By John O'Dowd

Larry and Mary Kernan ran their annual Presidents' Ride and BBQ on Saturday, June 22nd. Thirty-six riders enjoyed the two routes of 39 and 31 miles around the rolling hills and beautiful back roads of Bedford, Lexington, Lincoln, Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, and Concord. The weather started misty and drizzly, but riders were spared any significant rain.

The weather improved later, allowing the Kernan's to hold their post-ride BBQ. Approximately 50 guests enjoyed burgers, chicken wings, and beverages!

In attendance were nine past club presidents and one current president -- see photo! Pictured are presidents in the order that they served:  John Springfield, Jamie King, Susan Grieb, Ken Hablow, Jack Donohue, Barry Nelson, Larry Kernan, and current president Randolph Williams.

Two other past presidents showed up at the BBQ after this photo was taken:  Doug Kline and Mike Hanauer.

The Kernan's wish to thank those who came to the ride and party, and look forward to seeing this illustrious group again in the future!

By Barbara Jacobs and Nina Siegel

Many cyclists/riders use a system called Human Arrows in group riding. This format allows all cyclists on a led ride to easily stay together and no one gets lost. Bike Thursday and Wednesday Wheelers are known to use Humans (cyclists) as Arrows along the route ensuring all riders make all turns and get through tricky intersections. While all cyclists should have the route via RidewithGPS, Garmin, Wahoo, other, or a printed cue sheet, some do not. Human Arrows keep the led ride intact. Other groups within CRW may also use Human Arrows and other area clubs use them.

So how does this work? To keep the group moving and not stopping at every turn to regroup, a cyclist stands at each corner, fork, or intersection and directs other cyclists. Usually, the cyclist directly behind the Leader takes the position of Arrow. This cyclist stays at their post, until the Sweep comes by and relieves them.

Who becomes the Arrow? The rider directly behind the Leader. The Leader will tell the cyclist behind them an Arrow is needed. That person chooses a visible location, safe from vehicles. This could be at the far side of the intersection, and in the direction of the turn. The Arrow stays at this post until the Sweep  arrives and lets them know they are free to ride on.

Usually, the rider behind the Leader does not have to be asked to take the position; the rider will let the Leader know they are prepared to be the Arrow. Riders who do not want to be an Arrow should not ride directly behind the Leader. Sometimes the Leader will say ‘No Arrow’ because they can see the Sweep.

If you have a speedy rider in your group they might Arrow a lot. The rider will be the Arrow, chill at their post, and then catch up to the Leader safely to take a turn as an Arrow again.

Easy, you think! Usually, but not always. What could go wrong:

1. The Arrow leaves their position before the Sweep comes along to relieve them. This usually happens due to miscommunication. The Arrow might think they see the Sweep, so the Sweep must see them. Be sure to have verbal or eye contact with each other. The Sweep may indicate with a wave the Arrow can move along. Acknowledge the Sweep. The Sweep must relieve the Arrow.

2. The Arrow does not know who the Sweep is. It is essential that the Leader let everyone in the group know who the Sweep is (great opportunity to meet other members) and what they are wearing. Remember, many cyclists wear yellow.

3. The Sweep takes off their jacket at a rest stop. Let the group know they are now wearing red, not yellow. 

4. Riders between the Arrow and the Sweep miss the Arrow. This happens when the Arrow leaves their position or is not visible to all riders. Where the Arrow stands is very important. The Arrow must be visible – ideally the Arrow is watching the road, looking for group riders and the Sweep.

5. The Arrow is left standing for a long time with no other riders coming. Sometimes this happens. The Sweep might be handling an issue with another rider and the Arrow is left standing. Ideally, if there is an issue the Sweep will call the Leader (cell numbers are exchanged at the start of the ride). If there is more than one rider with the Leader or Sweep, a rider will be sent ahead or back to alert the Arrow what is happening and send them on their way.

6. Sometimes the route has a lot of turns and the Leader runs out of Arrows. Do not laugh, it happens. This might be a good time to regroup…

Normally, Human Arrowing works perfectly. Riders thank the Arrow as they turn the corner, and everyone has a good time. If you want to become a Human Arrow, watch how it works first, and then by all means, join in the fun!

Where do you live (bonus: add where you are from)?
I live in Arlington MA and I am from Nova Scotia, Canada!

