Lincoln Ave. Pathway Now Open! - Marin County Bicycle Coalition

VOLUME 13 / ISSUE 2
SPRING 2011
Lincoln Ave.
Pathway
Now Open!
MAY IS
BIKE
MONTH
2011
Bicycle
Network
Geology
by Bike
SEE PAGE 8

PO Box 1115, Fairfax
CA 94978 • 415-456-3469
www.marinbike.org
Volume 13 / Issue 2 SPRING 2011
STAFF
Kim Baenisch, Executive Director
Tom Boss, Membership Director
Jo Ann Richards, Membership
Bob Trigg, Administrator
Deb Hubsmith, Advocacy Director
David Hoffman, Director of Planning
Andy Peri, Advocacy & Outreach
Coordinator
Wendi Kallins, Safe Routes to
Schools Program Director
Laura Kelly, Safe Routes to Schools
Volunteer Liaison
Peggy Clark, Safe Routes to
Schools Project Coordinator
Aviva Joseph, Safe Routes to
Schools Teen Program Coordinator
Gwen Froh, Safe Routes to Schools
Teen Program Coordinator
Frances E. Barbour, Safe Routes to
Schools Instructor
DIRECTORS
Maureen Gaffney, President
Scott Klimo, Vice President
Ian Roth, Treasurer
Don Magdanz, Secretary
Matt Adams
Jerry Edelbrock
Terry Graham
Stephen Hesson
Vince O’Brien
Tom Woolley
ADVISORY BOARD
Mark Birnbaum
Joe Breeze
Tom Hale
Deb Hubsmith
Jim Jacobsen
Patrick Seidler
Julia Violich
PEDAL PRESS
Editor: Tom Boss
Copy Editor: Connie Breeze
Design: Jeremy Thornton
Contributors: Frances Barbour,
Holly Bogin, Tom Boss,
Amanda Eichstaedt,
Miguel Farias, Gwen Froh,
Maureen Gaffney, David Hoffman,
Wendi Kallins, Cheryl Longinotti,
Andy Peri, Lawrence Nigro,
Scott D. Warner
May is Bike Month!
SEE PAGE 8
San Quentin Bike
Program
SEE PAGE 14
Geology by Bike
SEE PAGE 16
IN THIS ISSUE
Lincoln Avenue Pathway 3
2011 Bicycle Network 4
Bike Locally Campaign ................................6
Route 5 Passport7
May is Bike Month....................................... 8
Sibling Suffers Cyclists...............................10
National Bike Summit.................................11
Interview with Mark Slate......................... 12
San Quentin Bike Program........................14
Green Ways to School Challenge........... 15
Geology by Bicycle.....................................16
My Wildest Commute...............................19
BIKE PRODUCT REVIEWS
Brooks B-17 Saddle, Part III.................... 21
BMC Bike Frame..................................... 22
Garmin Edge 500................................... 22
Competition 23
MCBC Store 24
Join MCBC 24
Cover photo by Miguel Farias.
Bike Product Reviews
SEE PAGES 21 – 23
2

Lincoln Avenue Pathway Now Officially Open!
It’s taken a little longer than
we anticipated, but the
Lincoln Avenue Pathway
is now open! This $12 million
pathway project was
funded by Measure A. This
segment of Bicycle Route
5 on the North-South Greenway connects Terra Linda
with downtown San Rafael and includes a break-away
path to Linden Lane for community access, as well as
a mini-tunnel at the top of the hill to allow riders and
pedestrians to avoid the dangerous on-ramps and offramps
on Lincoln Avenue.
The pathway is located between the sound wall separating
the future SMART train and the newly widened
segment of Highway 101 between the Lincoln Avenue
offramp and the Central San Rafael off-ramp. Access to
the pathway from Central San Rafael is at the corner of
Mission and Hetherton. From the top of Lincoln Avenue
where it meets Los Ranchitos, a crosswalk shows the
way to the multi-use path. The Lincoln Avenue Pathway
has a lot of great features built in for year-round safety:
video monitoring cameras at key sections, a path wide
enough for regular sweeping and maintenance, lighting
from beginning to end, and a centerline stripe to
encourage orderly riding and walking.
MCBC Board President Maureen Gaffney attended
the official opening ceremony on Friday, March 11th, as
other MCBC staff members attended the National Bike
Summit in Washington, D.C.
“This is an absolutely gorgeous pathway, and it
makes the riding between north San Rafael and central
San Rafael a real pleasure,” added Gaffney. “Cyclists
in Marin should be proud of this great new facility—it
really compliments all of the work that is being done
along Bicycle Route 5, including the opening of the Cal
Park Tunnel and new bike lane network in northern
San Rafael.”
This project was one of MCBC’s first big efforts,
and it has been years in the making. Along with the
opening of the Cal Park Tunnel, this project represents
a significant gap closure in the North-South Greenway.
It took a multi-agency effort to get the project funded
and constructed. Key partners were the Transportation
Authority of Marin (TAM), Caltrans District 4, and the
City of San Rafael. The Marin County Bicycle Coalition
and Transportation Alternatives for Marin, along with
countless citizens, fought to keep the project moving
forward – especially in the face of funding shortfalls
and changing timelines. Our sincere thanks go out to
everyone who has worked to conceive of, push for, fund,
construct, and maintain this fabulous addition to the
Marin County Bicycle System.
LINCOLN AVENUE MULTI-USE PATH FAQs
Q: Why are there level spots on the north end of the multi-use path?
A: The level spots are an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirement.
If the grade of the pathway is greater than 5%, a level resting spot is required
at intervals of at least every 400 feet.
Q: What are the decorative crescent graphics on the path?
Photo by Miguel Farias.
A: The crescents are an architectural feature that are meant to tie-in with the
crescents on the retaining walls adjacent to the path.
According to the landscape designer, they are modeled after an elephant tusk.
Q: Why is the path access on the north end located near Fair Drive and
why can’t the path be accessed at the top of Los Ranchitos?
A: The traffic engineers determined that the Fair Drive location was the safest
location for bicycles and pedestrians to cross traffic to enter the pathway.
This location provides the most visibility to drivers. The top of Los Ranchitos
is located at a curve in the roadway and bicycles/pedestrians are not visible
to drivers.
Q: Why does the south end of the path end at Mission Avenue and
not continue to the San Rafael Transit Center?
A: There is a follow-up project that will ultimately extend the pathway
from Mission Avenue to the Transit Center.
3

2011 BICYCLE NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION
IN MARIN CITIES AND TOWNS
Corte Madera
Corte Madera is at one end of the historic Alto Tunnel—the
other being in Mill Valley. MCBC has been
working with local advocates to keep moving forward
our campaign to reopen this old railroad tunnel. When it
is reopened, it will connect Corte Madera and Mill Valley
with a nearly flat route that will significantly improve
cycling conditions for everyone traveling between Corte
Madera and Mill Valley.
Fairfax
Fairfax has completed a study of an East-West bikeway
that will span Fairfax through San Anselmo to San Rafael.
With a preferred alternative in hand that the three jurisdictions
agree to, construction funds can be sought to
make the corridor improvements. This study has been
adopted by two of the three Town Councils, Fairfax and
San Anselmo. It will be included as an appendix in the
upcoming San Rafael bike plan (see below). Fairfax is
also working to build a segment of bike lanes on Sir
Francis Drake eastbound that will connect the Fairfax
Library with downtown.
Larkspur
Larkspur has been busy improving its non-motorized
network during the past year. Most recently, intersection
improvements and new bike lanes have been installed
along popular cycling routes. Local advocates Cindy
Winter and Dwayne Price have been working diligently
with Larkspur to install dozens of new bike racks.
Perhaps most importantly, the Cal Park Tunnel is now
open—connecting Larkspur and San Rafael!
By David Hoffman, MCBC Director of Planning
Every spring, Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) reports on what’s been
happening with implementation of the bicycle network in each of Marin’s 11
incorporated cities and towns. We’re continually collaborating with public
works directors to expand the network of bike lanes, pathways, bike parking
and access to public transit.
Since last spring we’ve seen tremendous progress on key gap-closure
projects in Marin County, including the Cal Park Tunnel, the Lincoln Avenue
Pathway, and projects in central San Rafael and in the Northgate and Terra
Linda communities. Each project will connect communities and provide a
safer, more accessible route for cyclists.
We’ll also be publishing a North-South Greenway update this summer.
Photo by David Hoffman
Mill Valley
The Miller Avenue Precise Plan (MAPP) has been in
progress for more than ten years. MCBC continues
to follow this project and provide input for improved
bicycle and pedestrian facilities. A resurfacing of a short
portion of Sycamore Avenue just past Mill Valley Middle
School as it approaches the multi-use path will take
place later this year. The resurface of this segment will
include new bike lanes. A proposed multi-use pathway
between Sycamore and Miller Avenue in front of The
Redwoods retirement community is currently under
consideration. MCBC has provided significant design
input for these projects.
Novato
Novato continues to expand its bicycle network with
new facilities expected to be completed within the
year, including the Alameda del Prado bike lanes being
4

