president's message - the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey

9Ramapo Rally…coming soon…volunteers &bakers neededThe Aug 19 date of the Ramapo Rally is getting very close, and westill need many more volunteers to make this event a big success.Volunteers to: paint arrows, move materials on Friday and Saturdaybefore the Rally, work at breakfast, lunch or elsewhere at the startsite, staff registration, lead rides, drive SAG, crew rest stops, and lastbut not least help on site cleanup and return of our equipment tothe storage locker. Pre-registration to date is pretty even with lastyear’s record number, despite the big rain last year, and we will againhave a big exhibitor area, with many great sponsors. We hope thatTony Cruz (retired pro racer) will also return.We’ve had great reviews and feedback in recent years about ourroutes, rest stops, and incomparable volunteers, and WE NEED YOUto repeat this in 2012. Once again we’re the venue for the Davisclub tid bitsPhinney Foundation fund-raising ride to combat Parkinson’s Disease.They’ve chosen our event in addition to RAGBRAI and other majornational events, for their East Coast efforts.Please join the nearly 200 BTCNJ members who are needed to makethis signature club event better than ever. We have openings in allareas, so whatever your time availability, we can find a job for you.There are jobs before, during and after the ride. Please contact SteveGreenberg at steve551@optonline.net. or Ken Stahl at ksbike453@gmail.comOur Rally has always had a reputation for great home-baked goods,so those who can do so, please bake up a storm. What’s better at arest stop than home-baked brownies?-Ken StahlMemorial Weekend at the Landgrove InnNear Manchester, VermontThe weather gods were smiling on us - a group of 30 BTCNJ membersshared a special weekend of cycling and cameraderie at ourfavorite inn tucked away on the backroads near Bromley/Stratton inVermont. It's hard to think of a more special place. Weekend hostedby Diana Shikiar and Linda Krauss - we can't wait to return.What is a Gran Fondo?A Gran Fondo is to cyclists what a Marathon is to runners. For years“weekend warrior” cyclists have been looking for a competitive,challenging event. The Gran Fondo NJ addresses this void. Overthe past 3 years, Gran Fondos have become the most popularmass-participation cycling events for cycling enthusiasts in NorthAmerica.The second Gran Fondo NJ will be held Sunday, September 9, 2012leaving from the Morristown Green. In addition to the fun and riding,proceeds from the Gran Fondo NJ will benefit three charities:Seeing Eye, Homeless Solutions, Inc. and Grow It Green Morristown.The Seeing Eye has even named one of their puppies Fondo afterthe event!Gran Fondo NJ 2012 will offer four routes of increasing levels ofchallenge. The Gran Fondo is the longest ride of 103 miles. ThePiccolo Fondo (43 miles) and Medio Fondo (63miles) course willchange from the 2011 route for mile 10 through 16 so you will berouted the panoramic Lake Road now that the bridge has beenrepaired. For those wanting to experience the fun and excitementof the event, but are not up to a Piccolo Fondo, the 18 mile BreveFondo has been added. All routes with the exception of the BreveFondo will have hill climbs timed.For additional information about the Gran Fondo and the weekendevents of September 7, 8, 9 and to register go to: www.granfondonj.comor active.com.If you are not able to ride consider volunteering for this worthwhileevent. Contact Diane Doherty (973 771 0272) email: ddfromnj@gmail.com or Judy Lauber (201 723 0322) email:jamlauber@gmail.com. Please put GranFondo in the subject area. Also look for theGran Fondo on facebook!-Diane DohertyWisdom from Gandalf:To be sure of hitting the target,shoot first and call whatever you hitthe target.