PSA: Kit Deslauriers Journey through the Arctic National Refuge; STA Fundraiser

Posted on 2012/05/06 by ABC_CS

The North Face : Never Stop Exploring Speaker Series:

Ski Mountaineer Kit Deslauirers : Journey Through the Arctic Refuge Northeast Alaska

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, 7pm

Anchorage Museum Auditorium (625 C. St, Anchorage, AK 99501)

About:

Kit Deslauriers has climbed and skied all seven summits – the highest peaks on each continent – including everest. now she’s exploring North America’s wild arctic refuge, a region in danger of being opened to oil drilling. Join Kit as she skis alpine steeps, and tows her sled over tundra where caribou roam and polar bear prowl.

For Tickets and More Info Visit: http://TheNorthFace.com/SpeakerSeries

VIP Ticket holders will join Kit for a family-friendly hike followed by a gourmet barbecue dinner. All VIP tickets sales will benefit Singletrack Advocates of Anchorage.

The Presentation is brought to REI of Anchorage, Gore-Tex Products, Outside Magazine, and Primaloft Insulation Technology.

To view the whole original Flyer Download It HERE:

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RECDIV – Goose Lake Ride Location Change – 4/19

Posted on 2012/04/18 by

Due to trail conditions we are moving the Goose Lake Ride to Carrs Huffman for a ride around South Anchorage neighborhoods and around Potter Marsh. Check the events calendar for details!

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RECDIV – Ride Change 4/17/2012

Posted on 2012/04/16 by ABC_CS

Due to trail conditions the Recreation Division ride scheduled for Tuesday, April 17th has moved. We will now meet at Carrs on Dimond at Jewel Lake to ride around Jodphur Loop and out to Kincaid and back.

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RecDiv: 4/12 Ride Location Change

Posted on 2012/04/11 by

Due to current road conditions the Recreation Division will ride the Lake Hood DOT again on Thursday, April 12th.

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Download the PDF 2012 All-Division / Major Cycling Event Schedule

Posted on 2012/04/05 by admin

The all Arctic Bike Club and division major Cycling Event Calendar updated with Cyclocross and other events.

 

Download the PDF form here. a8c.us/HpjmYY (215k)

Posted in Cyclo Cross, Mountain Racing, Recreational, Road Racing | Leave a comment

Bike Swap Tips: Value of Buying & Selling a Bike and Parts

Posted on 2012/03/14 by ABC_CS

For the upcoming bike swap on March 31st, here are a few general tips to keep in mind.

More Information on the Bike Swap can be found by click HERE.

Bike Swap Tip #2:

  • There is no Kelly or NADA blue book for used bicycles; so all used bicycle values are relative to the buyer and seller.
  • So a general depreciation schedule needs to be considered. Most bike shop bikes are designed for 5+ years life; reaching a slower rate of depreciation between year 3 or 4 as long as they are maintained.
  • Important value factors: Age and Component Condition are primary; followed by frame model (and brand) and condition.  The frame may be scratched up or even dented, but if the components are in good condition or new that brings more value.
  • Bikes depreciate 5-35% immediately at time of purchase, then 20% per year per IRS schedules.

Based on this information above about bike values the following value chart may be useful as a 'general guide'; there are always exceptions.

 

 

Calculating the Value of a used bicycle

          
Original Cost Immediate (5%) Yearly Depreciation Rate Max Yr 1 Value Gen Yr 2 Value Gen Yr 3 Value Gen Yr 4 Value
5000 4750 1000 3750 2750 1750 750
4500 4275 900 3375 2475 1575 675
4000 3800 800 3000 2200 1400 600
3500 3325 700 2625 1925 1225 525
3000 2850 600 2250 1650 1050 450
2500 2375 500 1875 1375 875 375
2000 1900 400 1500 1100 700 300
1500 1425 300 1125 825 525 225
1000 950 200 750 550 350 150
750 712.5 150 562.5 412.5 262.5 112.5
500 475 100 375 275 175 75
250 237.5 50 187.5 137.5 87.5 37.5
100 95 20 75 55 35 15

 

Bike Parts:

Bike parts, like car parts, are designed for a certain amount of wear and tear before wearing to a point beyond their optimal functional. Though like used car parts may be used for parts or used as a straight replacement depending on a cyclists needs. Used parts other than frames rarely have more than 50% of their original cost value; with some exceptions.

