Friday afternoons are probably the worst time to make a Shout Out, but I wanted to showcase a few names nonetheless! I wanted to commend and congratulate our first 10 registered riders for the NEC Tour de Cure!
Bob Simmons was the FIRST rider to return to the NEC Family! To keep with tradition, he’ll get a pair of Tour Cycling Shorts!
Merle A. was only a day later! Last year’s early bird, Kevin, jumped on the bandwagon shortly after. Ron M., Kris G., Susan M., Mary P., Nancy M., John P. are amongst the brave that will be conquering the NEC Tour challenge with ease! For the new names, welcome to the Family. For the familiar names, you’ve been missed and we are glad you’re back for 2010. We’ll have lots of news and updates for everyone on a rolling basis (pun intended). Please check out http://main.diabetes.org/nectourdecure for more info! We are sizzling with all the hard work our Marketing Team has done thus far – we’re already on various shops, cycling club calendars, sites, etc. Tim, Steve, Todd, Jim, Jerry, and several veterans have really set their sights high in regards to our web-presence in the public. Many thanks to them all! If you know of bike shops, clubs, or sites the NEC could be showcased, let us know!

Thinking of July is already getting me excited and keeping me warm. I’m trying to impose the “No Heat Til Turkey Meat” motto (we’ll see how the gf enjoys that one).
Let’s keep fanning the fire!
“Warm” regards,
~Ryan; Your-Friendly-Neighborhood-ADA-Guy!

Hiya Gang,
The newly formed “Marketing team” had our first conference call tonight (Sunday) we are faced with this: Trying to grow the number of riders that join our happy clan, grow the seven day ride, and also possibly add the five day ride. We have several hurdles, and also situations where you, the veteran rider can help… We can spend thousands of dollars on advertising that HOPEFULLY someone interested might read. Or, Talk to our veteran riders. Maybe you can ask your cycling club to put the NEC schedule, and site on your clubs “Calendar of events” page (Schedule coming soon right here at http://www.newenglandclassic.org) Maybe you can ask your local bike shop, gym, corner store, etc. to put NEC brochures in their shop- If they don’t have a “Brochure section” We’ll send the stands too.
Bottom line: We need to increase ridership, and make sure that we’re raising enough funds for the ADA- Which is the cause we ride for…
Not to mention that you’ll NEVER find this level of support on any other ride.
Help us with your ideas.
Help us within your club.
Help us at your local bike shop, etc.
Help us by bringing your friends.

Thanks gang!
GearMan

P.S. I’ll be compiling a list of people that are willing to receive brochures for placement in your local shops. If you, and your local shop, store, etc. are willing to take part, Please email me directly at switley@yahoo.com.

Thanks!
Gearman

Hiya Gang,
I’ve just learned of some sad news- One of the NEC volunteers, Jim Silva, has just passed away. I’m not sure of the circumstances, as I just received an email with the arrangements moments ago…
Even if you didn’t know him by name, you knew him by face… A guy that was always chatty, friendly, and positive- Clean shaven, a hairline similar to mine, shorter in stature, and larger in girth- but that was only because he needed a place to keep the huge heart he had.

http://www.n1hts.org/pictures/nec-2008/slides/08-d4-p11.html
I’m presently sharing everything I know, and will attempt to update ASAP, based on receipt of more information.
Steve

Blake Funeral Home
_____

James T. Silva James T. Silva
(August 28, 1953 – October 9, 2009)

LOWELL- James T. Silva, 56, a lifelong resident of Lowell died on October 9, 2009 at Lowell General Hospital. James was born on August 28, 1953 the son of Betty L. Silva who survives him and resides in Chelmsford. James was a
member of the Lowell First Church of the Nazarene. After his retirement he received an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He was an active member of the Red Cross and on the disaster recovery team. He was also a liaison for the Mass Bay Council.
He enjoyed cooking, was a member of the ham radio club and a history buff who enjoyed reading about the Civil War. In addition to his mother, James is survived by his wife Bonnie M. (Smith), his second mother Eleanor Wheeler of Chelmsford, mother-in-law Theora B. Smith of Nashua, sister-in-law Shirley Jean Smith of Nashua, brother-in-law John M. Smith of Pepperell and many
cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Buddy.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 5 to 8pm at the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 10 o’clock at the Lowell First Church of the Nazarene, 1195 Varnum Ave., Lowell. Interment in Lowell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in James’ name may be made to the Mary Martha Society through
Lowell First Church of the Nazarene, 1195 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854.

UPDATE: I’ve just learned that he had breakfast with friends on Thursday, and am therefore assuming it was something sudden.

UPDATE: Sunday 10/11 There is an online guest book at the funeral home site here:

http://www.blakefuneralhome.com/index.cfm

I’m hoping Ryan will be able to provide his home address for those that wish to send cards.

UPDATE: Monday 11/2 I learned over the weekend that Jim passed away at home, with his daughter there, of a heart attack. Prompt medical attention was unable to revive him. He was a valued member of our volunteer team, and the NEC family as a whole. His absence will be felt by all, and be remembered by the “Raising of a glass” in his honor on following NEC tours.
Steve

Greetings and salutations all you infamous NEC riders,

It’s been a while since many of you have heard from the likes of me, but I plan to rectify that!
I’ve been traveling all over Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts in order to meet as many riders as possible. Not only do I enjoy your company, but I also value your ideas and opinions. That is why I’m currently writing this note to all and asking you to weigh in.

We are looking to alter the structure of the New England Classic from it’s original 2 and 7 day ride options to something different. Most likely the 2 day ride will remain, but the 7 day ride will take on a new format. We need to increase our ridership and fund-raising overall for the New England Classic.
This is where you all come in. We’re looking to grow the NEC while still running a fiscally responsible and quality ride.

Post your thoughts, here, about some of the options that are already being looked into and add your own:
• 2 Day & 5 Day Ride Option: The usual NEC 150 route, Day 3 to Attitash, and return to Woburn over the course of 2 days
• 2 Day & 5 Day Ride Option: The usual NEC 150 route, different Day 3, 4, and 5 all together
• What about a 3 day Fall Foliage ride Columbus Day Weekend starting in NH, along Rt 1 to Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park?
• Reverse part of our prior route (Woburn, Franklin Peirce, to Montpelier?)
• Boston to New York?
• Which New England states would you like to ride through within 5 days? 4 days?

We have a unique opportunity to experience something new, fun, and all for a good cause!
In order to create such an amazing ride, we’ll need your thoughts, ideas, and input. Know of a great location/route/or scenic spot you’d like to share with others? Post your route suggestions, preference of number of days/length, etc – add onto this thread!

I’m really excited to see what 2010 has in store for us and how we can continue to make such a big difference in the lives of so many loved ones fighting diabetes!

Warm Regards,
~Ryan, Your-Friendly-Neighborhood-ADA-Guy

Ryan Williams
New England Classic Tour de Cure Associate Manager
rwilliams@diabetes.org
888.342.2383 ext 3456
80 Elm Street
Portland, ME 04101

If you or your donors are contacted by the someone claiming to be the ADA on behalf of their ADA “Friends and Family” program and you have previously asked not to be contacted, I urge you to contact Chris Boynton, executive director of the Boston ADA at cboynton@diabetes.org and let your opinion about this be known.