Jumping for Joy in 2010

Jumping for Joy in 2010

It’s beeen another eventful and wonderful year! As we head to Hawaii to stay and play with my dear college pal Linda and her girls, we celebrate a year blessed with excellent health, jumping around the globe, special events galore, Ciclismo Classico goals exceeded, numerous athletic achievements and plenty of fun and games for all. With the wind at our back, our three musketeers, Mauro and I are ready and excited to dive into 2011

Sports Illustrated

Mauro and I kept as active as schedule juggling allows. This year in addition to getting around Boston by bike, I discovered a fun group that rides at 5:45 AM which keeps me in shape and gets me back in time to make pancakes. Mauro, our family chef, runs, skiis and swims whenever possible and we both spend the rest of our time running kids around town. Lorenzo loves to downhill ski, scores regularly on his soccer team and has developed a new love for basketball. He’s anxious to try boxing. Mmmmm? Valentina packs in two sports a season pairing soccer with softball and cross country running and swimming with her favorite: cross country skiing! Her efforts paid off with a 1^st place victory at the Craftsbury Marathon and 2^nd on the Bill Koche Festival relay team. Luca’s our in-house Boston Sports Fan. Covering his walls are pictures of his favorite Bruins, Red Sox and Patriots players; he fits nicely into the A-town stick and ball scene with a natural affinity for soccer, baseball and hockey. For his b-day he was ecstatic to go to a Bruins game with Natascia and Dustin. We’re proud of his cycling accomplishments too–2^nd place in the Mayors’ Cup Kid Bike Race at the annual Hub on Wheels Event in Boston.

Growing Up (too fast!)

It’s official (and hard to believe); we’ve got a teenager in da house!  ON March 31st, Lorenzo turned 13 as his height rose (slightly above mom), his feet burst (to a size 11), his mouth filled with silver, his “six pack” developed (considerably), his voice deepened (still crackly) and his humor became drenched in sarcasm. His coming of age experiences consisted of his going to many of his friend’s Bat and Bar Mitzvahs! For Valentina’s 11^th B-day and Luca’s 8^th, they both chose Co Co Keys, an indoor water park where mayhem with music (and silly arcades) is the draw.

Arts & Entertainment:

For the first time, Lorenzo Valentina and Luca shared the stage in a Watertown Theatre’s production of Tom Sawyer. Valentina was an elegant but spunky Anne Lawrence, Lorenzo had center stage as the Preacher and Luca got to sing, dance and look cute. Thanks to excellent teachers, we are making musical progress on Marathon St. Lorenzo is really diving into the drums and Valentina, inspired by her favorite show GLEE, is singing and playing a new song on the piano weekly. I do my best, with excellent Passim teacher Janet Feld, to carve out time to strum easy Paul Simon songs on the guitar.

(Trying) To Be the Change:

This year for my 20^th PMC (third virtual in Italy), my generous sponsors donated over 7K for a 20-year grand total of 100K to this wonderful cause. For the 2^nd year I spent two days in Washington at the National Bike Summit where I spoke on a panel that presented the case to better support bike tourism to increase overall participation in bicycling. I was invited to join the board of East Arlington Livable Streets and Mass Bike where hopefully I can play a bigger role in improving our communities through safe and responsible cycling programs and infrastructure. Mauro tries to keep our debating skills alive by raising the political intelligence bar but it’s a tough job in a houseful of comedians! Finally, a small but significant victory for East Arlington: The Hardy School that once opposed cycling to school now has a bike rack!

