Volume 47, Issue #8, August 1, 2015
Contents
president
President's Message
By Will Benedict
Bylaw Changes
 
The board is proposing bylaw changes in terms of board positions and responsibilities. The specific changes are included in the following July Board Minutes and will be voted on by the membership as part of the annual fall ballot. The proposed changes result from several months of discussion concerning ways the board could better address the needs of the club and its members. The following provides a summary of the reasons for the proposed changes.

The first change addresses the creation of Ex-Officio Board Members. Over the past several years, the board has asked our two Ride Chairs and the Clothing Coordinator to attend board meetings to facilitate communication and understanding. This has worked very well and therefore the proposed item C under Article II: Administration provides the board the ability to identify certain volunteer positions as Ex-Officio Board Members. It is a way for the board to gain input from and provide guidance and support to volunteers taking on important and difficult jobs for the club.

A group of changes involve the existing Vice President and Member-At-Large positions and the new Programs Coordinator position. Our discussions identified a need to pay more attention to recruiting and recognizing our many volunteers and a need to develop and enrich our monthly meetings and social events. After exploring different ways that these two needs could be addressed, a team approach was envisioned. The proposed Vice President position is defined as assisting the President and coordinating volunteer recruitment and recognition programs. The goal is to have the President and Vice President function more as a team in terms of the ongoing administrative functions and outreach to the organizations we support and partner with.

To facilitate this change, the responsibility for programs at our general meetings has been moved to a new Programs Coordinator board position and the Director-At-Larger has been explicitly defined as being responsible for our two annual potluck dinners and assisting the Programs Coordinator. The goal is to have the Programs Coordinator and Director-At-Larger work as a team and involve other club members in making our monthly meetings more effective.

The Ride Coordinator position has been updated to reflect our goal of having club sponsored rides exhibit qualities that make them good examples of safe and enjoyable events. To this end, the Ride Coordinator's responsibilities now explicitly include coordinating the development and operation of monthly rides and the publishing of their schedules.

The Historian's position has been updated to reflect the changing nature of the way the club communicates and presents itself. In addition to the traditional tasks, the Historian is now asked to create and maintain a digital record of club events.

Finally, the Public Relations Coordinator position has been updated to match the other positions by adding: and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

You can see the proposed changes in context by going to the Board Member Position Descriptions web page: http://slobc.org/volunteering/board.html. Here you will see the existing Bylaw descriptions and the proposed changes in Yellow. You will also see the Tasks associated with each position. The Tasks are not part of the Bylaws. They are a more detailed listing of the things the job typically entails that evolve over time based on board discussions and the experience and goals of the person holding the position.
general-minutes
SLOBC General Meeting Minutes
By Craig Armstrong, Secretary

Minutes of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club General Meeting

San Luis Obispo Library Community Room

995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Thursday July 9, 2015 7:15 PM


President Benedict called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm.

President Benedict thanked Susan McTaggart for serving as greeter and Kathy Cohon and Susan McTaggart for providing refreshments.

The minutes of the June 4, 2015 General Meeting were approved.

President Benedict noted that the results of a recent club survey and comments submitted by members were posted on the wall.

Memorial services for Ben Patrick are pending. Ben's many contributions to SLOBC will be acknowledged at the September general meeting, and the feasibility of installing a bike rack in Ben's name in Avila is being explored.

In Bill Martin's absence, President Benedict reported that the Lighthouse has sold out and that jersey presales were the highest in recent years. Although Wildflower revenues were down, expenses were below budget, and the surplus from the ride was slightly ahead of budget.

Members were reminded of the importance of calling out road hazards and in relaying those alerts to the riders behind them.

President Benedict reported on the results of the recent club survey. Substantial majorities supported maintaining a balance between social activities and bike advocacy and charging for printed copies of the monthly newsletter. Based on those results, the Board approved maintaining the current $20 annual rate for printed newsletters. The October general meeting will be devoted to a member discussion of ideas and suggestions for moving the club forward.

Volunteers are needed to fill a number of captain positions for the upcoming Lighthouse ride.

Members interested in running for a position on the board of directors for the year 2016 should contact Red Davis.

Susan McTaggart reminded members of the date, cost, and itinerary for the upcoming Indulgence Ride. Volunteers are needed to drive the truck that will be used to transport the participants' bicycles and to set up a lunch stop for the ride.

Richard Smith, owner of the Fluid sports drink company, gave an excellent presentation covering sports drinks and nutrition requirements for cyclists during and after rides.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.
board-minutes
SLOBC Board Meeting Minutes
By Craig Armstrong, Secretary

Minutes of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club Board Meeting
Air Pollution Control District Auditorium

3433 Roberto Court, San Luis Obispo CA
J
uly 7, 2015 5:05 PM

 

Board members present:  Will Benedict, Craig Armstrong, Susan McTaggart, Dave Abrecht, Martin Howell, Ken Price and Samantha Pruitt.

