Look Back at August

With the peak riding season upon us, and the consistently great weather, August was another record for ARNY in terms of activity.  There were 5 training weekends within the month, which also adds to the numbers, but even with this in mind the level of activity was very impressive. 

There were 72 training sessions carried out throughout the month involving 32 different Associates and 20 Tutors.  With the maximum training sessions available on a Saturday morning at 60 for the month, it also demonstrates that the number of training sessions being carried out at times other than Saturday mornings, is also at an all time high. 

We had 4 new members join in the month and we welcome Jim, Ronnie, Enzo and Dan.  As always, we wish them all the very best for their future training and reaching whatever personal goals they have.  

There was a Wednesday Wobble, a Sunday Social ride and a social event in the middle of the month, the latter being a repeat of last year’s Fish and Chip cruise along the Ouse in York.  All events were thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended, with the excellent weather adding to the fun had by all.  As the club has got larger the social events, of all kinds, have become a key part of what we do. We also know from comments made my many new members that the social activities are a valued part of what we do. 

Organising, and managing, a group ride takes a degree of skill and focus.  It was largely with this in mind that the Social Ride Leader Team was set up and we thank the Social Ride Leaders for their considerable efforts, skill and support to make the events happen.  It is the club’s aim to make all the social rides appropriate for all paid up ARNY members and any feedback, ideas or suggestions as to how we can meet that aim is always welcome.  The ARNY organised social rides will run until the end of September.  There may then be rides and events organised on a case-by-case basis depending on the weather etc.  Keep an eye out on the normal channels, including Spond, for details of those events.

To add to the high levels of activity there was also an ARNY committee meeting in August.  At this time of year these meetings are primarily focussed on maintaining the club’s activity through the busiest part of the year.  There was some discussion at the meeting about the social rides and events, including the plans up to year end.  It was also noted that there will be a need for the club to look at plans for training for next year.  With the need for the introduction of a limit to the number of training slots available on a Saturday morning for the first time, a record number of active Associates, and another very healthy influx of new members year to date, there will need to be some further discussion as to how we manage the club moving forward to ensure we maintain the standards that we aspire to but also meet the needs of existing, and new, members.  This is a positive challenge for the club and will be the subject of some further discussion, following the summer riding season, to decide the best way forward for all.

September will see the riding season ending but it is likely to be another busy month.  Although we are having to reduce available training slots a little due to the availability of Tutors, there is a slow riding course planned, with both sessions already fully booked and the end of season Social Weekend, which is also going to be very well attended, as well normal training activities. 

Here’s hoping for some continued good weather to see us to the end of the riding season.

Until next time.