*FCC FACEBOOK WEEKLY WRAP-UP* *(An anti-social media compendium for our non-Facebook members)*
*DOT SEEKS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT WAY WEST PROJECT*The AK Department of Transportation is seeking comments on the Airport Way (West) Improvements project. Among other things, this project includes: –Construction of a bike and pedestrian path along Dale Road and Hoselton Road –Construction of shoulders on Old Airport Road –Lighting improvements
If you support these improvements, let DOT know.
notice.alaska.gov/205110
Here’s the project page: dot.alaska.gov/nreg/airportwaywest/
—-
*FAIRBANKS MAYOR’S RIDE?*Here’s a good idea! Anyone want to organize something like that for Fairbanks?
Shared from League of American Bicyclists
Need some inspiration on how to get your local leaders more involved in community bike rides? In Roswell, GA, local advocates Bike Roswell and city council leaders get the community riding through an annual Mayor’s Ride. The ride begins at Roswell City Hall and provides safety and educational demonstrations to ensure people of all ages and abilities can participate. Roswell, GA renewed their Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation in our Fall round of 2021 BFC awards.
—-
*MORE ON AGGRESSIVE, STRESSED MOOSE*Another moose warning. This one specifically from FCC member Dave James: This is important, especially for trail users, but even for those of you just out in your yards.
I’ve had two moose encounters while out fat biking in the past week or so, one with a cow and calf on Goldstream Creek that wouldn’t budge when they saw me, and another on a trail that I came around a bend and there it was about ten feet away.
In the second instance, and for the first time in my 32 years up here and countless close encounters with everything from grizzly bears on down, I thought for a few moments I was going to be attacked. I made noise like always, but instead of clearing the trail as moose usually do, it started coming at me with head down and ears back. I was able to make a retreat and bash around the trees to evade it, but I suspect if I had tried to stand my ground, it would not have ended well.
They’re exhausted and hungry and they don’t understand what is happening. Fortunately we do. Be alert, and if you encounter a moose, yield to it. This is not a normal winter for them.
local.nixle.com/alert/9209641/
—-
*LESS MOOSE-Y TRAILS?*A lot of people have been finding that area trails either have quite a few stressed moose on them or that the trails have been stomped by moose, sometimes making them difficult or impossible to ride. Does anyone have suggestions for less moose-y trails?
And please try to avoid chasing moose off trails this winter. The heavy snowpack with the layer of ice inside has made it really difficult for them to get around. That’s why they are using packed trails more than normal. Many will starve to death. That’s why they are so stressed. By not chasing them off the trail, you are being kind, but you are also being safe. Stressed moose are much more likely to charge.
Suggestions from Facebook: Roșie Creek trails: www.trailforks.com/region/tanana-valley-state-forest-rosie-creek-1617851220/?activitytype=17&layers=avalanche_obs&season=2&z=10.4&lat=64.74375&lon=-148.18540
ADMA-Creamers trails: www.trailforks.com/region/alaska-dog-mushers-trails-33292/?activitytype=17&layers=avalanche_obs&season=2&z=11.8&lat=64.87821&lon=-147.74430
—-
*FAST PLANNING MEETING NEXT THURSDAY*FAST Planning Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting via Zoom – Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM.
Main Agenda Items include: * Prioritization of Non-Motorized Projects * Right Turn Lane Design Considerations at Crosswalk Locations * Election of Chair and Vice Chair * Road Shoulders vs Dedicated Bike Lanes, Paths, & Other Cycling Facilities * Winter Maintenance of Sidewalks/Paths * Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) Overview
See more here: notice.alaska.gov/205112
—-
*ALT BIKE HANDLEBARS*Lower back pain and wrist pain are problems for many bikers, especially on longer rides. A different handlebar can help. This article lists some handlebar choices. Then check with one of our local bike shops to make sure you have a proper overall fit with new handlebars.
bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/
—-
*ANOTHER HIGH FLOW PRESTA VALVE REPLACEMENT*We just recently found out about Fillmore high-flow valves, and now here is another high-flow valve. If you’re running tubeless tires and are having problems with your Presta valves clogging, you might want to take a look. Warning: this article dives deep into the geek. If you aren’t into that kind of thing, scroll to the end. (Spoiler: Fillmore valves seem slightly better.)
