I am a DH race organizer (Bear Mtn Challenge) and XC races on Red Mtn.
The DH race runs fairly smooth while numbers for the XC are pitiful.
They used to tell me the XC was too hard,too big of a climb,so in answer we made it more of a Olympic format. Of many shorter laps so those who supported the racers ,could actually cheer them on.
Didn't matter the local xc crowd gave little support ,the numbers tell the tale.
I watched as what seemed like lots of local riders who meet every sat.morning did not show up and race. I do not blame Cycling BC for this.
The TOM to me has become like Crankworks a force,and demands.
Either are met (I suspect like lowest price for us,as we are not in the coaching or Olympic business.)
Or they take their game somewhere else.
We all have our reasons, mine like I said was not to look at my navel and I support coaching/Olympics /,youth programs in cycling.
I have previously stated about getting mtn bikers too involved in the battle of ABA/CBC sanctioning of BMX. This is a age old problem which no matter who is at the head of CBC is not going away.
Those who demand the most ,and can be the most vocal are not sanctioned by CBC and send their license money and fees to the U.S. side,their choice,but CBC can't be faulted for not representing them.
Big BMX events is where this really shows as CBC events national or otherwise do not attract the numbers. U.S. big events are huge ,but again this money goes S.
I have gone to last years CBC AGM (I have always classed myself as a Mtnbiker)and will again go as my club members at FVMBA .
This year there will again be indoor BMX and mtn bike 4X racing,thanks to the support of CBC.
The track builder is CBC's Adam Muys, (the bmx national coach ) last year he worked with the president of Abbotsford BMX till two in the morning to finish the track. He has built every track over the years, this is support.
I remember years ago as a executive of Central Fraser Valley Cycle Club when the CBC finances were in the toilet. The Velodrome had consumed all the cash and as a mtn biker, asking why should our segment of the sport have to pay for a velodrome.
The roadies then were almost nonexistant in our world or races. This was the Late 90's ( Mtb was just starting to rip with big numbers to me at least)
At the last AGM the financial statement made me smile, more money was coming in from grants, goverment, supporters than us. sweet. (I am sure if you look you will see the exact figures of where CBC finances are and it is good)
All CBC BMX tracks have gotten great support, for Abbotsford and every CBC BMX track ,berms are paved tracks all have been upgraded, Olympic support in coaching programs, and more to come.
They have assisted Abby BMX and others in grants from our local government , which really made a difference.
Talked to local government in the importance of BMX programs and tracks to the Olympic goals .
Abbotsford BMX received $37500 in a government grant recently.
Having the head of CBC come to and support tracks to upgrade their sites (representing us at a government level) helped us and others.
Abbotsford Supercross track had problems getting over the last monetary hurdle, Keith with CBC stepped in and got the support of business leaders who came up with the money to finish the project.
Whenever I have had a problem Tanya was always on it.
Now we have Tara, and she is fast. I get my problems answered and resolved.
The insurance questions can be complex and anyone who has put on events, we all want the best and most insurance in case of problems. I don't want to worry about being sued nor do other organizers.
Not all insurance is the same ,it costs and can go up without notice.
As a rider/racer /organizer/bmx organizer/club builder(founder of AbbotfordBMX/INdoor BMX/FVMBA) and someone who would do just about anything to support the kids and cycling.
I don't think CBC has done a poor job,in all my different dealings with them.
Having a organization with a good financial footing is important.
We are Cycling in BC, like anyone who would travel to go to a AGM ,my hats off doers.
If you have specific concerns, phone ,write,CBC and I bet you will at least get heard and answered.
Gary
Cycling BC AGM - the state of racing in BC
Where can I find out who is seeking nomination for the positions to be voted on, and what they plan to do?
To find out information Tom you can pick up the phone and call them 604.737.3034.
