| Honoring the Fallen: Ride of Silence 2025 |  |
On the evening of Wednesday, May 25, 2025, 18 members of our bicycle club and 11 non-members joined cyclists across the nation in the solemn observance of the annual Ride of Silence. This powerful event is held each year to honor and remember cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding on public roadways.
Though this year’s turnout was smaller than in previous years, the spirit of the ride remained strong and heartfelt. Participants gathered in the Red Lot before the ride, united by a shared commitment to safety, remembrance, and advocacy for cyclists’ rights.
Club President Tim Newman welcomed attendees and invited them to share personal stories. Among those who spoke were Mr. John Henry, whose spoke about being injured, hospitalized and the reconciling with the woman who struck him as her case wound through the criminal justice system and she began to recover from substance use disorder. Name's tale reminded us of the risks thrust on us as we pursue our life on two wheels.
Virginia Stapleton, former Salem City Council President, also shared a compelling account of her own recent experience with a careless, and uncaring, driver that left her hospitalized and whose arm was still in a sling. She spoke passionately about the importance of community support and infrastructure for cyclists. She also credited former Salem Mayor Chris Hoy, who was also in attendance, for his commitment to cycling safety and the work he had done during his mayoral term.
The event was covered by a photojournalist from the Statesman Journal, who captured several moments throughout the evening. These images will serve as a tribute to the ongoing commitment Salem Bicycle Club, and Salem Bike Vision have made to cycling safety and advocacy.
The event served not only as a tribute to cyclists who can no longer ride, but it also served as a reminder for we cyclists continue to pedal our way through live. Work still needs to be done to ensure safer roads for all, but as we reflect on this year’s Ride of Silence, let us carry forward its message: continue to advocate, educate, promote safety, and ride with purpose.
Salem Bicycle Club President Tim Newman closed out the event by reading the following Ride of Silence Poem:
"Tonight we number many but ride as one In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons With helmets on tight and heads down low, We ride in silence, cautious and slow The wheels start spinning in the lead pack But tonight we ride and no one attacks The dark sunglasses cover our tears Remembering those we held so dear Tonight's ride is to make others aware The road is there for all to share To those not with us or by our side, May God be your partner on your final ride." - Mike Murgas
|
Safe Routes to School Volunteer Breakfast Celebrates its Volunteers
|  |
Safe Routes to School showed its appreciation for its Bicycle Safety Education Volunteers by throwing them an appreciation breakfast on May 22, 2025. Beth Schmidt, supported by the Mid-Valley Council of Governors, is the lead for the program which began with a pilot in the 2023-24 school year. It later expanded in the 2024-2025 year.
Nineteen volunteers, most of them Salem Bicycle Club members, put in 465 hours helping teach bicycle safety. Over 1200 students in 6 Salem-Keizer schools were part of the program, many of whom learned to ride bikes for the first time. It was a very rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Pictured below include staff from Scott's Cycle, who were also very supportive of this program as they are for many other cycling activities in the Salem area.
Salem Bicycle Club is very excited to continue to help out with this important program in the 2025-26 school year. We will be reaching out again as the new school year approaches to recruit volunteers for the upcoming school year.
| |
4th Annual Willamette Travel by Bike Weekend this June 6, 7 and 8
Silverton resident and longtime cyclist Joe Craig is hosting the 4th annual Willamette Travel by Bike Weekend, a mini tour of the Mid Valley on June 6, 7 and 8. The tour starts at Silverton's own Fall Line bike shop, departing Friday, June 6th at 2:pm. Riders will head through Gervais on their way to Champoeg State Park (25 miles), and the excellent hiker/biker campground there. Saturday they will head through St. Paul and past the Wheatland Ferry, camping at Willamette Mission Park (25 miles.) Sunday will see the tour heading back to Silverton and ending at Fall Line. This is an unsupported tour, and riders will need to bring everything they need not only to survive, but to also have a good time. Past rides have seen excellent evening campfires and food and musical entertainment at the historic Butteville Country Store. They make their own ice cream right on site! It is a great way to try bike touring and to enjoy our beautiful valley at the height of the season.
There is no charge, but a good attitude is required. For more information you can contact Joe at joesilverton@msn.com.
| Off The Back Ken Freeman Style
The Monster Cookie Ride: A Celebration of Cycling, Community, and Advocacy
The success of this year's Monster Cookie Ride is a testament to who we are as a club. Founded 56 years ago, the Salem Bicycle Club has championed recreational cycling, with many of those years featuring scenic rides through the Willamette Valley. The Monster Cookie Ride is how many cyclists first come to know us—and this year, we had a Monster of a day.
With over 500 riders, 92 volunteers, and perfect cycling weather, the event was a phenomenal kickoff to the summer biking season. Cyclists joined us for a day filled with community, coffee, lunch, great snacks, and the occasional SAG (Support And Gear) assistance. But the Monster Cookie is more than just a ride—it also generates resources that allow us to continue our advocacy efforts for another season.
More Than a Ride—A Movement
Over the years, the Salem Bicycle Club has evolved beyond recreation into an active voice for safer roads and better cycling infrastructure. We collaborate with city, county, and state officials to promote safer routes and improve public awareness. And at the heart of all these efforts? Our volunteers.
Volunteering doesn’t just support the club—it strengthens the cycling community, improves public health, and connects like-minded individuals. As a result, we’ve become a go-to resource for cycling events across the Willamette Valley, ensuring smooth execution and lasting improvements. And we nail it!
Why We Ride
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this movement. Riding over 4,000 miles a year, both recreationally and on my daily bike commute, has deepened my appreciation for the thousands of hours of work that have gone into making Salem’s cycling infrastructure what it is today.
