APRIL 2015
Michiana Bicycle Association
From the President:
Greetings MBA riders,
Well it’s about time the new biking season is finally
here! It’s been a long, cold and snowy winter here in
Michiana, again. I envy those of you who got the opportunity to head south and enjoy some biking over the
past two or three months. As for myself, today March
15th was my second time on the bike this year, the other being the polar bear ride on the 1st.
The spring Kick-Off ride will be
Sunday April 12, 2015 @
Bertrand Township Hall.
We will ride at 1:00 . Plan on eating at
about 3:15. The club will provide pulled
pork and beverages.
We held our annual winter banquet at Papa Vinos
this year and from the feedback that I have received
everyone enjoyed the change of venue. I’d like to
thank all of those folks who took their time and energies in organizing the banquet and I would especially
like to thank Kristin Brandon. She did a wonderful
job. I feel that Papa Vino’s is a good fit for the club
needs, but we are always open to suggestions.
Lisa & kevin scheibelhut
Tim Mitchell
Spinzone Bicycle Shop held an informative get-together
with local bike clubs and bicycling vendors. The
MBA participated with a marketing table. We were
able to sign up several new members to the club and
meet lots of members and friends at the well-attended
event. Thank you to Pete and Sheri Colan. We hope
that you hold this event every year.
Jason Atkinson
As a reminder, we have MBA events that are
Melissa hendrix
Jason fritz
Chet peachey
Jeffrey jesko
Jamey jodway
Continued on page 4
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The newsletter is published monthly for
distribution to the club members and to
other bicycle related organizations. Submission of local and state bicycle news is encourages as well as cycling experiences and
tips on improving the sport of bicycling.
Submissions should be in writing. Members
may place classified ads, notices of ride
companions wanted, and reports of stolen
bicycle without charge. Deadline is the
10th of the month for the following
month’s newsletter.
Greg Hicks (574) 323-5203
Bonnie Yoder (574) 243-9027
[email protected]
Kristin Brandon (574) 304-2516
[email protected]
Dick Kuehl (574)256-5797
[email protected]
2015 DIRECTORS
Dave Hicks
(574) 277-2032
[email protected]
Cindy Mongrain
(574) 520-8016
[email protected]
Eldon Nifong
(574) 386-9090
[email protected]
Laura Ray
(574)273-2081
[email protected]
Safa Saddawi
( 574) 274-5678
[email protected]
Randy Shaull
(574) 243-9046
[email protected]
Chris Vanden Bossche
(574) 234-1035
[email protected]
Marlon Yoder (574) 243-9027
[email protected]
Club dues are $25.00 per year. 2015 membership expires on March 31, 2016. The hot-line
has been discontinued. Information on club rides
and up-coming events is available on our website www.mbabike.com.
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MBA WEB SITE
Larger Area Ride Information
http://www.mbabike.com
Here is a list of some web sites that have schedules
of rides in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.
http://bicycleindiana.org/
http://www.cibaride.org/regional/regional.htm
http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/ilrides.htm
(Illinois)
http://www.LMB.org (Michigan)
http://www.bikeleague.org
http://www.adventurecycle.org
Look at the website for details of
rides for 2014 club season.
Ride maps are also on the site.
Amishland & Lakes Bicycle Tour
Www.amishlandlakes.com
WEARING AN APPROVED HELMET IS MANDATORY
WHEN RIDING A BIKE WITH THE MBA
The businesses that advertise in the MBA Newsletter extend a 10% discount to members, generally on non
-sale items. You must show your membership card to be eligible for the discount.
