Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2018

Fwd: 2018 Pittsburgh Dirty Dozen Bicycle Ride

---- Forwarded message ---------
From: Dirty Dozen

Dear riders and friends of Danny Chew:

Another year has gone by and this year's edition of the Dirty Dozen is fast approaching. You are invited to participate in the 36th annual running of the event, which will be held on Saturday, November 24th. Proceeds will benefit Danny, who is overall director of this challenging ride he co-founded. If you register by November 3rd you will receive an additional discount on your entry fee.

Here are some of the changes in this year's ride:

• New starting location. The ride now begins at the Rhododendron Shelter on Lake Drive in Highland Park. By straight-line distance this is less than half a mile to the north and west of the Bud Harris Cycling Track, and can be reached by traveling north on Stanton Avenue.

• Official-finisher ribbons will be mailed out after the event to ensure that all riders who certify their official-finisher status will receive one. Instructions for certifying official-finisher status will be included in your registration packet.

• Separate women's event. Women wanting to compete can choose to ride in either the first group, competing directly against the men in an open event, or in the second group, which is reserved for women only.

Here are the links for this year's ride:

Main 2018 event page: http://www.dannychew.com/ddinfo.html
BikeReg registration page: https://www.bikereg.com/dirty-dozen-2018
The main DD page is here: http://www.dannychew.com/dd.html
Starting location: http://maps.google.com/?daddr=40.4789109,-79.9104809

We hope you will be able to ride this year and conquer all of the hills.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Pratt

2018 Dirty Dozen

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

More Bike Lanes -- as I've got some experience with them in Chengdu, China

More bike lanes! Because, some day, I'm going to be the one in the back seat! Plus, the brakes on that sucker didn't work so much. The brake on the bar for the front tire flew off the first time I applied pressure, flipping forward. The only real stopping power came from the sick break, in the middle of the frame. To stop, push downward. The question was always, use both hands to turn away from the crash, and be with less grip in the pending collision. Or, put a hand on the brake while reaching downward getting out of balance, but protecting some other vulnerable body positions.


I am born in the year of the rooster -- as per the story at The Moth.

See and listen to more insights from my wife, Catherine, at https://themoth.org/storytellers/catherine-palmer

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Fwd: Danny Chew Fundraiser - Final Reminder

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carol 

Dear Bicycle-loving Friend,
As you may already know, we are holding a Fundraising Event for Danny Chew  on June 17th, to help raise funds for making his home handicapped-accessible, as well as for the uplhighly increased living expenses that come with being paralyzed. He is temporarily living in Ohio, but is coming home to Pittsburgh in a month. Time is of the essence!
The Fundraiser should be a great celebration with  food, beer, music, bicycle-related games and activities, as well as Danny himself.
(For details on the event, please look below)


If you cannot make it to the fundraiser, but would still like to contribute, here is a link to help Danny: https://www.helphopelive.org/campaign/12584. We are also accepting gifts-in-kind for our Silent Auction and Basket Raffle (there is a form attached to this letter, and arrangements will be made to pick up anything donated), so you have an opportunity to participate in those ways as well.

Just for the Record, I fit into all this by being one of the original cyclists in the Chew Cycling Crew...Danny's sister Carol and I were the first to check out the Thursday night bicycle rides at the American Youth Hostels, then other members of the family became interested, and well, the rest is - HIStory.

Please see the attached letter from Danny...

