Bike Education Part of Livability Programs at St. Cyprian's

SFBC Bike Ed instructor Bert Hill and community meet at St. Cyprian's

35 people introduced to urban bicycling strategies

St. Cyprian's - 50 years on Turk and Lyon

Photo: Nathan Frankel

Take the lane and Avoid the door zone. According to Bert Hill, bicycle education instructor for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, these are two of the most important lessons to learn for new cyclists in San Francisco. He shared these and other tips-of-the-road with 35 people -- many of them new to bicycling -- during a four-hour classroom session last Saturday at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church.

St. Cyprian's isn’t new to livability programs. Last year the congregation hosted a similar bike ed class and participated in Sunday Streets in the North Panhandle. In 2009 St. Cyprian’s pastor Rev. Will Scott and associated clergy Rev. Dr. Susanna Singer offered a popular bike blessing during the neighborhood’s BIKE THE BLOCK party. Long before that the church hosted the after-party for a neighborhood tree planting effort. This spring, however, St. Cyprian’s will pick up the livability pace with a set of programs and initiatives.

A new series -- Dinner & Conversation at Cyprian's* -- continues this week when Elizabeth Stampe, Executive Director of Walk SF, joins community members for a simple meal followed by an interview and discussion of pedestrian safety concerns in San Francisco. In the following weeks, other neighborhood groups will discuss their projects for a better, more sustainable city:

• March 30, Dale Danley, leader of the award-winning Panhandle Park Stewards
• April 13, University of San Francisco students on permeable, landscaped sidewalks for St. Cyprian's along Turk and Lyon streets
• April 20, Lenore McDonald and Michael Helquist on "Bicycling for Community" featuring the NOPA VELO biking group and BIKE NOPA

In the realm of safer, friendlier streets, St. Cyprian's has applied to the Municipal Transportation Agency for installation of bike parking. The congregation hopes to get crosswalks re-striped and better lighting at Turk and Lyon streets, and the church plans to undertake sidewalk improvements. The latest features are sidewalk benches along Turk – built, of course, from recycled scrap wood.

Dinner & Conversation at Cyprian's
2097 Turk at Lyon
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
For information and reservation: Will Scott, turkandlyon@gmail.com
Accessible via Muni #31, #24, #5, #43
Donations for dinners appreciated

Note: I serve as coordinator of special events at St. Cyprian's, including the new music venue Cyprian's

A Bright And Gold(en) New Year

Holiday good cheer prompted someone to enliven NOPA for the start of the New Year. Right in the center of the neighborhood and, for the occasion, a top hat as well.

BIKE NOPA has big hopes for 2011 in the North Panhandle and in San Francisco. I especially look forward to

• a new commitment to pedestrian safety
• a revitalized Panhandle Park
• planning for an east-west cycle track through NOPA
• a better Masonic with approval and funding for the Boulevard design
• a safer, friendlier Bay to Breakers celebration
• full-on sunshine for the return of Sunday Streets to NOPA (with Divisadero included)
• a second year of NOPA VELO bike rides

Let the opportunities and challenges begin!

NOPA VELO Does the Monster Mash Halloween Ride

Image: Rick Helf www.helf.com

NOPA VELO riders will wend their way through the candy corn for a Halloween spin like no other on Sunday, October 31st. Riders will spook the early-morning Mojo Bicycle Cafe crowd and power-up on breakfast and coffee before rolling through the streets to the Panhandle. With sleek and smooth or flapping and ominous costumes, cyclists will continue bravely on their scary mission: spot the forlorn Ghost of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park.

For those unfamiliar with this spooky tale, the version we like best goes like this. In the late 1800s when the park was still in its early period of development, a young woman took her toddler on a boating excursion on Stow Lake. Somehow the little one fell overboard, the mother jumped in to save her child, and both drowned. Ever since, the distraught mother has been sighted by San Franciscans who all describe the same apparition: a young woman of forlorn expression in a wet and muddy white dress walking along the edge of the lake. For more than 100 years the Ghost of Stow Lake has searched for her lost child, often while wailing in despair. Our own NOPA Lore has it that the Ghost usually appears on Halloween mornings . . .

