December 2022 HBC President’s Letter
"Every mile is two in Winter" - George Herbert
Warmest Greetings to the HBC Community!
Here is a summary of recent club activity and plans for the future.
Annual Member Meeting
On November 20th we held our annual member meeting at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Plymouth. 51 members attended. We started the meeting with an abundant potluck dinner and social hour. We then conducted the business component of the meeting.
Highlights
· Stable membership level at about 250
· In-person rides, birthday bashes and smart cycling events returned in 2022
· We had well attended spring kick-off and Independence Day rides and picnics
· HBC runs on volunteers as seen through our members who support Free Bikes 4 KIDZ and the St. Paul Classic
· Our tradition of donating to bicycling organizations continues. This year we donated $1000.00 to Free Bikes 4 KIDZ
· Dues will increase on January 1, 2023
Election of Board Members
There were three open positions on the board of directors. Mary Buss and Gregor Matthews were elected to the two positions vacated by the retirement of Ellen Guerin and Hoang Pham. Alan Wichman, whose first term on the board completed, was re-elected.
Many thanks to Ellen and Hoang for their contributions to the board.
New Team Jersey
Three HBC board members formed a committee to research a new club jersey. Ellen Guerin spearheaded the effort. Mike Becker and Carmen Price were the other two committee members. Ellen has worked tirelessly with Borah Teamwear from Wisconsin to develop a design and color combination for the new jersey. Stay tuned for more information about the jersey.
Learn More
Lots more happened during the business meeting. Review the presentation in the members-only section of our website: Members > Club Minutes > Annual Meeting Minutes
Board of Directors
On December 12, the Board of Directors kicked off the new operating year by selecting club officers:
· Alan Wichman – President
· Mike Becker – Vice President
· Ron Jensen – Treasurer
· Carmen Price – Secretary
Rounding out the board are:
· Shelli Hesselroth
· Mary Buss
· Gregor Matthews
This is an excellent board with deep bicycling experience. Give your recommendations and feedback to any of the board members.
What is Happening in Early 2023?
The January Birthday Bash will be at the Edina D’Amico on 1/6/23.
Check the ride schedule for FAT/Mountain Bike rides. For those who don’t bike during the winter, check out the Winter Walkers. This is an informal group not sponsored by HBC yet includes many HBC members. The Winter Walkers have enjoyed walking outside, walking in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and in the Mall of America and even bowling. If you are not on the Winter Walkers distribution list, email Haggith Nadav at nadavbiking@gmail.com
Smart Cycling and the February Birthday Bash will be held together. The new team jersey sample will be on display.
· Topic: “Let’s Ride Together – Bike Trips & Tours II”
· Location: Davanni's in Golden Valley
· Friday, February 3, 6:00 -9:00 pm
As 2022 draws to a close, I wish you Happy New Year. I am grateful to all the volunteers who help HBC move forward.
Be safe, be well and all the best,
Alan Wichman, HBC President