completed by the County later this spring. The Novato
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
is one of the most active in the County. The Novato
BPAC also commented on the Novato General Plan to
ensure complete streets and other provisions for bicyclists.
MCBC welcomes Jason Nutt as the new Director
of Public Works of Novato. We are very pleased to
announce that the Enfrente Road Commuter Project is
finally kicking off! This will provide a separated multi-use
path along the section of Highway 101 where cyclists
are currently forced to ride on the shoulder. We’ll be
bringing you more updates on this important project
as we have them.
Ross
The greatly expanded Ross Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan has been completed and was adopted along
with a Complete Streets policy, ensuring that all projects
built in Ross will include bicycling and/or waking elements
whenever feasible.
San Anselmo
San Anelmo saw installation of new sharrows (“sharing
arrows”) along key bicycle routes within the Town.
These sharrows have the dual purpose of showing
cyclists where they should be positioned on the road
so to avoid being “doored,” and acting as subtle trafficcalming
tools. MCBC says “Welcome” to Barry Hogue,
the new Public Works Director, and “Thanks” to outgoing
Public Works Director Steve Myrter for all of the
work that he has done in the past year!
San Rafael
San Rafael is just on the cusp of adopting its new Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan, and a Complete Streets
Policy, as of the writing of this article. The new bike
plan will be a vast improvement over the old one, and
MCBC thanks everyone involved—BPAC members,
local advocates, and City Staff for moving this plan
forward. MCBC also congratulates Nader Mansourian
in his promotion to Director of Public Works. MCBC
has been heavily involved with SMART station-area
planning efforts over the past year, and we will continue
to remain closely involved.
Tiburon
Tiburon was just awarded a pathway study by the San
Francisco BayTrail to look at improvements along this
extremely popular cycling corridor. We look forward to
working with both Tiburon and the BayTrail in the coming
year to make this the best possible study.
Marin County and West Marin
The County of Marin has been busy this year expanding
and enhancing its bicycle network. The Countywide
Bicycle Guide Sign system has been completed; all signs
are installed including West Marin (new for this year!)
The proposed repaving of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
through Samuel P. Taylor State Park continues to move
forward, and may commence later this summer. Design
has been completed on the soon-to-be-built Tennessee
Valley Pathway that will connect the Tam Valley community
to the Mill Valley-Sausalito Multi-Use Path;
improvements include a proposed stop light at Tennessee
Valley Road and Shoreline Boulevard, and a raised
boardwalk over the wetlands (this area has substantial
pavement degradation and occasional submersion of
the current pathway). MCBC is working with the County
of Marin to help identify locations for, and deploy, hundreds
of additional bike racks; we hope to have a more
detailed report on this effort later this year.
Photo by Miguel Farias.
Sausalito
Sausalito recently adopted a Non-Motorized Transportation
Pilot Program (NTPP) study, which looked at the
best route (off of Bridgeway) between Gate 6 Road and
the Sausalito Ferry Landing. This year-and-a-half effort
was unanimously adopted by the City Council. Next
up: re-formation of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (BPAC) and the development of
a Complete Streets Policy. MCBC sincerely thanks the
City of Sausalito for all of the attention that they have
given to bicycling in the past several years!
11101 State Route 1, #B
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5

SEEKING SIX BIKE-
CURIOUS PEOPLE
MCBC’s
Bike Locally
Challenge
Returns
This May
Apply March 28 – April 18, 2011
Two of last year’s winners, Anjuli Elias and Peter Meringolo.
Bike Locally Challenge
is on Facebook
Have you considered riding a bike to work, or for local
errands, but haven’t tried it yet? Are you a student
who would love to ride to school, but you can’t afford
to buy a bike? Well, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition
(MCBC) Bike Locally Challenge is for you.
The Bike Locally Challenge returns this May. The
goal is to find a diverse group of six novice or noncyclists
and convert them from fossil-fuel-burning to
calorie-burning commuters. We’ll give the chosen six
the training and equipment they need to succeed, and
we’ll watch as their journey inspires hundreds more to
try transportation bicycling for the first time. The Challenge
will also highlight the many new bicycle facilities
that have recently opened, including the Cal Park Tunnel!
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
1. If you are a novice or non-cyclist you can apply
for one of six Bike Locally Challenge positions
by writing a one-page essay on why you want
to take the Challenge.
2. Fill out the Bike Locally Challenge application.
3. If you are selected, MCBC will loan you a brand
new Globe bicycle and accessories for 6 months
(May-October)
4. You make a commitment to ride your Globe
bicycle a minimum of 12.5 miles a week and
you agree to document your bicycle riding via
Facebook, Twitter and/or blog posts.
5. MCBC will provide you with a Bicycle Mentor
for the duration of the challenge to train you
and help plan your routes.
6. Each ride will earn you points for miles ridden
and the type of ride. If you accumulate 500
points over six months, you get to keep the bike!
WHO’S ELIGIBLE?
You must be a Marin County resident who has not
used a bicycle for transportation or frequent recreation.
All applicants need to have health insurance,
and applicants under 18 years of age need
written permission from their parents.
You can apply anytime between
March 28 and April 18, 2011.
Visit www.marinbike.org/BLC or
call Tom Boss at 415-272-2756.
Bike Locally Challenge sponsors:
6

5
Route 5 Passport
Take a ride down Route 5
for shopping, dining and
entertainment
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) is launching
our newest public outreach effort called the ‘Route
5 Passport’ campaign from May to July 2011.
This spring, the campaign will encourage bicyclists
to patronize local businesses along the Route 5 bicycle
corridor and connecting routes, while increasing their
use of Marin’s growing bicycle network. For three
months people will be able to use the Route 5 Passport
(10,000 available countywide) and receive great deals
at 100 participating businesses, all while discovering
new stores, restaurants and health services by bicycle.
To engage new cyclists to use Route 5, MCBC is
scheduling 6-10 weeks of free guided bicycle activities
along the corridor and feeder routes. Locations
like the Marin Country Mart, downtown San Rafael
and Northgate Mall will serve as start and end points
for our rides, bringing new cycling customers to those
local businesses.
Passports will be available at participating businesses,
MCBC spring outreach and bike parking events
and at bike shops; or look for one in your free Bike to
Work Day tote bag on Thursday, May 12. Check out
www.marinbike.org/Route5 for the schedule of activities
and participating businesses.
Bicyclists who use the Passport will receive special
offers simply for riding their bikes to merchants on the
Route 5 corridor (Novato to Corte Madera). A sampling
of deals that await bicyclists include: buy one beverage,
get one free at Tully’s Coffee; buy one ice cream
dessert, get one free at Double Rainbow; 50% off your
first laser hair removal treatment at The Laser Center of
Marin; and 20% off one item (some exclusions apply)
at Z-Gallerie.
Watch for the Route 5 Passports coming this May!
NOVATO
Vintage Oaks
LARKSPUR
Magnolia Avenue
Northgate
Shopping Center
SAN RAFAEL
Fourth Street
Bon Air
Marin
Civic Center
Lincoln Ave. Pathway
San Rafael
Transit Center
Cal Park Hill Tunnel
Marin Country Mart
Larkspur
Ferry Terminal
The Village at
Corte Madera
Participating Businesses
Reap the Following Benefits:
CORTE MADERA
»»
The campaign will help businesses reach the one-infive
Marin adults, or more than 50,000 people, that
already ride bicycles (MRI 2008) and the 200,000
others we want to get started.
»»
For only $25, their name and location will appear
on the 10,000 printed Passports.
»»
Their customers will know that they care about
the environment and their customers’ safety by
collaborating with MCBC to encourage them to
shop and ride locally.
If you own a business and would like to participate
fill out the Route 5 Passport Business Agreement and
return to MCBC.
Call Tom Boss at 415-272-2756 for further details.
Sponsored by
Electrical Contractor / C-10 HIC 823538
Electrical / Lighting Design
Residential / Commercial
Home Integration
Tele / Data Communications
Renewable Energies
Fire Systems
Security
ELECTRICALLYCONNECTED
DENIS SOLAN
ph 415.497.4248
fax 415.626.1317
denis@electricallyconnected.net
7

