News / Articles

2022 GII End of Year Event

GII is hosting the end of the year party on November 11, 2022.  We haven't had one of these since 2019 due to the pandemic, so it's time to bring it back! The club wants to say thank you for a fantastic year, so this event is free to all paid club members only.  Although it's free, you must RSVP by November 6 to be admitted into this party. If you have a guest that wants to come, they can join you as well. The admission for them is free as when they sign up for a one year membership with the club for only $35.  This way they aren't just a friend of the club, they're part of the family too.  Follow this link to Join GII: Member Signup/Information.   We're doing things a little differently for this end of year party including exciting activities, prizes, and gifts, so we expect you to have a bunch of fun.  Can't wait to see you there! 

Click here to RSVP: End of Year Party Registration.

The Slick Chain Awards

Who is that club member that is always late? Always in the best kit? Never has the route? 

At our November End of the Year Party, we will announce the winners to the Slick Chain Awards.  The Slick Chain Awards are where you, the club members, nominate your friends (or yourself) for superlatives.  Only club members are eligible to win Slick Chain Awards.  Follow this link to see the categories and to nominate your fellow club members: Slick Chain Award Nominations

Community Outreach: 2022 Coat Drive

As we shift over to Autumn, as cyclists, we can't help but think about winter being right around the corner.  If you've ever ridden your bike in the cold, you know how unforgiving the chill can be.  As an annual initiative, GII is participating in a coat drive to provide new coats to those in need of protection from the elements. We will be collecting new coats in all sizes at the end of all Saturday group rides from September 17 through November 11 at the End of the Year party.  

GII Board Member Nominations

We are looking for new club members who are dedicated to making a difference in this wonderful club by joining the leadership team.  General requirements of all board members is that they are expected to join board meetings that are scheduled at least six times per year and do whatever is reasonably required for the great of the club.  Each director can create their own sub committee if they choose as a best way to manage the role.  Although the roles are supported by the whole board, the leaders should be self-motivated, be able to run with their positions with minimal direction, and report back to the group.  The roles that are available and a short description are as follows:

• Communications Director: Manage the dissemination of information about the club to everyone.  This includes managing social media (Instagram and Facebook), creating newsletters, and webpage updates as needed. 
• Ride Director: Ensure that there is coverage for all of the club rides.  This includes ensuring there are ride marshals, ride leaders, and SAG for rides that need them.  
• Community Relations Director: Coordinate the community service efforts throughout the year.  The goal is for the club to participate in at least one community outreach activity per quarter.  
• Secretary:  Take meeting minutes during board meetings and other events where leadership information is exchanged and provide typed meeting minutes. This person may also help edit club disseminated information like newsletters and emails. 

If you are interested, please send an email to info@giibike.org.  Please include in the email your name, the position that you are interested in, and a few sentences about your ideas for the club and/or something about yourself that will help people to know you.  Final selections will be determined by a vote.  

Race Team News

Most of the Race Team just wrapped up a busy 2022 race season with the GII Backyard Boogie Race in Bowie, MD.  It was the club's first time hosting a USAC sanctioned race and the turnout was awesome.  A couple weeks later, while the club was away in Atlanta for One Love, racers Ashli, Akilah, and Keva traveled to St. Louis to compete in the Gateway Cup; a four-day race with some of the country's big dog racers.   September 11, racers Isaac and Terrence, participated in the Bucks County race in Doylestown, PA.  Many members are now either shifting to cyclocross racing, Gran Fondos, triathlons, or just taking it easy before starting their off season training. 

Notable Club Activities

Here is where the club has been and where we're going.

Past

• Backyard Boogie: The inaugural Backyard Boogie took place the weekend of August 12, 2022.  You can find a recap of our spectacular event here: GII's Backyard Boogie 2022.
• MACC One Love: Over the Labor Day weekend, the club ventured down to Atlanta by plane, train, and automobile to participate in the largest Black cycling event of the year, the MACC One Love.  Cyclists triumphed over the hilly century route and fellowshipped with bike clubs from not only around the country, but around the world.  GII loves to support this event and can't wait to return in 2023. 
  

Upcoming
*Please go to the club's Meetup.com/giibike site for more information on the rides

• 11th Annual Natasha Ride:  Saturday, September 17 from Jericho City Drive.  This ride is an annual memorial for Natasha Pettigrew who was struck by a motorists while riding her bike.  This ride recognizes the milestones in Prince George's County for cycling and pedestrians. 
• Coach Carter's Clinic: Sunday, September 18 at Conte's Bike Shop.  A clinic for those cyclists interested in learning about riding on gravel and becoming acquainted with their bike. 
• Velo City Riders DMV Women Cyclists Ride:  Sunday, September 18 at 9am from Davidsonville Park.  An all women's ride with routes from 10-45 miles long.  Please CashApp a $15 donation to cover SAG to $VeloCityRidersCC
• DMV Caribbean Ridazz Cancer Awareness Ride: Sunday, October 2 from Hains Point, Washington, D.C. to fundraise money for breast cancer patients.  This is their 2nd annual cancer ride event which had great support from the local cycling community in 2021. Register here to participate: DMVCR Cancer Awareness Ride.
• Seagull Century: Saturday, October 8, from Salisbury, MD. There is an option of a 62-mile route or a 100-mile route.  Proceeds go to Salisbury State University amongst other charities.  To participate register here: Seagull Century
• GII End Of Year Party: November 11, Alexandria, VA.  GII is hosting its end of year party to celebrate a successful 2022 at no charge for club members only.  RSVP here: End of Year Party Registration