team somerset | from the President's Desk

President's Message - End of the Year - 12/29/2015

Happy Holidays to all and I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy with family and time to close out the year in style. It was a special one for Somerset as we approach our team 80th anniversary in 2016. Successful promotions (4 of them, TTs), a growing junior program thanks to our coaches/sponsors, and really outstanding racing results as well as just a lot of fun. Thanks to Eric and Maggie for hosting our year end event this past February and also to all that shared their homes for meetings, events, and other gatherings for the team. Website continues to look great and our sponsors were very supportive of us this year in so many ways and we thank them all. Can't thank everyone enough for all the work they did to make our events successful, management of budget, membership, etc.

NJBA Banquet will be announced soon for Riverhorse Brewery in late January/early February. We'll schedule another team gathering for our awards as well, likely later in February. We'll celebrate our team awards in depth when we get together, but here are a few of the highlights for the season:

I am sure I missed some things, but we'll capture them at our team gathering. As we get to the new year, best of luck to those heading to Asheville to represent Somerset at the CX Nats including Perry, Eric, Rick and I believe Matt Shea. Let's give it our best and we are very proud of you.

Again, thanks for a very successful year. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Chuck

President's Message - Flanders TT in August

Today was a perfect August weather day for racing. A little chill early this morning and ideal for racing. Somerset closed out the season in style for our 4th promotion, end of the TT Cup and a key battle in the GSC. We started way back in early April in Cape May and ended our 2015 races today at Flanders. Outstanding participation and support and could not do this without everyone pitching in. Up front, if I miss anyone here, apologies and not intended.

Can not say enough about what Bob Peters does for this race, as the original promoter. He worked with me on assessing the roads, getting town updates on paving for River Rd, and also handled all of the course set-up, clean-up, and marshaling on the River Rd turn. Thanks Bob. Much appreciated. The Saling's, as always were tremendous. Joe with setting up prizes, ordering, organizing, and also ensuring that much of the course set up items were where they needed to be. Dottie came to manage the registration area, books, finances, and also the officials, and prizes.

The Andre's are always tremendous, and today was no exception. John came to marshal, manage items around the course, clean-up, handle the clock, and was a good QB. Tracy also played a great role at registration, marshaling the last corner and helping with prize distribution, questions, etc. Both are fantastic and do so much for the team.

Our other support today, included Brooke Wilson and Rand Jerris at turn #1 on Bartley Rd to Naughright. Brooke helped me get set up with the townships of Long Valley and Mt Olive for the race as well as long time promoter. The next turn was managed by Tim and Katie Shea. Great job and thanks. The "Jankos" were awesome (Glenn and Sue), handling the tough Drakestown Rd left. Bob Peters and Herman at River Rd turn, including sweeping clean-up, and the River Rd finale on to Bartley was handled by the Andre's and Steve Reed. Betty Tyrell and Herman Storms were there bright and early, goodie bags for the marshals, team and all. Herman also marshaled a turn with Bob.

Critical support from Ken Drake as Whip and Rod Murray as our strong holder, closed out what was great team support. We had Tom Mains managing the start lists, results, and timing, but it all came together with Team Somerset support and delivery. Solid job today by the officials. Preparation for us and connection/communication with the Long Valley township and Mt Olive Township officials, police etc. was very important this year as paving of one of the road was completed just in time for the race.

Lastly, a perfect job by Bob Perlee supporting us on the web and helping create the flyer, link start lists, results, etc. Great all around support with our page and getting links set up for riders.

This team never disappoints when support is needed, so thanks so much. Look forward to us all closing out the road season and getting ready for CX. Appreciate all that was done this year for all of our team promotions and everyone who made this possible. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Chuck

President's Message - July 1 2015

As the weather continues to get warmer and we approach the mid-point in our racing season, just wanted to touch base with the team on a couple of things and wish everyone a nice holiday weekend. Lots of exciting racing going on from the track, MTB to our road cups which are in full swing. While many of us take opportunity to report results, all of those results do reside on our website (courtesy of Bob Perlee) if anyone needs to check. A lot going on, so hard to report on everything. The biggest things happening now are the progress of our junior team and program courtesy of the coaches and work of the Saling's, Andre's, Larry Towner (Pro Power) and all who have helped out. A very organized group that gets together to train and race and the results show.

We have quite an MTB contingent and the NJ Series is in full swing, including a muddy one this past weekend. A more organized approach this year has produced some good road results on the Masters side, and we are in the midst of the final stretch of the Time Trial Cup which ends with our own Flanders Time Trial in late August. Big events coming up are the NJ State Criterium Championships next weekend in Basking Ridge, as well as four (4) straight weekends of Cup TTs, including the State Championship at Blueberry (Hammonton) on July 18. Several key Garden State Cup criteriums mixed in there and some new races including a revival of the Skillman course for the Jersey Devil on Sat, August 8.

We are excited to be able to almost unveil our new team kit. We will be rolling it out for the 80th team anniversary and it is my hope that we get some of the new clothing for the start of Cyclocross after Labor Day this year. Speaking of Labor Day, the Granogue CX is actually taking place that weekend in the usual location, though not part of an organized Cup. The MAC starts on Sept 12 weekend and NJ CX Series and PACS Series on the Sept 19 weekend. The kit had some broad input from team members and I think everyone will really like it. As soon as it is final, we'll share and put up on the website. There is an intent to also discount some of our current stock of clothing which still can be used. The goal was to modernize our look, while preserving the uniqueness, history, and character of Team Somerset - and I think we did that courtesy of help from Beth Granigan with design and Robert Kowal as our clothing manager.

