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Posted on Facebook by Denny Shook:
Tonight’s wine tasting event was a huge success. Everyone had a great time. Our own Jim Futrell, a professional sommelier gave an outstanding demonstration and explanation on wines. Thanks to the Social Committee, lead by Heidi Lerch for this awesome night that will be talked about for a long time.
Allen Segal, John Kurp and Denny Shook were seen manning the Sussex Cyclists booth at the Healthy Kids Day at the Rehoboth Beach YMCA on Saturday!
Biggest turnout to date and great weather to boot! Thank you to all who partipated!
Regards, Mike Savage
Posted yesterday on Facebook by Barry McMahon...
Neither earthquake nor a spontaneous WRDE interview would stop our own Bill Froh from completing his Crooked Hammock ride. He started with group one and finished with group two after the mid-ride interview. He made the editor's cut and was on the 6 o'clock broadcast. Well played, Bill.
Below is an email sent today from Bill Weller, Sussex Cyclists Advocacy Director:
Hi friends,
Just a quick email to share with you the plans of the Sussex County Land Trust for trails and trailheads in Sussex County as reported by the Cape Gazette earlier this week. Some quick highlights:
A link to the full article is below.
Happy & Safe Riding!
Bill
Advocacy Director
https://www.capegazette.com/article/sussex-land-trust-more-access-countywide-preservation/272788?amgee-source=dh
Copied from WBOC's website:
SUSSEX COUNTY, DE - DELDOT says the closure will for routine trail maintenance.
DELDOT says the trail will be closed from Log Cabin Hill Road to Minos Conaway Road. All access through the work zone will be strictly under flagger control.
Officials say the required maintenance will include the removal of any hazardous tree adjacent to the trail and any deadwood located directly above the trail.
Times and Dates of Closure:
Every year, Sussex Cyclists collaborates with DelDOT and the State Police to organize bicycle safety checkpoints across our area. These checkpoints offer bicycle safety information, trail maps, general bicycle repairs, lights, and helmets to passers-by.
As the dates for these events approach, we'll keep you updated through our Calendar and send out emails seeking volunteers. For more details, feel free to reach out to Denny Shook at bigd721@yahoo.com.
2024 Resort Bicycle Safety Checkpoint Schedule
Follow Mike on his 2024 journey cycling through Thailand on his self-made bamboo bicycle. Check back often for updates!
April 1, 2024 - Thai training wrap up
I may join a few low impact rides this week before my Thursday evening take-off from Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. Mainly, I want to recover and tie up loose ends here. Today is Monday, a rest day, and this will be the last message from Thailand .
Averaging about 300 km a week, a rough guess, for 90 days or 12 weeks, the total distance is 3600 km or 2236 miles. Average speeds increased from about 23 km/hr to 27 km/hr. This on some truly awful roads, hills everywhere and dangers common to this area: stray dogs, wild monkeys, cars and motorbikes driving on the wrong side of the road, killer storm grates, ad infinitum. If anything, I've certainly improved my danger averting reflexes here.
As for speeds on the flats (typical of Sussex county), I can probably maintain 34-38 km/hr quite comfortably, 40+ km/hr when I need to. This may or may not be good enough for the Lewes group or the Ocean Velo club but the gap is closing. I promise to behave myself on all Sussex Cycling club rides. For me, it's always been about camaraderie and having a beer with friends. Thanks to the wonderful friendships and mentorships with SCC, I've been able to make this journey happen. From a non-cyclist getting dropped on the Beer trail to a cyclist able to stick with some of the best cyclists in the world. My transformation took a mere 20 months. My biggest thanks go to Mark Snader, Bill Gorodetzer, Steve Smith and John Martinez. You may not know exactly how you influenced me but I learned much from all of you.
For the near future, I'm looking forward to riding again with the best club in the world, building my new road bike, designing the 2024 frames, and breaking more and more barriers. The best is yet to come.
