Hello Flatlanders,
I hope you're having a great 2026 riding season!
Over the past year or so, our organization has been in somewhat of a holding pattern. Like many volunteer organizations, we've faced challenges that have slowed our momentum. However, I'm excited to share that your leadership team has been working behind the scenes to chart a new course for our club.
Over the coming weeks and months, you'll begin seeing some positive changes. We're taking a fresh look at how we operate, how we communicate, and, most importantly, how we can better serve our members. Our goal is to build an organization that is welcoming, active, sustainable, and centered around what brought us all together in the first place—a love of cycling.
Some of the areas we're working on include:
- Refreshing our organizational structure and leadership processes.
- Improving communication with members.
- Reviewing rides and events to make sure that they appeal to riders of all abilities.
- Recruiting and engaging new members.
- Creating opportunities for members to get involved and help shape the future of the organization.
- Promoting safe riding practices through ride guidelines, education, and a culture that looks out for one another on every ride.
- Creating volunteer and philanthropic opportunities that enrich lives and promote cycling.
I also want to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank our current ride leaders. Every ride that rolls out happens because someone is willing to volunteer their time, plan a route, set a pace, and take responsibility for leading the group safely. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve make our club possible, and we truly appreciate everything you do. Whether you've led one ride or dozens, thank you for helping create enjoyable and memorable experiences for your fellow cyclists.
One of the best ways to grow our club is through you. If you have a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member who enjoys cycling—or has been thinking about getting back into it—we encourage you to invite them to join you on a ride. A friendly invitation is often all it takes to introduce someone to the camaraderie and enjoyment our club has to offer. New faces bring new energy, new friendships, and help ensure our organization remains strong for years to come.
We're also excited to continue supporting our community by volunteering at this year's Ohio Ironman 70.3 event in Sandusky. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back, showcase the spirit of our club, and support athletes as they take on an incredible challenge. Whether you've volunteered before or would like to help for the first time, we encourage you to sign up under the Flatlanders Bicycle Club. It's always a fun day, and it's a great way for our club to make a positive impact while increasing our visibility in the cycling community.
We're also looking forward to participating in Coast to the Oast this year. No matter which route you choose to ride, there is a distance for all experience levels and we encourage you to take part. Events like Coast to the Oast are a great opportunity to challenge yourself, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists, and represent our club throughout the region. It's another chance to build friendships, welcome new riders, and demonstrate the positive spirit of our organization. We hope to see a strong club turnout this year!
Change won't happen overnight, but we're committed to making steady progress. As we move forward, we'll keep you informed and look for opportunities to hear your ideas and feedback. After all, this is your organization, and its success depends on all of us.
Thank you for your patience, your continued support, and your passion for cycling. We look forward to riding with you and building an even stronger club together.
See you on the road and the trails!
Andy Gundlach
On behalf of your Leadership Team