Following the very possible ghost sighting, riders will descend on JFK Drive to make the car-free zone really scary before entering the Panhandle and circling NOPA blocks -- all the while doing the Monster Mash and sporting their Ghostbusters cred. Spooks and ghosts and mashes really work up a Halloween appetite. Riders will repair to the Duboce Park Cafe and raise a toast to the Ninth NOPA VELO ride of 2010.

NOPA VELO Monster Mash Ride Halloween Ride
Sunday, October 31
Meet: 9:30 at Mojo Bicycle Cafe, 639 Divisadero, between Hayes & Grove
Start: 10 am sharp
(If you're running late, join the group in the Panhandle or call Lenore for location)
End: about noon with drinks and lunch at Duboce Park Cafe, corner of Duboce & Sanchez

Easy to moderate 8 mile ride
All level riders welcome; kids on own bike OK if with guardian
Pets too if on leash or in bike basket
Costumes of any sort really encouraged! It's Halloween!
More info: Lenore @415-300-6744, lmcjunker@gmail.com

For previous rides and to see the cool posters, check the NOPA VELO Series.

NOPA VELO Takes on the Chilly Tall Trees

Trees and bikes and fog: perfect Sunday morning

A typical summer day in San Francisco didn't keep NOPA VELO riders from their sixth monthly outing Sunday, July 25th. James, a first-timer with NOPA VELO, said he came out on the chilly morning because he was curious about the tree talks scheduled for the ride. One of the regulars was Smokey, a "rescue dog" or "little black dog" according to Dawn who pedals him around in his basket. She explained why she was joining the ride again. "Smokey brought me because he hasn't been on a ride for awhile and dogs and trees just go together. He wants the biggest tree possible. I think he wants to brag to his friends."

A total of twenty North Panhandle neighbors and friends met at Central Coffee, Tea and Spice, powered up on caffeine and carbs and spun off for their Tall Trees tour. First stop, the west end of the Panhandle where Dale Danley detailed the early planting of trees in the park from the 50-year-old redwoods to the 100-year-old Eucalyptus. Then off to the Andy Goldsworthy installation, Spire, just inside the Presidio after passing through the Arguello Gate for the second tree talk. Still no sun breaking through, but the troupe pedaled along the Presidio rim to the new Point Lobos overlook for a view of the habitat restoration underway. At the end of the tour, the riders took their planned park picnic to a nearby deck and dahlia garden instead. One more great NOPA VELO ride.

Coming up the last Sunday of August: think pastries.

Thanks to JP Collins for several of the photos in this album

Tree Geeks Spin Their Wheels: NOPA VELO's Tall Trees Ride

Image by Rick Helf, www.helf.com

What next for NOPA VELO? After the Patty Hearst, a Duel to the Death, Maria von Trapp, Dead Presidents, and Pink with Pride rides, what else might inspire a Sunday morning spin for the North Panhandle's favorite bicycling group? How about the Towering Trees of NOPA (and beyond)? Bikes and Trees. What better match and how green is that?

The Panhandle and the Presidio are heaven for tree geeks. They are home to several of the same tree species, and they both have trees planted a hundred years ago. But the tall trees planted in the Presidio by the U.S. Army - and more recently by the National Park Service - have lived a different life from their relatives in the Panhandle. So what's your favorite type - the Army Brats or the offspring of William Hammond Hall, first superintendent of Golden Gate Park?

Riders get started at Central Coffee, Tea and Spice, the neighborhood's nearly historic must-have-caffeine stop. Then the band will buzz down the block to the Panhandle, roll along the path -- allowing room for the strollers -- and stop at the Sue Bierman Memorial Grove near Shrader Street for the first tree talk. Then bikers take off for the Presidio, pass through the Arguello Gate and stop at Spire, the Andy Goldsworthy art installation. The tour continues along the Presidio's ridge line and visits a new overlook before leaving at 15th Avenue and returning to the Panhandle for a picnic lunch.

