The Carrollton Cycling Club Forum

Tonight's Ride

joeyrabbit — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:35:12 GMT

Thanks to Danny and Frank for dragging eight of us on what turned out to be a great night for a ride, give or take a bit of wind!

Kelley

Forum: Monday & Wednesday - Regular Ride

Bike 250 miles in 3 days - CPD

SteveBaumgartner — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:55:13 GMT

Four Carrollton officers to bike 250 miles in 3 days for museum funds

08:34 AM CST on Saturday, March 8, 2008

By MATT KEYSER / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

Four members of the Carrollton Police Department are about to embark on a 250-mile bike ride across Virginia and the District of Columbia to help raise awareness and funds for a museum honoring fallen officers.

Sgt. Derick Miller and Officers Anthony Taylor, Otis Kue and Michael Gibbs will trek from Tidewater, Va., to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

City of Carrollton

From left: Carrollton Officers Michael Gibbs and Anthony Taylor, Sgt. Derick Miller and Officer Otis Kue will ride from Tidewater, Va., to Washington, D.C., in May.

The ride will take three days during National Police Week in May.

"We are all cycling enthusiasts," said Sgt. Miller, who has been biking for four years. Officer Taylor has cycled for six. Officer Kue began serious pedaling three years ago, and Officer Gibbs has spent the past 10 years cycling.

The officers will represent not only the city of Carrollton, but also officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

"I'm real proud of ," Carrollton Police Chief David James said. " representing fallen officers."

The ride hits close to home for the Carrollton Police Department. Detective Greg Fraid lost his father, a Kenosha, Wis., police officer, in 1973.

"The Police Unity Tour is a great way to bring attention to the Police Officers Memorial Wall," Detective Fraid said in an e-mail. "The tour represents the closeness that all police officers have and how we continue to honor our fellow officers that have given their lives in the line of duty."

The ride will end May 12 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where Craig Floyd, chairman of the memorial, will greet each rider.

The memorial contains a wall engraved with the names of all officers who have lost their lives while protecting and serving their fellow citizens. That total has grown to more than 17,500 since the 1790s.

"I've got a number of friends with names on wall," Chief James said.

To participate in the bike tour, the Carrollton officers need to raise $7,000 to cover their registration, lodging, food and other expenses along the way.

Part of the funds will go toward the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which is planning to open a 95,000-square-foot museum in D.C.'s Judiciary Square in 2011.

The Police Unity Tour has pledged $5 million for a Hall of Remembrance at the museum.

" will be a continuation of the memorial wall," said Kevin Morison, spokesman for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "The hall will display photos of all the fallen officers and give a respectful, quiet space for remembrance."

HOW TO HELP

Carrollton police are seeking donations for the 2008 Police Unity Tour, held in conjunction with National Police Week May 11-17. Send checks payable to CPOA Charities to Valwood Park Federal Credit Union, attention Tammy Perkins, 1001 E. Crosby Road, Carrollton, Texas, 75006. All donations are tax-deductible.

Forum: Suggestion Box

AT&T 2008 Team Cycling Jersey - Sale

SteveBaumgartner — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:47:35 GMT

RE: Purchasing AT&T Cycling Jersey Only!:

I received the following email late yesterday afternoon regarding the AT&T ADA teams, and team captain of the St. Louis area AT&T Saddle Soars. Thomas Kuckelman, Sr. ED - Corporate Development, negotiated the terms outlined in the email below. The .pdf also contains the agreement and jersey manufacturer, along with the design of the jersey.

The various price points are listed below. Jerseys can be purchased by anyone who would like one (or more!). Feel free to forward to anyone that I may have inadvertently omitted.

Please review and let me know if you should have any questions. Thank you.

Please enter your order in the attached Spreadsheet and forward to Kasey Stellema at KStellema@zorch.com

Those uncomfortable with emailing their credit card information can call Kasey at 312-254-1065 and give her your card information over the phone (You still need to email the actual order).

YOU WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO ORDER JERSEYS FROM 4/23/2008 TO 5/07/2008.

After that date they will close out the ordering process and send the order to the jersey manufacturer.

PRODUCTION TIMES FOR THE JERSEYS IS 6 WEEKS, SO THE JERSEYS WILL BE SHIPPED TO YOU 6 WEEKS AFTER 5/08/2008.

