A Rider — and a Writer!

Announcing the inaugural meeting of the BCI book club!  We’ll meet at John Altenberg’s home on Saturday, April 25th. John is graciously providing a main dish. Please RSVP HERE and bring an appetizer or salad.

Address: 13821 Eton Pl, Santa Ana
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm for book discussion
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm for dinner and party 

Shawn Andrews will introduce and lead a discussion on her latest book, The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion

The book launched on February 3rd. It’s designed to be a resource for men, women and HR/culture leaders. 

Many of you know that Shawn, BCI’s Membership Director, completed an epic, cross-country ride with Trek Travel this past summer. Her co-author, also an avid cyclist, undertook his own cross-country adventure in 2022, and cycling is a common theme throughout the book!

Here’s the Amazon link in case you want to get a copy for yourself ahead of time. Shawn would love the feedback. 

https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Male-Allyship-Building-Inclusion/dp/B0FZWQHGY9/

Pete van Nuys is going to Switzerland, Austria, and Italy

NOTE:
This is being offered to BCI members, but is NOT “officially” a BCI event.
(BCI assumes no control or responsibility.)

A few people asked us about doing a "custom" running of our St. Moritz, Switzerland to Bolzano, Italy tour this spring. We settled on the 6/13-20. It's not just for goofy GO riders like me, every year we get several real road bikes and a few Ebikes.

The riding is easy by BCI standards, but the on-bike experience is only part of it, of  course. And I LOVE to show guests how to extend, loop, or lollygag along the routes.  Tons of history-- and everything older than 250 years is OUR history, not just Europe's. I think I can help people understand what that means.

There's enough riding to give you a real feel for what the county is about-- but we encourage people to stop frequently along the way 'cause there's stuff to see, taste, hear, and photograph. Lots of stuff to photo!

-Pete

Questions? Please email petevannuys@cox.net or text/call 949 492 5737

Learn more

Annual Potluck Holiday Party Finishes up 2025

Generosity was the theme at BCI’s ANNUAL POTLUCK HOLIDAY PARTY, December 6th at the Woodbridge Village Association in Irvine. The potluck food was plentiful, and donations overflowed the boxes set aside for two non-profit organizations, “Families Forward” and “The Bicycle Tree.”

Besides bringing potluck food and the donations, kudos to those who also pitched in to help under the direction our Hospitality Director, Penny Poorman, affectionately known as “The Kitchen Czar.” Penny really knows how to organize her crew for set up, clean up, decorations and general schlepping.

Super-organized Bev Plass/President, Shawn Andrews/Director of Membership, and Club founder Bill Sellin/Ride Coordinator, presented the 2025 Spirit Award to a surprised & grateful Kim Gerrard, Communications Coordinator.

Over 60 members and their guests attended.

The 2025 Spirit Awardee

Buena Park wants to hear from Cyclist about Orangethorpe

The City of Buena Park seeking input on what can be done to make the 6 lane Orangethorpe across their city more human friendly.
It is a Class II (bike lanes) in Fullerton and Cypress, but has no cycling infrastructure across Buena Park (or La Palma).
If you are interested in helping out, see their web page and add comments to their interactive map
at bit.ly/OrangethorpeMap.

Project Map

Sue Rudolph is going to a ‘Cycling Retreat’ in France

NOTE:
This is being offered to BCI members, but is NOT “officially” a BCI event.
(BCI assumes no control or responsibility.)

Attention: Deadline to sign up is May 1st

Sue Rudolph is offering her fellow BCI members this unique cycling getaway in France. Challenge yourself through scenic, rolling routes and then relax like royalty in Chateau de la Motte Henry.

Sept 13 to Sept 18, 2026

Learn more

Contact Sue Rudolph
sue@amazingtravel.com

1-714-963-5281
1-714-757-1425 (cell)

Maria Perkins is going to Glacier National Park

NOTE:
This is being offered to BCI members, but is NOT “officially” a BCI event.
(BCI assumes no control or responsibility.)

See, touch, and ride the most beautiful park in our country!!

Sunday, 7/26/2026 to Friday, 7/31/2026

2026 Tour Cost: $3,945 per person with shared accommodations. Add $895 per person to this Tour Cost for a private room each night of the tour (5-Nights).

Contact: Maria Perkins at 909-319-2400. Text to join the Glacier National Park Whatsapp!
Registration: https://lizardheadcyclingguides.com/GNP-Perkins

Tour Includes: 6-Days guide service, 5-Nights lodging, most meals (4 dinners, 5 lunches, 4 breakfasts), entrance fees, lunch en route daily, energy food, liquid refreshments, in-tour shuttles, and mechanical support. Alcoholic beverages, bike rental, and massage (if available) are additional.

