The Blazing Biking Brennan's !
             Hi all, how many of you know how well Andrea and Andrew 
Brennan are doing on their tandem these days?  The Brennans won the 
tandem division at the NJ State Time Trial championships recently, 
besting the second placed tandem by over 2 minutes.  The last TT they 
entered was at the Rt 29 series where they averaged almost 27 mph. They 
have flown the ABC colors so well on their new two seat flier lately, we 
are all really proud of them.  The next big challenge for them will be 
the national championships in Louisville Kentucky.  They are entered in 
the 70+  mixed  category road race on June 28th and then the 70+ mixed  
category time trial on July 1st.  They can be assured  we are all behind 
them on their efforts to bring home the gold from the nationals !  
Andrew has also been riding very well on the Velodrome recently with a 
number of high placings.   Good luck to Andrea and Andrew as they 
continue to keep the ABC colors flying.  Cheers.   Doug Mitchell.

Now that there's a chill in the air, the leaves are off the trees, and some roadies are moving to the woods, starting this Wednesday we will be moving the ride from Patriot's Park to the Manasquan Reservoir for the winter months. We will move back to Patriot's in the Spring.
Wednesday Ride - Manasquan Reservoir - 9 a.m.

FROM THE DESK OF DOUG MITCHELL:

This year was eleven years of Colts Neck races by ABC.   Every year we ask our members and friends to give us a hand in running the days events.  Every year we are not disappointed and this year was no exception.  The organizing committee wishes to thank all of you who came out and gave of your time, without you the race could not have taken place.  We have club members of long standing who no longer race for ABC but none the less still are generous enough to give up their time to help out on the day.   Nick Marino and Darin Bedle are two names that come to mind, two guys who helped without question, thanks boys and thanks to Nick's buddy Dave for also helping out. Anne Salzano organizes registration like a military drill !  Her helpers this year were especially keen, Sandy Mack, April Santinon, Rich Bradley, Rich Ferreri, Steve Gerard, Jon Farbman and Joyce Allison all pitched in to make things go smoothly along with Lynn Dennen behind the scenes.  It took Anne many hours of hard work to put the registration and crew together.  We owe her a special thank you, and a trophy too ! Egon Glass organized the road marshals for the day and as always the riders were given safe passage through every corner. George MacCary donates his "Moto Official" hours to keep the riders in line and safe. Paul Casale and Bob Varca were also on the course driving the lead cars. The marshals we know were present include, Bill Hitzel, Mark McCall, Terrie and Brian Katz, Steve Gerard, John Hunt, Bob Carlin, Alex Baldi, Tito Bastianelli, Rich Bradley, Jon Farbman, Tim McCurry, Chuck Allison, Jurgen Roedel, Frank Terranova, Andrea and Andrew Brennan, Bob Vale and Eddie Mack. John Schwebel stayed up half the night getting the pictures(courtesy of Bob Yellen)on the ABC website for all to see. The list of support is endless.  Excuse us if we have left anybody out,
we owe you all a big thank you !! We have received many e mails thanking the ABC for putting on a great event. The Tour of Colts Neck is one of the best races in New Jersey and we can all be proud. Thank you all so much. Doug Mitchell.

WELL, BELIEVE IT OR NOT THIS IS THE 10th YEAR FOR OUR COLTS NECK BICYCLE
RACE!  AND IT GETS BETTER AND BETTER EACH YEAR....THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!
LAST YEAR WE HAD OVER 350 RIDERS, THAT'S DOUBLE THE AMOUNT WE HAD A FEW
YEARS BACK.....AND DOUBLE THE WORK.

A FEW REMINDERS ABOUT RACE DAY.....WE ALL KNOW BY NOW THAT MARSHALS PLAY A
BIG PART IN KEEPING THE RACE SAFE.  EGON GLASS WILL BE COORDINATING MARSHALS
AGAIN.....  RUNNERS ARE NEEDED TO BRING REGISTRATION SHEETS TO THE
OFFICIALS PRIOR TO THE START OF EACH RACE.  THE COURSE WILL NEED SOME LAST
MINUTE SWEEPS AND TOUCH UPS.  THE SUB JUNIOR RACE WILL BE HELD ON THE
SEPARATE COURSE AS LAST YEAR SO ADDITIONAL HELP WILL BE NEEDED THERE FOR THE
BRIEF TIME.  DETAILS OF THE SUB JUNIOR RACE AND TIME WILL BE AVAILABLE AT
REGISTRATION.  FLOATERS ARE NEEDED AS RELIEF MARSHALS OR TO JUST BE IN THE
AREA AS NEEDED. EGON WILL NEED A HAND GETTING LUNCH ORDERS AND GETTING FOOD
OR DRINK TO THE WORKERS AND OFFICIALS ON THE COURSE.

