Hi Everyone,

The first Slow ‘n Easy West ride for the 2017 cycling season is scheduled for Tuesday April 25^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.

The forecast for the weather shows Tuesday being “Mostly cloudy with a little rain”.  The high temperature will be ~60^o …somewhat cooler than Monday. It’s not clear when the showers are expected…hopefully in the AM.  While this may be a bit cooler than we like, it sure beats the year that it was 47^o for the first ride of the year. 

Tuesday evening will be like “New Years” for the SnE ride…it’s our first of the year.  It’s time to make a “resolution to ride” this year…you can do it.  With the wide variety of rides we offer, anyone can do this.  All you need to do is motivate yourself to bring your bike out to the park and come out with us.  In order to ride, you need to get the bike out of the garage or basement and pump up the tires and check things out.  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.

The ride is open to all members of the club as well as non-member guests who have an interest in the sport.  Guests are 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.  Membership applications are available at rides or on line at the club web site.  Anyone who has yet to join for 2017 can do so on our website: https://onondagacyclingclub.org/product-category/membership/.

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.  No helmet…no ride...no exceptions.  Riding without a helmet can be very dangerous…and our insurance requires it.

I expect we will have 4 different rides for you to chose from this week. They include a super easy ride along the canal returning on a wide shoulder road (~10 miles), an easy all highway ride (~10-11 miles), a moderately paced highway ride (~12-14 miles) and a more challenging, faster paced ride with hills led by Tom Hotaling (~20 miles) Option 2.  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 25^th for the first S’nE West ride of 2017.

    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.  While we have had treats after the rides for a number of years, my wife will not be able to bake this year.  I encourage others to step up and fill this void.  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.  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 2017 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.