September 2023 HBC President’s Letter
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” – John F Kennedy
Autumn greetings to the HBC Community! Let’s review recent club activity and plans for the near future.
Members have ridden over 60,000 HBC miles so far this season. The mileage total continues to increase as the beautiful days of September bring out HBC riders despite recent rainy days.
TDA
Tour D’Amico, also known as TDA, was a summertime highlight of HBC’s 2000-2019 riding seasons. Since the advent of COVID-19, this event has been paused. As autumn advances, I will continue to provide updates about this community biking event.
Marketing
Do you have a knack for promoting an organization or cause? If so, step forward and serve on HBC’s marketing team. Your task will be to spread the word about HBC and recruit new members. New marketing ideas are welcome and experience is not necessary. Training is provided and the benefits of helping your club will more than repay you for your effort. Contact me or any other board member for additional info.
Some Key Points of Group Riding Etiquette and Safety
Practice courtesy, communication, and common sense. Practice kindness and empathy. Know your limits and stay in control at all times to help the group ride safely.
Yield to walkers and slower bicyclists. Voice, ‘On your left’, ‘Car Back’, and other spoken warnings to help the group ride safely.
Situational awareness: know that there may be bikes and other vehicles in front of you, behind you and to your right and left. A helmet or handlebar mirror may enhance your awareness of your situation and help the group ride safely.
Annual Membership Meeting and Call for Nominations
The Hiawatha Bicycle Club is a non-profit corporation with a fiscal year ending October 31st. An annual meeting of members is required by club’s By-Laws and will be conducted in November. Stay tuned for details.
During the annual meeting, the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs will provide updates. The membership will also elect new members to the Board. From the Board our club officers: The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are selected.
Some people have let the Board know that they will run for election. We need more candidates and I ask you, dear reader, to step forward. Running for the board is easy and serving is not onerous. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact Mike Becker who is spearheading the nominations team.
As we look forward to crisp Autumn days and nights, be well and be safe,
Alan Wichman, HBC President
