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
Trip report – Canadian Rockies
Metric – a Month! One of the attributes of VeloRaptors is their ability to ride moderate to long distances. In fact, during one phase of VeloRaptor history, Howard Neal somehow persuaded several members to join him in participating in the World UltraCycling Association Year-Rounder challenge: basically riding a Century a Month during a year. Lots of fun and great memories are associated with those rides.
Well, that was ten (plus) years ago, and several participants from that era miss the rides, but not the suffering of a century. So, now, being older and maybe wiser, the club has decided to organize a VeloRaptor Metric-a-Month ride series to help us all stay in shape and enjoy the VeloRaptor group dynamic.
These metrics will generally be on Wednesdays as many of us are riding anyway. Starting in January, one Wednesday a month, riders have the option of a “Metric Century,” in addition to the regular Wednesday ride.
Our first Monthly Metric was January 8, and we had a fabulous turnout that included 19 riders!
We started with a large group at the top of Little Pinehurst. Some riders peeled off, but 19 stayed the course. Our next Monthly Metric will be in mid-March!
The VeloRaptor Club organizes hikes approximately every month. These offer the opportunity to get to know other club members who ride at different times (and speeds), while enjoying the outdoors. Or to spend more time with your friends.
Hikes are typically moderately challenging – about 6 miles long, with some elevation gain. They are announced to members on the website, with details on the route, level of difficulty, and other information. There is an RSVP link on the calendar.
We love meeting family and friends on these hikes, so bring them! Ideas for future hikes are very welcome – especially if you are willing to be the lead on one of these.
Contact Fiona Doyle or Gary McCormick with any questions or ideas.