The Ciclismo World:

Lots of great news to share to wrap up our 20^th year of running legendary bicycle tours. First: we exceeded our sales goal thanks to a strong team effort and the addition of Sales Director Christy Mraz and Travel Consultant Lauren Lasky. The League of American Bicyclists awarded us Bronze in their Bicycle Friendly American program. Next year we’re going for gold! At our retreat we envisioned and mapped out bold new directions for CC. We were invited to join the Trusted Adventures Alliance, a partnership of eight distinguished, award-winning travel companies. I was thrilled to hang out, learn and grow from them all at the annual and always exciting Adventure Travel Summit in Aviemore Scotland. Our annual brochure warmed hearts with its bright and lively cover illustrated by Lannie Hart. Fun CC events fill our annual calendar: We launched our first annual Ciclismo Classico Film Festival followed by the 145 mile B2B Harpoon ride from the Harpoon Brewery in Boston to their brewery in Vermont, the PMC in August, the Hub on Wheels in September, Cycle Kids auction in Novemnber and for the 14^th year we ended on a high with over 60 costumed, caroling riders in The Jingle Ride.

Family and Friends:

Active reunions with friends and family filled the year. For the 11^th year our MLK ski weekend in Craftsbury is a reunion of Vermont and Mass ski buddies. In February, we headed to Bretton woods where dozens of Eastern Mass cross-country skiers landed to enjoy its gorgeous trail system at the base of Mount Washington. In May we were reunited for the 13^th year with our friends at the Tyler Place. With its delicious food, charming accommodations, plethora of activities for all and its idyllic location, it’s the way life should be. The year’s highlight was the June wedding of Ciclismo guide, Marcello Bonini’s and his lovely bride Cleide (with their two adorable babes at the their side) in the little village of Casole Val D’Elsa. It was a non-stop festa with a dozen CC guides and their young families singing, playing and of course non-stop intake of Italian delicacies and gallons of home-made Lambrusco. Our Italian grand finale was spent with Mauro’s large wonderful extended family on the beach and at the table in Cittadella Del Capo. Each weekend in August we packed in visits to friends and family: bonfires and boogey boarding at Salisbury Beach with Carol Shumans and her 8 year old son Sam, boating, camping and barbecues with our cousins in CT, pond floating in Peacedale, RI with Windsor Mountain friends and a summer grand finale beach party with Tyler Place Pals, the Foggles & Mcelhoes

The (Incurable) Travel Bug:

Some people get a high on the holidays or  cuddling by the fire, I get my Christmas wish and feel incredibly blessed every time we embark on a family adventure. This year our air miles and passports got plenty of use as we literally jumped all over Europe and the USA (and I could not have been happier). We wrapped up 2009 with a jam-packed trip to San Francisco where we were hosted by with ex-Ciclismo tour guide, Angiolino Sandri, wife April and daughter Beatrice. The world’s greatest urban (on and off bike) tour guides was 20 year pal, CC alumn and resident San Fran Native: “Pazzo” Dale Butler who is best balanced and considerably bettered by his talented wife, Tina. Dale’s passion, love and knowledge for this great city is addictive. Dale’s infectious insanity perfectly suited and entertained our wild and crazy children and Dale offered to adopt them all (“never all three at once”). With Dale in the lead, we biked and walked everywhere and everyday was an incredible urban adventure (not counting when Valentina “accidentally“ deleted all 400 pictures of our trip off my camera). In April we returned to Disney World this time to show Luca, who missed out on Mickey, Minnie and Goofy in 2004, our favorite parks and rides. We topped off our Florida tour with a visit to Universal Studios and the Kennedy Space Center.

In July my family made me so happy (and proud) by embracing bicycle touring and covering over 300 miles, three countries and causing havoc all along the way. We pedaled our Lovely Lofoten Family trip with the Pohl family from San Francisco--it was even better the second time around! From Norway it was onto Ireland, where we rode our 8 day, 200 mile Ciclismo Western Ireland route that zig zags through the Burren, the Aran Island and along the incredibly scenic Connemara coastline. I had scouted and led this tour 14 years ago while pregnant with Lorenzo. The treat on this trip was a reunion with my high energy; super co-guide June Boulger who hosted our family for lunch.  Our Irish routine was simple: big breakfast followed by hours of gorgeous riding (and photo ops) topped with hours in the pub eating and listening to music. We can’t wait to go back. Who wants to come? Seriously we are seeking other cycling loving families to join us in Donegal in July 2011. Whose in?