I know a lot of you are probably disappointed that you may not get your jersey in time for this years ride (I probably won't either), but I would urge you to order a jersey anyway. That way you have your jersey for next years tour and any other rides you may choose to do this year. It took a lot of work to put this together and I can't predict when the next opportunity to order will be.

The price will be determined by how many orders Zorch gets during the "ordering window", the price break down is below. The shipping may be approximately $7.00. Your credit cards will not me charged until after the ordering window. A couple of months ago when I surveyed the jersey interest we were near 250 people interested. However in the event that we get less than 150 people actually ordering, Zorch will be contacting those who have ordered for alternate pricing and approval before charging you.

# Of Jerseys Price per Jersey (not including the estimated $7.00 shipping)

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

150 - 249 $53.00

250 - 499 $45.00

500 + $39.00

WARNING: Jerseys tend to fit tight and run small when in doubt order a larger size. For those who are in the know about jersey fitting these are club fit. A picture of the jersey design is attached.

***** DO NOT SEND ME YOUR ORDERS ***** Read the email directions!

Sizing Chart

Forum: Bikes & Accessories

Sunday Entry Level - 4/20/08 - Canceled

NaomiBermea — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:40:50 GMT

I have not received correspondence for Sunday's ride therefore the ride has been canceled.

Please make sure that you confirm by Friday evening each week to let me know you will be attending the Sunday ride.

naomi.bermea@sbranch.net

214-205-5920 cell

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

Service Clinics - 2008

SteveBaumgartner — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:32:49 GMT

Thank you for your interest in our bike service clinics. The following dates are available:

April 17 and May1, from 7pm to 9pm at our Coppell location.

The classes will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Please e-mail with your preferred date and a conformation e-mail will be sent to you. The cost for the class will be $20. Payment is due in full and as soon as possible to hold your spot. It can be made at our coppell location or by phone.

If you have any questions call Gabe at 972-745-2815.

Thank you,

Gabe Aguilar
gabe@bicyclesplustx.com

Forum: Service Clinics

Edwina Tiggs - New CCC Member

NaomiBermea — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:37:13 GMT

Please join me in welcoming Edwina Tiggs to CCC. She started the beginners ride on Sunday, April 6th. We did a 12.5 average pace with lots of cold wind.

Edwina is looking forward to joining the "no drop" ride on Monday's once she gets her speed up.

P.S. Steve, thank you for making the CCC website user friendly. New members are able to find us and move around easily via the forum.

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): First aid

SteveBaumgartner — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:03:17 GMT

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. CPR involves a combination of chest compression and mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing that keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

When the heart stops, the absence of oxygenated blood can cause irreparable brain damage in only a few minutes. Death will occur within eight to 10 minutes. Time is critical when you're helping an unconscious person who isn't breathing.

To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, including CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Before you begin
Assess the situation before starting CPR:

Is the person conscious or unconscious?
If the person appears unconscious, tap or shake his or her shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you OK?"
If the person doesn't respond and two people are available, one should call 911 or the local emergency number and one should begin CPR. If you are alone and have immediate access to a telephone, call 911 before beginning CPR unless you think the person has become unresponsive because of suffocation (such as from drowning). In this special case, begin CPR for one minute and then call 911.
If an AED is immediately available, deliver one shock if advised by the device, then begin CPR.

Remember the ABCs
Think ABC Airway, Breathing and Circulation to remember the steps explained below. Move quickly through Airway and Breathing to begin chest compressions.

AIRWAY: Clear the airway

Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.
Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders.
Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.
Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. If you believe the person is unconscious from a heart attack and you haven't been trained in emergency procedures, skip mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and proceed directly to chest compression.

BREATHING: Breathe for the person
Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.

With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver) pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.
Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath lasting one second and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.
Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.

CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions

Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push hard and push fast give two compressions per second, or about 120 compressions per minute.
After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions.
If the person has not begun moving after five cycles (about two minutes) and an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, apply it and follow the prompts. The American Heart Association recommends administering one shock, then resuming CPR starting with chest compressions for two more minutes before administering a second shock. If you're not trained to use an AED, a 911 operator may be able to guide you in its use. Trained staff at many public places are also able to provide and use an AED. Use pediatric pads, if available, for children ages 1 to 8. Do not use an AED for infants younger than age 1. If an AED isn't available, go to No. 5 below.
Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over.

