BCP Current Ride Listing

Saturday, May 3 - 2003 Fortescue on the Bay. Class B, approx 97 miles, 15+ mph. Totally flat, through the farm country of south Jersey. Leaving from the school at High Hill Road and Rt 551 in Swedesboro, NJ at 8 sharp. Commodore Barry Bridge, turn onto Rt 130 south (first turn off the bridge). Go one mile, turn left onto High Hill Road and go 4.8 miles to the school. Bring or buy food for lunch on the beach at the Delaware Bay. We will also do food stops at Rosenhayn and Pole Tavern. Leaders: Doug Kennedy, 610-543-4664, dougkennedy7@yahoo.ca, and Debbie Wilson, 302-798-1243, djwbike@aol.com.

Saturday, May 3 - Tour of Montco. Class A-/B+, 80 miles, 15-17 mph. Leaving from the Valley Forge National Park Visitors Center, lower lot, at 9:00. This month we will travel to the far northern reaches of Montgomery County. Two food/rest stops are planned. Expect some climbing. Leader: Rich Wagner, 610-521-4570, roadrich@hotmail.com.

Saturday, May 3 - MTB Belmont Plateau. Class D for "I'm OUT OF SHAPE!" Meet at the Italian Fountain at 10. We'll ride for 3 hours, twisty trails and long slow climbs, leave the hard stuff for next week! The area consists of packed dirt, loose & crushed rock, twisty single track, steep climbs. Perfect riding! No ride if rain. Leader: Paul Winkfield, 215-329-9830, paladin007@comcast.net.

Saturday, May 3 - Northeast Ramble. Class C-, 30-40 miles. Route is all west of the Delaware river. Brunch/lunch stop along the way. All ride together. PLEASE NOTE: The pace will be C MINUS, about 10 mph. No cue sheets will be provided. So, you will have to ride at the leaders' pace. Leaves at 9:00 SHARP from the Burger King, north of Oxford Circle on Castor Ave. Call in case of inclement or doubtful weather. Leaders: Madge and Dick Trickey, 215-288-5907.

Saturday, May 3 - Howie's Main Line Breakfast ride (Adhoc). Class C+, 13-15 mph, 40 miles. Leaves at 9:30 a.m. from Italian Fountain. Moderately hilly, A pretty ride through the Main Line, with a breakfast stop at Joe's, near the Villanova campus. Bring locks and money. . Leader: Howie Wiener, Howard.Wiener@usdoj.gov, 215-925-2494(H), 856-968-4926(W)

Sunday, May 4 - Funwheelers Graduation. Class C, 28 miles. Starts 9:00 from the parking lot across from Chadds Ford Elementary School. Heading south on Baltimore Pike, turn left at the first traffic light past Route 100 in Chadds Ford. School Night Instructor Jim Connor leads his cycling class on their graduation ride--their final field trip. Test yourself on Harmony Hill, en route to the halfway stop at Highland Orchards, renowned for homemade apple cider doughnuts. Stops to regroup as needed. All are welcome to join the group. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610-668-1840.

Sunday, May 4 - 7th Annual Tree Ride. Class D, 10-15 miles. Meet at noon at Lloyd Hall. Joint ride with Philadelphia Green's Tree Tenders, accompanied by Bartlett Tree Experts, as well as Mindy Maslin and Sid Ozer. A family-friendly tour of the historic and notable trees of Fairmount Park and West Laurel Hill Cemetery. Info: Jill Gefvert, (215) 365-2883, jillonbike@aol.com.

Sunday, May 4 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum at noon. Show and Go.

Thursday, May 8 - Intercourse for Lunch. Class C+, 14 mph, 50 miles. Starts at 9:00 from Bob LaDrew's house near Coatesville. If you want to take a break from work or if you're retired, unemployed or just bored, come out for a tour of the Amish countryside. Bagels, cereal & juice at start. You must contact the leader for directions. Leader: Steve Trobovic, 610- 687-9229, wildyugo@comcast.net.

Saturday, May 10 - Historic Greenwich. Class B, 15 mph, 53 miles, flat. Join us for a reprise of Eduardo s Ruchelli's update of a classic Peter Odell ride - a nice easy loop in Salem and Cumberland counties, NJ, where we'll enjoy scenic, traffic-free and flat roads as we travel through some of the oldest towns and villages of the Garden State. Ride starts at 9:00 from the Salem Oak Diner on Broadway & Oak Streets in Salem, NJ, across from the 500 year-old Salem Oak, of course. If interested in having breakfast at the diner prior to the ride, get there early. I-95 south to I-495 to Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295). Take first exit at the end of the bridge, route 49 and follow it for 9 miles into Salem where route 49 becomes Broadway. Diner is on right hand side, please park on the street so we don't clog up the diner's parking lot. Call if weather is questionable. Email if you want a cue sheet. Leader: Jeff Bakely, 215-843-1093, jbake@snip.net.

