Pedal Talk
The Newsletter of Granite State Wheelers
November / December 2022 Volume 50, Issue 6
* CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER *
Remember to post your GSW ride photos on Meetup to appear in the next online issue of Pedal Talk!
In This Issue
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Prime cycling season ends – what does 2023 hold for the GSW?
As we look back on 2022, many road rides and some gravel rides were logged and 930 rode in the “cool” and windy Seacoast Century on September 24. We are still in “paperwork clean-up mode” with more bills to pay and rider feedback expected from a pending survey. I wish to thank all the volunteers who made the Seacoast Century happen plus the ride leaders and Board members who handled the routine rides and seldom-seen internal club business.
That said the results of our 2023 Board and Committee election was disappointing and left the club with critical positions not covered. (See the results in this newsletter.) The secure “Election Runner” ballot was sent to 457 members. Only 84 (18%) bothered to vote with just two write-in names for incumbents now “considering” to retain their Recording Secretary and SCC Coordinator positions. I announced months ago that I’m stepping down as President and member of the SCC Leadership Team. At nearly 80, I’m tired and slowing down but will try to keep the office and finances in order. (That is also “scary” as I have no backup.) The club can get by without a President but not without a Membership and Newsletter Mailing Chair. These critical positions were filled by Mark St.Denis for the past two years. He did a great job setting up a new membership database in “Airtable” (like Excel on steroids), automating many steps, sending membership cards via email, and maintaining the MailChimp audience file used for Pedal Talk mailings and more. A small stipend goes with this combined position as it takes over five hours a month, maybe closer to 15. I speak from experience having handled the GSW database for 48 years (1972 thru 2020) using computer mainframes, mini computers, and finally PCs running Microsoft Access in 1999. I’m not taking those functions back and Mark is moving on to a new and exciting career in meteorology.
So where is the “new blood” and leadership to keep the GSW going into our 52nd year?
Read More
If members won’t step up to fill critical positions, do we seek a paid staff? Merge with another organization? (The Bike-Walk Alliance of NH was considered some years ago.) I don’t want to see the GSW dissolved but we need people to make things happen. Recently I’ve been told that members only look at the ride schedule, maybe glance at their mileage totals, and if all rides were listed publicly on MeetUp then the newsletter and paid memberships are not necessary. “Membership perks” that include discounts at sponsoring bike shops, supplemental personal accident insurance, and our GSW Ride with GPS club account with over 200 routes don’t seem meaningful to many members. Covid concerns for the past three years prompted the Board to cancel all monthly in-season meetings and indoor events. In 1971 the club started as an adult social recreational cycling club whereas today social media negates the need to meet in person. The “younger generation” seemingly has little interest in cycling. Distracted, drunk, drugged, drowsy and aggressive motorists have resulted in a 15-20% reduction in road riding and road bike sales nationally. Our insurance for the Seacoast Century nearly doubled in 2022 due to nation-wide crashes and fatalities. After five very close calls on my own club rides in 2021, even as the GSW President and a certified League Cycling Instructor (#39) since 1980, I have not been on a bike all year. Admittedly, my health is not the best but I don’t want to “go out as a radiator ornament.”
So much for this “swan song” message and I hope to hear some positive plans for 2023. Even beyond the Board open positions there is discussion about how the 2023 Seacoast Century (# 49) will be handled. Many behind-the-scene problems resulted in most of the event leadership saying “I’m not having fun” and “Why are we running this event? We earn money we don’t need then give it away in grants.” $50,000 given in the past two grant cycles was great for the recipients but did little for the GSW.
Where does the GSW go from here? Ideas are most welcome. As a co-founder in 1971 I don’t like ending my “last message” on a negative note but some major changes and challenges await the Board and club decisions for next year.
Meanwhile, best wishes to all for “Happy Holidays” and great cycling in 2023. It is your call to determine the future for the GSW. Feel free to contact me with your suggestions if I can help.
Dave Topham
office@gswheelers.org
603.898.5479
GSW Announcements
GSW 2023 Officer and Committee Election Results
GSW 2023 Officer and Committee Election Results
October 11, 2022
All open positions may be filled by volunteers submitting names to the Vice President vp@gswheelers.org or the GSW Office office@gswheelers.org . The Board will review applicants and conduct interviews as needed. Any GSW member in good standing and wishing to devote a little time and skills to help the club move ahead in 2023 is encouraged to step forward!