Parts of a Bicycle:

Bike Parts Image used with permission of Jim Langley

Image used with written permission fromJim Langley of http://www.jimlangley.net

Parts that are considered to wear quickest and are considered disposable:

  • Chains
  • Cables
  • Bushing
  • Inflatable Tubes
  • Tires
  • Bottom Brackets
  • Grips
  • Brake Pads & Discs
  • Brake Tubing or Cables

Parts that are considered high wear and sometimes can be salvaged or repaired:

  • Chain Rings
  • DeRailers
  • Wheels
  • Shifters *
  • Brake Levers *
  •  

        *= For Shifters and Brake levers that are damaged or , not just needing tune-up or adjustment.

Parts that are considered low wear and have a high functional and/or low cost recylability rate even with high cosmetic wear.

  • Frames
  • Forks
  • Cranks
  • Handlebars
  • Pedals
  • Seatposts
  • Headsets
  • Stems
  • Seats / Saddles

Accessories that to hold their value well:

  • Paneer Racks and Bags
  • Rollers & other Bike Trainers
  • Bike Repair Stands
  • Bike Trailers

 

-Christopher S. 

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2012 Bike for Women – registration opens March 8th

Posted on 2012/03/07 by admin
Bike for Women 2012; Sunday May 6th, 2012
Save the date…Registration opens March 8th

Get ready, get set, it's time to ride!  Come on out and join the Arctic Bicycle Club for the 12th Annual Bike for Women. Join us and other cyclists in this fun 9 mile bike event for women.
Are you one of the lucky men getting this email? Share this with the gals in your life…they won't want to miss the 2012 Bike for Women.

     Date: Sunday, May 6th
     Time: 9:30am (start times will be assigned prior to event day)
     Who: Women and girls of all ages
     Where: Chugiak High School, 16525 Birchwood Loop Rd, Chugiak, AK 99567

Registration opens Thursday, March 8th at 8:00pm.  
Click here to visit the registration and information site.  
Adults: $22
Children (under 18): $10
** registration includes a 2012 Bike for Women water bottle

In response to the high interest in the Bike For Women, we have increased the number of participant registrations to 650.  The event filled up very quickly in 2011, we recommend getting signed up early.

This is a great event to practice your skills for the Gold Nugget and Eagle River Triathlons in a fun an comfortable atmosphere.

     Click here to view the Bike for Women rules and course map

Look for more additional information when registration opens March 8th.
Registration questions? Email Debora Summers at bikeforwomen@gci.net.
Other questions? Email Race Directors, Missy Anderson and Kristin Wilkinson at bike907@gmail.com 

We hope to see you on May 6th!

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ABC Annual Bike Swap – Sat March 31st – Info Available

Posted on 2012/03/04 by ABC_CS

2012 Arctic Bike Club Bike Swap

Buy, Sell, Trade Bikes & BICYCLE related Gear.

The Arctic Bike Club hosts this event as a community service, so it is 100% Free & Open to all individuals and businesses; the club takes No fees and NO Commissions on Sales. 
 
When:  Saturday March 31st; 12:30pm to ~3:00pm

Where: AT&T Sports Pavillion Complex, 11051 O’Malley Ctr Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507

 

View Larger Map (Behind the Alaska Club South at the corner of Omalley & Old Seward Highways)
 
How we do it, Tips, and Important Information for Navigating the Bike Swap:
 
The Bike Swap is run as a community event by the Arctic Bicycle Club and the club is not attempting to dealing with any monies during the event.  
 
