The Pedaler Newsletter
Well, I'm glad that I got in a 4-hour ride yesterday. Looks like I will be doing chores this Sunday morning. Even after last week's weather, we can certainly use the rain. But, it's not good for my desire to ride!
As you know, some motorist aren't very excited about sharing the road with us. Whenever an article about cycling or a cycling accident appears in our local paper, there is usually an abundance of comments about how we should not be on the road because we are a traffic hazard. Comments are one thing, but at least one motorist has decided to express his feelings about us in far more serious terms. Yesterday, June 1, some of the Wheelmen riders who were participating in our Boerne ride were buzzed by a someone in a white Chevrolet Tahoe. The truck's license plate is SNB 04. We believe that this is the same person who has buzzed some Wheelmen riders on the I-10 frontage road at least three times in the last few months. Please be careful when riding in that area.
President's Column
We apologize for canceling the club picnic at the last minute, but It seems that the weather forecasters played a practical joke on us. We cancelled the picnic and it turned out to be a beautiful day to ride! The new date for the picnic will be
June 15 at the same location. Check our website for
details.
There have been rumors that other local cities (besides Bulverde), in response to numerous complaints, are going to take a stricter stance on citing cyclists for traffic violations. So, let's be careful and respect the laws. It's frustrating that some people are more critical of cyclists running a stop sign than of drivers in 2000-pound trucks speeding and not paying attention while using a mobile phone. We are are all ambassadors for cycling and can prove the naysayers wrong by adhering to the traffic laws.
Also, remember that the best way to handle aggressive drivers is to ignore them. Release your frustrations by pedaling harder. If we respond with aggression, we might endanger our lives or the lives of other fellow cyclists down the road. While aggressive drivers are certainly a concern, our major concern is with distracted drivers and drivers who should no longer be driving a vehicle. So lets swallow our pride and ignore those poor souls who show anger to someone riding a bike for transportation or recreation.
See you on the road!
Jose Rojas
Bicycle Dreams
"Bicycle Dreams" movie tickets are now available to be purchased online! This movie screening benefits the National MS Society for Bike MS. It will be held on June 27 at 7 PM at the San Antonio Palladium IMAX. Advance tickets can be bought
online for $16.13 (includes $1.13 processing fee). Or, save the processing fee and purchase an advance ticket for $15 (cash only) at the 1604 and Alamo Heights
Bike World locations. Tickets purchased at the Palladium will be $20 cash.
Bike Safety
A study was conducted about bicyclists being visible at nighttime. The biggest non-intuitive result is that reflective strips have to be moving to do the most good, i.e. placing them on the knees and ankles. Go to the
link for details.
Support the Reed Lee Fund
Cycling is a wonderful activity that brings many of us great pleasure. For most of us, cycling’s benefits far outweigh its risks. Unfortunately, 2012 brought a dark reminder of the life-altering dangers associated with cycling on the road. Our cycling community experienced multiple cycling-related deaths and at least two accidents that resulted in serious injury.
On November 17, 2012, a San Antonio Wheelmen member, Reed Lee, was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed below the chest, with broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a cracked sternum. Reed’s road to recovery will be challenging and expensive. The San Antonio Wheelmen set up a fund, the Reed Lee Benefit Fund, to help offset some of those expenses. Please find it in your heart to help out another cyclist by going to the Active.com site below and donating to the fund. All proceeds from the fund go to Reed Lee. Please go to
active.com and donate.
Renew Your Membership
If you recently received an e-mail about renewing your membership, you can do so on
bikereg.com (it supports PayPal) or
active.com. You can also complete the
membership application, print it, sign it, and mail it to us. We need your membership and we're constantly looking for your feedback on how we can improve the club. Please feel free to e-mail your suggestions to
membership@sawheelmen.com.
New Wheelmen Jersey
The latest Wheelmen jersey has the same great design, but more lightweight material! Please contact
Vicki Smith.
The Pedaler Online
President's Column
Articles
Upcoming Rides
New Members
Member of the Month
BMAC Minutes
SAW Board Minutes
Tony Beauford
VP, Membership
www.sawheelmen.com