Position Elected
Officers:
President (open)
Vice President Bill Hayne
Recording Secretary Write-in: Patty Tompkins
Social Secretary Becca Munroe
Treasurer Dave Topham
Standing Committees:
Charity & Invitational Coordinator Laurie Daley
Club Mileage and Commuting Mileage Lindsay Collins
Events Coordinator (open)
GSW Office Dave Topham
Memberships Chair (open)
Newsletter Editor Laurie Daley
Newsletter Mailing (open)
Merchandising Chairperson Bill Hayne
Marketing Coordinator (open)
Rides Coordinator Patty Tompkins
Safety & Education Coordinator Phil Rose
Seacoast Century Director Write-in: Mark MacKenzie
Seacoast Century Volunteer Coordinator (open)
Web Publishers Kimmy & Aaron Ellinwood
Weekend Events Marguerite Orazi
2022 GSW Social Information & Schedule
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.
Save the date!
Remember to check with individual ride leaders and event coordinators for all rides and events!
Michael Aiken – Windham, NH
Arthur Bartlett – Belmont, NH
Parker Cavallaro – Londonderry, NH
Mary Jane Clark – Eliot, ME
Jim Clemens – Center Harbor, NH
Tom Coate – Stratham, NH
Paul Corsetto – Derry, NH
Doug Demster – Meredith, NH
Robert Evans – Wilmont, NH
Kenneth Ferrer – Portsmouth, NH
Joe Garrison – Chichester, NH
Patricia Grobecker – Northwood, NH
Rich Grobecker – Northwood, NH
John Harvey – Danbury, NH
Garrett Keane – Newbury, NH
Marcia Keane – Newbury, NH
Amy King – Chichester, NH
Enid Lawrence – Londonderry, NH
David Loszewski – Nottingham, NH
Daniel Lynch – Goffstown, NH
Kathy Minikowski – Washington, NH
Steve Minikowski – Washington, NH
Chris Morris – Portsmouth, NH
Pete Mosseau – Concord, NH
Kinberly Parker – York, ME
Rohit Reddy – Manchester, NH
Beth Van Belle – Newburyport, MA
George Wool – Lebanon, NH
Dorothee Wool – Lebanon, NH
Melanie Ziegler – Meredith, NH
GO FOR THE GEAR!
Support the Granite State
Wheelers
2022 Seacoast Century
Wrap Up
Well, this year’s seacoast century is in the can. There were 1209 people registered to ride and we passed out 930 numbers. Thirty volunteers also rode.
One hundred and twenty-five GSW members participated in the event.
Eighty-seven percent of the riders were over 45.
The ratio of men to women is 58% men and 42%, women.
The majority of the riders were from New England and New York with a good representation up and down the east coast.
No doubt the high winds discouraged people and hindered the volunteers. The wind never let up during the two days but the sun did come out and warm up things on the day of the event.
We sold some 300 meals and to their credit, Chill Caterers battled the elements and kept the food warm and tasty.
The popular seacoast entertainer Sean Buckley was great and provided the tunes for the after-party. He was disappointed no one joined him on the bongo drums.
Gary from Athletic Brewery was there distributing his non-alcoholic beers and we received good feedback from the riders.
The volunteers were amazing and Paula and Jim Fines did a great job recruiting and keeping people on their assigned tasks.
Patty Tompkins and her crew worked their magic once again this year moving hundreds of pounds of gear and food.
Paula and Jim Fines, Dave Topham, and Bill Kennedy help produce a great route and we received positive feedback from the riders
Bill Haynes and the road marking crew did a fantastic job and had to do it twice after the rain washed out the first take.
Donna Hepp secured the town permits, help negotiate with the State, covered injury reports, and sold merchandise, and still had a smile on her face at the end of the day.
Dave Topham and Mark St Denis provided all kinds of logistical support for the event including the parking passes which proved to be a real challenge given we had two parking lots this year.
While the final numbers are being tallied I think we can safely say the club covered all of the expenses and should end up making some money as well.
There were some challenges for sure this year which will be discussed over the next few months. Top among them is the increasing cost of the Hampton Beach venue and the limitations with parking. Along with additional charges for dumpsters and staff time.
This year the venue cost twenty-two hundred dollars and the parking added another eighty-five hundred dollars to the event cost. The parking limitations meant we had to redirect hundreds of cars to an offsite lot and pay that cost while hundreds of spaces were vacant in the pavilion area.
Insurance costs came out to close to ten dollars a person for non-club members.
Police details when you can get them are getting more expensive as many of the departments are facing staffing issues with more requests for details than they can fill.
This year two important spots were not covered. The exit from the park in Hampton and the Fort McClary rest stop two busy areas. In both cases, the request went in many months before the event.
Overall the event was a success. The hearty souls who showed up on a cool and windy day came back with a smile on their faces.