After Ireland it was onto Italy to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the town of Lucca where we rented bikes and explored this lovely medieveal city fo churches. We timed Luca as he road his bike fast around Lucca’s famous wall that encircles the town for a Luca vs. Lucca time trial to mimic the famous Francesco Moser time trial race there in 1984.   The result: 4KM in 10 minutes. Luca won!

The Grand Finale of our cycling & travel adventures was a 10-day stay with the wonderful Harnish Family in Barcelona, Spain. This is one crazy city and they are one exceptionally crazy family. Surprise: We get along beautifully! As part of our long-term family goal to cycle all the major European cities, we rented bikes, took a 3-hour tour and then kept the heavy-duty clunkers for the week to get around this bustling city. We loved the squares, the street life (crazy La Rambla and beyond) the Picasso museum, the markets and the incredible array of architectural styles.

It’s been a wonderful year! We wish you peace and happiness in 2011 and hope you’ll drop by our Marathon home or office soon

Lauren, Mauro, Lorenzo, Valentina, Luca and Jim (Gimpa)

Energized and inspired at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Aveimore Scotland

Scotland Mountain High

Having  returned from the annual  Adventure Travel World Summit in Aveimore Scotland, I am once again energized, inspired and proud to be a part of one of the fastest-growing and most successful travel sectors—Adventure Travel. Adventure travel companies, like fellow members of Trusted Adventures, have placed the bar very high when it comes to “the guest experience.” Since we are launching a NEW bicycle tour in Scotland, I was excited to taste as much of this wonderful country as nine days (and lots of meetings, lectures and networking) would allow. As usual, I packed a full schedule!

Highlights of the nine days included a walk up to Arthur’s seat, a guided 2 hour bike tour around Edinburgh with Andy of  Story Bikes, learning the intricacies of Single Malt Scotch at the ” Scotch Malt Whisky Society with my  Trusted Adventure colleagues, paddled with an expert kayaker/ tour operator from Sweden, mountain biked through lavender fields and at every meal was blown away by a different country’s presentation of their unique destination.

On my first afternoon in Edinburgh I rented a bike and did what I do best: EXPLORE. I checked out the city's bike map and sought out the highlighted bike path. I found this lovely path along a canal overflowing with cyclists, walkers and scullers.

Late afternoon shadows at the end of a 2 hour exploration Edinburgh by bicycle

Childrens' art was mounted on a wall along the canal near the center of Edinburgh

Andy of Story Bike Tours stops in a park across from the childhood home of Robert Louis Stevenson. The lush park complete with pond with a small island is said to have been the inspiration for Treasure Island

On tour a Story Bike Tour, we bike all around the city and ended at the base of the Edinburgh Castle

The Trusted Adventure leaders gather in Edinburg for our pre-summit meeting which included a hike to Arthur's Seat. Recognized worldwide for uncompromising quality, exceptional guest care and sustainable travel ethics, the Trusted Adventures alliance is a partnership of eight distinguished, award-winning, and independently operated companies; Austin-Lehman Adventures, Wildland Adventures, Western River Expeditions, Myths and Mountains, The Wayfarers, ROW Adventures, Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations, American Safari Cruises and Ciclismo Classico

Our Trusted Adventure guide took us on a behind the scenes walk which included the Edinburgh Cemetary where economist is buried.

Yes I AM a tree hugger: On our drive up to Aveimore, we stop at the Birnam Oak, a tree dating back to Medieval times and made famous in Macbeth

On our summit "Day of Adventure" I walked, canoed and Mt biked with a group of over 30 adventure specialists from around the world.