What led to you joining CRW and what do you enjoy most about being a member? I joined CRW to find people to ride with and make friends. 

What is your best advice for a new club member? If at first you get dropped, try, try again. There are people for you in this club!

When did you become a Ride Leader? This is my first year being a ride leader (2024). 

What led to you becoming a ride leader? I had a bit of encouragement from other ride leaders. I wanted to step up to the table to help make cycling more inclusive to women and average speed riders (like myself). It also helps that I can post rides when I am available and at the speeds I want to ride! 

What types of rides are you planning on leading? Womens rides, adventure rides (single-day), and supporting recurring weekend rides. I will also be co-leading various rides throughout the season to support those traveling around my speed group. Check out my Martha’s Vineyard ride scheduled for September!

How long have you been cycling, and what initially got you interested in the sport? I have always ridden a bicycle. I was always on a hybrid bike riding in the neighborhood or on well-traveled trails. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was into road cycling and I guess I was just trying to impress him… 

What is your favorite thing about cycling? I love finding fresh pavement, even if it’s just a short stretch. 

How many miles a year do you typically ride? My current goal is to ride 80 miles per week and 3 rides. This would be much less in the darker and colder months!

What is your greatest cycling accomplishment? I completed the Baie Sainte Marie Gran Fondo (80 miles) which was my longest ride ever. I also ended the ride smiling, so that was an accomplishment!

What is your favorite road or trail to ride on? I miss my roads back home in Nova Scotia. There is something refreshing about less traffic, and being able to ride on one road for an hour or more before having to make a turn. I am very thankful for my Wahoo.

By Jeff Dieffenbach

It's been on the order of a decade since gravel entered my bloodstream. A few years after that, I took possession of a gravel bike, selling my road bike to cover a second set of wheels I'd mount up with road tires on the rare occasions that tarmac beckoned. At about that time, the Unbound Gravel 200 (then called Dirty Kanza) took up full-time residence on my radar screen.

I decided that I'd use the occasion of my 60th birthday to give it a go in 2024. As a planner/overthinker extraordinaire, I wanted an advance peek at the lay of the (Emporia KS) land. That peek back at the end of May/beginning of June also afforded me the opportunity to put in 10+ hours of volunteer time to let me bypass next year's lottery and gain automatic entry. This blog post shares what I learned.

By John Allen

What is a Complete Street? And how well is the concept being applied?  As a cyclist, you need to know.

Complete Street Definition

A Complete Street is described in planning literature as one which is safe and practical, pleasant even, for modes of transportation up to a contextually appropriate limit of speed, traffic volume, and vehicle size. A Complete Street serves pedestrians and bicyclists well, and at least local motor traffic. 

The speed limit is low enough that pedestrians can safely cross the street. There are crosswalks, signalized where that is warranted. Restrictions on motor traffic work down from the largest vehicles to what is appropriate in context. That approach to vehicle types and sizes has been traditional on DCR parkways, quaintly limited to “pleasure vehicles only”, a definition which over the years has been pushed wider to cover passenger cars and small cargo vans.

Hammond Pond Parkway Reconstruction: A Complete Street?

On Thursday, June 13, I joined representatives of Bike Newton and the Central Transportation Planning Staff for a ride to visit special bicycle facilities in Newton. One was DCR’s Hammond Pond Parkway, now under reconstruction.

Hammond Pond Parkway was overbuilt in the mid 20th Century as a 4- lane speedway, reflecting car culture that turned parkways into highways. It would certainly not rate as bicycle-friendly, though I have ridden it, controlling the outside lane (and so demonstrating that the parkway was overbuilt, because motorists could always pass me without delay). The terrain is rolling, with a long, steep slope down to Route 9 at the southern end. 

The DCR is currently taking the mile-long segment of the Parkway between Beacon Street and Route 9 down to two lanes, installing a 12- foot wide shared-use path 15 feet from the roadway on the west side and a 4-foot wide sidewalk on the east side. The current project imagines Hammond Pond Parkway as a pleasant, park-like experience for bicyclists.

The segment: 

Go to the RidewithGPS version of this map, so you can change to Satellite View or Street View and explore more widely.

I commented on this project when it was in the planning stage. At that time, there was a discussion about making the roadway 28 feet wide, marginally wide enough for today’s “pleasure vehicles” to pass bicyclists. A bit wider would be nice, but that is in the nature of political compromise.  

