Random Thoughts From a Club Member
by Ken Pattullo 

I'm a Canadian. West coast. In the US that would be the "left coast" but in Canada its all pretty much "left". Where I grew up mtn. biking was literal not figurative. My province invests heavily to promote the sport. Bike shops outnumber Kwik Lubes and struggle due to competition not a lack of business.

The rider base is huge. Politicians listen when they say, "No rumble strips". My first rumble strip was on the Alaska Hwy. I was 20. For the most part drivers actively watch for cyclists. Oh sure, they do that here too but back home it isn't to throw things, yell or honk just to scare the hell out of you.

Drivers yielding to cyclists? You bet. They even have bike lanes, and everyone rides them. Once. Yep, its a near utopia if you're one of those guys that shave their legs and park their bike in the bedroom to the detriment of your marriage. For the rest of us its just a great place to ride a bike.

Anyway, I joined the TBC for a reason. Do I think Texans will ever get over their love affair with the automobile? No. Will my membership stop Yahoo's from honking and yelling (at 75mph), "Get the #@&* off the road"? A few. A Yahoo, whatever that is exactly, tends to remain one. Its a lifestyle. Will there ever be significant legislation that makes East Texas cycling friendly. That depends on us doesn't it?

I'm not in the club 'cause I ride a lot. Truth is I don't. I don't attend club rides due to circumstance. I rarely travel to the Tour de Road Kill or other local rides. Its been eons since I've read an entire issue of Bicycling and I can't effectively talk pedals and shocks with you.

I am a member because I believe in something. I believe that a united group of responsible cyclists can win the heart of a Yahoo. I believe that we can put forth a voice that will be heard in the state legislature. I believe that by introducing someone to cycling we can improve their quality of life and invite them to be a part of something; a circle of friends with a common interest. The fellowship that comes with that is priceless. The friends they make on a Saturday breakfast ride just may change their life. 

I usually cycle less for the actual ride than for the company of the people I'm with. I believe that by riding in the Christmas parade we sow seeds that grow into bike sales and club members. If only four of us show up we breed Yahoos and pick ups. (See 1st para.) I believe that volunteering at the Tyler PD bike rodeos and talking to kids, nurturing an interest in cycling, will help put them on a path that leads to a future. I will volunteer at every B&B because its good for my community, darn fun and it promotes cycling by leaps and bounds instead of steps. 

I believe we, as a club, can achieve any goal we set before ourselves should we so desire. Ya see, the effectiveness of any club rests solely on the participation of its members whether they ride a lot or a little and regardless of how well. Now you may not be into the relational thing as much as I am. That's ok, I'm not into the riding thing as much as you are. I simply can't be. But I can be involved when possible. I can contribute ideas, insight and labor. I can ride in the parade, man an aid station, stuff envelopes, rake a trail, attend club meetings and Christmas party's (An exceptionally tasty gathering). I can pick up trash improving our roadways and our image at the same time. So can you. It just depends on how involved you want to be. We have no laws governing participation. We won't. It's a club for cryin' out loud! However, I would extend an offer, a challenge, to you this New Year. Milk the club. Come and give it a squeeze. See what's inside. Discover something. See what the TBC has to offer you and what we all have to offer one another. After all, its your club. 

Merry Christmas. Ken Pattullo 

A Successful St. Jude Ride

A special thanks for making our St. Jude ride successful. Every year, members of TBC come through, not only in this event, but in everything that we attempt. This year we raised $1,273.00 to help out the parents and children in this life and death struggle. Our garage sale netted $645.26.

Letter to the Editor: 

1st Annual Tanner Bike Christmas Party and Nite Ride.

Just a quick note to invite everybody to the 1st annual Tanner Bike Christmas party and nite ride. We will be doing this December 8th starting at 6:00 going till whenever, out at the state park in the blackjack camp ground. every one is welcome. If you want to ride just bring you lights and your bikes or just bring yourself and a lawn chair. I will be grilling burgers and dogs and all the fixing, so please try to make it. We are looking to have a fun time. we'll have a camp fire and can just eat, drink, and be merry!. I will provide everything, but if you want anything special to drink bring it with you. If you get a chance to rsvp by calling or coming by the shop that's fine but if not that's no big deal just show up and lets have some fun. Thanks, Greg Tanner 

PS: Don't forget about the Wednesday night nite rides out at the state park. most people are meeting at the shop at around 5:00 or at the park around 6:00.

Spike Says: “GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRR...Here is the new slate for club officers for the year 2002” 

Official Tyler Bicycle Club Officer Nominees... 
Tal Glenn, Bob Hebb, Gary Lesniewski, Lisa Matush, Butch Willingham

Editor’s Note: A big Thanks to the hard working Nominating Committee, Frances Singleton, for the hard arm twisting work to come up with this astute group of nominees. 

Spike Says:  "Attend (Or Else, GGGGGGGRRRRRRRR) the annual Christmas Bash at Carolyn and John Schofield’s residence 6902 Gleneagles Drive."

Saturday, December. 1st at 7:00 p.m. Bring: Covered Dish & Canned Goods for Donation