Congratulations to the dozens of first-time century riders. For the cyclist, this is a milestone for sure.
So where are we going with the Seacoast Century? This is a discussion the club needs to have thoughtfully over the next few months.
For many years the club has donated thousands of dollars from the seacoast century proceeds to bike clubs, rail trails, education programs, and inner city bike co ps. All of this is good work and within our mission statement. But if the event is going to be sustainable, these organizations who are the beneficiary and the member of GSW need to step up and help.
Every member has a shared responsibility to help the club. The seacoast century is one of the many opportunities where a member can donate a few hours of their time.
With everyone’s help, we can keep this ride going and make it even better next year.
Our thanks to the Seacoast Century Planning and Support Team:
Seacoast Century Coordinators:
Donna Hepp dhepp3@gmail.com (Permits, Registration)
Paula and Jim Fines ….pfines@comcast.net (Volunteer Coordinators)
Mark Mac Kenzie msmackenzie@comcast.net (Safety, Mechanics and Police Coordination)
Dave Topham – Office Support, Electronic Sign-Up and RwGPS systems
Patty Tompkins – Food and Supplies
Bill Kennedy – Routes
Bill Haynes – Route Marking
Mark St. Denis – Rider Data and Spreadsheets
GSW CLUB MILEAGE
MILEAGE TOTALS INFORMATION
⇒ Updated Ride Leader and Ride Guidelines, download the file here.
⇒ New for 2022, Four mileage categories on the new ride sign-in sheets: Road, Gravel, Rail Trail, and Mountain.
⇒ Commuter / Utilitarian mileage should be sent directly to Lindsay at mileage@gswheelers.org.
⇒ GSW Mileage Year: January 1 through December 31 of the current year.
Your responsibility: If 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.
GSW Mileage Submission and Pedal Talk Publication Dates
Mileage Reporting is by Calendar Year
Pedal Talk Issue
Jan/Feb
Mar/Apr
May/Jun
Jul/Aug
Sep/Oct
Nov/Dec
Mileage Report Includes
Jan – Nov
Prior yearJan – Dec
Prior yearJan – Mar
Jan – May
Jan – Jul
Jan – Sep
Ride Sheet Submission
DeadlineDecember 1
Prior yearFebruary 1
April 1
June 1
August 1
October 1
Commuter Mileage
| Total Mileage 2,742 |
|
|---|---|
| 820 | Rachel Rainey |
| 697 | Lee Newcomb |
| 428 | Jim Sullivan |
| 423 | Cathy Yeager |
| 307 | Eugene Smith |
| 33 | Marcel Daudelin |
| 12 | Ruth Collins |
| 12 | Lindsay Collins |
| 6 | Chris Clasby |
| 2 | Judy Buck |
| 2 | Kendall Buck |
On Road Mileage
| Total Mileage 47,784 |
|
|---|---|
| 1662 | Tony Verderame |
| 1614 | Melissa O'Brien |
| 1385 | Lindsay Collins |
| 1374 | Jean Manning |
| 1164 | Natalie McMahon |
| 1161 | Jim Hatch |
| 1126 | Ruth Collins |
| 1061 | Patty Tompkins |
| 1025 | David Ross |
| 992 | Dan Conery |
| 919 | Ben Parker |
| 834 | Marcel Daudelin |
| 817 | Lynda Lubelczyk |
| 767 | Chris Hallowell |
| 760 | Bobby Dinterman |
| 744 | Judy Z-Reisch |
| 733 | Cathy Yeager |
| 716 | Jim Sullivan |
| 697 | Rose Verderame |
| 694 | Brenda Knight |
| 681 | Amy Dyment |
| 681 | Stuart Falls |
| 649 | Anne Forzley |
| 643 | Bernie Fournier |
| 636 | Mike Cardarelli |
| 629 | Kendall Buck |
| 627 | David Cheng |
| 607 | Eugene Smith |
| 590 | Tony Giannechini |
| 587 | Ken Wadland |
| 586 | John Kellaway |
| 571 | Bert Jordan |
| 571 | John Reisch |
| 568 | Larry Morgan |
