride start can be accessed by clicking the start name in the Ride Calendar on the SLOBC website. Entering the start name into Google Maps will find the start location.

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Dates: April 3 & 17Start: French Park, San Luis Obispo Coordinator: Dorothy CurhanPhone: 542-0334

Slo Pokes (9:00 AM, A2)Coordinator: Sharon SutliffPhone: 544-4034

Date: April 3Start: Goldenberg residence, SLODestination: Old West Cinnamon Rolls, Pismo BeachLeader: Stu & Janie GoldenbergPhone: 544-4720Note: Potluck lunch afterwards

Date:  April 10Start: Laguna Lake Park, SLODestination: Blackhorse on Foothill, Via CuestaLeader: Val BarbozaPhone: 264-5901

Date: April 17Start: Cloisters Community Park, MBDestination: Old Cayucos Bakery via Three Creeks RideLeader: June KramerPhone: 425-239-8692

Date: April 24Start:  French Park, San Luis ObispoDestination: Avila and Hula HutLeader: Bob TumanPhone: 545-5976, Cell: 978-621-1417

ThursdayBaywood/Los Osos (9:00 AM, B2)Start: Nazarene El Morro, Los OsosDestination: Kelley’s, CayucosCoordinator: Will BenedictPhone: 544-3504

FridayTortoises (9:00 AM, A1)Coordinators: Stu & Janie GoldenbergPhone: 544-4720

Date: April 5Start: Atlee residence, SLODestination: Edna Valley areaLeaders: Chuck & Susan Atlee, assisted by Gini Stedman, Julie JarvisPhone: 544-6298, 473-8287, 773-1567Note: Potluck lunch afterwards

Date: April 12Start: Lila Keiser Park, Morro BayDestination: CayucosLeader: Becky RobertsonPhone: 464-2080

Date: April 19Start: Old Edna, SLODestination: Station GrillLeader: Martin HowellPhone: 544-5389

Date: April 26Start: The Graduate, SLODestination: Loop around southern SLOLeaders: Rosemary and John MacKeenPhone: 773-1400

Breakaways (9:00 AM, D3)Start: Heritage Square Park, AGCoordinator: Steve VinesPhone: 202-8114

Paso Robles Breakers (9:00 AM, C4)Start: Marriott Courtyard Hotel, PRCoordinator: Bill McBrideEmail: mcbride7085@gmail.com

Paso Robles Scramblers (9:00 AM, B2)Start: Marriott Courtyard Hotel, PRCoordinator: Jean McBrideEmail: jmcbride760@gmail.com

Yellow Jackets (9:00 AM, B2)Start: Ben's House, San Luis ObispoDestination: Avila BeachCoordinator: Ben PatrickPhone: 543-2803

SaturdayHuasna Valley (9:00 AM, C2)Start: Sixteenth Street Park, GBDestination: Huasna Coordinator: Long NguyenPhone: 481-1688

King City Hillbillies (9:00 AM, B3/4)Start: Starbucks, King CityCoordinator: Ralph LeeEmail: ralphlee@redshift.com

Slabtown Rollers (8:00 AM, C4)Start: Sotheby's Realty, CambriaCoordinator: Tom ParsonsPhone: 927-5514

SLO Velo (9:00 AM, C3/4)Start: Variable on first SaturdayStart: Starbucks/Trader Joe's, SLOCoordinator: Ron StarkeyEmail: ronstarkey@exocet.comWebsite: www.slovelo.com

Wandering With Will (B2/3)Spring Indulgence RideDate: April 6Route: King City to San MiguelInformation: WWW web page

Coordinator: Will Benedict

Phone: 544-3504

Email: willbenedict@me.comNote: Ride is full.

