Pedal Talk

The Newsletter of Granite State Wheelers
July / August 2021 Volume 49, Issue 4

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

 

“Let’s celebrate our 50th Anniversary!”

By now, most GSW members know that 2021 is our 50th Anniversary year. Having started with a small group at the Manchester YMCA, the GSW has survived and grown to be one of the “oldest”, well-known, and active bike clubs in New England. Times have changed a lot since July 1971 but the club remains focused on fun road rides (not races) and more recently rail trail rides. Covid-19 did a “real number” on us last year and only now are restrictions being lifted so many activities can resume. Our monthly social meetings are still cancelled for July and August while our 50th Anniversary ride and picnic will be held on August 8, the Seacoast Century will be on September 25, and a year-end event is being planned for sometime in November. Bottom line, we are slowly returning to some semblance of “normal” while not taking high risks with the threat of Covid variants lurking in the background whether you are vaccinated or not.

Two major changes within the past year have been well-received by all but a few members who didn’t want to see the paper Pedal Talks and membership cards go away. Pedal Talk “went digital” with the November-December 2020 issue and membership processing plus mailings went to email in January 2021. New systems, new formats, new device support, and new services are all part of the GSW moving ahead. Personally, I “almost miss” processing and mailing memberships (plus most newsletters) after doing it for 49 years! Even so, I still don’t seem to have a lot of free time to ride my bikes but that could change.

Read More

As a “heads up” and per the GSW bylaws, the Board is to compile a list of possible 2022 Board and Committee candidates for the September-October Pedal Talk. Additional candidates can submit their names up to October 1 at which time the on-line voting will start. Results will be announced via email after October 11. If you have the time, interest, and skills to devote to the GSW, here is your chance! Any current member can run for any position. Your volunteer efforts could make a big difference in GSW operations come 2022 – and what happens is up to you!

As a reminder, our website www.gswheelers.org was completely updated last July with improvements being made every month since then. In March we launched “Phase 2” that includes a “Members Only” page so you can always find the current newsletter and detailed ride schedule even if the original Pedal Talk emailed to you is lost. Just click the small bike icon on the website banner or click “Members Login” in the footer then enter the password of gswRIDES! The password will be valid for all of 2021 for all members. This page provides ride leader contact info, the GSW Club Ride with GPS instructions, downloadable ride sign-in sheet, prior newsletters and other info for members but not the general public. Be sure to check our Facebook page and MeetUp Calendar which are linked on the website and accessible with one click.

Some GSW rides are being conducted on rail trails to get away from motorists and to explore new territory. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can be used on all rail trails owned by the state. You may wish to check out some of the 380 miles of NH rail trails consisting of 58 named trails. The NH Rail Trails Coalition has an updated listing of rail trails on their website www.nhrtc.org.

Please keep in mind that the GSW is your club with new ideas and new volunteers always welcome. Your GSW Board of 16 members devotes a lot of time on club business that is seldom seen yet necessary to maintain a corporation with nearly 400 members. Feel free to contact me with your suggestions to make the GSW better for everyone.

“Happy cycling and stay safe!”

Dave Topham
president@gswheelers.org
603.898.5479
Co-Founder, 1971

GSW Announcements

GSW 50th Anniversary Get Together!

August 8, 2021

Elm Brook Recreation Area
Route 127, Hopkinton, N.H.

I-89 exit 6
Pavilion # 4

** Park opens at 9:00 a.m. **

** Variety of rides leaving 9:30 a.m. **

** Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. **

PLEASE RSVP to Lisa at Lccassell@comcast.net or Lyla at Lylaoneil@icloud.com

Tell the attendant at the booth that you are with Granite State Wheelers and the fee will be waived. If you have an America the beautiful national pass please use it to save the club some $!  For a map and directions click here.

GSW In the News

On 6/20/2021 The Union Leader pull-out section called “Live New Hampshire, Play New Hampshire” featured an article mentioning the Granite State Wheelers.

Read it here.

