Daily, it seems like I hear a story of a cyclist getting hit by a car. According to People for Bikes between 2010 and 2016, fatalities of cyclists struck by vehicles rose by 35 percent, up to 840 souls, in 2016. That increase, supposedly, doesn’t indicate a growing risk, but rather the overall growth of cycling. With that - fatal automobile accidents due to distracted driving have also skyrocketed during that same period. The NHTSA estimates that on any given day, some 660,000 people are using cell phones while they drive (I think it's WAY higher). This distraction is creating additional risk for all road users and especially cyclists/pedestrians as distractions increase the likelihood of a car/bike/person collisions. Here's a stat - 100% of the people hit by a car were hit by a car. If you are the one injured or killed the statistics mean nothing. Your injuries will likely change the course of your life and your recovery can take years; assuming you survive.

But drivers are killing themselves and other drivers and passengers as well. There are over 30,000 vehicle related deaths each year. Safer cars have helped reduce those deaths from over 40,000 in the 70s, 80s, and 90s - though it's like having a better helmet in football - it just makes you feel safer and hit harder. Regardless, that is about 11 car-related deaths per 100,000 in the general population. If you translate the 840 cycling deaths in 2016 to the supposed 47.8 million people who "participate in cycling" - then 1.8 cyclists per 100,000 cyclists are killed. The problem with that is of the cycling participants some rode 1x in the year and others potentially hundreds of times and everything in between. But with that simple analysis you are probably safer cycling than driving – that is unless you cycle all of the time and then the probability of having a car/bike collision instinctively has to go up since you are simply on the road so much more. And when there is an incident the consequences are severe. Earl Gillon from NC was known as an experienced safe rider and covering over 20,000 miles a year - many times over 100 miles in a day. He retired from his career and then, while riding alone on a sunny day in NC at age 64, was hit from behind and is now dead in an instant. Pro cyclist Seth Jones, preparing to leave for his racing season in Europe, was riding alone and hit from behind by a distracted driver who drifted over into the right side white line.  Seth barely survived since it happened in front of a firehouse so he was able to get immediate aid and was transported immediately to a local trauma center to stop brain bleeding that would have otherwise killed him.

When hits with cars do happen forty percent of fatalities are from rear end collisions. We all fear/dread the notion of being struck from behind by an inattentive driver. I have to admit I tense up when cars approach from behind double checking my place on the road or shoulder. Are they paying attention? Do they see me? Are they going to move over? Second most common car-bike impact is a t-hit for 10% - like Stacy Stranick - a Charlotte NC cyclist killed while riding alone with a car illegally turning in front of her. In another post maybe we should look into the apparent lack of consequences for drivers who hit cyclists. Groups of cyclists are are hit as well. Yesterday in Townsville Australia a group of five cyclists hit and run major injuries for all. Group rides have been ploughed through on many occasions over the years recently in Davie Florida and other places where there are also fatalities and major injuries.

Another way to look at safety when compared to driving is as follows. With a reported 222M drivers on the road and estimated 47M participating cyclists - and using the known annual death rates - you can see that cycling, per user, is safer than driving or being a passenger in a car. These numbers do not take into account trips or miles per user but that is true on both the car and bike side of this comparison.  This is just a per 100k estimate of death rates for known users. So, the idea is cycling is still basically safe but maybe not as safe as we would like it to be. Until 100% of users cycling users are not hit - 1.8 per 100k cyclists can face horrible consequences doing what they love for fitness, commuting, or transportation.

The next time you are driving in a car as a passenger or have your passenger keep track of how many people are texting, distracted, or looking at their phones. In the 70s drivers used to crash when changing the radio station on their car. Now, with so many additional functions and screens in the car, and add to that the functionality of touchscreens, social media, and a smartphone - there are simply too many distractions. People are not concentrating on driving like they should so the roads have become less safe. And we are in this awkward transition from people actually incompetently driving cars to [safer] automated cars - that may in the end be safer and help reduce or avoid these rear impact car-bike collisions that account for 40% of cyclist deaths. 

