OF A KINDER, GENTLER BIKE CLUB
by Steve Strain, Club President 1996-1999
April 1999
Daylight savings time is upon us and thus the start of the road season. The evening
rides will commence in Red Bank and other places and we will be once more venturing forth
onto the roads. I think now is as good a time as any to reflect on the upcoming season and
our club. President Bush in an inaugural speech some years ago spoke of a "kinder,
gentler nation." I think his words are apt for today.
I read a letter, written by someone who lacked sufficient fortitude to sign his (or
her) name, complaining about the Chattanooga Bicycle Club. This individual actually said
that he hated the club and went on about what awful people we are. I have no clue as to
what we did, if anything, to inspire such antipathy toward the club. It may well be a
situation where this individual is simply someone that could ride with Greg LeMond and
Lance Armstrong and still find fault. I invited this individual to contact me to see if we
could get to the bottom of this. He may not have the courage to stand up and be counted so
we may never know.
Yet we will have new riders this spring. Riders will show up who are out on a bike for
the first time and riders who have raced may show up. Several years ago I was a first time
rider with the club and approached the ride with some trepidation as to whether I would be
welcomed into the club and whether or not I would be able to keep up. So when you see a
new face on a ride, speak to that person and introduce yourself and make them feel
welcome. On a recent ride I held back and rode with a slower rider. I could have made
better time and chased folks but I didn't want to leave a rider back so I slowed down. And
the amazing thing was I had a delightful ride. We talked and looked around and talked some
more. And later I got to go fast and chase the lead group. We have a number of strong
riders in this club. We also have riders who could develop into stronger riders with a
little support and encouragement. And we have riders who are very content to ride along at
a more sedate pace than some of the Thursday crazies. So for you stronger riders; hold
back occasionally and ride at the back of the pack. You might even like it. And you can
talk to some folks.
The converse is also true. It is fun to go fast. I love to get out especially on
Thursdays and run with the lead pack and push myself every mile. But this isn't for
everyone and if someone isn't ready for that, let the lead pack go. I think we do a good
job of looking after one another on the road. We need to build on that tradition and
welcome back the old and greet the new. And above all else; "Let's be careful out
there" as the sergeant on Hill Street Blues used to say.
| 