Albright’s Cycling & Fitness
2720 Lincoln Way West
Mishawaka, IN 46544
1-574-255-8988
All About Fitness
133 Easy Shopping Place
Elkhart IN 46516
574-970-1090
The Avenue Bicycle Station
2716 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 46615
574-855-2453
Cycle and Fitness
211 E Main Street
Niles, MI 49120
Lincoln Avenue Cycling
430 W Lincoln Avenue
Goshen, IN 46526
1-574-533-7425
269-684-2000
Elkhart Bicycle Shop
All About Cycling
401 East Jackson Blvd.
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-7243
Metro run & walk
Outpost Center
3522 N. Grape Road
Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-257-7867
Family Bicycle Center
3410 South Main Street
Elkhart, IN 4651
1-574-294-2865
OutPost Sports
3601 N Grape Road
Mishawaka, In 46545
1-574-259-1000
Pro Form
2202 South Bend Avenue
House of Bicycles
10140 McKinley Hwy
Osceola, IN 46561
1-574-679-4992
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South Bend, IN 46635
574-272-0129
Spin Zone
51345 Bittersweet Road
Granger, IN 46530
1-574-243-4994
Wakarusa Pro Hardware
108 S. Elkhart Street
Wakarusa, IN 46573
574-862-2775
From the President (continued from page 1):
2015 UCI ROAD
planned in the upcoming months. The MBA Swap
Meet will be held on March 29th , starting at 11:30
am at the Red Barn at St. Patrick’s Park. The Kickoff ride and potluck on April 12th, this will be held
at Bertrand Township Hall. We will ride at 1:00
and plan on eating at around 3:15. The spring road
cleanup on April 18th, between Conrad and Brush.
This starts at 10:00 am.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
While you are putting together your
cycling calendar this year, consider
making a trip to Richmond VA. for the
Well I guess that is about all for this month. I hope to
see everyone out there very soon. Mind the pot holes!
2015 UCI World Championships.
The 2015 UCI Road World Cham-
Until next month, be safe and keep on riding!
pionships, cycling’s pinnacle event, will
Thank you,
be held Sept. 19-27, 2015 in Rich-
Greg Hicks
mond, Va., and is expected to attract
450,000 onsite spectators over the
course of the nine-day event as well
as a worldwide TV audience in the
hundreds of millions. More than 1,000
cyclists – Elite Men and Women, Under
-23 Men and Junior Men and Women –
from more than 75 countries will compete in three disciplines: the traditional
Road Race, Individual Time Trial and
Team Time Trial. The event, which is
being held in the United States for the
first time since 1986, culminates with
the traditional road races on Sept. 26
(women) and Sept. 27 (men).
Go to richmond2015.com for more
information or even consider volunteering!
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Sunday, March 29: NIMBA & MBA Swap meet: The 2015 Bicycle Swap Meet will be Sunday, March 29. The location will again be the Red Barn at St. Patrick's County Park. Seller setup
will begin at 10:45 am and we will be open for buyers from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Saturday, April18: Spring road clean up: Clean up of our adopted road (Redfield Street
between Conrad and Brush) will be Saturday, April 18th at 10:00 am. Meet at Mike and Gail
Weaver's - 28223 Redfield Street, Niles, Michigan. The MBA will provide gloves and trash bags.
Wear clothes and shoes suitable for walking through heavy grass. There will be snacks for the
crew after the clean up. Head over to Edwardsburg after the clean up for the Saturday morning
ride.
Saturday, April 25: Apple blossom 5k & bike ride:
Time: Registration and check-in - 9:00 a.m.
Run/walk 9:30 a.m.; Ride – 10:30 a.m. Fees: Free
Contact: [email protected] or 765-473-3848
Location: McClure’s Orchard and Winery
5054 North US HWY 31
Peru, IN 46970
Enjoy a scenic 3.1 mile run or walk through the orchard. It's a great way to start the day, whether you are looking for a PR or just a training workout. Plan to meet new friends and meander
through the orchard.Start the day with a ride, or begin your ride after you finish the 5K. Choose
from either a 10 or 17 mile loop around the orchard, traveling on gently rolling hills around the
countryside. Both distances will start and finish at the orchard, traveling less than a mile on US
31.
