Bike Clubs

[TrekTheKaty]

I am in a club that has experienced a great deal of change in the last few years. I think the women who started the club didn't realize what happens when a group of friends start a club. Here are a few of the issues my club was dealing with . . .

You have no control over who joins "your" club.
New members have new ideas.
Bike riders come in all shapes, sizes and abilities.
As the club becomes more successful, the more work you have to do.
bikerHen

This also happened to a group of my non-cycling friends. We met once a month for happy hour and someone turned it into a chapter of a national organization (then moved out of town--"good luck!") I (and several other "founding" members) walked away.

Props to you for starting a club. Just be ready to look out for the groups interests instead of yours.

[Jaclyn]

The League of American Bicyclists is again offering a class for club leaders. This might be a great opportunity to get off to the right start with a new club. Here's info below (note - I am a League member and a League Certified Instructor).
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Are you involved in a bike club? If you are, consider attending the League’s Club Leader Training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Join other club leaders on April 9-11, 2010 at the Wisconsin Exposition Center for a great seminar on club leadership. Learn ways to run your club more effectively, how to make the most of your club’s resources, and how to best utilize the talents and skills of your club members.

Register now – space is limited! Contact Lisa Reitz at lisa@bikeleague.org for more information. Check out the Meeting Agenda!

Full registration $100
One-day registration $60

Topics include:
- Club leader transitions
- Reaching new members
- Budgeting
- Insurance
- Managing membership
- Organizing rides and volunteers
- Marketing
- Local advocacy issues

** The seminar will be held in conjunction with the Wheel and Sprocket Bike Expo Sale (in the same building) - so come to Milwaukee to pick up some great bike gear AND get great tips on bike club management. (The Wheel & Sprocket Bike Expo - 1500 bikes on sale, thousands of accessories, and presence from the best rides and clubs from the state of Wisconsin! If you love bicycling, or if you are looking to get into the sport, there is no better time to shop! Free admission.)