April Was Cutoff Month We culled out mailing list for 2017 as we generally do this time of year, so this issue went out to paid up club members only. If you know someone who thinks that they rejoined RBBC for 2017 but did not get a newsletter, please ask him or her to contact Membership Chair Joe Raaymakers to find out why.

IN THIS ISSUE: -The latest on RAGBRAI 2017 -Training Notes: Braking Basics -April, 2017 RBBC monthly meeting minutes Icicle Bicycle Report and pictures Scholarship Announcement and application And yes, we still need articles and pictures from YOU, our club members. Why not send us something today?

RiverBend Bicycle Club Newsletter

Clinton, Iowa April, 2017

COMING EVENTS Our next two regular club meetings will be Thursday, May 18, and

Thursday, June 15. Both Meetings 7:00 PM at Happy Joe’s Pizza. Vintage bike show & Swap Meet on Saturday May 27 from 9 am to 3 pm, at the corner of Main Ave. and Pershing. (The Bicycle Station). No cost to participate.

Tables and chairs will not be provided. Outdoor event. If there are any questions, call Chad or Schwinn Jon at 563-242-1712.

Discovery Trail Ride Sun. May 21 1:00 PM Starts at Rainbow Park. (See Article below) This replaces our regular Sunday ride that day.

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Riverbend Bike Club RAGBRAI Report March 2017 By John Bonte, RBBC RAGBRAI Coordinator

I have sent in the RAGBRAI fees to RAGBRAI for those of you who paid the club rather than RAGBRAI directly. I expect to get the wristbands around July 1. I will give the wristbands and your merchandise to you when we load in Lansing or when we unload in Orange City. For those of you not using the charter, get a hold of me after July 1, and we will arrange for you to get your wristband and merchandise. The most current numbers of people who have committed to go

to RAGBRAI with us in 2017 are in the chart below. Service/status Member Non-

Member Total (56 seats on 1 bus)

Bus, baggage, and bike transportation from Lansing to Orange City on July 22

22 20 42

Camping and having baggage moved from town-to-town

21 15 36

Jon Fah is contacting the camping chairs in each town and plans to meet with them about May 15. We have found that it helps to check out the towns prior to RAGBRAI. Those going on RAGBRAI should be getting a RAGBRAI newsletter periodically. If not, check out the RAGBRAI website (Ragbrai.com). There were just two good articles on preparing for RAGBRAI. I think this series will continue until RAGBRAI. It is important that we all keep training and make sure our bodies and our bikes are in the best shape. I took my bike in recently and found that I needed a new wheel, two new tires, and a new chain. On a personal note, I have decided to go on RAGBRAI this year. Several people have encouraged me to go including my cardiologist and my urologist. In fact, my urologist said she would be very disappointed if I did not go. So, I am starting to train. Due to the hip surgery last year, I missed last year’s RAGBRAI, and don’t have the residual conditioning that carries over from year to year. So, I am starting to train now, beginning with my cardiac rehab and Icicle Bicycle Ride. JohnBonte,RBBCRAGBRAICoordinator

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RiverBend Bicycle Club April 20, 2017 Meeting Minutes The April meeting was called to order at 7pm by Vice-President Annis Bear. In attendance were: Annis Bear, Mary Bertrand, Mike Wilner, Al Hansen, Bob Donnelly, John Bonte, Keith Robinson, Randy Meier, Rex Grove, Ron Peters, Jack Robinson and Dale Heath. The minutes from the March 2017 meeting were accepted. The Treasurer's report was given by Randy Meier. His report included the totals from this year's Icicle Bicycle Ride. There were 119 riders, and the club had a profit over $1,500. These figures were much higher than last year. There was discussion on the date for the 2018 Icicle Bicycle Ride, since Saint Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday. Randy reported he had contacted the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and was told dues are only $25 per year. In the past the club has donated $200. Al Hansen made a motion to donate $50 to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for membership dues. The motion was seconded by Bob Donnelly. Motion carried. The club's social event, Handlebar Happy Hour, was well attended and a success. John Bonte provided the RAGBRAI report. So far there are 42 people using the RBBC Charter Service. One bus has been reserved with Wiersema Charter. John suspects the club may gain a few more riders using the charter service. Membership report showed there were only a few new members or renewals in the past month. Ron Peters spoke for the Scholarship committee. He asked that the scholarship application be included in upcoming club newsletters. The future of the scholarship was discussed. The scholarship was started when the club's finances were stronger and there were many active club members with college age children, but these conditions ave changed. After this year's application cycle, the club will consider whether to continue offering scholarships. Old Business: John Bonte reported Jonathon Fah, of Argo Movers, is offering to sponsor a Pie Ride as a thank you to the club. It is tentatively scheduled for August 20 at the Argo General Store, on Territorial Rd in Le Claire, IA. He is planning a ride followed by a barbecue. More details will be coming. New Business: Iowa's Governor Terry Branstad recently signed a no texting law, which makes texting while driving a primary offense. Beginning July 1, 2017, law enforcement officials will able to pull over drivers suspected of using a cellphone while driving to text, snap photos or browse the Internet. Ron Peters mentioned two upcoming charity rides. The Tour de Brew ride in Rock Island will be May 6, beginning and ending at the Rock Island Brewing Company. This is a charity ride with numerous stops available along the 35 mile route.

