NCBC meeting notes - May '97

These are the notes from the May 5th, 1997 meeting of the NCBC.

The meeting was convened at Cycling Spoken Here in Cary. Much thanks to Steve and Brian at CSH for the use of their facilities (and for the pizza and drinks afterwards!). About 25 people attended.

Business topics

Spring Rally

• Jim reviewed the Spring Rally and expressed his thanks and satisfaction with the results.
• Katherine reported that 150 cyclists rode in the Spring Rally, and that we collected roughly $2000 (includes new memberships and t-shirt sales).
• Some comments on making the event less competitive:
  1. Stagger starting times (a couple for each)
  2. Have rolling starts
  3. Have sign-in points

  Note: as a co-director, I've concluded two changes I'd suggest for next time around:

  1. Have two starts: hammerheads and social club
  2. Include a 12-15 mile loop for aspiring cyclists

Other items

• We should consider how our club should invest its money (and time and skills)
• For the summer... voted to continue meetings and not have rides.

Feature presentation

Smith Doss and Claude Monnier presented "Tandem cycling in France," and related their experiences of touring in France on their tandem.

Some notes from their presentation:

• On their trip they started in the North and headed toward the Mediterranean
• They were living in France at the time, so they didn't have to box up their tandem.
• However, when packing bikes, Smith suggests:
  • You can get used boxes from bike shops
  • Use your clothes for cushioning and put pipe insulation around the frame
  • Use a wheel clamp to stabilize the front fork
  • Single bikes ship for free on international flights
• Smith and Claude used Michelin maps - three chevrons means more than 13% grade!
• Maps are available from Barnes and Noble (and probably other places)
• Mailing maps and souvenirs home while en route saves weight and space
• Touring guides give excellent details for touring off the bike.
• Michelin hotel book, while large to carry, give excellent advice for hotels
• Offices of tourism are also good sources of info (but not during lunch)
• Phone cards are used rather than cash for phone calls
• They toured in September - a good time
• Don't need energy foods - stop at any bakery!
• Able to save a little money at hotels by asking for shower rather than tub
• Carry your own spoons so you can buy ice cream from grocery stores.
• Having brevet rides at fixed pace taught them how to paces themselves
• Tandems were popular in 40s and 50s in France - makes you immediately popular with folks of that generation
• Smith and Claude will be glad to offer recommendations