History - Kalamazoo Bicycle Club

A history of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club (KBC) Events and Officers follows. A special thank you to Phil & Jini Caruso and Joel Dinda for saving newsletters, compiling, reviewing, and adding to the year-by-year history below. We are grateful for the timely and diligent work that Mike Peterson put into transferring printed editions of PedalPress into electronic format. Thanks also go out to (Fred)Rick Whaley, who contributed substantially to filling in KBC history by scouring, compiling, and reviewing documents.

>2021

Officers: President: Doug Kirk; Vice-President: Paul Guimond; Treasurer: Pam Sotherland; Secretary: Stacie Ballard.

Other Important People: Rick Whaley: Database Manager; Newsletter Editor: John Knowlton; Webmaster: Kathy Kirk; Ride Captain: Gordy Vader; Education Chair: Paul Wells; Insurance Coordinator: Thom Brennan; Grants and Awards Committee Chair: Val Litznerski; Communications: Jillian Howland.

January: The Winter Recovery Party was not held. Pam and Paul Sotherland won the Volunteer of the Year award.
March: A Ride Our Routes 2021 program was created to encourage cyclists to ride on roads and bike paths throughout Kalamazoo County.
April: A Director of Ride with GPS position was created with John Olbrot as the Director.
April: The KBC Constitution was amended to allow KBC members to receive grants from the KBC.
May: Regular KBC rides resumed at the end of the month for the first time since 2019.
June: New KBC jerseys were designed and distributed.
June: KalTour was held at Schoolcraft High School and was moved back to Sunday again. Day of ride registration was limited due to the weather and approximately 135 riders participated. AMBUCS received a $636 donation from the proceeds of the ride.
June-September: Ride ‘Round the Town events were held monthly in the Kalamazoo area to promote bicycling.
July: The KBC donated $1000 to the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail.
August: Renee Mitchell, Paul Wells, Jennifer Johnson, and Bill Surna became League Certified Instructors (LCIs) for bicycling.
September: The first indoor KBC Monthly Meeting since March 2020 was held.
November: John Knowlton was elected President while Paul Guimond and Pam Sotherland were re-elected as Vice-President and Treasurer. Stacie Ballard moved out of the Kalamazoo area and Teri Olbrot was elected Secretary.
November: Charlie Grdina became Pedal Press Editor and Paul Sotherland filled the vacated Social Director position.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (July), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), the Ride to South Haven (October), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October). At the end of the year, there were 298 subscriptions to the Pedal Press and 519 members.

>2020

Officers: President: Doug Kirk; Vice-President: Paul Sotherland; Treasurer: Pam Sotherland; Secretary: Stacie Ballard.

Other Important People: Rick Whaley: Database Manager; Newsletter Editor: John Knowlton; Webmaster: Renee Mitchell; Ride Captain: Gordy Vader; Social Director: John Idema; Education Chair: Paul Wells; Insurance Coordinator: Thom Brennan; Grants and Awards Committee Chair: Terry O’Connor Communications: Charlie Eaton.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The KBC Recovery Party was held at Wind + James facility in Schoolcraft.
January: Larry Shaffer, City Manager, City of Portage, and Ministry with Community/Zoo City Cycle & Sport Bicycle Donation Program won the KBC Friend of Bicycling award.
February: KBC pledged to donate $1000 for the completion of the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail.
March: KBC donated money to install a bicycle work station at the Texas Township Park. It was installed in the summer.
March: Due to COVID-19, the KBC weekly rides were cancelled indefinitely.
May: Bike Camp was cancelled.
June: KalTour was cancelled.
June-August: Because riders could be socially distanced, KBC Tuesday Night Time Trials were conducted almost every week throughout the summer and early fall.
June: Rick Whaley published a free eBook on NOOK called “Kalamazoo Bicycle Club Pedal Press Editor’s Letters: 2008-2016,” a slightly edited version of letters written when he was the Pedal Press editor.
September: Jillian Howland replaced Charlie Eaton as Communications Director.
September: The Fall Bike Celebration was held while taking COVID-19 precautions.
October: Bike Friendly Kalamazoo donated $425 to the KBC and the club received a $1500 Bike Booster Mini-Grant.
October: The Isoceletes Quarenteam of Valerie Litznerski, Carol Douglass, and Jillian Howland set three state records riding across the state of Michigan and back.
November: Doug Kirk, Pam Sotherland, and Stacie Ballard were re-elected as President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Paul Guimond was elected Vice-President.

No special rides were held this year due to COVID-19. At the end of the year, there were 257 subscriptions to the Pedal Press and 464 members.

>2019

Officers: President: Doug Kirk; Vice-President: Paul Sotherland; Treasurer: Mike Boersma; Secretary: Val Litznerski.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The KBC Recovery Party was held at Wind + James facility in Schoolcraft. David and Mary Jo Warwick won the Volunteer of the Year award.
January: John Dunlop and the Portage Central Middle School’s Ride for Focus Program won the KBC Friend of Bicycling award.
March: Thom Brennen and Mike Boersma were appointed to the Kalamazoo County Road Commission.
May: KBC donated $500 to the Portage West Middle School for their Riding for Focus program.
May: KBC’s Monthly Meeting was held and like last May’s meeting, included guest speakers from local bicycle shops and from organizations that promote bicycle riding.
May-June: Bike Camp was held with 45 attendees. Paul Wells was the Bike Camp chair.
June: The inaugural Dirty Donut Race was held in Martin, Michigan, where cyclists had time deducted from their race for each donut eaten.
June: KalTour was held on a Saturday this year at Schoolcraft High School with approximately 280 participants. Gravel road routes were added to this year’s event. Over $1600 was donated to AMBUCS. Mike Krischer and Terry Butcher were the KalTour Directors.
September: Kalamazoo Bike Week organizers and other civic groups held an inaugural three day Fall Bike Celebration that included a bicycle tour.
November: Doug Kirk and Paul Sotherland were re-elected as President and Vice-President, while Pam Sotherland and Stacie Ballard were elected as Treasurer and Secretary.
November: The Chain Gang Memorial Committee donated $5000 to KBC’s Education Committee in appreciation of the help that the club provided after the bicycle tragedy that occurred during a Chain Gang ride in 2016.
November: KBC donated $500 to the 24-Hour Challenge bicycle race again.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (August), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October). At the end of the year, there were 335 subscriptions to the Pedal Press and 546 members.

>2018

Officers: President: Renee Mitchell; Vice-President: John Olbrot; Treasurer: Mike Boersma; Secretary:
Val Litznerski.

Other Important People: David Jones: Database Manager; Newsletter Editor: Doug Kirk; Webmaster:
Paul Sotherland; Ride Captain: Terry Butcher; Social Director: John Idema; Education Chair: Paul Wells; Insurance Coordinator: Thom Brennan; Terry O’Connor: Grants Committee Chair; Public Relations: Marc Irwin; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden; Awards Committee Chair: Pam Sotherland.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The KBC Recovery Party was held at the Eckert-Wordell office. John Olbrot won the Volunteer of the Year award.
January: Pedal won the KBC Friend of Bicycling Award.
February: Paul Sotherland and David Jones rolled out a new online registration system.
April: Dale Abbott became Communications Director, a new position responsible for communicating and publicizing KBC news and events. This position includes what were the responsibilities of the Public Relations Director.
May: KBC’s application for the tax exempt 501(c)(3) status was approved by the IRS.
May: KBC received a $3000 grant from the DALMAC Fund again this year.
May: KBC’s Monthly Meeting was held with several guest speakers from local bicycle shops and organizations that promote bicycle riding.
May: Dan Frazier organized a bike racing series on the US-131 dragway to be held throughout the summer.
May-June: Bike Camp was held with 56 enrollees and Paul Wells was the Bike Camp chair.
June: KalTour was held at its new location at Schoolcraft High School with almost 300 participants. Almost $2000 was donated to AMBUCS. Mike Krischer was the KalTour Director.
June: The Michigan State Legislator passed a 3-foot bicycle passing law.
August: Paul Wells, Thom Brennen, and other KBC members provided a bicycle education presentation to Kalamazoo Public Education bus drivers.
August: The final Tuesday Night Time Trial of the year was held as the first KBC Time Trial Championship. Tim Stewart and Tory Cane were the fastest man and woman.
September: Val Litznerski rode 364 miles across the state of Michigan from south to north in 27 hours to raise awareness of cycling safety and to raise money for the KBC Education Fund.
November: Doug Kirk was elected President and Paul Sotherland was elected Vice-President. Mike Boermsa and Val Litznerski were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary. John Knowlton became the Pedal Press Editor.
December: The Director of Road Safety position was eliminated. The Grants Committee Chair and the Awards Committee Chair were combined into one position.
December: KBC donated $500 to the 24-Hour Challenge bicycle race again.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (September), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October). At the end of the year, there were 340 subscriptions to the Pedal Press and 556 members.

