Oakland Yellowjackets Bicycling Club

BEGINNING BIKE SKILLS CLINIC-SUNDAY MAY 20

As many of you might know, Mike Cox has retired as the instructor of this long-running bike skills clinic. After teaching more than 700 riders how to ride more safely and have more fun on the bike, Mike has handed over the clinic to me and my assistant, Hal Danielsen. Our first clinic will be on October 10 at the same Miller-Knox Park location in Point Richmond.

I am confident that I can continue to help clinic participants learn in a fun and safe environment. After racing for the Left Coast Cyclery team for 7 years, earning a California Triple Crown, acting as a mentor for both the Early Bird Criterium Training Series and the ‘Winner Within’ women’s racing series and becoming a USCF Coach, I feel well qualified to teach the skills covered in our clinic.

We will cover many skills during the 5 hour clinic, including basic handling, pedaling, braking, cornering and descending techniques, beginning paceline practice as well as offering helpful hints to further improve your skills. And while no one will be asked to attempt anything they are not comfortable doing, we will most certainly provide you with the necessary tools/instruction to perform the given tasks safely. Whether you are beginning rider, training for your first organized ride, or even considering racing, this clinic will provide a fun and supportive environment to help you expand your skill set.

I was watching the TdF this morning when I caught this ad:

Normally I fast forward through all the commercials, but I caught a glimpse of the iconic San Gregorio General Store and had to rewind to see what it was all about. Then I had to rewind again when I thought I saw both cyclist scamper into the store with their shoes on. The folks at the store are particular about cyclists not wearing shoes inside. There's a huge sign right in front of the door explaining the policy, so I thought this was hillarious. You can even see the sign in commercial, which makes it even better.

We'll be stopping in San Gregorio on the Peninsula ride (A | I) on Ocotober 22.

Here's a pic of Tom in front of the store (and right next to the sign) in 2009:

Looks like some good family fun:

RIDE WITH A RANGER ALONG RICHMOND'S BAY TRAIL

Saturdays: June 25, July 9, August 6, 2011

Time: 10 AM-12 PM

Join a National Park Service park ranger on a guided bicycle tour that will introduce riders to some of the historic resources within the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. During the 10-mile round trip ride along Richmond’s Bay Trail, cyclists will stop at several historic buildings and markers to learn about the social history of the home front during World War Two.

Tour highlights: Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park, Shimada Friendship Park, Point Isabel, Ford Assembly Plant.

Note: Helmets required for all riders. Bring your own bike, water and snacks.

Starting location: Ride will begin promptly at 10 AM, at the Rosie the Riveter Memorial in Marina Bay Park. Directions to the Memorial.

Questions? Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 510.232.5050 x. 6622

A celebration of the Life and Accomplishments of Marshall "Major" Taylor, the first African American professional cyclist. Born in 1878, Major Taylor’s professional racing career spanned 13 years and included the world one-mile track cycling championship in 1899. He remained committed to his passion in the face of adversity and is a source of inspiration.

This celebration will include a presentation by Major Taylor biographer Andrew Ritchie, and other fun and interesting activities for youth and adults. Keeping true to the mission, this event will provide attendees with an inspirational overview of Major Taylor's life, as well as opportunities to have fun and meet other bicycle enthusiasts. Light food and beverages will also be provided.

Date: May 13, 2011 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Nevin Center 598 Nevin Avenue Richmond, CA

This event is put on by Fix the Cycle: a collaboration between members of the Building Blocks for Kids Collaborative, Bicycle Art Salon, the City of Richmond, Contra Costa Health Services, LEAP, Richmond Spokes, West Contra Costa County Adolescent and Child Health and Youth Enrichment Strategies.

Contact Person or Group: Jennifer B. Lyle, Building Blocks for Kids Collaborative

Phone Number: 510-232-5812

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Co-Sponsors: Artbike, the City of Richmond, Contra Costa Health Services, LEAP, Richmond Spokes, West Contra Costa County Adolescent and Child Health and Youth Enrichment Strategies

Learn more about Major Taylor:

• Who is Major Taylor?
• Wikipedia: Major Taylor
• Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer by Andrew Ritchie

Want to discuss this event? Please visit the OYJ Forum.