Saturday, May 10 - MTB Belmont Plateau. Class C/D. Meet at Italian Fountain at 10 for a 3-hour tour. We'll include some tough climbs! The area consists of packed dirt, loose & crushed rock, twisty single track, steep climbs. Perfect riding! No ride if rain. Leader: Paul Winkfield, 215-329-9830, paladin007@comcast.net.

Sunday, May 11 - Jigsaw Ramble from Chesterbrook. Class C, about 30-40 miles. Meet at Manhattan Bagel in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center at 8:30. The Center can be accessed from U.S. 202 or Pa. 252. This "training" ride has a couple of not-so-nice hills, flats, rolling terrain and a few dales. Our excursion carries us through parts of Tredyffrin, Upper Merion, Malvern and E & W Whiteland. No one left behind. Cue sheets provided. Bring snacks, liquids and money. Call for directions or to confirm our plans. Leaders: Arnie Roseman, 610-640-4529, asr3pa@msn.com and Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229, srtrobovic@juno.com.

Sunday, May 11 - Sally's Birthday Ride! Class B+, 70+ miles. Stops = 1-2 and brief, hills = you bet! Sally, George, and Dana lead a fun-filled tour of Montgomery County to celebrate Sally's birthday. Meet at Wissahickon Cyclery, Springfield & Germantown Aves, Chestnut Hill, for a prompt 9:00 departure. Singing = required (especially hits from the 70s & 80s to delight the birthday girl)! Rain/wet roads @ start time cancels. Leader: Sally Poliwoda, 215-753-2468, poliwoda@email.chop.edu.

Sunday, May 11 - B Ramble to Fort Washington. Class B, 14-15 mph, 45 miles. With the winter well behind us, we'll cruise thru Chestnut Hill on our way to Fort Washington. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Rest stop at 25 miles. Leader: Werner Carrieri, 215-680-2618, wernerman@aol.com.

Saturday, May 17 - Hilly Northeast Philly to Willow Grove Loop. Class C+, 12-14 mph, 28 miles. Starts at 7:30 from parking lot of Solis Cohen School on Tyson Ave at Horrocks St. ***RECUMBENT ALERT*** We climb and descend 10 to 12 wonderful hills as we ride to the Willow Grove Turnpike Entrance area. There is a convenience store near the halfway point, or we will be back early enough for breakfast at the Country Club Diner. Any takers? Cue sheets provided. Leader: Ed Boyle, 215-722-2970.

Saturday, May 17 - The Hills around the Oley Valley. Class B, 68 miles at 15 mph avg, rolling to hilly. This tour combines the farmlands of the Oley Valley with the great descents (and not so great ascents) from the surrounding hills, including Mt. Penn with its great view of the city of Reading. Berks County at its best! Starts at 9:00 sharp from the Daniel Boone High School in Birdsboro, Pa. From King of Prussia, take Route 422 west and after the expressway ends, continue for about 5 miles and turn left onto S.R. 82 to Birdsboro. Once in town (about 1 mile) turn left onto Main St (S.R. 724), continue for about 0.5 mile and turn right onto Chestnut St. (S.R. 345). Go another 0.5 mile and turn left into the school. Call if there is a chance of rain. Email if you want a cue sheet. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Saturday, May 17 - Cherry Hill Spring Ride. Class C, 13-16 mph, 35-40 miles. 9:00 start at the Woodlands Fall Corporate Park on Route 38 and Lake Drive in Cherry Hill, N.J. Ride will start from the rear parking area located behind the Outback Steakhouse near Church Rd. Canceled if raining one hour prior to start. Leader: Dave Wender, 856-809-9194, dwender1@comcast.net, web page http://mywebpages.comcast.net/dwender1/BicycleRide2.htm.

Saturday, May 17 - MTB Belmont Plateau. Class C/D. See May 10. Leader: Paul Winkfield, 215-329-9830, paladin007@comcast.net.

Sunday, May 18 - "Tiny" Time Trial. Class B, 12-20 mph, 8.5 miles. This Time Trial is for small-wheeled bicycles ONLY: Bike Friday, Moulton, Swift Folder, Birdy, Dahon, etc. Meets at start of West River Drive (by underpass), 6:30 AM. Riders will depart each minute, spaces limited; riders must pre-register to be sure of starting. Course must be clear by 7:45. This event is part of the ROUND*UP USA Small Wheel/Folder Bike Fest. It will be a timed out-and-back, solo 8.5 mile ride. Leader: Michael McGettigan, 215-990-9275, mcget@aol.com.

