BBP_March2 

Berkshire Bike Path Council                                                                                                    

March 2011 Update  

As the snow melts and the rain falls, the days get longer and we can THINK SPRING.  Time to tune up the bikes and plan to participate in the many cycling activities listed in this month's newsletter.  Save the dates and more details will follow. For those planning early season rides we recommend the Ashuwillticook Trail as we wait for the potholes to be filled and the roads swept.  We included our annual bike check list below to help make sure you head out with everything in working order.

If you haven't contacted your legislator to encourage support of the Surface Transportation Bill, there is still time.  Details were in last month's issue.  We want to thank Randy Toth, who wrote us to say he would advocate directly with our legislative delegation as he headed to DC.  Thanks Randy. 

What can you do to help insure the kind of funding we need for future bike path construction?  How about a call or letter to:
US Senator Scott Brown  2400 JFK Federal Building Boston, MA 02230 scottbrown.senate.gov
US Senator John Kerry    Springfield Federal Building 1550 Main Street Suite 304  Springfield MA 01101  kerry.senate.gov
US Representative John Olver Pittsfield Federal Building 78 Center Street, Pittsfield MA 01201 olver.house.gov
Marge Cohan

Marge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council

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Calendar   

April     Massachusetts Park Service Day 2011

 

Saturday April 16 from 9 - 1 PM    State wide park service day

During this statewide day of volunteer service, we will work together to get parks and beaches across Massachusetts ready for summer by cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, planting flowers, painting picnic tables, and more.  This year, the Berkshire's Ashuwillticook Rail Trail will benefit from work party efforts.  Volunteers will meet at Farnam's Crossing, Cheshire, then break up in teams for different projects - mulching and planting, sweeping road intersections and parking lots, painting over graffiti, litter pick up ...   Arrive early enough so that work may begin at 9 AM.

Becky Barnes
Becky Barnes DCR

 

 

 

 

To sign up click here and select Ashuwillticook.

 

Or contact Rebbeca Barnes directly at 413 499 7003 for questions or to sign up.  

 

Park Day 2009
Park Service Day 2009

 

May            National Bike Month

Saturday May 14 through Friday May 20 is Bay State Bike Week 

       

Sat May 14 11AM -1 PM - Ashuwillticook Trail - Cheshire

                                 Celebration of Adaptive Equipment on the Trail

                                 For more info contact: dperotti@ucpberkshire.org
Sun May 15 9-11 AM - Stockbridge Community Ride - Town Offices

                                  Celebrate new South County Touring Map
Tue May 17 4:30-6 PM - South County Community Ride

                                  Bike and Board, Great Barrington
Wed May 18 9-12 Noon  Berkshire Cycle Association Ride - location to be determined
Wed May 18 6 PM        - Berkshire Outfitters - Adams - race pace ride
Thu May 19 5:45 PM     - Berkshire Cycle Association Ride - location to be determined
Thu May 19 6 PM         - The Spoke - Williamstown - recreational pace ride
Sun May 20                 -MassDOT employees family ride

Sat May 28 10 AM       - Pittsfield Community Ride - Controy pavilion

                                   9AM registration   

 

JUNE

Mon-Fri June 6 - 10  Pittsfield Bike to Work Week 

 

In Memoriam
We will miss Charles Taillefer
  

An avid bicycler, kayaker and skier, Chuck, as we all know him, passed away on March 1. In his last few years, he did most of his riding on the Ashuwillticook, some days riding the Trail several times.   Chuck was the first we know of to complete a century ride on the Ashuwillticook.  Yes, 100 miles in a day.  Always with a smile, and his friendly "Howdy Folks", he was a bike path ambassador, who will be missed.

Chuck Taillefer
Chuck Taillefer

  

News
BIKE SAFETY 

Safe riding starts with getting your bike into shape. Before you start riding, you should inspect your bike to make sure it is safe.
Are all parts fastened on tightly? Check the saddle, handlebars, handlebar stem, brake levers, cranks, and derailleurs.
Are the tires fully inflated and free from cuts? Tires should have all cuts repaired and no bulges, and no cords should be showing.
Are all rotating parts properly adjusted? Check the wheel bearings for wobble, quick releases, head set (steering) bearings.
Will the brakes stop you quickly? Check that brake pads are properly positioned, brake cables and cable housings are intact and clean and that the whole brake system is properly adjusted.
Do the gears change and drive properly? Make sure all gears work and shift properly without the chain falling off the sprocket.
Do you have the proper tools for making roadside repairs? Check that you have the right size tools for your bike, a bicycle pump and a spare tube that will fit your bike.
If you are unsure or uncomfortable about making these safety checks, take your bike to a reputable bike shop.  The money spent for a tune up is good insurance for an accident free season.  Bike shops in Berkshire County are listed on our webpage

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january
   


Check out our cool bicycling gear
We welcome your support and ideas on improving bicycling in Berkshire County.

For more information, visit http://www.berkshirebikepath.com





                                      Thank you for your continued support!                                 

Please support our efforts to advocate for better bicycling in Berkshire County. Mail your check, made out to Berkshire Bike Path Council, 55 South Mountain Rd, Pittsfield, MA  01201. Per IRS regulations, your donation to the Berkshire Bike Path Council will be treated similarly to a donation made to a 501(c)(3) organization and will be tax deductible.