Pace Description Terrain DescriptionAA Very Slow Less than 10 mph. Regroups often. Waits for slowest rider. 1 Generally Flat

A Slow 9 to 12 mph average. Regroups occasionally. (SLO Pokes) 2 Easy Grades Some Hills

B Moderate 12 to 15 mph average. Regroups every 30 minutes. Waits for slower riders. (Frequent Feeders)

3 Rolling Hills (North County Hills - Peachy Cyn...)

C Brisk 14 to 17 mph average. Regroups every 30-45 minutes. Waits for slower riders (Flyers)

4 Hard Hills (Hwy. 46 - coast to Paso Robles)

D Fast Averages over 16 mph. Requires experienced riders and pace line riding. (Tuesday Night Rides)

5 Very Challenging Hills

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Directions to Starting LocationsAtascadero Zoo

Take 101 north from San Luis Obispo to Atascadero, take the Santa Rosa exit (218A), turn left on to Santa Rosa Rd for 1.4 miles, turn right on Highway 41, continue 0.2 miles to zoo on right.

Atlee’s Home Call for directions.

Bayside Cafe (MB) Take 101 to Highway 1. Go west 12 miles to the Los Osos/Baywood Park exit. Left to 0.3 miles to State Park Rd. Right 1.7 miles to marina parking area on the left.

Ben's House (SLO)Take 101 to Los Osos Valley Road. Go east 0.5 mile to Higuera, left 0.4 mile to Tank Farm Rd, right 1.9 miles to Poinsettia St, right 0.1 mile to Alyssum Court, left one house -- Ben's house is first on left.

Bob Jones Trail HeadTake 101 toward the five cities. Exit at San Luis Bay drive. Go left on Ontario for 0.8 miles. Park in the lot on your left.

Cafe Andreini (AG)Take 101 to Arroyo Grande, exit Grand exit, left 0.3 miles to Andreini's on left. Park in lot to the right.

Cloisters Park (MB)Take Hwy. 1 to Morro Bay, Turn left on San Jacinto St. (north of Hwy. 41), take 1st left onto Coral. Park is on the left 0.3 mi.

Damon Garcia Sports FieldTake 101 to Los Osos Valley Road exit, east 0.4 miles to Higuera, left 0.2 miles to Tank Farm, right 1.5 miles to Broad, left 0.2 miles to the park on the left (across from Industrial Way).

Dinosaur Caves Park (SB)Take 101 south to Spyglass Drive off ramp, go right to light, left on Shell Beach Road 1.4 miles to Cliff Avenue, right 0.1 mile to park on left.

French Park (SLO)Take 101 to Los Osos Valley Road. East 0.5 mile to Higuera, left 0.4 mile to Tank Farm Rd, right 1.9 miles to Poinsettia St, right 0.4 miles to Fuller, left 0.1 mile to park (on the left).

Goldenberg’s House Contact the Goldenbergs for directions.

Graduate (SLO) Take 101 to Los Osos Valley Rd exit. Go east to Higuera (0.3 miles), left to Tank Farm Rd (0.4 miles), right to Broad St (1.8 miles), left to Industrial Way (0.4 miles), right to the Graduate (0.4 miles) on the left.

Heritage Square Park (AG)Take 101 to Grand exit in Arroyo Grande. Turn east 0.2 miles to Traffic Way, right 0.2 miles to Nelson St, left 0.1 miles to Short Street. Park on street.

Laguna Lake Park (SLO)Take 101 to Madonna exit in SLO. Going west, 0.7 miles to entrance to Laguna Lake Park on your right. Generally park in second lot to the left (near the bathrooms).

Lila Keiser Park (MB) Go north/west on highway 1 from 101 to Morro Bay. Take highway 41 off ramp and turn left. Go 0.1 mile and turn left into the park.

Marriot Courtyard HotelTake 101 (north or south) to the Spring St. exit, turn east onto 1st St, then south (left) onto So. Vine St. Entrance to the hotel parking lot is on your left; park along So. Vine St.

Nazarene Church (BP)Corner of Santa Ysabel and South Bay Blvd. in Los Osos. From 101, take Los Osos Valley Rd exit. Travel west for 9 miles to South Bay Blvd. Travel right about 1 mile to light, church is on your right.

Old Edna From the north, take 101 to Marsh exit in SLO, turn onto March St for 0.4 miles, right 5.4 miles on Price (Edna) Street, right into Old Edna parking log. From south, take 101 to Price exit, continue 0.1 mile on Price Street, right 4.8 miles on Hinds Street (Price Canyon Road), right 0.2 miles on Edna Rd, left into Old Edna parking lot.

