passing the torch...

Well, folks, this is a letter I hoped I'd never have to write, but, especially so soon, and at such a critical time in the growth of b2p... but I've had to make some very difficult decisions.

I've got to step down as (what Edna calls) the "Big Boss" of b2p.

This is for a large number of ultimately pretty personal reasons, but suffice to say that I have a lot of responsibilities and I'm at the point that something has to give. Unfortunately, that "something" has to be my active involvement in boston2portland.

I'm confident that this will be the beginning of the next phase of boston2portland's growth. The organization is on the verge of acquiring non-profit corporation status, the ridership is blossoming, we've worked out many rough spots and I hope we've built a machine with a life of it's own.

This means we need someone who can take over.

This involves providing communication and organization for the various teams working the ride, assigning and delegating tasks and jobs to keep the ride running smoothly, both in the months leading up to it, during the ride, and following up. It means continuing the relationship with the FND and developing Corporate sponsorship and underwriting.

To jump in immediately, you'll need to have (or be able to delegate to someone who does):

A good basic understanding of Excel and Word.

A good basic understanding of website design, using simple HTML and forms.

Experience with, or willingness to learn quickly, the 501(c)(3) process and an understanding of Non-Profit Corporate structure.

Experience with, or willingness to learn quickly, email "marketing", (specifically, Constant Contact).

I've tried very hard to "package" b2p in such a way that it could be scaled out easily to adapt to it's inevitable growth, and I think I've accomplished that pretty well. Taking this organization to the next level is certainly a project not to be taken lightly, but one that is certainly set up to be as efficient as possible. It is by no means a full-time job, but it is certainly a job.

I will do whatever I can to help make this transition as smooth as possible, and hopefully I will have time to work in some kind of advisory role.

I do not know for sure what this means for this year's ride, and my hopes are that it will roll right along with someone in my place. I promise that, within a short period of time, I will contact everyone with that information, once plans are finalized.

What this means to riders and sponsors:

Please hold off on collecting donations, at least for a few weeks.

The donations that have been collected and turned in, either on-line, or checks, are being held and not processed, pending final plans.

Your registration fees are also being held, and not processed.

Please be assured that we will handle this transition responsibly, and in the interests of all the people who have worked so hard for this ride. We will not leave you in "limbo", and will let you know as soon as we have a course of action in place.

I want to also take this moment to thank everyone who has made this ride, this crazy thought I had pedaling to work at Carson's Beach in South Boston back in 2005, such an astounding success.

Please don't hesitate to contact me for any information, to discuss your interests in helping drive b2p to the next level, or to voice your concerns. You can contact me at ted@boston2portland.com

-Ted