As we move from the active riding season, for most of us, to our lay-up, planning time during the winter, I wanted to comment on the dedication of many of our volunteer base. Recently, when we were short a few positions to staff the Knox County Bicycle Challenge, regular volunteers like Eve Holland and her family and Tom Hardin, our bicycle mechanic and truck driver from XOBA, came forward to assist Gary Schmidt with this popular ride. I was pleased that I also got some responses from first time volunteers after we had all the needed personnel. To date, I haven't made a dent in soliciting our member base that has initiated an interest in volunteering. My last request on went by e-mail to "A" through "D" names on the list. I look forward to expanding the volunteer base address book to include the entire alphabet. We absolutely must continue to expand the base of individuals that contribute to organizing and staffing our daily rides and tours if we are to remain successful.

I am pleased to report that Joanna Pallos and Nancy Betz will be working with Tim Faigley to assume the reigns of The Ridge Runner Ramble in 2007. Our established annual rides have a base of successful routes from prior years. New leaders should be able to simply repeat prior efforts rather than starting from scratch. Please let me know if you can also head or co-head a tour. Training and assistance to get started will be provided. We need your efforts to continue our programs.

Volunteers are needed at all levels of our programs, from record keeping to the leadership level. My four-year commitment to serve as Bicycling Chair will be up in July 2007. My hope is to spend a few months with my replacement to ease the transition. Like other positions experience is not a requirement, training will be provided. All that is required is a desire to help by contributing time to the efforts. Call me!

Reports from The Tour of the Hocking Hill, The Covered Bridge Century and The Ridge Runner indicate that those rides continue to be popular and generate favorable comments.

I have notice this year an increase in the number of riders contacting us for assistance in planning cross-state routes. Several large cross-country groups riding east to west and the reverse contacted me this year. One group of 21 needed overnight information on route options from Yellow Springs to Grandview. I'm happy to report that we were able to provide maps and advice for their next day ride. We were also able to assist several individuals and small groups doing shorter cross-state routes. I'm glad we were able to assist and appreciate the thanks received from those riders.

E-mail me at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.