December 2024 Top Talk

The year just flew by. It is the end of my fourth year as president of Portland Bicycling Club. For those of you who weren’t here at the time, I also served as president from 2011 to 2013. It was Portland Wheelmen Touring Club then. I am running again for president, so we’ll see if I get to serve for a fifth year.

Reflecting on 2024, I really appreciate all our club members who have done their best, done what they could, and sought to benefit the club as a whole. There are many who are working very consistently throughout the year behind the scenes, keeping our club healthy and active.  ✎

Others have worked on our event rides, the Pioneer Century® and Seattle to Portland, that are vital to the survival of our club as we know it. Time and energy were provided by our volunteers, who helped create bicycle events for the enjoyment of other cyclists. Genuine altruism was evident as our club members implemented the features they themselves enjoyed when they participated in these or other rides. Safety, nutrition, routes, and support are just some of the considerations given to both Pioneer and STP.

Each day, throughout the year, there are our own club rides. Where would we, a BICYCLING CLUB, be without bicycle rides? And bicycle rides need ride leaders. That is our niche: bicycle rides. From what I have heard about other clubs, we are exceptional for the number of rides we offer. Ride leaders are the foundation of our club. If you have led a ride, you know the effort it takes: the when, where, how, and commitment to lead and guide. Each ride is different and may be problem-free; or complicated by detours, flats, marauding dogs, weather, closed coffee shops, even crashes. But overall, we love our club rides and the camaraderie we shared even in this very political year. Cycling is the common interest that brings us together.

The list of volunteers working throughout the past year is a long one. I hope you all know your efforts are recognized and appreciated. I am fortunate to be in the lead position of a club that has so many hard-working and conscientious members.

Thank you for volunteering and working so well together to support one another and our club. Most of you seem to be motivated by doing something good for our club with no expectation of personal glory. It’s refreshing and easy to work with such mature (emotionally! 😉) volunteers.

“Take life by the handlebars!”®

Ann Morrow, President

To read the Quick Releases associated with the December 2024 Top Talk, go to Table of Contents.