Cancellation Policy: Refunded all but $150 processing fee if cancelled before 90 days prior to trip start (April 26th, 2026)

Passports: Needed to enter Canada

Website: Provides information on bike rental (regular & electric), shipping, etc. https://lizardheadcyclingguides.com/road-mountain-bike-tours/summer-bike-tours/glacier-national-park-bike-tour/

Lodging Includes 5-Nights: (subject to change) – DOES NOT include pre-ride or post ride hotels.

                     ITINERARY                                                           

Day 1: Hungry Horse Reservoir to Lake McDonald
Standard: 30 miles //// Elevation Profile: +2,550 feet / -2,470 feet
EFI (Every Freaking Inch): 45 miles  

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun-Road
Standard: 39 miles/// Elevation Profile: +3,890 feet / -2,515 feet

Day 3: Many Glaciers to Waterton National Park, Canada
Standard: 35 miles Across an International Border // Elevation Profile: +2,845 feet / -3,045 feet
EFI: 51 miles

Day 4: Layover Day in Alberta’s Waterton National Park
World Class Hiking (2 to 12 miles), Canoeing and Wild Swimming: Optional Ride of 20 miles

Day 5: Cameron Lake and Red Rock Out and Back
Standard: 44 miles /Cameron Lake – Elevation Profile: +1,860 feet / -,1860 feet AND                                                    Red Rock Canyon – Elevation Profile: +1,570 feet / -1,570 feet

Day 6: Glacier Park Lodge to Running Eagle Falls & Whitewater Rafting
Standard: 24 miles Elevation Profile: +1,290 feet / -1,290 feet 

Contact: Maria Perkins at 909-319-2400. Text to join the Glacier National Park Whatsapp!

Registration: https://lizardheadcyclingguides.com/GNP-Perkins

43rd Annual Meeting and Election Results

Nearly 40 people attended the Annual Meeting Thursday night October 30th, held at the Irvine Ranch Water District Community Room. With a sandwiches/sides buffet, this was a casual evening compared to the big banquets of olde, but it was a lot of fun and successful, thanks to many volunteers. BCI raffled out gift certificates for several of our bike shops sponsors and for Alloy Personal Training Irvine.

Tony Cruz, with the City of Irvine bicycle program was our keynote speaker. He talked about his past racing career and how he was inspired by his father & uncle and by the ‘84  LA Olympics. He talked about his journey through the Juniors circuit, European racing, being on the US Postal Service Team, the Tour de France, and ultimately riding in the Olympic Games in Sydney.

During the evening, all 9 club officers were formally recognized after an election in September/October. The Term will run until the next Annual Meeting in fall 2026.
The position of Secretary, vacated by Dave Murphy will be filled by John Altenberg.
The other incumbent officers were re-elected to continue their work. Pete van Nuys and Maya Ziegler will serve as Directors at Large. The entire Board is listed here.

Please congratulate and thank the current and outgoing board members,
and volunteer to fill a vacant office for the next year.

Court Case Update: Jeff Rosenthal's Justice

Update. The trial that was to begin on November 7th for Zachary Haralson, the driver who struck and killed BCI member Jeff Rosenthal on September 9, 2022 - has been postponed until February 20, 2026.

It will be held at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. When this goes to trial, we hope to flood the courtroom gallery with cyclists. Let’s see that Mr. Haralson has a looooong vacation to keep him off the roads!  The court informed Jeff’s widow, Barbara Rosenthal that once the date comes around, there will be 2-3 days of “housekeeping” (i.e., motions, jury selection, etc) before it’s recommended that family and friends participate.  The case number to follow on the website is Case # is 22HF1631 at OCCOURTS.org

We’ll continue to update this information so please spread the word to BCI members.

The perpetrator has been incarcerated since killing Jeff and he deserves more than time served. Family and community outrage will help extend his punishment.
Jeff’s post was put up on September 10 2022, over 3 years ago.

Team BCI turned pedals for the UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge

On Saturday, October 11th, seventeen members of Team BCI came out for the 9th annual UC Irvine Anti-Cancer Challenge. This was our largest member participation and fundraising since BCI entered a team in 2017. Team BCI collectively raised $2,707. The Team captain was once again Deby Six. And we had our first VIP rider, Kathy Shapiro. The rides included 14, 35, 60, and 100 mile cycling routes, a mountain bike route, a 5K run/walk, and a wellness festival at UC Irvine’s Aldrich Park. The lively festival at the finish line included lunch, live musical entertainment, a VIP lounge, and awards.

