Annual Meeting & Election Results

The Club had a great evening at our original home - Deerfield Community Park - where we had our 1st Annual Meeting back in the 1980’s.
President Marc Urias presided;
The past board was recognized, particularly our out-going Vice President Pete Van Nuys, Membership Director Ann Reichling, Hospitality Director Mike Alvarez, Statistician Richard Brock, Secretary Bruce Dickens and Director at Large Aaron Sher.

Treasurer Ed Rubinstein explained his successful work at reforming our not for profit status from a charitable organization.

Mark Shapiro presented some details on the Carson City Scene remote get away next May and encourages everyone who is considering it to book a room now (72 hour cancellation if not going)

The Election (uncontested) was easily completed and our new Board Officers were duly installed. In addition to incumbents willing to continue, our new Vice President is Bev Plass, Membership Director is Shawn Andrews, Hospitality Director Penny Poorman, Secretary Dave Murphy and Statistician Rob Oglesby. The 2 Directors at Large and schedule of Board Meetings will be set soon by the new board officers.

BCI raffled out six $50 gift certificates to the lucky winners’ choice - Sue Rudolph, Jerry Chen, Jeff Larson and Charlene Larson all chose JAX Irvine, Ann Reichling chose Irvine Bicycles and Bev Plass chose Pure Ride.

BCI COUNTS! Has Moved to Pacelines

BCI COUNTS! has moved from the Statistics section and found a new home on Pacelines. BCI COUNTS! are articles by Dick Brock, BCI’s 2023-24 Statistician and his posts feature articles ranging from personal profiles, stories about accomplishments, trainer tips, and enhanced statistics.

You can search for the past posts here by typing in “BCI COUNTS! into the finder window on your browser.

BCI COUNTS! #9 Strava Apps Demystified

This article was first posted on July 31, 2024

Strava Apps are easy-to-add programs promoted by Strava to enhance its basic features. Here are the major groups offered:

  • Charity

  • Data Importers

  • Indoor

  • Mobile

  • Other

  • Performance Analysis

  • Prints

  • Social Motivation

  • Training

  • Visualizer

  • Wellness

Most Apps are free, but the more advanced ones charge a modest fee. Some are stand-alone and others require additional products to work, like an Apple Watch.

To access Strava Apps, click on the dropdown menu below and select “Apps,” highlighted in yellow.

If you’re interested in an App, click on its title for a short explanation. For more info, click on the “website” option.

Leveraging the valuable information you’ve already saved on Strava with an App can provide you with previously unknown insights regarding your health, fitness and/or lifestyle enjoyment.

Best,
Dick Brock, BCI Statistician

BCI COUNTS! #8 Balancing Act

In the mid 1980s, I purchased the first smart exercise machine called Dynavit. It was made in Germany and came with a hefty manual and a heftier price. I recall the training instructions emphasizing two main options: Healthy and Performance-based training. I was in my early 40s and rode with a competitive group of riders, so I quickly skipped over the Healthy option and concentrated on the Performance-based section. That worked for another 40 years. “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

BCI COUNTS! #2 - Making 2024 Even Better

Congratulations BCI Members… 2023 was quite a year!

Embrace the Joy of Cycling: Cycling isn't just about logging miles or scaling hills; it's a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. As we track our progress through our cycling computers and apps like Strava and Challenge Hound, let's remember that each pedal stroke is a step towards improved physical and mental health. In our club, whether you're in the 18-39 Age Group or the 80-150, every ride is a testament to your dedication and resilience.

Set Realistic Goals: With our club's detailed statistics, setting realistic goals becomes more manageable. Whether it's increasing the number of rides per month, adding a few more miles, or tackling a steeper climb, use the data to guide your objectives. Remember, improvement is personal, and every small achievement is worth celebrating. Soon there will be additional BCI statistics that allow you to identify those achievements as compared to the previous year and enjoy a little personal party… or not… it’s up to you!

Foster Community and Support: We are “The Friendliest Bike Club in Orange County!” This year, let's make a continued effort to support and motivate each other. Share your experiences, offer advice, invite new members or simply lend an ear. A strong community fosters a positive environment.

