September - October 2006

Our Day Trips offering this time has come together and we bring to you a Fall selection that stands out. Trips to the Hudson River Valley, Long Island's North Shore, and NYC's Outer Boroughs are noteworthy. We also have the first trips offered by several of our new leaders, including Josh Gosciak and Martial Henrys. Please attend their rides, I’m sure they will be rewarding.

For the first time we are offering rides to coincide with the 4th annual Open House New York. Open House is a celebration of architecture and design featuring free access to over 150 buildings and places of distinction. Well, we can only visit a few at a time, but you can easily see more if you travel by bicycle! The first ride on Satuday, October 7th, will focus on Northern Manhattan and near parts of the Bronx. The second ride will aim for Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Find out more about Open House NY at www.ohny.org.

The Helmet Matters

I want to talk about helmets and why we, as a club, have to wear them. Most of us take our helmets for granted and would never think about attending a club ride without one. If you’re going to bother to join the club, you don't think twice about it. No helmet, no ride, no argument.

Back in July a new rider (not a member, as far as we know) came on a few rides with his helmet but only wore it sometimes, and then on one ride not at all. He couldnt understand why everyone asked him to wear it. What business was it of theirs? The rider in question was told repeatedly to wear his helmet.

Well, what can the club do, really? This happens every once in a while but it puts everyone involved in an awkward position. The club rules require it, the leaders will insist on it, and the rider gets angry? Wearing one’s helmet is not too much to ask of our members or our guests.

Danny Lieberman
Day Trips Coordinator
daytrips@5bbc.org