We have made changes for the MNR to help boost member participation. Please check out the details on the MCC homepage.www.macatawacyclingclub.org

One change is being made for the “Race” group. Some members were worried about the average mph (23) and that it was too close the Independent Ride leaving at 6:15 pm and thus we had some overlapping. So we are adjusting the Race group to average of 21 mph and wanting the Race group to stay together as much as possible. We hope this change allows more MCC’ers to try the faster group with the knowledge the Sport group is behind them if they want or need to leave the Race group, and it gives a big enough gap between the two rides so they are distinctly different.

Also, if you haven’t received a bottle/socks for joining the club either this year or in the past. I will have some of both at the MNR. Please find me and we’ll get them to you.

Marshall and Marci

Tom Ayres 

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

MCC has been invited to participate in Holland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15th. This is a great way to help get some further community exposure and visibility for the club and also a way to dust off that bike and get it ready for the 2008 Cycling season!

We’d like to see as many MCC members as possible participate in this event, so please mark your calendars for this Saturday.

Event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Location: Downtown Holland
When: Saturday March 15th.
Where: Line-up for parade riders begins at 11:15 am at Eighth Street MarketPlace on 8th Street and Pine Avenue, near the Civic Center
Who: MCC Members (Please wear your MCC jersey)

Following the parade, plan on a group ride of 25-30 miles depending on
the weather. After the ride, join your fellow MCC faithful at New
Holland Brewery for some post ride food and refreshments. The club is
springing for the appetizers! See you this Saturday.

Tom Ayres
Macatawa Cycling Club

Our next monthly club meeting is Tuesday 3/4/2008. Meetings are from 8:00pm-9:00(ish) and are now in the Fairbanks room at New Holland Brewery.

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

This month meeting will feature Personal Trainer, Jessica Oosting, owner of Valeo Personal Training, cyclist and fellow MCC club member! Jessica will discuss cycling-related core strength exercises and other ways to get (or keep) fit. Perfect timing as you prepare for the 2008 outdoor cycling season!

Upcoming meeting topics include:

• April - Physical Therapist and cyclist Mike Jones of Hanneken Full Potential Physical Therapy on injury avoidance and “complete” fitness.
• May - Heather Bowe, Yoga Instructor and cyclist on yoga for cyclists. She’s an instructor @ the Satya Yoga Center in Saugatuck.
• June - Mini Bike Show featuring area shops.

Input and ideas as to other topics for future meetings you’d like to see should be addressed to mike AT velo-citycycles dotCom.

We’d like to see as many MCC members as possible participate in this event, so please mark your calendars today.

Event: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Location: Downtown Holland
When: Saturday March 15th.
Where: Line-up for parade riders begins at 11:15 am at Eighth Street MarketPlace on 8th Street and Pine Avenue, near the Civic Center
Who: MCC Members (Please wear your MCC jersey)

Check them out!