21-Feb-2007 minutes

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Minutes of GNCC General meeting – February 21, 2007

Present: Michael Bean, Karen Boers, Bart Boers, Dave Beer, Elinore von Boetticher, Steve Middleton, Ann Middleton, Tobi Ming, John vanBeek,

Regrets: Keith Brown

1. Presentations:

- A: Steve Middleton was our guest and he and his wife Ann spoke of plans for the "Out of a Limb" cycle ride to be held from September 9 - 15th2007. The ride is a loop starting in Vancouver going north on the Sunshine coast to Powell River, across to Courtenay and back to Victoria on Vancouver Island before returning to the mainland This is a charity ride where participants gather pledges with all the money going to the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Facility in Vancouver. The donations made to support riders are fully tax deductible. Riders will not have to carry any of their gear as the ride is supported by a van and mechanic and accommodation is included for the riders. He mentioned that this is not a race so the pace and distances are kept manageable. Riders may do the whole ride of just part and their donation amount for entry would be pro-rated on their time with the group. Information and entry forms are available at this web link www.outofalimb.com

- B: Elinore von Boetticher spoke to the group about her plans to design and manufacture of cycling clothing in Nanaimo. She is still at the information gathering phase. Her hope is to create cycling clothing that is functional and comfortable but less obvious (Not spandex tights and tight jerseys that are designed for racing. With her clothing you could ride to the market and shop without feeling out of place). She says that there are many wonderful fabrics available that can be used to provide the functionality, breath ability and comfort.

2. Minutes of Jan 17 meeting: Adopted as circulated and posted

3. Correspondence:

1. - Ron Cantelon MLA Letter: Mr. Cantelon responded to our letter saying that funding for an extension to the E&N Trail has been applied for and that the city of Nanaimo has applied for two small projects (Terminal Mall highway crossing and Mostar at Dunster crossing).
2. - Tobi now has our updated bank statements and the NISA bill for webhosting, cash from renewing members and Taryn's cheque.

4. Financial Report:

- We currently have about $350.00 in out account. We have three (3) renewed members as of last night (Bart, Karen and Michael). The $40.00 increase in the account is offset by the NISA bill of about $37.00

5. Ongoing Business:

- We will draft a letter of introduction to several of the Malaspina groups, explaining who we are and offering our services (alternative transportation). We will ask them if they can provide us with some exposure to staff and students who may wish to become part of our organization. There seem to be a number of cycle commuters there.

- Ride Calendar: Karen has added the dates for the 100 k Populaire and as soon as we can confirm other cycling dates they will be added as well. We need to find a way to edit the headings on the calendar as it contains incorrect information ( i.e. Membership costs). Karen and Dave will continue to work at this. Another thing that was discussed related to rides was the www.bikely.com website . What a wonderful resource and what a great way to share Nanaimo / Island cycling routes with others. It works with Google Maps and allows individuals to post their favorite rides for all to share. This has implications for the routes we previously developed for the wiki on getting through Nanaimo and to the ferries. Currently there are only two Nanaimo routes shown - you can use their search engine to find routes anywhere. - We talked about possible content for a letter to BC Ferries and about possible content. Dave will start the letter addressed to David Hahn, and then circulate it for other members to comment or add parts. We need to talk about the terminal and also on board facilities for bicycles (as they are now charging a fee there should be a service upgrade)

6. New Business:

- Information on a cycling petition was shared http://www.gopetition.com.online/10170. Check it out and add your support. - GNCC Website links. There has been a request for a link to the GNCC site from www.gonanaimo.com. They would add us as a link if we do the same for them. It was decided that we need the exposure and should do this providing it is an appropriate site (tourism / activity based /information for the general public/etc.). Members are asked to check out the GONANAIMO website and let Keith or Dave know their feelings about the link. - Out of town information requests (e.g. 20 summer cyclists from Washington wanting routes and restaurant recommendations for Nanaimo. In principal, we think it is a nice thing to do although we didn't get around to deciding who would do it or how! - Michael Bean commented that his limited attendance at Board meetings has caused him some guilt and wondered if he should step down from his position (Making it from Gabroiola to North Nanaimo on wet, dark winter nights by bicycle has been a real challenge). He asked if there were other ways of participating / contributing without physically attending when conditions are unsafe and uncomfortable? We would like to have him participate in any capacity and will seek ways to do that. In the interim he should feel no guilt! - Next Meeting: Board only, March 21, 2007. Dave will be away during this time and he requested that another Board member needs to take the meeting. The obvious choice would be Jim Kirby if he has returned from Mexico by then. Dave will try to contact Jim and if he can't be reached we will have to cancel.

Adjourned: 8:50PM

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Last updated: May 15, 2007.