Outdoor Club of South Jersey Newsletter
September 2019
OCSJ Spotlight on: BRUCE SILVER

By Vera C. Stek

As most members will tell you, there’s nothing comparable to pursuing activities in the great outdoors. Living in or near one of the greatest geographical areas in the country for hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking (the Pine Barrens) affords us a wonderful opportunity to get out of the gym and breathe the piney air while we pursue our favorite sports.
That’s something that Dr. Bruce Silver discovered when he switched from spinning to riding with the Outdoor Club. It wasn’t a smooth journey at first; he needed to get the right fit with the right bike to ride pain free, but once things fell into place, Bruce was hooked.
Here’s his story:

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
Bruce: I’m 58 years old, living in Mt. Laurel now and grew up in Haddon Township. I am a dentist practicing in Burlington Township. I am married to Julie with two adult children, Jen and Zach.
 
Q. When did you start bicycling and why?
Bruce: I’ve been spinning for 2.5 years and starting road biking last April with a hybrid bike. It was too difficult in its setup to go longer distances, so I purchased a used road bike in May and did my first group ride on Memorial day (D level) upon the recommendation of my friend, Jeff Richmond. 
I’ve been training but I have been plagued with soreness (and slight injury) this summer. When I first started riding, I would get back pain (as well as newbie soreness expected); we made adjustments. Then, during rides I would get pain in my shoulders from looking up and in my wrists; we made more adjustments. 
During many rides I always noticed other riders on recumbent bikes. They would say, “no pain during or after rides.” I was intrigued, so I demoed several models and ended up buying one!
The truth is, “no pain during or after rides.” As motivation for me I’ve signed up for the 45-mile MS City to Shore Ride on Sept. 21.

Q. When and why did you join the Outdoor Club? What benefits do you get from belonging to such a club?
Bruce: I joined the Outdoor Club in May and started learning the “territory” (what level of rides, the riding lingo, etc). I love the camaraderie of the group and the fact that no one is left behind. I’ve been on probably 8-9 rides this summer, mostly C level. 
One memorable ride (my only C+ ride) was in July, when I was in the back nearly the entire ride and almost the entire ride someone hung back with me. It was nice. I learned that I need to add more rides to my repertoire in order to be comfortable on the C+ rides. 
My goal for next year is to do just that! Now that I’m re-learning to ride as a “bent rider,” and I did my first group ride on Labor Day (D level). It was wonderful!

Q. What is it about biking that attracts you? What are some of your favorite places to bike? Bruce: Being a “spinner” has been safe, but it’s boring being inside. Being outside is wonderful! My favorite ride is with Fran Horn on Friday morning (St Peter’s Church.)
Q. Do you bike on your own or only with a group? 
Bruce: Both. I prefer the group (feels safer), but I’ll do it alone, based on my schedule.

Q. What is it about biking that attracts you? What are some of your favorite places to bike? Bruce: Being a “spinner” has been safe, but it’s boring being inside. Being outside is wonderful! My favorite ride is with Fran Horn on Friday morning (St Peter’s Church.)
Q. Do you bike on your own or only with a group? 
Bruce: Both. I prefer the group (feels safer), but I’ll do it alone, based on my schedule.
Q. How do you fit biking into a busy life? 
Bruce: Since I make my own schedule, my off days are Friday through Sunday, so I try to ride 1-2 times per week with a group, and maybe once additionally by myself.
Q. Do you do any other outdoor activities or follow any fitness routines?
Bruce: I do daily yoga, tennis weekly, spinning in winter (though I might get the indoor attachment for my road bike). I intend to ride my bike for as long as the weather permits. I also kayak and hike with my wife here and there as weather permits.

Q. Any places on your bucket list you’d like to go biking?
Bruce: I’d love to go somewhere I don’t have to stop for lights or stop signs.
I have a friend (Bent-Rider) who lives in Pennsylvania who tells me there are places near him that meets that criteria
 
Q. What’s something about yourself that might surprise other people to know?
Bruce: Besides being an axe murderer… (warped sense of humor).

