Blog (members input)

Here, members can input items of interest, comments on club activities, road and dog reports. Those received will be posted below after screening. Your name is optional and embedded links are ok. If you want to include an email address, I will encapsulate it in JavaScript code to “hide” it from spammers. Here is an example: someone@anywhere.com would actually appear like this someone@anywhere.com  (See the actual coding at the bottom of the window when you mouse-over the hyperlink..) Entries will be kept for approximately one year.

Add Your $0.02 below
(Note...in order to minimize spam, you must include the initials {in UPPER CASE} of the only seven-time Tour de France winner as the first two letters of your message. {They will be removed by me.} If you’re on this site and you don’t know who that is - well enuf said. Sorry for the inconvenience and Thanks - Dave)

8/2/08
I am looking for a good Monday night ride. I have been at Hickory Hills several times over the past two months before and around 6pm and haven't seen anyone show up to ride. Does anyone do this ride anymore? Or, are there other organized rides on Monday evenings? Thanks, Ben (You could try our Find-a-Ride Page. Dave.)

7/25/08
Sac River 12 hour should be a go. My understanding is that it will be held Labor Day weekend, likely that Saturday. I'm sure organizers could also use some help with trail cleanup. Call Jason at Cycles Unlimited for details. Mia

7/23/08
Does anyone know if the Sac River 12 hour race is going on some time this year? If so do you know when it will take place and how it works? Is it a team thing if so how many people can be on a team? Mike  (Mike, the race is September 6th and 7th this year. Here is the website. www.springfieldracing.com Mia.)

7/22/08
Just returned from the Tuesday night ride, which was going well until I gashed the sidewall of my tire crossing the railroad tracks. I want to say thanks to everyone who asked if I was OK and say a special thanks to the guy who loaned me a piece of tube to line my sidewall so I could make it back in. Tom Sanderson

7/18/08
HI has anybody heard from the Bagley’s and Dave doing the ride across the US ?

7/15/08
Thanks, again, to Prez Dave Ritchey, VP John Bradley and Valerie Griffin for giving their time and hosting another great post-ride cookout Monday evening. Your efforts are greatly appreciated! Mia

7/12/08
Yea! New paving on FR 116 from LeCompte Road to FR 199 (it was bad). Now, if BNSF will some day fix that terrible RR crossing on FR 199... There’s a glimmer of hope. Today there was a pile of crushed limestone there in addition to the RR ties that have been there for many months. We’ll see. Dave C.

7/3/08
I have been using one for 6 years and it is one of the elements of my training that has helped me to become as strong as my genes will allow. Riding within a narrow power range over a course allows my body to burn fat more efficiently and sparring glycogen stores which allows me to cover greater distances day after day. It helps to keep recovery days in recovery mode by monitoring effort to avoid a training effect...you want to stimulate the body to remove metabolic wastes not strain yourself. I go VERY slow uphill. That’s just a few things! Love, Mike Mertz

6/24/08
Is anyone using a power meter for training or racing? They are pricey, but I’ve been using one for about a year and a half now and it’s the best investment I’ve made in my cycling. Of course you need to know how to use it. Joe Friel has some good posts on how to use one on his blog. Just wondering if anyone else out there is using one and what their experience has been. Eric Johnson

5/09/08
gh, I'm not sure how far West you are, but both of your directions are familiar to me. I used to live in Republic and once past West Bypass I rode mostly Walnut St in to town. It's mostly residential and also a designated bike route. From downtown I'd suggest you take South St. to either Harrison St. or Madison St. Head East on those until you get to Holland. Holland runs right along MSU’s far West side. Holland is chock full of houses right up on the street and stop signs so drivers really avoid it. The trickiest part would be crossing Sunshine, but there is enough of a traffic gap every minute or so to get across safely. Take Holland to either Glenwood or the Greenways trail at the end. Go West to Jefferson and take that as far as you need. Jefferson is super wide allowing you room and cars can pass safely. I cross Campbell at Primrose without any grief, if it’s heavy I can cross using the footbridge. D Bates

5/8/08
I am trying to find a way to commute to work, $3 gas is about to do me in, my problem is finding a safe route. I need help planning a bike route from west of Chestnut/Mt Vernon to MSU with a child in a trailer in tow. I can leave the trailer there, but will then be commuting from MSU to South Campbell, near Republic Road. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! gh

