Our mailing address has changed
The new address is
1115 Madison Street NE 1024
Salem Oregon 97301 |
Explore the July Edition of Spokes
Whether you scroll through, click a link to read the full story,
or jump straight to key details, this issue has something for everyone
Table of Contents
- Keys to a safe STP (by Dave McQuery PBC Member and Membership Secretary)
- Iron Man Aid Station #2 July 19th 2026- (Volunteer total has been reached)
- Redeeming Volunteer Certificates at Local Shops (coupons expire 12.31.26)-scroll to read article
- A guide to how to register for a ride online-scroll to read article
|  |  | Click Image above to read about all the changes | Click Above Image to Explore all News | Sisters 3 day Club Sponsored riding adventure | Click Above Image for StoreFront | Click Above Image for more STP Details | The Seattle To Portland Classic is a great ride and should be a great experience. You will traverse new country, meet new people, and see things you have never seen before. One time, I pulled into the Tenino rest stop, saw a rider get off his bike, lean it up against a tree, and (wait for it) light a cigarette! Not something you see every day.
Mostly, everyone has a good time. Sometimes, though, people get hurt, so…
| RULE #1 – PAY ATTENTION, ALWAYS.
There are people out there who don’t know anything, and there are others, apparently experienced riders, who don’t seem to care.
RULES #2, #3, #4, #5 – HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
Drink often and top off your water bottles every chance you get. Use electrolyte additives to your water or use the commercially available sports drinks. This is good practice any time, but especially on long rides in the summer. As part of your training, practice reaching down for your water bottle so you can drink while you are rolling. If water bottles are awkward for you, invest in a hydration pack with a sippy tube.
RULE #6 – BE POLITE AND MAKE YOUR INTENTIONS KNOWN.
You know the signals. Use them. Be courteous and point out hazards to those behind you.
- Wear a mirror. Call out “Car back!” for traffic approaching from the rear, and frequently check on riders behind you who may pass.
- If you hear “Car back!” from someone behind you, pass the warning forward.
- Pass only on the left and call out (LOUDLY) to the rider you are passing, “On your left!” I say LOUDLY because there may be background noise and some people (like yours truly) don’t hear so well. (I check my mirror often, but I don’t stare at it, and I appreciate the verbal warning.)
- There really is only one hill worth the name, and that is the one coming out of Puyallup. Naturally, you personally are in shape and will take this hill in stride, but you may see someone else struggling. Give everyone a wide berth. Sometimes people just run out of gas and stop. If you need to stop, call out “STOPPING!” and pull over to the side.
- If you need a breather at some point, pull over out of the way, stop, and look back like you are waiting for someone. 😉
RULE #7 – PACE YOURSELF.
Find an RPM cadence and a level of effort you can sustain. Find the gear combination that will give you that, shifting when necessary to keep that rhythm. Let the speed be whatever it is. Don’t blast out of the gate and not have anything left for the end of the day. Also, try to avoid extra effort to pass someone or to keep someone else from passing you.
RULE #8 – HAVE A GOOD TIME!
Talk to people as you ride. Say “Hello” to people you pass again or who pass you. Groups will form and split up. If you don’t have the breath to talk, you are working too hard. Besides, you might see some of them again at dinner!
As I said, the STP is a GREAT ride and a terrific experience for those who are prepared and alert. I personally have done the ride seven times, and I am riding again this year. Boy, are there things I wish I had known when I did my first STP in 1999! I have seen several people injured, seen several near misses by inattentive drivers, and was involved in a crash myself. Another rider managed to tap my rear wheel with his front wheel, sending him to the ground and to the hospital, and me off the road and into the weeds (gratefully upright and unhurt).
I don’t mean to overplay or overstate the danger. It is minimal, but for the unwary it is real. Stay safe and have fun. Hope to see you on the road!
| | One particularly troublesome spot is only 10.5 miles into the ride at Seward Park. You will be going slightly downhill and southbound on Lake Washington Blvd. Note that, as you proceed south, Seward Park is on the left. There are restrooms there, and some people will be turning into the park, and others will be coming back out. At the same point, there is a 90° right turn UP A STEEP HILL. Riders will be coming along with you (on a slight down slope, remember) at probably 15 MPH or better. Suddenly, there will be 1) left-turn bicyclists going into the park, 2) bikes merging from the left, and 3) riders turning right. Some riders turning right will be going fast enough that they will have to swing wide at the corner. Some will have failed to downshift and will stall out and may stop. Watch out for all of them. Slow down before the turn, and downshift sharply as you turn. |  | Are you ready to be part of something epic? The Ironman 70.3 Oregon is rolling into town, bringing with it hundreds of determined athletes pushing their limits in an exhilarating test of endurance. This isn't just a race—it's a spectacle of human grit, speed, and determination. And we need YOU to help make it unforgettable!
