THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
The Montclair Cyclists is a community
organized around bicycle racing and training and recreational
riding. It encompasses road, mountain and cross cycling,
triathlon and is especially aimed at performance-oriented riders.
However, on a deeper level, it is an organization dedicated to
the promotion of excellence, of character traits and habits that
make all facets of life more rewarding.
Excellence is not necessarily winning races
or putting in more miles than anyone else. Rather than aiming to
be better than others, it is a dedication to being one's best. So
while one rider's goal may be to place in a race, another's might
be trying a new, more aggressive race tactic and thus risk a poor
finish. It can mean riding a challenging piece of single-track
and risking crashing. It can mean going out with the lead group
on a fast Sunday recreational ride and risking being dropped. In
short, it is a willingness to face challenges with a sense of
passion.
COMMUNITY
The pursuit of excellence can also mean
holding back to offer new riders a wheel and some encouragement.
While the pursuit of excellence does involve individual
challenges, the Montclair Cyclists offer an environment in which
the group supports the individual and the individual supports the
group..
Central to this atmosphere is a sense of
respect for one another and an appreciation of the strengths of
each member and the value of diversity. Such mutual respect
promotes trust, which promotes the willingness to take risks, and
makes for a warm and welcoming climate. Formal and informal
social gatherings for members and their families are an important
part of the club's life.
The club also values involvement with the
larger community, for example, taking part in bicycle safety
seminars for schoolchildren or in charitable activities and
promoting positive interactions with non-cyclists. One of the
requirements of membership is to take part in community events
regularly.
ACTIVITIES
Since 1993, the Montclair Cyclists have
offered club training rides to accommodate participants at
various levels, aimed at improving performance and developing the
skills of competitive cycling. There also are less-formal rides
often organized on fairly short notice, through phone contacts or
postings on the club message board. Many members take part in
road, mountain bike, cross and triathlon competitions; others
help organize, run or officiate races. Club members take part in
community activities and social events like holiday parties and
summer picnics. The club will dedicate itself to developing young
riders and racers.
ORGANIZATION
There will be officers elected by the
membership. They will serve for two years.
Officers will include:
A club president; three vice-presidents, a
secretary and a treasurer, who will be responsible for gather and
disbursing funds and for issuing regular financial
statements.
Changes in the charter may be made by a vote
of two-thirds of the club membership. Voting may be done at
meetings or via e-mail.
MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Members of the Montclair Cyclists pay dues
annually (currently $45). New members are also expected to buy
uniforms when they pay their first dues.
Members are expected regularly to take part
in rides and other activities, which might include filling
support roles in club-sponsored races, contributing supplies to
social activities, leading rides or contacting members about
plans.
Members are expected at all times to comport
themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the club. This
applies to interactions with one another, with cyclists not in
the club and with the non-cycling community. This means obeying
the rules of the road and showing courtesy toward drivers and
pedestrians.
Members are expected to wear club uniforms
on group rides and at races. Guests who are not members of other
clubs or teams are expected to purchase uniforms if they attend
regularly. All ride participants must wear helmets.
For membership applications and additional
information please call: 973-744-7252
SPONSORSHIP
The Montclair Bikery bicycle shop proudly
sponsors the Montclair Cyclists organization.
