Tuesday, October 21, 2008
South Charleston Public Library

President Kenneth Young called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00, and the meeting lasted about one hour. Roger Stewart gave the Treasurer’s Report - The Club has a net increase in its checking account of $572 so far this year, before the expenses for this meeting are paid. The Club also has money in savings. Bill Shultz gave the Membership Report. The total membership was down slightly this year, but we did have 28 new members. Members discussed ideas for drawing in new members, including posting fliers, seeking newspaper publicity, and making a commitment to have mentors at the Wednesday evening rides.

Kenneth recapped the Cheat Mountain Challenge event. The event itself went well. This year, instead of a club donation of $500, the West Virginia Cycling Foundation gave each volunteer $30 for gas money. Kenneth has asked that a Wheelers member be included on the Foundation’s board. He expects to meet with them in the next few weeks.

Mary Shultz said that she only has a few odds and ends of the existing jersey designs available to sell. Since it has been several years since the last design, she suggested getting a new design with new advertising. If anyone knows a graphic artist who would be interested, please let her know.

Susan Stafford talked about the Wednesday night rides. People agreed that having the routes pre-planned had worked well. She and co-captain Liz Stevens did have difficulty getting ride leaders in advance. Susan has mapped all the rides from University of Charleston on Google earth, but Dale Porter has not been able to load them all onto the Wheeler’s website. UC is going to build a new dorm in the area that we are using for parking. Susan will check on the schedule to determine if and when we will have to relocate.

Mary Shultz is contacting the Marriott about scheduling a holiday party for January 10th. Last year thirty to forty people attended.

There are numerous advocacy opportunities available. Dennis Strawn is spearheading the efforts, but probably needs help as he cannot be all places at one time. Bill Shultz will ask him what help he needs and forward that information to the Wheelers, looking for volunteers. Heidi Talmage will check with Dale Porter about whether the grant request procedure is on the website.

Bruce Wilson could not be present but sent an e-mail indicating that the Spokes4Folks program will be taking a new direction, which requires the recipients of the bicycles they give away to donate their own time, and learn basic maintenance skills. He is looking for a new space to house the program because St. John’s had to tear down the shed they were using.

Jim Kelsh made a request on behalf of the American Lung Association that the Wheelers support their fundraising bike ride May 14-17. It starts at the Inn at Snowshoe and heads south along the Greenbrier River Trail. Early registration is $35, but there is also a fundraising requirement. A lot of support is provided for participants, including shuttles available at each end of the route. The Club will include the ride on the ride calendar and in announcements.

Elections - Jerry Conrad was elected President, Edwin DeQuiros was elected Vice-President, Roger Stewart was elected Treasurer, Heidi Talmage was elected Secretary, Liz Stevens and Susan Stafford were elected co-Road Captains. John Fleek will be the newsletter editor. Gene Teaney will handle the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Mary Shultz read excerpts from a USA Today article which ranked West Virginia the worst place in the US for bicycle riding, based on the availability of bike lanes, government spending, etc. Legislative changes would be needed to improve our standing.

Jerry Conrad said he has some volunteers who have agreed to put on clinics on things related to bicycling, and is looking for more. He would also like to encourage families to ride at the Wednesday night rides.

Dan Neal sent an invitation for a 25-mile “moderately paced” Halloween ride on October 30th, starting at the Charleston Bicycle Center. Riders must have front and rear lights.