Wow, already a club ride cancellation and “winter” just got here, what are we in store for this winter?????
I certainly appreciate everyone’s understanding of why we had to cancel our Saturday Signature ride last Saturday. It’s the last thing we ever want to do, but our first priority is always the safety of our members and with the forecast being freezing rain/sleet and snow, conditions were not good for a safe club ride. It was my first “trainer” ride of the season and I wish I could say it’ll be my last but I know I’d be lying! By the way, if you have any cycling DVDs you want to trade let me know. I have a bunch and don’t relish the thoughts of viewing the same ones over and over again this winter. If you do any indoor trainer/roller rides you know how much easier it is mentally to watch other cyclists suffering on DVDs while you’re gasping for air in your own pain cave.
As we get deeper into the winter season, please keep an eye on the Portland Velo website, as that’s where we’ll post “weather” notices for upcoming rides. We will always try to make the decision and have the announcement posted online by noon Friday.
Ok, now for this issue’s “items of note”:
- Get to Team Sales Cycling ASAP and try on the fit sample for our new 2010 kit. The order forms are in your email boxes. Right now the order deadline is December 19th. If need be, we can extend that date a bit but remember, every time we extend the cut-off, the farther out that pushes our order arrival date. If we order by December 19th our delivery date will be mid to late February.
If you have any questions/concerns about the kit/order process please contact me directly- krhea@portlandvelo.net
- Invite from Lakeside Bicycles: We are adding the Lakeside Bicycles Sunday “shop” ride to our list of weekly club rides. Gordon has extended an
invitation to any and all Portland Velo club members to join his Sunday ride. Many of us have ridden this ride in the past and a number of our members are “regulars” at this ride. Details are simple: The ride leaves Lakeside Bicycles in Lake Oswego around 9am (never before 9 but most times after 9) and returns before noon. Ride distance can be anywhere from 25-40 miles and there are usually three different groups: Fast group, moderate group and a leisure group. The route is determined at roll out based on who is in attendance and what the group’s capabilities are. Gordon stated the most important rule of this ride is no one gets lost or left behind! If you’re looking for a fun Sunday ride, would like to explore an area you’ve never ridden or if you happen to miss the Saturday ride this is a great weekend option.
- Longbottoms request: Please remove or cover your cleats prior to entering the café. They do not want their floor’s beautiful tile art work that was employee designed and painted to be destroyed any further by our cleats.
- Portland Velo events positions are filled: With a gigantic sigh of relief after what seemed like a never-ending search, I’m very happy to announce our “events” position has been filled and not just by one person but by two members, Cindy McCasker and Dean (aka “Deano”) Lee. Cindy and Dean will share our 2010 event duties with Cindy heading the following events: Club Winter Party, Club family picnic and a club swap meet while Deano will hold the reins of our 2010 Club Century. Again, without members like Cindy and Deano volunteering, our club cannot reach its full potential. A sincere thanks to you both and know that we’ll all support you in every way we can.
- Showers Pass: It is my pleasure to announce another amazing sponsor for our upcoming 2010 cycling season, Showers Pass. As the undisputed
leader/innovator in technical foul weather cycling gear, Showers Pass is the perfect fit for Portland Velo and its members. Ed Dalton, co-owner of Showers Pass, made it a point to say that their company sponsors very few clubs, teams and organizations, as they are very picky about those they do support. He was very aware of who we were as a club, our reputation in the local cycling community, and the fact we’re “all about the ride” and felt our club was a perfect match for his company. He and I are currently working out the final sponsorship points and as soon as they are set, I’ll announce all details. - New Years Day ride: Get ready folks! If it’s anything like last year, make sure your foul weather gear (Showers Pass) is ready as well for our “First Ride” on Jan 1. It’s a Portland tradition that has become, in the last few years, a Portland Velo tradition as well. Last year we assembled 40 or 50 riders in Madison’s parking lot and rolled out into the eye of a “monsoon” for a ride around Portland. Even though it rained sideways the entire ride, everyone had a great time, rode together and finished together for a hot breakfast at Madison’s. Mark your calendars for Jan 1st and stay tuned for ride details in the next couple weeks.
That’s it from me this time around. Get ready for a very exciting 2010 season folks -bringing new members, new volunteers, new sponsors, new club events and a new club kit (Get your order in ASAP!). Here’s wishing you, your families and loved ones a safe and happy holiday season. One more thing, if you have the ability and means, please find the time to donate a dollar, five dollars or what you can to the Community Cycling Center for their holiday kids bike/helmet drive. Giving something back to the Portland cycling community especially as it pertains to kids is a good thing.
“On your left”…
Peace
KRhea