Here in Thailand, I'll be saying "So long, until next time". I've made dozens of new friends from over a dozen countries. There is nothing like travel and living in strange places to widen one's experience and perspective. If you have the time and wherewithal, break out of your comfort zone and try something completely new and foreign. You may not like everything but you will learn important lessons in humility, tolerance and civility. Most importantly, you will learn to adapt and go with the flow. From my current viewpoint, 12,000 miles away from home, I see these qualities to be sorely lacking in my place of birth, at this time, in that charged and polarized atmosphere. Above all else, be civil.
Signing off from Thailand, the Land of Smiles,
Mike Schultz
March 31, 2024 - Last full week
This will be my last full week in SE Asia. I should have a chance to join a few rides next week but Thursday April 4 will be take-off time. Preparations have already been made. The car rental from Dulles to Lewes has been reserved for April 5 at 6pm. It's a long flight with stops in Seoul and Atlanta. One concern has been eliminated. The bicycle will stay in Thailand with one of my riding buddies. This means I'll be traveling light on the way home, no better way than to have only a carry on bag. It also means that initially I won't have a road bike when I return. I'll be using the mahogany gravel bike on my first few Sussex Cycling club rides. Once I recover from jetlag, the new road bike will be built. I'm hoping to put together a Campagnolo groupset on one of my road frames, specifically an Ekar 1 x 13. That should be interesting.
Monday Punthai group ride- Ride cancelled. Apparently, the core of this group took a bike packing trip to Saraburi and didn't let the rest of us know about it. They will get some major complaints from the few guys who waited at Punthai coffee in vain. I got notice 30 minutes before leaving my condo by sending a text message to the main guy, an American friend. I did my shopping, laundry and house cleaning instead.
Tuesday-PTT Pattaya group ride Small turnout with only me and three others, all younger and faster than me. I don't think they know I've got at least 20 years on them. They certainly showed me no mercy. I stayed right on their wheels for 50 km all the way to Phufa Coffee. The hill climbs to get to this mountain top location took a toll. Twenty minutes of rehydrating and we're back on the road at a faster pace. The open roads are mostly gently rolling hills in this area. They kept the pace at 38 km/hr and hardly slowed down anywhere except on the steepest hills. We arrived at the next stop in one group but I knew I was reaching my limit. At kilometer 78 and the Bamboo bar we got more drinks. On leaving, I nearly forgot to pay and had to stop to rummage in my rear pocket for 50 baht. They shot off leaving me 200 meters behind. To catch up I dug deep and caught them by holding my speed at 38 km/hr, on the drops and in the tightest aero position possible. Once we reached a road from where I could find my way home unaided, I dropped. This was at kilometer 90. The last 10 kilometers are mine and sometimes it's nice to have the road to yourself. They soon disappeared out of sight. Thank heavens!
Total distance 100 kilometers at 27 km/hr average. My best average yet in these parts.
Wednesday-Jomtien Cycling club group ride to Saint Andrews in Ban Chang This ride was set to be a recovery ride. Only two other people showed up, my British friend who will store my bike and the Thai Queen of Cycling. I refrain from naming anyone but she is the heart and soul of Jomtien Cycling club and a great guide to have along. She's quite strong but struggles on the hills. Who doesn't! A slow paced ride was mainly planned for my benefit. I was still stiff from riding with the speed fanatics on the previous day. All went well on this beautiful, cloudy day and we got some great photos of the scenery near St. Andrews school. Yes, all went well until the rain caught us. We ducked under an awning at a second hand clothing store and watched as the streets flooded. The rain came down so hard that conversation was impossible. For thirty minutes we waited for it to slacken but these tropical rains come in waves. There was a brief slackening and being impatient we left our shelter. Then the next wave came and there was no where to hide. Once you're totally wet, there's no sense of avoiding the rain. We continued on. Many of the streets were dangerously flooded and we had to alter our course. On some occasions the water was six inches deep and still we plowed on slow and steady. The streets were rivers now and I could feel the water holding me back as it came rushing down the slopes. We split up as we neared town and all made it back home safely. I was wet but exhilarated, a bit cold but relieved of the usual heat. The rain continued all morning until noon and then the sun broke out. My bike and kit were dry by evening. Distance-76 kilometers 20 km/hr average and a max speed of 68 or 42 mph.
