Motherlode Bicycle Coalition

Hello,

I am the founder and chairperson of the Motherlode Bicycle Coalition and I am asking for your help to support CalBike, California’s statewide bicycle advocacy organization.

CalBike is the leading advocate for cycling and walking in California. This non-profit works to increase cycling and walking opportunities along the roads of California. They work with communities to create safe spaces for walking and biking. They work with legislators to create bike-friendly policy. They work with transportation departments to build safe streets. CalBike advocates for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous communities where bicycling helps to enable all Californians to lead healthy and joyful lives.

Close to home, CalBike recently completed a report that identified 4 signature projects in the Motherlode that can be used as blueprints to make cycling and walking part of our rural communities.

This October, as part of CalBike’s Dream Ride Challenge, I rode my bike along popular Gold Country roads to support CalBike, I created a Dream Ride Fundraising Campaign to raise $1,500.

If you’re reading this letter, it’s because you love biking in the Motherlode and are interested in improving access along the roads and future trails you love to ride. Your contribution will support CalBike as they work to improve biking for all.

Make a donation to https://www.mightycause.com/story/6m58ff

Ride for Art, Ride for Joy

Ride & Walk 4 Art is one of the most beautiful bike riding events in West Calaveras County. Riding the foothills in March is a fantastic experience on rural roads that runthrough brilliant green pastures and oak lands blooming with wildflowers. On a clear day cyclists can expect beautiful views of Mt Diablo, Sierras and the Central Valley along the 100 mile route.

The ride starts at a new venue this year, the Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial in Valley Springs. This new central location provides greater access to parking. This year we’re bringing back the our fully-stocked food and water rest stops manned by experienced volunteers as well as an excellent chicken-in-a-barrel lunch with all the fixin’s after the ride or walk.

Cyclists can choose from three rides—a 30-mile ride, a 45-mile ride, and an all new 100-mile ride that follows the 45-mile route but adds four out-and-back hill climbs that branch off the main route. Customize your ride and select one or all four hill climbs! 

The bike ride starts and finishes in Valley Springs and the 45-mile loop takes cyclists around Pardee, Camanche and New Hogan lakes. Cyclists who opt to add the CenturyRide routes can choose to cycle Poloma, Stoney Creek, South Hogan Dam Roads and Gwin Mine to Middle Bar Bridge. New this year, Ride 4 Art Ambassador’s will escort participants out of town to Poloma Road and along all hill climb options.

Three bike shops will proved mechanical assistance along the route: Mountain PedalerBicycles from Angels Camp, Bear Valley Bicycles from Arnold, and Jackson Bike Shop from Jackson. Friendly, on-the-road support will be available as well; the Calaveras Amateur Radio Association will help monitor cyclists and walker safety with vehicle support using two way radios and SAG Trucks.

No matter what ride you choose, please self-assess your abilities. Typically, an average cyclist can finish a century ride in 7-8 hours, though that always varies on your skill level and how much time you spend off the bike during the course of the day. Road safety control will be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the event. Lunch will be served from noon to 3 p.m. After 3, there will be boxed lunches available at the end of the course.

If you ride parts of the ride prior to RideandWalk4Art Don’t forget to stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, and our Strava club.

For more information contact Rob Williams at 209/273.8009 or mlbcrob@gmail.com

Social media links

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/calaverasarts

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/calaverasarts

Sustainable Transportation in the Golden State
— Read on cal.streetsblog.org/2021/09/17/changes-and-challenges-for-safe-streets-at-caltrans-hq/

It’s about climate change, public health and economic development.
— Read on www.vox.com/22671552/bike-infrastructure-funding

We have several Bikeway Projects proposed and timing is right for funding! Fingers crossed.

https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/embedded/4647916099?width=600&height=400&elevation=true&info=true&line_color=E68006c6&rgbhex=c60680&distance_markers=0&unit_type=imperial&map_mode=ROADMAP&show_marker_every=1&last_updated=2021-09-21T19:43:31+00:00 More Details

100 miles, Short and steep Hill Climbs…Paloma, Stoney Creek, Gwin and Coal Mine, Pardee, and Hogan! The route starts in Valley Springs and cyclists ride near three West Calaveras County Lakes. The hill climbs offer views of Mt. Diablo in the Bay Area. Three route options, 25, 45 and Century. The Century hill climbs are out and back so, optional! You decide!

Ride support includes road safety signage, course arrows, radio communications, safety ambulance on site at start and end location. Four Rest Stops with fresh fruit, sandwiches, snacks and water. A post ride lunch features Barrel Chicken, pasta, salad, wine and beer, and desert.

Registration Opens in November 2021. For more information email, mlbcrob@gmail.com