Table of Contents
- President's Message
- A Few More SCU Best of Bucks Photos!
- Tribute Ride for Joe Kenas
- SAVE THE DATE! SCU Members Picnic Sept. 26, 2026
- June Safe Cycling Tip - Summer Cycling
- 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
June 2026
A great man once said, "You'll get further with a kind word and a bicycle than with a kind word alone." Well, actually he was the notorious gangster Al Capone. And he was talking about a gun, not a bicycle. But the point remains that the appropriate mechanical device will expand your opportunities in life. Walking is a fine way to soak in nature, but sort of slow if you are trying to get somewhere. Driving a car is faster, but tends to isolate you from your environment. A bicycle hits the sweet spot where you can travel much further than walking yet still be in full contact with your physical and social surroundings. You are fully engaged with the weather and the geography of the land -- feeling the oneness that comes with the road, hills, sun, wind and occasional rain. It is easier to meet people on your bike than while driving. The bike itself is a natural starting point of conversation as is the ride you are on. Every ride is a micro-adventure that improves your health and mental wellness. Your bicycle will give your heart and muscles the work they need to stay strong. Every time you complete a ride, easy or hard, you will have that sense of accomplishment: I did that! So, think of some kind words to share with someone then grab your bike and get out for a ride.
Steve "You either love going for bike rides, or you're wrong."* Muth
SCU President
*I don't know who said this first, but I can't claim it as my own.
|  | A Few More SCU Best of Bucks Photos!
Because we had such a fun time!
Once again, a BIG THANK YOU to all participants and volunteers who helped make the Best of Bucks Metric a terrific cycling event again this year!
This year the event photos (and video!) are available to download free of charge! Links to the photos and video are below:
We look forward to an even better event in 2027! |  | |
May 31 Tribute Ride for Joe Kenas
About three dozen cyclists from SCU and Guy's Racing as well as family members gathered for a memorial ride to remember Joe Kenas. A ceremony was held at the Four Mills Nature Reserve on Morris Road for his friends to share memories of Joe and to dedicate a ghost bike installed at the scene of his accident. The ghost bike was provided by his favorite bike shop, Guy's Bicycles. After the ceremony the group rode in silence past the ghost bike before turning on to Sheaff Lane where various groups went their separate ways. |  | |
SAVE THE DATE!
SCU Members Picnic
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Please mark your calendar for the annual SCU Members Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026! Similar to previous years, the day will include group rides at various levels ending at the picnic venue. We are currently finalizing the details of the event. Additional details will follow under separate correspondence. It's a great opportunity to connect with all your favorite SCUers and relax for a change! We look forward to seeing you there! |  | |
June Safe Cycling Tip - Summer Cycling
While in January we pine for the longer days of summer, those longer days also bring more heat and humidity to contend with. The following are some reminders for safe and comfortable cycling during the Pennsylvania summer!
1. Carry Spare Batteries - for those with electronic shifting and other electronic accessories that come with replaceable batteries, carry a couple extra batteries in your seat bag or pocket. Most of these batteries are CR2032 or other sizes that are small and light. It's simple insurance against unexpected failures.
2. Stay Hydrated - Cycling is pretty thirsty work at the best of times and you need to be extra vigilant in hot, humid weather. Remember to hydrate before and after your ride, as well as ensuring you carry plenty of water with you. You should be drinking water AT LEAST every 15 minutes during your ride. For multi-hour rides consider electrolyte drinks to replenish what you lose with perspiration. Note that if you wait to drink until you feel thirsty you are ALREADY dehydrated. Before you set off, make sure you plan out places you can stop to refill your bottles, so that if you drink more than you expected, you aren't stuck with empty bottles for the journey home. Pro Tip - Freeze your water bottles (approximately 2/3 full) the night before, so that your drink stays nice and cool for longer on your ride.
3. Beware of Shade - in areas of deep shade or in places of dappled shade, drivers will struggle to see you if your lights are off or you are wearing black or neutral colors that blend in with your environment. You may also struggle to see pot holes or cracks in the pavement. Our eyes struggle to adjust between bright light and deep shade and a driver may not have time to react quickly enough by the time they have spotted you.
It is particularly difficult for drivers to spot vulnerable road users in deep shade early or late in the day, when the sun is low. These conditions may only form a fleeting part of your journey, but it's worth wearing high visibility clothing with reflective elements and keeping your lights on to maximize your visibility to motor vehicles and to guard against becoming a cycling casualty statistic.
4. Beware of the Sun Too! - The cooling effect of wind resistance means that you may not notice you are getting sunburnt when out on your bike on sunny days. Wear a sweat resistant high SPF sunscreen and cover up as much as possible in lightweight layers to avoid looking like a lobster on a bike by lunch time.
Aside from turning you embarrassingly red and being really uncomfortable, burning in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer, so make sure you are fully protected when out and about on your bike this summer. Pay particular attention to protecting your knees/thighs, calves and the back of your neck, as your position on your bike means that these areas are more exposed to the sun than other areas of your body.
5. Look Out for Your Entourage - If you are cycling with your dog or with young children, remember your tolerance for the heat is better than theirs and they may be suffering, even if you aren't. Stop frequently for refreshments, to apply extra sun protection (yes, you can buy sunscreen for dogs) and to check that they are ok. If it is a really sunny day, consider a shorter bike ride with your four-legged friend or your mini bicycle users in the early morning or later in the evening, or even waiting for a cooler day to embark on your cycling adventure together.
6. Don't Challenge Yourself to Longer Bike Rides on Hot, Humid Days - It may be tempting to make the most of good weather by staying out all day but your body has to work harder in hot temperatures and you don't want to burn out and get stranded miles from home. This is especially true if you aren't a regular cyclist, as the joint stresses of the heat and more exercise than you are used to aren't a good combination.
Summer can certainly provide some of the most fun cycling, and with proper precautions you can avoid the less pleasant aspects of the season!
| | Dave Bauhof - Jeffersonville, PA
Steven L. Nelson - Doylestown, PA
Keith Thomas - New Hope, 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, Steve Baxter, 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
Larry Kohout
Treasurer
Savannah Lee
Digital Communications Director
Kevin Olsavsky
Membership Director
Pat Butcher
Public Relations Director
Linda A. McGrane
Ride Leader Director
Steve Baxter
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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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