So just how many bike accidents are there in the US?
In 2017, 783 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
In 2016, 840 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
In 2015, 818 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
In 2014, 729 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
Almost 467,000 individuals were hurt in bicycle accidents in 2015.
In 2016, cyclists accounted for more than 2 percent of traffic fatalities. From 1980 to 2010, annual cyclist deaths declined more than 33 percent, from more than 960 to less than 630. Since 2010, they increased again, reaching nearly 820 in 2015.

In Charlotte, NC where a number of people have been hit either from behind or t-boned some of these people have died and some have had their life altered. Is that acceptable risk of participating in the sport or transportation that we love? Only you can decide that for yourself. What some people are doing are rediscovering off-road riding like mountain biking or gravel riding where there is less interaction with vehicles. This is a form of retreat where we give up the roads for safer pass on a dirt or gravel path. Or do we fight and show up on the road and with mass-participation make it safer like in the Netherlands. After two streets in Minneapolis were converted to be more bicycle friendly, bike traffic increased 43%, total vehicle crashes decreased, traffic efficiency was maintained, and parking revenues remained consistent. So, it is possible to improve safety when advocacy is used and cities balance the needs of all users. In the chart below - you can see being hit from behind can lead to fatalities but it is important to point out that, at least in North Carolina, only 4% of incidents are "hit-from-behind" in nature. Another key point is that cyclists also crash themselves quite a bit - in fact 70% of the time - implying that only 30% of crashes actually involve a car although when it does involve a car it can be more severe and especially when from behind.

​In conclusion, I take all of that as road cycling is generally safe, at least statistically,  so I am not giving it up. But when when riding on the road I also feel it may be safer to ride in a group and use a camera. With both - information about what happened in an incident can help me recover and reduce the likelihood of someone getting away with a hit-and-run. The new cameras record in a loop on a memory card and have crash detection so footage is kept should there be a fall or impact. Whatever you decide about riding on the road be visible with flashing lights (front and rear) and high viz clothing.  Be safe and I hope to not read about you one day and vice versa.

Thoughts? Leave a comment.
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Sources: Statista, People for Bikes, Outside Magazine, League of American Bicyclists, WeeklyRides.com

​A few months ago we took old race/club team kits and gave them to Berhane. He is an Ethiopian national who works at the Hilton in Charlotte NC. We have become friends over the years as he has watched the Dornier Racing and Unknown Racing p/b Sunbelt Rentals juniors team get ready for race trips - when they meet at the hotel. We, since then, speak a common language of cycling together.
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A few months ago, before his annual trip home, we took old team clothing and gave it to him to bring to Ethiopia where they are just not able to afford $150 club kits. They also struggle to afford bikes and, obviously, helmets. But they are smiling and now riding bikes in cycling clothing. According to Berhane, on his last trip there these old kits brought so much joy to the town of Gondar that we are already planning the same thing again for next year as well as some money for bikes/helmets. He gets new photos every few weeks thanking him. This, practically speaking, is one of the easier things we have done as a club to help - but it is becoming a favorite since it is so straightforward and directly impactful and helps our new friend. 

Berhane is from Gondar - a city in northern Ethiopia founded In 1636 by King Fasiladas, which became the country′s permanent capital for two centuries. It's now known for the walled Fasil Ghebbi fortress and palace compound, once the seat of Ethiopian emperors and the 17th-century castle of Emperor Fasilides. Another famous structure is the Debre Berhan Selassie church, with an interior of elaborate murals, including a ceiling of faces shown above. The church also houses wall murals like the one below. I could not help but draw a parallel between the wall mural of people on horses and the modern smiling faces of the cycling group on bikes loosely formed around the love of cycling and the newly acquired cycling gear.​

Berhane will be going home again in December 2019 and again we will assemble some cycling clothing, and other items, to make his trip just a little more fulfilling and bring a smile to his and other faces in Gondar. Maybe someday there will be a wall mural painted for the faces of the cycling group formed around this effort. Until then we can enjoy this small project and appreciate how much we have and how even small gestures can go a long way in helping others.

