Gents and Ladies,
I’ve enjoyed tremendously the opportunities to ride and talk about cycling with you all. Granted there are various levels of fitness, capabilities, and (in my case) shape. The camaraderie and fitness I’ve enjoyed because of the bike has been restorative and helpful in so many ways.
For various reasons, many have had to reduce their weekly riding time. As we’re pretty much at the end of the cycling event season and are already beginning to plan for next season, I would like for us to begin now in setting some goals, opening up the information loop, and allowing opportunity for others to climb on and enjoy what many of us have experienced.
Regarding events over the past year, several of us have participated in weekly group rides, weekend challenge and charity rides and even a few races. I’ve seen or heard that a number of you have participated in the Ride Around Wilkes, Mountains of Misery, 3 Mountain Madness, Blood, Sweat, and Gears, Tour to Tanglewood, Tour de Furniture, Tour de Pig, and Bridge to Bridge. Wouldn’t it be great to open the door, encourage and support one another, and assist one another in achieving their goals? I know that I can’t do it alone. And as we all are aware, riding with others makes it easier for everybody.
So, I’d like to propose a couple of thoughts and opportunities:
- Firstly, I’d like to start a weekly road ride beginning this Saturday morning (9/30) at 7:30 am. Initially, we’ll depart from the Grace Pres church parking lot on Hopkins Road at 7:30 am. I was thinking we could do a 15-17 mile loop which would allow for some participants to ride shorter or longer distances, for some laps to be faster than others, and allow for differing fitness levels.
- Secondly, I’d like to start a weekly Salem Lake ride which would be on Sunday afternoon and be a ‘family ride’ – trailers, children, etc…. Salem Lake is a 7 mile loop and of course there are no cars. You do have to watch out for the horses and the horse…stuff, though. More info later.
- Thirdly, I’d like for us to set some goals for next year and train with the goal of doing some events together.
- And lastly, I’d like for us to encourage and support one another in the pursuit of those goals, serve as resources for one another, and welcome others into the activity we enjoy.
Granted this all may be a little too much or too organized. Maybe the question is, “Is there enough interest?” I don’t know if there is enough interest or commitment. However, if there is and if this will happen, starting it in the ‘base miles’ stage of year will be easier than trying to start late spring. Maybe the other way to inquire is, Do you want to do something you never thought you’d be able to do like ride the Bridge to Bridge? If so, you need help, and that we can offer one another.
All that being said, I’ll be at the church at 7:30 am on Saturday morning, and we’ll head out for couple of laps. The first lap will be slower averaging under 16 mph and the second lap as fast as we can manage together. Let me know if you’d like to participate so that I can know whether or not to expect you.
Looking forward to it and remember, “Saki says, ‘Ride together.'”
with backward mutters of dissevering power 
love the photos connected with each sprinters handle. LOL
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