**  Editors note: The photo and caption for the “Bikes and Beers” event incorrectly names it as a GSW event. The event is a fundraiser for and supported by BWANH.  **

2021 GSW Social Information & Schedule

GSW Social Meetings

Monthly in-season social meetings that usually run from May to October are cancelled until further notice. Check the GSW MeetUp calendar and watch for email blasts to get the latest news.

Remember to check with individual ride leaders and event coordinators for all rides and events!

Welcome New Members!

Chelsea Caldwell, Manchester, NH 
Brenda Cannon, Weare, NH
Darrell Hamilton, Bedford, NH  
Rosina Johnson, Grantham, NH 
Ken Leibold, Litchfield, NH
Herminio Miranda, Malden, MA
Patricia Noonan, Windham, NH
Mark Cross Powers, Candia, NH 
Michelle  Ruby, Nashua, NH
David Simon, Marlborough, MA
Sally Stevenson, Nashua, NH
Susanne Trask, North Hampton, NH
Khalid Umar, Pelham, NH
Kelli Wright, Manchester,  NH
Nancy Young, Auburn, NH

GO FOR THE GEAR!

Support the Granite State
Wheelers

 

47th Seacoast Century 

Hampton Beach, NH
September 25, 2021
Put this date on your calendar!
Great bicycling along the scenic New England coast.

Routes of 25, 50, 65, and 100 miles
• Routes include coastlines of New Hampshire, Massachusettes

Our thanks to the Seacoast Century Planning Team:

Seacoast Century Coordinators:

Donna Hepp – dhepp3@gmail.com (Permits, Registration)
Paula and Jim Fines – pfines@comcast.net (Volunteers)
Mark Mac Kenzie – msmackenzie@comcast.net (Safety, Mechanics and Police )

Patty Tompkins – Food and Supplies
Bill Kennedy – Routes
Bill Haynes – Route Marking and Food Trucks
Mark St. Denis – Rider Data and Spreadsheets

2021 Seacoast Century Draws Record Response

The 2021 Seacoast Century received a record level of interest with almost 500 sign ups during the first week of registration in mid-February. Our NH State Park permit request for 900 riders received a thumbs up in May. We confirmed registration for the first 900 riders in May and filled an additional Waitlist of almost 60 riders. The 2021 Seacoast Century is slimmed down to one day, September 25th, with changes such as no registration check-in, no Day of Sign ups, no Bike EXPO and no catered meal at the end of the ride.

What hasn’t changed is our reliance on a great crew of volunteers to support the Century. The Seacoast Century Planning Team is well underway lining up volunteers to purchase and transport food and supplies, mark the routes the week before the event, staff the rest stops, SAG support vehicles, Rider Hotline, and help with set up and closing the event. But more help is needed. We’re also considering an after the Century, GSW only ride on Sunday, September 26th. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Jim and Paula Fines at pfines@comcast.net.

Now that the event is firmed up, we are working on the Volunteer sign-up. It will be available shortly. Though the event is only one day, we still need volunteers, some in new roles!

GSW CLUB MILEAGE 2020 – 2021

MILEAGE TOTALS INFORMATION

Your responsibilityIf you want your mileage recorded, please print your name clearly! Indicate if you are a paid GSW member. MeetUp only
members will not have their mileage recorded.

Ride LeadersPlease print the date, your name and the time and location of the ride on the ride sheet. Ensure that rider names are legible and mileage is recorded. Submit ride sheets weekly via snail mail to Hetty Andrews.

Road, Off-road, or Tandem?  Please indicate the type of ride you are doing after you sign your name.

Charity RidesIf you attended a charity ride and a GSW ride leader was not present, submit your name, the charity ride information (date, time,
location), and send to Hetty Andrews (see below).

Commuter and Utilitarian MileageUsing your bike instead of a car for commuting, errands, or cycling to/from a GSW ride starting location adds to
your annual total on the honor system. Send your total mileage to Hetty Andrews.

GSW Mileage YearOctober 1 through the following September 30.