Q. What are some of your other interests or hobbies?
Bruce: I enjoy photography, theatre and teaching; I am a part-time faculty member at Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia.
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OCSJ Club News

BOB HODGES MEMORIAL
Our much beloved OCSJ hike leader, Robert Hodges, died suddenly on June 1. 
He was an active member of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey for many years and leader of the Friday night hikes for over 18 years. 
In his honor, his friends are planning to place a Memorial Plaque and Bench in the Brendan Byrne State Forest.
If you would like to contribute to this fund, please send a check marked
"Bob Hodges Memorial Fund"
to OCSJ, PO Box 46, Atco, NJ 08004 
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OCSJ Elections

OCSJ officer elections will be held at the October Board Meeting, Thursday October 10 th . Treasurer and Recording Secretary will be elected for one year, and this is the year when President and Vice President will be elected for a two year term.

  The nominating committee has chosen the following official slate of candidates.
   President :  Joseph Fabian
   Vice President: Barbara Berman
   Treasurer: Fran Horn
  Membership Secretary : Regina Coeby
  Recording Secretary: Eloise Williams 
Any OCSJ member may vote, and others may be nominated for any office by a Board Member at the Meeting on October 10t

Barbara Brandt president@ocsj.org
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OCSJ Website

The OCSJ board is working on a new website. We are still at the same address WWW.OCSJ.ORG . We have rebuilt the front page, added a better transition to our membership function and reworked many of our Activities section.

Take a few minutes and review the Policy/Forms section. We have consolidated the OCSJ Constitution and By-Laws, club policies and forms into this section. In the coming months, these policies will be reviewed, consolidated and updated by the OCSJ board.

OCSJ Social Events

Friday November 15: Fall Social Dinner

The Social Committee's first event is our FALL DINNER SOCIAL on Friday, November 15 th at Ramblewood Country Club, Mt. Laurel NJ. The event includes a buffet dinner, DJ and photo contest presentation .

This event is open to OCSJ members. Reservations are required. The cost per person is $40 which must be paid with your reservation.
PLEASE GO ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.OCSJ.ORG AND CLICK ON THE FALL-DINNER SOCIAL LINK FOR MENU AND MORE INFORMATION.

THIS EVENT IS STARTING TO FILL SO PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN GETTING YOUR CHECK IN!
For more information, please contact John Kerney crewkern@live.com or 609 706-7264

OCSJ NOW HAS A SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Our new social committee was approved at our August 8 th board meeting. This committee will plan fun club-wide events, new activities and social gatherings.

Our committee presently consists of John Kerney, Neil Kornhauser, Doug Hillebrecht, Mary Ketchell and Rosemarie Mason.    
We would love to add more committee members; the more people involved means more great ideas and more events!

We meet at 6:30 pm before the regular OCSJ board meeting on the second Thursday of every month at the Cherry Hill Library. Please feel free to join the committee or just share your ideas.  

Sincerely,

John Kerney
Social Committee Coordinator




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2019 Photo Contest

The 2019 OCSJ photo contest has begun. Hang on to your best pictures from any OCSJ outing taken between September 1, 2018 until September 30, 2019. Your photo could be selected to appear on the pages of our 2020 OCSJ calendar. The best overall picture selected by our panel of judges will appear on the cover. You must be a paid member of our club to enter and it must be an OCSJ event. Submission of all photos will be from September 1, to September 30, 2019. PLEASE GO ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.OCSJ.ORG AND CLICK ON PHOTO CONTEST IN THE MAIN MENU AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.




