The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society February, 2019 Volume 36, Issue #2
Presidents Report – February 2019
John Pringle
Succession Planning. “Safe Passing” Campaign
Here we go again. Who’d ever have thunk it: We’re back together again! Did we ever part? Maybe for a few hours that fine December 3rd afternoon when seven Board of Directors divvied up the booty; claimed such roles as, Treasurer, Tours or Membership Director, etc., and then, uncomfortably, look at each other, thinking, “Who’s going to do it?” The presidential position should be sought after in a democratic society. As was pointed out at the meeting; it’s not as difficult as, say, the Tours Director’s position. It’s not as time consuming as the Treasurer’s. It’s not as complex as the IT Managers role. Then, why does it go begging? Beats me. I don’t think it’s as easy as many think, having done a couple of these positions. But, Max later pointed out, it might be because there’s a ton of responsibility that goes with the position. Maybe he’s right. I’m not sure. (It’s a frustrating and demoralizing position to be in. All a past president wannabe is looking for is a handshake and an enthusiastic replacement).
Nevertheless, we now have a plan for presidential succession that lets me off the hook in December, 2019. Our plan dictates that the Vice Presidential role be made the successional position for President. This was done. Next, Max kindly offered to fill this position in 2019. The vote was a landslide. Uncontested. I will gracefully step down in December. He will gracefully step up. Simple.
Why did we have to have a near-family crisis to come to this simple decision? Because we collectively ignored the problem. And Club members ignored us despite our occasional appeals.
Max is hoping this will be one a year fling, though the presidential term is two years. Max is our IT guy. Busy keeping our website in order. As well, he leads tours. Presidential duties are not his preference. He’d rather be monkey wrenching a hard drive, writing software, or even providing us legal advice than worrying presidential matters. So if you’re so inclined and would prefer Max to be doing these important tasks that he enjoys give me a call (778-533-1440 or knitsui@telus.net). We’ll have you on the Board tout suite. You’ll have a year as Member at Large. To test the waters.
Safe Passing Distance. Boy am I now a joyous President! Way back in September 2016, I’d just completed Bruce Daykin’s Southern Rockies Tour and in the Presidential Report relayed an incident on Highway 93 that still frightens me; ahead was one of our riders splayed across the shoulder. Motorists, not yielding, had been passing we cyclists far too closely, particularly with a shoulder, though paved, was rutted and torn. White line riding, or more aggressive, left-of-white-line riding, was the safest place to be. She chose the cranky shoulder and paid the price. I urged, in the September 2016 President’s Report, that CCCTS take up a single but, significant “safe cycling” cause, and that “safe passing” might be it. I’m pleased to note “the ball is rolling” thanks to efforts by Board Member Janet Whitehead and past President and active Club member Allan Buium. Janet and Allan met with the Executive Director of the BC Cycling Coalition where a three year draft plan, Safer Passing Campaign, was discussed. The CCCTS Board, at January’s meeting, voted in favour of supporting the plan to the tune of ten grand funded from our Legacy Fund. What these monies will do is allow us to be part of a coalition to support the promotion of legislation that “requires drivers to pass people cycling … by at least 1.5m.” This is a popular concern. BC Cyclists have written letters to government urging action on this issue (It’s a hot issue in Ireland, Portugal, Spain, England and New Zealand.) The BC Cycling Coalition’s website pages on safer passing are hugely popular “with over 5,800 Facebook likes and shares.” While the campaign is popular by cyclists, there is a need for monies to broaden the campaign “to help convince … government to adopt a safer passing law.” And, to ensure drivers are aware of the “safe passing distance”. This is related to the other half of the lane issue which is “claim the lane”. In the above mentioned President’s Report article I urged CCCTS to begin a campaign “to educate BC drivers on the fact cyclists have the right to ride on that piece of the road that is safest for them, be it on the shoulder or in the lane.” The safe passing distance of 1.5m begins from the point where the cyclist has chosen to ride, no matter the distance from the shoulder.
How pleased I am to see us join this BCCC campaign. Our monies married with that of other organizations will give this campaign greater certainty of success. If successful, I will be so pleased that circumstances prevailed that kept me President for yet another year. I’m proud to be a small part of this important thrust. You too can be part of this campaign. Each coalition member will be supplying outreach personnel to work on various aspects of the campaign. Visit the campaign website at http://www.bccc.bc/safepassing and, if convinced, then call a CCCTS Board member. You too can play a role.
There are many such issues you can be part of if you “throw your hat (helmet) in the ring”, and join the Board. Make my day. Give me a call.
Tours Registrations. Please note that three of the four tours taking place in 2019 have registration openings on February 10th: the 2019 Selkirk Loop Tour at 0800h; the 2019 Southern Vancouver Island Tour at 1200h, and the 2019 Gaspé Tour at 1700h. Pick a tour and enjoy the adventure. The 2019 Yunnan, China Tour has been fully booked for some time.
Monday, 28 January 2019
Upcoming Tours
Tour Report
Upcoming Hub & Spoke
Welcome New Members
| first_name | last_name | city | province |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne | Sa | Victoria | BC |
| Danilo | Filippin | Victoria | BC |
| Daphne | Harding | Port Coquitlam | BC |
| J.P. | Squire | Kelowna | BC |
| Elizabeth | Buckingham | Ottawa | ON |
| Marion | Drage | Nanaimo | BC |
| Anne | Campbell | Courtenay | BC |
| Linda | Casey | Vancouver | BC |
| Roger | Vermeulen | Comox | BC |
|
Lucy |
Martin | Victoria | BC |
“Photo of Fraser Valley riders halfway through another New Year’s Day ride to Chihuahua Restaurant in Ferndale, WA. A great ride, even if a bit “snowflakey” at the start. The tortilla and seafood soups kept us warm”.
Participants: Front row: Gary Clifton, Chris Hodgson, Carol Evans , Jenni McIndoe, Glen Evans, Terry Chalmers.
Back Row: Larry Weldon, Lesley Beleski , Andrew McIndoe, Janet Whitehead, David Liggats, Fred Butler.
Message from Donna Nicholas, a long time member.
I have been a CCCTS member for something like 27 years, joining to take part in the 1993 Cross Canada tour. I have enjoyed every tour that I’ve done since that time. There’s no better way to see the country, enjoy camradierie and friendship, exercise and fresh air, than from the seat of a bicycle. At this time however, my life is taking a different turn and I will not be renewing my membership. Although I celebrated my 80th birthday this past year, I continue to cycle and to compete in the 55 Plus BC Games. Kelowna will host the Games this year. The Games are a “qualifier” for the Canadian National Games to be held in Kamloops in 2020. Perhaps there are some CCCTS members who might be interested in participating? Thank you for the past 27 years — the rides and friendships, the fun and memories. I have no doubt that my good health and strength is in large part, due to my many miles of cycling. In closing, kudos to Hans Klein for an awesome job as Newsbrief Editor. It has come a very long way since its inception! As well, our website is the best and has been set up in a most professional manner. Ride Safe Everyone! Donna Nicholas P.S. Check out our Okanagan Rail Trail on line — Kelowna to Coldstream. It’s a lovely 50 or 60 Km lakeside ride most of the way.
Safety Corner
Here is a link to a video discussing riding in traffic. It is from the U.S. but it all applies to us. Most of us know these things but it never hurts to review.
Published at least ten times a year by The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, a non – profit organization for retired people and others who enjoy recreational cycling.
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