Annual Meeting - Board Member Election Bios

[gopherhockey]

This is a copy of what was posted last year around this time regarding board members and the annual meeting...
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Each year MORC holds an annual meeting where the board itself is elected. While most of the existing board members usually continue on with the efforts they have started, there always does come a time where individuals leave the board which opens up spots for new individuals to come in. This is always exciting as the new members often come in with a lot of energy.

This year we do have an opening (I'm not exactly sure how many) and so we want to start this thread going for potential new board members to post a little blurb about themselves for everyone to read (things like what you have done in the past for the sport of mountain biking in our area etc.) or to simply ask questions about what it means to have a position on the board.

I do want to add that being a MORC board member is not all that glamorous. It requires a LOT of hard work. It is more than just showing up to the meetings every second Tuesday of the month... it is volunteering at events, writing newsletter articles, meeting with land managers, leading trail crews, organizing fund raisers... the list goes on. This is not a position to be held by someone that does not have the extra time to give, believe me. I do not write this to scare anyone off... rather to let everyone know up front what is to be expected of you if you are voted onto the board.

There are many other ways you can help out MORC as well without taking on the responsibility of being a board member. We have many sub-committees that work on things like race events, the web site, trail care crew organization, newsletters, etc. This is also a great way to get your foot in the door and find out if becoming a board member is right for you.

Although there are no set requirements that I know of to become a board member, I guess as a voter I look at things like past experience. Has this person been a volunteer at trail work events? Do they show enthusiasm and leadership potential? Dot they believe in what MORC stands for? Have they participated in availalbe IMBA trail schools or events? Or even how does one participate and come accross on the message boards?

Or how about those of us that are on the MORC board already. You as members need to ask yourselves how often you have seen us at trail work sessions, race events, in the media and/or newsletters, or even how often have you seen or heard from us here on the forums. Just because a person holds a board position doesn't necessarily mean they should be automatically voted back in. You should expect a lot from a board member, and it should show in one way or another. (Note that a lot of the work that a board member does may not necessarily be obvious to everyone... hopefully that will come out in each board members bio)

On the other hand having been on the board and having that kind of experience as well as the willingness to take on another year says a lot. Fresh blood is a good thing, but experience is important as well.

Having said this, lets get back to what this thread is all about. This is a chance for you to ask questions.. or even post that you are interested and let us know more about you and what you have done in the past, present, and what you plan to do in the future.

MORC is currently gaining momentum. We need enthusiastic individuals to help keep this going...<!-- / message -->

[EmL34]

I‘ve been mountain biking since I bought a Bridgestone MB-1 from Wimmer’s Cycle in Minneapolis in 1986. I developed a healthy, perhaps too healthy appreciation of Off-Road riding on the old Cedar lake trails and at the River Bottoms. On one ride down at the River Bottoms I pulled a MORC membership application off of a tree and joined. I am member number 20. Throughout my first few years as a member my job took me out of town frequently, but I occasionally helped out with trail work at Lebanon Hills and Murphy-Hanrehan. I finally wised up and quit that job about a week before the 2003 annual meeting at Buck Hill, where I became a member of the board of directors.

When I joined the board my goal was to help create a more professional and polished image for MORC and increase membership, membership participation and form a more effective relationship with the bike industry. So far the results have been mixed. Membership has increased slightly, but it would be difficult to attribute that to anything I have been involved with, but I feel that I have helped lay the foundation for better things to come.

One of my first accomplishments this past year was writing the narrative description of MORC for our 501c3 application. While I am sure that many would consider this task a necessary evil of the application process, I found it to be a unique opportunity to explore what MORC is and what its mission should be. Along with my own vision, I invited feedback on various drafts from members of the board and finally arrived at a finished project. With the experienced oversight and guidance of Rick McFerrin, our application was accepted without changes.


Next I took over the relationship with Erik’s Bike Shop and helped implement the plan to make Erik’s employees MORC members. I produced the materials and coordinated the implementation of the program with Erik’s. While I am pleased with MORC’s ability to implement this program, and I am pleased with the quality of the materials we produced, I am disappointed with the results – we have gotten very few members out of this program – largely because the parameters and rules of the program were unrealistic. I am currently working with Erik’s to implement changes to make this more successful in the future.