Be well everyone,
Susan Richter
412-736-xxxx (removed by blogsmaster)

Here is the event information:

COME THRU FOR CHEW
Come to an exciting FUNDRAISER for DANNY CHEW, creator of the DIRTY DOZEN BICYCLE RACE here in Pittsburgh, and lovingly known as The MILLION MILE MAN for his goal of riding a million miles on a bicycle in his lifetime. He was paralyzed last Fall in an accident while riding, when he suddenly passed out: https://www.greatbigstory.com/stories/the-million-mile-man
https://www.outsideonline.com/2138711/danny-chew-wont-let-paralysis-keep-him-riding-1000000-miles

LOCATION & MUSEUM TOURS:
The event will be held on June 17th from 4-10pm, in the large parking lot in front of the World's Largest Bicycle Museum, BICYCLE HEAVEN, on the North Side (https://www.bicycleheaven.org/). There will be tours of this massive historical collection throughout the event, and JOHNNY ANGEL'S MUSIC MUSEUM, (http://www.jaginchystuff.com/), is nearby and open until 6pm. The Museum is also located right behind the THREE RIVERS HERITAGE TRAIL, so you can even ride on the trail to the event!
https://friendsoftheriverfront.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2014-Map-and-Guide-1.pdf

ACTIVITIES & SPECIAL GUESTS:
4:00 - 6:00 pm:
Bicycle obstacle courses, activities and games for kids of all ages. Plus, ATTILA DOMOS, (unofficial, but soon to be official) world's-record holder for # of miles on a handcycle in a 24-hour period, and recent winner in the handcycling category of the Pittsburgh Marathon! He has pledged to bring two of his handcycles for people to try, and will participate in other creative ways later on in the program. (http://www.attiladomos.com/index.html)

THROUGHOUT THE EVENT:
FOOD, BEER and WATER for sale.

BASKET RAFFLE and SILENT AUCTION, with some pretty incredible items, many related to bicycling.

DANNY CHEW (and Family) MEMORABILIA TABLE, with DANNY present at the event to tell the stories behind everything!

OTHER TABLES AND ACTIVITIES, TBA.

MUSIC LINE-UP:
4:30-5pm:
CHERYLANN HAWK sings Children's Songs with awesome drummer Pete Shell www.facebook.com/cherylannhawkmusic

5:00 - 6:00pm:
JIM DONOVAN, drummer from "Rusted Root" & his lovely daughter, TUPELO https://www.tupelodonovan.com/

6:00 - 7:00pm:
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK ACADEMY http://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2013/08/12/Academy-provides-grooming-for-rock-s-next-generation/stories/201308120101.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYrAeu4UEIQ

7:00 - 7:45pm:
PRESENTATION WITH & ABOUT DANNY, with special guests and dedications

7:45 - 8:15pm:
SURPRISE MUSICIAN!

8:30 - 9:00pm:
CHERYLANN HAWK returns, with other great songs for grown-ups!

9:00 - 10:00pm:
STANDING WAVE with Steve Sciulli and Dennis Childers

10:00 pm:
MUSIC JAM and DANCE to close the night

Please join the fun, and for now, the conversation...Let us hear your ideas and any ways you want to get involved! We would especially love to hear from young people, especially teenagers who want to participate in the kids bicycle games, crafts and "safe obstacle course" area. When they are done with their 2-hour shift with the kids, the young musicians from the Rock Academy will be performing! PLUS, WE PLAN TO SERVE PIZZA (and BEER, for the adults...) around that time!

LET US HEAR YOUR STORIES!
If you know Danny personally and have had some adventures with him, we need your stories, either written or recorded via webcam, etc., for a power-point presentation that will be created in honor of the event. DEADLINE IS NEXT MONDAY, June 12th.Please send all entries to: DannyChewFundraiser@gmail.com.

Tickets can be purchased online: http://bit.ly/chewfundraiser
and are available at the door -
$10 Pre-Registration (until 6/16 ) for persons 12 and over
$15 at the Door
$10 Students
$5 Children 4 to 12 Under 4 Free

WE CAN ALSO USE ALL THE VOLUNTEER HELP WE CAN GET, BOTH BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE EVENT! Please let me know if you can help...DannyChewFundraiser@gmail.com

Keep checking the facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/885643608240335/

Links:


Guardian and kid riding bikes

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Ride of Silence on May 15, 2013, Pittsburgh



