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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-20 Bicycle & Pedestrian_PACKETCITY OF ASHLAND BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMISSION Agenda Thursday, April 20", 2006 @ 5:15 P.M. Siskiyou Room @ 51 Winburn Way Community Development & Engineering Services Building CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 16th, 2005 III. PUBLIC FORUM - Business from the audience not included on the agenda. (Limited to 5 minutes per speaker and 15 minutes total.) IV. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Earth Day Event at North Mountain Park (4/22/06 from 11-4) Bike Swap (5/13/06) Car Free Day (9/22/06) Subcommittee & Liaison Reports (Any new information from Subcommittees; the Public Works/Engineering, Planning, Police, or RVTD staff liaisons; or from the Nigh School, Southern Oregon University, or Traffic Safety Commission) New Business V. ADJOURNMENT Upcoming Meetings Next Regular Meeting - Thursday, May I e, 2006 at 5:15 P.M. I compliance Avith the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you heed special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Cite Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1- 800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the ineeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA "Title 1). Roll Call Co1€1161 hlaiSOII: Staff: RVTD liaison: High school liaison: Traffic Safety Iiaison: Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission March 16th, 2006 Regular Minutes Tracy Harding Ton) Marvin Chair Dylan Robbins ("ihsent) Selenc Aitken David Chapman Derek Severson, Assistcmi Planner Paige West, ItTt7DIM11 Plarnrer Cory Lescher (absent) Colin Swales (absent) Call to Order Vice Chair Sommer called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Secretary Christina Lacy (absent) David Young Vice Chair Julia Sonuner Steve McLennan, Police OJJicer SOU liaison: Nathan Meyerson (absent) Approval of Minutes — February 161" 2006 Sommer noted some proposed changes to the section relating to her explanation of the ArtWalk Car Free Street Lair itenl. Sommer/Marvin ni./s to approve the €ninutes of February 36th, 2006 as amended. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Public Forum None. Budget Update Annual Budget: $3300 Program Funds; $750 Commission Funds Severson noted that from Program Funds, $600 had been committed to SUGuard skateboard rack purchase. that $65.64 had been expended for Car Free Day. Ile added that $150 was committed to purchasing llehnets, lights, etc. but noted that no request had been made for those funds. Alternative Bike Parking Desion Severson explained that the ordinance allows for alternative bike rack designs when reviewed by the Bicycle Commission and approved by the staff advisor. Ile added that this is the first such request received during his tenure with the commission, and added that the applicants were seeking a recommendation by the Commission as to the appropriateness of the proposed alternative. Ile explained that the applicants and the staff advisor would then work out a final parking arrangement front that recommendation. Severson further noted that In discussing the platter at the staff level, two concerns were raised: first, that many people who may be able to ride a bicycle (children, the elderly, those who are partially disabled or injured) may be unable to lift a bicycle to the type of rack proposed and should not be excluded from ]laving adequate bicycle facilities; and second; lifting bikes into the racks presupposes that all bikes are of a lift -able weight, when in fact many bikes now being produced are retro style cruisers, recunibents, or have trailers, and are thus heavier and may therefore be difficult to use with these racks. Tom Giordano, Architect from Giordano & Associates, 2635 Takehna Way, Ashland, OR 97520 provided some brief background on the project and the proposal before the commission. He noted that there were covered bike parking spaces at the bus stop and that the proposed bike parking exceeded what was required. He presented a color -coded map identifying the various bike parking areas. Laurie Sager, Landscape Architect with Kencairn Sager, 545 A Street, Ashland, OR 97520 discussed the tnix of bike parking types proposed; and added that a inix of heights for the racks could be provided to address staff concerns. 2006-0316 Bike d Ped miniffes Page 1 of 5 She emphasized that the applicants were open to suggestions and were trying to maximize the use of space on site while providing easily accessible parking. She noted that the intent was to have Outback Welding fabricate the new racks and to integrate some type of locking mechanism in the desi-n. Flardiuhy suggested that the applicants look into the racks used at the Ashland Food Cooperative. Sager stated that ten parking spots are proposed with the standard U-racks, but added that this mix could be modified further. She stated that tine proposed design will likely have 3-4 doors to protect the parking area, and noted that 43 spaces are proposed on the site where only 40 are required. Members discussed the proposed rack design, questioning the interior width of the parking area and the various features proposed. Rostykus recommended some Conn of -uide rail, and Egon Dubois, of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, suggested either using wall mounted hooks or 45-degree diagonal parkin; with wheel tracks. West questioned counting the spaces adjacent to the bus stop toward meeting the parking requirement as these would likely wind up being used by the public at large and not necessarily be available to residents oil site. She emphasized the need for more short-term parking being available that didn't require opening a door or using a lock. After �xeneril discussion, members indicated that they felt a €nix of parking €night be appropriate, but they suggested that the appropriate mix would have no less than 50% of the standard inverted U-racks. Giordano asked to be placed on the agenda for the following month to present an updated design. West reiterated that more outdoor, short-term parking was desired. Request for Funding: Pastors for Peace Cuba Caravan (Brad Jones) Severson noted that the written request asked for previously had yet to be received. IIe added that as noted in the memo provided in the packets, there was no way to fund this request with Program funds given city and state laws. Iie stated that the commission could potentially fund the request with Swap funds through Parks but added that lie was uncertain this could be seen in terms of the stated intention to use these funds for bike safety education. Severson elaborated that a community member who had seen the agenda on-line last month had come in and met with staff to express concern over using public funds to countermand US foreign policy. After commission discussion, Brad Jones indicated that he understood the situation and withdrew his request. He stated that he would instead issue a community -wide request for funding. West. Sommer and Young all suggested donating surplus bikes from the Bike Swap to this progrann, and Jones stated that this would be much appreciated. Chapman added that he could assist with repair work to ready bikes for the program. Request for Funding: BTA (Egon Dubois) Severson gave brief background on this request. Sommer added that the previous requests could be consolidated into one and funded through a blend of commission program funds and funds from (he Bike Swap held by the Parks Foundation. Rostykus noted that the request remained confusing in many ways. Members discussed what would be all appropriate amount of funding to provide from the two sources, noting that given the program cost estimates provided it would be more appropriate to provide funds in multiples of $800. Rostykns/Marvin ni/s to provide $1600 in Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission "Program Funds"; recommend that the Ashland Parks Foundation expend $1600 from Bike Swap fiends; and challenge the Traffic Safety Commission to at least match this level of support with the caveat that payment would only be made for classes actually taught within the current fiscal year. Discussion: Severson noted that the information provided by BTA indicated that they had already_ expended more than was being granted with this motion during the fall of 2005. Members responded that they were aware of this situation and wished the caveat be maintained in the motion as it has in the past. Nlembers emphasized their desire for a clearer, more specific request nearer to the beginning of the next fiscal year, and suggested that work begin now to find a more concrete and sustainable funding source, Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. RostykusfVoinig m/s to ask that the BTA prepare a more concrete request with a specific detailed budget and timeline for the next fiscal year. Voice vote: All AYES. Motion passed. Bikes Belong Grant Severson noted that a community member had brought this grant to his attention, and suggested that it might be an option for BTA to help in funding their programs in Ashland. He agreed to provide information on the grant to Anna Scalera and Egon Dubois of BTA. Members also asked that information be forwarded to the Traffic Safety Commission to consider re -striping fading paint on Ashland's street network. 2006-0316 Bike & Ped r 0aaes Page 2 of 5 Car Free Day Members noted that this year's Car Free Day (CFD) event would be held on Friday. September 22"". Sonnncr explained that she had approached all business owners on the block of Pioneer Street proposed for 131clus1011 in the closure this year including Tabu and David Bjurstroni Gallery. She indicated that all businesses were in favor of the event, and that Tabu was interested in providing a street cafe while the Ashland Gallery Association would be willing to have artist booths. She questioned how other commissioners felt about including a commercial element in the event tlirough artists' booths. Aitken asked whether bus parking would be an n issue othis block of Pioneer. Sommer responded that she had spoken with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and they did not require any bus parking on this block. Severson noted that the area is frequently used for bus parking during the season and is one of a limited number of areas available for bus parking; he stated that lie would follow up to verify whether there would be any additional issues with incorporating this second block into the street closure. Severson added that lie would suggest that the Jackson County Sustainability 1`retrvork be asked to table. West discussed that some who had booths last year had been dissatisfied with the event, Harding indicated that the additional area would allow for more of a bike course and would thus be beneficial. She also stated that she was not necessarily in favor of bringing in the Gallery Association as a commercial compo€lent. Sommer noted that she was not attached to this idea and was merely trying to gauze interest. Members suggested that the scheduling of walking and biking tours might be altered so that people did not have to leave the event once it was underway to participate. Members emphasized the need to bring more of a focus on being car free. Rostykus suggested that there needs to be more regular events to