To perform CPR on a child:

The procedure for giving CPR to a child age 1 through 8 is essentially the same as that for an adult. The differences are as follows:

If you're alone, perform five cycles of compressions and breaths on the child this should take about two minutes before calling 911 or your local emergency number or using an AED.
Use only one hand to perform heart compressions.
Breathe more gently.
Use the same compression-breath rate as is used for adults: 30 compressions followed by two breaths. This is one cycle. Following the two breaths, immediately begin the next cycle of compressions and breaths.
After five cycles (about two minutes) of CPR, if there is no response and an AED is available, apply it and follow the prompts. Use pediatric pads if available. If pediatric pads aren't available, use adult pads.

Continue until the child moves or help arrives.

To perform CPR on a baby:

Most cardiac arrests in infants occur from lack of oxygen, such as from drowning or choking. If you know the infant has an airway obstruction, perform first aid for choking. If you don't know why the infant isn't breathing, perform CPR.

To begin, assess the situation. Stroke the baby and watch for a response, such as movement, but don't shake the child.

If there's no response, follow the ABC procedures below and time the call for help as follows:

If you're the only rescuer and CPR is needed, do CPR for two minutes about five cycles before calling 911 or your local emergency number.
If another person is available, have that person call for help immediately while you attend to the baby.

AIRWAY: Clear the airway

Place the baby on his or her back on a firm, flat surface, such as a table. The floor or ground also will do.
Gently tip the head back by lifting the chin with one hand and pushing down on the forehead with the other hand.
In no more than 10 seconds, put your ear near the baby's mouth and check for breathing: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek and ear.

If the infant isn't breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing immediately.

BREATHING: Breathe for the infant

Cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth.
Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Use the strength of your cheeks to deliver gentle puffs of air (instead of deep breaths from your lungs) to slowly breathe into the baby's mouth one time, taking one second for the breath. Watch to see if the baby's chest rises. If it does, give a second rescue breath. If the chest does not rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.
If the chest still doesn't rise, examine the mouth to make sure no foreign material is inside. If the object is seen, sweep it out with your finger. If the airway seems blocked, perform first aid for a choking infant.
Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.

CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation

Imagine a horizontal line drawn between the baby's nipples. Place two fingers of one hand just below this line, in the center of the chest.
Gently compress the chest to about one-third to one-half the depth of the chest.
Count aloud as you pump in a fairly rapid rhythm. You should pump at a rate of about 100 to 120 pumps a minute.
Give two breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
Perform CPR for about two minutes before calling for help unless someone else can make the call while you attend to the baby.
Continue CPR until you see signs of life or until a professional relieves you.

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

What is heat stroke?

SteveBaumgartner — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:54:30 GMT

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia (abnormally elevated body temperature) with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.

The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and the body is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.

The population most susceptible to hear strokes are infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or on certain medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), and athletes, or outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.

What are heat stroke symptoms?

Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness. However some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.

Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. But common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:

high body temperature
the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
rapid pulse
difficulty breathing
strange behavior
hallucinations
confusion
agitation
disorientation
seizure
coma

How do you treat a heat stroke victim?

Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated, and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and Gatorade), but avoid alcohol, coffee, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats, and light colored, and light and loose clothes.

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

BikeDFW Membership Application

SteveBaumgartner — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:17:14 GMT

Club Memberships are 100.00 plus 1.00 per member per year.

Download the membership application here: http://www.bikedfw.org//flyers/downloads/brochure.pdf

Forum: Monthly Club Meeting

How to Buy A Jersey That Fits

SteveBaumgartner — Thur, 03 Apr 2008 15:33:48 GMT

The Difference Between a Men's and Women's Jersey

Not long ago, many manufactures took a men's jersey, sized it down one size, produced it in a pastel pink, and called it a "women's jersey". Women's apparel has come a long way since then. Women's jerseys are now cut to fit a women's body. Women have a much shorter torso than men requiring a shorter jersey length. In order for the jersey to fit without billowing, women's jerseys need to be cut to accommodate a women's breasts, taper in at the waist, and then flair out a bit to accomodate the hips. To achieve this curvaceous effect, you usually see that the women's jersey has more pieces than the typical mens cut which is just a front and back.