Saddle up…that article blatantly points out only two people, one of whom is a volunteer…seems a little more personal I'll say. Have you spoke to Keith regarding his views on women in sport? Have you read the current series descriptions that outlines why women might be paid out less (because pay out is based on registered riders - its on the disciplines website under series descriptions). Pedal Mag did no background check on their sources…believe what you will.
I'm not saying that things are perfect…but there are few positives being shared here. In fact Gary seems to be the only one. But most of you old farts have nothing better to do then sit behind your screen and bitch and complain about things that are hear say.
So, I am quite aware that there is an issue at hand with the cycling community in BC…I was simply stating the facts that I knew - something many of you are unable to do. You sit on this forum and ask questions that are easily answered with a phone call or email. Like Gary said, Tara and the rest of the administration staff for that matter are on it…they're friendly, they're fast and despite what you think, they do care about the members and the future of the sport. So let me ask this question again…when was the last time you picked up the phone and called them? Emailed them? Dropped in?
Dear Locky,
YOur comments seem to be coming from the right place but phone calls have been made, visits have been made, e-mails made and BOUNCED! Nothing has changed, this has been going on for years. This is not a one off incident, you are only fooling yourself. It would seem that your needs are being met, so how does that serve the rest of the Cycling BC membership? Simply look at the current calendar, if there is a cycling event (either Cycling BC Sanctioned or otherwise) it should be on that calendar. Cycling BC was to promote cycling in the province and it seems that that mission is falling shorter of the mark every year. Do we wait another year to see the results, I can only imagine them to be even worse.
Locky, what you are saying is what you feel and those are good questions but I can tell you that there are a number of members who have done everything you suggested and the same "my way or the highway" treatment was doled out by a CEO that seems to have lost his way.
As far as the sitting on our asses comment, I can assure that the only ass sitting taking place will be at the AGM.
I'm most definitely not suggesting that you aren't correct when you saw that members have been treated poorly or that perhaps this has gone on for years (truthfully I've only been out here for a few years, so I'm guilty of being ignorant of then). It's also true, for the most part, my needs are being met, however, I know many needs that aren't being met - and in no way have I suggested that they shouldn't be met…because they should.
My issue is that all this bitching and complaining is kind of just that. We wait until an AGM date is set, then show up, and expect for all 200 of us (apparently thats the number this year) to be heard and something to be done about it. I don't see how that works - peoples concerns and voice will and DO get lost. Perhaps this is where the problem lays as well. We need to take our concerns before hand - and maybe you have and they've been lost. I'm sorry I accused YOU of not (I'm sure there are others that have not taken the time to check the facts though).
I guess what I'm trying to say is that yes…there's a shitstorm and it's not perfect. But there are alot of great people out there doing some really great things for this sport, and believe it or not, CBC does have a few projects that they've gotten right! And I think (it's a forum…thinking/opinions are encouraged, no) celebrating some of the positives is a far better way to spend our energy…support these people and their doings and maybe things will change? Clearly ragging on the negative isn't getting us anywhere, and, I'm not sure changing the "regime" will permanently fix anything either. Wasn't there an issue in the early/mid 2000's and the "regime" was changed then….?
As for the race calendar, when I was an affiliated club mine were posted no problem, when I wasn't affiliated, they weren't, but apparently, you can have your race posted to the website for $25.00 if you'e not a club….
Locky, one hell of a post. Yes, cbc has had some successes but lately more failures, this string is only one of many that has spurred some motivated people to act. Like you stated, this is a place to share ideas and many ideas were already being shared unkowlingly so. What i am saying is, change for the better stats when people act and there are many people acting right now. This string has been one of many unifying events that showed other people that they are not alone with their frustrations and that now is the time to do something about it. I think for those most you can agree where the wins will be for the future of cycling bc.
Locky you're way to r@tional for a cycling forum!!! You are obv1ously slanted but r@tion@l hope I run into y0u on the tr8ils.
