NEWSLETTER - January 27th, 2008

Hi everyone,
First off, a couple reminders.

1. JOIN UP, folks! It's time to renew your CCCP membership. If you didn't receive a form, email me and I'll send one out to you. There are also forms at the bike shop, so you can stop by and sign up there Mon-Sat, 10-6pm (5pm Saturdays). If you have already mailed your membership in, you can now pick up your new membership card at the shop.

2. More urgently, ORDER your cool, spankin' NEW 2008 CCCP Jersey, Bibs, Shorts NOW!!!!! This is the only guaranteed way you will get what you want in the size you want. Though we always order a few extras, we always run out and there end up being members and even non-members who are disappointed to not have the coolest (and most comfortable, I might add) club kits in town. Fly your colors! Also, the larger the clubs order, the cheaper the club can get them for.

Email me for an order form if you don't have it and mail it, preferably to me (Kris Clark, 129 Emery St, Portland, ME 04102) mail or drop at the bike shop. The shop has forms as well if you want to just fill one out there. A 50% deposit is preferred so that we can order some extras, but if you are absolutely sure you want one, but are waiting for your government's Economic Stimulus Tax Rebate check because your wallet is a bit light at the moment (with this year's heating bills, whose isn't), just put your order in without a deposit (you can even e-mail the order form), but GET IT IN SOON! You can pay for it when they come in.

I originally said Jan 31st for a deadline, but let's say Valentine's Day, Feb 14th as final date for orders. We will then get them by late April. After that, you gotta take your chances that there might be an extra in your size. NOTE: Giordana has a 10 minimum on each garment type. If we do not get at least 5 orders for either the sleeveless or long sleeve jerseys or for the regular shorts, we may not order any. Bib shorts, short-sleeve jerseys, gloves and socks are no problem. THEREFORE, if you are ordering one of these items indicate a second choice by printing ALT (alternative) under Quantity of your second choice so that we can order one for you if the minimum is not met.. We won't order both, I promise. If you only want that item and don't want an alternative then print ONLY under the quantity of that garment. Your phone number is important as well in case we have questions.

3. One of the best things about last year were the great CCCP Special Events Rides that different members lead. We hope to continue and expand on that tradition this year. We would love to do one every Sunday as we started doing last fall. PLEASE, please consider picking a Sunday this summer and commit to leading a ride on your favorite bike route or perhaps even a new one. Rides do not have to leave from the shop so if you want to ride in a different part of Maine we can meet somewhere else or at the shop and carpool. With our new blog, our website and the newsletter, we can always update, change or even cancel a ride if something comes up or you want to design the route later, but just pick a Sunday and let me know. If you decide between now and Thursday you can even get it in the Bike Coalition printed calendar as their deadline is Feb 1st Go to Calendar then Add Event at www.Bikemaine.org. I have already entered my big ride, the Fifth Annual CCCP White Mountain Memorial Day Classic (Monday, May 26th, 9am, Fryeburg Library. Mark your calendars now.) but plan to lead a couple more Sundays as well.

4. Our next CCCP Winter Social is TUESDAY, FEB 5th, 6:00PM at '"da Gaaahduns", 371 Forest Avenue. Come join us for a beer and fantasizing about the upcoming season.

Speaking of socializing, I am throwing another dance party at SPACE Gallery (www.space538.org) on Saturday, February 23rd so you are all invited. I was pleased that at last party I had in September a whole contingent of you women cyclists/triathletes were heating up the dance floor! Color invite in next newsletter.

5. Finally, Derek Buckspan, who just renewed his CCCP corporate sponsorship, (Thank you Derek) asked me to mention this benefit he is helping organize. The Nature Conservancy does great work, so here it is:

Hi Kris,

I am involved in helping The Nature Conservancy http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/maine/
educate people in the Portland area about what they do.? I am currently helping TNC plan an event for this spring; it is scheduled for April 17th at the new Ship terminal in downtown Portland. It's basically cocktails and appetizers, but there will be information on The Nature Conservancy projects across the State.

There will also be info on future activities and service opportunities.

I wanted to extend the invitation to any of the CCCP members who may be interested.

For those interested, please send me an email with your contact info
including:

Name
Address
Email
Phone

Thanks in advance,
Derrick

Derrick Buckspan
RE/MAX By The Bay
direct. 207.553.7357
fax. 866.552.7511

~ Kris