And do consider volunteering to lead a ride or two. For those new to the idea: After you get comfortable with going on some club rides, find a route you like, check it out by bike or car on your own if you need to, and then volunteer to lead it sometime. A great place to start on that would be the OWLS or FOWLS.
Let's also give a shout-out to the Sunday afternoon Nice 'n' Easy Rides and to Slow Spokes. It's these rides that have the potential to attract people who haven't been much involved with cycling before. In particular I hope some interested folks step up again with Slow Spokes options. The club is at its best when we have opportunities for all interest levels. But it often requires one or two people to accept the challenge of taking a turn providing some leadership.
The Ride Planning Meeting will be held at my house on Friday Feb 10th at 7pm. I live at 4500 Blackstone Ct., in Parkridge East. Take 3rd St. east toward Nashville. At the top of the rise before you get to 446, take a left onto Parkridge Rd. Follow Parkridge Rd. past Morningside, the tennis courts and Cambridge, to Blackstone Ct. on the right. I'm down near the the end of the deadend street, on the right.There are a number of things to be discussed at the meeting, but the main purpose is to set the Saturday touring ride calendar for the season, and to assign leaders for these rides as much as possible. We will discuss the rides for OWLS, FOWLS and the women's specific training rides, as well as the traditional training ride. We will get to talk about the new UnRides that will be on the calendar, and many other things!Please join us for this annual event. There will be refreshments (beer) and snacks, and good company!Mike Finger