There’s always more work to be done, but one thing is clear: I can bike across Salem in relative safety in 25 minutes because of the tireless advocacy efforts of our club. And I intend to keep pushing for improvements—because biking should be safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
I do this so that I can keep doing it.
I think you should too!
Ken Freeman Salem Bicycle Club Monster Cookie Co-Coordinator
| Monster Cookie Fun Facts Brought to you by Ken Freeman
Some Monster Statistics for you:
For 2025, We had 507 riders sign up to participate.
Supporting them was 60 volunteers across 92 volunteer opportunities.
We have three SAG vehicles in constant rotation on the course and a fourth doing sweep.
We aided our riders with over 400 pounds of fresh fruit, almost 400 bagels, 250 muffins, and 1000 pounds of snacks, chips, pickles and the other delectables.
For our finishers, we had over 1000 Oregon Trail Bakers Monster cookies.
The SBC, working with two different vendors, placed close to 100 vehicle warning signs on our courses. We estimate that we placed about 600 participant road markers over the three different courses.
We issued million-dollar certificates of insurance to eight different entities.
Almost 150 riders returned our MC survey, and this gives us a place to start our efforts on the 50th anniversary edition of the Monster Cookie.
|  | For Sale: Tera-Trike
From: Mike Caldwell
I have an almost new Tera-Trike that I can no longer enjoy. I purchased it for $3800. We are down sizing and I need to sell it. It has an Electric Assist and in excellent shape.
Thank you, Mike Caldwell
503-559-2873
South Salem. | |
Member Spotlight
Steve Budde
Vice President | | |
Spokes asks a club member five cycling questions each month. This month's featured bike rider is current Vice President of the Salem Bicycle Club Steve Budde. Here is what he has to say:
1. What is your favorite Club ride?
I have a couple: I love the Stayton/Sublimity ride because 1009 feet of climb is right in my comfort zone for a casual morning out AND I can reward myself with an Americano and a slice of meat lovers pizza at the PanezaNellie Breadstick Shoppe. I also really like the Monmouth/Independence ride primarily for the chance to cruise the WOU campus and check out Independence (a cool little town), but also to visit the Oven Bird
2. Do you have a favorite out of town ride?
I enjoyed riding the Banks Vernonia trail and I truly loved riding on the Olympic Discovery Trail at the top of the Olympic Peninsula.
3. Do you prefer uphill or downhill riding?
Everyone says "I love both!", and I do...but I really love the wind in my hair and the bugs in my teeth (cuz I'm smiling) that I get on a good long downhill.
4. What is the best part of being a club member?
The fabulous people I have met in our club. I love our valley and riding alone is great (and I often do because I can't keep up,) but a group ride is a special thing. A sunny day with a few hills and a bunch of wacky folks in spandex can't be beat
5. For people that are members who might be hesitant to volunteer, do you have any words that could help them decide to give a little bit of time?
Our club has a stated mission of bike advocacy and community support. That requires volunteers. Don't see volunteering simply as a chore to be done or a commitment to fulfill. We are privileged to have the opportunity to help others just for the sake of doing so. It's a gift.
6. What inspired you to organize the San Juan trip?
I started trying to map out a little tour of the San Juans 4 or 5 years ago for a friend and myself, but we were unable to make it happen. I discovered the club's RWGPS maps from years past and my interest was rekindled. I believe I have 26 email contacts currently, with a handful of "plus ones" as well. Riding days will be August 12, 13, and 14. Most of us are camping at Washington Park in Anacortes. We plan to ride Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands and party every night at Club Parrow (maybe leave that out?). Ride mileage credit will be available. I will be emailing soon with a proposed itinerary and a link to a forum on our website for everyone's ideas, suggestions and questions.
Gonna be a hoot for sure.
|  | Calling All Adventure Seekers: Join Us at Ironman 70.3 Oregon!
|  |
Are you ready to be part of something epic? The Ironman 70.3 Oregon is rolling into town, bringing with it hundreds of determined athletes pushing their limits in an exhilarating test of endurance. This isn't just a race—it's a spectacle of human grit, speed, and determination. And we need YOU to help make it unforgettable!
The Salem Bicycle Club is rallying 40 incredible volunteers to support the athletes on their journey. Last year, we fueled their ride with nutrition and hydration, keeping them strong and energized as they conquered mile after mile. This year, we're back—stronger, better, and ready to go!
Why Volunteer?
-
Front-row access to the action – Feel the energy, witness the triumphs, and be part of an adventure like no other.
-
Support the athletes – A single smile, a quick cup of water—your presence can make all the difference.
-
Build community – Whether you're a club member or just someone who loves the spirit of sport, we welcome you with open arms.
Juan Lopez, our Volunteer Chair, is leading the charge. Join us and be part of the excitement, the challenge, and the heart-pounding moments that define Ironman.
Sign up today and become a vital part of the adventure! Check out the event details HERE and reach out to SBC Board Member Juan Lopez to secure your spot on the support team.
Adventure awaits—let's ride! |  | JUNE CLUB RIDES SCHEDULE
Find your next ride on the club website.
Click Here
| UPCOMING MEETINGS
Rides Committee Meeting
1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm
The Salem Bicycle Club Board Meetings
Second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Online
Zoom. please check the website for updates.
| The Salem Bicycle Club is an affiliate of the
League of American Bicyclists
1612 K Street NW, Suite 308
Washington, DC 20006
202-822-1333
We encourage our members to join the LAB | Spokes
Spokes is published and distributed via email each month by the Salem Bicycle Club in Salem, Oregon. The opinions expressed in Spokes are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Salem Bicycle Club.
| |