Good evening – Hopefully everyone is enjoying the heat.

Juneteenth – Hopefully everyone had an opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day.   This recent holiday commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.  Although this date commemorates enslaved people learning of their freedom under the Emancipation Proclamation, this only applied to former Confederate states. There remained legally enslaved people in states that never seceded from the Union. These people did not gain their freedom until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution on December 6, 1865.

If you have an opportunity to visit some of the local burial sites in the area it is worth it to learn about the history of the area as well as respect this new Federal holiday even more.  The two main sites that I am aware of are as follows:

Lamington Black Cemetery – 19th century burial ground on the National Register of Historic Places. There are 97 identified graves here: 36 with names and 61 unknowns, including former slaves and free blacks who were members of the Lamington Presbyterian Church. Remains of 5 Civil War veterans who fought heroically for the Union are here. As you walk through the grounds, note the Bible passages on some of the markers and enjoy the feeling of peace.  Several of our gravel rides pass this sacred location and on occasion we do stop by to pay respect.

African Burying Ground 1801: On June 22, 1801, three African Men – one free negro and two slaves – purchased on tenth of an acre of land from Aaron Melick for the sum of three dollars to establish a burying ground for the “Black people in this Neighborhood.” This is the earliest known purchase of land by slaves for burials in New Jersey. The free Negro’s name was Robert Aaron, a local beekeeper, and the two slaves were Aaron Melick’s Robert and Aaron Van Doren’s Yaff. The burying ground is one square chain (66′ x 66′) bounded on the west by the Hillside Avenue. In his 1889 book, “The Story of an Old Farm,” Andrew D. Melick, Jr. refers to the site as “God’s Acre.”

For more information, please refer to https://www.mrlocalhistory.org/honoring-black-history-month-in-the-somerset-hills/

Now some upcoming events to bring to your attention:

Somerset Patriots Baseball game on 6/21

30+ people have signed up for this great event.  A quick reminder that all individuals Ballpark BBQ Area with picnic tables and all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet with soft drinks (cash bar).  The Somerset Patriots who are a NY Yankees AA minor league team will be playing the Erie SeaWolves @7:05 PM.  The club subsidized the tickets, and we look forward to seeing you all in non-biking clothing.  Hopefully we all recognize each other.  LOL

Address: TD Bank Ballpark 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Semi-Annual Trek Inspection Ride – 7/14/24

Many of you remember that last year we launched our first ever Trek Inspection Rides starting from Trek Stirling’s location. These events were very well received with all participants receiving Trek’s free safety inspection on their bikes.  Jeff Sperling and team have been working the phones and Trek has partnered once again with MAFW to offer our members another free inspection in conjunction with our rides emanating from the Trek Stirling parking lot on Sunday, July 14th, 2023.  We will have rides posted shortly.  Members will receive a no obligation written inspection scorecard assessment of their bike.  Keep an eye out for additional details and the sign-ups on our website.  We are also in conversations about a gravel inspection date as well.   Stay tuned for additional details.

Fall Picnic – 9/22/24 – Schooley Mountain Park.  The MAFW Fall Picnic will be on Sunday September 22nd, at Schooley Mountain Park in Long Valley.  For those that have not ridden out of the park it’s a beautiful location and the rides are fantastic as well. The picnic is free (and you can bring a guest).  Please keep an eye out for the sign up so we know how many people to expect.

Revolutionary Ramble – Last but not least, the Board wanted to thank all those that provided sponsorship money, donated personal time or participated in this great event and climbed until they cried uncle- LOL.     The weather was perfect, and the rides went off without a hitch.   All the profits are donated to the local EMS Squads, NICA and other bike related organizations.  In addition, ride participants donated a significant number of bikes to the Boys and Girls Club for refurbishment.  This event demonstrates what a great club we have and is a key component of our “brand.”  To pull this off takes a lot of planning – more than I ever imagined and it would not be possible without our members.   Please get involved and help us continue to grow this event to being one of the best and “biggest” events in NJ.

See you out on the road

Joseph Reo

MAFW President

Revolutionary Ramble Volunteers Wanted – This Means You

The Rev Ramble is only (2) weeks away – – We have 20 spots remaining as of this morning

This is a key marketing event for the MAFW club – YOU can help make this a great success!

We all represent the MAFW club – – and your help is critical to the Ramble’s success.  If you are not traveling or riding in the event it is strongly encouraged that you participate by assisting in this event.