So, what is the problem, then? How well will Hammond Pond Parkway meet the definition of a Complete Street?

Is it Really Complete?

The roadway will, as I found out during the expedition to Newton, have only two narrow travel lanes, with no shoulders – 22 or 24 feet, as you can see in the background of the photo below. The roadway will therefore work well only for someone in a motor vehicle that can hold the speed limit. The parallel path is conceived of as for everyone else. 

The DCR’s Dan Driscoll describes the reconstruction of Hammond Pond Parkway, now underway. A paved path will be in the strip behind the people listening. 

Let me be clear: I like the idea of a path for park access and a park experience. But -- the Parkway is not only a route in a park, it is a transportation route through a park. It connects Newton Center with the large Chestnut Hill shopping malls and residential areas beyond. Bicyclists, e-bike users and motor scooter operators will want to travel this segment end to end.  

Safety Issues

Safety is often raised as a rationale for paths. But faster bicyclists, e-bike and motor scooter users are a poor and unsafe fit on a path shared with pedestrians and family bicyclists. Problems become worse with steep slopes. Nationwide, governments are grappling with the safety issues of faster e-bike traffic on paths. A local example: 15 mph speed limit signs have been installed on the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway – which is flat, being a rail trail, and where faster traffic may use parallel Massachusetts Avenue. There is no such convenient alternative to Hammond Pond Parkway.

Proponents of the Hammond Pond Parkway project objected to adding a few feet of roadway width on the grounds that this would reduce spacing to the path and impede storm water infiltration. I contend that a few more feet of roadway width would hardly make a difference in the middle of hundreds of acres of parkland into which water could infiltrate.

Is it Practical for Bicycle Transportation? E-bikes? Motor Scooters? Year-round?

The path will cross parking-lot entrances and roads in crosswalks, adding delay and inconvenience. Traversal of multiple crosswalks will be needed at the Route 9 end of the segment. With such treatments, users become impatient and choose their own times and ways to cross, becoming unpredictable and increasing risk. If bicycles are to be competitive with motor vehicles and public transportation, they must not be subject to unnecessary delays, or held to low speeds.

The narrowed roadway is crowned and has storm drains. The proposed path, on the other hand, will be unusable or unsafe for weeks or months at a time in winter even if plowed, lacking drainage -- unless heavily salted (unhealthy for vegetation and bicycles).

So, the most practical solution in winter is to give up on the idea of bicycling and leave the path unplowed and unsalted for cross- country skiing and snowshoeing.

Years ago, the DCR applied the same configuration (a narrow, shoulderless roadway and parallel path) to Metropolitan Parkway in Waltham, shown in the following video: https://player.vimeo.com/video/117220059?h=71cf9423b4. Metropolitan Parkway is  very lightly traveled, so riding on the roadway is practical. Bicyclists on the roadway of Hammond Pond Parkway would have queues of cars behind them and would invite harassment.

Be Careful What You ask For -- and Just Be Careful

All in all, with Hammond Pond Parkway, the positive environmental and social goal of improving access to parkland has pushed aside the positive environmental and social goal of safe and convenient transportation other than in motor vehicles. The problem is worse for operators of motor scooters, whether electrically or gasoline powered. They are legal on roadways and in bike lanes, but prohibited from using paths. Don’t expect any ban or speed limit to be enforced, though, so be careful…

So much for the idea of a Complete Street.

I have applauded the efforts of the DCR and particularly Dan Driscoll in extending the paths along the Charles River upstream to Waltham. I have supported the reasonable narrowing of Charles River Road and Nonantum Road, as well as construction of the Cochituate Rail Trail, the Mass Central Rail Trail, Bruce Freeman Trail and other trail projects. Those projects all have improved bicycle access without compromising access on roads. The Hammond Pond Parkway project, on the other hand, proposes to forego much of the potential of the Parkway for bicycle, e-bike, and motor scooter transportation, and so is fundamentally different in its impact.

If you are going to ride Hammond Pond Parkway in its new configuration, please make sure that your brakes are in good working order, and be cautious!

If you see plans for a road reconfiguration project in your community, please make your voice heard to see that it is actually a Complete Street, properly accommodating all anticipated uses.