      Ride of Silence riders: 1. We have a 30% probability of thunderstorms tomorrow evening. I'll be there regardless. If it is safe to ride, we will ride. We may delay the start or shorten the ride if that makes sense. If the ride gets totally washed out, we will likely schedule a second ride at a later date. However. Let's assume we will be riding tomorrow night. If it is important, let's do it. Qualified by apply common sense if conditions seem unsafe to you. Rain is safe to ride in, we will avoid lighting. It is 70% unlikely a storm will hit at a bad time for us, so let's plan for that, and only change if actual conditions warrant. 
      2. At the bottom of this email we list of the victims of accidents while bicycling. 
      3. We didn't get an armband volunteer so you are mostly on your own for armbands. I have about 50 black armbands and 10 red ones recycled from previous years. If you are passionate, make your own. If you feel lucky, see if you get one of mine. A ride to honor, mourn, raise awareness, demonstrate safe riding, and show our strength 
      The Ride of Silence honors people injured or killed while riding bikes. 
      Ride of Silence Details Wednesday, May 15th 6:15-6:45pm: Gather for the ride at the dinosaur (corner of Forbes and Schenley Dr) at the museum in Oakland. Sign a waiver only to invoke liability insurance for the event (required by the national and local organizers). 6:45pm: Listen to stories from victims and their families about why this movement for safe streets is important. (Thanks to Bike Pittsburgh for arranging this) 7pm: Ride of Silence begins. The route will be a slow and easy 10 miles winding through the East End of Pittsburgh, rolling by several c crash sites to honor the victims, as well as passing several mayoral candidate offices. Between 8pm and 8:30pm the ride will conclude. Start location: Schenley Plaza in Oakland - at Dippy the Dinosaur Route:
      How We Ride in Pittsburgh Double file, side by side, keeping to a single lane, and to the right of the yellow line where it exists. Stop and wait at all red lights - we're a big group and will undoubtedly be breaking up and regrouping as we go along. If there is slower traffic in the lane, we'll just wait for it. Please bring bikes in good repair, as there will be no official mechanical support or transportation. Children aged 12 and under must have helmets on. This ride takes place on city streets, with potholes, surface hazards, motor vehicles and other cyclists riding in close proximity. Participants must use their own judgment and be responsible for their own safety. If at any time, you feel that you can no longer participate safely, please pull off the route and wait until the rest of the ride has passed. History and Expectations . On the third Wednesday of May around the world, bicyclists will take to the roads in a silent protest of the carnage taking place on the streets . Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road . 
      The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its riders to ride at a slow pace and remain silent during the ride . The ride hopes to raise bicycling awareness during bike month to motorists, police, traffic engineers, insurance companies, and city officials. The ride is also a chance to honor and mourn, in funeral procession style, those who have already been killed and injured . The ride requests black arm bands be worn, red only if you have had a bike/motor vehicle crash. Helmets required; lights are mandatory for the ride home. There are no fees charged anyone to participate. Pittsburgh Ride of Silence Contact for 2013: Jim Logan jimlogan@verizon.net <mailto:%20jimlogan@verizon.net> <mailto:lwseaman@hotmail.com