>2017

Officers: President: Renee Mitchell; Vice-President: John Olbrot; Treasurer: Mike Boersma; Secretary: Val Litznerski.

Other Important People: Database Manager: David Jones; Newsletter Editor: Doug Kirk; Webmaster: Paul Sotherland; Ride Captain: Terry Butcher; Social Director: John Idema; Education Chair: Paul Wells; Insurance Coordinator: Terry O’Connor; Public Relations: Marc Irwin; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden; Awards Committee Chair: Paul Selden.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The KBC Recovery Party was held at the Eckert-Wordell office. Paul Sotherland won the Volunteer of the Year award.
January: Paul Sotherland agreed to serve as the KBC Webmaster along with Cullen Stevenson.
February: The Kalamazoo City Commission received the KBC’s Friend of Bicycling Award.
February: KBC donated $500 to Team Clark Logic.
April: Database Manager David Jones began using the e-mail service MailChimp to distribute issues of the Pedal Press to KBC members.
April: Oshtemo Township approved a 5-foot bicycle passing ordinance.
May: Kalamazoo Township approved a 5-foot bicycle passing ordinance.
May: The KBC received a $3000 grant from the DALMAC Fund to promote 5-foot bicycle passing laws enacted by the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage and Oshtemo and Kalamazoo Townships.
May-June: Bike Camp was held with 25 participants. Paul Wells was the Bike Camp Chair.
June: Pam Sotherland became the new Awards Committee Chair.
June: A Ride Leader’s Summit was held to discuss issues to when leading KBC group rides, such as riding etiquette and group size.
June: The KalTour took place on June 25 with 283 riders. Half of the profit from the tour was donated to the AMBUCS Alive After Five program. Mike Krischer was the Tour Director.
July: The KBC donated $1000 to the Miller Energy/BTR Criterium, which took place on July 8 and was directed by Jon Ballema.
July: Bill Figeley, a former KBC Ride Captain and KBC Secretary prior to leaving the Kalamazoo area in 2012, died at the age of 51.
August: The 6-mile Maple Hill Mountain Bike Trail at Markin Glen Park was opened. The KBC had donated $2500 towards the construction of this trail.
August: Texas Township did not approve a 5-foot bicycle passing ordinance. The KBC planned to work with township officials in an effort to have them reconsider their decision.
August: John Olbrot and Dale Abbott created a KBC account on Ride with GPS.
November: For the first time in many years, the KBC had contested officer elections with Scott Baron challenging Renee Mitchell and Thom Brennen challenging John Olbrot. Renee Mitchell, John Olbrot, Mike Boersma, and Valerie Litznerski were re-elected as the KBC’s President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
November: KBC membership fees were increased for the first time in approximately 20 years.
December: Thom Brennen agreed to become KBC’s new Insurance Coordinator.
December: The KBC donated $500 to the National 24-Hour Challenge bicycle race. Held in Middleville, Michigan during Father’s Day weekend, it is the largest 24-hour bicycle race in the US.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (July), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October). At the end of the year, there were 363 subscriptions to the Pedal Press and 633 members.

>2016

Officers: President: Renee Mitchell; Vice-President: John Olbrot; Treasurer: Mike Boersma; Secretary: Val Litznerski.

Other Important People: Database Manager: David Jones; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley; Webmaster: Cullen Stevenson; Social Director: Kathleen Kroll; Insurance Coordinator: Terry O’Connor; Public Relations: Marc Irwin; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden; Awards Committee Chair: Paul Selden.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The KBC Recovery Party was held at the Eckert-Wordell office. Jon Ballema won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: The Kalamazoo Charter Township received the KBC’s Friend of Bicycling Award.
April: The KBC awarded $2500 to be used for the Markin Glen County Park Mountain Bike Trail Project.
April: The KBC donated $1000 to the Miller Energy/BTR Criterium.
May: The Pedal Press began being published in pdf format and Doug Kirk became the Pedal Press Editor.
May: After remaining vacant for almost 4 years, Terry Butcher agreed to become KBC’s Ride Captain. John Olbrot and Terry Butcher formed a KBC Ride Committee.
May-June: Bike Camp was held with 36 participants. Zolton Cohen was the Bike Camp Chair.
June: The KBC approved a motion to create a delegation to compose a proposed ordinance to present to the mayors and other local and state elected officials on behalf of the KBC to encourage the passing of a 5-foot bicycle passing law.
June: The KalTour took place on June 26 with about 450 riders. The profits of ride were donated to Kalamazoo Strong. Mike Krischer was the Tour Director.
July: The Miller Energy BTR Criterium took place on July 9 with about 270 racers, while the Maple Hill Race for Wishes took place the next day. Jon Ballema directed the BTR race.
August: Kalamazoo Strong KBC jerseys became available for purchase in tribute to the 5 riders killed and 4 riders injured due to the motor vehicle-bike crash on June 7.
August: The KBC adopted two tag lines: “Life is Better on a Bike!” and The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club has engaged cyclists in transit, fitness, and fun since 1971.”
September: Victor Van Fleet, longtime KBC member and former Safety and Education Chair, died at the age of 97.
September; The KBC donated $11290 to Kalamazoo Strong; the profit from 2017’s KalTour plus donations and raffle proceeds.
September: The City of Kalamazoo approved a 5-foot bicycle passing ordinance.
November: John Idema became the KBC’s new Social Director, replacing Kathleen Kroll, and Paul Wells became the new Education Chair and Bike Camp Committee Chair.
November: A new KBC website was launched, spearheaded by Renee Mitchell, Paul Sotherland, David Jones, Cullen Stevenson, and Kathleen Kroll.
November; KBC member Val Litznerski became the Ultramarathon Cycling Association number 1 ranked women’s long-distance cyclist in the world. Earlier in the year, she rode 388 miles in 24 hours at a non-drafting racing event.
November: The City of Portage approved a 5-foot bicycle passing ordinance.
November: The KBC donated $1500 towards the completion of the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (August), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October).

At the end of the year, there were 389 subscriptions to the PedalPress and 662 members.

>2015

Officers: President: Zolton Cohen; Vice-President: Doug Kirk; Treasurer: John Olbrot; Secretary: Mike Boersma.

Other Important People: Database Manager: David Jones; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley; Webmaster: Cullen Stevenson; Social Director: Kathleen Kroll; Education Chair: Renee Mitchell; Insurance Coordinator: Terry O’Connor; Public Relations: Marc Irwin; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden; Awards Committee Chair: Bob Alwardt.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The KBC Recovery Party was held at the Eckert-Wordell office. Rick Whaley Kirk won the Volunteer of the Year award.
March: The Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study (KATS) received the KBC’s Friend of Bicycling Award.
April: The KBC donated $1000 to the 10^th annual Miller Energy/BTR Criterium.
May-June: Bike Camp was held with about 30 participants. Renee Mitchell was the Bike Camp Chair.
June: The KalTour took place on June 28 with almost 300 racers. Half of the approximately $2500 profit from the tour was donated to the AMBUCS Alive After Five program. Mike Krischer was the Tour Director.
July: The Miller Energy BTR Criterium took place on July 11 with over 200 racers, while the Maple Hill Race for Wishes took place the next day. Jon Ballema directed the BTR race and Dave Buick directed the Race for Wishes.
August: Awards Committee Chair Bob Allwardt died of cancer.
November: New officers were elected to all 4 executive positions, as the previous officers decided not to run for re-election for their office. Renee Mitchell was elected President, John Olbrot was elected Vice-President, Mike Boersma was elected Treasurer, and Val Litznerski was elected Secretary.
November: New KBC caps became available for KBC members through KBC member Scott Powers’ promotional products company.
December: Team Clark Logic was awarded $500 by the KBC.
December: New KBC jerseys became available for ordering. The jerseys were designed by Dave Hauschild and Kathy Kirk organized this effort.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (August), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October).

At the end of the year, there were 259 subscriptions to the PedalPress.

>2014

Officers: President: Zolton Cohen; Vice-President: Doug Kirk; Treasurer: John Olbrot; Secretary: Mary Gerger.

