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Tom Aton
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5/13/2017 6:29 PM
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I was present in the misty past when the Tour de Forts was a 2-day ride, leaving out of Fletcher HS and going north to Fort Clinch on day 1, and going south to the Castillo on day 2. I was also involved in creating the first edition of the ESWR, which went in/out of Nease HS. So I have corporate memory.
My comments are as follows:
1. In the intervening years since year 1, population growth and traffic patterns have changed dramatically. Bringing rides through downtown St. Augustine or Fernandina Beach on warm weather weekends no longer makes sense. If you're going to have a spring and fall century, then do so - but the old paradigms are no longer viable.
2. The routes on both rides are, to say the least, sub-optimal. Any ride involving JSO to provide route safety is a hassle and too expensive - I recommend you get out of Duval County completely. Routes that require two-way bike traffic on the same road (think A1A from CR206 to Ft. Matanzas and back, in/out of the rest stop at Kingsley Plantation) are UNSAFE and no fun. There's too much traffic and construction on Heckscher Drive; winding through Fernandina Beach across railroad tracks and the docks is unpleasant; going across the Bridge of Lions is dicey. Find someone to design better routes.
3. Do what other clubs do to generate more volunteers from their ridership. Hold a supported no-fee volunteer ride the day before or week before the scheduled event to encourage members to be volunteers on the day-of-event without missing out on the opportunity to do the ride.
4. If you can't staff two rides a year, then cut it to one.
Just my $0.02.
Cheers
Tom Aton
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Michael Cozad
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5/10/2017 10:27 AM
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<Unknown>
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5/10/2017 10:22 AM
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george willis
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5/10/2017 10:16 AM
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Deb Rancilio
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5/10/2017 10:11 AM
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Scott Towe
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5/10/2017 10:11 AM
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george willis
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5/10/2017 10:06 AM
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Thomas Rock
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5/10/2017 9:56 AM
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We are a very big club. 2 rides per year should be manageable. I will volunteer next year on the Tour.
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 10, 2017, at 8:55 AM, Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> ~~~ Start Quote ~~~
> We received this comment from a member which I am quoting with the member's permission:
>
> "I have meant to say something to you the last few times I’ve seen you but I have forgotten, so I’m sending a quick note instead.
>
> Over the last year or so I’ve come to believe that the club should have only one ride per year, not two. I would alternate the two rides so they each would happen every other year. I think that two rides per year is too much work for the same group of volunteers. I believe that having only one ride per year would make recruiting for volunteers much easier. I’m sure that the Amelia Island group would be much more agreeable to helping out with the ESWR if it was every other year.
>
> When I see rides that are put on by other organizations, I see rides that are done annually. I don’t know the history of the NFBC to know how two annual rides came about, but I hope you and the Board would consider having just one ride per year.
>
> That’s my two cents."
> ~~~ End Quote ~~~
>
>
> I believe the club is large enough to handle two rides per year, plus they are money-making projects to help run the club and support our efforts in the community. Memberships don't even come close to covering the cost of running a club as large as the NFBC.
>
> However, with that said, part of the problem--could be--the shorter time frame between the TDF and ESWR as opposed to the time between the ESWR and TDf: 141 days vs. 225 days (est) for organizing, planning etc.
>
> I was a volunteer (also board member) in years past and the ESWR always seemed to creep up on us right after catching our breath post-TDF. Not to mention the membership was about half what it is now so you can imagine how many of us wore more than one hat.
>
> #1 -- Why not consider moving either event so that they are closer to six months apart, granting more planning time and volunteer recruitment? We're in Florida so we don't have to worry about being snowed in, right?
>
> #2 -- Another suggestion to garner more volunteer support (if that's what we really need) would be to grant a quid-pro-quo to those volunteers who work one event, get to ride the other event free! I'm sure all the volunteers who tirelessly work their butts off would like a chance to ride one of the events and I'm sure they have a favorite, too. And, they could even switch every other year--they would probably have to work two events in a row to do that, but the logistics could be worked out, I'm sure. Then, of course, there are those tireless unheralded people who work both events and enjoy doing it! HUGE HATS OFF AND KUDOS TO YOU!
>
> Just a few ideas.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<<
> You have received this message as a member of: North Florida Bicycle Club
> Change preferences (including opt-out): https://NFBC.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=13&club_id=597416
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James Campbell
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5/10/2017 9:51 AM
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James Campbell
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5/10/2017 9:26 AM
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Erik Nieman
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5/10/2017 9:06 AM
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Paul Sluder
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5/10/2017 8:44 AM
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I believe the club is large enough to handle two rides per year, plus they are money-making projects to help run the club and support our efforts in the community. Memberships don't even come close to covering the cost of running a club as large as the NFBC.