Thus in many ways once the doors are opened it is a 'free-for-all' of individuals and businesses trying to buy, sell, or trade their cycling related gear in a fast paced flea market atmosphere.
 
This means the Arctic Bike Club:
  • Has no financial participation in any transaction that occurs.
  • Has no control or prices or payment methods.
  • Has no control over the condition, quanity, or quality of items at the swap at any given time.
  • Will not be involved in any individuals financial transaction; nor will they be able to provide 'change'.
  • Suggests that all sales should be considered ‘As-Is’ and 'Final'. The club will not provide any warranty or resolve any disputes between buyers and sellers. It is also not liable for any injury or damage caused by or with an item purchased at the swap.
  • Will have a minimal number of volunteers to help; and will be focusing on answering questions on how it works and event cleanup.
Tips for Buyers:
  • Come early for the best selection, we cannot emphasize this enough.
  • Be aware that all items for sale may not be there at the opening of the event, and may first appear even an hour after it opens.
  • Bring Cash; most buyers will likely not accept checks or credit cards. There are several ATMs in the area of the swap.
  • If you are interested in something, communicate that quickly to the seller. Most items that will sell, tend to sell early.
  • Do your research ahead of time, and knowing how much you are willing to pay for something will enable you to quickly assess whether you want to buy something and not potentially miss out on a great deal.
Tips for Sellers:
  • The first 30-45 minutes tend to be VERY busy, so coming prepared to sell and quickly setup will be in your best interest.
  • Bring your bike or other cycling items and be ready to bring them inside when the doors open at 12:30pm. 
  • Have a sign on your item stating it is for sale if it is a bike or larger item. Likewise, if something is not for sale (such as a bike stand) label it as such.
  • If you have parts or accessories, bring a collapsable table, or bring a blanket or small tarp to display your items out on. 
  • The club will NOT be providing tables or chairs. So you must bring your own if you wish to use them. There be very few power plugs; if you wish to use one expect to need at least 100-200ft of extension cord. Phoneline and/or internet access will not provided. 
  • Know what your new or used gear is, how old it is, and what it is worth ahead of time.  Check Craigslist, LocalBiketrader.com, or eBay completed auctions for reference. Most outdoor gear quickly loses its value once it has been used; though there are exceptions.
  • Have prices on things ahead of time. (Painting or Masking tape works well for this purpose.)
  • Be prepared to negotiate, or be clear that a price is firm. 
  • Be prepared to let someone take a spin around the soccer field the event is being held on. It has been found to support road and mountain bikes fine in the past.
  • Have change, especially if you are selling smaller items and people will most likely be operating in $20 bills having come just from the ATM.
  • You are not required to be there at the beginning of the event, you can come at any time and leave when you wish. But you are encouraged to come early and be prepared to stay for the duration of the event (12:30-3:00pm). At 3pm we will ask people to start breaking down.
  • Decide if you want to follow-up with people after the swap if something does not sell. Either have small sheets of paper with your contact information available on it for the buyers to contact you and/or have something to take their contact information.
  • Please no ski,kayak , camping, or non-cycling related gear. Items that are truly cross-sport are fine.
  • Bike Shops or those with A LOT (a table or more) of stuff to sell, early setup is available. Please contact media (at) arcticbikeclub.org for information as to how this will work.

 

Do you want to help make this a successful event, we could use a more volunteers to:

  • Help with setup (11:45am-12:30pm)
  • Help answer questions during the event, as well as talk about the club. (12:30-3:00pm)
  • Help with cleanup (2:30pm-4:00pm)
  • Help Distribute Flyers to local businesses, everyone can do this by downloading the PDF version of the flyer here.

