Just got this from the Cycling listserv, and it's definitely relevant here
too.

Maintaining good relations with the UVMBA is always helpful! Even if you
don't wanna join (the deal sounds sweet with discounts and stuff),
definitely check out the website in the future to keep up to date on
trailwork days.

Also of note: "we are about to sign a critical license with Dartmouth to
manage Boston Lot."


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Robert J. Allaway <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, May 29, 2014 at 3:21 PM
Subject: UVMBA Membership Drive 2014
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>


 Hi everyone,

 A message from Brian Riordan of UVMBA follows. If you use local trails,
you should consider joining!

 Best,
Robert

 ----------------------------------

Fellow Riders*:*

Three years ago we picked up the pieces of a mountain biking group that was
on the verge of folding.  I’m happy to report that, since then, we have
made much progress. Today we have 189 Facebook followers, 100+ on the
google group, 100+ miles of amazing trails within the UV, a new website
ready to launch, several core trail building groups and we are about to
sign a critical license with Dartmouth to manage Boston Lot.

Since we turned the corner, we’ve had so many small parts to get out of the
way before we could start to do the most important part of a Club: drive
memberships. We have never had a full-blown membership drive since I took
over the role as president.  We now have all of the pieces in place and we
are ready to really show the community and other local groups how dedicated
and relevant we are.

 I am often asked, “Why should I join?  What do I get?”

  *So here’s the bottom line: you become part of a larger voice that
advances the mission of our club.*

Sure, we can talk about the amazing stack of coupons from VMBA (which is
rather impressivez), or we can discuss the group insurance that extends to
everyone working on the trail networks, maybe even the 10% discount at
local bike shops will entice you....but for me, it's the voice. To go in
front of community groups (that own almost ALL the land we ride on) and say
we have 200 paying members is HUGE.  It’s a strong voice. They want to see
commitment and for most groups that commitment is primarily in membership
dues.  Let's take VAST for example: they have 3,100 FB likes and 35,000
paying members among 131 chapters statewide.  That is a force to be
reckoned with.

 I have been saying that if we hit 100 paying members this year this would
be amazing!  Jesse said if we hit less than 200 then we did not do our job.
 Lofty goals for sure, but absolutely obtainable. Right now less than 10
people have paid dues, so hop on www.uvmba.com and click JOIN. In the next
few days you will receive the first official UVMBA newsletter: please add
this email to your list of contacts so it doesn’t go to spam:
[log in to unmask]

Membership is just $49 (barely the cost of one tire).  New this year,
membership includes both the state organization, VMBA, plus your local
chapter. These local funds are not going anywhere but back into your
networks.  Also new this year are dedicated trail ambassadors, details will
be posted to the website shortly (www.uvmba.com) ; the trail ambassadors
know how to make proposals and get funding for bridge work, tools, etc.  If
you can join a trail work day in addition to renewing your club membership,
you will be making a very postitve contribution to the future of the club!
 Please share this email with any friends or colleagues who may not be on
the list.

*Club Expenses:*

-The UVMBA website and domain names (which is now rebuilt! Thank you
Michelle Massa and Jerry Halstead)

-Printing Membership Cards

-Signs

-Wood for bridges (I found an amazing mom and pop saw mill in
WRJ/Hartford--- Cheap and keeping the money very local!)

-End of year bash

Joining the club and paying dues - this is the final step in really making
this club a permanent and influential presence in the UV.  It’s up to you,
but I really hope that you will help support all of our collective hard
work on the trails so that they’ll continue to improve, expand and be here
for the next generation of riders.

Cheers and ride on,

Brian







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