| 531 | John Straight |
| 515 | Chris Demers |
| 512 | Bruce Dyke |
| 493 | Jim Knight |
| 479 | Daryl Boire |
| 476 | Allan Clay |
| 476 | Lyla Oneil |
| 470 | Dave Holomander |
| 455 | Kevin Clarke |
| 450 | Mitchel van Berlo |
| 431 | Christina Cook |
| 425 | Joe Vandette |
| 420 | Lynn Ainsworth |
| 374 | Storm Connors |
| 373 | Ernie Jeffrey |
| 360 | Michael Claus |
| 352 | Laurie Gordon |
| 341 | Michelle Ruby |
| 336 | Anne Gwynne |
| 335 | Dave Coughlin |
| 329 | Fred Ratcliffe |
| 314 | Ralf Hilber |
| 301 | Don Lane |
| 297 | Bill Manning |
| 295 | Will Corbett |
| 276 | Linda Howes |
| 261 | Patty Dow |
| 261 | Jeanne Bailey |
| 253 | Stephen Fox |
| 249 | Peggy Kehew |
| 239 | Tom Pears |
| 238 | Kay Sachs |
| 237 | Jon Verderame |
| 230 | Darrell Hamilton |
| 230 | Dave Harris |
| 228 | Carl Gurtman |
| 219 | Lou Springer |
| 212 | Joy Kubit |
| 203 | Kathy McMillan |
| 193 | Patty Anderson |
| 192 | Judy Buck |
| 186 | Lisa Cassell |
| 181 | Stephanie Eno |
| 172 | Wayne MacKenzie |
| 165 | Tom Bartolino |
| 147 | Dean Murray |
| 146 | Ben Reynolds |
| 144 | Leon LaFreniere |
| 143 | Eric Monheim |
| 142 | Anne Bartolino |
| 124 | Diane Orecchio |
| 110 | Jeff McKillip |
| 109 | Craig Fournier |
| 108 | Edward Orecchio |
| 106 | Brad Borbridge |
| 105 | Walter Slozak |
| 105 | Chris Clasby |
| 104 | Jackie Atherley |
| 102 | Pamela Kimball |
| 100 | Don Chamberland |
| 96 | Mary O'Connor |
| 88 | Will Brown |
| 87 | Sam Richardson |
| 86 | Bob Conti |
| 80 | Glenn Mitchell |
| 77 | Eric Ahlquist |
| 77 | Joe Kubit |
| 76 | Jay Godfrey |
| 76 | Bob Evans |
| 74 | Zack Smith |
| 68 | John Hoff |
| 66 | Richard Wulf |
| 66 | Jim LaJeunesse |
| 63 | Priscilla Merrill |
| 62 | Valerie Clausen |
| 62 | Jay Clausen |
| 54 | Amy King |
| 53 | Dennis Geisler |
| 50 | Bob Lehmenkuler |
| 49 | David Donohue |
| 48 | Paula Fines |
| 48 | Jim Fines |
| 46 | Steven Duquette |
| 45 | Kathy Minikowski |
| 45 | Steve Minikowski |
| 44 | Frank Fermino |
| 43 | Tom Patterson |
| 43 | Brenda Cannon |
| 42 | Jeff Hale |
| 42 | Paul Garret |
| 40 | Brian Lewis |
| 39 | Nancy Rollins |
| 36 | Ben Maine |
| 36 | John Stevens |
| 31 | Steve Wilson |
| 31 | Phil Forzley |
| 29 | Peter Neil |
| 29 | Al Jones |
| 28 | Renee Rees |
| 27 | Rebecca Dowd |
| 27 | Jerry Shinn |
| 27 | Mark MacKenzie |
| 25 | Pete Musseau |
| 24 | Melissa Roberts |
| 24 | Aaron Ellinwood |
| 24 | Kimmy Ellinwood |
| 22 | William Kennedy |
| 22 | Jim Clemens |
| 22 | Craig Fritz |
| 22 | Peter Mosseau |
| 22 | Laura Lajeunesse |
| 22 | Sue Trask |
| 21 | Liz Burgess |
| 20 | Leigh Ann Dyle |
| 18 | Jamie Bloyd |
| 14 | Patty Benjamin |
| 14 | Donna Hepp |
| 1 | Ken Leibold |
Rail Trail
| Total Mileage 393 |
|
|---|---|
| 94 | Bob Conti |
| 63 | Ken Leibold |
| 25 | Lee Newcomb |
| 25 | Kathy Marchocki |
| 20 | Lisa Cassell |
| 20 | Alice Cheng |
| 20 | David Cheng |
| 18 | Kendall Buck |
| 18 | Diane Orecchioo |
| 18 | John Resich |
| 18 | Lindsay Collins |
| 18 | Edward Orecchio |
| 18 | Ruth Collins |
| 18 | Judy Z-Reisch |
Gravel
| Total Mileage 263 |
|
|---|---|
| 60 | Aaron Ellinwood |
| 53 | Kimmy Ellinwood |
| 40 | Melissa O'Brien |
| 37 | Sharon Nall |
| 30 | Tony Verderame |
| 20 | Doug Strott |
| 13 | Patricia Russell |
| 10 | Pam Geiger |
Mountain
| Total Mileage 0 |
|---|
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!
