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	Plomesgate Cycling Club
	www.plomesgate.co.uk

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PCC Questionnaire

The follow up of the Questionnaire has been promised for too long now and is overdue. At the beginning of the year the Questionnaire was sent out and your reply was kindly requested. Please allow me to thank you once again for your commitment. Most members returned the Questionnaires, providing a wealth of information. The idea behind the Questionnaire is very straightforward. The better the Club understands its members, their reasons for being a Plomesgate CC member, in other words their expectations, the better the Club is in a position to discuss and agree on Initiatives to develop our Club further. At the same time we took the opportunity to harvest your ideas and suggestions.

The processing of the returned material into an “Evaluation Report” took quite some time, but was ready by the end of April 2007. In the Report the information is compiled and consolidated and some potential Initiatives for the future become already visible. However, it is still quite a bit of a read. For that reason it was decided to compress the Report in a more readable format and then communicate this condensed version in the Newsletter. Unfortunately we had to tell you repeatedly that there were delays. I sincerely apologize because that does not do justice to your commitment some months ago.

So what will happen next?

Please find below the Evaluation Report.

With regards to the season, I hope it makes for good holiday reading. To those members who answered the Questionnaire, but do not have e-mail we will send the hardcopy through the good old Royal Mail.

Evaluation Report

1. Why did you join a cycling club?

For the majority joining a cycle club has been part of the process of getting into cycling. Finding fellow cyclists, getting access to the odd Time Trial and Affiliations were given as specific reasons.

Individual motivation is very diverse:

-        Start time trialling
-        Find a “chain gang”
-        Get into racing
-        Become competitive
-        Help me to continue cycling

Summary: As we are a rather small club in terms of membership people’s motivation, their objectives and their expectations towards the club are very thinly spread. Support & Participation will be often the problem when considering initiatives.  

2. What were your considerations when joining PCC?

In fact there are only two considerations mentioned, roughly 50/50.

-        The geographical area where the club is situated and the convenience thereof.

This has to be understood as NOT being Ipswich.

Twice this is expressed explicitly; it is North-East of Ipswich and we should not allow our operations area to shift towards Ipswich.

-        Probably more pronounced even is the “word of mouth” propaganda of PCC members.

Many have been attracted after talking to PCC members.

It appears our members are pleased with their club and are therefore good ambassadors.

Summary: Members appreciate their club for its geographical convenience and even more importantly for the culture in our club and the way we accommodate for people in their full diversity.

3. For what reasons would you advise somebody to become a member of PCC?

The answers give some insight in the culture of the club and our values.

More then everything else it is mentioned that the club is a FRIENDLY club.

And throughout the answers it becomes clear that people feel comfortable and at ease in the club.

It appears that new members are attracted by this culture and next, as ambassadors, they attract like-minded people. Many people refer to the fact that PCC caters for all disciplines and all abilities. This definitely will contribute to make feel people “at home”. We have a very diverse membership and almost everybody can, at least for a while, be accommodated for. This attracts of course very diverse new members. Again it appears that we benefit from a revolving mechanism.

However:

Limitations are built in. We are a small club and we lack the numbers to support in more depth disciplines/activities. Disciplines/Activities most frequently mentioned and I assume much appreciated are Time Trialling and Club Rides.

Other remarks:

-        A well organized club
-        Not stuffy
-        Small club
-        Area
-        Catering for MtB rides

Summary:

-        The two core assets of the club are its culture and the fact that we provide a “home” to a very diverse community.

-        The lack of numbers sets limits to what we can offer to members who expect more then club competitiveness.

-        Whatever developments we want to discuss, we have to ensure that the core assets of the club are protected.

-        We should keep in mind that our club is associated with Time Trials and Club Rides.

4. Reasons why better not?

This question appears to reveal a high level of satisfaction amongst our members. Of course it is likely that those who would advise against the Club have not bothered responding to the questionnaire and do not show up. But the number of replies seems to make the above a safe conclusion.

The most frequent answer has been a simple “None”.

The following remarks could be found:

-        (Club-) Rides are too fast for novices/ females
-        No hard core racing
-        Not enough Team presence in events

Summary:

-        Most members seem to be happy with their Club

-        The few individual remarks made, might suggest that they are pleased because we strike a balance for the “averaged rider”

-        As a consequence we do not provide extremely relaxed Club Rides, nor extreme Chain gangs

 5. What kind of cyclist are you?

The number of Questionnaires returned does not allow for statistical interpretations.