      The Pittsburgh Ride of Silence is endorsed by endorsed by Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen, Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club, Allegheny Cycling Association, Flock of Cycles, Pittsburgh Masters Velo Club, and Bike Pittsburgh The endorsers and organizer are bearing no responsibility (financial or otherwise) for the ride. By endorsing it, we are simply stating we believe in the stated goals. Ride at your own risk. 
      Summary list of accident victims in Pittsburgh 2013 2013-03-13 
      Mjai, Liberty Ave at S Matilda Street, PGH, PA ... 2013-03-30 Chad Vida of Etna, Liberty Avenue, PGH, PA 2013-04-05 Rider down due to pothole, Brinton Road, PGH, PA 2013-04-22 Iain Engle, 8 year old, Reynolds & Lexington, PGH, PA 2012 2012-04-02 No name, 100-block of South Negley Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-04-25 No name, 48th and Butler Streets, PGH, PA 2012-05-13 Dan Yablonsky, Liberty Avenue and Ligonier Street, PGH, PA *2012-07-25 James Price, Penn Avenue just past Penfield Court, PGH, PA *2012-08-01 Anthony Green, 48, 7700 block of Penn Ave, PGH, PA 2012-08-01 No name, Intersection of Church Street and South Braddock Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-08-03 Police officer injured enforcing bicyclist safety 2012-08-10 No name, Armco Road, Butler Township, PA 2012-09-04 Dr. David Wood, retired Pitt Professor, Euclid Ave, PGH, PA 2012-09-20 JENNIFER SZWEDA JORDAN, Forbes Avenue & Dallas Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-09-28 No name, Boulevard of the Allies and Wood Street, PGH, PA 2001-10-02 No name, collision occurred near the intersection of Butler Street and Stanton Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-10-27 No name, Liberty Ave at the Herron Avenue Bridge, PGH, PA 2012-11-13 Nick Drombroski, Wilkins Avenue, PGH, PA 2012-11-14 No name, Sarah Street, PGH, PA These collisions reported without names per PPG project http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/bikeAccidents <http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsinteractive.post-gazette.c om%2FbikeAccidents&h=wAQGUTew7AQFKVYSZ4YpN0oqa_1ZvBQGBhBxb48B5eMb-6g&s=1> Names are not available. 2012 data from PG (article ran in July or August, so data ends there). Data includes both type of incidents when driver is at fault and when biker is at fault. 2012-07-22 SAW MILL RUN BL, PGH, PA 2012-07-19 FIFTH AV, , PGH, PA 2012-07-18 S MILLVALE AV, PGH, PA 2012-07-12 BROWNSVILLE RD, PGH, PA 2012-07-07 EAST CARSON ST, , PGH, PA 2012-07-05 KIRKPATRICK ST, PGH, PA 2012-06-26 ELLSWORTH AV, PGH, PA 2012-06-21 CENTRE AV, PGH, PA 2012-06-14 HOWE ST, PGH, PA 2012-06-14 PENN AV, PGH, PA 2012-06-11 BROWNSVILLE RD, PGH, PA 2012-06-08 CHAUTAUQUA CT, PGH, PA 2012-05-28 UNIVERSAL ST, PGH, PA 2012-05-24 LIBERTY AV, PGH, PA 2012-05-22 ALLEGHENY AV, PGH, PA 2012-05-22 SCHENLEY DR, PGH, PA 2012-05-21 E OHIO ST, PGH, PA 2012-05-18 ZULEMA ST, PGH, PA 2012-04-30 STRAWBERRY WY, PGH, PA 2012-04-15 BEECHWOOD BL, PGH, PA 2012-04-02 NEGLEY AV, PGH, PA 2012-04-01 BL OF THE ALLIES RD, PGH, PA 2012-03-20 PENN AV, PGH, PA 2012-03-20 TWENTYTHIRD ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-13 WADLOW ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-11 NORTH SHORE DR, PGH, PA 2012-03-11 WASHINGTON BL, PGH, PA 2012-03-08 BUTLER ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-07 EAST CARSON ST, PGH, PA 2012-03-02 FIRST AV, PGH, PA 2012-01-08 AIKEN AV, PGH, PA There are BikePGH map of self reported accidents/incidents http://map.bike-pgh.org/#c=crashSee More