Read More
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.
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
Communities face a wide number of issues that affect bike-ability.
Creating a bike friendly community is a reachable goal. It takes time and effort. A bicycle friendly community is more than adding a few isolated bike lanes to a few streets. It will require an interconnected network of bikeways that make bicycling convenient, safe, and enjoyable.
Transportation Engineers need to provide bicycle and multimodal facilities to encourage motorists to share the road with bicyclists. Enforcing traffic laws, regulating bicyclists and motorists is a key element to ensuring a safe and healthy bicycling environment.
Individuals and organizations can plant the seeds to initiating change by creating awareness about bicycle issues and alerting others to the benefits of bicycling. Having safe places to bike helps foster healthier and more livable communities.
Between the public and private sector we all need to work together to make bicycle friendly communities.
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
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
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 Lindsay Collins.
CHARITY RIDES
There are currently no Charity rides scheduled.
Season’s Greeting. Have a safe and happy winter.
INVITATIONAL RIDES
November 9, 2022 – Author Talk – Anne Winkler-Morey shares her story bicycling the United States. See flyer for details.
August 20-August 29, 2023 – A Gravel Adventure in Northern Vermont (Bicycle Adventure Club). Vermont is fast becoming a destination for cyclists seeking “gravel” riding. Join the leaders, Jeff and Hilary Warner, longtime past GSW members, on this mixed surface tour, predominantly on the quiet gravel/dirt roads of northern Vermont. Designed for fit, adventurous cyclists, this tour features spectacular scenery, very pleasant dirt roads, and minimal traffic (once we get out of Burlington). For more information, visit the Bicycle Adventure Club website.
Weekend Events
February 3 – 5, 2023, 28th Annual Craftsbury Outdoor Center Weekend at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Craftsbury Common, VT.
THIS TRIP IS FULL!
We had a great weekend in 2022 even with COVID restrictions. 2023 should be even better!
This family-friendly trip offers cross-country skiing for all abilities, plus all kinds of winter fun! Lodging, x-c ski passes, and all meals included. Rooms are also available to stay an extra night and depart on Monday, 2/6. Contact Jim and Paula Fines at (978) 764-9868 or pfines@comcast.net to get on the waitlist or for more information.
Ride Leaders
Download Ride Leader Sign-in Sheet
Please be sure that all names on the sign-up sheet are printed legibly with legible mileage recorded for each name.
Submitting a Sign-in Sheet
1. Scan in pdf format and email to: mileage@gswheelers.org
2. Or, Mail to:
Lindsay Collins
PO Box 497
Newbury, NH 03255
Photo submissions will NOT be accepted.
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 / Trek Bicycle
Trek Bicycle Concord
19 Triangle Park Drive
Concord, NH
(603) 225-5111
https://www.trekbikes.com/retail/concord/
Trek Bicycle Hooksett
1197 Hooksett Rd.
Hooksett, NH
(603) 644-2111
Goodale's / Trek Bicycle
Goodale’s Bike Shop
14B Broad St.
Nashua, NH
(603) 882-2111
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/
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.
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, ASCII, using IBM format or PDF.
Deadlines
The deadline for input to Pedal Talk is the first of every even numbered month. The next deadline for Pedal Talk submissions is February 1, 2022. 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
Mark St. Denis
memberships@gswheelers.org
Ride Schedules
Marguerite Orazi
Patty Tompkins
rides@gswheelers.org
Charity & Invitational Rides
Laurie Daley
charity@gswheelers.org
Mileage
Lindsay Collins
mileage@gswheelers.org
Classified Ads
Pedal Talk Editor
editor@gswheelers.org
Advertising
Dave Topham
office@gswheelers.org
Marketing & Communications
OPEN
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
OPEN
treasurer@gswheelers.org
STANDING COMMITTEES
Social Events Committee:
Lisa Cassell & Lyla Oneil
banquets@gswheelers.org
Charity & Invitational Coordinator:
Laurie Daley
charity@gswheelers.org
Mileage Coordinator:
Lindsay Collins
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 e-Mailing:
Mark St. Denis
memberships@gswheelers.org
Merchandising Chairperson:
Bill Hayne
merchandise@gswheelers.org
Marketing & Communications:
OPEN
marketing@gswheelers.org
Rides Coordinator:
Patty Tompkins
rides@gswheelers.org
Safety & Education Coordinator:
Phil Rose
safety@gswheelers.org
Seacoast Century Committee Chair:
Mark MacKenzie
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
Contact