encourage people to be car free. Marvin suggested adopting a theme for the event and incorporating an essay contest with winners announced at the event, where they could read their essays. Members noted that it might be possible to have small cash prizes or donations from local bike shops. There was discussion of the movie last year. It was suggested that walking school buses be emphasized more on the day of the event this year. Dubois suggested creating a "Car Free Challenge" that would track people's behavior over a year and present a prize to the winner at Car Free Day. Sommer. West, Aitken, and Harding expressed interest in working oil a subcommittee. Young stated that lie might be able to be involved, depending on scheduling, and members suggested that Meyerson might also be interested. Harding offered to initiate the scheduling of subcommittee meetings via e-mail. Chapman exited the meeting. Bike Swap (5l13/06) It was noted that Katrina's of Phoenix will be selling tamales and salsa at the event. West indicated that she would try to include this in the advertising. Subcommittee members also reported that Low Down Boardshop would be tabling and that Joel from Low Down would be tine gate coordinator. It was noted that there would be something in the JPR magazine and on the radio courtesy of RVTD, and that the event was also announced in the spring programs guide from the Parks Department. Harding pointed out that there would be drop-off's only at the Grove on the day of the event, with no car parking allowed on site. She added that this year, the event would include skateboards as well. Earth Day Event at NMP (4/22/0611-4) Harding briefly recounted how tabling for Earth Day was handfed last year. Sommer noted that she was willing to be there for tabling for a portion of the event. Aitken and Harding agreed to work on completing the exhibitor application. Harding noted that she would be asking the Ashland Community Hike Program to partner with the Commission and help to staff the table. Marvin stated that he would be available as well, and members indicated 2006-0316 Bike & Ped minwes Page 3 of 5 that they thought Chapman might be available as well. Harding stated that she would see that the application was submitted, contact the Community Bike Program, and coordinate scheduling coverage. Multi -Use Path (Marvin) Marvin presented (lie Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) plans of the area of his interest for a multi- use path, and suggested that these were a way to determine the available space for the path. Marvin further explained that the Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission could consider, along with the Traffic Safety Commission, the feasibility of converting North Main into a three lane stree€, as one means of obtaining more space for bicycles and pedestrians. Marvin asked for more time, and placement earlier in the agenda, to discuss the matter in detail next month. Draft Letter to Council on Density versus Sprawl Severson noted that the letter was largely unchanged from last month, with the exception of a few minor cltanges suggested by commissioners via e-mail. He added that he had found it difficult to incorporate the Smart Growth principles suggested by Harding without changing the tone and focus of the letter, and asked for some assistance to that cnd. After some discussion, members agreed that it was important to get the letter as written to the Council as soon as possible. Sommer agreed to stop by the Planning Department in the morning to sign as acting chair. Bicycle Friendly Community Application (Renewal Deadline is March 17th, 2006) Severson noted that based on c-mail, Robbins had completed the application process on-line before the deadline, but lie added that to date there had been no communication from the League on the status of their review of the application. Liaison Reports Severson noted that the Oregon Bike Summit was occurring in Eugene on April I", and explained that they were looking for co-sponsorship of the Commission. He clarified that they were asking other Bike Friendly cities in Oregon for support, and that so far Corvallis and Fugene were co -sponsoring the event, with Portland likely to sign on as well while Bend had declined. He pointed out that co-sponsorship as requested would be $500 to offset the cost of providing lunches at the Summit, and that there would be an opportunity to table as well. It was noted that even if the Commission chose not to co-sponsor the event, members could still attend using Commission fluids. Members indicated that they were'not able to provide the financial support requested at this time. but that they encouraged a request (with a little more advanced notice) for future summits. Severson noted that there were some terms (Aitken & Lacy) expiring at the end of April. He asked if those comtnissiottcrs were interested in reappointment and if commissioners felt attendance was an issue that should be raised with the Mayor in considering re -appointments, with the possibility of getting a new member and potentially a new high school liaison as well. Members concurred that someone should be appointed to replace Lacy and High School Liaison Lescher and asked Severson to convey this recommendation to the Mayor. Severson pointed out that the Parks Department would like someone from this group to take charge of ordering helmets, with the Parks Foundation to be billed from Bike Swap funds. He clarified that this was requested in order to ensure an adequate range of styles and sizes would be purchased. Harding stated that she would follow up on this with Teige from the Parks Department. 4 Severson noted that he would be absent from the next meeting due to vacation. I-Ie stated that he would prepare the agenda prior to his departure, and would either send a Planting Staff member to cover his role or request that a Commissioner take notes and tape the meeting. Rostykus, Young, and West also indicated that they would be absent from the next meeting. Severson agreed to follow up before the next meeting to confirm that there would be a quorum present. West noted that the student survey had been completed at SOU. She also reminded members that the Bicycle Law presentation by Ray Thomas of the BTA was coming up and encouraged members to attend. 2006-03 iG Bike & Ped misrules Page 4 of i Agenda Items for Next Meeting Multi -Use Path, Alternative Bike Parking Design Proposal from Sager & Giordano, Striping of Paths & Lames, Clarification of What Vehicles are Allowed Where; Traffic F"nforcement, Earth Day, Bike Swap, Car Free Day, Adjournment Sommer adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming Meetings: 5:15 P.M. Thursday, April 20"' - Regular Meeting in the Siskiyou Room 2006-0316 Bike & Ped minwes Page 5 of 5 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR ..10E-1N W. MORRISON CITY ' ­]ALL 0 20 EAST €ViA[N STFr'EE'._"T- ASI�LAND ^ 01RE=GON 97520 T E L [54. i 1 488-G002 e FAX E54 1 488-53 1 ? • TTY 800 735-2900 VOt i !SC�.1 I\SI?E_ANI_�.OrR.f.iS ' 4ti%WWASHLA;1Ib.OR.t1S March 28, 2006 Ashland Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission 51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Commissioners, Thank you so much for your Ietter dated March 16, 2006, regarding the Urban Growth Boundary. I appreciate your continued support of the council's decisions regarding the UGB. I'm sure it conies as no surprise that we do not take decisions regarding the UGB lightly. I hope that all of our decisions preserve the quality of life we currently enjoy, as well as provide a stable foundation for the future of Ashland. I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your continued hard work and dedication towards the citizens of Ashland. Your efforts on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission are truly appreciated. Thank you again for your support. Sincerely, �1 John W. Morrison Mayor CITY OF As iLAND !NCORFORATED 1 874 ASHLAND 7:00 PM, COUNCIL CI MISSION CH 23, 2006 . MAIN STREET I. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 PM Derek Severson Planning Department APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 23, 2006 II. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION A. PUBLIC FORUM B. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC REQUESTS/PROJECTS PENDING/ACTION REQUIRED 1. Lithia Way / Third Street Intersection Concerns 2. Sherman Street Parking 3. Church Street Report by Nancy Seward 4. Church Street / Almond Street Intersection Concerns 5. Jurisdiction of Streets Within the Central Business District - Colin Swales 6. Bike & Ped Concerns — Colin Swales C. Follow —Up on Previous Traffic Actions D. Traffic Safety Education 1, "Uniform Traffic Control Devices," April 5-7, OSU 2. "Design & Control for Older Drivers," May 8 & 9, OSU E. Development Review I. Planning Commission Agenda 2. Hearings Board Agenda G. Capital Projects Update — See Memo H. Other - Sidewalk Construction - Commission, Committee Vacancies City Source Message Miscellaneous Communications (Bike helmets received, Rethinking the Urban Speedway) III. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - Traffic Safety Connection - Motor Vehicle Crash Summary for Ashland IV. ADJOURN NEXT MEETING: APRIL 27, 2006 Please call Dawn @ 488--5347 if you will be unable to attend In compliance with the Americans «-ith Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the inceting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibilfly to the ineeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1). G:1pub-wrksleng\dept-admin\TRAF\AGENDAS\2006\March 23 06.doc Ashland Traffic Safety Commission a Minutes February 23, 2006 �iii;:srs r�r,+-:a;iFrs�;x,�s��sfc:c;x'��.T-irnrr.�,si-sa:�;�ne.u�..,;r..Fr ,. , ,,. sv,�n,�.:n;„tea-;a=rs,:e,:v�✓--;:r�rr,:u�inrya,�:me-rave:F;:rdrra,.rrie,r.�r-�i:.r.,rF�;�,� ru:.:!rr;�::rr.;rr,:a::c�:r�ro;;scrri ..�rlr,:5���.:���.E Members Present: Patti Busse, Doris Mannion, Colin Swales, Terry Doyle, Noal Preslar, Keith Massie, Alan Bender, Pam Hammond Staff Present: Jim Olson, Dawn Lamb Members Absent: Jack Hardesty I. CALL TO ORDER — II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 26th, 2006 Minutes approved as written. III. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: A. PUBLIC FORUM ITEMS: Matt Warshawsky, 443 Allison, came to discuss two traffic concerns. The first issue is the intersection of Third Street and Lithia Way. Now that the intersection of East Main Street and Siskiyou in front of the fire station does not permit left turns onto Lithia Way, there is an increase in traffic on Third Street between East Main and Lithia Way for those wishing to head north along Lithia Way. This is largely due to the limited visibility caused by cars parked along the south side of Lithia Way next to the flower shop. The problem is further compounded by cars exiting the bank on the north side of Lithia Way across from the flower shop. These cars often immediately change lanes to the south lane as they are entering the Third Street intersection creating a dangerous situation. Add in the traffic trying to cross Lithia Way from the railroad district, which is often missed by traffic coming the opposite direction trying to enter Lithia Way whom are too busy trying to deal with all the issues mentioned on Lithia Way to notice the cross traffic. This issue has two solutions. First and best solution is to simply put a stop light at this intersection. This would resolve all issues without creating any, other than slowing emergency vehicles. Understanding that this is a reasonably expensive solution, the alternative and very affordable solution is to simply eliminate the parking spots along the south side of Lithia Way next to the flower shop enabling all the traffic trying to enter Lithia Way from the south to adequately see'up Lithia Way. Even just the first two spots closest to the intersection would help. The second issue is with Sherman Street immediately south of Siskiyou. Although parking is not allowed within 25 feet or so south of this intersection, it is allowed on both sides of the street after this. Since Sherman is also an arterial for the neighborhoods above the boulevard, there is often several cars backed up a the intersection waiting for the light. With cars parked on both sides of the street the intersection is completely blocked by traffic trying to enter Sherman Street from Siskiyou or north Sherman. Even without a line of cars waiting for the intersection, there is a bottle neck here for general traffic along this stretch. Once again, the easy solution to this problem is to eliminate the parking along one side of the road. There is plenty of parking around the corner on Allison Street to take up the parking lost. Another thing that would help would be to reverse the order of the Sherman / Siskiyou traffic signal. It currently goes from green on Siskiyou to green for traffic heading south on Sherman to green for traffic heading north. Since there is adequate space on the north side of Sherman, switching the last two steps so the south side clears first would help people coming up from East Main trying to enter the neighborhood south of Siskiyou. Busse explained to Warshawsky that staff needs to look at the items and will bring back recommendations for potential actions. Washawsky will be notified of the date that these items will be placed on the agenda. Olson commented that the parking on Sherman has been removed for 25 feet, He will see if it is possible to eliminate for the entire length, Swales lives in the area and agreed to the situations in both areas. There is an awkward crossing East Main going from Third to Gresham Street. The stop bar on G:lpirb-wrkslengldept-admin\TRAFIMINUTES120061Feb 23 06 TSC.doc Page 1 of 8 Third waiting to cross East Main is too far back and it makes visibility hard to see. Doyle lives in the area also and the vehicles leaving the Rogue Federal Credit Union parking lot cause another movement for the cars queued at the Third Street to try and anticipate. Swales supports removing the parallel parking spaces next to the flower shop and gas station on Lithia Way. The commission all agreed that parking on Third Street is needed and would not want to take any parking away. B. REVIEW OF TRAFFIC REQUESTS / PROJECTS PENDING/ACTION REQUIRED Medians on Ashland Street near Faith Avenue At last month's meeting traffic safety concerns were discussed regarding the Faith Avenue / Clay Street / Ashland Street intersection. A number of citizens complained that the center median on Ashland Street, west of Faith Avenue, too severely limited turn movements from Faith Avenue onto Ashland Street. The commission asked that staff review the possible impact of removing the median or severely revising it. Ashland Street is classified as an arterial street. Arterials are designed and built with the intention of providing better traffic service than is available on local roads and streets. Although an arterial may not have more traffic lanes, its ability to carry greater volumes is usually related to the amount of crossroad interference or side friction to which it is subjected. One of the most important considerations in arterial development is the amount of access control, full or partial, that can be acquired. The ability to control access on an arterial will often relate directly to a street's safety. The main purpose of the Ashland Street medians is for access control. The medians are also intended to not only limit access from adjacent properties, but to channel and direct traffic as well. The islands are properly designed in accordance with AASHTO's "Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets" and function well for their intended purposes. The median opening is properly sized and should work well except for the lack of visibility of west bound traffic crossing the railroad overpass. The decision to install the medians on Ashland was the result of numerous public meetings, design charettes and committee recommendations. The decision to revise them may require an equal amount of consideration from all stakeholders. There are, however, a number of conditions not present during the initial design which have a major bearing on the reconsideration of the medians. 1. Fire Station No. 2 Reconstruction The construction of a new fire station has been placed on the capital improvement plan for 2007 and preliminary planning has begun. The new station will be sited near the old station and will include a signal to allow easier entrance onto Ashland Street. Depending upon the location at the fire station exit, a full scale signal could be installed at Park Street. This signal should include a much needed pedestrian activation as well as detector loops on Park Street to accommodate that traffic as well. Because of vision clearance problems created by the overpass, it is anticipated that an advance beacon notifying motorists of the upcoming signal activation will be a part of the project. This signal will have an impact on the layout of the center medians and may require some changes depending upon the final location. Another option that may be considered would be to install a fire signal directly in front of the station. This would have little impact on traffic except to stop both directions of travel when the siren is activated. Although this would be the cheaper option, it would provide little benefit to pedestrians and motorists. 2. Development on Ashland Street The Ashland Street corridor between the overpass and Tolman Creek Road has the potential to support numerous additional commercial developments and the recent construction at Barclay Square and the former McDonald's property attest to that. Several proposals have been reviewed at the planning level for additions to the Taco Bell restaurant, Oil Stop and the former Handyman Hardware property. It is recommended that a full traffic impact study be conducted on this corridor, perhaps tied to an upcoming commercial development or as a function of a possible fire signal or traffic signal. G;1pub-wrkslengldept-adminlTRAFIMINUTES120061Feb 23 06 TSC.doc Page 2 of 8 The removal or revision of the median islands should be considered as part of a comprehensive corridor study that would, at a minimum, consider the following conditions: a. Traffic volumes on Ashland Street and all entering street b. Traffic speeds — actual versus posted c. Vision obstruction imposed by the railroad overpass d. The nature and types of businesses fronting the street e. Possible future commercial development within the corridor f. Present and future private and commercial access g. The anticipated trip generation expected from each development h. The impact of a traffic signal at Park Street or at a mid -block location (fire signal only) i. Present and proposed pedestrian generations j. Present and anticipated pedestrian and bike facilities k. Locations of existing medians in relationship to street accesses Staff recommends that revision of the existing center medians be postponed and considered as parr of a comprehensive corridor study to be conducted by a professional traffic engineering consultant. The study could be possibly required as a condition of future commercial development. Discussion: Preslar asked if there was an established time line for the fire station construction. Olson said the fire station was in the Capital Improvement Project list for construction next year, but the measure for funding needs to be put on the ballot next fall. Swales saw the benefit of a commercial development triggering an ODOT traffic study of the entire corridor was possible. Bender asked if anyone had considered restricting left hand turns from Clay onto Ashland Street. The route to Siskiyou Boulevard for this section of residences would become cumbersome and drivers would be tempted to ignore the no left turn for the efficiency. Mannion was hesitant to wait for the fire station because the construction could take as many as three years. Massie thought that the addition of traffic signals with the fire station would be a great reason to conduct a traffic study from there to the Normal Avenue intersection. Preslar was also uncomfortable with waiting two to three years for a solution. There could be serious accidents in that time. Olson commented that changing the median is not good because it will become a merge lane again and that is not safe. We want to eliminate the number of accidents and increase the safety ratio. Preslar felt that people darting out when they can't see or blocking traffic seems just as dangerous as using the median as a merge lane. Doyle still felt that a signal at Park Street with the fire station would not address the problem with seeing vehicles coming over the overpass towards Siskiyou on Ashland. The median blocks the traffic from the other direction and the signal won't help with this. Olson said with the installation of the signal at Park an advanced signal warning sign will be put up somewhere prior to the overpass. Hopefully this advanced warning will make drivers a bit more cautious coming over the hill. Swales commented that the plantings on the east side need to be kept trimmed very low. Massie commented that accidents were common when people used the median as a merge lane. A surface treatment on the overpass would help alert drivers to the intersections. If drivers come over the overpass and see a green light at the Park signal they may see it as an invitation to speed up to make the light and it could backfire. Massie asked if traffic could be merged into one lane, the north side of the westbound lane. This would give room for the left hand turn from Clay onto Ashland. The volumes of traffic are far to great to maneuver into one lane on the overpass. It would become a dangerous situation. Olson suggested that at the first opportunity of additional development along the street a traffic study be required from Tolman Creek Road to Normal Avenue. The need for a corridor study would be justified at that time. G:1Pub-wrks`engldept-adminlTRAFIMINUTFS120061Feb 23 06 TSC.doc Page 3 of 8 Decision: Mannion moved to accept staff recommendation to postpone changes to the median and to require any future development along the Ashland Street corridor to perform a traffic study. Massie seconded the motion. Motion passed with six in favor, one against, Preslar and one abstention, Bender. 