Lastly, if you have not signed your team waiver for the season, please do so for Larry Dudek and return. Protects us all and provides the broadest insurance coverage we can get.

Thanks for a great 6 months of 2015 and Happy July 4th.

Chuck

President's Message - May 11 2015

And, of course, want to mention the spectacular job done by Brian as the race promoter. Full dedication from setting up all the race permits, prizes, volunteers, registration, Whip, course clean-up, and it goes on and on. Great job and thanks for organizing another successful team event. Hope all had a great experience and good weekend.

Thanks.

Chuck

President's Message - May 10 2015

Great job everyone with our team promotion yesterday. Won't steal Brian's thunder, but our results are up on the Team web page and here at USAC. Appreciate all the effort to make this happen. 3 promotions within the first 6 weeks of the road season is not an easy task. Thanks again.

Chuck

President's Message - April 27 2015

Thanks Ken. Great race report and results. After some time down in LBI and the LBI Stop in the Time Trial Cup Series, I did the Cat 3 along with Robert Kowal yesterday. Was first race of the day and my first "non-TT" road event since last June. The structure of the Cat 3 Cup this year has a nice balance of TTs, crits,and RRs, and has pulled in some of the older crowd competing in the TT Cup. In fact, the three leaders of the Cup are TT specialists. Made for some interesting racing. Pro Pedals was stacked to support the Cup leader and we were able to let them attack left and right and keep things together. Robert is a bigger sprint finisher, so I tried my best to hang on to the leaders and make the race tough for that group, especially on that little finishing rise. There was a short break which came back and the race was eventually won by John Sedlak, 20 something guy, who is also a good time trialist. We finished in the top 20 at 17 and 19 and were strong throughout the race. The next race in that Series is the Upper Freehold TT and the Cup includes races such as the Tour of Somerville, Giro Del Cielo (also in 45+ GSC) and the new Skillman RR in August. I expect to be doing some of those and also a few 45+ races around the TT Cup events.

Next weekend starts with the High Point Hill Climb opener on Saturday in the TT Cup and GSC for some categories, and then we'll be helping the Somerset big guns in 45+ on Sunday at the State Championship. As Ken noted, looking like the nice contingent of red in that race for sure. Precedes our next team promotion on May 9 at the Somerset Circuit TT.

Thanks.

Chuck

President's Message - April 18 2015

The best part of Team Somerset is how the group bands together for support to run promotions, events, parties, etc. Today was no exception and, for the second week in a row, it was an excellent race promotion with good weather. Well, we won't always get the weather, but thanks to all that participated and made the event a success. We received numerous accolades on the overall support, course, and event in general.

Easy to forget people, so apologies if I omit anyone. This race was designed initially by Bob Peters and he's been instrumental coming out to ride it, view the course, meet with State Police, clean-up etc. Additionally, Joe and Dottie provided their usual comprehensive support from Finances, prize ordering, to set-up, to marshaling, etc. It is safe to say that they make our events successful and set a high standard. Thanks so much for your support. The Andre's were also very helpful with John helping with set-up, start line support, and also Tracy handling the prizes with me.

Ken Drake did his usual outstanding job as Whip calling riders to the line and Rod is an experienced "holder" and did great work and was ready to take on any assignment. Betty and Herman, of course, with marshal, goodie bags, help around registration, and also Glenn and Sue Jankowitz brought some sweets I believe. Our other marshals were Greg and Maria Schutske, and George Parry, along with Sue Parry helping out at registration while everyone was racing. Scott Breed working with Herman on the Gibbs corner did a great job. Lastly, thanks again to Jan Curran (not on Somerset, but it seems that way) for her excellent work at the turnaround.

Many of our help/volunteers are those that come out for repeat events, so it is much appreciated. Lastly, wanted to thank Bob Perlee (our webmaster) who always helps get the start lists, flyers, results, and all other web items up to a high standard for us. He helps us all quite a bit with this and is proactive to get promotions going.

Including the results here and congratulations to those on the podium and it was a great show of race support as well from Somerset. We are now 50% done with our promotions for the year, so Somerset Circuit is next up on May 9. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks again.

Chuck

President's Message - March 16 2015

Hope all are doing well as the NJ race season is upon us. As individuals are starting to race, we are also beginning preparations for our 3 time trials in the spring coming up. To follow on notes from Larry and Dottie on membership, bonus progams, etc this year, just a couple of reminders for all. To score Cup points in NJ, you need to race for a registered team. If you want to score those points for Team Somerset, and also be considered a member in good standing, please renew your team membership (if you have not done so) - either individual, family, or a part of the junior development program. We have quite a few life members that only need to complete our insuance waiver. However, others need to submit a check for membership or register on Bike Reg, and the hardcopy signed waiver to Larry.

These things are all in place to reward you, and protect you, as a rider, and also for the team. World has changed in terms of insurance and we want to ensure that we have the best coverage possible. When you race, generally this coverage runs through the promoter when races are arranged and USAC. However, our other programs, team rides, events, etc. are covered separately.

Due to a lot of this preparation, travel, and schedules of the board, we have moved to a less frequent meeting schedule for the team. However, we will certainly schedule some as the spring unfolds and dates to follow. It has not turned out (based on attendance) to be the most productive sharing of information or time allotment for all to do this monthly. We are getting great updates via Facebook, from our riders/promoters on races, and also our webmaster has done a great job keeping all up to date. Lastly, want to thank John Andre for his updates on the latest with the juniors.

So, look forward to seeing you out there shortly and good luck on road, track, MTB, TT bike, etc.!!

Chuck