Table of Contents
- President's Message
- REGISTER NOW! 2025 SCU Best of Bucks Metric
- SCU Annual Awards Celebration Recap
- Order of the Knights of the Cast Iron Crotch 2024
- Thank You to Our Wonderful Ride Leaders!
- New SCU Club Jerseys Are Here - Try On & Order Yours NOW!
- Ed Hein Memorial Ride
- Philly Bike Expo - March 8 & 9, 2025
- Keswick Cycle Glenside - Evening Seminar - March 11, 2025
- Trek Spring House Open House - March 13, 2025
- SCU IS ON INSTAGRAM!
- SCU Ride Guidelines (and safety reminder)
- SCU eBike Policy
- Reminder of Member Benefits
- Online Club Resources
- Regional Events Calendar and Mileage Log
- New Members
- Executive Committee Meeting Schedule (Members Welcome)
- SCU Executive Committee
|  | President's Message
March 2025
The passing of Ed Hein is a great sadness, both for me personally and for the club as a whole. I didn't ride with him much as he was far too fast. But he was a pleasure to talk with before and after rides, was always encouraging to everyone, and was always willing to help out the club with any event, riding or social.
Anytime we lose a friend or anyone that has affected our lives, it is an opportunity to pause and reflect. In Ed's case, we may reflect on how he was both highly competitive and dedicated to serving others. Competition does not have to mean crushing rivals. It can mean valuing them for providing the motivation to ride at your best. Wanting to finish at the front of a group of riders does not mean you can't also support those same riders in their efforts to ride their best. Riding fast can mean enjoying the esteem of non-competitive riders while also accepting that we are all on our own biking journey with different meanings to each of us.
Reflections such as these help me better understand the meaning of cycling in my life. I do not seek to be just like Ed in all regards. I am not as competitive and will certainly never be as fast. However, I can aspire to Ed's role model of riding at my best while at the same time supporting my friends and serving the needs of the club. I think he would be happy to hear that.
There is a memorial ride coming up at the end of the month. The details are further below. Whether or not you are able to attend, or even if you didn't know Ed, please honor him by taking a moment to reflect on his passing and how cycling in the club has affected your own life.
Steve "The life of the dead is placed in the memories of the living"* Muth
SCU President
*Marcus Tullius Cicero
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REGISTER NOW!
2025 SCU Best of Bucks Metric
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, PA
Follow the link below to the information page.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2025 Best of Bucks Metric
| SCU Annual Awards Celebration Recap
Many thanks to Marc Katz, Robin Einhorn, Denyse Ringling and other supporters who organized and came out to the Annual Celebration on Saturday, February 8! Everyone had a great time at MaGerks Pub in Fort Washington celebrating the 2024 SCU Cycling Year That Was and looking forward to an even better 2025!
Highlights of the Evening:
- Induction to the Order of the Knights of the Cast Iron Crotch for riders who exceeded 5,000 miles for the year.
- Recognition of our terrific Ride Leaders!
- Member of the Year Award to the duo of Wes Wolf and Katie Hunt!
- President's Award to Rob Leder for keeping us moving through the winter!
- Anticipation of the Eagles' Superbowl Victory!
- The great camaraderie for which SCU is known!
|  | Order of the Knights of the Cast Iron Crotch 2024
Twenty-six (26) SCUers submitted their names for the Cast Iron Crotch award by cycling greater than 5,000 miles in 2023. A few interesting facts:
- This group collectively rode 161,696 miles or over 6 times around the globe at the equator
- The average mileage was 6,219 miles for the group
- The range was from 5001 miles to just under 12,000 miles
- 1/2 of the group rode above 5,750 miles (Median), and 1/2 below.
Full List of those who rode over 5,000 miles in 2024:
Linda McGrane 11,918
Kevin Kulp 8,284
Stephen Muth 7,929
Thomas Kramlik 7,240
Judith Pyle 7,123
Marilyn Harvey 7,101
Alan Rendina 6,580
Sharon Hansen 6,401
Linda Dart 6,206
Joe Phelps 6,134
Shirley Landis 6,009
Charlaine Dunlap 5,901
Rob Leder 5,890
Wayne Dunlap 5,641
Christopher Marcille 5,639
Kevin Olsavsky 5,603
Dean Mondelblatt 5,513
Rick Loechler 5,431
Charles Brant Jr 5,405
Scott Willbanks 5,176
Juan Echavarria 5,174
Joel Gaskin 5,172
Claire Tanzer 5,120
Curtis Schwartz 5,099
Romeo Cochrane 5,006
Joseph Pless 5,001
|  | Thank You to Our Wonderful Ride Leaders!
