Hello Free Wheelers, May 2023
Our temperate winter has turned into a rainy spring, as it seems as if it has been raining on most weekends in April and May. On April 29, despite the weather washing out all the rides, our Spring Fling was a success, with about 80 members attending to applaud the Ride Leaders of 2022, welcome the new Board of Trustee members, and enjoy a catered lunch. The ride leaders who led 10 or more rides in 2022 had the option of receiving the jersey shown below or a free membership for 2023.
Overall, 41 members qualified for ride leader jerseys in 2022 and 56 members led at least one ride.
Before we get too far into 2023, I want to welcome the new faces to the Princeton Free Wheelers Board of Trustees for 2023-2024 and give thanks for their service to our departing Trustees.
Departing the Board were Andy Chen (VP-1), Peter Fenner (Treasurer) and Lynne Martin (Member-at-Large). Elected to the Board for two-year terms (2023-2025) were Christine Resnick (VP-1) and Heddy Bartell (Member-at-Large). Additionally, Karen Baldino was elected Treasurer and vacated her appointed position as Membership Director. In the first action of the new Board year, Marilyn Saywell was appointed by the Board as the new Membership Director, replacing Karen. I’d like to issue a heartfelt thank you to those who are moving on after helping me in my first year as President of the Board of Trustees, and welcome the new board members, who have big shoes to fill. Finally, I’d like to thank Ira Saltiel, who served as Ex-Officio, for offering his wisdom and guidance to both me and the Board throughout the past club year and making sure our transition went smoothly.
In order to make it easier for our members to reach our board of trustees, several board members have created email addresses that can be handed off to successors in the future.
Next, I want to mention some upcoming opportunities for us to get together.
The next big event on the calendar is the Memorial Day All-Paces Ride and Jersey Swap. As in the recent past, this year’s rides will depart from Lot 10 in Mercer County Park on Monday, May 29 beginning as early as 7:30 am, although most of the rides will be starting at 8:30 am or 9:00 am.
“Jersey Swap you say?” Yes, that is correct. After the rides we will hold a jersey swap. Time for a spring cleaning out of that cycling gear closet! Bring a jersey, take a jersey (or two or three or none). Don't have a jersey to swap, take one anyway. Any remaining jerseys will be donated to the Bike Exchange. We will have tables designated by jersey size to make it easier to find a new jersey or to donate the ones from the back of the closet that rarely get worn anymore or have suddenly shrunk. (Funny how that happens…)
“Food Truck you tease?” Yes, that is also correct. Looking ahead to our Independence Day All-Paces event, considering that the rain at the Spring Fling allowed us to reduce the catering invoice somewhat, the Board has approved a Food Truck to upgrade the snacking options after the July 4 All-Paces rides. The Ahh La Cart food truck out of Cranbury will be serving up Chicken Fingers, Angus Burgers, Hot Dogs, Pulled Pork with Slaw, a Veggie Option, Mac and Cheese, and Fresh Cut Fries. So, make a note to kick off your July 4th BBQ celebration with the Princeton Free Wheelers!
A few more quick, but equally important items:
Dan Zorovich
- In case you missed the notice last month, the club has learned that Dan Zorovich, PFW member and longtime rider with the weekday "Team Social Security" rides, passed away on April 17 and a memorial service was held a few weeks ago.Dan told a gripping story of immigrating to the USA from behind the Iron Curtain in his Member Focus article from January of 2014. You can read it by following this link: https://www.princetonfreewheelers.com/docs.ashx?id=319454
The Club Store – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
- For any new or longstanding members that want to purchase club cycling gear, the Princeton Free Wheelers online apparel store at Peak1Sports is currently open and will remain open through the Memorial Day weekend.
- May 31st ORDER DATE -- Princeton Free Wheelers cycling apparel will be produced on a made to order basis. You must order by May 31st to receive your gear. (Do NOT depend on the June 2 date on the store page).
- NO PRICE INCREASE—We have been able to negotiate that all apparel prices remain the same for 2023 as they were in 2022.
- FREE SHIPPING -- Orders will be delivered on or about July 19 to your shipping address. There is no additional shipping charge.
- SIZING -- Please reference the sizing chart with product images (when you open each item on the store page) for correct sizing. If anyone is between sizes or otherwise unsure, the larger size is recommended.
- Access the Store by following this link - - - https://www.peak1sports.com/pfw
Cycling is great for your mind, your health, and the planet. But the power of two wheels also has another huge benefit: it helps you explore the world. Whether riding solo or on a PFW group ride on local bike lanes, or riding with fellow Princeton Free Wheelers in a week-long event, it only takes two to four hours a week to achieve a general improvement to your health. Cycling is:
- Low impact – it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise.
- A good muscle workout– cycling uses all of the major muscle groups as you pedal.
- Easy – unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high levels of physical skill. Most people know how to ride a bike and, once you learn, you don’t forget.
- Good for strength and stamina– cycling increases stamina, strength and aerobic fitness.
- As intense as you want– cycling can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
- A fun way to get fit– the adventure and buzz you get from coasting down hills and being outdoors means you are more likely to continue to cycle regularly, compared to other physical activities that keep you indoors or require special times or places.
- Mental health conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety can be reduced by regular bike riding. This is due to the effects of the exercise itself and because of the enjoyment that riding a bike can bring.
- Time-efficient – as a mode of transport, cycling replaces sedentary (sitting) time spent driving motor vehicles or using trams, trains or buses with healthy exercise.
Well, that’s “As I See It”.
Happy Pedaling!
Michael (Mike) Valazza
President of the Board of Trustees
pfwclubpresident@gmail.com