But:

Based on the replies one is tempted to do so.

Very competitive                                   2

Competitive                                          2

Competitive on Club level                        7

Recreational                                         5

Some of the replies are difficult to categorize.

There is overlap: “keeping me on the bike, staying fit, etc.” and quite a few say that they would like to be more competitive (!), but time / other commitments is a problem.

Summary:

-        Recreational & Competitive on club level appears to make up the bulk of our members

-        The findings seem to coincide with earlier information ; the extremes are in the minority

-        But, we have both extremes, the very relaxed, socializing riders as well as the hard cores

6. In what areas do you expect the Club to be or to become active?

In the Questionnaires a ( non restrictive) list of potential activities was provided for convenience. (Maybe that was a mistake) Substantial numbers of members can be found for ALL proposed / listed activities

No activities were added to the list

Socialize                                                9

Setting up Training plans                          9

Participation in Training sessions               8

Club TT’s                                              10

Alternative, competitive events on Club level 7

Summary:

-        Of all the activities (substantial numbers of) members would appreciate, we cater adequately for Club TT’ and MTB rides

-        Socializing comes along with the activities, but only Club TT’s and MTB rides are well established

-        Club Rides which can / should provide an excellent platform are struggling

-        In other areas we are not doing a lot

7. Do Club Championships appeal to you?

In the majority of the replies members express that they like the idea of Club Championships But, but, but, but,   ….BUT:

Some of the comments:

-        They have to be achievable for all / eg. Handicap events

-        For all categories / abilities / gender

-        Hard to qualify for any medals

Summary:

-        The idea is popular

-        Maybe our members, in reality, are not looking for Champions, the best (talented)  of the pack, but for a medal / recognition for what they (personally) achieved given their abilities & circumstances

-        Going for a medal / distinction motivates them to compete against themselves, getting the best out of themselves.

8. What do you expect from Club Time Trials?

PCC, it seems, has its act together here.

The Club TT’s seem to be our “crown jewels”; they are highly appreciated (our Courses might contribute to this). Eight respondents gave an almost identical answer:

“Actually pretty good”

For a few participants the Club TT’s are an integral part of their Training (program)

Reference point / consolidating training / race practice

Comments are suggestions for improvements, rather then criticism:

-        Two ups / Team TT?
-        10M is a good distance; interspersing with longer distances?
-        Attracting bigger fields?
-        Recording Club records at all distances for all categories

Summary:

-        Well established  / highly appreciated as it is
-        Suggestions available as how to build on strength

 9. Should we have Club Rides?

In hindsight this was probably a somewhat provocative approach

But:

This might have been very helpful in exploring what seems to be a very important issue for our Club. The answer to the question is undoubtedly loud:

Throughout the “ranks” 16 respondents said “Yes”

The answers to the question are, however not making it an easy picture The problem starts with what people call a Club Ride and therefore people’s expectations The many replies, people seem to find this an important issue, fortunately help us to understand better.

See Addendum

Time / availability to participate is often a problem

The time for going to and from the Ride and the Ride its self gets easily in conflict with other commitments of potential participants

A few respondents made the “conditional” comments that the Club Rides should accommodate and take into account different groups

Summary:

-        Club Rides present us with some serious problems / unsolved issues
-        Looking at the profile of the Club one would expect them Club Rides to be popular
-        And from the replies, at least it appears, they are relevant
-        Actually, we find it hard to get them going and participation is poor / in low numbers
-        Reasons for this discrepancy?:

Ø     The format for Club Ride(s) is not clear
Ø     Club Rides are organised ad-hoc, depending on who wants to volunteer
Ø     Participation is a real investment in time and it appears the Rides do not provide the value back for this.

-        The diversity in our membership, the relatively small number and the members expectations of a “Club Ride” will make it no small task to solve the issue
-        Having multiple Rides (formats) we probably will end up with 1 or 2 participants per specific Ride
-        There are however quite a few suggestions made how to do better

10. Addendum:

-        Accommodate for introducing novices and socializing with all members
-        With a stop and a chat for socializing
-        To explore new places; in winter on- and off road
-        Keep it social by accommodating for the “slowest”
-        Good for fitness and endurance; geared “to the standard of the field”
-        Training & socializing

      (Here we tip the scale, by swapping the sequence of objectives)

-        Variation build into the Rides
-        Bunch experience; rush of riding hard
-        Hardcore Chain gang
-        Structured Training rides / sessions
-        Race pace (only) for special, structured training events
-        No frills, out & back.     