Using some of the things I learned in this experience I began the process of automating and improving our membership fulfillment process. We are currently in the last stages of implementing a process where members will receive a more professional membership card within 2 weeks of joining MORC. This process will save us valuable time and money, while more efficiently recognizing the contributions of our membership. I am really looking forward to seeing this through to the end. Check it out the next time you renew!

Interspersed among these projects I regularly get involved in other activities on behalf of MORC at events like the State Fair, Erik’s Warehouse Sale, trail work and REI. Through this I have learned that I enjoy talking to people about mountain bikes almost as much as I enjoy riding them – a good thing, since my riding time has taken a beating lately while planning the annual meeting and party.

To me the Annual meeting and Party is our chance as a team to get together and revel in our accomplishments, and plan for the future of mountain bikes in Minnesota. However, I never want to lose sight of the fact that this is supposed to be fun. Undertaking the planning and coordination of this event has been a great opportunity to engage the imagination of MORC and try to build excitement not only for mountain bikes, but for MORC and its mission. This year we’re going to have some fun riding events, to go along with live music, a barbeque and a film festival. Inspired by the Simpsons, the MORC Film Festival is a different kind of opportunity for members seeking a creative outlet to show off their talents – on and off the bike. Perhaps one day we’ll find a way to more effectively use this kind of talent to make MORC even stronger.

In the next year I want to continue to focus on raising the level of professionalism within MORC, but I also want to focus on members. While it is important for us as an organization to present a polished image in order to achieve our goals, I recognize that we are still in the stage building MORC into the organization that it will be in the future. By focusing more attention on members and the contributions they make, I hope to recognize and reward people for the contributions and sacrifices they make and thereby encourage more people to join. Even more importantly I hope to encourage more members to get involved in making MORC a great organization.

[gopherhockey]

I'd like to tell everyone a little about myself and why I'd like to be on the MORC board again next year.

This past year was my second year as a MORC board member.

Since joining I have overseen major re-construction of the MORC web site. Three times, including the forums we are now using to help bring riders from all around closer together in our common love of biking.

In the past year I have acted as the MORC 2nd VP, IT committee chair, and webmaster. This years webmaster duties basically involved bringing the MORC web site through yet another major upgrade, as well as updating numerous trail reviews. I hope to continue this effort through the next year.

I also spent my first full year as Lebanon Hills "Dirt Boss" and most recently the secondary Trail Steward under Dale Gundberg. In 2004 I was finally able to reach the goal of getting Lebanon to 99% singletrack!! It is my hopes to continue working with the likes of Dale and Tim Wegner so that Lebanon will always have a steward even well past the day when we've built up just about all the new trails we can there. I have also helped pass along some of my knowledge of being a dirt boss to others so that they could carry on efforts at other trails. (Terrace, Theo etc.)

Last year I also worked to get the first ever MORC jersey designed and ordered, as well as help implement a better merchandise system (still in the works, much thanks to my wife Liz who is part of the Lundell package deal hehe)

I have attended (and sometimes assisted) in the IMBA trail care schools in KC and MN including the basic, advanced, and mechanized classes.

I also joined the National Mountain Bike Patrol last year and have put in quite a few hours on patrol (mostly at the Buck Hill races). I hope to use my experience here to help mold the new MORC Patrol.

Lastly, I'm a known message forum junkie - you can find me here participating online just about every day all day long. Yes, I have no life... But seriously I think it has been important as a board member to participate online regularly and hope that all of next years board members will do the same. I think it has been a very important tool in MORCs growth over the past year, as well as one of the best ways to keep in touch with all our great members.

If you have even read this far, I would like to add that I have made it a point to ask myself each year if I feel I have what it takes to be on the board again for another full year and perform as well as or better than the year before. This year I had a number of work related issues that have taken some of my attention, as well as a couple of sad family events (that are still on-going). I know that there is life outside of the board, however, and feel that I have the energy to take on another year as a board member.

A few of my personal goals if re-elected would be to:
- Improve the MORC membership system (especially the online part)
- Improved deliverables of socks and merchandise
- Improved online merchandise section
- Improved trail conditions page (and other web features)
- New look & feel for web site to fall in line with some of the new logos coming out.
- Continue leadership efforts at Lebanon, but use that experience to help get other areas rolling (Murphy?)
- Help other trail areas in recruitment efforts for volunteers
- Be an active participant in all other functions in whatever way I can


Ok.. thats about it for me. I hope my accomplishments over the last year will be enough to get back on the board for yet another year of web and trail building as well as continued growth and momentum.