5/2/08
I have had my fair share of mean dogs chase me out on the road, but for anyone out there considering the purchase of a handgun for canine protection, please be sure to do the following first. If you are going to be out with a gun concealed, be sure to take a Conceal/Carry class and get your permit so that you are legal to carry a gun concealed and trained appropriately for it. Be sure to visit a good gun shop (like 417 Guns on Campbell). They have options for both small pistols that are not going to add a ton of weight to your ride and rounds that are designed with pellets in the tip instead of a bullet. The pellets will penetrate the dog and stop it in its tracks, but are not lethal and do not carry the risk of a ricochet going down the street to injure someone else. As a woman out riding by myself, I do carry a small pistol (Kel-Tec) with pellet rounds for both any mean dogs and ill intending individuals that should cross my path. Thankfully, water bottle and mace have been successful for me thus far. SI

5/2/08
Where is this dog? Bet I can help. MM

5/2/08
I had a dog story in mid-January. I was on Farm Road 215 between FR 80 and 84. I had three dogs come down from a house on the west side of the street as I was riding through. They raced in front of me, and fanned across the road. The outside dogs stood there, but the middle darted in front of my wheel, and then decided to go after my right calf, resulting in a small puncture wound. I didn't have the slightest idea what to do. I just kept going, and they pulled off. I have ridden that road many times, especially in the winter, with no incident. I will get back on that road this summer, but I have been hesitant to do it alone again. Dave Lutz

4/25/08
Man that sucks Dave. I had a four year relationship with sneaky dog (I’ve posted about him before). Being nice didn’t help, dismounting didn’t help, going fast didn’t help, water bottles didn't help, pepper spray didn’t help, and finally the Republic Police did not help. The next step for me was honestly going to be a handgun, but we moved since and my commute doesn’t take me in its path anymore. Good luck and I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. Although a busted collar bone is a right of passage for a cyclist. D. Bates

4/24/08
...another dog incident, not me this time, but my daughter. While training for this year’s ironman, she came upon a dog that has chased her (and my future son-in-law) in the past. Not knowing whether to dismount and walk, she opted for the high-speed pass. She was already doing a 20 mph sustained ride, didn't have any sprinting power and the dog began to run along side her. She thought the dog was about to go in-front of her and tried to maneuver but lost control and went over the bars. (It was a Cervelo time-trial bike and not the best for any kind of fast turning.) She broke her right clavicle in two places and fractured a rib in her back. Needless to say, she's out for the season and quite depressed. Is there any general wisdom about dealing with dogs in your path or running along side you? Dave.

4/08/09
I am looking to get into biking and would like to buy a user Mt. Bike. I have a range in mind of $150 to $250. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Michael

3/28/08
I just moved back to Springfield from Republic where I commuted by bike a few days a week. I've been riding to work from the new house now and I gotta say it’s way safer, easier, and more scenic than I would have imagined. I come from roughly South Campbell to Downtown near the courthouse. Jefferson and Holland are the primary routes, and man are they enjoyable and super safe. With gas at $3 though, I still don't see too many commuters. Are there any out there? D Bates

3/24/08
Great route for the chili ride on Saturday.

3/24/08
FR186 still has 2 feet of water over the road just west of FR248. I don’t see the water receding for a few more days.

3/18/08
To those of you who wimped out of the mtn biking trip, you missed a great weekend with no rain and lots of fun. (Anon)

2/11/08
Thursday nite club will be team Fohty weekly training ride for Ragbrai this year. We will follow the regular club route with a social stop at La Favorita for cold brews and conversation .We invite all those who need more than cytamax or gatorade to replenish carbs, Ragbrai style that is. So ride with us or meet us have a cold one. Don't worry about being late cause we're always last. Team Fohtys motto..after Fohty its all good. Interested folks can email

2/7/08
Here’s a Youtube link of a Canadian couple documenting their tour down the West Coast in to Mexico. Very inspirational. Dave B http://www.youtube.com/user/SlowCoast

2/4/08
Mark C, I have been commuting in Springfield for 20 years and have road in Wisconsin and in Texas. Our drivers are just as most I have seen. They don’t see you. Be predictable and you will be fine. I stay off of main roads, common sense and enjoy our trails. We have several. You gotta check our Wilson Creek, good riding. John W

1/21/08
Has anyone done any biking in Ireland? I am thinking of doing a tour there and was wondering if anyone had any experience first hand with any of the companies? I'm mostly interested in riding in the west. Either the Burren/Connemara region or southwest in Kerry/ Dingle peninsula. If anyone has some information good or bad please let me know. Susie

