Club, Social & Community News – VeloRaptors Cycling Club

On a cloudy and chilly Sunday morning in May, BORP and the VeloRaptors had to supply their own sunshine and spirit for BORP’s annual Revolution Ride (the “Rev”). Starting from the Mill Valley Community Center, ten VeloRaptors assembled for the 8 AM start along a 41-mile route that includes the spectacular Marin Highlands ascent and the thrilling descent along the coast.

That loop leads seamlessly into the equally beautiful ride along the northern coast of the Bay, through Tiburon and following the Paradise Loop back to Mill Valley via a challenging uphill climb.

A second group of VeloRaptors started at 9AM to pursue the Tiburon-Paradise Loop route, including the aforementioned hill. After the ride, all enjoyed a hearty, healthy lunch and refreshments. A local band, based on an “Iko, Iko” Cajun sound, livened an afternoon that turned sunny.

In keeping with its longstanding support of BORP, VeloRaptors Cycling Club members were the 3rd in team fundraising with a total of at least $16,165 raised to support BORP and its vital programs for developmentally-disabled cyclists and other athletes. Overall BORP raised $220,000 through the 2026 Rev ride.

Here is part of the Thank You we received from BORP.

Thank you for making this year’s Rev such a joyful, generous, and very BORP kind of day. This year’s Rev brought together 204 registered riders, more than 50 volunteers, and 1,132 peer-to-peer donations, raising over $220,000 and counting for BORP programs across the Bay Area.
That number is worth celebrating, and it reflects so much more than dollars raised. It represents riders reaching out to friends and family, volunteers making the day run smoothly, donors giving from near and far, sponsors investing in BORP’s work, and a whole community choosing, once again, to show up.
The Rev has never been just a bike ride. It is one of the ways this community keeps BORP moving and helps make sure people with disabilities across the Bay Area can find sports, recreation, adventure, confidence, and community.

SAVE THE DATE – Sunday, April 10 for the 2026 Bike Wash and Dinner:

Place: Home of Randy and Christina Mellin, 181 Shuey Drive in Moraga.

The Bike Wash and Dinner is a fundraiser for BORP (Adaptive Sports and Recreation in the Bay Area, see BORP.org). Each year as part of the BORP Revolution Ride, there is a team fund raising challenge. Last year the VeloRaptors Team took second place in the competition, and we hope to do even better this year!

All funds collected for the bike wash and dinner go to BORP VeloRaptor Team. So, by participating, you contribute to a great organization, get a fun and tasty dinner and get a clean bike. See you there!

A big Thank You to all VeloRaptors that contributed to the Bike East Bay matching fund fundraiser. VeloRaptors have been supporting Bike East Bay and its predecessor East Bay Bicycle Coalition for many years and 2025 was no exception. Rebecca Saltzman from Bike East Bay sent the following note to the club in appreciation of our efforts.

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VeloRaptors:

I’m happy to report that in just 5 days, from December 26-31, we raised $27,557 online from 155 donors, nearly 1.5 times the matching gift goal! With the match amount, we raised a total of $46,267 for Bike East Bay through the VeloRaptors campaign. Your gift and all of these funds will be used to support our advocacy, education, and engagement efforts to make it easier and safer to Bike in the East Bay.

The generosity of VeloRaptors members, inspired so many people to give additional gifts and/or give more generously. This was the third year that members of the VeloRaptors joined together to provide a year end match for Bike East Bay, and this year’s joint effort was the most successful yet.

Thanks and happy new year!

– Rebecca

Rebecca Saltzman (she/her)

Co-Executive Director of Development and Engagement

VeloRaptors have been supporting Bike East Bay and its predecessor East Bay Bicycle Coalition for many years. Moreover, for the last two years our fundraising has been used by Bike East Bay as a matching fund to solicit end-of-year donations from the public. Last year, Velos donated $20,119 and Bike East Bay parlayed our gifts to raise an additional $24,532. We’re hoping for an even better response this year.

When I joined the VeloRaptors in 2010, several members were already donating generously to Bike East Bay. Last year’s contributions represents amazing growth since that time. My wish and hope is that all 100+ VeloRaptors and other cyclists would see the value of Bike East Bay’s contributions to improving cycling infrastructure and safety; to educating cyclists and the public about road safety; and to enhancing the joy of cycling by hosting rides and special events like Biketopia and Session Fest. For more information about Bike East Bay, go to https://bikeeastbay.org/

We all benefit from this established (50+ years) yet growing organization. If you haven’t already done so, please join us in building a sustainable cycling community throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Think of Bike East Bay as our union or trade association, Together we can make our cycling world a far better place.

To donate online via a special VeloRaptor donation form go to https://bikeeastbay.org/veloraptors-donate/

RideOn,

Tom Willging

VeloRaptor Liaison to Bike East Bay

Pauline Fox

President, VeloRaptors Cycling Club

On Sunday – Sept 29, VeloRaptors and Bike East Bay celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Bay Bridge Trail by riding the trail out to Yerba Buena Island, then riding back and continuing on north to Richmond. Over 60 riders representing the wide demographics of the Bay Area came to mark the occassion.

Amanda Carson from Bike East Bay was the primary organizer, and Steve Blair from the VeloRaptors led the motley group over the route. Amanda gave a HUGE shout out to Corey, Jan, Steve, Walden, Dani and Robert for helping out with the ride! These rides would not be possible without the help of volunteers, so thank you so much for your support!

Also, Gavin from MTC (Metropolitan Transit Commission) for shared information on future plans for the Bay Bridge East Span Path. Implementation of the plan over the next few years will make it possible to bike from Oakland to San Francisco!

Sunday (7/27) was the first VeloRaptor Swim Party. Most folks came to eat and socialize, but there were a few swimmers. Thanks to Chris and Chris Kolm for hosting and a whole team of others who put on a fun party – complete with bagpipes. Photos below!

Overflow seating at Teatro during the Wednesday Ride!

Alan Gilbert, Steve Blair, Robin Brumell, Jill Wegenstein, Alma Lalonde,Laurie and John Slama, Susan and Ron Choy

This club like to ride bikes and do some socializing as well. So this summer we will have our First…our very first pool party is Sunday, July 27, hosted by one of our members in Moraga. There is also a hot tub, basketball pad, etc…so even if you do not want to swim, come for the fun. The Board will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fix-ins. Drinks provided. !

Second .. after the Saturday ride on Aug 23, a group of members will be going to a Ballers game to support our local baseball team.

Third, we have arranged a joint ride with the folks at/members of Bike East Bay on Sunday, September 28th

Route and time to be announced.

Finally, plans are underway for our Holiday Party – an event not to be missed!

On Saturday May 17, Twelve VeloRaptors participated in the BORP Revolution Ride, taking in the beautiful scenery of Marin County along a 40 mile loop that started and ended at the Mill Valley Community Center, and included a climb up the Marin Headlands as well as a loop around Tiburon.