Winter Long Training PlayList

Start your 2026 Resolutions with riding more LONG routes!
If you typically stick to the Medium routes, and want to get stronger and go farther, we are mixing up our Saturday rides to feature Long Rides sorted by Climb Factor, and then length for the 1st 3 months of 2026.
Starting in January, and at least through March, for Saturdays, we will start with the flatter (CF1) rides, in order of DISTANCE:

If you are not familiar with our CF ratings - see this post:
Essentially a “CF1” only climbs 10 to 19.99 feet per mile across the entire distance of the route.
A “CF2” climbs 20 to <30 feet per mile of route.
Divide the total feet climbed (according to the plot by RideWithGPS - your elevation may differ!) by the total miles to get a factor - then take the first integer -ie 23.4’/m = CF2
A CF0 would be less than 10 feet of climb per mile and basically “flat”. a CF6 or CF7 is a LOT of climbing. Some of our elite training routes in our Ride Banks have as high as CF9!

Choose the long routes and each week will offer more climbing (feet per mile) and more miles.

January’s 5 Saturdays will have EASY CF1 rides:
Jan 3 #18 Long @ 37.7 miles, CF1
Jan 10 #37+ Long with 42.9 miles, CF1
Jan 17 #01 with 43.1 miles, CF1
Jan 24 #37+ Long Plus with 47.9 miles, CF1 “37+ again?” you say !
NO - skip 37+ & move up to #36+ Long with 45.5 miles at CF2…
Jan 31 #34 Long with 46.4 miles, CF2
February look forward to these shortest Long CF3 routes:
Feb 7 #15 Long with 37.1 miles, CF3
Feb 14 #33 Long with 37.9 miles, CF3

Thought it was a good idea, but scrapped it on January 22nd - after Feb 14 we’ll go back to 01 to 37+ in order starting on Feb 21st…

Frank Conner appointed as Vice President

At the July Board Meeting, Frank Conner, BCI# 5257 was appointed to fill out the remainder of the current term as Vice President, back filling Bev Plass who assume dteh presidency when Marc urias stepped down. We now have a full Board again.
Thank You Frank for stepping up!
Bev is asking for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee to gather 9 (or more) officer volunteers for the election at our October 30th Annual Meeting - to serve for next year’s term.

West Coast New Zealand Cycling Tour with Sue Rudolph

January 29 - February 8, 2026

Spots are still available! Taking reservations!

NOTE:
This is being offered to BCI members, but is NOT “officially” a BCI event.
(BCI assumes no control or responsibility.)

Get ready to pedal your way through paradise on this exhilarating 11-day journey! This cycling tour offers an unforgettable experience, featuring 7 days of road biking through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown. Limited spots available. Minimum 8 guests, up to Maximum 14. 

Inclusions:
·  10 nights ensuite accommodation, based on twin share/double
·  9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 two-course dinners, catered to all dietary requirements
·  Trans Alpine Train journey from Christchurch to Moana
·  On ride snacks, fruit and water
·  Dept of Conservation fees
·  2 professional guides, trained in First Aid and at least basic cycle mechanics
·  Late model transport
·  Specialist bike and luggage trailer including all additional equipment
·  Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown

Exclusions:
·   International or domestic airfares and taxes
·   Bike Hire (available)
·   Arrival and departure transfers (can be arranged )
·   Meals not included in the itinerary
·   All beverages, other than breakfasts
·   Water bottle (help save the environment & bring your own water bottle)
·   Optional activities (eg. scenic flights, sea kayaking etc)
·   Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
·   Visa (if required)

Pricing per person including GST tax:
$ 3,894 USD per person sharing room (group size of 8-10 people)
$ 3,710 USD (11-12 people)
$ 3,595 (13-14 people)

*Single room Supplement $844

Bike Rentals:
Ebike Rental  600 NZD / approx. $360 USD
Road bike rental  400NZD / approx. $ 240  USD

  • Sinch ebikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels and work well on any surface. The powerful Shimano batteries provide up to 100kms of pedal assistance before requiring recharging, providing they are ridden 'properly' changing gears and not using the Turbo button for the full ride! Range obviously also varies, depending on the terrain and the rider's build. The bikes are very simple to operate and they provide people with varying levels of fitness or cycling experience the opportunity to really enjoy our cycling holidays. The medium, small, and extra small sized bikes all have a low step frame. Hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking. 80mm of air suspension is designed to make every ride comfortable. Large and extra large ebikes have a high cross bar, 120mm of front suspension travel and hydraulic disc brakes. We may also be able to source Specialized Creo e-road bikes but I can't confirm price or availability until closer to the time as they would be from a 3rd party. 

