From the President: We support Bike the Bend by many of our members volunteering their time to help and by others actually riding in the event.

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1 August, 2012 Michiana Bicycle Association From the President: Every month I have been using my friend Google to bring you some of the latest news around Indiana and Michigan from the bicycling community. Well, this week, the Amishland Committee was sitting around talking about displaying everything that the MBA supports with the proceeds from Amishland at the ride so our riders are aware of what a great advocate of bicycling the MBA is. Do our members know? I think this is my opening. We support Bike the Bend by many of our members volunteering their time to help and by others actually riding in the event. The Pumpkinvine Trail lends its own special draw to this event. And again, many of our members volunteer their time and others support it by riding. The MBA is also a sponsor of the event. When Steve Carey was killed while riding his bike this spring, the MBA was there with the Share the Road Every Life Counts committee to help plan the Memorial Ride. If you have traveled down SR 23 lately, between Fir Road and Granger, you will see brand new sidewalks running along the side of the new four lane highway. Several years ago, some community minded people joined together to form Granger Paths in order to fight for the construction of paths to allow people to walk and ride between their homes, businesses and schools in the Granger area. From the start, MBA This ride has become a standard part of our ride schedule for the Wednesday following the Amishland Tour. Ride the route, pick up cards at various locations, and see what Lady Luck has in store for you. After the ride enjoy snacks and drinks while the winners are announced. Great prizes! Wednesday, August 6, 2010 at 6 p.m. Swanson School, ride options of: 17, 22, 25, 29 miles. Megan La Follette Claire Stevens Continued on page 4 1

club members and to other bicycle related organizations.

and tips on improving the sport of bicycling. Submissions should be in writing.

2012 OFFICERS President Gail Weaver (269) 663-8267 GailLW613@gmail.

net Vice President of Publishing Ray Halicki (574) 271-0735 raynellen@att.

net Treasurer Dick Kuehl (574)256-5797 Mba_banker@att.

com Jerry Dietzel (574)258-0125 jdietzel93@comcast.

net Ellen Halicki (574)271-0735 raynellen@att.

2 The Newsletter of the Michiana Bicycle Association P. O. Box 182 Granger, IN 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 OFFICERS President Gail Weaver (269) GailLW613@gmail.com Vice President Bonnie Yoder (574) marbonyod@att.net Vice President of Publishing Ray Halicki (574) raynellen@att.net Secretary Joyce McNarney (574) jjmcnarney@att.net Treasurer Dick Kuehl (574) Mba_banker@att.net 2012 DIRECTORS Richard Couch(269) richardcouch7@gmail.com Jerry Dietzel (574) jdietzel93@comcast.net Susan Dietzel(574) smd63@comcast.net Ellen Halicki (574) raynellen@att.net Jamie Moore (574) jamiemoore74@hotmail.com Rod Recla (269) recla@aol.com Emmitt Troyer (574) ektroyer@sbcglobal.net Chris Vanden Bossche (574) cvandenb@nd.edu Jeff Winegardner (574) jwine1958@att.net Marlon Yoder (574) marbonyod@att.net Club dues are $25.00 per year membership expires on March 31, The hot-line has been discontinued. Information on club rides and up-coming events is available on our website 2

MBA WEB SITE http://www.mbabike.com Look at the website for details of rides for 2012 club season. Ride maps are also on the site. Amishland & Lakes Bicycle Tour Www.amishlandlakes.

htm http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/ilrides.htm (Illinois) http://www.lmb.org (Michigan) http://www.bikeleague.org http://www.adventurecycle.

You must show your membership card to be eligible for the discount.

3 MBA WEB SITE Look at the website for details of rides for 2012 club season. Ride maps are also on the site. Amishland & Lakes Bicycle Tour Larger Area Ride Information Here is a list of some web sites that have schedules of rides in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan (Illinois) (Michigan) 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 Elkhart Bicycle Shop Lincoln Avenue Cycling Pro Form 2720 Lincoln Way West Mishawaka, IN All About Cycling 401 East Jackson Blvd. Elkhart, IN W Lincoln Avenue Goshen, IN South Bend Avenue South Bend, IN The Avenue Bicycle Station 2716 Mishawaka Avenue South Bend, IN Family Bicycle Center 3410 South Main Street Elkhart, IN 4651 Metro run & walk Outpost Center 3522 N. Grape Road Mishawaka, IN Spin Zone Bittersweet Road Granger, IN Cycle and Fitness 211 E Main Street Niles, MI House of Bicycles McKinley Hwy Osceola, IN OutPost Sports 3601 N Grape Road Mishawaka, In Wakarusa Pro Hardware 108 S. Elkhart Street Wakarusa, IN

Above all, the MBA supports the bicycle safety classes presented to the third grade classes in the local schools.

