Greetings.  This is our last blog of the year, so clip in and enjoy!

Saturday Morning Ride

This will be my last ride of the year so please come out and join me. I miss those friendly faces that I have become used to seeing during the past riding season.  Start will be at Bullis County Park at 9:00am. Several ride distances will be available and everyone will have the opportunity to find a route just right for them.   Click here for more details.  The holidays can be a stressful time of year, and there are endless opportunites to indulge in way too many calories.  Do yourself a favor and squeeze in some exercise for your holidays intead of squeezing into your jeans - we'd love to have you join us, and you'll feel so much better afterwards!

Cruiser Bike Ride

Woot! Woot!  - A downtown Cruiser Bike ride is scheduled for this Friday, December 18th, at 08:00 starting from Guillermo's Deli & Catering on 903 N. St. Mary's St. (click here for directions).   We'll definitely include the lights of downtown, and some of the newer sections of the Riverwalk.  Temps are supposed to be in the mid-50s, so bundle up.  The Cruiser Bike rides are slow moving and stylish recreational rides that involve adult beverages at multiple stops, so minors are discouraged.   If you don't have a cruiser bike, don't worry - anything with two wheels that you can pedal will do!

Cyclists enjoying the festive holiday lights during our 2008 Winter Cruiser Bike Ride

Outgoing 2009 Board Members

At our most recent Board Meeting, we elected an amazing new set of Board Members.  I'll wait until next year to reveal who these people are who will pedal Velo Valero to new heights in 2010.  In the meantime, I'd like to take the opportunity to bid farewall to Board Members who are stepping down.  I'm fortunate to be the Captain of the greatest cycling team in South Texas for so many reasons, not the least of which is that I have an incredible Board of Directors who do so much for the team.  I hate to see anyone leave the family, but every year we have folks step down for a variety of very good reason reasons.  This year we are bidding farewell to -

 Kirstin "The Iron Lady" Silberschlag

Kirstin had a major addition to the family with the arrival of their new son. Don’t be surprised if you see her out – n- about with her buddle of joy strapped to her back. There is simply no stopping this IRON WOMAN….  Kirstin has been a fantastic member and we will definitely miss her can do attitude.

  Megan "Movie Star" Lehnhoff

Megan is and will always be a shinning light that brightens any room she enters. She has become a major fundraising superstar and embodies the MS mission of what we can do if we stick together. We wish her well and don’t forget - you will always be part of the Velo Valero extended family.

 Chuck "the Rock" Divelbiss 

Safety Officer Chuck will always be one of the “leaders of the pack”. Ride after ride he is just amazing. This seasoned cyclist outrides his peers with so little effort. He is simply a cycling machine that must have some sort of amazing drive that keeps him going and me chasing behind him. I will always remember day two of this year’s Tour de Cure. Chuck effortlessly passed me on a hill will I was gasping for air. He is simply “Incredible”.

 Peter "El Hefe" Ray 

Peter has been a member fo the team for 10 years.  He was a founding member of the Velo Valero Board, and was Team Captain from 2007 to 2008.    He is stepping down from the Board to let the newcomers have a shot at running the team, and to spend more time with his son during his last few years of high school.

I must say "Thank You Peter" for your guidance and special attention during my first year as Team Captain. It was a little difficult learning the ropes but I had a great teacher with patience and understanding that not all of us are computer savvy. You were one of the key ingredients that made this team what it is today. Your 10 years of service and dedication to the was and always will be very much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
 

Each of you will be missed but never forgotten. Best wishes with your new found freedom and we hope to see you in your Velo Valero jersey on the roads of San Antonio. Since all of you have promised to keep riding, don't forget, I will be expecting to see you.....
 

Donations for the Luke Martinez Memorial Due by the end of the day this Friday.

Just a reminder - we are still collecting donations for the Luke Martinez Memorial Fund.

As I believe most of you know, in early November, Henry Martinez, a long time Velo Valerian and his significant other Stephanie, lost their son Luke Henry. This was a heartbreaking circumstance as this was Henry and Stephanie's first baby and the joyful anticipation of his arrival was sadly and unexpectedly halted by the news of his passing just prior to his due date. Being the amazing individuals they are, Henry and Stephanie had a beautiful funeral ceremony for Luke and many of you likely had the opportunity to attend. Henry recognized the Velo Valero family during the eulogy and expressed his gratitude for our support.  As a gesture of our love for Henry and Stephanie, Andrea Shull and I discussed making a donation to the Child Life department at Christus San Rosa in Luke's name. This is a place where children go to receive "play therapy" during their time at the hospital.  Having worked there for ten years, I personally witnessed the healing power of playing for sick children. It is a wonderful department and staff and a place where we can make a memorable and much appreciated donation in Luke's name. We contacted the Child Life department and they sent us a flyer which outlines several items we might purchase.

If you are interested in participating, we'd like to have all donations by 3:00 pm on December 18th. We plan to go to the hospital in person just before the holidays and invite Henry to accompany us.  We also hope to have a small tag engraved with Luke's name on whatever items we purchase, so he will be remembered visibly.  Andrea has set up an account at the Valero Federal Credit Union. You can make donations by:

• Make your check payable to the Luke Henry Martinez Memorial fund and mail to the Valero Credit Union at One Valero Way, San Antonio, TX. 78249.
• If you have an account at the VFCU you can transfer funds from your account to (Acct #:609046)
• Bring your donation by Laura or Andrea's desks and we will deposit for you.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call (210)345-2565. There is no set $ amount for contributions as any amount is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your generosity and support!

- Laura and Andrea

Pedal Thru the Pines on March 6th

It's never to early to start thinking about rides we can do next year.   I got this note from Board Member Peter Ray, who did some reconnaissance on the the route for a new bike ride we are considering doing next March.  Here's his report -

While driving back to and from College Station this weekend, I stopped off at Bastrop State Park to take a break and get a short ride in.  That stretch of Park Road 1-C that connects Bastrop State Park with Buescher State Park is one of the prettiest rides in Texas, and one I try to sneak it in every chance I get.   It's a series of rolling hills surrounded by pine trees that you have to see to believe.   You get to do an out and back on it during the Bastrop Pedal Thru the Pines on March 6th, if you do one of the longer distances (27 miles or greater).   Click here for an interactive map from the web site, and click here for a topo map from Google.

- Peter 

Until we meet again...

Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

- Andrea