President McCord called the meeting to order.  Two new members were introduced and welcomed.  Our guest speaker, Kathleen Seal  is a graduate student from SFA doing her thesis on Bicycling facilities in East Texas. Kathleen is asking  Longview Bicycle Club’s  assistance in a survey to research the needs and preferences of bicyclists in East Texas.  The study includes Angelina, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Shelby and San Augustine Counties.  She distributed a short survey that you can fill out and send back in the self addressed envelope provided.  Once all the information is compiled, Kathleen will be glad to come back and report the results of this survey.    She hopes to receive 200 responses and will be distributing these surveys to upcoming paid tours like Fire Ant and Purgatory.  Sharon McCord will have extra copies and copies will be available at the Bike Shop, at bike rides and you can email Sharon to request one.

Kathleen noted that bicycling routes were more prevalent in her visit overseas than what is offered in the United States.  She hopes that from this research results, communication to representatives at Tx Dot, Texas Bicycle Coalition can result in a more friendly user environment for bicyclists.

The election of new officers for 2008 was discussed with possible candidates for the positions.  There was a consensus of the members present on the future of the Longview Bicycling Club needs the involvement of all members of the Club.  Mike Ford and Lee McCord volunteered to seek out possible office candidates.

Treasurer reported balance of $3,339.04.  Anticipated expenses for the coming year were noted as website, insurance, trailer license, drinks for Monday night rides and time trial trophies which still left a sizeable balance.   As noted in last month’s minutes, members present suggested possible options for the distribution of the funds in the treasury --paying for a paid ride for club members, throwing a Big Christmas Party, Raffle, reducing the membership dues to $10/per year family membership or a Gift Card to Bike & Fitness.  It was the consensus of those present to distribute a Gift Card to each member at the next LBC Meeting on October 9^th.   Lee McCord will send out an email to members notifying them of this appreciation gift.