4 From the President (continued from page 1): has supported them with contributions to help them file for grant money to get more paths constructed. The next project will be the Adams road path which we hope will be able to start in the next year. Above all, the MBA supports the bicycle safety classes presented to the third grade classes in the local schools. If we can teach safe cycling from the beginning with the young, hopefully we can reduce accidents that seem to have gotten way too common this year. Many in the club volunteer their time to present these classes along with Judy Lee and Bike Michiana Coalition and fit the children with helmets after the presentation. Even with grant money wherever it can be found, the MBA has contributed more funds to allow for this program to be expanded. It started by asking the schools if the program could be presented, to the schools now calling and requesting it. Kudos to all that have given their time to make this grow. Well, I certainly have only touched on some of the many ways that the MBA promotes bicycling in Michiana. Many times today, we hear that so many just want to ride and not belong to a club. What they don t realize is all those people in the MBA and other local cycling groups and businesses make their riding safer by providing time, people, and funds for many of the bicycling they so enjoy in Michiana. Please consider all of the pleasures you enjoy in bicycling and consider giving a couple of hours to volunteer at our Amishland and Lakes event. Members, you are the best in bicycling. Get out and ride, enjoy and please be safe. Gail Weaver President HELP WANTED Needed: someone to take over the job of producing the monthly newsletter, the MBA News, starting in 2013, and other duties associated with the position of Vice President of Publishing. The job requires basic computer skills and the ability to navigate on the internet. I use the Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel and Publisher, and am willing to assist the next newsletter editor in any way I can. I am sure there are other programs that could be used, but these work for me. At the end of this year, it will be five years that I have been doing this, and I feel it is time to give someone else a crack at it. Vice President of Publishing is an elected position, and I am asking anyone who would like do this job to consider putting his/her name on the ballot. Please feel free to contact me by , phone, or in person (I am almost always at the Wednesday night rides) to answer any questions you might have. Ray Halicki raynellen@att.net We are still in need of some Amishland and Lakes volunteers for the following positions: Dinner Ticket collector on Saturday, 5:30 pm-7:00p (1 person) Stationary Sag at Rogers Park on Saturday, 11:00-3pm (2 people) Stationary Sag at the School (watermelon sag) on Saturday, 8am-12p (2 people) 10am-2p (2 people) 12p-4p (2 people) 4

Amishland & Lakes (continued from page 4) Please contact Bonnie Yoder at marbonyod@att.net if you can help. HOSPICE RIDE The 4th Annual Bike Michiana for Hospice ride will be held September 16, 2012.

The various routes will take you by forests, gently rolling hills, lakes, vineyards and wineries. Even if you re not riding, join the post-event party at St. Patrick s Park.

5 Amishland & Lakes (continued from page 4) Please contact Bonnie Yoder at if you can help. HOSPICE RIDE The 4th Annual Bike Michiana for Hospice ride will be held September 16, The rides venture through the scenic beauty of South Bend home to the University of Notre Dame and the surrounding Michiana area. The various routes will take you by forests, gently rolling hills, lakes, vineyards and wineries. Even if you re not riding, join the post-event party at St. Patrick s Park. Details on the post-event party will be added closer to the day of the event. For more information or to register online, visit or contact Lisa Kelly at MBA CLUB JERSEYS Dick Couch will be taking orders for the MBA Club Jersey. You can contact Dick at or by at richardcouch7@gmail.com. 5