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The Brat Fest Memorial Bike ride will be Sunday, May 21 in Middleton, WI. The ride is presented by Saris and produced by Capital Brewery to benefit the Badger Honor Flight. The ride starts from the Capital Brewery in Middleton, WI with routes of varying length. Ideas for club rides were considered. Al Hansen suggested starting a club ride in Iowa. So a Discovery Trail Ride to start at Rainbow Park on Garfield St is planned for May 21. Riders will ride along Clinton's Discovery Trail to Camanche. Riders looking for more miles or to practice hills will have the option to add a loop up to Eagle Point Park before heading to Camanche. Jack Robinson suggesting offering a Clinton Hill Ride, with a route that includes several of the larger hills in the city of Clinton. Mileage Report: Randy Meier 121miles, Ron Peters 247 miles, John Bonte 89 miles, Dale Heath 300 miles, Bob Donnelly 250 miles, Rex Grove 180 miles Annis Bear 52 miles, Jack Robinson 400 miles The meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm by Annis Bear. The next meeting will be Thursday, May 18, 2017. Submitted by Mary Bertrand, secretary Discovery Trail Ride Sun. May 21 1:00 PM

Meet at Rainbow Park, Garfield St., Clinton (north of Lyons, on bike trail) at 1:00 PM. Note: this is our Sun. ride, and we WILL NOT meet at the Shell Station in Fulton this time. We will start out from Rainbow Park, and you can choose to either ride up the hill to Eagle Point Park, and back down, or just head south from Rainbow, following the Discovery Trail bike path through Clinton (along the riverfront), and on the path along Lincolnway to the trail terminus in Camanche. Retrace your path back to Rainbow Park, with optional stops along the way for refreshments, if you so desire. Hope to see you there! Spread the word—the more, the merrier! Next “special” ride—“The Hills of Clinton.” Stayed tuned—we will plan this route at our next RBBC meeting, Thurs. May 18, at Happy Joe’s in downtown Clinton. Join us!

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Icicle Bicycle 2017 This year’s Icicle Bicycle was a huge success, thanks to so many people who came out and biked on a breezy, 48-degree day!! The stats are as follows: Number of participants: 119, compared to 84 last year! Total number of pre-registered participants: 40 Total number of hoodies, long sleeve shirts and crew neck sweatshirts ordered: 37 Percentage of shirts pre-order: 50% Number of shirts left over: Just ONE Hoodie Sweatshirt, Size L Profit made for the Riverbend Bike Club Scholarship Fund: $1778.94 A huge thank you to the all the businesses and people who donated to the door prizes, including but not limited to Citizens First Bank, Chad Jensen & The Bike Station and Jensen Oil, Eric Johnson & JT Cullen Company, Keith Robinson & RAKC Industries, Deanna’s Java Station, Aegis Credit Union, Jane Deters & Clinton Floral Shop, Ben & Ben’s Bicycles,

Erin and Emily & The Painted Rooster. A huge thank you needs to go out to Mary Rupp for volunteering her time in getting the door prizes but also helping with the registration, Lisa Herrington for her help the morning of the event, Liz at LynnPro for designing an awesome logo and 2017 IB shirts, Kari White & her fabulous staff at Happy Joe’s for letting us in early for registration and providing us with a fabulous banquet lunch and awesome service for our tired and happy participants, Joe Raaymaker for putting up and taking down the important road signs so no one got lost, Matt & Lisa - owners of Thoms Inn for providing Icicle Bicycle with the perfect turn-around location, and last but not least, Teresa & American Speedy Print in Clinton for all the flyers, postcards and maps. If I forgot someone, please forgive me. Just know without so many fantastic, caring people, we

never could have double our fund from last year’s goal!! Thank you ALL so much! Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out and participated in our great event!!! Because of YOU, there are kids who will get a scholarship to help with their higher education tuition!!

