A Letter from the President
March 18, 2020
Hello and I hope, despite Covid-19, this letter is finding you well. It’s been forming, in my head, for several days now (the letter, not the VID – but that’s been weighing in heavily too). It started off as a commentary on the AGM last week and a preamble to the minutes… to welcome you all to the upcoming season… and hopefully raise the mountain bike stoke a little!
Flat tire! More like two flat tires and the wheel has fallen off after an epic OTB!
Seriously though, I want to reach out to and acknowledge the challenges we will all be facing. There are many unknowns and it is easy to be drawn into the negative spiral of social media. Sometimes I get caught up in it and I need to remind my self (or my daughter kindly does) that support, patience and inclusion will help strengthen, rather than divide. We need community now more than ever. How we navigate the next few weeks and potentially months, will re-define us.
It is hard to predict what NOCS Events and Programs will run this year. We are evaluating and making decisions in the next few weeks on those that require registrations or with other time sensitive impacts with consideration to all recommended practice.
- Trail Ninjas, G-Tribe, TNT – Cancelled – refer to notice from Nicole Guerrero
- NCCP Mountain Bike Skills and Tactics Course – cancelled
- Bike Fest – Advise by April 12th (Race has been cancelled)
- Women’s Enduro – Re-evaluate May 1st
When we are able to engage in group activities again we will initiate the Toonie Rides and Trail Days. You will probably feel the excitement as it gets close!
I suspect Bike Fest will be a much scaled back version, if it is possible at all, but at 6 weeks away, I’m hopeful we will be ready and able to celebrate by then. If it’s not the first week of May then it will be as soon as we can, even if it’s as simple as a pack of awesome NOCS members out on bikes and hi-fiving again! I think that is something we must look forward to.
It is too early to speculate on the impact of our planned trail builds this year – it will be vital to keep these projects going in our community.
Unfortunately the trails, an excellent way to socially distance yourself, are not quite ready to go. But they will be soon thought and the challenge will be to stay off them during the melt. Please recognize when you are leaving ruts and help keep the trails in shape to minimize maintenance: Have a watch o Jason Martin’s AGM presentation in the video above.
Naturally some are looking for ways to engage or encourage the community to be active without compromising our safety. There will be some discussions about that throughout Vernon in the coming weeks at the tourism level – if you have some ideas, this will be a great time to get involved and possible enable others.
Thank you to those who attended the AGM last week. Also, to those of you who were unable to make it – thank you for your choice to isolate. We talked about the Strategic Plan and why the Board feels it necessary to move towards having a paid Executive Director and trail crew. With a sustainable funding model we would be able to maintain and grow our club. With over 1050 members last year (fastest growth in the province) and future trail expansion planned, out ability to manage the work load is beyond that of volunteers. Raising our membership fees is one aspect of the sustainable funding model. It was a tough conversation at the Board level because we value our membership but we also value the contribution that NOCS provides mountain bikers and the larger community. After some discussion at the AGM and a general impression that we were not raising the fees enough, we were met with overwhelming support for the proposed fee increase this year as well as the 5% incremental increase each year over the next 5 years.
In the coming months, we will be forming a committee tasked with the process of hiring a paid Executive Director. This could take many different shapes and forms. Perhaps you are or know the right person for this job. Maybe you have some valuable insight into this position and want to get involved – details to come on how to.
Our relatively new Grants and Sponsorship Committee (Jeff, Bridget) will be working to try and develop our overall sponsorship program to support our initiatives.
Our Volunteer Coordinator, Niki, will be trying to task all of you who indicate you can help out in various areas. We always welcome new blood!
Since this follows the Covid-19 talk the reality is that we all have financial uncertainty in the months ahead. It will be a factor in individuals and businesses so please consider your options when spending and shop local as much as possible.
If you can, please maintain your memberships in community groups even while they are closed or appear to not be working in the background (NOCS, Arts, Music, Etc) to ensure they weather the storm.
Tourism is going to need a huge shot in the arm when we get the all clear – please consider being a tourist at home this summer and help rebuild our community. Take time to notice the variety, culture and beauty we have.
Increased membership fees seems even more burdensome this week than last. I would like to acknowledge that NOCS is in a positive position that will get us through this year and allow some new trail progress. We will also be financially able to meet our basic requirements in 2021. There will be tough choices for us all ahead – only you can make them for your situation.
Watch for regular updates from us via our weekly newsletter and social media.
Good luck, take care of yourself, your loved ones, and check in on your neighbors. Thank you for your continued support of the North Okanagan Cycling Society!
Sincerely,
Brett Woods
President