 

The minutes of the June 2, 2015 meeting were approved (MSC McTaggart/Price).

 

President Benedict gave the Treasurer's report in Bill Martin's absence. He noted that the Lighthouse Century is now sold out and jersey presales were the highest in recent years.

 

The board discussed the results of the recent member survey and options for improving attendance at club meetings. The program for the October meeting will cover the survey results and have breakout sessions for members to offer their opinions and suggestions for moving the club forward.

 

The board also reviewed the survey results with respect to charging members for providing hard copies of the monthly newsletter. Given that a substantial majority of the members responding to the survey supported charging an annual newsletter subscription fee, the board approved maintaining the annual subscription cost at $20 (MSC Price/Pruitt).

 

President Benedict reviewed a number of proposed changes to clarify and update club policies regarding club publications, email groups, and social media outlets. The board will review the proposed changes again at the next board meeting.

 

President Benedict next reviewed the proposed changes to the club bylaws to reorganize and better define the duties of elected board members, including adding the position of Program Coordinator. After discussion, the board approved submitting the following changes (underlined) for a vote by the club membership as part of the annual election in November (MSC Armstrong/Price). 

 

Proposed changes to Article II: Administration

 

B    The affairs of the corporation shall be conducted by a Board of Directors (Board) which shall consist of fourteen (14) voting members, thirteen of whom shall be elected by the members of the corporation. They shall be: President; Immediate Past President (not an elected position); Vice President; Treasurer; Secretary, (the Officers); Membership Coordinator; Ride Coordinator; Newsletter Editor; Advocate; Historian, Safety Director, Programs Coordinator, Public Relations Coordinator, and Director-At-Large.

 

C    The board may designate certain volunteer positions as Ex-Officio Board Members to enhance board knowledge of and support for the positions. Ex-Officio Board Members are invited to attend and participate in board meetings and receive all board communications but do not have a vote.

 

Proposed changes to Article III: Officers and Duties

 

Existing

VICE PRESIDENT, in the absence of the President, shall perform all duties and have all powers of the President. He/she shall have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

Proposed

VICE PRESIDENT shall assist the President, coordinate volunteer recruitment and recognition programs and in the absence of the President, shall perform all duties and have all powers of the President. He/she shall have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

 

Proposed changes to Article IV: Directors and Duties

 

Existing

RIDE COORDINATOR shall publish the current ride schedule, coordinate special club rides and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

Proposed

RIDE COORDINATOR shall coordinate the development and operation of monthly rides and the publishing of their schedules, plan or coordinate special club rides and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Existing

HISTORIAN shall collect and preserve club memorabilia and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

Proposed

HISTORIAN shall collect and preserve club memorabilia, create and maintain a digital record of club events and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Existing

PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR shall manage activities and initiatives to promote the club to the community and to attract new members.

Proposed

PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR shall manage activities and initiatives to promote the club to the community and to attract new members and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

 

New Position

PROGRAMS COORDINATOR shall be responsible for programs at General Meetings and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Existing

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE shall represent the general membership and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

Proposed

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE shall represent the general membership, organize two annual Potluck Dinners, assist the Programs Coordinator and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


 

There was a brief discussion as to whether there should be an August board meeting; it was decided to wait until closer to month-end to determine if a board meeting would be necessary.


Dave Abrecht noted that the Land Conservancy was beginning to solicit donations for the Octagon barn project. That project will be an integral part of the extension of the Bob Jones Trail, and there may be opportunities for SLOBC to make a contribution from the club's capital projects reserve.  Dave will contact Wende David at the Land Conservancy to schedule a presentation to the board regarding the scope of the project. The board agreed that any sizable donation to the Octagon barn project would be subject to approval by the membership.


The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:20 PM

news
News, Notes & Events

Wildflower Jersey Designs
By Will Benedict, Clothing Coordinator

This is the final a call for 2016 Wildflower jersey design ideas. All concepts must be completed and received by September 1, 2015.
 
Ideas must be presented in the standard jersey format. For format specifications and assistance in illustrating your idea or putting your idea into the standard format, email me at [email protected]

Lighthouse Volunteers
By Will Benedict, Lighthouse Chair

We are making good progress but still need volunteers. We especially need members to volunteer for the following Captains positions: Trucks, Volunteer Coordinator, Cleanup, Clothing Sales, Pre-Ride, Donati, Shamel, Recycle and Volunteer Brunch.

Complete volunteer information can be found on our Century Jobs web page.