Saddle what are you fighting for? A good sandwich? I don't get it i ride my bike and race. It seems like people are just complaining. Richard who[HTML_REMOVED]??? Seriously Richard [HTML_REMOVED][HTML_REMOVED]who?? Should I care?
Gents/laidz - are we in highschool?
Give me some dirt or mud on a rainy d@y, give me some pow and skiis. I just want to ride downhill, because a bunch of complaints don't improve my r1de. It seems l1ke a stupid fight between people I dont know. Do you really think I or others c8re?
S8rty_F8rty
Locky, one hell of a post. Yes, cbc has had some successes but lately more failures, this string is only one of many that has spurred some motivated people to act. Like you stated, this is a place to share ideas and many ideas were already being shared unkowlingly so. What i am saying is, change for the better stats when people act and there are many people acting right now. This string has been one of many unifying events that showed other people that they are not alone with their frustrations and that now is the time to do something about it. I think for those most you can agree where the wins will be for the future of cycling bc.
Uh yeah. This is in the racing forum. People who care about racing care.
To find out information Tom you can pick up the phone and call them 604.737.3034.
Saddle up…that article blatantly points out only two people, one of whom is a volunteer…seems a little more personal I'll say. Have you spoke to Keith regarding his views on women in sport? Have you read the current series descriptions that outlines why women might be paid out less (because pay out is based on registered riders - its on the disciplines website under series descriptions). Pedal Mag did no background check on their sources…believe what you will.
I'm not saying that things are perfect…but there are few positives being shared here. In fact Gary seems to be the only one. But most of you old farts have nothing better to do then sit behind your screen and bitch and complain about things that are hear say.
So, I am quite aware that there is an issue at hand with the cycling community in BC…I was simply stating the facts that I knew - something many of you are unable to do. You sit on this forum and ask questions that are easily answered with a phone call or email. Like Gary said, Tara and the rest of the administration staff for that matter are on it…they're friendly, they're fast and despite what you think, they do care about the members and the future of the sport. So let me ask this question again…when was the last time you picked up the phone and called them? Emailed them? Dropped in?
Will all the people who are seeking nominations be at the cycling bc office when I call there? The only AGMs I've ever been to there has never been more than one person seeking a nomination for any position ;)
Tom,
Are you wondering why the nominees are not at the Cycling BC off when you call? The positions up for nominations are for directorship and thus, not employees of Cycling BC. I don't understand how you would think that you would be contacted by a nominee before they have been named let alone any current board member.
As it is now, people are nominated at the AGM, and yes you are probably correct in saying that you have only seen one person per position in the past. What you will see this year is a large group of people putting forth their nomination (singular) per position that is open to nomination.
The membership is taking responsibility and will be making a positive change.
Tom,
Are you wondering why the nominees are not at the Cycling BC off when you call? The positions up for nominations are for directorship and thus, not employees of Cycling BC. I don't understand how you would think that you would be contacted by a nominee before they have been named let alone any current board member.
As it is now, people are nominated at the AGM, and yes you are probably correct in saying that you have only seen one person per position in the past. What you will see this year is a large group of people putting forth their nomination (singular) per position that is open to nomination.
The membership is taking responsibility and will be making a positive change.
Tom,
Are you wondering why the nominees are not at the Cycling BC off when you call? The positions up for nominations are for directorship and thus, not employees of Cycling BC. I don't understand how you would think that you would be contacted by a nominee before they have been named let alone any current board member.
As it is now, people are nominated at the AGM, and yes you are probably correct in saying that you have only seen one person per position in the past. What you will see this year is a large group of people putting forth their nomination (singular) per position that is open to nomination.
The membership is taking responsibility and will be making a positive change.
My post was in response to Locky's suggestion that I call the cycling bc office to find out who is seeking nomination.
Although I have been involved with race organizing for a few years (all cycling bc sanctioned), I have never actually been to a cycling bc AGM. The only AGMs I have been to are for FVMBA.
