Salem Art Fair
Needs Volunteers
Sept 12th-14th 2025
| Click link to access volunteer tab
If you have questions, email Tim Newman
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Call for Members: 2026 Commemorative Jersey Design Committee
Are you passionate about creativity, club spirit, and memorable moments? We’re looking for enthusiastic members to join the 2026 Commemorative Jersey Design Committee! With 8 spots available, this is your chance to help shape a truly special event and leave your mark on our club’s history. If you’re interested in contributing your ideas and energy, please contact President Tim Newman to get involved. Let’s make this anniversary celebration unforgettable together! Planning has begun and final design will be board approved and needs to be ready by Jan 1, 2026
Tim Newman
Club President
| Dispatches from the San Juans | 2025 San Juan's Cycling Adventure:
This summer's San Juan Island tour was such a great success and so much fun that we're thinking of doing it again next year! Perfect weather, great riding companions and faintly helpful maps helped make the riding just about as good as it gets. After a group kick-off dinner Monday night, nineteen riders boarded the ferry Tuesday morning for Lopez Island. After an eventful day (gravel! detours!) all nineteen eventually boarded the ferry back to Anacortes where hostess Jackie and mixologist Doug kept the party going at Club Parrow. Days two and three were similarly idyllic and the rain held off until Thursday night when the group returned to the Rockfish Grill for our final meal together. Some ideas for next year include:
- A possible fourth riding day
- A picnic on Shaw Island
- Fewer undocumented gravel roads, and
- More margaritas!
Make plans now to join us next year!
Steve Budde
Vice President
San Juan Islands 2025 Organizer
| 2025 San Juan's Cycling Expedition from a participants view
Steve Budde, Ted Burney, Christine Speak, Chris and Mike Fordyce, Dennis Fraser, Ken and Karen Freeman, Bill Golden, Kerry and Robert Macauley, Tim Newman, Debbie and Jim Miller, Terry and Robin Robbins, Doug Parrow and I met in Anacortes to spend three days riding the San Juan Islands which Steve had organized. The evening before riding, most of us went to dinner at the Rockfish Grill which Debbie had found.
The next morning, Tuesday we started out great, other than my brakes were squealing every time I used them. Eighteen of us headed out to the ferry. We rode up a steep hill and then down to the ferry. When I reached the ferry ramp, I discovered that my power was stuck in the off position. One of the ferry workers pushed me up the ramp. I thought I’d be going to the bookstore with Chris because I couldn’t ride any steep hills. We got off the ferry first but had to pull to the side to let the cars, RVs and trucks go by before we started. While we waited, Doug figured out how to get my power to work. Good thing, because there were steep hills up to the town. Traffic cleared and we started up a big hill. It soon became apparent that Lopez Island doesn’t believe in short, gradual hills. Ken, Karen and I arrived at a little convenience store together. We pulled over because there was a bunch of bikes on the side of the road. The faster riders were leaving as we were getting there. Dennis arrived from the wrong direction and wanted to know which way to go. He also complained of leg cramps. Ted had just the solution. He went inside the convenience store and came out with a little mustard. It was hot mustard so Dennis cleared his sinuses and reduced his leg cramps.
We left in groups. I received a message from Doug: “Not sure of the GPS tracking". "My Garmin tried to get me to turn on a road with no outlet” I informed Ken and Karen, who were with me at the time. Next directions kept coming from Doug as he found his way. The ride was beautiful, hilly, and I should have read Doug’s last instruction. I caught Robert and Kerry, when suddenly we found ourselves going the opposite way that Tim and others were riding. Ken had thought to put the ferry in as the destination into his phone and was following that. There were some glitches, like the dead-end road they had been following (also the one we were on). We met at the ferry, which lucky for us was late. Talking to the others at the ferry, I found I was glad that Doug texted me directions. Some riders that took the road that had no outlet and hit gravel. They had to walk their bikes through part of it. All but Debbie, Jim, Ted and Dennis made the early ferry. Everyone had fun despite the gravel, and we gave Steve a bad time about the gravel. That night we sat around camp discussing our rides, while Doug made margaritas for the group.
The second day we split up, some going to Orcas Island to ride Mt Constitution and the rest to Shaw. By the end of the day the Orcas group was pretty exhausted and had stories about the steep climb to the top. The Shaw group stayed together for the ride. At some point someone decided we should go off the route. I don’t remember who, but we blamed Steve because we hit gravel again. As we took the road, we saw a deer on the left, in the middle if the road. We got to the gravelly section, but it wasn’t too bad. Next, we passed a miniature Stations of the Cross and then the road ended. I’d have been really worried had there been buzzards. We followed another road, also gravel which took us back to the route, but not before we hit a hill with loose gravel. I spun my rear tire trying to get up the hill until Debbie gave me push. I mentioned to Steve about The Billys on Cycle Oregon who sang made up words to Matchmaker and Margaritaville. Debbie came up with her own words to the tune of These Boots are made for Walking and sang it to us accompanied by Steve, Christine and Ted as we stood in an area that overlooked the Salish Sea. There is a video!
“These bikes are made for riding,
And that’s just what we’ll do,
One of these days these bike
Are going to ride Shaw Island too.”
After another day of fun and adventure, we celebrated with more of Doug’s margaritas and gave Steve a bad time about the routes (All in fun). Some of the riders went home the next day and the rest of us readied ourselves to ride San Juan.
The third and final day, six people took the short ride and seven of us took a longer route, some with variations. There was a detour for those seven of us that took longer routes. Six of those riders ignored the detour and, you guessed it, had to ride through gravel. I claim bragging rights because I took the detour without gravel, although I did end up stopping a couple of times to consult my phone because my Garmin was offering confusing directions. We met at the ferry for the return trip to Anacortes, except for Tim, who stopped to visit his mother-in-law. Tim caught up with us back at Rockfish for a farewell to the San Juan Islands dinner. As we left the restaurant it started to rain.
