Valley VeloRiders update

Hi all,

Though I have not had much more to tell everyone about the new cycling group, that doesn't mean that things have been standing still. I have been fairly busy behind the scenes and felt it was time to provide everyone with an update of what has been accomplished so far. As of today I have nearly finished a number of things and though they are not complete, things are well on their way. Without further delay, here is a list of what has been accomplished up to this point:

1. A Facebook Group (Valley Velo-Riders) has been created and some basic content has been added. As an aside I have asked the Facebook support staff to rename this group to Valley VeloRiders to be in line with the domain name. Hyphens aren't normally recommended for domain names which I registered after creating the group.
2. A Gmail account has been created with an email address of ValleyVeloRiders@gmail.com. Gmail was chosen because it can provide us with some useful tools. Future email updates will come from this email address which will make it easier for you to create an inbox filter and provide some separation from my TWU staff email address. It will also provide continuity when I am not available or heaven forbid unable to continue to participate. It provides us with tools such as a Photo Gallery, a public Calendar for scheduling rides and access to a Blogger account which brings me to item...
3. A blog has been created for those without Facebook accounts. Essentially any information posted to the Facebook Group will be mirrored on the blog at least as much as is possible. It has also been set up with some basic content.
4. I have also registered a domain name which is 'valleyveloriders.org' which can provide us with future possibilities. Currently the domain name points to the blog to make it easier for people to remember and access. The blog address is http://www.valleyveloriders.org or http://valleyveloriders.org.
5. A bikely.com account has been created for mapping bike rides.
6. A 'My Cycling Log' group has been created for those who have this type of account for logging their cycling. I highly recommend this web site as a way to track your cycling and/or exercise for those interested. I will provide more details about this option later.

It may seem like there is a lot here but once everything is set up I will provide clear instructions on what is available and how to make use of these options for those interested. Each one of the items is completely optional with only the blog and the Facebook group being the important ones as this is where the actual ride plans and events will be posted and the calendar will have the schedule listed. I would recommend though that you add the address 'valleyveloriders@gmail.com' and 'valleyveloriders.org' be added to your 'Safe Senders' junk mail filters. This will allow you to make use of calendar event reminders and/or subscribe options available.

One of the next steps prior to organizing our first ride will be to schedule a meeting to discuss the group, its future as well as to seek out anyone willing to assist with the ride planning and communication through the Facebook Group and blog. This information is also posted on the blog and the Facebook Group.

Please feel free check out the Facebook group and the blog and provide any feedback or suggestions.