  • Regarding the road bike they offer for hire, it is the Avanti Gran Durance 3 which is equipped with Shimano's GRX 2x11 group-set and hydraulic disc brakes. They have chosen 40mm wide tires which roll fast on pavement, but will offer grip on multiple surfaces and resist punctures. With drop handlebars, carbon fibre forks, and a relaxed geometry the Gran Durance is a comfortable ride for people with varying levels of cycling experience on any length cycle tour.

    Otherwise there is an outlet in Christchurch called Natural High which also offers some road bikes for rent. https://www.naturalhigh.co.nz/biking/performance-road-bike-rentals/ 

    Those who would prefer to rent a bike from them would need to arrange with them to have the bike dropped off at  depot - 27 Iversen Terrace, Waltham, Christchurch - and collected again at the end of the trip and would need to be aware that the guides would not be able to work on the bikes at all as they can't be responsible for the bikes in anyway. Description text goes here

Sue's flyer

Payment:

  • Payment can be made by check payable to Absolutely Amazing Travel, Zelle, or Venmo. sue@amazingtravel.com 714-757-1425
    Credit card 3% fee 

  • A $300 non-refundable deposit required.

  • Final payment 60 days prior.

  • Travel Insurance is recommended.

Final Note: I strongly recommend extending trip in Queenstown a few days.
I can assist with airfare and/or any extension packages.
Let me know if you have questions or what other information you need.

 Kind Regards,

Sue Rudolph, BCI# 5215
Owner; Absolutely Amazing Travel (BCI Sponsor)
Amazing Cycling Tours

https://amazingtravel.com
https://amazingcyclingtours.com

sue@amazingtravel.com

1-714-963-5281 1-714-757-1425 (cell)
For early inquiries or to pre-reserve a spot, contact Sue!

Ciao! Save the Date for Italy!

UPDATE: 25 intrepid travelers are signed up for the trip. There are still 5 more rooms reserved at The Dory. Contact Richard Sheff (BCI#600), your Directeur Sportif 949-510-3455

NOTE: This is being offered to BCI members, but is NOT “officially” a BCI event.

Welcome to the Squadra (say Team) Dory Experience, headquartered at Riccione's HOTEL DORY, just steps from Italy's, amazing Adriatic coast.

Save The Date

October 4 - October 11, 2025

You, your family and friends (please, adults only) are invited to experience a Squadra Dory cycling vacation in beautiful Riccione, Italy.  October is the best time of year to visit.  Airfares tend to be less expensive, the heat of summer is gone and so are the crowds. 

The recently remodeled Hotel Dory, our lodging for the tour, is a family owned and operated boutique cycling resort that provides all your meals, bicycles for hire, snacks and knowledgeable local tour guides to keep you safe and on route.  Just steps from the beach, the Dory has a menu of activities planned for non-peddling guests, too.  Truly, there's something for everyone.  That's why the Dory Hotel tops our list for lodging whenever we return to Riccione. 

Want more than just a taste of what's offered?  Go to the Hotel Dory’s "Registration Page" by accessing this hyperlink: Registration Page                                    

Still have questions?  Explore the Hotel's website at www.hoteldory.it, or drop me an e-mail. 

Here's the answer to the one question that everyone's asking, "How much is this going to cost me?" 

Room Rates

Double occupancy - 1267 Euro per person

Single occupancy - 1624 Euro per room

Add 3.6 Euro daily for Italy’s Tourist Tax

One Euro is 96₵

30 percent deposit is required to book your reservation.

Full refund for a reservation cancelled 15 days prior to arrival.

To register for the Squadra Dory Experience, click here: Register Here

To avoid credit card complications, notify your credit card provider that you will be paying a bill originating in Italy.  Make sure your credit card provider (bank) does not charge an exchange fee (3%) for foreign purchases.  Now you're ready to pay the deposit.

Airfare, additional tours and other travel expenses are not included in the cost of lodging and are your responsibility.  Stay connected and stay informed.  Additional details on the Squadra Dory Experience will continue until we depart.   

 Arrivederci!

Your Squadra Dory Hosts 

The Buescher Bros (Steve & John)  
Steve (BCI#3395) 714-504-1794                              

Richard Sheff (BCI#600), Directeur Sportif
949-510-3455

County of Orange is seeking your input

The County of Orange is working on a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) to create a framework for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing roadway safety improvements in Unincorporated Orange County. This plan aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on local roads by addressing key safety issues.

The LRSP will prioritize actions and improvements to make roads safer, with input from the community. This comprehensive plan builds on past safety efforts and will guide future funding applications for infrastructure projects.

We invite you to get involved by taking the survey and sharing your thoughts on how to improve roadway safety in Orange County. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of our roads. Learn more and take part in the survey/mapping tool atwww.oclrsp.com.