Minutes from January 13, 2009

Manitoba Mountain Bike Committee Minutes (DRAFT)
January 13, 2009
Room 220, Sport Manitoba
7:00 – 9:30

Present: Greg Sherwin (Brandon Bike Club), Dale Cramer (Junk Yard Dogs), Scott Wiebe (Training Co-op), Jayson Gillespie (MCA Prov. Coach), Kevin Braun (Tinker), Shawn Zayec (Alter Ego), Tim Loewen (KOM), Bill Algeo (Woodcock), LeAnn Friesen (FGBC), Patrick Siemens (Body Driven), David Dorning (Woodcock), Ron Brown (MCA Exec. Director), Phil Roadley (Bikes and Beyond), Rob Nagy (Woodcock), Dave Johnston (Tread the Thunder), Hal Loewen (MTB Coordinator)

Regrets: Tomek Jasiakiewicz (Olympia)


Discussions:

The following discussions resulted from actions identified in the October 16th minutes:

• Ron spoke about the necessity to have event specific waivers for the time being. Legal opinion would need to be consulted to okay blanket waivers. Waivers must also be kept for up to 7 years.
• Ron spoke about using either the Manitoba Ski Patrol or students from university athletic programs to provide medical support for races; this will be explored further.
• Ron explained the purpose of the athletes fund to assist Manitoba athletes who excel and need funds to help them attend races.
• Kevin spoke about the race category that was put in place last year. The committee needs to make sure that as racer’s abilities progress that they move up to the most competitive category available. Laps at races should fall within a time frame of 20 – 30 minutes so that races can be planned that all racers complete their race within the time frame deemed appropriate for them.
• Ron spoke about the marketing initiatives being planned by members of the MCA board.
• Ron spoke about the development of the new website; it will be ready in time to publish the upcoming race schedule. Discussion continued about the need to keep the content current and fresh, especially the race results. Race results need to be submitted immediately and, if possible, should include lap times. Other ideas expressed were the need for new features such as links to MCA members websites and blogs.
• Allan spoke about intentions to possibly revive the course at Asessippi and possibly coordinating a co-race with Saskatchewan. Dave is planning a similar event for Swan River. Because of the distance needed for most racers to attend these event discussion took place on the idea of alternating the years the two races take place.
• Ron gave a quick rundown of the shop meetings and town-hall meeting. It was asked if any minutes from the town-hall meeting were available.
• Ron has provided Hal with a list of equipment available from the MCA for members to use in trail development and the running of races.
• Ron spoke about the possibility of holding a Canada Cup event; while nothing is being actively planned, it needs to be kept on the table.

Budget Information:

• Dave gave a brief description of the current budgetary status of the MCA; the organization has no surplus funds and needs to adjust budgets to avoid deficits.
• Hal reported that he has submitted a budget based on past budgets and possible needs. External sources of funding would be sought to assist with running of the program

Race Schedule

The following race schedule was created.

April 26 - Cup 1 (KOM) - Grand Beach - Olympia
May 6 - Wed 1 - Olympia
May 24 - Cup 2 - Brandon - BBC - B&B
May 30 - Falcon Lake - Downhill - B&B
May 31 - Cup 3 (KOM) - Falcon Lake - WC
June 3 - Wed 2 - Olympia
June 7 - Back 40 - Morden (Marathon) - TC
June 14 - Cup 4 - Swan River - TTT
June 24 - Wed 3 - Olympia
June 28 - Cup 5 - Birch - BAFE - JYD
July 8 - Wed 4 - Olympia
July 19 - Cup 6 - Pinawa - B&B
July 29 - Wed 5 - Olympia
Aug 8 - Provincials - BIRCH - club TBD
Aug 12 - Wed 6 - Olympia
Aug 30 - Marathon Race - Alter Ego - location TBD
Sept 13 - Sandilands - BDS
Sept 27 - Fall Classic (Marathon?) - Birch – JYD

Further Discussion:

• Patrick gave a brief report on the current status of the Sandilands course. The old course no longer exists and that new trails are being planned for a Fall event.
• Ron gave a description of the new membership category being proposed that would allow new members to try racing at a reduced cost.
• Hal talked about the need to find a new Chief Commissaire as well as additional commissaries to help run the races
• Ron and Hal talked about the need to promote racing in all regions of the province and the need to have a commissaire and coach in every region, this would make mountain biking eligible for the Manitoba Summer Games.
• Kevin asked the question about qualifications to be a provincial champion – concern was expressed by some at the meeting that a racer who does not participate in Cup or other MB mountain bike events during the season, but shows up for provincials and wins is not truly representative of being provincial champion.
• Hal spoke about the need to rework the organizer’s manual to make it more comprehensive.

Recommendations to the Board:

1. Race results should be standardized to include lap times
2. The development of a new “first-timers” category should be pursued

Actions:

1. Ron to explore the cost of using Karelo for online registration
2. Hal to post equipment list
3. Hal to present tentative race schedule to joint Mountain/Road meeting
4. Hal to coordinate the updating of the Mountain Bike Organizer’s manual
5. Ron to contact Dave Benson about the running of commissaire courses

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, February 10 @ 7:00