MAY IS BIKE MONTH!
HERE ARE ALL THE ACTIVITIES PLANNED
AROUND BIKE TO WORK DAY
Thursday, April 28 - 7 p.m.
Commuter Light Workshop and Demo at
Tam Bikes, 357 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley
Come learn about the safety benefits of being visible at
night at this commuter light workshop and demo. Following
a presentation by Light and Motion, we’ll head
out on a ride thought Mill Valley and discover the joys
of riding at night!
Ride Marin's North-South
bicycle corridor including the
Cal Park Tunnel!
Click the Route 5 sign at
www.marinbike.org for three
months of rides and activities
starting in May!
May 1st to July 31
Route 5 Passport
100 special offers along bicycle
Route 5 just for riding your bike!
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition’s Passport campaign
will encourage bicyclists to patronize local businesses
along Marin’s Route 5 North-South bicycle corridor
and connecting routes, while increasing their use of
Marin’s growing bicycle network. For three months
people will be able to pick up a Route 5 Passport, ride
along Marin’s bicycle network and receive great deals
at 100 participating businesses, all while discovering
new stores, restaurants and health services.
Thursday, May 12, 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Bike to Work Day (BTWD)
17 Energizer stations throughout Marin
Stop by a Marin Energizer Station on the morning of
May 12 for goodies and lots of cheer. Leave home a bit
earlier to check out as many stations as possible and
score a tote bag full of goodies. The celebration continues
from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the all-new BTWD After
Party and Bike Expo!
Friday, April 14
Have you voted for your Bike Hero?
Bike Commuter of the Year
nominations now open
Your favorite Marin bike commuter could be selected
along with one person from each of the other eight Bay
Area counties to receive an award in recognition of
their dedication to commuting by bicycle. This person
is a living example of the benefits of bicycling, making
every day a Bike to Work Day. Nominations for the Bike
Commuter of the Year Award will be accepted through
11:59 p.m. on April 14; don’t wait until the last minute.
Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
BTWD After Party and Bike Expo
at Marin County Mart
(formally Larkspur Landing)
Come celebrate with your fellow cyclists at the courtyard
at Marin County Mart. Beer and food will be available
at Marin Brewing Company and there will be a bike
expo with many great companies showing off their latest
bicycle accessories and services. We’ll honor Marin’s
Bike Commuter of the Year, give out Cal Park Tunnel
awards and much more! Sponsored by WTB, Mike’s
Bikes and Marin Brew Co.
8

MAY IS BIKE MONTH continued
NOVATO
Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m.
MCBC Fun Ride/Locust – 1st of the season!
Mixed-terrain endurance ride on
roads, fire roads and trails!
The 4–5 hour ride covers 30–40 miles of road, fire road
and multi-use trails and there’s a lot of climbing! You’ll
get a lesson on trail and road etiquette at the beginning
of the ride, so that we’re bicycle ambassadors on the
ride. The Fun Ride is free, but we suggest a $15 donation
to MCBC. Prizes are awarded for good deeds (details
day of event). Check www.marinbike.org in May for
start location.
FAIRFAX
SAN ANSELMO
MARINWOOD
ROSS
SAN RAFAEL
LARKSPUR
CIVIC CENTER
LINCOLN AVE.
PATHWAY
CANAL COMMUNITY
CAL PARK TUNNEL
Sunday, May 15, 7 p.m.
Movie: With My Own Two Wheels
The MYC
1115 Third Street, San Rafael
With My Own Two Wheels weaves together the stories
of five individuals across the globe into a single narrative
about the bicycle as a vehicle for change. The documentary
was shot on location in Zambia, Ghana, India,
Guatemala and California and was produced in collaboration
with bicycle-driven development organizations
including World Bike Relief and Santa Barbara’s own
Bici Centro. The screening is a fundraiser for MCBC’s
Women on Wheels and The Bicycle Works.
Saturday, May 21, 9 a.m. -4pm
Ales and Trails at China Camp State Park
Ales and Trails is a benefit for the International Mountain
Bicycling Association’s California advocacy efforts
to improve trail opportunities throughout the state.
Join us at China Camp’s Miwok Meadows for guided
mountain bike rides and professionally led skills clinics
with pro riders. Enjoy beer tasting, live music and
a gourmet BBQ.
May – October
Bike Locally Challenge
Bike Locally Challenge awards six novice cyclists with
bicycles, accessories and mentors to convert them
from fossil-fuel burning to calorie-burning commuters.
HOURS OF OPERATION UNLESS
OTHERWISE NOTED 6:30 – 9:30 A.M.
NOVATO
»»
Alameda Del Prado at Nave Drive
hosted by Classcycle
SAN RAFAEL
»»
Las Gallinas Rd. at Lucas Valley Rd.
hosted by Marin Bikes & Miller Creek
School
»»
4th and H Streets
hosted by Summit Bicycles
»»
Lincoln Ave. Pathway
»»
Marin County Civic Center
South Arch at Memorial Drive
»»
San Rafael Canal
Bellam and Francisco Blvd. East
FAIRFAX
»»
737 Center Blvd.
hosted by Sunshine Bicycle Center
SAN ANSELMO
»»
Sir Francis Drake Blvd. &
Saunders Ave. (7 – 9 a.m.) hosted by
Drake High School students
»»
702 San Anselmo Ave.
hosted by Paradigm Cycles
MILL VALLEY
MARIN CITY
CORTE MADERA
SAUSALITO
TIBURON
GOLDEN GATE
BRIDGE
»»
52 Greenfield Ave. hosted by Miracle
Mile Computer Repair
ROSS
»»
7 Ross Common
hosted by Breaking Away Bicycles
CAL PARK TUNNEL
»»
Bike path at south end, near Larkspur
Theatre. hosted by REI, Corte Madera
LARKSPUR
»»
Redwood High School (7 – 9 a.m.)
hosted by Redwood High School stu dents
»»
Marin Rowing Club
hosted by 50 Drakes Landing
MILL VALLEY
»»
Richardson Bay Bike Path, north end
hosted by Whole Foods Market
SAUSALITO
»»
Richardson Bay Bike Path, south end
(6:30 – 9:30 a.m. & 4 – 6 p.m.)
hosted by Mike’s Bikes
»»
Vista Point at Golden Gate Bridge
(5:00 – 9:30 a.m.) hosted by MCBC,
BABC, Kaiser Permanente, Clif Bar,
and WTB
9

