Mission Statement: To encourage bicycling for health, recreation, and transportation; to promote bicycle safety; to improve bicycling facilities; and to further all phases of bicycling.

President’s message - Our Domestic Non Profit 501c-4 corporation, which was incorporated in 1972, made great strides in fulfilling its mission statement in 2008.  The following reports will outline those accomplishments and changes.

Treasurer - See attachment

Race - In March, the BCC hosted a road race at Boonesboro.  The race was in accordance with our USA Cycling membership requirements.  Despite the chilly, damp weather, the race was well attended and received very positive comments from the participants.

Ride - The cycling season started in March with weekend rides and a potluck kickoff. April marked the beginning of weekday rides as well as the weekend offerings.  This year rides were offered at different locations on the same night.  We experienced an adventurous overnight ride to Berea as we cycled the back roads to our destination.  By the end of the season in October, the BCC had posted a record number of rides extending as far as Slade, KY.
Not only were our members frequently seen cycling but they also assisted in other cycling events.  Several members raised money for the Club by lending a helping hand in the Louisville Ironman Triathlon.
This year the Club has started off-season rides as weather permits.  A 20 mile New Year’s Day ride was followed by a Chili Supper. 

Advocacy - Several BCC members serve on the Mayor’s Bike Task Force promoting bicycle safety, facilities, awareness, and legislation for Central Kentucky.  Bike Lexington was promoted and supported financially by the club.  Members participated in the month long activity calendar.  Funds have been designated for “Share the Road” signage to be installed before the 2009 cycling season.  Our members, once again, participated in the biannual road cleanup on roads frequently used by cyclist.  We also participated in the “Ride of Silence” to honor those injured or killed on public roadways.

Website - The interactive website provided members the opportunity to buy club merchandise, participate in the forum, view the calendar, review meeting minutes, and read the on-line newsletter.  The photo gallery is an area that receives may hits.

Newsletter - “The Outspoken” was posted on the website as an interactive piece with current information and articles.

Membership - The membership committee piloted a “First Time Free” program to stimulate enrollment and gain greater exposure for the BCC.  Under this program the membership numbers doubles with a final count nearing 500 for 2008.  This program will come before the general membership for consideration for 2009.  Renewal dues were not increased.  Once again individual membership cost $20 and a family $30. 
Benefits for membership included Club discounts on local merchandise, recreational rides, social events, club decals, opportunities to volunteer in charitable causes, advocating improving cycling in the local area, and a strong support network.

Education - Education took on many different facets this year, including Road 1 classes, support for local middle school P.E. classes and Newbie clinics.  The BCC has a seat on the Lexington Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council and is a member of the League on American Bicyclists.

Horsey Hundred - The annual Memorial Day Weekend ride had 1600 in attendance and realized the largest profit ever.  Rides with routes ranging from 35 to 100 miles were offered.  The raffle and ice cream social were well attended for those staying on the Georgetown College campus.

Red River Rally - The RRR held in October offered, for the second year, the option of two days of riding.  Saturday evening dinner and entertainment gave the participants a taste of the local talent.  Despite the many activities held on the same weekend, attendance exceeded last year.  The Barbeque dinner with homemade cobbler was a wonderful conclusion to a beautiful fall ride.

Ride for the Red - A charity ride was held in May benefiting the American Red Cross. Proceeds exceeded $5,000 with 100 cyclists participating.  

Philanthropy - The BCC donated three custom built bicycles for patients of the Shriners’ Hospital in Lexington.
The 4th Annual Bike Event took place at Big Brothers/Big Sisters Headquarters on December 14th, 2008.  Fifty-three bicycles were given to children with the proceeds from the Horsey Hundred.  The Brain Injury Society donated helmets and Dick’s Sporting Goods provided the bicycles.  After a pizza party, the children receiving bikes had a short educational program in bicycle safety and signed an oath stating their intention to ride safely and take care of their new bike.
The Club was able to give a financial gift to several local institutions which allows us the use of their property for club rides and national health related charity rides.

Social - Many social activities were organized including the kickoff, Shakespeare in the Park Ride, The Winery Ride, 4th of July Ride and Labor Day picnic.

Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Littrell
President