GRAVEL! - usually a loud verbal warning about adverse road conditions on a road group ride, but the perfectly normal condition on a gravel ride. Introducing UNKNOWN Gravel! Road riding is still a blast but some folks are looking for new challenges - and gravel bikes can provide just that taking you to new scenic places with less traffic. At the start, common questions are "Where do I ride?", "What are the roads like?" or "What equipment do I need?" - well at the UNKNOWN Gravel! website we are going to help answer those questions - at least in the Charlotte area. For now, there are a few tested routes within an hour or two of Charlotte with info on the ride itself, parking, and GPX/TCX files to follow in your Garmin or Wahoo. Also, info on how to load a route to your Garmin. Know a great route? Let us know we'll check it out.

NEW: Unknown Gravel! event Jan 26 in Clover SC

Some basic info: Modern gravel bikes tend to have road geometries and rider fit but the frames and wheels are wider and handle bigger tires, run tubeless, and have disc brakes. To contrast, a Cyclocross bike will have a higher bottom bracket for clearing obstacles and shorter wheelbase for better handling on the demanding tight courses seen in most CX events. However, these CX bikes and even idle mountain bikes can ride gravel just fine - and certainly get you started until you are ready to make a bigger investment. Some custom gravel bikes are getting 1X11 or 1X12, referred to as "One By" shifting to simplify the design, decrease weight, and improve reliability. In a One By design there is no front derailleur and the rear derailleur is generally a mountain pedigree, has a longer cage, and what is known as a clutch to prevent chain slack when riding on bumpy surfaces although some road derailleurs are now available with a clutch. One By solutions tend to have the same gear range as a 22 or 24 speed but with fewer gears in between gears... If that matters a Two By allows for complete gear range as well as the in between gears.

​Five differences between road and gravel bikes. 

For the cockpit, people prefer road shifters and standard drop bars with a little flair as an option. Wheels like the Boyd Pinnacle 700c disc can be paired with tires that have just a little tread like the Specialized Sawtooth in a size of over 30mm can cover most packed gravel in the area and roll nicely when the surface is paved. As the conditions get muddy or more technical so will your choice on tire, wheels and related equipment. Some frames support both 700c and 650b wheelsets. For 650b tires can hold more volume and be 2.5 inches or more making for a more confortable ride and support more technical trails (more roots and rocks). Generally, roadies also switch to mountain or SPD pedals and shoes as they tend to stay cleaner and handle abuse when debris is encountered and dismounting is needed. Who wants to get a $300 Sidi shoe stuck in the mud/gravel anyway? SPD stays cleaner and easier to walk in at the pub after the ride or wear to a spin class when no outside riding is possible at all.

As for roads - there are an increasing number of resources for identifying good gravel routes. One is on the UNKNOWN Gravel! website. But those are just for the Charlotte area. There is also a Google map of the US with some gravel roads identified. The problem with this map is it is not complete, shows hybrid routes as gravel roads, does not have GPX/TCX files or route info, and will likely take a long time to get right. When building your own route or looking for roads - think old fire roads and rural areas. These tend to have the most gravel sections. Gravel roads also tend to drain very well after rain making this a better cycling sport than mountain biking after heavy rain. Also, Strava if you know someone who said "Hey that was the best gravel ride ever" - you may want to look at the route and then export the TCX/GPX for yourself.

In summary, there are a few things to consider when setting up a gravel bike. Some of this has already been thought through by the manufacturers and so you can buy one ready to go with some of these things in mind and at a range of prices. Regardless, if you build your own or buy one - get out and ride and have fun on the gravel surface.

Thanks to First Flight Bicycles and Boyd Cycling for the help on the current routes. Find gravel events on WeeklyRides.com and join Boyd Cycling 2/9/19 for their gravel event at Sumter National Forest. Check BikeSource, Bicycle Sport, First Flight, Cycle Haus, or favorite local bike shop for equipment if you don't have a bike configured for gravel just yet - or if you have questions about equipment.

​Comments, feedback? Let us know.
More info at https://www.unknowncycling.org/gravel.html

Sample wheels, tires, shoes and pedals:

Max and I were in the airport waiting for our flight to Ireland and the World Cup was playing. We stopped to watch the final moments between Croatia and Russia. It was a cracker of a game. Croatia scored to pull ahead by one with 20 minutes left, leaving Russia, the underdog, breathless and on the verge of elimination. 