SIBLING SUFFERS CYCLISTS
MCBC member and League Certified Instructor, Cheryl Longinotti, offered to share her responses
to her sister’s questions about “those dang cyclists,” since she imagines that many other people
have them too. If any of her responses resonate with you, feel free to share and elaborate on
them when you need to explain how and why cyclists use the public roads.
My sister made me do it. I volunteered to write this article to silence her complaints
about cyclists. What follows is a sample of our exchanges. I hope there’s a tip here worth
sharing with the cyclists and motorists in your life.
“You cyclists get in the way of traffic.”
All road users slow other road users on a routine basis.
A motorist waiting to make a left turn from a two-lane
street slows motorists behind him. A school bus or
large truck can likewise delay others. Cyclists are traffic,
though it’s rare for cyclists to cause a delay longer than
a typical traffic light.
“Why do you ride two abreast?
Isn’t it against the law?”
California law does not require single-file riding or forbid
riding two abreast. A fundamental rule of the road is:
slower traffic moves on the right. Ride Right is a universal
mantra applying to all road users. For cyclists, it
means riding on the right unless there is cause to move
to the left. So you’ll see cyclists controlling a lane when
it is too narrow to share, when passing a slower vehicle
or parked car, when avoiding a hazard, or when preparing
for a left turn.
“I hate packs of cyclists. They’re like swarms.”
Just remember your little sister could be in that group!
Perhaps it’d humanize the situation if we cyclists waved
to acknowledge your presence and did our best to facilitate
passing by cars. Breaking up into twos and threes
can help.
“Passing! On winding West Marin
roads, I often can’t see ahead to
judge whether to pass or not.”
That’s right. Do always allow for a margin of error, and only
pass when you are sure it’s safe and you can allow more
than three feet of clearance from nearby cyclists. Any
closer and the wind turbulence created by your vehicle
can throw a cyclist out of control. Cyclists can help by
signaling whether the roadway ahead is clear or not clear
of oncoming traffic. By doing so, a cyclist is affirming that
roads are for all people. When you in your car can’t pass
immediately, it’s like earning a “Get Out of Jail/Stress” card.
It’s a moment to kick back, breathe deeply and appreciate
all that is Marin, including its colorful cyclists.
We Are Lawyers Who Ride
Let Us Fight Your Fight
personal injury • professional malpractice
www.rahmanlawsf.com
Contact us for a free consultation
415.956.9245 or info@rahmanlawsf.com
369 Pine Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94104
Active members of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, the Marin Co. Bicycle Coalition
& the East Bay Bicycle Coalition.
Follow our Two Wheeler Blog at http://bikelaw.tumblr.com
This does not constituate a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
10

NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT 2011
– Andy Peri, MCBC Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator
This year’s journey to Washington DC for the National
Bike Summit presented a significant change of climate,
politically, as compared with last year. In the wake of
the recession, the electoral loss last November of Rep.
James Oberstar (D-MN), cycling champion and former
Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee, and with a significant change
of power in the House to Republican leadership, this
year’s national cycling agenda shifted significantly. In
contrast to last year’s ambitious agenda, which included
four major initiative requests, this year we traveled the
halls of Congress to urge that funding for cycling be
maintained—not cut—for Safe Routes to School, Recreational
Trails Programs, and Transportation Enhancements.
(Transportation Enhancements is a significant
program that funds many kinds of bike/ped programs
and projects, such as partial funding for the Cal Park
Tunnel and the Inkwells Bridge in Marin).
Some 767 attendees of the National Bike Summit
visited more than 400 offices of Senators and Representatives
to bring the message that cycling provides
significant economic stimulus for the nation. Bike Summit
members from throughout the country brought to
their representatives district-specific information about
the number of bike shops and jobs that have been created
by the bike industry in addition to the amount of
job-producing funding that was spent in their district
on bicycle/pedestrian-related road, trail and pathway
projects. We also shared with our representatives new
data that is showing that bike/ped infrastructure projects
create significantly more jobs than many kinds
of road projects. Some bicycle infrastructure projects
create more than double the number of jobs as roadresurfacing
projects, per million dollars spent.
Once again the National Bike Summit attendees
were graced with a keynote address by Secretary of
Transportation Ray LaHood. He reaffirmed the Obama
Administration’s commitment to national multi-modal
transportation policy and funding priorities. “Not everyone
knows about the enormous economic, health and
environmental benefits of cycling and pedestrian investments,”
stated LaHood in his blog following his address
at the Summit. That’s a reflection of the importance of
our mission in DC this year. We also heard from Robin
Schepper, executive director of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s
Move” initiative. Schepper got her start in her work to
reverse childhood obesity when she advocated for a
bike rack at her child’s DC school.
As usual, our meeting with Rep. Lynn Woolsey of the
Sixth Congressional District (covering Marin and Southern
Sonoma County) was fabulous. Rep. Woolsey is and
always has been one of our strongest supporters. She
understands that bicycle infrastructure and programs
help to create a healthier and more environmentally
sound nation that is less dependent on foreign oil. For
me, each year our meeting with Rep. Woolsey is like the
dessert of the Bike Summit: We are always welcomed
with open arms and full, kind support. Members of the
Summit’s 70-person California delegation also had
good meetings with staff from the office of Senator
Boxer (who chairs the Environment and Public Works
Committee, which crafts the transportation bill on the
Senate side), and with Senator Feinstein’s staff. Both
were supportive and urged us to continue our outreach
with members across the nation and in particular to
show the economic benefits of bicycling.
This year marked the 11th National Bike Summit.
Policy makers understand that we are a growing movement
that is here to stay. Many are deepening their
understand about what Bike Summit advocates, industry
and community groups want to see: a substantial shift
in our transportation policy nationwide to one that
includes all modes as part of the system, so that we
can have safer, healthier and more vibrant communities
throughout the United States.
ADVOCACY
11

MARK SLATE, Chief Designer at WTB
– The MCBC Interview
I’m always surprised when I mention WTB to someone
from Marin County and they say, “what is WTB?”
WTB is the acronym for Wilderness Trail Bikes,
which is Marin County’s largest bicycle component
manufacturer and a leading innovator. The company
formed back in 1982, when Mark Slate, Charlie Cunningham
and Steve Potts decided to make components
for mountain bikes. MCBC had a chance to interview
Mark Slate about his 29 years with the company and
about what goes into designing some of WTB’s most
popular tires and saddles.
Mark started out by reminiscing about WTB’s first
project, a mountain bike fork called the Type II. He recalls
that those forks were labor intensive to produce, but
they tracked like nothing else. Following the fork was
the Toe Flip, which allowed easy entry into toe-clip
pedals. Next were the Roller Cam Brakes and Grease
Guard hubs.
Things really got rolling for the fledgling business
following a serendipitous encounter with Bryant Bainbridge,
who was working at the CyclePath bike shop
in Santa Rosa. Bainbridge introduced the design team
to Mike Sinyard, owner of Specialized Bicycle Components.
Sinyard asked what they could do to make
a better mountain bike tire. Mark and crew answered
the call and created the Specialized Ground Control,
which became a best-selling tire. Mark remembers
fine-tuning the design right up to the point where the
drawings needed to catch a flight to Japan, where the
tires were manufactured.
After twelve years designing great products for other
companies such as Suntour, Trek and Specialized, it
was time for WTB to spread its own wings. In 1994 the
company took a leap of faith and released two WTBbranded
components, the SST saddle (named for its
resemblance to the Super Sonic Transport jet) and what
became some of the best known WTB mountain bike
tires, the Velociraptors.
Velociraptor tires are a front and rear combo with a
very aggressive and distinctive tread pattern. A lot was
riding on the success of the Velociraptors because the
company’s investment in the tire mold was significant.
Mark said that if the tires had not been a success, we
probably wouldn’t be interviewing him. Luckily, it all
worked out. The tires are still popular today after 17
years on the trails.
Now that we’d had our history lesson, it was time
to learn how Mark designs tires and saddles.
Any negative impression
can be valuable. Positive
impressions are usually
not about change, but if
something is working,
knowing to retain
it can be helped by
positive comments.
– Mark Slate
MCBC: So how do you design a tire? How do you know
they are going to work before the molds are made?
MS: For the most part, tire design is conceptual. You
really don’t know how it’s going to ride until it comes
out of the mold. And if it’s not right, you learn from your
mistakes and make a better tire. One of the biggest
things that counts is the profile, which is the width of
the tread relative to the casing, and how tall the blocks
are at the outside edge compared to the center.
Small differences can be felt. Pattern building is a
development that seems to follow a life of its own for
me. Following what comes to mind is fun, but eventually
it has to all gel and repeat. After the tire is cooked [the
mold has been built and tires have been produced] the
next version or variation gets consideration based on
ride performance of the existing tread.
MCBC: How regularly do you involve test riders for
feedback on designs?
MS: Anyone may offer valuable input, so the answer
is all the time. I try to listen to what people say and
12