Santa Margarita ParkTake 101 to highway 58 off ramp into Santa Margarita. Follow highway 58 through town and stay on it when it turns to the right. After crossing the tracks, you will find the park to your right.

Sinsheimer Park (SLO) Take 101 to Madonna exit. Travel east 0.2 miles to Higuera, left 0.1 mile to South Street, right 0.8 mile to Broad Street right 0.7 miles to Orcutt Road, left 0.4 miles to Laurel Lane, left 0.3 miles to Southwood Drive, left 0.2 miles to park.

Sixteenth Street Park (GB)Going southbound on 101 to Pismo Beach, take Oak Park exit, left on El Camino Real for 0.3 miles, right on Oak Park for 1.1 miles, right on Mentone and then into park on left.

Sotheby's Realty (Cambria)Take 101 to Highway 1 west, continue 34 miles to Cambria Rd, then turn left onto Main St. Continue 0.4 miles to Sotheby's Realty on the right (east of Main).

Starbucks (King City)Take 101 north to King City. Take the Broadway off ramp and turn left under the 101 Freeway overpass on to Broadway Circle. Starbucks will be immediately on your left with ample parking.

Starbucks/ Trader Joe’s San Luis Obispo Take Hwy. 101 to the Los Osos Valley Road exit. Take Los Osos Valley Road east to Higuera St. Turn Left, passing Suburban Rd. The entrance to the Trader Joe’s /Foods 4 Less center is on the right.

Templeton ParkTake 101 to the Vineyard exit in Templeton. Turn east for 0.2 miles to Old Country Road, turn left for 0.4 miles to 6th Street. Park is on your right.

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Call For SLOBC Windbreaker DesignsBy Will Benedict, Clothing Coordinator

Given that club windbreakers are completely sold out, this is the first call for SLOBC Windbreaker design ideas. All concepts must be received and finalized by August 1, 2013. The concepts will be voted on by club members to determine which design will be produced. All ideas must be presented in a standard format. For format specifications and assistance in illustrating your idea or putting your idea into the standard format, email me at willbenedict@me.com.

Public Relations and YouBy Stu Goldenberg

The other day while riding with one of the several club groups that we ride with, one of the riders committed an act which is most likely illegal and certainly promotes bad public relations. This person approached a red traffic light, turned right, rode a few feet up the road and made a u-turn and then another right turn. This was done in front of numerous cars.

So lets consider what was gained. Certainly another black mark for cyclists who are unwilling to wait their turn while in traffic.

On the other side, what was lost is the respect of automobile drivers who patiently waited their turn.

Even more ironic is that by the time this cyclist had completed this maneuver, the light had turned green and he or she would have been in exactly the same spot on the road.

This cyclist could argue that there was no risk of being injured and that no other vehicle was impeded by his/her actions, and would be correct. Clearly, in this case, correct is not RIGHT.

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Advocate’s ReportBy Dave Abrecht

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Need to Improve Your Bike Handling Skills? Ride Los Osos!

If you have not ridden through or around Los Osos recently, our sewer construction project has created some significant challenges for all vehicle operators. The community has become a maze of detours, restricted rights-of-way and “zig-zag” routes in and out of town. The major roadways that have Class 2 bike lanes have been partially closed or been reduced to a single lane of traffic. This forces cyclists (and motorists) to travel on narrower parallel streets. These narrower residential roads are barely widely enough for two-way traffic. Then, add a bicyclist to the mix. Further, the shoulders of these side roads, if they exist at all, are rough, broken asphalt or hard-packed dirt and sand. My observation is that most residents have been very patient with the construction and the County of San Luis Obispo has done an outstanding job of keeping residents informed of road closures and delays. Construction employees go out of their way to assist and direct motorists traveling through construction areas.

However, safety for all users of the roadway is still an issue. How do cyclists safely maneuver through a community that will be disrupted by this construction for the next two years?

We start by behaving like a vehicle.