Through sheer will and determination, Russia, off a set play, knocked a screaming header into the back of Croatia’s net with less than five minutes left in regulation. The stadium erupted, their emotions flipped 180 degrees in the flick of a second. I turned to Max and grinned. “This is why people love sport. It is in these moments, when the odds are against you and the pressure is on, that greatness rises into view.”

While we didn’t feel pressure, the odds were stacked against the DORNIER Racing squad going into the 2018 Junior Tour of Ireland. We had a young team with plenty  of inexperience in international races. On top of that, I, an experienced racer, was in a brand new role as Director. However, similar to the Croatia vs Russia game, simply because the odds are against you does not exclude anyone from the sweet taste of victory.  It takes grit, skill, determination, and a little luck and any David can fell a Goliath. 

​For the riders the days in a stage race follow a consistent pattern. Wake up. Eat. Race. Eat. Go back to the hotel. Eat. Relax. Eat. Team meeting. Eat some more? Sleep. Myself and Alexis would take care of things like bikes and water bottles and planning for the next day.

Stage 1 was simple - a 6 kilometer rolling time trial. No tactics here, just brute strength. Seth was our highest place rider at 21st of 120 racers - around 40 seconds behind the leader but more importantly only 20 seconds from the top 5. Now the real racing could begin.

That goal for stage 2 was to stay safe and figure out where we ranked in the peloton. It would be hectic. The first stage of an international stage race always is! But it would provide us with an idea of where we stood amongst all the riders. Early on we had some crashes and flat tires but the boys kept calm and got back into the main field using the caravan. The race ended in a bunch sprint and our two strongest riders, Lance and Seth finished on the same time as the leaders. Ride of the day went to Gino who crashed heavily with 20 kilometers to go and had to ride the rest of the race with an upturned saddle!

After discussing our strengths and weaknesses, I decided with the boys that we couldn’t just sit in all race and wait for it to come to us. We had to try something. Stage 3 went up and over an exposed berg near the ocean. Seth was going to step on the gas a little and try to see if he could force any splits to start gaining time while the rest of the guys were going to try and make those splits in order to give us options on the run into the finish. Seth gave it a go but a headwind over the climb negated his efforts and the bunch rolled towards the finish as one big group. Ride of the day went to Brooks Wienke who crashed heavily with 2 kilometers remaining. When I got to him, he said he wanted to finish the stage. He courageously made it to the finish line but a broken bike and minor concussion prevented him from starting the next day - stage races can be cruel.

Stage 4 featured more climbs and more exposed coast line. The goal was for Seth to conserve his energy and for the other boys to give it a go. And we did just that. Our youngest member, Lance Davidson got into a strong 8 man breakaway. He picked up mountain points, put pressure on the leader behind, and made a name for himself riding like a hard man. With 20 kilometers to go, the break split, with Lance still in the front. Unfortunately this caused a change in the tactics behind and the breakaway was reeled in with less than 10 kilometers remaining. Another bunch sprint ensued and the status quo stayed in tact more or less. Ride of the day easily went to Lance for being aggressive and putting his nose out there going after a stage win. He also picked up quite a few KOM points! Unfortunately, in a moment of being his good natured self, Lance was passing an extra bottle he had snagged to his breakaway mates which caused him to go from 1st to 5th moments before cresting the largest climb of the day! Had he nabbed it, he would have been second overall in the Climber competition!

​
Stage 5 was our last opportunity to create any real time gaps in order to claw back those 20 or so seconds we needed for a top 5 overall. We were going to race for the stage win and let the GC fall into place. The goal was for Seth to be aggressive and the other guys to help him. Seth was confident in his abilities but in order to win on the final climb to the finish, he needed to be away from the leader of the race.

In the finale of stage 5, Seth was aggressive and put himself in several promising moves. The yellow jersey ended up having a flat tire causing a huge chase from behind. Several crashes and attacks over the climbs caused the race to splinter into about 10 different groups. Seth was always at the front trying to create an opportunity but was continually shut down. On the final climb, he stayed with the leaders until the last 100 meters or so when he lost the wheel. The gap to the front group was barely more than a few bike lengths but it was enough for the judges to penalize Seth with real time to the leaders instead of group time. Those 13 seconds would have lifted him from 11th overall to the top 5 like we had wanted. Ride of the day - Seth. He rode positively and aggressively when a lot of others were willing to sit back and wait for the race to come to them. After the stage I had a lot of other teams come up to me and compliment the boys on their aggressive style of racing.