Our ride leaders truly make it happen for SCU! We would like to acknowledge all the ride leaders for stepping up to lead rides for the club membership. In 2024 this group collectively led over 1000 rides! That equates to an average of 19 rides/week or 2-3 rides/day. This is the reason we have such a vibrant club with so many choices of rides across all levels. Very well done!!!
If you would like to try leading rides for SCU, please contact the Ride Leader Coordinator, Curtis Schwartz, at rides@suburbancyclists.org and he can provide more information to start you on your way!
2024 SCU Ride Leaders:
Andrew Nathans
Cassandra Hogue
Charles Brant
Claire Tanzer
Curtis Schwartz
Dan Operacz
Dave Atkins
David Kaplan
David Taylor
Dean Mondelblatt
Dmitri Levin
Doug Smithman
Elisabeth Charrier
Elliot Selsley
Elliot Titcher
Jeff Kochanowicz
Joe Phelps
Jon Shapiro
Katie Hunt
Kevin Olsavsky
Linda McGrane
Mike Mitchell
Monica Coleman
Pauline Martin
Riad el-Dada
Rich Abraham
Rick Lochlear
Rob Leder
Savannah Lee
Scott Siegfried
Scott Willbanks
Sharon Hansen
Stephen Muth
Steve Baxter
Terry Strobaugh
Thom McAdams
Tom Beckett
Tom Madle
Wes Wolf
|  | New SCU Club Jerseys Are Here - Try On & Order Yours NOW!
The wait is over! Show your SCU Club Spirit and order your 2025 jersey! We have a new design which is on a high quality Peloton Jersey from Voler. It's being offered in both Race and Club fit (Race fit is more streamlined, Club fit is more relaxed).
The "kit window" for ordering, which will be done via the SCU website, is only from Friday Feb 28th - Monday March 17. This is the only time during which you can order jerseys. The jerseys will be mailed directly to you by Voler, our manufacturer, and will arrive in late April/early May.
Take Me to the SCU Store!!
***These jerseys are custom made to order and therefore there are no refunds or exchanges***
***We strongly recommend coming to one of our try-on sessions to see what style (Club or Race fit) and size feel best on you!***
Remaining Jersey Try-On Session Dates and Locations:
- Wednesday March 5, 6-7:30pm, Hennings Market (Upstairs Dining Area),290 Main St, Harleysville, PA
- Friday March 7, 6-7:30pm, College Settlement Camp,593 Witmer Rd, Horsham, PA
NOTE:This is the main driveway for the overnight camp. We will be at the Environmental Center which is about 400 ft. ahead on the left side. This isNOTat the same location as our last picnic.
Can't make one of the try-on sessions? View Voler's guide to size and fit HERE. Note that the Race fit jersey will fit more snugly than the Club fit jersey.
Jerseys cost $70 plus shipping. Estimated shipping cost is $6. It could vary due to postal rates at the time of the order being placed. |
|  | Philly Bike Expo - March 8 & 9, 2025
Mark your calendars for March 8th & 9th. The Philly Bike Expo celebrates the bicycle like no one else! Now in its 14th year, the Expo offers inspiration, information, and entertainment to cycling aficionados and novices alike. Held at the PA Convention Center, the Expo features exhibits by artisans and manufacturers from around the country and the world, demos, workshops, seminars and kids activities that include a spacious indoor test-ride area. Rides, food, and parties round out the fun-filled weekend. Tickets are on sale now for this “don’t miss” event at www.phillybikeexpo.com. Use promo code SCU for 15% off your online ticket purchase!
