HBC Blog

Two of our club members, Patty Killion and Don Senior, are seeking a two bedroom / two bathroom house (or possibly apartment) in the Huntington area. If you have any leads or tips, you can send the information to Tony Barone (tbeeska@optonline.net) and he will forward to them. “Two lovely mature individuals” according to Tony.

What might have been a scene from the “The Godfather” or “The Sopranos” where the heads of the respective Mafia families meet to straighten out differences and determine future policy for the members to follow, we, the heads of the five Long Island Bicycle families had a meeting at Rich Lubasch’s home to discuss, amongst other things, event coordination, advertising, cooperation in organizing multi-club rides and planning special events. For example, it has been decided that events like the “Tour of the Hamptons” and the “Gold Coast” do not overlap each other or any other Long Island club’s special event. Included in our discussions were the bicycle lanes and what can be done to get more of them on our Long Island roads and the the related politics that are involved in pursuing this goal. Safety on the roads was another topic at our meeting and as you can imagine that subject is endless.

Present at this auspicious occasion were the following:

Fred Itkin, presiding over meeting and former president of Massapequa Park Bicycle Club (MPBC)
Charlie Postler, current president of MPBC;
Bill Selsky, president of the Long Island Bicycle Club (LIBC);
Michael Vitti, president of C.L.I.M.B. Long Island’s mountain biking club;
Bob Devito, president of the Suffolk Bike Riders Association (SBRA) ;
Joe DePalma, Long Island representative for Paumonak:
Rich Lubasch – Vice President and Ride Chairman for the Huntington bicycle Club (HBC)
and yours truly, Tony Barone, president of HBC.

It was apparent that everyone was eager to establish the ground rules for the agenda at hand and we discussed all of the main items and made substantial progress into the beginnings of what promises to be a “Tour de Force” for Long Island bicycling enthusiasts and the Long Island clubs at large.

Call to Order –8:00 PM

1) No new members (Josh and Jessica from Cycles Plus were present)
2) Approval of the minutes from Sept. 2009
3) Treasurer’s report-Some dues income, otherwise no activity
The HBC’s fiscal year goes from March 1-Feb.28. A report will be offered at the next meeting.
4) Ride leader’s report-some openings for the October schedule.
Members should check the “forum” on the web site before each weekend ride, for changes. A way to update the current calendar format is being looked into.
5) Newsletter-Arch requested blogs for the newsletter (pictures and stories) to be sent directly to him
His email is: acarey3 (at) yahoo.com
6) Larry reported that the Huntington Chamber of Commerce will set up a booth at the fall festival the weekend of
10/10-11. He invited the club to have information handy for people to look at.. The table will be set up in the Hecksher Museum parking lot.
7) President’s report-Tony announced that the board and the officers voted on raising the annual dues to: $25 for individuals, $ 30 for families. What ensued was a “discussion”  at a rather FORTISSIMO level on why the dues were being raised. The increase would be used to offset the Gold Coast expenses in case it is rained out. On that note,(Gb), it was suggested more charitable donations should be made from the funds raised in the Gold Coast.
Election Day is our next meeting! Vote for your favorite current  officers: No new officers were nominated-(I know, the perks of this job are too good!) The Board will now have Bruce W. and Sal.
9) Sal talked about the bike routes that he is working on for inclusion in a townwide safe bicycling network. More will be reported, as the info progresses.
10) Terry Causin has asked that a donation be made to the “New Beginnings Family”-a state of the art, long term rehab center for many bicycle accident victims.

50/50-$ 20 (?) Sal

Adjourned: 9:05 PM

Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Gellert, Secretary
Thank you Dr. Kalvar!

Better than average t-shirt

This is an off-road run-bike-run in the Hither Hills park north west of Montauk. The weather was perfect, the trails were dry and the crowd was there for the race, followed by a Fat Tire Festival. There were prizes, raffles, an obstacle course and plenty of fun for families.

The trail run was 2.3 miles, followed by a 10 mile mountain bike ride (including the Serpent’s Back trail) and wrapped up with another 2.3 in the woods.

If you like mountain biking and don’t mind a little jogging – this is a great way to spend a morning.

Arch

If you have watched the TDF on Versus, you are familar with Bob Roll. His quirky, gonzo, style makes for fun reading. This book is a compilation of his “diary entries” from times when he was racing the tour, racing in europe, and then when he was racing mountain bikes. He also includes other stories, observations and comments on bike racing in general and even some training time with Lance.

Take a peek when in the bookstore, and if you like his style, you will know it right away. I totally enjoyed the ‘insider’ look at the sport of bike racing.

I give it “9 spokes” out of 10

Arch

Updates from the New York Bicycling Coalition

The New York Bicycling Coalition (NYBC) and Transportation Alternatives are pushing a piece of legislation called the Hayley Ng and Diego Martinez law (A.7917/S.5292). Successfully introduced in the State Legislature this spring, it provides both the police and district attorneys with a clear and viable charging option when drivers do not exercise due care. What does “due care” mean? Among other things, it’s not speeding, swerving, crossing a double yellow line making a u-turn, or leaving a vehicle running and unattended.

Upon passage, violators of the law will face possible jail time and/or financial penalties for injuring or killing a pedestrian or cyclist. This law will ultimately provide another tool to help victims’ families and friends obtain justice while creating safer streets.
To learn more about this legislation and other similar laws that will make New York City’s streets safer for all users, visit T.A.’s Legislative Action Center at transalt.org/takaction/legislation.

By Lindsey Lusher Shute, Director of Environmental Campaigns, Transportation Alternatives

HBC was well represented at the recent Tour of the Hamptons – Sat. Sept. 26

Here are a few pictures sent in by Sal. Looks like it was a perfect day.

Bruce

The Gang

Greg and Tony

Karen

Ken Dee Jerry

At the lighthouse

Pat and Tony

Rich

Sal

Scott

You can download the October ride schedule  click here.

Note the 8:30 start time, and enjoy the fall colors! (but watch out for wet leaves)