{mosimage}
FreeWheel 2006 Riders at the Library Countdown, June 5, 2006
See Bruce & Nickie Dance (Movie - 10MB)
A big bunch of bicycling enthusiasts, many clad in their new lime-green or bright yellow t-shirts, were on hand for the Pedalers annual FreeWheel CountDown at the Library, Monday night. The following signed in: Bob Hensley & Nickie Hall-Hensley, Bill & Joanne Estes, Paul Woollett, Eric & Cindy Morrison, Bruce & Cindy & Jim Sturges, Ross Snider, Rod Harwood, Laurie Smith Suzanne Weaver, Jack Tatum, Uncle Norman Hinsdell, Mike & Barbara Maloney, Joel & Shirley Martin, Alan Freeman, Dale Munn, Walt Bohn, Dwight Ritter, Dana Jordan, Malcolm & Barbara Joyce, Tim Welch, Fred Ditzel,Wayne & Darlene Clayborn, Dan Schultes, Tim & Katie Harper, Daniel Hade, Norman Farrell, Keith Clark & Donna Black.
Bruce welcomed the group and shared Governor Henry's new, improved bicycling laws. Members brought snacks & Keith was a hit with his hot, fresh popcorn machine! Albertson's generously donated bananas & bottled water. A large group of registered FreeWheelers huddled up for an impressive mass photo. Joanne circulated a basket of 30 FreeWheel survival "goodie" bags to all those planning to go on this years big adventure!
The Joyces will again be volunteering with On-the-Rock Ministries to help local teens bike a week in Pennsylvania, same time as FreeWheel. Thanks to Pedalers who have helped with expenses, as well as the club donation.
Ross Snider demonstrated his smooth bike-boxing techniques without a hitch! Thank you, Ross! You make it look so easy!
Dale covered many facets of repairing tires & tubes that succumb to possible road hazzards. We now know who to ride with! (. . just in case!!) Dale, experience really is an excellent teacher!
The highlight of the evening was "Nickie's UnPacking Show!" She gave great details of her full array of FreeWheel Packing insights! Thank you, Nickie AND Bruce who helped with an encore of the famous "Cornstarch Shuffle!"
Those present were eligible for the grand drawing - a $50.00 each FreeWheel tuition rebate went to Suzanne Weaver and Shirley Martin Congratulations, ladies!!!
Adventure Bicycle Center donated other lovely prizes - to other lucky attendees. THANK you, Adventure Bicycles, too!
Bruce adjourned the gathering by suggesting a ride to the Texas border from Hugo and back THIS Saturday! Plans for club t-shirt day on FreeWheel will be set, too!
Thanks to all who helped put the tables and chairs away! It was great having a relaxed extra hour at the Library this year!
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Estes, Secretary
PS: Upon returning home last evening and routinely checking the Estes e-mails, we read one from Libby Stalter, who had sent a letter to those on the FreeWheel planning committee. She will not be on FreeWheel this year. She is announcing her retirement as FreeWheel Director and is turning over the helm to her experienced close assistant, Ellen Proctor. Libby, after 18 years of FreeWheel leadership, is planning to begin new ventures in her home state, Missouri. FreeWheel will continue to be in very good hands. She has again cared for every little detail we riders have come to expect.
We will certainly miss her and have appreciated the past 18 FreeWheels. You may want to write her a personal note to thank her and to wish her well in her new endeavors.