Other Important People: Database Manager: David Jones; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley; Webmaster: Cullen Stevenson; Social Director: Chad Goodwell; Education Chair: Renee Mitchell; Insurance Coordinator: Terry O’Connor; Public Relations: Marc Irwin; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden; Awards Committee Chair: Paul Selden.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Hosted by Dave Jarl, the KBC Recovery Party was held at the Eckert-Wordell office. Doug Kirk won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: The Open Roads Bike Program won the KBC Friend of Bicycling Award.
April: The KBC donated $1000 to the Miller Energy/BTR Criterium. The KBC also donated $500 to the CMS Race Team. Pete Post became the new CMS Race Team President, succeeding Jon Ballema.
May: Zolton Cohen, Doug Kirk, Renee Mitchell, and Paul Selden participated in the annual League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB) Advocacy Day. The KBC was awarded the 2014 Ralph Finneren Encouragement Award in recognition of the club’s Bike Camp program. Paul Selden was awarded LMB’s 2014 Bicycle Advocate Award, recognizing him as its volunteer of the year.
May: Kathleen Kroll was appointed as KBC’s new Social Director.
May-June: Bike Camp was held with about 60 participants. Renee Mitchell was the Bike Camp Chair.
June: The KalTour took place on June 29 with just under 300 participants. Half of the profits of the tour was donated to the AMBUCS Alive After Five program. Mike Krischer was the Tour Director.
July: The Miller Energy BTR Criterium took place on July 12 and had approximately 250 participants. Jon Ballema directed the race. The Maple Hill Race for Wishes took place the next day with Dave Buick as the race director.
October: Bob Alwardt was appointed to the vacant position of Awards Committee Chair.
November: Mike Boersma was elected as the KBC’s Secretary as Mary Gerger decided not to run again for this position.
December: The KBC donated $500 to the CMS Race Team.
December: An amendment to the KBC constitution was passed that prohibited firearms at KBC events.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (August), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October).

At the end of the year, there were 277 subscriptions to the PedalPress.

>2013

Officers: President: Zolton Cohen; Vice-President: Doug Kirk; Treasurer: John Olbrot; Secretary: Mary Gerger.

Other Important People: Database Manager: David Jones; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley; Webmaster: Cullen Stevenson; Social Director: Chad Goodwell; Education Chair: Renee Mitchell; Insurance Coordinator: Terry O’Connor; Media Relations: Paul Selden and Zolton Cohen; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden; Award Committee Chair: Kathy Kirk.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: John and Teri Olbrot hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Paul Selden won the Volunteer of the Year award.
January: The KBC Friend of Bicycling Award was presented to Breakaway Bicycles.
February: The KBC donated $500 to the CMS Race Team.
February: Marc Irwin became KBC’s Director of Public Relations.
March: Doug Kirk wrote a novel about bicycling called the “The Spin,” published by Outskirts Press.
March: The KBC donated $200 to the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival.
March: The KBC created a Facebook page.
April: The KBC awarded $500 to the Open Road program.
May-June: The 10^th annual Bike Camp was held with over 70 participants, the largest number of participants for this event. Renee Mitchell was the Bike Camp Chair.
April: The KBC awarded $1000 to the BTR Miller Energy Criterium taking place in July.
June: The KalTour took place on June 30 with just under 300 participants. Half of the profits of the tour was donated to the AMBUCS Alive After Five program. Mike Krischer was the Tour Director.
July: KBC member Chris Gottwald set a world record in the outdoor velodrome 100 mile time trial. His time was 3:55:55 and average of 25.43 mph.
July: The Miller Energy BTR Criterium took place on July 13 with Jon Ballema directing the race. The Maple Hill Race for Wishes took place the next day.
August: Mike Peterson gave a presentation about the KBC’s history based on a review of the KBC’s old Pedal Presses dating back to 1972. He also scanned old printed newsletter into an electronic format so that they are available via the KBC website.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (August), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October).

At the end of the year, there were 312 subscriptions to the PedalPress.

>2012

Officers: President: Zolton Cohen; Vice-President: Doug Kirk; Treasurer: John Olbrot; Secretary: Mary Gerger.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley; Ride Captain: Bill Figeley; Webmaster: David Jones; Social Director: Chad Goodwell; Safety and Education Chair: Renee Mitchell; Insurance Coordinator: Terry O’Connor; Media Relations: Paul Selden and Zolton Cohen: Director of Road Safety; Paul Selden; Award Committee Chair: Kathy Kirk.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: John and Teri Olbrot hosted the KBC Recovery Party. David Jones won the Volunteer of the Year award.
January: The KBC Friend of Bicycling Award was presented to the Portage City Department of Streets and Equipment.
February: The KBC approved spending $150 to renew the CMS Race Team’s license.
May: The KBC donated $500 for a youth cycling development program.
May-June: The KBC Bike Camp took place with approximately 35 participants. Renee Mitchell was the Chair of the Bike Camp committee.
June: The KBC donated $500 to the Race for Wishes Road Race and $1000 to the Miller Energy BTR Criterium.
July: The KalTour took place on July 8 with almost 300 participants. Mike Krischer was the Tour Director.
July: The Miller Energy BTR Criterium was held on July 14 and the Maple Hill Race for Wishes, under new sponsorship, was held the next day. The race directors were Rick Updike and Bill Braun, respectively.
August: Ride Captain Bill Figeley moved out of the area.
September: After Paul Bruneau moved out of the area, David Jones agreed to become KBC’s new Database Manager.
September: The AMBUCS Alive After Five programs was given half of the KalTour profits, which was approximately $500.
October: Marc Irwin resurrected the Fall Foliage Ride.
October: Val Litznerski set an Ultramarathon Cycling Association women’s west to east Michigan course record, riding 206.9 miles from Muskegon to Port Sanilac in 11 hours, 19 minutes, averaging 18.28 mph.
November: A “KBC Quick Tips” column was added to the newsletter.
November: Cullen Stevenson was appointed KBC Webmaster.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (July), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Foliage Ride (October).

At the end of the year, there were 287 subscriptions to the PedalPress.

>2011

Officers: President: Zolton Cohen; Vice-President: Doug Kirk; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Bill Figeley.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley; Ride Captain: Bill Figeley; Webmaster: David Jones; Social Directors: Janet DeZwaan and Teri Olbrot; Safety and Education Chair: Victor Van Fleet; Insurance Coordinator: Joe Kucharski; Media Relations: Deb Grey; Director of Road Safety: Paul Selden.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Guidelines for determining a KBC sanctioned ride were developed by Zolton Cohen, Doug Kirk, and Rick Whaley and were adopted by the KBC. KBC members can ask to become sanctioned ride leaders by attending one of the KBC Monthly Meetings.
January: John and Teri Olbrot hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Tom Keizer won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: The inaugural Kalamazoo Bicycle Club “Friend of Bicycling” award was presented to The Friends of the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail.
April: The KBC approved spending $150 to renew the CMS Race Team’s license.
May: The CMS Race Team began hosting the Tuesday Night Time Trial.
May: Procedures for reviewing request for funds from the KBC were developed by a Grand Review Committee headed by Celine Keizer.
May: The KBC donated $400 to the Race for Wishes Road Race to be held in Lawton in July.
May-June: The KBC Bike Camp took place with approximately 35 participants. Renee Mitchell was the Chair of the Bike Camp committee.
June: The KBC donated $475 to the AMBUCS program that provides adult trykes to disabled veterans.
June: KBC member Chris Gottwald finished 6th in the male, solo, under–50 division in the Race Across America (RAAM) with a time of 9 days, 18 hours, and 50 minutes over the 2,989.5 mile course, an overall average of 12.73 mph.
July: The KalTour took place on July 10 with about 250 participants. The ride began at a new starting location at the Bronson Health Club off 9^th Mike Krischer and Dave Bishop were the Tour Directors.
July: The “Weekend of Racing” occurred on July 16 and 17. The BTR Criterium was held on July 16 with approximately 265 participants. Rick Updike was the Race Director. The Priority Health Race for Wishes was held the next day in Lawton. Bill Braun was the Race Director.
July: KBC donated $100 to the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival.
November: Mary Gerger was elected Secretary and John Olbrot was elected as Treasurer of the KBC. The previous officeholders decided not to run for re-election.
December: KBC member Dale Krueger celebrated his 80^th birthday by riding 80 miles.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), the Ride to South Haven (July), and the KBC Anniversary Ride (September).

At the end of the year, there were 271 subscriptions to the PedalPress.

>2010

OFFICERS:

President: Mike Boersma; Vice-President: Zolton Cohen; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Bill Figeley.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley Cohen; Ride Captain: Bill Figeley; Webmaster: David Jones; Social Directors: Janet DeZwaan and Teri Olbrot; Safety and Education Chair: Victor Van Fleet; Insurance Coordinator: Joe Kucharski; Media Relations: Deb Grey.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: John and Teri Olbrot hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Mike Boersma won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: Bill Figeley became Ride Captain, after Knute Jacobson moved out of the area.
March: The KBC donated $1000 to the BTR Criterium, which took place in July.
April: The KBC donated $250 to purchase “Smart Cycling” books for Bike Camp.
May-June: The KBC Bike Camp took place with 35 participants.
July: The KalTour took place on July 11 with about 250 participants. Mike Krischer and Dave Bishop were the Tour Directors. Half of the tour’s profit was donated to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway.
August: The KBC approved the city of Kalamazoo Draft Bike Parking Space Ordinance.
September: Paul Selden was appointed Director of Road Safety.
October: Jon Ballema became the new director of the KBC Racing Team and Jamie Clark’s company, CMS Trucking, became the new primary sponsor
November: A Kudos section to the newsletter was added, the purpose being to recognize those organizations or individuals who had contributed to the welfare of cycling.
November: Zolton Cohen was elected President and Doug Kirk was elected Vice-President of the KBC for 2011. The previous officeholders decided not to run for re-election.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (May), the Ride to South Haven (July), and the KBC Anniversary Ride (September).

