As you will aware, the first AGM is looming and we have two board vacancies. Given the ‘closeness’ of the AGM, and rather than co-opting in this instance, the Board is looking for nominations from the membership to fill the gap. The strong preference is for members from the recreational set in keeping with the spirit of the original amalgamation. More importantly we are looking for potential board members who share the vision “to grow cycling in the Manawatu”.
Subsequent to our last Board meeting I have regretfully received resignation letters from Malcolm Rees and Stuart Doidge.
Malcolm and Stuart have indicated that they cannot work within the protocols set down by the Board, but have wished the Board well in it’s endeavours to “Grow cycling in the Manawatu”.
That Vision remains firmly in place for the Board and we continue to work positively and constructively towards that goal. Lot’s is happening and there is a lot more planned for all our membership, which happily continues to grow and grow. We are now well over the 200 mark. Keep spreading the good word.
Last Thursday we had our much anticipated visit from the SPARC team (7) which also included BikeNZ staff. They visited the Massey Campus, including all the key sporting facilities that Massey can offer, culminating in an inspection of the SRI building and accommodation. Our team then presented an overview of the various attributes of the bid . Addresses were also made by the Vice Chancellor Mr Steve Maharey and the PNCC Mayor , Mr Jono Naylor. We then answered the specific queries flagged by SPARC that arose from the initial tender document.
The 2011 track nationals are currently underway with the elite programme completed on Sunday night and the age group /masters running this week. I was fortunate enough to be down there as the manager of the elite team.
There have been some great results for some of our membership to date representing West Coast North Island.
Simon van Velthooven cleaned up in the elite men’s section winning the Kilo in a time of 1.02.371, the second fastest ever by a kiwi on NZ soil. Simon also won the sprint (10.435), the keirin and was second in the standing lap. Simon was then awarded the Warren Johnston cup for most points by a male athlete. The last time this was won by a Palmerston North rider was I believe by Mike McRedmond way back when he still had hair!
The Board and our tireless secretary Glenys have been busy bringing better and more exciting cycling to our members.
There are now active Working Groups established within Bike Manawatu on events, communication, coaching and membership areas. The benefits are about to become self evident if not already. We are very appreciative of the efforts put in by the people on those groups.
Bike Manawatu has also been involved with bringing safer cycling to our region and roads. Further publicity around this is imminent. We will also be “heading” a sortie to the various TLA’S and decision makers to make our roads safer with even the prospect of perhaps having “cycling priority” routes through signage and notices. We may be calling for some of your thoughts on where you see those potential routes as being.