    Monday, April 23, 2012

    Harrisburg & Pittsburgh Crashes with Youth Elections in Pennsylvania

    by Angela Perfetti, senior at Pittsburgh's Obama Academy

    (Sunday, April 22, 2012)

    Twenty five high school students from Obama Academy of International Studies, an I.B. school within Pittsburgh Public Schools, were in a charter bus that was hit on the PA Turnpike while on travels home from Harrisburg after the conclusion of the YMCA Youth and Government model convention in the state capital today. None of the students nor the teacher nor two other adult volunteers were injured in the Sunday evening accident, westbound around Murrysville, mile marker 65. The bus driver as well as the driver of the semi-truck were both unhurt.

    The bus and the semi truck carrying new Mercedes sedans bumped sides and scraped together while heading in the same direction. All of the exterior windows along the right side of the bus were broken and shattered, but the glass never reached the interior by the passengers.

    “Wind seemed to push the truck into the bus through a turn and the driver did a great job to avert a more catastrophic accident,” said Tobias Rather, a junior within the school club. “State police were called and no arrest nor citations were made to our knowledge.”

    Traveling on the bus were the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Editor in Chief of Pennsylvania's Youth Government. All had been just been voted upon and sworn into office just hours prior in the PA State House Chambers. The student delegation had been to a four-day, model-government convention directed by the Pennsylvania YMCA (YAG). YAG brought together more than 400 students from across the state to participate in government events.

    Students at YAG run their own government, electing a student Governor, presently Erik Rauterkus (junior from Pittsburgh's South Side); Lieutenant Governor, Ben Junker (junior from Bloomfield); and Editor in Chief, Anna Vitti (junior from Highland Park). Two other elected officials come from elsewhere in the state: The Speaker of the House is from Hershey and the Chief Justice is from East Shore Y in Harrisburg.

    These leaders facilitate YAG members in a year-long quest to write, debate, amend and vote for bills with committee and floor sessions. Bills are signed or vetoed by the Governor. Others win or lose court cases, report on top stories, and lobby for new PA laws. Some YAG legislation has been introduced and passed into real law within Pennsylvania.

    “YAG has been a well-respected state program for many decades,” said Erik Rauterkus, now the 66th Youth Governor in PA.

    “The YAG program clearly demonstrated various perceptions among citizens from suburban and rural delegations who have notoriously dominated the events in Harrisburg,” said Matt Lampl, Obama junior, Squirrel Hill.

    “Only two out of 24 delegations come from within Philadelphia or Pittsburgh city limits. Naturally, the leadership tended to sway toward delegates from rural, rather than urban, areas, as they represented the majority. But the Obama delegation of 2012 made unprecedented impact this year.”

    “Ours was an amazing feat, sweeping three out of the five main leadership positions,” said Annie Widom, junor, Squirrel Hill. Widom held a lobby position this week at YAG.

    Rauterkus claimed the top spot in the election for Governor by besting a veteran YAG member, Erin Agnew, from Springfield, which is also the largest delegation.

    The bus crash was the second major crash for Rauterkus this week. Just two days prior to the trip to Harrisburg, Rauterkus, one of the areas top junior competitive cyclists and captain of the school's swim team, was rushed to Presbyterian Hospital after experiencing a major tumble within a sprint in a race at the Bud Harris Cycling Oval. Suffering from plenty of road rash and soreness, he persevered and still attended the youth leadership event.

    Ben Junker, a swimming and waterpolo teammate of Rauterkus, pulled off a similar victory, narrowly beating five other peer members for the role of Lieutenant Governor. One of his duties is to preside over the Senate. Junker also was awarded the Outstanding Senate Committee Chair in the final joint session.

    The new Editor-in-chief for YAG, Anna Vitti, was elected to that position by her peers and moved from her role as reporter.

    Obama freshman, Rohun Joseph, was the fourth member of the squad who got put onto the YMCA invite list to attend CONA, the USA version for Youth Government. Adult advisers evaluate the students throughout the year and select an all-star cadre of youth leaders to meet for a week in North Carolina in July. Only 26 students in Pennsylvania get that opportunity.

    This was the first year of the Obama delegation, as it replaced the recently closed Schenley High School. “The students made a great impression with their skills and leadership abilities, said YMCA Program Director, Adoree DeLuca-Johnson. “They brought the Obama Academy and Pittsburgh names to the state.”

    The YAG members were reminded in an opening speech by Governor Tom Corbett, “Youth are the future of this world.” In the closing session, the Lieutenant Governor, Jim Cawley spoke about voting and duties as citizens.