​The shake up from Stage 5 meant that the final stage was going to be very aggressive. The new leader’s team was an unknown and the big teams would be licking their chops. I told the guys to watch for weakness from the leader and follow the big teams. Halfway through the stage, Max Bein crashed heavily. It took a while to get his chain back on and he grimly chased for 3 laps in the caravan trying to get back while the field ahead was racing full gas. He was almost there when another crash caused the cars behind to block the road which opened one gap too many. While he never made it back on I was seriously impressed by Max’s determination and the ride of the day goes to him. 

At the end of the race we didn’t win anything. We didn’t get a top 10 in the GC or a top 5 overall. But the results sheet doesn’t show everything. The boys raced hard, they raced aggressively, they raced like they wanted it. They also honed their racing craft, using the caravan, feeding from the cars, paying attention to the wind, arriving to dinner on time. And I’m incredibly proud of them for the efforts that they put forth. Bike racing doesn’t always work out in your favor but they weren’t scared of a huge international race and gave it a go. That’s the biggest win in my book. (The End)

For a video of the 2018 Junior Tour of Ireland click here:

Author: Alder Martz
Photos: Susan Wienke

Thanks to Alder and Alexis for managing the team on the ground in Ireland. Thanks to the sponsors and the people of the Junior Tour of Ireland, especially Alice, for putting on a great race trying to thank you all for a sometimes thankless effort. Special thanks to our sponsors without which we could not participate in such a world class event:

American DORNIER
Charlotte Knights
Keffer Mazda/VW
Freedom Financial Solutions
BikeSource Charlotte
Hincapie Sportswear
Veristor Systems
Threadline Prints
B-LINE Natural Energy
Unknown Bike & Brew
DOS Ruedas Coffee
OneLap2Go Coaching

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the world governing body for cycling and is manages most of the largest global bike events, fondos, and races (Except the Tour de France run by ASO). This weekend in Winston-Salem DORNIER Racing had the opportunity to race in the UCI Winston-Salem Cycling Classic. This UCI 1.1 race is very popular and has become one of the most exciting weekends of bike racing in the Southeast. Teams from all over the world come to compete in a crit and on a nine mile circuit through the closed roads of Winston-Salem. The DORNIER Racing Women faced off against  continental and world tour teams like Astana, Rally, TIBCO, Hagens Berman, and UHC, to name a few. These are teams that make full-time jobs out of racing bikes while our women are at work in professional jobs like accounting and teaching. ​

Why this picture ???
Why on this day???
There is a picture in this picture - Elisa painted a tribute to the Unknown Bike & Brew Club and gave it to Steve "Foxy" Fox on this day - the two year celebration party. But why did we choose this picture when there are so many others throughout the year?

Unknown Bike & Brew started as a training ride for people who were going to do the bigger MS rides but needed a place to train. From that ride we made it a weekly ride. From that weekly ride we started raising money for MS and other causes like 24 Hours of Booty, Alzheimer's Association, Bike Luck, Bike2DC, Cystic Fibrosis. The Unknown Bike & Brew weekly ride is free so people started showing up. The fact that the Unknown Brewery gives $1 to MS for every rider makes the free ride a great way to give to charity simply by showing up. After the launch - each week more people showed up and now 40-100 people come out each week and ride at 2:30PM each Saturday.  And some stay after the ride to drink a beer and tell stories. We like that too.

But why this picture? First of all Foxy - he is the leader of the ride and the volunteers. Each ride they get direction from Foxy and lead out a 10, 25 and 35 mile marked route. The great thing about these routes is they overlap each other so support and sweep happens naturally. Have a flat? Someone will help you out. New to biking? Ride the 10 mile route with Liz and Christine they will show you the way. Getting better? Jonathan and Skinny will take you on the 25 mile route. In over your head? There's a secret 18 mile option to get you back sooner. Starting to go farther and faster? The 35 mile route will challenge even the strongest racers and riders.