DOWNLOAD AND DISTRIBUTE THE FLYER HERE: http://a8c.us/xspU6u

Stay tuned and check for updates on:

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PSA: Cardin-Cochran amendment in MAP-21 – Transportation Bill

Posted on 2012/03/04 by admin

 

 

From the League of American Cyclists Website:

http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog/2012/03/success-a-better-map-21-for-cycling/

 

We’ve just won a big battle for biking and walking in the Senate. After several long weeks of intense work from advocates around the country and our partners at America Bikes, the Cardin-Cochran Amendment has been accepted as part of the base Senate transportation bill, MAP-21.

 

If MAP-21 ends up becoming law, the language from this amendment will ensure that local governments, school systems, and metropolitan planning organizations are able to access much-needed funds to make bicycling and walking safe and accessible.

 

With the acceptance of the Cardin-Cochran amendment, here is how MAP-21 would work if it becomes law:

 

  • Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails are consolidated into a new program called Additional Activities.

 

  • State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) will make their Additional Activities funding available to metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and local governments.  Here’s how they’ll allocate the funds:

 

  • The state DOT will allocate 50% of the Additional Activities, based on population, to MPOs and rural areas. MPOs will then distribute the funds through a competitive grant program for projects in their communities.

 

  • For the remaining 50% of Additional Activities, the state DOT would host its own competitive grant process for projects. Local governments, school districts,  and others would be eligible to compete for this funding.

 

If it becomes law, this legislation would ensure that local governments and communities have a voice in the transportation decisions that affect their streets. The safeguards included in MAP-21 would ensure that communities of every size benefit from making their own localized transportation decisions for safe streets.

 

Huge thanks everyone who helped make this happen, including:

  • Senators Cardin (D-MD) and Cochran (R-MS) who sponsored the original amendment.
  • Environment and Public Works Committee Leadership who accepted the language into the base bill:

    • Senator Boxer (D-CA)
    • Senator Inhofe (R-OK)
    • Senator Baucus (D-MT)
    • Senator Vitter (R-LA)
  • And of course, all everyone who called and emailed in support of this amendment.  Your voices made this possible!

 

In order to make this law, the Reid Amendment must pass the Senate.  Please urge your Senators to vote for cloture on the Reid Amendment!

And of course, help us spread the word about the mandatory sidepath law on federal lands. We are still fighting to get it removed.

We still have a lot of work to do to on the House side to make sure the transportation bill is as good as it can be for bicycling. Please join us at the National Bike Summit, March 20-22.

Thank you again for your continued support and hard work to making biking and walking in America safe and accessible.

 

 

Please note: There was no vote on the amendment – it was one of a very small number of amendments (out of 200+) that were rolled into a managers amendment – so there will be no roll call vote. Because of the great grass roots effort, the amendment made the short list of amendments that were included.

 

Read this Huffington Post article for more about the Senate bill.

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BCA: Feb 2012 Winter Bike Events

Posted on 2012/02/09 by admin

Wednesday, Feb 8, Abominable Race #4
Fundraiser for Single Trail Advocates http://www.chainreactioncycles.us 

Thursday, Feb 9, 8 pm at Bear Tooth—Adventures for the Cure Documentary
Bicycle story supports American Diabetes Association 

Saturday Feb 11, Second Saturday Winter Ride
yummy treats for you, meet at Goose Lake, ride to Fire Island Bakery

Sunday Feb 12, Winter City Urban Randonne’e
http://bicycleanchorage.org/wordpress/?p=2799
You definitely want to participate! Rumors of hot baked potatoes, Great Harvest Cookies and Valentine Cards :)

Feb Bike First Friday Poker Ride rescheduled for March First Friday (due to mother nature)
BCA enjoys culture while riding for fun!