Fabric

Most jerseys, even the one's that look and feel like cotton, are made of polyester or a polyester blend so that they have the ability to wick moisture and breath. Although cotton breathes well, it retains moisture. Wearing a cotton T-shirt under a bicycle jersey totally negates the function of jersey. If you need an under garment, wear a polyester T-shirt or other technical layering piece.

Zipper Length

Zipper lengths can vary from 5" to "full length" The purpose of the front zipper is to allow the rider to adjust ventilation by raising and lowering the zipper. Women can now wear a coordinating sport bra under their jerseys and ventilate just like the guys.

Elastic Hems

The technical reason for elastic hems is to keep the jersey from billowing in the wind. If you are not concerned with wind resistance try the more "relaxed fit" jerseys in cotton blended polyesters that most manufacturers sell as "Mountain Bike", or "Off-Road Apparel". Many do not have elastic in the sleeves or body of the jersey.

Pocket Style

Traditional cut European racing jerseys have three pockets across the back. With the advent of off road riding, many jerseys now have zipper pockets to secure wallets and keys.

Sizing

Mens jersey fit and sizing is the most difficult issue to consider in selecting jerseys. There are two styles of jerseys on the market these days... the traditional european cut racing jersey, and the more relaxed fit american jersey. As the number of recreational riders has increased, manufacturers have developed jersey cuts that fit the average american male. This means a larger chest, bigger arms, and looser more comfortable fit. Sizing varies from company to company. In addition, a medium in a european cut may fit like and x-small in a "relaxed fit". The best way to determine how the jersey fits is to ask for the chest and neck measurements on the garment just as you would if you were buying a dress shirt in a department store. Most companies now supply detailed "size and fit charts" on their web site. Take the time to check the fit of a company's jersey before making a purchase via mail order or over the internet. It will save you time and extra shipping charges.

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

Bike Safety

SteveBaumgartner — Thur, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:41 GMT

Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and fresh air and share time as a family. But before you and the kids rush out and start pedaling, there's an important factor that you need to consider safety.

Helmet Basics

Bicycle helmet use should not be optional for anyone in your family, no matter where you are or how short the ride. In many states it's the law.

Here's why: Most bike accidents involve a head injury, so a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for someone who doesn't wear one while riding. In fact, each year in the United States, about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents, and most of those injuries could have been avoided if a helmet was worn.

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a helmet:

Pick bright colors that are visible to drivers and other cyclists.
Look for a helmet that's well ventilated.
Make sure that the helmet has a CPSC or Snell sticker inside. These indicate that the helmet meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit group that tests helmet safety.
Make sure your child's helmet fits correctly and can be adjusted.

You should be able to get help finding a well-fitting helmet and adjusting it properly at any bicycle store.

When kids wear a helmet, make sure that the straps are fastened. Also make sure they don't wear any other hat underneath it.

Be sure to replace any helmet made before 1999. If your child hits any surface hard while wearing a helmet, replace it helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock after taking serious hits.

A few bike helmets can be used as protection for other activities, but in general, they're best suited to biking. Most helmets are made for one specific type of activity for example, special helmets also are made for inline skating, baseball, and snowmobiling.

Kids should not wear any helmet when they're on a playground or climbing a tree there is a risk of strangulation from the chin strap during these types of activities.

Safe Clothing

What kids wear when riding a bike is also very important for safety:

Fluorescent or bright-colored clothes will help kids be visible on the road. (Avoid dark clothes, especially during early dusk and twilight hours.)
Lightweight clothes will help them avoid becoming overheated.
Pant legs shouldn't be too loose-fitting or flared. These can get caught up in the chain while riding.
If your child wears a backpack while riding, make sure the straps are tied up and can't get tangled in the spokes of the wheels.
Choose shoes that grip the bike's pedals. Cleats, shoes with heels, or flip-flops can all create problems while riding. Kids should never ride barefoot!

