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More than once I've felt the urge to share riding tips, product recommendations and funny stories. Some other times I just had a question about training, or about cycling products. And I never did it because I didn't want to clog your e-mail inbox with my nonsense. UC Vélo Café is the place to do those things. Tell us about the time you saw an eagle while riding the path, share those tips about protecting your knees and unbrained Belgian riders, have a conversation about the right tire pressure for cross bikes (you can have a "conversation" using the "comments" feature of any blog post), and go on a rant against Critical Mass. I've posted a couple of things to get started.

If you wanna keep using the e-mail list for one of those things, or to announce a sale or product giveaway, or to make time-sensitive announcements, by all means, do so. Just remember that some messages could be posted on UC Vélo Café instead. Apart from not annoying people with your e-mail conversations, the blog is useful because all the postings are stored, so in the future you'll be able to retrieve that recommendation you read months ago about an indestructible pair of tires.



Those who join can post to the blog. The rest of the world can post comments and read the blog, but not post new entries. All UCVC members are welcome and encouraged to join the blog. All you need is a Google account (sorry, Google's "Blogger" is hosting the blog, and they have their conditions...). People can join UC Vélo Café only after receiving an invitation from the administrator. UCVC members will receive one in short.

For former members of the club (the Megans, Todds, David Morrisseys, Kents, Craigs,...): I know you keep "watching" us through the e-mail list. You're living legends around here and we'd love to have you visiting and contributing to UC Vélo Café. If you wanna join, send me an e-mail and I'll have Blogger send you an invitation.

Just a couple of words of caution. First, beware that the entire world can read what you write. So please be civilized: criticizing is fine, but please no insults, back-stabbing, gross stuff, etc. As a rule of thumb: don't post anything that you wouldn't dare saying in person or showing in public (please no pictures of saddle sores, especially yours). Second, write about cycling, bicycles, riding, bike racing, bike commuting, your last triathlon, etc. In short: cycling-related stuff. We don't wanna hear about your evil thesis adviser, or your claim that American beer is better than the Belgian stuff --we all have problems. The administrator won't watch the blog closely. It might decide to edit or delete posts or comments if things get out of hand, but only after careful consideration.

May UC Vélo Café never see the finish line.