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Capitol Forest Ride #1: Fall Creek 8-50-6

Capitol Forest has lots of great riding. For cross county riding, it arguably does not get any better than the loop of 8-50-6 out of Fall Creek Trailhead. Total ride length is about 10 miles, great for a beginner or a quick spin for more experienced riders. It offers a pretty consistent climb up 8, that is not very technically challenging -- very doable on a rigid bike as an out-and-back to Trail 50 (and then back to the trailhead). The junction of 8 and 50 is odd in that you "go straight" to get on Trail 50, whereas 8 continues with a sharp left towards Wedekind. The map doesn't provide such on-the-ground resolution, so it bears mentioning.

Trail 50 itself is a welcome change with a much easier grade and faster speeds. Turning right/downhill at the intersection of Trail 6, you head back to Fall Creek. Trail 6 is almost pure descending (except for right after the bridge over the West fork of Fall Creek), and has some technical sections and root drops, reasonable jumps and berms aplenty. Much of that fun stuff is due to the fine work of Friends of Capitol Forest an organization that gives a lot of time and energy to make sure we have great riding locally. They deserve your support. Consider volunteering or making a donation to them.

There is an optional extension to continue onto Wedekind (see yellow highlighting below), but be aware that it will double the length of the ride. You could also do Trail 8 to Wedekind as an out-and-back and then continue onto 50 and 6.

This ride starts and ends at the Fall Creek Trailhead, accessible from Delphi Road on the Westside of Olympia.

Please be aware that these are shared trails and you may encounter other cyclists, hikers and equestrians. Do your part to share the trails. At a minimum, let folks know if there are other riders in your group behind you. Additionally, it is advisable to talk to equestrians and ask them how they'd prefer to proceed -- to have you pass them or have them pass you, whether they'd like you to dismount, etc. It is often a good idea to talk to the horses, as they are familiar with the sound of human voices and which helps them realize you are not a dangerous predator. Be an ambassador for trail riding. Have fun.

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Jandd Waterproof Saddle Cover

We live in the Pacific Northwest, a very wet area, as any frustrated Olympian awaiting spring this year can attest. Despite our wet weather, commuting and doing errands by bike is pretty popular here. Good bike parking under cover from our frequent rain is not always available, yet we have some compelling reasons to want our saddles to remain dry:

1. We enjoy tensioned leather saddles, that should be kept dry for proper longevity.

2. A wet butt is usually attached to a sad rider -- even if your saddle can get wet, it is not very fun.

We have carried and used several waterproof saddle covers over the years, and liked many of them. Some are no longer available, such as Truant's cover. Jandd offers a pretty darn good one that we carry now and recommend for anyone, regardless of whether their saddle can survive getting wet or not.

The cover has a very tidy appearance, with a webbing strap the holds the cover in a tight roll via velcro. Unrolled, one can see a decent waterproof coating, though it is not seam-taped. In use, though, this has not proven to be an issue because there are no seams atop the cover, unlike many other offerings out there, so there really is no way for rain to penetrate. Way to eliminate a major failure point, Jandd.

So, how's it fit? It fits PERFECTLY on a Brooks Pro/Conquest/B-17, and snugs up like a dream with the included shock cord. Very nice, indeed:

This product is intended to be for use when the bike is parked -- it is not for riding on. That might sound funny, but many folks are used to covers that are intended as "re-upholstery" for a worn saddle, like the old Avocet saddle covers. If you ride on the Jandd saddle cover, you will likely abrade the waterproof coating, ruining the it. Instead, use the cover only when parked, and stow it when riding the your bike. Think about it. When you are riding the bike, you are protecting it from rain.

We do note that there is no "leash" to prevent the cover from being lost accidentally. We have a workaround, though. Loop the shock cord around a saddle rail and put the whole cover through that loop.

You can still deploy the cover and also roll it up and store it under your saddle above the rails. This way, if it the cover ever came off your saddle, whether deployed or stowed, it would still be attached to your bike. Here's to dry saddles, dry butts, and well-made products. Come on down, and get set up with a Jandd saddle cover.

Now, about the lousy weather we've been having....

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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National Trails Day is Saturday, June 5th!

There is no better way to show your love and appreciation of our trails, be they paved, gravel or dirt, then by helping to work on them. The Woodland Trail Greenway Association has a number of small work parties at 9AM this Saturday and a celebration at noon as well:

Olympia: Put mulch mats on our newly-planted trees at the Fones Road Crossing of the Woodland Trail.  Contact Jack Horton (360)789-0944.

Lacey: Invasive species removal at Woodland Creek Community Park at the east end of the Woodland Trail. Contact Lori Flemm (360)701-6814.

Thurston County: Invasive species removal at the Chambers Lake Trailhead of the Chehalis Western Trail. Contact Kerry Hibdon at (360)867-2181.

Celebration at NOON: Wrap-up at the "T" intersection between the Woodland Trails and the Chehalis Western Trail for light snacks and a celebration.

  Enjoy the trails: ride your bike or longboard; skate or walk.  Just get to the intersection of the Woodland Trails and the Chehalis Western Trail by Noon! If you are not familiar with this location, call Jack Horton (360)789-0944 for directions.

