THE ROAR – Special Bulletin – April 29, 2017
April 29, 2017- Tuesday May 2, 7:00 pm to twilight – lights mandatory
- Thursday May 4, 7:00 pm to twilight – lights mandatory
- Saturday May 6, 8:00 am – starting from Kleinburg Public Library
- Sunday May 7, 8:00 am
2. FIRST DAY GROUP PHOTO AND VIDEO
Usually we reserve the pictures for the last item, but being the first ride, we’ve got cause to celebrate. On April 23, 2017, a little over 100 riders turned out for the season opener. Not everyone has a Sunday Best jersey (there are almost 100 jerseys on order), but the group looks fantastic all the same. Personally, I wish I had been there, but with a second glance and a harder look, I already was.
Our media guru, Frank Mazzuca put together a 90 second video to celebrate the first ride and to pay homage to all our sponsors. Here is the link: Opening Ride: Thank you Sponsors and Members
Please enjoy.
3. SIGN UP FOR RIDES
Do it now!
Here’s the link: VCC Calendar . At our first ride, last Sunday, only about 60% of the riders signed in. Forgivable for the first ride of the season. But we have to improve. The sign up sheets allow you to see what rides are available and who’s hosting them. On the flip side, it allows the Ride Leaders to see how many people are coming out. More importantly, on Sunday’s, you need to sign into the “Lunch Tab” if you’re planning to stay for lunch, lest we run out of pasta.
4. WHEN IS 28kph EQUAL TO 28 kph?
So, we’ve had some feedback from our first ride. Most of it is positive, some was constructive and a couple of the comments were questions. Among this last category the most prevalent question had to do with speed and they came from new riders. The question is something to the effect of: If the posted speed for the ride is 28kph, then why were we going 32 kph? Trust me. I know what you’re talking about. I’ve been there.
Firstly, when a ride states an average speed, you cannot expect the ride to maintain that speed for the entire time. The average speed is just that: AVERAGE. So on a downhill incline, expect to go faster and on the uphill you will naturally go slower. On the flats, you should be doing the average speed within some tolerance: you may have a stiff headwind or tailwind that will have a significant effect on speed. If I get a good tailwind and with my size, I become clipper class sailboat (sometimes a powerboat). And there is no way that I’m braking to achieve the posted speed. Open her up because the pasta is on and mama is ringing the bell.
Now, if you’ve selected a group that’s a bit too fast for your ability (or for how your body feels on that particular day), then you may have to tap out. Talk to your group leader first. The following week, however, pick a group that’s more appropriate for you. Just as you do not like to be pushed too far beyond the posted speed, likewise the group doesn’t want to be held back either. The converse is also true: if you picked a group that’s too easy, do not try to “pull” the group along to suit your needs. Remember, that in a group ride, the main player is the GROUP and not the individual.
In the case where the group is riding several kph faster than the posted rate on the flats and is leaving riders behind, alert the ride leader. The group may be out of control due to over exhuberance (like of opening day of the season) or due to group think. The ride leader should be able to bring the group back in its proper stride by talking to the lead riders. If not, let us know and we’ll try to right the ship for the next ride. Contact us at venetocyclingclub@venetocentre.com
6. VCC PICTURES OF THE WEEK
In order to make it into the VCC Bulletin, you need to do 3 things:
a. Wear a VCC Jersey or stand next to someone wearing a VCC Jersey,
b. Take a picture or have one taken of you; and
c. Forward it to me
Entry No. 1: CLUB GOES GREEN – submitted by Frank Mazzuca (Original)
Frank Mazzuca welcomes Tiziana, Bianca and Donatella on a PARADISE IN THE PARKING LOT ride. It was the ladies’ first ride ever and they were a bit intimidated by the road. So Frank had them riding rings around the new Campanile monument so that they could practice and master the basics. Next week, they’re hitting the road, Jack.
Great Work
Entry No. 2: CHEFS HARD AT WORK – submitted by Frank Mazzuca (Original)
They came; They rode; They ate.
And these guys fed an army of over 80 hungry cyclists. Thanks to chefs Steve, Rob and Frank.
Entry No. 3: DINO WINS THE RACE – submitted by Frank Mazzuca (Original)
Dino Campagnaro wins the first to the plate on opening day race. What else would you expect? He also rides with the Vaughan Veloforte which we affectionately call “The Animals”
In Sudbury, this would come with a beer.
The pasta is from one of our sponsors, Pasta Zara which comes straight from Riese in the Veneto. The tomatoe sauce is from another sponsor, Paese Mio. The ear to ear grin – that’s courtesy of our chefs.
Entry No. 4: WHAT’S FOR DESSERT? – submitted by Frank Mazzuca (Original)
Mary Marchesan and Dino Brandolino cut the panettone as sisters Franca and Wilma look on.
What’s dessert without a big canolo?
Entry No. 5: SHHHHHH!!!! ….the President is speaking – submitted by Frank Mazzuca (Original)
Rick Marchesan, President of the Veneto Cycling Club, opens the 6th Season of the VCC with the traditional welcome speech and words of inspiration.
“But this I swear, before you and before Almighty God, that when we go into battle, I will be the first to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off, and I will leave no one behind. Dead or alive, we will all come home together. So help me, God.”
Entry No. 6: ANGELO’S GROUP – submitted by Fausto Rossetto
Angelo’s group is renowned for riding routes that are beyond the routine. On Day 1, they and everyone else need not go any further than our very own parking lot where a replica of the Campanile of San Marco is slowly rising. Slated for completion in mid-summer, you’ll think that they’re in Piazza San Marco, Venice.
