Bedgebury Forest Cycle Club newsletter 5th March G'day!

Lots to report this week due to the committee meeting last Wednesday, but first a major irritation to share with you. It started as soon as the meeting was opened. It distracted, it annoyed, it infuriated. Several of us tried unsuccessfully to eradicate it. I very nearly had it at one point but missed by millimeters. Then at eight minutes past seven, our junior rep Alex flashed out his arm, flicked his glove, and finally it was all over. The fly was dead. Alex we salute you!

Membership Renewals

You should all by now have received your forms to renew your membership. It's worth just pointing out what you get for your money. FREE parking worth £7.50 per visit. FREE bike wash worth £1.50 per wash. FREE showers worth £1 per shower. FREE 10% discount at Quench cycles. FREE fortnightly newsletter. So if a couple come along once a week to ride and wash their bikes and have a shower, then over the course of a year they will save £648!!! That's in addition to all the events, night rides, escorted rides, training and coaching opportunities, race program and trail building. Blimey, even I might join this year It's also worth pointing out that the parking portion of your membership is ring fenced for spending on trail development and the club pays no salaries to it's officers. Everything you pay stays within the club to improve it.

ICE Cards

When you renew your membership you will receive an ICE (In Case of Emergency) card. This is to be given to the ride leader on all club rides so he has a note of everyone attending and emergency contact details. At the end of the ride, the card will be returned to you. If when everyone has gone home, the ride leader still has some cards left, he knows he has left someone in the forest. Not that this has ever happened. Probably.

Your club needs YOU!

After several years of service our race organiser and Treasurer have decided to step down. The club would like to thank Ray and Christine for their hard work and valuable contribution over the years.

However we do now need to fill these positions. If you or anyone you know would be interested in finding out more about what these roles involve and if you could fill them, please contact our chairman David Cole at Quench cycles 01580 879694

Bike Demo Day

On the 28th March (my birthday in case anyone wants to send me a card) there is going to be a big demo day at Bedgebury. Bikes available to try include Scott, Lapierre, Saracen, Norco, Ghost, Ragley, Tomac, Rose and Red Bull. To book a test ride go to http://demodays.bikeradar.com/event.php?id=18 We also need marshals on the day to make sure riders don't get lost in the forest. If you are able to volunteer for a few hours, please contact Dave Cole at Quench cycles 01580 879694. Dave assures me all marshals will get a new Lapierre bike as a reward.*

Freeride Area Update

A provisional plan has been drawn up for the freeride area. It consists of an extension to the dirt jump area to turn it in to a dual cross track, a mini downhill course and a pump track. The mini north shore will be kept. The plans are currently on hold pending the necessary finance being raised.

Trail Build Day

Weather permitting (AGAIN!) we will have a major build day on 13th March. We meet at 9.45 at Quench Cycles and tools are provided. Bring a bike to get to the build area and stay as long as you like. This month we are concentrating on repairing some of the damage caused to the trails by the weather.

Ladies Ride

Ali, our Ladies rep has organised a Ladies ride for Ladies only on Sunday 3rd May. On this ride you can meet with other Ladies and do Ladies things. Actually, not being a Lady, I have no idea what they will be doing, but I'm sure it will be fun. If you are a Lady.

Junior Saturday Club

From Easter until September a Saturday Junior club will run. This is a FREE training course run every fortnight from 17th April. There are only two conditions: 1. You must have a Junior membership of BFCC, Bring your membership card as this will confirm parental consent given, 2. Parents must read & comply with our unaccompanied children guidance within the BFCC Policy for Lead Riders.
You do not need to book, just come along on the day for approx. 9.30am as we will depart promptly at 10am. Meeting point will be Quench Cycle Shop near the bike wash.

Advanced Adult Skill Courses

Limited to just 8 riders, so book fast!
Following on from last year's successful series and by popular demand our Head Coach will be commencing another series of short 3 hour advance skill courses. As always we pay particular attention to feedback on the clubs Forum which has helped format these three sessions:

DROP-Off's Saturday 20th March 8am to approx. 11.00am
CORNERING Sunday 18th April 8am to approx. 11.00am
BUNNY HOPS/TABLE-TOP JUMPS Sunday 16th May 8am to 11.00am
More details on all our courses at http://www.boarsonbikes.co.uk/courses.html

Saturday and Wednesday Club rides

These rides are still happening at 10am and 18.30pm respectively Keep an eye on the forum though in case of last minute problems, generally of a weather related nature. Come on in and join us the water is lovely!

Happy Trails

Boris

*To look at for a few minutes. Seriously, what did you expect?

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