The jersey ride has been replaced.
Due to the steady decline in member participation in the Jersey Ride Program, it has been abolished by Board directive. In its place is the creation of a "Coffee Social Program" aimed towards daily scheduled club rides and public service volunteer efforts. The new Program is under the direction of the Tour Director.
For the past several years there has been a notable decline in member participation in the Club's Jersey Ride Program. According to the Club Treasurer, only about 10 riders sought reimbursement for Jersey Rides for the entire year. In a poll of previous Tour Directors, Board members, and frequent riders, it appears that no longer does there seem to be a need or desire to stimulate "the showing of Club colors" in either local or regional rides. Wearing of Club Kits is already frequent and widespread, and increasing numbers of members are ordering Club colors for their personal use.
As an alternative to the disbursement of the allocated funds for Jersey rides ($1,000), Board sentiment leaned towards the notion of supporting in some tangible way our increasing numbers of riders who ride daily or weekly in the variety of scheduled rides now offered. Further, volunteers who participate in the Club's public service programs should also be rewarded and recognized. An example of a public service effort would be the Bike Helmet Program or volunteering labor to a charitable event sponsored by the Club.
The Board of Directors has created and funded a Coffee Social Program under our Touring Budget. The Touring Director (presently, me) is authorized to disperse funds to pay for coffee and refreshments for scheduled activities as defined above. While allocation to whom and how much is discretionary with the Tour Director, the intent is to reward as many different riders and rides, and public service volunteers as practical with the sum provided.
A hypothetical example will help illustrate how this new program will work: A ride leader wants to stimulate greater interest and participation in a scheduled ride. The leader would request a cash contribution from the Tour Director. The request is approved and a cash sum is provided to the leader, with no requirement to submit any paperwork. The leader is, however, required to announce the refreshment subsidy in advance through an E-mail announcement. The announcement shall state that refreshments are complimentary.
The Tour Director will make monthly reports of disbursements to the Board of Directors. As this is a new and experimental program, it shall be reviewed and evaluated in December. Board members are always receptive to ongoing suggestions and feedback for this venture.
Phil Coleman