THE FIRST RACE GOES OFF AT 8 A.M. (flyer attached) PLEASE BE THERE AT 7 A.M.
IF YOU CAN.

IF YOU WOULD ALL GIVE ME YOUR CELL PHONE NUMBERS NOW IT WOULD BE A BIG HELP.
THIS WAY I CAN HAVE A CONTACT LIST FOR EVERYBODY ON RACE DAY.

REMEMBER THIS IS OUR MAIN SOURCE OF INCOME AND WE ALL NEED TO DO OUR PART.

ANY QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS....SEE DOUG MITCHELL!!!!

OH....ONE MORE THING.....BEGINNING IN MAY THE STARTING TIME FOR THE SUNDAY
RIDE IS 8 A.M. THERE WILL NOT BE A CLUB RIDE ON RACE DAY.

Thanks, Anne

 Thank you for you consideration, and we hope to see you this year!

 Andy Abere

Ride Director

1. Former club riders who can no longer train and therefore cannot enjoy the regular weekly club ride.
2. Any other person who would like to participate in a group bicycle ride. People who would enjoy the exercise and camaraderie that goes with bicycle riding.  You do  not have to be a club member to participate.
   

• Colts Neck 2006 race is May 7.  Mark your calendars!   The changes to the race slots last year worked out well, so no adjustments are planned for this year.
  
• As for the rough road, Katz's offer to talk to Holmdel was greeted with skepticism since no Holmdel residents live on that road.     Nevertheless, I'll make the attempt again.     However, it was reported that even though the road has some pretty bad spots, at least some of the advanced racers we've spoken to across NJ commented that it gives the race character.   And one of our officials (George) said that as long as we can manage to close the road to traffic so the riders can use the whole width, it's not an unmanageably poor situation.
• bikreg.com was a great asset and it's a must.  Still, Anne saw other races doing check-in better, and she will apply some of those learnin's.  Stay tuned for details.

FINANCIAL:   Our balance sheet looks good.   The most strain on our balance sheet is when we lay out money to buy clothing.   Right now we have about 40 items in our inventory (figure cost of roughly $2000).   So help us clear out inventory and get the money in quickly.  It was decided to sell the old stuff at below cost just to get the cash back into the bank.

CLOTHING: Main page of Web has been updated with availble clothing.

JUNIORS:  

• 2005: We had 5 juniors racing - 3 of them racing the regular circuit and 2 focusing on time trials.  Most notably Brian, Greg, and Rob got 2nd place in the team challenge points race.  At least Brian will probably move up to Cat 4 next year.  Juniors get race fees paid for and free uniforms from the club.   They also get a decent price break at the Allenwood Bike Shop.   Not all juniors have submitted expenses yet.   Results were spectacular. (To get the full emphasis, think about how someone with a British Accent would enunciate the word "spectacular" with all the gusto he could muster).  (Speaking of mustering, didn't we chase the Brits out of Monmouth County back in the 1700's?) (Response from the honorable Doug Mitchell:  "As for being chased out of Freehold, lets just remember mate that if not for the gallant red coats we would all be speaking Spanish and trying to cross the Canadian border to get a job cutting lawns !" )  
• 2006:   All 5 boys will be returning, but it's probably the last year for 3 of them.   Members are encouraged to send possible recruits to Doug.     Bob Carlin and Eddie Mack will write up a flyer that we can distribute to schools, bike shops, and other assorted places.   John Schwebel said he has list of email addresses where we can send notifications & press releases.  Sponsors would be good.  Any ideas or better yet any recruiting of sponsors would be welcomed.   e.g., can you imagine the cost of stocking juniors with bike shoes alone as they grow through them year-by-year?
• NJBA is starting a Junior Development committee to foster Junior programs around the state.  If interested, get the details from Doug Mitchell.

