October, 2014

Greetings all.

Even though the first official day of fall was last Monday, we are fortunate to continue getting the summer-like weather for riding, though the amount of daylight is getting shorter and shorter. Never-the-less, I am still managing to get my riding in after work with the help of my head and tail lights. That and doing weekend rides like the North Shore Century in Evanston 2 weekends ago and the Apple Cider Century in Three Oaks, MI this past weekend, both a first for me. It’s fun to do some of these out of town bike tours since it is always exciting to experience new riding locations and take in scenery that is different than the Peoria area. It’s even better when you get to ride with some IVW members as I did with Mike Brown, Paul Heidfeld, George Parson and Jim & Sarah Emmons at the ACC. Both the NSC and ACC is worth the travel for those of you looking for a weekend getaway. I highly recommend you circle your calendar for next year.

Speaking of next year, it’s time to start thinking about who you want to nominate for next year’s executive officers (president, vice president, treasurer & secretary). You can also nominate yourself. I am also looking for nomination for the Most Improved Male & Female Rider award and the Hub of the Club award. The HOC historically has been awarded to a club member who went out of their way to represent the club and/or make sure some aspect of the club was extra special. Please include a paragraph explaining why you nominate that person. You can email all nominations to me (faimok@myway.com). We will have the election and voting of the awards at the End of the Year Dinner on November 8 at 6pm. There will be some nice prizes to be raffle off and a slide show. So send me any bike ride photos (w/caption where & when it took place) you had taken this year and email them to me (faimok@myway.com). This year’s venue for the EOYD will be at Gracie’s in Washington. It will be a buffet style. Please RSVP through Marsha Ray (marsha.myers.ray@gmail.com) so she can give an accurate head count to Gracie’s. Menu items are being finalize as we speak and will include vegetarian dishes. Cost will be between $15-$18(also being finalize). I will let you know when I get the list and the price.

Lastly, several months ago the board proposed to amend the club’s constitution regarding membership renewal/sign-up date for half year membership. The board feel the half year memberships should align with the riding season versus calendar year (Full season is from May to October, half season should be from August to October). This will help off-set the decrease in revenue due to drastic decline in memberships as well as the increase in operating cost of No Baloney Ride. Any members who are present at the special December meeting will get a vote along with the executive officers. A 2/3 yes vote is needed in order to ratify this amendment. Attached is the proposed amendment for you to review. You can read the entire IVW constitution by clicking on this link (http://ivwheelmn.org/wordpress/?page_id=50). As always, email me any ideas/suggestions you have to improve our club and ride safe.

Side Note – Watch out for Caterpillar
No, I am not talking about Big Yellow. I am talking about the fuzzy brown & black band Woolly Bear Caterpillar. I have crossed path with at least one everyday that I ride. Try not to bike over them as they are harmless and are weather predictors. Dr. C.H. Curran, curator of insect, did a scientific study back in the 50’s to see if there is any correlation between the average number of the reddish-brown segments and the type of winter for that particular year. You can read more about it through the link. (http://www.almanac.com/content/predicting-winter-weather-woolly-bear-caterpillars)

Interesting Articles –

http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/What-Does-Your-Bike-Say-About-You.htm?cmp=276&memberid=123628816&lyrisid=44237390

http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/5-Tips-to-Corner-Like-a-Pro.htm?cmp=276&memberid=123628816&lyrisid=44237390

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/5-Myths-About-the-Gluten-Free-Diet-Trend.htm?cmp=276&memberid=123628816&lyrisid=44237390

http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/12-Cycling-Tips-to-Become-an-Expert-Climber.htm?cmp=276&memberid=123628816&lyrisid=44211910

http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/10-Post-Workout-Salad-Recipes.htm?cmp=276&memberid=123628816&lyrisid=44211910

Kind Regards,

Fai Mok
Illinois Valley Wheelm’n President

This entry was posted in Note from our President. Bookmark the permalink.