Presidents Report

I have pleasure in presenting this report for the 2013 Annual General Meeting of the Geelong Cycling Club.

As I hope all Members were aware, an evening to celebrate the current Tour De France was held on Thursday evening last at the Belmont RSL.

A lone hand effort to prepare an in prospect exciting and varied programme by our hard working Club Secretary Felicity Dale came to fruition. Miracles of technology wrought by i-experts "Rhodesy" and "Didders"  saw live images and voice direct from the Orica Green Edge bus in Albertville, France with a clearly excited Geelong's own John Trovorrow holding the camera often directed at scenes other than up his nose.

John was joined in turn by Robbie McEwan who gave his expectations for the coming Stage 11, 148km with 4 serious climbs, 2HC. Bailed up by our roving reporter we saw and heard Stewart O'Grady, Baden Cook, and Team Director Matt White. Their calm demeanor and willingness to chat to Geelong fans was most refreshing considering what they had been through to get there and what lay before them.

This was a remarkable, indeed intimate insight into a life most of us can only and often do speculate on, a real privilege for the cycling tragic and a very generous gesture by John Trovorrow.

Our gathering was next addressed by Dr Paul Collins of Deakin University, a specialist on carbon fiber and aerodynamics, a consultant to among others, the Australian auto industry and Australia's Para Olympic athletes. Paul is more importantly GCC much loved Handicapper.

 Paul's presentation held his audience's full attention for the duration of his address and elicited numerous questions. Many myths in this sport were addressed and dispelled, it turns out we are more concerned about "bling", show rather than go but perhaps we all suspected that. It seems the bike shops have known for some time.

 John also arranged interviews separately with Kiarra Evans an in a conference, Cadel. The group enjoyed again this rare insight.

 Abundant food and our own bar satisfied those needs while the live SBS coverage continued to stumps on the big screen. For some time the Belmont RSL has hosted GCC Committee meetings and for this event were generous  in accommodating the Club into the early hours. The venue worked very well, our hosts co-operation made for an uncomplicated evening.l

 Some thirty Club members and their guests attended, we thank them for their company.

 Felicity tirelessly made all arrangements, liaised with John in France  and generously donated the major raffle prize, a GCC Winter Jacket and two door prizes.

 David Rhodes and Simon Didderitch expertly set up the links and provided the necessary equipment through the cooperation  of Deakin University.

 Dr. Collins generously donated his time and even paid his own way, now that is commitment.

 To those who made the evening such a success we thank you as we thank those several members who attended.

I am happy to hear why Members had trouble attending (John Burtt 0419396486) and put those concerns forward for what is hoped to be an annual fund raiser.

 Please remember proceeds from the evening will help meet the costs of our timing system and we are looking to purchase a new lap top for race day use worthy causes it seems.

Now, here is your chance to step forward and influence the direction of your Club. The Annual General Meeting at the Belmont RSL on August 7th. (moved to align with the financial year)

Hope to see you there.

John Burtt