Vol 2025 l No 10 l October | Table of Contents
- President's Message
- 2026 SCU Executive Committee Elections - Call for Candidates
- SCU Annual Member Picnic - THANK YOU!
- October Safe Cycling Tip - Clear Communication
- Cranksgiving 2025 - November 8, 2025
- Interested in Leading Rides?
- SCU IS NOW 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
October 2025
October is a special month for me. I was born in October, and married in October. I have always enjoyed the weather for all my outdoor activities. It is a particularly good month for cycling. The weather is cool, but not frigid. The leaves are stunning, if a bit slippery. You have at your disposal all the fitness gains you made over the summer. I think of October as the victory lap of the cycling season.
At the end of this glorious month, I am going on my first 'gravel tour' in New Mexico. I have been experimenting with different tires on local gravel roads, and I am discovering why people enjoy this type of cycling so much. It also shows that even after 20 years of year-round cycling there are still endless opportunities to learn something new about it, each one a chance to gain new skills and renew your enthusiasm for the sport.
October also marks the start of our annual election process for the various positions on the Executive Committee. First, we will advertise for candidates because any dues-paid member may run for the EC. Once all the candidates have been identified and their background biographies publicized, we can begin voting. While it's true that contested positions are uncommon, participating in the election process keeps you in touch with those making decisions about club matters. Reading their biographies helps you understand the perspective of the club's leadership on cycling. Most importantly, even in an uncontested election, your vote counts as an expression of your appreciation and support for those people who volunteer their time, energy and skills to keep the club functioning and set the course for its future.
Hope to see you out there on a beautiful Fall ride!
Steve "Every day is a chance to learn something new"* Muth
SCU President
*I learned this from a poster I saw one day.
|  | 2026 SCU Executive Committee Elections
Call for Candidates
It’s time to think about SCU in 2026 and how you might want to contribute by becoming a member of our Executive Committee (EC). Elections are coming up in November 2025, and now is the time to start thinking about filling those positions!
The current SCU Executive Committee, is comprised of the following members including President (Steve Muth), Treasurer (Savannah Lee), Secretary (Helen Muth), Ride Director (Curtis Schwartz), Public Relations Director (Linda McGrane), Membership Director (Pat Butcher) and Digital Communications Director (Kevin Olsavsky).
As part of our efforts to ensure we assemble the best possible slate of candidates, the deadline for submission of applications and accompanying biographical sketches is Monday, October 20.
The EC is elected to these positions by the membership and serves for a minimum of one (1) year terms. Candidates can be self-nominated or the EC can solicit nominees. Every year all EC positions are open for anyone with the drive and interest to help the Club, and this year is no different. The only requirement to being on the EC is that you be a member in good standing (per the SCU Bylaws) for at least 60 days prior to the publication of your biographical submission (October 2025). The President must also have prior EC service as defined and stipulated in the SCU Bylaws. So, if you have the desire and some good ideas to share, now is the time to step forward and be a “cog” in the SCU wheel! If you are unsure as to what duties the position may entail, feel free to contact me or any of the current EC members! Like all good wheel-sucking vampires, we thrive on “new blood”, and will be eager to mentor you into any one of these new roles for your Club!
I’ll be coordinating any interest, so any prospective nominees/volunteers can contact me at jeffbicycle@comcast.net. Whether you are an existing EC member and would like to consider another year in your current position or are an SCU member in good standing and want to throw your hat into the ring for a new position, please contact me. Note that anyone expressing an interest (including repeat “offenders”) should provide a brief “bio” and picture to me with the EC position of interest, qualifications, plus any pertinent background info prior to Monday, October 20, 2025. All such bio information for each position nominee will then be posted for the membership to view. The elections will be held in November. Election details will be provided in a separate announcement.
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter; we look forward to hearing from you; you can email me at jeffbicycle@comcast.net if you are interested or have questions.
Jeff Kochanowicz
SCU Election Coordinator (2026 EC Elections)
| SCU Annual Member Picnic
THANK YOU!!!
Thank you again to all the Organizers, Volunteers and Ride Leaders who made the annual SCU Members' Picnic so special! Thanks also to the members of CBBC who joined us! It takes all of us playing our part to make member events like the picnic possible.
Our next planned event is the Annual Celebration after the first of the year. Please step up to help so that we can hold another memorable event! Contact Steve Muth or an Executive Committee member for additional information!
|  | October Safe Cycling Tip
Clear Communication
Group riding offers a unique experience—and unique challenges. On any road ride, cyclists must be aware of traffic and road conditions. In a group, however, riders also need to stay aware of one another. Fellow cyclists can block your view of the road, and they may react differently to traffic situations.
The best way to manage this mix of potential hazards is through clear communication. Pointing out and calling road hazards, warning others about approaching vehicles, and signaling your intentions all help the group ride in a coordinated way that adapts to changing conditions.
These cues may sometimes seem obvious, but distractions—like conversations or wandering thoughts—can pull someone’s attention away at the wrong moment. It’s always better to speak up than to regret staying silent about a deep pothole, a right-side pass, or a fast-approaching cement mixer.
Remember: talk is cheap, but crashes are expensive—and painful.
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Cranksgiving Time is Here Again!!
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SCU is pleased to once again sponsor
Cranksgiving Souderton 2025
Benefiting Local Food Banks
When:
Saturday, November 8, 2025
5, 20 and 30 mile routes
Rides Start at 9:00am
This fun bike ride will stop at 2 local grocery stores, where riders will shop for food items
to be donated to our local food bank for those in need.
Volunteers will collect the items at the store, so you don’t have to carry them with you.
After the ride, participants will enjoy a free lunch provided by Jesse's Barbeque & Local Market.
Cost is FREE! (Suggested purchase of $20-$25 per store)
Participation gift to all riders! (custom a**-savers! See image below)
Door prizes selected at the finish!
Register Online by Thursday, November 6 at 9:00 pm
Where:
Souderton Community Park
440 N. Main Street
Souderton, PA 18964
Cranksgiving is a unique opportunity for the cycling community
to come together and help those in need
at a critical time of the year - please join us!
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|  | This year's participation gift!
| Interested in Leading Rides?
Our ride leaders truly make it happen for SCU! They are the reason we have such a vibrant club with so many choices of rides across all levels.
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!
| SCU IS NOW 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".
- At intersections, do not call "Clear" for other riders. Conditions can change quickly with incorrect and potentially dangerous assumptions by other riders. Each rider should satisfy themself that it is safe to proceed. Do always call out approaching vehicles and other hazards, though.
Thank you Thom McAdams for the reminders!
| 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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Bill Ashmead - Oreland, PA
Jen Bressan - Royersford, PA
Natalie Campbell - Phoenixville, PA
Stuart Field - Villanova, PA
Seth Frazier - Philadelphia, PA
Jason Lazaroff - Lafayette Hill, PA
Peter Lin - Philadelphia, PA
Charles A Pembroke - Plymouth Meeting, PA
Robert Rajczy - Conshohocken, PA
Jim Schutawie - Collegeville, PA
Joe Serritella - Ardmore, PA
Ken White - Ambler, PA
| | | All Members Welcome at Executive Committee Meetings!
For 2025, 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 | |