Sunday, January 22nd, Leal's Mexican Restaurant opened their doors and welcomed the Old Tascosa Cycling Club for their 2006 annual banquet and officer elections.

Guests in attendance included Amarillo Mayor Debra McCartt, Traffic Engineer Taylor Withrow, Director of Parks and Recreation Larry Offerdahl, Texas Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Robin Stallings, BikeTexas Safe Routes to School Program Manager Chris Davis, Amarillo Local Outreach Coordinators Fernando Martinez and Joyce Cunningham, Excecutive Director of the Girl Scouts - Five Star Council Maria DeBrango Stickel, Amarillo Globe News reporter Joe Chapman, KVII Channel 7 Harvey Mireles, and bicycle shop owners Gene Hill, Randy Regier, and Trip Whittenburg among many others.

An estimated 120 enthusiasts cheered when Mayor McCartt turned in her application to join the club. The meeting included the club's election of officers for 2006, by-law updates, a recap of 2005 accomplishments and projected obstacles to tackle in 2006. Guest speaker Robin Stallings was well received when he gave insight on "Mobilizing the Cycling Community". Also, the Golden Spoke Award recipients were acknowledged for their dedication.

Membership packets this year included a short overview of the Cycling Club, the oldtascosacycling.com website, and the Texas Bicycle Coalition. The packet also included numerous discount coupons from local Amarillo establishments. Evening door prizes including a pound of Starbuck's coffee, several memberships paid for by Zak Weis, D.P.M., and a $100 certificate from the Amarillo Town Club were a big hit.  

The Old Tascosa Cycling Club Mission Statement is "The purpose of the club should be to promote bicycling in all its forms in the Amarillo area". With community support, confidence is high they will achieve their goals. Please refer to the club's website for more information.

Texas Bicycle Coalition wishes to recognize and thank Victor and Leal's Restaurant staff for catering to, feeding and providing refreshments at the meeting. Thank You!