Find out more, and check out the dishy graphic! http://bicycleanchorage.org/wordpress/?p=2813

Dawn
B C A
Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage <http://www.bicycleanchorage.org/wordpress> 
Dawn Groth 
907-720-3580 <tel:907-720-3580>

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BCA Bike Related Events Jan/Feb 2012

Posted on 2012/01/21 by admin

Winter Bike Fest 2012 Kickoff

Tuesday, Jan 24th, 6:30-8PM, BP Energy Center— Moscow to Mongolia: a bike in a suitcase, the Trans-Siberian railroad and a 1,000 kilometer cycling adventure —BCA is very excited that local and international bicycle commuter, Sage Cohen will entertain you during this BCA fundraiser. Price: $10/person or free with BCA membership: $35 individual, $50 family. Lite snacks provided.

In addition to beautiful landscapes and intimate portraits- you will learn about adventure cycling, how to ride the Russian rails, and why you might want full suspension and a GPS in Mongolia.

If you've been to one of Sage's presentations before, then you won't want to miss this NEW one about her summer 2011 adventure bicycling through Asia.  If you've never experienced on the other hand, you definitely want to come be inspired, informed and entertained on a cold winter's evening when you can take a vicarious bicycle tour with a personalized tour guide!

NOTE:  Parking by the BP Childcare Facility (blue/green building) or in the Marriott Residence Inn lot is prohibited, cars parked in prohibited areas may be towed. 

Friday, Feb 3, 5:45-8:45, 2012—Bike First Friday, Poker Ride— See great art, meet other bicycle commuters, learn safe and convenient cut-throughs and shortcuts that will streamline your bicycle commute AND PLAY POKER!  Start your hand at the Midtown Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge at 5:45pm, and finish at Café Amsterdam around 8:45 pm. Prizes for best and worst hands. February leader— Dawn Groth. For questions call Dawn 720-3580. $5 pp donation to BCA.

Wednesday, Feb 8, 7pm (Night Race)—Abominable #4, The Abominable Snow Series Race #4 brought to you by Chain Reaction Cycles and a fundraiser for Single Trail Advocates. More info here:  http://www.chainreactioncycles.us/

Thursday, Feb 9, 8-11pm, Adventures for the Cure: The Doc— Join us at Bear's Tooth as part of Winter Bike Fest, the American Diabetes Association will be hosting a showing of Adventures for the Cure: The Doc. When three young men set off to cross the United States on single-speed, fixed-gear bicycles, the physical challenge itself is incredibly daunting, but they ride to raise money and awareness for children with diabetes and disabilities. Please join us and be inspired to make change in the community. Come and register for Tour de Cure (June 3, 2012) and start your own adventure to make a difference.

Saturday, Feb 11, 11AM—Second Saturday Winter Ride— Meet at Goose Lake at 11AM for a fun and casual ride to the Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop <http://www.fireislandbread.com/>. Anyone is welcome to join, especially those new to winter biking. It’s a great way to meet other winter cyclists and share tips about how to get around Anchorage safely by bike. This is also an opportunity to preview some of the upcoming Winter City 30K/50K course. Hope to see you there! Free!

 

Sunday, Feb 12th, 2nd Annual Winter City 50k/30k Urban Randonnee 
Start & Finish at The Peanut Farm
Registration: 8:00am
Start time: 9:00am
 
Ride the Winter City Urban Randonnée February 12, 2012 —  a rolling fund-raiser for the BCA in association with the Alaska Randonneurs, and an opportunity for all cyclists to support BCA while experiencing the adventurous style of randonneuring cycling.
 
Last year 85 riders traversed Anchorage on the inaugural Winter City 50K. This year choose between two new courses – a 30Km or 50Km winter-day’s ride through the heart of Anchorage on track and trail. Progress from checkpoint to checkpoint, navigating between food & refreshment stops along the way. See how easy it is to get around town by bike in the winter as you enjoy a fun and casual ride around town. It’s a timed event, but not a race – so don’t dally! $20 to support the BCA

B C A
Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage <http://www.bicycleanchorage.org/wordpress> 
Dawn Groth 
907-720-3580

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REAP Forum: Winter Commuting with the BCA – Nov 9th 6pm – Anchorage Musuem