At the end of the year there were 250 subscriptions to PedalPress.

>2009

OFFICERS:

President: Mike Boersma; Vice-President: Jim Kindle; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Bill Figeley.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Rick Whaley Cohen; Ride Captain: Knute Jacobson; Webmaster: David Jones; Social Directors: Janet DeZwaan and Teri Olbrot; Safety and Education Chair: Victor Van Fleet; Insurance Coordinator: Joe Kucharski; Media Relations: Deb Grey.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: John and Teri Olbrot hosted the KBC Recovery Party.
March: Due to lack of sponsorship from Little Caesar’s, the KBC became the temporary primary sponsor of the KBC Cycling Racing Team and donated $2500 to the team.
March: A Bike Summit meeting was held to discuss how KBC spends its money and the activities in which it is involved. Procedures for determining how projects are funded from the club’s treasury A committee was formed to develop standard procedures for evaluating requests for funding from the club. A funding request form was developed later in the year.
April: Deb Grey became the Director of Media Relations, a new KBC position.
May-June: The KBC Bike Camp took place with about 50 participants. An announcement for Bike Camp appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette.
July: Doug and Kathy Kirk won the USA Cycling National Masters Championships in the Mixed Tandem 110+ (sum of the ages of the competitors) Division 1 in Taylorsville, Kentucky. They raced the 25.8 km (16.0 miles) course in 33:56.1, an average of 28.3 mph.
July: WMU/KBC BTR Criterium and KalTour took place on subsequent days. The Criterium attracted 270 participants, while KalTour attracted over 300 riders. Greg Lawford and Rick Updike were the Co-Directors of the race, while Mike Krischer and Dave Bishop directed KalTour. AMBUCS volunteered to staff the Briar Patch SAG stop during KalTour and KB donated $300 to this organization for their help. The club also donated half of the KalTour’s profit to the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail.
July: The KBC donated $300 to the Kalamazoo Police Department Community Division to supply bicycle accessories for children.
November: Jim Kindle decided not to run for re-election as Vice-President and Zolton Cohen was elected as Vice-President.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (May), the Ride to South Haven (July), and the KBC Anniversary Ride (September).

At the end of the year there were 76 subscriptions to PedalPress.

>2008

OFFICERS:

President: Mike Boersma; Vice-President: Jim Kindle; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Elaine Naegele.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Zolton Cohen; Ride Captain: Knute Jacobson; Webmaster: Bob Paski; Social Directors: Jelania Haile and Renee Mitchell; Safety and Education Chair: Victor Van Fleet; Insurance Coordinator: Joe Kucharski.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Megan, Fred, and Rebecca James hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Zolton Cohen won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: The KBC donated $500 to become a primary sponsor of the Fort Custer Xterra Mountain Off-road Triathlon/Duathlon Race.
March: Rick Whaley became the Newsletter Editor.
April: Renee Mitchell, Jelania Haile, and David Jones completed training to become League Certified Instructors (LCIs) for the League of American Bicyclists.
May: The KBC donated $300 to AMBUCS, an organization that supplies customized tricycle to the disabled, for their help with the upcoming KalTour. The KBC also donated $1000 to the BTR Criterium Race and $250 to FitMI.
May-June: The KBC Bike Camp took place with approximately 40 participants.
July: The KalTour took place on July 13. Approximately 260 riders participated in this event. Mike Krischer and Dave Bishop were the Tour Directors.
August: The BTR Criterium Road Race took place at the BTR Park with about 180 riders. Greg Lawford and Rick Updike were the Co-Directors of the race.
August: John Meyers won a mountain bike National Championship in the 30 plus age group division as part of a 4-man team at the Wisconsin America’s Dairyland 24 Hours of 9 Mile in Wausau, Wisconsin. The “Michigan Masters” team rode 326.6 miles, with John riding 85.2 of these miles.
September: At age 76, Dale Krueger was recognized as the older rider in the 400-mile 5 Day Upper Peninsula DALMAC tour.
October: David Jones became the KBC Webmaster.
November: Elaine Naegele decided not to run for re-election as Secretary of the KBC and Bill Figeley was elected to replace her.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (May), the Ride to South Haven (July), and the KBC Anniversary Ride (September).

At the end of the year there were 265 subscriptions to PedalPress.

>2007

OFFICERS:

President: Mike Boersma; Vice-President: Jim Kindle; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Chris Haddock.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Megan, Fred, and Rebecca James hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Jelania Haile and Renee Mitchell won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: The KBC conducted a First Aid and Bike Accident Management meeting.
May-June: The KBC Bike Camp took place and was led by Paul Bruneau, Jelania Haile, Renee Mitchell, David Jones, Jim Kindle, and Zolton Cohen.
June: The KBC donated $1000 to the BTR Criterium Race.
July: The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour was renamed as The KalTour. This event took place on July 22 with about 350 riders. Mike Krischer and Dave Bishop were the Tour Directors.
August: The BTR Criterium Road Race took place at the BTR Park with almost 200 riders. Greg Lawford and Rick Updike were the Co-Directors of the race.
September: The KBC donated approximately $900 to the Kalamazoo Valley River Trail (KVTR) project.
September: Birthday recognition in the Pedal Press was eliminated.
September: Joe Kucharski volunteered to become the KBC’s first Insurance Coordinator.
October: Jelania Haile, Jim Kindle, Renee Mitchell, Elaine Naegele, and David Jones to the Road 1 Training Program taught by the League of American Bicyclists.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (May), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Ride (October).

At the end of the year there were 218 subscriptions to PedalPress.

>2006

OFFICERS:

President: Mike Boersma; Vice-President: Jim Kindle; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Chris Haddock.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Zolton Cohen; Ride Captain: Randy Putt; Webmaster: Kathy Kirk; Social Directors: Jelania Haile and Renee Mitchell; Safety and Education Chair: Victor Van Fleet.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Megan, Fred, and Rebecca James hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Amy Lehman won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: “The Adventures of Axel Kleat” was published in an e-book format, based on a series of columns written by Doug Kirk over a period of about 10 years.
March: The KBC donated $150 to the KBC/Little Caesar’s Cycling race team.
April: Knute Jacobson became KBC’s Ride Captain, after longtime Ride Captain Randy Putt moved away from the Kalamazoo area.
April: The KBC donated $500 to help display “Share the Road” signs in the city of Kalamazoo.
May: KBC President, Mike Boersma and KBC members Amy Mack and Kay Barker testified before a Michigan State Senate Committee regarding changes to the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code that would clarify bicyclist’s rights on the road.
June-July: The KBC Bike Camp was held as a series of sessions covering, among other topics, bicycle fit, maintenance, and training.
July: The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour took place on July 16 with approximately 350 riders. The weather was hot and humid, as it was the previous year. Brian Sheedy, a professional rider on the Priority Health Cycling Team participated in this ride. Mike Krischer and Dave Bishop were the Tour Co-Directors.
July: Kathy Kirk finished second in the 50-54 age group in the U.S. National Cycling Championships Time Trial. Thirteen-year-old Taylor Birmann finished second in his age group at the criterium race at this event.
September: The first WMU/BTR Criterium Road Race took place at the BTR Park. Over 100 racers participated in this event. KBC member and KBC/Little Caesar’s Race Team Captain, Greg Lawford, was one of the organizers of the race.
November: The name of the Flowerfest Bicycle Tour was changed to the Kalamazoo Scenic Cycle Tour (KalTour).
December: A “Shop Notes” section was added to the PedalPress.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (May), the Old Car Festival Ride (June), the Ride to South Haven (July), the Ride Around Kalamazoo County (August), the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Ride (October).

>2005

OFFICERS:

President: Mike Boersma; Vice-President: Jim Kindle; Treasurer: Tom Keizer; Secretary: Mike Berry.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Paul Bruneau; Newsletter Editor: Zolton Cohen; Ride Captain: Randy Putt; Webmaster: Kathy Kirk; Social Directors: Michele Intermont and Megan James.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Chris and Marian Barnes hosted the KBC Recovery Party. The Chris Barnes family (Chris, Marian, Steve, and Betsy) won the Volunteer of the Year award.
February: The Pedal Press became an electronic newsletter.
April: Members of Little Caesar’s Cycling, a bicycle racing team created within KBC, participated in the 6^th Street Road Race in Kalamazoo County.
May: The first KBC “Bike Camp” was held as a one-day seminar. Among the topics discussed were bike fit and safety, the health benefits of cycling, and changing a flat tire.
July: Paul Bruneau and Larry Kissinger became the Co-Moderators of the KBC Yahoo Groups.
July: The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour took place on July 8 with over 380 riders despite the hot and humid conditions. David Jones was the Tour Director.
October: The KBC donated $400 to the Van Buren County Road Commission for Kal Haven Trail maintenance.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (May), the Old Car Festival Ride (June), the Ride to South Haven (July), the Ride Around Kalamazoo County (August), and the KBC Anniversary Ride (September), and the Fall Ride (October).