The way forward

Ø     Please find below this List of Ideas, Suggestions and Initiatives.
Ø     This List should be seen as a starting point and a working document.
Ø     All members should have an opportunity to give their comments and input.

Therefore you are invited to comment on this list and provide your input.

Please send your comments to Evert at annelie.wijnberg@btinternet.com

Ø     A Meeting will be set up:

-        to discuss the list of “Ideas and Initiatives” to discuss and propose Proposals

Ø     The Meeting ideally is not limited to the Committee members.

You are invited.

If you want to participate in the discussion, please let Evert know.

We might be able to create a kind of a Taskforce, consisting of Committee members and interested Club members, carrying forward selected proposals.

Ø     We are now in the midst of the worst time for setting Meeting dates (holidays), but we will nevertheless try to get things going in August 2007.

Ø     Proposals formulated during the Meeting(s) will be discussed with the Committee and then communicated in the forthcoming Newsletters.

Ø     Once we have your comments and the Committee’s support we should be able to go and realize the final set of Proposals.   

Ideas, Suggestions & Initiatives

The Questionnaire replies not only triggered a lot of Ideas, they actually brought up Ideas & Suggestions. “Unfiltered” and coming without interpretations, here they are as found in the Questionnaires:

Ø     We have quite a few members with children interested in cycling.

      Organize a Family Day with cycling events for children & social time for the adults.

      In our area there are plenty of quiet roads, bridle ways and whatever other good opportunities for a healthy BBQ.

      Maybe a boot sale to top it up

Ø     Consider organizing an open Team TT

Ø     Consider an Inter Club format for Club Time Trials (10M)

Ø     Have a once a year cycle jumble

A good opportunity to socialize, get rid of dust collecting items and buy some shiny second hand material

Ø     Set up / make use of the Internet to the effect that members can link up easily, exchange information on their plans, pick up on short notice rides, keep each other informed on plans and changes. A Forum or such like.

Ø     Consider developing a Race Team attracting serious, new riders for RR & TT; but not at the expense of our existing Club qualities

Ø     Empower those members with an interest in Road racing to find together, facilitating the exchange of information, share experiences, share travel and support each other.

Ø     Use 5M TT’s for providing low entry barriers to new participants, for training etc.

Next is an overview of Ideas, Initiatives and Suggestions as they were triggered after completing the Evaluation.

Everybody who has read the Evaluation report will probably want to add to this list.

Please do, you are invited.

Ø     How can we involve members more?

Can we arrange differently for the Committee meetings to attract members?

Choice of venue? Communicate / publicize Agenda upfront?

Even if members do not visit the Meeting they might want to comment.

Ø     Developments are predominantly driven by Committee members.

However: They do not represent necessarily the diversity of the Club.

Should we look for and nominate “Champions” for certain areas, Initiatives etc.

As they are an addition to the Committee we might have more resources.

We cater well (to members AND many visitors) for Time Trials, and actively develop further in this area. However, we need Initiatives to do better in the area of Club Rides. That will be no small thing as expectations are very scattered and members experience quite a few constraints. But there are already suggestions in the Questionnaires.

Ø     Next to Club Rides and Time Trials the Club should discuss what we want to do with regards to MTB and Road Racing / Open TT’s.

The Club can greatly benefit from its geographical position when it comes to MTB and quite a few members are active in this discipline.

We have plenty of opportunities for good rides and the discipline can complement and add to the cycling year, MTB’s when TT’ing is out of season; can MTB’s  in winter become what TT’s are in summer?

For Road Races and TT’s in the “Open” environment we might not have such good conditions to start with. Do we have the resources and can we afford to do more here?

It appears that it would be appreciated if support would be available for setting up training plans, even something like coaching. Probably it does not necessary need really skilled coaches, but just experienced riders passing on what is “normal” to them to novices.