As expected, the Scottish tourist board won points for authenticity in their live performance of the Address to a Haggis by Robert Burns. The haggis is a traditional Scottish dish traditionally served with “Neeps and tatties” (turnips and potatoes) and “dram” (a glass of whisky).

How lucky am I?  Not only did I travel to a spectacular country but I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn the latest trends in travel, explore exciting new destinations via multi-media demonstrations and mingle with adventure travel “movers and shakers” from around the word. Enjoy some favorite moments from Scotland from Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48084728@N02/sets/72157625169959908/

Over 500 adventure delegates from all over the world took this year’s theme, “Share and Inspire” to heart. Whether it was  Costas Christ, Editor At Large for National Geographic Traveler sharing his vision of the future of adventure travel or  Dr. Wallace Nichols from the California Academy of Sciences whose life long love of turtles and the sea led him to passionately promote his r/evolution that is helping save the planet and is making a difference— the message rang loud and clear: as leaders in adventure travel interacting with literally millions of travelers annually, we are making a difference in the way people are experiencing the world’s most precious resources.

Shannon Stowell and Chris Doyle, Brainchilds and passionate founders of the Adventure Travel and Trade Associate raise the "authenticity" bar on Scotland evening and they are looking good in the traditional Scottish attire

On our "Night out in the Park" we had dinner on a historic train. Adventurous conversations flowed with Judy Alpress of The Wayfayers and Judy Carvahal of Enchanted Expeditions (Specialists in Ecuador expeditions)

Adventure travel companies (and their guests and stakeholders) have an important role to play. We represent millions and millions of customers worldwide as a group.  Bicycle tour companies, eco-lodges, adventure operators, outfitters, safari companies, rafting companies, diving companies, walking tours, the list goes on endlessly. But we know instinctively that as a group we do impact millions of travelers and nearly every region on the planet with what we do.

We embrace the vision of the Adventure Travel Trade Association is very clear:  Ciclismo Classico is proud to be a part of a thriving community of responsible, profitable businesses, destinations and media who transform customers and businesses alike into advocates for sustainability and justice worldwide.

Nicky Fitzgerald summed up what she hopes adventure leaders will strive for as they host travelers on their tours into one word. This one word from her South African homeland—Ubuntu is actually an ethical concept.  Ubuntu, the essence of being human, refers to how we rely on others for our sense of self, how we are all interdependent and need to work together for our emotional and material health and wealth.  Embracing Ubuntu reminds of us of our interconnectedness, certainly the most profound way that adventure travel can transform and change each of us.

At a session on Mega Trends, Nicky reminded us that while the Adventure Travel “industy” can come up with lots of reasons why we hope our guests will take a travel adventure, the reason why people take an adventure is for self discovery, whether they know it, or not. Our responsibility, is to connect each traveler with their own soul. Amen.

This annual summit is a celebration of Ubuntu–adventure lovers from around the world sharing what they know and love best: Immersing oneself actively into the beauty of our natural world and its diverse culture.  I was in my  zone connecting with old “adventure friends” like:

Ellen Barone. Freelance Travel writer and Ciclismo alumni extraordinaire. Her peaceful smile is the first thing I look for when I arrive. She’s always got some great adventure going. This year, she will be back with Ciclismo!

Judith Fein, author of Life is a Trip,  gets my creative juices going. I have adopted her line: I LIVE TO LEAVE. This Travel journalist, travel filmmaker, travel speaker, travel columnist, travel addict also has knack for getting everyone on the dance floor, in a circle and strutting their stuff .

It’s always nice to find Timo Shaw, President, Country Walkers, in the Pub. My favorite ATTA rascal from down under, Timo’s got his hand on pint and his brain on the adventure travel business

Jim Sayer. Director of Adventure Cyclist. We are connected at the HUB when it comes to our vision for roads, bike lanes and bicycle travel in the world

Perry Lungmus of Travcoa. Just an all around nice guy who knows the ins and outs of Adventure Travel and has been around and around in this wonderful world.