Rules of the Road for Bike Riding

Here are some must-know safety tips to teach kids:

Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights just as cars do. Yield to pedestrians, stop at red lights, and be especially careful at intersections.
Always ride in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.
Try to use bike lanes or designated bike routes whenever you can not the sidewalk!
Never ride at dusk or in the dark.
Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving a driveway, an alley, or a curb.
Watch traffic closely for turning cars or cars leaving driveways.
Don't ride too close to parked cars doors can open suddenly.
Always walk a bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.
When riding in a group, always ride single file on the street.
When passing other bikers or people on the street, always pass to their left and call out "On your left!" so they'll watch for you.
Never share the seat with a friend or ride on the handlebars only one person should be on a bike at a time. It's easy to lose balance or suddenly swerve into traffic when riding with a passenger.
Never wear headphones while biking it's essential to hear everyone else on the road at all times.
Never stand up while riding a bike.
Never hitch a ride on a moving vehicle.
Never change directions or lanes without first looking behind you, and always use the correct hand signals. Use your left arm for all hand signals:
- Left turn: After checking behind you, hold your arm straight out to the left and ride forward slowly.
- Stop: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, pointing your arm downward in an upside down "L" shape and come to a stop.
- Right turn: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, holding your arm up in an "L" shape, and ride forward slowly. Or, hold your right arm straight out from your side.


Left turn	Stop

Right turn	Right turn alternative

Bike Maintenance

Check your child's bike at least once each season to keep it safe and well-maintained.

Be sure to check:

tires inflate to the pressure that's recommended on the sidewall of the tire
chain oil it regularly and remove dirt
handlebars adjust for height as your child grows and tighten all bolts
brakes check for frayed cables and replace worn-out brake pads
seat keep the seat level and adjust for height as needed

Making Safety a Family Affair

One of the best ways to help kids learn safe bike riding is to set a good example by following the rules of the road yourself. Go for bike rides with your kids so you can show them what safe riding looks like. It's also a great way to stay active as a family and get valuable together time that you'll all enjoy!

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

Bicycle Safety: Hand Signals

SteveBaumgartner — Thur, 03 Apr 2008 15:11:35 GMT

Bicycle Safety:

Hand Signals

Where in the lane should you ride?

The simple answer to this question is ride as far to the right of the lane as is safe. But that doesn't mean you should always hug the curb. Here are some times a bicyclist may move out into the lame.
- Left Turn. You can move out near the center line when preparing to make a left turn. (See illustration ).
- Hazard. You may move away from the right side of the road to avoid potholes, drain grates and other hazards.
- Same Speed. You may ride in the center of the lane when you are moving at the same speed as the motor traffic.
- Narrow lane. When the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely drive side-by-side, you may "take the lane." That is, you may ride far enough out in the lane to keep motorists from trying to pass you until the adjacent lane is free of on-coming traffic.
Negotiating with motorists
- Before you move away from the right side of the lane to make a left turn or avoid an obstacle, make sure motorists around you know what you intend to do. Signal well before you make your move. Glance over your shoulder. This glance does more than just let you see what's coming; the body language speaks more clearly than a hand signal alone and tells motorists you want to move over. When you see a gap in the traffic, or when a motorist slows to let you in, make your move.
Never ride against the traffic!
- Wrong way bicyclists are asking for trouble. Turning motorists don't look for traffic coming at them on the wrong side of the road.

Forum: Entry Level Road Cycling

Carrollton Cycling Club - Scholarship Fund Criteria

SteveBaumgartner — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:15:12 GMT

PDF attached: See rules.

Forum: Suggestion Box

Texas High School Cycling League

SteveBaumgartner — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:50:58 GMT

http://www.texashighschoolcycling.org/

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-16229-1,00.html

Sponsorship and Benefactor Packet

Andrew Armstrong: League Director

E-mail: texashighschoolcycling@gmail.com

Phone: 617-480-6705

Mission:

The mission of the Texas High School Cycling League is to promote cycling as a healthy activity and competitive sport by providing a venue for high school clubs to compete against each other and by supporting the establishment of cycling clubs in high schools throughout Texas.

High School Cycling is:

High school cycling is modeled after the successful collegiate cycling system. In this system the focus is on the individual as part of a larger team and while very competitive the atmosphere is much more relaxed than the usual USCF races. This more relaxed atmosphere is a result of participants that are relatively new to racing as well as the fact that participants do not compete in the normal USCF categories but rather compete for their high school in more generic skill-based categories.

Past:

The 2007-2008 academic year was our first year as a league. During that year we successfully hosted a seven-race high school spring road race series. In that first high school race series sixteen different schools were represented and thirty-five different kids participated.

