Tuesday, November 27, 2012

President's Report

A wise man once said "It's great to see the growth of the club, but don't forget the regular members".  O.K. so when I say 'wise' I meant Richard Stokes, and when I say 'once' I meant last Sunday, but you get my drift.

The club has gone from strength to strength in 2012. From a social Sunday ride, the club now has regular rides most days, including the Cheeky ride, and, more recently the women's rides from Scarborough. Thanks to members committing to roles in the club, such as commissaires, we've become a full member of Cycling WA and taken tentative steps into competitive racing.  The friendliness of the club is reflected in a surprisingly vibrant Facebook group, that, in itself, has attracted new members. The new logo, funded by Nghia Hang, combined with an inspired choice of kit, has really brought attention to the club. Thanks to ABC Blinds, we were able to provide an affordable Foundation Member package to kick-start the club.

There is truly a remarkable amount of talents in the club, and people ready to put their hands up. Something I've never seen before in other social clubs I've previously been involved with. It really feels like a field of dreams. Some ideas get put out in the club, and someone has got the skill or the network to deliver the goods.

The hardest part of being President of NBC, is getting the mix right. Our members ride for many different reasons. Some enjoy competitive spirit and pushing themselves to their limits, some ride to enjoy the company, some ride to learn skills, some ride for the coffee. Some like the routine of the regular Sunday rides, some want extra variety.  As the club has grown, it is harder to sense the mood of individual club members.  I welcome direct feedback because I can't read minds!

A key focus for 2013 is our first competitive event, the Yanchep National Park Challenge.  Something we will need everyone to pitch in in some way or another.  I have been blown away by recent support from other clubs and teams for NBC's efforts.  There are truly passionate people who simply love the sport and will support any way they can.

Thanks to the spark that is Rowena Scott and her band of merry women, the club can start to address the under-representation of women, both in the club and the sport locally.

Another important focus for myself is a NBC Youth Development Squad for 2013.  Any interested parents willing to assist in this please step forward.

There are so many people I would like to thank for their valuable contribution, but I fear I will inadvertently miss someone so I'll chicken out.  But thank you if you've ever contributed in the running of a ride, supported a group, stopped for a puncture, provided a car pool, sorted out club orders or accounts,  made a new rider welcome, lent the club your time, tools, skills or advice. The club has truly been formed and shaped by its members.

Now, let's get back to riding.

Chris


Monday, November 26, 2012

Sunday 2 December Ride and AGM

The Individual Time Trial is back.  All riders welcome, experienced or not. Those new to the club or TT format are asked to come at 6.15am for a briefing at the Jindalee Medical Centre meeting point. We will depart for the Start Point (further north at Santorini Roundabout on Marmion to avoid a set of traffic lights) at 6.40am. Experienced riders are welcome to warm up and meet us at the Start Point but be ready at 6.40 so that names and numbers can be recorded BEFORE the first rider is away. Please use STRAVA if you have it as you can't always rely on the Time-Keeper's Technology! Remember at all times that you are riding on open roads and must obey all road rules. Particular attention must be made to giving way at increasingly busy roundabouts.  Riders will be set off at 30 seconds intervals.  Absolutely NO drafting, and at 5 bike lengths choose a different line as you overtake. It is a safe option for the overtaking rider to call 'RIDER BACK' to indicate you are about to overtake, so that the front rider can choose a safe line on the leftmost side of the lane. On the TT course try to stay to the left of the ample 'emergency' lane white line as much as possible.  Cyclists will be stretched out along Marmion so please consider other road users.

The TT route proceeds north to the main Yanchep Roundabout (for simplicity sake EVERYONE ride on the left side of the wide lane so that car drivers don't experience cyclists both inside and outside of lane) and returns SOuth along Marmion before turing left into Santorini for the final straight.

It is a great buzz as everyone arrives at the finish line, so give it a go regardless of how slow you might think you are.  Youth are welcome to participate but must have an escorting adult to their side or behind.

Following the ride we go to Cafe de Carlo where we will sit inside the cafe for a brief AGM and Yanchep National Park Challenge briefing.  Members and non-members are welcome.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Yanchep National Park Challenge

Registrations for the Yanchep National Park Challenge will open mid December, via the Cycling Western Australia website. http://www.wa.cycling.org.au/  Non-members, RIDEADULT members and those with race licences will be able to enter.  There will be onsite catering provided both at the Start/Finish line and at the adjacent Yanchep Inn. Entertainment for families is currently being arranged.   Bikes enter free to the Park.  Consider making a day of it, with shaded parks, walking trails, the lake and koalas.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Great Bike Ride

For those going to the Santos Great Bike Ride, look for our NBC marquee...you can't miss it!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Sunday 18 November Club Ride

In addition to the regular NBC Club ride this Sunday, Kids and Teens are invited to join our 6.15am Friendly paced ride group. We already have youth aged from 10 to 16 joining this ride, so bring your kids along to have a go.  Ride for as little or as long as you like. Chris Howard will ride with the slowest rider, so if you have a little speedster please join them to ensure they ride safely. Please RSVP on our Facebook group.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Sunday 11th November Ride Plus GREAT PERTH RIDE

This Sunday's ride will depart from Jindalee Medical Centre.
6.15am F(riendly) group <25kmh average.
6.20 am D(erek) group @26kmh.
6.30 C group
6.40 B group
6.45 A open
The ride will travel to Yanchep, turn right and enter Yanchep National Park to try out NBC's proposed criterium course.  Rider's can then determine how many more kilometres they wish to ride. If you do not plan to ride to Yanchep National Park, please do not organise an alternative ride, as we need as many people on this ride as possible, as the criterium's success will depend on members feedback and ultimate support and participation.

Also, please remember to register for the Santos Great Bike Ride http://www.greatbikeride.com.au/ If you are entering the 106km event, we also have a team registered "northern beaches cycling (106)" which you can sign up for once registered and paid.

Also look out for weekly informal rides on our Facebook group.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Sunday 4/11/12 Ride

This Sunday's ride will be unique. A group ride of C grade pace will make its way from Jindalee medical centre to Barbagello to support our riders in the Kings of Wanneroo. The ride will depart at 6.15am SHARP. If you want to ride slower, it is suggested to depart at 6.00am.  I welcome suggestions for the ride route.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

The Northern Beaches Cycling Club AGM will be held on the 2/12/12 at Cafe De Carlos immediately following the Sunday Club ride. Nominations are welcome for committee positions: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  Nominations and Agenda items must be received no later than Sunday 25/11/12. These may directed to drchrishoward@hotmail.com. We welcome time to consider and discuss agenda items so that voting at the AGM is well-informed.  The voice of financial members is vital to determining the future direction of a rapidly growing and dynamic club. Please consider a role on the committee or an informal organising or supportive role for at least part of the year ahead.

The ride on December 2 will be an individual Time Trial to Yanchep and return.