Andy Goldsworthy's Spire

NOPA VELO Tall Trees Ride

Sunday, July 25
Meet: 9:30 at Central Coffee, Tea & Spice (Central & Hayes)
Start: 10 am sharp
(If you're running late, join the group in the Panhandle near Shrader)
End: about 12:00 pm with a picnic lunch in the Panhandle (bring bike-friendly treats)

Mild to moderate 7 mile ride through the Panhandle and along the Presidio Rim
All level riders welcome; kids on own bike OK if with guardian
Pets OK too if on leash or on bike
Tree hugger attire encouraged
More info: Lenore @415-300-6744, lmcjunker@gmail.com

Join the NOPA VELO Google Group here

Women Who Bike: Dawn D'Onofrio

Sunday Streets: Bayview...sunny day for Dawn and Smoky

Energized at Bike to Work Day Station; Smoky's All Powered Up

Dawn ready for the NOPA VELO "Climb Every Mountain" ride with Smoky in basket

Women Who Bike is a collaborative effort by BIKE NOPA and Bikes And The City that features San Francisco women and their bicycles. Each Monday and Wednesday check both blogs for the experiences, stories, and ideas that women who bike the city want to share.

Sixth in a series: Dawn D'Onofrio

How do you characterize your bicycling style?

I would have to say "respectful." So many people complain about cars, cyclists, and pedestrians -- but I'm sure we are all a little guilty of some infraction. As cyclists we are in some middle ground and many take that as the right to have our own set of rules - or not have to abide by "others." But being a cyclist, I can't complain about cars running stop signs or red lights if I do the same. So I try not to. It's really scary when another cyclists zips through an intersection as I am turning or a pedestrian runs in front of me. I try to be cautious and aware, but mostly I just try to respect the right we all have to a piece of the road, and hope that by doing my part I make it a little easier for all to coexist.

How often do you bike and what for?

I sold my car before I moved here 2+ years ago, so biking is about it for everything. Although at times, I really do enjoy the walk and adverse weather forces me onto public transportation.

What could be done in San Francisco to encourage more women to bike?

I think it's being done. More bike shops are offering women's nights for simple maintenance, better fitting, lighter women's bikes, better looking fashion and accessories. We tote around a lot more stuff than guys, and we need a good way to take it with us other than a huge messenger bag.

Have any great dates or friendships started with bicycling?

I hadn't ridden a bike for over eight years after a van hit me while I was riding. One guy I met became a good friend, and he took me out to pick out a new bike. His philosophy was "just do it" (I think I have heard that somewhere before!). He was fairly new to the area, and he didn't know anyone else as into bikes as I was. We became super bike buddies and went riding almost every day after work. He showed me a lot on mechanics and maintenance. In about six months I was back to speed and we were doing century rides. I bought a mountain bike and fell in love with the sport. There was an awesome place near my house we hit on the weekends. Soon others started joining and the encouragement spread from one to another. One guy lost about 50 pounds and another quit some unhealthy habits. The funniest part was at first one guy was intimidated about joining the group because he didn't want a girl riding better than him! I could do all the hills and trails without a slip! It was a great couple of years with some really great and special friends. Since moving to SF, almost everyone I know I met through cycling and most of my social activities revolve around it.

I surprise people when I bike by ...

riding in 3-inch heels, and with my dog.

My message to women who want to start biking:

Why not?Look good, feel good. What's more appealing than that? And it's fun.

*****

Dawn lives in NOPA on Broderick at Fulton. She bikes with NOPA VELO and so does her dog Smokey.

Check out the previous posts in this series.

For even more stories, see Bikes And The City's Women Who Bike.

If you or someone you know would like to be part of this series, please contact me at Michael7820@gmail.com

NOPNA Knows Block Parties: Rock Lyon Street This Saturday

The North of the Panhandle Neighborhood Association (NOPNA) takes seriously its rep around town for making good things happen. The organization has long understood that advocacy for neighborhood improvement always comes down to making solid connections among the people it serves. Tomorrow NOPNA helps make it all fun with its springtime Block Party for neighbors and friends. Check out upcoming neighborhood events at the NOPNA table. If you're not a member, now's the time to sign up and support the good things.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. kick back, dance in the street, enjoy the five live bands, watch the kids play in the street, feast on BBQ and specialty tacos, learn all about community groups, and find out what's new with neighbors. Lyon Street from Hayes to Grove, open for fun.

