Great new partnership with the Library

Our local library has opened up their online computer system to clubs and organizations in the community.  The Polaris Cycling Club has created a presence within their "community" database and we will begin to maintain our organization information as well as our events calendar on the library computer.

We expect this partnership will bring a couple of great benefits:  first, we'll be able to increase activity and membership as well as promote cycling awareness to a whole new segment of the community.

Secondly, the library has an excellent set of resources for cycling safety and education.  We have already put pages on the blog which dynamically inform our members about stuff they can use at the library to learn more about cycling.  It's more than just lists - you can click on a book or video about cycling and find out if it's available at the library.  You can request the book.  You can even see a map of all the branch libraries in Onondaga County and find out who has a copy available now.

We're excited about this new resource.  The best part is, although the computer system belongs to the library, Bryan (as Club President) can use his login as a library patron and update all our club information from home.

So...stay tuned and watch for all the great new enhancements to our Club blog.

The Ultimate Cycling Play List

Since this is a blog and therefore a sort of electronic autocracy, I thought I'd take it upon my self to add a new widget to the Cycling Club site. Over in the right side panel you'll see a new addition labeled "The Ultimate Cycling Play List."

Now, there are a lot of us who advocate against riding on a city street with headphones in (for safety reasons) and they have a good point. I know some cyclists who are comfortable perhaps using just a single earbud for their music and then keeping a sharp ear out for traffic noise as best they can.

So if you listen to music whether you're on the road, trail or just working the stationary bike at home, I'm going to share my favorite cycling tunes with you. If you're like me, you go through your iPod every few months and re-arrange your current play lists. The songs you'll find listed in the "Ultimate Cycling Play List" are those that, month after month, year after year somehow get to STAY in my play list. They've become my perennial favorites. By the way, the widget works - just click the "play" button to start listening.

 These are the songs that motivate me on a long stretch or in the middle of a really hard hill climb. The litmus test is when they come on and I think "Yes!" And then I work a little harder. Pick up the cadence a little faster to meet the beat.

I don't apologize for my list, so I don't even want to hear about it. There's everything here from Miley Cyrus to ACDC. Country to Metal to Movie Soundtracks. Enjoy! And the next time we're encamped at the Retreat after a half-century ride, we can all share favorites from our own lists. Who knows - maybe I'll democratize and add some of your music in with mine!

- Bryan

March club meeting

As many of you know, Polaris Cycling Club’s March meeting is usually more party than meeting. In the past, we’ve held it at various restaurants. This year, Tom McNamara has offered the club his home in Baldwinsville to host a potluck. The board of directors accepted his gracious offer at the November meeting. Monday, August 7, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. we will meet at Tom's residence, 2015 Sampson Court, Baldwinsville.

Parking in the neighborhood is limited, so ride your bike if you can (there's an idea!) On the agenda for the meeting are club officer and board member elections. We will be awarding our annual Honorary Lifetime Membership for exceptional support and dedication to Polaris Cycling Club, cycling in Onondaga County, and cycling in general.

Also on the agenda we will be awarding The Golden Pulaski for outstanding contribution to local mountain bike trail development. The meeting will be potluck. We’re cooking a turkey and will barbeque a beef tenderloin; we encourage you to bring something to share.

See you there!

Bryan

It's time to renew your membership!

It’s 2021, and that means it’s time to renew your annual membership with Polaris Cycling Club. If you joined us for one of our trail work days last year, you’re eligible for an honorary membership this year. Just fill out the application, state the location and date you worked with us and mail it in, or bring it to the first Banana Slug ride at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21 at Onondaga County Fairgrounds in Syracuse.