>2004

OFFICERS:

President: Doug Kirk; Vice-President: Mike Boersma; Treasurer: Terry O’Connor; Secretary: Brad Fry.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Kathy Kirk; Newsletter Editor: Zolton Cohen; Randy Loga: Newsletter Distribution; Ride Captain: Randy Putt; Webmaster: Larry Kissinger; Social Director: Michele Intermont.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: The website address was changed to kalamazoobicycleclub.org.
January: Chris and Marian Barnes hosted the KBC Recovery Party. The Jeff Newman family (Jeff, Nicole, and Graham) won the Volunteer of the Year award.
March: A new Kalamazoo Bicycle Club jersey became available for members to purchase.
March: Paul Bruneau became the Database Manager, Megan James became the Social Co-Director, and Mike Peterson became the person in charge of newsletter distribution. In addition, Victor Van Fleet became the Safety and Education Committee Chair.
June: Kathy Kirk won the women’s division of the Michigan State Time Trials Championship.
July: The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour took place on July 18 and over 400 riders signed up for this event. The tour was directed by Tom Keizer.
September: Paul Bruneau became the Database Manager and Kathy Kirk became the KBC Webmaster.
November: KBC put on a cyclocross event.

>2003

OFFICERS:

President: Doug Kirk; Vice-President: Jeff Newman; Treasurer: Terry O’Connor; Secretary: Brad Fry.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: Dave Newman hosted the KBC Recovery Party. Amy Lehman won the Volunteer of the Year award.
March: The Wednesday night Hammerfest Ride was adopted as an official KBC ride.
July: The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour took place on July 20 with over 375 riders participating in this event. The tour was directed by Tom Keizer.
August: After Emily Mattes left the area to begin college, Michelle Intermont and Mary Cohen assumed the roles of Co-Social Directors.

Special KBC rides held during the year included the W Ride (April), New Member Ride (May), the Old Car Festival Ride (June), the Ride to South Haven (July), the Ride Around Kalamazoo County (August), and the KBC Anniversary Ride (September).

>2002

OFFICERS:

President: Greg Bouwman; Vice-President: Karen Sue Mackaluso; Treasurer: Terry O’Connor; Secretary: Doug Kirk.

Other Important People: Database Manager: Kathy Kirk; Newsletter Editor: Zolton Cohen; Amy Lehman: Newsletter Distribution; Ride Captain: Randy Putt; Webmaster: Larry Kissinger; Social Director: Emily Mattes.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January: KBC baseball style caps were produced for sale.
January: At the Winter Recovery Party, Dave Newman won the Volunteer of the Year award.
April: KBC began a Tuesday Night Time Trial Series.
April: KBC participated in a “Repair and Rescue” mission of bicycles at the Lakeside Treatment Center
July: Greg Bouwman resigned as KBC President due to a job transfer and Karen Sue Mackaluso became President.
July: The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour was held on July 21 and was directed by Dave Newman.

KBC membership increased to over 200 members.

>2001

OFFICERS:

President: Karen Sue Ouellette, Vice-President: Greg Bouwman, Treasurer: Paul Stevens, Secretary: Zolton Cohen. Other Important People: Database Manager: Jimmy Ahrens, Newsletter Distribution: Gerry Blohm (Amy Lehman replaced Gerry Blohm in June), Newsletter Editor: Doug Kirk, Ride Captain: Randy Putt, Webmaster: Larry Kissinger.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

KBC established a group e-mail list.
The Flowerfest Bicycle Tour was held on Sunday, July 22, 2001.
KBC donated four bikes and miscellaneous equipment to the Bethany Christian Services of Grand Rapids who sponsored 100 young high school age teens from Sudan to come live in the area.
KBC & Denny Morrison donated a bicycle to a young man who needed a bike in the worst way.
The National 24 hour Challenge was again sponsored by the Rapid Wheelmen in Grand Rapids six Club members participated with the following results. Dave DeBack rode 358 miles, Greg Bouwman rode 301, Tom Cross rode 250, Richard Wolf rode 238, Rick Whaley rode 227 and Pete Skellenger rode 200 miles.
KBC held a ride at the Kal-Haven Trailhead to honor its 30th anniversary.
The September Newsletter contains a brief article reminding members that the Club actually began in 1972 and not later as some members thought.
In December, Doug Kirk published another article on the history of KBC.

>2000

OFFICERS:

At the beginning of the year the office of President is vacant and the following officers are listed: Vice-Presidents: Richard Walter & Doug Kirk, Treasurer: Paul Stevens, Secretary: Zoltan Cohen, Race Team Representative: Other Important People: Database Manager: Newsletter Distribution: Gerry Blohm, Newsletter Editor: Doug Kirk, Ride Captain: Randy Putt. Beginning with the September issue of Pedal Press the President is listed as Karen Sue Ouellette, only Kirk is listed as Vice President and the other officers are the same as at the beginning of the year. The May 2000 Pedal Press announced that Jeanette Hom was moving to Holland and was resigning as Database Manager. In October, Jinny Ahrens took over as Database Manager.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

The Safe Kids Bike Rodeo was held May 20.
KBC donated two bicycles to the Open Door, a Kalamazoo Youth Ministry, located in downtown Kalamazoo.
–Joan Cornell donated a small girl’s bicycle to KBC which in turn donated it to the Boys & Girls Club of Kalamazoo.
The 9th Annual Flowerfest Bicycle Tour was held Sunday, July 16, beginning, as usual from KVCC. It was a smashing success with 503 registered riders.
The January/February 2000 Pedal press published a complete list of the members of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club as of January, 2000. In subsequent newsletters, only the following additional members are announced.

>1999

OFFICERS:

President: Richard Walter, Vice-President: Treasurer: Paul Stevens, Secretary:

Barb Miller, Race Team Representative: Other Important People: Database Manager: Newsletter Distribution: Gerry Blohm, Newsletter Editor: Doug Kirk, Ride Captain: Randy Putt Ride Line: Other Important People: Database Manager: Jeanette Holm, Flowerfest Directors:

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Village Cyclery donated a Mountain Bike which KBC decided to auction off.
KBC adopted a new jersey. The design was produced by a local artist, Paul Sizer.
In May, KBC once again participated in the Safe Kids Coalition bicycle rodeo. The events were to be held May 15, June 5 and July 10. The first day will be devoted to fitting helmets and sizing bicycles and will be held at Home Depot on Westnedge. The second date will be a bicycle rodeo and safety demonstration at Celery Flats. The last scheduled event was cancelled due to a lack of participation at the first two.
The Flower fest Bicycle Tour was held on Sunday, July 18 and attracted 425 riders!
KBC developed a presence on the World Wide Web. The website is at www.angelfire.com/mi/kbc/.
KBC held a Ride Around Kalamazoo County ride on August 21.
In the January 1999 Newsletter, the complete 240 member list as of December 1998 was published.

>1998

OFFICERS:

President: Tom Cross, Vice-President: Richard Walter, Treasurer: Mike Higgins,

Secretary: Angie Richman. Other Important People: Database Manager: Jeanette Holm,

Newsletter Distribution:Gerry Blohm, Newsletter Editor: Kathy Barrett, Ride Captain: Randy Putt. Ride Line: Other Important People: Database Manager, Flowerfest Directors: Rick Whaley, Paul Stevens, All Cergol, Race Team Representative:

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Flowerfest Tour was held at KVCC on July 19, 1998.
A Mountain bike Time Trial Series began on Tuesday, May 12 and then took place on the second Tuesday of each month through July 14.
Circuit Race on the WMU campus.
Cyclocross race was held October 17th at the Christ the Cathedral Episcopal Church.
On Sunday October 11th, KBC along with the City of Portage again hosted the Portage Bikeway Tour. The start point was was the Borgess facility at Woodbridge on Angling Road.

>1997

OFFICERS:

President: Gerry Blohm, Vice-President: Rose McKenna, Treasurer: Mike Higgins,

Secretary: Joan Kramlich, Race Team Representative: John Brady. Other Important People Database Manager: Jeanette Holm, Newsletter Distribution: Newsletter Editor: Kathy Barrett, Ride Captain: Randy Putt, Ride Line: Ann Johnson. McKenna resigned in April and was not replaced. Joan Root took over for Kramlich in June.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Flower Fest Tour was held July 20. It attracted about 155 riders.