Thursday-Punthai group to PCC Coffee Garden https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45983443
The usual group of Norwegians, Austrians, two Americans and one Singaporean left Punthai Coffee house promptly at 7:30. We were 8 cyclists, tired at the end of a week of heavy cycling. I anticipated a rational ride with no speed freaks in the group. As my departure date approaches, I'm getting increasingly cautious. Our Norwegian group leader steered us on a labyrinthine course through the back streets of Chonburi province. I have no idea how he finds his way. It must be that curious sound I constantly hear from his Garmin that guides him. One stop at kilometer 53, a coffee house and boutique resort called "For You and For Rest". To get to it, they climbed the steepest grade I've seen here. I walked to the top quite wisely. This place seemed to be set up for Thai newlyweds, small cozy bungalows each with a tub overlooking the valleys below.
As usual, the pace picked up on the way back, 32km/hr mostly with stretches of 40 km/hr where safe. Cyclists peeled off one by one as we approached home base. Perfect day for riding but the heat can be withering especially when waiting for a light to change. Distance 79 kilometers at 25 km/hr. Rational!
Friday-Jomtien Cycling Club to Lake Mabprachan. This is my last chance to reach my goals for this trip. Can I crest the big hill at 30 km/hr? Can I maintain 40 km/hr for 5 km on the home stretch? Other goals have already been reached. I've cycled with some of the fastest cyclists in the area, joining two new clubs. No, I'm not ready for the International group composed of old (35-45) retired European pros. That's for next year.
Friday, I joined the usual group, the core cyclists of Jomtien Cycling Club. I had second thoughts about attaining my cycling track goals. The night before, I took an old friend on a tour of my favorite bars on soi Buakhao and as a result I only had four hours of sleep. San Miguel lite saved me from any hangover. Nevertheless, I scored one out of two. The big hill didn't look so big. We accelerated up the hill twice. The first time cresting at 28.5 km/hr, the second time cresting at 30. At last, the hill training has paid off. The second goal remained elusive. I pulled ahead of the group but couldn't stretch the speed above 34 km/hr. Naturally, they stuck on my wheel drafting the whole way and tried to sprint past me on the last hill to the finish. I let them pass on my right, they slacked off, and I passed on their right. Another sneaky European trick I learned here. The 40+ km/hr barrier on the track remains for next year. Distance-60 kilometers
Saturday-No rides scheduled. I rode to town to shop for some new bar tape and a new rear light. The bar tape was fraying and my original rear light popped off and was lost. Repairs were made in the condo and the bike is looking good as new, ready for the road once more.
Sunday-Jomtien Cycle club, the last hills. I thought I had climbed every hill within an 80 mile radius but to my chagrin then horror two more remained. These hills completely wiped me out. First, I wasn't ready for them. I expected a normal scenic Sunday ride but since this club of sadists knew I was leaving soon, it was secretly decided by them to teach me a lesson in humility. A native flatlander will never become a great climber. The first hill seemed to never end. The grade wasn't especially severe but every time I thought the end was reached another upward segment loomed ahead. After finally cresting this hill, it seemed I would never recover and I never did. The second hill was even steeper and for the first time since riding here, I stopped at the base, took one minute to oxygenate and then began the slow ascent. Fortunately, this group doesn't drop anyone, the stronger climbers waited at the top. Some days, the force is not with you. I'm taking Monday off. Distance-73 kilometers at 25+ average
Week total-402 kilometers
1) View from St. Andrews in Ban Chang.
2) The heart and soul of Jomtien Cycling and group photographer.
3) Cycling with Punthai group.
4) View from Coffee house and Resort with Punthai friends.
This article was published in the Cape Gazette, featuring our very own Mike Agnew and the great work he and his volunteers do for our community!