2, Siskiyou Boulevard Crosswalk Request The attached letter from Zane Jones was received on January 24, 2006. In his letter, Mr. Jones is requesting that two lighted crosswalks be installed between Walker Avenue and Tolman Creek Road and that the posted speeds be lowered from 35 mph to 30 or 25 mph. The section of Siskiyou Boulevard southeasterly of Walker Avenue is a state highway and remains under the jurisdiction of ODOT. Any changes, including marking of crosswalks, can only be done upon approval by ODOT. The Commission has considered the issue of crosswalks on Siskiyou Boulevard numerous times during the past few years, the last time being in April of 2005. Little has changed since our earlier review and staffs reservation to installing the crosswalks remain the same. On the matter of reducing the speed below 35 mph for this section of Siskiyou, it seems unlikely that ODOT would consider a slower speed limit given the nature of the street and the abutting development. Discussion: The request was non-specific. The request would need to go to ODOT and they use very strict measures for installing the crosswalks. There are long sections of the road that do not have curb and sidewalk to connect the crosswalks to. Without the improvements the request is likely to be denied. Mannion asked if a pedestrian sign could be installed near the bus stop near the senior center. Decision: Doyle motioned to accept staff recommendation to take no action on this request at this time. 3. Church Street Report (Postponed) At last months meeting, Nancy Seward made a brief presentation to the commission and posed several questions regarding the acceptability of neighborhood signs and banners. Ms. Seward was asked to provide a detailed list of features or activities proposed for use on Church Street which the Commission and City Staff could then respond to. She has asked to postpone her presentation this month, however some sections of the Ashland sign code (Section 18.96) are attached as guidelines that the neighborhood might use in developing their plans. Discussion: Thomas Heumann, 585 Orchard Street, reported that he was in an accident at the Almond Street intersection. There was a debate from the insurance companies on the percentage of blame since it was an unmarked intersection. The debate centered on whether Almond was a street or an alley. Almond Street is unimproved and does resemble an alley. Neumann asked for the Commission to consider putting up a stop sign. This would keep the intersection from being called "uncontrolled" and would help determine fault in accidents. Bender reported the Church Street neighbors will be meeting on March 11"' and it would be welcome to have a representative from the upper neighborhoods to talk with. Olson told the commission that counts on Baum and Almond are too low, under one hundred vehicles a day, to meet the warrants for a stop, but a yield sign could be a possibility. It would be impossible to paint a stop line on the road, because the road is dirt. G:1pub-wrkslengldept-adrnin\TRAF\MJNUTES120061Feb 23 06 TSC.doc Page 4 of 8 4. Railroad Crossing Issues In November 2005, the Ashland City Council approved a contract for engineering services to design improvements to five of the nine at grade rail crossings in Ashland. OBEC Consulting Engineers begun design work on several of the crossings and prepared preliminary designs for the Glenn Street crossing and the Hersey / Laurel crossing. These drawings and draft permit for crossing alteration were submitted to ODOT Rail Division for review and comments. Staff recently received the attached response from ODOT Rail Division to our draft application. In keeping with ODOT Rail's stated goals to reduce the number of at -grade rail crossings in Oregon by 20%, ODOT recommended closure of the Glenn Street crossing and the Laurel Street crossing and has offered incentives for the closure of each crossing. Any street closure and especially a closure at a rail crossing, has a broad impact on all forms of traffic (although if Glenn Street were to be closed it would most likely not include bicycle and pedestrian traffic) and warrants a very thorough and exhaustive review by the City and citizens alike. Last summer staff met with ODOT Rail Division and CORP Railroad for a diagnostic review of these two crossings. At that time both ODOT Rail and CORP expressed a strong recommendation to close the Glenn Street crossing and the Laurel Street crossing. The response from Public Works was that the closure of Laurel was not possible and the Glenn Street closure designated as a school route. It is also a direct route to the Quiet Village area and is an important emergency service route. Glenn Street is a less active crossing with about 980 vehicles per day and is in fact identified in the 2004 HDR report as a possible closure candidate, but it is our most northerly rail crossing and provides a direct link to North Main Street. In order to make an official reply to ODOT's offer this issue will be placed before the City Council next month. If this commission wishes to make comments regarding the possible closures, those comments would be included in the Council Communication. Discussion: The ODOT Rail Division has a goal of closing 20% of the at -grade crossings within Oregon. The need to close is most likely linked to budget shortfalls within the rail division. The rail division does not extend much courtesy to other users like vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists. They are concerned with train movements and functions. Olson does not support the dosing of the crossings at Glenn or Laurel Streets. The idea to close Wightman was discussed within the departments and the fire department and police department were apprehensive. Wightman serves as the major route for the Southern Oregon University campus emergencies. This is the fastest most efficient route to the campus. They seemed more receptive about dosing the Glenn Street location. Olson still felt hesitant about closing the most northern access to North Main Street. The counts on Glenn Street are only 900 vehicles per day. Olson supports taking this issue to the City Council to set a public hearing to discuss the ODOT Rail offer and find some agreement on what response should be sent back. The Commission should give a recommendation for the Council. Bender asked for more information on how the 20% was chosen by ODOT rail for closures. A grade separation that would build an overpass over any of the locations would be a multi -million dollar project and most of the grades and road curvatures adjacent to the crossings would make the attempt impossible. Olson said the only existing grade separations were at the North Main and Ashland Street crossings. They were built long ago when the City grew. Efforts to retrofit the roads to build separations would be impossible in existing locations, but could be something to consider for any new developments. Swales asked what the future use of the train when it is currently only two trains a day. Olson said the tracks from Ashland to Talent were aged and the curvatures would permit most faster trains from utilizing the tracks. Hammond asked about the possibility of moving the train tracks instead of the streets being affected. Mannion reminded the commission that for most of the crossings the train tracks existed before the City. G:lpub-wrksleng%dept-ad;nin\TRAFIMINUTES12006\Feb 23 06 TSC.doc Page 5 of 8 Art Bullock, 791 Glendower Street, thanked the Commission for their time looking at neighborhood safety issues. He attended the recent workshop by David Engwitch who was very emphatic that design and social setting are critical. The Glenn Street crossing is on e such venture. Please don't decide on this closure tonight, but let the neighborhood know about the proposal so they can voice opinions. We understand with council that the permit submission did not include closure of Glenn Street. We first learned about the railroad improvements a year ago during the !Nevada Citizen Group meetings. In the discussion there was strong opposition to the Glenn Street closure. A survey was conducted and 95% of people opposed the closure based on safety reasons. If Glenn Street is closed, traffic is diverted to Laurel Street where it is introduced to the school zone. If the Laurel crossing is also closed then traffic will be diverted over further to Helman Street and again increasing traffic in another school zone. There are more people involved in this situation than just ODOT Rail. This is a neighborhood safety issue. Don't close these crossings based only on an ODOT Rail position on closing 20%, which we respect, but the neighborhood safety for our kids around schools. The neighborhood needs'to see this and follow up on a neighborhood safety analysis. If you close one or two crossings it is not in the best interest of the neighborhood. There are 72 lots within the Billings Ranch Subdivision and there preferred way is a straight route will effect the traffic counts if you add the 22 potential lots from a proposed Helman development the traffic counts will continue to grow. All these new lots and existing lots use Glenn and Laurel to access North Main. Look at the future with traffic counts. The opening of Randy Street to more development which would overwhelm traffic going to Glenn to access North Main. Bullock would like to do a serious neighborhood safety survey. These decisions could effect the Laurel Street LID. There should be work with the neighborhood to develop a safety analysis. Olson said this will be a public hearing and he agrees that he does not see an easy way to close any of the suggested crossings. This will go to Council for the public hearing and let the public hearing be advertised. The improvement permits will be held by ODOT Rail until they have heard from Ashland on their proposal. There will be no new crossings allowed unless we close crossings. Bender commented that 20% is not an arbitrary number. This is for two trains a day and not a real problem for our community. There are not an overwhelming number of accidents at the crossings. Mannion feels that these standards are more reflective of areas of high numbers of trains and high numbers of crossings. Bullock looked up the data on the closures at the state level and the correlation between accidents to the number of intersections. The theory is if you decrease the number of crossings then it will decrease the number of accidents. There is also the funding issue if there are fewer crossings to maintain then there is more money for the existing crossings. Massie remembered during the Siskiyou Boulevard Redesign process that the proposal to close Iowa was not supported, but now it is safer for children and no one seems to remain upset about the closure. He does not support the closing of Glenn but there are extenuating circumstances. People walking on the bikepath may be more open to the closing of the crossing if they don't have to deal with the vehicle traffic. The problem is that without the bikepath, we don't know who will use it and there is no way to ask a non -exiting group of users how they would feel with the street closure. We need to communicate to the Ashland population that if they decide to keep the crossings open, there will be a monetary cost to citizens to fund the maintenance and upkeep of the crossings. There are 20,000 people in Ashland and the cheapest cost of any of the improvements is $690,000, If the money is coming out of their pockets, they may not immediately support keeping them open. There needs to be a fact sheet developed explaining all these options to them. They need to be very informed on this issue. How do you find the walkers who will use the bikepath in the future and ask them how they will feel if the street is open or closed to