Pumpkins are on the porch, frost is in the morning air, and soon, we will set back the clocks, and the ride season is winding down. It has been an incredible year filled with good weather and great turnouts for the weekly rides. Thanks to all of our ride leaders for doing a great job of organizing, leading, and keeping everyone safe each week. Their commitment to our club and riders is one reason this group is special.

Another thing that makes this club special is the members. (Personal story coming!) A few weeks ago, on the Wednesday Wheels on Wisconsin Ride, we decided to change things up a bit. Instead of our usual rides along the rolling country roads, we planned to ride the White River Trail to Burlington. It was a perfect day, cool and sunny, with the smell of fresh leaves on the trail. About 4 miles in, I hit a divot in the trail, sending me through the tall grass on the side of the trail, starting down an embankment and over the top of the bike. Fortunately, the bike was fine, but my collarbone was not so much.

I didn’t need my 27 years of experience as a paramedic to tell my collarbone was broken. Thankfully, I was with the best folks ever. While I sat on the side of the trail, a group rode back to the trailhead, drove back on the trail (Wisconsin DNR if you are reading this, just kidding), loaded me and my bike up, and drove me home. They ensured my car safely arrived home, and my Garmin was paused! I couldn’t ask for more, and it would be greatly appreciated. But there was more. People were there with my wife while I was in the ER, offering to be with her during my surgery, asking if we needed anything from cutting my lawn to rides to the doctor’s office. In the grand scheme of life, a fractured collarbone is a mere inconvenience. Every day, people face challenges that are far more serious. What makes those challenges more straightforward is the support and care you receive from others. Thanks to everyone for the calls, texts, emails, and well wishes. Just a quick update: the surgery went well, the sling is off most of the day, and I was riding on the trainer within a week. I hope to return on the bike in 3-4 more weeks. I begged to be set free but was shot down. Patience is a virtue, but unfortunately, it is not something I was blessed with. For now, see you on Zwift!

GENERAL MEETING

We will hold our General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 12th, at REI in Vernon Hills. Start time is 7:00 PM. We will also have our election of officers for the upcoming year. I have asked Robin Martin and Jim Skaggs to serve on the nominating committee. If you are interested in service as a club officer and want to run, please let Robin and Jim know. The elected positions are President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

SAVE THE DATE
This year’s Holiday Party will be held at Lambs Farm on Saturday, December 14th.