    “The key role we play in the YAG program may indicate the beginning of better relationship among the urban, suburban and rural areas of our Commonwealth in both policy and politics” said Demetri Lardas, Obama junior, from the Oakland area of Pittsburgh.

    James Hill, 2011 Schenley graduate, from Stanton Heights and a former YAG participant said, “I'm thankful that no one was hurt in the bus crash. It must have been in exciting end to an exciting weekend. I'm immensely proud of Erik, Ben, and Anna for making a smash this year. Working with them in the past, I know that they are great kids and that they are going to work hard to make YAG even better next year. I'm very proud that they're making there own legacy and proving inner city schools have what it takes."

    ###


    For more information:


    Angela Perfetti, Senior, Pgh Obama, Reporter at YAG

    Mark Rauterkus, PA YAG volunteer, Mark@Rauterkus.com, 412-298-3432


    Photos available.


    Also see:



    The PA YMCA site: http://www.ymcapa.org/index.html


    PA YAG blog: http://payagpress.tumblr.com/


    PA YAG YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PaYouthandGov

    Tuesday, March 27, 2012

    Spring break: Spain or Oakmont on a bike

    If you can not get to Spain to ride your bike next week, we have the next best thing. Go to Cycling Fusion for some free rides, if you are up for the challenge.


    Next week we are premiering our NEW DVD in Spain for FREE! Gene will be teaching the class alongside our new DVDs and we will use the audio from the classes as a coaching track option.

    Come be a part of our new DVD for FREE! 
    Monday, April 2nd: 7:00 pm

    During this FREE class we will premier our first Spain DVD - Climbing Sweetly in Spain. This ride will include lots of climbing as well as some rollers. The scenery will include mountains, lakes, and a breathtaking dam. This hour long class is perfect for both intermediate and advanced riders.

    To sign up for the class, please either call 412-517-8163 and Laura will enroll you in the class. Or, follow this link, log in, and sign up for the FREE class.

    Date: Monday, April 2nd
    Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
    Instructor: Gene Nacey

    Tuesday, April 3rd: 7:00 pm

    During this FREE class we will premier our second Spain DVD - Power Riding in Spain. This ride will include two twenty minute sections that are perfect for doing traditional 2 X 20 power tests.  We will instead do only one power test and use the other 20 minute section to learn how to simulate multiple ways of climbing on an indoor bike. This hour long class is perfect for both intermediate and advanced riders.

    To sign up for the class, please either call 412-517-8163 and Laura will enroll you in the class. Or, follow this link, log in, and sign up for the FREE class.

    Date: Tuesday, April 3rd
    Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
    Instructor: Gene Nacey

    Contact
    Laura Smith
    Service Coordinator
    412-518-8163

    Cycling Fusion
    367 Plum St.
    FLR 2
    Oakmont, PA 15139
     

    Thursday, January 19, 2012

    Fw: Winter Lecture Series is Back!



