President’s Report – May 2005

Another year over and a prosperous one at that. As one of the premier motorcycling clubs in the state with nearly 50 years in existence, we should expect no less! Not many other clubs can boast the level of activity we offer. With our proven ride formula and interesting itinerary, many riders return week after week to participate in well organized rides and, although not all join our club, enough do to indicate we must be doing something right!

Membership

Our membership continues to grow and now stands at a satisfying 80 financial members. This is a great result especially when compared to last year’s 71.

Our Website and ads in Just Bikes and Motorcycle Trader continue to bring in many inquiries from all types of riders. Due to the high incidence of new riders being involved in crashes on their first ride, we now discuss with the rider their suitability of coming on a ride. We take into account their age, experience, type of bike etcetera and, although some don’t appreciate this approach, a bruised ego is far better that a bruised and battered body!

Our popular social sip venue, the Whitehorse Inn, is no more. Although it will be difficult to find an exact replacement “The Old Homestead Inn” in North Fitzroy has proved to be a good alternative. It’s not perfect, but we are prepared to give it some time before seeking an alternative, so please come along and give us your thoughts!

Membership Fees

Again, the Committee have been successful in running our Club in an efficient and business-like manner to the extent that there is no need for an increase in membership fees! This is a great result especially when most other goods and services are increasing in price.

Club Magazine

Our magazine is a very important part of the club as it binds ALL members of the Club together. The active members have Club rides to give them a sense of belonging but the inactive members only have the magazine and, as such, we are fortunate to have an Editor who produces such an informative and topical magazine. The introduction of the “photo cover” is also an excellent way of focusing on our members and provides some personal interest to the magazine. One unexpected result of having such a high quality ‘Club’ magazine is that businesses want to advertise their goods knowing that it will reach interested and enthusiastic riders.

Committee

The current committee has had an excellent working relationship and was very focused on what was good for the Club, so it is a little sad that not all of them are standing for re-election. But I thank them for their dedication and decisions that have allowed the Club to prosper.

President Ian Payne Vice President Paul Southwell

Treasurer/ Public Officer Liz Oliver Secretary/Editor Ben Warden

Captain Pete Weyermayr Vice Captain Kate Stewart

Assistant Secretary Ron Johnston Social Secretary Kirsten Anderson

To all members I thank you for your participation and friendship over the previous 12 months and look forward to another exciting year in the MSTCV.

Ian Payne

President MSTCV, 2004/2005