Hi Everyone,

The first Slow ‘n Easy West ride of the 2018 cycling season is scheduled for Tuesday April 24^th at 6:00 PM.  The ride will leave from the west end parking lot of Reed Webster Park in Camillus located on Warners Rd (Rt 173).  Our ride starts promptly at 6:00 PM.  Please arrive early so that we can depart on time to take advantage of the available daylight.

This begins the 9^th year of this ride…having started with the first SnEW on Thursday April 29^th of 2010.  Time certainly passes quickly!  I wasn’t sure just when we started but thanks to Bill Goffe, our then president of the club who graciously searched his OCC files, he found the original email announcing the start of this ride.  Thanks Bill for the search, it was much appreciated.  Those early rides sometimes found Mike Lyon and myself out there riding alone when no one showed up for the ride.  The day of the week has changed to Tuesdays and we no longer ride alone.  Mike and I have been happy to see the many new riders who have come through this ride and look forward to those will join us this year.

This is an excerpt from the 2010 email:

Come and join this new OCC ride.

*      if you are new to riding or just starting again;

*      if you want to ride on roads with little or no traffic;

*      if you want a ride that is relatively flat;

*      if you want bring the kids along for a slow group ride; and

*      if you are an experienced rider who only wants to go slowly and look

around more.

These words still hold true.  While we have grown the offerings of the SnEW a bit, we try to offer a broad range of ride/route options to those who join us. In addition to the “slow” and the “easy” parts, we now have a “fast and hilly” option (not my cup of tea) as well as an “easy short option”.  We are always open to suggestions for new/different options.  The real key to enjoying the ride is to pick the ride that fits your riding style and ability.  I’ll still be leading the canal loop this year and highly recommend this ride as a good starting point for new or inexperienced riders…or those who just want a leisurely pace.  If this starts to feel too easy or boring you can move up from there.

 I hope the weather treats us better this year compared to last year.  The rain and cold kept many from coming out to ride…riding in the rain is not my idea of a great time on the bike. The forecast for the weather shows Tuesday the 24^th (long range Acu Weather) to be “…mostly sunny” with a temperature  high of 56^o.  a little cooler than I like but leg warmers will help.  This temperature seems to continue a pattern of temperatures in the mid to upper 50s.  Maybe we can look forward to nicer riding weather later this month…but remember this is Syracuse…no promises when it comes to weather!

If you have not renewed you membership as of yet, get yourself signed up.  It’s easy and can be done on our club website.  Here is the web address: https://onondagacyclingclub.org/about/join-now/. Guests/non-members are still encouraged to join with us on a ride and see if they like what we offer.  If they do enjoy the ride, then we invite them to join the club and become a member so that they can take advantage of all the other club rides and activities for the year.  Our insurance only allows us to have guests ride once during the season. 

Some of you have purchased new bikes this winter and some have one sitting in the garage or basement.  That’s all you need to get started.  Check out the one you have sitting around or take them to you favorite local bike shop to have them tuned up and checked out.  You’ll want them to be safe as well as operable.  Bike shops are getting busy as we get closer to nice weather.  Get them in now while they can fit you in.

It’s time to make a personal “resolution to ride” this year…you can do it.  You will make your doctor happy!...and hopefully yourself.  With the wide variety of rides we offer, anyone can do this.  Every time you ride you get stronger and better.  All you need to do is motivate yourself to bring your bike out to the park and come out with us.   You’ll find a great group of friendly people with similar interests and goals to ride with and a variety of ride levels that will fit your skills and ability.  Give us a try…you’ll be happy with what you find.

If you don’t have “bike clothes”, don’t let that keep you away.  Dress comfortably for the weather but, you are required to wear a DOT approved bike helmet for all club rides.  If you don’t have one, you can buy one at your favorite bike shop or sporting goods store.  They are not expensive when you think of what they can do.  No helmet…no ride...no exceptions.  Riding without a helmet can be very dangerous…and our insurance requires it.

 We expect to have 4 different rides for you to chose from this year. We may add others or change some around depending on your needs.  They include a super easy ride along the canal returning on a wide shoulder road (~9 miles), an easy all highway ride (~10-11 miles), a moderately paced highway ride (~14-19 miles) and a more challenging, faster paced ride with hills led by Tom Hotaling (~20 miles).  Tom’s routes are on the website.  Whether you are just starting or very experienced…we have a ride for you.  Come on out and join the fun!  The first three rides listed are all “no drop” rides. 

 So, join us Tuesday evening April 24^th for the first S’nE West ride of 2018. 

    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; when we have 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.   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. 

See you all Tuesday the 24^th.  If you have any questions come early and we’ll will be happy to answer them.

Ciao,

Tony

PS:  The OCC is once again supporting its “buy a bike…get a 2018 membership” promotion with all local bike shops.  If you buy a new bike be sure to ask the shop.  This offer only applies to bikes sold through recognized local bike shops.  Also, the offer is only for people who have not been a member of the club previously…not good for renewals.

If you enjoy these rides and would like a more active role in the ride, we could use additional volunteer ride leaders…especially Mike Lyon’s ride.  Talk to Mike or me at the ride.