We can definitely use some cargo truck drivers to help ensure the stop points are properly stocked with water and supplies throughout the day.  The remaining spots are in the following areas:

• RVCC Site (the Rev’s new home base)
• Safety (includes SAG support)
• Food Svcs (includes food distribution and delivery)

IF you’ve already signed up as a volunteer – THANK YOU.

IF not, please take one minute to sign up ASAP

YOUR ACTION: simply click here to volunteer: https://ramblestuff.org/

Family, friends, non-club members are all also welcome to volunteer – – please help recruit volunteers!

Regards

Joseph Reo

Spring Picnic on May 11 – Duke Island Park.  Looks like the weather is going to cooperate with no rain.   Weather app is currently forecasting that we will be in the 50’s at the start and 60’s when we have lunch.    As always, the picnic is free (and you can bring a guest and non-club members as well), but please sign up using the form at the top of our web page so we know how many people to expect.  Consider using this event as a springboard to attract new members and grow the club.  There is a full ride schedule for the day of the picnic, with rides at all paces.   There should be a ride for anyone who is interested and remember to sign up for the ride in addition to signing up for the picnic.

One of the club members suggested that we set up a SWAP TABLE – The swappers just need to bring their unwanted gear to sell or exchange.  The individual just needs to supply a note and $ wanted.   Its spring – clean out your garage and give away, swap or sell your unwanted gear.

People whose last name starts with:

A-F	Please bring a Salad.
G-O	Please bring a Main Dish
P-Z	Please bring a Dessert.

The Rev Ramble is only (4) weeks away – – We have made significant progress over the last week but there is still work to do.   In addition, I can use someone to work with me at the start point – welcoming riders and kicking off the event – just saying.

This is a key marketing event for the MAFW club – YOU can help make this a great success!

We all represent the MAFW club – – and your help is critical to the Ramble’s success.  If you are not traveling or riding in the event it is strongly encouraged that you participate by assisting in this event.

There are openings before, during and after the event and do not require a specific skill.

We can definitely use some truck drivers to pick up food on Friday as well as delivery and pick up services during and after the event.

As of today, we still have a lot of positions that need to be filled.  The most urgent are in the following areas:

• Rest Stops
• RVCC Site (the Rev’s new home base)
• Safety (includes SAG support)
• Food Svcs (includes food distribution and delivery)

IF you’ve already signed up as a volunteer – THANK YOU.

IF not, please take one minute to sign up ASAP

YOUR ACTION: simply click here to volunteer: https://ramblestuff.org/

Family, friends, non-club members are all also welcome to volunteer – – please help recruit volunteers!

Regards

Joseph Reo

Laurie Hagerich a club OG (Original Gangster) for over 35 years recently passed away after a very short illness.  The viewing will be on May 10th at Dangler Funeral Home in Madison from 5-8PM.  The funeral service will be at the Methodist Church in Madison on Saturday, May 11th at 11AM.  If you want to send a card to the family her address is 19 Seven Oaks Drive, Madison, NJ 07040.

Hoping everyone has been enjoying the weather now that the wind has been calming down.   The club has been very active, and I am impressed with the number of rides we have been able to complete so early in the year.  As we head towards summer and peak riding season I wanted to bring a couple of items to your attention.

• Spring Picnic on May 11 – Duke Island Park.  We are looking to finalize the headcount for the Spring picnic.  The picnic is free (and you can bring a guest and non-club members as well), but please sign up using the form at the top of our web page so we know how many people to expect.  Use this event as a springboard to attract new members and grow the club.  There is a full ride schedule for the day of the picnic, with rides at all paces.   There should be a ride for anyone who is interested and remember to sign up for the ride you plan to do in addition to signing up for the picnic. One of the club members suggested that we set up a SWAP TABLE – The swappers just need to bring their unwanted gear to sell or exchange.  The individual just needs to supply a note and $ wanted.   Its spring – clean out your garage and give away, swap or sell your unwanted gear. People whose last name starts with:

A-F	Please bring a Salad.
G-O	Please bring a Main Dish
P-Z	Please bring a Dessert.

