Year in Review

GROUNDHOG DAY

Up until two months ago, I must have been the only person in the Western World who had not seen Groundhog Day, with Bill Murray. Not sure why I avoided it but finally saw it and loved it.

But I think I am living it. Every morning, I awake to ride to work and it is 32 degrees. Morning after morning. And here it is now, the middle of April. Yes, I am trapped in Groundhog Day.

But I have come up with the way out of this nightmare (and darned quicker than Bill M. did, I can tell you.) I know what is causing the problem. It is the lack of Year in Review pictures. The Year in Review takes place in January and until we get enough pictures submitted, the weather is going to remain as it was in January.

I know what you're thinking. You say to yourself, "Why should we care if Jim has to ride to work in freezing temperatures?" Well, have you noticed a decided nip in the air on sunny weekend days, days that you were not expecting to wear the cycling equivalent of long johns? So, see, it is affecting you as well.

The solution is simple. Click away with those cameras. For each collective click by our fellow club members, the temperature will rise one degree. That is, up until a certain point, when it is moderate and very comfortable to ride. Then subsequent clicks of the camera button will maintain that temperature.

Mark Twain said that everyone complains about the weather but no one does anything about it. Now you can. Take those pictures and send them into the Year in Review.

~ Jim Nicholson

Additional Comments from the Groundhog

Yes, I know my day was in February - but it still seems like winter, so don't mess with me or I'll keep you bundled up all year. Unless, of course, you start sending in those pictures.

You can send them via the web by going to the BTCNJ YIR page and uploading them directly to my fellow groundhogs, who are eagerly awaiting them. If you have actual photographs, mail them to my assistant groundhog, Jim Nicholson, at 64 Peach Hill Court, Ramsey, NJ 07446. Or bring them to a monthly meeting and look for one of the various groundhog elves, to whom you can give them.

Groundhog Charles Cino adds that the 2008 Year in Review is now available on DVD. Groundhog Guarantee that it works perfectly and can be yours for the low, low price of $6 (check payable BTCN, with the notation "2008 YIR"), by mailing the check, along with your return address, to Charles Cino, 9 Somerset Drive, Apt. 11F, Suffern, NY 10901-6934. You can expect delivery before next Groundhog Day, or in a week to 10 days, whichever is quicker.

~ Punxsutawney Phil ( accept no substitutes)