Sacramento Wheelmen

CALTRANS SURVEY: Recently Sacramento County solicited help in identifying cycling needs as the County works on its transportation plan. Now Caltrans is doing the same, district by district, throughout the state. The Caltrans plan being developed concerns major roadways such as Interstate 80, including the roads cyclists use to cross through at the interchanges. District 3 includes Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba coun...ties. Caltrans would like input on what needs to be improved in District 3 so that cyclists (and walkers) can more safely ride (or walk) "on or parallel to and across the state highway system, with a focus on removing barriers, closing gaps, and building complete, comfortable networks that consider the context." Use this survey link: https://survey.catplan.org/Home?lang=en&sid=3 You will need to enlarge a map on the Caltrans web site, find the interchange you want to comment on, move the computer "hand" so that it becomes a "pointer" at the location you want to address, and click. At that point you will get a menu of concerns from which to choose from. You can repeat this for as many District 3 highway locations as you want. When you are done noting problems or concerns for specific locations, you are asked 8 questions to complete the survey. Caltrans states: "Public input will play an important role in the outcome of the plan. Your feedback will help us complete the picture and understand why certain connections, locations, and corridors are important to the community and the opportunities and challenges associated with them." The survey ends on July 16.

Sacramento County would like cyclists to respond to proposed cycling infrastructure projects before plans are finalized and the money begins to be spent. Go to: https://walkbikesaccounty.net The county has published an interactive map which allows you to vote for or against proposed bicycling infrastructure development. You can approve, disapprove, and provide comments or explanations for your responses, too. Your opportunity to comment ends on June 30, 2021. Don't delay.... But before you do, I just want to warn you that initially it is a little daunting. You have to take a deep breath, start enlarging the map, and move around to see what types of improvements are proposed where. After a little bit, you start discovering all kinds of cool proposals you will want to vote for. Once you have enlarged the map enough and familiarized yourself with the legend guide, you can click on specific proposals and vote.

Sacramento Wheelmen club rides have resumed. Guests are welcome. Consult the club's website ride calendar for start dates, locations, and start times. June 15, 2021 was our first day back and a large contingent showed up at William Pond Park for an 8:30 am start. There was also a 9 am club ride out of the Westin Hotel parking lot off Riverside Blvd. And up north, Sacramento Wheelmen were riding together on Dale Johnson’s Shasta Zodiac.

The Sacramento Wheelmen pandemic schedule ends June 15, 2021. Start times and start locations will resume on that date. Get more information in the latest newsletter. Use this link: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2021_Issue4_WheelmenN

The latest issue of the Sacramento Wheelmen newsletter now available on the Wheelmen web site includes more specifics about the 2020 club award winners, an introduction of some of our new club members, our next meeting agenda, more photos from Santa Cruz, and a COVID testimonial. Use this link: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2021_Issue3_WheelmenN

I received the following email from a communications analyst with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments: "From now until April 30, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments will be hosting a survey for the Sacramento Region Parks & Trails Strategic Development Plan, in partnership with our six counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties, and their cities within. This plan looks to identify a vision for a regional trails network that allow...s people to travel in more ways than just in a car. The goal of this strategic plan is to identify missing trails and access points to trails to better connect residents with jobs, recreation, and other points of interest, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities that often lack green space and access to quality infrastructure that promotes safe walking and biking. Our survey related to this project is now open and we are hoping to reach out to as many residents in our six-county region as possible, especially from those we do not often connect with. As an organization that connects with the community, as well as an employer in our region, we would appreciate if you would help us get the word out. Input from residents will help us understand how people want to use trails and shape the regional vision for our connected network. Participants who complete the survey will have the chance to enter a raffle to win one (1) of ten (10) $50 Safeway gift cards." I took the survey, and I encourage you to do the same. Use this link: https://new.maptionnaire.com/q/6su2l8n79ppd The best part of the survey is the part where you are asked to provide additional information. At this point you are given the opportunity to identify missing trail sections and barriers using an interactive map and simple tools. My Safari browser didn't work with the interactive map, but my Chrome browser did. -- Tom Adams, Sacramento Wheelmen president

The first Sacramento Wheelmen newsletter of 2021 is now available. Click on this link: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2021_Issue1_WheelmenN Get caught up on club news since October 2019, plus enjoy a feature on Wheelmen Scott Barrette, who runs Patriot Cycles in Citrus Heights, and a report on cycling plans for the Delta.

The next Sacramento Wheelmen Zoom meeting, a business and general meeting open to the public, is Nov. 18 beginning at 6:30 pm. For more information, check out the Wheelmen News: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2020_Issue4_WheelmenN. Election of officers and mileage t-shirts are on the agenda. Tim Koch will be presenting a slide show for the 2021 Oregon Tour.

