I am just putting the idea "out there" that we radically change our approach to social riding, as an opportunity has just arisen and I realise I have not got as much "follow through" on the activities expected after the last AGM (see
http://hunterdog.org.au/DiscussionBoard/index.php?topic=831.0 to refresh your memory). As many know something about I have been somewhat distracted by some personal life issues. And I just blew up the car engine whilst towing (yep - lotsa smoke, roomfulls of billowing flame - and now have bought an STi drivetrain to fit in its place).
My basic intent at the AGM was to get a proper handle on membership admin (mostly done), set up a calendar going forward (needs 2013 doing), set up automated notices (half done, no result yet) and set up the club to run via Facebook so it should self renew / perpetuate without me being too involved in it directly.
If anyone is uncertain, what I know works REALLY WELL is weekends away - we haven't had a dud yet so I'm happy to do them again. And a Ducati club has a natural role in the racing side, which will flourish when the Ringwood track gets built and we have a home base of sorts - 2013 would now seem to be a "sure thing" for this and I'm happy to be active there. But what is all over the place is social riding and I'm a bit over it. Apart from weather, there is no clear reason why we sometimes have great turn-outs and other times not so. Whilst I love doing the riding, this is not a can I'm going to keep kicking down the road.
When we originally formed this club we discussed at length whether it would be a Ducati specific club or a general Hunter riding club. I believed the latter was the better course but there was strong and very valid support for the former so we went that way. But guess what, I am the only formation member still riding
(and in the area) and a bit over the fact that no-one else has stood up to the plate to keep a core active interest hub bubbling away in the club, so I think this piece just might need revisiting.
Through my ongoing participation in the MCC of NSW (which I do enjoy as I feel I make a real difference sometimes) I have recently come to be aware that Bikers Anonymous has restarted a chapter in the area a few months ago. There has always been a close link between the NSWDOC and Sydney BA and I think keeping that excellent relationship intact in the Hunter might be a really good thing. As it happens they have a monthly club meeting on
at Edgeworth Bowling Club this Wednesday night (ie 19/12/12) at 7pm, but I intend to get there a bit after 6pm and have a meal prior.
What I am asking for here is for
you to come along too and have a look, perhaps help decide what the opportunity is here and maybe chip in when I stand up and address the meeting as I surely will! If you like riding your Ducati that is, and have ever wished there was a bit more consistency to getting out with other like minded people. These are fellow motorcyclists we are talking about here, it won't be hard to have a decent chat about "stuff" - so let's do it!
Whilst the following quote comes from a confidential part of the MCC's website, it is from a local BA member and I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem publishing it. Whilst the context is a little unclear, it does sound like they have an active core interested in going for rides: "
And as my luck would have it, I am surrounded by an excellent core of very competent and technical riders willing to share their knowledge, I can't stress enough the importance of TRAINING for all motorcyclists."
For more info see:
http://www.bikersaustralia.com.au/hunterevent.php5I am sending this to Friends also as it is "direction of the club" stuff not just riding, and anybody is more than welcome to chip in an idea, opinion or whatever - let's hear 'em, or better yet see you Wednesday evening! All the best........Vince