by Paul van Velthooven | Feb 16, 2012 | Board Chair's Blog
I often think of why I and others get involved in the administration of a club like Bike Manawatu.
What motivates us? Is it a sense of duty, is it a passion, is it our past-time or is it power……no, no, no, not power!
I would like to think that for Bike Manawatu, we as a Board are motivated and get involved because of a passion for the sport and a desire to see our sport continuing to grow so that we truly are “ the heart of cycling in NZ’. There is also a bit of “ giving something back”.
But I am sure that it is the many little success stories and small victories that are regularly displayed by our members that keep the Board, Glenys our Secretary and our team of volunteers keen, enthusiastic and working towards the common goal.
Stories of a personal best on time trial night, a new record on the track, a medal at West Coast Champs, a new recreational rider getting up Valley Road the first time, organising the inaugural La Femme Tour, or one of our schools entering a team in the NZ Champs for the first time….or just new faces trying the sport…..that’s what keeps us all passionate and focussed.
You will also see it regularly…the Effort, Enthusiasm, Energy , Excellence , Enjoyment , and Events that cycling on our region brings ……these are the key words that keep the club going….and going …and growing!
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by Paul van Velthooven | Dec 15, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
2011 is rapidly drawing to a close.
It is hard to believe that it was only just over 12 months ago that the club was formally established at our inaugural meeting at Wharerata, Massey. A lot has been achieved….too much to mention, but one thing is certain…Bike Manawatu is here to stay and our ambition to be the ‘heart of NZ cycling “ is very well advanced.
Whilst not winning the National Cycling Centre of Excellence velodrome bid was a major disappointment for the club and this community, and we all know the process was clearly flawed, the positives through the wide media exposure has seen many spinoffs for cycling in this region.
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by Paul van Velthooven | Nov 16, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
Isn’t it great to be back climbing into the kilometres for the summer season of cycling.
So many events to choose from up and down the country and of course Taupo is looming large at the end of the month. Good luck for all our club members and potential club members as they prepare for what will be for many the biggest ride of the year….and a little luck is worth a tonne of hard work….but you still need to do the hard work!
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by Paul van Velthooven | Sep 28, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
Last Friday a number of our Board accepted invitations to attend the Property Brokers Grass Roots Award evening at the Manawatu Golf Club. Having never attended the evening before I was somewhat gob smacked at the numbers present ….there looked to be over 300 people representing clubs from all possible activities and codes from right across the Sport Manawatu region.
And then the surprise and excitement mounted as Bike Manawatu was nominated for awards across several areas and there I thought the evening was a relax , learn and enjoy type night. It certainly was enjoyable but there was too much tension to relax!
Our club won the best presented award through its marketing , newsletters , uniform and website. Nominations were also gained in Best Event(FFoC) and in the best fundraising initiative category.
Then the overall Club of Year was announced……Bike Manawatu….outstanding!!
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by Paul van Velthooven | Sep 15, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
You can rest assured that the diverse and motivated group from this region put together the absolute best bid possible to try to secure the NZ Cycling Centre of Excellence at Massey. We knew it to be the best bid….and we were fully funded! Unfortunately there were bigger forces at play which we were not able to compete with or control. As the fellow from Christchurch cycling said earlier on in the process….” the goal posts weren’t moved, they were kicked down…”, and on more than one occasion. I know what he fells like. I could write a book.
There have been many twists and turns. We remained patient, hoping that good sense and good process would prevail. Cest la vie.
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by Paul van Velthooven | Sep 1, 2011 | Board Chair's Blog
Today is the 1st of September. Where did last month go? So much has happened and there is so much more on the horizon.
We had another very successful Feilding Festival of Cycling last weekend. The weather was kind to us and although entries were slow at first ,they did pick up and the organising team were well pleased with the final outcome. This event can only get better. There were many very favourable comments made by out of town riders about the organisation and nature of the event. Spread the word!
Jesse Sergent has really been flying the Manawatu flag of late, scoring some very impressive results on major stage races in Europe. Look out for much bigger things from Jesse in the future. He is really trucking by all accounts . Good luck for the World Champs Jesse.We look forward to having you home for a period at the end of the year.
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