Sunday, May 18 - Doylestown via Peace Valley Park. Class C+/C, about 50 miles. Starts 9:00 from Bruno's. A BCP "classic" ride, with a loop around Lake Galena, followed by lunch at the Bagel Barrel in Doylestown. Cue sheets. Expect hills around the lake area. Leader: Tom Stewart, 215-455-9168, tjstewart@erols.com.

Sunday, May 18 - Beyond Ambler B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 45 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain at 11:45 for a noon start. Mostly gently rolling hills with few climbs. WAWA food stop at about 25 miles. Tell a friend. Leader: Steven Lipschutz, 610 660 6295, steven.lipschutz@comcast.net.

Sunday, May 18 - Sunday Ramble. Class D, about 15 miles. Leaves at 12:30 SHARP from the Burger King, north of Oxford Circle on Castor Ave. This ride will take about 2 hours plus a stop for a snack. Call in case of inclement or doubtful weather. Leaders: Madge and Dick Trickey, 215-288-5907.

Sunday, May 18 - Sunday After Meeting Ride. Class D, 10-12 mph, 10-15 miles. We'll take a cruise along the Schuylkill River Trail for a pleasant Sunday afternoon ride. Meet at the Spring Mill Train Station below Conshohocken at 2 PM. We will not exceed anyone's pace or endurance. Leader: David L. Johnson, 610-828-3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu.

Saturday, May 24 - Tour de Evansburg. Class B, 15-16 mph, 45 miles. After passing through parts of Whitemarsh and Plymouth townships, we'll ride up to Evansburg State Park and around Valley Forge State Park, working our way back through Main Line estates, up Balligomingo, to Conshohocken. Some challenging hills, but mostly rolling terrain. Maps and cue sheets provided, plus there is a short-cut back along the bike path. Departs at 9:00 from Bruno's. Rain, snow, or temperatures forecast above 100 degrees cancels. Leader: David L. Johnson, 610-828-3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu.

Saturday, May 24 - MTB Belmont Plateau. Class C/D. See May 10. Leader: Paul Winkfield, 215-329-9830, paladin007@comcast.net.

Sunday, May 25 - Annual MDW Ride to Mount Gretna. Class B, 73 miles at 14 mph avg, rolling to moderately hilly. We start from Blue Ball with typical farmland scenery in Lancaster County, then climb over the Furnace Hills to explore the Great Valley of the Appalachians. Waiting for us, out of Hansel and Gretel's book, is the lovely town of Mt. Gretna. We'll tour the town and have lunch at the Jiggler's Shop in their season opening weekend. Then we'll climb over the county line again to return to the more familiar Lancaster County landscape. A truly scenic route. Bring plenty of water and snacks, since we'll probably make only one food stop. Starts at 9:00 sharp from Shady Maple Market on Rt 23 in Blue Ball (Pa. TPK to exit 22, Rt. 10 south towards Morgantown for about 1 mile, then right onto Rt. 23 west for about 8 miles to intersection with Rt. 897; market is on left). Call if there is a chance of rain. Email if you want a cue sheet. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Sunday, May 25 - Perkiomen Trail Bites. Class C, about 55 miles. Starts at 9:00 from the lower parking lot, below the visitors center in Valley Forge Park. We will explore the Perkiomen Trail to Green Lane and return to Sid's on Main St. in Collegeville for a late lunch near the end of the ride. Most, if not all, of the trail should be completed. We will take to the roads to hopscotch any unfinished sections. The trail surface is hard packed gravel. Any type of bike should be able to navigate the trail. However, 28mm tires or wider are recommended. We will all ride together; no one dropped. Leader: Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229, wildyugo@comcast.net.

Sunday, May 25 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. We'll go through western suburbs to Devon Fresh Fields. Moderately hilly. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Leaders: Henry Miller, 215-925-6408, hmiller@wolfblock.com and Bob Silverman, 610-949-9252, rsilverman@wolfblock.com.

Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day Mix 'n Match. Class B/B-, 40 miles. 13-15 mph. Join me for this annual ride through the Main Line. Riders are encouraged to wear your most outrageous cycling apparel (unmatched sox, gloves, shoes(?!?); wildest jersey). Prizes will be awarded for the best/worst outfits. One food stop is planned. Meet at 10:00 in Narberth Park, Narberth, Pa, near the basketball courts. Call or e-mail for directions to start. Leader: Rich Wagner, 610-521-4570, roadrich@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, May 27 - Mailing the June Newsletter. Meet 6:30 at Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen LLP, 1650 Arch Street, southeast corner 17th & Arch Sts. Coordinator: Tom Witt, 215-977-2164.