|  | Keswick Cycle Glenside - Evening Seminar
Nutrition & Intro to Chain Waxing
Tuesday, March 11
Keswick Cycle (408 N. Easton Rd, Glenside, PA) will be hosting an evening seminar on Tuesday, March 11 beginning at 6:00 pm. The event will include presentations by Coach Michelle Handren and Service Manager John Stenger covering Nutrition and an Introduction to Chain Waxing. SCU members are cordially invited!
| Trek Springhouse "Gear Up for Spring" Open House
Thursday, March 13
SAVE THE DATE: Trek Bikes on Bethlehem Pike in Spring House will be hosting an Open House Night for SCU members on Thursday, March 13, ~6:00 to 7:00pm. The program will include a presentation called "Gear Up for Spring" - how to get your bike and yourself ready for the return to early spring riding. SPRING will be here before you know it - it's right around the corner! Light refreshments will be served. The venue will offer special discounts to SCU members. Stay tuned for updates on this fun event!
| SCU IS ON INSTAGRAM!
Follow SCU on Instagram for images and news from the club and our growing cycling community!
| The SCU Ride Guide (and Safety Reminders)
- Arrive ten to 15 minutes early and Be Prepared To Leave On Time! The starting times are actual departure times
- Make sure your bike is in proper working order Before you arrive
- Carry a spare tube, patch kit, pump, water bottle, and some form of I.D. (emergency information)
- Ride in a safe manner and obey all traffic laws
- The wearing of a helmet (ANSI and/or Snell approved) is Required on all club rides
- Do not "Bike off" more than you can do. Go on rides within your ability, interest and experience
- Each rider assumes his or her own risk on all rides
- Those who ride ahead of the group are on their own ride
- Always notify the ride leader when leaving the group
- Riders should adhere to the advertised speed of the ride
- Ride leaders are not expected to be bike mechanics
- During Winter months or questionable weather conditions, please contact the ride leader
- If it is raining at the start time, then the ride is canceled unless otherwise noted by the ride leader
- Have fun riding your bike.
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Hello SCU Riders !!!
Passing along a few safety reminders and points we all need to be aware of on our group rides...
- Please always use a red tail light - even during the day - for visibility since it does make you more visible. You need to be visible and conspicuous on the road. Especially if you have a bright red tail light of close to 100 lumens. Please see what you have and make changes if necessary. If you do not have a rear red tail light, please get one. Using a front white light helps even more with being seen.
- While passing another rider, ALW\AYS pass on their left side and ALWAYS announce that you are passing them on their left. If - for a very rare reason - you are on a riders right side need or need to pass a rider on their right, ALWAYS announce that also. Otherwise it is not a good idea to ever pass or even ride directly on the right side of a rider in front of you. If you are on a riders' right side, stay well behind them and still let them know you are there.
- And while we are talking about trailing a rider, please avoid "half-wheeling" the rider in front of you for any reason. Either on their left or right if they are in front of you.. This occurs when your front wheel overlaps the rear wheel of the rider in front of you. Sometimes the shoulders of roads are narrow and this will make for a dangerous situation when cars are passing.
- When someone yells out "CAR BACK" we should all be looking to immediately form a single line of cyclists as quickly and as safely as possible and not ride two abreast in the lane the cars are in. This should be the case regardless of the width of the shoulder. The narrower the shoulder, the more we should be aware of this condition. A safe way of doing this is, if you are the rider on the right of the two-abreast, allow the rider on your left to get in front of you. that way the left side rider is not drifting back toward the oncoming and approaching car and gtets out of the way quicker..
- When coming to a light and there is a right-hand turning lane and you are going straight, stay to the right in the lane in the direction you are travelling. Do not veer right into that lane and then jump back into the lane where you are going straight. One of the best ways to be safe it to be "Predictable" and "Conspicuous"
Thank you Thom McAdams for the reminder!
| SCU eBike Policy
More information will be explained and distributed at SCU club rides by the ride leaders, but below describes the 3 categories of e-bikes and what is allowed on club rides. As the popularity of eBikes increases both in general and in SCU, we welcome the use of them on club rides but need to be aware of limitations and what is allowed.
