

Minutes, September 8, 2003
John McGinn, Vice Cow, opened the September 2003 meeting at 7:30 PM. Approximately 75 members and guests attended the meeting. John presented a picture slide show of the "Far Out West" Ride and gave some details on the trip. Larry Hiscox gave us some other highlights of the trip and presented John with the coveted "Fearless Leader" buffalo award for his great courage and sense of adventure. Larry stated all-in-all it was a unique experience and a great time.
Chris Franklin was at the meeting and thanked us for our faithfulness over the last few years. He recounted that they have feed 142,000 meals in the B&F kitchen since last year. If you want to help at a meal show up at 4PM any evening. Chris said if you want a chance to change someone's life come visit B&F anytime. In the upcoming winter months they will need warm clothing, blankets, and especially twin size bedding. John suggested we dedicate a MooCow meeting to bring in items (toiletries, towels, sheets, etc) that will be needed by B&F.
This Friday through Sunday, September 12-14, will be the Gatlinburg, Tennessee ride. Mark Trail will lead the group starting at 8AM, from Chick-fil-A Fayetteville, riding to the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg. The group will ride through North Carolina back roads and return by another great route on Sunday.
There are several opportunities to ride in the coming months:
Camp Sunshine Ride 2003: This ride honors Stephanie Phillips and will benefit Camp Sunshine, a special camp for children with cancer. The ride leaves Church in the Now, Conyers, Georgia on Saturday, October 11, 2003. Cost is $25.00 per bike ($10.00 per passenger) and includes t-shirt, free lunch, 50/50 drawings, and great prizes. You can pre-register at www.mccharities.com (click on Camp Sunshine Ride). Call 770-943-0309 for more information or help in the organization.
The Ride for Babies (March of Dimes) is also in October, scheduled to begin October 4, 2003.
Mark reminded us to not forget Bike Octoberfest which will be the week of October 16-20, 2003. Start planning now to take some time and spend it with the group down in Daytona, Florida.
Nolan reminded us that the October MooCow meeting would take place at Truett Cathy's home in Hampton, Georgia. Acres Away is the name of the farm (off highway 19/41, McDonough Road, and Turner Road). Everyone should plan to attend this great event. More details will follow in an email message.
John went over several parade or ride opportunities, the group has made no commitments yet, and John will provide more information at a later date:
- Noah's Ark Charity Bike Ride, October 11, 2003.
- Old Campbell County Parade, October 4, 2003.
- Griffin Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade, December 7, 2003.
If you have any suggested ride "ideas" provide the information to one of the officers or the Vice Cow at jcmcginn01@aol.com. Mark Trail remains our chief Ride Captain and primary organizer for rides. Give any info to Mark at mtrail@dch.state.ga.us.
Next meeting dates for Calendar Year 2003 are October 13, November 10, and December 8.
The minutes for July 2003 are posted on the website at http://www.moocowbikers.org. There are no minutes for August 2003.
a. Membership: John Pekarskae gave us a recap of recent membership count, which totals about 245 members.
b. Budget/Funds: The August's budget report from John Pekarskae's included a $682.00 donation to B&F.
No old agenda items were covered.
John asked that we all prayerfully consider serving the next year as a club officer or volunteer to assist on a ride or function. Elections for new officers will be held in December. John will take nominations by email at jcmcginn01@aol.com.
Ride Captains are reminded they are responsible for a safety brief before each scheduled group ride. Everyone should check out the website for safety information on riding in groups, hand signals, etc. http://www.moocowbikers.org/handsignals.htm
John McGinn closed by reminding us of the great words of Psalmist…how majestic is the world around us, and how great are God's creations. Take time everyday to be thankful for what you have and look everyday for a blessing.
_____________/signed/_________________
Dan Cathy, President