6 UPCOMING RIDES August 3, 4, & 5, 2012 Amishland & Lakes Howe, IN Friday afternoon, Saturday & Sunday. Lots of ride options. Great food. Come!!! August 25, 2011 (Sat) - Wabash River Ride West Lafayette, IN, 32, 50, 65, and 104 miles. Website: August 25-26, th Annual Tour de La Porte La Porte, IN. 5, 15, 35, 40, 60, 100 miles. Website: Contact: phone: (877) , laportehospital-foundation@lph.org. Saturday, September 1, 2011 Blueberry Bicycle Cruise Plymouth, IN. 16, 31, 41, 63 miles. Website: Contact: jillneidlinger@ancilla.edu. Sunday, September 9, 2011 Hancock Horizontal 100 Findlay, Ohio Biggest hill is an interstate overpass. 20, 40, 62, and 100 miles. hancockhorizontalhundred.com/home_page.html Saturday, September 15, 2011 Lorie s Ride Chesterton, IN. 100 miles. Website: Saturday, September 15, Rivers on 2 Wheels Riverside Park, Logansport, IN mass start at 9AM. Ride options 10, 25, 32, 45, and Sunday, September 16, 2011 Bike Michiana for Hospice St. Patrick's County Park, South Bend, IN. 3.5 to 124 mile ride options! Sunday, September 18, 2011 Harvest Bicycle Century Tour Rolling Prairie, IN 25, 40, 62, and 100 miles. October 14-16, th Hilly Hundred Ellettsville, IN 6

7 MBA RIDES AUGUST, 2012 All are welcome to ride with the MBA. A helmet is required. Please remember to always follow all traffic regulations, and to show courtesy towards cars and other cyclists. Leisure Rides While we see these rides as a way to introduce new cyclists to the club, the casual pace also makes them very sociable and pleasant for regular members. Here s the basic info: Dates: Every Monday until August 27 Time: 6 p.m. Place: Pinhook Park Riverside Dr., just south of Cleveland Rd. Routes: We will start with the usual 10-mile route and will lengthen the rides over time. These routes include the Riverside and Northside bike paths, the Notre Dame bike paths, and South Bend bike lanes. Volunteers needed: If you d like to help with these rides, please contact Chris Vanden Bossche at cvandenb@nd.edu. August 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. To obtain a complete set of maps and cue sheets contact Chris Vanden Bossche at , or cvandenb@nd.edu, or at a ride. Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5 Amishland and Lakes Saturday, August 11, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. Osolo East. These routes travel northeast and follow the St. Joseph River, then turn south towards Middlebury, returning via Bristol. Distances: 22, 37,45, 53. Meet at Osolo Elementary School (24975 County Road 6, Elkhart, IN) on the north side of Elkhart at the intersection of CR6 (Cleveland Rd in St. Joe county) and CR11 (aka Osolo Rd), east of Cassopolis St (IN-19). 7

8 Sunday, August 12, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. 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). Saturday, August 18, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Ride: Cassopolis to Vandalia. This ride will take us to the Farmhouse Restaurant outside of Vandalia. Distances: 20, 42, 49 (long leg out and 11-mile return for all routes). Cinnamon rolls, baked oatmeal, and farmer s casserole! The ride starts from the High School (22721 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, MI), which is south of Cassopolis center, and just east of MI-62. Find map and cue sheet for Cassopolis-Vandalia ride on the maps page. Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. 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. Sumnerville is a village 7 miles north of Niles and about 1 mile west of MI-51. Park at the church (61268 Indian Lake Rd.) on the west side of Indian Lake Rd, just south of Pokagon Rd. Saturday, August 25, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. 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. Sunday, August 26, 2012, at 8:30 a.m. Bristol East. These mostly flat routes run east from Bristol to Shipeshewana, Middlebury, and (on the longest) Howe. Distances: 20, 29, 35, 46, 51, 65. Park in the Congdon Park lot (north of the river on Division St.) if it isn t too full or park on the side streets in downtown Bristol. NOTE: CHANGE OF START TIME Saturday, September 1, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. Niles. New routes for 2012! These routes head north from Niles in the direction of Indian Lake and Sister Lakes. Distances: 21, 33, 42, 49, 59. Use the Riverfront Park parking lot on the northeast corner of Main and Front in Niles, MI. (Alternative start location: If there are special activities and you can t park at Riverfront Park, start from Ring Lardner School at 801 North 17th Street. All routes pass the school.) 8