vehicular traffic. Bullock said the public hearing is reluctant to come by. Like to see more than a public hearing and definitely wants to see more then just a yes or no vote by the council on the closures. There needs to be a safety analysis to look at the Laurel and Glenn Street crossings. There needs to be information on what will happen as the population in the neighborhood increases the traffic on Laurel. G:1pub-wrksleng\dept-adminlTRAF\MINUTES120OGkFeb 23 06 TSG.doc Page 6 0£ 8 Swales thinks that there is a lot of benefit from closing. Depends on how it is to be done on Laurel since ODOT Rail suggests only closing a portion of the crossing. It doesn't close the whole street. Drivers will still be able to go north at the t-intersection of Hersey. The Briscoe School is no longer a school. Heresy is a collector and the intent is to send traffic to Hersey. At some point Hersey may have a signal that would help control the traffic. The buildable lands inventory shows areas of potential development and it is fairly predictable to measure the traffic growth in the area. We need to look at the philosophy of multi -modal transportation and not focus solely on vehicles. If both crossings proposed are closed could they be used as pedestrian paths and can they be fitted to accommodate emergency vehicles. Then there would be a positive effect to make the bike and pedestrians access better. The advantages for crossing with a stopping gate or flashing light may not be as good as a closed crossing for pedestrians. There are a lot of questions. We need to be sure children could get to school by walking instead of using cars. It would be nice to have had a way along the north to connect to Jackson Road for the Billings Subdivision. Perhaps when the golf course is built, the access road connecting to North Main via Jackson Road will be constructed. Bender felt that in the far future a light rail system from Grants Pass to Ashland could be a reality and the right of way of the railroad would be a valuable asset for the entire valley. Massie felt that all discussion should have full disclosure to the public. There could be a benefit and there could be support from the residents on the south side of Glenn to closing the crossing as a traffic calming measure. We are just assuming that people will be against the closures. We also need to look at the zoning of the Laurel area, because it may be a commercial or employment industrial area and a closure could effect the zoning design for traffic. Is there a time frame that we need to respond to ODOT? Olson needs to respond to continue the processing of the permits for the improvements. We need to ask for direction from Council on how to proceed with the public involvement, this is a big issue. Doyle commented that there are very nice crossing treatments on Tolman Creek Road and on Heiman. He is having a struggle supporting these closures. They are planning treatments at other crossings and if the City has to pay $300,000 to $600,000 per intersection and ODOT Rail didn't have any retribution to the community then why should we pay the money to have them improved to such high standards. We need to do a street by street assessment with ODOT Rail and really see what need there is for this kind of expenditure for a railroad that accommodates two trains a day. Mannion agreed that for two trains a day, this is a lot of expense. Preslar supported having a study conducted that considered the implications of closing crossings and how they affect the schools and the future traffic flows. Olson said it may be that Council wants a professional traffic impact study. Mannion felt it would be horrible it this is the first the City heard about this concern. Olson said that a study was conducted by HDR on the railroad crossing safety last year and that this has been a topic for the Council goals for some time. Swales asked if ODOT Rail would fund the studies and Olson felt that with their limited budget that would not be possible. The parent ODOT may be able to fund. Doyle asked if considering something similar to the Water Street railroad bridge could be an option. Olson said that most of that was done because the area topography was conducive and it would be hard to duplicate. If the development on Fourth Street continues it may be required to do a grade separation. Decision: Massie made a motion to forward the closure proposals from ODOT Rail to the City Council for a public hearing and that all significant parties that could be notified to the fullest extent possible and talk about the full fiscal impact of the maintenance and closure options. Swales seconded the motion. Busse was concerned that the motion did not state a safety issue. Massie amended the motion to include a study of all safety affects of closing or keeping the crossings opened. Doyle commented that each intersection is individual with peculiar problems. We can't just look at the numbers of vehicles, there needs to be a study that includes more. G:1pub-wrkslengldept-adniinITRAF1M9NUTES\20061Feb 23 06 TSC doc Page 7 of 8 Olson would like to have from Council a direction to have a safety study by a contractor or by ODOT to recommend how to approach the closures. Preslar asked why ODOT Rail doesn't look at the hazards at the crossings instead of having a set arbitrary percentage. Olson felt that the number of closures may be representative of the number of closures the ODOT Rail funding can support. The more that are closed the more money there is for the remaining crossings. This is a way for them to catch up on their funding potentials. Motion and amendment passed unanimously. Colin seconded the amendment to the motion. 5. Ashland Bike and Ped Sign Designs by Keith Massie Massie has been working on the installation of the Bike and Ped welcome signs. The signs have been made but ODOT will not allow them in the right of way because of the use of black and white coloring which signifies a regulatory sign. Massie suggests support 'in redoing the existing entrance sign and creating a similar sign for the other side of town. The wording may need to be softened as it is heavy handed. The Rotary donated the first sign and they may be willing to update the sign. We could also go to other civic groups to see if they would be willing to donate toward the welcome signs. There should be consistency between the signs. Massie is going to approach the Rotary and report back. 6. Bike and Pedestrian Issues and Concerns BTA request for funding of bicycle education in the schools has been postponed. The B&P commission would like to defer until they could have all schools on board and need to clarify when this would be paid for before or after class were taught. Decision: Massie motion to defer funding until further direction from the B&P Commission. Bender Second the motion and it passed unanimously. C. Follow -Up on Previous Actions -- No discussion. D. Development Review: 1. Planning Commission Agenda 2. Hearings Board Agenda F. Capital Projects Update: No discussion. F. Other: 1. City Source Message 2. Miscellaneous Communications 3. Bike Helmet Purchase: Massie has not purchased the bike helmets yet for his visits to the schools. The helmets cost $5.95 each and the police department is no longer going to be participating in purchasing helmets. Massie will be notifying the principals of the schools and then distributing free helmets to children who bike to school. IV. Adjourned 8:53 PM G:1pub-wrkslengldept-admin\TRAF\MINUTES12000>\Feb 23 06 TSC.doc Page 8 of 8 SWdyou Valo - Apr# 2W6 Page 7 ' :I8 _ ISO J Auril President's Paceline The first order of business this month is to thank all of the people who were so helpful in making the sponsorship campaign for the 2006 MLC so successful: Sean Hankin, Gwen & Chris Haynes, Ken Silverman and Jerry Rhoads. We were able to raise nearly three times as much as we have in the past few years, and, with this encourage- ment, we are eagerly looking to- ward an even more successful cam- paign in 2007. Now, on with the rest of the tale of New Zealand (I do hope this is in- teresting to the readers; my objec- tive is to encourage all who can possibly go to New Zealand to go there soon, before it becomes just another tourist destination). As noted last month, our trip started in Auckland, a city like most other big cities in the world, which has the typical complement of attractions — museums, parks, and at least one very interesting local community, Devonport. The latter does have very comfortable cafes and shops, along with an excellent hillside view of the entire Auckland harbor, worth the hike up, just to get a per- spective on the cityscape. From Auckland, our route took us out to the Coramandel peninsula, "Auckland's playground", an area with many beautiful beaches, great WL dO surf, and a mountain backdrop. Randy Mason and I left a day early for our first camp at Miranda hot springs, and used our extra day at the springs for a short ride away from the coastline and up into the interior of the island. We encountered a most pastoral com- bination of sheep, dairy and cattle operations, along with a comple- ment of small villages (none of which had cafes — a pattern we were going to get used to as the trip progressed). It seems that quite a number of "villages" on the maps are just remnant place names that don't really promise any commercial activity, so one must always have a snack or two in their kit bag, in preparation for a long ride between cafes or bak- eries. The Coramandel is perhaps the most challenging riding on the entire coastal voyage to Welling- ton. Though there is a pretense of the road following the beach, it actually veers inland quite fre- quently, and, with each veer comes a hill with grades ranging from tolerable to monumental. After my spill on the first descent of one of these grades, and after limping into camp that night, we were confronted with one of the monumental climbs right after breakfast the next morning -w- about four or five kilometers of steady 10, 11 and 12% grade, fol- Timely News Notes d1b Membership news page 2 (�b Racing Corner page 9 Member's Ads page 3 April Ride Schedule page 4 6-b Pedal Strokes page 5 d1b Paceline continued page 6 b Sishiyou Veto Minutes page 7 lowed by a screaming descent and then, THE WALL — a 15% grade for about a third of a mile. That is tolerable without a full load; it is nothing short of an in- sult with a load. After these humbling experi- ences, it was finally time to kick back and just take things as they came = short gears when they were called for, slow speeds that challenged one's balance occa- sionally when they were called for, and a bit less aggression on the descents. So, we were on our way to the East Cape after leaving the Coramandel penin- sula — a three or four day stint of rolling hills, magnificent beaches, friendly villages with scrumptuous bakeries, camp- grounds with all of the amenities a bicycle tourist could hope for, and just plain terrific riding. The road surfaces are a bit rough, and I will, on my return to the is- lands, bring bigger tires and lower gearing — at least 25mm (preferably 28mm) and a sub- 25" gear. (Cont'd pg b) New Members: January & February Jared Anderson Daniel Bittick Holly Johnson Scott & Enda Pierce Sean Preston Chris,Carol,Jonathan&Thomas Wagenet Renewing Members; January & February Cycle Analysis Tom Cashman Rich & Dianne DiVita Mel & Terry Friend Wayne,Jodi & Bryce Marthaller Andy Mayer Steven Shaw Sims Cycle & Fitness Matthew Vamum James Williams & Becky Brooks SAVE PAPER: Please consider receiving the Siskiyou Velo Newsletter by e- mail. db It is in color. cab You can print only what you need. cab Your expiration date is duly noted. cab You will be saving a tree and a few extra cents for the club. cab The newsletter goes out right away to e-mail participants. db E-mail Leslie at: dlw(>oton@charter.net Monthly Club Meeting: Siskiyou Velo monthly meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month at An- gelo's Pizza in Phoenix, Oregon. Page 2 - SWyou Veto -- Aprr7 2006 New Members: March Joe Slaughter Rick & Kathy Veghte Renewing Members: March Jim & Pam Britton Eric Brown Dea & Robb Collins Medford Cycle Sport & Ashland Cycle Sport Jeremy Eisen Ray Forsyth Gary Harden & Family Tish & John Harlow & Family Amy Lepon Paul & Linda Lieberman Tom Pelsor & Sandra Elam John J Petersen Bruce Phillips Charlie Schink Larry Scott & Family Deanna Spariin Bruce Taylor Peter & Gina Wallwork (From the U.K.) David Whipp Second Annual "Nearly" Cinco de Mayo Ride Mark your calendars for May 6'. The Wooton Clan (Dart, Leslie, Randy, Pam) are hosting the second arumal Cinco de Mayo ride. Ride starts at 9:00 AM @ the Wooton's residence, 2095 Terrel Dr., West Medford. The ride crosses five creeks (Poorman, Grif- frn, Coleman, Anderson, Wagner), travels for 50 miles with 5000 + feet of elevation gain. After completing this Challenging ride, you dill partake in a Memean Fiesta, pot luck at the Wooton's. If there is enough interest in a flatter 50 mule ride, a route will developed. Let Dan know if you are interested (779 9248) IM'P Dart & Leslie for this rule (it Helps for food preparation). 772 9248 The Siskiyou Vela P.O. Box 974 Ashland, OR 97520 Siskiyou Velo Club Officers For 2006 President: Rick Berlet - 488-0036 rberlet @triad-consults.coin Vice Presidents Advocacy: Chris Ha}mes - (541)772-9220 cghaynes(a�simscycle.coin Edgar Hee - (541)734-4872 c hee @'ul no.corn Vice Presidents Events: Phil & Dale Hoffman--- (541)664-9852 phoffmanMI1gamsn.com Vice President, Tourine/Ride Schedule: Bob Korlhage - 535 5276 bkorfliage@charter.net Vice President. Racing: Glen Gann - (541)779-6986 tr ann9ra,charter.net Vice Presidents Membership: Dan/Leslie Wooton - 779-9248 d1wooton@charter. net Randy/Parn Wooton - 772-1790 dnv-oot@mighty. net Secretary: Jodi Weber - 301-6880 wcberjs(qj'chartcr.net Treasurer: Bill Tout — (541)482-7080 treasurerCa)siskivouvelo.or� Newsletter Editor: Bill Inman - 541-601-5952 bill39 @clearvuire.net Asst. Editor -- Claudia Bowdoin — (541)245-8608 bowdoincCq]sou.edu Web_Site Manager_ Spencer Gray - (541)621-3743 gray8l I0. charter.net Yrsit us on the Internet: http://www.siskiyouvelo.org Newsletter contributions accepted until the 15th of the month. Contact the editor for further information. Members are welcome submit letters, stories, opinions, cartoons, recipes, tips or other notices of interest to the club. Er—'—"============ `======== :=—:h �E MEMBERS ADS: It iE For Sale: Recumbent Stratus Xr, dual 26", 2 months,: It old, too many upgrades to list, please call for info. it 11 $200(wo Ir Jerry 541-512-2155 EI - It tr rl EI rl Airborne Blackbird, 58CM complete, lots miles. tl rt ri Call for info. $1200-00 u Jerry 541-512-2155 " tl It Canondale Touring Bike, Aluminum. Cantilever rr 11 it brakes, touring bars, down tube shifters. size un- It it ie known, but probably around 56 or 57. $150/offer - ie it mike a,homecareegMpanion.coxu 11 �c cell944-0247 �r u u Specialized shoes, size 42, Vetcro closure, mesh and F� u leather- look cleats installed; they have the standard n �i hole pattern for your cleats. Near new. These are an u eaka pair 1 do not wear. Sell $30.00/offer It i mik `a)Iioniecarecorn anion.com 1t cell944-0247 email photos available it FE re it is Chris Carmichael Training DVD's. 1 Sprinting 1 li iE tt Climbing, These are a set I received as a gift. Nett• it cost $24.95 each, sell bolls for $40.00 n mike t,ltonFecareco3n anion.eoin cell 944-0247 u t' email photos available Ft Ft n 11 kSA SLID Compact Crank Set. 50/34 Chain Rings. n it 172.5 amr length (slightly used), includes new Bot- 1i tom Bracket (English, not Italian) Price $250.00 u Andy h3ayer 541-941-9151 !� Landsharic II 56CK Look carbon fork, K n ing carbon bars,King headset. All the rest is „Dena Ace. The frame is constructed of Dedac- ;i ciai tubing. Fully fillet brazed. tt Nice custom paint. $1,300.00 �E Russ 541-482-8704 IE u PLACE YOUR AD HERE 3.5 x 2" $15 , 1/6 page (half of a vert. column) 2.25 x 4.5 $20 1/3 page vertical (1 column) 2.25 x 9" $25 1/2 page horizontal 7 x 4.5 $40 2/3 page vertical (2 columns) 4.5 x 9" $50 full page 7 x 9" $60 SISKIYOU VELO MEMBERS SHOW YOUR CARD. Receive 10% discount oil parts and accessories in tale bike shops listed on this page. Siskryau Vela - Apnl 2006 F Attorney: Secretary: Carlyle F. Stout M Remedy Hovermale LAW OFFICES OF CARLYLE F. STOUT III Real Estate Lase Business Law Contracts of Sale Corporations Foreclosures Limited Liability Earnest Money Agreements Companies (LLC) Trust Deeds Partnerships Promissory Notes Sales & Purchases Boundary Disputes Contracts Easements Landlord/Tenant Law Residential Rental Contracts & Leases Commercial Rental Contracts & Leases Mobile Home Park Contracts & Leases HUD/Subsidized Housing Contracts & Leases Eviction Notices Evictions/£EDs Landlord/Tenant Disputes lid ltfaste[Cifd 541-776-2020. E-Mail- Carlyle. StoUtLa]mail.com 215 Laurel Street, Medford FAX: 541-776-9841 'age 3 0 727 Medford Center Rogue Valley Medford Oregon 97504 Cycle Sport, Inc. 54177,2 9220 cghaynes*si e Ss SW 772 9220 e4=&fltin mscyele-com - �y www-simscycfe.corn Ashland CYCLE SPORT Medford CYCLE SPORT 191 Oak Si. 1190 Biddle Rd. tii02 Chris & Gwen Haynes • Owners Ashland OR 97520 Medrord OR 97504 (541) 488-4581 (541) 857-0819 Fax: (541) 489-390: f.-mail: inroCampmycle.com Diamondbadt: RaWigh Redline -- --�-- smx ASKA D STREET FIML65 CYCLE Salm & st�oe m•-weanalysis 535 N. Fifth St As Nand, Asttland Street a` x. � r tttand,OR97520 Christ fan Jacksonville OR 97530 (541) 4132.-3W 899-'9190 o Crater Lake Avmmi.BEAR CREEK [cdfora OR 97501 - r � 1 BICYCLE Inn SALES, REPAIRS - RENTALS 7C-YCLE UBl Ceriitled Mechanic - t1Bl certified wheel Buller See our Vintage Sikes John Ford 1988 Huy, 99 N. and OwnerlManager Ashtand. OR 97520 (541) 48BA270 aaoss from Butter Ford slSorvice �rsk�u� efy - .y '7f'fiere Q�a7imJ'raduetc, Cu.emmerSenire, - arld Cammer;Sadsfaaiar is our &usincW � ,s, � �` d � eg � 7]3�Ss4=pou8vd: w1 r/s, koyo.c}arryceut Ph.jS1-d62-7497 Page 4 - Sisidyou Veto - Aprft 2006 SFSMOU VELO RIDE SCHEDULE - April, 2OW ""approved helmets required on all club rides —artless other tense noted, rain/wet pavement cancels ride O :,-it.F J y :l "y �;5-•vf ,s��l_`J-r.'..` 1 i 5--'Y_f1-'}�xL 4: �f l `:�F!i _ �5[I ii ��- -L}.l dal t+l 2s � cf m'�c �4`_ -� -.6 ly4 � tk - ti -�.��_,I,oastmg ? T4R {!F -�?�iS _ ! m) _' . ,- V �- `'do--5`!-� J { !'� JI ice/ fF S:�F` l�S, fl �-�1 '^i a i-s-? , yf.Ck r}y eyi--. ('� lII �i ... i; A. i.J'.a- y� iLi:l'�-�lFcE..GSi'cc ° {i.Y.Cur t: r— Kilw Compaz�y —Carol Lee's Loop or against the ' 1 wind ; :: F-ark-, Medford ft :i. 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Koffliage ��=Kb p35 5276 Va—rious determined by group owen Haynes ��=,�72-9220 :3ob Korftage 5276 I1 + r li Ride Rating: A- Basically flat with no steep hills. B- Gently rolling terrain with one or two short steep hills. C- Moderate terrain, with rolling short, steep hills or moderate sustained climbs. D- Difficult terrain with longer, steeper hills. E- Extreme terrain with steep sustained climbs. Ride face: (average range on level ground) 1-slow < 10 mph 2-leisurely 6-10 mph - Fapect to stay at this pace 3-Mellow 12- 15 mph — Expect to stay at this pace 4-Brisk 15 -17 mph 8-Hammer 18t MPH Group-- Riders will stay together. RearbUp- Riders will spread out, regroup at specific points along the route, Other Ride Opportunities— NOT SPONSORED BY SISKIYOU VELO Wednesdays - 61'M Mountain Bike rides. Meet @ Cycle Analysis —Jacksonville Lights and helmets required. Jana will have pasta after ride. Saturdays - 9 AM Race Training, Medford Cycle Sport, 1390 Biddle Rd 4107 (Alex 857-0819) Although the European professional cy- cling season kicks off in early February, it is during the months of March and April that things really begin to roll. There are several minor races in various parts of the continent and the two most important stage -races of the early season, Paris -Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, provide a showcase for the early -season form of most riders. The UCI Pro -Tour calendar of races con- tinues on March 186' with the ever -exciting and important Milan -San Remo, and Paris - Roubaix isn't far off. Most of the riders in the European peleton were divided between two important and simultaneously -run races in mid -March. Paris -Nice drew an impressive lineup of Pro -Tour teams and one wild -card team (Agritubet). The rest of the riders were lined up for 'Yiirmno-Adriatico in some- what sunnier climes in northern Italy. Bobby Julich (CSC) was back to defend his title at Paris -Nice from last year and showed his top form with a win in the pro- logue in the streets of Issy-les-Moulineaux in the southern suburbs of Paris. It seemed, however, to be an all Quick Step- Innergetic show in the early stages with back-to-back sprint victories in stages I & 2 by current World Champion TI)m Boonen, Boonen donned the leader's jer- sey, but quickly lost it again on the steep climbs of stage three, which proved to be the pivotal stage for the race and the over- all victory. Phonak's Floyd Landis, fresh from his impressive victory in the Tour of California, clearly demonstrated not only his early season form, but also that he is finally coming into his own as a team leader and stage -race contender. He led the charge up the final climb of the stage, the Col de la Croix de Chaubouret, and took over the race lead after finishing second behind his breakaway companion, Paxti Vila (Lampre). Boonen picked up his third sprint victory in stage four, but Landis rode smart, benefiting from the dedicated sup- port of his Phonak teammates, during the rest of the stages to hang on to his slim nine -second lead over Paxti Vila for the Pedal StrokeS by Roger Stevenson 344 rue de Blansin, 74800 Saint Pierre en Faucipy, France fiaal overall victory. It is only the second victory in the "Race to the Sun" for an American, the first being Bobby Julich's win last year. Landis, who now leads the UCI Pro -Tour points competition, will not contest Milan -San Remo: his priori- ties remain his preparation for the Tour de France in July. Landis' new team- mate, Axel Merckx, stated during Paris - Nice that Landis was certainly capable of winning the Tour this year. The Quick Step show continued south of the Alps at Tirreno-Adriatico with Paulo Bettini's performance in the early stages of the race. The diminutive Italian won the sprint at the end of both stages one and two, and evert outfoxed the en- tire Milram team on stage two by sneak- ing across the finish line ahead of the turquoise train leading out Erik Zabel and being led by none other than Ales- sandro Petacchi. Unfortunately, Bettini's luck ran out on the next stage -----a stage that he has won twice in the past — when he was caught up in a fail on a descent and was