All posts by Tom Hand

President’s Report – Jan 27, 2024

Annual Meeting, Party, and 2024 Hall of Fame 

On Friday, January 26, 2024, we held our annual meeting and dinner, along with the 2024 Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame ceremony.  More than 140 people attended the event at The 107 venue.  

Chris Brown, Jay Young, and, posthumously, Tom Owen Sr, were inducted into the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame (HOF) Class of 2024. Tom Owen, Sr., it should be noted, not only had a huge impact on Chattanooga-area cycling during his lifetime but also founded our bike club back in 1967.  

Established by the Chattanooga Bicycle Club in 2022, the Chattanooga Cycling HOF is the only event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of individuals to cycling in the Chattanooga area. You can see Tom’s, Chris’ and Jay’s bios, as well as those of prior year recipients here

Following dinner and the HOF ceremony, the Annual Meeting took place at which we elected the 2024 Executive Board. Many thanks to the 2023 Board members — many of whom are staying on in 2024 — and a hearty welcome to new Board members Donna Killian (Communications Director), James “Jimmy” Rogers (Advocacy Director), Marjorie Whiteside (Social Media Director); and to Jennifer Kreafle (Fiori) for taking on the position of CBC Treasurer. 

All in all, it was another great CBC activity drawing a diverse group of cyclists together to celebrate what we love: riding bicycles. Thanks to our Social Directors (aka Team Beck) for another superbly organized and executed event, and to everyone who helped out, participated and attended, and to the staff at The 107.   

CBC Executive Board – Election Results

OutgoingIncoming
POSITION20232024
PresidentTom HandTom Hand
Vice PresidentSharon RussellSharon Russell
TreasurerMike SabinJennifer Kreafle
SecretaryKevin WhitesideKevin Whiteside
Event CoordinatorVacantScott Self
Road Ride CoordinatorPeggy OlsonPeggy Olson
Communications DirectorSue NewtonDonna Killian
Social Media DirectorJennifer KreafleMarjorie Whiteside
Membership DirectorRebecca BucklesRebecca Buckles
At LargeRich RudnerRich Rudner
At LargeBill JenningsBill Jennings
Social Director (Appointed)Debbie/Sam BeckDebbie/Sam Beck
Advocacy Director (Appointed)Kat VolzerJimmy Rogers
CBC Executive Board Election Results – Jan 26, 2027

Seasons Greetings

On behalf of the Executive Board, I thank you for being a member of the Chattanooga Bicycle Club, and I wish you and your loved ones a Joyous Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year. May you have strong legs, many miles of good riding, and steady tailwinds throughout 2024.

Overall, the past year has been a good one. Rides are up (we had record number of Club rides), membership is up, Cycle Sequatchie continues to be a success, we hosted three really wonderful club events, and our finances are stable. In 2024, with your help and participation, we can look forward to more and even better Club rides and events, continued sponsorship of and growing involvement with Cycle Sequatchie, and new cycling advocacy initiatives, among other things.

And don’t forget…

…the CBC ANNUAL MEETING & PARTY (GALA DINNER & CYCLING HALL OF FAME CEREMONY), from 6:15 P.M. on January 26, 2024, at The 107 Venue.

Only $15 for members. Tickets are now available on the CBC website (here). You will need to log in to receive the member rate. Buy your ticket now–and no later than January 11, 2024–to ensure availability. Thanks again for being a part of the CBC. 

See you on the road,
Tom      

Loss of a Legend

Daisy Blanton
Daisy Blanton 1943-2023

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023 we lost Daisy Blanton, beloved CBC member and Chattanooga ambassador for recreational cycling. Daisy’s decades of tireless service to the CBC, love of adventure, grit and determination, unfailing spirit, enthusiasm for cycling, and passion for sharing all of this with others earned her the love and respect of cyclists throughout the Chattanooga area. 

A CBC member since 1992, a consummate volunteer, ride leader, and cycling mentor, Daisy was to many of you the face of the Chattanooga Bicycle Club. In honor of her many contributions to cycling, she was among the first inductees into the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame. (Click here to see and hear Daisy talk about some of her cycling exploits.)

Daisy’s contributions to the cycling community, her infectious enthusiasm, and her dedication to cycling will live on in the hearts and minds of the countless cyclists who knew and loved her.  She will be sorely missed. As appropriate and when available we’ll update you via e-mail with additional information, e.g., memorial services for Daisy. 

Ride on, Daisy!