As many of our members don’t race you might ask yourself the question, “Why should I volunteer to help with a race?”  It’s a very understandable reaction.

There are several ways I can answer the “Why?”, but let me focus on one, which is what we’ll do with the monies that come from this as well as other club events.

Fundamentally, these monies go back to support the many activities of the club. Of course, some of those monies are used to support the sport of cycling, in its numerous forms and in our numerous activities. However, and very importantly, some of these monies go back into the community.

Recently, it’s been brought to my attention that many of our members aren’t aware of this aspect of the Onondaga Cycling Club.  It’s a facet that has been a part of the club going back nearly 40 years when Jim Konski was the organization’s first president.  At that time there was strong partnership with the American Heart Association.  Indeed, there are those who remember the fund-raising rides along the Erie Canal to Rome and back.

While we no longer partner with the Heart Association we do partner and give back to numerous worthwhile efforts and a list of these are found at the end of this post.

So beyond engaging in and supporting a sport that we’re all passionate about, in one form or another, and beyond the many relationships and friendships that evolve from the numerous activities of the club, this is an organization that reaches out to, and is a strong supporter of, a larger community that extends well beyond our immediate membership.

So when you do hear the calls for volunteers for the Tour de Syracuse consider lending a hand. Every member that helps us plays a vital role in the success of the event. In turn, every one of those members supports the club, helping to make the many activities well beyond the race possible.

In our cycling community and beyond club monies over the past year have gone to support the following:

• BIKE Syracuse – a program that works with at risk children here in Syracuse
• CNY Family Bike Giveaway. Still known to many as the Maloff Bike Give Away, in which donated bikes are repaired and given to childern and families that can’t afford a bike.
• Bill Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund SUNY ESF
• Friends of Jowonio – which is a community resource for children and adults with disabilities and special needs
• League of American Bicyclists – which promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.
• Various Pedal Power causes:
  • Oswego YMCA – Tour de Loop
  • Ride for the Rescue
  • CNY Special Olympics & Pedals for Medals
• Dana Faber Cancer Institute
• Sprock Kids – a program supporting young men and women in the sport of mountain biking
• Sonic Kittens – New York’s first women’s junior development team.

So come on out and join us on the weekend of May 22^nd and 23^rd. Send us an email to let us know that you’ll help.

Thank-you for your consideration and continuing support.

Sincerely,

Wayne