Hi Everyone,

The next Slow ‘n Easy West ride scheduled for this Tuesday, June 20^th will leave from the west end parking lot of Reed Webster Park in Camillus, located on Warners Rd (Rt 173), promptly at 6:00 PM.  Please arrive early so that you can sign in and be ready to depart on time.

The forecast for Tuesday calls for “…Variable clouds with a brief shower or two…”  with temperature in the mid 70s.  If the showers come early in the day we should be OK.  We’ll have to see how it plays out.  Watch for an announcement on email if the weather looks bad.

It’s hard to imagine that we are already more than half way through the month of June.  With the crazy weather we have had this spring, the days seem to roll by and we just don’t seem to be getting any closer to the real summer we all enjoy.  Hopefully that will all improve J.  Based on an article I read about the weather in today’s newspaper, the next three months will have higher than normal temperatures.  I just hope we won’t have higher than normal rain. 

Keeping that thought in mind, all those of you who have wanted to come out to the ride just need to get the bike out of the garage or basement, get it ready and then motivate yourself to come out to Reed Webster Park around 5:30 PM this coming Tuesday.  Do it for yourself…you’ll have fun!  Do it before the season is over and we start looking for the first snow…ugh!

We are looking for all classes of riders for these rides starting with total novices as well as those who have been around the block many, many times.  We have something for everyone with our multiple rides and routes.  The  OCC Slow ‘n Easy (East or West) rides also looks for people who have not ridden since their childhood days and want to revisit the sport in a safe, non-intimidating manner with people who are always willing to help in sharing the fun.  Last week, I did not have anyone who wanted to do the canal loop so I rode as sweep on the 10 mile road loop.  What happened to all those who liked to do the canal???  Mike and I welcome new or returning riders and look forward to their questions and interest in getting into the sport.  Should I start bringing my road bike?

This ride is open to all members of the club as well as guests who have an interest in the sport. (Remember, if you have not yet renewed your membership from 2016…you are not a member and must sign in as a guest.)  Guests are encouraged to join us on a ride and see if they like what we offer.  If they do enjoy the ride, then we invite them to become a member so that they can take advantage of all the other club rides and activities during the year.  Our insurance only allows us to have guests ride once during the season.  Membership applications are available at rides or on line at https://onondagacyclingclub.org/shop/.

All riders are required to wear a DOT approved bike helmet for these rides.  If you don’t have one, you can buy one at your favorite bike shop or sporting goods store.  No helmet…no ride...no exceptions…and our insurance requires it.  Riding without a helmet can be very dangerous.

So, join us this Tuesday evening for the next S’nE West ride.

     Where:  Reed Webster Park, Camillus, NY located on Warners Rd (Rt 173) (parking lot on west end near tennis courts)

                                    When:    Ride(s) leaves at 6:00 PM sharp;  sign-in starts at ~5:30 PM

                                    Bring:     Your bike, an approved helmet, water bottle and a strong desire to ride; with the warmer weather, you’ll want to stay hydrated

                                    Dress:    Whatever you are comfortable wearing on a bike… the weather will help dictate this

Mike Lyon and I will be there to answer your questions and lead the rides along with our volunteer ride leaders.  We welcome treats for after the ride to share.  Stick around after the ride and we’ll be happy to listen to your comments and suggestions as well as answer any questions you may have.

Tom Hotaling plans to do option #2 this week a 20 mile loop with 664’ of elevation changes.  He has maps for the challenge rides on the club web site.  Go to the site and click on “Tuesday Slow ‘n Easy Rides” and scroll to the bottom of the page.  You will see all the routes for the challenge rides listed. 

See you all Tuesday evening.  If you have any questions come early and we’ll will be happy to answer them. 

Ciao,

Tony

PS:  Many of our riders have voiced their thoughts about the parking lot at Reed Webster Park…especially after a rain or a very dry spell.  One of our riders, Chris Keller contacted Eric Bacon, Parks and Rec Director for the town about the condition. He noted to me in an email that the director“…was very aware of the problem (his children play little league at the park) and he shares our views that it’s long overdue. He told me it’s a funding issue (no surprise) but he would raise it again with the town leaders.  If several of our members would voice their concerns to Eric, perhaps the town leaders might find a way to address this sooner…”  Chris has opened the door and our riders need to follow up.  Chris suggested the following:  OCC riders who use the park should contact Mr. Bacon by whatever method suits you and make him aware of our interest and support of parking lot improvements.

If you want to help make this change, please contact the Director of Camillus Parks and Recreation - Eric Bacon​, and ask him to work with town leaders, and pave the West parking lot of Reed Webster Park.  You can contact Eric at 315-487-3600 anytime 8:30am - 4:30pm M-F. You can also contact him via email at info@PROTECTED, (but a phone call is usually more effective.) When you contact him, we suggest you first tell him how much we all enjoy using the park, and the new shelters and playgrounds are great for families. It would however, be so much more convenient if the lot were paved.

A special thanks to Chris for reaching out to help on this problemJ