MEC News -- November 2007

• From the Pres: It's been a great first year for MEC. A whole lot of work went into the creation and sustainment of the club, activities, and administration. We owe a debt of thanks to all who participated in the start-up--leadership and sponsors--and those who came along on the rides. It's been lots of fun for me and I'm sure I echo the same sentiment for others. We still have a ways to go to become the "well-oiled machine" envisioned, so we need everyone's help to make next year even better. For example, we need ride leaders and route builders, folks who are willing to help out in getting MEC known around the community, and participation as a club in established events. I am also starting later this month a program that will allow others to improve their cycling ability. So, keep watching the web site for more information on opportunities to help the club and yourself! Thanks. Bob Norman

• End of Year Celebration: The end of year party was held at Schiappa's Restaurant on Saturday, November 3. The event was well attended with over 40 people participating. We had a great time socializing, watching some photos of MEC events and participation over this past season, and enjoying some good food and drink. Below are some of the items that were discussed during the "formal" meeting.

• Developing Endurance and Distance in Cycling (DED-C) -- this program is a compilation of training on and off the bike, nutrition, hydration, and riding to help anyone who wants to ride farther, longer, or better than what they're able to do now. Targeting mostly novice cyclists, all others are welcome to participate. So, if you'd like to be able to finish a century or just ride further than you can today, come on out and learn from current conventional wisdom and the experience of a long-distance cyclist's perspective. Announcements are forthcoming on the FORUM and this website.
• HELP! We need assistance from other members to make our activities a reality. This includes mapping routes to ride, leading ride groups (A, B, or C), organizing formal events (Unicorn Ride, club meetings), and helping out as part of the club's leadership team. For a few individuals, this can be a burdensome effort. If many are involved, the load becomes easier. Please take time to consider helping when and where you're able to. For more information, contact Bob Norman, Wip, or Steve.
• We also have several opportunities to join fund raising efforts, like the Tour de Cure (American Diabetes Association) in June and the MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis Society) in September. Bob Norman is raising an MEC team for the TdC and David Kniepkamp has signed the club up for the MS 150. Please see them for further information, or check out the web sites at diabetes.org/tour and bikemos.nationalmssociety.org.
• There are other community activities that we can involve ourselves with to make our name known in the area. Efforts such as helping the YMCA, volunteering to pick up trash on the side of the road, rails-to-trails, and others, are great ways of getting our face in front of the public. Also, becoming active in the development of bike trails and increasing bicycling safety awareness in the community. If you have any ideas like these, please bring them to the attention of the club leadership.
• The MEC 2nd Annual Unicorn Ride will probably take place in April 2008. The name was earned by our own Brady Jordan and his unicorn helmet. If you'd like to help out with organization of the ride, please contact one of the club leaders.
• Monday and Wednesday evening rides are discontinued until we get more daylight. Saturday morning rides will still go as announced. Inclement weather may force us into the O'Fallon Y for Spin class, but we'll try to get out even if the temperature is low. Usual start time is 8 AM, but could change depending on the temperature, so watch for the e-mails and check the web site frequently.

• Thanks, again, to everyone for a very successful start! Let's keep it going next year. Hope to see you out on the road or at the Y this winter! Bob Norman