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BCP Ride List for November 2003
Saturday November 1 - Perkiomen Trail. Class B/B-, approx 55 miles, mostly flat, approx 14 mph. Bring money or food for a picnic lunch in the park at the far end of the trail (you will have to carry your food into the park). Starts 8:00 from Elm & Forrest Streets in Conshohocken. Park in the lot by the trail. Leaders: Doug Kennedy, 610-543-4664, dougkennedy7@yahoo.ca, and Debbie Wilson, 302-798-1243, djwbike@aol.com.
Saturday November 1 - Sturdy Girls and Friends! Monthly Weekend Tempo Rides. Class B+/B. First Saturday of every month, 45-65 miles of constant output cycling. Sturdy Girls (and Boys) should have a solid aerobic base and strong group riding skills (avg 16.5 mph). We'll meet at 9:00 at the Bulldog, 25th Street and Pennsylvania Ave, Philadelphia. Bring food and drinks, because there will be minimal stopping so we can maintain our tempo and stay warm. This ride will start Saturday, November 1 and continue throughout the winter. Rain/wet roads at the start time, daytime highs predicted less than 40 degrees cancels. Otherwise--WE RIDE! Leaders: Sally Poliwoda, 215-753- 2468, and Dana Hanchin, sturdygirl@comcast.net.
Saturday, November 1 - See What You Missed. Class B/B-, 13-15 mph, 45 miles. OK, so whatcher tellin me is, you rode the skookill centchry, but only did the metric, cuz ya hadda get home to iron yer chamois or sumpin? Well here's a chance ride the Evansburg to Betzwood loop, widout havin yer legs ripped off. We will meet at the Betzwood area of Valley Forge Park (Rt 422 North to Trooper Rd. exit, turn left at top of ramp) for a 10:00 start. At least one WaWa-style food stop is planned. Leader: Richard Wagner, 610-964-1484, roadrich@hotmail.com.
Sunday, November 2 - BethleHills. Class B, 15 mph, 70 miles, hilly. By now you've done all those centuries, you've done the Savage, and before all that stamina goes away during the winter months, here is your chance to ride over some of the best hills and roads of upper Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties. As a tribute to all the teaching we received from professor D. Johnson, the ride will include a tour of the beautiful campus of Lehigh University. Starts 9::00 from Plumsteadville Shopping Center at the intersection of Rt 611 and Stump Rd (a 30-minute drive from my house near Chestnut Hill). Park near the McDonalds, but not in their lot. IMPORTANT: Call or email to confirm during the week prior to the ride. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572- 0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, November 2 - B Ramble. Class B, 15 mph, +/- 50 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum at noon. We will ride out to Ridley Creek State Park, continuing west to Darlington to a WaWa for a snack stop. The distance to the WaWa is about 25 miles with hills. Please do not arrive without food money in your pocket. From the WaWa, we will return to the Art Museum, without passing through Manayunk. No cue sheet. You must be able to maintain the pace. Leader: Jack Echols, 610-622-6997, Jackvortex@aol.com.
Saturday, November 8 - Take to the Woods! MTB Class C, 7-10 mph, ~14 miles. 9 AM start. Meet on the north (Philly) side of Route 420 in Prospect Park, Pa, at the John Heinz Wildlife Reserve side lot. From there we'll ride the Reserve's pathways observing nature--birds, deer, foxes, rabbits, and a whole lot more. Please note that the trail is very tame. This makes the hybrid bike an excellent alternative if you don't own a mountain bike. Bike rides like this can be an enjoyable alternative when the temperatures are low. Wet weather or recent heavy rains will cancel, as navigating the trail will not be practical. Call ahead. Leader: Frank Jackson, 610-534-3978 (eve), 215-537-4299 (day), fjackson@rohmhaas.com.
Saturday, November 8 - Cruise the Perkiomen Trail. Class C, 9-10 mph, 40-45 miles. Meet at the Betzwood section of Valley Forge Park, across from the rest rooms, for a 9:00 departure. We'll head out the Schuylkill River Trail and pick up the Perkiomen Trail, where a significant portion of the ride will be on hard- packed gravel (28mm or wider tires recommended). Lunch at a trailside diner at around mile 35, so bring enough water and snacks to make it until lunch. Call if you need directions or if the weather is questionable. Leader: Pat Haggar, 610-896-1987 (home), 610-517-8294 (cell, day of ride), phaggar@comcast.net.