forced to withdraw from the race with a bruised hip, sprained wrist and a very sore knee. After finishing second in the penultimate stage, Petacchi finally won a sprint in this year's edition on'the very last stage. Bettini's injuries put his participation in Milan -San Remo in doubt. However, Team Mih= seems to be ready for its next challenge at Milan - San Remo where Petacchi is the reigning champion. The overall victory in Tir- reno-Adnatico was taken by Rabobank's young rider Thomas Dekker who donned the leader's jersey with his third - place finish in the time trial on stage five, which was won by the Swiss Fabian Cancellara (CSC). Tirreno-Adriatico proved to be disastrous for more than one racer. In addition to Bettini's fall, Stuart O'Grady, who is riding for CSC this year after leaving Cofidis, suffered five broken ribs and a fractured collarbone in a fall on stage two. Mainly because of his ribs, he will be out of action for up to eight weeks. Stefano Gazzelli (Liquigas) also did a number on his knee during the same stage, and Jan Kirsipuu (Credit Agricole) broke his heel in a fall on stage three. SfsWou Veto - April 2006 Page 5 Teur do France Teams for 20016, There has been scant reaction to the UCI an- nouncement (see Pedal Strokes for March) that it would not approve the proposed Trophy of the three Grand Tours and that it fully expected the Tour de France, the Giro and the Vuelta to honor their com- mitment to being part of the Pro -Tour cal- endar of races for 2006. While there are still undecided issues between those three races and the UCI, the organizers of the Tour de France, it would seem, have ac- quiesced, as is evident in their announce- ment of the teams for this summer's Tour de France. One of the sticking points was the number of Pro -Tour teams and wild - card teams that the organizers could invite to the Tour. Being forced to accept all 20 Pro -Tour teams would severely limit the number of wild cards that could be in- vited. Deviating from their oft -stated op- position to having more than 21 teams in the line-up, ASO, in meeting a UCI re- quirement of team announcements for the Tour by March 1', has increased the num- ber of teams to 22, which will include all 20 Pro -Tour teams and two wild -card invi- tations for Continental Pro teams: Agri- tubel, a French team, and Comunidad Valenciana. from Spain. For the first time since 1997, there will be six French teams lined up for the Tour. More drug news: The Swiss team Phonak just can't seem to shake the monkey from it's back. Coming on top of the three drug -related cases last year (Tyler Hamil- ton & Santiago Perez for alleged blood doping, and Oscar Camenzind for EPO), a fourth Phonak rider has been implicated in a positive drug test. A young Swiss rider, Sascha Urweider tested positive for testos- terone in February. Phonak has suspended Urweider while awaiting results of his B sample test. (Milan -San Remo race on page 8) . (From pg 1) The gateway to the East Cape is Whakatane (pronounced Fwa-ka- ta-ney --- all Wh's arc pronounccd in the Maori tongue as Fw's), which we reached on our sixth day out. Unfortunately, the trav- erse from Whakatane to Te Kaha (our first actual camp on the East Cape) forced us to go on a stretch of Highway 2 (one of the two ma- jor north/south roads in the coun- try), and it was certifiably un- pleasant. The experience con- vinced most of us to avoid the main highway in later segments of the trip, even if it meant a few ex- tra mules. The East Cape is popu- lated heavily by the Maoris and there is much evidence of the cul- ture — the carved entrances to their town meeting halls, one or two magnificently restored mission churches, the little fishing village where Whale Rider was filmed — most peaceful and charming — and, of course, the stunning coast- line. We were on the East Cape for four days and they were certainly the "jewel in the crown" of the trip — almost no traffic on the roads, vir- tually deserted campgrounds (less sumptuous than most we had en- countered earlier, but stilt ade- quate), and still more of the friendly, interested people. The end of this idyll came at Gisborne, a fairly active port city where we had our second rest day. (The first rest day was along our traverse to the East Cape at Mt. Maunganui, a touristy town with a beautiful beach setting. At the time we were in Mt. Maunganui, one of the largest cruise ships --- 3,500 passengers and 1,500 crew — had docked and the town was rather overrun.). This second respite Page 6 - Siskfyou Veto — Apt# 2006 was quite welcome and particu- larly useful for recharging the bat- teries in preparation for the couple of days ahead. The route to Wai- roa and Napier had some very challenging hills and some longer mileage. Napier, again, was a ma- jor port city (maybe 50,000 popu- lation), but still with some consid- erable charm and, as always, the friendliness. I keep touting the friendliness. Lest anyone doubt my assessment, two incidents demonstrate just what extremes these people go to. We had one member of our crew who kept leaving things behind, and he was always hitching rides from one campground to the next. One day he got a ride from a sur- veying crew which was staying in the same campground as our group. He unloaded all of his gear at the next stop and sent the truck off, only to discover he had left his tent in the truck. The survey- ors, of course, went back to stay at the previous night's campground and discovered the tent. A little while later that night, our hostess from the night before shows up in camp with our friend's tent — and a plate of brownies for the whole group. The second example in- volved me leaving my wallet on the bar at a stop some distance from that night's campground. Sure enough, about ten or twelve miles down the road, a car comes by, fishtails onto the shoulder and skids to a stop. The passenger gets out with a quart bottle of beer in one hand and my wallet in the other — "Thought you might need this later," he says, "but we had to look at your picture (on my DL) to make sure we had the right bloke"_ Over and again, we en- countered this spirit and sense of welcome. From NapieF south, tile riding got a bit easier. The countryside looked more and more like east- ern Oregon, and I think our mindset was geared to sheer en- joyment of the last days of our ride. We did have a most inter- esting experience riding (and pushing) our bikes along the Ri- mutaka Grade, an abandoned, but very well maintained, cog - railway grade that cut through the range of mountains that guards entrance to Wellington on the east. This railway was used to haul timber and other com- mercial goods in the late 19`h and early 20t" century, and was a most unusual engineering feat. The engine employed an addi- tional wheel set, mounted hori- zontally on the undercarriage, which was used to clamp down on a center rail as a brake. Simi- larly, the train included several brake -cars with comparable braking mechanisms that were interspersed regularly between the freight cars, to further slow the train's progress down the grade. The path went through four tunnels (one of which was 1,300 meters long), and crossed one gully (Siberia Gully by name) which was most challeng- ing with the bikes. The trestle that crossed this gully was no longer in existence, so one had to go down an extremely steep embankment, both hands on the brakes and heels planted in the gravel, and then up the other side, at least as steep. This par- ticular experience tested my good humor like no other! Sisldyou Ve10 - Ap l 2006 Page 7 Siskiyou Velo Meeting Minutes March 8, 2006 I. Introductions: 26 present, including g-aest sp&kcis Slml nc Ma-,%3vell and Ewaiia Gordon.. 11. Guest presentations A. Shayne Maxwell, chair of the Rogue River Greenway Foundation, gave an update and exciting developments on the status of the greenway, which will eventually extend from Grants Pass, linking into the Bear Creek Greenway :in Central Point. Shayne emphasized her appreciation for all the Siskiyou Velo has done to support this effort. B. Emma Gordon is raising funds for her fund-raising bike ride from San Francisco to Washington, DC. The ride is for Global Exchange. They will be doing community service en route. She needs to raise $4000 for her trip, which begins June S. C. Ben Harlow gave an update on his upcoming bike trip to Louisiana to benefit Four Directions, a non-profit for the bene- fit of indigenous communities. He will be leaving the beginning of April. D. Motion approved to give $200 each to Emma and Ben towards their costs ea route III. Committee Reports A. Treasurer: Membership fees about equals the outflow of expenses. Current balance of $6,400+. B. Membership: 19 renewals, 2 new members C. Touring: Phil Gagnon is leading more rides at a slower pace. We are all encouraged to join those rides, while at the sane time we need to be willing to stay at that pace. D. Events: Sponsorships for the MLC is going well (approximately $1100). The deadline for getting sponsors' donations and logos in is March 15. The next meeting is April 10. E. Advocacy: 1. Two Medford cyclists were nominated by the Portland based Bicycle Transportation Alliance for their efforts to promote the use of bicycles and increase the livability of our community. Congratulations to Edgar Hee and Eileen Adee! 2. Volunteers are needed to help with the Table Rock Road Race on May 7. Contact Mike Ripley at 541-225-7946 or nukecycic@mrffihnk.net 3. May is Bike to Work Month. IV Old Business A. Bike Law seminar March 20 at 3.30 and 5:30 at the Medford library. B. The club received a thank you letter from Erin Taylor (see January minutes) for contributions for her 4-H bike education classes. C. Hanley Rd is stilt dangerous. Chris will bring it up at the next county bike commission meeting. D. In the repaving of Hwy 99 between Phoenix and Medford, bike -safe drain grates were not put in as they said would be done. Rick will follow up with the appropriate officials. E. The Ride the Rogue group was given permission to use club equipment for their ride on Sept. 23. F. Enough members signed up for the Oregon Bike Ride to qualify for a discount Other interested club members can still sign up and get the discount. V. New Business A. Les Schwab aired a spot on local radio emphasizing the need for bike safety. Jodi will write a letter of appreciation to them. We are delighted to have a local business advocate for bike safety! B. Ride of Silence is a `global' ride on May 17 at 7:00. It is a memoriam to cyclists killed while riding. Bob Korlhage is coordinating it for the Rogue Valley. C. The Portland bike touring club is promoting their club to ride in the Rogue Valley the weekend of June 24-25, including the MLC. They've requested members here to host them for the weekend. The club feels this would be great for recip- rocity in the future. D. Oregon Bicycle Summit, a bike related conference will be held in Eugene April 1. $25. E. With the new MLC sponsorship packet, there is the potential of having considerably more money available to donate. As a club, we need to be able to tell sponsors what the money will go towards. A committee will meet to bring proposals to the next meeting. F_ Central Point is putting together a bike committee and needs members. Cluis Wagonet has volunteered to be on that committee. Thanks, Chris!! G. New hazards on the Bear Creek Greenway and on Kings Highway were reported. V1. Meeting adjourned at 8.28. The Red Ride By Benjamin Harlow The Red Ride commences April bth. Prayers and support carried by bicycle from Souther Oregon are bound for Louisiana's hurricane affected American Indians. An appeal for help was posted on January 25th to the Four Directions Solidarity Network website www.eswn.org from 4 American Indian tribes in Louisiana's bayous. Though their independence and fortitude has brought them through many disasters and Indian hard- ships. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita created an intense burden on the people, and storm assistance was requested. There is an understand- ing in the bayous of the focus being directed to New Orleans. But the smaller communities, especially the American Indian communities, are still in dire need. The Red Ride is a proposed vision to the creator from Naomi Archer of Four Directions and myself Benjamin Harlow an Oregonian. My goals have been to reach out to communities and indi- viduals who need assistance, and this year I wanted to learn more about American Indians. When I read about Four Directions, it seemed to fit my goals. Four Direc- tions Solidarity Network is a grass- roots organization that uses a com- munity -based model to organize people, supplies and other forms of support in collaboration with indige- nous leadership and communities. We thought a cross-country bicycle ride could raise awareness to all Native American issues, gain prayers from Indian Nations throughout the country for the bayou tribes and possible find them some financial donors. Naomi and I have been working harm to setup this ride, which will take shape or- ganically as it finds its way past many Indian homes. We still need a lot of community support to make the event as effective as possible. We are still trying to connect with tribes in route, and cyclists who would like to ride for all or part of Page 8 - Vsklyou Veto — ApNI 2006 the Red Ride are encouraged to contact us. The Red Ride plans to commence with a send off from the dative American Student Union at South- em Oregon University on the 9th of April, during their Spring Pow -wow that weekend. With their prayers and support the ride will head into Grants Pass and on to California fallowing the coast. From the south west comer of Arizona the ride will travel diagonally across the state to the north east corner, meeting New Mexico at four comers. Then pro- ceed into Oklahoma the home of the Five Civilized Tribes where it will then follow a southern route along the "Trail of Tears" through Arkansas and into Mississippi meet- ing up with the Natchez Trace Trail. The Ride proposes stopping in Ba- ton Rouge which means'Red Stick', and is the state capital with both cultural and political significance as well as access to a wide range of media outlets in Louisiana for major press conferences. The ride will finish in the bayou parishes of Lou- isiana. As the tone cyclist for the Red Ride, I came to the bicycle community in Souther Oregon and asked for their help. Siskiyou Veto donated two hundred dollars that I put to- wards the purchase of a BOB Yak trailer. I needed a trailer to carry my volunteer supplies so I can help with cleanup once I am in Louisi- ana. Marty's cycle and Moore, and Sims Cycle and Fitness helped me out with donations of gear neces- sary for the cross-country tour. Things really took shape when Siskiyou Veto member Mike Karpin- ski stepped in and helped coordi- nate the donation of his wife's 1992 Cannondale touring bicycle. To top it all off, I received a beautiful cop- per Giro helmet from Veto member James Williams. There is nothing like a reliable helmet. I owe many thanks to all of the wonderful bicy- cle advocates here in Oregon, and know I will have many more to thank elsewhere in the days ahead. Follow the tour on the Red Ride Journal link at http:11 www.cloudforest.org/biGycledde If you have tribe information or cyclist friends along the route that you would like to pass along please contact Naomi or me. Benjamin Harlow bicy- cleride@rtseup.net Naomi Archer at 828.230.1404 Ya- hoo! Mail. Milan -San Recto By Roger Stevenson If Milan -San Remo is any indication of the ensuing season, we are in for some wonderful racing in the months to come with results as surprising as they are outstanding. When the dust settled around the arrival line of this year's edition (the 97th), it became clear that the winner, while not at all one of the favorites, and there were several, but a rider from the team that had clearly dominated the tactics of the race, a rider who had worked selflessly for his team leader, especially on the final climb up the Poggio, but who had the intetligence and the legs to pull off a stunning and well -deserved victory. Filippo Pozzato (Quick Step) was in a four -person break that charged up the Poggio and held a slim 8-second lead over the peleton at the bottom of the descent into San Remo. Just as the pack closed in on the four riders with just 600 meters to go, Pozzato jumped ahead and managed to stay about three bike -lengths ahead of Alessandro Petacchi (Mlram) and Luca Paolini (Liquigas) Pozzato's teammate and one of the top favorites for the victory, Tom Boonen, finished fourth, but was just as overjoyed with the young (24) Pozzato's victory as he would have been had he won the race hftmlf. An ecstatic Patrick Lefevre, Quick Step's manager, said that it is to experience such moments that he has worked so hard over the years. "t think this is the best team of my career", he added. The post -Armstrong season is indeed off to a promising start. Racing Corner By Glen Gann We are now well on our way into the new racing year. With the Chary Pic race being first on the calendar, seven local racers braved the cold to get an early jump on the year. Only one pie was brought home. I won the Mas- ters 40+ with Scott Toll right behind in 8th place. Others finished respect- fully in their fields. The next weekend, our very own web - master, Spencer Gray had the winning time for the Cat 3 field at the Jack Forst Time Trial.. (His time earned him a 2lst place out of 324 total riders for the day). We have also made it through two of the three S.O. Time Trials. The first Time Trial gave us mild weather and a showing of 42 riders, seven of which were women. The second race gave us a little bit more of a weather chal- lenge with snow and ice on the roads. Tim decided to shorten the course for the safety of the hard-coreriders that still made the show. What some of us will do to race a bike, it could put the Postal Service to shame. There were three of us, Scott Toll, Richard Fox and myself, that made the drive up to Portland for the second Ba- nana Belt race on March 12th, Once again we encountered more cold, snow and rain around the Hagg Lake race course. That diddt stop us from having some fun, getting a good work out, and all finishing in the top twenty. That about does it for the local race scene update. Keep your calendar marked for the weekend of May 6th and 7th. The Spring Thaw XC MT bike race is on the 6th and downikill on the 7th_ Also on the 7th there will be a road race out around the Table Rocks in Sams Valley. The promoters of each of these events will surely be looking for volunteers to help with running the races and keep- ing them safe for the racers. So please consider taking some time out of your weekend and come cheer on some of the top racers from the Valley and around the State and maybe help the organizers out a little. Becoming a Pro Cyclist Groupie for a Weekend (Submitted by Paul Rowland) Driving; on Hwy 101 in California, headed from Sausalito to Santa Rosa, a car with Oregon plates (a Subaru wagon, of course) pulls along side us. "Are you going to the bike race?" the passenger yells. The traffic is heavier than usual, due in part to people like us (my riding companion, Dan DeNeui and my- self) and our unknown friends from the Rogue Valley. We're all chasing the first of seven stages of the Am- gen Tour of California, which started that morning in Sausalito. Actually the prologue had taken place the previous day in San Fran- cisco along a two mile route that began at the Embarcadero and ended with the steep climb up Tele- graph Hill to Coit Tower. Many top racers from the eight UCI- International teams (Discovery Channel, T Mobile, CSC, Phonak, Gerolsteiner, Credit Agricole, Davi- tamon-Lotto, & Prodir-Saunier Du- val) joined seven US -Continental teams and the Mexican National team for the type of race we do not often get the chance to see firsthand on the west coast. We watched the prologue at the 100 meters to -the - finish line mark near Coit Tower and were totally drawn into the huge crowd's enthusiasm as the finely tuned pros individually strug- gled against time and the hill. At the stage 1 finish in Santa Rosa, it's the speed that sends a chill up your spine. The peloton passes by four times at an unbelievable 36 mph, jostling for position for the final sprint on the narrow down- town streets. It's enough to erase any doubt about just how much these pros exceed us recreational riders in skills and conditioning. But there's also lots more to do than just watch human machines scream SuWau Velo - Aptfl 2006 Page 9 by at a surreal pace. Each staging area is abuzz with excitement; racers warming up amidst the chaos of their team vans and equipment, tents under which sponsors and promoters are hand- ing out swag and demonstrating the latest equipment or nourish- ment, large screen TVs showing what's going on out in the race, side shows like the Arnold S-vartzenegger masked guy shooting shirts out of a pump gun, and spectators on their own array of expensive and enviable bikes. If you didn't attend this year, put it on your calendar of "must do's ' for next year. How often can you bike next to a Hincappie, Landis, Leipheirrrer, Si aoni, Savoldelli or Ekumov during their prerace N�,arm-ups out on the streets? At this time I can only guess that next year's race will be scheduled for a similar mid Feb- ruary time. Check ivztiiv.am errtourofealifomia.corn later in the vear for info. And plan to take your bicycle. Dan and I found it relatively easy and quite fun to bike the city, espe- cialh= along the bay with its many_ parks, over the Golden Gate bridge to the Marin head- lands, -where there's access to roads and dirt trails. Page 10 - Slskiyou Velo -- April 2006 Siskiy-ou 'Velo Membership Application Name Age Type of Membership (check one bax jr. each Coll Wow) Street Address City [ j Ind€v€duai--$i*a)mar [ j EVER [ j Fare y—$201 ear zip Sus -mess [ � — $25,iyEaf (j REnEaal E-Mail Address State Phone Any new Information included? address, phone. biRies. interests) [ j Yes [ j ND Cycling kAerests Bike Frame Brands) Newsletter Dissributian Eleation ( ] 5omiWrrafning rides [ j hiel€ow-Pao3d social rides [ ] Commuting, car sport [ ] grail mail (cost bom=_ by Club) (] Self-contained touring []Racing (j [ ] Etectranic (via web site — ( ] Single track [ ] Sack road mountain biking [ j notification by E-mail) Information Blocking Options {items checked will not be availatge on tfw Other Family Cyclists secure pages of the web site)` Narre Age [ j Fhorte, Number [ j E-mail Address [ j Residerrp Address [ ] A°€ harm Ace Name Age ' AOCeal III faEW= web wo requre Tremii] <3 and passa= Make Checks Payable to: Siskiyou Veto Volunteering P.O. 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