However, with that said, part of the problem--could be--the shorter time frame between the TDF and ESWR as opposed to the time between the ESWR and TDf: 141 days vs. 225 days (est) for organizing, planning etc.
I was a volunteer (also board member) in years past and the ESWR always seemed to creep up on us right after catching our breath post-TDF. Not to mention the membership was about half what it is now so you can imagine how many of us wore more than one hat.
#1 -- Why not consider moving either event so that they are closer to six months apart, granting more planning time and volunteer recruitment? We're in Florida so we don't have to worry about being snowed in, right?
#2 -- Another suggestion to garner more volunteer support (if that's what we really need) would be to grant a quid-pro-quo to those volunteers who work one event, get to ride the other event free! I'm sure all the volunteers who tirelessly work their butts off would like a chance to ride one of the events and I'm sure they have a favorite, too. And, they could even switch every other year--they would probably have to work two events in a row to do that, but the logistics could be worked out, I'm sure. Then, of course, there are those tireless unheralded people who work both events and enjoy doing it! HUGE HATS OFF AND KUDOS TO YOU!
Just a few ideas.
Thanks
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Rita Geer
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5/10/2017 7:57 AM
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Please continue to do 2 rides every year. The issue seems to be cost and volunteers so my husband and I understand that the cost of participating in these rides may increase as a result of that and are willing to pay more. These rides are a tradition for us! Thank you for everything you do!
> On May 10, 2017 at 6:33 AM Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
>
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> <<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->>
> Posted by: Nora Flowers on 5/10/2017 at 6:27 AM
> View/reply online: http://NFBC.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=2161&club_id=597416&item_id=694638&message_id=1723153
> Reply to forum at eswr-tdf@nfbc.us (be sure to copy the message subject exactly so your reply is attached to the correct thread) Reply directly to Nora Flowers at norie.flowers@outlook.com
> <<-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->>
>
>
> Could we give some thought to an international group ride? There are many out there in France, Italy and Spain and well organized for those who would like a different and new experience. Bike clubs throughout the country do this so why not this club? Norie Flowers
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mailer@mail2.clubexpress.com [mailto:mailer@mail2.clubexpress.com] On Behalf Of Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class
> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 7:20 AM
> To: norie.flowers@outlook.com
> Subject: re: [ESWR-TdF forum] Should NFBC put on only one major event ride yearly? <<$172314721856$>>
>
>
>
>
> I am oblivious to the task of putting on these events. As a rider i rode both events for the first time; ESWM 2016 and TDF 2017 and thoroughly enjoyed them both! I plan to make these both annual rides. I can also work with Team RWB to commit to manning a rest stop at each event as well. No guarantees but I will see what I can do. Keep up the great work with the rides and the club!
> On May 10, 2017 1:04 AM, "Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class" <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
>
>
>
> I disagree. We need two or more
>
> Radamés (Tito) Oliver MD
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On May 9, 2017, at 10:52 PM, Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > We received this comment from a member which I am quoting with the member's permission:
> >
> > "I have meant to say something to you the last few times I’ve seen you but I have forgotten, so I’m sending a quick note instead.
> >
> > Over the last year or so I’ve come to believe that the club should have only one ride per year, not two. I would alternate the two rides so they each would happen every other year. I think that two rides per year is too much work for the same group of volunteers. I believe that having only one ride per year would make recruiting for volunteers much easier. I’m sure that the Amelia Island group would be much more agreeable to helping out with the ESWR if it was every other year.
> >
> > When I see rides that are put on by other organizations, I see rides that are done annually. I don’t know the history of the NFBC to know how two annual rides came about, but I hope you and the Board would consider having just one ride per year.
> >
> > That’s my two cents."
> >
> >
> >>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<<
> > You have received this message as a member of: North Florida Bicycle Club > Change preferences (including opt-out): https://NFBC.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=13&club_id=597416
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<<
> You have received this message as a member of: North Florida Bicycle Club
> Change preferences (including opt-out): https://NFBC.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=13&club_id=597416
>
>
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Nora Flowers
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5/10/2017 7:27 AM
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Could we give some thought to an international group ride? There are many out there in France, Italy and Spain and well organized for those who would like a different and new experience. Bike clubs throughout the country do this so why not this club? Norie Flowers
-----Original Message-----
From: mailer@mail2.clubexpress.com [mailto:mailer@mail2.clubexpress.com] On Behalf Of Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 7:20 AM
To: norie.flowers@outlook.com
Subject: re: [ESWR-TdF forum] Should NFBC put on only one major event ride yearly? <<$172314721856$>>
I am oblivious to the task of putting on these events. As a rider i rode both events for the first time; ESWM 2016 and TDF 2017 and thoroughly enjoyed them both! I plan to make these both annual rides. I can also work with Team RWB to commit to manning a rest stop at each event as well. No guarantees but I will see what I can do. Keep up the great work with the rides and the club!