Too Bee-utiful?
By Louis Vetter

This morning as I was getting my bicycle out of the garage I experienced what may be the only negative aspect of my club participation. We have a large flowering plant at the corner of the garage and as it flowers it attracts bumble bees. This morning I was wearing my 2013 Wildflower Jersey getting ready for our club ride in North County leading the Tweeners. As I left my garage a bumble bee approached me flying at about mid-chest height. I stopped and he did too. The bee hovered about six or eight inches from my chest.  It appeared to be inspecting the flowers on the front of my Wildflower Jersey. After a long second or two he flew on to the shrub and I left to begin the ride. So in closing I would suggest that future jerseys be made to look a little less lifelike.

Announcement: From Your 2015 Nominating Committee

By Red Davis, Past President

 

In accordance with our club's bylaws, I have formed a nominating committee to seek candidates for next year's board of directors - see the following list of positions and duties as written in the bylaws- 


President shall have the right to call meetings and shall preside over meetings of the Board and general membership.  He/she shall administer the management of affairs of the corporation; establish committees and define the duties and powers of such committees and have such other powers and duties as may be required, subject to the approval of the Board.   He/she shall be ex-officio member, with vote, of all committees except the nominating committee.


Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall perform all duties and have all powers of the President. He/she shall have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Secretary shall serve all notices required by law or by these bylaws. He/she shall handle all correspondence of the corporation under the direction of the President of the Board of Directors. He/she shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Board and the general membership. These shall be provided to the Newsletter editor for publishing in a timely manner. He/she shall have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Treasurer shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, a complete set of books of the accounts, which shall include preparing and maintaining a set of standard ledgers, depositing funds and rendering statements, and opening such books of accounts to inspection by any Director or member. He/she shall be chairman of the Finance/Budget Committee and present a budget for the next fiscal year for the approval of the Board. He/she shall provide and prepare for a year-end review, if requested by the Board and shall make an annual report to the membership.


Ride Coordinator shall publish the current ride schedule, coordinate special club rides and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Membership Coordinator shall maintain a membership tracking and recording system and collect dues. He/she shall have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

 

Advocate shall monitor cycling related legislative issues, act as liaison to outside organizations and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

 

Public Relations Coordinator shall manage activities and initiatives to promote the club to the community and to attract new members.


Newsletter Editor shall publish the club newsletter and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Historian shall collect and preserve club memorabilia and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Safety Director shall provide safety guidance to club members and to the ride chairs of our annual rides.

 

*Programs Coordinator is a proposed new position. If approved, this person will be responsible for programs at General Meetings and other such duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

 

Director-At-Large shall represent the general membership and have such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.


Club members are invited to throw your hats in the ring for any board position. To do that, contact either Gail Joyce Davis or Robert Fuller Davis at 772-0874 or email [email protected]  or [email protected] 


Some folks have already thrown their hats in for a few of the positions - 

 

President                                      Will Benedict 

Vice President 

Secretary 

Treasurer                                      Bill Martin

Ride Coordinator 

Membership Coordinator 

Advocate 

Public Relations Coordinator        Samantha Pruitt

Newsletter Editor                          Susan McTaggart

Historian 

Safety Director                              Ken Price

Programs Coordinator

Director at Large 

 

Thank you for your attention.

Red Davis

2015 Nominating Committee Chair

ride-coordinator
Ride Coordinator's Report
By Kathleen McHugh

Indulgence Ride 2015

 

The Indulgence Ride is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2015. We will ride from Marina through Monterey, with a challenging extension through Fort Ord, and then continue to 17 Mile Drive and Carmel. Please mark your calendars now. The cost to club members is $40 and includes bus transportation, bike transport, lunch, and a shower. Dinner is not included, however I have arranged for a Mexican buffet for $25 per person including a taco and enchilada buffet with all the trimmings, beverage, dessert, tax, and tip! There will be three routes: a flat <20, a flattish 40, and the challenging 40. In addition, we have access to a heated (90̊) pool for those who finish early. 

 

Volunteers are needed to make this ride a reality. We will need a truck driver to transport the bikes to and from the ride and someone (or two) to help with the purchase and setting up of a lunch stop. Please talk to your friends and spouses who won't be riding, but could help out.

 

If you want to participate, you must send a check in the amount of $40 (for bus, lunch, and shower) plus $25 (for a taco/enchilada buffet-all inclusive) made out to SLOBC to Kathleen McHugh, 732 Manzanita Drive, Los Osos, CA 93402.

weekly-rides
Changing Weekly Rides
The Ride Calendar provides the full weekly ride schedule.