• ISLAND BEACH TIME TRIAL:  Rich Bradley has been looking into a Time Trial that would be held at Island Beach State Park.   He spoke with the rangers there, who were enthusiastic supporters.  If held after Labor Day, the ranger told Rich that he could give us a closed course until 10am.   If we start at 8:30, this gives us up to 180 racers if we start every 30 seconds.  The Park offers a lot of flexibility for courses with a maximum of 17 miles.   The working idea is that it would be a 20k (about 13 miles) race.   Proposal is to have this be an end-of-season event, and we would possibly host an end-of-season Lunch.   This will be discussed at the coming NJBA scheduling meeting.   And Doug (etc) will ask about automatic timers that could be rented for the event.
• LAKEWOOD BLUE CLAWS:   Eddie and Doug Mitchell have scoped out the Blue Claws facility and saw a possible 1 mile 5-turn course that required almost no road closure.     If tied to the Blue Claws, this could be a highly publicized event.     Training races?   Eddie said not now, at least.  Work with BlueClaws on a notable event for this year.  But keep it simple - say only for Cat 2 & 3.   Doug (et.al.) will discuss it at the NJBA scheduling meeting, and then he and Ed will approach the Blue Claws
• NJBA has a bit of money available to help new races get off the ground.

• Rich Bradley is thinking of a tour in Italy next year.  Several folks said they'd be willing to consider this.   A couple requested that it not be in spring - tied to the Giro.  Just a tour where we could use the facilities that "April" has.  Doug filled me in:  April's second name is Santinon and she is connected with an outfit called, Italian Cycling Centre it is in the Veneto region near Venice.
• Ed proposes to do a Lehigh trip again in August.  He would like to make a weekend out of it.  Friday night are the pro races.   We could do a ride on Saturday (he has  a route sheet for a 45 mile hilly ride).  Saturday night has amateur races on the track.  And as last year, we would have the track to ourselves on Sunday with coaching.
• Winter Pizza Party:  Stay tuned for our annual refrain of a wild nite at the local Pizza hang-out.  No date was selected, but it would likely be in mid-January.

I want to thank all the people who swept and put out signs and marshalled the Colts Neck course on that rainy Sunday. It couldn't be done without you.

Thanks again,

Egon

• We need some volunteers for pre race duty.  We would like someone to distribute the race notice to the residents on the race course.  This entails putting the note in all possible mail boxes on the course the week before the race.  Doug will supply the fliers.  We also need as many club members as possible to show up on race morning. Egon Glass will coordinate race marshals.  Anyone wanting to act as a marshal for the day should call Egon.  We need people for registration duties too, very important!  Particularly to help with the early morning rush.  It will be helpful if someone can go to the start-finish area and cut the grass at the finish line.  
• Anyone who has time, get over there before race day and sweeping the course would also be good. 

Results:  The only result I was able to find on the web so far.  This was on a rainy windy day at Sandy Hook, and we had a couple of brave people show up to compete: http://www.bikereg.com/News/Results05/20050402SandyHookTT.asp.  I know that others have raced already this season including a couple rambling travelers heroically sitting in on local races in sunny warm Orlando last month.

• We will have a club meeting tonight (wed April 13) at Marias in Manasquan 7-30 pm.

• We need some volunteers for pre race duty.  We would like someone to distribute the race notice to the residents on the race course.  This entails putting the note in all possible mail boxes on the course the week before the race.  I will supply the fliers. 
• We also need as manyclub members as possible to show up on race morning. Egon Glass will coordinate race marshals.  Anyone wanting to act as a marshal for the day should call Egon.  We need people for registration duties too, very important ! 
• Rich Bradley will not be available with his "VIP tent",  so we need another tent or cover of some type.  Any body have a van that we can use on that weekend will most helpful. 
•  It will be helpful if someone can go to the start-finish area and cut the grass at the finish line.  

See you soon I hope.  Doug.

It was pretty cold so I left before all the races so I don't know if we had anybody in the later events. See you for tomorrow's ride.

