NEWS EVENT - FREE BIKATIONS, MEETUP GROUP RIDES, AND NEW SELFIE TOURS

Hi all,
Long time no see.

This is a newsletter event and invitation to the free BIKATION 2025 OHIO.
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Except for the BIKATIONS, I haven't been cycling - at all. The 2023 BIKATION was a short 100-mile, 3-day Ohio bike camping adventure with Ben-again and Pete the poodle. 2024's BIKATION was a bit longer, a 600-mile 30-day bike camping/WarmShowers adventure in Ohio with just Pete the poodle. The upcoming BIKATION in May is a 900-mile 1 month Ohio adventure and you're invited (free). So far, five CycleNuts have signed up to join Pete the poodle and me on this epic Ohio adventure. Learn more here, if interested - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bikation-2025-ohio-tickets-1242409954619
The BIKATIONS are a bit of a departure from the high percentage bikeway tours CycleNuts is known for. Not on purpose, but with the purpose of connecting as many bikeways as possible between destinations over a long-distance tour. Ohio works well with this with its high number of bikeways - ranking first in the USA in dedicated bikeway miles! The 900-mile BIKATION 2025 OHIO this coming May is over 30% bikeway. I am guessing that the percentage will be much lower for the North Coast to South Coast USA BIKATION idea on the drawing board for the coming Fall/Winter season.
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New Selfie Tours are planned for later in the year with a new approach - VanLifing to launch points further into the great American landscape. The idea is to drive in a van with a bike aboard to far-away locations, camp along the way, and test-run new Smart Guided Selfie Tours in interesting areas. Up for grabs, yet, is which way and how far to go! The most popular Selfie Tours are surprisingly within major metro areas. These are the hardest to develop, as well. A lot of research, common sense, and safety concerns come before the vetting and the final tour release. But, I love it! The planning, the vetting, and the sharing of great bikeway opportunities across America.
Prices seem to be going up with everything. Nothing new about that. However, Selfie Tours will buck the trend with several reductions. The people need to ride! And tour! And have fun! My small part in the scheme of things will be to keep cycle touring adventures affordable. Have you seen the list of Selfie Tours, lately? Check it out here: https://cyclenutsusa.weebly.com/selfie-tours.html
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Even though CycleNuts Meetup Groups are in three major markets - Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Philadelphia/Delmarva - with nearly 3,000 members there is hardly any activity or interest in free group riding. It isn't free to maintain Meetups' ever-increasing group fee (presently $46/month) but it is free for all to join, participate, and even organize group rides, if interested. Fran Brown took on the leadership role of reviving interest in CycleNuts Group Rides in 2023/24. Sadly, the membership response was... not responsive to any sustainable degree. She is taking a break from her role with CycleNuts Meetup Groups to focus on cycle touring with her hubby and little ones across the USA.
I congratulate her efforts to organize CycleNuts Group Tours on Meetup and look forward to her future leadership participation. In the meantime, it is up to all of you who are interested in organizing group rides to reach out and volunteer. I may, or may not jump in to organize a couple of group rides in the Cleveland or Cincinnati area. There seems to be a thing happening across America - a lack of interest in social group participation. Just to be sure it wasn't all in my mind, I did a bit of research on that matter and found it to be a real thing - people just are not joining or participating in social groups.
“For American adults, we are spending 30% less time doing face-to-face socializing than we did just 20 years ago. For American teenagers, the decline is … just over 45%, so almost 50%.” https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/02/19/american-socialization-down
More on this (from AI) - According to recent data, social groups are experiencing a decline in 2024, with reports showing a decrease in membership across various organizations, including community groups, religious congregations, and even online social media engagement, potentially attributed to factors like increased isolation following the pandemic, economic pressures, and growing distrust in institutions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Key points about the decline in social groups in 2024: [2, 7]
• Reduced face-to-face interaction: Studies indicate a significant drop in in-person social interactions across different demographics, with young adults showing the most substantial decline. [2, 7]
• Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic is considered a major contributor to social disconnection, with many people still adjusting to post-pandemic social norms. [2, 3, 5]
• Digital fatigue and mistrust: Concerns about privacy and manipulation on social media platforms are leading to decreased engagement and a potential shift towards more private online interactions. [3, 6, 8]
• Economic stress: Rising costs of living may be limiting people's ability to participate in social activities and contribute to community organizations. [4, 9, 10]
• Declining trust in institutions: A growing distrust in institutions like government, healthcare, and media can also discourage people from participating in social groups affiliated with these entities. [1, 3]
Potential consequences of declining social groups: [2, 5]
• Increased loneliness and isolation: With fewer social connections, individuals may experience higher levels of loneliness and mental health concerns. [2, 5]
• Weakened community bonds: A decline in community engagement can lead to decreased civic participation and social cohesion. [3, 5, 9]
• Challenges for non-profit organizations: Reduced membership and volunteer participation can impact the operations and effectiveness of non-profit groups. [1, 5, 9]
Sheesh! I am part of that thing - that declining social interest movement across America. I thought it was just a prolonged mourning over the loss of my beloved Kitty, but now I can see that it is more than that. There is within me a reluctance to get out there to join up with others for anything. Even worse, a pronounced reluctance to participate in any online socializing.
The good news of all of this recognition is that CycleNuts Meetup Groups have not failed to produce positive results because of any fault of Fran's or the other event organizers' efforts. The fault stems from this stifling disengagement sweeping across society. People just don't want to get together to do anything.
I think this will pass - the optimist, always. So, I am going to continue to pump out the cash every month to keep the Meetups rolling. Hopefully, you will take advantage of the Meetup platform to participate in or organize cycling-based events - tours/rides, food get-togethers, ice-breakers, bike clinics, or show-and-tell parties. I am footing the bill because I love the cycling community and all of its many facets.
If you are interested, you can join any or all of CycleNuts Group Tours on Meetup at https://cyclenutsusa.weebly.com/meetup-group-tours.html.
Take advantage - adventure awaits!
Jef
www.CycleNuts.link
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Sources: Generative AI.
[1] https://news.gallup.com/poll/642548/church-attendance-declined-religious-groups.aspx [2] https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/america-decline-hanging-out/677451/ [3] https://www.aamchealthjustice.org/news/polling/trust-trends [4] https://www.wildapricot.com/blog/decline-in-membership [5] https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2024/12/02/the-hidden-cost-of-declining-volunteerism/
[6] https://www.tink.ca/en/insights/2024-year-disengagement-social-media [7] https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/02/19/american-socialization-down [8] https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-deep-dive-social-media-is-still-growing [9] https://www.clevelandfed.org/publications/community-issues-and-insights/2024/ii-20240510-community-issues-and-insights-survey-results [10] https://www.socialjustice.ie/article/continuing-cost-living-pressures-declining-optimism-what-2024-eu-quality-life-survey

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