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 -
Treasurer/ Public Officer -
Secretary/Editor -
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