John

News from the hon. D.Mitchell who has once again buggered off to warmer climates:

• Attached is the 2005 race schedule for NJ. 
• The usual pleas apply for volunteers on race day.  (editor's note ... I waffled back-and-forth about embellishing what should be a bold and inspiring plea for club members to chip in and help with the race... but I decided to leave it as is since we know how to interpret mitchell-speak.) 
• Some of you heard that the USCF wants all motor cycle and auto marshals to have full insurance coverage for bicycle racing.  This could have been problem because it would be expensive for the average person to obtain so would deter them from working at a bike race.  But I spoke to Harold Nolan from Colts Neck Rec. department, and he assured me that ALL those helping on the bike race are covered for liability under the townships umbrella policy.  So that should dispel any fears on that matter.
• We are also looking for sponsor help for the race only as our expenses have gone way up, they even charged us $200 for the porta potty last year ! 
• Attached are flyers for a duathlon that some of our junior racers will be racing in, can we let other club members know about it.    It's for a good cause:

Hi Doug,

I am the Director of Special Events for Southern Ocean County Hospital Foundation.  We are hosting a Duathlon (run/bike/run) on Sunday, April 10, 2005 to benefit Pediatric Services.  I have attached the information for you in case anyone in your club would be interested in participating in this event.  

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Lisa Klein, Director of Special Events
SOCH Foundation
1140 Route 72 West
Manahawkin, NJ  08050
www.sochfoundation.com

• Spinning Tuesday: Tuesday spin sessions are going well.  We have lots of space for any number of riders. You are welcome to bring your own music.  7pm to 8.30 pm.  Door opens at 6.30.   
• Sunday 10am:  Sunday rides are missing some regulars,  looks like Mt bikes are a warmer option.  Talk to Egon Glass about trails in the Pine Barrens he has a lot of area knowledge. But maybe some people are using up a lot of energy on Saturdays with nothing left for Sunday.   (Editor note - 10am starts are a bit too late for some of us.)
• Midweek Rides:  Midweek rides with the over the hill gang are going well, call Bob Carlin or Rich Clayton for details. 
• Club Renewals:  Club renewals are due for 2005, act now and avoid the rush !!    You can find the membership application here:  http://www.atlanticbicycleclub.org/abcapplication.doc
• Juniors:  We are pleased to say that our junior squad is keen to go.  The first event for them will be the Sandy hook TT. on April 2nd.  Most of our junior riders have triathlon experience so a TT should be a familiar situation for them.  In May there is a junior stage race planned and that will be a major objective also.  The guys at the new bike shop  Eurocycle Sports in Allenwood, Frank Viscomi and Greg Ciancio will be helping out with support for our juniors.  Frank is an old ABC member from way back and Greg is a former club sponsor.
• Colts Neck Race May 1:      The Colts Neck race is on Sunday May 1st this year.  The club barely made a small profit from last years event so this year we will be looking for a sponsor or two for help with expenses.  Without the great volunteer help from club members and friends we would not be able to put on such a  good race.  Any suggestions on how we can improve the race will be most welcome.  One suggestion from a certain person was for the club to collect $10. from every club member, we would put money in the bank and take the day off instead of marshalling and working on the race. That way we would be sure of a profit without all the hard work. Hmmm !
• Club Duds:  Here is a list of clothing on hand.
  • New jerseys, full zip.  2 med.  6 lg.  2 xl.  1 2xl. 1 3xl.
  • New winter jackets.  2 xl.  2 xxl.  1 3xl. 
  • Vests.  3 med.  2 lg.
  • Long sleeve jerseys.  4 xl.  1 2xl.  1 3xl.  
  • Shorts.  1 med.  5 lg.  5 xl.  1 2x.  1 3x.  
  • Bib Shorts.  1 lg.  5 xl.  
  • T Shirts.  12 med. 2 lg.

We need more shorts and jerseys, we will also be ordering a new supply of socks soon.  A lot depends on available funds. 

Doug

http://www.coastallearningcenter.com/howell.html.      There will be a $5 fee for each session, and Doug is slotting the money to support the youth team that's forming up.

