December 2017 Top Talk

President Chip Kyle

It’s almost the end of 2017, and as I reflect on the last year, I see it has many attributes: instructive, fun, challenging but overall, rewarding.  Looking back, there are several highlights that come to mind:  our ability and willingness to offer a ride every day of the year; our “everybody on deck” volunteer endeavors of the STP Finish Line and our invitational Pioneer Century; our training rides for Reach the Beach; our well planned and executed extended weekend rides outside the immediate Portland area; and our commitment to be involved in the community in which we live through our donations and volunteer efforts.  We have had a successful year and it is all due to the willingness of you, the club members, to participate and be willing to do whatever is needed.  Thank you!

I am also fully cognizant of the fact that my role as club president was made significantly easier by the professionalism, generosity, perseverance and involvement of the other board members.  This is a special group of committed people, all of whom are hardworking and have the success of the club as their prime focus.  As a group, they were not shy about commenting, correcting or suggesting alternatives to ideas presented by the person sitting the in the president’s chair.  I offer an especially sincere “thank you” to each of them as well.

Please plan to come to the December club meeting.  It will be somewhat different from the usual ones.  There will be only one principal item of business – election of 2018 board members and no formal program or presentation.  Instead, it will be a potluck of hors d’oeuvres and desserts (Yum!), a swap meet of bicycle related components, gear and clothing (great deals!) and a food drive of non-perishable items.  So, come to the meeting, it’s a good time to socialize and enjoy the expert baking talents of your fellow club members.

The club’s annual awards banquet is in two months.  Please help Bud Rice and the selection committee by providing nominations for the various awards that are given out. Send him an email with your suggestion along with your rationale.

In the meantime, ride safely!