Tuesday night ride CANCELED!

Well, the rain started earlier than the weather man said, so we're going to cancel tonight's night ride at JH. Better luck next week - hopefully no snow!

So Thankful ...

It seems somehow appropriate that this week is the we are sending out a message of thanks to all of you because ...

WOW!

You all were amazing! Our Party 4 Marty was a total and complete success!  In our wildest dreams, we couldn't have imagined a more perfect evening. 

The donations we received were unbelievable - truly something for everyone! So many of you donated, asked your employers to donate, got your friends or neighbors to donate ... you were all incredible. Thank you for spreading the word - it would have been impossible to have this evening without you, and we are so grateful! 

To everyone who came out to the auction - was that a good time or what??!!! Everyone really got in the spirit of it - throwing down over everything from t-shirts to chainsaws and Victoria's Secrets gift baskets! The food was great, the drinks were flowing, and there were tons of yummy desserts to fuel the bidding! From the kids who won Beanie Babies, to the bidding wars over Pete's Pickles and the Jungle Habitat sign, it was a great night, and we're so thrilled it was such a success! Thank you so much your unbelievable generosity - it truly left us speechless. 

We also received donations online and in the mail from so many of you who couldn't attend - so many of you who read Marty's story and were moved to help. We really were so humbled at the number of you who made the effort to reach out and help, and we thank you for it.

 Marty and his buddy Heather

Finally, our volunteers - what do we say about them? They showed up early, they stayed late, they ran, they hauled, they set up and cleaned up - they were, in a word, fantastic! Special thanks to Heather - who was the spark for this whole event and really got the ball rolling, to Paula - who was an organizing goddess and packaged and labeled for weeks ahead of time, to our awesome Master of Ceremonies Tom, who really got everyone to dig deep and give, and to the Team Town Cycle executive board (as well as all of our members) who donated money, time and resources to make this event happen. And to all of the event volunteers - the check-out staff, the runners, the food organizers, the parking staff, the registration girls, the bartenders - we know we're forgetting someone, but trust us - we appreciate each and every one of you! 

Aside from our own thanks, Michael Hoek, our favorite sponsor and friend, passes along his gratitude to all of you for helping out a friend in need. Pete and Kelly’s families also told us more than once how grateful they were for helping out their favorite little boy, Marty, and of course, Pete and Kelly were overwhelmed by all of your generosity.

So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we say to all of you - thanks for giving. It goes to show that when people band together, wonderful things can happen!

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and joyful holiday season -

Team Town Cycle and

Marty’s Fund

Dinners and auctions and rides - oh my!

We have so much to catch up on - and we're working on it, promise! In the meantime - 2 quick reminders.

1. Night ride tonight - 5:45 - 8:00 p.m., Jungle Habitat. Be there!
2. Thanksgiving day pre-turkey ride - rolling out by 9 a.m., Waywayanda State Park, boat launch parking lot, rain or shine! 

We'll catch up with everyone soon - stay tuned!

Last reminder - Party 4 Marty is tomorrow!

First off, for those of you who are not local - we're famous! Much thanks to the West Milford Messenger for running a story about Marty - you can read it here!

Secondly - thanks to all of our volunteers and sponsors. The response we have had ... well, it's been nothing short of overwhelming! We're looking at over 170 donations for our auction - how awesome is that!! We are so excited for tomorrow night, and we hope you are too!

Thirdly, if you or your friends are coming, please let them know that while we can accept credit cards, our preferred method of payment is cash or checks, so we can avoid those pesky credit card fees! Every penny we can keep in Marty's Fund is one more penny that helps him out!

Finally - a last group of hints to whet your appetite!

• Bike parts and upgrades you can buy without feeling guilty - check!
• Had a long day and need a drink? Us too!
• Of course, you'll need some snacks to have with your drink ...
• Maybe you like to unwind by fishing ...
• Or hiking ...
• Or shopping! 

We really do have something for everyone, from homemade pottery to vacations, from snack and skin care baskets to bikes and bracelets. Big budget and small budget items - we've got it all! So grab your wallet or checkbook, and feel good about helping out a family in need while doing something fun! 

Last Minute Announcement - Night Hike!