…and Now for Something Completely Different:

• We all know that losing muscle mass and flexibility as we age is a given. While cycling allows us to maintain our leg strength, it doesn’t do much for the rest of our structural and muscular systems. Stretching and weight lifting (even light weights) never stop!

• In CA, you do NOT need a doctor’s prescription to go to physical therapy (PT). PTs now offer nutritional support, so easy and healthy weight management goals can be met. Sports-oriented PTs perform physical exams and review your history before offering custom nutritional, weight and flexibility programs. Your insurance will probably pay for it, and once you learn your program and techniques, you can do everything at home!

• For example: Bob Forster is the official PT of the LA Marathon and has over 42 Olympic gold medals with athletes such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Alison Felix. He is a cyclist, having ridden La Ruta https://racelaruta.com/en/events/la-ruta-en/ twice. He keeps these athletes in top condition so they can respond to their coaches’ demands and perform at a level that lets them win. Yet, Bob’s bread-and-butter clients are regular folks just like us.

• Visit these links to see what a high-end sports PT does for elite athletes and can do for you as well: https://phase-iv.com  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWUb3Q3BAUM . There are many sports PTs in SoCal.

Conclusion:

• Set realistic goals.

• Foster a supportive community.

• Try new things.

• Focus on mental health.

By doing the above, we can make this year better than the last. Let's ride into 2024 with hope, determination, and the joy of cycling at our side.

-Dick Brock, BCI Statistician

Carson City Scene

BCI is coordinating a week of cycling and adventure in and around
Carson City, Nevada from May 23rd to 30th, 2025.

As plans develop they will be posted here but plan on an 8 hour drive to Carson City,
or fly to Reno in 4 1/2 hours with 1 connection (23 miles from Carson City = 1.5 hour with RTC bus)
(potentially with bicycles and luggage hauled up by trailer)
Dreamed up by the wonderful experiences of BCI Member Mark Shapiro, we already have 50 rooms reserved, at two adjacent hotels with plans for various rides and hikes in the area, and a chance to explore one of the nicest parts of Nevada.
For details, reach out to Mark at markshapiro.email@gmail.com

LODGING:
(Click the blue hyperlinks below for your discounted reservation directly with the hotel)
Hampton Inn & Suites $143/night + tax including Hot Breakfasts
My Place Hotel; $109/night + tax including Cold Breakfasts

Book your rooms NOW!
72 hour fully refundable, but to lock in these rooms and discounts today!

Lake Tahoe is a 25-minute drive away or a 1,700 elevation cycling climb with lunch atop, shoreline trails, great hiking spots.

If you have an RV, there is public street parking on the cul-de-sac between the two hotels; No hookups but if self contained you can park there. Those wanting to stay in their RV can easily find full-service utility spots nearby.

AFTER YOU HAVE LODGING BOOKED, Register with BCI HERE

This located only a few miles from the hotel and on nice route.

Those who enjoy cycling in town can explore the tree-lined streets around the Kit Carson Trail, featuring more than 60 historical landmarks. The nearby V&T Trail is another popular ride, taking cyclists along a section where the old railroad once ran and into Longview Ranch Trails, weaving through quiet neighborhoods and past parks and playgrounds. On the eastern side of the city, the Linear Park Trail takes riders along a paved multi-use path that extends from Governors Field to Moffat Open Space and on to the Mexican Ditch Trail. Click here for all trails. 

More advanced bike routes close but outside of Carson City include the Franktown Loop, which offers a scenic ride through estate- and farm-lined roads, Kingsbury Grade, a very challenging climb to Lake Tahoe with stunning views along the way, and the ride from Carson City to Virginia City, with a steep climb that leads to this famous old mining town. 
 Visit Carson City .com A hundred different things to do!

Weather Forecast:
Weather.com, click & scroll ahead to the month of May:

Examples of local rides:
Bikemap Rides
Komoot routes

We will have many short, medium, long, extra-long, and hill challenges to choose from each day, more routes/day than we can ride.
(We will be putting together BCI routes and cue slips)
Weather permitting, all organized rides and hikes will start at 9am (unless otherwise specified), designated rest stop and lunch stops either on the road or back in town.

Plan for warm weather, cold weather, and rainy weather.  A basics list of what to pack/bring will be provided. Projected weather at the end of May is 73-75 degrees days, 45-degree nights.

