September/October Club Meeting Minutes

Our president, Gabe Denes, convened our monthly group meeting at the El Carrizo restaurant Monday, Oct 5 at 7:30pm.

We had about 25 in attendance for an excellent program presented by Cecil Cheaves about his 60/60/60 run, bike and swim for his birthday. With multimedia and a very personal account of this event, it was clear what a challenge, celebration and very personal adventure this represented for Cecil. Thanks to Cecil for generously sharing this milestone and reminder to dream big and to live as actively as health permits.

President Gabe reviewed updates on the following:
-Need to communicate and coordinate more local riding groups (please send info on your rides to Gabollini@bellsouth.net or Barolcar@aol.com to advertize in the newsletter and place on the website.
-Website updates are in progress with the aim of making the site more practical, easier to post updates, and cleaner to navigate (should be up in the next couple of days).
- Bike Paths: while the new rails to trails line is not complete, the sections that have been paved between Buck Ice and Hilton Avenue are very scenic and will represent myriad new opportunities for kids and adults to get across town by foot, bike, skates or whatever your chosen non motorized means of transport. Also, the section of the River Walk north of the River Club is coming along well and should soon connect to the 14th street bridge by TSYS campus. On the Phenix city side of the river, word has it that plans are moving to connect from the 14th street bridge all the way up to Idle Hour Park. Altogether, Columbus is coming on the stage of towns with alternative means of transportation and healthy living in a big way!
- Numerous rides and Centuries are on tap for October and November - see the latest ccc newsletters for updates.
- Ben Pike gave an update on the BRAG organizations plans for the fall ride and urge local riders to attend and enjoy. Our presence could help push the balance to electing Columbus as an ongoing host for this ride, which would be a huge economic boost to the area as well as adding to the many cycling opportunities we have in the area. See the Brag website (link in left panel of ccc website) for more details on this and the 2 day stay over of the summertime BRAG ride in 2010.
- Our president is planning early for a Christmas season cycling party in the first week of December. Be on the lookout for details to come.