Hey CVC'rs,
We have set the sun on another edition of Cruisin' the Conejo, our 30th,
and it it was a great success. Across the board, we have had folks raving
about what a great time they had. I saw so many returning faces and a whole
slew of new ones. We tried new things, like the CVC Ice Cream rest stop
near Wildwood park that was a huge hit with our riders, and an organized
start at the top of the respective starting hours that was also a lot of
fun for the riders and for those watching. Again, our expo was top notch
and probably one of the best I've seen at any regional level ride of our
size (and trumping many national level operations to boot), our Beer Garden
(a great place for riders to relax and cool down) was full all afternoon,
and our lunch, served up by the Cub Scouts was so yummy, and satisfying.
Out on the routes, we had something for everyone. The Boy Scouts did an
incredible job of supporting our rest stops and feeding & fueling our
riders. They also act as bike valets at the stops, and as usual, our riders
ate it up. Our Sag teams were out in force with their HAMM radio
counterparts from CVARC and VCARS, making sure everyone was safe, repaired
and accounted for.
All this only happens with the help of all the volunteers that come out
from the CVC, the Scouts and the cycing community in general. Sheri already
sent out a big thanks to the volunteers and I echo her sentiment and
thanks. There are a few folks that go beyond the call of duty-they get
there at the crack of dawn and are the last to leave, some do it year after
year. People like Phil Callen, Lou Carson, Dale Smith-your CVC Secretary,
Sheila Sherwyn, Steve Vertrees and so many others that I am failing to
mention. Some others are newer folks that jump in and get it done like
Jerry Scott, Big Matt, and David Kovisto. As I mentioned, I know I am
missing so many.
Other people that also make Cruisin' such a huge success are those at the
core of the operation. These are the behind the scenes folks who are
the heartbeat of Cruisin', with literally thousands of collective hours of
work committed to making this ride the BEST event to be found. Let me
mention them;
We had the retirement of Debbie O'Meara last year (and I thank her for her
many years of service), so we had to find a new registration captain (a
complex job), and did we ever, Cathey Sternstien stepped in and did a
terrific job. Another newcomer in a complicated role was Keen Reed stepping
in as SAG captain. Also thanks the Beth McElhenny who was your rest
stop captain, to Jim Doane for coordination of the raffle and all the
prizes, to Cam Young your CVC Ride Director for doing a great job of
getting our routes marked, and to Caitlin Steele, your CVC Treasurer who
makes sure the money is flowing. A huge thanks goes out to my wife, Sheri
Leiken-your CVC Membership Director, who coordinated all of the volunteers,
taught those who needed to learn their jobs, and just made sure it was
all going the right direction. Another huge thanks goes to Henry Montalvo,
who as your CVC President, made sure we were keeping the ride within
budget, worked tirelessly on the marketing and sponsors and, as always,
kept up a prescribed level of levity and fun. The biggest thanks go to the
man that I lovingly refer to as the mad scientist of the operation (and
whom from from Jan-May, Sheri refers to as my other wife), the guy
that absolutely makes sure it all happens,(websites
marketing,newsletters,insurance,
all the insane details) and happens really well, my Cruisin'
Co-director, Lee Cole. Lee puts more time into this ride than any other
person ever has, and does an astoundingly stellar job of it.
I couldn't ask for a better group of people to be involved with, and I
am extremely proud to be part of this thing we call Cruisin' and part of
the CVC.
Sincerely and Gratefully,
Kent Koral
Co-Director
Cruisin' the Conejo