    Questions? contact Mike Engel at  ikemengel@hotmail.com   


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MEETUP
If you are planning to attend an event, do not forget to RSVP. This is important information for the leader. And of course, if your plans change, please cancel your RSVP. Meetup will automatically send you an email if the activity is cancelled.
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FOR LEADERS
Leaders should review items under “For Leaders “on the OCSJ Website. They should also review the “Policy and Budget Page “Listed below & under “About Us” on the OCSJ Webpage. In particular, the Revised Group Activities Policy and the OCSJ Sign-in Waiver Policy.
Sign-in Sheets should be sent to appropriate Activity Chair or individuals designated by them – or Activities coordinator if the event involves more than 1 activity NO LATER THAN EACH CALENDAR QUARTER with few exceptions which are listed on website under “For Leaders”. 
Trekker
The new printed Trekker is available quarterly at OCSJ board meetings and from Board Members and Leaders.  Or you can print the whole or any page of the Trekker by clicking on the links

OCSJ Participation Policy
1. OCSJ is a member organization. Membership funds pay for insurance and other Club overhead. However, prospective members and guests of OCSJ members may try one regular activity from each of our activity sections without joining. Thereafter they must join to be eligible for the hundreds of activities and events available every year.
2. Participants on trips which charge money must be members of OCSJ, except where the trip is a joint trip with another club and the participant is a member of that club. Members of OCSJ may bring guests on a day trip charging money. Participants on overnight trips charging money must always be an OCSJ member.

Any comments please Contact Barbara Brandt ( president@ocsj.org )
Membership
 
Membership information is now available with the following links:
  • WWW.OCSJ.ORG click on the Join OCSJ button and enter your email address and password. 
  • Wild Apricot app - on you phone

OCSJ's mailing address is: 
 OCSJ, PO Box 46, Atco, NJ 08004 

Our annual membership rates are:
 Individual - $20 or Family - $25 
 
Membership Questions: contact Regina Coeby at membership@ocsj.org    
To receive up to date club information, we encourage everyone to go to our website and to join our Meetup groups.
THE MILE CLUBS
Miles to Go Before We Rest

It takes an enormous amount of dedication and determination to commit to the OCSJ Mileage Clubs, but if you are a person who welcomes a challenge, enjoys group activities, and/or simply likes the outdoors, you should really consider joining one of our mileage clubs. If you are an OCSJ member, just contact any of the contacts below and join Us.
     
  • 500 Mile Club - Valerie Danzey (vdanzey1@verizon.net )
  • Grand Mile Club - Jon Peterson (jonpeterson66@gmail.com) 
  • Paddler's Mile Club - Erika Blank (powerofpink58@verizon.net)
  • Bicycle Mile Club - Neil Kornhauser (nkornhauser@gmail.com)

Like us on Facebook  
Outdoor Club of South Jersey
We are approaching 2000 Likes!
The next club meeting is on September 12th, 7:30 pm at the Cherry Hill Library.   All members and prospective members are welcome.  

The club is actively looking for members to become more involved with the operation of the club. 
The club needs people to serve on the board and aid in the processes that keep the club in operation. If you have interest, join us at a board meeting. See how the board and the club operates and see if you are suited for some position or if you would just like to help out from time to time.
OCSJ President  president@ocsj.org

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M essage from the cycling chair:


Entry level bicycle ride led by Carmen Cortes on OCSJ's Annual Labor Day All Paces Ride


OSCJ cycling is on the move starting at many new locations such as Bridgeton, Columbus, Cape May...to name a few.... along with our usual starting locations. There are always new areas to scout out as we seek new roads and more importantly new places to eat! We have been chowing down at mom and pop eateries all over South Jersey, sampling great pizza, BBQ, taquerias and deli's.

The Annual Labor Day All Paces ride was a huge success as 50+ cyclists converged on Laurel Acres Park for 4 great rides from entry level to moderate to fast! Thank you to all the leaders: Ted Daily, Mike Engel, Kevin Ferroni and Carmen Cortes.

September is a wonderful month between the end of summer and the start of Autumn that eases us into the colder months. So, if you're feeling down about the end of summer, we have a few reasons to convince you that September is actually the best month for cycling:

  • cyclists are at their peak performance level
  • crowds are thinner now that school has started
  • temperatures are turning milder
  • September is also known as century month....so watch our calendar for century (100 mile) rides!....of course October is a good month too!


