Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance

Kip's Notes

President's report for 2008

by Kip Keylock

Its now 08 ... how did we rate ?

A welcome to 2008 all you fellow cycle enthusiasts. It has been a most eventful 2007, in so many ways. Many we speak with are forcibly having to 'make' time to get outdoors and enjoy the conditions around Calgary, and for this we salute you ! How easy it is to get so caught up in the 'not so important' matters, that we miss the wonderful opportunities we have in our backyard that many will travel hours, or days to get to.

On the CMBA front, we have several changes to announce. I have stepped down as President this year, as Catherine and I, have had the good fortune of moving to Vancouver Island full time now. The trails in the Comox Valley are something we 'highly' recommend to all you 2 wheel folks, and rank it with Moab as one of the meca spots for biking before any of us are forced to hang up the bikes. ( Its not Moab, but worth the time and effort to come play in ) We are literally across the water from Lora and Mark, from IMBA Canada, and will no doubt see more of them this next while. Glenn has also stepped down from his duties with CMBA and will be out on the coast more this coming year doing the water stuff he so enjoys. Dana, one of our beloved reps, has had the wonderful experience of her first baby, and they have their hands somewhat full for the next ... say .. 21 years !

On behalf of all the executive, we would like to sincerely thank all those previous, and those still working hard at responsibilities, for the comradery given these past years as well as the devotion everyone offered in helping the cause for biking in the Calgary area.

This of course leaves some obvious questions : Who will fill these vacant positions, and what is the future for CMBA ? This we ask you friends. Is there a constant need for more help to the various groups we have been honored to work with, and assist with public relations in the future? What areas do we feel could be worked on with other fellow groups ?

Yes, more questions .. however ones that we need answered if we are to keep the momentum moving, that CMBA, and its members, have built up during its life. Glenn has been in touch with several that have offered suggestions and advise, and we hope to have some further news to share with you next month. In the meantime, we ask that any readers that may have some spare time to help, or assist with some of the responsibilities that CMBA has ongoing, please contact Glenn or myself as soon as possible. We are hoping to align ourselves with another long time group, and will notify all members of the changes, if any forthcoming.

In the meantime, please continue to ride, be safe, and enjoy the trails that we have all worked hard to keep and maintain. On behalf of myself, and my wife, Cat, we would like to thank all those we have had the privilege of working and biking with these past 7 years. Happy trails as the Cowboys would say riding off in the sunset .....

Kipper ..