GSW Mileage Coordinator:
Hetty Andrews
44 Deerhaven Dr.
Nashua, NH 03064
603-889-3222
mileage@gswheelers.org

On Road Mileage

Total 19,763 miles
1,708 Jim Sullivan
1,708 Cathy Yeager
1,338 Melissa O'Brien
1,168 Tony Verderame
780 Jon Verderame
570 Jean Manning
567 Bobby Dinterman
559 Dan Conery
556 Chris Hallowell
435 David Ross
427 William Kennedy
420 Wayne Santos
409 Mike Cardarelli
403 Michael Claus
352 Eugene Smith
329 Bernie Fournier
313 Bruce Dyke
306 Bert Jordan
281 Kevin Clarke
267 John Straight
259 Fred Ratcliffe
258 Don Lane
233 Christina Cook
223 Pat Dow
210 Grace Cardarelli
192 Lyla Oneil
187 Jim LaJeunesse
162 John Gilbride
158 John Stevens
155 Billy Manning
152 Patty Tompkins
147 Rose Verderame
140 John Reisch
139 John Kellaway
138 Jim Hatch
136 Jim Karwocki
127 Lisa Cassell
124 Brenda Knight
124 Jim Knight
121 Laura LaJeunesse
120 Joy Kubit
119 Dave Holmander
118 Tony Matos
118 Judy Z Reisch
113 Andrew Stevens
110 Ben Parker
108 Brenda Fusco
106 Ernie Jeffrey
99 Brad Cilley
96 Storm Connors
94 Anne Forzley
90 Lindsay Collins
85 Dave Coughlin
81 Larry Morgan
79 Patty Anderson
73 Kendall Buck
73 Mitchel van Berol
72 David Garcia
69 Howard Licker
69 Melissa Roberts
67 Edwin Duer
66 Sue Trask
64 Tom Bartolino
60 Amy Dyment
60 Ralf Hilber
59 Carl Gurtman
57 Anne Gwynne
57 Michelle Ruby
53 Joe Kubit
51 Natalie McMahon
51 Sue Mills
49 Tom Pears
47 Marcel Daudelin
41 Mark St Denis
41 Anna Verderame
39 Pam Geiger
38 Doug Strott
36 David Harris
34 Stephan Fox
34 Jay Godfrey
32 David Gordon
32 Cathy Peterson
31 Mark Cross Powers
31 David Scharlotte
30 Hetty Andrews
30 Beth Bartlett
30 John Bartlett
29 Lloyd Mills
27 Dave Topham
26 Chelsea Caldwell
26 Darrell Hamilton
23 Tony Attardo
23 Dean Murray
22 Jennifer Jacobs
22 Patricia Noonan
20 Sam Colbeck
19 Donna Hepp
19 Jeff Mc Killip
18 Peggy Kehew
18 Diane Orecchio
17 Aaron Ellinwood
17 Kimmy Ellinwood
16 Jeff Allen
16 Theresa Schmidt
12 Al Jones

Commuter Mileage

Total 1,461 miles
652 Lee Newcomb
518 Eugene Smith
161 Cathy Yeager
130 Jim Sullivan

Tandem Mileage

102 Total Miles
51 Jay Clausen
51 Valerie Clausen

Off Road Mileage

Total 195 miles
55 Melissa O'Brien
45 Pam Geiger
25 Ed Duer
25 Jim Sullivan
25 Cathy Yeager
20 Tony Verderame

Rail Trail Etiquette

With more and more people using the rail trails in New Hampshire thanks to on-going development and a lot of hard work by volunteers, we hear of incidents which make biking or walking on the trails less than the best experience.  Sometimes guidelines are posted at trailheads, parking lots, etc. but they are commonly not seen or ignored if they are seen and read – unfortunately.  The following list has been compiled from various on-line sources and might provide some guidance for the next time you are using a rail trail – or at least you could tell someone else about established guidelines.  Just like on-road cycling, a little common sense and courtesy goes a long way!

All users of trails

Show courtesy to other trail users at all times.

Use the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.

Always pass on the left.  When overtaking someone, let them know you are approaching and will be passing on their left. You may hear a cyclist call out, “On your Left!” as one comes up from behind. That means you should stay to your right.

Respect the rights of property owners.

Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.

 Whenever you stop for a view, a rest, or to yield, move off the trail so it is clear for others.

