Cleveland Touring Club News!

One Heartbeat Charity Ride

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 23:44:50 GMT

If you are looking for a way to participate in you community, this is a great opportunity. Anita Silvestro called me and asked if she could pick my brain about how to organize a cycling event. We scheduled a time and spoke for over an hour.

A graduate from Chardon High School Anita is a cyclist who lives in Chardon and she wanted to put together the One Heartbeat Charity Ride on August 11 to benefit the victims of the tragic shooting that occurred at Chardon High School. Her request immediately piqued my interest... having five years experience as director of Sunday in June, I told her that I would help her in any way that I could. I am hoping the club may consider supporting her efforts through registering for her ride... or perhaps volunteering to help with her ride.

Anita is serious about putting together a first class event. The “One Heartbeat” Charity ride is supported by a large group of teachers, technologists, business people and concerned citizens in Chardon. As a cycling club that travels through or near Chardon almost every week, this is a great opportunity for CTC to show support by registering for the ride or volunteering to help Anita with the event. In fact, I told her one of the best ways to learn about organizing a cycling event was to volunteer for Sunday in June... which she promptly singed-up! I hope the directors of SIJ lean on her and help her receive a high level of learning with the event.

In any case I thought this might be of interest to CTC... we do not get that many opportunities to support a local cycling event that is not our own! Email Anita directly or call her at 216-410-7226 for more information.

One Heartbeat Ride

Two routes will be available. The 15 mile family friendly ride will take you the length of the Maple Highlands trail from Mountain Run station out to the East Branch Reservoir where you will turn around and ride back to Mountain Run Station. A more challenging 25 mile route will follow the same path, but continue on to the South Street trail head then up and around Chardon’s Historic Square, pass by Chardon High School and back to Mountain Run Station for food, refreshments, and a celebration of community spirit.

All proceeds from this ride will be donated to the One Heartbeat Scholarship Funds.

Registration includes the “One Heartbeat” Charity Ride T-shirt to commemorate the event.

More Information...

New! Rider Training - Traffic Skills

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:33:06 GMT

Rider Training - Traffic Skills

Location
Ohio City Bicycle Co-op
1840 Columbus Road
Cleveland Ohio 44113

Date: April 28th - Register Here

Date: May 6th - Register Here

This class is for everyone, but especially for new riders. This a new offering for CTC and we will try to offer this annually. This class usually costs $25, but is offered for $10 to 2012 CTC members as a club member benefit. You must register on the CTC website online. The class is limited to the first 15 that register.

This three hour class covers the basics of what everyone needs to know to be able to ride safely and comfortably in traffic. The class includes discussion of handling skills, traffic law for cyclists, and causes of accidents; and a short ride to look at different traffic situations in practice.

Meet at 8:45am (class starts promptly at 9am) and will finish at noon. Students should bring their bike (lock it in the rack out front!) and helmet, and should have done the paperwork stuff below. When you arrive help yourself to coffee and snacks, etc. The first few minutes will be spent sharing bike crash stories, then your will learn the "Seven Layers of Safety".

Next you will learn about performing a safety check on your bicycle. At 10:30 you will get some hands-on experience with bike-handling... then take a ride to practice some of the things we have talked about. Before we ride, everyone will sign and furnish an emergency phone number on our ride roster; students under 14 must be accompanied by an adult student who is a legal guardian, or designated by them on a signed parental release form. Students under 18 must have a signed parental release form.

Before you come...
Students should have their bikes, helmets and locks ready to go (loaner bikes are available-- please email OCBC or call Jim Sheehan (216 830 2667) before class if you need one).

You must have a helmet to ride in this class. OCBC has loaner helmets, or some for sale ($20), if you don't have one. Wear shoes and clothes that are comfortable, or that you ride in most often (but no sandals, saggy pants, or hairstyles that will make helmet fit difficult). If you regularly wear cleated shoes with "clip-in" pedals, that's fine, but know that you will be un-cliping a lot. Bring any medication you need (such as an asthma inhaler) regularly or in an emergency.

It will save lots of time if you safety-check your bike before the class, following this easy safety check: if your bike doesn't pass, it may be easy to fix before the ride, or we can give you a loaner, but please contact us with any equipment questions before class.

You will get much more out of this class if you can look at the Enjoy the Ride video, and at least skim the other info on this League of American Bicyclists page.

You will receive you a paper copy of Ohio Bicycling Street Smarts for your future reference, but you should look at the link to this excellent booklet first, to fully prepare for class.

Allegheny Weekend, June 16-17th

Bill Maurey — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:44:51 GMT

Franklin Trail Ride Weekend

For a third year, Ray Kirchner is once again leading a weekend event to Franklin, PA. This CTC sponsored touring event snakes along Allegheny River bike paths. Some riders will come down for a one day ride and head home on Saturday afternoon/evening; however the bulk of the riders are spending Saturday night. Ray routinely attracts more than 20 riders for the Franklin ride. The drive from Mentor-area is around two hours each way (see map).

