Gyrosians, Well, we have taken another step forward in our short history as a club. Some might consider 2 steps but, whichever way you view it, there are some major changes on the way that I would like to share with you.
As you may or may not know, there are over 600 members on our Gyro googlegroup. I would have never thought, 6 years ago, that I would be here telling you that. From our humble beginnings with the "Original 7" to our current state of membership has been an unbelievable journey. For those of you who are wondering, there are still some of the Original 7 still with us today. Aside from myself, that would also include Bert, his wife Lee and Gary Rohlke. The others have relocated and one founder passed away from an unfortunate accident just last year - our dear friend, Steve Dickson. So, let me give you a brief summary of all that will transpire within the next few months. First of all, because this has become larger than what 1 or 2 people can possibly handle, we have volunteers who have stepped up to the role of club officers. In doing so, the burden has been taken off my shoulders in many aspects of running the club. I would now like to introduce you to your new officers: Tony Santalucia, President, Gyros Cycling Club/Gyros Race Team Email: [email protected] Bert Sellers, Vice President, Gyros Cycling Club and Captain, Gyros Race Team Email: [email protected] Ed Hirsch, Secretary, Gyros Cycling Club Email: [email protected] Eric Rakoske, Membership Director, Gyros Cycling Club Email: [email protected] Derek Bateson, Events Coordinator, Gyros Cycling Club/Gyros Race Team Email: [email protected] I have included their emails so that all questions can be directed to the appropriate person. Please meet them, congratulate them and, above all, support them. What they are about to take on is very time consuming and showing your appreciation will go a long way. Trust me on that one! Secondly, Eric Rakoske, our Membership Director, will send out a message regarding our plan for 2011. This plan will include putting in place membership dues. It has been put off long enough. The dues will be a nominal fee and I would hope that all of you who have enjoyed riding with us over the years will also support us. In doing so, members will enjoy the benefits of membership through specials and discounts offered by our sponsors and friends. Please patronize them. Without them, we would not be where we are today. (Membership cards are in production). Look for new website changes to be hitting in the next couple of months. The goal will be to get people to use the website more often. Our Race Team is now on Facebook too so check them out. Search - GYROS RACE TEAM. As the racing season goes full swing next year, the site will be continually updated with pictures and results. Spread the word. REMEMBER, the more visibility and awareness we get, both as a club and as a race team, the more our membership will grow. Thirdly, and this one is very important. Beginning February 1st 2011, we are wiping the googlegroup "clean". No longer will you be able to view and post to the group without becoming a member. This too has been put off long enough. Become a member and you'll know exactly what the club is up too and this will be very important because this leads me to the next item I want to discuss. On Saturday, June 11th, 2011, the Gyros will be hosting our first charity ride. Although very preliminary, this will NOT be a register fee ride. It will be a DONATION ride only. All proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation - LIVESTRONG. We have chosen a ride to help the fight against cancer because of the proliferation of this disease. So many of us have been stricken with this disease and so have many of our friends and family members. We will need everyone's help in making this a success. The name of this ride will be "Velo4Yellow". Derek Bateson (The Paddy), our Events Coordinator, will keep everyone posted on our plans as we get closer to June 11th and details are finalized. Mark your calendars now! We are taking some huge leaps in making the Gyros the best cycling club in Central North Carolina. Now, with our new Race Team, a charity ride, and other venues that we are working on such as a club sponsored Time Trial Series, we will continue on that path. As a side note, I personally would like to thank all the ride leaders this past year. You have helped make everything possible. Thanks to all and let's have a wonderful off-season whether it be riding, running, hitting the gym, crosstraining or just lying on the couch watching tv and sucking down potato chips and ice cream for the next 4 months, (only kidding on the last one), be safe and PLEASE do not heistate to ask any questions. That's what we are all here for. 2011 is going to be a great year for cycling and for the club. I hope you will feel the same. See you on the road. Best Regards, Tony Santalucia President Gyros Clycing Club Gyros Racing Team -- You received this message because you subscribed to the Gyro email group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected] To unsubscribe, send an email to [email protected]
