THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

The Montclair Cyclists is a community organized around bicycle racing and training and recreational riding. It encompasses road, mountain and cross cycling, triathlon and is especially aimed at performance-oriented riders. However, on a deeper level, it is an organization dedicated to the promotion of excellence, of character traits and habits that make all facets of life more rewarding.

Excellence is not necessarily winning races or putting in more miles than anyone else. Rather than aiming to be better than others, it is a dedication to being one's best. So while one rider's goal may be to place in a race, another's might be trying a new, more aggressive race tactic and thus risk a poor finish. It can mean riding a challenging piece of single-track and risking crashing. It can mean going out with the lead group on a fast Sunday recreational ride and risking being dropped. In short, it is a willingness to face challenges with a sense of passion.

COMMUNITY

The pursuit of excellence can also mean holding back to offer new riders a wheel and some encouragement. While the pursuit of excellence does involve individual challenges, the Montclair Cyclists offer an environment in which the group supports the individual and the individual supports the group.

Central to this atmosphere is a sense of respect for one another and an appreciation of the strengths of each member and the value of diversity. Such mutual respect promotes trust, which promotes the willingness to take risks, and makes for a warm and welcoming climate. Formal and informal social gatherings for members and their families are an important part of the club's life.

The club also values involvement with the larger community, for example, taking part in bicycle safety seminars for schoolchildren or in charitable activities and promoting positive interactions with non-cyclists. One of the requirements of membership is to take part in community events regularly.

ACTIVITIES

Since 1993, the Montclair Cyclists have offered club training rides to accommodate participants at various levels, aimed at improving performance and developing the skills of competitive cycling. There also are less-formal rides often organized on fairly short notice, through phone contacts or postings on the club message board. Many members take part in road, mountain bike, cross and triathlon competitions; others help organize, run or officiate races. Club members take part in community activities and social events like holiday parties and summer picnics. The club will dedicate itself to developing young riders and racers.

ORGANIZATION

There will be officers elected by the membership. They will serve for two years. Officers will include:

A club president; three vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer, who will be responsible for gather and disbursing funds and for issuing regular financial statements.

Changes in the charter may be made by a vote of two-thirds of the club membership. Voting may be done at meetings or via e-mail.

MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Members of the Montclair Cyclists pay dues annually (currently $45). New members are also expected to buy uniforms when they pay their first dues.

Members are expected regularly to take part in rides and other activities, which might include filling support roles in club-sponsored races, contributing supplies to social activities, leading rides or contacting members about plans.

Members are expected at all times to comport themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the club. This applies to interactions with one another, with cyclists not in the club and with the non-cycling community. This means obeying the rules of the road and showing courtesy toward drivers and pedestrians.

Members are expected to wear club uniforms on group rides and at races. Guests who are not members of other clubs or teams are expected to purchase uniforms if they attend regularly. All ride participants must wear helmets.

For membership applications and additional information please call: 973-744-7252