    Pro Bikes Logo
    Hello All!
    I hope you're having a great winter, we certainly are here at Pro Bikes. And with that, we'd like to re-introduce the Winter Lecture Series! We took last year off due to construction, but are back with a full lecture series in our NEW Spin Studio and Lecture Room. The series will be happening on a weekly to bi-weekly basis with topics being presented by local coaches and experts in their field! All lectures are FREE to attend and will be held at Pro Bikes, Squirrel Hill location, 5876 Forbes Ave. 15217. Click HERE for directions.
    There is No RSVP required for this event! It is a free, one hour lecture/event aimed at providing knowledge for those interested! Thank you, and we hope to see you all there!!
    First Lecture
    • Date: January 23, 2012
    • Time:7:00-8:00PM
    • Where: Pro Bikes-Squirrel Hill 5876 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh
    • Speaker: Mike Schultz from Highland Training
    Mike will be presenting "Learning about the tools of the trade – A discussion of the use of heart rates, breathing, perceived exertion and power to make gains in endurance and power for cycling."
    Highland Training is a coaching, and consulting business for endurance and ultra endurance athletes. Training programs are for all athletes, from novice to elite, who are interested in improving their athletic performance, strength and fitness for endurance and ultra-endurance sports.
    Mike Schultz is the founder of Highland Training and is a professional ultra endurance Cyclist, and Coach. He brings more than ten years of racing and training experience from national ultra endurance cycling events, mountain bike stage races, and ultra endurance 24 hour solo cycling events.
    He has many podium finishes as a 24 hour solo racer, including a few top five finishes at the 24 hour Granny Gear national race series, and a 2nd place finish in the Duo/Pro category in 2009. As an avid cyclist, runner, and cross country skier, Mike combines his love of the outdoors with his passion for coaching and training.
    Mike is certified with the NSCA as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Personal Trainer. He has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Robert Morris University. He continues to compete within endurance and ultra endurance events on a regional and national level to further study the science behind sports specific training. He also competes to practice what he teaches. Mike resides in the Laurel Highlands, PA where he coaches and trains year round.
    For more on our first presenter, go to: http://highlandtraining.net/wordpress/.
    Mike Schultz
    For more infomation or questions about the event call Pro Bikes (412) 586-5497 or email Todd todds@probikesllc.com or Gregg gregg@probikesllc.com.
    Pro Bikes Ride

    Forward email


    This email was sent to mark@rauterkus.com by todds@probikesllc.com |  

    Pro Bikes | 5876 Forbes Ave | Pittsburgh | PA | 15217

    Saturday, November 12, 2011

    New Cycling Races Announced for 2012 Saturday - a Racing Series


    From: Chris Popovic

    For those of you that missed the 2012 ACA Awards Banquet, the night was filled with fun, food, some great costumes and a few surprise announcements. I'd like to highlight one of those items that will bring more racing to the Bud Harris Cycling Track in 2012.

    ACA Member, ABRA Founder and all-around cycling guy J.R. Petsko has agreed to assist the ACA in expanding our race schedule in 2012. J.R. will be running the ACA Saturday racing series that will include a minimum of ten (10) racing dates during our 22 week season. As many of you know, J.R. is the master of soul-crushing, yet fun race courses. The ACA is proud to have J.R.'s excitement and leadership with us as we go forward into our 41st of promoting bicycle racing in Western PA.

    J.R. will be running five (5), count 'em five (5) individual race classes for the 10 race Saturday series. Race classes are:
    • Race 1 - Juniors
    • Race 2 - Men Cat 5
    • Race 3 - Women Open
    • Race 4 - Men 3/4
    • Race 5 - Men 1/2/3
    Additional details on the 10 Race Saturday Series are as follows:
    • All races will be run independently. There will be no mixing of Juniors, Women, etc., unless of course the rider's license allows them to race in the respective class.
    • Dates for the races are set on Saturdays from April to September. Get these on your race calendars now: 4/14, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9, 6/30, 7/14, 8/4, 8/18, 9/1
    • Races will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday morning through noon. Registration will be earlier of course.
    • Race length and specific class times will vary depending upon weather, attendance, etc.
    • Race formats will be left up to J.R. We're sure he'll get to express his devious side in coming up with interesting deviations on the standard 'round and 'round format.
    • There will be a season pass available.
    • Series Winners WILL earn an ABRA series Champion jersey plus other cash and prizes.
    • Payout at each race depends on reg #'s for that day.
    • Race costs will be similar to the ACA format or as close as we can budget.
    • We are looking for officials and volunteers to help support the Saturday series. Please contact J.R. (jrpetsko@gmail.com) or myself (chrispopovic@gmail.com) if interested.
    Note that we are still planning on repeating past Saturday events such as new rider clinics, women-specific clinics, a 100 lap race and others on the remaining Saturdays. Those races will be announced early next year.

    Thank you J.R. for stepping in to help expand our series. 2012 is going to be a great year for racing in Western PA.