Kids activities 11am to noon; bands and DJs start at noon and continue till 6. BBQ at noon; Kung Fu Tacos 1-3 pm.

Be sure to stop by the All Things Bicycle table for the latest news on BIKE NOPA, the NOPA VELO neighborhood rides, new programs at the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC). Get free bike stickers, purchase framed NOPA VELO posters, pick up a BIKE NOPA window sign.

Special Offer for NOPNA Block Party: $10 discount on SFBC membership. With the discount, join SFBC for $25 and support all the bike and livability activities of the city's premiere bicycling group. As an SFBC member, you get discounts at bike shops, cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores all over San Francisco. NOPA VELO riders: you'll need a SFBC membership to join the special June 27th ride when NOPA VELO spins up Market Street with the SFBC contingent in the annual Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Pride Parade.

Sunday all San Francisco runs through NOPA for Bay to Breakers. Saturday is just for us and our friends. See you at the block party.

Women Who Bike: Lenore McDonald

This week BIKE NOPA and Bikes And The City continue their bike series, Women Who Bike. Each Monday and Wednesday we will feature San Francisco women and their bicycles. Check both our blogs for the experiences, stories, and ideas that women who bike the city want to share with you. Let us know your thoughts and leave comments for the featured riders.

Lenore as Maria for NOPA VELO's Sound of Music ride

And as Tania/Patty Hearst for NOPA VELO's inaugural ride

Fourth in a series: Lenore McDonald

How would you describe your bicycling style?

I am an experienced, confident cyclist and I'm becoming more savvy as a commuter cyclist. And I am happiest when I am riding my bike. No exageration.

How often do you bike?

Since getting my commuter bike at the beginning of this year, I ride almost daily to work from my apartment in NOPA to downtown taking Golden Gate Ave to Market Street -- a straight fast shot to the financial district. It's just under three miles each direction. I ride at least once on the weekend or one evening after work. I also have a road bike (Litespeed) for recreational riding over the bridge and out to Marin.

What could San Francisco do to encourage more women to bike, including teens and younger?

I think organized rides or group riding is really helpful to get comfortable riding different types of roads, distances, and conditions. The rides are well-marked and usually cover some pretty terrain and they usually include emergency health and roadside services. Our NOPA VELO bike rides welcome all levels of riders, including kids riding their own bikes if accompanied by a parent.

Perhaps a place where women can meet to ride to work together would encourage more women to commute by bike. Having a bike suitable for the type of riding you do helps also. I am so much more comfortable riding to work since getting my Giant commuter bike. I can wear my regular work clothes and shoes on the bike, and it's heavier and feels safer.

How many of your best dates or best friendships started with biking?

I yearned to have a riding partner for many years. I insisted that my next partner had to ride. A mutual friend fixed me up with Rick and I agreed to meet him only after learning that he rode. I pinch myself when we're out riding together. Ours is a tried and true cycling relationship.

I surprise people when I bike by ...

dressing up in costume for our NOPA VELO rides. Sometimes folks are surprised by some of my riding experiences, like the Bike Tour of Colorado in 2008 was 450 miles at elevations up to 12,000 feet and a total of 39,000 feet of climbing over five days.

My message to women who want to try biking:

Biking feels good, especially on the way to work. Wind and fresh air. I always enter my office with a big smile and feel great. For a pretty modest investment ($500-$750) you can purchase a good bike to get around the city. You don't have to dress down or get too sweaty with the right equipment. Plus it makes you independent!

*****

Read more about Lenore here in a previous BIKE NOPA story. (Lenore is one of the NOPA VELO ride organizers).

Read the other profiles in the series of Women Who Bike.