Thank you to all of our leaders for doing an awesome job planning routes, maintaining the advertised pace, seeking out unique and delicious places to eat and keeping us safe on the roads. 

*We are a volunteer club and we want to always have the calendar filled with a variety of rides. if there is a ride of a certain distance and pace that you do not see, then volunteer to put one in!!

IT COULD NOT BE ANY EASIER!!!

***We have almost 400 routes listed on our Ride With GPS Club Account from 15 miles to 150 miles in length. It couldn’t be any simpler! Download to your mobile device or gps and all you have to do is follow the cues. If you are old school then print out the cuesheet!

 More leaders = more rides!  If you are interested in leading, email Neil Kornhauser nkornhauser@gmail.com to get started!


Monthly DIY Tip
 
Sometimes you cannot avoid riding in the rain, it may be beautiful when you begin but pop-up showers do develop and shelter is sometimes not an option. Most saddle bike bags are not waterproof and if you keep your wallet, keys and phone in the bag or in your jersey pocket they will get soaked. I always carry empty zip lock bags in my saddle bag and if rain develops, I put my items in the zip loc bags and they stay dry!
 
Thank you and see you on the roads and trails!

Neil Kornhauser (cycling chairman)
nkornhauser@gmail.com
OCSJ TRAIL MAINTENANCE LEADER REPORT


This year the club trail maintenance crew had their biggest season ever! We were honored at the NJ State Division of Parks and Forestry Volunteer Appreciation Day at Batsto. We had over 800 hours of trail work.
We are s tarting to work on the trail project list for the upcoming trail maintenance season. 

Tuesday Oct 8: Emergency Work
We need to do a small reroute on the Batona in the Franklin Parker Preserve section. A footbridge over an old cranberry bog canal is failing and not safe to use. We will clip the reroute, remove blazes, add new blazes and install a few lifted planks to keep hikers feet dry. We also need to clip around the Drunken Hobbit Bridge and reblaze nearby. Bring clippers, water, lunch and folding chair and bug spray. We meet at the North Gate of the Franklin Parker Preserve on RT 532 west of Chatsworth. Really bad weather cancels. Leader : Rosemarie Mason romason@comcast.net

 To volunteer, please contact Ro Mason at romason@comcast.net

Saturday Oct 5: Medford Walk by David Bicking
Join me as OCSJ Member Fred Melroy leads us on a tour of Medford.

Walk will start with a short tour of the Meeting House built in 1814 and meander through the streets of Medford at a leisurely pace for just over 3 miles. Sights will include: The Hicksite Quaker Meeting House on Main Street, three Burial Grounds dating to the 1700's, passing seven historic homes from the 18th and early 19th century with a short history of each.
Part of the walk will be along the banks of the Rancocas Creek with leaves hopefully turning in this beautiful downtown. Walk will finish with light refreshments at the Quaker Meeting House.
Leaders David Bikcing dbickin@yahoo.com And Fred Melroy

After work Cooper River Park
Fun, fast paced 3.7 miles on paved path.
(Typically 3.5 to 3.7 miles per hour.)
BRING WATER.
Every Tuesday, this hike leaves at 6:15pm sharp from Yacht Club parking lot on South Park Drive 
Leader: Valerie Danzey, (8 5 6) 495-4350, vdanzey1@verizon.net

Hike the Batona Trail in 4 Sections: No. 1, Bass River-Straight Road
We will walk the 52.7-mile Batona Trail, starting at Bass River State Forest, in 4 sections beginning Oct. 9. Other hikes to be scheduled soon. The BAck TO NAture passes through forested uplands and lowlands, near bogs, swamps, rivers and streams: a premier taste of the Pine Barrens.
October 9: Section 1: Bass River to intersection of Bulltown and Straight Roads, near Batsto. Distance: 14.75 miles.
For more information, contact leaders: Joe Hummel, (8 5 6) 235-8817 nofluke18 @ yahoo.com or Vera Stek, verastek @ verizon.net or Jon Peterson jonpeterson66 @ gmail.com

