Committee News - February 2012

[Nigel Tomkins]

The committee has met again, as we do every 2^nd Tuesday of the month to discuss the monthly business, new direction, future events, and current happenings.

The first item of business a moment of silence for the passing of Cam Jones - a friend to the team and motorcycle racer from Christchurch; and John Frew a valued member of the club and a member of the Brass Monkey committee.

The next event is the Rankleburn Adventure (19^th Feb), a one day gravel road ride. Planned by Ron Gilbert with his extensive back-road knowledge and no doubt will be a thrilling ride. This is part of a series of rides we intend to continue with, the next one being the 8-Pass ride.

Next up a Kids Off-Road Fun day (26^th Feb) - Pidgon Flat road, bring the family, take the bikes, and have a bit of fun. The aim of this event is to provide a safe place for kids and families to ride. We would like to do as many of these days as possible. Please support the day, the committee will make the best effort and bring them on a regular basis.

The 8-pass ride (10^th Mar) - A ride, dinner, and few brews with like minded motorcycle enthusiasts. This ride goes from Dunedin to Geraldine, and back the following day. It is suitable for both adventure and on-road riders (yes there are two different routes). If your interested do book your room early.

Levels - Have a go day...(17^th Mar), a fun day around the track at Levels Timaru, this day we aim to introduce novice riders to track and will provide the opportunity to hone your riding ability. We have many experienced riders in the club who are more than happy to assist and help people in learning safe riding. The best place to learn is at the track, no on-coming cars, no potholes and no wandering strays. Treat yourself, become a safer rider, why not give it a go? There is an advanced group which we operate with a flag start. However, this group requires a full M.N.Z. licence to participate.

The Brass Monkey committee is working organising this years rally. They have scheduled the working bee for the 5^th May, and as usual the search for volunteers starts now. Please give your name forward and help. The committee requires a licenced bar person to manage the bar at the rally (2^nd Jun). Are there any members out there who can help ?

An idea/event the committee is currently bouncing about is a Twilight 1/8^th mile... We are currently looking for a centre city venue, that we can put forward to the council. If one has ideas that should be considered, or one would like to get involved in planning, please come forward; we believe such an event in the city will be breathtaking. The committee has an interest in another hill climb, but with limited support of the last hill climb, we wonder if this is an event we should be running?

Finally, NZ Blood contacted us, to help recruit some new blood donors. To find out more or to make an appointment visit www.nzblood.co.nz, or ph. 0800 GIVE BLOOD.

Cheers Nigel Tomkins.