If you bike and live in NOPA or bike through NOPA and would like to participate in the series, contact me at michael7820@gmail.com

Be sure to check Bikes And The City for more Women Who Bike profiles.

A Great Bike Ride: NOPA VELO in the SF Examiner

NOPA VELO Image: Rick Helf www.helf.com

Teddy R would be pleased. Today the late President appeared in the San Francisco Examiner on page two in full color hovering over the Golden Gate. He probably wouldn't expect to be celebrated by bicyclists spinning along for a "Dead Presidents Ride," but he was an outdoors kind of guy as well as a naturalist who valued fresh air and a clean environment. And he was determined to set America on a course of protecting its outdoor treasures. By the end of his presidency, Teddy had preserved 70 million acres of land in the form of national parks and monuments.

If you've ever visited, hiked, biked or camped in these outdoor areas, thank Teddy:

• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
• Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
• Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
• Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming
• Chaco Canyon National Monument, New Mexico
• Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona
• Lassen Peak National Monument, California
• Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument, New Mexico
• Grand Canyon National Monument, Arizona
• Pinnacles National Monument, California
• Mt. Olympus National Monument, Washington
• (and more!)

This Sunday it's all about the ride. Great weather anticipated. See previous post here for all the details. If you can't dress like Teddy, try that grin.

Spring Climb (just a bit) with NOPA VELO on Sunday

What's better for a bright San Francisco morning than a spring spin to a few "Peaks of NOPA"? Don't worry that NOPA VELO's third monthly ride will be too much for your biking ability. Last weekend we tried the route and pared it to a very reasonable outing.

Power-up with coffee and sweets at Apollo Coffee at 9:30 Sunday and be ready to roll by 10 a.m. Alamo Square, we like your views. Buena Vista, so good to behold. And Parnassus, we're awe-struck. Glide back down into Golden Gate Park** and take the Panhandle Path to NOPA's own Divisadero Farmers' Market for all sorts of treats to enjoy at a few tables reserved just for us. (Thanks SF-Grill and Dmitrius of Farmers' Market!).

Costumes encouraged, sing-along biking very possible. All neighbors and friends welcome. Kids OK if with own bike and accompanied by adult guardian. Heavy rain cancels...but rain on Maria von Trapp's special day? We don't think so.

Sunday, March 28th

9:30 am -- meet at Apollo Coffee, Turk & Divisadero (say hello to Manaf, the owner)

10:00 am -- mountain climbing gear ready, we're taking off, grab your lederhosen

90 minute ride

11:30 am or so -- drinks and lunch at Farmers' Market, Grove & Divisadero

** We're dropping the stop at the de Young Museum tower; too much of a logistical challenge for us. But for the real "Climb Every Mountain" riders, an optional ride is Lone Mountain Campus just north of the Park. One of us will lead.

How popular is NOPA VELO? More than 75 cyclists have joined our Google Group. Don't be left out, join here. See you Sunday.

NOPA VELO 3: "The Hills Are Alive with the Views of NOPA"

Image: Rick Helf (does it again!)

NOPA VELO takes on a lighter note for its third monthly ride the last Sunday of March. After the bank-robbing Patty/Tania Hearst and duel-losing U.S. Senator David Broderick themes of its first two rides, NOPA VELO nudges neighbors and friends to let their "hearts be blessed with the views of NO...PA." You do remember the Sound of Music lyrics certainly? After all the sing-a-longs at the Castro Theater, you must remember this: "Climb Every Mountain, Search High and Low, Follow Every By way, Every Path You Know."

NOPA VELO spun every mountain, rode high and low, pursued every zigzag, and Google-biked the route we'll take. Don't let the "peaks of NOPA" scare you off. Only a few moderate climbs are included in this 7 mile, 90 minute ride. Experience the views like never before: Alamo Square Park, the Buena Vista foothills, the Parnassus Panorama, and a real true Lone Mountain.