1. When travels lanes are narrow or restricted, “take the lane” to avoid being squeezed off of the roadway by a passing car.

2. Use hand signals to indicate your intention to move out into the roadway, stop or make a turn.

3. Be alert for roadway hazards like broken and uneven asphalt and metal construction plates

4. Use a mirror or visibly check for traffic approaching from behind.

5. Follow the rules of the road; stop at stop signs and obey other traffic control warning signs, especially in a construction area.

6. Be alert for motorists who are impatient, inattentive or confused by changes in their daily driving routes.7. Finally, use a friendly wave to thank motorists who acknowledge and yield to your presence on the roadway.

SLOBC to host another Bike Month Bike Breakfast

Once again, the SLOBC is going to host a Bike Month Bike Breakfast for bike commuters on Friday, May 31st from 7 to 9 AM at the cul-de-sac of the Morro St. Bike Blvd., near Santa Barbara St.

The Bike Club has a sterling reputation for putting on the best Bike Breakfasts and we need a small contingent of volunteers to help set up and serve the breakfast. If you are able to help out that morning please call or e-mail Dave Abrecht (801-9211 or daveabrecht@me.com)

Thanks.

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Volunteer for the 2013 Lighthouse

Your volunteer work enables our club to make a significant difference in cycling on the central coast and provides an opportunity for members to enjoy working together. If you volunteer at the Wildflower Brunch or by submitting this form or its information before Friday, May 3, 2013 you will be given priority with respect to volunteer assignments.

Volunteer requests received after Friday, May 3, 2013 will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis.

Lighthouse Job Changes

Note that there will be changes in the rest stops on the 2013 Lighthouse. Stops include Donati Winery, Shamel Park (lunch) and Cappuccino Cove. Tentative stops include Hwy. 46, Exotic Gardens, and south of Harmony Hill. Check the SLOBC website before signing up. All other jobs remain unchanged from previous years. Go to http://www.slobc.org/volunteer/support/ride-related.html to see job descriptions.

Lighthouse Volunteer Form

Member Name: __________________________________________________________ Job Desired: __________________________________________________________ Would You Serve As Captain: YES NO

T-Shirt Style: Short Sleeve Long Sleeve

T-Shirt Size: Small Medium Large XLarge 2XLarge 3XLarge

Mail this form to: Frank Mullin, 728 Panorama Drive, Pismo Beach, CA 93449 OR Email the information to: info@slobc.org

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Debbie and Dave Abrecht did a wonderful job of hosting members of SLOBC at Anza-Borrego State Park March 10 -13.Highlights:• On Sunday night the group gathered at the Abrecht's for appetizers.  • Monday we were provided with several different route slips to view the impressive sculptures all over

the valley via bicycle.• Tuesday some of us hiked to Palm Canyon Trail-along with about 2000 school kids. (At least it

seemed that way!)• Gail Davis was proved her studliness by breaking her personal bests on both her trike and her hiking

distance.• A 5.0 earthquake and a budding romance (we won't name any names) made this an interesting trip.It was fun to get to meet some people I didn't know well, and touch bases with old friends.

A thank you to the Abrechts for all they did to make this a great trip.Shelley Long

Our hosts and their friends

Anza-Borrego trekkers get ready for a ride

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Scenes from Anza-Borrego

Young Borregos

Record setting first lady

Program Notes:

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P.O. Box 1585 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

CALENDAR:GENERAL MEETINGApril 4, 7:15 P.M.

WF PRE-RIDEApril 20 , 7 A.M.

WF VOLUNTEER MEETINGApril 25, 6 P.M.

WILDFLOWER RIDEApril 27, 7 A.M.

WF BRUNCHApril 28, 10:30 A.M.

BOARD MEETINGApril 30, 5:00 P.M.

Pedal Across Lower Michigan

From St. Joseph to Paw Paw to New Baltimore the Cohon’s rode with their son's new in-laws. The roads were tight without a bike lane, but they rode the back roads from town to town. As expected, the farms, towns, and life in rural Michigan were full of color and corn. What they didn't expect were the lakes and some good investment property.