Wow.. What a month. This has easily been the busiest I've been with the club in my two years of being a member. June finally saw some breaks in the weather to allow us some longer rides on our Saturday mornings, and we did our best to take advantage of it.
June was also the month that the Portland LIVESTRONG Challenge occurred. A huge thank you goes out to the teams of riders that participated as riding course marshals and WINGMAN for this years event. The National Marshal Coordinator for the Challenge series paid Portland Velo a huge compliment the morning of the event stating that we have set the bar for clubs participations in these events, and looks forward to working with us next year.
If you didn't get the opportunity to assist with this event, but would like to help out in future events, fear not! In 2008, Portland Velo will also be assisting the Portland Bridge Pedal, and the Harvest Century.
As for upcoming PV sponsored events, July 26th is the date for the 3rd Annual Portland Velo Club Century. This is a great event which will be featuring a brand new course this year. Volunteers are going to be needed for all portions of this event. More details should be available later this week.
Also planned for an upcoming Saturday in July is a "Group Riding 101" class to be taught by Mike Mulligan and myself. This class will allow riders to learn how to ride safely in a pack, which is one of the most useful skills to have on both club rides, and larger event type rides.
On a more serious note, a reminder on Saturday ride groups. Please visit http://portlandvelo.net/forums/t/10408.aspx if you haven't already and see some of the comments ride leaders and riders alike are making about the behavior of some of the club members.
It is essential for riders to maintain the designated speed and intensity of the group rides. If you consistently find yourself off the front of your Tempo ride group, its high time you admit that you are stronger than you lead on, and move into one of the faster Tempo groups or a Competitive group. You'll have a more enjoyable time, and those you are constantly turning the screws on in the slower group will be able to enjoy the ride they set out to do. If you are a person who likes punishing others, come ride with Hammer & Nails. You'll be with kindred spirits.
Ride leaders will be informed to first ask you ride the pace of the group, then ask you to leave if you continue. We are a finite resource and can't be everywhere at once. Club members however, make up the majority of every ride group and are expected to follow the guidelines found at http://portlandvelo.net/blogs/bizops/archive/2008/04/09/saturday-ride-organization.aspx. Please be a responsible club member and remember It's All About The Ride.
-matt