    Chris Popovic, 2012 ACA President




    Wednesday, June 08, 2011

    Share the road

    I would like to thank the local media for the immediate and continued coverage with respect to the two cyclists who were hit by a coward driving recklessly on Memorial Day. This driver's lack of action is reprehensible: Rather than be a responsible citizen, the driver chose to leave the scene of an accident without learning if the cyclists were injured or dead. Seemingly, the driver did not much care.

    Motorists have a "privilege" to be on the road and are "required" to share the road with cyclists. Before yelling obscenities or writing letters to the editor, please familiarize yourself with the PennDOT Drivers Manual. Chapter III, Page 46 confirms that a "bicyclist has the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as you."

    I understand there are plenty of bike riders who are not obeying the rules of the road and they give a bad rap to cyclists who do obey the law, just as a driver who mows down two cyclists with no apparent regard for their lives gives a bad rap to motorists.

    Cyclists, please respect drivers and ride safely; use appropriate hand signals, be courteous and visible.

    Drivers, please remember that cyclists have the same rights as other motorists and the obligation to follow the same rules of the road. Also, it is "illegal" to force cyclists off the road. I know some people like to see how close they can come to hitting a cyclist, but remember, that person also has family and friends, and I am fairly confident you do not want to kill someone because you think he or she is in your way.

    Let's all remember that cyclists are not going anywhere and are increasing in numbers. Both camps need to understand and respect the rights of each other. We need to ride in harmony.

    FRED KLEHM
    President
    Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen
    Ross

    Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11157/1151623-110-0.stm#ixzz1OiciOunw

    Friday, May 27, 2011

    Memorial Day Ride, as per the rain date

    We are riding on the RAIN DATE - Memorial Day - 6:45 AM (morning)

    Who: Cyclists -- road, recreation, commuter, race, triathlon. All who legally share the road.

    What: The Pittsburgh arm of the worldwide Ride Of Silence™ bike
    rally. See http://rideofsilence.org

    Why:
    • to honor those cyclists injured or killed on public roadways
    • to raise awareness of cyclists on the road
    • to demonstrate responsible road sharing
    • to show that cyclists are not going away

    When: Monday , May 30 , 20 2011 , 6: 45 AM . We roll out at 7:00 AM sharp.

    Pittsburgh start location: Southside - 26th & Sidney (behind REI).

    Route is 10 miles, roughly http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/34042598/

    THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
    • On the third Wednesday of May around the world, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent protest of the carnage taking place on the streets. (In Pittsburgh, we ride on Memorial Day mornings!)

    • Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas in 2003 after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus mirror on an empty road.

    • The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride at a slow pace and remain silent during the ride.

    • The ride hopes to raise cycling awareness during bike safety month to motorists, police, traffic engineers, insurance companies, and city officials. The ride is also a chance to mourn, in funeral procession style, those who have already been killed.

    • The ride requests black arm bands be worn, red only if you have had a bike/motor vehicle accident. Helmets are required; bright clothing and lights are highly recommended for the ride home. There are no fees charged anyone to participate.

    How we will ride in Pittsburgh:
    • Double file, side by side, keeping to a single lane, and to the right of the yellow line where it exists. (Most of the roads we will use do not have lanes wide enough to safely share) Stop and wait at all red lights - we're a big group and will undoubtedly be breaking up and regrouping as we go along. If there is slower traffic in the lane, we'll just wait for it.
    • Please bring bikes in good repair, as there will be no official mechanical support or transportation.
    • Helmets are required. Ipods and the like are frowned upon.
    • Children aged 12 and under should be in trailers, trail-a-bikes, tandems or the like, not riding independently.
    • This ride takes place on city streets, with potholes, surface hazards, motor vehicles and other cyclists riding in close proximity.
    • Participants must use their own judgement and be responsible for their own safety. If at any time, you feel that you can no longer participate safely, please pull off the route and wait until the rest of the ride has passed.

    Pittsburgh Ride of Silence Contact for 2011: Lyle Seaman (lwseaman@hotmail.com)

    The Pittsburgh Ride of Silence is endorsed by Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen, Bike Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club.
    The endorsers and organizer are bearing