Club Updates

Greetings, friends.

Over the past few months, the Board of Directors has been reviewing the club’s financial trends.  It was noted that while the club’s current financial picture is good, the club has been operating on a deficit for the last few years.  As a result, the Board of Directors voted to increase dues to $40 per year for a 1 year individual membership, $75 for a 2 year membership, and  $110 for a 3 year membership.  The Dual Adult membership has been discontinued.  This change will take effect 30 days from today in keeping with the club bylaws. In addition, the Board voted to change the Ride Leader award such that Ride Leaders who lead a minimum of 15 rides will receive a $50 gift card,  There will no longer be an option of getting a Ride Leader jersey.

None of us are excited about these changes.  However, dues have not increased for many years while the cost of everything has increased.  The cost of ride leader jerseys now exceeds $100. In addition, the club’s portion of the proceeds from the Revolutionary Ramble has been reduced.  And it is worth mentioning that the Ramble has been struggling to attract an adequate number of volunteers so the future of the Ramble is uncertain.  The increase in dues and change in ride leader awards is intended to help ensure the club remains fiscally strong and that the club can continue to provide the types of social events that membership values.  Please be assured that the Board of Directors will continue to look for ways to ensure a fiscally strong status while offering good value for our members.

I am always available to discuss any concerns and suggestions.

Have fun; stay safe.

Best regards,

Michael

MAFW February 2026 March 2026 Newsletter Available

Hi Freewheelers,

Watch the website to see information on upcoming events, communication from our club president and ride coordinator, and ride guidelines.

Our Social Coordinator, John Storey, is always in need of your help for a number of our activities. Please email if you are interested: social_coordinator@mafw.org

MAFW has 2 main guidelines or mottos that riders and ride leaders should follow:

  1. Nobody rides alone including the ride leader
  2. Ride leader sweeps for all rides except B and faster

Just a reminder that the February 2026 March 2026 edition of our NL is online. To read: click https://mafw.org/newsletter/

What’s in this issue:

  1. Dirt / gravel ride from Bedminster, NJ – Dennis Budnick
  2. In Memory of Ed Carpenito
  3. Connect with the MAF Bike Club on Social Media! – Tracy Brown
  4. 2026 MAFW Calendar
  5. MAFW Crash Report Review: 2021 through 2025 – Drew Thraen
  6. 5 Ways to smooth out your pedal stroke – Tony Marchand
  7. Let’s get with it..girls! – Jay Marowitz
  8. Photo Gallery
  9. Nostalgia
  10. Bicycle Adventures 2026
  11. Cycling Guides – Mark Jay
  12. People Cycling
  13. Safety – Paul Malinowsk
  14. Club Sponsors
  15. Club Officers

Enjoying your E-bike, trike, gravel bike? Let’s hear about your experience.

Folks, many of you have taken some interesting trips this year or in the past. So why not share your stories & photos with fellow club members?

We welcome any articles that you feel would be of interest. WHEN YOU HAVE A SPARE MOMENT, PLEASE SEND ME A STORY AND PICTURES OF YOUR BICYCLING ADVENTURES. Submit any information by the 24th of the preceding month at the following email address: newsletter@mafw.org

If you have any issues with your login credentials, please contact Membership Coordinator Lisa Gentile at the following email address: membership@mafw.org

Good Reading. Thanks,

Patricia Kipp
Editor