Welcome to 2020 - lots to get through this week:
- VDHS cancellation and bushfires
- Road racing
- Club kit changes
- QTC course
- Road Nationals and more.
Clarissa nominated
Clarissa Leatham has been nominated for the Mansfield Courier / Rotary Club of Mansfield Sports Club Person of the Year.
It’s a well-earned nomination for all the work Clarissa does with the Dirt Critters on Tuesday nights.
Congratulations Clarissa!
VDHS round
If you haven’t already heard, the club has unfortunately cancelled the upcoming VDHS round at Mt Buller next weekend due to the fires.
Ben Annear and the event team are working with the VDHS to try to re-schedule for an April date.
As soon as we know more, we’ll let you know.
Speaking of the bushfires…
You could fire a gun in High Street at the moment.
It’s an opportune time to think about supporting club members (and sponsors) who rely on trade in the main street. Here at MMBCC News we initially thought of Shannon at All Terrain Cycles (he sponsors the Tour every year, organises Riflebutts Reserve with Parks Victoria) now would be a good time to get your bike serviced or pick up a new pair of tyres.
Then there’s Di Condie at Greenway Lane, Steve Brown at the Mansfield Hotel, John Eisner at the pharmacy, Dean at our ‘clubrooms’ at the Delatite Hotel…
Support those that support the MMBCC.
Road racing starts again this week
The Rob Curtis Memorial Hillclimb kicks off 2020 road racing this coming Thursday 16 January. In a change of format, it’ll be held as an Individual Time Trial this time. So hopefully you’ve found your climbing legs over Christmas.
As usual, entries to John by 8pm Wednesday via SMS on 0428 503 437 (Yes, he’s back!)
Don’t forget… no 2020 membership - no start! And please bring your receipt or new card.
Renew your membership here. You must select a RACE membership, ride memberships are not valid for racing.
Club kit order soon
We’ve had a few more members express interest in new club kit.
Since the last time we placed an order, Seight Sports has merged with Champion Systems. After some negative feedback from some club members about the quality of some CS gear in the past, we’ve decided to go back to our previous kit supplier, Ventou. You can look at their stuff here and samples are on the way - we hope to have some at Thursday night’s Rob Curtis presentations at the Delatite.
More news on club kit soon…
Stop press: we’re not the only ones! Seight are planning to de-merge from Champion Systems due to all the negative reaction. But we’re still going with Ventou.
Traffic Management Course
We can now confirm that the venue for the Qualified Traffic Controllers course the club is hosting on Saturday 15 February is the Mansfield Youth Centre, Erril Street, Mansfield.
There are 14 booked in, so we still have six places available.
Even if you already have a job at the Tour, you’re invited to do the course. (You might get a new job at the Mansfield Tour next year!) The club is paying anyway, so why not get yourself a qualification!
Email Bruce to reserve your place.
Speaking of the Mansfield Tour…
Many of you will have been contacted by Jason Parker (Staff Coordinator, Chief Cat Herder, Minister of Volunteers) about your role at the Tour.
If you haven’t already gotten back to him, please reply as soon as you can (yes, even if you can’t help out. Let him know that too.)
The sooner we can sort out who is doing what and when, the better.
New calendar
As mentioned in the last newsletter, the club website has a new calendar. The format is different, with a new MMBCC Events page and the next four upcoming events listed on the Home page.
The drawback is that you have to open up each event to see who is rostered on for road race duty. Please have a look through to see when you’re on - ALL members will get a turn!
Road Nationals at Buninyong
Good luck to the MMBCC members who’ve travelled to Buninyong this weekend to race the Gran Fondo Championships on Saturday afternoon.
The Under 23 Men, Elite Women and Elite Men races will be telecast live on SBS on Sunday from 10am.
Upcoming events
Port Campbell to Warrnambool Handicap - Sat 15 Feb
Otway Odyssey - Sat 22 Feb
Great Otway Gravel Grind - Sun 23 Feb
MTBA National Championships - 11-15 Mar
Bike Buller calling for volunteers
Rapid Ascent, the Bike Buller MTB Festival organiser is seeking volunteers to help at the event.
Event Date; 7th – 8th March 2020
Location; Mt Buller and surrounds
Rapid Ascent are happy to make a donation to your club/group/organisation based on how many volunteers your group provides. We will pay $50/half day or $100/full day per person. There is no minimum or maximum number of people required
Roles: We have a variety of roles/tasks ranging from course marshalling, manning water/fruit points, competitor registration and administration roles, logistics, competitor services etc.
This is a great opportunity for clubs/groups to raise funds with no behind the scenes work or pre-planning. Turn up with your members and your group receives the money. This is also a great chance for groups/clubs to have a fun weekend or day out with your mates while helping other to have a fun weekend.
Volunteers receive an event T-shirt and lunch.
For further information please contact;
John Jacoby on 0408 035 261 or email him.