• Revolutionary Ramble – Volunteers Needed – The Ramble is scheduled on June 8th out of the Raritan Valley Community College.  Run by the foundation arm of the club, The Ramble includes 25, 35, 50, 70, and 100-mile rides and showcases some of the beautiful rides and scenery we all enjoy on a daily basis.  This is a great opportunity to demonstrate that bicycles belong, and to raise money for our local emergency squads, NICA and other educational and safe cycling programs.  We provide great food, ample rest stops, etc. but that also requires members of the club to participate.    We strongly encourage all club members, if they are available and not riding the event to volunteer and participate in the great event.  Your family members can help as well, and volunteering looks great on our kids resumes.  There are many opportunities to volunteer on days leading up to and during the event.   Please spend the time to review the volunteer opportunities via the link on our website or click the following link: ramblestuff.org

• Nomination Committee – Are you interested in being a Board Member or participating in a sub-committee from time to time.   There is at least one Board Opening and there may be others as each member wraps up their two-year term.  If you are interested in hearing more. Please reach out to Mark Jay @ recorder.dulcian@gmail.com

• Club Century Ride – On May 18th out of Colonial Park, Manny Coelho and I will be leading a flat 100 miler out of Colonial Park.   We had a large turnout a couple of years ago for this ride and you will not be disappointed.   It’s a perfect way to complete your first century or to build up some endurance miles on our legs.  In addition, it’s a little easier than the Revolutionary Ramble 100 miler but you can do both and use this as a practice run for the event on June 8th.

Now for some sad news – Laurie Hagerich – a club OG (Original Gangster) for over 35 years recently passed away after a very short illness.  The viewing will be on May 10th at Dangler Funeral Home in Madison from 5-8PM.  The funeral service will be at the Methodist Church in Madison on Saturday, May 11th at 11AM.  If you want to send a card to the family her address is 19 Seven Oaks Drive, Madison, NJ 07040.

Regards

Joseph Reo

Club President

Hoping everyone has been enjoying the weather now that the wind has been calming down.   The club has been very active, and I am impressed with the number of rides we have been able to complete so early in the year.  As we head towards summer and peak riding season I wanted to bring a couple of items to your attention.

• Spring Picnic on May 11 – Duke Island Park.  We are looking to finalize the headcount for the Spring picnic.  The picnic is free (and you can bring a guest and non-club members as well), but please sign up using the form at the top of our web page so we know how many people to expect.  Use this event as a springboard to attract new members and grow the club.  There is a full ride schedule for the day of the picnic, with rides at all paces.   There should be a ride for anyone who is interested and remember to sign up for the ride you plan to do in addition to signing up for the picnic. One of the club members suggested that we set up a SWAP TABLE – The swappers just need to bring their unwanted gear to sell or exchange.  The individual just needs to supply a note and $ wanted.   Its spring – clean out your garage and give away, swap or sell your unwanted gear. People whose last name starts with:

A-F	Please bring an Salad.
G-O	Please bring a Main Dish
P-Z	Please bring a Salad.

• Revolutionary Ramble – Volunteers Needed – The Ramble is scheduled on June 8th out of the Raritan Valley Community College.  Run by the foundation arm of the club, The Ramble includes 25, 35, 50, 70, and 100-mile rides and showcases some of the beautiful rides and scenery we all enjoy on a daily basis.  This is a great opportunity to demonstrate that bicycles belong, and to raise money for our local emergency squads, NICA and other educational and safe cycling programs.  We provide great food, ample rest stops, etc. but that also requires members of the club to participate.    We strongly encourage all club members, if they are available and not riding the event to volunteer and participate in the great event.  Your family members can help as well, and volunteering looks great on our kids resumes.  There are many opportunities to volunteer on days leading up to and during the event.   Please spend the time to review the volunteer opportunities via the link on our website or click the following link.  ramblestuff.org

• Nomination Committee – Are you interested in being a Board Member or participating in a sub-committee from time to time.   There is at least one Board Opening and there may be others as each member wraps up their two-year term.  If you are interested in hearing more. Please reach out to Mark Jay @ recorder.dulcian@gmail.com

• Club Century Ride – On May 18th out of Colonial Park, Manny Coelho and I will be leading a flat 100 miler out of Colonial Park.   We had a large turnout a couple of years ago for this ride and you will not be disappointed.   It’s a perfect way to complete your first century or to build up some endurance miles on our legs.  In addition, it’s a little easier than the Revolutionary Ramble 100 miler but you can do both and use this as a practice run for the event on June 8th.

Now for some sad news – Laurie Hagerich – a club OG (Original Gangster) for over 35 years recently passed away after a very short illness.  The viewing will be on May 10th at Dangler Funeral Home in Madison from 5-8PM.  The funeral service will be at the Methodist Church in Madison on Saturday, May 11th at 11AM.  If you want to send a card to the family her address is 19 Seven Oaks Drive, Madison, NJ 07040.