On May 10, 2017 1:04 AM, "Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class" <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
I disagree. We need two or more
Radamés (Tito) Oliver MD
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 9, 2017, at 10:52 PM, Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> We received this comment from a member which I am quoting with the member's permission:
>
> "I have meant to say something to you the last few times I’ve seen you but I have forgotten, so I’m sending a quick note instead.
>
> Over the last year or so I’ve come to believe that the club should have only one ride per year, not two. I would alternate the two rides so they each would happen every other year. I think that two rides per year is too much work for the same group of volunteers. I believe that having only one ride per year would make recruiting for volunteers much easier. I’m sure that the Amelia Island group would be much more agreeable to helping out with the ESWR if it was every other year.
>
> When I see rides that are put on by other organizations, I see rides that are done annually. I don’t know the history of the NFBC to know how two annual rides came about, but I hope you and the Board would consider having just one ride per year.
>
> That’s my two cents."
>
>
>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<<
> You have received this message as a member of: North Florida Bicycle Club > Change preferences (including opt-out): https://NFBC.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=13&club_id=597416
>
>
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mike hanna
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5/10/2017 7:16 AM
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I am oblivious to the task of putting on these events. As a rider i rode both events for the first time; ESWM 2016 and TDF 2017 and thoroughly enjoyed them both! I plan to make these both annual rides. I can also work with Team RWB to commit to manning a rest stop at each event as well. No guarantees but I will see what I can do. Keep up the great work with the rides and the club!
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Radames Oliver MD
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5/10/2017 1:01 AM
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I disagree. We need two or more
Radamés (Tito) Oliver MD
Sent from my iPhone
> On May 9, 2017, at 10:52 PM, Endless Summer Watermelon Ride-Tour de Forts Class <eswr-tdf@nfbc.us> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> We received this comment from a member which I am quoting with the member's permission:
>
> "I have meant to say something to you the last few times I’ve seen you but I have forgotten, so I’m sending a quick note instead.
>
> Over the last year or so I’ve come to believe that the club should have only one ride per year, not two. I would alternate the two rides so they each would happen every other year. I think that two rides per year is too much work for the same group of volunteers. I believe that having only one ride per year would make recruiting for volunteers much easier. I’m sure that the Amelia Island group would be much more agreeable to helping out with the ESWR if it was every other year.
>
> When I see rides that are put on by other organizations, I see rides that are done annually. I don’t know the history of the NFBC to know how two annual rides came about, but I hope you and the Board would consider having just one ride per year.
>
> That’s my two cents."
>
>
>>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<<
> You have received this message as a member of: North Florida Bicycle Club
> Change preferences (including opt-out): https://NFBC.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=13&club_id=597416
>
>
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Mark Atkins
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5/9/2017 10:48 PM
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I replied:
We are not unique in putting on more than one major ride yearly.
Both rides long pre-date my membership in the club. This year was the 26th TdF and September will be the 27th ESWR.
As far as I know, ESWR was not always on AI and TdF in St. Johns County. I think prior to 2013, at least one TdF ran out of First Coast HS with a rest stop at Fort Clinch. The April ride moved out of AI as there were too many activities that time of year for the local community to support (NCSO, etc.) including the Shrimp Festival, the Katie Ride and others.
I am cognizant of the difficulties getting volunteers, particularly a ride director. We were unsuccessful for TdF and hired a director from outside the club.
I see two principal issues with doing only one ride a year. Financially the club depends on the profits from both rides to cover expenses that exceed income from membership dues. We also use those monies to fund our safety program. I believe I have written about that in Wheelspeak before. We can continue to cut programs, increase dues, or both.
The other is competition from other rides. If we give up a date for a ride, I fear we will lose it forever. Someone will move in our date. This year we competed with the Flagler Rotary ride which was on the same day as TdF. Katie Ride was only 8 days before TdF. There was a paid ride in Gainesville the day before TdF. September is also becoming crowded.
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Mark Atkins
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5/9/2017 10:45 PM
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We received this comment from a member which I am quoting with the member's permission:
"I have meant to say something to you the last few times I’ve seen you but I have forgotten, so I’m sending a quick note instead.
Over the last year or so I’ve come to believe that the club should have only one ride per year, not two. I would alternate the two rides so they each would happen every other year. I think that two rides per year is too much work for the same group of volunteers. I believe that having only one ride per year would make recruiting for volunteers much easier. I’m sure that the Amelia Island group would be much more agreeable to helping out with the ESWR if it was every other year.
When I see rides that are put on by other organizations, I see rides that are done annually. I don’t know the history of the NFBC to know how two annual rides came about, but I hope you and the Board would consider having just one ride per year.
That’s my two cents."
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