Franklin Trailhead (Map to Riverfront Park in Franklin). Meet at the riverfront park in Franklin. The parking lot on the east bank of the Allegheny River. This ride is a club sponsored event and although it is free to all members, please register as a courtesy to the club and the ride leader.

---Please click here to sign-up for this event---

Description

There are a number of different ride options. Saturday would will take us down the Allegheny River along the paved path to Foxburg, PA for lunch. The terrain is flat and you will need lights as we go through two long tunnels which are paved and have no lighting.

The following web page link offers info on the paved trail system the Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Trails:

Hotel in Franklin is………….

Quality Inn & Conference Center
1411 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA, 16323
Phone: (814) 437-3031

Camping is at Two Mile Run Campground on the outskirts of Franklin. The campground has a spring fed lake that offers great swimming.

There are a number of surprisingly good restaurants in Franklin as well.

If you plan to attend, please register for the ride and RSVP to Ray with your plans. Some riders are just coming down for the ride on Saturday, which will take us to Foxburg, PA for lunch overlooking the river and then back to Franklin. Ray is planning to have a group dinner that evening at Bella Cucina in Franklin, which was a great success last year. All costs are the responsibility of the attendees.

Please review Ray's photos from last years rides in Franklin. Ray can be reached at 216-496-6213.

Cleveland Velodrome

Bill Maurey — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:06:57 GMT

Fast Track Cycling is a non profit organization that has been working since 2007 to bring the Cleveland Velodrome project to fruition. The community and civic benefits of the project are three fold (1) free youth cycling based programming for local and regional residents; (2) provide a valuable catalyst for the redevelopment of the Slavic Village/Broadway neighborhood; and (3) provide reasonably priced cycling programming for local and regional adult populations.

Fast Track has taken a methodical and disciplined approach and have leveraged the professional backgrounds, skills and talents of our Board of Trustees and Advisory Board. Phase I of the project – a 166 meter Olympic style steel and wood outdoor track in SlavicVillage at I-77 and Broadway Avenue – is scheduled to open in June of 2012. However, we need your help. The Board of Trustees has established a deadline of March 5, 2012 to raise the $300,000 needed for Phase I. To date we have raised $215,000 from individuals, private foundations and other sources. March 5 is a key date because this is the date by which we need to release a funding contingency contained in the contract with the track builder to ensure a grand opening in June of 2012. We have several large funding requests pending but we need the help of the entire cycling community. It is now or never for the Cleveland Velodrome project.

No donation is too small. To make a tax deductible donation please go to our website and make an on line payment http://clevelandvelodrome.org/become-a-supporter/ or mail a check payable to Fast Track Cycling, c/o Brett Davis, 20595 Lorain Road, Suite 300, Fairview Park, OH 44126.

Fast Track is hosting an open house and happy hour on Friday February 17^th from 4pm to 7pm at Sokol Greater Cleveland at Historic Bohemian National Hall. The Bohemian National Hall is located directly adjacent to the site of the Phase I track. The address is 4939 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, OH. Members of the Board will be on hand to discuss the project, answer questions and there will be a short presentation. There will also be free beer and snacks. Hope to receive your support and to see you February 17^th. Contact Brett Davis, Board President, Fast Track Cycling, C: 216-256-4285

LAB & ACA Memberships

Bill Maurey — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:29:05 GMT

One of the best benefits the club has to offer is once again available in 2012. We have negotiated with the League of American Bicyclists and the Adventure Cycling Association to bring you a similar arrangement as we had last year. Add-on memberships from both LAB & ACA are available with your 2012 membership starting now through June. Please read more....

Sunday in June

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:33:24 GMT

---Register as a Sunday in June Volunteer Here---

Announcing the date for SIJ is an exercise of simply looking at the calendar and finding the second Sunday in June.... and this year it falls on June 10th. So please save-the-date and put the event on your calendar early!

The club would like to acknowledge (in a BIG way) Matt Sobel & Susan Slotnik who worked tirelessly for the past two years to organize Sunday in June. A HUGE thank you to Matt & Susan for organizing the ride, working with volunteers, opening their home to the pre-ride volunteers potluck and taking the responsibility to manage all aspects of the event. Matt & Susan, Thank you!

Some news... Matt has done a great job to recruit new directors of the ride. Neall Distad has volunteered to direct the ride in 2012. Neall is new to the director's job. He is counting on club members to come out and support the event in every way possible.

Volunteering. CTC is always looking for volunteers and this year is no exception. Every year many of the same people help, but new volunteers are always needed and welcome. The volunteering opportunities are wide open and Neall will try to offer all volunteers a fun and meaningful experience. Please sign up to volunteer to help make 2012 SIJ one of the best rides in the state! For more information about volunteering, contact Neall Distad.

Our Sunday in June page has been updated so that our web site reflects the event.