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[syntaxjunkie]

My career as a biker started around age 5, on a nameless red bike with a silver metal flake seat and solid tires. I started building jumps before I had mastered use of the coaster brake, which kind of set the tone for the rest of my life. After graduating to a lime green metallic Murray with ape hanger bars and a banana seat, I mowed enough lawns to build my first BMX bike — A Schwinn with Tuff Wheel II mags — piece by piece.

I’d love to say that biking got me through the awkward years of puberty and kept me on the straight and narrow, but nobody’d buy that.

I’ve been working in advertising since I graduated from college in 1991, for the last 6 years at Martin/Williams in Minneapolis. Basically, I make stuff up for a living. I’ve been an avid mountain biker for the last seven years, and I joined MORC because I wanted build trails and meet other riders.

In addition to doing trail work at Battle Creek, Lebanon Hills and Terrace Oaks, I’ve been working with Eric Lealos (an inspiringly tireless and dedicated individual) and the MORC board on a new logo, a poster campaign to recruit new members, and the 2004 annual party.

I want to join the MORC board because it’s the perfect way for me to use what I’m good at (advertising and marketing) to serve an organization I believe in and a sport that I love.

My primary goals as a board member would be to get more people involved in trail work and advocacy as MORC members, and to create a higher profile for MORC with riders, retailers and everyone involved with mountain biking in the area. To that end, I'd focus my efforts on redefining and revitalizing the ways that MORC promotes itself: in partnership with local bike shops, through the web site and other online channels, at trail work events, at races — even when we're just out for a ride.

[Burke]

I'm seeking reelection to MORC's board for '04-'05.

The success that we've seen at Lebanon Hills has translated into open doors at other locations. We're on the edge of having a breakthrough and taking MORC to the next level. With some of the projects we've got in the hopper, MORC needs to grow from it's current 450 member base. In addition, this process will have us expanding our area of attention outside of the Metro. I want to be a part of this process.

I've been on the board the last two years and have helped out by coordinating MORC's two major fundraisers (Spring Cup, and 24 Hours of Afton). Other relevant things include participating in the trail care sessions in Kansas City at the Midwest IMBA Trail Summit and when we had the Trail Care Crew here two years ago. This summer, I attended the IMBA Summit in DC and participated in their meetings focused on succeeding in dealing with land managers, taking your club to the next level, working with multi-use trail systems and getting involved in the political process. While there, I lobbied in congress with our state senators and local representatives for passing the higher dollar Recreational Trails Program in committee at the time. I also participate in trail work at the River Bottom Trail, and Lebanon Hills when I can get out that way.

I've been a cyclist for the last 14 years, and enjoy giving back to our sport this way.

[seberly]

Steve Eberly
MORC BOARD MEMBER '04
Bloomington, MN
952 201 6294
seberly@att.net

I am interested in continuting to represent mountain bikers in Minnesota => more specifically where I live and work in Bloomington. Over the past year (my first on the MORC Board) my primary focus has been working with MORC and the City of Bloomington and affiliated land managers to maintain and develop the river trail.

We did a decent job of keeping the trail mowed this year, responding to the maintenance issues related to storms and flooding, and most significantly just this month building on groundwork set by Dennis Porter and others we received final permission (and funding!) to accomplish two re-routes on the east (bluff section) of the trail - work has started. We also responded in mass to a call for input on the MN Valley Trail planning process & the Old Cedar Bridge Closure issue.

In '05 I hope to complete these re-routes and start planning for more.

I also should mentioned that several of us (outside of MORC through the Habanero Bicycle Club) organize the 24 Hours of Afton which soley benefits MORC to the tune of several thousand $$.

From a short background in motocross racing I’ve accumulated 15 years of mountain biking (trail building, riding and racing) running, and cross country skiing all around the midwest, I have also mountain bike toured in the western US and in Europe.