1/15/08
I’m visiting Springfield from Poplar Bluff, MO in the Spring with my wife (not the first time we've been here). We would like to do 85 percent of visiting on our bikes. Do you have any advice....cautions....that we should know about?-Mark C.
Dave replies: Hi Mark – I hope you enjoy your trip here.   Frankly, Springfield isn’t the most bike-friendly community. We are getting better, with quite a few designated Bike-Routes now. (You can find these linked on our Maps page here. http://springbike.org/special_interest/maps.htm You might also look on our local Bikely.com page here http://www.bikely.com/listpaths/srchkey/Springfield/country/254/region/147 for out-of-city ride routes.   It is the drivers here that probably need the most education. As always, ride defensively! …and enjoy.   Dave.

1/15/08
Spots still available for mountain bikers! Syllamo’s Revenge, May 3, 2008. A 50 mile mountain bike race on the famed Syllamo Trail System near Mt. View, AR. Open to the first 350 registrants. Join us on a tour of the trails March 15-16 so you'll be ready to race in May! www.syllamosrevenge.com

12/19/07
Spots still available! April 5-6, 2008. The Ouachita Challenge race is still open for registration. www.ouachitachallenge.com. The 60 mile Tour on Saturday 4/5/08 is closed (less than 6 hours after registration opened), but there are still spots available for the Sunday 60 and 80 mile races, if you want to ride. (A message board waiting list has also been posted). All events are held on the Ouachita and Womble Trails in the Ouachita Mountains of southwest Arkansas. There is quite a large group of Springbikers making the trip, both for the Saturday tour and Sunday race. Check out the website or email me for more information. Mia

11/14/07
Unfortunately, many people (not just kids) are uninformed about bicycle safety and assume that motorists are looking out for them.  Most of us know that is just not the case.  The accident involving that 18-year old is a tragedy that could have been prevented.  We can’t reach everybody, but we CAN all do our part.  If you see somebody doing something dangerous or unsafe, let them know.  They very well may be offended, but you may also be saving their life if you’re willing to take a chance on speaking out.  Mia

11/13/07
RE: the 18 yr old. I read that as well as heard a little on the radio. Police are still investigating. According to the paper he was traveling north on Campbell, the truck was headed North turning West on Battlefield. I'm not sure how they would have crossed paths unless the teen was also turning onto Battlefield. One lesson could be to stay the “you know what” off of Campbell or the other main routes in town. And who are the nuts I see riding James River? Granted there aren't too many good routes heading East and West on the far South edge of town, but man that seems nuts to me. D Bates

11/09/07
On Wednesday a tragic bicycle accident took the life of an 18-year old at Battlefield and Campbell. But the details in the paper are pretty sketchy. Anyone out there know what really happened? Anything the rest of us can learn here?

10/16/07
I notice all these “dog warning” posts. There is no sense in taking chances on getting attacked and bitten or wrecked. You don’t know if the dog will actually attack, or if you can outrun it. Be safe. Here is what I do. Stop and get off the bike using it as a shield between me and the dog and walk past until it is safe. This isn’t fun, but it is safe. And report it to law enforcement. Duke Dana

10/12/07
Hello All, We lost a Black Giro Helmut on Saturday out at the Baptist Church on FR 186. If anyone has any information we’d really appreciate a call. My college student son paid for it, and will have to pay for its replacement before he can ride again.... that responsibility thing. Please contact: Ben Bloom 576-4410 with information.

10/1/07
I would like to thank Sunshine Bike Shop and A & B Cycle for all the work and time they give to all the organized rides around the Springfield area. Also thank you, the members of the Springbike club. It takes a lot of work and they do a wonderful job..Make sure if you are in their shops you say thank you. Helen

9/26/07
Anyone interested in riding the St. Louis Century on Sunday, October 7, 2007? I understand it is a mixture of their most beautiful countryside along side the two big rivers. Need to pre-register by October 1 to get the $25 fee and then it goes up to $35. St. Louis has a very large and active bike club so this will be social and heavily supported. Relatively flat terrain. One big hill located after crossing the first ferry in Catherine County, Illinois. All roads are paved. They don't expect any new chip and seal. May be a little windy on the roads along the river. Combination of roads and trails. First food stop at 20 miles then 40, 56, 74, 80, 89, 97. Main lunch stop at 56 mile point. Plenty of support vehicles that will help with sag, flats, chain problems or spokes. No major bike repair. They had 250 riders last year. They are expecting 300 riders of all different levels. http://www.trailnet.org/century.php

