The reason I asked, is I have a love/hate relationship with my club, and I'm trying to get a sense of whether my expectations are unreasonable or out of line.

My club is fairly new, and has grown from 17 members to almost 100 in the past year, and costs a whopping $10 a year. The growth has created the need for re-assessment.

the plusses... it's inexpensive, and I've met a few nice gals, so I have nothing to lose in that regard. the hill training road clinics ( I show up with my mtb ) are fun.

I believe the mission statement is something like "helping women to connect for cycling" But as far as I know, we have no charter or bylaws.

My issues, go ahead and smack me if I'm out of line...

*people ( a person) bring dogs on club mtb rides... boy do I have a big problem with this... I don't go on any of them unless I've planned them it bugs me so much. When I approached a board member about it I felt really blown off.

*maybe it's just me, but I feel our meetings (socials) are very cliquey. I'm not terribly shy, But I do try and talk to people.

* I think it's kind of strange that I am the only one who ever sends out mtb ride notices. I've been sending out rides for over a year now, and it's only in the last 6 weeks that gals have been showing up... I end up feeling like I must have TP on my shoes or something... I've even posted Saturday morning beginner rides with zero attendance.

OK, so it's only $10 a year, I really have nothing to lose but I would like more.

last but not least.... I did get a questionairre, and I would really like feedback on my reply before I send it back. I am trying for beling clear, yet objective, or giving my opinion in a somewhat tactful manner.... you all know that I tend towards blunt.

so, here's a paste of that, please give me feedback...(note, one of the board member's hubby is the one with the dog...)

****
Lastly, we on the executive committee would like to reassess the organization: to identify expectations of the members and find out how members have been, and are currently, participating with the organization.
Please answer the following questions:

Please keep in mind that the following comments are just my opinion. I seriously considered joining the board but decided not to at this time, as I didn't have the energy to devote. I understand that it is not possible for a club with lots of members to meet and fill all the wishes, desires and needs of a single person. Thank you very much for asking for input.

1) What are your expectations for the organization? Is the
organization meeting your expectations? If not, what could the
organization do to better serve you?

expectation: I'd like to meet and ride with other women. In that respect, the group seems to be working OK as I have a few new riding partners that I wouldn't have had before. As for serving me better?? Maybe see other comments.

I am concerned about liability issues and club image. One thing that really bugged me was going on a club outing and having a rider bring a dog. Failure to abide by the park rules (leashes required) on a club outing is bad for the club's image, and I personally am uncomfortable being a representative of the club in this situation. I feel that as a club, we should set an example for other riders/club

I would like to see a club charter and some by laws that would include a general liability waiver (similar to the mountaineers) and rules for club rides.

2) What kind of riding are you doing? Are you telling other members about your rides? Do you want to? Are others telling you about their rides? What kind of details would you like to know about if someone tells you about a ride?

I ride a mountain bike exclusively. In the beginning I sent out notices foralmost every single ride I ever went on that wasn't spontaneous, but I quit ending them out when I consistently got no responses. Lately, I've sent ut notices for a few rides ( Liberty Lake, Riverside and some others) and have gotten some response so I will most likely send out notices again. I
get all the emails that go out and that is just fine. The kinds of details I have seen in emails have been fine.


3) There were initially three standard rides set up by WOW: 8:30am Sunday; 5:45pm Wednesday; 4:00pm mountain bike Friday. Has anyone been attending these rides? If so, how many others have been participating? Would other dates/times work better for you?


I joined the friday night ride once... I was not comfortable riding with a dog along so I haven't gone back. I joined the hill climb training ride just the other time when I was in
town, that was terrific.

Days and times are so subjective, I don't know that anything would be better. I would prefer the socials to be held at a later time, 6 pm is not easy for me.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. We look forward to seeing you/meeting you all soon.

thank you for asking for input.