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MARIN COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION (MCBC)
WEEKLY BULLETIN
November 11, 2009
“Congestion isn't an environmental problem; it's a driving problem. If reducing it merely makes life easier for those who drive, then the improved traffic flow can actually increase the environmental damage done by cars, by raising overall traffic volume, encouraging sprawl and long car commutes….Traffic jams can actually be environmentally beneficial if they turn subways, buses, car pools, bicycles and walking into more-attractive options.”
--David Owen, “How Traffic Jams Help the Environment”
1. Kick off the Bikers Ball live auction with early online bidding
2. MCBC’s Meet & Greet - Wednesday, November 18
3. Bike thefts on the rise in San Anselmo
4. Help us reach 2,009 members by the end of 2009
5. Whet your appetite on the Thanksgiving Day mtn. bike ride
6. Advertise in the Winter Pedal Press
7. Habitat restoration on Mt. Tam, Saturday, Dec. 5 – save the date
8. Presidio Coastal Trail improvements proposed
9. Bagels and bikes at The Bicycle Works fundraiser
1. Kick off the Bikers Ball live auction with early online bidding
Buy your tickets TODAY for this don’t-miss event!
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You can bid right now on this hand-built Turner Flux full suspension mountain bike |
Help kick off the Bikers Ball live auction with early online bidding. This is the perfect opportunity to jump-start the bidding on the 5 fabulous items that have been generously donated, especially if you can’t attend the event this Saturday, Nov. 14.
Visit our live auction page to view the 5 items, their values, and minimum bid amounts. Place your bid with an email to joann@marinbike.org, stating the name of the item(s) you’re bidding on and the amount of your bid. (There is a link for bidding for each item included on the page).
Check the auction page again this Thursday for an update of the highest bids. You’ll have until noon on Friday to place a new bid, at which time the online bidding will be closed. Bidding will be resumed and concluded at the Bikers Ball. You will be notified if yours is the winning bid.
Remember…there will be a silent auction at the event as well: bed & breakfast inns, restaurants, massage, bicycling accessories, gourmet baked goods, a scenic flight, and much more.
Tickets can be purchased here for $65 (members) or $75 (non-members). There will be NO ticket sales at the door – get yours today!
2. MCBC’s Meet & Greet - Wednesday, November 18
Come socialize and learn about MCBC at the new Gestalt Haus in Fairfax
Summer is over and it’s time to move inside, talk bikes and socialize. What better place to do it than the MCBC Meet and Greet? You’ll meet cyclists who joined at the Mill Valley Bike Swap, the Marin Century and Biketoberfest, so you know this group is serious about cycling. You’ll learn about the education, outreach and community programs that make MCBC a leader in bicycle advocacy, and Marin County a model for towns and cities across the country. You will also learn how to get involved by leading group rides, tabling at bicycle events, and helping with valet bike parking. Refreshments will be served, no-host bar (beer and wine).
- When: Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
- Where: Gestalt Haus, 28 Bolinas Road, Fairfax
- RSVP: tom@marinbike.org by Monday, November 16
If you can’t make the New Member Meet & Greet, stay tuned for the next one in early 2010.
3. Bike thefts on the rise in San Anselmo
Secure your bike at all times!
Recently, the San Anselmo Police Department has learned of several reports of bicycle thefts from residences throughout the Ross Valley area. The thefts usually occur during the daylight hours while the residents are away. Although the thieves usually take bicycles that are in plain sight, there have been occasions of bicycles being taken from locked storage sheds.
To help Marin’s local Police Departments in preventing these types of burglaries and to apprehend the suspects, the following tips should be taken into consideration no matter which town you live in:
- Secure bicycles with a lock and out of plain sight
- When leaving town for an extended period of time, notify a neighbor and tell them who is allowed on the property and when you will be returning
- Report any unusual noises
- Be aware of unfamiliar vehicles parked in front of the property
- Be alert to incessantly barking dogs
- In the evenings, maintain proper lighting on and around your property
By implementing these simple safety tips, you can help reduce "crimes of opportunity" and assist law enforcement in apprehending these thieves.
Source: San Anselmo News town newsletter
4. Help us reach 2,009 members by the end of 2009
Volunteer at MCBC’s year-end membership renewal Phone-a-thon
Over the past eleven months the Marin County Bicycle Coalition has added almost 400 new members! But during that same period many of our supporters have not renewed their membership. This is challenging our goal of having 2,009 members by the end of the year.
So it’s time to hit the phones and see if we can’t encourage past members to sign back up. We have a great incentive to offer, which should make the task easier. If you have good phone skills and can volunteer for an hour or two contact Jo Ann Richards at joann@marinbike.org or 415-456-3469, ext. 7#
5. Whet your appetite on the Thanksgiving Day mtn. bike ride
Join MCBC at the post-ride gathering at Lydia’s Organics in Fairfax
The Appetite Seminar (also called the Turkey Day ride) is the longest running mountain bike tradition in Marin County. It started in 1975 and continues this Thanksgiving, November 20. It’s a tough 20-mile off-road ride, which includes the Pine Mountain Loop and ends with a descent down Repack. If you want to join the ride, simply show up between 7 am and 9 am at the Coffee Roasters in downtown Fairfax and follow the cyclists heading up Bolinas Avenue.
