Disparities in Silent Sports
We are reaching out with a message for our members following a profoundly tragic week across Minnesota and the country.
We have been deeply saddened this past month to learn of the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and so many more black Americans who have been robbed of their lives while simply living, jogging and breathing in their communities. Incidents like these are sadly not new, as they are a consequence of many unjust systems in this country that date all the way back to our nation’s founding. We stand in support of those who are seeking an end to institutionalized racism across our country and we are taking time to listen and learn how we can better support the needs of our community through our work.
As an organization that strives to make SE Minnesota a healthier place to live, work and play through our programming, the racism and discrimination that is harming our communities and making life unsafe for our black and minority neighbors goes against everything that we stand for. We recognize that, because of a legacy of disenfranchisement through public and private policy, outdoor sports have historically been unsafe and less accessible for our community members of color. This has produced disparities in who we see represented in the cycling and Nordic ski communities today. We want to make it clear that at RASC, we believe deeply that black lives matter and that we are committed to ensuring that our programming provides a safe and inclusive space for ALL members to enjoy these sports together. To our black members and members of color, we say without hesitation: We welcome you here and we are proud to have you on our team.
We know we still have work to do as we stand firmly against discrimination, racism and violence in all forms. Going forward we are establishing a fund to support a minimum of 5 scholarships per year in our RMBT and RNST programs for students of color. Initial funding for these programs will come from the RASC general fund, and you can support the fight for equity and inclusivity in our communities by donating to this program on our donations page (RASC Minorities in Silent Sports). Alternatively you may want to donate to organizations dedicated to racial justice work. Here are some places to give:
Black Lives Matter
Campaign Zero
George Floyd Memorial Fund
RASC Chasing Dogs Reports
New Google map created by Marty Cormack that documents locations of dogs known to chase cyclists and runners.Below is a description of the app from Marty
Recently while taking a gravel ride on an unfamiliar road in Olmsted County I was surprised and chased hard by a loose German Shepherd. I had no time to react and nearly lost control of my bicycle. It would have been helpful, and more safe had I been aware of the possibility of being chased on that route. Unfortunately Olmsted County has no ordinance regarding loose dogs chasing pedestrians or bicyclists on public roads, so there is not a lot of recourse for these situations, other than awareness.
Back in the days of message boards, RASC had maintained a thread on chasing dog reports. However, the data was more than five years old, and in dog years, that is nearly an eternity. Given my experience in the Google toolset, I set about creating a new, easier to use and maintain tool to remedy that situation.
Using Google Sites, Google Maps and Google Forms. I created a web page (https://www.martycormack.org/dogs) that shows the location of reports of dogs chasing bicyclists and runners. Below the map is a Google Form that can easily record any new reports. When a report is submitted, I am immediately notified via email of the new report, and I can very easily add the new "pin" to the map. The map can be scrolled and zoomed. If you click on the pin, the specific details of the report is displayed, including the date and breed, if known. The map and form work well on computers, tablets and Smartphones. Please let me know of any suggested improvements.
Thanks.
Marty Cormackmartycormack@gmail.com
Ski Bindings
Thanks to the North Star Ski Touring Club, we have been awarded a grant of $2860 to cover the cost of replacing all the old bindings on our RNST club skis. The new bindings will be delivered this fall and we plan to replace the bindings on ~60 of our 115 pairs this fall, with the remaining skis being upgraded early next year.
RASC Board and Committees
Need to contact us - see the complete list of RASC Board members and committee members here.
Weekly Group Rides are postponed until further notice
due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus
We are still planning on having group rides with leaders this summer, but this is obviously dependent on status of COVID-19.
Bike Summit 2020 - Virtual
WeBikeRochester
Rochester Bike Summit is going digital!
As you already know, WeBikeRochester are unable to hold their annual bike summit in real life, so they are going to help you celebrate bike month by providing digital sessions.
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Here's the registration information for the online Bike Summit sessions
All of these sessions will be held via Zoom, thanks to BikeMN.To attend a session, click the designated button to register through Eventbrite. The link for the Zoom session will appear at the bottom of the ticket you receive by email from Eventbrite.
For some extra incentive, they will be awarding door prizes for attending the online sessions and for participating in the Virtual Social Rides Photo Challenge (see below). A participant will earn one entry for each session attended and for each photo posted (max one photo per week). Winners will be determined using a random number generator.
May 12: 4-5pm - City of Rochester (Jaymi Wilson) and Destination Medical Center (Kevin Bright)
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May 19: 4-5pm - Safe Routes to School (Dani Gardner) and Bicycle Alliance of MN (Dorian Grilley)
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May 26: 4-5pm - Rochester Active Sports Club (Michael O'Connor) and Flood Control Project (Gary Neumann)
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All are welcome to join the weekly Virtual Social Rides (https://www.webikerochester.com/community-social-rides) and to participate in the Photo Challenge. Each photo should include your bike at the following locations.
Week 1: at your favorite Rochester drive-through coffee place,
Week 2: at your favorite Rochester covid19 curbside restaurant/retailer,
Week 3: at your favorite Rochester Art4Trails sculpture.
Post photos here
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2020 Bike Season Kickoff
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Last night, 85 area cyclists attended our 2020 kickoff party to share some laughs, retell stories and meet friends.
Dave gave us the quick skinny on what is new for RASC in 2020.
Pete gave us a look at road cycling plans for this year. Rides start next week: Monday from Bamber Elementary School and Wednesday from the Bicycle Sports @ 6pm sharp!
Beginning in May, C and D groups will include leaders that will work the make those rides more friendly for new riders. Visit the Ride Planner.
Jackson shared mountain bike trail updates & plans and brought us up to speed on the Rochester High School Mountain Bike team. Visit Gamehaven and Eastwood for live condition updates throughout the season.
Joel shared news of area gravel rides, future RASC fun ride events and more. Be sure to check back here and join the Google Group to see upcoming events.
Guest speaker Trent Raygor spoke a bit about the past and future of gravel cycling, then screened his Banff Film entry 'Delta Of Spirit' for us.
Carolyn has opened the Pactimo jersey store through 3/15/2020 with a nice discount due to our volume. Be sure to get your kit ordered asap. Pactimo Store password: RASC