Read More

Keep dogs on leash (maximum length 8 feet) and remove pet feces from trail.

Greet people you meet. This makes sure they know you are there and is polite. A simple “Howdy” or “Nice Day” is fine.

When in a group, travel single file or take no more than half of a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering walkers, bikers, and horses.

Horses always have the right of way. If you encounter a horseback rider, get off the trail on the downhill side. Horses will tend to bolt uphill when spooked. Also, to the horse you waiting on the uphill side makes you look more like a predator waiting to pounce. Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are. Stand quietly while the horse passes.

If you approach a horse from behind it’s critical that you announce yourself loudly but calmly so you do not scare the animal. Let the rider know you’d like to pass at the next safe location. Do NOT approach quickly — it’s dangerous for you and the rider.

Use the trails quietly. Shouting may be fun for kids, but keep conversations low and enjoy the lack of horns, engines, and city noises. There is such a thing as noise pollution – and cell phones are included.

Carry-in, carry-out – do not litter. It just does not make sense that someone spending time to get out into nature would purposely destroy it.

Take a picture. A pretty rock or a bunch of flowers deserve to remain where they are. We have a need for mementos of our adventures, but picture in your mind what the place would look like if the group before you had taken what you are about to put in your pocket.

Report vandalism. If there is contact information at the trailhead, tell the managing agency of any destruction or management needs you notice.
You will run into some people that feel they have a right to do whatever they want outdoors. You may see wide, detours around muddy spots with footprints, hoof prints, and tire tracks all adding to the damage. You’ll see washed out gullies created by mountain bikers having fun tearing up the turf. You’ll have a biker fly past you with no warning.

These are the people that make a negative impression. Keep your eyes open for them for your own safety, but also recognize the many others that are courteous and polite. And, make sure people put you into the courteous and polite category after they’ve met you on the trail.

Bicyclists

You are responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle.

Yield to pedestrians and horses

Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicyclists on their left.

Ride at a safe speed. Slow down and form a single file in congested conditions, reduced visibility, and other hazardous conditions.

Pedestrians

Stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.

Watch for other trail users.

Be especially alert when running.

Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users (runners and bicyclists) to pass safely. 

Bicycling Safely in NH

For more information see NH DOT website.

Bicycles are Vehicles

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. (RSA265:143)

Bicyclists must stop at stop signs and red lights, yield to pedestrians, and ride with traffic.

It’s The Law

  • Yield the right of way to approaching traffic before entering the roadway. (RSA 265:32)

  • Stop at all stop signs. (RSA 265:30-I)

  • Don’t cross the stop line when the traffi c signal is red. (RSA 265:10-III a&d)

  • Take left turn from the outermost left turn lane when multiple left turn lanes are available. (RSA 265:42-II)

  • Stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks. Don’t pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. (RSA 265:35-I&IV)

  • To prepare for the turn, first look behind and merge to the center line or left turn lane as traffic permits, signaling to get the cooperation of following drivers as necessary.

  • Do not operate on sidewalks (RSA 265:26-a), or ride the wrong way on one-way streets (RSA 265:23-II).

  • Bicyclists must wear at least one item of refl ective apparel from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise (RSA 265:144-XII).

  • Helmets are required by law for cyclists less than 16 years of age. (RSA 265:144-X).

  • Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic. (RSA 265:16-II) Riding against traffic is illegal.

 

Safety Education

BIKE SAFETY

Bicycle Helmets 2021

Whether you are commuting to work, riding on a rail trail, or just riding in your neighborhood you should put on a helmet first.
In the event of an accident, helmets dramatically reduce your risk of head injury.

Helmets are important for everyone.

Wearing a helmet is the law for kids in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Some cities and towns including Seattle, Washington mandate helmets for adult riders.

When it is time to buy your first helmet, or upgrade your old one, there are many choices. With every company boasting its own safety features and list of proprietary technologies, it is important to find a helmet that fits your head.

Read More

MIPS, ( Multi – directional Impact Protection System ), is a leading slip plane technology used inside newer helmets. It is designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts, and uses a slip plane system that moves inside the helmet, mimicking brain’s own protection system. Proper fitting is essential for getting the maximum amount of protection for your head.

