The new Bike Manawatu board met for the first time this week .
We welcome Sue McMaster and Marcel Hollenstein and know that they each have much to contribute. Their pedigree on and off the bike is outstanding.
As reported in the Chairmans’ report at the AGM, the club continues to punch above our weight in so many different areas. What must be recognised and applauded loudly were the outstanding achievements of our group of riders, particularly the junior riders who represented Bike Manawatu at the Road Nationals last month in Queenstown. The rest of the country wants to know the secret! How often would you see 5 of the first 6 riders in a national competition from just one club being first across the finish line?
Outstanding work by all involved and congratulations too to the parents, supporters, coaches and others who helped all our riders perform and to make it happen. Long may it last.
Vaughan has been quietly working away at updating our website. We look forward to the new version. I have seen the prototype and rest assured if you thought the old one was okay, then you will be impressed with what is coming.
On that note, I would encourage all members to submit photos ,articles or links to Glenys our secretary so that the website stays current and informative. Don’t be afraid to contribute. The website is our face to the world and is also your portal to keeping informed about club happenings.
A number of key events are looming.
Most importantly we have the Manfeild 6 Hour Relay Ride coming up in a couple of weeks. Be sure to enter your team. Or you can ride as an individual. This is a wonderful fun event for young and old, new and experienced riders, recreational and the more serious. We have entries confirmed from Wellington ,Hawkes Bay and elsewhere so join the fun.
The mid-year quiz is not too far away so keep yourself boned up on current events. It will be a fun night.
This term is also an important one for our schools cycling group as the schools programme starts to ramp up with North Island Champs at the end of the term. This will be a very big year for all our schools based on recent form.
It was very disappointing for our budding young national representatives that BikeNZ has temporarily suspended the Junior Development programme. I know from personal experience how important a well structured Junior programme is to keep the youngsters keen ,motivated and in the sport. To this end Bike Manawatu has agreed to assist with development camps in our region to keep that fire burning. An announcement will shortly be made.
The Board has our mid-year strategy meeting coming up soon.
That is where we take out a day and think about what we have done well over the past twelve months, where we can improve, what we have learnt and where we want the club to go.
We are entering a phase of consolidation for the club. It is important that we stay ahead of the game and continue to grow. The Board always welcomes your thoughts and ideas.
Regards
Paul