JUNE 14-19 MICHIANA BIKE TO WORK WEEK: MICHIANABIKETOWORK.ORG:
June 14 - Bike the Bend - Start Recording your Miles
June 16 @ 7-9am Organic Pancake Breakfast at Lasalle Grill
June 17 @ 6pm - Bike Movie at The State Theatre
June 18 @ 7-9am - Carbon Waffle Truck at Emporium Parking Lot
June 19 @11:30-1pm - Bike to Lunch withFiddlers Hearth at the College Football Hall of
Fame.
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Flat Tire Prevention for Your Bike
Excerpted from REI.com
Tire Pressure
Your first strategy should always be to make sure you are riding with the proper tire
pressure.
Each tire has a preferred air-pressure range, which is measured in psi (pounds per
square inch). Look on the tire sidewall for the recommended pressure. As a
general rule:
Road tires should run between 100 to 140 psi.
Mountain bike tires should run between 30 to 50 psi.
Urban and casual bike tire should run between 60 and 80 psi.
Under-inflation can lead to problems with "pinch flats." This can occur when you hit a
bump and your under-inflated tire compresses all the way to the rim, causing 2 small
holes that resemble a snake bite. Over-inflation, on the other hand, doesn't cause flats
although it's possible to blow out the tube in extreme cases.
Use a tire pump or gauge to check your pressure. Higher-end tire pumps will include a
psi gauge, but if you have a lower-end pump, you'll need to carry your own tire pressure gauge. Be sure to know whether you have a Presta or Schrader valve stem (the
slimmer Presta valve needs to have the top nut unscrewed before checking pressure).
Basic Tire Care
It's a good idea to periodically inspect your bike tires for embedded glass, rock shards
or other sharp objects, especially after riding a route that has substantial debris. These
small embedded items may not cause an immediate flat but can slowly work their way
through a tire to eventually cause a puncture. Use your fingernail or a small tool to remove this debris before it causes a problem.
Periodically check your tire sidewalls and tread for excessive wear, damage, dryness or
cracking. Tires with any of these symptoms increase your risk for a flat tire. If unsure
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about their condition, ask a bike pro at your local REI or other reputable bike shop to evaluate
your tires.
Tube Sealants
This option is handy because you can repair an existing flat tire with it or use it as a preventive
measure to avoid future flats. The concept is simple: Squeeze in a bit of sealant through the
valve stem to coat the inside of the tube. In the case of a small puncture or cut, the sealant
quickly fills the leak and creates a plug that often outlasts the tube or the tire around it.
REI carries 2 types of sealant. The Slime brand is designed to be injected directly into Schrader
-type tubes only; the Café Latex brand is designed to be injected into Presta-type tubes or
tubeless tires. Café Latex requires use of a no-mess injector which is sold separately.
Some tubes (with both Schrader and Presta valves) come "pre-Slimed" to offer a preventive
approach to flat tires. These tubes are typically a thicker thorn-resistant variety, that when pre
-injected with Slime, offer an excellent flat-avoidance strategy.The downsides to sealants?
Some can be a little messy to install, and sealants alone do not protect against large gashes or
cuts.
Tire Liners
A tire liner is a thin strip of extruded-plastic that fits between the tire and the tube. This extra
layer greatly reduces the chance of puncture flats from thorns, glass or other sharp objects.
Liners are popular and work well, but they do add 6 oz. or more to the weight of your tires
which adds noticeably to your rolling resistance in higher performance tires. However, if you
live in an area with lots of thorns or road debris, liners could be well worth the weight.
Puncture-resistant Tires and Tubes
Another option is to change out your tires to ones specifically designed to resist flats. These
tires won't feel as speedy as standard bike tires, but bike-commuting customers have told us
that they experience flats much less frequently when using them.
How do they work? Many tires makers employ a durable belt of aramid fibers (such as the wellknown Kevlar® brand) to resist punctures; others simply increase the tread thickness. These
tires are marketed by a variety of proprietary names: the Serfas Flat Protection System, the
Continental Safety System, the Michelin ProTek reinforcement system and so on. The downside
of these tires is that they are relatively heavy which reduces your pedaling efficiency.
