Club run 18/09 - now a general discussion of the club run...

[Sylv]

There's some truth in Paul H's thoughts. As I said before I've never felt bored in the training group - you don't have the time to.

But how many people ride in the TG? A handful. And I think an accident involving traffic on the M23 (which would be difficult to avoid) would potentially be a lot nastier than riders clashing on a small road due to inattention or poor riding (which could be avoided).

Watching the TT on Sat I was astonished at the amount of traffic on that road at that time of day. I don't remember it being the same last year. Personally I wouldn't have wanted to be out on the bike in TT mode that day. Can see why there are so many TTing accidents.

[Dombo]

I agree about the M23/A23 junction. I was late for the CR so went straight to the Feathers in Merstham to join whichever group looked most appropriate. Crossing that junction on my own was an interesting experience - I could have cracked walnuts in my @r$e.

However veering onto the Captaincy topic and re tossing hats/bonnets into the ring, we're always banging on about getting more women to join the club. What better way than to have one as Captain? If the AGM doesn't clash with any good telly I shall be along to offer my support.

[Andrew G]

I was led to believe that the role is Club Run Captain Keith, or rather Captain of Club Runs with Vice Captains to support and assist.

It was perfectly safe on Saturday Sylv, always looks busier when you stand beside the road but racing on it wasn't a problem and plenty of space for all vehicles and over-taking.

Sadly there have been a few accidents over the last 18 months, but they are countrywide and if you look at the number if people racing TTs each weekend the incident rate in very low.

[Snoop Doug]

Interesting stuff. Sorry I have committed thread hijack of the highest order. I'll try to digest this stuff and repost. In so doing I apologise in advance if I miss anything key that someone has said, so when this stuff re-emerges feel free to point out any omissions or errors

Cheers - Snoop

[Sylv]

[quote="Jon Hemming"]Which reminds me, Fanny's Farm Shop is having a special day this coming Saturday to celebrate having 1000 Facebook friends.

[quote="Andrew G"]I was led to believe that the role is Club Run Captain Keith, or rather Captain of Club Runs with Vice Captains to support and assist.

[Antloony]

I see a pattern emerging here. This has all been said before and yet here we are again. Obviously something is wrong and needs addressing, it just needs the right people in the right places to implement any changes agreed on. Can we please stop going around in circles and get this issue dealt with once and for all or just forget it and carry on as we are.

Marco, my name was put forward as a prospective VC but it was ignored.

[Paul H]

I dont think there is that much that needs changing and the turnout on saturday proves that is the case. My only concern is the standard of riding and the club needs VCs who are prepared to help these riders.

On the subject of the A23, whats more dangerous - a car overtaking a group of riders by the M23 and cutting over at the last minute or a car overtaking a group on a country road around a corner with cars coming the other way. I personaly have seen far more near misses for the latter.

[Rogan]

CR Captain in '88 aged just 17...! That's forward thinking for a cycle club.

In the year I've been a member there are several keen cyclist that, for me, stand out as excellent candidates for VC to complement the existing line-up. Both Paul and Ant would be excellent additions.
On rider safety - I wonder whether all ACC CR participants should be encouraged more to wear club kit (one for the new Captain to grapple with perhaps)? Or am I kicking a wasps nest here? I know I don't always... I don't know if there are road surveys on the matter (?) but there must surely be a degree of safety in numbers. And like that kit or not (no additional debate required on an already hijacked post?) it is rather vibrant and noticeable to other road users and a bunch of riders (all in yellow tops) stands out more (one hopes).

[quote="Paul H"] whats more dangerous - a car overtaking a group of riders by the M23 and cutting over at the last minute or a car overtaking a group on a country road around a corner with cars coming the other way.

[Snoop Doug]

OK the hornets nest buzzeth on. I think folk are right, not much needs changing. But at the same time things feel a little rudderless right now. I made my initial comment in part because I think a change of mood could be useful, in part because I have some experience good and bad of helping with the club so I've made mistakes and seen mistakes we might learn from. I also feel like there's a general struggle with encouragement. Encouragement for people to help, get involved, feel a part of something. Nothing compulsory but to me a glaring example of where we've successfully pissed off a friendly, useful and willing person is Ant. Where was the encouragement in just turning him down flat?

I also kicked this off to see if others are interested. Paul's offer is great - and I'm sure there are others like him. Personally I don't care for the role of captain but I (and doubtless many others too) could try and do it as I do enjoy helping to make this club as good as it can be. I think there are small things we can do to make big differences, but for me whoever does occupy the leadership role needs to be someone I (and hopefully others) can respect. I don't have to like them but they have to have enough decent leadership qualities. Examples, listening skills, effective delegation, encouragement and involvement, a cool head under pressure. And at the very basic level, I think that person needs to be able to have polite and sincere conversations with clubmates, and who knows, other clubs too.

You'll doubtless be pleased to hear I'm off for a couple of days will check back in later and see how the land lies.

[Amy]

Well, there was some progress last night at the committee meeting...

Paul, I put your name forward as a new VC and also Serge as you had said you'd be interested too waaaaaaaaay back when we were doing the chaingang last time (though like Ant you too were dismissed). Ant, I didn't know whether to put you forward again so kept stumm but I'm happy to pass your name along again, this time to the committee as a whole who should be deciding by a majority who is a VC. Paul, Serge - Mr PVT will contact you just to confirm that you do want to be a VC.

Actually we do need some riders who can help with the slower groups (J4F, 15s/16s) now from time to time - anybody like to put their name forward to be considered? Speak to me if you're interested - though I won't be out this weekend as I'm helping a friend at the Ripley Cycle Jumble Sale.

[Antloony]

Thanks Amy but don't bother on my behalf. Can't be arsed with it anymore. My name wasn't good enough then so bollox to them. Just happy to turn up on a Saturday and ride with whatever group I feel like and enjoy myself.

Snoop. You have my backing should you decide to put your name forward.

[Dombo]

I hear it is easier to make partner at Goldman Sachs

[Andrew G]

[quote]I see a pattern emerging here. This has all been said before and yet here we are again.

[fortuns]

Amy, looks like you made the right decision re VP approval....