7/15/2023 - Closing out 2023 at Long Valley TT in Style - Thanks so Much

Team Somerset has run races for many years (well before my time) and rising to challenges and flexing/evolving keeps things fresh and interesting. Great team effort today and, of course, this entire season as we delivered 4 races - most of the Time Trial Cup Series. Personal thanks to everyone, but wanted to call out today's volunteers and contributors. We were presented with a dilemma when running the standard Flanders Course was not possible due to local bridge construction. Thanks to Frank Villani for helping us re-create a course, maps, etc. and also Joe who helped and offered input on the pre-ride analysis.

Joe and Dottie helped keep me sane and also organize the effort as we needed to incur some additional expenses and we, collectively, set up our plan. As it turns out, it's a great course and got very good reviews from riders today. As they say, flat, with some climbing. A larger turnout than recent Flanders TT. The Saling's were unable to make today, but set up everything ready for course, finances, marshals etc. A big shout out and thanks to Dan Dalfonso who took the baton and helped us out with Frank's help to construct the course and we all discussed the best options and implemented. Teamwork!!

Thanks for the event also go to:

Fran Crocco - handling the home base registration area, chips, bibs, questions, and also helping me to both get prizes there and hand them out, and be the sounding board and sanity check.
Erich, Ken, and Manny - the stellar start team with calling riders, setting up the start, holding etc.
Thanks to Betty also for always bringing us goodies and supporting. Herman helped us at all the races this year, but got to race finally today!
Bob Perlee - kept us on task and with the flyer, start lists, pretty results (to come) and also always providing me with perspective and input.

Our marshal contingent today included Bob Peters, Bob Yarrow, Greg and Maria Shutske, Frank Villani, Paul Tippett, and also Dan Dalfonso. Thanks to all and appreciate those who handled some of the sensitive spots. It is certainly a great group. I also appreciate the opportunity to talk through options with everyone to get us to the right place.

We are working through the mechanics of closing out the administrative pieces of this race and that is a wrap on 2023 Team Somerset events. Final thanks go to our sponsors for supporting as the increased costs of organizing races really makes that partnership important for prizes and team support. Power Bar, Saunders, Morey Piers, Pops, and anyone that contributed to making this year a success. We really appreciate it.

We should all be proud and time to take a collective breadth and enjoy rest of summer! It was a successful year.

Chuck

7/9/2023 - Long Valley TT July 15 Support

Hello all. Happy, and sticky, summer. La Tour de France and other good things though. Our last team event is a new one at Long Valley this coming Saturday. As we had to flex from Flanders due to temporary construction and a light there, it's a new venue for us. I am erring on the side of having all the various spots covered even though it is an out/back event. I have my registration and starting support team, set up and most marshals needed. However, I could use another person or 2, if you have not already volunteered. There are some cross streets that I am just looking to cover appropriately as we have not run this venue before.

The race is going to start at 7:30 and I am not expecting a huge turnout, so it's a relatively short commitment. If you can help, please let me know or Joe/Dottie. Support is always appreciated and we would like to close out our last TT of 2023 in style. Water and some snacks always included. Thanks and enjoy rest of the weekend.

Stay dry later,
Chuck

6/14/2023 - Flanders TT Conversion to Long Valley TT - Marshals/Volunteers needed 7/15

Hello all. I released this on the NJ TT Cup Series fB page. We are moving Flanders to a venue a few miles away due to bridge work and a light being installed on our classic course that requires us to pursue a new option. Same date on July 15 and, while we won't need the full # of marshals/volunteers as Flanders would, we do need certainly a portion of that, so if you are available that Saturday to help, would be appreciated. I need to have a starting crew and likely 4-5 marshals for cross streets and the turnaround. Help is always appreciated and we'll have goodies, team points and whatever we can for you included.

Thanks. Please let me know,
Chuck

NJ Time Trial Cup Cycling Series on facebook
Long Valley Time Trial Flyer

5/13/2023 - Great Day, Thanks and Always Resilient Team

Fresh from completing the Somerset Circuit TT for 2023. An event that almost got cancelled, or at minimum rescheduled, due to road construction (which closes our main road Monday), and some additional hurdles we worked through with the township, rain forecasts all week - the usual Event promotion stress. LOL. Thanks Dottie and Joe for helping me with that process, in addition to the set up, registration, clean-up, finances, and all the awesome things you both do.