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TRAINING NOTES --Dave Spitler

Braking Basics. There is a really interesting little clutch of cyclists in the Kingsport, Tennessee area and some of them show up at area tours from time to time. As you might expect, coming from that part of the world, these are for the most part good strong riders who have no fear of climbs. They are also

really nice folks. A conversation with one of these riders, David, who is admittedly a rookie, quickly turned to various aspects of cycling lore. When braking came up David expressed dismay because he was hearing things for the first time that he felt he should have known from Day 1. “Why isn’t this stuff written down somewhere?” he asked. Well, most of it is written down but new riders often don’t know where. Some of the information has appeared here in the past, but perhaps it might be a good idea to put all of it in print in one place. Brakes are on your bike to stop it when you need to. To accomplish that goal, the brakes clamp down on a rotating part of the bicycle and use friction to cause the bike to slow and then stop. There are two types of brakes available on high end bikes today, Sidepull brakes that grab the wheel rim are the most prevalent but newer bikes can be seen sporting disc brakes in which two brake pads grab a disc (called the rotor) which is attached to the hub. There are plusses and minuses to be considered, but disc brakes are overall superior in many respects. Bikes have two brakes, one on each wheel and they serve different purposes. The front brake provides the real stopping power because the weight of bike and rider are behind that brake, but sudden application of the front brake only can cause that weight to rotate over the front axle causing a crash. In low traction situations, think wet pavement or on ice or snow, even a gentle application of the front brake only can cause the rear wheel to try to pass the front wheel causing a crash of another sort. The rear brake does not provide as much stopping power because that brake is behind the weight of the bike and rider, but the rear brake will keep the rider from going over the bars during a hard stop and keep the rider from sliding out during when stopping on wet or icy pavement. The proper technique is to always pull in the rear brake first, then add front brake pressure as needed. This is because the rear wheel almost always starts to lift off of the pavement the moment that front brake only is applied and all that weight starts to shift forward. Even the slightest lift of the rear wheel can cause problems: problems which riders who pull in the rear brake first generally avoid. Bicycle brakes use the friction caused by exerting pressure on the rim or the rotor to stop the bike. That friction comes with two unwanted companions: heat and wear. Heat can become excessive in rim type brakes on a hot day causing a number of undesirable consequences. First, heat softens the brake pads causing brake fade. If the heat build up becomes extreme, it can result in tire or rim failure. Savvy riders pump their brakes on a fast downhill descent rather than apply them constantly: intermittent pressure

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allows the brake pads and rims to cool off a bit which is always better. If the short term results of heat and friction can be brake fade and possible tire failure, the long term result is probably going to be rim failure. Each and every time the brakes are applied a bit of metal is worn off from the rims. Over time, this can result in rim failure. Of course, if a rim is going to fail, it will most likely be going into a curve on a fast descent on a hot day. This is where disc brakes offer an advantage. The rotor bleeds off heat better, there is less brake fade with disc brake pads. With disc brakes, there is no overheating of rims. Still, there will be some heat build up in on a fast descent on a hot day with disc brakes, so it is probably a good idea to pump the brakes rather than just apply them all the way down the hill. Remember that heat is increased as weight increases so heavier bikes (tandems) and heavier riders will be more likely to encounter these problems. Another good reason for always bringing in the rear brake first is in the event of a sudden flat. Often the rider will not know at first which tire has flatted so it is important to use the rear brake and only the rear brake to slow the bike in the event of a flat. If the flat tire is in the rear, there is little harm done. The harm comes if the flat is in the front and the front brake is applied. This is because a flat tire rolls more slowly that an inflated one: as far as the bike is concerned, a front tire flat and the application of the front brake are the same. Application of the rear brake in the event of a front tire flat keeps the rear wheel firmly on the pavement and works with the braking action of the flat front tire to slow the bike and bring it to a stop. Application of the front brake in that situation can be disastrous, causing the bike to destabilize and then crash at speed. Life is about choices: a rider who is approaching a corner at speed will learn that he can have brakes or traction but not both at the same time. This is because centrifugal force is trying to make the bike slide to the outside of the corner anyway and traction (the tires on the road) is the only thing keeping the bike where it needs to be. If the cyclist in this situation goes into the corner and then tries to brake to slow his progress, a slide and crash can to result. It is better to use the brakes to bleed off speed before entering the corner and then trust the bike to find the right path through the corner. And lastly, consider that sometimes it is a good idea to peddle and brake at the same time. That sounds counter intuitive until you think about the last time some timid rider jammed on his or her brakes in front of you possibly causing you to wreck. If you are riding with others and you need to brake to maintain your position, by all means do so, but guard against braking too hard by peddling at the same time. Dave held a USCF Coaching Certificate in the 80’s and 90’s and coached the Louisville Bicycle Club’s Women and Junior Teams.