Ride the Rivers Century Ride October 7, 2007 Sunday - Registration 6:30 - 7:30 AM Start: The Saint Louis Brewery 2100 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Routes: 100 miles Terrain: Mixture of terrain Features: Pre-registration is recommended for the Century Ride that includes some the areas “greatest hits” our majestic Great Rivers, two major universities, three parks, two ferry crossings, historic Route 66, five trails and the Gateway Arch. Return to The Saint Louis Brewery for brews and food. Directions: From downtown St. Louis take I-64/40 west to exit 39A (Market St at 21st St). Turn right on Market St, left on N. 20th St, and left onto Locust St. Parking lot will be on the left. Fees: $25 pre-registration by October 1st (no refunds after this date); $35 registration fee day of the ride and no registrations accepted after 7:30 am. Partners: The Confluence, the Great Rivers Greenway District, KWMU, the Metro-East Park and Recreation District and St. Louis Brewery Bike Shop Sponsor: Big Shark Bicycle Co. Stop in for a limited supply of $5 off coupons

9/25/07
Not sure if this is the appropriate place for my request, but here goes. Can someone recommend the best (safest)road bike route from Springfield to Indian Point (west of Branson)? I’m coming from Arkansas and would love to make the trek this weekend. Thanks, Ed Flinn [please reply here]

9/12/07
I would like anyone to know that Theresa has a birthday on October 20th. Please wish her a happy one on that date. CLC

9/5/07
Don’t we all hate all the trash along the road. What is worse is to see a bike tube along Smirin Rd. about 1/4 mile off Hwy 125. Have a good ride. GDD

8/13/07
To answer the request for examples of grade%. Most parking garages, that have parking on the actual ramp, are 5-6% with 6% being the norm (shorter ramp length equals less land use:). There was an 18% (briefly) on the first part of the Tour de Cox with several in the low teens. That makes the more typical 4-6% climbs seem easy now. I just got the Garmin 305 Edge and it calculates grade and I am starting to get to where I can remember the grade on some of my more regular routes. It feels good to know what you have “stomped.” I often enjoy turning the throttle on my motorcycle the afternoon of a ride to see what it looks like from a motorized perspective. Woo Hoo! Buck

7/16/07
Lots of glass at the intersection of 125 & 186.

7/13/07
Fox 5.3 pepper spray! Works every time. The dog Mia encountered in Christian County won’t chase me anymore and I ride that route twice a week. I live in Rogersville, the route by Turner’s is part of my commute to Springfield for work downtown. I have never seen this dog or maybe I’m just unlucky. MM

7/12/07
Dog Warning (again) Ray Wageman and his daughter Gere Masters were intimidated by the same dog who bit webmaster Dave Christiano at the top of the hill east of Turner’s Station (FR 219). The same dog was "waiting" for Gere and Ray (and in Dave’s humble opinion they made the right decision) and turned around and went back down the hill.
p.s. by Dave - Those of you who want to ride towards Rogersville can take the alternate route from "D" (Sunshine) by going south on "J" and then left on FR 150 (a less steep climb too), then merging with FR 219 continuing south, then turn left on FR 156. Here’s a link to a map showing these roads.

7/4/07
Two items lost (and found) at Turners Station Rest Stop. One glove and one insulated water bottle. ID them and they’re yours.  email the webmaster.

7/2/07
The QC Century was a challenging ride. Look forward to seeing stories in print. The organizers of the Maple Leaf ride in Carthage give out phone numbers on a little foam wrap around that you put on your handle bar to call road hazards and for SAG during that ride. Given the low water hazard and the weather, we could have spread the word quickly. Thanks for a tough ride. One I won’t forget anytime soon. Greg Johnson, Monett.

7/2/07
Great Job! I participated in the Queen City Century last weekend. Springbike put together an absolutely wonderful event. The route was well marked, scenic and safe. Each aid station was well stocked and friendly...especially lunch. I drove from Columbia for the ride and look forward to crashing more Springbike parties. Much Appreciated, Chris Fischer

7/1/07
very good!

7/1/07
the queen city century route was awesome..great job to everyone that put it together....mike

6/18/07
HELP! I really need to get some volunteers together for the Moonlight Bike Ride in August. Anyone who would be willing to serve as ride guides, traffic control, last minute registrations, or help with a booth. Please call me ASAP! Thanks! Mia Phillips 417-988-5460.