Saturday, May 31 - Ridley-Ridley, Meet the Train. Class C, 12-14 mph, +/- 40 miles. We will meet the train from Philadelphia and ride out to and through Ridley Creek State Park. The ride starts in the parking lot of the Pathmark on MacDade Blvd in Folsom, Ridley Township and leaves at 8:30 in order to get to the Ridley Park train station to meet the 8:58 train from the city. Riders from Philadelphia can take the R-2 train (#4207) that leaves Suburban Station at 8:34. Bring money for a food stop. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.

Saturday, May 31 - Return to New IKEA. Class C, 35 miles. Starts at 9:00 in East Cheltenham in Tookany Park. Parking is on the west side of Tookany Parkway north of Central Ave. Because of the iffy weather in March, we had a small turnout. So we will do it again. The route takes us through Montgomery County, via Glenside, Oreland, Erdenheim, Conshohocken, and the completed section of the Conshohocken to Ft. Washington Bike path, to the new Ikea in Plymouth Meeting for a Norse lunch. The new Ikea has a full service restaurant, a coffee shop and a snack bar. Leader: Bill Cotton, 215-559-2910 (cell), 215-663-8364 (home), billcotton@comcast.net.

Sunday, June 1 - The Dark Side of the Hawk. Class B, 75 miles at 15 mph avg., moderately hilly with a few tough climbs and incredible long descents. First, we'll head towards the Blue Mountain ridge going through New Tripoli, and after reaching the top on route 309, a screaming descent will take us to a sparsely settled little valley that crosses the watershed from the Lehigh River to the Schuylkill River. Convenience store stops at mile 25 (very quick) and mile 45 in Orwigsburg (moderately quick). Then we glide down Pheasant Run to Hawk Mountain, a private preserve set up years ago to protect migrating hawks from being shot by hunters. We'll climb the challenging northern side of the mountain (the dark one!!) to start the winding run back to Trexlertown (with another exhilarating long descent, of course). Starts at 9:00 sharp from the Trexlertown velodrome. (I-476 North to Allentown exit. Rt 22 West to exit 14. Follow Rt 100 south for about 2 miles and turn right onto Rt 222 West, then 2nd right onto Moser Rd, turn left into velodrome parking lot, near the port-a-potty). Call if there is a chance of rain. Email if you want a cue sheet. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Sunday, June 1 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Destination is somewhere in Eastern Montgomery County. Some hills, nothing too drastic. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Leader: Jeff Greene, 610-664-1472, dadgreene@hotmail.com.

Saturday, June 7 - Tour of Chesco. Class A-/B+, 100 miles, 15-17 mph. Leaving from the Valley Forge National Park visitors center, lower lot at 8:00. This is the third and last of my "county rides" this spring. This month we will travel to the far southern parts of Chester County, Pa. Hills are to be expected. We will have at least three food stops. Leader: Rich Wagner, 610-521-4570, roadrich@hotmail.com.

Regular Weekly and Sunday Rides

HELMETS are REQUIRED ON ALL RIDES

Sundays

Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride. Class C, up to 30 miles. Meet 8:45 at the SE corner of 22nd & Spring Garden for a delightful ride to a delightful place to have a delightful breakfast. Bring locks and money for brunch in the middle of the ride. We always need volunteers to lead us to delightful eating spots and pretty biking areas. Leaders: May 4 - Henry Lazarus, 267-259-6275 (cell phone), hlazar@netaxs.com. Brunch will be at 11:30 at Tavern on the Green (21st and Green Sts). Join us there as a prequel to the swap meet. 11th - Ben Sears, 215-844-3784, BikerBenn@aol.com; 18th - Peggy Gertz, gertz@email.chop.edu; 25th - Ann Martha, 215-335-5662, achristinemartha@yahoo.com.

Bulldog Ride. Class A-/B+, 45-65 miles, average speed 16-18 mph depending on the terrain. Meets most Sundays at the Bulldog statue, in the triangular park at 25th St, Fairmount & Pennsylvania Aves. Leaves noon sharp. No cue sheet provided, follow the leader. Leader: Bruce Taubman, 215-735-7935. May 11 and 25 will be Show and Go.

B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, approx. 40 miles. Meet noon at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum. Check the Monthly Calendar for leaders and ride descriptions.

