Our first no-drop ride was such a success we are doing it again: this Sunday, June 4 starting at 2 p.m. from the parking lot behind the fire hall on Long Avenue in Hamburg, traveling some of the southtowns loveliest roads, and offering routes for a wide range of riders. In the NFBC, we ride "at an athletic pace," but that's different for everyone on two wheels.

The no-drop ride is designed specially for newer riders and riders who are new to the club. It's a good way for everyone to get acquainted and have a friendly group ride. We will have club members leading each of three rides -- 37, 28, and 17 miles -- and others serving as "sweepers," making sure no one gets left behind. Try to arrive at the ride start 30 minutes before we roll so you can get signed in, get your bike set up, and get our groups organized.

The ride is scheduled for 2 p.m. so that we might get together for dinner afterward at one of the nearby restaurants in Hamburg -- Butera's Craft Beer and Pizza, The Coyote Cafe for Mexican, The Grange Community Kitchen and others. Bring a change of clothes unless you really like to eat in your bike gear.

We are still looking for a few more volunteers to help lead the ride, leading or sweeping. If you are willing to help, please get in touch with me at president@nfbc.com or reach out to Alisa Mertens, who is organizing the no-drop rides.

Starting Saturday, May 20, all weekend rides will start at 9 a.m. as we shift from avoiding chilly mornings to getting our rides done before the afternoon heat. Weekend ride starts will revert to 10 a.m. beginning with the infamous "Boston Baked Buns" ride on September 16.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the party at Flying Bison Brewing Company on Saturday afternoon. It seemed like people had a good time, at least those who refused to go home. We distributed about three quarters of the apparel members ordered and we sold nearly half the socks.

Those of you who had purchased gear but weren't able to come: we have handed off your packages to active members of the club who know you, know the rides you frequent, or just live somewhere in your vicinity. Those folks will be in touch with you soon if they haven't reached out already to arrange a hand-off. We will get your stuff to you.

I have heard from one person who needs to make a return. There are instructions on the Jakroo website for how to process an exchange. If you used their fitting service they will make you a new item in the size you need free of charge, although you will have to pay the postage. If you have other problems, let us know. We will try to help.

We will continue to sell the socks until they are all gone. Six dollars a pair is just slightly above cost and they are beautiful socks. You will be the envy of your fellow riders. If not, you will be embarrassed when your socks don't match your jersey. S/M fits men's sizes 5-9 or women's 6-10. LG/XL fits men's 9-13 and women's 10-14. Various club officers, ride leaders, and super volunteers will keep a stash in their cars. Just ask.

For those who sincerely regret passing on the new kit, the Jakroo team store will remain open for one-off purchases. The only catch is that the incredible discounts we enjoyed will not apply.

Thanks to Jen Adolf, Greg Kordas, Jim Turner, Karen Alongi, Jason Deckert, Mike Viggato, and Brenda Fischer for staffing the distribution tables. And special thanks to Joan Charleson who turned three big boxes of mixed stuff into eight boxes of sorted and alphabetized individual orders. Phew.

Let your President know if you thought Flying Bison was a good venue for a club event. We were welcome just for the price of food and drink. That is, no charge to the club.