Flyers (9:00 AM, D3)

Wednesdays

Coordinator: Russ Robinson

Phone: 805-781-0903

 

Date: August 5
Start: Bob Jones Bike Trail, Ontario Rd

Leader: Steve Vines
Phone: 805-202-8114
 

Date: August 12
Start:  Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo

Leader: Norm Smith
Phone: 914-388-7198


Date: August 19
Start:   Heritage Square Park, Arroyo Grande
Leader: Russ Robinson
Phone: 805-781-0903
 

Date: August 26
Start:  French Park, San Luis Obispo
Leader: Bill Goodger
Phone: 608-770-1448
 

Frequent Feeders (9:00 AM, B2)

Wednesdays

Coordinator: Frank Mullin

Phone: 805-602-2058

 

Date: August 5

Start: Morro Bay State Park Marina

Destination: Cayucos Coffee Co

Note: Coastal canyons

Leader: Dave Abrecht

Phone805-801-9211

Email[email protected]

 

Date: August 12

Start: French Park, San Luis Obispo

Destination: Tea Leaf , Pismo Beach

Note: Price Canyon, Ormandy

Leader: Dorothy Curhan

Email[email protected]

 

Date: August 19

Start: French Park, San Luis Obispo

Destination: French Bakery, Morro bay

Note: LOVR, Turri

Leader: Mark Lyon

Phone805-929-5998

 

Date: August 26

Start: Heritage Square Park, Arroyo Grande

Destination: Woodstone's Deli, Avila

Note: Coastal (with See Canyon)

Leader: Frank Mullin

Email: [email protected]

SLO Pokes (9:00 AM, A2)

Wednesdays

Coordinator: June Kramer
Email[email protected]
Phone: 425-239-8692 

 

Date: August 5

Destination: Avila with options 
Note: Bruce Collier to join us
Leader: Sharon Sutliff
Phone805-440-5696

 

Date: August 12
Destination: TBD
Leader: Participant led
Phone: 425-239-8692  

Date: August 19 
Destination: Back Bay Cafe, Baywood
Note: Around the Rock and through the Park
Leader: June Kramer
Phone425-239-8692

 

Date: August 26
Destination: Coffee at Blackhorse 
Note: Edna Valley ramble
Leader: Bob Tuman
Phone: 805-545-5976
Tortoises (9:00 AM, A1)

Fridays

Coordinators: Stu & Janie Goldenberg

Phone: 805-544-4720


Date: August 7

Start: Goldenberg home (9 a.m.) or Sinsheimer Park, SLO (9:15 a.m.)

Notes: 9th Anniversary Tortoise Ride and Potluck. Bring something appropriate for lunch to share. More details will emailed.

Leaders: Stu & Janie Goldenberg

Phone: 805-544-4720


Date: August 14

Start: Food 4 Less, San Luis Obispo

Destination: Hula Hut, Avila

Leader: Bob Tuman

Phone: 805-545-5976


Date: August 21

Start: Throop Park, San Luis Obispo

Destination: Coffee at Lincoln Market, SLO

Leader: Kate Murray

Phone: 858-395-3001


Date: August 28

Start: Strother Park, Arroyo Grande

Destination: Station Grill, Grover Beach

Leader: Stu & Janie Goldenberg

Phone: 805-544-4720

advocate
Advocate's Report
By Dave Abrecht
City of Morro Bay Dedicates Morro Creek Bridge

On July 4, the City of Morro Bay dedicated the new bike and pedestrian bridge across Morro Creek. The bridge will provide a safe Class 1 connection between north Morro Bay and the Embarcadero and downtown areas.

The bridge was completed just in time for the city's Fourth of July Family Bike Parade. Hundreds of cyclists patiently listened to the dedication speeches and then cheerfully wheeled over the creek bed.

Morro Bay is fully committed to a "multi-modal" transportation plan that will encourage cycling and walking in and around the community. The City Council, City staff and the Citizen's Bike Committee, chaired by SLOBC Past President Red Davis, are constantly looking to improve the city's cycling and walking infrastructure.
program
Upcoming Program
By Gary Havas, Vice President

Bob Jones Trail Update

 

Shaun Cooper from SLO County Parks will offer the Club an update on the Bob Jones Trail from the Octagon Barn to the current trailhead outside of Avila.   

Date: August 6, 2015
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: SLO City/County Library
995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo


The Date, Time and Location of 
SLOBC meetings can be found
on our 
Events Calendar webpage. 

SLO Coaster

The SLO Coaster is the monthly newsletter of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club that is automatically sent to all members. Everyone is welcome to view and subscribe to the digital edition of the SLO Coaster. To subscribe, use the Newsletter Signup Form.

 

All articles, letters, stories of bicycling experiences, appropriate classified ads, artwork etc, are welcome. Each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily represent the opinion or endorsement of the SLOBC or editor.

Submittal Guidelines

All materials are due no later than 

8:00 a.m. on the 15th of each month. Nothing will be accepted verbally. 

The editor reserves the right to edit or reject material.

 

All materials should be emailed to [email protected].

  

Complete submittal guidelines are found at: Newsletter Guidelines.

  San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club, Inc.

  Website: www.slobc.org        

  Email: [email protected]

  Phone: 805.543.5973