Event Brief for Volunteers 9pm 16/2/05

[richv]

During the year we organise various events and need plenty of volunteers to help out.

If you want to know what this involves we're having a short meeting on Wednesday evening to go through anything you need to know and answer any questions.

Clubroom, 9pm, 16/2/05

[Nick]

richv

You need to be MORE forceful and tell all members THEY MUST ATTEND the Clubroom on wednesday so as they can learn the fine ARTS of Marshalling. As this will be an invaluable asset when they start to marshall for the club on our sponsered EVENTS and others events we may need to MARSHALL.
So from richv and me
"WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL ON WEDNESDAY" you may only be excused with a Sicknote from your Dr stating as to WHY you couldn't attend and i'm sure another evening could be arranged .

[Tamar]

Nick is right - everyone should make a big effort to come to this. It's actually a good laugh helping out at events and can even help you when you're racing yourself. No more missed placings 'cos your number wasn't on straight - you'll know first hand how hard they can be to read if they've rucked up so you'll make damn sure yours doesn't. And don't you ever wonder what you need to do to claim your place in the lead car, screeching round corners with a pack of hungry cyclists on your tail?

Come to the club on Wednesday to find out what's involved.

[sylv]

marshall arts?

i assume there will be a list of events and dates available at the club room so that everyone can start planning their helping ahead.

[richv]

Events I am aware of are

2 April Road race
1 May Time trial - 25
10 May - RR Palace
19 May - RR H'cap Newchapel
30 May - TT - 3-up
25 June - Track meeting
July - Beastway
August/September - ACC Track champs
10 Sep TT - 10
October/November - Rollers
November/December - Cyclo Cross

There are then SCCU events we have to provide marshalls for, evening 10s, President's 10 (?17/9), Westminster Road Race ....

Plenty for everyone to have a go (and if everyone did have a go we wouldn't have any trouble covering them all and promoting the events would be a bit less of a headache!)

[Paul on the Pearson]

I'd definately be up for pulling my weight and doing some marshalling. The only problem is I work till 9.30 every wednesday so cant get to the clubroom.

[Elliot M]

i'd be there... if it wasn't my birthday ... but will reserve some diary space for the events listed by Richard

[Tamar]

Was v interesting evening at the club. I'd expected some basics about marshalls and how to engage diplomatically with some of the less charming motorists, but instead was treated to a quiz about being a commissaire and in-depth Q&A session on how to facilitate a bike race, and what the various roles of marshalls, bike riders, lead cars, and commissaires are. We heard tales of successfully re-routing races whilst they were happening due to unexpected road closures, and discovered the minimum number of people needed to marshall a cross-roads. Keith Knight gave an amusing demonstration of how to alert riders to an obstacle in the road.

Paul/Rich/Keith and whoever else was involved - thanks for organising.

[David Lombari]

Don't worry Sean, I'm sure Paul, Keith or the few (20?) that were there will be able to discuss it with you on or before your first marshalling event.

Thanks to Paul and Keith for their time last night.

[richv]

... and don't let not being there stop you from volunteering. Most event organisers will let you know exactly what they need you to do if you do volunteer.

For time trials (for example) all marshalls need to do is stand at the right point and point competitors in the right direction. No playing with the traffic like in the road races. Even if the competitor goes the wrong way it's regarded as their fault. It's a very simple job and the main purpose is to make it obvious to other road users that something is going on. People standing alongside the road in hi-viz vests tend to make drivers pay some attention. A good way to put something back into the sport and watch a bike race whilst enjoying the sunshine! Whatever you do there will be someone around to tell you exactly how to do it.

Anyone want to marshall at the ACC Open 10, 10/9/05?

[Maria David]

Thanks Keith, Paul and Co for organising the presentation - very informative.

Re marshalling on 10/9/05 - I think the lads are going race was designated as the ACC women's "10" championships.

[Maria David]

Thanks for organising the presentation yesterday Paul, Keith and Co - very informative.

Re Marshalling at the time trial on 10/9/05 - the lads are going to have to pull their weight on this one. At the last committee meeting this race was designated as the ACC Womens' "10" championships.

[Nick]

Very interesting indeed. When we was given the "test sheet" me and a couple of others thought this is easy, as with the multiple answers for 1-10 only had A to tick. (then realised A was for answer!!! ). So I then swapped ranks for an experienced Rider and put my name to Mareks sheet (with his acceptance )at least it looked like I knew something........But to our error He knew what was what but didn't put it down correctly.....
But got out of it what I needed, so did we all I believe.

And was also nice to have so more COMPANY than normal on a wednesday even though I didn't get to speak to Joyce and others. You others need to get there regular on a Wednesday.

I also missed looking at the OLD record books as they are fantastic


Nick. Vice Air-Marshall of the Path Finder Squadron.