byWarren Tessler

December…this month’s theme might be “hello, I must be going”. It’s my last go around at the monthly missive as president. I’m sure that I’ll continue to contribute, but from time to time, on a more relaxed schedule, I expect.

As I look back, it seems that I’ve covered a lot of topics, some of which I’ve revisited from different angles. Besides my frequent carping about riding in colder weather (I was ready to promise this would be the last such mention, but I may not be able to keep that promise), the subject most often appearing in this space had to do with member engagement.

There’s the member level engagement of ride participation, the annual meeting, Mardi Gras and the summer picnic. There are also the numerous folks who turn out to help with events, specifically the Spring Classic which requires dozens of volunteers each year to make it not just happen, but to go off smoothly and successfully. You might think that this is “just showing up”, but in reality it’s the very core of our club’s purpose. I thank you for doing so.

The next level of engagement is for those who choose to lead and/or govern various aspects of the club. This includes people at every level from ride leaders to club officers. Last month I mentioned a number of our members who have newly stepped into roles on the board, as officers and leading/planning the Spring Classic. While everyone’s participation is greatly appreciated, I think that it’s worth noting and to recognize all of the newer faces, and to look to them to continue to lead the club going forward.

Something that I think that gets overlooked or under appreciated is just how much of a team effort it is to lead, manage and move the club forward. As I look back on the past several years, there’s a long list of members who have been agents of change in any number of ways. It’s notable that these are people who don’t just suggest an idea, they work to make it happen for all of us. Some examples of this are:

Early in my tenure, Michael Daou was on the board and, often in our discussions, would question what our bylaws had to say on a matter. We took a look at them and realize that the bylaws were out dated in many ways, not having been revised in a decade or two. Michael was part of the committee that worked to revise those bylaws which we then adopted at our annual meeting.

Three years ago, Phil McLoud came across a notice regarding the availability of lodging tax funds from local governments that could be awarded to organizations that promoted tourism in various ways. Knowing that the Spring Classic attracts riders from all over the northwest, he initiated applications for those funds from Skagit County, Mt. Vernon and Burlington. We were successful in receiving funding from all three that year, and in subsequent years. That funding has more than made up for the drop-off in sponsorship dollars and has made the Spring Classic more successful than ever.

Last year, mere weeks before the Spring Classic was scheduled to occur, a massive rockslide occurred on Chuckanut Drive making it impassable for an unknown period of time. This made it necessary to rapidly develop alternatives for the 100 mile and 62 mile routes. Dave Olausen was already aware that such alternatives would be necessary in 2026 and 2027 due to planned construction by the State on other parts of those routes and had proposed routes ready. The Classic planning committee reviewed Dave’s ideas and voted on the ones they felt were best. Bill Woyski then worked with WSDOT and the counties to revise the necessary permits. John Yaeger contacted the church on Fir Island to obtain permission to relocate on of the rest stops to their parking lot. Mark Proulx revised the resource books that we use to mark the routes. All of this happened in a very compressed timeframe.

Barry Antler, incoming president, is actively working on a couple of projects. In response to a recent rash of accidents occurring during club rides, he’s assembled a work group to revise our safety protocols. He’s consulting with other clubs in the region to see what we can learn from their practices. Also, in response to requests from members, he’s working to organize basic bicycle maintenance classes for our membership.

Board member Steve Moe took the lead on working with Anita Elder to design new club jerseys, vests and the rest of the kit. He then set up a group purchase store to enable members to acquire the new items at a discount. He’s also worked with Anita on Spring Classic jerseys - a first for the Classic (I think).

These are just a few examples of what is a very long list. If you are reading this, please do not feel slighted if I failed to mention your contribution here, but this could go on for quite some time if I tried to be exhaustive (also I’m dealing with an increasingly aging memory bank and I’ve not been taking good notes). The takeaway here is that whether you are leading the club or leading the Classic, you are far from alone. The teamwork, initiative and shouldering of responsibility shown so often by so many has been nothing short of impressive. In my time as president I have benefitted from that and I thank you.

In closing, I would like to say that I’ve truly enjoyed the experience of being the club president. I’ve gotten to work with many of your and to meet many more. It’s been valuable to be able to rely on those who preceded me. I especially relied on Roxan Kraft, Phil McLoud, Bill Boettcher and Steve Jahn when I needed a history lesson or someone to serve as a sounding board. They were always there to assist, which was greatly appreciated and helpful. I will certainly be there for those who will follow, if they feel the need to reach out.

So, that’s a wrap. And, yes, I must be going, but I will see you on the road….

Warren

“Old Biker” is an Oxymoron

by Bill Boettcher

“You don’t stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding.”
-Anonymous

I am 78 years young and I recently had a total shoulder replacement surgery. For many years my weekly biking totals ranged from 60-100 miles, and I felt good. A year prior to the surgery, pain and instability in my arm forced me to cut my riding back to almost nothing. I felt bad. And old.

Today I am gradually recovering but riding is still a ways off. I can’t wait.

I miss the endorphin rush of pushing my body. I miss the sweat and pain (well, not really). But I do miss the sense of well-being, of energy, of calming my mind, of breathing in nature. I miss my friends, the laughter, the gentle ribbing, the camaraderie, the lunches at the Corner Pub, the sense of accomplishment, the afternoon nap when I get home.

Fortunately, I’ve been active in the Club as a past president, a board member, and a volunteer at SBC events since I moved here eight years ago. Even though I stopped riding I still had good connections and friendships to keep me looped into the biking community. Thank goodness! You need good connections to keep your spirits up in later life. We old guys understand that aging is not for sissies and the process certainly is kinder if you have company while doing it.

So I look forward to once again riding with my buddies, staving off the old-age mindset, and seeing what lies around the next bend. And if you, too, have let biking fall by the wayside, I urge you to join me and get back on the road again. It will cheer you up. I guarantee it.

John Yeager models the new Ride Leader jersey

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