2011 Monday Cyclists,
The “steering committee” met on Feb 7 to lay out the 2011 ride schedule and discuss other issues. The following people contributed:
Bill Crowe - Dave Gaudino - Jan Kaufman - Art Kriesen
Carol May - Gary Mitchell - Jim Parker - Jim Patton
Also, prior to the meeting I received lots of input from the entire group about rides they like, rides they don’t like and suggestions for new rides. We tried to consider all suggestions.
RIDE SCHEDULE
I am attaching a copy of the 2011 ride schedule in a PFD file as it stands now. HOWEVER, the “updated and official” schedule with maps (except of the RBC maps) can also be found on the cycling web site (www.cyclerochester.com) and should be checked regularly throughout the season for changes. I will not be sending out any revised ride schedules with changes.
You will notice the following changes in the ride schedule from last year:
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11 new and exciting rides from last year’s schedule (at least that’s what they tell me)
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10 AM start times at the beginning and end of the season to take advantage of the warmer conditions.
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The addition of a 4 week “preseason” riding schedule in April as the weather permits. The “regular” season starting in May still begins with some shorter rides for those who do not ride in the “preseason”.
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The addition of lunch at Jan Kaufman’s farm on Sept. 12 as well as inclusion of all the “hosted lunches” that we enjoyed last year. (Thank you “hosts”)
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The addition of ride leaders for each ride. (whose duties are explained below)
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A suggested lunch place (ride leaders may change this at their discretion)
RIDE LEADERS
The responsibilities of the ride leader are as follows:
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Make sure the meeting spot is available and can accommodate us. Make sure the website schedule has clear and accurate information.
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Make sure the route is rideable, although I stop short of asking the leaders to ride the route (car or bike) beforehand if it is far from their house.
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Have a suggested lunch spot picked out with their telephone number.
The ride leader is NOT responsible for:
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Leading during the ride (since we all ride at our own pace).
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Providing maps.
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Making weather calls or showing up in bad weather. Everyone decides for themselves if they want to ride.
Note that every steering committee member volunteered to lead at least one ride. In addition, the committee “volunteered” several individuals of exceptional ability to lead the remainder of the rides. If you really don’t want to do it, let me know (but expect to be harassed). If you can’t lead on the date that you’re assigned, switch with someone else and then let Jim Patton know so he can change the website. If you didn’t get “volunteered” this year, just wait until next year.
WEATHER CALLS
As previously stated, every rider is responsible for deciding if they will ride. Each person has their own tolerance to “iffy” weather. We thought that the email chatter that went on in “iffy” situations was very helpful to people making their own decisions.
DISTRIBUTION LIST
The “official” distribution list was reviewed and people who haven’t ridden with us in a year or two were marked for removal. They have been sent an email saying they are being removed unless they get back to me indicating that they wish to remain on (and several have). The email listing sent with this letter is the “official” list. You can use it to communicate with the group.
NEW MEMBERS
The group discussed how we take on new members. The obvious concerns are that we get too big for our ride meeting spots and for our lunch spots. Size is not a significant issue while we are riding because we are spread out. Everyone agreed that we enjoy meeting and riding with new people. So our policy is this:
“Anyone is free to ride with us on an “informal” basis for awhile (3 or 4 rides). After that, if they are interested in getting on the distribution list, talk to one of the “committee” members. We will try to look at what our sizes have been on the previous rides and decide whether we can accommodate another rider.”
OVERNIGHT TRIP
We, very briefly, discussed the possibility of an overnite trip as we had several years ago. Everyone thought it was a great idea, but I think this starts with a location and someone willing to “own” it. We are currently waiting for that person to step forward.
Thank you to the “committee” members and everyone who contributed with emails. A special thanks to Jim Patton who continues to put in his time even though he is no longer riding.
Dave Gaudino
February 12, 2011