Many bike helmet manufactures recommend replacing helmet every 3 – 5 years. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you get a new helmet every 5 – 10 years and the Snell Foundation recommends helmet replacement every 5 years.

An important reason to upgrade your helmet is due to the technology advances.

If you have fallen and hit your head while wearing a helmet, it is time to replace it.

Obey bicycle laws and wear a helmet.

Phil Rose
GSW Safety and Education

Where Do YOU Ride Your Bike?


On the road, on a rail trail? Wherever you ride, is it safe and accessible? Can you get to where you want to go on your bike?


Bike-Walk Alliance of NH is the only statewide organization dedicated to improving policy, infrastructure and education for bicyclists and pedestrians in the Granite state.


As an avid cyclist, we need your voice and your support! Please subscribe to our free, bi-monthly e-newsletter by sending your email to: info@bwanh.org  or clicking this link. You can keep up with active transportation news and events, as well as share your comments on our Blog.


Supporting BWANH is easy, just click on this link which will take you to our website. You can donate an amount you choose as a 1-time donation or make it automatically renew on an annual basis. Your contribution will help to make New Hampshire an even greater place to bike, walk and live.


BWANH appreciates your support!

Classified Ads

(All ads will be deleted after each issue unless requests are sent to renew.) 

Send ads to:  editor@gswheelers.org 

~~ For sale: 1980 Marrinoni steel frame, 56cm
…make an offer
(603) 545 – 9745

~~ For sale: Trek 520 touring bike, 23” diamond-style frame, Forest Green, bar-end shifters, 21-speed gearing, 700 x 28C tires, 100% original, and not a scratch! Cost new $1,400, current model $1,750, asking $500. Contact Dave Topham, 603-898-9926 dstopham@comcast.net

A classic touring bike that “will last forever” and built for the open road. It’s the longest running model in Trek’s lineup since 1983. Cantilever brakes, a road-smoothing steel frame, rack and fender mounts, and a stable touring geometry make 520 the perfect choice for loaded multi-day trips and comfortable all-day adventures. The wide-range drive train is ideal for hauling a heavy load up the hills.

~~ For sale: Univega Nuovo Sport Steel-Frame Bicycle – Shimano Deore 3X6 groupset (upgraded from original bike). Down-tube friction shifters, 26 in. wheels, Seat tube 46 mm – Top tube 51 mm – Reach 37 mm (approx..) –Stack 46 mm (approx.) – Standover 73 mm; $195 For more information contact:  CathyYeager, cyeagersecretarialservices@comcast.net; Call/Text: (603) 496-1361

 

Club Info At A Glance

Ride with GPS - Club Account

As a GSW member, you have free access to our premium Ride with GPS Club Account.

This account provides:

  • Access to the program via a laptop and/or Android and iPhone devices
  • Creation of your own personal space/account
  • Ability to create routes and log rides
  • View and download routes from the club route library

Setup:

  • Go to www.RideWithGPS.com.
  • Login or create a new personal account. Click on this link: http://bit.ly/2oEP3Zd to add your name to the GSW account.
  • A GSW logo will appear in the lower left corner. Click on the logo to access the Club page.

For more information on Ride with GPS Club Benefits, visit:
https://ridewithgps.com/help/club-benefits.

Ride and Event Information
Rides are open to anyone interested in bicycling. Parental consent is required for those under 18.

Club rides may be on-road, off-road, invitational, charity, or weekend events. Most rides have a leader. In case of rain, rides may be cancelled or rescheduled. Check MeetUp for up-to-date ride information. If in doubt, call the ride leader.

For rides listed as Show-and-Go, leader and riders select a route and pace to accommodate the slowest rider.

Safety: Helmets are required. Riders are expected to follow traffic rules and be courteous to other riders, pedestrians, and drivers.

Member Benefits: Sign-in to have your mileage recorded and to be covered by club insurance in the event of an accident.

Be Prepared: Have your bicycle in good working order. Always carry a spare tube, tire levers, a patch kit, a pump, water, snacks, and an ID that contains medical and emergency information.