Spinning the heights with such good company deserves "all the pedals you can give, this one day of your life, for as long as you live." Lederhosen, dirndls, and uniforms encouraged. Expect musical surprises. All level riders welcome. Kids on own bike OK if with guardian. Heavy rain cancels. Contact Lenore for more info: lmcjunker@gmail.com

Sunday, March 28th

9:30 a.m. Meet 'n' Mingle at Apollo Coffee, 1064 Divisadero @ Turk

10:00 a.m. Spin off for the ride

11:30 a.m. (or a bit later) Drinks and lunch at Divisadero Farmer's Market @ Grove

NOPA VELO's "Duel by Death" All Over NOPA

This Sunday, Feb. 28th, NOPA VELO spins through the neighborhood and beyond for its second monthly bike ride for neighbors and friends. "Death by Duel" gives a nod to U.S. Senator David Broderick who gave his name to one of NOPA's streets ... and, yes, his life also to keep slavery out of California or, the less heroic version of his story, to settle a personal score with his one-time best friend, David S. Terry, California Supreme Court Justice. More details here on that deadly and explosive spat.

After a meet up at Matching Half Cafe, NOPA VELO riders spin a block to Broderick Street, tip our helmets to NOPA's own "Painted Ladies" and then glide into the Panhandle and through Golden Gate Park to the Great Highway. We'll ride south on the interior street, not the highway, and keep going to the shores of Lake Merced, the site of the infamous Broderick-Terry duel to the death. Expect a re-enactment with last month's Ranger Dale taking on the role of a U.S. Senator and Rick Helf, designer of NOPA VELO's outstanding posters, transforming himself into a Supreme (Court Justice).

We'll roll along the east side of the lake and head back to Golden Gate Park until we reach our drinks and lunch destination at Bistro Gambrinus. Everyone welcome. Kids with their own bikes and in the company of an adult guardian, please join us. A flat, easy ride for all with a cafe break and lake shore stop in the middle. Sunshine expected. Legislative and judicial attire optional.

Sunday, Feb. 28th

9:30 am meet at Matching Half Cafe, corner of McAllister and Baker Streets

10:00 am kick-off

12:00 noon or a bit after: drinks and lunch at Bistro Gambrinus, 1813 Fulton near Masonic

Questions: Lenore at lmcjunker@gmail.com or 415 300 6744.

This Saturday: Panhandle Park Stewards Ready for Plants and Trees, Turf and Soil

Dale Danley Ready for Park Stewards Next Work Day Feb. 13th

NOPA neighbors might know Dale Danley better, and more recently, as "Ranger Dale," the native habitat expert who spoke with cyclists during NOPA VELO's spin through the Presidio last month. Long-time bicyclists are familiar with Dale's volunteer work with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition where he served as president of the board of directors (2002-2004). Now Dale has taken on another pursuit: getting the Panhandle Park in the best shape ever. BIKE NOPA caught up with Dale on a rainy day away from gardens, native plants, and invasive weeds to chat over coffee in our kitchen.

What are the Panhandle Park Stewards?
We're volunteers from the community working together to improve the Panhandle Park, to make it more accessible and enjoyable for everybody in the community. We're continuing the tradition of a Panhandle Clean-up, or work day, that happens the second Saturday of each month. On that day, we work with the park's gardener, Guillermo, on projects that probably couldn't get done without the extra hands of community volunteers.

Why are you getting involved?
When I learned that Mary Helen Briscoe, the longtime neighborhood organizer, needed to hand-off the project, I offered to lead the group into 2010. I've been living in the North Panhandle neighborhood for 10 years, and hope I have the gardening skills and the neighborhood connections to keep the Park Steward project growing.

Are you changing the name from Panhandle Clean-up?
I'm trying out calling us "Park Stewards" and see what the reaction is. I think a lot of people are eager to do work with the plants and trees, the turf and the soil. I'm really interested in lending a hand to tend the living inhabitants of the park, or planting flowers that my neighbors will enjoy.

How does this compare with your volunteering for habitat restoration at the Presidio?
The Presidio runs a large, successful program for community-based habitat restoration, and I volunteer once or twice a week – pulling the non-native weeds, and growing native plants, in the natural areas scattered across the park. I'll try to replicate some of their successful elements: provide the right tools for the job, cultivate dedicated volunteers, explain the natural processes and how the human activities affect the ecosystem. Also, offer a tasty snack and create a friendly, social atmosphere. San Francisco Rec and Park also runs dozens of volunteer programs, many highly successful, but the Presidio's program is the one I know best!