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April Weekend Rides
April 2015 Weekend Rides
Most weekend rides do not have a host so bring your own map or ask another member at the ride.
You can download a copy from the “Weekend Maps” list on the MBA website at mbabike.com.
You can email mileage to Chris Vanden Bossche at [email protected].
NOTE CHANGE OF START TIME!
Saturday, April 4, at 11:00 a.m.
Martin's Supermarket, Granger. Martin's is at the intersection of IN-23 and Adams Rd. Distances: 16, 20, 25, 30, 34, 42.
NOTE CHANGE OF START TIME!
Sunday, April 5, at 11:00 a.m.
Pinhook. These routes head northwest of South Bend into southwest Michigan, with the longer
routes then dipping into northern La Porte county. Optional start on the Riverside bike path up to
Darden Rd. Distances: 15, 22, 30, 43, 51, 64. Meet at Pinhook Park, which is at 2801 Riverside
Dr., just south of Cleveland Rd.
Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m.
Buchanan North. Head north through wine country and expect some hills in this area of
glacial moraines. Distances: 14, 20, 34, 44, 54, 63. Meet at Buchanan Middle School (610 W 4th
St.), which is a few blocks north and west of the town’s main intersection at Redbud and Front.
NOTE SPECIAL START TIME!
Sunday, April 12, at 1:00 pm.
KICKOFF RIDE, Potluck and General Meeting, Bertrand Town Hall. We will ride at 1:00 and
then stay for the potluck. Bring a potluck dish as well as your plates and utensils. The club provides beverages. Distances: Distances: 11, 17, 23, 29, 36. The hall is on Buffalo Rd west of
Redbud (from South Bend take the US-31 bypass and exit west on US-12 to Redbud then turn
south to Buffalo).
Saturday, April 18, at 11:00 am.
Spring Road Clean-up. Help with the clean-up on Redfield Rd and then head to the ride in
Edwarsburg.
Edwardsburg North. Head north over a few rolling hills towards Cassopolis and Dowagiac
and return via Eagle Lake. Distances: 17, 26, 35, 44, 55, 66. Meet at the High School (69410
Section Street, Edwardsburg, MI), the southernmost school on Section St, which runs south of
US-12 and parallel to MI-62 (IN-23 in Indiana).
Sunday, April 19, at 11:00 am.
Baldwin Prairie. These routes head north through Michigan lake country, with the longer
routes returning along the St. Joseph River. Distances: 13, 25, 31, 39, 49, 61. Park at the Porter
Township Admin Building north of US-12 at 69373 Baldwin Prairie Road.
Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 am.
Wakarusa. These routes travel south and west through mostly flat farmlands, towards
Napanee, Bremen, and Plymouth. Distances: 12, 24, 30, 40, 50, 62. Meet at Wakarusa Elementary School (400 N. Washington).
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Sunday, April 26, at 11:00 am.
Sumnerville Northwest. Head north of Berrien Springs along the river, then through orchard country. Count on a stop at Tree-mendous Fruit Farm. Distances: 21, 31, 42, 48, 59, 67.
Park at Arthur Dodd Park, just west of Sumnerville, which is a village 7 miles north of Niles and
about 1 mile west of MI-51. Take MI-51 north from Niles, go west on Pokagon into Sumnerville,
turn right on Indian Lake (by the tavern) and then immediately left. Take the first left onto Old Indian Lake and then an immediate left onto Creek. The park will be about a hundred yards down the
road on your left. Distances: 21, 31, 42, 48, 59.
NOTE CHANGE OF START TIME!
Saturday, May 2, at 10:00 am.