Club “Meetup” site: https://www.meetup.com/Granite-State-Wheelmen-bicycling/
Check for new rides or last-minute ride changes. The GSW Meetup site is free to join. Being a GSW Meetup member does not constitute being a paid GSW member for mileage tracking and other benefits.

Volunteer: If you do not find a ride you like, volunteer to become a ride leader. Talk to a ride coordinator on ‘how-to’.

Charity Riders: You are welcome at all GSW rides. Let the ride leader know you are in training for a Charity Ride!

 

Terrain and Pace Guidelines
Terrain
1   Generally flat, some grades, for beginners
2  Easy grades, challenging for beginners
3  Moderate grades, some challenge for average riders
4  Steep grades with some relief

Pace
L  –  Leisurely with many rest stops (< 12 mph)
M – Moderate with some rest stops (12 – 15 mph)
B –  Brisk with few stops (15-18 mph)
S –  Steady, strenuous, rapid pace (>18 mph)

Charity & Invitational Rides

All Charity and Invitational Rides are the sole responsibility of the hosting organization. The GSW has no responsibility and provides no insurance coverage including club and personal liabilities, property damage, or participant accident claims. You may have your mileage recorded for Charity & Invitational rides.

Mileage: If you attended a charity ride and a GSW ride leader was not present, submit your name, the charity ride information (date, time, location), and send to Hetty Andrews.

CHARITY RIDES

AUGUST

8 – 14, Sunday – Saturday, Against the Tide August Virtual Event, supporting MBCC’s unique goal of breast cancer prevention. Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host a virtual event with a 7-day participation window The virtual event components include 1-mile recreational or competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, 5K or 10K runs, 3-mile walk, ½-mile stand-up paddleboard, and 2-mile kayak. There is an Aquathon and full marathon option. All participants will receive a Participant Fun Pack, including an event t-shirt, participant medal, swim cap or bib, and sponsor items. FMI: Please visit www.mbcc.org/swim or call 617-376-6222.

14, Saturday, MBCC will hold an in-person event at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA. This event will feature 1-mile recreational or competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, 5K or 10K runs, and a 3-mile walk. All in-person event participants will receive an event t-shirt and participant medal. Prizes will be awarded for the top swim and run finishers. Registration for both events is $40 for an individual and $100 for a family registration (up to 5 family members). Participants may register as an individual or as part of a team. Participants are encouraged to fundraise beyond the registration fees, as all proceeds support MBCC’s unique goal of breast cancer prevention. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers.

SEPTEMBER

12, Sunday, 16th Annual Pedaling 4 Payson Ride, Elm Brook Park, Hopkinton, NH, benefits the Gene Gillis Fund at the Concord (NH) Hospital Center for Cancer Care. Payson fully serves Merrimack and Belknap counties as well as parts of Hillsborough, Rockingham, Grafton and Sullivan counties. Payson services reach as far as Plymouth/Campton/Sandwich to the North, Northwood to the East, Hooksett to the South, and Hillsborough to the West. Short rides appropriate for youngsters and a range of longer rides to choose from. New this year, a gravel ride! Along the routes, there will be a number of well-stocked stops for good food and beverages. End of day food and drinks, musical entertainment, and recognitions. Register by August 1st for a free T-shirt! FMI: visit pedaling for payson.org. Join Peppers Peddlers, (GSW’s Chris Hallowell is the captain). If you have questions, please contact: Chris Hallowell chrishalowell7@gmail.com or Cathy Yeager cyeagersecretarialservices@comcast.net

19, Sunday, The 33rd Annual Cycle for Shelter, benefits Emmaus, held at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, MA.  Emmaus, a non-profit housing and human services organization in Haverhill, MA that helps homeless, formerly homeless families and single adults rebuild their lives through shelter, permanent housing, and comprehensive supportive services. Cyclists can ride 10, 25 or 62 miles along the Merrimack River up to the New Hampshire seacoast (62-mile ride).  FMI:  please call (978) 241-3425 or email cycle@emmausinc.org or visit www.emmausinc.org or http://events.emmausinc.org/cycle21

 

INVITATIONAL RIDES

There are currently no invitational rides.

