Vol 2025 l No 12 l December | Table of Contents
- President's Message
- Waiver Update Coming Soon
- 2026 SCU Executive Committee Elections This Month - Meet the Candidates!
- December Safe Cycling Tip - Safety on That New Holiday Bike
- Cranksgiving Recap - THANK YOU!
- SAVE THE DATE - SCU Annual Celebration! - January 10, 2026
- SAVE THE DATE - 2026 SCU Best of Bucks Metric! - May 9, 2026
- Welcome Our New Members!
- General Club Reference & Resources
- The SCU Ride Guide (and Safety Reminders)
- Member Benefits
- Online Club Resources
- Regional Events Calendar & Mileage Log
- SCU Executive Committee
- Connect with SCU on Social Media!
|  | President's Message
December 2025
It's a cold rainy day as I write this. A friend up in the Lehigh Valley posted on Strava that her MTB ride included snow on the trails. Although the cold weather can be a drag at times, I enjoy the change of season. It keeps my riding from getting stale and repetitious. Each of us will cope with the cold in our own ways. Some keep on riding. Others will find alternatives such as hiking, Zwift, or skiing. It's all good. As my family doctor advises, just don't ever stop moving!
After elections are completed this month (please vote!), the 2026 EC will address key initiatives for 2026. Some, such as the waiver update described below, are already in the works. And the Best of Bucks Metric committee will begin meeting soon. There is always a need for members with energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Look for the meeting dates and times posted on Meetup.
Speaking of Meetup, one of the items the 2026 EC needs to consider is whether to switch the ride calendar from Meetup to the one on Club Express. The Meetup website is very user friendly and offers good exposure for the club. On the other hand, it does not integrate with Club Express with regard to rider sign-in. This has become more of an issue as many riders and ride leaders have shown a preference for "paperless" online sign-in. Plus, it's an additional expense on top of our Club Express (which already includes an event calendar). Those of us who also ride with Central Bucks Bicycle Club are already familiar with the Club Express calendar system. Have an opinion on the ride calendar? Please feel free to express it to me or any other EC member in person or in writing.
Steve "The only constant is change*" Muth
SCU President
*Heraclitus, Greece, 500 BCE
| Waiver Update Coming Soon
A club member called to our attention that the waiver we have been using is out of date. The Executive Committee took this seriously because the member is a retired attorney that has worked with non-profit organizations. At their suggestion, the EC approved the language below. After consulting with our insurance carrier, we will begin incorporating this into our membership application, ride sheets, and event registrations.
The waiver language is as follows:
Participation in the SUBURBAN CYCLIST UNLIMITED (“SCU”) activity identified above and in all SCU activities (“Activity” or “Activities”) IS EXPRESSLY CONDITIONED UPON CONSENT AND AGREEMENT to the terms of this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABIITY.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the SCU Activity, for myself, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin:
I REPRESENT that I understand the risks of the Activities and that I am in proper physical condition to participate in the Activities;
I UNDERSTAND that (a) the ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH. (“Injuries”) (b) these Injuries may be caused by my actions or inactions, by natural objects, by conditions in and around where the Activity takes place, or by the NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF THE “RELEASEES” DEFINED BELOW and or third parties to this Agreement; (c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time;
I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I may incur as a result of my participation in the Activity including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, the effects of weather, the condition of roads and unsafe actions by other riders, drivers and non-participants;
I HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND CONVENANT NOT TO SUE THE SCU, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, RIDE LEADERS, VOLUNTEERS, OTHER ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS, AND ANY SCU SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS AND OWNERS OF ANY PREMISES WHERE AN ACTIVITY TAKES PLACE (each one of the above a ‘RELEASEE’) FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR OTHERWISE, CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEE OR OTHERWISE;
I FURTHER AGREE that if, despite this Agreement I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASEES from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, Damages, or costs which any may incur as a result of such claim.
I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTAND THAT I AM WAIVING SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.
I INTEND THAT THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY AND DAMAGES TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. I AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID, THE BALANCE, NOTHWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS STATED ABOVE, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ACTIVITY OR IN ANY SCU ACTIVITY.
|  | 2026 SCU Executive Committee Elections this Month
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 in mid-December. 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)
|  | December Safe Cycling Tip
Safety on That New Holiday Bike
The holidays are a time of joy, and for many individuals and families, that joy comes with two wheels! Whether it’s a shiny new bike for a child or an electric bike (e-bike) for a teen or adult, these gifts are exciting, empowering, and fun, while also promoting independence and healthy lifestyles. But with great fun comes great responsibility. Before anyone hits the road or trail, make safety part of the holiday celebration by observing these essential tips.