Yes, we've lost the light in the evenings - but that's no reason we can't get out and have some fun! Sherri and Norm Albrecht are hosting a night hike tonight, so come on out! Meet at Marcella Comm. Center parking lot at 7:00, and we'll drive to the trail from there. It's only a 5 min. ride, but it's all side/dirt roads through the woods. It'll be better to go as a group so we don't lose anyone! Marcella Comm. Center is on Green Pond Rd., ~ 5 miles south of Rt. 23; it’ll be on your right.  If you pass the old golf course, you’ve gone too far!  Here's a map - 

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=marcella+nj&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=&hnear=Marcella,+Morris,+New+Jersey&z=14

Please RSVP to Sherri no later than 5 P.M. so she knows to wait for you! Her email addresses are salbrecht1@verizon.net,  or Sherri_Albrecht@urscorp.com  or phone # 973.727.2660 .

More Party for Marty hints!

We're getting closer - only 2 more days until our Party for Marty! We're putting the finishing touches on all of the great donations and can't wait to show all of you what we have! In the meantime, a few housekeeping items.

1. Although we will have the capability to take credit cards, our preference would be cash or checks, because of the fees associated with credit card use. We want every penny possible to go directly to Marty's Fund, not to some big corporation! We understand that may not be possible for everyone, but we appreciate any help you can give us in this area. 
2. Many of you have asked who to make out check donations to. All checks should be made out to "Team Town Cycle/Marty's Fund". If you are coming to the auction, you can bring checks with you - if not, they can be mailed to P.O. Box 557, West Milford, NJ 07480. 
3. We're going to have some great giveaways and door prizes, so plan your evening now!

Now - for today's auction hints ....

• Football fans - we have got you totally covered! Get an autograph for your favorite fan for the the holidays!
• Spruce up your house for the holidays with a new coat of paint!
• Already stressed about the holidays? We'll help you slow down.
• Looking forward to the spring already? How about a round of golf?
• Kids love bikes!
• Don't forget Fido!

One last set of hints tomorrow - stay tuned!!

Our Party for Marty PayPal "Donate" button is live!

News item of the day - we now have a PayPal donation button available! Check out the left sidebar on our blog at www.teamtowncycle.com for the link!

And now - time for your daily auction hints! 

• Have you backed up your computer lately? We can help!
• Got some New Years resolutions to stay in shape? We've got you covered!
• Did you crash one too many times with that old helmet? Check out what we have!
• Girl Scout cookies, anyone? Oh yea.
• Want to try skiing this winter? We can hook you up!

Definitely something for everyone! So be there or be square - Saturday, November 20th, 7 p.m., High Crest Lake Lodge, West Milford, NJ!

Turkey Day Ride!!!

Yep, it's time for the annual Turkey Day ride! Dust off your mountain bike and meet us at the boat launch parking lot at Waywayanda - let's be wheels down at 9 a.m.  We'll break into groups for those who need to head back a little early! Work off that apple or pumpkin pie with us - what a better day to start the day! 

Questions? info@teamtowncycle.com. 

For those who are traveling this week - safe passage to you all, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Countdown to our Party for Marty!

OK everyone - only 5 days until our Party for Marty! We've been pouring over all of the wonderful donations we've received, and we're gearing up for Saturday. Here's a sneak peak at just a few of our auction items! 

• If you like hockey - we've got something for you!
• Maybe you like football instead? We've got that too!
• Got kids? We've got you covered!
• Need a vacation? We can help!
• Rather stay at home and watch a movie? We can do that!
• Got a sweet tooth? We can fix you up!
• Winter is on the way - we can keep you warm!
• And we have a very, very special door prize - one that will knock your socks off!

We've got something for every budget and all kinds of interests - so bring your wallet, do some holiday shopping, or treat yourself! It all goes to a great cause! The auction opens at 7 p.m. We are working on being able to accept credit cards, so stay tuned for updates! For those who cannot attend, we can accept checks made out to "Team Town Cycle/Marty's Fund", and sent to P.O. Box 557, West Milford, NJ  07480. 

If you planning to attend, we could still use some food donations - finger foods, either appetizers or desserts. We have no oven for heating or re-heating, so please keep that in mind as you plan for your goodies! If you can bring something - please let us know - and accept our thanks in advance!