One of my first memories of access activity was working with friends to tie the “log” across Nine Mile Creek to a tree with an old barge rope over 10 years ago. Over the years I have worked on the trails in the river bottoms, attended and wrote on issues related to the river bottoms trail, the Rock Lake Trail in Wisconsin, been a longtime IMBA and MORC member, and promoted MTB races.


Summary of qualifications:

Bloomington resident (live and work in the city)
16+ years of MTB background
2 day IMBA trail school
Registered Professional Engineer in MN
IMBA member for 6+ years
MORC member for as long as it has existed.
Member of the Habanero Bicycle Club and co-promoter of the 24 Hours of Afton

[Tim Wegner]

I would like to be re-elected to the board of MORC. There are many projects that are in the early stages that I would like to be part of seeing to completion. I believe that MORC is at a critical stage in its life right now and needs to have proper direction and leadership in order to move to the next level as a mountain bike advocacy orgainization.

Info about me:
IMBA rep for 3 years
Trail designer for: Lebanon, Terrace Oaks, River Bottoms, Wirth, Harmon.
This would be my second year on the board.
Coordinator for 2 IMBA trail schools
Co-owner of TrailSource.
Contact for many park land managers in the metro.
Consultant for the new trails at Steeple Chase.

Hope you see fit to vote to elect me to the board for one more year. That being said, if elected that would be my last year on the MORC board. I feel that it is time for someone with fresh ideas to come on the board and help move us to the next level of professionalism.

Tim Wegner

[jeffgude]

I am interested in continuing my position on the MORC Board of Directors for 2005.

I’ve been involved since 1998 when Gary Sjoquist’s North Central Mountain Bike Group became MORC. At that time there were about 40 “members” and a board meeting consisted of a handful of people with a lot of ideas but no organizational structure. Things have certainly changed since then. Due to the demands of job and family most of my past involvement has been in a behind-the-scenes role.

I’ve held the position of MORC Board Secretary since 2000, and have recorded the meeting minutes for the past four years. I have also been responsible for processing new memberships, membership renewals, and maintaining the MORC membership database. With MORC’s growth it had become obvious that our existing membership fulfillment process was not providing a high level of service to our members. The process has now been significantly streamlined (thanks Eric Lealos!) and my goal for 2005 is to greatly decrease the turnaround time in processing new memberships and renewals.

It’s great to see the progress we have made in the past six years. Our trail stewards, dirt bosses and land manager liaisons have accomplished so much already, and there are many opportunities for more trails in the metro area. We have a lot of momentum right now, but we need more people to step up and become involved in guiding MORC into the future.

[nigel]

I'd like to be considered for the MORC Board for the 2005 season!

Hrmm, lets see, I have only been a MORC member since last October so im somewhat new to the "formal" group, but have been doing a lil help here and there prior to that. I have been riding off-road for about ten years strong and many more to come. I have done a bit of racing here and there in my past and hope to get back into it again full on next season depending on where i am with work and school, but just being able to get out and ride is enough for me these days.

I also come from a bike shop background. I was store manager of a local shop for five years, so i have a plethora of cycling knowledge that well extends beyond mtn biking in every aspect. I have a working knowledge of the cycling industry from both a consumer and shop as well which brings a different viewpoint many times and allows me to see both sides very well.

Some of the things I have helped out with in the past and present have been
--repair and maintenace classes
--group rides
--trail work at Lebanon (as much as i could get too)
--helping John Dahl get things finished at Terrace Oaks
--representing a positive cycling image anytime im on and off the bike (road or mtn)

Some of the things i hope to help with if i were to be elected to the board would be
--keeping on with trail work of course!
--IMBA trail class in Oct (will be doing either way of course)
--becoming a Dirt Boss!!!!
--repair and mainenance classes (pending venue of course grrrr)
--usher in a MORC mtn/road team
--assist with promoting the MNSCS series as well as the 24 of Afton, possibly get more endurance races?!?!?!
--help to get more members (which we should all do all the time!)

There are many more things i am sure, but then again it is almost 5am and i should be getting back to work :)

Douglas

[TML]

When do we start the mud-slinging, trash talking and slanderous accusations. . .;)

I'd also like to throw my name into the hat to be considered for a position on the board.

My real passion for the sport began on a borrowed mountain bike during my second year of college in '91 and I've been whipped ever since.