Summary:
Electric bikes shall be permitted on club rides only as covered by the club's insurance policy and as consistent with local, state and Federal laws. The Treasurer shall determine the club's insurance coverage regarding electric bikes. A summary of this coverage and any changes to it shall be communicated to membership by the Digital Communications Director and directly communicated to ride leaders by the Ride Director. The ride sign-in sheet shall be revised and updated as needed to indicate this coverage.
- Only pedal assist eBikes (Classes 1 and 3) will be allowed on club rides.
- As SCU club rides cross into multiple states (PA, NJ, DE), it is critical we adhere to the regulations of all 3.
- If you have questions, please contact the SCU executive team or talk to your ride leader.
3 Classifications - eBikes
- Allowed: A “class 1 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Not Allowed: A “class 2 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Allowed: A “class 3 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and is equipped with a speedometer.
When considering purchasing an eBike, it is important to understand the laws in your state and the type riding you want to do, including if bringing it on a SCU club ride (which again, we enjoy having them).
Thank you,
SCU Executive Team |  | As membership director, I want to welcome back all of our SCU members who have renewed their memberships and I am encouraging our non-members to join our ranks! We are excited to have over 1,800 cyclists in our Meetup Group but we would be even more excited to have more of the group become dues-paying SCU members. Our membership fee is one of the best bargains around!! So what are the benefits you will receive with your SCU membership you may ask?
Here are just a few:
- Insurance coverage if an accident occurs while participating in a SCU ride
- Access to all SCU events including the SCU picnic, awards banquet, tailgate parties and many more events that occur throughout the year
- Discounts at designated local bike shops and SCU Century / Summer Event rides
- Monthly newsletter
And most importantly...supporting our cycling community especially our experienced and dedicated ride leaders who work hard at providing our club members with the best and safest routes throughout the region that accommodates various rider abilities.
The SCU membership fees help to sustain our club so please consider becoming a member today! To join our club, click https://suburbancyclists.org/. Please feel free to reach out to me at membership@suburbancyclists.org or any of our Executive Committee if you have any questions or comments.
Hope to see you on the road!
Pat Butcher
Membership Director | Online Club Resources
As a reminder, there are other online resources available to you to fully enjoy your club membership:
- Meetup.com: Look for the Suburban Cyclists Unlimited (SCU) Meetup page to learn about and sign up for group rides.
- Facebook: Visit the Suburban Cyclists Unlimited page to hear about the latest club news or pictures and adventures from club rides.
- Instagram: Check SCU on Instagram for images and news from the club and our cycling community.
| Regional Events Calendar & Mileage Log | | Regional Events Update
Be sure check Jack Elias' famous Calendar of Regional Events for an updated, chronological list of regional events. Jack is updating the list as information is provided.
This calendar is presented by Suburban Cyclists Unlimited and lists recreational bicycle events that take place in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and start within approximately 150 miles of Horsham, Montgomery County, PA.
| | Mileage Tracker and
Universal Mileage Logs are available
The universal mileage log features include:
- A universal log that is good for any year.
- An automatic summation of mileage and number of rides and computation of the average ride distance.
- Displays six charts of mileage, number of rides and average distance.
- The mileage logs can be found in the Documents Library on the SCU website.
- Go to SCU's Documents Library and scroll down to "Ride Documents" and “Mileage Log”.
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- Jim Clough - Philadelphia, PA
- Matt Heppe - Blue Bell, PA
| | | All Members Welcome at Executive Committee Meetings!
For 2024, Executive Committee meetings are held every third Thursday (normally) of the month and are posted to the Meetup ride calendar. All members are invited to participate in the discussions or share thoughts and ideas. Meetings are held via Zoom. If you RSVP to the Meetup or send an email to president@suburbancyclists.org, a Zoom link and an agenda will be sent to you shortly before the meeting. If you have something specific to share, you will be put at the top of the agenda so you can be heard without waiting through the routine business. Meetings are posted in MeetUp.
Hope to see you there! | President
Steve Muth
Secretary
Helen Muth
Treasurer
Savannah Lee
Digital Communications Director
Kevin Olsavsky
Membership Director
Pat Butcher
Public Relations Director
Linda A. McGrane
Ride Leader Director
Curtis Schwartz
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Regional Calendar Editor
Jack Elias
Merchandise Manager
Open | |