>1996

OFFICERS:

President: Rose McKenna, Vice-President: John Mathieson, Treasurer: Mike Higgins, Secretary: Teri Waldron, Race Team Representative: Brian Clissold. Others assigned to particular tasks: Newsletter Distribution: Clayton Gallap, Newsletter Editor: Kathy Barrett, Race Team Director: Jim Wyrick, Ride Captain: Randy Putt and Ride Line: Ann Johnson.

Database Manager: Phil Caruso through April Newsletter replaced by Jeanette Holm.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Flowerfest Tour was held Sunday, July 21
Tandem Ride for visually impaired was held May 2nd and 25 visually impaired youths participated.
A Spring Valley Circuit Race was held on August 10. 242 registered riders participated in the race but the race cost the club because the organizers decided not to seek sponsorship.
The Little Big Race was held September 8 from Fort Custer Recreation Area.
On October 20, KBC hosted the annual meeting of the League of Michigan Bicyclist.
Sherry Gordon attended the Para Olympic Games in Atlanta as a member of the WMU team.

>1995

OFFICERS:

President: Bill Watt, Vice-President: Mary Rass, Secretary: Michele Cudahy,

Treasurer: Dan Smith, Race Team: Mike Teel, Newsletter: Marc Luoma, Ride Captain: Randy Putt, Ride Line: Ann Johnson, Membership List: Phil Caruso. Beginning with the March Newsletter, Brian Clissold and Jim Wyrick were listed as in charge of the Race Team replacing Mike Teel and Terry Scahill replaced Marc Luoma as Newsletter Editor. In addition, the club brochure was redesigned by Peter Tarchinski.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Flowerfest Tour was held July 23, 1995 starting at KVCC. Flowerfest netted the “Club $814.45.
Spring Valley was held August 12. Race Director was Brian Clissold and Dan Ferrara & John Brady were race coordinators. Spring Valley netted $1,201.52.
A mountain bike race was held September 12 at Ft. Custer and netted $3,418.87.
KBC hosted a tandem ride for the visually impaired.

>1994

OFFICERS:

President: Dave Patrick, Vice-President: Bill Watt, Secretary: Denny Morrison, Treasurer: Jim Wyrick Corporate Olympics: Charlie Fuentes, Newsletter : Marc Luoma, Ride Line Ann Johnson and Membership List: Phil Caruso

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

Flowerfest Tour was held July 24 beginning and ending at KVCC. Co-chairs for the tour were Clayton Gallap, Libbie Wetters and Jim Wyrick. Over 300 riders registered.
Spring Valley Circuit Race was held June 26.
KBC adopted a new logo.
KBC held a tandem ride for the visually impaired on August 15 and 22.
The KBC sponsored the Ft. Custer Little Big Race on September 11. The steering committee for the race was Gary Goscenski, Dave Patrick, Mike Teel.

>1993

OFFICERS:

President: Dave DeRight, Vice President: Shirley Williams, Treasurer: Nancy DeBoer, Secretary: Denny Morrison, Race Team: Mike Teel, Newsletter: Marc Luoma / Eric Arnold, Ride Captain: Brad Cosgrove, Ride Line: Ann Johnson, Membership List: Phil Caruso, Flowerfest Tour Director: Jim Dagwell. In May, 1993: Laura Dagwell replaced Nancy DeBoer as treasurer. In August Dave DeRight resigned as President due to conflicts in his work schedule and in October Jeff Wetters took over the balance of the year.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

KBC had provided support for the Kal-Haven Trail Blazer since its beginnings. The Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail had always had some reluctance to compensate KBC for its support since this used Club resources which could have been used for a fund raiser for KBC, such, as an invitational ride. The people at Kal-Haven Trail said they would only continue to provide this compensation if it were used for bicycle safety-related activities. In one part of the Newsletter, there is a paragraph indicating the relationship was severed while in another part there is a report of the controversy. Presumably, the relationship was severed and, although individuals could volunteer to help stage the Trail Blazer, the Club would have no official relationship.
Spring Valley Circuit Race scheduled for April 25. Marty Minka won the Masters Race. Also Roger Pozeznik took 1st in Citizen Men, Linda Wood took 2nd in the Women’s Race, Andy Burns 4th in Category 4, Michael Tice 7th in Category V and Bret Austin was a prime in Senior III.
Mountain Bike Race scheduled for September 19 either at Ft Custer. The Race raised $207 for the Club.
Flower Fest Tour raised $943.94 for the Club.

>1992

OFFICERS:

President: Jeff Wetters, Vice-President: Shirley Williams, Treasurer: Nancy DeBoer, Race Team Liason: Mike Teel, Newsletter Editor: Marc Luoma, Ride Line Ann Johnson, Kal-Haven Trail Liason: Charlie Fuentes and Stage Race Liason: Gary Goscenski.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Roller Races on February 16 at Maple Hill Mall.
KBC participates in Off-Road Race at Yankee Springs Park on January 26th.
The First Annual Flowerfest Tour was held on Sunday, July 26. The tour started at Kalamazoo Central High School. On a rainy date 158 cyclists registered and it was deemed a success.
PHP Stage Race

>1991

OFFICERS:

President: Steve Clarke, Vice-President: Marc Luoma, Secretary Treasurer: Mark Ehrhardt, Ride Captains: Robert Hillman & Brad Cosgrove, MTB: Valerie Marsh, Race Captains: Mike Teel & Joe Torre, Mileage Statistician: Jim Tiller, Newsletter: Karen Augustine and Membership List: Phil Caruso.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

KBC won the Martelli Award for the best exhibit that promoted health and wellness in an educational and non-threatening manner. The exhibit was organized by Sheryl Drenth and was part of the Bronson Health Fair. The award was announced at the December 1990 Christmas Party.
KBC sponsored a roller race at Maple Hill Mall on Sunday, March 3.
KBC sponsored a Southwest Michigan State Race on April 26, 27 and 28. The prize list was $7,500. The first stage was a 1 kilometer prologue time trial. The first stage was a 20 kilometer time trial held in Climax. Stage Two was a road race of 20 to 80 miles depending upon category that began at Cornwell’s Turkey Farm east of Battle Creek. Finally, the last stage was a circuit race at Spring Valley Park.
Bob Luoma, a Lansing attorney with experience litigating bicycle related cases spoke at the March meeting concerning our rights and responsibilities as bicyclists.
KBC participated in a Kalamazoo Public Safety Department’s 1991 Take a Bite Out of Crime Day on May 18th. About 88 children participated in the bike skills section of the event.

>1990

OFFICERS:

President: Steve Clarke, Vice President: Mike Gacke, Secretary Treasurer: Karen Torre, Ride Captain: open, Race Captain: Mike Teel & Joe Torre, Newsletter Editor: Marc Luoma, Membership List: Phil Caruso. At the May meeting it was announced that Jim Tiller had volunteered to help Luoma.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Roller Races held February 11 at Maple Hill Mall.
Spring Valley Circuit Race scheduled for April 29. Sponsors included Physician’s Health Plan. It was a resounding success with 250 racers participating.
KBC Ride Line installed.
A second version of the early history of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club was published in the May 1990 Newsletter. The 1980 Newsletter contains the first one by Joel Dinda.
Starting in August 1990, the Newsletters begin containing updates of the mileage accumulated during 1990 so far by each members.

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

Bob Christopherson,Steve Clarke, Brad Cosgrove, Steve Dunyak Dan Dupree, Gacki, Hillman, Keith Little, Valerie Marsh, John Mathieson, Mike Murrel, Vince Odeanwaller, Don Povendo, and Kevin Stevens.

>1989

OFFICERS:

President: Terry Jackson, Vice-President: Keith Little, Secretary-Treasurer: Karen Torre, Race Captain: Jim Stark, Newsletter Editor: Chuck Dodson, Ride Captain: Jon Mathison, Membership List: Phil Caruso. Part way through the year Terry Jackson was injured and Keith Little stepped up to Presidency, leaving the Vice President position vacant.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

A Spring Valley Road Race was scheduled for Sunday April 30 while the organizers were still searching for a sponsor.
President Keith Little was a victim of violent crime while cycling. After being harassed by a car of four or five young men, Little responded with an angry gesture and the car stopped and he was attacked.

>1988

OFFICERS:

President: Gail Slaughter, Vice-President: Terry Jackson, Secretary-Treasurer: Steve Dane, Ride Captain: Karen Torre, Race Captain: Tim Greening, Newsletter Editor: Phil Caruso.

EVENT/ACTIVITIES:

????

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

Brad Cosgrove, Steve Daane, Bob DeBruyn, Bill Fischer, Marty Knop, Bob McCulfor, and Mike Murrel.

>1987

OFFICERS:

President: Tom Kayser, Vice President: Jan McLain, Ride Captain: Gail Slaughter, Newsletter Editor: Terry Jackson and Race Captain: Tim Greening.

EVENT/ACTIVITIES

????

>1986

OFFICERS:

President: Tom Kayser, Vice President: Scott McLain, Secretary Treasurer: Jan McLain, Newsletter Editor: Phil Caruso, Race Captain: Paul Visich and Road Captain: Arne Maki.

