Skylands Cycling – Looking back and ahead…
2021 may not have been the complete return to normal we had all hoped for but together we did our best to pedal through.
We started 2021 off a little slow. We were forced to delay and shorten our annual events due COVID related limitations and challenges. Yet, we overcame the hurdles and moved forward providing a few quality cycling events. Notably, the ATS series had to be delayed and reduced to only 4 weeks but still enormously well received. The series hosted approximately 50 enthusiastic riders weekly. They were glad to have the series back and we were happy to see wheels spinning again! Likewise, we choose to host just a one-day Giro del Cielo Crit rather than our usually 2-day race series. Nonetheless, the Crit drew in over 300 participates. Additionally, we continued our partnership with Bulldog Bicycling to host a late fall Cycle-cross event. All the events proved successfully and profitable, helping us raise funds for the club.
Conversely, there were no slow starts to the Skylands Cycling 2021 racing performances as our racers topped numerous podiums. Will Hoer lead the way with a 1st place finish at the Branch Brook Park Summer Series and top 3 placing at PA Masters State Championships, Easton Twilight Criterium, and our very own Giro del Cielo Crit. Jeremy Scheid also took a 1st place win at the Somerset Circuit Time Trial and place in the top 10 at Green Mountain Stage Race. While PJ Bottoms placed in the top 10 at the Bloomfield Classic – NYS Road Race Championship and Allamuchy Time Trial.
Skylands stellar performance did not stop there. In 2021 members shined bolstering charities and just riding better. Buz Tomasino tackled the MS City to Shore ride this year raising over $2800 to help cure Multiple Sclerosis while our Ride More Ride Better (RMBR) better participants logged over 41,000 miles! Our Monday and Thursday weeknight rides went off without a hick and were well attended while pleasant weather was shared by all that attended our Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day holiday rides.
Many thanks to all to those that sacrificed their time leading rides, volunteering at events, and serving our club Board which helped make 2021 a successful year of riding despite the challenges.
2022 is here now and we have a lot to look forward to…
We have already started our Thursday night Zwift/Zoom rides. Contact Andrew (andrew@skylandscycling.com) if you want to join in from your own pain cave… I mean, home.
This year we will have a NEW kit design. Several unique designs have been submitted to our kit competition. Voting starts soon, so be sure to submit yours for your favorite. Likewise, 2022 Board Member elections will also be announced shortly. If you are interested in joining the board, volunteering for a director position, or helping run one of our events/rides, do not hesitate to reach out to any of our Board members.
Keep an eye out for details on our upcoming winter club party at Angry Erik’s Brewery where we can hopefully toast to an early spring and hold the following dates for our 2022 cycling events… Augusta Training Series starting on 4/05, Hight point Hill Climb, 4/30, and the Giro de Cielo 7/09.
Finally, remember to renew your membership so you continue to receive all the benefits of being part of this GREAT club!
Https://www.bikereg.com/skylands-cycling-membership111
On behalf of the entire Skylands Cycling Board, we wish you a happy and healthy new year over miles to come!
LeeAnn Laccetti
President, Skylands Cycling
