Look Back at March and forward to the ARNY Open Day

It was almost as if the summer riding season arrived early as March was a very busy training month throughout for ARNY.  There were 25 training sessions involving 10 Associates and 14 of the Tutor training team, so a great month and an unusually busy month for March.  There was some good riding weather throughout the month to help.

We had one new member in March and we welcome Steve, who has already been along for a couple of sessions, and we wish him all the best for his future training.

The other major event of the month was the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 27th March.  The AGM was also a very busy affair being our best attended AGM with standing room only towards the end!  The AGM itself was a short affair as most of the leg work is done before in terms of nominations for committee positions etc. and there were no new proposals brought forward. 

There have been some changes to the Committee with Andy Hildred and Geoff Hale stepping down as Social Secretary and Treasurer respectively.  We thank both for all the hard work and commitment they have shown in support of ARNY and, whilst no longer on the committee, both are sure to remain active members of ARNY in every respect. 

Due to the number of nominations etc. there was no need for any elections for places, but Phill Bates stepped up as the new Social Secretary and ARNY members will have already seen some communications from Phill as he has got off to a quick start in his new role.  Denise Noha stepped into the Treasurer role and will be taking over the role from Geoff as soon as possible.   

We have a new member of the committee in Jezz Booker who has kindly stepped into the Marketing and Advertising role.  We are delighted to have Jezz on board with some fresh ideas and relevant experience which will no doubt be of great value to the group.  The Website & Media role is the only position which remains vacant, and this role will be picked up by others within, and outside of, the committee.  There have already been offers of help and support in this direction which we will take up. 

The AGM was followed by an excellent talk by Phill Bates on the role of the National Escort Group, and alike, in the management of cycling events.  Phill was ably helped by Tutors Richard Falls and Mick Findley who helped with some excellent demonstrations that no doubt helped many of the audience in understanding some of the methods employed!  There was a general feeling that there is much more to the management of a road cycling event than many realised and an increase in the respect for those who take on the various roles.  Phill delivered the information in his usual manner, which was very much appreciated, almost as much as the buffet, by all!  We thank Phill for his efforts and the Ainsty for hosting what turned out to be an excellent evening in every respect.

We have now started the Summer Training Calendar and if you have not found it already the link the attendance spreadsheet is available through the usual channels, website, WhatsApp and Facebook.  All the Saturday training days, various social events as well as any other relevant events will be posted on the spreadsheet.  As always, it helps with the management of tutor numbers etc. if you can indicate your intention to attend training on a Saturday by close of play on the Thursday before.  It also helps with the general management if you can indicate your intention to attend any of the social events which will start with Wednesday Wobble on April 9th.

The ARNY Open Day is scheduled for Saturday 26th April.  The event is open to any potential new members who will get a bacon buttie if they opt for a Taster Ride on the day.  The event is also open to existing members so if you have not started your training proper for the year why not come along for a coffee and chat on the day.  There is a Bikerdown course at the NYFRS facility in Easingwold which will follow the Open Day itself starting at 14:00.  This is open to all ARNY members who wish to go along.  We are hoping for some better weather than last year, but it is sure to be a good day regardless.

So with an early start to the summer riding season we are up and running.

Until next time…..