Post by lisa on Dec 31, 2013 9:51:49 GMT 1
The girls/ladies/women/birds had a really productive meeting yesterday. I wanted to post details of what we discussed as I know a few couldn’t make it.
Firstly, we established that all of us, whether we realised it or not, have goals and aspirations when it comes to cycling. Those goals are very different from person to person but the club can help with all of them. Some of the action points:
1. The club women’s league will be resurrected. Lisa to talk to Martin and Chris about the format, points system and targeting a couple of key road races (including handicaps) which will count towards the league. Because of various commitments, the women can’t make all, or even most rounds, so the women’s league will be made of less rounds, with best X of X counting (to be decided).
As childcare is an issue for some, there is likely to be some sort of ‘creche’. For example, someone will keep an eye on my kids so that I can do an agreed round and I will look after theirs so that they can do a round. This will attract points (to be agreed) as if it were marshalling.
2. Trophies/awards were discussed. It was felt that the recent club awards night was completely dominated by men and that there is no way that a woman can win an award under the current system. There is already a trophy for the women’s league. In addition, we wish to introduce awards for Most Improved Woman, Best Newcomer (Female) and possibly medals for certain TTs. A single road race will be targeted and there will be a women’s trophy for this race. Lisa and Bernie to look into sponsorship of trophies.
3. The recent Ulster Women’s Development day was discussed and Lisa will advise re the skills/MTB day planned for January.
4. It would be very useful to arrange a day for newcomers in general whereby the more experienced members of the club can impart some knowledge/wisdom. Topics to cover – basic bike maintenance, equipment, nutrition, training, injury prevention. A “fun” TT would also take place to introduce the newcomers to this discipline ahead of the Club League. Possible venue – Dromara Football Club. We would appreciate volunteers to help with this.
5. Club clothing. It was felt by several women that club clothing gives a sense of belonging and identity but that for someone new to cycling, it is expensive. Lisa to speak to Martin about what old clothing is still in stock and possibly subsidising this with some of the women’s budget.
6. Licences. Lisa to speak to Martin about which licence is required to allow participation in the club league.
7. Website development – it was felt that this one of the key ways to attract new members. Lisa has already spoken to Richard Cowan about development of a women’s section and will progress this.
8. Attracting new female members – several ideas were discussed. Starting from within the club, some of the male members could encourage their partners to get involved.
9. Events – Ring of Kerry was suggested as a good outing for the women/leisure group and Bernie will look into potential cost etc.
Firstly, we established that all of us, whether we realised it or not, have goals and aspirations when it comes to cycling. Those goals are very different from person to person but the club can help with all of them. Some of the action points:
1. The club women’s league will be resurrected. Lisa to talk to Martin and Chris about the format, points system and targeting a couple of key road races (including handicaps) which will count towards the league. Because of various commitments, the women can’t make all, or even most rounds, so the women’s league will be made of less rounds, with best X of X counting (to be decided).
As childcare is an issue for some, there is likely to be some sort of ‘creche’. For example, someone will keep an eye on my kids so that I can do an agreed round and I will look after theirs so that they can do a round. This will attract points (to be agreed) as if it were marshalling.
2. Trophies/awards were discussed. It was felt that the recent club awards night was completely dominated by men and that there is no way that a woman can win an award under the current system. There is already a trophy for the women’s league. In addition, we wish to introduce awards for Most Improved Woman, Best Newcomer (Female) and possibly medals for certain TTs. A single road race will be targeted and there will be a women’s trophy for this race. Lisa and Bernie to look into sponsorship of trophies.
3. The recent Ulster Women’s Development day was discussed and Lisa will advise re the skills/MTB day planned for January.
4. It would be very useful to arrange a day for newcomers in general whereby the more experienced members of the club can impart some knowledge/wisdom. Topics to cover – basic bike maintenance, equipment, nutrition, training, injury prevention. A “fun” TT would also take place to introduce the newcomers to this discipline ahead of the Club League. Possible venue – Dromara Football Club. We would appreciate volunteers to help with this.
5. Club clothing. It was felt by several women that club clothing gives a sense of belonging and identity but that for someone new to cycling, it is expensive. Lisa to speak to Martin about what old clothing is still in stock and possibly subsidising this with some of the women’s budget.
6. Licences. Lisa to speak to Martin about which licence is required to allow participation in the club league.
7. Website development – it was felt that this one of the key ways to attract new members. Lisa has already spoken to Richard Cowan about development of a women’s section and will progress this.
8. Attracting new female members – several ideas were discussed. Starting from within the club, some of the male members could encourage their partners to get involved.
9. Events – Ring of Kerry was suggested as a good outing for the women/leisure group and Bernie will look into potential cost etc.