April 2018 Top Talk

Ashley Reynolds, Vice President

As a newer member to this club (joined in Aug. 2016) and to cycling, I’d like to first thank the club for being welcoming and eager to pass on their tricks of the trade.  I am proud to say I’m still learning (aren’t we all?).  Having been a Clackamas County resident and non-biker for a good portion of my life, up until recently I have associated the abbreviations ‘CCC’ with ‘Clackamas Community College’.  Imagine my confusion when several members were talking about volunteering at ‘CCC’!  (Club lingo is for ‘Community Cycling Center.’)

On another note, something I’m excited for this year is the opportunity to “bike your cause.” On a personal level, as someone with moderate asthma, I’m thankful for the club’s ongoing support with the Reach the Beach training rides.  Profits support research/education programs for lung-related diseases- asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, etc. (goes to the American Lung Association).  It has been great to watch our club continue assisting those biking for this cause, with outside riders with us on a weekly basis and with the addition of more training options this year.

It has also been encouraging seeing others passionate about other causes.  Another big one is the ‘Bike MS’ ride, a two-day event in August.  Upon being solicited for training ride support, several members were very enthusiastic about the idea of assisting, so don’t be surprised if you see ‘MS Training Rides’ already on the calendar (two in April). A few summer training rides are still in the works!

Spring and summer are filled with excellent riding opportunities as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer. Given these opportunities, I encourage members to think about giving back, whether it’s riding for a cause, helping others train for their cause, or assisting in spreading the word. Cycling is a blast, but can be sweeter when aiding those less fortunate or riding for those who can’t.