Vol 2025 l No 11 l November | Table of Contents
- President's Message
- 2026 SCU Executive Committee Elections - Meet the Candidates!
- New Repair Station Dedicated at Taboras
- November Safe Cycling Tip - Riding at Night
- Cranksgiving Time is Here Again! November 8, 2025
- SAVE THE DATE - SCU Annual Celebration! - January 10, 2026
- SAVE THE DATE - 2026 SCU Best of Bucks Metric! - May 9, 2026
- 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
November 2025
November begins with Dia de los Muertos, the day to honor family and friends that have passed away. Dropping temperatures, rainy weather, and the gray and leafless trees certainly make Summer seem like a good friend that has left us for another world.
I think the best way to face November's challenging conditions is to consider them opportunities. Rain may keep you off the bike now and again. When it does, go for a walk in the woods. Leafless trees can let you see further into the woods to notice things you may miss in Summer. Cold weather can make it difficult to get a peak performance workout, but you can still put in base miles while exploring new roads. One of the great things about cycling is the diversity of experiences available to riders with an open mind.
I'd like to give a special shout out to Thomas Mcadams for making the SCU/CBBC/BCP bike repair station at Tabora Farm a reality. If you missed the dedication ceremony, there is a more about it below.
Finally, please vote in the upcoming elections. While none of the positions are contested, your vote is still an expression of your appreciation of the candidates' time and energy devoted to the benefit of the entire membership.
Steve "The devil made me do it" Muth
SCU President
|  | 2026 SCU Executive Committee Elections
Meet the Candidates!
Elections for the 2026 SCU Executive Committee will take place online again this year. Candidates for the various EC positions are as follows:
President - Steve Muth
Treasurer - Savannah Lee
Ride Leader Director - Steve Baxter
Membership Director - Pat Butcher
Digital Communications Director - Kevin Olsavsky
Public Relations Director - Linda McGrane
Secretary - Larry Kohout
Brief candidate bios can be found on the SCU homepage at
Please take a moment to visit the page and meet the candidates!
Voting will take place via an automated online system. All members will receive e-mail notification with a link to the voting portal when the election period opens.
Jeff Kochanowicz
SCU Election Coordinator (2026 EC Elections)
|  | New Repair Station Dedicated at Taboras
Thanks to SCU Treasurer Savannah Lee (speaking on behalf of SCU President Steve Muth), and all the Ride Leaders and riders from SCU who participated in Saturday's dedication ceremony of the new bike-repair station at Tabora Farms in Chalfont! Wonderful event for three neighboring bike clubs (CBBC, SCU, and BCP) to join together. Thanks to Owner Caleb and Tabora Farms for welcoming this bike-repair stand on their property to benefit all the cyclists who visit Tabora during their rides. Caleb and Tabora hosted a very delicious and filling event for all of us! Special thanks to Thom McAdams (wearing black cap & Jacket), who championed this project.
|  | November Safe Cycling Tip
Riding at Night
The shorter days of November and the end of Daylight Savings Time lead to the inevitable need to ride in the dark (for commuting or other reasons). Following are a few important tips for riding safer in the dark:
High Visibility Gear
Lights: You need a white front light and a red rear light at a minimum. A helmet light is a great addition for better visibility from multiple angles (and in case your other front light fails).
Reflectors: Add reflectors to your bike, and wear reflective tape or bands on your ankles, knees, and arms.
Clothing: Wear bright, fluorescent, or reflective clothing. A reflective vest is also highly recommended. Consider an LED/fiber optic vest as well!
Riding and Route Safety
Plan your route: Stick to well-lit roads or paths and avoid dark or isolated areas. Favor off-road paths where possible to avoid auto traffic altogether.
Assume you're invisible: Ride defensively and assume drivers can't see you.
Slow down: Reduce your speed, especially when approaching intersections, corners, or going downhill. Road hazards are less visible and you will have less time to react and avoid them.
Signal clearly: Use clear hand signals when turning or stopping so other cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers know your intentions. BE PREDICTABLE!
Follow traffic laws: Obey all traffic signals and signs just as you would during the day.
Maintenance and Preparation:
Check your bike: Make sure your bike is in good working order with properly inflated tires and functional brakes.
Charge your lights: Ensure all your lights are fully charged before you leave.
Bring supplies: Carry a basic repair kit and spare batteries (or a spare light) in case of emergencies.
Adjust your eyes: Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness after you start riding.
Riding at night is about BEING SEEN and being predictable to give other road users the ability to react and avoid you! Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy riding through those shorter days of the next few months!
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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!
| SAVE THE DATE - SCU ANNUAL CELEBRATION!
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Mark your calendars! The SCU Annual Celebration will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026! More details will follow as they are developed! | SAVE THE DATE - 2026 SCU BEST OF BUCKS METRIC!
Saturday, May 9, 2026
While we're marking our calendars, note that the 2026 Best of Bucks Metric will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 starting from Delaware Valley University! More details will follow as they are developed! We can't wait!!!! | 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 | |