I'm pleased to introduce the Velo Valero 2007 Board of Directors! 

These incredibly dedicated and hardworking cyclists and volunteers form the pace line that will keep the Velo Valero juggernaut rolling throughout the year.  With this Board, I'm following the successful formula on how to run the team developed by Laura (I’m no fool!) - but with a few small changes. As our team continues to grow, we have expanded the size of the Board to keep pace.   We've added some new positions and changed the descriptions of others.  I’ve also doubled up in some areas because of the amount of work involved. 

I’m honored and humbled that these people have offered to take on these responsibilities in the coming year.   New faces on the Board this year are in blue.

 Peter "El Hefe" Ray – Captain, Ceremonial Figurehead, and Bartender

I take the credit and assign the blame.

 Laura “the Queen” Vaccaro – National Team Development

Laura has graciously offered not to fade into the sunset as a former captain, but to assist in growing the national reach and presence of our team.   Laura travels extensively as part of her work with LEAD, and will be a great ambassador for us.  She will also continue to offer me much needed advice and guidance on running the team.

 Eddie Gamez – Refinery Representative

Eddie has been an active member of Velo Valero since (at least) 2000.  He is the Plant Controller at the Three Rivers Refinery, and will be our first ever Refinery Representative, insuring that the team does not neglect the needs of our riders at the Valero refineries.  One of the great things about Velo Valero is how the team brings together employees from the different company locations during our organized rides – this will only get better in the years to come!

 John “the Punisher” Tenison and  Chuck “the Rock” Divelbiss – Training and Safety

John and Chuck are the “Two Horsemen” of the Velo Valero team at Headquarters.   They will continue to lead the training program for our advanced riders, insuring that we do a wide variety of challenging rides throughout the year.  They will also maintain and extend our Safety Education programs.

 Patricia “the Funky Pirate” Jones – Treasurer and Membership

PJ will continue to manage the books for the team and assist me in developing our first ever annual budget.  (She once told me she was a bean splitter and not a bean counter, but I have no clue what that means.)  She will also assist in maintaining up to date information about our membership.   Patricia also acts as the Official Wine Taster for the team.

 Stan Lear and  Gwen King - Team Store 

Stan and Gwen will be the team “Quartermasters”, running the team store for us and handling apparel sales (shirts and jerseys).  If there is enough interest, we’ll also try and sell some new items this year, including hats and possibly Velo car decals (why should our kids get all the attention?).   

 Zora  Bilicich,  Sylvia Rodriguez, and  Andrea "Android" Shull – Intermediate and New Rider Support

This is an area where we will focus a lot of attention in 2007.   We want to insure new and intermediate riders have a rigorous training program, both in the gym and on the road, that prepares them for our big, organized rides.    The hardest ride you do is your first, and I want to make sure we do everything possible to insure new riders are successful, and second and third year riders become more confident with each ride.  If you have any ideas in this area, please contact Zora and her “dream team” of Sylvia and Andrea!

 David Sloan – Fundraising

David has been a top fundraiser for years.   He’s an enthusiastic salesman who could sell ice cubes to Eskimos and birth control to nuns.    He’ll be responsible for our team shared fundraising (t-shirt sales, bake sales, raffles, etc.), in addition to assisting team members with their individual fundraising.    This is a new position for 2007 and David is the right man for the job.

 "Prima" Donna Escobar - Rider Education

Donna has been a board member for years, and will continue to assist in educating the team on conditioning, nutrition, avoiding injuries, etc.   At the request of some team members, I’ve asked her this year to focus on performance cycling – the tips and techniques hammerheads need to gain the extra edge in their cycling.  Please contact her if this is something you are interested in.

 Sammy Nieto and  Lucy Hernandez - Volunteer Coordination

Sammy has been the backbone of our Volunteer organization for years, and will continue to do so in 2007.   One of the best things about our team is the support we receive during our organized rides, and that is all the result of the hard work of hundreds of dedicated volunteers.  This year I’ve asked Lucy Hernandez to assist in this area.  Lucy is an energetic volunteer and one of the all time great Valero employees, and she will provide wonderful support to the team (I may even convince her to ride one year!).

 Kent “the Hammer” Hamel – Special Events

Kent Hamel has been a board member for years, and will continue to assist with special events such as our organized rides and the Pedal Power Workshop.  Kent is a great rider and a party on wheels, and we're glad to have him back.

 Patrick Porter – At Large

Patrick joined the team in 2006, and made an immediate impact during our rides.   He will occupy our first ever “at large” Board position.  Basically, he’ll be like a utility infielder in baseball, helping wherever he can while learning the ropes.  We are happy to have him on board (base?).

Please join me in welcoming your 2007 Board of Directors!

See ya' on the road!

- Pete