Shared from BIKEPACKING.com
76 Projects Hi Flow/No Clog Tubeless Valves claim to have 4x the air flow of standard valves and a core designed to prevent sealant build-up. We’ve been testing a pair over the last few months. Find our complete review here + a high-flow valve shootout including the Fillmore valves and others:
bikepacking.com/gear/76-projects-hi-flow-tubeless-valves-review/
—-
*CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY*In honor of MLK day. If you have any ideas on helping more people get out on bikes, let us know! If you contribute in other ways, that’s awesome, too!
League of American Bicyclists Jan 17 Today on #MartinLutherKingJrDay we honor the achievements and influence of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King believed that strength lies in a community working together as a whole. Take time today to reflect on what more you can do for your community — not just through bicycling but through any means of bringing people together!
—-
*JOURNEY VIA BIKE AND PLASTIC WASTE BOAT*Interesting way to illustrate the problem of plastic waste.
Shared from Bikepacking.com Joffrey Maluski and Loïc Forques used bikes to tow a boat made from plastic bottles and bamboo to the source of the Adour River in France, then paddled it to the ocean on the same river to retrace the journey of plastic waste. Find the new video documenting their trip and our interview with Joffrey here…
bikepacking.com/plog/plastiquadour-film/
—-
*TANANA RIVER CHALLENGE REGISTRATION OPENS*Registration has opened for the Tanana River Challenge. This is a great race for fatbikes and a great way to experience the Tanana River and Rosie Creek area trails of the Tanana Valley State Forest. It has 25- and 45-mile options.
register.chronotrack.com/r/65378
And there are a few spots left in the Chena River to Ridge. This awesome race (26 and 55-mile options) takes you on some great trails in the Chena River State Recreation Area.
ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=91048
—-
*CHENA RIVER STATE REC AREA TRAILHEADS PLOWED*If you’re considering a trip to the Chena River State Rec Area this weekend, there’s good news about the trailheads! Last trail update was January 6 (at that point all trails were unbroken): dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm
<dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm> – <dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm>—
*FCC RESOURCES*We’ve got lots of useful stuff on our website, including a bunch of information under our Resources dropdown menu: –National and International Cycling Advocacy Groups –Tanana Valley State Forest Roads –Winter Riding Tips –Maps Archive
See those and more under Resources at: www.fairbankscycleclub.org/
*DOT SEEKS COMMENTS ON AIRPORT WAY WEST PROJECT*The AK Department of Transportation is seeking comments on the Airport Way (West) Improvements project. Among other things, this project includes: –Construction of a bike and pedestrian path along Dale Road and Hoselton Road –Construction of shoulders on Old Airport Road –Lighting improvements
If you support these improvements, let DOT know.
notice.alaska.gov/205110
Here’s the project page: dot.alaska.gov/nreg/airportwaywest/
—-
*FAIRBANKS MAYOR’S RIDE?*Here’s a good idea! Anyone want to organize something like that for Fairbanks?
Shared from League of American Bicyclists
Need some inspiration on how to get your local leaders more involved in community bike rides? In Roswell, GA, local advocates Bike Roswell and city council leaders get the community riding through an annual Mayor’s Ride. The ride begins at Roswell City Hall and provides safety and educational demonstrations to ensure people of all ages and abilities can participate. Roswell, GA renewed their Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation in our Fall round of 2021 BFC awards.
—-
*MORE ON AGGRESSIVE, STRESSED MOOSE*Another moose warning. This one specifically from FCC member Dave James: This is important, especially for trail users, but even for those of you just out in your yards.
I’ve had two moose encounters while out fat biking in the past week or so, one with a cow and calf on Goldstream Creek that wouldn’t budge when they saw me, and another on a trail that I came around a bend and there it was about ten feet away.
In the second instance, and for the first time in my 32 years up here and countless close encounters with everything from grizzly bears on down, I thought for a few moments I was going to be attacked. I made noise like always, but instead of clearing the trail as moose usually do, it started coming at me with head down and ears back. I was able to make a retreat and bash around the trees to evade it, but I suspect if I had tried to stand my ground, it would not have ended well.
They’re exhausted and hungry and they don’t understand what is happening. Fortunately we do. Be alert, and if you encounter a moose, yield to it. This is not a normal winter for them.
local.nixle.com/alert/9209641/
—-
*LESS MOOSE-Y TRAILS?*A lot of people have been finding that area trails either have quite a few stressed moose on them or that the trails have been stomped by moose, sometimes making them difficult or impossible to ride. Does anyone have suggestions for less moose-y trails?