If I did this right, you can click HERE  to see a map.  If not, the directions Doug gave us on Sunday were pretty easy.  Leave the Allenwood School as we normally do.  Take an arbitrary left turn and then several other lefts and rights and you'll be right there.   If you're worried about whether this will work, just stay on Doug's wheel and eventually you'll get there.

b

" ABC are planning a weekly indoor training session for the winter period.  We are currently negotiating for an indoor facility and hope to hold a weekly evening training get together for club members starting later this month.  The sessions will be run by Eddie Mack and Doug Mitchell.  You will need a static trainer  and your bike,  we go through some well known workouts to keep you fit and help develop power and speed.  A donation of $5.00 will be all you pay.  All those interested please call Eddie or Doug as places are limited."  Right now  Tuesday or Wednesday seems best.  But we are still working on it."

Interested riders should contact Doug  dwmitchell@monmouth.com

ALso ... NJBA Banquet 11/21 - details below in an email I received from Doug Mitchell

----- Original Message -----

The annual NJBA dinner is on Nov. 21st  at The Willows in Green Brook NJ.  Time. 6PM.  The guest speaker is Frankie Andreau of OLN and TDF fame.  He is also a  good buddie of a certain cyclist from Texas !  The club is paying for any club racer or club officer, their partners will pay the ticket price of $25.  We have reserved a table for 10 and 2 spaces are still available on the table, other tickets may still be available.  Interested ?  Call me or Cindy Donnelly for more info.

My notable performances so far this summer were:

USBHOF 4th of July race - 8th place (Cat 5)

Cat 3 races have some team tactics, but not enough that I can't work around most of the time. Once the 2's and 1's are involved, the teamwork comes more into play.  In March and April, I did 1-2-3 training races in Branchbrook Park.  They had much more team tactics than the straight 3 races.

I enjoy the 1-2-3 races more than strait 3 races. The 3's tend to chase every breakaway, and most 3 races end in field sprints. The 1-2-3 attack from the start and work endlessly to establish breaks. I like that style a lot more; it makes for more interesting racing. Next year, I get to race 35+, and those are some good races too.  

Race results from Doug M (who else would consistently spell "tire" wrong):

• Eddie Mack was a brilliant 4th at the 55 plus race at the Blueberry road race in south Jersey last Sunday, he would have been better placed if was not for a rider trying to ride him into the woods on the last corner.  
• At the Bob Beal Masters weekend in Charlestown Rhode Island it was Doug Mitchell in 9th overall in the 60 to 64 division, but best of all was the ride by Rich Bradley. Rich came 3rd in the road race after a flat tyre saw him chase the bunch for 15 miles by himself,  he rode well the TT later in the day with a 2nd place but best of all was Sundays criterium when Rich took off from the start and the bunch never caught him,  in fact he lapped all but 3 of his division.   He finished 2nd overall and but for the RR flat could have won outright.  The weekend weather was a big factor it poured torrential rain during the RR causing some riders to abandon the race and Sunday was cool and very windy. 
• Bob Carlin was a favourite for the weekend but his injuries caused him to miss it this year.  Bob had a nasty crash at the Masters Nationals in Utah last month.  We hope to see Bob back on the bike soon. 
• Our junior riders have tasted racing and now we hope to have at least 4 juniors on the team and we are looking forward to seeing them develope over the winter. 
• Eddie Mack nd Don Clapp have done a lot ot help out the boys and encourage them along.  We hope to be hoding spin sessions this fall/winter time with Don Clapp as instructor, we have a hall to use and hope to see a good club turnout.  

I've updated our home page with results I found online.  The above results Doug mentions aren't there yet. 

I added a counter to our web page, by the way.  I've found that we have an average of 8 hits per day on our web site.   Kinda cool.  Interested in the stats?  Look here:  http://www.free-hit-counters.com/template.php?a=njkatz.  I know that a bunch of stuff on the site needs fixing.  Just haven't had the time.  Any volunteers?

bk

b

-----------------------

From: rrbradley

Subject: Re: Salzano race report from july 12

Bryan:
What you didn't report for the Sussex race was that I won the prime, which
was a wonderful Colnago hat, and Doug quickly pointed out that only his bike
read Colnago, so that beaut black hat you will see Mitchell in is a "gift".
Also, we rode a great race as a team protecting Bob up front on the break.
Rich

---------------------------------------

From: Haddawad

To: dwmitchell

Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 11:29 AM

Subject: NJ Track Championships

Hi Doug,

I hope all is well with you and that you are riding well this summer. I thought that the attached photos and news might be of some interest for the club website. I hope to see you on the road soon.