Stellar rides today. We had 7 of us racing. A win from Dan Reiss and an amazing ride, and 2nd place, from Dan Dalfonso. Betty raced and we thank her for supplying us with some goodies and the usual thoughtfulness and participation in our team events.+ great to see the Romaniello's out there and Nick as the lone 9-12.Rick Danielson also out there in the Men's Non TT. Results have been posted and communicated live and on USAC.

Want to thank Bob Perlee for all of his web work, flyer set up, start information, formatting, and we'll have pretty results shortly. He keeps me on task. for sure. My wife, Fran, of course, as she listened along with the way as the race unfolded, and for helping with registration, questions, prizes, and helping haul things back/forth.

In terms of marshal and other assignments, for Somerset, they are vast. Thanks as always to Ken and Manny controlling our start organization, calling #s, etc. and Erich Neise with set up and holding. A key team there at the start. In terms of our marshals at the many turns, this included:

• Frank Villani, Steve Kowalski, Pat Gellineau (first turn at fork and climb) - thanks Frank for all setting up banner
• Jim Ludovici - top left turn at Centerville
• Mike Brent - Old York Right
• Paul Tippett - Craig Road
• Marc Perrault - Pleasant Run
• Herman - Cole Rd climb
• Greg and Maria Schutske, Erik Fargo - downhill on Cole to Bridge Turn
• Bob Yarrow - Final left on to Roosevelt Rd

We moved some things around today, so sorry if I missed an assignment or person. Our third successful promotion in the books for this year, so thanks to all that made this possible and also we had great prizes from Saunders, Power Bar and some of our other team sponsors sprinkled in to the mix. Without that sponsor commitment, financially putting these races would not be possible.

I hope all enjoy the weekend and Mother's Day!
Chuck

4/26/2023 - Couple of Quick Reminders on Somerset (May 13) and Hincapie Fondo (June 3)

As we get close to May 1, believe it or not, just a reminder that anyone interested in riding the Hincapie Fondo at Lehigh Valley (June 3, Trexlertowne) the online registration and discount closes on April 30. Coupon code and Bike Reg in TeamSomersetNews (4/26).

Also, thanks to those, thus far, who have volunteered to help at the Somerset Circuit on May 13. For any others available, please let me know if you make it to support that morning. As we usually get close to 20 people helping that day total, always a spot for someone certainly and your support makes these events possible

Thanks so much,
Chuck

4/20/2023 - Somerset Circuit TT is Saturday May 13

Hello all. We've been dodging some planned bridge construction on Readington Rd from the County, but have been given the green light for Saturday, May 13 to get our Somerset Circuit TT in before planned work. As it is our largest resource need, I just want to put out an email as soon as I knew the logistics and specifics of timing. If you can let me know if you will be available to assist that day, would be appreciated. Since we have so many spots needed, I will probably circle back to everyone. Thanks so much and hope everyone is enjoying this nice spring weather. Look forward to a great team outing and promotion for Race #3 this year.

Thanks,
Chuck

4/15/2023 - 2023 Allamuchy TT - A Great Day

Time Trial # 2 event promotion in the books for us. Following on a successful Steve Reed event, Allamuchy TT, on a great weather day as it turns out, was a true team effort. Lots of accolades to go around. 2 wins on the course for Dan Reiss (Cat 4) and Dan Dalfonso (45+). Rick Danielson with a big season debut. 110 registered riders and cooperating weather before the PM storms, State Police, town, county, and park support, along with great prizes from our sponsors - most prominently featuring Power Bar and Pactimo today. Shipment arrived from Rudy last night as well for some prizes. Shout out as well to MainSport Event Timing (Tom Mains) for stellar and perfect timing and results today, along with our start list, chip live results, etc.and upload to USAC.