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RBBC Scholarship Announced The Riverbend Bicycle Club Scholarship Committee recently announced that the club is accepting applications for the 2017 Scholarship. The RBBC Scholarship is funded mostly from the proceeds from the Icicle Bicycle held in March each year. The scholarship is open to immediate family members of RBBC members with an emphasis on participation in club activities. The 2017 scholarship will be awarded for the Fall semester at any institution of higher learning and can be used for any funding needs such as tuition, books or fees. Applicants must complete the attached scholarship application and return to the RBBC P.O. Box 1571, Clinton, IA 52732. More details in future newsletters.

Ways to contact the Riverbend Bicycle Club. You can look at the contact listing below and reach out to individual members of the Leadership Team or you can contact us through any of the following:

RBBC/membership, PO Box 1571, Clinton, IA 52733-1571 Address questions or comments to info@rbbcclinton.com

Or see our website www.rbbcclinton.com or

RiverBend Bicycle Club Contacts President: Chad Jensen, bicyclestation218@gmail.com 563.242.1712 (Days) Vice President: Annis Bear, webears@netins.net, 563.357.4579 Communication: Mary Bertrand, mebertrand@hotmail.com Treasurer: Randy Meier, rmeier563@gmail.com 563.357.5755 Secretary: Newsletter Editor: David Spitler, davespitler@gmail.com 502.931.4656 Membership: Joe Raaymakers, raaymakers170@gmail.com 563.249-0312 RAGBRAI Coordinator: John Bonte, j.bonte@mchsi.com 563.242.4470 Ride Coordinator: Or contact any of the club leaders through our web site; info@rbbcclintoncom

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PRESENTING: THE NEW RBBC JERSEY!

The new club jerseys are currently at The Bicycle Station and may be purchased there. Remote members can order jerseys by using the handy order form below. How much: These jerseys will sell to club members for $60, the same as the old jersey.

Details: This jersey is the Primal Club Cut just like the RAGBRAI jerseys. If you know your size in the RAGBRAI jerseys, you know your size in this new club jersey.

THIS LOT OF JERSEYS WILL BE COLLECTORS’ ITEMS, so get yours now! Careful examination revealed that on the back of the jersey, “Clinton” is spelled correctly while “Fulton” is misspelled as “Folton” Primal has

apologized for this error and offered our club a lower price on a future order, on which the error will be corrected. This means that the “Folton” jerseys will only be available for a limited time, so if you want a genuine “Folton” RBBC club jersey, NOW is the time to get yours before they are gone.

CLUB JERSEY ORDER FORM. Get Yourself one of those spiffy new club jerseys. If you can’t get to The Bicycle Station to pick yours up, print handy form below, fill it out and send it in along with a check for the number of jerseys you have ordered plus $5.00 per order for shipping. The address is: RBBC/RAGBRAI PO BOX 1571, CLINTON IA 52733-1571. Name: ______________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ City:___________________________State:_______________ Zip:____________ SIZE/PRICE XS-$60 S-$60 M-$60 L-$60 XL-$60 TOTAL

#ORDERED

Shipping

$7.00 per order

Grand Total

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It is time to renew your club membership for 2017!

