I hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday. As we fire up the turbo trainers and buckle down for the winter to come, it’s a good time to spread some cheer and share some news for 2025. I’ve attached the 2025 roster. If you don’t see your name, go ahead and renew via BikeReg or contact me if in error. Oh, and check out the new one-step waiver.

But first, let’s all extend a warm welcome and thank you to our 20 NEW MEMBERS that joined in 2024!! Thank you all for joining Team Somerset, we look forward to riding, racing and having fun together. We’re happy to have you. And now for some updates:

2024 – A year of Momentum: We are happy to report the team has maintained some wonderful momentum through 2024, gaining a full 20 new members. Some of these members, like Jenn and Brian, it feels like they’ve been here for ages, having already made Board and Committee positions and made their mark on the team. The team continues to grow with our racing, social and juniors ranks all growing in equal measure. Our Somerset Social Ride just about doubled I think!

January Party / General Meeting and Used Kit Charity Drive

Marc and Danny have graciously offered to host this one. Expect FOOD, SWAG, DISCOUNTS, refreshments and even some adult beverages. Marc and I are working on some cool ideas: so stay tuned. Our November meeting at Readington Brewery was lots of fun with almost 40 people, let’s build on that. Open to the public, so invite a friend.
Used Kit Charity Drive:We’ve partnered with PAC TOUR this year, who take used kit donations to fund charity projects such as a new well for a remote Peruvian school. We all have a load of kit we don’t wear anymore. Bring it to the meeting and we will get it where it needs to go.

Where: Pops Bike Shop located at 34 East Main Street, Somerville NJ, 08876

When: 6:00 PM Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Our Team Zwift Rides have been lots of fun. 60min endurance and a pace for everyone, with an optional spicy finish. Open to all, we’ve had a lot of friends of the team joining each week as well as members of all abilities. Thursdays and Sundays. Not a fan of FTP tests, you say? Join our Group FTP Tests where we have some laughs and hold each other accountable – every month or so. Head to our Team Calendar to find out more.

2025 PROMOTIONS
For 2025, we have 3 events on the docket so far. We are working with the NJTT Cup to coordinate with a number of other teams, with the hopes of having as many as 10 races in the Cup this year, if everything comes together as we hope. Head to our new website for the registration links and to find out more info. USAC Permits are already submitted and will be open for registration before you know it. We’re also expanding our race director corps!

April 6, 2025: Steve Reed Memorial (Cape May) TT (Joe with help from Dan D)
April 19, 2025: Allamuchy Time Trial (Rick D and Brian F with Chuck and Joe’s guidance I’m sure)
June 8, 2025: Lew Saling Memorial (Somerset Circuit) TT (Chuck with help from Dan R)

We’ve added fixed gear and tandem categories. Tell your friends!

As we get closer, we will reach out and coordinate with our volunteers, sponsors etc. As always, thank you all for working these events, without you none of this happens.

2025 PRIZES
We’d like to thank Marc and Danny at Pops Bike Shop as our primary prize sponsor for all races, as well as Ed and Nancy Saunders at Saunders Jewelry for providing some beautiful watches and such for some of our top prizes. I myself proudly wear one of the watches Ed and Nancy provided; won at Steve Reed 2023!

SPRING GROUP RIDES
Non member Group Ride Sign Up
We now have a ride signup for non members, which includes the insurance waiver. So invite your friends. After a ride or two, we’re sure they’ll join.

Somerset Social Ride rolls from POPS in 2025. A big hit in 2024, the Social Ride returns Spring 2025. Stay tuned for details as we get closer. A pace for everyone and “maybe” an occasional juniors ride. Ride is open to the public so invite a friend.

Thursday Crit Worlds: We’re working on a new club practice crit series at Skillman Park. Details and schedule to follow, but expect several pace groups, neutral laps, some racing instruction and plenty of hot laps. BYOPB. (paper bag… in case you puke… which you will). Open to the public, so invite a friend hammerhead.

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT!
With the new year, we went ahead and updated a few things and simplified a few procedures. We are continuing the migration from Wheelmen to Team Somerset and have created a new website, new team emails, etc. We also updated a few procedural items. Expect our name to officially change with the state in the coming year.

New Communications:
New Website: Head over to https://teamsomerset.org where you’ll find a fresh take on team updates, Coach Rick’s blog and lots more.

Teamwide Email List: Send an email to the WHOLE TEAM at ts-members

Treasurer Email: Contact Marc Perreault directly at treasurer

Team Email Contacts:For all other inquiries, send them to teamsomersetcyclingclub.

WAIVER HAS BEEN INTEGRATED INTO BIKEREG! Say goodbye to paper and e-waivers! One stop shop! If you don’t see your name on the attached roster, go ahead and renew via BikeReg and check out the new waiver.

BONUS SHEETS: For 2025, we’re moving to an annual bonus system, sheets due Q4 2025. In honesty, the reason is simple – the entire board has full time jobs and as most have children at home, we just needed to simplify. Forward all bonus sheets Marc Perreault at treasurer For instructions and bonus sheets, please go to https://teamsomerset.org/leadout-train/

And heres a roster of the NEW MEMBERS! Welcome!

Juniors:

• Gino Romaniello (Ron’s son)
• Evan & Connor Reiss (Dan’s sons)
• Andrew Graves (Jack’s son)
• Ethan Robinson (Jenn’s son)
• Sydney Dalfonzo (my daughter)

Adults

• James Adkins
• Henry Yates
• Charles Hall
• Jesus Arcellana Jr.
• Christina Polans
• Brian Finnegan
• Mike Capizola
• Heather Dalfonzo
• Jennifer Smeddy
• Michael Hnylycia
• Daniel Hopkins
• Jack Graves
• Ray Rodriguez
• Michael Hammill
• Stephen Kowalski

You’ve made it to the end! Now go ahead and apply that tenacity to the trainer and you’ll be at Nationals before you know it. See ya at the meeting. I mean party. Well, I guess it’s both (but mostly party!)

Dan