Helmet First, Helmet Always
No matter your age or experience, a helmet is non-negotiable. Choose a helmet that fits snugly, sits level on the head, and is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A MIPS helmet can offer added protection. Helmets are required by PA law for youth under age 16, but they are a smart choice for everyone and are required for SCU rides.
Lights and Reflectors
Especially important to remember during the winter months when daylight is limited, make sure your bike or e-bike has the following lights and reflectors, which are required by PA law:
• Front white light: Must emit visible light for at least 500 feet. This light can be attached to the bicycle or the cyclist.
• Rear red reflector: Visible from 500 feet when in low beams of a car.
• Side reflectors or reflective materials: Visible from both sides to enhance side visibility. These can be wheel-mounted or on clothing.
• Pedal reflectors: Required unless the bike is used in competitive racing or is not equipped for road use.
Check the Fit
Ensure the bike or e-bike fits properly. You shouldn’t have to stretch to reach the handlebars or brakes, and your feet should touch the ground when seated.
Inspect the Bike
Before hitting the road or trail, perform an " ABC" check:
• Air in the tires (check the recommended psi on the side of the tire)
• Brakes working properly
• Chain and cranks spinning smoothly If it’s an e-bike, also check that the battery is secure and charged, and be familiar with the class (1, 2, or 3) and its speed settings. Never modify the manufacturer’s settings.
Ride Right, With Traffic Not Against
Always ride on the right-hand side of the road, in the same direction as traffic. Although sidewalk riding is discouraged (and sometimes illegal) depending on location, bicycle type and speed, you should also ride with traffic on sidewalks. That way you’re more likely to be seen by cars entering or exiting driveways and parking lots.
Use Hand Signals
Teach riders to use hand signals to indicate turns and stops. It’s a simple yet powerful way to communicate with drivers. Equally important, make eye contact and gesture your intent before crossing in front of a vehicle.
Obey Signs and Signals and Be Aware of Surroundings
Riders of bicycles and e-bikes must obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and other road signs. E-bikes may be restricted on certain trails and sidewalks. Riding under 15 mph is required on certain trails. Also, NEVER use a phone while riding. Distracted biking is just as dangerous as distracted driving.
Call Out and Slow Down
When passing pedestrians or slower bicyclists, slow down significantly and call out in a friendly but loud enough voice, “Passing on your left,” which should prompt them to move to the right. Only pass when it’s safe to do so and be especially cautious when passing children and people walking dogs.
Special Considerations for E-Bikes
E-bikes are heavier and can move much faster than traditional bikes and therefore take longer to stop. Riders should: Be at least 16 years old to operate many models Practice in a safe, open space before riding near traffic. Use extra caution near pedestrians, driveways, and intersections.
Set an Example
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or family friend, model good behavior: wear your helmet, follow traffic laws, and prioritize your visibility. Your example makes a lasting impact on young riders. Also, when riding with SCU please remember that you are the visible face of the Club to the public.
Let this holiday season be remembered for joy—not for preventable injuries. With the right gear, guidance, and awareness, your new bike or e-bike gift will bring miles of smiles for years to come!
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Cranksgiving Recap - THANK YOU!!
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A heartfelt THANK YOU to all SCUers who participated in Cranksgiving Souderton 2025! SCU is proud to have sponsored the event again this year.
This message was sent by the event organizers:
Thanks for participating in the 2025 Scooter's Cranksgiving Bike Ride/Food Drive. Between riders and donors, we had nearly 150 people contributing to our food drive this year.
And the numbers are in (drum role…..) Over $10,100 in food, supplies and cash were donated to Keystone's food bank!!!!!
That is amazing (and our highest amount)!!!! This only happens because of the generosity of our riders. The average donation this year was over $65 per rider!!! Thank you!
And we can only pull this off with the awesome Ass Saver gift, raffle prizes, Jesse's BBQ lunch and Lisa's pizza, because of the support of our sponsors and our volunteers.
Thanks for Cranksgiving, and enjoy your Thanksgiving. We look forward to the 9th Annual Cranksgiving in 2026.
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| 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!!!! | |
Jules Mauro - Morristown, NJ
Scott McCrea - Southampton, PA
Robert Rajczy - Conshohocken, PA
Joanna Griffin - Lansdale, PA
Jeff Nesbitt - Ardmore, PA
| | |  | | | | |  | 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!
|  | 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 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 Committee |  | 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”.
| | | 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 | CONNECT WITH SCU ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Follow SCU on Facebook and Instagram for news and images from the club and our growing cycling community!
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