9 NOTE: CHANGE OF START TIME Sunday, September 2, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. Edwardsburg East. These routes run east towards Union, with the longer ones heading north from there toward Birch Lake. Distances: 17, 26, 34, 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). Labor Day ride, Monday, September 3, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. 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. Meet at the former Baldwin Prairie Elementary School on the south side of U.S.-12, east of Union, MI and just west of Baldwin Prairie Rd. August 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. Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. Bonneyville Mill County Park. These routes run northeast into Michigan up towards the Corey Lake area. Distances: 22, 33, 41, 50, 60, 71. Proceed east of Bristol on CR-8 and park in the Meadows lot on CR-131, just south of CR-8. Tuesday, August 14, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. Pinhook. These routes take us north towards Buchanan in lovely southwest Michigan. Distances: 15, 22, 30, 43, 51, 64. Park at Pinhook Park and take the bike path north to Darden where the routes begin. Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. 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). 9

10 Tuesday, August 28, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. Jackson Middle School. This route takes us southwest toward Potato Creek State Park and North Liberty. Expect a few rolling hills. Distances: 15, 20, 31, 41. Jackson School (5501 S. Miami Rd., South Bend) is at the intersection of Miami and Jackson Rds., just south of the US-20 bypass. Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. Martin s Supermarket, Granger. This route heads over a few rollers up toward Barron Lake and then loops back through Edwardsburg. Distances: 12, 19, 27, 38, 47. Park at the Martin s parking lot (12850 St. Rd. 23, Granger), near the McDonalds, just south of the Adams/IN-23 traffic signal. August Wednesday Evening Rides Wednesday, August 1, 2012, at 6 p.m. Ring Lardner. Head north towards Barron Lake and then, on longer routes, up Anderson hill towards Dowagiac. Distances: 16, 20, 24, 29, 35. Meet at Ring Lardner Middle School (801 North 17th Street, Niles, MI ), which is north of MI-60 and south of Lake St. on the east side of Niles. If we have any luck, it will only rain a little! Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at 6 p.m. Swanson School Poker Ride. Cyclists will collect cards on the route and the best hands wins prizes. A tailgate with snacks and drinks in the parking lot after the ride. Distances: 17, 22, 25, 29. Meet at Swanson School (17677 Parker Dr.), just north of Cleveland Rd between east of Ironwood and just off Swanson Dr. Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at 6 p.m. Tire Rack North. 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, August 22, 2012, at 6 p.m. Knollwood. These routes quickly exit the suburbs and emerge into southern Michigan east of Niles. Distances: 15, 19, 24, 28, 35. 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. 10

11 Wednesday, August 29, 2012, at 6 p.m. Edwardsburg. These routes take us east towards Garver and Eagle Lakes; the longer routes take in a series of rolling hills. Distances: 16, 19, 23, 30. 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). Map. Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at 6 p.m. 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. THE HILLY HUNDRED October 19-21, 2012, Ellettsville, IN Perennial winner of Bicycling Magazine and the League of American Bicyclists Best Biking in America Awards. The Central Indiana Bicycling Association, Inc. (CIBA) is proud to sponsor the 45th Annual Hilly Hundred Weekend, a classic bicycling event designed for the touring cyclists. If you like a bicycling challenge that includes entertainment and fellowship with more than 5,000 cyclists from over 40 states and several foreign countries, the Hilly is for you. Go to for more information and on-line registration. 11

12 MBA NEWS Michiana Bicycle Association PO Box 182 Granger, IN Membership, Newsletter Application, and Dues Mail to: Michiana Bicycle Association PO Box 182 Granger, IN Name: Address City, State Zip Phone: Cell: May this information be published in the handbook? Yes: No: Newsletter paper copy 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 Name & ages of participating bicyclists in immediate family: Disclaimer - MUST BE SIGNED 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: 12

From the President: Ray GARY METZLER CHET ZAWALICH PETE MOREY JEFF NOLEN DEBORAH RADECKI. Continued on Page 4

From the President: Ray GARY METZLER CHET ZAWALICH PETE MOREY JEFF NOLEN DEBORAH RADECKI. Continued on Page 4 October, 2008 Michiana Bicycle Associa- From the President: This will be the last President s letter for 2008. Time has flown by this year. A lot has happened. Many bicycle accidents with two fatalities.