Warren. This route heads southwest toward Fish Lake. A couple miles of chip and seal
near the start/finish are more than made up for by the pleasant roads of La Porte County. Distances: 18, 25, 32, 39, 50, 61. Park at Warren Elementary School (55400 Quince Rd), which is in
Lydick west of South Bend, ½ mile south of Edison, 1 mile north of SR-2 (Western) & 2 miles
west of the US-20/31 Bypass.
NOTE CHANGE OF START TIME!
Sunday, May 3, at 10:00 am.
Lakeville. Distances: 19, 29, 37, 47, 63. These routes head south from Lakeville towards
Koontz Lake, Walkerton, and Ancilla College. Start from Newton Park (US-31 @ IN-4); park in the
Magnus Dr lot one block west of US?31 and south of IN-4.
April Tuesday Rides
Tuesday rides do not have a host so bring your own map or ask another member at the
ride. You can download a copy from the “Tuesday Maps” (formerly “Letter Maps”) list on
the MBA website at mbabike.com. If no one provides a sign-in sheet you can send your
miles to Chris Vanden Bossche at mailto:[email protected].
NOTE CHANGE OF START TIME!
Tuesday, April 7, at 11 am.
Edwardsburg. Head north toward Dowagiac and Southwest Michigan College and expect a
few rolling hills. Distances: 16, 22, 35, 45. Meet at the High School (69410 Section Street, Edwardsburg, MI), the southernmost school on Section St, which runs south of US-12 and parallel to
MI-62 (IN-23 in Indiana).
Tuesday, April 14, at 11 am.
Martin's Supermarket, Granger. Martin's is at the intersection of IN-23 and Adams Rd. Distances: 12, 19, 27, 38, 47.
Tuesday, April 21, at 11 am.
Sumnerville. These routes travel north through orchard country (passing Tree-mendous
and Wicks) up toward Sister Lakes. Distances: 18, 27, 37, 50. Park at Arthur Dodd Park, just west
of Sumnerville, which is a village 7 miles north of Niles and about 1 mile west of MI-51. Take MI51 north from Niles, go west on Pokagon into Sumnerville, turn right on Indian Lake (by the tavern) and then immediately left. Take the first left onto Old Indian Lake and then an immediate left
onto Creek. The park will be about a hundred yards down the road on your left.
Tuesday, April 28, at 11 am.
Knollwood. These routes quickly exit the suburbs and emerge into southern Michigan and
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the Niles area; the longer routes loop through Morris Farms. Distances: 10, 24, 32, 40. Park at
the Knollwood Country Club (16633 Baywood Ln, Granger, IN), which is north of University Park
Mall, just west of the intersection of Adams and Grape.
NOTE CHANGE OF START TIME!
Tuesday, May 5, at 10 am.
Horizon. These routes go north to Eagle Lake and east towards Union, MI; roads are mostly
flat with a few rollers going out toward Union. Distances: 13, 20, 30, 41. Meet at Horizon Elementary School (10060 Brummitt Rd), which is in northeastern St. Joseph County north of Cleveland
Rd and the Toll Road between Beech and Ash Rds.
March and April 2015 Wednesday Evening Rides
Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 pm.
Moran. Enjoy the mostly flat Indiana farmland southeast of Osceola. Distances: 13, 17, 23,
28, 33. Meet at Moran Elementary School (305 N Beech Rd, Osceola), which is about two blocks
north of Lincolnway and one mile west of the Elkhart County line. During the school year park on
the street.
Wednesday, March 18 at 6:00 pm.
Warren. This route heads west towards (and at longer distances around) Hudson Lake. Distances: 17, 22, 26, 31, 36. Park at Warren Elementary School (55400 Quince Rd), which is in Lydick west of South Bend, ½ mile south of Edison, 1 mile north of SR-2 (Western) & 2 miles west of
the US-20/31 Bypass.
Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00 pm.
Northpoint. Roll past Garver and (for most routes) Eagle Lakes in southern Cass county.