Alternately, if you prefer off-road trail work, volunteer with Friends of Capitol Forest to make new sanctioned trails, and repair storm-damaged ones; FOCF will soon be building a bridge out of modular parts volunteers carry in -- cool! Drop them an email if you'd like to help out.

Thanks to all the volunteers out there. Happy National Trails Day!

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Chehalis-Western Trail (CWT) Bridge Opening

Despite the fact that the ribbon cutting on the CWT Martin Way bridge was a couple months ago, I still wanted to acknowledge it, and also to report on the prospects for the final bridge over Pacific Avenue.

Also, as mentioned earlier in this blog, Congressman Brian Baird was at the ribbon cutting ceremony, where he recalled the "citizen lobbying effort" about this phase of the project:

BTW, he's kidding about almost getting killed, though, right Congressman? Uh, sir?

The Olympian covered the bridge opening

(Olympia Power & Light also reported on the story, but I am sorry to say I cannot find a weblink for it.)

Anyway, I want to thank everyone involved in the project, as well as all those who came out to the even, undeterred by the iffy weather. Ironically, May's weather has been worse compared!

Very Good News: Pending closeout of the project, word from Thurston Regional Planning Council staff is that there is enough money left to fund property acquisition, design and possibly even full construction of the last portion of the "Gap Project" over Pacific Avenue, near the "Kite Girl" statue in Lacey. I wonder if she'll find another place to reside....

TRPC's webpage on the overall Gap Project

1 --

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Two Down, One to Go! Martin Way Non-motorized Bridge Opening

Yes, it is a time of celebration for bikers and walker in Thurston County because of the imminent completion of a project to help link up the north-south backbone trail in our region. The Chehalis-Western Trail is bisected by a "gap" comprised of three major crossings: I-5, Martin Way and Pacific Avenue. First we tackled the I-5 portion, thanks largely to the hard work of then State Legislator, now County Commissioner Sandra Romero.

This celebration is for the completion of the second phase of the project, a bridge over Martin Way. Congressman Brian Baird has been instrumental in funding this project, as well as the third and final phase (a bridge over Pacific Avenue). He'll be on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, and we hope you will be too. Details follow.

-- 

- Larry Leveen

OlyBikes Locally-Owned Bike Shop

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Olympia, WA 98501

Phone: 360-753-7525

http://www.olybikes.com

(FREE bike safety & advocacy  materials)

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Cell Phone Bill on Governor's Desk!

The cell phone bill is expected to be signed into law very soon, and we are requesting you help us get the Governor to sign it.

Please take a moment to call Governor Gregoire's office in support of the bill. It simply takes an "I support SB 6345 and hope the Governor signs it into law soon!"

The phone number to Gov. Gregoire's office is 360-902-4111.

Thanks for helping to keep our roads safe.

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Bridging the Gap Phase 2 Ribbon Cutting!

Download now or preview on posterous

dedication.pdf (204 KB)

Check the deets here: http://bit.ly/9d7YPy

Please spread the word!

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National Bike Summit Crankin' it Up for Cycling

The past couple days I've been in Washington D.C. along with scores of other advocates for the 10th Annual National Bike Summit.

Local, regional, state and national advocacy groups of all types - on and off road cycling, transit-oriented health-oriented, and, I'm proud to say bike _industry_ organizations have gathered for an intensive training and issues briefings, followed by visits to members of Congress. We're asking for a variety of things, including, co-sponsorship of various bills to help support Safe Routes to Schools, Active Community Transportation, Complete Streets (i.e. not just moving cars, but moving people by including all modes in projects with federal funding).

I've been spending most of my time with staff from both Bicycle Alliance of Washington and Cascade Bicycle Club, visiting our legislators. It's been nice to do some catching up and comparing of notes with these folks, as well as say hi to the more progressive folks in the industry who get it that we have to "grow the pie" by getting involved.

Washington's congressional delegation tends to be supportive (especially west of the Cascades), but with so many things vying for staff and legislator attention, it is important to deliver these messages in person. Schedules are of course busy, and sometimes a staffer must fill in, but is not a disappointment, as a staffer is likely your best advocate, having "the bosses ear" daily, and preparing their legislative agendas and informational packets. We were able to meet with Brian Baird's Legislative Director and Patty Murray's Legislative Aide, and Senator Cantwell herself.

We then had a stroke of luck and squeezed in a meeting with Senator Murray herself, who was rushing from one meeting to the next, to present her with an award from the League of American Bicyclists for her work for cycling in our state. Stay tuned for pix (my kingdom for an iPhone!).

I'm taking a break in a lounge to catch my breath (and write this!). Following that, we'll head over to meet with Representatives Jim McDermott and Adam Smith, who are from districts north of mine (The Bikin' 3rd!), but who I think have plenty of reason to support our causes.

More as it comes!

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Urgent Action Needed on Cell Phone Bill

Last week the House passed an amended version of the cell phone bill (Senate Bill 6345).  While they supported the ban on texting while driving, the House weakened the Senate bill by reducing handheld cell phone use back to its current status as a secondary offense. Boo!