Thanks to Evert for collating this information and providing the abridged results and the ideas and suggestions. There is a lot to think about here. Please read the above and get involved and help YOUR club grow and become what you all, it would appear, want it to be. The Club does not run itself.

Committee meeting.

The next meeting of the committee will be held on Thursday 23rd August 2007 at The Butley Oyster after the Club Evening 10. All members welcome.

Club evening TT’s

The club events for 2007 are nearly over now , we have been running our normal bi-weekly evening "10"s, but in addition we ran an evening "25" on  Thursday 5^th July. Well to be precise we ran a club 20 mile swimming gala!

It was supposed to be a 25 Mile Time Trial, but part of the course was flooded due to the recent spot of bad weather. The six brave riders (or silly, depending from the point of view) decided to switch the course by using the start of the 5 miles course, do a lap of the 30 miles course (15 miles), back to the start, add the 5 miles course and finish at the official 5 miles course finish, did you follow that? That was a new 20 miles course, well we think it was anyway.

It was gently raining at the start, but the rain got worse and worse, and it ended under quite (read very there) heavy rain for all the riders. There are no previous times to compare, but it was hard work in cold and wet conditions. Martin called it a day after 15 miles, showing that common sense was not completely absent on the day. All the others swam to the finish.

Special thanks to Trevor Figgitt and Ron Philpot, who spent quite a long time waiting in bad weather conditions to give a time to the 6 lunatics.

Results were:

We have had a great turn out so far and all have ‘enjoyed’ it, we have already had our annual detours to the housing estate at Bentwaters this year and enough for next year, with a new record for someone, who will remain nameless, who has done it twice in the same season!!!!! A new record! So it is safe to come out although some club members have been offered SatNav to make it back from the turn and one guest will be offered a guide dog for the remaining two events.

J

Thursday 9^th August   “10” Start time: 19:00 Course B10/9

Thursday 23^rd August   “10” Start time: 18:45* Course B10/9

* - note early start.

PCC 2007 Dinner

As Ron was inundated with responses to the plea for ideas for the end of season awards dinner (he got none! Is anyone bothered?) the committee discussed the options at the last meeting and have decided on a venue. The preferred option is The Bell Hotel in Saxmundham. The Table D’Hote menu was £18:50, this may change but is a good indication; it gave 3 or 4 choices for starter, main and dessert. We would get a room to ourselves, served together and allow for a chance to socialise during the evening.

The others on the shortlist were:-

*      The White Lion, Aldeburgh which was £28.

*      The Holiday Inn, London Road, Ipswich, which was felt to be too far south - £22:50, £24:50, £29:00. (The Eastern VTTA had their dinner there and it was very good)

The committee discussed the options and voted unanimously in favour of The Bell, and the Table D’Hote menu. Suggested dates were Sat December 1^st, Friday November 30^th, and Saturday 24^th November, respectively, watch this space.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Ron Shoobridge for doing the leg work on our behalf and finding what looks to be a great new venue.

PCC Grass Track

Do you fancy bombing round a grass non-banked oval track with no brakes and only one gear? If so then, other than a trip to the psychiatrist, I have just the news for you. The PCC Grass Track Event is a goer on 11^th August with a change of venue. The tight track at St Mary’s Primary School caused a few problems and may have had something to do with declining numbers so Pete has spoken with the people at Bredfield Village Hall, Pete measured out a track of about 250m, and with short straights he fitted the track in with nice sweeping (read fast there) bends, the track is flat, no camber, so is preferable and probably safer than St Mary’s. Pete has secured this venue now so this can be added to your diary for either riding or helping as Pete will require some assistance on the day.  Contact Pete if you can help on the day for however long you can spare.

Articles for next month

If you feel inspired by anything in this months newsletter then please drop me a line, by e-mail, post or carrier pigeon by 25/8/07. Everything will be considered, do you have something to sell, something you want that another club member may have somewhere gathering dust, something to get off your chest or memories you want to share?

It’s your newsletter so drop me a line at

matt.donaldson@edfenergy.com

or

Matt Donaldson
3 Boyton Road
Hollesley
Woodbridge
Suffolk.
IP12 3LD

………and finally

We are considering some new format club championships for 2008, here is a sneak preview of some of the events………….

Best panniers.

Best disguise

The re-cycling champion

Club 20 mile champion (see previous write up)

And finally….

Best team mate?