Cape Code Purple answers call to house homeless
Men’s and women’s shelters in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach open for 105 nights this past winter
A roomful of Cape Code Purple volunteers gather at an appreciation breakfast March 16 at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth Beach. Shelters were open for 105 night at the Lutheran Church and St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes. RON MACARTHUR PHOTOS
Ron MacArthur March 29, 2024
Cape Code Purple honored its volunteers with an appreciation breakfast March 16 at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, one of the nightly shelter sites.
Between the women’s shelter site at the Lutheran Church in Rehoboth Beach and the men’s site at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes, 130 volunteers filled 1,000 available positions during the 105 nights the homeless shelters were open. There were 10 volunteers each night, which included four people staying overnight, four intake workers and two bus drivers.
Mike Agnew, coordinator of the program, said that’s a 50% increase in the number of volunteers over last year.
Throughout the 105 nights the shelters were open, there were 90 guests overall with an average of 21 per night across both shelters. The shelters are open seven days a week.
By fire marshal regulations, each shelter is limited to 14 people per night. “The last three weeks, the men’s shelter reached capacity,” Agnew said.
Once the shelters closed March 16, volunteers still helped guests by giving every one a six-person tent, sleeping bag and portable propane heater.
It was the first winter for the women’s shelter, which opened Dec. 8. The Lewes Senior Center provided a shelter for the first week of Code Purple, giving organizers more time to get the women’s shelter up and running. The St. Jude’s shelter opened last winter.
Code Purple in Sussex County is administered by LOVE Inc., based in Seaford, with shelters in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, two in Milford, and one each in Seaford and Georgetown. The shelters are open Dec. 1 to March 16.
LOVE Inc. staff compile nightly intake information, handle reservations and provide a homeless hotline.
“This is also a celebration of what they do for us,” Agnew said of the March 16 appreciation breakfast.
During the event, Agnew thanked a lot of people involved with the shelter, including Kathy Connell, who coordinated the women’s shelter. He also honored Tom Tulley, who drove the bus 72 days.
Agnew and his volunteers have worked to make their shelters more accessible and more welcoming.
This year, a meals ministry started with hot meals provided three days a week. Agnew said 960 meals were served this past winter with a host of volunteers from St. Jude and the Lutheran Church, Bethel United Methodist Church, Village Improvement Association, Epworth UM Church and the Teach a Person to Fish program.
Agnew said one of the goals for next season is to expand the meals program to more nights.
To make access to the shelters easier, organizers secured the donation of a small DART bus last year. Drivers were able to pick up guests at night and then take them to the Community Resource Center in Rehoboth in the morning for the day. Agnew said the bus had 195,000 miles and was in bad shape. Next year, they will get a newer bus, one that was used for the now-defunct Lewes Line. Drivers logged more than 2,800 miles.
The program also has a laundry ministry with a team who washed, sanitized and folded more than 1,250 pounds of laundry. Ocean Suds Laundromat donates the use of its machines.
The program offers bikes to its guests thanks to donated repair work by Lewes Cycle Sports and Sussex Cyclists, which covered the costs of parts.
Volunteers also collected clothing for distribution at the women’s shelter.
Agnew said plans are already being made for the next winter season. He said they are working to develop a storage locker program using 30 donated bins by Casella Waste Management.
“We are looking for a place along Route 1 to store them,” he said. “They will be locked and monitored, and fixed so they can be moved. We want our guests to be like everyone else and not walking around with suitcases, bags and shopping carts. They carry everything they own with them.”
Volunteers said one person at the women’s shelter carries around as many as 17 bags.
In addition, they are seeking ideas for wrapping their bus in artwork to provide better awareness of the Code Purple program. Agnew said that the Village Improvement Association is providing funds for both projects.
Cape Code Purple coordinator Mike Agnew honors Kathy Connell for her efforts to run the new women’s shelter.
Pastor Donald Schaefer of Lutheran Church of Our Savior offers the blessing as the event gets underway.
Mike Agnew has led efforts to open Code Purple shelters in Lewes for men and Rehoboth Beach for women. The St. Jude location opened last winter.
Legislative Bike to Dover
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Registration is open for the Legislative Bike to Dover.
Three routes available. Fun for all and a free tee-shirt! It's a Club favorite.
Check it out! Info & Registration
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