One last favor - tell everyone you know about Saturday night! Forward this to your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers. Put it on your Facebook page, tweet it, blog about it. Right now, all of you are our foot soldiers, helping us to spread the word about the Party for Marty! Let's shout it from the rooftops and make this night a real success! 

Gratefully yours -

Team Town Cycle

Passaic County Transportation Element Open House Reminder

Just a quick reminder about the open house that is happening at West Milford Town Hall tomorrow night. The open house is from 4-9 p.m., but we'd like to make a show of cyclist being there at 7 p.m. If you have Team Town Cycle gear and can wear it, that would be great. If not, no problem. You don't need to be a Team Town Cycle member to join us - all cyclists are welcome - let's make our voices heard! More info is here -even if you only can stop in for 15 minutes - anything would be great! 

Please pass this on - and thank you!

Attention all Passaic County residents!

Thanks to Jeff Mergler for alerting us to this - 


Passaic County Planning is holding public open house meetings this week to discuss the Transportation Element for the County Master Plan. The Transportation Element will serve as the blueprint for the County’s future transportation system – including roads, transit, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.


They are holding one of the open houses at the West Milford Town Hall from 4 p.m to 9 p.m. this Wednesday, November 17. We'd like to make a show of cyclists during the open house, to show them that we are a real and valuable voice to be heard. We are planning on gathering at 7 p.m., in our Team Town Cycle gear if possible. If you are not available at 7 p.m., but can get there at some point during the evening, please consider stopping in and offering your thoughts on any proposed cycling facilities in the county. 


This is not restricted just to those who live in West Milford, or to Team Town Cycle members - please feel free to pass this message on and to recruit anyone who lives and rides in Passaic County to come out and have their voice heard! 


More info is here , including the dates and times of two other open houses on the subject.  

A Tuesday night DIY ride!

Well, the weather may not cooperate for tomorrow night, but if it does, it'll be a DIY ride! Unfortunately, our two trusty ride leaders have other obligations for tomorrow night, but if you're up for a ride, gather yourselves at 5:45 p.m., be ready to roll by 6, and have a by-committee led ride through Jungle Habitat! 

As always, check those lights before you head out - and have fun! Hopefully we'll have a full contingent next week! As always - any questions - info@teamtowncycle.com. 

Party for Marty, and an update on the little man!

We've had such a great response to our request for donations for our Party for Marty - thank you so much! We're hoping to collect all of the donations by Friday, November 12 - let us know if that won't work for you, and we'll try to make other arrangements! Now we need a little more help - let everyone know about the party! Bring your friends, neighbors, co-workers - we have small items, big items, toy items, sport items, food items - something for everyone! Come do some holiday shopping and help out a great little boy and his family! 

Also, we wanted to let you know that Marty is currently having a tough time. He's in the hospital with pneumonia, and he'll probably be there about 10 days recovering, and, as Pete says, getting a CF tune-up. Marty is at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, 94 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey. Phone (973) 322-5000 or 1(888) SBHS-123. Please keep Marty, Kelly and Pete in your thoughts for the next week or so as Marty gets healthy for the holidays!

 

                   Marty being a good sport about the hospital!

As always, let us know if you have any questions - info@teamtowncycle.com. Thank you again for all your support!

Stuff to do - Week of November 8th!

Lots of fun to be had this week - hope you'll join us!

• Tuesday, November 9th - night ride at Jungle Habitat! Meet us at the gate at 5:45, we'll roll by 6 - as long as the ice and snow stops! Double check your lights before you head out, and come join us for this intermediate pace, no drop ride!
• Not in the mood for a night ride? Go see Race Across the Sky, the movie about the 2010 Leadville 100. A bunch of us went to see it last week - it was excellent! They are having an encore showing on Tuesday, November 9. More info on tickets and venues can be found here. 
• Friday, November 12 - our annual Team Town Cycle dinner! Dinner is free to all 2010 TTC members or those who join that evening. Come join us for a night of good food, drink and fun! Need more info on the dinner? Email us at info@teamtowncycle.com and we'll fill you in!