separate subjective impressions from something that
may be an aspect I had not considered.
MCBC: What is the most valuable kind of feedback test
riders can give you?
MS: Any negative impression can be valuable. Positive
impressions are usually not about change, but if something
is working, knowing to retain it can be helped by
positive comments.
MCBC: Who’s your favorite test rider, and why?
MS: Mark Weir has been great. He can push the edge
and hold on to the limit of traction. When he’s giving
me feedback he’s not trying to design the tire, he’s just
saying what it does. For example, Mark noticed that
the first Weirwolf tire (named for Mark Weir) works
better after it gets used a little. He said he thinks it’s
because the inside edge gets chafed or abraded. I can
apply that in the next iteration of the tire.
When we made the 2.3 version, Weir said it bounces
off of stuff a little too much. He felt the blocks were too
close to each other, so we opened up the tread. In the
latest version we added a terraced step to the knob,
which is getting great feedback.
MCBC: Tell us about your R&D process for saddles.
MS: The wooden saddle is a sort of legend. We would
carve them, bolt them onto a seat post, get the angle
right and ride them. Riding a carved wooden shape will
let you know if the fit is wrong or the curves not ideal.
Now, with so many WTB designs to build from, [the
wooden saddle] is less important. We can improve a
saddle or create a new variation by making a new foam
shape. The final shape-tuning usually takes place after
initial prototype rides. At that point I’m working with
the manufacturer, making subtle tweaks to the foam
before production.
MCBC: We imagine you see your designs out on the
trails. Do you get pleasure from that?
MS: Yes, I do. When I’m on a trail and I see a lot of WTB
tread design, it’s like “wow, I’ve got a lot of presence out
here!” I usually don’t say anything, but once in a while
I’ll ask “how do like that tire?” My riding buddy tends
to introduce me and I’m like “Man, you’re busting me,
don’t do that.”
MCBC: Tell us about one of your very favorite moments
or experiences on your journey at WTB since forming
it in 1982.
guys in the early days I felt (maybe even knew) that
WTB was a leader in equipment.
MCBC: Where, in your opinion, is the future of mountain
biking; what will we be seeing in five to ten years?
MS: Land access has been an issue since the start. In my
opinion the idea of riding a mountain bike is about the
adventure. That can take place on a closed course, but
my preference is to experience a ride that starts without
an end in mind. I think the freedom a mountain bike can
provide is awesome. The earth is a large playground.
Festivals are popular for good reason. I would like to
think that the future of mountain biking will involve more
destination events—but close to home is greener and
adds more to the local community. Growth for mountain
biking needs to be about involving new people.
I would hope that mountain biking will be a greater
part of more people’s lives in five to ten years. But to
make that happen we need to be more inclusive. Bike
people (especially the elite) tend to be exclusive. So,
the future should be about more bikes for more people
in more places.
For more on WTB and all their
products, visit www.wtb.com.
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The wooden saddle is a
sort of legend. We would
carve them, bolt them
onto a seat post, get
the angle right and ride
them. Riding a carved
wooden shape will let you
know if the fit is wrong
or the curves not ideal.
– Mark Slate
MS: Discovering Moab and all of the experiences that it
brought me stands out as a particularly amazing time. In
the early days of National Off Road Bicycle Association
(NORBA) racing we had a great group of top athletes
that were fun to be around. When I built bikes for those
Lic. No. 132128
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13

SAN QUENTIN PROGRAM BRINGS BIKES TO KIDS
AND LIGHT TO INMATES
The bike program gives
us a unique ability to give
back to the community.
The inmates put a lot
of love into the work
they do and some of the
bikes look brand new. It
is wonderful to see the
reaction and the response
of the communities that
receive the bikes.
– Lt. Samuel Robinson,
Public Affairs Officer
at San Quentin
Prison inmates are not usually thought of as heroes in
our society. But for the Safe Routes to Schools program
and for needy children across the county, there are a
few angels at San Quentin prison, working in its bike
repair and donation program.
The San Quentin Firehouse receives bikes from a
variety of places, including police departments in the
Bay Area and from the Safe Routes to Schools Bike
Donation Drives. Over 90 bikes were recently collected
by students at White Hill Middle School and Drake
High School. The bikes are delivered to the firehouse,
where certain inmates work to repair them to almostnew
condition. Mike’s Bikes donates its truck to transport
the bikes to and from San Quentin and does some
mechanical training, and they also sell bike parts to the
San Quentin program at cost. Funds for the parts come
from recycling the metal from bike frames or parts that
are beyond repair.
Roughly 1500 bikes pass through the program each
year. Most go to kids in need. Some are retained by the
SR2S program and are used in its fleet for bike skills
classes.
One inmate, Mr. Vinny Sharper, has been working
on bikes for over three years. When he first went to the
shop, he thought he knew how to repair bikes. “I didn’t
realize how much I didn’t know,” he said. He was trained
by a captain who has since retired; now, Vinny himself
trains inmates who are new to the program. Recently
some SR2S staff members showed him some “tricks
of the trade.” “I went to a new level,” he says, smiling.
“What used to take half-an-hour to fix a brake, I can
now do in ten minutes.”
Vinny is part of a small group of Level 1 inmates who
work at the Fire House. He began working on bikes just
to pass time but became dedicated to the work when he
saw photos of kids riding bikes that he had refurbished.
“When I see the pictures of kids smiling because of what
I do, it warms my heart. I’d do it all day.”
Vinny was very excited to work on a vintage blue
Stingray that was recently donated to SR2S. He got it
back to mint condition and it gleams in the shop. That
particular bike will likely be a highlight at Teens Go Green
events around the county this spring.
Vinny Sharper will be leaving San Quentin soon.
He says the bike program was fantastic, both mentally
and spiritually. In his future he sees himself, “with a
bike shop in my garage where the neighborhood kids
can come and hang out, drink Kool Aid and learn about
fixing bikes.” We wish Vinny the best of luck in the
future, and we send our gratitude for all of the work he
did for Safe Routes!
To find out more about the San Quentin program or
to donate bikes for the program contact Frances Barbour
frances@marinbike.org.
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14

GREEN WAYS TO SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Cash Awards Available
for Second Year
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?
Safe Routes to Schools is pleased to offer the Green
Ways to School Challenge for the second year thanks to
a continuing grant from the Marin Community Foundation.
Schools participating in the Green Ways to School
Challenge strive to increase green trips to school significantly
by the end of the 2010–2011 school year. Safe
Routes to Schools (SR2S) will donate $500 to $1500
to the winning schools.
GREEN TRIPS TO SCHOOL AWARD:
Awarded to the schools with the highest percentage
increase in green trips for the year
»»
1st Place $1500
»»
2nd Place $500
»»
Honorable Mentions
SCHOOLPOOL AWARD:
Awarded to the schools with the highest
total number of registrations on the
SchoolPoolMarin.org website.
»»
1st Place $1000
»»
2nd Place $500
»»
Honorable Mentions
• In Marin County,
62% of greenhouse
gases comes from
transportation.
• Up to 26% of traffic
in the mornings is
from families taking
their kids to school.
• Walking and biking to
school provides much
needed exercise to start
the day. PLUS IT’S FUN!
PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Awarded to the school with the highest percentage
increase of green trips since joining SR2S programs.
»»
Award $1000
»»
Honorable Mentions
WHAT IS A GREEN TRIP?
Walking, biking, carpooling or taking the bus to school
are all examples of “green trips.” To help interested parents
find others, the online SchoolPool Marin program
assists with match lists of families who’d like to travel
to school together. Parents who may not need a School-
Pool can register on the site to take the Green Ways to
School Pledge, which counts toward the school’s total
green trips for the year.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE
CHALLENGE, SCHOOLS:
»»
administer the student and parent travel surveys
»»
distribute program e-mails from SR2S via e-mail
or newsletters
»»
publish the SchoolPoolMarin.org link on their
website home pages
Twenty-seven elementary schools are boosting their
chances of winning by participating in the Go for the
Green contest, in which classrooms compete to see who
can create the most green trips during the period from
March 14 through April 9th. Middle schools are also
holding contests this spring to boost their green trips.
The online SchoolPool Marin
program assists with match
lists of families who’d like to
travel to school together.
Visit the new Safe
Routes to Schools
website to find out
more about Green
Ways to School:
www.saferoutestoschools.org
15