*For Reference:*

I rode the segment of Hammond Pond Parkway under discussion on November 25, 2021. My travel speeds ranged from 6.5 to 30 miles per hour southbound, and 5 to 21 miles per hour northbound.

Video of my ride southbound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AwlL2K4uME

Video of my ride northbound https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oau5lQPno8

By Amy Juodawlkis

CRW is excited to announce a partnership with local bike shop Quad Cycles, 1043 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, offering members exclusive benefits:

• 15% discount on all merchandise, including bikes and parts
• Expedited "same day" service on standard repairs (bike must be brought in before noon; excludes extensive repairs or special-order parts)

Rustem Gode, owner of Quad Cycles, said, "We're proud to partner with CRW. By working together, we can promote the growth of cycling and support the passionate individuals in our community."

To enjoy these benefits, simply present your CRW membership card at Quad Cycles. We believe this partnership will enhance your cycling experience and provide more value to your CRW membership. Happy cycling!

Quad Cycles
1043 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
Email: info@quadcycles.com
Phone: (781) 648-5222
Website: www.quadcycles.com

To present an electronic version of your membership card via the Wild Apricot Member App:

1. Click the My Profile tab.

2. Click the My Card button.

To download a printable PDF version via the CRW Website:

1. Click on your name in the top right corner to go to your profile.

2. Click on Printable PDF below the card image.

Members: We are currently in the process of updating our database of local bike store discounts so that we may present a full list on our website. If  you would like to help with this effort, please complete our Volunteer Interest Form. Thank you!!!

Cancelling Your Ride Registration

By Amy Juodawlkis

When the unexpected happens, and you can't make that CRW ride you're registered for, please go ahead and cancel your registration so we're not needlessly waiting for you at the ride start.

Here are three ways to cancel your registration:

Option 1: Cancel from your CRW Website User Profile

1. Click on your name in the top right corner to go to your profile.
2. Select "My Event Registrations" and find the event you wish to cancel.
3. Click on "Confirmed" next to the event registration.
4. On the next page, click "Cancel Registration" to cancel your registration.

Option 2: Cancel from the CRW Website Event Page

1. Open the Event Calendar and select the event you want to cancel.
2. On the event page, click "Already registered" in the left panel.
3. This opens the registration form with a "Cancel Registration" button, which you can click to cancel.

Option 3: Cancel from the CRW Member Mobile App

1. In the Wild Apricot mobile app, select "My Tickets".
2. Select the event you want to cancel.
3. Click "Cancel" to cancel your registration.

NOTE: Ride Leaders can also cancel registrations via the CRW Admin Mobile App: 1. Click on the rider's name in the event's Registrants list; 2. Click on the (...) button; 3. Select Delete.

______________________________________________________________________________

Adding Your Picture to Your Profile on the CRW Website

By Barbara Jacobs

It is very easy to add your picture to your profile on the CRW Website. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to the CRW.org website.
2. Click on your name at the top of the page - this brings you to your "My Profile" page.
3. Click on "Edit Profile".
4. Scroll down until you see "Avatar".
5. Click on " Choose File".
6. Find and click on the picture you want to have as your "Avatar".
7. Go back to the top of the page and "Save".

One of the most requested features from our recent member survey was the ability to synchronize the club event calendar with personal calendars. We are excited to announce that this feature is now available! By following the steps below, you can ensure that you never miss out on any of our exciting events.

How to Sync the CRW Event Calendar with Google Calendar:

1. Open Your Google Calendar:

   Begin by opening your Google Calendar in a web browser.
   
   

2. Find the "Other Calendars" Section:

   On the left side of the screen, locate the "Other calendars" section.
   
   

3. Add a New Calendar:

   Click the plus sign (+) next to "Other calendars."
   
   

4. Select "From URL":

   In the menu that appears, select the "From URL" option.
   
   

5. Enter the Calendar URL:

   Input the following URL into the provided field: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/calendar%40crw.org/public/basic.ics



6. Add the Calendar:

   Click "Add calendar." Google will automatically sync the CRW event calendar to your personal Google Calendar and display the events.

Important Notes:

• Update Frequency: Please note that changes made to the shared calendar may not be instantly visible. Google Calendar updates can take up to 12 hours to reflect new or updated events.