Cyclocross success!

Just a quick note to say thanks to everyone who came out to our Cyclocross at the Hidden Valley Club yesterday - what a day! The weather was great, the course was challenging, the turnout wonderful. It was great to see so many out there trying out the cyclocross world for the first time , as well as the battles amongst all of the cyclocross veterans! Thanks also to our trusty team of volunteers who also helped us host another fantastic event - you were all wonderful to brave the early hour and cold temperatures to help us out, and we appreciate it so much - we couldn't do it without you!

We'll have results posted here later tonight, and hopefully some photos, so check back in with us then!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: UPDATE :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Race results are available here!
Great photos from James Van Zetta are available here!

Also, we do have a few lost and found items, so if you or someone you know lost something yesterday, drop us a line at info@teamtowncycle.com with a description of the item, and we'll let you know if we found it!

Date reminders for November

Hi Everyone -

A couple of quick reminders - 

• Tomorrow night is the Race Across the Sky film premiere in our area. It covers the 2010 Leadville 100 in all its' glory - all reviews about it are fantastic! Check out the theaters that are showing it here . 
• Saturday, November 6th - we'll be doing course prep and, once we're done, a little pre-riding up at Hidden Valley. Join us from 12-4 p.m. and get a sneak peak at the course for our cyclocross race on Sunday!
• Sunday, November 7th - our 2nd annual cyclocross race at The Hidden Valley Club in Vernon, NJ! Besides being a great race unto itself, we are also the NJ State Cyclocross Championship race for 2010, so it's sure to be a great day! Cyclocross is a blast to watch, so even if you don't want to race, come out and watch! Don't forget the time change - "fall back" one hour on Saturday night!
• Friday, November 12th - our annual Team Town Cycle dinner! It's at the High Crest Lake Lodge in West Milford - food, drink, fun! If you haven't received an invite, and would like to join us, drop us a line and let us know - we'd love to have you!
• For our Campmor H2H racers, don't forget the get your tickets to the H2H Award dinner on November 14th. More info at BikeReg.com - registration closes Sunday night, November7th.
• Finally, our Party for Marty Silent Auction is on November 20th at the High Crest Lake Lodge in West Milford. We've collected some great stuff already, but can still use donation items. For more info, please read this, and tell your friends and family about it. Besides donations, we need people to join us on the 20th and bid on our auction items! Free admission, food and drink, and a way to shop for the holidays and help out a great family - a win/win for everyone!

Lots of great fun over the next few weeks - we hope you can join us! As always, drop us a line at info@teamtowncycle.com with any questions!

Night Ride at Jungle Habitat - Tuesday, November 2

Don't forget, we're still on tomorrow for our Tuesday night mountain bike ride at Jungle Habitat! Meet us at the gate at 5:45 p.m. - we'll be riding by 6 p.m. It's an intermediate paced, no-drop ride, so plug in your lights tonight and break out your cold weather riding gear and join us! 

As always, info@teamtowncycle.com with questions! 

Intro to Cyclocross ride - and a sneak peak at our course for Sunday!

Team Town Cycle will be offering a introduction ride, going over aspects of cyclocross such as: dismounts, barriers, re-mounts, stairs, cornering and most importantly fun! The ride will be this Tuesday, November 2 from 4:30 until dark at the Hidden Valley Club in Vernon, NJ. Go to Breakneck Road, and make the right up Curtis Dive and you will see the fields and pool area at the top of the hill. Park in the lot by the pool. If you don't have a 'cross bike - no worries - bring your mountain bike! 

As most of you know, Team Town Cycle is hosting the NJ State Championship Cyclocross race this Sunday, November 7^th. We will be marking the final course on Saturday, November 6^th, from 12:00 until 4:00. During that time, club members will also provide an introduction to cyclocross…when we are done with the tape and stakes. Help finish the course and then ride it. No better way to have more fun - and get an advanced look at the course! 

Of course this all culminates in our race on Sunday. Fun, food, beer, and friends. Make sure to let us know if you can help, and come out and cheer on your fellow Team Town Cycle racers OR race it. Mountain bikes are allowed…(no bar ends.)

As always, let us know if you have any questions - info@teamtowncycle.com.