Saturday, November 8 - Ride the Canal. Class B, 13-14 mph, 40 miles. Enjoy a day of canal riding along the beautiful Delaware River. We'll pass through several interesting river towns, including Lambertville, Stockton, Lumberville and New Hope. Our lunch stop will be in Frenchtown, N.J.- approximately halfway through the ride. Hybrid or mountain bikes are highly recommended as the trail is not paved. The ride starts 9:30 from Washington's Crossing State Park on Rt 29 in New Jersey. If you are interested in a longer route, please join me for a 65-mile ride at 8:15 AM from Yardley, Pa. The ride will be canceled if there is rain or muddy trails. Call or e-mail for directions or weather concerns. Leader: Linda McAdams, 215-369-1587, lbmcat2@yahoo.com.
Sunday, November 9 - House of Coffee I. Class B, 15 mph, 53 miles, somewhat hilly, but not too bad. Some of the nicest roads in central Bucks County, and just enough hills to keep us warm. If all fails, we'll have the traditional stop for some chatting and hot coffee at our usual warm-up hut, the House of Coffee. Starts 9:00 from Central Park, just south of Doylestown, on Wells Rd between Lower State and Turk Rds. Take Rt 309 north, at end of expressway take the Rt 63 exit and go straight onto Lower State Rd at the light. At Limekiln Pk (Rt 152), turn left and then right at the first light to continue on Lower State Rd for 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Wells Rd. Park is 1 mile on your left. IMPORTANT: Call or email to confirm during the week prior to the ride. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, November 9 - Valley Forge to Pottstown. Class C+/C, approx 40 miles. Meet at 8:45 for a prompt 9:00 start from Valley Forge National Park Visitor Center, lower parking lot. Fourth in a series of breakfast rides. The breakfast locale and route will vary. We ride upriver to Pottstown and return along some good scenic roads that are adjacent to the planned Pottstown extension of the Schuylkill River trail. Breakfast after 25 miles, at the Spring City VFW. Expect some hills. A cue sheet and a Regional Bicycle Map will be provided for each rider at the start so that we will all know where we are when we get lost. A multi-club ride. Bring H2O, $ and snacks. Leaders: Steve Trobovic, 610-687- 9229 (home), 610-209-8259 (cell, on ride day) or wildyugo@comcast.net, and Arnie Roseman, 610-640-4529, biker73pa@msn.com.
Sunday, November 9 - MTB on the Pennypack Trails. MTB Class B+/C. Starts from the Pine Road entrance to Pennypack Park at 9. This is a longer and more challenging version of the ride that we do on Tuesday evenings. We ride for approximately 2 hours. It'll be cancelled because of to poor weather and/or trail conditions, so call ahead or e-mail to confirm. Also, call or e-mail with questions. Leader: Chris Beetham, 215-576-6514, beetham@snip.net.
Sunday, November 9 - B Ramble: Bryn Mawr Special. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40 miles. Build up your frequent biker miles! This is like the Thursday night ride but longer and not as fast. Below 50 degrees, I'll be in the Caribbean instead. Otherwise, meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Leader: Werner Carrieri, 215-680-2618, wernerman@aol.com.
Monday, November 10 - BCP Annual Meeting. 6:30 PM at the Imperial Inn, 146 N 10th St, Chinatown, Philadelphia. All BCP members are encouraged to attend. Eat, drink, socialize, vote on the new by- laws, and elect new officers/board members (see "Wheeling with the President" in this month's Quick Release or the BCP website for more information). To get something on the agenda: David Johnson, 610-828-3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu.
Thursday, November 13 - Hooky Ride. Class B-, 52 miles. Play hooky from work to tour Amish country. Leaves from Bob LaDrew's house near Coatesville at 9. Bagels & juice before ride. Call or email for reservation & directions--610-383-9327 or 2ladrews@netreach.net.
Saturday, November 15 - Two Creeks and a Forge. Class B+/B, 15-16 mph, 74 miles. Leaving from Valley Forge Park (Visitor Center, lower lot) at 9, we will first head for Ridley Creek State Park, then proceed to Marsh Creek State Park, and complete the triangle by returning to Valley Forge. There will be enough climbing to stave off the late autumn chills. However, if winter winds dictate, I will reduce the riding distance. Bring enough cash for two R&R stops. Leader: Rich Wagner, 610-964-1484, roadrich@hotmail.com.
Sunday, November 16 - House of Coffee II. Class B, 15 mph, approx. 60 miles, +/- a few miles, depending on the weather. Rolling with a few hills. Back again for some more chatting and hot coffee, but unlike last week's ride we'll get to Bucks County starting from the city. Despite the unavoidable sections through suburbia, we'll try to ride along quiet and scenic roads. Starts 9:00 from Bruno's (will the bridge be done by then?). IMPORTANT: Call or email to confirm during the week prior to the ride. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.