Kathy Dragon of Travel Dragon. Well she is simply and wonderfully crazy & smart. Proudly closing the bars everywhere in Scotland.

Moe McCarrick of Momentum. We are new friends but something tells me, from her smile and NH connections, that we knew each other in another life

Ben Bressler and Don Martinson of Natural Habitat. Simply the craziest and funniest living duo  I have met to date.  Bummed that I missed the de-tox Mt Bike Ride but I was promised a rain check. They better not let me down!

Jason Rodi of Nomad Industries  Another “new” friend that I met on summit of a lovely mountain hike behind the hotel. I look forward to working with this talented filmaker. He also has roots in Calabria, so you know we had lots to talk about.

Andreas Lappe. Really excited to meet a fellow bicycle traveler from South Africa. Take me on a bike safari, please!

and of course hanging out in Edinburg with my fellow Trusted Adventure Colleagues:

Whisky lover Peter Grubb of Row Adventures put us to shame with his tasting talents. Kurt Kutay of Wildland Adventures. Not only does he have great party shirts but he has an intuitive sense of what makes the adventure travel business tick. Brandon Lake, The brains behind Resmark Systems & Western River showed us how to get work done AND attend a conference. Allie E. Almario of Myths & Mountains was bursting with energy despite her en route travel injury.  Alaskan Mountain Man Kent John of  Great Alaska took the Mt Bike Ride that I missed! Doting new papa and Trusted Adventures Leader Brad Moss kept us focused and on track. Finally,  Judy Alpress and Betsy West of The Wayfayers—although this was the first time we officially “hung out,” these classy gals took care of me and made me feel at home with their wide smiles and big hearts.

The experience of “Ubuntu” on our Ciclismo Classico tours may explain why so many of our guests claim to have been transformed by their travel experience.

Interconnecting our guests with the landscape, the people and their surroundings is the Ciclismo Classico Way of Life.

Thank you fellow Adventure Travel Friends for sharing views, ideas and best practices. See you in Mexico, hosts of the 2011 Adventure Travel Summit!

Birthday Bike Ride Along the Byways of Ipswich

My favorite birthday present is (suprise) a glorious bike ride so when I was stumped on where to ride on my birthday I called my biking buddy and New England bike tour expert, Gordon Harris of NE Bicycle Adventures who willingly and enthusiastically offered to be my personal bike tour guide around Ipswich, MA, the place he has called home now for several years. It was a perfect late May day: bright sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. With camera, Cliff bar and camera in my pocket, I was stoked for a beautiful birthday ride and I know Gordon would not disappoint
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Ipswich, 40 minutes East of Arlington, is a quintessential New England town with plenty of quiet roads that meander along the sea, state forests and apple orchards as well as through small towns with abundant period architecture—-in other words, the perfect ride that reminds me of the birthday rides I would take when I was a kid growing up in Southern, NH.

After a welcome snack and intro to the ride at Gordon’s house, we started pedaling, first through the town of Ipswich which I learn has more 1600 & 1700 historic homes than anywhere in NE.  I adore gazing at architecture while I ride so having Gordon point out the various historic homes on our route was a real treat.  From the village of Ipswich we ride to Great Neck and Little Neck, two glacial drumlins left from the last ice age that offer views of Plum Island, the Atlantic and Cape Ann. 

I mention coffee and Gordon loops the ride back to the village of Ipswich where we stop at Zumi’s cafe and I enjoy their special frozen drink and perfect biking pick-me-up: A coffee ice cream smoothie. Properly buzzed, Gordon leads us along the Ipswich Riverwalk Mural where residents star as characters in a delightful painting by Alan Pearsal that portrays the history of this remarkable little town.  Sweet NE Views, historic houses, coffee and now murals–Gordon is scoring big in my list of birthday treats.

