Freewheelers of Spartanburg
Meeting Minutes for 04/04/05
Spartanburg Headquarters Library
7-8:15 PM

Presiding: Marly Divver

22 Members & 1 Guest Present

Item One: Minutes from March meeting were approved. Betty Campbell read the Treasurer’s report of the Freewheelers’ savings and checking account. It was decided to pursue the bounced check written to us for The Assault on Mt. Mitchell.

Item Two: Greg Kyzer - Touring Report
Beginning this week, Thursday night USC Upstate Ride leaves from the Hodge Center. There will be a ride for all abilities. Tuesday night ride from Great Escape is followed by burritos at Bronco’s Restaurant. Tuesday night also has a ride from Greenville Donaldson Center for race training. Wednesday a ride leaves from Terry’s Tap Room. Greg will send out an updated calendar. All these rides begin at 6 PM. .

Item Three: Marly Divver for John Bryan - Mt. Mitchell Report
The sag stops have been identified with 10 on the Mitchell Route and 4 on the Marion Route (the first 2 are shared). This is 2 more than last year. Safety is a factor and John is working with the police. Police will be stationed at every light on Paris Bridge Rd. up to Highway 11. The police are working with the schools and the bus companies. The police have requested that we do not have staggered starts for the Assaults. It was suggested that we put together a list with safety rules for the riders (i.e. Please Remember These Things). It was also suggested to put a notice in the Herald-Journal to alert neighbors that a ride is occurring and possible implications. A Mt. Mitchell Training Ride is scheduled for this Saturday, April 9th.

Item Four: Richard Dillard - Publicity Report
Biking has had good coverage in the Herald-Journal. A Ride of Silence will remember injured and killed cyclists by making a 10-mile silent ride along Reidville Road's bike lane, traveling no more than 12 mph. This will be <http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php>Wednesday, May 18th at 6:30 PM from the Westside Spartanburg County Library.

Item Five. Paul LeFrancois - PCC Report
Paul reported that the National Bike Summit in D.C. was a good, positive meeting. He asked us to write letters to SCDOT Commission stressing our support for what SCDOT is doing to encourage cycling. Mt. Mitchell ride #30 was donated to PCC and raffled for $405! A reward fund has been established for hit and run drivers that strike bicyclists. The cycling community has contributed $2500.

Item Six: Andrew Danfy - Racing Report
Vic Bailey Volkswagen Classic and the Outdoor Sports Festival will be held Saturday May 21, 2005 in downtown Spartanburg. There will be pro bike races as well as two running races (5k and $1,000 mile). Flyers are available.

Item Seven: Michelle Gunning - Newsletter
Please submit articles to Michelle for inclusion in The Seat Post.

Item Eight: Jeff Cook - Bike Shop
We have three great bike shops in the area, which give discounts to members. The Great Escape Bicycle shop will have a ride leaving Saturday at 8:30. A Sunday ride is also scheduled from Bike On.

Jean Crow, Bike Town Coordinator, introduced herself. Her goal for the next three years is to make Spartanburg a bicycling community. Freewheelers can contribute networking and support. She will be advocating changes that need to be made and problem roadways. “Envision Spartanburg 2007: Becoming a Bicycle-Friendly Community” will be presented by national expert Michael Ronkin at the Spartanburg Headquarters Library Monday, May 16th at 7p.m Please support this event as we need a big turnout. Mark your calendar! Help promote bike town week.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15.

Respectfully submitted,
Patti Moran
Secretary