Weekend Events

2021 Seacoast Century Draws Record Response

The 2021 Seacoast Century received a record level of interest with almost 500 sign ups during the first week of registration in mid-February. Our NH State Park permit request for 900 riders received a thumbs up in May. We confirmed registration for the first 900 riders in May and filled an additional Waitlist of almost 60 riders. The 2021 Seacoast Century is slimmed down to one day, September 25th, with changes such as no registration check-in, no Day of Sign ups, no Bike EXPO and no catered meal at the end of the ride.

What hasn’t changed is our reliance on a great crew of volunteers to support the Century. The Seacoast Century Planning Team is well underway lining up volunteers to purchase and transport food and supplies, mark the routes the week before the event, staff the rest stops, SAG support vehicles, Rider Hotline, and help with set up and closing the event. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Jim and Paula Fines at pfines@comcast.net. Our thanks to the Seacoast Century

Great bicycling along the scenic New England coast.
• Routes of 25, 50, 65, and 100 miles
• Routes include coastlines of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.
• Registration and Waitlist filled in May and are now Closed.
• COVID-safety measures include NO on-site check-in and NO Walk-in registration

For more information, contact Seacoast Century Coordinators:
Donna Hepp dhepp3@gmail.com
Paula and Jim Fines ….pfines@comcast.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sadly our 28th annual trip to Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont for wonderful skiing and fellowship has been canceled.  We have never missed one!  We have rolled our reservation into 2022 (weekend of 2/11 – 2/14/22) and will be back in force then!  Craftsbury is still open for small family groups so check them out!  The Highland Lodge (close by) uses the trail system and is another great alternative.  Hope to see you all there in 2022.

 

Ride Leaders

Download Ride Leader Form

Please be sure that all names on the sign-up sheet are printed legibly with legible mileage recorded for each name.

Mail (not email) to:

Hetty Andrews
44 Deerhaven Dr.
Nashua, NH 03064.

NEW HAMPSHIRE’S E-BIKE LAWS

E-bikes, also known as electric-assist bikes, are becoming more and more popular throughout the U.S. Effective as of August 18, 2019, New Hampshire has adopted the following laws regarding the use of e-bikes. (New Hampshire laws referenced: N.H. Rev. Stat. §259:6, 259:27, 265:144)

MORE INFO Learn more at PeopleForBikes.org/e-bikes 
» Blogs and webinars
» E-bike laws around the country
» E-bike statistics and research
» Buying guide
» Retailer materials
» e-MTB management resources or visit  https://bwanh.org/e-bikes

GSW Sponsors

REMEMBER THE 10% DISCOUNT ON BICYCLE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR G.S.W. MEMBERS AT MOST SPONSORING SHOPS.
PLEASE SHOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE!

(“#” indicates discount allowed on cash and check sales only. “*” indicates no discounts allowed.)

America by Bicycle

2 Red Oak Drive, Unit A
Plaistow NH
(603) 382-1662
www.abbike.com

Belmont Wheelworks #

480 Trapelo Rd
Belmont MA
(617) 489-3577 www.wheelworks.com

Bike Barn

720 Union St
Manchester NH
(603) 668-6555
www.bikebarnusa.com

Buchika’s Ski & Sport Shop

340 South Broadway
Salem NH
(603) 89305534
www.buchika.com

Cycles Etc *

450 Second Street*
Manchester, NH
(603) 669.7993
https://www.cyclesetc.com/
288 North Broadway*
Salem, NH
(603) 890-3212

Exeter Cycles

4 Portsmouth Ave, Rt. 108
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 778-2331
http://exetercycles.com/

Goodale's Bike Shop

19 Triangle Park Drive
Concord, NH
(603) 225-5111

1197 Hooksett Rd.
Hooksett, NH
(603) 644-2111

14B Broad St.
Nashua, NH
(603) 882-2111

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/stores/goodales/

Gus' Bike Shop

Gus’ Bike Shop
55 Lafayette Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
(603) 964-5445
https://www.gusbike.com/