Back to the photo. Also in this photo is Elisa - she is new to the club. Any club needs new people and she is the greatest kind of new person in that she rides her bike, likes beer, and gives back. By painting the picture taking the time and thought to give back to the Club she personifies what makes the Club great. Did we mention the Club is free too?

What is missing form this picture is an actual bike. And that is because the Club has become more than just about a bike ride. It's about people - like the two in this picture - the oldest and newest members of the Club. Thanks for being part of it on this day - the day we celebrate and recognize two years of fundraising and over $115,000 raised with our partners the Unknown Brewing Company and American Dornier.  THANKS

New to group biking?  Need an entry-level group ride and route?  Consider the “Pint” ride at Unknown Brewery every Saturday at 2:30pm.
 
Not new to group biking?  Maybe you haven’t had the time to dig the bike out of the back of the shed in a while.  If you are looking to improve your fitness, looking for a new hobby, looking to meet a few people, or looking to share your love of biking with your family, look no further.
 
Rick Pryll brought his wife, Holly, and their two kids, Edie and Jack, ages 11 and 9, to the “Pint” ride last Saturday:
 
“I was not sure what to expect.  My son was riding a BMX bike.  My daughter was riding an extra small mountain bike.  My wife was riding a beach cruiser.  We’ve done some greenway rides before.  Would we make it?”
 
“Yes.  We not only finished the ride, we each learned a little something along the way.  The “Pint” course is challenging – let’s not beat around the bush - there are more than a few hills to get up.  But in terms of contending with car traffic, navigating left hand turns, and communicating within the group, we could not have been in better hands.  The ride features both a leader* and a sweeper**, and as long as you stay between them, you are good to go.”
 
“We had a blast.  Back at the brewery, there was a food truck parked outside, so I was able to get the kids something to eat while Holly and I enjoyed a few beers with the crew.  The kids are already asking when we can do it again.”
 
As a way to get the family outside participating in an activity that is free, challenging and rewarding, cycling is a great option for a Saturday afternoon.  The Unknown Bike & Brew “Pint” is an entry-level introduction to the art of group riding in an urban environment.  If you are looking for a way to bridge up to the 25-mile route, or if you are looking for a more social way to learn how to get around the city on two wheels, the Unknown Bike & Brew “Pint” ride is friendly, supportive and educational.  Come on out and join us.  You’ll be glad you did.
 
*Thank you, Liz! 

Sometimes it's just best to let others tell a story.  In the case of Liz that is what we are doing here.  Thanks for supporting the Unknown Bike and Brew and making it great and everything else you do in the community.

"Liz and her teal helmet are a regular sight at cycling events in and around Charlotte – from 24 Hours of Booty to the Bike MS: Greater Carolinas rides to the Free Wheelin Fridays - Bike Commute bike commuting breakfasts. Through her leadership of the Bank of America Bike MS teams, she is always seeking out new riders to join her in the fight against MS.

She is a dedicated mentor to new triathletes through the Tri It For Life program, and a patient and kind route leader on the Unknown Bike & Brew Pint ride. You can easily see how much she enjoys helping new cyclists become confident and comfortable on the bike… and her genuine kindness is contagious.

If you look for Liz in group photos, she’s often sporting the 'Selfie Steve' smile – a recent tradition born out of the silliness and camaraderie within our cycling community. She’s always up for a ride so keep an eye out for that teal helmet, wave hello and follow along to learn from a savvy cyclist." - Christine Weber

​"Liz is strong in every sense of the word.She is physically strong as she participates  in all 3 Carolina MS Bike events and completed a MS Challenge Walk (50 miles).
Liz is strong mentally, pushing through barriers that most people would just quit.
Liz is strong emotionally, supporting friends and family and always keeps an ear open to give a kind word, jump in to assist with a job or give a hug.
Liz has a strong sense of humor and is quick with a smile and a joke.
I'm blessed to have her as a friend." - Stephen Fox

"Hey!!! I know her! That's my bike mentor!!! She's the best!!! She'll even laugh with you when running your bike into her's and pushing her over!!! Pint group forever, Liz!!! I'll always remember my first ride at Unknown and how welcoming you were!" - Tracey Ann Stone