Monte,Dean and myself had a great conversation the other night about
the state of OMBA.We all agreed that OMBA has become good at only one
aspect of mountain biking and that is putting on events.

We really falter when it comes to other aspects of what we should be
doing as a club such as membership drives,recruiting new
members,advertising,promoting etc.

One of our main goals/missions should be getting the word out about
our club and trying to bring in new members.More members means more
people participating(hopefully) The question of the day is how to do this.

Here is a couple things I think we need to do that could help.

I think we need to set up different areas of responsibility.For instance.

1)Make one person the trails coordinator.Anything that would improve
our trail systems this person would be in charge of.I'll take on this
responsibility.

2)adsvertising/promoting.Again,someone who is good at promoting and/or
advertising could take this on.

3)Sponsorship.Face it.We have absolutely no sponsorship at
all.Why?Because no one wants to beat the bushes for some.Anyone happen
to see the back of the Dalton chapters snake creek gap shirts?There
must be 40 sponsors on the back of that thing.

4)Beginner ride coordinator.I'd like to see a at least 3 beginner
skills clinics held a year.Could have a trilogy of sorts progressing
from one of our easier trails to the hardest.

5)membership director.We really need to do a better job of introducing
new riders to OMBA.Perfect place to do this would be through the bike
stores.Someone buys a mountain bike then we need to make it a point to
find that person and tell them about OMBA.


Keep I mind that taking on one of these responsibilities doesn't mean
the burden is totally on your back.You are just the coordinator of
that area of expertise.

OUR club is only going to be as good as YOU,the membership,makes
it.Talking about stuff and making stuff happen are two separate things.

Mark D.