Pacelines By Kathy Hoke
Type “bicycling” and “Columbus” in any Internet search engine and Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is going to be high on the list. We like the exposure, and sometimes it brings us some interesting mail.
In late May, a man from Licking County found us on the ‘Net and asked us to do something about the large groups of bicyclists who would not yield on a particular curvy and hilly road. He also noted a neighbor’s ire over bicyclists who were relieving themselves on a barn along the road in question.
The citizen query generated a flood of e-mail to my inbox and no doubt to many other inboxes in Central Ohio. It turns out our rides were not involved, but we were the first line of contact because we are easy to find on the Internet.
What became clear in the response, however, is how much our ride leaders and participants really care about safety, manners and sharing the road. We have a lot of knowledge we can pass on to less experienced riders and those who have fallen into sloppy or rude habits. Thanks especially to Keith Mayton, Tim Faigley and Bubba Jeff Stephens for their cogent remarks on the topic. And thanks to Todd Lee for coming forward to lead a new class on paceline and cornering skills this month. See our calendar listings for details.
All of us can benefit from thinking about our riding behavior and how it affects other users of the road, including other bicyclists. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Bicycling News
We would like to take this opportunity to point out that there are several new weekly rides on our calendar. There is a new ride in Granville on Monday evenings, one in Lancaster on Tuesdays and one Thursdays on the West Side. Each of these rides is geared towards the new rider, with slower paces and shorter routes. If you are new to road riding, or just want to see some new scenery, check out the Activity Schedule for details.
Volunteer Recognition
Charlie Pace: Charlie is TOSRV director. But, do you know, he comes out and works his heart out for the entire week of GOBA. For the past 2 years he has served as the Assistant Service Director, which is a thankless task of setting up the campgrounds in each of the GOBA towns for the entire week. He works under the direction of Brad Lutz, the Service Director. Charlie is another one of those people for whom no job is either too small or too big. He gets out there and DOES.
Dick Seebode: Besides everything else Dick does for COP, every year he offers his assistance during GOBA week and is willing to do any job I give him, as long as he has to work hard. Dick is often at my door, OFFERING to help before I even have a chance to seek him out ... one in a million.
Gordon Renkes: Gordon is a natural teacher who loves his subject matter and imparts his enthusiasm to his learners. And this is not easy when the subject is bike safety! But he takes the time to answer the most mundane questions with dignity and makes his students feel that their safety and comfort is his top concern. Because of Gordon, I am a far safer rider and will pass on this knowledge to other new riders.
The above write ups were submitted by COP members last fall when the Volunteer Recognition Committee requested the general membership to send in a letter describing their favorite volunteer to be recognized at the General Membership Meeting. The Volunteer Recognition Committee is looking forward to recognizing more of our superior volunteers in the upcoming General Membership Meeting held in October. Further information will be coming out in the Newsletter as to how you can submit a letter for your favorite COP volunteer.