The second half of our Historic Ride is the farm and forest portion of our tour. We ride up Perkins Row passing stunning homes to one of my favorite escapes with the kids, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary that has delightful nature walks along ponds, rivers and marshes. Spottings of frogs, blue herons, turtles and birds are guaranteed.  For an area that is so close to Boston, these rural roads have the remoteness and beauty of Northern, Maine. We make our way to Bradley Palmer State Park, a 721-acre former estate features pine needled paths, acres of sunny rolling meadows and spectacular rhododendrons which line old carriage roads. Looking for an elegant, rural location for your next event? At the center of the patk is the Willowdale Estate, an Arts and Crafts mansion that has been rehabilitated in return for credit towards a long term lease through DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program.

The end of my birthday bike ride is nearing as we approach Appleton Farms and I savor the views of rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings and a pastoral landscape that is a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past.  A gift of Colonel Francis R. Appleton, Jr., and his wife Joan, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country, established and maintained by nine generations of the Appleton family. Here’s another great place to bring your family, friends or to enjoy some peace and quiet all by yourself

Although in the past I had ridden fast through Ipswich to reach the beach or en route to Newburyport,  this more leisurely B-day tourist version, allowing for plenty of conversation, photography and discovery, was the perfect birthday present. Topping it off was riding with my dad and Gordon, who shares my idea of the perfect ride: blending miles, history and a jumbo frappuccino!

Thanks Gordon! Ciclismo Classico is so lucky to have you as our official New England bike tour guide

Enjoy the pictures from the ride!

Why We Love our Ciclismo Guests: Meet Tom Fortmann, another Crazy Guy on a Bike

I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my midst. A ride up the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway not only provides a quiet, traffic-free escape from urban Arlington but whether I plan it or not, I usually meet up with very interesting people with whom I can share a few miles of cycling and free-flowing chat. I was riding the path with my dad yesterday and passed Tom Fortmann and his wife Carla who live in Lexington, literally steps away from where the American Revolution began in a lovely colonial house on the green.  Tom, by the way was one of the founders of the Minuteman Bikeway, the most used bike path in the country, and pushed for its creation against townsfolk who were convinced that it would increase crime.

Although he is a retired top executive, as many of our “retired” Ciclismo guests, at a super youthful looking and energetic 67, he is as busy as ever with a plethora of activities.  He is a grandfather of three, very active with the Massachusetts Board of Education and recently  performed as Paul Revere in Lexington’s “In Their Own Words,” a live performance with key players in the American Revolution.

As busy as he is, I will leap to the conclusion that what Tom loves most is to ride his bike. In the last ten years, Tom has ridden an average of 5,000 miles per year. Luckily he has our complete collection of Ciclismo jersies which he wears regularly. Tom and his wife, devoted Italiophiles are two of our most generous Ciclismo ambassadors; when our Ciclismo guides come to town they welcome and feed them with the requirement that only Italian is spoken

Last week Tom and a friend left me in the dust on a Charles River Wheelmen spring century. This week he will ride from Boston to Provincetown, the infamous “Cape in a Day” ride.  Only five months into the year Tom has ridden 3823 miles in preparation for his longest trip to date. In less than two weeks he will embark on a two month ride across the country on Timberline’s Odyssey 2010. Over the past ten years, Tom and his wife (a more leisurely cyclist) have taken our longest Ciclismo Classico tours: Bike Across Italy,  Giro d’Italia, Sardinia/Corsica (photo), The Best of Southern Italy and  Bike Across Southern Italy. In 2001, he and his Stanford buddies rented a villa and cycled around some of Tuscany’s most challenging roads.

Luckily, Tom has documented most of his cycling journeys on a unique website, Crazy Guy on A Bike

We look forward to following his cross country adventure on this web site

His favorite tour: Our 15 Day Giro D’Italia
His ride. A Seven
His favorite gelato flavor: Cioccolato

Good Luck Tom!