GEOLOGY BY BICYCLE –
Two Marin County Rides
by Scott D. Warner, MCBC
Member
Marin County is one of
the most active geologic
areas in the world as it
straddles two of earth’s
great tectonic plates
(the North American
Plate and Pacific Plate),
which grind past each
other at a geologically
quick speed of a couple
of centimeters per year.
The recent tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan are
heavy reminders that we live in a constantly changing
natural world. These events have occurred frequently
over the life of the planet, but rarely during human
existence. We can see the remnants of such dramatic
events in the terrain we live on—hills, valleys, and bedrock
outcrops. Touring by bicycle is one of the best ways
to see how natural processes have worked for millennia
to create the landscape we live on today.
Historically, Marin County was shaped by a multitude
of geologic processes including the results of
explosive volcanism as seen in the 12-million-year-old
rocks at the summit of Mt. Burdell; the incredible array
of subduction zone processes that gave rise to the
20-to-60-million-year-old rare minerals found at Ring
Mountain; and the much older (some older than 200
million years) rocks and formations, including sea floor
volcanics that appear as rounded pillows of basalt in
the Marin Headlands. Marin County is one of the most
active geologic areas in the world as it straddles two
of earth’s great tectonic plates (the North American
Plate and Pacific Plate), which grind past each other at
a geologically quick speed of a couple of centimeters
per year. Sometimes the San Andreas Fault gives way
to great pressure, allowing the Pacific Plate to blast
northwestward past the North American Plate. In 1906
it shifted more than 25 feet in less than one minute!
This article provides a glimpse into our geologic
framework, with two rewarding geology-by-bike trips:
a loop around the Marin Headlands, and the northern
Marin crossing from Mt. Burdell to the Point Reyes
Lighthouse.
THE MARIN HEADLANDS
This ride showcases some of the most important geologic
features in the County in a relatively short ride,
and includes some of the most diverse and dramatic
scenery in the San Francisco Bay region. For the cyclist
this ride includes the heavy grunt and slow pace of
steep climbs (westward up Conzelman Road) and the
breathtaking and dramatic downhill from Hawks Hill
(down Conzelman Road) as you ride along the precipice
above the Pacific Ocean. You can read an excellent,
comprehensive discussion of the Marin Headland geology,
Chapter 3 in U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin B2188,
Geology and Natural History of the San Francisco Bay
Area, by Bill Elder.
This 14-to-20-mile road ride through the Marin
Headlands takes you in a primarily clockwise direction.
Start at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. On
Conzelman Road you go up and over the southernmost
edge of Marin County, down past Point Bonita (take the
side road over to the lighthouse area if you have time),
northward toward Rodeo Lagoon (with a side trip to
Rodeo Beach and the Marine Mammal Center), then
eastward along Bunker Road, where you can either ride
back up McCullough Road to the saddle with Conzelman
Road, or continue eastward through the tunnel that
burrows through the geological formations you’ve just
seen and down to Fort Baker. From there you can go
back up to the Golden Gate Bridge or take a new route
northward to Sausalito.
The Marin Headlands are special not just because
of the incredible views, but because this area provides a
look into 200 million years of Marin’s geologic past, with
16

GEOLOGY BY BICYCLE
great outcrops of the famous Franciscan assemblage of
rocks and minerals. As you head up Conzleman toward
Hawk Hill (the route’s highest elevation), you pass on
your right side alternating zones of massive brownish
basalt, and highly folded bands of reddish–to-brownish
chert, which make up about 25% and 50% of the rocks
in the headlands respectively. Each represents a geologic
terrane—a fragment of crustal material from one
tectonic plate that has become attached to a different
plate. They formed about 200 million years ago on the
sea floor hundreds if not thousands of miles from this
current location. The “pillows” of basalt formed near
a mid-ocean ridge hot spot that periodically erupted
basaltic lava into the open ocean. The chert, a silicabased,
fossil-rich rock, formed millions of years later
(and possibly near the equator) as the basaltic material
rode the tectonic highway closer to the continental shelf
as part of the ancient Farallon Plate until most of it was
subducted under the continental plate. Some remnant
terranes, including this chert, were accreted onto the
continental plate and were subject to intense folding
and faulting. Once this terrane became “locked” onto
the continent after a variety of dynamic earth processes,
it rode the tectonic beltway northwestward. All the
while, sediments that eroded from the continent were
deposited in sea-floor trenches on top of the older material.
Finally, younger sand and gravels were deposited
(as seen in bluff areas of the Headlands). If you have
time, pedal over to Rodeo Beach. Its dark, large-grain,
chert-rich sand is unique among West Coast beaches.
Take your time, enjoy the
sights, and be prepared
for hiking, picnicking,
and photography
along your ride.
THE NORTHERN CROSSING – NOVATO TO POINT REYES
A favorite full-day geologic ride takes you from the The shortest westward route starts at the base of
northwestern edge of San Pablo Bay and westward 12-million-year-old volcanic Mt. Burdell in northern
through West Marin with a final western destination Novato and follows Novato Boulevard (from the northern
extension of Marin County Bicycle Route 5) past
of the Pt. Reyes lighthouse. There are several ways to
make the return trip once you get back to Pt. Reyes Station.
The one-way distance is approximately 40 miles. pass as you ride westward toward the Pt. Reyes-Peta-
Stafford Lake. The somewhat steep-sided hills that you
This fascinating ride traverses nearly the entire luma Road are composed of the Cretaceous (16 million
northern end of the County from its eastern shore along year-old) metamorphic Franciscan rock assemblage.
San Pablo Bay, around the southern flank of 1508-foot Some cyclists opt for the steeper northern route
high “Vulcan” Mt. Burdell, westward into the wide open (Hicks Valley Road to Marshall-Petaluma Road), up
West Marin dairy land past Black Mountain, to the edge and over the Marshall Wall to Highway 1 at Marshall
of the North American plate along the San Andreas Rift (yes, barbecued oysters!). For that route, turn right
Zone at Point Reyes Station. Then, in its final westward on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road and then left on Hicks
leg, it traverses the less vegetated Point Reyes Peninsula Valley Road.
landscape, where rolling and hummocky hills represent The flatter ride past Nicasio Reservoir to the Painted
a geologic foundation unlike anything east of the San Bridge and Point Reyes Station also provides excellent
Andreas Fault. This entire triangle of Point Reyes land vantage points. For this route, from Novato Boulevard
is a visitor to our area. It started its voyage hundreds you’ll turn left on Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Road and pass
of miles southeast of Marin, and could finish its trip the Cheese Factory.
hundreds of miles to the northwest.
On the latter route, as you pass the Cheese Factory
and reach the pass above Nicasio Reservoir, the
17

