PCC’s First 2012 Event: Happy Hour, Friday Feb 3 ….

…. 5pm at Radio Maria Restaurant, 119 N Walnut, Champaign (SW corner of Walnut and Taylor). Members, their friends, and those interested in bicycling are all invited. 2012 PCC memberships will be available for purchase ($15 for individuals, $20 for households).

Grand Fondu Pre-Season Gathering, Sunday Feb 12 …..

…. Trainer Session 1230pm / Potluck 130pm / Optional Ride approx. 230pm

Gran Fondo – a European tradition. An organized bicycle race/ride on a hilly course of 160-225 km for several thousand riders and racers, staffed by cheerful volunteers serving up sandwiches, fruit, and drinks at many intersections. (Read about this tradition at www.biciveneto.it/granfondo.html)

Realizing that a February afternoon in pancake-flat Central Illinois may be 20 degrees with a 25 mph wind, we can’t organize a Gran Fondo, but instead offer a Gran Fondu, PCC’s pre-season trainer session/potluck/ride, graciously hosted by John Prince, PCC’s activities coordinator, at his home, 904 E Mumford Dr, Urbana.

Come at 1230pm for an indoor trainer session (bring your own trainer). Or come at 130pm for a potluck dinner. After dinner, weather permitting, those brave, fit, (or foolish?) will go on a short bicycle ride.

Please contact our host, John, at princejohnm@gmail.com to tell him the type of food you will bring (for hot plate and refrigerator accommodations) and whether you will need trainer space. Realize that this is Pot Luck and we will be pleasantly surprised by whatever we have.

35+ attended the Annual Membership Meeting and Holiday Dinner …

… on Sunday Dec 4, 6:00pm at the Great Impasta restaurant in Urbana.
After a dinner of
     House Salad              Lasagna Marinara
     Chicken Marsala       Green Beans and Walnuts
we re-elected PCC’s current board members and adopted our resurrected/revised bylaws.

PCC End of Season Ride, Sunday, October 9

The end of the season ride to Homer Lake is scheduled for Sunday October 9th, leaving from Meadowbrook Park (Windsor Road parking lot) at 12:30 PM. A leisurely ride, the one-way distance from Meadowbrook Park to Homer Lake is approximately 15 miles. Sandwiches and soft drinks purchased and delivered by PCC board member Bob Morris, robert.morris.a@gmail.com, will be served at Homer Lake starting at 1:15pm to those who RSVP Bob by October 6th

Breast Cancer Awareness Ride, Saturday October 8, 2011

Ride in honor of someone you know who has had breast cancer, ride to support research for a cure for breast cancer, ride to raise awareness about breast cancer, or ride just for fun. The family-friendly ride, beginning (and ending) at Champaign Cycle will have 10 and 25 mile routes, a rest stop half-way through at the American Cancer Society, and an end-of-ride celebration

Fritz Miericke Memorial Ride and Race, Sunday October 2, 2011

White Heath, IL Annual Fritz Miericke Memorial Ride to the Depot and Race to the Woods. Proceeds benefit the TIMES Center Bike Fund and the White Heath Community Club. Options include a 16-mile family ride; 35-, 40-, 75- and 110 mi routes, and the Race to Woods (which offers 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for men’s and women’s divisions). Individual registration $20. Family ride registration $10

For more details, map, and online registration, see http://flatsfixedbicycles.com or call (217) 365-0383.

3rd Annual Prairie Pedal, Decatur IL, Sun Oct 2

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 Decatur IL 3rd Annual Prairie Pedal sponsored by Macon County Conservation Foundation. Proceeds from the ride benefit the protection of our air and water quality, natural areas, and wildlife diversity. Three routes on quiet country roads: 20, 40, and 62 mile. The $25 early registration fee includes fully stocked rest stops, SAG support, a t-shirt, and an after party with lunch and entertainment. The ride starts at Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur, Illinois 3939 Nearing Lane. More information maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/prairie-pedal/

Perrysville Ride, Monday September 5

There will be a gathering of cyclists at 9 am CDT Labor Day morning at the Perrysville, Indiana park (local time will be 10 am, so don’t go by your phone’s clock). This ride contains steep rolling hills as well a flat prairies. Maps will be provided for 30-50 mile routes, indicating potential (unmanned) rest stops. All routes will converge at the Kingman, Indiana Dairy Bar. This is a hilly route with one rated hill. Be prepared for thigh burn and ensure that your shifting mechanisms are in good working order.

No Baloney Ride, Peoria IL, Aug 27 2011

Sponsored by the Illinois Valley Wheelm’n. Distance options of 33, 51, 76, or 99 miles. Brochure

Kickapoo Trail Day, Sunday, August 21, 2011

Champaign Cycle and the Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club (KMBC) are sponsoring a trail maintenance/off road ride/picnic at the best trails in the area in Kickapoo State Park. Come for a day of riding, work, food, and fun.