Regards

Joseph Reo

Club President

The MAFW Spring Kickoff meeting is right around the corner and the weather is getting better by the day.

Please take the time to register for the Spring Kick Off, as it allows us to ensure we are properly set up for the meeting.  In addition, please sign up for one of the great rides we have planned for you all.  During the meeting, we will look back at some of the changes we implemented in 2023 and the exciting enhancements we have planned for 2024.  I am happy to report that you do not have to listen to me talk for the entire session.  We are excited to share a couple of great videos and we will have a guest speaker.   Brendan Poh the owner of Cycle Craft in Parsippany NJ and the acting Board President for the Revolutionary Ramble will be stopping by to discuss the importance of a proper bike fit.   The presentation is titled “Demystifying the dark art of bike fitting – a common sense guide to getting it right.”  If you do not know Brendan, he is a great businessman, loves bicycling and has been a strong supporter of the Club and Revolutionary Ramble for many years.

The Board and I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

Regards

Joseph Reo

MAFW President

All

The weather is finally warming up and be on the lookout for some additional details in what we have in store for 2024.  The Board and the various members helping in this 2024 campaign are excited and you will be as well.  I promise.

In the meantime, I wanted to bring a couple of upcoming events (including ours) to your attention.

1. The 15th annual Revolutionary Ramble is scheduled for June 8th and will be run from Raritan Valley Community College this year instead of Drew University due to scheduling conflicts.  The Revolutionary Ramble includes scenic rides through rolling terrain in the seat of the American Revolution, you can challenge yourself to one of five routes from 25 to 100 miles with the peace of mind provided by fully supported bike event — well stocked rest stops, and a fabulous post ride lunch.   We will be utilizing food trucks this year and you will all love it.  Several members of the club have stepped up and are playing key roles in the ride this year and its highly appreciated.   If you are not going to ride – please volunteer as we can use your help.   In addition, we are looking for sponsors.  If you are interested in volunteering or have some sponsorship ideas or contacts, please let us know and I will get you to the proper individual to take the next step.
2. From one of our club partners in NY comes the annual TD The 5 Boro Bike Tour on May 7th.  The organization reached out and asked the bike club to promote the tour as the NY Bike Club participates in our ride as well.  The tour provides a unique experience by allowing you to ride 40 miles car-free in one of the greatest cities in the world.  The tour, which is one of the most popular rides in America gets about 3oK participants annually and takes you on a unique journey through the 5 Boro’s as you take in some of the Citi’s most famous sites and breathtaking views. In addition, any rider who registers for Bike NY will get a chance to win a free ride in Twin Lights. Here is a link to the 5 Boro Bike Tour if you are interested in signing up: https://api.community.getplaiced.com/c/6afff77f45  I have participated in the past and had a great time.
3. Lewisburg Spring Bike Weekend in Lewisburg, PA, May 17-19, 2024.  Although I have not done this ride myself – several members from the club have participated in the past and have only had great things to say about the event.   This is an all-inclusive, 3-day/2-night (Friday-Sunday) weekend package of hotel stay, group rides with Leaders, ridewithgps.com links and cue sheets, meals, snacks, parties, etc.  They will have group rides for a wide variety of speeds and distances.  In addition, the bike routes are tandem-friendly, and they will have tandem teams joining as well. See link below for more details.  A little different then a one-day event but an excellent experience. Link to the Lewisburg Spring Bike Weekend: https://landingpages5.wixsite.com/lewisburg-bike-wknd

Regards

Joseph Reo
President

ACTION ALERT: Protect Access to E-bikes in NJ Dear Jim, Right now, the New Jersey Legislature is considering a bill (S2292) that will require everyone who owns an electric bicycle (e-bike) to obtain registration and insurance. This bill would limit access to e-bikes across the state by creating barriers to ride. Your voice matters! Help protect access to e-bikes. To view the pre-written letter addressed to your elected official visit the action alert page here. You can review before it is sent and feel free to add any personal comments in the letter that explain why this legislation would negatively affect your access to riding an e-bike. Use the link below to send a letter to your representative! SEND YOUR LETTER Help us spread the word! Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join the movement by sharing this email and the link to the digital letter on your social media channels. The more voices we gather, the stronger our message becomes. Stay informed! To stay updated on the progress of Senate Bill S2292 and similar initiatives, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and visit our website NJBWC.org regularly. Knowledge is power, and by staying informed, you empower yourself to be a catalyst for positive change. Visit NJBWC Official Website