Will you try to add more native plants to the Panhandle?
I love native plants, but there are several reasons the Panhandle's not a great place for them, starting with all those tall trees that create so much shade. Perhaps the most substantial obstacle is that it's a historical landscape that should be preserved. Secondly, its spaces are already spoken for by different users like picnickers, bicyclists, basketball players, and dog walkers. But there's growing interest in native plants, and people are keen to make our green spaces as beneficial to the environment as possible, so I wouldn't be surprised to see that idea put forth by neighbors and volunteers. Maybe we'll plant natives in containers, for educational purposes or perhaps designate one of the small decorative beds for natives. Then there are those underused islands near Stanyan created by the traffic loops...hmmm! Seriously, though, I have a lot to learn about the park before I can pursue any specific plans.

Any worries about taking on this new project?
The panhandle has some long-standing problems: muddy fields in winter, vehicles damaging the turf, homeless campers. The multi-use path is getting more and more popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, and with more users, there's some friction and some calls for new designs. I hope the park's problems don't diminish the fun and satisfaction volunteers get from a good work day. In my ideal vision of how these projects work, as volunteers become increasingly invested in their neighborhood park, they also become more knowledgeable and capable of figuring out solutions that might solve some of these problems.

Next workday: Saturday, February 13, 9 am to 11 am

Meet at the Bulletin Board (in the Panhandle, 1 block west of Masonic Ave)

Wear sturdy shoes (boots the best) to keep your feet dry.

This month, it would be great to have neighborhood volunteers sign up through the Onebrick site to ensure we have enough supplies.

Everyone, including volunteers, can follow the progress of the Panhandle Park Stewards with their new blog here.

NOPA VELO Snags More Media Coverage

Rick and Lenore setting up the ride at Central Coffee, Tea and Spice

Nice to see the interest in NOPA VELO's inaugural ride, not only by cyclists but the local media. Sunday's ride got a mention in SF Appeal with a comparison of our ride to Critical Mass and received a great write-up with more pics from the ride in the blog San Francisco Citizen.

NOPA VELO to Roll Sunday Jan. 31

Image by Rick Helf

Seen while walking NOPA: Patty Hearst returns

The Patty Hearst / Presidio Ride spins through NOPA this upcoming Sunday, Jan. 31st. Meet up at Central Coffee, Tea and Spice for Ali's finest brews and a brief account of the travails of Tania/Patty Hearst by NOPA's own Lenore McDonald. Kick off from there for a stop at the

Golden Gate Avenue apartment building where the heiress-turned-radical was held captive in 1974 by the Symbionese Liberation Army.

With thoughts of life in a small closet, NOPA VELO cyclists and friends will then glide through Panhandle Park and onto JFK Drive for one of the first group rides on the repaved section of the park boulevard.

Ranger Dale will accompany the cyclists and present an update on recent changes in the Presidio including the national park's ambitious habitat restoration program. A stop at the Warming Hut for a quick break and then everyone returns to NOPA for a hearty welcome at Jannah, NOPA's new restaurant offering exotic Middle Eastern/Californian specialties at good prices, on Fulton Street for drinks and/or lunch.

Can't pedal the whole route? Check out the route map in this previous post and meet us at the start, along the way, or join us for celebration at the end. Patty/Tania and Park Ranger attire encouraged.

Ride stats:

Meet 9:30 am at Central Coffee, Tea & Spice, corner of Central & Hayes

Begin ride at 10:00 am

Return to NOPA and stop for drinks & lunch at Jannah, 1775 Fulton, between Central and Masonic at 2 pm

About 15 miles, two moderate climbs

All biking abilities welcome, walking the climbs is more than fine

Kids with own bikes and an adult guardian welcome to join us

Questions? contact Lenore at lmcjunker@gmail.com