On your return be sure to stop by the post-ride gathering at Lydia's Organics (in the east side parking lot on the first block of Bolinas Road), 31 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930. MCBC will be there providing bike parking. Clif Bar will provide snacks.
6. Advertise in the Winter Pedal Press
Act now and save 50%
The Pedal Press is MCBC’s primary publication and is therefore eagerly anticipated by readers for its articles on events, bike culture and current projects and issues they care about. Each issue reaches 3,000 readers via email and 2,500 hard copies are distributed to members, bike shops, libraries, cafes, book stores, and various other businesses in Marin County. Issues are additionally displayed at all MCBC bike parking events (20+ per year) and tabling opportunities at events and businesses throughout Marin County.
Any business that commits to advertising by the end of 2009 will save 50% on our Pedal Press rates. This is an opportunity to reach 5,000 cyclists for as little as $47.50. Check out our ad sizes and rates on our website. Act now and save!
Contact Tom Boss at tom@marinbike.org or 415-272-2756 for details.
7. Habitat restoration on Mt. Tam, Saturday, Dec. 5 – save the date
Volunteers needed to help MCBC plant trees and pull broom on Mt. Tam
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition will be partnering with the Marin Municipal Water District for a day of habitat restoration on Mount Tamalpais. We will be planting Oak trees and pulling invasive Scotch Broom on the Hidden Meadow Trail. Tools and snacks will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to ride their bikes to the trailhead, MCBC will provide valet bike parking.
When: Saturday, December 5 - 9 am to Noon
Where: Meet at the Hidden Meadow trailhead, just off Shaver Grade
RSVP: tom@marinbike.org or 415-272-2756
8. Presidio Coastal Trail improvements proposed
Open house November 17, 4-7 PM; or submit comments by email or mail
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service staff is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) on a proposal to improve three (3) miles of the California Coastal Trail within The Presidio of San Francisco. They are currently soliciting public comments. The proposal would create an accessible, multi-use trail from the southwestern end of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Baker Beach area, create multi-use access to the Golden Gate Bridge from Merchant Road, and reconfigure beach access and visitor parking on the coastal bluffs.
The National Park Service is seeking your comments on the proposal. The Park Service will be hosting an open house on November 17th, 4-7 PM, at the GGNRA Headquarters in Fort Mason; and "walks and talks" will showcase the project. Click here to learn more about the project, events and how to submit comments.
Sources: The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the Golden Gate Highway, Bridge, and Transportation District
MESSAGES FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
9. Bagels and bikes at The Bicycle Works fundraiser
Come support a great new community bike shop!
The Bicycle Works announces:
Come join The Bicycle Works supporters, members, volunteers, and staff for an early morning brunch this Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th.
We will be serving Noah's bagels and cream cheese, pastries, and organic coffee and tea to all who attend. Pick up some good food and warm vibes on your early morning ride, or spend some time working on your bike in The Bicycle Works cool atmosphere with music provided by DJ castle nine. If you have not been to The Bicycle Works yet this weekend is a great time to check out the workshop, the project, and meet the people involved. Bring the whole family! See you there!
What: Bagels and Bikes at The Bicycle Works - a benefit fun-raiser
When: Sat. 14th and Sunday 15th of November
Time: Starting 8am and into the afternoon.
Where: 1117 San Anselmo Ave. San Anselmo, Ca 94960
Click here for more information on The Bicycle Works.
Marin County Bicycle Coalition
P.O. Box 1115
Fairfax, CA 94978
Office Location: 733 Center Blvd., Fairfax, CA 94930
(415) 456-3469 – phone
(415) 456-9344 – fax
http://www.marinbike.org
The MCBC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
We are a membership-supported group. If you are not already a paying member, please join today. Printable membership forms are on our website, http://www.marinbike.org.
Thank you for being a part of the solution.
To reach the MCBC Staff:
- Kim Baenisch, Executive Director, 456-3469 x 1#, kim@marinbike.org
- Tom Boss, Membership Director, 272-2756, tom@marinbike.org
- Jo Ann Richards, Volunteer and Activities Coordinator, 456-3469 x 7#, joann@marinbike.org
- Bob Trigg, Administrator, 456-3469 x 3#, bob@marinbike.org
- Deb Hubsmith, Advocacy Director, 454-7430, deb@marinbike.org
- David Hoffman, Director of Planning, 456-3469 x 4#, david@marinbike.org
- Andy Peri, Advocacy Outreach Coordinator, 457-0802, andy@marinbike.org
- Wendi Kallins, Safe Routes to Schools Program Director, 488-4101, wendi@marinbike.org
- Laura Kelly, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator, 456-3469 x 2#, laura@marinbike.org
- Peggy Clark, Share the Road Program Manager, Safe Routes to Schools Project Coordinator, 456-3469 x 8#, peggy@marinbike.org
- Aviva Joseph, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Coordinator, 456-3469 x 5#, aviva@marinbike.org
- Gwen Froh, Safe Routes to Schools Teen Coordinator, 456-3469 x 5#, gwen@marinbike.org
- Frances E. Barbour, Safe Routes to Schools Instructor, 577-4601, frances@marinbike.org
- Heather Crawford, Safe Routes to Schools Instructor, 456-3469 x 6#, heather@marinbike.org
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