RIVERBEND BICYCLE CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM FOR 2017 Yearly membership from January 1 through December 31

Full name: ____________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City: ________________________ State: ____________ Zip: _________

E-mail address: ____________________________________________ Your email address is important to us, if you have one please enter it. We DO NOT share any information. You will receive emails from RBBC for club use only. Phone number: (_____). ______. _______ Please list additional family members for family memberships: _____________________ ________________________________________________________________________ I and any family members listed above understand that the RiverBend Bicycle Club, its officers, and activity leaders are not insurers of my personal safety. I understand that bicycle riding has personal risk and I thus release them from any and all liability arising from any personal injury, property damage, loss or inconvenience resulting from participating in RiverBend Bicycle Club activities or rides. ALL CYCLISTS RIDE AT THEIR OWN RISK AND ARE ADVISED TO WEAR A CERTIFIED HELMET! Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________________ Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________________ (Signature of parent or guardian is required if primary member is under 18) Please check: Yes____ I do want to be included in the membership directory. No ____ I do not want to be included. Yes____ I am a member of the League of American Bicyclists. No ____ I am not a member. Single yearly membership: $15.00 Family yearly membership: $20.00 Total amount: __________________________ Please make checks to RBBC and mail to:RBBC/membership, PO Box 1571, Clinton, IA 52733-1571

Please do not use PayPal for renewing your club memberships. Be sure to include this signed release waiver

with your mailed check.

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RIVERBEND BICYCLE CLUB MEMBERS RAGBRAI XLIV CHARTER RESERVATION July 23-29, 2017

Please fill out this form; print legibly and include your email address, return it along with your check; checks should be made to RBBC/RAGBRAI to: RBBC/RAGBRAI PO BOX 1571, CLINTON IA 52733-1571. The waiver should be completed online. All applications for wristbands must be made on line at http://www.ragbrai.com follow the easy instructions on the website. Registrations and forms must be completed and in our hands no later than March 15, 2017, so that we can make our April 1 deadline.

When your registration form is received, you will receive a confirmation along with some early information. Several weeks before the ride you will be sent a final letter that will include information and instructions as to where and when to meet for bike and bus loading. One form for each per person please.

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________

CITY: __________________________________STATE: ___________ ZIP: ______________

PHONE: (____)._________________ EMAIL: __________________________________ Cell Phone Number (if different from above)___________________________(so we can reach you on the ride)

TYPE OF BIKE: TANDEM ( ) ROAD BIKE ( ) RECUMBENT ( ) TRIKE ( )

(This year there will be a $20 charge for oversized bikes (trikes, recumbents, etc., but not tandems)

BUS. Includes bus ride from ending town to start town on Saturday, July 22, 2017 for one person, one bicycle and 2 bags. Limit size and weight of bags please. Please note that your baggage may be transported in a truck and not on the bus.

TRANSPORTATION. Includes moving baggage from campsite to campsite for the week.

Bus: (For 1 person, 1 bike and 2 bags on July 22) Ending Town to Starting Town $120: ____________

Transportation: (hauling baggage from town to town & camping) $135: ____________

Oversized bike $20: ____________

RAGBRAI fees: get fees from your online registration: ____________

RBBC Jersey: Size (Circle one) Small, Medium, Large, Extra large $60 ____________

Total amount enclosed ____________

Make check to: RBBC/RAGBRAI

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ________________

CANCELLATION POLICY: $20 cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations before June 30, after June 30 and before July 10th the cancellation fee will be the cost of the bus. THERE IS NO REFUND UPON CANCELLATION AFTER JULY 10th!

Anyone riding RAGBRAI should know the dangers of long distance bicycle riding on highways and assume the risks that go along with such activities. We can not guarantee road or weather conditions and riders should be prepared for the worst of both including but not limited to rain, thunderstorms, tornados, extreme heat, gravel roads, railroad crossings, mud roads and dangerous cracks in the highway. Riders are advised to wear approved helmets and other safety gear, drink extra water and wear sunscreen. Riders should be prepared for a week long 500 mile bicycle ride, have their bicycle in good working order and be physically fit for the ride.

All applications and waivers must be signed and dated, then returned to RBBC along with correct payment no later than March 15, 2017. We cannot accept registrations that have not been signed. Have questions or need assistance please contact John Bonte 563-242-4470 or email j.bonte@mchsi.com

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RIVERBEND BICYCLE CLUB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Name: ______________________________

Address: _______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

Phone: ____ - ____ - ___________ Family / RBBC member’s name _____________________________________ School you will attend: _______________________________________

List Riverbend Bicycle Club functions that you, or your parent/family members, attended in the past two years. 1._________________________________________________________________

2._________________________________________________________________

3._________________________________________________________________

4._________________________________________________________________

5._________________________________________________________________

6._________________________________________________________________

7._________________________________________________________________

8._________________________________________________________________

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9._________________________________________________________________

10.________________________________________________________________

Please explain in a short essay what you plan to study and your career goals upon

completion of school. Attach any letters of recommendation and mail to;

RBBC Scholarship P.O. Box 1571 Clinton, IA 52733-1571