The Senate has rejected the amended version and pushed the bill back to the House. Please take action!

Write or call your legislators in the next 24 hours and ask them to pass the ORIGINAL version of SB 6345.

The pre-written message using the link below has been changed to reflect this call-to-action. Please send to your House member right away, and pass this link to as many people as you can.

www.votervoice.net/groups/driven

Session officially ends on Thursday, so time is of essence.

As usual, spread the good word to help keep all of us safe. Thanks.

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The Kind of Cell Phone Bill You WANT!

Another important announcement from our friends at Bicycle Alliance of Washington:

The Bicycle Alliance is a member of the Driven to Distraction Task Force.  We are thrilled that Substitute Senate Bill 6345 is close to becoming law!  Below is a message from the task force:

The Washington state legislative session ends in 8 days, and we need your help in our final push for Senate Bill 6345. With your help, handheld cell phone use and texting while driving will become primary offenses in 2010!

PEMCO just released a poll revealing the number of WA drivers using handheld devices illegally has more than doubled over the past 20 months, and texting while driving has skyrocketed even higher.

What we urgently need your help today to help curb this alarming trend:

1. Take a few minutes to e-mail your representative using the online link below, even if you've done it before. To find out who your representative is and how to contact them, click here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

2. Forward the following e-mail/action link to as MANY people as you can that live in Washington and ask them to contact their representative in support: http://www.votervoice.net/groups/driven

SSB 6345 will likely go to the full House floor today for a vote, and every e-mail and phone call to legislators in support of this bill will help. If you or your colleagues hear back from a House representative, please forward any responses to info@nodistractions.org.

And hey, this isn't just about cyclist safety -- this is EVERYONE's safety on the line here, so contact your legislator now!

Thanks.

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Bike & Pedestrian Safety Bill in WA Needs Your Help

I've described OlyBikes before as "the day job which satisfies my advocacy habit". More accurately, though, it is really "one-on-one advocacy" (helping folks use and enjoy bikes for transportation and recreation) that supports my "legislative advocacy" habit. Most days, it is the former and not the latter, but today, I need to ask you to help with a legislative need. The following is from our friends at the Bicycle Alliance of Washington:

Many of you have already heard from me regarding HB 3001, our bike/ped safety bill.  The bill has been doing well and now is our chance to get it significantly closer to being law.  So, I am now asking you to make what I hope is the  last phone call or email.

Contact your Senator right away and ask them to <b>vote "Yes" on HB 3001 as amended by the Senate</b>.   To find out who your Senator is and get their contact information, click here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/    We prefer that you call them.

HB 3001 would require the already approved bicycle/pedestrian awareness curriculum be taught in traffic schools which are for drivers that have received infractions and may qualify to be granted a deferral of the infraction by attending the school.  Many licensed drivers do not have knowledge about such safe driving practices.  The materials for these classes will be paid for by the Bicycle Alliance so there is no cost to the state.

Expanding the curriculum requirement to traffic schools from drivers education schools where it is already required would increase this important knowledge about safe driving practices. 

Thank you and please contact me if you have questions or need additional information.

Dave Janis, Policy Director

Bicycle Alliance of Washington

206.224.9252 Ext. 302

I'll try to make it easy on you South Sounders. Here are some local districts and the contact names and numbers:

22nd District   Sen. Karen Fraser       (360) 786-7642

20th District   Sen. Dan Swecker        (360) 786-7638

35th District   Se. Tim Sheldon (360) 786-7668

<b>Please call now -- I just did and it took all of 30 seconds. Thanks and spread the word!</b>

--

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Bridging the Gap Phase II Nears Completion!

If good things come to those who wait, then this is going to be really good, because we've surely been waiting a long time!

In this case, we've been waiting for Phase II of the Bridging the Gap Project, to join the northern and southern sections of the Chehalis-Western Rail Trail (CWT). The CWT is the major north-south trail in Thurston County. It's been pieced together and developed over a number of years, and, when complete, it will connect the northern and southern portions of the trail so that anyone in an urbanized area in Thurston County can bike to Puget Sound on a trail system.

The image, courtesy of Thurston Regional Planning Council www.trpc.org, shows an artist conception of the finished bridge over Martin Way (from the north side, looking south). Word has it that we are just a couple weeks away from being able to use this bridge and a couple more after that from having an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Stay tuned for that, and spread the word.

Following completion of this phase, we'll have just one more phase left -- a bridge over Pacific Avenue. My sources tell me that they are optimistic that we'll have adequate funds to accomplish that once the current project is closed out. They just have to go through the seat cushions for all the loose change.

For more project info on Bridging the Gap, see: http://tinyurl.com/2aqjpm

And hey, the real truth is, good things don't come to those who wait. They only come to those who get active and involved. The best way to make a difference locally is to either:

1. Apply to be on the City of Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: http://tinyurl.com/ykex8ao
   
2. Contact the Capital Bicycling Club's Advocacy Director and find out how to get involved with existing efforts or to initiate change on your own local bike issue.

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