I would like to invite one and all for the upcoming Polar Bear Ride, January 1st. The ride will roll as close to 10:00 am as possible after I speak to the group about the route/conditions, etcetera. The ride is starting from Cycles de Oro, and the doors will open at 9 am for those who need to use the facilities to get ready. This is not a sanctioned event and is not sponsored by anyone, I am just trying to have something for the community this year. Dale has been gracious in allowing the store to be the start and finish of the ride. There will be no registration or fee for the ride, but I do ask for two food items for the local food bank, seeing that has always been a part of the ride. I am asking for a sign in sheet so as riders complete, they can cross off their name as a returned rider. I also have several people who have volunteered to provide a sag vehicle for the rare mechanical that cannot be fixed on the course. There are several people who are bringing food items to share with the other riders and I encourage anyone who may want to share with others to do the same (we will have a table set up for pre-ride snacks). We will also have a heated water tank for instant beverages.
I believe we can conduct this ride in the same manner that Michael Amend has organized the Labor Day rides with different ride groups based on distance and speed. If any riders are willing to volunteer to lead a group based on speed and distance, I would love to have your name so we can coordinate better for the day of the ride. Anyone else who would like to volunteer for the ride may also contact me with what they would be able to do in helping out.
Currently, the weather is looking better than just several days ago. A high of 49 degrees (it was showing 43 on the 24th), with a 1% chance of rain. Helmets are required and I strongly suggest the use of flashing red lights visible from 300 feet or more.
I hope to see all of you this year, on rides preferably. Let's start off the year with a great event!
Sincerely, Woodie Anderson-Manager Cycles de Oro