EVENT/ACTIVITIES:

A Kalamazoo Criterium was held in downtown Kalamazoo on July 13 as one of the beginning events of the Flower Festival.
Arne Maki who had been serving as ride captain and doing an outstanding job in terms of getting volunteers and a variety of rides passed away on September 10. On Sunday October 12, the Club held Arne’s favorite ride around Fine Lake.

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

Jan & Bob DeBruyn, John Meek

>1985

OFFICERS:

President: Scott McLain, Vice President: Tom Kayser, Secretary-Treasurer: Jan McLain, Newsletter Editor: Phil Caruso, Ride Captain & Librarian: June Wilkins

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

The Club decided to participate in the staging of one and only race this year. The race will be held on June 30th in downtown Kalamazoo and will be sponsored by FIRST OF AMERICA.
Paul Visich was the club liaison in promoting the race. FIRST OF AMERICA provided a prize list of $5,000. (Note that First of America has since merged with another bank.)
The Club held a Spring Ride from Nazareth College on May 19th. It was called the Kazoo Ride and every rider received a kazoo. The ride attracted 99 riders.
In August, KBC announced a policy of collecting signatures of ride participants on a release form.
Kevin Kimbrough and requested volunteers willing to provide a tandem and/or captain a tandem for and on October 6, staged a tandem ride for blind athletes.

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

June Beck, Rick Tyler and Gail Van Amberg Slaughter

>1984

OFFICERS:

President: Scott McLain, Vice-President: Kaylin Winther, Secretary-Treasurer: Jan McLain, Newsletter Editor: Phil Caruso, Road Captain and Librarian: June (Godfrey) Wilkins. Later in the year, Paul Visich became the Race Captain.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Roller Races at the Crossroads Mall on Saturday, March 3.
Spring Valley Road Race on April 15 organized by Kevin Kimbrough.
Spring Ride from Tobey Elementary School on May 5. This ride was a fundraiser for Karin Hart. The accident described in the 1983 Newsletter resulted in Karin being in a coma for several months and as of May 1984 she was undergoing rehabilitation in Mary Free Bed Hospital in Grand Rapids. The ride raised $435 for Karin and John Hart.
On Sunday, July 15, KNC staged a downtown criterium.
KBC organized a visit to Major Taylor Velodrome in Indianapolis.
On Saturday, September 15, KBC staged a Kalamazoo County Tour. There is no indication in the newsletter whether or not this was an invitational ride.

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

Aimee Hageman, Hugh Wilkins, Gail Van Amberg

>1983

OFFICERS:

President: Scott McLain, Vice President, Kaylin Winther, Secretary-Treasurer: Jan McLain, Newsletter Editor: Phil Caruso, Road Captain: Jini Caruso, Librarian: June Godfrey, Race Information: Terry Florian, Race Promoter: Brian Richards.

On August 9, 1983 while riding back from the time Trials (run prior 1974, held on Tuesdays; KBC and Brian Chappell from the Battle Creek Bike Club) held in Augusta, Karin Hart and Donna Ryskamp were struck by a car. Donna was killed and Karin was hospitalized in critical condition with head injuries.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Roller Races were held on March 5 at Crossroads Mall. Gordon Vader organized the races. Ken Nowakowski won the Class A Time Trial, Dan Ferrara finished third.
A Spring Ride was held on May 15 from Tobey Elementary School.
On September 17, KBC held an unsupported fall century ride from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

Carla Ireneus led a ride from KVCC to Paw Paw for breakfast.

>1982

OFFICERS:

President: Pat Wells, Vice President: Earl Atkins, Secretary/Treasurer: Jan McLain,

Road Captain: Jan & Dave Hageman, Program Director: Paul Wells, Librarian: June Godfrey, Editor: Sandy Kimbrough.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Roller Races were held February 20 at Crossroads Mall
Doug Fattic from Niles MI attended the Club and presented a program on custom bicycle frames.
Spring Valley Race was held on Sunday April 25.

NEW RIDE LEADERS:

Dan Ferrara, John Hart and Arne Maki were ride leaders in June. Maki led a ride from Schoolcraft to Centreville to the covered bridge (and back) while Ferrara led a Monday evening ride from Westwood Elementary. Hart led a ride from Centre Street.

>1981

OFFICERS:

President: Gordon Vader, Vice President: Scott McLain, Secretary-Treasurer: Jan

McLain, Road Captain: Mark Yancey, Program Director: Scott McLain, Librarian: Randy Vader, and Newsletter Editor: Pat & Paul Wells.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Commuter of the Year: In order to promote bicycle commuting, KBC decided to pick the club member who used his bike the most. From several candidates, Jim Stark was chosen.
KBC staged the First Scotts Mill Tour on May 2, 1981 beginning at Tobey Elementary School with a sag stop at Scotts Mill.
Spring Valley Road Race on Sunday May 3.
The KBC Fall Century was held September 19, 1981 from KVCC.

>1980

OFFICERS:

President: Gordon Vader, Vice President: Scott McLain, Secretary-Treasurer: Jan

McLain, Road Captain: Debbie Dinda, Racing Captain: Rick Bauer, Program Chairman: Richard Dinda, Librarian: Mark Yancey and Newsletter Editor: Sandy Kimbrough

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Cycle City sponsored the racing team. Roller Races were held on February 16 at the Kalamazoo Center. Ken Nowakowski and Chuck Schuster finished 1st and 2nd in Class A,
Stegman and Terry Florian finished 1st and 3rd in Class B and Louisell and Raker finished 1st and 2nd in Class C.
Joel Dinda wrote an article for the Pedal Press titled: “The Early History of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.”

>1979

OFFICERS:

The Officers were: President: Phil Caruso, Dave Hageman was the Vice President. Dave & Jan Hageman shared the task of Road Captain. The Secretary-Treasurer was Jini Caruso. The Racing Captain was Pat Florian and the Newsletter Editor was Jan McLain. Sandy Kimbrough served as Tour Director.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Roller Races: February 10 at Kalamazoo Center. About 13 racers participated and the roller race attracted many spectators from the many balconies of the Center. A picture of the race showing Mike Sawyer and Terry Florian racing appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Four Lakes was scheduled for May 5th at Schrier Park
A Spring Valley Road Race was scheduled for April 21. A Kalamazoo Criterium was scheduled for June 4. The Great Alamo Hill Climb was scheduled for August 11. Finally a cyclocross races was scheduled for November 17.
For a post-convention ride to ESCAPE 78, KBC staged From Hell to Paradise.” Sandy Kimbrough wanted to do it again and it was scheduled for August 18 through August 24.
Report from the State Championship Races: In the State Time Trials: Nowakowski and Nicio Ybarra, finished 2nd and 4th in the Senior Mem, Joe Stegman finished 5th in Junior Mem and Brian Chappell finished first in Masters class. On the track, Nowakowski finished 2nd and Stegman finished with an all around designation in Junior Men. Finally, in the State Road Race, Chuck Shuster finished 5th in the Senior class, Scott Steurer and Joe Stegman finished 1st and 3rd in Junior men respectively. Chappell won the veteran race. [Nowakowski, Shuster, Ybarra raced for Motobecane, a club from Detroit. KBC and Motobecane members trained together. KBC was a farm club for the Motobican race team. Cycle City was a sponsor.]

RIDE LEADERS:

Marlene Hoyer led her first ride. Mark Yancey is listed as a ride leader.

>1978

LAW CONVENTION:

The notable activity of KBC in 1978 was Great Escape’78, the League of American Wheelmen’s National Convention. KBC was probably the smallest club to stage a National Convention so it involved lots of work by a small number of riders. The Convention was staged in the Valley dormitories of WMU. Since the starting points of the rides were typically in the areas surrounding Kalamazoo, this presented unusual difficulties. The Club rented trucks to transport bicycles to the starting points for those individuals who did not want to ride across town. Many individuals took advantage of this and, although unintended, chose to ride with their bicycles in the back of trucks. At the last minute we discovered some errors in the road markings (the Dan Henry Arrows) and members had to stay up late at night correcting the maps. Still, all in all, there were few complaints. Even the food received compliments. The pre-convention ride was “Michiana Wine Country Tour.” The post convention ride was “From Hell to Paradise” and was organized by Debbie Dinda and Sandy Kimbrough. Riders began in Hell, Michigan and ended up in Paradise, Michigan in the UP. Members of the Club drove to Paradise to transport the bikes and riders back to Kalamazoo. (See if there are maps for these rides! Google Map states the distance from Hell to Paradise is 324 miles)

OFFICERS:

The Club Officers were: President: Jini Caruso, Pat Florian was Vice President, Racing Captain and Race Director. Phil Caruso was Secretary-Treasurer. The Ride Captain was Kevin Kimbrough and: Debbie Dinda was the Newsletter Editor. The duties of Tour Director were shared by Jini Caruso and Sandy Kimbrough.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Four Lake was held on May 6.
Spring Valley Road Racing Series IV was held on April 22 and 29.
The Kalamazoo County Tour was held on September 2, 1978.
The 1978 Madison Championships were held September 29 and 30 on the board track which was temporarily installed at Wings Stadium. The race was held on a “portable” wood velodrome manufactured by Dale Hughes. It had previously been used in the Detroit area (Southfield hockey arena) and was later used in Demonstration Hall at MSU. During the 1970s Michigan was a lively area for track racing because the Dorais Velodrome in Southfield was still usable and that is where Roger & Sheila Young, Sue Novarro, Dave Grylls, Connie Paraskieven (Young) began their track racing. KBC riders, specifically Ken Nowakowski used to compete at Dorais. The track was eventurally moved to Los Angeles for a movie, but it was stolen before it could be used. NPR’s “All Things Considered” featured a track with the sound of the track prior its theft.
At the November meeting, Warren Fritz of New World delivered a presentation about cross county skiing and equipment.

