MATES Space

http://picasaweb.google.com/markscook/MATES08

Hello Friends,

Cheryl and I, along with the remainder of the DOGS on our event committees, want to thank you for all of your kind words today and throughout the MATES 2008 weekend.  Many of you made a special effort to find a serene moment  to express your gratitude for the work that we did in preparation for and execution of the event.  The weather, although a little hot on Saturday, genuinely cooperated to make it all feasible.  However, what really made the weekend a success was you - the wonderful tandem teams who gather to share stories and toil along the asphalt together with smiles on your faces.  We are grateful for the time that we got to spend with you.  I sincerely hope that all of you encountered the opportunity to meet somebody new during the course of the weekend.

Above is a link to my Picasa Album web site where I was able to upload all of the photos that you submitted.  David Kristol aptly uploaded, stored and arranged on my computer so that we can share them with you.  Go to the web site and click on the "SLIDESHOW" button.  The slide show timing is adjustable if you wish to make it go through the frames at a slower rate.  Hover your mouse along the bottom of the page and adjust the number of seconds to that which appeals to you.  Anyone who has other photos to share, let us know where you store them online.

Well, I'm off to sleep for the next 24 hours.  Have to rest up for DOGS Equinox weekend, DOGS Camp & Ride on July 4th weekend and then ETR soon after that.  We hope to meet up with you again very soon.  At the very least, we intend to travel to Carlisle, PA for MaTES 2009.  I thank you all, again, for working with me throughout the year to make this a wonderful weekend.  Take care and stay healthy.

 

mark & cheryl

 

 

6/10/08   Greetings to my favorite "mates",

 How many of you have been out training in this 95+ degree weather in preparation for your MATES 2008 weekend?  I am just shy of 2000 miles for the year as of tonight - nearly 800 behind the same date last year!  I think MATES and going back to work is responsible!!!!!!  Cheryl and I will be moving along at a moderate pace this weekend.  We hope to ride a few moments with each of you.

 We have two automobiles packed with gear and supplies.  Our trip will begin on Thursday morning.  Decided to get there a day early in order to take advantage of the opportunity to do set up/packet packing at the hotel.  Those of you who also plan on arriving on Thursday, please make an effort to find us to pick up your packet of materials.

 Now for important reminders:::::   The event is slated to care for nearly 100 people - with 50 teams participating.  Our original plans were to entice approx. 40 teams to come ride with us here in beautiful  New Jersey.  May I remind you that the conference rooms will not be available for bike storage.  I ask you to please store your bikes in your rooms or in your vehicles.  You  may also place your bikes in the hallways where they are more than likely going to be safe.  I have arranged for the use of both conference rooms, however, with drinks, snacks, and Saturday night entertainment, there will not bu  sufficient room to store bikes as well.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Also, by this point, I hope that you've had an opportunity to download the booklet and ride files.  Review them once again and print out the parts you will need to get you through the weekend.  I urge you to STRONGLY consider taking on the MAIN, long ride to lunch on Friday in order to experience the full compliment of beautiful terrain that New Jersey has to offer.  Friday and Sunday rides as well as the medium Saturday ride are primarily in the "Valley" and therefore devoid of any significant change in elevation.  The MAIN Saturday ride contains some climbs and exhilarating descents.  I've packed up my printer for use at the hotel in case any on you have difficulty printing out the ride sheets at home.

 Cheryl and I will be monitoring our email and we also will carry the cell phone at all times in case you have a question or two.  We hope to see the vast majority of you for the Friday Vineyard Tour (I'll have earned my glass of wine by then!!!!).  Come find me in the conference room before we ride for your packets.  Most of us will all meet by 7PM for ice cream and packet pickup in the conference room just down the hall from the front desk.  Those of you who cannot make it to the social can meet up with Cheryl and me in the morning before we ride.

 Let's ALL put forth the effort to make friends with, at least, one new couple this weekend.  Safe driving to you all.  See you soon.

MAY 23RD - KCSF

 

Beautiful sunshine outside the window of our hotel this morning in Deleware.  Cheryl and I making our way down to the Kent County Spring Fling this morning for a wonderful, 4-day event in Chestertown, Maryland.  I know that some of your will be there.  If so, make an effort to find us and say hello.

 

On the MATES front, I've confirmed with my DUKE farm representative all the details associated with the Sunday "ride and tour".  Most of you have responded with confirmation that you will be able to attend.  I'll have a release form specific for Duke Farms Security for all couples to sign.

 

Well, out for some riding.  See you soon.

-msc-

Revised Ride Sheets - May 17, 2008

 

OK, everyone, as of today Cheryl and I combed over the ride sheets one last time.  They are confirmed accurate so that you can ride confidently with complete confidence that you will be following the right path.  Please download the file below, review and print out the ride sheets that you intend to use during the course of the weekend.  There are two files - one in Excel format and one in PDF format.

-msc-

May 14, 2008

 

Cheryl and I are combing through all the necessary details associated with the upcoming MATES event.  As of today, final confirmed ride sheets are available for download and printing.  Please review the ride descriptions in the booklet file.  Then download the ride file, print out the pages of rides that may interest you during the course of the weekend.  Then try to remember to bring them with you.  If you have any difficulty with downloading the file or printing it, contact me and we'll see if we can help you.  As a fail safe, I'll have some copies with me at the event.  I'll also have a computer and printer for any last minute printing needs.   -msc-

MAY 6TH - FRIDAY AND SUNDAY RIDES

 

Event details are all beginning to fall into place.  Ride sheets are complete and are in their final form.  With all rides tested, I am confident that attendees will find them complete and accurate.  Download them below for review.  There are multiple options for rides on each day.  Please be advised that in the interest of saving paper, you will NOT be receiving ride sheets in your personal packet.

 

Soon, everyone will receive an email requesting a commitment to the Friday Vinyard ride at 1PM and, more importantly, the Sunday ride to Duke Farms for the tour of the estate.  Friday's ride will stop at two wineries.  The wine at Amwell and Unionvill vinyards is superb, many of which are affordable.  I've negotiated with one place to reduce the wine tasting fee in half and have yet to hear from the second.  I'll be back with details soon.  I WILL, however, need to know how many couples plan to do some sampling so that the vinyards can upgrade their staff appropriately.

 

Sunday's Duke Farm ride will be the cherry on top of the "sundae".  I hope that every couple plans to attend.  Again, I will need to know in advance who is going to ride with us that morning.  Look for the email and reply to let me know your attentions for both days.

 

mark

 

April 28th

 

Spent a lot of time working on rides the past couple of weeks.  You can check out the latest version of the file by downloading it from the link below on this page.  We still have room for some more couples.  If you wish to attend, send me a note or call.  Get ready for a fun filled weekend!

 

-msc-

April 14th - Socks Ordered.  As of today - all socks are ordered.  In order to get the order back to us in time for the event, we were required to get in our order promptly.  Artwork is approved and check is in the mail.  From this point forward, teams may continue to register to attend but they will not be receiving socks.   The Hampton Inn will continue to offer rooms at the reduced rate as long as they remain available.  From April 1st forward the unregistered rooms were released to the public.

 

mark