6/9/07
Dave, I like that “Find A Ride” idea, too. I ride later in the day; rather than at the crack of dawn(I work late). Theresa

6/2/07
Dave: I like your “Find A Ride” page idea. Will we see this idea materialize anytime soon? Teri Dave responds: Let’s do it. Email me (link at bottom of page.) Any other input on how to do this is welcome.

5/24/07
I'm curious as to how steep a 6% grade is ? Technically and mathematically I know what it means and I know how it could be calculated given the correct tools. What I am curious about is if anyone can relate some grades of some hills around here. Wilsons Creek for example (Bloody Hill) or the long ascent just east of town where you can take Greenway Trails, across the closed bridge and continue east. Just curious since I have seen many references to 4-6% grades in various literature. I guess I want to try and relate to some of the hills I regularly encounter. (Anon)  Dave responds: Well. I don’t know about Bloody Hill but here are a few other examples. On FR 182 from the crossing of Wilson Creek up the first hill to the east (about 0.5 miles), the climb averages 4%. Cherry St. east of town from the crossing of Pearson Creek to the hilltop to the west (about 0.3 miles) averages 5%. If you want a real challenge, try climbing Farm Road 237 south of “AD” (just east of Route 125). It’s a 9% grade for about 0.4 miles. Highway 65 south of Springfield (after crossing Bear Creek) exceeds 20% for a short distance.

5/17/07
DOG WARNING.... Farm road 101 in Republic there is a really big dog at the bottom off the hill by the bridge. It came flying out of the yard at me and I almost lost it. I don’t think he will bite but he does a lot of barking and will get right in front of your bike. Also on 194 coming from 101 is a big dog that will bark and follow you this dog is not as aggressive as the one on 101. Be careful when riding these roads. Mike Mitchell.

5/15/07
WARNING: Anyone who rides on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays and chooses to take the extended route past Riverside through Ozark, DOG WARNING...once you cross Hwy. 125 from U Hwy., you are on a chip and seal road that takes a sharp left turn only after about .3-.5 miles. At the corner is a black and white pit-bull mix and, if he is loose, he will come after you like nobody’s business. It takes everything I have to outrun this dog. I believe not only will he bite, but will also hang on to anything he catches. The owner doesn’t seem to care. I will be calling Christian County. Please just be extra cautious when you are riding this route. Mia Phillips

5/11/07
Since many of us did not get one of those cool Dogwood t-shirts this year, we’d like to place a reorder! If you’d like to get one or more please email me with #/size by Tuesday, May 15th. We’re selling them at cost ($9.00). You can pay for your shirt (check or cash) when you pick it up. Bill Hill

5/10/07
Tim mentioned previously that the Thursday night ride is fast. That is true for some but not for all riders. There is a group that will break off the front but there are many other levels of riders on Thursday as well. It's also a very easy route to follow so I hope no one is scared off by the “fast” comment. It is one of the biggest attended weekly rides with riders of all levels. Cynthia

5/8/07
MOONLIGHT RIDE! I need to get a planning committee formed of people who would like to help coordinate the efforts of Springbike’s assistance with this years Moonlight Bike Ride on August 25, 2007 (yes, same date as the HHH). We need volunteers to man intersections, etc. and of course, a Springbike booth. I need people who would be available for several meetings over the course of the next 2 1/2 months with the Discovery Center folks to discuss our involvement. Thanks in advance for your help! Mia Phillips

5/1/07
SPRINGBIKE JERSEYS! Sorry for the short notice but we are looking into ordering some more jerseys. The problem is that in order to get them here by June 29th we must get the order turned in by next Thursday. The minimum order is 25, so I feel we must have at least 15 pre-ordered at $70 (the order from 3 years ago was $68). If you want to order one call me at 840-5687 or you may order at the Dogwood, Monday ride, or Tuesday ride. Tim Weston

5/1/07
I have been wondering where the weekly rides are and when they are taking place. On the website the only information pertaining to this is that the start time begins at 6:00 starting May,1. I can find no information as to the locations of these rides and what day of the week each ride takes place. I was told last Monday that the Monday night Hickory ride to Strafford was now meeting at the the Tues to Rogersville location. It’s all a bit confusing for me and to make matters worse I can find no information here. Help! Anon. Dave responds: At the top of the Calendar page there is a hyperlink that will take you down the page where the evening rides are. Since you are the second member to have the same concern I have moved the weeknight ride info to the top of the calendar page..