2010 National Bike Summit: It’s a GREAT time to be a cyclist

In addition to gathering with over 700 of the county’s most passionate cycling advocates, industry players and cycling legends like Gary Fisher, there were many exciting moments and developments during this week’s 10th annual Bicycle Summit in Washington D.C. 

On Tuesday’s opening reception, we heard from Tim Blumethal, director of Bikes Belong, officially launched peopleforbikes.org– a brand-new initiative to put more people on bikes more often. They are collecting one million names in support of a better future for biking – one that’s safer, more convenient, and more appealing for everyone. And we’re giving people the tools to support pro-bike policies and spread the joy of bicycling in their own communities. Take the pledge!

At the Opening Plenary session, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s remarks seemed to lack the usual fire and brimstone that had whipped the crowd into a fervor in years past. This year — instead of bemoaning the “weasels” in power or gushing about the hope of a new administration — he spoke of political gridlock and pleaded, almost desparately, for the help of the 700-plus advocates in the room “I’ve been here all my life and have never seen anything like we’ve had over the course of the last year… We need your energy, your vision, your blueprint for how to make things better.”

We also heard (before the rest of the world) Google announce what all bike riders have been waiting for – Grab Your Bike and Go with Google Maps. We were first to hear that they are adding biking directions in the U.S. to Google Maps. “This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We know people want to ride more, and we know it’s good for people and communities when they do ride more – this makes it possible. It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting,”  Visit http://maps.google.com/biking to try out this new feature. Biking directions for Google Maps is currently in Beta.

Throughout the day there were many fascinating break out sessions include “How to Promote Liveable Communities,” “How Bicycling Can Boost Public Transit,” “Best Practices in Youth Cycling Programs,” “Traffic Justice–Don’t be Driven to Distraction,” and the break out that breakout that I led with Jim Sayer of Adventure Cycling and Kristin Dahl of Travel Oregon, “Dollars, Partnerships and New Riders: How Tourism Can Play a Role”

On Thursday we met with our Mass constituents and headed up to “The Hill”where we got a booming welcome, a potent shot of inspiration, endless enthusiasm and passion for pedaling from our biggest bike fans in Washington, Congressman James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer, and Illinois Congressman Daniel Lipinski received awards from the League of American Bicyclists for their dedication to bicycling. They rallied the 700 National Bike Summit attendees who are set to take Capitol Hill by storm today.

In over 450 meetings with their representatives and senators today, the Summit delegates will build support for H.R. 4722 the Active Community Transportation Act of 2010, S. 584/H.R. 1443 – The Complete Streets Act, and S. 1156 The Safe Routes to School Program/H.R. 4021 – The Safe Routes to High Schools Act. 

Shaking his fist Congressman Oberstar boomed what we wanted to hear “The 21st century will be the century of the bicycle.  A record 700 showed up for this Summit. Congressman Jim Oberstar recalled jokingly, “We used to be able to do this in a phone booth!” There were less than 100 people at the first Summit; that’s about the same number of Trek dealer reps that showed up this year. That rise in Summit attendance mimics a rise in federal spending on biking and walking projects. In 2000, $296 million was spent. In 2009, that number had jumped to $1.1 billion.

At 9:00 hundreds of cyclists were off to meet with their fellow delegates. Our group of twelve from Massachusetts led David Watson of Mass Bicycle Coalition hit the ground running with back to back meetings with several aids of MA Congressmen and our State Senators Brown and Kerry. We were met with support and encouragement from all. My plea was to each was to approve additional funding and better support Safe Routes to School so these programs can begin to make a difference in our children’s lives.  Inspired by a Summit talk about youth cycling I had emailed Principal D’ Amico to ask her what she would like to do next with regards to the cycling pilot we launched in 2009; she emailed me back soon after to say she would like to install bike racks. This may seem small but it is a huge victory in a town that for many years has had a silent ban against children cycling to school.