Present:

For the 2007-2008 academic year we will once again host a spring road race series but we will also have some organized practices focusing on skills development open to all league schools. We will also offer at least one coaching clinic and continued administrative support and assistance to new clubs. And new clubs we have. Due to a recruitment master-plan we already have the addition of two well-organized officially sanctioned clubs from two different districts. In addition the league is currently assisting people in six other school districts who are organizing clubs for the 2007-2008 school year.

Future:

Clearly the Texas High School Cycling League and high school cycling are going places. With your help, in the next five years the league will be able to host multiple coaching clinics each year, expand to over twenty officially recognized school clubs, host a fall mountain bike race series, host a weeknight track racing series, and expand to well over 100 participating kids. We can not do this alone. We need the financial support of sponsors and benefactors like you and your company.

YOU can help make a difference in the life of a teenager!

What we offer the student-athletes:

We offer cycling as a legitimate sport to many students who would not otherwise know it existed as a real sport. In other words we bring new people into the sport of cycling. We also give students cut from the other major sports teams a chance to excel.

What we offer advertisers / sponsors:

We offer advertisers a very specific demographic: Teenage, college-bound, males and females who are first being introduced to cycling and competitive racing and are beginning a potentially life-long relationship with the sport; often-times without previously having any equipment. For more specific or detailed information on our demographics please contact us.

Your Sponsorship will give you the satisfaction that you are helping students stay busy, active, and pursue their goals. You may even help them find a life-long passion and begin a love affair with cycling.

Exposure:

Through sponsoring the league you will gain incredible exposure for your sponsorship or advertising dollar. In addition to providing the branding opportunities outlined in our sponsorship levels we also offer the opportunity to be associated with the development of the league which has already been featured in the following publications/media outlets with a combined worldwide circulation of over 600,000! Publications include: The North Texas High School Report (3x), cyclingnews.com (1x), dailypeloton.com (2x), The Racing Post (5+x), The Wichita Falls Times Record (1x), Bicycling Magazine (August 2007 issue.)

Sponsorship Levels

All sponsors will be listed on the sponsor page of our website in addition to receiving the benefits outlined below.

League Title Sponsor (1): $2,000 +

Logo on ALL flyer's, posters, & Brochures

Main banner advertising link on League website

The league will be branded with your company name

Race Series Title Sponsor (1): $1,000+

Womens Series Sponsor (1) $1,000+

Logo on all race flyer's, posters, brochures, or banners

Series branded with your company name

Major link on League website

Individual Race Partner: $500

Logo on flyer's for that particular race

Link on websites race series page

That particular race will be branded with your company name

League Supporter:

Gold: $500+

Link on website

Silver: $250+

Bronze: $100+

Other opportunities:

Other opportunities are available on a negotiated basis. Some of these could be:

Sponsoring/Adopting a student-athlete

Sponsoring/Adopting a new club

Funding new bike purchases

In-kind donations of new items or product

Pro-deals / discounts on equipment or accessories

For more information or to negotiate sponsorship: contact league director Andrew Armstrong. E-mail: texashighschoolcycling@gmail.org Phone: 617-480-6705

Forum: Suggestion Box

Club Accounting - Budget

SteveBaumgartner — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:40:22 GMT

Looking over the Treasury report I see some flaws in basic business practices. This is just bad business and represents neglect and lack of planning.

71% of our Treasury is Scholarship (Charity).
29% General Operation Funds.

Budget, Budget, Budget!

10% may be a good standard for our annual budget allocation for charities, (10%) with no rollover.

It is advisable to take care of old business and retire the Scholarship fund. New business would be to initiate a Charity fund. We all have many ideas to promote cycling, lets define the criteria and create a budget first!

We must treat this as a business (because it is) to avoid clusters like this in the future.

From: John Plattner
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 4:25 PM
Subject: Quick Treasury Report (Was: High School Cycling League Donation)

Just a quick update on this subject in terms of State of the Treasury.

Our current balance is $4220.00

Of that, $3007.00 is in the Scholarship (or whatever else you want to call it) fund

That leaves $1213.00 in the General Operating Fund.

We should also have approximately $900.00 in Jersey inventory.

Dues renewal season is fast approaching, assuming we get at least 50 renewals (we have a few folks who are already paid up for this year), the General Operating Fund will be enhanced by another $1250.00

Forum: Suggestion Box