President’s Report – July 2011

 

Another 12 months has passed all too quickly. For the “Melbourne Sportsbike Riders” Club, the year has been very positive in attracting more new riders and ultimately more members.

Membership is at its highest since the 1980’s and has given us some financial stability. As a consequence, more resources are required to produce the magazine and manage the rides. The ride statistics bear out this increased participation with an extra 83,000 km (people x km) traveled this last year when compared to previous years. Of course, some of this increase can be attributed to our biannual tour of Tasmania but on paper all this extra traveling will lead to an increase in kilometers between a crash or injury!

But statistically less crashes per km offer little comfort to those in hospital or with damaged bikes, so as a club we need to be more vigilant with regard to road hazards and make them known to others in an effort to reduce this type of incident. Speaking of which, I wish a speedy recovery to Cliff, Pina, Tony and Tom. I hope your rehabilitation progresses quickly so you’re back to full health very soon.

 

Membership Numbers:  Our membership numbers have continued to grow and peaked at 90 for the 2010/2011 Club year. This is an excellent result but how long the membership can remain at this level will depend on the ability of the members to fund this expensive sports motorcycling hobby. Also, the new ‘safety’ initiatives (hoon legislation) with much harsher penalties may be a deterrent for many!        

 

Social Events: Marks Place is still proving popular as our regular social sip venue as is the Tower Hotel for our formal meetings. We have also been fortunate in our itinerary with several members opting for a ride that encompasses a ‘social’ aspect with a pub meal or BBQ. These can be a great way for members to get to know each other and are to be encouraged as are any other type of social event.

 

Membership Fees: With a stable membership and tight financial control on our expenses, the Committee have decided that an increase in membership fees is not required for the coming year.

 

Club Magazine: Our magazine continues to offer great reading and the colour covers show the wonderful array of characters we have in the Club. The yearly DVD has added to this by detailing more information about the rides and riders which helps us with a visual record of our Club. Thanks to the Editorial team for another excellent year’s work.

 

Committee: I thank the current committee for their dedication and endeavors over the last 12 months:

                                                                                                                                                           

Vice President - Paul Southwell

Treasurer/ Public Officer - Peter Feistl

Secretary/Editor - Ben Warden

Captain – Cliff Peters

Vice Captain – Ron Johnston

Assistant Secretary – Barbara Rolfe Harris

Committee Member – John Rousseaux

 

 

To all members I thank you for your participation and friendship and look forward to your continuing support.

 

 

Ian Payne

 

President 2010/2011