Littleton Bike & Fitness

30 Cottage Street
Littleton, NH 03561
(603) 444-3437
https://littletonbike.com/
info@littletonbike.com

Pedego Electric Bikes

236 N. Broadway, Unit F
Salem, NH
(603) 458-2094
https://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/

Rhino Bike Works

1 Foster Street
Plymouth, NH 03264
(603) 536-3919
http://rhinobikeworksnh.com/

S&W Sports

296 S.Main St.
Concord, NH
(603) 228-1441
http://www.swsports.net/

The Notch Hostel

324 Lost River Rd.
N. Woodstock, NH
(603) 348-1483
https://notchhostel.com/

GSW affiliated associations include:

The League of American Bicyclists, the Adventure Cycling Association, and Rails to Trails Conservancy, BikeWalk Alliance of NH.

About Pedal Talk

Pedal Talk is the bimonthly newsletter of the Granite State Wheelers (GSW) – New England’s most active recreational bicycling club.

Pedal Talk is the bimonthly newsletter of the Granite State Wheelers (GSW) – New England’s most active recreational bicycling club.

GSW Membership

Club rides and activities are open to the public. Parental consent is required for those under 18. Become a member today!

Submissions

Send all articles to: editor@gswheelers.org with attachments in MSWord, or ASCII, using IBM format.

Deadlines

The deadline for input to Pedal Talk is the first of every even numbered month. The next deadline for Pedal Talk submissions is August 1, 2021. Send ride copy to the Ride Coordinators, advertising to the Advertising Coordinator, mileage to Mileage Coordinator and other submissions to editor@gswheelers.org.

Advertising

Commercial advertising space is available. For information and advertising rates please contact Dave Topham (office@gswheelers.org)

Opinions

Opinions in this newsletter are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Granite State Wheelers.

Pedal Talk Staff

Editor
Laurie Daley
editor@gswheelers.org

Production Staff
Dave Topham
office@gswheelers.org

Ride Schedules
Marguerite Orazi
Patty Tompkins
rides@gswheelers.org

Charity & Invitational Rides
Laurie Daley
charity@gswheelers.org

Mileage
Hetty Andrews
mileage@gswheelers.org

Classified Ads
Pedal Talk Editor
editor@gswheelers.org

Advertising
Dave Topham
office@gswheelers.org

Marketing & Communications
Kimmy Ellinwood
marketing@gswheelers.org

GSW Board Members

OFFICERS

President
Dave Topham
president@gswheelers.org

Vice President 
Bill Hayne
vp@gswheelers.org

Recording Secretary
Patty Tompkins
secretary@gswheelers.org

Social Secretary
Becca “Hiker” Munroe
social@gswheelers.org

Treasurer
Leslie Thompson
treasurer@gswheelers.org


STANDING COMMITTEES

Banquet & Awards Coordinators:
Lisa Cassell & Lyla Oneil
banquets@gswheelers.org

Charity & Invitational Coordinator:
Laurie Daley
charity@gswheelers.org

Club and Commuting Mileage:
Hetty Andrews
mileage@gswheelers.org

Memberships:
Mark St. Denis
memberships@gswheelers.org

GSW Office:
Dave Topham & Judi Hull
office@gswheelers.org

Newsletter Editor:
Laurie Daley
editor@gswheelers.org

Newsletter Mailing:
Dave Topham
office@gswheelers.org

Merchandising Chairperson:
Bill Hayne
merchandise@gswheelers.org

Marketing & Communications:
Kimmy Ellinwood
marketing@gswheelers.org

Rides Coordinator:
Patty Tompkins
rides@gswheelers.org

Safety & Education Coordinator:
Phil Rose
safety@gswheelers.org

Seacoast Century Committee Chair:
Donna Hepp
seacoastcentury@gswheelers.org

Seacoast Century Volunteer Coordinator:
Paula Fines
sccvolunteer@gswheelers.org

Web Publishers:
Aaron & Kimmy Ellinwood
webpublishers@gswheelers.org

Weekend Events:
Marguerite Orazi
weekends@gswheelers.org