Best regards,

Michael Haddad

Here's the headline:

"Doug Maimone returns to track racing and wins a bronze medal in the team sprint at the NJ State Track Championships"

And the accompanying article:

ABC club member Doug Maimone teamed up with former club members Dan Kinningham and Michael Haddad to ride a 1:18 team sprint. This marks Doug's return to racing for the first time since his terrible accident on the Vandedrome years earlier.

He rode the first leg of the team pursuit brilliantly as his team finished 3rd overall. The only snag for Doug all day was when track officials refused to provide him with two holders for the standing start

YEP! I MISSED THE TIME TRIAL STARTING TIME. HOW? I HAD TO FIGHT ABOUT A DOZEN RIDERS TRYING TO GET THEIR TIME OFF THE BOARD THE NIGHT BEFORE. I WROTE DOWN 12:30:30 INSTEAD OF 12:23:30. WHEN I GOT TO THE STARTING LINE, I THOUGHT I HAD ABOUT 4 MINUTES LEFT. BOY, WAS I SURPRISED WHEN I LEARNED THAT THEY HAD ALREADY CALLED MY NAME. YOU CAN LAUGH, IT IS FUNNY.  SE LA VIE.

The Team Time Trial on Sunday 8th August needs volunteer marshals.  The organizer Bill Borghard was a great help at our Colts Neck race and we would like to help him with his event.  The race headquarters is at Frogbridge facility in Clarksburg.  You will receive a T shirt and water bottle from Bill and the ABC will give you free membership for 2005 if you can help.

Thanks Doug Mitchell.  

All proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Was going over the pictures I took while in France, and I discovered what appeared to be an
ABC Jersey riding with Fassa Bortolo in their TTT.  (See attached photo.)

I first suspected that Tito had somehow escaped US borders again and surreptitiously snuck
onto the top Italian TdF team.   But I realized that if he'd done that, he'd at least be
smart enough not to wear his ABC jersey.

My latest theory is that this is really Kim Kirchen - Luxembourg national champ.  Their
national jersey kind of looks like ours.  If so, maybe if Doug asks politely, Kim might be
willing to fly back to the states and join us in some fall races.  I'll work on getting his
email address.

Folks have asked me to post other photos of the ABC European tour onto the web site.  Hope
to do that this weekend.  But felt I had to get the attached shot out asap.
---------------------------------------

So far I have two explanations for how an ABC jersey ended up in the Fassa Bortolo team time trial:

That's me!  They dropped a guy and I filled in without them realizing it.

> Was going over the pictures I took while in France, and I discovered what appeared to be an
> ABC Jersey riding with Fassa Bortolo in their TTT.  (See attached photo.)
>
> I first suspected that Tito had somehow escaped US borders again and surreptitiously snuck
> onto the top Italian TdF team.   But I realized that if he'd done that, he'd at least be
> smart enough not to wear his ABC jersey.
>
> My latest theory is that this is really Kim Kirchen - Luxembourg national champ.  Their
> national jersey kind of looks like ours.  If so, maybe if Doug asks politely, Kim might be
> willing to fly back to the states and join us in some fall races.  I'll work on getting his
> email address.

A couple of noteworthy results:

• Congrats to John Smertneck for his first cycling top 10 finish:  Branch Brook (6/6); Smertneck - 10th, cat 5
• Congrats to Steve Shell and Tom Rizzo for surviving another Longest Day.
• The NJ Masters road race results are noteworthy for one thing.  Rich Bradley's first state championship!  Congrats, Rich!  But what was more impressive was that Tito actually said that Rich deserved the win!  Tito said he was on Rich's wheel up the last hill and he figured Rich would fade just before the finish line at the top.  But ... to Tito's surprise, he didn't, and Rich foiled Tito from adding to his collection of state championships.

NJ Masters RR (6/22)

- Bradley   1st, 65+

- Bastianelli  2nd, 65+

- Mack  9th 55+

- Mitchell  10th, 55+

Round:  nuts, donuts, bagels
Tubular:  bananas, burritos
Square:  crackers
Gooey:  pastries and cake

Still having web site problems.   But I drove down to Manasquan last night and worked with them to at least get our results up.  Stay tuned for photos.  Bob Y took some really excellent shots this year.