GEOLOGY BY BICYCLE
Stay tuned for weekend
“geology” rides that
we will advertise
through MCBC later
this summer. The earth
is as dynamic in Marin
County as anywhere,
and cycling can lead you
to our many fascinating
geologic features.
ridge you ride over is Cretaceous-aged sandstone and
shale. Note that most of these hills and ridges have
a northwest-southeast orientation. The San Andreas
Plate boundary forced the landscape into this position.
Bolinas Ridge (which forms the eastern highlands above
the San Andreas Rift) and Tomales Bay (which is the
submerged expression of the San Andreas Rift) share
this orientation.
After you cross the northern leg of Nicasio Reservoir,
pass its spillway on your left, and reach the painted
Platform Bridge, you’re in the middle of a band of Jurassic
greenstone that makes up much of the northwesttrending
ridges in the area. At this point, you can either
turn right for a three-mile, relatively flat route to Point
Reyes Station; or, continue straight on Platform Bridge
Road and at Tocaloma turn right on Sir Francis Drake
and ride up and over Bolinas Ridge (from which you get
a tremendous view of the San Andreas Rift zone) and
down into Olema, where you’ll turn north. Olema Valley
straddles the San Andreas Plate boundary between
Bolinas Lagoon and Tomales Bay. Whichever way you go,
you’ll want to fuel up in Point Reyes Station or Olema.
Then, head toward Inverness and the Point Reyes Peninsula
along Sir Francis Drake.
If you take the Olema route, then rather than taking
Drake north out of town, turn left onto Bear Valley
Road. No geology-focused ride in this area is complete
without a stop at the Bear Valley Visitor Center (on Bear
Valley Road just west of Olema) and a walk along the
famous Earthquake Trail, where you’re on the trace of
the San Andreas Fault that ruptured in 1906. It is okay
to walk your bike on the trail. The Visitor Center is a
good spot to fill up on water before you head out to
the lighthouse. In its shop you can find guides to the
area’s geology—and many other aspects of this great
National Seashore. From the Center, continue north on
Bear Valley Road; it will meet up again with Sir Francis
Drake about 2 miles north. Once you’re past Inverness
there will be no services along the rest of your ride to
the edge of the continent.
On the 21-mile ride from the Bear Valley Visitor
Center to the lighthouse, you’ll first continue northward
along the San Andreas Rift zone, on Sir Francis Drake
Blvd. through Inverness. Then, (staying on Drake), you’ll
head westward up and over the spine of the eastern part
of the Point Reyes Peninsula. The road will then take
a southerly route out to the Point Reyes Lighthouse,
which is at the western end of the granitic head of
the peninsula. The most prominent rock type near the
lighthouse is Point Reyes conglomerate, which is visible
only at the “whale’s-tail” end of the peninsula.
The Point Reyes Peninsula’s dynamic past includes: a
period of metamorphism beneath the sea floor, intrusion
by granitic rocks, several periods of alternating submergence
and uplift, deposition and erosion, formation of
various alluvial and stream systems during the latest
ice ages, and beach, dune, and sediment deposition to
recent times. Rock formation names in this area include
the Monterey Formation, the Laird Formation, and the
Drakes Bay Siltstone. It’s all more than can be covered in
this article, but if you’re interested, check out the many
books and online resources available. The Point Reyes
area’s amazing array of geologic features is unique to
Marin County—and the riding is great.
Things to Remember
Take your time, enjoy the sights, and be prepared for
hiking, picnicking, and photography along your ride.
Your pace may be slow and your rides may be long, so
be prepared and safe. Take supplies for flats and other
simple bike repairs along the road. Be well fueled, take
extra food, and make sure you are well hydrated. Bring
a good map, such as the MCBC map. Sunscreen is
critical, and safe riding (single-file on the narrow west
Marin roads) is a must. If you pull off the road to view
an outcrop of pillow basalt or chevrons of chert, park
as far off the road as possible.
As you ride, remember the dynamic forces that
created the hills and valleys of our area. We live in one
of the most well-studied geologic regions on earth, yet
much still remains to understand. Take along a field
guide and a geologic map, which you can find online or
in the public library. Online resources such as http://
www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geotour/Pages/Index.
aspx provide a good overview of geologic features in
the area.
18

MY WILDEST COMMUTE
By Lawrence Nigro
The more days you commute on a bike, the more
strange, interesting, and beautiful things you see. On
the bike you notice things you would never have seen
while driving a car. For example, how well a road is
built, the shoe lying in the shoulder of the road, and the
sunset blazing over your shoulder when the road hits
the top of the climb.
But what’s the absolute wildest thing you’ve ever
seen on your commute? If your commute includes a
day or two per week off-road (entirely possible if you
pedal through Marin), you’ll be riding when the trails
are empty and the rabbits are jumping. Something really
primal may be around the next switchback.
My wildest sighting, after a lifetime of commuting,
came last year during the week before Mother’s
Day. I commute by bike each day from Fairfax to San
Geronimo to teach first and second grade. Two or three
of those days I’m on my mountain bike. While I have
several different off-road routes, my go-to ride is to go
up Iron Springs Road and turn left onto the trails of the
Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp.
On that particular May day, I was riding up Broken
Dam Trail in the heart of the scout camp when I heard a
grunting sound coming from up ahead on the trail. The
sound was disturbing enough that I put a foot down and
paused. My thoughts on the noise ranged from wild pig
to very disturbed human. But I had to get to work, so I
continued up the trail.
As I neared the next switchback, I saw a large bobcat
perched about twenty feet up a tree on a thin branch.
The bobcat’s strong, high haunches faced toward me.
Draped from its mouth was the neck of a dead and
very young spotted fawn. I came to a stop. The source
of the noise was at the base of the tree. It was the doe,
rhythmically and angrily barking at the bobcat. Neither
paid any attention to me.
I’ve heard that fawns are born with no scent, to
help hide them from predators. For one moment, the
doe must have left the nest or been distracted, and she
lost her young.
I watched the standoff
for perhaps a minute, than
resumed climbing. The
barking of the doe followed
me up the tail. I would have
stayed and watch the drama
play out, but this was my
commute— I had to get to
work.
I rode up and out of the
camp and onto the fire road.
Then I turned down the
single track, known as the
Edgewood Trail, to Buckeye
Circle above Woodacre. I
call Edgewood Trail “Wedding
Trail,” because I rode
it to my wedding nine years
ago—my happiest day commuting.
From the bottom of
Wedding Trail, I raced to
work on pavement through
the San Geronimo Valley. I
always feel especially energetic
and ready for an early
snack time when I commute
off-road. Of course, the bobcat
and the doe made me
a quite a bit more contemplative that morning. And
truthfully, pumped up with a trail story.
As I think about my off-road commute, the details of
each individual ride mesh together into warm thoughts
of mornings high on the ridge with the rabbits. I love
being above the low-lying fog on the almost empty
trails, with the view of the Bay and the smiles from the
same couple of hikers. But that ride stands out as the
wildest. Seems to me I’ve been commuting all my life
to get to that tree on that day.
The Bobcat is a common
but elusive resident of
the Bay Area. Growing to
about two feet high and
only about 20 pounds,
these beautiful felines
are not dangerous to
humans, but they are
very hazardous to small
rodents! Usually seen
in grassy or somewhat
wooded areas, Bobcats
have a distinctive profile
with the bobbed tail and
tufts at the top of the ear.
– www.wildcarebayarea.org
Photo courtesy of
www.animalpicturegallery.net
19

