Another season bites the dust

For yet another year many of our rides were canceled due to rain, but we enjoyed the ones that did take place.  Most ride planners did a good job of regrouping periodically, lest any riders feel left behind.  We had a big turnout for Sandy’s ride, and the season finale last night.  We were especially glad to see Kirsten Jeppesen back in the saddle.  Thanks once again to Jim and Diny Sweitzer for the barbecue, all of our ride planners, our members that renewed, and to Kathy Lapan for serving as our treasurer.  
          After dinner last night we talked about plans for next year.  I encouraged everyone to attend our organizational meeting at the Marina in March, at which the club will provide goodies.  There was talk of "show and go" mountain bike rides leaving from Brattleboro on Thursday nights, and binging younger riders into our group.           

Our schedule has wrapped up for this season, however informal show and go Tuesday night rides will continue through the fall, starting next Tuesday, September 2^nd.  This year we will leave from the Retreat Meadows on Route 30 at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.  Once again, as the days get shorter, we will leave a bit earlier. We hope that you will be able to join us.
          Joe Cook

Is Spring Finally Here?

            Although we had a light turnout for our planning meeting, we are nevertheless pleased to post our new schedule.  We want to thank everyone who agreed to organize a ride this year. 

            Tuesday Night Rides this year will again leave promptly at 5:30 p.m., so please plan to arrive a few minutes early in order to receive a map and be greeted by your ride leader.  Please try to bring a friend and introduce them to the other riders.

            Cyclists can again choose to ride with me in the “B” group, which chats along the way at a relaxed 12 to 14 miles an hour, or in the “A” group (the "hammerheads") in a pace line, which averages about 18 miles an hour.  This year we will try to regroup periodically along or rides, so that none of us get dropped.  If it is pouring rain, the ride will be cancelled.  If the weather is questionable, the ride planner will post on our Facebook page and call the West Hill Shop to let them know whether their ride will be taking place.

            Please remember to "ride right" in single file on the right hand side of the road, to the right of the white line, and remind others who forget to do so.  It helps to dress in bright colors and use reflectors to increase the chance that you will be seen by motorists, especially at dusk.

           Please renew your membership or join by sending your dues to Kathy Lapan at 78 Winter Street, Brattleboro, VT   05301.  Your dues enable us to promote cycling, especially with new and young riders.  Dues this year will continue to be $10 for individuals and $20 for families. Putney Bicycle Club members receive a 10% discount on cycling tops and bottoms, tires and tubes at the West Hill Shop.  A portion of your dues helps to pay for a barbeque dinner following our last ride this summer at the West Hill Shop on August 26^th. 

            Our Facebook page continues to be popular, and we now have 184 members.  It may be found at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/PutneyBicycleClub/  Plans are coming together for a three day ride from Provincetown to Plymouth at the end of July.  Details will be posted on our Facebook page.  If you would like to invite others to join you on a ride, publicize an event, or post cycling pictures for others to enjoy, please use our Facebook page. 

            We welcome your questions and suggestions, and look forward to seeing you on our rides.  Ride safely!

President: Joe Cook (802) 257-0609 jfcook3@gmail.com

Treasurer: Kathy Lapan (802) 254-6547 kathylapan@comcast.net

Secretary & Webmaster Bob Immler (802) 221-4040 roamic@gmail.com

— Joe Cook

2014 Planning Meeting

Greetings,
    With daylight savings time and it finally getting warmer, cycling is not far away.  Since it worked out so well last year, I told the Marina to expect us on March 18th at 6 p.m. to put together our schedule for this season.     
     We need planners for almost all of the Tuesday night rides this season, and our first ride is in two weeks.  I hope that you will be able to join us at the Marina.  If you are unable to do so, please e-mail me a brief description of the ride you are willing to coordinate.  My e-mail address is jfcook3@gmail.com.
    I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday, and on the road.  Please let me know if you have any questions in the interim.
    Thanks,
    Joe Cook