SCUM special general meeting

[dunkman]

Members and riders,

A recent audit of one of our trails by the land managers ‘Forestry Corporation’ identified some issues that has highlighted something that we have been aware of (and vocally through the forum at times) that parts of our trails are in bad need of maintenance and in the case of ‘Butterfly’ the majority of the trail.

This is a very serious issue that if not addressed, will (not may) lead to us losing at least one and maybe two of our trails. With this in mind, it is essential we hold a Special General Meeting to discuss and come up with a plan to save our trails.

Now, attendance at our last few meetings has been deplorable and has left Russ and myself (as we are the only members of the committee of a club with over 90 members) scratching our heads as to whether people are too busy or have just lost interest.

This email is to give you the opportunity to say when the best time would be for you to attend such a Special General Meeting (ie. week nights, weekend days or nights etc) after we get replies we will announce a date and time that is suitable for the majority.

Please don’t leave us scratching our heads again and reply ASAP to the email address below with your preference, if like us you are so passionate about this issue that any time would suit you, please reply confirming you’re champing at the bit to attend.

Just so you know it’s not all bad news, we will be unveiling the new website/information hub, in the next few weeks and to coincide with this it will contain a link that will enable you to purchase SCUM T-shirts/hoodies.

Be proud to be SCUM….be proud to be the keepers of awesome trails!

Pat Pavlich
President
[e-mail]

[Between the Tape...]

Hi All

Thanks to all those that replied to my recent email re. the best time to hold a special general meeting. The overwhelming preference was on a week night with Tuesdays and Wednesdays not being popular. Consequently we will be holding a Special General Meeting regarding the clubs position with regards to its trails on;

• Thursday 28th November starting @ 7:15pm at the Bomaderry RSL.

Keep in mind, we are looking for a plan to keep our trails but more importantly, people to drive and support that plan….whilst ideas are important, without actions, they simply remain ideas.

See you at the meeting.

Pat

[Lewy]

I will be there.

[mk]

Love the new WEB page guys

[Lewy]

Nov 25, 2013 17:33:24 GMT 10 mk said:

Love the new WEB page guys

Yes very cool.

[mark]

fully sick site dudes

[dunkman]

Just some thoughts on the trails that may or may not be worthy of discussion tonight

SCUM and quite a few members support IMBA. Should we organise them to come and do a trail work session. It will cost money but could lead to some really good ideas and trail building skills.

Buy track useage monitors. Knowing how many people are using our trails will be excellent data to have as we start to get our trails back in shape. I'm sure the useage stats will surprise people and provide support for future requests for support based on potential mtb tourism.

When making changes on tracks/doing trailwork why not have some signs that let people riding know you are out there hard at making the tracks better for everyone. And after a sign just before the changed area letting riders know. Should make life better for riders, maybe stop people trying to change things back, and advertise the fact that the trails are not made and maintained purely by magic forest folk.

COMMUNICATE! Let the club members know what is happening out there. Maybe it will encourage more people to get involved, maybe not, but at least club members will know what it meant to be going and who is doing it for them (see note above about magic forest folk).

As IMBA-AU member No 1 I feel I should suggest that members are aware the IMBA Rules of the Trail (see below). I know I sound like an old fart but it's all about making sure we are all seen as great blokes (and sheilas). Not sure about the startling animals bit though, they always seem to startle me more.


IMBA Rules of the Trail

1 Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.
2 Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
3 Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
4 Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you're coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
5 Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
6 Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

[Between the Tape...]

Um....there's a Trails Coordinator position up for grabs tonight...

[dunkman]

Nov 28, 2013 13:36:02 GMT 10 Between the Tape... said:

Um....there's a Trails Coordinator position up for grabs tonight...

Pretty sure you'll find plenty of interest in that now that things are starting to get going and people are more aware of the need to manage trails if they want to keep riding them.