President’s Report – May 2002

 

This last 12 months has seen the Club functioning pretty much the same as in previous years with only a couple of issue confronting us over that time.

 

Name Change: This change was needed as the “sports” type of motorcycle is the predominant bike being sold and unfortunately the ‘touring’ name did not attract these types of riders. But as the Club has always had a sporting nature this name-change will at least show our true intent and hopefully attract new members. In reality the only change to the club, has been the name!

 

P.O Box: We also changed our Post Office address, as the Richmond PO Box had become more difficult to access due to its relocation and the greater traffic congestion on Bridge Road. Our new address at Parkville is more central and easier for the secretary to clear.

 

Departure Points: The use of the West Gate Shell service station with its ample parking, toilets and its location on a major arterial highway has superceded the use of Laverton and Kings Bridge Carpark as a preferred meeting point. We have also noticed that the Yarra Glen pickup generates the biggest turnout of riders. Its location makes it easier to reach the ‘good’ riding roads quicker. Expect to see more use of these areas in future. 

 

Fees: Although no membership fee increase is envisaged for this year, a close watch will need to be kept on our expenses as Club Membership has fallen from 76 financial members this time last year to 61. This is a reduction of 15 members, which equals to $600 into the Club’s coffers.

 

The “Short Ride” format is still proving popular and a couple of our weekends away have been replaced by day rides. Both these formats seem popular with the members.  Also the change to three meetings a year and the Social Sips at the Whitehorse Inn have proved popular with ‘on average’ 17 members and friends attending the socials and 25 at the meetings.

 

Our ads in Just Bikes and Motorcycle Trader have had continued success and once these ads are changed to reflect our new name we expect a greater influx of inquiries. We are also trying to amend the many websites that the old name and contact details have found their way into

 

The one sad aspect of this past year was the loss of Geoff Barton on the 10th June 2001. Geoff was an extremely popular member who had a passion for motorcycling. Although running a dairy farm down in South Gippsland and belonging to the Ulysses and BMW clubs, he always had time for a ride with us. His passing will be sadly missed.

 

So to the previous committee of: -

Vice President Tim Walker                             Treasurer Wayne Grant        

Secretary/Editor Ben Warden                        Captain Ray Walker

Vice Captain Bruce Saville                              Assistant Secretary Ron Johnston

/Public Officer Danny Vits

Social Secretary Kirsten Anderson

 

I thank them all for their support and look forward to their continued association with the Club.

 

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 2001/2002