Bolsover & District Cycling Club

The odd pint and variuos ribald comments at what seems to have been one of the bigger gatherings of cyclists at lasts nights social meeting certainly indicates that membership is on the up.  It was good to see.  However, as a 'social gathering' I wondered if it was hitting the mark.  It occurred to me that this is a family club, a club that is aiming to embrace all abilities, disciplines, genders and ages.  Our junior and youth membership is clearly making inroads in cyclo-cross and there are clearly more women taking part in the different rides and events we offer.  This is obviously what we want as a club.  But, the 'socia'l was primarily male and middle aged.  Do we need a different kind of social where children, women, families can take part?  Does every 3rd social need to be at a venue more appropriate to these groups?  Does it need to start earlier to allow for the younger elements to join in?  It was a pleasure to see Tom receiving praise fo his successes and I think he appreciated it.  Should there be more opportunities for others to feel welcomed and appreciated?  Just thoughts.  How do others feel?   

Great observation Vern, and I agree that it would be good to get all the smalls involved in some way (i dont think the current set-up is a barrier to women, but obviously my viewpoint is skewed)

We just need to be conscious that the 8pm start time for the meeting was established to allow the usual go-ride coaching to fit in beforehand. Currently this only runs on the lighter nights, so we could move the meeting forward for the 4 meetings or so either side of xmas, or consider moving the meeting to an alternative night (with wednesday being the only other real option)

Not wishing to abandon the Bell as they have been very supportive of the club but has anybody got any suggestions for an alternative venue, that allows children - gives them chance to run around somewhere but still has good beer on Tap for the MAMILS (middle aged men in Lycra)

Hi everyone and happy new year!

I'd like to come to the social meetings when my shifts allow but the only thing putting me off is that I have my little lad (9years) and the 8pm start is a bit late for us in the winter. I'm much  more likely to drive over with him when the nights are lighter or if the meeting was a bit earlier eg 7pm. I think the idea of moving the meeting forward in the winter months but then having it at 8pm in the summer is a good one - I'm going to try and cajole my lad into taking part into the go-ride stuff so I personally think having the go-ride and social meeting both on the same night is best. Thats my two-penneth anyway, for what its worth!!

Jules x

ps am loving the 'MAMIL' acronym Steve

I agree wholeheartedly with Vern’s sentiments – one of the main reasons for forming the club back in 2006 was that I had just left a club in which the Chair had stated in no uncertain terms that “we are not a family friendly club”. I felt that there had to be a better way…and nearly five years later, there is. As ever though, there is room for improvement and involving younger members in our social meetings is definitely a step in the right direction. After all, they are the future of the club.

I thought it was a good turn out on Monday, but I feel that we need to make sure that any new members or potential members are welcomed at the beginning of the meeting as we might have lost a few potential members who left before we got onto talking about membership and shirts. I will look at producing some introductory packs for new members with all the relevant info, rides lists, etc. A quick round of names / interests / where from at the beginning would be good too.

I’m not sure what new people make of these meetings and would agree that perhaps we need to have more of a 'social' once a quarter. These could be as follows:

March 2011: Award Presentation Night / 5th Birthday Bash (at Hardwick?)

June 2011: Bike Week Film Night at the Bell (with some food)

September 2011 : CX Season Launch Event where we present the ‘team’ for the new season

December 2011: Christmas Do with WAGs, kids, etc - I like Emma / Mrs. Vern’s idea of a kids’ Christmas party, which unfortunately fell foul of the weather last year

These would all be good opportunities for new and existing members to come along and find out what we do and to suggest what we should be doing, whilst having a bit of fun at the same time. I will make sure that we have rides lists and any other useful information available at socials for people to take away.

I have also broached the idea of another race night with Kev at the Bell – he’s interested and will catch up with us at the February social meeting. I suggested April again.

As a new member getting into the great system of rides but having to arrange childcare when I do get out  any event that we can all come to would be gratefully received. I for one would support a once a month winter family meeting. Would venues Worksop way suit or are these too far from the majority of members? i'm just thinking about pubs with play areas. Can you put little bikes on turbo trainers?