After several years of riding, I quickly began to see how important it was that riders become involved in "gaining and maintaining" trails for us to ride on. I wanted to get my hands dirty and build trail so I became very involved with the BLAST crew and put in many, many hours on the Milaca, Monticello and Elk River trail systems. During this time I attended a few of the early MORC meetings and joined as a member in the spring of '98. Since then I've worked on trail crews at Battle Creek, Lebanon, Salem Hills and Theo.

I've done a good deal of work in the dirt and now I'd like to become a little more involved and help out behind the scenes.

Bits of info about me:

Riding since '91
IMBA member since '96
MORC member since May '98
IMBA trail school with Mike and Jan Riter
BLAST trail crew @ Milaca, Monticello and Hillside
Actively race, and raced on a local shop team for 3 years
MORC trail crew @ Battle Creek, Lebanon, Salem Hills and Theo
Attended Midwest Mtb Advocacy Summit in K.C. March 'O4
Written letters to the powers that be, encouraging Mtbing as a viable rec. opportinity
Love to travel and ride as many different trails as possible.


Some topics of interest to me:

Trail opportunities in the north Metro
Greater MN trail opportunities
Relations with Greater MN clubs and riding areas
Trail mapping
Group events or rides
Continued involvement in trail work
Whatever grunt labor a new board member is dealt

I look forward to the opportunity to be more 'officially' involved in the day to day operations of a great organization. I think we've got a great thing going and MORC has come a long way. I'd love to see the ball keep rolling and growing. That being said, I'll say this in the interest of full disclosure, there's a very small chance that I may be moving out of the area over the next few months. That could be dealt with if it happens though.

[MNbiker]

As many of you are aware, I have announced that I'm not seeking re-election as MORC President for 2005. I've served as President for 3 years, and it's time for someone else with lots of energy and fresh ideas to take the reins for a while. I'm really looking forward to spending more time on the trails we've built!

I would like to remain on the Board for 2005, focusing on continued trail maintenance at Battle Creek Park, transitioning leadership to the new President, and providing assistance and ideas where I can.

Here's my bio:

Steve Garnjobst
Current MORC President.
MORC Board Member since 2000.
MORC Trail Steward for Battle Creek Regional Park.
Heavily involved in organizational, advocacy and hands-on trailbuilding efforts with MORC. Have represented MORC at a number of regional/national events, including Pedro’s Fest, the Midwest Mountain Biking Advocacy Summit, IMBA Epics, and the IMBA Advanced Trailbuilding School.

MORC Mountain Bike Patrol (MMBP) Coordinator for Ramsey County.

Volunteer Ride Leader for various youth groups.

Avid cyclist for 20+ years. Active road racer in the mid-80’s (my younger, skinnier years!). Married with two wonderful daughters and a garage full of bikes.

Ride on!<!-- / message -->

[KleinCrazy]

Ok all,


Last minute as always.

After 5 years on the MORC Board, I would like to continue to do what I can to help the club do what it can for the local dirt-riding community.

Backround:
- Bought my first Mountain Bike when I moved to Southwest Minnesota from Iowa 7 years ago.
- Raced a little before coming to the conclusion that I like riding and enjoying a trail, much more than trying to catch the guy in front of me.
- Helped with IMBA Trails Days at Battle Creek, Terrace Oaks, and Lebanon.
- Helped setup and put on the IMBA Hot Spots Program at Salem Hills Last Summer.
- Helped original group involved in legalizing the trails in Theo Wirth Park.
- MOCA Board Member and MORC liaison for 2 years.
- Temporary Trail Boss for Theo Trail Work.

- Trail Steward for Salem Hills Park in Inver Grove Heights.
- Initiated and was in charge of the changeover from shirts to socks for MORC Memeberships
- MORC Patrol Member

- I have also helped out with things such as Erik's Spring Cup, 24 Hours of Afton, MORC Annual Meeting, Erik's Warehouse Sale, State Fair Demonstration, and many other MORC associated events.

I have a number of reason for wanting to stay on the board for another term.
I think that we are currently coming up on a time in our history where our visibility to both the Riding and Non-Riding community is going to explode and and want to make sure we make the most of it.

I have a number of ideas that I want to pursue for next year in association with the Spring Cup, 24 hours of Afton, completing the work at Salem Hills, and trying to continue to grow MORC's influence in the state.