Vol 2026 l No 9 l September | Table of Contents
- President's Message
- SCU Members Picnic (with CBBC guests) October 3, 2026
- Never Forget Ride - Sunday, September 20
- September Safety Tip - Riding with Traffic
- 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
September 2026
As some may know, I am retired from teaching. So, September, not January, was always the start of the year for me. It was time to put the lazy Dog Days of August behind me and get down to business. And even before I was teaching, I always saw Fall as the start of something. Summer is blazing hot, something to be endured and survived. The cooler days afterwards are when the world comes alive again. Plants and animals start gathering energy for the coming Winter. Birds start migrating. It's a pleasure to step outside without fear of melting. You don't dread getting sweat in your eyes by stopping at a traffic light. You don't have to force down multiple water bottles an hour. By the end of the month, the leaves will start their daily change in color. There will be apple picking and an equinox. (Just saying the word equinox is fun. Try it!) September 29 will be International Coffee Day. Riding through it all will be glorious. Yes, September is always a great month indeed.
And coming right on the heels of September will be our Annual Picnic on October 3. For the first time, we will be holding our picnic at Evansburg State Park in Pavilion B, right across the street from the restrooms we stop at occasionally. More information further below. I hope to see you there.
Steve "September is the other January."* Muth
SCU President
*Gretchen Rubin, Founder of the Happiness Project
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SCU Members Picnic (with CBBC guests)
Saturday, October 3, 2026
RSVP now and let us know what you are bringing!
Join us for a fun day of riding, eating and best of all - hanging out with your SCU and CBBC pals!! SCU supplies the burgers, hot dogs, beverages, and soda. Members are asked to bring some other food to share (salads, casseroles, appetizers, or desserts. etc.) Let us know what you're bringing so we can ensure a diverse group of goodies!
When:Saturday, October 3, 2026
Pre-Picnic Multi-Level Group Rides Start 9:00am
Picnic (lunch served): 12:00 - 2:30pm
Where: Evansburg State Park (Pavilion B) Collegeville, PA
All SCU and CBBC club members are welcome and can bring up to 3 guests (immediate family members and/or a cycling friend).
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Never Forget Ride - Sunday, September 20
The Never Forget Ride is more than a bike ride---it's a community coming together to remember those who lost their lives on 9/11 and honor those who served our nation.
Each year riders of all ages and experience levels join us in commemorating the tragic events of 9/11 and honoring the sacrifices made by first responders and veterans.
100% of proceeds benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Information on the ride can be found at www.neverforgetride.org
Registration is at https://www.bikereg.com/never-forget-ride
Use the coupon code BikeClub at checkout for a 72% discount ($25.50 registration) |  | |
September Safety Tip - Riding with Traffic
The end of summer vacations brings increased traffic to the roads. While no cyclist prefers to ride in traffic, it is often a necessity for most of us. Following are a few helpful reminders when riding around cars and trucks.
Similar to operating a motor vehicle, when you are cycling the most important things to remember are to stay alert, predictable and visible.
Follow the Law
- Ride with traffic: Always travel in the same direction as the flow of vehicles on the right side of the road.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals: Stop completely at red lights and stop signs just like a car.
- Use bike lanes: When a designated bike lane is available, use it, unless you need to turn or avoid a hazard.
- Ride in a straight line: Avoid weaving in and out of parked cars or the gutter.
- Use hand signals: Signal your turns and stops well in advance so drivers know your intentions.
- Check behind you: Look over your shoulder before changing lanes or making a move.
- Wear bright and reflective clothing: Avoid dark clothes so drivers can spot you easily during the day and at night.
- Use lights and reflectors: Equip your bike with a front white light and a red rear light or reflector for low-light or night riding.
- Avoid distractions: Never wear headphones in both ears or look at a mobile phone while riding.
- Watch the door zone: Stay a safe distance away from parked cars to avoid suddenly opening doors.
When Riding on Rural Roads, Keep in Mind the Following:
Handle Higher Vehicle Speeds
- Expect fast-moving traffic: Vehicles on rural roads often travel at 50+ mph, giving drivers much less time to react when they see you.
- Claim the lane when necessary: If a lane or a bridge is too narrow for a car and a bike to pass safely side-by-side, ride in the center of the lane to prevent drivers from squeezing past you dangerously.
- Listen closely: Sound travels differently in open areas; use your hearing to detect cars approaching from behind early.
Manage Road Conditions & Terrain
- Scan for debris: Suburban and rural shoulders often accumulate gravel, glass, potholes, and broken asphalt.
- Control your speed on descents: Blind curves and steep hills can hide sudden hazards like slow farm equipment, wildlife, or loose gravel.
- Watch for animals: Deer, dogs, and livestock can suddenly dart into the road, especially during dawn and dusk.
Be Seen Over Long Distances
- Use daytime running lights: High-intensity, flashing front and rear LED lights are essential on open roads so drivers can spot you from hundreds of feet away.
- Wear high-visibility colors: Bright fluorescent yellows, greens, or oranges contrast sharply against rural backdrops like trees and fields.
- Plan around low-sun glare: Avoid riding directly into a rising or setting sun, as drivers behind you will be completely blinded.
Enjoy the cooler weather of September and ride safe!
| | Debi Baker - Ship Bottom, NJ
Melissa Brannon - Doylestown, PA
Joanne Dambrosio - Downingtown, PA
Kevin D Delaney - Rydal, PA
Bryce Joganich - Chalfont, PA
Thomas W O'Neill - Schwenksville, 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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