Posted on 2011/11/08 by admin

Nov 9. REAP FORUM: Winter Commuting – Bicycle Style 6-8pm •

Anchorage Museum • 625 C Street •

FREE Sign up for the live podcast:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/788960688 

Strap on your helmet and come join us for our FREE forum on winter biking. Biking is an excellent way to get around town year-round in Anchorage and save on gas and time stuck in traffic jams. Hear from experts on how best to tune up your bike for winter, clothing, gear, riding techniques, and more. PLUS learn more about other commuting options such as the Share-a-Ride Vanpool Program, People Mover, and new Valley Mover bus service between Mat-Su and Anchorage. Our Presenter: Kristi Wood, of the Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage, has been an all season bicycle commuter for 6 years. She serves on the board of directors for the Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage and is a League Certified Instructor with the League of American Bicyclists. More info at 907.929.7770

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BCA Roads and Trails Committee will be meeting – Tues 1 Nov 2011 6:30pm

Posted on 2011/10/28 by admin

 

 
The BCA Roads and Trails Committee will be meeting next Tuesday, 1 November 2011, at 6:30pm.  We will meet at Organic Oasis in the Spenard neighborhood, http://www.organicoasis.com/
 
The agenda is flexible but currently the main items include:
  • Continue analyzing and prioritizing DOT and MOA projects, start contacting project managers.
  • Create, finalize and submit comments about the Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2035.
  • Create, finalize and submit comments about the proposed Bragaw Extension project (U-Med Northern Access Road).
Note that we will not be completing all these tasks at the meeting, just continuing or starting them.  To facilitate discussion and work among interested parties we have created a new google group for the committee.  It is a private group, to join contact John Hettinger (jhettinger@gmail.com) or submit a request at: http://groups.google.com/group/bca-roads-and-trails?hl=en

 
Happy Bicycling!
-John Hettinger

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ARCTIC BICYCLE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING – Thu November 3rd 6:00pm

Posted on 2011/10/28 by admin

 

ARCTIC BICYCLE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING

Thursday, November 3rd

6:00 p.m.

Guido’s Pizza, 549 W Int’l Airport Road

Pizza provided, no host beverages.  All members are welcome!

AGENDA

1.    Election/recognition of 2012 officers

2.    Division reports

3.    Treasurer’s report

4.    New items to consider for 2012

5.    Any other business

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BCA: LCI and Traffic Skills 101 for Cyclists

Posted on 2011/09/02 by ABC_CS

Anchorage September LCI Seminar
Are you an experienced cyclist who is interested in teaching others about safe cycling? If so, you may be interested in becoming a League Cycling Instructor (LCI). LCIs have access to the entire syllabus of classes available from the League of American Bicyclists, and use their teaching skills to help people of all ages learn to be better cyclists. You can find more information about the classes you could be certified to teach here.
The League is offering a LCI Seminar in Anchorage the weekend of September 23 (classes will likely begin Friday at 4:00 PM, continue all day Saturday, through Sunday afternoon). You must be a member of the League of American Bicyclists (memberships start at $25. There is a full list of membership options and costs here). The LCI prerequisites include successful completion of the written pre-test and Traffic Skills 101 (see below). The deadline to sign up for the September LCI Seminar is September 7 and it costs $200.
 
Smart Cycling – Traffic Skills 101
This class gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, eight hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of bicycle commuting and vehicular cycling.
Traffic Skills 101 will be available on Saturday September 10 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Municipal Department of Health and Human Services, 825 L Street, Anchorage. The maximum class size is 10, and we will prioritize registration for the Anchorage September LCI candidates. The deadline to sign up for Traffic Skills 101 is September 7. To sign up please email Anne Schlapia at schlapiaAM@muni.org.

For more information about the LCI seminar or Traffic Skills 101 please email Anne Schlapia at schlapiaAM@muni.org.

Enjoy the ride, bike the drive!

Kristi Wood – Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage (BCA)

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