Distances: 16, 20, 25, 30, 34. Park at Northpoint Elementary School (50800 Cherry Rd, Granger),
which is just north of the intersection of Cherry and Adams Rds and west of the Adams/IN-23 traffic signal.
Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 pm.
Grissom East. These very flat roads take us east through farmland towards Wakarusa. Distances: 16, 20, 24, 30. Meet on the north side of Grissom Middle School (13881 Kern Rd.), which
is at the intersection of Kern and Elm, 1 mile south of US-20 and 2 miles east of IN-331.
Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00 pm.
Bertrand Township Hall. Enjoy the beautiful area southwest of Buchanan and expect some hills
in this area shaped by glacial moraines. Distances: 11, 17, 23, 29, 36. The hall is on Buffalo Rd
west of Redbud (from South Bend take the US-31 bypass and exit west on US-12 to Redbud then
turn south to Buffalo). NEW PARKING LOCATION: Park in the lot by the newer town hall on the
north side of Buffalo.
Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm.
Horizon. These routes go north through Michigan lake country. Distances: 13, 19, 25, 35. Meet at
Horizon Elementary School (10060 Brummitt Rd), which is in northeastern St. Joseph County
north of Cleveland Rd and the Toll Road between Beech and Ash Rds.
Wednesday, April 22 at 6:00 pm.
Ring Lardner. Head north towards Barron Lake and then, on longer routes, up Anderson hill to-
10
wards Dowagiac. Distances: 16, 20, 24, 29, 35. Meet at Ring Lardner School (801 North 17th
Street, Niles, MI), which is north of MI-60 and south of Lake St. on the east side of Niles.
Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 pm.
Tire Rack. This route takes us around Mud Lake in southwest Michigan. Distances: 19, 23,
27, 33. Park at the far (west) end of the lot on the north side of the Tire Rack (7101 Vorden Parkway), which is just southwest of the Indiana Toll Road/US-31 Bypass interchange. The entrance to
the lot is on the Vorden Parkway off Olive St. between Old Cleveland and Brick.
Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 pm.
Hay. Head southwest of South Bend towards Potato Creek State Park on these routes that
have a little bit of everything, a few rollers, new asphalt and some classic chip and seal. Distances:
16, 21, 25, 32. Hay Elementary School (19685 Johnson Rd., South Bend, IN) is south of South
Bend between US-31 and Miami.1. Meet at Horizon Elementary School (10060 Brummitt Rd),
which is in northeastern St. Joseph County north of Cleveland Rd and the Toll Road between
Beech and Ash Rds.
THIS IS FIRST ISSUE OF THE MBA NEWSLETTER FOR 2015
PLEASE SEND COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FOR
THE NEWSLETTER TO
[email protected]
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY SEASON
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MBA NEWS
Michiana Bicycle Association
PO Box 182
Granger, IN 46530-0182
2015 Membership, Newsletter Application, and Dues
Mail to: Michiana Bicycle Association
PO Box 182
Granger, IN 46530-0182
Name:_____________________________________________
E-Mail: _______________________
Address____________________________________________
May this information be published in the handbook?
City, State Zip______________________________________
Yes:___ No:___
Phone:______________ Cell:_________________
Newsletter
Make check payable to MBA
Membership fee .........$25.00 per
individual or family living at
same address
(Age 70 or older- free, but must
fill out renewal each year)
Total Enclosed .........$_____
Please check:
_____New Member
_____Renewal
_____Address Change
___e-mail
___paper copy
Disclaimer - MUST BE SIGNED
Name & ages of participating bicyclists in
immediate family:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
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In signing this form for myself or the named applicant
(if he or she is under 21), I agree to absolve all of the
organizers, officers, sponsors and members of the
Michiana Bicycle Association, Inc. be they individuals
or organizations, singly or collectively, of all blame
for any injury, misadventure, harm/loss or inconvenience suffered as a result of taking part in the scheduled or non-scheduled activities of the Michiana Bicycle Association.
Signature:________________________________
Date:____________