We had beautiful weather all the time we were riding. Not too hot, not too cold. The people at the ferries were wonderful. Everyone had a terrific time and concluded that we should ride the San Juan Islands again next year. Steve said he’d revise the maps to avoid the gravel, but you can’t always avoid road construction. Besides, the unknown gravel made the ride memorable.
By Jackie Lefevre
Spokes Contributor and Member
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Break Time on Lopez Island after some hard hills
Ken and Karen Freeman
Jim and Debbie Miller
Tim Newman | | | Five Questions
Spokes asks a club member five cycling questions each month. This month's featured bike rider is New Club Member Tucker Cousin who joined the SBC after Memorial Day this year. Here is what he has to say: |  |
1. How did you find out about SBC
A search of local bike clubs
2. How long have you being a member
I do believe that I started my membership sometime after Memorial Day weekend. Having joined SBC it has been an amazing journey, the members are eager to assist you with any ride questions, bike assist, and route information
3. Do you have a ride that you prefer over another thus far
As it pertains to a specific route that I enjoy, I must say that all rides have been enjoyable. I really enjoy the idea that there is no rider left behind. when I ride with SBC club members, I am left with the feeling that rider safety and communal friendships are of most importance.
A few of the amazing attributes of SBC is that when a member or a new person shows up for a ride, you have a ride leader, you also have a designated route and a map for the group to follow. SBC has designed routes and rides for all types of fitness levels and speed. This is appealing to someone like myself. I must admit at this point in time I’m partial to riding with Norm, It’s a blast when we ride.
4. What do you like about the club?
I am pleased to be part of an organization that not only supports bike, safety route and friends, but also as a part of the community and service. I am looking forward to becoming more engaged in SBC for future endeavors and I am definitely looking forward to being part of September‘s activities. thank you to the leaders of SBC in all capacities
5. Do prefer uphill or downhill?
At this point in time, we have reached a difficult question. Do I prefer uphill or downhill question? I must start out by letting everyone know that I am from the Hills of East Tennessee. Literally it is either up or down not too many options. So whether it is a 3 to 7 mile climb at 7 to 10 miles an hour or a screaming descent at 3 miles at 55 miles an hour, I do believe it’s safe to say that I enjoy both at this point.
| September 21st Potluck and General Meeting
Celebrating Community, Connection, and Collaboration
follow link to register
The September 21st Potluck is a much-anticipated annual event that brings together members of our community for an evening of sharing, celebration
Date: Sept 21st 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Minto Brown Park Picnic Area 2200 Minto Brown Island Road SW
Contact Tim Newman with any questions
Contact Steve Budde with any questions
| Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway:
Oregon's Newest Must-Ride Cycling Route
Discover why this Willamette National Forest road is considered one of the state's premier places to ride.
Click to Read More
| Off the Back September
Call for Board Nominations: September Opening - Seeking Leaders Committed to Making a Difference
Board Nominations Opening Soon
Board nominations will officially open in September, marking a pivotal opportunity for members to contribute to the future direction and growth of our organization. This year, we are seeking nominations for the following key positions:
- President
- Vice President
- Three (3) Board Member Positions
Who Can Be Nominated?
We invite nominations of passionate individuals who are eager to have a meaningful impact on our organization and community. You may either nominate yourself or put forward someone you believe embodies the vision, dedication, and leadership qualities needed.
How to Nominate
- Self-Nomination: If you feel ready to lead and drive positive changes, express your interest by submitting your name for consideration.
- Nominate a Peer: If you know someone whose skills, passion, and commitment would enrich our board, you are encouraged to nominate them as well.
Why Your Participation Matters
Filling these board positions with committed and visionary individuals is crucial. The strength of our leadership determines the effectiveness of our organization’s mission and the wellbeing of our community. We urge you to consider this opportunity seriously and to help us find those who genuinely want to make a difference.
Next Steps
Reflect on your own aspirations and those of your peers and get ready to participate in shaping our organization's future. The period is now open, and all considerations should be emailed to me at president.sbc.salem@gmail.com
Together, let’s ensure our board is composed of individuals prepared to lead with purpose and integrity.
Tim Newman
Club President
| For Sale
Selling my beloved road bike to get a pedal assist! Custom built Giant Avail 2013 S/M frame and Ultegra Components. I am 5'5" with long legs and the bike fits me well with the seat post all the way up. I bought it around 2018-2019 from a local bike store owner (Eric at the Peddler) who custom built it for his wife (so you know the components are hand picked and exceptional), but she switched to gravel riding. I LOVE this bike and have taken care of it - it has been stored indoors, had tune-ups, the brake cables were replaced fairly recently, and the tires are a couple of years old. The bike has a couple of cosmetic scratches that do not effect the its performance or structure. I replaced the seat with a cheap Amazon one with more padding, so that is the only not top-of-line part. This is a great bike for someone who loves road riding! Price $650 OBO.
Contact Julie at 503 816-0822
| SEPTEMBER CLUB RIDES SCHEDULE
Find your next ride on the club website.
Click Here
| UPCOMING MEETINGS
Rides Committee Meeting
1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm
The Salem Bicycle Club Board Meetings
Second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Zoom. please check the website for updates.
| The Salem Bicycle Club is an affiliate of the
League of American Bicyclists
1612 K Street NW, Suite 308
Washington, DC 20006
202-822-1333
We encourage our members to join the LAB | Spokes
Spokes is published and distributed via email each month by the Salem Bicycle Club in Salem, Oregon. The opinions expressed in Spokes are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Salem Bicycle Club.
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