Club Leadership

Bill Maurey — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:05:39 GMT

In 2011, the CTC Leadership Council continued to improve the club bylaws, awarded money to various projects and developed procedures for decision making. With these foundation elements in place, council members in 2012 will define how the club will serve members and the cycling community. These are decisions that will have lasting impact.

You can contribute your ideas and vision for what the club is becoming. We currently have three openings in the Leadership Council and we are accepting names of those interested for a two year term. Any current club member may apply by emailing me or by calling me at 440 975 9744. You can also contact any council member with questions about the council.

We expect the three positions to be filled at the club annual meeting being held on January 25th. If you are interested, please be sure to contact me no later than January 23rd, 2012.

Alps Report by Tom Driscoll

Bill Maurey — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:50:03 GMT

Cycling the Alps – A trip of a life time
By Tom Driscoll

It was almost two years ago when the discussion first started. It began as more of a joke, but as time passed, it became a reality, cycling the Alps. It’s one of those things you think about, but never feel it would actually happen. Well after a year of thinking, Adrian Hulme and I decided to do it, and made reservations for the following year. The plan: five days of riding, following the routes from the 2011 Tour d’France from France into Italy and back. The mission: spend the 12 months prior, getting ready for what was expected to be a challenging trip.

Read more...

CTC Holiday Party Photos

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:53:07 GMT

The CTC Holiday party was great fun. Click here to access a few photos. A special thanks to Chris Ferlinc and Bill Cashel for coming early to set up, check people in, distribute name tags and door prize raffle tickets. A great time was had by all. Be sure to start the New Year right by joining Chuck Radgowski on his New Year's day ride.

Open House / Benefit at the bicycle hub

Bill Maurey — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:01:00 GMT

Don't miss the bicycle hub's Open House. This event is also a fundraiser to help Dave Fairbanks get back on his feet after his cycling accident in October.

Thursday Evening, November 10, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Questions? Please e-mail Tom Driscoll.

Christmas Party - Sat, Dec 17

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:19:05 GMT

As the Winter Solstice approaches, it is time to enjoy CTC's Christmas party. This is the first club Christmas party in several years and with the club organizing, it will surely be a worthwhile event. So, please join your fellow club members for this CTC event.

Cost to club members and family members is $10 each, which is highly discounted. The difference will be made up by using Club funds. Nonmembers will be required to pay full cost for their meal which is $25.

RSVP by clicking here! (Deadline is December 12, 2011). Additional details, contact: Julie Maurey or call 440.975.9744.

Annual Foster's Ice Cream Ride Thursday

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:29:06 GMT

THURSDAY August 9, North Chagrin

Start Location

Current Local Radar

Weather Channel Hourly Forecast

Link to forums page for Thursday North Chagrin ride

Download and PRINT a map

SUNSET ~ 8:31, Distance 18~27 miles

One of the highlights of the year this Thursday – Our annual visit to Foster’s (ice cream, not beer) Ice Cream shop in Willoughby Hills. The weather forecast looks just fine, even a bit on the cool side. The map is from last year – Dodd Road is closed and will have to be detoured around. Suggestions are to stay on 6 all the way to Foster’s or, for a little extra distance to head north on River to Maplegrove or Eddy and come around to the north of Foster’s – you can make it up as you go. This ride is being paid for out of club dues, so if you are not a member, you are welcome to join us, but I respectfully ask that non-members pay their own way.

God Bless, and looking forward to seeing you!

Mike
Home (7am~8pm) 440-943-5875 or Cell (anytime) 727-743-0915

Strawberry Shortcake ride

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:12:57 GMT

Don't forget that this week is the famous Strawberry Shortcake ride. Leaving from North Chagrin Reservation at 6:30 PM the Cleveland Touring Club will be heading to Kirtland to enjoy fresh strawberries, whipped topping, and a festival atmosphere. Additional information is available in the Thursday night ride thread. We look forward to seeing you this week for one of the year's best events!

Adventure Cycling Assn & League of American Bicyclists Memberships

Bill Maurey — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:57:44 GMT

Do not forget to consider the terrific companion memberships offered by CTC for the 2011/2012 season. For an additional $5 you can become a member of either ACA or LAB in addtion to your CTC membership. CTC has worked with the League of American Bicyclists and the Adventure Cycling Association to offer these value added memberships. This one-time offer is available ONLINE only with your paid CTC membership. You cannot upgrade at a later date, so please be sure to review your choices carefully when renewing or becoming a member.

Welcome to the new ClevelandTouringClub.org

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:53:21 GMT

Thanks to hard work of several volunteers we are pleased to announce the launch of the new Cleveland Touring Club web site. Designed with the needs of the members in mind it adds features that everyone can use. Now from one location you can

Renew / modify your membership
Learn about upcoming rides
Register for Sunday in June
Update your member profile (address, phone, etc.)
Share pictures with your fellow riders
... and more

New features will be added from time to time to make it even better. If you have any suggestions or thoughts do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your feedback.