By syncing the CRW event calendar with your personal calendar, you’ll have easy access to all club activities right at your fingertips. This feature will help you stay informed and make the most of your membership with the Charles River Wheelers. Happy cycling!

For further assistance or if you encounter any issues, please contact our contact us form.

Dear CRW Members,

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of Eli Post as the editor of WheelPeople, effective June 1, 2024. For the past several years, Eli has been the driving force behind our beloved newsletter, dedicating countless hours to ensure that each issue is informative, engaging, and reflective of our vibrant cycling community.

Eli’s passion for cycling and his commitment to CRW have been evident in every edition of WheelPeople. His editorial vision has helped shape the publication into a cornerstone of our club, providing members with ride updates, cycling tips, and captivating stories from our community. Under his leadership, WheelPeople has not only informed but also inspired us all. 

We want to take this opportunity to thank Eli for his outstanding service. His hard work, creativity, and dedication have left an indelible mark on CRW. Eli has graciously agreed to work with Barbara Jacobs on the June issue and will assist his successor to ensure a smooth transition. Eli will continue to contribute as a writer, sharing his insights and experiences with us in future articles.

One of Eli's upcoming projects is a collaborative article with his son about the geographical distribution of our membership—a testament to his ongoing commitment to CRW. We are excited to see his future contributions and are grateful for his continued involvement.

Eli’s decision to step down comes due to personal health reasons. While we will miss his leadership as editor, we understand and fully support his decision. We are fortunate that Eli will remain a part of our community and continue to share his passion for cycling with us.

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Eli for his years of exceptional service and dedication. We wish him all the best in his health and future endeavors. Eli, your contributions have made a significant impact, and we look forward to seeing you on the road and reading your inspiring articles in WheelPeople.

With gratitude,

Randolph Williams
President, Charles River Wheelers

Cape in a Day Too, June 22

Join CRW for this one-way 105 mile ride that starts from the MBTA train station in Braintree and goes south through mostly quiet roads all the way to Cape Cod.

You will enjoy great scenery along the coast and down the Shining Sea Bike Path, grab lunch in Woods Hole and maybe stop for some beach time before catching the Cape Flyer in Hyannis back to Braintree.

Register Now!

Ride Leader(s): Jerry Skurla  jskurla@comcast.net 

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The Willie Hume Pneumatic Classic celebrates the 1889 debut of pneumatic tires in bike racing, June 30

On May 18th, 1889 the captain of the Belfast Cruisers Cycling Club was the first person to compete in a bike race on newfangled "sausage tyres" invented in 1887 by Scotland's John Boyd Dunlap (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Boyd_Dunlop).

Willie Hume  won "all four cycling events in sensational fashion from riders of repute" at the Queen's College Sports held on the North of Ireland Cricket Club Grounds.

The Pneumatic Classic features 2 late morning rides (25m & 40m) departing from the Dirigible Brewery in Littleton, MA.

After finishing the rides we'll toast Willie and John's accomplishments - and marvel at today's tubeless tires - with Dirigible's craft brews and food. 

Ride Start Location:  

Dirigible Brewery in Littleton, MA.    https://dirigiblebrewing.com/faqs 

Ride Leader(s):

Jerry Skurla  jskurla@comcast.net 

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Bikepacking 101, July 6-7

In its 4th season, Bikepacking 101 is a two day, one night introduction to "bikepacking," which means all overnight gear is carried on your trusty bike, NOT your back.  

The trip starts in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The first day’s 38-mile route is on paved road, dirt roads in New Hampshire and a section of the Cross Vermont rail trail, finishing at Ricker Pond State Campground in Vermont which features a swimming beach and modern bathhouse. 

The second day’s 39-mile ride includes more Cross Vermont rail trail, a unique hardware store & bar in Cabot, Vermont, and a wonderful LONG descent on the Lamoille Valley rail trail back to the start in St. Johnsbury.

Register Now!

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Climb to the Clouds, August 11

This legendary CRW ride will test your biking abilities with two challenging routes climbing up Mount Wachusett. There is a century length ride with 6,324 feet of climbing or a metric century with 3,358 feet of climbing. To help you succeed there are rest stops along the way.

Come climb this iconic Massachusetts mountain and bask in the glorious views of New England with CRW this August!

Register Now!

Image courtesy of trailspotting.com