Sunny Sunday Afternoon Ride. Class D, usually 12-22 miles. Meets every Sunday at noon in front of Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row, on Kelly Drive. For the beginner who wishes to improve his/her cycling skills, for those new to Philadelphia who want to explore the little-known, out-of-the-way places in the city and near suburbs. May 4th - The Tree Ride, see Monthly Rides for details; 11th, 18th, and 25th, no leader as of press time. Volunteer leaders for the Sunny Sunday D rides will be greatly appreciated. Call J.D. Mitchell at 215-844-2669 and sign up to lead a ride.

Sunny Sunday Spin-Off Ride. Class C, usually 25-30 miles. A true C ride which cheerfully waits to regroup. All welcome. Meets 12:15 at the rock near the Italian Fountain, behind the Art Museum. Leaders: May 4 - Lyn Hedrick (no Sunday calls please), 215-483-3618; 11th - Roy Blanchard, 215-985-1110; 18th - Tom Witt, 215-977-2164; 25th - Tom Witt, 215-977-2164.

Mondays

Attention all Sturdy Girls: Women's Recovery Ride every Monday! Join Sally Poliwoda for a B- pace, 25-30 mile recovery ride. Tired of all the testosterone from weekly rides, need an easy spin following hard or long miles on Saturdays and Sundays, or looking to meet other woman riders who share your passion for cycling? Join us at the Italian fountain at 5:45 PM for a prompt 6:00 departure. The group will stay together at all times and rotation of leadership will be encouraged to share responsibility of maintaining a safe and supportive ride. Coordinator: Sally Poliwoda, 215-753-2468, poliwoda@email.chop.edu.

Tuesdays

Vocabulary Ride. Class C, 12-14 mph, 15-20 miles. A spin around Southern Delaware County. Learn a vocabulary word or bring one to share. Meet at the Pathmark on MacDade Blvd in Folsom for a 6 PM start. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.

Evening Ride from Holmesburg. Class C, 15-20 miles. Leaves 6 PM SHARP from Holmesburg Shopping Center, Frankford Ave & Ashburner St, Phila. Ride around Northeast Philly and Bucks county. Canceled if it's raining one hour before start time. Leaders: Joe Wilkinson & Harriet Herman, 215-331-6672, hHerman@pmhcc.org.

Kolman's Evening Ride. Class C, 12-14 mph, 15-20 miles. Starts at 6 from Lenape High School, Church and Hartford Roads, Medford, N.J. Start easy and build miles. Leader: Kolman Kleinbord, 856-789-9677, kolman39@hotmail.com.

Narberth ChainSmoker's Ride. Class B, 15-16 mph, 22+ miles. A training ride through the back roads of the Main Line. Our goal is to bike to Valley Forge by the end of June. There will be a faster group and we are looking for a C+ leader. This ride leaves from Mainly Bikes in Narberth at 6 PM. Leader: Art Elwood, 856.424-1770, bikeman1@gte.net.

Wednesdays

Ending April 2 - Pennypack Trails. MTB, all classes, 1-1/2 hours. Starts 6:30 PM at Pine Road entrance of Pennypack Park. Lights are required. Come enjoy the great outdoors after dark! Depending on weather or trail conditions, the day may change. Contact Chris Beetham to confirm, 215-576-6514, beetham@snip.net.

Thursdays

Thursday Night C+ Training Ride. Class C+, approximately 20-24 miles. Departs 6 PM from Italian Fountain. Shorter routes, building up to the traditional 3-hill challenge. Leaders: May 1, 15, 22 & 29 - Gary Morris, 215-557-0410, gmorris@vzavenue.net; May 8 - Ginny Durham, 215-440-7093, vedurham@comcast.net.

Narberth ChainSmoker's Ride. Class B, 15-16 mph, 22 miles. See Tuesdays for description. Leader: Art Elwood, 856-424-1770, bikeman1@gte.net.

Fridays

Softball will open the 2003 season on Friday, May 2nd. We meet every Friday through Labor Day Weekend between 5:45 and 6:15 PM at Clifford Park, Walnut Lane & Wissahickon Avenue. Everyone welcome (as long as you're not too good!) Info: John J. Kalicki, teach@kalicki.com (preferred), or 215-426-3937.

Wallyball will resume in the fall. Anyone interested in playing during the summer, especially if softball is rained out, call Nikki Marx at 215-963-9377.

Saturdays

MTB Belmont Plateau. Class D. Meet at the Italian Fountain at 10 AM. See Monthly Calendar for ride descriptions. Leader: Paul Winkfield, 215-329-9830, paladin007@comcast.net.

BCP Ride List for May 2003