Dear Parents
Happy New Year. We wish you health and happiness and hope your roof does not leak.
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Our next ride.
Sunday, Jan 8 at 9 am
13339 Salmon River Road. San Diego 92129
16.9 miles | 1340 feet climbed
Our rides are getting steeper.
● While it’s our goal to make it up a hill without stopping, sometimes stopping is inevitable.
● And often, when kids stop suddenly, they fall over.
○ A reminder: the correct sequence for stopping:
■ Scan
■ Break and slow down
■ Stand up
■ Lower one foot to the ground
■ Stop
Do not attempt to stop while seated
a) if you can do this effortlessly, chances are your saddle is too low
b) if your child is pivoting on the seat while trying to reach the ground, they might fall
Would you like to practice? Come a few minutes early on Sunday and we’ll practice with you.
This ride includes a stop at the French Oven Bakery where you have the option to buy a snack.
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Attendance
During December, we were lenient with attendance because of the holidays, people traveling, and two rides were canceled. That was then. Now is now. Please plan on attending at least twice a month. Kids get sick, rides are canceled, grandma visits unexpectedly.
Please do not get behind. Riding once a month is not enough.
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From Bob, our Bike Mechanic
It’s a new year and time to start thinking about getting your bikes ready for the RAC. We highly recommend that you get your bikes tuned up between now and the RAC. At the latest, you should have it done a few weeks before the RAC. This is so that any problems not completely solved by the tuneup can be addressed in time. You can take your bike to a local bike shop or, if you know how, you can do it yourself. If you are going to do your own tuneup, make sure to pay attention to the items in the following list. These are the most common problem areas we see on RAC bicycles.
1. Clean and lube the drive train (chain, gears, derailleurs).
2. Adjust derailleurs and brakes.
3. Make sure the ends of the brake and derailleur cables are not frayed and are properly capped.
4. Make sure your tires have good tread.
5. Check crank and head set for damage, wear and lateral movement.
6. Make sure wheels are in good condition and true.
7. Make sure brake pads have plenty of life left.
8. Check chain wear
This year, we are pleased to announce that our bike mechanic, Bob, is offering to perform tune-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost of the tune-up will be parts and a donation. If you are interested, please contact Bob at rjacques888@gmail.com. We thank Bob for his generous offer.
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Please mark the dates
Thursday, Jan 5 at 7 pm
RAC Meeting
Design 39 School | 17050 Del Sur Ridge Rd. San Diego 92127
Topics include
● Camping
○ What to bring
○ How to set up a tent
● RAC T-Shirt fashion show and competition guidelines
● Payments
● Bob’s Tune-up Service | details
● Simon says
● Youth Support
● Q&A
Bring the kids. It shall be fun.
This meeting is not mandatory but highly recommended.
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Other dates
The RAC meeting on Feb 2 has been canceled.
There is a mandatory RAC meeting on Thursday, March 16 at 7 pm at Design 39
RAC reunion and potluck: Tuesday, May 2nd at Design 39: Food, pictures, certificates
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Our next RAC fundraiser will take place on Jan 10 at the Pacific Highland Ranch Panera Bread.
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See you this weekend.
Your friendly RAC volunteer team
Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kirsten| Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine, and co-founder Dennis
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You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family.
You are responsible for reading all weekly newsletters.