Here is a forwarded message from the honorable Doug Mitchell (who is a distant relation to the somewhat-honorable Doug Mitchell that you know as our club president):  

Every person who showed up to help last Sunday at the Tour of Colts Neck was a link in the chain which made the day a success. 

I would like to thank you all individually and I am sure to leave someone out , but here goes!  Joyce Allison, Fran Demola, Anne Salzano, special guest Lulu Weschler and Rich Ferreri who made registration run like clockwork.   Rich even had time to run home to plant some shrubs and thatch the lawn!  Paul Casale, Bryan Katz, Egon Glass, Steve Gerard, Steve Shell, John Hunt, Bob Varca, Rich Clayton, Bob Carlin, Dan Sharkey, new guy John Smertneck, Bill Borghard from the Riptide team who came to help and supplied signs, Gaspar Giordano for the tent, Rich Bradley for the very special tents at registration, Chuck Allison, Doug Maimone for the judges platform, the ever popular Gene Festa, Bob Yellen the famous race photographer, Wally Tunison from The Hub Bike Shop in Marlboro and steadfast and true Nick Marino looking great as always. If I have missed anyone I apologize.  Also my wife Kathie who puts up with the mess I make. 

We were there from 6AM until 3PM working hard to put on a good race. We were once again fortunate to have fine weather,  We saw a passing shower at around halfway and that was all.  George MacCary and John Martin, our motorcycle referees, were brilliant as always. The Sherriffs department supplied a lead car unit (at a cost),  he was indespensible in controlling oncoming traffic throughout the day. Our USCF officials were some of the best in the country.  Chief referee Paula Grill was working The Tour of Georgia last week and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lance Armstrong, Mario Cippolini and Bobby Julich. Soon we may do it all again at Keyport !!  Thanks again to one and all.   Time for a bike ride !!  Doug.

My Message to club on March 4:  The allenwood ride on Sunday moves to 8am in May (beginning May 9).

Last Sunday some folks were whining about that late winter start time - ten a.m. for December through February.   So whaddya' think?  If you'd like to see it changed to 9am (so we'd start at 9 from October-April and 8 from May-September) ... pass the word to Doug.     Hmmm... I'm wondering if everyone's allowed to have a vote on this.  Maybe it should just be that hardcore group of about 10 folks who show up in winter.   Or should it also include those cycling wimps who hibernate until the temperature climbs above 32.   Hey - if you have an opinion on this, why don't you also let Doug know.    And while you're at it, if you think that the sizes on the new duds are wacky, pass the word to Doug.   I'd like to encourage improved communication to our executive leader.  So if you have any other complaints, make sure to call or write him.  Hate the cold weather?  Call Doug.  Too many pot-holes?  Send him an email.   Taxes too high, call Doug for a sympathetic ear.   Some of you may think that I'm asking you to bombard him with calls and email just because I'm jealous that he's spending half of the winter soaking up sunshine down in the warmer climates.  Not true.  How un-kind of you to think that

Tour of Colts Neck is Sunday, May 2.   Club members must either show up and marshal, or they will be humiliated with friendly verbal abuse from club officers.  (Not really, but it sure is fun tom think about those ossifers ganging up on folks.  Especially late in the evening at the Pizza party after a few kegs.)

Planning for the racing season?   Here's the NJBA schedule:

http://users.tellurian.net/jeanp/njba/

And here's some info on other races in the northeast:

http://spokepost.com/calendar/?PHPSESSID=01d7cb81db903a5824c8c1c6dadb1ab8 

Web Surfer's Corner

Those of you anxious to hog down tons of pizza, don't fret.  Gain s much weight as you want, but ride a lighter bike!  Yep.  No lipo for you.   No need to diet.  Forget that training.  Here's a bike that's probably half the weight of yours:  

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/articles.php?ID=21

And if that doesn't work, you can splurge on some dehydrated water:

http://www.westpeak.net/outdoor/water/

http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Dehydrated_20Water

http://www.buydehydratedwater.com/free.htm