IMBA-SORBA convened its board meeting at the Elachee Science and Nature Center on Saturday, November 21 for a full day of business, workshops, socializing, and, of course, bike riding. Tom Sauret, IMBA-SORBA Executive Director, and Bob Grieco, President, co-chaired the meeting, which was attended by chapter leaders, staff, and several members.
On the business side, IMBA-SORBA granted provisional chapter status to Cape Fear SORBA, a dedicated group of mountain bikers based in Wilmington, North Carolina. The newest IMBA-SORBA chapter will enjoy the benefits of chapter status, except that they will not have voting powers until they achieve full chapter status, possibly at the next board meeting in March 2010. The chapter will spend the next few months growing their membership, creating by-laws, electing their officers, and growing their relationships with local land managers. Join IMBA-SORBA in offering a warm welcome to our newest chapter!
The 2009 Executive Board was re-elected to serve in 2010. The following officers will serve in their current capacities: Bob Grieco, President, Darryl Glascock, Vice President, Angela Allen, Treasurer, and , Secretary. Our board graces us with sound leadership, and I urge you to show your appreciation to them for volunteering their time and guidance to make mountain biking better for us all.
In an effort to make chapters stronger and more vital, the Board voted to change the minimum number of members required for a new chapter. Instead of 15 members, new chapters will have to recruit 50 members before receiving chapter status. Experience has taught us that the more members a chapter has, the more stable and effective the chapter, so this change puts our chapters in a better position to further IMBA-SORBA’s mission.
The Sixth Annual Snake Creek Gap Time Trial series takes place on the first Saturday of January, February and March 2010. The grand finale on March 6, 2010 will end the series with an awards party and features thousands of dollars of prizes, donated by race sponsors and given away to riders and volunteers. Medals will be awarded to the top three riders in each category. Also, prize money totaling $3,900.00 will be given to the top five male and female riders in the money class. The awards ceremony also includes great food and beverages.