When Tanya left cycling bc, there was definitely a big gap to fill between cycling bc and race organizers. I think that is just a credit to Tanya's passion and dedication to the sport. She went miles above her job description. I know of at least one long running bc cup race that might not still be running if it wasn't for her help at the time.
What I'm trying to find out is what are these problems and "positive changes" you are referring to? Where can i read more about the issues? In that open letter from Barry Lyster for example, he refers to the decline of the bc cup series (outside of dh). As someone who has been involved in organizing races sanctioned by cycling bc, I haven't found cycling bc to be this huge problem some have. The reason the xc bc cup series is dying is because nobody wants to do lap races, not necessarily because of anything cycling bc is doing, IMO.
I just want to have an educated opinion before the AGM. If things are heating up the way it seems, I would like to know who the candidates are and what the issues are before I show up at the ballot box, just like any other election.
I am strictly posting my personal views of Cycling BC as someone who races XC, Road and is a race organizer, all of which are Cycling BC santioned.
I've been involved with race organizing since 1991 and was even a Commessaire at one point. Cycling BC had a lot of clout back then and was the face of racing.
This isn't the case anymore and I personally don't think they are staying current with the organizers or racers needs. Their formate is stale and organizers have branched out on their own because of that. Plan and simple.
Race licensing is too high. I would love to see some numbers on how many citizen and club affiliate licenses were issued last year compared to UCI. As far as XC racing goes, how many BC cup races was there last year? 3 and the Red Mnt race only had 1 Pro/Elite male enter. How can you honestly award a BC Cup Chamionship.
Personally speaking as an XC Race Organizer, the cost associated with hosting a BC Cup race are too high for me to event want to consider it. Besides the cost of a UCI license and hoping you can get enough racers out who actually hold a UCI license, the Timing and Commessaire cost are rediculous. Its not your event come race day either. The Commessaires dictate how things are going to run, how many laps racers are going to race, the start order, ect. My experience with mnt bike commesaires is that they are rude, egotistical and a pain in the ass to work with. Believe it or not, the Road commessaires are a lot better. I've worked a number of years at the Westside Classic, Yaletown, Gastown, BC Masters, World Police and Fire and the Grand Fondo. So I feel I have enough experience to base an opinion.
It is far easier to organize a Grassroots level event. Its way more layed back and less headaches. And you actually get racer out who want to race. If you look at last years XC calander, its quite evident other organizers feel the same. Cycling BC needs to get on board and realize that the Grassroots movement is big.
On a positive note, the way Cycling BC's club affiliation is set up, it is easy for a club to put on a successful and inexpensive race series.
Step 1 - Have a reasonable Club Membership fee
Step 2 - Pay to have your $171 club affiliation for your club
Step 3 - Pick 5 race dates and pay $100 santion fee
Step 4 - Make it open to club members only and riders who have a Cycling BC UCI/Citesen/Club affiliate. The Club is now insured to hold the race, racers are insured to race. Cost of racing is low for everyone. People come out to race.
FVMBA saw its membership sky rocket over the past two years because of this. Now that we bought our own timing software, we are already planning to include Enduros to the Super D's and XC in our Springs Series. We didn't reinvent the wheel. We just saw the phonminal success WORCA and SOCRA were having with their club racing and copied their formate. But because not too many other areas can compete with the number of riders Squamish and Whistler have, its cheaper to stay with using Cycling BC for insurance.
To answer some questions Keith… or should I say Locky, I have call Cycling BC over the past few years with my concerns. I've been yelled at and I haven't gotten the answers I needed on a few occassions.
I will be attending the AGM.
One thing I would love to see is having an inter club grassroots race series. WORCA, SORCA, NSMBA, FVMBA and the Island. This level of racing is were all the serious racing is anyways. But I don't think Cycling BC is able to facilitate that.
I can promise you I am not Keith…My rants and opinions come with a little less fire than those of his…you should know this having had several phone "conversations" with him over the years.