• Joe and Dottie Saling - a long list of support, including pack up of vehicle for vests, flags, cones/signs, course set-up, take-down, registration, prize selection, and listening to my input, thoughts and generally always being a sounding board. Joe also was general sweep and manager of course and Dottie at registration and handling the finances.
• Bob Perlee - race flyer, web, start list posting, results, etc. Keeps us moving forward
• At the start - Erich Neise holding, Ken Drake and Manny Alvarez as Whips and road management keeping things in order.
• First "Shades of Death" turn - Greg and Maria Schutske
• Turn Around - Mike Brent
• Gibbs Right Turn - Bob Peters, Herman Storms
• Final Left Turn - Pat Gellineu, Marc Perrault, Paul Tippett
• Calling rider #s, helping with prizes, and clean up around registration - Frank Villani
• Betty Tyrell - additional goodies at registration as always

Just wanted to personally thank everyone as our team comes together to produce high quality events and it is always appreciated. Lots of accolades given today from riders and all involved, so it was a great job. Two down and two more to go for Somerset events in 2023. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Chuck

4/3/2023 - Note of Thanks - Steve Reed Memorial Time Trial

Another successful Cape May TT in the books. It takes a well working group to make it so. Thanks to Dottie S Saling for handling number pickup and the financial part of the deal. Fran Crocco for number pickup and prize distribution. Mike Granigan , who, with the support of Money's Piers, sets up the start and finish and sorts, separates and prints results. Our perennial holder Tom Roth who dropped nary a rider and said "see you next year!". Wade Hess , another annual helper initiated Doug Reed in marshaling the only cross road on the course. Jeff DeVico , who was the Middle Twp. PD officer controlling the turnaround at our first few years was once again on hand to insure the riders safety along with the police officer assigned to the event. Grandson Jake Granigan worked the turnaround and kept record of the riders as they turned to head back to the finish. Chuck Crocco , Team Somerset president and the glue that keeps it all together makes all the contact with bikereg.com and USA cycling and with our sponsors who provide prizes. Special thanks to Thomas Mains for putting the start list together and Robert Gebel for providing power via his generator and Bob Perlee, our webmaster who makes sure all pertinent information is posted on somersetwheelmen.org. And when we get Paula Engel Grill and Itxa Ixsa Alamo Gollihur as our USA cycling officials we know we have the A Team. Nancy Cole Saunders and Ed Saunders of Saunders Jewelers in Flemington have generously supported our club with many watches and jewelry for prizes.

And thanks to all the riders for supporting our events. A small field on hand today but they were treated to a relatively nice morning for early April. Looking forward to seeing you all, and some of your friends, at Allamuchy in two weeks. Dot Reed, Steve's widow, made the trip up from Wesley Chapel, FL to be in hand and to award the Steve Reed Memorial trophy to fast timer Chris Yura.

Thanks to Marc Cianfrone and his team at Pop's Bike Shop in Somerville, NJ for his continuous donation of product for prizes at our Team Somerset promotions. I knew I would forget someone. If anyone is aware of someone I have forgotten please rattle my cage.

Joe

3/12/2023 - Gran Fondo Hincapie in Lehigh Valley PA Sat., June 3

Hello all. Welcome to March, as time rolls along, and we spring forward! I wanted to pass on some information on the Gran Fondo Hincapie in Lehigh Valley. June 3 (Saturday) and it's parking and start is at the Velodrome in Trexlertowne (Valley Preferred Cycling Center). I know some of our team rode with George Hincapie many years ago, and he is out to PA to ride and promote the Gran Fondo for its 2nd run. I rode this last year. Challenging for sure, but lots of fun. There are a variety of routes as well, so this is not a race. I was thinking it might be an opportunity to get the team out to ride together in an event with a beautiful setting. If we have enough interest, can also get a team spot/location. There is a discount code here which takes 30% off. I do have a few free entries which I am holding and will provide them once I know who is interested in riding and leaning toward some of our team VIPs and big time volunteers. I realize that even with 30% off, it's still $150. However, it is a fully supported ride and includes a custom jersey + food during and after + a few laps through the Velodrome at the end. Only caveat is that we need to have people register by April 30. I just wanted to ensure all knew about the opportunity and discount. I put in a call and email to the Hincapie team so we could coordinate, so if I hear back and have more information, certainly will share it. As 3 of our 4 promotions this year will be complete, I am sure we'll all be in contact. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and Happy St Pat's Day! If any questions, let me know. If I am correct, last year we had Erich Neise and I representing the team at the Fondo, but sorry if missed anyone.

Gran Fondo WebSite
Gran Fondo BikeReg
Gran Fondo Volunteer

See you at Cape May and Allamuchy.
Chuck
P.S. see the email for the Gran Fondo discount code, or contact me.

