On 16 February, 2014 at 1600 hours, The West Nebraska Bicycling Club held it's monthly meeting at Caddies Restaurant at the Gering golf course. The meeting was tabled by the President, Garrett Olsen, the Vice President Mel Griggs, the Secretary Pete Wysocki and the newly elected Treasurer Dana Weber. Eighteen members in total were present.
The following was discussed:
1. Treasurer Position. Discussion was had on the pros and cons of having a treasurer position. The point was brought up that in the future the Oregon Trail Foundation may be responsible for the maintenance of all funds in the club, however, due to the infancy of the club alternative discussions were presented. A motion was made to accept or reject the position and the motion carried. Dana Weber volunteered to accept the position.
2. A discussion was had on dues. Discussion was had on why monies were required by the club for even simple things like postage, envelopes, printer ink, etc. The opposing view was that dues may keep potential members away, especially so early in the clubs beginnings. An alternative position was presented that would have members and associate members. Members would be entitled to all the benefits of the club to include a free T shirt and the right to vote at club meetings. Associate members would be entitled to all the benefits of the club, however they would have to purchase their T-shirts and would not have a right to vote at club meetings.
3. A motion was made to accept or reject dues and the motion carried. The dues were set at $20.00 a year for members, no dues for associate members. The dues would be effective from June to June, giving the club time to come up with a T shirt design and establish itself in the community.
4. A discussion was had for upcoming rides. Mel made a short presentation stating that the Kids ride will go forward as will the YMCA Fun Ride in May. A decision was made for the WNBC to support the Hill Climb during Oregon Trail Days this year and not attempt another bike race/ride until some time in the future.
5. A discussion was brought up on people friendly rides, for those who like to ride and socialize. These could be a ride to a restaurant, Ice cream shop, coffee shop, etc not so much in accumulating mileage but in friendly rides with a confectionery pause at mid point or the end. Nothing says that you can't sprint to Dairy Queen. Everyone was asked to come up with social rides that they would like to sponsor and either bring the idea to the next meeting or e-mail it to one of the executive members.
6. Currently, only Garrett has access to the Blog page so any information that you want up on the Blog has to be e-mailed to him so he can post it. The e- mail address for the BLOG page will be sent out by Garrett.
7. Mel will meet with Russ who takes care of the Wildcat Hills Nature Center and the surrounding acreage. He will see what we can do to help improve the trails and see which land is accessible and open to bicycle riders.
8. Clarification is needed from the membership on mountain biking and riding a mountain bike. Mountain biking is single and double track on all types of terrain. Riding a mountain bike can be accomplished on gravel and highways. Mountain bikes can do road and gravel rides and are very similar to road rides. Mountain biking is a lot more challenging and dangerous. If you ride a mountain bike you may want to be included on the road bike distribution list.
9. It was brought up that the folks at Caddies are willing to have us and our meetings at the restaurant. It is a restaurant so we should feel comfortable hanging around afterward, having a drink and /or dinner.
10. A constitution and by laws will be brought up to the membership at the next meeting. It will be put together and reviewed by the Executive Committee prior to then
11. Garrett asked that everyone give a thought on what the main thing should be that the WNBC wants to accomplish in 2014. Let him know or bring ideas to the next meeting.
12. The next meeting will be 15 March 2014, 1600 hrs at Caddies. See you there.
