The can of worms seems to have been opened in the "Vote" thread, regarding the going forward position, are we one group or two ?
Rather than bog the Voting thread down I thought it better to split it out into a separate discussion.
For my $0.02 , I think its better off as one group. But we have to recognise that we are also a vastly varying group of riders with significant differences in capabilities.
The GW group is the perfect example here, several different group rides of varying levels happening at the same time. Admittedly they have the benefit of much larger numbers.
At a personal level having taken part in both L and Muddy rides , I dont really see a lot of difference, same level of helpfulness and social interaction, its just one travels a bit faster and further than the other.
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Permalink Reply by Phil Crick on March 9, 2012 at 8:23 I'm sure we can cater for all, I've pootled around the L ride with beginners (myself included) and had my legs pulled off by the pain train going up to the Outer Harbour, I enjoyed both and am happy to continue as one group.
Patrick and Paul (Fisher) do a good job of organising the rides and I'm greatfull of having the option to do both rides - guys you are appreciated.
Permalink Reply by Michelle Crick on March 9, 2012 at 8:27 I completely agree Matt but then you have the debate over the name...
Permalink Reply by Trent on March 9, 2012 at 8:43 Matt in a perfect world one group would be optimal However in this case i think 2 separate groups is the way to go. there is a difference between the two groups and that is not meant in any way to be disparaging but just a statement of fact. If we had the numbers consistently to do two separate rides on a Saturday ala GW then it would be workable but not in this current format. Honestly this whole debate is getting very tiresome and not needed.
Permalink Reply by Matt Jones on March 9, 2012 at 8:58 I know its getting tiresome, but its also not getting resolved. Every discussion that's been had always breaks down to a name / difference between the two groups. How can we move forward from this ?
Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on March 9, 2012 at 13:01 Wow - this sure has got complicated
I think we have to remember the intent of the group - it is not a formal organisation, we don't pay fees, we don't have a charter - all it is a social casual rides with people in the Southern Suburbs - and it evolved to one ride been faster and longer, the other ride been slower and shorter so all riders are catered for.
I can understand that some of the more experienced riders, whilst they support and go on "L" rides - but do not want have a Learner plate on there jersey due to there experience.
The question I come back to - why do I want this jersey?
Well - I want it as I do not formally belong to any cycling club\group etc. - I like the idea of telling people about some of the fantastic rides we have down south, and if I spot a fellow "Muddie" out on the road, it is a good conversation starter and creates more interest and community spirit.
End of the day - I would prefer to see 50 Muddies tops out there, rather than 3 different ones with lesser numbers.
Permalink Reply by RD6 on March 9, 2012 at 13:47 I think the answer lies in establishing leadership roles for both L and Muddies or are we called Muddies in general
a) Organizer, she /he maintains weekly events on AC and she/he writes the report
b) Lead Rider, which I / Pat happy to do, I am open to opinions
c) TEC
d) Back ups in case Organizer is not available on the day, post updates on AC
e) Rotate roles if necessary to give everyone an opportunity
f) TEAM = together everybody achieves more
Permalink Reply by Phil Crick on March 9, 2012 at 13:56 Agreed, what do Gawler Wheelers do that makes them so successful?
* They are decisive and consistent.
* There is always a ride or two.
* There is always a TEC and a ride leader.
* They have known rides.
* They have great PR from Frank. His enthusiasm is incredible.
* They don't comment and counter-comment on their events in this forum.
* They don't attack their own.
On the whole - I agree with RD6... TEAM - but with LEADERSHIP.
On a personal note or three.. I'll be back soon now my knee is getting better, the hateful DLS is ending and the cooler weather is coming.
Doing short rides only at the moment. A Muddies ride is ALWAYS 120+ km for me.
Look forward to seeing you all soon. And lets get the jersey!
Permalink Reply by colin ware-lane on March 9, 2012 at 16:19 +1 there LR
Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on March 9, 2012 at 17:46 I've been alerted to this thread via a PM and following up from a conversation yesterday my initial thoughts are that The Muddies rides need to be longer, hillier, more challenging than present and held fortnightly. That may exempt/discourage some riders from attending, so be it. The L ride, Sunday L Ride etc.ccn cater for that on alternate weekends, or whenever they choose. I think there is potential for two different groups/rides to exist. The whole jersey debate, name. logo is becoming a bit embarassing IMO.
It has been suggested that I change the Muddies logo to Gary Mills' crab logo (I like that suggestion), close the existing Muddies group and start again from scratch. All suggestions that I think have a lot of merit at the moment.
Something to think about whilst riding with the GWs tomorrow.
Permalink Reply by Scott Swinfield on March 9, 2012 at 17:59 +1
Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on March 9, 2012 at 20:40 Some further thoughts possibly from left field.
The original Muddies rides always started at New India Market which is handy for anyone coming from town or the inner suburbs, Those from further south can join in en route, Majors Rd, Sherriffs, River Rd. The ride was invariable up the Veloway and S. Exy to McLaren Vale, and beyond, with other options like riding up Flagstaff, Education etc and riding via Clarendon. Return roue via S.Exy or Coast to Vines allows riders to peel off for home en route.
It has been suggested that Riminis @ Hallett Cove is too far south and too far west for some people.
Coffee stop was in McLaren Vale either in the middle of the ride or on the leg back home. Maybe we could return to that format, stopping at McLaren Vale mid ride allows slower riders chance to catch up and have a break, everyone regroups for the ride home which is when most are tired/flagging.
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