Let's do it!

Greetings,
            At the end of last season I said that the planning meeting for our 2020 schedule would take place at the Marina tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24^th.  With everything that has transpired over the past month, that is obviously not going to happen.
            Last week I had a conference call with Kathy Lapan, Diny and Jim Sweitzer about the Putney Bicycle Club and plans for our Tuesday Night Rides this year.  We agreed that with everyone cooped up, needing exercise and Spring now here, our rides should take place with necessary precautions.  In order to minimize risks, we agreed to not start having organized dinners following our rides until June.  At Diny’s suggestion I offered to speak with several local doctors concerning our rides, and have done so.
            The consensus among the doctors is that this pandemic is likely to get worse before it gets better.  There is much that we do not know, and the situation will probably change.  The possibility exists that our rides may be cancelled for us, in which case that will be posted on our website and Facebook page, and the Windham Wheelmen e-mail group.  Although most of us are older, and therefore at greater risk, riding together does not present any undue risks of contagion, provided that we diligently practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from other riders.  Diny sent me a link to this helpful article from Bicycling magazine: https://www.bicycling.com/health-nutrition/a31488775/spit-snot-etiquette-for-cyclists-coronavirus/
            The Putney Bicycle Club needs your help now more than ever.  We have two weeks to put together our schedule before our first ride on April 7^th.  If everyone agrees to plan one ride, we can complete our schedule before that date.  I have attached a draft of our new schedule. 
            Please call me at 257-0609 or e-mail me at jfcook3@gmail.com a brief description of a ride that you are willing to coordinate, and a date.  We ask those members that are unable to host potluck dinners to plan rides during the months of April and May.  I will send a draft of our schedule to all of the trip planners before we post it on our website and Facebook page. 
            There are costs involved with running the Putney Bicycle Club, and $38.26 in our checking account.  Kathy and I advanced small amounts to cover those costs during the last few months, for which we have yet to be reimbursed.  I am pleased to report that by allocating some club expenses to other events, dues this year will continue to be $10 for individuals and $20 for families.  Please renew your membership by sending your dues to Kathy Lapan at 78 Winter Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.  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 the barbecue dinner that will follow our next to last ride at the West Hill Shop on August 25^th.              
             As difficult as this has been, I am grateful for the resources available and connections afforded by the digital age.  I look forward to seeing many of you on our Tuesday Night Rides, and on the road.  Please let me know if you have any questions in the interim.
            Thanks,
            Joe