I would like to thank all of the Club volunteers and supporters for a successful 2012 season. In particular I would like to recognize the Executive team (Al McCullough, Brian Hughes, Brian Lee, Ed Campbell, Jim Etzl, John Steensma, Rick Clift, Sara Byers, Wally Tykoliz) for their help and support throughout the year. Special mention should also go to Sara and John for seeing the successful implementation of the new website with developer Mike Pardo, and to Shawn Conlon for his work with the youth cycling.
The only formal club race this year was the Niagara Classic. Held on the May long weekend (after a 1 time experiment in August last year), registration numbers were good, expenses were up, with a net profit of around $2,800. Chris Wardlaw helped organize the race this year and became familiar with the running of the event. The OCA was happy with the race, rider comments were positive. Again volunteer support was exceptional, and they are the only reason we can continue to run the Niagara Classic.
For 2013 the Club must find an alternate start/finish location as the Alexander Family has put their property up for sale. The assumption must be that we will not have the use of their property. If it turns out the property isn’t sold by May 2013, or the new owners are amenable to our presence, then we can still use the Saylor’s Hill start/finish.
The OCA is also asking if we would consider hosting a Youth race in 2013.
The club continued the usual weekend, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday rides. No significant changes were made, and participation was on par with previous years. Still only one course for the Thursday TTs. The Saturday Rockway ride had some excellent participation with a couple of special rides.
Throughout the course of the year, and in consultation with various parties including the OCA, it became apparent that the Club is lacking in some policies and procedures. The Club was already in the process of introducing a Code of Conduct, and procedures around that. What is also missing is communication around existing policies, etc. (e.g. loaning of Club equipment) and with the introduction of the new website we now have a better forum for sharing those documents.
There also needs to be more rigour around volunteer participation and support, and risk management, particularly as it pertains to youth. My recommendation is to work with the OCA and use their expertise in implementing best practices as it relates to cycling club management
Sincerely,
Rob Visser, President