The summit concluded with a cocktail party reception and another celebratory speech from Secretary Ray LaHood who, in order to be heard, jumped a top a table and began his speech to the packed room of cycle pinned enthusiasts

“You have a full partner in Ray LaHood.” (3.12.10) Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood joined the League at our National Bike Summit’s Congressional Reception. LaHood enthusiastically declared his commitment to livable communities. Watch the video!

If you would like some additional great pictures from the summit check out Bike Portland

I would love to hear from any of you who went to the bike summit. Your thoughts, ideas and visions for a better bike future for all. Thanks!  Bike On

10th National Bike Summit Rocked!

The  10th National Bike Summit ended last Thursday, March 11th, with a momentous Congressional Reception, inspiring bike advocates from around the country – and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood – to bring the American bicycle movement to the next level! The 2010 Bike Summit was a paramount event for countless reasons but there are 10 clear highlights.
Drum roll please…
10. Rewards for A Decade of Service  – The Summit really wouldn’t be what it is today without the ongoing support of three people we recognized for their decade of commitment to the event: Congressmen Jim Oberstar (D-MN) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) have spoken at all ten Summits, offering words of wisdom and inspiration; always challenging us to aim higher. Their staff provide invaluable logistical help and strategic guidance as we navigate the halls of power. The third award was to Bikes Belong, the title sponsor of all ten – a serious financial commitment which they exceed every year by also drumming up attendees. Thank You!
Just before the Summit kicked off, at the League’s annual meeting, we also recognized more than a decade of service by outgoing Chair of the League Board, Amanda Eichstaedt. She received the Paul Dudley White award for her contribution to bicycling over the years, including service on the League board and as Chair of the board for the past three years.
9. The League’s six asks for the Congressional Lobby Day (starting on page 14 of the agenda) were well received by our nation’s Senators and Congressmen.  H.R. 4722, the Active Community Transportation of Act of 2010, had nine additional bill co-sponsors as a result of our meetings on Capitol Hill.
8. Bike/Ped Eligibility for Transit Funds Increased – Speaking at the opening plenary of the Summit, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff confirmed that the eligibility of FTA funds for bicycling and walking projects has been extended. Following a Federal Register notice last year, FTA has agreed that bicycling projects that increase access and service to transit facilities are eligible for FTA funding provided they are within a three-mile radius of a transit station (one mile for walking). Eligibility doesn’t guarantee any more funding for bike/transit projects, but certainly removes a major hurdle that has prevented it in the past.
7. The Bikes Belong Coalition Political Action Committee (Bike PAC) – the bicycle industry’s bipartisan political action committee – had 10 members of Congress join the meeting!
6. Bikes Belong rolled out their new campaign People for Bikes – a brand-new initiative to put more people on bikes more often.
5. We had two members from Capitol Hill join us for the 10th Annual Congressional Bike Ride – Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) and Senator Merkley (D-OR)!
4. Representative Tom Petri (R-WI) pedaled a pedicab at the League’s National Bike Summit the afternoon of the Lobbying Day.
3. Google announced at the Opening Plenary Session at the National Bike Summit an addition to their suite of online directions -  Google Maps biking directions! “This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists.

2. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood energized and thanked the crowd at the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit on March 11, 2010 declaring, “You have a full partner in Ray LaHood.” Today, March 15, LaHood issued his new Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and Recommendations. LaHood then made the most substantial statement the DOT has ever made about bicycling and announced, a ” sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.”

And finally, the number one reason the 10th Annual Bike Summit Rocked…
1. You! More than 725 bicycle advocates, educators, enthusiasts, and industry leaders attended the 10th Annual National Bike Summit and had more than 425 scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill! That is approximately 600 more Bike Summit attendees than we had 10 years ago!

To recap, the National Bike Summit was a great success, and the League is confident in the progress we will make in the year to come in conjunction with the Bike Summit! The League thanks all of our sponsors, advocates, supporters and industry leaders who turned out in record numbers to support the cause we all know will make America a healthier, better place to live – bicycling.