If you would like to volunteer to lead a new hike, please contact David at DBICKIN@YAHOO.COM    
Tuesday, Oct 1, 2019: Backpack with Benefits
We will backpack on the Batona Trail thru the beautiful section that traverses the Franklin Parker Preserve. Bog bridges, ponds and old canals and the famous Drunken Hobbit Bridge will be some of the highlights of the hike. Approx 7 miles the first day with everyone staying together on a nice easy pace. The second day is approx 4 miles back to the cars. We will be using a shuttle service; fee depending on the number of participants. The benefit part: We will spend the night at the Brendan T Bryne campground with running water, flush toilets and a campfire. More details to those who RSVP. This is a good trip for beginners and those who want to test out new equipment. Sorry, no day hikers. Leaders: Rosemarie Mason and Diane Mason romason@comcast.net 609.271.2167


Kevin at KDREVIK@AOL.CO M
If you would like to organize a trip or for backpacking information, contact Kevin at KDREVIK@AOL.CO M
  

M essage from the kayaking chair:
  Warmer weather brings out more paddlers. It doesn’t eliminate safety concerns. Guidelines for Paddlers are listed on the ocsj.org website under policies and forms. While it may say guidelines, some items are strictly enforced.
  • Everyone must sign the sign-in sheets.
  • PFD’s must be worn when on the water. 
  • Footwear must be closed toe-no flip-flops.
Rules for minors on the OCSJ website.

Leaders have final say on participation  based on safety  concerns. Examples would be  bringing small children or  pets. Some will ask about limits on trip size. This might be set by safety concerns or limited parking. If you have a question, please contact the leader first.
Enjoy the season but stay safe.

Happy Paddling

Frank Pearce, Kayaking Chairman

Sunday Oct 20: TASTE OF THE GREAT EGG HARBOR PADDLE
Weymouth Furnace to the Lake. A short run good for less experienced paddlers, 6+ miles, allow 4 hours. Bring lunch and hydration. Volunteer shuttle. Leader Vicki S. ravingwriter@gmail.com

Be sure to bring the required items:

-a PFD (life jacket) -- mandatory
-sunscreen
-hydration

If you would like to organize a trip, contact Frank at
  
Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trips


 The Winter Schedule
The Cross Country ski and Snowshoe trips are now on the OCSJ Website. For more information, please contact our Cross Country Ski-chair Eileen Greve ( egreve212@gmail.com ) 609-204-6451.
Check the site for more information: www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Club-of-South-Jersey/   
Please note:
To confirm your place on the trip, you must contact the leader by phone or email. All payments are non-refundable without finding a replacement. 


SAVE THE DATE
TRAIL MAINTENANCE - 
Ro Mason is our Trail Representative. Every Tuesday, she will be organizing work days for the BATONA Trail. To volunteer, please contact Ro at romason@comcast.net


Volunteer Opportunities
The club is actively looking for members to become more involved with the operation. We have a new Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Berman. If you would like to volunteer or desire more information, please contact Barbara at bberman96@gmail.com
 
The club needs people to serve on the board and aid in the processes that keep the club in operation. If you wonder how the club is organized and how it runs, or what leaders do, come on out to a monthly board meeting. (Second Thursday of every month at the Cherry Hill library at 7:30pm). It's your club and we welcome you to get involved.

Board of Trustrees - Interested in joining the OCSJ Board. Come out to a couple of meetings or contact the OCSJ President at president@ocsj.org
 
Publicity - We would like to have the OCSJ name appear in more places both in print and online. Contact Fran at franhorn@aol.com  if you have ideas and would like to help.
   
Party/Picnic Planning Committee -  If you would like to help with the 2019 Picnics, contact the OCSJ President at president@ocsj.org  
 
Website/Computer - We could use some help from people with computer or website experience.  Contact the OCSJ President at president@ocsj.org
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