I am strictly posting my personal views of Cycling BC as someone who races XC, Road and is a race organizer, all of which are Cycling BC santioned.
I've been involved with race organizing since 1991 and was even a Commessaire at one point. Cycling BC had a lot of clout back then and was the face of racing.
This isn't the case anymore and I personally don't think they are staying current with the organizers or racers needs. Their formate is stale and organizers have branched out on their own because of that. Plan and simple.
Race licensing is too high. I would love to see some numbers on how many citizen and club affiliate licenses were issued last year compared to UCI. As far as XC racing goes, how many BC cup races was there last year? 3 and the Red Mnt race only had 1 Pro/Elite male enter. How can you honestly award a BC Cup Chamionship.
Personally speaking as an XC Race Organizer, the cost associated with hosting a BC Cup race are too high for me to event want to consider it. Besides the cost of a UCI license and hoping you can get enough racers out who actually hold a UCI license, the Timing and Commessaire cost are rediculous. Its not your event come race day either. The Commessaires dictate how things are going to run, how many laps racers are going to race, the start order, ect. My experience with mnt bike commesaires is that they are rude, egotistical and a pain in the ass to work with. Believe it or not, the Road commessaires are a lot better. I've worked a number of years at the Westside Classic, Yaletown, Gastown, BC Masters, World Police and Fire and the Grand Fondo. So I feel I have enough experience to base an opinion.
It is far easier to organize a Grassroots level event. Its way more layed back and less headaches. And you actually get racer out who want to race. If you look at last years XC calander, its quite evident other organizers feel the same. Cycling BC needs to get on board and realize that the Grassroots movement is big.
On a positive note, the way Cycling BC's club affiliation is set up, it is easy for a club to put on a successful and inexpensive race series.
Step 1 - Have a reasonable Club Membership fee
Step 2 - Pay to have your $171 club affiliation for your club
Step 3 - Pick 5 race dates and pay $100 santion fee
Step 4 - Make it open to club members only and riders who have a Cycling BC UCI/Citesen/Club affiliate. The Club is now insured to hold the race, racers are insured to race. Cost of racing is low for everyone. People come out to race.FVMBA saw its membership sky rocket over the past two years because of this. Now that we bought our own timing software, we are already planning to include Enduros to the Super D's and XC in our Springs Series. We didn't reinvent the wheel. We just saw the phonminal success WORCA and SOCRA were having with their club racing and copied their formate. But because not too many other areas can compete with the number of riders Squamish and Whistler have, its cheaper to stay with using Cycling BC for insurance.
To answer some questions Keith… or should I say Locky, I have call Cycling BC over the past few years with my concerns. I've been yelled at and I haven't gotten the answers I needed on a few occassions.
I will be attending the AGM.
One thing I would love to see is having an inter club grassroots race series. WORCA, SORCA, NSMBA, FVMBA and the Island. This level of racing is were all the serious racing is anyways. But I don't think Cycling BC is able to facilitate that.
Here is an article that supports the comments put forth by MattBC.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/us-cross-growth-top-down-or-bottom-up
The cycling body for BC has to go back to the basics for MTB to regain ground that it lost during the last 5 years.
If the cycling body for BC, maybe a new one will form if Cycling BC continues on its path of least appeal, develops MTB through the grassroots levels instead of forcing the BC Cup upon disinterested racers then we can see the numbers grow and return the excitement to mtb racing in BC again at the provincial level.
Ok, so which current CBC board member will come forth with their claim of "half truths" and disinformation strategy?
I strongly urge the MTB community to come out to the AGM. It's been a while since there's been a MTBer's out there representin' us. I mean, Galen Kehler is our VP…he's the president of Phoenix Velo…a track and road club…not sure we're he's priority. I also think that the AGM is a great place to ask questions…it puts people on the spot and will hopefully add some pressure…or at least we'll be able to see the shifty eyes.
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