To All MCC Members,

The new and improved MCC Monday Night Ride is just a week away. We have had very positive feedback regarding the proposed changes and are looking forward to making this years’ ride the best yet. That being said, we need members to step forward and volunteer as ride leaders and sweeps. Its not a big commitment, we are looking for you to take one turn a month as a leader or sweep supporting the ride of your choice. You know you are going to ride anyway, so why not help once a month? If you care about making the MNR a success then we need you to do your part and help out with the ride duties. If you are ready to help out please e-mail me. Thanks for stepping up and pitching in. See you next Monday!

Tom Ayres 

The MNR is now in it’s 5th year and remains one of the best attended weekly rides in west Michigan. Some changes have been made for this year’s MNR so please read everything and e-mail with any questions.

The “A” group is being split from the main MNR ride and becoming an Independent Ride, not associated with the regular MNR or MCC. Why? Well, the “A” group was allowing a poor perception of the MNR to many members; too fast, not friendly, everyman for themselves, no leader etc…. This was stopping many members from even trying the “B” group, and that wasn’t right. Also, we had a “C” group for a few weeks last year that was well received.

The new Independent Ride will leave at 6:15 pm starting the first Monday in May until the last Monday in October. If you liked the “A” group then this is your start time.

Here’s the breakdown for the real MNR from the Macatawa Cycling Club
The MNR will run from May through October every Monday night, other than Memorial Day and Labor Day, when the ride will be held in the morning. There will be three start times every Monday. Distances will vary according to group with miles added later in the summer for the Sport and Tour groups.
Routes will stay the same as traditionally ridden. The section of Old Allegan Road has been “improved” and is ready for 2008

There will be three groups. Race, Sport and Tour.
TOUR

• Start time of 6:32 pm sharp.
• A ride leader will help direct the group and will also provide a sweep service. He or she might have a spare tube or limited tools, but every participant should plan on carrying their own.
• The idea is to ride together with limited splitting of the group
• Speed for the Tour group is Average of 14 mph, 20 miles

SPORT

• Start time of 6:31 pm sharp.
• A ride leader will help direct the group. He or she might have a spare tube or tools but participants should plan on carrying their own.
• Speeds will average 17 mph, but can be higher. Limited splitting if possible and ridding together is the main idea. 35 miles

RACE

• Start time of 6:30 pm sharp
• No ride leader is provided.
• The Sport group is the sweep for the Race riders if flats or mechanicals occur.
• Participants should be able to ride a fast pace 21 mph average and be well versed ridding in groups.
• Speeds will be fast so expect a good hard ride, but not one to demolish the whole group.

The Race group is not an actual “race”. We want as many riders to finish together and have fun, but some splitting of the group may occur. If you are dropped the sport group will be coming up behind.
MCC plans on painting route markers for all three groups. It is hoped that these new ideas and groups will get more members on the MNR. It’s a great ride and we want as many members come out.

Our next monthly club meeting is TONIGHT Tuesday 4/1/2008 - and this isn’t an April’s Fool Joke. Tonights meeting is from 8:00pm-9:00(ish) in the Upstairs Conference room at New Holland Brewery.

The new location is at 66 East 8th Street • Holland, Michigan 49423 - across from Curragh and Velo City Cycles .

Tonight’s MCC membership meeting will be taking place in the upstairs,
mezzanine level at New Holland Brewery. The floor is being re-finished
in our usual meeting room, so for this month only we will meet in the
second floor dining area. Due to some scheduling conflicts, our guest
speaker will be Heather Bowe instead of Mike Jones. Heather will discuss
“yoga for cyclists.” See you at 8:00 p.m. Hope you can attend.

Tom Ayres
Macatawa Cycling Club