The Salem Bicycle Club is rallying 30 incredible volunteers WE MET OUR GOAL! to support the athletes on their journey. Last year, we fueled their ride with nutrition and hydration, keeping them strong and energized as they conquered mile after mile. This year, we're back—stronger, better, and ready to go!
Why Volunteer?
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Front-row access to the action – Feel the energy, witness the triumphs, and be part of an adventure like no other.
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Support the athletes – A single smile, a quick cup of water—your presence can make all the difference.
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Build community – Whether you're a club member or just someone who loves the spirit of sport, we welcome you with open arms.
Juan Lopez, our Volunteer Chair and Board Member, is leading the charge. Join us and be part of the excitement, the challenge, and the heart-pounding moments that define Iron-man.
If you would like to be added to the 30 amazing volunteers already signed up, email Juan at
Adventure awaits—let's cheer on the participants! |  |  | Click Image Above to get San Juan Island Trip details | | Five Questions
Spokes asks a club member five cycling questions each month. This month's featured bike rider is Club Member Roger Fouts. Here is what he has to say:
| | | How to redeem Volunteer Coupon in 2026
if you are a member that has received a coupon (either at Annual dinner or by mail) that looks like the image below please read on.
- When redeeming your coupon, circle the business where you are using it.
- Take a picture of the coupon with your camera.
- Email or text the photo to the contact information circled underneath the SBC logo.
- Give the coupon to the business after redeeming.
- This process ensures that the business receives payment in a timely manner.
- Be sure to check and note the expiration date circled at the bottom of the coupon.
- If you do not plan to redeem the coupon, please notify us by text or email so it can be removed from tracking.
- If you have any questions, please contact Tim Newman, Club President.
|  | Online Ride Registration – The How To’s
To sign up for a ride:
- Go to the Salem Bicycle Club website. If you’re a member, make sure you’re signed in (upper right-hand corner).
- Go to SBC Rides/Event Calendar and find the ride you want to register for and select it.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page. On the left-hand side, under Number of People Who Will Attend, choose the appropriate option and then select Register Here.
- Make sure the information on the next page is correct then select Next.
- For members: Make sure you have read, understand, and agree to the Agreement/Waiver and select Sign agreement.
For non-members: Enter the information requested and select Next. On the next page, make sure you have read, understand, and agree to the Agreement/Waiver and select Sign agreement.
- Check the I agree to the terms of the waiver box and sign within the white box provided and select Save. When you’re returned to previous page, select Next.
- Select Complete Registration on next page.
For members: An email will be sent to the email address you have in your membership profile confirming your registration.
For non-members: An email will be sent to the email address you provided confirming your registration.
To see who’s registered for a ride:
- Go to the Salem Bicycle Club website and then to the SBC Rides/Event Calendar
- Find and select the ride you’re interested in.
- On the right-hand side of the page (about halfway up), click on the two-person icon . A list of event registrants will appear and show who has already registered for the ride.
We will also be scheduling brief sessions via Zoom for those who might be interested in learning more about the online registration process. Keep an eye on our SBC Rides/Events Calendar for more information.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Terry Robbins at
|  | Cycling the Oregon Outback
Discover high desert solitude, the Warner Mountains, and the wide-open range on this Southern Oregon scenic bikeway.
Click to Read More
|  | Help Shape the Future of Our Club
You may be thinking, “It’s only July—why is the president already talking about board members?” The truth is, leadership is something I think about all year long because the strength and future of this club depend on people who are willing to step forward, share ideas, and help guide us in the right direction.
Since taking on the President role three years ago, I have been truly blessed and extremely grateful for the people who have stepped into leadership, given their time, made tough decisions, and helped move this club forward. Their commitment has made a real difference, and it is because of that commitment that we are stronger and continue to strengthen.
We are now entering the final six months for four board members who are completing their second and final year. In addition, the President and Vice President positions will also be open. I have unofficially shared that I would be willing to serve one final year leading the club, but I would gladly step into another role if someone feels called to pursue the President position.
Together, we have streamlined operations, strengthened our foundation, and made meaningful changes that have helped this club become something people take seriously and can count on. We have built momentum, earned trust, and shown what can happen when members care enough to get involved.
Now is the time for the next group of leaders to bring fresh eyes, new ideas, and a willingness to give just a couple of hours a month, at most, to help keep that momentum going. With more than 330 members, I know there are at least four people who have something valuable to offer and who want to be part of something pretty darn special.
If you have ever thought, “I have an idea,” “I would like to help,” or “Maybe I could make a difference,” this is your opportunity. Please contact me if you have any interest or would simply like to learn more. I truly believe you will be glad you did.
Thank you
Tim Newman
Club President |  | Click the board in the clouds photo and read how you can get involved | Rebecca;s Private Idaho
3 Day Gravel Event | Click Image Below to Access Classified Page | JULY 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
No Meetings in July or August 2026
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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