Carson City elevation is at 4,600 feet elevation.

Dinner-N-gab each night at a restaurant with a private room area, attendance is of course optional.  (Location, day, and time TBA). A curated list of other places for food will be provided.  For those that don’t want to bike or hike each day (or for more afternoon fun), a list of attractions and things to do will also be provided

Maps & Resources to get an idea of what is in the area:

CARSON CITY/DOUGLAS COUNTY TRAIL GUIDE (PDF)
ASH TO KINGS TRAIL MAP (PDF)
CARSON CITY MULTI-USE ROUTES MAP (4TH EDITION)
CARSON CITY MULTI-USE ROUTES TIPS & INFO (4TH EDITION)
HISTORIC VIRGINIA & TRUCKEE TRAIL MAPS

Eateries and Group Dinners with private room, schedule TBA:

• Red’s Old 395 (BBQ, salads, etc.)
• San Marcos Grill (Mexican)
• Great Basin Brewing Co (lots of options)
• Flavors of India (Indian)
• Juan’s Mexican Grill
• Nashville Social Club (music & dinner hosted, except alcohol)

Daytime-only nibbles

• LA Bakery (7am- 4pm)
• Comma Cafe (trendy breakfast/lunch (7am - 4pm)
• La Tapatia (Mexican Ice Cream, (noon to 8:30pm)
• Old World Coffee Roasters (7am - 5pm)

Lunch / Dinner other choices

  • Sassafras (eclectic)

  • Sumi Sushi

  • Poke Bowl (create own Japanese - take out)

  • Yang’s Kitchen (Chinese)

  • Vino’s Pizza (high end great)

  • Thai Basil (Thao)

  • Bully’s (bar food)

  • Pho Country (close to hotel-great vietnamese)

  • Cucina Lupo (Italian)

  • Soups (soups/sandwiches/salads/ice cream)

  • Carson Tahoe Health Hospital Cafeteria (Great salad bar & huge

    sandwiches, very reasonable $.

Breakfast (Other than free breakfast at the hotels / lunch spots if not on the route:

  • Starbucks close to hotels

  • So Juicy Juice & Salad Bar shakes, fresh juice, acai bowls, salads)

  • Squeeze Inn (huge portions)

  • Cracker Box (old style diner)

  • Eve’s Eatery (high end/trendy)

  • Paul Schat’s Bakery (fresh made pastries/bread, sandwiches, salads)

  • Carson Tahoe Health Hospital Cafeteria (best kept secret for low cost large great breakfasts)

Libations:
• Bank Saloon (quiet with live music - chill style)
• Shoetree Brewing (noon to 9pm)

More Fun things to do

  • Waterfall hike @ west end of King St (3 miles from downtown)

  • Historic walking tour of charming westside of Carson City, Kit Carson Trail

  • Multiple hikes of various levels

  • Sol Dispensary Tour (for those not doing the bike route rest stop)

  • Yoga sessions with Nichole

  • Carson Hot Springs (cemented pools, bring towel)

  • Gambling at the local casino

  • Lake Tahoe (30 minutes to a beach), Sand Harbor Beach State Park, Roundhill Beach

  • Drive to Reno, create your tour or the Classic Car Museum, walk the Truckee Riverwalk or kayak (serious whitewater depending on Winter snowfall),

  • NV Museum of Art,

  • Midtown Reno Neighborhood, restaurants.

GENOA & SURROUNDING AREAS

Eatery’s:

Questions? Contact Mark@BikeIrvine.org!

Breakfast/lunch:
• Sierra Chef (tables are outside)
• Great designer foods/pastries
• Pink Door
• Grover Hot Springs State Park (CA) - outside Markleeville (south of Genoa)

It will be the Memorial Day week,
so book your room now,
72-hour free cancellation policy !

SB 1216 pushing (PASSED - now on Governor’s Desk) through Sacramento to reduce funds for Class 3 routes and Bike Boulevards so more money can go to Cycle Tracks

At its heart this bill is pure social engineering; it is motivated by activists who want to take travel lanes from motorists and install badly engineered segregated lanes which increase risk at driveways and intersections. It is not, in my opinion, pro-bicyclist but anti-car.

Please read the text in CABO's position paper and consider for yourself what type of facilities are worth your tax money.