Here we go again.  I am another year older, but regrettably no wiser. 

 

     Let’s all keep the best wishes for 2011 as Oz heads into another new year.  I hope you get out and make the New Year’s Day ride and lunch at the Olive Garden.  That is one tradition I love, even though sometimes it is pretty cold. 

 

     Our first Oz meeting of the year will be at Alan Rupe’s office and it is far on the east side.  I know that will not please some of you, especially those who live on the west side.  Don Kramer made a huge effort to try and find a place downtown.  We checked out a variety of venues, but they were problematic in some way.  In the end he and the Board opted for a really nice place to meet, hoping everyone would realize that sometimes you have to make the best available choice even if it does not suit everyone.  So no matter how you feel, please give a tip of the hat to Don Kramer, who invests much love and sweat in Oz. 

 

     I do not yet have a Vice-Wizard for the first three months, but the meeting topics are planned.  For January 3 we will review the projects of the Club, and discuss how to handle such sticky wickets as who will step into the huge shoes of Cecile for Wicked Wind.  The February meeting (2/7) will deal with a bicycle event in the Delano District during Riverfest.  For the March meeting (3/7) there is a double-header with two topics.  A trainer from the north YMCA will talk about the importance of core exercise for cyclists and give a demo.  Wear your sweats!  And we will have a swap meet, so start figuring out what stuff you want to unload.  Welcome to 2011!

 

     A new year begins with the annual Oz Club New Year’s Day ride from Ruth’s at noon…the ride sets the tone for the upcoming ride season, whether it be cold, windy or frosty---or all the above!  Afterwards we are off to the Olive Garden for a great meal & conversation afterwards.