Sacramento County is updating its Active Transportation Plan! Whether you walk, bike, or roll, the county's focus is to make streets and paths more accessible, safer, and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Tell the county... Where do you go when you walk, bike, or roll? What do you like (or not like) about walking, biking, and rolling in the County?... What could make walking, biking, and rolling better for you? To register for the workshop on Tuesday, November 10 at 12pm, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/124603892597 To register for the workshop on Tuesday, November 10 at 6pm, please click here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/124605324881

Use the following link to read the November edition of the Sacramento Wheelmen newsletter: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2020_Issue3_WheelmenN Read about the club's first Zoom meeting and Sacramento County's survey for cyclists, check out the club gaiter now available for purchase, and take a peek at the agenda for the club's next Zoom meeting on Oct. 14. If you did not receive an email invitation to that meeting, which starts at 6:30 pm, use the link in the newsletter. Don't use it before 6 pm on Oct. 14.

Use this link to be a voice for improving cycling in Sacramento County. The survey is easy. However, if you are interested in exercising your cycling knowledge for the public good, The Public Input Map will allow you to do so. I had to access it using my Chrome browser when Safari failed. The Public Input Map allows you to draw on a map of Sacramento County and comment, and you can look at what others are saying about certain county roads or bike paths. So, for example, if there is a particular stretch of road which needs to made safer for cyclists that you're aware of, you can trace it on the map and suggest what needs to be done. Those of you familiar with RideWithGPS will easily use the mapping tools. Everyone should do the quick tutorial and check out the legends. https://walkbikesaccounty.net/

This pre-pandemic photo was taken at a regroup spot in Auburn, CA. Someday club group rides will resume. Get up to date club news by reading the club's newsletter . Use this link to see the September edition: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2020_Issue2_WheelmenN

Sep 25 at 8 AM Sep 27 at 11:30 PM Public Hosted by Sierra Donor Services Online Event Tickets $10 www.eventbrite.com/e/be-the-gift-ride-for-life-ca-tickets-1... Grab a bike, any bike, and join Sierra Donor Services for the virtual BeTheGift Ride for Life and help spread awareness of the importance to register as an organ and tissue donor! YOU can join in the fun from anywhere in the world, get some exercise, and raise awareness for organ and tissue donation! So get your road bike, your mountain bike, your TT bike, your bike from high school that’s been gathering dust in your mom’s garage, rent a B-Cycle, or hop on a unicycleany bike with at least one wheel will work, even an e-bike! Indoor riding is also an option to join the BeTheGift Ride for Life! Proceeds from your entry fee ($10), along with donations, benefit Sierra Donor Services and help us to fulfill our outreach efforts promoting the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Every registered rider will be eligible for some sweet prizes to be given away via random drawings, such as Amazon gift cards and Donate Life swag. Click on the Find Tickets Button to register for our event and find out more details on how to participate. Follow us on here and on Instagram for updates on the ride! See more

Check out the latest Wheelmen News for an update on what's happening, or in the case of life during the pandemic, what is not happening. To see the pdf file, use this link: https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org//2020_Issue1_WheelmenN

https://www.bikevalleytosierra.com/

Although the club has not resumed rides with a ride schedule, individuals continue to put in their miles riding alone or with a few "family" members. During this time, a mask has been added to the gear we carry so that we have the option of entering stores, coffee shops, or restaurants.

A bike patrol is being formed to serve users of the American River Parkway. Riders interested in joining the patrol are directed to visit AmericanRiverBikePatr...ol.org or the Facebook page: American River Bike Patrol for more information. ARBP is a unit of the National Ski Patrol and has been authorized by the County of Sacramento to provide professional volunteer bike patrol services along the parkway. To qualify, a bike patrol candidate must join the National Ski Patrol, obtain Outdoor First Care and CPR certifications and attend a bike patrol training session. For those interested in helping others along the parkway, a familiarization ride will occur tomorrow (Sat., May 9) at 8 a.m. at the Natomas Fish Hatchery. All riders are welcome to join the ride and learn more about bike patrolling. Other familiarization rides and training sessions will occur in coming weeks. The patrol anticipates starting patrols beginning in July.

https://www.bicycling.com//a31/cycling-during-coronavirus/

The California Bicycle Coalition advises cyclists to keep riding while maintaining a safe distance during the Covid19 pandemic: https://www.calbike.org/is-bicycling-safe-during-pandemic/

Our Tuesday breakfast ride out of William Pond Park is one of many weekday rides available all year to members and guests. On March 3, the club went to the Executive Airport in Sacramento, CA. Guests can get specific destination information from the ride leaders. To see where rides start and to get ride leader emails, go to the calendar at https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org.

Join the club for a ride out of Dixon, CA, on March 8. There are two routes to choose from: a 41-mile route with 1,200 feet of climbing and a 53-mile route with 1,700 feet of climbing. The pace ranges from 15 to 20 mph on the flats. All riders must wear helmets. Mirrors are advisable. Guests are welcome. No one gets dropped. Guests sign a waiver. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. Photo: Regrouping on lower Cantelow Road. For more information, see the club calendar at https://sacwheelmen.wildapricot.org.

On Feb. 23, 2020, we left from Loomis Train Station, a good location with ample parking and bathrooms. On Sacramento Wheelmen rides, we regroup at strategic spots, such as this location, China Well Road on Baxter Grade. Total distance: 44 miles. Total climbing: 3,000 feet.