Hello Everyone:

I would like assure everyone in the Freewheeler's club that things are well. The club is solvent and having a great year. We are having some budgetary issue's withgas almost Tripling in a one year budget cycle with "The Assault and Marion" Rides. Transportation cost are a big part of the Ride.

A posting on the website has some people concerned of the training rides. We will have training rides for "The Assault on Mt Mitchell and Marion" . What??, I do not know yet. There may be a charge as to cover insurance for riders and for food(be it Freewheelers members or not). Liability of these training rides is a huge issue. We may ask for some of you to step up and volunteer your time and expertise(as ride leaders and support). We have a couple of months to consider the options.

I will also ask for some patience as we(The Freewheelers) make some transition with "The Assault on Mt Mitchell and Marion" rides. John Bryan is leaving his post as the "Director of Mt Mitchell" at the conclusion of 2009 "Assault" to be with his family. We all owe a huge amount of Thanks to John for making this ride a great one! THANK YOU JOHN!!! On a personal note, I ask that all of you think of John. He has some difficult roads he needs to ride and very step hills he HAS to climb!!!! Any notes of thanks and encouragement would be welcome mr10speed@aol.com.

In closing, the Board and myself are investigating ways to improve "The Assault" rides as well as benefits to club members. Please contact me via my website e-mail if you have any comments.

Mark Janes
President Freewheelers