I'm baaaaack
From:
"Half-Fast Cycling" <bulletin@PROTECTED>
Subject:
I'm baaaaack
Date:
October 6th 2021
Greetings, cyclists!
I’m back from my travels, duly vaccinated, quarantined and ready to ride. Please read the following, especially newcomers.
First, a huge thanks to Paul and James for the great job of keeping things rolling in my absence. We all owe them a beer. Okay, two.
And I just wanted to offer a refresher course on what Half-Fast is... and what it isn’t.
When I started this club 18 years ago, it was to offer, as the name doubly implies, a not-so-serious place for those not training for a 200-km race to go out, get some sun and exercise, meet new friends and, of course, down a few beers. Non-competitive athletes, if you will. Back then I did hill-climbs and such. But I was young then, These septuagenarian days I generally favor something like a 30-km beginners’ ride on Saturday with perhaps something about twice that on Sundays. Mostly flat. I’m profoundly thankful that I can still do this, and have bicycling to thank (along, of course, with clean living and self-denial).
But that said, anyone can lead a ride, even if it conflicts with my modest goals. Just send me the details — start & end points and times, distance, elevation, degree of difficulty and most importantly, beer stops — by Friday noon each week, Don’t forget your contact info! I’ll include it in the weekly Friday bulletin. Of course we will accept any ride, even for those wanting to do a 150-km hill climb (in the hope that they’ll be sleepy by bedtime), but be aware that our focus is on fun and companionship rather than Type A achievement.
And keep in mind that the ride leader makes the decisions on route, stops, pace, etc. It is not a democracy. If you don’t like what s/he is doing, you’re invited to lead your own ride next time.
A few courtesies. If you get separated from the group, telephone the ride leader (do NOT email or text). Do not try to hook up with us farther down the road even if you know the route, because we will be waiting for you somewhere ready to come back to find you.
Bring a spare tube that fits your bike, preferably two. If you don’t know how to change a tube, we’ll teach you, or more likely do it for you. Not because we’re so nice, but because we can do it in eight minutes where you can’t, and there will be a whole group of (thirsty) cyclists waiting. We leave no one behind, but could be persuaded to make exceptions for those who unnecessarily delay the group.
As usual, wear a helmet and leave the airbuds at home. And we’ll maintain our masks-up policy for the foreseeable future. Bring an eco-bag for your convenience store lunch. We frown on single-use plastic bags. And note that these rules apply to ALL rides publicized through Half-Fast. Way it’s gotta be.
This weekend I’ll do an easy 30-km ride to Odaiba on Saturday and a 55-km Tama River loop on Sunday. Details coming Friday. Otanoshimini!
Il Padrone, 090-5813-7821
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