NAMING THE NEWSLETTER:

A contest was held to pick a name for the newsletter. The April 1978 Newsletter was the first to display the winning entry: “the PEDAL PRESS” Brian Kimbrough submitted the winning name. Richard Dinda’s entry of the the FREEWHEELER and Brian Kimbrough’s entry of the SPOKESLETTER finished as runners-up. (Brian was not a KBC member! However, his mom (Sandy) and brother (Kevin) were members.)

RIDE LEADERS:

The October 1978 newsletters indicates the names of three new ride leaders: Jeff Hayden, Marlene Hoyer, Dick Klecka, Phil Raker, and Raymond Zelder

>1977

OFFICERS:

Joel Dinda remained as President and also handled the duties of Race Director. Jini Caruso was listed as Secretary and Newsletter Editor and shared the tasks of Road Captain and Tour Director with Joel Dinda. Pat Florian was Vice President and Ken Nowakowski was Race Captain. Phil Caruso was the Treasurer.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

The Club sold its first Club Jerseys.
The Four Lakes Century Bicycle Tour was held May 7 and attracted 233 riders.
The Kalamazoo County Tour was held September 3 and attracted 237 riders.
Spring Valley Road Race III was held on April 23, and 30 and May 15 and 22. Sponsors included Alger Schwinn, Alfred E. Bike, Battle Creek Schwinn, Cycle City, Milwood Schwinn, The Pedaler (Battle Creek), the Rapid Wheelmen, Village Cyclery.
On October 7, 1977, KBC sponsored a lecture by Ian Hibbell on “Bicycling Through Africa.” The lecture was delivered in the auditorium at KVCC and was very well attended.
The Club submitted an application to the League of American Wheelmen to host the 1979 Convention. That would give us the normal two years time for planning. They responded by offering us the opportunity to host the 1978 convention. After some debate and consternation the Club accepted. Since no one had been to any of the Conventions, Phil & Jini Caruso went off to attend GEAR 77 (Great Eastern Rally) in Virginia to get some clue as to how a large ride/convention was to be held and came back to report. Joel Dinda attended Denver’s National Convention in 1977 to understand how to host a convention.

>1976

OFFICERS:

Joel Dinda remained as President and also served as Tour Director. Jeff Smith was Vice President, Jini Caruso was the Secretary and Newsletter Editor. Phil Caruso was the Treasurer, and Joel Dinda and Jini Caruso shared the task of Road Captain. Russ Schipper was the Race Team Captain and Schipper shared the task of Race Director with Tim Florian.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

In February, KBC held a roller race at Southland Mall. In July, KBC held a ride to Gilkey Lake Tavern for Sunday Dinner. In October, KBC held its First Distance Medley Century, which was also its first double metric century.
David Rose had presented a program for the Club bringing the bike he used when he was the State AB of A Champion in 1924.
The Four Lakes Century was staged May 1 and attracted 166 riders. The Fall Century (the Kalamazoo County Tour) attracted 173 riders.
The Spring Valley Road Racing Series was held April 17, 24 and May 9 and 16. Ken Nowakowski finished 3rd in Class A, Chuck Shuster second in Class C., Cliff Floyd tied for fourth and Scott Steurer placed 6th in Class C. Mark Johnson took a 3rd and Joe Stegman 7th in Class F. Mike Murray finished first in a Colorado Criterium and third in the Flagstaff Mountain Hill Climb. A Spring Valley Race was also held in the Fall but was apparently not successful.

>1975

OFFICERS:

The 1975 Newsletters indicate that John Busack was the President and shared the tasks of Tour Director with Leila Davis. Busack was succeeded by Joel Dinda during the year as Busack left the area to start a new job. Jeff Smith was the Vice President, Race Team Captain and shared the duties of Race Director with Russ Schipper. Leila Davis served as Secretary and Newsletter Editor. Ray Davis handled the treasurer duties. Terry Florian was the Road Captain. KBC met in the Kalamazoo College Library, obtained through Jeff Smith who was a faculty member at Kalamazoo College.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

A four race series of races was held at Spring Valley Park and was scheduled for April 19, 26, May 10 and 17 with May 24 as a date in case one of the races had to be cancelled because of bad weather. Rus Schippers was the race chairman. In September, a one day race was held at Spring Valley and attracted 76 entries.
On September 6 the KBC Century was held and there were 73 rider.
Four Lake Century was held On May 3 and started from Tobey Elementary School.
KBC staged a children’s bicycle rodeo.

NOTABLE:

Jeff Smith and Brian Chappel qualified for the American Bicycle League of American Nationals in the Veteran’s division and Ken Nowakowski finished first in Class 4 of the Senior Division. (Note: The American Bicycle League of America (ABLA) was the forerunner of the USCF.) The names of Frank Desposato and Virginia Caruso appear for the first time as ride leaders. Russ Schippers organized a film program for the June Meeting. Guy Dennehy provided input on a set of KBC ride maps which were initially prepared by Joel and Debbie Dinda, Ken Nowakowski, Ray Davis, Terry Florian, Mark Johnson and Jini Caruso.

>1974

OFFICERS:

Tim Tesar served as the President of KBC for 1974. The Vice President was Jeff Smith who also served as Race Team Captain. Leila Davis was the Secretary and Tour Director and the Newsletter Editor. Suki Miller was the treasurer.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

KBC begins planning for a Spring Valley Race Series. Jeff Smith made the proposal.
On September 7, 1974, KBC stages a KBC-LAW Century and it attracts 108 riders. (Note: the League of American Wheelmen had a patch program in those days which were rewarded for distance received.)
A Newsletter lists the supporters of the Club, probably for the Fall Century. Some of the entries are not really bike shops but support recreational activities. The list is as follows (alphabetically): Alfred E. Bike, Citation Cycles, Cycle City, Galesburg Bike Shop, Gear & Go Bike Shop, Hal’s Sport Sales, Kalamazoo Cycle & Electric, Lee’s, Milwood Schwinn, Portage Pedal, and New World.

>1973

OFFICERS:

Ray Barnes was the President, Leila Davis was the Secretary and Suki Miller was the treasurer. Ray Barnes also served as Newsletter Editor.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

The Winter 1973 Newsletter indicates that the Second Annual Four Lakes Century Ride was held on May 5.
The first KBC Club Patch is announced.
The Newsletter asserts that this was the second year of the Club.
Ross Barker remained as the Newsletter Editor.

>1972

OFFICERS:

Volume 1 #2 of the Newsletter, the first that we have, indicates that Tom Higgins was the first President, Ross Barker was the Newsletter Editor and Maryann Lacko was the Associate Newsletter Editor. John Lacko was in charge of Publicity.

EVENTS/ACTIVITIES:

Volume 1 #2 announced that a spring ride called Four Lakes was to be held on May 6. The ride was co-sponsored by Portage Parks and began at Zylman Road and attracted 208 riders.
The Summer 1972 edition mentions that the Club was going to hold the Second Annual Fall.
Century Ride on September 17. It was to be called the Tour of Kalamazoo County. The second annual Tour of Gull Lake was scheduled for October 14. This was to be called GLEEP (Gull Lake Environmental Education Park) and was held for many years. It was not sponsored by KBC.
The Fall 1972 issue of the Newsletter also labelled Summer 1972 reports that a Great Race up Alamo Hill was to be held (or was held) on September 5 and attracted more than 200 riders.
Tom H. (Presumably Tom Higgins) helped organize a tandem ride for Michigan Rehabilitation for the Blind.
There was a cookout at Hugh Acton’s Farm, which may have eventually turned into Tur-Ski-Ree where the Club later held some cross country skiing outings

OTHER NAMES:

In addition to the names above Ray Barnes was listed as a contact person for the rides and Brian Chappel was listed as Road Captain. Suki Miller’s name was also mentioned in one of the reports as one of the Club members who rode TOSRV in 1972.