Freewheel’n...February, 2000!


A new century has arrived and without any major issues! The weather was surprisingly mild in early January and my quest for 2,000 miles has already started. There are fewer than 1,975 miles remaining. Perhaps now is an excellent time to reflect on our performance over the past year.

The SJW suffered financially. Income was about $1,600 less than in 1998 with expenses increasing in excess of $800. This had the not so surprising result on the treasury, finishing the year with $403 less than we started. There are many reasons, but the weather cannot be the blame. We had the one of the best riding seasons in many years.

We also suffered with a lack of volunteers. Too few chose to lead tours and this resulted in many of our members riding alone, riding with other clubs or not riding at all. I challenge each member to commit to leading no fewer than 2 tours this year. This would result in 300 tours, or 43 tours a month! Image having the choice of over 10 tours every weekend...contact any officer if you need information regarding leading a ride. Additionally, don’t forget to participate!! There is nothing more discouraging than leading a tour and no one else is present!!!

RePete is sorry to discover that the club decided not to contribute to the cost of the Convention. In doing so, we break a tradition that may go back to the 1980’s. This is more difficult to understand since the club is currently poised to spend over $2,000 on designing and purchasing new jerseys! This wonderful event may follow the way of another that many members enjoyed, that being the Christmas party which was eliminated a few years ago.

We did have several good developments last year. The newsletter progressed to enable email transmission, SJW continued with bike advocacy issues, we continued to provide 3 premium tours to the cycling community, there was that club picnic, and we may be able to purchase a snazzy jersey to distinguish ourselves from other clubs.

These are my thoughts...let me have yours. By the way, you can now visit the new SJW web site by visiting RePete’s World. You can go to the Freewheel’n page and scroll to the bottom. Click on South Jersey Wheelmen.


Safe Cycling and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
RePete
www.geocities.com/repete_bike
Email: repete@worldlynx.net
1/15/00
:-)