by Paul van Velthooven | Jul 14, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
The Board has re-introduced an old idea around a new initiative. Shortly all members will receive a weatherproof sticker to fasten to the stem of their handlebars upon which can be written their own personal “in case of emergency” ( ICE) number. This sticker will do two important things. Firstly it will identify fellow Bike Manawatu members when you are out and about on your travels. That will give you all a chance to sell the benefits of Club Membership to others in your group. Secondly, and more importantly, it will also provide a direct communication shortcut to family or friends in the event of an emergency.
All existing and new members can expect their own Bike Manawatu ICE sticker in the next short while. Please put it on your stem with a priority phone number, (not your own!)
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by Paul van Velthooven | Jun 16, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
Last Saturday evening we had over 100 participants at the first Club quiz night. Well done to Glenys and her band of merry organisers who put together a very good programme with some testing questions.We all learnt a lot and also what we didn’t know or should have known about a range of subjects. Kate the MC for the evening was ‘ masterful’. The winning team led by Andrew Ward, sneaked through on the “ 3 eyed’ tuatara answer.
It would be great to make this night a regular event on the social calendar for the club, not only as a way to engender club spirit, but also as a fundraiser. Thanks again to John van Lienen for the way he was able to extract the appropriate amount by auction from the audience for the various donated bottles of wine to assist with our riders travel costs as they represent our club and country overseas in the near future.
This weekend, the inaugural Manawatu Schools Champs are being held at Ashhurst all day Sunday. There are almost 100 entries. It is going to be a great day and I am sure we will be seeing future national champions in action. A great initiative by the schools and Events Group and in particular Matt van Wagtendonk.
For the recreational riders, pencil in the ‘Brass Monkey Ride’ on June 26th. This will be a fun event followed up with soup and socialization .
Enjoy the ride.
Paul van Velthooven
by Paul van Velthooven | Jun 2, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
I was very excited to hear the news that we have five cyclists and a new coach representing Bike Manawatu at the Junior Canberra tours for U/17 and U/19 men and women road races in July. That is a great testament to the terrific work being done by a passionate group of parents , teachers, helpers and of course dedicated cyclists. Well done to Angus Findlay, Mark Findlay, Miguel Dib, Racheal Southee and Kate Stewart, along with Junior Men’s coach Luke McCarthy. All the best for a very successful trip and the start of things to come. I heard that we had 70 school riders over 4 age groups at Akers Road circuit on Sunday morning!
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by Paul van Velthooven | May 25, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
The matter of sponsorship comes up at various times during the course of the year, particularly when our major events are being prepared for. Sponsorship, and the coordination of same is therefore vital to Bike Manawatu, not only for running successful events, but also for our Secretary’s wage and the general services that the Club offers the wider membership. The more sponsorship support we can get, the better allowing the club will be able to meet it’s vision to “ grow cycling in the Manawatu.
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by Paul van Velthooven | May 5, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
Last Thursday , at the Marist Clubrooms Bike Manawatu held it’s first AGM. There was a very good turnout and the feeling from those present was one of positivity and good progress being made on several fronts. Importantly , two new Board members were elected form the three nominations made. Oiroa Kaihau and Andrew Ward are now elected Board members and we look forward to their contribution going forward. Mike Christie missed selection by a narrow margin. Mike has already thrown himself into one of our ‘ working groups’. Thanks for that Mike.
Good luck for all of our members riding the club nationals today, tomorrow and the weekend. We have a record level of entries across all categories. Thanks also to those who have put up their hand to act as ‘ manager” on the various days of competition.
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