Sunday, November 16 - Chesterbrook to Upper Uwchlan. Class C, about 45 miles, 11+ mph average. Meet at the Manhattan Bagel Shop in the Chesterbrook Center to start at 9. Enjoy an invigorating ride while you view more of scenic Chester County. A couple of big hills but mostly rolling to flat terrain. We travel up into Lionville, Eagle, and Matthews. Then we swing back via Pughtown, Kimberton, Charlestown, go through Phoenixville, Audubon, and cross the river at VFNHP to get back to Chesterbrook. Cue sheets will be available. No one left behind. Bring snacks, beverage and money. A joint ride with BBC & DVBC. Call for directions or weather concerns. Leaders Arnie Roseman, 610-640-4529, biker73pa@msn.com, and Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229 (home), 610- 209-8259 (cell, on ride day), wildyugo@comcast.net.
Sunday, November 16 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Ambler or Blue Bell. Sit-down food break. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Call if weather is questionable. Leader: Jeff Bakely, 215-843-1093, jbake@snip.net.
Sunday, November 23 - MTB on the Pennypack Trails. Class B+/C. Starts from the Pine Road entrance to Pennypack Park at 9:00. See 11/9 description. Call ahead or e-mail to confirm. Leader: Chris Beetham, 215-576-6514, beetham@snip.net.
Sunday, November 23 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Show and Go.
Saturday, November 29 - David L. Johnson's "Road to Nowhere" (actually goes to Doylestown). Class C+, 46 miles, 12/13 mph average. Meet at Bruno's for a 9:30 start. Ray Murtaugh will be up from Florida and joining us for this pleasant ride to Doylestown where we will lunch. Leader: Ed Holden, 215-438-1804, ed@ghsir.com.
Sunday, November 30 - Ride with the Recumbents. Class B, 15-16 mph, 40 miles. Looking for recumbent bicyclists to join me, but of course everyone is invited. Start at 8:30 from the old IGA parking lot, just above Lambertville on Rt 29. Ride up to Milford to "The Bakery". Easy, relatively flat route, no one will get lost or dropped Leader: Al Herman, 215-750-1011, alherman@aol.com.
Sunday, November 30 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum at noon. Show and Go.
Tuesday, December 2 - Mailing the December 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.
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:
October 5 - Marsha Hyman, 610-789-6938, queenmfk@aol.com; 12th - Henry
Lazarus, 267-259-6275 cell, hlazar@netaxs.com; 19th - Ben Sears, 215-844-3784,
bikerbenn@aol.com; 26th - Mark Helmus, 215-752-3731, mhelmus@comcast.net.
Bulldog Ride is canceled until further notice.
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, ride descriptions, and cancellations.
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. Leaders: October 5: Tom Stewart, 215-455-9168, stewart.tom@verizon.net; 12th - Henry Lazarus, 267-259-6275, hlazar@netaxs.com; 19th - Peter Rosenfeld, 856-792-9762, prosenfe@atl.lmco.com; 26th - Gary Fishbein, 610-324-8291, gary.fishbein@verizon.net.
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: October 5 - Roy Blanchard, 215-985-1110. Roy is planning some
unpaved roads, but paved options will be available; 12th - Dave Johnson,
215-849-8013; 19th - Chuck Martin, 215-923-1887; 26th - Tom Witt, 215-977-2164.
Tuesdays
NightRiders. Class C. We spin around southern DelCo well in the dark. Bike lights front and rear are a must. You must call or e- mail the leader to confirm the start time and location. Very cold or wet weather will cancel ride. Most rides start at 6 PM. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.com.
MTB on the Pennypack Trails. Class B+/C. Starts from the Pine Road entrance to Pennypack Park at 6:30 PM. Lights are required. We ride for approximately 1-1/2 hours. Come enjoy the great outdoors after dark! Depending on weather and/or trail conditions, the day may change. Call or e-mail to confirm that the ride is on. Leader: Chris Beetham, beetham@snip.net, 215-576-6514.
Kolman's Evening Ride. Class C, 12-14 mph, 15-20 miles.
Starts at 6 from Lenape High School, Church & Hartford Roads, Medford,
N.J. Start easy and build miles. Leader: Kolman Kleinbord, 856-789-
9677, kolman39@hotmail.com.
Fridays
Wallyball. October 3, 17, and 31. Come to the Aquatic & Fitness Center at Riverside Racquet at 600 Righters Ferry Road in Bala Cynwyd at 7 PM for a fun and invigorating game of Wallyball. What is that, you ask? Good question - it's volleyball in a racquetball court. We play until at least 9:00. Cost is $7.50 per person. Bring your own lock for a locker. Call the club at 610- 664-6464 for directions. Call or email coordinator Nikki Marx, 215-963-9377, bcpwallyball@hotmail.com to let her know you are coming or there may not be a game. Also call or email Nikki if you would like to be on the Wallyball e-mail list to remind you of upcoming games.
Saturdays
MTB Belmont Plateau. October 4, 18, and 25. Class C/D. Meet at the Italian Fountain at 10:30 for a 3-hour tour. 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.