3/3/2023 - Team Spring TTs are Here - Steve Reed/Allamuchy/Somerset Circuit
(Volunteers/Marshals Appreciated)

Hello all and hope you've had a good winter thus far, and also looking for the weather to remain generally kind to us. Hard to believe, but March has arrived and we are ready to rock the Time Trial season again. Somerset is driving the TT Cup, with 4 of the 6 time trials planned thus far. Having just put the pieces together to our Cape May event (April 2) and Allamuchy (April 15), we are reaching out for some usual support. Joe will share any needs we may have at Cape May Courthouse. Generally, not a lot of resources, but anyone down that way for the event and available to help would be appreciated. For Allamuchy, on April 15. we'll need our usual contingent. I know we've had some regulars, but I like to put out the general notes as a feeler about 6 weeks out before touching base with specific people that have helped. If you are available for what will probably be 90 minutes to hours the morning of Saturday, April 15 would be appreciated. The usual help is at the start of the race, of course, and corner marshals. Not the significant need of Somerset (which is May 13), but we do always want to err on the side of having enough people to support and direct. So, please let me know. Always appreciated.

In other team items, Joe/Dottie and I are still discussing getting the group together for a dinner/event in the spring. Looking for the best option and will be in touch. Membership this year will not have a cost, but you do need to sign our waiver and return to Larry Dudek. We are seeking some digital ways to do this, but, in the interim, a regular signature via mail, scan, at one of events is the best option. Lastly, we closed out a clothing order recently and look forward to the new team items coming soon.

If anyone is racing this weekend at Branch Brook Park for the opener tomorrow (3/4), best of luck and hoping we can get some good pictures for Bob and the web. Look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Good training, riding and Push Hard/Pedal Fast.
Chuck

2/5/2023 - Updates, Events, and Race Season

Hope all are doing well as we now enter the first February week (believe it or not) of 2023. My apologies for a late communication this year as its been a busy year end all around and beginning of 2023. That being said, lots of enthusiasm to get the new year moving and would like add a couple of key links. We have renewed our USAC status items and, thanks to Larry and Robert, membership and clothing are now set up. With the past few years being tough with the pandemic, and that we are currently financially sound (let's keep our fingers crossed) collectively we decided to waive membership fees this year. You will see "0" when renewing for the membership cost. However, I don't know definitively that a Bike Reg fee won't appear, but it did not when I renewed by Lifetime Membership. Also, we do need the waiver to be completed on-line as you go through of course for insurance purposes. If questions on that process, please let Larry, Dottie, or myself know.

Additionally, clothing link is included here per Rob's prior communication. Closing date is February 12. Robert Kowal, or any of the board members, can help with questions.

Our four (4) promotions/events will be back this year on April 2 (Steve Reed), April 15 (Allamuchy), May 13 (Somerset) and July 15 (Flanders). All TTs and we are the lion's share of the NJ TT Cup Series, so proud that we are keeping that torch moving forward. Links to Steve Reed TT and Allamuchy TT below. Joe will reach out for any help needed at Cape May and I will be sending out a note beginning of March for same at Allamuchy. We look forward, again, to a successful, safe and fun run of Team Somerset TTs in 2023.

The pandemic, and other changes, have not afforded us the opportunity to do Awards gathering past few years, but Dottie and I have discussed having a team "get together" meeting/dinner during the week in mid to later March before our promotions begin. Just to be able to connect/catch up, talk about racing, our events, other items and be able to see everyone will be nice. More to follow on that. I attended the NJBA meeting last week and they are putting together the schedule of events around ours (many are in Bike Reg and in their calendar) and there is likely going to be a luncheon to provide awards for those due them from 2022 Cups. More to follow on that planned March event from Tom Mains.

For now, that is it, but more to follow certainly and hope all work through February, enjoy Super Bowl, Valentine's/President's Day etc, and look forward to seeing everyone soon as 2023 gets rolling. Best to solid training, preparation, safe travels to those in winter, and push hard/pedal fast!!

Membership: Join or Renew for 2023 via BikeReg
Please PRINT and fill-in and sign the Event Waiver and Release PDF Insurance Form
Please PRINT and mail the Membership Applicatopm PDF via USPS Membership Form - bypassing BikeReg

Clothing: Order your kit for 2023, Start Here

Events:
Steve Reed Memorial TT - April 2, Flyer
Allamuchy Time Trial - April 15, Flyer
Chuck