REVIEW: Brooks B-17 Saddle, Part III by Tom Boss
Surviving the Winter
This is part III of a series documenting a 12-month
experiment to see if Brooks Saddles become comfortable
over time.
When I was younger I would purchase the stiff,
dark-blue Levi’s 501 jeans to save money (the prewashed
501s were usually $10-$20 more). Eventually
the stiff pants would become comfortable and develop
that naturally wore look that is appealing. Today I can
afford to pay the extra $ to avoid the break-in process,
but unfortunately Brooks does not sell pre-washed
saddles; and purchasing a used one can be tricky since
the saddle forms to a riders derriere over time. So on I
go trying new methods to speed-up the process.
Winter became an integral part of my experiment. I
was at a Soil Saloon event at Golden Gate Park in February
when, by chance, I found myself in the middle of a
conversation between Gary Fisher and Eric Zo about the
best way to break-in a Brooks Saddle. There was talk of
boiling the leather, soaking it in Neatsfoot oil and beatings
with a baseball bat. I wanted to learn more about
the various saddle break-in techniques, but my friends
were leaving so I missed the rest of the conversation.
The next day I got ready for my Sunday ride and
discovered that my Rivendall rain cover was missing
from my saddle (see Winter PP story). Did some hipster
snag it at the Soil Saloon? I didn’t have time to retrace
my footsteps because I had a 9 a.m. D-Off time (D for
dirt). I headed off to my ride without a cover to protect
the saddle from the damp ground (it had rained the
night before).
Not far into the ride water was splashing up off my
rear tire getting the underside of my saddle wet. Months
earlier I had put a thick coat of Proofide on the bottom
of the Brooks, so I figured the saddle would remain dry.
What I hadn’t considered was that my shorts were
getting wet as well and were soaking the topside of
the saddle when I would sit. It wasn’t until late in the
day that I realized that my Brooks saddle was soaked
through and through, something I was told to avoid.
Was the saddle damaged for good? Would it lose
its shape? The first thing I noticed when I got home
was the wear to the finish that came from the mud
that accompanied the water coming off my rear tire.
The mud had acted like sand paper and wore the nice
dark brown color into a light, rough finish on the corners
of the saddle. I wiped the dirt off the saddle and
let it dry out over night. The next morning I put a nice
coat of Proofide Saddle Dressing on the topside, which
brought the dark brown color back and smoothed out
the finish. Then I hopped on my bike and discovered that
the moisture had stretched out the saddle. I used the
supplied Brooks saddle wrench to tighten it up a little.
As it turned out the saddle kept its shape, while
becoming plusher from the experience. A seasoned
Brooks user confirmed my discovery: while water can
damage a leather saddle, it can also help with the breakin
process.
While I don’t suggest you get your Brooks saddle
wet, know that if the unthinkable happens, it may not
be the end. Stay tuned for my final report in the summer
issue. By then I will have put many springtime riding
miles on the Brooks.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Watch the MCBC
Facebook page for
updates on my Brooks
B-17 experience, and
look for my next report
in the summer issue
of the Pedal Press.
21

REVIEW: Black Mountain Cycles Road & Cyclocross Frames
By Amanda Eichstaedt
The bike handled
beautifully on both
pavement and dirt.
A slightly longer
wheelbase provides a
comfortable ride on the
pitted roadways and
allows for a very solid
feel on the descents.
Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes Station has some
new offerings. In addition to carrying the things that
you might need while on a ride in West Marin, such as
a spare tube or extra layers or gloves for those foggy
coastal days, proprietor Mike Varley is now offering
Black Mountain Cycles framesets.
A limited supply of both road and cyclocross Black
Mountain Cycles branded frames were delivered on February
10 after making the trip from Taiwan, where they
were fabricated and painted to Varley’s specifications.
Varley has over 20 years of experience in the bicycle
industry, including fifteen years designing bicycles for
the Haro and Masi lines. When I learned that he would
be designing a road frame I was intrigued, and put my
name on the list.
I’m riding a 53-centimeter BMC road frame in the
color champagne (orange is also an option), built up
with a compact double SRAM drive train and Varleybuilt
28-spoke wheels. The gearing is compact 50/34
crankset with a SRAM 10-speed 11-32 tooth cassette.
My preference was for silver components when possible
and Varley did not disappoint.
The maiden ride to Kehoe Beach on Tomales Point
included a jaunt out towards the beach on the dirt trail.
The bike handled beautifully on both pavement and dirt.
A slightly longer wheelbase provides a comfortable
ride on the pitted roadways and allows for a very solid
feel on the descents. The heat-treated chromoly steel
tubing is lightweight. Built up with pedals before the
fenders were installed, the bike weighed 20 lbs, 5 oz.
I chose Honjo hammered aluminum fenders, which I
think look fabulous. They’ll keep the wet-weather grime
off of me. I may remove the fenders in summer, which
will be a cinch since Mike designed the frames with
specific bosses to eliminate extra hardware.
My riding is recreational, often solo, for fitness and
mental health. I’m no speedster and you won’t see me
racing. I like a road bike capable of hitting the trails
and dirt roads when desirable. The frame and fork can
accommodate tires up to 33mm wide for a variety of
riding conditions. I run Continental Gran Prix 4-Season
700x28c tires.
Black Mountain Cycles is worth a visit if you’re spinning
through West Marin. A museum-quality collection
of vintage mountain bikes lives on the upper tier of the
bicycle rack, a fitting tribute in Marin. The shop caters
to utility road, touring and cyclocross needs, although
Varley’s mechanical skills are limitless and parts can
be ordered for any repair. And, he builds a mean wheel.
If you’re in the market for a new bicycle, include
Black Mountain Cycles on your list of shops to visit. I
love my new bike!
REVIEW: Garmin Edge 500 By Tom Boss
Garmin made significant
strides with this
upgrade. The Edge 500
menu system is more
intuitive, the battery
lasts 50% longer
and the GPS receiver
locks on to satellite
signals much quicker.
Making a great GPS bike computer better!
I’ve been using Garmin’s cycling-specific Edge series
GPS devices for a long time. I use the Edge 305 to
record my rides, then upload the data to one of many
websites to review my ride stats and see my route on a
Google map. So I was pleased to receive an opportunity
to review the Edge 500 and see how Garmin could
improve on the already excellent Edge 305.
When Garmin first launched the Edge series they
offered two models, the 205 ($249) and 305 ($349).
Both had the same form factor and allowed you to
record your ride, including distance, duration, top speed,
calories burned and elevation. The 305 added heart-rate
and cadence recording, plus an altitude barometer for
more precise elevation information.
22

Garmin Edge 500 Review
With the Edge 500, Garmin has updated and consolidated
the Edge 205 and 305 units into one. Now
everyone gets the altitude barometer at the $249 price
point, and you pay extra for accessories if you want the
heart-rate and cadence data.
The first difference I noticed between the original
Edge units and the new 500 is the size. The new unit is
about a third smaller overall, but its LCD screen is the
same size as on the earlier models. Garmin has reconfigured
the data so it appears larger on the screen. The
new model is also a few ounces lighter. All good stuff.
Another major improvement is in the mounting
system. The original Edge units mounted with zip ties,
which meant you couldn’t easily move the mount from
one bike to another. The new design uses thick rubber
bands. They make switching from my road bike to my
mountain bike simple. The new unit also uses a bayonet
fitting to lock into place rather then locking with a
plastic pin. The plastic pin broke off my 305 mount a
long time ago.
These improvements alone might warrant an
upgrade, but how about performance?
Garmin made significant strides with this upgrade.
The Edge 500 menu system is more intuitive, the battery
lasts 50% longer (it now lasts 15+ hours) and the
GPS receiver locks on to satellite signals much more
quickly. The calorie data has been improved so it’s more
accurate; and new power output information is available,
which professional athletes demand.
This unit, like its predecessors, does not support
mapping functions. If you’re looking for that feature,
you’ll need to upgrade to the Edge 800 ($449). That
said, whether you’re a serious cyclist in training or just
out to enjoy the scenery, the Garmin Edge 500 is a great
way to gather data and re-live your rides.
Win a Pair of WTB Bronson 2.3 26” Tires
Answer these three questions correctly and enter a drawing for a pair of WTB Bronson 2.3 26”
tires ($150 value). The Bronson’s ramped center knobs roll fast while square-edged side blocks
bite tenaciously at lean angles. Conquer all seasons and conditions, ride Bronsons.
1. Name one of the bike companies that Black
Mountain Cycles owner Mike Varley used to
work for.
MCBC’S
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
2. What was WTB’s first branded tire?
3. How many feet did the Pacific Plate move
in 1906?
click here
Name
Phone
email
Address
City
State
Zip
CLUE: the answers can be found inside this issue.
Mail this form to MCBC, PO Box 1115, Fairfax, CA 94978
or email your answers to tom@marinbike.org. The
drawing will be held May 21 at Ales and Trails. Thanks
to WTB for contributing our Pedal Press contest prize.
23

MCBC STORE
Visit our online store for these items.
All proceeds support safer cycling efforts in Marin.
MCBCsocks - $10.00
Men’s and Women’s Tee shirts - $25.00
MCBC bike shorts - $79.00
MCBC Map - $12.00
A must-have resource for anyone riding in Marin!
The MCBC jersey - $69.00
BIKE EVENTS
Bike to Work Day
May 12
May 21
Commuter Light Workshop
(Tam Bikes) – April 21
Ales & Trails
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or JOIN ONLINE:
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24