2026 and thanks

[Luke Heller]

Looking Ahead

By now, many of you have likely started to make plans for your cycling aspirations in 2026. If you're late to the party, don't fret. There's plenty of time.

Whether you're looking to complete your first LRM Grand Brevet or complete your first 100km populaire, we can point you in the right direction. 

The AIR calendar for 2026 is as follows:

As always, I welcome any additions you may request to the calendar. 

Typically, 7 days in advance is all we need to add an event to the calendar (with an existing route).

If you have new route ideas you'd like to propose, the Routes Committee requires 5 weeks to process and approve the route.

The season opener is just a little more than a week away. It's a new route with familiar roads.

Flèche

It has been many years since we last hosted a flèche event.

These events are truly special. They have a tendency to bring out the worst weather while simultaneously bringing out the best in you and your rando pals. For historical value, I suggest this light read.

Start forming your teams and routes now.

1000km

If you intend to ride PBP in 2027, our 1000km or any ACP sanctioned 1000/1200km in 2026 will give you the opportunity to preregister for your PBP start time before others. Trust me, this is worth it in order to put those thousands of headlights behind you rather than in front of you.

Start saving for PBP now, it will be here before you know it!

Looking Back

I have quite a bit of gratitude for the year in review.

Our roads were uncertain due to Helene; we found some fantastic new roads.

Our membership is strong. Sure, we could grow. And maybe we will, one day.

But our members know each other and care for each other.

It's that kind of camaraderie that gives the new member the willingness to try something outrageous and know that, at a minimum, they've got a friend on the ride. That's how we push our boundaries, together. That's how I learned to look beyond my fear of the distance and trust the support of a friend. That is how we go the distance. So, thank each and every one of you for being a part of my 2025 cycling journeys. I'm grateful to have you on the ride.

Lastly, I received a very generous gift from the club and want to thank you all.

I'm bad for treating myself. So, this is particularly kind because it will push me to do something that I wouldn't normally do on my own (go out to lunch).

Here's to another amazing year of bikes,

Luke