And please try to avoid chasing moose off trails this winter. The heavy snowpack with the layer of ice inside has made it really difficult for them to get around. That’s why they are using packed trails more than normal. Many will starve to death. That’s why they are so stressed. By not chasing them off the trail, you are being kind, but you are also being safe. Stressed moose are much more likely to charge.
Suggestions from Facebook: Roșie Creek trails: www.trailforks.com/region/tanana-valley-state-forest-rosie-creek-1617851220/?activitytype=17&layers=avalanche_obs&season=2&z=10.4&lat=64.74375&lon=-148.18540
ADMA-Creamers trails: www.trailforks.com/region/alaska-dog-mushers-trails-33292/?activitytype=17&layers=avalanche_obs&season=2&z=11.8&lat=64.87821&lon=-147.74430
—-
*FAST PLANNING MEETING NEXT THURSDAY*FAST Planning Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting via Zoom – Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM.
Main Agenda Items include: * Prioritization of Non-Motorized Projects * Right Turn Lane Design Considerations at Crosswalk Locations * Election of Chair and Vice Chair * Road Shoulders vs Dedicated Bike Lanes, Paths, & Other Cycling Facilities * Winter Maintenance of Sidewalks/Paths * Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) Overview
See more here: notice.alaska.gov/205112
—-
*ALT BIKE HANDLEBARS*Lower back pain and wrist pain are problems for many bikers, especially on longer rides. A different handlebar can help. This article lists some handlebar choices. Then check with one of our local bike shops to make sure you have a proper overall fit with new handlebars.
bikepacking.com/index/comfort-mtb-handlebars/
—-
*ANOTHER HIGH FLOW PRESTA VALVE REPLACEMENT*We just recently found out about Fillmore high-flow valves, and now here is another high-flow valve. If you’re running tubeless tires and are having problems with your Presta valves clogging, you might want to take a look. Warning: this article dives deep into the geek. If you aren’t into that kind of thing, scroll to the end. (Spoiler: Fillmore valves seem slightly better.)
Shared from BIKEPACKING.com
76 Projects Hi Flow/No Clog Tubeless Valves claim to have 4x the air flow of standard valves and a core designed to prevent sealant build-up. We’ve been testing a pair over the last few months. Find our complete review here + a high-flow valve shootout including the Fillmore valves and others:
bikepacking.com/gear/76-projects-hi-flow-tubeless-valves-review/
—-
*CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY*In honor of MLK day. If you have any ideas on helping more people get out on bikes, let us know! If you contribute in other ways, that’s awesome, too!
League of American Bicyclists Jan 17 Today on #MartinLutherKingJrDay we honor the achievements and influence of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King believed that strength lies in a community working together as a whole. Take time today to reflect on what more you can do for your community — not just through bicycling but through any means of bringing people together!
—-
*JOURNEY VIA BIKE AND PLASTIC WASTE BOAT*Interesting way to illustrate the problem of plastic waste.
Shared from Bikepacking.com Joffrey Maluski and Loïc Forques used bikes to tow a boat made from plastic bottles and bamboo to the source of the Adour River in France, then paddled it to the ocean on the same river to retrace the journey of plastic waste. Find the new video documenting their trip and our interview with Joffrey here…
bikepacking.com/plog/plastiquadour-film/
—-
*TANANA RIVER CHALLENGE REGISTRATION OPENS*Registration has opened for the Tanana River Challenge. This is a great race for fatbikes and a great way to experience the Tanana River and Rosie Creek area trails of the Tanana Valley State Forest. It has 25- and 45-mile options.
register.chronotrack.com/r/65378
And there are a few spots left in the Chena River to Ridge. This awesome race (26 and 55-mile options) takes you on some great trails in the Chena River State Recreation Area.
ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=91048
—-
*CHENA RIVER STATE REC AREA TRAILHEADS PLOWED*If you’re considering a trip to the Chena River State Rec Area this weekend, there’s good news about the trailheads! Last trail update was January 6 (at that point all trails were unbroken): dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm
<dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm> – <dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm>—
*FCC RESOURCES*We’ve got lots of useful stuff on our website, including a bunch of information under our Resources dropdown menu: –National and International Cycling Advocacy Groups –Tanana Valley State Forest Roads –Winter Riding Tips –Maps Archive
See those and more under Resources at: www.fairbankscycleclub.org/