Celebrating the BBC and Those Who Give Back

A good time was had by all one hundred plus cyclists who attended the Baltimore Bicycling Club’s Annual End of Year Celebration on November 9, 2024 at Oregon Ridge. Some members started the day with a bike ride to Hampstead on a beautiful sunny day.  A delicious lunch was catered by Andy Nelson’s. The tasty menu of barbecue, brisket, veggie burgers, and many sides was sufficient to satisfy even the hungriest cyclist.

Nabil Ali, club president, presided over the annual business meeting and election of next year’s Board officers via a voice vote. They include: Nabil Ali, president; Adriana Pukalski, vice-president; Steve Zeldin, secretary; Dave Schallich, treasurer; Frank Blatt, Gloria Epstein, Rich Burns, Marge Ewertz, members at large; Pat Lapensee, past president.

We also heard informative reports from the following current officers: Steve Zeldin, secretary; Dave Schallich, treasurer; Eugene Bayer, membership; Nigel Samaroo, advocacy; Adriana Pukalski, instructional series.

Special awards were presented to the following BBC members: John and Jane Cole, Hall of Fame; Barbara Park Award, Adriana Pukalski; Wayne Rodgers Award, John McCauley.  Congratulations to these outstanding members for their service to the club.

Also listed in the program were the number of rides led by members including such super ride leaders as:  Eugene Bayer, 101 rides; Steve Zeldin, 78 rides; Gary Kelly, 52 rides; Mark Tabb, 48 rides; Gloria Epstein, 47 rides; Renee Faison, 32 rides, Gene Young, 31 rides; John McCauley, 30 rides and Greg Fromme, 26 rides. A very big thank you to all ride leaders—you are the engine that drives the Baltimore Bicycling Club!!

President Nabil Ali ended with a surprise award—The Human Dynamo Award—to Road Captain, Gloria Epstein, who coordinated this wonderful event and the BBC Opener—among the many things she gives back to the BBC each and every year [Gloria received a standing ovation for her recognition]. Gloria works tirelessly behind the scenes giving her all to make the bike club the best it can be. Thanks Gloria!

Two beautiful and delicious sheet cakes from Graul’s Market topped off the meal. It was a very special Saturday afternoon with much laughter and goodwill among cycling friends, new and old. Having been to every Annual Awards Celebration since 1988, I can indeed say this one ranks among the very best!  Get out there and ride and volunteer—see you next year.

Michael Reinsel

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BBC Volunteers…You Are Very Special!

Once again, members of the Baltimore Bicycling Club have shown their true grit and their sacrificial nature by volunteering to make a signature event—the Civil War Century—a great success!

On a cold day which started cloudy and dry, that went to a 2-hour deluge soaking everyone, with the sun finally shining in the afternoon, this event has affirmed again its popularity among cyclists from this region and beyond, as 70% attendees out of the total of 1019 registrants have shown up—even though bad weather was in the forecast—and without any hesitation proceeded with their intended routes whether it was a full century or other distances that were offered.

There were people of all ages, families, groups of friends, teams, many have been loyal returning cyclists who have enjoyed this event for several years before. Whether completed their intended goal for the day, or not, all of whom returned to the finish line with a smile on their faces!

An event such as this—to be successful—demands a great amount of organization and work. The event organizers Larry Kenney and Cindy Wyatt are credited with their highly skilled managerial capacities, without which such an event could not turn out as it did a year after year, and still attracts so many cyclists, and be a magnet to club members to volunteer in such an impressive way.

These devoted souls do so without any personal gain, and show up in the very early and dark hours of the day to direct traffic to parking areas, check-in registrants, staff and stock rest stops, drive supply trucks, drive SAG vehicles, map the routes, direct cycling route traffic, provide lunch, carry chairs and tables, carry heavy boxes and items, ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, answer questions, hand out CWC socks & musettes, and so many other tasks, too numerous to even try to list here.

At times, with all the challenges we are facing as a society, it is indeed heartwarming to witness such exemplary demonstration of the spirit of volunteering and service to others.

A BIG LOUD THANK YOU, BBC VOLUNTEERS!

Nabil Ali, BBC President

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THE WASHINGTON COUNTY GETAWAY

Save the Date!

OCTOBER 18, 19, 20, 2024

Getting tired of the hot, sticky weather? Look forward to this club favorite which returns this year to the joys of Autumn to be held at Washington County Regional Park, Hagerstown.  Click on this picture at the top of the Home Page for registration details.

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BBC Kits Sale at Annual Picnic

21 July 2024

As a benefit to BBC members, and because of the limited size selection, the Board of Directors is offering the kits at a very low bargain price.

These (50th Anniversary, 2018) kits are made of high quality material and cut, designed by Jason Kamps of Woof Cycling, and manufactured by Primal Wear as a "sport cut." Jerseys are with full length zipper. In addition to short-sleeve tops, women's jerseys are also available in a sleeveless version.

Check here for remaining size availability! 

The cost to BBC members is:

Complete kit (jersey & bib-short or short): $20

Jersey only: $10

Short or Bib-Short only: $10

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